CREDITS

Writer/Designer M o nte Coo k

R u l e Developers M o nte Coo k a n d Sean K. Reyn o l d s
Additional Writi ng S h a n n a G e rm a i n
Lead Editor S h a n n a G e r m a i n
Ed itor Ray Va l Iese
Proofreader M ichele Ca rte r
Cover Designer and Lead Artist Kieran Ya n n e r
G raphic Designer S a ra h Ro b i n so n

Artists
S a m u e l Araya , H e l ge Balzer, M a rk B u h a l o , C h ro m , Florian Devos , S a ra D i e s e l , D re a m st i m e. co m , J a son E n gle, Ka l i F itzge ra l d ,
G u i d o K u i p , E ri c Lofgre n , Patrick M c Evoy, J e remy M c H u g h , B ryn n M ethe ny, M ichael Perry, Roberto Pittu rru / Fa b i o Passamonti, Scott
P u rdy, Lee S m it h , M att Stawicki, M a rk Ta rri sse, Ke ith T h o m p s o n , Prosper T i p a l d i , Co ry Trego- E rd n e r, S h a n e Tyree,
Bear We iter, Ad rian Wi l k i n s , Kieran Ya n n e r

Cartographer Ch risto p h e r We st

Alpha Playtesters S h a n n a G e rm a i n , Ray Va l Iese, Co l i n M cCo m b , J a mes Bel l , E r i k M o n a , D a n ica King, Sean Reyn o l d s , Stan!, Hyru m S avage

Dedicated to JD Sparks LJay Peterson), who journeyed with me all through the lead-up to Numenera, helping to form my view on science fiction,
fantasy, and everything that is cool about wild and wonderful ideas.

2013 Monte Cook Games, LLC

NuMENERA and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the U.S.A. and other countries. All Monte Cook Games characters and character names, and the distinctive
likenesses thereof, are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC. Printed in Canada.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

i- - ----

NEW WORLD, NEW GAME PART 6: THE NUMENERA 275

Dreaming of the Future 4 Chapter 17: Technology 276
The Amber Monolith 6 Chapter 18: Cyphers 278
Chapter 19: Artifacts 298
PART 1: GETIING STARTED 11 Chapter 20: Oddities &. Discoveries 314
Chapter 1: Welcome to the Ninth World 12
Chapter 2: How to Play Numenera 15 PART 7: RUNNING THE GAME 319
Chapter 21: Using the Rules 320
PART 2: CHARACTERS 19 Chapter 22: Building a Story 340
Chapter 3: Creating Your Character 20 Chapter 23: Realizing the Ninth World 354
Chapter 4: Character Type 26
Chapter 5: Character Descriptor 47 PART 8: ADVENTURES 365
Chapter 6: Character Focus 52 Chapter 24: Adventures Overview 366
Chapter 7: Equipment 77 Chapter 25: The Beale of Boregal 367
Chapter 26: Seedship 379
PART 3: PLAYING THE GAME 83 Chapter 27: The Hidden Price 385
Chapter 8: Rules of the Game 84 Chapter 28: Three Sanctums 390
Chapter 9: Optional Rules 113
PART 9: BACK MATIER 399
PART 4: THE SETIING 129 Appendix A: Character Creation Walkthrough 400
Chapter 10: Living in the Ninth World 130 Appendix B: Bibliography and Resources 402
Chapter l 1: The Steadfast 136 Appendix C: Kickstarter Backers 403
Chapter 12: The Beyond 174 Glossary 411
Chapter 13: Beyond the Beyond 213 Index 412
Chapter 14: Organizations 222 Numenera Character Sheet 414

PART 5: CREATURES &. CHARAffiRS 227

Chapter 15: Creatures 228
Chapter 16: Non-Player Characters 269
DREAMING OF THE FUTURE
' m a d reamer. I 've had a l ot of d re a m s . B ut for twe nty years, two d re a m s of m i n e h ave stuck with me, n o

I m atte r what e l s e I w a s d o i n g o r w h at I w a s worki n g o n . Projects came a n d went, but these two d re a m s

always h overed i n the backgro u n d .
T h e first was a roleplaying game system where players got t o decide how m uch effort they wanted t o p u t i nto
any given action, and that decision would help determ i n e whether their action would succeed or fail. This wou l d
be a s i m p l e b u t elegant system where s u stained dam age and physical exertion d rew from the s a m e resou rce (so
as you became wounded, you cou l d do less, and as you became exh austed , you were easier to take down) . Where
you r wi l l power and you r mental " power points" were the same th i n g, and as you d rew on you r mental resources,
you r a b i l ity to stave off mental attacks waned . And where it was all so i ntegrated i nto the character that it was easy
to p rocess and keep track of. But most of a l l , I d reamed of a game system that was des igned from the ground u p
t o b e played t h e way people actually pl ayed games, a n d t o b e r u n t h e way that game masters really ran them.
The second d ream that stuck with me was a world that fu sed science fiction and fantasy, but not i n the usual
m ixed-ge n re sort of way. I n stead, it was a place that felt l i ke fantasy but was actually science fiction. Or perhaps it
felt l i ke science fiction but was actua l ly fantasy. Could I ach ieve both at once? The wel l - known quote from Sir Art h u r
C . Clarke that " a n y s ufficiently adva nced technology i s i n d i stinguishable from magic" seemed t o lie a t t h e heart of
this concept. I n my m i n d , I envi sioned strangely ga rbed p riests chanting wel l-rehearsed prayers and i nvocations,
using sacred i n struments and maki n g precise gestures, but then we real ize that the i n stru ments are technological
i n nature, and some of the gestu res are actually fingers playing over buttons or sections of a touch screen . . . .
But t h at w a s a l l twe nty yea rs ago.
Time passed. I worked o n h u n d red s of p rojects fo r d iffe rent co m pa n ie s-i n cl u d i n g my own . I n ever
co m p letely fo rgot about those ideas, but they mostly faded away i nto t h e rece sses of my m i n d .
Then, I was lyi ng i n bed one night about a year ago, a n d i n m y mind's eye I saw two figures pulling tattered cloaks
around themselves to ward off the ch i l l as they wal ked. The two trudged across a grey land scape, wary with each step.
And as this scene receded , I saw that the terrain they crossed was a massive gear, and the land scape was i n fact an
u n bel ievably h u ge and ancient mach ine. The key to this scene, I real ized , was that the figures were i n no way part of
this terrai n-perhaps they d i d n 't even understand the concept of the mach ine-but they were accustomed to it. It
was a part of the world they l ived i n as m uch as mountains, rivers, and forests are a part of ours.
A l l at o n ce, I knew t h at it was t i m e to create this game a n d this sett i n g t h at had been b rew i n g i n my
co n s c i o u s n e s s fo r twe nty years. I t was t i m e to create NuMENERA.
At the time of this writing, I have worked as a professional game designer for twenty-five years. I 've written articles,
adventu res, sourcebooks, and roleplayi ng game settings (along with short stories, novels, scripts, and comic books) .
 LIME NE
DREAMING OF THE FUTURE

I 've designed or co-designed four roleplayi ng games based on earl ier versions of other games, designed a m i n i atures ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

game, and worked on a few com puter games, card games, and other m i scellaneous projects. But I had never
During the making of
designed a roleplayi ng game all on my own , from the ground up, based entirely on a setting of my own creation. this book, we received
I had always wanted to. The games I worked on are all things I'm very proud of, but none expressed exactly how I invaluable assistance
wanted to play an RPG. It seemed l i ke it was time to give it a shot: to try to put down on paper what I ' d been doing i n directly or indirectly-from
t h e games I ran fo r so long. I 've never been a G M w h o rel ied heavily on rules. I n stead, I tried t o focu s more on story, the following people, places,
fu n , and gameplay. Even when I ran a game with a rather rigid ruleset, I would add i n new elements so that there and things:
would be spells or creatures or player resou rces or som e thing that was more mysterious or more flexi ble to give the
Brazilian Game Fans
story a l ittle breathing room. To allow both the players and me to be creative rather than always rigid ly defined. Borderlands 2
To create a n ew sett i n g to go with these ru l e s , it wo u l d h ave to fit the se n s i b i l ities of the n a rrative syste m I Bill Cavalier
was creat i n g . S i n ce t h e rules we re m o re about sto ry, mood , a n d ideas t h a n about rigid d efi n it i o n s , the wo rld Paul Chapman
had to be t h at way, too. I t h ad to be a wo rld of we i rd myste ries a n d i ntrigu i n g q uest i o n s . Sir Arthur C. Clarke
Eric Coates
The trad itio n a l ways o f p resent i n g RPG sett i n g material made it d ifficult beca u s e t h ey we re a l so u s u a l ly
Florence and the Machine
fa i rly rigid-closed a n d d efined rat h e r t h a n open-ended a n d mysterious. And u n d e rsta n d a b ly so. RPG sett i n g Fringe
d e s i g n i s a l l a b o u t givi n g a G M t h e i n fo rmation s h e need s t o run a g a m e , a n d t h at c a n be a l ot o f i nformat i o n . Glasya
I knew I co u l d d o t h i s n ew sett i n g j u stice t h a n ks to two t h i n g s . Grizzly Bear
T h e first w a s a prod uct line I worked on a l o n g t i m e ago cal led Planescape. It was a setting fu l l o f mystery. It never Ken and Marilyn Harrison
allowed itself to be pin ned down. Planescape was wei rd and wild and imaginative. It was a setting about mood and Scott Holden
Kickstarter
ideas and amazi ng vistas more than it was about nailing down every l ittle detail. It experimented with narrative voice
Ryan Klemm
and d ifferent kinds of presentation that stressed story, emotion, and flavor. So I knew it could be done. Iced Soy Mochas
The second was a prod uct I worked very hard on a few years back cal led Ptolus. Ptolus was a d20 setting, but it in Xile Entertainment
abandoned most of the trad itional RPG approaches to presenti n g setting materia l . I n stead , it took i n s p i ration from jewel Box Cafe
travel guides and nonfiction books. With Ptolus, I learned that there were ways to present i nformation to G M s and Two MacBook Airs
pl ayers that made their l ives easier and their games more fu n . With that kind of presentation-i nformative and yet One MacBook Pro
Two iPhones
fl avorfu l thanks to its art- heavy and visual natu re-I could take a Planescape narrative approach and sti l l make a
One iPad
very usable prod uct. Mateusz Kaluzny
So that's what I 've tried to d o . Kid Snippets
A l ot of the N i nth Wo rld can be cred ited to i n s p i ration fr o m two people, t h e French a rt i st M oe b i u s a n d Mary Robinette Kowal
the write r G e n e Wolfe. I 've l o n g b e e n a fa n of M oe b i u s ' s wo rks, i n p a rticu l a r h i s v i s i o n of tec h n o l ogy, h i s MazM Salad
Mono
synt h e s i s of science a n d mystici s m , a n d h i s method o f i n fu s i n g h i s backgro u n d s w i t h deep, deep h i story.
Nick a( Trish
Eve ry M oe b i u s a rt p i ece tel l s the story of a wo rld with a rich a n d wo n d e rfu l ly we i rd past. Ninth World Hub
I 've been a fan of Gene Wolfe-particu larly his series The Book of the New Sun-s i nce I was very you n g. In fact, Danny O'Neil
as I write this, I rea l ize that I was i ntrod uced to t h i s series by my ch i l d hood friend J D, a fact particu larly poignant Road Trips
to me because i n two d ays I go to )D's memorial service. H e was a friend whose sen s i b i l ities about fantasy and Charles Ryan
science fiction and cool, imaginative ideas were developed right alongside m i ne. Which i s probably why even Tammie Ryan
Treadmill Desk
though we grew up and went our separate ways, we managed to stay in touch a l l these years. The world lost a
Aaron Voss
great, creative soul with h i s passi ng. Through h i s i nfl uence on me, he now l ives on in the N i nth World. Sue Weinlein
In The Book of the New Su n , Wolfe acco m p l ishes with asto n i s h i n g l iterary depth a work that at first see m s Steve Wieck
t o be a fantasy s e t i n the past, but eventu a l ly w e l e a r n that it i s , i n fact, a science fiction story s e t i n the fa r, fa r David Wilson Brown
fut u re. I t i s b ri l l iant and wel l writte n , as fu l l of creative i d e a s as a nyth i n g I 've eve r read. Yo u s h o u l d read i t , too. Annie Yamashita
I was fo rt u n ate e n o u g h to study fiction u n d e r Wolfe, and I learned a great d e a l about writ i n g . Th u s , h i s work George Z
a n d h i s style wi l l always be an i n s p i ration to me, but n ever m o re t h a n in N u m e n e ra , to be s u re .
And a special hat tip to our
There are, o f cou rse, m a n y i n s p i rations for N u menera, so I created a bibl iography for the g a m e that you ' l l fi n d Kickstarter backers
i n Appendix B (page 402) . But long before you get there, w h y n o t give "The A m b e r Monolith" (page 6 ) a q u ick (see Appendix C, page 403,
read ? The story sets the tone for the setting and esta b l i s hes a great many deta i l s a bout the N i nth World, the for the complete list).
kinds of thi ngs characters will do i n the game, and the amount of latitude G M s and players h ave to stretch their
i magi nations here.
Then read Welcome to the N i nth World, which presents things a bit more plain ly. After that, read How to Play
N umenera, and you'll pretty much have a good handle on the essentials of what you need to know. The rest--character
creation, the fu l l rules, the setting, the creatures, and so on-are just details, although hopefully they' re fun and
i nteresting details. (Here's a h i nt that I hope wi l l really help: use How to Play N umenera [page 1 5] to learn and teach the
essentials of the game, and use Rules of the Game [page 84] as you r reference tool when you have questions.)
If you ' re goi ng to be a G M , read the Running the Game sections (page 3 1 9) carefu l ly after read ing the rules. There
I 've done my best to convey what the game's all about and provide some of my secrets to ru n n i n g a great game.
I s i n cerely hope t h at yo u find N u menera fu n , fu l l of w i l d ideas, and most of a l l i n s p i rati o n a l so t h at yo u ' l l
create yo u r own i m a g i n ative c h a racte rs a n d stories. Yo u ' re about t o e m bark o n some a m a z i n g adventures.
 THE AMBER MONOLITH
The Catechism of Lore:
All glory to the originators of truth and understanding.
Praise to the innovators of steel and synth.
Praise to the shapers of flesh, of bone, and of mind.
Glory to those who re-sculpted the sustaining earth and the life-giving sun.
Praise to the senders of signals, who even now whisper into machine ears and give life to the inanimate.
Praise to those who traveled to the stars, and the realms beyond the stars.
All glory to the originators of truth and understanding.

Let us then resume the recitation of the Sacred Chronicle of High Father Calaval, Amber Pope and founder of the Citadel
of the Conduit and the Order of Truth, as written by his grandniece, Doroa of the Silent Song:

Aeo n Priests a n d t h e i r knowl edge of n u m e n e ra co u l d p reve nt

CHAPTER IX: WIND OF IRON
In which we learn the lesson of dedication.
Ca l aval c l i m bed t h e h i l l , his pet t h u m a n at his s i d e . Cru m b l i n g bits
of ancient brick tu rned to grave l with each ste p . At the top, h e saw
the a m be r obel i s k the o l d wo m a n had told h i m a bout. I t stretched
i m po s s i b ly i nto t h e s ky. The red d i s h -ye l l ow l i ght of the old, ti red
s u n ca ught in its angles h i gh a bove the p l a i n of ru i n . Eve n after a l l
these eo n s , t h e mach i n e a t t h e h e a rt o f the o be l i s k sti l l t h r u m med
with powe r. Rings orb ited the d evice, s p i n n i n g with u n ea rt h l y
p reci s i o n .
The t h u m a n s a t o n i t s h a u nches, m u lti-joi nted l e g s fo l d i n g
ben eath i t . I t looked u p a t i t s m aster w i t h n a rrow, b l ack eyes . Red
d u st cove red the fu rry crest atop its head .
Ca l aval set h i s heavy pack d own n ext to h i m , exh a u sted . H e bent
down and brus hed t h e d i rt a n d d u st away fro m it, a n d then fro m
h i s clothes. F i n a l ly, he brus hed the red d u st fro m the t h u m a n .
" Do n ' t worry, Fed d i k, " h e wh i s pe red . "Yo u wo n ' t h ave t o g o i n s id e .
I ' l l h ave to d o t h at a l o n e . "
Fed d i k' s gaze, a s a lways, made it s e e m a s though h e
u nd e rstood .
Afte r a s h o rt rest, t h e p a i r res u med t h e i r j o u rn ey. The peo p l e i n
t h e l a st v i l l age, Cloud ridge, h a d ca l l ed t h i s t h e P l a i n o f B rick. The
lack of creativity d id n ot s u rprise Ca l ava l . A s i m p l e fo l k without a
cl ave , t h ey to i l ed i n fie l d s a n d h e rded s h ereh i n the fe rt i l e va l l ey to
the south. B ut t h ey'd given h i m food i n exc h a n ge for a few b a u b l e s
a n d s h i n s h e carried w i t h h i m , a n d gave h i m a p l ace t o s l eep, so
it was d ifficu lt to fee l anyt h i n g but ki n d ly towa rd them. I so l ated
v i l l ages with Aeo n Priests often beca me fea rfu l of stra n gers a n d
d a n ge ro u s ly i n s u l a r. O n ce, h e had co m e u p o n a com m u n ity t h at
had stu m b led u p o n a b u ried faci l ity fro m t h e prior wo rld s wh i l e
d i ggi n g a we l l . They had i n adve rte ntly re lea sed a n oxi o u s gas,
tra n sfo rm i n g the enti re popu l ation i nto m a n i acal, s u pe rh u m a n
ca n n i b a l s . Ca l aval had barely escaped a l ive.
i n cidents l i ke t h at. Ca l aval sought to j o i n t h e i r ra n ks .
H i story taught t h at the ancient race s t h at had dwe l led u p o n
earth before the N i nt h Wo rld wielded great powe r. Th i s powe r
came fro m knowledge. It m i ght not be pos s i b l e for Ca l ava l , the
Aeo n Priests, o r a nyo n e e l s e o n eart h of t h e p resent to m a ster a l l
t h at knowledge, b u t s u rely there we re secrets there , lost t o the
past, u po n which t h ey co u l d b u i ld a fut u re.
Ca l aval was ce rta i n of it. I t j u st had to be d i scove red . O r rat h e r,
red i scove red . H e had a p l a n on h ow to sta rt.
A red cloud rose o n the horizon, beyo n d t h e obel i s k i n the s ky.
Someone m ovi n g acro s s t h e d ry p l a i n ? Ce rta i n ly somet h i n g b i g if
t h at was the case. Perh a p s a h e rd . Perh a p s a pack of ra iders.
Fed d i k w h i ned. The cloud loomed l a rge r. N o h e rd . N o creat u re
at a l l-a d u st sto rm.
Ca l aval u n packed his desert filter a n d put it ove r his mouth.
Then h e fitted o n e ove r Fed d i k' s nose a n d mouth. The beast pawed
at it a few t i m e s , but accepted it q u ickly. They had been t h ro u g h
d u st sto rms toget h e r before.
The ba rren p l a i n offe red l ittl e s h e lter. Ca l aval kept wa l ki n g, for
there we re few oth e r o pt i o n s . The t h u m a n stayed very close. The
wa l l of o n ru s h i n g red e n g u l fed the obel i s k and bore d own u po n
the exp l o rers l i ke a mon ster. T h rough h i s filter, a s c e n t ca ught the
yo u n g man's atte ntion. I t jogged a memory. I t tri ggered fea r.
" I ro n Wi n d!"
Ca l aval looked a ro u n d h e l p lessly fo r some kind of s h elter. But
there was n owh e re to h id e . N ot fro m t h e w i n d .
H e wo u l d sta n d aga i n st the ravages o f a s a n d sto rm, eve n a s i t
tore a t h i s fl e s h , but I ro n Wi n d w a s so meth i n g d i fferent a ltoget h e r.
It d i d n 't j u st tear at fl e s h , it a ltered it. Wit h i n the w i n d l ived
particles crafted by the n u m e n e ra far too t i n y fo r a m a n to see.
Ca l aval wa s n 't act u a l ly certa i n t h at p a rticles was t h e right word .
Creat u re s ? M ac h i n e s ? It s u rpassed u n d e rsta n d i ng.
His pack t h u d d e d o n t h e gro u n d . H e ru m maged t h rough its
contents wh i l e the t h u m a n w h i ned. F i n a l ly, h e p rod uced a s m a l l

6

i ro n awl , a n d a d evice t h at looked l i ke it was meant to fit s n ugly i n
a perso n ' s clenched fist, i f a person h a d s ix fi n gers. I n two p l aces
acro s s its synth s u rface s m a l l w i res l ay exposed . Ca l aval crouched
l ow.
A s m a l l g l a s s p a n e l o n o n e s i d e s h owed l i ghted sym bols when
h e p ressed a s m a l l stud where his t h u m b wo u l d fit. H e d i d n 't
know what the sym b o l s meant, but he knew t h at when a sym bol
t h at re m i n d ed him a bit of a b i rd i n fl i ght fl a s h e d , h e needed to
p re s s the stud aga i n . H e g l a nced u p a n d saw the ro i l i n g red cloud
a p p roach . I gn o ri n g the sweat bead i n g at t h e bridge of his nose,
Ca l aval p u shed the awl u p i nto the cavity among t h e exposed
w i res near the botto m . The d evice shook a bit and t h e re was a
s izzl i n g s o u n d a n d the s m e l l of b u rnt a i r. S u d d e n ly, a d ro n i n g
n o i s e e n g u l fed Ca l aval a n d the n e rves a l l a l o n g h i s fl e s h t i n gled
u n pleasa ntly. The awl s l i p ped fro m his h a n d .
H e clenched the d evice a n d p u l led Fed d i k close. The t h u m a n
s q u i rmed as the a i r a ro u n d t h e m s h i m m e re d . T h e h a i r o n Ca l ava l ' s
a r m s rose a n d h i s s k i n prickled. T h e s h i m m eri n g a i r s m e l led l i ke a
t h u n d e rsto rm. H e knew t h at it was a sort of h a l o a ro u n d h i m . An
a u ra. A fie l d . H e d id n ot kn ow, but h e h o ped , t h at t h e field wo u l d
re pel the d a n ge ro u s , u n seen t h i ngs i n the I ro n W i n d .
The a p p roach i n g n u m e n e ra storm d id not offer h i m m u c h t i m e
t o wo n d e r if it wo u l d work. The a i r w a s s u d d e n ly red , ch u rn i ng. The
ge n e rato r i n his h a n d v i b rated at a terri b l e freq u e n cy. I t n u m bed h i s
h a n d a n d then h i s arm. H e co ncentrated o n h o l d i n g fa s t t o i t eve n
though he co u l d no longer fee l it. H e told h i mself t h at the b i l l i o n s
o f t i ny s h rieks i n the w i n d we re but h i s i m agi n at i o n .
The I ro n W i n d ro i l ed a ro u n d h i m , but it d id n ot h a rm h i m .
With a wh i n e t h at q u ickly beca me a h owl , Fed d i k twi sted fro m
h i s gra s p , p u l l i n g away. Ca l aval s h o uted without s o u n d . The beast' s
leftmost l i m b s a n d s i d e e m e rged fro m t h e s h i m me r i n g d i stortion
a n d entered the w i n d .
Ca l aval co u l d n ot s e e what h a p pened , n o r co u l d h e sti l l h e a r
h i s co m pa n i o n . The t h u m a n ' s body t h ra s h e d . Ca l aval grabbed a
h a n dfu l of Fed d i k' s h a i r a n d h e l d on as best he co u l d wh i l e the
d evice i n his oth e r h a n d n u m bed m o re a n d more of his body,
wea ke n i n g eve ry m u scle he h a d .
H e closed h i s eye s .
The w i n d p a s s e d m o re q u ickly t h a n any s a n d storm wo u l d ,
b u t n o n e too q u ickly fo r Ca l ava l . T h e d evice d ro p ped from h i s
contorted, n u m b fist onto t h e stony gro u n d . H e co l l a p sed , b u t was
ca refu l to p u l l Fed d i k atop h i m , rat h e r t h a n to fall u po n the beast.
Fed d i k made a p l a i ntive moan u n l i ke a nyth i n g Ca l aval had eve r
heard .
When h e co u l d m a n age it, Ca l aval l ifted h i s head t o look a t h i s
pet. H u n d reds o f t i n y, worm l i ke te n d ri l s fl a i led where Fed d i k' s
left two l i m b s h a d o n ce bee n . T h e fl e s h a ro u n d those legs, a n d
a l l a l o n g t h e l e ft s i d e , looked a n d fe lt l i ke meta l l i c p l ates. O rifices
t h at Ca l aval co u l d n ot begin to u n d e rsta nd eru pted and closed on
the beast' s new port i o n s . The left s i d e of its face contorted with
open i n g and clos i n g eyes as if a crowd of s m a l l e r creat u re s had
taken up res i d e n ce in its head .
The w i n d had rewritte n the t h u m a n . Eve ry bit of its fl e s h t h at t h e
w i n d had to uched , it c h a n ged.
Ca l aval p u shed Fed d i k from atop him a n d stood . His sta n ce was
n ot steady, but h e h a rd ly notice d . H e looked o n l y at his l o n gt i m e
LIME NE
THE AMBER MONOLITH
co m pa n i o n s l owly writ h i n g on the gro u n d . P a i n was evi dent i n
eve ry fiber o f t h e creatu re, n ew a n d o l d .
W i t h a wa i l , Ca l aval d rew the l o n g knife a t h i s s i d e fr o m its
leather s h eat h .
H e h e l d h i s b reat h . Tea rs streamed d own h i s face. H e wanted
to close h i s eye s , but h e fea red h i s aim wo u l d fa i l . So h e sta red
down at Fed d i k. He watched h i s fri e n d ' s eyes as he s l iced i nto t h e
n o n meta l l i c part of its n e c k . B lood pooled a ro u n d the creatu re. I t
d i ed i n s i le nce.
Ca l aval d id n ot c u rse the god s h i s mot h e r had taught h i m , nor
did h e p ray to them fo r me rcy. I t was n 't t h at h e did n ot be l i eve i n
vast, non h u m a n i n te l l i ge n ce s l iv i n g i n t h e s ky a bove-he h a d seen
t h e m orbiti n g in Yes s a i ' s telescope n i ght after n i ght-he j u st d i d
n ot be l i eve t h at they d i rected events. H e bel ieved i n ca u s e a n d
effect. N ot god s . Eve n t h e t h i ngs i n h a biti n g t h e d ata s p h e re were
created, the re s u lt of someone's knowledge a n d u n d e rsta n d i ng. H e
bel ieved i n t h e u n iverse a n d i t s l aws, set i n motion b i l l i o n s o f yea rs
earl i e r.
j u st beca u s e t h e peo p l e of t h i s wo rld ca l l e d it magic d i d n ot
mean t h at he co u l d n ot see beyo n d . T h at was what the Aeon
Priests d i d , a n d-as h a rd a s it was to acce pt-t h at i s what he
wo u l d d o too. The n u menera, a s the p riests ca l l ed it, a rose beca u s e
of the i nte l l ect of the peo p l e of the prior worl d s . I t o n ly s e e m e d l i ke
m i racles.
I t o n ly seemed l i ke d a m n at i o n .
--<@>>----
CHAPTER X: ALONE
In which we learn the lesson of loss.
Alas, C h a pter X i s lost to u s . It is b e l i eved by t h e co u n c i l t h at it
conta i ned d eta i l s of Ca l ava l ' s m o u rn i n g of h i s a n i m a l , and t h u s
d e scri bed h i s co m pa s s i o n a n d capacity fo r l ove. L i kely it a l s o
deta i led h i s fa ntastic i nte l l i ge n ce (particu l a rly h i s near-pe rfect
reca l l ) a n d h i s great w i s d o m , often be i n g we l l prepared fo r
co nti n gencies t h at most oth e rs wo u l d n eve r h ave foresee n .
I n stead o f i t s co ntents e n rich i n g u s , l et u s conte m p l ate o n t h e
s i g n ifica n ce o f lost knowledge. N o greate r loss exists.
A l l glory to t h e o ri g i n ators of truth a n d u n d e rsta n d i ng.
-->------
CHAPTER XI: ENTERING THE OBELISK
In which we learn the lesson ofpersei;erance.
The Amber M o n o l ith rose h i gh a bove Ca lava l . A l m ost d i rectly
below t h e o be l i s k mach i n e , t h e noise t h at t h e vast s p i n n i n g
mech a n i s m p rod u ced d rowned o u t t h e s o u n d s o f h i s own wea ry
b reat h . The rotat i n g rings moved a n d t h r u m med i n a rhyt h m t h at
heartened h i m . It was exactly what he was looki n g fo r. The old
wo m a n i n Cloud ridge had told the trut h .
Ca l aval h ad o n ly o n e l a st trick i n h i s b a g . The rest o f i t s contents
were m u nd a n e s u p p l ie s , too l s , and eq u i p ment. But h e had s aved
o n e m i n o r bit of n u m e n e ra for j u st t h i s moment. H e p u l led a
w i re m e s h belt fro m t h e bag a n d affixed it a ro u n d h i s wai st. A
metal d evice on the s i d e of t h e belt had some s i m p l e contro l s .
Somet i m e s b i t s o f tech nol ogy l i ke t h i s-cyp hers, m o s t peo p l e
ca l l ed t h e m-seemed l i ke t h ey were once parts o f oth e r, l a rger
device s . Those who had come before h i m had j u st figu red out a
way to m a ke u s e of them i n a temporary, u s u a l ly one-shot, d a m n
the-ri s ks sort o f way. Ca l aval knew a l ot o f the tricks. H e d id n't
fu l ly u n d e rsta n d h ow t h ey worked . N o o n e h e knew did. B ut h e
knew e n o u g h to t ry t h at switc h , o r cro s s those w i res, o r look fo r a
readout with t h i s sym bol on it. E n o u g h to somet i m e s get an effect
he wanted . Someth i n g he co u l d u s e . L i ke n ow.
Exce pt the belt was n 't l i ke t h at. The belt, Ca l aval fe lt s u re, was
i ntended fo r p reci sely the p u rpose fo r w h i c h h e was about to u s e
it. The o n ly t h i n g was t h e way it fit h i m . Obvi o u s ly, it h ad been
d e s i gned fo r a creatu re oth e r than a h u m a n to wea r it.
Ca l aval m a n i p u l ated t h e co ntro l s . S o u n d l e s s ly, h i s feet left the
gro u n d . B u oya nt, h e floated u pwa rd . The belt gently re m oved h i m
fro m t h e gra s p o f gravity. H e soared eve r h i g h e r. T h e red brick
l a n d scape stretched below h i m . A warm wind tu gged at his tanned
leather cloth i n g-h i s coat, his ca p . I t brus hed aga i n st his wo rn,
u n s h ave n face.
Above h i m , the A m b e r M o n o l it h d rew c l o s e r, a n d h e co u l d
s e e t h at , t r u e t o i t s n a m e , t h e ye l l owi s h - b rown struct u re
offe red a t ra n s l ucent s u rfa ce i n contrast to t h e s i lvery meta l l i c
m e ch a n i s m a t i t s h e a rt. T h e o be l i s k offe red a p o i nted t o p a n d
botto m , b u t t h e center w a s a m a s s ive c l ockwo rk d e v i ce w i t h
s p i n n i n g r i n g s o r b it i n g a ro u n d it at s kewed b u t s o m e h ow
ext ra o rd i n a r i l y p rec i s e a n g l e s .
A s he got very close-l i kely h u n d reds o f feet a bove t h e grou nd
the very lowest point of the h overi n g obel i s k offered a meta l l i c h atch
to Ca l ava l . Contro l l i n g h i s horizontal position p resented some
d ifficu lties. Once aga i n , the position of the belt's console s u ggested
a wea re r with a very d ifferent body type than h i s . H i s arm grew sore
from reach i n g d own and a ro u n d to touch the ti ny, glowi n g panels.
The wind made t h i ngs eve n h a rder. Ca l aval maneuvered towa rd the
h atch , but then the breeze carried him off i n the wrong d i rection
aga i n . The situation s u ggested how h a rd it m i ght be to be a l eaf in
the b reeze with a n objective. Or even a b utterfly. Ca l aval fu m b led
across the belt co ntro l s over and over, gras p i n g at the h atch as he
got close each time, and each time fa i l i n g to reach it.
H e began to worry about j u st h ow m u c h powe r the belt had.
H ow l o n g a d u ration the gravity- n u l l ify i n g effect offe red .
H i s arms sore, each from st retch i n g i n d i fferent d i rect i o n s , i n
d i fferent awkward positio n s , h e tried o n e l a st t i m e , a n d fi n a l ly
m a n e uve red close enough to loop h i s arm t h rough a h a n d l e on t h e
h atch l i ke a h o o k . The i n co h e rent s o u n d h e made w a s a moan o f
exa s peration a n d a cry of t ri u m p h at o n ce.
Then t h e powe r of the belt gave out.
H i s own s u d d e n we ight je rked o n h i s arm, wrench i n g it with a
p a i n fu l cracki n g noise. Ago ny s h ot d own h i s s h o u l d e r a n d i nto h i s
s i d e . H e grabbed h i s wrist with h i s free h a n d t o m a ke i t h a rd e r fo r
h i m t o s l i p loose, b u t h e a l m ost b l acked o u t fro m t h e p a i n .
D a n g l i n g fro m the botto m o f the obel i s k, h e gas ped fo r a b reath
h e co u l d n ot seem to get. H i s m i nd swa m and h e had to fight to
keep a focu s . F i n a l ly, beca u s e if h e d i d n ot, h e knew h e wo u l d soon
fa i nt and fa l l , h e l et go of h i s own wrist and t h rashed at the h atch
to t ry to find a way to open it.
That task, at least, was s u rp ri s i n gly s i m p l e . An e a s i l y moved
lever p rod uced a s u d d e n h i s s , and t h e n the h atch opened s l owly.
Ca l aval struggled to h a n g on to the m ovi n g h atch . When it
stopped, h e twi sted h i s body a ro u n d to look up i nto t h e o pe n i n g it
gave. I t was d a rk, but a meta l l i c ladder offe red a way up t h ro u g h an
a m be r s h aft. With h i s free h a n d , h e grabbed the botto m rung, but
as h e d i d h i s oth e r arm wrenched free .
Aga i n , terrific p a i n l a n ced d own h i s b o d y fro m s h o u l d e r to h i p.
He bit d own on h i s to ngue, w h i c h m ay h ave been the o n ly t h i n g
t h at kept h i m co n s c i o u s . H i s o n e a r m d a n gled u s e l e s s . H e had n o
idea h ow h e wo u l d cl i m b u p the l a d d e r.
He d id t h e o n ly t h i n g he co u l d th i n k of, a n d p u l led h i mself u p as
h i gh a s h e co u l d a n d kicked his leg u p to hook it onto a rung. After
a few tries, h e s u cceed ed . B ut when h e d i d , h i s pack came loose
a n d s p i l led its contents down t h e long way to the gro u n d .
Thou ghts o f god s t o cu rse o n ce aga i n ca m e t o h i s m i n d . O nce
aga i n , h e refused.
--<@>--
CHAPTER XII: HUNTED IN THE DARK
In which we learn the lesson of ingenuity.
The cl i m b was l o n g a n d ago n izing. Eve ry s u rface a ro u n d Ca l aval
v i b rated s l i ghtly with a co n stant thrum t h at kept time with the
s p i n n i n g rings of the central heart of the monolith. Eve n the
air seemed to s h a ke, eve r so s l i ghtly. Exactly the rhyt h m h e had
m e m o rized . The o n e h e had been looki n g fo r.
The top of the amber s h aft offered l i ght too d i m to see, and
Ca l aval had lost h i s glowglobes when h i s pack fel l . With h i s good
h a n d , he p u l led a box of m atches from h i s pocket and struck one.
H e confirmed that his i m mediate s u rro u n d i ngs were safe, and then
tossed the m atch away, col l a p s i n g on his side for a n u n known time.
H e knew h e h ad to p u s h his arm back i nto its p roper position. When
h e was a you n g man, h e had seen his farmer father i n a s i m i l a r
s ituation. H e had had t o h e l p the m a n reset h i s s h o u l d er.
Tod ay Ca l aval wo u l d h ave to do it h i m se l f. He struggled to h i s
feet. T h e p a i n m a d e h i s head swi m a n d h e a l most fe l l .
H e fe lt t h e wa l l i n t h e d i m a m ber- h ued l i ght. H e positioned h i s
d i s l ocated l i m b with h i s u sefu l a r m . H e took t h ree q u ick b reat h s .
N ot givi n g h i m self t i m e to t h i n k a b o u t i t , h e ra m med h i s body
aga i n st the wa l l .
H e s h rieked a n d fe l l t o t h e floor, writh i n g i n ago ny.
He s h rieked l o u d e r t h e seco n d t i m e . He passed out for a t i m e
he d i d n ot know for h ow l o n g-afte r rea l iz i n g t h at t h at atte m pt
d i d n 't s u cceed either.
The t h i rd atte m pt had a s i m i l a r re s u lt.
F i n a l ly, the fo u rth try gave h i m s u cce s s . H e did n ot pass out, but
l ay, re st i n g i n his own sweat, fo r what seemed about a n h o u r. O n ce
he recovered , he cl i m bed o n ce aga i n to h i s feet. He stood stead i e r
t h a n before. W i t h t h ree deep b reat h s , h e gathered h i m self menta l ly
a n d physical ly. At l a st, he decided to exp l o re .
H e had c o m e h e re fo r a rea s o n , afte r a l l .

H e fo u n d h i m self with i n a series of t u n n e l s we n d i n g t h e i r
way t h rough vast, i n co m p re h e n s i b l e mach i n e s . O r perh a p s , h e
co n s id e red , p a rts o f o n e l a rge mach i n e . The l atte r, h e d eterm i n ed,
seemed most l i kely.
Afte r b u r n i n g t h ro u g h h a l f h i s m atch e s i n h i s exp l o rat i o n s , h e
fo u n d a p i l e of s c r a p synth i n vari o u s s izes a n d co lors. M ostly
p i pe s , some of which were h o l l ow, and oth e rs fi l led with cables
a n d w i res. Some we re broken a n d j agge d . Ca l aval fo u n d a h o l l ow
p i pe of wh ite synth about two feet long. H e used h i s k n i fe to cut
h i s leather cap i nto stri p s . Poki n g a stri p d own i nto t h e p i pe , he
created a m a ke s h ift torc h . I t wo u l d n 't last long, and it created a l ot
of s m o ke, but it wo u l d l a st l o n ge r t h a n a m atch , a n d he had many
stri ps of leat h e r a n d cloth to use.
H e cl i m bed another s h aft, and afte r wanderi n g more, yet another.
D u r i n g each ascent h i s torch fai led h i m and he had to re l i ght it i n the
dim l i ght once he reached the top. By the time h e d i d this after the
th i rd cl i m b , a loud staccato b u rst of sound startled h i m . H e d ro p ped
the torch and the barely l it leather stri p fel l out.
The stra n ge, i rreg u l a r noise acco m p a n ied a flash of b l u e-wh ite
i l l u m i n atio n . And aga i n .
I n these b rief i n stance s o f l i ght, h e s a w somet h i n g m ove. A
panel i n o n e wa l l opened . M o re l i ght fro m with i n . With a yawn i n g
h i s s , a s i l h o u ette e m e rged . Cl atter. Wh i r. G roa n . Ancient l i m bs
stretched to l i fe. M et a l , fl e s h , a n d w i ri n g s h a m b l ed i n t h e form of
a l oo m i n g ape. S h a ggy h a i r fl uttered about it, as if each stra n d had
its own p re h e n s i l e l ife. Wh ite eyes g l a red from a bove a wide s nout,
sym b o l s scro l l i n g across t h e m from side to s i d e .
Ca l aval d id n ot w a i t to s e e m o re. H e leapt d own the s h aft,
th rowi n g h i mself fro m rung to rung, l ett i n g gravity take h i m at
s peed . H i s s h o u l d e r was sti l l te n d e r, but h e ignored it.
A h owl from a bove shook h i s bones. A d a r k s h a pe b l otted out
the l i ght fro m above.
He cl i m bed d own faster. Reckless ly, h e d ro p ped d own the s h aft.
Each d ro p ri s ked p u l l i n g h i s arm fro m its socket, but terror r u l ed
h i s behavior, not p a i n .
A t the botto m o f the s h aft, h e retraced h i s path t h ro u g h t h e
wi n d i n g m aze o f mach i n e acce s s co n d u its. H e heard t h e t h i n g
l a n d a t t h e bottom beh i n d h i m with a powe rfu l grunt. H e w a s s u re
t h at he co u l d s m e l l the beast too. M u s k a n d mach i n e o i l m ixed
with someth i n g he co u l d n 't p l ace.
In the near d a rkness, he s u rged d own the corridors, ru n n i n g a
h a n d along the wa l l s . The guard ia n t h i n g that he had awoke n was
beh i n d h i m , tracki n g h i m . By sound, perh a p s ? Ca l aval tried to be as
q u iet as h e cou l d , but soon gave u p a n d e rred on the s i d e of s peed .
The t h i n g cou l d be fol low i n g h i m by scent. It co u l d even be fol lowi n g
a heat tra i l o f h i s own steps. H e knew such t h i ngs we re pos s i b l e .
F i n a l ly, h e reached t h e p i l e of s c r a p t u b i ng. The p i pes, h owever,
o n ce he grasped a few, seemed far too l i ght to be u sed as wea p o n s .
I n stea d , h e grab bed one about h i s h e i ght a n d got mov i n g aga i n .
T h e best i a l t h i n g l u m bered eve r closer.
Ca l aval reached t h e s h aft d own a n d d ro p ped t h e tu be. Then h e
fo l l owed it d own , aga i n perform i n g more of a barely contro l led
d ro p than a c l i m b i n g d escent.
The creatu re came d own beh i n d h i m . Closer this time, and
ga i n i ng. L i ke Ca l ava l , it was d ro p p i n g down, u s i n g the rungs o n ly
occasional ly. But its d rops were longer, its movements more s k i l l e d .
LIME NE
THE AMBER MONOLITH
Ca l aval reached the botto m of t h e s h aft, but knew t h at the t h i n g
wo u l d reach h i m t h i s t i m e .
I n fact, h e cou nted o n it.
H e grasped the j agged l e n gth of synth t u b i n g and th ru st it u p
t h e s h aft, o n e e n d b raced aga i n st t h e floor.
I m med i ately, t h e beast d ro p ped d own u po n the t u be , its we ight
s n a p p i n g it i n two, a n d knocki n g Ca l aval to t h e gro u n d . Ca l ava l ' s
head struck t h e wa l l . H e s a w wh ite i n t h e d a rkne s s .
H e fo u n d h i m s e l f l ayi n g o n t h e t re m u l o u s meta l floor, u n a b l e
t o s e e . T h e s o u n d o f h i s o w n b reat h s we re d rowned out by
a n ot h e r s o u n d-rhyt h m ic, wet, g u rg l i n g wh eezes fro m not fa r
away.
Ca l aval struck a matc h . I n the l i ght, he saw the a pe-th i n g, with
meta l p l ates a n d fleshy parts i ntegrated i nto a co b b l ed whole.
There was not h i n g beautifu l , ca refu l , o r elegant about t h e t h i n g ' s
co n struct i o n . Eve n i t s o rga n i c port i o n s d i d n ot s e e m t o exi st i n
any sort o f natural re l ati o n s h i p. H a i rl i ke te n d r i l s writhed acro s s its
body, each e n d i n g in a t i ny s p h i ncter mouth . And each t i ny mouth
w h i ned i n agony.
T h ro u g h the center of its b road torso p roj ected the broken t u be.
The momentu m of the creat u re ' s d escent had th ru st t h e s h aft
more t h a n th ree feet i nto its i n n a rd s . The beast d i d n ot m ove. Each
b reath was l a b o red a n d fi l led with fl u i d . B l ood m ixed with some
wh ite m i l ky l i q u i d s pooled a ro u n d its p ro n e body.
Ca l ava l ' s fea r t u rned to re morse. Pity. H e thought t h at t h e best
t h i n g h e co u l d d o was b ri n g t h e beast' s s u ffe r i n g to a n e n d . He
wanted to give it a q u ick deat h .
H e had n o idea h ow t o d o t h at. H i s s m a l l k n i fe, n ow i n h i s h a n d ,
seemed rid icu l o u s ly t i n y a n d fra g i l e fo r the t a s k . H e a p p roached
closer in the l i ght of a n ew m atch , but t h e creatu re howled and
struggled to m ove, ca u s i n g it fa r more p a i n .
Ca l aval s i g h e d . H i s thou ghts d rifted b a c k t o Fed d i k.
He s at on the floor. H e stayed with the creatu re u n t i l it d rew its
last labored b reat h .
-<@> -
- -
CHAPTER XIII: MACHINE'S HEART
In which we learn the lesson of comprehension and
understanding_
I n t h e m e c h a n i c a l p a rt s of t h e d e a d g u a rd i a n , Ca l av a l h a d fo u n d
s o m e e a s i ly re m oved b i t s t h at, with s o m e s l i g h t m o d ificat i o n s
a n d a d a ptat i o n s , h e co u l d u s e . I f h e h ad n 't d ro p ped m o s t o f h i s
too l s with t h e rest o f h i s gea r, h e perh a p s co u l d h ave ach i eved
m o re .
Perh a p s m o s t i m porta nt of t h e m a l l were the glowi n g m od u les
i n the creat u re ' s eyes t h at, o n ce re m oved , p rovided about a s m u c h
l i ght a s h i s t i n y torc h . H e knew t h at t h e i r i l l u m i nation wo u l d fa d e ,
but i n term s of h i s o w n need s , it wo u l d be l o n g after it ceased
bei n g i m portant.
With these n ew cyp h e rs , h e ascended back u p t h rough the
obel i s k ' s i n n e r worki ngs. H e crept s l owly n ow. Q u i etly. N o m o re
g u a rd i a n s appeared .
 H e sto p ped to re st, a n d regretted
h avi n g no food .
H e s l e pt.
Stead i ly, he cl i m bed the length of the
mass ive monolith, until the q u iveri n g in
every s u rface reached a powerfu l i nten s ity.
Reach i n g the top of the twenty-th i rd s h aft
he had cl i m bed, he determi ned that he
had found the heart of the mach ine. At
that level, he began to explore i n earnest,
carefu l ly noting everyt h i n g he found.
The glow i n g cyl i n d e r stretched twe nty
feet acro s s , t h i rty feet h i g h . M ad e of
b l u e meta l , it gave off a b l ue-wh ite gl ow.
It fl oated two feet from the gro u n d a n d
h overed two feet fro m the h i g h ce i l i n g.
N oth i n g co n nected to it fro m a l l the
mach i n e ry a ro u n d it, but Ca l aval knew
t h at it was co n n ected by i nv i s i b l e fie l d s of
e n e rgy a n d fo rce.
He wi ped the sweat from h i s b row. The
i nterior of t h e monol ith was warm a n d h u m i d . The a i r was sta le.
Stifl i n g. H e needed to get i n s id e t h at cyl i nd e r.
H e stu d ied its s u rface for h o u rs , looki n g for an acce s s panel or a
h i d d e n h atch . He fo u n d noth i n g.
H e s l e pt aga i n . F itfu l ly.
H e searched t h e wa l l s of t h e l a rge c h a m b e r a ro u n d the cyl i n d e r.
H e stu d ied t h e m for mech a n i s m s t h at m i ght open or p rovide
acce s s i nto it. F i n a l ly, h e retu rned to the cyl i n d e r a n d scou red its
v i b rati n g, glowi n g s u rface aga i n . After l o n g l a st, h e d ete r m i ned
t h at t h e re was a panel in its s u rface-a door-a l most i m po s s i b l e
t o perceive. B ut t h e re w a s n o o bv i o u s way t o open it.
D riven by t h i s n ew d i scove ry, h e ret u rned to the mach i ne-fi l led
peri meter of the roo m . H e fo l l owed l i nes of co n d u its t h at ra n
acro s s t h e i r s u rfaces, u p to the cei l i n g a n d d own to t h e floor.
H e ascerta i n ed t h at t h e co ntro l s of some i m portant fu n ction l ay
beh i n d a l a rge metal p a n e l , but when he tried to p ry it off with h i s
knife, its i ro n blade s n a p ped.
H e sat d own o n the floor, ti red a n d h u n g ry.
"Of co u rs e , " h e s a i d a l o u d . H e p u l led out o n e of the
co m po n e nts h e had re moved fro m the g u a rd i a n creat u re. A
weapon t h at had been b u i lt i nto one of its a r m s , he co u l d coax its
powe r fo r a d i fferent u s e of h i s own . S l i d i n g open a tiny panel at
o n e e n d of the d evice, h e m oved a t i ny switch wh i l e pointi n g it at
All glory to the originators of truth and understanding.
Praise to the innovators of steel and synth.
Praise to the shapers of flesh, of bone, and of mind.
Glory to those who re-sculpted the sustaining earth and the life-giving sun.
Praise to the senders of signals, who even now whisper into machine ears and give life to the inanimate.
Praise to those who traveled to the stars, and the realms beyond the stars.
All glory to the originators of truth and understanding.
t h e p a n e l . H e saw noth i n g, but fe lt the fi st
s ized t h i n g a l m ost buck out of h i s h a n d .
H e th rust it towa rd the p a n e l , which
buckled with a l o u d b a n g a n d fo l d ed l i ke
paper. G u i d i n g it with the d evice as though
it was a n i nv i s i b l e fist, h e p u l led back a n d
t h e panel tore fr o m its m o u n t i n g s .
Ca l aval tossed t h e d evice to t h e floor n ext
to it with satisfact i o n .
T h e newly exposed g l a s s plate flared t o life
and l i ght, showing sym bols and d iagrams.
Cal aval recogn ized al most nothi ng, but after a
few tries, touch i n g the screen and movi n g the
sym bols as though they were objects rather
than bits of l ight, he q u ickly figured out how
to activate the cyl i nder's door.
Tu rn i n g to face it, he watched as t h e
s q u a re section of the mach i n e ' s heart
s i m ply faded from s i ght.
T h i s revealed a n e m pty but brightly l it
i nterior.
Without hes itat i o n , Ca l aval entered the cyl i n d e r.
And t h e n stood e l sewhere.
Without rea l ization of tra n s ition o r tra n s l at i o n , Ca l aval had
moved vast d i stances. As h e h ad hoped. Lo n g ago h e had learned
of t h i s p l ace.
H igh a bove h i m stretched a tra n s p a rent dome. T h rough it, he
looked u p at the wo rld , d i s p l ayed before him as the center jewel of a
vast n ight-s ky panorama. Or rather, he reasoned , he looked d own at
the world. For he knew that he was in a citade l created in eo n s past
by i n h u m a n h a n d s and p l aced h i gh a bove, permanently in the s ky.
Legends spoke of a citadel i n the sky so h igh that it was barely visible
from the ground. Calaval had seen it i n Yessai's telescope. And the old
woman i n Cloud ridge had given him the secret of how to access it.
H e re, Ca l aval kn ew, we re the true secrets of the n u m e n e ra .
H e re h e co u l d perh a p s-j u st perha ps-s peak w i t h one of t h e vast
i n te l l i ge n ces given l i fe in the prior worl d s . I f h e co u l d m a ke h i s
q uesti o n s u n d e rstood , h e co u l d fi n d t h e knowled ge h e sought to
j o i n the Aeon Priesth ood , a n d perh a p s eve n beco me a p ro m i nent
m e m be r of their ra n ks .
T h u s e n d s t h e second part o ft h e Sacred Chron icle o ft h e Amber
Papacy. Little did Calaval know that the knowledge he would gai n would
make h i m not an Aeon Priest, but greatest among them: the high father,
greatest of the Aeon Priests, and founder of the Order ofTruth .
Chapter 1 : Welcome to the Ninth World 12

Chapter 2 : How to Play Numenera 15

 CHAPTER 1

WELCOME TO THE
NINTH WORLD
h e re h ave been eight p rev i o u s worl d s . Yo u a n d g l a s s-below, u p o n , a n d above the earth-h o l d

T may refer to them as age s , aeon s , epoc h s , o r

e r a s , but it's n ot wro n g to t h i n k of e a c h a s i t s
o w n i n d ivid u a l worl d . E a c h former wo rld stretched
v a s t trea s u re s , a n d t h at secret doorways to stars a n d
oth e r d i m e n s i o n s a n d rea l m s p rovide powe r a n d
secrets a n d deat h . They somet i m e s ca l l it m a g i c , a n d
acro s s vast m i l l e n n i a of time. Each p l ayed host who a re w e t o s a y t h at t h ey' re wro n g ?
to a race whose civil izat i o n s rose to s u p re m acy M o re ofte n , h owever, when t h ey fi n d leftove rs
but eventually d ied or scatte red , d i s a p peared o r of the old wo rld s-t h e devices, the vast mach i n e
tra n sce n d e d . D u r i n g the t i m e t h at e a c h world co m p l exes , the a ltered l a n d scapes, the c h a n ges
fl o u r i s h e d , those t h at r u l ed it spoke to the stars, wrought u po n l iv i n g creatu res by ancient e n e rgies,
ree n g i n ee red t h e i r physical bod ies, a n d m a stered the i nv i s i b l e n a n o-s p i rits h overi n g i n the a i r i n clouds
form and essence, a l l in t h e i r own u n iq u e ways. ca l l ed t h e I ro n W i n d , t h e i nformation tra n s m itted
Iron Wind, page 1 3 5
Each left beh i n d re m n a nts. i nto the so-ca l l ed d ata s p h e re, and the re m n ants of
The N i nth Wo rld i s b u i lt o n the bones of the v i s itors fro m ot h e r d i me n s i o n s and a l i e n p l a n ets
The numenera, page 275 p rev i o u s e i ght, a n d i n particu l a r the l a st fo u r. Reach they ca l l these t h i ngs the numenera. In the N i nth
i nto the d u st, and yo u ' l l Wo r l d , the n u m e n e ra
fi n d t h at each p a rticle i s both a boon a n d a
h a s been worked , bane. It m a kes l i fe ve ry
m a n ufact u red, or grow n , The Ninth World is about disco11ering d iffe rent fro m any oth e r
a n d then gro u n d back t i m e o n E a rt h .
i nto drit-a fine, a rtifici a l the wonders ofthe worlds that came I n a southern p a rt
The Steadfast, page 1 3 6 soi l-by the re lentless of the vast, s i n g u l a r
before it, not for their own sake, but
powe r of t i m e . Look to co ntinent o f the N i nt h
the h orizon-is t h at a as the means to impro11e the present Wo rld l ies a cl u ster o f
Am ber Pope, page 7 3 3
Order of Truth, page 222 m o u n ta i n , o r part of an and build a future. settled l a n d s co l l ectively
i m po s s i b l e m o n u ment ca l l ed t h e Steadfast.
The Beyond, page 7 74 to the fo rgotten e m peror Although each of
Aeon Priest, page 269 of a lost peo p l e ? Feel the kingdoms and
t h at s u btle v i b rati o n beneath yo u r feet and know princi p a l ities o f the Steadfast h a s i t s o w n ru l e r, a
Claves-small cloistered
t h at a n cient e n g i n es-vast mach i n e s the s ize of leader known as the Amber Pope g u i d e s the O rd e r
groups of Aeon Priests in
the Beyond-can kingdoms-st i l l ope rate i n the bowe l s of the eart h . o f Truth, a n o rga n ization o f Aeo n Priests t h at
offer protection and The N i nth Wo rld i s a b o u t d i scove ri n g the wo n d e rs co m m a n d s a great deal of res pect i n t h e reg i o n .
resources for the of the wo rld s t h at ca m e before it, n ot for t h e i r own Th u s , t h e Amber P o p e i s l i kely t h e m o s t powe rfu l
communities that s a ke, but a s the m e a n s to i m p rove the present a n d ru l e r i n t h e Steadfast eve n though h e does not
spring up around
b u i l d a fut u re. gove rn a s i n g l e s q u a re foot of l a n d . The O rd e r
them. However, claves
sometimes become so Each of t h e prior eight worl d s , i n its own way, is o f Truth reve res the peo p l e o f t h e p a s t a n d t h e i r
insular and focused on too d i stant, too d i fferent, too i n co m p re h e n s i b l e . Life knowled ge o n a q u a s i re l i g i o u s l evel o f adoration a n d
their work that they tod ay i s too d a ngero u s to dwe l l on a past t h at ca n n ot fa i t h . I t i s a re l i gion d evoted to science.
end up putting the be u n d e rstood . The peo p l e excavate a n d study the Deeper i n the wilds l i es a region ca l l ed t h e
community at risk with m a rve l s of t h e prior epoch s j u st e n o u g h to h e l p Beyo n d , where v i l l ages a n d com m u n ities a re i s o l ated
their strange experiments.
t h e m s u rvive i n the wo rld they h ave b e e n give n . They and rare. H e re, Aeo n Priests st i l l study the secrets of
know t h at e n e rgies and knowled ge a re s u s pe n d ed the past, but they d o so cloi stered in re m ote claves .
i nv i s i bly i n t h e a i r, t h at res h a ped co nti n e nts of i ro n T h e s e p riests d o l ittl e more t h a n p a y l i p service to

the Amber Pope, if t h at, a n d a re n ot co n s i d e red
part of the O rd e r of Truth . L i ke the reg i o n s in wh ich
they l ive, a n d the cl aves in which t h ey work, they a re
i s o l ated , i s l a n d s u nto t h e m s e lves.
THE PEOPLE OF THE
NINTH WORLD
I n the yo uth of an age, peo p l e u s e t h e res o u rces t h ey
h ave on h a n d , co u p led with wh ateve r u n d e rsta n d i n g
o f t h e i r wo rld they c a n m a ster, t o ca rve o u t a l ife fo r
them selves. I n t h e N i nth Wo rld , the resou rces a re
the n u m e n e ra-the d etrit u s of the prior e ra s-a n d
the peo p l e ' s u n d e rsta n d i n g of these resou rces i s
crude a n d i n c o m p l ete. T h e Aeon Priests possess
j u st e n o u g h d i scernment a n d knowledge to s u ggest
pos s i b l e uses fo r t h i n gs , but so m uch re m a i n s to
be d i scove red . Eve n the creatu res a n d p l a nts of the
N i nth Wo rld a re stra n ge by- p rod u cts of t h e prior
ages; the past left be h i n d fl o ra , fauna, a n d mach i n es,
some des igned by l o re o r n atu re, oth e rs tra n s p l a nted
fro m d i stant stars o r d i m e n s i o n s .
The peo p l e o f t h e N i nth World clothe t h e m se lves
in n ewly s p u n fa b rics but weave the a rtifacts of the
past i nto each garment. They fo rge armor, wea p o n s ,
a n d too l s fro m m ateri a l s recovered fro m a n c i e n t
struct u re s a n d devices. Some of these m ateri a l s a re
meta l s , but oth e rs a re (or appear to be) g l a s s , stone,
bone, flesh, o r s u bstances t h at d efy catego rization
a n d u n d e rsta n d i ng.
Those who ri s k the mysterious dangers to recover
LIME NE
WELCOME TO THE NINTH WORLD
the rel ics of the past p rovide a valuable service. Typ ica l ly
these brave sou l s-warrior glaives, science-wield i n g
nanos, and w i l y jacks-bring t h e i r find i n gs t o t h e Aeon
Priests, who use the artifacts to fash ion tools, weapons,
and other boons for the growing civi l ization. As time
passes, more i n d ivid uals learn to use the n u menera,
but it sti l l rema i n s a mystery to most people.
Abhumans:
Who, then, a re the peo p l e of t h e N i nth Wo rld ? Chirog, page 235
M ost a re h u m a n s , although n ot a l l t h at ca l l Margr, page 244
t h e m s e lves h u m a n truly a re . There a re l i kewi se Murden, page 247
the a b h u m a n s : m utants, cro s s b reed s , genetica l ly Sathosh, page 256
e n g i neered , a n d t h e i r offs p ri n g. And then there a re Yovok, page 267
the v i s itants , who a re n ot n ative to the earth but
who n ow ca l l t h e N i nth Wo rld home, a n d who h ave Visitants:
no more u n d e rsta n d i n g of t h e past (eve n t h e i r own) Lattimors, page 7 22
t h a n anyone e l se. Va rjellen, page 7 2 7
THE NUMENERA Artifacts, page 298
Peo p l e w i t h knowled ge of the re l i cs of o l d e r worl d s
Cyphers, page 278
d ivide t h e m i nto t h ree type s : a rtifacts , cyp h e rs , a n d Oddities, page 3 7 4
odd ities .
ARTI FACTS a re l a rge d evices t h at typ i ca l ly can be
used m o re t h a n o n ce to p rod u ce the same re s u lt.
An a rtifact m i ght be a belt t h at creates a s h i e l d of
i n vi s i b l e fo rce to p rotect the wearer o r a flyi n g s k i ff
t h at c a r r i e s peo p l e a n d ca rgo fro m o n e p l ace to
a n o t h e r. The term is a l most a l ways u s e d for an item
t h at has a n o bv i o u s p u rpose-a wea p o n , a defe n s e ,
a mode o f t ra n s po rt, a m e a n s of co m m u n icat i o n
o r learn i n g n ew i n fo r m at i o n , a m e a n s of o bta i n i n g
 food or ot h e r nece s s i t i e s , a n d so fo rt h . Art i facts leavi ngs of the pa st) . They can u n d e rsta n d h ow
m a ke t h e i r u sers m o re powe rfu l , o r t h ey m a ke l ife i l l nesses a re tra n s m itted or h ow soci a l i s m wo rks.
e a s i e r or better. They can know t h at t h e earth revo lves a ro u n d the
sun a n d b e awa re o f oth e r " a n a c h ro n i stic"
CYPH E RS a re u s u a l ly s m a l l , m i n o r bits of knowledge.
devices t h at most c h a racters c a n O n t h e oth e r h a n d , c h a racte rs in
coax a s i n g l e effect fro m N u m e n e ra don't refer to wea pons
before they a re d e p l eted a s "guns" o r ve h i cles a s "cars . "
and beco me cu riosities or The tech nol ogy i n the N i nth Wo rld i s
Numenera items such as d ecorat i o n s . They m i ght too advanced a n d too a l i e n fo r such
artifacts and cyphers add i nc l u d e a q u ick i njection term i n o l ogy to h ave e n d u re d . U s i n g
capabilities to the player d e s i gned to re p a i r physical 2 1 st-centu ry terms fo r wea pons a n d
character's repertoire d a m age i n a l iv i n g creat u re o r ve h i cles i s a s i n a p p ropriate as u s i n g
but they are the purview a h a n d h e l d object t h at, when med i eval term s . T h e n u m e n e ra i s
of the game master.
m a n i p u l ated p rope rly, becomes wei rd-m uch o f i t wa s n 't created
Very rarely does a player
choose these items; they a weapon t h at exp lodes with by h u m a n s o r fo r h u m a n s . It i s n 't
are discovered while tre m e n d o u s fo rce. H owever, cyp hers des igned or p rese nted i n any way
exploring ancient ruins a re d a n ge ro u s when gat h e red together t h at m i ght be fa m i l i a r to the p l ayers
or overcoming other beca u s e they create rad iation a n d o r the c h a racte rs. O n ly t h ro u g h
challenges of the Ninth
h a r m o n i c freq uencies t h at a re i n i m ical expe r i m e ntat i o n , p l ayer i n s ight, a n d
World.
to h u m a n l i fe. c h a racte r s k i l l can the P C s identify, a n d
pos s i bly use, what they fi n d .
ODDITI ES a re t h e re l i cs t h at a re Perh a p s eve n m o re i m portant, the a rtifacts ,
neither cyp h e rs n o r a rtifacts. They cyp h e rs , a n d odd ities t h at c h a racte rs u s e probably
serve no obvi o u s p u rpose but h ave a re n ' t servi n g their origi n a l p u rpose. The exp los ive
stra n ge fu n ct i o n s t h at a re at least c u r i o u s , if n ot cyp h e r t h at a c h a racte r tosses at an e n e my m i ght
d own right enterta i n i ng. Exa m p l es i n c l u d e a p iece of h ave been the powe r sou rce fo r a ve h i cle. The fo rce
g l a s s i n a metal frame t h at s h ows pecu l i a r i m ages field the e n e my uses to p rotect herself fro m the b l a st
o r a box with th ree bel l s t h at ri n g at u n p red i cta b l e m i ght h ave been d e s i gned to conta i n the rad iation of
t i m e s . N ot eve ryt h i n g fro m the prior worl d s can b e the fu e l rod s i n a m i n i at u re n u clear reactor.
u nd e rstood . I n fact, m uch of it ca n n ot. We lcome to the N i nt h Wo rld, where eve ry
d i scove ry m i ght save you-o r k i l l yo u . But yo u wo n 't
For more information
on the Ninth World, see LOOKING AT THE know u n t i l you try.
Part 4: The Setting (page
7 29) . Game masters will
NINTH WORLD FROM
want to refer to Chapter THE 21ST CENTURY
23: Realizing the Ninth
The N i nth Wo rld is a science-fantasy sett i n g
World (page 354).
a p p roxi m ately a b i l l i o n years i n the fut u re. T h e
peo p l e o f t h e wo rld dwe l l a m i d t h e flotsam of
i m po s s i b l e u ltratech of eight prior civil izat i o n s
a n d ca l l it m a g i c . U n i m a g i n a bly h u ge mach i n e s
l i e ben eath the eart h , a n d s ate l l ites o r b i t h i g h
a bove, tra n s m itti n g a w e b o f d ata a n d free e n e rgy.
N a notec h , gravitic tech nol ogy, genetic e n g i neering,
s pati a l warp i n g, a n d s u pe rd e n s e polymers a l l owed
the i n h a bitants of the p rev i o u s worl d s to res h a pe t h e
p l a n et. M a s s a n d e n e rgy we re t h e i rs to co m m a n d .
I n m a n y ways, the N i nth Wo rld i s a med i eval fa ntasy
sett i n g without the h i storicity. When peo p l e who
h ave n ' t done a l ot of homework o n the d a rk ages ru n
a t rad itio n a l fa ntasy game, they often i n se rt modern
se n s i b i l ities o r d eve l o p m e nts s u c h as d e m ocracy,
hygiene, or m atches. But i n t h e N i nth Wo rl d , these
t h i n gs , a n d more , m a ke sense. C h a racte rs can h ave
ra i n s l ickers, i n k p e n s , z i p pers, a n d p l astic bags,
all left ove r from the prior eras (or fa s h ioned fro m
 LIME NE
HOW TO PLAY NUMENERA

CHAPTER 2

HOW TO PLAY
NUMENERA
he ru les of exce l l e n t eq u i p m e n t can

T N u menera
a re q u ite
stra ightforwa rd at their
You don 't earn XP for killing foes or
01.1ercoming standard challenges in
d ecrease t h e d ifficu lty
of a task. Fo r exa m p l e ,
i f a c h a racte r i s t ra i ned
heart, as a l l of ga meplay i s the course ofplay. Disco1.1ery is the in cl i m b i n g , s h e t u r n s
based a ro u n d a few core a d i fficu lty 6 cl i m b i nto
soul of Numenera.
concepts. a d i fficu lty 5 cl i m b .
Decreasing the difficulty,
Th i s c h a pter p rovides T h i s i s ca l l ed decreasing
page 86
a b rief exp l a n ation of h ow to p l ay the game, a n d it's the difficulty by one step. If s h e is s peci a l ized i n
u sefu l fo r learn i n g the game. O n ce yo u u n d e rsta n d cl i m b i n g, s h e t u r n s a d ifficu lty 6 cl i m b i nto a
the b a s i c co ncepts, yo u ' l l l i kely w a n t to refe re n ce d ifficu lty 4 c l i m b . T h i s i s ca l l ed decreasing the
C h a pter 8: R u l e s of the G a m e , page 84, for a m o re difficulty by two steps.
i n-dept h treatment. A skill is a category of knowledge, a b i l ity, o r Skills, page 25
N u menera u ses a twe nty- s i d ed d ie (1 d20) to activity re l at i n g to a t a s k , s u c h a s cl i m b i n g,
d eterm i n e the res u lts of most act i o n s . Whenever a geogra p h y, o r pers u a s ive n e s s . A c h a racte r w h o
roll of any k i n d is ca l led for a n d no d ie i s s pecifie d , h a s a s ki l l i s bette r at co m p leti n g re l ated tasks
ro l l a d 20. than a c h a racter w h o lacks t h e s ki l l . A c h a racte r' s
The game m a ster sets a difficulty fo r any given l evel of s ki l l i s e i t h e r trained (rea s o n a b l y s k i l led) o r Trained, page 86
Specialized, page 86
task. There a re 1 0 degrees of d ifficu lty. T h u s , the specialized (ve ry s k i l led) .
d i fficu lty of a task can be rated o n a sca l e of 1 to 1 0. I f you a re tra i ned i n a s ki l l re l ati n g to a task, yo u Difficulty, page 86
Each d ifficu lty h a s a target number associated with decrease the d i fficu lty of t h at task by o n e ste p. If you
it. The ta rget n u m be r i s always t h ree times the task's a re special ized , yo u decrease the d i fficu lty by two
d ifficu lty, so a d ifficu lty 4 task h a s a ta rget n u m be r of ste p s . A s k i l l can n ever d ecrease a task's d ifficu lty by
1 2 . To s u cceed at the task, you m u st ro l l t h e ta rget m o re t h a n two ste p s .
n u m be r or h i g h e r. Anyth i n g else that red uces d ifficu lty (help fro m a n
C h a racter s k i l l s , favo ra b l e c i rc u m sta nces, o r a l ly, a particu l a r p iece o f eq u i p ment, or some other

TASK DIFFICULTY
TAS K D I FFICU LTY D ESC R I PTION
0 Ro uti n e
Sim ple
2 Sta n d a rd
3 Demand ing
4 Difficult
5 Challenging
6 I nt i m i d ati n g
7 Fo rm i d a b l e
8 H e roic
9 I m mortal
10 I m possible
TARG ET NO. G U I DANCE
0 Anyo n e can d o this basica l ly eve ry time.
3 M ost peo p l e can d o this most of the time.
6 Typical task req u i ri n g focu s , but most peo p l e can u s u a l ly d o t h i s .
9 Req u i res fu l l atte ntion; m o s t peo p l e h ave a 50/50 c h a n ce t o s u ccee d .
12 Tra i n ed peo p l e h ave a 5 0 / 5 0 c h a n ce to s u cceed .
15 Eve n tra i ned peo p l e often fa i l .
18 N o r m a l peo p l e a l most n ever s u cceed .
21 I m po s s i b l e without s ki l l s or great effo rt.
24 A task worthy of tales told fo r years afterwa rd .
27 A task worthy of lege n d s t h at l a st l ifet i m e s .
30 A tas k that normal h u ma n s cou l d n 't consider (but o n e that doesn't break
the laws of p hysics) .

advantage} i s referred to as a n asset. Assets c a n neve r
d ecrease a task's d ifficu lty by more than two steps.
Yo u can a l s o d ecrease the d ifficu lty of a given task
Effort, page 2 7 by a p p lyi n g Effort. (Effo rt i s d e scri bed i n m o re d eta i l
i n C h a pter 8: R u l e s o f t h e G a m e . }
Armor, page 92
To s u m u p , th ree t h i ngs can d ecrease a task's
d ifficu lty: s k i l l s , a s sets, a n d Effo rt.
Combat will be an I f you can decrease a task's d ifficu lty to 0, yo u
important part of a utomatica l ly s u cceed a n d d o n 't need to m a ke a ro l l .
Numenerafor some
people. However, this is
your choice; Numenera
WHEN DO YOU ROLL?
doesn 't have to be a A n y t i m e yo u r c h a racte r atte m pts a t a s k , the G M
game about com bat. a s s i g n s a d i fficu lty to t h at task, a n d yo u ro l l a d20
aga i n st t h e associated ta rget n u m ber.
When yo u j u m p fro m a b u rn i n g ve h icle, swi n g a
battleaxe at a m utant beast, swi m across a rag i n g
Although the Ninth
river, i d e ntify a stra nge d evice, co nvince a m e rchant
World has many quasi
historical weapons and to give yo u a l ower p rice, craft a n object, u s e a powe r
armor like swords, spears, to control a foe's m i n d , or u s e a h eat- beam e m itte r
and chainmail, it also has to ca rve a h o l e i n a wa l l , yo u m a ke a d20 ro l l .
unique items like razor H owever, i f yo u atte m pt somet h i n g t h at h a s a
rings, which are bladed
d ifficu lty of 0, no ro l l is need ed-yo u automatica l ly
metal throwing weapons.
s u cceed . M a ny act i o n s h ave a d ifficu lty of O.
For more on the types Exa m p le s i n c l u d e wa l k i n g across the roo m a n d
of weapons that your open i n g a door, u s i n g a s peci a l a b i l ity t o negate
characters can use, see gravity so yo u can fly, u s i n g an a b i l ity to p rotect yo u r
Chapter 7: Equipment friend from rad i at i o n , o r activat i n g a d evice (t h at you
(page 77).
a l ready u n d e rsta nd) to e rect a fo rce fie l d . These a re
a l l rout i n e act i o n s a n d d o n ' t req u i re ro l l s .
Using ski l l , assets, a n d Effort, you can decrease the
d ifficu lty of potentially any task to 0 and thus negate the
need for a rol l . Walking across a narrow wooden beam is
tricky for most people, but for an experienced gym nast,
it' s routine. You can even decrease the d ifficu lty of an
attack on a foe to 0 and succeed without rol l i ng.
I f there' s no rol l , there' s no chance for fa i l u re.
H owever, there's also no cha nce for remarkable
success (in N u menera, that u s u a l ly mea n s rol l i n g a
1 9 or 20; see S pecial Rol l s in Chapter 8: Rules of the
Game) .
16
COMBAT
M a ki n g an attack in com bat works the same way as any
other rol l : the GM assigns a d ifficu lty to the tas k, and
you rol l a d20 aga i n st the associated target n u m ber.
The d ifficu lty of you r attack rol l depends on how
powerfu l you r opponent is. J u st as tasks h ave a d ifficu lty
from 1 to 1 0, creatures h ave a level from 1 to 1 0. M ost
of the time, the d ifficu lty of you r attack rol l is the same
as the creature's level. For exa m ple, if you attack a level
2 band it, it's a level 2 tas k, so you r target n u m ber i s 6.
It's worth n ot i n g t h at p l aye rs m a ke all d ie ro l l s . If
a c h a racte r attacks a creatu re, t h e p l aye r m a kes an
attack ro l l . I f a creatu re attacks a cha racter, t h e p l aye r
m a kes a d efe n s e ro l l .
T h e d a mage dealt b y a n attack i s not d ete r m i ned
by a ro l l-it' s a fl at n u m be r based o n the weapon
o r attack used . Fo r exa m p le , a spear always does 4
poi nts of d a m age.
You r Armor characteristic red uces the d amage you
take from attacks d i rected at you. You get Armor from
weari ng physical armor (such as a sturdy leather jerkin
or chain mail) or from s pecial abilities. Like weapon
damage, Armor is a flat n u m ber, not a rol l . I f you ' re
attacked , su btract you r Armor from the damage you
take. For exam ple, a leather jerki n gives you 1 poi nt of
Armor, meaning that you take 1 less point of damage
from attacks. If a bandit h its you with a knife for 2 poi nts
of damage while you ' re weari ng a leather jerki n , you
take only 1 point of damage. If you r Armor red uces the
damage from an attack to 0, you take no damage from
that attack.
When yo u see the word "Armor" capital ized i n
t h e game rules (other t h a n a s t h e n a m e o f a special
a b i l ity} , it refers to yo u r Armor cha racte ristic-th e
n u m be r yo u s u btract fro m i ncom i n g d a m age. When
yo u see t h e wo rd " a rmor" with a l owe rca se " a , " it
refers to any physical armor you m i ght wea r.
Typical physical wea pons co me i n t h ree catego ries:
l i ght, m ed i u m a n d heavy.
L I G H T WEAPONS i n fl ict o n l y 2 poi nts of d a m age,
but they red uce t h e d ifficu lty of the attack ro l l by one
step beca u s e they a re fast and easy to u se. Light
wea p o n s a re p u nches, kicks, c l u b s , kn ive s , h a n d axes ,
ra piers, a n d so o n . Wea p o n s t h at a re p a rticu l a rly
s m a l l a re l i ght wea p o n s .
M ED I U M WEAPO NS i n fl i ct 4 points of d a mage.
M ed i u m wea pons i n c l u d e swo rd s , battl eaxe s , maces,
cross bows, s pears, a n d so on. M ost wea pons a re
m ed i u m . Anyt h i n g t h at co u l d be u sed i n o n e h a n d
(even if it's often u sed i n two h a n d s , s uch a s a
q u a rterstaff or spear} i s a m ed i u m wea pon.
H EAVY WEAPONS i n fl ict 6 poi nts of d a m age, and
you m u st use two h a n d s to attack with them. H eavy
 LIME NE
HOW TO PLAY NUMENERA

weapons a re h u ge sword s , great h a m mers, mass ive GLOSSARY

axes, h a l berd s, heavy cross bows , and so o n . Anyt h i n g
that m u st be u sed i n two h a n d s i s a heavy wea pon.
BONUSES
Rarely, an abil ity or piece of eq u i pment does not decrease
a task's d ifficu lty but i n stead add s a bon us to the die rol l .
Bon u ses always a d d together, so if you get a + 1 bon us
from two d ifferent sources, you have a +2 bonus. If you
get enough bon u ses to add up to a +3 bon us for a task,
treat it as an asset: i n stead of add ing the bon u s to you r
rol l , decrease t h e d ifficu lty b y o n e step. Therefore, you
never add more than + 1 or +2 to a die rol l .
Game M aster (G M ) : The p l ayer who does n ' t run a cha racter, but i n stead
g u i d e s the fl ow of the story (and r u n s all the N PCs) .
Non-Player Character (N PC) : Cha racte rs ru n by t h e G M . Th i n k of them a s
the m i n o r c h a racte rs i n the sto ry, o r the v i l l a i n s o r o p p o n e n t s . T h i s i n c l u d e s
any k i n d o f creatu re as we l l a s peo p l e .
Party: A gro u p of p l aye r c h a racte rs (a n d perh a p s some N PC a l l ies) .
Player Character ( PC): A c h a racte r ru n by a p l aye r rat h e r t h a n t h e G M . T h i n k
o f t h e m as t h e m a i n c h a racters i n t h e sto ry.

SPECIAL ROLLS Player: The players who run characters i n the game.
When you rol l a natural 1 9 (the d20 shows " 1 9") and
the rol l i s a success, you also have a m i nor effect. I n Session: A s i n g l e p l ay experience. U s u a l ly l a sts a few h o u rs . Somet i m e s o n e
com bat, a m i nor effect inflicts 3 additional poi nts of adventure can be acco m p l i shed i n a s e s s i o n . M o re ofte n , o n e adventure i s
damage with you r attack, or, if you'd prefer a s pecial m u lt i p l e s e s s i o n s .
res u lt, you cou l d decide i n stead that you knock the foe
back, d i stract h i m , or someth i n g s i m i l ar. When not i n Adventu re: A s i n gle portion o f the ca m p a i g n w i t h a begi n n i n g a n d a n e n d .
com bat, a m i nor effect could mean that you perform U s u a l ly d efined a t the begi n n i n g b y some g o a l put fo rth b y the P C s a n d at
the action with particular grace. For example, when the end by whether o r n ot they ach ieve t h at goa l .
j u m p i n g down from a ledge, you land s moot h ly on you r
feet, or when tryi ng t o pers uade someone, you convince Cam paign: T h i s i s a series o f ses s i o n s stru n g together with a n ove ra rc h i n g
her that you ' re smarter than you rea l ly a re. I n other story ( o r l i n ked sto ries) with the s a m e c h a racters. Ofte n , b u t n ot a lways , a
word s, you not o n ly succeed but also go a bit fu rther. ca m pa i g n i nvolves a n u m be r of adventures.
When you rol l a natural 20 (th e d20 s h ows "20")
and the rol l i s a success, you also h ave a major effect. Character: Anyt h i n g t h at can act i n t h e game. While this i n c l u d e s PCs
T h i s is s i m i l a r to a m i nor effect, but the res u lts a re a n d h u m a n N PCs, it a l so tec h n ica l ly i nc l u d e s creat u res, a l i e n s , m utants,
more re m a rka ble. I n com bat, a major effect i n fl icts a uto m ato n s , a n i m ate p l a nts, a n d so o n . The wo rd "creat u re" i s u s u a l ly
4 additional poi nts of d a m age with you r attack, but synonym o u s .
aga i n , you can choose i n stead to i ntrod uce a d ramatic
eve nt such as knocki n g d own you r foe, stu n n i n g h i m ,
or taki n g a n extra action. Outs ide o f com bat, a major
effect means that somet h i n g beneficial happens based
on the circu m stance. Fo r exa m ple, when cl i m b i n g up
For more information o n
a cliff wa l l , you make the ascent twice as fast. When a special rolls a n d how they
rol l grants you a major effect, yo u can choose to use a affect combat and other
m i nor effect i n stead if you p refe r. interactions, see page 88.
I n co m bat (a nd o n ly i n co mbat) . if you rol l a natural
1 7 o r 1 8 on you r attack ro l l , you add 1 or 2 additional
poi nts of d a mage, res pectively. N e ither rol l h a s any
s pecial effect option s-j u st the extra d a m age.
Rol l i n g a natural 1 i s a lways bad . I t means that the
GM i ntrod uces a new com p l ication i nto the enco u nter.

Distance, page 89
RANGE AND SPEED
D i stance i s s i m p l ified i nto t h ree catego ries:
i m m ed i ate, s h o rt, a n d long.

I M M EDIATE D ISTANCE fro m a c h a racte r i s with i n

reach o r with i n a few ste p s . I f a c h a racte r sta n d s
i n a s m a l l roo m , eve ryt h i n g i n the roo m i s with i n
i m m ed i ate d i stance. At most, i m m ed i ate d i stance i s
l O feet ( 3 m) .

People of the Ninth World
have units of measurement
very different from our
own. When converting
these to U. S. standard and
metric units, we've used
approximations rather than
precise conversions for ease
of use.
Nano, page 32
Onslaught, page 35
Cypher, page 278
Abhuman, page 7 3
Experience points, page 7 08
GM intrusion, page 88
A dG is used most often for
recovery rolls (page 94) and
to determine the effects of
numenera devices (Part 6,
page 275) .
SHORT DISTANCE is anyt h i n g greater than i m med iate player and justify the gift (perhaps the other player had a
d i stance but less than 50 feet (1 5 m) or so. good idea, told a funny joke, performed an action that saved
a life, and so on) .
LONG DISTANCE is anyth i n g greater than short Alternatively, the player can refuse the G M i ntrusion.
d i stance but less than 1 00 feet (30 m) or so. (Beyond l f he does so, he doesn't get the 2 XP from the G M ,
that range, d i stances are always s pecified-500 feet a n d he m u st also spend 1 X P that he a l ready has. I f the
[1 52 m], a m i l e [1 .6 km], and so on.) player has no XP to spend, he ca n't refuse the i ntrusion.
The GM can also
The idea i s that it's not give players XP between
necessary to measure sessions as a reward for
p recise d i stances. In Numenera, players make all die recoveri n g i nteresti n g
I m med i ate d i stance is rolls. If a character attacks a creature, artifacts or making
right there, p ractica l ly next the player makes an attack roll. If d i scoveries d u ri n g an
to the cha racter. Short a creature attacks a character, the adventure. You don't
d i stance is nearby. Lon g player makes a defense roll. earn XP for ki l l i n g foes
d i stance i s farther off. or overco m i n g standard
Al l weapons and s pecial abilities use these term s for challenges in the cou rse of play. Discovery is the soul of
ranges. For example, all melee weapons have i m med iate N u menera.
range-they are close-com bat weapons, and you can use Experience points are used pri mari ly for character
them to attack anyone with i n i m med iate d i stance of you. advancement (for details, see Chapter 3: Creating You r
A th rown knife (and most other th rown weapons) has Character, page 20) , b u t a player can also s pend 1 XP to
short range. A bow has long range. A nano's Onslaught reroll any d ie rol l and take the better of the two rolls.
abil ity also has short range.
A cha racter can move a n i m med i ate d i stance as CYPHERS
part of another action. I n other word s , he can take A s explai ned i n Chapter 1 : Welcome t o t h e N i nth World,
a few steps ove r to the control panel and activate a cyphers are a type of n u menera that have a si ngle minor
switch. He can l u nge across a s m a l l roo m to attack a use. A character can carry cyphers and use them d u ring
foe. He can open a door and ste p t h rough. the game. You can't bear many cyphers at a time because
A c h a racter can m ove a s h o rt d i stance a s h i s a large n u m ber of these wei rd items emit rad iation or
entire action fo r a t u r n . H e c a n a l so try t o move a dangerous chemicals that don't m ix wel l . G atheri ng
l o n g d i stance as h i s entire act i o n , but the p l ayer cyphers together i n one place i s extraord inarily u n healthy.
m i ght h ave to ro l l to see if the c h a racte r s l i p s , tri p s , Characters wi l l find new cyphers freq uently in the
o r stu m b l e s a s t h e res u lt of mov i n g so fa r so q u i ckly. cou rse of play, so players shouldn't hesitate to use their
For example, ifthe PCs are fighti ng a group of cypher abilities. Because cyphers are always d ifferent, the
abhumans, any character can l i kely attack any abhuman characters will always have new special powers to try.
i n the general melee--they're all with i n i m med iate There a re two k i n d s of cyp hers: anoetic and occultic.
range. Exact position s aren't i m portant. Creatu res i n
a fight are always movi ng, sh ifting, a n d ANOETIC CYPH E RS a re s i m p l e to u s e : a p i l l to
jostl ing, anyway. However, if one swa l l ow, a s m a l l h a n d h e l d d evice with a switch to
abhuman stayed back to use h i s fl i p, o r a bo m b to th row.
cross bow, a character might have t o u s e
her enti re action t o move t h e short d i stance req u i red OCC U LTIC CYPH E RS a re m o re co m p lex a n d m o re
to attack that foe. It doesn 't matter if the abhuman is 20 d a n ge ro u s , but t h ey often h ave bette r a n d m o re
feet (6 m) or 40 feet (1 2 m) away-it's sim ply considered i nterest i n g effects . An occu ltic cyp h e r counts as two
short d i stance. It does matter if he's more than 50 feet cyp h e rs for the p u rpose of d eterm i n i n g h ow many
(1 5 m) away because that d i stance would requ i re a long yo u can bear at t h e same time.
move.
OTHER DJCE
EXPERJENCE POJNTS In add ition to a d20, you ' l l need a d6 (a six-sided d ie) .
Experience points (XP) are rewards given to players when Rarely, you ' l l need to rol l a n u m ber between 1 and 1 00
the GM intrudes on the story (this is called GM intrusion) (often cal led a d l OO or d% roll) , which you can do by
with a new and unexpected chal lenge. For example, in the rol l i n g a d20 twice, using the last d igit of the first rol l as
middle ofcombat, the GM might inform the player that the "tens" place and the last d igit of the second rol l as
he d rops his weapon. However, to intrude in this manner, the "ones" place. For exam ple, rol l i n g a 1 7 and a 9 gives
the G M must award the player 2 XP. The rewarded player, you 79, rol l i n g a 3 and an 1 8 gives you 38, and rol l i n g a
in turn, must immed iately give one of those XP to another 20 and a 1 0 gives you 00 (also known as 1 00) . If you have
18
Chapter 3 : Creating Your Character 20

Chapter 4: Character Type 26

Chapter 5 : Character Descriptor 47

Chapter 6: Character Focus 52

Chapter 7 : Equipment 77
 CHAPTER 3
CREATING YOU R
CHARACTER
h i s section exp l a i n s h ow to create c h a racters
T to p l ay in a N u menera game. T h i s i nvolves
a series of deci s i o n s t h at wi l l s h a pe yo u r
cha racter, so t h e m o re yo u u n d e rsta n d w h at k i n d
o f c h a racter yo u w a n t t o p l ay, t h e easier c h a racte r
creation wi l l be. The p roce s s i nvolves u n d e rsta n d i n g
the v a l u e s o f t h ree g a m e stat i stics a n d choos i n g
th ree as pects t h at d eterm i n e yo u r c h a racte r's
ca p a b i l ities.
CHARACTER STATS
Eve ry p l aye r c h a racter h a s t h ree d efi n i n g
c h a racte ristics, w h i c h a re typ i ca l ly ca l l ed " stat i stics"
o r " stats . " T h e s e stats a re M i ght, S peed , and
I nte l l ect. T h ey a re b road categories t h at cove r m a ny
d i fferent b u t re l ated a s pects of a c h a racter.
Might could be thought
of as Might/Health M IG HT: M i ght defines how strong and d u rable you r
because it governs how
characte r i s . T h e concepts o f strength , end u rance,
strong you are and
how much physical constitution, h a rd i ness, a n d physical p rowess are a l l
punishment you can take. folded i nto t h i s o n e stat. M i ght i s n 't rel ative t o s ize;
i n stead , it' s a n absol ute mea s u rement. An elephant
has more M i ght than the m i ghtiest tiger, which has
more M i ght than the m i ghtiest rat, which has more
M i ght than the m i ghtiest spider.
Speed could be thought M i ght gove rns act i o n s fro m fo rci n g doors
of as Speed/Agility
open to wa l k i n g fo r d ays without food to res isti n g
because it governs your
overall swiftness and d i sease. I t ' s a l s o t h e p r i m a ry mea n s o f d eterm i n i n g
reflexes. h ow m uch d a m age yo u r c h a racte r c a n s u sta i n i n
a d a ngero u s situat i o n . Physical c h a racte rs, tough
c h a racters, a n d c h a racters i nterested i n fight i n g
s h o u l d fo c u s o n M i ght.
Intellect could be thought
SPEED: S peed describes h ow fast and phys ically
of as Intellect/Personality
because it governs coord i n ated yo u r c h a racte r i s . The stat e m bodies
both intelligence and q u ickn e s s , m ove m e nt, d exte rity, a n d reflexes .
charisma. S peed gove rns s u c h d iverge nt act i o n s as d od g i n g
attacks, s n e a k i n g a ro u n d q u ietly, a n d t h rowi n g a
b a l l accu rate ly. It h e l p s d eterm i n e whet h e r yo u can
m ove fa rt h e r o n yo u r turn. N i m b le, fast, o r s n e a ky
cha racters wi l l want good S peed stats, as wi l l those
i nterested i n ran ged co m bat.
I NTELLECT: T h i s stat d eterm i n e s h ow s m a rt,
knowl edgea b l e , a n d l i ka b l e yo u r c h a racter is. It
i n c l udes i nte l l i ge n ce, w i s d o m , c h a r i s m a , e d u cati o n ,
reason i n g, w i t , wi l l powe r, a n d charm. I nte l l ect
gove rns solvi n g puzzles, re m e m beri n g facts,
tel l i n g convi n c i n g l ie s , a n d u s i n g mental powe rs.
C h a racte rs i nterested i n com m u n icat i n g effect ively,
be i n g learned scholars, a n d wie l d i n g t h e n u m e n e ra
s h o u l d stre s s t h e i r I nte l l ect stat.
POOL, EDGE, AND EFFORT
Each of these stats h a s two co m ponents: yo u r Pool
and yo u r E d ge. Yo u r Pool re p resents yo u r raw, i n n ate
a b i l ity, a n d you r E d ge re p resents know i n g h ow to
use what yo u h ave. A t h i rd element ties i nto t h i s
concept: Effort. W h e n yo u r c h a racte r rea l l y need s to
acco m p l i s h a task, yo u a p p l y Effort.
Pool
You r Pool is the most basic mea s u rement of a stat.
Comparing the Pools of two creatures will give you a
general sense of wh ich creatu re is s u perior in that stat.
For exa m ple, a character who has a M ight Pool of 1 6 i s
stronger (in a b a s i c sen se) than a character w h o has a
M ight Pool of l 2. M ost characters start with a Pool of
9 to 1 2 in most stats-that' s the average ra nge.
When yo u r c h a racte r i s i n j u red , s ickened, or
attacked , you te m porarily lose poi nts from one of
yo u r stat Poo l s . The n at u re of the attack d eterm i n e s
which P o o l l o s e s p o i n t s . Fo r exa m p l e, physical
d a m age from a swo rd red uces yo u r M i ght Poo l , a
poison t h at m a kes yo u cl u m sy red uces yo u r S peed
Poo l , and a p s i o n i c b l a st red u ces yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l .
Yo u c a n a l s o s p e n d poi nts fr o m o n e o f yo u r stat
Poo l s to decrease a task's d ifficu lty (see Effo rt, n ext
page) . You can rest to rega i n lost poi nts fro m a stat
Pool (see Recove ri n g Po i nts in a Poo l , page 94) , a n d
some s p e c i a l a b i l ities o r n u m e n e ra m i ght a l l ow you
to recove r lost poi nts q u ickly.
Edge
Although you r Pool is the basic meas u rement of a stat,
you r Edge is also i m portant. When somet h i n g req u i res

you to spend poi nts from a stat Pool, you r Edge for
that stat red uces the cost. It also red uces the cost of
applying Effort to a rol l .
For exa m ple, let' s say you h ave a mental bl ast abil ity,
and activating it costs 1 point from you r I ntel l ect Pool .
S u btract you r I ntel lect Edge from the activation cost,
and the res u lt is how many poi nts you m u st spend to
use the mental blast. If u s i n g you r Edge red uces the
cost to 0, you can use the abil ity for free.
Yo u r E d ge can be d i ffe rent fo r each stat. Fo r
exa m p l e , yo u co u l d h ave a M i ght E d ge of 1 , a S peed
E d ge of l , and a n I nte l l ect E d ge of O. Yo u ' l l a l ways
h ave an E d ge of at least 1 in one stat. Yo u r E d ge
fo r a stat red uces t h e cost of s pe n d i n g p o i n t s fro m
t h at stat Poo l , but not fro m oth e r Poo l s . Yo u r M i ght
E d ge red uces t h e cost of s p e n d i n g p o i nts fro m yo u r
M i ght Poo l , but i t d o e s n ' t affect yo u r S peed Pool o r
I nte l l ect Poo l . O n ce a stat ' s E d ge reach e s 3 , yo u can
apply o n e l evel of Effort fo r free .
A character who has a l o w M ight Pool b u t a h igh
M ight Edge has the potential to perform M ight actions
con s i stently better than a character who has a M ight
Edge ofO. The h i gh Edge will let her red uce the cost
of spen d i n g points from the Pool, which mea n s she'll
h ave more poi nts available to spend on applyi n g Effort.
Effort
W h e n yo u r c h a ract e r re a l ly n eed s to acco m p l i s h
a t a s k , yo u c a n a p p l y E ffo rt. Fo r a b e g i n n i n g
c h a ract e r, a p p lyi n g E ffo rt req u i re s s p e n d i n g 3
LIME NE
CREATING YOUR CHARACTER
Every character starts the game at the first tier. Tier is a
measurement ofpower, toughness, and ability. Characters
can advance up to the sixth tier.
p o i nts fro m t h e stat Pool a p p ro p r i ate to t h e act i o n .
Your stat Pools, a s well
T h u s , i f yo u r c h a ract e r t r i e s to d o d ge a n attack ( a
as your Effort and Edge,
S peed ro l l ) a n d w a n t s to i n crease t h e c h a n ce fo r are determined by the
s u cce s s , you c a n a p p ly E ffo rt b y s p e n d i n g 3 p o i n t s character type, descriptor,
fro m yo u r S peed Poo l . E ffo rt l owers t h e d i fficu l ty and focus that you choose.
of t h e ta s k by o n e ste p . T h i s i s ca l l ed a p p lyi n g o n e Within those guidelines,
however, you have a lot
level of E ffo rt .
offlexibility in how you
Yo u d o n ' t h ave to a p p l y Effort if yo u d o n 't w a n t to. develop your character.
I f you choose to a p p l y Effort to a task, you m u st do
it before you atte m pt the ro l l-yo u ca n't ro l l fi rst a n d
t h e n d e c i d e t o a p p l y Effort if y o u ro l l ed poorly.
A p p lyi n g m o re E ffo rt ca n l ower a t a s k' s d i fficu l ty
fu rt h e r: each a d d it i o n a l level of E ffo rt red uces t h e
d i fficu l ty b y a n o t h e r ste p . A p p l y i n g o n e level o f
E ffo rt l owers t h e d i ffi c u l ty b y o n e ste p , a p p l yi n g
two leve l s l owers t h e d i fficu l ty b y two ste p s , a n d
s o o n . H oweve r, e a c h level of E ffo rt after t h e fi rst
costs o n l y 2 p o i nts fro m the stat Pool i n stead of
3. S o a p p l y i n g two leve l s of E ffo rt costs 5 p o i n t s
(3 fo r t h e fi rst l e v e l p l u s 2 fo r t h e s e c o n d leve l ) ,
a p p ly i n g t h ree leve l s costs 7 p o i nts (3 p l u s 2 p l u s
2) , a n d s o o n .

MAKING ATTACKS
When applying Effort to
melee attacks, you have the
option ofspending points
from either your Might Pool
or your Speed Pool. When
making ranged attacks,
you may only spend points
from your Speed Pool. This
reflects that with melee you
sometimes use bruteforce
and sometimes usefinesse,
but with ranged attacks,
it's always about careful
targeting.
For information on
additional types ofdamage,
see Damage Track, page
93, and Special Damage,
page 94.
Broken hound, page 232
Flash, page 37
Eve ry c h a racter h a s a n Effort score, which
i n d icates the m axi m u m n u m be r of l eve l s of Effort
t h at can be a p p l ied to a ro l l . A begi n n i n g (fi rst-
tier) c h a racte r h a s an Effort of 1 , m ea n i n g yo u
can a p p l y o n ly o n e l evel of Effort to a ro l l . A m o re
experienced c h a racte r h a s a h i gher Effort score a n d
can a p p l y more leve l s o f Effort t o a ro l l . Fo r exa m p l e,
a c h a racte r who h a s a n Effort of 3 can a p p ly u p to
th ree l eve l s of Effort to red u ce a task's d ifficu lty.
When yo u a p p ly Effo rt, s u btract yo u r rel eva nt E d ge
fro m the total cost of a p p l y i n g Effort. Fo r exa m p l e,
l et' s say yo u need to m a ke a S peed ro l l . To i ncrease
yo u r c h a n ce fo r s ucce s s , yo u decide to a p p l y one
l evel of Effort, which wi l l red u ce the d ifficu lty of the
task by one ste p . N o r m a l ly, t h at wo u l d cost 3 poi nts
fro m yo u r S peed Poo l . H owever, yo u h ave a S peed
E d ge of 2 , so yo u s u btract t h at fro m the cost. T h u s ,
a p p lyi n g Effort t o t h e ro l l costs o n ly 1 p o i n t fro m
yo u r S peed Poo l .
What if yo u a p p l ied two l eve l s o f Effort to t h e
S peed ro l l i n stead of j u st o n e ? That wo u l d red uce
the d ifficu lty of the task by two ste p s . N o r m a l ly, it
wo u l d cost 5 poi nts from yo u r S peed Poo l , but afte r
s u btract i n g yo u r S peed E d ge of 2 , it costs o n ly 3
points.
O n ce a stat ' s Edge reaches 3 , yo u can a p p l y o n e
l evel of Effort fo r free. Fo r exa m p l e, if y o u h ave a
S peed E d ge of 3 a n d yo u a p p l y o n e l evel of Effort to
a S peed ro l l , it costs you 0 poi nts fro m yo u r S peed
Poo l . ( N o r m a l ly, a p p lyi n g one l evel of Effort wo u l d
cost 3 points, but y o u s u btract you r S peed E d ge
fro m t h at cost, red u c i n g it to 0.)
S k i l l s a n d ot h e r advantages also d ecrease a task's
d ifficu lty, a n d yo u can u s e t h e m i n co n j u nction with
Effort. In addi t i on, you r c h a racte r m i ght h ave s peci a l
a b i l ities o r e q u i pment t h at a l l ow y o u to a p p l y Effort
to acco m p l i s h a special effect, s u c h as knocki n g
d own a foe with a n attack o r affect i n g m u lt i p l e
ta rgets w i t h a powe r t h at n o r m a l l y affects o n ly o n e .
Effort and Damage
I n stead of a p p lyi n g Effort to red u ce the d ifficu lty
of yo u r attack, yo u can a p p l y Effort to i n crease t h e
a m o u nt of d a m age yo u i n fl ict w i t h a n attack. For
each l evel of Effort you a p p l y in t h i s way, you i nfl ict 3
add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age. Th i s works for any k i n d
o f attack t h at i n fl i cts d a mage, whet h e r a swo rd , a
cross bow, a m i n d b l a st, or someth i n g e l se.
W h e n u s i n g Effo rt to i n crease t h e d a m age of
a n a rea attack, s u c h a s t h e exp l o s i o n created
by a n a n o ' s F l a s h a b i l ity, you i nfl i ct 2 a d d i t i o n a l
p o i n t s of d a m age i n stead o f 3 p o i n t s . H oweve r,
t h e a d d i t i o n a l p o i n t s a re d e a l t to a l l ta rgets i n t h e
area. Fu rt h e r, eve n if o n e o r m o re of t h e ta rgets i n
t h e a rea re s i st t h e attack, yo u sti l l i n fl i ct 1 poi nt o f
d a m age to t h e m .
Multiple Uses of Effort and Edge
If yo u r Effort i s 2 or h i gher, you can a p p l y Effort to
m u lt i p l e a s pects of a s i ngle act i o n . For exa m p l e,
if you m a ke a n attack, you can a p p l y Effort to yo u r
attack ro l l a n d a p p ly Effort t o i n crease t h e d a m age.
The total a m o u nt of Effort yo u apply can't be
h i gher than yo u r Effort score. Fo r exa m p l e, if yo u r
Effort i s 2 , yo u can a p p l y u p t o two l eve l s o f Effort.
Yo u co u l d a p p l y o n e l eve l to an attack ro l l a n d o n e
l evel to its d a m age, two leve l s to t h e attack a n d n o
l eve l s to the d a m age, o r n o l eve l s to the attack a n d
two l eve l s t o the d a m age.
Yo u can use E d ge fo r a partic u l a r stat o n ly o n ce
per act i o n . Fo r exa m p l e , if yo u a p p l y Effort to a M i ght
attack ro l l a n d to yo u r d a m age, you can u s e yo u r
M i ght Edge t o red u ce t h e cost o f o n e o f those u s e s
of Effort, n ot bot h . I f y o u s pe n d 1 I nte l l ect point t o
activate yo u r m i n d b l ast a n d o n e l evel of Effort t o
decrease t h e d ifficu lty of t h e attack ro l l , yo u can u s e
yo u r I nte l l ect E d ge to red u ce t h e cost of o n e of t h o s e
t h i n gs , n ot bot h .
STAT EXAMPLES
A begi n n i n g c h a racte r i s fight i n g a creatu re ca l l ed
a b roken h o u n d . She sta b s her s pear at the b ro ke n
h o u n d , which is a l evel 2 creatu re a n d t h u s h a s a
ta rget n u m be r of 6. The c h a racte r sta n d s atop a
bou l d e r a n d stri kes d ownward at the beast, a n d
the G M rules t h at t h i s h e l pfu l tactic i s a n asset t h at
decreases the d ifficu lty by o n e step (to d i fficu lty 1 ) .
T h at l owers the ta rget n u m be r to 3 . Attacki n g with
a s pear i s a M i ght act i o n ; t h e c h a racte r has a M i ght
Pool of 1 1 a n d a M i ght Edge of 0. Before m a k i n g
the ro l l , s h e decides t o a p p l y a level o f Effort to
decrease the d ifficu lty of the attack. T h at costs 3
poi nts fro m h e r M i ght Poo l , red uci n g t h e Pool to 8.
But they a p pear to be poi nts we l l s pent. Applyi n g the
Effort l owers the d ifficu lty fro m 1 to 0, so no ro l l is
need ed-t h e attack a utomatica l ly s u cceed s .
Anot h e r c h a racte r i s atte m pti n g t o convi nce a
g u a rd to l et h i m i nto a p rivate office to speak to
an i n fl uential noble. The G M rules t h at t h i s i s a n
I nte l l ect act i o n . The c h a racte r i s t h i rd tier a n d h a s

an Effort of 3 , an I nte l l ect Pool of l 3 , a n d an I nte l l ect
E d ge of 1 . Before m a k i n g the rol l , he m u st decide
whet h e r to a p p l y Effort. H e can choose to a p p l y one,
two, o r th ree l eve l s of Effo rt, o r a p p l y none at a l l .
Th i s action i s i m porta nt t o h i m , so h e decides to
a p p l y two l eve l s of Effort, decrea s i n g the d ifficu lty
by two ste p s . T h a n ks to h i s I nte l l ect E d ge, a p p lyi n g
the Effort costs o n ly 4 poi nts fr o m h i s I nte l l ect Pool
(3 poi nts fo r the fi rst l evel of Effort p l u s 2 poi nts
fo r t h e seco n d l evel m i n u s 1 point fo r h i s Ed ge) .
S p e n d i n g those poi nts red uces h i s I nte l l ect Pool to
9. The G M decides t h at convi n c i n g t h e g u a rd i s a
d i fficu lty 3 (d e m a n d i n g) task with a ta rget n u m be r
of 9; a p p lyi n g two leve l s of Effo rt red uces the
d ifficu lty to 1 (s i m p le) a n d the ta rget n u m be r to 3.
The p l aye r ro l l s a d20 a n d gets a n 8 . Beca u s e t h i s
res u lt i s a t least eq u a l t o the ta rget n u m be r o f t h e
task, h e s u cceed s . H oweve r, if h e had n ot a p p l ied
some Effort, h e wo u l d h ave fa i led beca u s e his ro l l (8)
wo u l d h ave been less t h a n the task's o ri g i n a l ta rget
n u m be r (9) .
CHARACTER TIERS
AND BENEFITS
Eve ry c h a racter starts the game at the fi rst tier.
Tier i s a meas u rement of powe r, tough n e s s , a n d
a b i l ity. C h a racters can adva n ce u p t o the s ixth tier.
As yo u r c h a racter adva n ces to h i g h e r tiers, yo u
ga i n more a b i l ities, i n crease yo u r Effort, a n d can
i m p rove a stat ' s E d ge o r i n crease a stat. G e n e ra l ly
s peaking, eve n fi rst tier cha racte rs a re a l ready q u ite
ca pable. I t ' s safe to a s s u m e t h at t h ey've a l ready
LIME NE
CREATING Yat!IA\IGM2lR.}\CCTl?R
Skills are a broad
got some experience u n d e r t h e i r belt. Th i s i s n ot a
category ofthings your
"zero to h e ro" p rogre s s i o n , but rat h e r an i n sta n ce character can learn and
of com pete nt peo p l e refi n i n g a n d h o n i n g t h e i r accomplish. For a list
ca p a b i l ities a n d knowledge. Adva n c i n g t o h i g h e r tiers ofsample skills, see the
is n ot rea l ly the "goa l " of N u m e n e ra c h a racte rs, but Skills sidebar on page 25.
rather a re p rese ntation of h ow c h a racte rs progre s s
i n a sto ry.
To progress to the next tier, cha racters earn
experience points (XP) by goi n g on adventures and
d i scovering new th i n gs-the N i nth World i s about
d i scovery of the past and what it means for the future.
Experience poi nts h ave many uses, and one use i s
t o p u rchase character benefits. After you r character
p u rchases four character benefits, he or she goes u p
t o t h e next tier. Each benefit costs 4 X P , and you ca n
p u rchase them in any order, but you m u st p u rchase
one of each kind of benefit (after which you advance to
the next tier) before you can p u rchase the same benefit
aga i n . The four character benefits are as fol lows.
I N C REAS I N G CAPAB I LITI ES: Yo u g a i n 4 poi nts to
add to yo u r stat Poo l s . You can a l l ocate the poi nts
a m o n g the Poo l s h owever you w i s h .
M OV I N G TOWARD PERFECTI O N : Yo u add 1 t o yo u r
M i ght Edge, yo u r S peed E d ge, o r you r I nte l l ect E d ge
(yo u r choice) .
EXTRA E F FO RT: Yo u r Effort score i n creases by 1 .
S K I LLS: Yo u beco m e t ra i n e d i n o n e s k i l l of yo u r
c h o i ce , ot h e r t h a n attacks o r d e fe n s e . A s d e s c r i bed
in the C h a pter 8 : R u l e s of the G a m e (page 84) , a
 c h a ra ct e r t ra i n e d in a
s k i l l treats t h e d i fficu lty
of a rel ated t a s k a s o n e "/ am a [fill in an
s t e p l owe r t h a n n o rm a l .
T h e s ki l l yo u c h o o s e
fo r t h i s b e n efit c a n be
a n yt h i n g you wi s h , s u c h
a s c l i m b i n g , j u m p i n g, p e rs u a d i n g , o r s n e a k i n g .
Yo u c a n a l s o c h o o s e to be knowled ge a b l e i n a
certa i n a rea of l o re , s u c h as h i story o r geo l o gy. Yo u
c a n eve n c h o o s e a s k i l l b a s e d o n yo u r c h a racte r' s
s pe c i a l a b i l it i e s . For exa m p l e , if yo u r c h a racte r
c a n m a ke a n I n te l l ect ro l l to b l a st a n e n e m y with
Glaive, page 26 mental fo rce, you c a n beco m e t ra i n e d in u s i n g
jack, page 40
t h at a b i l ity, treat i n g its d i fficu lty a s o n e step l ower
Nano, page 32
t h a n n o r m a l . I f you choose a s k i l l t h at you a re
a l ready t ra i n e d i n , yo u beco m e s pe c i a l ized i n t h at
s k i l l , red u ci n g t h e d i fficu lty of re l ated t a s k s by two
ste p s i n stead of o n e .
P l ayers c a n a l so s p e n d 4 X P t o p u rchase oth e r
s pecial opti o n s i n l i e u o f ga i n i n g a n ew s ki l l .
Character descriptor, page 47
Select i n g a n y o f these opti o n s co u nts a s t h e s ki l l
benefit nece s s a ry t o adva n ce t o t h e n ext tier. The
s pecial opti o n s a re a s fo l lows:
Red u ce t h e cost fo r wea r i n g armor. This option
l owers the M i ght cost by l and l owers the S peed
red uction by l .
Characterfocus, page 52 Add 2 to yo u r recovery ro l l s .
Fighting moves, page 29 I f yo u ' re a g l a ive, sel ect a n ew fight i n g move. The
m ove m u st be fro m yo u r tier o r a l ower tier.
If yo u ' re a n a n o , sel ect a n ew esotery. The esotery
Esoteries, page 35
m u st be fro m yo u r tier or a l ower tier.
Tricks of the trade, page 42 If yo u ' re a jack, sel ect a n ew trick of t h e trade. The
trick m u st be fro m yo u r tier o r a l ower tier.
Onslaught, page 35 CHARACTER DESCRIPTOR,
TYPE, AND FOCUS
To create yo u r c h a racte r, yo u b u i l d a s i m p l e
state ment t h at describes h i m o r h e r. T h e state ment
takes this form: "I a m a [fi l l i n a n adjective h e re] [fi l l
i n a n o u n h e re] w h o [fi l l i n a verb h e re] . "
Th u s : " I a m a n adjective noun w h o verbs." Fo r
exa m ple, yo u m i ght say, " I am a Ru gged g l a ive who
Co ntro l s Beasts" o r "I a m a C h a rm i n g n a n o who
Focuses M i n d ove r M atte r. "
I n t h i s sentence, t h e adject ive i s ca l l ed yo u r
descriptor.
The noun is yo u r c h a racte r type.
The verb i s ca l l ed yo u r focu s .
Eve n though c h a racte r type i s i n the m i d d l e of the
se ntence, that's where we' l l sta rt this d i sc u s s i o n .
(J ust as i n a sentence, t h e n o u n p rovides t h e
fo u n d ation.)
C h a racter type i s t h e core of yo u r c h a racter. I n
adjecti11e here] [fill in a noun here] who
[fill in a 11erb here]. "
s o m e ro l e p l ayi n g g a m e s , i t m i ght b e ca l l ed yo u r
c h a racte r c l a s s . Yo u r type h e l p s d eterm i n e yo u r
c h a racte r's p l ace i n t h e world a n d re lat i o n s h i p with
ot h e r peo p l e i n t h e sett i n g . It's t h e noun of the
sentence "I a m a n adjective noun who verbs. "
Yo u can choose from th ree c h a racte r types: g l a ive,
jack, a n d n a n o.
Descri ptor defines yo u r c h a racte r-it fl avors
eve ryt h i n g yo u do. Yo u r descri ptor p l aces yo u r
c h a racter i n t h e s ituation (th e fi rst adventu re, which
starts the campaign) a n d helps p rovide m otivat i o n .
I t ' s the adj ective of the se ntence " I a m a n adjective
noun who verbs."
Yo u can choose from twe lve c h a racte r descri ptors .
Focu s is what you r character does best. Focus gives
you r character specificity and provides i nteresti n g new
abil ities that m ight come in handy. You r focus also
helps you understa nd how you rel ate with the other
player characters i n you r group. It's the verb of the
sentence "I am a n at:fjective noun who verbs. "
There a re many c h a racte r foci to choose fro m .
SPECIAL ABILITIES
C h a racter types and foci grant PCs s peci a l a b i l it i e s
at each new t i e r. U s i n g t h e s e a b i l it i e s u s u a l ly costs
p o i n t s fro m yo u r stat Poo l s ; the cost i s l i sted i n
parentheses after t h e a b i l ity n a m e . Yo u r E d ge i n
t h e a p p ro p r i ate stat c a n red uce t h e cost o f t h e
a b i l ity, b u t re m e m be r t h at yo u can a p p ly E d ge o n l y
o n ce per act i o n . F o r exa m p l e , l et ' s say a n a n o w i t h
a n I nte l l ect E d ge of 2 wants to u s e h i s O n s l a u ght
a b i l ity to create a bolt of fo rce, which costs l
I nte l l ect p o i nt. H e a l s o wants to i n crease t h e
d a m age fro m t h e attack by u s i n g a l evel of Effo rt,
which costs 3 I nte l l ect points. T h e tot a l cost fo r h i s
act i o n i s 2 p o i nts fro m h i s I nte l l ect Pool ( l p o i n t
fo r t h e bolt o f fo rce p l u s 3 p o i n t s fo r u s i n g Effort
m i n u s 2 p o i n t s fro m h i s Ed ge) .
Somet i m e s t h e point cost for an a b i l ity h a s a +
s i g n after the n u m ber. Fo r exa m p l e, the cost m i ght
be given a s "2+ I nte l l ect points." That means you
can spend m o re poi nts o r m o re l eve l s of Effort to
i m p rove the a b i l ity fu rt h e r.
M a ny special a b i l ities grant a c h a racte r the option
to perform a n action t h at she co u l d n 't normally do,
s uch a s p roject i n g rays of co l d o r attacki n g m u lt i p l e
fo e s a t o n ce . U s i n g o n e o f t h e s e a b i l ities i s a n action
u nto itself, a n d t h e e n d of the a b i l ity' s description
s ays "Act i o n " to re m i n d yo u . I t a l so m i ght p rovide
 LIME NE
CREATING YOUR CHARACTER

SKILLS
Somet i m e s yo u r c h a racte r ga i n s tra i n i n g i n a s pecific s ki l l or task. Fo r exa m p le , yo u r focus m i ght mean t h at yo u ' re tra i ned i n
s n e a k i n g , i n cl i m b i n g a n d j u m p i n g, o r i n soci a l i nteract i o n s . Oth e r t i m e s , yo u r c h a racte r c a n choose a s k i l l t o become tra i ned i n , a n d
yo u c a n p i c k a s k i l l t h at re l ates t o a n y t a s k you th i n k yo u m i ght face.
The game has n o d efi n itive l i st of s ki l l s . H oweve r, the fo l l owi n g l i st offers ideas:

Astro n o my Healing Perce ption

Balancing H i story Pers u a s i o n
B i o l ogy I d entifyi n g P h i losophy
Botany I n iti ative P i ckpocket i n g
Ca rryi n g I nt i m i d ation Repa i r i n g
Climbing J umping Rid i n g
Deceivi n g Leat h e rworki n g Smashing
Esca p i n g Lockp icki n g S n eaki n g
G eography M etalwork i n g Swi m m i n g
Geology N u m e n e ra Woodworki n g

Yo u co u l d c h o o s e a s ki l l t h at i n corporates m o re t h a n o n e of t h e s e a reas (i nte ract i n g m i ght i n c l u d e d eceivi n g , i nt i m i d ati n g ,

a n d pers u ad i n g) o r i s a m o re s pecific vers i o n of o n e (h i d i n g m i ght be s n eaki n g w h e n you ' re not m ov i n g) . Yo u co u l d a l s o m a ke
u p m o re genera l , p rofe s s i o n a l s ki l l s , s u ch as baker, s a i l o r, or l u m b e rjack. I f yo u want to choose a s ki l l t h at' s not on t h i s l i st, it' s
probably best to r u n it past t h e G M fi rst, b u t i n ge n e ra l , t h e most i m portant a s pect i s to choose s ki l l s t h at a re a p p ro p r i ate to yo u r
c h a racter.
Re m e m be r t h at if yo u g a i n a s ki l l t h at yo u ' re a l ready t ra i ned i n , yo u beco m e s p e c i a l ized i n t h at s ki l l . Beca u s e s ki l l d e s c r i pt i o n s
can be n e b u l o u s , d eterm i n i n g whether yo u ' re t ra i ned o r s peci a l ized m i ght t a ke s o m e t h i n ki n g. Fo r exa m p l e , if yo u ' re t ra i ned i n
lyi n g a n d later ga i n a n a b i l ity t h at grants yo u s ki l l with a l l soci a l i nteract i o n s , yo u beco m e s peci a l ized i n lyi n g a n d t ra i ned i n a l l
ot h e r types o f i nteract i o n s . B e i n g t ra i ned t h ree t i m e s i n a s ki l l i s n o better t h a n b e i n g t ra i ned twice ( i n ot h e r word s , s p e c i a l ized i s
a s good a s it gets) .
O n ly s k i l l s gai ned t h ro u g h c h a racter type a b i l ities, s u c h as the g l a ive ' s fight i n g moves focus a b i l ities, or oth e r rare i n stance s a l low
yo u to beco me s k i l led with attack o r defe n s e tasks.
I f you ga i n a s peci a l a b i l ity t h ro u g h yo u r type, yo u r focu s , o r some oth e r a s pect of yo u r cha racter, you can choose it i n p l ace of a
s k i l l a n d beco m e tra i ned or s peci a l ized i n t h at a b i l ity. For exa m p l e, if yo u h ave a m i nd b l a st, when it's t i m e to choose a s ki l l to be
tra i ned in, yo u can sel ect yo u r m i n d b l ast a s yo u r s ki l l . T h at wo u l d red u ce the d ifficu lty eve ry time you used it. Each a b i l ity you h ave
co u nts a s a separate s ki l l fo r t h i s p u rpose. You ca n ' t sel ect " a l l m i n d powe rs" o r " a l l e soteries" as one s k i l l a n d beco me tra i ned or
s pecial ized in s u c h a b road catego ry.

m o re i n fo rmation about when o r h ow yo u perform

the act i o n .
S o m e s pe c i a l a b i l it i e s a l low yo u to perform a
fa m i l i a r act i o n-o n e t h at you ca n a l ready d o-i n
a d i fferent way. Fo r exa m p l e , a n a b i l ity m i g h t
l et you we a r h e avy a r m o r, red uce t h e d i fficu lty
of S peed d efe n s e ro l l s , o r add 2 p o i nts of fi re
d a m a ge to yo u r we a p o n d a m a ge. T h e s e a b i l i t i e s
a re ca l l ed e n a b l e r s . U s i n g o n e of t h e s e a b i l it i e s i s
not co n s i d e red a n act i o n . E n a b l e rs e i t h e r fu n ct i o n
co n st a n t l y ( s u c h a s b e i n g a b l e to wea r h e avy
a r m o r, w h i c h i s n ' t an act i o n ) or h a p pe n as p a rt of
a n ot h e r act i o n ( s u c h a s a d d i n g fi re d a m a ge to yo u r
wea p o n d a m a ge, w h i c h h a p p e n s a s p a rt o f yo u r
attack a ct i o n ) . I f a s peci a l a b i l ity i s a n e n a b l e r, t h e
e n d of t h e a b i l ity' s d e s c r i p t i o n s ays " E n a b l er" t o
re m i n d yo u .
 CHAPTER 4
CHARACTER TYPE
In some roleplaying games, C h a racte r type i s the core of yo u r cha racter. Yo u r type
character type might be h e l p s d eterm i n e yo u r c h a racte r' s p l ace in the wo rld
called your character class.
a n d re lation s h i p with oth e r peo p l e i n the sett i n g.
I t ' s the n o u n of the sentence " I am an adjective noun
who verbs."
Yo u can choose from th ree c h a racte r types: g l a ive,
n a n o , and jack.
GLAIVE
G l a ives a re the e l ite warri o rs of the N i nth Wo r l d ,
u s i n g wea p o n s a n d armor to fight t h e i r e n e m i e s .
H u nters, g u a rd i a n s , a n d sold i e rs co u l d be g l a ives .
Somet i m e s scouts, warlord s , band its, a n d eve n
ath l etes a re g l a ive s . " G l a ive" is a co m mo n s l a n g
term u s e d a l most eve rywhere i n t h e Steadfast a n d
The Steadfast, page 7 3 6
The Beyond, page 7 74 the Beyo n d fo r any person s k i l led w i t h wea p o n s o r a
m a rt i a l a rt, but i n trut h , it a p p l ies o n ly to the best of
the best. G l a ives a re warriors who co m m a n d a b i l ities
fa r beyo n d those of a typical person with a swo rd .
M ost g l a ives a re either stro n g-u s i n g the heaviest
armor a n d wea p o n s ava i l a b l e a n d h avi n g a h i gh
Might, page 20 M i ght-o r fast, sticki n g with l i ght wea p o n s a n d
armor a n d h avi n g a h i g h S peed . A few atte m pt t o
Speed, page 20
u s e b o t h M i ght a n d S peed a n d stay somewhere i n
the m id d le. G l a ives a l so u s e ra n ged wea p o n s s uch
The numenera, page 275 a s bows o r d a rts. Some don't re ly o n wea p o n s at
a l l , p referri n g to use t h e i r bod ies in h a n d -to- h a n d
co m bat-p u n c h i ng, kicki ng, gra b b i ng, t h rowi ng, a n d
so o n .
G laives i n Society: I n m o s t cities a n d v i l l ages, peo p l e
h o l d g l a ives i n great estee m . A l t h o u g h a g l a ive co u l d
j u st a s l i kely be a t h u g as a n o b l e warrior, t h o s e w h o
h e l p p rotect t h e i r fe l l ow h u m a n s fro m t h e d a n gers
of the N i nt h Wo rld a re always treated with res pect.
There is n o s h a m e in gett i n g paid fo r the use of
o n e ' s s k i l l s , so be i n g a blade for h i re is a perfectly
accepta b l e p rofe s s i o n . Restrict i o n s o n ca rryi n g
wea p o n s o p e n ly a re rare, a n d most g l a ives wear t h e
too l s of t h e i r t r a d e w i t h p r i d e .
N ot s u rp ri s i n gly, g l a ives o ft e n get a l o n g b e s t with
oth e r gla ive s , o r at least sold iers, g u a rd s , o r s i m i l a r
co m rades i n a r m s . N a nos, scholars , a n d peo p l e who
GLAIVE STAT POOLS
Stat Pool Starti ng Value
M i ght 11
S peed 10
I nte l l ect 7
Yo u get 6 add iti o n a l poi nts to d ivide a m o n g yo u r stat
Poo l s h owever yo u w i s h .
a re n ' t terri bly physical a re less l i kely to m ix we l l with
g l a ives, but obvi o u s ly n ot eve ry g l a ive i s t h e same.
They focu s o n t h e i r bod ies, but t h at does n ' t mean
they d o n ' t va l u e m o re ce re b ra l p u r s u its a s we l l . A
g l a ive need n ot fo l l ow the ste reotype of t h e d u m b
b r u i s e r with a sword o r a n axe.
G laives in the G roup: I n a gro u p of exp l o rers, g l a ives
typ i ca l ly take the lead. They' re u s u a l ly the most
phys ically capable, the most d u ra b l e , and the most
ready to meet d a n ge r head-o n . Somet i m e s they act
p rotectively towa rd t h e i r co m p a n i o n s ; oth e r t i m e s ,
they' re more self- i nterested . E it h e r way, a g l a ive' s
p l ace i s often i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h e fray.
G laives and the N u menera: When it co mes to the
n u m e n e ra , most g l a ives a re i nterested i n wea p o n s ,
armor, o r d evices t h at a i d t h e m i n co m bat. The
a n cients p rod u ced all sorts of i n cred i b ly d u ra b l e
s u b stances, many o f which can be made i nto armor
t h at i s l i ghter a n d more p rotective t h a n stee l .
Someti m e s , g l a ives c a n scave n ge a s u it o f armor
co m posed of these advanced m ateria l s , but m o re
often they fi n d the m ateri a l s a n d t h e n a s k a crafter
o r s m ith to m a ke the armor. Of co u rse, the p ro b l e m
i s t h at a s u b stance t h at i s d ifficult t o d a m age i s a l so
h a rd to work.
As varied a s a r m o r i n g m ateri a l s m i g h t be,
n u m e n e ra wea p o n ry is i n fi n itely m o re so. T h e s e
ite m s i n c l u d e m e l e e wea p o n s t h at s h ock, stu n , o r
b u rn w h ateve r t h ey t o u c h ; a n d ran ged wea p o n s
t h at b l ast p roject i l e s w i t h i n cred i b l e powe r o r
b u rsts o f stra n g e e n e rg i e s . T h e re a re a l s o b o m b s ,
d a m a g i n g e n e rgy fi e l d s , p o i s o n o u s g a s e s , a n d
fa r stra n ge r wea p o n ry, b u t s o m e g l a ives fi n d t h at

s u c h co m p l ex o bj ects a re bett e r off i n t h e h a n d s
o f a n a n o . M a n euvera b i l ity i s j u st a s i m p o rt a n t a s
attack o r d efe n s e , h oweve r, s o a n i t e m t h at a l l ows
a g l a ive to m ove q u i c k l y o r n egate gravity i s a great
prize.
As for cyphers , glaives p refer physica l ly e n h a n c i n g
or restorative objects, such as i njections o f chemicals
that i m p rove reaction time or p i l l s with m icroscopic
rep a i r d evices that heal wou n d s and restore fatigued
m u scle tissue. They use the n ickname " boost" for any
cyp her that e n h a nces their strength , sta m i n a , reflexes ,
or other physical as pects, wh i l e one that rep a i rs
d a mage or a l l evi ates fatigue is called a "treat."
Advanced G laives: As they progre s s , g l a ives become
bette r co m b atants, often fe l l i n g m u lt i p l e foes i n a
s i n g l e stroke. They ga i n s peci a l types of attacks a n d
l e a r n t o u s e a r m o r m o re efficiently t o get the most
out of t h e p rotection it offers.
GLAIVE BACKGROUND
G laives are no mere band its or town guard s . They
stand head and shoulders above ord i n a ry soldiers and
brawlers. Someth i n g i n you r background-whether
i nten s ive tra i n i ng, i n born tra its, or biomechan ical
mod ification-has made you more than the others
around you . Choose one of those th ree options
(descri bed below) as the sou rce of you r s ki l l s , strength,
reflexes, and stamina. It wi l l provide the foundation
of you r background and give you an idea of how you
can i m p rove. The G M can use this i nformation to
LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE
develop adventures and q uests that are s pecific to you r
character a n d play a role i n you r advancement.
Intensive Training
Yo u a re strong, fast, or bot h , but what rea l ly
separates yo u fro m the crowd i s yo u r tra i n i ng. Cypher, page 2 78
Perh a p s yo u asce n d ed the h i ghest peak of t h e B l ack
Riage o r sought t h e d eepest sewe rs ben eath Q i to Black Riage, page 1 77
fi n d teachers who co u l d s h ow yo u h ow to move, Qi, page 1 48
fight, and e n d u re beyo n d normal h u m a n l i m its.
Yo u know a thousand ways to ki l l a foe, most of
t h e m secret to all but a chosen few. Yo u ' re p rivy to
tech n iq u e s a n d fight i n g styl es t h at most peo p l e in
the N i nth Wo rld h ave n ever see n . Yo u h ave learned
t h at the i m po s s i b l e i s pos s i b l e-as long a s you
know the secret. Yo u r body is a wea pon, and yo u r
weapon i s p a rt o f yo u r body. You h ave stu d ied with
the m a sters, a n d now you ca rry t h at reg i m e n a s yo u
ve nture i nto the worl d .
Advancement: You need t o t ra i n a n d p ractice
co n stantly to hone yo u r s k i l l s a n d d eve l o p n ew
tech n iq u e s , b u i l d i n g on what yo u 've been taught.
Perh a p s at some point yo u wi l l ret u rn to yo u r secret
m a sters for fu rther i n itiation or fi n d n ew teachers o r
l e s s o n s t h at can take yo u to t h e next ste p.
When you ga i n additional poi nts for you r stat Poo l s ,
a n i ncrease t o a stat's E d g e , or a n i n crease i n the l evel
of Effort you can apply, the benefit comes as the res u lt
of rigoro u s exerci se and personal d evelopment. When
you ga i n a new s ki l l or gla ive a b i l ity, it's the res u lt of
the m a rtial arts you h ave stud ied.
 GLAIVE CONNECTION
Ro l l a d20 or choose from the fo l l owi n g l i st to d eterm i n e a s pecific fact about you r backgro u n d t h at p rovides a co n n ect ion to
the rest of the worl d . You can a l s o create yo u r own fact.

Rol l Background
You we re in t h e m i l itary a n d h ave friends who sti l l serve. Yo u r former co m m a n d e r re mem bers yo u we l l .
2 You we re t h e perso n a l g u a rd of a wealthy m e rchant who accused yo u of t h eft. Yo u left h e r service i n d i s grace.
3 You we re t h e bo u n ce r i n a local bar for a w h i le, a n d t h e patro n s there re m e m b e r yo u .
4 You tra i ned with a h i g h l y res pected mentor. H e rega rd s yo u we l l , but he h a s many e n e m i e s .
5 You tra i ned i n an i s o l ated m o n astery far away. The m o n ks th i n k of yo u as a b rother, but yo u ' re a stra n ge r to a l l others.
6 You h ave no formal tra i n i ng. Yo u r a b i l ities co m e to yo u n atu ra l ly (or u n n at u ra l ly) .
7 You spent t i m e on the streets a n d eve n were i n prison for a w h i le.
8 You we re conscri pted i nto m i l itary service, but yo u deserted before long.
9 You served as a bodyg u a rd to a powe rfu l cri m i n a l who now owe s yo u h i s l i fe.
10 You worked as a co n stable. Eve ryo n e knows yo u , but t h e i r o p i n i o n s of you va ry.
11 You r o l d e r s i b l i n g i s a n i nfa m o u s g l a ive who h a s been d i s graced .
12 You served as a caravan g u a rd . You know a s m atte ri n g of peo p l e i n many cities a n d tow n s .
13 You r best friend i s a sage a n d a scholar. S h e i s a great s o u rce of knowledge.
14 You a n d a friend both s m o ke t h e same k i n d of rare, exp e n s ive tobacco. The two of yo u get together wee kly to chat a n d s m o ke.
15 You r u n cle ru n s a th eater i n tow n . Yo u know a l l t h e actors a n d watch a l l the s h ows fo r free.
16 You r b l acksm ith friend somet i m e s cal l s o n yo u fo r h e l p at t h e fo rge. H oweve r, h e pays yo u we l l .
17 You r m e ntor wrote a book o n the m a rt i a l a rts. Somet i m e s oth e r warri o rs seek yo u out to a s k about its stra n ge r passages.
18 A m a n you fought a l o n g s i d e i n the m i l itary i s n ow t h e m ayo r of a nea rby tow n .
19 You saved the l ives of a fa m i ly when their house bu rned down. They' re indebted to you , and their neigh bors regard you as a hero.
20 You r o l d tra i n e r st i l l expects yo u to come back and s h a rpen her blades a n d clean up after her classes, but when you do, s h e
occas i o n a l ly s h ares i nterest i n g rumors.

Inborn Traits s u perh u man traits as m uch as i t i s about you r study,

Many ofthe people you Yo u 've t ra i ned u n d e r exce l lent i n structors a n d h ave
meet in the Ninth World
experience in m a n y d a n ge ro u s situat i o n s , but w h at
are mutants, whether you
are aware of it or not. For m a kes yo u d ifferent i s deep i n s i d e , e ntwi ned i n yo u r
more information on the genetic h e ritage. M aybe i t was t h e l u ck o f bei n g born
types of m utations, see fit. M aybe yo u ' re a h u l ki n g b rute-a m o u n ta i n o u s
page 1 23. figu re who co m m a n d s atte ntion when y o u enter a
roo m . Or m aybe yo u r stre n gth is more s u btle; yo u
m i ght be the desce n d a nt of a bio enginee red race
b red (or d e s i gned) for pe rfect i o n . Pe rhaps yo u ' re
a m utant with psyc h i c a b i l ities t h at augment yo u r
physical nature; you g u i d e a n d e n h a n ce yo u r attacks
with teleki n e s i s , o r yo u use a n atu ra l m utation i n
yo u r b ra i n t o control m atte r o n a molecu l a r l eve l
to res i st b l ows a n d i n fl ict h a r m . Perh a p s yo u ' re
someth i n g wholly n ew: an a be rration or a h u m a n so
pe rfect t h at yo u ' re beyo n d h u m a n . You m i ght be a
posth u m a n-th e next ste p towa rd t h e true desti ny of
the peo p l e of the N i nth Wo rld.
Advancement: Yo u h ave talents of which you a re
only d i mly aware. You m u st p ractice and experiment
to find you r l i m itations, if any. At some point i n the
fut u re, you m i ght h ave to seek out someone who can
h e l p you master you r i n he rent a b i l ities. You we re born
with great powe r-now you need to learn h ow to use
that power, eve n if the education takes a l i fetime.
When you r stats i m p rove, it' s beca use you ' re tapping
deeper i nto the u n known reserves wit h i n you . When
you gai n a new gla ive abil ity, it' s the res u lt of you r
practice, or knowledge. You can do t h i ngs that other
people s i m ply can n ot, no matter how hard they tra i n .
Biomechanical Modification
Yo u m i ght be a fighter, but yo u ' re no a rc h a i c
ste reotype-t h i s i s the N i nt h Wo rld, a ft e r a l l .
Although you tra i ned a n d ga i n ed yo u r s h a re of
p ractical expe rience, yo u h ave the n u m e n e ra o n yo u r
s i d e a s we l l . S o m e o f yo u r knowled ge o f fight i n g
tech n iq u e s i s i m p l anted i n yo u r b ra i n a n d s p i n e,
wi red i nto yo u r n e rves a n d m u scles. Yo u r joi nts
h ave s u rgica l ly i m p l a nted servo m oto rs. S u bd e r m a l
p l at i n g m a kes y o u to u g h e r t h a n s h o u l d be pos s i b l e .
Yo u r m u scle t i s s u e i s a u g m e nted w i t h a rtifici a l fibers.
Perh a p s yo u r genetic cod e h a s been rewritte n
by e n g i n ee red viruses, or the t i s s u e s i n yo u r body
h ave been rewo rked by n a n otec h , t u rn i n g yo u i nto
an efficient battle mach i n e . O r m aybe yo u 've been
a ltered by stra n ge science-ra d i oactive treatments
of biza rre e n e rgies, chem ical co m p o u n d s a n d d ru g s ,
o r extrad i m e n s io n a l e n h a n ce m e nts-t h at m a kes
yo u stronger, faster, to u g h e r, a n d m o re p roficient in
attack a n d defe n s e t h a n anyo n e a ro u n d yo u .
Whatever the case, you're the res u lt o f ancient
knowledge made man ifest i n the present, and now
you ' re shaping the future. Perhaps you r mod ifications
are obvious and visi ble; perhaps they' re not. Regard less,
you know that you ' re more than merely h u man.
 LIME NE
CHARACTER lYPE

Advancement: Yo u r body i s an o n go i n g p roject. I n Bash (1 M ight poi nt) : T h i s is a p u m m e l i n g m e l ee

a way, it's a work of a rt, although its bea uty comes attack. Yo u r attack i n fl i cts 1 less point of d a m age
n ot fro m its a p pearance but fro m w h at it can do. t h a n n o rm a l , but d azes yo u r ta rget fo r one ro u n d ,
As yo u go fo rwa rd , yo u s h o u l d keep a n eye out at d u ri n g w h i c h t i m e t h e d ifficu lty o f a l l tasks i t
all times fo r n ew parts a n d syste m s t h at can be performs i s mod ified b y o n e ste p t o i t s detri ment.
i ncorporated i nto yo u r body, o r n ew doses of d rugs N o N eed for Weapons: When you m a ke a n
a n d s u p p l e m ents to m a i nta i n yo u r a b i l ities. You u n a rmed attack ( s u c h as a p u n c h o r kick) , i t
m i ght need to seek out s u rgeo n s , mech a n ics, o r co u nts a s a med i u m weapon i n stead o f a l i ght
bioen h a n cement s peci a l i sts to take yo u to the n ext wea p o n . E n a b l e r.
l eve l . Perh a p s t h e Aeo n Priests can h e l p . Perh a p s the Pierce (1 Speed point) : Th i s is a we l l-aimed, Aeon Priest, page 269
parts you need can be found o n ly i n the ru i n s of the penetrat i n g ra n ged attack. You m a ke a n attack and
past o r the d a n ge ro u s b l ack m a rket of a fa raway city. i n fl ict 1 additional point of d a m age if yo u r weapon
When yo u r stats i m p rove, it's beca u s e yo u l itera l ly has a s h a rp poi nt. Action.
h ave added somet h i n g n ew to yo u r body. When you Th rust (1 M ight point) : Th i s i s a powe rfu l m e l ee
ga i n a n ew a b i l ity, it' s the d i rect res u lt of a ta n g i b l e sta b . You m a ke an attack a n d i n fl ict 1 a d d i t i o n a l
c h a n ge i n yo u r o w n physical b e i n g . point of d a m age if yo u r weapon h a s a s h a rp edge
o r poi nt. Act i o n .
GLAIVE TIERS Trai ned Without Armor: Yo u a re tra i ned i n S peed
defe n s e act i o n s when n ot wea ri n g armor. E n a b l e r.
First-Tier Glaive
F i rst-t ier g l a ives h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Effort: Yo u r Effort i s 1 .
Fighter: Yo u h ave a M i ght E d ge of l , a S peed E d ge
of 1 , a n d an I nte l l ect E d ge of 0.
Cypher Use: Yo u can bear two cyp hers at a t i m e .
Practiced i n Armor: G l a ives c a n wea r a r m o r for long
period s of time without tiring and can com pensate for
s l owed reactions fro m wea ring armor. You can wear
any kind of armor. You red uce the M i ght cost per h o u r
for weari n g a r m o r and the S peed P o o l red uction for
weari n g armor by 2 . Enabler.
Practiced With All Weapons: You can u s e any
wea p o n . E n a b l e r.
Physical Skills: You a re tra i ned i n yo u r choice of
o n e of the fo l l owing: b a l a n c i n g , cl i m b i ng, j u m p i ng,
o r swi m m i ng. E n a b l e r.
Starti ng Eq u i pment: You start with cloth i n g, two
wea p o n s (or o n e weapon a n d a s h ield) , l i ght o r
m ed i u m armor, a n exp l o rer's p a c k , two cyp hers Your character's starting
equipment is as important
(chosen fo r you by the G M ) , one odd ity (chosen
as his beginning skills. Learn
fo r you by t h e G M ) , a n d 5 s h i n s (co i n s) . I f yo u start more about what you carry
with a ra n ged weapon t h at req u i res a m m u n ition and what it's usedfor in
(a rrows, fo r exa m p l e} , you start with 1 2 of t h at type Chapter 7: Equipment (page
77) .
of a m m u n it i o n . Before select i n g yo u r wea p o n s ,
armor, a n d oth e r gear, yo u m i ght w a n t to w a i t u nt i l
after yo u 've c h o s e n yo u r fight i n g m ove s , d escri ptor, Descriptor, page 47
a n d focu s . Focus, page 52
Fighti ng M oves: You h ave a s pecial talent fo r
co m bat a n d c a n perform feats t h at oth e rs c a n b a rely
i m agine. These feats a re ca l l e d .fighting moves. Some
fight i n g moves a re constant, o n go i n g effects, a n d
oth e rs a re s pecific act i o n s t h at u s u a l ly cost poi nts
fro m o n e of yo u r stat Poo l s .
Choose two o f the fight i n g m oves d escri bed bel ow.
Yo u ca n ' t choose t h e same fight i n g m ove m o re t h a n
o n ce u n le s s i t s d escri ption says oth e rwise.
 Second-Tier Glaive
Seco n d -tier g l a ives h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Practiced in armor, page Ski l l With Attacks: Choose o n e type of attack in
29
which yo u a re n ot a l ready tra i n e d : l i ght bas h i ng,
l i ght b l aded , l i ght ra n ged , m ed i u m bas h i ng, med i u m
bladed, med i u m ran ged , heavy bas h i ng, heavy
bladed, or heavy ra nged . Yo u a re tra i ned i n attacks
u s i n g t h at type of wea p o n . E n a b l e r.
Fighti ng M oves: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g
fight i n g moves ( o r a m ove fro m a l ower tier) to a d d
t o yo u r re perto i re . I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n re p l ace o n e
of yo u r fi rst-tier fight i n g moves w i t h a d iffe rent fi rst
tier fight i n g move.
Chop (2 M ight poi nts) : Th i s is a h eavy, powe rfu l
s l i ce with a b l aded wea p o n , probably ove rh a n d .
Yo u m u st grip yo u r weapon w i t h two h a n d s
t o c h o p . W h e n m a k i n g t h i s attack, yo u take a
-1 pena lty to t h e attack ro l l , a n d yo u i n fl i ct 3
add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age. Act i o n .
Crush ( 2 M ight poi nts) : T h i s i s a powe rfu l
Rapid:fire weapon,
p u m m e l i n g attack with a ba s h i n g wea pon,
page 79
Crank crossbow, page 79 p robably ove r h a n d . You m u st gri p you r weapon
with two hands to cru s h . ( I f fight i n g u n a rmed ,
t h i s attack i s made with both fists or both feet
toget h e r.) When m a k i n g t h i s attack, you take
a -1 pena lty to the attack ro l l , a n d you i nfl ict 3
add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age. Act i o n .
Reload (l Speed point) : When u s i n g a weapon t h at
normally req u i res an action to re load , s u c h as a
heavy crossbow, yo u can re load a n d fi re (or fi re
a n d re load) i n t h e same act i o n . E n a b l e r.
Ski l l With Defense: Choose o n e type of d efe n s e
Defense tasks are when a task i n wh ich y o u a re n ot a l ready tra i ned: M i ght,
player makes a roll to keep S peed , o r I nte l l ect. Yo u a re tra i ned i n defe n se
something undesirable tasks of t h at type. U n l i ke most fight i n g m ove s , yo u
from happening to his PC. can sel ect t h i s move u p to t h ree t i m e s . Each t i m e
The type ofdefense task yo u sel ect i t , yo u m u st choose a d i fferent type of
matters when using Effort.
defense task. E n a b l e r.
Might defense: Used for Successive Attack (2 Speed poi nts) : I f you take
resisting poison, disease, d own a foe, yo u can i m me d i ately m a ke another
and anything else that can attack o n t h at s a m e t u rn aga i n st a new foe with i n
be overcome with strength yo u r reach . T h e seco n d attack i s p a rt o f t h e s a m e
and health. act i o n . You can u s e t h i s fight i n g move w i t h m e l ee
attacks a n d ra n ged attacks. E n a b l e r.
Speed defense: Used
for dodging attacks and
escaping danger. This is Third-Tier Glaive
by far the most commonly Th i rd-tier g l a ives h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
used defense task. Expert Cypher Use: You can bear th ree cyp hers at
a time.
Intellect defense: Used for
fending off mental attacks Ski l l With Attacks: C h o o s e o n e type o f attack i n
or anything that might which yo u a re n ot a l ready tra i n e d : l i ght bas h i ng,
affect or influence one's l i ght b l aded , l i ght ra n ged , m ed i u m bas h i ng, med i u m
mind. bladed, med i u m ran ged , heavy bas h i ng, heavy
bladed, or heavy ra nged . Yo u a re tra i ned i n attacks
u s i n g t h at type of wea p o n . E n a b l e r.
Fighti ng M oves: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g
30
fight i n g moves (or a move fro m a l ower tier) to add
to yo u r re perto i re . In addition, yo u can a l s o re p l ace
one of yo u r lowe r-ti e r fight i n g m oves with a d iffe rent
fight i n g move fro m t h e same l owe r tier.
Experienced With Armor: The cost red u ction from
yo u r P racticed in Armor a b i l ity i m p rove s . You n ow
red uce the M i ght cost per h o u r a n d the S peed
Pool red u ction by 3. E n a b l e r.
Lunge (2 M ight poi nts): T h i s move req u i re s yo u
to extend yo u rself for a powe rfu l sta b or s m a s h .
The awkwa rd l u n ge i n creases the d ifficu lty o f t h e
attack ro l l b y o n e ste p . I f yo u r attack i s s u ccessfu l ,
it i n fl i cts 4 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts o f d a m age. Act i o n .
Sl ice ( 2 Speed poi nts) : T h i s i s a q u ick attack
with a b l aded o r poi nted weapon t h at is h a rd to
defe n d aga i n st. The d i fficu lty of the attack ro l l i s
decreased b y o n e ste p. I f the attack i s s u ccessfu l , i t
d e a l s 1 less p o i n t o f d a m age t h a n n o r m a l . Act i o n .
Spray ( 2 Speed poi nts) : I f a weapon h a s t h e a b i l ity
to fi re ra p i d s h ots without re load i n g (u s u a l ly ca l led
a ra p i d -fi re weapon , such a s the cra n k cross bow) ,
yo u can s p ray m u lt i p l e s h ots a ro u n d yo u r ta rget
to i n crease t h e c h a n ce of h itti n g. Th i s m ove u ses
1 d 6 + 1 ro u n d s of ammo (or all the ammo i n t h e
wea p o n , if it h a s l e s s t h a n the n u m be r ro l l ed) . The
d i fficu lty of t h e attack ro l l i s d ecreased by o n e ste p .
I f t h e attack i s s u ccessfu l , it d e a l s 1 less point o f
d a m age t h a n n o rm a l . Act i o n .
Trick Shot ( 2 Speed poi nts) : As part of t h e same
act i o n , you m a ke a ra n ged attack aga i n st two
ta rgets t h at a re with i n i m me d i ate ra n ge of each
oth e r. M a ke a separate attack ro l l aga i n st each
ta rget. The d ifficu lty of each attack ro l l i s i n creased
by one ste p . Act i o n .
Fourth-Tier Glaive
Fo u rth-tier g l a ives h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Ski l l With Attacks: Choose o n e type of attack in
which yo u a re n ot a l ready tra i n e d : l i ght bas h i ng,
l i ght b l aded , l i ght ra n ged , m ed i u m bas h i ng, med i u m
bladed, med i u m ran ged , heavy bas h i ng, heavy
bladed, or heavy ra nged . Yo u a re tra i ned i n attacks
u s i n g t h at type of wea p o n . E n a b l e r.
Fighti ng M oves: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g
fight i n g moves ( o r a m ove fro m a l ower tier) to a d d
t o yo u r re perto i re . I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n a l so re p l ace
one of yo u r l owe r-ti e r fight i n g m oves with a d iffe rent
fight i n g move fro m t h e s a m e l owe r tier.
Capable Warrior: Yo u r attacks deal 1 add iti o n a l
point o f d a m age. E n a b l e r.
Experienced Defender: When wea r i n g armor, you
ga i n + 1 to Armor. E n a b l e r.
Fei nt (2 Speed poi nts) : I f you s pe n d one action
creat i n g a m i s d i rection o r d ivers i o n , i n t h e n ext
ro u n d yo u can take advantage of yo u r opponent's
l owered defe n s e s . M a ke a m e l ee attack ro l l

aga i n st t h at o p po n e nt. The d i fficu lty of t h e ro l l i s
decreased b y o n e ste p . I f yo u r attack i s s u ccessfu l ,
it i n fl i cts 4 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts o f d a m age. Act i o n .
M i nor t o M ajor: You treat ro l l s o f n atu ra l 1 9 a s
ro l l s of n atu ra l 20 fo r M i ght attack ro l l s o r S peed
attack ro l l s (yo u r cho ice when yo u ga i n t h i s
a b i l ity) . Th i s a l l ows yo u t o ga i n a major effect o n a
natural 1 9 or 20. E n a b l e r.
Snipe (2 Speed poi nts) : I f yo u s p e n d o n e action
a i m i ng, i n the n ext ro u n d you can m a ke a p recise
ra n ged attack. The d ifficu lty of the attack ro l l i s
decreased b y one ste p . I f yo u r attack i s s u ccessfu l ,
it i n fl i cts 4 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts o f d a m age. Act i o n .
Fifth-Tier Glaive
Fifth-tier g l a ives h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Adept Cypher Use: Yo u can bear fo u r cyp h e rs at a
time.
Ski l l With Attacks: C h o o s e o n e type of attack, eve n
o n e i n which yo u a re a l ready tra i ned: l i ght bas h i ng,
l i ght b l aded , l i ght ra n ged , m ed i u m bas h i ng, med i u m
bladed, med i u m ran ged , heavy bas h i ng, heavy
bladed, or heavy ra nged . Yo u a re tra i ned i n attacks
u s i n g t h at type of wea p o n . If yo u ' re a l ready tra i ned i n
t h at type o f attack, yo u i n stead beco me s pecial ized i n
t h at type o f attack. E n a b l e r.
Fighti ng M oves: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g
fight i n g moves ( o r a m ove fro m a l ower tier) to a d d
t o yo u r re perto i re . I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n a l so re p l ace
one of yo u r l owe r-ti e r fight i n g m oves with a d iffe rent
fight i n g move fro m t h e s a m e l owe r tier.
Arc Spray (3 Speed poi nts): If a weapon h a s
the a b i l ity t o fi re ra pid s h ots without re load i n g
(u s u a l ly ca l l ed a ra pid-fire weapon, s u c h as the
cra n k cross bow) , you can fire you r wea pon at up
to th ree ta rgets (a l l n ext to one another) at once.
M a ke a separate attack ro l l aga i n st each ta rget. The
d ifficu lty of each attack i s i ncreased by one step.
Action.
J u m p Attack (5 M ight poi nts) : Yo u atte m pt a
d ifficu lty 4 M i ght action to j u m p h i g h i nto the a i r
as part o f you r melee attack. I f you s u cceed, you r
attack infl icts 3 additional poi nts o f d a m age and
knocks the foe down . I f you fa i l , you sti l l m a ke yo u r
normal attack rol l , b u t you d o n 't i n fl ict the extra
d a mage or knock d own the opponent if you h it.
Action.
M astery With Armor: When yo u wea r any armor,
you red uce the armor' s penalties ( M ight cost and
S peed red uction) to 0. I f you select t h i s fighti n g
move and y o u a l ready h ave the Experienced With
Armor move, you s h o u l d rep l ace Expe rienced With
Armor with a d iffe rent th i rd-tier move beca use
M aste ry With Armor i s better. Enabler.
M astery With Defense: Choose o n e type of
defe n s e task i n which yo u a re tra i ned: M i ght,
LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE
S peed , or I nte l l ect. Yo u a re s peci a l ized i n defe n s e
t a s k s of t h at type. U n l i ke most fight i n g m ove s , yo u
can sel ect t h i s move u p to t h ree t i m e s . Each t i m e
yo u sel ect i t , yo u m u st choose a d i fferent type of
defense task. E n a b l e r.
Parry (5 Speed poi nts) : Yo u can d efl ect i n com i n g
attacks q u ickly. W h e n you activate t h i s m ove, fo r
the n ext 1 0 ro u n d s y o u red u ce the d ifficu lty fo r a l l
S peed d efe n s e ro l l s b y one ste p . E n a b l e r.
One glaive of renown in the
Sixth-Tier Glaive Steadfast is Yerra Mestanir,
S ixth-tier g l a ives h ave t h e fo l low i n g a b i l ities: who held off the Squirming
Skill With Attacks: Choose one type of attack, even Horde on her own in
one i n which you a re a l ready tra i ned : l i ght bas h i ng, Batrak's Pass until the
l i ght bladed, l i ght ran ged , med i u m bas h i ng, med i u m armies of Navarene could
arrive. Single-handedly,
bladed, med i u m ran ged , heavy bas h i ng, heavy bladed,
she likely saved the eastern
or heavy ra n ged . You a re tra i n ed i n attacks using that portion of the kingdom
type of weapon. If you ' re a l ready tra i ned i n that type from destruction at the
of attack, you i n stead a re s peci a l ized in that type of hands of the abhumans.
attack. Enabler.
Fighti ng M oves: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g
fight i n g moves ( o r a m ove fro m a l ower tier) to a d d
t o yo u r re perto i re . I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n a l s o re p l ace
one of yo u r l owe r-ti e r fight i n g m oves with a d iffe rent
fight i n g move fro m t h e s a m e l owe r tier.
Finishing Blow (5 M ight poi nts) : I f yo u r foe
i s p rone, stu n ne d , or somehow h e l p l e s s o r
i ncapacitated when y o u strike, y o u i n fl i ct 6
add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age on a s u cce ssfu l h it.
E n a b l e r.
Slayer (3 M ight poi nts) : When yo u s u ccessfu l ly
stri ke an N PC or creatu re of l eve l 5 or lower, m a ke
a n other ro l l (u s i n g w h i c h eve r stat yo u used to
attack) . If you s u cceed on the seco n d ro l l , yo u ki l l
t h e ta rget outright. I f you u s e t h i s fight i n g m ove
aga i n st a PC of any tier a n d yo u s u cceed on t h e
seco n d ro l l , the c h a racte r moves d own one step
o n the d a m age track. E n a b l e r.
Spin Attack (5 Speed poi nts) : Yo u sta n d sti l l a n d
m a ke m e l ee attacks aga i n st u p to five foes wit h i n
reach , a l l as part o f t h e s a m e action i n o n e ro u n d .
M a ke a separate attack ro l l fo r each fo e . You
re m a i n l i m ited by t h e a m o u nt of Effort you can
apply o n o n e act i o n . Anyt h i n g t h at mod ifies yo u r
attack o r d a mage a p p l ies t o a l l o f these attacks.
Act i o n .
Weapon a n d Body ( 5 Speed poi nts) : Afte r m a k i n g
a m e l ee weapon o r ran ged weapon attack, yo u
fo l l ow u p with a p u n c h or kick as an a d d i t i o n a l
attack, a l l a s part of the s a m e action i n o n e ro u n d .
T h e two attacks c a n b e d i rected a t d i fferent foes.
M a ke a separate attack ro l l fo r each attack. Yo u
re m a i n l i m ited by t h e a m o u nt of Effort you can
apply o n o n e act i o n . Anyt h i n g t h at mod ifies yo u r
attack o r d a mage a p p l ies t o both attacks, u n l e s s i t
i s tied s pecifica l ly t o yo u r wea p o n . Act i o n .
 GLAIVE EXAMPLE
Co l i n wants to create a g l a ive c h a racte r who is fast
a n d strong. He p uts 3 of h i s a d d i t i o n a l poi nts i nto
h i s M i ght Pool and 3 i nto h i s S peed Poo l ; h i s stat
Poo l s a re n ow M i ght 1 4 , S peed 1 3 , I nte l l ect 7 . As a
fi rst-tier cha racter, h i s Effort is 1 , h i s M i ght E d ge a n d
S peed E d ge a re 1 , a n d h i s I nte l l ect E d ge i s 0. H i s
g l a ive i s n ot p a rticu l a rly s m a rt o r c h a r i s m atic.
H e wants to u s e a b road swo rd (a med i u m
Heay crossbow, page 79 weapon t h at i n fl icts 4 poi nts o f d a m age) a n d a heavy
cross bow (a heavy weapon t h at i n fl i cts 6 poi nts of
d a m age but req u i res the u s e of both h a n d s) . Co l i n
Strong, page 50 decides n ot t o wea r armor, so fo r h i s fi rst fight i n g
Trained Without Armor; m ove, h e chooses Tra i n ed Without Armor so h e
page 29 red uces t h e d ifficu lty of S peed d efe n s e act i o n s . Fo r
h i s seco n d fight i n g move, he chooses Th ru st so h e
c a n i n fl i ct extra d a m age w i t h h i s swo rd if h e s p e n d s
1 p o i n t o f M i ght. S i n ce h e h a s a M i ght E d ge o f 1 , h e
Thrust, page 29 can u s e Th rust fo r free if h e does n ' t u s e h i s M i ght
fo r a nyth i n g else t h at act i o n .
Masters Weaponry, page 69
The numenera, page 275
Iron Wind, page 1 3 5
The G M ge n e ro u s ly gives Co l i n a n extra 1 0 s h i n s
beca u s e h e chose t o fo rgo armor, a n d h e u ses t h i s
money t o b u y more cro s s bow bolts. T h e g l a ive ' s
start i n g eq u i p m ent i n c l u d e s two cyp hers, a n d t h e
G M decides t h at Co l i n ' s cyp h e rs a re a p i l l t h at
restores 6 poi nts of M i ght when swa l l owed a n d a
s m a l l d evice t h at exp lodes l i ke a fi re b o m b when
t h rown , i n fl ict i n g 3 poi nts of d a mage to all with i n
i m med i ate range. Co l i n chooses swi m m i n g fo r h i s
tra i ned physical s ki l l .
H e sti l l need s t o choose a descri ptor and a focu s.
Looking ahead to the descri ptor ru les, Col i n chooses
Strong, which increases his M ight Pool to 1 8. H e also
becomes tra i ned i n j u m p i n g and breaking i n a n i mate
objects. (lf he had chosen j u m p i n g as h i s physical s ki l l ,
t h e Strong descri ptor would h ave made h i m s pecial ized
in j u m p i n g i n stead of trai ned.) Being Strong also gives
Col i n an extra med i u m or heavy weapon. He chooses
another broad sword as a backu p blade. H e decides that
one sword is s l ightly smaller than the other, and he' l l
sheathe them together on h i s left side.
Fo r his focu s , Co l i n chooses M a sters Wea p o n ry.
Th i s gives h i m yet a n other weapon of h i gh q u a l ity.
He chooses a b road swo rd a n d a s ks the G M if h i s
fi rst swo rd c a n b e a s h i e l d i n stea d , which wi l l red u ce
the d ifficu lty of h i s S peed defe n s e ro l l s (th e s h ie l d
co u nts a s a n a s set) . The G M agrees to t h e c h a nge.
D u r i n g t h e game, Co l i n ' s g l a ive wi l l be h a rd to h it
he i s tra i ned i n S peed d efe n s e ro l l s a n d h i s s h i e l d
decreases the d ifficu lty b y a n ot h e r ste p .
T h a n ks to h i s focu s , h e a l s o i n fl i cts 1 a d d i t i o n a l
point of d a m age w i t h h i s chosen wea pon. N ow h e
i n fl icts 5 poi nts of d a m age w i t h h i s blade. Co l i n ' s
c h a racter i s a deadly co m bata nt, l i kely start i n g t h e
game w i t h some a m o u nt of re n own a s a swo rd s m a n .
NANO
N a nos are sometimes ca l led mages, wizard s , sorcerers ,
or witches by the people of the N i nth World. Nano
sorcerer is also a common term, with their abil ities
referred to as na no-sorcery. Some cl a i m to be the
rep resentatives of god s or other s u pernatural agencies.
Wh atever they' re cal led, nanos master the mysteries
of the past to the degree that they seem to perform
m i racles. They tap i nto the n u menera to alter real ity or
learn thi ngs that they cou l d n 't otherwise know.
The term " n a n o" i s d e rived from the
n a n otech n o l ogy t h at i s o m n i p resent t h roughout
the N i nth Wo rld (wh et h e r anyone rea l izes it o r n ot) .
Somet i m e s peo p l e ca l l these i nv i s i b l e , n u m i n o u s
particles t h at i nfu se the l a n d scape n a n o- s p i rits.
Somet i m e s these s p i rits take o n a d evastat i n g
m a n i festation ca l led the I ro n Wi n d a n d move
t h rough the a i r in c l o u d s , wh ich can be far m o re
d a n ge ro u s t h a n any conventional storm. I n trut h ,
n a n ites a re l itera l ly eve rywhere.

NANO STAT POOLS
Stat Pool Starti ng Value
M i ght 7 eve ryo n e i s frightened of or i nti m i d ated by n a n o s .
S peed 9 There a re oth e r peo p l e a n d creat u res t h at h ave
I nte l l ect 12
Yo u get 6 add iti o n a l poi nts to d ivide a m o n g yo u r stat
Poo l s h owever yo u w i s h .
N a nos w i e l d t h e i r powe r i n the form o f what
they ca l l esoteries, although some p refe r to ca l l
t h e m spel l s , e n c h a ntments, o r c h a r m s . N a nos a re
p roficient with oth e r d evices as we l l , a n d somet i m e s
t h e i r powers a re act u a l ly the s u btle u s e o f such ite m s
h i d d e n u po n t h e i r perso n . A l l n a n o s ca l l fo rt h t h e i r
powe r i n s l ightly d i fferent ways .
Typical ly, n a n o s a re i n te l l i gent, learned, a n d
i n s i ghtfu l . M ost of t h e t i m e , they d evote t h e m selves
to the n u menera and oth e r e sote rica rat h e r than to
p u rely physical p u rs u its. As a res u lt, they' re often
we l l versed i n the a rtifacts and l eftove rs of the
p rev i o u s eras.
N anos i n Society: Freq uently, co m m o n fo l ks fea r
n a n o s o r l o o k u po n t h e m w i t h s u s p i cion. I t ' s easy t o
be afra i d o f a b rute w i t h a n axe, but w h e n it co mes
to someone who w i e l d s i nv i s i b l e powers-magic,
fo r lack of a bette r term-too m u ch i s u n known .
LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE
A n a n o ' s stra nge a b i l ities a re u n s ettl i n g eve n to "The Aeon Priests have
the b ravest sou l s u n less they h ave a mod i c u m of discovered the means to
directly control people's
knowledge about t h e n u m e n e ra . T h at s a i d , n ot
thoughts simply through
the use of words and
images. Everything they
ca p a b i l ities far beyo n d the u n d e rsta n d i n g of normal say, do, and even wear
fo l ks-t h i ngs t h at eve n n a n o s m i ght n ot u n d e rsta n d . is carefully calculated. "
Th i ngs t h at eve n n a n o s m i ght fea r. -Narada Trame, anti-papist
Like the wizard s of fables, some nanos dwe l l i n
sol itude t o study a n d conduct o d d experi ments, wh i l e
others gather i n schools and teach those with potential
to use their a b i l ities. They enjoy time i n the com pany
of people with s i m i lar p red i lections and i nterests. N ot
every nano is a frai l bookworm, however-that's j u st
the stereotype pl aced u pon them by society.
S o m et i m e s , peo p l e v i ew n a n o s a s
re p re s e ntatives of t h e powers t h at b e : god s ,
d e m o n s , o r s p i rits. T h at' s n ot t o o s u rp ri s i n g
co n s i d e r i n g t h at t h ey a ffect t h e world a ro u n d t h e m
i n ways t h at m o s t peo p l e c a n ' t fat h o m . W h at' s
m o re s u rp ri s i n g i s t h at s o m e n a n o s b e l i eve t h i s
t o be t r u e a s we l l . T h ey ca l l t h e m s e l ve s p r i e s t s
o r s h a m a n s a n d t reat t h e i r e s ote r i e s m o re l i ke
ritu a l s , p raye rs, or i nvocat i o n s . W h e n t h e s e n a n o s
gat h e r, t h ey d o s o i n te m p l e s , b u t j u st a s oft e n
o n e of t h e m l ives a l o n e a m i d a fl o c k of t h e fa i t h fu l .
S o m e o f t h e s e l o n e r n a n o s d o n 't ca l l t h e m s e lves
p r i e st s ; t h ey ca l l t h e m s e lves god s .
33

One infamous nano is
Nordarvar, who was the
first to develop the now
ubiquitous Push esotery.
He used it to knock Duke
Guchian off the top of his
own tower, thus ending
the War of Three Li/lies.
N anos in the G roup: Typical ly, a n a n o is the party
m e m b e r who kee p s to t h e back of the gro u p , a s
fa r fro m the d a n ge r a s pos s i b l e. Co m pa red to t h e i r
co m rades, n a n o s a re ofte n a bit frag i l e a n d l e s s we l l
p rotected aga i n st t h reats. I n a d d i t i o n , most o f t h e i r
a b i l ities work b e s t a t range.
As u s efu l a n d i m p re s s ive as nanos' offe n s ive
powers can be, t h e i r knowledge is often most
va l u a b l e to a gro u p . When the p a rty comes u p o n
myste rious d evices, we i rd creat u re s , o r oth e r a s pects
of the n u menera, the n a n o is u s u a l ly the one who
knows h ow to identify o r deal with the finds. H e o r
s h e can b e s t scave n ge fo r n e w cyp hers o r figu re
out h ow to u s e a rt ifacts fro m t h e past. M a ny n a n o s
p o s s e s s oth e r va l u a b l e knowled ge i n a r e a s such a s
geogra phy, botany, med icine, a n d m o re.
N anos and the N u menera: A l l n a n o s know a fa i r
b i t about t h e n u m e n e ra . I n m a n y ways , i t ' s t h e i r
l ife b l ood . When a gro u p fi n d s a b roken ve h icle, a n
i n active automato n , o r a n ancient mach i n e, the n a n o
ste p s u p a n d searches it fo r u s efu l devices.
Al most any n u menera item wo u l d be welcome,
but general ly, n a n o s a re most i nterested i n ra n ged
wea p o n s , p rotective d evices oth e r t h a n armor, a n d
devices t h at h ave i nterest i n g util ity effects-u s i n g
magneti s m , creat i n g fo rce fie l d s , h ea l i n g wo u n d s ,
res h a p i n g fl e s h , creat i n g o r d e stroy i n g m atte r, a n d s o
o n . T h i s i s true o f cyp h e rs as we l l as a rtifacts.
Advanced N anos: As n a n o s ga i n more expe rience,
they typ ically learn n ew a n d more powe rfu l esoteries.
They begin their careers by making pers o n a l s h ie l d s
a n d b l a st i n g fo e s w i t h e n e rgy, but eventual ly, they
can fly t h rough the a i r, d i s i ntegrate m atte r, teleport
vast d i stances, a n d control the weather.
NANO BACKGROUND
N a nos can do t h i ngs t h at seem l i ke magic to oth e r
peo p l e , but t h e i r powe rs a re n ' t b a s e d o n charms o r
s pe l lcast i n g-t h e exp l a n ation i s l i kely fa r stra n ge r.
Choose o n e of the th ree o pt i o n s d escribed below
as the sou rce of yo u r a b i l ities. It wi l l p rovide the
fo u n d ation of yo u r backgro u n d a n d give yo u a n
idea of h ow y o u can i m p rove. The G M can u s e t h i s
i nformation to d eve l o p adventures a n d q u e sts t h at
a re s pecific to yo u r c h a racte r a n d p l ay a ro l e i n yo u r
advancement.
Forbidden Knowledge
Yo u u n d e rsta nd the n u m e n e ra far bette r t h a n
m o s t peo p l e . You know t h at it i s n 't j u st stra n ge
mach i n e s b u ried i n o l d ru i n s . The n u m e n e ra i s
eve rywhere, beyo n d t h e perception o f h u m a n s . You
know t h at m i crosco p i c mach i n es ca l l ed n a n ites a re
th readed t h ro u g h eve ry i n c h of t h e worl d , waiti n g
t o be activated . Yo u know t h at s ate l l ites i n orbit a re
b roadcast i n g i nformat i o n , waiti n g for someone to
acce s s it. H avi n g stu d ied l o n g a n d h a rd , learn i n g the
p roper ways to tap i nto the fo rces all a ro u n d yo u ,
yo u know h ow to activate t h e s e mach i ne s a n d m a ke
t h e m do what yo u w i s h , at least i n l i m ited , s pecific
ways . These uses of powe r a re ca l l ed esoteries.
Th rough vari o u s t i n y devices t h at you possess, which
p robably seem l i ke magic charms to t h e u n i n it i ated ,
yo u "conj u re" e n e rgy. By acce s s i n g t h e d atas p h e re
tra n s m itted across t h e worl d , yo u co n n ect with
mach i n es-i n c l u d i n g the n a n ites-to c h a n ge yo u r
enviro n ment.
Advancement: You m u st co nti n u e to study. There's
fa r more to t h e n u m e n e ra t h a n o n e person can
eve r kn ow, but t h at does n 't mean you s h o u l d n 't t ry
to learn it a l l . M o re secrets a n d more knowledge
mean m o re powe r. At some point i n yo u r career, yo u
m i ght need to fi n d a teacher or a n other s o u rce of
knowledge. So many q u esti o n s need a n swers.
When yo u r stats i m p rove o r yo u learn n ew
s k i l l s , it's beca u s e yo u h ave m a stered a n ot h e r new

tech n i q u e t h at taps i nto the secret worl d . When yo u
ga i n a n ew esote ry, it' s t h e res u lt of l o n g h o u rs of
study a n d p ractice i n u s i n g yo u r myste rio u s l o re .
Psionics
Yo u know t h at the wo rld i s fi l led with ancient
mach i n e s a n d t h e i r creat i o n s . Some of them a re
v i s i b l e, but m a ny a re not. I t ' s n ot j u st s k i l l o r
knowled ge t h at a l l ows y o u to ga i n acce s s to t h e m .
Yo u h ave a psyc h i c t a l e n t t o i nterface w i t h the
mach i n e s to p rod uce va rious effects. Some of these
mach i n e s a re secreted about you r pers o n , a n d oth e rs
a re i n fu sed i nto t h e envi ro n ment of the N i nth Wo rl d .
Yo u ca n ' t conj u re e n e rgy o r warp m atte r o n yo u r
own , b u t yo u h ave t h e ra re a n d spectac u l a r a b i l ity
to control t h e i nv i s i b l e n a n o- m ach i n es t h at do it fo r
yo u . I s t h i s gift the n atu ra l res u lt of extre m e expo s u re
to tec h n o l ogy? I s it t h e fu s i o n of the b i o l ogical a n d
mech a n ica l ? I s it the d e s i g n o f a ge n i u s a rch itect,
ge n e rat i o n s earl i e r, who m a n i p u l ated the genetics
of yo u r fa m i ly? O r i s it j u st a ra n d o m m utation ? I n
any case, yo u ' re the n atu ra l synth e s i s of h u m a n a n d
mach i n e , worki n g as o n e .
Advancement: U n d e rsta n d i n g t h i s n a t u r a l talent
took t i m e a n d tra i n i ng, a n d m o re of both i s needed
to exp a n d a n d refi n e yo u r powe rs. In add ition to
seeki n g help with yo u r i n struct i o n , yo u m i ght need to
fi n d d rugs, devices, o r oth e r exte rnal st i m u l at i o n .
When as pects of yo u r c h a racte r i m p rove o r yo u
learn n ew s ki l l s or esote ries, it's beca u s e yo u h ave
m a stered a n ew facet of yo u r psyc h i c a b i l ities or
d i scovered an e n t i rely n ew use fo r a mach i n e in yo u r
enviro n ment.
Ports and Plugs
Yo u h ave a co n n ecti o n with mach i n e s for o n e clear
rea s o n : yo u ' re p ractica l ly a mach i n e yo u rself. Yo u r
n e rvo u s syste m i s l aced with c i rcu itry, a n d yo u r
body h a s i m p l a nted jacks a n d ports where yo u
p l u g i n m od u les a n d oth e r tech n o l ogical b its t h at
p rovide yo u r capa b i l ities. When yo u p rod u ce effects
o r m a n i p u l ate n a n ites, you d o so t h rough yo u r
body' s d i rect mech a n ical i nterface. Yo u r fo rce b l a sts
m i ght co m e fro m a d evice i m p l anted i n yo u r p a l m
o r fi n ge rt i p . Yo u r a b i l ity t o tap i nto the d ata s p h e re
m i ght co m e fro m the rece iver p l u gged i nto a port
yo u b u i lt i n t h e back of yo u r neck.
Obvi o u s ly, to beco me a nano, yo u h ave u n d e rgo n e
n u m e ro u s s u rgeries a n d p roced u res (e ither wi l l i ngly
o r u nwi l l i n gly) . You a re fo reve r c h a n ged. Some
peo p l e t reat yo u with d i s d a i n o r derision, but
perh a p s most of yo u r mod ificat i o n s can be h id d e n by
a h ooded cloak o r s i m i l a r garment.
Advancement: Do you want to ga i n more a b i l ities?
J u st find new h a rdware and plug it in. Alth ough talent
and p ractice a re sti l l i nvolved , physical upgrades a re
LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE
you r primary means of picking u p new tricks. Add i n g
poi nts t o you r stat Poo l s m i ght m e a n u n d ergo i n g
n e w p roced u res. Add i n g a n e w esotery m i ght req u i re
putt i n g an i m p l ant i n you r head , although changing
one esotery to another co u l d be as s i m p le as
u n p l uggi n g one mod u le a n d jacki n g i n a re p l acement.
NANO TIERS
"When adding a fluctuating
First-Tier Nano generator to an unstable
F i rst-t ier n a n o s h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities: warp capacitor, make sure
Effort: Yo u r Effort i s l . you polarize the endings
correctly or you'll end
Geni us: Yo u h ave a n I nte l l ect E d ge of l , a M i ght
up draining the energy. . .
E d ge of 0, a n d a S peed E d ge of 0. directly into your brain. "
Expert Cypher Use: You can bear th ree cyp hers at -Sir Arthour
a time.
Practiced With Light Weapons: You can u s e l i ght
wea p o n s without pena lty. I f you wield a m ed i u m
wea p o n , i n crease t h e d i fficu lty o f t h e attack b y o n e
ste p . I f yo u wield a heavy wea p o n , i n crease it by two
ste p s .
N u menera Traini ng: You a re tra i ned i n the
n u m e n e ra a n d can atte m pt to u n d e rsta n d a n d
identify i t s p roperties.
Your character's starting
Starti ng Eq u i pment: You start with cloth i n g, o n e
equipment is as important
wea p o n , a b o o k about the n u m e n e ra , t h ree cyp hers as your character's
(chosen fo r you by t h e G M ) , one odd ity (chosen fo r beginning skills. Learn
yo u b y t h e G M ) , a n d 4 s h i n s {co i n s) . Before select i n g more about what you carry
yo u r wea p o n s , armor, a n d oth e r gear, y o u m i ght and what it's used for in
Chapter 7: Equipment,
want to wait u n t i l after yo u 've chosen yo u r esote ries,
page 77.
d e scri ptor, a n d focu s .
Esoteries: Yo u can tap i nto the n u m e n e ra t o
res h a pe the wo rld a ro u n d yo u . S i m i l a r i n appeara n ce
to the way a fa b l ed wizard m i ght seem to cast s p e l l s ,
t h e s e exp re s s i o n s o f yo u r knowled ge a re ca l l ed
esoteries. Peo p l e who a re n ot n a n o s somet i m e s ca l l
t h e m spel l s o r c h a r m s .
M ost esote ries m u st be activated , which req u i res
t h at yo u h ave a free hand a n d spend l o r m o re
I nte l l ect points. l f n o I nte l l ect poi nt cost i s given fo r
a n esote ry, it fu n cti o n s co nti n uo u s ly w i t h o u t need i n g
t o b e activated . S o m e esote ries s pecify a d u rati o n ,
but yo u c a n always e n d one o f yo u r own esote ries
anyt i m e yo u w i s h .
Choose two o f the esote ries d escri bed bel ow.
Yo u ca n ' t choose t h e same esotery more t h a n o n ce
u n l e s s its d escri ption says ot h e rwi se.
H edge M agic (1 I ntel lect poi nt) : You can perform
s m a l l tricks: te m porarily c h a n ge t h e co l o r o r basic
appeara n ce of a small o bj ect, ca u s e small o bjects
to float t h ro u g h the a i r, clean a s m a l l area, m e n d a
b roken object, p repare (but n ot create) food , a n d
so o n . Yo u can't u s e hedge magic to h a rm a n other
creatu re o r o bject. Act i o n .
Onslaught (1 I ntel lect point) : Yo u attack a fo e
u s i n g e n e rgies t h at a s s a i l either h i s physical fo r m
35
 NANO CONNECTION
Ro l l a d20 or choose from the fo l l owi n g l i st to d eterm i n e a s pecific fact about you r backgro u n d t h at p rovides a co n n ect ion to the
rest of t h e worl d . Yo u can a l so create yo u r own fact.

Rol l Background
You served a s a n a p p rentice fo r a n a n o-sorcerer re s pected a n d fea red by many peo p l e . N ow you bear his m a rk.
2 You stud ied i n a school i nfa m o u s for its d a rk, b rood i n g i n structors a n d grad u ates.
3 You learned n a n o-sorcery (or gai ned yo u r mod ifications) i n the te m p l e of an obscu re god . Its p riests a n d wors h i ppers,
although s m a l l i n n u m ber, res pect a n d ad m i re yo u r talents a n d potenti a l .
4 Wh i l e trave l i n g alone, yo u saved the l i fe of a powe rfu l a b h u m a n b rute. Although u nwi l l i n g to acco m pany you on yo u r j o u rn ey,
h e re m a i n s i n d e bted to yo u .
5 Yo u r mother was a powe rfu l n a n o wh i l e s h e l ived , h e l pfu l to many loca l s . They look u po n you k i n d ly, but they a l s o expect
m uch fro m yo u .
6 You owe m o n ey to a n u m be r of peo p l e a ro u n d town a n d d o n 't h ave the fu n d s to pay yo u r debts.
7 You fa i led d i sgracefu l ly at yo u r i n it i a l stud ies with yo u r teacher a n d n ow p roceed on yo u r own .
8 You learned you r s ki l l s faster than you r teachers had ever seen before. The powers that be took notice and are payi n g close attention.
9 You k i l led a we l l - kn own cri m i n a l i n self-defe n se, earn i n g t h e res pect of m a n y a n d t h e e n m ity of a d a n ge ro u s few.
10 You tra i ned a s a g l a ive, but yo u r s k i l l s with the n u menera a n d oth e r types of l o re eventually led yo u d own a d i fferent pat h .
Yo u r former co m rades d o n ' t u n d e rsta n d yo u , but they res pect yo u .
11 Wh i l e studyi n g to be a n a n o , yo u worked a s a n a s s i stant fo r a sea m stre s s , m a k i n g friends with t h e own e r a n d the c l i e ntele.
12 Yo u r fa m i ly own s a l a rge v i n eya rd nea rby known to a l l fo r its fi n e w i n e a n d fa i r b u s i n e s s d ea l i ngs.
13 You tra i ned fo r a t i m e with a gro u p of Aeon Priests, a n d they sti l l look u po n yo u with fo n d n e s s .
14 You worked the gard e n s i n the p a l ace of a n i n fl uential n o b l e . S h e wo u l d n 't re m e m be r yo u , but yo u made frie n d s with h e r
yo u n g d a u ghter.
15 An experiment you co n d u cted i n the past went horribly awry. The loca l s re m e m b e r yo u as a d a n ge ro u s a n d foo l h a rdy i n d ivid u a l .
16 You h a i l from a d i stant l a n d where yo u we re we l l known a n d regarded , but peo p l e h e re t reat yo u with s u s p i c i o n .
17 Peo p l e yo u m eet seem put off by t h e stra n ge b i rt h m a rk o n yo u r face.
18 Yo u r best friend i s a l s o a n a n o . Yo u a n d s h e s h a re d i scove ries a n d secrets read i ly.
19 You know a local m e rchant ve ry we l l . S i n ce you give h i m so m uch b u s i n e s s , h e offers yo u d i sco u nts a n d s peci a l t reatment.
20 You belong to a secretive soci a l cl u b t h at gathers monthly to d ri n k and tal k.

o r h i s m i n d . I n either case, yo u m u st be a b l e to of h ow p owerfu l , d a n ge ro u s , or d i fficu l t it i s) .

see yo u r ta rget. I f the attack is phys i c a l , yo u e m i t
a s h o rt-ra n ge ray of fo rce t h at i n fl i cts 4 poi nts o f
d a m age. I f the attack i s menta l , y o u focus yo u r
mental e n e rgy t o b l a st t h e thought p rocesses
of another creatu re with i n s h o rt range. Th i s
m i n d s l ice i n fl i cts 2 poi nts o f I nte l l ect d a m age
Armor, page 92 (a n d t h u s i g n o res Armor) . Some creatu res without
m i n d s (such a s a utomato n s) m i ght be i m m u n e to
m i n d s l ice. Act i o n .
P u s h ( 2 I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u p u s h a creatu re o r
o bj ect a n i m med i ate d i stance i n any d i rection you
w i s h . Yo u m u st be a b l e to see the ta rget, which
m u st be yo u r s ize o r s m a l l e r, m u st n ot be affixed
to anyt h i ng, a n d m u st be with i n s h o rt ra n ge.
The push i s q u ick, a n d the fo rce i s too crude to
be m a n i p u l ated . Fo r exa m p l e, yo u ca n ' t u s e t h i s
esotery t o p u l l a l ever o r eve n close a door. Act i o n .
S c a n ( 2 I ntel l ect poi nts) : Yo u s c a n a n a rea eq u a l
i n s i ze t o a 1 0-foot ( 3 - m ete r) c u be, i n c l u d i n g a l l
o bj ects o r creat u re s w it h i n t h at a re a . T h e a re a
m u st be with i n s h o rt ra n g e . S ca n n i n g a creat u re
Level, page 85 or o bj ect a l ways reve a l s its level (a m e a s u re
Yo u a l s o l e a r n wh ateve r facts t h e G M fee l s a re
p e rt i n e n t a b o u t t h e m atte r a n d e n e rgy i n t h at
a re a . Fo r exa m p l e , you m i g h t l e a r n t h at t h e
wood e n b o x conta i n s a d ev i ce of m e t a l a n d
synt h . Yo u m i g h t l e a r n t h at t h e g l a s s cyl i n d e r i s
fu l l o f p o i s o n o u s g a s , a n d t h at i t s metal sta n d
h a s a n e l ect r i c a l fi e l d ru n n i n g t h ro u g h it t h at
co n n ects to a metal m e s h i n t h e fl o o r. Yo u m i g h t
l e a r n t h at t h e creatu re sta n d i n g befo re yo u i s
a m a m m a l with a s m a l l b ra i n . H oweve r, t h i s
e s otery d o e s n 't te l l you w h at t h e i n fo rm a t i o n
m e a n s . T h u s , i n t h e fi rst exa m p l e , yo u d o n 't
k n ow w h at t h e m eta l a n d synth d ev i ce d o e s . I n
t h e seco n d , yo u d o n 't k n ow i f ste p p i n g o n t h e
fl o o r ca u s e s t h e cyl i n d e r to re l e a s e t h e g a s . I n
t h e t h i rd , you m i g h t s u s pect t h at t h e creatu re
is n ot very i ntel l i ge n t , b u t s ca n s , l i ke l o o k s , c a n
be d e ce i v i n g . M a ny m ateri a l s a n d e n e rgy fi e l d s
p reve n t o r re s i st s ca n n i n g . Act i o n .
Ward: Yo u h ave a s h i e l d o f e n e rgy a ro u n d you at
a l l t i m e s t h at h e l p s d efl ect attacks. Yo u ga i n + 1 to
Armor. E n a b l e r.

36

Second-Tier Nano
Seco n d -tier n a n o s h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Esoteries: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g esote ries
(or a n esote ry fro m a l ower tier) to add to yo u r
re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n re p l ace o n e o f yo u r
fi rst-tier esote ries with a d ifferent fi rst-tier esotery.
Ad aptation (2+ I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u a d a pt
to a h o st i l e e n v i ro n m e n t fo r 28 h o u rs . As a
re s u lt, yo u can b reat h e safe l y, t h e te m p e ratu re
does n 't ki l l yo u (t h o u g h it m i g ht be ext re m e l y
u n co m fo rt a b l e o r d e b i l itat i n g) , cru s h i n g g ravity
does n 't i n ca p acitate or h a rm you (t h o u g h , a ga i n ,
yo u m i ght be s e ri o u s l y h i n d e red ) , a n d so o n . I n
ext re m e e n v i ro n m e n t s , t h e G M m i ght i n crease
t h e cost of activat i n g this e s otery to a maxi m u m
cost o f 1 0 I nte l l ect p o i n t s . Ro u g h ly s p e a k i n g , t h e
cost s h o u l d eq u a l t h e a m o u nt of d a m age you
wo u l d s u sta i n in a given ro u n d . Fo r exa m p l e ,
if yo u enter a h o st i l e envi ro n m e n t t h at wo u l d
n o rm a l ly d e a l 6 p o i n t s o f d a m a ge p e r ro u n d ,
u s i n g Ad a ptat i o n t o avo i d t h at d a m age costs
6 p o i n t s . Yo u can p rotect ot h e r creat u re s i n
a d d ition t o yo u rs e l f, b u t each a d d i t i o n a l creatu re
costs yo u t h e s a m e n u m be r of I ntel lect p o i n t s a s
it costs to p rotect yo u . T h u s , i f it costs 6 poi nts t o
p rotect yo u rs e l f, it costs 1 2 m o re to p rotect two
ot h e r peo p l e . Th i s e s otery n ever p rotects aga i n st
q u ick, i n stanta n e o u s t h reats , l i ke a n attack with
a wea p o n o r a s u d d e n exp l o s i o n of fi re . Act i o n to
i n itiate.
Flash (4 I ntel lect poi nts) : You create a n exp l o s i o n
of e n e rgy at a poi nt with i n close ra n ge, affect i n g a n
a rea u p t o i m med i ate ra n ge fro m t h at poi nt. You
m u st be a b l e to see the l ocation where yo u i ntend
to ce nter the exp l o s i o n . The b l a st i n fl i cts 2 poi nts
of d a m age to all creatu res o r o bjects with i n the
a rea. Beca u s e t h i s i s a n a rea attack, ad d i n g Effort
to i n crease yo u r d a m age works d i fferently t h a n it
does for s i n g l e-ta rget attacks: if yo u a p p l y a l evel
of Effort to i n crease the d a m age, add 2 poi nts of
d a m age fo r each ta rget, and eve n if you fa i l you r
attack ro l l , a l l ta rgets i n t h e a rea sti l l take 1 point
of d a m age. Act i o n .
H over ( 2 I ntellect poi nts) : Yo u fl oat s l owly i nto
the a i r. If yo u concentrate, yo u can control yo u r
m ovement t o re m a i n m ot i o n l e s s i n t h e a i r, o r float
up to a s h o rt d i stance as yo u r act i o n , but n o m o re;
oth e rwise, yo u d rift with t h e wind o r with any
momentu m yo u h ave ga i n e d . T h i s effect l asts fo r
u p to ten m i n utes. Action to i n itiate.
Mind Read ing (4 I ntellect poi nts) : Yo u can read
the s u rface thou ghts of a creatu re with i n s h o rt
ra n ge of yo u , eve n if t h e ta rget does n ' t want you
to. Yo u m u st be a b l e to see the ta rget. O n ce yo u
h ave esta b l i s h ed contact, yo u can read the ta rget ' s
thou ghts fo r u p to o n e m i n ute. I f y o u o r the ta rget
LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE
move out of range, the co n n ection i s broke n .
Action t o i n itiate.
Stasis (3 I ntel lect poi nts) : You s u rro u n d a foe
of yo u r s ize o r s m a l l e r with scinti l l at i n g e n e rgy,
kee p i n g it fro m m ovi n g or act i n g for o n e m i n ute,
a s if frozen s o l i d . You m u st be able to see the
ta rget, and it m u st be with i n s h o rt range. W h i l e i n
sta s i s , t h e ta rget i s i m perv i o u s t o h a r m , ca n n ot be
m oved , and i s i m m u n e to all effects. Act i o n .
Third-Tier Nano
Th i rd-tier n a n o s h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Adept Cypher Use: Yo u can bear fo u r cyp h e rs at a
time. "Humans lived on the
Esoteries: C h o o s e o n e of the fo l l owi n g esote ries Earth many millions of
years ago, in at least one if
(or a n esote ry fro m a l ower tier) to add to yo u r
not many great civilizations
re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n re p l ace o n e o f yo u r that rose and fell. But for
l owe r-ti e r esote ries with a d i fferent esotery fro m t h e some of the planet's history,
s a m e l ower tier. there were no humans.
Barrier (3+ I ntellect poi nts) : Yo u create an opaque, But now humans are back.
How can that be? Where
stat i o n a ry barrier of s o l i d e n e rgy with i n i m med i ate
were they in the intervening
ra n ge. The barrier is 1 0 feet by 1 0 feet (3 m by time?" -Visixtru, va rjellan
3 m) and of negl i g i b l e th ickness. I t is a l evel 2 philosopher
barrier a n d l a sts for ten m i n utes. It can be p l aced
a nywh e re it fits , whet h e r aga i n st a s o l i d object
( i n cl u d i n g the gro u n d ) or fl oati n g i n the a i r. Each
l evel of Effort you apply stre n gt h e n s the barrier
by one leve l . Fo r exa m p l e, a p p lyi n g two leve l s of
Effort creates a l evel 4 barrier. Act i o n .
Cou ntermeasu res ( 4 I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u
i m med i ately e n d o n e o n go i n g n u m e n e ra effect
(such as an effect created by an esotery) with i n
i m med i ate range. Alternatively, you can u s e t h i s a s
a d efe n s e action t o cancel a n y i n co m i n g esotery
ta rgeted at yo u , or yo u can cancel any n u menera
d evice or the effect of any n u m e n e ra d evice fo r
1 d 6 ro u n d s . You m u st touch the effect o r d evice to
cancel it. Act i o n .
Energy Protection ( 3 + I ntellect poi nts) : C h o o s e a
d i screte type of e n e rgy t h at yo u h ave experience
with (such as heat, son ic, e l ectricity, a n d so on) .
Yo u ga i n + 1 0 to Armor aga i n st d a m age fro m t h at
type of e n e rgy for ten m i n utes. Alternatively, yo u
ga i n + 1 to Armor aga i n st d a m age from t h at e n e rgy
for 28 h o u rs . You m u st be fa m i l i a r with the type
of e n e rgy; fo r exa m p l e, if yo u h ave n o experience
with a ce rta i n k i n d of extrad i me n s i o n a l e n e rgy,
yo u ca n 't p rotect aga i n st it. I n stead of a p p lyi n g
Effort t o decrease t h e d ifficu lty o f t h i s esotery,
yo u can a p p l y Effort to p rotect more ta rgets, with
each l evel of Effo rt affect i n g up to two add iti o n a l
ta rgets . Yo u m u st t o u c h a d d i t i o n a l ta rgets to
p rotect t h e m . Action to i n iti ate.
Sensor (4 I ntel lect poi nts) : You create an
i m m o b i l e , i nv i s i b l e sensor with i n i m med i ate
ra n ge t h at l asts for 28 h o u rs . At any t i m e d u ri n g
37
 t h at d u rati o n , you can concentrate to see, hear,
a n d s m e l l t h ro u g h the sensor, no m atte r h ow fa r
yo u move fro m i t . The s e n s o r d o e s n ' t grant yo u
sensory capa b i l ities beyo nd the norm. Action to
create; action to check.
Targeting Eye: You a re tra i ned i n any physical
ran ged attack that i s a n esotery or comes fro m a
n u menera d evice. For exa m ple, you a re tra i ned
when u s i n g a n O n s l a u ght force blast beca use it's a
physical attack, but not when u s i n g an O n s l aught
m i n d s l ice beca use it's a mental attack. E n a b l e r.
Fourth-Tier Nano
Fo u rth-tier n a n o s h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Throughout the Ninth Esoteries: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g esote ries
World, people of all walks (or a n esote ry fro m a l ower tier) to add to yo u r
of life report random re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n re p l ace o n e o f yo u r
glimmers ofimages or
l owe r-ti e r esote ries with a d i fferent esotery fro m t h e
information that seem
to come from nowhere. s a m e l ower tier.
These unexpected I nvisi bility (4 I ntellect poi nts} : You beco me i nv i s i b l e
bursts ofdata are often for t e n m i n utes. Wh i l e i nvisible, yo u a re s peci a l ized
nonsensical, are rarely in stealth and S peed d efense tasks. Th i s effect e n d s
useful or pertinent, if y o u d o someth i n g t o revea l you r p resence o r
and are sometimes
position-attacki ng, perform i n g a n esote ry, u s i n g
disturbing. While some
call them visions, nanos a n a b i l ity, movi n g a l a rge object, and so o n . I f t h i s
and other experts in occurs, you c a n rega i n the rem a i n i n g i nvi s i b i l ity
the numenera believe effect by ta k i n g an action to focus on h i d i n g yo u r
that the "glimmers" position. Action t o i n iti ate or rei n itiate.
are malfunctions of the M i nd Control (6+ I ntellect points}: You co ntrol the
datasphere that still
actions of another creatu re you to uch. T h i s effect
permeates the world.
lasts for ten m i n utes. The ta rget m u st be leve l 2
or lowe r. Once you h ave esta b l i s h ed contro l , you
m a i nta i n mental contact with the ta rget and sense
what it senses. Yo u can a l low it to act free ly o r
override i t s control on a case-by-case bas i s . I n stead
of applyi n g Effort to decrease the d ifficu lty, you can
a p p ly Effort to i n crease the m axi m u m leve l of the
ta rget. T h u s , to control the m i n d of a leve l 5 ta rget
(th ree leve l s a bove the normal l i m it) , you m u st
a p p ly th ree leve l s of Effort. S m a rt nanos use the
Scan esotery o n a creatu re to learn its leve l before
trying to control its m i n d . When the M i nd Control
esotery e n d s , the creatu re doesn't remem ber bei n g
control led o r a nyth i n g it d i d w h i l e u n d e r you r
com m a n d . Action t o i n iti ate.
Regeneration (6 I ntel lect poi nts} : You restore
poi nts to a ta rget ' s M i ght or S peed Pool i n o n e of
two ways : either the chosen Pool rega i n s u p to 6
points, or it is restored to a total va l u e of 1 2 . Yo u
m a ke t h i s d eci s i o n when yo u i n iti ate t h i s esotery.
Points a re rege n e rated at a rate of 1 point each
ro u n d . Yo u m u st m a i nta i n contact with the ta rget
the whole t i m e . I n no case can t h i s ra i s e a Pool
h i gher than its maxi m u m . Act i o n .
Reshape ( 5 I ntel lect poi nts): You re s h a pe m atte r
with i n s h o rt ra n ge i n an a rea no l a rger t h a n a
38
5 -foot (.5 m) cube. I f yo u s p e n d o n ly one action
o n t h i s esotery, the c h a nges yo u m a ke a re crude
at best. I f yo u spend at least ten m i n utes a n d
s u cceed a t a n a p p ropriate craft i n g task (with a
d i fficu lty at least o n e step h i g h e r t h a n n o rm a l ,
d u e t o the ci rcu m stances) . yo u c a n m a ke co m p l ex
c h a n ges to t h e mate r i a l . You ca n ' t c h a n ge the
nature of t h e mate r i a l , o n ly its s h a pe . Thus, you
can m a ke a h o l e i n a wa l l o r floor, o r you can seal
o n e u p . Yo u can fa s h ion a rud i m e ntary sword fro m
a l a rge p i ece of i ro n . You can b reak or re p a i r a
ch a i n . With m u lt i p l e uses of t h i s esote ry, yo u co u l d
b r i n g a b o u t l a rge c h a n ges, m a k i n g a bridge, a wa l l ,
o r a s i m i l a r struct u re. Act i o n .
Slay ( 6 I ntel lect poi nts} : You gather d i s ru pti n g
e n e rgy i n yo u r fi n ge rt i p a n d touch a creat u re. I f t h e
ta rget i s a n N PC o r a creatu re of l eve l 3 o r l ower,
it d ie s . If the ta rget is a PC of any tier, he m oves
d own one step o n the d a m age t rack. Act i o n .
Fifth-Tier Nano
Fifth-tier n a n o s h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
M aster Cypher Use: You can bear five cyp h e rs at a
time.
Esoteries: C h o o s e o n e of the fo l l owi n g esote ries
(or a n esote ry fro m a l ower tier) to add to yo u r
re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n re p l ace o n e o f yo u r
l owe r-ti e r esote ries with a d i fferent esotery fro m t h e
s a m e l ower tier.
Absorb Energy (7 I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u touch a n
o bj ect a n d absorb i t s e n e rgy. I f y o u touch a cyp h e r,
yo u re n d e r it u s e l e s s . I f you touch an a rt ifact, ro l l
o n t h e a rtifact ' s d e p l et i o n . I f yo u touch another
k i n d of powered mach i n e o r d evice, the G M
d eterm i n e s whet h e r its powe r i s fu l ly d ra i n e d .
I n any case, y o u absorb e n e rgy fro m t h e o bj ect
touched a n d rega i n l d l O I nte l l ect points. If t h i s
wo u l d give yo u m o re I nte l l ect t h a n yo u r Poo l ' s
m axi m u m , t h e extra poi nts a re lost, a n d you m u st
m a ke a M i ght d efe n s e ro l l . The d ifficu lty of the
ro l l i s eq u a l to the n u m be r of poi nts ove r yo u r
m axi m u m you absorbed . I f yo u fa i l t h e ro l l , yo u
take 5 poi nts of d a mage a n d a re u n a b l e to act fo r
o n e ro u n d . You can u s e t h i s esotery as a defe n s e
action when yo u ' re t h e ta rget of a n i n com i n g
esotery. D o i n g so ca n ce l s t h e i n com i n g esotery,
a n d yo u a b sorb the e n e rgy as if it were a d evice.
Act i o n .
Dust t o Dust (7 I ntel lect poi nts) : You d i s i ntegrate
one n o n l iv i n g o bj ect t h at is s m a l l e r t h a n you
a n d whose l evel is less t h a n o r e q u a l to yo u r tier.
Yo u m u st touch t h e object to affect it. I f the G M
fee l s it a p p ropriate to the ci rcu m stances, you
can d i s i ntegrate a portion of a n o bj ect (t h e total
vol u m e of wh ich i s s m a l l e r t h a n yo u) rather than
the e n t i re t h i ng. Act i o n .
 LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE

Knowi ng the U n known (6 I ntel lect poi nts):
Ta p p i n g i nto the d ata s p h e re, yo u can ask the
GM o n e q u estion and get a general a n swe r.
The G M a s s i g n s a l evel to the q ue st i o n , so the
more obscu re the a n swe r, t h e more d ifficult t h e
t a s k . G e n eral ly, knowled ge t h at yo u co u l d fi n d
by looki n g somewhere oth e r t h a n yo u r cu rre nt
l ocation i s l evel 1 , a n d obscure knowled ge of the
past i s l evel 7 . G a i n i n g knowledge of the fut u re is
i m po s s i b l e . Act i o n .
Teleportation (6+ I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u
i n stantaneously tra n s m it yo u rself to any location
t h at yo u h ave seen o r been to, n o m atte r t h e
d i stance , a s l o n g a s it i s o n E a rth ( o r wh ateve r
wo rld yo u ' re cu rrently on) . I n stead of a p p lyi n g
Effort t o decrease t h e d ifficu lty, yo u c a n a p p l y
Effort t o b r i n g oth e r peo p l e w i t h yo u , w i t h each
l evel of Effort affecti n g up to th ree a d d i t i o n a l
ta rgets. Yo u m u st t o u c h any a d d i t i o n a l ta rgets.
Act i o n .
True Senses: Yo u can see i n co m p l ete d a rkness
u p to 50 feet (1 5 m) as if it we re dim l i ght. You
recogn ize hologra m s , d i s g u i se s , optical i l l u s i o n s ,
s o u n d m i m icry, a n d oth e r s u c h tricks (fo r a l l
sen ses) fo r what they a r e . E n a b l e r.
can co l l apse b u i l d i n g s , red i rect s m a l l rive rs, o r
perform oth e r d ra m atic effects. Act i o n .
Traverse the Worlds ( 8 + I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u
i n stanta n e o u s l y t ra n s m it yo u rs e l f to a n ot h e r
p l a net, d i m e n s i o n , p l a n e , o r l evel of rea l i ty.
Yo u m u st k n ow t h at t h e desti n at i o n exi sts; t h e
G M wi l l decide if y o u h ave e n o u g h i n fo rmation
to co nfirm its exi ste n ce a n d w h at t h e l evel of
d ifficu lty m i ght be to reach t h e desti n at i o n .
I n stead o f a p p lyi n g Effort t o d ecrease t h e
d ifficu lty, y o u can a p p l y Effort to b ri n g ot h e r
peo p l e w i t h yo u , w i t h e a c h l evel of Effo rt affect i n g
u p t o t h ree a d d i t i o n a l ta rget s . Yo u m u st touch
a n y a d d i t i o n a l ta rget s . Act i o n .
U s u rp Cypher: C h o o s e o n e cyp h e r t h at you Cypher, page 278
carry. T h e cyp h e r m u st h ave a n effect t h at i s n ot
i n stanta n e o u s . Yo u destroy t h e cyp h e r a n d ga i n
its powe r, w h i c h fu n ct i o n s fo r yo u conti n u o u s ly.

Sixth-Tier Nano
S ixth-tier n a n o s h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Esoteries: Choose o n e of the fo l l owi n g esote ries
{or a n esote ry fro m a l ower tier) to add to yo u r
re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u c a n re p l ace o n e o f yo u r
l owe r-ti e r esote ries with a d i fferent esotery fro m t h e
s a m e l ower tier.
Control Weather (1 0 I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u c h a n ge
the weat h e r i n yo u r general reg i o n . I f performed
i n d oors, t h i s esotery create s o n ly m i n o r weather
effects, s u c h as m i st, mild te m pe ratu re c h a n ge s ,
a n d so o n . I f performed outside, y o u can create
ra i n , fog, s n ow, w i n d , o r any oth e r k i n d of normal
(not ove rly seve re) weather. The c h a n ge l asts fo r
a n atu ra l l e n gt h o f t i m e , so a storm m i ght last fo r
a n h o u r, fog fo r two o r th ree h o u rs , a n d s n ow fo r a
few h o u rs {or for ten m i n utes if it's out of season) .
Fo r the fi rst ten m i n utes after activat i n g t h i s
esotery, y o u c a n create m o re d ra m atic a n d s pecific
effects, such as l i ghtn i n g stri kes , giant h a i l sto n e s ,
twi sters, h u rrica n e fo rce w i n d s , a n d so o n .
T h e s e effects m u st occ u r with i n 1 ,000 feet (305
m) of yo u r l ocat i o n . You m u st spend you r t u rn
co ncentrat i n g to create an effect or to m a i nta i n
i t i n a n ew ro u n d . These effects i n fl ict 6 poi nts of
d a m age each ro u n d . Act i o n .
M ove Mou ntai ns ( 9 I ntel lect poi nts) : You exe rt a
tre m e n d o u s a m o u nt of physical fo rce with i n 250
feet (76 m) of yo u . You can push u p to 1 0 to n s
(9 . 1 t ) o f material u p t o 5 0 feet (1 5 m) . Th i s fo rce
 Yo u can choose a cyp h e r w h e n you ga i n t h i s
a b i l ity, o r y o u c a n wait a n d m a ke t h e c h o i ce l ater.
H oweve r, o n ce yo u u s u rp a cyp h e r ' s powe r, yo u
ca n n ot l ater switch to a d ifferent cyp h e r-t h e
esotery works o n l y o n ce . Act i o n to i n i t i ate.
NANO EXAMPLE
S h a n n a wants to create a n a n o . S h e decides to
be so mewhat we l l ro u n d e d , so s h e puts 2 of h e r
add iti o n a l poi nts i nto e a c h stat Poo l , giv i n g h e r a
M i ght Pool of 9, a S peed Pool of l l , a n d an I nte l l ect
Pool of 1 4. H e r n a n o is s m a rt a n d q u ick. S h e h a s a n
I nte l l ect E d ge of l , a M i ght E d ge of 0, a n d a S peed
E d ge of 0. As a fi rst-tier cha racter, her Effort is l . S h e
i s tra i ned i n the n u menera. As h e r i n it i a l esoteries,
s h e chooses O n s l aught a n d Wa rd , givi n g h e r a
stro n g offe n s e a n d d efe n s e .
She c a n b e a r th ree cyphers, b u t the G M gives her
Occultic and anoetic two: a n occultic cypher (wh ich cou nts as two cyp hers
cyphers, page 279 for t h i s pu rpose) and an anoetic cypher, which together
count as three. The occultic cypher i s a hand held, short
range teleporter, and the anoetic cypher is a device that
exp lodes l i ke a fiery bomb. For her weapon, S h a n n a
chooses a knife, w h i c h i s a l ight wea pon.
Graceful, page 48 Fo r her descri ptor, S h a n n a chooses G racefu l ,
which adds 3 poi nts to her S peed Pool ,
b ri n g i n g i t t o 1 4. That descri ptor m e a n s s h e
i s trai ned i n b a l a n c i n g and anyt h i n g req u i ri n g
carefu l movements, physical perform i n g
arts, and S peed d efense tasks.
Perh aps s h e i s a d a n ce r. In fact, she
begi n s to develop a backstory that
i nvolves gracefu l , l ithe movements
that s h e i n corporates i nto her
esotery performance.
Fo r her focu s, she chooses
Rides the Lightning, Rides the Lightn i n g. Th i s gives her
page 71 S h ock, another offe n s ive power, which
s h e p l a n s on u s i n g with the knife if she
eve r gets i nto hand-to- h a n d com bat (though
she'll try to avoid th at) . S h e also ga i n s
Charge, which wi l l come i n
h a n dy when s h e fi n d s more
n u menera a rtifacts i n her
explorations.
H e r esote ries a n d focu s
a b i l ities cost I nte l l ect poi nts to
activate, so s h e ' s glad to h ave a l ot
of poi nts i n h e r I nte l l ect Poo l . I n
a d d i t i o n , h e r I nte l l ect Edge w i l l
h e l p red uce t h o s e costs. I f s h e
u ses h e r O n s l a ught fo rce b l a st
without a p p lyi n g Effort, it costs
her 0 I nte l l ect poi nts and d e a l s
4 p o i n t s o f d a mage. L i kewi se,
u s i n g h e r S h ock a b i l ity without
a p p lyi n g Effort costs 0 I nte l l ect points. Her I nte l l ect
E d ge wi l l a l l ow h e r to save poi nts to d evote towa rd
a p p lyi n g Effort for oth e r p u rposes, perhaps to boost
the accu racy of her O n s l a ught o r S h ock a b i l ities.
JACK
J acks a re i ntrepid explorers and adventu rers. They a re
j acks of a l l trades-h ence the name--a lthough the
wo rd also hearken s back to fables i nvolvi n g a wily,
resou rcefu l hero who a lways see m s to be n a med J ack.
U sed as a verb, "to jack" means to stea l , to d eceive, or
to get out of a tight scrape t h rough ingenu ity or l uck.
J acks d o n ' t use one s ki l l o r tactic exc l u s ively;
they use wh ateve r wea po n s , armor, esote ries, or
a nyth i n g e l se t h at m i ght h e l p t h e m . They a re h u nters
(particu l a rly t rea s u re h u nters) , con a rtists, s k a l d s ,
rogu e s , scouts, a n d expe rts i n a variety o f fie l d s .
jacks in Society: J acks are crafters, entertai ners, leaders,
and th ieves. They' re a rch itects, engi neers, con artists,
sales people, and teachers. Th i s d ivers ity doesn't mean
that the jack i s the archetypal everyman-that kind
of s i m ple categorization would d i m i n i s h
t h e character type. J acks are remarkable i n
that they c a n do so m a n y d ifferent
t h i n gs, and some do m u ltiple
t h i n gs. I f one jack i s an artist
and another is an explorer,
there's l i kely a t h i rd who i s
both a t once.
Skil led and learned jacks
who share their gifts with
others are prized mem bers
of society, wel l res pected for
what they know and can do.
A vill age m ight be protected by
warriors, but it' s the jack who makes
everyt h i n g ru n s moot h ly by repairing
or b u i l d i n g wh atever i s needed,
hand l i n g d i s putes, i nvestigating
mysteries, and so on. On the other
hand, jacks who use their varied
a b i l ities to benefit o n ly them selves
a re d i stru sted at best and reviled at
worst. The m u rderers and thieves of a
com m u n ity are l i kely jacks.
Jacks in the G roup: J acks fill i n the
s pace between the extremes of nanos
and glaives. They frequently do a l ittle of
everything and know a l ittle of everythi ng.
They can fight alongside a glaive or have
a scholarly tal k with a nano. There are no
right or wrong places, actions, or roles for
jacks. They can hold their own i n combat
or other dangerous situations, but they
 LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE

JACK STAT POOLS parents, t h e i r p a rents, a n d so o n . Some of yo u r

Stat Pool Starti ng Value
M i ght 10
S peed 10
I nte l l ect 10
Yo u get 6 add iti o n a l poi nts to d ivide a m o n g yo u r stat
Poo l s h owever yo u w i s h .
excel a t many assorted tasks l i ke search ing fo r clues,
using d i plomacy with the locals, or repai ring a piece of
broken gear. The d rawback, of cou rse, i s that jacks are
rarely the best fighters in com bat or the best hand lers of
the n u menera. They m ight, however, be the best at more
special ized s kills. They' re the most l i kely characters to
know how to di mb, how to stand watch effectively, how
to j i m my a lock, and how to jury-rig a makeshift shelter
or snare trap.
j acks and the N u menera: J acks gravitate toward
cyp h e rs o r a rtifacts t h at expa n d t h e i r a rray of o pt i o n s
eve n fu rt h e r. An e n h a n ced p i ece o f armor m i ght b e
fi n e fo r a g l a ive, but many j acks wo u l d rather h ave
an object t h at a l l ows t h e m to com m u n i cate at a
d i stance, wa l k t h rough wa l l s , or put foes to sleep.
Advanced jacks: J acks are the most flexi ble of the
character types, and advanced jacks are no d ifferent.
Some learn esoteries, as nanos do. Others hone their
com bat a b i l ities. Some jacks do both, ga i n i n g more
skills and i m p rovi ng at, wel l , a l ittle bit of everyt h i ng.
genetic advantage m i ght eve n grant yo u l ow- l evel
psyc h i c a b i l ities t h at greatly rese m b l e t h e " m i racles"
performed by n a n o s .
Advancement: You m i ght be a s u perh u m a n , b u t
yo u ' re sti l l l i m ited b y w h at y o u l e a r n a n d experience.
Therefore, you m u st co nti n u e to tra i n a n d study.
P ractice is the key-it j u st comes easier for yo u t h a n
it does fo r ot hers.
When yo u i m p rove , it's beca u s e you h ave h o n e d
Confusingly, in some
yo u r n at u ra l a b i l it i e s o r u n l ocked h e retofo re
cultures, the term 'Yack" is
u n k n own genetic t ra it s . an insult, while in others it's
a compliment.
School of Hard Knocks
You learned t h i ngs the h a rd way-on you r own .
Ad aptive and can ny, you exp ress the true stre n gt h s
o f h u m a n ity i n you r a b i l ity to adj u st q u ickly to
circum sta nces, pick up new tricks to s u cceed , and
u lt i m ately s u rvive when yo u probably s h o u l d be dead .
M ost l i kely, yo u grew u p on yo u r own , perh a p s
o n the streets, i n the w i l d e r n e s s , o r a m i d ru i n s .
T h e d eta i l s d o n ' t rea l ly m atte r. Wh at' s i m porta nt i s
t h at yo u taught yo u rself h ow t o ove rco m e wh ateve r
c h a l l e n ges came a l o n g .
Advancement: J u st k e e p o n kee p i n g o n . You got
to where yo u a re by observ i n g , learn i n g, a d a pt i n g, Esoteries, page 35
a n d adopt i n g . To adva n ce, yo u need to do more of
the same. Co n stant wari n e s s co u p led (somewhat
paradoxical ly) with con sta nt cu rios ity a l l ows yo u to
h o n e yo u r s ki l l s a n d n ew ca p a b i l ities.

JACK BACKGROUND A Cobbled Jumble

Yo u m i ght hear peo p l e say t h at a jack is j u st the Yo u ' re t h e p rod uct of ge n e rat i o n s
typical eve rym a n (or everype rson) , but d o n ' t bel ieve of eugenics, bol stered b y m i n o r
it. You a re n ' t l i ke a nyo n e e l s e . You can d o t h i ngs t h at cybe rnetic e n h a n cements, a few
no one e l s e can do beca u s e you do so many t h i n gs . s m a l l psyc h i c a b i l ities, a n d the
Yo u ' re a warrior, yo u ' re a t h i ef, yo u ' re a d i p l o m at, l e s s o n s of secret m a sters. I n
yo u ' re a sage, a n d yo u ' re a s py. oth e r word s , you d o n ' t h ave
When you choose jack as you r characte r type, come one sou rce of powe r o r o n e
u p with a n exp l a n ation for how you learned you r wide exp l a n ation fo r yo u r a b i l ities
variety of talents. Choose one of the t h ree options yo u h ave many, a n d as far as
descri bed below. It wi l l p rovide the fo u n d ation of yo u ' re co n cerned, that's t h e
you r backgro u n d and give you an idea of how you can b e s t fo rm u l a fo r s ucce s s . Yo u
i m p rove. The GM can use this information to develop d o n ' t put a l l yo u r eggs i n a
adventu res and q uests that a re s pecific to you r s i n g l e p roverbial bas ket. To
characte r a n d p l ay a ro le i n you r advancement. rea l ly get ahead, yo u m u st rely
o n m u lt i p l e stre n gt h s .
Born Lucky Yo u 've always got a n
Yo u seem to be bette r t h a n most peo p l e beca u s e u n expected trick u p
yo u a r e . Yo u r a n ce stors we re p a rt of a genetic yo u r s l eeve o r a fa l l back
experi ment, and yo u r genes a re s u perior to those co nti n ge n cy. Fo r exa m p l e,
of the ave rage h u m a n . Yo u ' re s m a rter, stro n ge r, yo u m i ght h ave
m o re d exte ro u s , a n d a b l e to learn mental a n d s u bdermal i m p l a nts
physical s k i l l s m o re q u ickly. Fo l ks m i ght ca l l you t h at m a ke you more
c h a ri s m atic, b l e s sed , d ivinely gifted , o r j u st p l a i n res i l ient, yo u r tra i n i n g
l ucky. They probably s a i d t h e s a m e t h i n g about yo u r m i ght l et you sense
 a foe's attack before h e strikes, a n d yo u r psych ic
a b i l ities co u l d a l l ow yo u to push yo u r enemy's blade
s l i ghtly to t h e left so yo u can j u st barely d od ge it. I n
the e n d , yo u ' re s i m ply h a rd to h u rt.
Although technically Advancement: Yo u h ave chosen every pat h , so you
"esoteries" are nano
m u st trave l each of them. Tra i n i n g and d rugs fuel you r
abilities, jacks often refer
to their more clearly body a n d m i n d , bra i n i m p l ants grant you additional
supernatu ra I tricks of the s ki l l s , and d evices h idden i n you r palms give you
trade as esoteries as well. fres h a b i l ities. Adva ncement means new teachers and
tech n icians, stra n ge s u bsta nces and rad i ations, and
a n eve r- i ncrea s i n g n eed to d i scover the secrets of the
past that will p rove essential for yo u r fut u re.
JACK TIERS
First-Tier Jack
F i rst-t ier j acks h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Effort: Yo u r Effort i s 1 .
j ack of All Trades: You h ave a n E d ge of 1 fo r o n e
stat of yo u r cho ice: M i ght, S peed , o r I nte l l ect. Yo u
h ave an E d ge of 0 for the oth e r two stats.
Cypher Use: Yo u can bear two cyp hers at a t i m e .
Practiced With Light and M ed i u m Weapons: Yo u
can u s e l i ght a n d m ed i u m wea p o n s without pena lty.
If you wield a heavy wea p o n , i n crease the d i fficu lty of
the attack by one ste p .
Ski l ls: Yo u a re tra i ned i n o n e task of you r choos i n g
(ot h e r t h a n attacks o r defe n se) .
Flex Ski l l : At the begi n n i n g of each d ay, choose
o n e task (ot h e r than attacks o r defe n se) o n which
yo u wi l l co ncentrate. For the rest of t h at d ay, yo u ' re
tra i ned i n t h at task. You ca n ' t u s e t h i s a b i l ity with a
s k i l l yo u ' re a l ready tra i ned i n to become s peci a l ized .
Your character's Starti ng Eq u i pment: You start with cloth i n g, two
starting equipment is wea p o n s , l i ght armor, an exp l o rer's pack, a pack of
as important as your l i ght too l s , two cyp h e rs (chosen for you by the G M ) ,
character's beginning
o n e odd ity (ch osen b y the G M ) , a n d 8 s h i n s . Before
skills. Learn more about
what you carry and what select i n g yo u r wea p o n s , armor, a n d oth e r gear, yo u
it's usedfor in Chapter 7: m i ght want to wait u nt i l after yo u 've chosen yo u r
Equipment, page 77. tricks o f t h e trad e , d escri ptor, a n d focu s .
Tricks ofthe Trade: You h ave a w i d e range o f abil ities
that keep people gues s i n g. Some of these tricks of the
trade a re tech n ica l ly esoteries, u s i n g the n u menera,
while others are more m u ndane. Some tricks are
con stant, ongoing effects; others are s pecific actions
that u s u a l ly cost poi nts from one of you r stat Pools.
Choose two of the tricks descri bed below. You
ca n ' t choose the s a m e trick more t h a n o n ce u n le s s
its description s ays oth e rwise.
Bash (1 M ight point): This i s a pummeling melee
attack. You make an attack and infl ict 1 additional
point of damage using a l most any weapon except
the l ightest (such as a wh i p or a small knife) . Action.
H edge M agic (1 I ntel lect poi nt) : You can perform
s m a l l tricks: te m porarily c h a n ge t h e co l o r o r basic
appeara n ce of a small o bj ect, ca u s e small o bjects
to float t h ro u g h the a i r, clean a s m a l l area, m e n d a
broken object, prepare (but n ot create) food , a n d
so o n . Yo u can't u s e hedge magic to h a rm a n other
creatu re o r o bject. Act i o n .
Pierce (1 Speed point) : Th i s i s a we l l - a i m e d ,
penetrat i n g ran ged attack. You m a ke a n attack a n d
i nfl ict 1 a d d i t i o n a l point of d a m age if yo u r weapon
h a s a s h a rp poi nt. Act i o n .
Practiced i n Armor: j acks can wea r a r m o r fo r
rea s o n a b l e period s o f t i m e without t i r i n g a n d can
co m p e n s ate fo r s l owed react i o n s fro m wea ri n g
a r m o r. Yo u c a n wear a n y k i n d o f a r m o r. You
red uce t h e M i ght cost per h o u r for wea r i n g a r m o r
a n d t h e S peed Pool red u ct i o n fo r wea ri n g a r m o r
b y 2 . E n a b l e r.
Skill With Defense: Choose one type of defense task
i n which you a re not a l ready trained: M ight, S peed , or
I ntel l ect. You are tra i ned i n defense tas ks of that type.
U n l i ke most tricks of the trade, you can select t h i s
trick u p t o three t i m e s . Each time you select i t , you
m u st choose a d ifferent type of defense task. Enabler.
Th rust (1 M ight point) : Th i s i s a powe rfu l m e l ee
sta b . You m a ke an attack a n d i n fl ict 1 a d d i t i o n a l
point of d a m age if yo u r weapon h a s a s h a rp edge
o r poi nt. Act i o n .
Trained Without Armor: Yo u a re t ra i ned i n S peed
defe n s e act i o n s when n ot wea ri n g armor. E n a b l e r.
Second-Tier Jack
Seco n d -tier j acks h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Ski l ls: Yo u a re tra i ned i n o n e task of you r choos i n g
(ot h e r t h a n attacks o r defe n se) . I f yo u choose a task
yo u ' re a l ready t ra i ned in, you become s peci a l ized
in t h at task. You ca n ' t choose a task yo u ' re a l ready
s pecial ized i n .
Tricks of the Trade: Choose o n e o f t h e fo l l owi n g
tricks ( o r a trick fr o m a l owe r tier) t o add t o yo u r
re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u can re p l ace o n e o f yo u r
fi rst-tier tricks with a d i fferent fi rst-tier trick.
Brute Finesse: Somet i m e s a swift kick i s j u st the
trick to po p p i n g open a lock o r start i n g a re l u ctant
p i ece of mach i n e ry. When yo u apply Effort to a
n o n co m bat S peed task, yo u can s p e n d poi nts
fro m yo u r M i ght Pool a s if they came fro m yo u r
S peed Poo l . For exa m p l e, yo u co u l d s p e n d 3 M i ght
poi nts a n d 2 S peed poi nts to a p p l y two leve l s of
Effort to picki n g a loci<. E n a b l e r.
Experienced Adventu rer: When yo u u s e a
n o n co m bat s ki l l s u ccessfu l ly, if you d i d n 't ro l l a
natural 1 9 or 20, you can a p p l y a l evel of Effort
(after t h e ro l l ) to get a m i n o r s pecial effect. The
stat poi nts spent fo r this l evel of Effort m u st come
fro m the same stat a s the o n e u sed fo r the s ki l l .
Th u s , if yo u made a S peed ro l l , t h e cost o f t h e
Effort co mes fr o m yo u r S peed Poo l . Applyi n g the
Effort does n ' t mod ify t h e d ifficu lty of the task-it
 LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE

JACK CONNECTION
Ro l l a d20 or choose from the fo l l owi n g l i st to d eterm i n e a s pecific fact about you r backgro u n d t h at p rovides a co n n ect ion to
the rest of the worl d . You can a l s o create yo u r own fact.

Rol l Background
You co m e fro m a l a rge fa m i ly a n d had to fe nd fo r yo u rself fro m a n early age.
2 You r o l d e r s i ster is a s k i l led n a n o . You were n 't a b l e to fo l l ow h e r pat h , but the n u menera i s n ot u n known to yo u .
3 You ' re a m e m b e r of a g u i l d of exp l o rers who special ize i n u ncove r i n g ancient myste ries.
4 You worked a l o n g s i d e yo u r fath e r, who was s k i l led i n m a ny t h i n gs , u nt i l he d i s a ppeared one d ay with no exp l a n at i o n .
5 You grew u p on the streets a n d stu d ied at the school of h a rd knocks.
6 You re m e m b e r l ittl e of yo u r past, w h i c h h a s always seemed stra n ge to yo u .
7 You came of age i n the w i l d a n d a re used to l iv i n g ro u g h .
8 You r fa m i ly i s wealthy but earns l ittl e re s pect from the loca l s .
9 You ' re frie n d s with many peo p l e i n t h e com m u n ity a n d a re ge nerally we l l regarded .
10 You h ave a n a n n oyi n g rival who always see m s to get i n yo u r way o r fo i l yo u r p l a n s .
11 You ' re i n l ove with a local s h o p keeper, but t h at person s h ows l ittl e i nterest i n yo u .
12 Seve ra l exped itions prepari n g to exp lore o l d ru i n s a n d odd myste ries wo u l d l i ke yo u to j o i n them beca u s e you seem l i ke a
p ro m i s i n g add ition to the tea m .
13 You r best friend fro m ch i l d h ood i s now a n Aeo n Priest.
14 You co m e fro m a nea rby com m u n ity, but the loca l s co n s i d e r the fo l k of yo u r h o m etown to be u ntru stwo rthy riva l s .
15 You ' re close friends with a local m a rried co u p le, both of whom a re expe rienced n a n o s .
16 You ' re d ri n ki n g b u d d i e s with a n u m be r of t h e local guards a n d g l a ives.
17 You o n ce saved the c h i l d of a local n o b l e fro m a fi re, a n d s h e i s very gratefu l .
18 You used to work with a tro u pe of trave l i n g m i n st re l s a n d performers, a n d t h ey re m e m b e r yo u fo n d ly (as d o peo p l e i n the
p l aces yo u v i s ited ) .
19 You ' re wanted fo r a cri m e yo u d id n't co m m it.
20 You h ave a friend with an exten s ive l i b rary, plenty of food and d r i n k, and a comforta ble home-a nd the door i s always open to you .

jacks are able to take the

o n ly creates the m i n o r effect. E n a b l e r.
No N eed for Weapons: When you m a ke a n
u n a rmed attack ( s u c h as a p u n c h o r kick) , i t
co u nts a s a med i u m weapon i n stead o f a l i ght
wea p o n . E n a b l e r.
Push (2 I ntellect points): You push a creatu re or
object an i m med iate d i stance i n any d i rection you
wish. You m u st be able to see the target, which
m u st be you r s ize or smaller, m u st not be affixed
to anyt h i n g, and m u st be wit h i n short range. The
push i s q u ick, and the force i s too crude to be
m a n i p u lated . For example, you can't use t h i s trick to
p u l l a lever or even close a door. Action.
Reload (1 Speed point) : When u s i n g a weapon
t h at normally req u i res a n action to re load , you
can re load a n d fi re (or fi re a n d re load) i n the s a m e
act i o n . E n a b l e r.
Ward: Yo u h ave a s h i e l d of e n e rgy a ro u n d you at
a l l t i m e s t h at h e l p s d efl ect attacks. Yo u ga i n + 1 to
Armor. E n a b l e r.
Third-Tier jack
Th i rd-tier j acks h ave t h e fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Expert Cypher Use: You can bear th ree cyp hers at
a time.
Ski l ls: Yo u a re tra i ned i n o n e task o f you r choos i n g
(ot h e r t h a n attacks o r defe n se) . I f yo u choose a task
yo u ' re a l ready tra i ned in, you become s peci a l ized
best of all abilities and fuse
in t h at task. You ca n ' t choose a task yo u ' re a l ready them into a style all their
special ized i n . own.
Tricks ofthe Trade: Choose o n e of t h e fol lowi ng tricks
(or a trick from a lower tier) to add to you r repertoi re.
In addition, you ca n replace one of you r lower-tier tricks
with a d ifferent trick from the same lower tier.
Enhancement (4 I ntellect points): You ga i n a + 1
bon u s to the Edge for one stat of yo u r choice
(M ight, S peed , or I ntel l ect) for ten m i n utes . Yo u
can h ave o n ly one vers ion of t h i s trick i n effect at a
time. Action to i n itiate.
H over (3 I ntellect poi nts) : Yo u fl oat s l owly i nto
the a i r. If yo u concentrate, yo u can control yo u r
m ovement t o re m a i n m ot i o n l e s s i n t h e a i r, o r float
up to a s h o rt d i stance as yo u r act i o n , but n o m o re;
oth e rwise, yo u d rift with t h e wind o r with any
momentu m yo u h ave ga i n e d . T h i s effect l asts fo r
u p to ten m i n utes. Action to i n itiate.
Mind Read ing (4 I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u can read
the s u rface thou ghts of a creatu re with i n s h o rt
ra n ge of yo u , eve n if t h e s u bject does n ' t want you
to. Yo u m u st be a b l e to see the ta rget. O n ce yo u
h ave esta b l i s h ed contact, yo u can read the ta rget ' s
thou ghts fo r u p to o n e m i n ute. I f y o u o r the ta rget
m ove out of range, the co n n ection is broke n .
Action t o i n itiate.

Feiren Quevas is a
well-known jack who
sought the legendary
three keys of the Silver
Door, the only entrance
to the massive numenera
object known as the
Mushroom due to its
shape. Although he never
possessed all three keys
at once, he did manage
to uncover an artifact
known as the Red Glove,
which could transmute
any material touched to
vapor.
Onslaught (2 I ntel lect poi nts) : You attack a foe
u s i n g e n e rgies t h at a s s a i l either h i s physical form
o r his m i n d . In either case, yo u m u st be able to
see yo u r ta rget. I f the attack is phys i c a l , yo u e m i t
a s h o rt-range, i nv i s i b l e ray of fo rce t h at i n fl i cts
4 points of d a mage. I f t h e attack i s menta l , you
focu s yo u r mental e n e rgy to b l a st the thought
p rocesses of another creatu re with i n s h o rt range.
Th i s m i n d s l i ce i n fl icts 2 poi nts of I nte l l ect d a m age
(a n d t h u s i g n o res Armor) . Some creatu res without
m i n d s (such a s a utomato n s) m i ght be i m m u n e to
m i n d s l ice. Act i o n .
Ski l l With Attacks: C h o o s e o n e type o f attack i n
which yo u a re n ot a l ready tra i n e d : l i ght bas h i ng,
l i ght b l aded , l i ght ra n ged , m ed i u m bas h i ng,
m ed i u m b l aded , m ed i u m ra n ged , heavy bas h i ng,
heavy b l aded , o r heavy ran ged . You a re tra i ned in
attacks u s i n g t h at type of wea pon. E n a b l e r.
Fourth-Tier jack
Fo u rth-tier jacks h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Ski l ls: Yo u a re tra i ned i n o n e task of you r choos i n g
(ot h e r t h a n attacks o r defe n se) . I f yo u choose a task
yo u ' re a l ready t ra i ned in, you become s peci a l ized
in t h at task. You ca n ' t choose a task yo u ' re a l ready
s pecial ized i n .
Tricks of the Trade: Choose o n e o f t h e fo l l owi n g
tricks ( o r a trick fr o m a l owe r tier) t o add t o yo u r
re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u can re p l ace o n e o f yo u r
l owe r-ti e r tricks with a d i fferent trick fro m t h e same
l ower tier.
An alytical Combat: S o m et i m e s t h e most
i m portant m u sc l e i n a fight i s yo u r b ra i n . If
yo u can p red i ct w h e re a n o p po n e n t wi l l m ove
n ext o r see her weak s pot, yo u can be a m o re
s u ccessfu l co m bata nt. W h e n yo u a p p l y Effo rt to
a co m bat M i ght t a s k or S peed task, yo u can a l s o
s p e n d p o i n t s fro m yo u r I nte l l ect P o o l a s if t h ey
came fro m yo u r M i ght Pool or S peed Poo l . Fo r
exa m p l e , yo u co u l d s p e n d 3 I nte l l ect poi nts a n d
2 M i ght p o i n t s t o a p p l y two l eve l s o f Effo rt t o
attacki n g w i t h a swo rd . E n a b l e r.
Lunge (2 M ight poi nts) : Th i s m ove req u i re s yo u
to exte n d yo u rs e l f for a powe rfu l sta b or s m a s h .
T h e awkwa rd l u nge i n creases t h e d i fficu lty
of t h e attack ro l l by o n e ste p . I f yo u r attack
i s s u ccessfu l , it i n fl i cts 4 a d d i t i o n a l points of
d a m age. Act i o n .
Sl ice ( 2 Speed poi nts) : T h i s i s a q u i c k attack
with a b l ad e d o r p o i nted weapon t h at i s h a rd
to d e fe n d a ga i n st . T h e d i fficu l ty of t h e attack
ro l l i s d ecreased by one ste p . I f t h e attack is
s u ccessfu l , it d e a l s 1 less point of d a m a ge t h a n
n o r m a l . Act i o n .
Spray (2 Speed points): I f a weapon h a s t h e abil ity
to fire rapid shots without reload i n g (u s u a l ly cal led
a rapid-fire weapon, such as the cra n k cross bow) ,
you ca n s p ray m u ltiple shots around you r target to
i ncrease the chance of h itti n g. This move uses l d 6 +
1 rou n d s of ammo (or a l l the ammo in the wea pon,
if it has less than the n u m ber rol led) . The d ifficu lty of
the attack rol l i s decreased by one step. I f the attack
i s successfu l , it deals 1 less point of damage than
normal. Action.
Transdi mensional Weapon (3 I ntel lect poi nts):
One melee we a p o n t h at you to u c h v i b rates on
a d i m e n s i o n a l freq u e n cy s o t h at it s p a n s i n to
ot h e r d i m e n s i o n s for o n e h o u r. D u ri n g t h i s
t i m e , it i n fl i ct s 1 a d d i t i o n a l p o i n t o f d a m a ge o n
a s u ccessfu l h it a n d affects ta rgets t h at c a n o n l y
be a ffected by s peci a l t ra n s d i m e n s i o n a l effect s ,
s u c h a s t h o s e t h at a re o u t o f p h a s e . Act i o n t o
i n i t i ate.
 LIME NE
CHARACTER TYPE

Fifth-Tier Jack
Fifth-tier jacks h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Adept Cypher Use: Yo u can bear four cyp h e rs at a
time.
Ski l ls: Yo u a re tra i ned i n o n e task of you r choos i n g
(ot h e r t h a n attacks o r defe n se) . I f yo u choose a task
yo u ' re a l ready t ra i ned in, you become s peci a l ized
in t h at task. You ca n ' t choose a task yo u ' re a l ready
s pecial ized i n .
Tricks of the Trade: Choose o n e o f t h e fo l l owi n g
tricks ( o r a trick fro m a l owe r tier) t o add t o yo u r
re perto i re. I n a d d i t i o n , yo u can re p l ace o n e o f yo u r
l owe r-ti e r tricks with a d i fferent trick fro m t h e same
l ower tier.
Feint (3 Speed poi nts) : I f yo u s pe n d o n e act i o n
creat i n g a m i s d i rect i o n o r d ivers i o n , i n t h e
n ext ro u n d yo u can ta ke advantage o f yo u r
o p p o n e n t ' s l owered defe n s e s . M a ke a m e l e e
attack ro l l aga i n st t h at o p p o n e nt. T h e d ifficu lty
of the ro l l is d ecreased by o n e ste p . If yo u r attack
i s s u ccessfu l , it i n fl i cts 4 a d d i t i o n a l points of
d a m age. Act i o n .
S n i pe ( 3 Speed poi nts) : I f yo u s pe n d o n e act i o n
a i m i n g , i n t h e n ext ro u n d yo u can m a ke a
p rec i s e ra n ged attack. T h e d i fficu lty of t h e attack
ro l l i s d ecreased by one ste p . If yo u r attack
i s s u ccessfu l , it i n fl i cts 4 a d d i t i o n a l points of
d a m age. Act i o n .
Successive Attack (2 Speed points): If you take down
a foe, you can i m med iately make another attack on
that same turn against a new foe with i n you r reach.
The second attack is part of the same action. You can
use this trick with melee attacks and ranged attacks.
Enabler.
Targeting Eye: You a re tra i ned i n any physical
ran ged attack that i s a trick of the trade or comes
from a n u menera d evice. For example, you a re
tra i ned when u s i n g an O n s l aught force blast
beca use it's a physical attack, but not when u s i n g
a n O n s l aught m i n d s l ice because i t ' s a mental
attack. Yo u a re tra i ned when attacking with a d eath
ray e m itter beca use it co mes fro m a n u menera
d evice, but not when u s i n g a cross bow beca use it's
a m u ndane weapon. Enabler.
M astery With Defense: Choose o n e type of
defe n s e task i n which yo u a re tra i ned: M i ght,
S peed , o r I nte l l ect. Yo u beco me s pecial ized i n
defe n s e tasks o f t h at type. U n l i ke most tricks of
the trad e, yo u can sel ect t h i s trick up to th ree
t i m e s . Each t i m e yo u sel ect it, yo u m u st choose a
d i fferent type of defe n se task. E n a b l e r.
yo u ' re a l ready tra i ned i n , you become s peci a l ized
in t h at task. You ca n ' t choose a task yo u ' re a l ready
special ized i n .
Tricks ofthe Trade: Choose o n e of t h e fol lowi ng tricks
(or a trick from a lower tier) to add to you r repertoi re.
In addition, you ca n replace one of you r lower-tier tricks
with a d ifferent trick from the same lower tier.
Energy Protection {4+ I ntel lect poi nts) : Choose a
d i s crete type of e n e rgy yo u h ave expe r i e n ce with
( s u c h a s heat, s o n i c, e l ect ricity, a n d so o n ) . Yo u
g a i n + 1 0 to Armor aga i n st d a m age fro m t h at type
of e n e rgy for ten m i n utes. Alternatively, yo u g a i n
+ 1 to A r m o r aga i n st d a m age fro m t h at e n e rgy
for 28 h o u rs . You m u st be fa m i l i a r with t h e type
of e n e rgy; fo r exa m p l e , if yo u h ave n o expe r i e n ce
with a certa i n k i n d of extrad i m e n s i o n a l e n e rgy,
yo u can't p rotect a ga i n st it. I n stead of a p p lyi n g
Effo rt to d ecrease t h e d ifficu lty, y o u can a p p l y
Effo rt to p rotect m o re ta rget s , w i t h e a c h l evel o f
Effort affect i n g u p to two a d d i t i o n a l ta rgets . Yo u
m u st touch a d d i t i o n a l ta rgets to p rotect t h e m .
Act i o n to i n itiate.
Anotherfamous jack is
Crimson Tellach, an expert
in both the numenera and
the finer points of combat.
She lost her hand in a
battle with a jiraskar, but
replaced it herself with
a solid light emitter that
allows her to create a
temporary hand, weapon,
tool, or anything else she
needs.

Sixth-Tier Jack
S ixth-tier jacks h ave the fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Ski l ls: Yo u a re tra i ned i n o n e task of you r choos i n g
(ot h e r t h a n attacks o r defe n se) . I f yo u choose a task
 I nvisi bil ity (5 I ntel lect poi nts} : You become
i nv i s i b l e fo r ten m i n utes. While i nv i s i ble, yo u a re
s pecial ized i n stealth a n d S peed defe n s e tasks.
Th i s effect ends if you d o somet h i n g to revea l yo u r
Practiced i n Armor, page 2 9 p resence o r position-attacki ng, perform i n g a n
esotery, u s i n g a n a b i l ity, m ovi n g a l a rge o bj ect,
a n d so o n . If t h i s occurs, yo u can rega i n t h e
Skill With Defense, page 30 re m a i n i n g i nvi s i b i l ity effect by taki n g a n action t o
focu s o n h i d i n g yo u r position. Action to i n itiate o r
re i n itiate.
Parry (6 Speed poi nts}: Yo u can defl ect i n com i n g
attacks q u i ckly. W h e n yo u activate t h i s trick, fo r
t h e n ext 1 0 ro u n d s yo u red uce t h e d ifficu lty fo r a l l
S peed defe n s e ro l l s b y o n e ste p . E n a b l e r.
Spin Attack (6 Speed poi nts) : Yo u sta n d sti l l a n d
m a ke m e l ee attacks aga i n st u p to five foes wit h i n
reach , a l l as part o f t h e s a m e action i n o n e ro u n d .
M a ke a separate attack ro l l fo r each fo e . You
re m a i n l i m ited by t h e a m o u nt of Effort you can
apply o n o n e act i o n . Anyt h i n g t h at mod ifies yo u r
attack o r d a mage a p p l ies t o a l l o f these attacks.
Act i o n .
True Senses: Yo u can see i n co m p l ete d a rkness
u p to 50 feet (1 5 m) as if it we re dim l i ght.
Cleer, page 48 Yo u recogn ize h o logra m s , d i s g u i se s ,
optical i l l u s i o n s , s o u n d m i m icry, a n d
oth e r such tricks ( fo r a l l sen ses) fo r
what they a r e . E n a b l e r.
JACK EXAMPLE
J a mes wants to p l ay a jack. He l i ke s
the idea of be i n g crafty, s n e a ky,
a n d m aybe a l ittl e devi o u s . H e
p uts 4 o f h i s a d d i t i o n a l poi nts
in h i s I nte l l ect Pool (ra i s i n g it
to 1 4) and 2 poi nts in h i s
S peed Pool (ra i s i n g i t to
1 2) . Th i s l eave s h i s
M i ght Pool a t 1 0. H e
decides t o h ave a S peed
E d ge of 1 , but it was a
h a rd choice-h e was
tem pted to put h i s
Crafts Illusions, page 5 7 E d ge point i n I nte l l ect.
As a fi rst-tier c h a racte r,
h i s Effort is 1 .
J a mes chooses a
Quarterstaff, page 80 q u a rterstaff a n d a d a rt th rower
Dart thrower, page 80 fo r h i s wea p o n s . The staff i s a
m ed i u m weapon t h at i n fl i cts 4
poi nts of d a m age. The d a rt t h rowe r is a
l i ght wea pon, so he d ecreases t h e d ifficu lty
of attack ro l l s with it, but each s h ot i n fl icts
o n ly 2 poi nts of d a mage. The d a rt th rowe r
co mes with 1 2 d a rts.
Leatherjerkin, page 79 H e wears a leather jerkin that gives
h i m 1 point of Armor, so J a mes s u btracts 1 from a l l
d a mage he takes. T h i s type o f armor norm a l l y red uces
the wearer' s S peed Pool by 2 and costs 1 point of
M i ght per hour wo rn. To com pe n sate, J a mes chooses
Practiced in Armor as one of his tricks of the trade,
which red uces both costs by 2 (mea n i n g they both
become 0) .
For h i s other trick, he chooses S k i l l With Defense and
selects S peed tasks. J ames i s very defensive m i nded.
H e also chooses a s k i l l to be tra i ned in. J a mes
decides to go with stealth so t h at whenever h e
t r i e s to h i d e , m ove q u ietly, o r s l i p so meth i n g i nto
h i s pocket u n notice d , h e red uces the d ifficu lty of
the task by one ste p. I n a d d i t i o n , h i s fl ex s ki l l lets
h i m choose another s k i l l each d ay, so h e has many
optio n s .
H i s c h a racte r c a n bear two cyp hers. T h e G M
decides t h at o n e item i s a n i njecto r t h at gives J a mes
a tempora ry + 1 bon u s to his S peed E d ge fo r o n e
h o u r, a n d t h e oth e r i s a belt- m o u nted d evice t h at
p rojects a fo rce s h i e l d a ro u n d h i m for ten m i n utes
and grants +3 to h i s Armor.
J a m e s sti l l need s to c h o o s e h i s d e s c r i ptor
and fo c u s . Fo r h i s d e s c r i ptor, h e p i cks
C l ever to co m p l e m e n t h i s " d ev i o u s "
t h e m e , s o h e a d d s 3 to h i s I n te l l ect Poo l ,
ra i s i n g it t o 1 7 . T h e C l ever d e s c r i ptor
a l s o m e a n s h e is t ra i n e d in l i e s
a n d t r i c ke ry (wh i c h i s fitt i n g
fo r h i s c h a racte r) , d e fe n s e ro l l s
a ga i n st m e n t a l effect s , a n d
i d e nt i fyi n g o r a s s e s s i n g t h i n gs .
B a s i c a l l y, h i s j a c k i s good at
fi g u r i n g out w h ateve r s it u a t i o n
h e l a n d s i n . Co nversely, h e
d o e s n ' t exce l at read i n g books,
studyi n g , o r re m e m be r i n g
d eta i l s . F i n a l l y, t h e d e s cri pto r
gives J a m e s s o m e ext ra
start i n g m o n ey-p ro b a b l y
fro m b e i n g s o c l ever.
For h i s focu s, he makes
a choice that's devious but
overt: Crafts 1 l l usions. At
first tier, he can spend 1
point from h i s I ntel l ect Pool
to create m i nor i m ages.
The focus also grants h i m a
strange odd ity that i nvolves
i m ages in a piece of glass. J a mes
wi l l use these abil ities to create a
con artist character who is carefu l
a n d clever and backs u p h i s l ies
with i l l usions.
 LIME NE
CHARACTER DESCRIPTOR

CHAPTER S

CHARACTER
DESCRI PTOR
o u r descri ptor defines yo u r c h a racte r-it

Y
DESCRIPTORS
fl avors eve ryt h i n g you do. The d iffe re nces
between a C h a rm i n g g l a ive and a G racefu l C h a rm i n g Ru gged
Clever Stealthy
g l a ive a re co n s iderable. T h e d e scri ptor c h a n ges the
G racefu l Stro n g
way those cha racte rs go about eve ry act i o n . Yo u r
I nte l l igent Stro n g-W i l led
d e scri ptor p l aces yo u r c h a racte r i n t h e s ituation (t h e Lea rned Swift
fi rst adventure, which sta rts the ca m pa i gn) a n d h e l p s Mystica l / M ec h a n ical Tough
p rovide m otivat i o n . I t i s t h e adject ive of t h e sente n ce
" I am an adjective noun who verbs. " Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Descri ptors offe r a one-t i m e package o f extra Personable: +2 t o yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l .
Intellect Pool, page 20
a b i l ities, s k i l l s , or mod ificat i o n s to yo u r stat Poo l s . Skill: Yo u ' re tra i ned i n a l l t a s k s i nvo lvi n g pos itive
N ot a l l o f a d escri pto r' s offerings a re pos itive o r pleasant soci a l i nteract i o n .
c h a racter mod ificat i o n s . Fo r exa m p l e, some Skill: Yo u ' re tra i ned when u s i n g esote ries Esoteries, page 35
d e scri ptors h ave i n a b i l ities-ta s ks t h at a c h a racte r o r special a b i l ities t h at i n fl u e n ce t h e m i n d s of
i s n 't good at. You can th i n k of i n a b i l ities as " n egative others.
s k i l l s"-i n stead of b e i n g one step bette r at t h at k i n d Contact: Yo u h ave a n i m portant contact who is
o f t a s k , yo u ' re o n e ste p worse. I f y o u become s k i l led i n a n i n fl uential pos ition, such a s a m i n o r noble,
at a task t h at you h ave a n i n a b i l ity wit h , t h ey cancel the capta i n of the town guard, a n Aeon Priest, o r Aeon Priest, page 269
out. Re m e m b e r t h at c h a racte rs a re d efined as m u c h the head o f a l a rge gang of t h i eves. Yo u a n d t h e G M
by what they' re not good a t a s w h at t h ey are good at. s h o u l d work out the d eta i l s together.
Descri ptors a l s o offer a few brief s u ggest i o n s of I nabil ity: You we re n ever good at studyi n g o r
You can customize an
existing descriptor or create
h ow yo u r c h a racter got i nvolved with the rest of t h e reta i n i n g facts. The d ifficu lty of any task i nvolvi n g
a new one. For guidance,
gro u p o n t h e i r fi rst adventure. You can u s e these, o r l o re, knowledge, o r u n d e rsta n d i n g i s i n creased by see page 1 1 7.
n ot, as yo u wi s h . one ste p.
T h i s section deta i l s t h e following descri ptors: I nabil ity: Yo u r wi l l powe r i s n ot o n e of yo u r stro n g
Charmi ng, Clever, G racefu l , I ntel l i gent, Learned , p o i n t s . Whenever y o u try t o res i st a m e n t a l attack,
Mystical/ M echan ica l , Rugged , Stealthy, Strong, Strong the d ifficu lty i s i n creased by one ste p.
Wi l led, Swift, and Tough. Choose one of them for Add itional Equi pment: Yo u 've m a n aged to ta l k
you r character. You can pick any descri ptor you wi s h yo u r way i nto some d ecent d i sco u nts a n d b o n u s e s
regard less o f whether you ' re a glaive, n a n o , or jack. i n rece nt wee ks. As a res u lt, yo u h ave 1 0 extra s h i n s
j a n g l i n g i n yo u r pocket.
CHARMING I n itial Li n k to the Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the
You ' re a smooth ta l ker and a charmer. Whether through fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me
seem i n gly s u pernatural mea n s or j u st a way with i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re.
word s, you can convi nce others to do as you wish. 1 . Yo u convi n ced one of the ot h e r PCs to te l l you
M ost l i kely, you ' re physically attractive or at least h i g h ly what h e was d o i n g.
chari s m atic, and others enjoy l i sten i n g to you r voice. 2. You i n stigated the whole t h i n g a n d convi n ced t h e
You probably pay attention to you r appearance, keeping others to j o i n yo u .
you rself wel l groomed. You make friends easi ly. 3 . O n e o f the oth e r P C s d id a favo r fo r yo u , a n d now
Yo u p l ay u p t h e perso n a l ity facet of yo u r I nte l l ect yo u ' re re payi n g t h at o b l igation by h e l p i n g her with
stat; i nte l l i ge n ce is n ot you r stro n g s u it. Yo u ' re the task at h a n d .
pers o n a b l e , not necessarily stu d i o u s or stron g-wi l l ed. 4. There is reward i nvolved , a n d you need t h e money.
 CLEVER
Yo u ' re q u ick-witted , t h i n k i n g we l l o n yo u r
feet. You u nd e rsta n d peo p l e , so you can
fool them but a re rarely
fooled . Beca u s e yo u e a s i l y
see t h i ngs fo r what they a re ,
yo u get the l ay of the
l a n d swiftly, s ize up
th reats a n d a l l ies,
a n d assess s ituat i o n s
w i t h accu racy.
Perh a p s yo u ' re
phys ically attractive,
o r m aybe yo u use yo u r
wit t o ove rco me any
physical o r mental
i m pe rfect i o n s .
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Intellect Pool, page 2 0 Smart: + 2 t o yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l i nteract i o n s i nvo lvi n g
l ie s o r trickery.
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n d efe n s e ro l l s to res i st
mental effects .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l tasks i nvo lving,
i d e ntifyi n g o r asses s i n g d a n ger, l ie s , q u a l ity,
i m po rtance, fu nct i o n , or powe r.
I nabil ity: You we re n ever good at studyi n g o r
reta i n i n g trivi a l knowledge. The d ifficu lty of any
task i nvo lvi n g l o re, knowledge, o r u n d e rsta n d i n g is
i ncreased by o n e ste p .
Additional Equipment: You s e e through the schemes
of others and occasionally convince them to bel ieve
you-even when, perhaps, they should not. Th a n ks to
Shins, page 77 you r clever behavior, you h ave l 0 extra s h i n s.
I n itial Li n k to the Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the
fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me
i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re.
1 . Yo u convi n ced one of the ot h e r PCs to te l l you
what h e was d o i n g.
2. Fro m afar, yo u observed t h at someth i n g
i nterest i n g w a s go i n g o n .
3 . You tal ked yo u r way i nto t h e situation beca u s e yo u
thought it m i ght earn some m o n ey.
4. You s u s pect t h at the oth e r PCs wo n ' t s u cceed
without yo u .
GRACEFUL
Yo u h ave a pe rfect sense of b a l a n ce, m ovi n g a n d
s peaki n g w i t h grace a n d beauty. Yo u ' re q u ick, l ithe,
fl exi b l e , a n d d exte ro u s . Yo u r body i s pe rfectly s u ited
to d a n ce, and yo u use t h at advantage in co m bat to
dodge b l ows. You m i ght wear garments t h at e n h a n ce
yo u r a g i l e m ovement a n d s e n s e of style.
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Speed Pool, page 20 Agile: + 2 t o yo u r S peed Poo l .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l tasks i nvo lvi n g b a l a nce
and ca refu l move m e nt.
Ski l l : Yo u ' re t ra i ned in all tasks
i nvolvi n g physical perform i n g a rts.
Skill: Yo u ' re tra i ned i n all S peed
defe n s e tasks.
I n itial Li n k to the Starti ng Adventu re:
Fro m the fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose
h ow you beca me i nvolved i n the fi rst
adventure.
l . Aga i n st yo u r bette r j u d gment, yo u
j o i ned t h e oth e r PCs beca u s e you
s aw t h at they we re in d a n ge r.
2. O n e of t h e oth e r PCs convi n ced
you t h at joi n i n g the gro u p wo u l d be i n
yo u r best i nterest.
3. Yo u ' re afra id of what m i ght
h a p pe n if t h e oth e r PCs fa i l .
4. There i s rewa rd i nvolved , a n d yo u need t h e m o n ey.
INTELLIGENT
Yo u ' re q u ite s m a rt. Yo u r memory is s h a rp , a n d you
e a s i l y gra s p co ncepts t h at others m i ght struggle
with. Th i s a ptitude doesn't necessarily mean t h at
yo u 've had years of formal ed ucat i o n , but yo u h ave
learned a great deal in yo u r l ife, p r i m a r i l y beca u s e
yo u pick t h i ngs u p q u ickly a n d reta i n so m uc h .
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Smart: + 2 t o yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a n a rea o f knowled ge of
yo u r choice.
Skill: You ' re trai ned i n a l l actions that i nvolve
remembering or memorizing t h i ngs you experience
d i rectly. For exa m p le, i n stead of being good at reca l l i n g
deta i l s o f geography that you read about i n a book,
you ca n remember a path through a set of tunnels that
you 've explored before.
I n itial Li n k to the Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the
fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me
i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re.
1 . One of the oth e r PCs a s ked yo u r o p i n io n of the
m i s s i o n , knowi n g t h at if yo u thought it was a good
idea, it p robably was.
2 . You saw va l u e i n what the oth e r PCs we re d o i n g.
3 . You be l i eved t h at the task m i ght lead to i m porta nt
and i nterest i n g d i scoveries.
4. A co l l eague req uested t h at you take part i n the
m i s s i o n a s a favo r.
LEARNED
Yo u h ave stud ied, either o n yo u r own o r with a n
i n structor. You know many t h i ngs a n d a re a n expe rt
on a few to pics, s uch as h i story, b i o l ogy, geogra phy,
the n u menera, nature, or any oth e r a rea of study.
Lea rned c h a racte rs typ ically ca rry a few books a ro u n d
w i t h them a n d s p e n d t h e i r s p a re t i m e read i n g.

Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Smart: + 2 t o yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n th ree a reas of knowledge of
yo u r choice.
I nability: You h ave few soci a l graces. The d ifficu lty
of any task i nvo lvi n g charm, pers u a s i o n , or etiquette i s task i nvo lvi n g charm, pers u a s i o n , o r deception i s
i n creased b y one step.
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave two a d d i t i o n a l
b o o k s o n t o p i c s of yo u r cho ice.
I n itial Li n k to the
Starti ng Adventu re:
Fro m t h e fo l l owi n g l i st of
optio n s , choose h ow you Your descriptor defines your
beca me i nvolved in the character-it flavors everything
fi rst adventure.
1 . O n e of the oth e r PCs
a s ked yo u to come
along beca u s e of yo u r knowledge.
2 . You need m o n ey to fund yo u r stu d i e s .
3 . You be l i eved t h at the task m i ght l e a d t o i m porta nt
and i nterest i n g d i scoveries.
4. A co l l eague req uested t h at you take part i n the
m i s s i o n a s a favo r.
MYSTICAL/MECHANICAL
Yo u h ave a s peci a l talent t h at can be viewed i n two
ways . You m i ght th i n k of yo u rself as " mystica l , "
a n d t h u s attu ned with the myste rio u s a n d t h e
paranorm a l , o r y o u m i ght th i n k o f yo u rself a s
" mech a n i ca l , " a n d t h u s adept w i t h d evices a n d
mach i n e s . I n e i t h e r c a s e , yo u r t r u e talents l i e w i t h t h e
n u m e n e ra . Yo u l i kely h ave experience w i t h a n c i e n t
l o re, a n d yo u can sense a n d wield the n u m e n e ra
though whet h e r t h at m e a n s " m agic" or "tec h n o l ogy"
is up to yo u (and p robably up to those a ro u n d yo u as
we l l ) . Mystical c h a racte rs often wea r jewel ry, such as
a r i n g o r an a m u l et, o r h ave tattoos o r oth e r m a rks
t h at s h ow t h e i r i nterests. M ec h a n ical cha racters
tend to carry a l ot of too l s and treat them a l most l i ke
ta l i s m a n s .
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Smart: + 2 t o yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l act i o n s i nvo lvi n g
identifyi n g o r u n d e rsta n d i n g the n u m e n e ra .
Sense "magic": You can sense whet h e r the
n u m e n e ra i s active i n s it u atio n s where its p resence
i s n ot obvio u s . Yo u m u st study an object or location
closely fo r a m i n ute to get a fee l fo r whet h e r the
touch of the a n cients i s at work.
Esotery: You can perform the esotery known as
H ed ge M agic when yo u h ave a free h a n d and can pay
the I nte l l ect point cost.
H edge M agic (1 I ntel lect poi nt) : You can perform
s m a l l tricks: te m porarily c h a n ge t h e co l o r o r basic
appeara n ce of a small o bj ect, ca u s e small o bjects
to float t h ro u g h the a i r, clean a s m a l l area, m e n d a
LIME NE
CHARACTER DESCRIPTOR
broken object, prepare (but n ot create) food , a n d
so o n . Yo u can't u s e hedge magic to h a rm a n other
creatu re o r o bject. Act i o n .
I nabil ity: You h ave a m a n n e r o r a n a u ra t h at
others fi n d a bit u n n e rvi ng. The d i fficu lty of any
i n c reased b y o n e ste p .
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a n extra odd ity, Oddity, page 3 7 4
d eterm i n ed by the G M .
I n itial Li n k to the
Starting Adventu re:
Fro m the fo l l owi n g l i st of
o pt i o n s , choose h ow you
beca me i nvolved in t h e
you do. fi rst adventu re.
1 . A d ream gu ided you to
t h i s poi nt.
2 . You need m o n ey to fu nd yo u r stu d i es.
3 . You be l i eved the m i s s i o n wo u l d be a great way to
learn more about the n u m e n e ra .
4. Va rious s i g n s a n d portents led yo u h e re.
RUGGED
Yo u ' re a n at u re l over accu sto med to l iv i n g rou g h ,
pitt i n g yo u r w i t s aga i n st the e l e ments. M ost l i kely,
yo u ' re a s k i l led h u nter, gat h e re r, or n atu ra l i st. Yea rs
of l iv i n g i n t h e w i l d h ave left t h e i r m a rk with a worn
co u nte n a n ce, wild h a i r, o r scars. Yo u r cloth i n g i s
p robably m u c h l e s s refi ned t h a n t h e garments worn
by city dwe l lers.
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l tasks i nvo lvi n g cl i m b i ng, The numenera, page 275
j u m p i ng, ru n n i n g, a n d swi m m i ng.
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n all tasks i nvo lvi n g tra i n i ng,
ri d i ng, o r p l acat i n g natural a n i m a l s .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l tasks i nvo lvi n g
identifyi n g o r u s i n g natural p l a nts.
I nabil ity: You h ave n o soc i a l graces a n d p refer
a n i m a l s to peo p l e . The d ifficu lty of any task i nvo lvi n g
c h a r m , pers u a s i o n , et i q u ette, o r deception i s
i ncreased b y o n e ste p .
Add itional Equi pment: You ca rry a n exp l o rer's
pack. I f yo u a l ready h ave one, yo u can i n stead take
50 extra feet ( 1 5 m) of ro pe, two m o re d ays' worth of
rat i o n s , a n d an extra ra n ged weapon . Ranged weapon, page 80
I n itial Li n k to the Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the
fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me
i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re.
1 . Aga i n st yo u r bette r j u d gment, you joi ned the oth e r
P C s beca u s e yo u s a w t h at they were i n d a n ge r.
2. O n e of the oth e r PCs co nvinced yo u t h at jo i n i n g
t h e gro u p wo u l d b e i n yo u r best i nterest.
3. Yo u ' re afra i d of what m i ght h a p p e n if the oth e r
P C s fa i l .
4. There i s rewa rd i nvolved , a n d yo u need t h e m o n ey.
 STEALTHY PCs beca u s e yo u saw t h at they were i n d a n ge r.
Yo u ' re s n e a ky, s l i ppery, a n d fast. These talents h e l p 2. O n e of the oth e r PCs co nvinced yo u t h at jo i n i n g
yo u h id e , move q u i etly, a n d p u l l o ff tricks t h at req u i re t h e gro u p wo u l d b e i n yo u r best i nterest.
s leight of h a n d . M ost l i kely, yo u ' re w i ry a n d s m a l l . 3. Yo u ' re afra i d of what m i ght h a p p e n if the oth e r
H owever, yo u ' re n ot m u ch o f a s p r i nte r-yo u ' re P C s fa i l .
more d exte ro u s t h a n fl eet of foot. 4 . There is reward i nvolved , a n d you need the money.
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Speed Pool, page 20 Quick: + 2 t o yo u r S peed Poo l . STRONG-WILLED
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l stealthy tasks. Yo u ' re to u g h - m i nded , wi l l fu l , a n d i n d e pe n d e nt. N o
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n all i nteract i o n s i nvo lvi n g o n e c a n t a l k yo u i nto a nyth i n g o r c h a n ge yo u r m i n d
l ie s o r trickery. w h e n yo u d o n ' t want it c h a n ged . T h i s q u a l ity does n ' t
Esoteries, page 35 Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l esote ries o r special necessarily m a ke y o u s m a rt, but it does m a ke y o u a
a b i l ities i nvo lvi n g i l l u s i o n s o r trickery. bastion of wi l l powe r a n d re solve. You l i kely d ress a n d
I nabil ity: Yo u ' re s n e a ky but n ot fast. The d ifficu lty act w i t h u n i q u e style a n d fl a i r, n ot cari n g w h at oth e rs
of a l l m ove m e nt-rel ated tasks is one ste p h i gher for th i n k.
yo u . Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits :
Intellect Pool, page 20 I n itial Li n k to the Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the Willful: + 4 t o yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l .
fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n re s i st i n g mental effects.
i nvolved i n the fi rst
Of the three character adventure.
aspects, descriptors
1 . Yo u atte m pted to
make the most sense,
both mechanically steal from o n e of
and narratively, to the oth e r PCs. T h at
change over the life of c h a racter ca ught yo u
a character. If it fits a n d fo rced yo u to
the story, for example, co m e a l o n g with h e r.
a GM might allow a
2. You we re tai l i n g o n e
character to change
from being "charming" of the oth e r P C s fo r
to being "tough " after rea s o n s of yo u r own ,
terrible circumstances which b rought yo u
have befallen her. When i nto t h e act i o n .
changing descriptors, 3 . An N PC e m p l oyer
the PC loses all former
secretly paid yo u to
benefits and gains those
from the new descriptor. get i nvolve d .
4. You ove rheard t h e
oth e r P C s ta l k i n g
a b o u t a to p i c t h at
i nterested yo u , so yo u
decided to a p p roach t h e gro u p . Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n tasks req u i r i n g i n cred i b l e
focu s o r concentrat i o n .
STRONG I nabil ity: W i l lfu l does n ' t mean b ri l l i a nt. The
Yo u ' re ext re mely stro n g and phys i ca l l y powe rfu l , d ifficu lty of any task t h at i nvolves figu ri n g out
a n d yo u u s e these q u a l ities we l l , whether t h rough p uzzles o r p ro b l e m s , memorizi n g t h i ngs, o r u s i n g
violence o r feats of p rowe s s . You l i kely h ave a b rawny l o re i s i n c reased b y o n e ste p .
b u i l d and i m press ive m u scles. I n itial Li n k t o t h e Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g benefits : fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me
Might Pool, page 20 Very Powerfu l : + 4 t o yo u r M i ght Poo l . i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re.
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l act i o n s i nvo lvi n g 1 . Aga i n st yo u r bette r j u d gment, you joi ned the oth e r
b rea k i n g i n a n i m ate o bj ects . P C s beca u s e yo u s a w t h at they were i n d a n ge r.
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n a l l j u m p i n g act i o n s . 2. O n e of the oth e r PCs co nvinced yo u t h at jo i n i n g
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a n extra m ed i u m t h e gro u p wo u l d b e i n yo u r best i nterest.
weapon o r heavy wea p o n . 3. Yo u ' re afra i d of what m i ght h a p p e n if the oth e r
I n itial Li n k t o t h e Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the P C s fa i l .
fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me 4. There i s rewa rd i nvolved , a n d yo u need t h e m o n ey.
i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re.
1 . Aga i n st yo u r bette r j u d gment, you joi ned the oth e r

so
 LIME NE
CHARACTER DESCRIPTOR

SWIIT TOUGH
Yo u move q u i ckly, a b l e to s p r i n t i n s h o rt b u rsts a n d You ' re strong and ca n take a lot of physical
work w i t h yo u r h a n d s w i t h d exte rity. Yo u ' re great at p u n i s h ment. You m ight have a large fra me and a
cro s s i n g d i stances q u ickly but n ot always s m ooth ly. square jaw. Tough characters freq uently h ave visible
Yo u a re l i kely s l i m a n d m u sc u l a r. scars.
Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g Yo u ga i n the fo l l owi n g
benefits : benefits :
Fast: +4 to yo u r S peed Resil ient: + 1 t o Armor. Armor, page 92
Poo l . Remember that characters are H ealthy: Ad d 1 to the
Skill: You ' re tra i ned poi nts yo u rega i n when
defined as m uch by what they're not
in i n itiat ive act i o n s (to yo u m a ke a recovery ro l l . Recovery roll, page 94
d eterm i n e who goes fi rst
good at as by what they are good at. Skill: Yo u ' re tra i ned i n
in com bat) . M i ght d efe n s e act i o n s .
Skill: You ' re tra i ned i n Add itional Equi pment:
ru n n i n g act i o n s . Yo u h ave an extra l i ght weapon . Light weapon, page 80
I nabil ity: Yo u ' re fast but n o t necessarily gracefu l . I n itial Li n k to the Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the
T h e d ifficu lty o f a n y task i nvolvi n g b a l a n ce i s fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me
i ncreased b y o n e ste p . i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re.
I n itial Li n k t o t h e Starti ng Adventu re: Fro m the 1 . Yo u ' re act i n g a s a bodyg u a rd fo r one of the oth e r
fo l l owi n g l i st of optio n s , choose h ow you beca me PCs.
i nvolved i n the fi rst adventu re. 2 . O n e of the PCs i s yo u r s i b l i ng, a n d yo u came
1 . Aga i n st yo u r bette r j u d gment, you joi ned the oth e r along to watch out fo r h e r.
P C s beca u s e yo u s a w t h at they were i n d a n ge r. 3 . You need m o n ey beca u s e yo u r fa m i ly is i n d e bt.
2. O n e of the oth e r PCs co nvinced yo u t h at jo i n i n g 4. You ste pped i n to defe n d one of t h e PCs when t h at
t h e gro u p wo u l d b e i n yo u r best i nterest. c h a racter was th reate ned. W h i l e ta l k i n g to h i m
3. Yo u ' re afra i d of what m i ght h a p p e n if the oth e r afterward , yo u heard about t h e gro u p ' s task.
P C s fa i l .
4. There i s rewa rd i nvolved , a n d yo u need t h e m o n ey.
 CHAPTER 6

CHARACTER FOCUS
ocus is w h at m a kes yo u r c h a racter u n i q u e . FOCI

F N o two P C s i n a gro u p s h o u l d h ave the s a m e

focu s . Yo u r focu s gives y o u benefits when yo u
create yo u r c h a racte r a n d each ti me you ascend to
Bears a Halo of Fire
Carries a Qu iver
H owls at the M oon
H u nts With G reat Skill
the n ext tier. I t ' s the verb of t h e sentence " I am a n Com mands Mental Leads
adjective noun who verbs. " Powers Lives i n the Wilderness
When you choose a cha racter focu s, you get a Controls Beasts M asters Defense
s pecial con n ection to one or more of you r fe l l ow PCs, Controls G ravity M asters Weaponry
a first-tier a b i l ity, and perh aps additional start i n g Crafts I l l usions M u rders
eq u i p ment. A few fo c i offe r s l i ght alterations of Crafts U n ique Objects Rages
Esoteries, page 35 esoteries or tricks for nanos and jacks. Each focus Employs M agnetism Rides the Lightn ing
also offe rs s u ggestions to the GM and the p l ayer for E ntertai n s Tal ks to Machines
pos s i ble effects o r consequences of rea l ly good o r Exists Partially Out Wears a Sheen of I ce
rea l ly b a d d i e rol l s . of Phase Wields Power With
As you progress to a new tier, you r focus grants you Explores Dark Places Precision
more abil ities. Each tier's benefit is u s u a l ly labeled Fights With Panache Wields Two Weapons
Action or Enabler. I f an abil ity i s labeled Action, you Focuses M i nd Over at Once
m u st take an action to use it. If an a b i l ity is labeled M atter Works M i racles
Enabler, it makes other actions better or gives some Fuses Flesh and Steel Works the Back Al leys
other benefit, but it' s not an action. An a b i l ity that
allows you to bl ast foes with lasers is an action. An
abil ity that grants you add itional damage when you
make attacks is an enabler. You can use an enabler i n Although most of those who take up t h i s mantle
t h e s a m e turn as you perform another action. a re n a n o s , fl a m e-wie l d i n g g l a ives a n d jacks a re
Each tier's benefits a re i ndependent of and fearsome i n deed .
cu m u l ative with benefits fro m oth e r tiers ( u n l e s s Connection: Pick o n e oth e r PC. T h ro u g h a q u i rk of
i n d icated oth e rwise) . So if yo u r fi rst-tier a b i l ity grants fate, yo u r fi re ca n n ot h a rm t h at c h a racter.
Armor, page 92 yo u + 1 to Armor and yo u r fo u rth-tier a b i l ity a l s o Additional Equipment: You h ave an artifact-a device
grants y o u + 1 to Armor, when yo u reach fo u rth tier, that s p rays i n a n i mate objects to make them fire
yo u h ave a total of +2 to Armor. res i stant. Al l you r sta rting gea r has a l ready been treated
u n less you don't want it to be.
Bears a Halo of Fire BEARS A HALO OF FIRE Fire Esoteries: If yo u perform esote ries, those that
GM Intrusions: Yo u can create a s h eath o f fl a m e s a ro u n d yo u r wo u l d norm a l ly use force or other energy (such as
Fire burns flammable
body. Yo u leave scorch m a rks whereve r yo u go, el ectricity) i n stead use fi re. For exa m ple, force b l asts
material. Fire spreads,
perhaps beyond the and yo u can't h a n d l e co m b u st i b l e o bj ects without from O n s l a u ght a re b l asts of flame, and F l a s h i s a
control ofthe one who fi rst d o u s i n g yo u r i n h e rent flames. I f yo u perform b u rst of fire. These a lterations change noth i n g except
started it. Primitive esote ries (or s i m i l a r effects beyo n d the a b i l ities of the type of d a m age and the fact that it m i ght start
creatures fearfire and normal h u m a n s} , all yo u r effects a re tai nted with fires. As another exa m ple, Barrier p rod uces a wa l l of
often attack what they fl a m e . F i e ry v i s u a l s acco m p a n y yo u r powe rs, a n d roa ri n g flames. I n t h i s case, the a lteration changes
fear.
i n some cases, yo u r p red i l ect ion fo r fl a m e act u a l ly the esotery so that the barrier i s not solid but i n stead
res h a pes yo u r a b i l ities to take on a fiery nature where i n fl icts 1 point of d a m age to a nyth i n g that touches
n o n e existed before. it and 4 poi nts of d a m age to a nyone who passes
You p robably wea r red and yel l ow, or perh a p s b l ack. t h rough it.
 LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS

ORIGIN OF SPECIAL POWERS

If you want an exp l a n ation for some of the more s u pernatural powers p rovided by yo u r focu s , ro l l d l 00 a n d check the fo l l owi n g table,
d i scard i n g res u lts t h at d o n 't fit logic.

Roll Explanation
01 -05 N at u ra l m utation
06-09 U n expected v i ra l reco n struction of yo u r body
1 0-1 5 M utation d ue to a n cestral expo s u re to c h e m i ca l s , rad i at i o n , o r v i r u s
1 6-2 1 M utation d ue to expe r i m e ntal science performed o n yo u r a n cestor(s)
22-2 7 An e n co u nter with the I ro n Wi n d ( u n expected n a n otech reco n struction of yo u r body)
28 Abd u ction by ext rate rre stri a l (s) who experi me nted or performed s u rge ry on yo u
29 Abd u ction by rogue scientist (s) who expe rime nted or performed s u rge ry on yo u
30 Abd u ction by mach i n e i nte l l i ge n ce t h at experi mented or performed s u rgery on yo u
31 An e n co u nter with an u ltraterrest rial entity t h at myste rio u s ly c h a n ged yo u
3 2-3 5 I ntent i o n a l or accide ntal fu s i o n / i m p l a ntation with mec h a n ical devices i n fi n ge rt i p s
3 6-3 9 I ntent i o n a l o r accide ntal fu s i o n / i m p l a ntation w i t h mec h a n ical devices i n p a l m s
40-43 I ntent i o n a l o r accide ntal fu s i o n / i m p l a ntation w i t h mec h a n ical d evice i n h e a d o r eye
44-4 7 I ntent i o n a l or accide ntal fu s i o n / i m p l a ntation with mec h a n ical d evice i n chest
48-5 1 I ntent i o n a l o r accide ntal i m mersion o r treatment with ancient c h e m i ca l s o r rad iation
5 2-5 6 H id d e n a rtifact (s) secreted o n yo u r person
5 7-60 Cloud of n a n otech t h at fo l l ows a n d res p o n d s to yo u fo r rea s o n s u n known
6 1 -64 I m p l a n t o r m utation t h at p rovides knowled ge a n d powe r from the d atas p h e re
65-66 Drugs
67 Tra i n i n g by extrate rrestri a l entities i n stra n ge a n d myste rious d evot i o n s
68-69 Tra i n i n g b y secret o rd e r t h at h a s m a stered myste ries p a s s e d d own fro m the ancients
70 Tra i n i n g by mach i n e i n te l l i ge n ce t h at s h a red i n h u m a n knowled ge
7 1 -80 Co n fl u e nce: Ro l l twice a n d co m b i n e res u lts
8 1 -00 U n known (G M can secretly ro l l aga i n and keep the res u lt h id d e n )

M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget or someth i n g
n e a r the ta rget catches fi re.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: An i m portant item o n
the ta rget ' s p e r s o n i s d e stroyed .
Tier 1 : Shroud of Flame (1 I ntel lect poi nt) .
At yo u r com m a n d , yo u r enti re body beco m e s
s h ro u d e d i n fl a m e s t h at l a st u p to ten m i n utes. T h e
fi re d o e s n ' t b u rn yo u , b u t it a utomatica l ly i n fl i cts
2 points of d a m age to a nyo n e w h o tries to touch
yo u o r stri ke yo u with a m e l e e attack. Flames fro m
a n o t h e r s o u rce can sti l l h u rt yo u . Wh i l e t h e s h ro u d
i s active, yo u g a i n +2 poi nts of A r m o r t h at p rotect
o n l y aga i n st d a m age fro m fi re fro m a n ot h e r s o u rce.
E n a b l e r.
Tier 3 : Fiery H and of Doom (3 I ntel lect poi nts).
Wh i l e yo u r S h ro u d of F l a m e i s a ctive, yo u c a n
r e a c h i n to yo u r h a l o a n d p ro d u ce a h a n d m a d e o f
a n i m ate fl a m e t h at i s t w i c e t h e s i ze of a h u m a n ' s
h a n d . T h e h a n d acts a s yo u d i rect, fl oati n g i n t h e
a i r. D i rect i n g t h e h a n d i s a n a ct i o n . W i t h o u t a
com m a n d , t h e h a n d d o e s n ot h i n g . I t c a n m ove
a l o n g d i st a n ce in a ro u n d , but it never m oves
fa rt h e r away fro m you than long range. T h e h a n d
c a n g ra b , m ove, a n d carry t h i n gs , b u t a n yt h i n g i t
t o u c h e s takes l p o i n t of d a m a ge p e r ro u n d fro m
t h e h e at. T h e h a n d c a n a l s o attack. I t ' s a l e v e l 3
creat u re a n d d e a l s l ext ra p o i n t of d a m a ge fro m Creatures, page 228
fi re w h e n it attacks. O n ce created , t h e h a n d l a st s
fo r ten m i n ute s . Act i o n to create; act i o n to d i rect.

Tier 2: H u rl Flame (2 I ntel lect poi nts) . W h i l e yo u r
S h roud o f F l a m e i s active, you c a n reach i nto yo u r
h a l o a n d h u rl a h a n d fu l o f fi re a t a ta rget. Th i s i s a
ra n ged attack with s h o rt ra n ge t h at d e a l s 4 poi nts of
fi re d a m age. Act i o n .
Fiery Power. When you use the O n s l a u ght force
b l ast esotery or the Flash esote ry, i n crease the d a m age
by l poi nt. I f yo u d o n 't h ave either of those a b i l ities,
this a b i l ity has no effect. Fiery Powe r does n ot affect
d a mage from the O n s l a u ght m i n d s l ice. Enabler.
Tier 4: Flameblade (4 I ntel lect poi nts) . When
yo u w i s h it, yo u extend yo u r h a l o of fi re to cove r
a weapon yo u wield i n fl a m e for o n e h o u r. The
fl a m e ends if you stop h o l d i n g o r ca rryi n g the Onslaught, page 35
wea p o n . Wh i l e t h e fl a m e l a sts, the weapon i n fl icts 2 Flash, page 37
add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Fire Tendrils (5 I ntellect poi nts) . When yo u wish
it, you r halo s p routs t h ree tend ri l s of flame that l a st
for u p to ten m i n utes . As an action, yo u can use the

53
 te n d r i l s t o attack, making a sepa rate attack rol l for
each . Each ten d r i l infl icts 4 poi nts of d a mage.
Otherwise, the attacks fu nction as sta n d a rd
attacks. If you d o n 't use the ten d r i l s to attack,
they re m a i n but do n oth i n g. Enabler.
Tier 6: Fire Servant (6 I ntellect
points). You reach i nto you r halo
and prod uce an automaton of fire
that is you r general shape and s ize. It
acts as you d i rect each rou n d . D i recting
the servant i s an action, and you can
command it o n ly when you a re wit h i n
long range of it. Without a com mand, t h e
servant conti n ues t o fol low you r previous
com mand. You can also give it a s i m p l e
progra m med action, s u c h as "Wait here,
and attack a nyone who comes with i n
short range u n t i l they' re dead . " T h e servant
lasts for ten m i n utes, i s a level 5 creatu re,
and deals l extra point of damage
from fire when it attacks. Action to
create; action to d i rect.
Carries a Quiver CARRIES A QUIVER
GM Intrusions: The a rcher is a s k i l led co m b atant, deadly in any fight.
Arrows that miss their With a keen eye a n d q u ick reflexe s , yo u can e l i m i n ate
target strike unwanted
targets. Bowstrings break.
foes at ra n ge before they reach yo u . A good a rcher
a l so learns to m a ke his own a rrows a n d bows.
Commands Mental Yo u p ro b a b ly wea r no m o re t h a n l i ght armor so
Powers GM Intrusions: yo u can m ove q u ickly when need e d .
Other beings that have M a ny gla ives a n d j acks a re a rchers.
mental or psychic powers Yo u can u s e this focu s with cro s s bows i n stead of
often seek to destroy
bows if you w i s h .
those like themselves
out ofjealousy and fear. Connection: Pick o n e other P C t o b e t h e true friend
Some beings feed on the who gave you the excellent bow that you cu rrently use.
mental energies of others, Secretly pick a second PC (preferably one who i s l i kely
and psychics are the most to get i n the way of you r attacks) . When you miss with
desired meal of all.
a bow and the GM rules that you struck someone other
than you r target, you h it the second character, if possi ble.
Add itional Equi pment: You start with a we l l -made
bow a n d two d ozen a rrows.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: H it i n a te n d o n o r
m u scle, the ta rget t a k e s 2 poi nts of S peed d a mage
as we l l as normal d a mage.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s p i n ned in
p l ace with a n a rrow.
Tier l : Archer. To be truly deadly with a bow, yo u
m u st know where to a i m . You can spend poi nts
fro m either yo u r S peed Pool or yo u r I nte l l ect Pool to
Mind Control, page 38
Mind Reading, page 37 a p p l y l eve l s of Effort to i n crease yo u r bow d a m age.
Each l evel of Effort ad d s 3 poi nts of d a m age to a
s uccessfu l attack. E n a b l e r.
Fletcher. You a re tra i ned i n m a k i n g a rrows.
E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Coveri ng Fire (1 Speed point). I n a rou n d where
you attack with you r bow, if you fire an add itional
arrow, the d ifficu lty of attacks and s peci a l a b i l ities
u sed by the ta rget i s i n creased by one step. Enabler.
Bowyer. You a re tra i ned i n m a k i n g bows. E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Trai ned Archer. You a re tra i ned i n u s i n g bows.
E n a b l e r.
M aster Fletcher. Yo u a re special ized i n m a k i n g
a rrows. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Quick Shot. I f yo u ro l l a natural 1 7 or h i gher
with a bow attack, i n stead of add i n g d a m age o r a
m i n o r or major effect, you can m a ke another attack
with yo u r bow. Th i s attack re uses the same Effort a n d
bo n u se s (if any) fro m t h e fi rst attack. E n a b l e r.
M aster Bowyer. You a re s pecial ized i n m a k i n g
bows. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Phenomenal Archer. You a re special ized i n
u s i n g bows. E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: Powerfu l Shot (2 M ight poi nts) . Yo u i n fl i ct 3
add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age with a bow. The M i ght
poi nts spent to u s e t h i s a b i l ity a re in add ition to any
S peed points spent o n the attack. E n a b l e r.
COMMANDS MENTAL POWERS
Yo u h ave a l ways h a d s peci a l a b i l it i e s t h at ot h e rs
d i d n ' t seem to s h a re . T h ro u g h p ract i ce a n d
d evot i o n , yo u h ave h o n e d t h i s u n i q u e t a l e n t so t h at
yo u can h a rn e s s t h e powe r of yo u r m i n d to perform
deed s .
N o one c a n te l l t h at yo u h ave t h i s a b i l ity j u st by
looki n g at yo u , although yo u wear a crysta l o r jewel
somewh e re o n yo u r h ead to h e l p focus yo u r powe r.
Either t h i s focu s i n g object was given to yo u by
someone who recogn ized yo u r a b i l ity, or you ca m e
u po n it by acci dent a n d it triggered yo u r a b i l ities.
Some peo p l e with mental powers-often ca l l ed
psyc h i cs o r p s i o n ics by o rd i n a ry fo l ks-a re secretive
and a l ittl e para n o i d .
Although n a n o s freq uently co m m a n d mental
powe rs, p s i o n i c g l a ives o r jacks a re n ot u n co m m o n .
Connection: Pick o n e other PC. You have fo u n d that
this character is particu larly tuned i nto you r mental
powers. While you ' re wit h i n short range of h i m , the two
of you are always in telepathic contact, and he is never
harmed by you r Psychic B u rsts.
Additional Equipment: You h ave a crystal or jewel
artifact that, when worn aga i n st you r forehead or
tem p le, adds l point to you r I ntel l ect Pool . I f you ' re ever
without the artifact, s u btract 5 poi nts from you r I ntellect
Pool ; the poi nts a re restored if you regai n the item.
M ental Esoteries: I f yo u h ave the M i n d Co ntrol
esotery o r the M i n d Read i n g esote ry, yo u ' re

a utomatica l ly tra i ned i n it. If yo u h ave both esote ries,
yo u ' re tra i ned i n bot h . E n a b l e r.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ra n ge or d u rati o n of
the mental powe r i s d o u b l ed.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Yo u can take another
action o n t h at s a m e turn.
Tier 1 : Telepath ic (1 + I ntel lect point) . Yo u can s peak
te lepath i ca l ly with ot h e rs who a re with i n s h o rt ra nge.
Co m m u n ication i s two-way, but t h e oth e r p a rty m u st
be w i l l i n g a n d a b l e to com m u n icate. You d o n ' t h ave
to see the ta rget, but yo u m u st know t h at it's with i n
ra n ge. Yo u c a n h ave m o re t h a n o n e active contact at
o n ce, but yo u m u st esta b l i s h contact with each ta rget
i n d ivid u a l ly. Each contact l a sts up to ten m i n utes.
I f you apply a l eve l of Effort to i n crease t h e d u rat ion
rat h e r t h a n affect the d i fficulty, t h e contact l asts fo r
28 h o u rs . Action t o esta b l i s h contact.
Tier 2: M i nd Reading (2 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u can
read t h e s u rface thou ghts of a creatu re with i n
s h o rt ra n ge, eve n if t h e ta rget doesn't want yo u
to. Yo u m u st be a b l e to see you r ta rget. O n ce yo u
h ave esta b l i s h ed contact, yo u can read the ta rget ' s
thou ghts fo r u p to o n e m i n ute. I f y o u a l so h ave t h e
M i n d Read i n g esotery o r t r i c k of the t r a d e , yo u c a n
u s e t h i s a b i l ity a t l o n g ra n ge, a n d y o u d o n ' t n e e d t o
be a b l e to see the ta rget (but yo u d o h ave to know
t h at the ta rget is with i n ran ge) . Action to i n itiate.
Tier 3 : Psychic Bu rst (3+ I ntel lect points). You b l ast
waves of mental force i nto the m i n d s of up to t h ree
ta rgets with i n short ra n ge (make a n I ntel lect ro l l
aga i n st each ta rget) . T h i s b u rst i n fl icts 3 poi nts of
I ntel lect d a m age (a nd t h u s ignores Armor) . For each 2
additional I ntel lect poi nts you spend, you can make a n
I ntel lect attack rol l aga i n st a n ad d itional ta rget. Action.
Tier 4: Use Senses of Others (4 I ntellect poi nts) . You
can see, hear, s m e l l , touch , and taste t h rough the
senses of a nyone with whom you h ave tele path ic
contact. You can attem pt to use this a b i l ity on a wi l l i n g
or u nwi l l i n g ta rget with i n l o n g ra n ge; a n unwi l l i n g
ta rget c a n try t o res i st. Yo u don't need t o s e e the
ta rget, but you m u st know that it's with i n ra n ge. You r
s h a red senses last ten m i n utes . Action t o esta b l i s h .
Tier 5: M i nd Control (6+ I ntellect points): You control
the actions of another creatu re you touch . Th i s
effect lasts for t e n m i n utes. T h e ta rget m u st be level
2 or lowe r. Once yo u h ave esta b l i s hed co ntro l , you
m a i nta i n mental contact with the ta rget and sense
what it senses. You can a l low it to act free ly o r ove rride
its control on a case- by-case basis. I n stead of a p p lyi n g
Effort t o d ecrease the d ifficu lty, y o u can a p p ly Effort
to i n crease the m axi m u m leve l of the ta rget. Th u s , to
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
control the m i n d of a l evel 5 ta rget (th ree leve l s a bove
the normal l i m it) , you m u st a p p ly t h ree leve l s of
Effort. If yo u a l so h ave the M i n d Control esotery, the
normal leve l l i m it i s 3 rather than 2 . When the effect
e n d s , the creat u re doesn't re mem ber be i n g co ntrol led
or anyt h i n g it did wh i l e under you r co m m a n d . Action
to i n itiate.
Tier 6: Telepathic Network (O+ I ntellect points). When
you wish it, you can contact u p to ten creat u res known
to you , n o m atte r where they a re. All ta rgets m u st be
wi l l i n g and able to com m u n icate. You a utomatica l ly
s u cceed at esta b l i s h i n g a tele path ic network; no rol l
i s req u i red . A l l creat u res i n the network a re l i n ked and
can com m u n icate te lepath ically with one another.
They can also "overhear" anyt h i n g said in the network,
if they wi s h . Activat i n g t h i s a b i l ity doesn't req u i re an
action and doesn't cost I ntel l ect poi nts; to you , it's as
easy as s peaki n g out loud. The netwo rk l a sts until yo u
choose to end it. If you spend 5 I ntel lect points, you
can contact twenty creat u res at once, and for every 1
I ntel lect point you spend a bove that, you can add ten
more creatu res to the network. These l a rger networks
last for ten m i n utes . Creati n g a network of twe nty or
more creatu res does req u i re a n action to esta b l i s h
contact. Enabler.
Controls Beasts
CONTROLS BEASTS GM Intrusions:
To say t h at yo u h ave a way with a n i m a l s a n d Most civilized communities
n o n h u m a n creatu res doesn't begin to cover it. Yo u r are reluctant to welcome
m astery a n d com m u n i cation with beasts i s pos itively dangerous animals and
u ncan ny. They co m e to yo u fearless ly, a n d it' s n ot look warily on those who
consort with such creatures.
u nco m m o n for b i rd s to a l ight on yo u r s h o u l d e r o r
Out-ofcontrol beasts can
fo r s m a l l a n i m a l s to cl i m b u p yo u r a r m s o r l e g s . be a rea I hazard.
Yo u p ro b a b ly wea r t o u g h clot h i n g a n d h ave a
d i s h eve led or grizzled appeara n ce t h at s u ggests a
ru gged , outdoor l i fe. Pe rhaps yo u eve n s m e l l l i ke a n
animal.
55
 Any type of c h a racte r is l i kely to h ave t h i s focu s .
Connection: P i c k one oth e r P C . T h at c h a racte r
seems to d i st u rb yo u r creatu res i n a way t h at yo u
ca n ' t exp l a i n . You know t h at yo u m u st kee p yo u r
a n i m a l s away from h i m i f pos s i ble, o r yo u m i ght lose
control of t h e m .
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave t h ree d ays' worth
of food fo r yo u r beast co m p a n i o n , p l u s a h a rn e s s ,
co l l a r, o r s i m i l a r acco uterment.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The d u rat ion of
ca l m n e s s o r control i s d o u b l ed.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The d u ration of
ca l m n e s s o r control exte n d s to 28 h o u rs .
Tier l : Beast Com panion. A leve l 2 creatu re o f you r
Creatures, page 228 s ize or s m a l l e r accompanies you a n d fo l l ows you r
i n structions. You a n d t h e G M m u st work o u t the
d eta i l s of yo u r creat u re, and you ' l l p robably make rol l s
for i t i n com bat or when i t takes actions. T h e beast
com p a n i o n acts o n yo u r turn. As a level 2 creat u re,
it h a s a ta rget n u m ber of 6 and a health of 6, and it
i n fl icts 2 poi nts of d a m age. Its movement i s based on
its creatu re type (avian, swi m m e r, and so on) . I f you r
beast com p a n i o n d ies, yo u can h u nt i n t h e w i l d fo r
1 d 6 d ays t o fi n d a new co m p a n i o n . Enabler.
Tier 2: Soothe the Savage (2 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u
ca l m a non h u m a n beast wit h i n 30 feet (9 m) .
Yo u m u st s peak to it (a lthough it does n ' t need to
u nd e rsta n d yo u r word s) , a n d it m u st see yo u . I t
re m a i n s ca l m fo r o n e m i n ute o r fo r a s l o n g as yo u
focu s a l l yo u r atte ntion on it. The G M h a s fi n a l say
Controls Gravity ove r what co u nts a s a n o n h u m a n beast, but u n less
GM Intrusions: some k i n d of d ece ption i s at work, yo u should know
Many people are
whet h e r yo u can affect a creatu re before yo u atte m pt
frightened to be around
someone who controls to u s e t h i s a b i l ity on it. A l i e n s , extrad i m e n s i o n a l
gravity. Losing command entities, ve ry i n te l l i gent creat u re s , a n d auto m ato n s
ofsuch powers could n ever co u nt. Act i o n .
inadvertently send objects Com m u n ication ( 2 I ntel lect poi nts) . You c a n
careening off into the sky,
convey a b a s i c concept t o a creatu re t h at n o r m a l l y
perhaps even into orbit.
ca n ' t speak o r u n d e rsta n d s peec h . The creatu re
can a l s o g ive you a ve ry basic a n swer to a s i m p l e
q u esti o n . Act i o n .
Tier 3 : Mount. A l evel 3 creatu re serves yo u a s a
m o u n t a n d fo l l ows yo u r i n struct i o n s . W h i l e yo u ' re
mou nted on it, t h e creatu re can move a n d you can
attack o n yo u r turn, o r it can attack foes when yo u
do. Yo u a n d the G M m u st work out the deta i l s of
the creatu re, a n d yo u ' l l probably m a ke ro l l s for it i n
co m bat o r w h e n it takes act i o n s . T h e m o u n t acts o n
yo u r t u r n . I f yo u r m o u n t d i es, yo u can h u nt i n the
Oddity, page 3 7 4 w i l d fo r 3 d 6 d ays to fi n d a new one. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Beast Eyes (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u can sense
t h rough yo u r beast co m p a n i o n ' s senses if it i s wit h i n
56
1 m i l e (1 . 6 km) of yo u . Th i s effect l a sts u p to ten
m i n utes. Action to esta b l i s h .
I m proved Companion. Yo u r beast co m pa n io n
i n creases to l evel 4 . As a l evel 4 creatu re, it h a s a
ta rget n u m be r of 1 2 a n d a health of 1 2 , a n d it i n fl i cts
4 poi nts of d a mage. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Beast Call (5 I ntel lect poi nts). You s u m mo n
a h o rd e of s m a l l a n i m a l s o r a s i n g l e l evel 4 beast
to h e l p yo u te m p o rari ly. These creat u res d o yo u r
b i d d i n g fo r a s l o n g as yo u focus yo u r atte ntion, but
yo u m u st u s e yo u r action each turn to d i rect t h e m .
Creat u res a re n ative to t h e a rea a n d a rrive u n d e r t h e i r
o w n powe r, so if yo u ' re i n a n u n reac h a b l e p l ace, t h i s
a b i l ity w o n ' t work. Act i o n .
Tier 6: Control t h e Savage ( 6 I ntel lect poi nts) . You
can control a ca l m n o n h u m a n beast with i n 30 feet
(9 m) . Yo u control it for as l o n g as yo u focu s a l l yo u r
atte ntion o n i t , u s i n g yo u r t u r n each ro u n d . The
GM h a s fi n a l say ove r w h at counts as a n o n h u m a n
beast, b u t u n l e s s s o m e k i n d o f deception i s a t work,
yo u s h o u l d know whet h e r yo u can affect a creatu re
before yo u atte m pt to u s e t h i s a b i l ity on it. Al i e n s ,
extrad i m e n s i o n a l entities, very i nte l l i gent creat u res,
a n d auto m ato n s n ever count. Act i o n .
I m proved Companion. Yo u r b e a s t co m pa n io n
i n creases to l evel 5 . As a l evel 5 creatu re, it h a s a
ta rget n u m be r of 1 5 a n d a health of 1 5 , a n d it i n fl i cts
5 poi nts of d a mage. E n a b l e r.
CONTROLS GRAVITY
G ravity m u st h ave been q u ite a concern for t h e
peo p l e of prior epoch s beca u s e t h e re a re many pat h s
with i n t h e n u m e n e ra to control i t . T h rough a q u i rk
of fate, some u n i q u e d evice (s) , or s u p re m e d evotion
(or a co m b i nation of all th ree) , you h ave learned to
tap i nto the powe r of gravity. With o n e foot p l a nted
in the d i stant past, you a re a mysterious i n d ivid u a l .
M ost l i kely, yo u a re a l s o o l d e r, h avi n g s pent m u c h of
yo u r l ife h o n i n g yo u r odd, ancient talents.
Yo u m i ght p refe r b i l l owy garments t h at d i s p l ay
yo u r m a stery of gravity' s p u l l a n d co nceal yo u r
i d e ntity a n d i ntent i o n s .
N o one type o f c h a racte r i s m o re l i kely t o control
gravity than a n other, but the powe r is rare.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. I n the rece nt
past, wh i l e u s i n g yo u r gravitat i o n a l powe rs, yo u
acci denta l ly sent t h at c h a racte r h u rt l i n g i nto the a i r
o r p l u m met i n g towa rd t h e g ro u n d . E it h e r way, s h e
barely s u rvived . I t i s u p t o t h e p l aye r o f t h at c h a racte r
to decide whet h e r s h e resents, fears, or fo rgives you .
Additional Equipment: You have a pen-sized odd ity
that tel l s the weight of whatever you point it at (within
short range) . The weight is displayed on a small glass
plate i n runes that only you can deci pher.

M i nor Effect Suggestions: The d u rat ion of the
effect i s d o u b l e d .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: An i m portant i t e m o n
the ta rget ' s p e r s o n i s d e stroyed .
Tier 1 : H over (1 I ntel lect poi nt) : You float s l owly
i nto t h e a i r. As yo u r act i o n , yo u can co ncentrate to
re m a i n moti o n less in the a i r, o r fl oat up to a s h o rt
d i stance, but no more; ot h e rwise, you d rift with the
w i n d o r with any momentu m you h ave ga i n e d . Th i s
effect l asts fo r u p t o t e n m i n utes. I f yo u a l s o h ave the
H over esote ry o r trick of the trad e, yo u can h over fo r
twe nty m i n utes a n d m ove yo u r normal s peed . Action
to i n itiate.
Tier 2: Lessening G ravity's Pu l l . By m a n i p u l ati n g
gravity's p u l l o n yo u rself, yo u ga i n + 1 t o yo u r S peed
E d ge. E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: G ravity Cleave (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u
can h a rm a ta rget wit h i n s h o rt ra n ge by ra p i d ly
i ncrea s i n g gravity' s p u l l on o n e portion of the ta rget
a n d decrea s i n g it on another, i n fl i ct i n g 6 poi nts of
d a m age. Act i o n .
Tier 4: Field o f G ravity ( 4 I ntel lect poi nts) . When
yo u w i s h it, a field of m a n i p u l ated gravity a ro u n d
yo u p u l l s i ncom i n g ran ged p roject i l e attacks to t h e
gro u n d . Yo u a re i m m u ne to s u c h attacks u nt i l yo u r
t u rn i n t h e n ext ro u n d . Yo u m u st b e aware o f a n
attack t o fo i l i t . T h i s a b i l ity d o e s n ot work o n e n e rgy
attacks. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Fl ight (4+ I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u can fl oat
a n d fly t h rough t h e a i r for o n e h o u r. Fo r each level
of Effort a p p l ied, yo u can affect one add iti o n a l
creatu re o f yo u r s ize o r s m a l l e r. You m u st t o u c h the
creatu re to bestow the powe r of fl i ght. You d i rect
the oth e r creat u re ' s move m e nt, a n d wh i l e flyi ng, it
m u st re m a i n with i n s i ght of yo u o r fa l l . In term s of
overland move m e nt, a flyi n g creatu re moves about
20 m i les (32 km) per hour a n d i s n ot affected by
terra i n . Action to i n itiate.
Tier 6: Weight of the World (6+ I ntel lect poi nts) .
Yo u can i n crease a ta rget ' s we ight d ra m atical ly.
The ta rget is p u l led to the gro u n d a n d ca n ' t move
phys ically u n d e r its own powe r fo r one m i n ute. The
ta rget m u st be with i n s h o rt range. Fo r each l evel of
Effort a p p l ied, yo u can affect o n e additional creatu re.
Act i o n .
CRAFTS ILLUSIONS
Yo u u s e the n u menera to create h o l ogra p h i c i m ages
t h at appear rea l . Yo u are, in effect, a n a rti st-a
crafter of l i ght a n d s o u n d . H o logra p h i c i m ages can
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
n ever i n fl i ct d i rect h a rm or exe rt rea l fo rce, but t h ey
can fool creat u re s , c h a n g i n g o p i n io n s a n d eve n
behaviors if yo u craft them cleverly.
Yo u l i kely d re s s with fl a i r a n d co l o r. The
appeara n ce of t h i ngs i s i m portant to yo u , both their
bea uty a n d t h e i r u g l i n e s s . Yo u a re a visual performer
who can enterta i n , terrify, o r fool eve ryo n e yo u
e n co u nter.
A n a n o is t h e most l i kely c h a racte r to be a n
i l l u s i o n i st, but jacks fi n d i l l u s i o n s t o be h e l pfu l as
we l l . The ra re g l a ive i l l u s i o n i st can fi n d ways to u s e
tricks i n battle.
Con n ectio n : P i c k one ot h e r PC. T h i s c h a ra ct e r is
never fo o l ed by yo u r i l l u s i o n s and i s n ever a ffected
by the t r i c ke ry of yo u r s peci a l a b i l it i e s . Yo u c a n
c h o o s e w h et h e r o r not you k n ow t h i s fa c t .
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a n odd ity t h at
a p pears to be a p i ece of clear g l a s s i n a synth fra me.
By m a n i p u l ati n g h id d e n switches o n the fra me,
yo u can m a ke ra n d o m m ov i n g i m ages a p pear
o n the glass. The i m ages a re u s u a l ly stra n ge a n d
somet i m e s i n c o m p re h e n s i ble.
Psychedelic Esoteries: I f yo u perform esote ries , Esoteries, page 35
they take on fl a m boya nt v i s u a l a n d a u d itory
q u a l ities of yo u r choos i n g. Th i s a lteration c h a nges
noth i n g ot h e r than the appeara n ce of the effects .
Fo r exa m ple, you r attack esote ries m i ght l o o k l i ke
mon sters made of e n e rgy t h at a s s a i l yo u r foes. Yo u r
Sta s i s esotery m i ght look l i ke a tentacled beast t h at Stasis, page 3 7
h o l d s the vict i m i n p l ace. Yo u r Te leportation esotery Teleportation, page 3 9
m i ght seem l i ke a h o l e i n s pace opens u p a n d
swa l l ows yo u .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: Yo u r i l l u s i o n h a s a
special q u a l ity to it-perh a p s an observer sees a n
i m age o f someth i n g fr o m h i s past.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The i l l u s io n l asts fo r
o n e h o u r, o r if it a l ready l asts t h at long, it l a sts fo r 28
h o u rs .
Tier 1 : M i nor I l l usion (1 I ntel lect poi nt) . You create
a s i n g l e i m age of a creatu re o r o bj ect with i n
i m med i ate range. T h e i m age m u st fit with i n a
1 0-foot (3 - m eter) cube. The i m age can m ove (for
exa m ple, yo u co u l d m a ke the i l l u s io n of a person
wa l k o r attack) , but it ca n ' t leave the a rea defined
by the cu be. The i l l u s i o n i n c l u d e s sound but n ot Crafts Illusions
s m e l l . It l a sts for ten m i n utes, but if you want to GM Intrusions:
c h a n ge the origi n a l i l l u s i o n s i g n ificantly-s uch a s Obviously, illusions of
m a k i n g a creatu re a p pear to be wo u n d ed-yo u m u st things that someone has
never seen before are not
co ncentrate on it aga i n (th o u g h d o i n g so doesn't
likely to be believable. An
cost a d d i t i o n a l I nte l l ect poi nts) . I f yo u m ove beyo n d NPC might realize that an
i m med i ate ra n ge of t h e cube, the i l l u s i o n va n i s h e s . illusion isfalse at just the
Action to create; action to mod ify. wrong moment.
Tier 2: Disguise (2+ I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u appear
to be someone o r somet h i n g e l s e , ro ugh ly of yo u r
 s ize a n d s h a pe , for up to o n e h o u r. O n ce created,
the d i s g u i se req u i res no concentrat i o n . Fo r each
add iti o n a l I nte l l ect point yo u s p e n d , yo u can
d i sg u i se o n e oth e r creatu re. Al l d i sg u i sed creatu res
m u st stay with i n s i ght of you o r lose their d i s g u i se.
Action to create.
Tier 3 : M ajor I l l usion (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u create
a co m p l ex sce n e of i m ages wit h i n i m m ed i ate
ra n ge. The enti re sce n e m u st fit with i n a 1 00-foot
(30- meter) cube. The i m ages can move, but they
Crafting, page 7 06 ca n ' t leave the a rea defined by the cu be. The i l l u s i o n
i nc l u d e s s o u n d a n d s m e l l . I t l a sts fo r t e n m i n utes
and c h a n ges a s you d i rect (no concentration is
needed) . I f you m ove beyo n d i m m ed i ate ra n ge of the
cube, t h e i l l u s i o n va n i s h e s . Action to create .
Tier 4: I l l usory Selves (4 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u create
fo u r hologra p h i c d u p l icates of yo u rself with i n s h o rt
ra n ge. The d u p l icates l a st for o n e m i n ute. You
mentally d i rect t h e i r act i o n s , a n d the d u p l icates
a re n ' t m i rro r i m ages-each one can d o d i fferent
t h i n gs . I f struck violently, they either d i sa p pear
perm a n e ntly o r freeze moti o n less (yo u r choice) .
Action to create.
Tier 5 : Terrifyi ng I mage (6 I ntel lect poi nts) . You u s e
a bit of s u btle te lepathy to learn which i m ages wo u l d
appear terrifyi n g t o creatu res t h at yo u choose with i n
l o n g ra nge. Those i m ages a p pear with i n t h at a rea
and men ace t h e a p p ro p ri ate creat u res. M a ke a n
I nte l l ect attack ro l l aga i n st e a c h creatu re y o u want
to affect. S u cce s s means the creatu re flees in terror
fo r o n e m i n ute, p u rs ued by its n i ghtmare s . Fa i l u re
m e a n s t h e creatu re ignore s the i m ages, which do n ot
Artifact, page 298 h a m pe r it i n any way. Act i o n .
Cypher, page 278 Tier 6 : G randiose I l l usion ( 8 I ntellect poi nts). Yo u
create a fa ntastica l ly com p lex scene of i m ages that
fit with i n a 1 - m i l e (1 .6-km) cube that yo u are a l so
with i n . You m u st be able to see the i m ages when you
create them. The i m ages can move in the cube and
Crafts Unique Objects act i n accord ance with you r d e s i res. They can also
GM Intrusions: act logica l ly (such as react i n g a p p ropriately to fire
Although created devices
or attacks) when you a re n 't d i rectly observi n g them.
can break, tinkering
with an artifact can lead The i l l usion i ncludes sound and smell. For exa m p l e ,
to catastrophicfailure, a r m i e s can clash i n battle, w i t h a i r s u p port from
causing explosions, mach ines or flyi n g creat u res, o n and a bove terra i n
mutation, rifts between o f you r creation. T h e i l l usion lasts for one h o u r (or
dimensions, or anything lon ger, if you co ncentrate o n it after that time) . Action.
in between.
CRAffS UNIQUE OBJECTS
With t h e re m a i n s of p rev i o u s civi l izat i o n s a l l a ro u n d ,
the raw m ateri a l s fo r a crafter offe r t h e m se lves to
those who know where to look. Yo u a re a m a ker, a
crafter, a n d a b u i ld e r. Yo u m i ght start out worki n g
58
with wood or metal as u n d e rstood by the peo p l e of
the N i nth Wo rl d , but eventually you wi l l m a ster eve n
the myste ries of t h e ancients. Ca l l it magic or ca l l it
tec h n o l o gy-you know t h at you can m a ster it a n d
u s e it fo r yo u r o w n d e s i g n s .
Yo u l i kely carry a wide array o f too l s a n d s p a re
parts whereve r yo u go. Yo u r work a p ro n is p robably
a m a i n stay of yo u r wa rd ro be, its pockets a n d loops
b ri m m i n g with t h e i n stru ments of yo u r trade. Yo u r
ca l l o u sed fi n ge rs m i ght b e sta i n ed with grease t h at
wi l l n ever co m e co m p l etely clea n , but these m a rks
a re bad ges of h o n o r a m o n g yo u r k i n d .
N a n o s m a ke i nterest i n g crafters , s u p p l e m e n t i n g
t h e i r esote ries with too l s a n d d evices. A g l a ive
b u i l d e r l i kely focuses o n wea p o n s o r a r m o r. J acks
m i ght be t h e most co m m o n crafters, m a k i n g t h i n g s
t h at w o r k i n a variety of ways fo r a variety of u s e s .
Connection: Pick o n e oth e r P C . The c h a racter
h a s a n extra ite m of reg u l a r e q u i pment t h at yo u
fa s h ioned for h e r. (S h e chooses t h e ite m . )
Add itional Equi pment: You b e g i n the game with
a bag of l i ght too l s , the too l s needed to m a ke yo u r
fi rst-tier crafts, a n d a n y normal item (of l evel 1 o r 2)
t h at yo u can m a ke with yo u r s k i l l s . You a l so h ave an
add iti o n a l odd ity.
Minor Effect Suggestions: Any rol l s you make
regard i n g that artifact gai n a + 1 bon u s for 28 hours.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Any ro l l s yo u m a ke
rega rd i n g t h at a rtifact ga i n a +2 bon u s for 28 h o u rs .
Tier 1 : Crafter. You a re tra i ned i n the craft i n g of two
k i n d s of ite m s . E n a b l e r.
M aster I dentifier. You a re tra i ned i n identifyi n g t h e
fu n ction of any k i n d of d evice. E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Tin kerer. I f yo u s p e n d at least o n e d ay
t i n keri n g with an a rtifact i n yo u r posses s i o n , it
fu n ct i o n s at o n e l evel h i g h e r t h a n n o r m a l . T h i s
a p p l ies t o a l l a rtifacts i n yo u r posse s s i o n , but they
ret a i n t h i s bon u s o n ly for yo u . E n a b l e r.
Quick Work (3+ I ntel lect poi nts) . O n e u s e of any
a rtifact (or o n e m i n ute of its co nti n u o u s fu n ction)
i s i n creased by o n e l evel if yo u u s e it with i n the n ext
m i n ute. I f yo u s p e n d 4 a d d i t i o n a l I nte l l ect points, the
u s e i s i n creased by two l eve l s if yo u u s e it wit h i n the
n ext m i n ute. Act i o n .
Tier 3 : M aster Crafter. Yo u a re tra i ned i n t h e craft i n g
o f two more k i n d s o f ite m s , o r y o u a re s peci a l ized
in two k i n d s of ite m s t h at yo u a re a l ready tra i ned i n .
E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Cyphersmith. Al l cyp h e rs yo u u s e fu nction
at one l evel h i gher t h a n n o rm a l . I f given a week
and the right too l s , c h e m i ca l s , and parts, yo u can
t i n ke r with one of yo u r cyp h e rs , transform i n g it i nto

a n other cyp h e r of the s a m e type (a n oeti c or occu ltic)
t h at yo u had i n the past. The G M a n d p l ayer s h o u l d
co l l aborate to e n s u re t h at the tra n sformation i s
logica l-for exa m p l e, yo u p robably ca n ' t tra n sform a
p i l l i nto a h e l met. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: I n novator. You can mod ify any a rtifact to give
it d ifferent o r bette r a b i l ities as if t h at a rtifact we re
o n e l eve l l ower t h a n n o rm a l , a n d d o i n g so takes h a l f
the normal t i m e to modify a device. E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: I nventor. You can create n ew a rtifacts i n h a l f
the t i m e , a s if they were two l eve l s l ower, b y spend i n g
h a l f t h e normal X P . E n a b l e r.
EMPLOYS MAGNETISM
E l ectromagnet i s m is a fu n d a mental fo rce in the
u n ive rse, a n d it i s yo u rs to co m m a n d . Yo u a re a
m aster of m eta l .
Yo u p ro b a b ly wea r a l ot o f meta l , perh a p s a s part
of yo u r cloth i n g or armor, as part of yo u r accessories
(such as jewel ry o r p i e rci ngs) , e m bedded i nto yo u r
body s u rgical ly, o r i n s o m e co m b i n ation o f these
optio n s .
N o o n e type o f c h a racte r i s m o re l i kely t h a n
any oth e r t o e m p loy magneti s m , although g l a ives
who wield wea pons and wear armor wi l l find it an
i nterest i n g co m p lement to t h e i r powe rs.
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
Connection: Pick o n e oth e r PC. Whenever you u s e
yo u r powe rs, t h e meta l l i c ite m s o n t h at c h a racte r' s
body s h ud d e r, rattle, c l i n k, a n d s h a ke if he i s with i n
s h o rt ra n ge.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The d u rat ion of the
effect i s d o u b l e d .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: An i m portant i t e m o n
the ta rget ' s p e r s o n i s d e stroyed .
Tier 1 : M ove M etal (1 I ntel lect point) . Yo u can exe rt
fo rce on meta l obj ects with i n s h o rt ra nge for o n e
ro u n d . O n ce activate d , yo u r powe r h a s a n effective
M i ght Pool of 1 0, a M i ght E d ge of 1 , and an Effo rt
of 2 (a p p roxi m ately e q u a l to t h e stre n gt h of a fit, Employs Magnetism
ca p a b l e , ad u lt h u m a n ) , and yo u can use it to m ove GM Intrusions:
meta l object s , p u s h aga i n st meta l object s , a n d so Metal can twist and bend
in unexpected ways. A lapse
o n . Fo r exa m p l e , in yo u r ro u n d , you co u l d l i ft a n d
in concentration might
p u l l a l i ght metal o bj ect a n yw h e re with i n ra n ge cause something to slip or
to yo u rs e l f or m ove a h eavy obj ect (l i ke a p i ece of drop at just the wrong time.
fu r n i t u re) about 1 0 feet (3 m) . Th i s powe r lacks t h e
fi n e control to w i e l d a wea p o n o r m ove o bj ects w i t h
m u c h s peed , so i n most s ituatio n s , it' s n ot a m e a n s
of attack. Yo u can't u s e t h i s a b i l ity o n yo u r own
body. Act i o n .
Tier 2: Repel M etal . By m a n i p u l at i n g magneti s m ,
yo u a re tra i ned i n S peed defe n s e tasks aga i n st a n y
i n com i n g attack t h at u ses meta l . E n a b l e r.
 Tier 3 : Destroy M etal (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . You
i n stantly tear, rip, or b u rst a metal object t h at i s
with i n s i ght, with i n s h o rt range, a n d n o b i gger t h a n
h a l f yo u r s ize. M a ke a n I nte l l ect ro l l t o destroy t h e
o bj ect; the d ifficu lty of t h i s task i s decreased b y t h ree
ste p s (co m p a red to b rea k i n g it with b rute stre n gth) .
Act i o n .
Tier 4: M agnetic Field ( 4 I ntel lect poi nts) . When
yo u w i s h it, a field of magneti s m a ro u n d you p u l l s
i nco m i ng, ran ged , m eta l l ic p roject i l e attacks (such
a s a rrows, b u l lets, a t h rown metal knife, a n d so on)
to the gro u n d . Yo u a re i m m u n e to s u c h attacks fo r
o n e ro u n d . You m u st be awa re of a n attack to fo i l i t .
E n a b l e r.
Recovery roll, page 94
Tier 5: Com mand M etal (5 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u
res h a pe a meta l l i c item as yo u d e s i re. The item m u st
be with i n s i ght a n d with i n s h o rt ra nge, a n d its m a s s
can be n o greater t h a n yo u r own . You can affect
m u lt i p l e ite m s at once as l o n g as t h e i r co m b i ned
mass fa l l s with i n these l i m its. Yo u can fu s e m u lt i p l e
ite m s toget h e r. You can u s e t h i s powe r t o d e stroy a
metal object (as the Destroy M etal a b i l ity) . or yo u
can craft it i nto another d e s i red s h a pe (cru dely,
u n l e s s you h ave t h e proper craft i n g s k i l l s) . Yo u can
then m ove the n ew object anywhere with i n range.
Fo r exa m p l e , you co u l d take a few metal s h i e l d s , fu se
t h e m toget h e r, a n d u s e the res u lt i n g s h a pe to block a
doo rway. You can u s e t h i s a b i l ity to m a ke an attack
ca u s i n g a foe's armor to con strict, re n d e r i n g a metal
Entertains item i nto s h a rd s t h at yo u fl i n g acro s s the battl efie l d ,
GM Intrusions: a n d so o n-aga i n st o n e ta rget with i n s h o rt ra n ge.
Failing to entertain can
Rega rd l e s s of t h e form of the attack, it i s a n I nte l l ect
be worse than not having
tried, as you often end action t h at d e a l s 7 poi nts of d a m age. Act i o n .
up annoying or offending
your audience. Musical Tier 6: Diamagnetism. Yo u magnetize any
instruments break, paints n o n meta l l i c o bj ect with i n s h o rt ra n ge so t h at it can
dry in their pots, and the be affected by yo u r oth e r powe rs. Th u s , with M ove
words to a poem or song,
M eta l , you can move any o bject. With Repel M eta l ,
once forgotten, never
return. yo u a re tra i ned i n a l l S peed d efe n s e tasks, regard l e s s
of whet h e r the i n com i n g attack u s e s m eta l . And so
on. E n a b l e r.
Exists Partially
ENTERTAINS
Out of Phase Yo u a re a n enterta i n e r: a s i n ge r, d a n ce r, poet,
GM Intrusions: storyte l l e r, o r someth i n g s i m i l a r. Yo u perform fo r the
Losing your grip on benefit of others. N at u ra l ly c h a r i s m atic a n d tale nted ,
your phase state could yo u h ave a l so st ud ied to m a ster yo u r a rt. You know
send you into another a l l t h e old poe m s , songs, jokes, a n d stories, a n d
dimension or even out
yo u ' re s k i l led a t creat i n g n ew ones, too.
of existence for a time.
People are likely to panic Yo u p ro b a b ly wea r fl a m boya nt o r at least
if they see someone who fa s h i o n a b l e clothes a n d u s e cos metics, tattoos, o r
looks ghostly. h a i r styl i n gs fo r d ra m atic effect.
The ro l e of the enterta i n e r fits the jack best, but
g l a ives a n d n a n o s somet i m e s e nterta i n a s we l l .
60
Connection: Pick o n e oth e r PC. T h i s c h a racter
i s yo u r worst critic. Yo u r a b i l ities to help o r i n s p i re
others d o n ' t fu n ction for h e r.
Add itional Equi pment: You start with a m u s ical
i n stru m e nt o r ot h e r too l s needed to perform.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: Yo u enchant the ta rget,
who re m a i n s e n c h a nted a s l o n g as you focus a l l yo u r
atte ntion o n kee p i n g h e r t h at way.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget is fo reve r
favorably d i s posed towa rd yo u .
Tier 1 : Levity. Th rough wit, c h a r m , h u m o r, a n d grace,
yo u a re tra i ned in all soc i a l i nteract i o n s ot h e r t h a n
t h o s e i nvolvi n g coercion o r i nt i m idation. D u ri n g
rests, y o u p u t frie n d s a n d co m rades a t ease so m u c h
t h at they ga i n + 1 to t h e i r recove ry ro l l s . E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: I nspiration. T h ro u g h sto ries, s o n g s , a rt,
o r ot h e r forms of enterta i n ment, yo u i n s p i re yo u r
fri e n d s . After s p e n d i n g 28 h o u rs with yo u , o n ce per
d ay each of yo u r fri e n d s can d ecrease t h e d ifficu lty
of a t a s k by one ste p . T h i s benefit is o n go i n g w h i l e
yo u re m a i n i n t h e fri e n d ' s co m p a ny. I t e n d s if you
l e ave, b u t it re s u m e s if yo u ret u rn to the fri e n d ' s
co m pa n y with i n 28 h o u rs . I f y o u l e ave t h e fri e n d ' s
co m pa n y fo r m o re t h a n 28 h o u rs , yo u m u st s p e n d
a n o t h e r 28 h o u rs toget h e r to reactivate t h e b e n efit.
E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Knowledge. Yo u r sto ries a n d songs conta i n
trut h . Yo u a re tra i ned i n two areas o f knowledge of
yo u r choos i n g. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Cal m (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . T h ro u g h jokes, song,
o r oth e r a rt, you p reve nt a l iv i n g foe from attacki n g
a nyo n e o r anyt h i n g fo r o n e ro u n d . Act i o n .
Tier 5 : A b l e Assistance. When yo u h e l p someone
with a task, you always red uce the d ifficu lty of t h e
task by o n e s t e p rega rd less of yo u r o w n s k i l l at t h at
task. E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: M aster Entertainer. Yo u r I n s p i ration a b i l ity
works more effectively, a l l owi n g yo u r fri e n d s to
decrease the d ifficu lty of a task by two ste p s rat h e r
t h a n o n e ste p . E n a b l e r.
EXISTS PARTIALLY OUT OF PHASE
Yo u h ave t h e a b i l ity to c h a n ge yo u r p h a s e state. I n
fact, you ' re a l ways s l ightly out of p h a se , givi n g you
a g h ostly t ra n s l ucence. With co ncentrat i o n , yo u can
p a s s yo u r h a n d t h ro u g h a s o l i d o bj ect, a l l ow a s o l i d
o bject t o p a s s h a r m l e s s l y t h ro u g h yo u , o r l itera l ly
wa l k t h ro u g h wa l l s . H oweve r, movi n g i n a n d o u t
of d i fferent p h a se states req u i re s ext re m e fo rce o f
wi l l a n d can be m e n ta l ly taxi n g . T h e exp l a n at i o n fo r
 LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS

yo u r stra n ge powe r l i e s with i n s o m e a s pect of t h e Tier 4: G h ost (4 I ntel lect poi nts) . For the n ext ten
n u m e n e ra . Perh a p s t h e a b i l ity e m e rged t h ro u g h t h e m i n utes, yo u a re tra i ned in s n e a k i n g tasks. D u ri n g
u s e of (or expos u re t o ) l i ngeri n g t ra n s d i m e n s i o n a l t h i s t i m e , y o u c a n m ove t h ro u g h s o l i d ba rriers (but
tech n o l ogy o r a s t h e re s u lt o f a n e n co u nter with n ot e n e rgy ba rriers) at a rate of 1 foot (30 cm) per
a creat u re n ot n ative to t h i s world o r d i m e n s i o n . ro u n d , a n d you can perceive while p h ased with i n a
Perh a p s o n e o f yo u r a n cestors fi rst d eve l o ped barrier or object, which a l l ows yo u to peek t h rough
the powe r and pas sed it d own wa l l s . Action to i n iti ate.
t h ro u g h generat i o n s .
Yo u m i ght d o wh ateve r you Tier 5: U ntouchable (6
can to p l ay up yo u r tra n s l u cent I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u c h a n ge
appeara n ce by wea ri n g yo u r p h a s e state for t h e
d i a p h a n o u s , b i l l owy cloth i n g, n ext o n e m i n ute so t h at you
o r, depend i n g on yo u r can't affect o r be affected by
pers o n a l ity, yo u m i ght d o normal m atte r o r e n e rgy.
j u st t h e oppos ite. O n ly mental attacks a n d
J acks enjoy the i nfiltration special tra n sd i m e n s i o n a l
poss i b i l ities of c h a n g i n g e n e rgies, d evices, o r a b i l ities
t h e i r p h a s e state, a n d n a n o s can affect yo u , but l i kewi se
a p p reci ate t h e defe n s ive yo u ca n 't attack, to u c h , o r
ca p a b i l ities. G l a ives can u s e oth e rwise affect anyt h i ng.
the offe n s ive a n d defe n s ive Action to i n itiate.
a s pects but m i ght find t h e m
a bit h i n d e r i n g a s we l l . Tier 6: Enhanced Phased
Connection: Pick o n e oth e r Attack (5 I ntel lect poi nts) . Th i s
"/ translated what I think
P C . Yo u h ave known t h at a b i l ity works l i ke t h e t h i rd-tier reads as 'biomechanical
c h a racter for a w h i le, a n d h e P h a sed Attack a b i l ity exce pt orbital observation
h e l ped y o u ga i n control of yo u r t h at yo u r attack a l so d i s ru pts platform ' but I'm not sure
p h a s e states . t h e foe's vita l s , deal i n g a n what that means. "
M i nor Effect Suggestions: a d d i t i o n a l 5 poi nts of d a m age. -Sir Arthour
W h i l e out of p h ase, yo u a l s o E n a b l e r.
ga i n + 1 t o a l l S peed defense
tasks. Explores Dark Places
EXPLORES DARK GM Intrusions:
M ajor Effect Suggestions:
W h i l e out of p h ase, yo u a re a l so PLACES Sometimes items fall out of
pockets or bags in the dark,
i nv i s i b l e. Yo u exp l o re the fo rebod i n g ru i n s and myste rious
never to be found again. Or
loca l e s of t h e ancient eras, tra i ned i n s u c h activities at least, not to be found by
Tier 1 : Wal k Through Walls (2 I ntel lect poi nts) . You by those who h ave gone before yo u . Yo u ' re the the one who lost them.
can s l owly pass t h ro u g h physical ba rriers at a rate of a rch etyp ical trea s u re h u nter, scave nger, a n d finder of
1 i n ch (2 . 5 cm) per ro u n d (m i n i m u m of one ro u n d lost t h i n g s . You s pe n d so much of yo u r time in the
t o p a s s t h rough any barrier) . Yo u can't act (ot h e r d a rk t h at you s l owly a d a pt to it, a l most beco m i n g
t h a n mov i n g) o r perceive anyt h i n g u nt i l yo u pass a creatu re o f the gloom yo u rself. Eve n i n civi l ized
enti rely t h rough t h e barrier. You ca n ' t pass t h ro u g h a reas, yo u p refe r to kee p to the s h adows.
e n e rgy barriers. Act i o n . M ost l i kely, you wea r dark clot h i n g to help you blend
i nto the blackness. On the other hand, you m ight wear
Tier 2 : Defens ive P h as i n g ( 2 I ntel l ect poi nts) . sensible garments and gear because you have serious
Yo u c a n c h a n ge yo u r p h a s e so t h at s o m e attacks and dangerous busi ness to attend to i n the dark.
pass t h ro u g h yo u h a rm l e s s l y. Fo r the n ext t e n J acks in partic u l a r a re s u ited to exp lori n g d a r k
m i n ut e s , red u ce t h e d i ffi c u l ty of a l l yo u r S p eed p l aces; those who d o so a re ca l l ed s h ad owj acks.
d efe n s ive tasks by one ste p , b u t d u r i n g t h i s t i m e G l a ives who fo l l ow t h i s path a re known a s s h adow
y o u l o s e a n y b e n efi t fro m a r m o r y o u we a r. Act i o n warri ors, a n d n a n o s a re ca l led s h ad owca ste rs.
to i n i t i at e . Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. T h i s c h a racter
h a s been yo u r advent u r i n g partner in p revious
Tier 3 : Phased Attack (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . The attack exped iti o n s , a n d the two of yo u work so we l l toget h e r
yo u m a ke o n t h i s turn i g n o res yo u r foe's armor. The t h at yo u both ga i n + 1 to any d ie ro l l s when yo u
a b i l ity works fo r wh ateve r kind of attack yo u u s e co l l aborate on the s a m e task, fight t h e s a m e foe, a n d
(melee, ra n ged , e n e rgy, a n d so on) . E n a b l e r. so o n .
 Add itional Equi pment: You start with an exp l o rer's
Explorer's pack, page 82 pack. I f yo u a l ready h ave one, yo u can i n stead take
50 extra feet ( 1 5 m) of ro pe, rat i o n s for two m o re
Glowglobe, page 82 d ays, a n d two m i n o r glowglobes .
Esoteries, page 35 Dark Esoteries: If you perform esote ries , they
m a ke a l most no s o u n d , a n d wh ateve r v i s u a l
d i s p l ays t h ey p rod uce a re d a r k a n d s h ad owy.
These a lterat i o n s c h a n ge noth i n g ot h e r t h a n the
Flash, page 37 appeara n ce of the effects . A F l a s h esotery i s a s i lent
Barrier, page 37 b u rst of s h a d ows, a Barrier esote ry i s a m a s s of
s h ad owy wisps, a n d so on.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s a l s o d azed
fo r one ro u n d , d u ri n g which t i m e the d i fficu lty of
a l l tasks it performs is mod ified by one step to its
detri ment.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s a l so
stu n n ed a n d loses its n ext t u r n .
Tier l : Trai ned Explorer. Yo u a re tra i ned i n searc h i ng,
l i ste n i ng, c l i m b i ng, balanci n g, a n d j u m p i n g tasks.
E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Trai ned I nfi ltrator. You a re tra i ned i n
lockp icki n g a n d t i n ke r i n g with devices. E n a b l e r.
Eyes Adj usted. Yo u can see i n ext re mely d i m l i ght
a s though it we re bright l i ght. Yo u can see i n total
d a rkness a s if it were extre mely d i m . E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Slippery Customer. Yo u a re tra i ned i n
esca p i n g fro m b o n d s , fitt i n g i n tight s pace s , a n d
Bonus, page 7 7 oth e r contort i o n i st tasks. T h a n ks t o yo u r experience,
yo u a l s o a re t ra i ned i n S peed defense tasks wh i l e
wea ri n g l i ght armor or no armor. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Resil ient. I n yo u r exp l o rat i o n s of d a rk p l ace s ,
yo u 've b e e n exposed to a l l sorts of terri b l e t h i ngs
a n d a re d eve l o p i n g a general re s i stance. Yo u ga i n
Armor, page 92 + 1 t o Armor a n d a re t ra i ned i n M i ght defe n s e tasks.
E n a b l e r.
Minor effect, page 88 Tier 5: Dark Explorer. You ignore penalties for any
action ( i n cl u d i n g fight i n g) i n extremely dim l i ght
o r in cra m ped s pace s . Co m b i ned with yo u r Eyes
Adj u sted a b i l ity, you can act without pena lty eve n i n
total d a rkness. Yo u a re a l s o t ra i ned i n s n e a k i n g tasks
wh i l e i n d i m o r n o l i ght. E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: Blinding Attack (3 Speed poi nts) . I f you h ave
a sou rce of l ight, you can use it to m a ke a melee
attack aga i n st a ta rget. I f s u ccessfu l , t h e attack d e a l s
Fights With Panache n o d a mage, but the ta rget i s b l i nded fo r o n e m i n ute.
GM Intrusions: Act i o n .
Looking silly, clumsy, or
unattractive can be the
swashbuckler's greatest FIGHTS WITH PANACHE
fear. Yo u know t h at style i s at least as i m portant a s
s u b stance. Defeat i n g foes i s seco n d a ry to looki n g
good wh i l e d o i n g i t . S o m e m i ght ca l l yo u a
swas h b uckler or d a redevi l . You leap t h ro u g h the a i r,
m a ke a fl o u r i s h with you r wea pon, a n d attack, u s u a l ly
with a clever, biti n g s h ow of wit. Yo u r e n e m i e s h ate
yo u , but yo u r a l l ies adore yo u . j u st watc h i n g yo u fight
i s enterta i n i n g.
Yo u ve ry l i kely wea r no armor, i n stead p referri n g
styl i s h cloth i n g-perh a p s eve n a h at w i t h a feath e r.
j acks a n d gla ives m a ke the best swa s h b ucklers,
a n d they a re t h e most co m m o n types of c h a racte r to
fight with panache.
Connection: Pick o n e oth e r PC. Yo u ' re always
tryi n g to i m p re s s t h i s c h a racte r with yo u r s ki l l , wit,
a p peara n ce, o r b ravado. Pe rhaps she i s a riva l ,
perh a p s yo u need h e r res pect, or perh a p s yo u ' re
ro mantica l ly i nterested i n h e r.
Add itional Equi pment: You begin with a set of
extre mely styl i s h clothes a n d a jewe led wea p o n .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s so d azz led
by yo u r style t h at it i s d azed fo r o n e ro u n d , d u ri n g
w h i c h t i m e t h e d ifficu lty o f a l l tasks i t performs i s
mod ified b y o n e step t o i t s detri ment.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: M a ke a n a d d i t i o n a l
attack w i t h yo u r weapon o n yo u r t u r n .
Tier l : Attack Flourish. W i t h yo u r attack, y o u a d d
styl i s h move s , e nterta i n i n g q u i ps , o r a ce rta i n
"somet h i ng" t h at enterta i n s o r i m presses others.
Choose any n u m be r of creatu res with i n s h o rt ra n ge
who can see yo u ; each of them gai n s a + 1 bon u s to
its n ext d i e ro l l . E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Quick Block. If yo u u s e a l i ght or med i u m
wea p o n , you decrease t h e d ifficu lty o f yo u r S peed
defe n s e act i o n s by one ste p . E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Acrobatic Attack (3 Speed poi nts) . Yo u leap
i nto t h e attack, twisti n g o r fl i p p i n g t h ro u g h t h e a i r.
Th i s motion d ecreases t h e d ifficu lty of yo u r attack
by one ste p . I f yo u ro l l a natural 1 7 o r 1 8 , you can
choose to h ave a m i no r effect rat h e r than deal extra
d a m age. You ca n ' t u s e t h i s a b i l ity if yo u r S peed i s
red uced fro m wea ri n g armor. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Mobile Fighter (3 Speed poi nts) . As p a rt of
yo u r attack, yo u can leap on or ove r obstacles, swi n g
fro m ro pes, ru n a l o n g narrow s u rface s , o r oth e rwise
move a ro u n d t h e battlefield at yo u r normal s peed
a s if s u c h tasks were ro utine (d ifficu lty 0) . You ca n ' t
u s e t h i s a b i l ity if yo u r S peed i s red u ced fr o m wea ri n g
armor. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Block for Another. If you use a l i ght or med i u m
weapon, you can block attacks made aga i n st a n a l ly
near you . Choose one creatu re with i n i m mediate
ran ge. You d ecrease the d ifficu lty of that creat u re ' s

S peed defense actions by one ste p. Yo u ca n't use
Quick B l ock wh i l e using Block for Another. Enabler.
Tier 6: Agile Wit. When atte m pt i n g a S peed task, yo u
i n stead can ro l l (and spend poi nts) as if it we re a n
I nte l l ect act i o n . I f y o u a p p l y Effort t o t h i s t a s k , you
can spend poi nts fro m yo u r I nte l l ect Pool i n stead
of yo u r S peed Pool (in which case you a l so use yo u r
I nte l l ect E d ge i n stead o f yo u r S peed Ed ge) . E n a b l e r.
FOCUSES MIND OVER MATIER
Te leki n e s i s . Psychoki n e s i s . M i n d ove r m atte r. The
powe r h a s many names, but i n the end, it all boi l s
down t o o n e t h i n g-th e molecules t h at m a ke u p a l l
m atte r a re yo u rs t o co m m a n d . Yo u l i kely ca l l yo u rself
a telekinetic o r j u st a T l<.
M a ny teleki netics p refe r to wea r tight clot h i n g
without m u ch accouterment so t h e re i s l ittl e a n other
T l< co u l d grab h o l d of p sych ical ly. O n the oth e r h a n d ,
yo u h ave the powe r t o create ve ry m i n o r te l e k i n etic
effects at wi l l , so yo u r hair m i ght always be in
m ot i o n , yo u co u l d h ave a few t i n y o bj ects float i n g
a ro u n d yo u , o r y o u m i ght wea r a l o n g c a p e that's
always b i l l owi ng.
J acks a re the most l i kely cha racte rs to be
te l e k i n etics, but g l a ives find t h at the a b i l ities add
to t h e i r co m bat p rowe s s , a n d n a n o s , of co u rse,
a p p reci ate t h e additional powe r.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. T h i s c h a racter
can ca u s e yo u r te leki netic powe rs to act odd ly. Eve ry
o n ce i n a w h i l e , if h e sta n d s d i rect ly n ext to yo u , yo u r
powers a re cance l led, b u t a t ot h e r t i m e s , they seem
i m p roved when u sed near h i m .
Mental Esoteries: I f you perform esote ries, those
that wou l d norm a l ly use force or other energy i n stead
use te leki netic force. Fo r exa m ple, a F l a s h or an
O n s l aught force bl ast i s a teleki netic b l ast from you r
m i n d . T h i s a lteration changes noth i n g exce pt that you
d o n 't need a free hand to perform esoteries. Enabler.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: An object m oves faster
o r m o re efficiently.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Yo u can m ove or affect
twice as m uch as n o rm a l .
Tier 1 : Deflect Attacks ( 1 I ntel lect point) . U s i n g yo u r
m i n d , yo u p rotect yo u rself fro m i n co m i n g attacks.
Fo r t h e n ext ten m i n utes, yo u a re tra i ned in S peed
defe n s e tasks. Action to i n itiate.
Tier 2: Teleki nesis (2 I ntel lect poi nts) . You can exe rt
fo rce on o bjects with i n s h o rt ra n ge. O n ce activated ,
yo u r powe r h a s an effect ive M i ght Pool of l O, a
M i ght Edge of 1 , a n d an Effort of 2 (approxi mately
eq u a l to the stre n gt h of a fit, ca pable, ad u l t h u m a n ) ,
a n d yo u can u s e it to m ove o bjects, p u s h aga i n st
o bj ects , a n d so o n . Fo r exa m p le , you co u l d l ift a n d
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
p u l l a l i ght o bj ect a nywh e re wit h i n ra n ge to yo u rself
o r move a heavy object ( l i ke a p i ece of fu rniture)
about 1 0 feet (3 m) . Th i s powe r l acks the fine control
to wield a weapon or move objects with m uch
speed, so i n most s it u at i o n s , it's n ot a m e a n s of
attack. Yo u can't use t h i s a b i l ity o n yo u r own body.
The powe r l a sts for o n e h o u r or u n t i l its M i ght Pool
i s d e p l eted-whichever co mes fi rst. Act i o n .
Tier 3 : Enhance Strength ( 3 I ntel lect poi nts) . F o r the Focuses Mind Over Matter
n ext ten m i n utes, tasks t h at depend o n brute fo rce GM Intrusions:
such as m ovi n g a heavy o bj ect, s m a s h i n g d own a One mental slip, and
door, or h itti n g someone with a melee weapo n-a re moving objects drop or
fragile objects break.
easier for yo u . The d ifficu lty of a l l such tasks i s
Sometimes the wrong item
decreased b y o n e ste p . Action t o i n itiate. moves, falls, or breaks.
Tier 4: Apportation (4 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u ca l l a
physical obj ect to yo u . Yo u can choose a n y p i ece of
n o r m a l eq u i p m e n t on t h e sta n d a rd eq u i p m e n t l i st,
o r ( n o m o re than o n ce per d ay) yo u can a l l ow the
GM to d eterm i n e t h e o bject ra n d o m ly. I f yo u ca l l a
ra n d o m obj ect, it h a s a 1 0 percent c h a nce of be i n g
a cyp h e r o r a rt ifact, a 1 0 p e rcent c h a n ce o f b e i n g
a n odd ity, a 40 percent c h a n ce of be i n g a p i ece of
sta n d a rd eq u i p m e nt, a n d a 40 percent c h a nce of
be i n g a bit of wort h l e s s j u n k. Yo u ca n ' t use t h i s
a b i l ity t o take a n item h e l d b y a n ot h e r creat u re .
Act i o n .
Tier 5: Psychoki netic Attack ( 5 I ntellect poi nts). Yo u Psychokinesis doesn 't
can use t h i s attack in one of two ways. The fi rst way necessarily have to
mean "mental powers. "
is to pick u p a heavy object and h u rl it at someone
Someone using mind over
with i n short range. Th i s attack i s a n I ntel l ect action, matter might actually be
and if s uccessfu l , it deals 6 poi nts of d a mage to accessing a mechanical
the ta rget and to the h u rled object (wh ich cou l d be or bioengineered portion
another foe, although that wou l d req u i re two rol l s of their brain to direct
one rol l to grab the fi rst foe and another rol l to h it nanobots prevalent in the
Ninth World environment.
the second foe with the fi rst) . The second way is to
These nanites could
u n leash a s h atteri n g b u rst of powe r that works o n ly be actors moving (or
aga i n st an i n a n i m ate object no l a rger than half yo u r changing) the matter
s ize. M a ke an I ntel lect rol l t o i n stantly destroy t h e affected by the character, as
object; the d ifficu lty o f t h i s t a s k i s d ecreased b y t h ree she directs them, knowingly
or unknowingly.
ste ps (co mpared to brea king it with b rute strength) .
Action.
Tier 6: Reshape M atter (6 I ntellect points). You r
mastery o f teleki nesis i s s o great that you ca n reshape
objects on a molecu lar level. You can affect a s i ngle
object no larger than you , and the object m u st be
visible and close enough for you to touch . You can
use this abil ity to damage the object (as if u s i n g
Psychoki netic Attack, except the d ifficu lty o f the task
i s decreased by four steps i n stead of th ree) , or you
can attem pt a crafting tas k to res hape the object
i nto another form. Reshaping an object u s u a l ly has a
d ifficu lty equal to 1 p l u s the level of the fi n i s hed object.
 Fuses Flesh and Steel
FUSES FLESH AND STEEL Special H eali ng. Trad iti o n a l heal i n g s k i l l s ,
A t s o m e p o i n t i n yo u r past, s o m e of yo u r o rga n i c med i c i n e s , a n d tech n i q u e s work o n ly h a l f as we l l
GM Intrusion:
People in most societies p a rts were re p l aced with a rtific i a l co m po n e n t s . fo r yo u . Each t i m e you start a t fu l l health, t h e fi rst 5
are afraid ofsomeone (Alte r n atively, yo u b e l o n g to a secret race poi nts of d a mage yo u take can n ever be healed i n
who is revealed to have of b i o m e c h a n ical hybri d s . ) These a rtific i a l these ways o r recovered normal ly. I n stea d , yo u m u st
mechanical parts. co m po n e nts m i ght be s u bd e r m a l , o r t h ey m i ght u s e re p a i r i n g s k i l l s a n d a b i l ities to restore those
re se m b l e m o re ove rt metal o r synth plating o n points. For exa m p l e, if yo u sta rt with a fu l l M i ght
Cypher, page 278
Artifact, page 298 yo u r s k i n . T h ey can a l s o take t h e form of t h read l i ke Pool of 1 0 a n d take 8 poi nts of d a m age, you can use
tend ri l s of c i rcu itry wi n d i n g acro s s yo u r fl e s h . recove ry ro l l s to restore 3 points, but t h e re m a i n i n g 5
Wh ateve r t h e i r a p peara n ce , t h e s e co m po n e n t s give poi nts m u st be restored u s i n g re p a i ri n g met h od s .
yo u s peci a l a b i l it i e s . As yo u adva n ce, you can add
to, mod ify, o r d i scove r n ew fu n ct i o n s fo r t h e m . Tier 2: I nterface. B y d i rectly p l u gg i n g i nto a device,
U n fo rtu n ately, yo u r a rtific i a l b o d y a l s o h a s s peci a l yo u can i d e ntify and learn to ope rate it a s though the
Howls at the Moon
GM Intrusions: req u i re m e n t s w h e n it t a ke s d a m age. task we re o n e level l ower. E n a b l e r.
People a re terrified of Yo u p ro b a b ly wea r a cloak with a hood o r
monsters, and savage someth i n g s i m i l a r to h id e yo u r a rtific i a l parts fro m Tier 3: Weaponization. O n e l i ght or m ed i u m melee
beasts that can take the those who wo u l d persecute yo u . Beca u s e yo u r weapon of yo u r cho ice i s b u i lt i nto yo u r body, and
form of ordinary folks are co m po n e nts a re tricky t o re p a i r, a s t i m e goes o n , it yo u a re tra i ned i n this weapon (eve n if you a re n ot
even more frightening.
m i ght beco m e more d ifficult to conceal yo u r true tra i ned i n oth e r wea p o n s of t h at type) . The weapon i s
nature, with exposed c i rcuitry, metal p l ates, and co ncealed u n t i l yo u w i s h t o u s e i t . E n a b l e r.
more i n a state of part i a l d i s a s s e m b ly.
Anyo n e-g l a ive, j ack, o r n a n o-might be a Tier 4: Fusion. Yo u can fu s e yo u r cyp h e rs a n d
cybe rnetic orga n i s m . a rtifacts w i t h you r body. These fu sed devices fu n ction
Connection: Pick o n e other PC. This a s if they were o n e l evel h i gher. E n a b l e r.
character knows you r true nature, even if
no one else does. If you r components Tier 5: Deep Reserves. O n ce each d ay, you can
are not particu larly h idden, she tra n s fe r up to 5 poi nts between yo u r Poo l s i n any
knows a d ifferent secret of you rs, co m b i n at i o n , at a rate of 1 point per ro u n d . Fo r
such as a preprogram med word that exa m ple, you co u l d tran sfe r 3 poi nts of M i ght to
will s h ut you down for ten m i n utes. S peed a n d 2 poi nts of I nte l l ect to S peed , which
Add itional Equipment: Yo u h ave wo u l d take a total of five ro u n d s . Act i o n .
a bag of l i ght too l s a n d a variety
of parts to re p a i r yo u rself. Tier 6: U ltra Enhancement. Yo u ga i n + 1 to A r m o r a n d
M i nor Effect Suggestions: +5 t o e a c h o f yo u r t h ree stat Poo l s . E n a b l e r.
Yo u r servos learn from yo u r
s u ccessfu l act i o n s . Yo u ga i n HOWLS AT THE MOON
a + 1 bon u s t o s i m i l a r act i o n s Somet i m e s t h e n u m e n e ra i s a d o u b l e-ed ged swo rd .
i nvo lvi n g the s a m e task ( s u c h Yo u a re cu rsed a n d b l e s sed to be a b l e to tra n sform
a s m a k i n g attacks aga i n st i nto a powe rfu l creatu re, d rawi n g a d d i t i o n a l m a s s
the s a m e foe or operat i n g fro m a tran s d i me n s i o n a l s o u rce. Yo u a n d t h e G M
t h e same d evi ce) . s h o u l d work out the exact n at u re of the creatu re,
M ajor Effect i nc l u d i n g its a p peara n ce, but it' s a w i l d beast of
Suggestions: You rage a n d b l ood-at least u nt i l you learn to control it.
d i scharge a s m a l l p u l se of Creatu res l i ke you a re often ca l l ed " lycanth ropes."
power i nto you r foe. M a ke Style a n d a p peara n ce a re p robably l ow o n yo u r l i st
an i m med iate attack aga i n st of co n ce r n s . Yo u r clothes m i ght be ragged beca u s e
that foe (using the same stat yo u r tra n sformation i s h a rd o n t h e m ( o r t h ey' re
as the action that cau sed the cheap beca u s e yo u know they' l l be destroyed t h e n ext
major effect) . I f the attack t i m e you tra n sform) .
succeed s, it deals 4 poi nts of Anyo n e-g l a ive, j ack, or n a n o-ca n be a
electrical damage. lyca nth rope, although a g l a ive l i kely benefits t h e
m o s t fro m the tra n sformat i o n .
Tier l : Enhanced Body. Yo u Connection: Pick one oth e r P C . T h at c h a racte r i s
ga i n + 1 to Armor, +3 to yo u r a b l e t o soot h e yo u when yo u ' re i n beast fo r m . Yo u ' l l
M i ght Poo l , a n d + 3 t o yo u r n ever attack h i m w h i l e tra n sformed , a n d i f h e s p e n d s
S peed Poo l . E n a b l e r. th ree co n secut ive t u r n s u s i n g h i s action to ca l m you
 LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS

Although the people of

the Ninth World look
upon a creature that
transforms into another
creature as mystical
lycanthropy, it instead
almost certainly involves
accessing other dimensions
of reality. A character either
draws mass from some
extradimensional space
(perhaps somehow warping
higher-dimensional mass
into our lower dimensions)
or the character actually
switches places with
a larger, more savage
ultraterrestrial creature
for a time. In this latter
case, the character and
the creature clearly have
some bond that allows
them to share general
down, yo u can reve rt to yo u r normal form without Tier 3: G reater Beast Form. Yo u r beast form ga i n s intentions. The character,
h avi n g to m a ke a ro l l . t h e fo l l owi n g a d d i t i o n a l b o n u s e s : + 1 t o yo u r M i ght while shunted to another
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a n accu rate E d ge, +2 to yo u r S peed Poo l , a n d + 1 to yo u r S peed dimension, likely remains
in a stasis, unaware of
c h ronometer a rtifact t h at always lets yo u know when E d ge. E n a b l e r.
anything until he returns to
the n ext transformation i s co m i ng. his normal world.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s so Tier 4: G reater Controlled Change. Yo u no l o n ge r
i nt i m i d ated by yo u r best i a l attack t h at it i s d azed c h a n ge i nto yo u r b e a s t form u n l e s s yo u w a n t t o .
fo r one ro u n d , d u ri n g which t i m e the d ifficu lty of Tra n sfo rm i n g i nto yo u r b e a s t form o r b a c k to yo u r
a l l tasks it performs is mod ified by one step to its normal fo r m i s n ow a d i fficu lty 1 I nte l l ect task.
detri ment. E n a b l e r.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Yo u r attack conveys a
s m a l l bit of yo u r lyca nth ropy. If yo u r foe s u rvive s , Tier 5: Enhanced Beast Form. Yo u r beast form ga i n s
o n e month l ater, h e tra n sforms i nto a n u n contro l led t h e fo l l owi n g a d d i t i o n a l b o n u s e s : + 3 t o yo u r M i ght
beast. The GM decides w h at h a p p e n s fro m t h e re. Poo l , +2 to yo u r S peed Poo l , a n d +2 to Armor.
E n a b l e r.
Tier l: Beast Form. On five con secutive n ights each
month, you change i nto a monstrous beast for up to Tier 6: Perfect Control. Yo u no l o n ge r need to m a ke
one hour each n ight. I n t h i s new form, you gain +8 to a ro l l to c h a n ge i nto yo u r beast form or yo u r normal
you r M ight Pool, + l to you r M ight Edge, +2 to you r form. You can c h a n ge back a n d fo rt h as yo u r act i o n .
S peed Pool, and + 1 t o you r S peed Ed ge. Wh ile i n beast When yo u ret u rn t o yo u r normal form, yo u n o l o n ge r
form, you can't spend I ntel l ect poi nts for any reason take a pena lty to yo u r ro l l s . E n a b l e r.
other than to try to change to you r normal form before Hunts With Great Skill
the one-hour d u ration is over (a d ifficu lty 2 task) . I n HUNTS WITH GREAT SKILL GM Intrusions:
Even the slightest noise
addition, you attack any and every l ivi ng creatu re wit h i n Yo u a re a tracker. Pe rhaps yo u h u nt a n i m a l s o r
or movement can alert
short range. After you revert t o you r normal fo r m , you more deadly creat u re s . Perh a p s y o u go a ft e r peo p l e the quarry that it's being
take a -1 penalty to a l l rol l s for one hour. If you d i d not a s a bou nty h u nter, l aw enfo rce r, o r k i l l e r fo r h i re. hunted.
kill and eat at least one s u bstantial creatu re while i n Wh ateve r form yo u r h u nt i n g takes, yo u a re tra i ned in
beast form, t h e penalty i ncreases t o - 2 a n d affects a l l sta l k i n g yo u r q u a rry a n d b ri n g i n g it down. Yo u a re a
you r rol l s for the next 28 hours. Action t o change back. d a n ge ro u s i n d ivid u a l .
J f yo u h u n t a n i m a l s o r creat u re s , y o u m i g h t
Tier 2: Controlled Change. You can try to change i nto carry t h e t ro p h i e s of p a s t ki l l s , s u c h a s t e e t h o r
you r beast form o n any n ight you wish (a d ifficu lty 3 s k i n s . I f yo u ' re a b o u nty h u nter, y o u p r o b a b l y wea r
I ntel lect task) . Any tran sformatio n s you m a ke u s i n g w h ateve r yo u r q u a rry wo u l d fi n d most i n t i m i d at i n g
t h i s power a re i n add ition t o the five n i ghts p e r month s o it fee l s a s t h o u g h it h a s n o c h a n ce o f gett i n g
that you change invo l u ntari ly. Action to change. away fro m yo u .
 M ost h u nters a re g l a ive s , but jacks a n d n a n o s
b r i n g u n i q u e s k i l l s t o the chase.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. T h at person
o n ce s aw you s h ow s u rp ri s i n g m e rcy toward yo u r
p rey, a n d n ow yo u hope s h e kee p s t h at i nformation
q u iet-it m i ght h a rm yo u r re p utat i o n .
Add itional Equi pment: You wea r boots t h at m uffl e
yo u r footste p s , givi n g y o u a + 1 bon u s to any ro l l
made i nvo lvi n g s n e a ky move ment.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: Yo u can atte m pt a n
i nt i m i d ati n g task to ca u s e yo u r foe to i m med iately
s u rre n d e r.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: You r foe pauses, terrified
by you r p rowess, and takes n o action on h i s turn.
Tier l : Tracker. You a re tra i ned i n fo l l owi n g a n d
Leads CM Intrusions: i d e ntifyi n g tracks. E n a b l e r.
Followers fail, betray, lie, Stal ker. Yo u a re tra i ned i n a l l types of m ovement
become corrupted, get tasks (incl u d i n g cl i m b i ng, swi m m i ng, j u m p i n g, a n d
kidnapped, or die. balanci n g) . E n a b l e r.
lnitiatie, page 90 Tier 2: Sneak. You a re tra i ned i n stealth a n d i n itiative
tasks. E n a b l e r.
Sprint and G rab (2 Speed poi nts) . You can run a
short d i stance and m a ke a melee attack to grab a foe
of you r s ize or s m a l l e r. A s u ccessfu l attack means yo u
grab the foe and bri n g it to a halt if it was mov i n g (th i s
c a n be treated as a tackle, if a p p ropriate) . Action.
Tier 3 : Quarry (2 I ntel lect poi nts) . Choose a q u a rry
(a s i n g l e i n d ivid u a l creatu re t h at yo u can see) .
Yo u a re tra i ned i n a l l tasks i nvolvi n g fo l l owi ng,
u nd e rsta n d i ng, i nteract i n g with, o r fight i n g t h at
creat u re . You can h ave o n ly o n e q u a rry at a t i m e .
Action to i n itiate.
Tier 4: Su rprise Attack. I f attacki n g from a h i d d e n
vantage, w i t h s u rprise, o r before yo u r o p p o n e n t h a s
acted , y o u d ecrease the d i fficu lty o f yo u r attack by
one ste p. O n a s uccessfu l h it, yo u i n fl i ct 2 a d d i t i o n a l
poi nts of d a m age. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: H u nter's Drive (5 I ntel lect poi nts). T h ro u g h
fo rce of w i l l , when yo u w i s h it, yo u g r a n t yo u rself
greate r p rowes s i n the h u nt fo r ten m i n utes. D u ri n g
t h i s t i m e , y o u decrease t h e d ifficu lty o f a l l tasks
i nvolvi n g yo u r q u a rry, i n c l u d i n g attacks, by o n e ste p.
Yo u r q u a rry i s the creatu re yo u sel ected with yo u r
t h i rd-tier a b i l ity. E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: M u ltiple Quarry (6 I ntel lect poi nts). T h i s
a b i l ity fu n ct i o n s l i ke the t h i rd-tier Q u a rry a b i l ity
except t h at you can sel ect up to t h ree creatu res as
q u arry. Yo u m u st be a b l e to see a l l t h ree creatu res
when yo u i n itiate this a b i l ity. Yo u r H u nter' s D rive
a b i l ity a p p l ies to a l l t h ree creat u re s . Action to i n itiate.
LEADS
U s i n g c h a r i s m a , natural leaders h i p , and perh a p s
some tra i n i ng, yo u co m m a n d t h e act i o n s o f others,
who fo l l ow yo u w i l l i n gly. You a re a co m m a n d e r, a
capta i n , a leader, or a ge n e ra l . Yo u r s ki l l s a l low you
to m a ke peo p l e d o what yo u want, but yo u a l s o h ave
the wisdom to know what act i o n s wo u l d be best for
yo u r fo l l owers and a l l ies.
S i nce yo u need the res pect of oth e rs , yo u probably
d ress a n d carry yo u rself i n such a way t h at i n s p i re s ,
endears, o r i nti m i d ates. Yo u h ave a voice s u ited t o
bark i n g o rd e rs t h at can be heard eve n o n a n o i sy
batt lefie l d .
G l a ives m a ke exce l lent m i l itary leaders, but a
jack co u l d e a s i l y lead a gro u p of exp l o rers or a d e n
o f t h i eve s . A n a n o m i ght be the h e a d o f a gro u p of
" m ages" o r scholars, o r s h e m i ght h ave a gang of
bodyg u a rd s as fo l l owers.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. T h at c h a racte r was
o n ce a fo l lower of yo u rs , but yo u h ave s i n ce grown to
th i n k of h i m a s a peer.
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave an a rtifact t h at
a l l ows yo u to tag u p to seven fo l l owe rs. By looki n g
i nto t h e g l a s s p l ate o n the d evice, y o u can d ete rm i n e
t h e i r d i stance a n d d i rection rel ative t o yo u . The
tagg i n g p roce s s i s somew h at demean i n g, so it i s
l i kely t h at o n ly yo u r fo l l owers wo u l d eve r s u b m it t o it.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The n ext time yo u
atte m pt to co m m a n d , ca ptivate, or oth e rwise
i nfl uence t h e same foe, t h e d ifficu lty of the task is
decreased by one ste p .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The foe i s i n fl uenced ,
captivated , or oth e rwise affected by yo u r a b i l ity fo r
twice a s l o n g as norm a l .
Tier l : N atu ral Charisma. You a re tra i ned i n a l l soci a l
i nteract i o n s , whet h e r they i nvolve charm, learn i n g a
pers o n ' s secrets, or i nti m i d at i n g oth e rs . E n a b l e r.
Good Advice (1 I ntel lect point) . Yo u h ave a clear
mind fo r d eterm i n i n g the best way to p roceed . When
yo u give another c h a racte r a s u ggestion i nvo lvi n g h i s
n ext act i o n , t h e c h a racte r i s tra i ned i n t h at action fo r
o n e ro u n d . Act i o n .
Tier 2: Fol lower. You ga i n a l evel 2 N PC fo l l ower
who is co m p l etely d evoted to yo u . Yo u and the G M
m u st work out t h e d eta i l s of the fo l l ower a n d yo u ' l l
p robably m a ke ro l l s fo r i t i n co m bat o r when i t takes
act i o n s . The fo l l ower acts o n yo u r t u r n . As a l evel 2
fo l l ower, it h a s a ta rget n u m be r of 6 a n d a health of
6, a n d it i n fl icts 2 poi nts of d a mage. If t h e fo l l ower
d i e s , you ga i n a n ew one after at least two wee ks a n d
p roper recru itment. E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Command (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . T h ro u g h
s h e e r fo rce o f wi l l a n d c h a ri s m a , y o u i s s u e a

s i m p l e co m m a n d to a s i n g l e l i v i n g creat u re , w h i c h
atte m pts to carry out yo u r co m m a n d a s its n ext
act i o n . T h e creatu re m u st be with i n s h o rt ra n ge
a n d be a b l e to u n d ersta n d yo u . T h e co m m a n d ca n ' t
i n fl i ct d i rect h a rm o n t h e creatu re o r its a l l i e s , so
" Co m m it s u i c i d e " wo n ' t work, but " F lee" m i g ht.
In a d d i t i o n , t h e co m m a n d can req u i re t h e creatu re
to t a ke o n l y o n e act i o n , so " O p e n t h e d o o r" m i ght
work, but " O p e n t h e d o o r a n d r u n t h ro u g h it"
wo n ' t . Act i o n .
Capable Fol lower. Yo u r fi rst fo l lower i n creases to
l evel 3. As a l evel 3 fo l l ower, it h a s a ta rget n u m be r
of 9 a n d a health of 9 , a n d it i n fl i cts 3 poi nts o f
d a m age. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Captivate or I nspire (4 I ntel lect poi nts). You
can u s e t h i s a b i l ity i n o n e of two ways . E it h e r yo u r
wo rd s keep t h e atte ntion o f a l l N PCs t h at hear t h e m
fo r a s l o n g as yo u s peak, o r yo u r wo rd s i n s p i re a l l
N P C s (of yo u r choos i n g) t h at hear them to fu n ction
a s if t h ey were one l evel h i gher fo r the n ext h o u r.
Act i o n .
Capable Fol lower. Yo u r fi rst fo l lower i n creases t o
l evel 4 . As a l evel 4 fo l l ower, it h a s a ta rget n u m be r
of 1 2 a n d a health of 1 2 , a n d it i n fl i cts 4 poi nts o f
d a m age. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Band of Followers. You ga i n six l eve l 2 N PC
fo l l owers who a re co m p l etely d evoted to yo u . (Th ey
a re i n add ition to t h e fo l l ower yo u ga i n ed at seco nd
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
tier.) Yo u a n d t h e G M m u st work out the deta i l s of
these fo l l owe rs. If a fo l l owe r d i es, yo u ga i n a n ew
o n e after at least two weeks a n d p roper recru itment.
E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: M i n d of a Leader (6 I ntel lect poi nts) . When
you develop a p l a n that i nvolves yo u r fo l l owers, you
can ask the G M one very general q uestion about what
is l i kely to h a p pen if yo u ca rry out the p l a n , and you
wi l l get a s i m ple, brief a n swer. Action.
Capable Fol lowers. Yo u r fi rst fo l l ower i n creases to
l evel 5 . As a l eve l 5 fo l l ower, it h a s a ta rget n u m be r
of 1 5 a n d a health of 1 5 , a n d it i n fl i cts 5 poi nts o f
d a m age. Each of yo u r l evel 2 fo l l owers i n creases t o
l evel 3 . E n a b l e r.
Lives in the Wilderness
LIVES IN THE WILDERNESS GM Intrusions:
Yo u dwe l l in the w i l d s . Yo u p robably h ave d o n e so People in cities and towns
most, if n ot a l l , of yo u r l i fe, co m i n g to u n d e rsta n d sometimes disparage those
the myste ries of n atu re, weather, a n d s u rviva l . The who look (and smell) like
ways of fl o ra a n d fauna a re yo u r ways. they live in the wilds, as
You r rou g h , ru gged cloth i n g s h ows l ittle co ncern if they were ignorant or
barbaric.
for style. M ost of the time, cove ri n g you rself in n at u ra l
s m e l l s to kee p yo u r scent fro m a rou s i n g s u s picion i n
the wilderness i s more i m portant than bath i n g t o kee p
you rself p resenta ble to other h u m a n s .
G laives and jacks are t h e most l i kely characters
to l ive in the wilderness, perhaps worki n g as guides,
h u nters, trappers, scouts, or trackers. A nano that does
so m ight be seen as a nature priest or wild wizard .
 Connection: Pick one oth e r PC who i s n 't fro m the
w i l d e r n e s s . You ca n ' t help but fee l a l ittl e contem pt
for t h at c h a racte r a n d h e r "civi l ized " ways , wh ich
s h ow d i s d a i n fo r all t h i ngs natural a n d (to yo u r
m i n d) true.
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a d i rect i o n a l
co m pa s s .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: A foe t h at i s a natural
creatu re flees rat h e r t h a n cont i n u e to fight yo u .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: A fo e t h at i s a n atu ra l
Margr, page 244 creatu re becomes wa rily pass ive.
Tier l : Wilderness Life. You a re tra i ned in cl i m b i n g
a n d swi m m i n g tasks. E n a b l e r.
Wilderness Lore. Yo u a re tra i ned i n w i l d e rn e s s
n avigation a n d i n identify i n g p l a nts a n d creat u re s .
E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Livi ng off the Land. G iven an h o u r or so, yo u
can always fi n d ed i b l e food a n d pota b l e wate r i n the
w i l d e r n e s s . You can eve n fi n d e n o u g h fo r a s m a l l
gro u p o f peo p l e , if need b e . Fu rther, s i nce yo u ' re
so h a rdy a n d h ave ga i n ed res i stance ove r t i m e , t h e
d ifficu lty of res i s t i n g the effects of n atu ra l p o i s o n s
(such as those fr o m p l a nts o r l iv i n g creat u res)
i s decreased by o n e ste p . Yo u ' re also i m m u n e to
natural d i seases. E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Animal Senses and Sensibil ities. Yo u a re
Masters Defense
tra i ned i n l i ste n i n g a n d s pott i n g t h i n gs . I n a d d i t i o n ,
GM Intrusions:
Shields break when hit, m o s t of the t i m e , t h e G M s h o u l d a l e rt yo u if yo u ' re
as do weapons used about to wa l k i nto an a m b u s h or a trap t h at is l owe r
to parry. Armor straps t h a n l evel 3 . E n a b l e r.
break. Wilderness Explorer. W h i l e taki n g any action
( i n cl u d i n g fight i n g) i n t h e wild, you ignore any
68
penalties d u e to natural ca uses s u c h as ta l l gra s s ,
th ick b ru s h , ru gged terra i n , weather, a n d so o n .
E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Wilderness Awareness (4 I ntel lect poi nts) .
Yo u r co n n ecti o n to the n atu ra l wo rld exte n d s to a
degree t h at some wo u l d ca l l s u pernat u ra l . Wh i l e i n
t h e wilderness, yo u can extend yo u r senses u p t o a
m i l e i n any d i rection a n d a s k the G M a very s i m p l e ,
g e n e r a l q u estion about t h at a rea, s uch a s "Where
i s the m a rgr ca m p ? " or " I s my friend Deit h a n sti l l
a l ive ? " I f t h e a n swer you seek i s n ot i n t h e area, yo u
rece ive no i nformat i o n . Act i o n .
Tier 5 : T h e Wi ld I s on You r S i d e ( 5 I ntel lect poi nts) .
Wh i l e yo u ' re i n the w i l d e r n e s s , foes with i n s h o rt
ra n ge a re tri p ped by rocks, tangled i n v i n e s , b itte n by
i n sects, a n d d i stracted or confused by s m a l l a n i m a l s .
The d i fficu lty o f any tasks performed b y those foes
i s i n creased by o n e ste p . T h i s effect l asts fo r ten
m i n utes. Action to i n iti ate.
Tier 6: One With the Wild (6 I ntel lect poi nts) . For the
n ext ten m i n utes, n atu ra l a n i m a l s a n d p l a nts with i n
l o n g ra n ge wi l l n ot knowi ngly h a rm yo u o r those yo u
d e s i g n ate. Act i o n .
M aster o ft h e Wi ld. Wh i l e yo u ' re i n the w i l d e r n e s s ,
yo u r M i ght E d ge, S peed E d ge, a n d I nte l l ect E d ge
i n crease by 1 . When yo u m a ke a recovery ro l l i n
t h e wilderness, yo u recover twice a s many points.
E n a b l e r.
MASTERS DEFENSE
P rotect i n g yo u rself i s obvio u s ly i m porta nt in
d a n ge ro u s s ituati o n s , a n d yo u a re p a rticu l a rly

good at it. Ca utious
a n d prudent, yo u learn
tech n iq u e s to d efe n d
aga i n st a l l k i n d s o f
attacks, b o t h physical
a n d menta l . The w i n n e r
i s often the l a st person
sta n d i ng, a n d yo u 've
d o n e a l l you can to
e n s u re t h at person wi l l
b e yo u .
Yo u carry a s h ield a n d
p robably wea r the best
armor yo u can fi n d .
G l a ives m a ke exce l lent
defe n s ive m a sters, but jacks a n d n a n o s a l so fi n d at
least some of these s k i l l s of great value.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. This c h a racter
p rotected you fro m harm rece ntly, a n d yo u fee l
i nd e bted to h i m fo r savi n g yo u r l ife.
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a s h i e l d .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: Yo u ga i n a + 1 bon u s to
S peed d efe n s e ro l l s fo r one ro u n d .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Yo u ga i n a + 2 bon u s to
S peed defense ro l l s fo r one ro u n d .
Tier l : Shield Master. When you u s e a s h ield, i n
add ition t o t h e asset i t gives you (loweri n g t h e d ifficu lty
of S peed defense tasks by one step) , you can act as if
you are trained in S peed defense tasks. H owever, i n
a n y round i n wh ich you u s e this benefit, t h e d ifficu lty of
you r attacks i ncreases by one step. Enabler.
Tier 2: Stu rdy. You a re tra i ned i n M i ght defe n s e
t a s k s . E n a b l e r.
Armor Expert. When yo u wea r any armor, yo u
red uce the armor's penalties ( M ight cost per h o u r
a n d S peed red uction) b y 1 . E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Dodge and Resist (3 Speed poi nts) . Yo u can
re ro l l any of yo u r M i ght, S peed , o r I nte l l ect d efe n s ive
ro l l s a n d take the bette r of the two res u lts. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Tower of Wi l l . You a re tra i ned i n I nte l l ect
defe n s e tasks. E n a b l e r.
Armor M aster. When yo u wea r any armor, yo u
red uce the armor's penalties ( M ight cost per h o u r
a n d S peed red uction) t o 0. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: N oth ing but Defend. I f you do noth i n g o n
yo u r t u rn oth e r t h a n defe n d , yo u a re s peci a l ized i n
a l l d efe n s ive tasks fo r t h at o n e ro u n d . Act i o n .
Tier 6: Defense M aster. Eve ry t i m e yo u s u cceed at
a S peed defe n se task, yo u can m a ke an i m me d i ate
attack aga i n st yo u r foe. Yo u r attack m u st be the
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
s a m e type (melee wea pon, ra n ged wea p o n , o r
u n a rmed) a s t h e attack yo u defend aga i n st. I f yo u
d o n ' t h ave an a p p ropriate type of weapon ready, you
ca n ' t use t h i s a b i l ity. E n a b l e r.
MASTERS WEAPONRY
Yo u h ave worked l o n g a n d h a rd with o n e partic u l a r Masters Weaponry
type o f wea p o n : swo rd s , axes , d agge rs, w h i p s , o r GM Intrusions:
wh ateve r yo u c h o o s e . T h u s , yo u a re a swo rd s m a n , Weapons break. Weapons
a n axe m a ster, a m i st re s s o f kn ives, o r wh ateve r i s can be stolen. Weapons can
be dropped orforced out of
a p p ropriate t o yo u r chosen wea p o n . A m a ster o f the
your hand.
ra p i e r i s d iffe rent fro m a m aster of the warh a m m e r.
Yo u m i ght wea r a sym bo l-a badge, a p i n , a
tattoo, an a m u l et, ce rta i n co lors, a n d so o n-th at
i n d icates the school i n which you tra i n e d , the style
of fight i n g yo u h ave m a stered , o r t h e name of yo u r
m e ntor. Yo u r weapon i s a l m ost certa i n ly yo u r fi n e st
posses s i o n . N ot o n ly is it we l l ca red for a n d of
h i g h q u a l ity, but yo u p robably keep it i n a beautiful
scabbard, h a rn e s s , belt, case, o r someth i n g s i m i l a r.
M a ny gla ives a re weapon m a sters, but somet i m e s
a jack m i ght c h o o s e t h i s pat h , p a rticu l arly with
Armor penalties, page 79
l i ghter wea p o n s .
Connection: Pick one oth e r P C . T h at c h a racte r
s h ows potential i n t h e u s e of yo u r wea p o n . You
wo u l d l i ke to tra i n h e r, but yo u ' re n ot nece s s a ri ly
q u a l ified to teach (that's u p to you) , a n d s h e m i ght
n ot be i nterested (that's u p to h e r) .
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a h i gh-q u a l ity
weapon of yo u r choos i n g.
Weaponry Esoteries: I f you perform esoteries, you r Esoteries, page 35
attacks a lways look l i ke you r chosen weapon. So the
force blast of the Onsla ught esotery appears to be a Onslaught, page 35
large weapon made of force, and the Flash esotery
Flash, page 37
prod uces a fl u rry of weaponry. These a lterations change
noth i n g other than the appearance ofthe effects. As Barrier, page 37
another exa m ple, Barrier becomes a wal l of swi rl i n g
blades o f energy. This alteration changes t h e esotery
such that it is not a solid barrier but rather inflicts 1
point of damage to anyone who touches it and 4 poi nts
of dam age to anyone who passes t h rough it.
 M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget is so
d azzled by yo u r expe rt i s e t h at it i s d azed fo r one
ro u n d , d u ri n g wh ich time t h e d i fficu lty of all tasks it
performs i s mod ified by o n e ste p to its detri ment.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: M a ke a n i m med i ate
add iti o n a l attack with the weapon a s p a rt of yo u r
turn.

Tier l : Weapon M aster. You ga i n a + 1 bon u s to

d a m age with yo u r chosen wea pon. E n a b l e r.

Tier 2: Weapon Defense. Wh i l e yo u r chosen weapon

i s i n yo u r h a n d o r h a n d s , you a re tra i ned i n S peed
defe n s e rol l s . E n a b l e r.

Tier 3: Rapid Attack (3 Speed poi nts). O nce per

ro u n d , yo u can m a ke a n additional attack with yo u r
chosen wea pon. E n a b l e r.

Tier 4: N ever Fu m ble. I f yo u ro l l a natural 1 when

attacki n g with yo u r chosen wea pon, yo u can i g n o re
Poison, page 95
or co u nterm a n d the G M ' s i ntrusion for t h at ro l l . Yo u
GM intrusion, page 88 can never be d i s a rmed of yo u r chosen wea pon, n o r
wi l l y o u eve r d ro p it accidental ly. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Extreme M astery (4 M ight poi nts) . When
u s i n g yo u r chosen wea p o n , you can re ro l l any attack
ro l l yo u wish a n d take t h e better of the two res u lts.
E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: Damage Dealer. You ga i n a +2 bon u s to
d a m age with yo u r chosen wea pon. Th i s bon u s ad d s
t o t h e o n e fro m t h e Weapon M a ster a b i l ity, givi n g
yo u a total bon u s o f +3 . E n a b l e r.
Death Dealer (5 M ight poi nts) . If yo u stri ke a foe
of l eve l 3 or less with yo u r chosen wea p o n , you ki l l
t h e ta rget i n stantly. Act i o n .
MURDERS
Murders GM Intrusions: T h e m u rderous assas s i n i s a master o f deal i n g
Most people do not react death . N o one i s better a t sneaking i nto a location,
well to a professional e l i m i n ati n g a target, and s l i p p i n g out aga i n . Obvious ly,
killer. a p rofessional killer is not l i kely to h ave a lot of friends.
Yo u p ro b a b ly wea r d a rk co l o rs-b l ack, c h a rcoal
grey, o r m i d n ight b l u e-to h e l p b l e n d i nto the
s h ad ows. But s i n ce yo u ' re a l so a m a ster of d i s g u i se ,
i n t r u t h y o u co u l d look l i ke a nyo ne.
Any c h a racte r co u l d be a n a s s a s s i n . J acks a re t h e
m o s t l i kely choice, but n a n o s w i t h t h e i r esote ries
o r g l a ives with their co m bat a b i l ities wo u l d m a ke
efficient k i l l e rs as we l l .
Connection: Pick o n e oth e r PC. T h at c h a racte r
knows yo u r real identity, p rofe s s i o n , a n d
backgro u n d . To a l l others, t h e truth a b o u t y o u i s a
Disguise kit, page 82 closely g u a rded secret.
Add itional Equi pment: You start with a d i sg u i se kit
a n d t h ree doses of a l evel 2 blade poison t h at i n fl i cts
5 poi nts of d a mage.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: N o one but t h e foe
notices t h at you m a ke the attack.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: I f yo u h ave poison a m i d
yo u r b e l o n g i n g s , yo u we re a b l e t o a p p l y it j u st before
the stri ke, ad d i n g t h e po i s o n ' s effects to the normal
attack d a mage.
Tier l : Su rprise Attack. I f attacki n g from a h i d d e n
vantage, w i t h s u rprise, o r before a n o p po n e nt h a s
acted , y o u red u ce the d i fficu lty o f yo u r attack b y o n e
ste p . O n a s u ccessfu l h it w i t h t h i s s u rprise attack,
yo u i n fl i ct 2 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a mage. E n a b l e r.
Trained Assassi n . You a re tra i ned i n stealth a n d
d i sg u i se tasks. E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Quick Death (2 Speed poi nts) . You know h ow
to ki l l q u ickly. When you h it with a melee or ran ged
attack, yo u d e a l 4 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a m age. You
ca n ' t m a ke t h i s attack in two co n s ecutive ro u n d s .
Act i o n .
Tier 3 : Poison Crafter. Yo u a re tra i ned i n craft i n g,
s e n s i ng, i d e ntifyi ng, a n d re s i st i n g po i s o n s . E n a b l e r.
Trained I nfi ltrator. Yo u a re tra i ned i n a l l
i nteract i o n s i nvolvi n g l i es o r trickery. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Better Su rprise Attack. I f attack i n g fro m a
h i d d e n vantage, with s u rprise, or before an opponent
h a s acted , yo u red u ce the d ifficu lty of yo u r attack
by one ste p . O n a s u ccessfu l h it with t h i s s u rprise
attack, yo u i n fl ict 2 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a m age.
These effects add to those fro m S u rprise Attack,
givi n g you a total decrease of two ste p s and a total of
4 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a mage. E n a b l e r.

70

Tier 5: Slayer (5 Speed poi nts) . With a swift a n d
s u d d e n attack, y o u stri ke a foe i n a v i t a l s pot. I f the
ta rget i s l evel 3 o r l e s s , it i s slain outright. Act i o n .
Tier 6: Escape P l a n . When yo u ki l l a foe, yo u c a n
atte m pt a sneaki n g action to i m med iately h id e fro m
a nyo n e a ro u n d , a s s u m i n g t h at a s u itable h i d i n g
p l ace i s nea rby. E n a b l e r.
RAGES
The berserker i s a fea red fighter who ca n n ot be
sto p ped . You put yo u rself i nto a h owl i n g battle fre nzy
t h at can m a ke yo u a terror o n the battlefi e l d . Yo u
m i ght h a i l from a l e s s civil ized soci ety, perh a p s eve n
a tribal one.
Yo u l i kely wear l ittl e o r n o armor so as not to
restrict yo u r s peed o r m a n e uvera b i l ity. Yo u r clot h i n g
i s p ro b a b ly s i m p l e a n d uti l itari a n .
G l a ives m a ke t h e best berserkers.
Connection: Choose o n e oth e r PC. You fee l
stra n gely p rotect ive towa rd t h at c h a racter a n d d o n ' t
w a n t to s e e h e r co me to h a r m .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: When fight i n g m u lt i p l e
fo e s , y o u knock o n e i nto a n other, putt i n g both off
b a l a n ce. As a re s u lt, t reat both foes a s one l evel
l ower fo r one ro u n d .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Yo u r fo e i s terrified of
yo u r rage and uses h i s n ext two act i o n s to flee.
Tier 1 : Frenzy (1 I ntel lect point) . When you w i s h ,
wh i l e i n co m bat, yo u c a n enter a state o f frenzy.
W h i l e i n t h i s state, yo u ca n ' t u s e I nte l l ect poi nts,
but yo u ga i n + l to yo u r M i ght E d ge a n d yo u r S peed
E d ge. Th i s effect l a sts fo r as l o n g a s you w i s h , but
it e n d s if no com b at is taki n g p l ace with i n ra n ge of
yo u r senses. E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Hardy. Yo u ga i n +5 to yo u r M i ght Poo l .
T h e s e a d d i t i o n a l p o i n t s c a n be u s e d o n ly t o absorb
d a m age. You ca n ' t spend t h e m to a p p l y Effort to
ro l l s . E n a b l e r.
Mobile Fighter: You a re tra i ned i n cl i m b i n g a n d
j u m p i n g t a s k s . E n a b l e r.
Tier 3: Power Stri ke (3+ M ight poi nts) . If you
s u ccessfu l ly attack a ta rget, yo u knock it p ro n e i n
add ition t o i n fl ict i n g d a m age. T h e ta rget m u st be
yo u r size o r s m a l l e r. You can knock d own a ta rget
l a rger t h a n yo u if yo u a p p l y a l evel of Effort to do so
(rat h e r t h a n to d ecrease the d ifficu lty of the attack) .
E n a b l e r.
Unarmored Fighter. Wh i l e u n a rmored , yo u a re
tra i ned i n S peed d efe n s e tasks. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: G reater Frenzy (4 I ntel lect poi nts) . When you
w i s h , wh i l e in co m bat, yo u can enter a state of frenzy.
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
W h i l e i n t h i s state, yo u ca n ' t u s e I nte l l ect poi nts,
but yo u ga i n +2 to yo u r M i ght E d ge a n d yo u r S peed
E d ge. Th i s effect l a sts fo r as l o n g a s you w i s h , but
it e n d s if no co m b at is taki n g p l ace with i n ra n ge of
yo u r senses. You can use t h i s a b i l ity o r yo u r fi rst-tier
Fre nzy a b i l ity, but you ca n ' t u s e both at the s a m e
t i m e . E n a b l e r.
Rages GM Intrusions:
It's easy for a berserker to
Tier 5: Attack and Attack Again. Rather t h a n gra n t i n g
lose control and attack friend
add iti o n a l d a m age o r a m i n o r o r m a j o r effect, a as well as foe.
natural 1 7 or h i g h e r on yo u r attack ro l l a l l ows yo u
the option of i m m ed i ately m a k i n g a n other attack. Minor and major effects,
E n a b l e r. page 88
Tier 6: Tough and Fast. You ga i n +6 to yo u r M i ght
Pool a n d yo u r S peed Poo l . E n a b l e r.
RIDES THE LIGHTNING Rides the Lightning
The ancients h a rnessed e l ectricity i n stra nge and GM Intrusions:
Overcharged batteries
wo n d e rfu l ways . T h ro u g h p ractice a n d i n h e rent
explode.
a b i l ity (or the s u btle u s e of h id d e n o r i m p l anted
devices) , yo u control t h e same e n e rgy. N ot o n ly can
yo u create a n d d i sc h a rge e l ectrical powe r, but yo u
can eve n t u a l l y learn to u s e it to tra n sport yo u rself.
Yo u p ro b a b ly wea r tight-fitt i n g clot h i n g t h at a l lows
yo u to move q u i ckly. Yo u r garments m i ght be b l u e
a n d b l ack, perh a p s w i t h a l i ghtn i n g-bolt motif.
Although n a n o s seem most s u ited to wie l d i n g
l i ghtn i n g, jacks c a n m a ke good u s e o f t h e varied
l i ghtn i n g a b i l ities.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. This c h a racter
h a s been yo u r friend fo r a long time, a n d yo u
h ave learned to bri n g h e r a l o n g when you ride the
l i ghtn i n g. I f the c h a racte r i s sta n d i n g right n ext to
yo u , yo u can take h e r with yo u when yo u u s e t h e Bolt
Rider o r E l ectrical F l i ght powe rs. ( N o r m a l ly, neither
a b i l ity a l l ows you to tra n s port ot h e r creat u res.)
Additional Equipment: You h ave a bag of
m i scel l a neous batteries and power cel l s . Whenever you
find a new device that operates on batteries or cel l s
(G M d i scretion) , there i s a 75 percent chance that the
bag conta i n s one that wi l l power it if it depletes.
Depletion, page 298
Electrical Esoteries: I f yo u perform esote ries ,
Esoteries, page 35
those t h at wo u l d normally u s e fo rce or oth e r e n e rgy
i n stead u s e e l ectricity. Fo r exa m p l e, a F l a s h or a n
O n s l aught fo rce b l a st i s a b l a st of l i ghtn i n g. Th i s Flash, page 3 7
a lteration c h a n ge s noth i n g oth e r t h a n t h e type of Onslaught, page 35
d a m age a n d the fact t h at it m i ght start fi re s .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s d azed
by e lectricity for one rou n d , d u ri n g which time the
d ifficu lty of a l l tasks it performs i s mod ified by one
ste p to its d etri ment. E lectricity can a l so s h ut d own a n
a n d ro i d , robot, o r other a utomaton for one rou n d .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Devices fi l led with
e l ectrical powe r exp lode. You can ta rget and destroy
an a rtifact t h at a foe is h o l d i n g or wea ring.
 Tier l : Shock (1 I ntel lect point) . Yo u r h a n d s crackle
with e l ectricity, a n d the n ext time yo u touch a
creat u re , you i n fl ict 3 poi nts of d a m age. Alternatively,
if you wield a wea p o n , for ten m i n utes it crackles
with e l ectricity and i n fl icts 1 add iti o n a l point of
d a m age per attack. Action fo r to uch; e n a b l e r for
wea p o n .
Charge (l + I ntel lect poi nts) . You can c h a rge a n
Artifact, page 298 a rtifact o r oth e r d evice (exce pt a cyp h e r) so t h at i t
Cypher, page 278
c a n be u sed once. The cost i s 1 I nte l l ect p o i n t p l u s 1
point per l evel of t h e device. Act i o n .
Tier 2: Bolt Rider ( 4 I ntel lect poi nts) . You can move
a l o n g d i stance fro m one l ocation to a n other a l most
i n stanta neous ly, carried by a bolt of l i ghtn i n g. You
m u st be a b l e to see the n ew l ocat i o n , a n d there m u st
be no i nterve n i n g barriers. Act i o n .
Tier 3 : Lightn ing Swift. You ga i n +3 to yo u r S peed
Pool and + 1 to yo u r S peed Edge. E n a b l e r.
Drain Charge. Yo u can d ra i n t h e powe r fro m a n
a rt i fact o r d evice, a l lowi n g yo u to rega i n 1 I ntel lect
Talks to Machines
GM Intrusions:
Sometimes machines
malfunction or act
unpredictably. In
addition, many people
look upon someone who
intetfaces so well with
machines as a witch-or
at least as a dangerous
individual.
p o i n t p e r l evel of t h e d evice. You rega i n p o i n t s at
t h e rate of 1 p o i n t p e r ro u n d a n d m u st give yo u r
fu l l co ncentrat i o n t o t h e p roce s s each ro u n d . T h e
G M d eterm i n e s w h et h e r t h e d ev i ce i s fu l l y d ra i ned
(l i kely true of most hand h e l d o r s m a l l e r d ev i ces) o r
reta i n s s o m e powe r (l i kely t r u e of l a rge m ach i n es) .
Act i o n to i n it i ate; act i o n each ro u n d to d ra i n .
Tier 4 : Bolts of Power (5+ I ntel lect poi nts) . You b l a st
a fan of l i ght n i n g out to s h o rt ra n ge i n an a rc t h at i s
a p p roxi m ately 50 feet (1 5 m) w i d e a t t h e e n d . T h i s
d i sc h a rge i n fl i cts 4 poi nts o f d a m age. I f yo u a p p l y
Effort to i n crease the d a m age rat h e r t h a n to d ecrease
the d ifficu lty, yo u d e a l 2 additional poi nts of d a m age
per l evel of Effo rt ( i n stead of 3 poi nts) ; h oweve r,
ta rgets i n the a rea take 1 point of d a mage eve n if yo u
fa i l the attack ro l l . Act i o n .
Tier 5 : Electrical Fl ight ( 5 I ntel lect poi nts) . You exu d e
a n a u ra of crackl i n g e l ectricity t h at l e t s yo u fly fo r t e n
m i n utes. Yo u ca n 't carry oth e r creat u res w i t h yo u .
Action t o activate.
Tier 6: Wal l of lightn ing (6 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u
create a barrier of crackl i n g e l ectricity u p to 2 , 5 00
s q u a re feet (230 sq. m) i n s ize, s h a ped as you w i s h .
The wa l l i s a l evel 7 barrier. Anyo n e wit h i n i m m ed i ate
d i stance of the wa l l a utomatica l ly takes 1 0 poi nts of
d a m age. The wa l l l a sts fo r one h o u r. Action to create.
TALKS TO MACHINES
S i nce you we re you n g , yo u had an affin ity for
mach ines. I t seemed a l most l i ke you were s peaki n g
to them.
Yo u were. You h ave t h e a b i l ity to u s e yo u r o rga n i c
b ra i n l i ke a co m p ute r, i nterfaci n g "wi re l e s s ly" with
any e l ectro n i c d evice. Yo u can control a n d i n fl ue nce
them in ways t h at ot h e rs can't. Com p uters a re yo u r
friends a n d co m p a n i o n s . You h ave a l so learned to
re p a i r mach i n es of a l l k i n d s beca u s e the bette r they
work, the bette r off yo u a re as we l l .
You l i kely wear a tool belt fu l l o f various i m p lements,
and mach i n e oils sta i n you r clothes and fingertips.
Al l types of characters can spend their time talking to
mach ines, although this practice fits the nano best of all.
Con n ection: P i c k o n e ot h e r PC. T h at c h a racte r
see m s to h ave a terri b l e re l at i o n s h i p with
m ach i n e s-o r at l e a st t h e mach i n e s t h at yo u
co m m u n i cate wit h . I f s h e i s n ext to a mach i n e t h at
yo u i nteract with i n a fr i e n d l y m a n n e r, t h at mach i n e
i s t reated i n a l l ways a s be i n g o n e l evel l owe r t h a n
n o r m a l ( u n l e s s d o i n g so b e n efits yo u o r h e r, i n
w h i c h case t h e l evel does not c h a n ge) .
Add itional Equi pment: A bag of s m a l l too l s .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The d u rat ion of
i nfl uence o r control is d o u b l ed.

M ajor Effect Suggestions: The d u ration of
i nfl uence or control beco mes 28 h o u rs .
Tier 1 : M achine Affi n ity. Yo u a re t ra i ned i n a l l tasks
i nvolvi n g e l ectrical mach i n e s . E n a b l e r.
Distant Activation (1 I ntel lect point} . Yo u can
activate o r d eactivate any mach i n e you can see
with i n s h o rt ra n ge, eve n if normally yo u wo u l d h ave
to touch o r m a n u a l ly operate the d evice. To u s e
t h i s a b i l ity, yo u m u st u n d e rsta nd the fu nction o f
the mach i ne , it m u st be yo u r s ize o r s m a l l e r, a n d
it can't be co n n ected to a n o t h e r i n te l l i ge n ce ( o r be
i nte l l i gent itself) . Act i o n .
Tier 2: Coaxi ng Power ( 2 I ntel lect poi nts} . Yo u
boost the powe r or fu n ction of a mach i n e so t h at
it operate s at one l evel h i gher t h a n normal for o n e
h o u r. Action to i n itiate.
Charm M achine (2 I ntel lect poi nts} . Yo u convi nce
a n u n i nte l l i gent mach i n e to " l i ke" yo u . A mach i n e
t h at l i ke s yo u i s S O percent l e s s l i kely t o fu n ction i f
s a i d fu n ction wo u l d ca u s e yo u h a r m . Th u s , if a foe
atte m pts to d eto n ate a bo m b near yo u contro l led
by a d eto n ator t h at l i kes yo u , t h e re i s a 5 0 percent
c h a n ce t h at it wo n ' t exp lode. Action to i n itiate.
Tier 3: I ntelligent I nterface (3 I ntellect points}. You can
speak telepath ica l ly with any inte l l i gent mach ine wit h i n
long range. Fu rther, you are tra i ned i n a l l i nteractions
with inte l l i gent mach ines. Such mach ines and
automatons that normally would never com m u n icate
with a h u m a n m ight tal k to you . Enabler.
Tier 4: M achine Companion. You create a leve l 3
a n i m ate, inte l l igent mach i n e that accompan ies
you and acts as yo u d i rect. As a level 3 mach i n e
com p a n i o n , it has a ta rget n u m ber of 9 and a health of
9, and it i n fl icts 3 poi nts of d a m age. If it's destroyed, it
takes yo u one month to create a new one. Enabler.
Robot Fighter. When fighti n g an auto m aton o r
i nte l l i gent mach i n e , yo u a re tra i ned i n attacks a n d
defe n se. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: I nformation Gathering (5 I ntellect points). You
speak telepath ically with any or all mach ines with i n l
m i le (l .6 km) . You can ask one basic q uestion about
themselves or anyth ing happen ing near them and
receive a sim ple answer. For exam ple, while i n an area
with many mach ines, you could ask "Where is the ravage
bear?" and ifthe creatu re is with i n a m i le of you, one or
more mach ines wi l l probably provide the an swer. Action.
Tier 6: Control M achine (6 I ntel lect poi nts) . You can
control t h e fu n ct i o n s of any mach i n e , i n te l l i gent o r
oth e rwise, wit h i n s h o rt ra n ge. T h i s effect l asts t e n
m i n utes. Act i o n .
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
WEARS A SHEEN OF ICE Wears a Sheen of Ice
Through you r stud ies, you have learned to focus you r GM Intrusions:
Ice makes sutfaces slippery.
natural talents t o command t h e powers o f ice and col d .
Extreme cold causes objects
People m ight refer t o you as a n i c e mage. Sometimes to crack and break.
ice mages a re thought to come i nto confl ict with those
known as fire mages, but this i s a fall acy believed by
ord i n a ry folks more than anyt h i n g based in truth .
Yo u l i kely wear wh ite or b l u e garments t h at a re
heavier t h a n they need to be-u n l e s s yo u l ive i n
a cold region o r wintry c l i me, i n which case you
p robably wea r less cloth i n g t h a n oth e r peo p l e do
beca u s e the co l d doesn't bother yo u .
M ost i ce m ages a re n a n o s , but a g l a ive armored
in ice, perh a p s wie l d i n g a n ice swo rd , wo u l d be q u ite
i m p re s s ive.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. Due to a q u i rk of
the n u menera, if t h at c h a racte r is sta n d i n g n ext to
yo u when yo u u s e yo u r I ce Armor a b i l ity, h e is a l so
p rotected by a s h een of ice. ( H e does n ot get the
added p rotection of yo u r Re s i l ient I ce Armor a b i l ity.)
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave a b l aded weapon
made of stro n g l a s s t h at looks l i ke ice. Strong/ass, page 77
Ice Esoteries: Ifyou perform esoteries, those that would
normally use force or other energy instead use cold and ice. Esoteries, page 35
For example, an Onslaught force blast is a ray offrost, and
Onslaught, page 35
Flash produces a blast ofcold and ice shards. Th is alteration
changes noth ing other than the type of damage. As another Flash, page 37
example, Barrier creates a wall of ice. Th is alteration
changes noth ing except the wall's appearance and the fact Barrier, page 37
that it takes 2 additional points of damage from fire.
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The s u rface a ro u n d t h e
ta rget becomes s l ick a n d d i fficult to sta n d o n .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: T h e ta rget i s covered i n
ice that h i nders its movement for o n e m i n ute, d u ri n g
w h i c h time the d ifficu lty o f a l l tasks it performs i s
mod ified b y one ste p t o i t s detriment.
Tier 1 : I ce Armor (1 I ntel lect point} . When you w i s h
i t , yo u r b o d y i s cove red i n a s h een o f i c e fo r ten
m i n utes t h at gives yo u + l to Armor. W h i l e t h e sheen Armor, page 92
i s active, yo u fee l n o d i scomfort fro m normal co l d
te m pe ratu res a n d h ave a n a d d i t i o n a l +2 to Armor
vers u s cold d a mage s pecifica l ly. E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Frost Touch (1 I ntel lect point) . Yo u r h a n d s
become so co l d t h at the n ext t i m e yo u touch a
creat u re , you i n fl ict 3 poi nts of d a m age. Alternatively,
yo u can u s e t h i s a b i l ity on a wea p o n , a n d for ten
m i n utes, it i n fl i cts l a d d i t i o n a l point of d a m age fro m
the co l d . Action for to uch; e n a b l e r for wea p o n .
Tier 3 : Freezing Touch ( 4 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u r h a n d s
become so co l d t h at, i n add ition to i n fl ict i n g d a m age
a s d e scri bed u n d e r Frost To u c h , yo u r touch freezes
s o l i d a l i v i n g ta rget of yo u r s ize o r s m a l l e r, re n d e ri n g
it i m m o b i l e fo r o n e ro u n d . Act i o n .
73
 Wields Power Tier 4: Resil ient I ce Armor. The s h e e n of i ce yo u T i e r 6: I ce Creation (6 I ntel lect poi nts). Yo u create
With Precision gene rate u s i n g yo u r I ce Armor a b i l ity gives yo u a n a s o l i d object of ice t h at is yo u r s i ze o r s m a l l e r.
GM Intrusions: add iti o n a l + 1 to Armor. E n a b l e r. T h e object i s c r u d e a n d c a n h ave n o movi n g
Een if one tries to p a rt s , s o yo u c a n m a ke a swo rd , a s h i e l d , a s h o rt
remain humble, skill and
Tier 5: Cold B u rst (5+ I ntel lect poi nts) . You e m it a l a d d e r, a n d so o n . Yo u r ice objects a re a s stro n g
power might betray an
arrogance that others find b l a st of cold i n a l l d i rect i o n s , u p to s h o rt ra nge. A l l a s i ro n , b u t i f yo u ' re n ot i n co n st a n t contact
annoying or insulting. with i n t h e b u rst take 5 poi nts o f d a mage. I f y o u a p p l y with t h e m , t h ey fu n ct i o n fo r o n ly 1 d 6 + 6 ro u n d s
Creatures from beyond Effort to i n crease the d a m age rather t h a n to decrease b e fo re b re a k i n g o r m e lt i n g. Fo r exa m p l e , yo u c a n
time and space take the d ifficu lty, yo u deal 2 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a m age m a ke a n d w i e l d a n ice swo rd , b u t i f yo u give it to
special notice ofpeople per l evel of Effort ( i n stead of 3 poi nts) ; h oweve r, a n ot h e r PC, the sword wo n 't l a st a s l o n g for t h at
who command the
ta rgets i n the a rea take 1 point of d a mage eve n if yo u c h a ract e r. Act i o n .
mysterious and strange.
fa i l the attack ro l l . Act i o n .
WIELDS POWER WITH PRECISION
N ot o n l y a re yo u b l e s s e d w i t h a great co m m a n d
o f t h e n u m e n e ra , b u t y o u a re a l s o t ra i n e d to
exp l o i t e s ot e r i e s in ways t h at e l evate yo u a b ove
ot h e r n a n o s a n d j a c k s . S o m e p eo p l e b e l ieve t h at
t h o s e w h o p e rfo rm e s ote r i e s a re b o r n w i t h t h e
a b i l ity, b u t yo u k n ow t h at s k i l l a n d i n te l l i g e n ce
p l ay i m p o rt a n t ro l e s . T h e a n c i e n t s created t h e
n u m e n e ra t h ro u g h k n ow l e d ge, d i s cove ry, a n d
i n te l l e ct, a n d to u s e i t p ro p e r l y, yo u m u st fo l l o w
t h e s a m e p at h .
Yo u p ro b a b l y wea r s pectacl e s a n d d a p p e r
o utfit s , carryi n g ext ra books, n ote books, a n d p e n s
so y o u can cont i n u a l ly focu s o n yo u r st u d i e s a n d
expe r i m e n t s .
N a nos u s u a l ly rece ive t h i s i n struction a n d focu s ,
but s o m e jacks d o a s we l l . G l aives n ever d o .
Connection: Pick one oth e r P C . Yo u 've p l aced a n
i m m utable, one-t i m e wa rd t h at re n d e rs h e r i m m u n e
t o t h e esote ries you perform u n l e s s s h e wants t o b e
affected .
Add itional Equi pment: You h ave an a d d i t i o n a l
b o o k o n the s u bject of t h e n u m e n e ra .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The esotery ove rwh e l m s
a n d d azz les t h e ta rget fo r o n e ro u n d , d u ri n g which
t i m e t h e d ifficu lty of a l l tasks it performs i s mod ified
by one step to its detri ment.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The esotery terrifies the
ta rget, who u ses its n ext two t u r n s to flee.

Tier l : Geni us. Yo u r I nte l l ect Pool i ncreases by 5

points. E n a b l e r.

Tier 2: Training and Precision. Yo u a re tra i ned i n a l l

esoteries. A s a res u lt, yo u red u ce the d ifficu lty o f any
task i nvolved i n the u s e of a n esote ry by one ste p .
E n a b l e r.

Tier 3: Enhanced Esoteries. Yo u r esote ries t h at h ave

d u rati o n s last twice a s long. Yo u r esote ries t h at
h ave s h o rt ranges reach to l o n g ra n ge i n stead . Yo u r
esote ries t h at i n fl ict d a mage d e a l 1 add iti o n a l point
of d a m age. E n a b l e r.

Tier 4: G reater Repertoi re. Yo u can learn o n e
add iti o n a l esotery of fo u rth tier o r l ower. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: G reater Traini ng. Yo u a re s peci a l ized i n a l l
esoteries. A s a res u lt, yo u red u ce t h e d ifficu lty o f any
task i nvolved i n the u s e of a n esote ry by two ste p s .
E n a b l e r.
Tier 6: Supra-Geni us. Yo u r I nte l l ect Pool i ncreases by
5, a n d yo u r I nte l l ect E d ge i n creases by 1 . E n a b l e r.
WIELDS TWO WEAPONS AT ONCE
Yo u bear steel with both h a n d s , ready to take on any
foe. Yo u fight with two wea pons i n melee, somet i m e s
ca l l ed d u a l wield i n g. A fearsome warrior, q u ick a n d
strong, yo u bel ieve t h at the best d efe n s e i s a stro n g
offe n s e .
Yo u p ro b a b ly s h eathe o n e weapon o n e a c h s i d e o r
b o t h cros sed beh i n d yo u r b a c k . They a re l i kely yo u r
most p rized posses s i o n s , a n d yo u m i ght h ave n a m e s
fo r t h e m .
M a ny gla ives a n d j acks tra i n to fi g h t w i t h two
wea p o n s at o n ce. Very rarely wo u l d a n a n o s pe n d t h e
t i m e req u i red to learn such a p u rely p h y s i c a l a rt, but
it's pos s i b l e.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. You h ave tra i ned
with t h i s c h a racter so m uch t h at ifthe two of yo u
sta n d back to back i n a fight, yo u both ga i n a + 1
bon u s to S peed d efe n s e tasks.
Add itional Equi pment: You start with a n a d d i t i o n a l
l i ght melee wea p o n .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s i nti m i d ated
and flees as its n ext act i o n .
M ajor Effect Suggestions: Yo u can m a ke a n
i m m ed i ate a d d i t i o n a l attack w i t h o n e o f yo u r
wea p o n s .
Tier 1 : D u a l Light Wield. Yo u can u s e two l i ght
wea p o n s at t h e same t i m e , m a k i n g two separate
attacks o n yo u r t u rn as a s i n g l e act i o n . Yo u re m a i n
l i m ited b y the a m o u nt o f Effort y o u c a n a p p l y o n
o n e act i o n , but beca u s e yo u m a ke separate attacks,
yo u r opponent's Armor a p p l ies to bot h . Anyt h i n g
t h at mod ifies yo u r attack o r d a m age a p p l ies t o both
attacks, u n less it' s s pecifica l ly tied to one of the
wea p o n s . E n a b l e r.
Tier 2: Double Stri ke (3 M ight poi nts) . When yo u
wield two wea p o n s , yo u can choose to m a ke o n e
attack ro l l aga i n st a foe. I f yo u h it, yo u i n fl i ct d a m age
with both wea p o n s p l u s 2 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of
d a m age, a n d beca u s e yo u made a s i n g l e attack, the
ta rget ' s Armor i s s u btracted o n l y o n ce. Act i o n .
Tier 3 : D u a l M ed i u m Wield . Yo u can u s e two l i ght
wea p o n s o r med i u m wea p o n s at the same time (or
LIME NE
CHARACTER FOCUS
o n e l i ght weapon a n d o n e m ed i u m wea pon) , m a k i n g
two separate attacks o n yo u r t u rn as a s i n g l e act i o n .
Th i s a b i l ity oth e rwise works l i ke the D u a l L i g h t W i e l d
a b i l ity. E n a b l e r.
Tier 4: Dual Defense. When yo u wield two wea p o n s ,
yo u a re tra i ned i n S peed defe n s e tasks. E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Dual Distraction (4 Speed poi nts) . When yo u
wield two wea p o n s , yo u r opponent's n ext attack i s
h i n d e re d . A s a res u lt, t h e d i fficu lty o f yo u r defe n s e Wields Two Weapons at
ro l l aga i n st t h at attack i s red uced b y o n e ste p , a n d Once CM Intrusions:
With so many strikes and
the d ifficu lty of yo u r next attack i s red u ced by o n e
slices, it's easy to imagine a
ste p . E n a b l e r. blade snapping in two or a
weapon flying loose from its
Tier 6: Whirling Dervish. When you wield two bearer's grip.
wea p o n s , yo u can attack u p to six t i m e s i n o n e ro u n d
a s a s i n g l e act i o n , b u t y o u m u st m a ke each attack
aga i n st a d i fferent foe. M a ke a separate attack ro l l
fo r each attack. Yo u re m a i n l i m ited b y t h e a m o u n t
of Effort yo u can a p p l y o n o n e act i o n , but beca u s e
yo u m a ke separate attacks, A r m o r a p p l ies to e a c h o f
t h e m . Anyt h i n g t h at mod ifies yo u r attack o r d a m age
a p p l ies to a l l attacks (pos itively o r n egatively) , u n less
it's s pecifica l ly tied to o n e of the wea p o n s , i n which
case it a p p l ies to o n ly h a l f of t h e attacks. E n a b l e r.
WORKS MIRACLES
Yo u m a n i p u l ate m atte r and t i m e to h e l p others Bonus, page 7 7
a n d a re beloved by eve ryo n e yo u e n co u nter. Some
peo p l e co n s i d e r you a re p rese ntative of t h e god s
or a powe r fro m beyo n d t h i s wo r l d . Pe rhaps they' re
right-tra n sd i me n s i o n a l experi ments in the prior Works Miracles GM
worl d s m i ght be what created the e n e rgies t h at you Intrusions: Attempts to
heal might cause harm
n ow wie l d .
instead. Sometimes, a
You probably wear simple clothes-nothing too flashy or community or indiidual
stylish. There's no need to call more attention to yourself. needs a healer so
N a nos a re the l i ke l iest m i racle worke rs, u s i n g t h e i r desperately that they hold
m e n t a l fo rtitude t o fo c u s the powe r o f h ea l i n g. A one against his will.
g l a ive who can heal h i m s e lf, t h o u g h , i s an i nterest i n g
a n d d a n ge ro u s p roposition. Effort, page 2 7
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. This c h a racter
q u ietly s u s pects t h at yo u ' re a m e s s i a h o r Armor, page 92
s u pernatural being. Yo u can c h o o s e w h e t h e r o r n ot
yo u ' re awa re of h i s s u s p ic i o n .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s healed fo r
1 add iti o n a l poi nt.
M ajor Effect Suggestions: The ta rget i s healed fo r
2 additional points.
Tier 1 : Healing Touch (1 I ntellect point) . W i t h a
to uch, you resto re 1 d6 poi nts to one stat Pool of any
creatu re. Th i s a b i l ity i s a d ifficu lty 2 I ntel lect task. Each
time you attem pt to heal the same creat u re, the task
d ifficu lty i n creases by one step. The d i fficulty returns
to 2 after that creat u re rests for ten h o u rs . Action.
 WORKS THE BACK ALLEYS
The t h ief, t h e b u rg l a r, the p i ckpocket: these a re t h e
Works the Back Alleys d a n ge ro u s i n d ivid u a l s who h a u nt the b a c k a l l eys o f
GM Intrusions: eve ry com m u n ity. Yo u a re a t h i ef i n a city o r tow n ,
When things go wrong m a k i n g yo u r l ive l i h ood at the expe n s e of the wealthy.
for thieves, they end up Yo u r talents, h oweve r, p re p a re you for a l l k i n d s of
in jail. Even when things p u r s u its, eve n when you ' re n ot crouch i n g i n an a l l ey
go right, thieves can earn
or cl i m b i n g i nto a w i n d ow.
the enmity ofpowetful
people, including U s u a l ly, you d ress to b l e n d i n with the crowd .
criminals. When yo u ' re on a m i s s i o n , b l ack, form-fitt i n g
cloth i n g a l l ows yo u t o swi m i n the s h adows.
M ost th ieves a re j acks, but nanos m a ke i nterest i n g
b u rg l a rs as we l l . A g l a ive th ief l i kely a d d s a l ittl e more
physical ity to h i s cri mes.
Connection: Pick one oth e r PC. The c h a racte r knew
yo u before h a n d a n d convi n ced you to leave yo u r l i fe
of cri me for oth e r p u rs u its-at least tem porari ly.
Bag oflight tools, Add itional Equi pment: You start with a bag of l i ght
page 82
too l s .
M i nor Effect Suggestions: Yo u can i m m ed i ately
A character who works atte m pt to h i d e after t h i s act i o n .
miracles might be M ajor Effect Suggestions: Yo u can i m m ed i ately
using-knowingly or take a seco n d action d u ri n g t h i s t u r n .
unknowingly-nanites
to help repair wounds or
Tier 1 : Thief. You a re tra i ned i n s n e a k i n g ,
improve the physiology
of themselves or another p i ckpocket i n g , a n d lockp icki n g tasks. E n a b l e r.
creature. Alternatively,
it might be that a part Tier 2: U nderworld Contacts. You know many
of the character's brain peo p l e i n a variety of com m u n ities who e n gage in
can speak to individual
i l legal activities. These peo p l e a re n ot necessarily
cells in a creature's body,
directing and speeding up Tier 2: Alleviate (3 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u atte m pt yo u r friends a n d m i ght not be tru stwo rthy, but t h ey
the cells' mitotic phase to cancel or c u re o n e m a l ady (such as d i sease o r recogn ize yo u as a peer. Yo u a n d t h e G M s h o u l d
or even the migration poison) i n o n e creat u re. Act i o n . work out the deta i l s o f yo u r u nd e rwo rld contacts.
of cells in the system, E n a b l e r.
reorganizing entire Tier 3: Font o f Healing. With you r approval , other
biological structures.
creatures can touch you and regai n 1 d 6 poi nts to either Tier 3: Pull a Fast One (3 I ntellect poi nts). When you ' re
their M ight Pool or their S peed Pool. Th i s hea l i n g costs ru n n i n g a con , picki n g a pocket, fool i n g or tricki n g a
them 2 I ntel l ect points. A s i ngle creatu re ca n benefit d u pe, sneaking someth i n g by a guard , and so o n , you
from t h i s abil ity only once each d ay. Enabler. treat the task as if it were one leve l lower. Enabler.

Tier 4: I nspiration (4 I ntellect points). Through mental
i n s p i ration and the m a n i p u l ation of time, one creatu re
you choose with i n short ra nge is granted an add ition al,
i m med iate action, which it can take out of turn. Action.
Tier 5 : U ndo (5 I ntel lect poi nts) . Yo u t u rn back
time a few seco n d s , effective ly u n d o i n g a s i n g l e
creat u re ' s m o s t rece nt act i o n . That creatu re can then
i m m ed i ately re peat the s a m e action o r try someth i n g
d i fferent. Act i o n .
Tier 6: G reater Healing Touch ( 4 I ntel lect poi nts) .
You touch a creatu re a n d restore its M i ght Poo l ,
S peed Poo l , a n d I nte l l ect Pool t o t h e i r maxi m u m
values, a s if i t we re fu l ly rested . A s i n g l e creatu re can
benefit fro m t h i s a b i l ity o n ly o n ce each d ay. Act i o n .
Tier 4: M aster Thief. Yo u a re t ra i ned i n c l i m b i ng,
esca p i n g fro m b o n d s , s l i p p i n g t h ro u g h n a rrow
p l aces, a n d oth e r contort i o n i st m ove s . E n a b l e r.
Tier 5: Dirty Fighter (2 Speed points). You d i stract,
b l i n d , annoy, h a m per, or otherwise i nterfere with a foe,
h i nderi n g h i s attack and defense rol l s for one m i n ute.
As a res u lt, the d ifficu lty of you r defense rol l s and attack
rol l s aga i n st the foe i s red uced by one step. Action.
Tier 6: Alley Rat (4 I ntel lect poi nts) . Wh i l e i n a city,
yo u fi n d or create a s i g n ifica nt s h o rtcut, secret
entrance, or e m e rgency escape ro ute where it looked
l i ke n o n e exi sted . Yo u and the G M s h o u l d work out
the d eta i l s . Act i o n .

76

CHAPTER 7
EQUIPMENT
h e N i nt h Wo rld i s a d ichotomy of past a n d
T
futu re, o f t h e p r i m itive a n d t h e extre mely
advanced , of l i m itat i o n s a n d l i m it l e s s n e s s .
N owhere d o e s t h i s d i ch otomy become m o re evident
t h a n i n the too l s t h e i n h a b itants u s e , t h e cloth i n g
they wea r, t h e wea pons they w i e l d , a n d t h e gear t h ey
carry. Th i s section looks at cu rre n cy, materi a l s , a n d
g e a r i n the N i nth Wo rl d .
Although some o f t h e eq u i p ment a n d mate r i a l s
d e scri bed i n t h i s section a re p rod u cts o f t h e d i stant
past, act u a l cyp h ers, a rtifacts, a n d odd ities a re n ot
l i sted h e re; they' re covered i n Part 6: The N u m e n e ra
(page 2 7 5 ) .
CURRENCY
T h a n ks to t h e m i n i n g a n d meta l l u rgy of the prior
worl d s , a n d t h e i r a b i l ity to create anyt h i n g t h ey
wished (or so it see m s , anyway) , no metal i s rarer
t h a n any ot h e r. Peo p l e in the N i nth Wo rld h ave no
co ncept of go l d , s i lver, gemsto n e s , o r eve n d i a m o n d s
a s be i n g va l u a b l e d u e t o t h e i r scarcity. S u c h m ateri a l s
a re va l u a b l e based o n t h e i r bea uty o r u sefu l ness
a l o n e . M ost civ i l ized societies u s e generic co i n s
co m mo n ly refe rred t o a s shins.
S h i n s a re u s u a l ly metal but can be made of g l a s s ,
p l astic, o r s u bstances t h at h ave no n a m e . Some a re
jagged bits of i nterest i n g material or s m a l l , co i n l i ke
o bj ects (such as h i g h l y d ecorative b utto n s fro m
a mach i n e) , a n d ot h e rs a re p roperly m i nted a n d
sta m ped , w i t h writ i n g a n d i m ages. N o m i nted co i n
i n exi ste n ce tod ay comes fro m a prior wo rld-no
co i n s s u rvive fro m the ancient race s , if i n deed they
u sed s u c h cu rre n cy at a l l .
S o m e reg i o n s o f t h e N i nth World accept o n ly co i n s
t h at were m i nted i n t h at rea l m ; oth e rs accept a l l
co i n s , rega rd less o f origi n . T h i s cu stom varies fro m
p l ace to p l ace a n d society to soci ety.
Beca u s e s h i n s a re fro m t h e N i nth Wo rld, they
rarely t u r n u p i n o l d locat i o n s . Occa s i o n a l ly,
exp l o rers of ancient or fo rgotten s ites fi n d a
s m atte r i n g of ite m s-butto n s or d oodad s-t h at can
be s a lvaged a s s h i n s .
LIME NE
EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS
Mineral rarity is not an
M o st objects b u i lt in the N i n t h Wo r l d a re m a d e
issue in the Ninth World,
of woo d , l e ath e r, c l ot h , sto n e , g l a s s , o r meta l . so gems andjewels are
S m it h i e s a n d fo rges c a n p rod u ce h i g h -q u a l ity stee l not intrinsically valuable.
object s , b u t t h ey g e n e ra l ly work i n i ro n or b ro n z e . People still prize well-made
H oweve r, p l a s t i c (ca l l ed " synth " ) , orga n i c sto n e o r jewelry and art objects, but
real "treasure" comes in the
stee l , exot i c cryst a l , a n d e v e n stra n ge r m at e ri a l s
form of oddities or artifacts
a re n o t u n k n own . I t e m s m a d e o f t h o s e s u bstances of the prior worlds.
a re left ove r fro m t h e prior wo rl d s , s o m a ny peo p l e
a re fa m i l i a r w i t h t h e m , a l t h o u g h very few k n ow
h ow to p ro d u ce m o re . U n l i ke g o l d o r ge m sto n e s , While some materials can
s o m e of t h e s e m ateri a l s a re i n d eed reco g n ized a s readily be found in various
parts of the Ninth World,
b e i n g rare, b u t n o n e a re va l u a b l e fo r t h e i r ra rity
others are more unique to a
a l o n e . N i n t h Wo r l d e rs a re too p ract i c a l for t h at . particular area:
S u ch m ateri a l s i n c l u d e ( b u t a re not l i m ited to) :
Ad amant s i l k: T h i s fa b ri c i s five t i m e s as stro n g Cu/at is a particularly hard
a s regu l a r s i l k a n d extre m e l y re s i st a n t t o sta i n s wood that is favored by the
a n d d i rt . Harges of Castle Sarrat
(page 1 50).
Azu re steel: T h i s b l u i s h m e t a l i s n ot s t e e l a n d
may n ot be fro m E a rt h at a l l . W h i l e s o m ew h at Goldgleam and silster
l i g hter t h a n stee l , it i s at l e a st 1 0 t i m e s h a rd e r a n d are decorative elements
to u g h e r. harvestedfrom insects in
Molded foam: Th i s s u b stance h a s the m a s s of the Slant Milieu (page
soap foam but h a s been m o l d ed firmly i nto oth e r
7 79) .
s h apes, s u c h a s d i s h e s , boxe s , o r oth e r co m m o n Redstone is a brick-colored
o bj ects . M o s t k i n d s o f m o l d ed foam a re b rittle, b u t stone quarried only in the
some types a re more d u ra b l e . village of Redstone (page
Organic stone: Although it h a s the appeara n ce 208) .
a n d stre n gth of gran ite (or somet i m e s ot h e r
m i n e ra l s , s u c h as m a rb l e o r q u a rtz) , t h i s material
i s grown rather t h a n q u a rried . Some varieties of
o rga n i c sto n e a re h a l f as l i ght a s normal stone, but
oth e r types a re j u st as h eavy-if n ot heavier.
Pliable metal: T h i s m aterial reta i n s the strength a n d
d u ra b i l ity o f steel but i s p l i a b l e enough t o m a ke bags,
boots, or s i m i l a r objects. Sometimes p l i a b l e metal
te m porarily molds to the s h a pe of wh atever i s p ressed
aga i n st it, s i m i l a r to 2 1 st-century memory foam.
Shapestone: L i ke sto n e out of p recise m o l d s ,
s h a pesto n e h a s the d u ra b i l ity o f gran ite but i s
act u a l ly cera m ic.
Stronglass: Although t h i s m ateri a l looks, fee l s , and
i s worked l i ke g l a s s , it h a s the stre n gth of stee l .
77
 Confusingly, sometimes
synthsteel isjust called
synth when the context
makes it obvious that it is
very strong, such as with
synth armor.
Players probably
shouldn 't be able to
select weapons or armor
referred to as "special" in
the Equipment chapter
for their beginning
character. GMs may even
want to put a price limit
of 5 shins on starting
weapons and 15 shins on
starting armor. If a player
doesn 't select a free
weapon or armor he is
entitled to, those are the
amounts he should get
as compensation. Players
should always select
weapons and armor they
can use.
Synth: Th i s is a N i nth Wo rld n a m e fo r any of
a n u m be r of m ate r i a l s s i m i l a r to vari o u s p l a stics
co m mo n i n 2 1 st-ce ntury E a rt h . They a re d u ra b l e but
n ot particu l a rly strong.
Synthsteel: S i m i l a r i n a p pearance to normal synth,
this somew h at m i s n a m ed s u b stance i s h a rd e r a n d
to u g h e r t h a n synth, m a k i n g it stronger but fa r l i ghter
than stee l .
M ost co m m o n N i nth Wo rld ite m s a re m a d e of
conventional materi a l s , but it's n ot stra n ge to find a
few o bjects made of these m o re exot ic s u b stances.
Fo r i n stance, amid a rack of steel a n d i ro n axe s ,
a c h a racte r m i ght fi n d o n e w i t h a synth steel h e a d
(l i kely a p i ece of synth steel o ri g i n a l ly des igned fo r
a n other p u rpose a n d adapted fo r u s e a s a n axe
head) . U s u a l ly, t h e cost of an ite m made of exotic
m ate r i a l s i s the s a m e a s t h at of a normal ite m , but if
the m ateri a l m a kes a b i g d i fferen ce-s uch as i n the
case of a s h i e l d made of stro n g l a s s so you can h o l d
it i n fro nt of yo u a n d sti l l see t h ro u g h it-t h e s e l l e r
m i ght c h a rge u p t o twice the normal p rice.
ENCUMBRANCE
We ights of o bj ects a re n ot l i sted . In fact, it wo u l d
be fut i l e t o d o so beca u s e t h e we i g h t o f a n o bject
d e p e n d s on w h at m ateri a l s we re u sed to m a ke
it. An i ro n axe a n d a cera m i c axe we i g h d i fferent
a m o u nts.
T h e re ' s n o need to kee p track of h ow much
a c h a racte r carries. I f t h e GM d eterm i n e s t h at
a c h a racte r i s carryi n g too m u c h eq u i p m ent, h e
s h o u l d e i t h e r ( 1 ) a s s i g n a d ifficu lty a n d a s k fo r a
78
M i ght act i o n , or (2) a s s i g n t h e we i g h t a S peed a n d
M i ght cost t o be ded u cted fro m t h e a p p ro p r i ate
Poo l . M ethod 1 is u s efu l w h e n a c h a racte r wants
to carry a s i n g l e h e avy o bj ect fo r a l i m ited t i m e
for exa m p l e , movi n g a hefty i ro n box out of a ru i n
a n d load i n g i t onto a cart fo r t ra n s po rt back to
civi l i zat i o n . M ethod 2 wo rks we l l for l o n g-term
e n c u m brance , such a s when a c h a racter d o n s
a seco n d backpack fu l l o f mach i n e p a rts a n d
conti n u e s exp l o ri n g.
When a s s i g n i n g a S peed a n d M i ght cost, the
S peed cost i s a pena lty asses sed i m m ed i ately, a n d
it re m a i n s u n t i l t h e c h a racte r i s u n b u rd e n e d . The
lost S peed poi nts a re n ' t recove red t h rough rest o r
oth e r m e a n s-o n ly when t h e b u rd e n i s re m ove d .
The M i ght cost i s a co nti n u i n g cost d e d u cted each
h o u r, a n d those poi nts a re recovered normal ly. The
S peed cost a n d the M i ght cost a re always t h e same:
1 point fo r each , 2 poi nts fo r each , o r 3 poi nts fo r
each . Wea ri n g armor h a s a s i m i l a r cost fo r t h e s a m e
rea s o n s .
EQUIPMENT LISTS AND PRICES
T h e ite m s p rese nted in t h i s c h a pter a re general
exa m p l e s , n ot exh a u stive l i st s . Eq u i p m e n t i n t h e
N i nt h Wo rld i s o ft e n m u ch l i ke t h at fo u n d i n a n
a n c i e n t o r m e d i eval societ i e s b u t c a n be fa r m o re
adva n ced . Fo r exa m p l e , a s i m p l e tent or bed ro l l
m i ght be co n structed o f synthetic fi b e r t h at m a kes
it e n t i re l y wate r- re s i stant a s we l l a s fa r l i g hter and
warmer than c l ot h . A c h a i n m a i l h a u berk co u l d be
made in w h o l e o r in p a rt fro m g l a s sy l i n ks t h at a re
h a rd e r a n d l i ghter t h a n stee l .
 LIME NE
EQUIPMENT

I t ' s worth n ot i n g t h at some N i nth Wo rld too l s Using Armor

a n d devices wo u l d n eve r be fo u n d i n a med ieva l Anyo n e can wea r a n y a r m o r, but d o i n g so can be
sett i n g beca u s e they' re re l i cs fro m a p revious wo rld taxi n g . Weari n g armor costs you M i ght poi nts a n d
o r were created with knowled ge sa lvaged fro m a red uces yo u r S peed Poo l . Yo u can rest to recover
p rev i o u s worl d . Exa m p l es of these k i n d s of o bjects t h e s e l o st M i ght points in t h e sta n d a rd m a n n e r,
a re i n kp e n s , clot h i n g made fro m d e n i m o r s p a n d ex, eve n if yo u ' re sti l l wea ri n g a r m o r. T h e S peed Pool
l i q u i d soap, screw-top metal can i sters, rubber gloves, red u ct i o n rem a i n s a s long a s you wea r t h e a r m o r,
u m b re l l a s , sticky tape, nylon fi s h i n g l i n e, s p ray b u t t h e Pool ret u r n s to n o r m a l as soon as yo u
bottles, a n d a h u n d red m o re s i m i l a r ite m s . They a l so re m ove it.
Special Equipment, page 8 1
i nc l u d e the o bj ects l i sted u n d e r S peci a l E q u i p ment, G l a ives a n d jacks h ave a b i l ities t h at red u ce the
Oddity, page 3 7 4
as we l l as ra n d o m odd ities a n d occa s i o n a l cyp h e rs costs a n d penalties of wea r i n g armor. Cypher, page 278
a n d a rtifacts-a lthough fi n d i n g either of the l atte r fo r Artifact, page 298
s a l e l i ke o rd i n a ry good s i s q u ite u n co m m o n . M ight cost Speed Pool
When i n doubt, l ight weapons cost l s h i n , med i u m Armor per hour red uction while worn
weapons cost 3 , a n d heavy wea pons cost 5 . Light Light l 2
armor costs 3 s h i n s , med i u m armor costs 5 , and heavy M ed i u m 2 3
armor costs 1 5 . M ost other common objects cost l , 2, H e avy 3 5
or 3 shins. Sellers u s u a l ly d i sco u nt for bulk p u rchases.
WEAPONS
ARMOR N ot a l l c h a racters a re fa m i l i a r with a l l wea p o n s .
Glaive, page 26
Cha racters expect i n g d a n ger freq uently wear armor. G l a ives k n ow t h e i r w a y a ro u n d m o s t type s , b u t
jack, page 40
Even the s i m plest of p rotective coveri ngs h e l p s j a c k s p refer l i ght o r m ed i u m wea p o n s , a n d n a n o s Nano, page 32
aga i n st s l i n gstones and sword-strokes, and more u s u a l ly s t i c k to l i ght wea p o n s . I f y o u w i e l d a
sophi sticated or heavier armor p rotects aga i n st eve n wea p o n t h at yo u h ave no expe r i e n ce w i t h , t h e
graver t h reats. d ifficu lty of m a k i n g a n attack with t h at wea pon i s
You can wear o n ly one type of armor at a time-you i n creased by o n e ste p . ( S e e t h e c h a rt o n page 80 fo r
can n ot wea r ch a i n mail h a u berk and sca le armor, for a d d i t i o n a l d eta i l s o n wea po n s ) .
exa m ple. H owever, Armor bonuses from m u ltiple Light weapons infl ict o n ly 2 poi nts of d a m age, but
sources com bine to provide a total armor rating. For they red uce the d ifficu lty of the attack rol l by one step
exa m ple, if you h ave s u bdermal i m p lants that give you beca use they a re fast and easy to use. Light wea pons
+ 1 Armor, a force field that offers another + 1 Armor, a re p u nches, kicks, kn ives, h a n d axes , d a rts, and
and beasts kin armor that grants +2 Armor, you h ave a so o n . Wea pons that a re particu l a rly small a re l i ght
total of 4 Armor. weapons.
M ed i u m weapons i n fl i ct 4 p o i nts of d a m a ge.
ARMOR M ed i u m wea p o n s i n c l u d e b road sword s ,
batt l e axe s , m a c e s , c ro s s bows , s pe a r s , a n d s o o n .
Light (1 point of Armor) Price M o st we a p o n s a re m ed i u m . Anyt h i n g t h at co u l d
Leat h e r jerki n 3 shins be u s ed i n o n e h a n d (eve n i f it' s often u s ed i n
H id e s a n d fu rs 2 shins two h a n d s , s u c h a s a q u a rte rstaff o r s p e a r) i s a
m ed i u m wea p o n .
Special Light (2 poi nts of Armor) Price Heavy weapons i n fl ict 6 points o f d a m age, and
Armori n g cloth 40 s h i n s you m u st use two h a n d s to attack with them. H eavy
M icro m e s h 50 s h i n s weapons a re h u ge sword s , great h a m mers, mass ive
axes, h a l berd s, heavy cross bows , and so o n . Anyt h i n g
M ed i u m ( 2 poi nts o f Armor) Price that m u st be u sed i n two h a n d s i s a heavy wea pon.
Beasts k i n 5 shins
Briga n d i n e 5 shins FURTHER NOTES
Ch a i n m a i l h a u berk 6 shins Buzzer: Th i s h a n d h e l d weapon fires t h u m b n a i l
s ized b l aded d i sks u p t o s h o rt range. I t h o l d s five
Special M ed i u m (3 poi nts of Armor) Price d i sks in a magaz i n e a n d req u i res an action to re load.
M eta lweave vest 40 s h i n s I t can be u sed a s a ra p i d -fi re wea p o n .
Synth b reastplate 50 s h i n s Crank Crossbow: T h i s l o n g- ra n ge weapon
i s s i m i l a r to a sta n d a rd crossbow, but it h a s a
H eavy (3 poi nts of Armor) Price m agaz i n e t h at h o l d s five bolts, req u i ri n g a s m a l l
P l ate armor 1 5 shins cra n k t o adva n ce t o t h e n ext bolt. Action t o re load. I t
Sca l e armor 12 shins can be u sed as a ra p i d -fi re wea pon.
 Forearm Blade: Th i s metal weapon i s basica l ly
Mi/ewe, page 1 63
a b racer with a mou nted b l a d e on it. A favo rite of
Berserkers, page 77 berse rkers as we l l as the J ae ke l s of Aras I s l a n d .
jaekels, page 7 6 9 Razor ring: Th i s s h o rt-ra n ge weapon i s j u st w h at it
sou n d s l i ke: a ring with a razo r- s h a rp outer edge. The
The Beyond, page 7 74 i n n e r edge i s often padded fo r h o l d i ng.
Sisk: Th i s b l aded th rowi n g d i s k is about the
d i a meter of a h u m a n head. Th i s s h o rt-ra n ge weapon
is used most freq u e ntly by t h e warriors of M i l ave .
Verred : This weapon re s e m b l e s a swo rd with two
fo rked blades. It is s h o rt a n d u s efu l i n d efe n s e as
we l l a s offe n s e .
Yu l k: Th i s weapon rese m b le s a s p l ayed metal
claw mou nted u pon a 2-foot (0. 6 m) haft. I t i s u sed
m a i n ly by raiders and w i l d men of the Beyo n d .

WEAPONS
Light Weapons (2 poi nts of damage) Price N otes
B l owg u n 1 shin S h o rt ra n ge
1 2 d a rts 3 shins
B u zzer 25 s h i n s See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 79)
5-d i s k b u zzer magaz i n e 1 shin
Cl u b 1 shin
Dagger 1 shin Ca n be th rown up to s h o rt ra n ge
D a rt th rowe r 8 shins Lo n g ra n ge
1 2 d a rts 3 shins
Fo rearm blade 4 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 80)
Knife 1 shin Ca n be th rown up to s h o rt ra n ge
P u n c h i n g d agger 1 shin
Rapier 2 shins
Razor ri n g 1 shin See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 80)
Sisk 1 shin See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 80)
U n a rmed ( p u n c h , kick, etc.}
Wh i p 2 shins

M ed i u m Weapons (4 poi nts of damage) Price N otes

Battleaxe 3 shins
Bow 3 shins Lo n g ra n ge
1 2 arrows 5 shins
B road sword 3 shins
Cra n k cross bow l O shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 79)
1 2 med i u m bolts 5 shins
Cross bow 5 shins Lo n g ra n ge
1 2 med i u m bolts 5 shins
Flail 3 shins
Hammer 2 shins
J ave l i n 2 shins Lo n g ra n ge
M ace 2 shins
Po lea rm 3 shins Often u sed two- h a n d ed
Q u a rterstaff 2 shins Often u sed two- h a n d ed
S pear 2 shins Ca n be th rown u p to l o n g ra n ge
Ve r red 2 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 80)
Yu l k 2 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 80)

H eavy Weapons ( 6 poi nts of damage) Price N otes

G reataxe 5 shins
G reatsword 5 shins
H e avy cross bow 7 shins Lo n g range, action to re load
1 2 heavy bolts 5 shins
Maul 4 shins
Swo rd - staff 5 shins

80
 LIME NE
EQUIPMENT

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Adventu ring Items Price N otes

Backpack 2 shins
Bag of l i ght too l s 10 shins See Furt h e r N otes (page 82)
Bag o f heavy too l s 12 shins See Furt h e r N otes (page 82)
Bed ro l l 2 shins
Book S-20 s h i n s See Furt h e r N otes (page 82)
B u rl a p sack 1 shin
Co m p a s s 10 shins
Crowbar 2 shins
D i s g u i se kit 12 shins See Furt h e r N otes (page 82)
Exp l o rer's pack 20 shins See Furt h e r N otes (page 82)
F i rst a i d kit 10 shins See Furt h e r N otes (page 82)
G ra p p l i n g hook 3 shins
Lockpicks S shins
M atchsticks ( 1 0) 1 shin
M u sical i n strument S-1 0 s h i n s
Pouch o r oth e r small conta i n e r 1 shin
R o p e ( S O feet / l S m) 2 shins
S h ield 3 shins Asset for S peed d efe n s e tasks (decreases t h e d ifficu lty by o n e step)
Te nt 3 shins La rge e n o u g h fo r two peo p l e
Torches (2) 1 shin

Food and M u ndane Items Price N otes

Ale/wi n e/ot h e r alcohol (glass) 1 shin
Ale/wi n e/ot h e r alcohol (bottle) 3 shins
Boots o r s h oes 1 shin
Ciga rettes (1 2) 2 shins
Cloth i n g 1 shin Very n ice cloth i n g: u p to 5 s h i n s
Meal 1 shin H i g h -q u a l ity m e a l : u p t o 5 s h i n s
Rat i o n s fo r o n e d ay 2 shins

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Common Price N otes
Clear synth bag ( s m a l l ) 1 shin
Clear synth bag ( l a rge) 2 shins
Co m p a s s l O shins
G l owglobe, m i n o r S shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
I n k pen 2 shins

Rare Special Items Price N otes

B i nocu l a rs/Telescope SO s h i n s
Ecled d a cloth i n g l S shins M a d e of extre mely d u ra b l e fa b ri c
(such a s adamant s i l k)
G l ow i n k l O shins G l ows i n t h e d a rk perm a n e ntly
G l owglobe, major 30 s h i n s See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
S h ock R i n g SOO s h i n s See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)

Very Rare Special Items Price N otes

B ri l l i a nce cloth l OO s h i n s See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
F l oatsto n e 20 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
M e m o ry a n t s 10 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
S h aper key 20 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
S p rayfl e s h l OO s h i n s See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
S p raymeta l 50 s h i n s See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
St i n gch a rge 750 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
Wh i s perlock 20 shins See Fu rt h e r N otes (page 82)
 OTHER EQUIPMENT
Bag of Light Tools: Co nta i n s s m a l l to n g s , p l iers,
screwd river, s m a l l h a m m e r, s m a l l p ry bar, lockpicks,
l 0 feet (3 m) of stri ng, 3 feet (.09 m) of w i re, and
m i sce l l aneous screws a n d n a i l s .
Bag of H eavy Tools: Co nta i n s h a m m e r, six s p i kes,
crowbar, l a rge to ngs, chisel, a n d l 0 feet (3 m) of
l i ght (but stro n g) metal ca b l e .
Book: P rovides a n as set to any ro l l made
co ncern i n g the s u bject of the book a s l o n g as the
c h a racter h a s the book i n his posse s s i o n , can read it,
a n d can d evote h a l f a n h o u r to t h e task (or twice a s
l o n g as norm a l , w h i c h eve r i s greater) .
Disguise Kit: Co nta i n s cos m etics, facial
p rostheses, a n d a few oth e r tricks. P rovides a n a s set
to d i sg u i s e tasks, l oweri n g the d ifficu lty by one step
when yo u atte m pt to d i s g u i se yo u rself a s another
pers o n .
Explorer's Pack: Co nta i n s 50 feet (1 5 m) o f ro pe,
rat i o n s fo r th ree d ays, t h ree s p i ke s , h a m me r, warm
clothes, st u rdy boots, th ree torch es, a n d two m i n o r
glowglobes.
Fi rst Aid Kit: Co nta i n s band age s , a few too l s ,
s a lves, a n d so o n . P rovides a n as set t o heal i n g tasks,
l oweri n g the d ifficu lty by o n e step when you atte m pt
to heal yo u rself or a n other perso n .
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
N oth i n g on the s pecial eq u i p ment l i st (page 8 1 )
i s reg u l a rly m a n u factu red by N i nth Wo rld crafte rs.
M ost l i kely, these ite m s a re recovered fro m o l d s ites,
but they' re found often enough a n d in l a rge e n o u g h
q u a ntities t h at many com m u n ities offe r t h e m fo r
sale. The G M i s the fi n a l a r b i t e r of w h e t h e r o r n ot the
c h a racte rs can o bta i n these ite m s , but as a general
rule, co m mo n s pecial ite m s a re always ava i l a b l e , ra re
s peci a l ite m s a re ava i l a b l e 50 percent of t h e t i m e ,
a n d very rare s peci a l ite m s a re ava i l a b l e 2 5 percent
of the t i m e .
FURTHER NOTES
Brilliance Cloth : T h i s synthcloth obeys the
t h o u ghts of a nyo n e touch i n g it. I t h a s the a b i l ity to
s l owly c h a n ge s h a pe a n d co l o r (but n ot co n s i ste n cy) .
A major c h a n ge req u i res about ten m i n utes. A
garment of b ri l l i a n ce cloth can be made i nto any
ot h e r garment, fo r exa m p l e, but it ca n ' t be made
p rotective.
Floatstone: A p i ece of rock, u s u a l ly about t h e s ize
of a brick, t h at p u l l s aga i n st gravity. M ost peo p l e
t h i n k o f it a s h av i n g a " n egative we ight" o f a b o u t -1 0
pou n d s . T h u s , if attached to anyt h i n g l i ghte r, it fl oats
away.
G l owglobe: Th i s d evice i l l u m i n ates eve ryt h i n g
i n s h o rt ra nge with s o ft l i ght. I t c a n h over i n p l ace
o n its own , o r it can be attached to someth i n g. The
m i no r glowglobe l asts fo r a n hour when activated.
The major glowglobe fu n ct i o n s co nti n u o u s ly.
Memory Ants: Th i s is a s m a l l j a r of t i ny i n sects
t h at r u n acro s s a page of text and then return to
the j a r. When s p i l led out aga i n and given i n k, t h ey
re p l i cate t h e text o n ce a n d then d i e.
Shaper Key: A s h aper key i s a wad of putty t h at
can be i n se rted i nto a conventional lock. It takes o n
t h e form of the key fo r t h at l o c k a n d then h a rd e n s ,
permane ntly, i nto a fu n ct i o n a l key.
Shock Ri ng: Th i s weapon is a razo r r i n g with a
c h a rged outer ed ge t h at i n fl i cts 4 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts
of d a m age. I f it m i s se s , it ret u r n s u n erringly to the
t h rowe r's h a n d . Its powe r i s n o r m a l l y n ever d e p l eted .
Sprayflesh: T h i s tiny synth ca n i ster s p rays out a
sticky ge l ati n that covers and seals wou n d s i n stantly.
Its use restores 6 poi nts to a character's M ight Pool .
Spraymetal: S i m i l a r to s p rayfl e s h , but i n stead of
resto ri n g fl e s h , it re p a i rs b reaks, tears, and h o l e s
i n any object-eve n a fl exi b l e object l i ke c l o t h o r a
leat h e r bag. It h a s t h e stre n gth of stee l .
Sti ngcharge: Th i s h a n d h e l d weapon fi res a n
e l ectrical b o l t t h at i nfl icts 3 poi nts o f d a mage i n
i m med i ate ra n ge a n d 2 poi nts o f d a m age a t s h o rt
range. It ca n n ot eve r be made to fi re fa rther t h a n
t h at. A sti n gc h a rge can be u sed as a ra p i d -fi re
wea p o n . Its powe r is n o rm a l ly n ever d e p l eted .
Whisperlock: T h i s is s i m i l a r to a pad l ock, made
of powe rfu l synth steel o r stro n g l a s s , except t h at it
h a s n o keyhole. I t o p e n s with a secret wo rd sel ected
when it is i n it i a l ly locke d . The wo rd m u st be s poken
i nto the lock itself.
Chapter 8: Rules Of The Game 84

Chapter 9: Optional Rules 1 13

 CHAPTER S
RULES OF THE GAME
u m e n e ra i s p l ayed i n the j o i n t i m a g i n ation
Cragworm, page 236
N of all the p l aye rs, i n cl u d i n g t h e G M . The G M
sets the scene, the p l ayers state what t h e i r
cha racters atte m pt t o do, a n d t h e G M d ete r m i n e s
what h a p p e n s next. The rules a n d the d ice h e l p
m a ke t h e g a m e ru n s m ooth ly, but i t ' s t h e peo ple,
n ot the rules o r t h e d i ce, t h at d i rect t h e action a n d
d eterm i n e the sto ry-a n d t h e fu n . I f a ru l e gets i n
the w a y o r d etracts fro m t h e game, the p l ayers a n d
the G M s h o u l d w o r k together to c h a n ge i t .
Might, page 20
T h i s is how you play N u menera:
Speed, page 20
l . The p l aye r tel l s the G M what she wants to do.
Intellect, page 20
Th i s i s a character action.
2 . The GM d ete r m i n e s if t h at action i s rout i n e
(a n d t h e refore works without need i n g a ro l l ) o r i f
t h e re ' s a c h a n ce o f fa i l u re.
3 . I f t h e re i s a c h a n ce of fa i l u re, the G M
d eterm i n e s which stat the task u s e s ( M i ght, S peed ,
or I nte l l ect) a n d the task's difficulty-h ow h a rd it
wi l l be on a scale from l (re a l l y ea sy) to l 0 (basica l ly
i m po s s i b l e) .
4 . The p l aye r a n d t h e G M d eterm i n e i f a nyth i n g
Training, page 25
about h e r c h a racte r-s uch as tra i n i n g, eq u i p m ent,
Equipment, page 77
s pecial a b i l ities , or va rious action s-ca n mo d ify t h e
Special abilities, page 24
d ifficu lty u p or d own b y o n e o r m o re ste p s . I f t h e s e
modifications red u ce the d ifficu lty to less t h a n l , t h e
action i s ro utine (and t h e refore works w i t h n o ro l l
needed) .
5 . I f t h e action sti l l i s n 't ro ut i n e , the G M uses its
d ifficu lty to d ete rm i n e t h e target number-how h i g h
the p l aye r m u st ro l l t o s u cceed a t t h e action (see t h e
Ta s k Difficu lty C h a rt, page 8 7) . The G M d o e s n ' t h ave
to te l l the p l ayer what the ta rget n u m be r i s , but h e
can g i v e h e r a h i nt, e s pec i a l ly if h e r c h a racte r wo u l d
rea sonably know if the action w a s ea sy, ave rage,
d ifficult, o r i m po s s i b l e .
6. The p l aye r ro l l s a d 20. I f s h e ro l l s eq u a l to
o r h i gher t h a n the ta rget n u m ber, her c h a racte r
s u cceed s .
Th at' s i t . T h a t ' s h ow to d o a n yt h i n g, whet h e r i t ' s
i d e n t i fyi n g a stra n ge d evice, cal m i n g a ragi n g
d r u n k, cl i m b i n g a treac h e ro u s c l i ff, o r batt l i n g a
savage cragwo rm . Eve n if you i g n o red a l l t h e ot h e r
r u l e s , yo u co u l d sti l l p l ay N u m e n e ra w i t h j u st t h i s
i n fo r m at i o n .
The key featu res h e re a re: c h a racte r act i o n s ,
d eterm i n i n g task d ifficu lty, a n d d ete rm i n i n g
mod ificat i o n s .
TAKING ACTION
Each c h a racte r gets o n e turn each ro u n d . On a
c h a racte r' s t u r n , s h e can do o n e t h i n g-a n act i o n .
A l l act i o n s fa l l i nto o n e o f t h ree catego ries: M i ght,
S peed , or I nte l l ect (j ust l i ke t h e th ree stats) . M a ny
act i o n s req u i re die ro l l s-ro l l i n g a d20.
Eve ry action performs a task, and eve ry task has a
d ifficu lty t h at d ete r m i n e s what n u m be r a c h a racte r
m u st reach or s u rpass with a d i e ro l l to s u cceed .
M ost tasks h ave a d ifficu lty of O, wh ich m e a n s the
c h a racter s u cceed s automatical ly. Fo r exa m p l e,
wa l k i n g acro s s a roo m , open i n g a door, a n d t h rowi n g
a sto n e i nto a nea rby bucket a re a l l act i o n s , but
n o n e of them req u i res a ro l l . Act i o n s t h at a re u s u a l ly
d ifficult or t h at beco m e d ifficu lt d u e to t h e situation
(such as s h ooti n g at a ta rget i n a b l izzard) h ave a
h i gher d ifficu lty. These act i o n s u s u a l ly req u i re a ro l l .
Some act i o n s req u i re a m i n i m u m expe n d it u re
of M i ght, S peed , or I nte l l ect poi nts. If a c h a racte r
ca n n ot spend the m i n i m u m n u m be r of poi nts
needed to co m p l ete the act i o n , she automatica l ly
fa i l s at t h e task.
DETERMINING TASK STAT
Eve ry t a s k re l ates to o n e of a c h a racte r ' s t h ree
stat s : M i ght, S peed , o r I n te l l ect . P h y s i c a l act i v i t i e s
t h at req u i re stre n gt h , power, o r e n d u ra n ce re l ate
to M i g h t . P h y s i c a l act i v i t i e s t h at req u i re a g i l ity,
fl exi b i l ity, o r fa s t refl exe s re l ate to S pe e d . M e nt a l
act i v i t i e s t h at req u i re fo rce of wi l l , m e m o ry, o r
m e n t a l powe r re l ate to I nte l l ect. T h i s m e a n s yo u
c a n ge n e r a l ize t a s k s i nto t h ree catego r i e s : M i g h t
t a s k s , S peed t a s k s , a n d I n te l l ect t a s k s . Yo u c a n
a l s o g e n e ra l ize ro l l s i n to t h ree catego r i e s : M i g h t
ro l l s , S p eed ro l l s , a n d I nte l l ect ro l l s .
 LIME NE
RULES OF THE GAME

KEY CONCEPTS
ACT I O N : Anyt h i n g a c h a racte r does t h at i s
s i g n ifica nt-p u n c h a fo e , l e a p a c h a s m , activate
a d evice, use a s peci a l powe r, and so o n . Each
c h a racter can take o n e action in a ro u n d .
CHARACTER: Any creatu re i n t h e g a m e capable
of act i n g , whether it i s a p l ayer c h a racte r (PC) ru n
by a p l ayer or a n o n - p l ayer c h a racte r (N PC) ru n
by the game m aster (G M ) . I n N u m e n e ra , eve n
biza rre creat u re s , sentient mach i n e s , a n d l iv i n g
e n e rgy b e i n g s c a n be "characte rs . "
DI FFICU LTY: A mea s u re o f how easy i t i s to
acco m p l i s h a task. D ifficu lty is rated on a scale from
1 (lowest) to 1 0 (highest) . Alteri n g the d ifficu lty to
make a task harder is referred to as i n creas i n g the
d ifficu lty. Alteri n g it to make a task easier i s referred
to as red uci n g or decreasing the d ifficu lty. Al l
changes in d ifficu lty are meas u red in steps. D ifficu lty
often equates d i rectly with level, so open i n g a level 3
locked door probably has a d ifficu lty of 3 .
E F FO RT: S p e n d i n g poi nts fro m a stat Pool to
red uce the d ifficu lty of a task. A PC decides
whet h e r o r n ot to a p p l y Effort o n his t u rn before
the ro l l i s made. N PCs never a p p ly Effo rt.
LEVEL: A way to measure the strength, d ifficu lty, power,
or challenge of someth ing in the game. Everything in
the game has a level. N PCs and objects have levels that
determ ine the d ifficu lty of any task related to them. For
exam ple, an opponent's level determines how hard
she is to h it or avoid in com bat. A door's level indicates
how hard it is to break down. A lock's level determ ines
how hard it is to pick. Levels are rated on a scale from
1 (lowest) to 1 0 (highest) . PC tiers are a l ittle like levels,
but they go only from 1 to 6 and mechan ically work
very d ifferently than levels-for exam ple, a PC's tier
does not determine a task's d ifficu lty.
STAT: O n e o f t h e t h ree d efi n i n g characteristics
for PCs: M ight, S peed , or I ntel lect. Each stat h a s
two va l ues: Pool and Edge. Yo u r Pool rep resents Pool, page 20
Edge, page 20
you r raw, i n n ate a b i l ity, and you r Edge re p resents
knowi n g h ow to use what you h ave. Each stat Pool
can i ncrease or d ecrease over the co u rse of p l ay
for exa m ple, you can lose poi nts from you r M i ght
Pool when struck by a n opponent, spend poi nts
from you r I ntel lect Pool to activate a s pecial a b i l ity,
or rest to recover poi nts i n you r S peed Pool after a
long d ay of march i n g. Anyt h i n g that d a mages a stat,
restores a stat, or boosts or penal izes a stat affects
the stat' s Poo l .
TAS K: Any action t h at a PC atte m pts. The G M
d eterm i n e s the d ifficu lty of t h e task. I n ge n e ra l , a
task is someth i n g t h at you do a n d an action i s yo u
perform i n g t h at task, but i n most cases t h ey mean
the s a m e t h i ng.
TU R N : The part of t h e ro u n d when a creatu re
takes its act i o n s . Fo r exa m ple, if a n a n o a n d a Nano, page 32
jack a re fight i n g an a b h u m a n , each ro u n d the jack, page 40
n a n o takes a n action o n his t u r n , t h e jack takes Abhuman, page 1 3
a n action o n her turn, and the a b h u m a n takes an
action o n its t u r n . Some a b i l ities o r effects last
o n ly wh i l e a creatu re takes its turn o r e n d when a
creatu re starts its n ext t u r n .

RO LL: A d20 rol l made by a PC to d eterm i n e

whether a n action i s successfu l . Alth ough t h e
g a m e occasion a l ly u s e s other d ice, w h e n the text
s i m ply refe rs to "a ro l l , " it a lways means a d20 rol l .

ROU N D : A l e n gth of t i m e about five t o ten

seco n d s long. There a re about ten ro u n d s i n a
m i n ute. When it's rea l ly i m portant to track p recise
t i m e , u s e ro u n d s . Bas ical ly, it's t h e l e n gt h of
t i m e to take a n action i n the game, but s i n ce
eve ryon e m o re or l e s s acts s i m u lta neous ly, a l l
cha racters get t o take a n action each ro u n d .

85
 The category of t h e task or ro l l d eterm i n es what
Effort, page 2 7 k i n d o f Effort you can a p p l y t o t h e ro l l a n d may
d eterm i n e h ow a c h a racte r's oth e r a b i l ities affect the
ro l l . Fo r exa m p l e, a nano m ay h ave a n a b i l ity t h at
m a kes h i m bette r at I nte l l ect ro l l s , a n d a jack m ay
h ave an a b i l ity t h at m a ke s h e r bette r at S peed ro l l s .
DETERMINING TASK DIFFICULTY
Part 7: Running the The most freq uent t h i n g a G M does d u ri n g the
Game, page 3 7 9, offers game-a n d p robably the most i m portant t h i n g-is
much more guidance for sett i n g a task's d ifficu lty. To m a ke t h e job easier, u s e
setting difficulty. the Ta s k D i fficu lty table, which a s sociates d ifficu lty
rat i n g with a descri ptive n a m e , a ta rget n u m ber, a n d
g e n e r a l g u i d a n ce about the d ifficu lty.
Eve ry d ifficu lty fro m 1 to 1 0 h a s a ta rget n u m be r
GM intrusion, page 88 associated w i t h i t . The ta rget n u m be r i s e a s y t o
re m e m ber: it's always th ree t i m e s the d i fficulty. The
ta rget n u m be r i s the m i n i m u m n u m be r a p l ayer
need s to ro l l o n a d20 to s u cceed at the task. M ovi n g
u p o r down o n the t a b l e i s ca l l ed i n crea s i n g o r
decrea s i n g the d ifficu lty, w h i c h i s meas u red i n ste p s .
Fo r exa m p l e , red u c i n g a d ifficu lty 5 task to a d i fficu lty
4 task is " red u c i n g the d ifficu lty by one ste p . "
M ost mod ifiers affect t h e d ifficu lty rather t h a n t h e
p l aye r' s ro l l . Th i s h a s two co n sequence s :
1 . Low target n u m bers such as 3 or 6, w h i c h wou l d
be bori n g i n most games that use a d20, are not bori ng
i n N u menera. For example, if you need to rol l a 6 or
The important thing to
h igher, you sti l l have a 25% chance to fa i l .
remember is that a skill
can reduce the difficulty 2 . The u p pe r l eve l s o f d ifficu lty (7, 8, 9, a n d 1 0) a re
by no more than two a l l but i m po s s i b l e beca u s e the ta rget n u m bers a re
steps, and assets can 2 1 or h i g h e r, which yo u can't ro l l on a d20. H owever,
reduce the difficulty it's co m mo n for PCs to h ave a b i l ities or eq u i p ment
by no more than two t h at red uce the d i fficu lty of a task a n d thus l ower t h e
steps, regardless of the
ta rget n u m be r to someth i n g they can ro l l o n a d 20.
situation. Thus, no task's
difficulty will ever be A c h a racte r' s tier does n ot d eterm i n e a task's
reduced more than four l eve l . T h i ngs d o n ' t get more d ifficult j u st beca u s e
steps without using Effort. a c h a racte r's tier i n creases-the wo rld doesn't
i n stantly become a more d ifficult p l ace. Fo u rth-tier
cha racters d o n 't d e a l o n ly with l evel 4 creat u res o r
d ifficu lty 4 t a s k s (alth ough a fo u rth-tier c h a racte r
p robably h a s a bette r s h ot at s u ccess t h a n a fi rst-tier
c h a racter does) . J u st beca u s e so meth i n g i s level 4
doesn't necessarily mean it's meant o n ly for fo u rth
tier c h a racters. S i m i l arly, depend i n g o n t h e s ituation,
a fifth-tier c h a racte r co u l d fi n d a d ifficu lty 2 task
j u st a s c h a l l e n g i n g as a seco n d -tier c h a racter does.
Therefore, when sett i n g the d ifficu lty of a task, the
GM should rate t h e task o n its own m e rits, n ot o n
the powe r of t h e c h a racte rs.
MODIFYING THE DIFFICULTY
O n ce t h e G M sets t h e d i fficu lty fo r a t a s k , t h e
p l ayer c a n t ry t o m o d i fy it fo r h e r c h a ract e r. Any
such mod ificat i o n a p p l i e s o n ly to t h i s p a rt i c u l a r
atte m pt a t t h e ta s k. I n ot h e r word s , rew i ri n g a n
86
e l ectro n i c d o o r l o c k n o r m a l ly m i g h t be d i fficu lty
6 , but s i nce the c h a racte r d o i n g the wo rk is s k i l l e d
i n s u c h t a s k s , h a s t h e r i g h t too l s , a n d h a s a n o t h e r
c h a ra ct e r a s s i s t i n g h e r, t h e d i fficu l ty in this instance
m i g h t be m u c h l owe r. T h a t ' s why it's i m p o rt a n t fo r
t h e G M t o set a t a s k' s d i fficu l ty w i t h o u t t a k i n g t h e
c h a ra ct e r i nto acco u nt. T h e c h a racte r co m e s i n at
t h i s ste p .
B y u s i n g s ki l l s a n d as sets, worki n g together,
a n d-perh a p s most i m po rtant-a p p lyi n g Effo rt, a
c h a racter can d ecrease a task's d ifficu lty by m u lt i p l e
ste p s t o m a ke it easier. Rather t h a n add i n g bon u ses
to the p l aye r' s ro l l , red u c i n g t h e d ifficu lty l owers the
ta rget n u m be r t h at s h e need s to reach. I f s h e can
red uce the d ifficu lty of a task to 0, n o ro l l i s needed;
s u ccess i s a utomatic. (An exce ption i s if t h e G M
decides to u s e a G M i ntru s i o n o n the task, i n which
case t h e p l aye r wo u l d h ave to m a ke a ro l l at the
o ri g i n a l d ifficu lty.)
There a re th ree basic ways i n which a c h a racte r
can decrease the d ifficu lty of a task. Each of t h e m
decreases the d ifficu lty b y at least o n e step-never i n
s m a l l e r i n cre ments.
SKI LLS: C h a racte rs may be s k i l led at perform i n g
a s pecific task. A s k i l l c a n vary from c h a racter to
cha racter. Fo r exa m p l e, one c h a racte r m i ght be
s k i l led at lyi ng, a n other m i ght be s k i l led at trickery,
a n d a t h i rd m i ght be s k i l led i n a l l i nterpers o n a l
i nteract i o n s . The fi rst l evel of be i n g s k i l led i s ca l l e d
be i n g trained, a n d it d ecreases the d i fficu lty of t h at
task by o n e ste p . M o re rarely, a c h a racte r can be
i n cred i b ly s k i l led at perform i n g a task. T h i s i s ca l l e d
be i n g specialized, a n d it decreases the d i fficu lty o f
a task b y two ste p s i n stead of one. S k i l l s can n ever
decrease a task by more than two steps; be i n g
tra i ned a n d s peci a l ized i n a s k i l l d ecreases t h e
d ifficu lty b y o n ly two ste p s , n ot t h ree.
ASS ETS: An a s set i s a nyth i n g t h at h e l p s a c h a racte r
with a task, s u c h as h av i n g a rea l ly good crowbar
when tryi n g to fo rce open a door o r be i n g i n a
ra i n storm when tryi n g to put out a fi re. Appropriate
a s sets vary fro m task to task. The pe rfect awl m i ght
h e l p when woodworking, but it wo n ' t m a ke a d a n ce
performance m u c h bette r. An as set u s u a l ly red uces a
task's d ifficu lty by o n e ste p .
E F FO RT: A p l ayer can a p p l y Effort to decrease t h e
d ifficu lty of a t a s k . To d o t h i s , the p l ayer s p e n d s
poi nts fro m t h e stat P o o l t h at ' s m o s t a p p ro p ri ate to
the task. Fo r exa m p l e, a p p lyi n g Effort to p u s h a heavy
rock off a c l i ff req u i re s a p l aye r to s pe n d poi nts from
her c h a racte r' s M i ght Poo l ; a p p l y i n g Effort to activate
an u n u s u a l mach i n e i nterface req u i res her to spend
poi nts fro m h e r c h a racte r's I ntel lect Poo l . Fo r eve ry
 LIME NE
RULES O F THE GAME

TASK DIFFICULTY
TAS K D I FFICU LTY D ESCRI PTION
0 Ro uti n e
Sim ple
2 Sta n d a rd
3 Demand ing
4 Difficult
5 Challenging
6 I nt i m i d ati n g
7 Fo rm i d a b l e
8 H e roic
9 I m mortal
10 I m po s s i b l e
TARG ET NO. G U I DANCE
0 Anyone can d o this basically eve ry t i m e .
3 Most peo p l e can d o t h i s most of t h e t i m e .
6 Typical task req u i r i n g focu s , but most peo 12 l e can u s u a l ly do t h i s .
9 Req u i res fu l l atte ntion; most peo p l e h ave a 50/50 c h a n ce t o s u cceed .
12 Tra i n ed peo p l e h ave a 50/50 c h a n ce to s u cceed .
15 Eve n tra i ned peo p l e often fa i l .
18 N o r m a l Reo p l e a l most n ever s u ccee d .
21 I m po s s i b l e w i t h o u t s ki l l s o r great effo rt.
24 A task worthy of tales told fo r yea rs afte rwa rd .
27 A task worthy of lege n d s t h at last l ifeti m e s .
30 A task t h at normal h u m a n s co u l d n't co n s i d e r (but o n e t h at doesn't
break the l aws of physics) .

l evel of Effort s pent o n a t a s k , the task's d i fficu lty
decreases by one ste p . I t costs 3 poi nts from a
stat Pool to a p p l y o n e level of Effort, a n d it costs 2
add iti o n a l poi nts for eve ry l evel t h e reafte r (so it costs
5 points fo r two l eve l s of Effort, 7 poi nts fo r th ree
l eve l s of Effort, a n d so on) . A c h a racte r m u st s pe n d
poi nts fro m t h e same stat P o o l a s the type of task o r
ro l l-M ight poi nts fo r a M i ght ro l l , S peed poi nts fo r
a S peed ro l l , o r I nte l l ect poi nts fo r a n I nte l l ect ro l l .
Eve ry c h a racter h a s a m axi m u m l evel o f Effort s h e
c a n a p p l y t o a s i n g l e task.
ROLLING THE DIE
To determ i n e success or fa i l u re, a
player rol l s a d i e (always a d20) . I f -.-.,r-- THE PLAYER ALWAYS ROLLS
she rol l s the target n u m ber or h igher,
she succeed s. M ost of the time,
that' s the end of it-not h i n g else
need s to be done. Occasional ly, a
character m ight apply a small modifier
t o t h e rol l . I f she has a + 2 bon u s when
attempting s pecific actions, she adds 2 to
the n u m ber rolled. H owever, the origi nal rol l ;...---1-r--- fa l l s on a PC, the p l aye r
sometimes matters (see S pecial Rol ls, page 88) .
If a c h a racte r a p p l ies a mod ifier to h e r d ie ro l l ,
i t ' s pos s i b l e t o get a res u lt of 2 1 o r h i gher, i n
which case s h e can atte m pt a task with a ta rget
n u m be r above 20. But if t h e re is no pos s i b i l ity
for s u ccess-if not eve n ro l l i n g a natural 20
(mea n i n g the d20 s h ows t h at n u m be r) is s u fficient
to acco m p l i s h t h e task-t h e n n o ro l l i s made.
Oth e rwise, c h a racters wo u l d h ave a c h a n ce to
s u cceed at eve ryt h i ng, eve n i m po s s i b l e o r ri d i c u l o u s
t a s k s such a s cl i m b i n g moon bea m s , t h rowi n g
e l e p h a nts, o r h itti n g a ta rget o n the o p pos ite s i d e of
a m o u nt a i n with an arrow.
I f a c h a racte r' s mod ifiers a d d u p to + 3 , t reat
them a s a n a s set i n stead . I n oth e r word s , i n stead of t h e d i fficu lty of t h e p l aye r' s defe n s e ro l l s . I f a foe
ad d i n g a +3 bo n u s to the ro l l , red u ce the d i fficu lty
by one ste p . Fo r exa m p l e , i f a g l a ive has a + 1 bo n u s
to attack ro l l s fro m a m i n o r effect, a + 1 bon u s to
attack ro l l s fro m a s peci a l wea p o n q u a l ity, a n d a
+ 1 bo n u s to attack rol l s fro m a s p e c i a l a b i l ity, s h e
d o e s n o t a d d 3 t o h e r attack ro l l-i n stead , s h e
red uces t h e d ifficu lty o f t h e attack b y o n e ste p . S o
if s h e attacks a l e v e l 3 foe, s h e wo u l d n o rm a l ly ro l l
aga i n st d i fficu lty 3 a n d t ry t o reach a ta rget n u m be r
of 9 , b u t t h a n ks to h e r a s s et, s h e ro l l s a ga i n st
d ifficu lty 2 a n d tries to reach a ta rget n u m be r of 6 .
T h i s d i st i n ct i o n i s i m po rtant w h e n stacki n g s ki l l s
a n d a s s ets t o d ecrease t h e d ifficu lty o f a n act i o n ,
e s peci a l ly s i nce red uci n g t h e d ifficu lty to 0 o r l ower
m ea n s n o ro l l i s needed .
In N u m e n e ra , p l aye rs always d rive the
act i o n . T h at m e a n s they m a ke all the d ice
ro l l s . If a PC leaps out of a m ovi n g ve h icle,
the p l aye r ro l l s to see if s h e s u cceed s . I f
a PC searches fo r a h i d d e n p a n e l , t h e
p l aye r ro l l s t o d eterm i n e whet h e r
s h e fi n d s it. I f a rocks l i d e
ro l l s t o try t o get out
of the way. I f a PC and
a n N PC arm wrestle,
the p l aye r ro l l s , a n d t h e
N PC' s l evel d eterm i n es
the ta rget n u m ber. I f a PC
attacks a foe, the p l aye r ro l l s to
see if s h e h its. If a foe attacks the PC,
the p l aye r rol l s to see if s h e d od ges the b l ow.
As s h own by t h e l a s t two exa m p l e s , t h e PC
ro l l s whether she i s attack i n g o r defe n d i n g . T h u s ,
s o m et h i n g t h at i m p roves defe n s e s m i ght h e l p o r
h i n d e r h e r ro l l s . Fo r exa m p l e , i f a PC u s e s a l ow
wa l l to ga i n cove r fro m attacks , t h e wa l l d ecrea ses
uses t h e wa l l to gain cover fro m t h e PC' s attacks , it
i n creases the d ifficu lty of the p l aye r's attack ro l l s .

87
 SPECIAL ROLLS
If a c h a racte r ro l l s a natural l , 1 7, 1 8, 1 9 , or 20
(mea n i n g the d20 s h ows t h at n u m be r) , s pecial rules
co m e i nto p l ay. These a re exp l a i ned i n m o re d eta i l in
the fo l l owi n g sect i o n s .
1 : I ntrusion. The G M m a ke s a free i ntrusion (see
below) and doesn't awa rd experience poi nts (X P) for
it.
1 7: Damage Bonus. I f the ro l l was a n attack, it
d e a l s l a d d i t i o n a l point of d a mage.
1 8: Damage Bonus. I f the ro l l was a n attack, it
d e a l s 2 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a m age.
1 9: M i nor Effect. I f the ro l l was a n attack, it
d e a l s 3 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a m age. I f the ro l l was
someth i n g oth e r than a n attack, the PC gets a m i n o r
effect i n add ition to t h e normal res u lts of t h e task.
20: Major Effect. If the rol l was an attack, it deals 4
additional poi nts of damage. If the rol l was someth ing
other than an attack, the PC gets a major effect i n
add ition t o t h e normal results o ft h e task. If t h e P C spent
points from a stat Pool on the action, the point cost for
the action decreases to 0, meaning the character regains
those poi nts as if she had not s pent them at all.
For complete details GM INTRUSION
about GM intrusion and G M i ntrusion is exp l a i ned e l sewhere, but essentially
how to use it to best
it m e a n s t h at someth i n g occu rs to co m p l icate t h e
effect in the game, see
c h a racte r' s l i fe. The c h a racte r h a s n 't necessarily
page 7 08.
fu m b led o r d o n e a nyth i n g wro n g (a lthough perhaps
s h e d i d) . I t co u l d j u st be t h at the task presents a n
u n expected d ifficu lty o r someth i n g u n re l ated affects
the cu rre nt situat i o n .
Fo r G M i ntrusion o n a defe n s ive ro l l , a ro l l of
1 m i ght j u st mean t h at the PC takes 2 a d d i t i o n a l
poi nts of d a m age fro m t h e attack, i n d icat i n g t h at t h e
o p ponent got i n a l ucky b l ow.
MINOR EFFECT
A m i n o r effect h a p p e n s when a p l aye r ro l l s a
natural 1 9 . M ost of the t i m e , a m i n o r effect i s
s l i ghtly benefic i a l t o t h e PC, b u t not ove rwh e l m i ng.
A c l i m be r gets u p the steep slope a bit faster. A
re p a i red mach i n e works a bit bette r. A c h a racte r
j u m p i n g d own i nto a pit l a n d s on h e r feet. Either t h e
G M o r the p l ayer can co me u p w i t h a pos s i b l e m i n o r
effect t h at fi t s the situat i o n , but both m u st agree o n
what it s h o u l d b e .
Don't waste a l ot of t i m e t h i n k i n g of a m i n o r effect
if noth i n g a p p ropriate s u ggests itself. Someti m e s , i n
cases where o n l y s u cces s o r fa i l u re m atte rs, it's o kay
to h ave n o m i n o r effect. Kee p the game mov i n g at a n
excit i n g pace.
In co m bat, the eas iest and most straightfo rward
m i n o r effect i s d ea l i n g 3 a d d i t i o n a l points of d a mage
with an attack. The fo l l owi n g a re ot h e r co m mo n
m i n o r effects fo r com bat:
88
Strike a specific body part: The attacker strikes a
s pecific s pot on the defender's body. The G M ru les
what s pecial effect, if any, res u lts. For example, h itting a
creature's tentacle that is wrapped around an ally m ight
make it easier for the ally to escape. H itti n g a foe i n the
eye m i ght b l i n d it for one rou n d . H itti n g a creatu re i n its
one vul nerable s pot m ight ignore Armor.
Knock back: The foe is knocked or fo rced back a
few feet. M ost of the t i m e , t h i s doesn't m atte r m u c h ,
but if t h e fi g h t takes p l ace o n a ledge o r n ext t o a p i t
o f l ava, t h e effect can be s i g n ificant.
M ove past: The c h a racte r can move a s h o rt
d i stance (see D i stance, next page) at the e n d of t h e
attack. Th i s effect i s u s efu l to g e t past a foe g u a rd i n g
a door, fo r exa m p l e.
Distract: Fo r o n e ro u n d , t h e d ifficu lty of all tasks
the foe atte m pts i s mod ified by o n e step to its
detri ment.
U s u a l ly, t h e GM j u st h a s the d e s i red m i n o r effect
occ u r. Fo r exa m p l e , ro l l i n g a 1 9 aga i n st a re l atively
wea k foe means it i s kn ocked off t h e cliff. The effect
m a kes the ro u n d more exciti ng, but the d efeat
of a m i n o r creatu re has n o s i g n ifica nt i m pact on
the sto ry. Ot h e r t i m e s , the G M m i ght ru l e t h at an
add iti o n a l ro l l i s needed to ach ieve the effect-th e
s pecial ro l l o n ly gives the PC the opportunity fo r a
m i n o r effect. Th i s mostly h a p p e n s when the d e s i red
effect i s ve ry u n l i kely, such a s p u s h i n g a 50-ton battle
auto m aton off a c l i ff. I f the p l aye r j u st wants to deal
3 a d d i t i o n a l points of d a mage a s the m i n o r effect, n o
extra ro l l i s need ed.
MAJOR EFFECT
A major effect happens when a p l aye r rol l s a natural
20. M ost of the time, a major effect i s q u ite benefici a l
t o the cha racte r. A cl i m be r gets u p the steep slope i n
h a l ft h e time. A j u m per l a n d s with s u c h panache that
those nea rby a re i m p ressed and poss i b ly inti m i d ated .
A d efender makes a free attack on h i s foe.
Either the G M or the p l ayer can come up with a
pos s i b l e major effect t h at fits the s it u atio n , but both
m u st agree o n w h at it s h o u l d be. As with m i n o r
effects, d o n 't s p e n d a l ot of t i m e ago n i z i n g ove r the
deta i l s of a major effect. In cases where o n l y s u cces s
o r fa i l u re m atte rs, a major effect m i ght offer t h e
c h a racter a one-t i m e asset ( a mod ification o f o n e
step) t o u s e t h e n ext t i m e s h e atte m pts a s i m i l a r
act i o n . W h e n noth i n g e l s e seems a p p ro p riate, t h e
G M c a n s i m ply grant t h e P C a n a d d i t i o n a l action o n
h e r t u rn t h at s a m e ro u n d .
I n co m bat, t h e eas iest a n d most stra i ghtfo rward
major effect is d ea l i n g 4 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts to d a m age
with a n attack. The fo l l owi n g a re ot h e r co m mo n
major effects fo r co m bat.
Knock down: The foe i s kn ocked p rone (see
Pos ition, page 95) . It can get up on its turn if it wishes.

Disarm : The foe d rops one object t h at it i s
h o l d i ng.
Stu n : The foe loses its n ext act i o n .
I m pair: Fo r t h e rest o f the co m bat, the d i fficu lty of
a l l tasks the foe atte m pts is mod ified by one step to
its detri ment.
As with m i n o r effects, u s u a l ly t h e GM j u st h a s the
d e s i red major effect occ u r, but somet i m e s h e m i ght
req u i re a n ext ra ro l l if the major effect i s u n u s u a l o r
u n l i kely.
RETRYING A TASK AFTER FAILURE
If a c h a racte r fa i l s a task (whether it's cl i m b i n g a
wa l l , p i cki n g a lock, t ryi n g to fi g u re out a myste rious
device, o r someth i n g e l se) s h e can atte m pt it aga i n ,
b u t s h e m u st a p p l y a t least o n e l evel o f Effort when
ret ryi n g t h at task. A retry i s a n ew act i o n , n ot part
of the s a m e action t h at fa i led, a n d it takes t h e same
a m o u nt of t i m e as the fi rst atte m pt d i d .
Sometimes t h e G M m i ght r u l e that retries a re
i m po s s i b le. Perh aps a character has one chance to
convince the leader of a gro u p of band its not to attack,
and after that, no a m o u nt of talking w i l l stop them.
This r u l e does n ' t a p p ly to s o m et h i n g l i ke
attacki n g a foe i n co m bat beca u s e co m bat i s a lways
c h a n g i n g and fl u i d . Each rou n d ' s s ituation is n ew,
n ot a re peat of a p rev i o u s s i t u at i o n , so a m i ssed
attack ca n ' t be retried .
INITIAL COST
The G M can assign a point cost to a task j u st for
trying it. Ca l led a n initial cost, it's s i m ply a n i n d ication
that the task i s particu l a rly taxi ng. Fo r exa m ple, l et' s
say a cha racter wants to try a M ight action to open a
heavy i ron door that is part i a l ly ru sted s h ut. The G M
says that forci n g the door open i s a d ifficu lty 5 task,
and there ' s a n i n itial cost of 3 M i ght poi nts s i m ply
to try. This i n itial cost i s i n add ition to any poi nts
the cha racter chooses to spend on the rol l (such as
when a p p lyi n g Effort) , a n d the i n itial cost points do
not affect the d ifficu lty of the task. In other word s , the
characte r m u st spend 3 M i ght poi nts to attem pt the
task at all, but that doesn't h e l p her open the door. I f
s h e wanted t o a p p ly Effort t o lower the d ifficu lty, she'd
h ave to spend more poi nts fro m her M i ght Poo l .
E d ge h e l p s w i t h the i n it i a l cost of a task, j u st as i t
does w i t h any expe n d it u re fr o m a c h a racte r's Poo l .
I n the p revi o u s exa m p l e, if the c h a racte r had a M i ght
E d ge of 2 , she wo u l d h ave to spend o n ly 1 point (3
poi nts m i n u s 2 fro m h e r M i ght Ed ge) fo r t h e i n it i a l
cost to atte m pt the task. I f s h e a l s o a p p l ied a l evel
of Effort to open the door, she co u l d n 't use her E d ge
agai n-Ed ge a p p l ies o n ly once per action-so u s i n g
t h e Effort wo u l d cost t h e fu l l 3 points. Th u s , s h e ' d
s pe n d a total o f 4 poi nts ( 1 fo r the i n it i a l cost p l u s 3
for t h e Effort) fro m h e r M i ght Poo l .
LIME NE
RULES OF THE GAME
The rat i o n a l e of t h e i n it i a l cost opti o n a l ru l e is t h at
eve n i n N u m e n e ra , where t h i ngs l i ke Effort can h e l p
a c h a racte r s u cceed o n a n act i o n , l o g i c sti l l s u ggests The words "immediate"
t h at some act i o n s a re ve ry d i fficu lt and taxing, and "close" can be used
particu l a rly fo r some PCs more t h a n oth e rs . interchangeably to talk
about distance. If a creature
or object is within arm 's
DISTANCE reach of the character, it
D i stance i s s i m p l ified i nto t h ree basic catego ries: can be considered both
i m m ed i ate, s h o rt, a n d long. immediate and close.
Immediate d i stance fro m a c h a racte r i s with i n
reach o r with i n a few steps; i f a c h a racte r sta n d s
i n a s m a l l roo m , eve ryt h i n g i n the roo m i s with i n
i m m ed i ate d i stance. At most, i m m ed i ate d i stance i s
l O feet ( 3 m) .
Short d i stance is anyt h i n g greate r t h a n i m m ed i ate
d i stance but l e s s t h a n 5 0 feet (1 5 m) o r so. Long
d i stance is a nyth i n g greater t h a n s h o rt d i stance but
l e s s t h a n 1 00 feet (30 m) o r so. Beyo nd t h at ra n ge,
d i stances a re a lways s pecified-500 feet (1 5 2 m) , 1
m i l e (1 . 6 km) , a n d so o n .
Al l weapons a n d special abilities u s e these terms for
ranges. For exam ple, all melee weapons have i m med iate
range--they are dose-com bat weapons, and you can use
them to attack anyone with i n i m med iate d i stance of you .
A th rown knife (and most other th rown weapons) h a s
short range. A nano's Onslaught abil ity a l s o has short Onslaught, page 35
range. A bow has long range.
A c h a racte r can move a n i m m ed i ate d i stance a s a
part of a n ot h e r act i o n . I n oth e r word s , s h e can take a
few ste p s to the control panel a n d activate a switc h .
S h e can l u n ge acro s s a s m a l l roo m to attack a foe.
She can open a door and step t h ro u g h .
A c h a racte r can move a s h o rt d i stance as h e r
enti re action fo r a t u r n . S h e can a l so try to m ove
a l o n g d i stance a s h e r enti re act i o n , but the p l aye r
m i ght h ave to ro l l to see if t h e c h a racte r s l i p s , trips,
o r stu m b les fo r mov i n g so fa r so q u i ckly.
G M s and pl ayers don't need to determ i n e exact
d i stances. For example, if the PCs are fighting a gro u p
o f culovas, any character ca n l i kely attack a n y culova i n Cu/ova, page 23 6
t h e general melee-they' re a l l with i n i m med iate ra nge.
H owever, if one culova stays back to th row jave l i n s , a
character m ight h ave to use her entire action to move
the short d i stance req u i red to attack that foe. It does n 't
matter if the culova is 20 feet (6 m) or 40 feet (1 2 m)
away-it's s i m ply considered short d i stance. It does
matter if he's more than 50 feet (1 5 m) away beca use
that d i stance would req u i re a long move.
TIMEKEEPING
G e neral ly, keep time the same way that yo u norm a l ly
wo u l d , u s i n g m i n utes, h o u rs , d ays, and wee ks. Due
to a s l ow but steady change i n the Eart h ' s rotation
over the past b i l l ion years, d ays i n the N i nth World
a re 28 h o u rs long (though beca use the Eart h ' s period
of revo l ution a ro u n d the sun i s sti l l more o r less the
 same, years i n the N i nth World a re o n ly 3 1 2 d ays
Abhuman, page 7 3 long) . T h u s , if the characte rs wa l k overland for 1 5
m i les (24 km) , about eight h o u rs pass, even though
the jou rney can be descri bed i n only a few seco n d s
a t the g a m e t a b l e . Preci sion t i mekee p i n g i s rarely
It's entirely appropriate i m portant. M o st of the time, sayi n g t h i n gs l i ke "That
to use measurem ents of takes about an h o u r" works fine.
time such as "minutes, " Th i s i s true eve n when a s pecial a b i l ity h a s a
"days, " "weeks, "
s pecific d u rati o n . I n an e n co u nter, a d u ration of "one
"months, " and "seasons. "
m i n ute" i s mostly t h e same a s s ayi n g "the rest of the
just remember that those
mean slightly different e n co u nter. " Yo u d o n ' t h ave to track each ro u n d t h at
things to people of the ticks by if you d o n ' t want to. L i kewi se, an a b i l ity t h at
Ninth World than they do l a sts for ten m i n utes can safely be co n s i d e red the
to us today. l e n gth of a n i n -d e pth conversat i o n , t h e t i m e it takes
to q u ickly exp l o re a s m a l l a rea, o r the time it takes to
rest after a stre n u o u s activity.
ENCOUNTERS, ROUNDS,
AND INITIATIVE
Somet i m e s i n the co u rse of t h e game, the G M o r
p l ayers w i l l refe r to a n encounter. E n co u nters a re n ot
so m uch mea s u re m e nts of t i m e as they a re eve nts o r
i n stances i n which someth i n g h a p p e n s , l i ke a sce n e
of a m o v i e o r a c h a pter i n a b o o k . An e n co u nter
m i ght be a fight with a foe, a d ra m atic cro s s i n g of
a ragi n g river, o r a stres sfu l negotiation with a n
i m portant offici a l . I t ' s u sefu l to u s e the wo rd when
Might Pool, page 20 referri n g to a s pecific scene, a s i n "My M i ght Pool i s
jiraskar, page 242 l ow after t h at e n co u nter w i t h the j i ra s ka r yesterday. "
Esoteries, page 3 5 A round i s a b o u t five t o t e n seco n d s . The l e n gt h
of t i m e i s vari a b l e beca u s e somet i m e s one ro u n d
m i ght be a bit l o n ge r t h a n another. Yo u d o n ' t need
to meas u re time more p recisely than t h at. Yo u can
As with all other rolls, an est i m ate t h at o n average there a re about ten ro u n d s
initiative roll is a d20 roll, i n a m i n ute. I n a ro u n d , eve ryo n e-each c h a racte r
unless you 're spending
a n d N PC-gets to take o n e act i o n .
Effort. The fact that it 's a
Speed roll simply means To d eterm i n e who goes first, seco n d , and so on
that if Effort is used, the i n a ro u n d , each p l aye r m a kes a S peed rol l called a n
points come from your initiative roll. M ost of the time, i t ' s only i m portant t o
Speed Pool. know which characters act before the N P C s and w h i c h
act after the N PCs. On a n i n iti ative rol l , a character
who rol l s h i gher than an N PC's ta rget n u m ber takes
her action before the N PC does. As with all ta rget
n u m bers, an N PC' s i n iti ative rol l ta rget n u m ber i s
t h ree t i m e s the N PC' s l eve l . M any t i m e s , t h e G M w i l l
Cypher, page 278 h ave a l l N PCs take their actions a t the s a m e time,
using the h ighest ta rget n u mber from among all the
N PCs. Using this method , any characters who rol led
h i gher than the ta rget n u m ber act first, then a l l the
N PCs act, and fi n a l ly any characters who ro l led lower
than the ta rget n u m ber act.
The o rd e r in which the cha racters act u s u a l ly i s n 't
i m portant. If the p l aye rs want to go i n a p recise
o rd e r, they can act i n i n itiat ive o rd e r ( h i g h est to
l owest) , by go i n g a ro u n d the table, by go i n g o l d est to
yo u n gest, a n d so on.
Fo r exa m ple, Co l i n , J a mes, a n d S h a n n a a re in
co m bat with two l evel 2 a b h u m a n s . The GM has
the p l aye rs m a ke S peed ro l l s to d ete rm i n e i n itiative.
Co l i n ro l l s a n 8 , S h a n n a ro l l s a 1 5 , and J a mes ro l l s
a 4 . T h e ta rget n u m be r fo r a l evel 2 creatu re i s 6 ,
s o each ro u n d Co l i n a n d S h a n n a act before the
a b h u m a n s , t h e n t h e a b h u m a n s act, a n d fi n a l ly J a mes
acts. I t does n ' t m atte r whether Co l i n acts before o r
after S h a n n a , a s l o n g as they t h i n k it's fa i r.
After eve ryo ne-a l l PCs a n d N PCs-i n the co m bat
h a s had a t u r n , the ro u n d e n d s a n d a n ew rou n d
begi n s . I n a l l ro u n d s after t h e fi rst, eve ryo n e acts i n
t h e s a m e o rd e r a s they d id i n t h e fi rst ro u n d . The
cha racters cycle t h rough this ord e r u nt i l t h e logical
e n d of the encou nter (th e e n d of t h e fight o r the
co m p l etion of the event) o r u nt i l the GM a s ks t h e m
to m a ke n ew i n it i ative ro l l s . The G M can ca l l fo r n ew
i n it i ative ro l l s at t h e begi n n i n g of any new ro u n d
w h e n co n d iti o n s d rastica l ly c h a n ge. F o r exa m p l e,
if t h e N PCs ga i n re i nfo rcements, t h e envi ro n ment
c h a n ges (perh a p s the l i ghts go o ut) , the terra i n
c h a n ges (maybe part o f t h e balcony co l l apses u n d e r
PCs) , o r someth i n g s i m i l a r occurs, the G M c a n ca l l
fo r n ew i n it i at ive ro l l s .
S i nce t h e action m oves as a cycle, a nyth i n g t h at
l a sts for a ro u n d e n d s where it started i n t h e cycle.
l f Va l leris the n a n o u ses a n esotery o n a n opponent
t h at h i n d e rs its defe n s e s fo r one ro u n d , t h e effect
l a sts u n t i l Va l l e ri s acts on h i s n ext t u r n .
Faster I nitiative (Optional Rule) : To m a ke a n
encou nter move faster, if a t least one character ro l l s
h i g h enough t o beat t h e ta rget n u m be r o f t h e N PC (s) ,
a l l the characters act before the N PC (s) . If nobody
ro l l s h i g h enough to beat the ta rget n u mber of the
N PCs, a l l the cha racters act after the N PC (s) . On the
characte rs' turn, go cl ockwise a ro u n d the table.
ACTIONS
Anyth i n g that you r cha racter does i n a rou n d i s a n
action. It's easiest t o t h i n k of a n action as a s i n gle
thing that you can do i n five to ten seco n d s . For
exa m ple, if you use you r d a rt th rower to s h oot a
stra n ge float i n g orb, that's one action. So is ru n n i n g
for cover be h i n d a stack o f barre l s , pryi n g open a stuck
door, u s i n g a rope to p u l l you r friend u p fro m a pit, or
activat i n g a cyp her (eve n if it's stored i n you r pack) .
Ope n i n g a door and attacking an a b h u m a n on the
other side a re two actions. It's more a matte r of focus
than time. D raw i n g you r swo rd and attacki n g a foe
is a l l one action. Putt i n g away you r bow and p u s h i n g
a heavy bookcase t o block a d o o r a re two actions
beca use each req u i res a different tra i n of thou ght.
I f the action yo u want to acco m p l i s h i s n ot with i n
reach , you can move a l ittl e bit. Essential ly, you can
m ove up to a n i m m ed i ate d i stance to perform yo u r
act i o n . Fo r exa m p le , you can move a n i m me d i ate
 LIME NE
RULES OF THE GAME

d i stance a n d attack a foe, open a door a n d move a n

i m m ed i ate d i stance i nto t h e h a l lway beyo n d , o r grab
yo u r h u rt friend lyi n g o n t h e gro u n d and p u l l h i m
back a few ste p s . Th i s m ovement can occ u r before
o r after yo u r act i o n , so yo u can move to a door a n d
open it, o r yo u can open a door a n d m ove t h rough i t .
The m o s t co m m o n act i o n s a re:
Attack
Activate a s peci a l a b i l ity (o n e t h at i s n 't a n attack)
M ove
Wa it
Defe n d
Do so meth i n g e l s e

ACTION: ATTACK
An attack i s a nyth i n g t h at you do to someone t h at
they d o n ' t want you to do. S l a s h i n g a foe with a
cu rved d agger i s an attack, b l asti n g a foe with a
l i ghtn i n g a rtifact is an attack, wra p p i n g a foe i n
m agnetica l ly co ntro l l e d metal ca b l e s i s a n attack, a n d
co ntro l l i n g someo n e ' s m i n d i s a n attack. An attack
a l most always req u i re s a ro l l to see if you h it or
oth e rwise affect yo u r ta rget.
I n the s i m p l est k i n d of attack, such a s a PC tryi n g
t o stab a band it w i t h h i s spear, the p l ayer ro l l s a n d
co m pa res h i s res u lt aga i n st the opponent's ta rget
n u m ber. If h i s ro l l is eq u a l to or greater t h a n the
ta rget n u m ber, the attack h its. J u st as with any k i n d
of t a s k , the G M m i ght m odi fy the d ifficu lty b a s e d o n
the s it u atio n , a n d the p l ayer m i ght h ave a bon u s t o
the ro l l o r m i ght t ry to l ower the d ifficu lty u s i n g s k i l l s ,
a s sets, o r Effort.
A l e s s straightfo rwa rd attack m i ght be a s peci a l
a b i l ity t h at stu n s a foe w i t h a m e n t a l b l a st. H owever,
it's h a n d led t h e same way: the p l aye r m a kes a ro l l
aga i n st t h e opponent's ta rget n u m ber. S i m i l arly, a n Edge. Fo r exa m ple, let's say that on the first ro u n d of
atte m pt t o tackle a fo e a n d wrestle i t t o t h e gro u n d i s com bat, yo u activate an esotery, use Effort to red uce
sti l l j u st a ro l l aga i n st t h e fo e ' s ta rget n u m ber. the d ifficu lty of the attack ro l l , and m i s s yo u r foe. O n
Attacks a re sometimes categorized as " m e lee" the second rou n d of com bat, y o u c a n try attacki n g
attacks, mea n i n g that you h u rt or affect somet h i n g aga i n and use Effort to red uce the d ifficu lty o f the
with i n i m mediate reach , or " ra n ged " attacks, mea n i n g attack rol l .
that you h u rt or affect somet h i n g a t a d i stance. T h e G M i s e n co u raged t o describe eve ry attack
M e lee attacks can be M i ght o r S peed act i o n s with fl avor and fl a i r. One attack ro l l m i ght be a stab
p l ayer choice. Physical ra n ged attacks (such as bows to the foe's arm. A m i s s m i ght be the PC' s swo rd
and th rown wea p o n s) a re a l most always S peed s l a m m i n g i nto the wa l l . Co m batants l u n ge, b l ock,
act i o n s , but those t h at co me from special a b i l ities d u ck, s p i n , leap, and m a ke all k i n d s of move m e nts
l i ke esote ries a re probably I nte l l ect act i o n s . E sote ries t h at s h o u l d keep com b at v i s u a l ly i nterest i n g and
or effects that req u i re touch i n g the target req u i re a co m pe l l i ng. The game maste r i n g section (Part 7:
melee attack. R u n n i n g t h e Game, page 3 1 9) h a s m u c h m o re
If the attack m i sses, the powe r is not wasted, and g u i d a n ce i n t h i s rega rd .
you can try aga i n each rou n d as you r action until you Co m m on e l e m ents t h at affect the d ifficu lty of a
h it the ta rget, use another a b i l ity, or take a d i fferent co m bat task a re cover, ra n ge, a n d d a rkness. The
action that req u i res yo u to use you r h a n d s . These rules fo r these a n d oth e r mod ifiers a re exp l a i ned in
attem pts i n l ater rou n d s co unt as different actions, so the Attack M od ifiers a n d S pecial S it u atio n s section
you d o n 't h ave to kee p track of how m uch Effort you (see page 95) .
u sed when you activated the a b i l ity o r h ow you u sed
Damage
When an attack strikes a c h a racter, it u s u a l ly m e a n s
the c h a racte r t a k e s d a mage.
An attack aga i n st a PC s u btracts poi nts fro m one
of the c h a racte r' s stat Poo l s-u s u a l ly t h e M i ght Poo l .
Whenever a n attack s i m ply s ays it d e a l s " d a m age"
without s pecifyi n g t h e type, it m e a n s M i ght d a m age,
which i s by fa r t h e most co m m o n type. I nte l l ect
d a m age, which is u s u a l ly t h e res u lt of a mental
attack, i s always l a beled a s I nte l l ect d a m age. S peed
d a m age is often a physical attack, but attacks t h at
deal S peed d a m age a re fa i rly rare.
N PCs d o n 't h ave stat Poo l s . I n stea d , they h ave
a c h a racte ristic ca l l ed health. When an N PC takes
d a m age of any k i n d , t h e a m o u n t i s s u btracted fro m
its health. U n l e s s d escribed oth e rwise, an N PC' s
health i s always eq u a l to its ta rget n u m ber. Some
N PCs m i ght h ave special react i o n s to o r defe n s e s
aga i n st attacks t h at wo u l d n o r m a l l y deal S peed
d a m age o r I nte l l ect d a m age, but u n l e s s the N PC' s
description s pecifica l ly exp l a i n s t h i s , a s s u m e t h at a l l
d a m age i s s u btracted fro m t h e N PC' s health.
O bjects a re l i ke N PCs: t h ey h ave health i n stead of
stat Poo l s .
D a m age i s always a s pecific a m o u nt d ete r m i ned
by the attack. Fo r exa m p l e, a s l a s h with a b road swo rd
d e a l s 4 poi nts of d a m age. A n a n o ' s O n s l a u ght fo rce
b l a st d e a l s 4 poi nts of d a mage. Ofte n , t h e re a re ways
for t h e attacker to i n crease the d a m age. For exa m p l e,
a PC can a p p l y Effort to deal 3 add iti o n a l poi nts of
d a m age, a n d ro l l i n g a natural 1 7 o n the attack ro l l
d e a l s 1 a d d i t i o n a l point o f d a mage.

Armor
P i eces of eq u i p m e n t a n d s peci a l a b i l it i e s p rotect a
c h a racte r fro m d a m age by givi n g h i m Armor. Each
time a c h a racte r t a ke s d a m age, s u btract his Armor
va l u e fro m t h e d a m age before red uci n g h i s stat
Pool o r h e a l t h . Fo r exa m p l e , if a jack with 2 Armor
i s h it by a sword t h at deals 4 p o i n t s of d a m age, the
jack takes only 2 poi nts of d a m age (4 m i n u s 2 fro m
h i s Armor) . I f Armor red u ces t h e i n com i n g d a m age
to 0 o r l owe r, the c h a racte r t a ke s n o d a m age fro m
t h e attack. Fo r exa m p l e , t h e jack's 2 Armor p rotects
h i m fro m a l l physical attacks t h at d e a l 1 or 2 p o i n t s
o f d a m age.
The most co m m o n way to get Armor i s to wear
physical armor, such as a leat h e r coat, heavy a n i m a l
h i d e s , o r metal p l ates. Al l physical armor comes i n
o n e o f th ree catego ries: l i ght, m ed i u m , o r heavy.
Light armor gives the wea re r 1 point of Armor,
m ed i u m gives 2 points of Armor, a n d heavy gives 3
poi nts of Armor.
When yo u see the word "Armor" capital ized i n
t h e game rules (other t h a n a s t h e n a m e o f a special
a b i l ity) , it refers to yo u r Armor cha racte ristic-th e

n u m be r yo u s u btract fro m i ncom i n g d a m age. When
yo u see t h e l owe rca se word "armor, " it refers to any
physical armor yo u m i ght wea r.
Oth e r effects can add to a c h a racte r's Armor. I f a
c h a racter is wea ri n g ch a i n m a i l (2 poi nts of Armor)
a n d h a s an a b i l ity t h at cove rs h i m i n a p rotect ive
s h een of ice ( l point of Armor) , h i s total is 3 Armor.
If he a l s o h a s a cyp h e r t h at create s a fo rce field (l
point of Armor) , his total i s 4 Armor.
Some types of d a m age i g n o re physical armor.
Attacks t h at s pecifica l ly deal S peed d a m age o r
I nte l l ect d a m age i g n o re Arm o r; the creatu re t a k e s the
l i sted a m o u nt of d a m age without any red u ction fro m
Armor. A m b i e nt d a m age (see bel ow) u s u a l ly ignores
Armor a s we l l .
A creatu re may h ave a special bo n u s t o Armor
aga i n st certa i n k i n d s of attacks. Fo r exa m p l e, a
p rotective s u it made of a stu rdy, fi re-re s i stant
m ate rial m i ght normally give its wea re r l point of
Armor but co u n t a s 3 poi nts of Armor aga i n st fi re
attacks. An a rtifact worn as a h e l met m i ght add 2
poi nts of Armor o n ly aga i n st mental attacks.
Ambient Damage
Some k i n d s of d a m age a re n ' t d i rect attacks aga i n st
a creatu re, but they i n d i rectly affect eve ryt h i n g i n t h e
a rea. M ost of these a re envi ro n mental effects s u c h
a s wi nter co l d , h i g h te m pe ratures, o r backgro u n d
rad i atio n . D a m age fro m t h e s e k i n d s o f sou rces
i s ca l l ed a m b ient d a m age. Physical armor u s u a l ly
doesn't p rotect aga i n st a m bient d a m age, though a
wel l - i n s u l ated s u it of armor can p rotect aga i n st co l d
weat h e r.
Damage From Hazards
Attacks a re n ' t t h e o n ly way to i n fl ict d a m age on a
cha racter. Experiences such as fa l l i n g fro m a great
h e i ght, be i n g b u rned in a fire, and s pe n d i n g t i m e i n
severe weather a l so deal d a m age. Although no l i st
of potential hazard s co u l d be co m p re h e n s ive, the
D a m age Fro m H azard s table (page 94) i n c l u d e s
co m mo n exa m p l e s .
The Effects of Taking Damage
When an N PC reaches 0 health , it is either dead o r
(if the attacker w i s h e s i t ) i n ca pacitate d , mea n i n g
u nco n s c i o u s o r beate n i nto s u b m i s s i o n .
W h e n a n object reaches 0 h e a l t h , it i s b roken o r
oth e rwise destroyed.
As p reviously mentioned, d a mage fro m most
s o u rces i s a p p l ied to a c h a racte r' s M i ght Poo l .
Oth e rwise, stat d a m age always red uces the Pool of
the stat it affects.
I f d a m age red uces a c h a racte r' s stat Pool to 0, any
fu rt h e r d a m age to t h at stat ( i n cl u d i n g exces s d a mage
fro m the attack t h at red uced the stat to 0) is a p p l ied
LIME NE
RULES OF THE GAME
to another stat Poo l . D a m age is a p p l ied to Poo l s i n
t h i s o rd e r:
l . M i ght ( u n l e s s the Pool is 0)
2. S peed ( u n l e s s the Pool is 0)
3. I nte l l ect
Eve n if the d a m age i s a p p l ied to another stat Poo l , When N PCs (who have
it sti l l counts a s i t s origi n a l type fo r t h e p u rpose only health) suffer Speed or
Intellect damage, normally
of Armor and s pecial a b i l ities t h at affect d a m age.
this is treated the same as
Fo r exa m ple, if a g l a ive with 2 Armor is red uced to Might. However, the GM
0 M i ght and t h e n is h it by a m o n ster' s claw fo r 3 or the player has the option
poi nts of d a m age, it sti l l co u nts as M i ght d a mage, to suggest an appropriate
so his 2 Armor red uces the d a m age to l poi nt, which alternate effect (the N PC
suffers a penalty, moves
t h e n i s a p p l ied to his S peed Poo l . In ot h e r wo rd s ,
more slowly, is stunned,
eve n though t h e g l a ive t a k e s the d a m age fr o m h i s and so on).
S peed Poo l , i t doesn't ignore Armor l i ke S peed
d a m age n o rm a l ly wo u l d .
I n add ition t o taki n g d a m age fro m t h e i r M i ght
Poo l , S peed Poo l , o r I nte l l ect Poo l , PCs a l so h ave
a damage track. The d a m age track h a s fo u r state s
(fro m best to worst) : h a l e , i m pa i red, d e b i l itated ,
a n d dead. When o n e of a PC' s stat Poo l s reaches 0,
h e m oves one step d own the d a m age t rack. T h u s ,
if h e i s h a l e , h e becomes i m pa i red . I f h e i s a l ready
i m pa i red , h e beco mes d e b i l itated . l f h e i s a l ready
d e b i l itated , h e becomes dead.
Some effects can i m med i ately s h ift a PC o n e o r
more ste ps o n t h e d a m age track. These i nc l u d e ra re
p o i s o n s , cel l u l a r d i s ru ption attacks, a n d m a s s ive
tra u m a s (such as fa l l s fro m very great h e i g hts,
be i n g ru n ove r by a s peed i n g ve h i cle, a n d so o n , a s
d eterm i n ed by the G M ) .
Some attacks, l i ke ve n o m fro m a serpent' s b ite,
a n a n o ' s Sta s i s esote ry, o r the m i n d -co ntro l l i n g Stasis, page 3 7
i n fl uence o f a sa rra k, h ave effects oth e r t h a n d a m age Sarrak, page 255
to a stat Pool o r s h ift i n g the PC o n the d a mage track.
These attacks can cause u n co n scio u s n e s s , paralys i s ,
a n d so o n .
The Damage Track
Hale is the normal state for a cha racter: a l l th ree stat
Pools are at l or higher, and the PC has no penalties
from h armfu l cond itions. When a hale PC takes
enough damage to red uce one of his stat Pools to 0, he
becomes i m pa i red. N ote that a character whose stat
pools are m uch lower than normal ca n sti l l be hale.
Impaired i s a wou nded or i n j u red state. When a n
i m pa i red characte r a p p l ies Effort, it costs l extra p o i n t
per leve l a p p l ied . Fo r exa m ple, a p p lyi n g one leve l of
Effort costs 4 poi nts i n stead of 3, and a p p lying two
leve l s of Effort costs 7 poi nts i n stead of 5 .
An i m pa i red c h a racter ignore s m i n o r a n d major
effect res u lts o n his ro l l s , a n d h e does n 't d e a l a s
m uch extra d a mage i n co m bat w i t h a s pecial ro l l . I n
co m bat, a ro l l of 1 7 o r h i g h e r d e a l s o n ly l a d d i t i o n a l
point of d a m age.
DAMAGE FROM HAZARDS
Sou rce
Fa l l i n g
M i n o r fi re
M ajor fi re
Acid s p l a s h
Acid bath
Co l d
Severe co l d
S h ock
E l ectrocution
Cru s h
H u ge cru s h
Co l l i s i o n
The damage track allows
you to know how farfrom
death you are:
If you 're hale, you 're
three steps from death.
If you 're impaired, you 're
two steps from death.
If you 're debilitated, you
are only one small step
from death 's door.
GMs should always
remem ber that above
all else, describing the
action and how itfits into
the situation at hand is
more important than the
mechanics of it.
Damage
1 point per 1 0 feet (3 m) fa l l e n (a m b ient d a m age)
3 poi nts per ro u n d (a m b ient d a m age)
6 poi nts per ro u n d (a m b ient d a m age)
2 poi nts per ro u n d (a m b ient d a m age)
6 poi nts per ro u n d (a m b ient d a m age)
1 point per ro u n d (ambient d a m age)
3 poi nts per ro u n d (a m b ient d a m age)
1 point per ro u n d (ambient d a mage
6 poi nts per ro u n d (a m b ient d a m age)
3 poi nts
6 poi nts
6 poi nts
When a n i m pa i red PC takes e n o u g h d a mage
to red uce one of h i s stat Poo l s to 0, he beco mes
d e b i l itated .
Debilitated i s a critica l ly i n j u red state. A
d e b i l itated c h a racte r m ay n ot take any act i o n s
oth e r t h a n t o m ove (probably crawl) n o more t h a n
a n i m m ed i ate d i stance . I f a d e b i l itated c h a racte r's
S peed Pool i s 0, h e ca n 't m ove at a l l .
W h e n a d e b i l itated P C takes e n o u g h d a mage to
red uce a stat Pool to 0, h e is dead.
Dead i s dead.
Recovering Points in a Pool
Afte r l o s i n g or spend i n g poi nts i n a Poo l , yo u
recove r those points by rest i n g. Yo u can't i n crease a
Pool past its m axi m u m by re st i n g-j u st back to its
normal l eve l . Any extra poi nts ga i n ed go away with
n o effect. The a m o u nt of poi nts yo u recover fro m a
rest, a n d h ow l o n g each rest takes, d e p e n d s on h ow
many t i m e s yo u h ave rested so far t h at d ay.
When yo u rest, m a ke a recovery roll. To d o t h i s , ro l l
1 d 6 a n d a d d you r tier. Yo u recover t h at many poi nts,
a n d yo u can d ivide t h e m among yo u r stat Poo l s
h owever y o u w i s h . Fo r exa m p l e, if yo u r recovery ro l l
i s 4 a n d yo u 've lost 4 poi nts o f M i ght a n d 2 poi nts
of S peed , yo u can recover 4 poi nts of M i ght, o r 2
poi nts of M i ght a n d 2 poi nts of S peed , or any oth e r
co m b i n ation ad d i n g u p to 4 points.
The fi rst t i m e yo u rest each d ay, it takes o n ly a few
seco n d s to catch yo u r b reat h . If yo u rest t h i s way i n
t h e m i d d l e o f a n encou nter, it takes o n e action o n
yo u r t u r n .
The seco nd t i m e yo u rest e a c h d ay, yo u m u st rest
ten m i n utes to m a ke a recovery ro l l . The t h i rd t i m e
yo u rest e a c h d ay, yo u m u st rest o n e h o u r t o m a ke a
recove ry ro l l . The fo u rth t i m e you rest each d ay, you
m u st rest ten h o u rs to m a ke a recovery ro l l ( u s u a l ly,
t h i s occ u rs when yo u s l eep) .
After that m uch rest, it's assu med to be a new day
( N i nth World d ays are 28 hours long) , so the next time
N otes
To rch
E n g u l fed i n fl a m e s ; l ava
I m m e rsed in acid
Below freez i n g te m pe ratu res
L i q u i d n itrogen
Often i nvolves l o s i n g n ext action
Often i nvolves losing n ext action
O bject o r creatu re falls o n c h a racte r
Roof co l l a pse; cave - i n
Large, fast object strikes c h a racter
you rest, it takes o n ly a few seconds. The next rest takes
ten m i n utes, then one hour, and so on, in a cycle.
I f you h ave n 't rested yet t h at d ay and you take a l ot
of d a m age i n a fight, yo u co u l d rest a few seco n d s
(rega i n i n g l d 6 poi nts + 1 p o i n t per tier) a n d t h e n
i m m ed i ately rest fo r t e n m i n utes (rega i n i n g another
1 d 6 poi nts + 1 point per tier) . Thus, i n o n e fu l l d ay
of d o i n g noth i n g but rest i n g , yo u co u l d recover 4d6
poi nts + 4 poi nts per tier.
Each c h a racte r chooses when to m a ke recove ry
ro l l s . I f a party of five exp l o rers rests for ten m i n utes
beca u s e two mem bers want to m a ke recove ry ro l l s ,
t h e oth e r cha racte rs d o n ' t h ave t o m a ke ro l l s a t t h at
t i m e . Late r i n t h e d ay, those th ree can decide to rest
fo r ten m i n utes and m a ke recove ry ro l l s .
Recovery Rol l Rest Time N eeded
F i rst recovery r o l I O n e action
Second recovery ro l l Te n m i n utes
Th i rd recovery ro l l One h o u r
Fo u rth recove ry ro l l Te n h o u rs
Restoring the Damage Track
U s i n g poi nts fro m a recove ry ro l l to ra i s e a stat Pool
fro m 0 to 1 o r h i gher a l so a utomatica l ly m oves the
c h a racter u p o n e ste p o n the d a m age track.
I f a l l of a PC' s stat Poo l s a re above 0 and the
c h a racter has taken s peci a l d a m age t h at moved h i m
d own t h e d a m age track, h e can u s e a recove ry ro l l
t o move u p o n e ste p o n t h e d a m age track i n stead
of recove r i n g points. Fo r exa m p le , a jack who is
d e b i l itated fro m a h it with a ce l l -d i s ru pt i n g n u m e n e ra
d evice can rest a n d m ove u p to i m pa i red rather t h a n
recove r poi nts i n a Poo l .
Special Damage
I n the cou rse of p l ay i n g the game, c h a racte rs face a l l
m a n n e r o f th reats a n d d a n gers t h at c a n h a rm them
i n a vari ety of ways , o n ly some of which a re e a s i l y
re p rese nted b y poi nts of d a mage.

Dazed and Stu n ned : Cha racte rs can be d azed
when struck h a rd o n the head, exposed to extre mely
loud sou n d s , o r affected by a mental attack. When
this happens, fo r the d u ration of t h e d aze effect
(u s u a l ly one ro u n d ) , t h e d ifficu lty of a l l tasks
atte m pted by the c h a racter i n creases by o n e ste p .
S i m i l a r but m o re severe attacks can stu n c h a racte rs.
Stu n n ed cha racters lose their turn (but can sti l l
defe n d aga i n st attacks normally) .
Poison and Disease: When c h a racte rs e n co u nter
poison-wh et h e r the ve nom of a serpent, a p i n c h
o f d i abol i s powd e r s l i p ped i nto a fl a g o n o f a l e , o r
b l ackroot o i l a p p l ied to the t i p of a d a rt-they m a ke
a M i ght defe n s e ro l l to res i st it. Fa i l u re to res i st
can res u lt i n poi nts of d a mage, mov i n g down t h e
d a m age track, o r a s pecific effect s u c h as para lys i s ,
u nco n s ci o u s n e s s , d i sa b i l ity, o r someth i n g stra n ge r.
Fo r exa m p l e , some n u menera p o i s o n s affect t h e
b ra i n , m a k i n g it i m po s s i b l e to s ay certa i n word s ,
take ce rta i n act i o n s , res i st certa i n effects , o r recover
poi nts to a stat Poo l .
D i seases work l i ke poi s o n s , but t h e i r effect occu rs
eve ry d ay, so the vict i m m u st m a ke a M i ght defe n s e
ro l l e a c h d ay o r s u ffe r the effects . D i sease effects
a re as varied as p o i s o n s : poi nts of d a m age, mov i n g
d o w n the d a m age track, d i sa b i l ity, a n d so o n . M a ny
d i seases i n fl ict d a mage t h at ca n n ot be restored
t h rough conventional m e a n s .
Paralysis: Para lytic effects ca u s e a c h a racte r
to d ro p to the gro u n d , u n a b l e to m ove. U n less
oth e rwise s pecifie d , the c h a racter can sti l l take
act i o n s t h at req u i re no physical m ove m e nt.
Other Effects: Other s peci a l effects can render
a characte r blind or deaf, u n a b l e to sta nd without
fa l l i n g over, or u n a b l e to breathe. Stra nger effects
m i ght negate gravity for the cha racter (or i n crease it a
h u n d redfold) , tra n s port h i m to another p l ace, re nder
him out of p h ase, m utate his physical form, i m p l a nt
fa l se memories or senses, alter the way h i s b ra i n
p rocesses i nformation, or inflame h i s nerves so h e
i s i n constant, excruciat i n g p a i n . E a c h s peci a l effect
m u st be h a n d led on a case- by-case basis. The G M
adj u d i cates how the characte r i s affected and how the
cond ition can be a l l evi ated (if pos s i ble) .
NPCs and Special Damage
The G M always h a s fi n a l s ay ove r what s pecial
d a m age wi l l affect a n N PC. H u m a n N PCs u s u a l ly
react l i ke c h a racte rs, but the N i nth Wo rld h a s too
many types of n o n h u m a n creatu res to catego rize.
Fo r exa m p l e , a tiny bit of ve n o m i s u n l i kely to h u rt a
gigantic cragwo rm, a n d it wo n ' t affect an automaton
o r a n u ltrate rrestri a l at a l l .
I f a n N P C i s s u scept i b l e t o a n attack t h at wo u l d
s h ift a c h a racte r d own the d a m age t rack, u s i n g t h at
attack on t h e N PC u s u a l ly re n d e rs it u n con s c i o u s
LIME NE
RULES OF THE GAME
or dead . Alternatively, t h e G M co u l d a p p l y the
d e b i l itated co n d ition to the N PC, with t h e s a m e
effect a s it wo u l d h ave o n a PC.
ATIACK MODIFIERS AND
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
I n co m bat s it u atio n s , m a ny mod ifiers m i ght co m e
i nto p l ay. Although the G M i s at l i be rty to assess
wh ateve r mod ifiers h e t h i n ks a re a p p ropriate to t h e
s ituation (that's h i s ro l e i n the game) , t h e fo l l owi n g Diabolis powder is a
s u ggest i o n s a n d g u i d e l i ne s m i ght m a ke t h at easier. concoction ofcertain
crushed leaves and the
Often t h e mod ifier is a p p l ied as a ste p i n d ifficu lty.
dried blood ofa small
So if a situation h i n d e rs attacks, t h at m e a n s if a PC rodent called a crovel-it is
attacks an N PC, t h e d i fficu lty for t h e attack ro l l i s a level 4 poison that inflicts
i ncreased b y o n e ste p , a n d if a n N PC attacks a PC, 4 points ofdamage every
the d ifficu lty of the defe n s e ro l l i s decreased by one hour until the victim makes
a successful Might defense
ste p . T h i s i s beca u s e p l ayers m a ke all ro l l s , whether
roll, checking each hour.
they a re attack i n g o r d efe n d i n g-N PCs n eve r m a ke
attack or defe n s e ro l l s .
When i n d o u bt, if i t seems l i ke i t s h o u l d b e h a rder
to attack i n a s ituatio n , the d ifficu lty of the attack rol l s
i n crease b y o n e step. I f i t see m s l i ke attacks s h o u l d
ga i n a n adva ntage or be e a s i e r i n some way, the
d ifficu lty of the d efense rol l s i n crease by one step.
Cover
If a character is beh ind cover so that a sign ificant
portion of his body i s beh ind someth i n g stu rdy, attacks
are mod ified by one step in the defender's favor.
If a c h a racte r is e n t i rely beh i n d cover (h i s e n t i re
body i s be h i n d someth i n g stu rdy) , he can't be
attacked u n l e s s the attack can go t h ro u g h the
cover. Fo r exa m ple, if a c h a racter h id e s beh i n d a
t h i n wood e n screen a n d h i s opponent s h oots the
screen with a powered cro s s bow t h at can penet rate
the wood , the c h a racte r can be attacked . H owever,
beca u s e the attacker can't see the c h a racter clea rly,
t h i s sti l l co u nts as cover (attacks a re mod ified by o n e
s t e p i n t h e defender's favo r) .
Position Blackroot oil is used by
assassins in Qi on dart
Somet i m e s where a c h a racte r sta n d s gives h i m a n
throwers. It is a level 5
advantage o r a d i s advantage. poison that paralyzes the
Prone target: In melee, a prone ta rget i s e a s i e r to victim for one minute.
h it (mod ified by one step in the attacke r's favo r) .
I n ra n ged com bat, a prone ta rget is h a rd e r to h it
(mod ified by o n e ste p i n t h e defender's favor) .
H igher G round: I n either ra n ged or m e l ee co m bat,
a n opponent o n h i gher gro u n d gets the adva ntage
(mod ified by one ste p in h i s favor) .
Surprise
When a ta rget i s n 't awa re of an i n com i n g attack,
the attacke r has a n advantage. A ran ged s n i pe r i n
a h id d e n positio n , a n i nv i s i b l e a s s a i l a nt, o r t h e fi rst
s a lvo in a s u ccessfu l a m b u s h a re a l l mod ified by two
 ste p s i n the attacke r' s favo r. Fo r t h e attacker to ga i n
t h i s advantage, h oweve r, t h e d efe n d e r truly m u st
h ave no idea t h at the attack is co m i ng.
I f t h e defe n d e r i s n 't s u re of the attacke r' s l ocation
but i s st i l l o n g u a rd , the attacke r's mod ifier i s o n l y
o n e ste p i n h i s favor.
Precise ranges are not Range
important in Numenera.
I n m e l ee, yo u can attack a foe who i s adj acent to yo u
The broadly defined
"immediate, " "short, " (n ext to you) or with i n reach ( i m m e d i ate ran ge) . I f
and "long" ranges are yo u enter i nto m e l ee with o n e o r more foes, u s u a l ly
there so that the GM can yo u can attack most or a l l of t h e co m bata nts,
quickly make a judgment mean i n g t h ey a re n ext to yo u , with i n reach, o r with i n
call and keep things reach if yo u m ove s l ightly o r h ave a l o n g weapon t h at
moving. Basically, the
exte n d s yo u r reach.
idea is: your target is right
there, your target is close, The majo rity of ra n ged attacks h ave o n ly two
or your target is pretty far ra nges: s h o rt ra n ge a n d l o n g ra n ge. S h o rt ra n ge i s
away. ge nerally l e s s t h a n 50 feet (1 5 m) o r s o . Long ra n ge
i s ge n e ra l ly fro m 50 feet (1 5 m) to about 1 00 feet
(30 m) . G reater p reci s i o n t h a n t h at i s n 't i m portant
in N u menera. I f a nyth i n g i s longer than long ra n ge,
the exact ra nge i s u s u a l ly s p e l led out, s u c h a s with a
n u m e n e ra item t h at can fi re a beam 5 00 feet (1 5 2 m)
o r te leport you u p to 1 mile (1 . 6 km) away.
Th u s , t h e game h a s th ree mea s u rements of
d i stance: i m m ed i ate, s h o rt, a n d long. These a p p l y
to movement as we l l ( s e e p a g e 1 00) . A few s peci a l
cases-point- b l a n k ra n ge a n d extre m e ra n ge
mod ify an attack' s c h a nce to s u ccessfu l ly h it.
In certain situations, Poi nt-Blank Range: I f a c h a racte r u ses a ra n ged
such as a PC on top of a weapon aga i n st a ta rget with i n i m med i ate ra n ge, the
building looking across
attacker gets a o n e-step mod ifier i n his favo r.
an open.field, the GM
should allow long-range Extreme Range: Ta rgets j u st at the l i m it of a
attacks to go farther than wea p o n ' s ra n ge a re at ext re m e range. Attacks
7 00feet (30 m). Often aga i n st such ta rgets a re mod ified by one step in t h e
much farther. In peifect defender's favo r.
conditions, a good archer
can hit a (large) target
with an arrow at 500feet Illumination
(7 52 m). What cha racte rs can see (a n d h ow we l l they can see)
p l ays a h u ge facto r in co m bat.
Dim Light: D i m l i ght is a p p roxi mately the a m o u nt
of l i ght on a n i ght with a bright fu l l moon or t h e
i l l u m i nation p rovided b y a torc h , glowglobe, o r
d e s k l a m p . D i m l i ght a l l ows yo u to s e e out to s h o rt
ra n ge. Ta rgets i n d i m l i ght a re h a rd e r to h it. Attacks
aga i n st such ta rgets a re mod ified by one step i n
t h e d efender's favor. Attackers tra i ned i n l ow- l ight
s pott i n g negate this mod ifier.
Very Dim Light: Very d i m l i ght is a p p roxi mately
the a m o u nt of l i ght o n a sta rry n i ght with n o v i s i b l e
m oo n , o r the glow p rovided b y a ca n d l e o r a n
i l l u m i n ated control p a n e l . Very d i m l i ght a l lows
yo u to see clea rly only with i n i m med i ate ra n ge a n d
perceive vague s h a pes t o s h o rt ra n ge. Ta rgets i n
very d i m l i ght a re h a rd e r t o h it. Attacks aga i n st
ta rgets wit h i n i m med i ate ra n ge a re mod ified by o n e
s t e p i n t h e defender's favo r, a n d attacks aga i n st
those i n s h o rt ra n ge a re mod ified by two ste p s i n
t h e d efender's favo r. Attackers tra i ned i n l ow- l ight
s pott i n g mod ify these d ifficu lties by o n e step i n t h e i r
favo r. Attackers special ized i n l ow- l ight s pott i n g
mod ify t h e s e d i fficulties b y two ste ps i n t h e i r favo r.
Darkness: Darkness i s an a rea with no i l l u m i nation
at all, such a s a moo n l e s s n i ght with cloud cover o r
a r o o m w i t h n o l i ghts. Ta rgets i n co m p l ete d a rkness
a re nearly i m po s s i b l e to h it. I f a n attacker can u s e
oth e r senses (such as heari n g) to get a n idea o f
where the o p ponent m i ght be, attacks aga i n st s u c h
ta rgets a re mod ified b y fo u r ste p s i n t h e d efender's
favo r. Ot h e rwi se, attacks i n co m p l ete d a rkness fail
without t h e need fo r a ro l l u n l e s s the p l aye r spends
1 X P to " m a ke a l ucky s h ot" o r t h e GM u ses G M
i n t ru s i o n . Attackers tra i ned i n l ow- l i ght s pott i n g
mod ify t h i s d ifficu lty b y o n e ste p i n t h e i r favor.
Attackers s peci a l ized i n l ow- l ight s pott i n g modify t h i s
d ifficu lty b y two ste p s i n t h e i r favor.
Visibility
S i m i l a r to i l l u m i n atio n , facto rs t h at obscu re v i s i o n
affect com bat.
M ist: A ta rget in m i st i s s i m i l a r to one in d i m l i ght.
Ranged attacks aga i n st such ta rgets a re mod ified
by one step in the d efender's favo r. Particu l a rly
d e n s e m i st m a kes ra n ged attacks nearly i m po s s i b l e
(treat a s d a rkness) , a n d eve n m e l ee attacks beco m e
d ifficult (mod ify by o n e s t e p i n the d efender's favo r) .
H iding Target: A ta rget i n d e n s e fo l i age, be h i n d
a scree n , o r crawl i n g a m i d t h e ru b b l e i n a ru i n i s
h a rd t o h it beca u s e h e ' s h a rd t o see. Ran ged attacks
aga i n st such ta rgets a re mod ified by one step in t h e
defender's favo r.
I nvisible Target: I f an attacker can u s e oth e r
sen ses (such a s heari n g) to get a n idea of where
the opponent m i ght be, attacks aga i n st such ta rgets
a re mod ified by fo u r ste p s in the defender's favo r.
Oth e rwise, attacks aga i n st an i nv i s i b l e creatu re fa i l
without t h e need fo r a ro l l u n l e s s t h e p l aye r s p e n d s
1 X P t o " m a ke a l ucky s h ot" o r t h e G M u ses G M
i nt ru s i o n .
Water
Bei n g i n s h a l l ow wate r can m a ke it h a rd to move,
but it doesn't affect co m bat. B e i n g in deep wate r can
m a ke t h i ngs d ifficult, and b e i n g u n d e rwate r e n t i rely
can seem as d i fferent a s b e i n g o n another worl d .
Deep Water: Bei n g i n wate r u p t o yo u r chest (or
the equ ivalent the reof) h i n d e rs yo u r a b i l ity to attack.
Attacks made in s uch co n d it i o n s a re mod ified by o n e
s t e p i n t h e defender's favo r. Aq u atic creatu res i g n o re
t h i s mod ifier.
U nderwater M elee Com bat: Fo r n o n a q u atic
creat u re s , be i n g co m p l etely u n d e rwate r m a ke s

attacki n g very d ifficult. M e lee attacks with s l a s h i n g
o r bas h i n g wea p o n s a re mod ified b y two ste p s i n t h e
defender's favo r. Attacks with sta b b i n g wea pons a re
mod ified by o n e step i n the d efender's favor. Aq u atic
creat u re s ignore the penalties fo r u n d e rwate r m e l ee
co m bat.
Underwater Ranged Combat: As with melee com bat,
nonaquatic creatures h ave d ifficu lty fighting underwater.
Some ranged attacks are i m possible underwater-
you ca n't th row t h i n gs, fire a bow or crossbow, or
use a blowgun. Attacks with wea pons that do work
underwater are mod ified by one step in the defender's
favor. Ran ges underwater are red uced by one category;
long-range weapons work only to short range, and
short-range weapons work o n ly to i m med iate ran ge.
Moving Targets
M ovi n g ta rgets a re h a rd e r to h it, a n d m ovi n g
attackers h ave a d ifficu lt t i m e a s we l l .
Target Is M oving: Attackers tryi n g t o h it a fo e who
i s mov i n g very fast a re p e n a l ized . (A foe mov i n g
very fa s t i s o n e who i s d o i n g noth i n g but ru n n i ng,
m o u nted o n a mov i n g creat u re, rid i n g o n a ve h i cle
o r m ovi n g conveya nce, a n d so o n . ) Attacks a re
mod ified by o n e step i n the defender's favor.
Attacker Is M oving: An attacker t ryi n g to m a ke a n
attack w h i l e m ov i n g u n d e r i t s own powe r (wa l ki n g,
LIME NE
RULE.S OF THE. GAME.
ru n n i n g, swi m m i n g , a n d so o n ) t a ke s no p e n a l t i e s .
An attacker m o u nted o n a movi n g creatu re o r
ve h i c l e h a s s o m e d ifficu lty; i t s attacks a re mod ified
by one step in the d efe n d e r ' s favo r. An attacker
t ra i ned in rid i n g i g n ores t h i s p e n a l ty.
Attacker I s j ostled : B e i n g j o s t l e d , s u c h a s
w h i l e sta n d i n g o n a l i st i n g s h i p o r a v i b rat i n g
p l atfo r m , m a ke s attacki n g d i ffi c u l t . S u ch attacks
a re mod ified by one step in the d efe n d e r ' s
favor. Co n ce iva b l y, t ra i n i n g co u l d o ffset t h i s
d i sadvantage. F o r exa m p l e , c h a racters t ra i n e d i n
s a i l i n g wo u l d i g n o re p e n a l t i e s fo r b e i n g o n a s h i p .
Gravity
I n t h e N i nt h Wo r l d , t h e n u m e n e ra can ca u s e gravity
to fl u ct u ate. I n a d d i t i o n , c h a racters w h o h ave
a l a rge a m o u n t of m eta l (weari n g metal a r m o r,
u s i n g metal wea p o n s , a n d so o n ) can be affected
by fl u ct u at i n g m a g n et i s m j u st as a c h a racte r i s
affected b y gravity.
Low G ravity: Wea p o n s t h at re ly o n we ight, such
a s all heavy wea p o n s , deal 2 fewe r poi nts of d a m age
(d ea l i n g a m i n i m u m of 1 point of d a m age) . Wea p o n s
w i t h s h o rt ra nge can reach to l o n g ra n ge, a n d l o n g
ra n ge wea pons can reach to about 200 feet (6 1 m)
i n stead of 1 00 feet (30 m) . Cha racters t ra i ned in l ow
gravity m a n e uveri n g i g n o re the d a m age penalty.
Esoteries, page 35
A CLOSER LOOK AT SITUATIONS
Focus, page 52
Cypher, page 278 THAT DON'T INVOLVE PCs
Artifact, page 298 U lt i m ately, t h e G M is t h e a rbiter of co n fl i cts
t h at d o n ot i nvolve t h e PCs. T h ey s h o u l d be
adj u d i cated in the most i nterest i n g , logica l ,
a n d sto ry- based way po s s i b l e . W h e n i n d o u bt,
m atch t h e l evel of t h e N PCs (ch a racters
o r creat u res) o r t h e i r res pective effects to
d eterm i n e the re s u lt s . T h u s , i f a l evel 4 N PC
fights a b l ood barm ( l evel 3 ) , h e ' l l win, but if
h e faces a j i ra s ka r ( l evel 7) , h e ' l l l o s e . Beca u s e
Flash, page 3 7
a n ith syn i s a l evel 4 creat u re , it re s i sts p o i s o n s
o r n u m e n e ra d evices of l evel 3 o r l e s s , but not
those of l evel 5 and a b ove.
The essence i s t h i s : i n N u m e n e ra, it doesn't
m atte r if somet h i n g i s a m o n ster, a poison, o r
a gravity-d i s pe l l i n g ray. I f it's a h i gher l eve l , it
w i n s ; if it's a l owe r leve l , it loses. I f two t h i ngs of
eq u a l l evel oppose each oth e r, t h e re m i ght be a
long, d rawn-out batt l e t h at co u l d go either way.
H igh G ravity: I t ' s h a rd to m a ke effective
attacks when t h e p u l l of g ravity i s very stro n g .
T h e d i fficu lty of attacks (a n d a l l p h y s i c a l act i o n s)
m a d e i n h i g h gravity i s i n creased by o n e ste p .
Ra n ge s i n h i g h g ravity a re red u ced by o n e
category ( l o n g- r a n ge we a p o n s re ach o n ly to s h o rt
ra n g e , a n d s h o rt-range we a p o n s reach o n ly to
i m m ed i ate ran ge) . C h a racters t ra i n e d in h i g h
g ravity m a n e uveri n g i g n o re t h e c h a n ge i n d i fficu l ty
b u t not t h e range d e c re a s e s .
Zero G ravity: I t ' s h a rd t o m a n euver i n a n
enviro n ment without gravity. The d i fficu lty o f attacks
(a n d a l l physical act i o n s) made in zero gravity i s
i ncreased b y o n e ste p . Wea p o n s with s h o rt ra n ge
can reach to l o n g range, a n d l o n g-range wea p o n s
can reach to about 2 0 0 feet (61 m) i n stead of 1 00
feet (30 m) . Cha racte rs tra i ned i n zero-gravity
m a n e uveri n g ignore the c h a n ge i n d ifficu lty.
Special Situation: Combat Between NPCs
When an N PC attacks a n other N PC, the G M
s h o u l d d e s i g n ate a p l aye r to ro l l fo r o n e of the
N PCs. Ofte n , t h e choice i s obvio u s . Fo r exa m ple, a
c h a racter who h a s a t ra i ned attack a n i m a l s h o u l d
ro l l w h e n h e r pet attacks e n e m i e s . I f a n N PC a l ly
acco m panyi n g the party leaps i nto the fray, t h at a l ly' s
favo rite PC ro l l s for h i m . N PCs can not a p p l y Effo rt.
Special Situation: Combat Between PCs
W h e n o n e PC attacks a n ot h e r PC, t h e attacki n g
c h a racte r m a ke s a n attack ro l l , a n d t h e ot h e r
c h a racte r m a ke s a defe n s e ro l l , ad d i n g a n y
a p p ro p r i ate mod ifiers. I f t h e attacki n g PC h a s
a s ki l l , a b i l ity, a s set, o r ot h e r effect t h at wo u l d
d ecrease t h e attack' s d ifficu lty if it we re m a d e
aga i n st a n N PC, t h e c h a racter ad d s 3 to t h e ro l l
fo r each step red u ct i o n (+3 fo r o n e ste p , + 6 fo r
two ste p s , a n d s o o n ) . I f t h e attacke r' s fi n a l re s u lt
i s h i g h e r, t h e attack h it s . I f t h e defe n d e r ' s re s u lt
i s h i g h e r, t h e attack m i s s e s . D a m age i s re solved
n o r m a l ly. T h e G M med i ates a l l s p e c i a l effect s .
Special Situation: Area Attacks
Someti m e s , an attack or effect affects an a rea rat h e r
t h a n a s i n g l e ta rget. Fo r exa m p l e , a n a n o ' s F l a s h
esotery o r a l a n d s l i d e can potentially h a rm o r affect
eve ryon e i n t h e area.
In a n a rea attack, all PCs in the a rea m a ke
a p p ropriate defe n se ro l l s aga i n st the attack to
d eterm i n e its effect on t h e m .
I f t h e re a re any N P C s i n t h e a rea, the attacke r
m a kes a s i n g l e attack ro l l aga i n st a l l N PCs (o n e ro l l ,
n ot o n e ro l l p e r N PC) a n d co m pa res i t t o t h e ta rget
n u m be r of each N PC. If the ro l l is eq u a l to or greater
t h a n the ta rget n u m be r of a p a rticu l a r N PC, the
attack h its t h at N PC.
Some a rea attacks always deal at least a m i n i m u m
a m o u nt o f d a m age, eve n i f t h e attacks m i s s o r if a PC
m a kes a s u ccessfu l d efe n s e ro l l .
For exa m ple, consider a nano who uses Flash to
attack six cultists (level 2; target n u m ber of 6) and their
leader (level 4; ta rget n u m ber of 1 2) . The nano appl ies
Effort to i ncrease the damage and rol l s an 1 1 for the
Flash attack rol l . This h its the six cu ltists, but not the
leader, so the Flash deals 4 poi nts of damage to each
of the cultists. H owever, the descri ption of the Flash
esotery says that applyi n g Effort to i ncrease the damage
also means that targets take 1 point of damage if the
nano fails the attack rol l , so the leader takes 1 point
of dam age. In terms of what happens i n the story, the
cultists are caught fl at-footed by the nano's b u rst of
energy, but the leader d ucks and s h ields herself from
the bl ast. H owever, the blast is so i ntense that despite
the cult leader' s best attem pt, she is sti l l b u rned.
Special Situation: Attacking Objects
Attacki n g an object is rarely a m atte r of h itti n g it.
S u re, yo u can h it the b road side of a barn, but can
yo u d a mage it? Attack i n g i n a n i m ate o bj ects with a
m e l ee weapon i s a M i ght act i o n . O bjects h ave l eve l s
a n d t h u s ta rget n u m bers. An object ' s ta rget n u m be r
a l so serves a s i t s health to d eterm i n e whet h e r it i s
d e stroyed . You track t h e object ' s health j u st as yo u
wo u l d with an N PC.
H a rd o bj ects , l i ke those made of stone, h ave 1
Armor. Very h a rd o bjects, l i ke those made of meta l ,
h ave 2 Arm o r. Ext remely h a rd o bjects, l i ke those
made of d i a m o n d o r a n advanced metal a l l oy, h ave 3
Armor. Armor s u btracts from eve ry attack' s d a m age.
 LIME NE
RULE.S OF THE. GAME.

ACTION: ACTIVATE A SPECIAL ABILITY

S peci a l a b i l it i e s a re t h i n gs l i ke e s oteries , a b i l it i e s
granted t h ro u g h a c h a racte r' s focu s , o r powers
granted by cyp h e rs o r a rt i facts . If a s p e c i a l a b i l ity
affects a n o t h e r c h a racter in any k i n d of u nwanted
m a n n e r, it' s h a n d led a s a n attack. T h i s i s true eve n
if t h e a b i l ity i s n o r m a l l y not co n s i d e red an attack.
Fo r exa m p l e , if a c h a racte r has a h e a l i n g to u c h ,
b u t h e r fri e n d does n 't wa nt to be h e a l e d fo r s o m e
rea s o n , a n atte m pt to h e a l h e r u nwi l l i n g fri e n d i s
h a n d led a s a n attack.
H owever, p l e nty of s peci a l a b i l ities a n d esote ries
d o n ot affect a n other c h a racte r in a n u nwanted
m a n n e r. Fo r exa m p l e , a n a n o m i ght use H ove r
to float i nto the a i r. A c h a racte r with a m atte r
reorga n i z i n g d evice m i ght c h a n ge a sto n e wa l l i nto
g l a s s . A c h a racte r who exi sts Part i a l ly Out of Phase
m i ght wa l k t h ro u g h a wa l l . N o n e of these req u i res
a n attack ro l l (a lthough when t u rn i n g a sto n e wa l l
t o g l a s s , t h e c h a racte r m u st st i l l m a ke a ro l l to
s u ccessfu l ly affect the wa l l ) .
I f t h e c h a racte r s p e n d s poi nts t o a p p l y Effort o n
h e r atte m pt, s h e m i ght want t o ro l l a nyway t o see i f
s h e gets a major effect, which wo u l d red uce t h e cost
fo r her act i o n .

ACTION: MOVE
As a p a rt of another act i o n , a c h a racte r can adj u st
h i s position-ste p p i n g back a few feet wh i l e
perform i n g a n esote ry, s l i d i n g ove r i n co m b at t o take
on a d i fferent opponent to h e l p h i s friend, p u s h i n g
t h rough a d o o r h e j u st opened , a n d so o n . Th i s i s
ca l l ed a n i m med i ate d i stance, a n d a c h a racte r can
m ove t h i s fa r a s a p a rt of a n ot h e r act i o n .
I n a co m bat situat i o n , if a c h a racte r i s i n a l a rge
m e l ee, h e ' s u s u a l ly co n s i d e red to be n ext to most
oth e r co m bata nts, u n l e s s the G M rules t h at h e ' s
fa rt h e r away beca u s e the m e l ee i s e s pec i a l ly l a rge o r
the s ituation d ictates i t .
l f h e ' s n ot i n melee but sti l l nea rby, h e i s
co n s id e red t o be a s h o rt d i stance away-u s u a l ly less
t h a n 50 feet (1 5 m) .
If h e ' s fa rt h e r away t h a n t h at but sti l l i nvolved i n
t h e co m b at, h e i s co n s id e red t o be a l o n g d i stance
away, u s u a l ly 50 to 1 00 feet (1 5 to 30 m) .
Beyo n d t h at d i stance , o n ly s pecial c i rc u m stances,
act i o n s , o r a b i l ities wi l l a l l ow a c h a racte r to be
i nvolved in a n e n cou nter.
I n a ro u n d , as an act i o n , a c h a racte r can m a ke a
s h o rt move. I n t h i s case, he i s d o i n g noth i n g but
m ovi n g u p to about 50 feet (1 5 m) . Some terra i n
o r s it u atio n s wi l l c h a n ge the d i stance a c h a racte r
can move, but general ly, m a k i n g a s h o rt m ove i s
co n s id e red t o be a d ifficu lty 0 act i o n . N o ro l l i s
needed; h e j u st gets where h e ' s go i n g a s h i s act i o n .
A c h a racte r can try to m a ke a l o n g move-up to

"There is every reason
to believe that current
humans are not at all the
product ofpurely natural
evolution. "
-Visixtru, varjellan
philosopher
100 feet (30 m) or so-i n o n e ro u n d . T h i s is a S peed
task with a d ifficu lty of 4. As with any act i o n , h e can
use s k i l l s , a s sets, o r Effort to d ecrease the d i fficulty.
Te rra i n , o b stacles, o r oth e r c i rcu m stances can
i ncrease t h e d ifficu lty.
A s uccessfu l ro l l mea n s the c h a racte r m oved the
d i stance safely. Fa i l u re mea n s t h at at some point
d u ri n g t h e move, h e sto p s o r stu m b l e s (t h e G M
d eterm i n e s where t h i s h a p pe n s) .
Long-term Movement
When ta l k i n g about move ment in term s of trave l i n g
rat h e r t h a n rou n d - by- ro u n d act i o n , typ ical c h a racte rs
can trave l o n a road about 20 m i les (32 km) per d ay,
ave ragi n g about 3 m i le s (4 .8 km) per h o u r, i n c l u d i n g
a few sto p s . W h e n trave l i n g ove r l a n d , t h ey c a n move
about 1 2 m i l e s (19 km) per d ay, avera g i n g 2 m i l es
(3 . 2 km) per h o u r, aga i n with some sto p s . M o u nted
Aneen, page 23 7 c h a racters-s uch a s o n those rid i n g a n aneen o r a
Snow loper, page 259 s now loper can go twice as fa r. Ot h e r modes of travel
(fly i n g craft, s a i l i n g s h i p s , and so on) h ave t h e i r own
rates of m ovement.
1 00
Movement Modifiers
D i fferent envi ro n ments affect m ovement in d i fferent
ways .
Rough Terrai n : A s u rface that's co n s i d e red ro u g h
terra i n i s cove red i n l o o s e sto nes o r oth e r m ateri a l ,
u neve n o r w i t h u n s u re foot i n g , u n steady, o r a s u rface
t h at req u i res m ovement acro s s a n a rrow s pace, such
a s a cra m ped corri d o r o r a s l e n d e r ledge. Sta i rs a re
a l so co n s id e red ro ugh terra i n . Ro u g h terra i n does
n ot s l ow normal m ovement o n a ro u n d - by-ro u n d
b a s i s , but it i n creases the d ifficu lty o f a move ro l l by
o n e ste p. Rough terra i n cuts l o n g-term movement
rates i n half.
Difficult Terrain: Difficult terra i n i s an a rea fi l led with
c h a l l e n g i n g o bstacles-water up to wa i st hei ght, a
very steep s l o pe, an es peci a l ly n a rrow ledge, s l i p pery
ice, a foot or more of s now, a s pace so s m a l l that one
m u st crawl t h rough it, and so o n . D ifficult terra i n i s
j u st l i ke rough terra i n , b u t i t also h a lves move ment o n
a ro u n d - by- ro u n d basis. T h i s means that a short move
is about 25 feet (7.6 m) , and a long move is about
50 feet (1 5 m) . D ifficult terra i n red uces long-term
movement to a t h i rd of its normal rate.
Water: Deep water, in which a character i s mostly
or entirely s u bmerged , i s j u st l i ke rough terra i n except
that it also quarters movement. This means that a
short move is about 1 2 feet (3 . 7 m) , and a long move i s
about 25 feet ( 7 . 6 m) . Characters trai ned i n swi m m i n g
o n ly h alve t h e i r movement while i n d e e p water.
Low G ravity: M ove ment i n l ow gravity i s e a s i e r but
n ot m u c h faster. The d ifficu lty fo r all m ove ro l l s is
decreased by one ste p .
H igh G ravity: I n a n envi ron ment o f h i gh gravity,
treat a l l mov i n g characte rs as if they we re i n d ifficult
terra i n . Characte rs tra i n ed i n h igh-gravity maneuveri n g
negate t h i s pena lty. H i gh gravity red uces lon g-te rm
movement to a t h i rd of its normal rate.
Zero G ravity: I n an envi ro n ment without gravity,
cha racters ca n n ot m ove normal ly. I n stea d , t h ey m u st
p u s h off fro m a s u rface a n d s u cceed at a M i ght
ro l l to move (th e d ifficu lty i s equal to one-q u a rter
the d i stance trave led i n feet) . Without a s u rface to
p u s h off fro m , a c h a racte r can not m ove. U n l e s s t h e
c h a racte r' s m ovement t a k e s h i m to a sta b l e object
t h at he can grab or l a n d aga i n st, he co nti n ues to
d rift i n t h at d i rection each ro u n d , t rave l i n g h a l f the
d i stance of t h e i n it i a l p u s h .
Special Situation : A Chase
When a PC is chas i n g an N PC or vice versa, the
p l ayer should atte m pt a S peed act i o n , with t h e
d ifficu lty b a s e d o n t h e N PC' s l eve l . I f h e s u ccee d s a t
the ro l l , h e catches t h e N P C , o r h e gets away if h e i s
t h e o n e b e i n g chased. I n terms o f t h e sto ry, t h i s one
ro l l mech a n i c can be t h e res u lt of a l o n g chase ove r
many ro u n d s .

COOPERATIVE ACTIONS
T h e re a re m a n y ways m u lt i p l e c h a racters can
work toget h e r. None of t h e s e o pt i o n s , h oweve r,
can be u sed at t h e s a m e t i m e by t h e s a m e
c h a racte rs.
Helpi ng: I f a c h a racte r atte m pts a ta s k a n d
gets h e l p fro m a n o t h e r c h a racter w h o i s t ra i ned
o r s peci a l ized in t h at task, t h e act i n g c h a racter
gets t h e b e n efit of t h e h e l p i n g c h a racter. The
h e l p i n g c h a racter u s e s his act i o n to p rov i d e
t h i s h e l p . I f t h e h e l pe r d oe s n ot h ave t ra i n i n g
o r s peci a l izat i o n i n t h at task, o r i f t h e act i n g
c h a racte r a l ready i s a s t ra i ned o r s p e c i a l ized a s
t h e h e l pe r, t h e act i n g c h a racter i n stead gets a
+ 1 bo n u s to t h e ro l l . Fo r exa m p l e , if Vete r i a n t h e
g l a ive i s t ryi n g to cl i m b a steep i n c l i n e b u t h a s
n o s ki l l a t cl i m b i n g , a n d j et h u a t h e j a c k (wh o
i s t ra i ned i n cl i m b i n g) s p e n d s h e r t u rn h e l p i n g
h i m , Vete r i a n c a n d ecrease t h e d ifficu lty o f t h e
t a s k b y o n e ste p . l f Vete r i a n were a l s o t ra i ned i n
cl i m b i n g, o r i f n e i t h e r c h a racter were, h e wo u l d
g a i n a + 1 bon u s t o t h e ro l l i n stead . A c h a racter
with an i n a b i l ity in a task ca n n ot h e l p a n o t h e r
c h a racte r with t h at t a s k-t h e c h a racter with t h e
i n a b i l ity p rov i d e s n o b e n efit i n t h at s it u at i o n .
Com plementary Actions: I f a c h a racte r
atte m pts an act i o n , a n d a seco n d c h a racter
s k i l led in t h at type of act i o n atte m pts a
co m p l e m e ntary act i o n , both act i o n s ga i n a
+2 bo n u s to t h e ro l l . Fo r exa m p l e , if Vete r i a n
t h e g l a ive tries to convi n ce a n o b l e to s p o n s o r
h i s m i s s i o n , a n d j et h u a t h e jack i s t ra i ned i n
pers u a s i o n , s h e can u s e a co m p l e m e n t a ry-b u t
d i fferent-act i o n i n t h e s it u a t i o n to ga i n t h e + 2
bo n u s . S h e m i ght t ry to s u p p l e m e n t Vete ri a n ' s
wo rd s with a fl atte ri n g l i e about t h e n o b l e (a
deception act i o n ) , a d i s p l ay of knowled ge about
t h e reg i o n w h e re t h e m i s s i o n wi l l take p l ace (a
l o re act i o n ) , o r a d i rect t h reat to t h e noble (an
i n t i m i d at i o n act i o n ) .
Co m p l e m e nt a ry act i o n s work i n co m b at a s
we l l . l f Vete r i a n attacks a n Oorgo l i a n s o l d i e r with
a t h rust attack fighti n g m ove a n d J et h u a a l s o
h a s t h e a b i l ity to m a ke t h rust attacks, t h a n ks to
h e r trick of t h e trade s h e can attack t h e s a m e
a u t o m aton w i t h a d iffe rent k i n d of attack, l i ke a
b a s h , a n d both act i o n s ga i n t h e +2 bo n u s .
T h e p l ayers i nvolved s h o u l d work out
co m p l e m e ntary act i o n s toget h e r a n d describe
t h e m to t h e G M .
LI M E NE
RULES OF THE GAME
Distractio n : W h e n a c h a racte r u se s h i s tu rn to
d i st ract a foe, the d ifficu lty of t h at fo e ' s attacks
i s mod ified by one step to its d etri m e n t fo r o n e
ro u n d . M u lt i p l e c h a racters d i stract i n g a foe h a s
n o g reate r effect t h a n a s i n g l e c h a racte r d o i n g
so-a foe i s e i t h e r d i st racted o r n ot.
Draw the Attack: W h e n a n N PC attacks a
c h a racter, a n o t h e r PC can p ro m i nently present
h e rs e l f, s h o ut taunts, a n d m ove to t ry to get the
foe to attack h e r i n stead .
I n most cases, t h i s action s u cceed s without
a rol l-the o p ponent attacks t h e p ro m i nent
PC i n stead of h e r com p a n i o n s . In oth e r cases,
such a s with i nte l l i gent o r d eterm i n ed foes, t h e
p ro m i nent c h a racte r m u st s u cceed at a n I nte l l ect
action to d raw t h e attack. I f t h at I nte l l ect action
i s s u cce s sfu l , the d ifficu lty of the p ro m i nent
c h a racte r' s d efe n s e tasks i s mod ified by o n e step
to her d etri ment.
Two c h a racte rs atte m pti n g to d raw a n attack at
the s a m e t i m e cancel each oth e r out.
Inability, 47
Take the Attack: A c h a racte r can u s e her
act i o n to t h row h e rself in fro nt of a n attack to
s ave a n e a rby co m ra d e . The attack automatica l ly
s u cceed s a ga i n st h e r, a n d it d e a l s 1 a d d i t i o n a l
p o i n t of d a m age. A c h a racter ca n n ot wi l l i n g l y t a ke
m o re t h a n o n e attack each ro u n d i n t h i s way.
The Old One-Two-Th ree: I f t h ree or m o re
c h a racters attack t h e s a m e foe, each c h a racte r
ga i n s a + 1 bon u s to h i s attack.
H igh and Low: If one c h a ract e r m a ke s a
m e l e e attack a ga i n st a foe a n d a n o t h e r c h a ract e r
m a ke s a ran ged attack a ga i n st t h at s a m e fo e ,
t h ey c a n coo rd i n ate t h e i r act i o n s . As a re s u lt ,
i f both attacks d a m a ge t h e fo e , t h e d i fficu lty o f
t h e fo e ' s n ext t a s k i s m o d ified by o n e step to its
d etri m e n t .
Coveri ng Fire: A c h a racter u s i n g a ra n ged Oorgolian soldier, page 250
attack o r a b i l ity ( i n cl u d i n g esote ries) can a i m
n e a r a foe b u t n a rrowly m i s s o n p u rpose, m a k i n g
a n attack t h at i nfl i cts n o d a m age but h a ra s s e s Tricks of the trade, page 42
a n d fri ghte n s t h e foe. I f t h e attack i s s u ccessfu l ,
i t d e a l s n o d a m age, b u t t h e d ifficu lty o f t h e Bash, page 29
fo e ' s n ext attack i s mod ified b y o n e s t e p to i t s
d etri ment.
101
 Players are encouraged Alte r n ative ly, if t h e G M wants to p l ay o u t a l o n g
to come up with their c h a s e , t h e c h a racte r c a n m a ke m a n y ro l l s (perh a p s
own ideas for what their o n e p e r level of t h e N P C ) to fi n i s h t h e p u rs u it
characters do rather s u ccessfu l ly. Fo r eve ry fa i l u re , t h e PC m u st m a ke
than looking at a list of
a n ot h e r s u cces s , a n d if h e eve r h a s m o re fa i l u re s
possible actions. That's
why there is a "Do t h a n s u cce s s e s , h e d o e s n ' t catch t h e N PC, o r h e
Something Else" action. d o e s n ' t g e t away i f h e i s t h e o n e b e i n g c h a sed .
PCs are not pieces on a For exa m p l e , if t h e PC i s b e i n g c h a s ed t h ro u g h a
game board-they are c rowd ed m a rket p l ace by a l evel 3 e n e my, h e m u st
people in a story. And like s u cceed at t h ree c h a s e ro l l s . I f h e s u ccee d s at o n e
real people, they can try
b u t fa i l s t h e seco n d , h e m u st s u cceed a t t h e t h i rd
anything they can think
of (Succeeding is another o n e , o r he w i l l h ave m o re fa i l u re s t h a n s u cce s s e s ,
matter entirely.) The task a n d t h e fo e w i l l catch h i m . As with com bat, t h e
difficulty system provides G M i s e n co u raged to d e s c r i b e t h e re s u lt s of t h e s e
GMs with the tools ro l l s w i t h fl avor. A s u cce s s m i g h t m e a n t h e P C h a s
they need to adjudicate
ro u n d ed a co r n e r a n d ga i n ed s o m e d i st a n c e . A
anything the players
come up with. fa i l u re m i g h t m e a n t h at a b a s ket of fru it to p p l e s
over i n fro nt of h i m , s l owi n g h i m d o w n .
Countermeasures, page 3 7
ACTION: WAIT
Yo u can wait to react to another c h a racte r' s act i o n .
Yo u d e c i d e what action wi l l trigger yo u r act i o n , a n d
if t h e tri ggeri n g action h a p p e n s , y o u get t o take
yo u r action fi rst ( u n l e s s go i n g fi rst wo u l d n 't m a ke
any sense, l i ke attacki n g a foe before he co mes i nto
view) . Fo r exa m p le , if a n a b h u m a n th reate n s yo u
with a s pear, on yo u r t u rn you can decide to wait,
stat i n g, " I f h e sta b s at me with t h at spear, I ' m go i n g
t o s l a s h h i m with my swo rd . " O n t h e a b h u m a n ' s
Waiting i s also a useful t u r n , h e sta b s , so yo u m a ke yo u r sword attack before
tool for cooperative
t h at h a p p e n s .
actions (page 7 01 ) .
Wa iti n g i s also a good way t o d e a l with a ra n ged
attacker who rises from beh i n d cover, fires a n attack,
and d ucks back down. You cou l d say, "I wait to see
h i m pop up from beh i n d cover and then I s h oot h i m . "
In Numenera, players ACTION: DEFEND
are not rewarded for Defend i n g i s a s pecial action that o n ly PCs can do, and
slayingfoes in com bat, o n ly i n res ponse to being attacked . In other word s,
so using a smart idea to
an N PC uses its action to attack, which forces a PC to
avoid combat and still
succeed is just good play. make a defense rol l . This i s hand led l i ke any other kind
Likewise, coming up of action, with circumstances, s ki l l , assets, and Effort all
with an idea to defeat a potential ly com i n g i nto play. Defe n d i n g i s a s pecial kind
foe without hammering of action i n that it does not happen on the PC's turn.
on it with weapons is It's never an action that a player decides to make; it's
encouraged-creativity is
always a reaction to an attack. A PC can make a defense
not cheating!
action when attacked (on the attacki ng N PC's turn) and
sti l l ta ke another action on his own turn.
The type of defe n s e ro l l d e p e n d s o n t h e type of
Difficult terrain, page 7 00 attack. I f a foe attacks a c h a racte r with a n axe, s h e
c a n u s e S peed t o d u ck o r b l o c k it w i t h what s h e ' s
h o l d i ng. I f s h e ' s struck b y a poisoned d a rt, s h e c a n
u s e a M i ght action t o re s i st i t s effects . I f a p s i -worm
atte m pts to control her m i n d , she can use I nte l l ect
to fe n d off t h e i ntru s i o n .
Somet i m e s a n attack p rovo kes two defe n s e
1 02
act i o n s . Fo r exa m p l e, a p o i s o n o u s re pt i l e tries to bite
a PC. She tries to dodge t h e bite with a S peed act i o n .
I f s h e fa i l s , s h e takes d a mage fro m t h e b i t e , a n d
s h e m u st a l so atte m pt a M i ght action to res i st the
poison's effects.
I f a c h a racte r does not know a n attack i s co m i ng,
u s u a l ly s h e can sti l l m a ke a defe n s e ro l l , but she
ca n ' t add mod ifiers ( i n cl u d i n g t h e mod ifier fro m
a s h ield) , a n d s h e can't u s e any s ki l l or Effort
to decrease t h e ro l l ' s d ifficu lty. I f ci rcu m stances
wa rra nt-s uch a s if the attacker i s right n ext to the
cha racter-the GM m i ght rule t h at the s u rprise
attack s i m ply h its h e r.
A characte r can a lways choose to forgo a defe n se
action, i n which case the attack automatica l ly h its her.
Some a b i l ities (such as t h e n a n o ' s
Co u ntermea s u res esotery) a l l ow yo u to d o
someth i n g s peci a l a s a defe n s e act i o n .
ACTION: DO SOMETHING ELSE
Yo u can t ry a nyth i n g you can th i n k of, although t h at
doesn't mean a nyth i n g i s pos s i b l e. The G M sets the
d ifficu lty-that's h e r p r i m a ry ro l e i n the game. Sti l l ,
gu ided b y t h e bo u n d s o f logic, p l aye rs a n d G M s wi l l
fi n d a l l m a n n e r o f act i o n s a n d opti o n s t h at a re n ' t
covered b y a rule. That's a good t h i ng.
P l aye rs s h o u l d n ot fee l co n st ra i n e d by t h e game
mech a n i c s when t a k i n g act i o n s . S ki l l s a re n ot
req u i red to atte m pt a n act i o n . S o m e o n e w h o ' s
n e v e r p i c ked a l o c k c a n sti l l t ry. T h e G M m i g h t
a s s i g n a n e gative step m o d ifier to t h e d i ffi c u l ty, b u t
t h e c h a racte r c a n sti l l atte m pt t h e act i o n .
T h u s , p l ayers a n d G M s c a n return t o t h e begi n n i n g
o f t h i s chapter and look a t t h e most basic exp ression
of the ru les. A p l aye r wants to take a n action. The G M
decides, o n a scale of 1 to 10, h ow d ifficult that task
wo u l d be a n d what stat it uses. The p l aye r d eterm i n e s
whether he has a nyth i n g that m i ght m o d i fy the
d ifficu lty and con s iders whether he wants to a p p ly
Effort. Once the final d eterm i n ation is made, he rol l s
t o see if h i s cha racter succeed s . I t ' s as easy as that.
As fu rth e r g u i d a nce, the fo l l owi n g a re some of the
more co m m o n act i o n s a p l ayer m i ght take.
Climbing
W h e n a c h a racter c l i m b s , t h e G M sets a d ifficu lty
based o n the s u rface be i n g cl i m be d . If the c h a racter
s u cceed s at t h e rol l , she u s e s t h e move m e nt r u l e s
a s t h o u g h s h e we re m ov i n g n o r m a l ly, a l t h o u g h
cl i m b i n g i s l i ke movi n g t h ro u g h d ifficult terra i n : i t
ra i se s t h e d ifficu lty of a m ove ro l l by o n e s t e p a n d
h a lves move m e n t . U n u s u a l c i rc u m stances, s u c h
a s cl i m b i n g w h i l e u n d e r fi re ( o r w h i l e on fi re!) pose
a d d i t i o n a l step p e n a l t i e s . B e i n g s k i l led in cl i m b i n g
red uces t h e d ifficu lty o f t h i s task.
 LI M E NE
RULES OF THE GAME

Difficu lty Surface

2 S u rface with l ots of h a n d h o l d s
3 Sto n e wa l l o r s i m i l a r s u rface (a few
hand holds)
4 Cru m b l i n g o r s l i pP-e ry s u rface
5 S m ooth sto n e wa l l o r s i m i l a r s u rface
6 M etal wa l l o r s i m i l a r s u rface
8 S moot h , h o rizontal s u rface (cl i m be r i s
u p s id e-down)
10 G l a s s wa l l o r s i m i l a r s u rface

Guarding
I n a co m bat situat i o n , a c h a racte r can sta nd g u a rd
as h e r act i o n . S h e does not m a ke attacks, but s h e
decreases the d ifficu lty o f a l l h e r d efe n s e tasks by
one ste p. Fu rt h e r, if an N PC tries to get by h e r or
take an action t h at s h e is g u a rd i n g aga i n st, s h e
c a n atte m pt a S peed action (based o n the l evel
of the N PC) with the d ifficu lty d ecreased by one
ste p . S u cce s s m e a n s t h at the N PC i s p reve nted
fro m taki n g the act i o n ; the N PC' s action t h at t u rn
i s wasted . T h i s is u s efu l for b l ocki n g a doo rway,
g u a rd i n g a fr i e n d , a n d so fo rt h .
If an N PC is standing guard , u s e t h e same proced u re,
but to get past the guard , the PC attem pts a S peed
action with the d ifficu lty increased by one step. For
exam ple, Latora is an N PC human with a level 3
bodyguard . The bodyguard u ses h i s action to guard
Latora. If a PC wants to attack Latora, she first m u st
succeed at a d ifficu lty 4 S peed task to get past the guard .
If she succeed s, she c a n make her attack normal ly.

Healing
Yo u can ad m i n i ster a i d t h ro u g h b a n d a g i n g a n d oth e r
s u ccor, atte m pti n g to heal e a c h patient o n ce per d ay.
Th i s heal i n g restores poi nts to a stat Pool of yo u r
choice. Decide h ow many poi nts yo u want t o h e a l ,
a n d then m a ke a n I nte l l ect action w i t h a d i fficu lty
eq u a l to t h at n u m ber. Fo r exa m p l e, if you want to
heal someone fo r 3 points, that's a d ifficu lty 3 task
with a ta rget n u m be r of 9. B e i n g s k i l led i n heal i n g
red uces t h e d ifficu lty o f t h i s task.
jumping
Decide h ow far yo u want to j u m p , a n d t h at sets t h e
d i fficu lty of yo u r M i ght ro l l . Fo r a sta n d i n g j u m p ,
s u btract 4 from t h e d i stance ( i n feet, o r . 3 m) to
d eterm i n e the d ifficu lty of the j u m p . Fo r exa m p l e,
j u m p i n g 1 0 feet (3 m) h a s a d i fficu lty of 6 .
I f y o u ru n a n i m me d i ate d i stance before j u m p i ng,
it counts as a n a s set, red uci n g the d ifficu lty of t h e
j u m p b y one ste p .
I f y o u ru n a s h o rt d i stance before j u m p i n g, d ivide
the j u m p d i stance ( i n feet) by 2 a n d t h e n s u btract
4 to d eterm i n e t h e d ifficu lty of the j u m p. Beca u s e
yo u ' re ru n n i n g a n i m m ed i ate d i stance (a n d t h e n
some) , yo u a l s o co u n t yo u r ru n n i n g as an a s set. Fo r There's nothing wrong with
exa m ple, j u m p i n g a d i stance of 20 feet (6 m) with the GM simply assigning
a s h o rt ru n n i n g start has a d ifficu lty of 5 (20 feet a difficulty level to a jump
without worrying about the
d ivided by 2 is 1 0, m i n u s 4 is 6, m i n u s 1 for ru n n i n g
precise distance. The rules
a n i m m ed i ate d i stance) . here are just so everyone
Bei n g s k i l led i n j u m p i n g red uces the d ifficu lty of has some guidelines.
t h i s task.
Fo r a vertical j u m p , the d i stance yo u clear ( i n feet)
is eq u a l to the d ifficu lty of t h e j u m p i n g task. If yo u
ru n an i m me d i ate d i stance, it co u nts as an as set,
red u c i n g the d ifficu lty of the j u m p by one ste p .
Alternatively, yo u can i g n o re the m ath a n d u s e t h e
j u m p D i stance table o n t h e fo l l owi n g page.
Understanding, Identifying, or
Remembering
When cha racte rs try to i d e ntify o r figure out h ow to
use a d evice, the level of the d evice d eterm i n e s the
d i fficu lty of t h e I nte l l ect ro l l . Fo r a bit of knowledge,

1 03
 JUMP DISTANCE

Type of j u m p
Difficu lty Standing I m mediate Run 1 Short Run 1 Vertical 1

0 4 ft. (1 . 2 m) 5 ft. (1 . 5 m) 1 0 ft. (3 m) 0 ft.

5 ft. (1 . 5 m) 6 ft. (1 . 8 m) 1 2 ft. (3 . 7 m) 1 ft. (.3 m)
2 6 ft. (1 . 8 m) 7 ft. (2 . 1 m) 1 4 ft. (4. 3 m) 2 ft. (.6 m)
3 7 ft. (2 . 1 m) 8 ft. (2 .4 m) 1 6 ft. (4. 9 m) 3 ft. (.9 m)
4 8 ft. (2 .4 m) 9 ft. (2 . 7 m) 1 8 ft. (5 . 5 m) 4 ft. (1 . 2 m)
5 9 ft. (2 . 7 m) 1 0 ft. (3 m) 20 ft. (6. 1 m) 5 ft. (1 . 5 m)
6 1 0 ft. (3 m) 1 1 ft. (3.4 m) 22 ft. (6. 7 m) 6 ft. (1 . 8 m)
7 1 1 ft. (3.4 m) 1 2 ft. (3 . 7 m) 24 ft. ( 7 . 3 m) 7 ft. (2 . 1 m)
8 1 2 ft. (3 . 7 m) 1 3 ft. (4 m) 2 6 ft. 7 . 9 m) 8 ft. (2 .4 m)
9 1 3 ft. (4 m) 14 ft. (4. 3 m) 28 ft. (8. 5 m) 9 ft. (2 . 7 m)
10 1 4 ft. (4. 3 m) l 5 ft. (4. 6 m) 3 0 ft. (9. l m) 10 ft. (3 m)

1 I f y o u a re s k i l l e d i n j u m p i n g , move o n e row down to d eterm i n e you r d i sta n ce. I f y o u a re special ized i n j u m p i n g , move two rows d own to d eterm i n e yo u r d i stance.

the G M d eterm i n e s the d ifficu lty. B e i n g s k i l led i n Moving a Heavy Object

t h e a p p ropriate a rea (th e n u menera, N i nth Wo rld Yo u can p u s h or p u l l so meth i n g ve ry heavy a n d m ove
h i story, geo logy, local knowledge, a n d so on) red uces it an i m me d i ate d i stance as yo u r act i o n .
the d ifficu lty of t h i s task. T h e we i g h t of t h e obj ect d eterm i n e s t h e
d i fficu l ty of t h e M i g h t ro l l to m ove it; eve ry fifty
Difficu lty Knowledge po u n d s i n c re a s e s t h e d i fficu lty by o n e ste p . S o
0 Co m m on knowled ge m ov i n g s o m et h i n g t h at we i g h s 1 S O po u n d s i s
l S i m p l e knowledge d i fficu l ty 3 , a n d movi n g s o m et h i n g t h at we i g h s
3 Someth i n g a scholar p robably knows 400 po u n d s i s d i fficu l ty 8 . I f y o u ca n red u ce t h e
5 Someth i n g eve n a s c h o l a r m i ght n ot d i fficu l ty of t h e t a s k to 0, y o u ca n m ove a h eavy
know obj ect up to a s h o rt d i st a n ce as yo u r act i o n . B e i n g
7 Knowledge very few peo p l e possess s k i l l e d i n carryi n g o r p u s h i n g red uces t h e d i fficu lty
10 Co m p l etely lost knowledge of t h i s t a s k.

Looking or Listening Operating or Disabling a Device,

G e n eral ly, t h e G M wi l l d escri be any s i ght or s o u n d
t h a t ' s n ot p u rposefu l ly d i fficult t o d etect. But i f
yo u w a n t t o look fo r a h id d e n e n e my, search fo r a
secret p a n e l , or l i sten for someone s n e a k i n g u p o n
yo u , m a ke a n I nte l l ect ro l l . I f it's a creatu re, i t s l eve l
d eterm i n e s the d i fficu lty of yo u r ro l l . If it's somet h i n g
e l s e , t h e G M d ete r m i n e s the d ifficu lty o f yo u r ro l l .
Bei n g s k i l led i n perception red uces t h e d ifficu lty of
t h i s task.
Interacting With Creatures
The level of the creatu re d eterm i n es t h e ta rget
n u m ber, j u st as with co m bat. T h u s , b ri b i n g a g u a rd
works m u c h l i ke p u n ch i n g h i m or affecti n g h i m with
a n esote ry. Th i s i s true of pers u ad i n g someone,
i nt i m i d ati n g someone, cal m i n g a w i l d beast, o r
a nyth i n g of t h e k i n d . I nteraction i s a n I nte l l ect task.
Bei n g s k i l led i n pers u a s i o n , i nti m i d at i o n , bribery,
decept i o n , a n i m a l h a n d l i ng, o r somet h i n g of t h at
nature can d ecrease the d ifficu lty of t h e task, if
a p p ropriate.
or Picking a Lock
As with figu ri n g out a device, the l evel of t h e d evice
u s u a l ly d ete r m i n e s the d ifficu lty of the I ntel lect
ro l l . H oweve r, u n less a d evice i s ve ry co m p l ex, t h e
G M wi l l o ft e n ru l e t h at o n ce yo u fi g u re it out, n o
ro l l i s needed to ope rate it except u n d e r s peci a l
c i rc u m stances. So if the P C s fi n d a n d fi g u re out
h ow to u s e a h ove r i n g p l atfo rm, they can operate it.
H owever, if they a re attacked , they m i ght need to ro l l
t o e n s u re t h at t h ey d o n ' t cra s h t h e p l atform i nto a
wa l l wh i l e tryi n g to avo i d be i n g h it.
U n l i ke operat i n g a d evice, d i s a b l i n g a d evice and
picki n g a lock u s u a l ly req u i re ro l l s . These act i o n s
often i nvolve s peci a l too l s a n d a s s u m e t h at the
c h a racter i s n ot t ryi n g to destroy the d evice o r lock.
(If yo u are atte m pt i n g to d e stroy it, yo u probably
s h o u l d m a ke a M i ght ro l l to s m a s h it rather than a
S peed or I nte l l ect ro l l req u i ri n g patience a n d kn ow
h ow.)
Bei n g s k i l led i n operat i n g d evices or picki n g locks
red uces t h e d ifficu lty of t h i s task.

1 04
 LI M E NE
RULES OF THE GAME

Riding Sneaking Common Numenera

I f yo u ' re rid i n g an a n i m a l t h a t ' s t ra i ned to be a
m o u nt, a n d yo u ' re d o i n g s o m et h i n g ro ut i n e s u c h a s
rid i n g fro m o n e vi l l age to a n ot h e r o r fro m o n e p a rt
of a fi e l d to a n ot h e r, yo u d o n 't need to m a ke a ro l l
(j u s t a s yo u wo u l d n ' t need t o m a ke a ro l l t o wa l k
t h e re) . H oweve r, stayi n g m o u nted d u ri n g a fight
o r d o i n g s o m eth i n g tricky req u i re s a S peed ro l l to
s u cceed . A s ad d l e o r ot h e r a p p ro p r i ate gear i s a n
a s set a n d red uces t h e d ifficu lty b y o n e ste p . B e i n g
s k i l led i n rid i n g red uces t h e d ifficu lty o f t h i s tas k.
Difficu lty Maneuver
0 Rid i n g
Stayi n g o n t h e m o u n t i n a battle o r
oth e r d ifficult situation
3 Stayi n g o n a m o u n t when yo u take
d a m age
4 M o u nt i n g a m ovi n g steed
5 Coax i n g a m o u n t to m ove o r j u m p
twice a s fa s t o r fa r a s n o r m a l fo r one
ro u n d
The d ifficu lty of s n ea k i n g by a creatu re i s mounts include aneen
(page 23 7), snow lopers
d ete r m i ned b y i t s leve l . S n e a k i n g i s a S peed rol l .
(page 259), and the
M ov i n g a t h a l f s peed red uces t h e d ifficu lty b y o n e reptilian brehm (page 7 63).
ste p . A p p ro p r i ate c a m o u fl age o r ot h e r g e a r m ay Less common mounts
co u n t as a n a s set a n d d ecrease t h e d ifficulty, as wi l l include the large, ante/ape
d i m l i ghti n g co n d i t i o n s a n d h av i n g p l e nty o f t h i n g s like espron (page 7 84) .
to h i d e beh i n d . B e i n g s k i l led i n s n ea k i n g red uces
Flying mounts include
t h e d i fficu lty of t h i s task.
rasters (page 253) and
xi-drakes (page 265) . A
Swimming windrider (page 3 7 3) is a
If yo u ' re s i m p l y swi m m i n g fro m one p l ace to technological mount.
a n o t h e r, s u c h a s acro s s a ca l m river o r l a ke, u s e
t h e sta n d a rd move m e n t r u l e s , n ot i n g t h e fa ct
t h at yo u r c h a racter i s i n d e e p wate r. B e i n g s k i l led
i n swi m m i n g d ecreases t h e d ifficulty. H oweve r,
s o m et i m e s , s p e c i a l c i rcu m st a n ce s req u i re a M i ght
ro l l to m a ke p rogre s s while swi m m i n g , s u c h a s
w h e n t ryi n g to avo i d a cu rre nt, be i n g d ragged i nto a
wh i rl poo l , a n d so o n .

1 05

SPECIAL: CRAITING , BUILDING,
"Three children used to
play around the outside AND REPAIRING
of my lab, but then I
Crafting is a tricky topic in the N i nth World because
conducted the first trial
of the inverse multiversal the same rules that govern building a spear also cover
regulator. I must admit, I repairing a teleporter. N ormal ly, the level of the item
miss those kids from time determ i nes the d ifficu lty of creating or repairing it as
to time. " wel l as the time req u i red. For n u menera items (cyphers,
-Sir Arthour artifacts, and odd ities) , add 5 to the item's level to
determ ine the d ifficu lty of creating or repairing it.
Someti m e s , if the item is a rt i stic in nature, t h e
G M wi l l add to the d ifficu lty a n d t i m e req u i red. Fo r
exa m ple, a crude wood e n stool m i ght be h a m mered
toget h e r in a n h o u r. A beautifu l fi n i s hed p iece m i ght
take a week o r longer a n d wo u l d req u i re more s ki l l
o n t h e part o f t h e crafter.
The G M i s free to ove rru l e some atte m pts at
creat i o n , b u i l d i ng, or re p a i r, req u i ri n g t h at the
c h a racter h ave a cert a i n l evel of s ki l l , p roper too l s
a n d materi a l s , a n d so fo rt h .
A level 0 object req u i res no s ki l l t o make a n d i s easi ly
found in most locations. S l i n g stones and firewood are
level 0 item s-prod ucing them is routine. M aki n g a
torch from spare wood and oil-soaked cloth is s i m p le,
so it' s a level l object. M aki n g an a rrow or a spear i s
fai rly standard b u t not s i m p le, so i t ' s a level 2 object.
1 06
MATERIALS
Generally s peaki ng, a d evice to be crafted req u i res
m ate r i a l s eq u a l to its l evel a n d all the l eve l s below it.
So a l evel 5 d evice req u i res l evel 5 mate r i a l , l evel 4
m ate r i a l , l evel 3 m ateri a l , l evel 2 mate r i a l , a n d l evel l
m ate rial (a n d , tech n i cal ly, l eve l 0 m ateri a l ) .
The G M and p l aye rs can gloss over m uch of the
craft i n g d eta i l s , if d e s i red . G atheri n g a l l the m aterials
to make a m u nd a n e item m i ght not be wo rth p l ayi n g
out-but t h e n aga i n , it m i ght b e . For exa m p l e , m a k i n g
a woode n s pear i n a forest i s n 't very i nterest i n g,
but what if the characters h ave to m a ke a spear i n a
tree less desert? F i n d i n g the wreckage of someth i n g
m a d e o f wood or forci n g a PC t o fa s h i o n a s pear out
of the bones of a l a rge beast cou l d be i nterest i n g
s ituatio n s .
TIME
The t i m e req u i red to create an ite m is up to the G M ,
but the g u i d e l i n e s i n the craft i n g table a re a good
start i n g poi nt. G e n eral ly, re p a i r i n g an item takes
somewh e re between half the creation time a n d the
fu l l creation time, depend i n g o n the ite m , the a s pect
t h at need s re p a i r i n g, and the c i rc u m stances. Fo r
exa m ple, if creat i n g an item takes o n e h o u r, re p a i ri n g
it takes between t h i rty m i n utes a n d o n e h o u r.
Sometimes a G M will allow a ru s h job ifthe
circum stances warrant it. This i s d ifferent than u s i n g
skill t o red uce the time req u i red. I n this case, the qual ity
of the item is affected. Let's say that a character need s
to create a tool that wi l l cut t h rough solid steel with a
heat beam (a level 7 item) , but she has to do it in one
d ay. The GM m ight allow it, but the device m ight be
extremely vol ati le, infl icting damage on the user, or it
m ight work o n ly once. The device i s sti l l considered a
level 7 item to create in a l l other res pects.
SKILLS
T h e s ki l l level of the crafter red uces the d ifficu lty
a s n o r m a l in a l l ways exce pt materi a l s and t i m e .
I f a c h a racte r t ra i ned i n l e at h e rworki n g w a n t s t o
m a ke a leat h e r v e s t a n d t h e G M d e c i d e s i t ' s a l evel
3 ite m , it' s only a sta n d a rd (d i fficu lty 2) task, b u t it
sti l l t a ke s a fu l l d ay and l evel 3, level 2 , a n d level l
materi a l s .
With t h e G M ' s a p p roval (a n d if i t m a kes sense
to d o so) , t h e c h a racte r can red u ce the t i m e o r
m ate r i a l s n e e d e d i n stead of t h e d ifficu lty. A tra i ned
fl etcher m a k i n g arrows (level 2 ite m s) co u l d atte m pt
a d ifficu lty 2 task rat h e r t h a n a d ifficu lty l task to
create an a rrow i n fifteen m i n utes i n stead of an h o u r,
or s h e co u l d create it i n an h o u r u s i n g s u bsta n d a rd
(level l) m ateria l s . H owever, somet i m e s the G M
wi l l ru l e t h at red u c i n g the t i m e i s n ot pos s i b l e. Fo r
exa m ple, a s i ngle h u m a n co u l d n ot m a ke a c h a i n m a i l
vest i n o n e h o u r.
 LI M E NE
RULES OF THE GAME

CRAITING ITEMS

Difficu lty Craft General Time to Build

0 Someth i n g extre mely s i m p l e , l i ke tyi n g a ro pe A few m i n utes at most
o r fi n d i n g a n a pP-ro p riately s ized rock
To rch 5 m i n utes
2 S pear, s i m p l e s h e lter, o r p iece of fu r n i t u re 1 hour
3 Bow, door 1 d ay
4 Sword , ch a i n m a i l vest 1 to 2 d ays
5 Co m m o n n u m e n e ra item (glowglobe, s h aper key) 1 wee k
6 S i m p l e n u m e n e ra item 1 month
7 N u m e n e ra item 1 year
8 N u m e n e ra item M a ny yea rs
9 N u m e n e ra item M a ny yea rs
10 N u m e n e ra item M a n}'. yea rs

Pos s i b l e areas fo r c h a racter tra i n i n g i n c l u d e :

Bowye r i n g/ F l etc h i n g
Leatherwo rki n g
G l a s s b l owi n g
Armori n g
Weapon s m ith i n g
Wood craft i n g
M etalworki n g

FAILURE
Fa i l u re at the check mea n s t h at the d evice is n ot
co m p l eted or re p a i red. To co nti n u e to work on it, the
c h a racter m u st gat h e r more m ateri a l s (ge neral ly, the
h i g h est- level m ate rial needed) a n d take the req u i red
a m o u nt of t i m e aga i n .

NUMENERA OR NONSTANDARD ITEMS

The p reced i n g rules work we l l for re p a i r i n g the
n u m e n e ra o r oth e r n o n sta n d a rd ite m s . H oweve r,
if a c h a racter wants to create a n u m e n e ra ite m o r
a n other n o n st a n d a rd , p e r m a n e n t o bj ect, the p l aye r
m u st spend XP (see Experi e n ce Po i nts, page 1 08) . I f
the c h a racte r fa i l s h i s check, n o X P a re s pent.
Pos s i b l e areas fo r c h a racter tra i n i n g i n c l u d e :
N u m e n e ra craft i n g (ch e m i stry)
N u m e n e ra craft i n g (el ectro n ics)
N u m e n e ra craft i n g (mech a n i cs)
N u m e n e ra craft i n g (tra n sd i m e n s i o n a l )

TINKERING WITH THE NUMENERA

C h a racters m i ght t ry to m a ke a cyp h e r, a n a rt ifact,
o r a n o t h e r d ev i ce do s o m et h i n g ot h e r t h a n its
i nte n d ed fu n ct i o n . S o m et i m e s , the G M wi l l s i m p l y
d e c l a re t h e t a s k i m po s s i b l e . Yo u ca n ' t t u rn a v i a l
of h e a l i n g e l ix i r i nto a two-way co m m u n i cator. B u t
most of t h e t i m e , t h e re i s a c h a n ce of s u cce s s .
T h e n u m e n e ra i s tech n o l ogy t h at a 2 1 st-ce n t u ry
h u m a n ca n ' t begi n to u n d e rsta n d , so po s s i b i l ity o r
i m po s s i b i l ity i s fa r m o re fl exi b l e .

1 07
 T h at s a i d , t i n keri n g with the n u m e n e ra i s n ot
ea sy. O bvi o u s ly, t h e d ifficu lty varies fro m s ituation
to situat i o n , but d ifficu lties start i n g at 7 a re n ot
u n reaso n a b l e . The t i m e req u i red wo u l d be s i m i l a r to
For much more about the t i m e needed to re p a i r a d evice, too l s wo u l d be
GM intrusion, refer to
req u i red, and so on. I f the t i n keri n g res u lts in a l o n g
page 325.
term benefit for the c h a racte r-s uch as creat i n g a n
a rtifact t h at s h e can u se-t h e G M s h o u l d req u i re h e r
t o spend X P t o m a ke it.
The core ofgameplay in Numenera is to
things or old things that are new again.
EXPERIENCE POINTS
Experience points (X P) a re t h e cu rre n cy by which
p l ayers ga i n benefits fo r t h e i r c h a racte rs. The
most co m mo n ways to earn X P a re t h rough G M
i nt ru s i o n s a n d by d i scove r i n g n ew a n d a m az i n g
t h i n gs . Somet i m e s expe rience poi nts a re earned
d u ri n g a game s e s s i o n , a n d somet i m e s t h ey' re
earned betwee n s e s s i o n s . I n a typical ses s i o n , a
p l ayer m i ght earn 2 to 4 XP, a n d between s e s s i o n s ,
perh a p s a n other 2 X P ( o n average) . The exact
a m o u nts depend on t h e eve nts of the s e s s i o n a n d
the d i scove ries made.
It's a fine line, but GM INTRUSION
ultimately the GM At any t i m e , the G M c a n i nt rod uce a n u n expected
decides what constitutes co m p l icat i o n for a c h a racter. When h e i n t r u d e s
a discovery as opposed
to just something weird i n t h i s m a n n e r, h e m u st g i v e t h at c h a racte r 2 X P .
in the course of an T h at p l aye r, i n t u r n , m u st i m m ed i ately g i v e o n e
adventure. Usually, the o f t h o s e X P to a n ot h e r p l aye r a n d j u st i fy t h e g i ft
difference is, did the PCs ( p e rh a p s t h e ot h e r p l aye r h a d a good i d e a , to l d a
successfully interact with
it and learn something
about it? Ifso, it's
probably a discovery.
DISCOVERY
W h i l e G M i nt ru s i o n i s i nterest i n g , the game
a l so h a s a m o re conventional method of
award i n g X P between ses s i o n s . But it has
noth i n g to d o with ki l l i n g mon ste rs.
I know-that's wei rd for a lot of players.
Defeating opponents i n battle is the core way you
earn XP in many games. But not in N u menera. I ' m
a firm bel iever i n award i n g players experience points
for the thing you expect them to do i n the game.
Experience points are the reward pellets they get for
pushing the button--oh, wait, no, that' s for rats i n
a l a b . Wel l , s a m e principle: give t h e players XP fo r
d o i n g a thi ng, and that thing i s what they' l l do.
In N u menera, t h at t h i n g i s d i scove ry.
1 08
fu n ny j o ke , performed a n act i o n t h at s aved a l i fe ,
and so on) .
Ofte n , t h e G M i ntrudes when a p l ayer atte m pts
a n action t h at, accord i n g to the r u l e s , s h o u l d be
a n a utomatic s u cce s s . H owever, the GM i s free to
i ntrude at ot h e r t i m e s . As a general rule, the G M
s h o u l d i ntrude at least o n ce each s e s s i o n , but n o
more t h a n o n ce o r twice e a c h s e s s i o n per c h a racter.
Anyt i m e the G M i ntrudes, t h e p l aye r can s pe n d
1 X P to refu s e the
i nt ru s i o n , t h o u g h t h at
a l so m e a n s h e does n 't
disco11er new get t h e 2 XP. If t h e
p l ayer h a s n o X P t o
s p e n d , he ca n't refu s e
the i ntru s i o n .
Example 1 : Th rough s k i l l a n d the a i d o f a n other
cha racter, a fo u rth-tier PC red uces a wa l l cl i m b i n g
t a s k from d i fficu lty 2 t o d ifficu lty 0 . N o r m a l ly, h e
wo u l d s u cceed at the task a utomatical ly, but t h e G M
i ntrudes a n d says, " N o, a bit of t h e cru m b l i n g wa l l
gives way, so yo u sti l l h ave t o m a ke a ro l l . " A s with
any d i fficu lty 2 task, t h e ta rget n u m be r i s 6. The PC
atte m pts the ro l l a s n o rm a l , and beca u s e t h e G M
i ntruded, the c h a racte r ga i n s 2 XP. H e i m med iately
gives o n e of those X P to a n other p l aye r.
Example 2: D u ri n g a fight, a PC swi ngs h i s axe
a n d d a mages a foe with a s l ice across t h e s h o u l d e r.
The G M i ntrudes by s ayi n g t h at the foe tu rned j u st
as the axe struck, wrench i n g the weapon from the
c h a racte r' s grip a n d send i n g it cl atte r i n g acro s s the
floor. The axe comes to a stop 10 feet (3 m) away.
Beca u s e t h e G M i ntruded, the PC gai n s 2 XP, a n d h e
i m med i ately gives o n e o f t h o s e X P t o a n other p l aye r.
N ow the c h a racter m u st d e a l with t h e d ro p ped
wea p o n , perh a p s d rawi n g a d ifferent weapon or
u s i n g h i s n ext t u rn to scra m b l e after the axe.
I f a cha racte r rol l s a 1 on a d ie, the GM can i ntrude
without givi n g the characte r any XP. This kind of
i ntru sion happens i m mediately o r ve ry soon thereafte r.
DISCOVERING NEW THINGS
The co re of g a m e p l ay in N u m e n e ra-t h e a n swer
to the q u estion "Wh at d o c h a racters d o in t h i s
g a m e ? "-is " D i scove r n e w t h i ngs o r o l d t h i ngs
t h at a re n ew agai n . " Th i s can be t h e d i scove ry of
someth i n g a c h a racte r can use, l i ke a n a rtifact.
I t m a kes the c h a racte r m o re powe rfu l beca u s e it
a l most certa i n ly grants a n ew capa b i l ity o r opti o n ,
but i t ' s a l so a d i scove ry u nto itself a n d res u lts i n a
ga i n of experience points.
D i scove ry can a l s o mean fi n d i n g a new n u m e n e ra
p roced u re or d evice (someth i n g too b i g to be
co n s id e red a p i ece of eq u i p m e nt) o r eve n p revi o u s ly

u n known i nformat i o n . I f the PCs fi n d an ancient
h overtra i n a n d get it worki n g aga i n so t h ey can use
it to reach a d i stant locat i o n , t h at ' s a d i scove ry. If
they l ocate a signal receivi n g station a n d figu re out
h ow to t u rn off the tra n s m i s s i o n fro m a n overhead
s ate l l ite that's cau s i n g all the a n i m a l s i n the region
to become h osti le, t h at ' s a d i scove ry. The co m m o n
th read i s t h at t h e P C s d i scove r someth i n g t h at t h ey
can u n d e rsta n d a n d put to u s e . A c u re for a p l ague,
the means to d raw powe r fro m a hyd roe lectric p l a nt,
a n operat i o n a l flyi n g craft, o r a n i njection t h at grants
the knowled ge to create a p rotective fo rce field d o m e
ove r a structu re-these a re a l l d i scove ries.
Last ly, depe n d i n g o n the G M's outlook a n d
the k i n d of ca m p a i g n the gro u p w a n t s to p l ay, a
d i scove ry co u l d be as abstract as a trut h . Th i s co u l d
be a n eth i cal i d e a s uch a s "What goes a ro u n d co mes
a ro u n d , " o r it m i ght be a n adage s u c h as " Everyo n e
h a s h i s price . "
Typical ly, the P C s wi l l e a r n a b o u t h a l f t h e i r total
experience poi nts by making d i scoveries.
Artifacts: When t h e gro u p ga i n s a n a rtifact, awa rd
XP e q u a l to t h e a rtifact ' s l eve l a n d d ivide it a m o n g
the P C s (m i n i m u m 1 X P fo r e a c h c h a racte r) . Ro u n d
down if nece s s a ry. Fo r exa m p l e , if fo u r P C s d i scove r
a l evel 5 a rtifact, they each get 1 XP.
Cyp h e rs a n d odd ities a re n ot worth XP.
LI M E NE
RULES OF THE GAME
Other Devices: These devices are often large,
i m mobile objects found in the ru i n s left behind from the Experience point awards
prior worlds, not artifacts that characters can take with for artifacts should usually
them and u se. Experi menti ng with a device to d iscover apply even if the artifact
what it does might grant 1 XP to each PC i nvolved , was given to the PCs rather
than found, because often
particu larly if the explorers return to civilization with an
such gifts are the rewards
i nteresting tale of the wonders of the past. for success.
M iscel laneous Discoveries: Va rious oth e r
d i scoveries m i ght g r a n t 1 X P to e a c h PC i nvolve d .
These a re n ' t always d evices, but they' re u s u a l ly some
k i n d of ite m s o r contrapt i o n s left ove r fro m the
a n cients. They m i ght i n c l ude:
A h u ge vat of a ge l at i n o u s s u bstance t h at alters
normal a n i m a l s s u b m e rsed i nto it, s l owly
tra n sform i n g them i nto gigantic vers i o n s of
them selves.
A m i n i at u re b l ack h o l e t h at i s u sed to powe r a
d i me n s io n - s pa n n i n g device.
A series of re p l acement o rga n s held in sta s i s
t h at c a n be u s e d fo r t ra n s p l a nts-if a q u a l ified
ch i u rgeon is ava i l a b l e .
A storage u n it t h at kee p s fo o d fres h i n defin itely.
A towe r- m o u nted tu rret ca n n o n t h at can be moved
(with great effo rt) and rea s s e m b led to h e l p p rotect
a city aga i n st i nva s i o n .
S h i n s a re n ot worth experience poi nts. F i n d i n g
money c a n h e l p the c h a racters b u y eq u i p ment, b u t i t
doesn't earn t h e m X P .
1 09
 PROGRESSING TO A NEW TIER
This system would
work well for groups Tiers i n N u m e n e ra a re n ' t e n t i rely l i ke l eve l s in
that are used to a oth e r ro l e p l ayi n g games. In N u menera, ga i n i n g
more traditional
l eve l s i s n ot t h e p l ayers' o n ly goal o r t h e o n ly
level-dependent game
and might undervalue mea s u re of ach i evement. Start i n g (fi rst-ti e r)
spending XPfor other cha racte rs a re a l ready com pete nt, a n d there
things. The expectations a re o n l y s i x tiers. C h a racte r adva ncement h a s
of a Numenera campaign a powe r c u rve, but it' s o n l y steep e n o u g h to
aren't quite so rigid, but
keep t h i ngs i nterest i n g. I n oth e r word s , ga i n i n g
you can run it that way if
it better suits your style. l eve l s i s cool a n d fu n , b u t it's n ot t h e o n ly path
For more information, to s u cces s o r powe r. I f you s pe n d all yo u r X P o n
see Chapter 9: Optional i m med i ate, s h o rt- a n d m ed i u m-term benefits,
Rules, page 1 1 3. yo u wo u l d be d i fferent from someone who
s p e n d s her poi nts o n l o n g-term benefits, but
yo u wo u l d n ot be " b e h i n d " t h at c h a racter.
The general idea is t h at most c h a racte rs wi l l
spend h a l f t h e i r X P o n tier adva ncement a n d
l o n g-te rm benefits , a n d t h e rest o n i m m ed i ate
and s h o rt-te rm benefits (wh i ch a re used d u ri n g
g a m e p l ay) . S o m e gro u p s m i ght decide t h at
XP earned d u ri n g a game i s to be spent o n
i m med i ate a n d s h o rt-te rm benefits (ga m e p l ay
It can't be stressed uses) , a n d XP awa rd ed between s e s s i o n s
enough: often the best fo r d i scove ries i s to be spent o n c h a racte r
scenarios are the ones adva ncement (long-term u ses) .
in which the players
U lt i m ately, t h e idea i s to m a ke experience
take the initiative and
act proactively toward poi nts i nto too l s t h at the p l ayers a n d t h e G M
attaining a goal that can u s e to s h a pe t h e story a n d t h e c h a racte rs,
they set for themselves. n ot j u st a boo kkee p i n g h a s s l e .
Whether they want to
case and rob a nob/e's
GM AWARDS
estate, start their own
business, clear out an
area of the wilderness Someti m e s , a gro u p wi l l h ave an adventure t h at
to make their home, or doesn't deal p r i m a ri l y with u n cove r i n g the past o r
anything else, players exp lori n g ru i n s fo r a rtifacts. I n t h i s c a s e , it's a good
should make their own idea fo r the G M to awa rd XP fo r acco m p l i s h i n g oth e r
adventures sometimes.
tasks. A g o a l o r a m i s s i o n i s n o r m a l l y wort h 1 to 4
XP for each PC i nvolved , depend i n g on the d i fficu lty
a n d l e n gth of the work. As a general rule, a m i s s i o n
s h o u l d be worth a t least 1 X P per g a m e s e s s i o n
i nvolved i n acco m p l i s h i n g it.
For exa m ple, savi ng a family on an isolated farm
beset by a b h u m a n raiders m ight be worth 1 XP for
each character. Of cou rse, savi n g the fa m i ly m ight
mean relocating them, parlayi n g with the abhumans, or
chasing off the raiders. It does n 't h ave to mean slayi n g
a l l the abhumans, although that wou l d work, too.
Del iveri n g a mes sage to a re mote v i l l age h i g h
i n t h e m o u ntai n s t h at req u i res t h e P C s t o cl i m b
i n d a n ge ro u s co n d itions a n d ri s k pos s i b l e attacks
by rockhags is p robably a m i s s i o n worth 2 X P per
cha racter.
On the oth e r h a n d , if the PCs can fly safely ove r
the m o u n ta i n s or te leport to the v i l l age, the m i s s i o n
i s p ro b a b ly worth j u st 1 X P per cha racter. T h u s , G M
1 1 0
award s a re based n ot o n ly on the task, but on the
PCs a n d t h e i r capa b i l ities a s we l l .
H oweve r, t h at d o e s n ' t m e a n t h e c h a racters
s h o u l d earn fewer X P if t h ey m a ke a l ot of l u cky ro l l s
o r devise a c l ever p l a n t o ove rco m e o b stac l e s . B e i n g
l u cky o r s m a rt d o e s n ' t m a ke a d ifficult c h a l l e n ge
l e s s d ifficult-it j u st m e a n s t h e PCs s u cceed m o re
e a s i ly.
PLAYER-DRIVEN AWARDS
P l ayers can create t h e i r own m i s s i o n s by sett i n g
goa l s fo r t h e i r c h a racte rs. I f they s u cceed , they earn
X P j u st as if t h ey we re sent o n t h e m i s s i o n by a n
N P C . Fo r exa m p l e, if t h e c h a racte rs decide o n t h e i r
o w n t o h e l p fi n d a l o s t ca rava n i n t h e m o u n ta i n s ,
that's a goal a n d a m i s s io n .
S o m et i m e s c h a racte r goa l s a re m o re pers o n a l .
I f a PC vows t o ave n ge t h e death o f h e r b rot h e r,
t h at' s sti l l a m i s s i o n . These k i n d s of goa l s t h at
a re i m po rtant to a c h a racte r' s backgro u n d s h o u l d
be s e t a t o r n e a r t h e outset o f t h e g a m e . W h e n
co m p l eted , a c h a racter goa l s h o u l d be worth a t
l e a st 1 X P (and perh a p s a s m u ch a s 4 X P) to t h e P C .
T h i s e n co u rages p l ayers to d eve l o p t h e i r c h a racte r' s
backgro u n d a n d to b u i l d i n o p p o rt u n ities for act i o n
i n t h e fut u re . D o i n g so m a ke s t h e backgro u n d
m o re t h a n j u st backstory o r fl avor-it beco m e s
s o m et h i n g t h at can propel t h e ca m p a i g n fo rwa rd .
With G M a p p rova l , p l ayers can a l s o earn X P
advances fo r b u i l d i n g a backgro u n d . See t h e
O pt i o n a l R u l e s sect i o n fo r a d d i t i o n a l i n fo rm a t i o n
(page 1 1 3) .
SPENDING EXPERIENCE POINTS
Expe rience poi nts a re meant to be used. H o a rd i n g
t h e m i s not a good idea, a n d if a p l ayer eve r
accu m u l ates m o re t h a n 1 0 XP at o n ce , t h e G M can
req u i re h e r to s pe n d some of t h e m .
G e n eral ly, experience poi nts can be s pent i n fo u r
ways : i m m ed i ate benefits, s h o rt-te rm benefits , l o n g
term benefits , a n d c h a racter advance m e nt.
Immediate Benefits
The easiest, most stra i ghtforwa rd way fo r a p l aye r
to u s e XP i s to re ro l l any ro l l i n the game-eve n
o n e t h at s h e d i d n 't m a ke herself. Th i s costs 1 XP
per re ro l l . The p l aye r can re ro l l a n d u s e either t h e
n ew ro l l o r the origi n a l , w h i c h ever i s better. S h e c a n
co nti n u e to s pe n d XP o n more rero l l s , but t h i s c a n
q u ickly beco m e a n expe n s ive p roposition. I t ' s a fi n e
w a y to atte m pt to p reve nt a d i s aster, but it's n ot
a good idea to u s e of a l ot of X P to rero l l a s i n g l e
action ove r a n d ove r.
As mentioned e a r l i e r, a p l aye r can a l so spend 1 XP
to refu s e a GM i ntru s i o n .

Short- and Medium-Term Benefits
By s p e n d i n g 2 XP, a c h a racte r can ga i n a s k i l l-o r,
m o re rarely, an a b i l ity-t h at p rovides a s h o rt-term
benefit. Fo r exa m p l e, l et' s s ay t h at a c h a racte r notices the mech a n ics o f the game w i t h t h e sto ry. P l aye rs
t h at all t h e locks in t h e Citad e l of t h e I ro n S a i nt a re
s i m i l a r to those crafted by a locks m ith who worked
in her v i l lage when she was yo u n g. S h e s p e n d s 2 XP
and says t h at in her yo uth, she v i s ited the locks m ith
a n d learned the i n n e r worki ngs of those locks.
As a res u lt, s h e i s tra i ned
i n picki n g the locks i n the
Citad e l of the I ro n S a i nt. If a rule gets in the way or detracts
Th i s i s j u st l i ke b e i n g
tra i ned i n lockp icking,
from the game, the players and the
but it a p p l ies o n l y to CM should work together to change it.
locks fo u n d i n t h at
partic u l a r l ocat i o n . The
s k i l l is extre mely u sefu l in the citad e l , but n owh e re
else.
M ed i u m-term b e n efits a re u s u a l ly story b a s e d .
For exa m p l e , a c h a racte r c a n s p e n d 2 X P w h i l e
c l i m b i n g t h ro u g h m o u n ta i n s a n d s a y t h at s h e h a s
exp e r i e n ce w i t h c l i m b i n g i n regi o n s l i ke t h e s e ,
o r perh a p s s h e s p e n d s t h e X P after s h e ' s b e e n
i n t h e m o u nta i n s fo r a w h i l e a n d s a y s t h at s h e ' s
p i c ked u p t h e fee l fo r c l i m b i n g t h e re . E i t h e r way,
fro m n ow o n , s h e i s t ra i n e d i n c l i m b i n g i n t h o s e
m o u nta i n s . T h i s h e l p s h e r n ow a n d a n y t i m e
s h e ret u r n s to t h e a re a , b u t s h e ' s n ot t ra i n e d i n
c l i m b i n g eve ryw h e re .
Th i s method a l l ows a c h a racter t o get i m me d i ate
tra i n i n g in a s k i l l fo r h a l f the n o r m a l cost. ( N o r m a l ly, fa m i l i a rity or an a rt ifact, a re d i fferent. They l i kely
it costs 4 XP to beco m e tra i ned in a s k i l l , as
exp l a i ned i n C h a racte r Adva ncement, page 1 1 2 .)
I t ' s a l s o a way to ga i n a n ew s k i l l eve n if the PC has
a l ready gai ned a n ew s k i l l a s a step towa rd atta i n i n g
t h e n ext t i e r (aga i n , s e e page 1 1 2) .
I n ra re cases, a G M m i ght a l l ow a c h a racte r to
s pe n d 2 X P to ga i n an enti rely n ew a b i l ity-s uch
a s a d evice, a n esote ry, o r a mental powe r-fo r a
s h o rt t i m e , u s u a l ly no l o n ge r t h a n the co u rse of o n e
sce n a rio. The p l aye r a n d t h e G M s h o u l d agree o n a
story- based exp l a n ation for the benefit. Perh a p s the
esotery o r a b i l ity h a s a s pecific, ra re req u i re m e nt,
s uch a s a too l , a batte ry, a d rug, o r some kind of
treatment.
Fo r exa m p l e , a c h a racte r who wants to exp lore
a s u b m e rged location h a s seve ra l n u m e n e ra
co m ponents, a n d he s p e n d s 2 XP to co b b l e together
a d evice t h at lets him b reathe u n d e rwate r. T h i s gives
h i m the a b i l ity fo r a co n s i d e ra b l e l e n gth of t i m e , but
n ot permanently-the d evice m i ght work fo r o n ly
eight h o u rs . Aga i n , t h e story a n d the logic of t h e
s ituation d i ctate the p a ra m eters.
LI M E NE
RULES OF THE GAME
Long-Term Benefits
I n many ways, the l o n g-term benefits a c h a racte r
can ga i n by s pe n d i n g XP a re a mea n s of i ntegrat i n g
can cod ify t h i ngs t h at h a p pe n to t h e i r c h a racters (or
t h at they want to h ave h a p p e n to t h e i r cha racte rs) by
ta l k i n g to the G M and spend i n g 3 XP.
Fo r exa m ple, a jack n a med Theri k spends a long
time pos i n g as a l i b rarian i n a h u ge l i b ra ry i n the
river city of Charmonde Charmonde, page 1 3 8
so he can i ntercept
messages secretly
d i ssem i n ated fro m the
head scribe to a gro u p
o f cri m i n a l s . D u r i n g
that time, he becomes
very fa m i l i a r with u s i n g
a l i b ra ry. Theri k's p l aye r tal ks with the G M a n d says
that h e wo u l d l i ke to h ave the jack's experiences h ave
a lasti n g effect on the cha racte r. He spends 3 XP and
ga i n s familiarity with research of a l l ki n d s (see below) .
Some t h i n gs that a PC can acq u i re as a long-term
benefit a re story based . For exa m ple, in the cou rse of
pl ay, the character m ight gai n a friend (a contact) or
b u i l d a log cab i n (a home) . These benefits are p robably
not the res u lt of spen d i n g XP. The new contact comes
to the PC and sta rts the rel ation s h i p. The new home
i s granted to him as a reward for service to a powerfu l
or wealthy patron, or maybe t h e character i n herits the
home from a rel ative or j u st stu mbles i nto it.
Th i ngs t h at affect c h a racte r a b i l ities, l i ke a
req u i re X P a n d t i m e , mon ey, a n d so on.
Lon g-te rm benefits can i n c l u d e t h e fo l l ow i n g . GMs a n d players should
work together to make
Familiarity: The c h a racte r ga i n s a + 1 bon u s t o
both XP awards and
ro l l s i nvo lvi n g o n e k i n d of task: ri d i ng, craft i n g , expenditures fit the ongoing
pers u a d i ng, a n d so o n . story. If a PC stays in a
Contact: T h e characte r ga i n s a lon g-te rm N PC village for two months
contact of i m portance-someone who wi l l h e l p h i m to learn the inhabitants'
with i nformation, eq u i p ment, s h elter, or physical unique language, the GM
might award her a few XP,
tasks. The p l ayer and GM s h o u l d work out the d eta i l s
which are then immediately
o f t h e N PC and her re l ation s h i p with the cha racte r. spent to grant the character
Home: The PC acq u i res a fu l l-ti me reside nce. T h i s the ability to speak and
c a n b e a n apartment i n a city, a h o u s e , a ca b i n i n t h e understand that language.
wilderness, a b a s e i n a n ancient com p l ex, or wh ateve r
fits the s ituatio n . The reside nce s h o u l d be a secure
p l ace where the PC can leave h i s belongings a n d sleep
sou n d ly at n i ght. Conceivab ly, seve ra l cha racters cou l d
com b i n e their XP resou rces and buy a home together.
Title or job: The PC i s granted a position of
i m po rtance or autho rity. Alt h o u g h it m i ght co me
with res po n s i b i l ities, it p robably a l so co mes with
p restige and rewa rd . I t m i ght a l so s i m ply be an
h o n o rari u m .
Wealth : T h e PC co mes i nto a co n s iderable a m o u nt
of wea lth, whet h e r it's a w i n dfa l l , an i n h e ritance, or a
1 1 1
 Experience points should
not be a goal unto
themselves. Instead, they
are a game mechanic to
simulate how-through
experience, time, toil,
travail, and so on
characters become more
skilled, more able, and
truthfully, more powetful.
Spending XP to explain
a change in a character's
capabilities that occurred
in the course of the story,
such as if the PC made a
new device or learned a
new skill, isn 't a waste of
XP-it's what XP are for.
Fighting moves, page 29
Esoteries, page 35
Tricks ofthe trade, page 42
gift. I t m i ght be e n o u g h to buy a home o r a title, but
that's n ot rea l ly t h e poi nt. The main benefit i s t h at
the c h a racte r no l o n ge r need s to worry about the
cost of s i m p l e eq u i p ment, l o d g i n g , food , a n d so on.
Th i s wealth co u l d mean a set a m o u nt-perh a p s 5 00
s h i n s-o r it co u l d bestow t h e a b i l ity to ignore m i no r
costs, a s d ecided by the p l aye r a n d G M .
Artifact: The P C creates a n artifact that has a power
of h i s choos i n g. If the item is fa i rly s i m ple, the G M
can skip the crafting deta i l s and j u st say that after
a period of time, the PC creates it. Fo r a n item that
sign ificantly a lters gameplay-gra nti n g the character
vast te lepat h i c powers or givi n g h i m the a b i l ity to
te leport at wil l-the G M m i ght req u i re d ifficult rol l s ,
a co n s iderable a m o u nt o f t i m e , and rare, h a rd -to-fi nd
com ponents and m ateri a l s .
Character Advancement
P rogres s i n g to the n ext t i e r i n volves fo u r ste p s .
W h e n a c h a ract e r h a s s pe n t X P o n e a c h o f t h e fo u r
ste p s , h e adva n ce s to t h e n ext t i e r a n d ga i n s a l l
t h e b e n efits o f t h at t i e r, b o t h fro m h i s c h a ract e r
t y p e a n d h i s c h a racter fo c u s . E a c h ste p c o s t s 4
X P . T h e fo u r ste p s c a n be p u rc h a s ed i n a n y o r d e r,
b u t each ca n be p u rc h a s ed o n ly o n ce p e r t i e r. I n
ot h e r wo rd s , a c h a racter m u st b u y a l l fo u r ste p s
a n d adva n ce to t h e n ext t i e r b e fo re h e c a n b u y t h e
s a m e s t e p a ga i n .
I ncreasing Capabil ities: You ga i n 4 n ew poi nts to
add to yo u r stat Poo l s . You can a l l ocate the poi nts
a m o n g yo u r Poo l s h owever yo u w i s h .
M ovi ng Toward Perfection: You add 1 to yo u r
M i ght Edge, yo u r S peed Edge, o r yo u r I nte l l ect E d ge
(yo u r choice) .
1 12
Extra Effort: Yo u r Effort score i n creases by 1 .
Skills: Yo u beco m e tra i ned i n o n e s ki l l of you r
choice, oth e r t h a n attacks o r defe n se. A s descri bed
in the R u l e s Overview, a c h a racte r tra i ned in a s k i l l
treats the d ifficu lty o f a re l ated t a s k as one step l ower
t h a n n o rm a l . The s k i l l yo u choose fo r t h i s benefit can
be anyt h i n g yo u w i s h , such a s cl i m b i ng, j u m p i ng,
pers u a d i ng, o r sneaking. Yo u can a l so choose to
be knowl ed gea b l e i n a ce rta i n a rea of l o re, s uch a s
h i story o r geo logy. Yo u can eve n c h o o s e a s k i l l based
o n yo u r c h a racte r's special a b i l ities. Fo r exa m p l e, if
yo u r c h a racter can m a ke a n I ntel lect ro l l to b l a st an
enemy with mental fo rce, you can beco me tra i ned
i n u s i n g t h at a b i l ity, treat i n g its d ifficu lty a s o n e ste p
l ower t h a n n o rm a l . If yo u choose a s k i l l t h at yo u a re
a l ready tra i ned i n , you become s peci a l ized i n t h at
s k i l l , red uci n g t h e d ifficu lty of re l ated tasks by two
ste p s i n stead of one.
Other Options: P l aye rs can a l s o s p e n d 4 X P to
p u rchase oth e r s peci a l o pt i o n s . Select i n g any of
these opti o n s counts as p u rch a s i n g o n e of the four
ste p s nece s s a ry to adva n ce to the n ext tier. The
special opti o n s a re a s fo l lows.
Red u ce t h e cost fo r wea r i n g armor. This option
l owers the M i ght cost by 1 and l owers the S peed
red uction by 1 .
Add 2 to yo u r recovery ro l l s .
I f you ' re a gla ive, select a new fight i n g move. The
fight i n g move m u st be from you r tier o r a lower tier.
If you ' re a nano, select a new esotery. The esotery
m u st be from you r tier or a lower tier.
If yo u ' re a jack, sel ect a n ew trick of t h e trade. The
trick m u st be fro m yo u r tier o r a l ower tier.
 LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES

CHAPTER 9

O PTIONAL RU L ES

GAMEPLAY OPTIONS s pe c i a l effect, if a n y, re s u lt s . Fo r exa m p l e , h itti n g

In a n attempt to keep the game re latively s i m p l e , a creat u re ' s tentacle t h at i s w r a p p e d a ro u n d yo u r
the rules i n the p rev i o u s c h a pter a re d e s i gned t o a l ly m i g h t m a ke i t e a s i e r fo r t h e a l ly t o e s c a p e .
be stream l i n ed , stra i ghtforwa rd , a n d e a s y to use. H itt i n g a fo e i n t h e e y e m i g h t b l i n d it fo r o n e
H owever, some p l aye rs a n d G M s m i ght d e s i re a bit ro u n d . H itt i n g a creat u re i n its o n e v u l n e ra b l e
m o re co m p l exity, es peci a l ly a s t h e game goes o n , in s pot m i g h t i g n o re A r m o r.
o rd e r to re m a i n e n gaged a n d c h a l l e n ged. I f you fi n d Knock Back: The foe i s kn ocked or fo rced back a
yo u rself want i n g more ro b u st rules o r m o re opti o n s few feet. M ost of the t i m e , t h i s effect doesn't m atte r
t o ta i l o r t h e g a m e , u s e some o r a l l o f the opti o n a l m uc h , but if the fight takes p l ace on a ledge o r
rules i n t h i s sect i o n . n ext to a pit of l a v a , the effect can b e
The G M i s the fi n a l a rbiter of which opti o n a l rules s i g n ifica nt.
a re ava i l a b l e i n t h e game. M ove Past: The c h a racte r can
m a ke a s h o rt move at the e n d of
TRADING DAMAGE FOR EFFECT the attack. Th i s effect i s u sefu l to
Yo u can d ecrease the a m o u nt of d a mage yo u i n fl i ct get past a foe g u a rd i n g a door, for
i n co m bat i n exc h a n ge for a s pecial effect t h at exa m ple.
i s u s u a l ly atta i n ed o n l y on a ro l l of 1 9 or 20. To Stri ke H e l d Object: I n stead
d eterm i n e the a m o u nt of d a mage yo u m u st sacrifice of stri k i n g the foe, yo u stri ke
fro m a s i n g l e attack, co n s u lt the fo l l owi n g table, a n d what the foe is h o l d i ng. To
add t h e a m o u n t fo r t h e d e s i red effect t o the fo e ' s d eterm i n e re s u lts, refe r to
l eve l . Fo r exa m p l e, if yo u w a n t t o i m pa i r a level 5 the rules for attack i n g o bj ects
m o n ster, yo u ' d h ave to sacrifice 1 2 poi nts of d a m age {page 98) .
fro m a n attack (7 p l u s 5) . The p l aye r can wait to Knock Down: The foe i s
d eterm i n e if h e h its before decid i n g whet h e r to trade kn ocked prone. I t c a n get
d a m age fo r a n effect. up on its turn if it w i s h e s .
Disarm: The o p ponent
Damage d rops o n e object t h at it is
Red uction Effect h o l d i ng.
H i n d e r/ D i stract I m pair: Fo r t h e rest
2 S pecific body part of the co m bat, the
3 Knock back d ifficu lty of all tasks
3 M ove past atte m pted by the foe
3 Stri ke h e l d object i s mod ified by one
4 Knock d own step to its detri ment.
7 D i sarm Stu n : The
7 I m pa i r o p ponent loses its
8 Stun n ext t u r n .

H i nder/Distract: Fo r o n e ro u n d , t h e d i fficu lty of

the opponent's act i o n s i s mod ified by o n e step to h i s
detri ment.
S pecific Body Part: The attacker stri kes a s pecific
s pot o n t h e d e fe n d e r ' s body. T h e GM d e c i d e s w h at

1 13
 LASTING DAMAGE

Damage Type Description Other Effect

M i ght B roken arm U se l e s s arm
M ight M u scle d amage Difficu lty of all physical tasks is i ncreased by one step
M i ght T i s s u e d a mage D ifficu lty of a l l tasks is i n creased by two ste ps
S peed Torn ligament M ove at half speed; short move is no more than 25 feet (7.6 m) ; long move is no more than
50 feet (1 5 m)
S peed B roken leg Ca n n ot move without a s s i stance
I ntellect Concussion Difficu lty of all I ntellect actions is i ncreased by one step

PERMANENT DAMAGE

Damage Type Descri ption Other Effect

M i ght Seve red h a n d o r arm Self-exp l a n atory
S peed Pe rmanent l i m p M ove at h a l f speed; s h o rt m ove i s no more t h a n 25 feet ( 7 . 6 m ) ; l o n g m ove i s no m o re t h a n
5 0 feet (1 5 m)
S peed Seve red leg Ca n n ot move without a s s i stance
I nte l l ect M i s s i n g eye D ifficu lty of most or a l l physical act i o n s is i n creased by o n e ste p
I nte l l ect B ra i n d a m age D ifficu lty of a l l I ntel lect act i o n s is i n creased by o n e ste p
I nte l l ect B l i n d ness C h a racte r acts as if always i n co m p l ete d a rkness
I nte l l ect Deafn e s s C h a racte r ca n n ot hear

LASTING DAMAGE ALTERNATIVES TO POINTS OF DAMAGE

For a more rea l i stic s i m u lation of d a m age, the
GM can use a GM i ntru s i o n to i n d icate that d a m age
suffe red by a p l ayer cha racter is " l ast i n g . " M ost of the
time, t h i s d a mage i s descri bed as bei n g a concu s s i o n ,
a b roken b o n e , a torn l i gament, o r severe m u scle or
t i s s u e d a mage. T h i s d a m age does not heal normal ly,
Edge, page 20 so the poi nts lost ca n n ot be rega i ned by u s i n g
Intellect, page 20 restoration rol l s . I n stead , t h e poi nts return a t a rate of
1 point per d ay of com p l ete rest (or 1 point per t h ree
Stat Pools, page 2 0 d ays of reg u l a r activity) . U nt i l the poi nts a re restored ,
the d a m age h a s a secondary effect.
U s i n g l a st i n g d a mage i s particu l a rly a p p ropriate
Inability, page 47 in cases where it wo u l d be an o bv i o u s co n s e q u e n ce,
s uch a s when a c h a racter falls a l o n g d i stance. I t
i s a l s o a p p ropriate fo r cha racte rs who a re a l ready
i m pa i red o r d e b i l itated .
Someti m e s , a GM m i ght want to portray t h e d a n gers
of the N i nt h Wo rld in ways oth e r than poi nts of
d a m age. Fo r exa m p le , a particu l a rly n a sty d i sease or
wo u n d m i ght give a c h a racte r a wea kness or i n a b i l ity.
Weakness
Wea k n e s s i s , essential ly, t h e oppos ite of E d ge. If yo u
h ave a wea kness of 1 i n I ntel lect, a l l I nte l l ect act i o n s
t h at req u i re yo u to s p e n d poi nts cost 1 a d d i t i o n a l
point fro m yo u r Poo l .
Inability
D a m age can a l s o i n fl i ct i n a b i l ities . As exp l a i ned in
the Descri ptors cha pter, i n a b i l ities a re l i ke " n egative
s k i l l s . " I n stead of be i n g one step bette r at t h at k i n d
of t a s k , yo u ' re o n e ste p worse.

PERMANENT DAMAGE MODIFYING ABILITIES

S i m i l a r to last i n g d a m age, permanent d a m age i s
a s pecial situation adj ud icated b y the G M . Permanent
d a mage neve r heals normal ly, although the n u menera
can re pair d a m age or re p l ace lost body parts. T h i s
kind o f d a m age s h o u l d b e u sed spari n gly and o n ly i n
s pecial situations.
LASTING OR PERMANENT DAMAGE
AS DEATH REPLACEMENT
The G M can use lasti ng or permanent damage as a
substitute for death. I n other word s, if a PC reaches 0 in all
of her stat Pools, she would normally be dead, but instead
you could say that she is knocked u nconscious and wakes
up with some kind of lasting or permanent damage.
Someti m e s , a p l aye r can u s e a s peci a l a b i l ity in a way
t h at goes beyond its normal bo u n d s . S u c h c h a n ges
can be d o n e o n the fly. In some cases, it s i m ply costs
more poi nts to use the a b i l ity in a new way. I n oth e r
cases, more c h a l l e n ges a re i nvolve d .
Fo r any I nte l l ect a b i l ity w i t h a s pecific ra n ge,
yo u can i n crease the ra n ge by u s i n g more mental
e n e rgy. I f yo u spend 1 additional I nte l l ect poi nt,
yo u can c h a n ge t h e ra nge by o n e step-either fro m
s h o rt to long, or from l o n g to 5 00 feet (1 5 2 m) . Yo u
ca n ' t i n crease a ra n ge beyo n d 5 00 feet by spend i n g
more points. A n y I nte l l ect a b i l ity t h at h a s a d u ration
(anyt h i n g more than a s i ngle action i n a s i n g l e
ro u n d) u s u a l ly l a sts o n e m i n ute, ten m i n utes, o r

1 14

o n e h o u r. By spend i n g 1 a d d i t i o n a l point of I nte l l ect,
yo u can i n crease the d u ration by o n e ste p , so a n
a b i l ity t h at l a sts o n e m i n ute c a n be m a d e t o l a st ten
m i n utes. D u rati o n s can not be i n creased m o re t h a n
o n e ste p.
A p l aye r can m a ke a s peci a l ro l l to mod ify the
ra n ge, area, o r oth e r as pects of a n a b i l ity. The ro l l i s
always mod ified b y the stat i t ' s n o rm a l ly based o n .
The G M sets t h e d ifficu lty fo r t h e ro l l based o n t h e
degree of mod ificat i o n . L i ke any ro l l , the p l ayer c a n
u s e Effort, s ki l l , a n d a s sets to red u ce t h e d ifficu lty.
G e n eral ly, t h e d ifficu lty fa l l s i nto o n e of th ree
catego ries:
I m possible (mod ifyi n g a n a b i l ity to acco m p l i s h a n
effect t h at h a s noth i n g t o d o w i t h i t s description o r
i ntent)
Formidable (mod ifyi n g an a b i l ity to do so meth i n g
s i m i l a r t o t h e description o r i ntent, b u t c h a n g i n g
i t s n atu re)
Difficult (mod ifyi n g an a b i l ity to do somet h i n g
with i n the s p i rit a n d general i d e a o f the a b i l ity)
Fo r exa m p l e , say a n a n o k n ows t h e H over esotery
a n d wants to m o d i fy its u s e i n t h e m i d d l e of a n
e n co u nter. I f h e wa nted t o u s e it t o b l ast s o m e o n e
with fi re, t h at' s a n i m po s s i b l e t a s k (d ifficu lty 1 0)
beca u s e fi re h a s noth i n g to do with t h e a b i l ity.
If he wanted to u s e it offe n s ively with i n t h e general
description of the a b i l ity, h e m i ght try to m a ke a
foe fly u p a n d h it its head on the ce i l i n g. H oweve r,
t u rn i n g an a b i l ity t h at is n ot offe n s ive i nto an attack
c h a n ges its n at u re, m a k i n g the task form i d a b l e
(d ifficu lty 7) .
If he wanted to u s e it to m a ke a friend h over rather
t h a n h i m se lf, t h at ' s wit h i n the s p i rit a n d general idea
of the esotery. That's d ifficult (d ifficu lty 4) but n ot
u n reaso n a b l e .
Choosing to Roll
Someti m e s , if a p l aye r s p e n d s poi nts o n a n action
(fo r exa m p l e, to a p p l y Effort o r to activate a n a b i l ity) ,
s h e m i ght want to toss a d i e eve n if there i s n o
c h a n ce fo r fa i l u re beca u s e a ro l l of 20 red u ces t h e
n u m be r of poi nts t h at n e e d to be spent.
In addition, i n some s ituati o n s , particu l a rly in
co m bat, a ro l l of 1 7 o r h i g h e r i n d icates more d a mage
or a s peci a l effect.
I n these cases, p l ayers a re a l l owed to ro l l n ot to
d eterm i n e s ucces s but to d eterm i n e whet h e r they
ach i eve an above- a n d - beyo n d s ucce s s . H oweve r,
t h e re is ri s k i nvolved beca u s e if they ro l l a 1 , t h at
res u lts i n a G M i ntru s i o n It does not necessarily
mean fa i l u re, although that's a n obvi o u s G M
i nt r u s i o n to u se.
LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES
Acting While Under Attack
When a characte r is en gaged i n melee com bat,
d o i n g a nyth i n g other than fighti n g makes h i m
more v u l nerable. T h i s i s true for PCs a n d N PCs. I f
a characte r e n gaged i n melee takes a n action other
than fight i n g, each of h i s opponents can m a ke a n
i m mediate extra attack. The o n ly exce ption to t h i s rule
i s movi ng. I f the characte r' s o n ly action i s to move, he
i s assu med to be movi n g slowly and ca refu l l y out of
the fight, safely withd rawi n g from com bat.
Fo r exa m p l e , Toram has h i s back aga i n st a secu rity
door wh i l e fight i n g two sat h o s h . l f h e tries to open Sathosh, page 256
the door u s i n g its control term i n a l , h e i s taki n g a n
action oth e r t h a n fight i n g, a n d both sat h o s h get to
m a ke an attack aga i n st h i m .
Modifying the Range o f Weapons
If a c h a racte r with a ra n ged weapon wants to attack
a foe outs i d e the wea p o n ' s ra nge, h e can d o so, but
the d ifficu lty of the attack i s i n creased by two ste p s .
G e n eral ly, t h e i n crease i n ra n ge does n o t exte n d
i nfi n itely. A c h a racte r u s i n g a weapon t h at h a s a
s h o rt ra n ge can o n ly try to h it a ta rget t h at i s a l o n g Hover, page 3 7
d i stance away. A c h a racte r u s i n g a weapon t h at h a s
a l o n g ra n ge can t ry t o h it a ta rget u p to 200 fe e t (6 1
m) away with a d ifficu lty mod ification of two ste p s ,
a ta rget u p to 5 0 0 feet ( 1 5 2 m) away w i t h a d ifficu lty
mod ification of fo u r ste p s , a n d a ta rget up to 1 ,000
feet (300 m) away with a d ifficu lty mod ification of
s ix ste p s . Wea p o n s with ranges t h at sta rt out greater
t h a n l o n g ra n ge m u st be adj u d i cated by the G M .
Attacks with h a rd l i m its, s u c h a s the b l a st rad i u s
o f a n explos ive, ca n't be mod ifie d .
Optional Major Effect
When a p l aye r' s ro l l wo u l d grant h i m a major effect,
i n stead of taki n g the effect, he can choose to ro l l a
d6 a n d add the res u lt to t h e i n it i a l ro l l . T h i s option
m a kes it pos s i b l e to s u cceed at tasks with ta rget
n u m be rs greater t h a n 20 without decrea s i n g t h e
d i fficulty.
WEAPON DISTINCTIONS
Wea p o n s h ave o n ly a few d i st i n ct i o n s-th ey a re
l i ght, m ed i u m , or heavy, a n d t h ey a re melee o r
ra n ged . H owever, yo u can a l so add t h e fo l low i n g
d i st i n ct i o n s .
Slashi ng: Wea p o n s w i t h s h arp e d g e s , l i ke swo rd s
a n d axes , a re s l a s h i n g wea p o n s . On a s u cces s fu l
h it, they i n fl ict 1 a d d i t i o n a l point of d a mage aga i n st
an u n a rmored foe but 1 l e s s point aga i n st a n
armored o p po n e nt. The cl aws o f a creatu re m i ght b e GM intrusion, page 88
co n s id e red s l a s h i n g weapo n s .
Stabbi ng: Wea p o n s with a poi nt, l i ke d agge rs,
s pears, a n d a rrows, a re sta b b i n g wea p o n s . When
a n attacke r u s i n g o n e ro l l s a 1 7 o r h i gher o n a
1 15
 s uccessfu l attack, he i n fl icts 1 a d d i t i o n a l point
of d a m age beyo n d any bon u s d a m age normally
granted by his ro l l . H oweve r, if h e ro l l s a 5 o r l e s s
o n a s uccessfu l attack, h e i n fl icts 1 l e s s point o f
d a m age a s t h e weapon g l a nces o r grazes off the
foe. A creat u re ' s poi nted teeth m i ght be co n s id e red
sta b b i n g wea po n s .
Crushi ng: B l u nt wea pons l i ke c l u b s a n d h a m mers
a re cru s h i n g wea p o n s , effective aga i n st eve n we l l
armored fo e s . Cru s h i n g wea pons i g n o re 1 p o i n t of
Armor, page 92 Armor, but t h ey i nfl ict 1 l e s s poi nt of d a m age aga i n st
u n a rm o red foes. The powe rfu l b a s h e s of a creat u re ' s
fl a i l i n g tend ri l s m i ght be co n s i d e red cru s h i n g
wea p o n s .
Reachi ng: A reach i n g weapon i s a l o n g m e l ee
wea p o n , l i ke a l o n g spear, a p i ke , or a w h i p , t h at can
attack foes at a bit of a d i stance. Someone with a
reach i n g weapon can h o l d attackers at bay ( u n l e s s
they a l s o h ave reach i n g wea po n s ) . Attacks aga i n st
someone with a reach i n g weapon a re mod ified by
o n e step i n t h e defe n d e r ' s favo r. I n ce rta i n s ituati o n s ,
s uch a s c l o s e q u a rters fighti ng, a reach i n g weapon
m i ght be h i n d e red (th e wielder's attack d i fficu lty
is i n creased by one step) , o r u s i n g such a weapon
m i ght be i m po s s i b l e . The attacks of a very l a rge
creatu re o r one with l o n g a r m s m i ght be co n s id e red
reach i n g wea pon s .
USING MINIATURES
Some p l aye rs l i ke to use m i n i at u re s , co u nters,
o r oth e r toke n s to re p resent t h e i r c h a racte rs,
particu l a rly in a battlefield s it u atio n . M i n i at u res
s h owi n g the l ocation of t h e PCs, N PCs, a n d terra i n
Margr, page 244 featu res can be u s efu l v i s u a l a i d s . They h e l p peo p l e
s e e who i s closest t o the door, wh ich m a rgr sta n d s
where, a n d who wi l l be cru s h ed if the d a n ge ro u s ly
wea k part of t h e cei l i n g caves i n .
Distance
Ofte n , p l aye rs who u s e m i n i at u res a l s o u s e a grid to
re p resent d i stance. If yo u do t h i s , it' s probably best
to say t h at each 1 - i n ch (2 . 5 cm) s q u a re re p resents
about 5 feet ( 1 . 5 m) . S i m ply m ove yo u r figu re
the right n u m be r of s q u a res; for exa m p l e, a s h o rt
d i stance wo u l d be 1 0 s q u a re s .
H oweve r, a grid i s n 't nece s s a ry i n N u m e n e ra .
S i n ce most t h i n gs h ave o n e of t h ree po s s i b l e
Distance, page 89 d i st a n ce s-i m m ed i ate, s h o rt, a n d l o n g-t h at' s a l l
yo u need t o worry a bout. T h u s , yo u co u l d cut t h ree
l e n gt h s of stri n g : one 2 i n c h e s (5 cm) l o n g , o n e 1 0
i n c h e s (25 cm) l o n g , a n d o n e 20 i n c h e s (5 1 cm)
l o n g . I f s o m et h i n g h a s i m med i ate ra n ge , stretch
the 2 - i n c h (5 cm) stri n g fro m the o r i g i n poi nt to
see h ow far it goe s . Any c h a racter whose fi g u re i s
with i n 2 i n c h e s ( 5 c m ) o f a n o t h e r figu re c a n m a ke
a m e l e e attack a ga i n st t h at fi g u re . (T h e attacker
1 16
i s a s s u med to m ove c l o s e r to t h e ta rget, so s l i d e
t h e fi g u re s toget h e r. ) I f a c h a racte r wants t o m ove
a s h o rt d i st a n ce , u s e t h e 1 0- i nch (25 cm) stri n g to
m ea s u re fro m her start i n g poi nt to her i ntended
desti n a t i o n . I f t h e stri n g can reach t h at fa r, s o can
she. Fo r long ra n ge, a n yt h i n g yo u can reach with t h e
20- i n c h (5 1 cm) stri n g i s i n ra n ge . S oo n , yo u ' l l fi n d
t h at yo u can eye b a l l t h e d i sta n ces-prec i s i o n i s n 't
t h at i m portant.
Size
I n some games t h at use m i n i at u re s , the s ize of the
m i n i at u re ' s base i s i m portant. In N u m e n e ra , such
p reci s i o n i s n 't nece s s a ry. H oweve r, it ce rta i n ly h e l p s
if l a rger creat u res h ave l a rger b a s e s , re p resenti n g
t h at they take u p more room .
S peaki n g o f which, G M s a re free t o consider any
appropriate creatu re "big." An appropriate creatu re
wou l d l i kely be one that is more than 1 0 feet (3 m) tall
or 10 feet (3 m) long. Big creatu res don't have to move
their m i n iatu re when making a melee attack wit h i n
i m med iate d i stance. They c a n j u st reach that far.
G M s can a l s o d e s i g n ate some creat u re s " h uge."
H u ge creatu res a re 20 feet (6 m) ta l l o r 20 feet (6
m) long. Fo r t h e m , i m med i ate d i stance i s a stri n g
4 i n ches (1 0 c m ) l o n g-o r fo u r s q u a res o n a grid
a n d they d o n 't h ave to move to m a ke melee attacks.
As a rule of t h u m b , the m axi m u m n u m be r of
attackers t h at can attack a s i n g l e creatu re i s the s a m e
a s the n u m be r of figu res whose bases can fit a ro u n d
the creatu re. I n ge n e ra l , t h i s mea n s t h at l a rger
creat u re s can be attacked by m o re a s s a i l ants.
Tactical Play
When yo u u s e
m i n i at u re s , s o m e
a s pects o f the game
become m o re i m portant,
i nc l u d i n g ra n ge,
m ove m e nt, a n d s peci a l
effects t h at m ove
c h a racters. If a c h a racte r
i s kn ocked back, move h i s m i n i at u re back 1 or 2
i nches (or s q u a res) , as a p p ropriate.
T h at m e a n s terra i n beco mes i m porta nt, too. If
a deep c h a s m i s nearby, the p l aye rs need to know
exactly where it is i n re lation to t h e i r figu res i n
case t h ey h ave t h e opport u n ity t o knock a fo e i nto
t h at c h a s m (or face t h at s a m e ri s k t h e m s e lves) .
Li kewise, t h i ngs to h i d e be h i n d , t h e l ayout of i nterior
c h a m bers, a n d so o n beco m e i m portant a n d m u st
be d e p icted a l o n g with the m i n i at u res. M a ny peo p l e
enjoy p l ayi n g t h i s k i n d o f game o n a d ry-erase o r wet
erase s u rface so t h ey can d raw the featu res a n d p l ace
the fi g u re s right in the act i o n . S ketch i n g them on
paper works fine, too, as does u s i n g books, penci l s ,

or oth e r t h i ngs to re p resent ledges, wa l l s , a n d so
fo rt h . A n d , of co u rse, terra i n p i eces can be u sed fo r
extra fl avor. Some p i eces a re made of paper to keep
them i n expe n s ive.
L i n e of s i g h t a l s o becomes m o re i m portant, and if
yo u a l ready cut a stri n g to h a n d l e d i stance, it works
fo r t h i s p u rpose a s we l l . Pl ace the stri n g anywhere
on the base of t h e c h a racte r taki n g the act i o n , a n d
stretch the stri n g towa rd t h e ta rget. I f t h e stri n g c a n
be stretched t o any p a rt o f the b a s e o f the ta rget, the
attacker h a s line of s i ght.
Possible Drawbacks
The d own s i d e to u s i n g m i n i at u res is t h at the
exact i n g d eta i l t h ey offe r somet i m e s gets i n t h e way
of the G M ' s n a rrative contro l . For exa m p l e, without
m i n i at u re s , s h e can u s e GM i ntru s i o n to say, "Yo u
were sta n d i n g o n the trapdoor when it open s . " With
m i n i at u re s , a p l ayer u s u a l ly knows exactly where h e
i s sta n d i n g a t any g i v e n moment.
Also, psychological ly, m i n i at u res seem to
e n co u rage co m bat. If yo u p l ace a m i n i at u re o n t h e
game table re p resenti n g a n ew creatu re t h at the PCs
h ave encou nte red , some p l ayers a s s u m e t h at t h ey
need to e n gage with it i n tactical co m bat rather t h a n
ta l k t o i t , s n e a k p a s t i t , o r try some oth e r cou rse of
act i o n .
CHARACTER CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
N u m e n e ra cha racters a re easy to create, but some
p l ayers will want to cu sto m ize t h e m m o re t h a n t h e
system i n it i a l ly a l lows. They can u s e the fo l l owi n g
rules to s l ightly ( o r s i g n ifica ntly) c u stom ize t h e i r
cha racters p recisely a s they w i s h . A s a lways , the
GM i s t h e fi n a l a rb iter of which o pt i o n a l rules a re
ava i l a b l e i n the game.
Customizing Character Types
The fo l l ow i n g as pects of the t h ree c h a racte r types
can be mod ified at c h a racte r creation a s s u ggeste d .
Oth e r a b i l ities s h o u l d n o t be c h a n ged.
Stat Pools
Each character type has a starting stat Pool val ue. A
player can exchange poi nts between h i s Pool s on a one
for-one basis, so, for exa m ple, he can trade 2 poi nts of
M ight for 2 poi nts of S peed . H owever, no starting stat
Pool should be higher than 20. Keep in m i n d that jacks
get more starting poi nts than other characters get, and
this option cou l d make them more potent.
Edge
A p l ayer can start with an E d ge of l in w h i c h ever
stat h e w i s h e s . Beca u s e g l a ives start with a n E d ge
of l i n both M i ght a n d S peed , u s i n g th i s optio n a l
r u l e a l lows a g l a ive t o h ave a n E d ge o f l i n a n y two
LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES
stats ( n ot j u st M i ght a n d S peed ) . Keep i n m i n d t h at
jacks a l ready h ave t h e a b i l ity to choose w h i c h stat
t h ey h ave an E d ge i n , so u s i n g t h i s o pt i o n a l r u l e
decreases o n e of t h e advantages o f be i n g a jack.
Cypher Use
If a start i n g c h a ra ct e r s a c rifices o n e start i n g
s k i l l ( a p h y s i c a l s k i l l fo r a g l a ive, o r n u m e n e ra
t ra i n i n g fo r a n a n o) , he c a n u s e o n e m o re cyp h e r Cypher, page 278
t h a n i s l i sted . Alternatively, if a c h a ract e r gives
up o n e cyp h e r, h e ga i n s a n a d d i t i o n a l s k i l l of h i s
c h o o s i n g. E i t h e r way, n o m o re t h a n o n e cyp h e r
s h o u l d be c h a n ge d .
Nonvariable Abilities
Each type h a s static, u n c h a n g i n g a b i l ities at t h e fi rst
tier t h at d o n ' t i nvolve any of the a bove as pects or
any p l aye r choice. Fo r a fi rst-tier jack, those a b i l ities jack, page 40
a re " Practiced With Light a n d M ed i u m Wea p o n s " Nano, page 32
a n d " F l ex S ki l l . " For n a n o s , t h ey a re " Practiced With Glaive, page 26
Light Wea p o n s " a n d " N u me n e ra Tra i n i n g . " Fo r
g l a ives , they a re " P racticed i n Armor" a n d " Practiced
With All Wea p o n s . "
A n y one o f t h e s e a b i l ities can be sacrificed t o ga i n
tra i n i n g i n o n e s ki l l o f t h e p l aye r's choice.
Customizing Descriptors
U n d e r the n o r m a l r u l e s , each descri ptor is based o n
some mod ification of the fo l l owi ng:
Some d escri ptors offe r +4 to o n e stat Pool a n d
e i t h e r two n a rrow s k i l l s o r o n e b road s ki l l .
Oth e r descri ptors offer + 2 t o o n e stat Pool a n d
either th ree n a rrow s k i l l s o r o n e n a rrow s ki l l a n d o n e
b road s ki l l .
A b road s k i l l cove rs many a reas (such a s a l l
i nteract i o n s) . A n a rrow s k i l l cove rs fewer act i o n s
(such as d eceptive i nteractions) . Co m b at-rel ated
s k i l l s , s u c h a s defense o r i n itiative, a re co n s id e red
b road s ki l l s in t h i s sen se.
Rega rd l e s s , you can add a n add iti o n a l s k i l l if
it i s b a l a n ced by a n i n a b i l ity t h at i s e s s e n t i a l l y a
" n egative s ki l l . " Yo u can add oth e r n o n s ki l l a b i l ities
by eye ba l l i n g them a n d tryi n g to eq u ate them to t h e
va l u e of a s k i l l , if pos s i b l e. I f the d escri ptor see m s Stat Pools, page 20
lacking, add a b o u t t e n t o fifteen s h i n s o f a d d i t i o n a l Shins, page 77
eq u i p m ent to b a l a n ce t h i ngs o u t .
W i t h t h i s ge neral i nformation, y o u can custo m ize a
descri ptor, but keep i n m i n d that a heavily cu sto m ized
descri ptor i s n 't a descri ptor if it no longe r says
one t h i n g about a cha racte r. It's better to use t h i s
i nformation t o create a n e w descri ptor that fits exactly Edge, page 20
how the p l ayer wants to portray the cha racte r. Might, page 20
Speed, page 20
1 17
 The rules for customizing
foci are designed for
players who like the idea
of a particularfocus but
find that perhaps one of
the abilities that it confers
doesn 't quite fit their
cha meter concept.
Skills, page 25
Armor, page 92
Customizing Foci
At any tier, a p l aye r can sel ect o n e of the fo l l owi n g
a b i l ities i n p l ace of the a b i l ity granted by the tier.
M a ny of these re p l acement a b i l ities, p a rticu l a rly at
the h i gher tiers, i nvolve bod i l y mod ification with
devices o r someth i n g s i m i l a r.
Tier l
Self- I m p rovement: Yo u ga i n 6 new poi nts to d ivide
a m o n g yo u r stat Poo l s h owever you wish. E n a b l e r.
Bringing the Pai n : You d e a l 1 a d d i t i o n a l point of
d a m age with eve ry attack you m a ke. E n a b l e r.
More Traini ng: Yo u ga i n an add iti o n a l s k i l l of yo u r
choice (not com b at o r d efe n se) i n which yo u a re n ot
a l ready tra i ned. E n a b l e r.
Tier 2
Lower-Tier Ability: Choose any Tier 1 a b i l ity, a bove .
Offensive Com bat Traini ng: Choose o n e type of
attack i n which yo u a re n ot a l ready tra i n e d : l i ght
bas h i ng, l i ght b l aded , l i ght ra n ged , m ed i u m bas h i ng,
m ed i u m b l aded , m ed i u m ra n ged , heavy bas h i ng,
heavy b l aded , o r heavy ran ged . You a re tra i ned in
attacks u s i n g t h at type of wea pon. E n a b l e r.
Defensive Com bat Traini ng: Choose o n e type of
defe n s e task i n which yo u a re n ot a l ready t ra i ned:
M i ght, S peed , o r I nte l l ect. You a re tra i ned i n d efe n s e
t a s k s of t h at type. E n a b l e r.
Tier 3
Lower-Tier Ability: Choose any Tier 1 or 2 a b i l ity,
a bove.
N anotech H ealth: T h a n ks to an i njection of
a rtificial anti bod ies a n d i m m u n e defe n s e n a n o bots
i nto yo u r b l oodstre a m , yo u a re n ow i m m u ne to
d i seases, viruses, a n d m utat i o n s of any k i n d .
Fusion Armor: Yo u fi n d someone t o perform
s u rge ry o n yo u , and the p roced u re gives you
b i o m etal i m p l a nts in major port i o n s of yo u r body.
These i m p l a nts give yo u + 1 to Armor eve n when
yo u ' re n ot wea ri n g physical armor.
Tier 4
Lower-Tier Ability: Choose any Tier 1 , 2, or 3
a b i l ity, a bove.
N anotech Resistance: T h a n ks to an i njection of
b i o l ogical agents a n d n a n o-defe n d e rs , yo u a re n ow
i m m u n e to p o i s o n s , toxi n s , or any k i n d of particu l ate
th reat, i n c l u d i n g the I ro n W i n d . You a re n ot i m m u n e
to viruses, bacte ria, or rad i at i o n .
Built-i n Weaponry: You find someone t o pe rform
s u rge ry on you , and the p roced u re gives you
biomechan ical i m p l a nts i n you r h a n d s or eyes. The
i m p l ants a l low yo u to fi re a bl ast of energy that i n fl icts
5 poi nts of d a m age with a ra nge of 200 feet (6 1 m) .
There is no cost for you to use t h i s a b i l ity. Action.
1 18
Tier 5
Lower-Tier Ability: Choose any Tier 1 , 2, 3 , or 4
a b i l ity, a bove.
Adaptive Field: T h a n ks to a d evice i m p l a nted
in yo u r s p i ne, yo u n ow h ave a field t h at rad i ates 1
i n c h (2 . 5 cm) from yo u r body. The field kee p s you
at a co mforta b l e temperatu re; kee p s out d a n ge ro u s
rad i atio n , d i seases, a n d gases; a n d always p rovides
yo u with b reat h a b l e a i r.
Defensive Field: T h a n ks to a d evice i m p l a nted i n
yo u r s p i ne, you n ow h ave a fo rce field t h at rad i ates 1
i n c h (2 . 5 cm) from yo u r body a n d p rovides yo u with
+2 to Armor.
Tier 6
Lower-Tier Ability: Choose any Tier 1 , 2, 3 , 4, or 5
a b i l ity, a bove.
Reactive Field: T h a n ks to a d evice i m p l anted i n
yo u r s p i ne, you n ow h ave a fo rce fi e l d t h at rad i ates 1
i n c h (2 . 5 cm) from yo u r body a n d p rovides yo u with
+2 to Armor. In a d d i t i o n , if struck by a m e l ee attack,
the field p rovides a backl a s h t h at i n fl i cts 4 poi nts of
e l ectricity d a mage to the attacker.
Drawbacks and Penalties
I n add ition to a l l the oth e r custo m ization o pt i o n s , a
p l ayer can choose to take a vari ety of d rawbacks o r
p e n a l t i e s to ga i n fu rt h e r advantage s .
Weakness
As n oted earl i e r, wea kness i s , essential ly, the
o p pos ite of E d ge. I f you h ave a wea kness of 1 in
S peed , all S peed act i o n s t h at req u i re you to spend
poi nts cost 1 a d d i t i o n a l point fro m you r Poo l . At
any t i m e , a p l aye r can choose to give a c h a racter a
wea kness a n d i n exc h a n ge ga i n + 1 to h i s E d ge i n o n e
of the oth e r two stats. So a PC can take a weakness
of 1 i n S peed to ga i n + 1 to his M i ght E d ge.
N o r m a l ly, you can h ave a weakness o n ly i n a stat
in which you h ave an Edge of O. Further, yo u ca n 't
h ave m o re t h a n o n e wea k n e s s , a n d yo u ca n 't h ave
a wea kness greater t h a n 1 , u n l e s s the a d d i t i o n a l
wea kness co mes fr o m a n o t h e r sou rce (such a s
a d i sease o r d i s a b i l ity a ri s i n g fro m act i o n s o r
co n d iti o n s i n the game) .
I nabil ities
I n a b i l ities a re l i ke " n egative s ki l l s . " They m a ke o n e
type of task h a rd e r by i n crea s i n g t h e d i fficu lty by o n e
ste p . I f a c h a racter c h o o s e s to take a n i n a b i l ity, h e
ga i n s a s ki l l of h i s choos i n g. N o r m a l ly, a c h a racte r
can h ave o n ly o n e i n a b i l ity u n l e s s the a d d i t i o n a l
i n a b i l ity co mes fr o m a n o t h e r sou rce (such a s a
d e scri ptor or from a d i sease or d i s a b i l ity a ri s i n g from
act i o n s o r co n d itions in the game) .
 LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES

OPTIONAL XP RULES
U s u a l ly, p l aye rs earn expe r i e n ce p o i nts by
m a k i n g d i scove ries o r t h ro u g h G M awa rd s . As
a n altern ative to t h at syste m , p l ayers can s u ggest
t h at ot h e r p l ayers earn X P . T h e GM ca l l s for
n o m i n at i o n s at the end of a n adve n t u re , and t h e
p l aye rs d i scu s s who d i d w h at, w h o came u p with
t h e best ideas, w h o h a n d led a p a rticu l a r s ituation
we l l , a n d so fo rt h . Eve ry c h a racte r sti l l rece ives X P ,
b u t t h e p l ayers d e c i d e w h o gets h ow m u c h .
Anot h e r option i s fo r a G M t o offe r XP t o t h e
gro u p between s e s s i o n s a n d l e t t h e m s p l it it u p
h owever t h ey fee l i s fa i r. Th i s method can b e used
with X P earned fo r d i scove ry o r t h ro u g h GM awa rd s .
Lastly, the gro u p c a n d e c i d e that experience
poi nts earned i n d ifferent ways a re s pent d i fferently.
One method is to declare that XP earned t h rough
GM i ntru s i o n i s ava i l a b l e o n ly for i m mediate,
short-term, and long-term uses, w h i l e X P awa rd ed
between sessions i s u sed for adva n c i n g in leve l s .
The advantage t o t h i s option i s that a l l characte rs
advance t h rough the s ix tiers at about the same
rate-an i m portant i s s u e for some p l ayers. Of cou rse,
a good GM can ach ieve th i s res u lt o n his own by
carefu l ly hand i n g out rewa rd s , and many gro u p s wi l l
d i scover wh i l e p l ayi n g that eq ual adva ncement i s n 't a n
i m portant i s s u e i n N u menera, but people s h o u l d get
to p l ay the game they want to pl ay.

Getting an Experience Point Advance

By i ntrod uci n g a story com p l i cation based on her
characte r' s backgro u n d , a p l aye r can start the game
with a sign ificant a m o u nt of XP (and can spend them
i m mediately if d e s i red, even to p u rchase levels) .
The G M has fi n a l a p p rova l ove r t h i s optio n , and it
s h o u l d be u sed only i n gro u p s that d o n 't i n s i st on a l l
characte rs h avi n g p recisely the s a m e powe r l eve l s .
T h i s story- based co ncept a l lows a p l aye r to create
exactly the characte r she wants at the outset at the
cost of b u i l d i n g i n a n a rrative com p l ication for herself.
For exam ple, a player might want to start the game
with a robotic companion or a beam weapon. U nder
the normal rules, these options aren't available to a
begi n n i n g player, but she could find or build them given
time (and perhaps after s pending XP) . With the optional
rule, the character gets an advance XP amount that
can be u sed to "buy" the automaton or weapon, but i n
exchange, she has an inability with all N P C i nteractions.
As another exa m ple, l et' s say a p l aye r doesn't
want to sta rt by p l ayi n g a n ew, yo u n g n a n o-he
wants to p l ay someone who i s older a n d more
expe rienced . Alt h o u g h N u m e n e ra does n ot a s s u m e
t h at a l l start i n g c h a racters a re fres h yo u n g recru its,
the p l aye r' s vision doesn't q u ite sound l i ke a fi rst-tier
n a n o . So h e co mes u p with a s i g n ifica nt d rawback,
s uch a s a severe add iction to a costly d rug, i n
exc h a n ge for an adva n ce of X P t h at a l l ows h i m to
start at t h e second tier, with a l l t h e benefits of a
seco n d -tier cha racte r.
These story co m p l icat i o n s a re wort h an adva n ce
of 4 to 6 XP:
People find the character extremely u n l i kable. N o
matter what he says or does, i ntel l i gent creatu res a n d
a n i m a l s find h i m u n pleasant. A n y attem pt t o i nteract
with creatures is treated as if it were one step more
d ifficult than normal. Fu rther, the G M should make a
default a s s u m ption that a l l people treat the character
with d i staste and contem pt as a base l i ne.
The c h a racte r h a s a bum leg. I t acts up eve ry n ow
a n d t h e n (at least o n ce per adve n t u re , a n d u s u a l ly
o n ce per session) , a n d when it does, the d i fficu lty
of a l l S peed tasks is i n creased by one step fo r h i m .

1 19
 Inability, page 47 The c h a racte r h a s an i n a b i l ity with a s i g n ifica nt
task, such a s attacks, d efe n s e , move ment, o r
someth i n g of t h at n atu re. As a res u lt, t h e d ifficu lty
of such tasks is i n creased by one step fo r h i m .
The c h a racte r h a s a n occas i o n a l ly d e b i l itat i n g
co n d ition, such a s a b a d back, a l co h o l i s m , eat i n g
i s s u e s , a n d so o n . Th i s p ro b l e m res u lts i n a
s i g n ificant pena lty o n ce per s e s s i o n .
The c h a racte r i s wanted b y t h e l aw a n d m u st
keep a l ow p rofile. Th i s can ca u s e sto ry- based
co m p l i cati o n s rat h e r than mec h a n ical ones, but it
can m a ke life d ifficult fo r h i m at t i m e s .
Vatjellan and lattimors
The c h a racte r h a s a d efe n s e l e s s re l ative o r fr i e n d
are not the only visitant who i s often a t ri s k. Aga i n , t h i s i s n o t a mec h a n ical
races in the Ninth World, i s s u e , but o n e t h at will affect h ow the c h a racte r
but they are the most is p l ayed . At t i m e s , he wi l l h ave to stop w h at h e
common. Others live in i s d o i n g to h e l p the p e r s o n out of a j a m . A t oth e r
more isolated orfarjlung t i m e s , t h e perso n ' s l i fe m i ght be truly i n jeopardy,
areas and are not as well
known. co m pe l l i n g t h e PC to act i o n .
The c h a racte r m u st perform a regu l a r action t o
reta i n h i s a b i l ities. Fo r exa m p l e, e a c h morn i n g, h e
m u st "co m m u ne" w i t h a n u ltrapowe rfu l , a rtifici a l ly
i n te l l i gent " god " who grants h i s powe rs. I f t h i s
com m u n i o n i s d i stu rbed o r p reve nted , o r if t h e
tra n s m i s s i o n i s b roken o r b l ocked , the PC does
Examples ofvatjellen names:
n ot h ave acce s s to his powers t h at d ay.
Vestiai Lagim
Malianoke The character m u st have a particu lar item to be able
Visixtru to use h i s abil ities. For exa m p le, he need s a power
Thrianelli cel l , a focu s i n g crysta l , or another object that ca n be
Lieos Kel lost, stolen, or destroyed. Perh aps, l i ke a power cel l , it
Palianeir need s to be rep laced or recha rged from time to time.
Stro/rushi
These story co m p l icat i o n s a re wort h a n adva n ce of
1 2 to 20 XP:
The c h a racte r i s wanted by t h e l aw a n d i s actively
p u rs ued by m u lt i p l e N PCs. Th i s i s n 't j u st a m atte r
of lyi n g l ow when s h e is i n tow n . I n stead , N PCs
wi l l s h ow up at the worst pos s i b l e t i m e s a n d
atte m pt to abd uct o r ki l l h e r.
The c h a racte r h a s a co n d ition such t h at the
d i fficu lty of all tasks i nvolvi n g co m bat or N PC
i nteraction i s i n creased by o n e ste p .
The c h a racte r h a s a truly d e b i l itat i n g co n d ition,
such a s b l i n d n e s s , deafn e s s , be i n g cri p p l e d , seve re
d ru g ad d i ct i o n , a n d so o n .
The c h a racte r h a s a d efe n s e l e s s re l ative o r friend
who (fo r some vital reason) m u st acco m p a n y h e r
a t l e a s t 75 percent of the t i m e . S h e wi l l s p e n d
many act i o n s p rotect i n g t h i s p e r s o n i n stead o f
d o i n g w h at s h e ' d rat h e r be d o i n g.
The c h a racte r' s a b i l ities rely on a ra re d ru g t h at i s
d i fficu lt t o o bta i n . Without a reg u l a r d o s e o f t h i s
s u bsta n ce, s h e i s v i rt u a l ly powerless.
The c h a racte r was experi mented o n a s a yo u n g
ch i l d , which gave h e r powe rs a n d a b i l ities. N ow, to
ga i n any n ew a b i l ities, she m u st find the o ri g i n a l
1 20
experi menter a n d re p l i cate the p roce s s . T h i s is a
major m i s s i o n a n d cou l d re s u lt i n a l o n g d e l ay i n
c h a racte r adva ncement (effectively givi n g h e r a
boost i n powe r at t h e begi n n i n g of the game but
n o boosts fo r a l o n g t i m e afterward) .
RACIAL OPTIONS
The defau lt a s s u m ption is t h at a l l p l aye r c h a racters
a re h u m a n . H owever, the N i nth Wo rld is a stra n ge
p l ace, a n d oth e r o pt i o n s a re ava i l a b l e , although they
s h o u l d be extre mely rare.
Visitants
Vis itants h a i l fro m . . . e l sewh e re. They a re the
desce n d a nts of trave l e rs who came to E a rth d u ri n g
a prior worl d , w h e n i nterste l l a r-perh a p s eve n
i nte rga l actic-trave l was co m m o n p l ace. At some
poi nt, the trave l e rs we re m a rooned h e re, perhaps
beca u s e the civi l ization t h at s u p ported their
tec h n o l ogy co l l a psed o r d i s a p peared . Somet i m e s
v i s itants-particu l a rly the varj e l l e n ( s e e next page)
s u ggest t h at the E a rt h once served as the h u b of a
vast e m p i re of t h o u s a n d s of worl d s . H owever, there's
n o way to be ce rta i n of t h at, a n d it h a rd ly see m s
re levant now, a h u n d red t h o u s a n d or eve n a m i l l i o n
years l ater.
Rega rd l e s s of h ow t h ey got h e re , v i s itants now
ca l l the N i nth Wo rld home. They h ave dwe l led on
E a rt h fo r a t h o u s a n d ge n e rat i o n s o r m o re and h ave
l o n g fo rgotten any u s efu l knowl edge t h e i r a n cestors
m ay h ave had about science, tec h n o l ogy, o r the
u n ive rse. I n stead , t h ey h ave a d a pted , biologica l ly a n d
c u l t u ra l ly, to s u rvive i n t h e i r n ew home. T h e y know
no oth e r l i fe a n d no oth e r p l ace, but they re m a i n
kee n ly awa re t h at they a re a t best t ra n s p l ants a n d at
worst castaways .
Visitants sometimes i ntegrate i nto h u ma n societies
i n the N i nth Worl d , but more ofte n they keep to
them selves i n their own small com m u n ities. They a re
rel atively ra re com p a red to h u ma n s . I n fact, many
h u m a n s h ave n ever encou ntered a vis itant, and
some d o n 't believe they exi st, d i s m i s s i n g them as
ta l l tales o r the res u lt of n u men era-based deformities
or tra n sformations. Alth ough vis itants and h u m a n s
d iffe r greatly i n outlook and perso n a l ity, dwe l l i n g on
the same worl d , faci n g the same d a n gers, and h avi n g
the same experiences has made it pos s i b l e for them t o
u n d erstand each other and get along. M ost visitants
s peak the same language as the h u m a n s that l ive
in the same region, although particu l a rly isolated
com m u n ities h ave their own langu age, j u st as re mote
h u m a n gro u p s do. Vis itants ca n't i nterbreed with
h u m a n s or with vis itants of another type.
P l ayers can create v i s itant c h a racters if t h e G M
a l l ows it. A v i s itant's race i s h i s descri ptor, but h e
can c h o o s e any c h a racte r type a n d focu s d e s i red .
 LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES

Fo r exa m p l e , a p l aye r m i ght create a varj e l l e n g l a ive
who Wo rks M i racles o r a l att i m o r jack who Wea rs
a S h ee n of I ce . Beca u s e v i s itant c h a racters ga i n
m o re benefits from t h e i r raci a l type t h a n they wo u l d
fro m a conventional descri ptor, each carries m o re
d i sadvantages as we l l . Vis itant cha racte rs a l so
p resent ro l e p l ay i n g c h a l l e n ge s , so it' s reco m m e n d ed
t h at n ew p l ayers do n ot create v i s itant PCs.
Varjellen
Ta l l a n d a n g u l a r, the varj e l l e n wo u l d n ever be
co nfu sed with h u m a n s . They h ave a violet- red hue to
t h e i r fl e s h ; b u l bo u s , ye l l ow-ca st, co ntra l ateral eyes; a
ta l l , t h i n crest atop t h e i r head; a n d a b road chest with
two l i m b l i ke struct u res t h at open a cavity with i n t h e i r
chest. Th i s cavity p rotects t h e i r heart a n d p rovi d e s
t h e m acce s s to it a n d oth e r i nte rnal o rga n s . H u m a n s
h ave l i kened a varj e l l e n ' s chest t o a cage w i t h doors
t h at can open a n d close. The varj e l l e n ca l l th is
p rotected cavity their "cruci b l e . " H av i n g acce s s to
their own i nte rnal o rga n s p rovides the varj e l l e n with
a u n iq u e benefit. By gently m a s s agi n g a n d s u btly
rearra n g i n g t h e i r o rga n s i n a m a n n e r u n d e rstood
o n ly by the varj e l l e n b ra i n , they ga i n control ove r
t h e i r enti re physical struct u re, mod ifyi n g t h e i r bod ies
o n a ce l l u l a r l evel a s need ed.
In oth e r word s , a varj e l l e n can m a ke itself faster,
stro n ge r, a n d eve n s m a rter when it need s to. But
viruses a n d toxi n s t h at affect h u m a n s affect the
varj e l l e n as we l l , although there a re ra re d i ffe re n ce s . Works Miracles, page 75
T h e i r eye s i ght i s at l e a s t h a l f aga i n a s good a s a Wears a Sheen of Ice, page 73
h u m a n ' s , but t h e i r heari n g is a bit worse. They h ave
n o sense of s m e l l .
A s i d e fro m these physical c h a racte ristics, t h e
varj e l l e n s h a re s o m e general pers o n a l ity traits
(th o u g h i n d ivid u a l s obvi o u s ly d i ffe r) . H u m a n s often
fi n d them co l d , p o n d e ro u s , a n d u n emot i o n a l most
of the t i m e , but t h ey can be u n p re d i ctably wa rm,
i m p a s s i o n e d , o r e rratic. G u a rded arou n d stra n gers,
the varj e l l e n a re free r with i nformation a n d cas u a l
behavior a m o n g t h o s e t h ey tru st. B ut ofte n , a
varj e l l e n ' s trust is d ifficult to wi n .
M a ny varj e l l e n enjoy worki n g with too l s a n d a re
fasci n ated by devices of t h e past, t h o u g h t h ey ca re
l ittl e for h i story in ge n e ra l , p referri n g to focu s on the
p resent a n d t h e future . They a re d rawn to mystery
a n d exp l o rat i o n . The varj e l l e n enjoy v i s u a l a rts a n d
m u s ic, but they h ave n o concept o f poetry
or p rose a n d d o n ' t care m u ch for sto ries.
Although t h ey a re re l u ctant warri ors,
the varj e l l e n d o what they m u st to
p rotect them selves. They a re a l m ost
n ever the aggressors in physical
situat i o n s , but if nece s s a ry, t h ey can be
a s devi o u s o r ruth less as any h u m a n
(aga i n , t h i s v a r i e s fr o m i n d ivid u a l

t h e re i s a p rice. To i n crease m u sc u l at u re of o n e to i n d ivid u a l ) . They va l u e

k i n d , a n o t h e r m u st be d i m i n i s hed. To i m p rove b ra i n eq u a l ity a n d fa i rness b u t
struct u re s , t i s s u e fro m e l s ewhere i n the body m u st m a y d e fi n e t h e s e concepts
be sacrifice d . When a varj e l l e n becomes s m a rter, it d i fferently
becomes s l owe r or weaker. When it becomes faster than
o r m o re gracefu l , it becomes less h a rdy o r less h u mans do.
i nte l l i gent, a n d so o n . The p roce s s of a lteration is The varj e l l e n
ca l l ed reforging. Va rj e l l e n can reforge t h e m se lves a n e e d fo r j u stice
m axi m u m of o n ce each d ay, a n d t h e p roce s s takes gives t h e m a deep
a l most a n h o u r. Yo u n g varj e l l e n who h ave j u st d e s i re to right wro n gs-
learned to reforge can do it i n h a l f the t i m e , but a s ve n geance is we l l
the b o d y a g e s , t h e p roce s s t a k e s l o n ger, so a n h o u r known a m o n g
i s ave rage. their kind.
Va rj e l l e n a re sexl e s s u n t i l t h ey w i s h ot h e rw i s e , Va rj e l l e n
at w h i c h p o i n t t h ey c a n a d o pt orga n s to ta ke o n wea r cloth i n g n ot u n l i ke
e i t h e r a m a l e o r fe m a l e g e n d e r fo r re p rod u ctive h u m a n garments, always
p u r p o s e s . O bv i o u s l y, o n ce a v a rj e l l e n has beco m e cove ri n g t h e i r cruci b l e .
p re g n a n t , s h e reta i n s fe m a l e c h a ra cte r i s t i c s u nt i l I n d ivid u a l s typ ica l ly pai nt,
s h e gives b i rt h a p p roxi m ately s i x m o n t h s l at e r. tattoo, o r oth e rwise d eco rate
H u m a n s a re i n ca p a b l e of d i s cern i n g a n y d i ffe re n ce t h e i r crest a n d head to exp re s s
betwee n t h e v a rj e l l e n w h o t a ke o n ge n d e r a n d t h e i r o w n perso n a l ity.
t h o s e w h o d o n ot . Varjellen Abil ities
Va rj e l l e n l ive 250 yea rs o r more a n d typ i ca l ly A l l varj e l l e n cha racters i n
re p rod uce o n ly once, always giv i n g b i rth to twi n s . N u m e n e ra h ave t h e fo l l owi n g
L i ke h u m a n s , they b reathe oxyge n , req u i re fo o d a n d a b i l ities:
wate r, a n d so o n . H oweve r, t h ey a re herb ivoro u s a n d Diminished: At fi rst tier,
ca n n ot d i gest meat. By h u m a n sta n d a rd s , they p refer yo u h ave 3 points, n ot 6, to
particu l a rly s p i cy food a n d very stro n g l i q u o r. M ost d ivide a m o n g yo u r stat Poo l s .

121
 Reforgi ng: You can take an h o u r d u ri n g t h e d ay
to rea rra n ge yo u r cu rre nt stat Poo l s as yo u d e s i re,
trad i n g poi nts between t h e m freely. Yo u h ave n o
m axi m u m i n any Poo l , but l owe r i n g a P o o l to 0
m oves you d own t h e d a mage track as n o rm a l .
Recovery roll, page 9 4 Slow t o Recover: E a c h recovery ro l l y o u m a ke
s u ffe rs a -1 pena lty.
Ski l l : You a re tra i ned in the n u menera.
Ski l l : You a re tra i ned i n vi s u a l ly perceivi ng.
I nabil ity: The d ifficu lty of tasks i nvolvi n g h i story is
i ncreased by o n e ste p .
I nabil ity: The d ifficu lty of t a s k s i nvolvi n g poetry o r
o ratory i s i n creased by o n e ste p .
I nabil ity: The d ifficu lty of t a s k s i nvolvi n g heari n g i s
i ncreased b y o n e ste p .
Lattimor
A l attimor i s the res u lt of a sym biotic u n ion of two
d iffe rent creat u res: a bursk (a l a rge, m u s c u l a r, h a i ry
b i ped) and a neem (an i nte l l i gent fu n ga l creat u re) .
They come together i n synth e s i s to form a new being.
1 22
Effectively, a l attimor is two creat u res with one body.
A typical l attimor sta n d s about 7 feet (2 . 1 m)
ta l l , with b road , s l o p i n g s h o u lders, powerfu l arms,
and short legs. I t has two l a rge and widely spaced
eyes, p l u s fo u r s m a l ler eyes positioned h i g h a n d
c l o s e together. Although i t s entire body i s cove red
in b rown i s h - b l o n d , b l ack, or wh ite h a i r, the back of
a l attimor h a s a fl at, d i scolored a rea, a l most l i ke a
mass ive brui se. H u m a n s often th i n k the a rea vaguely
resembles a bat or a n owl with outstretched wings.
Closer i n s pection of the a rea reveals tiny wav i n g h a i rs
that a re a l most t h read l i ke-very different from the h a i r
on the rest o f the creatu re's body. These s m a l l h a i rs
a re the outer man ifestation of the neem, although
by ad u lth ood , the fu ngus has worked itself i nto the
cel l u l a r struct u re of the m a i n body of the b u rs k.
The synt h e s i s of b u rs k a n d neem i s i m pe rfect. The
sym b i o s i s res u lts i n a s i n g l e creatu re with a s i n g l e
m i n d , ca l l ed t h e fugue state. Wh i l e the b u rs k a n d the
neem a re e n h a n ced by t h e u n i o n-th e whole i s fa r
greater t h a n t h e s u m o f the parts-somet i m e s t h e
two creat u re s operate i n d ependently. I n oth e r wo rd s ,
the l att i m o r exists i n a fugue state most of t h e t i m e ,
but somet i m e s either t h e b u rs k o r t h e neem i s i n
co ntro l . Fro m a h u m a n ' s point o f vi ew, t h i s c a n seem
l i ke a p sychotic m a l ady akin to m u lt i p l e pers o n a l ity
d i so rd e r, but to a l att i m o r, it' s s i m ply normal l ife .
The b u rs k a n d neem e a c h h ave i n d ivid u a l n a m e s ,
w i t h the u n i o n taki n g o n both n a m e s . Fo r exa m p l e, a
neem ca l l ed N a rlyen a n d a b u rs k ca l l e d Fes h m i ght
co m b i n e to create a latt i m o r ca l l e d N a rlye n - Fes h .
At a n y given t i m e , a l att i m o r m i ght b e i n a b u rs k
state, a neem state, o r (most co m mo n ly) a fugue
state. Typical ly, a b u rs k state i s more p ro n e to
aggres s i o n , co m b at, a n d physical activity. A neem
state i s conte m p l ative a n d conversat i o n a l . S h ift i n g
fro m state t o state somet i m e s h a p p e n s u n expected ly.
When the l att i m o r w i s h e s to c h a n ge state , t h e s h i ft
req u i res ca refu l co ncentrat i o n . The b u rs k state, be i n g
more aggress ive, i s h a rd e r t o s h ift o u t o f t h a n the
oth e r two states .
Latti mors a re stro n g creatu res w i t h keen s e n s e s .
They b reathe n itrogen but n e e d o n ly a s m a l l a m o u nt,
so t h ey can hold t h e i r b reath fo r u p to ten m i n utes
without i s s ue. M ost i n h a l ed toxi n s t h at wo u l d bot h e r
a h u m a n h ave n o effect o n t h e m . Latti mors a re
o m n ivoro u s a n d can d i gest orga n i c material t h at a
h u m a n a l m ost ce rta i n ly co u l d n ot.
Latt i mors h ave male and fe male ge nders , but o n ly
beca use bursk d o-the neem rep rod uce asexu a l ly.
When two l att i mors m ate, the res u lt is a bursk who
i s i m med i ately joi ned with a neem so they grow
together. If the u n io n ca n n ot be esta b l i s h ed with i n the
first few wee ks, it i s u n l i kely to h a p pen successful ly.
M a l e l atti mors a re typ ica l ly l a rger than the fe males
and wa l k a bit stooped . An average l attimor's l i fespan

is approxi m ately fifty years. U s u a l ly, when one part of
the com b i ned creatu re d ies, both d ie. H owever, there
a re re ports of a neem bei n g " b u rned out" of a b u rs k,
red uci n g it to a bestial creatu re that can neve r aga i n
fo r m the synth e s i s o f a l attimor.
Without a neem, a b u rs k i s l ittl e more t h a n a
beast, about as i ntel l i gent as a s m a rt, we l l -tra i ned
pack a n i m a l . Without a b u rs k, a neem i s awa re and
i nte l l i gent, but n ot nearly at a h u m a n ' s l eve l ; it's n ot
ca p a b l e of u s i n g too l s a n d i s barely m o b i l e .
The outlook o f a l attimor d e p e n d s on i t s cu rrent
state and can vary from i n d ivid u a l to i n d ivid u a l . I n
its fu gue state, a l attimor i s ca refu l but curious. M ost
h u m a n s wou l d find it to be self-aggra n d i z i n g but not
offe n s ive. I n a b u rs k state, the creatu re is eas i ly bored
and focuses m a i n ly on eat i n g and p rov i n g its p rowess
(a n d worth) t h rough physical acts, such as com b at,
feats of stre n gt h , or co ntests. These extroverts can be
q u ite ras h at times. In a neem state, the creatu re is
t i m i d , thoughtfu l , and i ntroverted . I t l i kes to ta l k but
probably wo u l d rather j u st t h i n k.
N ot a l l l att i m o r p a i ri n gs a re h a r m o n i o u s . Rarely, a
neem a n d b u rs k grow to h ate each oth e r a n d vie fo r
control when n ot i n a fu gue state.
P l ayi n g a l att i m o r a s a PC race can be d i fficult,
a s it i s o n e c h a racter with th ree perso n a l ities and
stre n gt h s . Fo r a n ext ra c h a l l e n ge , two p l aye rs co u l d
p l ay a s i n g l e l att i m o r c h a racte r together, w i t h o n e i n
control w h e n t h e creatu re i s i n b u rs k state, t h e ot h e r
i n control when i n neem state, a n d t h e two worki n g
toget h e r when i n fu gue state.
LATT I M O R ABI LITI ES
A l l l att i m o r c h a racte rs in N u m e n e ra h ave the
fo l l owi n g a b i l ities:
Strong: Yo u r M i ght Pool i n creases by 4 poi nts.
Change State: The fu gue state i s the defau lt. I t is
yo u r state when yo u awa ke n . You can c h a n ge yo u r
state b y atte m pt i n g a n I nte l l ect task with a d ifficu lty
of 4. The G M can mod ify the d i fficu lty depe n d i n g
o n t h e c i rc u m stances; stres sfu l situat i o n s i n crease
the d ifficu lty. Changing state i s a n act i o n , a n d once
atte m pted (whether s u ccessfu l or not) . yo u ca n n ot
try aga i n for at least an h o u r afterwa rd .
FUG U E STATE
Ski ll: You a re tra i ned i n perceivi ng.
B U RS K STATE
Skil l : You a re tra i ned i n attacks made with o n e
weapon type chosen at c h a racter creat i o n .
Skil l : You a re tra i ned i n breaki n g t h i ngs.
Skil l : You a re tra i ned i n perceivi ng.
I nabil ity: You ca n n ot take t i m e to t h i n k. The
d i fficu lty of tasks i nvolvi n g l o re, knowledge, o r
u nd e rsta n d i n g i s i ncreased b y o n e ste p .
LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES
I nabil ity: You ca n n ot take t i m e to tal k. The Examples oflattimor names:
d i fficu lty of tasks i nvolvi n g i nteract i n g with oth e rs in Narlyen-Fesh
a pleasant m a n n e r i s i n c reased by o n e ste p . Gravish-Morel
I nability: You ca n n ot take time t o conte m p l ate. T h e Margel-Mes
Zester-Dolin
d ifficu lty o f t a s k s i nvo lvi n g co ncentration or study
Carstol-Reg
i n cl u d i n g u s i n g esoteries-i s i n creased by one ste p. Ungeym-Werl
Hanlan:Jorum
N E E M STATE
Skill: Yo u are tra i ned i n a l l i nteractions with others. In lattimor naming
Ski l l : Yo u a re tra i ned i n tasks i nvo lvi n g study, conventions, names are
typically hyphenated, with
conte m p l at i o n , or mental concentrat i o n , i n cl u d i n g
the first half being the
esote ries. name of the neem and the
I nabil ity: You h ave n o ta ste fo r fighti ng. The second the name of the
d ifficu lty of tasks i nvolvi n g co m b at-i n cl u d i n g attack bursk.
and defe n se ro l l s-is i n creased by o n e ste p .
I nabil ity: You a re w h o l l y focu sed. The d ifficu lty o f
t a s k s i nvolvi n g perceivi n g a nyth i n g u n expected i s
i n c reased b y o n e ste p .
Mutants
Some c h a racte rs h ave been affected by m utat i o n .
M utants a re not v i s itants. They a re h u ma n s who h ave
changed ove r time, either t h rough natural forces of
evol ution or t h rough an u n n at u ra l m a n i p u l ation
i ntentional or not-to an i n d iv i d u a l or h i s ancestors.
U n natural m a n i p u lation co u l d mean expos u re to
m utage n s , the res u lt of genetic e n g i n eering, or the
res u lt of genetic engi neeri n g go ne wrong.
In the N i nth Wo rl d , m utants somet i m e s band
toget h e r. Those with h ideous deformities face
d i scri m i nation and d e ri s i o n . Some a re outcasts,
and others a re reve red , fl a u nt i n g t h e i r m utat i o n s
a s a s i g n o f s u perio rity, powe r, a n d i n fl u e n ce. T h e i r
m utat i o n s a re s e e n a s a b l es s i n g, n ot a cu rse. Some
peo p l e b e l i eve t h e m to be d iv i n e . Might Pool, page 20
There a re five catego ries of m utat i o n s . Two
of them-be n efici a l m utat i o n s a n d powe rfu l
m utation s-b ri n g about c h a n ges t h at a re neither
phys ically obvi o u s n o r extraord i n a ry. Powe rfu l
m utat i o n s a re more pote nt t h a n benefici a l o n e s .
H a rm fu l m utat i o n s a re p h y s i c a l c h a n ges t h at a re
u s u a l ly grotesque a n d somewhat d e b i l itat i n g . The
fo u rth catego ry, d i st i n ctive m utat i o n s , a l so p rovides
s i g n ifica nt a b i l ities, but they m a rk the c h a racte r a s
a n obvi o u s m utant. Last, cosmetic m utat i o n s bri n g
n o s peci a l capa b i l ities a t a l l a n d a re m e rely cos metic
(a lthough somet i m e s d ra m atica l ly so) .
I n theory, there is a s ixth category that m ight be cal led
crippling m utations, but characters never have this kind
of m utation. M utants with crippling m utations m ight be
born without l i m bs, with barely fu nctional l u ngs, without
most of their brain, and so on. S uch m utations prevent a
character from being viable.
I f you want to play a m utant, you h ave s pecial
abil ities, but they come at a cost. In lieu of a
descri ptor-or rather, by choos i n g mutant as you r
1 23
 descri ptor-you gai n two beneficial p roce s s i nformation so t h at after
Some of the most m utations. I f you opt to ta ke a yo u wake, yo u h ave a n a s set in any
infamous mutants in the harmful m utation as wel l , you can I nte l l ect act i o n s held ove r fro m
Ninth World are the Fahat h ave three beneficial m utations, the p rev i o u s d ay. Fo r exa m p le , if
of Nihliesh, page 2 1 7. or one powerfu l m utation, or one yo u h ave to d eterm i n e whet h e r a n
powerfu l and d i stinctive m utation. u n known p l a n t i s p o i s o n o u s , yo u
You can also have from zero to co u l d " s leep on it" a n d m a ke t h e
four d i stinctive m utations, which i s d ete rm i n ation the n ext d ay w i t h a n
completely u p t o you . M utations are as set o n t h e act i o n .
always rol l ed random ly, although the 54-60 Poison i m m u n ity: Yo u a re
player and GM can work together to i m m u n e to a l l p o i s o n s .
e n s u re that the res u lting character i s 61 -65 Disease i m m u n ity: Yo u a re
one that the player wants t o play. i m m u n e to a l l d i seases.
U n l i ke a b i l ities ga i n ed fro m 66-70 Fire resistance: You h ave +3
most oth e r s o u rces , m utat i o n s to Armor aga i n st d a m age from fire.
Skills, page 25 t h at affect t h e d i fficu lty o f t a s k s a re 71 -75 Cold resistance: Yo u h ave
a s sets, n ot s k i l l s . T h at m e a n s any +4 to Armor aga i n st d a mage from
step c h a nges fro m a m utation a re co l d .
i n add ition to any step c h a n ges yo u 76-80 Psychic resistance: You
m i ght h ave fro m a s ki l l . h ave +3 to Armor aga i n st I nte l l ect
d a m age.
Beneficial Mutations 81 -85 Acid resistance: You h ave +5 to Armor
The fo l l ow i n g m utat i o n s d o n ot req u i re any v i s i b l e aga i n st d a m age fro m aci d .
c h a n ges o r d i sti n ct i o n s i n the c h a racte r. I n oth e r 86-88 Punctu re resistance: You h ave +2 t o Armor
The Angulan Knights wo rd s , peo p l e who h ave these m utat i o n s a re n ot aga i n st d a m age fro m p u nct u r i n g attacks.
(page 224) see mutants obvi o u s ly recognized as m utants. U s i n g benefici a l 89-91 Slicing resistance: You h ave +2 to Armor
as a true threat to m utat i o n s n eve r costs stat Pool poi nts a n d n eve r aga i n st d a m age fro m s l ic i n g attacks.
humanity and hunt them
down mercilessly. req u i res an action to " activate. " 92-94 Bl udgeoning resistance: You h ave +2 to
Armor aga i n st d a mage fro m cru s h i n g attacks.
01 -05 Strengthened bones: You ga i n + 5 t o yo u r 95-96 N o scent: You ca n n ot be t racked o r l ocated
M i ght Poo l . by scent, a n d you n eve r h ave offe n s ive odors.
06-1 0 I m proved circulation: Yo u ga i n +5 t o yo u r 97-99 Scent: Yo u can sense creat u re s , o bj ects ,
M i ght Poo l . a n d terra i n b y scent a s we l l a s a n o r m a l h u m a n can
1 1 -1 5 I m proved m uscu latu re: Yo u ga i n +5 t o yo u r by s i ght. Yo u can d etect scents with t h at degree
M i ght Poo l . of accu racy o n ly in s h o rt ra n ge, but yo u can sense
1 6-20 I m proved nervous system: Yo u ga i n +5 to stro n g odors fro m m uch fa rther away (fa r bette r t h a n
yo u r S peed Poo l . a n o r m a l h u m a n ca n) . L i ke a h o u n d , yo u can track
21 -25 I m proved neural processes: Yo u ga i n +5 to creat u res by t h e i r scent.
yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l . 00 Sense M aterial: You can s e n s e the prese n ce of
26-30 Thick hide: You ga i n + 1 to Armor. any s i n g l e s u bstance with i n s h o rt ra n ge, although
3 1 -33 I ncreased l u n g capacity: Yo u can h o l d yo u r yo u d o n ' t learn d eta i l s o r the p reci se locat i o n . You
b reath fo r five m i n utes. a n d the G M s h o u l d work together to d eterm i n e t h e
34-36 Ad hesion pads: Yo u r h a n d s a n d feet h ave s u b stance: wate r, i ro n , synt h , gran ite, wood , fl e s h ,
naturally a d h e s ive pads a n d t h u s a re a s sets in tasks salt, a n d so o n . You d o n ot n e e d to concentrate t o
i nvolvi n g cl i m b i ng, kee p i n g yo u r foot i n g , o r reta i n i n g sense the m ateri a l .
yo u r gri p.
37-39 Slippery ski n : Yo u secrete a s l i ppery o i l , Harmful Mutations
givi n g y o u a n asset i n any t a s k i nvolvi n g s l i p p i n g U n l e s s n oted oth e rwise, the fo l l owi n g m utat i o n s
fro m another's g r i p , s l i p p i n g fro m bo n d s , s q u eez i n g a re vi s i b le , obvi o u s , a n d grotesque. T h e y offe r n o
t h rough a s m a l l open i n g, a n d so o n . benefits , o n ly d rawbacks .
40-45 Telekinetic shield: You refl exive ly u s e 01 -1 0 Deformed leg: A l l m ovement tasks a re
teleki n e s i s to wa rd away attacks, givi n g yo u a n as set i ncreased i n d ifficu lty by o n e ste p.
in S peed d efe n s e tasks. l 1 -20 Deformed face/appearance: A l l pleasant
46-50 Suggestive voice: Yo u r voice i s so pe rfectly i nteraction tasks a re i n c reased i n d ifficu lty by o n e
m od u l ated t h at it i s a n asset in all i nteraction tasks. ste p .
5 1 -53 Processor d reams: When yo u s l eep, you 21 -30 Deformed arm/hand: A l l t a s k s i nvo lvi n g the

1 24

arm or h a n d a re i ncreased i n d ifficu lty by o n e ste p.
3 1 -40 M alformed brai n : The d ifficu lty of a l l
memory- o r cogn i tive- re l ated tasks i s i n creased by
o n e ste p.
41 -45 M entally vul nerable: The d ifficu lty of a l l
I nte l l ect defe n s e tasks i s i n creased b y o n e ste p.
46-50 Slow and l u m bering: The d i fficu lty of a l l
S peed d efe n s e tasks i s i ncreased b y o n e ste p .
5 1 -60 Sickly: The d ifficu lty of a l l M i ght defe n s e
t a s k s i s i n creased by o n e ste p.
61 -63 Horrible growth: A large goiter, i m mobile
tendril, or useless extra eye hangs from you r face,
i ncreasing the d ifficu lty of a l l pleasant i nteractions (with
most creatures, particu larly h u m a n s) by one step.
64-66 Useless l i m b: O n e of yo u r l i m bs i s u n u s a b l e
o r m i s s i ng.
67-71 Useless eye: O n e of yo u r eyes i s u n u s a b l e o r
m i s s i ng. The d ifficu lty of t a s k s s pecifica l ly i nvo lvi n g
eye s i ght (s pott i n g, search i n g, a n d so on) i s i n creased
by one ste p .
72-76 Useless ear: O n e of yo u r ears i s u n u s a b l e o r
m i s s i ng. The d ifficu lty of t a s k s s pecifica l ly i nvo lvi n g
heari n g i s i n creased b y o n e ste p .
77-84 Weakness i n M i ght: A n y t i m e y o u s pe n d
poi nts fro m yo u r M i ght Poo l , the cost i s i n creased b y
l poi nt.
85-92 Weakness i n Speed : Any time you spend
poi nts fro m yo u r S peed Poo l , the cost i s i n creased by
l poi nt.
93-00 Weakness i n I ntel lect: Any time yo u spend
poi nts fro m yo u r I nte l l ect Poo l , t h e cost i s i n creased
by l poi nt.
Powerful Mutations
The fo l l owi n g m utat i o n s d o n ot req u i re any v i s i b l e
c h a n ge s i n t h e c h a racter u n t i l u s ed . Peo p l e w h o
h ave t h e s e m utati o n s a re n o t obvi o u s l y recogn ized
a s m utants if t h ey d o n ' t use t h e i r powe rs. U s i n g
s o m e o f t h e s e m utat i o n s costs stat Pool p o i n t s .
S o m e a re act i o n s .
01 -05 Darksight: You c a n s e e i n co m p l ete d a rkness
a s if it we re l i ght. E n a b l e r.
06-1 0 No breath: You do n ot need to b reathe.
E n a b l e r.
1 1 -1 5 No water: You do n ot need to d ri n k wate r to
s u rvive. E n a b l e r.
1 6-20 Chameleon ski n : Yo u r s k i n c h a n ges co lors
a s yo u wish. Th i s i s a n asset i n tasks i nvolvi n g
h i d i ng. E n a b l e r.
21 -24 Savage bite: Yo u r mouth w i d e n s s u rp ri s i n gly,
a n d h id d e n , poi nted teeth e m e rge when you w i s h it.
Yo u can m a ke a b ite attack t h at i nfl icts 3 poi nts of
d a m age. E n a b l e r.
25-26 G l uey globs: You can p rod u ce gl uey globs
at yo u r fi n ge rt i p s . Th i s i s a n a s set i n tasks i nvolvi n g
LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES
cl i m b i n g or kee p i n g yo u r gri p . You can a l s o fl i n g
these globs i n i m me d i ate range, a n d if t h ey h it, t h ey
i n crease t h e d i fficu lty of the ta rget ' s physical tasks
by one step fo r o n e ro u n d . E n a b l e r to u s e i n a tas k;
action to use a s an attack.
27-30 Face danci ng: Yo u can a lter yo u r featu res
enough t h at yo u possess a n a s set i n all tasks Mutants are not
i nvolvi n g d i s g u i se. E n a b l e r. abhumans. Abhumans
are creatures whose
3 1 -35 Sense n u menera: Yo u can sense the
ancestors-perhaps
p resence of a fu n cti o n i n g n u m e n e ra d evice o r through m utation
esotery with i n s h o rt r a n g e . You d o n ot learn d eta i l s became something other
o r t h e p recise l ocat i o n . Act i o n . than human in the distant
36-40 Stinger i n finger: Yo u can m a ke a n attack past, and rejected their
with yo u r hand t h at i n fl i cts l point of d a mage. I f yo u
humanity. Now they breed
true, bestial offshoots that
m a ke a seco nd s u cce ssfu l attack ro l l , yo u r sti n ge r have become a distinct
a l so i n j ects a poison t h at i n fl icts 4 poi nts of S peed species.
d a m age. Act i o n .
41 -44 Stinger i n el bow: You can m a ke a n attack
with yo u r e l bow t h at i n fl icts 2 poi nts of d a mage.
I f you m a ke a seco n d s u cce ssfu l attack ro l l , yo u r
st i n ge r a l so i njects a poison t h at i n fl i cts 4 poi nts of
S peed d a m age. Act i o n .
45-47 Spit need les: You can m a ke a n attack with
i m med i ate range. You spit a need l e t h at i n fl i cts l
point of d a m age. If you m a ke a seco n d s u cce ssfu l
attack ro l l , t h e need le a l s o i njects a poison t h at
i n fl icts 4 poi nts of S peed d a mage. Act i o n .
48-50 Spit acid : You can m a ke a n attack with
i m med i ate range. You spit a glob of acid t h at i n fl i cts
2 poi nts of d a mage. Act i o n .
5 1 -53 Spit webs: Yo u can m a ke u p to 1 0 fe e t (3 m)
of a strong, ro pel i ke m ateri a l each d ay at the rate of
about l foot (0. 3 m) per m i n ute. The we b b i n g i s l evel
3. You can also s p it globs of we b b i n g in i m m ed i ate
ra n ge, and if they h it, they i n crease the d ifficu lty of
the ta rget ' s physical tasks by one step for one ro u n d .
Act i o n .
54-59 Filtered l u ngs: You h ave a n as set to M i ght
defe n s e act i o n s aga i n st vapors o r n oxi o u s gases. You
can s u rvive i n a hosti l e b reat h i n g envi ro n ment (such
a s u nd e rwate r o r i n a vacu u m) fo r u p to ten m i n utes.
E n a b l e r.
60-62 Disru ptive field (electron ics) (2 I ntel lect
poi nts) : When yo u w i s h it, yo u d i s ru pt d evices
with i n i m m ed i ate ra nge (no rol l needed) . All d evices
operate a s if t h ey were 3 l eve l s l ower wh i l e i n ra n ge
of yo u r fie l d . Devices red u ced to l evel 0 or below d o
n ot fu n ct i o n . Act i o n .
63-65 Disru ptive field (flesh) ( 2 I ntel lect poi nts) :
When yo u w i s h it, you d i s r u pt fl e s h with i n i m m ed i ate
ra n ge. Al l creat u res wit h i n ra n ge of yo u r field take
l point of d a m age. I f yo u a p p l y a l evel of Effort to
i n crease t h e d a mage rather t h a n affect the d ifficu lty,
each ta rget takes 2 add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age. I f
yo u r attack fa i l s , ta rgets i n t h e a rea sti l l take l point
of d a m age. Act i o n .
1 25
 66-68 Disru ptive field (thoughts) (1 I ntel lect
poi nt) : When you w i s h it, you d i s r u pt thou ghts
with i n i m m ed i ate ra nge. The d ifficu lty of I nte l l ect
act i o n s for a l l creatu res with i n ra n ge i s i n c reased by
o n e ste p. Act i o n .
69-70 M agnetic flesh : Yo u attract o r re pel metal
when yo u d e s i re. N ot o n ly d o s m a l l metal o bj ects
cl i n g to yo u , but t h i s m utation is an a s set in tasks
i nvolvi n g cl i m b i n g o n metal o r kee p i n g yo u r grip
o n a metal ite m . This m utation i s a n asset to S peed
defe n s e tasks when b e i n g attacked by a metal foe or
a foe with a metal wea pon. E n a b l e r.
71 -73 G ravity negation (2 I ntel lect poi nts) : You
float s l owly i nto the a i r. If you co ncentrate, yo u
can control yo u r movement at h a l f yo u r normal
s peed; oth e rwise, you d rift with the w i n d o r with any
momentu m yo u h ave ga i n e d . This effect l asts fo r up
Most of the mutations
to ten m i n utes. I f you a l so h ave t h e H over esotery o r
in this section are far too
radical and specialized t r i c k of the trad e, yo u can h over fo r twe nty m i n utes
to be natural products and move yo u r normal s peed . Action to i n itiate.
of evolution, unless the 74-80 Telepathy (2 I ntel lect poi nts) : Yo u can s peak
mutant is actually the te lepath i ca l ly with ot h e rs who a re with i n s h o rt ra nge.
most recent in a long Co m m u n ication i s two-way, but t h e oth e r p a rty m u st
line of deviant humans
be w i l l i n g a n d a b l e to com m u n icate. You d o n ' t h ave
that have carried and
perfected a particular to see the ta rget, but yo u m u st know t h at it's with i n
trait. For example, a ra n ge. Yo u c a n h ave m o re t h a n o n e active contact
m utant with claws at once, but yo u m u st esta b l i s h contact with each
and sharp teeth came ta rget i n d iv i d u a l ly. Each contact l asts up to ten
from a family line,
stretching back before
m i n utes. I f you apply a l evel of Effort to i n crease the
recorded history, with d u ration rat h e r t h a n affect the d ifficulty, the contact
ever-developing claws l a sts for 28 h o u rs . Action to esta b l i s h contact.
and teeth for a specific 81 -85 Pyrokinesis (1 I ntellect poi nt) : You can ca u s e
adaptation. a fl a m m a b l e object yo u can see with i n i m me d i ate
Far, far more likely, ra n ge to sponta n e o u s l y catch fi re. If u sed a s a n
the mutant has some
attack, t h i s powe r i n fl i cts 2 poi nts o f d a m age. Act i o n .
genetic engineering in
their ancestry that has 86-90 Teleki nesis ( 2 I ntel lect poi nts): You can
produced a particularly exe rt fo rce o n o bj ects with i n s h o rt ra n ge . O n ce
bizarre, random effect, or activate d , yo u r powe r h a s an effective M i ght
the mutation is a latent Pool of l O, a M i ght E d ge of l , a n d a n Effo rt of
strain designed to emerge 2 (a p p roxi m ately equal to t h e stre n gth of a fit ,
generations after the
manipulation occurred. ca p a b l e , ad u lt h u m a n ) , a n d yo u can u s e it t o
m ove object s , p u s h aga i n st o bject s , a n d so o n .
Fo r exa m p l e , yo u co u l d l ift a n d p u l l a l i ght obj ect
a n yw h e re with i n ra n ge to yo u rs e l f o r m ove a h eavy
o bject (l i ke a p i ece of fu r n i t u re) a bout l 0 feet (3 m) .
T h i s powe r lacks t h e fi n e control to w i e l d a wea p o n
o r m ove o bj ects with m u ch s peed , s o i n m o s t
s i t u at i o n s , it' s n o t a m e a n s o f attack. Yo u ca n ' t
u s e t h i s a b i l ity o n yo u r o w n body. T h e powe r l a sts
fo r one h o u r o r u n t i l its M i ght Pool i s d e p l eted ,
w h i c h ever co m e s fi rst. Act i o n .
91 -92 Phaseshifting ( 2 I ntel lect poi nts): You can
pass s l owly t h ro u g h solid barriers at a rate of l
i nch (2 . 5 cm) per ro u n d (m i n i m u m of o n e ro u n d to
pass t h rough t h e barrier) . You ca n ' t act (other t h a n
m ov i n g) o r pe rce ive a nyth i n g u n t i l y o u pass enti rely
1 26
t h rough t h e barrier. Yo u ca n't pass t h ro u g h e n e rgy
barriers. Act i o n .
93-94 Power device (1 + I ntel lect poi nts): You c a n
c h a rge a n a rtifact o r ot h e r d evice (except a cyp h e r)
so t h at it can be used o n ce . The cost i s l I nte l l ect
point p l u s l point per l evel of the d evice. Act i o n .
95-96 Drain power: You can d ra i n t h e powe r fro m
an a rtifact or device, a l l owi n g yo u to rega i n l I nte l l ect
point per l evel of t h e device. You rega i n poi nts at
the rate of l poi nt per ro u n d a n d m u st give yo u r fu l l
co ncentration t o t h e p roce s s each ro u n d . T h e G M
d eterm i n e s whet h e r t h e d evice i s fu l ly d ra i ned ( l i kely
true of most h a n d h e l d o r s m a l l e r d evices) o r reta i n s
some powe r (l i kely true o f l a rge mach i n es) . Action to
i n it i ate; action each ro u n d to d ra i n .
97-99 Regeneration: I n add ition t o rega i n i n g
poi nts t h ro u g h normal recovery ro l l s , yo u rega i n l
point of yo u r M i ght Pool or S peed Pool per h o u r,
rega rd less of whet h e r yo u rest, u nt i l both Poo l s a re
at t h e i r maxi m u m . E n a b l e r.
00 Feed off pai n : Any t i m e a creatu re with i n
i m med i ate ra n ge s u ffers a t least 3 poi nts o f d a m age
(after Armor s u btraction) in one attack, yo u can
restore l point to o n e of yo u r Poo l s , u p to its
maxi m u m . You can feed off any creatu re in t h i s way,
whet h e r friend or foe. You n eve r rega i n more t h a n l
point per ro u n d . E n a b l e r.
Distinctive Mutations
The fo l l ow i n g m utat i o n s i nvolve d ra m atic physical
c h a n ges to t h e c h a racte r' s a p peara n ce. Peo p l e who
h ave these m utat i o n s a re always recogn ized a s
m utants. U s i n g some of these m utat i o n s costs stat
Pool poi nts. Some a re act i o n s .
01 -04 Extra mouth: Yo u h ave a n ext ra mouth o n
yo u r h a n d , fa c e , o r sto m a c h . Th i s mouth i s fi l led
with razo r- s h a rp teeth and, if u sed to attack, i n fl icts
3 points of d a mage. Yo u can a l so s peak with two
voices at o n ce. E n a b l e r.
05-08 Snakel i ke arm: O n e of yo u r a r m s e n d s i n a
fa n ged mouth . You can u s e it to attack, i n fl i ct i n g 3
poi nts of d a m age. If yo u m a ke a seco n d s u ccessfu l
attack with t h e arm, yo u a l s o i n ject a poison t h at
i nfl icts 4 poi nts of S peed d a mage. Yo u ca n 't u s e t h e
s n a ke l i ke arm fo r a nyth i n g oth e r t h a n b i t i n g . E n a b l e r.
09- 1 2 Tendrils on forehead : Fo u r to six te n d r i l s ,
each 1 2 t o 24 i n ches ( 3 0 t o 6 1 c m ) l o n g , co me o u t
o f yo u r fo re h ead . They c a n gra s p a n d carry anyt h i n g
t h at yo u r h a n d co u l d , although a l a rge object wo u l d
b l o c k yo u r fi e l d o f v i s i o n . A l s o ro l l o n the benefici a l
m utat i o n s l i st (page 1 24) . E n a b l e r.
1 3-1 6 Tendrils instead of fingers: Yo u r fi n gers a re
te n d r i l s 1 2 i n ches (30 cm) long. They a re an asset
to any task i nvolvi n g c l i m b i ng, gra s p i ng, or kee p i n g
yo u r gri p. Fu rt h e r, yo u c a n effectively pick u p a n d

h o l d two o bjects i n each h a n d rat h e r t h a n one. You
ca n ' t wield more t h a n o n e weapon per h a n d . Also
ro l l o n t h e beneficial m utat i o n s table. E n a b l e r.
l 7-20 Tendrils instead of arms: You r arms are tendrils
6 feet (1 .8 m) long (or o n ly one arm i s a tendril, if you
prefer) . Although you lose the fine m a n i p u l ative abil ity
of fingers and a t h u m b , you can sti l l grasp objects,
h ave a m uch longer reach , and h ave an asset for all
tasks i nvolving gra p p l i n g or wrestli ng. Also rol l on the
beneficia l m utations table. Enabler.
21 -23 Tendrils instead of eyes: You a re b l i n d ,
b u t each eye socket h a s a retracta b l e te n d r i l t h at i s
1 0 feet ( 3 m) long. These te n d r i l s c a n fe e l a ro u n d
ra p i d ly t o give yo u a physical s e n s e o f eve ryt h i n g
with i n i m m ed i ate ra nge. Further, they c a n be u s e d to
m a n i p u l ate ve ry l i ght o bjects, activate co ntro l s , a n d
so fo rt h . Also ro l l o n the benefici a l m utat i o n s table.
E n a b l e r.
24-26 Ten d rils i n stead of legs/feet: Yo u r legs o r
feet a re te n d r i l s t h at a re 6 feet ( 1 . 8 m) l o n g (or
o n l y one l e g o r foot is a te n d r i l , if yo u p refe r) . Yo u
can sti l l wa l k a n d m ove n o r m a l ly, a n d yo u h ave a n
a s set fo r a l l t a s k s i nvolvi n g g ra p p l i n g o r wrest l i n g .
T h e te n d r i l s a re p re h e n s i l e e n o u g h to g ra s p l a rge
o bject s . A l s o ro l l o n the b e n efici a l m utat i o n s t a b l e .
E n a b l e r.
27-32 Scaly body: You ga i n +2 to Armor. E n a b l e r.
33-36 Covered in spiny need les/spi kes: Any
creatu re stri k i n g yo u with its body automatica l ly
s u ffe rs 1 poi nt of d a m age. E n a b l e r.
37-39 Quills: You h ave q u i l l s t h at you can l a u nch
fro m yo u r body to attack a foe with i n s h o rt ra n ge.
Th i s attack i n fl icts 4 poi nts of d a mage, a n d yo u n ever
ru n out of a m m o . You can also use t h i s attack i n
m e l ee. Act i o n .
40-44 Carapace: You ga i n + 2 to Armor. E n a b l e r.
45-49 Ch lorophyl l : You ga i n n utrients fro m the s u n
a n d d o n ' t need t o eat o r b reathe if you h ave d a i ly
expo s u re to s u n l i ght. Yo u r s ki n , n ot s u rp ri s i n gly, i s
gree n . E n a b l e r.
50-54 Extra joi nt in arms: Yo u r a r m s a re l o n g
a n d j o i nted so t h at yo u h ave two e l bows i n each .
Yo u h ave a l o n g reach a n d can stri ke foes fro m
u n expected a n g l e s . T h i s m utat i o n i s an a s set w h e n
m a k i n g m e l ee attacks. H oweve r, yo u can m o d i fy
yo u r attacks o n l y by u s i n g S peed , not M i ght.
E n a b l e r.
55-59 Extra joi nt in legs: Yo u r legs a re l o n g a n d
joi nted so t h at yo u h ave two k n e e s i n each . You h ave
a l o n g stri de, a n d t h i s m utation is an asset for a l l
ru n n i n g, cl i m b i ng, j u m p i n g, a n d b a l a n c i n g tasks.
Also ro l l o n t h e beneficial m utat i o n s table. E n a b l e r.
60-62 Spider legs from torso: I n add ition to yo u r
normal l i m b s , s i x o r eight s p i d e rl i ke legs, each 6
feet ( 1 . 8 m) long, extend fro m yo u r s i d e s . They a re
an a s set i n any task i nvo lvi n g ru n n i ng, kee p i n g yo u r
LI M E NE
OPTIONAL RULES
feet, sta n d i n g yo u r gro u n d , a n d cl i m b i ng. Also ro l l
o n t h e beneficial m utat i o n s table. E n a b l e r.
63-67 Extra arms: Yo u h ave o n e or two ext ra
a r m s . T h ey can h o l d o bject s , w i e l d wea p o n s ,
h o l d a s h i e l d , a n d s o o n . Th i s m u tat i o n d o e s n ot In the Ninth World, the
i n crease t h e n u m be r of act i o n s yo u c a n ta ke i n a difference between a
ro u n d or t h e n u m be r of attacks yo u c a n atte m pt . mutant and something that
E n a b l e r. was genetically engineered,
redesigned, or tinkered with
68-70 Extra legs: You h ave two extra legs. They
is something very likely
a re a n asset in any task i nvolvi n g ru n n i ng, kee p i n g entirely misunderstood.
yo u r feet, a n d sta n d i n g yo u r gro u n d . A l s o ro l l o n t h e To the common person,
benefici a l m utat i o n s t a b l e . E n a b l e r. anyone that looks strange
71 -73 Spider legs: I n stead of normal legs, you h ave or deformed might get
a wide torso with six o r eight s p i d e rl i ke legs. They a re labeled a mutant, and in
most communities, that
an a s set i n any task i nvo lvi n g ru n n i ng, kee p i n g yo u r
is a label which brings
feet, sta n d i n g yo u r gro u n d , a n d cl i m b i ng. Also ro l l with it at best derision and
o n t h e beneficial m utat i o n s table. E n a b l e r. mistreatment and at worst
74-78 Snake tail : Yo u h ave a p re h e n s i l e ta i l t h at exile, imprisonment, or
is 6 feet ( 1 . 8 m) long. It i s an as set for a l l tasks death.
i nvolvi n g grap p l i n g o r wrest l i ng. The ta i l can gra s p
l a rge o bj ects . Also ro l l o n the benefici a l m utat i o n s
t a b l e . E n a b l e r.
79-80 Snake tail instead of legs: I n stead of legs,
yo u h ave a s n a ky ta i l t h at i s 8 feet (2 .4 m) long. Yo u
move at the s a m e s peed a n d h ave an as set for a l l
tasks i nvolvi n g grap p l i n g o r wrest l i ng. The ta i l i s
p re h e n s i l e e n o u g h t o gra s p l a rge o bjects. A l s o ro l l
o n t h e beneficial m utat i o n s table. E n a b l e r.
Mutants, of course, aren't
81 -85 Sti nging tend ri l : Yo u h ave a p re h e n s i l e
just mutated humans.
te n d ri l ( o r ta i l ) t h at grows fr o m s o m e part o f yo u r Animals and creatures
body a n d e n d s i n a p o i s o n o u s sti n ger. Yo u c a n m a ke of all kinds could have
an attack with yo u r st i n ge r t h at i n fl icts 2 points of mutations in the Ninth
d a m age. I f you m a ke a seco n d s u ccessfu l attack ro l l , World. Very rarely, these
t h e stinger a l s o i njects a poison t h at i n fl icts 4 poi nts mutations could make
a nonhuman creature
of S peed d a m age. The te n d r i l (or tail) can't be used
more like a human
fo r a nyth i n g e l se. Act i o n . opposable thumbs, greater
86-90 Eyes on stalks: Yo u r eyes a re on sta l ks and intelligence, and so on.
can move i n any d i rection, i n d ependently of each
other. You can peek a ro u n d corners without expo s i n g
you rself t o d a n ger. Th i s i s a n as set i n i n iti ative and a l l
perceivi n g tasks. A l s o ro l l on the beneficial m utations
table. E n a b l e r.
91 -92 Extra eyes on hands/fi ngers: Yo u can peek
a ro u n d co rners without expo s i n g yo u rself to d a n ger.
Th i s i s an as set i n i n itiative a n d a l l perceivi n g tasks.
Also ro l l o n t h e beneficial m utat i o n s table. E n a b l e r.
93-97 Aquatic: You r body is strea m l i ned and
fin ned , you r fi n ge rs and toes web bed . T h i s i s a n as set
(two steps) in swi m m i n g, and yo u can see perfectly
u n d e rwate r (as if a bove wate r) . Alth ough yo u h ave
l u ngs, you also h ave g i l l s , so you can also b reathe
u n d e rwate r. E n a b l e r.
98-00 Wi ngs: Yo u h ave feathered or fleshy w i n g s
o n yo u r b a c k t h at a l l ow y o u to g l i d e , carried b y the
wind. They a re n ot powe rfu l e n o u g h to ca rry yo u a l oft
l i ke a b i rd ' s w i n g s . E n a b l e r.
1 27
 COSMETIC MUTATIONS

D i stinctive m utations affect noth i n g but the appearance of a cha racte r. N o n e is so p ro n o u n ced as to m a ke a cha racter decided ly more or
less attractive. They a re s i m ply d i st i n gu i s h i n g alterations.

01 -02 P u rp l e s k i n 5 9-60 We bbed toes

03 -04 G reen s k i n 6 1 -62 Fo u r fi n gers o n each h a n d
05-06 Red s k i n 63 -64 Six fi n gers o n each h a n d
07-08 Ye l l ow s k i n 65 Lo n g fi n gers
09- 1 0 Wh ite s k i n 66 P u rp l e n a i l s
1 1 -1 2 B l ack s k i n 67 G reen n a i l s
1 3- 1 4 B l ue s k i n 68 Ye l l ow n a i l s
15 P u rp l e h a i r 69 Wh ite n a i l s
16 G reen h a i r 70 B l ack n a i l s
17 Red h a i r 71 B l ue n a i l s
18 Ye l l ow h a i r 72 Odd l u m p s o n fl e s h
19 Wh ite h a i r 73 U se l e s s ante n n ae (l i ke a n i n s ect)
20 B l ue h a i r 74 Extra u s e l e s s l i m b
21 Striped h a i r 75 Extra u s e l e s s eye
22 Horns 76 F l e s h y fri l l s o r u s e l e s s flage l l a (s m a l l )
23 Antlers 77 U se l e s s tend ri l s ( l a rge)
24 Extremely h i rs ute 78 M a n d i bles
25 E n t i rely h a i rl e s s 79-80 Poi nted teet h
26 Scaly s k i n 81 Tu sks
27 Leat h e ry s k i n 82 B l ack teeth
28 Tra n s parent s k i n 83 Red teeth
29 Skin t u r n s tra n s p a rent i n s u n l ight 84 P u rp l e teeth
30 S k i n c h a n ges co l o r in s u n l ight 85 G reen teeth
31 Very ta l l 86 P u rp l e l i p s
32 Very l a rge 87 G reen l i p s
33 Very s h o rt 88 Ye l l ow l i p s
34 Very t h i n 89 Wh ite l i p s
35 Very l o n g neck 90 B l ack l i p s
36 H u nched back 91 B l ue l i p s
37 Lo ng, t h i n t a i l 92 P u rp l e s p itt le
38 S h o rt, b road ta i l 93 Red s p itt le
39 Lo n g arms 94 Ye l l ow s p ittl e
40 S h o rt arms 95 Wh ite s p ittle
41 Lo n g legs 96 B l ack s p ittl e
42 S h o rt l e g s 9 7-98 D i st i n ctive odor
43 Bony rid ge o n face 99 Feat h e rs
44 Bony rid ge on back 00 H ead crest
45 Bony rid ge o n a r m s
46 P u rp l e eye (s)
47 Red eye (s)
48 Ye l l ow eye (s)
49 Wh ite eye (s)
so B l ack eye (s)
51 La rge eyes
52 B u l bo u s eyes
53 Two p u p i l s i n o n e eye
54 La rge ears
55-56 Poi nted ears
5 7-58 We bbed fi n ge rs

1 28
CHAPTER 1 0: Livi ng in the Ninth World 1 30

CHAPTER 1 1 : The Steadfast 1 36

CHAPTER 1 2 : The Beyond 1 74

CHAPTER 1 3 : Beyond the Beyond 213

CHAPTER 1 4: Organizations 222

 CHAPTER 1 0

LIVI NG I N TH E
N I NTH WORLD

T
h e N i nt h Wo rld i s E a rt h . B ut it i s a n E a rth t h at
h a s u n d ergone m u lt i p l e d ra m atic c h a n ge s ,
fo r it i s E a rth a p p roxi m ately a b i l l i o n years i n
t h e futu re. Ove r t h at n i g h - i nco m p re h e n s i b l e s p a n
o f t i m e , noth i n g re m a i n s co n stant. Ad d i n t h e r i s e
a n d fa l l o f civi l izat i o n s so great t h at t o u s they wo u l d
seem, aga i n , n i g h i n c o m p re h e n s i ble, a n d anyt h i n g i s
pos s i b l e.

THE PERSPECTIVE OF CHANGE

When atte m pt i n g to gra s p the N i nth Wo rld, there
a re two co m p l e m e ntary s h a p i n g fo rces to keep i n
m i n d . F i rst i s t h e vast a m o u nt o f t i m e . Eve n if E a rth
were left co m p l etely a l o n e , the d rastic c h a n ges of
ce lestial mech a n ics, co nti n e ntal d rift, e ro s i o n , mass
ext i n ct i o n , a n d evo l ution wo u l d re n d e r our home
u n recogn izable.
The seco nd fo rce i s t h at of i n te l l i ge n ce . Ove r the
b i l l ion-yea r span, the earth h a s been h o m e to at least
eight civi l izat i o n s t h at h ave arisen (or a rrived) h e re,
fl o u ri s hed a n d adva n ced to i ncred i b l e powe r, and
t h e n either d ecl i n ed o r left, n ever to ret u r n . Alt h o u g h
w e know l itt le about these civi l izatio n s , w e d o know
the fo l l owi ng:
At least o n e was the ce nter of a gal actic (or
perh a p s i nte rga l actic) s pace-fa ri n g e m p i re .
A t l e a s t o n e wielded the powe r of p l a netary
e n g i neeri n g a n d ste l l a r l i ft i n g.
Planetary engineering is At least o n e had knowledge of the fu n d a mental
changing the climate and
fo rces of rea l ity a n d co u l d alter those fo rces as
topography of a planet,
and perhaps even its they wished. The ve ry l aws of physics we re t h e i rs
position in space. to p l ay with, l i ke toys .
At least o n e fi l led the wo rld with i n vi s i b l e ,
molecule-s ized mach i n e s ca l l ed n a n ites (or
n a n o m a c h i nes) t h at cou l d d econ struct a n d
Stellar lifting is moving
reco n struct m atte r a n d m a n i p u l ate e n e rgy.
a star, or changing the
chemical composition or At least o n e exp l o red t h e m u ltiverse of ot h e r
otherwise modifying the d i me n s i o n s , para l l e l u n iverses, a n d a lternate
energy output of a star. l eve l s of rea l ity.
At least some of these civi l izat i o n s were n ot
h u man.
THE WORLD AS IT REMAINS
M o st of the land mass has once aga i n joined to
form a gigantic s u percontinent, leavi n g the rest of
the globe to the me rcy of a s i n gle ocean dotted with
i s l a n d s . The moon i s s m a l ler than we a re accustomed
to beca use its orbit i s wider. Due to the effect t h i s
h a s o n the p l a net' s rotation, d ays a re now 28 h o u rs
long. The year's length has not changed, however,
so a N i nth World yea r has only 3 1 3 d ays. Word s l i ke
"week" and "month" reta i n their meani ngs, and for
the sake of u n d e rsta n d i ng, this book a l so uses terms
l i ke "seco n d , " " m i n ute," a n d " h o u r, " although the
i n h a bitants of the world p robably use d i fferent term s ,
perh a p s w i t h s l i ghtly d iffe rent mea n i ngs.
The peo p l e of t h e N i nth Wo rld d o n ' t rea l ize it, but
at its cu rre nt age, the s u n ' s l u m i nos ity s h o u l d h ave
i n creased to a poi nt where l i fe o n E a rth (as we know
it) is i m po s s i b l e . And yet it cont i n ues. Something
h a p pened m i l l io n s of years in t h e past to p reve nt l i fe
from d i sa p pearing. M ost p l a n ets i n the s o l a r system
re m a i n , although t h e i r orbits h ave altered so mewhat,
but t h e p l a n et we ca l l M e rc u ry i s long gone. ( N i nth
Wo rlders d o n ' t know it eve r exi sted , so t h ey don't
wo n d e r why it's absent.)
THE PEOPLE OF THE NINTH WORLD
I n t h e yo uth of an age, the peo p l e u s e t h e res o u rces
t h ey h ave o n h a n d , co u p led with wh ateve r
u n d e rsta n d i n g of t h e i r world they can m aster, to
ca rve out a l ife for them selves. I n t h e N i nth Wo rld ,

1 30

the resou rce s ava i l a b l e a re t h e n u me n e ra-the
detritus of t h e prior eras-a n d the peo p l e ' s
u nd e rsta n d i n g o f t h e s e re sou rces i s c r u d e a n d
i nco m p l ete. The Aeon Priests p o s s e s s j u st e n o u g h
d i scern ment a n d knowled ge t o s u ggest pos s i b l e
u ses fo r t h i ngs, but so m u c h re m a i n s t o b e
d i scove red . Eve n the creatu res a n d p l a nts o f t h e
N i nth Wo rld a re stra n ge by- p rod ucts o f the prior
ages; the past left beh i n d fl o ra , fauna, a n d mach i n e s ,
some d e s i gned b y l o re o r n at u re, oth e rs tra n s p l a nted
fro m d i stant stars o r d i me n s i o n s .
T h e N i nth Worlders clothe them selves i n newly
s p u n fabrics but weave the rel ics of the past i nto
each garment. They forge armor, wea pon s, and tool s
from materials recovered from ancient structures
and devices. Some of these materia l s are meta ls, but
others are (or appear to be) glass, stone, bone, flesh, or
s u bstances that defy categorization and understa n d i ng.
Those who ri s k the mysterious d a n ge rs to recove r
the rel ics of the past p rovide a va l u a b l e service.
Typ ically these b rave sou l s bring their fi n d i n gs to the
Aeo n Priests, who use the artifacts to fa s h i o n too l s ,
weapons, and other boo n s for the grow i n g civ i l ization.
As time passes, more i n d ivid u a l s learn to use the
n u menera, but it rem a i n s a myste ry to most people.
But who o r what a re the peo p l e of t h e N i nth
Wo rld ? M ost a re h u m a n s , although n ot all t h at ca l l
t h e m s e lves h u m a n truly a re . I s a n e n g i n ee red 8-foot-
LI M E NE
LIVI NG I N THE NI NTH WORLD
ta l l (2.4 m tall) person with mech a n ical l i m b s a n d
b i ocrafted b ra i n i m p l a nts sti l l h u m a n ? I n t h e N i nth
Wo rld , the a n swer i s very l i kely yes , but some peo p l e
wi l l eagerly debate the poi nt. Aeon Priest, page 269
Perh a p s a n eve n bette r q u estion is: Afte r a b i l l io n
years, why does the eart h sti l l h ave h u m a n s at a l l ,
i n s h a pes a n d fo r m s t h at we-the peo p l e o f the
2 1 st centu ry-ca n recognize? Th i s m i ght seem
particu l a rly c u r i o u s o n ce yo u co n s i d e r t h e fact t h at
many of the prior worl d s we re d i sti nctly n o n h u m a n .
N i nth Wo rlders d o n ' t h ave t h at s pecific
pers pective, but they d o wo n d e r where they came
fro m . They h ave a sense t h at E a rth was o n ce t h e i rs ,
a n d then it wa s n 't, a n d n ow it i s aga i n . H ow c a n t h i s
be? Perh a p s o n e d ay they' l l fi n d the a n swer.
Beyo n d the h u m a n s a re t h e abhumans: m utants, Abhuman, page 73
cro s s b reed s , genetica l ly e n g i neere d , a n d t h e i r
offs p r i n g. H ow i s it t h at some e n g i n ee red o r
m utated b e i n g s re m a i n " h u m a n " wh i l e oth e rs
become " a b h u m a n " ? It h a s more to do with m i n d set
t h a n physical form. Abh u m a n s a re o n ce- h u m a n
creat u re s t h at rej ected h u m a n ity t o beco m e besti a l ,
m u rd e ro u s , a n d dege n e rate. I n oth e r wo rd s , they (or
t h e i r forebea rs) chose to be a b h u m a n .
A n d t h e n there a re t h e visitants, w h o a re n ot n ative Visitant, page 1 20
to the earth but who n ow ca l l the N i nt h Wo rld home.
They h ave n o more u n d e rsta n d i n g of the past (even
t h e i r own) than anyone e l se.
131

LIFE IN THE NINTH WORLD
The l i fe o f a N i nth Wo rld h u m a n i s n 't a l l t h at
Order of Truth, page 222 d i fferent fro m t h e l ife of a h u m a n a ro u n d the
yea r 1 000 A D . Fa rmers till fie l d s , h e rd e rs tend
flocks, h u nters a n d tra p pers p rovide meat a n d
s k i n s , weavers create cloth i n g, woodwo rkers b u i l d
fu r n i t u re , authors write books, a n d so o n . M e a l s
a re cooked ove r fi res. E nterta i n ment co mes fro m a
l ute p l aye r, a gro u p of s i n gers, or perh a p s co med i c
thespians.
Ceremonies may be Th ro u g h o ut t h e N i nth Wo rl d , co u p l e s o f
public or private, and a l l orie ntat i o n s j o i n together i n co m m itment
can take the form of cere m o n i e s . H owever, beca u s e trad itio n s , re l i g i o n s
handfasting, feasting, the
a n d cu ltural norms vary wide ly, the cere m o n i e s a n d
exchange ofgifts, and
proof of love conquests res u lt i n g re l ati o n s h i ps take vastly d i fferent fo r m s
(see The Fields of Frozen fro m p l ace t o p l ace.
Flowers, page 2 1 2). Parents typ i ca l ly ra i s e ch i l d re n , although i n
s o m e p l aces extended fa m i l ies a re co m m o n . M a ny
ch i l d re n atte n d some kind of school u n t i l the age
of about twe lve, when t h ey learn a craft. Some
students, u s u a l ly those i n l a rger cities, go o n to
h i gher learn i n g.
M ost peo p l e l ive i n s m a l l , agrarian vi l l ages, but
some settle i n l a rger tow n s o r cities. The l a rgest city
Qi, page 148 i n t h e Steadfast, Q i , h a s a p o p u l ation of 500,000.
Life expecta n cy varies w i l d ly, but those who s u rvive
to the age of t h i rty can expect to l ive to at least sixty.
I t ' s ra re but n ot u n heard of for someone to l ive to be
n i n ety o r eve n one h u n d re d . Those fo rt u n ate e n o u g h
to be r i c h o r to l ive i n a loca l e where t h e Aeo n Priests
h ave d i scovered secrets of l o n gevity m i ght l ive twice
t h at l o n g-o r l o n ger.
The dead a re b u ried or crem ated .
CLASS
Generally s peaki ng, h u m a n s in the N i nt h Wo rld a re
ari stocrats , peasants, or s l aves. I n some p l aces, a
" m i d d le" or " m e rc h a nt" class arises fro m the ra n ks
of the peasants, p o p u l ated by those who h ave wealth
1 32
but n ot n o b i l ity. Tru e fe u d a l i s m exists o n ly i n ce rta i n
l ocat i o n s , a n d a s m i ght b e expected i n cases o f l a n d
own e rs h i p, t h e n o b l e s u s u a l ly own t h e l a n d a n d the
peasants u s u a l ly work it. A peasant l i kely earns a
few s h i n s per d ay, whereas a m e rchant co u l d earn a
h u n d red t i m e s t h at. Ari stocrats rarely bot h e r u s i n g
co i n s a t a l l exce pt w h e n d ea l i n g with the peasantry.
O n ly the n o b l e s own s l aves, which a re u s u a l ly
taken fro m co n q u e red e n e m ies or t h e i r desce n d a nts
and a re co n s i d e red p roperty. (Th e ch i l d re n of s l aves
a re born i nto s l ave ry.) Somet i m e s cri m i n a l s a re
co n s igned to s l avery as we l l . S l aves to i l as m a n u a l
l a borers, h o u s e serva nts, a n d g u a rd s . A few n o b l e s
p refe r to u s e a b h u m a n rat h e r t h a n h u m a n s l aves,
a n d some own both k i n d s .
RELIGION
The re l i g i o n s of the N i nth Wo rld a re varied a n d
many. W i t h t h e exce pti o n of t h e O rd e r of Truth ' s
q u a s i re l i g i o u s ve n e ration o f t h e past a n d t h e
u nd e rsta n d i n g i t s i n h a b itants h a d o f t h e fo rces of
the u n iverse, no re l i gion is wides p read-they' re
local affa i rs . An exp l o re r co m i n g to a n ew town o r
v i l l age wi l l fi n d t h at the i n h a bitants h ave t h e i r own
s pecific god s and re l i g i o n s . Some of these a re based
in local myt h s a n d stories, wh i l e ot h e rs a re m o re
gro u nded i n rea l ity-creatu res or oth e r we i rd as pects
of the wo rld a re often exp l a i ned u s i n g the tra p p i ngs
of re l i g i o n . Fo r exa m p l e, a v i l l age m i ght wors h i p a
mach i n e i nte l l i ge n ce left ove r from the prior worl d s
a s a myste r i o u s deity.
I n some p l aces, re l i gion i s vital a n d fe rve nt. I n
oth e rs , it's ca s u a l . And i n some l ocat i o n s , the peo p l e
h ave n o co ncept of re l i gi o n at a l l .
O n e t h i n g t o keep i n m i nd i s t h at t h e N i nth Wo rld
i s n ot s h a ped by J u d eo-Ch ristian ity, I s l a m , o r oth e r
cu rre nt re l i g i o n s . The t a b o o s , v i rtues, a n d oth e r
behavior-mod ifyi n g be l i efs p reva lent i n the 2 1 st
ce n t u ry a re n ot necessarily true for t h e N i nth Wo r l d .
LANGUAGE
La n g u age is a co m p l ex to p i c fo r a 2 1 st-ce ntury reader
tryi n g to u n d e rsta nd a civi l ization a b i l l i o n years in
the fut u re. In a fa ntasy o r pseudomed i eval fict i o n a l
sett i n g , it's typical fo r eve ryo n e t o ta l k i n a vaguely
S h a kes pearean Brit i s h m a n n e r. This style of speaki n g
p robably i s n 't a p p ro p ri ate fo r N u m e n e ra . The N i nth
Wo rld i s fi l led with wo rd s th at-wh i l e n ot strictly
modern-a re n ' t med i eval o r S h a kes pearean either.
And , of course, no one i n t h e N i nth Wo rld
act u a l ly s peaks E n g l i s h . Wo rd s l i ke "pope" a n d
" synt h " a n d oth e r rea l -wo rld t e r m s a re j u st E n g l i s h
a p p roxi m at i o n s o f wo rd s u sed b y N i nt h Wo rlders.
" Pope" m e a n s "fat h e r" but i m p l ies m o re, a n d t h e
wo rd h a s a n a s sociation w i t h M ed ieva l E u rope.
"Synt h " i s n 't a word used by M e d i eval E u ropea n s ,

but its mean i n g-a n d , j u st as i m portant, its s o u n d
s u ggests someth i n g w h o l l y a rtific i a l yet s i m p l e ,
co m m o n , a n d accepta b l e to o u r 2 1 st-centu ry e a r s .
Those t e r m s a n d h u n d reds l i ke them we re c h o s e n
beca u s e they convey t h e r i g h t ideas.
So what l a n g u ages d o N i nt h Wo rlders s peak?
The Truth : The Aeo n Priests teach a l a n g u age based
on rational ity and i nte l l ect. Because of its name, it
means somet h i n g d ifferent in the N i nth World to
say, " S h e speaks the Truth , " but that s u btle d o u b l e
mea n i n g i s i ntentional on the part o f the priesthood.
The l a n g u age ' s rules a re s i m p l e a n d
stra i ghtforwa rd , e a s y t o teach a n d e a s y t o l e a r n . T h e
Truth i s the p red o m i nant l a n g u age i n the Steadfast,
where it' s s poken by about 80 percent of the people;
i n cities, t h at n u m be r i s closer to 1 00 pe rce nt. In the
Beyo n d , about 60 percent of the peo p l e s peak t h e
Truth a s t h e i r p r i m a ry l a n guage, but many i s o l ated
v i l l ages h ave t h e i r own s pecific to ngue.
Shin-Tal k: T h i s i s a crude a n d s i m p l e l a n guage
u sed o n ly for trade a n d re l ated tas ks-co u nti n g,
asses s i n g q u a l ity, a n d so o n . S h i n -Ta l k i s o l d e r t h a n
the Truth but n ot a s w i d e l y u s e d .
Other Languages: A t l e a s t 5 0 0 (a n d perh a p s fa r
m o re) co m p l etely d i st i n ct l a n guages a re s poken
acro s s the N i nth Wo rl d . It's n ot u n u s u a l fo r a trave l e r
to d i scove r a n i s o l ated vi l l age-pa rticu l a rly i n the
Beyo n d-a n d be unable to speak to its few h u n d red
res i d e nts beca u s e t h ey h ave t h e i r own l a n g u age.
Fo rt u n ately, t h i s i s a co m m o n p ro b l e m , so peo p l e
a re used to struggl i n g t h rough i nteract i o n s without
re lyi n g o n word s .
LITERACY
M a ny peo p l e in t h e N i nth Wo rld ca n n ot read . The
Steadfast h a s a n average l ite racy rate of about 5 0
perce nt. A l t h o u g h a l m ost eve ryo n e can recogn ize
a few written wo rd s of Trut h , ge n u i ne l ite racy-th e
a b i l ity to read a contract o r a book-is u n co m m o n .
Read i n g i s m o re co m mo n i n cities, where u p t o
7 0 percent o f the p o p u l ation m i ght be l ite rate. I n
s m a l l towns a n d vi l l ages, t h e n u m be r i s closer t o 4 0
perce nt, a n d i n very r u ra l , i s o l ated vi l l ages, it fa l l s to
1 0 percent o r l e s s .
I n the Beyo n d , l iteracy rates a re about 50 percent
in cities and 0 to 20 percent in the a l d e i a .
I n com m u n ities t h at h ave a p red o m i n ant l a n guage
oth e r t h a n t h e Truth, l iteracy varies w i l d ly.
ANIMALS AND CREATURES
A b i l l i o n years i n t h e future , a l l the a n i m a l s we know
i n t h e 2 1 st ce ntu ry a re l o n g gone. H owever, a n i m a l
types-m a m m a l s , re pt i l e s , i n sects, b i rd s , a n d s o
fo rth-re m a i n . Aga i n , i t ' s a l a n guage p ro b l e m . The
text (or the G M ) m i ght ta l k about rats, deer, fl ie s ,
o r rave n s , but the beasts bei n g d escri bed a re a t
LI M E NE
LIVI NG I N THE NI NTH WORLD
least s l ightly d i fferent t h a n the creatu res we th i n k of
tod ay. H owever, the word s a re sti l l va l i d beca u s e they
convey the p roper general mean i n g. W h o l l y d ifferent
creat u re s , such a s aneen o r s n ow l o pers , a re Aneen, page 23 1
d e scri bed beca u s e they h ave no 2 1 st-centu ry a n a log. Snow loper, page 259
Of co u rse, the N i nth Wo rld a l so has creat u re s t h at
a re noth i n g l i ke a n i m a l s . M utant beasts, e n g i n ee red
creat u re s (or t h e i r desce n d a nts) , a utomato n s ,
b i o m ech a n ical b l e n d s o f o rga n i s m a n d mach i n e ,
extrate rre stri a l a n d u ltraterrest rial b e i n g s , creat u res
of e n e rgy, a n d stra n ge r entities roa m the p l a n et. I n
o n e way o r another, a l l of these t h i ngs a re res u lts of
the i n fl ue nce of the n u m e n e ra .
NINTH WORLD HISTORY
To the people of the N i nth World, recorded h istory began
about 900 years ago, with the work of learned scholars
who organ ized themselves i nto what would later become
the Aeon Priests. Before that time, humans l ived in Aeon Priest, page 269
barbaric tribes and isolated farming vi llages.
No one knows h ow m u c h t i m e passed between
the fall of the p rev i o u s civi l ization a n d the rise of the
N i nth Wo rld. Li kewise, n o o n e can agree o n where
For more details on the
N i nth Wo rlders ca m e fro m . I t ' s clear t h at many
types of creatures that
res i d e nts of t h e prior worl d s were not h u m a n , but crawl, fly, and otherwise
perh a p s some were. move through the Ninth
The fi rst Amber Pope organ ized the Aeon Priests World, see Chapter 1 5:
i nto t h e O rd e r of Truth about 400 years ago. At Creatures, page 228.
t h i s t i m e , t h e k i n g d o m s of the Steadfast began to
take the form t h at they h ave tod ay, although wars,
u p heava l s , a n d c h a n ges h ave come and gone s i n ce
t h e n (a n d m o re c h a n ges a re l i kely i n t h e futu re) .
I n the e n d , to s c h o l a rs a n d b road th i n kers, t h e
petty s q u a b b l e s a n d c h a nges t h at t o o k p l ace d u ri n g
the l a st few ce nturies seem a s noth i n g co m p a red to
the vast, u n kn owa b l e past of E a rt h . T h i s is l i kely p a rt
of the reason why peo p l e of t h e N i nth Wo rld d o n ' t
ca re m uch a b o u t h i story.
GAZEffiER OF THE NINTH WORLD
The N i nth Wo rld is t h e backd ro p of a yo u n g
civi l ization t h at h a s grown u p a m i d t h e ru i n s o f ve ry
o l d , ve ry advanced fo rebears. A b i l l io n yea rs fro m
n ow, we' l l be l o n g gone, as wi l l t h e civi l izat i o n s t h at
evolve a n d rise (a n d fa l l or leave or tra n scend) after
us. A b i l l io n years i s a long, long t i m e-fa r l e n gt h i e r An aldeia is a village in the
t h a n the s p a n betwee n the 2 1 st ce ntury a n d t h e
Beyond centered around a
clave ofAeon Priests. For
d i nosa u rs . more on aldeia, see page 134.
I n the t i m e of t h e N i nth Wo r l d , the l a n d m a s ses
h ave rejoi ned to form a vast s u percontinent
s u rro u n d e d by see m i ngly e n d less seas with peri l o u s
storms. But d id the earth co m e t o be i n t h i s
co nfigu ration beca u s e o f n a t u r a l fo rces t h rough t h e
m a rch of t i m e , o r d i d a prior civi l ization d e s i g n i t
to be s o ? Ce rta i n ly t h e ancient i n h a b itants of t h e
p rev i o u s worl d s had the a b i l ity to s h ape t h e i r p l a n et,
1 33
 a n d l i ke l y ot h e r p l a n et s , as t h ey saw fit. P roof of
t h i s is everyw h e re; " i m p o s s i b l e " l a n d sca p e s a re a
n o r m a l p a rt of t h e t o p o g ra p h y. I s l a n d s of crystal
fl oat in t h e s ky. I n ve rted m o u n ta i n s r i s e a bove
p l a i n s of b roken g l a s s . A b a n d o n e d struct u re s t h e
s i ze of k i n g d o m s stretch acro s s great d i st a n c e s ,
s o e n o r m o u s t h at t h ey affect t h e weat h e r. M a s s ive
m a c h i n e s , s o m e sti l l active, c h u rn a n d h u m . B u t
fo r w h a t p u r p o s e ?
Chapter 1 1: The A l o n g t h e western coast l i e s t h e S t e a d fa s t ,
Steadfast, page 1 3 6 a co l l ect i o n of k i n g d o m s a n d p ri n c i p a l it i e s
w i t h l i tt l e i n co m m o n exce pt fo r a u n i fy i n g
re l i g i o n . T h i s re l i g i o n , c a l l e d b y i t s a d h e r e n t s
Order of Truth, page 222 t h e O rd e r of Tru t h (a n d by a l l e l s e a s t h e A m b e r
P a p a cy) , reve re s t h e p a st a n d t h e k n o w l e d g e
of t h e a n c i e n t s a s u n d e rstood by t h e e n i g m a t i c
Aeo n P r i e s t s . By d e c ree of t h e A m b e r P o p e , t h e
Ste a d fa st a n d t h e O rd e r of Tru t h w a g e w a r w i t h
t h e l a n d s to t h e n o rt h , b e l i eved by m a n y to b e
e n t h r a l l e d by a s e c retive a n d myste r i o u s c u l t
c a l l e d t h e G a i a n s . N o b l e s i n t h e Ste a d fa st a re
c a l l e d to t h e Cru s a d e s , m a k i n g w a r a ga i n st t h e
i n fi d e l s w i t h eve r- s t ra n ge r wea p o n s d i scovered o r
d ev i s e d b y t h e p r i e s t h ood .
O u t s i d e t h e b o u n d s of t h e Steadfast l i e s
Chapter 1 2: The Beyond, t h e Beyo n d , a vast w i l d e r n e s s p u n ct u ated b y
page 1 74 very occa s i o n a l , very i s o l ated com m u n it i e s .
T h e Beyo n d a l s o h a s Aeo n P r i e s t s , b u t t h ey' re
not l i n ked by an orga n i zed n etwo rk, a n d t h ey
d o n 't a n swe r to t h e A m b e r Pope. I n stea d , t h e s e
p r i e sts d we l l i n seq u e ste red c l ave s . Aro u n d t h e s e
c l ave s , s m a l l v i l l a g e s a n d com m u n it i e s k n ow n
a s a l d e i a h ave a r i s e n . E a c h cl ave h a s d i scovered
and m a stered v a ri o u s bits of the n u m e n e ra ,
g i v i n g eve ry a l d e i a a d i st i n ct i d e n t ity. I n o n e , t h e
Cloudcrystal Sky.fields, i n h a b i t a n t s m i g h t ra i s e u n i q u e b i o e n g i n e e red
page 1 74 beasts fo r food . In a n o t h e r, p eo p l e m ay p i lot
Black Riage, page 1 71 g ravity-defyi n g g l i d e rs and race a l o n g t h e roofto p s
1 34
of a n c i e n t ru i n s . I n sti l l a n ot h e r a l d e i a , t h e p r i e s t s
of t h e cl ave m ay h ave d ev e l o p e d t h e m ea n s to
stop the a g i n g p roce s s a l most e n t i re l y, m a k i n g t h e
re s i d e nt s n e a rl y i m m o rt a l , a n d s o m e a re n o d o u bt
w i l l i n g to s e l l t h e secret-fo r a stagge ri n g p rice.
Beca u s e t h e a l d e i a a re re m ote and s e p a rated by
d a n ge ro u s d i st a n c e s , trade of these d i s cove r i e s is
occa s i o n a l and h a p h az a rd .
B u t not eve ry v i l l age o r t r i b e i n t h e Beyo n d h a s a
c l ave to h e l p g u i d e t h e m a m i d t h e d a n gers of t h e
p a s t . S o m e of t h e s e com m u n i t i e s h ave t r i e d to u s e
t h e n u m e n e ra t o t h e i r p e r i l , u n l e a s h i n g h o rro r s ,
p l a g u e s , o r myste r i e s beyo n d co m p re h e n s i o n .
Trave l e rs m i g h t fi n d a v i l l a g e w h e re t h e re s i d e nt s
h ave been t ra n s fo r m e d i nto fl e s h-eati n g
m o n stro s i t i e s , o r o n e w h o s e p o p u l a ce works a s
s l aves fo r a m a c h i n e i n te l l i ge n ce l eft ove r fro m a n
e a r l i e r era.
O u t s i d e t h e a l d e i a and ot h e r sett l e m e n t s , the
d a n ge rs m u lt i p l y. Amid t h e ru i n s of t h e past l u rk
t r i b e s of v i c i o u s a b h u m a n s t h at a re as l i ke l y to
k i l l and eat a n exp l o r e r a s ta l k to h e r. C l o u d s of
t i ny, i nv i s i b l e m a c h i n e s ca l l ed t h e I ro n W i n d s co u r
t h e w i l d e r n e s s , a lteri n g eve ryt h i n g t h ey t o u c h .
M o n st ro u s p re d ators, a n c i e n t d e a t h m a c h i n e s ,
a n d stra n d ed ext rate rrestri a l o r t ra n s d i m e n s i o n a l
b e i n g s ( a l s o ca l l ed u ltrad i m e n s i o n a l b e i n gs
or u l t raterrest ri a l s)
a l s o t h reaten t h e
u n c h a rted re a c h e s o f
t h e Beyo n d . B u t s o too
c a n a ca refu l , ca p a b l e
exp l o re r fi n d awe
i n s p i ri n g n u m e n e ra
t h at c a n acco m p l i s h
a n yt h i n g s h e m i g h t
i magine.
I n t h e N i nt h Wo r l d ,
t h e n u m e n e ra i s both
the r i s k and the rewa rd .
WEATH ER
T h e n u m e n e ra
h a s c h a n ged t h e
e n v i ro n m e n t o f t h e
p l a net m a n y t i m e s over. T h e i n h a b it a n t s of t h e
p r i o r wo rl d s re s h a p ed n ot o n l y l a n d a n d sea b u t
s ky a s wel l . Eve n t h e weat h e r of t h e N i nt h Wo r l d i s
a n a rt i fa ct of t h e n u m e n e ra .
I n t h e Steadfast a n d t h e Beyo n d , it grows co l d e r
a s yo u t rave l s o u t h . T h e southern m ost l a n d s o f t h e
Stead fa st, fo r exa m p l e , h ave c o o l s u m m e rs a n d
h a r s h wi nters. T h e centra l a n d n o rt h e r n port i o n s
h ave w a r m e r s u m m e r s , but eve n t h e southern ed ge
of t h e C l o u d c rystal S kyfie l d s sees s n ow a n d fro st i n
t h e wi nter. T h e m o u n ta i n s o f t h e B l ack R i a ge h ave

l o n g , o p p re s s ive wi nters, with t h e s o u t h e r n most
passes o p e n fo r only a few m o nt h s .
Ove ra l l , t h e cl i m ate i s d ry, a n d w i t h a few
exce pt i o n s (a l o n g t h e co ast, fo r exa m p l e) , ra i n
i s u n co m m o n a n d acco m p a n i e s terri b l e sto r m s .
R u m o r s say t h at p a rt i c u l a rl y h a r s h o r stra n g e
sto r m s a re e i t h e r t h e re s u l t of a h a rmfu l n u m e n e ra
e ffect or t h e s l ow d e g ra d a t i o n of a b e n efic i a l o n e .
E i t h e r way, sto r m s w i t h d a n ge ro u s wi n d s , h a i l ,
a n d l i g h t n i n g g row m o re fre q u e n t each ye a r. Ot h e r
storm s-st i l l t h a n kfu l l y very ra re-bri n g o i ly b l ac k
ra i n s t h at ki l l c ro p s rat h e r t h a n n o u r i s h t h e m , o r
we i rd m a g n et i c fl u ct u at i o n s t h at b e n d m atte r a n d
d i s ru pt m i n d s . B u t eve n t h e s e p a l e i n co m p a r i s o n
to t h e m o s t terrify i n g weat h e r effect i n t h e N i nt h
Wo r l d : t h e I ro n Wi n d .
T H E I RO N WI N D: T h e I ro n W i n d i s t h e N i nt h
Wo r l d t e r m fo r c l o u d s o f d a n ge ro u s n a n o s p i rits
(a l s o ca l l ed n a n otech by t h e m o re l e a rn e d ) .
M a l fu n ct i o n i n g m a c h i n e s-i n s a n e , re a l ly-t h at
a re fa r too t i ny to see t rave l acro s s t h e l a n d scape
in terri b l e c l o u d s b o r n e by stro n g w i n d s . These
m a c h i n e s warp eve ryt h i n g t h ey t o u c h , t ra n s m ut i n g
a l l m atte r. An I ro n W i n d storm twi st s t h e g ro u n d ,
t u r n s roc k i nto c l o u d s o f v a p o r, a n d creates new
fe at u re s o u t of t h i n a i r. A n d woe to a n y l iv i n g
t h i n g c a u g h t i n i t s p a s s i n g. Tree s beco m e roc k s ,
p oo l s of wate r, o r u n recogn i za b l e l u m p s of
LI M E NE
LIVI NG I N THE NI NTH WORLD
I stood in Yrkallak To wer and watched as the cloud o orange f
f f
and red passed across the landscape in the distance. Through m y
f
spyglass, I sa w t h e orm ation o a hillock t h a t had not existed
field ofgra in that had gro wn nearby became a
be ore. Atop that rise gre w polyp-like blue trees that then wavered
cacophonous m ixture ofglass, green vapor, and writhing serpents.
and died. The
fluttering wings, and it collapsed.
An aneen tried to run as the Iron Wind approached, but its legs
became tiny, Its back sprouted a
thousand insect legs, but its head had turned to a coppery metal,
f
and it was dead.
f
Further horrors I witnessed, I shall not describe, or I wish that I had
f f
not seen them. They shall haunt my dreams orevermore. Truly this
was a storm born in Hell, carried on the backs o invisible dem ons o
j f
madness and m isery.
-The ournal o Lady Charalann
p u l s i n g , l iv i n g s u bsta n ce . T h e I ro n Wind t e a rs
a p a rt creat u re s o n ly to re b u i l d t h e m i n b i z a rre,
s ee m i n g l y ra n d o m s h a p e s . F l e s h is t ra n s m uted to
n o n l iv i n g s u b s t a n c e s , ropy t e n d ri l s , o r eve n m o re
a l i e n configu rat i o n s o r text u re s . N i n e t i m e s o u t of
te n , t h i s t ra n s fo r m a t i o n re s u lt s in the death of t h e
creatu re-s o m et i m e s a l o n g , p a i n fu l d eath a s i t
t r i e s to cope with its new fo r m .
1 35
 CHAPTER 1 1

TH E STEADFAST

T
h e Steadfast
co m p rises
nine d iffe rent
co u ntries. Co l l ectively,
the r u l e rs a re often
ca l l ed the N i n e Rival
Kings, o r j u st the N i ne .
These k i n g s , q u e e n s ,
pri nces, a n d co u n c i l s
s h a re n o l ove fo r o n e
a n other a n d truth fu l ly
h ave no re l ati o n s h i p
except t h at each rules
ove r a l a n d whose
peo p l e owe faith a n d
Amber Papacy, page 7 34 favo r to t h e Amber
Papacy.
Generally s peaki ng,
the Steadfast is
m o re settled a n d
The Beyond, page 7 74 civi l ized t h a n the
Black Riage, page 7 77 Beyo n d , but it can be
j u st a s d a n ge ro u s .
Com m u n ities a re
Each of the nine i s o l ated . Trave l on the
kingdoms has at least one roa d s i s r i s ky a n d nearly
symbol that represents u nt h i n ka b l e at n i ght
it. Some symbols are
ancient, others newly but at least the roa d s
minted by the current exi st.
leadership. While some The Steadfast
kingdoms (such as i nc l u d e s a l l the l a n d
Ghan) wield their sym bol fro m the sea t o the
proudly and fiercely,
B l ack Riage, south of
others use them only in
times of war or not at all. the Tithe Rive r a n d
n o rth of t h e S a d a ra. The
nine kingdoms of the
Steadfast a re N avarene,
G h a n , D rao l i s , Thaemor,
M a levi c h , l sco b a l ,
Ancu a n , M i l ave, a n d the
Pyt h a ro n E m p i re.

1 36

: myste rious l a n d s t o t h e n o rth o f the Cloud crystal
III t h e l a rgest a n d most
p rosperous k i n g d o m s i n t h e Steadfast.
D i s l i ked by all the ot h e r l a n d s , the peo p l e of
N avare n e a re thought of a s a l oof, d ifficult, a n d
eve n a rroga nt. "Wealthy a s a N avare n e m e rcha nt"
i s a s ayi n g in t h e Steadfast t h at a l most always h a s
i m p l ied negative co n n otat i o n s .
The southern p a rt o f the kingdom i s known fo r
i t s r i c h fa rm l a n d . S i m p l e fa rm e rs a n d h e rders work
fo r wealthy l a n d owners who in t u rn pay fea lty to a
s m a l l n u m be r of ari stocrat ic fa m i l ie s , each of whom
a n swe rs to the queen, who rules fro m h e r capital of
Charmonde. H e r p a l ace i s known a s the E m p ite rnal
H o u se, a n d at its ce nter i s a set of sealed c h a m bers
t h at Queen Arm a l u n ever leave s . To co m e a n d go,
her co u rt m u st pass t h rough a series of a i rlocks a n d
u nd e rgo a m i st i n g s p ray t h at re m oves any pote n t i a l
conta m i n a nts. Th i s odd but ca refu l behavior, co u p led
with a variety of stra n ge treatments a n d p roced u re s ,
h a s a l l owed Arm a l u to l ive fo r 2 5 3 yea rs-so fa r.
Queen Arm a l u i s known for be i n g both s h rewd
a n d rut h l e s s , a n d h e r kingdom p ros pers as a res u lt,
fo r she uses these traits to best h e r e n e m ies and
the foes of h e r peo p l e . As long a s h e r s u bjects a re
obed ient a n d efficient, they a re treated we l l a n d with
a fair h a n d .
N avare n e forms t h e bo u n d a ry between the n o rt h
a n d the rest of the Steadfast. Th u s , t h e n o rthern
portion of t h e kingdom, south of the Tithe River,
h o l d s many fo rts a n d war-castles t h at h e l p d efe n d
t h i s bord e r fro m t h e d a n gers of t h e Beyo n d . N ow
t h at the Amber Pope h a s declared war on t h e
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
III
NAVARE N E
R u l e r: Queen Armalu
Po p u l at i o n : 1, 500, 000
Ca pital: Charmonde
Cloudcrystal Sky.fields,
page 7 74
S kyfi e l d s , these fo rtresses a re eve n m o re i m portant.
Queen Arm a l u h a s petitioned the Papacy to req u i re
the oth e r eight k i n g d o m s to pay to h e l p m a i nta i n t h e
basti o n s . The oth e r r u l e rs b a l k a t fu n d i n g N avare n e ' s
m i l ita ry, fee l i n g t h at Arm a l u i s a s l i kely t o u s e i t
t o i nvade them as s h e i s t o defe n d t h e m fro m t h e Gaian invaders, page 134
G a i a n i nvad e rs-s h o u l d those i n fi d e l s eve r come.
THE WESTWOOD
Vast, l u s h , and gree n , the Westwood i s a ve rd a nt
forest d o m i n at i n g N avarene's coast l i n e . It's known for
the ancient redwood s that stretch taller than any trees
Queen Armalu: level 3,
in the Steadfast. One particu l a r tree-s i m ply known
level 6 for all types of
as the E m pe ro r of G reen-ri ses h igh a bove the rest. interactions
Twice as tall as any tree a ro u n d it, the E m peror sta n d s
a t a l most 700 feet (2 1 3 m) . It's clearly o f a s l ightly
d iffe rent s pecies than the other trees . Its tru n k is
more than 60 feet (1 8 m) i n d i a mete r at the base, and
at seem i n gly ra ndom times i n the yea r, a door a p pears
on the north-faci n g side. It d i sappears aga i n after a n
h o u r. Few, h owever, h ave reached the tree to l o o k for
it. Fa r fewer h ave seen it and if they h ave, they h ave n 't
retu rned to re port what l ies on the other side.
Fo r long yea rs, peo p l e fea red t h e We stwoo d ,
cal l i n g it i m p e n et ra b l e a n d d a n ge ro u s . R u m o rs For those seeking entrance
co m m o n ly s p o ke of g h osts a n d rave n o u s beasts to the University of Doors
dwe l l i n g with i n . T h e We stwood and its h u n g ry (page 2 7 6), a door to the
s p i rits we re p a rt of t h e fo l kl o re a l l a l o n g t h e coast. college appears at random
intervals in the trunk ofthe
B u t tod ay the peo p l e of N avare n e h ave c l a i m ed t h e
Emperor of Green.
fo rest fo r t h e i r own , d eterm i ned to ca rve out safe
road s to t h e coast a n d l a n d for fa r m s a n d tow n s .
Fo r t h e i r effo rt s , t h ey h ave sti rred a n e n e m y-not Amber Pope, page 7 33
1 37
 t h e g h o sts or t ree- s p i rits of lege n d , b u t t h e c u l ovas .
T h e s e creat u re s c l a i m t h e majo rity of t h e We stwood
for t h e m selves a n d atte m pt to defe n d it aga i n st
e n croach ment.
In t h e eastern edge of t h e We stwood yo u c a n
fi n d m a n y m i l l s t h at s u p p ly l u m be r to N av a re n e
a n d t h e s u rrou n d i n g l a n d s . Lu m be r i s a m a j o r
export fo r t h e co u nt ry a n d i s p a rt of t h e ki n gd o m ' s
wea l t h . T h e wood - p a rt i c u l a rly t h e redwood-i s
h ighly prized.
A n o b l e fami ly, the E m o l s , own s and operates a h u ge,
mobile mach ine that cuts down and processes trees
at the same rate as a h u n d red loggers. Cal l ed the Dark
S moker for the greasy m uck it belches i nto the air while
it works, the mach i n e i s a j u ry-rigged mess, req u i ri n g
a staff o f mech an ics t o conti n ually service and repair it
to keep it operational. Repeated attacks by the culovas
damage the rickety device freq uently, but tech nicians
and nanos always manage to fix it. The cu rrent head of
the fami ly, Charina Emol, has placed a 1 0- s h i n bou nty
on the head of any culova brought to her.
N e a r t h e Westwood , yo u can a l so fi n d a n u m be r of
paper m i l l s , particu l a rly a ro u n d the city of H a r m u t h .
The adventure ''Three THE GOLDEN SANCTUM
Sanctums" involves the
H idden deep with i n the Westwood, t h i s secret
Golden Sanctum, page 3 90
citad el belongs to the orga n ization ca l l i n g itself the
1 38
Conve rge nce. It's a beautiful and rel atively new castle,
wel l guarded and wel l m a i ntained. There a re no pat h s
to the Golden Sanct u m . M e m be rs o f the gro u p reach
the citadel by other means that a re as mysterious as
the activities they con d u ct once they a rrive.
CHARMONDE
Lo n g co l o n n a d e s . M a rb l e stat u a ry. M o n u ments
to great d eed s a n d i m porta nt myt h s a n d lege n d s .
Pai nted d o m e s . Soaring, a rched bridges. Charmonde
i s a city of a rch itect u ra l bea uty a n d a rt. The seco n d
l a rgest city i n N avare n e , Charmonde i s l ocated o n
b o t h s i d e s of the J e rri bost River, w i t h s i x bridges
co n n e ct i n g t h e n o rth a n d south s i d e s of t h e city.
C h a r m o n d e i s n ot wa l l e d , but fo u r fo rt re s s e s
s u rro u n d it to d eter i nvad e r s , fo r t h e city i s t h e
c a p i t a l of t h e k i n g d o m a n d h o m e of Q u e e n Arm a l u .
E a c h fo rt re s s h a s o n e o f fo u r a n c i e n t s o n i c d evices
t h at can create a sta n d i n g fi e l d betwee n t h e m .
Anyo n e w h o t r i e s to cro s s t h e b a r r i e r s u ffers g reat
p a i n , convu l s i o n s , and eve n d e at h . The Aeon
Priests h ave d ete r m i ned t h at t h e u n i q u e d evices
a re ru n n i n g l ow o n powe r, h oweve r, and d e s p ite a l l
effo rt s , n o o n e h a s fi g u red o u t a way t o rech a rge
t h e m . T h u s , t h e fo u r d evices a re u sed s p a r i n gly. I n
fa ct, t h ey've n ever been activated i n t h e m e m o ry of
most of the c ity' s cu rre nt re s i d e nt s .

C h a r m o n d e i s h o m e t o 9 5 , 000 peo p l e . T h e
q u e e n ' s p a l ace, E m pite r n a l H o u se , sta n d s ato p
t h e h i gh e st h i l l i n t h e city. I t ' s a l s o k n own as t h e
H o u se of a T h o u s a n d S l ave s , fo r r u m o rs s ay t h at i s
exact ly t h e n u m be r o f s l aves t h e q u e e n u s e s i n t h e
p a l ace a l o n e . N e a rby i s t h e Asaranti U n ivers ity, o n e
of t h e g reatest schoo l s i n a l l t h e Stead fast. T h a n ks
to t h e u n ivers ity, t h e city i s known fo r its s c h o l a r s ,
p h i l o s o p h e r s , a n d a rt i sts a s m u ch a s it i s fo r i t s
m a r b l e a n d s l aves.
BODROV
Anot h e r of N avare n e ' s c i t i e s , Bod rov, i s u n i q u e l y
defe n s i b l e . I t l i e s a t o p a n i m po s s i b l e s o rt o f
p l atea u-i n fa ct, t h e wo rd plateau a l most s e e m s
i n a p p ro p riate. D e s i gned a n d s c u l pted b y t h e
a n c i e n t s , t h e rock fo r m a t i o n i s m o re t h a n 5 0 0 feet
( 1 5 2 m) h i g h a n d 800
feet (240 m ) acro s s at
t h e top, but o n l y 1 00
feet (30 m) acro s s at "Wealthy as a Navarene merchant"
t h e base. I t re se m b l e s is a saying in the Steadfast that
a ro u n d t a b l e w i t h almost always has implied negative
o n e centra l l e g a n d i s connotations.
s o m et i m e s ca l l ed Ta b l e
Rock (a l t h o u g h , most
ofte n , s i m p l y Bod rov) . A wi n d i n g path c u r l s u p
a ro u n d t h e base a n d enters t h e rock j u st b e l ow
t h e w i d e top port i o n . T h e path i nto t h e city l e a d s
t h ro u g h a s e r i e s of a rtific i a l cave r n s a n d t u n n e l s ,
w h i c h c a n be sealed a t m a n y p o i n t s .
I n fact, the e n t i re base i s h o n eyco m bed with
caves and t u n n e l s , many of which h ave n ever been
co m p letely exp l o red . M a ny of these i nterior s paces,
a s we l l a s the top of the pe rfectly fl at rock format i o n ,
h o l d t h e re m n a nts of mach i ne s a n d co n struction
fro m the d i stant past. I t i s s pecu l ated t h at the
i nterior fo u n d ation of t h e enti rety of Bod rov m i ght be
m eta l , with the sto n e appeara n ce h avi n g been added
l ater, i ntenti o n a l ly o r oth e rwise (d e pe n d i n g o n t h e
true a g e of t h e o ri g i n a l structu re) .
S o m et i m e s t h e d efe n s e of Bod rov works a ga i n st
it. J u st a s it' s d i ffi c u l t to i m a g i n e a n i nvad i n g
a r m y o r ot h e r d a n ge r ga i n i n g e n t r a n c e , s o too i s
it d i fficu l t t o b r i n g s u p p l i e s i nto t h e c ity. Foo d ,
wate r, a n d ot h e r good s m u st be t ra n s po rted u p
t h e l o n g p a t h a ro u n d a n d t h ro u g h t h e b a s e a n d
i nto t h e c ity, m a k i n g Bod rov a n i m p ract i c a l p l ace
to l ive. T h u s , the p o p u l at i o n is o n l y a b o u t 1 , 000
peo p l e , eve n t h o u g h t h e city co u l d e a s i ly h o u s e t e n
t i m e s t h at m a n y, a n d o n ce d i d . B u i l d i n gs-s o m e
a n ci e n t , s o m e m e re l y o l d-sta n d e m pty, left ove r
fro m t h e p r i o r e poch s of t h e wo r l d o r s i m p l y fro m
a t i m e , p e r h a p s a h u n d red years a g o , w h e n peo p l e
b e l i eved t h at Bod rov wo u l d be a city o f g reat
i m po rt a n ce .
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
The Vacant P a l ace is the h o m e away fro m h o m e
of Q u e e n Arm a l u , a l t h o u g h , a s i t s n a m e s u ggests,
she has never been t h e re . I t was b u i lt fo r h e r "The Order ofso-called
Truth is the real power of
m o re t h a n a h u n d red years a g o by a n i g n o ra n t
the Steadfast. "
b u t we l l - i nte n t i o n ed s u itor w h o a rgued t h at i n -Narada Trame, anti-papist
t i m e s of war o r ot h e r ca l a m ity, t h e q u een s h o u l d
co m e t o Bod rov. W i s e o f h i m , a n d yet fo o l i s h , fo r
h e d i d n 't rea l ize h ow t r u l y co m m itted s h e w a s i n
n ever l e av i n g h e r c h a m bers i n E m pite r n a l H o u s e.
T h e s u itor i s now long go n e , but his e state sti l l
m a n ages t h e p a l ace fo r t h e q u e e n , a s p e r t h e
w i s h e s i n h i s l a st wi l l a n d testa m e nt.
"Bodrov could have been
SHALLAMAS, CITY OF ECHOES the jewel of the Steadfast.
Known by many peo p l e as the City of Echoes, From here, a monarch
S h a l l a m a s i s a s p raw l i n g trade city of 80,000 peo p l e , could rule the world, safe
from all enemies for all
a s i n fa m o u s fo r i t s t h i eves as fo r the wealthy
time-as long as he never
m e rcha nts t h ey p rey got thirsty. " -Zacher the
u po n . It is h o m e to t h e architect
P rova n i fa m i ly, a n ot h e r of
N avare n e ' s ari stocrati c
h o u s e s . The P rova n i
garner great wealth from
the ca rava n s t h at enter
the city with good s fro m
the south a n d l eave
with good s fro m N avare n e a n d the Beyo n d . Eve n
exoti c good s fro m t h e myste rious l a n d s to t h e nort h ,
s uch a s l i q u i d s i l k a n d synthwood , fl ow t h ro u g h
Shal lamas.
T h e City of E c h o e s i s s u rro u n ded by a n
i m p re s s ive sto n e wa l l with m a ny towe rs. Th ree
m a i n gates p rov i d e acce s s , each with its own
a s sociated m a rket, and a fo u rt h m a rket l i e s in t h e
c e n t e r of S h a l l a m a s .
The city gets i t s n i ckname fro m a stra n ge
p h e n o m e n o n t h at h a s no exp l a n at i o n . Without
warn i n g, res i d e nts fro m time to time see a n d hear
"echoes" of rece nt past eve nts. Although these
echoes seem rea l , they' re more l i ke i l l u s i o n s o r
hologra m s ; yo u ca n n ot i nteract w i t h t h e m . The
eve nts can be a s rece nt a s a few m i n utes ago o r a s
d i stant a s a yea r i n the past. I n the S h a l l a m a s co u rt
syste m , an echo of an eyewitness observi n g a cri me
o r co nfirm i n g a n a l i b i i s eve ry bit as va l i d as see i n g
it act u a l ly h a p p e n . Echoes h ave never been observed
with i n acc u racies.
Argust P rova n i , t h e r u l e r of t h e city, e m p l oys a Argust Provani:
ca p a b l e a n d sizable g u a rd to m a i nt a i n order, but h e level 4, level 6 to see
through lies or trickery
a l so co ntro l s a n e l ite gro u p of secretive operatives
ca l l ed the S h ad owl i n gs who i nfiltrate cri m i n a l Shadowling:
o rga n izat i o n s a n d d e stroy them fro m with i n . T h e level 5, level 7 when
S h adowl i n gs a re thought t o be a s ruth less a n d petforming any action of
v i o l e n t a s the cri m i n a l s they co m bat, but they d o guile or subtetfuge
h e l p t o keep the city' s m e rc h a nts a n d traders safe
fro m t h i eve ry.
1 39
 FASTEN
If you grew up in a s m a l l vil lage or h ave ever vis ited
one, you probably know everyt h i n g you need to know
about Fasten . A typical vil lage among typ ical vil lages,
Fasten has a pop u l ation of approxi mately 500 people,
most of whom are crafts men, merchants, and farmers.
M ost busi ness takes place on the city' s two main
roadways-Carryon Street and Best Avenue-wh ich
angle toward each other. Houses, while small, clean and
wel l maintained , are typical ly constructed of whatever
hodgepodge assortment of materials is handy from the
nearby wood s, local q uarries, and reclaimed buildi ngs.
Fa sten is a town t h at works h a rd to a p pear
p ictu resque; there i s l ittl e o bv i o u s cri m e o r pol itical
strife. A general s p i rit of h e l p i n g o n e a n other see m s
t o keep m i scond uct a n d poverty d own . H owever,
Seskii (page 258) can as with any gat h e ri n g of two or m o re peo ple, t h e re
be formidable foes, but
a re always petty a rgu ments, fa m i ly i n -fights, a n d
also make fiercely loyal
companions. fisticuffs o n the streets. M ost peo p l e a re kept i n l i ne
by the fact t h at t h e i r p a rents a n d teach e rs sti l l l ive
in t h e v i l l age, a n d they' re reg u l arly re m i nded n ot
to b r i n g s h a m e u p o n them selves or t h e i r e l d e rs .
Fo r l a rger concern s , M ayo r Ad roa Va l l o n e a n d h e r
h a l f-dozen we l l-tra i ned watc h m e n d o the job, i d e a l l y
before a nyo n e notices.
ABOUT TOWN
Cali's Tri n ket Cart: At the intersection of Ca rryon Street
and Best Avenue, yo u ' l l find Ca l i and her trin ket cart,
p i led h i g h with scraps of metal and synth , bits of the
Slying is a common n u menera, and a n i m po s s i b l e j u m b le of u n known
term used to convey a ite m s . Ca l i i s q u ick to s m i le, and her laugh i s so
combination of lying
loud it can be heard from d own the street. I f yo u
and sly. While mostly
derogatory, it also a s k where the tri n ket cart i s , you ' l l often be told to
carries a hint of respect fol low the l a u ghter. T h i s task is even easier beca use
for someone's skills at Ca l i ' s com p a n i o n , a s peckled grey-green seskii who
deception. neve r leaves her side, often howl-growl s along with
her. Ca l i encou rages pote ntial b uyers to cl i m b onto
the cart and sort t h rough the ite m s . Ad d itional ly, she
see m s to h ave a nearly pe rfect memory of the objects
in her cart; if someone comes to her with a s pecific
need , she u s u a l ly knows whether she has the item i n
q uestio n . I f s o , s h e ' l l reach h e r h a n d i nto t h e j u m b le
and pull it out. Ca l i i s a l so a fixt u re at the rubar races,
and s h e ra ises some of the finest rubars i n town.
Those who wish to learn about ru bar trai n i n g and
b reed i n g m i ght entice her to s h a re her secrets.
Loose Leaf: Run by S i ster Twi a , Loose Leaf i s the
tow n ' s a poth ecary a n d heal i n g center. The l a rge,
roomy s pace is perh a p s the b i ggest o n Ca rryo n
Street. The front room is l i ned with s h e lve s , boxe s ,
a n d tables l o a d e d w i t h fres h a n d d ry i n g herbs, a
vari ety of teas a n d s p ices, a n d l i q u id m ixtu res of
vari o u s co l o rs a n d co n s i ste ncies. S i ster Twi a keeps
1 40
a con sta nt fi re to p rod uce h ot wate r for the tea t h at
s h e offers free of c h a rge to a l l who wa l k i n t h e door.
The back roo m of Loose Leaf is fi l led with cots,
many of which a re occ u p ied at any given moment
by those who a re too ill to be ca red fo r i n t h e i r
h o m e s . Two o r th ree m e n i n ye l l owed g a r b ca re fo r
the wo u n ded , a n d fa m i ly m e m bers a re often s e e n
at the bed s i d e s , wee p i n g fo r those who h ave passed
d e s p ite t h e q u a l ity of care.
S i ster Twi a does n ot co n d o n e the powe r
of the n u menera; i n fact, s h e be l i eves it's
co u nterprod uctive to the h ea l i n g p roce s s . I f yo u
enter Loose Leaf with o bv i o u s n u m e n e ra on yo u r
pers o n , s h e' l l a s k yo u t o leave it outside t h e d o o r o r
vacate t h e p re m i se s .
Adorne: A t Ad orne, a s i m p le covered sta l l with
a permanent p l ace on Ca rryon Street, you ' l l find
baubles, tri n kets , s m a l l metalworkings, b utto n s , and
bead s . M ost of the ite m s a re stuffed i nto barre l s and
boxes, with o n ly the very s peci a l and most expens ive
offerings set apart. I n o rder to see these exc l u s ive
objects, you m u st a s k Ya n n , the owner, to s h ow them
to you . He'll eye a customer for a long time to get a
sense of the person before he tru sts her enough to
reach beneath h i s long coat and b ri n g out a bag of
s pecial ite m s . Be s u re n ot to d rop you r gaze beneath
his stare, or he m ight con s i d e r you a s lyi n g son of a
th ief a n d try to h it you with the knotty redwood cane
he a lways carries.
Yo u can pick t h ro u g h the barre l s a n d haggle fo r
the price of o n e particu l a r p i ece, o r y o u can p u rchase
the baubles i n bulk fo r cheap. In the l atte r case, yo u
m u st take wh ateve r co m b i n ation of wort h a n d j u n k
yo u r c u p scoo p s u p from t h e deep barre l s .
SweetM eats: Tucked between the a poth ecary a n d t h e
jewe l e r, Sweet M eats i s a co m b i n ation butch e r a n d
bake ry, ru n by m a rried co u p l e Abeke a n d Serwa. The
two-story b u i l d i n g u ses the gro u n d floor a s shop and
storage a n d t h e top floor a s l iv i n g s p ace fo r the two
wo m e n .
Open six d ays a week, Sweet M eats d o e s a
boo m i n g b u s i n e s s . H e re, v i s itors fi n d a l l ava i l a b l e
meats o f the reg i o n , w i l d a n d d o m estic, fres h a n d
cu red , m a ny b rought i n fr o m h u nters, fi s h e rs , a n d
fa rm e rs j u st t h at morn i n g. Abeke ' s m e a t selection
i s riva led o n ly by t h at of S e rwa ' s wide vari ety of
baked good s , i n c l u d i n g h e r town-fa m o u s s pecia lty
p u ffi n s , a h a n d h e l d , meat-fi l led pastry t h at can be
p u rchased two for a s h i n a n d tu cked i nto the pocket
for a later mea l .
A s yo u m i ght i m ag i n e , the store h a s a n odd
co m b i n ation of sce nts a n d s i ghts, a s fres h cuts of
meat rest side by side with p i e s a n d b read s . Eve n t h e
wo m e n a re a s t u d y i n contrast, w i t h Abeke ' s stout,

ruddy form wie l d i n g a ca refu l knife for t h e best cuts
of meat wh i l e Serwa, a pale wisp of a t h i ng, po u n d s
d o u g h o n t h e co u nter. T h e q u a l ity o f t h e p rod ucts
i s so h i gh-a n d t h e witty exc h a n ges between Abeke
a n d S e rwa a re so fu n ny-t h at a l l oth e r b utchers a n d
bakeries h ave d i ed away fro m lack of c u stomers.
The General Store: U pon e nteri n g the G e neral Store,
located along Best Aven ue, you ' l l be greeted with a
s u rly h e l l o from shop owne r Fletcher E l i s . Despite
h i s demeanor, which some wou l d cal l short and
others j u st p l a i n rude, Fletcher i s wi l l i n g and eager
to h e l p customers find and p u rchase good s. " I t's the
pain i n my bad leg that m a kes me so damn s u rly, " is
someth i n g he says reg u l a rly. " N ot that I'm angry with
yo u . I h a rd ly know you . " H e then rega les any l i sten i n g
e a r with t h e tales o f h ow h e came b y h i s l i m p and h i s
off- p utt i n g demeanor. (These tales vary i n t h e te l l i ng,
sometimes i nvolvi n g his time with the Redfleets, other
times reco u n t i n g a sord i d affa i r of h ow h e was i n j u red
wh i l e rescu i n g h i s wife from a band of a b h u m a n s . It
m i ght be i m portant to n ote that no one in town has
ever seen Fletcher's a l leged wife.)
T h a n ks to the effo rts of two local b rothers, Tam
a n d Ta le, who started worki n g for F l etch e r when they
we re m e re boys a n d h ave n ow become h a n d some,
stra p p i n g yo u n g m e n , the G e n eral Store i s a we l l -
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
5. School house
6. Redwood Chests
7. Village Hall
8. Town C i rcle
9. Meeting House
1 0 . Spotted Seski i
organ ized m a rvel o f modern conve n iences a n d
s u p p l i e s . I n add ition t o food stuffs , v i s itors wi l l fi n d
torches, glowglobes, ro pe, a n d the occa s i o n a l u sed
book. A few yea rs ago, at the beh est of the v i l l agers,
F l etcher started offeri n g home d e l iveries. Tam o r
Ta l e d ro p off the good s a t a c u sto mer's h o m e fo r t h e
add iti o n a l price of 1 s h i n . A l t h o u g h the d e l ive ries
always take l o n ge r than F l etch e r expects, co n s i d e r i n g
t h at the h o u s e s a re n ot fa r fro m t h e store, t h e
b rothers a re i n such d e m a n d fr o m a variety o f
cu sto mers t h at h e co nti n ues to offe r the service.
Redwood Chests: The vi l l age' s carpentry store offers
n ot j u st chests but fu rnitu re, carts, a n d staffs a s we l l .
T h e p l ace i s owned b y o n e o f t h e tow n ' s fe w n o b l e s ,
but most vi l l agers know t h at the rea l heart of t h e
enterprise i s carpenter M o l l i e B e h a r. S h e clea rly l oves
her work, p rod u c i n g fine p i eces q u ickly and at fa i r
p rices. M o l l ie bel ieves t h at each p i ece s h e creates
s h o u l d be b u i lt es peci a l ly fo r its futu re own e r, so few
ite m s a re act u a l ly fo r s a l e o n the floor. M ostly, the
store serves a s a wo rkspace fo r M o l l ie a n d a storage
s pace fo r wood , p i eces in progre s s , and M o l l i e ' s
l a rge, d roo l i n g can i n e n a m ed Roxit. S h e occa s i o n a l ly
takes on a p p re ntices, but s h e fi n d s t h at most of
t h e m ca n ' t hear the wood t h e way t h ey need to i n
o rd e r t o t u rn i t i nto somet h i n g beautifu l .
141
 When ch i l d re n a re n ' t s i tt i n g i n t h e schoo l h o u s e o r
t h rowi n g stones at fi s h i n t h e pond at the town c i rcle,
t h ey a re often found at Redwood Chests, gett i n g
d rooled o n b y Roxit wh i l e they watch M o l l i e l a t h e a n d
h a m me r wood .
Fasten Schoolhouse: The schoo l h o u se i s tu cked
"/ knew the Amber
betwee n Redwood Ch ests and the Vi l l age H a l l .
Papacy was close to
its goal of complete Classes fo r a l l ages a re taught b y Ben h a m I l k,
control when I toasted a giant of a m a n who u ses h u m o r a n d a gentle
a slice of bread and touch . I f yo u we re to look in o n the c h i l d re n i n the
saw the Order of m i d d l e of c l a s s , yo u m i ght assume by the chaos
Truth 's sym bol appear t h at t h e kid s had ove rru n their teacher a n d staged
in its center. " -Narada
a revo lt. Yet B e n h a m re m a i n s at the head of it a l l ,
Trame, anti-papist
encouragi n g t h e m . H owever stra nge h i s teach i n g
method s , students come h o m e ta l k i n g o f a l l they've
learned and a re a b l e to put it to use. At the back of
the schoo l h o u s e , a t i n y roo m with an exte rior door
serves a s t h e town l i b ra ry, offeri n g scro l l s , s k r i p s ,
m a p s , a n d t h e occa s i o n a l b o o k , a l l free fo r t h e
bo rrow i n g .
Town Circle: The town c i rcle i s a p l ace fo r gatheri ngs,
l a rge meet i n gs , a n d general festivities. S u rro u nded
by a grove of fru it-beari n g trees , t h e c i rcle i s soft
moss a n d grave l , with sto n e benches p l aced h e re
a n d t h e re for m axi m u m s h ad e advantage. At t h e
center i s a l a rge pond fi l led w i t h bright b l u e fi s h . O n
any g i v e n d ay, yo u m i ght fi n d fa m i l ies gatheri n g fo r
picn ics, tee n a gers tryi n g to k i s s e a c h oth e r beneath
t h e trees , o r ch i l d re n sticki n g t h e i r fi n gers i nto the
pond.
O n t h e e a s t s i d e of town i s the meet i n g h o u s e ,
a n open-a i r pavi l io n used fo r vi l l age meet i n gs , l a rge
ce l e b rat i o n s , a n d ra i n y d ays.
Rubar races are a The Spotted Seski i : T h i s fu l l - s e rv i ce resta u ra n t
common activity in a n d p u b i s t h e l a rgest b u i l d i n g i n Faste n , a n d t h e
Fasten. Anyone can o n e w h e re peo p l e gat h e r most ofte n . I t ' s r u n b y
place bets of a shin or t h e h u s b a n d - a n d -w i fe tea m of B a k e l e a n d E d e r
more at the Spotted Cra n d e l , a l o n g with s i x s t a ff m e m b e r s . B a k e l e , a
Seskii.
s p ry wo m a n of average s i ze a n d h e i g h t , s p o rt s
green h a i r a n d a green a p ro n , a n d s h e wears d a rk
green g l a s s e s eve n i n t h e d i m l i g h t of t h e tave r n .
Eve ryo n e k n ows h e r by h e r warm a n d fri e n d l y
d e m e a n o r-a n d h e r w i l l i n g n e s s to s i n g a s o n g o r
s i x w h e n t h e c rowd ca l l s fo r it. H e r h u s b a n d , E d e r,
a l t h o u g h t a l l e r a n d w i d e r, i s fa r q u ieter a n d l e s s
n ot i cea b l e . H e often works a m o n g t h e c rowd fo r
h o u rs before s o m e o n e n ot i ce s h i s p re s e n ce a n d
re m e m bers t h at h e ' s t h e co-ow n e r o f t h e p l ace.
Eder d o e s n ' t s e e m to m i n d , h oweve r, and i s q u i c k
to d ow n p l ay a n y p e rceived s l i g h t s .
1 42
The food at the S p otted Seski i i s med i ocre but
fi l l i ng, a n d t h e d ri n ks a re expe n s ive but strong. Yet
most a re wi l l i n g to pay t h e prices i n exc h a n ge for the
wide variety of enterta i n ment t h at t h e i r s h i n s can
p u rchase. Each n i ght, t h e Seski i offe rs d i n e rs and
d ri n ke rs a m i x of activities to enterta i n the crowd ,
i n c l u d i n g l ive m u s ic, games of gam b l i n g a n d c h a nce,
s i n g i n g contests, a n d d a rt t h rowi ng.
The most popu l a r activity by fa r i s the pub's rubar
race, w h i c h takes p l ace nearly eve ry n i ght i n a back
room reserved fo r t h at p u rpose. The room i s d ivided
i nto two parts: one l a rge section fo r the ga m b l ers
and viewe rs, and a s m a l l e r section fo r each of the
co m p et i n g rubars (u s u a l ly fo u r, but somet i m e s a s
m a ny as six) . The floors of the rubar sect i o n s a re
coated i n a l aye r of dead m atte r. The fi rst rubar to
clean u p its a rea by eati n g a l l of the dead m atte r wi n s
t h e ro u n d a n d goes o n t o t h e next o n e t h e fo l l owi n g
n i ght. N ot s u rp ri s i n gly, rai s i n g a n d tra i n i n g rubars
for these com petit i o n s is a favo rite past i m e a m o n g
m a ny i n Faste n .
I n ns: Fasten h a s n o esta b l i s h ed i n n s i n ce v i s itors
a re few and fa r between and mostly belong to o n e
of t h e fa m i l ies a l ready situated i n the a rea. H oweve r,
those seeki n g l od g i n g m i ght fi n d a cot i n the back of
Loose Leaf (provided they' re n ot a l l taken) for 1 s h i n
a n i ght.
Ad d it i o n a l ly, res i d e nt Tu pon Vi l l h e l m i s somet i m e s
known to open h e r l a rge h o u s e fo r gu ests a t a cost.
Tu pon is nearly e i ghty years old and the mother of
ten boys , a l l of them n ow dead . The b rothers who
work at the general store a re h e r g reat-gra n d ch i l d re n ,
a n d they often keep a n ear o u t fo r peo p l e w h o need
tempora ry res i d e nce. Tu p o n ' s house has ten s m a l l ,
u n u sed bed roo m s , each ava i l a b l e fo r 1 s h i n per
n i ght. B reakfast o r d i n n e r i s a n additional s h i n , but
it's we l l wort h the added cost.
V i l l age H a l l : The Vi l l age H a l l is w h e re the m ayo r
a n d h e r watc h m e n work, grievances a re a i re d , a n d
l aw b re a kers a re b r o u g h t to j u st i ce . T h e g ro u n d
fl o o r i s u s ed a s offices a n d a p u b l i c co u rt h o u s e ,
a n d t h e ce l l a r s e rves a s a t e m porary h o l d i n g ce l l
(w h e n it' s not fl o o d ed ) . D u ri n g t h e ra re p e r i o d s
of stro n g a n d co nt i n u o u s ra i n s , a n y o n e w h o
b re a k s t h e l aw i s h e l d i n o n e of t h e bed ro o m s i n
Tu p o n Vi l l h e l m ' s h o m e . Alth o u g h h e r food i s o f
m u c h h i g h e r q u a l ity, h e r g u i l t- i n d u c i n g l o o k s a n d
co m m e n t s a re e n o u g h t o m a ke h a rd e n e d c ri m i n a l s
b r e a k d ow n i n to t e a r s . Even t h e m ayo r h a s n oted
t h at t h e re a p pe a r s to be a m a rked d ecrease i n
cri m e d u ri n g t h e ra i n y s e a s o n .
 LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST

People of Interest
FASTEN HEARSAY
Keera N araymis: Keera is a n ew staff m e m be r at the Sku l kers: Two men h ave been seen s k u l k i n g a ro u n d Ca l i ' s tri n ket cart i n the
S p otted Seski i . S h e i s s l i ghtly b u i lt, with n o n d escri pt eve n i n g h o u rs , typ i ca l ly wh i l e s h e i s off co m peti n g i n t h e rubar race s . Ca l i
red d i s h - b rown h a i r p u l led i nto a m e s sy b u n , but h e r i s offe r i n g 1 0 s h i n s t o t h e i n d ivid u a l o r party w h o tracks d own t h e m e n a n d
v i v i d sto ryte l l i n g s k i l l s h ave e n d e a red h e r to many d i scove rs t h e i r p u rpose i n Fa ste n .
patro n s . H oweve r, those who pay close atte ntion to
Keera sense t h at someth i n g i s s l ightly off. Part of it N ew i n Town : A wo m a n with s h o rt b l ack h a i r a n d green eye s h a s j u st
i s h e r stories, which te l l of times long past and of a rrived i n tow n . G o i n g by t h e n a m e Ve re n u s (level 7) , s h e c l a i m s to be
p l aces t h at n o longer exi st. Part of it is the freq u e n cy a bou nty h u nter fro m Q i out to capt u re a d a ngero u s Aeo n Priest who
with which h e r stra n ge powe rs, s i m i l a r to esote ries, betrayed the o rd e r many years ago.
seem to m a n i fest, u s u a l ly at i n o pport u n e t i m e s a n d
beyo n d h e r contro l . When s h e ' s n ot s l i n g i n g food M issi ng Man: One of Abeke ' s regu l a r s u p p l i e rs-a h u nter who s peci a l izes
and d ri n k in the d i m l i ght of the Seski i , she stu d i e s in b ri n g i n g h e r fre s h m eat from l a rge wild a n i m a l s in t h e region-h a s n 't
i n t h e b a c k roo m o f t h e schoo l h o u s e , pori n g ove r been by h e r s h o p i n nearly a week. Abeke knows he was head i n g southeast
books on t h e n u m e n e ra . a n d i s worried t h at so meth i n g m i ght h ave h a p pened to h i m . She a l so
need s to re p l e n i s h h e r meat stocks a n d offers payment for any fres h , local
Dziko: Dzi ko i s seen a ro u n d town reg u l a rly, often wi l d l ife t h at comes h e r way.
h a n g i n g out in the vi l l age meet i n g house o r tos s i n g
b its o f b read t o the fi s h i n t h e town c i rcle. Ta l l a n d
t h i n , with salt- a n d - pepper h a i r t h at h a n gs ove r h i s
eyes , Dziko always carries a clay c u p i n o n e h a n d .
At fi rst g l a n ce , h i s scruffy a p pearance a n d we l l -
worn clothes m i ght give t h e i m p re s s i o n t h at h e i s
h o m e l e s s o r poor, b u t h e i s neither. Dzi ko own s
a fa i rly l a rge h o m e j u st o ff o f Ca rryon Street but
spends l ittl e t i m e there. I f yo u a s k a ro u n d , yo u ' l l
d i scove r t h at h i s wife was k i l led b y a fi re i n t h e i r
home. Although many years h ave p a s s e d s i n ce h e r
deat h , h e h a s never b e e n the same. H e b e l i eves the
c u p h e carries holds his wife's a s h e s , but if you we re
to look i n s id e , yo u ' d see t h at it was e m pty.

Tarl i n : The m ayo r' s d a u ghter is i n h e r l ate tee n s , a n d

s h e ' s so meth i n g o f a s p itfire, s p e n d i n g h e r money
on s h i ny tri n kets as we l l as dyes to t u rn h e r h a i r
vari o u s s h ad e s o f pewter a n d go l d . Ta ri i n favo rs
loud co l o rs and s n id e s a rca s m , and m o re ofte n t h a n
n ot s h e s n eaks i nto t h e l ate- n i ght festivities a t t h e
S p otted Seski i . S h e can h o l d h e r l i q u o r but n ot h e r
to ngue, a n d h e r mot h e r fea rs often a n d l o u d ly fo r
h e r d a ughter' s safety. Beca u s e Ta ri i n i s eve rywhere
i n Fa ste n , s h e c l a i m s to know a l l of the nefari o u s
h a p p e n i ngs i n t h e v i l lage a n d can be persuaded to
part with h e r knowledge fo r the cost of a d ri n k. When
h e r i nformation t u r n s out to be true, which i s l e s s
t h a n h a l f t h e t i m e , it can be va l u a b le.

1 43
 NAVARENE HEARSAY
Dark Whispers: Wo rd fro m t h e
G a rrat h o l i s t h at t h e O be l i s k of the
Water God h a s beg u n to glow at n i ght with a
fa i nt ye l l ow-green l u m i n o s ity. N o o n e knows
the ca u se, but the glow i s n 't co n stant; some
be l i eve it's tied to t h e p h a s e of t h e moo n .
Regard l e s s , stra nge peo p l e h ave b e e n seen
Thuman, page 262
h o l d i n g ritu a l s i n the glowi n g obel i s k ' s l i ght.
M issing Caravan: A merch ant i n S h a l lamas is
looki n g for merce n a ries or i nvesti gators to find
a long-ove rd ue carava n that was s u p posed to
a rrive from the nort h . Among its va l u a b l e good s ,
the ca rava n carried a t r i o o f near-priceless s i lver
statues said to be sacred to a prim itive tri be
l iving below the Cloudcrysta l S kyfie l d s .
Ghosts of the Westwood: Even the culovas
seem terrified of a new, stra nge p resence i n the
Westwood that d rives them from a loca le near the
southern edge. Lum berjacks say that the "green
ghosts of the wood" h ave finally begu n exacting
their revenge on everyt h i n g they come upon.
THE WEIRD OF NAVARENE
H arbi nger: An odd wo man wal ks the edge of
the Westwood , te l l i n g a nyone who l i stens that
with i n the next ten years, someth i n g wi l l rise out
of the forest and d evo u r whole cities. Before she
can get m uch of her story out, s h e d i sa ppears.
Blessed Event: A c h i l d born j u st weeks ago in
a s m a l l v i l l age ca l l ed M i rbel heals the wo u n d s
o f a n y w h o touch h e r.
Black Skies: A flock of a t h o u s a n d or more
b l ack ve s s a b i rd s kee ps ret u rn i n g to an ancient
towe r at the l a n d ' s weste rn edge, n o m atte r
what is d o n e to d rive t h e m off.
Biosynth G rove: F ifteen m i l e s (24 km) west
of Bod rov grows a s m a l l grove of tra n s p a rent
trees made of l iv i n g synth.
1 44
THE AMBER MONOLITH
Calaval climbed the hill, his pet thuman at his side.
Crumbling bits of ancient brick turned to gravel with
each step. At the top, he saw the amber obelisk the old
woman had told him about. It stretched impossibly into
the sky. The reddish-yellow light ofthe old, tired sun caught
in its angles high above the plain ofruin. Even after all
these aeons, the machine at the heart ofthe obelisk still
thrummed with power. Rings orbited the device, spinning
with unearthly precision.
-Sacred C h ro n icle of H i gh Fat h e r Ca l ava l , Amber
Pope a n d Fo u n d e r of the Citadel of t h e Co n d u it a n d
the O r d e r o f Truth
Accord i n g to Ca l ava l , t h e o r i g i n a l Amber Pope
(an office t h at ga i n s its name fro m t h e fl o at i n g
o b e l i s k) , s o m ew h e re i n s i d e t h e A m b e r M o n o l it h
l i e s a t e l e p o rtat i o n d ev i ce t h at g i v e s acce s s to a
n u m e n e ra ed ifice float i n g h i g h a bove t h e e a rt h .
H owever, d e s p ite Ca lava l ' s d e scri pt i o n s a n d
exp l a n at i o n s , n o o n e h a s eve r fo u n d it o r eve n
d i scovered t h e secret to acce s s i n g t h e m o n o l ith ' s
i nterior s i n ce h e s u p posed ly we nt i n s i d e a n d u sed
the d evice 400 yea rs ago.
Tod ay, a fo rtress g u a rd s this sacred s ite and
p ro h i b its anyo n e from atte m pt i n g to fo l l ow in H i gh
Fath e r Ca l ava l ' s footste p s . The fo rtress i s m a i ntained
by sold i e rs i n t h e e m p l oy of the Order of Truth who
owe n o a l legiance to N avarene. The q u een to l e rates
t h e i r p resence a s a co n ce s s i o n to the papacy.
The Amber M o n o l ith floats 5 00 feet (1 5 2 m) a bove
t h e gro u n d a n d sta n d s a p p roxi m ately 2,000 feet (600
m) ta l l . It floats a bove a region ca l l e d the P l a i n of
B rick, a wide exp a n s e of worked sto n e many m i l es
acro s s .
THE OBELISK OF THE WATER GOD
Clearly re l ated in some way to the Amber M o n o l it h ,
t h i s obe l i s k floats a bove a region ca l l ed t h e G a rrat h o l
i n t h e footh i l l s of the B l ack Riage. G a rrathol m e a n s
" d e lta" i n t h e n ow-dead S h u m e l a n g u age, eve n
t h o u g h t h e a rea i s h u n d red s of m i l es i n l a n d . The
 LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST

m ea n i n g is a p p ropriate
beca u s e the obel i s k
d raws wate r i nto itself
from the nea rby Tithe
River, creat i n g its own
sort of d e lta bas i n .
S o m e peo p l e bel ieve
t h at t h e o be l i s k t h e n
s e n d s the wate r i nto t h e
a i r, affect i n g t h e weather
i n t h e G a rrat h o l . Others
claim t h at the wate r i s
s e n t t o a sou rce beyo n d
t h e scope of the wo r l d ,
w h i c h , if t r u e , co u l d b e
q u ite bad i n the l o n g
r u n . H oweve r, g i v e n t h at
t h e o be l i s k i s perh a p s
a m i l l io n yea rs o l d o r
m o re a n d the wo rld
i s n 't d ra i ned of wate r,
someth i n g d iffe rent
see m s to be go i n g on.
The Obel i s k of t h e Water God h overs 5 00 feet i m portant role i n the Steadfast that n o one wou l d
( 1 5 2 m) a bove the s u rface a n d is a l most 2,000 want t o suffer h i s kingd o m ' s s u d d e n col l apse-or,
feet (600 m) ta l l . The l u s h , fe rt i l e region h a s m a ny j u st as bad , h i s sudden refusal to m a i nta i n the coastal
s m a l l vi l l ages but no l a rger settle ments beca u s e trade routes vital to most of the n i n e kingdoms.
t h e a rea h a s a re p utation fo r d a n ger. The G a rrathol The ro l l i n g green h i l l s of G h a n a re known fo r
i s h o m e to more t h a n its s h a re of deadly p red ators herds of ga l l e n a n d a n e e n . G a l l e n a re l o n g- bod ied , Gallen: level 2
and m o n strosities, and the loca l s experience a l a rge herb ivoro u s a n i m a l s va l u ed for t h e i r meat a n d
n u m be r of tragic b i rt h s and m utat i o n s . h i d e s . A n e e n sta n d two to th ree t i m e s as ta l l a s a

II
h u m a n , with h u nched, h a i rl e s s b i pedal bod ies, s m a l l

l!J THE SEA KINGDOM fo re a r m s , a n d b road head s . T h e s e pack a n i m a l s

Ill
c a n att a i n great s peed s a n d wa l k t i re l e s s l y fo r l o n g
Of GHAN d i stances. M a ny t r a d e ca rava n s i n t h e northern p a rt GHAN
Look long, my friends. of the Steadfast u s e aneen to t ra n s po rt good s or p u l l R u l e r: King Laird
Look hard. m a s s ive wago n s . Po p u l at i o n : 7, 000, 000
Greener hills, bluer waters K i n g La i rd l ives i n t h e Co ra l Pal ace o ff G h a n ' s Capita l : The City of Bridges

you 'll neverfind coast, a part o f t h e City o f Bridges. G h a n h a s l ittl e

than those of my heart, in the kingdom by the sea. i n t h e w a y of a n aristocracy. M ost of t h e peo p l e a re
Look long, my friends. free citize n s owi n g fea lty o n ly to t h e i r k i n g . Few
Look hard. peo p l e own s l aves. G overnors a n d m ayors r u l e ove r
Finer men, prettier smiles d i stricts a n d town s , but t h e o rga n ization i s varied
you 'll neverfind and u n offici a l . Seafarers and h e rd i n g fo l k, G h a n ites
than those of my heart, in the kingdom by the sea. d o n ot a b i d e a stro n g govern m e nt, and K i n g La i rd is
-Th e S o n g of G h a n h a p py to o b l ige t h e m .

Known for i t s coastal trad i n g s h i ps , the so-ca l led S e a
Kingdom o f G h a n i s a rel atively peacefu l l a n d . King
La i rd has no wish to c h a l l e n ge or even a p pear to
c h a l l e n ge Queen Arm a l u of N avarene or the ru l i n g
cou n c i l i n D rao l i s , yet h e doesn't want t o appear
weak and ripe for the taking, either. Thus, h e p rotects
h i s borders and m a i nta i n s a ca refu l vigil without
m a k i n g aggress ive moves. M ost i m portant, h owever,
he e n s u res that h i s merchant fleet p l ays such a n
THE CITY OF BRIDGES
The City of Bridges is the capital of G h a n , although King Laird: level 5, level 6
strictly s pe a k i n g , it's n ot act u a l ly in G h a n . Exte n d i n g for all sailing-related tasks
and for seeing through
o u t fro m t h e coast, a n u m be r o f ancient bridges
deception
stretch more t h a n a mile to a series of m a s s ive metal
p l atforms joi ned by a n i ntricate we b of more bridges.
Co m posed of m ateri a l s of the prior worl d s , these
wide bridges a n d p l atforms h o l d h o m e s , s h o p s ,
ware h o u s e s , a n d oth e r b u i l d i ngs.

1 45
 Tod ay t h e City of Bridges h a s a p o p u l ation of
20,000 peo p l e . Each of the t h i rty-two p l atfo rms h a s
m u lt i p l e l eve l s , a n d a l l o f t h e m a re i n u se. Wh at' s
more, each p l atform h o l d s struct u res t h at can be
u sed as d ocks for s h i p s a n d boats. The settlement
co u l d h ave been ca l l ed the City of Piers, fo r t h e entire
n etwo rk of p l atfo rms a n d bridges is a l m ost o n e b i g
p i e r (wh ich i s entirely a p p ropriate fo r the capital of
the Sea K i n gdom) . At any given t i m e , a h u n d red or
more ves s e l s a re moored at o r near the city.
Des p ite co m m o n b e l ief, t h e city does n ' t float.
The p l atfo rms a re affixed to the sea floor, and many
peo p l e s pecu l ate t h at t h e l a rge, i n active mach i n e s
o n e a c h p l atform a re d r i l l s t h at extend deep i nto t h e
s u b m e rged eart h .
The Co ra l Pal ace i s n ot act u a l ly made o f cora l ,
although l a rge port i o n s o f the b u i l d i n g a re cove red
with so m uch cora l t h at a v i s itor m i ght bel ieve it to
be true. The pal ace takes up most of one p l atform
where the k i n g ' s perso n a l s h i p s dock. Fro m h e re,
K i n g La i rd rules ove r G h a n a n d his m e rchant fl eet.
Mayor Farand: level 6; R u m o rs say t h at h e i s prepari n g a secret exped ition
24 health; 6 points of of l a rge craft to sail fro m the city i nto the weste rn
Armor; inflicts 1 0 points open sea. With some of the best sea maps i n the
of damage at long range wo rld at h i s d i s po s a l , La i rd knows t h at n o major
l a n d m a s s l ie s i n t h at d i rect i o n , but h e has p l aced
h i s faith in ta l k of a sizable i s l a n d c h a i n t h at exists
1 46
leagues to the west, fa rther t h a n any reco rded voyage
h a s traveled . S u pposed ly, these i s l a n d s a re i n h a b ited
and h ave exot ic good s , i nterest i n g l o re, n u m e n e ra ,
a n d oth e r co m m od ities t h at wo u l d be va l u a b l e to the
Steadfast-a s s u m i n g t h at a s h i p p i n g route can be
esta b l i s h e d .
OMAR
O m a r is a l a rge m i n i n g tow n . Its peo p l e b u rrowed
i nto t h e earth a n d fo u n d a wealth of metal in the
form of a vast, b u ried i n stal lation o r n u m e n e ra
ve h icle. ( N o o n e h a s yet d ete r m i ned exactly what
they d i scovered below t h e g ro u n d .) T h ro u g h
p rocesses kept secret, the m i ners cut away l a rge
sect i o n s of oth e rwise u n known metal fro m the
a n cient structu re a n d b r i n g it to t h e s u rface, where
it can be me lted d own-with great effort-a n d
reforged i nto anyt h i n g a tale nted s m it h d e s i re s . Th i s
m eta l , known as o m a roa o r az u re stee l , i s h i g h l y
sought fo r its d u ra b i l ity a n d stre n gt h .
As w i t h many m i n i n g town s , O m a r i s a ro u g h a n d
violent tow n . Its citize n s l ive s h o rt, a n g ry l ives. The
ru l e r, M ayor Fa ra n d , i s a s tough a s the peo p l e i n h e r
tow n . Accord i n g to many, s h e m a i nta i n s m u c h of the
o rd e r herself, t h a n ks to h e r s u it of n i g h - i m pe n etra b l e
a r m o r a n d i t s a r s e n a l o f b u i lt- i n d evastat i n g
n u m e n e ra wea p o n s .

THE SCARRED MONOLITHS
F l oati n g h i g h above t h e ga l l e n herds of G h a n ,
m a s s ive h u m a n o i d statues d rift s l owly across t h e
s ky. O n ce, these gigantic o bj ects were enormous
war mach i n e s . N ow they' re j u st cu riosities-exce pt,
perh a p s , to b rave exp l o rers who m i ght be a b l e to
reach t h e m a n d find a way i n s id e . N ever in memory
h ave t h e mach i n es d o n e anyt h i n g but float about t h e
h i l l s , n ever d ri ft i n g fa r fr o m t h e i r start i n g p o i n t s .
KEFORD
Keford is a l u m be r town. S h i p s s a i l Ryness Bay to
reach it and leave laden with some of the Steadfast' s
fi nest wood . The l u m berj acks of Keford freq uently
cross the border i nto N avarene, and wh i l e that
kingdom h a s no efficient way to watch that stretch of
its bou ndary-the wood s are too den se-N ava rene
sold iers i n the a rea find that those com i n g from G h a n
a re l i kely t o attack t h e m on s i ght j u st o n principle.
Kefo rd h a s a wood e n p a l i sade. About 4,000 peo p l e
ca l l the p l ace home, a l t h o u g h a t any given t i m e there
a re another 5 00 or so s a i l ors i n tow n .
JASTON
The 8,000 residents of the wal led town of j aston devote
them selves m a i n ly to agricu lture in some fashion;
gra naries, slaughterhou ses, farm i m p l ements, animal
tra i n i ng, and a variety of s i m i lar jobs keep them bu sy.
The people a re a no-nonsense, practical folk who are
more d i stru stfu l of nanos and the n u menera than are
others in most s i m i lar-s ized com m u n ities.
GHAN HEARSAY
The Sacred Gallen: I n a h i l lfo l k v i l l age
ca l l ed l e ra , the peo p l e bel ieve t h at to
l ay the fo u n d ation fo r t h e i r n ew te m p l e ,
they m u st p l ow the gro u n d w i t h a sacred wh ite
b u l l ga l l e n . But the creatu re t h ey were set to u s e
h a s d i s a p peared fr o m t h e i r care, a n d they've
offe red a rewa rd of 1 00 s h i n s fo r its ret u r n .
Liquid G h osts: The southern coast o f G h a n i s
s a i d t o be h a u nted b y ghosts t h at a re act u a l ly
the i nte l l ects a n d memories of peo p l e from the
d i stant past t h at were loaded i nto storage t h at
u ses s m a rt fl u i d h o u s i ng. Some of the stored
co n sc i o u s n e s s e s n ow wa n d e r the s h o re l i ne,
often act i n g with a s u rp r i s i ngly destructive
hostil ity. The o n ly way to stop t h e m perm a n e ntly
i s to fi n d the ancient facil ity where they' re stored .
Festival: O m a r h a s a yea rly festival ce l e b rat i n g
i t s fo u n d i ng. D u r i n g t h i s year's d ru n ke n reve l s ,
a gro u p o f t h i eves i nte n d s t o u s e the ce l e b rati o n
a s a d i straction so they can t u n n e l i nto the s h i n -
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
About 1 2 m i l e s ( 1 9 k m ) n o rt h of j aston l i e s
D eve rl a u s h , a l a rge v i l l a g e p r i m a ri ly i n h a b ited
by v a rj e l l e n , one of the typ e s of v i s it a n t s . T h e
v a rj e l l e n of Deverl a u s h a n d t h e h u m a n s of J a ston
coex i s t in re l ative peace without fu l l y accept i n g
e a c h ot h e r i n to t h e i r com m u n i t i e s . Sti l l , it' s not
u n co m m o n to see a s m a l l g ro u p of v a rj e l l e n
wa l k i n g t h ro u g h J a ston a n d gett i n g t h e occa s i o n a l
scowl o r s i d e l o n g g l a n ce .
LEDON
Ledo n , the city of sea merchants, i s l i kely home
to G h a n ' s wea lth iest citize n s . I t has a pop u l ation
of 20,000 people, most of whom earn their l iv i n g
i n a sea-rel ated trade. The s h i pya rd s o f Led on a re
con s i d e red the best i n the Steadfast, and the city
is known for its finely made s i l ken s a i l s , accu rate
com passes and looki n g glasses, and virt u a l ly any
other s h i p b u i l d i n g o r s a i l i n g need .
T h e city' s h a rbor i s p rotected by a n u m e n e ra
d ev i ce t h at t ra n s m its d e structive s i g n a l s t h ro u g h
t h e water. An o p e rator can u s e it to p u n c h a h o l e
i n t h e h u l l of a s i n g l e s h i p at t h e wate rl i n e , s i n ki n g
t h e ves s e l . T h e d ev i ce m u st rech a rge fo r o n e h o u r
before it c a n b e u sed a ga i n , b u t t h i s i s a we l l
g u a rded secret.
A man n a med G a ribacus rules Led o n . He i s old Garibacus: leel 3
a n d n ot particu l a rly wise, but h e co mes from a
wealthy m e rc h a nt fa m i ly a n d h a s ties to m a ny ot h e r
i nfl uential c l a n s a n d the m e rc h a nt fl eet itself.
There is a mysterious,
continuous deafening noise
house t h at stores the m i ners' wealth-bo l d ly near Keford. Inexplicably,
u s i n g t h e m i ners' own too l s to do t h e job. truly blind people cannot
The cri m i n a l s a re s lyly looki n g fo r help. I f t h ey hear it. A band of blind
s u cceed , M ayo r Fa ro n d wi l l ce rta i n ly put a p rice woodsmen work in the
area.
o n t h e i r head s .
THE WEIRD OF GHAN
Man of G l ass: A man made of g l a s s wa n d e rs the
ro l l i n g h i l l s of G h a n , looki n g fo r someth i n g.
The Face of G han: In a ru i n a l o n g the coast,
a cru m b l i n g sto n e wa l l bears a l a rge, vaguely
h u m a n synth face i n re l i ef. I f a creatu re with
te lepathy atte m pts to com m u n icate with the
face, it somet i m e s re p l i e s .
T h e Cou rt o ft h e Sphere: At see m i ngly ra n d o m
i nterva l s , s ix o l d m e n a n d w o m e n gather i n a
run-down sto n e towe r looki n g out ove r the sea.
When they s i t at a ro u n d , red table together, a
mech a n ized s p h e re a p pears above t h e towe r a n d
tra n s m its secrets i nto t h e i r m i n d s .
1 47
 The Sanctuary of the Eye: The Angu l a n K n i ghts keep
Angulan Knights, t h e i r head q u a rters in Led o n . Ca l l ed the S a n ct u a ry
page 224
of the Eye, t h i s cathed ra l - l i ke b u i l d i n g is where n ew
m e m bers a re b e n i ghted i n e l a b o rate cere m o n i e s . Ta l l
watchtowers a n d i ntricate i m ages i n sta i ned g l a s s
m a ke t h e b u i l d i n g q u ite d i st i n ctive.
The k n i ghts spend most of t h e i r time a l o n e o n
l o n g m i s s i o n s a n d a rd u o u s q uests, retu rn i n g t o
the citadel o n ra re occa s i o n s . S i n ce m o s t k n i ghts
o n ly fi n d oth e r k n i ghts to be s u itable co m pa n i o n s ,
the citadel i s h o m e t o more t h a n j u st offici a l
DRAOLIS
Ru ler: Council of Spheres
cere m o n i e s-fri e n d ly re u n io n s a n d ro mantic l i a i s o n s
Pop u l at i o n : 2, 500, 000 a b o u n d u p o n a k n i ght's ret u r n .
Capita l : Qi A h a n dfu l o f aged k n i ghts, a l l w i t h the t i t l e G ra n d
K n i ght, l ive a n d work fu l l -t i m e i n the S a n ct u a ry. Most
k n i ghts d o n ' t l ive to be too old, h oweve r, so t h e i r
n u m be rs a re few.
THE MERCHANT FLEET
G h a n ' s m e rchant fl eet i s contro l led d i rectly by the
king, who at heart i s more a m a r i n e r t h a n a r u l e r.
The fl eet h a s m o re t h a n 200 ves s e l s t h at travel u p
a n d d own t h e Steadfast coast, t rad i n g good s a n d
co l l ect i n g mon ey. The s h i p s ra n ge i n s ize fro m s m a l l
coasters a n d cogs t o m u lti m a sted ca rave l s a n d
carracks. Two 700-ton h u l ks ca l l ed t h e Latecomer a n d
the Iron Glove a re the fl a gs h i p s o f t h e fl eet.
G han s h i ps suffer heavily from pi racy, and many are
plated in synth or l ight metal s to ward off attacks. Some
carry weaponry as wel l , and both flagships bear massive
n u menera armaments that keep them q u ite safe.
Typical Sternman: level 3, The sai lors of the fleet a re ofte n ca l led Stern men ,
level 4 for sailing-related but despite the name, most of them a re fe male. It's a
tasks
1 48
fleet trad ition to neve r leave d ock with more men than
women aboard . To d o so i s con s i d e red bad l uck.
If] !: ost populated land i n the
Steadfast and also one of the wea lthiest. Its banner
depicts six i nterwoven spheres, but most people refer
to it as the Tiger Banner. Centu ries ago, D rao l i s was
home to a powerfu l queen who ruled the land with
a firm hand. Her sym bol was a roaring tiger, and her
armies cru shed all those around her. When her l i ne
d ied out, power in D rao l i s was seized by a council of
wealthy pl utocrats who d i d n't want a nother hereditary
monarchy to take control. The Cou ncil of Spheres
abol i s hed the tiger sym bology, but many people
remember the tales from that time and long for that
former glory.
Alt h o u g h the co u n c i l l acks the fl a i r of t h e tiger
ru l e rs of the past, D rao l i s h a s n ot a b a n d o ned its
ways. The nation re m a i n s a m i l itary powe r, with
m i ght co m pa ra b l e to t h at of its ch ief riva l , N avarene.
In fact, the Order of Truth i s the o n ly thing t h at kee p s
these two co u ntries fro m warri n g open ly.
QI
Q i i s the l a rgest city i n the Steadfast. I t i s a l so t h e
s ite of the D u rk h a l , home of t h e O rd e r of Truth a n d
the Amber P o p e h i mself.
M o re t h a n a h a l f m i l l i o n peo p l e l ive i n Q i , a city
of s p i res a n d fa ntastica l ly h u ge h e l i u m or h ot a i r
b a l l o o n s a n d d i ri g i b l e s . T h e co m m on s ayi n g " H a l f
of Q i i s i n the s ky" i s a n exaggerat i o n , but it fee l s
accu rate w h e n yo u ' re there.

The D u rk h a l co m p l ex at t h e heart of Qi i s
a l most a city u nto itself-a vast s p rawl o f l i b raries,
l a bo rato ries, ware h o u s e s , l iv i n g q u a rters, a n d
ad m i n i strative b u i l d i ngs. A t t h e center of t h e
co m p lex i s t h e holy pal ace, serv i n g as res i d e n ce a n d
office of t h e Amber P o p e . M o re t h a n a t h o u s a n d
peo p l e w o r k a n d l ive with i n t h e D u rk h a l .
The peo p l e o f Q i often t rave l b y fa s h i o n ed
b a l l o o n s a n d d i ri g i b l e s , so t h e re a re m u lt i p l e
moori n g p l atforms a n d h i gh metal m a sts t h roughout
the city. These aerial ve h i cles take p a s s e n gers fro m
p l ace to p l ace a ro u n d Q i , to vari o u s outlyi n g a reas,
a n d somet i m e s to s h i ps moored we l l out i nto the
h a rbor. They' re rarely u sed fo r l o n g-d i stance travel
beca u s e-with a few excepti o n s t h at e m p l oy h i gher
l eve l s of ancient tech n o l ogy-t h e ve h i cles a re n ' t
ca p a b l e of l o n g j o u rneys. B e s i d e s , most p l aces
outside of Q i d o n 't offe r the a b i l ity to moor or
re p l e n i s h what the a i rs h i p s need .
Qi has many large markets, in particu lar along the
docks. The m u ltilevel central market-wel l away from the
water-is thought to offer one of the most expensive and
el ite shopping opportun ities i n the Steadfast. Here, all
manner of good s can be bought and sold, with no l uxury
too exotic or fantastic for one of its shops.
M a ny of Qi's ce ntral most sections lie o n m u ltiple
leve l s , with d ecorative bridges and ra i sed wal kways
con nect i n g the h i gher leve l s , and bright glowglobes
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
i l l u m i n ati n g the l owe r s o that each leve l i s eq u a l ly
l it and beautifu l . Trees and floweri n g p l a nts grow i n
we l l -te nded plots and pots even i n the most crowd ed
a reas of the city, i n cl u d i n g the sections that a re
d oze n s of feet a bove the gro u n d . Larger pa rks and
wa l l ed gard e n s a re com m o n as we l l . Neigh borhood s ,
particu l a rly i n the ce ntral city, a re often s u rro u nded
by wa l l s to enclose the homes and their com m u n a l
gard e n s . Th i s p ractice c a n create u r b a n riva l ries a n d
i s q u ite u nwelco m i n g t o outs iders .
The people o f Q i be l i eve themselves t o be at
the center of the Steadfast, and they co n s i d e r the
Steadfast to be the center of the world. T h i s arroga nce
is so preva lent that it's p ractica l ly an a s s u m ption, and
it stirs h atred for Q i i n the hearts of n o n residents.
Alth ough the city i s el itist, not everyo ne i n Q i is
wealthy. O n the contra ry, those dwe l l i n g i n the outer
sections a re often q u ite poor. They m u st contend with
the d ifficult l iving cond itions and the h igh cri me rates.
Zhev: The el ite peacekeeping force cal l ed the Zhev i s Zhev, page 268
com posed o f flyi ng cyl ind rical automaton s created by
the Amber Pope more than a h u n d red years ago. The Amber Pope, page 7 33
Zhev keep mostly to the central d i stricts beca use they
don't h ave the n u m bers to patrol Qi in its enti rety. The
city has grown i n the past h u n d red yea rs, and wh ile the
rulers h ave the abil ity to repair the exi sti n g Zhev, they
lack the m aterials and s ki l l to create new ones.
1 49
 Dietha Marish: level
4, level 7for all tasks
relating to seeing through
guile and trickery
Marvyr Rann: level 2
Castle Sarrat has claimed
the life of at least one
member of the Horges
family by growing in an
inopportune time and
place. Visitors would be
wise to watch their step.
Naranial Horges: level 5,
level 7 with attack and
defense using his blade
Malegran: level 7
Sister Tevera: level 3, level
5 when attempting to
influence others through
speech
The M arish Clan: D ieth a M a r i s h is the head of a l a rge,
fa m i ly-based cri m i n a l orga n ization that ru n s much
of the i l legal activities i n Q i . These tra n sgressions
con s i st m a i n ly of robbery, s m uggl i n g, and b uyi n g and
sel l i n g stolen good s , but m u rder by contract also fa l l s
with i n t h e i r p u rview. D i eth a ' s fa m i ly, ca l led t h e M a r i s h
Clan b y m o s t people, i s fi l led w i t h some o f the city' s
most d a n ge ro u s i n d ivid u a l s .
T h e M ayor: M a rvyr Ra n n i s t h e m ayo r of Q i ,
appoi nted b y the Co u n c i l o f S p h eres. H e l ives i n a
d i ri g i b l e a n d n ever trod s on the eart h , b e l i evi n g t h at
if he does, he w i l l s i cken a n d d i e. Ra n n i s a fra i l a n d
l i kely i n s a n e o l d m a n s u rro u n d ed at a l l t i m e s b y a
cad re of nearly n a ked yo u n g m e n a n d wo m e n who
atte n d to his eve ry caprici o u s wh i m . Fo rt u n ately
fo r Qi, the city v i rt u a l ly ru n s itself, a n d the Amber
Pope h a s t h e mon ey, m a n powe r, a n d i n fl uence to
acco m p l i s h wh ateve r need s to be done.
CASTLE SARRAT
Seventy years ago, t h e wealthy, powe rfu l H o rges
fa m i ly c l a i med a n ancient structu re as t h e i r own
and made it t h e i r home. The H o rges fo u n d most
of the b u i l d i n g e m pty, but it h ad d evices t h at co u l d
create ed i b l e food fo r h u n d reds o f peo p l e a t a t i m e ,
e n o u g h to s u p po rt n ot j u st t h e fa m i ly but t h e i r entire
estate a n d l a rge ret i n u e of serva nts. Stra n ge r sti l l ,
o n ce they moved i nto t h e i r new "cast l e , " it began to
grow. I n crea s i n g m a i n ly in h e i ght, Ca stle S a rrat i s
n ow a l m ost 600 feet (1 80 m) h i g h a n d sti l l growi ng.
Wa l l s , floors, s u p po rt struct u re s , a n d more d eve l o p
at a ra p i d pace-t h e castle does n ot grow s l owly but
i n fits a n d sta rts. In mere moments, a new c h a m ber,
h a l lway, or entire level a p pears.
S pecu l ation i s t h at the n ew port i o n s of t h e castle
a re b u i lt t h ro u g h a p roce s s t h at converts the very a i r
a ro u n d the structu re i nto m eta l , synth, a n d g l a s s .
H owever, n o o n e knows h ow o r why it' s h a p p e n i ng.
N a ra n i a l H o rges , t h e head of t h e fa m i ly, i s a
re n owned swo rd s m a n . H e i s a q u iet, i m pe r i o u s
m a n w i t h g reyi n g m utto n c h o p s a n d a bej ewe led
eye patc h .
THE FOURTH MARK
Ove rloo k i n g the cra s h i n g waves of E l d a n F i rt h , t h e
Fo u rth M a rk res e m b l e s a g i g a n t i c u p right axe o r
h a m m e r. The n a rrow, towe rl i ke base rises u p 500
feet ( 1 5 2 m) o r m o re, and the crescent- s h a ped top is
1 00 feet (30 m) acro s s .
E nteri n g the Fou rth M ark i s a s i m p l e matter. A n
o p e n doorway a t ground level provides access t o a
wind i n g sta i r that lead s up through the s h aft to the top.
H owever, there you r p rogress ends, for no one has ever
opened the smooth synth h atch that wou l d provide
entrance to the " head " of the tal l structure. Dejected
1 50
exp lorers h ave trud ged back down and out after tryi ng
exp los ives, destructive rays, and a l l manner of cutting
tools. None has so m uch as left a mark.
G u a ra l , a fi s h e r in a nea rby vi l l age, h a s t h i s to say:
"That old eyesore gets its n a m e from a legend my
gra n d pappa told me. Fo l ks fro m t h at t i m e s ays t h e re
was, back t h e n , m o re of 'em-fo u r to be a l l exact. A l l
o f ' e m sta n d i n g watch ove r the fi rth t h e re. Ca l l ed ' e m
the fo u r m a rks, l i ke t h ey' s m a rked some s pecial s pot
or some s u c h . They a l so says t h at some fo l ks a-ca me
fro m across the sea a n d entered each of 'em, o n e at
a time, a n d when t h ey' s d o n e , each of them towers
s u n k i nto the sea. B ut when t h ey got to the l a st one,
someth i n ' scared ' e m outta t h e re. They left it, a n d
t h e re it sta n d s sti l l tod ay. "
BEOTH
Beoth was a holy city of self-proclai med soothsayers
and m i racle workers, but their s u p posed p rescience
was not enough to warn them of the plague that struck
a bit more than a year ago. In that short time, a t h i rd of
the city' s 1 4,000 people has d ied or l ies i l l in their bed s.
Aeon Priests struggle to come u p with a c u re fo r
the p l ague, so fa r t o n o ava i l . The peo p l e o f Beoth
h ave n a med it the "toot h less b i l e " beca u s e one of
the fi rst sym pto m s is t h at the victi m ' s teeth begin to
fa l l out. By t h at poi nt, h oweve r, it's far too l ate, a n d
the vict i m i s l i kely t o d i e with i n a week.
Arch of I l l ness: Alt hough t h ey h ave n o c u re, the
Aeon Priests i n t h e city h ave fa s h ioned a d evice they
ca l l the Arch of I l l n e s s , a co b b l e d , free-sta n d i n g
a rch about 1 0 feet ( 3 m) acro s s . I t glows whenever
someone with toot h l e s s b i l e passes t h rough it.
N ewco m e rs ro utinely pass t h ro u g h the a rch o n t h e i r
way i n a n d out o f t h e city, but some worried res i d e nts
a l so u s e the a rch to check their health eve ry d ay.
People of Interest
Malegran, the ran ki n g Aeon Priest in Beoth, focuses
n ight and d ay on e n d i n g the pl ague. H e i s tal l and
rel atively you n g, with an angular face. Aeon Priests were
not common i n Beoth before the com i n g of the i l l ness,
so he and his compatriots have taken u p residence in
what u sed to be the city' s great gatheri ng hall. For a
year now, the h a l l has been u sed as a hospita l .
Sister Tevera i s a p riestess o f the so-ca l l ed " O l d
Ways , " also known as the cult o f N a uz, the Sta rgod .
The Sta rgod is a d e ity revered by the people here for
h u n d red s of years, ever s i nce a fa l l i n g star crashed in
Beoth and people clai med they saw a gigantic, h u man
looki n g s p i rit rise from the crater. N ow the tem p l e of
the Old Ways sta n d s at the s ite of the holy crate r.
When the m ayor of the city d i ed th ree m o n t h s ago
with n o a p p a rent s u ccessor, many looked to S i ster
Tevera to lead t h e m . Although she i s a n exce l lent

DRAOLIS HEARSAY
Deadly Sisters: A p a i r of beautifu l s i sters
n a med Gaera and Fu n ae work as master t h i eves,
one pos i n g as a noblewom a n and the other as
her servant. They use t h i s ruse to gain e ntrance
to virtu a l ly any location. N ot merely i nterested i n
wealth or t h e n u menera, they m u rder their victi m s
and re move the s p i n a l col u m n s . W h y do they take
the s p i nes, and h ow can the s i sters be stop ped ?
I nsect Plague: A great many d a rk green i n sects
h ave a p peared in Kordech, and n o one has seen
their l i ke before. These stra n ge i n sects feed o n
m eta l , ca u s i n g a l ot of d a mage. The A e o n Priests
bel ieve they h ave a s o l u t i o n , but it req u i res
a wide variety of ra re parts fo r a n e l a b o rate
mach i n e whose rad iation wi l l d rive off the pests.
I m planted Memories: Retton Balen was an
exp l o re r who fe l l i nto a vat of stra n ge material
i n a n ages-l ost l a bo rato ry. His enti re right arm
i s n ow a b i o m ech a n ical co n struct, a n d worm l i ke
te n d r i l s t h read t h ro u g h h i s body, always grow i n g
s peake r, Tevera does n ' t h ave the expe rience t o run
Beot h . S h e a l s o opposes the Aeon Priests at eve ry
t u r n , m a k i n g t h e i r work m o re d i fficult.
S i ster Tevera' s bodyguard and hench man Baraxi s i s
an i nteresting s ight. A meta l l i c sheen covers h i s skin,
with dull matte webs i nterlaci n g at the extrem ities. Faint
cross-hatching ca n be seen even across h i s i rises and
p u p i l s . The metal flesh has been a part of Baraxi s s i nce
birth-it's an organic featu re of mysterious origi n .
KORDECH
The ste nch of cattle fl e s h and catt l e d u n g greets
yo u l o n g before you enter the ta l l sto n e wa l l t h at
s u rro u n d s Kordech. As a trave l e r, yo u ' d p robably
p refe r to pass the city by, but the 7,000- person town
is the l a st refuge for leagues o n a road t h ro u g h a
d a n ge ro u s w i l d e rness ca l l ed the Dark H i l l s .
Ko rd ech i s fi l led w i t h s a l e s pe n s , b reed i n g p e n s ,
a n d s l a u ghterh ouses fo r s h i u l-mass ive creatu res
with four wide horns a n d va l u a b l e meat. The cattl e
see t h e i r begi n n i n g a n d e n d i n Kordech, but i n
between they spend t h e i r l ives graz i n g i n tended
herds in the s u rro u n d i n g l a n d s (wh e re they a re
p reyed u po n by b ro ke n h o u n d s a n d oth e r p redators,
a s we l l a s band its) . With i n a 1 0- m i l e ( 1 6 km) rad i u s
a ro u n d t h e city, n o fewe r t h a n twe nty- six d efe n s i b l e
wood e n p a l i sades h ave been e rected n e a r o r a ro u n d
s m a l l v i l l ages t o p rotect the s h i u l h e rd s a t n i ght.
These d a n ge rs a l so exp l a i n why t h e city possesses
s u c h a h i g h , we l l -constructed wa l l t h at g i rd s mostly
crude wood e n b u i l d i n g s , a n i m a l pens and corra l s ,
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
a n d s p read i n g. Retton a l s o c l a i m s t o h ave ga i n ed
memories t h at a re n ot h i s own , a n d he seeks
help i n u nd e rsta n d i n g t h e m-o r perh a p s h e l p i n
fi n d i n g a re medy fo r h i s u n iq u e affl iction i n the
l a bo rato ry where h e fi rst fe l l vict i m .
- ..
THE WEIRD OF DRAOLIS
Mind Slaves: A wealthy m e rc h a nt rides acro s s
the l a n d i n a m a s s ive wagon p u l led b y m a rgr Margr, page 244
s l aves, kept i n l i ne by a powe rfu l m i n d
i nfl ue n c i n g device.
Brai n Devou rer: West of Beoth l ie s a h u ge,
towe rl i ke mach i n e . If a nyo n e comes close, it
s p routs b l aded tentacles t h at l o p off heads and
s i p h o n out b ra i n s .
Strange Steed: A m i ghty g l a ive, h e r scarred face
cove red in a h a l f- m a s k of go l d , rides acro s s t h e Retton Ba/en: level 6
l a n d o n a stra nge creatu re. S h e ca l l s it a " h orse"
a n d c l a i m s to h ave u n frozen the beast fro m an
ancient tomb.
a n d struct u res co b b l ed of fo u n d s h eets of metal o r
synth, a l l co n n ected by m u d d y, d u n g-fi l led streets.
The Tower ofthe Aul ifex: At t h e center of this d i rty, Baraxis: level 5; 30 health;
ra m s h ackle cattle town rises a c u r i o u s struct u re. A
4 points ofArmor
soari n g metal wal kway c u rves u p towa rd t h e glowi n g
entra n ce t o what a p pears t o be a metal towe r
h u n d re d s of feet h i g h . Stra n ge wi n g l i ke crests a re
positioned asym metrica l ly a l o n g the exte rior. T h i s i s
the Towe r o f t h e Au l ifex.
The Au l ifex is the r u l e r of Kord ech . He c l a i m s no The Aulifex: level 6; has
oth e r n a m e and refers to h i m self a s a sorcerer. I n a wide variety ofpowers
trut h , the towe r i s a n a rtifact of the prior worl d s , while in the tower; calls on
devices within the tower
a n d the A u l i fex h a s m a stered e n o u g h o f i t s secrets
walls to inflict 7 2 points of
t h at h e co m m a n d s a great many powe rs, i n c l u d i n g damage with fiery blasts at
h ea l i n g grievo u s wo u n d s , l a s h i n g o u t a t e n e m i e s long range
w i t h fi re, a n d observ i n g fa raway loca l e s .
CASTLE AVENTUR
I n the ce ntral part of the kingdom l ies the u n a ss u m i n g
castle o f An atrea, a noblewo man w h o h a s trace ries Anatrea: level 5; 4 points
of l i ght ru n n i n g j u st beneath her skin in e l a bo rate
ofArmor
patterns. Desp ite her s k i l l as a warrior, An atrea has a
fasci n ation with the n u menera and d reams of one d ay
fu s i n g herself entirely with a mach ine, asce n d i n g to
a type of god h ood , as s h e bel ieves the people of past
aeo n s once d i d . To t h i s end, An atrea h osts scholars
and nanos perform i n g experiments to de lve i nto the
secrets of the n u menera. H e r castle, Ave ntu r, h ides
a network of secret u n d e rgro u n d laborato ries and Broken hound, page 232
works hops for a variety of p rojects.
151

Thereni and Poul/a:
level 3, level 6 for all
numenera knowledge
General Demiric: level
5, level 6 when working
in conjunction with at
least two other military
members
Fl
THAE M O R
R u l e r: Holiva the First
Po p u l at i o n : 900, 000
Ca pita l : Auspar
The Wi nd riders: The two most s u ccessfu l scholar/
tech n icians a re There n i and Pou I l a. They h ave
mastered the p rocess of creat i n g self- p ropelled g l i d e rs
cal led wind riders-extremely fast, one-person flyi n g
veh icles that a re c h a l l e n g i n g t o r i d e and contro l .
The D rao l i s m i l itary a l ready uses w i n d riders a s
scouts, but G e neral Demi ric hopes to e m p loy them
i n great n u m bers o n e d ay, attacki n g foes from a bove
in wave s . There n i a n d Poul la d o n 't h ave the m e a n s
to p rod u ce w i n d r i d e r s i n s u c h q u a ntities; some o f
the p a rts a n d m ateri a l s req u i red a re rare.
A w i n d rider can be p u rc h a sed fo r 8,000 s h i n s ,
b u t d e m a n d i s h i g h , a n d t h e waiti n g l i st i s long.
Anatrea a n d h e r perso n a l g u a rd e n s u re t h at n o o n e
atte m pts to take advantage of the i nventors u n d e r
h e r p rotect i o n .
THAEMOR
BJ
O n e of the s m a l l e r a n d least p ros pero u s
k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast, T h a e m o r i s often
ove rs h ad owed by its neigh bors. In fact, the oth e r
k i n g d o m s co n s i d e r it someth i n g of a joke.
T h at wa s n 't always so. Bord e red by two rivers and
a m o u ntai n , Thaemor was o n ce a n u n n a med but
very m uch d e s i red p i ece of land, part of a th ree-way
war between N avarene, D rao l i s , and M a levich . Each
powe r wished to l ay c l a i m to the fe rt i l e triangle.
In t h e m i d st of t h e struggle, o n e m a n took it u p o n
h i mself to c l a i m t h e p l ace h e l ater n a med Thaemor.
G o l d g u a rd La n d o n was a fearsome warri o r who
knew eve ryt h i n g about h ow to defe n d a region fro m
the o n s l aught of m u lt i p l e k i n g d o m s but absol utely
noth i n g about ru n n i n g a k i n gd o m h i m se l f. U nd e r
La n d o n ' s rule, Thaemor's bord e rs were always we l l
1 52
p rotected a n d ca red fo r, eve n fro m the m i ghtiest
foes, but t h e same co u l d n ot be said fo r the peo p l e
a n d p l aces with i n .
After La n d o n ' s pass i n g, h i s s o n Ka l d o n took h o l d
of Thaemor a n d ran it (if yo u co u l d ca l l it such) m uch
a s his father had. H e s i red a n u m be r of ch i l d re n , but
n o n e of his h e i rs s u rvived , a n d when h e d ied , a man
n a med H o l iva the F i rst took office i n the P reci p i ce,
although no o n e can q u ite re m e m b e r where H o l iva
ca m e fro m o r what s k i l l s q u a l ified h i m to rule.
Tod ay, the way i n w h i c h ot h e r k i n g d o m s look d own
o n Thaemor i s a sou rce of pain a n d e m b a rra s s ment
fo r H o l iva, fo r h e be l i eves t h at his kingdom co u l d be
a l a n d of great powe r and o p po rt u n ity if o n ly oth e rs
co u l d see what he sees.
U nfortunately, what he sees i s very l ittle that i s real
or true. Although Thaemor i s a region of deeply b u ried
riches, clear waters, and fertile lands that h ave not yet
come to fru ition, Hol iva sees none of that. He does n 't
see the i ntel l i gent, hardworki ng people or their potential
to be great leaders, teachers, warriors, and scholars.
I n stea d , eve ryt h i n g H o l iva sees i s viewed t h rough
the s h ad owy l e n s of his vizier, the H a n d of M e l c h ,
a n d the H a n d u rges h i m towa rd o n ly o n e t h i ng: t h e
resto rati o n of t h e s h adow h e rd .
"The s h adow h e rd , " t h e H a n d tel l s h i m , " i s a
gro u p of d a rk, fo r m l e s s creat u res, born of a wicked
m i n d o l d e r t h a n the k i n gd o m itself. Free t h e m , a n d
it i s th ey, they, who wi l l h e l p Thaemor beco m e w h at
it o n ce was. They who wi l l h e l p t h e whole of the
Steadfast-n ay, the whole of the world kneel before
Thaemor's feet and crown yo u r head with glory. "
H o l iva bel ieves what t h e H a n d te l l s h i m . There ' s
o n ly o n e p ro b l e m : t h e h a n d t h at H o l iva l i ste n s t o i s

h i s own . The m a n s p e n d s h i s wa k i n g h o u rs ta l k i n g
w i t h h i s own body p a rt i n t h e fo r m o f a s h adow
p u p pet. He mostly stays awake t h rough t h e n i ght,
when glowglobes p rovide t h e most clea rly defined
s h ad ow p u p pet a n d thus when h e be l i eves h e can
hear the advice of his vizier most truly.
W h i l e H o l iva poo l s a l l of h i s co u n t ry' s resou rce s
towa rd t h e s i n g l e p u rpose of reviv i n g t h e s h adow
herd, the peo p l e of t h e l a n d work d eftly a n d s i lently
ben eath his clouded gaze. Afte r h avi n g s u ccess ive
ru l e rs with l ittl e to n o s k i l l in leaders h i p , the peo p l e
of Thaemor h ave learned to beco m e self-sufficient.
Of co u rse, no o n e wh i s pers t h at H o l iva the F i rst
m i ght h ave lost h i s s a n ity l o n g ago-t h at wo u l d be
tre a s o n . And n o one wh i s pe rs of the ancient t i m e
when the s h adow h e rd t h u n d e red acro s s a l l t h e l a n d s
tu cked i n the s h ad e o f the B l ack Riage-t h at wo u l d
be s u perstiti o n .
AUSPAR
Aus par, l ocated on the Wyr Rive r, i s the capital of
Thaemor. What the city l acks in p o p u l ation-o n ly
20,000 of the k i n gd o m ' s i n h a b itants l ive with i n its
borde rs-it m a kes up fo r i n h e i ght. Some ca l l Au s p a r
the City o f N eed l e s , fo r eve rywhere i t s skies a re
m a rked with ta l l , t h i n struct u re s : b u i l d i n g s , col u m n s ,
b a n n e r poles, p u b l ic works o f a rt, a n d more .
Res i d e nts stretch long, s l e n d e r ca b l e s fro m t h e i r
roofs t o the h i ghest e d g e s o f t h e D a r k H i l l s , h o p i n g
t o j o i n t h e fray.
They' re n ot after any form of god , nor t h e s ky
a n d wh ateve r m i ght l i e beyo n d it. I t ' s j u st t h at
the res i d ents of Au s p a r fee l a deep k i n with t h e i r
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
kingdom a n d bel ieve t h at a s eve ryo n e looks d own The "glimmers" that
o n t h e m , so too s h o u l d they ret u rn the favo r. O n people in the Ninth World
any g i v e n d ay, yo u ' l l fi n d res i d e nts cl i m b i n g the sometimes experience
strange, random glimpses
need l e l i ke struct u re s , u s i n g l a d d e rs o r antigravity
of images or information
belts or p n e u m atic d evices, a n d fi n d i n g or b u i l d i n g that may come from the
perches from which they c a n l itera l ly look d own o n all-pervasive datasphere
the k i n g d o m s a ro u n d t h e m . seem to be somewhat
The Prec i p i ce i s the tal lest a n d t h i n nest b u i l d i n g more common in northern
Thaemor.
i n A u s p a r. I t begi n s a s a recta n g l e l a rge e n o u g h to
e n co m pass the leader's pers o n a l h o m e and ru l i n g
offices , a n d i t n a rrows as i t rises, beco m i n g m o re
a n d more u s e l e s s as the structu re grow th i n ne r a n d
t h i n n e r. Eve ry yea r, H o l iva pays s o m e o n e to add
a n other l e n gth to t h e top of the P rec i p ice. These
d ays, it' s d a n ge ro u s work, a n d most who take t h e
job know t h at it's a s u icide m i s s i o n . H o l iva does n ' t
cl i m b the P rec i p ice ( o r any of the ot h e r need les o f
Aus par) h i m self a n d h a s n 't fo r years.
JYREK
Desi gned and co m m i s s ioned by Ka ldon to keep h i s A nano named Gaera in
wife, eleven s o n s , a n d fo u r d a u ghters safe from any jyrek could build a wide
variety of detonations
fut u re wars so that his legacy m i ght l ive o n , jyrek i s as
(page 284), but she died
m uch a fortress as it i s a city. Today, it hou ses a ro u n d in an explosion in her lab.
30,000 people, but it w a s origi n a l l y b u i lt t o h o l d Still, her daughter sells the
j u st sixtee n . With i t s tri p l e wa l l s ( o n e o f red stone, hundreds of detonations
one of l i m ne lwood, a n d one of electrified synth) , she left behind in a well
i nte rcon nected wal kways between b u i l d i ngs, and guarded shop.
guard towe rs at every corn er of the city, J yrek m i ght be
one of the best-p rotected p l aces i n the Steadfast.
And t h at does n ' t take i nto co n s i d e rat ion the
city' s most u n u s u a l defe n s e mech a n i s m : a float i n g,
self-co nta i ned structu re tet h e red i n the ce nter of
1 53
 THAEMOR HEARSAY
Sancti monious Saviors: A gro u p of
peo p l e cal l i n g t h e m selves the Saviors
h ave sta rted p reach i n g i n the streets ofj yrek.
D res sed in deep p u rp l e and sta n d i n g in a c i rcle
ben eath the Eyre n , they te l l tales of deadly
creatu res grow i n g i n s id e the struct u re, creat u res
t h at wi l l soon tear a p a rt the egg a n d s p i l l across
t h e land. They p ro m i s e t h at those who j o i n the
Saviors wi l l be red eemed , but t h ey wo n ' t revea l
h ow u nt i l y o u become a m e m b e r o f t h e i r o rd e r.
Pitcher Plants: Dotted a l o n g the eastern b a n k
o f t h e River Sept i m , a n ew s pecies o f p l a nt h a s
taken root. T h e s e p itcher p l a nts grow leafy traps
t h at a re b i g enough to catch l a rge b i rd s , rod ents,
a n d fish. C h i B rogs, a known m e m be r of t h e
The Sarracenians are a
S a rrace n i a n s , h a s b e e n studyi n g the n ew p l a nts
group ofscholars that
studies and worships and bel ieves them to be part of a p l ot to i nfiltrate
unique plants, page 226. Thaemor, but h e can't d i scove r any a d d i t i o n a l
i nformation o n h i s own .
Wild Beasts: At n i ght, re s i d ents o f t h e s m a l l
v i l l age o f Aagar h e a r what sou n d s l i ke a pack
of wild a n i m a l s o r mach i n es ru n n i n g and
c l a n k i n g t h ro u g h t h e streets. Those who d a re to
ve ntu re outside see not h i n g a b n o r m a l , but i n
t h e morn i n g, t h e re a re u s u a l ly s i g n s o f carn age.
Two town speople h ave been k i l led so fa r, t h e i r
bod ies looki n g a s t h o u g h t h ey we re attacked by
mech a n ical claws. The vi l l age h a s i m p l e me nted a
cu rfew, but the frightened res i d e nts a re at a l o s s .
THE WEIRD OF THAEMOR
Up and Away: Eve ry morn i n g, s h o rtly after d aw n ,
a ro u n d b l u e orb can be seen ri s i n g fr o m where
t h e Wyr River co mes d own off t h e m o u n ta i n .
T h e o r b doesn't seem t o come o u t o f t h e water,
a n d no o n e h a s been a b l e to capt u re it-o r eve n
verify t h at it's the s a m e orb eve ry d ay.
The Black Head : At the edge of the B l ack Riage,
east of J yrek, a n o bj ect t h at re s e m b l e s a head
i s carved out of the ebony m o u n ta i n . It's nearly
Regent Ellabon: level 4, a s ta l l as a man and featu res odd p rotru s i o n s
level 5 for seeing through o f d iffe rent g l a s s l i ke m ate r i a l s t h at l i ght u p i n
deception and all types of
vari o u s patte rn s .
interactions
Man of t h e M o untai n : I n a crook o f t h e B l ack
Ri age nearly 1 00 feet (30 m) up l ives a man who
has b u i lt a nestl i ke s h e lter. H e n ever see m s to
come down from the m o u n ta i n . B i rd s and oth e r
k i n d s of Ayi n g creatu res b r i n g h i m fo o d a n d
vari o u s o bjects. T h e y espec i a l ly l i ke eyebal l s a n d
wi l l n o t h e s itate t o atte m pt t o take o n e fro m
someone who's sti l l u s i n g it.
1 54
J yre k. Th i s egg- s h a ped struct u re, called the Eyre n ,
w a s a l so co m m i s s ioned b y Ka l d o n . H e b rought i n
a s m a n y experts o f t h e n u m e n e ra a s h e co u l d fi n d
a n d h a d t h e m d e s i g n a structu re t h at wo u l d s u p po rt
u p to twe nty peo p l e for two m o n t h s , p rovid i n g
food , s h e lter, recycled a i r, a n d , o n ce the tet h e rs we re
cut, an escape route from wh ateve r war m i ght be
rag i n g on the gro u n d . It took t h e expe rts m o re t h a n
t e n years t o b u i l d s u c h a mach i n e , a n d b y the t i m e
it w a s fi n i s h ed , Ka l d o n ' s ch i l d re n we re tee nagers
d i sgruntled at being stuck i n s i d e a s i n g l e city
beca u s e of t h e i r father' s para n o i a . But in the e n d , he
had h i s egg.
Jyrek tu rned out to be an exp e n s ive waste of
t i m e a n d mon ey. Ka l d o n ' s h e i rs used the city as
t h e i r pers o n a l p l aygro u n d , but it d i d n 't p rotect
t h e m fro m anyt h i ng. Alt hough no wars were waged
d u ri n g t h e i r t i m e there, a n other d a nger prese nted
itself-t h e Eyre n caught a virus fro m l<a l d o n ' s
yo u n gest d a u ghter, Am p e l . Bel iev i n g t h i s n ew t h i n g
t o be a n i n h e rent part o f a h u m a n ' s phys i o l ogy, t h e
Eyre n d u p l i cated t h e v i r u s a n d s p read it t o t h e oth e r
ch i l d re n . With i n s ix wee ks, a l l of Ka l d o n ' s ch i l d re n
were d e a d a n d h i s wife i n capacitated . The Eyre n was
sealed off, a n d a l aw was made p ro h i biti n g a nyo n e
fro m enteri n g the struct u re. The city gates were left
open out of res pect for the dead. Alt h o u g h Ka l d o n
ru l ed fo r nearly twe nty more yea rs before h i s d e a t h ,
h e n ever ret u rned to J yrek.
Tod ay, the city has all but fo rgotten its origi n a l
ro les as p rotector a n d m u rd e re r o f Ka l d o n ' s d re a m s
of the futu re. Alt h o u g h the Eyre n sti l l sits tethered
a bove the ce nter of J yrek, the res i d e nts b a rely n otice
it. It h a s become j u st another part of t h e h i story with
which they l ive.
MALEVICH Known fo r bleak l a n d scapes and peo p l e
tested b y h a rd s h i p , M a levich ' s tale i s o n e
of war a n d wo u l d - be co n q uest. Yet afte r cru s h i n g
defeats i n d ecades past, i t s warlord s a re n ow
q u iet. Yorvic, the cu rre nt k i n g of M a l evich, i s
n o b l oodt h i rsty d e s pot, a s w a s true i n p rev i o u s
ge n e rat i o n s . H e i s , i n fact, a th ree-year-o l d boy.
H i s co u s i n E l l a bo n serves as regent a n d l i kely wi l l
co nti n u e i n t h at ro l e u nt i l yo u n g Yo rvi c passes
t h rough t h e rit u a l of seco n d b i rth at age t h i rtee n .
N u m e ro u s v i l l ages d ot t h e l a n d scape o f M a levi c h .
These farm co m m u n ities a re u s u a l ly s m a l l a n d
poor, l ittl e m o re t h a n t h atch- roofed h uts gathered
in d efe n s ive c i rcles a ro u n d a com m u n a l pen fo r the
s h aggy goats they tend. M u d-sta i ned boots wa l k
d own ro u g h roa d s i nfreq uently-the fo l k o f t h i s d a rk
l a n d re m a i n i n t h e i r i s o l ated vi l l ages if pos s i ble.
They bar t h e d oors at n i ght a n d p ray to v i n d i ctive yet
see m i ngly i n d ifferent god s .
 LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST

T h e i r fea r i s n ot m i s p l aced . M a l evich i s th reate ned i nvaders fro m a n ot h e r worl d . The i nvad e rs u sed a
at all times by bands of a b h u m a n s a n d clans of weapon of u ntold powe r, destroy i n g m u lt i p l e cities Abhuman, page 7 3
band its. The former roa m in s m a l l u n o rgan ized of s i g n ificant s ize a n d i n fl u e n ce in a n i n stant. A few
gro u p s , wh i l e the l atte r, u n d e r the co m m a n d of the peo p l e s pecu l ate t h at these foes tried to destroy the
B a n d it King, Po l e l e , a re frighte n i n gly u n ified a n d enti re p l a n et by d r i l l i n g deep i nto the worl d ' s core, Polele the Bandit King:
o rga n ized . M a ny of Polele's warriors a re vetera n s o f l i ke a n assas s i n atte m pti n g to stab h i s vict i m in t h e level 7, level 9 for attack
M a levich ' s past w a r s , aged men w i t h few s ki l l s t h at heart. I f true, t h e atte m pt obvi o u s ly fa i l e d , but it
and defense (and damage);
3 points ofArmor
d o n ' t i nvolve b l ades a n d s u ggests t h at t h e Vo i l
b lood . R u m o r h a s it t h at C h a s m m i ght be deeper
the band it clans h ave t h a n most thought
offe red to d o m e rce n a ry Known for bleak landscapes and pos s i b l e.
work for foreign k i n g s people tested by hardship, Malevich 's The c h a s m d ivides
i n oth e r l a n d s . Whether tale is one of war and would-be M a l evich a n d the

n
this i s good o r bad conquest. Pyt h a ro n E m p i re. Eve n
fo r M a l evich-if it' s t h o u g h both l a n d s h ave
true at a l l-is yet to be d reamed of conq uest,
MALEVICH
d eterm i n e d . the gulf between them has p reve nted them fro m R u l e r: King Yorvic (Regent
M a levich n o b l e s r i d e i n ta l l , armored c h a riots co m i n g i nto d i rect co n fl i ct. Ellabon)
p u l led by a b h u m a n and h u m a n s l aves . They own Po p u l at i o n : 7, 200, 000
what l ittl e wealth the kingdom h a s , wh i l e the STIRTHAL Capita l : Thriest

peasantry l ives o n t h e edge of starvat i o n .
A fa ntastica l ly h u ge rift known a s t h e Vo i l C h a s m
serves a s the cou ntry' s southern bord e r. Th i s re nt
in the earth i s 25 m i l es (40 km) wide in p l ace s , but
it n a rrows a s it desce n d s . T h roughout most of its
western reach es, the c h a s m i s about 1 m i l e (1 . 6 km)
deep. H owever, it has n ever been fu l ly exp l o red, and
although the dee pest point yet reached i s m o re t h a n
1 0 m i les (1 6 km) below the s u rface, the c h a s m i s
known t o c u t fa r deeper i n p l aces.
Some ca l l the Vo i l Chasm by its older name, the
E a rthwo u n d . Lege n d s say t h at it was created when
the i n h a bitants of the prior aeon waged war with
The city of Stirt h a l was b u i lt atop the n o rthern ed ge
of the Vo i l C h a s m . About 1 00,000 peo p l e l ive h e re,
making it o n e of the l a rgest cities i n the Steadfast.
Although m u ch of it stretches across the fl at exp a n s e
at the top of t h e c l i ff, some of t h e city exte n d s d own
the s i d e . Ancient struct u res p rotrude out of the
c h a s m wa l l . Some a re i n h a b ited by the res i d e nts
of Sti rt h a l , a n d oth e rs a re wide, metal p i pe s a n d
p l atforms t h at s u p po rt dwe l l i ngs a n d b u s i nesses o f
more rece nt con struct i o n . The most d ra m atic feat u re
i s a street t h at stretches out from the c h a s m wa l l
about a t h o u s a n d paces a n d t h e n comes t o a rat h e r
a b r u pt e n d . Oth e r cl iffs i d e streets ru n p a ra l l e l with

1 55
 t h e wa l l , co n n ect i n g the fa r-jutt i n g perpe n d i c u l a r
exte n s i o n s . The c l i ff-dwe l l i ngs a re t h e m o s t prized
struct u res i n Sti rt h a l , and t h u s t h ey a re the homes
a n d b u s i nesses of the wealthy a n d e l ite, of which the
city h a s more t h a n its s h are.
Marrizek: level 3, The ruler of Sti rthal i s a woman who takes the title of
level 6 for all types of G overnor. Her name i s M a rrizek and she claims to rule
interactions; force-field over not j u st Sti rthal, but the enti rety of the Voi l Chasm,
arm band provides 3 i n the name of King Yorvic. Qu ick to action (and to
points ofArmor anger) , M a rrizek i s an older woman, bold , bras h , and
charismatic. Her loyal city guard s are cal led the Thyrn .
Typical Thyrn: level 4; 3
points ofArmor; makes I n their gold and black armor, each member of the
two sword attacks in one wel l-trained force wields two sword s, one i n scribed
action with the word "J USTICE" and the other with " M E RCY. "
The Thyrn are hars h , violent, and oppress ive, and a
common joke in Sti rthal is that they use the first blade
Quanon: level 6, level 7 i ncorrectly and the second rarely, if ever.
for numenera knowledge The cu rre nt rege nt of M a l evich, E l l a b o n , l ives i n
and crafting; 3 points of Stirt h a l , d e s p ite t h e fact t h at t h e trad iti o n a l capital i s
Armor
Th riest. T h e boy-ki n g dwe l l s t h e re with h e r.
A creatu re n a med Q u a n o n dwe l l s i n the l ower
Duke Theomal: level 4; 2 port i o n s of Sti rt h a l . Ro u g h ly h u m a n o i d , h e h a s
points ofArmor u n d e rgone so many mach i n e e n h a ncements a n d
b i o m ech a n ical re p l ace ments t h at it' s h a rd t o i m a g i n e
w h at h e looked l i ke o ri g i n a l ly-o r if h e eve n started
out h u m a n . Q u a n o n m i ght be one of the N i nth
Wo rl d ' s fo re m ost expe rts o n e n e rgy s o u rces and
1 56
powe r ge n e rat i o n . H i s works h o p h o l d s a batte ry
or powe r pack for any d evice, a n d h i s experi ments
o n tra n s m itt i n g powe r w i re l e s s l y (more accu rate ly,
ta p p i n g i nto a field of "free power" he d i scovered
t h at seems to permeate the N i nth Wo rld) mean t h at
he can a l m ost certa i n ly recha rge any d e powered
o r expended d evice brought to h i m . H i s prices,
h owever, a re stee p . Eve n t h e s i m p l est ce l l fo r the
least s i g n ifica nt d evice i s l i kely 1 00 s h i n s o r more.
Batte ries t h at a re ra re o r more pote nt m i ght be m o re
i n t h e ra n ge of 1 0,000 s h i n s , a s u m m a ny p r i n ces
a n d kings co u l d n ot easily affo rd . Q u a n o n accepts
barter fro m those who can't pay, as h e l oves to
co l l ect i ntrigu i n g devices fo r h i s experiments.
NEVERLOST
N everlost i s a large castle and s u rro u n d i n g town that
stands a bove the J a b b u naran Fields at the heart of the
kingdom. The town has fewer than a thousand farmers
and herders, and the castle is the hered itary home of
D u ke Theomal and h i s clan. I n times of great need ,
thousands of people h ave taken shelter beh i n d the
castle wal l s for weeks or month s, and true to its name,
the castle has never fallen. The d u ke's fa m i ly keeps
the offer of sanctuary open, although it always carries
an u n s poken price. Each time N everlost i s u sed as a
refuge, the fa m i ly grows more powerfu l and wealthy.

TH RI EST
Th riest l ie s on the River Sept u m . I t ' s the offic i a l
c a p i t a l of M a l evich, but the roya l pal ace h e re s i t s
e m pty beca u s e t h e rege nt, E l l a bo n , rules from
Sti rt h a l , the c h i l d - k i n g at her s i d e . Cru m b l i n g
b u i l d i ngs o f grey sto n e l i n e t h e streets of Th riest,
a n d , l i ke the p a l ace, many a re a b a n d o n e d . H owever,
the river m a rket q u a rter sti l l th rive s , a n d barges
laden with trade good s fill the River Sept u m . A total
of 25 ,000 peo p l e dwe l l i n Th riest, about h a l f t h e
n u m be r of the former popu l at i o n .
E l labon d i rectly rules the city as wel l as the kingdom
at l a rge, but her advisor, Cou n selor Ras h i k, ten d s to
m atters that i nvolve o n ly Th riest. A good-natured
fe l l ow, Ras h i k merely s m iles h i s grandfatherly s m i l e
w h e n someone says that h e i s the regent o f the rege nt.
A we l l-ed ucated m a n , he wou l d l i ke to see Th riest
become a center of learn i n g-somet h i n g the people
of M a levich h ave n ever rea l ly had. For the moment,
howeve r, this goal i s but a d ream as his city struggles
to kee p from col l a p s i n g and the folk of the regions
a ro u n d Th riest fight j u st to s u rvive.
BOREG
Boreg sits on the southern b a n ks of the m i ghty Wyr.
F i s h e rs a n d m e rcha nts who u s e t h e river m a ke u p a
s i g n ifica nt portion of the city' s 1 2 ,000 people.
Ove rloo ki n g both t h e city and t h e river, h i g h
a t o p t h e R e d B l u ffs , i s Ca s t l e Ova l , h o m e o f
L a d y Vo u n t. T h i s n o b l e i s freq u e nt l y k n own a s
t h e Q u e e n of t h e R i v e r P i rate s , o r s o m et i m e s
t h e R o b b e r B a ro n e s s . S h e w i e l d s h e r scepter,
a n i n fa m o u s n u m e n e ra a rt i fa ct k n ow n as t h e
D e s p o i l e r, w h i c h s h e u s e s to fu s e t h e bod i e s
of m e n with d a n ge ro u s r i v e r fi s h to craft a n d
co m m a n d a n a r m y t h at b l ocks t ravel d own t h e Wyr
for t h o s e who d o n 't pay h e r exo r b it a n t tol l s . T h e
co u n c i l i n D ra o l i s t h reate n s to t a ke act i o n a ga i n st
Lady Vo u n t if t h e re gent of M a levich d o e s not sto p
h e r d e p re d at i o n s , b u t so fa r no o n e on e i t h e r s i d e
o f t h e Wyr h a s m oved a ga i n st h e r.
South of Boreg sta n d s an ancient ed ifice ca l l ed
the Wa l l of E renyn. Th i s cu rved metal wa l l is 3 feet
(0. 9 m) th ick, reaches a h e i ght of l S feet (4. 6 m) ,
a n d stretches m o re t h a n 1 00 feet (30 m) i n l e n gt h .
I t s h i m m ers w i t h a cascade o f co l o rs a n d s h apes.
Occa s i o n a l ly, the wa l l s h ows co m p re h e n s i b l e
i m agery, a n d many bel ieve t h at it fo rete l l s t h e future,
p ro p h e s i e s , o r conveys vital secrets to those who
need to kn ow. S p e n d i n g too l o n g i n the vicin ity of the
wa l l can m a ke peo p l e i l l , somet i m e s to t h e point of
deat h , so v i s its a re u s u a l ly s h o rt.
YE NTH
Yenth h a s a pop u l ation of 1 4,000, and it's a trade
city because it s its on a u n iq u e border. Yenth i s b u i lt
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
MALEVICH HEARSAY
Disgru ntled Warrior: An a g i n g warlord
n a m ed G a rgarth seeks to i n st i gate
a n ew co n fl i ct t h at wi l l restore h i s l a n d to its
former glory by s p read i n g tales of N avare n e
i nvas i o n . H e h a s ga i n ed a s m a l l but grow i n g
fo l l owi n g o f wa rmongers who a re l itt l e more t h a n
a rowdy ra b b l e t h at ca uses t ro u b l e .
G lowing Pyramid: At n i ght, ato p a re mote
outcro p p i n g of rock, yo u can see a glowi n g
pyra m i d t h at' s five t i m e s the h e i ght of a m a n but
o n l y a t h i rd a s wide. D u r i n g t h e d ay, the pyra m i d Counselor Rashik: level
3, level 4 in all types of
can not be fo u n d . R u m o r s ays it's a powe rfu l
knowledge and interaction
e n e rgy sou rce t h at wi l l grant great stre n gth a n d
vital ity t o a nyo n e w h o touches it.
Stolen G rain: A vill age cal led B ru sch had a good
harvest this year, but a l l the gra i n d i sappeared from
the granary. A you n g eyewitness said that a hole
opened i n the a i r, d rew a l l the gra i n i nto it, and then
d i sappeared aga i n . The people of Brusch probably
won't s u rvive the wi nter without that gra i n .
THE WEIRD OF MALEVICH
The Cloud M achi ne: A cart p u l led by a p a i r of
s h i u l , d riven by a p a i r of ve ry s h o rt, very old m e n , Shiu/, page 7 5 1
h o l d s a c u m bersome d evice. The mach i n e c h u g s
a n d s pews fo rth steam a n d s m o ke t h at a p pears
to affect the weat h e r.
Frozen in Crystal : N estled i n the m o u n ta i n s to
the east i s a m a s s ive s h a rd of crysta l , 30 feet
(9 m) h i gh a n d 1 2 feet (3 . 7 m) acro s s . A wo m a n
i n a stra n ge d re s s i s e m bedded i n i t s ce nter.
The Fu ngal Pool: An i s o l ated pond near the
center of t h e l a n d i s the h o m e of a h u ge fu ngal
o rga n i s m . I t creates p s e u d o pod s t h at grab p rey Lady Vaunt: level 5, level
a n d d raw them in to be devo u red . 7for defense; 4 points of
Armor; wields the Despoiler
(a level 8 artifact that
permanently transforms
a ro u n d a n u menera com p l ex from aeon s past that anyone within short
houses a l a rge extrad i m e n s i o n a l porta l . Exp lore rs and range of the river into an
scholars reactivated the portal t h i rteen years ago and amphibious creature that
d i scovered a para l l e l u n iverse o n the other side-a willingly serves her)
world ve ry d iffe rent from the N i nth World, yet s i m i l a r
i n ce rta i n ways . Wei rd land scapes and o d d flora a n d
fa u n a fi l l the land on the other side o f the gate, but
h u m a n s can s u rvive there. In fact, it's home to s m a l l
cloisters o f h u m a n s-or creatu res so akin t o h u m a n s
that they' re mostly i n d i st i n g u i s h a b l e . H owever, their
motivations and outlook a re a l i e n ; even when the
d ifficult l a n guage barriers a re ove rcome, it' s h a rd
for N i nth Wo rlders to truly u n d e rsta nd them. Sti l l ,
t h e people of Yenth h ave esta b l i s hed trade with the
1 57
 u ltraterrestri a l s and ca l l their world " N ew Yenth . " The
u ltraterrestri a l s d e s i re odd t h i n gs-p lants, a n i ma l s ,
and s u bsta nces fa i rly co mmon i n the N i nth Wo rld . I n
trade, they offe r u n iq u e devices. M ost of them seem
to offer l ittle va l u e other than as odd ities.
The portal to N ew Yenth i s d ifficult and com p l i cated
to use, and as far as a nyone u n d e rsta n d s , it can be
opened o n ly from t h i s side. But some people sti l l fea r
that ultraterrestri a l s h ave i nfiltrated Yenth, pos i n g
as N i nth World h u m a n s for a mysterio u s p u rpose.
Others believe that the u ltraterrestria l s a re the
descendants of long- lost travelers and explorers fro m
Earth who n ow j u st want to come home.
Whether or not the ru mors of l a rge-scale i nfi ltration
a re true, at least one person fro m the other side
h ides amid the h u m a n s of Yenth. The u ltraterrestrial
Nariiv: level 6, level 7 in N ari iv secretly dwe l l s i n the city, pos i n g as the owne r
all combat actions; 25 of a leatherworki n g shop. H e i s a refu gee fr o m t h e
health para l l e l u n ive rse, h u nted b y h i s own kind for cri mes
com m itted (or, as h e claims, al leged ly com m itted) in
his own wo rld . N a riiv i s a skil led warrior and a master
of various weapons and com bat styles, many neve r
before seen i n the N i nth World .
w h o m most b e l i eved u nfit to r u l e . T h e d e posed
q u een d i ed i n exi l e i n t h e land of Ancu a n . N ow, her
sons B re n a n d Kor S a rro m e re want t h e land back
i n t h e name of t h e i r h o u se . To t h i s end, t h ey wo rk
aga i n st the k i n g , both o p e n l y and in secret.
J u st a yea r ago, a n atte m pt o n K i n g N o re n ' s l i fe
left h i m with o n e eye a n d o n e arm. O n ly the heal i n g
powe r o f t h e k i n g d o m ' s n u m e n e ra stockp i l e saved
h i s l ife. No p roof co u l d l i n k the a s s a s s i n ation
atte m pt to t h e S a rro m e re b rothers, but few i n the
kingdom h ave any d o u bts o n the m atte r. Queen
Thera h a s taken it u p o n herself to o rga n ize the
k i n gd o m ' s secretive M a s ked Legion to co m bat
the S a rromere fa m i ly in the s h ad ows eve n as h e r
h u s b a n d o p p o s e s them i n co u rt.
D u ri n g her stra n g e re i g n , Q u e e n W h e n ith
S a rro m e re h a d beco m e convi n ced t h at by u s i n g
a v a r i ety o f n u m e n e ra secret s , s h e co u l d h a rn e s s
t h e power of d re a m s t o control t h e m i n d s of a l l
w h o m i g h t o p po s e h e r, i n s i d e a n d o u t s i d e h e r
b o rd e r s . Eve n t u a l ly, s h e gave u p o n t h i s s c h e m e ,
b u t o n ly beca u s e s h e b e g a n to b e l i eve t h at wit h i n
d re a m s l ay a n e n t i re l y d i ffe re n t rea l m t h at s h e
co u l d r u l e i n stead o f t h e corpore a l l a n d o f l s co b a l .

.. ::
l e e, you will find no place
more lovely than the land of lscobal, jewel of the
Steadfast, I can assure you of that. The goodly king of
lscobal dwells in Mu/en, a great coastal city whose glass
towers glimmer equally in the light of both sun and
moon. Beyond its walls, gentle farmers tend crops of
golden wheat. The rivers teem with fish and the woods
with game. Noble knights watch over the people of
fair lscobal, whose roads are safe and every village and
ISCOBAL town happy and content. Blessed by all the gods unseen,
Ruler: King Noren lscobal is a paradise on Earth.
tiKalloban -Th e J o u rn a l s of S i r Fa b i t h a n of M u l e n (wh e n t h i s
Population: 7, 000, 000
pas sage w a s writte n , seve nty-five years ago, it may
Capital: Mu/en
h ave been somewhat true)
W i t h e a c h ca p r i ci o u s a n d b i z a rre i d e a s h e h a d
a b o u t s l e e p o r d re a m s , s h e i s s u e d rewa rd s t o
exp l o re r s w h o scou red t h e N i nt h Wo r l d fo r devices
and k n ow l e d ge re l ated to those topics. S h e
co m m a n d ed h e r s c h o l a rs a n d n a n o s t o expe r i m e n t
with t h e s c i e n ce s t h ey u n d e rstood to m a ke h e r
d re a m s-l iteral l y-i nto rea l ity.
T h e peo p l e of l sco b a l a re fa rm e rs a n d fi s h e rs .
T h e fo r m e r ra i s e wh eat, bea n s , a n d cotto n , a s we l l
a s tend o rc h a rd s o f o ra n ge b i l l a m fru it. T h e l atte r
u s e s m a l l ro u n d boats ca l l ed s k itte rs to t rave l u p
a n d d own t h e coast a n d d own t h e m i g hty Wyr River.
l sco b a l i s a l so known for its a b u n d ant game
h u nters p rovide a great d e a l of fowl a n d ve n i son to
feed the popu l at i o n .

l sco b a l i s a l a n d teari n g
i t s e l f a p a rt fro m with i n .
I ntern a l p o l itics kee p
t h e n a t i o n focused
o n itself rat h e r t h a n
o n t h e d a n gers o f t h e
expa n s i o n i st k i n g d o m s
at its bord e r s . T h e
p a l ace i nt r i g u e s i nvolve
the royal fa m i ly, led by
King Noren tiKalloban: K i n g N o ren ti Ka l l o b a n .
level 7, level 4 for all N o re n ' s father, R a b b a r
combat actions
t i Ka l l o b a n , s e i zed t h e
t h ro n e about fo rty
yea rs ago fro m Q u e e n
W h e n i t h S a rro m e re ,

1 58

MU LEN
M u l e n s e rves a s the capital of I sco b a l . I t has a
po p u l at i o n of s l i ghtly l e s s t h a n 1 00,000, a n d its
towers of g l a s s looki n g out ove r t h e we stern sea
a re t h e s u bject of s o n g a n d poe m . T h e g reatest
struct u re a m i d a l l the fa ntastic b u i l d i n g s i s the roya l
p a l ace, Vitri H o u s e. Aro u n d it st retch e s a fa ntastic
park t h e s ize of a s m a l l city, tended by m o re than a
h u n d red gard e n e rs .
M u l e n ' s G ra n d Theater sta n d s a s a testa m e n t t o
t h e city' s co m m itment to a rt a n d c u l t u re i n a world
t h at often i g n o re s both in t h e name of struggle
and s u rviva l . Tod ay, h oweve r, co u rtly i nt r i g u e s
m a ke t h eater atte n d a n ce a ri s ky p ro p o s i t i o n fo r
m a ny n o b l e s a l l ied with o n e fact i o n o r a n ot h e r, a s
t h e t h eater h a s beco m e a favored p l ace fo r cove rt
meet i n g s , d u p l icito u s d e a l i n g s , a n d a s s a s s i n at i o n s .
Perh a p s a p p ro p ri ate ly, M u l e n ' s beautifu l streets
and towe rs co nceal a vast u n d e rcity. Cataco m b s ,
secret pass ages, to m b s , a n d sewers fo r m a n etwo rk
of t u n n e l s and s u bterranean c h a m bers. Th i s
u nd e rgro u n d wo rld i s t h e home o f th ieve s , beggars,
escaped s l ave s , a n d i n h u m a n creat u re s .
T h e Cold G rasp: B o t h a bove a n d below the gro u n d ,
M u l e n h i des more t h a n a few d a rk secrets. The
Co l d G ra s p , perh a p s the most i n fa m o u s g u i l d of
a s s as s i n s a n d t h i eves i n the Steadfast, u ses the city
as its head q u a rters. The leader of the Co l d G ra s p , a
wo m a n n a m ed H ed ra , i s known for a stra n ge affi n ity
fo r, a n d m a stery of, serpents. H e r e n e m i e s o r ta rgets
m i ght find them selves s l e e p i n g in a bed of deadly
crux vi pers o r d i scove r a t i n y but extraord i n a rily
deadly red a s p h i d d e n i n their soup.
The secret pol ice fo rce known as the M a s ked
Legion operate s in the s h adows, oppos i n g the
S a rro m e re fa m i ly' s cove rt atte m pts to u n d e rm i n e the
royal fa m i ly' s control of l sco b a l . In this capacity, t h ey
a l so ru n afo u l of t h e Co l d G ra s p a n d oth e r s i n i ster
e l e m ents of t h e city.
DYNAFEL
Dyn afe l is known fo r its u n i q u e s p u n cotton cloth
(na med after the city) as we l l a s ot h e r text i l e s ,
fa b rics, a n d coutu re. N e a rly 60,000 peo p l e l ive i n
t h e wa l l ed city, wh ich h a s re l atively s i m p l e wood e n
struct u res a n d n a rrow streets .
The m ayo r, H a rcort h M u n n , i s a rot u n d m a n who
n ever goes a nywh e re without his ento u rage a n d h i s
mech a n ical ward e r pet. We l l l i ked a n d we l l known ,
the m ayo r is no stra n ge r to Dynafe l ' s bars, ga m b l i n g
d e n s , a n d b rot h e l s .
T h e Dreaming Rel iquary: The city o f Dynafe l i s
h o m e t o the D rea m i n g Re l i q u a ry, where Aeo n Priests
kee p-a n d co nti n u e to research-the re m n ants of
the prior q ueen ' s o b s e s s i o n with d re a m s . Devices
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
t h at i m p l a n t d re a m s , tra n s m it d re a m s , a n d s py u po n The adventure "The Hidden
d re a m s a re o n h a n d a l o n g w i t h eve n stra n ge r t h i n gs , Price" (page 385), takes
eve n if Queen When ith ' s s c h o l a rs we re n ever a b l e t o place in Mu/en.
fu l fi l l h e r d e s i res of u s i n g d re a m s to control rea l ity,
or tap i nto oth e r rea l ities a ltogether.
C h i ef a m o n g the expe rts at the D rea m i n g Narla Deshu: level 5, level 7
regarding numenera devices
Re l i q u a ry i s a n Aeon Priest n a med N a rla Des h u . S h e
involving sleep or dreaming
te l l s a nyo n e who cares t o a s k t h at w h i l e t h e q u ee n ' s
goa l s we re ch i l d i s h , h e r s u p po rt o f n u m e n e ra Typical Cold Grasp
research a n d experi m e ntation is greatly m i ssed. member: level 4, level 5 for
all sneaking or subtetfuge
N a r l a ' s own work h a s beco m e pol itical i n n atu re, a n d
actions
many c l a i m t h at i t s co nti n u ed exi stence i s a s h ow o f
s u p po rt fo r H o u se S a rromere. N a rl a , h owever, h a s Hedra: level 6, level 8 using
n o a l legiance s oth e r t h a n h e r d evotion t o the Order serpents or poison
of Truth; she s i m ply wants t h e government of l sco bal
to co nti n u e fu n d i n g h e r research . Typical Masked Legion
member: level 3, level 4 for
Of l ate, t h e city of Dynafe l h a s s u ffe red attacks
all combat actions
by c l o u d s of the ye l l ow swarm . The city' s sto n e wa l l
can not p rotect aga i n st t h e swa r m s , a n d t h e city
Yellow Swarm, page 266
g u a rd h a s l ittl e a p p ropriate wea p o n ry to co m bat the
men ace.
WYRFALL
Wyrfa l l l i e s a l o n g the Wyr River. T h i s m u ltitiered
city i s b u i lt a m i d a series of wate rfa l l s where the
Wyr cascad es t h rough Aeres Ca nyo n . The peo p l e
o f l sco bal associate the river w i t h the d iv i n e wate r
s p i rits, a n d Wyrfa l l i s the central focu s of t h i s
re l i g i o n . I t ' s a h o l y loca l e where p i l g ri m s gat h e r to
h ave pai n s healed a n d futu res fo reto l d , fo r the Wyr
Harcorth Munn: level 3
s p i rits fl ow backwa rd i n t i m e , b ri n g i n g knowled ge
and l i fe-givi n g e n e rgies.
The Order of Truth h a s a particu l a r d i sd a i n fo r
Wyrfa l l a n d t h e s u perstition-based b e l i efs o f its
peo ple. There a re n o Aeon Priests in the city, and the
res i d e nts a re content with t h at.
The Te m p l e of the U n seen rises amid the wate rfa l l s
and rocky outcro p p i n g s o f the city. Presided over by
) a l l acor, a p riestess and seer, the tem p l e p rovides a
1 59
jallacor: level 5; telepathy
and telekinesis within
long range; observe and
overhear at any location
within a mile; find a
specific individual within
7 0 miles (1 6 km)
Phiraster: level 9;
esoteries inflict 7 0 points
of damage to all within
short range if he so wishes
Gtharren Crystal shard:
level 8 artifact; user can
understand and use any
one other artifact of
equal or lesser level
home for many self- p rocl a i med oracles and p rophets.
j a l l acor i s a n extremely tal l , beautiful wom a n who
m ay o r m ay n ot be able to see the fut u re and speak
with river s p i rits, but s h e ce rta i n ly com m a n d s a
n u m be r of p rete rnat u ra l powers.
RACHAR
The city of Rach a r grows in a ru i n fro m a prior age,
fu l l of b u i l d i ngs of sto ne, stee l , a n d g l a s s t h at st i l l
sta n d . Some o f t h e struct u res h ave p rove n too
d ifficult to u se, h owever. Some h ave n o easy m e a n s
of entry o r egre s s . Oth e rs a re u n stable a n d th reate n
to co l l apse. A few h o u s e myste r i o u s a n d somet i m e s
d a n ge ro u s mach i ne s t h at a re b e s t avo i d ed . I f
nece s s a ry, t h e u n u sed b u i l d i ngs a re ba rricaded to
keep peo p l e out.
Livi n g amid mach i ne s a n d struct u re s of the past,
the city i s n o stranger to the we i rd . Ta l k i n g statues,
m ov i n g wa l l s a n d streets, s u d d e n e n e rgy fie l d s t h at
block doorways-Rac h a r is always fi l led with the
u n expected .
A floati n g structure of metal and synth hovers high
above the city. It may h ave been a veh icle once, but
no one has d i scovered how to make it move. The city
watch uses the structure as an observation platform to
mon itor Rach ar and the s u rrou n d i n g lands for trouble.
Reach i n g the platform u s u a l ly i nvolves the emp loy of a
gravity- m a n i p u l ating m utant na med Baurn.
O n e of K i n g N o re n ' s most tru sted frie n d s rules
Rac h a r. Te rrhvys s i s a m a n with a c l awl i ke metal
hand a n d a n a rtificial eye, a n d h e often h id e s
these featu res a s if e m b a rra s sed of t h e m . A wise
a n d ca p a b l e leader, Te rrhvyss cove rtly hoard s the
1 60
n u m e n e ra i n a va u lt i n h i s own e state. The few
peo p l e who know h i s secret bel ieve t h at he stockp i l e s
t h e devices beca u s e h e loathes t h e a rtifacts o f the
past a n d wants to p rotect the wo rld from the d a n gers
t h ey re p resent. H owever, the truth i s t h at h e gathers
t h e o bj ects to fu rt h e r re b u i l d his own body.
GTHARREN
An old man n a m ed Phi raster dwe l l s in the va l l ey of
G t h a rre n . He watches ove r a m a s s ive crystal t h at
sta n d s 50 feet ( 1 5 m) ta l l a n d 20 feet (6 m) across
a n d gives the va l l ey its n a m e . The G t h a rre n Crysta l
i s an a rtific i a l con struct with i ntrigu i n g p roperties.
Peo p l e co m e to t h e va l l ey to break off s h a rd s a n d u s e
t h e powe r with i n , but P h i raster t u r n s away fa r more
v i s itors t h a n he we l co m e s .
Some ca l l P h i raster a wizard o r a d e m o n , but h e i s
a learned n a n o w i t h a great deal o f powe r. A few th i n k
h i m i n sa n e , a n d t h at m i ght b e true. I f those enteri n g
t h e h id d e n va l l ey ca n n ot a n swer h i s q u esti o n s to
h i s satisfact i o n , h e u s e s h i s esote ries a n d a rtifacts
to d rive them off. Somet i m e s the q u esti o n s a re
perso n a l i n q u i ries about the v i s ito r's i ntent i o n s .
Somet i m e s they a re rid d l es o r koa n s . Occa s i o n a l ly,
t h e o l d m a n does n 't a s k q u esti o n s but i n stead b i d s
seekers t o perform t a s k s fo r h i m .
T h e p o i n t o f t h e i r effo rts i s t o atta i n a s h a rd of
the G t h a rre n Crysta l . I n aeo n s l o n g past, m i l l i o n s
o f i ntel l i gent be i n gs p l aced t h e i r m e m o r i e s a n d
perso n a l ities i n t h e crystal fo r l o n g-term storage.
Tod ay, a s i n g l e s h a rd of the crystal h o l d s h u n d re d s
of t h e s e b e i n g s . Alt h o u g h t h e m e m o r i e s ca n n ot b e
d i rectly accessed b y a n y k n own m e a n s , t h e powe r

ISCOBAL HEARSAY
Submerged Fugitive: An aeons-old
automaton has arisen from a deep seaside pool.
Metal limbs carry it along the sandy coastline while its
glass head constantly looks all around. The mach ine
acts this way because it's being pursued. When it
arose, so too d id a number offlyi ng spheres, each
1 5 inches (38 cm) across, beari ng holographic faces
and trailing tendrils. Both h u nter and h u nted would
welcome assistance, but which to help, and why?
Family Feud: H o u se S a rro m e re ' s atte m pts to
u nd e rm i n e the roya l fa m i ly a re grow i n g more
b raze n . Word i n M u l e n is t h at t h ey offe r paym ent
i n cyp h e rs a n d odd ities to anyone who works fo r
t h e m o n m i s s io n s of s py i n g a n d sa botage.
H u nters and Prey: A creatu re h a u nts the wooded
l a n d s between Rach a r and Wyrfa l l , p reyi n g on
h u nters and trappers. O n ly those carryi n g fres h ly
k i l led a n i m a l s a re attacked . N o oth e r i n fo rmation
i s known , but local leaders offe r a rewa rd fo r
e n d i n g the beast' s re ign o f terror.
THE WEIRD OF ISCOBAL
The Gelatinous Pavilion: In Rach ar, a large plaza is
covered by a low ca nopy of ever-sh ifti ng colored gel .
M etal Corpses: A t one poi nt a l o n g the Wyr River,
what appear to be t h e dead bod ies of eight
i m po s i n g metal h u m a n o i d s l i e o n the b a n k.
G h ostly Tu ne: Along the road i nto Dynafe l fro m
the south, stra n ge, melod i o u s m u s ic can be
heard , eve n t h o u g h n o sou rce i s a p p a rent.
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
with i n t h e crysta l l attice can b e u sed t o i nterface
with and control ot h e r device s , eve n t h o s e t h at
seem to be d e powered or whose p u rposes a re
u n know n .
J =!
I
s l o t h S gd o m s ,
t h e Pyt h a ro n E m p i re o n ce co m m anded most
of t h e southern reg i o n , i n cl u d i n g M i l ave,
l sco b a l , and Ancu a n . Although the e m p i re co l l a psed
a l most a h u n d red yea rs ago, it rega i n ed its foot i n g
a n d began t o prosper u n d e r t h e p revious e m p re s s ,
C h a l l a d i e n 1 1 . S h e co n s o l i d ated o l d h o l d i ngs i nto
I m perial ru l e aga i n u n d e r the a u s p ices of p rotect i o n .
I
N ow the n ew, re l atively yo u n g e m p re s s , C h a l l a d i e n
1 1 1 , h o p e s t o exte n d h e r a u nt's s u ccessfu l re i g n . M ost
bel ieve s h e h a s her eyes o n l a n d s t h at o n ce we re p a rt
of the e m p i re , i n p a rticu l a r M i l ave a n d l sco b a l , a n d
TH E PYTHARO N E M PI R E
perh a p s s e e k s to s p read h e r i n fl uence ove r l a n d s t o
R u l e r: Challadien Il l
the south. Po p u l at i o n : 2, 000, 000
The Pyt h a ro n s a re we l l aware t h at the reg i o n s of Capita l : Rarmon
M atheu n i s to t h e south a re fa r more settled than
they o n ce were. These free rea l m s , i n cl u d i n g t h e
powe rfu l city-state of N i h l ie s h , fee l the gaze of t h e
e m p i re u po n t h e m . Pyt h a ro n n o b l e s a l ready send
their troo ps d own there to raid fo r s l aves.
Pytharon i s known for gently rol l i n g fields of wheat,
bea n s , and corn . Its fertile l a n d s were once a great
part of its s u ccess and co u l d be aga i n , for its a m p l e
so-cal led " b read basket" has fueled great armies.
My dear and loyal subjects,
Your beloved Empress, Challadien I I, Lady of the
Southern Reach, and Queen of the Riage, wishes you
to know that the days offoul banditry and lawlessness
that have plagued these lands have come to an end.
161
 The peace-loving forces of the invincible grand Imperial
armies, under my direct command, shall restore this
realm once again to a land of prosperity and peace.
You and yourfamilies shall be safe under their banner.
Your children are like unto my own, and my own desire
is for their happiness and good health. The integrity
of your lands, your homes, and all of your belongings
shall be secured under our banner. Those who stand in
the way of this generous and beneficent gift of safety,
however, are naught but robbers and undesirables, and
shall meet our swift judgment.
RARMON
The e m p i re ' s capital is the great city of Rarm o n ,
h o m e t o a b o u t 80,000 peo ple. Th i s o l d settlement
of marble, stone, a n d g l a s s once fe l l i nto a state
of d ecay but n ow is bei n g restored to its former
gra n d e u r. Eve rywhere, scaffo l d s a n d workers cove r
i m portant b u i l d i ngs, restori n g cru m b l i n g facad es.
The S u n ken Palace: At the heart of Rarmon i s the
Recently, the leaders
S u n ke n Pal ace, the ancient home of the E m p re s s .
of the Twins issued a
statement saying they are T h i s structu re i s u n iq u e beca u s e the enti re t h i n g
lookingfor mercenaries i s a n u m e n e ra device. S p h erical i n s h ape, i t i s h a l f
willing to help clean out i m m ersed i n t h e gro u n d so t h at i t a p pears t o b e a
the Umbil. Pay can come d o m e of metal a n d synth. The p a l ace can rotate i n
in the form ofshins, a n y d i rect i o n , h owever, a n d h a s its own gravity. Th u s ,
oddities, or even property
t h e s p h e re c a n be rotated so t h at t h e entra n ce i s
in one of the cities.
concealed below t h e s u rface a n d t h e floors wit h i n
a re perpe n d i c u l a r t o t h e gro u n d outs ide, with n o
d i scomfort t o a nyo n e with i n .
The G rand Orrery: With i n Rarmon i s a l a rge metal
orre ry t h at s h ows the co nfigu ration of the s u n ,
t h e E a rt h , a n d t h e oth e r s i x p l a n ets. I t t u r n s i n
accord a n ce with t h e act u a l m ovement o f these
s p h e re s .
The m a n i n c h a rge of m a i nta i n i n g t h e o rre ry i s
a d i m i n utive fe l l ow n a med G a rrot who sta n d s l e s s
t h a n 3 feet (0. 9 m) ta l l . G a rrot i s a n e n g i n e e r a n d
mech a n i c of great s ki l l . By activat i n g the com p l ex
mech a n i s m s with i n the base, he can ra i s e the orrery
h i gh a bove the l evel of t h e city so it co m m a n d s
atte ntion i n the i m m ed i ate area.
The ce ntral s p h e re of the o rre ry, the " s u n , " i s an
e lectro m agnet of i m m e n s e powe r. G a rrot uses t h i s
d evice a s a defe n s ive weapon o n behalf o f Rarm o n ,
d i rect i n g i nv i s i b l e bea m s a t a nyo n e o r a nyth i n g
h e d e s i re s . T h e bea m s i n fl ict 1 2 poi nts o f d a mage
to a creatu re or object a n d 6 poi nts of d a mage to
a nyth i n g i n the i m m ed i ate a rea a ro u n d the ta rget.
JARGOLAMIS AND LUIGOLAMIS
The so-ca l l ed Twi n ned Cities of J a rgo l a m i s a n d
L u i go l a m i s we re o n ce so i nte rco n n ected t h at t h ey
we re co n s i d e red a s i n g l e e ntity. With a co m b i ned
1 62
popu l ation of 60,000 peo p l e , t h e Twi n s h ave l o n g
b e e n s e e n a s a safe p l ace t o l ive, w i t h e a s y acces s to
good s and services.
T h e Twi n s a re p u n ct u ated by m atch i n g m i rrored
towe rs, each of w h i c h reflects the ot h e r city. Wa l k
i nto J a rgol a m i s , m a ke yo u r way t o t h e J a rgo Towe r,
a n d yo u ' l l d i scove r t h at i n eve ry p a n e of g l a s s ,
t h e b u st l i n g city of L u i go l a m i s i s refl ected b a c k at
yo u . Sta n d before t h e L u i go Towe r, a n d watch t h e
i ntricacies of J a rgo l a m i s h a p p e n i n g before yo u r
eye s . At t h e t o p o f each tower i s a creat u re scu l pted
in an off-wh ite m ateri a l t h at casts an eerie g l ow i n
t h e n i ght. T h e J a rgo Towe r h a s a terror b i rd , w h i l e
t h e L u i g o Towe r i s to p ped w i t h a s l icer beet l e .
T h e two c i t i e s a re co n n ected b y a l a rge, e l evated
s kyway t u b e a l most 2 m i l e s ( 3 . 2 km) l o n g ca l l ed t h e
U m b i I . Created fro m a co m b i n a t i o n of stro n g l a s s ,
ivy t a n g l e s , a n d vari o u s meta l s , t h e U m b i I ru n s
betwee n t h e two towe rs. O n ce , i t p rovided safe
p a s s age betwee n t h e c i t i e s , with a motorized
wal kway and j a r l e rs-a b h u m a n s l aves t h at p u l led
long carts fu l l of peo p l e a n d s u p p l i e s . S m a l l
m a rkets a n d eate ries s p ra n g u p a l o n g t h e way, a n d
t h e U m b i I beca m e o n e o f t h e most we l l -t rave led
ro utes i n t h e Stead fast.
When the motorized wal kway stop ped work i n g one
d ay, the ru lers of J a rgo l a m i s and Lu igol a m i s-s i b l i ngs
M a rgo the Wem ber and Paras G u lo s i , res pectively
a n n o u nced that they wou l d h ave it u p and ru n n i n g
aga i n i n a m atte r o f d ays. B u t t h e s i b l i ngs fought ove r
the best way to solve the p ro b l e m , as they often d i d ,
and the wal kway re mai ned b roke n . Tem porary fixes
we re put i nto p l ace by those who had the powe r and
knowledge, but noth i n g lasted . As the years stretched
on and the wal kway was not fixed , the U m b i l fe l l i nto
d i s repair and d i s u se.
N ow the t u be has beco m e a p l ace fo r d a rk
dwe l lers, th ieves, a n d worse. Although the U m b i l
re m a i n s t h e s h o rtest pass age betwee n t h e Twi n s ,
i t ' s a l s o t h e ro ute most l i kely t o get yo u k i l led. The
a b h u m a n s l aves h ave rega i n ed t h e i r freed o m , the
m a rkets s e l l fa r d a rker wares t h a n t h e foodstuffs of
o l d , a n d d a n ge ro u s creat u re s skulk a ro u n d eve ry
b e n d . Trade a n d trave l between the two cities h ave
become s p a rse a n d stra i n e d , a s h a s the re l atio n s h i p
between t h e s i b l i n g rulers.
Sti l l , n ew l i ght d awn s-a co n structor n a med
Li mech rece ntly moved i nto J a rgol a m i s . He, a l o n g
w i t h a s m a l l p a s s e l o f mech a n ized creat u re s , i s
b u i l d i n g a seco nd co n n ecti o n betwee n t h e Twi n s ,
a n open-a i r s kyway t h at ru n s below t h e U m b i I . O n ly
about a q u a rter of it h a s been co m p l eted so fa r.
FAR BROHN
The trad i n g city of Fa r B roh n l i es near the n o rt h e rn
ed ge of t h e co l d desert of M ath e u n i s . Ta l l sto ne wa l l s

PYfHARON EMPIRE HEARSAY
Far Afield: A ru sted -out h u l k of an ancient
d evice h a s sat i n t h e middle of Reyn a l d
Den ny' s fields without i n cident s i n ce
l o n g before he t i l led t h e soi l . Rece ntly,
the d evice h a s started s h ooti n g rubbery orbs of
gel i nto t h e fi e l d s at odd i nterva l s . The orbs a re
covered with t i n y s p i nes t h at b reak off i n the s k i n
when to uched . Reyn a l d fe l l s i c k after atte m pt i n g
t o move o n e o f the o r b s , a n d many o f h i s
l ivestock d i ed after touch i n g t h e d evices. H i s wife
seeks h e l p with re m ovi n g t h e orbs fro m t h e field
a n d i n ca pacitat i n g the mach i n e .
T h e G lowi ng Roads: There h ave b e e n a n u m be r
of attacks a l o n g the open road s lead i n g t o
Rarm o n . E a c h acco u nt i s nea rly identica l :
trave l e rs swear they we re attacked b y g i a nt fo u r
l egged creatu res with glowi n g p u rp l e eyes a n d
p i nchers fo r m o u t h s . O n e s u rvivor h a s a wo u n d
a l o n g t h e i n s i d e o f h i s leg t o s h ow fo r h i s tro u ble.
The scar glows with a magenta h ue.
THE WEIRD OF THE
PYfHARON EMPIRE
Sky Writi ng: On particu l a rly cloudy d ays, those
who sta n d i n Rarmon a n d look u p at j u st the
right t i m e can see t h e Truth wo rd s "We Wi l l H e l p
Yo u " written across the c l o u d s , a l o n g with a
series of u n known sym b o l s . The writ i n g is neon
o ra n ge a n d ve ry u n iform. I t l a sts a nywh e re fro m
a few seco n d s to a m i n ute.
The Voices of the World: Outside of J a rgo l a m i s
i s a sto n e t h at sta n d s nearly 1 0 feet (3 m) h i g h
a n d i s s h a ped l i ke a n i nverted tri a n g l e . The sto n e
i s riddled w i t h h o l e s , a n d if yo u put yo u r ear
to any of t h e m , you can h e a r what sou n d s l i ke
conversatio n-the l a rger t h e hole, the l o u d e r the
voice s . Each h o l e h a s a d i fferent d i scu s s i o n , a n d
e a c h t i m e y o u l i sten at the s a m e h o l e , y o u hear
d i fferent peo p l e ta l ki n g. M ost of the t i m e , t h e
l a n g u age i s n o t o n e t h at yo u kn ow.
The Dog in the M achi ne: H a lf b u ried i n the
ru b b l e of a ru i ned city i s a box. Fro m some
a n g l e s , the box see m s to conta i n a l a rge ca n i ne,
s u s pe n d ed i n m i d a i r. Fro m others, t h e box looks
e m pty-you can see right t h ro u g h it to t h e oth e r
s i d e-but yo u can hear the s o u n d s of s n a rl i n g
a n d h owl i n g. I f you were t o look down o n t h e box
fro m a bove , yo u ' d see a top panel fitted with a
series of s l i d e rs a n d butto n s .
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
h e l p t o p rotect i t fro m the frigid w i n d s o f the south,
but t h e i r rea l p u rpose i s to keep out t h e band its,
a b h u m a n ra i d e rs , a n d oth e r terri b l e th reats t h at
e m e rge fro m t h e desert. Ch ief a m o n g these d a n gers
a re the m i n d - screa m i n g h o rd e s of sathos h , which
freq uently attack trad i n g ca rava n s o n the way to a n d
fro m N i h l ie s h . The m e rchant lords of Fa r B ro h n a re
always looki n g for h e l p aga i n st these ra i d s .
The city itself i s secu re. Its wa l l s a re l aced with
n u m e n e ra devices (level 6) t h at affect the m i n d s of
those who try to a s s a u lt them, u s i n g sonic v i b rat i o n s
t o ca u s e p a i n a n d co nfu s i o n .
RATHSCOR FORTRESS
G u a rd i n g the southern border of the Pytharon E m p i re Lord Myallatur: level 7; 30
is the great fortress of Rath scor. Lord Mya l l at u r health; 5 points ofArmor
com m a n d s the fort and i t s d efenses. H i s sold iers, the from a magnetic field
Mahal S h ards , a re i nfamous for their p rowess and
generator; +2 points of
damage with scimitar
m i ght-particu l a rly their s peed . The S h a rd s i nclude
caval ry, riders of re pti l i a n co u rsers called b re h m . Typical Mahal Shard: level
4, level 5 for Speed defense;
7 5 health; 7 point ofArmor;
+ 7 point of damage with
bows and scimitars
Brehm: level 3; 7 point of
Armor; long movement
11111 L;
-
i a E ro n , M i l av i a n n o b l e :
Once Mi/ave was a region of the Pytharon M I LAVE
R u l e r: The Mi/ave Council
Empire, when its red banners flew from every tower
Po p u l at i o n : 900, 000
in the South. Now that name is given to a loose
Ca pita l : Orrila
confederation ofsmall noble states and even a few so
called republics. The latter, of course, are nothing more
than backwater counties too wretchedfor any proper
noble family to desire position, and where the merchant
classes give the peasantry fool-headed ideas of ruling
themselves.
The only thing that truly binds Mi/ave together
is fear of invasion by the empire. Mi/avians have
few similarities, but a memory of the hard-won
independence from Pytharon is one. Ostensibly, Mi/ave
is ruled by a council of representatives of disparate
governments, clans, and factions who meet in the city
ofOrri/a.
The nation will not last as a cohesive whole for
long. The ruling council does little but bicker over petty
matters while the nearby empire once again grows in
military might. If war does come, Milave 's loose union
is likely to collapse, each statefightingfor itself and no
other-and thus we are all doomed.
1 63
 Stratharian war moths
One possible savior, however, is a noble warlord
seem particularly
attracted to ganch fields. named Tarvesh. This charismatic young leader has the
Sometimes entire plots support of many Mi/avians, and his personal fighting
m ust be abandoned force includes three terrifying numenera war machines,
when swarms move in. the likes of which have not been seen before in the
One field currently has region. I suspect that Tarvesh has clandestine support
a cocoon so large that
farmers speculate it will from the Amber Papacy, which hopes that he can unite
produce a war moth as Mi/ave and keep the peace in the southern end of the
big as a house. Steadfast. Indeed, many hopes rest with that one man.
We shall see if his broad shoulders can bear the burden.
M ost people of M i lave are farmers who prod uce a
variety of food stuffs as wel l as an herb cal led ghianche,
or sometimes just ganch. It fills many pipes throughout
the region, and it' s sometimes rol led i nto cigars as wel l .
Floatstone, page 82 T h e herb is a mild relaxant, b u t when treated with certain
chemicals, it can also be a powerfu l hall uci nogen.
Ganch field s are d ifficu lt to maintai n and req u i re a
large workforce. A few com m u n ities have repu rposed a
variety of n u menera mach i nes and devices to help in the
labor, so it' s not u ncom mon to see a mass ive con struct
or automaton harvesting field s of ganch leaves.
ORRILA
O rri l a serves a s the capital of a land t h at truly h a s
none. A sort o f m i crocos m o f M i l ave itself, it i s a
cos m o po l itan m i s h m a s h of c u l t u re s a n d peo ple.
A sto n e wa l l g i rd s what i s n ow the ce ntral portion
of t h e city, but the city s p read out fro m those wa l l s
l o n g ago with b u i l d i ngs o f many d i fferent styles
a n d m ateria l s . In very rece nt times, a l a rge tent-city
h a s grown a ro u n d the southern gate of t h at wa l l ,
cove r i n g what i s n ow known a s t h e F i e l d o f Vo ices.
1 64
M uch trad i n g takes p l ace i n Orri l a , t h a n ks i n no
s m a l l p a rt to a d evice l ocated o n a h i gh cam pan i l e in
the center of the o l d tow n . Known a s t h e All-S peec h ,
the d evice a utomatica l ly t ra n s l ates any wo rd s poken
with i n t h e city (and a fair d i stance beyond) i nto a
l a n g u age u n d e rsta n d a b l e to each l i ste ner's m i n d .
T h e All-S peech h a s s o m e i nterest i n g s i d e effects,
h owever. Some c h i l d re n rea red i n Orri l a learn to
s peak fa r more q u ickly t h a n expected , u n d e rsta n d i n g
the word s o f t h e i r p a rents eve n a s i nfants, w h i l e
oth e rs n ever l e a r n beca u s e t h ey a re st i l l u n d e rstood
eve n when speaki n g g i b b e ri s h . A M i lavian sayi n g
h o l d s t h at l ies a re h a rd e r to te l l i n O rri l a a n d secrets
h a rd e r to kee p , but t h i s c l a i m has yet to be p rove n .
Th irty m i les (48 km) east o f Orri la, workers toi l i n the
floatstone q uarries. You can spot the quarries from far
away because of the vast tarps that catch the stone as
it' s dug from the earth. The workers p u l l it from what
looks l i ke former monu ments of some ki nd, bu ried i n
a long-forgotten age. O f cou rse, t h e ground repels the
floatstone, so much of what is excavated fl ies i nto the air.
AIAN
Known by some as the City of Merchants and by others
as the City of Beggars, Aian is only tenuously part of
M i l ave, m a i nta i n i n g as m uch independence as it can .
T h e city-state has a pop u l ation o f perhaps 30,000. Ruled
by an elected senate, Aian is one of the pro m i nent
rep u b l ics i n the Steadfast. As its mon i kers s uggest, it
i s a city of commerce and trade, a gateway between the
Steadfast and the lands to the south. Its markets a re
filled with exotic good s, and wea lthy merchant clans
maintai n bu rgeo n i n g warehou ses here.

The Aian s ayi n g "Those not rich a re poor" is used
to j u stify ava rice a n d rut h l e s s b u s i n e s s p ractices.
In oth e r word s , if yo u don't fight to get all yo u
ca n , yo u ' l l h ave noth i n g. The s ayi n g is a l s o a fa i r
assessment o f t h e city' s c l a s s struct u re. Those who
a re n ot wealthy m e rch ants, clerks, acco u ntants,
s a l e s m e n , o r caravan d rivers a re extre mely poor,
worki n g for scra p s as l a borers, bearers, or porters
o r worse, without e m p l oyment at a l l , l iv i n g as
beggars and t h i eve s .
R u m o r h a s it t h at the Amber Papacy does n ot
bel ieve i n d e mocracy, a n d t h at agents of t h e O rd e r
o f Truth work aga i n st Aian i n the s h adows o f t h e
city. I f t h i s gos s i p i s true, t h e agents l i kely w o r k with
the Beggar Queen and h e r n etwo rk of s p i e s . S h e
h ates the o l i ga rch co u n c i l a n d t h e merch ants w h o
e l ect t h e m . N o o n e knows m u c h a b o u t the Beggar
Queen herself, but she h a s t h ree l i e ute n a nts t h at a re
b i o m ech a n ical hybri d s with t h e a b i l ity to beco m e
i nv i s i b l e a n d ki l l w i t h a to u c h , e n s u r i n g t h at h e r
powe r re m a i n s u n c h a l l e n ged .
OSSAM'S TRAVELING MENAGERIE
AND SOARING CIRCUS
Come one, come all!
Boys and girls! Men and women! Humans, visitants,
and mutants /
All are welcome at the greatest display of
remarkability and extraordinosity the Ninth World or
any world has ever seen, heard, sniffed. felt, or tasted!
All are welcome at Ossam 's Traveling Menagerie and
Soaring Circus /
Think you've seen mystery? Wait until you wonder at
the three-headed moranxl
Think you've seen majesty? Wait until you experience
the death-defying Kaprof Brothers and their aerial
acrobatics I
Think you've seen menace? Wait until you cower at
the roaring harraspawn and its fire-spewing eyes I
Think you've seen magic? Wait until you gasp at the
sorcery of the Great Th eon and his trained cragworms l
You 'll thri/11 You 'll chi/If You 'll come away changed
forever I
just 2 shins per person ! Children under ten and
children over eighty halfprice!
Trave l i n g t h ro u g h o ut t h e vi l l ages a n d tow n s
of M i i ave (and s o m et i m e s A n c u a n ) , O s s a m ' s
Trave l i n g M e n agerie a n d Soari n g C i rc u s i s a ca rava n
of wood e n wago n s t h at h o u s e t h e creat u re s a n d
t h e p e rform ers, a n d a float i n g n u m e n e ra p l atform
t h at s e rves a s t ra n s po rt fo r eq u i p m e n t and a
h ove ri n g stage d u ri n g perfo r m a n ce s . As t h ey t rave l ,
t h e m e m bers o f t h e c i rc u s p u t o n s h ows, fi l l i n g
peo p l e ' s m i n d s with wo n d e r a n d t h e i r own pockets
with coi n .
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
MILAVE HEARSAY
Recru itment: Clandestine agents of the
warlord Tarves h seek recruits to work
as s p i e s and i nfiltrators o r a s sold i e rs . Either
way, t h e recru iters a re said to bear n u m e n e ra
a rtifacts t h at they wea r on t h e i r fo reheads t h at
a l l ow t h e m to see i nto the m i n d s of ot hers, both
to e n s u re t h at those they s peak with te l l the truth
and to ascerta i n the talents of others, which a i d s
i n recru itment. Ru mors s a y t h at t h e s e d evices
eve n a l l ow them to i m p l a nt a fa i l s afe in the
recruit' s m i n d . S h o u l d they go o n to betray t h e i r
n ew warlord , the psyc h i c i m p ri n t wi l l destroy
the m i n d fro m with i n . Fo r truthfu l co m m itment,
h owever, the recru iters a re offe r i n g exce l lent pay, The Beggar Queen: level 3,
n u m e n e ra s u p po rt, a n d of co u rse, a free , s afe, level 6 for all tasks involving
deception, seeing through
a n d sta b l e M i l ave.
deception, and intimidation
The Roving Road : R u m o rs s peak of a we l l - l it path Lieutenant: level 5; become
t h at a p pears o n ly o n ve ry ra re n i ghts o r d a rk, invisible; infect with a
m i st- s h ro u d ed d ays. Th i s road i s paved i n b l ocks cellular disrupting virus
of a n u n known s u b stance, and it i s said to lead
(once touched, 5 points of
to a secret location t h at ca n n ot be acces sed in
damage each round until
victim makes a Might
any way oth e r than by t h e road . The road always defense roll)
a p pears in d ifferent l ocat i o n s t h roughout the
land, a n d o n ly fo r a n hour o r so at a t i m e . O n ce
Great Theon: level 4;
yo u take t h e road , h oweve r, yo u go where it goes
telekinesis; generate illusory
u n t i l you reach the e n d . images within short range;
become invisible; hover
T h e I c e Pit: A pe rfectly ro u n d , meta l-ed ged pit of
u n known depths can be fo u n d about 40 m i les Ossam: level 6; 5 points of
south of Ai a n . O n eve n t h e warmest d ays, co l d
Armor; built-in ray-emitter
that inflicts 7 0 points of
m i st rises fro m i t . Those who h ave atte m pted t o damage at long range
reach the botto m c l a i m t h at it s i m ply gets co l d e r
a n d co l d e r a s o n e g o e s d own . N o o n e h a s eve r
reached the botto m a n d retu rned to te l l t h e tale.
THE WEIRD OF MILAVE
Dry Coral: A field of cora l - l i ke growth exte n d s
t h roughout a n exp a n s e i n the weste rn portion of
M i l ave. At n i ght, patches of the cora l glow with
a n u neart h l y l i ght. L i ke in bed s of act u a l cora l , Ossam himself may be
u n i q u e a n d somet i m e s d a n ge ro u s creatu res the greatest wonder of his
dwe l l i n a n d amid the formati o n s . show. He's not human,
but an extremely human
appearing construct. Older
Weeping Wanderer: An a n c i e n t auto m aton than the Ninth World,
wa n d e rs t h e roa d s of Mi l ave, d a m aged a n d his true motivations are
a s k i n g fo r h e l p . H oweve r, the fl u i d s it l e a k s a re clouded in mystery. Few
d e b i l itat i n g a n d h a l l u c i n oge n i c to h u m a n s . people know his secret, and
Ossam would literally kill to
preserve it.
The Minds of the Dead: A p a i r o f m e n l ivi n g i n a
vill age in the eastern border of the land cl a i m to
have a device that reads the thou ghts of the recently
dead . They even say that if the deceased are hooked
to the device q u ickly enough, their consciousness i s
stored i n side i t , granting t h e m "eternal l ife."
1 65
 Wh i l e m uch of the men agerie a n d c i rcus is rea l , the
truth i s a l so stretched to hei ghten the expe rience. The
Typical Blue Legionnaire:
level 3, level 5 in archery; use of d i sgui ses and co nventional trickery as wel l as
bow inflicts + 7 point of hologra m s and various n u menera d evices e n h a nce
damage every perform ance. Fo r exa m ple, the G reat Theo n ' s
"sorce ry" i s p rod uced m a i n ly b y h idden d evices,
although the man com m a n d s a n a rray of psych ic
Cragworm, page 23 6 powers to boot. His tra i ned cragworms a re hologram
Seskii, page 258 i l l u s i o n s p rojected over tra i n ed seski i . The Ka p rof
B rothers a re talented acrobats, but the h a rras pawn i s
l ittle more than a n i l l u s i o n . T h e moranx i s a deformed
Angulan Knights, page 224 aneen n ever s h own i n clear l i ght.
Xi-drake, page 265
Raster, page 253
ANCU AN
A b road , fe rt i l e , and peacefu l l a n d , Ancuan
i s b l essed o n many fro nts. Its rol l i n g h i l l s teem
with bountifu l herds of a n i m a l s , its fie l d s fl ow with
p rod uce a n d gra i n s , a n d its long s h o re l i nes offe r fish
and oth e r va l u a b l e co m m odities. Of co u rse, Ancuan
i s n ot without its t ro u b l e s . P i rate s ply the s h o re l i ne s ,
Sathosh, page 256
Chirog, page 235 p reyi n g o n coasta l trad i n g ves s e l s . B a n d it ra i d e rs
th reate n vi l l ages. S at h o s h a n d ch i rog roa m t h e
co u ntrys i d e .
King Asour-Mantir: level K i n g Aso u r- M a n t i r rules fro m a c a s t l e o f
5, level 4 in all types of stro n g l a s s 20 m i l es (32 km) outside t h e city o f
combat G l av i s . Trad ition d ictates t h at n o o n e ot h e r t h a n h i s
i m m ed i ate h o u s e h o l d a n d g u a rd l ive with i n a rad i u s
Arron is a grain used o f 1 0 m i les ( 1 6 km) , so t h e Tra n s p a rent Pal ace, a s
to make sweet-tasting it i s ca l l e d , sta n d s a l o n e i n a s p rawl i n g, rocky field.
bread. The k i n g ' s exte nded fa m i ly i s l a rge, t h e p rod u ct of
two n o b l e h o u s e s j o i ned i n permanent a l l i a nce to
Yo/ are short, long-haired
creatures known for
yellow wool, tender meat,
and the cheese made
from their milk.
1 66
e n s u re t h e sta b i l ity of the l a n d . M e m bers of t h e B l ue
Legion , h i s roya l g u a rd , a re re nowned for t h e i r s ki l l
a s a rchers.
The peo p l e of Ancuan a re i n dependent a n d
self-s ufficient, re lyi n g o n t h e i r k i n g fo r l ittl e . They
m a ke t h e i r way as s a i lors, fi s h e rs , a rro n farmers, yo l
h e rders, a n d salt m i ners.
S i m i l a r to h ow Angu l a n Kn i ghts t h ro u g h o ut t h e
Steadfast h ave t a m e d xi-d rakes to u s e a s flyi n g
mou nts, t h e peo p l e o f A n c u a n somet i m e s ride
rasters-large, b i o m ech a n i ca l , batl i ke creatu res
n ative to the reg i o n . Often the raster-riders, o r
" rastri d e rs , " a re l o n e rs who l ive a l o n g the coast.
Some, h oweve r, j o i n ra i d e r o r p i rate gro u p s , tra i n i n g
t h e i r fe l l ows t o b e rastriders. A s ky fi l led with
briga n d s mou nted o n giant h over-bats can be a
terrifyi n g s i ght i n deed . (On the oth e r h a n d , an aerial
battle betwee n a rastrider ra i d e r a n d a n Angu l a n
K n i ght i s a memory n o witness wo u l d s o o n fo rget.)
ISHLAV
l s h l av is a city b u i lt on a city. The origi n a l l s h l av was
d e stroyed about twe nty yea rs ago when a gro u p of
exp l o rers ret u rned to the city with a stra n ge d evice
they had d i scovered i n a n ancient ru i n . When the
Aeon Priests in l s h l av fi d d l e d with t h e o bj ect i n
a n atte m pt t o u n d e rsta n d it, t h e d evice re leased a
powe rfu l b u rst of e n e rgy t h at d e stroyed most of what
l ay wit h i n a rad i u s of 2 m i l es (3.2 km) . H oweve r,
n o n e of the peo p l e , a n i m a l s , or p l a nts we re h a rmed.
O n ly n o n l iv i n g m atte r was affected . The b l ast s p l it
t h i s l i ne with a fi n e blade-it left fre s h ly cut wood e n
logs u n h armed, but it o b l ite rated o l d e r wood i n
rafte rs, wagon whee l s , a n d s h ovel h a n d l e s . Stra n ge ly,
the gro u n d-so i l , rocks a n d the l i ke-a p pears to
h ave been u n affected .
After t h e eve nt, n ew stra n ge m e nts we re
d i scove red . Fo r exa m ple, those ca ught in the b l a st
fo u n d t h at some, but not a l l , of t h e i r d i seases
had been c u red, their wo u n d s healed , a n d t h e i r
general h e a l t h i m p roved. Eve n tod ay, l s h l av's n ew
ge n e rat i o n s enjoy ro b u st h e a l t h , good looks, a n d
i m p re s s ive p h y s i c a l q u a l ities.
The city' s b u i l d i ngs, o bv i o u s ly, a re re l atively
n ew. After the b l ast, workers re b u i lt some of the
o ri g i n a l l ayout, but a n i n fl ux of peo p l e wanti n g to
s h a re i n the re nowned health-boost i n g q u a l ities
h a s cau sed l s h l av to double i n s ize. N ow h o m e
to 20,000 s o u l s , it's a b u rgeo n i n g city
with a l a rge i d l e popu l ation t h at waits
fo r its myste ries to h e a l , boost, o r aid
them i n some way. U nfo rt u n ately, many
peo p l e h ave n o mea n s of s u p po rt i n g
them selves exce pt t h ro u g h begg i n g ,
t h i eve ry, o r worse, so l s h l av i s ga i n i n g a
n ew re p utat i o n , o n e of d a rkness a n d

d a n ger.
That danger comes from many sources, but one
i n particu lar is on the rise: the Monks of M itos, a
well-structu red organ ization led by a man named
Kol los. Renowned for his otherworldy hand-to-hand
com bat skills, Kollos claims to have found a way to
harness the cosmic power of the u n iverse with i n h i s
cells, chan nel ing this energy i nto a lethal fighti ng style
that he cal l s "fistprayers." He and h i s followers preach
about creating a more harmonious, safer world, and they
teach free classes in self.defense and non lethal combat.
But behind the cari ng, soft word s l ies someth ing more
s i n ister, and those with the necessary money or infl uence
can avai l themselves of the monks' dead l ier skills.
KAPARIN
A coasta l city on t h e southern s h o re of t h e
Stead fa st, Ka p a r i n boasts ro u g h ly 1 5 , 000 p e o p l e
b u t actu a l ly co n s i sts of l e s s t h a n h a l f t h at a t a n y
g i v e n t i m e . I t ' s t h e u n offici a l h o m e o f t h e Redfleet s ,
a crew of vaga b o n d s , t h i eve s , s c i e n t i st s , a n d ot h e r
m i screants who s a i l t h e h i g h a n d l ow seas i n s e a rch
of n at u ra l trea s u re . Fo r t h e most p a rt, t h ey s h ow
p u b l i c d i s d a i n fo r a n y n u m e n e ra t h ey fi n d , b u t t h ey
a re n ' t a bove s e l l i n g it to t h e h i g h e st b i d d e r.
By a l l acco u nts, Ka pari n i s a typ ical coastal tow n ,
fi l led w i t h wood a n d sto n e struct u res, co b b l ed
streets , a n d a series of co n n ected docks for seafari n g
ves s e l s . H owever, the city featu res one u n iq u e
b u i l d i n g a l o n g i t s w h a rf: a l a rge sto n e co m p l ex ca l l ed
the R F M , which i s a maritime m u s e u m , h a l l of fa m e ,
a n d l i b ra ry a l l ro l led i nto one. H e re, the Redfl eets
cata logue t h e i r acco m p l i s h ments and store t h e i r
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
R u l e r: King Asour-Mantir
Po p u l at i o n : 7, 500, 000
Ca pita l : Glavis
ANCUAN HEARSAY
Oracle in a Pool: Dwe l l i n g i n s h a l l ow poo l s a l o n g the weste rn coast
i s a creatu re t h at cal l s itse l f j ruve. I t looks l i ke a grey and violet s l u g 1 2 feet
(3 . 7 m) long. If yo u m a n age to fi n d J ruve, it can reveal t h ree of yo u r pos s i b l e
future s . I n ret u r n , it a s ks fo r a p a rticu l a r k i n d o f n u m e n e ra device-which i t
swa l l ows whole.
Rising Dissent: M e m be rs of a j agged D ream ce l l i n G l av i s h ave been
extre mely s u ccessfu l of l ate fomenti n g d i s s e nt aga i n st the royal fa m i ly. With
t h e i r s u p po rt, a warlord n a med Serec t h e G ru d ge i s gatheri n g a n a rmy of
re b e l s to rise up aga i n st the k i n g (a n d l i kely set up a n ew, warl i ke reg i m e) .
Fo r n ow, h oweve r, t h i s rowdy army s i m ply m a kes tro u b l e .
THE WEIRD OF ANCUAN
House of H oles: N e a r the m i d d l e of Scorp i o n ' s Reach sta n d s a fo u r- s i ded
structu re about 5 0 feet ( 1 5 m) ta l l a n d 1 5 feet (4 . 6 m) acro s s . The wa l l s a re
fi l led with ro u n d holes t h at ra n ge from a few i n ches to a few feet i n d i a mete r.
Light s h i n es fro m wit h i n the h o l e s , n i ght or d ay. H owever, the h o l e s d o n ' t
l e a d i n s id e t h e b u i l d i ng, but rather somewhere e l s e .
Teardrop Trees: Od d , teard ro p-s h a ped trees grow i n a grove near the eastern
bord e r. N o one has a name fo r o r a n u n d e rsta n d i n g of t h e m , but it i s known
t h at if any l iv i n g t h i n g comes near the tree s , t h at t h i n g d ies in s h o rt o rd e r.
fi n d i ngs. A v i s itor can view the p reserved s k u l l of a Kollos: level 7, level 9 with
ra re fl utte rfi s h or l i sten to an a u d i o reco rd i n g fro m hand-to-hand combat
the d e pth s of the oce a n . And yo u ' l l l i kely fi n d at least
h a l f a dozen Red fleets, past a n d p resent, j u st waiti n g
t o be a s ked about t h e i r contri bution. I f y o u read t h e
s i g n s posted l i be ra l ly i n s id e a n d outside t h e R F M ,
yo u ' l l d i scove r t h at t h e o bj ects o n d i s p l ay a re famed
the wo rld ove r a n d coveted by many. (J ust don't
be s u rpri sed if neither you n o r a nyo n e yo u 've eve r
1 67
 known h a s heard of t h e m . ) i nformed and s u s piciou s ly wi l l i n g to h e l p , but they' l l
D u e to s u c h a l a rge percentage of its i n h a bitants p robably d o their best t o e n s u re that you get what you
be l o n g i n g to t h e Redfleets a n d taki n g exte nded want-at the p rice of a favor, of cou rse.
ocean voyages, Kapari n ' s homes sta n d e m pty fo r
l o n g stretches of t i m e . M e rcha nts a n d craftspeople GLAVIS
Submergine, page 226 s peci a l ize i n wate r a n d seago i n g ware s , i n cl u d i n g
Approxi m ately 20,000 people ca l l G l avis home. The
s h i p a n d s u b me rgi n e re p a i r a n d u p keep, b reat h i n g
s p rawl i n g city a l most see m s l i ke a gro u p i n g of t h ree
a p p a ratu s , food sto res , a n d l o n g-d i stance tradetowns located in close p roxi m ity by chance, with a
ro utes to sell t h e trea s u re t h at comes i n fro m the sparse col l ection of b u i l d i ngs and roads among them.
Redfleets' exp l o rat i o n s . One of the t h ree sections, primarily a port, i s o n the
m i nor River Fro h m . The second i s ato p a h i g h h i l l
Sallian Orsay: level 6; 28 People of Interest cal led N u re l ' s H i l l . T h e t h i rd i s a fa rm i n g com m u n ity
health; sword inflicts +2 The ruler of l<aparin is S a l l i an Orsay the Red , one of fi l led with m a rkets for p rod uce and l ivestock.
points of damage the original Redfleet The peo p l e of G l av i s
fou nders. A ta l l , willowy wors h i p a p a i r of god s
woman with dark red h a i r, ca l l ed Re l i a a n d B i a n e s .
she appears to be a bout Cold and dangerous, the Sea of T h e s e s i b l i n g d e i t i e s a re
Typical goon: level 2
twenty years old-and has Secrets is beset by ship-devouring bel ieved to watch ove r
Typical street rat: level 2 appeared to be that age serpents, horrific storms, and a wide those who p l ace offe r i n g s
for as long as anyone can variety ofpirates, the worst of which o n t h e i r secl uded a ltars.
remember. The ru mor is E n o u g h peo p l e h ave seen
hail from Ancuan (and the worst of
that she found somet h i n g the offerings d i s a p pear
bu ried beneath the ocean
them from Aras Island) . right before t h e i r eyes
floor on one of her final t h at eve n n o n bel ievers
s u b mergine missions that s u s pect t h at Re l i a a n d
has allowed her to l ive forever, or at least to stop the B i a n e s-o r so meth i n g pos i n g a s t h e m-a re rea l i n
agi ng process. Although some of her col l eagues are some sen se. Whenson B reeve , t h e c h i ef co n stable o f
angry that she d id n 't share her d i scovery with the rest the city g u a rd , h a s a theory:
The ceremonies of Relia of the fleet, most feel that she is a good ruler, if a l ittle
and Bianes involve songs, cold and reclusive at times. S a l l i a n has a see m i ngly I think Relia and Bianes are real. No, not the brother
elaborate costumes, and
u n l i m ited s u p ply of goon s that will die to p rotect her. and sister you see in the marble statues in their temples,
significant rituals with
hand gestures, key words, If ca l l ed on to fight, she wields a long sword made of but some kind of invisible beings. Maybe they're the
and repetitive phrases. honed whale bone. source of the religion. Maybe theyjust came along
Worshippers re-enact Reti red Redfl eet Ca ptain j a m son "The Liar" and took advantage of it. But there 's something really
myths of the brother Con n e l l is ofte n seen about town these d ays s i nce there. Under the temples. Within the walls, I think, or
and sister overcoming he no longer co m m a n d s a s u bmergi ne crew and at least that's what my gut says. With my own eyes
adversity, healing the
doesn't go asea. H e says he reti red yea rs back, but I've seen food placed upon their altars disappear. No,
sick, and even giving life
to various kinds ofplants others i n Kapa rin murmur that being d i s honorably not disappear. I 've watched it be . . . co n s u med is the
and animals as boons to d i scharged from a n a l ready d i s honorable fl eet is word I would use. When it happened there was a sort of
humanity. h a rd l y ret i r i n g. Town gos s i p says that d u ri n g one burning smell in the air and I heard a kind of crackling
particu l a rly d a n ge ro u s m i ssion to the Fen ga l i Forest, sound, like a distant fire. I won't lie to you. It scared me.
Con n e l l kil led and ate his entire crew. He goes berserk There 's things left overfrom the faro.ff past, you know?
Captain Connell: level 4;
1 6 health when physica l l y or verba l ly t h reatened, atte m pti n g Things I don 't understand. And some ofthem are smart.
t o strangle and e a t h i s opponent (often a t the s a m e And hungry. And maybe vengeful.
Anders thejack: level 6, time) .
level 8 with biological and Kapari n ' s street rats a re the teen agers and you n g With i n the city of G l avi s , a scholar known as Anders
virological knowledge ch i l d ren born on s h i p s a t s e a and t h e n l e ft be h i n d . the j ack keeps a laboratory where he stud ies viruses
They l ive i n s m a l l gro u p s beneath t h e d ocks and often and bacte ria, p res u m a bly for the good of h u m a n ity.
create graffiti on the sides of docked s u b mergi nes, Beneath t h i s p u b l ic l a b l ies a secret u n d e rgro u n d
searc h i n g for (or curs i n g out) their parents. M ost of faci l ity, however, where h e con d u cts expe riments o n
them a re wi l l i n g to h e l p with i nformation, tasks, or creatu res that s e e m t o be stra n ge mon key- rat t h i n gs .
d i rections for the right p rice or eve n a bit of kindness. Anders h a s a rare co nd ition that req u i res con stant
The Ra m s i s i ste rs, j ord ica and Zanca, lead and blood tra n sfu s i o n s . H i s mon key- rat-t h i n g s l aves
p rotect t h i s ragtag gro u p . Both deny the ru mor that p rovide the blood and serve as s u bjects o n which he
they' re S a l l i a n O rsay' s bastard d a u ghters. If you ' re constantly tests potential cures for h i s con d ition.
a p p roached by the two girls, they m ight seem we l l In the h i l l s j u st n o rth of G l av i s , great ve nts in

1 68

the gro u n d expel stra n ge gases i nto the a i r. A m i d
these geo logic exh a l at i o n s dwe l l i n te l l i gent gaseo u s
creat u re s ca l l ed the S r u u . Very l ittl e i s known about
these beings, wh ich a p p a rently h ave a civ i l ization
deep below the s u rface. Those t h at come u p t h rough
the vents d o so u n wi l l i ngly a n d seek to ret u r n .
PIKE'S HEAD
A s m a l l fi s h i n g town along the coast, P i ke ' s H ead h a s
one as pect that m a kes it q u ite rem a rkable. About 3 00
feet (9 1 m) off the s h o re, a mass ive thing j uts u p out
of the water. People ca l l it "the Beast. " Although in
some ways it resembles a struct u re, it's clearly made
of orga n i c m aterial, with ch iti nous p l ates and leathery
fl e s h . But it neve r moves and s h ows no sign of l i fe. It
also neve r d ecays, so it gives no i n d ication of bei n g
the corpse o f a n e n o r m o u s creat u re. Someone long
ago thought it looked l i ke a rive r p i ke ' s head, but the
Beast h a s no identifia ble bod i ly characte ristics. No
head, no eyes, n o l i m b s-j u st a h u l ki n g, twi sted mass
50 feet (1 5 m) across that rises more than 80 feet
(24 m) a bove the wate r. M ost people give it a wide
bert h , as it has a n u n pleasant odor, but some brave
residents believe that the fi s h i n g is better near it.
SCORPION'S REACH
Th i s s p rawl i n g pen i n s u l a is fi l led with the ru i n s
o f t h e prior worl d s . Known fo r i t s wei rd ness a n d
myste ries, i t i s freq ue nted b y exp l o rers, adventu rers,
a n d scholars of the n u menera. Scorp i o n ' s Reach i s
a l so d a n ge ro u s , offe r i n g regu l a r e n co u nters with
Oorgo l i a n sold i e rs , mastigo p h o res , d i s a s s e m b l e rs ,
a n d oth e r re m n a nts of the past.
RA RROW
If l s h l av is a city b u i lt on a city, Ra rrow is a city
h i d d e n with i n a city. The fo u n d e rs b u i lt it o n both
s i d e s of a s pati a l rift. The city o n t h i s s i d e of the rift
i s ca l l ed Rarrow, but its co u nterpart o n t h e oth e r s i d e
i s ca l l ed H id d e n Rarrow. About 5 , 000 peo p l e l ive i n
Rarrow, a n d another 2,000 l ive i n H i d d e n Rarrow.
N o o n e knows p reci sely where H id d e n Ra rrow
l ie s in re lation to Rarrow. I s it in a para l l e l u n ive rse,
o n another p l a n et, o r j u st e l s ewhere i n t h i s worl d ?
M a ny peo p l e h ave t h e i r own theories. H id d e n Rarrow
seems to h ave the s a m e or a s i m i l a r s u n , but the
moon n ever a p pears i n the n i ght s ky, a n d the stars
a re s i m i l a r but n ot i d e ntica l . Th i s l atte r fact l e n d s
cred e n ce to t h e be l i ef t h at the rift i s n ot spatial i n
nature b u t te m p o ra l , a n d t h at H i d d e n Ra rrow l i es
fu rt h e r i n the fut u re.
The rift i s 200 feet (61 m) wide and ru n s through the
middle of each half of the city, but it's i nvisible. Pas s i n g
through the r i ft res u lts i n a smooth tran sfer from o n e
side t o the other with no sen sation o f tra n s ition. T h e
folk o f Rarrow know exactly where the rift l ies a n d
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
have b u i lt a plaza around i t (a match i n g plaza exi sts
i n H idden Rarrow) , but they don't mark it i n any way,
so newcomers sometimes stu mble i nto it by accident.
The rift i s u n m a rked because the city' s i n h abitants want
H idden Ra rrow to remai n-we l l , h idden. They want
it to be a sanctuary to which they can flee if i nvaders In the Ninth World, words
ever come to Rarrow. On the other side, defenses are like "pike" or "scorpion"
in p lace-a stone wal l and towers to defend aga i n st equate to somewhat
i nvaders who use the breach with hostile i ntent. The
different creatures than
we in the 2 7 st century
street i n the plaza on the H idden Rarrow side can be
understand, but these
rigged to col l apse, and beneath it i s a wide pit that the words are used because they
defenders ca n fill with oil to create a b u rn i n g " moat. " are the closest equivalents
The peo p l e of Ra rrow a re sea traders a n d fi s h e rs . available.
The h a rbor i s a ca l m but deep port, a n d a ta l l
l i ghthouse a t t h e edge o f town g u i d e s s h i p s i n o n the
freq uent co l d a n d foggy n i ghts. The m ayo r l ives in
a n d works out of a l a rge h o u s e i n the center of town
made from the h u l l of an ancient flyi n g craft of m eta l .
H i d d e n Ra rrow i s a s a n ct u a ry sought b y refu gees,
those o n the run, o r those looki n g to d i s a p pear.
R u m o r h a s it t h at if yo u pay the city a h efty fee, yo u
can get a p l ace to stay for as l o n g as yo u w i s h-with
n o q u esti o n s a s ked rega rd i n g who o r what yo u ' re
tryi n g to h i d e fro m .
ARAS ISLAND
Belongi n g to no kingdom and beari n g the
characteri stics of no s i ngle region, Aras I s land sta n d s
stro n g as a bastion o f i n d ependence, m u rder, and
mayh e m . Wh i l e tech n ically located i n Ancu a n , the
island and the kingdom want noth i n g to d o with each Oorgolian soldier, page 250
other. Rest i n g j u st ben eath the heel of Scorp i o n ' s Mastigophore, page 245
Reach, the mounta i n o u s i s l a n d i s cove red w i t h s n ow Disassembler, page 238
and ice nearly year-ro u n d and has an i ncred i bly h a rs h
cl i m ate, t h a n ks t o offshore q u a kes, biti n g wi n d s , a n d
storms that batter the coast l i n e with giant waves.
The peo p l e of Aras a re eq u a l ly h a rs h . Ca l l i n g
them selves j ae ke l s-afte r t h e giant s e a scorpion
Hidden Rarrow is home to
they wors h i p fo r its aggress ive n at u re , armored
a significant marketplace
s ki n , and s aw-toothed cl aws and ta i l s-they reve re a oftaboo. forbidden, or
b l oodt h i rsty, a n i m a l ist n at u re a bove a l l t h i n gs . dangerous goods. This
J ae ke l s e m u l ate t h i s be l i ef i n t h e i r act i o n s a n d black market is not an
t h e i r physical form. An i m a l i stic s u rgery ( i n cl u d i n g illegal enterprise in the
graft i n g , genetic m a n i p u l atio n , a n d i m p l a ntation) city, but the authorities of
other locales hate it, for it
i s co m m o n , es peci a l ly a m o n g those who ride
is a place where weapons,
i n the i s l a n d ' s fierce a n d aggre s s ive wate r a rmy. artifacts, and worst of all
I t ' s not u n l i kely to fi n d J ae ke l s i n va rious stages secrets can be bought and
of tra n sformat i o n . B a n d ages and odd h ea l i n g sold, and usedfar beyond
accouterments a re freq uent s i ghts, a n d claws, teet h , Rarrow.
h o rn s , a n d w i n g s a re prized body e n h a n cements.
O n ly those with t h e h i gh est h o n o rs i n ki l l i n g a n d
p i l l ag i n g, known a s Ara s ka s a n d i d e ntified by a n
i ntricate patte rn o f b l ood tattoos, a re deemed worthy
of h av i n g wings of any sort.
Despite t h e i r u s e of body-e n h a n c i n g tech n o l ogy,
J ae ke l s favor s i m p l e , trad itional wea p o n s , which
1 69

they typ ically steal fro m t h e i r captive s . I t ' s l o n g been
co n s id e red a sign of wea kness to u s e a tech nological
wea p o n , although t h at perception i s c h a n g i n g, and
tod ay yo u ' re m o re l i kely to see a m i x of wea pons
a m o n g J ae ke l s . With o r without wea p o n s , they
a re fie rce warriors, fight i n g l itera l ly tooth a n d n a i l ,
h avi n g tu rned t h e i r bod ies i nto h i g h l y s pecial ized
ki l l i n g mach i n es.
j aeke l s kid nap scholars, t i n kerers, and other workers
of the n u menera and bring them back to Aras, where
they force their prisoners to create stronger, fiercer
a n i m a l i stic elements. For their experi ments, they also
capture a wide variety of creatures, incl u d i n g h u m a n s
and abhumans. Rasters are a s pecial favorite, both
for their biomech an ical wings and for the sport of
capturing them and their riders.
j ae ke l s b u i l d t h e i r l iv i n g , worki n g , and m e rch a n t
struct u re s from scave n ged bits of wh atever
1 70
materi a l s break on t h e s h o re of t h e i r i s l a n d .
T h e i r boats, h oweve r, a re a n o t h e r m atte r, l ovi n g l y
co n structed by a n Ara s ka a n d h e r crew fro m t h e
p a rts o f capt u red a n d sto l e n s h i p s . I t ' s co n s i d e red
a g reat ach i eve m e n t to capt u re a vessel fro m
an orga n ized g ro u p l i ke t h e Redfleets or G h a n ' s
m e rch a n t fl eet a n d d i s m a nt l e it e n t i re l y before
t u rn i n g it i nto a new j ae ks h i p (or u s i n g t h e p a rts o n
a s h i p a l ready i n p rogre s s ) .
THE WESTERN SEAS
Few people in the N i nth World real ize that the Western
Seas extend all the way around the globe, forming the
vast, si ngle ocean that s u rrounds the megaconti nent.
N i nth Worlders primarily use the seas to travel and trade
up and down the long coast. The ki ng of G han and h i s
merchant fleet captains believe that a sign ificant island
chain l ies far beyond the western horizon, however, and
they hope to mount an exped ition soon.
The Western Seas a re fi l led with d a n ge r and
myste ry. Those who sail t h e waters a re n o stra n ge r to
p i rate s , p red ato rs, a n d h o rrific storms.
CORARE SEA
The Co ra re Sea i s re l atively gentle a n d , a s one heads
n o rt h , q u ite wa rm. Alt h o u g h the sea i s h o m e to fi s h
o f a l l k i n d s , sto ries te l l o f i n te l l i gent p red ato rs- p a rt
synth, part cetacea n-t h at l ive i n the deeps a n d
co m e u p t o h u nt.
FENGALI FOREST
Located about l 00 m i les (1 60 km) off the Steadfast
coast, the Fen ga l i Forest con s i sts of around 4,000 acres
of s u b merged trees. The tops of the trees-mostly
d rowned evergreens, water tupelos, and longbow
willows-rise above the water, some by as m uch as 20
feet (6 m) . Beneath the s u rface, the trees are con nected
by their tangled, ever-expand i n g root system .
Above the water, the branches are th readed with
tru n ked l i l ies, giant vines l i ned with poisonous barbs
that s l ither along the treetops l i ke snakes. Once a year,
the l i l ies prod uce nests of strongly scented orange
flowers. These poisonous flowers q u i ckly kill any
creatures that eat them; once the host i s dead, the
flowers cocoon i n s ide the body until they' re ready to
sprout. Tru n ked l i l ies have been known to swi m as far
as 1 00 m i les (1 60 km) to return to the forest of their
nesting pl ace.
A tight c l a n of h u m a n s , known s i m ply as grove rs,
l ives above the wate r a m o n g t h e b ra n c h e s and tru n ks
i n a series of fl oati n g p l atfo rms a n d s h acks b u i lt of
scave n ged synth a n d metal fro m the oce a n . They a re
n ot aggress ive u n l e s s t h ey bel ieve t h at t h e i r c l a n o r
fo rest i s i n d a n ger. G rovers h ave become i m m u ne t o
the tru n ked l i l ie s ' poison a n d u s e the v i n e s as w h i p s
o r l a s s o s aga i n st t h e i r e n e m i e s .
 LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST

Fa r bel ow, a l most h a l f a m i l e beneath t h e wate r' s

s u rface, t h e l ower tru n ks a n d root syste m s create
a series of reefs , s i m i l a r to cora l reefs , which a re
h o m e to ocean rifts, s u n ke n n u m e n e ra , a n d deep
sea creat u res. Among the beasts, root s h a rks a re
the most aggre s s ive-fa st swi m mers a n d sol itary
h u nters, t h ey l i e i n wait, ca mouflaged aga i n st t ru n ks
or the ocean floor, u nt i l t h e i r n ext meal a p pears.
G h ost cra b s , some as l a rge a s 5 feet (1 . 5 m) acro s s , Ghost Crabs, page 24 1
weave i ntricate s i l ica we b s between t h e tangled roots
to trap p rey. These a l a baster cra b s , wh ich seem
to appear a n d d i s a p pear in t h e d e pt h s , a re b l i n d ,
re lyi n g o n t h e i r finely h o n ed s e n s e o f touch t o fi n d
a n d d evo u r p rey ca ught i n t h e i r we b s . They' re such
tale nted h u nters t h at eve n t h e root s h a rks give them
a wide bert h .
Th ree l o n g ocean rifts ru n t h rough t h e fo rest,
para l l e l gouges 1 m i l e (1 . 6 km) long and at least 3
m i l es (4. 8 km) deep. Those who b rave these b l ack
d e pth s face d a u nt i n g foes but m i ght fi n d great
reward s with d i scove ries of the n u m e n e ra . Many believe that the
octopi bear little affection
ELDAN FIRTH for humans. Hundreds
With i n the coast l i n e of the Steadfast is a deep i n l et
of years ago, when the
first human encountered
with an i n h os p itable s h o re of j a gged rocks a n d steep them and was able to
i nc l i n e s . Ca l l ed Eldan F i rt h , this p l ace i s h o m e to a establish some kind of
s pecies t h at, u n known to a l m ost a nyo ne, is perh a p s communication (thanks
the o l d est u n c h a n ged s pecies o n t h e p l a n et. M o re to a numenera device),
t h a n a b i l l i o n years o l d , the octo p i h ave i n h a b ited the only response he got
from the octopus was an
the eart h ' s seas fo r l o n ge r t h a n any one s pecies h a s
enigmatic, "Oh. You're
dwe l led o n d ry l a n d . T h e s e ce p h a lopods a re fa r m o re back. "
i nte l l i gent t h a n a nyo n e h a s eve r guessed, a n d N i nth
Wo rld octo p i h ave fa s h ioned their own sop h i sti cated
u nd e rsea soci ety, cities, a n d mach i n e s . They l i kely
possess great l o re, although t h ey h ave always
stud i o u s l y i g n o red the activities of creatu res t h at
dwe l l on the s u rface.
The Octopoidal Queen reigns from a pal ace deep in
E l d a n F i rt h , ru l i n g her s u bjects no m atter h ow fa r they
s p read out across the seas. The few people on land
who know of her exi stence u n d ersta nd that it's wise to
s peak with her before head i n g i nto u ncharted wate rs.

SEA OF SECRETS
Co l d a n d d a n ge ro u s , the Sea of Secrets is beset
by s h i p-devo u r i n g serpents, h o rrific storms, a n d a
wide vari ety of p i rates , the worst of which h a i l from
Ancuan (and the worst of them from Aras I s l a n d ) .
As yo u trave l south i n t h e sea, s m a l l , h a rd -to-s pot
icebergs beco m e a rea l th reat to s a i l i ng. I t ' s s a i d t h at
somewh e re to the far south i s a city froze n i n s o l i d
i c e , reach a b l e o n ly b y a stout s h i p a n d a b rave a n d
experienced ca pta i n .

1 71
 THE ISLAND OF THE LAST MIGRATION
Once, shortly after our world was born, when she still
was young and barely a babe upon her mama's knee,
her mean grandma ma wanted to steal her away and
keep herfor her own. And who could blame the old
woman? When our world was but a babe, she was
twice, three times as beautiful as she is now. A sight to
behold, so stunning that even the strongest man fell to
his knees at the sight of her.
Mama was loath to let her go, and the two women
fought andfought over the babe, pulling her and pushing
her, tugging her between them. Then grandmama did
the unthinkable. She slapped the babe, who cried out
One of the most common
types of boats used in pain andfear. The two women, seeing what they had
along the coast and on done, they got on their knees and beggedforforgiveness
the islands are called and promised to cherish our worldforever.
drumrunners. These But our world was already growing up fast. She
shallow-hulled craft hae knew that it would only be a matter of time before her
an aft section shaped a
mama and grandmama were at odds again, and she
little like a drum, used for
stowage. wanted no part ofit. She knew the women needed to
be separated in order to protect all the creatures of land
and sea and sky that lived within.
"Look what you have done, " she told them both,
and pointed to her shoulder, where the mark of her
grandmama's hand still blazed upon her skin.
The women bowed their heads, shamed by the power
of their love.
"I banish you to the skies, " she told her mama,
"where you can look down and see me and grandmama
every morning. "
"I banish you to the seas, " she told her grandmama,
"where you can look up and see me and mama every
night. "
Then our world touched the mark that she bore, her
first mark among all the marks that would come, and
she said, "Here shall be the most beautiful place on the
whole of my body, a sanctuary for all those who are in
danger and need saving. When I am old and begin to
die, for die I shall"-
At this, her mama and grandmama began to weep,
for they did not want to think of her growing old and
dying. But our world continued as ifshe had not heard.
-"/ shall bid everyone come to this place, this mark,
for theirfinaljourney, and they shall live there for all of
eternity. "
Hearing that, her mama went to the sky and her
grandma ma went to the sea, for they saw that already
the babe had grown up and was doing wondrous things,
and they wanted to see every single one of them.
And that, my child, is how you came to be born in
paradise, on the Island of the Last Migration.
And that's h ow co m e yo u h ave the mark o n yo u r
s h o u l d e r, too-ri ght, gra m m u m ?
Right, child. And soon, you will b e old enough to
have your own mark. And, as is our tradition, I shall be
the one who puts it there.
1 72
The I s l a n d of the Last M i gration i s a sta rfi s h
s h a ped bit o f l a n d j u st off t h e Steadfast' s
western s h o re. I t ' s a p l ace of myt h s , lege n d s , a n d
extrao rd i n a ry d a n gers. O n ce, t h e i s l a n d was a
parad ise, i n h a b ited o n l y by m e m bers of t h e G utos
c l a n , and its s p l e n d o r was u n p a ra l l e l ed-ext i n ct
volcanoes a l o n g the s kyl i n e, fa ntastical creat u re s a n d
fo l i age of a l l s izes a n d co lors, t u m b l i n g waterfa l l s t o
refres h the s p i rit a n d the s o u l .
B e l i evi n g t h e m s e lves to be the desce n d a nts of the
wo rld-ch i l d , m e m bers of the G utos c l a n tattooed
t h e i r yo u n g ch i l d re n with the mark of t h e i r a n cestors,
fo reve r etch i n g t h e outl i n e of a hand print o n one
s h o u l d e r.
Then t h e i s l a n d p a rad i s e c h a n ge d . Some G utos
began to rete l l t h e i r vers ion of the wo rld-ch i l d myt h ,
bel iev i n g t h at the poi nt o f t h e story w a s n ot t h at t h ey
were destined to l ive fo reve r i n a p l ace of parad i s e ,
but t h at they we re chosen to s h a re t h i s s a n ct u a ry
with the worl d . Ca l l i n g t h e m se lves the G uto n o n s ,
they parted ways w i t h t h e i r c l a n a n d touted the
p ro m i s e of p a rad i s e to a nyo n e who wo u l d l i ste n .
They s o l d bits o f t h e i s l a n d t o a nyo n e with t h e s h i n s
i n h a n d , offe r i n g a uto p i a where d i sease a n d d a n ge r
fea red to tread a n d where t h e i n h a b itants we re
d e st i n ed to h ave ete rnal l i fe.
Word s p read q u ickly. Soon the island was cove red
with homes, b u s i nesses, and growing cities.
Deforestation raged to make room for new b uye rs.
M a ny s pecies that had orig i n a l ly enticed people to
the i s l a n d ' s shores we re dead o r dyi ng. The water ra n
b l ack with res i d u e and sti n k. Among the chaos, a civ i l
w a r b roke out between the G utos and the G uton o n s ,
and it was n 't long before the w a r extended i nto a fu l l
o u t battle aga i n st the newcomers.
Their i s l a n d parad i s e n ow a batt l efield of d i rt a n d
b lood , t h e peo p l e b e g a n t o leave t h e i r b i g homes a n d
b u s i nesses. The G uto n o n s , w i t h the G utos fo reve r at
t h e i r th roats, left the i s l a n d o r beca me a s s i m i l ated
back i nto the l a rger c l a n .
A l l t h at sta n d s tod ay a re t h e re m n ants o f a
co l l a psed soci ety. B u i l d i n gs cru m b l e a n d fa l l to
the stra n g l i n g ru i n of cree p i n g v i n e s a n d crawl i n g
critte rs. Cities l i e e m pty b u t fo r t h e roa r o f w i l d
t h i ngs ra i s i n g t h e i r yo u n g i n the d a rk a l l eys a n d b l ack
byways . M ac h i nes ru st i nto loam a n d bits of metal
t h at w i n ged creat u re s u s e to l i n e t h e i r nests.
Every d ay, bit by bit, parad ise returns to the I sland
of the Last M igration. And deep i n the island's h idden
heart, the G uton clan waits and watches, passing
down myths and legends to the babes on their knees,
decorating their skin with the mark of their ancestors. For
a long time, they thought the world was dyi ng, but now
they real ize that she has merely been sleeping. And when
she awakes, and the island with her, clan mem bers wi l l
b e ready t o fu lfill their destiny as h e r chosen ones.

People of Interest
N neka is t h e esteemed ch i l d of the p a i r i n g of t h e o l d
a n d the n ew. O n e of the potential fut u re leaders o f
the c l a n , s h e i s neari n g ad u lth ood , l o n g p a s t the age
when she s h o u l d h ave rece ived the i s l a n d ' s mark
fro m h e r gra n d m a m a . Born i n the ge n e rati o n t h at
ca m e afte r the civi l war, N n eka does n ' t be l i eve i n t h e
o l d ways a n d h a s refu sed t h e m a rk of h e r peo p l e .
A tom boyish young woman with short hair dyed bright
orange from the crushed wings of calterfl ies, she d resses
i n the rags of the dead she finds among the ru i n s of the
cities. N neka often s h i rks her d uties to s pend her days
exploring the run-down buildi ngs and factories, and she
knows a great deal more about the world beyond the
island than she does of her own home.
Chelvi n is a re m a i n d e r from the great war. Th i s
h u m a n o i d creatu re i s a l m ost e n t i rely mec h a n ical a n d
was d e s i gned w i t h a s i n g l e p u rpose: to ki l l . E q u i p ped
with a ca moufl age-see k i n g topcoat a n d four l o n g
a r m s , e a c h o f which wie l d s a d i fferent type of
wea p o n , Chelvi n roa m s the i s l a n d without p u rpose
o r p l ace to ca l l home. H i s extern a l construction
of s m ooth m a n ufactu red m ateri a l a p pears
i n d estruct i b l e , but h i s m i n d is another m atte r.
Somet i m e s he attacks a n i m a l s a n d h u m a n s without
p rovocat i o n , atte m pti n g to fu l fi l l his o ri g i n a l d uties.
Oth e r t i m e s , h e offers wh ateve r a s s i stance h e can.
N n eka see m s to be t h e o n ly person who can guide
Chelvi n ' s h a n d a n d m i nd i nto doing good . H owever,
t h e re is ta l k t h at s h e is be i n g corru pted by Chelvi n ' s
d a n ge ro u s s i d e , a n d t h at t h e two o f t h e m a re
begi n n i n g to scheme for the i s l a n d ' s d estruct i o n .
M abon M acabee ca m e to t h e i s l a n d to w o r k i n
o n e o f t h e early facto ries i n what w a s t h e n ca l l ed
G utte ntow n . U n l i ke the others, most of whom were
k i l led d u ri n g the war o r left when t h i ngs began to
go bad ly, M a bo n settled o n the i s l a n d a n d refu sed
to l eave. Part of t h e reason i s t h at the weat h e r h e re
seems to ease the l o n gt i m e aches s h e ' d had i n h e r
joi nts. But part of it i s h e r d i scove ry of the i s l a n d ' s
l a rge a n d i n te l l i gent bee p o p u l at i o n , w h i c h was
nearly wi ped out by i n d u strial izat i o n .
M a bo n h a s become a n a v i d student o f the h ives
and a n advocate fo r t h e i r s u rviva l , b u i l d i n g a h o m e
fro m scave n ged m ateri a l s a n d h o n eyco m b s i n the
m i d st of the a rea ' s l a rgest bee p o p u l at i o n . I t ' s n ot
u n u s u a l to see h e r s u rro u nded by a g i a nt swarm
of bees. Somet i m e s t h ey cover her body l i ke l iv i n g ,
b uzzi n g armor; oth e r t i m e s , they form the s h a pes o f
i s l a n d creat u res fo r the a m u sement of l o c a l ch i l d re n .
M a bon i s on good terms with the G uton clan
mem bers, despite their fear of the bees, a n d often
h e l p s them restore parts of the i s l a n d to its natural
state. Desp ite the fact that she's l ived on the i s l a n d for
LI M E NE
THE STEADFAST
WESTERN SEAS HEARSAY
The Song of Calli ng: At times, a stra n ge and
a l l u ri n g song can be heard j u st off the coast.
Reports of s a i l o rs and fishers say that if you fo l l ow
the song, at some point you s a i l i nto an entirely
d i fferent sea, as if you r s h i p pas sed t h rough some
kind of doorway. These re ports a l so speak of
rose-colored seas, l iv i n g i s l a n d s , and i ntel l igent,
fo u r-wi n ged b i rd s . The tales i ntrigue many bold
exp lorers, who seek the enth ra l l i n g song so they
can d i scover where it m i ght lead.
THE WEIRD OF THE WESTERN SEAS
Fire of the Seas: T h roughout the seas, s a i l o rs
speak of a ra re occu rre n ce where green fi re arises
fro m t h e ca l m wate rs. Those few who h ave s a i led
i nto the fi re (i ntentio n a l ly o r oth e rwise) h ave
fo u n d t h at its fl a m e s do n ot b u r n , but its warmth
tra n sforms m atte r. The alterat i o n s a re n ot a s
d a n ge ro u s o r violent a s those b rought by the
I ro n Wind, but t h i ngs bathed i n the green fi re of
the seas c h a n ge s i g n ifica ntly nonet h e l e s s . "The Amber Pope himself
is some kind of biological
construct that represents
T h e Eloquent F i s h : Along the coast of the Sea o f some darker, secret pope
Secrets, eve ry o n ce i n a w h i le, a n i m p re s s ively that dwells only in shadow. "
l a rge fish b reaks the s u rface near a s m a l l boat -Narada Trame, anti-papist
and atte m pts to e n gage the occupa nts in a
conve rsation i n pe rfect Truth.
a long time, the c h i l d re n and many ad u lts conti n u e
t o ca l l her From Fa r (meld i n g the word s o f the n a m e
together so it sou n d s l i ke "fromfar") because s h e
was n 't b o r n there. S h e d o e s n ' t s e e m t o m i n d and
even i ntrod uces herself as " Fro mfar Mabon."
My work with the bees continues apace. Ever since I broke
the code of their language dance, the queens seem willing
to let me into their lives and work, and the others seem to
respond well to the training regime I put them under.
We continue to work toward the future safety ofthe
island, but the work is slow going sometimes. While the
suit of armor has proved more difficult than expected -
the bees accidentally sting me more often than I'd like
- we have seen breakthroughs on training the drones
to mimic my shape, creating a decoy. I am not sure of
its use yet. Although the children delight in seeing two
of me, I hope it to have greater implications for the
protection of both myself and the island.
The Guton inquire as to why I feel the need to protect
myself, but I do not have the language to tell them that
I sense something wicked and wanting in my dreams.
It taints even the taste of honey upon the tongue, and
turns my thoughts ofsweetness to those ofstingingfear.
1 73
 CHAPTER 1 2

TH E B EYOND

T
he Beyond i s a very Steadfast-centric te rm,
u sed essenti a l ly to describe any a rea of the
world that i s n 't part of the nine k i n gdoms. As
the scope of the world known and u n d e rstood by eve n
the most learned scholars i n the Steadfast is l i m ited ,
however, what the Beyond tech n ica l ly i ncludes a re the
lands south of the Caeci l i a n j u ngle, west of the Clock
of Ka la, and north of the Southern Wa l l .
T h e peo p l e o f the Beyo n d a re eve n m o re d i s p a rate
and i s o l ated fro m one a n other t h a n the fo l k of the
Steadfast are. Although these lands a re full of wo u l d
be rulers, m o s t com m u n ities a re t r u l y i n d e pe n d e nt.
jiraskar, page 242 M a ny h ave l ittl e contact with t h e wo rld outside t h e i r
Travonis ul, page 263
o w n l i m ited bou n d s , a n d some h ave n o n e a t a l l . The
scattered v i l l ages of t h e Beyo n d a re ca l l ed aldeia,
a n d most a re centered o n a cl ave of Aeon Priests.
D u e to t h e peri l s of t h e N i nth Wo rld, many a l d e i a
d o n ' t we lcome stra n gers. Some o f t h e s e v i l l ages a re
d a n ge ro u s i n a n d of t h e m s e lves, as t h e i n h a bitants
h ave taken u p ca n n i b a l i s m , h u m a n s acrifice, o r
s i m i l a r p ractices.
o n , near, or ben eath the s h a rd s . Oracles s u p posed ly
watch t h e futu re h e re. Gods s peak to m o rta l s m o re
clea rly a n d ofte n , t h a n ks to t h e s h a rd s .
H owever, most people recogn ize t h i s arid land scape
to be-h oly or not-a n i n h os p itable waste l a n d ,
particu l a rly i n the eastern portion o f the region. T h i s
a rea i s l ittle more than a desert, and i n p l aces a d u ne
sea-p ierced with crystal s h a rd s-d o m i n ates as far as
the m o u nta i n s . In the west, there i s a bit more l ife, but
the land rem a i n s u nfit for farm i n g o r graz i n g.
D a n ge ro u s creatu res roa m t h e exp a n s e beneath
the s kyfie l d s , i n c l u d i n g a variety of band its,
a b h u m a n s , j i ra s kars , a n d travo n i s u l .
THE CROWD CITY
Beneath the floating crystal field s , on an otherwise
barren p l a i n , a mass of m i l lions of preserved corpses
of h u mans, a b h u m a n s , a n i m a l s , and strange beasts
com pose a city. Some mad gen i u s fu sed these bod ies
together t h rough u n known mea n s and scul pted
them i nto the shape of b u i l d i n gs, streets, and other
structures. Stranger sti l l , a mysterious force a n i m ates

}{ THE CLOUDCRYSTAL this mass of flesh. B u i l d i ngs change s h ape and s ize,

JV
and the entire city moves across the land scape. It
SKYFIELDS u s u a l ly moves very slowly if at a l l , but occasionally the
To the north of the Steadfast, beyo nd the Tithe River, Crowd City wi l l be m i les from where it once stood i n
float the Cloudcrystal S kyfie l d s . These eve r-grow i n g j u st a matter o f weeks.
crysta l l i ne s h a rd s s l owly
d rift h i gh a bove a
p l a i n of the s h attered
re m n ants of s h a rd s that
fel l . Some of the s h a rd s
a re as l a rge as cities, a n d
others a re as s m a l l as a
The land beneath the fist. Or a s l iver.
sky.fields is sometimes M a ny con s i d e r
simply called the Fallen t h i s a rea a holy l a n d
Fields, when it needs
o f sorts. Some so
differentiation. However,
most of the time the entire ca l l ed sorcerers a n d
region is referred to as the priests conte n d t h at
Cloudcrystal Sky.fields. the cryst a l s a re t h e
pe rfect foci fo r magical
powe r, a n d t h ey d e s i re
to co n d u ct a l l of t h e i r
rit u a l s a n d cere m o n i e s

1 74

Rat h e r t h a n be i n g attracted to t h e dead bod ies,
i n sects a n d a n i m a l s ge nerally avo id a n d eve n flee
fro m the Crowd City a s if re pel led by a n u n seen fo rce.
No one l ives in the Crowd City, but occa s i o n a l ly
exp l o rers d e lve the recesses of its macabre streets
and a l l eyways looki n g fo r secrets. Some n ever ret u r n ,
s u ggest i n g t h at perh a p s somet h i n g does dwe l l h e re
after a l l .
SCORPION SANCTUM
Sta n d i n g h i gh a bove the s u rro u n d i n g desert, the
Scorpion S a n ct u m i s o n e of the th ree main citad e l s
o f the o rga n ization t h at ca l l s itself t h e Co nve rge n ce .
The a rea a ro u n d the s a n ct u m i s p l agued by ch i rog
ra iders, so the m a g i sters with i n rarely see v i s itors.
H owever, the a b h u m a n s pose l ittl e th reat to the
m e m bers of t h e Co nve rge n ce t h e m s e lve s , who
co n d u ct their biza rre expe r i m e nts i n peace.
UNSEEN LAKE
H e re, fi s h appear to swi m t h rough t h e a i r, a n d boats
float a l o n g with noth i n g s u p po rt i n g t h e m . The
U n seen La ke i s a ve ry l a rge body of wate r-6 m i le s
(1 0 km) l o n g a n d 2 m i l es ( 3 . 2 km) wide-th at i s
utte rly t ra n s pa rent. You c a n s e e t h e float i n g cryst a l s
i n t h e d i stant skies fr o m its s h o res.
The water i s n 't j u st clear, it's essenti a l ly i nv i s i b l e ,
m a k i n g t h e l a ke l o o k m o re l i ke a d e p re s s i o n fi l led
with flyi n g fi s h a n d wave r i n g plant l ife. The wate r is
normal in all ot h e r res pects, a n d if taken fro m the
l a ke, it takes o n a sta n d a rd a p pearance afte r th ree to
fo u r d ays (unless it's ca refu l ly p reserved i n a sealed
conta i n e r) .
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
Stork- h eaded a b h u m a n s with backward-
bent, h oofed legs dwe l l in a s m a l l vi l l age at the
n o rt h e rn most point of the U n seen Lake, s u b s i st i n g
o n fi s h c a u g h t i n n ets fro m boats. T h e s e creatu res
keep to t h e m s e lves a n d flee fro m oth e r b e i n g s if
pos s i b l e.
DEEP VORMASK
Deep Vo rmask l i es far below a s m a l l l a ke, to the fa r
west o f the p roper S kyfie l d s . Reac h i n g t h i s enormous
l i m esto n e cave rn i nvolves trekki n g t h rough m i l es of
wi n d i ng, d ifficult t u n n e l s . The cave rn itself is 3 m i l es
(4 . 8 km) long, a n d water d ra i n i n g fro m t h e l a ke
Convergence, page 223
a bove creates a wate rfa l l t h at d rops d own fro m the
ce i l i n g, fo rm i n g a n u n d e rgro u n d river. Ove r this rive r
i s a w i s p of a sto n e bridge. On o n e s i d e of the river
l ives a gro u p of yovoki ; o n the oth e r, a s m a l l tribe of Yovok, page 267
h u m a n s . After l o n g co nfl icts, these two gro u p s h ave
reached an u n stable d etente.
Chirog raiders of the region
The h u m a n s h ave b u i l t s h e lters fro m m a s o n ry
seek to steal machines
sto n e a n d fi b ro u s fu n g a l sta l ks t h at rese m b l e and even technological
woo d . T h ey n u m be r a p p roxi m ately 400 a n d h ave spare parts. Some believe
m a stered n ot o n ly t h e l ayo ut of the h u ge cave this suggests that they
but a l s o the m i l e s a n d m i l e s of t u n n e l s a n d caves are building or repairing
a ro u n d it. The h u m a n s s u b s i st o n fu n g u s , cave
something deep in the
desert.
rept i l e s , a n d l a rge s u bterra n e a n i n sect s , w h i c h
s u rface-wo r l d e rs fi n d t o be a m o re i m p re s s ive
b o u nty t h a n it s o u n d s .
Acro s s t h e river, about 3 00 yovoki dwe l l i n t i n y
caves a n d h o l l ows with i n t h e l a rger cave r n . They
gather a ro u n d cookfires when t h ey' re n ot wa n d e r i n g
a b o u t the s u bterranean l a byri nth s .
1 75
 CLOUDCRYSTAL SKYFIELDS
HEARSAY
Gaian Spies: By papal edict, the Order of
Truth has proclai med that any spies from the enemy
Gaian forces found in the Cloudcrystal S kyfields wi l l
"The Aeon Priests in the
b e p u t t o death. Proof o f executi ng such a spy earns
Beyond claim to have
no allegiance to the s pecial d i s pen sations from the Aeon Priests.
Am ber Papacy, but you
have to admit, having a Ritual Escort: A co m p a n y of t h e u rg i sts seeks to
handful of agents spread h i re g u a rd s fo r a j o u rney i nto the Cloud crystal
throughout that vast
S kyfie l d s , where they i ntend to perform a rit u a l
region is a wise move
for an organization that ben eath the crysta l s . Somet h i n g t h at they carry
wants to control the to u s e i n t h e rit u a l d raws stra n ge a n d host i l e
world. " -Narada Trame, creatu res t h at attack t h e g ro u p a t eve ry t u r n .
anti-papist
Crystal Prospector: An old wo m a n n a m ed
F i l loria Dram wants to h a rvest port i o n s of o n e
of t h e float i n g crysta l s . S h e h a s a deflated h ot
a i r bal loon i n t h e back of h e r wago n , but s h e ' s
looki n g fo r h e l p i n reach i n g t h e crystal a n d
d ea l i n g w i t h the c h a l l e n ges of h a rvest i n g i t .
THE WEIRD OF THE
CLOUDCRYSTAL SKYFIELDS
The G arden of j i rzeem: About 1 5 0 m i les (240
km) n o rth of the N avare n e bord e r, yo u can fi n d
a l a rge gard e n of beautifu l b l o o m s , fl owe r i n g
b u s h e s , a n d l o n g- l i m bed tree s . I t a p pears we l l
tended , b u t n o gard e n e r can eve r b e fo u n d .
The Wizard : A be i n g w h o ca l l s itself d 'Ambersh
trave rses the lands beneath the S kyfields on
what see m s to be a float i n g rug. I t wears flow i n g
robes w i t h a d i sti nctly poi nted h ood . T i n y
creat u res, some winged , c a p e r a n d cavo rt a ro u n d
d 'Am bers h , who ca l l s the creatu res i t s h o m u n cu l i .
The G h ost Mou ntai n : N e a r t h e ce nter o f the
region l i es a n e n o r m o u s , m i st-s h ro u d ed peak
m aybe. M a ny who h ave gone looki n g for t h e
m o u nt a i n n ever fi n d i t . Oth e rs re port fi n d i n g it
without any p ro b l e m .
1 76
Both g ro u p s u s e a n o d d , a n c i e n t tech n o l ogy
fo u n d o n ly in Deep Vo rm a s k. Wit h i n the cave
g row ro u n d , h o l l ow sto n e s p h eres t h at re ach
1 5 feet (4 . 6 m ) in d i a meter b e fo re d etach i n g
fro m t h e sto n e a ro u n d t h e m . Alt h o u g h it s ee m s
i m po s s i b l e , t h e s e n at u ra l l y growi n g sto n e b u b b l e s
h ave h atc h e s i n t h e botto m , w i n d ows o n t h e
s i d e s , a n d i nt e r i o r contro l s t h at e n a b l e a p ract i ced
occ u p a nt to steer the s p h e re t h ro u g h the a i r i n
a n y d i rect i o n . T h e s e s p h e re s fu n ct i o n o n l y wit h i n
D e e p Vo r m a s k.
UXPHON
Along t h e weste rn edge of the B l ack Ri age m o u n ta i n
ra n ge l ies Deathwater Canyo n . A d i st i n g u i s h i n g
c h a racte ristic o f t h e canyon system i s t h e n etwo rk
of h u ge cera m i c p i pes t h at run t h rough it, exit i n g
fro m the s o l i d rock fo r a t i m e a n d d i s a p peari n g
b a c k i nto a canyon wa l l . The p i pes a re 1 0 t o 1 5 feet
(3 to 4 . 6 m) in d i a m eter a n d somet i m e s s p l it i nto
two o r th ree co n d u its at key j u n ct u re s . No one h a s
eve r d eterm i n ed where the p i p e l i n e o ri g i n ates o r
term i n ates, but the p i pes a re s a i d to be e m pty n ow,
o r mostly so.
T h e l a rge city of U x p h o n s it s at the h e a rt
of Deathwater Ca n yo n , a m i d a centra l co re of
the p i pe syste m w h e re s o m et h i n g sti l l fl ow s .
T h e 2 5 , 000 peo p l e t h at ca l l U xp h o n h o m e u s e
t h e p i pe s i n t w o ways : t h e e m pty co n d u it s
h ave beco m e t h o ro u g h fa re s , a n d t h e ot h e rs
rad i ate heat. T h e h o m e s of t h e wea l t h y a b ut t h e
warm p i pe s , w h i c h a l s o p rov i d e h ot a n d co l d
ru n n i n g wate r t h a n ks to s o m e rece n t i n gen i o u s
e n g i n e e r i n g of s m a l l p i pe s .
Uxphon i s a very old city. Seven fa m i l ie s t h at
h ave l ived there t h e l o n gest c l a i m n o b l e stat u s a n d
dwe l l i n a n cestral m a n o rs . Ru mors s a y t h at some
o r all of t h e b u i l d i ngs h ave h id d e n c h a m bers a n d
s u bterranean l eve l s where t h e n o b l e s h id e t h e i r
debaucheries, trea s u re s , a n d greatest secrets. Loca l
t h i eves c l a i m to h ave b roken i nto the m a n ors a n d
seen some of these secret p l ace s , but m o s t such
 LI M E NE
THE BEYOND

boasts a re p robably l i es. Of co u rse, t h at doesn't

mean t h e h id d e n c h a m bers d o n ' t exi st. The current champion of
Uxphon has a l a rge s l ave pop u l ation, and the the arena is Llaritan (level
city' s s l ave m arket i s re nowned. It's fueled by 8), a woman infamous for
the glad iatorial arena, where we l l -tra i ned s l ave her use of magnetism to
wield multiple weapons at
com bata nts fight each other as we l l as captive beasts.
once.
S u ccessfu l glad i ators not o n ly win their freed om but
can also become wea lthy i n their own right. A game favored by the

.:
crowds in the area is called
the Reaping, wherein
. . h t , , th
the combatants face off
amid an arena filled with
primary n at u ra l d ivision between the Steadfast and explosive organic pods.
the Beyo n d , the B l ack Ri age i s a p l ace of both d ifficu lty
and d a n ge r. The i n h a b itants of v i l l ages scatte red
t h roughout its expanse a re trappers or herders of rock
goats or s i m i l a r creat u res. A wide variety of a b h u m a n
tribes also dwe l l i n the mou ntai n s , i n c l u d i n g ma rgr,
c h i rog, and sathosh, as we l l as stra n ger, rarer b reed s.
Th ree main passes lead t h ro u g h the B l ack Riage,
although oth e r, secret passes exi st a s we l l . The
main ro utes-Tre m b l e Pass, Ce rdyn ' s Pass, a n d Legend has it that one
G a ri N ave-offer ca rava n s a n d trave l e rs t h e mea n s person was able to contact
t o cross the m o u n ta i n s without u n d ue d ifficulty, the intelligence in Mt.
although the pat h s a re steep a n d somet i m e s n a rrow. Zan/is. She did so by
I n t h e winter, a l l t h ree beco me very d a n ge ro u s , finding a secret chamber at
the heart of the mountain.
a n d the southern two a re a l m ost certa i n ly b l ocked ,
Finding it again proved
leav i n g Tre m b l e Pass as t h e o n l y pos s i bly clear impossible. Some speculate
pass age t h ro u g h the reg i o n . that the mountain can
reshape itselfas it needs to.
MT. ZANLIS
The ta l l est of the mou ntai n s in the B l ack Ri age at
2 3 ,000 feet (7,01 0 m) , Mt. Zani i s i s also known as
the Dark M aste r. M o st of those who dwe l l with i n
l 0 0 m i les (1 60 k m ) o f the peak bel ieve it t o be some
kind of l iving bei n g posses sed of great power, though
whether god or d ev i l none can say. Aeo n Priests
i nvestigat i n g the area s u ggest that the m o u nta i n ' s
core m i ght b e artifici a l , h o u s i n g a mach i n e inte l l i gence
with the a b i l ity to affect rea l ity on a fu n d a mental
l eve l . The potential motives, goa l s , o r outlook of
such a n i nte l l i gence re m a i n entirely co nject u re.
H oweve r, the loca l s talk of gree n ra i n , acid ic h a i l ,
other wei rd weather, u nexp l a i n ed l i ghts, changes i n
gravity or t h e flow o f time, t h e s u d d e n a p peara n ce of
stra n ge creatu res on the m o u nta i n ' s slopes, and the
d i sappearance of travelers, h u nters, or others that got
too close. And yet some exp lorers h ave traversed the
region many times without i ncident.

LEG RASH
Legrash is a mud-soaked, flea-infested, disgusting collection
ofhovels whose dirty, disease-ridden residents prey, one way
or another, upon the travelers trying to use Tremble Pass,
particularly pilgrims ofthe Wandering Walk. The locals say
"lay-graus, " but we call the place Leg-Rash, and there's good
reason. I wouldn't stay in that place any longer than I had to

1 77

Convergence, page 223
The atypically vicious
lattimors of Mencala Peak
are said by some to worship
dark gods. Others, however;
believe their hate has been
bred by generations ofpoor
treatment at the hands of
local human inhabitants,
whose bones now litter the
stony sides of the mountain.
The guardians of Hidden
Naresh are humans
genetically modified to be
hosts ofpoisonous worm like
creatures. The guards are
level 4, and the worms'
poison forces a Might
defense roll. Failure results
in moving one step down
the damage track.
unless I wanted to get some kind ofrash, orfar worse. Stay
the night in one oftheir two inns? No thank you.
About 500 people live in Leg-Rash, and every one of
them is a degenerate. from the storekeepers and merchants
who triple any reasonable pricefor anything you might
want, to the even less ambitiousfolk who willjust slit your
throatfor the shins in your pocket, assuming they can get
up offtheir drunk, lazy asses long enough to do it.
-Te l l us Fe rtrek, m e rchant caravan g u a rd
EMPTY SANCTUM
One of the t h ree m a i n citad e l s of the Convergence,
the E m pty Sanct u m is not e m pty at a l l , despite its
name. It's located in the footh i l l s at the ed ge of the
m o u nta i n s , and the local people-wh o a re few-stay
away, con s ideri n g the citade l to be a p l ace of great evi l .
MENCALA PEAK
The ru mbling volcano cal led M encala Peak is another tal l
mountai n i n t h e Black Riage. It's t h e home o f not o n e but
two tribes of savage latti mors that attack humans-and
anyone else, including each other--on sight.
HIDDEN NARESH
Deep in the B l ack Riage, tu cked away a s if by
accident, l i ke a cheap ri n g fa l l e n from a finger i nto
the depths of a pocket, rests H i d d e n N a re s h . With
a ro u n d 1 ,000 i n h a bitants, H id d e n N a re s h i s a
toad stool of a city, grow i n g i n the d a rk, s u c k i n g the
n utrients from the wo rld a ro u n d it, poiso n i n g t h e air
a n d the m i n d s of its i n h a b itants with eve ry pass i n g
m o m e nt o f i t s existence.
H e re the l i ght i s l ow, and the morale m o re so.
Yet i n o rd e r to pass t h rough t h e m o u n ta i n s o n t h i s
route, y o u m u st a l s o p a s s t h ro u g h the morass t h at i s
H i d d e n N a re s h .
T h i s i s h ow H i d d e n N a re s h eats y o u a l ive: enter
from the west, the land of the Steadfast, where most
i s clean a n d k i n d a n d l i ght, where t h e re i s rule and
l aw t h at can be grasped by eve n the s i m plest of
m i n d s . Leave beh i n d the l i ght, the l aw, t h e l iv i n g .
E nter the wo rld of the d a rk, the destroyed , the dead .
The gates of H id d e n N a re s h sta n d pale a n d
p h o s p h o rescent i n the d a rkness. N e a r t h e m , a n d
yo u ' l l s e e t h e faces o f t h o s e who serve a s gate posts.
N e a re r sti l l and you wi l l see the holes t h at l i n e the
l u m i nescent bod ies, row upon row of pe rfect d a r k
we l l s i n the fl e s h . Too near, a n d yo u ' l l see t h at the
h o l e s a re n ot e m pty. I n s i d e each one, a worm l i ke
creatu re wiggles a n d p u l se s , t h r u st i n g its pale head
i nto the worl d , b l i n d eyes a n d open mouth searc h i n g
t h e a i r fro m i n s i d e i t s b l ack d e n . Do n ot l o o k i nto t h e
gaze o f t h o s e w h o sta nd g u a rd a s t h e gate, fo r they
a re a l so fi l led with a b l ack e m pt i n e s s , with wrigg l i n g
g r u b s fo r t h e wh ites o f t h e i r eye s .
As y o u atte m pt to pass betwee n t h e gate posts, t h e
1 78
wo rm-t h i ngs extend fa rt h e r fro m t h e i r body cave s ,
b ru s h i n g aga i n st yo u r h a n d s , yo u r w r i s t s , yo u r face.
Do n ot h a rm t h e m . Let them seek co mfort in yo u r
to u c h . I t ' s been so l o n g s i n ce th ey've h ad s k i n to
b r u s h aga i n st.
Yo u may pass if yo u can sto mach the
u nd e rsta n d i n g t h at t h i s i s j u st the begi n n i n g. That
yo u r trave l s wi l l get worse before t h ey get bette r. T h at
it's n ot yo u r body t h at is i n d a n ge r h e re , but yo u r
m i n d , yo u r ve ry s a n ity. Th i s i s t h e d a r k legacy-th e
deadly p ro m i se-t h at i s H i d d e n N a re s h .
Step fa rt h e r, c o m e i n s i d e . H e re, yo u ' l l fi n d t h e
ste nch o f grow i n g a n d dyi n g t h i ngs so r i p e t h at yo u
wo n d e r if a d eath fro m lack of a i r wo u l d be p refe ra b l e
t o be i n g a l ive a n d b reat h i n g t h i s fo u l exh a u st.
Ben eath yo u r feet, mud s u cks at yo u r ste p s , a s if
seeki n g to d rag you i nto t h e d e pth s . The wood e n
wal kways, of which t h e re a re few, sag w i t h rot a n d
m i l d ew. Struct u res a re b u i lt i nto the m o u n ta i n crags,
atop t h e rott i n g s ke l eto n s of ot h e r b u i l d i n g s , fro m
h a n g i n g te n d r i l s h i gh a bove, a n d eve n on stilts t h at
s i n k deep i nto t h e m u ck. The b l ack l i q u i d t h at ru n s
d own t h e sto n e a n d across t h e toes o f yo u r boots i s
t h i c k a n d visco u s . M u s h rooms a n d fu n g i l i ne eve ry
s u rface with ghostly pale bod i e s .
When yo u r eyes adj u st, yo u ' l l s e e t h at w h at fi rst
appeared to be a city e m pty of l i fe q u ickly becomes
a city of m ovi ng, b reat h i n g s h a d ows. Tucked i nto
eve ry bit of b l ackness is a p a i r of eye s , a d i rty m o u t h ,
gro p i n g h a n d s . A few a re h u m a n , although the d i rt
a n d d a rkness m a ke it h a rd to te l l . Others a re clea rly
someth i n g e l s e , a fact e a s i l y d i scovered by a ru sted
s q u e a l of meta l , a s l it h e r of tentacle, the clack of
bone o n bone. Some m i ght offe r ware s , w h i l e oth e rs
beg for an offe r i n g of food or d r i n k. Sex is eas i ly had
fo r a sum, should you d a re to ri s k it, as a re creatu res
a n d tri n kets . M ost a b u n d a n t a re offe r i n g s of mycos
any n u m be r of m i n d -a lteri n g a n d m i nd - e n h a n c i n g
d rugs made fr o m the m u s h rooms, fu n g i , a n d a l gae
t h at a re both w i l d -grow i n g a n d cultivated i n the city.
Perh a p s the chea pest t h i n g i n H id d e n N a res h i s yo u r
own deat h , p roffe red u p fo r l ittl e more t h a n w h at you
m i ght h ave in yo u r pockets.
I f you see red a n d blue l i ghts glowi n g i n t h e
d a rk n e s s , t h ey may ca l l l i ke s i re n s , u rgi n g yo u
fo rwa rd so t h at yo u m i ght see someth i n g at l ast,
but d o n ot fo l l ow t h e m . These a re the a l gae fa r m s ,
stagn a n t poo l s of l i q u id where the most pote nt o f
the mycos a re grow n . Along the s u rface of e a c h poo l ,
b l u e a n d green a n d p u rp l e stra i n s o f a l gae t h rive
ben eath the red and b l u e l i ghts. S h a r i n g the poo l s
w i t h the a l gae a re t h e worst o f t h e mycos a d d i cts,
barely cogn izant creatu res who n o l o n ge r n otice o r
ca re t h at th ey've beco m e l ittl e more t h a n l iv i n g fu e l
to powe r the l i ghts e m bedded i n t h e i r bod ies.
Ask a nyo n e o n t h e street who rules H id d e n

N a re s h , a n d t h ey' l l say, " N o o n e , " or perh a p s , " M e . "
But i n trut h , the city i s r u l ed b y The Sorcan , a m a n s o
ridd led with i m p l e mentat i o n s a n d u pgrades t h at it' s
a l most i m po s s i b l e to te l l whether he truly i s-o r eve r
was-h u m a n . H e gives off a we i rd gl ow, somet i m e s
ye l l ow a n d somet i m e s o ra n ge, but it' s h a rd to say
whet h e r it comes d i rect ly fro m h i s s k i n o r fro m h i s
b i o m ech a n ical parts. H e i s often fo u n d t ra i p s i n g t h e
rott i n g wood wal kways o f t h e city, fo l l owed b y h i s
h a re m of N i bovi a n Wives , w h o p rotect h i m i n return
fo r t h e safe s pace a n d fe rt i l e m e n p rovides.
The Sorcan i s n ot rut h l e s s , fo r to be rut h less
o n e m u st care, at least a l itt le. I n stead , h e see m s
enti rely u n co n cerned w i t h the ra b b l e a n d fi l t h a t h i s
feet. R u m o r h i nts t h at h e d o e s n ot s l e e p w i t h h i s
N i bovi a n wive s , n o r with any oth e r creatu re t h at
i n h a b its the tow n , t h at he does n ot eat, a n d t h at
he does l ittl e i n the way of ru l i ng. He see m s utte rly
content to l et the city grow as it wi l l and exi st a s it
wi l l , a s long as h e can wa l k the d a rkness and retreat
to h i s s i m p l e sto n e h o u s e in the city' s south e n d .
There a re t h o s e who s a y t h at The Sorcan h a s fa l l e n
t o the powe r o f the mycos , a n d perhaps h e h a s . B u t
oth e r w h i s pers te l l o f d a rker attract i o n s with i n t h e
city t h at h o l d h i s atte ntio n s .
Perh a p s , if yo u 've m a d e it t h i s fa r w i t h yo u r m i n d
a n d body i ntact, you a re t h e person t o a s k h i m .
Perh a p s he' l l eve n te l l yo u .
TITANIC RIDGE
A p l ace where sto n e m eets s ky to pose tanta l iz i n g
d a n gers, the so-ca l l ed Tita n i c R i d ge i s a ve ry h i g h ,
very s h eer d ro p-off s l ic i n g i t s way t h ro u g h the B l ack
Riage. The ridge rises 1 0,000 feet (3 ,050 m) a bove
its base. A series of metal towe rs ru n s the l e n gth of
the c l i ff top, about 1 5 m i l es (24 km) . Beca u s e these
towe rs a re covered with red a n d blue l i ghts, most
sti l l fu ncti o n a l , they a re best seen at n i ght. I t ' s said
t h at those who m a n age to sca l e the c l i ffs (a series of
ten cl i m b i n g tasks, each l evel 7) fi n d t h at the towers
a re associated with an i nterd i me n s i o n a l gate a n d
n i g h - i n co m p re h e n s i b l e b e i n g s co m posed o f m atte r
a n d e n e rgy at the s a m e t i m e .
CURTARIS
I t ' s h a rd to fi n d , but if you go looki n g for it, yo u
m i ght fi n d a l o n g box canyon on t h e eastern ed ge
of t h e B l ack R i age m o u nta i n s . At t h e e n d of t h e
canyon sta n d s a n e n o r m o u s stat u e o f a vaguely
h u m a n fi g u re . H o l d i n g his h a n d s a bove his head,
t h e seated man a p pears to be h o l d i n g t h e sun a l oft
i n t h e s ky. I n fa ct, a v i s u a l d i stort i o n fi e l d m a ke s
it seem t h at t h e s u n a lways a p pears i n h i s h a n d s ,
regard l e s s o f t h e t i m e o f d ay o r eve n t h e weat h e r. At
n i ght, t h e fi g u re a p pears to be h o l d i n g t h e m o o n ,
w h i c h i s a l ways fu l l .
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
About th ree h u n d red years ago, peo p l e came
to the canyon a n d d i scovered the m a s s ive statue, The Sorcan: level 8, all
which rises 400 feet ( 1 22 m) i nto the s ky. They
defenses as level 7 O; 34
health; 5 points ofArmor;
ca l l ed it C u rtar a n d b u i lt t h e i r com m u n ity a ro u n d hidden, built-in, mono
i t s b a s e . To the h a rdy a n d fa i t h fu l fo l k o f t h i s city, point dart thrower with
C u rtar i s the creator of the u n iverse a n d t h e b ri n ge r long range inflicting 2
a n d s u st a i n e r of l ife. M ost of t h e 3 ,000 peo p l e of t h e points of damage that
tow n , C u rta ris, belong to t h i s cult a n d spend t h e i r ignore Armor (level 8
poison causes paralysis for
l ives t ryi n g to e n act t h e wi l l o f t h e i r god .
ten minutes)
T h e peo p l e of C u rtaris a re fo r b i d d e n to l e ave
t h e canyo n . The d oct r i n e s of C u rtar state t h at Nibovian wife, page 249
a n y st rayi n g fro m t h e canyon wi l l be cu rsed with
a h o rrific p l ag u e , which means t h at a n y w h o do
sneak away can never ret u r n . B u t few peo p l e eve r
t ry to leave. T h ey re m a i n i n C u rtaris t h e i r w h o l e
l ive s , grow i n g t h e i r fo o d a n d c reat i n g wh ateve r t h ey
n eed .
Somei is the leader of t h e city a n d the cu lt. Somei: level 4, level 5 in all
Extremely i n te l l i gent and ca p a b l e , she i s faithfu l ly interactions, seeing through
deception, and numenera
d evoted to C u rtar a n d t h e com m u n ity.
knowledge
I n the m a i n square of Curtaris sta n d s a m a s s ive
synth screen, meas u r i n g a l most 1 5 feet (4. 6 m)
across. From a panel in her cham bers, Somei contro l s
the i m ages that a p p e a r o n the scree n , b roadcast fo r
a l l t o see. S h e u s e s t h i s t o convey i nformation t o t h e
pop u l ace as we l l as t o con d u ct re l i gious rites with t h e
enti rety o f the pop u l ation a t once, eve ry morn i n g at
d awn and every eve n i n g at d u s k.
THE SLANT MILIEU
There i s a p l ace where t h e rocks w h i stle l u l l a b ies to
t h e i r p e b b l ed c h i l d re n , where eve n the stoutest trees
and the a n griest m o u n ta i n s bow before the p re s s
of i n v i s i b l e h a n d s , where a m a n wo u l d take h i s l ife
before he fought to sta n d stra i ght aga i n st the wa i l
o f t h e we l ke rwi n d . There i s a p l ace where t h e s o u n d
o f terror i s s i lent a n d where the dead l iest foe i s a n
i nv i s i b l e twi st o f a i r.
1 79
 BLACK RIAGE HEARSAY
Roots of the Mou ntain: Far below Mt.
J aspar i n the southern part of the range is
a small s u bterranean civi l ization of bestia l , al most
apel i ke a b h u m a n s . U n l i ke most of their ki n d ,
they d o n ' t ra id h u man settlements-i n fact, they
"It is interesting that never leave their own u n l it rea l m-but they are
humans call this the
q u ite hosti le to i ntruders. Rumor has it that these
Ninth World, but they
have no idea how many a b h u m a n s possess a powerfu l n u menera device
prior 'worlds' actually that restores fu l l health to those nearly dead-and
preceded it. " -Visixtru, even gives life to those recently s l a i n .
varjel/an philosopher
Rock Slide: An ava l a nche i n t h e m o u ntai n s h a s
co m p l etely c u t o ff a s m a l l vi l l age fro m t h e rest
of the worl d . The peo p l e there need food a n d
med i c i n e , but no o n e knows h ow t o reach t h e m .
THE WEIRD OF THE BLACK RIAGE
Mystic Align ment: At a ce rta i n s pot in the
n o rt h e rn part of t h e B l ack Riage, the m o u n ta i n
Caffa, page 233
pea ks-when seen fr o m above-re s e m b l e
t h e pos itions o f the stars i n t h e n o rthern s ky
overhead . A s k i l led astro n o m e r wi l l te l l you t h at
t h e positio n i n g i s n ot a p recise matc h , but i n
twe nty-th ree years, i t wi l l be.
T h at p l ace i s the S l a nt M i l i e u .
The we l ke rwind-the fierce, angry blow that storms
d own off the B l ack Riage a l most constantly-i s both
the S l a nt's savior and its j a i l e r. The wide stri p of land
i n the Beyond i s p u m meled d ay i n and d ay out, its
trees bend i n g sideways, its mounta i n s t u rn i n g their
poi nted to ps toward the gro u n d . The few creat u res
and fewe r people who b rave the elements to l ive here
h ave become stooped and h u nched . Low and slow i s
the com m o n refra i n a m o n g the people o f t h e S l a nt.
The trees i n the a rea bend at s h a rp a n g l e s ,
typ ica l ly a fo o t o r two above t h e gro u n d . T h i s creates
u n u s u a l s h apes t h at a re coveted by s h i p- b u i lders,
carpenters, a n d others who work with wood . Those
who can get i n a n d out of t h e a rea with a t ree and
with their l i fe i ntact easily fi n d a buyer fo r the fi rst
(and a re glad to h ave the second) . E nterpri s i n g
b u s i n e s s owners h ave tried p l a n t i n g certa i n types
of trees h e re, atte m pt i n g to create n u rseries, but
t h e wel kerwi n d scatte rs a h u ge percentage of those
s a p l i ngs l o n g before t h ey can take root.
There a re few towns in the S l ant, if they can even
be cal led towns. Those who l ive in them cal l them
bu rrows, and truly that i s a better term. Each col l ection
of h u m a n s l ives i n a handfu l of underground room s
and i nterco n nected tunnels. T h e tunnels were b u i lt
not by their cu rrent i n h abitants but by someone or
someth i n g long ago. They wind on i n a see m i n gly
endless ta ngle, far more exten s ive than needed to
1 80
house the s m a l l n u m ber of people l iving there tod ay.
The res i d e nts ca refu l ly seal off t h e t u n n e l s past
the poi nt where they need the pass ages to s u rvive,
u s i n g a mix of mud and w i n d - ro u nded pebbles t h at
a re co m mo n to the a rea. The seals not o n ly p rotect
t h e m fro m a d d i t i o n a l w i n dways but a l so decrease t h e
c h a n ce of attack. We l l - p rotected , w i n d less b u rrows
a re m u c h in d e m a n d by oth e r h u m a n s a n d by
creat u re s who seek s h e lter.
T h e re i s m u ch to fea r i n t h e S l a n t b e s i d e s t h e
wel kerwi n d . Creat u re s o f t h e a rea h ave a d a pted a
variety of mech a n i s m s , m a ny of t h e m d a n ge ro u s , to
defe n d t h e m selves a n d t h e i r yo u n g aga i n st t h e h i g h
w i n d s . Fo r exa m p l e , t h e s e s s i l s a re l ow-crawl i n g
m a rs u p i a l s whose yo u n g s pe n d t h e i r early l ives i n
p o u c h e s be i n g d ragged a l o n g t h e g ro u n d , a n d t h e
l ofty boab g l i d e rs a re flyi n g carn ivores t h at u s e t h e
w i n d to t h e i r adva ntage w h e n d iv i n g d own towa rd
p rey.
The l a rge carn ivoro u s i n s ects known as caffa
h ave perhaps beco m e the most d a n ge ro u s of a l l .
With t h e i r cloaked eye s a n d t h e i r wings o f i ridescent
go l d g l e a m , caffa h ave learned to n avi gate at gro u n d
l evel a n d bel ow, flyi n g t h rough t h e t u n neled mazes
ben eath the eart h . A flap of t h e i r stro n g wings is
e n o u g h to send a man flyi ng. Two fl a p s , and a m a n
wi l l fi n d the w i n d a fa r e a s i e r fo rce t o withsta n d .
A t certa i n t i m e s o f the year, a s i n g l e w i n g fl utte r
a l so re leases a s p ray of eggs, a l l of wh ich d i g i nto
the gro u n d to cocoon before beco m i n g caffa l a rva
rave n o u s creatu res t h at a p p reci ate the ta ste of
co rpses a s we l l a s t h at of l iv i n g fl e s h . A caffa l a rva
can eat ten t i m e s its we ight in a s i n gle n i ght.
Caffa a re also o n e of the few rea s o n s a nyo n e
wo u l d c h o o s e to b rave s u c h a p l ace a s the S l a nt.
T h e i r go l d g l e a m wings a re m u ch coveted by those
i n m o re civi l ized p l aces fo r d ecorative p u rposes,
a n d the cocoons of their yo u n g a re gathered and
s p u n i nto s i l ste r, a nearly u n b reaka b l e go l d e n t h read.
Beca u s e of their s m a l l size, many caffa w i n g s and
cocoons m u st be co l l ected to p rod u ce eve n a meager
trade a m o u nt, but the p rofit i s so h i gh t h at many a re
wi l l i n g to take t h e ri s k. Those who trek t h e caffa trade
ro ute, carry i n g go l d g l e a m and s i l ster fro m the S l a nt
to those who d e s i re it, wi l l a l so l i kely fi n d t h e m s e lves
we l l rewa rd ed, s h o u l d t h ey safely m a ke the trip.
After t h e caffa, oth e r h u m a n s a re perh a p s the
most d a n ge ro u s creatu res to l i fe a n d l i m b h e re.
Abh u m a n s somet i m e s seek s h elter i n t h e b u rrows,
a l o n e o r i n gro u p s . The S l ant h a s a cri m i n a l
co nti n ge n cy a s we l l . Lo n g ago, C h a l l a d i e n 1 1 , t h e
former e m p re s s o f t h e Pyt h a ro n E m p i re a n d a
wo m a n with a s pecial affi n ity for go l d g l e a m a n d
s i l ster, s e n t a l a rge gro u p o f cri m i n a l s a n d g u a rd s
t o t h e a rea i n t h e hopes o f b ri n g i n g back q u a ntities
l a rge e n o u g h to satisfy h e r need s . H e r plan was fo r

the cri m i n a l s to stay as h a rvesters w h i l e h e r g u a rd s
trave led back a n d fo rth with t h e good s . B u t h e r
g u a rd s n ever ret u rned , a n d the cri m i n a l s d i scovered
t h at they'd been sent to the pe rfect p l ace to h i d e
fro m t h e worl d . They a n d t h e i r fa m i l ies stay o n ,
t h i ev i n g , ki l l i ng, a n d sel l i n g t h e i r s p o i l s to t h o s e w h o
wa l k t h e g o l d g l e a m ro ute.
There a re two sta n d i n g struct u res in the S l a nt: the
w i n d m o l d e n s and the S u s u rrus. The w i n d m o l d e n s
a re as b l ack as n i ght a n d h u n d re d s o f feet tal l , with
m u lt i p l e long arms t h at catch the w i n d . B u i lt fro m an
u n known material t h at n ot o n ly withsta n d s t h e gale
but capt u re s a n d conta i n s it, the w i n d m o l d e n s seem
ca p a b l e of p rod u c i n g enormous a m o u nts of e n e rgy if
o n ly someone co u l d d i scern h ow.
The S u s u rru s rises nearly 1 00 feet (30 m) and i s b u i lt
of a variety of metal and synth tu bes in a wide ra nge of
s izes, a l l p laced at seem i n gly haphazard angles. B roken
wh i rl igigs swi rl wi l d ly at the end of some of the tubes,
wh ile torn fl ags wh i p at others. B its of glass and stone
hang from s i l ster thread s, banging i nto each other. It
seems i m possible that such a s l i pshod structu re cou l d
sta nd the test o f time and w i n d .
Those w i t h a n ear fo r m u s i c, h owever, q u ickly fi n d
t h at the S u s u rrus i s the oppos ite of s l a p d a s h . I n fact,
at any given a n g l e a n d stre n gth of w i n d , the structu re
p rovides not w i n d res i stance but w i n d passage,
creat i n g h a u nt i n g , eth e real m u s i c t h at can be heard
t h roughout the S l a nt a n d beyo n d .
INGWALD
At the far end of G ari N ave, the southern most pass
through the Black Ri age, crouches a modest-s ized town
ca l l ed l n gwald. Once the home of h u nters and trappers
that traverse the mounta i n s to the west and the forest
to the east, l ngwald is now better known as a town of
cutth roats and th ieves. The de facto ru ler of l ngwa ld
i s a l attimor na med G ravi s h - M o rel , who commands
a band of river pi rates that operate on the Wei byway.
Before G ravi s h - M orel and h i s sco u n d rels came to town,
the com m u n ity was led by Ta rae, a rugged h u man
woman who had worked as a scout and guide before
accepting the mantle of leaders h i p. No one knows
where Tarae i s now, but the pi rates and thieves h ave run
thi ngs i n l ngwa ld for more than a year now.
}{ ;!) :;
"[
d i attri b utes
define the Caeci l i a n J u ngle. Other people use
harsher word s. Death. Destruction. Monsters. Madness.
Cove ri n g m o re t h a n 500 s q u a re m i l es ( 1 ,295
sq. km) , t h e Caeci l i a n J u n g l e i s d e n s e with t rees ,
u n d erbru s h , rivers, fo g , a n d ra i n . N at u ra l a n d
mec h a n ical creat u res sta l k i t s s h o res, l i e i n wait
a l o n g the branches, and wing t h e i r way d own u p o n
p rey i n t h e d a rk of n i ght.
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
Why g o a t a l l , t h e n ? Why enter its d a rk bord e rs
a n d ri s k l i fe, l i m b, a n d s a n ity? The j u n g l e h a s
t rea s u res to be fo u n d , a n c i e n t god s t o be awo ke n ,
a n d wo n d e rs t o be d i s cove red . Desp ite the fact t h at
t h e re a re no known re ports of a nyo n e ret u rn i n g from
a visit to the Caeci l i a n , be l i evers co nti n u e to p l a n
exped itions to i t s tangled i n n a rd s .
M a ke s h ift ca m p s h ave s p r u n g u p at va rious
poi nts a ro u n d t h e edges of the j u ngle. Typ ical ly
created by peo p l e who canceled t h e i r trek at t h e
l a st m i n ute, these ca m p s a re p l aces of s h elter a n d
i nformation s h a ri n g. They s e l l j u ngle m a p s t h at
poi nt out the l ocat i o n s of va rious god s a n d features,
but eve ry m a p i s d iffe rent fro m ca m p to ca m p (and
somet i m e s eve n wit h i n the s a m e ca m p) . Exp l o re rs
can a l so p u rchase s l ightly u sed too l s , as we l l a s
great q u a ntities of tifo fruits, a b itte r podfru it t h at i s
exto l l ed fo r i t s a b i l ity t o ca l m n e rves.
There a re bel ieved to be at least five wo n d e rs
with i n t h e co nfines of t h e j u ngle:
L e Tem ple de Frogue: A g i a nt sto n e te m p l e of a
h u m a n o i d frog rests i n the m i d d l e of a swa m py
river. A fe rt i l ity sym bol, the frogo i d i nvites
exp l o rers i nto h e r te m p l e t h ro u g h the open
doorway between h e r legs. Her l owe r l eve l s a re
cove red i n the deep swa m p t h at s u rro u n d s h e r.
Frogs, n ewts , flyi n g fi s h , a n d oth e r a m p h i b i o u s
creatu res fl o c k to h e r.
The Wild G arden: A wa l l of e lectricity 1 0 feet (3
m) h i g h s u rro u n d s a ca refu l ly tended gard e n
of genetica l ly e n h a n ced carn ivoro u s p l ants.
M e m be rs of the S a rrace n i a n s , a gro u p of sch o l a rs
t h at stu d i e s a n d wors h i p s u n iq u e p l a nts, often
c l a i m t h at the Wild G a rd e n i s t h e i r mecca.
Archeol : I n t h i s m i n i at u re city, each b u i l d i n g
sta n d s n o t a l l e r t h a n a h u m a n ' s k n e e s .
T h e i n h a b i t a n t s a re s o m et i m e s s a i d to be
s u p e r n a t u r a l b e i n g s , s o m et i m e s m e c h a n i ca l , Lattimor, page 7 22
a n d s o m et i m e s j u st very s m a l l h u m a n s . C l e a rly,
Gravish-Morel: level 6;
s o m e o n e sti l l u s e s t h e c ity, b u t t h ey' re e i t h e r
health 28; has an artifact
i n v i s i b l e o r a d e pt at h i d i n g . that produces a fieryforce
T h e Mali ngeri ng Valley: T h i s d e e p , d a rk cut field that (when active)
t h ro u g h the earth i s always i n u n natural s h a d ow. gives him 4 points ofArmor
Co l d s p r i n gs t h at ru n u n d e rgro u n d eru pt reg u l a rly and inflicts 4 points of
in s pouts of co l d wate r, i ce ste a m , a n d s m a l l damage to all in immediate
range
creatu res carried fro m t h e d e pt h s .
T h e Westwi nd: T h i s j u n gl e e l e m e n t i s eve r
m ov i n g with i n its a rea, a corkscrewed tornado
t h at carries t ree s , a n i m a l s , a n d all m a n n e r of
debris i n its ci rcu l a r gri p . C h a n g i n g in s ize
d e p e n d i n g o n what it h o l d s , the d i a meter of t h e
We stw i n d can be a s s m a l l a s a h u m a n o r a s l a rge
a s 3 0 feet (9 m ) acro s s . Its destructive path i s
easy t o fo l l ow, a s it' s stro n g e n o u g h t o r i p trees
fro m the g ro u n d and d ra g l a rge o bj ects fo r l o n g
d i stances.
181
 If you could look at the Caeci l i a n J u ngle from the
a i r, you'd see that the vast forest sti l l holds m uch of its
original shape: a n oblong star with five points. Along
the edges, where the forest meets the rest of the world,
the trees a re taller and d a rker, close enough and tight
enough to create a l ivi n g wal l . At the widest section of
each poi nt, right before it joins the center of the sta r
shape, s its one of the five wonders. Although the j u n gle
i s overgrown and tangled now, it seems to h ave been
the carefu l creation of lovi ng-and very l arge-hands.
LE TEMPLE DE FROGUE
Here, a t last, lies the thing I have been searchingfor
all ofthese years. Others scoffed, sure. Still others
questioned my sanity. Because that is what one does
when placed next to brilliance. In coming up short, they
must regain their status by what they tell themselves
about me. It all comes back to me, clearly, just as it
came back to me to do what was asked of me.
The gods never talked to me, not a one ofthem, not even
when I was little and needed someone to tell me that I was
acceptable, not a monster, not a hideous, horrendous thing
that deserved to be stuffed deep into the mud and muck. No.
Here, among my own kind, resting at the feet ofmy
own image, surrounded by my own self, I am at home.
I deserve the mud and muck, surely, but only because
the mud is reverence, the muck is godlike, because this is
petfection and I wear its blessing.
-The Frog King
1 82
Located deep i n the heart of t h e Caeci l i a n J u ngle,
Le Te m p l e d e Frogue i s a m u ch sought-after
fe rt i l ity sym b o l . Ru mors te l l tales of sponta n e o u s
p regnancies, beneficial m utat i o n s , a n d i n creased
fe rti l ity. The h u m a n o i d frog re m a i n s s i lent o n the
i s s ue, i nvit i n g exp l o rers to d i scove r fo r t h e m se lves
what awa its i n s i d e her te m p l e door.
J u st i n s i d e h e r fro nt door i s a ro u n d great roo m .
W h i l e t h e re, l o o k u p-yo u c a n s e e a l l t h e way to t h e
cu rved roof, a n d yo u ' l l catch g l i m pses of t h e seven
floors above the gro u n d leve l .
The great roo m featu res a l a rge, c l e a r wate rfa l l
t h at fl ows fro m t h e t o p floor a n d s p l a s h e s t o the
swa m p bel ow. I n s i d e t h e c u rta i n of water rest two
syn th statues of tad poles, positioned as if they' re
swi m m i n g up t h e fa l l s . D e s p ite t h e i r age a n d t h e
p res s u re of the wate r, t h e tad poles a re pristi ne,
t h e i r ca refu l etc h i ngs a n d d eta i l s sti l l i ntact. At the
top of t h e falls, h i gh a bove, sits a s m a l l e r re p l ica of
Le Te m p le, h e r frog legs s p read wide o n either side
of the wate r. This i s clearly a n altar to Le Te m p l e ,
a l t h o u g h n o offe r i n g s can be see n .
I n add ition t o t h e seven floors that rise above the
main level, there a re also room s i n s ide each of the legs
as wel l as beneath the ground floor (although those
are flooded with swa m p water; travelers wi l l need water
s k i l l s or eq u i p ment to exp lore them at length) .
At the far wa l l , v i s itors can ra i s e or l owe r a
mech a n ical p l atform to reach t h e u p pe r floors.
 LI M E NE
THE BEYOND

}{ Caecilian Hearsay
" rf'
Des p ite its age, the p l atform works s m ooth ly, givi n g
The Frog King: level 6; 3 0
the i m p re s s i o n t h at it' s u s e d reg u l a rly. The Trapped Man: R u m o r h a s it t h at a
health; large, amphibious
The Frog K i n g, a frogo i d m utant who was scorned m a n n a med Rorvic i s tra p ped wit h i n Le Te m p l e body allows him to move
and ostracized by his fa m i ly a n d soci ety fo r h i s d e Frogue, h e l d prisoner b y the k i n g t h e re. Rorvic rapidly (long range) and
a m p h i b i a n appeara n ce a n d h a bits, h a s taken Le knows the l ocation of a vast hoard of va l u a b l e attack with a jumping
Te m p l e for h i s wife. He h a u nts h e r i nte rnal roo m s , treas u re s a n d secrets o f t h e past. kick that does 7 points of
bel iev i n g t h at a l l frogs with i n t h e te m p l e a re t h e i r
damage and knocks down
foes (causing them to lose
ch i l d re n . H e i s jea l o u s a n d para n o i d o f any w h o The Blue Ache: A terri ble d i sease ca l l ed the B l u e one turn); his pores excrete
co m e t o wors h i p a t t h e a l t a r o f h i s b r i d e , be l i evi n g Ach e has b ro ken o u t i n a v i l l age south o f t h e a toxic poison that inflicts
t h at they i ntend to take h i s p l ace as h e r rightfu l j u ngle, and the S a rrace n i a n s s a y t h e cure i s a rare 3 points of damage to
h usband and king. leaf found o n ly in the depths of the Caeci l i a n . any creature that touches
I n h i s time a t the te m p le, h e h a s d i scove red s o m e him with bare flesh or any
creature that he strikes.
o f the n u menera l e ft b y fo r m e r wors h i ppers and The Seven Pyramids: Seven vaguely pyramid-shaped
has p uzzled out its secrets. Using the d evices, the devices of unearth ly metal are thought to be keyed Anura: level 2; when
Frog King h a s created an a rmy of a n u ra: fo l l owers to the Caeci lian j u ngle. These n u menera devices attacking in groups ofat
b u i lt of m u d , l iv i n g frogs, and dead wors h i ppers. hail from some other world , but if gathered give a least eight, attack as a level
Due to expe ri mentation and the occasional lack pair of u sers (it m u st be two i n d ivid uals) strange 4 creature that inflicts 6
of a p p ropriate parts, a n u ra vary i n appearance. control over the very natu re of the j u ngle, suggesting points of damage
One m i ght h ave a body of mud, the l i m bs of dead a due to its origi ns. The pyramids were gathered by
wo rs h i ppers, and two frog head s tra i ned for attacki ng. a woman named Daiwesi 400 years ago, but then,
Another m i ght h ave a h u ma n head and body with frog for reasons u n known, they were scattered across the
l i m bs that al low it to move ra pidly toward o p ponents. N i nth World. They have not been recovered si nce.
The king con s i d e rs the a n u ra to be his true ch i l d re n ,
as they carry elements of both h i m self and L e Te m p le. The Weird of the Caecilian jungle
The Frog King fights out of j e a l o u sy a n d para n o i a . The Pit of Horrors: Wit h i n the confines of the
H e i s less i nterested i n p rotect i n g h i s q ueen a n d j u ngle lies a dark pit of u n known depths. M ach ines
h i s yo u n g t h a n h e i s i n p rotect i n g h i s o w n p l ace as appeari ng to be l ittle more than an elaborate mass Despite the fact that she's
Le Te m p l e ' s h u s ba n d . H e sends his a rmy of a n u ra of mechan ized blades and al most serpentl i ke kept her silent, unmoving
to deal with i ntruders a n d s h ows h i mself o n ly after mouths l u rch out of the pit from time to time, grab vigilfor years, Le Temple
(level 8) is not entirely
most of them h ave been s l a i n . wh atever l iving creatures they come upon, and d rag
unliving. Ifshe deems that
T h e a n u ra seem e n d l e s s , b u t each o n e i s fa i rly them down i nto the pit, never to be seen aga i n . those who come to her door
easy to co n q u e r. They h ave a vari ety of attack types are worthy, she assists them
(kick, to ngue l a s h , o r poison) , but each a n u ra can T h e U ndyi ng Tri be: A t r i b e o f h u m a n s l ives i n t h e in theirfight against the
m a ke o n ly o n e type of attack, a n d each attack (no j u ngle, l iv i n g a savage exi stence of ca n n i b a l i s m . Frog King but not against
m atte r the type) d e a l s 1 point of d a m age. The rea l Fo r rea s o n s u n known , t h e s e peo p l e d o n ot his armies-that, explorers
must do on their own. To be
d a n ge r i s the pote n t i a l t o be ove rwhel med b y t h e seem to age past m at u rity. T h e i r v i o l e nt l ives a re
considered worthy, a visitor
s h eer vo l u m e o f attackers. often cut s h o rt, but some h ave re portedly l ived must make an attempt
h u n d red s of years. (no matter how fumbling)
to worship at the altarjust
inside her front door.
Le Temple's assistance
comes in the form of her
blessing, which temporarily
gives one chosen ally
froglike reflexes (+ 7 Speed
Edge) and decreases the
attack prowess of the
Frog King by one step.
The blessing lasts for ten
minutes.

1 83
 !. t;, ; c g; h P
stretch from the southern end of the Caeci lian J u ngle
f ru
to the northern edge of the Ba-Ade n u Forest. The
northern most part of the plains are somewhat arid ,
but the rol l i n g flatlands farther south are fertile and
temperate.
W i l d h e rd s of swift e s p ro n a n d p l od d i n g re pti l i a n
carnet h o s a u rs roa m the p l a i n s , p reyed u po n by
Callerail, page 234 ca l l e ra i l , ith syn , and p a l l o n e s .
lthsyn, page 24 7 There a re no cities on t h e p l a i n s , but s m a l l
Pallone, page 25 7
tow n s a n d a l d e i a , mostly fa rm i n g co m m u n ities,
d ot the l a n d scape. The farmers grow wheat, bea n s ,
a n d vegeta bles o f a l l k i n d s . M ost o f t h e s e s m a l l
com m u n ities a re self- s ufficient, b u t occa s i o n a l ly
Espron are large, trade with ca rava n s fro m the Steadfast t h at trave l
ante/apelike creatures across t h e B l ack Riage on t h e i r way to Augu r- Ka l a .
(level 2) that have long B ut t h e s e a re rare.
movement.
There a re also nomadic tribes of h u m a n h u nters that
Camethosaurs are erect tem porary vil lages of h ide tents and yurts on the
herbivorous quadrupeds p l a i n s . These tribes tame the espron and ride them as
(level 3, health 24), 30 feet mounts. Some of the nomads have tu rned to rai d i n g
(9. 7 m) longfrom head more settled com m u n ities and even other tribes.
to tail. Terri ble sto rms sometimes cross the P l a i n s of
Kata ru, particu l a rly i n the s p ri n g. Cyclones, fierce h a i l ,
fl a s h flood s , and l i ghtn i n g strikes are serious d a n gers.
THE EMPTY MACHINE
In the vast fields east of the Black Riage but west of
the Dessaned i fields that h ave no name, you can find
the E m pty M ach ine. It's easy to do-you ca n see it
from m i les away because the large mach ine stands out
among the fl at fields. It resembles a wide spear point
1 84
that fel l from the heavens and p l u nged i nto the earth.
The lower portion of the mach i n e i s a sca rred
s h e l l of m eta l , and the u p pe r part is a stra n ge tangle
of twi sti n g cyl i n ders, globes, t u bes, a n d t h i ngs
t h at h ave n o n a m e i n the N i nth Wo rl d . The enti re
mach i n e rises 600 feet ( 1 85 m) i nto the a i r, a n d
the widest poi nt-itself 200 feet (6 1 m) above t h e
gro u nd-i s about 800 feet ( 2 4 5 m) acro s s .
H u ge h atchways h a n g open i n va rious parts o f the
mach ine, and people h ave cut or blasted e ntrances
and exits i n other a reas . The i nterior i s a m aze that
stretches t h roughout the mach i n e , see m i n g to fo l l ow
l ittle patte rn or logic. Tiny corridors lead to enormous
ech o i n g ch a m bers, wide access t u bes lead nowhere,
and everywhere yo u exp lore, yo u find-not h i ng.
At least, mostly noth i n g. The i nterior of the
mach i n e seems to h ave n o mov i n g parts, n o
mech a n i s m s , no co ntro l s . The room s give n o h i nt
of t h e i r o ri g i n a l use, if any. B ut t h e E m pty M ach i n e
i s n o l o n ge r e m pty beca u s e it h a s b e e n i n h a b ited by
vari o u s creat u res a n d peo p l e ove r the years, each
tryi n g to l ay c l a i m to all o r part of the struct u re,
always with m ixed res u lts.
N otab ly, a few yea rs back, the E m pty M ach i n e was
the h o m e of a l a rge tribe of h id e o u s , fo u r- a rmed
a b h u m a n s ca l l ed the dzaa l . Afte r they co m m itted
many atrocities u po n nea rby vi l l ages, the local fo l k
h i red t h e Triad o f T h i rst-a gro u p co n s i st i n g o f a
powe rfu l g l a ive a n d two n a n o s-to e n d the ra i d s .
Th rough method s t h at re m a i n myste r i o u s , these
th ree c h a m p i o n s e l i m i n ated the dzaal. I f any of the
creat u re s re m a i n , it wo u l d co m e as a s u rprise to t h e
loca l s , fo r n o n e h a s b e e n seen s i n ce t h at d ay.

THE AUSREN WOODS
Day 1 2
The woods really are the queer purple color that I was
told. The trees don 't look particularly strange in any
other way. But the leaves and even the bark range from
a bluish-red to a deep violet. The branches are alive with
birds of all kinds and colors. I almost expected them to
be purple as well, but none are.
Day 1 4
The fruit ofthese trees is delightful. I am already wondering
if I can carry a sack of them back with me to Uxphon. I
think Eilla could make some extraordinary wine from these.
Day 1 5
I feel unwell, but I plan to leave for home tomorrow
nevertheless.
Day 1 6
Too sick t o leave today.
Day 1 7
Still very ill. I can 't help but notice that none of the
wildlife eats the fruit of the trees. My gut is covered in
bruise-like sores, very tender to the touch.
Day 1 9
The sores on my gut have formed distinct growths. I still
can barely stand. The food I brought with me is gone.
Only the purple fruit to eat. Despite the pain in my
stomach, I am filled with hunger.
Day 20
The growths are . . . longer. I cannot move except to crawl,
and barely that.
Day 22
Dear lords of my ancestors, help me. The growths, as
long as serpents, have begun to burrow into the soil
around me. I tried to cut one of them, but the pain
increased past beyond that which I could stand. Still so
weak. Tomorrow I will try again.
- H e re the j o u r n a l of Te m a l l i s Crost e n d s .
T h e Ausren Woods are a large forest o f p u rple trees that
grow nowhere else. Do not eat the fruit of these trees.
THE ORGOREK
The field is called the graveyard, and it's not hard
to understand why. In every direction, all you see
is scattered white stones, so greatly resembling
gravestones that it is hard to recognize that they are
not, in fact, just that. And in the middle of it, the
thing they call the Orgorek, for reasons that pass
understanding. But then, what would you call it?
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
{ff PLAINS O F KATARU HEARSAY
Dark Riders: A gro u p of aneen-rid i n g band its
plagues the cou ntrys ide, raid i n g villages
and waylayi ng travelers on the road. Their leader is
a woman na med M i laco n i , who has the power to
heal or harm with a touch . Her ch ief riva l is a woman
named G ha b h a i l , who has begu n to raise forces to
oppose the raiders. G h abhail, a tal l woman with
braided red h a i r and a long polearm, i s recru iti ng
help and offering payment for weapons, armor, or
other devices (with which she has some skill) .
THE WEIRD OF KATARU
The Black Sphere: A sphere of u n known black
material rol l s across the plains, seem i n gly of its own
accord . Some reports say that it i s 1 2 feet (3 . 7 m) in
d iameter, and others put it closer to 30 feet (9. 1 m) ,
which m ight s uggest that the sphere changes s ize,
or that there i s more than one. Ghabhail: level 5, level 6
with polearm; 2 points of
The Discordant Blooms: Alt h o u g h rare, a ye l l ow Armor
fl ower grows i n ce rta i n l ocat i o n s on the p l a i n s . I f
b rewed fo r th ree d ays, i t fo r m s a co n coction t h at
Milaconi: level 6; 3 points
wi l l m a ke the i m b i be r a ro u sed past t h e point of ofArmor; touch either heals
clear th i n ki n g for u p to a d ay. 3 points of damage per
round or inflicts 5 points of
damage per round
The Triad of Thirst has, in
A sort of . . I don 't know, building? Monument?
recent months, disappeared
Let's say structure. A structure made of some kind of without a trace somewhere
very dense, very hard ceramic floats above the stones. north of the Ausren Woods.
Its surface bears a number of large, round hatches,
and from the top, believe it or not, grows a huge tree
that must be centuries old, if not far older. And the
tree? There are no other trees like it for a thousand
miles.
No one lives within 50 m iles of the Orgorek,
but if you can find someone to ask about it, like I
did, you learn that while it's serene and even kind
of beautiful, it's also dangerous. Fiddling with the
hatches apparently causes whiplike tendrils to com e
out of t h e Orgorek and attack, and their touch
seems to burn flesh in a very unnatural, disturbing
way. I 'm not sure what that means, but I'm happy
to remain ignorant.
The Orgorek likely holds still more secrets and
mysteries, but who wants to get close enough to discover
them? I 'm not an adventurer. I'm just a writer.
1 85

On the underside of
the boulders floating
around the Beanstalk
grows a fungus unknown
anywhere else. If it can be
harvested and mixed with
regular soil, anything
planted in that soil grows
within an organic sheath
that is as hard as steel
but is very pliable. The
sheath can be used for
armor or other objects.
Needlestorms: When the
winds rise, they gather glass
shards and carry them
along like tiny razors and
needles. During a storm,
which can last an hour or
more, travelers who are
exposed in the open without
at least 7 point ofArmor
take 7 point of damage
each minute. Thus, after
such a storm, sometimes all
that remains is a skeleton
covered in tattered, bloody
flesh.
THE BEANSTALK
The Bea n stal k. In the m i d d l e of see m i ngly nowhere ,
it rises u p l itera l ly i nto the s ky a n d out of s i ght. The
lege n d s of J ack, fo r whom all j acks a re named, cross
pat h s with it.
And then jack climbed the Beanstalk. He climbed
and climbed and climbed. He climbed so very high
that when he stopped climbing, he found himself in the
clouds. He stood so high, in fact, that jack had climbed
all the way to a castle built by giants.
The base of the Bea n sta l k is a ta l l tower of metal
and glass. As ta l l as the tower is, ri s i n g up from
the h i ghest point of the tower is a stri p of u n known
m aterial that reaches far, far h i gher. Th i s "sta l k" is
about 1 0 feet (3 m) wide but o n ly a few i n ches th ick.
No one knows exactly how high it exte n d s , but o n a
clear d ay it seems to s i m ply d i sappear i nto the s ky.
Eve n more myste rious i s the Bea n sta l k ' s p u rpose
what waits at the top? The stories, of co u rse, say that
it lead s to a castle i n the cloud s , occu pied by a giant.
These same lege n d s s u ggest that there i s a d a n ger
that the giant will one d ay co me d own the sta l k to
plague the l a n d .
Due t o a gravitational d i stortion l i kely caused b y the
Beansta l k or the tower, five bou lders the s ize of s m a l l
mounta i n s (along with n u merous smaller stones)
float i n the air around the base and the lowest part of
the sta l k. These gravity-defyi ng stones h ave no known
p u rpose and m ight be an u n i ntended side effect of the
p rocess origi n a l ly u sed to con struct the tower and the
Beanstal k.
I n rece nt years, a s m a l l town of about 1 ,000
res i d ents h a s grown a ro u n d the towe r. Loca l s refer
to t h e i r com m u n ity as "the B a s e , " but outs i d e rs ca l l
t h e town "the Bea n stal k" a n d t h e peo p l e t h at l ive
t h e re " Beaners . " M ost Beaners a re farmers, grow i n g
wh eat a n d , i ro n ical ly, bea n s i n the fl at region a ro u n d
t h e towe r. The peo p l e d o n ' t know h ow t o acce s s
t h e i nterior of the base, but they h ave b u i lt wood e n
struct u res a n d scaffo l d i n g a ro u n d it, which s u p po rt
observation p l atfo rms a n d p l aces for re l i g i o u s rite s .
There i s n o wa l l a ro u n d the tow n , but d a n ge ro u s
beasts a n d ot h e r th reats s e e m t o avo i d the a rea most
of t h e t i m e .
Someday, the wise folks say, the giant will return,
lookingfor his stolen goods. Looking to get revenge.
Lookingforjack. But on that day, jack will be long
gone, his days long since done. But his grandson
or granddaughter, or perhaps their grandson or
granddaughter, might just be on hand to trick the giant
again and save the land from his terrible wrath. Let's
all hope so. For the land to be safe, we need not a hero,
but a jack.
1 86
 LI M E NE
THE BEYOND

t DESSANEDI , stra i g h t u p o n a l l s i d e s , a n d coveri n g m o re t h a n The Wandering Walk is a

" fr THE JAGGED WASTES
The l a n d of Dessaned i is a mostly ba rren field of
broke n , j agged g l a s s t h at l i es south of the G reat
S l a b , n o rth of the P l a i n s of Kata ru, and west of the
Clock of Ka l a . Alt h o u g h pat h s lead t h rough t h e aptly
n a m ed j agged Wa stes , travel i n t h i s region i s s l ow,
a rd u o u s , a n d fi l led with cuts a n d scrapes-o r worse.
U n d e rfoot, t rave rs a b l e pat h s a re noth i n g but t i n y
s h a rd s of g l a s s . O n e i t h e r s i d e sta n d outcro p p i n g s
of se rrated edges a n d razo r p o i n t s . I f t h e j agged
Wa stes were n 't the o n l y way to reach the p a s s
ca l l ed t h e S h eer, it' s u n l i ke l y a n y o n e wo u l d eve r
co m e h e re .
S c h o l a rs s u s pect t h at at some point i n the d i stant
past, t h e s a n d - swept d u n es of Dessaned i we re
tu rned to g l a s s , perh a p s t h rough i nte n s e h eat. T i m e
h a s broken a n d s h atte red the g l a s s , m a k i n g the
waste l a n d very d ifficult to cro s s .
N oth i n g grows i n the j agged Wa stes, a n d
oth e r t h a n a few scave nger b i rd s , l itt le l ives there,
making it at least a q u i et j o u rn ey. The s i g n ificant
co m m u n ities a re fo u n d o n the ve ry edge of t h e
waste s , i n reg i o n s t h at m i ght tec h n ically be
co n s i d e red part of the P l a i n s of Kata ru.
THE GREAT SLAB
The G reat S l a b is a h u ge co n struct t h at r i s e s fro m
t h e b l u e-green e a rt h i n a h u l ki n g b l ock of syn t h ,
meta l , a n d o rga n i c s . I t l i e s at t h e southern m ost
edge of the Fifth Stretch of the Wa n d e ri n g Wa l k.
R i s i n g m o re t h a n 3 , 000 feet (91 5 m) i nto t h e a i r,
9 s q u a re m i l e s ( 2 3 s q . km) , t h e G reat S l a b c a n
be s e e n fo r l o n g d i st a n ce s a n d i s often u sed a s
pilgrimage route through
the Ninth World. No one
a p o i n t of refe re n ce o n m a p s . A red d i s h - b l ack knows the exact length
oil co nti n u a l ly ru n s d own t h e wa l l s , m a k i n g the of the Wander, nor can
anyone seem to point to its
co n struct i m po s s i b l e to c l i m b . N ot h i n g grows a l o n g
exact beginning or end. For
i t s s l ick wa l l s a n d few, if a n y, creat u re s l ive n e a r t h e details on this route and
s i d e s of t h e G reat S l a b . those who take pilgrimage
H owever, the t o p i s a d ifferent matte r-the s u rface along it, see Chapter 25:
of the s l a b is an ecosystem of its own . Ca rved out of The Beale of Boregal, page
the enormous fl at top is a b l i n d va l l ey, a deep and
367.
n a rrow crevasse that ru n s north to south , with a n
abrupt end i n g on both sides. A c l o s e r l o o k a t the
va l l ey reveals that it see m s to h ave been d u g out of
the s u rface of the slab, as one m i ght accidenta l ly
gouge a table. Littered along the gas h-wh ich is ca l l ed
the D riftless Va l ley-giant, h a lf- b u ried bould ers refl ect There are many who
l i ght, eve n when there a p pears to be none. Due to its speculate that the Wander
i solation, the va l l ey h osts creatu res found n owh ere is actually a closed circle
e l se i n the N i nth World , with genetic m utations that that encloses the whole
of the Ninth World and
com b i n e two or more creat u res i nto one.
that some, especially those
Those who h ave atte m pted to cl i m b t h e G reat with enhancements or
S l a b h ave been thwarted by the s l ick wa l l s , a p p a rent otherworldly attributes,
bad l u ck, o r s o m e ot h e r i m ped i m e n t t h at has have been trekking its
h i n d e red a n d eve n t u a l l y sto pped their p rogre s s . eternal loop since before
T h u s , t h e s l a b ' s d iverse ecosyste m a n d pote n t i a l recorded time.
trea s u re s re m a i n u n known to m o s t peo p l e of t h e
N i nt h Wo rld .

1 87

Hervan, level 5, possesses
a number of magnetic
powers
Deil, level 3, level 5 with
a crossbow
Vona: level 9; can transform
into any other creature (or
original form of her design)
ifgiven an hour; can inflict
7 5 points of damage to
any and all living creatures
within immediate range,
but it takes two rounds to
do so
WHITE LAKE
Wh ite La ke is a s m a l l town by most sta n d a rd s , but
it i s the o n ly bit of civ i l ization fo r 40 m i l e s (65 km)
a ro u n d , a m i d a p a rticu l a rly e m pty stretch of p l a i n s
n e a r the J agged Waste s . About 1 , 5 00 peo p l e ca l l t h e
town h o m e a n d h ave n a med i t , n ot s u rp ri s i n gly, afte r
t h e nea rby l a ke fed by stre a m s co m i n g d own out of
t h e m o u n ta i n .
T h e tow n ' s u n offici a l leaders a re a m a rried
co u p l e n a m ed H e rvan and D e i l . H e rvan i s a n a n o
who s peci a l izes i n esote ries t h at s h a pe a n d control
m agnetic fi e l d s . Deil was a s k i l led warri o r, but h e lost
t h e u s e of h i s legs a few yea rs ago. Today he ro l l s
about i n a wheeled meta l c h a i r t h at H e rvan l evitates
and m oves when h e i s nearby.
Both men co m m a n d t h e res pect
of eve ryo n e in Wh ite La ke beca u s e
years earl i e r, they d rove off a fo rce o f
a b h u m a n s t h at th reate ned the tow n .
The l a ke was n a m ed fo r t h e l a rge
n u m be r of fe rrix t u rtles t h at l ay t h e i r
e g g s e a c h s p r i n g, appeari n g t o t u rn
t h e n o r m a l l y clear wate rs wh ite. The
eggs a re a d e l i cacy to the peo p l e
of Wh ite Lake, who ca refu l ly leave
e n o u g h to e n s u re a new ge n e ration
of t h e creat u re s .
S i x m i les (1 0 km) s o u t h of Wh ite
La ke l i e the ru i n s of S e l a scor Ca stle,
a 400-yea r o l d fo rtre s s made of
heavy grey sto n e s . The l o rd of the
castle was o n ce the ruler of the
a rea, but after a n a n g ry u p ri s i ng, h e
was h a n ged fo r cri mes aga i n st h i s
s u bjects.
YOSH-UL
Yos h - u l i s a meet i n g point for n o m a d i c tribes t h at
dwe l l i n the reg i o n . About 1 ,000 res i d e nts l ive t h e re
permane ntly, but at any given t i m e , the p o p u l ation
doubles d ue to n o m a d s who co m e fo r o n ly a month
o r so each yea r. In Yos h - u l , the te m p o ra ry res i d ents
h o l d festiva l s , wed d i n g s , i m portant meet i n g s , and
oth e r com m u n ity eve nts before o n ce aga i n res u m i n g
t h e i r h a r s h e r n o m a d i c l ifestyl e .
A n a t u r a l s p r i n g p rovides wate r a n d a few fie l d s
o f gra i n a n d vegeta b l e s . T h e perm a n e nt p a rt o f t h e
com m u n ity i s a co l l ection o f wood e n a n d sto n e
b u i l d i ngs, a n d v i s itors to Yos h - u l e rect tempora ry
y u rts, tents, a n d pavi l i o n s .
The town-if it c a n be ca l l ed th at-has no official
r u l e r, but if the need fo r one arises, the leader of
wh ateve r tribe o r tribes a re i n res i d e n ce takes t h e
m a ntle. H owever, the wi sest a m o n g these leaders
co n s u lt with a wo m a n n a m ed Vo n a .
M a ny peo p l e i n Yos h - u l revere Vo n a as a god d e s s .
1 88
U n known to most, s h e comes fro m a d i stant wo rld
a n d i s a n a rtifici a l ly created but orga n i c be i n g
ca p a b l e o f asexu a l re p rod u ct i o n . Sent t o co l o n ize
E a rt h , she o ri g i n a l ly p rod u ced a l a rge p rogeny, but
afterward she we nt mad and h u nted d own each
of h e r offs p r i n g . S i n ce t h e n , she has re p rod u ced
o n ly o n ce, creat i n g a d a u ghter ca l l ed Ao rolae. Vo n a
h a s t h e powe r to a lter a n d s h a pe h e r own genetic
m ate rial a n d t h at of ot h e r beings with i n i m med i ate
ra n ge. T h u s , s h e can transform h e rself o r others.
U s i n g h e r powe r as a wea p o n , s h e can cause a n
enemy's b o d y to t e a r i t s e l f a p a rt.
Vo n a i s known to those i n Yos h - u l a s the G reat
M other, the G l a s s Wraith , and the Life Weave r.
Although a l oof, s h e i s k i n d a n d
wise.
THE LAMBENT FIELDS
A s h i m mering wasteland. A
busi ness ventu re. A b u rial ground
of the new god s . A sacred pl ace
of ancient wors h i p and death.
Depen d i n g on who you ta l k to,
the Lambent Fields are a l l of these
t h i n gs and more.
Borderi n g the western m ost
ed ge of the Clock of Ka l a , the
La m bent F i e l d s a re m o re t h a n
1 00 m i l es (1 60 km) across a n d
pote n t i a l l y j u st as deep (or
deeper) . The s u rface a rea i s
covered i n m u ltico l o red d u st t h at
s h i n es eve n i n t h e d i m mest l i ght.
E nterpri s i n g i n d ivid u a l s co l l ect
the d u st a n d s e l l it to those who can afford it. The
wealthy u s e t h e d u st a s d ecor fo r b u i l d i ngs, cloth i n g,
and t h e i r bod ies.
B u ried deep ben eath the s h i m me r i n g eart h ,
h owever, i s someth i n g o f greater v a l u e , but no o n e
can figure out what it i s o r, perh a p s m o re i m portant,
what to d o with it. Laye rs upon l ayers of m eta l l ic
creat i o n s fi l l the eart h , a boneya rd of the n u menera,
ripe fo r the taki n g-o r it wo u l d be if n ot fo r t h e
pol itical te n s i o n s ru n n i n g ra m pant i n the nea rby
city of Pica l a h . The city h a s l o n g c l a i med j u ri s d i ction
ove r the La m bent F i e l d s a n d stationed a sta n d i n g
a rmy a ro u n d i t s bord e rs t o keep poachers fro m t h e
va l u a b l e materi a l s . B u s i nesses with t h e a p p ro p ri ate
papers we re a l l owed to send s peci a l ly tra i ned
i n d ivid u a l s ca l l ed yarders to m i n e the fie l d s a s l o n g
a s they tithed t h e i r p roper percentage to t h e city.
Eve ryt h i n g c h a n ged when a ya rd e r u n e a rthed the
i ntact body of a giant mech a n ical creat u re . I t had
th ree heads a n d m u lt i p l e l i m bs a n d wo u l d h ave
stood at least t h ree t i m e s as ta l l as the average
h u m a n . The creatu re bore sym b o l s a l o n g its m a n y

l i m bs , a n d with i n two of its a p p e n d ages were
o bj ects . The fi rst was a cera m i c bowl i n scri bed with
s i m i l a r m a rki ngs. The seco n d was w h at a p peared to
be a type of sto n e game p i ece, pos s i bly a n ancient
d i e, beari n g p i ctogra m s o n its sides.
PICALAH
Pica l a h is a city of about 1 0,000 peo p l e , many of
whom came to the a rea as a re s u lt of the find in t h e
La m bent F i e l d s . The s i m p l e city i s h avi n g d ifficu lty
deal i n g with the i nfl ux of n ew peo p l e as we l l as the
conte n t i o n s ove r the fie l d s .
S h o rtly after the d i scove ry o f the mech a n ical
creat u re ' s body, Pica l a h s p l it a p a rt, with fo u r
o rga n izat i o n s a t the h e l m o f the controve rsy. Wh i l e
the fo u r gro u p s fight, t h e m i n i n g operat i o n s a re a t a
sta n d sti l l , exce pt for those who s n e a k by or pay off
the g u a rd s i n the d a rk of n i ght.
Stackle Spire is the city's d i rector. She bel ieves that
the pu rpose of the Lam bent Fields is to bring prosperity,
fame, and a h igh qual ity of l ife to Picalah and its
i n habitants. She keeps the army at the field's borders and
conti nues to fight for the right to mine the n u menera.
Lo rne M a m m i s t h e Mag of the Po p u l ace Priory,
a re l i g i o u s sect t h at be l i eves the giant creatu re i s
o n e o f the god s t h at c a m e before a n d deserves to b e
wors h i pped a s s u c h . The Po p u l ace Priory advocates
t h at a l a rge, open-a i r p l ace of reve re n ce be b u i lt i n
t h e center o f t h e d i g.
Co lten G a n gy i s the ove rseer of the La n d Laws, a
gro u p of city n atives who argue t h at the fi e l d s a re
a b u ri a l gro u n d for giants. The whole a rea m u st
be re b u ried out of res pect for the dead . The gro u p
i n s i sts t h at re p l anti n g t h e l a n d with a g i a n t grove of
trees wo u l d keep the dead h a p py in t h e i r graves a n d
p reve nt them fro m ri s i n g t o destroy t h e eart h .
F i n a l ly, Efrix M o rie i s t h e voice of The La m bent
Order, a newly fo u n d ed sect of those who wors h i p
t h e n u menera. They a rgue t h at P i ca l a h m u st fu nd a
ca refu l excavat ion of the fie l d s to look for more g i a nt
mech a n ical creat u re s a n d b u i l d a m u s e u m to p rotect
a n d d i s p l ay t h e i r re m a i n s .
}{ BA-ADENU FOREST
"'fr
Th i s vast fo rest e n co m passes such a l a rge
a rea of the Beyo nd t h at it h a s at least th ree d i st i n ct
c l i m ates with i n its leafy borders.
The southwestern a rea, which hedges the B l ack
Riage, i s d ry and cri s p . W i n d s wh i st l e betwee n the
tops of the tal lest trees , swayi n g t h e i r b ra n c h e s fa r
a bove t h e gro u n d . Trees to p p l e reg u l a rly h e re, a n d
a ca l l of " Crackl i n g ! " i s co m mo n a m o n g those who
l ive i n the wilds. Exp l o rers can expect to fi n d herds
of sto n d e l s a n d bres l i ngs h e re, as we l l a s w i n ged
creat u re s of a l l s h a pe s , sizes, and colors. Th i s a rea,
which i nc l u d e s t h e city of E p h re m o n , i s the most
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
}
"l' {
DESSANEDI HEARSAY
'f
M a n h u nt: A m u rd e re r fro m Yos h - u l
h a s fl e d i nto t h e J a gged Waste s . T h e
n o m a d leaders s e e k h a rdy fo l k t o track h i m d own
a n d retri eve h i m , but t h i s deci s i o n has sti rred
up contention a m o n g the tribes. Some say t h e
w i n d sto rms t h i s t i m e of yea r a re l i kely to c l a i m
the cri m i n a l before any posse co u l d fi n d h i m .
Others want t h e more ta n g i b l e j u stice o f a tri a l
a n d t rad itio n a l d eath b y scorpion sti ng.
THE WEIRD OF DESSANEDI
Rune Tower: In t h e m i d d l e of t h e J a gged Wastes
sta n d s a p r i sti n e towe r of what a l so a p pears to
be g l a s s , but the structu re looks stu rdy, and local
gos s i p says it' s i n d estruct i b l e . The towe r i s 30
feet (9 . 1 m) ta l l , a n d at the top it p rojects i m ages
of u n kn owa b l e sym b o l s made of l i ght.
Stackle Spire: level 3, level
4 with all interactions
Warrow Beetles: T h roughout t h e waste s , yo u
can fi n d stra n ge, tra n s l u cent beetles t h at appear
to s u b s i st o n t h e g l a s s . These warrow beetles
can not be eaten safely, a s they h ave m o re in
co m m o n with m i neral t h a n with fl e s h . Lorne Mamm: level 4
d e n sely popu l ated section o f t h e fo rest. M ost peo p l e
dwe l l i n cu rved h uts b u i lt fro m sto n e bricks.
The m i d d l e section i s a d e n se j u ngle, thick with
u n d erbru s h a n d ca nopy l eve l s t h at rise toward the
s ky and house m a ny wild creat u res. The air i s so Colten Gangy: level 3, level
4 with perception
heavy with m o i s t u re t h at water d ri p s fro m the trees,
kee p i n g the gro u n d-a n d any who wa l k along it
d a m p at a l l t i m e s . M ost s m a l l to med i u m creatu res
l ive h i gh i n t h e trees , h o p i n g to escape the l a rge
carn ivores t h at s l i n k a n d sta l k a l o n g the m o i st fo rest
floor. H e re trave l e rs fi n d the l a rge wa l l known as the
Pad u n , as we l l a s t h e city of D ru i s s i .
Efrix Morie: level 3, level 4
with numenera knowledge
Stondels are 3foot (1 m)
tall, bison-like mammals
(level 2)
Breslings look like
segmented worms about
the size of a human's arm
(level 1 ), with hairy legs
that end in three-fingered
hands with opposable
thumbs. They travel en
masse, feeding on leaves in
the tops of trees.
1 89

Druissi is the site ofthe
adventure "Seedship. " See
Chapter 27 (page 3 78) for
more information.
The southeastern t i p of the B a-Ad e n u Forest,
wh ich t u r n s to swa m p s and bogs, is po p u l ated with
s n ags a n d borgrove trees. H e re, both the air a n d
t h e gro u n d a re sti l l a n d wet. A fa l s e ste p co u l d l a n d
s o m e o n e th roat-deep i n a sti ckybog o r a t t h e mercy
of a h u n gry ca i m a n t h at had a p peared to be a dead
log. Ca moufl age i s t h e name of the game, a n d most
creatu res a re d ifficult to see among the mud a n d
m uck. The U ntethered Legion th rives i n t h i s part of
the fo rest, a fu rth e r p l a g u e to a l l who w i s h to cro s s
t h ro u g h the a rea.
EPHREMON
The l a rge city of 20,000 people occupies many leve l s
o f the forest, from cave l i ke dwel l i ngs among the tree
roots to nest-styled homes in the h i ghest canopies.
A l a rge circle of ca refu l ly te nded ester trees creates a
m a keshift wa l l a ro u n d E p h remon, and lookouts s it
i n wel l-fash ioned tree rests to kee p an eye on t h i n g s
i n side and outs ide the city. A com p l i cated syste m
of risers, ladders , and swi ngs {a l l made from meta l ,
synt h , and wood) a l low access t o eve ry leve l o f t h e city.
M ost i n h a bitants a re a g i l e a n d avid cl i m bers,
h av i n g learned at a n early age h ow to move between
t h e l eve l s . H oweve r, v i s itors a re l i kely to struggle and
fall beh i n d a s t h ey atte m pt to fo l l ow a n ative to any
l evel beyo n d the grou n d .
1 90
Res i d e nts wors h i p a creatu re ca l l ed the Fa l g ree n ,
w h i c h a p pears t o the p i o u s i n the form o f a fl oati n g
yo u n g wo m a n i n a tattered b l ack a n d green d re s s ,
w i t h twigs fo r h a i r. The fie rce ly d evout s a y t h at fo r t h e
price of a ch i l d , Fa l g reen wi l l p ro m i s e l o n g l i fe, but
most peo p l e m e rely co n s i d e r h e r to be a bri n ge r of
l uck a n d a safety n et d u ri n g their trave l s among the
treeto p s .
PADUN
Pad u n i s a n enormous ova l - s h a ped wa l l , a l most 1 5
m i l es (24 km) acro s s , deep i n t h e Ba-Ad e n u Fo rest.
The origi n a l structu re seems to h ave been b u i lt fro m
a soft m eta l l i c s u b stance carved or s h a ped i nto
ro u n d stones. Ove r the years, a variety of m ateri a l s ,
i nc l u d i n g stro n g l a s s a n d p u rp l e trees fro m t h e
A u s re n Wood s , h ave b e e n u sed t o extend a n d repa i r
t h e wa l l .
I t s s u rface feat u re s co u ntless w i n d ows, doorways,
holes, a n d oth e r entry poi nts. Some h ave been
co n structed a n d i n c l u d e doors t h at close and loci<.
Oth e r entra n ces appear to be the re m n a nts of wars,
battles, a n d attacks.
A n u m be r of cities, fo rtresses, and stro n g h o l d s
h ave b e e n b u i lt with i n t h e wa l l , but a l l fa i led a n d a re
n ow l ittl e m o re t h a n ru i n s . Fo r eve ry pote ntial ruler
who sees t h e giant wa l l a n d i m ag i n e s a kingdom of

}{ BA-ADENU HEARSAY
"'
Horrors on the Prowl: An i n crease i n
t h e n u m be r o f j i raskar attacks h a s t h e
fo rest peo p l e worri ed. Why a re so many of t h e
p red ato rs active l ately? Wh at can be d o n e a b o u t
them?
Lost N ecklace: T h i eves sto l e a neckl ace fro m
the h o m e of D a rl ajyn , a wealthy wo m a n i n
E p h remon w h o i s t h e s i ster o f o n e o f the
tow n ' s ad m i n i st rato rs. They d i d n 't know t h at
the neckl ace conta i n s a n u m e n e ra d evice t h at
stores i nformation s h e can acce s s te l e path ical ly,
i nc l u d i n g the vault code for the town trea s u ry.
THE WEIRD OF BA-ADENU
Vampire of the Woods: A gaunt h u m a n o i d
creat u re , pos s i bly a m utant, h a u nts the wood s ,
d ra i n i n g the b l ood of i t s vict i m s a n d leav i n g t h e i r
d e s i ccated corpses fo r others t o fi n d .
I c e Palace: A s m a l l keep made enti rely of
u n m elti n g b l ue-green ice sta n d s in the n o rthern
fo rest. N o one knows who, if a nyo ne, l ives there.
l oya l a n d p rotected s u bjects, there i s someone else
who wi l l take adva ntage of t h e d ifficu lty i n d efe n d i n g
s u c h a l a rge structu re a n d s pace.
DRUISSI
A s m a l l town in the n o rt h e rn section of the B a-Ad e n u
Fo rest, D r u i s s i i s h o m e t o a ro u n d 1 ,000 i n h a bitants.
I t i s b u i lt o n t h e v i s i b l e p a rt of ancient, u n known
wreckage t h at ge n e rates a sta b l e , l ow-level heat
year-ro u n d . Res i d e nts of D r u i s s i take fu l l advantage
of t h i s , u s i n g the co n d u ctive heat to warm eve ryt h i n g
fr o m food a n d wate r t o t h e i r h o m e s .
THE UNTETHERED LEGION
Deep in the swa m py m i re of the southeastern
section of the Ba-Ad e n u Forest i s the U ntethered
Leg i o n . The name i s both a p l ace and a foul cu rse,
o n e n ot eve n uttered i n the bri ghtest of d ays.
The U ntet h e red Legion i s a land of mud a n d o i l , with
poo l s of a m u rky s u b stance t h at fl ows red fo r d ays
o n e n d , h a rd e n s to grey, and t h e n l i q uefies aga i n .
A n d with eve ry h a rd e n i n g o f t h e l a n d , t h e h o u n d s
o f t h e U ntet h e red Legion i n c u bate i n s i d e i t s bel ly,
wait i n g to e m e rge fro m the soi l . When t h e poo l s t u rn
back to b l ack a n d red , the h o u n d s a re born, p u s h i n g
nose-first t h ro u g h t h e l i q u id i n a great u p h eava l of
s l averi n g j aws and bared fa n g s .
Awa it i n g t h e i r a rriva l a re t h e legio n ' s riders,
b i o m ech a n ical h u m a n s cloaked to m atch their n ew
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
steed s . T h e i r tee m i n g m a s ses fi l l t h i s region o f t h e
fo rest-gathering, waiti ng, b u i l d i n g someth i n g
t h at i s so fa r u n seen a n d u n known . Someone, jiraskar, page 242
somewhere, gives t h e m o rders. O n ly t h e legion
knows what those o rd e rs a re a n d where they come
fro m .
g l o egloo, tho"ght
(erroneous ly) to be d ry a n d l i fe l e s s , E rrid Ka l o u m
i s i n fact a s h a l l ow salt l a ke t h at h a s formed a t h i c k
crust ove r i t s s u rface, a n exte n s io n o f the Sere
M a rica. T h roughout the oth e rwise l eve l , m o n oto n o u s
l a n d scape, occa s i o n a l m o u n d s rise l i ke i s l a n d s i n a
sea. The co m parison is a pt, beca u s e these m o u n d s
a re, i n deed, i s l a n d s i n t h e s a l t l a ke . E a c h i s l a n d i s
s u rp ri s i n gly fe rt i l e a n d l u s h , eve n fo r t h e c l i m ate, fo r
two rea s o n s . F i rst, they' re formed d u e t o geot h e r m i c
activity below t h e l a ke, a n d t h u s they' re w a r m e r t h a n
the general a rea b y a b o u t 5 t o 1 0 degree s . Seco n d ,
some o f the m i neral struct u res fo rced u p t h rough t h e
salt l a ke to form the m o u n d s a l s o serve as a powe rfu l
des a l i n iz i n g filter. I n oth e r word s , with i n each i s l a n d
i s a re serve o f fres h wate r. Th u s , t h e i s l a n d s a re
fe rt i l e a n d covered with p l a nts a n d a n i m a l s . A few
host s m a l l com m u n ities of h u m a n h u nters a n d
gathere rs who travel across the salt fl ats i n l a rge
wago n s p u l led by sa lt-cru sted t h e ri s h oxe n . Hthumos terror-hound:
M a ny o f t h e s e sett l e m e nts fo l l ow t h e gory level 4; 3 points ofArmor;
re l i gion of L h a u ric, but without priests who can heavy crossbows with agony
com m u n icate with the C h a l l i fa n i , their ve rs i o n has bolts inflict an additional 3
s i m ply beco m e b l ood l ett i n g a n d m u rd e r fo r its own
points of damage to living
creatures
s a ke. Oth e r vi l l ages rej ect these p ractices but h ave to
fe n d off ra i d s fro m what they ca l l t h e b l ood-fo l k, who
co nti n u a l ly h u nt fo r victi m s .
HTHUMOS
A s m a l l town l i es at the confl uence of the Salter a n d
Eviet Rivers a s t h ey co m e d own out of t h e C l o c k o f
Ka l a . The tow n , H t h u mos, s u rro u n d s a ta l l castle
of d a rk grey sto ne. The com m u n ity takes its n a m e
fro m the castle, wh ich i n t u r n takes i t s n a m e fro m its
d e p raved a n cestral res i d e nts.
The Hth u mos fa m i ly a re wealthy n o b l e s who l o rd
ove r the s u rro u n d i n g l a n d a n d its peo p l e a n d treat
them (and often each oth e r) with tricke ry and cruelty.
They m a ke sport of h u nt i n g peasants a n d ru l e
Hesterin (and Sterrick)
ca pricious ly, free i n g m u rd e re rs fr o m the d u n geon
Hthumos: level 5, level
a n d sente n c i n g i n n oce nts to to i l in t h e m i l l s fo r 2 in all physical tasks; 2
i m ag i n ed s l ights. The n o b l e s m a i nta i n t h e i r control points ofArmor; Sterrick's
t h ro u g h d a rk-armored sold i e rs ca l l ed terror- h o u n d s , helmet has a variety of
whose co l l ars a rtifici a l ly i n d u ce physical pleas u re vision-enhancing apparatus,
when the wea re r i n fl i cts p a i n or ca u ses fea r. as well as a level 8 device
that gives him control over
The cu rrent head of the h o u se is H esterin
magnetism at long range
Hth u mos, a m utant albino with a conjoi ned twi n
b rother n a med Sterrick. T h e brother i s l ittle more
191

ERRJD KALOUM HEARSAY
Rescue M ission: O n e of t h e blood-fo l k
vi l l ages h ave captu red a we l l - known
natura l i st and exp l o re r n a m ed Brene Fa l Koses,
most l i kely fo r d i re p u rposes. M e m bers of h e r
trave l i n g co m pany offer a s u bsta ntial reward fo r
h e r ret u r n .
Castle o f light: O n one o f t h e i s l a n d s o f the s a l t
fl at, s o m e o n e h a s b u i lt a cast l e w h o s e wa l l s
a p pear t o b e made o f tra n s l u cent e n e rgy rather
t h a n m atte r. N o o n e knows who i s the m aster
o r m i stre s s of t h i s castle, but m u lt i p l e re ports
Abykos, page 23 0 of a bykos e n co u nters h ave co m e i n fro m t h e
s u rro u n d i n g a rea.
THE WEIRD OF ERRID KALOUM
Shi p Without a Sea: H a l f b u ried in the salt fl ats,
a h u n d red m i l es n o rth of the Sere M a rica, l i e the
re m a i n s of a s a i l i n g ves s e l made of metal a n d a
m ateri a l t h at a p pears to be synth fibers s p u n l i ke
s i l ke n we b s .
T h e Floati ng Circle: I n t h e m i d d l e of t h e salt fl ats
i s a c i rcle 3 00 feet (91 m) acro s s t h at ca uses
some ite m s p l aced above it to beco me l i g hter.
Some mechanical beings O bjects t h at we i g h l e s s t h a n 3 00 p o u n d s (1 3 6
and other machines in kg) float a bove t h e c i rcle, although anyt h i n g
the proximity ofthe Sere we i g h i n g l e s s t h a n 3 pou n d s (1 .4 kg) fl i es o ff i nto
Marica have developed
the atm o s p h e re, l i kely n ever to be seen aga i n .
means to protect
themselves from the high
salt concentrations. The None S o Blind: I n t h e v i l l age o f H eath i a n , o n
details on these processes t h e n o rthern e n d of t h e salt fl ats, some of the
can sometimes be p rev i o u s a n d all of t h e l atest ge n e ration of
purchased or traded for.
re s i d ents h ave been born without eye s . The local
Aeon Priests h ave fa s h i o n ed " s i ght sticks" fo r
t h e s e peo p l e-d evices s h a ped l i ke h a n d m i rrors,
which t h ey h o l d i n front of their faces to ga i n a
k i n d of a rtificial s i ght.
1 92
than a head and a h a n d with ten d ri l - l i ke fi n gers on
H esteri n ' s torso. H owever, he i s fu l l y conscious,
aware, and i nte l l i gent. Years ago, when local
ch i u rgeon s said that Sterrick wou l d l i kely d ie and
s h o u l d be s u rgica l ly re moved , H esterin refu sed .
I n stead , s h e s pent a great deal of her fa m i ly' s wealth
sco u r i n g the world for n u menera that wou l d save
her b rother, for whom s h e had u n n at u ra l affections.
T h i s q uest eventually bore fruit, and now Sterrick i s
encased i n a n i ron hel met that kee ps h i m a l ive o n
h i s s i ster' s body-a wo man that, b y a l l accou nts, h e
d e s p i ses.
}{ THE DIVIDED SEAS
"{f Along the southern bord e r of the Beyo n d
rest two bod ies of wate r, co n nected by a
c h a n n e l ca l l ed the I moros Stra it. O n e body-Se re
M a rica-i s heavy with b l u e salts. The ot h e r-N avae
M a rica-h as e n o u g h fre s h wate r to s u sta i n the enti re
popu l ation of the Beyo n d for years. The two i n l a n d
s e a s a re so u n l i ke i n eve ry way t h at they m i ght a s
we l l be s it u ated a wo rld a p a rt.
At 1 , 600 m i l es (2 , 5 75 km) acro s s and 1 , 5 00 feet
(45 7 m) deep, Sere M a rica is m o re t h a n twice the
size of h e r s i ste r. The s o u rce of S e re M a rica ' s salt
i s someth i n g of a myste ry, fo r the wate r t h at enters
the sea fro m the s u rro u n d i n g rivers and t h rough the
l m o ros Strait i s fre s h wate r, c h a n g i n g o n ly when it
reaches the S e re. Creatu res of many s izes a n d co l o rs
l ive i n the l a ke, fro m t h e gigantic a n d aggre s s ive
ce r u l e a n octo p i to the b a rely v i s i b l e d u a n d a s , fl oati n g
b u b blefish t h at atte m pt to i m p l a nt t h e m selves i n
open i n gs o n a body.
T h e c u l t u ra l s e n s i b i l ity of S e re M a rica i s a s
v a r i e d a s its creat u re s . S a l ac h i a , t h e S a l t C ity, i s
b u ried d e e p b e n eath t h e s u rface o f t h e l a ke , a n d
t h e S a lted M a rs h e s l i e a l o n g t h e n o rthwestern
s h o re . M a ny of those w h o l ive a l o n g and wit h i n
t h e S e re M a rica d e p e n d o n s a l t fo r s u ste n a n ce a n d
d a i l y l iv i n g.
O n e t h i n g noticeably m i s s i n g from the Sere
M a rica a rea is mech a n ical b e i n g s . The salt i s too
h a r s h o n t h e m , rust i n g and co rrod i n g t h e i r i nte rnal
a n d exte rnal e l e m ents without re m o rse. Trave l e rs in
the a rea, e s peci a l ly those who p l a n to e nter the wate r,
wo u l d be wise to p rotect any tech nologies, i n c l u d i n g
p rosthetics a n d a rtifacts.
T h e m u ch s m a l l e r a n d s h a l lower N avae M a rica
i s a s o u rce of fre s h wate r, fi s h , and game fo r a l l
w h o l ive n e a r i t . M a ny w h o dwe l l o n t h e s h o re s a re
boaters a n d d ivers . H e re , tow n s fo c u s on t u rn i n g
t h e n u m e n e ra i nto d iv i n g eq u i p ment, porta b l e
fl otat i o n devices, a n d va r i o u s fo r m s of wate r
t ra n s port s .

OUR ORDER OF THE LADY
Of THE SALT WAY
O u r Order of t h e Lady of the Salt Way, somet i m e s
ca l l ed O u r L a d y of the Acrid Tongue by t h o s e
outs i d e t h e gro u p , i s a n o n affi l i ated re l i g i o u s o rd e r
esta b l i s h ed a t l e a s t fo u r ge n e rat i o n s a g o b y S a i nt
E s e l d . M e m be rs bel ieve t h at a l l l i fe s p r i n gs fro m
s a lt a n d t h e s a lted p l aces of the worl d , a n d they fee l
b l essed t h at t h e i r center of wors h i p a n d i n h a b itance
i s j u st such a p l ace.
S i t u ated o n a long, t h i n , u n n a med i s l a n d in the
S a lted M a rs h e s , t h e o rd e r co n s i sts mostly of wo m e n ,
a l t h o u g h ge n d e r i s n ot a req u i re m e nt. I n fact,
m e m bers take o n ly th ree vows:
1 . Wo rs h i p salt as god a n d as l i fe.
2 . Offer s h elter a n d s u ccor fo r those i n need .
3 . N ever l eave t h e i s l a n d u n l e s s ca l l ed u po n to d o
so fo r great a n d grievo u s rea s o n s b y a v i s i o n of t h e
l ate S a i nt Eseld h e rself.
There a re wh i s pers of a fo u rt h vow-a wi l l i n g n e s s
to be e n cru sted w i t h salt a n d something (th i s word
c h a nges in the tel l i ng, but "cured" and "eate n " a re
two co m m o n ones} u p o n yo u r death-but no o n e
h a s b e e n a b l e to verify these r u m o r s .
M e m be rs of the order, known as h a l ite s , a re s k i l led
i n t h e u s e a n d creation of all forms of salts. The
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
order s u p ports itself t h ro u g h the sales o f va rious
s a lt p rod ucts, i nc l u d i n g fi rewo rks, cu red a n d p i ckled
food st uffs , dyes a n d p i g m e nts, a n d med ici n a l
remed ies.
H a l ites of both ge n d e rs wea r co mforta b l e cloth i n g
o f bright, sa lt-dyed co lors, u s u a l ly red , ye l l ow, o r
b l ue . They wea r t h e i r h a i r l o n g a n d braid it w i t h a
s a lt-a n d - h e r b m ixtu re t h at crusts t h e twi n i ngs i n
p l ace a n d gives t h e m t h e perpet u a l look o f go i n g
grey. They s m e l l o f b r i n e a n d s e a wate r.
Wh i l e h a l ites be l i eve a l l oth e r re l i g i o n s (es peci a l ly
t h e O rd e r of Truth) to be horribly m i sg u i d e d , t h e
o r d e r does n ot co n s i d e r i t s e l f to be at war w i t h t h e m .
Rather, t h e h a l ites l i e l ow a n d w a i t , h av i n g faith t h at
eve n t u a l l y eve ryo n e wi l l see the truth-t h at s a lt i s t h e
l i fe a n d the way-a n d then the ra n ks of t h e o rd e r wi l l
swe l l , as they s h o u l d .
Cu rrently, H a l ite G a bra head s O u r O rd e r o f t h e
Lady o f the S a l t Way. S h e i s a firm- h a n ded wom a n
w h o s e s a lted cri m s o n b ra i d s fa l l p a s t h e r knees
a n d then loop back u p to the top of h e r head . S h e
l aye rs h e r s k i n w i t h s a l t , w h i c h ove r t i m e h a s b u i lt
u p to give h e r a nearly et h e real gl ow. Both of h e r
ears a re cove red w i t h s m a l l m a n u factu red ci rcl e s ,
a n d if h e r d a rk green eyes seem s l ightly t o o l a rge
fo r h e r head, it's beca u s e they' re n ot the ones s h e
w a s b o r n wit h . O nce a l oya l m e m b e r o f the O rd e r of
1 93
 Truth, H a l ite G a b ra was eat i n g a p l atte r of s a lted fi s h
when s h e s a w the v i s i o n o f a wo m a n i n wh ite a m o n g
The salt formations
along the northern edge the b o n e s . B e l i evi n g it t o be a test o f h e r fa i t h , s h e
of the Sere Marica are q u ickly stabbed a t h e r eyes t o re move the s i ght.
strange and beautiful, When the v i s i o n began speaking, she p u n ctu red her
sometimes appearing own ears a s we l l .
like fungal growths or
B l i n d a n d deaf, s h e bel ieved s h e wo u l d wa n d e r
even weird creatures.
This is an inhospitable the l a n d u nt i l s h e d ied fo r h e r re l i g i o n . When s h e
environment for most awoke s o m e t i m e l ater, s h e w a s i n a l a rge castle,
life, but creatures called s u rro u n d ed by t h e smell of salt a n d sea, b e i n g ca red
pale worms riddle the fo r by l ovi n g h a n d s . Ta k i n g it a s a s i g n t h at t h i s was
formations with tiny the faith of her d e sti ny, G a b ra d evoted h e rself to O u r
burrowed holes. feeding
O rd e r o f the Lady o f the Salt Way.
on insects that thrive on
the high mineral content. Ove r the years, s h e rose t h ro u g h t h e ra n ks a n d
Naturalists that study u sed some o f t h e earn i n gs fr o m salt sales t o buy a
these insects speculate p a i r of mech a n ical eye s a n d a co u p l e of rud i m e ntary
that they might be more heari n g a i d s . Although ge n e ra l ly co n s id e red a fa i r
mineral-based than any b u t to u g h leader, G a bra i s known t o h ave a s o ft s pot
other known type of life.
for those who co m e to h e r cl a i m i n g t h at t h e i r faith
h a s been tested , a s hers was.
The Landscape of the Island
A low seawa l l ru n s along most of the i s l a n d ' s bord e r,
with a s i n gle gated d ocki n g a rea on the shore farthest
from l a n d . The i s l a n d has five stone b u i l d i ngs, a l l
o f w h i c h a re believed t o h ave existed before Saint
Eseld ' s time. Based on the structu re a n d l ayout of the
com p l ex, it m ight h ave been the home of someone
rich and we l l p rotected , perh aps a m i l itary leader or
ruler. Due to the h i gh salt content of the marshes, the
b u i l d i ngs, wa l kways, and statuaries are covered by
th ick l aye rs of salt, givi n g vis itors the i m p ression of
h u l ki n g, m i s s h apen grey creat u res.
The l a rgest b u i l d i ng, which resembles a bas i l ica,
houses a l a rge kitchen and storage a rea; gatheri n g
room s for g a m e s , com m u n ity activities, and wors h i p;
an enormous cel l a r with a store of good s; and a
variety of other a m e n ities. M e m bers of the o rder l ive
in the u p per leve l s of t h i s b u i l d i ng. Each has a p rivate
Ormakal the Mind: level room , and the order does n ot s h u n monetary good s
4, level 8 for all Intellect or ga i n , so the d ecor is finer than one m i ght expect.
tasks and Intellect The seco nd l a rgest b u i l d i n g, a long, fl at structu re
defense; 3 points of
with a s i n g l e sto ry, is the craft i n g a n d p rod u ction
Armor; voice carries a
subtle mind-control effect s pace. H e re, h a l ites pay fea lty to salt by t u rn i n g it
that makes people do i nto a vari ety of u sefu l ite m s . Some of this work i s
what he wishes d o n e b y h a n d , a n d s o m e w i t h h a n d -cran ked a n d
n u m e n e ra-based mach i n e s .
N ext t o t h at b u i l d i ng, s l ightly more t h a n h a l f the
s ize of t h e craft s pace, i s the sto refro nt. H e re the
h a l ites s e l l t h e i r good s a n d wares to t h e p u b l ic,
i nc l u d i n g fi rewo rks a n d s p a rklers i n vari o u s co lors,
b r i n ed pickles a n d s a lted fi s h a n d beef, p a i nts, dyes
and p i gments in bright h ue s , salt re m e d i e s a n d
pot i o n s , salt rock ca n d ies, a n d more. S h i n s a re
always accepted i n payment, but b uyers fi n d t h at a n
offe r of fres h vegeta b l e s a n d fru it-ra re d e l i cacies o n
1 94
an i s l a n d b u ried i n s a lt-l eads to a better exc h a n ge.
The fi n a l two b u i l d i ngs a re cru m b l i n g a n d rarely
u sed , except perhaps fo r i l l icit re n d ezvo u s or storage.
At the fa r end of the i s l a n d , there is a door in a h i l l ,
barely n oticea b l e fo r t h e crust o f salt u p o n it. The
lock a n d l atch , h owever, appear free of crust, a n d
look as if they a re used ofte n .
Current Events
H a l ite M afi l , a l o n g-sta n d i n g m e m be r of the order,
rece ntly fe l l i l l with fever for no o bv i o u s rea s o n . Eve n
i n h i s agony, he m a i ntai n s t h at it i s noth i n g, a poor
choice of fres h food stuffs , but H a l ite G a b ra be l i eves
t h at h e s n ea ked off the i s l a n d and t h at h i s i l l n e s s
i s p u n i s h ment fo r h i s betraya l . S h e refu ses to heal
M afi l u nt i l h e confesses w h at s h e bel ieves to be the
trut h . A n ewe r m e m b e r of the o rd e r, a wo m a n n a med
Ve neta, seeks a i d fo r M afi l d e s p ite H a l ite G a b ra ' s
o rders, r i s k i n g h e r own sta n d i n g w i t h the gro u p .
O n e o f the most s k i l led m e m bers o f the o rd e r, a
b road - s h o u l d e red wo m a n n a med Ch atta with clear
blue eye s a n d s h o rt, tight b ra i d s of p u re wh ite,
rece ntly d i scovered a way to h a rness the e l ectricity
co n d uction of salt e l ectrolytes . S h e is eager to
s e l l the p l a n s of the p rocess to someone who
can i m plement t h e m , but s h e wants to keep t h e
tra n s action secret fr o m the rest of the order.
Eve ryo n e knows t h at S a i nt Eseld is l o n g dead , but
h a l ites often see h e r v i s age i n t h e l ayers of salt t h at
crust the b u i l d i ngs a n d t h e l a n d . M e m bers of the
o rd e r a l s o reg u l arly c l a i m t h at t h ey see h e r figu re
wa l k i n g a l o n g t h e i s l a n d ' s s h o re. To h o n o r the s a i nt,
they leave s h i n s and food a m o n g t h e rocks where
s h e is most often seen; the offe r i n g s a re always gone
in t h e m o rn i ng.
ASTARIA
Located a l o n g the l mo ros Stra it, Astaria i s a p l ace of
wo n d e r and d a rkness.
In the position of powe r i s Ormakal t h e M i n d , a
d i se m bod i ed mech a n ical head who tra i l s a series
of w i res a n d cord s from his neck when he's n ot
p l u gged i nto the giant p i l l a r i n t h e center of tow n .
Ormaka l h a s t h e a b i l ity to e n co u rage others to d o
h i s w o r k fo r h i m w i t h o u t m o s t peo p l e eve n rea l iz i n g
i t . T h o s e who d i scove r h i s secret e i t h e r keep q u iet
o r they' re made q u iet by Ormaka l ' s regi ment of l oya l
wors h i ppers a n d watchdogs, men of d u b i o u s i ntent
who ca l l them selves h ivers.
U n d e r Ormaka l ' s rule, t h e i n h a bitants of Asta ria
h ave d evised a way to u s e os motic powe r-t h e
e n e rgy t h at beco mes ava i l a b l e fro m the d i fference
i n salt concentratio n-to s u p p l y t h e i r leader with
the h u ge a m o u nt of e n e rgy h e need s to fu n ct i o n .
Th ey've b u i lt a l a rge m e m b ra n e acro s s the strait t h at
i s poro u s to wate r a n d s a lt, but noth i n g e l s e . Those

who w i s h to cross t h ro u g h the strait m ay do so fo r
a cost, but they' l l p r o b a b l y h ave to w a i t beca u s e
the m e m b ra n e o p e n s fo r pas s i n g s h i p s a n d water
tra n s ports o n ly o n ce each d ay.
HAYREST
The ci rcu l a r l a ke city of H ayrest, s ituated a l o n g
the southern s h o re o f the N avae M a rica, tee m s
w i t h peo ple. Fo r i t s re l atively s m a l l s ize, it boasts a
popu l ation of 50,000.
Wit h i n its ca refu l ly co n st r u cted m o a t s , w h i c h
fl ow a ro u n d a n d t h ro u g h t h e city a s t h o u g h
t h ey were n at u ra l rive rs, H ayrest i s a ce nter of
s c h o l a rl y p u rs u it s a n d h a n d i c raft s . S u c h a p l ace
is s u rp ri s i n g s o far fro m
t h e Stead fa s t , b u t
it m i g h t be d u e
t o t h e stro n g
i n fl u e n ce o f t h e
city' s v a rj e l l e n
p o p u l at i o n .
O n ce co n s i st i n g
o f j u st a few
vis itants i n a
s m a l l sect i o n of
t h e city k n ow n a s
t h e M a rk, t h e v a rj e l l e n
h ave m i g rated to H ayrest
in i n crea s i n g n u m be r s . T h e
M a rk h a s g rown to e n co m p a s s
n e a rly a q u a rter o f t h e city a n d i s
n o w h o m e t o v a rj e l l e n a n d h u m a n s a l i ke . H e re ,
you ' l l fi n d n ot j u st m a rkets of i nteresti n g a n d
u n u s u a l good s b u t a l s o a rt st u d i o s , s c i e ntific
l a bo rato r i e s , and st reet u n ive r s i t i e s .
Ad d it i o n a l ly, H ayrest i s known fo r wate r tra n sports
of all type s , i n cl u d i n g a s pecial b u b b l e d iver t h at is
made only by Ve sti a i Lag i m , a varj e l l e n who runs the
Lag i m D ivedown in t h e M a rk.
N ot eve ryo n e in the city i s a s c h o l a r. The a rea
closest to t h e l a ke i s home to a l a rge n u m be r of
fi s h e rs , waterwielders, boate rs, and d ive rs.
SALACHIA
Located at the deepest point of the Sere M a rica,
S a l a c h i a , co m mo n ly ca l l ed t h e Salt City, i s an
i m m e n s e u n d e rwate r struct u re in the s h ape of a
whee l . Cove r i n g more t h a n 2 s q u a re m i l e s (5 .2 sq.
km) a n d l ocated at a d e pth of nearly 1 , 500 feet (45 7
m) , t h e city i s l i ghtly popu l ated , with fewer t h a n
1 , 200 i n h a bitants.
S a l a c h i a co n s i sts of a l a rge outer c i rcle of w h at
look l i ke enormous nauti l u s s h e l l s , wh ich a re
co n n ected to o n e b i gger s h e l l i n the m i d d l e by a
series of l i m esto n e t u n n e l s . The enti rety of the city i s
enclosed b y a s e m i poro u s m e m b ra n e t h at permits
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
the pas sage o f some gasses, but n o l i q u i d s o r sol i d s .
The city' s i n h a b itants l ive i n t h e s h e l l s t h at m a ke
u p the outer c i rcle. M u lt i p l e fa m i l i es occu py each
s h e l l , u s i n g t h e i n d ivid u a l c h a m bers a s t h e i r h o m e s .
The most p rest i g i o u s fa m i ly h a s the h o n o r of l iv i n g
i n the m a i n c h a m ber, which a l so h a p p e n s to b e
closest t o the t u n n e l s .
Al l o f the t u n n e l s a re b u i lt t h ro u g h a p roce s s t h at
t u r n s m i n e ra l s i n t h e saltwate r i nto l i mestone. They
average 1 0 feet (3 m) acro s s and 1 5 feet (4 . 6 m)
h i g h , but t h ey' re j agged a n d s h a rp-ed ged fro m b e i n g
b u i lt a n d re b u i lt. U n l i ke t h e s h e l l s , the l i m esto n e
t u n n e l s m u st be re pai red co n stantly, a n d somet i m e s
they fa l l i n at a moment's notice.
The mass ive i n ner
shel I i s the city center,
in more ways
than one. Al l
commerce,
eateries, schools,
and com m u n ity
gardens a re located
in the i n n ermost
shell.
i s covered in Varjellen, page 1 2 1
m u lt i p l e l ayers of
crysta l l i n e creat u res There are many companies
t h at m a ke the city seem to that are more than willing
s h i m m e r a n d writhe i n the d e pt h s . to sell underwater breathing
T h e s e t i ny m a s s e s , ca l l ed ch iffo n s , a re no b i gger apparatus and airtight
than a h u m a n ' s hand a n d a re attracted to the vehicles for a high price to
those who wish to travel to
s h e l l ac of carbon d ioxi d e re lea sed by the res i d e nts.
Salachia. Unfortunately,
As l o n g a s t h e re i s carbon d i oxide fo r t h e m to eat, that high price is no
the c h i ffo n s attach to the city' s exterior and exh a l e guarantee that the devices
oxyge n b a c k i nto the atmos p h e re. will work below a few
M o st i n h a bitants h ave n o special wate r- b reat h i n g hundred feet.
a b i l it i e s o r s a l twate r s ki l l s . I n o rd e r t o leave
S a l ach i a , a re s i d e n t m u st encou rage a c h i ffo n
t o seal i t s e l f acro s s h i s o r h e r m o u t h to p rov i d e
oxyge n . T h e o n ly w a y to reach t h e s u rface i s t h e
hypo n o m e-a l o n g b u b b l e t u be-o pe rated b y a
creatu re d u bbed S a l . S a l i s t h e city ' s p rotector, a n d
t h o s e w h o w i s h to u s e t h e hypo n o m e m u st get
her perm i s s i o n o r r i s k a m a l fu n ct i o n d u ri n g t h e i r
j o u rney t h ro u g h t h e t u be.
Cu rre ntly, t h e city i s i n someth i n g of a cri s i s :
fewer S a l ach i a n s a re h av i n g ch i l d re n , a n d m o re
yo u n g peo p l e a re ventu ri n g out for oth e r p a rts of
the wo rld-a l l of which m e a n s l e s s carbon d i oxide
to attract the c h i ffo n s . The city' s m ayo r a n d creato r,
H i berz, rece ntly passed a l aw forbid d i n g citize n s
fro m leav i n g fo r more t h a n two d ays a t a t i m e . H e i s
a l s o offeri n g a bou nty o f 5 s h i n s fo r eve ry n ew citizen
i nvited (or oth e rwise b ro u ght) to t h e city.
1 95
 People of Interest
Hiberz: level 5; carries a H i berz is heralded as the savior and condem ned
carbon dioxide torcher as the executioner of Salachia. He's the one who
that he uses to attract d i scove red the p rocess for t u rn i n g sa ltwater i nto
chiffons; torcher also
l i mestone, which a l l owed the city' s origi n a l cru m b l i n g
causes carbon dioxide
poisoning up to 20feet s h e l l t u n n e l s t o b e rep l aced with t h e cu rrent t u n ne l s .
(6 m), dealing 5 points T h o s e who p raise H i berz con s i d e r h i m t o be the city' s
of damage the first round leader, although he takes to the task with re l u ctant
and 2 points for each of h u m i l ity. Those who scorn him wo u l d p refer to see
the next two rounds h i m dead so they m i ght b u i l d the city p rope rly, with
t u n n e l s that don't h ave such a h igh risk of col l a p s i ng.
S h o rt a n d s q u at, with a b u l bo u s nose a n d a n
ove rly s m a l l mouth, H i berz s p e n d s most of h i s
t i m e i n h i s laboratory a t t h e center of S a lach i a . H e
rules w h e n h e m u st d o so t o preserve t h e city, but
oth e rwise h e p refers to study the co m p o u n d s of the
s a ltwater a n d m i n e ra l s . H e i s add icted to h u ffi n g
ch iffo n s , which h e bel ieves i n creases the oxygen to
h i s b ra i n a n d m a kes h i m a bette r scientist.
Sal: level 6; 40 health; S a l , the city' s g u a rd i a n , i s a mol l u s k wo m a n who
tentacles deal 9 points res i d e s i n the main chamber of the ce nter s h e l l ,
of damage per round to
where the c i rcle o f t h e hypo nome i s co n n ected to
anyone caught in her grip
the m u c h l a rger passage out of the city. Alt hough
Sal's whole body i s ra rely see n , those who visit h e r
c h a m be r m i ght g l i m pse h e r red d i s h - b rown h ead with
ove rly l a rge eyes o n either s i d e . N e a rly a h u n d red
tentacles writhe at the edges of her face, and s h e
u s e s two o f them t o s peak to others. By p l aci n g t h e
tentacles o n the s i d e s of someo n e ' s fa c e , s h e c a n
pick u p the oth e r perso n ' s olfactory s i g n a l s a n d
u n d e rsta n d t h e i r m ea n i n g. S h e res p o n d s t h rough
h e r own scent, which can be a n u n p leasant a n d
confu s i n g conversation fo r those n o t u sed to d ea l i n g
with h e r k i n d .
Fro m i nteract i n g with S a l , i t ' s clear t h at s h e i s
a n cient, but the pas sage o f t i m e i s d i fferent fo r h e r
t h a n fo r others. S h e sti l l m o u r n s the loss of h e r rea l
fa m i ly-the o ri g i n a l i n h a bitants o f the s h e l l s-a n d
keeps S a l ach i a safe i n the h o pe t h at t h ey wi l l return
to take t h e i r rightfu l p l ace s . (Wh et h e r s h e rea l izes
t h at t h ey a re long dead i s another m atte r.)
Sal protects the city structu re at a l l costs, even
if it means destroyi n g the i n h abitants. Those who
wish to leave through the hyponome m u st provide
solid reasons to do so (when the city i s th rivi ng and
at peace, this i s a level 4 i nteraction; when the city i s
t h reatened, the d ifficu lty i s i ncreased b y one step) . I f
someone attem pts t o use the hyponome without Sal's
permission, they ta ke 4 poi nts of damage per round
until they reach the s u rface of the lake. It takes four
rou n d s to travel from the point of origin to the s u rface.
Calabe: level 4 Ca la be is the leader of the res i stance gro u p , those
who wish to take back the city beca u s e they b e l i eve
t h at H i be rz is destroy i n g S a lach i a with h i s s h oddy
t u n n e l s . Her father was k i l led when a t u n n e l caved
in o n h i m d u ri n g the fi rst of the G reat Co l l apses. S h e
1 96
was very yo u n g at t h e t i m e a n d h a s h a rbo red h e r
b itte rness l i ke a n oyste r h a rbori n g a gra i n of s a n d .
I n eve ry respect, Ca l a be i s a stu n n i n g yo u n g wo m a n ,
a n d s h e w i e l d s the powe r o f h e r looks t o g a i n m o re
fo l l owers for h e r cause. S h e always wears a b l ack
cape with t h e hood up, perh a p s to h i g h l ight the
b reathta k i n g bea uty of her face-o r perh a p s to cover
the d u a l sets of g i l l s l ocated j u st beh i n d h e r ears.
Desp ite Ca labe's lack of tra i n i ng, her fierceness
m a kes her a form i d a b l e opponent. In a confrontation,
s h e first attem pts to charm and soothe with her
beauty. I f that fails, s h e q u ickly becomes a d i rty fighter,
u s i n g wh ateve r is at h a n d to attack.
QUESLIN
"Ah, Queslin. What can one say of a town such as this,
where the salt runs freely and the brutal tempers with
it? I make me home here, for where else could I come
upon as many bodies in need of attention, as many
fists and faces broken beyond repair? Except, of course,
they're not beyond repair at all, are they? For my
Machines of Mastery shall soon have you up and about,
as good as new-or nearly so-and on your way back
to the stinking, brawling blackness from whence you
came. "
-Orator and Repairist Hedley Staffield, owner of
Machines of Mastery
"We don 't have a problem. The salt runs freely. "
-Queslin Overseer Wilbhur Brandle
"Maybe I did use to live in that pithole of a place.
Read some flyer promising me riches and posterity if I
worked them salt mines. Didn 't know what posterity
was, but I wanted me some riches. There was kids
down there. Tiny babies hooked up to that black
machine, drowning in saltfeed. I 'll never forget their
faces, long as I live. "
-Former Queslin resident who refused to be named
forfear he would be hunted down and brought back
to the mines. He claims to be the only "free retiree" of
Queslin 's work-to-live program.
Want adventure? Wish to experience the delights of
travel and the joy of discovery? More interested in
making your way in the world? Whatever your heart's
desire, whatever your waking wish, you can have it in
Queslin.
We 're lookingfor those who are willing to work hard
to increase Queslin 's prosperity-and their own ' Those
who commit five years to our work-to-live program will
be well rewarded.
Don 't waste any time. Don 't ask around. Don 't let
anyone else in on your special secret to success. just
come to Queslin, where the salt runs free.
-from a Queslinjlyer

Don't go to Que s l i n . Th i s i s t h e t h i n g t h at no o n e
s a y s . But the o n ly reason they d o n ' t s a y it i s t h at t h e i r
m o u t h s a re stuffed w i t h s a lt.
The tiny town of Q u es l i n swoo n s at yo u r a rriva l ,
becko n s yo u , u rges yo u t o fa l l i n l ove with i t s p retty
h o u s e s , its k i n d a n d d e l i ghtfu l m e rch ants, its
pleasant view overlooki n g Sere M a rica.
But enter Q u es l i n ' s gates a n d all i s lost, fo r the
h o u ses a re not yo u rs to h ave, n o r the m e rc h a nts
yo u rs to b a rga i n wit h . And the beautifu l view? That is
n ot fo r the l i kes of yo u to gaze u p o n .
O n ly t h e Overseer a n d t h e Privs l ive above gro u n d
i n Q u es l i n . Ben eath the city, exte n d i n g fa r out i n a l l
d i rect i o n s , i s t h e Salt M aze, a vast m i n i n g operation
t h at n ever ends a n d n ever s leeps. R u n by genetica l ly
mod ified beasts made i n t h e Overseer' s l i ke n e s s ,
the cave rns a n d h o l d i n g p e n s o f the Salt M aze a re
carved out by l a rge, re m ote-contro l led beetles. These
creat u re s a l so mine the salt.
Wh at, then, a re yo u needed for? You a re to beco m e
a salteater, o n e of t h o u s a n d s of creatu res captu red
ben eath the s u n ke n swe l l of the eart h , yo u r body
trus sed up, yo u r mouth pried open to rece ive the
saltfeed. In t i m e , the leeches wi l l be attracted to yo u r
scent. Then they wi l l d raw t h e s a lty sweat fro m yo u r
body u nt i l they beco me a pe rfectly bri ned d e l i cacy, a
s a lty a n d s avory s n ack fit for o n ly the most royal of
tables.
I f you s u rvive the expe rience l o n g e n o u g h , yo u wi l l ,
a s p ro m i sed, b e we l l reward ed-probably with a l ittl e
h o u s e i n Q u es l i n t h at ove rlooks the s h o re .
THE CROMULUS RANKS
Fro m far away, there a p pears to be a s m a l l m o u n ta i n
ra n ge o n t h e southwestern s h o re o f t h e Sere M a rica.
G ett i n g closer, yo u can see t h at the peaks, w h i l e
extraord i n a rily stee p , a re a l s o extraord i n arily regu l a r.
Th u s , t h ey a re ca l l ed t h e Cro m u l u s Ranks, n a m ed
for a l o n g-dead warlord who fo rced h i s troop s to
m a i nta i n pe rfect m a rch i n g format i o n s at a l l t i m e s .
The p e a k s a re n ot m o u n ta i n s a t a l l , but rows
of pyra m i d a l struct u res, each 2 , 000 feet (6 1 0 m)
acro s s at the base a n d m o re t h a n 1 m i l e (1 . 6 km)
h i g h . Ove r t i m e , e n o u g h sed i ment and e ro s i o n h a s
occu rred t h at the o n ce-wh ite pyra m i d s can pass fo r
wei rd m o u n ta i n s . I n p l ace s , vegetat ion eve n grows
on them.
T h e s e a n c i e n t ed ifices a re b u i l d i ngs w i t h h u n d re d s
of i nterior leve l s , e a c h w i t h e n o u g h s pace to h o u s e
h u n d re d s of t h o u s a n d s of peo ple, although the
o ri g i n a l b u i l d e rs a n d i n h a b itants m i ght n ot h ave
been h u m a n . Artifacts a n d cyp h e rs a b o u n d with i n ,
b u t ga i n i n g entra nce t o a n y o f t h e peaks i s d ifficult.
Some of t h e pyra m i d s rise out of the wate r at the
ed ge of t h e sea. These peaks, i n partic u l a r, teem with
vegetati o n , nest i n g b i rd s , a n d oth e r l i fe.
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
LHAURIC
if a soul walks the glass streets of Lhauric on a quiet
night, when all others within its massive walls slumber,
the chattering of the Challifani can be heard. The
million gods bicker and quarrel constantly, their
knowledge great, but always contested.
-Vullerian Fol, The Million Gods
Probably t h e l a rgest city i n the Beyo n d , L h a u ric
c l a i m s a p o p u l ation of 80,000. This th eocrat ic city
state is ru l ed by the Priest- K i n g T h a ri m a l les , s peaker Priest-King Tharimalles:
fo r the m i l l i o n god s of the Ch a l l i fa n i . The peo p l e of level 6, level 7 0for all
L h a u ric u s e both the S a lter River a n d the Sere M a rica intimidation tasks
to t h e i r benefit, worki n g a s fi s h e rm e n a n d m e rch ants.
N o rth of the city, t h ey h ave b u i lt a n u m be r of gently
t u rn i n g m i l l s o n the river fo r p roce s s i n g gra i n , wood ,
cotto n , a n d oth e r co m modities, i n c l u d i n g metal a n d
synth b rought i n b y the l o c a l d rit s ifters.
The streets of the ce ntral p a rt of the city a re
paved i n s m a l l p i eces of vo l ca n i c g l a s s , giv i n g t h e m
a d i sti n ct ive b l ack s h e e n . The grey sto n e b u i l d i ngs
u s u a l ly rise two o r th ree sto ries i n h e i ght, t h o u g h a
few towe rs a n d gra n d b u i l d i ngs a re eve n ta l l e r.
Deep below L h a u ri c is a h i d d e n cave rn. If you can
fi n d t h i s cave rn, yo u wi l l d i scove r a h u ge pool 50 feet
(1 5 m) acro s s . A l iv i n g creatu re l ies wit h i n the poo l ,
looki n g ve ry m u c h l i ke a gigantic h u m a n b ra i n . Tu bes
a n d cables r u n fro m t h e creatu re out of the cave ,
but we re you to fo l l ow t h e m , you wo u l d d i scove r
t h at they r u n back u p to the s u rface of L h a u ric
s pecifica l ly, to a l owe r l evel of the C h a l l i fa n i Te m p le.
The b ra i n i s a deranged b i o l ogical co n struct fro m
ancient t i m e s , a n d t h e Ch a l l ifa n i a re vari o u s facets of
its fractu red perso n a l ity.
These god s d e m a n d b l ood s acrifice. They m a n d ate
t h at Ch a l l ifa n i p riests a n d ad h e rents p ractice Challifani priest: level 5,
fl a ge l l at i o n , m ut i l at i o n , a n d tort u re. The peo p l e level 7for all intimidation
tasks
o f L h a u ri c bel ieve t h at t h e s e h o rrific rites keep
t h e i r god s h a p py and t h u s keep t h e i r city blessed.
In rea l ity, the Ch a l l ifa n i h ave n o powe r ot h e r t h a n
knowled ge-t h e b ra i n h a s s e n s o rs t h ro u g h o ut the
region a n d grants T h a ri m a l les a n d the lesser p riests
Cromulus led his armies
scattered bits of i n fo rmation fro m its observat i o n s . on a trail of conquest
T h e s e reve l ati o n s , a s we l l a s t h e god s ' gory throughout the southern
co m m a n d ments, co m e to the p riests i n the form of regions of the Beyond more
d ru g- i n d u ced v i s i o n s t h at they rece ive w h i l e b e i n g than 80 years ago. Due
tortu red i n the l owest port i o n s o f t h e i r te m p l e . to his depravations in the
villages and towns that he
After ge n e rat i o n s o f co m m a n d ments fr o m the
conquered, a surprising
m i l l io n god s of t h e Ch a l l ifa n i , the peo p l e of L h a u ric num ber of people in that
h ave grown accu stomed to t h e b l oody p ractices of region can correctly claim
their re l i g i o n . In fact, many secretly o r openly reve l in to be his descendants.
the gore a n d violence of it.
T h e p riests a re men and wo m e n w h o co m m a n d
both terror a n d re s pect. M o st a re m a i med a n d
sca rred fro m t h e i r co m m u n a l s e s s i o n s w i t h t h e
b ra i n . T h e p r i e s t s , m o u nted o n m a s s ive, t i gerl i ke
1 97
Razorcat: level 5; 24 beasts ca l l ed razo rcats , lead t h e i r h o l y kn i ghts
health
t h ro u g h t h e street s , select i n g vict i m s a s needed .
To re s i st a p riest, or to a i d a c h o s e n vict i m , i s
t o o p p o s e t h e d iv i n e wi l l o f t h e C h a l l i fa n i , a s i n
p u n i s h a b l e b y death a n d t h e a s s u ra n ce o f a h o rrific
afterl ife.
The Drit Sifters: In t h e v i l l ages to t h e n o rth and
east of L h a u ric, many peo p l e earn their l iv i n g by
s i ft i n g t h ro u g h the a rtificial s o i l a n d co l l ect i n g
va l u a b l e b i t s o f metal a n d synth. They b r i n g t h e i r
va l u a b l e d rit i nto t h e city i n wago n s . There, t h e
m ate r i a l s a re s m e lted o r re p rocessed so t h at t h ey
can be u sed by craftspeo p l e or m a n ufact u r i n g . Most
of these s ifters a l so wors h i p the C h a l l i fa n i .
THE WEAL OF BAZ
Unit-A29-##2 begin sequence relevant
Code 488 1 : Baz
"Baz" signifies organic language designation of
original, primary unit
"Baz" equates to organic language term "savior. "
Appropriate refrain 923/3K: "All thanks and praise
to Baz, whose mercies sheltered us from the merciless
world. Power, processing, and storage to him. "
Analysis: "Baz" synonymous with "machine
messiah. " Accuracy: 9. 9998 7 out of 1 0.
1 98
Located far out i n the Beyo n d , on the ca l m s h o res
of the N avae M a rica, sentries watch ove r the o n ly
entra n ce to t h e Wea l of Baz. T h i s h id d e n refuge
i s a h aven fo r i n te l l i gent mach i n e s . Fu l ly o rga n i c
creat u re s a re a l l owed acce s s very rarely, a n d t h e n
o n ly fo r a s h o rt stay.
Baz was a vastly powe rfu l a rtific i a l i n te l l i ge n ce t h at
u sed a b i l ities s i m i l a r to esote ries to ca rve a s m a l l
town o u t o f a cleft i n a rocky c l i ff face. O n ly o n e
p a s s co n n ects it t o t h e outside worl d , t h o u g h acce s s
acro s s the wate r i s a l so pos s i b l e.
I t ' s n ot known whether Baz s u rvives i nto t h e
p resent d ay.
T h e We a l of Baz i s l i ke n o ot h e r a l d e i a . T h e
e nt ra n ce i s t h ro u g h a n a rrow cleft i n a n ove rgrown
c l i ffs i d e , conce a l ed by h o l o g ra m s and g u a rd e d
by a p a i r of v i g i l a nt a utomaton s e n t r i e s eq u i p p e d
with v i s i o n -e n h a n c i n g h a rd w a re a n d a r m e d w i t h
l o n g- r a n ge p roject i l e we a p o n s m a n u factu red i n t h e
tow n .
M a ny of t h e a ut o m ato n s a n d i nte l l i ge n t
m a c h i n e s fo u n d h e re exi st i n v a ri o u s states o f
d i s re p a i r. T h ey a re , a s a w h o l e , a fa ct i o u s l o t ,
b a re l y a b l e to com m u n i cate with o n e a n o t h e r.
S o m e a re m o re t h a n a m i l l i o n years o l d . Ot h e rs
c l a i m to be fa r o l d e r, created by very d i fferent
h a n d s for very d i ffe re n t p u r p o s e s . Some a re pote nt

a n d d a n ge ro u s ; o t h e r s exi st as co b b l e d -toget h e r
m e s s e s o f s p a re p a rt s t h at b a re l y fu n ct i o n . B u t
t h ey a l l s e e m to s h a re a s i n g l e u n i fy i n g fa cto r:
a fe a r, h at red , o r l oath i n g for i n te l l i ge n t o rga n i c
b e i n g s . T h e re a re exce pt i o n s , h oweve r. Rarely, a n
i nte l l i ge n t m a c h i n e i n t h e o u t s i d e world wi l l give
a d e s e rv i n g orga n i c creat u re a s m a l l c a rd , d i s k, or
patch t h at bears a stra n ge , co m p l ex sym b o l . T h i s
sym b o l i s a p a s s t h at a l l ows t h e i n d iv i d u a l t o e n t e r
t h e We a l of Baz.
I n s i d e t h e co m m u n ity, a t rave l e r wi l l fi n d some
of t h e fi n e st m a c h i n e s m it h s and tech n i c i a n s i n
t h e Beyo n d , a s we l l a s a n e n o r m o u s stock p i l e of
s p a re p a rt s . T h i s sta s h , k n ow n as the H oa rd , i s
p r o b a b l y o n e o f t h e greatest s o u rces o f mech a n i c a l
a n d tech n i c a l p a rt s i n t h e N i n t h Wo r l d . N ext to t h e
H o a rd sta n d s t h e D ra go n , a towe r- s ized g e n e rato r
fu e l ed by s u n l i g h t . At a n y given t i m e , d oze n s of
m a c h i n e s gat h e r a ro u n d t h e D ra go n , rech a rg i n g
t h e i r own p e rs o n a l e n e rgy t h ro u g h a w i d e a rray of
ca b l e s , j a c k s , o r rece ive r s . Fo r obvi o u s rea s o n s ,
t h e i n h a b it a n t s va l u e t h e D ra g o n a n d even reve re
it as a god .
A few m a n u fa ct o r i e s exi st i n t h e Wea l of Baz,
p rod u c i n g wea p o n s , too l s , and p a rt s n e e d e d for
s o m e of t h e m a c h i n e s . D u e to tech n o l o g i ca l ,
re s o u rce, a n d m ate r i a l l i m itat i o n s , t h ey ca n ' t
p rod u ce eve ryt h i n g t h ey need , s o a g e n t s of t h e
refu g e j o u rney i nto t h e w i d e r w o r l d to gat h e r
p a rt s b y scave n g i n g , trad i n g , o r t h eft. T h e H o a rd
i s p roof t h at t h e agents h ave been gat h e r i n g fo r a
ve ry, very l o n g t i m e .
M o st d ays i n t h e refu g e , a u t o m a to n s wa n d e r,
re l ax, co m m u n i cate with o n e a n o t h e r, o r s i ft
t h ro u g h t h e H oa rd , s e a rch i n g fo r n e e d e d p a rt s .
T h e i n h a b i t a n t s d o n 't h ave i n d iv i d u a l h o m e s , s o
t h ey u s e com m u n a l s h elters to s t a y o u t of t h e
e l e m e n t s w h e n n e ce s s a ry. D e s p ite t h e n a t u r a l
h a rb o r, t h ey i g n o re t h e g reat body of w a t e r n e a rby
except to watch it for i nt r u d e r s .
O rga n i c v i s itors to t h e We a l of Baz wi l l n ot
fi n d co m fo rts t h ey m i g h t n o rm a l l y expect, s u c h
a s food a n d bed s s u it a b l e fo r l iv i n g b e i n g s . S t i l l ,
fo r t h o s e w h o c a n fi n d a n d ga i n e nt r a n ce t o t h e
refu g e , t h e m a c h i n e s a re a n e a rly e n d l e s s s o u rce
of i n fo rm a t i o n , a s s u m i n g t h ey can be convi n ced
to co m m u n icate, and a s s u m i n g a m e a n s of
com m u n icat i o n ca n be fo u n d-o n ly a s m a l l
p e rce ntage o f t h e a uto m ato n s a n d ot h e r m a c h i n e s
h e re were created to s p e a k , a n d o n l y s o m e o f
t h o s e s p e a k a n y k n own h u m a n l a n g u a g e .
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
}{ DIVIDED SEAS HEARSAY
l' f{
War of the M achi nes: Ormakal of Astaria wants to co n q u e r t h e
Wea l of B az-o r rather, h e w a n t s h i s peo p l e to d o it fo r h i m . F i rst,
h owever, h e need s some exp l o rers to find the refuge. Any trave l e rs who stop
in Asta ria a re l i kely to be a s ked to d o so.
Salty Assailants: O u r Order of the Lady of the Salt Way has a sta n d i n g
agreement with Gweneal Der, a trad er on the outs kirts o f Seshar, for a
s h i pment of fres h fruit and vegetables at reg u l a r i nterva l s . H owever, Gweneal
rece ntly a rrived at the island without her wares, clai m i n g that s h e was
attacked along the way by d a rk, s i n i ster creatu res of m i st and m uck, barely
esca p i n g with her l i fe. S h e refuses to co nti n u e work i n g the trade route until
s h e can be p ro m i sed safe pas sage.
Am phibious M igration: La rge swa rms of gorj a n s , fres hwate r a m p h i b i a n s
with l a rge, stro n g j aws a n d a h a b it o f s p i n n i n g p rey i n t h e water t o stri p off
t h e i r s ki n , h ave sta rted crawl i n g out of the N avae M a rica. They seem to be
head i n g west and a re l a rgely aggre s s ive in t h e i r m i grat i o n .
THE WEIRD OF THE DIVIDED SEAS
The Scent of Memory: A wo m a n n a m ed Loro rme l ives aboard a float i n g
mach i n e i n the Sere M a rica. S h e goes fr o m s h o re town t o s h o re tow n ,
offeri n g to p l ay the mach i n e , which s h e ca l l s a s c e n t orga n . S h e p ro m i se s
t h at s h e can p l ay any scent-fro m a favorite fo o d to a n a rd e nt affa i r-a nd
it wi l l evoke a m e m o ry so vivid yo u wi l l feel t h at yo u h ave re- l ived t h e
moment.
M issing Person: Along t h e outs k i rts of Q u es l i n , t h e outl i n e of a p ro n e body
i s d rawn in wh ite. W i res h a n g in the a i r, j u tt i n g out at odd a n g l e s a s t h o u g h
sti l l attached to the p e r s o n who m i ght h ave b e e n there .
Sym bols and Shells: F i s h e rs h ave b e e n p u l l i n g s h e l led creat u re s out of t h e
N avae M a rica t h at h ave odd sym bols i n scri bed i n va rious co l o rs o n t h e i r
s h e l l s . I f the creatu res a re k i l led, the sym b o l s tra n s fe r t o whomeve r o r
wh ateve r c a u s e d t h e d e m ise.
Sentry:
level 5, level 7for
perception; 20 health; 4
points ofArmor; weapons
inflict 6 points of damage
with long range
1 99
 }{ THE AMORPHOUS FIELDS
"
Stretch i n g fo r more t h a n 200 m i l es (320
km) across a mostly open p l a i n , t h e Amorp h o u s
F i e l d s c h u r n , twi st, a n d u n d u l ate i n d a n ge ro u s ,
u n p re d i ctable, a n d u n s ettl i n g ways . The fie l d s a re
a stra n ge m ixtu re of rock a n d earth t h at m oves
and ch u rn s a l most l i ke a s e m i s o l i d s u bstance, with
pockets of orga n i c s o u p t h at occa s i o n a l ly h a rd e n
i nto a s o l i d o r s e m i s o l i d form, m a k i n g the region a
"/ can't even begin to p l ace where o rga n i c a n d i n o rga n i c m a s s e s u n d u l ate
speculate what might toget h e r. I t goes without s ayi n g t h at the fie l d s a re
create and sustain the extre mely d ifficu lt a n d d a n ge ro u s to cro s s . With n o
Amorphous Fields. " -Sir
warn i n g, the gro u n d at yo u r feet can t u rn to poo l s
Arthour
l i ke q u icksa n d , r i s e u p w i t h a s u d d e n th rust, o r
"I have heard that the open l i ke a yaw i n g c h a s m . Exp l o rers who h ave s pent
Amorphous Fields is the t i m e h e re s pecu l ate t h at the Amorp h o u s Fields a re
result of an experiment by act u a l ly a s o l i d or s e m i s o l i d cru st ove r a visco u s sea
Aeon Priests gone wrong. " of o rga n i c l i q u i d s . A few s u ggest t h at the region i s a
-Narada Trame, anti-papist
s i n g l e l iv i n g entity.
"That is utterly absurd. " Cro s s i n g the fie l d s i s a d ifficu lty 2 task, but at
-Visixtru, varjellan ra n d o m i nterva l s , at least o n ce each h o u r, it is a
philosopher d i fficu lty 5 task.
No normal p l a nts g row in t h e Amorp h o u s
F i e l d s , b u t h e re a n d t h e re c l o u d s o f fu n g a l s p o re s
fi n d p u rc h a s e o n a s o l i d o r s e m i s o l i d s u rface a n d
q u ickly g row b u l bo u s gard e n s of fr u i t i n g bod i e s
fo u n d n owh e re e l s e i n t h e worl d . S o m e of t h e s e
a re p o i s o n o u s , b u t a few h ave va l u a b l e med ici n a l
effect s .
U n d e rsta n d a b ly, h a rd ly a n y peo p l e o r creat u re s
Ligoshi: level 7 0 l ive i n t h e a rea. H owever, t h e reg i o n does h ave
a few n atives, most nota b l y t h e l i gos h i , w h i c h
a p pe a r to be h o u se-s ized , b i o l u m i nescent j e l lyfi s h
200
t h at swi m i n t h e l i q u i d s o u p beneath t h e g ro u n d
a n d e m e rge w h e n t h e crust b re a ks o r o p e n s i nto
a s e m i s o l i d poo l . The l i gos h i n e a r the s u rface
p rod uce l i ghter-t h a n - a i r g a s s e s so t h at w h e n t h ey
b u rst fo rt h , t h ey fl oat i nto t h e a i r, s o m et i m e s fo r
h o u rs a t a t i m e . A l t h o u g h t h ey s u b s i st o n t h e
orga n i c materi a l s fo u n d h e re , t h ey s e e m t o enjoy
wra p p i n g t h e i r l o n g, p a ra l yz i n g tentacles a ro u n d
creat u re s fro m ot h e r rea l m s w h o h ave wa n d e red
i nto the wro n g p l ace.
A s m a l l n u m be r of h a rdy h u m a n sett l e m e nts
exi st o n patches of co nti n uo u s ly sta b l e gro u n d , l i ke
i s l a n d s i n the c h u r n i n g s o u p . These peo p l e know
(mostly) safe ro utes acro s s the fi e l d s a n d h u nt the
l i gos h i a s we l l a s gather t h e va l u a b l e fu n g u s t h at
grows h e re. M ost outsiders co n s id e r them i n sa n e .
THE TWISTED SPIRE
Near the center of the Amorphous Fields, a towe r
of l iv i n g, gree n i s h flesh reaches 1 ,000 feet (305 m)
towa rd the s ky. Fro m far away, t h i s twi sted s p i re looks
l i ke sto ne, but it's actually orga n i c tissue. I nterior
vessels carry vital fl u i d s to the top of the tower,
p u m ped by mass ive, heart l i ke organ s that can be
seen beat i n g with i n it as you a p p roach. Other than
t h i s u n d u l ation, h owever, the s p i re does not s h ift and
move the way the s u rrou n d i n g fields sometimes do.
The H alo: About th ree q u a rters of t h e way up, t h e
s p i re i s e n c i rcled by a ri n g of meta l . Th i s ring, ca l l ed
the H a lo, i s a c i rc u l a r structu re t h at s l owly t u r n s
a ro u n d t h e s p i re. I t h a s many green-t i nted c i rcu l a r
w i n d ows o n a l l s i d e s , i n cl u d i n g t h e t o p a n d botto m .
 LI M E NE
THE BEYOND

}{ THE AMORPHOUS FIELDS

l' 'f HEARSAY
Ancient Eggs: Somet i m e s , g i gantic,
eggl i ke ca p s u l e s e m e rge fro m beneath the
Amorp h o u s F i e l d s . When o n e of these eggs
b u rsts, a stra n ge creatu re i s found with i n . M a ny
peo p l e b e l i eve t h e creat u res come from va rious
poi nts i n the worl d ' s past. Recove ri n g a n egg
a n d bringing it out of the fi e l d s before it h atch e s
m i ght be a task t h at a b i o l ogist o r sch o l a r wo u l d
fi n d extre mely va l u a b l e .

Viva La Revolution: The peo p l e i n a n d a ro u n d

Ta sti m , a l a rge town s o u t h o f H ayre st, h ave h ad
e n o u g h of t h e i r tight-fisted , law- b rea k i n g ru l e rs
a n d want to overth row t h e m . H owever, to do so
they need wea p o n s , o rga n izat i o n , and, perh a p s
m o s t of a l l , a c h a m p i o n .

T h e Em pty Vi llage: The vi l l age o f To ri n ,

southwest of Ve b a r, h a s been d i scovered
a b a n d o ned . Wh i l e a l l the b u i l d i ngs a re i ntact,
eve ry i n h a bitant is gone. A stra n ge gree n i s h m i st
c l i ngs to the gro u n d i n p l ace s , but t h e re a re n o
oth e r c l u e s to what m i ght h ave h a p pened h e re.

THE WEIRD OF THE AMORPHOUS

FIELDS
(Arg u a b l y, the whole p l ace i s p retty we i rd . )

Searchers: O n ve ry ra re occa s i o n s , m e l o n
s ized s p h e res of r e d meta l , covered w i t h l i ghts
and what appear to be sen sors, fly ove r the
Amorp h o u s F i e l d s , see m i ngly search i n g fo r
someth i n g.

Fu ngal Scholar: At least o n e of t h e patches of

fu n g u s grow i n g a m i d the fi e l d s i s i nte l l i gent,
com m u n icates via s po re s , a n d h a s s po rad ic
knowled ge of t h e last few m i l l io n yea rs of h i story.

The Flyi ng Village: I n a vi l l age at the weste rn

ed ge of the Amorp h o u s F i e l d s , the local Aeon
Priest cl ave has d i scovered the m e a n s to m a ke
gravity-defyi n g harnesses i n l a rge n u m bers.
Eve ryo n e i n the v i l l age h a s one, so all res i d e nts
float a n d fly-conti n u o u s ly.

20 1
 Reach i n g t h e H a l o req u i res fl i ght or l evitat i o n , but
i f t h at can be acco m p l i s h ed , n u m e ro u s h atches
and ports a l l ow entry. Wit h i n the ri n g i s a treas u re
trove of the n u m e n e ra-a n d a n cient d a n ge rs a s
we l l . Exp l o rers re port waves of rad i atio n , p o i s o n o u s
g a s e s , a n d m o l ecu l a r-rearra n g i n g e n e rgy fie l d s .

VE BAR
Ve b a r is an u n d e rg ro u n d city l ocated in a vast
a rtificial cave. The b u i l d i n g s a re of a n c i e n t d e s i g n
Dalthius: a n d h a n g fro m t h e cave rn ' s ce i l i n g . T h e p l ace i s
level 7, Speed defense so o l d t h at l i mestone fo r m a t i o n s h ave beg u n to
level 8 due to built-in t ra n sform the city, m a k i n g the b u i l d i n g s m o re l i ke
force-projected shield; m a s s ive sta l actites. Ve b a r i s h o m e to a bout 8 , 000
29 health; + 1 point of peo p l e , w h o enter a n d exit t h e city t h ro u g h a series
damage with sword
of wi n d i n g p a s s ages t h at lead u p to t h e s u rface.
The po p u l ace m oves a ro u n d t h e city t h rough
t u n n e l s at t h e top, above the s u s pe n d ed b u i l d i ngs,
o r o n bridges a n d wal kways t h at co n n ect t h e
struct u res below the l evel of t h e ce i l i n g. Some
peo p l e t rave l o n ca bles a n d c h a i n s a l o n e ; j u st about
eve ryon e h e re i s a n adept cl i m ber. Ve bara n s l i ke to
d eco rate their city by h a n g i n g i nterest i n g o bj ects
fro m co rd s o r c h a i n s , and the city is fi l led with
d a n g l i n g orname ntat i o n .
Ve b a r, somet i m e s ca l l ed the City o f N i ght, i s l it by
a series of a rtific i a l l i ghts positioned t h ro u g h o ut its

202
 LI M E NE

i nverted thoro u g h fa re s .
M ost of t h e i n h a bitants
h ave grown to d i s l i ke
the s u rface, i n particu l a r
the l i ght o f the s u n . I f
they d o v i s i t the s u rface
worl d , t h ey p refe r to go
at n i ght.
The peo p l e of Vebar
farm fu n g i i n t h e l ower
part of the cave r n . They
h a rvest it for food ,
text i l e s , a n d a wide
variety of med i c i n a l
u s e s . Rope- a n d - p u l l ey
e l evator p l atfo rms
co n n ect t h e b u i l d i ngs
with the fungus farms fa r
bel ow. The farms a re l it
by glowglobes a n d oth e r
a rtificial l i ghts, so t h at

fro m the city, looki n g
down, the botto m o f t h e
cave rn see m s l i ke t h e n i ght s ky. Co nve rsely, the farms
look u p at t h e city the s a m e way.
N e a r the ce nter of Vebar is a h u ge te m p l e to the
local god , O u rth a l a s , a n d t h e homes of his b l i n d
wife- priestesses. O u rth a l a s i s d e p icted either a s
a h u ge, s p i d e ry t h i n g w i t h s p rawl i n g legs o r a s a
tentacled mon stros ity with many a r m s exte n d i n g i nto
the d a rkness. He is s a i d to dwe l l in the "Cave of Life
G iv i n g S h ad ow. "
Dalth i u s , a we l l - known fi g u re i n Ve bar, i s a n
i nterest i n g m a n w i t h myste rious origi n s . H e was
fo u n d i n a metal cyl i n d e r in a cave n ot fa r fro m the
city. H e see m s to h ave d i fficu lty in t h e open air a n d
d i rect s u n l ight, so h e re m a i n s i n Ve b a r as m u c h a s
pos s i b l e. D a lt h i u s i s h e l pfu l , friend ly, a n d l i ked b y
eve ryon e , a n d h e i s fi rst to j u m p to the city' s d efe n s e
i n t i m e s o f need .
SESHAR HEARSAY
The Power of the H and: Along the ca n always of Seshar l ies one vil lage
no one wants to travel past if they ca n help it. Ti rru m ' s i n h abitants are
ca n n i ba l s who waylay travelers and eat them-a l l except their hands. The people
of Tirrum revere hands and hang them from cord s i n their homes, wea r s h ru n ken
hands as totemic jewel ry, and use them to adorn weapons and tools i n creative,
al beit d i sturb i n g, ways.
THE WEIRD OF SESHAR
Man From the Stars: In a small vi l lage cal led Everen l ives a man named Yrk. He
claims to be an extraterrestrial fugitive hiding from others of his kind. Yrk appears to
be completely h u man, although his understanding of the n u menera i s impressive.
Margr Chief: Bastoo n , the leader of one of the l a rger M a rgr tribes, wears a
col l a r that looks l i ke it was meant for an a n i m a l . I n truth, it a l lows h i m to create
d u p l i cates of h i m self that last about ten m i n utes, free i n g h i m to d o two t h i ngs
at once. Bastoo n doesn't seem to know how to operate the col l a r p roperly,

:
however, so the d u p l icates a p pear ra ndom ly.

h " h " ;, ' " em ;oo of

M at h e u n i s , t h e Co l d Desert, but two
facto rs set it a p a rt.
F i rst, it was o r i g i n a l ly a s e p a rate k i n gd o m r u l ed
fro m w h at h a d been its ca p i ta l , N e b a l i c h . T h e ru l i n g
fa m i ly co u l d not s u sta i n its h o l d i n g s , h oweve r,
a n d t h e k i n gd o m co l l a psed m o re t h a n 2 5 0 yea rs
ago. Seco n d , S e s h a r ' s l e n gt h a n d b readth a re
m a rked by a series of ca n a l s , w h i c h d ate back to
t h e p r i o r worl d s a n d a re a rran ged i n a mysterio u s ,
a l most maze l i ke patte r n . T h e ca n a l s a re a l l
d e e p a n d regu l a r, with s m oot h , S O-foot ( 1 5 m )
escarpments o n e i t h e r s i d e , often s h owi n g b a roq u e
e m be l l i s h ments a n d eve n g rave n i m ages. T h e
peo p l e of S e s h a r s i m p l y ca l l t h e m ca n a l s or rivers
and rega rd them a s if t h ey we re n at u ra l .
T h e ca n a l s a re vital t o S e s h a r ' s we l l - b e i n g . S m a l l
barges a n d s h i ps a l l ow trade betwee n t h e vi l l ages
of the reg i o n . These vi l l ages a re b u i lt o n the h i g h
e m b a n kments o f ancient d e s i g n , o r they nestle i n
clefts cut i nto t h e s i d e o f t h e e m b a n kments. A s you
move away from the ca n a l s , the l a n d becomes arid
a n d l i fe l e s s oth e r t h a n scorp i o n s , i n sects, a n d t h e
occa s i o n a l desert b l o o m . M a rgr, h owever, a re a rea l
scou rge i n t h e area, a n d ra id i n g m a ra u d e rs p o s e a
serio u s th reat. T h a n kfu l ly, they rarely come too close
to the ca n a l s .

203
 GURAN: THE CITY OF THE MISSING
By all o utward a p pearances, Gu ra n i s a s normal a
town as yo u ' re l i kely to fi n d a nywh e re i n the Steadfast
Skrips are large, flat, o r the Beyo n d . In fact, Gu ra n was co n s i d e red so
flexible scales that
devo i d of perso n a l ity a n d u n iq u e c h a racte ristics t h at
shed naturally from
domesticated dossi. They the fi rst Steadfaster who graced its bord e rs d u b bed it
are often used as writing the City of t h e M i s s i ng. Of co u rse, eve ry s m a l l town
sutfaces for messages, has its secrets and h id d e n back a l leys, if you take the
flyers, and books. t i m e to look. Sti l l , the m o n i ke r h a s stuck.
Located at t h e southern m ost point of t h e B l ack
Riage, G u ra n h a s t h e best natural resou rces at its
fi n ge rt i p s : its l ocation in t h e To l ay Va l l ey p rotects
it fro m the e l e ments, the Ech Rive r b r i n g s a fl ow
of fres h wate r d own from the m o u n ta i n s , a n d t h e
m a rs h l a n d a ro u n d Yesterd ay' s La ke i s pe rfect fo r
o rchards a n d d o s s i graz i n g.
G u ra n owes its i n ception to the great B a u b l e
R u s h , which brought b a u b l e rs fr o m a l l ove r h o p i n g
t o m a ke a q u ick b u c k b y excavati n g t h e l u m i n o u s
b l u e b a u b l e s fro m t h e nea rby m i n e s . U nfo rt u n ate ly,
the b a u b l e s were so n u m e ro u s t h at they we re of
l ittl e va l ue . Tod ay, a l l of G u ra n is l it with m o u n d s of
a b a n d o ned b a u b l e s .
RULERS
Mylian Aeon: G u ra n has a s i n g l e leader, Myl i a n Aca n , a
level 4, level 5 with all
co u n c i l m a n a n d Aeon Priest who works h a rd to
interactions and with
numenera knowledge, b a l a n ce the u s e of the n u m e n e ra with the needs of
level 6 with Speed and the tow n s peo p l e . M yl i a n h a s t h e s u p po rt of most of
Intellect defense due to a the res i d e nts, although he i s often at od d s with the
numenera device more fe rve nt Aeo n Priests.
The Council of Gu ran , a group of t h ree tradesmen
and th ree secu lars, assists Mylian with deci sions and
govern ing. They are authorized to rule together as a
s i ngle entity if somet h i n g happens to Myl i a n , in which
case they h ave one week to choose a new head of town.
Ad d it i o n a l ly, the co u n c i l e m p l oys a dozen
g u a rd s m e n to keep the peace.
204
SECTIONS OF TOWN
The Clave: Once the entire town was located
with i n t h i s d i strict's rud i m e ntary wa l l of thorned
rose s h ru b s , which was ca refu l ly cu ltivated to d eter
i ntruders. N ow, the town has grown beyond t h i s
s m a l l a rea, and t h e rosewa l l i s m a i nta i ned b y two
elderly Sa rrace n i a n s .
The stone b u i l d i ngs o f the origi n a l d i strict ca n n ot
h i d e their true age, but their wea r and tear has
been ca refu l ly m i n i m ized by atte ntive h a n d s . M any
of these former houses a n d shops h ave become
head q u a rters for the tow n ' s orga n izations, p l aces of
official city b u s i ness, and a reas of wors h i p .
A s m a l l cem ete ry rests a t the Clave ' s
southern most edge, t h e stones etched with
s u rn a m e s t h at l ive o n in tod ay' s res i d e n t i a l a reas,
st reet n a m e s , a n d b u s i nesses. H e re you ' l l fi n d
Beckers, M o reks, Stat i n s , Erro l s , a n d , i n t h e o l d est
sect i o n , th ree s m a l l stones beari n g the n a m e
G u ra n . The o l d est section o f the ce mete ry i s t h e
m o s t popu l ated , w i t h rows a n d rows o f sto nes
beari n g the s a m e yea r. In add ition to n a m e s a n d
d ates, m o s t of these stones a re carved w i t h a rose.
The cemetery also has a n em pty morgue. Clearly
part of the town's origi nal i nfrastructure, the morgue
i s made of cru m b l i n g brick and rusting meta l . Its
large wooden double door i s closed but never locked .
If you visit m idweek, you ' l l notice that the front steps
are l ittered with skrips, all of which h ave been marked
with various s izes of red circles and held down with
blue-grey stones the s ize of fists. These are left by
devotees of She as peace offeri n gs aga i n st the return
of the Rose Plague, a spotted fever that wi ped out
m uch of Gu ran i n its early years. The rumor i s that
d u ri n g the pl ague, the city council ordered a morgue
to be b u i lt q u ickly to handle the large n u m bers of
the dyi ng. U nfortunately, despite the feverish pace of
con struction, the morgue was completed too l ate;
the Rose Plague worked faster than the men. By the
time the morgue's final brick was laid, the l ast of the
dyi ng had long s i nce succu m bed to their i l l ness. N ow
em pty and u nwanted , the morgue is considered a
necessary but grotesque rem i nder of that awfu l time.
M i d market: As t h e tow n ' s b u s i n e s s h u b,
M id m a rket i s mostly a co m me rci a l a rea with
a s m atte ri n g of res i d ences. H e re, yo u ' l l find
M a i n Way, along which perm a n e n t a n d trave l i n g
m e rcha nts offer t h e i r ware s .
The g e n e r a l store, which i s n a med Wesk's
M arket but which most peo p l e j u st ca l l "the
ge n e ra l , " offers food , s p ices, eq u i p ment, a n d a
free b a u b l e with eve ry p u rchase. The h u ge p i l e of
d i scarded b a u b l e s outside t h e store ' s fro nt door

attests to t h e i r l evel of b u s i n e s s . H e re, you can
haggle o r trade with the stout, grey- h a i red own e r
j oeffry Wes k fo r a nyth i n g i n the sto re-i n cl u d i n g t h e
store itself, s i n ce h e ' s b e e n tryi n g to s e l l it fo r years
so h e can s pe n d his d ays fi s h i n g o n Yeste rd ay' s Lake.
At the back of the store, beh i n d the co u nter, i s a
h a n g i n g s h e l f fi l led with ite m s t h at Wes k h a s traded
fo r ove r the years in l i e u of s h i n s . The i nvento ry
c h a n ges co n stantly a n d co n s i sts of mostly u s e l e s s
tri n kets , but fro m t i m e to t i m e , u n u s u a l bits of the
n u m e n e ra s h ow u p h e re.
Fo r local armor and other metal and synthwo rki ngs,
visit Flyte's Armor & More. The owner, Flyte Deboit,
is a fl a m e- h a i red m a n of a q u iet n atu re, rarely sayi n g
more than i s necessary. B y i n co rporat i n g the b l u e
baubles o f the a rea i nto h i s wares, h e m a kes q u a l ity
objects that a re both beautifu l and u n iq u e to Gu ra n .
H owever, he works s l owly and charges q u ite a bit
more (typ ically t h ree times as m uch) than a typical
crafts man of the a rea. Those who a re wi l l i n g to pay
and to wait a re l i kely to co me away with pieces that
wi l l serve them for a l i fetime.
N ext door, t h e Downy Dossi offers a wide variety
of skri p s , writ i n g uten s i l s , a n d i n kpots, as we l l
a s p r i n t i n g service s . H e re, H e pter creates a n d
d i strib utes t h e tow n ' s month ly newsl etter, The Curan
Gazette. If yo u talk too much a ro u n d H e pter, yo u
m i ght fi n d yo u rself q u oted i n t h e n ext i s s u e . W h i l e h e
u s u a l ly gets yo u r wo rd s r i g h t , yo u s h o u l d expect t h at
they' l l be enti rely out of context.
Two m a i n ta i l o rs com pete for t h e b u s i ness of
loca l s a n d v i s itors; t h ey re s i d e at oppos ite e n d s of
M a i n Way. The Fine Thread , run by M aggie Yets , s its
at the south e n d and s pecial izes in beautifu l stitches
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
a n d u n u s u a l fa b rics. The Th readfast, ru n b y h e r s i ster
M a rc h i e Yets , h o l d s fo rt at the n o rth e n d of t h e way
and does a boom i n g b u s i n e s s in adorn ments with joeffry Wesk: level 3
a scientific a n g l e , such as clot h i n g made of fa b rics
t h at sense a n d react to s pecific types of p rey o r t h at
d i s p l ay yo u r m u scles, bones, a n d i nte rnal o rga n s .
T h e Fish ing H ouse (not t o be confused with
M i l ly's F i s h i n g Hole i n the Sweet End) offers a
wide selecti o n of h u nt i n g a n d fi s h i n g accessories,
i n c l u d i n g a m m u n it i o n , nets, wate r wea p o n s , and
rowboat renta l s fo r Yeste rd ay' s Lake.
Flyte Deboit: level 4, level
The Rusted Relic i s more of a j u n kyard than an 5 at all metalworking
actual store. It covers a wide swath of land j u st off tasks
M a i n Way and is s u rrou nded by a wooden fence that
seems con stantly in need of attention. H ere, among
heaps of the n u menera, junk parts, and scraps of
Mecky: level 6; 3 0
materials, you ' l l find the cantan kerous creatu re known health; 3 points of
as M ecky-a ta l l , l ithe woman with a curved scar along Armorfrom an esotery;
the side of her mouth that i s o n ly visible i n certa i n long-range mind attack
l ight. Although she won't tel l you t h e story o f her past, that inflicts 7 points of
everyone in town knows that she was once a well damage and ignores
Armorfrom an esotery
known nano i n the Steadfast, the right-hand woman
of one of its leaders. H ow she fel l (or leaped) from
favor is anyone's guess, and M ecky i s n 't particu larly Hepter: level 2, level 3 at
incli ned to reveal the truth. Some say she i s looki n g for
all writing and printing
tasks
a s pecific bit of the n u menera, the one thing she need s
to kill the person who shamed her. Others wh i s per that
she rem a i n s in the loyal service of her leader and that
she works undercover in G u ra n , her j u n kyard a ruse
Maggie and Marchie Yets:
for somet h i n g far more s i n i ster. H owever, most people level 2, level 4 at all
think that she i s l ittle more than a broken old woman, tailoring and fabric-related
as u seless and confu s i n g as the j u n k she h awks. tasks
M idmarket is also the site of one of G u ran's two inns,
a bunk-and-breakfast establish ment known as Gee's.
205
 Leste/: level 3
Leste/'s daughters:
level 2, level 3 at dance free dance lessons to any who wander in. The G host
related tasks
Kir: level 4, level 5 at all
baking tasks
jirlin: level 4, level 6 at
Might tasks; 32 health; 7
point ofArmor; all melee
attacks deal +3 points of
damage
jirlin's gang member:
level 3; 7 point ofArmor
Will D'aevo: level 2,
level 3 at all subteifuge
tasks, level 4 at all music
peiformance and local
knowledge tasks
The owner is a grizzled man named Lestel, but h i s th ree
pale blonde daughters run the place. It's known for being
clean, expens ive, and almost always em pty. Travelers can
stay the n ight i n one of the inn's twelve upstai rs rooms
for 5 s h i n s and can purchase d i n ner and breakfast for
an additional 2 s h i n s . The only time the i n n gets busy is
d u ring its weekly dance, when Lestel's daughters provide
G roup, a local quartet, provides the haunting musical
accompan i ment to the lessons.
Leste l ' s estran ged wife, l<i r, ru n s a s u ccessfu l
bakery next door, offe r i n g sweet a n d savory p i e s a s
we l l as a variety of morn i ng-after d ri n ks . R u m o r i s
t h at s h e h a s a way w i t h h e r b s a n d s p i ces d e s i gned
to alter a m a n ' s v i r i l ity, i n crease p a s s i o n ' s flame, and
bring abo ut-o r p reve nt-pregnancy. But you wo n ' t
fi n d those offe r i n g s a m o n g h e r reg u l a r ware s .
T h e H atchet: Th i s tri a n g u l a r- s h a ped section of town
cove rs a l a rge, fl at a rea with the river o n one s i d e
a n d the start o f t h e h i l l s o n the oth e r. Th i s p r i m e
l ocation wo u l d m a ke it t h e seco n d - most coveted
res i d e n t i a l s pot, j u st after t h e Eave s , if n ot for t h e
a rea ' s pop u l ace. Eve ry city a n d town h a s its s l u m ,
a n d G u ra n i s no excepti o n .
O ri g i n a l ly the l ocation o f t h e b a u b l e s h a nty tow n ,
the H atchet i s rife w i t h m i s h - m a s hed b u i l d i ngs,
m a kes h i ft s h e lters, odd tangles of t u n n e l s , a n d
u n expected open h o l e s . A t the H atchet ' s center
res i d e s a pit b u i lt of brick and b l ood, about 5 0 feet
(1 5 m) acro s s a n d 1 00 feet (30 m) deep. I m pri soned
at its botto m i s a n ancient ravage bear, d riven mad by
its captivity a n d t h e ta u nt i n g of those a bove.
S u p posed ly, a m utant n a med J i rl i n and h i s w i l d
gang ru l e the H atchet w i t h a fiery fi s t , a n d those who
d i s regard o r c h a l l e n ge his ru l e beco me the n ext h ot
meal for the ravage bear. J i rl i n a n d h i s band m a ke
t h e i r ca m p a ro u n d t h e pit, b u i l d i n g crude s h e lters
out of wh ateve r m ateri a l s t h ey can scave n ge a n d
ste a l . J i rl i n i s n ever seen outside t h e H atchet, but h i s
gang m e m bers trave l t o oth e r parts o f G u ra n , u s u a l ly
on m i s s i o n s for t h e i r leader. When t h ey steal food
and eq u i p ment, which they d o a s often a s they can
get away with it, they l eave a ca l l i n g ca rd in the form
of the l ette r J spel led out in glowi n g b a u b l e s .
T h e Eaves: Th i s gently s l o p i n g a rea i s fi l led with
n ewer, l a rger homes b u i lt of ebony stones carved
fro m the t u n n e l s of the B l ack Riage. The wa l kways ,
too, a re made fro m the s a m e sto ne, givi n g t h e
i m p re s s i o n t h at t h ey' re always wet. N o b l e s wo u l d
l ive h e re-if the town had n o b l e s . I n stea d , the Eaves
a re home to the rich and the p i o u s a n d , of co u rse, to
those who a re bot h . The o n ly n ota b l e G u ra n d i g n itary
who does n ' t l ive i n the Eaves i s Myl i a n Aca n , who
l ives i n his fa m i ly h o m e i n the C l ave.
206
The U pper West and the Lower West: These two
d i stricts h ave no m a rked b o u n d a ri e s , a n d the l i n e
between t h e m moves a l most d a i ly, depe n d i n g o n
who i s h avi n g a d i sagree ment w i t h w h o m . Always ,
the U p per West a n d the Lower West e n gage i n
good - n atu red (a n d somet i m e s n ot-so-good - n at u red)
ri b b i n g about which of them i s bette r.
At the a n n u a l fa i r, the two d i stricts send t h e i r
stro n gest, but n ot necessarily t h e i r s m a rtest,
res i d e nts to com pete in to u rn a m e nts of arm
wrest l i ng, d ri n ki n g games, and fi n gerfis h i n g-a
sport in which partici pants stick t h e i r p i n ky fi n ge rs
j u st below the s u rface of t h e wate r as bait to attract
biters, a s pecies of fi s h with extraord i n arily l a rge
teet h . I n the morn i n g, after the headaches h ave
passed and the fi n gers h ave been stitched, n o o n e
can re m e m b e r who w o n the co ntests, so the battle
rages o n fo r a n other yea r.
That Place: Everyone refers to this bit of forested corner
land s i m ply as "that place, " as i n " I ' m goi n g over to
that p lace to do some h u nting." It's th ick with trees and
wildl ife, with only a few d i rt paths weaving through the
dense u nderbru s h . U sed primari ly for h u nting, it's also
a favorite s pot for you n g couples (or anyone looki ng for
a clandestine rendezvous) . U nfortun ately, this causes
a n u m ber of i n d ivid uals to be accidental ly i n j u red,
es peci a l ly those who a re movi ng erratical ly, as a wild
animal m i ght. It happens so often, i n fact, that there' s a
local term for it-getti n g bucked .
Sweet End: A tangled s p rawl of ci rcu l a r wa l kways ,
dead-end streets, a n d h i l ly pat h s , Sweet E n d is where
yo u ' l l fi n d enterta i n ment of the sort t h at i s n 't fa m i ly
friend ly. Fo reve r Street i s t h e m a i n thoro u g h fa re i n
t h i s a rea. Lit co n stantly b y h u ge a m o u nts o f b a u b l e s ,
which a re stacked a n d ce m e nted i nto s h a pe s , l ette rs,
a n d p l ace n a m e s , Forever Street n eve r closes. Fo u r
bars, two eat i n g esta b l i s h ments, a n d a t i n y th eate r a l l
l i n e t h e street.
M i l ly's Fishing Hole (not to be co nfu sed with t h e
F i s h i n g H o u se) offers l ovely wo m e n a n d a few
eq u a l ly l ovely m e n who a re h a p py to enterta i n
res i d e nts a n d v i s ito rs, p rovided they h ave a co u p l e
o f s h i n s t o s p a re . M i l ly's a l so h a s a ba rroom a n d
eatery where l o c a l b a n d s perform. Perh a p s t h e
m o s t po p u l a r m u s i cian i s Wi l l D ' aevo, who p l ays
a variety of stri n ged i n st r u m e nts and s i ngs bawdy
songs of G u ra n ' s h i story in a s i lve r-to n g u ed voice.
A tal l , l a n ky man with o l ive s ki n , d i s h eveled d a r k
h a i r, a n d watch fu l , near- b l ack eye s , D ' aevo ' s m u s i c
seems t o e n h a n ce the s e n s e s , lead i n g l i ste n e rs i nto
a trance l i ke state. Beca u s e h i s m u s ic a l l ows h i m
t o meld i nto t h e backgro u n d , nearly u n noticed , h e
sees m uch o f t h e tow n ' s h i d d e n u n derside. Those

who ta l k with h i m fi n d t h at he is a font of u s efu l
i nformation a n d oddly we l l co n n ected t o those with
d a rke r d ea l i n gs about tow n .
T h e Marchet i s the l a rgest a n d m o s t po p u l a r bar
a l o n g t h e stri p . Best known fo r its s pecia lty d ri n k, the
K i s s (made of cru s h ed berri e s , fo u r kinds of a l co h o l ,
two k i n d s o f j u ice, a secret i n gred ient, a n d the k i s s
of the o n e who serves it) , t h e bar i s a l s o i n fa m o u s
fo r its regu l a r fi g h t s ove r w h o ' s k i s s i n g w h o m . The
owners, who a l s o work as the barm a i d s a n d t h u s
a s the k i s s e rs i n q ue st i o n , a re two p a i rs o f s i sters:
S i m p l e a n d S e rene, the d a u ghters of M aggie Yets ,
a n d Te m perance a n d Tra n q u i l ity, the d a u ghters o f
M a rc h i e Yets . Al l fo u r wo men a re close i n a g e , s m a rt
as w h i p s , beautifu l , a n d nearly i d e ntica l . To say they
occas i o n a l ly create h avoc by i ntenti o n a l ly confu s i n g
gu ests as t o t h e i r rea l ide ntities wo u l d be a w i l d
u nd e rstate ment. The g i r l s , w h o we re raised toget h e r,
a re as m i sch ievo u s as t h e i r n a m e s a re not.
U nwitt i n g and u n ru ly guests m ay find t h e m s e lves
kissed, trussed u p , tau nted , d ro p ped i nto Sweet
Lake, o r s u bjected to any n u m be r of oth e r p ra n ks .
Ofte n , guests wa ke u p w i t h t h e i r pockets e m pty b u t
fo r a note t h at says t h e i r good s h ave been d o n ated
to C h a rcee, the wo m a n who ove rsees G u ra n ' s
o rga n ization fo r t h e u nfo rt u n ate. Yet n o o n e see m s
t o m i n d , a n d s o m e peo p l e co n s id e r it a badge of
h o n o r to be Kissed. By eve n i ng, the M a rchet i s
boo m i n g aga i n , a n d if yo u l i sten close ly, y o u c a n h e a r
more t h a n o n e gro u p o f guests b ragg i n g a b o u t t h e i r
exp loits a t the h a n d s o f t h e Yets g i r l s .
Sweet E n d Orchards: Along t h e southeastern e d g e of
Sweet E n d l i e the Sweet E n d O rch a rd s . The o rch a rd s
s u rro u n d Yesterd ay' s Lake, a l a rge body o f fres h
wate r t h at ' s a s o u rce o f fi s h year-ro u n d a n d a s pot
for m i grati n g b i rd s in the warmer month s .
O n ce a yea r, u nd e r the fu l lest moo n , G u ra n hosts
GURAN HEARSAY
Revenge Is a Dish: A you n g m a n beari n g the name of Doctorish
Omash M i n kle recently a rrived i n town. H e cl a i m s to h ave a d evice
that w i l l give a n o n l ethal a i l ment of you r cho ice (provided you
choose one of the six a i l ments on h i s l i st) to one of yo u r enemies
for j u st 10 s h i n s . H e ca l l s it a m i racle cure, sweari n g that afte r h e
d o e s h i s work, yo u r fe ud w i t h the person i n q uestion w i l l e n d . After
"treat i n g" a d ozen or so people, M i n kle was kid n a p ped by J i rl i n
and h i s gang. I f h i s device works t h e way he c l a i m s , it's now i n the
hands of G u ra n ' s most d a n gero u s resident.
M i ning for Bau bles: Myl ian Aca n ' s yo u n gest son, Mylo, has gone
m i s s i ng. Aga i n st his father's ord e rs , the c h i l d s pent a lot of time
i n the b a u b l e m i nes, com i n g home with stories of violet-eyed
creatu res and worm s as big a ro u n d as an ad u lt is tal l . "I watch
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
a l a rge p i c n i c a n d fa i r a t the l a ke, co m p l ete with a
fi s h i n g contest, h o m e m a d e fi rewo rks, a n d a fiery
a l co h o l i c co n coction ca l l e d Cro s s-eyed J ack, wh ich i s
m a d e fro m cro s s e l s a n d a fl a m m a b l e l i q u i d .
Becker Farms: O n ce a s i n g l e fa r m owned b y t h e
Becker fa m i ly, t h i s a rea now h osts a n u m be r of
s m a l l e r fa r m s , most of w h i c h ra i s e d o s s i fo r s kri p
a n d meat p rod u ct i o n .
T h e Wash : A swa m p a t the s o u t h e n d o f tow n , the
Was h i s t h e pe rfect grow i n g region fo r cro s s e l s . The
Red Man of t h e M a rs h i s rumored to l ive t h e re, and Crossels are a stimulating
ch i l d re n hear bed t i m e sto ries of his crossel-sta i n ed berry that, once picked
s k i n a n d h i s a p petite for d i sobed ient yo u n gste rs. and dried, provide energy
("G ood ch i l d re n , " mothers say, "taste b itte r to h i m ,
in the form of drinks,
edibles, and healing
b u t bad c h i l d re n , o h , they taste l i ke p i e s a n d cakes,
elixirs, pills, and potions.
and h e eats them all u p . " ) The Red Man and his pack
of wate r h o u n d s wa n d e r the marshes when the fog is
th ick, looki n g fo r ch i l d re n to s n atch . There i s another
tale, less told a n d w h i s pered o n ly among a d u lts, t h at
if you go to the Was h d u ri n g t h e fi rst wate r sto rm of
the seaso n , fi n d the Red M a n a m o n g t h e fog, a n d
offe r h i m someth i n g h e ' s n ever seen before, h e wi l l
beq ueath you o n e o f h i s water h o u n d s , which wi l l
work t o p rotect yo u fo r t h e rest o f its l i fe.
Bauble M i nes: The B l ack Riage m o u nta i n s e n d at the
n o rt h e rn most t i p of Gu ra n , a n d the twi sts a n d t u r n s
of the o l d b a u b l e m i n es a re l ocated a l o n g t h i s p a rt
of the ra n ge. N o l o n ge r u s e d , they a re firmly boarded
u p at each of their two main entrances. The m i n es
h ave n u mero u s leve l s a n d dead ends, so it' s h a rd to
know h ow exte n s ive they rea l ly are.
The Downy Dossi kee p s a s i n g l e copy of t h e m i ne
m a p s for reference, but it n ever l eaves the store.
Eve n d u ri n g emerge ncies, the map stays m o u nted
be h i n d u n breaka b l e tra n s p a rent synth. G u a rd s m e n
a re req u i red t o memorize it a s part o f t h e i r t ra i n i ng.
them from the h i gh shelf where the eyeman l ives , " Mylo told h i s
father. " I ' m safe u p there . "
To quell t h e boy' s adventures, Myl ian ordered stronger, more
secu re barriers to be built at each of the two mine entrances.
U nfortunately, there's a chance the boy m ight have slipped i n side
and now can not get out. Myl ian is offeri ng a reward of l OO shins to
any individual or group who safely returns h i s son.
Si lver Tongues Set to Waggi ng: Two m e m bers of j i rl i n ' s gang
h ave been freq uenti n g M i l ly' s F i s h i n g Hole and h a ra s s i n g the
m u s ic i a n Wi l l D ' aevo after h i s performa nces. H e c l a i m s h e
doesn't know what t h ey w a n t , but h e a p pears n e rvo u s a b o u t
t h e i r co n stant p resence . Rece ntly, o n e of t h e men was fo u n d
dead i n the Wa s h , h i s th roat cut as if by a t h i n stri ng.
207
 King Fa/ton and Queen
Sheranoa: both level
3, level 5 in pleasant
interaction and seeing
through deception
Diario Mardain: level 7,
level 8 in all manner of
deception and subterfuge; 3
points ofArmor; a variety of
level 9- 7 0 poisons
NEBALICH
If there is a h aven fo r civi l ization in the Beyo n d , it
m i ght be the city of N e b a l i c h . Its king and q u een
rule j u stly fro m their s i lver a n d emerald pal ace t h at
ove rlooks t h e sea, roya l b a n n ers fl utte ri n g i n t h e
w i n d . K i n g Fa lton a n d Queen S h eranoa , although
s h o rt, stout, a n d u n attractive by conventional
sta n d a rd s , a re two of t h e most
l oved ru l e rs i n the Beyo n d (a n d
perh a p s t h e Steadfast a s wel l) .
N e b a l ich h a s a p p roxi mately
3 5 ,000 peo p l e a n d i n c l u d e s a
fa i rly l a rge n u m be r of varj e l l e n
a n d a few l atti mors. A maritime
city, N e b a l ich i s a l so the
begi n n i n g of the ca n a l trade
route s . I t boasts citad e l s of
wh ite marble and wide p l azas
fi l led with bright a n d n o i sy
m a rkets a n d festiva l s .
But l i ke most cities,
N e b a l ich h a s its d a rk side.
A gro u p of p rofe s s i o n a l
th ieves operates out o f t h e
com m u n ity, p reyi n g o n the
citizen ry, t h e peo p l e of the
s u rro u n d i n g a rea, a n d eve n
t h e riverboat traders. They ca l l
t h e m se lves t h e Ye l l ow Serpent,
a n d ch ief among them i s a
m a n n a med D i a ri o M a rd a i n ,
who works n ot as a t h i ef
but as a m a ster a s s a s s i n .
H e i s a n attractive m a n
208
with p l at i n u m h a i r who u s e s a variety of n u m e n e ra
wea p o n s a n d too l s to acco m p l i s h h i s com m i s s i o n s
a s efficiently a s pos s i b l e.
REDSTONE
Red sto n e i s a moderate ly s ized vi l l age carved i nto
the s i d e of one of the ca n a l s in a s l ope. A q u a rry at
the top of the s l o p e gives the v i l l age its n a m e , as it' s
t h e sou rce for an i nterest i n g red sto n e t h at a lways
see m s to conta i n a patte rn of m u lt i p l e stra i ght l i n es
with reg u l a r a n g l e s .
MATHEUNIS , THE COLD
:
; tomd, th mt "g;oo ' o " t h
a n d e a s t of t h e Steadfast, stretch i n g fr o m the
coast of the ocean to the edge of S e s h a r, i s known
a s M atheu n i s . Some ca l l it the Co l d Desert. Fo r
t h e most part, it's a d ry l a n d of sto n e a n d s p a rse
vegetat i o n . La rge b l ack carrion b i rd s fly overh ead ,
looki n g for creat u res t h at h ave strayed too far fro m
safety i n t h i s rea l m of l ittl e s u ste n a n ce.
Ove r t h e last fifty years o r so, many folk from
t h e Steadfast h ave moved south to v i l l ages free
of e m p i re s and k i n g s . Of course, t h i s growth h a s
i n fl ue nced some r u l e r s , s u c h as the E m p re s s of
Pytharon, to begin to look southward with i nterest.
Free of l a rge cities oth e r t h a n N i h l i e s h , M atheu n i s
i s d otted with i s o l ated a l d e i a t h at keep t o t h e m s e lves
a l most to the point of xe n o p h o b i a . The peo p l e of
the l a n d a re h e rders a n d s u b s i stence farmers. O n e
of t h e most co m m o n types of p rod u ce ra i sed i s i ce
ca n d les, a m e l o n l i ke fruit t h at grows bette r i n co l d

tem perat u re s rather t h a n wa rm.
M at h e u n i s i s a l s o the domain of many d a n ge ro u s
beasts a n d m a ra u d i n g a b h u m a n tribes, particu l a rly
m a rgr and m u rd e n . For rea s o n s u n known , t h e region
h a s fa r more t h a n its s h a re of m utants.
O n e t h i n g t h at many M athe u n i s folk s h a re i s a
fasci n ation with d ra kka , i n sects t h at grow to 1 foot
(0. 3 m) in l e n gt h . D rakka a re s i m i l a r to b l u e bott le
fl ie s but a bit m o re i n te l l i gent, a n d they can be
capt u red a n d domesticated a s pets. Some peo p l e
u s e d ra kka t o h e l p h e rd t h e b rown -woo led u m l a n
goats o r a s watch a n i m a l s tra i ned t o a l e rt t h e i r
m a sters t o s i g n s o f tro u b l e s p ied fro m o n h i g h .
NIHLIESH
An ancient mach i ne, l i kely once a m o b i l e veh icle-city
of some k i n d , l ies half bu ried in the caked eart h . M o re
than two h u n d red years ago, nomads exp lored its
i nterior and fou nd-among other t h i n gs-a p a i r of
mass ive d evices that they brought back to l i fe. These
res u rrected mech a n i s m s p rod uce a th ick, ora n ge
brown fl u i d now cal led churn. Ch u rn can be s h a ped
and molded easi ly, and once d ry, it' s h a rder than stone
but fa i rly l i ght. The nomads began to build atop the
half-bu ried ve h icle, ra i s i n g curv i n g towe rs, i m po s s i b l e
s p a n s , and s h a pely domes of c h u rn pai nted i n vibrant
colors. They named their new city N i h l i e s h , after a
SIDE VIEW
The
nGie nt
l'V\a<:tiin e!!Y.
LI M E NE
THE BEYOND
word i n their language mea n i n g "tiers . "
Tod ay N i h l i e s h h a s t h ree t i e r s . The fi rst and lowest
i s the mach i n e itself, where workers m a i nta i n the
ch u rn-prod ucing d evices and s h a pe the m aterial as
it co mes out. The origi n a l b u i l d i ngs erected atop the
mach i n e com pose the Second Tier. These h a p h azard ,
squat struct u res a re so crowd ed together that when
you ' re with i n and among them, you ' d swear that you Drakka: level 7, level 2
were u n d ergro u n d . Atop t h i s tier a re the el egant, for perception, level 4 for
defensive actions
artistic b u i l d i ngs that N i h l i e s h i s best known for, with
ta l l s p i res reach i n g high i nto the s ky. Res idents ca l l it
the T h i rd Tier o r the U p per Tier.
Each tier is ruled by a powe rfu l entity. These
leaders co me from a gro u p ca l l ed the Fa h at, the
desce n d a nts of some of t h e origi n a l exp l o re rs
of the mach i n e . The Fa h at a re m utants, many of
them h o rribly d i sfigu red , but each i s reve red as a
m e m b e r of t h e city' s u p per c l a s s . I n fact, t h e peo p l e
o f N i h l i e s h ve n e rate m utation i n ge n e ra l . Some
non m utants i ntenti o n a l ly d i sfigu re t h e i r bod ies in
rit u a l i stic d i s p l ays of adorat i o n .
N i h l iesh i s the largest city i n the Cold Desert, the
home of more than 20,000 people. About 5,000 of
them l ive and work i n the Fi rst Tier, where they rarely
see the s u n or breathe air not tai nted with the fu mes
of ch u rn prod uction. They l ive short l ives of hard work,
debil itation, and d i sease, yet their position is coveted ,
1 500 feet
UPPER TIER
I square = 50 feet
TI ERS
The Gravitas
Furnace Vent
209
 }{ MATHEUNIS HEARSAY
l' [ The H u ndred-Year Flood : Wa s h i n g
d own o u t o f t h e h i g h l a n d s t o t h e west, a fl a s h
flood h a s swept t h rough t h e l owl a n d s , d evo u r i n g
enti re vi l l ages. Peo p l e a re stra n d ed a n d i n need
of rescue, o r at least food a n d med i c i n e .
M echan ized Ram page: A war mach i n e from
d ays l o n g past has reactivated and roa m s the
co u ntrys ide, ki l l i n g eve ryt h i n g it fi n d s . Leaders
of local v i l l ages h ave put out a ca l l fo r anyone
who can stop its re i g n of d estruct i o n , offe r i n g a l l
m a n n e r o f rewa rd s .
Lost Loot: A group o f band its ra ided a wealthy
village of its val uables, but then they tu rned on one
another. A few band its s u rvived , but laden with so
m uch loot, separated and alone, they reportedly
all came to lonely ends. The val uables now lie
somewhere i n the desert, waiting to be found by
i ntrepid explorers who will retu rn them to their
proper owners or claim the riches for their own .
for s o m e o f them, or their offspring, become Fa hat.
Anot h e r 5 , 000 peo p l e l ive in the d a rk t u n n e l
Ni-chodoss: level 6; streets of t h e Seco n d Tier, although some o f t h e m
telepathy within 7
s p e n d a s m u c h t i m e a s pos s i b l e i n t h e U p per Tier.
mile, up to 7 00 targets;
mindscan targets within The res i d e nts of t h e Seco n d Tier a re t h e lowest caste
long range; telekinesis of the city, l iv i n g neither in the l i ght of the U p per Tier
within 500feet (7 52 m), n o r a m o n g t h e prest i g i o u s mach i ne s of the F i rst Tier.
up to 7, 000 pounds (454 H alf the city' s pop u l ace dwe l l s in the U p per Tier,
kg); telekinetic blast with where the wealth of N i h liesh is clear. G lass and
long range, 8 points of
glowglobes of various s izes and shapes h ave been
damage
worked i nto the toweri ng b u i l d i ngs and gracefu l domes.
Powered elevators al low residents to reach the h i ghest
Mada-liviss: level 4, level
6 when attempting to use floors of the towers q u ickly and easi ly. Shops and
influence or charm m arkets stock m uch of what the Steadfast can offer, as
merchant caravan s from throughout the lands come
i nto and out of N i h l iesh heavy with good s and wealth.
The U p per Tier a l so hosts t h e Citad e l of the Fa h at,
where learned researchers study evo l ution and
m utat i o n , which a re both benefic i a l a n d d etri menta l .
People of Interest
The ru l e r of the F i rst Tier is G ayv-o reth , an obscenely
Gayv-oreth: level 5; obese m a n cove red with p u st u l e s t h at ooze vari o u s
health 50; can produce fl u i d s . T h ro u g h concentrat i o n , h e can control the
fluids that heal or harm 5 co m position of these fl u id s , a l l owi n g him to p rod u ce
points as an action each
l i fe-givi n g e l ixi rs for h i s faithfu l fo l l owers as we l l
round
a s stre a m s o f powe rfu l aci d s o r p o i s o n s t o defe n d
h i m se l f. G ayv-o reth i s a k i n d a n d co m p a s s i o n ate
Soul Court member: level 8
r u l e r, but h i s a p petites somet i m e s get the best of
h i m , transform i n g h i m i nto a d a n ge ro u s , i n sati a b l e
m o n ster. Sti l l , h i s peo p l e l ove h i m a n d h a b it u a l ly
210
THE WEIRD OF MATHEUNIS
The Warming Col u mn : A ta l l , beautifu l ly d ecorated
co l u m n of sop h i sticated cera m ics sta n d s alone i n
t h e desert, rad iat i n g a comforta ble h eat. Trave lers
who know of it use it as a fa m i l ia r waypoint at
which to m a ke ca m p at n i ght.
The Black Pool: A s m a l l b l ack pond in the eastern
part of the d e s o l ate l a n d scape i s fed by no
n oticea b l e s o u rce. Its wate rs a re poisonous to
d r i n k, but if a creatu re i s i m me rsed i n the d a rk
poo l , it emerges gl azed in a p rotective coat i n g
t h at p rovides 3 poi nts o f Armor. H oweve r, t h e
coat i n g fee d s o n the fl e s h of the creatu re, d ea l i n g
1 point o f d a m age p e r ro u n d .
Devilweed: A plant that grows sporad ica l ly
throughout M ath e u n i s ca n be u sed as a powerfu l
narcotic with extraord inary addictive qual ities.
H owever, those under its infl uence experience
s i m i l a r h a l l ucinations of a stran ge land with th ree
moons in the s ky, i n h a b ited by odd avia n creatures.
fo rgive his cri m e s .
T h e ruler o ft h e Second Tier is N i-chodoss, an armless,
eyeless, m u ltibreasted woman whose elongated torso is
al most l i ke a snake's tai l . She has an array of telepathic
and telekinetic powers, and her network of telepathic
spies, th ieves, and assassins allows her to control the tier
as wel l as exert si lent i nfl uence i n the U p per Tier. U n l i ke
the people she rules, N i-chodoss is extravagantly wealthy,
thanks to her thieves.
M ad a - l ivi s s rules the Th i rd Tier. Al m ost 8 feet
(2 .4 m) ta l l a n d i n h u m a n ly l ithe, s h e is d evastat i n g
w i t h u n e a rth ly bea uty d e s p ite h e r s ix-fi n ge red h a n d s .
M ad a - l ivi s s i s q u ite old a n d grow i n g fee b l e , a fact
s h e h id e s we l l . H oweve r, peo p l e h ave beg u n to
n otice t h at s h e a p pears i n p u b l ic l e s s a n d l e s s .
CITADEL OF THE IRON SAINT
A ta l l , rocky p rec i p i ce p rovides a perch for a d a r k
castle known a s the Citadel of t h e I ro n S a i nt. Its
i n h a b itants a re a nyth i n g but s a i nts, h owever. A
seco n d , n u m e n e ra citad e l floats n ext to the castle,
tet h e red by ca b l e s a n d guy w i re s .
T h e Soul Cou rt i s a gro u p o f five i n d ivid uals, none
of whom l ives i n the citadel fu l l-time. They hail from
throughout the N i nth World. When they meet in the
castle, they use a n extraord inary artifact to tap i nto
the power of the ancient structure. It allows them to
send their con scious m i n d s t h roughout the world,
i n habiting the bod ies of whomever they come across.
They experience the world through the senses of their
hosts and completely control the hosts' actions. I f their
 LI M E NE
THE BEYOND

u nwi l l i n g host d ies, is grievously harmed , or otherwise

ceases to be usefu l or enterta i n i ng, they s i m ply move
on to the next available body. Although it' s possible that
a few mem bers of the Soul Cou rt use this power i n the
service of their own goals, for the most part, they s i m ply
rel i s h i n the dark enterta i n ment of it.
Few peo p l e know of t h e Citad e l of t h e I ro n S a i nt,
and eve n fewer rea l ize t h at the Soul Co u rt exi sts. If
the m e m bers we re d i scove red , t h ey co u l d be s l a i n
e a s i l y wh i l e i n the trance l i ke state they enter w h i l e
posses s i n g oth e r bod ies.

FOUNDATION STONES
Lege n d h a s it t h at t h e Fo u n d ation Stones a re the
o l d est re l i cs o n E a rt h , d ati n g fro m the earl iest of the
prior worl d s . There i s n o evi d e nce to s u p po rt t h i s
c l a i m , b u t i t re m a i n s a fi r m l y h e l d b e l i ef, particu l a rly
by the folk of M ath e u n i s .
The seven stones float h igh above a particularly
desolate area of the desert fil led with ancient ed ifices
that have been eroded by aeons and covered with so
much sed i ment that they are easily m i staken for natural
cl iffs ides and plateaus. The largest of the stones, shaped
l i ke a d iamond and al most 1 mile (1 .6 km) from top to
bottom, is cal led the Stone of M argu l. It floats nearly
a half mile (0.8 km) above the ground. Perhaps more
i nteresting, however, is the Sym bol Stone, a m uch
smal ler flat-topped rock that floats 2,000 feet (61 0
m) i n the air. The Sym bol Stone d raws water from an
otherworldly sou rce i n a portal at its heart and pours it
down i n four separate streams, creating a narrow river
that ru n s through the desert to the sea. At the top of the
stone, a holographic projection of a mysterious sym bol
floats, l ighti ng the n ight sky for a mile around as though
it were a second moon.
The Fou n d ation Stones a re so n a med because
N i nth Wo rlders sometimes s u ggest that they serve as THE FAHAT
the fo u n d ation of the s ky, hold i n g the heave n s aloft. The fa m i lyl i ke caste known as the Fa h at a re the ce ntral figu res in a
q u a s i re l i g i o u s faith t h at reve res t h e b l es s i n g of m utat i o n . They a re t h e
THE SOUTHERN WALL e q u ivalent of d iv i n e l y touched l u m i n a ries, co n s i d e red s a i nts o r d e m i gods
Borderi n g the southern e n d of M ath e u n i s i s the eve n if t h ey h ave n o benefici a l m utat i o n s .
Southern Wa l l , a glacial formation of i m pa s s i b l e The researchers t h at w o r k fo r the Fa h at i n t h e i r N i h l i e s h citadel strive t o
peaks a n d sheer c l i ffs . S u rro u nded b y frozen l a kes fu l ly u n d e rsta n d m utation a n d w h y it i s c a u s e d b y some o f the n u m e n e ra .
a n d often covered by s now a n d h a i l storm s , the wa l l They secretly hope to o n e d ay control it, m a k i n g n ew, ta i l o red Fa h at with
seems less a p rod u ct o f its enviro n ment t h a n the a p pearances and advantages of t h e i r own d e s i g n . The Fa h at t h e m se lves
oth e r way a ro u n d . In fact, some peo p l e s pecu l ate d o n ot re l i s h the ra n d o m n e s s of m utat i o n , eve n t h o u g h it i s a co re tenet
t h at the wa l l is w h at ge n e rates the bone-ch i l l i n g of t h e faithfu l who revere t h e m . If t h ey eve r ach i eve t h e control they d e s i re,
co n d iti o n s t h at i n fu s e eve ryt h i n g i n t h e Col d Desert. t h ey wo u l d l i kely n ever revea l it to t h e general p o p u l ace, i n stead u s i n g it to
Those who b rave the deadly freez i n g air to create bette r a n d stro n ge r Fa h at mem bers a s p roof of their o rga n izat i o n ' s
a p p roach the Southern Wa l l re port t h at the b l e s s i n gs a n d powe r.
te m pe ratu re d ro p s ra p i d ly with eve ry ste p . The s h arp The O rder of Truth does not l i ke the growi n g i n fl u e nce and adoration of
retort of crea k i n g a n d cracki n g res o u n d s co n stantly the Fa h at. There is every reason to bel ieve that if the Amber Papacy were not
fro m deep with i n the ice. so p reocc u p ied with its cru sade aga i n st the G a i a n s , it wo u l d use force to
s q u a s h the Fa h at " re l igion" before it roots too deeply i n the heart of the l a rge
a n d i m portant trade city of N i h l i e s h .

21 1
 THE FIELDS OF FROZEN FLOWERS
The Frost Flowers
My love, my love,
your heart you do swear
so I beg of you show it
with a bloom for my hair.
Not golden, nor crimson,
nor any other hue.
For the heat of your heart,
frost alone shall prove true.
H e re, a m o n g t h e icy l a ke s , perh a p s more t h a n any
oth e r p l ace i n the worl d , hearts a re broke n , l oves a re
Some believe that beyond lost, a n d fut u res a re d rowned-a l l i n t h e p u rs u it of a
the Southern Wall, fl ower t h at wi l l last no l o n ge r t h a n the t i m e it takes to
there lies a hidden city p l uck it from its wate ry gard e n a n d carry it away.
secluded within a rift Deep in the Cold Desert, far southeast of N i h l i e s h ,
in the massive glaciers resides the Fields o f Froze n Flowe rs. Con s i st i n g of
that consume the region.
t h ree i nterco n nected sa lty l a kes that a re l i ghtly frozen
Rumors say that this
city, if one can reach it, half the yea r, the fie l d s a re a p l ace of myste ry, love,
is uncannily warmed in and deat h . D u r i n g the times when the wind i s dead
some fashion, a sort of q u iet and the wo rld i s cove red in frost, ice fl owers
secret paradise. form and float over the t h i n ly frozen water of the l a kes.
Born when the l a kes' salt and bacteria com b i n e with
the moisture fro m the sti l l a i r, every frost bloom is
as d iffe rent and te m pora ry as a fl a ke of s now. T h u s ,
they a re con s i d e red b y many t o be the o n ly ta n g i b l e
evid ence o f the vast d ivers ity and d e l i cacy o f t r u e l ove.
I n m a n y parts of the Col d Desert and beyo n d ,
yo u n g peo p l e m e m o rize the p o e m " T h e Frost
F l owers," and a co m mo n conversation a m o n g
n ew co u p l e s i s t o wo n d e r whether a frozen b l o o m
h a s beg u n to form a l o n g t h e t h i n i ce o f the l a kes.
212
Sym bols of the frozen fl owers a re u sed i n jewel ry,
writi ngs, a n d tattoos to p rove t h e stre n gth of one
pers o n ' s fee l i ngs fo r a n other.
Alth ough the flowers a re a b u n d ant, they are d ifficult
to gather and even h a rder to reta i n . The ice beneath
the blooms i s thin for wa l k i n g and m ay d rift with the
wi n d , and the tem peratu re of the salty wate r i s far
below freezing. The briny liquid swi m s with a l l m a n n e r
o f s h a rp-toothed and s n a ke-headed creat u res, h o p i n g
for a s n ack. I f a s u itor man ages t o s u rvive the wate r
and its i n h a b itants, s u ccess is sti l l u n l i ke ly; once the
flowers a re p l u cked and i n hand, they begi n to fall
away i m mediately, sometimes leavi n g l ittl e more than
a s i n gle s n owy d rop on the palm.
So many yo u n g lovers a re lost to l ove ' s watery
gard e n t h at t h e re is a myth of bod ies b u i l d i n g u p
below t h e s u rface, creat i n g a bridge t o wa l k o n . There
a re oth e r myt h s , too, of the dead m e n ri s i n g from
ben eath the s u rface, t h e i r h a n d s n ow froze n e n o u g h
to carry the fl owers a l l the w a y to t h e i r belove d s .
M o re t h a n o n e yo u n g m a n h a s b e e n s e n t t o b r i n g
b a c k a fl ower b y a l over who hopes t h at h e w i l l n ot
ret u r n . And many yo u n g m e n who h ave gone off to
" b r i n g back a fl ower" h ave been fo u n d i n ot h e r parts
of the wo rld , l ivi n g h a p p i ly with n o thought of the
o n e they swo re true l ove to.
Along the s h o re s of the l a kes, v i l l ages h ave s p r u n g
u p t o s u p po rt ( a n d p rofit fro m) t h o s e who take
the l ove r' s swi m . Most services offe r hearty d ri n k,
warm clothes, wea p o n s , a n d n u m e n e ra des igned to
ease t h e task, but a few p l aces p rovide l od g i n g a n d
ce l e b ration fo r the ra re co u p les who m a ke it t h ro u g h
the tri a l s of true l ove.
 LI M E NE
BEYOND THE BEYOND

CHAPTER 1 3

B EYOND TH E
B EYOND
NOROU
T h i s i m po s s i b l y ta l l , i m p a s s a b l e m o u nta i n ra n ge A town b u i lt at the western end of the S h ee r, N o ro u
m a ke s a n n e a rly p e rfect r i n g a ro u n d t h e re g i o n i s a waypo i nt fo r trave l e rs a n d m e rchant ca rava n s
k n own a s A u g u r- Ka l a . Vi ewed fro m a bove , t h e before t h ey m a ke t h e 3 20- m i l e trek t o W i s l ayn (or Augur-Kala, page 2 1 5
ra n ge l o o k s a l most l i ke a c l o c k fa c e , i nterru pted by after t h ey a rrive from t h at city) . The S h eer has no rea l
o n e pe rfect l y stra i g h t , w i d e p a s s ca l l ed t h e S h e e r. sto p s a l o n g t h e way, so N o ro u i s the l a st p l ace t o
Ot h e r t h a n t h e S h e e r, t h e s n ow-ca p ped peaks of re s u pply before head i n g east.
t h e C l o c k r i s e 3 0 , 000 feet (9, 1 4 5 m) o r m o re a n d A g reat deal of trad i n g occ u rs in N o ro u .
a ffo rd n o p a s s a ge. Eve n t rave l i n g over M e rc h a n t s a n d cu sto m e rs exc h a n ge t h e exoti c
t h e m is d i ffi c u l t t h a n ks to powe rfu l good s of A u g u r- Ka l a fl owi n g fro m t h e e a s t with
sto r m s t h at rage w i t h a co n st a n t fe rocity. wares fro m t h e Beyo n d o r even t h e Steadfast
co m i n g fro m t h e west.
THE SHEER The ru l e r of N o ro u i s a tyra n n ical d e s pot who
No knowledge of geo l o gy is n e e d e d ca l l s h i m se l f Lord Abe l l o r. H e expects a h i g h Lord Abel/or: level 6, level
to reco g n ize t h at t h e S h e e r i s a n tri b ute fr o m a l l m e rc h a nts trave l i n g t h ro u g h
7 in all combat tasks; 40
health; 5 points ofArmor;
a rtifici a l p a t h s l i ced t h ro u g h t h e h i s tow n , a n d wh i l e h e h a s sold i e rs to b a c k u p long-range weapon can
C l o c k of Ka l a . I t stretc h e s fo r 3 2 0 h i s d e m a n d s , h e a l so does so w i t h h i s own make up to three attacks
m i l e s (5 1 5 km) a n d i s a u n i fo r m powe r. Abe l l o r n o l o n ge r has a in a single action (8 points
7 3 m i l e s ( 1 1 7 km) w i d e , w i t h h u m a n body. H e exi sts as a ofprojectile damage per
pe rfect ly s m oot h , vert i c a l wa l l s b ra i n with i n the i nterior of a attack)
cut t h ro u g h t h e m o u nta i n s . T h e powe rfu l auto m aton t h at h e
During the winter, the
g ro u n d of t h e S h e e r i s g e n e ra l ly contro l s . Beh i n d h i s back,
pools and streams around
as s m ooth a s t h e wa l l s , a l t h o u g h t h e peo p l e refer to h i m as the Sheerfill with pale,
t h e a eo n s h ave b r o u g h t a b o u t Lo rd I ro n - Pants. blind squid. Having spent
m i n o r c h a n ge s d u e to fa l l i n g The p o p u l ation of N o ro u their adolescence beneath
roc k s , geo l o g i c a l u p h e ava l s , i s about 6,000. Wh i l e most the mountains, the adult
of these fo l ks a re m e rcha nts
squid attempt to propel
a n d s o o n . Sti l l , after h oweve r
themselves up the wateifalls
m a n y m i l l i o n s of ye a r s it h a s o r service p roviders cate ri n g to spawn. If captured, they
exi sted , t h e S h ee r re m a i n s t o trave l e rs (with i n n s , produce a dark green ink
m o re l i ke a corri d o r t h a n a b rot h e l s , p u b s , a n d s o that lastsfor many years.
m o u nt a i n p a s s . fo rth) , many a re beggars a n d t h i eves .
The wa l l s o f the S h eer a re freq uently p u n ctu ated " lyene Who Kn ows " i s a knowledge b roker w h o lyene: level 4, level 6 at
with wate rfa l l s t h at d ro p the enti re h e i ght-a bout ca l l s h e rself a h u nter o f i nformat i o n . S h e h a s subteifuge, level 8 at
1 0,000 feet (3,050 m) o n average-a n d co l l ect worked a s a s py a n d a t h i ef i n the past, but n ow s h e all types of knowledge,
in poo l s a n d stre a m s t h at d i s a p pear ben eath the gathers a n d trad e s i n fo rmation i n N o ro u . Known information, and lore
m o u n ta i n s aga i n . by the cri m i n a l e l e m e nt of the city, by those in m o re
A t each e n d o f t h e S h e e r, peo p l e h ave b u i lt a legit i m ate work, a n d eve n by peo p l e i n d i stant tow n s ,
trade city. A s i n g l e road co n n ects t h e s e two cities, s h e does n ot va l u e m o ney o r ite m s but i n stead
offe ri n g t h e o n l y means of t rave l i n g between t h e wants i nformation in exc h a n ge, always i n crea s i n g
Beyo n d a n d t h e ot h e rw i s e seq u e stered l a n d o f h e r p r i m a ry co m mod ity.
A u g u r- Ka l a .

213

Rumors say that there is
a transdimensional warp
that connects Wislayn
with a secret location in
Anwan, in the Steadfast.
WISLAYN
't one end of the Sheer lies the trader town of Norou.
At the other end is some kind of crystal tree that they try
to pass off as a trader town as well. "
-Na/la, a traveling minstrel
I n t h e m i d d l e of t h e eastern e n d of t h e S h eer sta n d s
a ta l l structu re o f violet crystal t h at res e m b l e s a
tree, a tentacled sea creat u re , or perh a p s a polyp
80 feet (24 m) ta l l . This stra n ge a rtifact i s used by
a p p roxi m ately 1 ,000 peo p l e a s a sort of tow n . S l ightly
m o re than h a l f of these peo p l e a re Augurs.
To uch i n g the crysta l tra n s ports you i nto a n
extrad i m e n s i o n a l s pace that a p pears to be i n side
the "tree." The s ky and gro u n d a re deep p u rple, h a rd
and s moot h . The s pace is about a half m i l e (0.8
km) across, and i n h a bitants h ave erected b u i l d i ngs
of wood brought from the outs ide. M a ny resemble
normal struct u res with wa l l s , doors, and roofs, but
others a re hastily constructed barriers of l ight wood
and clot h , s i n ce there is no need to keep out the
elements-the s pace has noth i n g rese m b l i n g weather
of any k i n d . Wa l l s i n Wislayn a re merely for p rivacy.
N ewco mers appear i n a n open p l aza at the ce nter
of the tow n . At any given t i m e , a nyo n e i n W i s l ayn can
mental ly acce s s the "exit" a n d s i m ply appear back in
214
CLOCK OF KALA HEARSAY
Seeking Passage: A mysterious trader
seeks a way across the Clock of Ka la without
trave l i n g through the S heer. She offers any explorer
his weight i n s h i n s (or the equ ivalent thereof in
other va luables) to d i scover such a means.
I nverted Mo u ntai n : O n t h e eastern i n ne r cu rve of
the Clock of Ka l a is a m o u nta i n u n l i ke the others.
I m po s s i b ly, the peak i s n a rrow at the botto m
a n d wide at t h e top. Whet h e r re i nfo rced with a n
i nte rnal a rtifici a l structu re o r s u p po rted b y gravity
m a n i p u l at i o n , the m o u n ta i n is clea rly a re l i c of
an earl i e r t i m e . What oth e r n u me n e ra-rel ated
secrets it m i ght h o l d , no one knows.
THE WEIRD OF THE CLOCK OF KALA
An Eye Toward the Futu re: A one-eyed wom a n h a s
rece ntly c o m e d own out o f the peaks, cl a i m i n g
that s h e fo u n d a sti l l m o u ntain pool o f inte l l i gent
water that offered to take her to the fut u re.
Good H u nting: S m a l l , rodentl i ke creat u res ca l l ed
seterd i n s l ive in b u rrows t h ro u g h o ut the Clock
of Ka l a . Stra n ge ly, o n e in ten h a s a n u menera
i m p l a n t i n its b ra i n . The i m p l a nts seem to be
i n active, but some peo p l e c l a i m to be a b l e to u s e
them to create i nterest i n g cyp h e rs .
Synth Rods: S cattered t h ro u g h o ut t h e C l o c k o f
Ka l a a re b l u e synth rod s , e a c h a b o u t 1 0 i n c h e s
(25 cm) l o n g. W h e n two rod s a re b ro u g h t
close to each ot h e r, t h ey s n a p toget h e r, e i t h e r
l e n gt h w i s e o r fo rm i n g a right a n g l e . I t wo u l d
s e e m t h at i f a l l o f t h e rod s were b ro u g h t
toget h e r, t h ey wo u l d co m b i n e to form s o m e
k i n d of l att i ce o r struct u re .
the normal worl d , n ext to t h e crystal tree.
The ruler of Wislayn ca l l s herself the G h ostis and
acts as though the town i s her p rivate home i n which
s h e h osts vis ito rs-a nd to her, everyone i n town
is a visitor. S h e is beautifu l and elegant, very l i kely
a n Augur, but her a p pearance i s a l most certa i n ly
artifici a l ly e n h a nced and m a i nta i ned. M o st of the time,
s h e wears a wh ite, d i a p h a n o u s gown of sheer fabric
that tra i l s wel l be h i n d her. Gossip says the G host i s h a s
the a b i l ity to eject vis itors fro m the extrad i m e n s i o n a l
s pace i n stantly, as if they had wil led themselves to
leave, and can p revent them from reentering.
Those who be l i eve t h e rumor fu rth e r s pecu l ate
t h at her i nte l l i ge n ce was u p loaded l o n g ago i nto t h e
Wi s l ayn crystal itself, a n d the b o d y s h e u ses i s a n
a rtificial creat i o n . I f true, the G h ostis m i ght n ot b e
h u m a n o r fr o m the N i nth Wo rld a t a l l-who c a n say?

AUGUR-KALA
N ot tech n ically p a rt of the Beyo n d , the
l a n d known a s Augu r- Ka l a i s as exoti c and stra n ge a
p l ace as anyo n e i n t h e Steadfast co u l d i m ag i n e .
T h e people o f this real m are cal l ed Augurs. Although
they appear no d ifferent from the h u mans of the
Steadfast and the Beyond, they come from entirely
d ifferent stock. They are, on average, smarter, stronger,
faster, more attractive, and far less prone to d i sease.
The expected l ifespan of a n Augur i s 300 years. I n
the extremely rare event that a n Augur m ates with an
outs ider, p rocreation i s possible but h ighly u n l i kely.
Augu rs h ave a stro n g affi n ity for the n u m e n e ra ,
but u n l i ke the peo p l e of the rest of the worl d , t h e i r
knowled ge o f it see m s to be decl i n i n g rat h e r t h a n
i ncrea s i ng. Lo n g a g o , generat i o n s o f A u g u rs had
s uch a close re l atio n s h i p with the ways of t h e ancient
past t h at they a l m ost seemed l i ke t h e peo p l e of a
prior wo rld t h e m s e lves . B ut with each pass i n g yea r,
t h e i r expe rtise fades as o l d e r fo l k d i e a n d take m o re
a n d more knowl edge to the grave.
As if to punctuate this decl ine, near the center of
Augur- Kala i s a large metal structu re that appears to
h ave bu rst violently from the earth long ago. Legend
has it that the Augurs descend from people who
dwel led with i n this structure, sleep i n g underground for
aeons. I f true, it happened so long ago that no Augur
has any memory of it, nor memory of anyone who d i d .
Augu rs h ave t h e i r o w n l a n g u age, but some
mostly trad e rs a n d m e rc h a nts-s peak the Truth.
Occa s i o n a l ly, they u s e speaki n g mach i n e s to
tra n s l ate w h at t h ey say a n d hear.
The l a n d of Augu r- Ka l a is green a n d fe rt i l e , with
ro l l i n g h i l l s , b a b b l i n g stre a m s , and pleasant weat h e r.
Vi l l ages a n d s m a l l com m u n ities a re rarer h e re
t h a n e l sewhere i n t h e N i nth Wo r l d , with a h i gher
percentage of t h e po p u l ation l iv i n g i n cities. M a ny
cities exi st, but t h e two best known to outs i d e rs a re
U rzat Zarteri a n d Sada E m i d u (alth o u g h , tech n i cal ly,
the trade city of Wi s l ayn on the eastern e n d of the
S h e e r i s l a rgely a n Augu r com m u n ity) .
Augu r- Ka l a is n ot without its d a n gers, of course,
but most of its beasts, a b h u m a n s , a n d creatu res a re
d i fferent fro m those i n t h e Steadfast or t h e Beyo n d .
Perh a p s most terrifyi n g o f t h e s e a re the Lug Sorek,
which re s e m b l e great w i n ged cragwo rms more t h a n
a nyth i n g e l se.
URZAT ZARTERJ
U rzat Zarteri is a n Au g u r fortress-city b u i lt on a h i g h
p l ateau and s u rro u n d ed b y a tall wal l o f a rtificial sto ne.
The p l ace i s stark and fu nctional, its p ri m a ry fu nction
bei n g d efense. The city i s extremely wary of stra n gers.
Stretching out from the wal l , the land i s a vast bog
patrol led by guardians cal led Narit G resh . These sentries
appear to be ancient, floating cyl inders of rusty metal
LI M E NE
BEYOND THE BEYOND
AUGUR-KALA HEARSAY
Cure for What Ails You : A s c h o l a r
a m o n g t h e Au g u rs bel ieves t h at t h e i r race i s
s l owly d evolving. H e seeks exp l o rers wi l l i n g
t o trave l t o a n ancient ru i n a n d fi n d a fo rm u l a
"The so called Augurs of the
t h at h e c a n u s e t o stop t h e deterioration fro m Augur-Kala region are in
co nti n u i n g i nto fu rt h e r ge n e rat i o n s . some ways as alien to the
humans of the Steadfast as
Divided Cam ps: A gro u p o f Augurs seeki n g we varjellan are. Curious,
don 't you think? " -Visixtru,
i n d e pe n d e n ce fr o m the ru l e o f the Zeal itor h a s
varjellan philosopher
gat h e red i n a n a rmed ca m p o u t s i d e o f S a d a
E m i d u . I n res ponse, the Zeal itor i s re portedly
th reate n i n g to u n leash troo ps a n d his perso n a l
w a r mach i n e-a h ove r i n g , armored d read n a u g h t
w i t h l o n g- ra n ge d i s i ntegration a rti l l e ry-to q u e l l
the re be l l io n .
THE WEIRD OF AUGUR-KALA
Stam pede of G h osts: A h o rd e of u ltraterrestri a l s ,
o n ly part i a l ly i n p h ase, moves e n m a s s e t h rough
the l a n d fro m t i m e to t i m e , d i stort i n g rea l ity
l i ke a fi n ge r d rawn acro s s the canvas of a wet
p a i n t i n g . T h e i r pas s i n g l eaves a biza rre wake i n
t h e wilderness.
Dead M achi nes: I n the s o u t h e r n region of the
land, a n u m be r of wheeled metal mach i n es
l i e dorma nt, d a m aged by wea p o n s t h at i n fl i ct
terri b l e h eat. Port i o n s of the mach i n e s h ave
been enti rely m e lted .
topped with the grafted heads of beasts, fleshy tend ri ls,
and an array of sensory apparatu s and weapon ry.
About 1 5 ,000 peo p l e l ive i n the m u lti l eve led city,
although at least 2 , 000 of t h e m a re sold iers who wea r
ch a i n m a i l armor a n d a re tra i ned i n the u s e of sword
staves a s we l l a s the occa s i o n a l n u m e n e ra wea pon.
The co m m a n d e r of the troo p s a n d the city itself i s
known a s t h e Al l agos , a t i t l e w o n t h ro u g h experience, The Allagos: level 8, level
appoi ntment, a n d formal co m bat. The cu rre nt 7 0for all combat tasks; 34
health; 4 points ofArmor
Al l agos i s a tal l , b road - s h o u l d e red wo m a n with s h o rt
h a i r a n d a series of scars on h e r face a n d neck.
SADA EMIDU
In the lan guage of the Augurs, Sada E m i d u means Cragworm, page 23 6
" River City. " It has a population of 1 00,000 and teem s
with u n ique s p i n d l e towers o f metal , crysta l l i ne The Zealitor: level 7 0; 50
domes, and b u i l d i ngs made of energy rather than health; 4 points ofArmor
matter. Servi n g as a sort of capita l , the city i s the home
of the ruler of Augur-Kala-the Zeal itor, a title that
Narit Gresh: level 6, level
eq uates roughly to " p ri nce. " The Zeal itor is a being of 7 at perception and ranged
engineered flesh fu sed with synth enha ncements i n attacks; 25 health; 4 points
body a n d bra i n . H i s grand palace i s b u i lt atop a n u m ber ofArmor; ray projector with
of bridge l i ke spans that cross the I ndygel River; the long range that inflicts 7
entire structu re i s poi sed above the ru s h i n g water. points of damage
21 5
 T H E U N I V E RS I T Y O F D O ORS
Turn everv Kev. open everv door. step tbrougb rnto vour future.
ave you a lways be l i eved you were dest i n ed for great tra n s ition s ? That you r true p u rpose was found o n ly i n the d i scovery

H of open i n gs to new p l aces and expe rience s ? That a rchways hold the keystone to l i fe ? H ave you a lways known you r way
a ro u n d physical and meta p horical l ocks, keys, password s , and h i d d e n panel s ? Then t h e U n ivers ity of Doors m i ght be t h e
p l ace fo r yo u .

Students with n i m b l e fi n gers a n d a d e e p u n d e rsta n d i n g o f struct u res c a n s pecial ize i n co ncrete a rts s u c h a s lock- p icki ng,
pas sage d i scove ry, a n d a rch itect u ra l synt h m o n ge ry. Those with l a n g u age a n d mech a n ical s ki l l s m ay p u rs u e t h e i r i nterests in
pas swo rd recove ry, panel re p a i r, a n d secu rity features. N u m e n ites wi l l fi n d t h e i r passions met i n o u r tra i n i n g o n m i s s i n g door
ret rieva l , d i stance trave l i ng, pocket doors, a n d p l a n a l tra n s it i o n , a s we l l a s i n our Passageway to the Stars p rogra m . Those with
i nterests in exp l o r i n g less ta n g i b l e doorways-those of t h e h u m a n m i n d o r of t h e mea n i ngs of l i fe-may also find a p l ace i n o u r
h a l l owed corri dors.

Degree p rogra m s at t h e U n ivers ity req u i re at least ten years of i nte n s e study a n d may nece s s itate a s many a s twe nty
years. Most students fi n d work i n a wide variety of fie l d s , fro m t h i every a n d a rch itect u ra l i ntegration to passage creation a n d
i nterp l a n etary stu d i e s .

Potential students s h o u l d take n ote: i n t h i s p l ace where exits a n d entra n ces a re reve red , l ittl e atte ntion i s given t o the oth e r
parts o f l ife. Co nvers i n g, s l e e p i n g, partyi ng, a n d eve n eat i n g a re co n d u its t o what t r u l y m atte rs: the d i scove ring, open i n g, a n d
enteri n g of d o o r s . H e re, h a l lways a re merely c h a n n e l s to the n ext door, b u i l d i ngs exi st fo r the sole p u rpose of h o l d i n g d o o r s , a n d
l ife i s w i t h o u t the a m e n ities to which yo u may be accusto med. As a s t u d e n t , yo u wi l l be expected to focu s o n yo u r stu d i es a n d
exp l o rat i o n s , o n yo u r fut u re pas sages a n d n ot o n wh at' s p a s s e d . S h o u l d yo u e n t e r o u r h a l l owed a rchway, the d o o r t h at w a s yo u r
l ife wi l l close beh i n d yo u . (Of co u rse, o n ce you grad u ate, yo u ' l l h ave t h e s ki l l s t o o p e n it aga i n . Yo u ' l l soon fi n d t h at n o door i s
fo reve r closed t o o n e o f o u r gra d u ates.)

The U n ivers ity of Doors accepts students of o n ly the h i ghest ca l i be r, those who s h ow great p ro m i s e with the tra n s itory p l aces
of the wo rld . Pote n t i a l students may begin the a p p l i cation p roce s s by d i scove r i n g the u n ivers ity door nearest to t h e m . F i n d it,
open it, and trave l t h rough it, and you wi l l find yo u rself o n our t h res h o l d .

THE UN I V E RS ITY OF D O ORS :

THE HEYSTON E TO YO U R NE W LI F E

216

OUTSIDE THE BOUNDS
OF THE NINTH WORLD
Some locat i o n s i m portant to the N i nt h Wo rld
tec h n ically d o n ot exi st in the N i nth Wo rld at a l l . One
s uch p l ace i s the U n ivers ity of Doors.
GETTING TO THE UNIVERSITY
The U n ivers ity of Doors is situated i n an alternate
u n ive rse, but its location is a we l l - ke pt secret, eve n
from those who work and study there. Students,
p rofessors, and staff l eave and a rrive by way of s pecial
u n ivers ity d oors that a re h i d d e n t h roughout the
wo rld . D i scoveri n g and open i n g one of these l ocked
passageways, typ ica l l y called diums, is the fi rst step
for p ros pective students. Those who fa i l to find a
d i u m and use it to reach the u n ive rs ity' s t h reshold a re
rejected i n sta ntly. Of the a p p l icants who find their way
to the schoo l , most a re tu rned away without bei n g
a s ked i n side the c h i meric gatewa l l that s u rro u n d s the
gro u n d s . Les s than l percent of appl icants a re act u a l ly
i nvited to p u rs u e their ed ucation.
D i u m s can be l ocated anywhere i n t h e worl d , be
made of any s u b stance , and u s e any type of locki n g
mech a n i s m . They typ ical ly a p p e a r a t ra n d o m fo r o n e
h o u r to o n e d ay a t a t i m e .
Some pote ntial locat i o n s i n c l u d e :
The Emperor of G reen: This giant tree, which reaches a
height of 700 feet (2 1 3 m) , grows in the Westwood along
N avarene's coastli ne. The dium appears at random on
the north-facing side and d isappears after an hour.
Tremble Pass: O nce a year or so, a ci rcu l a r door
a p pears i n Tre m b l e Pass, stretc h i n g the gro u n d open
i nto a cave r n o u s passageway. M o re t h a n o n e cu rre nt
student began h e r i l l u strious career by fa l l i n g and
tri p p i n g i nto t h i s door.
The M aestro: Sel i m Said (level 6) spends h i s time
explori n g the mysteries of the N i nth World and i s often
found studyi n g the foundations of flyi n g and floating
cities, b u i l d i n gs, and the l i ke. Rumored to be a former
head stone (key holder) of the u n ivers ity, his charm i n g
demeanor masks a bri l l iant m i n d a n d a strong body.
Those who take the time to get to know h i m wi l l
uncover a nother secret: wit h i n t h e neural network o f h i s
m i n d resides a portal t o t h e u n ivers ity-but o n ly for the
person who holds the proper key.
The U n seen Lake: When i nv i s i b l e storms ravage
the l a ke, as h a p p e n s d u ri n g its wettest seaso n , a
wh i rl pool door occa s i o n a l ly opens i n the wa ke of the
d i sa ster. Th i s door i s visible o n ly by wh at' s ca ught in
its ro l l a n d t u m ble; a nyo n e who sees a swirl of fi s h
a n d oth e r creatu res co u l d take a ru n n i n g leap a n d
atte m pt to j u m p t h rough t h e door' s o pe n i ng.
LI M E NE
BEYOND THE BEYOND
THE GROUNDS
The school gro u n d s a re s u rrou nded by a ch i meric wa l l
o f doors, gates , ope n i n gs , a n d passageways. These
entrances of all s izes and s h apes appear to overlap,
con nect and d i scon n ect, change l ocation, and open
and close at ra ndom. Some d oors a re i n side other
doors. Windows, locking mech a n i s m s , and h i n ges
without p u rpose sometimes appear as we l l .
To p a s s t h e second stage o f a p p l ication, students
m u st find and open all th ree of the true d oors among
the i l l u s io n s . The Arch ivolt-a fl ock of mech a n ical
Those who purposely seek
b i rd s i n the s h ape of keys-fly t h rough and a ro u n d entrance to the University
the d oors i n the ch i meric wa l l and caw c l u e s t o each of Doors for their own
p ros pective student. To say the Arch ivolt i s a n noyi n g advancement may find
wou l d be t o describe the flock too kind ly; the creat u res their efforts thwarted.
seem to take plea s u re i n ta u nt i n g and h a ras s i n g Nobody knows how, but the
University seems to play an
students w h o ca n n ot figu re o u t their c l u e s . They a re
active role in choosing its
keys created and progra m med to seek out, d i scover, applicants.
and u n l ock the h i d d e n i n adequacies of a h u m a n ' s
m i n d , and they a re very good a t what they d o .
GAINING ENTRANCE
The Arch ivolt caws the c l u e s to pote n t i a l students
i n the fo l l owi n g order. (Th e fi rst part of each c l u e
s u ggests the m ateri a l t o be u sed fo r the key, a n d t h e
seco n d part h i nts at the action to be take n . )
l . Bird got your backbone? Introduce yourself.
This door is built ofwood and synth , with a
conventional lock. Students must build a key from a
type of spine or backbone, whether bone (the spine of
an ani mal) , stal k (the spine of a plant) , or synth (the
main com ponent of a piece of tech nology) . Al most
anyth ing wi l l work as long as it can be con sidered a
21 7
 spine or backbone of an object or Despite the u n u s u a l
creatu re. Students must i n sert this appearance o f the b u i l d i ngs,
key i nto any part of the wal l and they all h ave a pu rpose,
s peak their fu l l name aloud, and incl u d i n g student housing and
Colod, the university's the door wi l l settle i nto its rightfu l com m u n ity s paces, l aboratories,
catlike mascot, can most place. If students struggle, the classrooms, gatheri n g h a l l s , staff
often be found in the
Atrium. Arch ivolt might deign to "help," lounges, and doorway d i s posal
offering such usefu l suggestions and man ufacturing faci l ities.
as "Where is you r key? H ow shall Students are expected to l ive on
you enter?" cam p u s d u ri n g their studies,
while staff may reside there or
2 . And if you are the key? Step el sewhere (except the head stone,
forward. who may not leave the u n ivers ity
The second door is built of grounds d u ri n g h i s ten u re) .
nanoparticles that are designed Some of t h e more p ro m i nent
to change shape to fit the b u i l d i ngs i n c l u d e :
s pecifications of the person
who wishes to enter. Doors The University of Doors Science
l i ke th i s are often used to travel Lab: This lab is the largest
between places where dangerous building on campus, and
creatu res attem pt to latch onto thanks to an i nfamous explod ing
travelers and pass through the double-door i ncident i n the
entrance with them. The precise u n ivers ity' s recent h i story-nearly
s hape of the doorway keeps everyone refers to it as the T&E
u nwanted passengers from going (the Trial and Error) . Here, the
through. I n this case, the key is a majority of the experiments,
representation of the student and stud ies, and hand s-on lab work
can be a d rawi ng or someth ing takes place.
similar crafted out of any material. Students merely step
forward i nto the wal l with their depiction, and the door H i nge Lab: O nce j u st a w i n g of the T&E , the H i n ge
wi l l appear. The Arch ivolt loves this clue and often uses Lab h a s grown l a rge e n o u g h to req u i re its own
it to deride the student's shape i n the guise of givi ng struct u re, a tal l , tri a n g u l a r wood b u i l d i n g. H i storica l ly
assistance. co n s id e red o n e of the l e s s i m portant e l e m ents of a
door, h i n ges a re n ow bette r u n d e rstood as t h e grease
3. There are no sounds to enter this place. Fly. in the pass age whee l , eas i n g the tra n s ition fro m o n e
T h i s door i s b u i lt of stard u st fro m a n other wo r l d . p l ace o r state of be i n g to another.
A t o n e t i m e , it was l i kely a door to a n o t h e r p l a n et,
but n ow it a l l ows o n ly a vi sage i nto t h at p l ace, a The Atri u m : A l a rge glass b u i l d i n g i n the s h ape of
green orb of swirl i n g d u st a n d w i n d s . S i l e n ce is t h e an orb with h u n d reds of honeycom bed windows,
key; if s t u d e n t s s ay n ot h i ng, the door w i l l appear. the atri u m houses a col l ection of l iv i n g passages for
Then they m u st j u m p i nto t h e wh i r l i n g vi sage, which study, i n c l u d i n g p l a nt-based gateways, creatu res with
t ra n s po rts t h e m to the oth e r s i d e of t h e wal l . entryways i n or o n their bod ies, and sentient doors.
The basement of the Atri u m houses a s u bversive
THE BUILDINGS section of studies that i s not on any of the broch u res
I nside the chi meric wal l sits a vast, rambling u n iversity or p ropaganda. S i m ply ca l led After Life, this branch
con structed of a hodge-podge of materials, all put of the u n ivers ity explores the tra n s itions between life
together with seeming randomness. Most of the and death , between death and what comes after, and
structures are built of entrances of one sort or another: between what comes after and what begi n s anew. After
closed doors, double doors, sliding doors, portals, Life students are cal l ed Passers and often d ress i n
gateways, raw openings, and more. Some ofthese are alabaster, which they believe t o b e t h e color o f death.
s i m ple doors that merely provide access i nto a buildi ng.
Others resemble doors but don't lead anywhere. Sti l l The End of Doors: Typical ly cal led the EOD, this circu lar
others open t o places u n known a n d i m possible--d ark red brick building i s the only one on ca m p u s that
land scapes never explored, the point of cel lular m itosis, mainta i n s no more than one doorway at any given time.
the eye of a h u rricane, the i nternal structu re of a working This door i s a s i m ple wooden door with no lock, and it
brain. lead s from outs ide the EOD to its vast, round i nterior.

218

Here is a no-door zone, a pl ace where students go
to leave beh ind the world of doors and feel the safety
of solid wal l s a round them. Begi n n i n g students find
res p ite here, and others come to study the effects of
being i n s ide a sol id, mostly doorless s pace.
People of Interest
The H eadstone: The head sto n e is the title given to
the d i sci p l i n a r i a n a n d key h o l d e r of the u n ivers ity.
Eve ry ten years, one r u l e-focu sed m e m b e r of the
grad u ati n g c l a s s i s chosen to beco m e the n ew
head stone. D u ri n g t h e ornate ceremony, a n u m be r of
keys, both physical a n d menta l , a re passed fro m the
ret i r i n g head sto n e to t h e n ew one.
While at the helm of the u n ivers ity, t h e head sto n e
ove rsees eve ryt h i n g fr o m st udent ad m i s s i o n s
a n d d i sc i p l i n a ry meas u res to t h e cu rricu l u m a n d
grad uation ceremony.
Once h i s re ign e n d s , the former head stone is given
a choice of doors to go t h rough as h i s final tra n s ition.
After he chooses and crosses that fi n a l t h re s h o l d , h e
m ay never g o t h rough a d o o r aga i n without fi rst be i n g
i nvited t o do so b y the h o l d e r o f that door. Those who
violate this u n s poken policy a re h u nted d own and
put to d eath by the gibbs. Thus, many head stones
become wanderi n g nomad s , Peregri nes, con a rtists,
or streetmen after they leave the u n ivers ity.
The cu rrent head sto n e is Sajeen D a r, a m a n
neari n g t h e e n d o f h i s t i m e a t t h e u n ivers ity' s h e l m .
The University Cabinet: T h i s invisible governing board of
the school ensures that all policies, rules, and trad itions
are upheld. U n seen and u n heard , the cabinet i ncludes
mem bers of the teach ing staff as wel l as cu rrent and
former students. It's rumored that Emerita Sarsten i s the
organ ization's head, but no one has any proof
Professor Emerita Sarsten: A long- reti red member of
the school, she contin ues to work in the various labs
at her leisure. Her main focus i s using elements of
doors-h i n ges, knobs, locks, keys, and knockers-to
create biomech an ical creatures. S h e occasionally takes
exceptionally gifted students under her wi n g, pas s i n g
a l o n g the secrets o f biomech an ical creation. H owever,
none of her students has been able to match her
talents, and many believe her i n n ate understa n d i n g of
biomech to be someth i n g beyond h u m a n .
Colod: Beloved b y a l l , Co lod, the u n ivers ity' s mascot,
is a l a rge cat l i ke creatu re t h at l ives in the Atri u m .
H e sta n d s about waist h i g h t o a h u m a n a n d h a s two
co m b i ned face s , with two m o u t h s , two noses, a n d
th ree eye s , but h e h a s o n ly o n e b ra i n , so b o t h of h i s
faces react i n u n i s o n . M a ny peo p l e bel ieve t h at h i s
facial positio n i n g a l l ows h i m t o see t h e past a n d
t h e fut u re. I n rece nt years, Co lod h a s started act i n g
LI M E NE
BEYOND THE BEYOND
UNIVERSITY HEARSAY
A H ead of Stone: I t ' s neari n g t i m e fo r
S a j e e n D a r, t h e cu rre nt head sto ne, to c h o o s e h i s
s uccessor. Th i s year's grad u at i n g c l a s s h a s a t
l e a s t th ree pos s i b i l ities, but D a r i s l o n g p a s t h i s
dead l i n e fo r select i n g one. R u m o r h a s i t t h at h e
p l a n s t o keep powe r a n d cont i n u e h i s re i g n . I f
h i s h a n d i s fo rced , h e i s t h e k i n d o f m a n w h o wi l l
fi rst try t o convi n ce t h e ca b i n et t h at n o students
a re worthy; if t h at fa i l s , h e wi l l l i kely atte m pt to
ki l l his pos s i b l e s uccessors.
Behind Door 1 1 : Some peo p l e wh i s pe r t h at
E m e rita S a rsten i s t h e head of the secretive
u n ivers ity ca b i n et, but in truth she put one of h e r
b i o m ech a n ical creat i o n s a t i t s h e l m l o n g ago.
T h i s creatu re looks, s o u n d s , a n d acts exactly
l i ke the rea l P rofessor S a rste n , which m a kes
o n e wo n d e r: Are two E m e ritas wa n d e r i n g the
cam p u s , o r d id t h e l iv i n g o n e d i e l o n g ago?
The Two Faces of Colod: The u n ivers ity' s m a scot
h a s been l o s i n g we ight rece ntly and is start i n g
t o beh ave e rratical ly, yowl i n g a t a l l h o u rs o f t h e
n i ght a n d kee p i n g students awake. I s t h e ancient Peregrines, page 3 68
creatu re dying, o r i s h e once aga i n p red ict i n g a n
i m pe n d i n g d i saster fo r the u n ivers ity? Sajeen Dar: level 4; 20
health; escapes through
doors; sneak attacks by
stepping out of a door he
oddly-yowl i n g and growl i n g-prior to d i sastro u s
creates and attackingfor 8
events. Students ofte n pet h i m fo r good l u ck before points of damage
e s peci a l ly d ifficu lt exa m s a n d t h a n k h i m with gifts of
fi s h a n d cheese after s u ccessfu l years.
The Archivolt: Professor Emerita S a rste n created The Archivolt: operates as
t h i s flock of mech a n ical b i rd s in the s h ape of keys. a single level 5 creature; 20
health; emotional taunts
The b i rd s , which n u m ber i n the d oze n s and ra n ge
deal 3 points of Intellect
fro m the size of a h u m a n ' s th u m b to the s ize of a damage, ignoring Armor
h u ma n ' s head , fly t h rough and a ro u n d the doors i n
t h e ch i meric wa l l . Their m a i n j o b i s t o p rovide clues to
p ros pective students. H owever, they a re a l so des igned
Professor Emerita Sarsten:
to u n d erstand and u n lock a perso n ' s i n adequacies.
level 4; 20 health
T h rough ta u nt i n g caws and jabs, they b reak d own
stude nts whose e motional wal l s a re not locked
aga i n st psychological attack. Although they poke fu n
at a nyo ne, they won't attack u n less attacked fi rst.
G i bbs: These creatu res a re the m a i n p rotectors of Gibbs: level 5; 7 5 health;
the u n ivers ity a n d of those who l ive, work, a n d study morphs into knifelike
i n s i d e its wa l l s . G i b b s , also created by t h e i n fa m o u s shapes to attack, dealing 3
P rofessor S a rste n , a re m a sters o f ca moufl age,
points of damage
typ ically a p peari n g to the u ntra i ned eye as door
knockers. They can take o n a n u m be r of s h a pe s ,
although they p refe r t h e a p pearance of s m a l l
d rago n s , l a rge frogs, b roken h o u n d head s , a n d t h e
occa s i o n a l n a ked wo m a n .
219
 OTHER VILLAGES , SETTLEMENTS , AND COMMUNITIES
Th i s section d escri bes some of the oth e r tow n s and v i l l ages scatte red t h roughout the N i nth Wo rl d . You
a re e n co u raged to u s e them whenever yo u need a u n iq u e a n d i nterest i n g p l ace where yo u r p l ayers can
rest fo r the n i ght, restock s u p p l ies, o r fi n d t h at pe rfect p iece of the n u m e n e ra . These l ocat i o n s wi l l n eve r
appear on an offici a l N u menera m a p , so fee l free to p l ace t h e m whereve r yo u ' d l i ke a n d to u s e any or a l l
o f the i nformation a s benefits yo u r ca m p a i g n .
Aendri
Population: S l ightly more t h a n 5 00
Significant Feature: M ost of the b u i l d i ngs i n
t h i s s m a l l town a re b u i lt o f stronglass a n d t h u s
tra n s p a rent. Fo u r ta i lors i n town work t o keep the
homes wel l covered with curta i n s and roof garbs.
Dashma Erg: level 3
Person of l nterest: D a s h m a E rg i s a b reeder of
flyi n g creatu res-specifica l ly, i n sects t h at a re
genetica l ly e n g i n ee red to carry coded messages
and h e ' s made a good b u s i n e s s of h i s offe r i n g s .
H e own s a l a rge h o u s e near the center of town a n d
h a s n o c u rta i n s . Creat u res o f a l l s izes a n d s h apes
fl utte r about i n s i d e a n d rest aga i n st t h e clear wa l l s .
Hearsay: Saya Morepin, a wealthy eccentric who l ives
in a fou r-story stronglass home, own s a s m a l l device
that she cal l s the Portcu l l i s . It prevents people from
entering or leaving a d i screet, defined p lace through
a s u btle use of energy field s . D u ri n g one of Saya's
lavi s h parties, someone stole the Portcu l l i s from her
col l ection room and i s using it to keep Saya locked in
her home. She i s offeri n g a large reward for its return
and her s u bsequent release.
Malik Harcrow: level 5,
level 6 at all subtetfuge The Weird: One of the founta i n s i n the center of
related tasks, level 7 at town featu res a pair of hands made of an u n known
lockpicking materia l . The water that flows over the hands seems
to change color, and the palms h ave tattoos that
form a map when viewed side by side.
Broley
Population: 500
Significant Feature: M ost of the b u i l d i ngs here a re
b u i lt from l ivi ng greenwood , a biologically engineered
material that q u ickly grows over a tem porary shelter
to create a permanent structure. This gives the
majority of b u i l d i ngs a softly rou nded s i l houette,
as a i r-fil led fabrics are u sed to create the mold for
the structures. The creator of greenwood , H oleon
Ferre, sti l l l ives i n B roley and occasionally takes on
apprentices i n the craft.
Camila Beyett: level 5, Person of l nterest: Ca m i l a Beyett lead s a gro u p
level 6 at melee attacks ca l l ed the Cos m i cologists, whose mem bers b r i n g
and Speed defense
their bod ies i n tune with the cosmos t h rough t h e
use o f s peci a l ized movements s u c h as fighti n g
stances and i nteractive stretches and d ue l s . Ca m i l a
lead s movement p ractice every d ay i n Deso n i ' s
Square, and her fol low i n g has grown t o nearly h a l f
the town, as we l l as outs iders w h o a rrive from
beyo nd its borders.
220
Hearsay: The Reve l ry of Wo n d e r, an a n n u a l eve nt
in B ro l ey, is j u st d ays away. The ce l e b ration
i n c l u d e s co m petit i o n s i n stre n gt h , weapon ry,
craft i n g, a n d oth e r s ki l l s . Those who s peci a l ize i n
t h e n u m e n e ra wi l l a p p reci ate t h e Wo n d e r Race,
where p a rtici pants a re given a ra n d o m p i l e of
parts and m ateri a l s and m u st create someth i n g
worka b l e i n a few h o u rs . T h e w i n n e rs a re awa rd ed
a s pecial prize, and the wi n n i n g p i eces a re added
to H o l eo n Fe rre ' s grow i n g co l l ect ion of the
n u m e n e ra .
T h e Wei rd : O n Ches l e t Street, a b l ock of absol ute
d a rkness a p p roxi m ately 8 feet (2.4 m) h i gh floats a
few i n c h e s off t h e g ro u n d . Wh i l e wa l k i n g t h ro u g h
i t , yo u ca n 't s e e , hear, o r s m e l l a nyth i n g. The b l ock
v i b rates s l i ghtly.
Dymath Fordye
Population: 1 , 200
Sign ificant Feature: The town is b u i lt in the m i d d l e
o f S n a ke m o o r M a rs h , with a l l o f the b u i l d i ngs
set high o n sti lts. O n ly o n e brid ge-a p reca rio u s
sto n e wal kway-lead s i nto tow n .
Person o f I nterest: M a l i k H a rcrow ru n s the local
tavern. She i s a reti red th ief a n d kee p s a l a rge
co l l ecti o n of m a p s and keys in h e r store roo m . S h e ,
h e r i n n , a n d t h o s e who s e e k s h elter t h e re a re we l l
p rotected b y h e r t h u m a n , D u ror.
Hearsay: O n e of the tow n ' s most e l i g i b l e
bach elors, E d m u g h Fo l cey, w a s d i scovered dead,
a p p a rently fro m a n odd bite o n his face. A p i ece
of what looked l i ke a meta l tooth was lod ged i n
h i s cheek. Seve ra l local wo m e n a n d a t least o n e
m a n a re d evastated b y h i s death a n d offe r vari o u s
rewa rd s fo r the capt u re o f h i s k i l l e r, be it m a n ,
beast, o r someth i n g e l s e .
The Weird: A herd o f stra n ge a n i m a l s , to ugh-h ided
creatu res that snort sapph i re-h ued smoke, has
moved i nto the marsh. They mostly gather beneath
the sti lted home of the town ' s m ayor.
Essearnin
Population : 800
Significant Feature: The town s its on the b a n ks of
a river s p a n n ed by several bridges. Each bridge i s
b u i lt o f a d iffe rent m ateri a l and h a s a u n iq u e s h ape.
Person of I nterest: The I n n of the Blue Barker hosts
regular d uels, with a 2-s h i n entry fee and the p rize

of free room and board for a week. M a l i a Noke,
a tal l , q u iet varjellen, has held the title for four
years ru n n i ng. She i s th reate n i n g to reti re d u e
t o boredom and the l a c k o f worthy com petition.
Argel , the i n n ' s owner, i s desperately search i n g for
someone to give M a l i a a good fight, as the event's
entry fees pay for his add iction to cockle gam b l i ng.
Hearsay: Ti n kerers h ave b u i lt a contraption to
ca pture a person ' s i m age and p roject it i n reverse
on a fl at s u rface for a few m i n utes. Recently, the
contraption has started showi n g i mages of odd,
alien beasts i n stead of the person who paid to
have h i s l i keness captu red .
The Wei rd : E s searn i n i s b u i lt a ro u n d a pyra m i d
o f p u rp l e sto ne. O n w a r m d ays, the t o p o f t h e
sto n e s p l its a n d s pouts a stream o f freez i n g
water. Re s i d ents ca l l it the l ce b reak.
lmalov Castle
Population: 25
Significant Feature: A lone keep with h igh grey
wa l l s , t h i s castle s its in the m i d d l e of a desolate
stretch of wilderness. The mass ive i ron d oo rs a re
a lways closed.
Person of I nterest: Lady Perr ix sta n d s ove r 6 1 /2
feet (1 . 9 m) ta l l and wears heeled boots and an
e l a b o rate head d re s s to acce ntuate her h e i ght.
She i s leery of stra n gers, but those granted
entra n ce a re given a graci o u s but i m peri o u s
rece pti o n . Eve ryo ne e l se i n the castle i s h e r
servant o r s l ave.
Hearsay: Lady Perrix i s a fa l l e n Angu l a n Kn ight,
ou sted from the order yea rs ago. She may very
wel l be i n sane. H oweve r, many people believe
that s h e knows the secret to e nteri n g a h id d e n ,
s u bterra nean com p lex fr o m the p r i o r worl d s that
l ies near her castle.
The Wei rd : Lady Perrix has a time d i s p l acement
d evice i n h e r head d re s s t h at a l l ows h e r to
d i s a p pear fo r a few seco n d s or a few m i n utes
and then rea ppear a s if she had n ever left.
Songduel Ruins
Population: J u st u n d e r 1 ,000
Significant Feature: T h i s v i l l age is b u i lt on top of
a much l a rger city a n d a battlefield of lege n d . I t
i s said that long a g o , two great son gstresses met
here to fight for the h a n d of the m a n they both
loved . Their songs, in their deadly beauty, razed
the city to the gro u n d and e n s u red that noth i n g
wou l d grow for ages t o come. (Of co u rse, i t ' s a l so
pos s i b l e that the soil cou l d h ave been tai nted by
the poisonous s p rayweapo n s they u sed on each
other d u ri n g the i nfamous d ue l , the res i d u e of
which seeps up each time it ra i n s.)
Person of I nterest: j e s ra Cri s i s the v i l l age ru l e r.
LI M E NE
BEYOND THE BEYOND
Ancient a n d b l i n d , s h e mostly leaves t h e ru n n i n g Malia Noke: level 6, level
of Songd u e l R u i n s t o h e r s i x grandch i l d re n , who 7 at Speed defense due to
ra nge i n age from five to e i ghtee n . Wh i l e they' re shield; 28 health; 2 points
wrea k i n g h avoc on t h e v i l l age as o n ly yo u n g
ofArmor; +2 points of
damage with her special
chaperoned ru l e rs ca n , j es ra h a s been seen
single-edged sword
wa l k i n g the streets l ate at n i ght, looki n g at t h e s ky
a n d wea r i n g an odd d evice on h e r head.
Hearsay: Res ident Stepfan S a l i n k recently
acq u i red a pair of bou n d i n g boots that
allows h i m to j u m p and leap without the
press u re of gravity. An imals of all sorts are
attracted to these pieces of the n u menera,
and a large pack of creatures, both tame
and wild, h ave begu n to fol low him t h rough
the streets. H e does n 't want to give u p h i s
boots, b u t he ca n't figure o u t how t o stop
the a n i m a l s from tra i l i n g h i m .
The Weird: I n t h e marketplace is a deep,
water-fil led shaft left over from the past. The
round opening has been boarded u p since
long before the battle that created Songd uel Ruins,
but those who pass by it hear electronic beeps com ing
from the shaft. The sou nds are becoming more
freq uent. Whether they are a code, a d i stress signal, or
Lady Perrix: level 4, level
a form of music is the su bject of m uch specu lation.
5 in combat and defense
tasks; 24 health
Spellgill
Population: 750
Sign ificant Feature: The vi l l age was rece ntly
ravaged by tre m o rs t h at b ro ke open a l a rge rift
d own o n e s i d e of S p e l l g i l l a n d rui ned m o re t h a n
h a l f o f t h e b u i l d i ngs i n tow n . Wh i l e t h e vi l l age
re b u i l d s , most of the i n h a bitants take s h elter at
the Left B a n k I n n .
Ames Gylley: level 3,
Person of l nterest: Ames Gyl ley h a s a large
level 5 at numenera
contraption that replicates any non l iving th i n g knowledge
p u t i nto it. H owever, each person w h o u s e s the
contraption can press the button to replicate
somet h i n g only once. If a person tries a second time, Cockle gambling isn 't
even wh ile wearing gloves or otherwise tryi ng to illegal, but it's frowned
"fool" the mach ine, noth i n g happens. U nfortunately, upon due to its high
the contraption was broken d u ri n g the earthquake. stakes. Those who wish
Ames has promised that whoever fixes it may use the to join a game must
start their pot with the
mach i n e to replicate any one thing they desire.
promise of a heart from
Hearsay: Anyone who's come t h rough Spellgi l l l ately a living creature. They
has been s u rpri sed to find it in tatters. Word i s that must show proof that they
no one outs ide the area felt the quake that fel led the can get-or have already
b u i l d i n gs. Townsfolk h ave begun to wonder ifthe gotten-the heart before
tremors were entirely natu ra l .
they can play.
T h e Wei rd : J u st outside of tow n , there i s a l o n g
t u n n e l made of v i n e s . M ore p recise ly, t h e v i n e s
grow o n t h e i r o w n i nto t h e s h ape of a t u n n e l
t h at see m s to l e a d fr o m nowhere i n particu l a r t o
nowhere i n p a rticu l a r. They d ro p l ittl e seed pod s
Jesra Cris: level 3, level 7
t h at stick to cloth i n g. I f n ot p l u cked off, t h e pod s at all tasks involving sight
q u ickly begin to grow roots i n the m ateri a l .
22 1
 CHAPTER 1 4

O RGANIZATIONS

D
For additional information e s p ite its d ivided a n d i s o l ated n a t u re ,
about High Father Calava/ t h e N i nt h Wo rld h a s m a ny powe rfu l a n d
and the founding of the i nfl u e n t i a l o rga n izat i o n s . Th i s sect i o n
Order of Truth, see "The d e s c r i b e s a few of t h e most p ro m i n e n t g ro u p s
Am ber Monolith, " page 6 a n d t h e b e n efits enjoyed b y m e m be r s . I f a p l aye r
c h a racter j o i n s o n e of t h e s e o rga n izat i o n s , he can
take t h e b e n efit rat h e r than a s ki l l t h e n ext time h e
h a s t h e o p port u n ity to g a i n a n ew s ki l l .

The Steadfast, page 1 3 6

?, C:, g , , o
d o m i n a nt orga n izat i o n i n t h e Steadfa st-a n d
mo't

The Beyond, page 1 74 po s s i b l y t h e Beyo nd-t h e O rd e r of Truth was

esta b l i s h ed by t h e o r i g i n a l Amber Pope, H i g h
Fat h e r Ca l ava l , a bout 4 0 0 years ago. I t s m e m bers
Aeon Priest, page 269 a re ca l l ed Aeon Priests , and t h ey a re t h e most
The numenera, page 275 tru sted experts i n h a n d l i n g , i d e n t i fy i n g , and
u s i n g t h e n u m e n e ra a n d ot h e r l o re . In most
com m u n it i e s , Aeo n Priests a re t h e local "wise fo l k, "
looked u po n with res pect a s l e a d e rs a n d a d v i s e rs i n
t h e i m portant fa cets o f l i fe .
Alt h o u g h t h e O rd e r of Truth see m s l i ke a
re l i g i o n , tech n i ca l l y it' s n ot o n e . T h e p a pacy h a s a
struct u re l i ke a p riesth ood a n d ca l l s its m e m bers
priests, b u t it' s not a re l i g i o n-it's a ve n e rat i o n of
i nte l l ect, u n d e rsta n d i n g , a n d the wo n d e rs t h at a r i s e
fro m s u ch t h i n g s : s c i e n ce , tech n o l ogy, a n d t h e
n u m e n e ra .
Sti l l , m a n y peo p l e t reat t h e o rd e r l i ke a re l i gi o n
regard l e s s . These peo p l e a re n ot m e m be r s , but
rat h e r "ad h e rents . " In their eye s , t h e o rd e r is
focused o n wors h i p p i n g t h e past a n d t h e ancients
w h o created t h e fa ntastic d evices a n d stra n ge
d i s cove ries t h at fi l l t h e N i nt h Wo r l d . And ove r
t h e l a s t ce n t u ry or so, t h e o rd e r h a s d o n e l itt l e to
d i s co u rage t h i s i d e a . I n fact, u n d e r t h e cu rre nt
Amber Pope, D u rra n et V I , t h e Aeo n Priests h ave
d i s covered t h at the peo p l e of the Steadfast a re
m o re l i ke l y to re s pect, ad m i re, a n d obey t h e
O rd e r o f Truth if t h ey t h i n k of it a s a re l i g i o n .
T h u s , i n l a rger c i t i e s , t h e o rd e r h a s begu n h o l d i n g
q u a s i re l i g i o u s s e rvices t o encou rage t h i s i d e a . T h ey
rit u a l ize t h e i r teach i n g s to re s pect a n d u n d e rsta n d
t h e n u m e n e ra a s t h e k e y to adva n c i n g h u m a n ity

222

i nto t h e fut u re . T h ey p ra i s e t h e past a n d t h o s e w h o
l ived i n it fo r t h e i r i n te l l i ge n ce a n d u n d e rsta n d i n g .
T h e o rd e r m a i nta i n s a s m a l l a rmy, a s we l l a s
a l a rge o rga n izat i o n of agents, o b s e rvers, clerks,
scri bes, a n d ot h e r person n e l . T h e h e ad q u a rters
l i e s in the city of Q i , in a co m p lex known a s t h e
D u rk h a l . T h ey a l s o h ave a secret fo rt re s s ca l l ed
the Citad e l of the Co n d u it t h at l i e s in a p a ra l l e l
d i m e n s i o n a n d c a n be accessed b y a n y h i g h - ra n k i n g
Aeo n Priest.
The i n fl u e n ce of the o rga n izatio n-a n d in
partic u l a r its head, the Amber Pope-h a s become
clear i n t h e Steadfast. Arg u a b ly, the Order of Truth
h o l d s the Steadfast toget h e r. The Amber Pope u s e s
a l l t h e pres s u re h i s i n fl u e n ce can m u ster to keep
the so-ca l led N i n e Rival Kings fro m warri n g a m o n g
t h e m s e lves . To t h i s e n d , h e h a s ca l l ed fo r a cru sade
aga i n st t h e rece ntly d i scovered peo p l e i n t h e fa r
n o rth who l ive beyo n d t h e Cloud crystal S kyfi e l d s .
These peo p l e ca l l t h e m se lves G a i a n s , a n d they a re
a n i m ists, bel iev i n g t h at s u pernatural s p i rits i n h a b i t
a l l n atu ra l t h i n g s . They reve re these s p i rits, a n act
the order bel ieves to be an abom i n ation of trut h .
N i n e years ago, when G a i a n exp l o re rs fi rst ventu red
i nto the s kyfie l d s and the n o rthern p a rts of t h e
Steadfast, the Amber P o p e b r a n d e d t h e m e n e m i e s
o f truth a n d declared a h o ly w a r aga i n st t h e m . The
fi rst co n fl i cts of this war, waged i n the Cloud crystal
S kyfie l d s , were s m a l l s k i r m i s h e s . H oweve r, t h e o rd e r
h a s co m m anded a l a rge fo rce o f warriors t o g o n o rth
a n d d efeat t h e G a i a n s i n their h o m e l a n d s-a n d in
so d o i n g, d ive rt any i nterest o r a b i l ity to wage war fa r
fro m the Steadfast, fo r peace i s t h e best way t o foster
the trut h .
Some Aeon Priests d o n ot a n swer t o the papacy
a n d co n s i d e r them selves outside t h e O rd e r of Trut h .
Th i s i s a co nfu s i n g b i t o f esoterica t h at most peo p l e
d o n ot u n d e rsta n d . These n o n affi l i ated p riests
dwe l l m a i n ly i n the Beyo n d , gatheri n g i n i s o l ated ,
auto n o m o u s cl aves to cont i n u e t h e i r research a n d
work. They h ave n o re l ati o n s h i p w i t h the o rd e r
o r eve n w i t h o n e a n other, but they keep the Aeon
Priest title beca u s e they res pect the i d e a l s of the
p riesth ood , if n ot the d i rection t h at the orga n ization
h a s take n .
M e m ber Benefits: F i rst a n d fo re m ost, t h e
b e n efit of b e i n g a n Aeo n P r i e s t i s t h e re s pect t h at
it com m a n d s . J o i n i n g t h e s e i l l u st r i o u s ra n ks ,
h oweve r, req u i re s ye a r s of fo r m a l t ra i n i n g . Fu rt h e r,
i n l i e u of t a k i n g a new s k i l l , a n Aeo n P r i e s t c a n
c h o o s e o n e e s ot e ry t h at a fi rst-t i e r n a n o c a n u s e ,
a n d t h e p r i e st ca n a cce s s its a b i l ity (after payi n g
i t s cost) . T h e rati o n a l e be h i n d t h i s power ca n b e
a s p eci a l i m p l a n t , a t i ny d evice, o r t h e m e a n s t o
m a n i p u l ate n a n o m ac h i n e s o r ot h e r re a l ity- s h a p i n g
p roce s s e s .
LI M E NE
ORGANIZATIONS
THE CONVERGENCE
I f t h e O rd e r of Truth h a s a n o p p o s ite, it wo u l d be
t h e Co nve rge n ce . L i ke t h e Aeo n P r i e s t s , m e m b e rs
of t h e Co nve rge nce reve re t h e knowledge of t h e
p a s t , b u t t h ey s e e k to u s e it to g r a n t power t o
t h e m s e l v e s , n ot to h e l p ot h e r s . E a c h m e m be r Qi, page 1 48
w i s h e s to u s e t h e n u m e n e ra to ga i n i n fl u e n ce not Durkhal, page 1 48
o n ly over the peo p l e of t h e N i nt h Wo r l d b u t a l s o
ove r t h e u n iverse i t s e l f. T h ey u n d e rsta n d e n o u g h
o f t h e n u m e n e ra t o re a l ize t h at it h a s m o re
pote n t i a l t h a n most Aeo n P r i e s t s kn ow. M atte r,
e n e rgy, s p ace, t i m e , a n d eve n t h e l aws of p h y s i cs
ca n be s h a ped to t h e i r wi l l if t h ey determ i n e t h e
m ea n s . I n t h i s p u rs u it , t h ey a re rut h l e s s , u s i n g
coe rc i o n , d eceit, a n d v i o l e nce t o get w h a t t h ey
want. T h ey let n ot h i n g sta n d i n t h e i r way.
A rat h e r s m a l l o rga n izat i o n , the Conve rge nce
boasts a m e m be rs h i p of a p p roxi m ately o n e Cloudcrysta/ Sky.fields,
h u n d red m e n a n d wo m e n , but w i t h u n d e r l i n g s , page 7 74
g u a rd s , l ackeys , a n d s l aves, t h e total n u m be r i s
e a s i l y t e n t i m e s h i gher. M a ny m e m bers a re n a n o s , Gaians, page 7 34
a n d some a re Aeon Priests who
h ave re n o u n ced t h e i r ord e r.
Al l a re scholars, t i n ke rers,
mach i n e s m it h s , a n d theorists who
u n d e rsta n d t h e n u m e n e ra .
M e m bers of t h e Co nve rge n ce
a re ca l l ed m a g i ster or m a g i strix.
Each typ ical ly w i e l d s a n a rray
of n u m e n era wea po n ry a n d
device s . M o st h ave given u p
o n society a t l a rge a n d dwe l l i n
secret, whether a l o n e o r i n s m a l l
gro u p s , toi l i n g a t t h e i r d a rk
goa l s . T h e Co nve rge n ce h a s t h ree
m a i n bases of o p e rat i o n , w h i c h
t h ey ca l l t h e i r s a n ct u m s . T h e s e
a re t h e Scorp i o n S a n ct u m , t h e
E m pty S a n ct u m , a n d t h e G o l d e n
S a n ct u m . Each i s j o i ned to t h e
ot h e rs b y a s e r i e s of s p ace
bend i n g gateways. About one
t h i rd of t h e o rga n izat i o n o p e rates
d i rectly out of t h e s e s a n ct u m s .
N ew m e m bers a re i n d u cted
in one of the t h ree s a n ct u m s . A
ca n d i d ate m u st h ave a s p o n s o r
a l ready i n t h e Co nve rge nce, m u st
be ext re m e l y i nte l l i gent, a n d
m u st be utte rly re m o rse l e s s i n
t h e p u rs u it o f u lt i m ate power
m o ra l s a n d et h i cs be d a m n ed .
Member Benefits: I n l i e u of
taki n g a n ew s k i l l , mem bers
can d e rive a benefit fro m t h e i r
223
 p ro l o n ged expos u re to rea l ity- a n d m i n d - b e n d i n g
tech nologies a n d biza rre mental tech n i q u e s . Th i s
benefit grants t h e m e m b e r 3 poi nts o f a s pecial
form of Armor t h at p rotects aga i n st (on ly) I nte l l ect
d a m age.
THE ANGULAN KNIGHTS
The Charter: Humanity has once again
been granted dom inion of the well-used
and often misused Earth. The Ninth World is the
Last World. We shall call it Midgard and defend it in
the name of humanity. These are the aspects of the
world that stand in the way of humanity's dominion:
creatures from elsewhere, predatory horrors lingering
from a nonhuman past, humans that have turned
on their own kind by committing crimes against
their own kind, and any who prevent the greater
good anywhere. These aspects of the world shall
be eliminated by sword or flame, in the name of
Midgard and the spirit of Angule.
T h roughout t h e Steadfast, j u stice i s somet i m e s
m eted a t t h e e n d of a b l a d e u n a l igned w i t h any
k i n g o r p r i n ce. The An g u l a n K n i ghts a re a n o rd e r
d e d i cated to t h e adva ncement o f h u m a n ity a s a
race. They n ot o n ly ignore local govern m e nts, class
d i st i n ctio n s , a n d re l i g i o u s d iffe re n ce s , they abhor
those t h i n gs . Angu l a n K n i ghts fee l e m powered to
right wrongs, pass j u d gments, a n d see j u stice done,
a n d few sta n d i n t h e i r way.
A woman n a med An gule fo u n d ed the order more
than 3 5 0 yea rs ago, and her teach i n g s h ave s p read
such that at least 800 kni ghts now roa m the Steadfast.
M o re than a century ago, the kni ghts made a pact with
Thuq uera, known as the G reat D ra ke, whom all xi
The pact between the d rakes revere. Tod ay, the knighthood and the xi-d rakes
knighthood and the xi work together in their d uties.
drakes is what prompted
The Angu l a n K n i ghts h ave n o ce ntra l ized
the saying, ''A friendship
as close as a knight and a leaders h i p . I n stead , mem bers advance t h ro u g h a
dragon. " series of t h i rteen ra n ks u n t i l t h ey ach i eve t h e title
G ra n d K n i ght, the h i ghest one can rise. There i s n o
l i m it to the n u m be r of G ra n d Kn i ghts the o rd e r c a n
h ave. The ra n ks a re: R e d Devotee, B l ue Devotee,
B l ack Devotee, Kn i ght Seeker, K n i ght Ave nger, K n i ght
Defe n d e r, Kn i ght M a rs h a l l , Kn i ght J u stice, K n i ght
Co m m a n d e r, M aster K n i ght, Kn i ght Co n s u l , Lo rd
K n i ght, a n d G ra n d K n i ght.
The k n i ghts h ave t h e b l es s i n g and s u p port of
t h e O rd e r of Trut h , and eve n Aeo n Priests outs i d e
t h e o rd e r g ive t h e m res pect a n d a i d if n e e d b e .
H owever, the k n i ghts, true to t h e i r c h a rter, d o n ot
affo rd the p riests any s peci a l treatment. M a ny peo p l e
m i stake n ly bel ieve t h at the two gro u p s a re offici a l ly
rel ated or t h at the k n i ghth ood a n swers to t h e Amber
Sanctuary of the Eye, Pope, but neither i s true. O nce i n d u cted i nto t h e
page 1 48 k n i ghth ood i n the S a n ct u a ry of the Eye i n G h a n ,
224
the order' s ce ntral base of operat i o n s , a k n i ght i s
c h a rged t o g o out i nto t h e wo rld a n d enforce t h e
c h a rter.
Angu l a n s typ ical ly d e s p i s e m utants i n any form
a n d swiftly root them out, putt i n g them to t h e swo rd .
They d o n ' t ca re for v i s itants, either, but s u ffe r t h e m
to l ive if t h e creatu res d o n o t d i rectly o p pose the
k n i ghts.
Member Benefits: After pas s i n g t h ro u g h all the
p roper i n itiat i o n s to become a Red Devotee, a
m e m b e r of the k n i ghth ood can choose to ga i n a
special + 1 bon u s to d a m age when he fee l s as t h o u g h
h i s co m bat i s worki n g toward u p h o l d i n g the c h a rter.
(Th e p l aye r a n d t h e G M can decide whet h e r a
partic u l a r situation warra nts the b o n u s . ) Th i s a b i l ity
m u st be chosen in l i e u of a n ew s k i l l .
4"" ! !;!: f:
rs ges
strength, courage, and mettle. That is
the dream sent from the fire. Ours is a dream ofjagged
edges, blood, bone, and the cries ofpain. Only through
war can we advance. The ancients knew it. They waged
wars throughout the long history of our aged world. They
waged wars with entirely different worlds. When those
wars ended, they sought new worlds, and even whole new
universes to fight. The ancients knew. It is how they grew
strong.
"Now we are here, and the fires of the crucible
send us the jagged dream. We cannot shirk from this
responsibility. It is our destiny to grow great as the
ancients grew great. And we can only do that through
bloodshed, violence, and war.
''That is the jagged Dream. "
-Gia Soeman, dreamseeker
The J a gged D ream i s a secretive cult l ocated
t h roughout the Steadfast and the Beyo n d . Its
m e m b e rs h i p i s s m a l l but wides p read, with h id d e n
ce l l s t h at meet i n secret fo r fea r o f b e i n g d i scovered
before they a re ready.
T h e J agged D re a m wants to e n g i neer co n fl i ct o n
a m a s s ive s c a l e . T h e i r l e a d e r s , ca l l ed d re a m seekers,
c l a i m to h ave h a d a d re a m sent to them fro m "the
fi re " o r "the fl a m e s , " a re p resentat i o n of evo l ut i o n
a n d n a t u r a l s e l ect i o n s ped u p t h ro u g h i nte n s ive
co n fl i ct. I n s h o rt, t h ey want war and noth i n g but
war. To t h e c u l t , peace i s death beca u s e it m e a n s
t h at t h e s pecies a n d c u ltu re sto p s adva n c i n g .
Th ey' re n ot i nterested i n s m a l l - s c a l e co n fl i ct-o n l y
l a rge batt l e s a n d l o n g-te rm w a r s t r u l y test a c u l t u re .
I n d iv i d u a l s d o n 't m atte r to t h e i r p l a n , o n l y l a rge
g ro u p s of p e o p l e .
To t h i s e n d , cult mem bers atte m pt to secretly
m a n i p u l ate eve nts towa rd war. They i nfiltrate oth e r
o rga n izat i o n s a n d reach pos iti o n s where they

can wh i s pe r i nto t h e ears of the leaders (or where
they can beco m e leaders them selves) . They try to
sti m u l ate weapon d eve l o p m e n t a n d p rod uct i o n .
They fo u n d m i l itary acad e m i e s . As t h e i r t i m e l i n e
advances, they e n g i neer m i strust a n d a l i e n ation
a m o n g peo p l e a n d seek ways to ca u s e fa m i nes o r
oth e r eve nts t h at d rive gro u p s i nto co n fl i ct.
In the N i nt h Wo r l d , it's easy to foster m i stru st
a l most too easy-but it can be d i fficult to ra l l y
peo p l e toget h e r to create a n a r m y of a n y g reat s ize.
S o w h i l e o n o n e h a n d some m e m bers of t h e J a gged
D re a m seek to d iv i d e peo p l e , ot h e rs work to bri n g
g ro u p s toget h e r. T h ey w a n t to create n at i o n s , n ot
i s o l ated vi l l ages or t r i b e s , a n d t h e n g u i d e t h o s e
n at i o n s to wa r.
Typical Jagged Dream Cell: The cult organ izes itself
i nto s m a l l , isolated cel l s . Often, a member of one cel l
won't know t h e mem bers o fa n y other cel l . Sometimes,
however, mem bers wea r a secret sign on their clot h i n g
or tattooed on their flesh. These sym bols i n c l u d e a
s m a l l knife with a serrated blade, a cou nterclockwise
s p i ral around an open hand, or a s i lver or black ra ptor
swooping downward , talons extended.
A typical ce l l i n c l u d e s o n e d ream seeker a n d four o r
five oth e r m e m bers. The ce l l ra rely h a s a perm a n e n t
head q u a rters, i n stead meet i n g i n secret i n d i fferent
p l aces. The d ream seeker brings a porta b l e s h ri n e ,
which l o o k s l i ke a l a rge wheeled tru n k, t o meet i n gs .
M e m bers p ray to the fi r e , seeki n g c l a rity a n d v i s i o n .
H owever, they d o n 't t h i n k of the fi re as a sentient
LI M E NE
ORGANIZATIONS
entity l i ke a god . They recogn ize i t a s a fu n d a mental
fo rce i n t h e u n iverse, beyo n d co n s c i o u s t h o u ght,
"In its long history, other
choice, o r i ntent. sentient races have evolved,
At a meet i n g , the d re a m seeker coord i n ates t h e lived, and died on Earth,
act i o n s of a l l ce l l m e m be r s . D e s p ite t h e d e s i re but humanity seems to
for war a n d b l ood s h e d , t h e d re a m seeker stre s s e s share a particular bond
pat i e n ce . S l ow move m e n t s a n d m a n i p u l a t i o n s a re with this place. " -Visixtru,
varjellan philosopher
needed to ach i eve t h e i r goa l s . Beca u s e t h e J agged
D rea m ' s outlook is s o m u ch l a rger t h a n t h at of
any one i n d iv i d u a l , the c u l t ' s goa l s stretch ove r
l i fet i m e s .
T h e secretive m e m bers va l u e h i d d e n adva ntage s .
M a ny u n d e rgo s u rge ries (often performed b y t h e
ce l l ) to ga i n s u bd e r m a l wea p o n s , defe n s e s , a n d
e n h a n ce m e n t s . T h e scars fro m s u c h treat m e n t s a re
h i g h ly va l u ed a n d re s pected by t h e cu lt, a l t h o u g h
t h ey a re h i d d e n fr o m t h e r e s t of soci ety.
I m portant Mem bers: I n t h e city of Q i , a
d ream seeker n a m ed Arias Fo l o n (level 7) ru n s a l a rge
ce l l of twe nty m e m bers. M a ny recogn ize her a s the
d e facto leader of t h e J a gged D re a m , but s h e wo u l d
d e n y it.
Me mber Benefits: I n stead of ga i n i n g a n ew s ki l l ,
c u l t m e m bers can h ave a wea p o n o r d ev i ce t h at
t h ey p o s s e s s i m p l a nted i n t h e i r body by J agged
D re a m s u rgeo n s . The item wi l l be co m p letely
h i d d e n and wi l l a l ways go u n n ot i ced . An i m p l a nted
k n i fe wo u l d be retract a b l e fro m a m e m ber's wrist.
An i m p l a nted fo rce s h i e l d ge n e rato r co u l d never be
taken away.
225
 THE REDFLEETS
T h e Redfleets i s a s e l f-gove rned crew of
vaga bond s , t h i eve s , s c i e n t i st s , a n d ot h e r
Sarracenian members m i screants t h at s a i l s t h e h i g h a n d l ow seas
usually paint or
in searc h of n at u ra l trea s u re . T h ey care noth i n g for
permanently stain their
lips blue to signify that m a n m a d e trea s u re s ; in fact, m a n y Redfl eets s h u n
they speak on behalf of a n d fea r t h e n u m e n e ra . Ot h e rs t u rn t h e i r loat h i n g
their beloved plantlife. i nto p rofit b y s e l l i n g a n y good s t h ey d i s cove r to
the h i g h e st b i d d e r. T h e i r true p u rpose, h oweve r,
i s d i scove ri n g t h e n a t u ra l m i racles of t h e sea,
although h ow t h ey d e c i d e w h at' s n a t u r a l a n d what's
n ot i s n 't a l ways c l e a r.
I t ' s co n s i d e red a h i g h h o n o r to be t h e fi rst of t h e
Redfl eets to co me u po n a formerly u n known creatu re
or ocea n i c featu re, a n d mem bers of the crew e n s u re
Kaparin, page 1 67 t h e i r glory by v i s i t i n g Kapari n ' s R F M , a co m b i ned
m a ritime m u s e u m , hall of fame, a n d l i b ra ry. There,
t h ey p l ace their fi n d i ngs, te l l their sto ry, o r store t h e i r
s h i p' s l o g s fo r a l l t o s e e a n d m a rvel at.
M a ny of the c rew l ive in K a p a r i n w h e n n ot
a s e a , i n cl u d i n g S a l l i a n O rsay t h e Red (o n e of t h e
o r i g i n a l Redfl eet fo u n d e r s , a n d now t h e ru l e r o f
t h at tow n ) a n d ret i red Redfl eet Capta i n J a m s o n
" T h e L i a r" Co n n e l l . W h e n m e m bers d i e , t h e i r
l oved o n e s fi l l t h e i r pockets w i t h p reci o u s o bject s ,
a n d t h e i r c rew g i v e s t h e m a p r o p e r ston i n g a t
Wild Garden, page 1 8 1 s e a . T h e bod i e s a re l a i d to rest o n t h e oce a n fl o o r,
Caecilianjungle, page 7 8 7 covered with sto n e s a n d t i e d with stra n g l e ke l p s o
t h ey wi l l n ot r i s e .
D e s p ite t h e i r d i s l i ke of a nyt h i n g re l ated to t h e
n u m e n e ra , t h e Redfl eets l ove t h e i r s u b m e rg i n e s .
O r i g i n a l ly d e s i g ned a n d b u i lt b y M e rgi n e " M argie"
Kar, a n ot h e r fo u n d e r of t h e Redfleets, s u b m e rg i n e s
a re c l e a rsynth b i o s h i p s t h at safe l y d ive u p to 5
m i l e s (8 km) beneath t h e ocea n ' s s u rface a n d
stay t h e re fo r u p to s i x years. T h e b i o e l e m e n t
co m e s fro m a creatu re e n s co n ced with i n t h e
s h i p ' s h u l l t h at p rov i d e s food a n d fre s h wate r a n d
recycl e s conta m i n a nt s . T h e clea rsynth a l l ows t h e
crew to see i n eve ry d i rect i o n , a n d s o m e of t h e
l ater s u b m e rg i n e m od e l s i n c l u d e m a g n ificat i o n s ,
c a m o u fl age b reakers, a n d l i ght s o u rce s i n t h e
h u l l s to e n a b l e better " b otto m feed i n g"-scutt l i n g
Recovery roll, page 94 s l owly j u st a bove t h e oce a n fl o o r t o d i scove r h i d d e n
creat u re s .
U nfo rt u n ate ly, many years a g o M e rgi n e K a r d ied
s u d d e n ly, taki n g t h e secrets of the s u b m e rg i n e s with
h i m . The Redfleets m o u rn h i s loss i n a s h ri n e roo m
i n the R F M a n d h o l d tight to t h e i r re m a i n i n g s h i p s ,
knowi n g there wi l l be n o more .
Member Benefits: I n l i e u of ga i n i n g a n ew
s k i l l , m e m bers of t h e Redfleets can h ave a d evice
i m p l a nted i n t h e i r t h roats t h at a l l ows t h e m to
b reathe wate r as e a s i l y as a i r. Th i s p roced u re m u st
RFM, page 1 67 be d o n e at the R F M i n Kapari n .
226
"\\lll.f::. THE SARRACENIANS
"Why would I want to belong to the lot
ofthem ? Bunch of blathering mouths.
I'd rather spend the time with my greens.
Least they use their mouths for something smarter than
gossip and gassing. "
-Myrtle Galgian, former self-elected president of the
Sarracenians
Th i s w i d e s p read gro u p of s c h o l a rs stu d i es
a n d wors h i p s p l a nts, i n partic u l a r u n u s u a l and
carn ivoro u s p l a nts a n d p l a ntl i ke p red ato rs. Typ ically
d i st i n g u i s hed by their d a rk green fi b ro u s cloth i n g,
which i s often acce nted with brightly co l o red
adorn ments, S a rrace n i a n s a re a varied and loose- knit
gro u p . Some stay put i n t h e i r hometown s , te n d i n g to
l avi s h gree n h o u s e s , gard e n s , a n d zoos , wh i l e oth e rs
travel the wo rld i n search of u n iq u e fi n d s . Some
S a rrace n i a n s a re scientists who s p l it ge nes a n d
cro s s b reed creat u re s i n secret l a borato ries, wh i l e
oth e rs s i n g t o the peta l s o f t h e i r favo rite fl owers a n d
ca l l them fri e n d s . Sti l l oth e r m e m bers o f t h e g ro u p
fight, b reed , o r tra i n the p l a n t l i ke creat u re s t h at
i n h a bit t h e worl d . M ost S a rrace n i a n s h ave o n ly two
t h i ngs i n com m o n : a nearly re l i g i o u s reve re nce fo r
any s pecies o f a n i m a l - l i ke p l a n t o r p l a ntl i ke a n i m a l ,
a n d a firm bel ief t h at t h e Wi l d G a rd e n , l ocated i n t h e
Caeci l i a n J u ngle , i s t h e i r m ecca a n d the b i rt h p l ace of
a l l t h at t h ey wors h i p.
O n ce a p ro m i nent o rga n ization i n the Steadfast,
its m e m bers held i n h i g h esteem fo r t h e i r s ki l l s
with med i c i n a l h e a l i ng, p o i s o n , genetic s p l i c i n g ,
defe n s ive m utat i o n s , a n d more, t h e S a rrace n i a n s
h ave l o n g s i n ce fa l l e n fro m favor. Desp ite t h e
decl i n e o f the orga n ization a s a whole, i n d ivid u a l
m e m bers a re i n d e m a n d fo r t h e i r knowledge a n d
u nd e rsta n d i n g o f the l iv i n g p l a n t worl d . To h ave a
S a rrace n i a n as yo u r herba l i st, h e a l e r, b i o l og i st, o r
p l a n t b reed e r i s a b o o n i n deed .
Member Benefits: I n l ie u of taki n g a n ew s k i l l ,
m e m bers c a n learn more about secret herbal
re m e d i e s a n d oth e r health-re l ated preparat i o n s . As
a res u lt, they a n d all their a l l ies i n i m m ed i ate ra n ge
add 1 to t h e i r recovery ro l l s .
Chapter 1 5 : Creatures 228

Chapter 1 6: Non-Player Characters 269

 CHAPTER 1 5

CREATU RES

T
CREATURES BY LEVEL h e N i nth Wo rld i s a stra n ge p l ace a n d p robably wo u l d seem l i ke a n a l i e n wo rld to those accu sto med
to 2 1 st-centu ry E a rt h . Stra n ge t h i ngs craw l , s l ither, p row l , a n d fl itte r acro s s the l a n d scape, a s we l l a s
Caffa (larva) : 1 ove r it a n d beneath it. Creatu res fro m oth e r worl d s a n d rea l ities wa l k a m i d the by- p rod ucts of scie ntific
Laak: 7 e n g i neeri ng, wei rd m utat i o n s , and aeo n s of evo l ution.
Broken hound: 2 Th i s c h a pter describes many co m mo n a n d u n c o m m o n creatu res t h at the c h a racters m i ght meet-a n d
Cajfa (adult): 2
fight-i n the N i nt h Wo rld a n d gives t h e i r game stats (d escri bed below) .
Margr: 2
Pallone: 2 The vari ety of creat u re s a n d peo p l e t h at l ive i n the N i nth Wo rld is so great t h at t h i s c h a pter o n ly scratches
Ruben: 2 the s u rface. I t does, h owever, p rovide exa m p l e s of the kinds of i n h a b itants-best i a l a n d civi l ized , l iv i n g and
Seskii: 2 ro botic-t h at can be fo u n d .
Stratharian war moth: 2
Thuman: 2 UNDERSTANDING THE LISTINGS
Aneen: 3
Level : Each creatu re h a s a l evel attached to it. L i ke the d ifficu lty of a task, a l l creatu res (and N PCs) h ave
Blood barm: 3
Murden: 3 a leve l . Yo u u s e the l eve l to d eterm i n e t h e ta rget n u m be r a PC m u st reach to attack or defe n d aga i n st the
Nibovian wife: 3 o p po n e nt. In each entry, the d ifficu lty n u m be r fo r t h e creatu re o r N PC i s l i sted i n p a rentheses after its l eve l .
Sathosh: 3 A s s h own o n the fo l l owi n g table, the ta rget n u m be r i s th ree t i m e s the l eve l .
Scutimorph: 3
Snow loper: 3
Level Target N u m ber
Steel spider: 3
Tetrahydra: 3 1 3
Yovok: 3 2 6
Abykos: 4 3 9
Chirog: 4 4 12
Cu/ova: 4 5 15
lthsyn: 4
6 18
Mastigophore: 4
Nevajin: 4 7 21
Oorgolian soldier: 4 8 24
Raster: 4 9 27
Ravage bear: 4 10 30
Disassembler: 5
Ghost crab: 5
Description: Fol l owing the name o f the creatu re or N PC i s a general description o f i t s general appearance, nature,
Mesomeme: 5
Philethis: 5 i nte l l i gence, or background.
Sarrak: 5
Varakith: 5 M otive: Th i s entry i s a way to h e l p the GM u n d e rsta n d w h at a creatu re o r N PC wants. Eve ry creatu re o r
Xi-drake: 5 p e r s o n w a n t s someth i n g, eve n if it's j u st to be left a l o n e .
Yellow swarm: 5
Zhev: 5
Cragworm: 6 Envi ronment: Th i s entry d e s c r i b e s whet h e r the creatu re te n d s to be sol itary o r travel i n gro u p s a n d w h at k i n d
Erynth grask: 6 o f terra i n it i n h a b its ( s u c h a s "They travel i n packs t h ro u g h d ry wastes a n d te m p e rate l owl a n d s " ) .
Travonis ul: 6
Callerail: 7 H ealth: A creat u re ' s ta rget n u m be r i s u s u a l ly a l s o its h e a l t h , wh ich i s t h e a m o u n t of d a m age it can s u sta i n
Jiraskar: 7 before it i s dead o r i n ca pacitate d . Fo r easy refe re nce, t h e entries always l i st a creat u re ' s health, eve n w h e n it's
Darkfathom: 8
the n o r m a l a m o u nt fo r a creatu re of its l eve l .
Dread destroyer: 7 0

228
 LI M E NE
CREATURES

Damage I nflicted: G e n eral ly, when creatu res h it i n co m bat, they i n fl i ct t h e i r l eve l i n d a m age rega rd less o f t h e
form of attack. Some i n fl i ct more o r less o r h ave a s peci a l mod ifier to d a mage. I nte l l i gent N P C s o ft e n u s e
wea p o n s , but t h i s i s more a fl avor i s s u e t h a n a mech a n ical one. I n oth e r word s , it doesn't m atte r if a level 3
a b h u m a n uses a sword or cl aws-it d e a l s t h e same d a m age if it h its. The entries always s pecify t h e a m o u nt
of d a m age i n fl icted , eve n if it's the normal a m o u nt for a creatu re of its leve l .

Armor: Th i s i s the creat u re ' s Armor va l ue . Somet i m e s t h e n u m be r re p resents physical armor, a n d oth e r t i m e s Armor, page 92
it re p resents natural p rotect i o n . Th i s entry does n ' t a p p e a r i n the g a m e stats if a creatu re h a s n o Armor.

M ovement: M ovement d eterm i n e s h ow fa r t h e creat u re can m ove i n a s i n g l e t u r n . Creat u res h ave

move m e n t s of i m med i ate, s h o rt, o r l o n g , w h i c h e q u ate to t h e ra n ge s of t h e s a m e n a m e . M o st PCs h ave
an effective move m e nt of s h o rt, so i f t h ey a re c h a s i n g (or b e i n g c h a sed by) a creat u re with i m med i ate
move m e n t , t h e i r S peed tasks a re one step e a s i e r; i f the creat u re ' s m ove m e n t is l o n g , the PCs' S peed tas ks Speed, page 20
a re one step h a rd e r.

M odifications: U se these default n u m be rs when a creat u re ' s i nformation says to u s e a d i fferent ta rget
n u m ber. Fo r exa m p l e, a l evel 4 creatu re m i ght say "defe n d s as l evel 5 , " w h i c h mea n s PCs attack i n g it m u st
reach a ta rget n u m be r of 1 5 (for d i fficu lty 5) i n stead of l 2 (for d ifficu lty 4) . I n s peci a l c i rc u m stances, some
creat u re s h ave oth e r mod ificat i o n s , but these a re a l most always s pecific to their leve l .
Combats in Numenero
move quickly enough that
Com bat: Th i s entry gives advice o n u s i n g the creat u re i n co m bat, s u c h as "Th i s mon ster u s e s a m b u s h es a n d a GM should not hesitate
h it-a n d - r u n tactics." to use large groups of
At the e n d of the co m b at l i st i n g, yo u ' l l a l s o fi n d any s peci a l a b i l ities, such a s i m m u n ities, po i s o n s , a n d creatures as challenges
h ea l i n g s k i l l s . G M s s h o u l d re m e m b e r t o be logical a b o u t a creat u re ' s reaction to a particu l a r action o r attack for PCs, particularly
by a PC. Fo r exa m p l e, a mech a n ical creation is obvio u s ly i m m u n e to n o r m a l d i seases, a c h a racte r ca n ' t
powetful PCs. A screaming,
squirming horde of thirty
poison a be i n g of e n e rgy ( a t least, n ot w i t h a conventional poison) , a n d so o n . abhumans is a possible
encounter. A swarm offifty
I nteraction: Th i s entry gives advice o n u s i n g the creatu re i n i nteract i o n s , s u c h as "These creat u res a re wi l l i n g laaks could also be used.
t o ta l k b u t respond poorly t o t h reats , " o r "Th i s creatu re i s a n a n i m a l a n d acts l i ke a n a n i m a l . " To make things easier, the
GM can take any creature
and have a group ofsix
Use: Th i s entry gives t h e G M s u ggest i o n s fo r h ow t o u s e t h e creatu re i n a game ses s i o n . I t m i ght p rovide
to ten of them attack en
general n otes o r s pecific adventure ideas. masse as a single creature
that is two levels higher,
Loot: This entry i n d i cates w h at t h e PCs m i ght ga i n if t h ey take ite m s fro m t h e i r fallen foes (or trade with o r inflicting double the original
t r i c k them) . I t doesn't a p pear i n t h e game stats if the creatu re h a s n o l oot. creature's normal damage.
So thirty level 3 abhumans
might attack as five level
GM I ntrusion: Th i s opti o n a l entry in the stats s u ggests a way to use G M i nt r u s i o n in a n encou nter with t h e
5 mobs.
creat u re . I t ' s j u st o n e pos s i b l e idea of m a ny, a n d t h e G M i s e n co u raged to co m e u p w i t h h e r o w n uses of t h e
game mech a n ic.

229

G M I ntrusion: The touch
of an abykos disrupts and
destroys a PC's cypher or
artifact.
Pandimensional: Existing
on multiple levels of
reality at once.
Other ultraterrestrial
creatures avoid the
a bykos if at a II possible.
A SELECTION OF NINTH WORLD CREATU RES
ABYKOS 4 ( 1 2)
An a bykos i s ge n e ra l ly accepted to be a ghost by most peo p l e , but it i s , i n fact, a tra n s d i me n s i o n a l e ntity. I t
looks l i ke a s h ad owy, hazy, vaguely h u m a n o i d s h i m me r i n the a i r. I t i s u s u a l ly i n corporeal a n d t h u s ca n n ot
attack or be attacked exce pt by special p a n d i m e n s i o n a l wea pons created s pecifica l ly to h a rm s u c h creat u re s .
An a bykos can a l t e r the p h a s e of port i o n s of i t s form when it w i s h e s , beco m i n g s o l i d .
M ost of t h e t i m e , PCs h ave l ittl e to fea r fro m a n a byko s . H oweve r, if they h ave any n u m e n e ra t h at i s
tra n s d i m e n s i o n a l i n n atu re, t h e h u n gry a bykos wi l l attack.
Beca u s e the creatu re is ext re mely a l i e n , it' s h a rd to d eterm i n e its l evel of i nte l l i ge n ce. I t see m s to be
a d a ptable a n d cleve r d e s p ite n o sign of l a n guage o r tool use.
M otive: H u n gers fo r tra n sd i m e n s io n a l e n e rgy
Envi ronment: Abykoses can be fo u n d a nywh e re.
H ealth: 1 2
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Defe n d s as l evel 5 (or as l evel 7; see Co m bat) .
Com bat: An a bykos fights with its long, see m i ngly m eta l l i c claws. At the begi n n i n g or t h e e n d of its t u r n , it
can choose to be i n s u bstant i a l , s o l i d , o r p a rt i a l ly s o l i d . O n ce t h i s deci s i o n i s made, the creatu re ca n ' t
c h a n ge state aga i n u nt i l its n ext t u r n .
W h i l e i n s u bsta n t i a l , it ca n ' t affect o r be affected b y a nyth i n g u n l e s s t h e attack i s pand i m e n s i o n a l (a lthough
these kinds of attacks a re rare a n d wi l l be ca l l ed o ut) . I t can pass t h rough s o l i d m atte r without h i n d ra n ce,
but solid e n e rgy barriers, such a s fo rce fie l d s , keep it at bay.
W h i l e p a rt i a l ly s o l i d , an a bykos defe n d s as if it were level 7. It can affect a n d attack in t h i s state, but it h a s a
h a rd t i m e affect i n g s o l i d m atte r (such attacks a re made as if it we re l evel 2) .
W h i l e s o l i d , an a bykos can affect a n d be affected by ot h e rs n o r m a l l y ( i n cl u d i n g m a k i n g attacks by stri k i n g o r
wie l d i n g a wea pon) .
As an attack, a s o l i d a bykos can touch an object t h at uses tran s d i me n s i o n a l e n e rgies, such as an a rtifact or a
cyp h e r. I n stead of taki n g d a mage, the object is d ra i ned of powe r a n d becomes u s e l e s s . The a bykos gai n s
+ 5 health w h e n i t does t h i s , eve n if t h e i n crease puts it a bove i t s m axi m u m health.
I nteraction: I nte ract i n g with a n a bykos i s ve ry d ifficult. I t does n ot s peak o r res pond to the l a n g u age of ot hers,
a n d te lepat h i c com m u n i cation yie l d s n o res u lts, a s if the creatu re does n ot exi st. But a n a bykos i s n ot
m i n d l e s s ; it can learn fro m its experiences a n d figu re out creative s o l u t i o n s to p ro b l e m s .
Use: The P C s hear a b o u t h a u nted ru i n s n ot fa r fro m a s m a l l vi l l age. Apparent ly, after exp l o rers v i s ited t h e
p l ace, t h e s p i rits there beca m e restless a n d sta rted a p peari n g i n t h e vi l l age, scari n g the loca l s . Wh i l e
i nvestigat i n g, t h e P C s d i scove r t h at a m i d t h e ru i n s l i es a laboratory d evoted t o i nterd i me n s i o n a l research .
The p revious exp l o rers fo u n d a n d b rought back a rtifacts powered by tran s d i me n s i o n a l e n e rgy. T h i s
sti rred u p a h a n d fu l o f a bykoses, w h i c h n ow m e n ace the v i l l age, tryi n g t o get a t t h o s e a rtifacts.
Loot: Ofte n , a d evice using tran s d i me n s i o n a l e n e rgies i s near the l ocation of a n a bykos.
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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

ANEEN 3 (9)

Ta l l a n d m u sc u l a r, aneen a re b i ped a l h e rd a n i m a l s . These o m n ivores m a i n ly eat gra s s , leave s , a n d ,

occa s i o n a l ly, s m a l l l izard s o r rod ents. Alt h o u g h h e rd s o f w i l d a n e e n roa m the P l a i n s o f Kata ru a n d t h e Plains of Kataru, page 7 84
eastern edges o f the B l ack Riage, they a re most often encou nte red a s p a c k a n d rid i n g a n i m a l s i n the n o rthern Black Riage, page 7 77
kingdoms of the Steadfast. Aneen h ave t i n y fo re l i m bs a n d s m a l l c l aws t h at a re neither particu l a rly s h arp n o r The Steadfast, page 7 3 6
good fo r gras p i n g.
M otive: Self-defe n se
Envi ronment: Aneen dwe l l i n s m a l l herds i n temperate p l a i n s a n d h i l l s . They a re often d o m esti cated .
H ealth: 9 G M I ntrusion: The aneen
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts gets a free action to bolt
M ovement: Lo n g away.
M odifications: R u n s , j u m p s , a n d b a l a n ces a s l evel 5 . Re s i sts p o i s o n a s l evel 4 .
Com bat: A n e e n kick a n d b i t e i n self-defe n s e but m o s t often flee if t h reatened . I n a herd, they can sta m pede,
which can be d a n ge ro u s . C h a racters ca ught in a sta m pede m u st s u cceed at S peed defe n s e tasks of l eve l 5
or s u ffe r 6 poi nts of d a m age.
I nteraction: In some p l aces, aneen a re rai sed fo r t h e i r meat and m i l k. They a re
known for t h e i r s peed a n d a b i l ity to carry g reat we ights without t i r i n g . I n
m e rchant ca rava n s , a n aneen can carry two o r eve n th ree peo p l e i n add ition ,,,...-..
(
to two o r th ree h u n d red pou n d s of packed good s . Aneen a re greatly I
"
p rized a n i m a l s , worth at least 1 00 s h i n s each .
Use: A caravan of aneen-rid i n g merch ants h i res the PCs to serve
a s g u a rd s . The cha racte rs watch ove r the caravan d u ri n g
t h e d ay a n d keep t h e aneen safe a n d ca l m a t n i ght.
Loot: Aneen used a s pack a n i m a l s h ave wh ateve r l oot t h ey
a re loaded with. The meat of a dead aneen can feed
fifty peo p l e (or ten peo p l e fo r five d ays) .

23 1
 BLOOD BARM 3 (9)

A blood barm is a fo u r- l egged creatu re about the s ize

G M I ntrusion: A seed
from one of the blood and s h a pe of a turkey. Although the creatu re has a long
bubbles is implanted in neck that cranes t h i s way and that, it doesn't appear to
a PC's skin. Until it is h ave a n eas i ly d i st i n g u i s h a b l e head or eyes. I n stead , a
removed (an Intellect barm has a l a rge open i n g at the end of its neck that i s
action), the character covered w i t h a c l e a r m e m b ra n e s i m i l a r t o a n eye l i d .
suffers 7 point of damage
per round. I n stead of feath e rs , a b a rm ' s body i s cove red with
myriad ves icles, ra n g i n g i n co l o r from d a rk green to
grey to cri m s o n . These b u b b l e s a re fi l led with l i q u i d ,
Anytime a GM wants, a n d s o m e conta i n u n born barms. W h e n the yo u n g
he can take any minor a re close t o h atch i n g, t h e sacs c a n grow h a l f as l a rge
creature (such as the a s the barm itself.
blood barm) and have a
M otive: Protection
group of them attack en
masse as a single creature Envi ronment: B l ood barms l ive i n flocks, u s u a l ly
that is two levels higher, a ro u n d l a kes and other l a rge bod ies of fres h water.
inflicting double the H ealth: 1 0
minor creature's normal Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
damage.
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: S peed d efe n s e as level 4 d ue to s ize.
Combat: B l ood barms act out of the need to p rotect their you n g. Their main mode of attack i s t h rough the
ope n i n g i n their necks-they s l ide the m e m b rane back and s p ray out blood b u bbles that a re fi l led with long,
s h a rp seed s . The b u bbles attack a ta rget i n short ra nge and b u rst on i m pact, ca u s i n g 4 poi nts of d a mage.
A fl ock of four o r m o re barms can co ncentrate o n a s i n g l e foe and m a ke one attack a s if t h ey were a l evel 5
creat u re , i n fl ict i n g 8 poi nts of d a mage.
Barms can break their own body sacs by p re s s i n g them aga i n st a PC o r a n object. The l a rger sacs b u rst fi rst
d u e to t h e i r exte nded s ize, and any yo u n g barms with i n a re born. Each yo u n g l i n g is l evel 2 (6) and d e a l s 2
poi nts of d a m age.
Use: B l ood barms a re n ot aggre s s ive u n less t h e i r yo u n g a re t h reatened . H owever, if a flock of barms and t h e i r
yo u n g a re l ocated i n o r near a s ite t h e P C s n e e d to acce s s , they m i ght attack t h e c h a racte rs.

BROKEN HOUND 2 (6)

G M I ntrusion: The
broken hound is diseased.
A PC bitten by the hound
must make a Might
defense roll after the fight
or move one step down
the damage track due to
infection.
The scou rge of many waste l a n d s , b roken h o u n d s
travel i n l a rge packs. They rese m b l e extre mely gaunt
h o u n d s , but t h e i r h ead s a p pear m o re avi a n than
ca n i n e, givi n g t h e i m p re s s i o n of a b i rd s ku l l mou nted
o n a dead dog's body.
M otive: H u n gers for fl e s h
Envi ronment: B roken h o u n d s dwe l l i n d ry wastes a n d
te m pe rate l owl a n d s . Rarely, they a re fo u n d i n t h e
m o u n ta i n s , u s u a l ly i n fewe r n u m bers.
H ealth: 6
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 5 d ue to scent.
Com bat: These creatu res deal d a m age with t h e i r terri b l e b ite. B roken h o u n d s attack i n l a rge n u m bers. Fo u r to
s ix of them can concentrate o n one foe and m a ke one attack a s if t h ey were a l evel 4 creat u re, i nfl ict i n g 8
poi nts of d a m age. Each h o u n d m u st sti l l be attacked i n d ivid u a l ly, as n o rm a l . If t h e i r n u m bers a re red u ced
to fewe r t h a n fo u r, they flee.
I nteraction: These starv i n g , vicious a n i m a l s u n d e rsta n d o n ly h u n ge r a n d fea r. They ca n n ot be reasoned
with-not eve n by someone with the a b i l ity to i nteract with o r tra i n a n i m a l s .
Use: A l a rge n u m be r o f b roken h o u n d s c a n m a ke a h a rrowi n g co m b at encou nter fo r the P C s . They attack
trave l e rs o n a road o r those who wa n d e r i nto a l o n e ly va le.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

CAFFA (ADULT) 2 (6)

La rge i n sects with u n u s u a l ly stro n g w i n g s of i ridesce nt gold g l e a m , caffa s h ave learned to navi gate at gro u n d
G M I ntrusion: The wing
l evel a n d bel ow, flyi n g t i g h t a n d l ow betwee n a n d a ro u n d s p aces t h at s e e m fa r too s m a l l fo r t h e i r s ize. I n tight attack knocks a foe down
s pace s , caffa s a re form i d a b l e opponents d ue to their a b i l ity to dodge h its a n d s l i p t h rough t i n y a reas to attack and inflicts 3 points of
fro m u n expected d i rect i o n s . Caffas h ave a w i n g s p a n of 4 feet (1 . 2 m) . damage.
M otive: Te rrito ry, d efe n s e , a n d h u n ge r for fl e s h
Envi ronment: Caffas i n h a b it a reas w i t h stro n g w i n d s . They typ ica l ly l ive l ow t o the gro u n d a n d somet i m e s
eve n dwe l l u n d ergro u n d .
H ealth: 6 Caffa are commonly found
Damage I nflicted: 3 (or 2) points; see Co m bat in the Slant Milieu, page
M ovement: Lo n g 7 79.
M odifications: I n t i g h t s pace s , defe n d s a s l evel 3 d u e t o t h e i r a b i l ity t o m a n euver a n d d od ge i n u n expected
ways .
Com bat: Caffas fi rst attack with a stroke of t h e i r w i n g s . Th i s attack either knocks an o p ponent p ro n e (but
i nfl icts n o d a m age) o r deals 3 poi nts of d a m age, a s chosen by the caffa . O n ce a n opponent i s knocked
down, the caffas atte m pt to bite, u s u a l ly in tender s pots. They bite a s if t h ey were one l evel h i g h e r but
i nfl ict o n ly 2 poi nts of d a m age.
Caffas a re i m m u n e to w i n d , p u s h - backs, and all oth e r a i r-based attacks.
I nteraction: Caffas ca n ' t be reasoned o r com m u n icated wit h .
Use: A few caffas a re so mewhat d a n ge ro u s , but a swarm c a n th reate n a w h o l e com m u n ity. Loca l s often pay
we l l to h ave someone deal with a n i n festat i o n . Somet i m e s h u nters go looki n g fo r the creat u res to h a rvest
t h e i r go l d g l e a m .
Loot: G o l d gleam wings can be ro l l ed u p , carried , a n d sold a t good prices to i nterested parties fo r d ecorat i n g
h o u s e s , armor, a n d oth e r ite m s . Alternatively, P C s c a n u s e go l d g l e a m o n t h e i r own ite m s . Although it' s
a res i l ient m ateri a l to ca rry a n d store, it's h a rd to work wit h ; typical ly, eight or ten wings a re req u i red to
d eco rate o n e s m a l l ite m .

CAFFA (LARVA) 1 (3)

Caffa ad u lts p l a n t the seed s of t h e i r l a rva with a s peci a l type of w i n g fl a p . The l a rva crawl a l o n g the gro u n d o r G M I ntrusion: The lara 's
d i g i nto it, feast i n g o n any fl e s h t h ey fi n d , w h e t h e r l iv i n g o r dead. After fea st i n g, they b u rrow i nto t h e gro u n d bite paralyzes one limb of
the PC, making it useless
a n d s p i n t h e m se lves i nto cocoo n s . They re m a i n i n t h i s state fo r a nywh e re fro m a few h o u rs t o a few d ays
for ten minutes.
before e m e rgi n g a s ad u lt caffa s .
M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h
Envi ronment: Caffa l a rvae g o whereve r the a d u lts p l a n t t h e m , u s u a l ly i n swa rms o f u p t o a doze n .
H ealth: 3
Damage I nflicted: 2 poi nts
M ovement: I m med i ate
M odification: Defe n d s a s l evel 2 d u e to s ize.
Com bat: Caffa l a rva attach to t h e l i m bs of t h e i r p rey, u s i n g t h e i r l a rge mouths to l itera l ly s uck t h e flesh fro m
t h e i r vict i m s . T h e i r s a l iva i n j ects a n u m b i n g chem ical t h at m a kes the bites p a i n l e s s , but a vict i m m i ght
fee l s l uggi s h in t h at p a rticu l a r l i m b . O n ce the l a rva a re p u l led off t h e l i m b, there i s n o l a sti n g effect.
I nteraction: Caffa s ca n ' t be reasoned or com m u n icated wit h .
Use: Caffa l a rva c a n be u sed o n t h e i r own o r a s a seco n d a ry e l e m e n t i n a fi g h t with caffa a d u lts. The l a rva
typ i ca l ly exi st a nywh e re t h at ad u l t caffas d o and come up from t h e i r u nd e rgro u n d b u rrows to fee d .
Loot: I f caffa l a rva a re fed we l l a n d a l l owed to b u rrow, P C s who w a i t patiently wi l l be rewa rd ed w i t h a tiny,
s p routl i ke eru ption i n the s o i l . Th i s i s a s i g n t h at the l a rva h a s cocooned a n d can be tu gged out of the
gro u n d . The PCs can b o i l the cocoo n s , which wi l l ki l l t h e l a rva i n s i d e a n d res u lt i n a small s pool of stro n g
go l d e n th read ca l l ed s i l ster.

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 CALLERAIL 7 (2 1 )

G M I ntrusion: The A ca l l e ra i l is a creatu re ef fu sed o rga n i c a n d i n orga n i c s u bstances. F l e s h m i ngles with wood , stee l , a n d stone,
callemil strikes the a s the ca l l e ra i l possesses the a b i l ity to absorb i n orga n i c m atte r a n d add the material to its body. The creatu re
character and attempts is a l u m beri n g g i a nt-1 5 feet (4 . 6 m) tal l-t h at wa l ks u s i n g its fo re l i m bs as we l l as its s h o rter rea r legs. Its
to immediately absorb a
large possession-armor, body i s a co n g l o m e ration of m ateri a l s .
a weapon, a backpack, A ca l l erai l ' s o rga n i c port i o n s re m a i n co h e s ive so t h at i t s c i rc u l atory syste m reaches a l l a reas o f i t s body. I t
and so on. sti l l req u i res food-i n fact, it req u i res eve n more fo o d t h a n a n o rd i n a ry creatu re of its s ize. Ca l l e ra i l s a re n ot
particu l a rly bright a n d act on a n i m a l i n sti nct i n most situati o n s . They re p rod uce asexu a l ly.
M otive: H u n gers for fl e s h
Envi ronment: Anywhere.
While the callerail H ealth: 3 0
can be found in many Damage I nflicted: 7 poi nts
places, the Ba-Adenu Armor: 3
Forest (page 7 89)
M ovement: S h o rt
is known for large
numbers of them. M odifications: S peed d efe n s e as level 6 d ue to s ize. B reaks o bjects as l evel 9. Reacts to deception a n d trickery
as l evel 5 .
Com bat: A ca l l e ra i l s m a s h e s foes with its powe rfu l l i m b s , a n d its a b i l ity t o absorb m atte r gives i t some
i nterest i n g optio n s . For exa m p l e, it can heal itself by absorb i n g m atte r, particu l a rly l a rge ch u n ks of ve ry
stu rdy m ateri a l such as metal or stone. U s i n g t h i s as its act i o n , a ca l l e ra i l h e a l s a n u m be r of poi nts eq u a l
t o the l evel o f the material-a ro u n d 5 o r 6 poi nts fo r a l a rge p i ece o f metal o r sto ne.
In a d d i t i o n , a ca l l e ra i l can h o l d its action u nt i l a foe attacks with a wea p o n . The foe m u st m a ke a S peed
defe n s e ro l l to avo i d h avi n g the weapon absorbed i nto the creat u re. Absorb i n g a weapon h e a l s t h e
ca l l e ra i l fo r a few poi nts a n d a l so n egates the attack rega rd less of w h e t h e r t h e S peed defe n s e ro l l i s
s u ccessfu l . An absorbed weapon i s destroyed .
I nteraction: Reaso n i n g with a h u n gry ca l l e ra i l i s i m po s s i ble, a n d they' re always h u n g ry. H oweve r, a s m a rt
c h a racter can fool t h e m by sett i n g a trap, creat i n g a d ivers i o n , or u s i n g a s i m i l a r type of tactic.
Use: These p red ato rs move i nto a n a rea a n d th reaten t h e entire reg i o n . Two ca l l e ra i l s in t h e s a m e loca l e pose
a d a nger to eve ry l iv i n g t h i ng. The mon sters fight to the death, each atte m pt i n g to absorb the i n orga n i c
port i o n s o f the oth e r a n d destroyi n g eve ryt h i n g t h at gets i n t h e i r way.
Loot: Somet i m e s a p iece of ra re material or eve n a cyp h e r or an a rtifact can be fo u n d i n t h e wreckage of a
ca l l e ra i l corpse.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

CHIROG 4 ( 1 2)

C h i rogs a re vaguely re pti l i a n a b h u m a n s with thick armor p l ates cove ri n g m uch of t h e i r bod ies. They l ive to G M I ntrusion: A chirog
h u nt and ki l l , but despite their savage n at u re, they a re craftier and more i nte l l i gent than most a b h u m a n s . They bites his grappled foe,
automatically hitting and
u n d erstand the n u menera-a nd d e s p i se it. Even more than ki l l i n g h u m a n s , they enjoy destroying the rel ics of
ignoring Armor.
the past. (Perh aps it is racial resentment for wrongs done to them long ago.)
Ch i rogs l ive in s m a l l packs with a clear leader who i s u s u a l ly a fe m a l e . In fact, she is l i kely the mother
of many m e m bers of t h e pack. The creat u res h ave a tangled , i n cestu o u s re l at io n s h i p , a n d mature fe m a l e s
eve n t u a l l y leave to form a n ew p a c k , somet i m e s taki n g a b rot h e r o r two w i t h t h e m .
M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h
Envi ronment: Ch i rogs dwe l l i n s m a l l gro u p s o f t h ree t o s ix, u s u a l ly i n wooded areas o r rocky, m o u n ta i n o u s
reg i o n s .
H ealth: 1 5
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 3
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Cl i m b s as l evel 7.
Com bat: Ch i rogs d o n ot u s e wea p o n s o r too l s , u s u a l ly attacki n g
w i t h a s avage b i t e . H oweve r, t h ey can a l s o gra p p l e a fo e ,
which i s j u st l i ke a n o r m a l attack except t h at rat h e r
t h a n i n fl i ct i n g d a m age, it h o l d s the foe i m m o b i l e . The
foe can take o n l y p u rely mental act i o n s o r struggle to
get free (a M i ght task at d ifficu lty 4) . Both the grap p l i n g
ch i rog a n d t h e gra p p led fo e a re e a s i e r ta rgets fo r oth e r
co m bata nts, w i t h attackers gai n i n g a two-step mod ification i n
t h e i r favo r.
I nteraction: About o n e i n t h ree ch i rogs speaks a h u m a n l a n guage,
l i kely the Truth. (Th ey all s peak a l a n g u age of of their own ,
which i s fa i rly s i m p l i stic.) Ch i rogs a re h atefu l a n d a n g ry, but
n ot i m po s s i b l e to reason wit h .
Use: W h e n t h e P C s fi n a l ly reach t h e va u l t t h at h o l d s t h e
n u m e n e ra d evice they seek, they fi n d a band of
ch i rogs a l ready there, ready to d e stroy it.

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 CRAGWORM 6 ( 1 8)
G M I ntrusion: While
biting a PC, the A cragwo rm i s a s p i ned serpent t h at can grow u p to 50 feet
cragworm grabs the (1 5 m) long. Its mouth o p e n s h o rizonta l ly a n d h a s many rows
character in its mouth. of teet h . Dwe l l i n g in a b a n d o ned or i s o l ated areas, it p reys o n
The PC must make
wh ateve r it can fi n d . The creatu re h a s m a n y red , g l i ste n i n g
a Might-based roll to
avoid being swallowed. eyes a n d i s known fo r i t s terri ble, m o u r n fu l h owl . I t h a s the
Swallowed PCs can i nte l l igence of a n a n i m a l a n d t h e outlook of a p red ator.
attack the beast from the M otive: H u n gers for fl e s h
inside, but they suffer 6 Envi ronment: Dwe l l s a l o n e i n rocky waste s , h i l l s , a n d deserts.
points ofdamage each H ealth: 36
round they remain there.
Damage I nflicted: 8 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: H id e s i n rocky terra i n as l eve l 7. S peed defe n s e as l evel 5 d u e to s ize. Pe rception as l evel 4.
Res i sts trickery a s l evel 3 .
Com bat: A cragwo rm h i d e s a m i d rocks a n d ru i n s . W h i l e h i d i ng, i t h owl s , a n d the s u b s o n i c n at u re o f t h e
s o u n d p a ra lyze s a n y o n e with i n l o n g ra n ge. Vict i m s who fa i l I nte l l ect defense ro l l s a re p a ra lyzed fo r two
ro u n d s .
W h e n the cragwo rm e m e rges fro m i t s h i d i n g p l ace t o attack, i t s enve n o m ed b ite i n fl i cts terri b l e d a m age.
Vict i m s who fail M i ght defe n s e ro l l s m ove o n e step d own t h e d a mage track.
O n ce a cragwo rm enters co m bat, it fights to the deat h .
I nteraction: Cragwo rms c a n ' t be reasoned w i t h . They c a n be i nti m i d ated o r tricked , but t h e l atte r i s fa r e a s i e r
t h a n the former. They res i st be i n g tricked a s l evel 3 a n d a re particu l a rly e a s y to fool if fo o d i s i nvolved .
Use: Cragwo rm attacks a re see m i ngly ra n d o m w i l d e rness e n co u nters t h at u s u a l ly befa l l u n s u s pect i n g
trave lers. I n m a n y ways, they a re the a rch etypa l waste l a n d beasts o f the N i nt h Wo rld, givi n g r i s e to
s ayi ngs s u c h as "fie rce a s a cragwo rm , " "te m pera m e ntal a s a cragwo rm , " a n d so o n .

CULOVA 4 ( 1 2)
GM I ntrusion: The C u l ovas a re s p i d e ry h u m a n o i d s with eight s p i n d ly legs, a b u l bo u s m i d sect i o n , a n d a p a i r of h u m a n l i ke arms
cu/ova sprays venom
with t h ree fi n gers. E i ght eyes adorn t h e i r h ead s l i ke co l o red bead s above d i sturbi n gly b road , toot hy mouth s .
without warning-even
on the same turn that it They move w i t h aston i s h i n g q u ickness.
attacked with a weapon. C u l ovas a re u s u a l ly peacefu l creatu res t h at l ive i n small gro u p s deep with i n a fo rest, h u nt i n g fo r food and
cari n g fo r their yo u n g. They lead s i m p l e l ives .
M otive: Defe n s e
Envi ronment: Cu lovas l ive i n b a n d s i n forests,
Westwood, page 7 3 7 particu l a rly in t h e Westwood .
H ealth: 20
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: Lo n g
Modifications: Moves with stealth a n d climbs as level 6 .
Com bat: C u l ovas c a n s p ray ve n o m fro m t h e i r
mouth s . When t h ey do, t h e i r head s t u rn a l m ost
3 60 d egree s , so a l l creatu res with i n 1 0 feet
(3 m) get t h e poison in t h e i r eyes , nose, a n d mouth. A vict i m m u st m a ke a M i ght d efe n s e ro l l ; those who
fail s u ffe r 4 poi nts of S peed d a mage (ignori n g Armor) . Otherwi se, c u l ovas attack u s i n g wea p o n s , u s u a l ly
jave l i n s or s p i ked c l u b s .
C u l ovas enjoy l ayi n g a m b u s h es fo r fo e s o r s n e a k i n g a ro u n d to fl a n k o r s u rprise fr o m the rea r. I f t h i ngs reach
a point where a c u l ova i s e n gaged in com bat, it fights to the deat h .
I nteraction: C u l ovas avo i d contact w i t h oth e r i n te l l i gent creat u res u n l e s s they o r t h e i r territo ries a re
th reate ned. They do n ot leave fa m i l i a r gro u n d except i n extraord i n a ry c i rc u m stances, so they a re always
o n the defe n s ive, eve n when they l a u nch a n attack. H oweve r, an attack i n g c u l ova can be reasoned wit h . I f
yo u c a n convi nce t h e creatu re t h at yo u ' re n ot a th reat o r t h at yo u ' l l cease b e i n g a t h reat-which u s u a l ly
i nvolves leavi n g t h e a rea-yo u m i ght get t h ro u g h the e n co u nter u n scathed.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

Use: C u l ovas l ive p r i m a ri ly i n the Westwood a n d d efe n d i t aga i n st the e n croac h m e n t o f h u m a n s . The local
nobles h ave put a bou nty o n their heads fo r d i sru pti n g the i m portant loggi n g trade i n the fo rest. PCs who
h u nt the creat u re s wi l l earn 10 s h i n s per c u l ova head they b ri n g back.
Loot: C u l ovas u s u a l ly h ave 1 d 6 j ave l i n s a n d a s p i ked c l u b , and ve ry rarely o n e m i ght h ave a cyp h e r. They n eve r
h ave s h i n s or oth e r t h i ngs a h u m a n m i ght fi n d va l u a b l e .

DARK FATHOM 8 (24)

Th i s creatu re looks l i ke a d a rkly armored h u m a n o i d with a swi rl i n g b l ack h o l e i n its chest-o r perh a p s the G M I ntrusion: As matter
and energy are drawn into
b l ack h o l e is its chest. The rest of the creatu re i s o b s c u red by its armor a n d h e l m et. Part mech a n ica l , part
the darkfathom 's chest,
b i o l ogica l , a d a rk fathom i s an e n g i n e of war a n d d e struction fro m aeo n s past. characters topple oer, lose
M otive: Destruction important belongings, and
Envi ronment: Always sol itary, fo u n d a nywh e re lose turns while they simply
H ealth: 40 try to keep to theirfeet.
Damage I nflicted: 8 poi nts
Armor: 4
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 6. Sees t h rough deception as l evel 6.
Com bat: At its h e a rt, the d a rk fathom h a s a construct l i ke a s i n g u l a rity, d rivi n g it a s a n eternal sou rce of
powe r a s we l l a s a terri b l e wea p o n . The s i n g u l a rity d raws i n all ran ged attacks-m atter a n d e n e rgy-a n d
co n s u m es t h e m so t h e creatu re s u ffe rs n o h a r m . The o n l y ran ged attacks t h at affect it a re those t h at a re
menta l , magnetic, or extrad i m e n s i o n a l . Fu rt h e r, cha racte rs who sta nd close e n o u g h to the d a r k fathom to
touch it or m a ke melee attacks aga i n st it m u st m a ke a M i ght d efe n s e ro l l each ro u n d . Those who fa i l a re
d rawn i nto t h e s i n g u l a rity (at least p a rt i a l ly) a n d s u sta i n 30 poi nts of d a m age. C h a racte rs who d i e fro m
t h i s d a m age a re co n s u med a n d utte rly destroyed with i n the s i n g u l a rity.
As an act i o n , a d a rk fathom can d raw a l l creat u res a n d o bjects with i n s h o rt ra n ge towa rd it so t h at t h ey e n d
u p n ext to it. A M i ght d efe n s e action res i sts t h i s a s we l l . H owever, if t h e d a rk fa t h o m d raws t o o m u c h , it
can be ove rwhel med and lose its n ext action (or m o re, ifthe GM fee l s it i s a p p ropriate) .
Last, u s i n g t h e fo rce of its s i n g u l a rity, a d a rk fathom can atte m pt to grab nea rby m atte r or e n e rgy a n d
co n s u m e i t . I t can co n s u m e anyt h i n g s m a l l e r t h a n itself.
A dark fat h o m i s i m m u n e to poison, d i sease, a n d ot h e r attacks relyi n g o n phys i o l ogy.
I nteraction: A d a r k fath o m is d i fficu lt to i nte ract wit h . Although ve ry i n te l l i gent, it doesn't seem to u nd e rsta n d
any l a n g u age s poken i n the N i nth Wo rld. H owever, a c h a racte r can u s e m e n t a l com m u n i cation t o
atte m pt to reason w i t h t h e creat u re. A d a r k fath o m can be bri bed to m ove o n i n stead of fight i n g, but it
i s i nterested o n ly i n exot ic m atte r and e n e rgies (or i nformation about where those t h i ngs can be fo u n d ) .
Some d a rk fath o m s h ave t h e i r own age n d a s or i nterests as we l l .
Use: A n e n co u nter with a d a r k fat h o m i s a terri b l e experience t h at i s l i kely t o ki l l c h a racters. G M s m i ght want
to u s e the creatu re more a s a th reat than a s a d i rect e n co u nter u n le s s t h e PCs a re extre mely powe rfu l a n d
resou rcefu l .
Loot: A d a rk fathom h a s mec h a n ical a n d b i o m ech a n ical p a rts t h at p rod uce l d 6 + 4 cyp h ers.

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 DISASSEMBLER 5 ( 1 5)

G M I ntrusion: A A d i s a s s e m b l e r is a stra n ge- looki n g a rtificial creatu re of g l a s s a n d steel with six s p i n d ly meta l l i c arms
friendly or ambivalent a rra n ged a ro u n d its ci rcu l a r m i d sect i o n . Its u p per h a l f i s a l l g l a r i n g gree n l i ghts a n d mech a n ical p rotru s i o n s ,
disassembler suddenly s o m e o f w h i c h m i ght be s e n s o ry mech a n i s m s . Its l owe r h a l f i s a b road e n g i n e t h at a l l ows it t o h over 3 feet
attacks without
(0. 9 m) off the gro u n d . If it l a n d e d , the d i sa s s e m b l e r wo u l d be about 8 feet (2 .4 m) ta l l .
provocation.
D i sassem b l e rs a re a rtifici a l ly i nte l l igent a utomato n s t h at seem t o h ave gone m a d a t some poi nt. N ow t h ey
act e rratical ly-somet i m e s attacki n g creat u re s , somet i m e s i g n o ri n g t h e m , somet i m e s destroyi n g what they
co m e acro s s , somet i m e s wa n d e r i n g a i m l e s s ly.
M otive: U n p red icta b l e
Envi ronment: D i s a s s e m b l e rs trave l a l o n e o r i n p a i rs a n d can be fo u n d a nywh e re .
H ealth: 1 8
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 4
M ovement: S h o rt
Com bat: A d i s a s s e m b l e r ' s a r m s e n d i n too l s t h at a l l ow it to take a p a rt i n o rga n i c m atte r on a m o l ecu l a r
l eve l , t u rn i n g s o l i d s i nto l i q u i d a n d g a s . O bv i o u s ly, t h i s a b i l ity m a ke s it a n effective co m bata nt aga i n st
a uto m ato n s a n d the l i ke. A d i sa s s e m b l e r i n fl icts 1 0 poi nts of d a m age aga i n st i n o rga n i c foes. I n a d d i t i o n ,
a d i s a s s e m b l e r can destroy a foe's wea p o n s o r armor b y to u c h , which i s u s u a l ly its i n it i a l strategy aga i n st
o rga n i c o p po n e nts t h at a re armored or armed.
The creat u re ' s d i s a s s e m b l i n g too l s ca n n ot affect orga n i c m atte r, but this l i m itation m i ght h ave been
p rogra m med i nto it-perhaps a s a safety mech a n i s m-rat h e r t h a n a n i n a b i l ity. A d i sa s s e m b l e r with t h i s
p ro h i bition re moved wo u l d b e a t r u e terror.
I nteraction: D i sassem b l e rs a re i n te l l i gent but e rratic to the point of i n s a n ity. They u n d e rsta n d s peech a n d ,
after l i ste n i n g t o a l a n g u age fo r a t i m e , c a n often s peak it i n a very b a s i c way. I t i s pos s i b l e t o converse
with a d i s a s s e m b l e r, but the creatu re is j u st as l i kely to attack without p rovocati o n , perh a p s in the m i d d l e
o f a conversat i o n . Sti l l , a we l l - s po ke n , i nte l l igent, a n d q u ick-witted c h a racte r m i ght b e a b l e t o figu re out
what a d i s a s s e m b l e r wants (at the mome nt) a n d conv i n ce it to n ot attack or perh a p s to d o someth i n g to
aid h i m .
Use: Wa n d e r i n g i n o l d ru i n s o r a m i d ancient co m p l exes , d i sassem b l e rs m a ke fo r exce l lent e n co u nters with
u n p re d i ctable outcomes.
Loot: The re m a i n s of a destroyed d i sa s s e m b l e r m i ght h o l d l dl 00 s h i n s , l d 6 + l cyp hers, a n odd ity, a n d
perh a p s a sa lvagea b l e a rtifact.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

DREAD DESTROYER 1 0 ( 3 0)

"If there's a more horrific sight in the Ninth World than seeing a dread destroyer coming at you, I don 't know what
it is. Heavy, metallic, and monstrous, these unstoppable things are like giant insects outfitted to go to war with the
entire world at once. "
-Jennis Fa/on, explorer

Ca l l ed d read destroye rs by the few fo l k t h at a re awa re of t h e m , these giant war mach i n es h ave orga n i c b ra i n s G M I ntrusion: The dread
a n d i nte rnal o rga n s p rotected b y a self- re p a i r i n g metal s h e l l . With t h e i r twe lve legs, they l u m be r ove r any destroyer activates an
s u rface-eve n cl i n g i n g to a vertical s u rface l i ke a n i n s ect if need be-b ut if t h ey enter t h e water, t h e i r ra ised energy surge that repairs
abdomen l owers a n d a p ro pe l l e r engine m oves them along efficiently. Although a s i n g l e d read destroye r 1d6 + 4 points of its own
damage and makes an
co u l d l a u nch an attack on an e n t i re city, it is far m o re l i kely t h at yo u ' l l fi n d one d efe n d i n g an i m portant,
electrical attack that inflicts
a n cient s ite. 20 points of damage on a
M otive: Defe n s e single target.
Envi ronment: O n ly o n e o f t h e s e a utomato n s h a s b e e n s e e n a t a t i m e , but hologra p h i c i m ages h ave s h own
scenes from the d i stant past when h u n d reds of d read destroye rs crawled across a battlefie l d together.
They can be e n co u ntered on l a n d or u nd e rwate r.
H ealth: 1 00
Damage I nflicted: U s u a l ly 1 0 points; see Co m bat.
Armor: 5
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: S peed d efe n s e as level 8 d ue to s ize a n d s peed .
Com bat: D read destroye rs can attack foes u p to 1 m i l e ( 1 . 6 km) away-a n d pos s i bly m uch fa rt h e r-with
m i s s i les t h at can ki l l h u n d red s of peo p l e at o n ce, i n fl ict i n g 20 poi nts of d a m age o n all ta rgets wit h i n l o n g
ra n ge o f the deto n at i o n . I f ta rgets c a u g h t i n the b l a st m a ke a s u ccessfu l S peed d e fe n s e ro l l , they s u ffe r 8
poi nts of d a m age i n stead.
U p close, d read destroye rs can m a ke melee attacks with their l i m bs o r their " m a n d i b l e s , " which can d rag a
struck creatu re i nto t h e war mach i n e ' s i nterior. There , it is h e l d i m m o b i l e a n d j o lted with e l ectricity u nt i l
d e a d (each ro u n d , it takes 6 poi nts o f d a m age t h at i g n o re Armor) . A M i ght task a l l ows a tra p ped creatu re
to break free.
M o re l i kely, h owever, a d read d e stroye r e m its a jolt of e l ectricity t h at deals 1 0 poi nts of d a mage to eve ryo n e
with i n i m m ed i ate ra n ge. D read d e stroye rs fi g h t to the d e a t h .
A d read d e stroye r re p a i rs 1 d 6 poi nts of d a mage e a c h ro u n d .
I nteraction: I f com m u n ication c a n be esta b l i s hed with t h e orga n i c b ra i n , a PC c a n reason with a d read
d e stroyer, but co nvi nci n g it to d o somet h i n g i s ve ry d ifficult.
Use: A d read destroye r i s l i kely t h e most h o rrific t h i n g o n a N i nth Wo rld batt l efie l d . U n l e s s you h ave a n army
o n yo u r side and a re wi l l i n g to lose a l a rge portion of yo u r fo rces, battle i s u nwise. Sti l l , the greatest
g u a rd i a n s often g u a rd the greatest trea s u re s .
Loot: The re m a i n s of a d read destroye r a re a scave n ger' s d re a m , yield i n g at l e a s t 1 d l 00 + 1 ,000 s h i n s , 1 d20
odd ities, 1 d20 cyp h e rs , a n d 1 d 6 a rtifacts.

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 ERYNTH GRASK 6 ( 1 8)

"Originating in some other dimension, erynth grask are horrific creatures of hunger and hatred. They have a
command over matter that grants them psychokinetic control over small objects, manipulating things with their
many tiny hands as a musical conductor directs an orchestra.
"Worm like, with four tentacles surrounding its toothy maw, an erynth grask has two long, spindly arms and six
smaller arms. The long arms can hold and grasp objects, but the smaller ones do not. Its tentacles have something
in their nature that is antithetical to life in our world, disrupting the nerves of a creature they touch.
"It has been postulated that there is only one erynth grask, and the various encounters that have been
documented are in factjust projections into our reality of that singular entity. "
-Th e U ltrate rrestial Th reat by Vibor Bondanth

G M I ntrusion: The M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h

erynth grask tunnels up Envi ronment: Anywhere, i nc l u d i n g u n d ergro u n d . An e rynth gra s k i s u s u a l ly fo u n d a l o n e .
directly beneath the PC,
H ealth: 28
giving it an automatic
hit with its bite and Damage I nflicted: 8 poi nts
tentacles and knocking Armor: l
the character prone. M ovement: S h o rt
Combat: An erynth grask bu rrows through the ground at
the same movement rate at which it moves across
the surface. When it attacks prey from beneath, it
can use its claws or bite, or it can use its tentacles,
which do not infl ict damage but i n stead d i s ru pt a
creature's nervous system , causing the victim to lose
his next turn ifhe fails a M ight defense rol l .
At the same t i m e , the erynth grask u s e s i t s telekinetic
PCs are limited to one abil ities to grab small objects (weigh i n g 1 0 pou nds
action per round (except
[4. 5 kg] or less) that are nearby. It uses these
for special cases), but
many types of NPCs, objects i n several ways. Fi rst, they can be u sed as
such as the erynth grask, s h ields, with each one i ncreasing the d ifficu lty of
can take multiple actions stri king the erynth grask by one step; no more than
at once. two objects can be u sed i n this way. Second, the
creatu re can h u rl the objects as p rojectiles (long
range, 6 poi nts of damage) . Third , the erynth grask
can harass a foe by grabbing an object i n h i s hand
or on h i s person , which i ncreases the d ifficu lty of
a l l of the foe's actions by one step; it can do this
o n ly once per foe.
An erynth gra s k can m a n i p u l ate six o bjects at
once: two s h ields, two p rojectiles, and two
harassments; six p rojecti les; two s h ie l d s and
fo u r harassments; or any other com b i n atio n ,
a l t h o u g h no more than two s h ie l d s a t once, and
no more than one h a rassment per foe.
An e rynth gra s k flees if it takes d a m age eq u a l to h a l f its
health.
I nteraction: These u ltraterrestrial creatu res are i ncred ibly
intelligent but very alien. They have their own
language and often mark their bod ies with
sym bols that mean someth ing only to them.
Use: As a s u rprise encou nter, noth i n g works better
than a n e rynth grask. It's a deadly foe t h at can
take o n a whole gro u p at o n ce.
Loot: The b ra i n of o n e of these u lt raterrestri a l s
conta i n s l d 6 l i q u id cyp hers (wh i ch c a n b e
i m b i bed, i n j ected , a n d so on) .

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

GHOST CRAB 5 ( 1 5)

G h ost cra b s l ive on t h e ocean floor, typ ica l ly i n p l aces t h at a re at least 1 m i l e (1 . 6 km) deep. They can grow a s G M I ntrusion: A PC
l a rge a s 5 feet ( 1 . 5 m) acro s s but average about 3 1 /2 feet (1 m) . N i m b l e h u nters a n d i ntricate weave rs, ghost damages or removes one of
cra b s can b u i l d their s i l ica we b s along any jagged o r u n eve n s u rface, i n cl u d i n g cora l reefs , s u n ke n s h i p s , and the ghost crab's front claws,
causing the creature to
a n cient ru i n s . I f n o s u rface i s ava i l a b l e , t h ey m a ke one, ki l l i n g l a rge a n i m a l s so they can b u i l d we b s acro s s the
quickly spin a new one. The
s h e l l s a n d bones. new claw is nearly twice as
N ot true cra b s , they a re s p i d e rl i ke creatu res t h at s p i n h a rd s h e l l s from the s a m e s i l ica they u s e to b u i l d large as the first, increasing
t h e i r we b s . G h ost cra b s a p p e a r a n d d i sappear i n t h e depths as t h o u g h s h ift i n g rea l m s . T h e i r we b s , too, a re damage to 8 points.
often i nv i s i b l e u n l e s s o n e knows to look for the g l i nt i n g , off-wh ite stri n g s .
A l t h o u g h gh ost cra b s a re b l i n d , t h e i r finely h o n ed sense of t o u c h a l l ows them to h u nt a n d d evo u r anyt h i n g
t h at gets caught i n t h e i r we b s .
M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h
Envi ronment: G h ost cra b s l ive a l o n e o r i n p a i rs o n the ocean floor.
H ealth: 20
Damage I nflicted: 6 poi nts
Armor: 6 Although creatures called
M ovement: S h o rt ghost crabs exist in today's
world, the Ninth World
Com bat: G h ost cra bs wait patiently u nt i l a PC i s tangled i n t h e near- i nvi s i b l e stra n d s of s i l ica i n its we b . As
version is not related to
soon as the c h a racte r i s caught, the web begi n s its work, d e hyd rat i n g the s h e l l a ro u n d h e r D N A (d ea l i n g them in any way. In fact,
3 points o f d a mage p e r ro u n d fo r a s l o n g a s s h e i s ca u g ht) . the unique abilities of
W h i l e a vict i m i s tra p ped, a ghost cra b u s e s its giant fro nt claws to tear the fl e s h fro m t h e l iv i n g p rey (6 the Ninth World ghost
poi nts of d a m age) . If o n e of a cra b ' s front c l aws is s m a s hed or re moved , it can s p i n another as a era bs suggest they might
re p l ace m e nt, a p roce s s t h at takes two ro u n d s . have been bioengineered,
although for what purpose
G h ost cra b s a re i m m u n e t o v i s u a l - based effects , s u c h as i l l u s i o n s .
is anyone 's guess.
Use: The P C s a re d eep-d ivi n g i n t h e ocean o n a m i s s i o n t o recover trea s u re fro m a l o n g-s u n ke n construction
s ite. While t h e re, they n otice gh ostly creatu res out of the co rners of t h e i r eyes , scutt l i n g t h ro u g h l i ght
a n d s h a d ow. The cha racte rs m i ght also fi n d long, s h i n i n g sta n d s woven between the rott i n g u n d e rwate r
fixt u re s .
Loot: S i l ica we b s a n d s h e l l s can be made i nto too l s , ro pe, s h i e l d s , a n d oth e r u sefu l ite m s t h at u s u a l ly h ave
two to ten t i m e s the stre n gth of a m u n d a n e ite m .

ITHSYN 4 ( 1 2)

Lo u d a n d h o rri ble, the t h i ngs called ith syn s appear to be the res u lt of a genetic expe riment
gone awry. Posses s i n g d i st i n ctive q u a l ities of avi a n s , re pt i l e s , m a m m a l s , a n d fish, t h ey
seem d ifficult to categorize. I n the e n d , h oweve r, t h ey a re u n i q u e i n t h e i r own right.
l t h sy n s a re egg l ayers t h at l ive in l a rge com m u n a l nests a n d fiercely defe n d the m-eve n
u nto death. These carn ivores h u nt i n packs, looki n g for p rey of any s ize. l t h syns do n ot see o r
hear p a rticu l a rly we l l a n d re ly o n t h e i r long, s n a ke l i ke t o n g u e s fo r m u c h of t h e i r s e n s i ng.
M otive: H u n gers fo r flesh
Envi ronment: l t h syns l ive i n gro u p s of th ree to six i n any warm c l i m ate.
H ealth: 1 2
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: 1
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 3 . Res i sts mental attack as l evel 3 .
Com bat: When i t attacks, a n ith syn c h a rges fo rward i n a b u rst o f s peed . I n t h e s a m e act i o n ,
it can m ove u p to a l o n g d i stance a n d attack w i t h either a savage kick o r i t s we i rd ,
trifu rcated mouth.
I f struck i n com b at, a n ith syn re leases a d a rk gree n i s h gas from o rifices t h roughout its body.
Creatu res with i n i m m ed i ate ra n ge m u st m a ke a M i ght d efe n s e ro l l right away, a n d those t h at
fa i l a re add led for o n e ro u n d . Relea s i n g the gas i s n ot an action on the ith syn ' s pa rt-j u st a n
i m m ed i ate reaction t o b e i n g h it.

24 1
 Ad d l ed vict i m s beh ave ra n d o m l y on t h e i r n ext act i o n . Ro l l d l 00 a n d co n s u lt t h e table bel ow.

dl 00 Victi m's Action

0 1 -20 R u n off in a ra n d o m d i rection fo r a s h o rt d i stance
2 1 -3 0 Attack t h e nearest creatu re with wh ateve r mea n s i s closest at h a n d
3 1 -60 Do noth i n g but co u g h a n d shout
6 1 -80 Fa l l d own a n d ro l l on t h e gro u n d
8 1 -90 D ro p wh ateve r is h e l d a n d cover eye s and face with h a n d s
9 1 -00 Activate most powe rfu l ava i l a b l e a b i l ity, cyp h e r, o r a rtifact t h at i s n ot a n attack ( i f n o n e , ro l l aga i n )
G M I ntrusion: The
effects of the ithsyn gas I nteraction: l t h syns a re a n i m a l s . They ca n n ot be reasoned wit h , a l t h o u g h i n theory o n e co u l d be t a m e d a n d
last for 7d6 + 7 rounds tra i ned. T h e y react w i t h fea r t o a s h ow o f overwh e l m i n g fo rce, fl e e i n g u n l e s s defend i n g t h e i r nest.
(rather than one round) Use: A pack of h u nt i n g ithsyns co u l d be a n i nterest i n g encou nter fo r cha racte rs trave l i n g t h ro u g h the
for an unfortunate victim.
w i l d e r n e s s . Wo rse, h owever, wo u l d be a pack t h at has a nest atop o r i n fro nt of the entrance to an
a b a n d o ned facil ity t h at the PCs m u st enter.
Loot: An ith syn nest m i ght h ave a cyp h e r or 1 d l 0 s h i n s , but any such l oot wo u l d be t h e co i n c i d e ntal leftovers
of a prior vict i m .

JI RAS KAR 7 (2 1 )

Te rror does n ' t eve n begin to describe it. The wood s seem sti l l . Q u iet. At t h e ri s k of be i n g c l i c h e-too q u iet.
Then t h e re is a t re m o r. A ru m b l i ng. T h e n , fa r more q u ickly t h a n yo u m i ght expect (if yo u we re s m a rt e n o u g h
to rea l ize t h at the ru m b l i n g was t h e a p p roach of a l a rge bea st) , a terri b l e but beaut i fu l s h a pe emerges from
the ta l l tree s , a creatu re as co l o rfu l a s a j u n g l e fl ower but b u rgeo n i n g with teeth and h u nger and death. Yo u r
doom c h a rges a t you a s t h o u g h desti ny g u i ded its feet. T h e o n ly m e rcy i s t h at i t e n d s a s q u ickly a s i t bega n .
J i ra s kars a re fierce, a pex p red ator reptiles. Their colorfu l bod ies h ave fleshy fri l l s a n d o n ly two fu n ction i n g
l i m bs : powerfu l legs that ca rry t h e m a t p rey with great s peed . They h ave terri ble (practica l l y nonexi stent) natural
senses but can use their bra i n s to tap i nto the d ata s p h e re, which guides them to where they need to go. The
h u ge beasts l ive o n ly to h u nt beca use most of their p rey i s s m a l l , so they m u st ki l l conti n u a l ly to s u rvive.
M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h
Cloudcrystal Sky.fields, Envi ronment: j i ra s ka rs h u nt a l o n e o r i n p a i rs i n any wet o r wood ed a rea. They a re a l so d rawn t o l a rge cryst a l s ,
page 7 74 s uch a s those fo u n d beneath t h e Cloud crystal S kyfie l d s .
H ealth: 40
Damage I nflicted: 1 0 poi nts
G M I ntrusion: The M ovement: Lo n g
jiraskar's tail knocks M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 1 0. S peed defe n s e a s l evel 5 d u e t o s ize. I nte l l ect defe n s e a s l evel 4. Cl i m b s
the character prone. a s l evel 2 .
In addition to taking Com bat: J i ra s ka rs a re extre mely fa s t . They c h a rge i n w i t h a s avage bite a n d d o n 't stop biti n g u nt i l the p rey i s
damage from the
d e a d o r t h ey a re. Th i ngs l i ke i n vi s i b i l ity, i l l u s i o n s , d i sg u i s e s , camoufl age, a n d crafty h i d i n g p l aces mean
creature's bite attack,
the PC is also trampled noth i n g to them.
under its clawed feet for 7 I nteraction: J i ra s ka rs a re
points of damage. a n i m a l s a n d act a s
such.
Use: Beca u s e j i ra s kars
a re so fast, an
e n co u nter with one
can arise ve ry q u i ckly.
And beca u s e t h ey
a re so powe rfu l , a n
e n co u nter can a l s o
e n d very q u ickly.

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CREATURES

LAAK 1 (3)

Laa ks a re s m a l l , gree n - s k i n n e d , p o i s o n o u s re pt i l e s t h at attack l a rger p rey i n s m a l l gro u p s . They can leap with G M I ntrusion: The laak is
s u rp ri s i n g s peed and stre n gt h . Fo u n d a l most eve rywhere, fro m d e s o l ate waste l a n d s to ancient ru i n s to the tougher and more tenacious
back a l l eys of l a rge cities, l a a ks a re a scou rge. H oweve r, t h ey avo i d co l d reg i o n s . Beca u s e they a re i m m u ne to than others ofits kind.
It has 4 extra health and
a l l known ve n o m s , t h e i r b l ood i s u s efu l in vari o u s antitoxi n s .
inflicts 1 additional point of
M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h damage.
Envi ronment: Al m ost a nywh e re exce pt co l d areas.
H ealth: 3
Damage I nflicted: 2 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: S peed d efe n s e as level 2 d ue to s ize. C l i m bs as level 4.
Com bat: Laaks leap onto a foe a n d u s e their poisonous bite to bri n g it down. Vict i m s m u st m a ke a M i ght
defe n s e ro l l ; those who fail take 2 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts of d a m age t h at ignore Armor. Certain scents seem to draw
Laaks a re i m m u n e to p o i s o n . laak attacks. For example,
I nteraction: Somet i m e s l a a ks a re capt u red yo u n g a n d tra i ned a s vicious pets a n d g u a rd i a n s . They can b e the scent of most hair dyes
frightened off b y d i s p l ays of powe r (such a s fi re, n o i s e , a n d t h e l i ke) . seems to enrage them,
while the smell ofsmoke
Use: Alt h o u g h laaks a re u b i q u itous a n d a n n oying, they a re ge n e ra l ly n ot a h u ge th reat to PCs. H owever, a n
can drive them away.
e n co u nter w i t h a powe rfu l N PC foe who kee p s a few l a a ks as pets co u l d be m o re i nterest i n g a n d more
d a n ge ro u s .

243
 MARGR 2 (6)

G M I ntrusion: There M a rgr a re variform a b h u m a n s . Wh i l e n o two look a l i ke, most h ave some as pect of goat-a goat head, goat
are more margrl 7d6 h o rn s , goat legs, goat h ooves , o r some co m b i n ation o r vary i n g degrees t h e reof. M a rgr l ive l ives of terri b l e
reinforcements arrive. violence, ki l l i n g e a c h oth e r (or rea l ly, anyt h i n g t h ey find) out of rage, sport, o r l u st. They b reed a n d m at u re
q u ickly, h oweve r, so t h e i r n u m bers n ever seem to d i m i n i s h . They t rave l i n s m a l l b a n d s led by t h e stro n gest
and most savage.
M a rgr wea r tro p h ies of t h e i r d ead opponents but a re poor crafters, so these d i s p l ays a re crude at best
severed head s on hooks, ears or fi n ge rs th readed on cord s as neckl aces, a n d so fo rt h . T h i s mea n s t h at, o n
top of eve ryt h i n g e l se, m a rgr sti n k of rott i n g m e a t at a l l t i m e s .
Margr might be the M otive: Ki l l s a n d d e stroys fo r pleas u re a n d d o m i n a n ce
most numerous of all Envi ronment: M a rgr l ive i n n o m a d i c tribes t h at sco u r d ry waste l a n d s .
abhumans. This is
H ealth: 6
certainly true in the
Steadfast and the Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
southern portions of the Armor: 1
Beyond. M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Res i sts trickery a n d l ies as level 3 . M a kes M i ght defe n s e ro l l s as l evel 3 . R u n s , j u m ps , a n d
cl i m b s a s l evel 3 .
Com bat: M a rgr tend to wield s pears o r long-hafted axe wea p o n s . They wea r leather, h id e , o r scra p s of oth e r
types o f armor. A t ra nge, t h ey th row stones o r wh ateve r i s h a n d y fo r 2 poi nts o f d a m age.
Margr chieftains can
reach terrifeing size. M a rgr leaders a re always default l evel 3 (9) . They i n fl i ct 5 poi nts of d a mage, h ave 1 6 health, and h ave 2
Some report the rare Armor. I f the leader i s k i l led, the rest of the gro u p ge n e ra l ly pan ics a n d flees.
individual at 8 or 9feet in I nteraction: M a rgr a re vicio u s a n d blood t h i rsty. They a re n ot s m a rt, but t h ey a re crafty, making them d ifficu lt
height. These monstrous to fool. Ki l l i n g t h e i r leader s e n d s them i nto a fre nzy of confu s i o n a n d fea r. In t h i s state, PCs co u l d
giants are level 5 or
e a s i l y escape, but t h ey co u l d a l so i nti m i d ate t h e re m a i n i n g m a rgr i nto d o i n g a s they co m m a n d . A very
higher, inflict 9 or more
points of damage, and powe rfu l a n d fo rcefu l c h a racte r co u l d beco m e the n ew leader, but s u c h a position wo u l d be c h a l l e n ged so
have at least 30 health. freq uently t h at it wo u l d m a ke the m a rgr poor fo l l owers ove ra l l .
Use: M a rgr h a ra s s civil ized peo p l e o n a regu l a r b a s i s , ra i d i n g v i l l ages o r trade ca rava n s . S o m e com m u n ities
put bounties o n their head s , h o p i n g t h at merce n a ries wi l l e l i m i n ate the th reat, but most peo p l e t h i n k of
m a rgr as creat u res of a l most s u pernatural evi l-d e m o n s o r d ev i l s-a n d d o their best to hide fro m t h e m .
T h a n kfu l ly, the n o m a d i c m a rgr u s u a l ly m ove o n after a fe w ra i d s .
Loot: A gro u p o f m a rgr carries i t s l oot toget h e r rather t h a n i n d ivid u a l ly. I t ' s u s u a l ly i n t h e form o f sto l e n
good s , but m o s t gro u p s h ave 4d6 s h i n s a s we l l . O n e m a rgr of a grou p-typ ically t h e leader-wi l l a l s o
h ave 1 d 6 cyp hers a n d oddities.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

MASTIGOPHORE 4 ( 1 2)

M a stigo p h o res a re a utomato n s t h at look h u m a n but can i n stantly transform t h e i r h a n d s i nto long, ba rbed G M I ntrusion: The
wh i p s whenever they w i s h . When fi rst e n co u nte red , they appear to be ave rage, u n iformed h u m a n s with a damaged mastigophore
m i l itary sta nce. Q u iet a n d exce l lent sta l kers, they a re e n co u nte red i n o n e of two modes: on g u a rd or h u nt i n g.
explodes, inflicting 5 points
of damage on all creatures
M a stigo p h o res g u a rd ce rta i n a n cient ru i n s , co m p l exe s , or mach i n e s . They u s u a l ly warn trespassers away in the immediate radius.
o n ce with u n i nte l l i g i b l e word s (but o bv i o u s i ntentio n s ) , a n d if t h e i r warn i n g is n ot heed ed, they attack a n d
fi g h t without rega rd fo r t h e i r safety. They a re a l most a lways i n gro u p s o f two o r more.
The automato n s need to co n s u m e orga n i c m ate rial to fu n ction a n d create their wea p o n s . Alt h o u g h t h ey
can s u b s i st on p l a nt m atte r, wh oeve r created m a stigophores d e s i gned t h e m to enjoy h u nt i n g a n d ki l l i n g
a n i m a l p rey. I n t h i s e n d eavor, t h ey a re ve ry aggre s s ive, a n d they act a l o n e , leav i n g t h e i r " p a rtners" beh i n d to
g u a rd wh ateve r it is they' re p rotect i n g .
M otive: Sta n d i n g vigi l , co n s u m i n g orga n i c m atte r
Envi ronment: Anywhere
H ealth: 1 5
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 3
M ovement: Lo n g
M odifications: Defe n d s a s l evel 5 when o n g u a rd . Attacks as l evel 5 when h u nt i n g. Perce ption a s l evel 5 .
H id e s , m oves stea lth i ly, a n d cl i m b s as l eve l 6 .
Com bat: With a thou ght, mastigo p h o re s can extrude o rga n i c m atte r fro m t h e i r wrists i n t h e fo r m o f long,
ba rbed whips. These wh i p s stun foes fo r o n e ro u n d , cau s i n g the vict i m s to lose a t u r n .
W h i l e o n g u a r d , mastigo p h o res fi g h t u nt i l d e stroyed. When h u nt i n g, they retreat if they s u ffe r more t h a n 5
poi nts of d a m age.
I nteraction: M astigo p h o res s peak, but n ot in any l a n g u age known tod ay. Stern and focused, they can not be
co nvinced to s h i rk t h e i r d uties. H owever, if t h ey a re n ot h u nt i n g, and if the PCs d o n 't t ry to get past them
wh i l e they a re sta n d i n g guard, mastigo p h o re s a re n ot host i l e .
Use: The P C s fi n d the entrance t o a n a n c i e n t co m p l ex i n the s i d e o f a fo rested m o u ntai n . H owever, it i s
g u a rded b y a p a i r o f m a stigophores t h at d efe n d it u n t i l they a re destroyed .
Loot: The i n n e r worki ngs of a mastigo p h o re can p rovide l d6 s h i n s a n d l d6 cyp hers to someone tra i ned i n
scave n g i n g t h e m .

245
 MESOMEME 5 ( 1 5)

GM Intrusion: One of When fi rst e n co u ntered , a mesomeme often a p pears to be a n u m be r of i n d iv i d u a l creatu res-peo p l e a n d
the severed heads says a n i m a l s-pe rhaps swi m m i n g o r wad i n g i n s h a l l ow wate r. E a c h p e r s o n i s s peaking, a n d t h e a n i m a l s a re
something so startling m a k i n g n o i s e s as we l l . I t ' s a stra n ge c h o i r of b a b b l e . O n ly on closer i n s pection does it become clear t h at the
(perhaps coincidentally
creat u re s a re j u st seve red head s m o u nted o n s l e n d e r, grey te n d r i l s t h at a re a l most tra n s l u cent. These te n d ri l s
meaningful or relevant
to one of the characters) s p rout fro m holes i n t h e chiti n o u s s h e l l o f a m a s s ive cru stacean with eight legs, two o f wh ich e n d i n m a s s ive
that the PC affected loses p i n cers.
his turn. Des p ite t h e fact t h at the severed head s o n t h e te n d r i l s s peak, t h e mesomeme ca n n ot d o so, n o r can it
u nd e rsta n d s peec h . I t i s n ot very i n te l l i gent a n d acts o n i n st i n ct. The mesomeme feed s o n the mental activity
of its victi m s , sti m u l at i n g the b ra i n s i n t h e i r seve red head s , wh ich re m a i n p reserved for weeks on its te n d r i l s .
Th i s sti m u l ation ca uses t h e h e a d s t o s peak o r oth e rwise b a b b l e , grow l , o r s q u awk.
At any given t i m e , the mesomeme has 1 d 6 + 4 h ead s . I f it dwe l l s near civil izat i o n , h a l f of the head s wi l l be
h u m a n , a n d t h e oth e r half wi l l be non h u m a n creat u re s , such a s a b h u m a n s , l a rge m a m m a l s o r rept i l e s , o r
l a rge b i rd s .
M otive: H u n gers fo r b ra i n sti m u l ation
Envi ronment: These creat u re s dwe l l a l o n e i n s h a l l ow, fres h water, u s u a l ly a m o n g ree d s o r oth e r p l a nts.
H ealth: 20
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 3
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: M oves with stealth i n t h e water as l eve l 6. Detects those s n e a k i n g i n t h e water as l eve l 7 .
Com bat: When a mesomeme rises out of the wate r, its true n at u re revealed , it attacks w i t h its two p i n cers.
Each of these razor- s h a rp wea pons can attack a separate foe i n a s i ngle act i o n , o r t h e mesomeme can
d i rect both p i ncers to t h e same foe, with o n e claw h o l d i n g t h e p rey steady a n d the oth e r s l i c i n g deep i nto
the victi m ' s neck. When the cru stacean attacks one foe in t h i s m a n n e r, the vict i m can m a ke one S peed
defe n s e ro l l (not two) , and the mesomeme d e a l s 5 poi nts of d a mage if it h its. H owever, a vict i m h it by
both cl aws in t h i s way a l so m oves one step d own the d a m age t rack.
A creatu re s l a i n by the mesomeme has its head severed and p l aced o n a new te n d r i l t h at rises up to i m pa l e it.
Th i s occu rs a s p a rt of the same action t h at k i l led the creat u re .
The seve red heads h ave n o s pecific co n n ect ion to the m e s o m e m e . Attacki n g t h e m acco m p l i s h es noth i n g
m o re t h a n ro b b i n g t h e cru stacean o f l o n g-te rm s u stenance.
I nteraction: Alt hough some of the severed h ead s s peak, the PCs ca n n ot i nteract with them. The t h i ngs t h ey
s ay a re j u st s n i p pets of memory- re l ated s peec h .
Use: The P C s a rrive i n a s m a l l town o n l y t o d i scove r t h at the nea rby l a ke i s b e i n g terrorized b y a creatu re
the loca l s ca l l "the b a b b l i n g t h i n g . " H oweve r, some peo p l e i n stead c l a i m t h at the l a ke is h a u nted by the
rece ntly dead , whose voices can sti l l be heard ech o i n g acro s s t h e wate r. Either way, the re s i d ents wi l l be
ete r n a l l y gratefu l to a nyo n e who can rid t h e m of the m e n ace t h at m a kes it too d a n ge ro u s to fi s h o r get
fre s h wate r.
Loot: Very, very rarely, o n e of the severed h ead s m i ght bear a cyp h e r.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

MURDEN 3 (9)

M u rd e n s a re a b h u m a n s . They wa l k u p right but wo u l d n ever be m i staken for h u m a n s . Backs h u nched G M I ntrusion: The m urden
d ra m atica l ly fo rwa rd , skin cove red i n s h i ny b l ack d own , h u ge b l ack eye s perched a bove a s h arp, d i rty ye l l ow poisoned his blade. If
struck, the PC must make
beak-these t h i ngs seem a l m ost l i ke enormous rave n s with s p i n d ly a r m s rather t h a n w i n g s . Tatte red leat h e r
a Might defense roll or
c l o a k s cove r t h e i r b a c k s , a n d many ca rry a leat h e r bag o r wea r one o n a stra p to h o l d the vari o u s o bj ects they immediately move down
h ave co l lected . the damage track by one
M u rd e n s d o n 't speak. They com m u n i cate with o n e a n other te l e path ical ly. H oweve r, t h e i r te lepathy a n noys step.
oth e r i n te l l i gent creat u re s . The p resence of a l iv i n g m u rd e n fi l l s the m i n d s of nea rby creat u re s with a sort
of mental stat ic. Add t h i s i rritation to t h e i r paranoid m i n d set, t h e i r cruelty, t h e i r selfis h n e s s , a n d t h e i r
d u p l icito u s , sch e m i n g n at u re , a n d t h e re i s l ittl e t o l i ke a b o u t a m u rd e n .
M otive: G reed a n d t h eft In some places, murden
are called "raven-men. " In
Envi ronment: These a b h u m a n s l ive i n s m a l l b a n d s i n wooded reg i o n s , i n m o u n ta i n s , a n d on t h e s h o res of
others, "mud-birds. " In still
l a rge bod ies of water. others, "dulsein, " which
H ealth: 9 reportedly means "sickening
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts birds" in some obscure
M ovement: S h o rt tongue.
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 5 .
Com bat: Typical ly, m u rd e n s bear s l i ngs a n d long, wicked b l a d e s . When pos s i b l e , t h ey attack fro m t h e
s h ad ows w i t h a m b u s h es a n d h it-a n d - r u n tactics. They n o r m a l l y flee i n the fa c e of rea l d a n ger.
Although it is i n adverte nt, t h e i r i n h e rent telepat h i c powers a re i rritat i n g a n d h a r m fu l to nea rby creat u re s , who
perceive it a s a n a n n oyi n g static t h at scra m bles thou ght. Creatu res with i n i m me d i ate ra n ge of a m u rd e n
m u st m a ke a n I nte l l ect defe n s e act i o n ; if they fa i l , t h e d ifficu lty of a l l act i o n s t h ey atte m pt i s i n creased by
o n e ste p. Th i s h i n d ra n ce l a sts u nt i l they leave the a rea of stati c i n fl u e nce.
Those who h ave expe rienced a m u rd e n ' s stati c first h a n d re port t h at stra n ge voices a n d l o n g-fo rgotten
memories somet i m e s arise in t h e mental i nterfe re n ce i n h a u n t i n g a n d d i stu rb i n g ways.
M u rd e n s a re i m m u n e to mental effects o r I nte l l ect d a mage.
I nteraction: Co m m u n icat i n g with m u rd e n s i s very d ifficu lt, but t h ey seem to u n d e rsta n d at least a l ittl e of the
h u m a n l a n g u ages a n d can co nvey i nformation t h ro u g h gest u res o r d rawi ngs i n t h e s a n d . Tru sti n g them,
h owever, i s a foo l ' s m i stake, fo r they d e l i ght i n l ie s a n d trickery fo r its own s a ke.
Use: T h i eves a n d m u rd e rers l iv i n g o n t h e edge of h u m a n society, m u rd e n s a re d e s picable creat u res. They
m a ke exce l lent foes t h at eve n the most a ltru i stic PC won't h e s itate to s l ay.
Loot: Aside from wea p o n s , each m u rd e n carries a co l l ecti o n of o bjects t h at it va l ue s . Although many of these
ite m s a re bones, sto n e s , sticks, a n d oth e r b its of wort h l e s s tra s h , a co l l ection u s u a l ly includes l d 6 s h i n s .

247
 NEVAJIN 4 ( 1 2)

G M I ntrusion: The The nevaj i n i s n ot a s i n g l e creatu re, but two. It looks l i ke a stocky h u m a n o i d with a m i s s h a p e n , a l most
nevajin has a hidden s k u l l - l i ke head , but t h e head i s act u a l ly a separate creatu re t h at a d h e res to t h e m a i n body by mea n s of
cypher that allows it powe rfu l s u cti o n . When j o i n e d , the two port i o n s i nfu se each oth e r with fi l a m e nts t h at a l l ow a n exc h a n ge of
to become invisible or i nformation and n utrients. Separat ion i s a pai nfu l p roce s s t h at t h e n evaj i n does n ot u n d e rtake l i ghtly.
teleport away.
Both port i o n s of the n evaj i n h ave t h e i r own b ra i n s , s e n sory o rga n s , a n d d i gest ive syste m s . The " h e a d "
portion can fl o a t b y psyc h i c gravity negat i o n .
The origi n o f t h i s joint creatu re i s u n known . N evaj i n d o n ot a p pear t o a g e , a n d t h e i r method of
re p rod uction is a mystery. Some peo p l e s pecu l ate t h at it m i ght be asexu a l , with each portion b u d d i n g at the
s a m e t i m e to create a n ew j o i n e d creat u re.
M otive: Cu rios ity
The Beyond, page 7 74 Envi ronment: Anywhere, but particu l a rly in i s o l ated areas of the Beyo n d .
H ealth: l 0 (head) a n d 1 5 (body)
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: U nd e rsta n d s t h e n u m e n e ra a n d performs craft i n g tasks as l evel 6.
Com bat: A n evaj i n i s n ot a p roficient physical co m bata nt. I t u s u a l ly d efe n d s itself with cyp h e rs o r a n a rtifact.
B a rri n g oth e r i d e a s , a s s u m e t h at a nevaj i n has somet h i n g t h at gives it 3 poi nts of Armor fo r ten m i n utes
and gives it a l o n g- ra n ged attack t h at i n fl i cts 4 poi nts of d a m age.
I f t h reatened , a n evaj i n ' s head d etaches a n d fl oats i nto the a i r. In t h i s situat i o n , t h e head and body can each
m a ke attacks t h at i n fl i ct 4 poi nts of d a mage. Also, both the h ead a n d t h e body can flee if need be.
A n evaj i n can tran sfe r health between the head a n d the body when the two port i o n s a re touch i n g.
I nteraction: N evaj i n a re fa i rly i nte l l i gent a n d s peak many l a n guages i n t h e i r h a rs h , wh i s pe ry vo ices. They can
p rovide a great deal of i n fo rmation about the n u menera o r the N i nth Wo rl d , but t h ey expect to be paid fo r
t h e i r secrets, u s u a l ly i n t h e form of ite m s (never s h i n s) .
Use: N evaj i n a re s o u rces of i nformation a n d i nterest i n g a rtifacts of the past. When a secret bit of knowled ge
is need e d , the PCs m u st travel deep i nto the w i l d e rness to fi n d the n evaj i n t h at possesses it.
Loot: N evaj i n always h ave at least l d6 cyp hers and l d6 odd ities, a n d they often carry an a rtifact a s we l l . They
u s u a l ly carry too l s a n d books but rarely u s e wea p o n s or armor. They do n ot wear cloth i n g.

248
 LI M E NE
CREATURES

NIBOVIAN WIFE 3 (9)

These b i o l ogical con structs appear to be beautifu l fe m a l e h u m a n s . T h e i r o n ly fu n ct i o n , h owever, i s to sed u ce

m a l e h u m a n s so t h ey can get p regna nt. P reg n a n cy i n a N i bovi a n wife o p e n s a t ra n s d i me n s i o n a l rift i n s id e its
wo m b , giv i n g a n u ltrate rrestri a l (such as a n a bykos , a n e rynth gra s k o r any u ltraterrestri a l creatu re the G M Abykos, page 230
w i s h es) acce s s to t h i s l evel of exi ste nce. The t i m e req u i red fo r " gestation , " which i s act u a l ly the a l i g n i n g of Erynth grask, page 240
p h a s e c h a n ges to create the rift, ra n ges fro m ten m i n utes to n i ne month s . When the u ltrate rrestri a l creatu re
is " bo rn , " the N i bovi a n wife n u rt u res it as if it were a c h i l d , eve n t h o u g h it clearly is not. D u r i n g t h i s t i m e , the
co n struct defe n d s t h e "ch i l d " fierce ly, using i n cred i b l e stre n gt h a n d re s i l ience. The yo u n g creatu re d eve l o p s GM I ntrusion: The strange
q u ickly, a n d its fi rst a n d o n ly co m p u l s i o n i s to h u nt d own a n d ki l l i t s "fat h e r. " O n ce it does so, it i s free to d o nature of this particular
a s it pleases i n the wo r l d . Nibovian wife allows it to
N i bovi a n wives a re l i kely the ca u s e of many u lt raterrestri a l s cu rrently i n the N i nth Wo rl d . teleport to a predetermined
M otive: Sed u ction fo r re p rod uct i o n , defense o f its "offs p r i n g" lair, enacting an effective
escape.
Envi ronment: Anywhere
H ealth: 9
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Res i sts mental effects as level 4 . One of the largest
Com bat: N i bovi a n wives attack w i t h t h e i r fi s t s , which p u m me l w i t h a stre n gth t h at betrays t h e i r i n h u m a n gatherings of Nibovian
nature. T h e i r fl e s h i s a s res i l ient a s armor. wives is in Hidden Naresh
(page 1 78), a city in the
I nteraction: As l o n g as you give N i bovi a n wives what they want, they a re k i n d a n d eager to please. They can
Black Riage.
n ever be conv i n ced to a b a n d o n their i m pe rative (re p rod u c i n g a n d n u rt u r i n g their terri b l e ch i l d) , but o n
oth e r i s s u e s , they can be pe rfectly rea s o n a b l e .
Use: A stra n ge e n c o u n t e r w i t h N i bovi a n wives can i nt rod u ce the concept of ot h e rd i m e n s i o n a l b e i n g s i n a
h o rrific way. The ancients exp lored oth e r d i m e n s i o n s a n d i nte racted with u l t raterrestri a l s , but i n the N i nt h
Wo r l d , such b e i n g s a re thought of a s d e m o n s .
Loot: The i n n e r worki ngs of a N i bovi a n wife can p rovide l d 6 cyp h e rs to s o m e o n e tra i ned i n scave n g i n g t h e m .

249
 OORGOLIAN SOLDIER 4 ( 1 2)

Plains of Kataru, page 1 84 Created i n aeo n s past (perh aps on an entirely d iffe rent world) , the mech a n ical men known as Oorgo l i a n sold iers
Scorpion's Reach, page 1 69 patrol isolated a reas of the N i nth Worl d , particu l a rly the P l a i n s of Kataru and Scorp i o n ' s Reach . They a re a l most
a lways found in gro u p s of 1 d 6 + 2 . La n ky and a l i e n in their movements, these q u a s i h u manoid a utomato n s
sta nd a l most 8 feet (2 .4 m) ta l l . I n their th ree-fi ngered h a n d s , they w i e l d a variety of weapons.
G M I ntrusion: The N o one knows the origin of the word "Oorgol ian." It is thought to be a term from a tongue that is now long dead.
destroyed soldier M otive: I n co m p re h e n s i b l e
explodes, inflicting 6
Envi ronment: Anywhere, u s u a l ly i n gro u p s o f th ree o r m o re.
points ofdamage to all
within immediate range. H ealth: 1 5
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: 3
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 5 . Lea p s , ru n s , a n d b a l a nces as l evel 6.
Com bat: Oorgo l i a n s attack i n gro u p s u s i n g we l l -organ ized tactics. Although they can speak, they
tra n s m it i n fo rmation to o n e another s i lently a n d i n stantly with i n a 1 00- m i l e (1 6 1 km) ra n ge via rad io
tra n s m i s s i o n s . Origi n a l ly t h ey we re a l most ce rta i n ly outfitted with n u m e n e ra weapon ry, but about half
h ave lost their armam ents a n d n ow wield N i nth Wo rld weapo n s , s u c h as spears, cross bows, or axe s . The
Oorgol i a n s st i l l armed with t h e n u m e n e ra typ ically ca rry a weapon
t h at can fi re m u lt i p l e ra p i d s h ots without re load i n g. The sold i e rs
u s e these to fi re at u p to th ree ta rgets (a l l n ext to o n e a n other) at
o n ce. Fo r each ta rget after t h e fi rst, the d i fficu lty of d efe n s e ro l l s i s
d ecreased b y o n e ste p.
In add ition to a ran ged p roject i l e wea pon, one i n fo u r Oorgo l i a n s
Detonations, page 284 carries a back-mou nted d evice that h u rl s d etonations a t long ra n ge
with deadly accu racy. They explode i n i m mediate ra nge for 4 poi nts
of d a m age. Each d evice h o l d s 1 d 6 d eton ations.
Peo p l e w h o h ave expe r i e n ce fighti n g t h e s e automato n s
Among those who had h ave d i s covered t h at certa i n freq u e n c i e s o f s o u n d confu s e
the bad luck to encounter
t h e m . S o m e freq u e n c i e s ca u s e Oorgo l i a n s to fu n ct i o n a t two
Oorgolian soldiers
but the good luck to l eve l s lower t h a n n o rm a l , a n d ot h e rs p reve nt t h e m fro m act i n g at
survive-most believe a l l for 1 d6 + 1 ro u n d s .
that the creatures were I nteraction: O n t h e i r own , Oorgo l i a n s act o n prior orders
not created by human t h at l itera l ly m ay be a m i l l i o n years o l d o r m o re, so
hands. t h e i r act i o n s a n d m otives don't always m a ke sen se.
Somet i m e s t h ey co m p l etely ignore creatu res t h ey fi n d .
Somet i m e s t h ey com m u n icate. Somet i m e s they a m b u s h
a n d attack.
Use: At least one h u m a n warlord , with the h e l p of s k i l led
scholars a n d n a n o s , h a s captu red a n d re p u rposed a
n u m be r of Oorgo l i a n sold iers, p robably u s i n g s o u n d .
T h e s e sold iers re m e m be r noth i n g o f t h e i r fo r m e r d uties
a n d work fo r their n ew h u m a n m a sters.
Loot: H a lf of a l l Oorgo l i a n s o l d i ers carry a rtifact
wea p o n s , such as a s l u g th rowe r-a two- h a nded
weapon t h at i n fl icts 6 poi nts of d a mage a n d has
a ra nge of 200 feet (6 1 m) . The p roject i l e a m m o
rege n e rates with i n the weapon u nt i l it r u n s o u t
o f powe r (d e p l etion 1 i n l d l OO) . I n a d d i t i o n , each
Oorgo l i a n body conta i n s 1 d 6 cyp h e rs .

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

PALLONE 2 (6)

P a l l a n e s a re d i scl i ke creat u re s , ra n g i n g fro m 2 to 5 feet (0. 6 to 1 . 5 m) acro s s , and a s t h i n a s the t h i n nest G M I ntrusion: There
blade. They refl ect l i ght, h ave n o d i scern i b l e features, a n d a re sem itra n s pa rent, s i m i l a r to h ow a jel lyfi s h looks are more pal/ones than
in t h e wate r. When seen fro m t h e side, they a re nearly i n v i s i b l e . the characters initially
thought- 1d6 more
P a l l a n e s move t h ro u g h the N i nth Wo rld i n a m i g ratory patte rn a n d can be fo u n d a l m ost a nywh e re
creatures attack.
(ass u m i n g t h ey can be seen at a l l ) . Typical ly, PCs can d etect them by catch i n g a g l i m p se of t h e i r s u rfaces
glea m i n g in the s u n . When in a natural state , the creat u res bob a l o n g in the a i r a i m l e s s ly, m uch l i ke b a l l o o n s .
M otive: H u n gers fo r b l ood
Envi ronment: Fo u n d a nywh e re, p a l l o n e s a re a l most always e n co u ntered in gro u p s of two o r more , a n d
somet i m e s i n gro u p s a s l a rge as a d oze n .
H ealth: 6
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
Com bat: They attack by t u rn i n g s i d eways a n d wh i rr i n g at t h e i r opponent with t h e i r t h i n edge, which is s h a rp
e n o u g h to cut nearly to t h e bone on a s o l i d h it. The ed ge ca n n ot cut t h rough h a rdy mate r i a l s l i ke meta l ,
so p a l lones a i m fo r exposed a reas l i ke h a n d s , necks, a n d faces.
When attacki n g i n fu l l sun, t h e g l i nt fro m t h e i r s u rfaces can te m po ra ry blind a n o p po n e nt, who loses o n e t u rn
if he fa i l s a S peed defe n s e ro l l . Th i s i s n ot an action on the p a rt of the p a l lone.
P a l l a n e s l a n d o n ly if they ki l l p rey, cove ri n g the body a n d d ra i n i n g it of b l ood.
I nteraction: Pa l l anes can't be reasoned with.
Use: A swarm of pallones can attack a nywh e re at any time.

25 1
 PHILETHIS 5 ( 1 5)

G M I ntrusion: N o one knows where t h e ta l l , myste rious p h i leth i s co m e fro m . Some peo p l e th i n k they m i ght be t h e
Something unexpected re m a i n i n g i n h a bitants of a prior worl d , a s they seem to h ave a fa r greater m a stery of n u menera t h a n d o
and unpredictable m o s t creat u re s a l ive tod ay. N o h u m a n h a s seen the enti re b o d y of a p h i leth i s a n d re ported what h e saw, but
happens when the
the g l i m pses n oted to d ate s u ggest a b i o mech a n ical hybrid form. Typ ically w h at i s seen i s a metal a n d glass
philethis is near. The
event is small, but it "face" s u rro u nded by vol u m i n o u s cloaks.
results in a significant Other s pecu l ation about the p h i leth i s i ncludes cl a i m s that they a re entirely robotic, they a re u ltraterrestrial
change. For example, a extru sions i nto this worl d , and their "face" i s actually a viewport for a creatu re beyond s pace and time. M o st
PC slips and falls into a theories about their n atu re d o n 't even guess at what their goa l s or motivations m i ght be. They appear when and
pit, suffering damage, but
where they want to, and they u s u a l ly seem to observe events from a d i stance (alth ough another theory s u ggests
then shefinds something
ofgreat interest in the pit. that they i n fl u e nce the eve nts somehow) .
M otive: U n known
Envi ronment: Anywhere
H ealth: 3 0
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 4
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Defe n d s as l evel 6. Defe n d s aga i n st mental attack as level 8 .
Com bat: P h i l et h i s s e l d o m e n gage i n co m bat. When t h ey do, they a re l i kely to p rod uce a myste rio u s n u menera
wea pon-perhaps some k i n d of e n e rgy e m i tter, or m aybe someth i n g of a m o re psyc h i c n at u re t h at
d i s ru pts thought p rocesses. H owever, beca u s e a p h i leth i s can te leport any d i stance, it u s u a l ly j u st
te leports away when t h reatened .
Alt h o u g h u n l i kely to do so i n co m bat, a p h i leth i s can a l s o mod ify p ro b a b i l ity i n s m a l l ways , s uch as m a k i n g
a rope b reak, ca u s i n g a g u st o f w i n d t o c l o s e a door, a n d so fo rt h . They d o t h i s t o m a n i p u l ate eve nts i n
t h e i r favo r. I f t h e m a n i p u lation affects a PC, t h e G M c a n fo rce t h e c h a racte r t o re ro l l a d i e a t a n y t i m e . ( I t
a l so begs fo r freq uent G M i ntru s i o n s . )
I nteraction: P h i leth i s are not automatically hostile. I f engaged i n conversation, they m ight respond i n t h e i r stran ge,
mach i n e l i ke voices, s peaki ng i n the n ative language of whomever they tal k to. H owever, such i nterchanges
u s u a l ly make a p h i leth i s more enigmatic rather than less. Their explanations for t h i n gs ra rely make sense, and
the q uestions they ask seem u n rel ated to anyt h i n g goi n g on around them.
A typical p h i leth i s i nteraction m i ght go as fo l l ows.
H u m a n : Who a re yo u a n d what a re yo u d o i n g here?
P h i l et h i s : The moon i s fu l l , a n d the roses wi l l bloom
i n j u st 437 h o u rs .
H u m a n : What a re yo u ta l k i n g a b o u t ?
P h i l et h i s : When y o u we re e l even years o l d a n d
p l ay i n g w i t h t h at ba l l , why d i d yo u bou nce it th ree
t i m e s aga i n st the wa l l but fo u r t i m e s aga i n st t h e
gro u n d ?
H u m a n : H ow d o yo u know a nyth i n g about w h e n I
was a c h i l d ?
P h i l et h i s : The galaxies w i l l co l l id e soo n . We m u st
p re p a re.
Use: Phi lethis are meant to be an enigma. Players
should never fu l ly understand the creatu res, and
if they believe that they do, someth ing should
happen to show that they are wrong. Moreover,
the PCs should find out at odd times and in odd
ways that the p h i lethis are i nvolved-or at least
appear to be i nvolved-i n s u rprising situations.
Are they j u st observi ng, or are they manipu lating
events somehow? And if so, why? The q uest for this
knowledge could be the basis for an entire campaign.
Loot: P h i leth i s always h ave 1 d 6 cyp h e rs a n d an
a rtifact of some k i n d .

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

RASTER 4 ( 1 2)

Rasters a re b i o mech a n ical creat u res t h at u s e anti gravity s u s pe n sors a n d l a rge, bat l i ke w i n g s to carry G M I ntrusion: A loud
t h e m s e lves a l oft at great s peed d e s p ite t h e i r s ize. A typical raster h a s a 3 0-foot (9 . 1 m) w i n g s p a n . They a re sound scrambles the senses
n ative to the l a n d of Ancuan i n t h e southern region of the Steadfast. of the raster and it goes
berserk, making an extra
M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h
attack on its turn.
Envi ronment: Rasters dwe l l i n cl utch e s o f t h ree t o five, u s u a l ly n ot fa r fro m a l a rge b o d y o f wate r.
H ealth : 1 8
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts Ancuan, page 7 66
Armor: 1
M ovement: Lo n g wh i l e flyi n g; s h o rt w h i l e on the gro u n d
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion with i n l o n g ra n ge a s l evel 5 , but beyo n d t h at, as l eve l 2 .
Com bat: Rasters avo i d d a n ge r a n d co m bat if pos s i b l e. I f they m u st fight, they p refer t o u s e a l o n g- ra n ge
e n e rgy ge n e rator i n t h e i r h ead t h at fi res b u rsts of i n v i s i b l e e n e rgy (long ra n ge, 6 poi nts of d a m age) . They
n ever fight to t h e death, as it i s u s u a l ly easy fo r them to escape by flyi n g away.
I nteraction: Somet i m e s rasters a re e n co u nte red i n t h e w i l d , nest i n g on rocky i s l a n d s a l o n g the coast. M o re
ofte n , h owever, they a re tamed , tra i ned, a n d used as aeri a l m o u nts. Riders u s e s o n i c p rods to control
them.
Use: A s m a l l cl utch of rasters h a s m oved i nto a r u i ned k e e p n ot fa r fro m a s m a l l tow n . The m ayor, who wants
to refu r b i s h a n d u s e the kee p , seeks m e rce n a ries to clear out the raste rs. M eanwh i l e, local ra i d e rs h ave

Loot: The b i o mech a n ical n at u re of a raste r mea n s t h at its body conta i n s 1 d6 - 2 cyp h e rs (wh i ch a l so m e a n s
put the wo rd out t h at they wo u l d pay we l l for any yo u n g rasters b rought to them a l ive.

t h at some bod ies h ave n o n e) .

Many have seen epic battles

between rastriders and
xi-drake-mounted Angulan
knights in the skies over
the lands ofthe southern
Steadfast.

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 RAVAGE BEAR 4 ( 1 2)

G M I ntrusion: In its A ravage bear is a h i deous m a m m a l i a n p red ator t h at h u nts entirely by sense of s m e l l . It is b l i n d a n d nearly
rage, the beast makes an d eaf, but it sti l l t racks and senses p rey easi ly. I t i s ve ry p rotective of its yo u n g, and if h u n g ry, it i s extre mely
extra attack with a + 2 d a n ge ro u s . Ot h e rwise, it gives most creatu res a wide bert h .
bonus. M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h
Envi ronment: Ravage bears dwe l l a l o n e o r i n p a i rs ( u s u a l ly w i t h a few c u b s) i n wood ed , rocky, o r
m o u n ta i n o u s a reas, typ i ca l ly i n co l d o r temperate c l i mes.
H ealth: 20
Damage I nflicted: 7 poi nts
Armor: l
M ovement: Lo n g
M odifications: M a kes M i ght defe n s e ro l l s a s l evel 6. R u n s , cl i m b s a n d j u m p s a s l evel 7.
Com bat: The ravage bear gra b s foes with its powe rfu l a r m s , holds t h e m fast, a n d t h e n sq ueezes a n d tears
at them u nt i l t h ey a re dead . I t can h o l d o n ly o n e creatu re at a t i m e . Wh i l e a ravage bear i s h o l d i n g a
creat u re , it can attack o n l y t h e h e l d creat u re . I n each ro u n d t h at a h e l d creatu re does n ot escape, it s u ffe rs
4 points of d a mage i n add ition to d a m age fro m attacks made aga i n st it.
A ravage bear can move very q u ickly in s h o rt s p rints. I n co m bat, it can go i nto a n i n s a n e fury and wi l l fight to
the death. l f it takes 1 0 o r m o re poi nts of d a mage, its defe n s e is red uced by one ste p , but its attacks a re
i ncreased by o n e ste p .
Ravage b e a r s a re i m m u n e to v i s u a l effects, s u c h as i l l u s i o n s . H oweve r, olfactory effects can co nfuse a n d
" b l i n d " it te m po rari ly.
I nteraction: Ravage bears a re a n i m a l s a n d act l i ke a n i m a l s .
Use: Ravage bears a re l i kely c h a n ce encou nters i n the w i l d e rness fo r u n l ucky trave lers.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

RUBAR 2 (6)

I f a catfish l ived on l a n d , b reathed a i r, and had s ix tiny legs, it wou l d be a rubar. These fis h l i ke creat u res can grow G M I ntrusion: A normal
as long as a m a n ' s arm, and they s l ither across s u rfaces u s i n g their legs and powerfu l ta i l . Like their sea-fa ri n g sized rubar delivers a
stunning shock even if only
b ret h re n , ru bars eat dead matte r from the s u rfaces o f stone, synt h , meta l , and anyt h i n g else they come across.
one barbel hits. A large
They h ave two to four sets of barbe l s . U s i n g these l o n g wh i s kers, rubars send e l ectric c h a rges i nto t h e a i r rubar stuns a foe for 7d6
a s a type o f rad a r, h e l p i n g t h e m navi gate t h e enviro n ment. rounds.
M otive: Self.defe n s e
Envi ronment: Anywhere t h at co l l ects dead m atte r
H ealth: 6
Damage I nflicted: 2 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 4 .
Com bat: R u b a rs a re n ot aggress ive u n l e s s t h reatened . They typ i ca l ly res pond to d a n ge r b y d i s p l ay i n g t h e i r
l a rge m o u t h a n d fl a s h i n g t h e i r fi n s t o a p p e a r l a rge r. I f t h ey sti l l fee l th reate ned, they attack, b i t i n g a n d
u s i n g t h e cu rrent i n t h e i r barbe l s to d e l iver a n e l ectric s h ock.
A barbel attack ca u ses 2 poi nts of a d d i t i o n a l d a m age. If at least two barbe l s s u ccessfu l ly stri ke a n opponent, Precariun is a hardy,
h e m u st m a ke a M i ght defe n s e ro l l o r be stu n ne d , l o s i n g h i s n ext t u r n . The stre n gt h of t h e s h ock is drought-resistant herb that
d i rectly re l ated to t h e s ize of the rubar, with l a rger creatu res e m itt i n g more powe rfu l s h ocks. Rarely, a grows in highland regions.
It m ust be dried before it
rubar wi l l grow u p to 8 feet (2 .4 m) long. A s peci m e n of t h at s ize i s l evel 3 (9) , h a s + 1 0 health , i n fl icts 2
is used or it kills the rubar
add iti o n a l poi nts of d a m age with its barbe l s , a n d can stun a foe with a s i n g l e barbel h it. that im bibes it. Dried or
I nteraction: Ru bars can be domesticated by those with acce s s to t h e herb p recari u n , which s l ows the fresh, it is likely to give
creat u res and decreases t h e i r a b i l ity to u s e e l ectric c h a rges. Peo p l e who domesticate rubars typ i ca l ly use humans a severe stomach
them fo r clea n i n g a home o r b u s i n e s s . Occa s i o n a l ly, the creatu res a re u sed by healers, gangs, a n d ot h e rs ache.
for clean i n g u p after deat h s , accidents, or s i m i l a r eve nts.
Use: F i n d i n g a d o mesticated rubar in a civi l ized a rea ad d s a wo n d e rfu l ly exotic touch .

SARRAK 5 ( 1 5)

A s a rra k is a fearsome p red ator i n the N i nt h Wo rld, although it m i ght origi n a l ly h a i l from e l sewhere. It h a s GM I ntrusion: The sarrak,
the body o f a m a s s ive p red ato ry cat, a b o u t 8 feet (2 .4 m) long, w i t h s l eek m u scles a n d b l ack fl e s h . Its h e a d , acting out of turn, takes
control of a device that
h owever, a p pears t o be a 3 -foot-wide (0. 9 m) b a l l o f swi rl i n g e n e rgy, s u rro u nded b y d oze n s o f m eta l l ic
the character is about to
p l ates t h at m ove as if i n orbit a ro u n d t h e e n e rgy. D e s p ite looki n g somewhat l i ke an a n i m a l , a sa rrak i s use against it. The sarrak
extraord i n a rily i nte l l i gent. I t i s b i o m ech a n ical i n n atu re a n d taps i nto t h e m i n d s o f oth e r creatu res o r t h e deactivates the device or
co ntro l s o f e l ectrical devices t o i t s own e n d s . perhaps turns it against its
M otive: Seeks powe r owner.
Envi ronment: Anywhere
H ealth: 2 3
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 1
M ovement: Lo n g
M odifications: Res i sts deception a s l evel 8.
Com bat: In d i rect co m bat, a sa rrak can u s e its
cl aws to s l a s h at foes. Fa r more effective,
h owever, is its a b i l ity to control the act i o n s
of oth e r creatu res with i n s h o rt ra n ge who
fa i l at a n I nte l l ect defe n s e task. O n ce the
s a rra k esta b l i s h e s co ntro l , t h e vict i m can atte m pt a n ew I nte l l ect d efe n s e task eve ry 28 h o u rs . Co ntrol
l a sts only w h i l e t h e creatu re i s with i n s h o rt ra n ge of t h e sa rra k.
Li kewise, a s a rra k can use a n action to control a l most any e l ectrical d evice with i n s h o rt ra n ge a s if it h e l d the
ite m . I t can ca u s e the d evice to activate o r operate. N o ro l l i s req u i red fo r this co ntro l , so b ri n g i n g any
sort of d evice close to a s a rra k i s d a n ge ro u s .
S a rra ks heal very q u ickly, rega i n i n g 2 poi nts per ro u n d when d a m aged . Th i s rege n e ration sto ps when they a re
dead .

255
 I nteraction: A s a rra k is wise and i n ge n io u s . I t sees oth e r creat u res as too l s to be u sed fo r its own e n d s , but
somet i m e s it i s wi l l i n g to hear what a tool h a s to s ay. I t i s most i nterested i n offers of powe r o r advantage
but doesn't seek wealth fo r its own s a ke. S a rraks res po n d poorly to t h reats o r i nt i m i d ation and a re ve ry
d i fficult to trick or d eceive.
Use: M ost l i ke ly, a s a rra k l a i r is fi l led with co ntro l led creatu res and devices it can activate fo r defense or
a s s i stance. I t m i ght h ave co m p l ex p l a n s in motion and co u l d be the secret powe r beh i n d a scheme
i nvolvi n g many creat u re s , peo p l e , o r mach i n e s (or all th ree) . A s a rra k wo u l d l ove not h i n g m o re t h a n to
Stratharian war moth, take control of a whole co m m u n ity-s uch as a v i l l age, a tribe of a b h u m a n s , o r a cl u ster of Strat h a r i a n
page 261 war mot h s-to serve i t s e n d s .
Loot: I n its l a i r, a sa rrak h a s 1 d 6 + 2 cyp hers a n d o n e o r two a rtifacts.

SATHOSH 3 (9)

G M I ntrusion: The Sath o s h a re gaunt a b h u m a n s t h at h ave a l o n g tentacle writ h i n g fro m where t h e i r face s h o u l d be. They a re
sathosh's tentacle trips s i lent, a n d they see a n d com m u n i cate via s u b s o n i c p u l ses t h ey e m it a l most co n stantly. It is perhaps e a s i e r to
the character, who falls th i n k of t h e m as h avi n g hyper-acute heari n g a n d a sort of s o n a r.
prone and loses a turn.
Sath o s h a re com m u n a l creat u re s , t h rivi n g on the p resence of oth e rs of t h e i r k i n d a n d l iv i n g without any
type of h i erarchy. They a re k i n d a n d l ovi n g to o n e a n other but h atefu l a n d cruel to a l l oth e r l i fe.
M otive: H u n gers fo r b l ood
Envi ronment: S at h o s h dwe l l in packs of at least s ix-a n d u s u a l ly closer to twe lve-a nywhere but the co ldest
c l i mes.
H ealth: 9
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Cl i m b s as l evel 5 . Re s i sts mental attacks as l evel 6.
Com bat: A swarm of four sat h o s h can attack a s i n g l e foe i n melee, making o n e level 5 attack t h at i n fl icts
6 points of d a mage. Fu rt h e r, two sat h o s h next to each oth e r can j o i n t h e i r m i n d s in com m u n i o n a n d
l a u nch a m e n t a l attack o n o n e ta rget a t s h o rt ra n ge; it i nfl icts 6 poi nts o f I nte l l ect d a mage a n d ignores
Armor.
Sath o s h feed on the b l ood of creat u res they s l ay, absorb i n g it t h ro u g h t h e i r tentacle.
I nteraction: Without some kind of s u bs o n i c d evice o r mental powe rs, it i s i m po s s i b l e to s peak to o r
u nd e rsta n d sathos h .
Use: A local farmer re ports t h at a stra nge creatu re h a s i nvaded h i s h ay barn.
Loot: Each sat h o s h i s l i kely to h ave a l i ght or med i u m weapo n-a knife, a sword , a s pear, a d a rt th rowe r, a n d
so o n . A s at h o s h l a i r h a s 1 d l 00 s h i n s , oth e r m i sce l l a n eous g e a r o r good s , a n d p robably a n odd ity o r two.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

SCUTIMORPH 3 (9)

G M I ntrusion: The
Scuti morp h s look l i ke h u ge b rown ce nti pedes or m i l l i pedes. M ostly pass ive, they p refer to defe n d without
scutimorph is tougher than
attacki ng. They s pe n d most of their l ives co i l ed a ro u n d l a rge t u bes o r trees, absorb i n g n utrients fro m others ofits kind and has
wh ateve r l i q u i d s a n d creatu res get stuck to t h e i r sticky s u rfaces. Although t h ey typ i ca l ly i n h a b it a reas i n + 70 health.
gro u p s , each scuti morph u s u a l ly h a s its own tree o r t u be .
When the creatu res sta n d , it's a p p a rent t h at t h ey h ave h u n d reds of legs, e a c h a s b i g a ro u n d a s a m a n ' s
wrist. T h e i r sta n d i n g h e i ghts a re 6 t o 8 feet (1 . 8 t o 2 . 4 m) , a n d t h e i r bod ies a re typ i ca l ly twice t h at i n l e n gt h .
Scuti morp h s h ave a p a i r o f l a rge front p i ncers t h at p rotrude when the creatu res fee l th reate ned; t h e s e p i n cers
deal 4 poi nts of d a mage.
M otive: Self-defe n se
Envi ronment: Te m p e rate or warm wood l a n d s (or s i m i l a r a reas)
H ealth: 1 2
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: 6
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Cl i m b s as l evel 6. When co i l ed with o n ly its exos keleton exposed , defe n d s as l evel 8.
Com bat: When touched o r attacke d , a scut i m o rp h ' s exo s ke l eton exu des a vaporo u s s u b stance t h at m a kes
the creatu re s l i ppery. O n a seco n d attack, the s u b stance turns sticky; anyone who touches t h e creatu re at
this stage i s stuck fo r o n e ro u n d (th e vict i m loses his tu rn) . I f t h e scuti morph co nti n ue s to be attacke d , it
rea rs up fro m its position co i l ed a ro u n d the t ree, its l a rge fro nt p i n ce rs seeki n g to d a m age the one who
h a rmed it. I f o n e scuti morph attacks, t h e oth e rs beg i n to respond a s we l l , fight i n g a s a gro u p .
I nteraction: Scuti m o rp h s a re l a rge i n sects a n d beh ave as s u c h .
Use: Scuti m o rp h s i n h a b i t many fo rests a n d s e m i fo rests o f t h e N i nth Wo rld-anywhere there a re vertical
tru n ks , p i pe s , o r ot h e r ta l l , ro u n d fixt u res. They often o b struct t h e pat h s of exp l o rers who a re atte m pti n g
to cl i m b .
Loot: Scut i m o r p h s a re d i fficu lt t o ki l l a n d d o n ' t offe r m uch i n the way o f l oot. H oweve r, those with knowledge
of the n u menera m ay fi n d u s e for t h e i r o i ly or sticky s u b stances, which exi st i n s m a l l g l a n d s ben eath the
exo s ke l eto n .

257
 SESKll 2 (6)

G M I ntrusion: The seskii Rese m b l i n g l a rge dogs in statu re and move m e nt, these fo u r-footed creat u res a re cove red in h a rd ,
is so tenacious that it ove rl a p p i n g sca l e s . T h e i ntricate patte rns o n t h e sca l e s ra n ge fro m gree n i s h - b rown t o b l ack- a n d -wh ite
continues to fight even s potted to the red d i s h h ue of e m be red coa l s . Fro m t h e i r backs grow a m a s s of o rga n i c crysta l s . Sta n d i n g
after its health is gone;
about knee- h i gh t o most h u m a n s , s e s k i i h ave l a rge teet h , poi nted ears, a n d b u l bo u s ta i l e n d s .
treat the creature as if
it had 1 0 more health M otive: H u nger o r l oyalty
than normal. Further, Envi ronment: Anywhere, eve n u rb a n a reas
in this state, it inflicts H ealth: 6
1 additional point of Damage I nflicted: 2 poi nts
damage. Armor: 2
M ovement: Lo n g
M odifications: Attacks a s l evel 3 if wea r i n g any type o f m a n ufactu red armor, i n c l u d i n g a s p i ked co l l a r,
d a ggered ta i l cover, or synthclaws. Defe n d s aga i n st p i e rci n g wea p o n s as l evel 3 .
Com bat: S e s k i i typ ically attack with t h e i r teet h a n d t h e h a rd , b u l bo u s t i p s o f t h e i r ta i l s , although they
m i ght a l so claw or p o u n ce. Wh i l e t h e crysta l s p rovide armor, t h e i r sca l e s p rovide t h e m with add iti o n a l
p rotection aga i n st p i e rci n g wea p o n s .
I nteraction: S e s k i i e n gage i n co m b at fo r o n e of two rea s o n s : h u nger o r loyalty.
When h u ngry, they often attack anyt h i n g t h at seems ed i b le, i n c l u d i n g oth e r seski i . When they attack h u m a n s ,
it i s typ ica l ly t o s n atch any food bei n g carried a n d race o ff with i t , rather t h a n eati n g h u m a n fl e s h .
Nanas and numenem I n terms o f l oyalty, s e s k i i m a y become p a rticu l arly d evoted t o a nyth i n g a n d a nyo ne, i nc l u d i n g oth e r seski i ,
crofters value seskii crystals
h u m a n s , statues t h at seem l i ke creat u res, a n d p l aces they ca l l home. They wi l l fight t o t h e d eath to
as useful components
in information storage defe n d a p l ace o r person t h ey deem a s t h e i r own .
devices. Occasionally, I f a seski i i n t h e w i l d i s wea ri n g m a n u factu red armor, i t m e a n s t h e creatu re was o n ce someo n e ' s favo red
seskii shed the crystals co m pa n i o n . There is a good c h a n ce t h at the person is n ow l o n g dead, as a seski i wo u l d n ot leave h e r s i d e
naturally, but more often, wh i l e s h e l ived .
they must be cut from Use: I ntel l i gent a n d loya l co m pa n i o n s , seski i can be tra i ned i n vari o u s method s of h u nt i n g, stea lth, a n d
the creatures. Crystal
poaching is common. attack b y t h o s e who h ave s ki l l s w i t h a n i m a l s . M a ny h u m a n s o utfit t h e i r ses k i i w i t h s peci a l types of
wea p o n s and armor-s p i ked co l l ars a re a favorite.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

SNOW LOPER 3 (9)

Ta l l a n d t h i n - l egged , a s n ow loper i s a fast- mov i n g o m n ivore. It h a s a ve ry s h o rt neck a n d a l a rge head with a G M I ntrusion: The snow
wide, toothy m o u t h . Lo n g h a i r cove rs its rou n d i s h , m u scu l a r body. I m med i ately below its mouth a re two t h i n loper gains an immediate
a r m s with two-fi ngered h a n d s t h at i t u s e s m a i n ly fo r gra s p i n g food o r n avigat i n g treachero u s c l i m bs . S i n ce it extra action, which it uses
l acks th u m bs , it does n ' t rea l ly use too l s .
to bolt away.
M ost peo p l e s pecu l ate t h at the s now l o p e r i s a genetica l ly e n g i n ee red creatu re i ntended t o be u s e d a s a
m o u n t i n stee p , rocky enviro n ments. I n t h e N i nth Wo r l d , h owever, many s n ow l o pers roa m w i l d .
M otive: Self-defe n se
Envi ronment: S n ow l o pers l ive i n s m a l l packs i n cold c l i m e s or h i gh altitudes.
H ealth: 1 2
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
M ovement: Lo n g
Com bat: A s n ow l o p e r c a n defe n d itself
with a vicious bite, but more t h a n Rumors speak that in the
l i kely, it flees fro m d a n ger. ast, warm lands to the
On an i ntu itive l eve l , a s n ow loper can north dwell tan, hairless
lopers identical in all other
sense creat u res with i n s h o rt ra n ge
ways to snow lopers.
t h at mean it h a r m .
I nteraction: S n ow l o p e r s m a ke exce l lent
m o u nts. They can bear a rider and
h u n d re d s of pou n d s of gear a n d
sti l l cl i m b p reca rio u s h e i ghts. They
travel at great s peed , see m i ngly
without gett i n g t i red .
If a w i l d s n ow loper is caught, it can be
tamed a n d tra i ned re l atively q u ickly,
beco m i n g coo pe rative a n d doci le.
The creat u res a re s l ightly more
i nte l l i gent t h a n typ ical a n i m a l s , a n d
some can eve n be tra i ned to u s e
a n oetic cyp hers a n d oth e r s i m p l e
device s .
Use: M ost l i ke ly, cha racte rs e n co u nter
a s n ow loper as a mou nt, probably
i n t h e service of a scout, a trad e r, o r
a n exp l o re r.
Loot: A s n ow loper h a s o n ly what its
rider gives it.

259
 STEEL SPIDER 3 (9)

Stee l s p i d e rs a re creatu res of l iv i n g metal t h at s p i n i n cred i b ly t h i n we b s a l so made of m eta l . When Yva ra s t h e

jack a n d h e r co m p a n i o n s exp l o red the Ca l l ostri n , a n a n cient mach i ne-co m p l ex b u ried ben eath the s a n d s o f
Cold Desert, page 208 the Co l d Desert, s h e e n co u ntered a nest of steel s p i d e rs a n d had t h i s to say:

"We had a glowglobe to light our way. Suddenly someone says they see something sparkling right in front of me. In
the light, right? I stopped right off, and if I hadn 't, I wouldn 't be telling you this now-I'd be in three orfour pieces on
that floor. See, I reached out with my dagger to touch what it was. just a few strands ofspider web stretched across the
walkway. That's all, right? Except touching it with my dagger cut into the blade a halfinch. A good iron blade, ruined!
That's how sharp and strong those things are. I turned around to tell Naeris, but then he says, 'It's shaking!' I turned
back to see a spider glistening like silver in our light. It was the size ofa dinner platter, moving along two ofthem thin
little strands right toward us ! Good thing we had that heat-cutter thatju/ran found. We used it like a weapon on the
spider as it approached. One blast with that drove it off, and we got outta there. Naeris said that as we left, he saw
more of'em. A whole network oftheir webs strung everywhere. I don 't want to go back there anytime soon. "

GM I ntrusion: The M otive: H u n gers for fl e s h

character brushes up Envi ronment: Livi n g i n s m a l l n e s t s o f t h ree o r fo u r, steel s p id e rs s p i n t h e i r we b s i n d a rk ru i n s , s u bterra n e a n
against a web strand he
loca l e s , a n d w i l d e rn e s s a reas of any c l i m ate.
did not see, suffering 4
points of damage. H ealth: 9
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: B a l a nces a n d cl i m b s as l evel 6.
Com bat: Steel s p i d e rs atte m pt to catch p rey i n their we b s . H owever, the we bs a re n ot sticky-th ey a re razor
s h arp a n d easily cut t h ro u g h any material ( i n cl u d i n g flesh) l owe r than l evel 5 , i n fl i ct i n g 4 poi nts of
d a m age. The stra n d s a re so t h i n t h at it' s easy to wa l k i nto them by accide nt. An I nte l l ect task (level 3 ) is
needed to see them in time. S eve r i n g a we b req u i res at least 2 points of d a mage fro m a n e n e rgy attack o r
fro m a b l a d e h i g h e r t h a n l evel 5 .
I f t h e webs d o n 't k i l l p rey i m med i ately, t h e stee l spider moves i n t o attack with its b ite. T h e creat u re ' s s p i n n e rets
a re in its mouth, and a b ite i njects a vict i m with the meta l l ic stra n d s . Vict i m s who fa i l a M i ght defense
rol l take 4 poi nts of S peed d a m age that ignore Armor as their m u scles and ten d o n s a re torn apart by the
i nvas ive i njection. Th i s d a m age i s i n add ition to the normal 3 poi nts of d a m age from the b ite.
I nteraction: I nte raction with steel s p i d ers is nearly i m po s s i b l e beca u s e they t h i n k o n ly of eat i n g . Alt hough
they a re o rga n i c creat u re s , they ope rate a l most l i ke a utomato n s .
Use: Wh i l e wa n d e r i n g t h ro u g h a n ancient co m p l ex, the P C s fi n d a h atch i n the floor, wh ich lead s t o a s h aft
go i n g d own . But ca n ny eye s m i ght see t h at the s h aft i s cris s-crossed with t h i n , s i lvery fi l a m e nts. The
exp l o rers wi l l h ave to fi g u re out h ow to get down t h e s h aft without bei n g cut to ri b b o n s .
Loot: I f very ca refu l ly c u t and stored, a stee l s p ider's we b stra n d s c a n be u s e d as d e a d l y ga rrotes or cutt i n g too l s .

260
 LI M E NE
CREATURES

STRATHARIAN WAR MOTH 2 (6)

G M I ntrusion: The light
B red fo r battle in a prior worl d , these creat u re s a re gigantic mot h s with pale ye l l ow w i n g s and bod ies t h e from the moth's wings
co l o r of s k u l l s . M ost h ave a w i n g s p a n of at least 5 feet (l . 5 m) . When they open t h e i r wings wide, they s h ed a causes the PC to move one
b ri l l i a n ce t h at withers fl e s h without h a rm i n g n o n l iv i n g o bjects. step down the damage track.
M otive: H u n gers fo r battle
Envi ronment: Any
H ealth: 6
No one knows the origin
Damage I nflicted: 2 poi nts or meaning of the word
M ovement: Lo n g wh i l e flyi n g; i m med i ate wh i l e o n t h e gro u n d . "Stratharian. "
Com bat: Strat h a r i a n w a r m ot h s c a n swoop i n t o attack with a b ite, b u t t h e i r major offe n s ive powe r i s t h e
fl e s h -witheri n g l i ght fro m t h e i r w i n g s . The l i ght m a n ifests a s a s h o rt-ra n ge c o n e o f e n e rgy t h at i nfl icts 4
poi nts of d a m age to l iv i n g creat u re s . Creat i n g t h i s l i ght req u i res an act i o n , a n d a moth can u s e t h e a b i l ity
o n ce eve ry ot h e r ro u n d . If a moth is red uced to 3 health o r l e s s , it fl ies away.
A Strat h a r i a n war moth is i m m u n e to m i n d - i n fl u e n c i n g effects.
I nteraction: The war m ot h s th i n k o n ly i n terms of battle.
Use: Strat h a r i a n war mot h s m a ke fo r a d a n ge ro u s encou nter, u s u a l ly i n the wild. H oweve r, a wa n d e ri n g pack
co u l d co m e u p o n a v i l l age a n d terrorize it, kee p i n g peo p l e trapped i n their homes until help a rrives
perh a p s in the form of trave l i n g PCs.

"Stratharians" were not the ones to create the war moths, but
were the first to find and make use of them in the early days of the
Ninth World. The Stratharians are gone now, destroyed by the ery
creatures they sought to unleash on their enemies.

26 1
 TETRAHYDRA 3 (9)

"The tetra hydra is clearly a creature of bizarre standing, as it has no feet. Perhaps it stays aloft eternally or lands
upon its great beaks to rest. "
-Ca rl Li n n a l , n at u ra l i st

G M I ntrusion: More These l a rge creat u res, a p p roxi m ately 6 feet ( 1 . 8 m)

tetrahydras swoop into ta l l , look l i ke b l ack-feathered tetra h e d ro n s with beaks
the fight! 7d6 more of a n d b i g wings. Based o n re ports fro m a n early N i nth
them join the fray.
Wo rld n at u ra l i st, they were bel ieved to be legless.
H owever, tetra hyd ras h ave fo u r tentacles t h at t h ey
keep co i l ed a l o n g t h e i r l ower h a l f. The tentacles
u nco i l a n d can be used a s feet a n d wea p o n s .
M otive: Protect i n g t h e i r eggs
Envi ronment: Anywhere
H ealth: 1 5
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: Lo n g wh i l e flyi n g; i m med i ate wh i l e o n
the gro u n d .
Combat: Tetra hyd ras attack from the a i r, com i n g d own at perceived enemies q u ickly, their wings folded back for
m axi m u m s peed . They attack fi rst with one of their fo u r beaks and then with their tentacles, which gri p and
squeeze p rey. Sometimes they attack alone, but more often they attack i n gro u p s of t h ree o r more.
Tetrahyd ras fight to p rotect t h e i r eggs, which take two yea rs to h atch a n d a re s ituated i n l a rge n e sts as h i gh
u p a s the creatu res can b u i ld t h e m .
I nteraction: Tetra hyd ras a re a n i m a l s a n d act a s s u c h .
Use: P C s a re l i kely t o run afoul o f tetrahyd ras o n ly if they d i st u rb a n e s t . H owever, a foe s k i l led i n a n i m a l
tra i n i n g co u l d h ave a covey o f t h e m t h at serve as attack beasts.

THUMAN 2 (6)

G M I ntrusion: The The thuman sat on its haunches, multijointed legs folding beneath it. It looked up at its master with narrow, black
thuman's defensive eyes. Red dust covered the furry crest atop its head.
action foils an attack Calaval set his heavy pack down, exhausted. He bent down and brushed the dirt and dust away from it, and then
against its master. did the same for his clothes. Finally, he brushed the red dustfrom the thuman. "Don 't worry, Feddik, " he whispered.
"You won 't have to go inside. I 'll have to do that alone. "
Calaval, the original -Sacred C h ro n icle of H i gh Fath e r Ca l ava ! , Amber Pope a n d Fo u n d e r of t h e Citad e l of the Con d u it a n d the
Amber Pope, has O rd e r of Truth
many stories and feats
attributed to him. Only A t h u m a n looks m uch l i ke a l a rge h o u n d , although it has a face t h at i s a l m ost h u m a n . Its to u g h , leat h e ry
he knows which are fl e s h is cove red i n s h o rt h a i r exce pt for a l o n ge r tuft at t h e top of its head t h at rese m b l e s a crest.
true, and he is long gone
M otive: Loya lty
from this world. See
"The Amber Monolith, " Envi ronment: Any (u s u a l ly in civi l ized a reas)
page 6. H ealth: 6
Damage I nflicted: 2 poi nts
Am ber Pope, page 733 M ovement: S h o rt
M odification: Perception as l evel 5 .
Citadel ofthe Conduit,
Com bat: A t h u m a n attacks with a bite. I t fights t o t h e d eath i n defe n s e o f i t s m a ster, b u t oth e rwise i t u s u a l ly
page 223
atte m pts to avo i d co m bat.
Order of Truth, page 222 I nteraction: Thu m a n s a re i nte l l i gent and affa b l e co m pa n i o n s , extre mely loya l to t h e i r m aste rs. They d o n ' t
s peak, but they u n d e rsta n d l a n guage we l l a n d can be tra i ned to fo l l ow a v a s t n u m be r of co m m a n d s .
There i s a n u nwritten code a m o n g t h u m a n m a sters t o t reat t h e i r co m pa n i o n s extre mely we l l-more l i ke
a friend or a l ly t h a n a pet. The loss of a t h u m a n co m p a n ion is l i ke the l o s s of a close fa m i ly m e m b e r.
Use: T h u m a n s a re a l most n ever e n co u nte red i n t h e w i l d ; t h ey actively seek the co m pany of h u m a n s . The PCs
l i kely e n co u nter a t h u m a n at the s i d e of its m a ster. A c h a racte r who wants a t h u m a n pet s h o u l d v i s it a
b reed e r i n a v i l l age or tow n , most of whom wi l l entrust a p u p o n ly to particu l a rly re l i a b l e m aste rs.

262
 LI M E NE
CREATURES

TRAVONIS U L 6 ( 1 8)

A writh i n g m a s s of te n d r i l s 1 5 feet (4. 6 m) acro s s a n d 1 2 feet (3 . 7 m) h i g h , a travo n i s u l is a creatu re G M I ntrusion: The travonis
ul'sfoe is overwhelmed by
fro m another wo rld t h at h u nts for cel l u l a r m ate rial to co n s u me . Th ree to five te n d r i l s a re p a rticu l arly long,
the flurry of tendrils and
with b u l bo u s ye l l ow eyes at a p p roxi m ately t h e i r m i d po i nt. O n e b road tentacle h a s a mouth with seve ra l becomes lost in the crushing
mandibles. mass of the creature's body.
A t ravo n i s u l i s a n i nte l l i gent creatu re, but it' s utte rly a l i e n to a l m ost eve ryt h i n g t h at dwe l l s i n t h e N i nth The victim automatically
Wo rld . I t does n ' t seem to speak, rea d , o r u s e too l s of any kind, but it clea rly u n d e rsta n d s a n d re spects the suffers 1 0 points of damage
n u m e n e ra . each round unless it can
free itself (a Might task) .
I s it a n extrate rrestri a l o r a n u ltraterrestri a l ? N o o n e knows fo r ce rta i n .
M otive: H u n gers fo r fl e s h o r p l a n t material
Envi ronment: Anywhere
H ealth: 3 6
Damage I nflicted: 6 poi nts
Armor: 3
M ovement: S h o rt I n the Caecilianjungle,
M odifications: S peed d efe n s e as level 5 d ue to s ize a n d s peed . If u s i n g its mouth, attacks as l evel 5 , i n fl i ct i n g there is a massive travonis
ul twice the size of any
8 p o i n t s o f d a mage.
other. It is level 7 0, with 60
Com bat: Th i s creatu re lopes fo rwa rd to attack in a n u n ga i n ly fa s h i o n , u s i n g some of its te n d r i l s as health and 4 Armor, and
pseudopod s fo r loco m ot i o n . I t fl a i l s a n d gra b s at p rey, a n d it also atte m pts to b ite with its terri b l e mouth inflicts 7 3 points of damage
(attacki n g as a l evel 5 creatu re a n d i n fl i ct i n g 8 poi nts of d a m age) . The travo n i s u l can attack u p to ten (7 7 points with its bite,
foes at o n ce (no m o re than one attack each ) , a s long a s they a re with i n s h o rt ra nge. attacking as level 9) .
In add ition to t h e d a mage it i n fl i cts, t h e touch of a travo n i s u l causes great pain a n d d i s ru pts n e rvo u s
syste m s . Anyo n e who i s struck b y t h e creatu re m u st m a ke a M i ght defe n s e ro l l ; t h o s e who fa i l a re
stu n n ed a n d lose t h e i r next t u r n .
I nteraction: A travo n i s u l l o o k s u po n a l l oth e r creat u res as fo o d o r e n e m ies { o r both) .
Use: Travo n i s u l a re some of the most d a n ge ro u s p red ators t h at h u nt i n the w i l d e rness or i n ancient ru i n s .
T h e a l i e n creat u res eat constantly, so w h e n o n e moves i nto a n a rea, i t q u ickly d e p l etes t h e region o f fl o ra
a n d fa u n a . I nte l l igent i n h a bitants u s u a l ly o rga n ize re s i stance or j u st flee.
Loot: I f a travo n i s ul i s s l a i n i n a n a rea t h at h a s i nte l l i gent re s i d e nts, somet i m e s corpses with va l u a b l e s can
be found in its m a s s-pe rhaps 1 d l 00 s h i n s ' wort h of good s a n d 1 d 6 - 1 cyp hers.

263
 VARAKITH 5 ( 1 5)

G M I ntrusion: A A varakith i s a vaguely i n sect l i ke

varakith throws a not creat u re , 1 0 feet (3 m) long, with
yet-dead foe onto its
m u lt i p l e legs t h at e n d i n tips l i ke
back. The victim suffers
3 additional points of s pears. It uses these l a n ces to s kewe r
damage from the spines e n e m ies a n d d ra i n t h e m of b l ood ,
and is caught until he after wh ich t h e creatu re a d d s them to
can free himself with a its own body to serve as armor.
Might-based task that It came as a great s u rprise when
has a one-step increase in
the s c h o l a r N iomedes d i scovered
difficulty.
t h at the stra n ge n o i s e s the varakith
m a ke a re act u a l ly songs and h ave
mean i n g. U nt i l t h at poi nt, they
were a s s u med to be near- m i n d l e s s beasts. Va rakith " s peak" (or rather, " s i ng") by r u b b i n g two of t h e i r legs
toget h e r, which p rod u ces a tri l l i n g s o u n d . The song t h at N iomedes tra n s l ated went as fo l lows:
We fight and crush
Gnash and drink
The foe at our heels will be our bread
The foe at our heels feeds victories yet to come
Stronger today, stronger tomorrow
Vara kith war against
We fight
subterranean
communities of humans, We crush
such as those in Deep We gnash
Vormask (page 7 75) and The d i s cove ry t h at t h e varakith a re i ntel l i gent warmed no o n e ' s heart, for the creat u re s h ave a d a rk a n d
Vebar (page 202). blood t h i rsty s p i rit w i t h l ittl e res pect fo r oth e rs .
M otive: H u n gers fo r blood; l u sts after co m bat
Envi ronment: Va ra kith dwe l l a l o n e o r in p a i rs in any te m pe rate o r warmer reg i o n . They m a ke nests
u n d ergro u n d .
H ealth: 2 5
Damage I nflicted: 6 poi nts
Armor: 4
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Res i sts p o i s o n s or d i sease as l evel 6 .
Com bat: I n co m bat, a varakith attacks w i t h its s pearl i ke legs. Those struck by a leg m u st m a ke a S peed
defe n s e ro l l o r be knocked p ro n e and h e l d i m m o b i l e . O n ly creat u res t h at a re s m a l l e r t h a n the varakith
can be held i m mo b i l e in t h i s way. A varakith can hold up to th ree such creatu res i m m o b i l e at o n ce .
I m m o b i l ized vict i m s lose t h e i r n ext t u r n . O n the varakith ' s n ext t u r n , it can a utomatica l ly b ite t h e h e l d
creat u re , d ea l i n g 4 poi nts o f d a m age a n d d ra i n i n g its b l ood-a n d i n add ition to t h i s b i t e , the varakith st i l l
takes its n o r m a l action fo r t h at t u r n . T h i s action co u l d b e t o attack t h e i m m o b i l ized vict i m with a n other
s pear-leg (th e d ifficu lty i s mod ified by two ste p s i n the varakith ' s favor: o n e step beca u s e t h e vict i m i s
p ro n e a n d another beca u s e h e i s h e l d d own) .
Vict i m s can try to free them selves o n ce t h ey can act, but they m u st m a ke a M i ght-based ro l l . Fa i l u re mea n s
t h at the varakith gets another a utomatic b ite.
A s l a i n creatu re i s tossed o n the varakit h ' s back, where the body i s caught o n s p i nes and hooks. Each co rpse
adds 1 to the varakit h ' s Arm o r fo r 28 h o u rs .
I nteraction: Va ra k i t h h ave n o res pect fo r oth e r creat u re s , although o n e t h at p roves i t s e l f i n co m bat m i ght be
wort h s peaki n g to if com m u n ication can be esta b l i s h ed . Va rakith see the wo rld as o n e big glad i atori a l
a re n a i n which they m u st co n stantly p rove t h e m s e lves . Eve n a re s pected co m bata nt i s sti l l a foe t o b e
ove rco m e eve n t u a l ly-l o n g-te rm a l l i a n ce i s n ot pos s i b l e. H oweve r, varakith a re n ot particu l a rly d ev i o u s
o r d u p l icito u s about t h e i r m i n d set. They m a ke t h e i r fee l i ngs known .
Use: Va ra kith a re exce l lent foes for PCs explori n g s u bterra nean a reas , and h avi n g these monstro u s t h i ngs turn
out to be fa i rly i nte l l i gent i s n ice twi st. Con s i d e r a scenario i n which a you n g m a n h i res the PCs to find h i s
b rother-a tough and skil led gla ive-who d i sappeared wh i l e exp lori n g a cave i n t h e h i l l s . O n ly afte r long
searches d o the cha racters d i scover that the b rother's co rpse now adorns the back of a vicious varakith .
Loot: The bod ies t h at varakith wea r as armor u s u a l ly h ave some u s efu l e q u i pment a n d probably a cyp h e r.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

XI-DRAKE 5 ( 1 5)

The l a rgest t h i n g to d a rken the N i nt h Wo rld s ky is the xi-d rake, a m a s s ive, wh ite- s k i n ned rept i l e with b road G M I ntrusion: The xi-drake
w i n g s , a l o n g ta i l , and a l a rge armored crest o n its head. The creatu re i s l i ght fo r its s ize, and the crest has a uses its mind-reading ability
u n i q u e organ t h at h e l p s it to fly (th o u g h no o n e knows p reci sely h ow it works) . to anticipate and negate
an opponent's attack(s) for
Xi-d rakes h ave keen s e n s e s , but more i m press ively, they can read the m i n d of any i n te l l i gent l iv i n g creatu re
one round.
at l o n g ra n ge a n d t h u s a re a l most i m po s s i b l e to d eceive. They b reed rarely but a re extremely l o n g- l ived .
M otive: O b l i gation a n d h o n o r
Envi ronment: Xi-d rakes nest i n m ated p a i rs ; ot h e rwise, t h ey trave l t h e wo rld a l o n e o r w i t h a s i n g l e rider/
co m pa n i o n .
H ealth: 22
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: Lo n g wh i l e flyi n g; s h o rt w h i l e on the gro u n d .
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 6 . A l l co m b at tasks aga i n st a l iv i n g o p ponent a s l evel 6 .
Com bat: Xi-d rakes a re stra i ghtforwa rd co m bata nts, attacki n g with a bite o r claws, b u t s i n ce t h ey read m i n d s
so e a s i ly, t h ey u s e t h i s i nformation t o a i d i n t h e i r attacks a n d defe n s e .
I nteraction: Xi-d rakes a re i n te l l i gent creat u re s . They ca n n ot s peak (te l e path ica l ly o r oth e rwise) , but t h e i r
a b i l ity t o read m i n d s a l l ows a sort o f com m u n i cati o n . T h e y a re n o t so m u c h t a m e d a n d t ra i ned a s t h ey
a re befri e n d ed .
D u e to a pact made m o re t h a n a h u n d red yea rs ago, xi-d rakes serve as mou nts for Angu l a n Kn i ghts . O nce a Angulan Knights, page 224
xi-d rake is bo u n d with a rider/co m p a n i o n , t h e two work i n co ncert u n t i l death (u s u a l ly the death of t h e
rider, s i nce xi-d rakes l ive fo r h u n d red s of yea rs) .
Use: Alt h o u g h t h ey can be e n co u ntered on t h e i r own , xi-d rakes a re perh a p s most i nterest i n g when u sed as
the co m p a n i o n s of Angu l a n K n i ghts.
Loot: Rarely, a xi-d rake i s outfitted with one o r two cyp h e rs o r a n a rtifact, but o n ly if it can u s e t h e d evices.

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 YELLOW SWARM 5 ( 1 5)

GM Intrusion: The Ye l l ow swa rms a re gro u p s of we i rd u ltrad i m e n s i o n a l i n sects. They m u st stay i n close p roxi m ity to o n e
swarm overwhelms the a n other, o r they lose t h e i r a b i l ity to re m a i n i n t h i s rea l ity. They look l i ke a s m a l l cloud of ye l low locu sts u nt i l
character, engulfing her. yo u get c l o s e e n o u g h t o s e e t h at they a re tra n s pa rent a n d o d d l y co nfigu red , with asym m etrical bod ies t h at
The difficulty of any h ave seven legs a n d five w i n g s .
actions she takes while
Yel l ow swa rms feed on various chemica l s i n the bra i n s and spi nes o f m a n y creatures i n the N i nth World.
engulfed is increased by
two steps. M otive: H u n gers fo r va rious o rga n i c co m p o u n d s
Envi ronment: Anywhere
H ealth: 1 8
Damage I nflicted: 5 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: S peed d efe n s e as level 6 .
Com bat: A ye l l ow swarm m oves i n a n d attacks w i t h h u n d red s of t i n y b i t e s a n d sti n g s . The t r i c k of fight i n g a
swarm is t h at it fades i n a n d out of rea l ity, so eve ry ro u n d , t h e G M ro l l s a d6 (ye s , the G M ro l l s a d ie!) . I f
t h e res u lt i s 1 -3 , no attacks o r s peci a l a b i l ities wi l l affect t h e swarm i n t h at ro u n d , b u t t h e p l aye rs d o n ' t
learn t h i s u n t i l after they h ave declared t h e i r act i o n s . H oweve r, the swa rm always attacks j u st before o r
a ft e r fad i ng, so it i s always a b l e to affect creat u res i n t h i s worl d .
I nteraction: I t ' s n ot pos s i b l e t o com m u n icate w i t h a ye l l ow swa rm.
Use: Ye l l ow swarms often l i nger near i nterd i me n s i o n a l gates o r oth e r acce s s points, so the p resence of a
swarm is a good i n d i cator t h at a gate i s nea rby.

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 LI M E NE
CREATURES

The people of the Ninth World often refer t o extradimensional

entities such as the yellow swarm or the erynth grask as "demons. "
They think of them as supernatural, otherworldly beings ofpure evil.
The truth is often more complex, but the dangers that these creatures
pose make the Ninth Worlders' perceptions understandable.

YOVOK 3 (9)
G M I ntrusion: The yovok
The h o rrid yovoki a re s h o rt, s q u at a b h u m a n s with j a u n d iced s k i n d ra ped loosely ove r t h e i r fl a b by, h a i rl e s s spits two poisonous barbs at
bod ies. T h e y h u nt a n d ki l l fo r pleas u re, although they h a p p i ly e a t wh ateve r they ki l l a s we l l . I n fact, they eat once, making an additional
co n stantly and seem a b l e to d i gest a l most a nyth i n g. attack at another (or the
Yovoki a re too d i sord e red to h ave a strict gro u p h i erarchy. I n stead , t h ey all j u st ye l l a n d s n o rt and s q u e a l same) target.
u nt i l o n e of t h e m gets h i s way. There a re two yovo ki ge nders, but somet i m e s eve n t h ey ca n n ot te l l the
d i fference between t h e i r m a l e s a n d fe m a l e s .
M otive: Ki l l s fo r pleas u re, food , a n d d i s p l ays o f stre n gt h
Envi ronment: Yovoki wa n d e r i n s m a l l gro u p s of t h ree to s ix i n t h e m o u ntai n s a n d h i l l s .
H ealth: 1 2
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts One of the places you
Armor: 2 can encounter yovoki is
M ovement: S h o rt the underground cavern
known as Deep Vormask,
M odifications: Defe n d s as l evel 4. J u m ps as level 5 .
page 1 75.
Com bat: Alt h o u g h yovo ki wield s i m p l e melee wea p o n s l i ke kn ives, c l u b s , a n d s h o rt s pears i n t h e i r ch u b by
h a n d s , t h ey l ove to attack with the p o i s o n o u s barbs they p rod u ce u n d e r t h e i r to n g u e a n d s p it out with i n
s h o rt ra n ge. Those struck b y a barb m u st m a ke a M i ght defe n s e ro l l ; a fa i led ro l l mea n s t h at fo r o n e
ro u n d , a l l of a victi m ' s tasks a re two ste ps more d ifficult. Afte r t h at, fo r t h e n ext fo u r ro u n d s , the vict i m
i s co m p l etely paralyzed a n d can take no physical act i o n s (a n d the d ifficu lty o f a l l m e n t a l act i o n s re m a i n s
two ste p s h i gher) . F i n a l ly, a s t h e p a ra lys i s wears off, the vict i m s u ffers another ro u n d l i ke t h e fi rst before
he can act n o r m a l l y aga i n .
After p a ralyz i n g a fo e , a yovo k b o u n d s fo rwa rd with s u rp ri s i n g agi l ity t o fi n i s h o ff t h e vict i m u p close.
I nteraction: Fast-ta l k i n g cha racte rs m i ght be a b l e to reason with yovo ki, but doing so i s d ifficu lt due to t h e i r
b lood l u st. I t m i ght be e a s i e r fo r the P C s t o i nti m i d ate o r frighten t h e m i nto co m p l i a nce.
Use: These a b h u m a n s a re s l ightly s m a rter than others a n d m i ght u s e n u m e n e ra devices o r h atch s i m p l e
p l ots t o get what they wa nt-po i s o n i n g we l l s , kid n a p p i n g i m portant peo p l e , a n d so o n .
Loot: E a c h yovok h a s a knife, c l u b , o r oth e r me l e e wea pon. A gro u p o f yovo ki h a s a t least one cyp h e r a n d l d 6
+ l O shins.

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 ZHEV 5 ( 1 5)

"Scared of Zhev? Not hardly. You just hit them right between their eyes. "
-jennis Fa/on, explorer

G M I ntrusion: The Zhev The Zhev co m p rise the e l ite peacekee p i n g fo rce in the city of Q i . They a re cyl i n d ers 6 feet (l .8 m) h i g h a n d 3
grabs a character with its feet (0. 9 m) i n d i a mete r, a n d t h ey typ i ca l ly h ove r 3 feet (0. 9 m) off the gro u n d .
metallic arms and holds
The Zhev h ave th ree tri a n g u l a r eyes t h at a p p e a r t o b e o rga n ic. The eye s u s u a l ly stay toget h e r i n a l a rger
him fast, immobilizing
him. tri a n gle format i o n , m ovi n g i n s i d e t h e cyl i n d e r, peeri n g t h ro u g h a s l it near the top t h at goes all the way
a ro u n d . The eye s can also separate, each looki n g i n a d ifferent d i rect i o n , but they d o t h i s rarely.
Qi, page 148 Although t h e Z h ev a re essenti a l ly auto m ato n s , t h ey h ave orga n i c i nterior co m po n e nts as we l l a s
mech a n ical parts. They we re s a i d to be created b y t h e origi n a l Amber P o p e , but many peo p l e bel ieve t h at h e
s i m ply fo u n d a n d reactivated t h e m .
The Zhev patrol Q i , u s u a l ly i n p a i rs but somet i m e s a l o n e , p reventi n g i nfract i o n s o f the l aw a n d act i n g
t o keep o rd e r, keep t h e peace, a n d p rotect the l ives o f i n nocents. W h e n fo rced t o choose between optio n s ,
they always m a ke the cho ice t h at s aves the most peo p l e fro m the greatest h a r m . Protect i n g i n n ocents takes
priority ove r enforci n g l aws.
While the Zhev serve Their h u m a n s u periors perform ad m i n i strative work a n d n ever go out o n patro l s o r ca l l s in t h e city.
human masters in Qi, M otive: Kee p s o rd e r
many people worry that
they secretly have their Envi ronment: The city o f Q i
own agenda. H ealth: 20
Damage I nflicted: 6 poi nts
Armor: 4
M ovement: Lo n g
M odifications: Attacks a s l evel 6. Perception as l evel 7.
Combat: The Zhev u s u a l ly begi n a fight by firi n g stu n gas ca n i sters at long ra n ge that exp lode a n d i m pede
actions for creat u res with i n i m med i ate ra n ge of the bl ast. Affected ta rgets can take n o actions for l d 6
rou n d s u n less they m a ke a M ight defe n se ro l l to res i st the gas. The Zhev also p roject nets with i n short
ran ge that i m m o b i l ize a struck ta rget u n less he can b reak or wriggle free (a M ight or S peed action) . I f
the gas and nets fa i l , they attack w i t h their meta l l i c arms that a re 1 0 feet ( 3 m) long and joi nted more l i ke
tentacles. The Zhev h ave t h ree such arms and can attack t h ree d iffe rent foes as a s i n g l e action if they are a l l
with i n reach .
U n l i ke many a utom ato n s , the Zhev retreat if faced with a more powerfu l foe ( u n less they h ave been
com manded to stay and fight) . They u s u a l ly try to get rei nforcements and then return to engage the enemy.
I nteraction: The Z h ev o bey t h e o rd e rs given to them by t h e i r h u m a n s u periors. They a l so fo l l ow the
co m m a n d s of a n Aeo n Priest a s l o n g a s those co m m a n d s d o n 't co n fl i ct with a n order t h ey've a l ready
been give n . Ot h e r peo p l e ca n n ot reason o r n egot i ate with the Z h ev. They a re re lentless and m e rci l e s s ,
although they a re o rd e red to capt u re cri m i n a l s rat h e r t h a n u s e violent o r l et h a l fo rce if at a l l pos s i b l e.
Use: The Zhev a re the d a n ge ro u s , capable l aw enforcers and p rotectors of Q i . They a re wel l res pected but not
a lways we l l l i ked. PCs who ru n afou l of them h ave l i kely done somet h i n g very wrong.
Loot: The body of a Z h ev
can be scave n ged fo r
2d6 shins, l d6 + l
cyp h e rs , a n d perh a p s
a n a rtifact.

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 LI M E NE
NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS

CHAPTER 1 6

NON- PLAYER
CHARACTERS

N
o n - p l aye r c h a racte rs ( N PCs) i n N u m e n e ra N PCs BY LEVEL
A SAMPLE OF NINTH WORLD Bandit: 2
d o n ' t fo l l ow the s a m e rules as PCs. Alt h o u g h
NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS Town Guard: 2
there a re N PC j a c k s , g l a ive s , a n d n a n o s , n ot Nano: 3
eve ryon e fa l l s i nto those catego ries, a n d they d o n 't Explorer: 4
necessarily h ave t h e s a m e a b i l ities as the p l ayer Aeon Priest: 5
c h a racters. Fo r exa m p l e, a n N PC n a n o m i ght h ave AEON PRIEST 5 ( 1 5) Warlord: 5
d i fferent esote ries t h at a re n ' t ava i l a b l e to PCs. An
N PC jack co u l d h ave an odd m utant a b i l ity. Both m a l e a n d fe m a l e Aeo n Priests typ ically wear G M I n tru s i o n : The Aeon
Th i s topic is cove red i n m o re d eta i l in C h a pter 8 : hooded ro bes and a heavy m ed a l l io n beari n g t h e i r Priest produces a cypher
R u l e s of the G a m e ( p a g e 84) , but i n s h o rt, w i t h t h e eye l i ke sym bol.
that, for the rest of the day,
lets him roll for all actions
wide vari ety of we i rd ness i n the N i nt h Wo rld, N PCs M otive: U n d e rsta n d i n g the l o re of t h e past as if he were two levels
can h ave wh ateve r a b i l ities the G M t h i n ks w i l l m a ke H ealth: 1 5 higher.
for an i nterest i n g encounter. Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
Th i s section p rovides basic stats for six co m mo n M ovement: S h o rt
N PCs: A e o n Priest, band it, exp l o re r, n a n o , town M odifications: Defe n d s as l evel 6. Res i sts mental
guard, and warlord . H oweve r, when ru n n i n g a game effects a s l evel 6.
o n the fly, it's easi est to give a n N PC a l evel and Com bat: Aeon Priests often h ave tech n o l ogical
u s e t h at l evel a n d its ta rget n u m be r to d e rive the e n h a ncements a n d d evices t h at a i d i n defe n s e , if
mech a n ics fo r eve ryt h i n g the N PC does. n ot offe n s e . They rarely attack with conventional
Fo r a d eta i l ed g u i d e to t h e l i st i n g s , p l ease see wea p o n s but i n stead u s e ray e m itte rs,
U n d e rsta n d i n g the Listings i n C h a pter 1 5 : Creatu res deto n at i o n s , a n d so fo rt h . L i ke n a n o s , many
(page 228) . h ave esote ric a b i l ities.

269

G M I ntrusion: Another
bandit, hidden untiljust the
right moment, appears and
takes a shot with her bow.
She then joins the fray.
An Aeo n Priest can do one of the fol lowi ng: levitate 20 feet (6 m) per rou n d via an anti gravity esotery or d evice,
turn i nv i s i b l e for one m i n ute via a d i stortion fie l d , or ga i n 4 Armor for ten m i n utes via a force field.
I nteraction: M uch of the time, Aeon Priests a re p reocc u p ied with their stud ies and work. M ost people co n s i d e r
them aloof t o the p o i n t o f r u d e n e s s . H owever, the p riests a re u s u a l ly wi l l i n g t o s h a re some o f their
knowledge either for a p rice ( u s u a l l y i n exchange for the com p letion of a task) o r beca use the q uestion at
h a n d is so i ntrigu i n g .
Use: Aeo n Priests a re fonts of n u m e n e ra knowledge. They a re i nterested n ot i n t h e d eta i l s of p a s t c u l t u re o r
h i story but i n scie nce. They can identify cyp h e rs a n d a rtifacts a n d wi l l p u rchase u nwanted ite m s fro m
exp l o rers. If t h e PCs a re go i n g to e n co u nter an Aeon Priest as an advers a ry, ra n d o m ly d eterm i n e at
least o n e u sefu l a rtifact for the p riest a n d add it to h i s a b i l ities. Devices t h at a l l ow t h e priest the s pecial
a b i l ities d escri bed above a re n ot necessarily part of his l oot o r usable by a nyo n e else.
Loot: An Aeo n Priest typ i ca l ly h a s 3d6 s h i n s , 1 d 6 cyp hers, a n odd ity, a n a rtifact, a n d a wide vari ety of too l s .
H e m i ght a l so h ave oth e r n o r m a l gear.
BANDIT 2 (6)
B a n d its a re u s u a l ly ro u g h , crude, and h a r s h i n d ivid u a l s who l ive o n (a n d p rey on) the fr i n ges of soci ety.
M otive: Ta k i n g what t h ey want
H ealth: 6
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: l
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: S peed d efe n s e as level 3 d ue to s h ie l d .
Com bat: B a n d its typ i ca l ly arm t h e m se lves w i t h axe s , sword s , a n d s h ie l d s a s we l l a s bows. They attack i n l a rge
n u m bers a n d p refer a m b u s h e s , m a k i n g ran ged attacks fro m h i d i ng. Somet i m e s t h ey s p o i l the a m b u s h
t o i s s u e a n u lti matum before attacki ng: yo u r money or yo u r l i fe. I f faced with a rea l th reat, s uch a s a
s ituation i n which they lose a t h i rd of t h e i r n u m bers, they u s u a l ly ret reat.
I nteraction: B a n d its a re i nterested in m o n ey and powe r, which mea n s t h at t h ey a l most always accept bribes.
They a re n ' t fight i n g fo r a cause, h oweve r, so t h ey ra rely ri s k t h e i r l ives.
Use: B a n d its a re eve rywhere-i n a way, they a re t h e a rchetypal h u m a n foe. S i n ce band its a re not act u a l ly ve ry
to u g h i n d ivid u a l ly, yo u can th row l a rge n u m bers of t h e m at PCs. I f you want a s m a l l e r gro u p of to u g h e r
i n d ivid u a l s , u s e t h e warlord stats ( s e e bel ow) .
Loot: Any given b a n d i t h a s l d 6 s h i n s i n add ition to wea p o n s , s h i e l d s , l i ght armor, a n d m i sce l l a n e o u s gear.
O n e band it i n a gro u p m i ght h ave a cyp h e r or an odd ity.
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 LI M E NE
NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS

EXPLORER 4 ( 1 2)
G M I ntrusion: The explorer
Exp l o re rs roa m t h e w i l d e rn e s s a n d d e lve i nto a n cient
pulls out a trick via a cypher
ru i n s , seeki n g knowledge, d i scove ry, a n d l oot. They or an ability that proves to
typ i ca l ly carry a wide vari ety of s u rvival gear, wea p o n s , be the perfect tool for the
a n d i nterest i n g bits of t h i n g s . situation at hand.
M otive: Cu rios ity a n d fi n d i n g l oot
H ealth: 1 8
Damage I nflicted: 4 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
Combat: Exp lorers know their way a ro u n d a fight but
a re not necessarily eager for one. They use ra n ged
weapons if pos s i ble, and they flee if seriously
t h reatened.
I nteraction: Exp l o rers a re u n d e rsta n d a b l y leery a n d
somet i m e s sta n d offi s h , but deep d own , they' re
a l most always gratefu l to fi n d a n ew a l ly.
Use: Somet i m e s when t h e PCs need a l ittl e s u p port,
a n exp l o re r can acco m pany t h e m . Exp lorers a l s o
m a ke exce l lent g u i d e s o r scouts. I f the c h a racte rs
e n co u nter a n other h u m a n in the cou rse of t h e i r
trave l s i n a re m ote reg i o n , c h a n ces a re it m i ght
be a n exp l o re r.
Loot: Exp lorers h ave at least t h ree weapo n s , m ed i u m armor, an exp l o rer's pack, 1 d20 s h i n s , 1 d6 cyp hers, 1 d 6
odd ities, a n d pos s i bly a n a rtifact.

NANO 3 (9)

N a nos u s e the n u menera to s h ape the wo rld a ro u n d G M I ntrusion: The nano

t h e m . They u n d e rsta n d t h e ways o f p r i o r aeo n s better performs an esotery that
than most peo p l e d o a n d t h u s seem l i ke "wizard s " to is the perfect tool for the
the m ajo rity of N i nth Wo rlders. current situation.
M otive: Va ries, but it u s u a l ly i nvolves fi n d i n g o r
u nd e rsta n d i n g t h e n u m e n e ra
H ealth: 1 5
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Res i sts mental effects as level 4 .
Com bat: N a nos u s e fo rce b l asts, b u rsts of fl a m e ,
b o l t s of e l ectricity, a n d oth e r esotery-de rived
attacks with l o n g ra n ge.
A nano can do one of the following: levitate 20 feet (6 m)
per ro u n d via a n anti gravity esotery o r device,
t u rn i n v i s i b l e fo r o n e m i n ute via a d i stortion fie l d ,
o r ga i n 4 Armor fo r t e n m i n utes via a fo rce fi e l d .
I nteraction: N a nos a re u s u a l ly b u sy i n d ivid u a l s , with
a n u m be r of d i fferent age n d a s i nvolvi n g research ,
expe r i m e ntat i o n , exp l o rat i o n , a n d i nve stigat i o n .
Use: N PC n a n o s d o n ' t h ave to (and fra n kly d o n 't)
fo l l ow the s a m e rules a s PC n a n o s . T h e i r
esote ries can h ave d ifferent effects. N a nos a re
u nco m m o n but can be e n co u nte red a nywh e re. The PCs m i ght meet a n a n o wh i l e s h e is h e l p i n g a gro u p
o f band its, exp l o r i n g o n h e r own , o r worki n g a s a p a rt o f the town guard.
Loot: A n a n o typ ical ly h a s 1 d 6 s h i n s , a wea pon, 1 d 6 cyp h ers, a n oddity, a n d oth e r m i sce l l a n eous gear. O n e
n a n o i n s ix m i ght h ave a n a rtifact.

27 1
 TOWN GUARD 2 (6)

G M I ntrusion: 7d6 local The N i nth Wo rld i s a deadly p l ace, and i n n oce nts need p rotect i o n . The
citizens intervene on the town g u a rd sta n d s watch fo r d a n gers fro m t h e outs i d e but a l s o kee p s
guard's behalf, calling the peace a m i d the com m u n ity. To w n g u a rd s deal w i t h d ru n ks , t h i eve s ,
for more guards or even
a n d oth e r tro u b l e m a kers, but they' re n ot true l aw enforce ment, a n d
fighting the guard's foes.
they' re ce rta i n ly n ot d etectives . U lt i m ately, t h ey d o what they a re o rd e red
to d o by t h e i r s u periors, regard l e s s of lega l ity.
M otive: Kee p i n g the peace; fo l l owi n g o rd e rs
H ealth: 8
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Pe rce pt ion as l evel 3 .
Com bat: Typ i ca l ly a rmed with s pears a n d cross bows, town g u a rd s a re
stra i ghtforwa rd co m b atants. They a p p reci ate stre n gth i n n u m bers,
a n d they always ca l l fo r help, if pos s i ble.
I nteraction: Alt hough town guards ra n ge from m i n o r, self.sat i sfied
tyra nts to ge n u i nely h e l pfu l senti n e l s , i nteract i n g with t h e m typ ical ly
i nvolves one i s s u e : does the PC want to d o somet h i n g t h at the
g u a rd h a s been told to p reve nt? I f so, t h e PC wi l l h ave a d ifficult
t i m e . Of co u rse, some g u a rd s accept bribes o r can be pers uaded o r tricked , but u n l e s s the g u a rd i s n ew
at the job, he h a s probably heard most excuses or co n s before.
Use: Eve ry vi l l age in the Beyond has at least one town g u a rd , and probably m a n y, to d efe n d the com m u n ity
fro m outs i d e t h reats. Vi l l ages and tow n s t h roughout the m o re settled l a n d s h ave g u a rd s , too, but they' re
l i kely more focused on kee p i n g t h e res i d e nts in l i ne t h a n on defe n d i n g t h e m . To t h e PCs, town g u a rd s
can b e a l l ie s , ob stacles, o r bot h . T h e i m portant t h i n g t o re m e m b e r i s t h at if t h e c h a racte rs h a p pe n u p o n
a cri me o r a t h reat to the com m u n ity, the town g u a rd s a re n ' t j u st a w a y to pass a l o n g the respon s i b i l ity.
They h ave t h e i r own d uties a n d a re n ' t i nterested i n d o i n g the PCs' work for t h e m .
Loot: A n y given g u a rd h a s 2 d 6 s h i n s i n add ition t o wea po n s , m ed i u m armor, a n d basic gear.

WARLORD 5 ( 1 5)

G M I ntrusion: By using Wa rlord s a re battlefie l d co m m a nders, petty tyra nts,

a martial maneuver the band it capta i n s , o r any oth e r m a rt i a l leaders. They
PCs have never seen, the a re rarely encou nte red without s o l d i ers o r lackeys
warlord blocks all incoming
t h at fight for them a n d serve t h e m .
attacks in a given round of
com bat. M otive: Wi n n i n g i n battle
H ealth: 2 5
Damage I nflicted: S poi nts
Armor: 3
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Defe n d s as l evel 6 d ue to s h i e l d .
Com bat: Wa rlord s wield swo rd s a n d s h i e l d s a n d
o ft e n fight mou nted . The typ ical warlord lead s
h e r t roo p s d i rectly i nto battle, fight i n g at the
fo refro nt but a l s o i s s u i n g o rders. A l l u n d e rl i n gs a n d fo l l owers add a + 1 d a m age bon u s when the warlord
can see t h e m a n d i s s u e co m m a n d s .
I nteraction: Wa rlord s a re co m m itted t o t h e i r ca use, wh ateve r i t m i ght b e . S o m e warlord s defe n d , a n d oth e rs
attack. M ost h ave l ackeys a n d l ieute n a nts t h at i nteract with peo p l e so the warlord s d o n ' t h ave to.
Use: Wa rlord s can be powe rfu l warri o rs o r g l a ives, lead i n g a l a rge gro u p of band its o r sold iers (use town
g u a rd stats fo r t h e i r troops) . You can a l s o use the warlord stats to create a s i n g l e m i ghty opponent.
Loot: A warlord has 4d6 s h i n s i n add ition to wea p o n s , a s h i e l d , heavy armor, and m i sce l l a neous gear. S h e
a l so h a s a cyp h e r o r a n oddity.

272
 LI M E NE
NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS

FRIENDS AND FOES

T h e s e N PCs ca n be fo u n d w h e reve r the G M wa n ts to u s e t h e m . T h ey wo rk we l l for e n co u nters on t h e
ro a d , i n a tow n , o r a nywh e re e l s e .

Orannius
Appearance: O ra n n i u s is very ta l l a n d m u sc u l a r, a n d typ ically wears an u n u s u a l breast p l ate, a l o n g with a cyp h e r belt a n d b race rs.
About: Oran nius was once considered a hero in parts ofthe world for his brute strength and his abil ity to best any opponent. But all heroes
have their downfall, and his was that he was too good . Without a worthy opponent, Oran nius began to chase storms-sand storms, glass
winds, the I ron Wind, or any storm that m ight present a new challenge.
Stats: Leve l 8; 3 0 health; 3 Armor.

Nariss Horges
Appearance: N a riss is petite, with a ro u n d face a n d s h o rt, d a rk h a i r. S h e wears a rou g h , st u rdy cloak ove r expe n s ive, fa s h i o n a b l e
clothes t h at h ave s e e n a l ittl e wea r.
About: D a u ghter of N a ra n i a l H o rges of Ca stle S a rrat, N a riss fled h e r fa m i ly's home afte r a myste rious eve nt i n t h e stra n ge castle
t h at she refuses to d i sc u s s . H owever, she b e l i eves Castle S a rrat to be h a u nted and fea rs t h at the s p i rits of the d i stant past h ave
fo l l owed h e r. On h e r own , s h e is stro n g m i nded but i l l prepared for the d a ngers of the N i nth Wo rl d , a n d h e r fu n d s a re q u ickly
dwi n d l i n g.
Stats: Leve l 2, l evel 3 at I nte l l ect defe n s e a n d soci a l i nteract i o n s .

Tyrial Amakon
Appearance: Tyrial is an attractive male with a s l ight b u i l d who is j u st ove r 6 feet (1 .8 m) in hei ght. He d resses wel l with a bit of a
fl a i r fo r the d ramatic. H i s most i ntrigu i n g and u n u s u a l featu re is h i s s h a rp, violet eyes.
About: Tyrial works as a confidence man. H i s natural charm and stea lth help h i m get out of hairy situations, and he u s u a l ly ends u p
m uch better o fft h a n when he went i n . H e i s not above lifting a cypher or an artifact, pos i n g as an Aeon Priest, or even attempti n g to
defy gravity-as long as you can convi nce h i m that it's worth h i s time.
Stats: Leve l 7 , l evel 8 at pers u a s i o n , picki n g pockets, a n d d i s g u i se .

Osin Lumas
Appearance: H e i s a lways d ressed i n a wh ite a rtifact s u it with a s i lver m a s k cove r i n g h i s face to p rotect h i m fro m d i sease.
About: A m a n who see m s saddened a n d d riven by a great tragedy i n his past, Os i n Lumas roa m s the l a n d , atte m pti n g to c u re o r
s t o p t h e s p read of d i sease a n d plague. H e works t i re l e s s l y but often fa i l s . Those h e i s u n a b l e to c u re a re clean sed of t h e i r d i sease
by his powe rfu l fi re a rtifact.
Stats: Leve l 5, l evel 7 at res i st i n g d i sease.

Al' Drak
Appearance: A b rawny h u m a n warri o r with a q u ick wit a n d fiery rage, Al ' D ra k favors loose-fitt i n g t u n ics a n d b reeches for ease of
m ot i o n . H i s eyes a re crystal b l u e with a kee n n e s s t h at see m s to stare i nto the sou l . Some find t h i s u n sett l i ng, w h i l e oth e rs fi n d it
a l l u ri n g.
About: Al ' D ra k is a civi l ized , refi ned m a n who is q u ick to take on t h e cause of t h e downtrod d e n or t h e o p p ressed. Some co n s id e r
h i s sense o f h o n o r a n d d uty a wea kness, but it gives h i m p u rpose. A tale nted swo rd s m a n (perh a p s o n e o f t h e best) , h i s exp loits
a re myt h i c i n scope, which works aga i n st him i n many cases beca u s e h e i s beco m i n g outpaced by his own re p utat i o n .
Stats: Leve l 8 , l evel 9 w i t h a b road swo rd a n d S peed d efe n s e .

Veredus
Appearance: He has d a rk, s h o u l d e r- l e n gth h a i r and green eye s , and h i s face is cove red in b i rt h m a rks of u n u s u a l co lors.
About: Vered u s i s a loner who wa nders the wo rld , sticki n g to the wilderness whenever pos s i b l e . H e i s s k i l led i n h u nt i n g, making
his own clothes, scout i n g, and using bows , short blades, a n d d agge rs. Those who know of his talents seek him out, sometimes
trave l i n g a great d i stance to find him, but h e rarely agrees to req uests u n less he senses that d o i n g so w i l l right a n i m balance i n the
worl d .
Stats: Leve l 7 , l evel 8 a t stealth i n t h e w i l d erness; 25 health.

273
Illian
Appearance: Ta l l a n d l ithe, I l l i a n h a s long, wavy h a i r a n d an ear t h at was d a m aged by a sword - b l ow l o n g ago. S h e wears heavy
armor a n d carries two swo rd s t h at s h e w i e l d s as e a s i l y as most wield one.
About: I l l i a n i s a n Angu l a n K n i ght with a retrib utive d e m e a n o r. H e r q u ick te m pe r gets h e r i nto tro u b l e all t h e t i m e , but s h e h a s
the s k i l l s t o get herself out o f t h o s e scrapes, so s h e co nti n u e s to wa n d e r the N i nth Wo rld o n h e r m i s s i o n . S h e r i d e s a xi-d rake
co m pa n i o n n a med Eager.
Stats: Leve l 6, l evel 7 with b l aded attacks, l evel 4 with pleasant i nteract i o n s ; m a kes two attacks as a s i n g l e action; 22 health; 3
Armor.

Kairam Ahmed
Appearance: A t h i n man with angular features, l<ai ram i s enti rely covered i n a s i lver skin only a few molecu les th ick.
About: O n ce a great scholar expe rimenti n g with tra n s d i me n s i o n a l tech n o l ogy, l<a i ra m was d rawn i nto a h i gher l evel of rea l ity.
N ow he can control h i s p h ase, beco m i n g i n s u bsta ntial or s o l i d as d es i red. R u m o r h a s it t h at he can restore l i fe to the dead
a n d h a s oth e r powe rs t h at a re a l most god l i ke . V i rtu a l ly a nyth i n g t h at can be i m agi ned h a s been attri b uted to h i m . With h i s
m u lt i d i m e n s i o n a l exi ste nce, it i s a l s o pos s i b l e fo r Ka i ra m t o be i n seve ral p l aces a t o n ce.
Stats: Leve l 9.

Naevro and Burrim

Appearance: N aevro is a ta l l man with long, stra i ght, d a r k h a i r. Often u n s h ave n , h i s looks a re ro ugh and ca refree. B u rri m i s a
h u ge carp (at least 3 feet [0. 9m] l o n g) with b ri l l iant o ra n ge a n d ye l low sca l e s . H e " swi m s " t h ro u g h t h e a i r t h a n ks to a h i g h -tech
anti gravity d evice attached to h i s s i d e s . I t a l so attaches to h i s face to form a b reat h e r m a s k t h at a l l ows h i m to re m a i n out of t h e
wate r.
About: These two i n separable companions are a u n ique pair. N aevro is a reticent but good-natured fel l ow. B u rrim is i ntel l i gent, witty,
i n q u i s itive, and wry. They wander from pl ace to pl ace, perform i n g odd jobs (or goi n g to great lengths to avoid work) and making friends
as wel l as the occasional enemy. They' re always i nterested i n more trave l i n g companions but not i n "adventures." H owever, adventures
often seem to find them.
Stats ( N aevro): Level 4 .
Stats (Bu rri m): Level 4, l eve l 6 a t h i story a n d geogra phy, l eve l 5 a t a l l ot h e r I nte l l ect- based act i o n s ; 1 Armor.

274
Chapter 1 7 : Technology 276

Chapter 1 8: Cyphers 278

Chapter 1 9: Artifacts 298

Chapter 20: Oddities &. Discoveries 314

 CHAPTER 1 7

TECH N O LOGY

I
n the N i nt h Wo rld, "the n u menera" is a term
t h at refers to anyt h i n g t h at seems s u pernatural
a n d t h at co mes from the prior ages of the E a rt h .
Fro m a 2 1 st ce ntury p o i n t o f vi ew, t h i s m e a n s
Defense roll, page 1 6 device s , mach i ne s , ve h icles, ro bots, co m p uters,
Might, page 20 wea p o n s , sate l l ite s , d rugs, a n d so on. But it a l s o
Speed, page 20 m e a n s b i o e n g i n ee red creat u res, cybe rnetic b e i n g s ,
Intellect, page 20 a n d creat u res brought h e re fro m a l i e n wo r l d s a n d
d i me n s i o n s . I t a l so i n c l u d e s t h i ngs t h at h ave been
i n d i rectly created by the science of the past
Mutant, page 7 23 m utants a n d genetic acci dents, the desce n d a nts
Nano, page 32 of expe ri m e nts, a n d so o n . Lastly, it m e a n s ways in
Esoteries, page 35 which N i nt h Wo rld peo p l e h ave figu red out h ow to
Nano spirits, page 359 u se, m a n i p u l ate, o r m a ster the p rod u cts of the past,
s uch a s t h e nano's u s e of esote ries a n d t h e so-ca l led
Cyphers, Chapter 7 8, " n a n o s p i rits . "
page 278 I n t h i s c h a pte r, we' l l exa m i n e t h e physical a s pects
of the n u me n e ra-s pecifica l ly, cyp h e rs , a rtifacts ,
Artifacts, Chapter 7 9, odd ities, a n d oth e r devices.
page 298
PEOPLE AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP
Oddities a<. Discoveries, WITH THE NUMENERA
Chapter 20, page 3 7 4 Although the co m parison between " m agic" and the
n u m e n e ra i s worthwh i l e , taki n g it too fa r is l i kely a
m i stake. Fo r exa m p l e, you can i m a g i n e someone
d i s b e l i evi n g i n magic eve n i n a wo rld where it exi sts.
N o one in the N i nth Wo rld " d i sbel ieve s " in the
n u m e n e ra . It's all a ro u n d t h e m . I t ca n n ot be d e n i e d .
I t ' s a l s o m o re co m mo n t h a n magic wo u l d be i n most
Aeon Priest, page 269 fa ntasy sett i n gs . And yet it's st i l l j u st a s myste rious
a n d stra n ge, mostly beca u s e the n u m e n e ra i s varied
Cyphers, artifacts, and and u n p red icta b l e to those who don't u n d e rsta n d it.
oddities cannot be T h e re a re peo p l e , h oweve r, who d o u n d e rsta n d
identified as such by just
it-at l e a st to s o m e d egree. N ot eve ryo n e m e re l y
looking. They almost
all look like "devices. " scave n ge s n u m e n e ra fro m ru i n s . S o m e study it,
(the exceptions being co m p re h e n d a bit of it, a n d then create t h e i r own .
something like a pill Res u lts a re m ixed , b u t i n certa i n v i l l a ge s , t h e
or an injection.) You local t i n kerer o r cl ave o f Aeon Priests h a s m a d e
can 't distinguish a
a fa b u l o u s d i scove ry n o t j u st o f tech n o l ogy, b u t
cypherfrom an artifact
of u n d e rsta n d i n g . N ow, with t h e right re s o u rce s ,
by appearance. The
difference is how much t h e t i n kerer o r priest c a n m a ke t h e d evice,
use a character can get con coct t h e d ru g , o r d eve l o p t h e p roce s s . A w h o l e
out of it. co m m u n ity m i ght h ave acce s s to adva ncements
t h at a re fa r beyo n d a n yt h i n g else t h ey p o s s e s s-a
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF
NUMENERA ITEMS
As a re m i n d e r, item effects t h at n egatively affect
cha racters ( h a rm i n g t h e m , h i n d e r i n g t h e m ,
c h a n g i n g t h e m , co ntro l l i n g t h e m , d eceivi n g
t h e m , a n d so on) req u i re a ro l l . I f the c h a racte r
b e i n g affected is a PC, the p l ayer m a ke s a
defe n s e rol l t h at the G M fee l s is a p p ropriate a n d
logica l . Th i ngs t h at affect a c h a racte r' s h e a l t h ,
s uch a s p o i s o n s , a re M i ght defe n s e act i o n s .
Th i ngs a c h a racte r can d od ge a re S peed d efe n s e
act i o n s . T h i ngs t h at affect a c h a racte r' s m i n d a re
I nte l l ect defe n s e act i o n s .
I f t h e c h a racte r be i n g affected i s a n N P C , t h e
p l ayer m a kes a ro l l b a s e d o n wh ateve r stat the
GM fee l s i s a p p ropriate a n d logica l . Most effects
fro m ite m s a re I nte l l ect based , but somet h i n g
t h at clea rly m a kes a melee attack i s u s u a l ly
M i ght, a n d somet h i n g t h at m a kes a ra n ged
attack i s u s u a l ly S peed .
g ro u p of fa rmers u s i n g a utomato n s to p u l l t h e i r
p l ows, a vi l l age w h o s e t h atched roofs a re coated
in fi re- reta rd a n t s p ray, o r a b a n d of s o l d i e rs with
c h a i n m a i l , spears, a n d s h o rt-wave co m m u n icators
in t h e i r i ro n h e l m s .
I t ' s i m p o rt a n t to re m e m be r t h at t h e p l aye r
c h a racters d o n 't l o o k at t h e n u m e n e ra t h e way
t h at 2 1 st-ce n t u ry peo p l e l o o k at tec h n o l o gy. I n t h e
N i n t h Wo rl d , a fo rce fi e l d p roject o r a n d a two-way
rad i o wo u l d s e e m not o n ly l i ke m a g i c , but m a g i c
of t h e s a m e l e v e l of powe r. I n fa c t , t h e rad i o m i g h t
s e e m m o re pote nt beca u s e its u s e i s m o re b road
and its effects a re " i n v i s i b l e . " N i n t h Wo r l d e rs h ave
n o pers pective on w h at s o rt s of tech n o l o gy a re
m o re adva n ced t h a n ot h e r s , a n d t h ey ta ke n o n e of
it for g ra nted .
THE APPEARANCE OF NUMENERA
DEVICES
Tech no l ogy in the N i nth Wo rld can be catego rized
a s cyp h e rs , a rtifacts, odd ities, and d i s cove ries.

276

These categories s h ow h ow t h e PCs i nteract with the
n u m e n e ra-how it i s (or i s n 't) u s efu l to t h e m . When
th i n ki n g about tech nol ogy, t h e GM can a l so co n s id e r
o r i g i n a n d a p peara n ce. Th i s a p p roach l o o k s at
devices n ot from a game-mech a n i c sta n d po i nt, but
fro m the point of view of peo p l e l iv i n g i n the N i nth
Wo rld .
When it comes to d evices t h at cha racte rs a re l i kely
to carry a n d u s e , t h e re a re four types: scave n ged ,
co b b l e d , bonded , a n d fa s h ioned .
SCAVENGED
The most basic type of d evice i s one p u l led out of an
a n cient ru i n . I t was either a co m p l ete d evice fo u n d
i ntact o r a portion o f a n other d evice, re m oved by
a learned perso n , which can be u sed for a fu n ction
all its own . The former m i ght be a b race rl i ke d evice
with to uch-sens itive contro l s t h at t h e wearer can
m a n i p u l ate to create a powe rfu l m agnetic field
a ro u n d h i m se l f. The l atte r m i ght be a viewscre e n ,
t a k e n fro m a v a s t mach i n e, t h at by i t s e l f a l l ows t h e
u s e r to see t h ro u g h a n i n ch of normal m atte r.
COBBLED
The seco nd most co m m o n type of device, a co b b l ed
ite m , co n s i sts of at least two parts joi ned together to
m a ke a fu n ction pos s i b l e. Let ' s say a knowledge a b l e
t i n kerer t a k e s a l e n s mech a n i s m fro m o n e d evice a n d
a control mech a n i s m fro m a l a rger co n s o l e a n d w i res
t h e m toget h e r. Then s h e co n n ects a n o l d powe r
s u p ply t h at sti l l fu n ct i o n s a n d b i n d s it a l l together
with co rd . In t h e e n d , she's created a h i gh- powered
n i ghtvi s i o n telescope and ra n ge fi n d e r, a s s u m i n g
t h at t h e u s e r-th rough a b i t o f p ractice a n d tri a l a n d
error-ca n deci p h e r t h e sym bols t o u n d e rsta n d t h e
d i stances s h own i n t h e readout.
LI M E NE
TECHNOLOGY
BONDED
With bonded devices, the sett i n g starts to i ntrude
o n the ite m s . Rea l i stical ly, peo p l e i n t h e N i nth Wo rld
wi l l take exi st i n g devices a n d m a ke them their own .
Fo r exa m p l e , a scave nger m i ght fi n d a d evice t h at
fires a beam of h i gh- powered e n e rgy, but when h e
sel l s it to a m e m b e r of t h e J a gged D ream , they get jagged Dream, page 224
a s m ith to fa s h ion an i nt i m i d at i n g h o u s i n g a ro u n d
the d evice, co m p l ete w i t h a n ea sy-to- u s e h a n d gri p , a
trigger mech a n i s m , a n d a s p i ked blade on the fro nt
in case the wielder enters close co m bat. Then o n e of
t h e i r a rti s a n s etches the c u l t ' s u n i q u e iconogra p h y
i nto t h e h o u s i ng, b l a d e , a n d gri p . I n t h e e n d , the
item becomes a styl i s h (a l beit stran ge) a n d l i kely
i nt i m i d ati n g wea pon.
In oth e r word s , bonded ite m s n o l o n ge r look
l i ke someth i n g found i n a tra s h heap. They a re
tu rned i nto objects t h at a re beautifu l or terrifyi n g o r
wh ateve r the craft s m a n w a n t s . They a re i n corpo rated
i nto oth e r ite m s . They a re n a m e d . They m i ght eve n
co m e with written i n struct i o n s on t h e i r u s e .
FASHIONED
The rarest of the d evices, but i n some ways perh a p s
the m o s t i ntrigu i n g, fash ioned d evices a re based on
ancient technology but created by people of the N i nth
World . I m agine a cl ave of Aeon Priests who study in Clave, page 134
a n ancient l a bo rato ry for years (perh aps ge nerations)
and fi n a l ly recreate a n "el ixir" they d i scovered that Raiders in Scorpion's Reach
that ride rasters (page 253)
s peed s u p wou n d clos u re and t i s s u e k n itt i n g by a n
use fashioned sonic prods to
order of m a g n i t u d e or more. The com p o u n d s needed keep their beasts in line.
a re rare and d ifficult to atta i n , but with them in h a n d ,
the p riests beg i n t o m a n ufactu re s m a l l amou nts
of the co ncoction on their own . Yea rs l ater, they
open houses of hea l i n g that come to be known and
res pected by a l l i n the region.
277

Cyphers don't have to
be used in order to make
room for new ones. It's
petfectly acceptable for
players to stash an extra
cypher elsewhere for later
use-of course, that
doesn't mean the cypher
will still be there when
they return.
CHAPTER 1 8
CYPH ERS
C
y p h e rs a re o n e - u s e , co b b l ed -toget h e r bits of tech n o l ogy t h at c h a racters freq u e ntly d i scove r a n d
u s e . A n y t i m e P C s co m e u p o n a n o l d d evice, defeat a n a rtific i a l ly e n h a n ced o r d e s i g ned creat u re , o r
s i m p ly s i ft t h ro u g h t h e ru i n s of t h e p a s t , t h ey m i g ht scave n ge a h a n dfu l of n ew cyp h e r s . Re m e m be r
t h at i n t h e N i nt h Wo r l d , cyp h e rs a re rarely u s e d fo r t h e i r o r i g i n a l , i ntended fu n ct i o n , w h i c h i s n ow
u n knowa b l e . S o m et h i n g a c h a racter u se s as a b o m b m i ght h ave been a powe r s o u rce fo r a n ot h e r d evice
t h at h a s been rej i ggered with s o m e crossed w i re s . A v i a l of l i q u i d m i ght h ave been a n utrient s o l ution for a
b i o l ogical expe r i m e n t . For PCs, cyp h e rs a re t h e most i m portant a s pect of t h e n u m e n e ra .
Beca u s e the tech n o logy o f t h e p a s t i s myste r i o u s , cyp h e rs a re often d eterm i n ed ra n d o m ly. H owever, t h e
G M c a n p l ace them i ntentio n a l ly as we l l . They h ave cool powe rs t h at c a n h e a l , m a ke attacks, o r p rod u ce
effects s u c h as n u l l ifyi n g gravity or t u rn i n g someth i n g i nv i s i b l e . Cyp h e rs a re s i n gle-use ite m s a n d a re always
co n s u med when u s e d .
Cyp h e rs a re fo u n d w i t h such reg u l a rity t h at the P C s can u s e t h e m freely. There wi l l a lways be m o re, a n d
they' l l h ave d i fferent benefits . Th i s m e a n s t h at i n gamepl ay, cyp hers a re l e s s l i ke g e a r o r trea s u re a n d more
l i ke c h a racte r a b i l ities t h at the p l ayers d o n 't choose. T h i s lead s to fu n game moments where a p l aye r can
s ay, "We l l , I 've got a n X t h at m i ght help i n t h i s s it u ati o n , " a n d X i s always d i fferent. X m i ght be a n exp los ive
device, a s h o rt-ra n ge te leporter, o r a fo rce field. It m i ght be a powe rfu l m agnet o r an i n j ecti o n t h at wi l l c u re
d i sease. It co u l d be anyt h i ng. Cyp h e rs keep the game fres h a n d i nterest i n g. Ove r t i m e , c h a racte rs can learn
h ow to safely carry m o re a n d more cyp hers, so the d evices rea l ly d o e n d u p seem i n g more l i ke a b i l ities and
l e s s l i ke gear.
278
 LI M E NE
CYPHERS

CYPHER DANGERS
Each c h a racte r has a l i m it o n the n u m be r of cyp h e rs t h at she can carry at any given t i m e . The idea is t h at
cyp h e rs can be d a ngero u s when gathered toget h e r. B ut t h i s idea i s j u st N i nth Wo rld co m m o n s e n s e , some of
which m i ght be based on i n correct observat i o n s . Although most cyp hers a re i n h e rently u n stable, wi l l there be
a terri b l e exp l o s i o n if a fi rst-tier g l a ive gathers th ree cyp h e rs in h i s fist at the same t i m e ? P robably n ot. Can a
c h a racter tuck six p i l l s i nto a pouch without dyi n g of rad iation poison i n g ? Al m ost ce rta i n ly.
The l i m it on cyphers is more of a gameplay mech a n i s m than a setting or flavor issue. Basical ly, it's bad for the
game if PCs hoard cyphers because they' re meant to be used. Hoard i n g cyphers means there wi l l be long stretches
of the game without cyp her use, and at some point there probably will be a moment with far too m uch cypher use.
So, i m po s i n g a bit of l o g i c o n the game mech a n i c s , w h at h a p p e n s i f a c h a ract e r has too m a n y cyp h e rs THERE ARE TWO KINDS

i n h e r p o s s e s s i o n ? U s i n g t h e Cyp h e r D a n ge r t a b l e , ro l l d l OO a n d t h e n a d d 1 0 to t h e re s u l t fo r each OF CYPHERS:
cyp h e r over the c h a ract e r' s m axi m u m l i m it . For cyp h e rs t h at d o n 't s e e m l i ke t h ey s h o u l d be p a rt i c u l a rly Anoetic cyphers
vo l at i l e , such a s p i l l s , e l ixi r s , o r ot h e r s i m p l e o r m u n d a n e ite m s , a d d n ot h i n g-o r, i f you p refe r, subtra ct are easy to use
l 0 fro m t h e re s u lt. I f t h e re s u lt i s n o n s e n s i ca l , m ove u p o n e re s u lt . I f it i s sti l l n o n s e n s i ca l , m ove down just pop a pill, push a
button, pull a trigger, and
one res u l t fro m t h e o r i g i n a l . Co nt i n u e u nt i l a logical res u l t occ u r s . Ro l l o n the ta b l e each d ay t h at t h e
so on. Anyone can do it.

& Occu ltic cyphers

cyp h e rs a re gat h e red toget h e r.

CYPHER DANGER V are rarer, more

Result Effect complicated, and more
01 -60 N oth i n g h a p p e n s .
dangerous. They are devices
with m ultiple buttons,
61 -70 There's an o d d s m e l l , tingl ing sen sation, or aura around t h e cyphers. Th i s i s merely ominous a n d not
switches, knobs, keypads,
i n herently dangerous. If this res ult occurs on two consecutive days, use the 7 1 -80 res u lt i n stead . touchscreen controls, wires,
7 1 -80 O n e of the cyp h e rs i s destroyed / n o l o n ge r fu n ct i o n s/ l oses a l l poten cy. and so on. There are many
8 1 -90 The c h a racte r fee l s a bit off. S u btract l fro m a l l d i e ro l l s for 28 h o u rs . I f t h i s res u lt occurs o n different settings, but only
two co n s ecutive d ays, u s e the 96-1 00 res u lt i n stead. one produces an effect.
Occultic cyphers count as
9 1 -95 Two of the cyp h e rs i nvolved a re destroyed / n o l o n ge r fu n ction/lose all poten cy.
two cyphers for the purpose
96-1 00 The c h a racte r fa l l s i l l a s a res u lt of m i n o r chem ical o r rad iation i nteraction of the cyp h ers. of determining how many
The d ifficu lty of all act i o n s i s i n c reased by o n e step fo r l d 6 d ays. I f this res u lt occ u rs o n two a PC can carry and use at
co n s ecutive d ays, u s e the 1 1 1 -1 20 res u lt i n stead . one time.
1 0 1 -1 1 0 A l l of the cyp h e rs i nvolved a re destroyed / n o l o n ge r fu n ction/lose a l l poten cy.
1 1 1 -1 20 The c h a racte r i s terri bly i l l a s a res u lt of m i n o r chem ical o r rad iation i nteraction of t h e cyp h e rs .
The d ifficu lty of a l l act i o n s i s i n c reased b y two ste p s fo r 2 d 6 d ays. I f t h i s res u lt occ u rs o n two
co n s ecutive d ays, u s e the 1 4 1 -1 99 res u lt i n stead .
1 2 1 -1 3 0 Two or m o re of the cyp h e rs i n p roxi m ity react chem ical ly, either t h ro u g h s m a l l leakage,
e m i s s i o n s , o r d i rect contact. The cyp h e rs a re destroyed a n d a mass of acid i s p rod uce d ,
b u rn i n g t h e c h a racte r fo r 6 poi nts of d a m age.
1 3 1 -1 40 The e n e rgy rad i at i n g from two o r more of t h e cyp hers reacts poorly. The cyp h e rs a re destroyed
a n d an exp l o s i o n occu rs, b u r n i n g the c h a racter for 1 0 poi nts of d a m age a n d a l l with i n
i m m ed i ate ra n ge fo r 3 poi nts o f d a m age.
1 4 1 -1 99 The c h a racte r i s perm a n e ntly h a rmed. Red u ce all stat Pool maxi m u m s by 5. All cyp hers a re
d e stroyed.
200 A sentience arises i n the cyp h e rs . A l l cyp h e rs a re co n s u med , fo rm i n g a d evice with powe rs
re l ated to the cyp h e rs a n d a perso n a l ity t h at is l i kely hosti l e to the PC. (Th e G M d ete r m i n e s
the powe rs a n d perso n a l ity.)
201 + A t i n y s i n g u l a rity i s created t h at l a sts fo r o n ly a n a noseco n d , con s u m i n g t h e c h a racte r a n d a l l
eq u i p ment, i n c l u d i n g t h e cyp hers.

ALTERNATIVE TAKES

H e re a re some alternative ideas on h ow to l i m it cyp hers and keep the same s p i rit of gameplay.
G ive an expi ration d ate to each cypher, citing their i n stabil ity. H owever, that req u i res a lot of bookkeeping.
C h a racte rs who bear more t h a n their cyp h e r l i m it always act at a d i sadva ntage. The d i fficu lty of a l l
t h e i r tasks i s i n creased b y o n e ste p. Th i s method i s certa i n ly s i m p l e .
The peri l s of h av i n g t o o many cyp h e rs co u l d be h a n d led enti rely t h ro u g h ro l e p l aying, w i t h cha racte rs
act i n g out of caution and outright fea r of someth i n g they know to be d a n ge ro u s .

279
 FINDING AND IDENTIFYING CYPHERS
Cyp h ers a re a l most a l ways scave n ged o u t of old m a c h i n e s , wo rkbe n c h s u p p l i e s of v a ri o u s p a rt s , o r
c a c h e s of c h e m i c a l s o r ot h e r m ateri a l s . W h e n t h e PCs co m e u po n a n a rea w h e re scave n g i n g m i g h t
Intellect, page 20 be p o s s i b l e , t h ey ca n s e a rc h (a n I n te l l ect act i o n ) . Typ i c a l ly, b e i n g s k i l l e d i n t h e n u m e n e ra red u ce s t h e
d i fficu l ty of t h i s s e a rc h .
Cyp h e rs a re ofte n fo u n d i n gro u p s o f o n e t o s i x (th e G M c a n ro l l l d 6 t o d eterm i n e t h e n u m be r fo u n d ) .
Yo u can p re p a re a l i st ahead of t i m e of w h at s u ccessfu l searchers fi n d . Somet i m e s t h i s l i st i s ra n d o m , a n d
somet i m e s there i s some l o g i c be h i n d i t . Fo r exa m p l e, the P C s m i ght fi n d fo u r d i fferent p i l l s i n the s a m e
l ocat i o n , which o n ce m ay h ave stored p h a rm aceutica l s . The G M s e t s the d ifficu lty of t h i s task, but it i s u s u a l ly
3 or 4, a n d scave n g i n g can take fifteen m i n utes to an h o u r. The p roce s s often i n c l u d e s m a n i p u l ati n g w h at i s
fo u n d t o co b b l e toget h e r someth i n g t h at works. Fo r exa m p l e , t h e PCs' search m i ght enta i l n ot j u st fi n d i n g a
d evice but a l so figu ri n g out t h at if they hook it u p to a nearby powe r ce l l , open a s m a l l p a n e l , a n d fid d l e with
the worki n g s , t h ey p rod u ce t h e cyp her's effect (wh i ch m i ght n ot be t h e device ' s o ri g i n a l use at a l l ) .
Scave n g i n g is not t h e o n ly way to o bta i n cyp h e rs . They can a l s o be fo u n d a m i d the b e l o n g i n g s of fa l l e n
Aeon Priest, page 269 foes, given a s gifts, o r somet i m e s eve n sold in a town by Aeon Priests o r exp lorers.
O n ce t h e PCs fi n d a cyp h e r, i d e nt ify i n g it i s a separate task, also based o n I nte l l ect a n d mod ified by
knowled ge of t h e n u m e n e ra . The GM sets the d ifficu lty of t h e task, but it i s u s u a l ly l o r 2 . T h u s , eve n the
s m a l lest a m o u nt of knowledge m e a n s t h at cyp h e r i d e ntification i s auto m atic. The p rocess takes o n e to ten
Clave, page 734 m i n utes. I f t h e P C s ca n ' t identify a cyp h e r, they can b r i n g it to a n Aeo n Priest c l ave fo r i d e ntification a n d
perh a p s trad e, if d es i red.
A c h a racte r can atte m pt to u s e a cyp h e r t h at is n ot i d e ntified ; t h i s is u s u a l ly an I nte l l ect task u s i n g t h e
cyp her's l eve l . Fa i l u re m i ght mean t h at the PC ca n 't fi g u re out h ow to u s e the cyp h e r o r t h at h e u ses i t
i nco rrectly (G M ' s d i scretion) . Of co u rse, eve n if t h e PC u s e s the u n id e ntified cyp h e r correctly, h e h a s no idea
what its effect wi l l be.
I d e ntified cyp h e rs can be used a utomatical ly. O nce a cyp h e r i s activated, if it h a s a n o n go i n g effect, t h at
effect a p p l ies o n ly to the c h a racter who activated t h e cyp h e r. A PC can't activate a cyp h e r a n d t h e n h a n d it to
a n other c h a racte r to rea p t h e benefits .

Speed, page 20 USING CYPHERS

Spray, page 3 0 I f a c h a racte r uses a cyp h e r, the action to u s e it i s I nte l l ect based u n less ot h e rwise d escribed o r logic s u ggests
Arc Spray, page 3 7
Glaive, page 26 oth e rwise. Fo r exa m p l e, t h row i n g a d etonation m i ght be S peed based beca u s e the d evice i s physical and n ot
jack, page 40 rea l ly tec h n ica l , but u s i n g a ray e m itte r is I nte l l ect based .
S i nce cyp hers a re s i n gle-use ite m s , cyp h e rs used to m a ke attacks can n ever be u sed with the S p ray or Arc
S p ray a b i l ities t h at some g l a ives a n d jacks h ave. They a re n eve r "rapid-fi re wea p o n s . "

CYPHER FORMS
A l l cyp h e rs h ave a l eve l . They h ave d i fferent forms based on t h ree types: internal, wearable, a n d usable.
I ntern a l cyp h e rs a re t h i ngs yo u i n gest o r i nject. Wearable cyp h e rs a re a rticles of clot h i ng, jewel ry, o r oth e r
Mechanical creatures, t h i ngs yo u wea r o n yo u r p h y s i c a l body. U sa b l e cyp h e rs a re basica l ly anyt h i n g e l s e .
such as the disassembler M ost cyp h e rs can exist i n more t h a n o n e form, but a l l forms w o r k the s a m e way. Fo r exa m ple, a n a n oeti c
(page 238), are often a ntive n o m can be fo u n d i n the form of a p i l l , a n i n gesti b l e l i q u i d , o r a n i njector. G M s can c h o o s e a form fo r
good sources for cyphers. fl avor o r ro l l ra n d o m ly. I f a cyp h e r form i s n ot l i sted , t h e cyp h e r o n ly ra rely co mes i n t h at form. H oweve r,
noth i n g i s i m po s s i ble. If the G M wants a p i l l t h at a l l ows a nyo n e swa l l owi n g it to te leport, t h e n it exi sts.

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CYPHER LIST
When givi n g cyp hers to c h a racters, either choose fro m t h i s table or ro l l a 1 d l 00 for ra n d o m cyp hers.

01 Ad h e s i o n c l a m p s so M agnetic attack d ri l l
02 Anti ve nom 51 M agnetic m a ster
03 Att ractor 52 M agnetic s h i e l d
04 B a n i s h i n g n od u l e 53 M e m o ry l e n s e s
05 B l i n ki n g nod u l e 54 M e ntal scra m b l e r
06 Cathol icon 55 M etal death
07 Catseye 56 M o n o blade
08 Chem ical facto ry 57 M otion s e n s o r
09 Co m p re h e n s i o n graft 58 Pers o n a l enviro n ment field
10 Co ntro l l e d b l i n ki n g n od u l e 59 Phase c h a n ge r
11 Data s p h e re s i p h o n 60 P h a s e d i s r u ptor Cyphers are meant to be
12 D e n s ity nod u l e 61 Poison {e motion) used regularly and often.
If you find players are
13 Deto n ation 62 Poison {exp los ive)
hoarding or saving their
14 Deto n ation (d es iccat i n g) 63 Poison { m i n d -co ntro l l i n g} cyphers, feel free to give
15 Deto n ation (fl a s h } 64 Poison ( m i n d -d i s ru pti n g) them reason to pull them
16 Deto n ation (gravity) 65 Psych i c com m u n iq u e out and put them into play.
17 Deto n ation (mass ive) 66 Ray e m itte r
18 Deto n ation (m atter d i s ru ption} 67 Ray e m itte r (n u m b i n g}
19 Deto n ation (pre s s u re} 68 Ray e m itte r {paralys i s)
20 Deto n ation (s i n g u l a rity} 69 Real ity s p i ke
21 Deto n ation (son ic) 70- 7 1 Rej uve n ator
22 Deto n ation (s pawn) 72 Remote viewer
23 Deto n ation (web) 73 Re p a i r u n it
24 D i s ru pt i n g n od u l e 74 Reta l i ation nod u l e
25 Eagleseye 75 Sheen GMs should not be afraid to
26 F i re p roofi n g s p ray 76 S h ock nod u l e generate cyphers randomly.
27 F l a m e - reta rd ant wa l l 77 S h ocker Sometimes giving a
28 Fo rce cube p rojector 78 S ki l l boost character something no one
29 Fo rce nod u l e 79 S l e e p i n d ucer
expected leads to the most
interesting situations.
30 Fo rce screen p rojecto r 80 Sonic hole
31 Fo rce s h i e l d p rojecto r 81 S o u n d d a m pe n e r
32 Frict i o n - red u c i n g gel 82 S pati a l warp
33 Fri gid wa l l p rojecto r 83 S peed boost
34 G a s bo m b 84-85 Sti rn
35 G ravity n u l l ifier 86 Stre n gth boost
36 G ravity- n u l l ifyi n g s p ray 87 S u bd u a l field
37 H eat nod u l e 88 Te l e pathy i m p l a nt
38 H u nter /seeker 89 Te leporter (bo u n d e r)
39 I m age p rojecto r 90 Te leporter (trave l e r)
40 I nferno wa l l p rojector 91 Te m poral viewe r
41 I nfiltrator 92 Time d i lation nod u l e {defe n s ive}
42 I n stant servant 93 T i m e d i lation nod u l e (offe n s ive)
43 I n stant s h elter 94 Trace r
44 I nte l l ect e n h a ncement 95 Vis age c h a n ge r
45 I nv i s i b i l ity n od u l e 96 Visual d i s p l ace ment d evice
46 Knowledge e n h a ncement 97 Vocal tra n s l ator
47 Lightn i n g wa l l p rojecto r 98 Wa rmth p rojecto r
48 Livi n g solvent 99 Wate r b reat h e r
49 M ac h i n e control i m p l a nt 00 X- Ray viewer

28 1
 A SELECTION OF NINTH WORLD CYPH ERS

e Adhesion Clamps
Level : l d 6
Wearable: G l oves
Usable: H a n d les with powe rfu l s u ction c u p s
Effect: Al l ows fo r automatic cl i m b i n g o f any s u rface, eve n h o rizontal o n e s . Lasts fo r twe nty m i n utes.

e Antivenom
Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Usable: I njector
Effect: Re n d e rs u s e r i m m u n e to p o i s o n s of the s a m e l evel o r l ower (and e n d s any such o n go i n g effects , if any,
a l ready i n t h e user's system) .

f}) Attractor
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Wearable: G l ove of synth
Usable: S m a l l h a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: O n e u n a n ch o red item yo u r s ize o r s m a l l e r with i n long ra n ge i s d rawn i m med iately to t h e device. T h i s
takes o n e ro u n d . T h e item h a s n o m o m e n t u m w h e n i t a rrive s .

e Banishing Nodule
Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to a m e l ee weapon
Effect: Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , each t i m e the weapon t h e nod u l e i s attached to stri kes a s o l i d creat u re o r
o bj ect, it ge n e rates a b u rst of e n e rgy t h at te leports t h e creatu re o r o bj ect struck a n i m m ed i ate d i stance i n a
ra n d o m d i rection (not u p or d own) . The d ifficu lty of the te leported creat u re ' s act i o n s ( i n cl u d i n g defe n se) i s
mod ified b y o n e step t o i t s detri ment o n i t s n ext t u r n .

e Blinking Nodule
Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to armor
Effect: Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , each t i m e (but n ot more t h a n o n ce per ro u n d) the wearer of the armor the
n od u l e i s attached to i s struck h a rd e n o u g h to i n fl ict d a mage, h e te leports a n i m m ed i ate d i stance i n a
ra n d o m d i rection (not u p or d own) . S i nce t h e wearer i s p re p a red for t h i s effect a n d h i s foe i s n ot, the
Defense, page 7 02 d ifficu lty of t h e wea rer's defe n s e is mod ified by o n e step to h i s benefit for o n e ro u n d after he teleports.

e Cathol icon
Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u i d
Usable: I njector
Effect: C u res any d i sease of the s a m e l evel o r l owe r.

e Catseye
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u i d
Usable: I njector
Effect: G rants the a b i l ity to see in the d a rk fo r eight
h o u rs .

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e Chemical Factory
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Usable: I njector
Effect: After one h o u r, the sweat of the u s e r p rod uces 1 d 6 doses of a va l u a b l e l i q u id (these doses a re n ot
co n s id e red cyp h e rs) . They m u st be used with i n o n e wee k. Effects vary:
01 -04 E u p h oric for 1 d6 h o u rs
05-08 H a l l ucinoge n i c fo r 1 d6 h o u rs
09-1 2 Sti m u lant for 1 d6 h o u rs
1 3-1 6 Depressant for 1 d 6 h o u rs
1 7-20 N utrient s u p p lement
2 1 -2 5 Antive n o m
26-30 Cu r e s d i sease
3 1 -3 5 See i n the d a r k fo r one h o u r
3 6-45 Restores a n u m be r of M i ght Pool poi nts e q u a l to cyp h e r l evel
46-5 5 Restores a n u m be r of S peed Pool poi nts eq u a l to cyp h e r l evel
5 6-65 Restores a n u m be r of I nte l l ect Pool poi nts eq u a l to cyp h e r l eve l
66-75 I n creases M i ght E d ge by 1 for o n e h o u r
76-85 I n creases S peed E d ge b y 1 fo r one h o u r
86-95 I n creases I nte l l ect E d ge b y 1 fo r o n e h o u r
96-00 Restores a l l Poo l s t o fu l l

f}) Comprehension Graft

Although they are
useful for ambassadors,
Level : 1 d6 + 1 diplomats, and travelers,
Usable: S m a l l m eta l l i c d i s k comprehension grafts are
Effect: When a p p l ied t o a creat u re ' s head, t h e d i s k i m m ed i ately u n leashes m i crofi l a m ents t h at enter t h e b ra i n . truly coveted by beast
trainers all over the Ninth
With i n five m i n utes, t h e creatu re c a n u n d e rsta n d t h e wo rd s o f a s pecific l a n g u age keyed t o t h e graft. Th i s
World.
i s true eve n o f creatu res t h at d o n ot n o r m a l l y h ave a l a n guage. I f t h e creatu re co u l d a l ready u nd e rsta n d the
l a n g u age, the cyp h e r h a s n o effect. O n ce the graft attaches, the effect i s permanent, a n d this d evice n o l o n ge r Rumors speak of a fortress
co u nts aga i n st t h e n u m be r of cyp h e rs t h at a PC can bear. city in the Beyond that has
its own language and allows
e Controlled Blinking Nodule none other to be spoken.
Those rare few allowed
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
within its walls are forcibly
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to armor given comprehension grafts
Effect: For the next 28 hours, each time the wearer of the armor the nod ule i s attached to i s struck hard enough to produced in the city.
infl ict damage (but no more than once per round) , he teleports to a s pot he desires wit h i n i m med iate ran ge. S i n ce
the wearer is prepared for t h i s effect and h i s foe is not, the d ifficu lty of the wea rer's defense is mod ified by one step
to h i s benefit for one round after he teleports.

e Datasphere Siphon
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Wearable: Te m p o ra ry tattoo, a m u l et, head b a n d , crystal worn on te m p l e
Usable: S m a l l h a n d h e l d device, crystal
Effect: Ta p p i n g i nto t h e d ata s p h e re ' s knowledge, t h e user can learn t h e a n swer to o n e q uesti o n . Data sphere, page 7 2

e Density Nodule
Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to a m e l ee weapon
Effect: Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , each t i m e the weapon t h e nod u l e i s attached to stri kes a s o l i d creat u re o r o bject,
the weapon s u d d e n ly i n creases d ra m atica l ly in we ight, ca u s i n g the b l ow to i n fl i ct a n add iti o n a l 2 poi nts of
d a m age.

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 e Detonation
Level : l d 6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice (th rown , s h o rt ra n ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Immediate distance,
page 1 7 Effect: Exp lodes i n an i m med i ate rad i u s , infl icting damage eq ual to the cypher level. Rol l for the type of damage:
0 1 -1 0 Ce l l - d i s ru pt i n g ( h a r m s o n ly fl e s h )
1 1 -3 0 Co rros ive
3 1 -40 E l ectrical d i scharge
4 1 -50 H eat d ra i n (cold)
5 1 -75 F i re
76-00 S h ra p n e l

e Detonation (Desiccating)
Level : l d 6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h rown , s h o rt ran ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Effect: B u rsts in an i m med i ate rad i u s , d ra i n i n g m o i stu re fro m eve ryt h i n g wit h i n it. Livi n g creat u res take
d a m age eq u a l to t h e cyp h e r leve l . Water i n t h e a rea i s vapo rized .

e Detonation (Flash)
Level : l d 6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h rown , s h o rt ran ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Effect: B u rsts in an i m med i ate rad i u s , b l i n d i n g a l l with i n it fo r one m i n ute.

e Detonation (Gravity)
Level : l d6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h rown , s h o rt ran ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
All damaging Effect: Bu rsts i n an i m med iate rad ius, infl icting damage equal to the cypher level by increasing gravity tremendously
detonations inflict a
for one second. Al l i n the area are crushed to the ground for one round and cannot take physical actions.
minimum of 2 points
of damage to those in
the radius, regardless of e Detonation (Massive)
attack or defense rolls. Level : l d6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (ra n ge of 200 feet [6 1 m])
Usable: H a n d held p rojecto r (ra n ge of 200 feet [61 m])
Effect: Exp lodes i n a short-ra n ge rad i u s , i n fl ict i n g d a m age eq u a l to the cyp her leve l . Rol l for the type of d a m age:
01 -1 0 Ce l l - d i s ru pt i n g ( h a r m s o n ly fl e s h )
1 1 -3 0 Co rros ive
3 1 -40 E l ectrical d i scharge
4 1 -5 0 H eat d ra i n (cold)
5 1 -75 F i re
76-00 S h ra p n e l

9 Detonation (Matter Disruption)

Level : l d 6 + 4
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h rown , s h o rt ran ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Effect: Exp lodes in an i m m ed i ate rad i u s , re l ea s i n g n a n ites t h at rea rra n ge m atte r in ra n d o m ways . I nfl icts
d a m age eq u a l to the cyp h e r leve l .

e Detonation (Pressure)
Level : l d6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice (th rown , s h o rt ra n ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Effect: Exp lodes in a n i m m ed i ate rad i u s , i n fl i ct i n g i m pact d a m age eq u a l to cyp h e r l eve l . Also m oves
u n atte nded o bjects out of the a rea if they weigh l e s s t h a n 20 po u n d s (9 kg) per cyp h e r l eve l .

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f) Detonation (Singularity)
Level : 1 0
Usable: Exp l o s ive d e v i ce o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h row n , s h o rt ra n ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r ( l o n g ran ge) The singularity detonation
Effect: Exp l o d e s a n d creates a m o m e n t a ry s i n g u l a rity t h at tears at the fa b ri c of the u n iverse. I n fl i ct s 20
is a greatly feared deice,
sought by those interested in
p o i nts of d a m a ge to all with i n s h o rt ra n ge , d rawi n g them (o r t h e i r re m a i n s) toget h e r to i m m ed i ate ra n ge
truly horrific destruction.
( i f po s s i b l e) . P l ayer c h a racte rs i n t h e rad i u s m ove o n e ste p d own t h e d a m age track if t h ey fa i l a M i g h t
d e fe n s e ro l l .

e Detonation (Sonic)
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h rown , s h o rt ran ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Effect: Exp lodes with terrifyi n g sou n d , deafe n i n g a l l in an i m m ed i ate rad i u s .

e Detonation (Spawn)
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h rown , s h o rt ran ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Effect: B u rsts in an i m med i ate rad i u s , b l i n d i n g a l l with i n it fo r one m i n ute a n d i n fl ict i n g d a m age eq u a l to t h e
cyp h e r l eve l . The b u rst s pawn s 1 d 6 a d d i t i o n a l d eto n at i o n s ; o n t h e n ext ro u n d , e a c h a d d i t i o n a l d eto n ation fl i es
to a ra n d o m s pot with i n s h o rt ra n ge a n d exp lodes i n a n i m me d i ate rad i u s . Ro l l fo r the type of d a m age d e a lt
by a l l deto n at i o n s :
01 -1 0 Ce l l -d i s ru pt i n g ( h a r m s o n ly fl e s h )
1 1 -3 0 Co rros ive
3 1 -40 E l ectrical d i scharge
4 1 -5 0 H eat d ra i n (co ld)
5 1 -75 F i re
76-00 S h ra p n e l

e Detonation (Web)
Rather than strands of
sticky goo, some web
Level : 1 d6 + 2 detonationsfill the area
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge) with a mass ofquick
Usable: Exp los ive d evice (th rown , s h o rt ra n ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge) hardeningfoam that
accomplishes the same
Effect: Exp lodes in a n i m m ed i ate rad i u s and creates sticky stra n d s of goo. PCs ca ught in the a rea m u st use a
thing.
M i ght-based action to get out, with the d ifficu lty d eterm i n ed by the cyp h e r l eve l . N PCs break free if t h e i r l evel
i s h i gher than the cyp h e r l eve l .

e Disrupting Nodule
Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to a m e l ee weapon
Effect: Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , each t i m e the weapon t h e nod u l e i s attached to stri kes a s o l i d creat u re o r o bject,
it ge n e rates a b u rst of n a n ites t h at d i rectly attack o rga n i c ce l l s . The affected ta rget takes 1 add iti o n a l point of
d a m age a n d loses h i s n ext act i o n .

e Eagleseye
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Usable: I njector
Effect: G rants the a b i l ity to see ten t i m e s a s fa r a s normal fo r one h o u r.

e Fireproofing Spray
Level : 1 d 6 + 4
Usable: S p ray ca n i ster
Effect: A non l iving object sprayed by this cypher has Armor against fire damage equal to the cypher's level for 28 hours. Armor, page 92

285
 e Flame-Retardant Wall
Level : l d 6
Wearable: Belt, ring, b race l et
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Create s an i m m o b i l e p l a n e of perme a b l e e n e rgy u p to 20 feet by 20 feet (6 . 1 m by 6 . 1 m) for o n e h o u r.
The p l a n e co nforms to the s pace ava i l a b l e . F l a m e s pass i n g t h rough t h e p l a n e a re ext i n g u i s h e d .

Despite the fact that the

walls are not gaseous 9 Force Cube Projector
permeable, there is likely Level : 1 d6 + 3
enough air within for Wearable: Belt, ring, b race l et
trapped creatures to Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
breathe for the hour it Effect: Create s an i m m o b i l e cu be co m posed of s ix p l a n e s of s o l i d fo rce, each 30 feet (9. 1 m) to a s i d e , for o n e
lasts.
h o u r. The p l a n e s co nform to the s pace ava i l a b l e .

e Force Nodule
Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to armor
Effect: Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , t h e armor the nod u l e i s attached to i s bol ste red by a powe rfu l fo rce fi e l d , add i n g
2 t o t h e Armor i t p rovides.

e Force Screen Projector

Level : 1 d6 + 3
Wearable: Belt, ring, b race l et
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Create s an i m m o b i l e p l a n e of s o l i d fo rce u p to 20 feet by 20 feet (6. 1 m by 6 . 1 m) for o n e h o u r. The
plane co nforms to t h e s pace ava i l a b l e .

e Force Shield Projector

Level : 1 d6 + 3
I nternal: S u bd e r m a l i n j ecti o n
Wearable: B e l t , ring, b race l et
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Create s a s h i m m eri n g e n e rgy s h ield a ro u n d the u s e r for o n e h o u r, d u ri n g which t i m e he ga i n s +3
Armor ( +4 Armor if the cyp h e r i s l evel 5 o r h i g h e r) .

e Friction-Reducing Gel
Level : l d 6
Usable: S p ray ca n i ster
Effect: S p rayed across a n a rea up to 1 0 feet (3 m) s q u a re , t h i s gel m a ke s t h i ngs extre mely s l i ppery. Fo r one
h o u r, the d i fficu lty of m ovement tasks i n the a rea i s i n creased by th ree ste p s .

Some force walls,

shields, and cubes are
e Frigid Wall Projector
transparent. Others a re Level : 1 d6 + 2
translucent. A few are Usable: Co m p l ex d evice
opaque. Effect: Create s a wa l l of s u pe rcoo led a i r u p to 30 feet by 30 feet by 1 foot (9. 1 m by 9 . 1 m by 0.3 m) t h at
i nfl icts d a mage eq u a l to t h e cyp h e r l evel on a nyth i n g t h at passes t h ro u g h it. The wa l l co nforms to t h e s pace
ava i l a b l e . It l asts fo r ten m i n utes.

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6} Gas Bomb
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Wearable: Wri stba n d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Usable: Exp los ive d evice o r cera m i c s p h e re (t h rown , s h o rt ran ge) o r h a n d h e l d p rojecto r (long ra n ge)
Effect: B u rsts in a p o i s o n o u s cloud with i n an i m med i ate d i stance . The cloud l i n gers fo r 1 d6 ro u n d s u n less
co n d iti o n s d i ctate oth e rwise. Effects va ry:
01 -1 0 Thick s m o ke: occl udes s i ght wh i l e the cloud lasts.
1 1 -20 Choki n g gas: l iv i n g creatu res t h at b reathe lose t h e i r act i o n s to choki n g and co u g h i n g fo r a
n u m be r of rou n d s eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l .
2 1 -5 0 Po i s o n gas: l iv i n g creat u re s t h at b reathe s u ffe r d a m age eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l .
5 1 -60 Co rros ive gas: eve ryt h i n g s u ffers d a m age eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l .
6 1 -65 H a l l ucinoge n i c gas: l iv i n g creat u re s t h at b reathe lose t h e i r act i o n s to h a l l u c i n at i o n s a n d
v i s i o n s fo r a n u m be r of ro u n d s eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l .
66-70 N e rve gas: l iv i n g creat u res t h at b reathe s u ffe r S peed d a m age eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l . Speed damage, page 92
7 1 -80 M i nd - n u m b i n g gas: l iving creatures that breathe suffer I ntel l ect damage equal to the cypher level.
8 1 -8 3 Fea r gas: l iv i n g creat u res t h at b reat h e a n d t h i n k flee i n a ra n d o m d i rection i n fea r ( o r a re
paralyzed with fea r) for a n u m be r of ro u n d s eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l .
84-86 Amnesia gas: living creatu res that breathe and think permanently lose all memory of the last m i n ute.
8 7-96 S l eep gas: l iv i n g creatu res t h at b reathe fa l l a s l ee p fo r a n u m be r of ro u n d s e q u a l to the cyp h e r
l evel o r u nt i l awo ken b y a violent action o r a n extre mely loud n o i s e .
9 7-00 Rage gas: l iv i n g creatu res t h at b reathe a n d th i n k m a ke a m e l ee attack on t h e nearest creatu re
a n d cont i n u e to do so for a n u m be r of ro u n d s eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l .

e
Gravity nullifiers are
Gravity Nullifier frequently called flight
Level : 1 d 6 + 3 rings or belts, levitators, or
I nternal: S u bd e r m a l i n j ecti o n invisible wings. There is an
isolated town in the Beyond
Wearable: B e l t , boots, ring, b race l et
called Thenerah where they
Usable: S m a l l p l atform on which the u s e r m u st sta n d are produced in number (as
Effect: Fo r o n e h o u r, t h e u s e r can fl oat i nto the a i r, m ovi n g vertica l ly (but n ot h o rizonta l ly w i t h o u t some oth e r back-mounted cylinders) .
act i o n , s u c h as p u s h i n g a l o n g the cei l i n g) u p to a s h o rt d i stance per ro u n d . The u s e r m u st we igh l e s s t h a n 50 The city is built with an
pou n d s (22 kg) per l eve l of t h e cyp h e r. extremely vertical mindset,
with certain structures
f) Gravity-Nullifying Spray
inaccessible to someone
who cannot fly.
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Usable: S p ray ca n i ster
Effect: A n o n l iv i n g object about the s ize of a person o r s m a l l e r s p rayed by t h i s cyp h e r floats 1 d20 feet in the
air perm a n e ntly a n d no l o n ge r has we ight if carried (t hough it need s to be stra pped d own) .

6} Heat Nodule
Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to a m e l ee weapon
Effect: Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , each t i m e the weapon t h e nod u l e i s attached to stri kes a s o l i d creat u re o r o bject,
it ge n e rates a b u rst of h eat, i n fl ict i n g a n a d d i t i o n a l 2 poi nts of d a m age.

f) Hunter/Seeker
Level : l d 6
Wearable: Arm- or s h o u l d e r- m o u nted l a u ncher
Usable: Co m p l ex device, h a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: With long-range movement, this i ntelligent missile tracks and attacks a s pecified target (target must be with i n
sight when selected) . l f it misses, it conti nues t o attack one additional t i m e p e r cypher level u ntil i t h its. For exam ple, a
level 4 h u nter/seeker wi l l attack a maxi m u m of five times. Different h u nter/seekers have d ifferent effects:
01 -50 I nfl icts 8 poi nts of d a mage.
5 1 -80 Bears a poi soned need l e t h at i n fl i cts 3 poi nts of d a m age p l u s p o i s o n . Stunned creatures lose
8 1 -90 Exp lodes, i n fl ict i n g 6 points of d a mage to a l l with i n i m m ed i ate ra n ge. their turn that round.
9 1 -95 S h ocks fo r 4 poi nts of e l ectricity d a mage, and stu n s fo r one ro u n d per cyp h e r leve l .
96-00 Cove rs ta rget i n sticky goo t h at i m me d i ately h a rd e n s , h o l d i n g h i m fast u nt i l he b reaks out
with a M i ght action (d ifficu lty eq u a l to the cyp h e r l evel + 2) .

287
 e Image Projector
Level : l d 6
Wearable: H e a d b a n d with d evice on forehead
Usable: Hand held d evice with glass p a n e l
Effect: P rojects o n e of t h e fo l l owi n g i m mo b i l e i m ages i n the a rea descri bed fo r o n e h o u r. The i m age a p pears
2S feet (7.6 m) away fro m t h e u s e r. Scenes i n c l u d e m ove m e nt, sou n d , a n d s m e l l .
01 -20 Terrifyi ng creatu re of an u n known species, perhaps no longer al ive in the world (1 0-foot [3 m] cu be)
2 1 -40 H u ge mach i n e t h at obscu res s i ght (3 0-foot [9 m] cu be)
4 1 -S O Beaut i fu l pastoral sce n e (S O-foot [ l S m] cu be)
S l -60 Food t h at looks d e l i c i o u s but may n ot be fa m i l i a r ( 1 0-foot [3 m] cu be)
6 1 -80 S o l i d color t h at o b s c u res s i ght (SO-foot [l S m] cu be)
8 1 -00 I n co m p re h e n s i b l e sce n e t h at is d i sorient i n g a n d stra n ge (20-foot [6. 1 m) cu be)

e Inferno Wall Projector

Level : 1 d6 + 2
Usable: Co m p lex d evice
Effect: Creates a wa l l of extre m e heat u p to 3 0 feet by 3 0 feet by 1 foot (9. 1 m by
9.1 m by 0.3 m) t h at i n fl icts d a m age eq u a l to t h e cyp h e r l evel o n anyt h i n g t h at
passes t h ro u g h it. The wa l l co nforms to t h e s p ace ava i l a b l e . It l a sts for ten m i n utes.

9 Infiltrator
Level : l d 6
I nternal: Phases i nto eye, p h ases out when u sed
Wearable: Ad h e res to te m p l e and l a u nches p roject i l e
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice t h at l a u nches p roject i l e
Effect: Tiny ca p s u l e l a u nches a n d moves a t great s peed , m a p p i n g a n d sca n n i n g a n u n known a rea. I t m oves
SOO feet ( l S 2 m) per l eve l , sca n n i n g a n a rea up to SO feet (l S m) per l evel away fro m it. I t i d e ntifies b a s i c
l ayout, creat u res, a n d m a j o r e n e rgy s o u rces. Its movement i s b l ocked by any p h y s i c a l o r e n e rgy barrier.

9 Instant Servant
Level : l d 6
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: S m a l l d evice expa n d s i nto a h u m a n o i d auto m aton t h at i s ro u g h ly 2 feet (0. 6 m) ta l l . It is a creatu re
eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l a n d can u n d e rsta n d t h e ve rbal co m m a n d s of the c h a racte r who activates it. O n ce
activated, com m a n d i n g the servant is not an act i o n . It can m a ke attacks or perform act i o n s as o rd e red to t h e
b e s t of i t s a b i l ities, but it ca n n ot s peak.
The automaton h a s s h o rt-ra n ge m ovement but n ever goes fa rther than long ra n ge away fro m t h e c h a racte r
who activated it. At the G M ' s d i scret i o n , the servant m i ght h ave s peci a l ized knowledge, s u c h as h ow to
ope rate a partic u l a r device. Oth e rwise, it h a s no special knowledge. I n any case, the servant i s n ot a rtifici a l ly
i n te l l i gent or ca p a b l e of i n it i at i n g act i o n . It does o n l y as co m m a n d e d .
The servant operates fo r o n e h o u r per cyp h e r l eve l .

e Instant Shelter
Level : 1 d 6 + 3
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: With the add ition of wate r a n d a i r, the s m a l l d evice exp a n d s i nto a s i m p l e one-room struct u re with a
door a n d a tra n s pa rent w i n d ow. The struct u re i s 1 0 feet by 1 0 feet by 20 feet (3 m by 3 m by 6 . 1 m) . It is made
Shapestone, page 77 fro m a form of s h a pesto n e a n d is permanent a n d i m mo b i l e o n ce created.

e Intellect Enhancement
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Wearable: Ad h e s ive patch t h at activates when s l a p ped
Usable: I nj ecto r
Intellect Edge, page 20 Effect: S u b stance a d d s 1 to I nte l l ect E d ge fo r o n e h o u r.

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e Invisibility Nodule
Level: l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to armor
Effect: Fo r t h e next 28 h o u rs , the armor t h e n od u l e i s attached to i s i n vi s i b l e , making the wearer appear to be
u n armored.

e Knowledge Enhancement It is easy to get addicted

Level: l d 6 to the quick hit of
I nternal: P i l l , i n gest i b l e l i q u i d training that comes from
Wearable: Ad hes ive patch t h at activates w h e n s l a p ped Knowledge Enhancement
Usable: I njector cyphers. Characters who
Effect: For the next 28 hours, the character has training i n a predetermi ned ski l l . Although the ski l l could be anyth ing
rely on them too often
may find themselves at a
(incl uding someth ing specific to the operation of one device or someth ing s i m i lar) , common ski l l s incl ude:
disadvantage when they
0 1 -1 0 M e lee attacks run out, presenting a
1 1 -20 R a n ged attacks great opportunity for GM
2 1 -40 N u m e n e ra l o re (somet i m e s s pecific to o n e d evice) intrusion.
4 1 -50 Repa i r i n g (somet i m e s s pecific to one device)
5 1 -60 Craft i n g (u s u a l ly s pecific to one t h i n g)
6 1 -70 Pers u a s i o n
7 1 -75 Healing
76-80 S peed defe n s e
8 1 -85 I nte l l ect d efe n s e
86-90 Swi m m i n g
9 1 -95 Rid i n g
96-00 S n eaki n g

e Lightning Wall Projector

Level: 1 d6 + 2
Usable: Co m p l ex d evice
Effect: Creates a wa l l of e l ectric bolts u p to 30 feet by 30 feet by 1 foot (9 . 1 m by 9 . 1 m by 0.3 m) t h at i n fl icts
d a m age eq u a l to the cyp h e r l eve l o n a nyth i n g t h at passes t h rough it. The wa l l co nforms to the s pace
ava i l a b l e . I t l a sts fo r ten m i n utes.

e Living Solvent
Level: l d l O
Usable: Ca n i ster conta i n i n g s l i m e
Effect: O n ce re lea sed , t h i s o rga n i c s l i m e d i s solves 1 c u b i c foot o f m ateri a l each ro u n d . Afte r o n e ro u n d per
cyp h e r l eve l , the s l i me d ies a n d becomes i n e rt.

e Machine Control Implant

Level: 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l
Wearable: D i s k t h at a d h e res t o fo rehead, te m po ra ry tattoo
Usable: I njector
Effect: When activated , the cyp h e r s p l its i nto two p ieces. One i s affixed to a n u m e n e ra d evice and the ot h e r to
a cha racte r. The c h a racter can t h e n use h i s m i n d to control the d evice at l o n g range, b i d d i n g it to do anyt h i n g
it co u l d d o normal ly. Th u s , a d evice co u l d b e activated o r deactivated , a n d a ve h icle co u l d be p i l oted . T h e
control l asts fo r t e n m i n utes, a n d o n ce t h e d evice i s chosen, i t ca n n ot b e c h a nged .

e Magnetic Attack Drill

Level: 1 d 6 + 2
Usable: S m a l l s p h e re with a t h ick screw p rotru s i o n
Effect: The u s e r th rows t h i s cyp h e r a t a ta rget with i n s h o rt range, a n d it d ri l l s i nto the ta rget fo r one ro u n d ,
i n fl ict i n g d a m age e q u a l t o t h e cyp h e r leve l . I f t h e ta rget i s m a d e o f metal o r wea r i n g metal (such as armor) ,
t h e d ifficu lty of the attack i s decreased by one ste p .

289
"Did you know there are only
three known mono.filament
repulsion fields that shimmer
with blue energy? The rest
are green. "
-Sir Arthour
e Magnetic Master
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Wearable: G l oves with metal p l ates
Usable: S m a l l pyra m id - s h a ped meta l l i c d evice
Effect: Esta b l i s hes a con n ection with one metal object with i n short ra n ge that a h u m a n cou l d hold i n one h a n d .
After t h i s con nection i s esta b l i s hed, the user c a n move or m a n i p u l ate the object a nywhere with i n short ra n ge
(each movement or m a n i p u lation is an action) . For exa m ple, the user cou l d wield a weapon or d rag a h e l m
affixed t o a fo e ' s h e a d t o and fro. The con n ection lasts for t e n rou n d s .
e Magnetic Shield
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Wearable: G l oves with metal p l ates
Usable: S m a l l pyra m id - s h a ped meta l l i c d evice
Effect: Fo r ten m i n utes, metal o bjects ca n n ot co me with i n i m med i ate ra n ge of the activated d evice. M etal
ite m s a l ready i n t h e a rea when t h e d evice i s activated a re s l owly p u s hed out.
e Memory Lenses
Level : l d 6
Wearable: Co ntact l e n s e s , eyeglasses, or goggles
Effect: Al l ows the wearer to menta l ly record eve ryt h i n g s h e sees fo r t h i rty seco n d s a n d store the reco rd i n g
perm a n e ntly i n h e r l o n g-term m e m o ry. Th i s cyp h e r i s u sefu l fo r watch i n g someone p i c k a s pecific lock, enter a
co m p lex cod e, or do somet h i n g e l s e t h at h a p p e n s q u ickly.
e Mental Scrambler
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Usable: Co m p l ex metal a n d g l a s s d evice
Effect: Two ro u n d s afte r be i n g activated , the d evice creates an i nv i s i b l e field t h at fi l l s an a rea with i n s h o rt
ra n ge a n d l a sts for o n e m i n ute. The field scra m b l e s the mental p rocesses of a l l t h i n ki n g creat u re s . The effect
l a sts as l o n g as they re m a i n i n the field a n d for 1 d6 ro u n d s after, although an I nte l l ect defe n s e ro l l i s a l l owed
each ro u n d to act n o r m a l l y (both in the field and after leavi n g it) . Each mental scra m b l e r is keyed to a s pecific
effect. Ro l l fo r effect:
01 -30 Vict i m s ca n n ot act.
3 1 -40 Vict i m s ca n n ot speak.
4 1 -5 0 Vict i m s m ove s l owly ( i m m e d i ate ran ge) a n d cl u m s i ly.
5 1 -60 Vict i m s ca n n ot see o r hear.
6 1 -70 Vict i m s lose a l l sense of d i rect i o n , depth, a n d proport i o n .
7 1 -80 Vict i m s d o n ot recogn ize a n y o n e t h ey kn ow.
8 1 -88 Vict i m s s u ffe r part i a l a m n e s i a .
89-94 Vict i m s s u ffe r total a m n e s i a .
95-98 Vict i m s lose a l l i n h i b i t i o n s , revea l i n g secrets a n d perform i n g s u rp ri s i n g act i o n s .
99-00 Vict i m s ' eth ics a re i nve rted .
e Metal Death
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Wearable: Wri st- m o u nted s p raye r
Usable: Ca n i ster with hose
Effect: Prod uces a stream offoam that covers an area about 3 feet
by 3 feet (0.9 m by 0.9 m) , tran sform ing any metal that it touches
i nto a su bstance as brittle as th i n glass. The foam affects metal to
a depth of about 6 i nches (1 5 cm) .
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e Monoblade
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: I njection i nto fi n ge rt i p
Wearable: G l ove
Usable: Device s i m i l a r to h i lt In the Black Riage, there
Effect: Prod uces a 6 - i n c h (1 5 cm) b l a d e that's t h e same l evel as the cyp h e r. The b l a d e cuts t h rough any
is an abhuman brute
named Charo/us that has
m ate rial of a l evel lower t h a n its own . I f u sed as a wea p o n , it i s a l i ght weapon t h at ignores Armor of a l evel a monoblade implant in
l ower than its own . The blade l a sts fo r ten m i n utes. his hand that he can call

e
upon as often as he likes. It's
Motion Sensor theorized that it interacts
Level : 1 d6 + 2 with his personal physiology
somehow, so that if it were
I nternal: I njection i nto s p i n e
ever removed, it would stop
Wearable: Am u l et working.
Usable: D i s k t h at can be affixed to the floor or a n other s u rface
Effect: I n d icates when any move ment occ u rs with i n s h o rt ra n ge, o r when l a rge creat u res o r objects m ove
with i n l o n g ra n ge (th e cyp h e r d i st i n g u i s h es between the two) . It a l so i n d icates the n u m be r a n d s ize of the
creat u re s o r o bj ects i n mot i o n . O n ce activated , it ope rates fo r o n e h o u r.

e Personal Environment Field

Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Wearable: Belt, med a l l i o n , r i n g
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Create s an a u ra of te m pe ratu re a n d atm o s p h e re t h at wi l l s u sta i n a h u m a n safely for 28 h o u rs . The a u ra
exte n d s to 1 foot (0. 3 m) a ro u n d t h e u s e r. It does n ot p rotect aga i n st s u d d e n fl a s h e s of te m p e ratu re c h a n ge
(such as fro m a heat ray) . A s m a l l n u m be r of these cyp h e rs ( 1 %) acco m modate t h e p refe rred enviro n ment of
a n o n h u m a n , n o nterrestri a l creatu re.

e Phase Changer
Level : 1 d6 + 1
Wearable: Belt, med a l l i o n , r i n g
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Puts the user out of phase for one m i n ute. D u r i n g t h i s time, the user can pass t h rough solid o bjects as
though s h e were entirely i n s u bstanti a l , l i ke a gh ost. S h e ca n n ot m a ke physical attacks or be physica l ly attacked .

e Phase Disruptor
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Usable: Co m p l ex device, p l ate t h at affixe s to s u rface, e l a bo rate s p ray ato m izer
Effect: Puts a portion of a physical struct u re ( l i ke a wa l l o r floor) out of phase fo r o n e h o u r. I t affects a n a rea
eq u a l to a 1 0-foot (3 m) cube. Wh i l e the a rea i s out of p h ase, creat u res a n d o bjects can pass freely t h ro u g h it
a s if it we re n ot t h e re, although one ca n n ot see t h ro u g h it, and it b locks l i ght.

e Poison (Emotion)
Level : 1 d 6 + 2 Most poisons are not
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e or i n j ecta b l e l i q u i d considered cyphers, but a
Wearable: L i p stick, fa l se fi n ge rt i p , ri n g with need l e few are unique enough to
Usable: I njector be considered such.
Effect: The vict i m fee l s a s pecific emotion fo r one h o u r.
01 -20 Anger. L i kely to attack a nyo n e who d i sagrees with h i m . Very h a rd to i nte ract wit h ; t h e
d ifficu lty of a l l such act i o n s is i n creased by two ste p s .
2 1 -40 Fea r. Flees i n terror fo r o n e m i n ute when t h reatened .
4 1 -60 Lu st. Ca n n ot focus on any n o n sexu a l activity.
6 1 -75 S a d n e s s . The d ifficu lty of a l l tasks i s i n creased by o n e ste p.
76-85 Co m p l acency. H a s n o m otivat i o n . The d ifficu lty of all tasks i s i n creased by two ste p s .
86-95 Joy. Easy t o interact with in a pleasant manner; t h e d ifficulty o fall such actions is decreased b y o n e step.
96-00 Love. M u ch e a s i e r to i nteract with; the d ifficu lty of a l l such act i o n s is d ecreased by two
ste p s , but te m po ra ry attach ment is l i kely.

29 1
 f) Poison (Explosive)
Level : 1 d6 + 1
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e or i n j ecta b l e l i q u i d
Wearable: L i p stick, fa l se fi n ge rt i p , ri n g with need l e
The assassin Bledsele Usable: I njector
specializes in rare
Effect: O n ce t h i s s u b stance e nters the b l oodstre a m , it trave l s to the b ra i n and reorga n izes i nto a n exp los ive
numenera poisons that
cause her victims to die in t h at deto n ates when activated , i n fl ict i n g 1 0 poi nts of d a m age (ignori n g Arm o r) . Ro l l to d ete rm i n e the mea n s
strange and spectacular o f d eto n at i o n :
ways, triggered by a word, 0 1 -25 The d eton ator is activated ( m u st be with i n l o n g ra n ge) .
a kiss, or the sight of a 2 6-40 A s pecified a m o u nt of t i m e passes.
loved one, among other
4 1 -50 The vict i m takes a s pecific act i o n .
things.
5 1 -5 5 A s pecific note i s s u n g o r p l ayed o n a n i n stru ment with i n s h o rt ra nge.
5 6-60 The vict i m s m e l l s a s pecific scent wit h i n i m me d i ate range.
6 1 -80 The vict i m co mes wit h i n long ra n ge of t h e d eton ator.
8 1 -00 The vict i m is no l o n ge r with i n l o n g ra nge of t h e d eto n ator.

e Poison (Mind-Controlling)
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e or i n j ecta b l e l i q u i d
Wearable: L i p stick, fa l se fi n ge rt i p , ri n g with need l e
Usable: I njector
Effect: The vict i m m u st ca rry out a s pecific action in res p o n s e to a s pecific trigger.
01 -20 Lays d own fo r one m i n ute with eyes closed when told to d o so.
2 1 -40 Flees in terror fo r one m i n ute when t h reate ned.
4 1 -60 An swe rs q u est i o n s truth fu l ly for one m i n ute.
6 1 -75 Attacks close friend fo r one ro u n d when with i n i m med i ate ra n ge.
76-85 O beys n ext verbal co m m a n d given (if it is u n d e rstood) .
86-95 For 28 h o u rs , becomes sexu a l l y attracted to the next creatu re of its own s pecies that it sees.
96-00 M oves towa rd the n ext red object seen i n l i e u of a l l oth e r act i o n s , ignori n g self
p reservat i o n .

e Poison (Mind-Disrupting)
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e or i n j ecta b l e l i q u i d
Wearable: L i p stick, fa l se fi n ge rt i p , ri n g with need l e
Usable: I njector
Effect: The vict i m s u ffers I nte l l ect d a mage eq u a l to the cyp her's l evel and ca n n ot take act i o n s fo r a n u m be r of
ro u n d s e q u a l to the cyp her's l eve l .

e Psychic Communique
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l
Wearable: Device t h at a d h e res t o te m p l e
Usable: M eta l l ic d i s k
Effect: Al l ows the u s e r t o p roject a one-t i m e , one
way te lepat h i c mes sage of u p to ten wo rd s , with a n
u n l i m ited r a n g e , to a nyo n e h e knows.

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e Ray Emitter
Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: S u bd e r m a l i m p l a n t
Wearable: Co ntact l e n s , glove, ring, wristba n d , head b a n d , belt buckle,
s h o u l d e r- m o u nted d evice
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Al l ows the u s e r to p roject a ray of d estructive e n e rgy u p to 200 feet (6 1
m) t h at i n fl i cts d a m age eq u a l to the cyp her's l eve l .
0 1 -50 H eat/co ncentrated l i ght
5 1 -60 Ce l l -d i s ru pt i n g rad iation
6 1 -80 Force
8 1 -8 7 M agnetic wave
88-93 M o lecu l a r bond d i s ru ption
94-00 Concentrated cold

e Ray Emitter (Numbing)

Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: S u bd e r m a l i m p l a n t
Wearable: Co ntact l e n s , glove, ring, wristba n d , head b a n d , belt b u c k l e , s h o u l d e r- m o u nted d evice
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Even weirder ray emitters:
Effect: Al l ows the u s e r to p roject a ray of e n e rgy u p to 200 feet (61 m) t h at n u m bs o n e l i m b of the ta rget,
Turns target inside out
m a k i n g it u s e l e s s fo r one m i n ute. A s m a l l n u m be r of these devices (5%) i n d u ce n u m b i n g t h at l asts for one
h o u r. Inflicts damage and turns

e
flesh blue
Ray Emitter (Paralysis)
Renders target mute
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: S u bd e r m a l i m p l a n t Only damages plants
Wearable: Co ntact l e n s , glove, ring, wristba n d , head b a n d , belt b u c k l e , s h o u l d e r- m o u nted d evice
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice Only damages inorganic
Effect: Al l ows t h e u s e r to p roject a ray of e n e rgy u p to 200 feet (61 m) t h at paralyzes t h e ta rget for o n e m i n ute. matter
A s m a l l n u m be r of these d evices (5%) i n d u ce para lys i s t h at l asts fo r one h o u r.
Turns flesh to dead, stone
e

like material
Reality Spike
Level : l d 6 + 4
Usable: M eta l l ic s p i ke
Effect: O n ce activated , t h e s p i ke does n ot m ove-eve r-eve n if activated i n m i d a i r. A M i ght action wi l l
d i s lodge t h e s p i ke, b u t then i t i s ru i ne d .

e Rejuvenator
Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Wearable: Ad hes ive patch t h at activates when s l a p ped
Usable: I njector
Effect: S u b stance restores a n u m be r of poi nts eq u a l to the cyp her's l evel to one ra n d o m Poo l . Ro l l perce n t i l e :
01 -50 M i ght Pool
5 1 -75 S peed Pool
76-00 I nte l l ect Pool

e Remote Viewer
Level : l d 6
Usable: Device t h at s p l its i nto two p a rts when activated, o n e with a g l a s s screen
Effect: Fo r one h o u r, the g l a s s scree n o n one part s h ows eve ryt h i n g go i n g o n in the vicin ity of the oth e r part,
rega rd l e s s of the d i stance betwee n t h e two parts.

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 f} Repair Unit
Level: l d l O
Wearable: S h o u l d e r- o r arm-mou nted l a u ncher, belt- m o u nted d evice
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Device becomes a m u lt i a rmed s p h e re t h at floats. I t re p a i rs o n e d e s i g n ated n u m e n e ra d evice (of a l evel
e q u a l to o r less than its own) t h at has been d a m aged but n ot d e stroyed . The re p a i r u n it can eve n create s p a re
p a rts, u n less the G M rules t h at the p a rts a re too s pecial ized or rare ( i n which case, t h e u n it re p a i rs the d evice
e n t i rely exce pt for t h e s peci a l ized part) . Re p a i r t i m e is 1 d l 00 + 20 m i n utes.

e Retaliation Nodule
Level: l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to armor
Effect: Fo r t h e next 28 h o u rs , anyone stri k i n g the armor the n od u l e i s attached to tri ggers a s m a l l b u rst of
e lectricity t h at i nfl icts 1 point of d a m age (no action o r ro l l req u i red) .

Sometimes when a
weapon-based nodule
e Sheen
Level: l d 6
is found, it is already
I nternal: P i l l , i n gest i b l e l i q u i d
attached to a weapon
or an object that can Usable: I njector
be used as a weapon. A Effect: Fo r one wee k, the u ser's ce l l s a re coated with a p rotective veneer t h at re s i sts d a mage (+ 1 to Armor)
metal rod with a shock a n d d ecreases the d ifficu lty of M i ght d efe n s e ro l l s by two ste p s . H owever, h ea l i n g i s more d ifficu lt d u ri n g t h i s
nodule attached could be t i m e ; a l l recovery ro l l s s u ffe r a -1 penalty.
used as an effective club
or mace with a shock
capability. e Shock Nodule
Level: l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to a m e l ee weapon
Effect: Fo r t h e next 28 h o u rs , each t i m e the weapon the n od u l e i s attached to strikes a s o l i d creatu re o r o bj ect,
it ge n e rates a b u rst of e l ectricity, i n fl ict i n g 1 a d d i t i o n a l point of d a m age.

e Shocker
Level: l d 6 + 4
I nternal: S u bd e r m a l i m p l a nt
Wearable: R i n g , p a l m d i s k
Usable: S h o rt rod
Effect: Del ivers a powe rfu l b u rst of e l ectricity t h at s h ocks any creatu re to uched, i n fl i ct i n g d a m age eq u a l to the
cyp her's leve l .

e Skill Boost
Level: l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gest i b l e l i q u i d
Usable: I njector
Effect: D ra m atica l ly but temporarily alters the user's m i n d and body so she can perform one s pecific physical
action with t h e d ifficu lty d ecreased by t h ree ste p s . O n ce activated , this boost can be u sed a n u m be r of t i m e s
e q u a l to t h e cyp her's l eve l , but o n ly with i n a 28- h o u r period . The boost t a k e s effect e a c h t i m e the action i s
performed, so a l evel 3 cyp h e r boosts t h e fi rst th ree t i m e s t h at action i s atte m pted . The action c a n be o n e o f a
n u m be r of poss i b i l ities:
01 -1 5 M e lee attack 7 7-84 Running
1 6-30 R a n ged attack 85-92 Swi m m i n g
3 1 -40 S peed defe n s e 93-94 S n eaki n g
4 1 -5 0 M i ght d e fe n s e 95-96 Balanci ng
5 1 -60 I nte l l ect d efe n s e 9 7-98 Perceivi n g
6 1 -68 J umping 99 Ca rryi n g
69-76 Climbing 00 Esca p i n g

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e Sleep Inducer
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Wearable: F i n ge rt i p c u s p , ring, gl ove
Usable: I njector, gas s p raye r
Effect: Touch or i n gestion p uts the vict i m to s l eep for ten m i n utes or u n t i l awo ke n by a violent action or a n
extre mely loud n o i se.

e Sonic Hole Sonic holes are much

loved by thieves
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
everywhere but can also
Wearable: Wri stba n d , ring, belt- m o u nted d evice
be used for less nefarious
Usable: S m a l l h a n d h e l d d evice purposes, such as hunting
Effect: D raws all s o u n d with i n long ra nge i nto the d evice fo r o n e ro u n d per cyp h e r l eve l . With i n the affected prey and sneaking by
a rea, n o s o u n d can be heard. enemies.

e Sound Dampener
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
I nternal: I m p lant
Wearable: Wri stba n d , ring, belt- m o u nted d evice, boots
Usable: S m a l l h a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: D a m p e n s all s o u n d wit h i n i m med i ate range, p rovid i n g a n asset fo r all creatu res in t h e a rea to atte m pt
stealthy act i o n s .

e Spatial Warp
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Usable: S m a l l metal r i n g
Effect: When affixed t o a n other n u menera d evice t h at affects a s i n g l e ta rget a t ra n ge, t h at ra n ge i s i n creased
to 1 m i l e (1 . 6 km) with n o penalties. S pace i s temporarily warped in terms of see i n g a n d reach i n g the ta rget.
If d i rect l i n e of s i ght is i m portant to the device ' s effect, it re m a i n s i m portant. Creat i n g the s p at i a l warp
fu n ct i o n s as o n e use of t h e device.

e Speed Boost
Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Wearable: Ad hes ive patch t h at activates when s l a p ped
Usable: I njector
Effect: S u b stance a d d s 1 to S peed Edge fo r one h o u r.

e Stirn
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Usable: I njector
Effect: Decreases the d ifficu lty of the n ext action taken
by th ree ste p s .

e Strength Boost
Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Wearable: Ad hes ive patch t h at activates when s l a p ped
Usable: I njector
Effect: S u b stance a d d s 1 to M i ght E d ge fo r one h o u r.

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 f) Subdual Field
Level : 1 d 6 + 3
Usable: Co m p l ex d evice
Effect: Two ro u n d s afte r be i n g activated , the d evice creates an i nv i s i b l e field t h at fi l l s a s pecified a rea (such as
a cube of a ce rta i n s i ze) with i n l o n g ra n ge of the d evice. The field l a sts fo r o n e m i n ute. I t affects t h e m i n d s of
th i n ki n g b e i n g s with i n the fie l d , p reventi n g t h e m from taki n g hosti l e act i o n s . The effect l a sts a s l o n g a s t h ey
re m a i n i n the field a n d for 1 d 6 ro u n d s after, although an I nte l l ect d efe n s e ro l l i s a l l owed each ro u n d to act
n o r m a l l y (both i n t h e field a n d after leavi n g it) .

e Telepathy Implant
Level : 1 d6 + 2
I nternal: P i l l
Wearable: D i s k t h at ad h e re s t o fo re h ead , te m p o ra ry tattoo
Usable: I njector
Effect: Fo r one h o u r, the d evice e n a b l e s l o n g- ra n ge mental com m u n i cation with a nyo n e who has a m atch i n g
i m p l a nt. These d evices a re always fo u n d i n gro u p s o f two o r m o re.

e Teleporter (Bounder)
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Very rare teleporters
Wearable: Belt, wristba n d , ring, fu l l bodys u it
can send a character or
characters thousands of Usable: Co m p l ex device, h a n d h e l d d evice
miles, or een millions of Effect: U s e r te leports u p to 1 00 x the cyp h e r l evel i n feet to a location he can see. H e a rrives safely with h i s
miles. posses s i o n s b u t can not take a nyth i n g e l s e with h i m .

fj Teleporter (Traveler)
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Wearable: Belt, wristba n d , ring, fu l l bodys u it
Usable: Co m p l ex device, h a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: U s e r te leports u p to 1 00 x the cyp h e r l evel i n m i les to a location he h a s p rev i o u s l y v i s ited . H e a rrives
safely with h i s posses s i o n s but ca n n ot take anyt h i n g e l s e with h i m .

e Temporal Viewer
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Wearable: Wri stba n d
Usable: Co m p l ex device, h a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: D i s p l ays m ovi n g i m ages a n d s o u n d , u p to ten m i n utes i n l e n gt h , d e p icti n g eve nts t h at occu rred at the
cu rre nt location u p to one yea r prior. The u s e r s pecifies the t i m e period s h own by t h e viewer.

e Time Dilation Nodule (Defensive)

Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to armor
Effect: For the next 28 h o u rs , the wearer of the armor moves i n seem i n gly ra ndom, ra pid j u m ps , a few i nches to
Attack modifiers, page 95 one side or the other, when attacked . Th i s is an as set that mod ifies attacks by two steps in the weare r' s favo r.

e Time Dilation Nodule (Offensive)

Level : l d 6
Usable: Crysta l nod u l e affixed to a m e l ee weapon
Effect: Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , t h e attacker moves at a l most i n stanta neous s peed s when h e swi ngs the
wea p o n , mod ifyi n g his attacks by two ste p s i n his favor.

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e Tracer
Level : l d 6
Wearable: Wri stba n d
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: F i res a m i crosco p i c t racer t h at c l i ngs to any s u rface with i n s h o rt ra n ge. Fo r the n ext 28 h o u rs , t h e
l a u ncher s h ows the d i stance a n d d i rection to t h e tracer, a s l o n g as it i s i n the s a m e d i me n s i o n .

f) Visage Changer Master thief Hadronus Rell

Level : l d 6 likes to use x-ray viewers
I nternal: P i l l or i n j ecti o n t h at p rod uces te m po ra ry s u bd e r m a l , m a l l e a b l e i m p l a nts in his work. "Never open
Usable: Tu be of m o l d a b l e paste a locked door if you don't
already know what's on the
Effect: C h a n ges the appeara n ce of one h u m a n - s ized creat u re . The c h a n ge takes ten m i n utes to a p p l y a n d
other side. "
l a sts fo r 28 h o u rs .

e Visual Displacement Device

Level : l d 6
Wearable: Belt or b race l et
Usable: H a n d h e l d d evice
Effect: Projects hologra p h i c i m ages of the wearer to confu s e attacke rs. The i m ages a p pear a ro u n d the wearer.
Th i s gives the wea re r an asset to S peed defe n s e act i o n s for ten m i n utes. Asset, page 7 6

fj Vocal Translator
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Wearable: Head band
Usable: Disk t h at m u st be h e l d to forehead
Effect: Tra n s l ates eve ryt h i n g said by the user i nto a l a n guage t h at a nyo n e can u n d e rsta n d fo r 28 h o u rs .

e Warmth Projector
Level : l d 6
I nternal: S u bd e r m a l i m p l a n t
Wearable: Bodys u it, b e l t
Usable: I njector
Effect: Kee p s the u s e r warm and co mforta b l e in the h a r s h e st co l d temperatu res fo r 28 h o u rs . D u ri n g t h i s
t i m e , the u s e r h a s Armor eq u a l t o t h e cyp h e r l evel t h at p rotects aga i n st cold d a mage.

e Water Breather
Level : l d 6
I nternal: P i l l , i n gesti b l e l i q u id
Usable: I njector
Effect: Al l ows a n a i r b reather to extract oxygen from wate r fo r eight h o u rs so she can b reathe u nd e rwate r.

e X-Ray Viewer
Level : l d 6 + 4
Usable: G l a s s panel
Effect: When held u p against a solid surface, this panel allows the user to see through u p to 2 feet (0.6 m) of material.
The panel works only if the cypher's level is h igher than the material's level. The effect lasts for one m i n ute.

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 CHAPTER 1 9

ARTI FACTS

A
rtifacts a re the tech devices left ove r fro m
t h e civi l izat i o n s of the past. These a re
d evices of a more permanent n at u re ( u n l e s s
they ru n out o f powe r) w i t h m o re straightfo rwa rd
a p p l i cation s-weapo n s , armor, util ity ite m s , a n d so
o n . Sti l l , they a re rarely straightfo rwa rd i n act u a l use.
Rat h e r t h a n fi n d a d evice t h at was meant to be u sed
a s a "gu n , " the PCs a re fa r more l i kely to find a n item
t h at was o ri g i n a l ly i ntended fo r a n ot h e r p u rpose
but t h at has been mod ified (as best a s N i nt h Wo rld
u nd e rsta n d i n g can m a n age) a n d now can be u sed
a s a ran ged wea pon. G iven the right too l s and parts,
some cha racters wi l l be a b l e to co n struct such ite m s
o n t h e i r own .
Re m e m b e r t h at a rtifacts a re i nco m p re h e n s i b l e
device s , a s l i kely a s n ot powered b y tra n s d i m e n s i o n a l
s i p h o n s u s i n g n a n otech nol ogy t o rewrite rea l ity o n
a n ato m i c o r s u bato m i c l eve l . Eve n to s o m e o n e who
u n d e rsta n d s a great deal about tech n o l ogy, most
a rtifacts a p pear to be more magic t h a n mach i n e .
Cypher, page 278 Al l artifacts h ave a level. U n l i ke cyphers, each has a
u n ique form. They also h ave a rate of power depletion.
When an artifact i s u sed or activated , the player rol l s
t h e designated d i e (l d6, l d l O, l d20, or l d l OO) . I f the
d i e shows the depletion n u m ber(s) , the item works, but
that i s its last use. A depletion entry of "-" means that
the artifact never depletes, and an entry of "automatic"
means that it can be u sed only once.
Repair rules, page 7 06 Depowered artifacts can sometimes be recharged
u s i n g the rep a i r rules . The focus Rides the Light n i n g
Rides the Lightning,
and other s pecial a b i l ities c a n also repower a n expe nded ite m , b u t probably for o n ly one use.
page 77

Finding, Identifying, and Using Artifacts

Artifacts a re somet i m e s fo u n d in o l d ru i n s , either i ntact or in need of m a n i p u l ation to get t h e m worki ng. They
a re u s u a l ly fo u n d a l o n e . When the PCs co me u po n an a rea where scave n g i n g m i ght be pos s i b l e, t h ey can
Intellect, page 20
search (an I nte l l ect action) . Typical ly, be i n g s k i l led i n the n u m e n e ra red uces t h e d ifficu lty of t h i s search . The
Skilled in the numenera,
page 25 GM sets the d ifficu lty fo r the task, but it i s u s u a l ly 3 o r 4 , a n d scave n g i n g can take ten m i n utes to a n h o u r. The
p roce s s often i n c l u d e s m a n i p u l ati n g w h at i s found to co b b l e toget h e r someth i n g t h at works. Fo r exa m ple,
the search m i ght i nvolve re m ovi n g t h e a rtifact fro m a l a rger mach i n e a n d mod ifyi n g it to work o n its own fo r
the task. I n t h i s c a s e , the a rtifact i s a l ready i d e ntified-fi n d i n g it a m i d the work i n g s of a l a rger d evice i n c l u d e s
i d e ntificat i o n .
Scave n g i n g i s n o t t h e o n ly way t o get a rtifacts. They can a l so be granted a s rewa rd s o r t a k e n fro m fa l l e n
fo e s . Somet i m e s they c a n eve n be bought i n town s , but t h i s occu rs more rarely t h a n m o s t P C s wo u l d
p robably l i ke.

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O n ce t h e cha racte rs fi n d an a rtifact, i d e ntifyi n g it i s u s u a l ly a separate task, a l so based on I nte l l ect a n d

mod ified by knowledge of the n u m e n e ra . The G M s e t s the d ifficu lty of t h e task, but it i s u s u a l ly eq u a l to t h e
l evel of t h e a rtifact. I t t a k e s fifteen m i n utes to th ree h o u rs . I f the P C s ca n ' t identify a n a rt ifact, they can b ri n g
it t o a n Aeo n Priest clave t o be i d e ntified o r, if d e s i re d , trad ed . Aeon Priest, page 269
A c h a racte r can atte m pt to u s e an a rtifact t h at i s n ot i d e ntified , but t h i s i s u s u a l ly an I nte l l ect task u s i n g CIMe, page 7 34
the a rtifact ' s l evel + 2 . Fa i l u re m i ght m e a n t h at the PC ca n ' t figu re o u t h ow t o u s e t h e a rtifact o r t h at h e uses
it i n co rrectly (G M ' s d i scretion) . Of course, eve n if the c h a racte r u ses t h e u n i d entified a rtifact co rrectly, h e wi l l
h ave n o idea what t h e effect wi l l be.
Eve n if a n a rtifact h a s been i d e nt ified , u s i n g it sti l l req u i res a n I nte l l ect actio n-at least fo r t h e fi rst use.
U s i n g a n a rtifact i s ge nerally fa r m o re co m p l ex than p u s h i n g a butto n . I t can i nvolve cro s s i n g w i res, p u l l i n g at
mech a n i s m s , a n d m a n i p u l ati n g touch scree n s with sym b o l s t h at mean l ittl e to a N i nth Wo rld cha racter. The
GM sets the d ifficu lty of t h e task, but it i s u s u a l ly eq u a l to the l eve l of t h e a rt ifact.
M ost of the t i m e , u s i n g a n a rtifact is one act i o n . U n l e s s oth e rwise s pecified in the text o r s u ggested by
logic, t h e action is I nte l l ect based.

ARTIFACT QUIRKS
Artifacts often a ren't entirely what they seem. An item that fu nctions l i ke a weapon in the PC's hands once m ight
h ave been a part of a very d ifferent device with a very d ifferent pu rpose. Another artifact m ight be a cobbled
together mess of various parts, created by a less-than-perfect nano or tech nician. Thus, sometimes artifacts don't
do what is expected , or they do somet h i n g in add ition to their desired fu nction. These are artifact q u i rks.
Q u i rks m i ght be a req u i rement fo r activat i o n . They co u l d be s i d e effects t h at h a p p e n a l l the t i m e with
the a rtifact, either cont i n u o u s ly o r each time it i s activated . They m i ght also be someth i n g t h at h a p p e n s
occa s i o n a l ly-fo r exa m p le , q u i rks co u l d be a good u s e o f G M i ntru s io n . GM intrusion, page 88

LIST OF ARTIFACT QUIRKS

01 -06 Activated by s o u n d (user m u st h u m , wh i stle, s i ng, o r speak in a s pecific way)
07- 1 0 Activated o n ly i n co m p l ete d a rkness
1 1 -1 4 Activated o n ly i n d i rect s u n l ight
1 5-1 7 Activated o n ly when u s e r i s i n co rrect fra me of m i n d
1 8-20 Activated o n ly in a certa i n te m p e ratu re
2 1 -23 Activated by a p p l ication o r i n sertion of s pecial s u bsta n ce (water, s a l iva, sand, plant m atte r, ice,
blood, fl e s h , paper, synth, metal)
24-2 7 Creates a terri b l e s m e l l
28-32 Creates a n n oyi n g b l ack s m o ke
33-36 Prod uces a n o i l y res i d u e
3 7-39 M a kes a stra n ge sound
40-42 M a kes a very l o u d s o u n d
43-46 Creates a bright fl a s h
4 7-48 Prod uces a stra nge h o logram a l o n g with the effect
49-50 Prod uces stra n ge te lepat h i c send i n gs along with t h e effect
5 1 -54 Creates a s m a l l e l ectric s h ock (no d a m age)
55-56 Creates a m a j o r e l ectric s h ock ( 2 poi nts o f d a m age)
5 7-60 G ets a n n oyi ngly warm
6 1 -62 G ets d a n ge ro u s ly warm (2 poi nts of d a m age)
63-66 D ra i n s heat a ro u n d it Some creatures, such as
6 7-68 D rastica l ly d ra i n s heat a ro u n d it (2 poi nts of d a m age with i n i m med i ate ra n ge) the abykos (page 230), can
destroy an artifact with a
69- 70 D ra i n s mental e n e rgy (2 poi nts of I nte l l ect d a m age)
single touch.
7 1 - 74 Ca u s e s a n i m a l s to flee fro m it
75-77 Att racts a n i m a l s t o i t
78-81 O n ce it fu n ct i o n s , ca n n ot be u sed aga i n fo r a n hour w h i l e it rec h a rges
82-85 Prod uces a ra s h o r l e s i o n s o n t h e u ser's fl e s h
86-89 S icke n s user (a l l d i fficulties i ncreased by 1 step fo r o n e m i n ute)
90-94 Freq uently breaks d own (o n e t i m e out of eve ry 6 u ses) , req u i res one m i n ute of re p a i r t i m e .
95-99 Creates any vari ety of stra nge effects d u e to a rea l ity-wa rp i n g n at u re (ro l l e a c h t i m e , taki n g o n ly
res u lts t h at m a ke sen se)
00 Ta kes ove r u ser's m i n d fo r one ro u n d ; user sta n d s sti l l and speaks g i b b e ri s h

299

An amulet ofsafety is
an excellent safeguard
against a sarrak (page
255) . Of course, if the
sarrak takes control of
the amulet, then you're
still in deep trouble. . .
Might, page 2 0
Speed, page 2 0
Effort, page 21
Battle armor and
battlesuits can be
potentially troublesome
due to the high Armor
to taIs that a PC can
attain. GMs can rule, if
they wish, that the Armor
rating ofthese suits
degrades oer time, after atmos p h e re, w h i c h co m p l etely p rotects aga i n st p o i s o n gases a n d a l l ows t h e wearer t o operate i n a n a i rless
sustaining a great deal
of damage. (The GM, in
fact, can do that with any
armor.) Doing so is likely
the puriew of a GM atmos p h e re a n d enviro n mental p rotect i o n s cease, but t h e s u it sti l l fu n ct i o n s as armor.)
intrusion.
A SELECTION OF NINTH WORLD ARTIFACTS
Amber Casement
Level : 1 d 6 + 4
Form: A series of s h o rt, ro u n ded tubes a n d hoses about 1 2 i n c h e s (30 cm) l o n g
Effect: When activated , it s o l i d ifies the a i r i n a 1 0-foot (3 m) cu be of s p ace, the center of which m u st be with i n
s h o rt ra n ge o f t h e device. T h e a i r i s tu rned i nto a n a m be rl i ke s u bsta n ce, a n d those trapped i n i t wi l l l i kely
s u ffocate o r starve.
Depletion: 1 -4 in 1 d 6
Amulet of Safety
Level : l d 6
Form: A p l a i n meta l l i c d i s k on a c h a i n
Effect: Once the a m u let i s keyed t o a s pecific n u menera wea pon, the weapon ca n n ot activate t o h a rm t h e
wea re r.
Depletion: -
Analyzing Shield
Level : 1 d 6 + 1
Form: A t ra n s pa rent synth s h i e l d
Effect: The beare r can see t h ro u g h t h i s s h i e l d , a n d it h a s a d i s p l ay t h at a n a lyzes the b e s t p l ace to stri ke a fo e
viewed t h ro u g h it. The bearer can u s e poi nts fro m h i s I nte l l ect P o o l (rather t h a n t h e m o re typical M i ght o r
S peed ) to i n crease the d a m age of h i s attacks b y 3 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts per l evel of Effort.
Depletion: -
Armored Flesh
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Form: Appears to be a co l l ecti o n of o rga n i c armored p l ates, l i ke a carapace or very l a rge fi s h scales
Effect: When p l aced o n t h e wearer's flesh, the armor grafts o n perm a n e n t ly. I t p rovides Armor eq u a l to h a l f
i t s l evel (ro u n d u p) but d o e s n ot h i n d e r move ment o r t i re t h e wearer i n any way (no M i ght cost o r S peed
red uction) . O n the contrary, the wea rer's m axi m u m M i ght Pool is perm a n e ntly i n creased by 2.
H owever, the benefits come at a cost. F i b ro u s te n d r i l s extend i nto the wea rer's fl e s h and eventu a l ly
reach t h e s p i n e a n d b ra i n , i n fl i ct i n g d a m age i n the form of 2 poi nts of perm a n e n t maxi m u m I nte l l ect Pool
red uct i o n . Th i s p rocess takes one week. The lost poi nts ca n n ot be rega i ned.
Depletion: -
Automated Cook
Level : l d 6
Form: A s m a l l metal a n d synth cu be t h at h a s m eta l l ic a r m s a n d too l s
Effect: Th i s automaton prepares fo o d o n co m m a n d . I t m u st be given raw mate r i a l s (water a n d orga n i c
co m pou n d s ) , but w i t h t h o s e it c a n p re p a re a n d serve a h ot, n utrit i o u s , d e l i c i o u s m e a l .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 1 00
Battle Armor
Level : 1 d 6 + 4
Form: A fu l l s u it of synth a n d steel armor, cove ri n g t h e enti rety of the wearer's body
Effect: Th i s armor i s fa r h a rd i e r and sti l l somew h at l i ghter t h a n N i nt h Wo rld s m ith i n g tech n i q ues co u l d
eve r m a n age with stee l . I t i s heavy a r m o r but grants a n add iti o n a l + 2 t o Armor i n add ition to t h e 3 poi nts
t h at heavy armor u s u a l ly p rovi d e s . Further, it i s e n t i rely sealed and has its own ete r n a l l y re newed i ntern a l
enviro n ment. The s u it ' s Armor rat i n g a l s o a p p l ies to d a mage t h at often i s n 't red uced by typ ical armor, s u c h
a s h e a t o r co l d d a m age (but n ot I nte l l ect d a m age) .
Depletion: - (At any t i m e , the G M can rule t h at t h e armor h a s s u sta i n ed e n o u g h d a m age t h at t h e
300
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ARTIFACTS

ARTIFACTS TABLE

When giv i n g a n a rtifact to a c h a racter, either choose fro m t h i s table o r ro l l a l d l OO fo r a ra n d o m a rtifact.

01 Amber casement 51 Mephitic staff

02 Amu let of safety 52 Metabolism bud
03 Analyzing s h ield 53 M i nd imager
This list of artifacts isn 't
04 Armored flesh 54 Molecu lar bonder comprehensive by any
05 Automated cook 55-56 M u ltid imensional blade means. Who knows what
06-07 Battle armor 57 M u rder globe technological treasures the
08 Battlesuit 58 N ano-need ler Ninth World will provide?
09 Bou nding boots 59-60 Need ler
(For information on
creating new artifacts, see
10 Brain bud 61 -62 N i ghtvision goggles
page 3 1 7) .
11 Carryal l 63 P h a s i n g piton
1 2- 1 3 Cel l u lar d i s ru ptor 64 Plant jar
1 4- 1 5 Chameleon cloak 65 Poison brain i m plant
16 Ch i u rgeon sphere 66 Psychic hel met
17 Cohesion stabil izer 67 Psychic whistle
1 8- 1 9 Cypher bag 68-69 Recorder head band
20 Dimensional armor 70- 71 Red l ight cl i p
2 1 -22 Disruption blade 72 Remote clamp
23 Dri l l spear 73 Repair sphere
24 Ecstasy paralyzer 74 Safe corridor
25-26 Explod ing arrow 75 Second skin
27 Fearmaker 76- 77 Shatter wand
28 Fiery hell maker 78- 79 Shock manacles
29 Fi ltration straw 80 Ski l l bud
30 Food scanner 81 -82 Sku l l blaster
3 1 -32 Food tube 83-84 Sl ugspitter
33 Force dome 85 S n i pewand
34 Healing sword 86-87 Stu nner
35 H o o p staff 88 Suspensor belt
3 6-3 7 Hover belt 89 Tel ltale glass
38 Hover square 90 Tendril graft
3 9-40 l mager 91 -92 Thunder cannon
41 I n stant bridge 93 Transdimensional ray projector
42-43 Ki netic sh ield 94-95 Trigger trap
44-45 Launcher 96 Vuech i
46-47 Light spike 97 Weapon graft
48 Liq uid armor 98 Wind rider
49 Liq uid sword 99-00 Wi ndsl ice blade
50 Livi ng armor s heath

Battlesuit
Level : 1 d 6 + 4
Form: A fu l l s u it of synth a n d steel armor, cove ri n g t h e enti rety of the wearer's body
Effect: This armor is far hardier and sti l l somewhat lighter than N i nth World smith ing tech n iques could ever manage
with steel. It is heavy armor but grants an additional +3 to Armor in add ition to the 3 poi nts that heavy armor usually
offers. Fu rther, it is entirely sealed and has its own eternally renewed i nternal atmosphere, which com pletely protects
against poison gases and allows the wearer to operate in an airless envi ron ment. The s u it's Armor rating also appl ies
to damage that often isn't red uced by typical armor, s uch as heat or cold damage (but not I ntel lect damage) .
I n addition, the wearer gai n s + 1 to her M ight Edge and +5 to her M ight Pool.
Depletion: - (At any t i m e , the GM can rule t h at t h e armor h a s s u sta i n ed e n o u g h d a m age t h at t h e
atmos p h e re a n d enviro n mental p rotect i o n s cease a n d the M i ght e n h a ncements n o l o n ge r fu ncti o n , but the
s u it sti l l fu n ct i o n s a s armor.)

30 1
 Bounding Boots
Level : 1 d6 + 1
Form: N i nt h Wo rld-made leather boots with s m a l l metal a n d synth devices worked i nto t h e s i d e s
Effect: The boots negate gravity e n o u g h to m a ke j u m p i n g a n d ru n n i n g e a s i e r. The boots a re co n s i d e red a n
asset fo r j u m p i n g a n d ru n n i n g.
Depletion: -

Brain Bud
Level : l d 6
Form: An orga n i c pod , a l m ost l i ke a s m a l l , h e m i s p herical bit of fru it. O n ce grafted to a host, it takes on t h e
appeara n ce of the host's fl e s h
Effect: The p o d grafts o n t o any l iv i n g h ost ( m u st be near the b ra i n ) a n d i n j ects co m p l ex c h e m i ca l s t h at
greatly i m p rove b ra i n activity. T h i s grants t h e h ost a +5 bon u s to m axi m u m I nte l l ect Poo l .
Depletion: -

Carryal l
Level : l d 6
Form: A m eta l l ic chest with t racked wheels on either s i d e
Effect: Th i s d evice co mes w i t h a s m a l l mod u l e t h at can be w o r n o n a b e l t . Rol l i n g a l o n g o n i t s whee l s , the
chest atte m pts to fo l l ow wit h i n i m me d i ate ra n ge of the m od u l e (th o u g h it can be d i rected to re m a i n where it
i s) . I t m oves a s h o rt d i stance each ro u n d . The chest can co me to t h e mod u l e fro m a ra n ge of u p to 1 0 m i l es
(1 6 km) away. The i nterior of the chest i s mostly h o l l ow a n d can h o l d u p to 5 , 000 pou n d s (2,268 kg) . The
a rtifact m u st be n ewly activated each d ay.
Spray, page 3 0
Arc Spray, page 3 7 Depletion: 1 i n l d 20

Cellular Disruptor
Level: 1 d6 + 4
Form: A s m a l l h a n d h e l d d evice with a few s i m p l e contro l s
Effect: T h i s d evice e m its a fa i nt s h o rt-ra n ge b e a m t h at affects o n ly o rga n i c
creatu res a n d m ateria l s . Livi n g ta rgets h it b y the b e a m move o n e step d own t h e
d a m age track. N o n l iv i n g o rga n i c ta rgets a re l i kely destroye d .
T h i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re weapon a n d t h u s can be u sed w i t h t h e S p ray o r Arc
S p ray a b i l ities t h at some gla ives and j acks h ave, but each " ro u n d of a m m o " u sed
o r each a d d i t i o n a l ta rget selected req u i res a n add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 i n l d l O

Chameleon Cloak
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Form: Very t h i n , l i ghtwe i ght, tra n s pa rent cloth formed i nto a crude cloak
Effect: When activated , the d evice takes o n the co l o rs a n d text u re s of eve ryt h i n g a ro u n d t h e wearer fo r ten
m i n utes. Th i s effect red uces t h e d ifficu lty of h i d i n g o r s n e a k i n g by two ste p s .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 1 00

Chiurgeon Sphere
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: S m a l l , s p h e rical auto m aton about 8 i n ches (20 cm) i n d i a m eter
Effect: Th i s d evice co mes with a s m a l l mod u l e t h at can be worn o n a belt. Float i n g a l o n g , the automaton
atte m pts to fo l l ow with i n i m me d i ate ra n ge of the m od u l e (th o u g h it can be d i rected to re m a i n where it i s) .
I t m oves a s h o rt d i stance each ro u n d . The s p h e re can co me to t h e m od u l e fro m a ra n ge of u p to 1 0 m i l es
(1 6 km) away. I f t h e mod u l e i s worn by a n o rga n i c creatu re a n d t h at creatu re takes d a m age, t h e automaton
m oves to re p a i r the d a m age with ce l l u l a r rege n e rat i n g too l s t h at re store 1 d 6 - 2 poi nts per ro u n d (mea n i n g
t h at if a 1 o r 2 i s ro l l ed , n o d a m age i s re pai red t h at ro u n d) . T h i s req u i re s n o action o n t h e part o f t h e creatu re
b e i n g healed. Each d ay, the auto m aton can atte m pt to re n d e r a i d a n u m be r of t i m e s eq u a l to its l eve l . The
a rtifact m u st be n ewly activated each d ay.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

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ARTIFACTS

Cohesion Stabilizer
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Form: A wristb a n d - m o u nted d evice with a few s i m p l e co ntro l s
Effect: A n y atte m pt t o affect the i ntegrity o f t h e wearer's physical form b y d i s i ntegrat i n g i t , e n ca s i n g it,
c h a n g i n g its p h a s e , te leport i n g it, o r ot h e rwise d i s ru pt i n g it fa i l s if the wearer w i s h e s it to fa i l . Doi n g so i s n ot
an action on t h e wearer's p a rt.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d l 0

Cypher Bag Cyphers in a cypher bag

Level : l d 6 cannot be used while in the
Form: Synth bag bag.
Effect: Th i s bag can conta i n up to o n e cyp h e r per a rtifact l eve l , as long a s each i s n o l a rger than a typ ical
h a n d - h e l d d evice. These cyp h e rs d o n ot co u n t aga i n st a c h a racte r' s l i m it.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20 (check each time a cyp h e r i s added to the bag)

Dimensional Armor
Level : l d 6 + 4
Form: A fu l l s u it of synth a n d steel armor, cove ri n g t h e enti rety of the wearer's body
Effect: Th i s armor i s far h a rd i e r and sti l l somewhat l i ghter than N i nth World s m ith i n g tech n iques cou l d ever
m a n age with stee l . It is heavy armor but grants an additional +2 to Armor in add ition to the 3 poi nts that
heavy armor u s u a l ly p rovides. Fu rther, when activated , it s h ifts the wearer's phase ran d o m ly for ten m i n utes,
which i ncreases the d ifficu lty of attacks on the wearer by two steps. This s h ifti n g effect i s negated by s peci a l
m u ltid i m e n s i o n a l weapons or attacks.
Depletion: 1 in l d l O (for the p h a s e s h ift i n g a b i l ity, but afte r d e p l et i o n , the s u it sti l l fu n ct i o n s as armor)

Disruption Blade
Level : 1 d6 + 1
Form: A swo rd or s i m i l a r b l aded weapon with d evices affixed to t h e b l a d e a n d h i lt
Effect: Th i s weapon fu n ct i o n s as a normal sword (or rarely, an axe or a cleaver) .
H owever, if the w i e l d e r uses an action to activate it, t h e weapon rad i ates a field of
molecu l a r d i s ru pti n g e n e rgy for o n e ro u n d . D u ri n g t h at ro u n d , if it scores a h it, it
i nfl icts a n add iti o n a l 1 0 poi nts of d a m age.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d6

303
Drill Spear
Level : 1 d6 + 1
Form: A wood e n s h aft with an affixed s pearh ead t h at a p pears to be a meta l l i c d r i l l
Effect: T h i s spear fu nctions as a normal spear. I f t h e wielder uses i t t o attack a foe, u pon a successfu l h it the
wielder decides whether to activate the weapon. U pon activation, the wielder lets go of the spear, and it d r i l l s i nto
the foe, infl icting an additional 3 poi nts of damage. H owever, the wielder
then i s no longer hold i n g the spear. The d ri l l i n g fu nction works o n ly in
melee com bat beca use activation occu rs after the foe i s struck.
Depletion: 1 in l d 20

Ecstasy Paralyzer
Level: 1 d6 + 2
Form: A h a n d h e l d d evice with few co ntro l s
Effect: Th i s l o n g- ra n ge weapon fires a b e a m o f e n e rgy t h at i n fl i cts n o d a m age.
I n stea d , it affects the ta rget ' s m i n d , fi l l i n g h i m with such pleas u re t h at h e loses h i s
n ext t u r n .
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re wea p o n , a n d t h u s can be used w i t h the S p ray o r Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at s o m e
g l a ives a n d j a c k s h ave, but e a c h " ro u n d o f a m mo" used o r e a c h a d d i t i o n a l ta rget sel ected req u i res a n
add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Exploding Arrow
Level : l d 6
Form: Arrow with a t i n y m eta l l i c d evice attached to it
Effect: The a rrow explodes when it stri kes someth ing, infl icting its level i n damage to all wit h i n i m med iate range.
Depletion: Auto m atic

Fearmaker
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A 4-foot-ta l l (1 . 2 m) co l l a p s i b l e tri pod with a metal co n e at t h e top.
Effect: I t takes two ro u n d s to a s s e m b l e a n d set up this d evice. O n ce set up, it takes a n action to activate.
When activated, it affects the m i n d s of a l l t h i n k i n g creat u res with i n long ra n ge in a 45 degree a rc. Those
affected a re i n st i l led with terror, making them d ro p what they a re h o l d i n g a n d d o o n e of t h e fo l l owing:

Rol l Action
01 -50 Flee for 1 d6 ro u n d s
5 1 -90 Cowe r (los i n g t h e i r act i o n s) fo r 1 d 6 ro u n d s
9 1 -00 Fa i nt, re m a i n i n g u n co n s c i o u s fo r o n e m i n ute ( o r u n t i l ro u sed b y vigoro u s action)

Depletion: 1 i n l d 6

Fiery Hellmaker
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Form: A 7-foot-tall (2 m) col l a p s i b l e metal sta nd with a l a rge metal d i sc at the top and a co ntrol box i n the center
Effect: I t takes two ro u n d s to a s s e m b l e and set up t h i s d evice. O n ce set up, it takes a n action to activate.
When activated, the d i s k fi res a ba rrage of fiery l o n g- ra n ge m i s s i l es in all d i rect i o n s . Eve ryo ne and eve ryt h i n g
with i n l o n g ra n ge s u ffers d a mage eq u a l t o the a rtifact l eve l , u n less they a re with i n 3 feet (0. 9 m) o f t h e d evice
and keep t h e i r heads d own .
Depletion: 1 i n l d 6

Filtration Straw
Level : l d 6
Form: A long, n a rrow synth t u be
Effect: Water t h at passes t h ro u g h t h i s tube is p u rified . M ost l i q u i d s oth e r t h a n wate r d rawn t h ro u g h t h e t u be
co m e out as wate r (or mostly wate r) .
Depletion: -

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ARTIFACTS

Food Scanner
Level : l d 6
Form: A h a n d h e l d d evice with a n u m be r of co ntro l s a n d a wide d i s h at o n e e n d
Effect: When activated a n d poi nted at food , t h i s d evice s o u n d s a n a l a rm if the fo o d h a s any conta m i n a nts o r
p o i s o n o u s s u bstances.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Food Tube Most people report that

Level : l d 6 the pastefrom a food tube
Form: A synth t u b e tastes quite awful.
Effect: The d evice p rod uces a grey paste t h at p rovides e n o u g h n utrition fo r o n e p e r s o n fo r one d ay.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d l 0

Force Dome
Level : 1 d 6 + 3
Form: A 4-foot-ta l l (1 . 2 m) co l l a p s i b l e tri pod with a l a rge g l a s s globe at the top a n d a control box i n the ce nter
Effect: I t takes two ro u n d s to a s s e m b l e a n d set up t h i s d evice. O n ce set up, it takes a n action to activate.
When activated, t h i s d evice p rojects a powe rfu l fo rce field dome with a d i a m eter of s h o rt range. The field i s
i m m o b i l e , i m permea b l e , a n d i m penetra b l e u n t i l it i s b rought d own b y a fo rce (such as a d evice o r creatu re) of
a h i g h e r l eve l . Oth e rwise, it l a sts fo r 28 h o u rs , d u ri n g which t i m e it h a s e n o u g h a i r to s u p port six h u m a n s .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 2 0

Healing Sword
Level : l d 6
Form: A typ ical swo rd with an o d d - l ooki n g synth h i lt
Effect: The broadsword blade is a N i nth World-forged addition to the n u menera h i lt (wh ich l i kely was not a sword h i lt
originally) . When squeezed properly, the h i lt i njects a heal ing substance i nto the wielder's body, restori ng 1 d6 poi nts of
any stat Pool he wishes. If the wielder is using the sword in battle, using the healing fu nction does not require an action.
Depletion: 1 in 1 d l 0 (for the heal i n g a b i l ity, but after d e p l et i o n , it sti l l fu ncti o n s as a sword)

Hoop Staff
Level : 1 d6 + 3
Form: Lo n g wood e n staff with a 6 - i n c h (1 5 cm) b ronze hoop attached to the t i p . The staff is of rece nt creat i o n ,
but the hoop i s n ot.
Effect: H o logra p h i c i m ages fl i cker to l i fe i n the hoop, warn i n g of d a n ger. The i m ages a re re p rese ntative of the
d a n ge r in some fa s h i o n . Fo r exa m ple, a p p roach i n g e n e m ies look l i ke th reate n i ng, a m o r p h o u s creat u re s , a n d
d a n ge ro u s weat h e r m i ght l o o k l i ke l i ghtn i n g b o l t s co m i n g fro m a c l o u d .
The G M d e c i d e s when a n d h ow t h e staff wa rns o f d a n ge r. Fo r i n exp l icable rea s o n s , somet i m e s it fa i l s t o
d e l iver a warn i n g. (Th u s , it' s a l l r i g h t if t h e G M fo rgets a b o u t the staff occa s i o n a l ly.)
Depletion: 1 i n l d l OO

Hover Belt
Level : 1 d 6 + 1
Form: Odd-fitt i n g meta l l i c m e s h belt t h at h a s a metal box attach ment with d i a l contro l s
Effect: The wearer c a n fl oat u p i nto t h e a i r o r b a c k d own aga i n a t a rate of 20 feet (6 . 1 m) per ro u n d . U s i n g
the co m p l ex co ntro l s , t h e wearer c a n move h o rizonta l ly a t a m uch s l ower pace ( 5 feet [1 . 5 m] per ro u n d) i n a
m uch l e s s sta b l e or co ntro l led trajecto ry. The belt works for ten m i n utes per u se.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Hover Square
Level : l d 6
Form: Fo l d ed synth s q u a re t h at is 1 foot by 1 foot (0. 3 m by 0 . 3 m) a n d u nfo l d s i nto a s q u a re t h at i s 8 feet by
8 feet (2 .4 m by 2 . 4 m)
Effect: When u nfolded a n d activated, t h i s p iece of synth forms a p l atform t h at m oves l atera l ly as d i rected by
someone atop it. The p l atform m oves up to s h o rt ra n ge in a ro u n d . I t can h o l d up to 5 , 000 po u n d s (2,268 kg) .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

305
 lmager
Level : l d 6
Form: A s m a l l , recta n g u l a r h a n d h e l d d evice with a clear synth p a n e l
Effect: Th i s d evice captu res a pe rfect i m age of a nearby scene. I t can store t h o u s a n d s of i m ages, a n d any
stored i m age can be s h own o n the synth panel. When the d evice i s d e p l eted , all stored i m ages a re lost.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 1 00

An instant bridge could, Instant Bridge

in theory, be used to grab
Level : 1 d6 + 1
a metallic object and
pull it toward the user. Form: A h a n d h e l d d evice with a few contro l s
The object would need Effect: Th i s d evice fires a ca b l e w i t h a powe rfu l magnet i n l o n g ra n ge. W h e n the magnet stri kes a metal
to weigh less than the s u rface, it affixes itself, a n d t h e taut ca b l e exte n d s i nto a n a rrow bridge about 3 feet (0. 9 m) wide. The d evice
user. The action would can then be affixed to another meta l l i c s u rface to a n c h o r t h e bridge. When d eactivated , the magnets l et go
a /so be two steps higher a n d the ca b l e retracts.
in difficulty than normal
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20
because it's not meant for
such precision work.
Kinetic Shield
Level : 1 d 6 + 1
Form: A wristband or a r m b a n d with a s m a l l meta l l i c d evice attached
Effect: When a physical p roject i l e such as a n arrow, a t h rown knife , o r a b u l letl i ke m i s s i l e co mes with i n 4
i nches ( 1 0 cm) of the wea rer's body, a powe rfu l e n e rgy field act ivate s a utomatica l ly a n d atte m pts to s l ow
d own or d efl ect t h e p roject i l e . The d ifficu lty of the wea rer's S peed d efe n s e aga i n st such attacks i s mod ified by
o n e ste p i n h i s favor. I f the p roject i l e sti l l h its the wearer, t h e field a d d s 1 to Armor aga i n st the attack.
Depletion: 1 in l d 20

Launcher
Level : 1 d6 + 3
Form: A metal tube with a set of wi n d i n g synth tubes wrapped a ro u n d it.
Effect: Th i s d evice l a u nches a nyth i n g about the s ize of a fist o r s m a l l e r with great fo rce with a ra nge of 200
feet (61 m) . An i n e rt o bj ect, such a s a rock, i n fl i cts the a rtifact ' s l evel in d a mage. A d etonation cyp h e r (or
s i m i l a r exp los ive) can a l so be l a u nched to activate o n i m pact.
Depletion: 1 in l d 20

Light Spike
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A fi n gerless gl ove of s e m i rigid synth
Effect: When the gl ove is activated , a s p i ke of s o l i d , red - h ot e n e rgy i s e m itted fro m the back of the wea rer's
hand. Th i s s p i ke can be u sed a s a m e l ee weapon t h at i n fl i cts d a mage eq u a l to the a rtifact ' s leve l . I t l a sts fo r
ten m i n utes. I f t h e wielder i n creases the s p i ke ' s powe r (wh ich req u i re s a separate action a n d a n a d d i t i o n a l
d e p l etion ro l l ) , the d a m age i n creases by 1 poi nt.
Depletion: 1 i n l d 20

Liquid armor and the Liquid Armor

liquid sword are based Level : 1 d 6 + 3
on a technology called
Form: An a d a m a n t s i l k belt with two m eta l l ic cyl i n d ers attached to it
smart fluid. Conceivably,
it could be found in Effect: When activated , a wate ry l i q u id s p rays out of the cyl i n d ers on the belt. An e l ectric field s h apes t h i s
many other applications. s m a rt fl u i d , cau s i n g it t o fo r m a p rotective s h e l l a ro u n d the wea re r, n ot u n l i ke fu l l body armor. The fl u i d
Somewhere in the Cold becomes i m med i ately ( b u t sel ectively) r i g i d when struck, p rovi d i n g +3 t o Armor, but it offers none o f t h e
Desert lies a citadel made p e n a l t i e s associated w i t h armor. I t can be used ove r the top of l i ght armor, add i n g to its p rotect i o n , but
entirely of solid smart
m ed i u m o r heavy armor d i s ru pts t h e e l ectric field ' s s h a p i n g atte m pts. The l i q u id armor l asts fo r fo u r h o u rs o r
fluid.
u nt i l deact ivated .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

306
 LI M E NE
ARTIFACTS

Liquid Sword
Level : 1 d6 + 3
Form: An a d a m a n t s i l k wri st band with a m eta l l i c cyl i n d e r attached to it
Effect: When activated , a wate ry l i q u id s p rays out of the cyl i n d e r o n t h e wristba n d . An e l ectric field s h apes
this s m a rt fl u i d , cau s i n g it to form i nto the s h a pe of a b road swo rd . The fl u id becomes i m m ed i ately rigid a n d
i ncred i b ly s h a rp , a l l owi n g it to be u sed as a n o r m a l swo rd t h at i n fl icts 1 a d d i t i o n a l poi nt of d a m age. The
swo rd l a sts fo r fo u r h o u rs o r u n t i l deactivate d .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Living Armor Sheath

Level : 1 d6 + 1
Form: When n ot affixed to a creat u re, t h i s looks l i ke a m a s s of heavy fa b ric. On a creatu re, it looks l i ke heavy,
leathery fl e s h .
Effect: W h e n worn ove r n o r m a l s k i n , t h i s o rga n i c m ateri a l a d h e res a n d conforms t o t h e creat u re ' s body
s h ape. The wearer i s tra i ned in M i ght d efe n s e tasks to re s i st poison and d i sease. Fu rt h e r, she has +2 to
Armor with n o h i n d ra n ce s . H owever, s h e ca n n ot wea r armor ove r the l iv i n g s h eath beca u s e it's too b u l ky.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d l 00 (ch ecked each d ay wh i l e the s h eath i s worn)

Mephitic Staff
Level : l d 6
Form: A s h o rt m eta l - a n d - g l a s s tube fitted onto a we l l - m a d e wood e n q u a rte rstaff
Effect: When activated (wh ich is n ot an action) , the t i p of the staff re leases a concentrated , i m med i ate- ra n ge
b l a st of n oxi o u s fu mes when it i s struck aga i n st a s o l i d creatu re or o bj ect. An affected creat u re loses its n ext
t u rn to co ugh i n g a n d choking.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Metabolism Bud
Level : l d 6
Form: An orga n i c pod , a l m ost l i ke a s m a l l ,
h e m i s p herical b i t o f fru it. O n ce grafted t o a host, it
takes o n the a p pearance of the host' s fl e s h .
Effect: The p o d grafts o n t o any l iv i n g h ost (u s u a l ly
near the b ra i n or s p i ne) a n d i njects c h e m i ca l s t h at
boost the creat u re ' s metabo l i s m . T h i s grants the
host a +5 bon u s to m axi m u m S peed Poo l .
Depletion: -

Mind lmager
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A h a n d h e l d d evice with a synth p a n e l screen
and w i res t h at m u st be affixed to the head of a
creatu re
Effect: Th i s d evice s h ows a v i s u a l i m age of what a
creatu re i s th i n ki n g. The affected creatu re need n ot
be co n s c i o u s .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

307
 Molecular Bonder
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Form: A h a n d h e l d d evice with a n u m be r of co ntro l s a n d a poi nted e n d
Effect: Th i s d evice fu ses two o bj ects together w i t h a bond stre n gth e q u a l to its leve l . I f fl e s h b o n d e d i n t h i s
w a y (whether to a n object o r to oth e r fl e s h ) i s t o r n a p a rt, it s u ffers d a mage eq u a l to t h e d evice ' s l eve l .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 6

Multidimensional Blade
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Form: A s h o rt, straight b l aded weapon with a l a rge haft t h at h a s a few co ntro l s on it
Effect: When activated , the blade exi sts on many levels of real ity at once. It inflicts damage equal to its level, and
Abykos, page 23 0 it harms creatures (such as an abykos) that can be affected only by tra n sd i mensional effects. Once activated, the
blade i s active for one m i n ute.
Depletion: 1 in 1 d20

Murder Globe
Level : 1 d 6 + 3
Form: A 3 -foot-ta l l (0. 9 m) co l l a p s i b l e metal tri pod with a l a rge meta l globe at the top. The globe h a s a
n u m be r of holes i n it, but it i s n ot h o l l ow.
Effect: I t takes two ro u n d s to a s s e m b l e a n d set u p t h i s d evice. I t t h e n req u i re s a n action to act ivate. When
activated , this d evice does noth i n g fo r five ro u n d s . After t h at, if a nyth i n g l a rger t h a n a m o u s e comes with i n
l o n g ra nge o f i t , t h e globe fi res a powe rfu l p roject i l e a t t h at ta rget. T h e p roject i l e i n fl icts d a m age e q u a l t o the
a rtifact l eve l . The d evice can attack u p to ten t i m e s per ro u n d , but it n ever attacks the s a m e ta rget m o re than
o n ce per ro u n d . I t re m a i n s o n watch fo r 28 h o u rs or u n t i l it h a s made one h u n d red attacks, w h i c h ever comes
fi rst.
Depletion: Auto m atic

The assassin Bledsele uses Nano-needler

a nano-needler to poison Level : l d 6
her targets with her wide
array of exotic numenera Form: A s m a l l h a n d h e l d d evice with a tiny t u b e
poisons. Effect: Th i s d evice p rojects a s i n g l e need l e-fa r s m a l l e r i n w i d t h t h a n a h u m a n h a i r-up to l o n g r a n g e . The
need l e i n fl i cts n o d a m age, but it can ca rry poison o r d i sease, a n d the i njection i s so tiny t h at t h e vict i m
d o e s n ' t fee l i t . The need l e c a n a l so penetrate (ignore) u p t o 4 Armor.
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re wea p o n , a n d t h u s can be used with the S p ray or Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at some
g l a ives a n d jacks h ave, but each " ro u n d of a m mo" used o r each additional ta rget sel ected req u i res a n
add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 i n l d l O

Needler
Level : l d 6
Form: A s m a l l h a n d h e l d d evice with a tiny t u b e
Effect: Th i s d evice p rojects a s i n g l e need l e (no d a m age) , a s p ray of need les (1 point of d a m age) , o r a wide
s p ray of need les (no d a m age, but it affects eve ryo n e with i n a n i m med i ate a rea)-user's choice. In each case,
the need les can affect a nyo n e with i n l o n g ra n ge. The need les can be poisoned, i n which case eve n those who
d o n ' t take d a m age m u st m a ke M i ght defe n s e ro l l s to avo i d be i n g poisoned.
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re wea p o n , a n d thus can be used with the S p ray o r Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at some
g l a ives a n d jacks h ave, ignori n g " ro u n d s of a m mo" costs.
Depletion: 1 in l d 20

Nightvision Goggles
Level : l d 6
Form: A p a i r of synth goggles with d a rk, p rot ru d i n g l e n s e s
Effect: Outside, the wearer can see at n i ght a s if it were d ayl ight. I n s ide, t h e wearer can s e e i n p itch d a rkness
fo r s h o rt ra n ge.
Depletion: -

308
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ARTIFACTS

Phasing Piton
Level : l d 6
Form: A m eta l l ic s p i ke with a s i n g l e toggl e stud
Effect: When activated , the p iton phases a n d can be i n se rted u p to 6 inches (1 5 cm) i nto a l most any m ateri a l .
W h e n deact ivate d , the p iton becomes s o l i d aga i n a n d re m a i n s e m bedded s o l i d ly i n the m ateri a l . I f u sed as
a weapon (req u i ri n g o n e action to activate a n d i n se rt, a n d a seco n d action to deactivate) , the p iton i n fl icts 6
poi nts of d a m age.
Depletion: 1 in 1 d l 00

Plant jar
Level : l d 6
Form: A l a rge g l a s s or clear synth ca n i ster
Effect: A l iv i n g p l a nt p l aced i n s i d e t h i s d evice re m a i n s a l ive u nt i l re moved rega rd less of l i ght, wate r, o r oth e r
co n d iti o n s .
Depletion: -

Poison Brain Implant

Level : 1 d6 + 1
Form: Ca p s u l e
Effect: W h e n swa l l owed , t h i s i m p l a nt t rave l s to t h e b ra i n a n d nests t h e re. H e n cefort h , whenever a creatu re
esta b l i s h e s contact with the c h a racte r' s m i n d ( u s i n g mental attack, te lepat h i c co m m u n icat i o n , m i n d co ntro l ,
a n d so on) , the creat u re i s attacked mental ly. I t i s stu n n ed fo r o n e ro u n d (los i n g i t s action) a n d takes I nte l l ect
d a m age eq u a l to t h e a rtifact ' s l eve l . T h i s effect does n ot p reve nt the contact.
Depletion: -

Psychic Helmet
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A l i ghtwe ight synth h e l m et
Effect: The wearer gai n s 3 Armor t h at p rotects aga i n st I nte l l ect d a m age o n ly. Furt h e r, the d ifficu lty of
atte m pt i n g to affect t h e wearer's m i n d i s i n creased by one step i n the wea rer's favo r.
Depletion: -

Psychic Whistle There could easily be

Level : 1 d 6 + 2 psychic whistles keyed
Form: A metal d evice 1 i n c h (2 . 5 cm) l o n g with a s i n g l e b utto n to the brain patterns
Effect: When the d evice is activated , a wh i stlel i ke s o u n d is heard by h u m a n s with i n 500 feet ( 1 5 2 m) . The of creatures other than
d evice does n ' t act u a l ly p rod u ce s o u n d but i n stead sti m u l ates t h e a u ra l center of the h u m a n b ra i n . I t h a s n o humans. A crafty specialist
might even be able to
effect o n n o n h u m a n s .
fine-tune a psychic whistle
Depletion: 1 i n l d l OO so that it only keys to a few
specific individuals' brain
Recorder Headband patterns.
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A leatherl i ke head band with a s m a l l d evice attached
Effect: Th i s head band reco rd s eve ryt h i n g the wearer sees as mov i n g i m ages t h at can be re p l ayed and
reviewed . I t stores u p to o n e h u n d red h o u rs of i m ages.
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Redlight Clip
Level : 1
Form: A metal cl i p or p i n e a s i l y affixed to cloth i n g
Effect: Th i s object fl a s h e s red w h e n i n i m med i ate ra n ge o f d a n ge ro u s rad iation o r p o i s o n o u s gas.
Depletion: -

309
 The difficulty for a PC Remote Clamp
caught in a remote clamp
Level : l d 6
to breakfree is equal to
the artifact level Form: A metal c l a m p with a d etac h a b l e control pad
+ 2 because its grip is so Effect: The control pad a l l ows someone to d i rect this extre mely stro n g d evice to clamp a n d u n c l a m p . The pad
strong. m u st be with i n 5 00 feet (1 5 2 m) of the clamp to control it.
Depletion: 1 i n l d l O

Repair Sphere
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A s m a l l s p h erical auto m aton about 8 i n ches (20 cm) i n d i a m eter
Effect: Th i s d evice comes with a s m a l l mod u l e that can be affixed to a mach i n e . Floati n g along, the s p h ere
attem pts to fol low with i n i m med iate ra n ge of the mod u le (though it can be d i rected to re m a i n where it i s) . I t
moves a short d i stance e a c h rou n d . I t can come t o the mod u l e fr o m a ra n ge o f u p to 1 0 m i les (1 6 k m ) away. I f
the mod u le i s attached t o a mach i n e a n d that mach i n e takes d a m age, the s p here moves to rep a i r the d a m age
with sophi sticated too l s that resto re 1 d6 - 2 poi nts per rou n d (mea n i n g that if a 1 or 2 is ro l led , no d a m age is
rep a i red that rou n d ) . T h i s req u i res no action on the part of the mach i n e be i n g re p a i red. The s p here can attem pt
to re pair a mach i n e a n u mber of times per d ay equal to its l eve l . The a rtifact m u st be newly activated each d ay.
Depletion: 1 i n l d l OO

Safe Corridor
Level : 1 d 6 + 2
Form: Two separate meta l a n d synth ca p s u les about t h e s ize of a h u m a n ' s head, each with a l a rge g l a s s p l ate
Effect: When the device is activated, the space between the two capsules forms an invisible corridor of breathable
atmos phere with a moderate tem peratu re. It hedges out dangerous vapors, vacu u m , i n sects, rad iation, nan ites, and
other particu late matter. The corridor is 8 feet (2.4 m) wide and can be u p to 1 mile (1 .6 km) long. It m u st be relatively
unobstructed-u neven terrai n is fine, but walls, h i l l s , and so on wi l l block it. The corridor remains for 28 hours.
Depletion: 1 i n l d 20

Second Skin
Level : 1 d 6 + 1
Form: When n ot affixed to a creat u re, t h i s looks l i ke a m a s s of d i a p h a n o u s fa b ric. On a creatu re, it i s a l most
i nv i s i b l e.
Effect: When stretched over a creature's normal s ki n , t h i s organic material adheres and conforms to its body
shape. While wearing the second skin, the creatu re has an asset in M ight defense tasks to res i st poison and
d i sease.
Depletion: 1 in l d l OO (ch ecked each d ay wh i l e the s k i n i s worn)

310
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ARTIFACTS

Shatter Wand
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Form: B road , 8 - i n c h (20 cm) synth stick with a s i ngle b utto n
Effect: Th i s weapon rea l i g n s t h e molecu l a r structu re of a l iv i n g ta rget, i n effect crysta l i z i n g the fl e s h . It works
at long ra n ge but has n o v i s i b l e m a n i festation (no ray o r p roject i l e) . The d evice i n fl i cts d a m age eq u a l to its
l eve l . Further, if t h e ta rget i s s l a i n by the device, the ta rget s h atte rs, exp lod i n g in a n i m me d i ate rad i u s with
crysta l l i n e s h ra p n e l t h at i n fl i cts 3 poi nts of d a m age.
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re wea p o n , a n d t h u s can be used with the S p ray o r Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at some
g l a ives and jacks h ave, but each " ro u n d of a m mo" used o r each a d d i t i o n a l ta rget sel ected req u i res a n
add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Shock Manacles
Level : 1 d6 + 1
Form: A l i ghtwe ight p a i r of metal or synth m a n acles
Effect: N ot o n l y a re these restra i nts b i n d i ng, but they also i n fl ict their l eve l i n d a m age whenever
the wearer atte m pts to break free. O nce active, the m a n acles ope rate fo r 28 h o u rs .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 2 0

Skill Bud
Level : l d 6
Form: An orga n i c pod , a l m ost l i ke a s m a l l , h e m i s p herical bit of fru it. O n ce grafted to a host, it takes on t h e
appeara n ce of the host's fl e s h .
Effect: Th i s p o d grafts o n t o any l iv i n g host ( m u st be near the b ra i n ) a n d i n j ects co m p l ex c h e m i ca l s t h at a lter
b ra i n a n d m u scle fu n ct i o n s . Th i s grants t h e host t ra i n i n g in o n e (predete r m i ned) s k i l l .
Depletion: -

Skull Blaster
Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A h e a d b a n d with an attached cyl i n d e r t h at ru n s a l o n g the left s i d e of the wea rer's head
Effect: Th i s d evice e m its a b ri l l i ant beam of focused l i ght t h at h a s a ra n ge of 200 feet (61 m) . Ta rgets h it by
the beam take d a mage eq u a l to t h e a rtifact ' s l eve l .
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re wea p o n , a n d t h u s c a n be u s e d w i t h the S p ray o r Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at some
g l a ives a n d jacks h ave, but each " ro u n d of a m mo" used o r each additional ta rget sel ected req u i res a n
add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20

Slugspitter
Level : 1 d6 + 1
The mechanical creatures
Form: A l o n g d evice with a n a rrow metal t u b e
of the Weal of Baz (page
Effect: W i t h a q u i et s o u n d l i ke a puff of a i r, t h i s d evice fi res a tiny s l u g of m e t a l w i t h a ra nge of 200 feet (6 1 7 98) use slugspitters with
m) . It i n fl i cts d a mage eq u a l to the a rtifact ' s l eve l . regularity.
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re wea p o n , a n d t h u s c a n be u s e d w i t h the S p ray o r Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at some
g l a ives a n d jacks h ave, but each " ro u n d of a m mo" used o r each additional ta rget sel ected req u i res a n
add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 2 i n l d l OO
-

Snipewand
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Form: A l o n g h a n d h e l d d evice with a tiny p l ate of g l a s s
Effect: S i g h t i n g t h rough the g l a s s , o bj ects u p to 1 m i l e (1 . 6 km) away can be vi ewed a s if they we re j u st a
s h o rt d i stance away. The u s e r m u st h ave a d i rect l i n e of s i ght to the object-the d evice ca n n ot penet rate
barriers o r go a ro u n d corners. O nce a n o bj ect is s i ghted , the d evice a l most s i l e ntly fi res a t i n y s l u g of meta l at
the ta rget. The s l u g i n fl i cts d a mage eq u a l to the a rtifact ' s l eve l .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 2 0

31 1

The tendril graft, like
many biological artifacts,
establishes a symbiotic
relationship with its user,
or "host. " It gains all
the nutrients it needs by
absorbing them from its
host. People with such
grafts find that they need
to eat and drink about
25% more than normal
to stay hea /thy.
Stunner
Level : l d 6
Form: A h a n d h e l d d evice t h at looks l i ke a metal s p h e re with a h a n d l e
Effect: W h e n activated , t h i s d evice fires a b e a m o f e n e rgy t h at stu n s the ta rget fo r o n e ro u n d , m a k i n g h i m lose
his n ext act i o n .
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re weapon a n d t h u s can be used w i t h the S p ray o r Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at s o m e
g l a ives a n d j a c k s h ave, but e a c h " ro u n d o f a m mo" used o r e a c h a d d i t i o n a l ta rget sel ected req u i res a n
add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 i n l d 20
Suspensor Belt
Level : 1 d 6 + 1
Form: A belt with a n u m be r of brass d i scs affixed to it
Effect: Th i s belt n egates gravity e n o u g h to m a ke a l l m ovement e a s i e r, granti n g t h e wearer a + 1 bon u s to h i s
S peed E d ge. Alternatively, a grossly obese creatu re co u l d wea r t h e belt s i m ply t o fu n ction normal ly.
Depletion: -
Tell tale Glass
Level : 1
Form: Clear d ri n ki n g g l a s s
Effect: Th i s g l a s s t u r n s red if a nyth i n g p o i s o n o u s i s put i nto it, eve n i n very s m a l l q u a ntities.
Depletion: -
Tendril Graft
Level : l d 6
Form: A w h i p l i ke l e n gt h of orga n i c material s i m i l a r to fl e s h
Effect: Th i s graft attaches t o the h o s t ' s s p i n a l col u m n so t h at it can be co ntro l l e d l i ke a l i m b. The h o s t can u s e
it l i ke a wh i p ( a l i ght weapon) eve n if h i s h a n d s a re fu l l . H e can a l so u s e it l i ke a p re h e n s i l e ta i l t h at can h o l d
h i s we ight (ass u m i n g h e i s ro u g h ly h u m a n - s ized) o r a n o t h e r o bject.
Depletion: -
Thunder Cannon
Level : 1 d6 + 4
Form: A l a rge, heavy t u be with a bel l - s h a ped e n d a n d a n u m be r of co ntro l s
Effect: Th i s m a s s ive d evice c a n barely be h e l d o r carried b y a s i n g l e pers o n . W h e n activated , it e m its a
SO-foot-wide (1 5 m) co n e of p u re s o n i c fo rce out to l o n g ra n ge. Any creatu re i n t h at a rea i s kn ocked p ro n e
a n d stu n n ed fo r o n e ro u n d , l o s i n g its act i o n . U nfixed ite m s t h e s ize of a h u m a n o r s m a l l e r a re to p p l ed a n d /o r
m oved at least 5 feet (1 . 5 m) . Larger o bjects m i ght a l so be to p p l e d .
Depletion: 1 i n l d l O
312
 LI M E NE
ARTIFACTS

Transdimensional Ray Projector

Level : 1 d6 + 2
Form: A h a n d h e l d d evice with a n u m be r of co ntro l s a n d a wide d i s h at o n e e n d
Effect: Th i s l o n g- ra n ge w e a p o n fi r e s a beam of e n e rgy t h at exists o n many l eve l s of rea l ity at o n ce. I t
i nfl icts d a mage eq u a l t o i t s l eve l , a n d it h a r m s creat u res ( s u c h a s a n a bykos) t h at c a n be affected o n ly by
tra n s d i me n s i o n a l effects .
Th i s d evice i s a ra p i d -fi re weapon a n d t h u s c a n be u s e d w i t h the S p ray o r Arc S p ray a b i l ities t h at some
g l a ives a n d jacks h ave, but each " ro u n d of a m mo" used o r each additional ta rget sel ected req u i res a n
add iti o n a l d e p l etion ro l l .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d20 "The fluid drained from a
biochemical injector sphere
Trigger Trap also makes an excellent
Level : l d 6 pipe cleaner. "
Form: A s m a l l , rather co m p l ex box of metal s e n s o r p l ates, w i re s , a n d contro l s -Sir Arthour
Effect: A cyp her o f virtu a l ly a n y k i n d c a n be added t o t h i s trigger d evice t o t u rn it i nto a trap. Fi rst, the cyp her
i s added to the d evice (an I ntel lect task with a d ifficu lty of 4) , and then various wires and p l ates a re affixed
perm anently to somet h i n g-a nea rby s u rface, door, h i nge, and so o n . When the trap is triggered , the cyp her i s
activated , so people ofte n use stra ightforwa rd cyp hers s u c h as a deto n ation, a ray e m itte r, o r a s i m i l a r device.
The trigger can react to a s pecified m ovement with i n 3 feet (0. 9 m)-a door open i n g, a creatu re o r object
m ovi n g past the a rt ifact, a n d so o n . The h i gher t h e l evel of the d evice, the m o re so p h i sticated the trigger. Fo r
exa m ple, a l evel 4 a rtifact ' s trigger m i ght be based on a creat u re ' s s ize or we ight, a l evel 5 a rtifact can trigger
based o n a s pecific type of creat u re, and a l evel 6 a rtifact can trigger based o n recog n i z i n g a n i n d ivid u a l
creat u re .
Depletion: Auto m atic

Vuechi
Level : 1 d6 + 1
Form: A 4 - i n c h ( 1 0 cm) s i lver s p h e re t h at h overs i n t h e a i r
Effect: O n ce activated , t h i s d evice fo l lows wit h i n 3 feet (0. 9 m) o f yo u a n d attacks anyone o r a nyth i n g wit h i n
i m m ed i ate ra n ge t h at attacks yo u . A vuech i attacks with a b u rst o f e l ectricity ( u p t o i m med i ate ra n ge) t h at
d e a l s e l ectricity d a m age e q u a l to its a rtifact l eve l . O n ce activated , it fu n ct i o n s for 28 h o u rs .
Depletion: 1 i n 1 d 2 0

Weapon Graft
Level : l d 6
Form: A b l ade, s p i ked bal l , or h a m m e rl i ke object made of h a rd , chiti n o u s m ate rial or meta l , with a s l eeve of
softer, fleshy m ateri a l
Effect: Th i s o rga n ic graft fits ove r a h a n d o r em pty stu m p and affixes t o the flesh o f the h ost. The physical bond
p rovides a n as set that m a kes attacks one ste p easier. Th i s s peci a l med i u m wea pon i n fl icts 4 poi nts of d a m age.
Depletion: -

Wind rider
Level : 1 d 6 + 1
Form: An 8-foot- l o n g (2 .4 m) m eta l l ic w i n g
Effect: Th i s i s a veh icle that c a n be ridden b y someone w h o m a kes S peed rol l s (level
1 ) each rou n d . In co m bat, it moves a long d i stance each rou n d , but on extended
tri ps, it can move up to 80 m i les (1 29 km) per h o u r.
Depletion: 1 -2 i n l d l OO

Windslice Blade
Level : 1 d 6 + 1
Form: A m ed i u m- l e n gth swo rd
Effect: Th i s swo rd is made fro m a material so d u ra b l e a n d d e n s e t h at the ed ge is s h a rper a n d l asts far l o n ge r
t h a n N i nth Wo rld s m it h i n g tech n iq u e s co u l d eve r m a n age w i t h stee l . The blade i n fl icts 1 add iti o n a l point o f
d a m age. Its n a m e co mes fro m the idea t h at it can s l i ce eve n the w i n d i n h a l f.
Depletion: -

313
 CHAPTER 20

ODDITI ES
DISCOVERI ES
S
ometi mes PCs fi n d t h i ngs t h at a re i nterest i n g but h ave n o rea l game v a l u e . They d o n 't h e l p i n com bat.
They d o n ' t grant a m azi n g powe rs. They d o n ' t p rotect the u s e r. N ot eve ryt h i n g the ancients created was
a co m b at d evice o r can be u sed as o n e n ow. In N u menera, these devices a re ca l l ed od d ities, a n d they
serve a n u m be r of p u rposes.
F i rst, t h ey p rovide veri s i m i l itude-not eve ryt h i n g i s s u ited fo r a n exp l o re r. Seco n d , they' re i nterest i n g
wei rd l ittl e t h i ngs t h at can be sold or used for barter or gifts. T h i rd , a n d perh a p s most i m portant, they add
m o re mystery a n d fee l i ngs of the u n known to the game beca u s e odd ities a re rea l ly, we l l , odd. Why did t h e i r
creators m a ke t h e m ? Were t h ey o n ce a p a rt o f a l a rger d evice w i t h a more u n d e rsta n d a b l e fu n ction ? N o one
knows, a n d it's l i kely t h at no o n e eve r wi l l .

USING ODDITIES IN THE GAME

Shins, page 77 Odd ities can be trad e d , s o l d , u sed , or given as i nterest i n g gifts. U s u a l ly, t h e i r va l u e is a ro u n d 1 0 s h i n s , but
some odd ities m i ght fetch a s m uch as 50 s h i n s depend i n g o n their pote ntial uti l ity.
M a ny of the odd ities l i sted were left vague so the G M can tailor them as needed. The s ize, color, shape, and so
on can be changed. N i nth World craftsmen m ight set some of the odd ities i nto jewelry or on the end of a staff.
G M s a re e n co u raged to e n s u re t h at oddities always seem od d . O n e d ay, h ave a PC' s odd ity work d i fferently.
Fo r exa m p l e , t h e c u p t h at boi l s l i q u i d n ow freezes it i n stead. The rod with b l i n ki n g l i ghts goes crazy with
l i ghts and starts bee p i n g as we l l . The s m a l l m i rro red cube starts s p i n n i n g o n its own . N o exp l a n ation is
needed beca u s e the own e r d id n't rea l ly u n d e rsta n d t h e odd ity in t h e fi rst p l ace.

DISCOVERIES
D i scove ries a re a catch - a l l category of n u menera t h at d o n ' t fit i nto the oth e r catego ries. These a re n ot devices
the PCs can c l a i m a s t h e i r own . The c h a racte rs probably can't take a d i scove ry with t h e m , a n d u s u a l ly they
wo u l d h ave no reason to do so, anyway. A d i scove ry m i ght be a b i o l a b where genetica l ly e n g i n ee red creat u re s
a re st i l l be i n g a rtifici a l ly p rod u ced , a rece iver t h at picks u p s i g n a l s tra n s m itted fr o m a station o n M a rs, o r a
sti l l -fu nctio n i n g h overtra i n . Wh i l e these d i scoveries can be u sefu l , t h ey do n ot necessarily m a ke t h e cha racte rs
more powe rfu l .

ODDITIES TABLE
When giv i n g odd ities to c h a racte rs, either choose fro m this table o r ro l l a l dl 00 fo r ra n d o m odd ities.

A SELECTION OF NINTH WORLD ODDITIES

Rol l Odd ity
Crysta l t h at s h atters e a s i l y but then i n stantly refo rms
2 Egg- s h a ped m eta l l i c b a u b l e t h at occas i o n a l ly s p i n s a n d speaks i n a l a n g u age no o n e knows
3 Aerosol can t h at s p rays s p a rkl i n g p a i n t t h at h a n gs i n t h e a i r
4 Device t h at e m its a p rojection of a h u m a n face t h at c h a nges exp re s s i o n depend i n g on t h e d i rection
i n w h i c h it' s looki n g
5 U n known m u s ical i n strument t h at p l ays o n l y soft, u n p leasant sou n d s
6 C i rc u l a r sto n e p l ate with a h u m a n face t h at occa s i o n a l ly c h a n ges expre s s i o n or a p pears to s peak
(but h a s n o voice)
7 Box with a tiny group of musicians in it who play when it is opened and look horrified when it is closed
8 Remote-co ntro l led d ragonfly with a t i n y, h a n d h e l d co ntro l l e r

314
 LI M E NE
ODDITIES &.. DISCOVERIES

9 Pants t h at fit pe rfectly a n d n ever seem to get d i rty but a re always c h i l ly

10 B l o b of clay t h at takes o n va rious myste rious s h apes when left a l o n e
11 Crysta l t h at h u m s
12 N eckl ace made of gears a n d oth e r mach i n e parts
13 F l ute with butto n s rat h e r t h a n holes so you can p l ay m u s ic without b l owi n g i nto it
14 Lightn i n g b u g i n a g l a s s globe
15 P l astic d i s k t h at d i s p l ays eve r-ch a n g i n g but m e a n i n g l e s s sym bols
16 Small rod that em its a voice sayi ng the same thing i n an u n known language every time a button is pushed
17 G l a s s p l ate t h at s h ows w h at see m s to be a l ive i m age of t h e moo n , but fro m a closer vantage
18 Co m b t h at glows when u sed
19 S m a l l s q u a re cage t h at puts wh ateve r s i n g l e creatu re i s i n s id e it i nto sta s i s
20 P l astic bottl e conta i n i n g a s p ray t h at clea n s any sta i n a n d n ever ru n s o u t
21 M eta l l i c d evice t h at creates o n e s h eet o f n ew paper each d ay
22 Pen t h at writes in
i nv i s i b l e ink revealed
o n ly at a very l ow
temperatu re
23 Tiny toy ornithopter
made of a solid p i ece
of m ateri a l t h at seems
i n d estruct i b l e
24 Fuzzy stuffed b e a r t h at
m a kes growl i n g n o i s e s
when y o u sq ueeze it
25 Goggles t h at t i nt
eve ryt h i n g green
26 Series of t h i n p l a stic
card s t h at s h ow a l l k i n d s
o f u n known creatu res
MANVA U..)' AC:..TlvA-n:.. ""'6C4H'IN l t.M1
27 Ca n d l e t h at n ever ru n s
ANt::. "$ YIO:.T oJo -nEAN S\.At,,<> o.J

'fo
d own

Ro11.ll Cl..'t v'IA.N

FbS $\Ql..E. .
28 Bag of s ixtee n r u b be r
balloons
29 Th ree s i l ke n gloves with
s ix fi n ge rs each
30 M eta l l i c jar t h at
m a i nta i n s the "-".:>::::..__------- "'-"
temperatu re of l i q u id
i n s i d e i n d efi n itely
31 B l ue crystal t h at glows a s bright a s a ca n d l e when h e l d
32 S m a l l co i n pouch t h at h o l d s twice a s m u c h a s it a p pears it s h o u l d
33 S m a l l wa n d l i ke d evice t h at kee p s away n o r m a l i n s ects i n a 5 -foot ( 1 . 5 m) rad i u s
34 U n known p l a stic d evice w i t h l i ghts t h at occa s i o n a l ly b l i n k
35 Powe rfu l magn ifyi n g g l a s s
36 B a g t h at conta i n s d i ce, each with a d iffe rent n u m be r o f s i d e s
37 S m a l l m i rro red cube
38 P i ece of extre mely stro n g a n d thin cable 8 feet (2.4 m) l o n g
39 Feat h e red h at t h at occa s i o n a l ly m a ke s b i rd n o i ses
40 Wooden rod t h at i n creases i n l e n gth by about 1 i n c h (2 . 5 cm) a month
41 B ra s s d evice with nested c i rc u l a r p l ates t h at rotate a n d click
42 Ca pe t h at b i l l ows a s if b l own by t h e wind when wo r n , eve n i n st i l l a i r
43 G l a s s cu be t h at s h ows w h at see m s to be a l ive aerial view of a n u n known , ru i ned city
44 Arm band t h at tighte n s s l ightly when with i n 1 00 feet (30 m) of a b h u m a n s
45 S m a l l j a r o f b l ack p a i n t t h at refi l l s itself each d ay
46 M eta l l i c m a s k t h at fits pe rfectly o n yo u r face a n d c h a nges exp re s s i o n when yo u d o
47 Five m eta l l ic p l ates t h at orbit a ro u n d yo u r head a n d d i s p l ay ever-ch a n g i ng, u n known sym bols

315
48 G reen glass s p h e re t h at floats n ext to you a n d w h i stles when yo u a re a n g ry
49 M etal ca n i ster t h at fills with 4 q u a rts (3.8 l iters) of wate r at the s a m e t i m e each d ay
50 M etal a n d g l a s s d i s k t h at, when p ressed aga i n st fl e s h , i n stantly etches a tattoo of a b l ack scorpion
51 S m a l l m i rror t h at s h ows someone oth e r t h a n yo u when yo u gaze i nto it
52 Ca n i ster t h at p rod uces a n extre mely foul odor and a p u ff of d a rk red s m o ke when opened
53 Goggles t h at a l l ow you to see pe rfectly t h ro u g h steam o r s m o ke
54 Box that prod uces a 3-i nch (7.6 cm) cube of a firm but gelatinous s u bstance at the same time each d ay
55 S h i rt t h at d i s p l ays yo u r m u scles, bones, a n d i ntern a l o rga n s w h e n yo u wea r it
56 S m a l l leat h e r case o f cos metics t h at n ever seem t o r u n out
57 A m u l et t h at, when wo rn, p rojects hologra p h i c i m ages of fi s h swi m m i n g a ro u n d yo u
58 B race l et w i t h a t i n y b e l l c h a rm t h at r i n g s l i ke a m a s s ive b e l l when i ntenti o n a l ly r u n g
59 M eta l l ic, poi nted -toe boots d e s i gned t o fi t a h o rse o r a s i m i l a r creatu re
60 C u p t h at i n stantly boi l s any l i q u id p o u red i nto it
61 S pectacles t h at p roject stra nge i m ages o n t h e l e n s e s so t h e wearer sees t h i ngs t h at a re not t h e re
62 Box of a dozen m atch sticks t h at, when b u rned, re lease p u ffs of l i n geri n g s m o ke t h at take o n the s h apes of faces, creat u re s , o r
oth e r t h i ngs
63 B l a n ket t h at m a kes a p l ea s a nt, soft h u m m i n g n o i s e wh i l e cove ri n g a l iv i n g creatu re
64 S e m i c i rcu l a r d evice of metal a n d g l a s s t h at p rojects a h a r m l e s s , t h i n red beam u p to 50 feet (1 5 m) when activated
65 Two 5 - i nch ( 1 2 . 7 cm) metal and g l a s s d i sks t h at h ove r a ro u n d yo u r wrists
66 S i x s m a l l , clear p l a stic bags t h at can be sealed a n d a re ve ry d u ra b l e
67 G l a s s o r b t h at always d ri p s perfu med wate r ve ry s l owly
68 J a r of s ixtee n seed s ; when p l a nted , each seed grows i nto a d affod i l made of gold in s ix m o n t h s
69 Rose made of n i g h - i n d estruct i b l e glass
70 Octago n - s h a ped a m u l et t h at i s b l ack d u ri n g the d ay and s ky b l u e at n i ght
71 M u m m ified fi s h with feat h e red wings in a wood e n box
72 Two-headed cat fet u s i n a glass j a r
73 Sadd l e s i zed fo r a very s m a l l a n i m a l , such a s a s q u i rrel o r a s m a l l cat
74 S m a l l recta n g u l a r d evice t h at m a kes a c h i r p i n g s o u n d at the s a m e t i m e each d ay
75 P a i r of t i n y metal rod s t h at, when b rought with i n 1 i n c h (2 . 5 cm) of each oth e r, v i b rate exactly fifteen m i n utes before t h e sun rises
o n any given d ay
76 Ce ra m i c ri n g t h at m a kes you fee l a s t h o u g h gentle hands a re cares s i n g yo u r body
77 Bottle of twe nty-fo u r p i l l s t h at m a ke yo u vivid ly d ream about yo u r favorite memory when you n ext s l eep
78 Cyl i n d e r t h at clears the air of s m o ke, foul s m e l l s a n d t h e l i ke in a n enclosed roo m in o n e m i n ute' s t i m e
79 A pair of s m a l l , float i n g cubes t h at keep a s m a l l , encl osed roo m at the te m pe ratu re at wh ich wate r freezes
80 B race l et t h at re n d e rs yo u u n a b l e to re p rod uce wh i l e worn
81 C h a i r t h at c a n b e stored i n a n extrad i m e n s io n a l s pace w h e n activated
82 Synth d i s k t h at wi l l restore a rotten p i ece of fruit o r a vegeta b l e
83 Cyl i n d e r t h at, if y o u speak t h ro u g h it, m a kes yo u r voice s o u n d waveri n g a n d stra n ge
84 Scarf t h at a p pears to be made of s i l k but is v i rtu a l ly i n d estruct i b l e a n d ca n n ot be d i rtied or sta i n ed
85 Egg- s h a ped d evice t h at te m porarily n egates all odor with i n 3 feet (.09 m)
86 S h o rt metal rod t h at i s i n s u bsta ntial to all m atte r exce pt the s peci a l synth gl ove t h at goes with it
87 Cube t h at, when activated, d i s a p pears fo r o n e m i n ute a n d then rea p pears i n the same s pot
88 Wri st band t h at buzzes when in co m p l ete d a rkness
89 P l ate of g l a s s t h at, when yo u view the n i ght s ky t h ro u g h it, reve a l s ten t i m e s as many stars
90 Ce ra m i c pot t h at p rod uces a t i ny puff of co l o red s m o ke once eve ry h o u r and a h a l f
91 H oo p t h at s h a rp e n s a n y b l a d e passed t h ro u g h it
92 S p h e re t h at p rod uces vigoro u s b u b b l e s when p l aced in wate r
93 Tiny a w l t h at i n fl i cts no p a i n when it p i e rces fl e s h
94 Co ntact l e n ses t h at m a ke yo u r eye s s e e m co m p letely wh ite w i t h n o p u p i l s
95 S i l ke n stri n g 3 feet (0. 9 m) l o n g t h at co i l s a ro u n d wh ateve r it touches
96 Large, clear p l a stic bag t h at kee p s food i n s id e it fre s h i n d efi n itely
97 Stockings t h at a re always warm
98 S i n g l e rubber gl ove t h at i s extre mely d u ra b l e and res i stant
99 Box fi l led with two dozen s p h erical magnets, each about the s ize of a pea
1 00 Pair of clear d ri n ki n g glasses t h at c h a n ge co l o r depend i n g o n the contents

316
 LI M E NE
ODDITIES &.. DISCOVERIES

CREATING NEW NUMENERA

Although t h i s book has p l e nty of cyp h e rs ,
a rtifacts, a n d odd ities to get t h e game
started, yo u ' l l want m o re opti o n s a s t h e
game p rogresses. W h i l e t h e N u m e n e ra
p rod u ct l i n e w i l l h ave add iti o n a l books with
a l ot m o re ite m s , G M s can of cou rse create
t h e i r own ite m s .

Artifacts
Artifacts a re the trickiest k i n d of n u m e n e ra
to create beca u s e t h ey a re pote n t i a l l y the
b i ggest "game c h a n ge rs . " An a rtifact wi l l
l i kely alter n ot j u st o n e e n co u nter, b u t many
e n co u nters, perh a p s ove r t h e co u rse of
m u lt i p l e adventu re s . Wh i l e most eve n t u a l l y
d e p l ete, t h e a b i l ities they p rovide c h a n ge
the way t h at PC i nteracts with t h e worl d . An
a rtifact t h at gives a PC the a b i l ity to fly mea n s t h at the PC m i ght choose to fly ove r eve ry o b stacle you put i n fro nt of h e r. Th at' s not a
bad t h i ng, but it's someth i n g you h ave to co n s i d e r, so it does n ' t catch yo u off g u a rd .
U s e t h e a rtifacts i n C h a pter 1 9 (page 298) as a g u i d e fo r about h ow m u c h d a m age wea p o n s s h o u l d i n fl ict o r h ow m u c h Armor
defe n s ive ite m s m i ght p rovide. Co n s i d e r h ow m u ch a n item m i ght co m p l etely s h o rt-c i rcuit a whole adventu re. Someth i n g t h at a l l ows
freq uent te leportat i o n , fo r exa m p l e, wi l l c h a n ge the way the ca m p a i g n goes (no more ove r l a n d trave l-no more terra i n o b stacl es) . I n
fact, the a reas t o b e wary of i n c l u d e t h e fo l l owing:
Items that provide i nformation: I nformation i s good a n d facil itates adventures, but gett i n g acce s s to all t h e secrets e a s i l y eve ry t i m e
can ru i n the c h a l l e n ge o f a ca m pa i g n . Items t h at a re, i n effect, "crysta l b a l l s " t o l ocate peo p l e o r t h i ngs o r " m i n d readers" t h at
give away eve ryo n e ' s secrets work bette r as cyp hers t h a n as a rtifacts.
Items that provide travel: H av i n g to travel eve rywhere o n foot can be ted i o u s , but a co n stant a b i l ity to i n stantly trave l back home to
get h e l p / rest/ n ew gear can take some of the excite ment out of exp l o rat i o n . Te leporters work bette r a s cyp h e rs t h a n a s a rtifacts .
Items that provide Armor: T h i s i s tricky, beca u s e yo u basically d o n ' t w a n t c h a racte rs to e n d u p w i t h so m u c h A r m o r t h at co m bat i s
n ever a th reat. 1 -2 poi nts o f Armor i s p robably nece s s a ry fo r m o s t c h a racters. T h o s e i n a l ot o f fights o r rea l l y defe n s ively m i nded
m i ght h ave as m u c h a s 4-5 . S i x o r m o re poi nts of Arm o r ove r the
l o n g haul (as o p posed to o n e e n co u nter) i s p robably too good a n d
s h o u l d be avo i d ed exce pt i n ca m p a i g n s w i t h very h i gh-tier P C s a n d
rea l ly pote nt th reats a n d obstacles (d read destroye rs a n d t h e i r i l k) .
W h e n i t co m e s to a s s i g n i n g a d e p l et i o n , fi g u re a bout h ow m a n y
t i m e s yo u ' d l i ke a PC to be a b l e t o u s e it. A few t i m e s ? T h a t ' s l i n l d 6 .
S ix o r seve n t i m e s ? T h at' s l i n l d l O. M a ny t i m e s , p e rh a p s o v e r t h e
co u rse of m a ny adventu re s ? l i n l d 2 0 . Pote n t i a l l y fo r t h e rest of t h e
ca m pa i g n ? l i n l d l OO. With a l i n l d l OO ite m , y o u can a s s u m e t h at
t h e PC wi l l u s e it co n stant ly. So if it' s a wea p o n , it wi l l l i ke l y get u sed
eve ry ro u n d of eve ry fight.

Cyphers
Co m pa red to a rtifacts , cyp h e rs a re easy. Yo u a l m ost ca n ' t go wrong.
Beca u s e they a re one-use, eve n a cyp h e r t h at does someth i n g ri d i c u l o u s
(l 0 0 poi nts o f d a mage, l 0 poi nts o f Armor, a n d so on) i s n 't go i n g to
wreck the ca m p a i g n . I t wi l l c h a n ge o n l y one encou nter. T h at doesn't
m e a n , of co u rse, t h at eve ry cyp h e r should be powe rfu l . O n t h e co ntrary,
most s h o u l d be modest beca u s e t h at e n co u rages t h e i r u s e . (Really
pote nt cyp h e rs e n cou rage PCs to h o l d back a n d " s ave t h e m fo r the right
moment," which i s fi n e somet i m e s , but overa l l n ot w h at you want to
e n co u rage.) Look to the cyp h e rs i n C h a pter 1 8 (page 2 78) as exa m p l es
fo r t h e kinds of modest effects a typ ical cyp h e r m i ght h ave.

317
 A disco11ery might be a bio lab where genetically engineered creatures are still
being artificially produced, a recei11er that picks up signals transmitted from a
station on Mars, or a stillfunctioning ho11ertrain.

D o n ' t h e s itate to s o m et i m e s a l l ow cyp h e rs to affect a l l the PCs rat h e r t h a n j u st the u s e r. I t ' s n ot so m u ch fu n if j u st o n e

c h a racte r gets to beco m e i m m u n e to h eat a n d wa l k i nto t h e m o l t e n i ro n s m e lter i n t h e a n c i e n t fa cto ry. I t ' s m o re fu n if eve ryo n e
g e t s to d o t h at o n ce .
D e s i g n ati n g a n ew cyp h e r as be i n g a n oeti c o r occultic i s act u a l ly m o re a m atte r of fl avor t h a n b a l a n ce.
Although t h ey' re n ot t h e p recise d i ct i o n a ry d efi n it i o n s of those two word s , if yo u t h i n k of t h e m ea n i n gs
as "someth i n g eve n a c h i l d co u l d use" (an oetic) a n d "someth i n g t h at req u i re s some s peci a l
knowledge" (occu ltic) , y o u p robably wo n ' t g o wrong.

Oddities
Odd ities m i ght be the easiest t h i n g to create of them a l l , beca use they need
no game mech a n i c effect. In fact, if you find you rself h avi n g to determ i n e
a g a m e mech a n i c effect (d a mage or leve l , for exa m p l e) , you 've p robably
accidenta l ly created a n a rtifact o r a cyp her, not a n oddity. The o n ly ru le for
odd ities i s that wh atever they do, they s h o u l d n 't req u i re rules. It's a coffee
m a ker, not a laser blaster. The best oddities are the ones that make no
sense. They co nvey a sense of wonder beca use they (s hould) s u ggest that
i n their correct context, they d i d m a ke sense, but that co ntext is long gone
perh aps m i l l io n s of years gone-a nd m ay h ave been entirely a l i e n to the PCs
in the fi rst p l ace. Oddities a re rea l ly there for fl avor, and to s h ow the p l ayers that no m atter how m uch they know, their cha racters sti l l
d o n 't rea l ly u n d e rsta nd t h e world a ro u n d them. Even though they a re i n nocuous, they serve t o u n settle p l ayers, a n d i n a sett i n g l i ke t h i s ,
that's a good t h i n g .
Don't hes itate to m a ke odd ities i nto somet h i n g m o re t h a n t h ey fi rst a p pear. The d evice t h at p rojects th ree-d i m e n s i o n a l m a p s of
p l aces n o one recogn izes may one d ay become e n t i rely re levant a s the PCs find t h e m se lves in one of those p l ace s . The wei rd buzz i n g
pyra m i d m ay eve n t u a l l y t u rn out t o be a key t h at l e a d s them i nto s o m e ancient vau lt. That s h o u l d n 't h a p pe n very ofte n , but u s i n g t h at
trick o n ce i n a ca m p a i g n wi l l be ve ry mea n i n gfu l .

Discoveries
D i s cove ries a re the most o p e n - e n d e d of a l l types of n u m e n era. D i s cove ries a re the t h i n gs t h at a re too b i g to be gear, but m i ght
sti l l d o s o m et h i n g cool-a t ra n sgal act i c p o rtal to a n o t h e r p l a n et, a mach i n e t h at p e rfo r m s cybernetic i m p l antat i o n s u rgeries, o r
a fo rce c u b e storage fa c i l ity t h at can sto re a n yt h i n g, i n d efi n itely. E a c h of t h e s e h a s g reat pote n t i a l
u s e to t h e PCs, b u t i t ' s l i kely a one-t i m e t h i n g a n d t h ey ca n ' t take it with t h e m to u s e
l ater. D i s cove ries a re b e s t t h o u g h t o f a s a p a rt of a n adventu re a s o p posed to a p a rt
of t h e PC' s eq u i p m e n t . I n t h i s way, l i ke with cyp h e r s , you d o n 't h ave to h o l d

r $'ifi l
b a c k w h e n creat i n g t h e m . T h e o n e r u l e of th u m b s h o u l d p ro b a b ly be t h at

'!ljifT ; r,1
j/
t h e coo l e r t h ey a re , t h e m o re c h a l l e n g i n g t h ey a re to rea c h . I n s o m e

ff 1
ways , t h e s e a re t h e eq u iva l e n t to t h e p rove r b i a l trea s u re h o rd e s o

\
t h e N u m e n e ra game. ,

/:
l'<j")
B ut not every d i scove ry has to be of use to the PCs.

(,
ll )
r
Someti mes they a re i nterest i n g for t h e i r own sake-a nd t h u s
"

sti l l worth XP for find i n g them and i nteract i n g with them. ,

A sti l l -fu nction i n g factory, a tra n s m itter that once sent

messages to other planets, or a vast storage faci l ity of
p reserved p l a ntl ife from ancient times a re all d i scove ries,
eve n though there i s no (obvious) use for them.

318
Chapter 2 1 : Using the Rules 320

Chapter 22 : Building a Story 340

Chapter 23 : Realizi ng the Ninth World 354

 CHAPTER 2 1
US I NG TH E RU L ES
U
n l i ke i n t h e rest of t h i s book, I ' m go i n g
t o write t h i s section from me t o yo u . I ' m
a d d res s i n g yo u , t h e game m aster (or
potential game m a ster) , d i rectly beca u s e yo u a re vital
Numenera is a game
about ideas, not rules. to t u rn i n g a h a l fway-decent game i nto a n a m azi n g
The rules are meant to be g a m e . I n u n i nformed h a n d s , eve n t h e greatest
a framework upon which rules and the greatest sett i n g w i l l m a ke, at best, a
to hang the tapestry of med i ocre game. You a re the key i n t h i s p roce s s .
the story you and the The game m a ster (G M ) i s the a rch itect of the
players create.
game but n ot the sole b u i l d e r. Yo u ' re the faci l itator
a s we l l a s the a rb iter. Yo u ' re a l l of these t h i ngs a n d
m o re. I t ' s a c h a l l e n g i n g ro l e t h at ' s n ot q u ite l i ke
a nyth i n g e l se. Peo p l e try to eq u ate t h e G M with a
p l aywri ght, a refe ree, a j u d ge, or a g u i d e . And those
a re n ot terri b l e a n a logies, but none of t h e m i s q u ite
right, either.
N u menera h a s been des igned to m a ke the
c h a l l e n g i n g tasks of game m a steri n g as s i m p l e
a s pos s i b l e a n d a l l ow yo u a s t h e G M t o fo c u s o n
wh at' s i m portant. Rat h e r t h a n d ea l i n g w i t h a l ot
of d i e ro l l s , mod ifiers, a n d rules m i n utiae, yo u can
focu s m a i n ly o n the fl ow of the sto ry. Th i s i s n ot to
s ay t h at you a re the sole sto ryte l l e r. The gro u p is
the sto ryte l l e r. But it' s the G M ' s job to p u l l together
Ravage bear, page 254 the act i o n s , react i o n s , a n d d e s i res of all the peo p l e
s itt i n g a ro u n d t h e table, m e s h them w i t h t h e
sett i n g a n d backgro u n d created before t h e s e s s i o n
bega n , a n d turn it a l l i nto a co h e s ive sto ry-on
the fly. Somet i m e s t h i s m e a n s u s i n g a heavy h a n d .
Somet i m e s it m e a n s ste p p i n g back. Somet i m e s i t
m e a n s be i n g ope n - m i nded . I t always m e a n s givi n g
the oth e r p l ayers a s m uch o f the s potl ight a s yo u
h ave as t h e G M , a n d atte m pt i n g to give it to each of
t h e m i n t u rn so t h at no o n e person d o m i n ates t h e
n a rrative o r the gamepl ay-not eve n yo u .
I wi l l s a y t h i s n ow, u p fro nt, a n d I wi l l s ay it ofte n :
t h e rules a re yo u r too l s t o te l l a sto ry, t o portray a
c h a racter, a n d to s i m u l ate t h e science fa ntasy worl d .
The r u l e s a re n ot t h e fi n a l wo rd-yo u are. You a re
n ot s u bservient to t h e r u l e s . But you do h ave a
m aster. T h at m aster i s fu n g a m e p l ay m ixed with
excit i n g sto ry.
N u menera h a s a l so been des igned to m a ke game
m a steri n g work the way t h at many experienced
320
G M s ru n games anyway. The G M s who recogn ize
t h at they a re not s u bservient to the rules a re often
fo rced to work aga i n st the r u l e s , to work in s p ite of
the r u l e s , o r to use the rules a s s m o ke and m i rrors
to cover up what they' re rea l ly d o i n g (wh i ch i s
p rovi d i n g eve ryo n e w i t h a n excit i n g, co m pe l l i ng,
a n d i nterest i n g n a rrative i n which to participate) .
H o pefu l ly, as a N u m e n e ra G M , you wi l l n ot fi n d t h at
to be t h e case. On the co ntrary, most of t h e rules
were d e s i gned s pecifica l ly to m a ke it e a s i e r to r u n
the game-o r rather, to a l l ow t h e G M to focus o n
h e l p i n g to s h e p h e rd a great sto ry.
I n t h i s c h a pte r, fi rst we' re go i n g to ta l k about
the rules a n d h ow to u s e t h e m a s yo u r too l s . I n
C h a pter 22: B u i l d i n g a Story (page 3 40) , we' l l d i sc u s s
i nteract i n g w i t h p l aye rs, ru n n i n g g a m e s a n d craft i n g
great stories. C h a pter 2 3 : Rea l i z i n g the N i nth Wo rld
(page 3 5 4) p rovides i n s ight i nto fi l l i n g t h e world (th e
N i nth Wo rld) w i t h i nterest i n g t h i ngs t o s e e , t h i ngs to
experience , a n d most i m portant, t h i ngs to d o .
THE RULES VERSUS THE STORY
U po n fi rst g l a n ce, it m i ght seem t h at for a story
based game, t h e re i s n 't a l ot of " story" i n the r u l e s .
A wa l l , a ravage bear, a pit to leap, a n d a ray e m itte r
can a l l be m o re or l e s s j u st s u m med u p as a s i n g l e
n u m ber-t h e i r l eve l . The t h i n g i s , N u menera i s a
story- based game because t h e rules at t h e i r co re a re
devo i d of sto ry. A wa l l , a ravage bear, a pit to leap,
a n d a ray e m itte r all can be s u m m ed u p a s l eve l s
beca u s e they' re a l l j u st p a rts o f t h e sto ry. They' re a l l
j u st o b stacles o r too l s .
There a re n ' t a l ot o f s pecifics i n t h e rules-no
g u i d e l i nes fo r s pecific judo m oves o r the d iffe re n ces
between re p a i r i n g a n e l ectrica l ly powered fo rcewa l l
p rojecto r a n d a b i o m ech a n ical a i rcraft. Th at' s not
beca u s e those k i n d s of t h i ngs a re to be ignored, but
beca u s e those k i n d s of t h i ngs a re fl avor-th ey a re
sto ry, d e scri pti o n , a n d e l a bo ration for the G M a n d
the p l aye rs to p rovide. A p l aye r ru n n i n g a c h a racte r
i n a fist fight can a n d s h o u l d d escri be o n e attack as
a n u p per cut a n d a n other a s a ro u n d h o u s e p u n c h ,
eve n t h o u g h t h e re ' s no mech a n ical d iffe re n ce. I n
fact, because there's n o mec h a n ical d i fference. That's

what a n a rrative game is a l l about. I t ' s i nterest i n g
a n d enterta i n i n g, a n d t h a t ' s w h y yo u ' re a l l sitt i n g at
the table in the fi rst p l ace.
I f d ifferent a s pects of the game-wa l l s , ravage
bears, pits, and so on-h ave d i st i n ct i o n s , they
co m e t h ro u g h as story elements, which a re s pecial
exce pti o n s to t h e r u l e s . H avi n g so few general rules
m a kes ad d i n g s peci a l co n d iti o n s a n d situat i o n s
e a s i e r, beca u s e there i s l e s s rules t i n keri n g to
deal with. Fewe r s pecial c i rc u m stances to worry
a bout. Les s c h a n ce of co ntrad ict i o n s a n d rules
i nco m p ati b i l ities. Fo r exa m p l e, yo u can e a s i l y h ave a
wa l l t h at can o n ly be destroyed by mental attacks. A
ravage bear h a s its u n i q u e gra p p l e attack. A pit co u l d
h ave frict i o n l e s s wa l l s . A ray e m itter co u l d freeze foes
s o l i d-t hese a re story e l e ments t h at mech a n i ca l ly
b u i l d on t h e ve ry s i m p l e base mech a n ics. And they
a l l m a ke t h i ngs more i nterest i n g.
SEITING DIFFICULTY RATINGS
The G M ' s most i m porta nt overa l l tasks a re sett i n g
the stage a n d g u i d i n g the story created b y the gro u p
(not the o n e created b y the G M a h ead o f t i m e) . B u t
sett i n g d ifficu lty i s t h e m o s t i m portant mechanical
task t h e G M h a s i n the game. Alt hough t h e re a re
s u ggest i o n s t h roughout t h i s c h a pter for vari o u s
d i fficu lty rat i n gs fo r certa i n act i o n s , t h e re i s no
m aster l i st of the d ifficu lty fo r eve ry action a PC can
take. I n stea d , N u m e n e ra i s d e s i gned with the "teach
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
a m a n to fi s h " style of good G M i n g i n m i n d . ( I f you
d o n ' t know what t h at mea n s , it co mes fro m the o l d Unless for some reason
adage, "G ive a m a n a fi s h a n d he' l l e a t fo r a d ay. you're telling the players
directly, they'll never know
Teach a m a n to fi s h a n d he' l l eat fo r a l ifet i m e . " The
ifyou change an NPC's
idea i s n ot to give G Ms a ton of rules to m e m o rize o r stats or a task's difficulty on
reference, but to teach t h e m h ow to m a ke t h e i r own the fly. If you're doing it to
logical j u d gment ca l l s .) Of course, most of the t i m e , make a better story, that's
it's n ot a m atte r of exact p reci s i o n . I f yo u s a y the your purview.
d ifficu lty i s 3 a n d it " s h o u l d " h ave been 4 , the worl d ' s
n ot ove r.
Fo r the most p a rt, it rea l l y i s as s i m p l e as rat i n g
someth i n g o n a scale o f l t o l 0, l be i n g i n cred i b ly
easy and l 0 be i n g basica l ly i m po s s i b l e . The
g u i d e l i nes i n the d ifficu lty table, presented aga i n h e re
for reference, s h o u l d h e l p put yo u i n the right fra me
of mind fo r a s s i g n i n g d ifficu lty to a task.
Fo r exa m ple, we m a ke t h e d i st i n ction between
someth i n g t h at most peo p l e can d o a n d someth i n g
t h at tra i ned peo p l e c a n d o . I n t h i s case, " n o rm a l "
m e a n s someone with absol utely n o t ra i n i ng, talent,
o r experience . I m a g i n e yo u r ne'er-d o-we l l , s l ightly
ove rwe ight uncle t ryi n g a task he's n ever tried
before. "Tra i ned " means the person h a s some l evel Trained, page 86
of i n struction o r expe rience but i s not necessarily a
p rofe s s i o n a l .
W i t h t h at i n m i n d , t h i n k a b o u t the act o f b a l a n ce.
With enough focu s , most peo p l e can wa l k across
a n a rrow bridge (l i ke a fallen tree tru n k) . T h at
s u ggests t h at it is d ifficu lty 2. H owever, wa l k i n g
32 1
TASK DIFFICULTY
TAS K D I F F I C U LTY D ESC R I PTION
0 Ro uti n e
Sim ple
2 Sta n d a rd
3 Demand ing
4 D i fficult
5 Challenging
6 I nt i m i d ati n g
7 Fo rm i d a b l e
8 H e roic
9 I m mortal
10 I m po s s i b l e
TARG ET NO. G U I DA N CE
0 Anyo n e can do t h i s basica l ly eve ry t i m e .
3 M ost peo p l e can d o t h i s most o f the t i m e .
6 Typical task req u i ri n g focu s , but most peo p l e can u s u a l ly d o t h i s .
9 Req u i res fu l l atte ntion; m o s t peo p l e h ave a 50/50 c h a n ce t o s u ccee d .
12 Tra i n ed peo p l e h ave a 5 0 / 5 0 c h a n ce to s u cceed .
15 Eve n tra i ned peo p l e often fa i l .
18 N o r m a l peo p l e a l most n ever s u cceed .
21 I m po s s i b l e without s ki l l s or great effo rt.
24 A task worthy o f tales told fo r years afterwa rd .
27 A task worthy of lege n d s t h at l a st l i fet i m e s .
30 A task t h at normal h u m a n s co u l d n 't co n s id e r (but o n e t h at does n ' t
b reak the l aws of p hysics) .

acro s s a n a rrow p l a n k t h at ' s o n ly 3 i nches ( 7 . 6 cm)
wide? That's p robably more l i ke d ifficu lty 3. N ow
co n s id e r wa l k i n g acro s s a ti ghtrope. That's p ro b a b ly
d ifficu lty 5-a n o r m a l person can m a nage t h at
o n ly with a great deal of l u ck. Someone with some
tra i n i n g can give it a go, but it's sti l l h a rd . Of co u rse,
a p rofe s s i o n a l acrobat can d o it e a s i ly. Co n s id e r,
h owever, t h at the p rofe s s i o n a l acrobat is s peci a l ized
in the task, m a k i n g it d ifficu lty 3 fo r h e r. She probably
Effort, page 27 i s u s i n g Effort a s we l l d u ri n g h e r performance.
Let ' s t ry a n ot h e r tas k. T h i s time, co n s i d e r h ow
h a rd it m i ght be to re m e m be r t h e n a m e of t h e
p rev i o u s l e a d e r of t h e vi l l age w h e re t h e c h a racte r
l ive s . T h e d ifficu lty m i ght be 0 or 1 , d e pe n d i n g
o n h ow l o n g ago s h e w a s t h e l e a d e r a n d h ow we l l
known s h e was. Let ' s say i t was t h i rty years ago a n d
s h e w a s o n l y m i l d ly m e m o ra b l e , so it' s d ifficu lty 1 .
M ost peo p l e re m e m be r h e r, a n d with a l itt l e b i t of
effo rt, anyone can co m e up with her n a m e . N ow
let's co n s i d e r t h e n a m e of t h e l e a d e r' s d a u ghter.
Th at' s m u c h h a rd e r. Ass u m i n g t h e d a u ghter wa s n 't
fa m o u s i n h e r own right, it' s p ro b a b l y d i fficu lty 4 .
Eve n peo p l e who know a l itt l e about local h i story
(t h at i s to say, peo p l e who a re tra i ned i n t h e
s u bject) m i ght n ot be a b l e to re m e m be r it. B u t w h at
about t h e n a m e of t h e pet t h u m a n owned by t h e
d a u ghter's h u s ba n d ? T h at' s p ro b a b ly i m po s s i b l e .
W h o ' s go i n g t o re m e m be r t h e n a m e o f a n o b s c u re
pers o n ' s pet fro m t h i rty years ago? B a s i c a l ly n o
o n e . H owever, it' s n ot fo r b i d d e n knowled ge o r a
we l l - g u a rded secret, so it s o u n d s l i ke d ifficu lty 7 .
D i fficu lty 7 i s t h e rat i n g t h at m ea n s " N o o n e c a n
d o t h i s , yet s o m e p e o p l e sti l l d o . " I t ' s n ot t h e stuff
of l e ge n d , b u t i t ' s s o m et h i n g yo u wo u l d a s s u m e
peo p l e c a n ' t d o . W h e n y o u t h i n k t h e re ' s n o way yo u
can get t i ckets fo r a s o l d - o u t co ncert, but s o m e h ow
yo u r fri e n d m a n ages to score a co u p l e a n yway,
t h at' s d ifficu lty 7. (See t h e n ext co l u m n for m o re o n
d ifficu lties 7 , 8 , 9 , a n d 1 0.)
If yo u ' re tal k i n g about a task, i d e a l l y t h e d ifficu lty
s h o u l d n't be based o n the c h a racte r perform i n g the
task. Th i ngs d o n 't get i n h e rently e a s i e r o r h a rd e r
depend i n g o n who i s d o i n g t h e m . H oweve r, t h e
t r u t h i s , the c h a racte r does p l ay i nto it a s a j u d gment
ca l l . I f the task i s b rea k i n g d own a wood e n door, a n
8-foot-ta l l (2 .4 m) auto m aton made o f metal with
n uclear-d riven m otors s h o u l d be bette r at b rea k i n g it
d own t h a n a n ave rage h u m a n wo u l d be, but the task
rat i n g should be the s a m e fo r bot h . Let ' s say t h at
the a utomato n ' s nature effectively gives it two l eve l s
o f tra i n i n g fo r such tasks. T h u s , if t h e d o o r h a s a
d ifficu lty rat i n g of 4, but the automaton is s peci a l ized
and red uces the d ifficu lty to 2 , it has a ta rget n u m be r
of 6. The h u m a n h a s n o such s pecial izat i o n , so t h e
d ifficu lty re m a i n s 4, a n d h e h a s to reach a ta rget
n u m be r of 1 2 . H owever, when yo u set t h e d ifficu lty
of b rea k i n g d own the door, d o n 't try to take a l l
those d i ffe re n ces i nto acco u nt. T h e G M s h o u l d o n ly
co n s id e r the h u m a n beca u s e t h e Tas k D ifficu lty
table is based o n the ideal of a " n o r m a l " perso n , a
"tra i n e d " perso n , a n d so o n . I t ' s h u m a nocentric.
M ost c h a racte rs probably a re wi l l i n g to expend
o n e o r two l eve l s of Effort o n a task, a n d t h ey m i ght
h ave a n a p p ropriate s k i l l o r asset to decrease the
d ifficu lty by a ste p . That means t h at a d ifficu lty 4 task
wi l l ofte n be treated as d i fficu lty 2 o r eve n 1 , and
those a re easy ro l l s to m a ke. Don't h e s itate, then, to
p u l l out h i gher- l evel d i fficu lties. The PCs can rise to
the c h a l l e n ge , es peci a l ly if they a re expe rienced .
THE IMPOSSIBLE DIFFICULTIES
D i fficu lties 7 , 8 , 9, and 1 0 a re a l l tech n i ca l l y
i m po s s i b l e . T h e i r ta rget n u m bers a re 2 1 , 24, 2 7 , a n d
30, a n d y o u ca n ' t ro l l t h o s e n u m bers o n a d20 n o
m atte r h ow many t i m e s yo u t ry. Co n s id e r, h owever,
a l l t h e ways t h at a c h a racte r can red uce d i fficu lty. I f
someone s p e n d s a l ittl e Effort o r h a s s o m e s k i l l o r
h e l p , it b r i n g s d i fficu lty 7 (target n u m be r 2 1 ) i nto the

322

ra n ge of pos s i b i l ity-d ifficu lty 6 (ta rget n u m be r 1 8) .
N ow co n s i d e r t h at h e h a s special izat i o n , uses a l ot
of Effort, a n d h a s h e l p . T h at m i ght bri n g the d ifficu lty
down to 1 o r eve n 0 (red u c i n g it by two ste p s from
tra i n i ng, th ree o r fo u r ste p s fro m Effo rt, and o n e
s t e p fr o m the a s set of a s s i stance) . T h at p ractica l ly
i m po s s i b l e task j u st beca m e rout i n e . A fo u rth-tier
c h a racter can a n d wi l l d o t h i s-not eve ry t i m e , d ue
to the cost, but perh a p s o n ce per game s e s s i o n . Yo u
h ave to be ready for t h at. A we l l - p repare d , motivated
s ixth-tier c h a racte r can d o t h at eve n with a d ifficu lty
1 0 task. Aga i n , s h e wo n 't d o it ofte n (eve n with an
E d ge of 6, s h e ' d h ave to s pe n d 7 poi nts from h e r
Poo l , a n d that's a s s u m i n g s h e ' s s peci a l ized , a n d h a s
2 l eve l s o f asset) , but it can h a p pe n if s h e ' s rea l ly
p re p a red for t h e task (be i n g special ized a n d m axed
out in as set opport u n ities red uces the d ifficu lty by
fo u r more steps) . That's why s ixth-tier cha racte rs a re
at the top of t h e i r field, so to s peak.
FALSE PRECISION
One way to look at d ifficu lty i s that each ste p of
d ifficu lty i s worth 3 on the d ie. That i s to say, i n crease
the d ifficu lty by one step, and the ta rget n u m ber
rises by 3 . Decrease the d ifficu lty by one step, and
the ta rget n u m ber i s lowered by 3 . Those ki n d s of
changes are big, meaty ch u n ks . Difficulty, as a game
mech a n ic, i s not terri bly p recise. It's mea s u red in
l a rge portions. You never h ave a target n u m ber of 1 3
or 1 4, for exa m p l e-it' s a lways 3 , 6, 9, 1 2 , 1 5 , and so
o n . (Tech n ical ly, this i s not true. I f a cha racter adds 1
to h i s rol l for some reason, it changes a ta rget n u m ber
of 1 5 to 1 4. But this i s not worth m uch d i scussion.)
I m p reci s i o n i s good i n this case. I t wo u l d be false
precision to say t h at o n e lock h a s a ta rget n u m be r
of 1 4 a n d a n other h a s a ta rget n u m be r of 1 5 . What
fa l se p rec i s i o n m e a n s i n t h i s context i s t h at it wo u l d
be a d e l u s io n t o t h i n k w e c a n be t h at exact. Ca n yo u
rea l ly s ay t h at o n e lock i s 5% e a s i e r to pick t h a n
a n other? And m o re i m portant, eve n if y o u co u l d , i s
the d iffe re n ce worth n ot i n g ? I t ' s bette r to i nteract
with the wo rld i n l a rger, more m ea n i n gfu l c h u n ks
t h a n to try to p a rse t h i ngs so ca refu l ly. If we tried to
rate eve ryt h i n g on a sca l e of 1 to 30 (u s i n g ta rget
n u m be rs a n d n ot d i fficu lty) . we ' d sta rt to get lost i n
t h e p rove rbial weed s co m i n g u p with a mean i n gfu l
d i st i n ction between someth i n g rated a s a n 8 a n d
so meth i n g rat i n g a s a 9 o n t h at sca l e .
CONSISTENCY
Fa r more i m portant t h a n t h at l eve l of p rec i s i o n i s
co n s i stency. I f the P C s need t o activate a d evice t h at
o p e n s a s pat i a l d i s p l acement porta l , a n d t h e G M
rules t h at i t i s a d ifficu lty 6 task to get the a n t i m atte r
rod s s p i n n i n g at t h e proper rates to ach i eve a
s pecific h a r m o n i c freq u e n cy, t h e n it need s to be a
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
d ifficu lty 6 task when they co me back the n ext d ay to
do it aga i n (or t h e re need s to be an u n d e rsta n d a b l e
reason why it' s not) . The s a m e i s t r u e fo r s i m p l e r
t a s k s l i ke wa l k i n g acro s s a n a rrow ledge o r j u m p i n g
u p onto a p l atfo rm. Co n s i ste ncy i s key. T h e reason
i s t h at p l aye rs need to be a b l e to m a ke i nformed
deci s i o n s . I f they re m e m b e r h ow h a rd it was to open
t h at portal yesterd ay, but it's i n expl ica b l y h a rd e r to
open it tod ay, t h ey' l l get fru strated beca u s e they tried
to apply their experience to their d eci s i o n - m a k i n g
p roce s s , a n d it fa i led t h e m . I f t h e re ' s n o way t o m a ke
an i nformed deci s i o n , then a l l d eci s i o n s a re a rbitrary.
Th i n k about it i n terms of rea l l i fe. Yo u need to
cross the street, but a car is a p p roach i n g. Yo u 've
crossed the street t h o u s a n d s of t i m e s before, so yo u Specialized, page 86
can look at the car a n d p retty eas i ly j u d ge whet h e r
Asset, page 7 6
yo u can cross safely o r w h e t h e r y o u h ave to w a i t fo r i t
While I continually stress
that Numenera is about
story, not rules, it is still a
game, which means that
the PCs (and the players)
can fail. That's why it's not
accurate to think of the
game as being identical to
novels or movies. It's its
own kind ofstorytelling.
The players have to feel
that there are real stakes.
That if they screw up, there
will be consequences
sometimes very harsh
consequences. And they
have to be right in that
assumption.
to pass fi rst. I f t h e rea l w o r l d had n o co n s i ste n cy, yo u
co u l d n 't m a ke t h at deci s i o n . Eve ry t i m e yo u ste pped
i nto t h e street, yo u m i ght get h it by a car. Yo u ' d n ever
cross t h e street.
P l ayers need t h at k i n d of co n s i stency, too. So when
yo u assign a d ifficu lty to a task, n ote t h at n u m be r
a n d try t o kee p it co n s i stent t h e n ext t i m e the P C s try
the s a m e task. " S a m e " is the key word . Deci p h e ri n g
o n e code i s n 't necessarily l i ke deci p h e ri n g another.
Cl i m b i n g o n e wa l l i s n 't the s a m e as cl i m b i n g
a n other.
Yo u ' l l m a ke m i stakes w h i l e d o i n g t h i s , so j u st
accept t h at fact n ow. Excuse any m i stakes with q u ick
exp l a n at i o n s about " a q u i rk of fate" o r someth i n g
a l o n g t h e l i nes o f a s u rp r i s i ngly stro n g w i n d t h at
wa s n 't b lowi n g the l a st t i m e .
323
 MISTAKES
Somet i m e s t h e PCs wi l l b reak d own a door, a n d
yo u ' l l rea l ize t h at y o u rated it t o o l ow. O r the PCs
wi l l try to pad d l e a raft d own a fa st- m ovi n g river, a n d
yo u (and p r o b a b l y t h ey) wi l l q u ickly d i scove r t h at the
d ifficu lty you gave t h e task was ridicu l o u s ly h i g h .
D o n ' t fret.
That door was a l ready wea kened by a n
eart h q u a ke, a struct u ra l fl aw, o r the fact t h at ot h e r
exp l o rers p o u n d ed o n it a l l d ay a wh i l e back. That
river was act u a l ly m ovi n g far faster t h a n the PCs
thought at fi rst, o r t h e i r raft was fa u lty.
The point i s , m i stakes a re easy to cove r u p . And
somet i m e s , yo u can eve n te l l yo u r p l aye rs it was
j u st a m i stake. They m i ght eve n h e l p p rovide an
exp l a n ation if yo u do. It's n ot t h e e n d of the worl d .
M o re i m portant, most o f t h e t i m e , n o o n e wi l l
eve n know. S h o u l d h ave rated a task a s d ifficu lty
3 a n d i n stead you s a i d it was 4? O h we l l . U n l e s s
the p l aye r ro l l s a 9 , 1 0, o r 1 1 -which wo u l d h ave
s u cceeded fo r d i fficu lty 3 but n ot d ifficu lty 4-it
wo n ' t m atte r. And eve n if h e does ro l l one of those
n u m bers, who care s ? M aybe the ra i n was rea l ly
co m i n g d own t h at d ay, a n d it i n creased t h e d ifficu lty
by a ste p .
The t h i n g to take away i s t h i s : d o n 't l et fea r o f
m a k i n g a m i stake k e e p y o u fro m freely a n d q u ickly
asses s i n g t h e d ifficu lty of a task and m ovi n g o n with
the game. Don't agon ize ove r it. G ive it a d ifficu lty,
ca l l for a ro l l , a n d keep the game m ovi ng. H e s itat i n g
ove r a rat i n g wi l l be fa r more d etri mental t o the game
Abykos, page 23 0 t h a n giv i n g someth i n g the wro n g rat i n g.
ROUTINE ACTIONS
Don't hes itate to m a ke act i o n s rout i n e . Don't ca l l for
d i e ro l l s when t h ey' re n ot rea l ly need ed . Somet i m e s
G M s fa l l i nto the t r a p i l l u st rated by t h i s d i a log:
G M : Wh at d o you d o ?
P l ayer: I _____ . say, tryi n g to d eterm i n e if they know where a ca rava n
G M : O kay, give me a ro l l .
Th at' s n ot a good i n sti n ct-at least, n ot fo r
N u m e n e ra. Pl aye rs s h o u l d ro l l when it' s i nterest i n g
o r excit i n g. Otherwi se, t h ey s h o u l d j u st d o what they
do. If t h e PCs tie a ro pe a ro u n d someth i n g a n d u s e
it to c l i m b d own i nto a pit, yo u co u l d a s k fo r tyi n g
ro l l s , c l i m b i n g rol l s , a n d so o n , but w h y ? J u st to see
if t h ey ro l l terri bly? So the rope can co m e u n d o n e
a t the wro n g t i m e , o r a c h a racte r's h a n d can s l i p ?
M ost o f t h e t i m e , t h at m a kes p l aye rs fee l i n ad e q u ate
a n d i s n 't a l ot of fu n . A ro pe co m i n g u n d o n e in the
m i d d l e of a n excit i n g chase sce n e o r a battle can be
GM intrusion, page 88 a great co m p l ication (a n d that's w h at G M i ntru s i o n s
a re fo r) . A rope co m i n g u n d o n e i n t h e m i d d l e o f a
s i m p l e " gett i n g fro m poi nt A to point B" sce n e o n ly
324
s l ows d own gamepl ay. The rea l fu n-the rea l sto ry
i s d own i n the pit. So get t h e PCs d own t h e re.
There a re a m i l l i o n excepti o n s to this g u i d e l i ne,
of co u rse. I f creat u res a re t h rowi n g poi soned d a rts
at the PCs wh i l e they cl i m b, t h at m i ght m a ke t h i ngs
more i nterest i n g a n d req u i re a ro l l . I f the pit i s fi l led
with acid a n d t h e PCs m u st c l i m b h a l fway d own , p u l l
a l ever, a n d co m e back u p , that's a situation where
yo u s h o u l d set d ifficu lty a n d perh a p s h ave a ro l l . I f
a PC i s n e a r deat h , ca rryi n g a frag i l e item o f great
i m po rtance, o r someth i n g s i m i l a r, t h e n c l i m b i n g
d own the rope i s te n s e , a n d a ro l l m i ght a d d t o t h e
excite ment. T h e i m portant d i fference i s t h at these
kinds of co m p l icat i o n s h ave rea l co n seque nces.
O n the fl i p side, don't be afra id to u s e G M
i nt r u s i o n o n ro ut i n e act i o n s i f i t m a kes t h i ngs m o re
i nterest i n g . Wa l k i n g u p to t h e Amber Pope i n h i s
a u d ience c h a m be r i n t h e m i d d l e o f a ceremony o n ly
to tri p on a rug? T h at co u l d h ave h u ge ra m ificat i o n s
fo r the c h a racte r a n d the sto ry.
OTHER WAYS TO JUDGE DIFFICULTY
Rat i n g t h i n g s on a sca le of l to 1 0 i s someth i n g that
most people a re very fa m i l ia r wit h . You can a l so look
at it as rat i n g a n o bject o r creatu re on a s i m i l a r scale,
if that' s easier. In other word s , if you d o n 't know h ow
h a rd it wou l d be to cl i m b a particu l a r cliff face, t h i n k
o f i t as a creat u re t h e PCs h ave t o fight. What level
wo u l d the creatu re be? You co u l d look in the Creat u res
chapter (page 228) and say, "I t h i n k this wa l l s h o u l d
be a b o u t as d ifficult t o deal w i t h as a n a bykos. A n
a bykos i s level 4, so the task o f c l i m b i n g the wa l l wi l l
b e d ifficu lty 4 . " That's a wei rd way t o do it, perhaps,
but it's fai rly straightforward . And if yo u ' re the kind of
G M who deals in terms of " H ow tough wi l l t h i s fight
be?" then m aybe rat i n g tasks as N PCs to fight i s n 't so
stra n ge afte r a l l . It's j u st another way to rel ate to them.
The i m portant thing i s that they' re on the same scale.
S i m i l a rly, if the PCs h ave to tackle a knowledge task
is headed based on its tracks-yo u cou l d rate the task
i n te rms of a n object. I f yo u ' re used to rat i n g d oors
or other objects that the PCs h ave b ro ken t h rough
rece ntly, the knowled ge task i s j u st a d ifferent kind of
barrier to b u st t h rough.
Eve ryt h i n g i n N u m e n e ra-c h a racte rs, creat u re s ,
o bj ects , tasks, a n d so on-h a s a l eve l . I t m i ght b e
ca l l ed a tier o r a d i fficu lty i n stead of a l eve l , but
u lt i m ately it's a n u merical rat i n g system u sed to
co m pa re t h i n g s . Although yo u h ave to be ca refu l
about d rawi n g too m a n y corre l ation s-a fi rst-tier
c h a racter i s n 't eas i ly co m p a red to a d i fficu lty 1
wa l l or a l eve l 1 a n i m a l-th e p r i n c i p l e is the same.
Eve ryt h i n g can be rated a n d ro u g h ly co m pa red to
eve ryt h i n g e l s e i n the worl d . ( I t works best to take
PCs out of t h i s eq u at i o n . For exa m p l e, yo u s h o u l d n 't

try to co m p a re a PC' s tier to a wa l l ' s l eve l . C h a racte r
tiers a re mentioned h e re o n ly for co m p l ete n e s s . )
L a s t , if yo u r m i nd l e a n s towa rd stat i stics, yo u
can look at d ifficu lty as a percentage c h a n ce. Eve ry
n u m be r on t h e d20 is a 5% i ncre m e nt. For exa m p l e,
yo u h ave a 5 % c h a n ce of ro l l i n g a 1 . You h ave a 1 0%
c h a n ce of ro l l i n g a 1 or a 2. T h u s , if you need to ro l l a
1 2 or h i g h e r, yo u h ave a 45% c h a n ce of s u cces s .
( A d20 h a s n i n e n u m bers t h at a re 1 2 o r h i gh e r: 1 2 ,
1 3 , 1 4, 1 5 , 1 6, 1 7 , 1 8, 1 9, a n d 20. And 9x5 e q u a l s 4 5 . )
Fo r some peo p l e , it's e a s i e r to t h i n k i n terms
of a percentage c h a n ce. A GM m i ght th i n k, " S h e
h a s a b o u t a 3 0% c h a n ce t o know t h at fact about
geogra p hy. " Each n u m be r o n a d20 i s a 5 %
i ncre m e nt, a n d it t a k e s s ix i ncre m e nts to eq u a l 3 0%,
so t h e re a re six n u m be rs t h at mean the PC s u cceed s :
1 5 , 1 6, 1 7, 1 8 , 1 9, a n d 2 0 . T h u s , s i nce s h e h a s t o
ro l l 1 5 or h i g h e r, t h at mea n s the ta rget n u m be r i s
1 5 . (An d t h at m e a n s t h e t a s k i s l evel 5 , b u t if yo u 've
a l ready d ete r m i ned the ta rget n u m ber, yo u l i kely
d o n ' t ca re about the l eve l . )
ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM
1 . The G M m a kes meas u red adj u stments i n
l a rge, u n iform ste p s . T h at m a kes t h i ngs faster t h a n
if p l aye rs had t o d o a rith metic u s i n g a ra n ge o f a l l
n u m be rs fr o m 1 t o 20.
2. You ca lculate a ta rget n u mber only once no
m atter how many times the PCs attem pt the action.
I f you esta b l i s h that the ta rget n u m be r i s 1 2, it's 1 2
eve ry time a PC tries that action. (On the other h a n d ,
if y o u had t o a d d n u m be rs t o yo u r d ie ro l l , you ' d h ave
to do it for eve ry atte m pt.) Co n s ider t h i s fact in l i ght of
com bat. Once a p l ayer knows that s h e needs to rol l a
1 2 or h igher to h it her foe, com bat moves ve ry q u ickly.
3. I f a PC can red u ce the d ifficu lty of an action to
0, no ro l l is needed . T h i s mea n s t h at an Olym p i c
gym nast doesn't ro l l a d i e to wa l k across a b a l a n ce
bea m , but the average person does. The task i s
i n it i a l ly rated the s a m e fo r bot h , but t h e d i fficu lty
is red uced fo r the gym n a st. There ' s no c h a n ce of
fa i l u re.
4. This i s h ow eve ryt h i n g i n the game wo rks,
whet h e r it's cl i m b i n g a wa l l , sweet-tal k i n g a guard, o r
fight i n g a b i oe n g i n ee red h o rro r.
5. Perh a p s most i m portant, the system gives
G Ms the freed o m to focu s enti rely o n the fl ow of t h e
game. The G M doesn't u s e d i ce to d eterm i n e w h at
h a p p e n s ( u n l e s s he wants to)-the p l aye rs do. There
a re n ' t a l ot of d i fferent rules for d i fferent act i o n s , so
t h e re i s l ittl e to re m e m be r a n d very l ittl e to refe re n ce.
The d ifficu lty can be u sed as a n a rrative too l , with t h e
c h a l l e n ges always meet i n g the expected logic of the
game. A l l t h e G M ' s mental s pace can be d evoted to
g u i d i n g the sto ry.
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
GM INTRUSION
GM i nt r u s i o n i s the main mech a n i c t h at the G M
u ses to i nject d ra m a a n d a d d i t i o n a l excite ment i nto
the game. I t ' s a l so a h a n d y tool fo r resolvi n g i s s ue s
t h at affect t h e P C s but d o n ot i nvolve t h e m . G M
i nt r u s i o n i s a way to faci l itate w h at goes o n i n t h e
wo rld outs i d e the c h a racte rs. Ca n the mastigo p h o re Mastigophore, page 245
track t h e PCs' move m e nts t h rough t h e co m p l ex? Wi l l
t h e frayi n g ro pe h o l d ?
S i n ce t h e p l ayers ro l l a l l t h e d i ce , G M i ntru s i o n i s
u s e d t o d eterm i n e if a n d w h e n s o m et h i n g h a p p e n s .
Fo r exa m p l e , if t h e P C s a re fighti n g a n o b l e ' s
g u a rd s , a n d t h e G M k n ows t h at t h e re a re m o re
g u a rd s nearby, t h e G M d o e s n ' t need to ro l l d i ce to
d eterm i n e if t h e ot h e r g u a rd s h e a r t h e s c u ffl e a n d
i nterve n e ( u n l e s s h e w a n t s to) . H e j u st d e c i d e s
w h e n it wo u l d be best fo r t h e sto ry-w h i c h i s
p ro b a b l y w h e n it wo u l d be worst fo r t h e c h a racte rs.
In a way, GM i nt ru s i o n re p l aces t h e G M ' s d i e
ro l l i n g .
T h e mech a n i c i s a l s o o n e of t h e m a i n ways t h at
G M s awa rd exp e r i e n ce poi nts to t h e PCs. T h i s Experience points, page 7 08
m e a n s t h at t h e G M u s e s exp e r i e n ce p o i n t s a s a
n a rrative too l . W h e n ever it see m s a p p ro p r i ate,
h e can i nt rod uce co m p l icati o n s i nto the g a m e
t h at affect a s pecific p l aye r, but w h e n h e does so,
h e gives t h at p l aye r 1 X P . T h e p l aye r can refu se Remember, any time you 're
t h e i nt ru s i o n , but d o i n g so costs h e r 1 X P . S o by giving a player 7 XPfor a
GM intrusion, you 're actually
refu s i n g a n i nt ru s i o n , t h e p l aye r does n ot get the
giving them 2; one to keep
expe r i e n ce point t h at t h e GM i s offe r i n g , a n d s h e and one to give to another
l o s e s o n e t h at s h e a l ready h a s . (Th i s k i n d o f refu s a l player.
i s l i kely t o h a p p e n very rarely i n yo u r g a m e , if eve r.
A n d , o bv i o u s ly, a p l aye r ca n ' t refu s e a n i nt ru s i o n i f
s h e h a s n o X P to s pe n d . ) Ultimately what you want
is for the players to interact
H e re ' s h ow a G M i nt r u s i o n m i ght work i n p l ay. S ay
with the situations in the
the PCs fi n d a h id d e n co n s o l e with some b utto n s . game, not with the rules
They l e a r n the right o rd e r i n w h i c h t o p re s s t h e and numbers that represent
b utto n s , a n d a section o f the fl o o r d i s a p pears. A s the situation. Don't let
the G M , yo u d o n ' t a s k the p l ayers s pecifica l ly where the players get too worked
t h e i r c h a racte rs a re sta n d i ng. I n stea d , yo u give a
up over mechanics, dice
percentages, and whatnot.
p l ayer 1 XP a n d s ay, " U nfort u n ately, yo u ' re sta n d i n g
That doesn 't drive the story.
d i rectly ove r t h i s n ew h o l e i n t h e floor. " I f h e wanted ,
the p l aye r cou l d refu s e the XP, s p e n d o n e of h i s own ,
a n d say, " I leap a s i d e to safety. " M ost l i kely, t h o u g h ,
he' l l m a ke the d efe n s ive ro l l t h at yo u ca l l fo r a n d l et
it p l ay out.
There a re two ways for the GM to handle this kind
of intru s i o n . You cou l d say, "Yo u ' re sta n d i n g i n the
wrong p l ace, so make a rol l . " (It's a S peed defe n se Defense roll, page 7 02
rol l , of co u rse.) Altern ative ly, you cou l d say, "Yo u ' re
sta n d i n g i n the wro n g p l ace. The floor opens u n d e r
you r feet, and yo u fa l l d own i nto the d a rknes s . " I n the
fi rst exa m ple, the PC h a s a chance to save h i m self.
In the second exa m p l e , h e does n 't. Both a re viable
optio n s . The d i sti nction i s based on any n u m be r
o f factors, i n cl u d i n g the s ituation, the characte rs
325
 i nvolved , and the need s of the story. T h i s m ight seem
arbitrary or even ca pricious, but yo u ' re the m aster of
what the i ntru s i o n can and can't do. RPG mech a n ics
need con s i ste ncy so p l ayers can m a ke inte l l igent
deci s i o n s based on how they u n d erstand the world
to work. But they' l l n ever base their deci sions on G M
i ntru s i o n s . They d o n 't know when intru s i o n s wi l l
happen or what form they wi l l take. G M i ntru s i o n s a re
the u n p red ictable and stra n ge twi sts of fate that affect
a person's l i fe every d ay.
When p l ayer mod ificat i o n s (such a s s ki l l , Effo rt,
a n d so on) d eterm i n e t h at s u ccess i s a utomatic, the
GM can u s e GM i nt r u s i o n to negate the a utomatic
s ucce s s . The p l ayer m u st ro l l fo r the action at
its o ri g i n a l d ifficu lty l evel o r ta rget n u m be r 20,
w h i c h ever i s l ower.
PLAYER-AWARDED EXPERIENCE POINTS
P l ayers who ga i n 1 XP as the re s u lt of G M i nt ru s i o n
a l so get 1 X P t o awa rd to a n other p l aye r fo r wh ateve r
reason t h ey w i s h-m aybe t h e oth e r p l aye r had a
good idea, told a fu n ny joke, lent a h e l p i n g h a n d ,
o r wh ateve r s e e m s a p p ropriate. T h i s mea n s t h at
whenever t h e G M u s e s G M i ntru s i o n , h e ' s act u a l ly
givi n g out 2 XP. The a b i l ity to awa rd XP to yo u r
fr i e n d s i s e m poweri n g a n d i nteractive. I t h e l p s the
p l ayers regu l ate t h e fl ow of X P so t h at n o one i s left
out. I t rewa rd s good p l ay t h at pleases the gro u p
a s a w h o l e , e n s u ri n g t h at eve ryo ne contri b utes to
eve ryon e e l s e ' s enjoyment. It s h o u l d n 't j u st be the
GM who decides which p l ayers h ave d o n e we l l .
Some gro u p s wi l l want t o decide t h e crite ria fo r
p l aye r-awarded poi nts a h ead o f t i m e . Some wi l l j u st
want to p l ay it by ear.
Variant: Alternatively, t h e gro u p co u l d co m b i n e
Sathosh, page 256 the p l aye r-awa rd ed poi nts and vote at the end of a
s e s s i o n to decide who gets h ow many XP. Th i s m i ght
be t h e most ega l itarian way to d o it, but it's p robably
n ot as fu n o r e m poweri n g to t h e i n d ivid u a l p l aye rs.
326
USING GM INTRUSION AS A
NARRATIVE TOOL
A G M can u s e t h i s n a rrative tool to steer t h i ngs.
T h at doesn't mean ra i l road the p l ayers o r d i rect the
action of t h e game with a heavy hand. GM i nt r u s i o n
doesn't e n a b l e yo u to say, "Yo u ' re a l l captu red ,
so h e re ' s yo u r 1 X P . " I n stead , t h e G M can d i rect
t h i ngs m o re s u bt ly-ge ntly, a l most i m percepti bly
i nfl uenci n g eve nts rather t h a n fo rc i n g them. G M
i nt r u s i o n re presents t h i ngs go i n g wrong. The bad
guys p l a n n i n g we l l . Fo rt u n e n ot favo r i n g the PCs.
Co n s id e r this sce n a rio: the GM p l ants a n
i nterest i n g adventu re s e e d i n a s m a l l vi l l age, but
the PCs d o n ' t stay t h e re l o n g e n o u g h to fi n d it. J u st
outside the v i l l age, the PCs run afoul of a vicious
viper t h at bites one of t h e m . The GM u ses i nt r u s i o n
to s a y t h at t h e poison fro m the s n a ke wi l l m a ke t h e
c h a racter d e b i l itated u n less h e gets a l a rge dose o f
a very s pecific antitoxi n , which the gro u p doesn't
h ave. Of course, they a re n ' t req u i red to go back to
the v i l l age where the G M's i nterest i n g adventure
can sta rt, but it's l i kely t h at they w i l l , looki n g for the
antitox i n .
Some p l aye rs m i ght fi n d i ntru s i o n heavy h a n d e d ,
but the X P softe n s the b l ow. And re m e m be r, t h ey c a n
refu s e t h e s e n a rrative n u d ge s . I nt r u s i o n i s n o t meant
to be a ra i l road i n g tool-j u st a bit of a rudder. N ot
an i n esca p a b l e track, but a n u d ge h e re a n d t h e re.
Wh at' s m o re, the GM does n ' t need to h ave
a d e l i be rate goal in m i n d . The co m p l ication
h e i ntrod uces co u l d s i m ply m a ke t h i ngs m o re
i nterest i n g . H e m i ght n ot know where it w i l l take the
sto ry, j u st t h at it wi l l m a ke t h e story better.
T h i s i s wo n d e rfu l l y e m poweri n g to t h e G M - n ot
i n a " H a h a , now I ' l l t ro u nce t h e P C s " way, b u t i n
a n " I c a n control t h e n a rrative a l itt l e b i t , steeri n g
it m o re toward t h e story I want t o create rat h e r
t h a n re lyi n g o n t h e d i ce" s o rt o f way. Co n s i d e r t h at
o l d c l a s s i c p l ot d eve l o p m e nt i n w h i c h t h e PCs get
captu red and m u st e s c a p e fro m the bad g u y s . I n
h e ro i c fict i o n , t h i s i s s u ch a sta p l e t h at i t wo u l d
a l most s e e m stra n ge i f it d i d n ' t h a p p e n . B u t i n
m a n y ro l e p l ay i n g g a m e s , i t ' s a n e a rly i m po s s i b l e
t u rn o f eve nts-t h e P C s u s u a l ly h ave too m a n y
ways t o get o u t o f t h e b a d guy' s c l u t c h e s eve n
b e fo re t h ey' re captu red . T h e d i ce h ave to be wi l d ly
a ga i n st t h e m . I t v i rt u a l ly never h a p p e n s . With G M
i nt ru s i o n , it co u l d h a p p e n (aga i n , i n t h e co ntext of
the l a rger e n co u nter, n ot a s a s i n g l e i n t ru s i o n t h at
res u lt s i n t h e e n t i re g ro u p of PCs b e i n g captu red
with l itt l e exp l a n at i o n o r c h a n ce to re act) .
For exa m p l e , let' s say t h e PCs a re s u rro u n d ed
by s at h o s h . O n e c h a racter i s b a d l y i n j u red
d e b i l itated-a n d the rest a re h u rt. Some of t h e
s at h o s h p rod u ce a l a rge we i g h ted n e t . Rat h e r
t h a n a s k i n g fo r a l o t o f ro l l s a n d fi g u ri n g t h e

mech a n i c s fo r e s c a p e , t h e G M u s e s i nt r u s i o n
a n d s ays t h at t h e n e t g o e s ove r t h e P C s w h o a re
sti l l on t h e i r feet. T h e rest of t h e a b h u m a n s p o i n t
s pe a r s m e n a c i n g l y. T h i s i s a p retty stro n g c u e t o
t h e p l ayers t h at s u rre n d e r i s a g o o d ( a n d p o s s i b l y
t h e o n l y) o pt i o n . S o m e p l aye rs wo n ' t t a ke t h e
h i nt , h oweve r, s o a n o t h e r u s e of i n t ru s i o n m i g h t
a l low t h e s at h o s h to h it o n e of t h e t r a p p e d PCs o n
t h e h e a d a n d re n d e r h i m u n co n s c i o u s w h i l e h i s
fri e n d s stru g g l e i n t h e net. I f t h e p l aye rs sti l l d o n ' t
s u rre n d e r, it' s p r o b a b l y b e s t to p l ay o u t t h e rest
of the e n co u nter w i t h o u t m o re G M i nt ru s i o n s
u s i n g m o re wo u l d be h e avy- h a n d e d by a n yo n e ' s
m e a s u re-a l t h o u g h i t ' s p e rfect ly re a s o n a b l e
to r u l e t h at a c h a racter re n d e red d e b i l itated i s
k n ocked u n co n s c i o u s , s i nce t h e a b h u m a n s a re
t ryi n g to t a ke t h e PCs a l ive.
USING GM INTRUSION AS A
RESOLUTION MECHANIC
T h i s m e ch a n i c offers a way for the G M to
d ete rm i n e h ow t h i n gs h a p pe n in the game w i t h o u t
leavi n g i t a l l to ra n d o m c h a n ce . B a d guys t ryi n g t o
s m a s h d own t h e d o o r to t h e r o o m w h e re t h e P C s
a re h o l e d u p ? T h e G M co u l d ro l l a b u n c h of d i ce,
co m p a re the N PC s ' stats to the d o o r ' s stat s , a n d
s o o n , o r h e co u l d w a i t u n t i l t h e m o s t i nterest i n g
t i m e , h ave t h e b a d guys b r e a k i n , a n d awa rd a n
exp e r i e n ce p o i n t t o t h e PC w h o tried h i s b e s t t o
b a r t h e d o o r. T h e l atte r way i s t h e N u m e n e ra way.
I nt r u s i o n i s a ta s k re s o l u t i o n tool fo r t h e G M . I n
ot h e r wo rd s , h e d o e s n ' t b a s e t h i n g s o n stats b u t
o n n a rrative c h o i ce . ( Fra n kly, a l ot of great G M s
over t h e ye a rs-eve n i n t h e very e a r l y d ays of t h e
h o b by-h ave r u n t h e i r g a m e s t h i s way. S o m et i m e s
t h ey ro l l ed d i ce o r p rete n d ed to ro l l d i ce, b u t t h ey
were rea l ly m a n i p u l at i n g t h i n gs . ) T h i s method
free s t h e G M fro m wo rryi n g a bo u t m e c h a n i c s a n d
l o o k i n g u p stats a n d a l l ows h i m t o fo c u s o n t h e
sto ry.
Th i s i s n 't cheat i n g-it' s the rules of t h e game.
Th i s r u l e s i m ply re p l aces trad iti o n a l d i ce ro l l i n g
with good game m a steri ng, logic, a n d i n te l l i gent
sto ryte l l i n g. When a PC i s c l i m b i n g a b u rn i n g rope,
and eve ryo n e knows t h at it wi l l b reak at some poi nt,
the game has a mech a n i s m to e n s u re t h at it breaks
at j u st the right t i m e .
Variant: I f yo u want m o re ra n d o m n e s s i n yo u r
game, o r i f you want yo u r g a m e t o seem l i ke m o re
of a s i m u l at i o n , a s s i g n a fl at percentage c h a n ce fo r
wh ateve r yo u ' re t ryi n g t o resolve. Fo r exa m p l e , each
ro u n d , t h e a b h u m a n s h ave a 20% c h a n ce to break
d own t h e d o o r-or, i f yo u want t h e risk to esca l ate,
a cu m u l ative 20% c h a n ce to break d own t h e d o o r.
By not u s i n g G M i nt ru s i o n , t h i s method ro b s t h e
PCs of a few X P , but w h e n t h ey see yo u ro l l i n g d i ce,
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
it m i ght h e l p with t h e i r i m m e rs i o n . Alternatively,
yo u can p rete n d to ro l l d i ce but rea l ly u s e G M
i nt ru s i o n , t h o u g h t h i s method serio u s ly ro b s t h e
c h a racters of X P .
T h e re ' s a better way. A n n o u n ce yo u r i nt ru s i o n ,
b u t s a y t h at t h e re ' s o n ly a c h a n ce it wi l l h a p pe n
(state t h e p e rcentage c h a n ce) , a n d t h e n ro l l t h e
d i ce i n p l a i n v i ew of eve ryo n e . I f t h e i nt ru s i o n
occ u r s , awa rd t h e X P a s n o r m a l . T h i s i s l i ke l y t h e
b e s t of b o t h worl d s . H owever, it t a ke s t h e n a rrative
powe r out of yo u r h a n d s and gives it to the d i ce.
Perh a p s t h i s method is best u sed o n l y occa s i o n a l ly.
If noth i n g e l se , it i nj ects s o m e variety a n d certa i n ly
s o m e d ra m a .
USING (AND NOT ABUSING)
GM INTRUSION
Too m u ch of a good t h i n g wi l l m a ke the game
seem utte rly u n p re d i cta b l e-eve n ca p r i c i o u s . T h e
i d e a l i s to u s e a bout fo u r G M i nt ru s i o n s per g a m e
s e s s i o n , d e pe n d i n g o n t h e l e n gt h o f t h e s e s s i o n , o r
a b o u t o n e i nt ru s i o n per h o u r of g a m e p l ay. T h i s i s
i n a d d ition t o a n y i nt ru s i o n s t h at a re tri ggered by
Remember that GM
p l aye rs ro l l i n g 1 s .
intrusions can occur at
any time, notjust during
INTRUSION THROUGH PLAYER ROLLS combat. Disrupting
When a PC ro l l s a 1 , h a n d l e the G M i nt r u s i o n or changing a tense
the s a m e w a y t h at yo u ' d h a n d l e a n i ntru s i o n you interaction with NPCs can
i n itiated . The i ntru s i o n co u l d mean the PC fu m b les have big repercussions.
o r botches wh ateve r s h e was t ryi n g to d o , but
it co u l d mean someth i n g e l s e . Co n s i d e r these
a lternative s :
At any time, it's reasonable
I n co m bat, the PC' s foe i s n ot a s h u rt a s s h e to switch one "condition "
thou ght. G ive the foe 5 extra health. for another. Thus, if a
In co m bat, the PC d rops h e r guard, a n d the foe PC moves one step down
gets a free attack. on the damage track as
the result ofsomeone
In com bat, rei nforcements for the PC' s foes show up.
attempting to knock him
In co m bat (or any stressfu l s ituati on) , a n a l ly out, that happens instead.
decides to flee. This could also be the case
In co m bat (or any stressfu l s ituati on) . a n a l ly ifsomeone was trying to
doesn't l i ke t h e PCs as m u c h as t h ey thou ght. H e blind or deafen a PC, or
ste a l s fro m t h e m o r betrays t h e m . anything else appropriate.
Conversely, an effect that
Out o f co m bat, t h e PC' s p a c k fa l l s o p e n , o r the
blinds could just move a
sole of h e r s h oe tears o p e n . character one step down.
Out of co m bat, it begi n s to ra i n h eavi ly.
Out of co m bat, a s u rprise foe a p pears, a n d the
sce n e t u r n s i nto a co m bat.
I n an i n teract i o n , t h e G M i nt rod uces a
s u rp ri s i n g m otive fo r t h e N PC. Fo r exa m p l e ,
t h e PCs a re t ryi n g to b r i b e a n offi c i a l fo r
i n fo rm a t i o n , a n d h e reve a l s t h at w h at h e re a l ly
wants i s n 't m o n ey b u t fo r s o m e o n e to re s c u e
h i s k i d n a p p ed s o n .
327
 GM intrusions can be
an opportunity to inject
more of the weird into
the game. Consider the
following GM intrusions,
for example:
GM INTRUSION THAT AFFECTS
THE GROUP
The co re of t h e idea beh i n d GM i ntru s i o n i s t h at the
p l aye r being adversely affected ga i n s a n experience
poi nt. B ut what if t h e i nt r u s i o n affects the whole
Rat h e r t h a n ro l l i n g d i ce to see h ow l o n g it takes a n
N PC t o rew i re a d a m aged fo rce fi e l d gene rator, i t
h a p p e n s a t a t i m e o f the G M ' s choos i n g-ideally
when it wo u l d be most i nterest i n g. Fo r exa m p l e:
The a b h u m a n re i n fo rce ments fi n a l ly get t h rough

gro u p eq u a l ly? What if t h e GM u s e s it to h ave a n the l ocked door.

The broken hound u n stable d evice ove rload a n d exp lode, h a rm i n g a l l The ro pes of the o l d ro pe bridge fi n a l ly s n a p .
suddenly speaks and begs t h e c h a racte rs? I n t h i s c a s e , if n o PC i s i nvolved The city g u a rd s s h ow u p .
for mercy (but it's a ploy m o re t h a n the oth e rs (fo r exa m p l e, no s i n g l e PC was The u n stable cei l i n g co l l a p s e s .
and it gets a sneak attack
frantica l ly atte m pt i n g to re p a i r t h e d evice) , t h e G M The N PC who h o l d s a d agger to a c h a racte r' s
if the PCs stop their
attack). s h o u l d give l X P to each c h a racte r but n ot g ive any of th roat a n d s ays " Do n ' t move" cuts the PC when
t h e m an extra X P to h a n d out to someone e l s e . h e does, i n fact, m ove, putt i n g him i m med iately at
The ground opens H owever, t h i s k i n d of gro u p i nt r u s i o n s h o u l d be d e b i l itated o n the d a m age track.
beneath the PC and he a n exce pt i o n , n ot t h e rule. GM i ntru s i o n s a re m uch
falls into an ancient, m o re effective if they a re m o re perso n a l .
Opponent Luck or Skill
long-buried ruin.

A nearby machine EXAMPLE GM INTRUSIONS The P C s a re n ' t the o n ly ones w i t h s u rp ri s i n g tricks

activates, and the air in It's n ot a good idea to use the same eve nts a s G M up t h e i r s l eeve s . Fo r exa m p l e:
the ancient complex turns i ntru s i o n s ove r a n d ove r ( " D o i m a r d ro p ped h i s The PC' s opponent u ses a l i ghtn i n g-fast m a n euver
to liquid. swo rd again ?") . Below a re a n u m be r o f d i fferent to dodge all attacks.
i ntru s i o n s yo u can u s e . The PC' s opponent sees a n open i n g and m a ke s an
The PC's artifact
a d d i t i o n a l , i m me d i ate attack.
suddenly develops an
artificial intelligence of Bad Luck The N PC co m m a n d e r ra l l ies her troo p s , and they
its own. T h ro u g h n o fa u lt of the c h a racte rs, so meth i n g a l l ga i n a +2 d a m age bon u s for o n e ro u n d .
h a p p e n s t h at i s b a d o r a t least co m p l icat i n g. Fo r T h e PC' s opponent u ses a cyp h e r o r s i m i l a r d evice
The PC's cypher turns exa m p l e: t h at p rod u ces j u st the right effect fo r t h e situat i o n .
his skin glowing orange.
The floorboard beneath t h e PC gives way. A bit o f t h e wa l l co l l apses i n the m i d d l e o f the
An ultraterrestrial The boat l i sts to starboard at j u st the wro n g fight, p reventi n g t h e cha racte rs from chas i n g the
suddenly appears, takes m o m e nt. fl ee i n g N PC.
something belonging to A gust of w i n d b l ows the pa pers out of the
the PC (or gets in the way c h a racte r' s h a n d . Fumbles
of her doing something The buckle o f the PC' s exp l o rer's p a c k s n a p s a t a n Although you m i ght n ot want eve ry p l ayer ro l l of
important, foiling it) and
i n o pport u n e t i m e . 1 to be a fu m b l e , somet i m e s it co u l d be j u st t h at.
then disappears.
The N PC t h at the cha racters n e e d to speak w i t h i s Alternatively, the GM co u l d s i m ply declare t h at a
h o m e s i c k tod ay. fu m b l e h a s occu rre d . I n either case, co n s i d e r t h e
A d evice (cyp h e r or a rtifact) m a l fu n ct i o n s or gives fo l l owi n g exa m p l e s :
t h e user a jolt. I n co m bat, the PC d rops h i s wea pon.
In co m bat, the PC m i sses a n d stri kes t h e wa l l ,
An Unknown Complication Emerges b rea k i n g o r d a m a g i n g h i s wea p o n .
The situation was more co m p l ex (a n d t h e refore m o re I n co m bat, the N PC h its t h e PC h a rd e r t h a n u s u a l ,
i nterest i n g) t h a n t h e PCs kn ew-perh a p s eve n more i nfl ict i n g 2 add iti o n a l poi nts o f d a m age.
t h a n the G M kn ew, at least at t h e sta rt. Fo r exa m p le : In co m bat, the PC h its a n a l ly by acci dent a n d
A p o i s o n o u s s n a ke d a rts out fro m t h e ta l l gra s s i nfl icts reg u l a r d a mage.
a n d attacks. Out of co m bat, t h e PC d ro p s o r m i s h a n d les an
The box t h at h o l d s the p l a n s i s trap ped with a i m portant o bj ect o r p i ece of e q u i p m e nt.
poison need le. In a n i nteract i o n , the PC i n adverte ntly (or eve n
The N PC t h at the PCs need to befrie n d doesn't u n kn owi n gly) s ays so meth i n g offe n s ive.
s peak t h e i r l a n guage.
The N PC t h at the PCs try to bribe i s a l l e rgic to the Partial Success
bottle of a l co h o l they offer. G M i nt r u s i o n does n ' t h ave to mean t h at a PC h a s
The PCs find the book they n eed , but the pages a re fa i l e d . F o r exa m p l e:
so brittle t h at if they open it, it m i ght cru m b l e . The PC d i s a b l e s t h e exp los ive d evice before it goes
off, but if someone doesn't re m a i n and hold the
An Impending Complication Emerges deton ato r, it wi l l exp lode.
G M s can u s e t h i s type of i ntru s i o n as a resol ution The PC creates t h e antidote, but it wi l l t u rn the
mech a n i c to d eterm i n e N PC s u cces s o r fa i l u re. i m b i ber's fl e s h blue fo r t h e n ext few wee ks.

328
 LI M E NE
USING THE RULES

T h e PC j u m p s acro s s t h e p i t b u t acci d e nt a l ly t h at be t h e case? N o , beca u s e the t h i c k leather

knocks l o o s e some sto n e s fro m the edge,
m a k i n g t h e j u m p h a rd e r fo r her fri e n d r i g h t
be h i n d h e r.
THE REST OF THE RULES
I ' l l s ay it aga i n : t h e rules exi st to be u sed a s too l s to
s h ape the game, t h e sto ry, a n d t h e experience. When
yo u te l l a p l ayer t h at the howl i n g, best i a l a b h u m a n s
a t the t o p o f t h e c l i ff th row heavy sto nes d own o n h e r
c h a racter a n d s h e gets h u rt, the rules give y o u a way
to exp l a i n j u st h ow h u rt.
One way to look at it i s t h i s : the G M i s t h e
s e n s o ry i n p u t fo r t h e p l aye r. T h e p l aye r can't know
a n yt h i n g a bout w h a t ' s go i n g on i n t h e fict i o n a l
rea l ity of t h e g a m e u n l e s s t h e G M te l l s h e r. T h e
r u l e s , t h e n , a re o n e w a y to convey i n formation
to t h e p l ayers i n a m a n n e r t h at i s m e a n i n gfu l to
eve ryo n e s itti n g at t h e t a b l e . T h e GM co u l d say,
"Yo u ' re q u ite h u rt , " but t h e r u l e s c l a r i fy h ow h u rt
s h e i s . T h e G M co u l d say, "Yo u can h u rl t h at s pe a r
p retty fa r, " b u t t h e r u l e s p rov i d e a d efi n it i o n o f
" p retty fa r" t h at h e l p s k e e p t h i n g s co n s i stent,
m o d e rately rea l i stic, and u n d e rsta n d a b l e so t h e G M
does n 't h ave to re peat t h i n g s ove r a n d ove r.
The rules do more than that, of cou rse. They
d eterm i n e success or fa i l u re for PCs and N PCs. They
h e l p define what resou rces cha racters h ave to i nteract
with the world (alth ough the best resou rce is the
p l ayers' ingenu ity, and that i s n 't defined by the rules) .
doesn't p rotect eve ry a rea o n the PC' s body. I t ' s It's telling that in
more co m p l ex t h a n t h at. Co u l d yo u d e v i s e a ru l e to Numenera, the rules only
cover both s ituati o n s ? P robab ly, but why bother? very generally define "quite
The GM can m a ke a d eci s i o n based o n t h e situat i o n . hurt" and "pretty far, "
(S h e can a l so u s e G M i ntru s io n a n d s a y t h at a need l e intentionally leaving a lot
up to the GM's storytelling
h it where t h e armor d i d n 't offe r p rotectio n-G M
abilities. A game with a
i nt r u s i o n rea l ly does so lve a l ot of these i s s ues.) less-story-based approach
Li kewise, somet i m e s a c h a racte r who falls off a would likely define such
h i g h ledge s h o u l d be st u n ned a n d lose h i s n ext t u r n . things far more precisely.
T h at i s n 't the rule, but it m a kes sen se-somet i m e s .
And the key word i s sometimes. Beca u s e somet i m e s
the s ituation o r the context m e a n s y o u d o n ' t want
t h at to h a p p e n , so you adj u d i cate.
A c h a racte r fa l l i n g fro m a 1 00-foot (30 m) ledge
m i ght take 1 0 poi nts of d a m age. That's a l ot, but a
fre s h c h a racte r with a d ecent a m o u nt of M i ght can Might, page 20
take t h at a n d keep go i n g. Somet i m e s that's o kay, but
somet i m e s it stretches o u r s u s pe n s i o n of d i s be l ief.
I f a p l ayer rea d s the rules o n h ow much d a m age is
dealt by fa l l i ng, h e m i ght eve n h ave his c h a racte r

ADJUDICATING
A l ot of what I ' m ta l k i n g about h e re is what peo p l e
somet i m e s ca l l "adjud icati n g . " Adj ud icat i n g i s
basically t h e d i fference betwee n a co m p uter game
a n d a game r u n by a n act u a l , l iv i n g h u m a n b e i n g . All
a co m p uter can d o (as of yet) i s fo l l ow the r u l e s . B ut
a h u m a n can u s e h i s sense of logic (we ' l l d i scuss
t h at i n d eta i l below) to d ete rm i n e whether the rules
m a ke sense fo r a given situat i o n , a n d h e can d o it o n
a case-by-case b a s i s . Beca u s e t h e r e ' s a h u m a n G M
u s i n g logic, the rules fo r h ow to p l ay N u m e n e ra take
u p o n ly a s m a l l part of t h i s h efty book. I f the rules
had to cover eve ry i m a g i n a b l e s ituat i o n , we l l , t h i s
wo u l d b e a ve ry d i fferent book.
Fo r exa m p l e , i m a g i n e t h at t h e PCs e n co u nter
a n a s s a s s i n who tries to ki l l them with a need l e r Needler, page 308
l o a d e d w i t h poisoned need les. O n e of the P C s i s
heavily armored , so s h e takes n o d a m age from the
need les-not eve n close. T h at sort of sou n d s l i ke
the need les j u st bo u n ced off h e r armor. S h o u l d the
poison o n a need l e t h at ca n ' t penetrate a c h a racte r' s
armor affect t h at c h a racter? P robably n ot. B ut t h at ' s
n ot a n act u a l rule. We l l , why n ot m a ke it a ru l e ?
Beca u s e then s u d d e n ly anyone wea r i n g a leat h e r
jerkin ca n ' t be affected by poison need les. S h o u l d

329
 While GMs always have
notes with them that
they put together before
the game session, it's
smart to have a lot of
blank paper to scribble
notes on during the
game. You'll invariably
have to make stuff up
as you go, and you
might want to be able
to remember what you
didfor later. Sometimes
it will be a rules issue
(remembering that it was
a difficulty 4 jump to get
across the pit, so that it
will be consistent when
they come back that way
again), and sometimes
it willjust be an NPC's
name or some detail
about them.
j u m p off a h i gh c l i ff d e l i be rate ly, knowi n g t h at he co n ce pt s re a l l y d o n 't a p p ly. I f s o m et h i n g s ee m s
can take it. So yo u adj ud icate t h at he doesn't j u st b ro ke n , c h a n ge i t . I f a PC a b i l ity i s too powe rfu l ,
lose h i s n ext t u r n , but the fa l l a l s o knocks h i m d own m a ke i t l e s s s o . D o i t e i t h e r a s a p a rt o f t h e sto ry,
a step o n t h e d a mage track. That's h a rs h , and the o r-pe rh a p s eve n bett e r-j u st be u p fro nt w i t h t h e
p l ayer wi l l rea l ly fee l it. But h e s h o u l d , and it wi l l p l aye r s . " H ey, g u y s , t h i s t h i s new psyc h i c powe r
keep h i m fro m exp loiti n g w h at m i ght seem l i ke a of Ray' s i s j u st too good . I t ' s m a k i n g eve ry fi g h t
h o l e i n t h e rules i n a way t h at no rea l person wo u l d a p u s hover a n d t h at ' s n ot fu n . S o I ' m go i n g to
(a n d n o one i n a story wo u l d) . tone d own its effect. S o u n d o kay?" J u st a n h o n est
Re m e m be r, i t ' s yo u r j o b to u s e t h e r u l e s to d i s c u s s i o n with t h e p l ayers i s oft e n t h e very best
s i m u l ate t h e wo r l d , eve n if t h e world i s a fict i o n a l way to h a n d l e , we l l , j u st about a n y p ro b l e m t h at
p l ace w i t h a l l k i n d s o f stra n g e n e s s . Yo u ' re n ot a c ro p s u p i n a g a m e . A n d if a p l aye r ca n ' t h a n d l e
s l ave to t h e r u l es-it ' s t h e ot h e r way a ro u n d . I f you t h at k i n d o f i nteract i o n , m aybe y o u d o n ' t want h i m
co m e acro s s a hole in the r u l e s o r s o m et h i n g t h at a t yo u r ta b l e a n yway.
does n 't m a ke s e n s e , d o n ' t s h ru g yo u r s h o u l d e rs
a n d s ay, "We l l , t h at' s w h at t h e r u l e s say (or d o n ' t LOGIC
s ay) . " F i x it. R u n n i n g a game req u i res a l ot of logic rather t h a n
When ta l ki n g a bo u t r u l e s , s o m et i m e s peo p l e a ca refu l read i n g o f the ru l e s . Fo r exa m p l e, s o m e
w i l l to s s a ro u n d word s l i ke " g a m e b a l a nce" o r t h i ngs give c h a racte rs a res i stance t o fi re (a l m ost
Armor, page 92 refe r t o r u l e s a s " b ro ke n . " T h e s e co n cepts b e l o n g always exp ressed a s Armor) . B ut t h e re is n o s peci a l
i n g a m e s w h e re p l aye rs b u i l d c h a racte rs u s i n g ru l e fo r "fire d a m age" a s o p posed to " s l ic i n g
exte n s ive r u l e s a n d m a ke a l ot o f c h o i ce s a n d t h e n d a m age" o r " l ightn i n g d a mage." I n stea d , yo u u s e
p i t t h o s e c h a racters a ga i n st s pecific ch a l l e n ge s logic to d ete rm i n e w h e t h e r the d a mage i n fl i cted
to see h ow t h ey fa re . I n s u c h a g a m e , a ch a l l e n ge co u nts a s fire. I n these s ituati o n s , there a re o n ly two
rated o r d e s i g n e d poorly, o r a c h a racte r o p t i o n t i m e s when yo u r a n swer is wrong.
t h at g r a n t s t o o m u c h o r t o o l itt l e powe r, c a n t h row T h e fi rst is w h e n t h e answer breaks t h e players'
everyt h i n g co m p l etely o u t of w h a c k . Adva n c i n g suspension of disbelief. Fo r exa m p l e, someth i n g t h at
a n d i m p rovi n g c h a racters i s t h e p o i n t o f t h at m a kes a PC fi re res i stant s h o u l d probably p rovide
k i n d of g a m e , a n d t h e way t h at c h a racte rs "wi n " some p rotection aga i n st a heat-based wea pon. l f it
i s b y ove rco m i n g c h a l l e n ge s (ofte n , b y fi g ht i n g) . doesn 't, yo u r a n swer wi l l s p o i l the moment fo r the
Beca u s e N u m e n e ra i s n ot a g a m e a b o u t m atch i n g gro u p .
P C b u i l d s a ga i n st s p ecific c h a l l e n ge s , n o r i s i t a T h e second wrong answer is when you're
g a m e a b o u t adva n c i n g c h a racte rs (at l e a s t not i nconsistent. If you a l l ow t h e fi re p roof armor a PC
s o l e ly, and in a n y eve nt, c h a racters d o n ot adva n ce wears to give h i m some p rotection aga i n st l ava one
d u e to fi g h t s o r overco m i n g c h a l l e n ge s ) , t h e s e time but n ot the n ext, t h at ' s a p ro b l e m-not o n ly

330

beca u s e it b reaks t h e s u s p e n s i o n of d i s be l ief but a l so
beca u s e it gives the p l ayers noth i n g to base t h e i r
deci s i o n s o n . Without p red icta b l e co n s i stency, t h ey
ca n ' t m a ke i n te l l i gent deci s i o n s .
The N u m e n e ra r u l e s a re written with t h e
a s s u m ption t h at the G M does n ot n e e d to fa l l back
o n rules fo r eve ryt h i ng, either fo r her own s a ke o r
a s a d efe n s e aga i n st the p l aye rs. "There ' s n o r u l e
t h at s ays yo u ca n't wea r two k i n d s of armor, so t h at
m e a n s I can wear two leat h e r jerki n s a n d get d o u b l e
p rotect i o n , right?" O f co u rse not. T h at m a kes n o
sen se. The G M ' s logic rules t h e d ay h e re .
Yo u s h o u l d n 't n e e d ped antic rules to d efe n d
aga i n st t h e p l ayers. Yo u a n d t h e p l aye rs s h o u l d
w o r k together to create a logica l , co n s i stent, a n d
bel ieva b l e wo rld a n d sto ry. P l ayers who t ry to u s e the
lack of ped antry i n t h e rules to ga i n u n rea l i stic a n d
i l logical advantages fo r t h e i r c h a racters s h o u l d revisit
the b a s i c concept of N u m e n e ra .
Fu rther, the ru les don't s a y t h i ngs l i ke, "The G M
decides ifthe N PC knows the answer to the q uestion,
or if he will an swer, or how he will an swer. " Of cou rse
that' s the kind of thing you decide-th at's you r role.
The ru les don't state that you decide if somet h i n g is
logical and appropriate to the story or setting any more
than they state that the player decides what actions h i s
character wi l l take. That's j u st the way t h e game works.
Does t h i s put m o re p res s u re o n the G M ? Yes
a n d no. It mea n s t h at you need to m a ke m o re
j u d gment ca l l s-more of the adj ud ication d escri bed
a bove-which can be c h a l l e n g i n g if yo u ' re n ew at
it. B ut b e i n g an a rb iter of what see m s a p p ropriate
a n d m a kes s e n s e is somet h i n g t h at we a l l do, a l l
d ay long. Look a t it t h i s way: w h e n yo u ' re watch i n g
a televi s i o n s h ow o r a movie, a t s o m e p o i n t yo u
m i ght s ay, "That see m s wro n g , " or "That seems
u n re a l i stic." There ' s n o d i fference between d o i n g
t h at a n d u s i n g l o g i c as a G M .
I n t h e l o n g ru n , re lyi n g o n l o g i c fre e s t h e G M .
N o l o n ge r s a d d l e d w i t h h u n d re d s (o r t h o u s a n d s)
of i n d i v i d u a l r u l e s , co m p at i b i l ity i s s u e s ,
l oo p h o l e s , a n d t h e l i ke , yo u a re fre e t o m ove
a h e a d w i t h t h e story b e i n g to l d by t h e g ro u p . Yo u
c a n fo c u s m o re o n t h e n a rrative e l e m e n t s of t h e
g a m e t h a n o n t h e m e c h a n i c a l o n e s . To l o o k at i t
a d i ffe re n t way, i n ot h e r g a m e s G M s s o m et i m e s
s p e n d a l ot o f t i m e p re p a r i n g , w h i c h i s a l m o st
a l ways r u l e s - re l ated s t u ff: creat i n g N PC stat
b l oc k s , m e m o r i z i n g r u l e s s u bsyste m s t h at w i l l
c o m e i n to p l ay, ca refu l l y b a l a n c i n g e n c o u n t e r s ,
a n d s o o n . A N u m e n e ra G M d o e s v e ry l i tt l e o f
t h at . P re p p i n g fo r t h e g a m e m e a n s fi g u r i n g o u t
cool sto ry l i n e s , we i rd n ew d e v i c e s o r fo e s , a n d
t h e b e s t w a y to c o n vey t h e a t m o s p h e re . T h e
mech a n ical e l e m e nts can be h a n d led d u ri n g the
g a m e , u s i n g l o g i c at t h e t a b l e .
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
DICE ROLLING
U s i n g t h e rules i nvolves ro l l i n g d i ce. I f t h e d ice d o n ' t
mean anyt h i ng, t h e n eve ryt h i n g i s p redete r m i n e d ,
a n d it' s no l o n ge r a game b y any definition-j u st a
story b e i n g to l d . So the d ice need to m atte r. But t h at
m e a n s t h at somet i m e s a PC wi l l fa i l when s h e wo u l d
s u cceed if it were a sto ry, a n d vice versa. Th at' s n ot
a fl aw; it's a featu re . I t ' s what m a kes ro l e p l ay i n g
g a m e s so excit i n g. When we' re watc h i n g a n action
movie, we know t h at i n t h e t h i rd act the h e ro wi l l GMs can encourage smart
defeat t h e vi l l a i n a t j u st t h e right moment. B u t i n a n players to be ready with
their actions, and to know
R PG , m aybe n ot. I t' s n ot s o p red i cta b l e . That's o n e
enough about how actions
of the t h i ngs t h at m a kes t h e m so s peci a l . work so that you don't
O n the oth e r h a n d , t h i ngs l i ke G M i ntru s i o n s have to ask if they're using
somet i m e s tru m p the d ie ro l l s to h e l p the story Effort, or even tell them that
m ove a l o n g i n a d i rection t h at is (ho pefu l ly) best fo r they need to make a roll.
In a petfect world, when
the game. H ow d o yo u m a n age it a l l ?
it's Michele's turn and you
A s yo u describe t h e action o r a s t h e PCs m ove ask what she's doing, she
about the worl d , t h e vast m ajo rity of t h i ngs t h at says, "I'm going to try to
h a p pe n s h o u l d n 't i nvolve d i ce. Wa l k i n g a ro u n d , climb the tree to get out of
b uyi n g t h i ngs i n a m a rket, chatt i n g with N PCs, the reach ofthe yovok. I'm
cro s s i n g the w i l d e r n e s s , looki n g fo r a n ancient going to use a level of Effort,
and I rolled a 1 4. " That
ru i n-these a re n ot act i o n s t h at n o r m a l l y req u i re d i e
way, you can just take that
ro l l s . H owever, i t ' s easy t o th i n k o f exce pt i o n s where info and immediately tell
ro l l s m i ght be need ed. H ow do yo u decide? There her ifshe succeeded or not.
a re two rules of t h u m b . This keeps play moving at a
F i rst, d o n 't a s k fo r a ro l l u n l e s s it see m s l i ke wondetfully brisk pace, and
t h e re s h o u l d be a c h a n ce of fa i l u re a n d a c h a n ce doesn't let game mechanics
talk bog things down.
of s u cces s . I f a PC wants to s h oot an a rrow from
h i s bow and h it the moon, t h e re ' s n o need to ro l l ,
beca u s e there's n o c h a n ce fo r s u cces s . L i kewi se,
if h e wants to s h oot t h at s a m e a rrow at a l a rge
b u i l d i n g from 1 0 feet (3 m) away, t h e re ' s no c h a n ce
for fa i l u re. You a n d logic ru n the game, n ot the d i ce.
Seco n d , if a creatu re (PC o r N PC) o r o bj ect
is affected in a h a rmfu l way-or, in the case of
a creatu re, in a way t h at h e doesn't want to be
affected , h a r m fu l o r n ot-you need to i nvolve a d i e
ro l l . Whether t h e action i s s l a s h i n g with a b l ad e ,
u s i n g d eception to t r i c k s o m e o n e , i ntrus ively read i n g
a n N PC's m i n d , b rea k i n g d own a door, o r a p p l y i n g
p o i s o n , somet h i n g i s be i n g h a rmed o r affected i n a
way t h at it doesn't want to be, so a d i e ro l l i s need ed.
Th u s , someone u s i n g a powe r to become i nv i s i b l e
l i kely does n ' t req u i re a ro l l . I t j u st wo rks. There ' s
rea l ly n o c h a n ce o f fa i l u re ( u n less the powe r co mes
fro m a fa u lty d evice o r some oth e r ext ra neous fo rce
is at work) , a n d it does n ' t d i rect ly affect a nyo n e o r
a nyth i n g oth e r t h a n the c h a racte r beco m i n g i n v i s i b l e .
H owever, u s i n g a d evice to s h a pe t h e emoti o n s o f
a n other creatu re wo u l d req u i re a d ie ro l l .
O f co u rse, somet i m e s a c h a racter c a n u s e Effort
to red uce the d i fficu lty so there ' s no need to m a ke a
ro l l . But yo u , as the G M , can a l s o waive t h e need fo r
a ro l l . Co n s i d e r a n a n o who uses h e r F l a s h esotery Nano, page 32
on a b u nch of l evel 1 rod ents. Each h a s o n ly 3 h e a l t h ,
Flash esotery, page 3 7
33 1
 Remember, most of the a n d the PC need s to ro l l o n l y 3 or h i g h e r to affect
time, powers, abilities, each one, but there a re twe nty-fo u r rod ents. Yo u can
devices, and so forth are s i m ply say, "With a d i scharge of s u d d e n e n e rgy, you
written from the point of
i nc i n e rate the swa rm of rod ents, leav i n g l ittl e beh i n d
view of the PC. But only
players make die rolls. but scorch m a rks a n d the s m e l l o f b u rnt h a i r. " T h i s
So. for example, if the kee p s t h i ngs m ovi n g a n d p reve nts the g a m e from
circumstances callfor an co m i n g to a dead stop wh i l e the p l ayer m a kes two
N PC to make a defense dozen ro l l s . Fra n kly, most fi rst-tier c h a racte rs wi l l fi n d
roll, that means a PC l evel 1 creat u res merely a n u i s a n ce, so n o d ra m a i s
should make an attack
ru i ned w h e n the n a n o takes them a l l o u t . M ove o n to
roll instead.
a n other, greate r c h a l l e n ge.
When yo u waive t h e need fo r a die ro l l , what
yo u ' re effect ively d o i n g is m a k i n g t h e act i o n
rout i n e , s o n o ro l l i s n e e d e d . I n t h e case of t h e
n a n o , yo u ' re red u c i n g t h e d i fficu lty b y o n e ste p
Good description is vital d u e to c i rc u m st a n c e s : t h e rod e n t s j u st a r e n ' t t h at
to a fun, engaging game. to u g h . T h a t ' s n ot b rea ki n g t h e ru l e s-t h at ' s using
See Chapter 22: Building t h e r u l e s . T h at' s t h e way t h e g a m e is m e a n t to be
a Story (page 340) for p l ayed .
more on this topic. As a n a s i d e , t h i s does n 't m e a n t h at t h e swarm
of rod ents is a bad encou nter. I t wo u l d be bad in a
game w h e re it takes an h o u r a n d a h a l f to re so lve a
fight t h at was no rea l c h a l l e n ge. B u t i n N u m e n e ra ?
Eve n if t h e n a n o does n 't b l ast eve ry rod ent, a n
e n co u nter l i ke t h at can be re solved i n five m i n utes.
N ot eve ry encou nter need s to be l i fe-or-death
to be i nterest i n g. B ut we' l l ta l k about d e s i g n i n g
e n co u nters (and t h e re l ated i s s u e o f paci n g) i n t h e
n ext c h a pter.
TYING ACTIONS TO STATS
Alth ough the deci sion i s open to you r d i scretion, when
a PC takes a n action, it should be fa i rly obvious which
stat i s tied to that action. Physical actions that i nvolve
Might, page 20 b rute force or end u rance use M ight. Physical actions
Speed, page 20 that i nvolve q u ickness, coord i n ation, or agil ity use
Intellect, page 20 S peed . Actions that i nvolve i nte l l i gence, ed ucation,
i n s ight, wi l l power, or charm use I nte l l ect.
I n ra re i n stances, yo u co u l d a l l ow a PC to u s e a
d i fferent stat for a task. Fo r exa m p l e, a c h a racte r
m i ght try to break d own a door by exa m i n i n g it
closely for fl aws a n d t h u s u s e I nte l l ect rat h e r t h a n
M i ght. T h i s k i n d o f c h a n ge i s a good t h i n g beca u s e
it encourages p l ayer creativity. J u st d o n ' t l et it be
a b u sed by a n exu berant o r too-clever p l aye r. It's we l l
with i n you r p u rview t o decide t h at t h e door h a s n o
fl aws, o r t o ru l e t h at t h e c h a racte r' s atte m pt wi l l take
h a l f an h o u r rather t h a n o n e ro u n d . I n oth e r word s ,
u s i n g a stat t h at i s n ot the o bv i o u s cho ice s h o u l d b e
the excepti o n , n ot the rule.
THE FLOW OF INFORMATION
Yo u a re the eyes and ears of the p l aye rs. They ca n't
know anyt h i n g about the wo rld u n l e s s yo u te l l them.
M a ke s u re t h at the i nformation you p rovide i s both
p reci se and co ncise. (We ' l l d i sc u s s good description
332
i n the n ext cha pter.) Be evocative, but n ot to the
point t h at the p l aye rs lose d eta i l s i n t h e l a n g u age you
u se. Be open to a n sweri n g t h e i r q u esti o n s about t h e
wo rld a ro u n d t h e m .
Somet i m e s it's ea sy: a PC l o o k s ove r the t o p of
the h i l l , a n d you te l l her w h at s h e sees. Oth e r t i m e s
t h i ngs a re h i d d e n , o r t h e re ' s a c h a n ce t h at s h e
m i sses somet h i n g i m po rtant-secret p a n e l s , cloaked
a s s as s i n s , creat u res with natural ca moufl age, d eta i l s
o f s i g n ificance i n a crowd ed m a rket p l ace, a n d so o n .
I n t h e s e cases, perh a p s a ro l l i s i nvolve d . But it's
odd to a s k p l aye rs to ro l l when they h ave n ' t taken
any act i o n s . It's with i n t h e bo u n d s of t h e r u l e s , but it
can be jarring. There a re d i fferent ways to h a n d l e the
situat i o n : yo u can ca l l fo r a ro l l , co m pa re l eve l s , o r
u s e a n i ntru s i o n .
G M Cal ls for Rol ls: T h i s i s the most
stra i ghtforwa rd a p p roac h . It's always t h e best choice
if a PC' s action i s to search , l i ste n , or oth e rwise keep
a n eye out. If a PC i s o n watch wh i l e her comrades
rest, ca l l fo r a n I nte l l ect ro l l i m med iately a n d u s e the
res u lt if a nyth i n g h a p p e n s d u ri n g t h e entire time s h e
i s g u a rd i ng.
But what if t h e PC i s n 't actively looki n g ? Let ' s say
a p i ckpocket m oves u p beh i n d h e r to l i ft a few s h i n s ,
so you a s k t h e p l aye r t o m a ke a n I nte l l ect ro l l with a
d ifficu lty e q u a l to t h e p i ckpocket ' s l eve l . (Arg u a b l y,
s h e co u l d m a ke a S peed -based ro l l to see if s h e i s
q u ick e n o u g h t o catch a g l i m pse-it' s u p t o yo u . )
Some P C s a re s k i l led i n perceiving, a n d t h at wo u l d
co m e i nto p l ay h e re. S ucce s s m e a n s t h at yo u te l l t h e
PC what s h e sees, a n d fa i l u re m e a n s t h at s h e notices
noth i n g. H owever, the p l aye r knows t h at she had to
m a ke a ro l l , so s h e knows t h at someth i n g was u p .
O n e way t o keep p l aye rs o n t h e i r toes i s t o ca l l fo r
ro l l s when t h e re i s noth i n g to notice.
GM Compares Levels: You can take t h e p l aye r out
of the eq u ation (so a s n ot to a l e rt h e r s u s picions)
by co m p a ri n g t h e PC' s tier to the d ifficu lty of t h e
perceivi n g t a s k . Ties go to the P C . Yo u can sti l l figu re
i n s k i l l s a n d a s sets as b o n u s e s to t h e PC' s tier. So
a t h i rd-tier c h a racte r t ra i ned i n perceivi n g wi l l s pot
the l evel 4 p red ato r cat sta l k i n g up beh i n d h i m . T h i s
method i s particu l a rly good fo r d eterm i n i n g s i m p l e
res u lts, s u c h a s whether t h e PC hears a river i n t h e
d i stance . T h at k i n d o f t h i n g i s n 't worth a ro l l , but
fo r some rea s o n , you m i ght n ot want to give out the
i n formation a utomatical ly. This method a l so reward s
a perceptive cha racter, who wi l l hear the n o i s e before
a nyo n e e l se. Don't fo rget to i n crease the d ifficu lty fo r
d i stance i n such a s ituation.
GM I ntrudes: Rarely, you can keep t h i ngs to
yo u rself a n d spring t h e knowl edge of what h a p pened
a s a GM i nt ru s i o n . I f t h e PC d i s covers t h at h e r
pocket i s n ow e m pty of s h i n s , that's ce rta i n ly a
co m p l i cati o n . Somet i m e s t h e " d i s cove ry" itself

i s a co m p l icatio n-fo r exa m p l e, the PC notices a
m u ggi n g go i n g on i n t h e a l l ey as s h e wa l ks by.
I n a d d i t i o n , t h e G M i s t h e sou rce of knowledge
about the part of the PCs' l ives t h at doesn't take
p l ace i n a game s e s s i o n . I f a c h a racter used to be i n
t h e m i l itary a n d need s t o know t h e n a m e o f h e r o l d
u n it co m m a n d e r, you need t o give it t o t h e p l ayer (or,
bette r yet, l et h e r co m e u p with the n a m e) .
FAILURE TO NOTICE
Co n s id e r PCs m i s s i n g a s e n s o ry d eta i l very ca refu l ly.
If t h e re ' s a cool secret c h a m be r in the ancient
co m p lex or a n i m portant c l u e u n d e r t h e table i n the
castle g u a rd room, m aybe a perceptive PC should j u st
fi n d it (no ro l l req u i red) , particu l a rly if s h e s a i d s h e
w a s looking. To d o oth e rwise m i ght m e a n s u b m itti n g
t o the tyra n ny o f t h e d i ce. J u st beca u s e the PC ro l l ed
a 2 , s h o u l d the adventu re co m e to a dead sto p ?
We l l , i n the fi rst p l ace, d o n ' t d e s i g n a sce n a rio t h at
can co me to a dead stop if the PCs botch o n e ro l l .
There s h o u l d always b e m u lt i p l e pat h s t o s ucce s s .
I n the seco n d , co n s i d e r yo u r oth e r o pt i o n s . M aybe
the PCs wi l l learn about the secret c h a m be r l ater a n d
they' l l h ave t o backtrack to fi n d i t . I f t h e cha racte rs
d o n ' t find the c l u e u n d e r the table, an N PC m i ght
a n d then l o rd it ove r t h e m with a s h ow of s u perio rity.
If a l l e l s e fa i l s , as n oted a bove, somet i m e s d i scove ry
i s a co m p l icat i o n , a n d you can s i m ply fo i st it u po n a
PC t h ro u g h G M i ntru s i o n . I n such a case, h owever,
yo u m i ght want to i n c l u d e a c h a l l e nge. Fo r exa m p l e,
the PC finds the secret door acci dentally by l ea n i n g
aga i n st t h e h id d e n control p a d , w h i c h l ets o u t the
flyi n g i n s ecto i d h u nter-seekers g u a rd i n g the c h a m be r
before the c h a racters a re ready fo r t h e m .
On the other h a n d , perh a p s i n s u c h a s ituation, t h e
P C s d i d n 't "earn" the d i scove ry-if there w a s no rol l ,
t h e n n o Effort w a s expe nded and no ri s ks we re take n .
That' s n ot good . M aybe the P C s j u st m i s s o u t t h i s
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
time. M aybe they s h o u l d learn to be more observant.
In oth e r word s , the a n swer d e p e n d s o n the
situat i o n . Don't hes itate to vary t h i n gs . I t kee p s t h e
p l ayers gues s i n g.
GRADUATED SUCCESS
So meti mes, a G M w i l l b reak away from the trad itional
model that governs N u menera task resol ution and
a l low for a grad u ated success. With t h i s method , s h e
sets a d ifficu lty as u s u a l , but if the p l ayer s u cceed s a t a
d ifficu lty at least one step h i gher, h i s success is better
than norm a l . Likewi se, if h i s rol l i n d i cates that he
wo u l d h ave succeeded at one step (o r more) lowe r, he
m i ght h ave a partial s u cces s .
Fo r exa m p l e , a PC t racki n g m u rd e n s l o o k s fo r Murden, page 247
tracks i n the wood s t o s e e if any o f t h e creat u res
ca m e d own a ce rta i n path rece ntly. G ive n t h e terra i n
a n d t h e weat h e r, t h e G M decides t h at t h e d ifficu lty i s
4, so t h e ta rget n u m be r i s 1 2 . The p l aye r ro l l s a 1 0.
Th i s i s n 't e n o u g h to acco m p l i s h the task t h at the PC
set out to do, but s i n ce h e wo u l d h ave s u cceed ed
if the d i fficu lty had been 3, the G M decides t h at he
sti l l learns t h at so meth i n g had co m e d own the path
rece ntly-he j u st i s n 't certa i n if it was m u rd e n s ,
h u m a n s , o r a l a rge a n i m a l . The reason i s t h at if t h e
PC had s i m ply b e e n looki n g fo r tracks of any k i n d ,
the G M wo u l d h ave s e t a d ifficu lty of 3 . S i m i l a rly, if
the p l aye r had ro l l e d a 1 7-a s u cces s at least o n e
s t e p h i gher-th e G M wo u l d h ave s a i d t h at n ot o n l y
d i d h e fi n d m u rd e n tracks, but there we re five o f
t h e m , a n d t h e i r tracks s h ow t h at they we re b u rd e n e d .
I n oth e r word s , the p l ayer wo u l d h ave rece ived m o re
i nformation t h a n he a s ked fo r.
I n a s ituation where there are more res u lts than
s i m ply success or failure, the GM can convey these
res u lts based on m u ltiple d ifficu lties. A player can state
an action, and a G M can come up with not one d ifficu lty
but two, th ree, or more. For exam ple, ifthe PCs try to
333
 pers uade a merchant to give them i nformation, the G M
can predeterm i ne that h e gives them one m i nor bit of
i nformation if they succeed at a task with a d ifficu lty of
2, a fair bit of i nformation if they succeed at a task with
a d ifficu lty of 3 , and everything he knows on the topic if
they succeed at a task with a d ifficu lty of 4. The players
don't make th ree d ifferent rolls. They make one rol l with
a scaled, grad uated s uccess.
As a rule of t h u m b , reve rse-e ngi neer t h e situat i o n .
I f t h e p l aye r ro l l s co n s id e rably h i gher o r l owe r t h a n
the ta rget n u m be r (more t h a n 3 away) , co n s id e r what
a s u cces s at the d i fficu lty he d i d overco m e wo u l d
h ave gai ned h i m . I f creat i n g a m a ke s h i ft e l ectro n i c
key to open a n u menera d o o r h a s a ta rget n u m be r
of 1 8 , w h at does t h e PC create if t h e p l aye r ro l l s 1 6 ?
Perh a p s the a n swer is not h i ng, but perh a p s it i s a
m a kes h i ft key t h at works i nterm itte ntly.
This system is rarely (if ever) used in com bat or
situations where someth ing either works or doesn 't.
But when crafting an object, i nteracting with an N PC,
or gai ning i nformation, it can be very u sefu l . Of cou rse,
the GM i s never req u i red to use this model of task
resol ution-sometimes success or failure is all you need
to know. Usual ly, grad uated success i nvolves going only
one step h igher or lower than the origi nal d ifficu lty, but
the GM can be as flexi ble about that as she wishes.
Last ly, somet i m e s a GM can offe r a "co n s o l ation
p rize" fo r tryi ng. S ay a PC fea rs t h at a door h a s been
ri gged with a trap. H e searches it but fails t h e ro l l .
T h e G M m i ght sti l l reveal someth i n g about t h e door.
"Yo u d o n ' t fi n d a nyth i n g s peci a l , but yo u do n ote t h at
the door a p pears q u ite stu rdy a n d i s l ocked . " I t ' s t h e
k i n d of i nformation the G M m i ght give a utomatica l ly
Exists Partially Out of (th i n k of it as a d ifficu lty of O) , but it softe n s the b l ow
Phase, page 60 of fa i l u re. Some i nformation is bette r t h a n none,
a n d it m a ke s sense t h at the PC wi l l learn at least
someth i n g if h e stu d i e s a n object fo r a few m i n utes.
DEALING WITH CHARACTER ABILITIES
A l ot of peo p l e m i ght t h i n k t h at N u m e n e ra is a class
a n d - l evel game beca u s e it h a s t h i ngs t h at a re e n o u g h
l i ke classes (types) a n d l eve l s (ti e rs) t h at it' s e a s y t o
see the m i sconcept i o n . And that's fine.
But h e re ' s the rea l secret, j u st betwee n you a n d
me: it's n ot t i e r s , types, o r any o f t h at s t u ff t h at i s the
key to rea l ly u n d e rsta n d i n g the syste m .
I t ' s the cyp h e rs .
I n fact, when I t a l k a b o u t the g a m e system beh i n d
N u m e n e ra, I refer t o i t a s t h e Cyp h e r Syste m .
The cyp hers a re the key to m a k i n g the g a m e work
d i fferently than oth e r games. N u m e n e ra i s n 't about
p l ay i n g fo r years before a c h a racte r i s a l l owed to
te leport, travel to oth e r d i m e n s i o n s , l ay waste to
a d ozen enemies at o n ce, o r create a mech a n ical
auto m aton to d o his b i d d i ng. H e can d o it right out
of the gate if h e h a s the right cyp h e r.
334
Th is system works beca u s e both t h e G M a n d t h e
p l ayer h ave a s a y ove r what cyp hers a c h a racte r h a s .
I t ' s n ot l i m it i n g-it ' s free i n g.
The easiest way to design a good game is to l i m it
and strictly define-PC power. Characters of such-and
such a level (or wh ateve r) can d o this kind of t h i n g
but not that kind o f t h i ng. The G M knows that t h e
characte rs a re n 't goi n g t o ru i n eve ryt h i n g because they
can see i nto the past or create a n uclear explosion.
But that's n ot the o n ly way to d e s i g n a good game.
What if yo u-the G M-d ecide t h at wh i l e it wo u l d n ot
be so great if t h e PCs co u l d see i nto the past (wh i ch
wo u l d ru i n the mystery of yo u r sce n a rio) , it wo u l d be
o kay if t h ey co u l d b l ow up half the city? The Cyp h e r
System a l l ows y o u to p e r m i t a nyth i n g yo u fee l i s
a p p ropriate o r i nterest i n g.
To put it a n other way (and to cont i n u e t h e eve r
more- a b s u rd exa m p les) , PCs who can so lve eve ry
mystery a n d b l ow u p eve ry city probably e n d u p
m a k i n g t h e game a p u s h over (a n d t h u s d u l l ) , but
PCs who can solve one myste ry o r b l ow u p one
city wo n ' t ru i n the ca m pa i g n . Cyp h e rs a l l ow the
cha racters to d o a m az i n g, coo l , a n d fu n t h i n gs-j ust
n ot re l i ably o r co n s i ste ntly. Th u s , although they
pote n t i a l l y h ave acce s s to great powe r fro m t i m e to
t i m e , they h ave to u s e it wise ly.
As t h e G M , it' s i m portant to re m e m b e r t h e
d i st i n ct i o n betwee n a c h a racter a b i l ity g a i ned
t h ro u g h type o r focu s , a n a b i l ity o r advantage
g a i n ed t h ro u g h a n a rt ifact, a n d a n a b i l ity ga i n ed
t h ro u g h a cyp h e r. T h e fi rst two k i n d s of a b i l it i e s
wi l l s h a pe t h e w a y yo u expect t h e c h a racters t o
beh ave, b u t t h e cyp h e rs wo n 't. I f a PC h a s t h e
Exists P a rt i a l ly Out o f P h a s e focu s , s h e ' s go i n g t o
be wa l ki n g t h ro u g h wa l l s a l l t h e t i m e-it ' s what
she d oes-so it s h o u l d n ' t catch you off g u a rd . I n
a way, you s h o u l d " p re p a re " fo r it. I p u t t h at word
in q u otes beca u s e I d o n 't m e a n t h at you n u l l i fy
it. D o n 't p u t i n a b u n c h of wa l l s t h at s h e ca n ' t get
t h ro u g h . T h at' s n o fu n . Wa l k i n g t h ro u g h wa l l s
i s w h at s h e d o e s , a n d i f yo u take t h at away, s h e
does n 't get t o d o a n yt h i n g . ( Fo i l i n g h e r powe r eve ry
o n ce i n a w h i l e i s fi n e beca u s e it m i ght add to t h e
c h a l l e n ge , b u t it s h o u l d be t h e exce pt i o n , n ot t h e
r u l e . ) By " p re p a r i n g " fo r h e r a b i l ity, I m e a n d o n ' t
expect a locked d o o r to kee p h e r o u t . Be ready w h e n
s h e s n ea k s i nto p l aces m o s t peo p l e ca n ' t g o , a n d
be ready to te l l h e r w h at s h e fi n d s .
But w i t h cyp hers, n o p re p a ration i s nece s s a ry.
F i rst of a l l , most of t h e m d o n ' t th row a wrench i nto
a nyth i n g-th ey j u st h e l p the c h a racter deal with a
situation i n a faster way, giv i n g h e r some h ea l i n g,
a tempora ry boost, or a one-use offe n s ive powe r.
Seco n d , t h e PCs n ever e n d u p with a cyp h e r t h at yo u
d i d n 't give t h e m , so yo u can h ave as m u c h s ay ove r
t h e i r cyp h e rs as you want. And t h i rd (and perhaps
 LI M E NE
USING THE RULES

ENCOURAGING PLAYER CREATIVITY

N u m e n e ra is a game t h at p l aces m o re i m po rtance on creativity t h a n on u n d e rsta n d i n g the ru l e s . The
p l ayers should s u cceed n ot beca u s e they've chosen a l l the " right" o pt i o n s when creat i n g t h e i r c h a racte rs
but beca u s e they come up with the best ideas when faci n g c h a l l e n ge s . T h i s mea n s t h at fo r eve ry
c h a l l e n ge, there s h o u l d be a stra i ghtforwa rd sol ution (d estroy t h e l i ght n i n g-em itti n g tu rret to get i nto the
tower) a n d a n ot- so-straightfo rwa rd o n e (sneak u p to the towe r, fi n d the powe r cond u i t to the tu rret, a n d
sever it) . I t ' s n ot yo u r res po n s i b i l ity a s the G M t o co m e u p w i t h bot h . The p l aye rs wi l l co m e u p w i t h t h e
n ot- so-straightfo rwa rd s o l u t i o n s . Yo u j u st h ave to be wi l l i n g to go w i t h t h e i r ideas.
T h i s doesn't mean yo u h ave to let them succeed if they try someth i n g we i rd . On the contra ry, the not-so
stra ightforwa rd solution m ight end up be i n g as h a rd or h a rder than the straightforwa rd one. But yo u h ave
to be ready to adj u d i cate the idea no m atter what. It's te m pti n g to say that there ' s no way to find or sever
the power co n d u it and the PCs h ave to destroy the tu rret the old-fash ioned way (a com bat enco u nter) . I n
some s ituatio n s , that m i ght b e appropriate-perh aps the co n d u it i s s i mply not acce s s i b l e t o the PCs o n the
outs ide of the tower. B ut a GM h a s to be wi l l i n g to say that sometimes it is pos s i b l e and to adj u d i cate the
d eta i l s on the fly. I f you d o n 't, and you s h ut d own the p l ayers' outs ide-the- box ideas, they wi l l learn that the
only thing to d o i s charge i nto the fray every time. That the obvious solution i s the o n ly pos s i b l e solution.
Eventual ly, t h i s w i l l make for bori n g p l ay because t h i ngs will seem repetitive and too tightly struct u red .
The best sol ution is not to develop preconceived notions of how the PCs m ight deal with the encou nters i n
an adventure. I f they' re goi ng t o break i nto an Aeon Priest tower, you c a n note that t h e tower has a few guards, a
pressure-sensitive i ntruder alert system around the peri meter, and a l ightn ing-emitting tu rret on the top. But you
don't know if the PCs wi l l fight the guards, bri be them, or sneak past them. You don't know how they' re going
to deal with the alert system and the tu rret. That' s not the kind of thing you need to think about ahead oftime,
but you have to be ready when it comes u p at the table. You should prepare for the most obvious situations-for
exam ple, predeterm i ne the level of the tu rret and how much damage it does. But when a player states that h i s
action is t o look around for spots where t h e tu rret can not stri ke because a wal l blocks i t or t h e a n g l e prevents it,
that' s when you take a second to consider and (particularly ifhe rol l s wel l on an I ntellect action) maybe say, "Yes,
as a matter of fact, there is a spot, " even if no such thing had occu rred to you before that moment.

most i m porta nt) , when a PC p u l l s out a d eto n ation
cyp h e r a n d b l ows u p t h e lead wagon i n t h e ca rava n ,
co m p letely c h a n g i n g t h e situat i o n , t h at ' s part o f t h e
fu n . Yo u ' l l h ave t o figu re o u t o n t h e fly what h a p p e n s
n ext, a n d so wi l l t h e p l ayers. Th at' s n ot ru i n i n g
t h i n gs-t h at ' s what i s s u pposed t o h a p p e n . Pl aye rs
s u rp ri s i n g the G M is p a rt of the game. Cyp h e rs j u st
m a ke those s u rprises more freq uent, a n d i n ways a s
i nterest i n g a s yo u ' re wi l l i n g to a l l ow.
We' l l look at d e s i g n i n g e n co u nters l ater, but fo r
n ow, re m e m b e r t h i s poi nt: n o s i n gle encou nter
i s so i m portant t h at yo u eve r h ave to worry about
the p l aye rs " ru i n i n g" it. Yo u hear those k i n d s of
co m p l a i nts all t h e time. " H e r telepat h i c powe r tota l ly
ru i ned t h at i nteraction , " or "The p l ayers came u p
with a great a m b u s h a n d k i l led t h e m a i n v i l l a i n i n
o n e ro u n d , ru i n i n g t h e fi n a l e n co u nter. "
N o . N o , n o , n o . See t h e forest for t h e trees . Don't
th i n k about the game i n te rms of encou nters. Th i n k
about i t i n terms o f t h e adventure o r t h e ca m paign. I f
a PC u s e d a potent cyp her t o eas i ly ki l l a powerfu l a n d
i m portant opponent, re mem ber these t h ree t h i ngs:
1 . S h e does n ' t h ave t h at cyp h e r a nymore.
2 . There wi l l be m o re bad guys.
3 . Com bat' s not the point of the game-it' s merely
a n obstacle. I f the p l ayers d i scove r a way to overcome
a n obstacle more q u ickly than yo u expected , there's
noth i n g wro n g with that. They' re n ot cheat i n g, and the
ga me's not b ro ke n . j u st keep the story going. What
happens next? What a re the i m p l ications of what j u st
h a p pened ?
CYPHERS
Although it's all right if p l ayers t h i n k of cyp h e rs Numenera isn't a game
as eq u i p ment or t rea s u re, the G M s h o u l d look at where PCs should get
t h e m as c h a racte r a b i l ities. Th i s m e a n s t h at it i s too attached to their
i n c u m bent u po n t h e G M t o m a ke s u re t h at p l aye rs belongings. Cyphers,
always h ave p l e nty of cyp h e rs to use. I n the co u rse of course, are ''fire and
forget" items, expendable
of t h e i r trave l s , the PCs s h o u l d fi n d t h at cyp h e rs a re
and easily replaced. Even
extre mely co m m o n . And s i n ce t h e PCs a re l i m ited i n artifacts only last for a
t h e n u m be r o f cyp h e rs t h ey c a n carry, they wi l l u s e while before they are
t h e d evices l i beral ly. depleted. While technology
Cyp h ers c a n be fo u n d by scave n g i n g t h ro u g h is obviously an important
a n ci e n t m a c h i n e s . T h ey c a n be fo u n d i n t h e
part of the game, what a
character can do herself is
c o r p s e s of n u m e n e ra - p owered fo e s (auto m ato n s , more important. Those are
b i o m ec h a n i c a l o r cyb e r n e t i c creat u re s , a n d s o the abilities she can always
o n ) . T h ey ca n be fo u n d a m o n g t h e p o s s e s s i o n s of rely on.
i nte l l i ge n t fa l l e n foes or the l a i rs of u n i ntel l i ge n t
creat u re s , e i t h e r a m i d t h e b o n e s of fo r m e r m ea l s
o r a s s h i ny d ecorat i o n s i n a n e s t . T h ey c a n b e
fo u n d i n v i l l a g e s , i n t h e back o f a m e rc h a n t ' s
c a rt t h at s e l l s j u n k a n d scave n ged p a rt s . T h ey a re
offe red as rew a rd s by peo p l e w h o a re gratefu l fo r
the PCs' h e l p .

335
Oddities are not designed Some adventu res wi l l offe r m o re cyp h e rs t h a n
to have actual game oth e rs . P C s wi l l fi n d more cyp hers wh i l e exp lori n g
effects. Ifthe players a mach i ne-fi l led ru i n t h a n w h i l e exp l o r i n g a fo rest.
think of a creative way Sti l l , a s a rule of th u m b, in any given adventu re , a
to use an oddity to gain c h a racter s h o u l d u s e at least as many cyp h e rs as s h e
an actual advantage, let
can carry. T h i s mea n s s h e s h o u l d fi n d t h at n u m be r of
them.
cyp h e rs in t h at s a m e a m o u nt of t i m e (give o r ta ke) .
Th u s , you can s i m ply add u p t h e n u m be r of cyp h e rs
the PCs can carry, a n d on ave rage, t h ey s h o u l d fi n d at
least t h at many cyp hers in a given adventu re.
If yo u r p l aye rs a re typ ica l , they wi l l use com bat
re l ated cyp hers l i be ra l ly but h o l d onto t h e i r util ity
cyp h e rs . A ray e m itte r o r d efe n s ive s h i e l d wi l l be
u sed , but a s u s p e n s o r belt o r p h a s i n g mod u l e wi l l
l i n ge r longer o n t h e i r c h a racte r s h eets .
As w i t h eve ryt h i n g e l s e i n t h e g a m e , it' s
While an NPC's level i ntentio n a l ly ve ry easy for the G M to create n ew
and stats are important, cyp h e rs . j u st t h i n k of the effect a n d h ow to exp re s s
just as important are his it a s a game advantage. Two k i n d s of cyp h e rs exi st:
appearance, the way he
those t h at a l l ow the u s e r to d o someth i n g better,
talks, and how he acts.
If an N PC is going to a n d those t h at a l l ow the u s e r to do someth i n g s h e
be more than a simple, co u l d n 't d o oth e rwise.
short-term foe (like a The first gro u p includes eve ryt h i n g that red uces
bandit), when you make the d ifficu lty of a task (incl u d i n g d efe n s ive tas ks) . The
your notes about things second gro u p includes t h i ngs that grant new a b i l ities,
like his level and Armor,
such as fl ight, a new means of attack, the a b i l ity to see
also note something
about his appearance or i nto the past, or any n u m ber of other powe rs.
personality. If an N PC Yo u a l s o need to decide if a cyp h e r is a n oeti c or
is going to interact with occu ltic. Th i s d i st i n ction basica l ly co mes d own to
the PCsfor more than a a s i n g l e q u esti o n : h ow d i fficu lt i s it to u s e ? If the
minute, note at least two
cyp h e r i s a pill o r l i q u id to swa l l ow, a nyo n e can u s e
different things: he makes
stupid jokes, he has a scar it w i t h l ittl e thought (wh i ch i s sort of what " a n oetic"
on his ear, he laughs too means) . I f the cyp h e r is a d evice with a l ot of co ntro l s
m uch, he talks very softly, a n d readouts a n d i nvolves t u rn i n g back t i m e t o
he smells bad, and so on. p reci se coord i n ates, most l i kely o n ly someone with
rare, s pecial ized knowled ge co u l d u s e it (wh ich i s ,
i n t u r n , what "occu ltic" means) . Alt h o u g h t h e re i s a
mech a n ical d i st i n ction as wel l-occu ltic cyp hers a re
perh a p s a bit m o re powe rfu l t h a n a n oeti c ones-th e
d i fference i s j u st a s m uc h , if n ot more , about fl avor.
A few more i m portant n otes about d evi s i n g new
cyp h e rs :
Cyp h e rs s h o u l d be s i n gle-use ite m s . The P C s u s e
t h e m u p a n d fi n d n ew ones.
Cyp h e rs should be pote nt. A m i n o r a b i l ity i s n 't
wort h t h e tro u ble. If an attack cyp h e r i s n 't as good
a s a swo rd o r a bow, why bot h e r with it?
Cyp h e rs s h o u l d n 't h ave d rawbacks.
Cyphers should be tem porary. Typical ly, a power i s
used once. Abi l ities or advantages that have a d u ration
last from ten m i n utes to 28 hours (at most) .
Cyp h e rs can take any form. Although most of t h e
cyp h e rs i n t h e N u m e n e ra c h a pter h ave obvi o u s
forms, a ray e m itte r co u l d be a n i njected n a n ite
cl u ster t h at gat h e rs in the host's eye, granti n g h e r
the powe r to s h oot a beam fro m t h at eye.
336
ARTIFACTS
I n terms of the narrative, artifacts a re a lot l i ke cyphers,
except that most are not one-use items. M echan ical ly,
they serve a very d ifferent p u rpose. It's assu med that
cha racters are exploring with some cyphers at their
d i s posal. Artifacts, however, are added abil ities that
make characters broader, deeper, and often more
powerfu l . They aren't assumed-they' re extra.
The powe rs granted by a rtifacts a re m o re l i ke t h e
a b i l ities gai ned fro m a c h a racte r' s type o r focus i n
t h at they c h a n ge t h e way t h e PC i s p l ayed ove ra l l . The
d i fference i s t h at a l m ost all a rtifacts a re tem porary.
They l a st l o n ge r t h a n cyp hers do, but beca u s e they
h ave a d e p l etion ro l l , any u s e co u l d be t h e i r l a st.
Like cyp hers, then, artifacts a re a way for the G M
to p l ay a role i n the d evelopment of the cha racters.
Alth ough armor, wea pons, and the l i ke a re fine, s peci a l
capa b i l ities-s uch as long-range co m m u n ication or
travel-ca n rea l ly change the way the PCs i nteract with
the world and how they deal with c h a l l e n ges. Some
of these a b i l ities enable the actions you want the PCs
to take. For exa m ple, if you want them to h ave an
u n d e rwate r adventure, p rovide them with artifacts (or
cyp hers) that a l low them to breathe underwater.
Also l i ke cyp hers, a rt ifacts a re s i m p l e to create.
The o n l y d iffe re n ce with a rtifacts is t h at you give
them a d e p l etion ro l l , u s i n g any n u m bers o n 1 d 6 ,
1 d 1 0, 1 d 2 0 , o r 1 d 1 00. I f y o u w a n t t h e a rtifact to b e
u sed o n ly a few t i m e s , give it a d e p letion ro l l o f 1 i n
l d 6, 1 o r 2 i n l d l O, o r eve n 1 o r 2 i n l d 6. I f y o u want
the PCs to u s e it ove r a n d ove r, a d e p l etion rol l of
1 in 1 d l 00 m o re o r less means t h at t h ey can u s e it
freely without worryi n g too m uc h .
SKILLS AND OTHER ABILITIES
Someti m e s , the rules speak d i rect ly to c h a racte r
creativity. Fo r exa m p l e, p l aye rs can m a ke u p
t h e i r own s ki l l s . I t ' s pos s i b l e t o h ave a s k i l l ca l l ed
"tightrope wa l k i n g" t h at grants a c h a racte r a better
c h a n ce to wa l k across a tightrope, a n d another
s k i l l ca l l ed " b a l a nce" t h at gives a c h a racte r a bette r
c h a n ce to wa l k across a tightrope a n d perform oth e r
b a l a n ce act i o n s as we l l . T h i s m i ght seem u n eq u a l at
fi rst, but the point is to l et p l ayers create p reci sely
the c h a racte rs they want. S h o u l d yo u l et a c h a racte r
create a s k i l l ca l l ed " d o i n g t h i n g s " t h at m a ke s h i m
bette r a t eve ryt h i n g ? O f cou rse n ot. T h e G M i s the
fi n a l arbiter n ot o n ly of logic but a l so of the s p i rit of
the r u l e s , a n d h avi n g o n e o r two s i ngle s k i l l s t h at
cover eve ry cont i n ge n cy i s clearly n ot i n the s p i rit.
It's i m portant that p l aye rs p l ay the characte r they
want. T h i s concept is s u p ported not only with the
open-ended s ki l l system but also with the a b i l ity to
get a n experience point adva nce to ta i l o r a characte r
fu rther. Likewi se, the G M s h o u l d be open to a l lowi n g
a p l ayer t o m a ke s m a l l mod ifications to refine her

cha racte r. I n many cases, particu l a rly ones that d o n 't
i nvolve stat Poo l s , Armor, d a m age i n fl icted , or the
costs of Effort or actions (l i ke esoteries) , the a n swer
from the G M s h o u l d p robably be, " S u re, why not?" I f
a PC e n d s u p b e i n g rea l ly good a t a particu l a r s ki l l
better than s h e " s h o u l d " be-what' s the harm? I f
Devri a l the gla ive c a n s w i m i ncred i b ly wel l , h o w does
that h u rt the game i n term s of the p l ay experience or
the story that d eve l o p s ? I t doesn 't. I f H avane the jack
can pick p ractica l ly any m u nd a n e l ock s h e fi n d s , why
i s that a bad thing? In fact, it's probably good for the
game-there ' s l i kely someth i n g i nterest i n g on the
other sides of those doors.
In a way, this i s n o d i fferent t h a n adj ud icat i n g
a n ot- so-stra i ghtfo rwa rd sol ution t o a c h a l l e nge.
Somet i m e s yo u h ave to say " N o, that's n ot poss i b l e . "
But somet i m e s , if it m a kes sen se, o p e n yo u rself u p
t o the poss i b i l ity.
HANDLING NPCs
Non-player cha racters are people and creatures that l ive
in the world alongside the PCs. They are j u st as m uch
a part of the world as the PCs and should be portrayed
as real i stica l ly as PCs. N PCs are the m a i n way to
breathe life i nto the world, tel l the stories the world has
to tel l , and portray the kind of game you want to ru n .
M emorable N PCs ca n make or break a campaign.
N PCs s h o u l d n 't be "ca n n o n fodder" beca u s e n o
o n e th i n ks of t h e m s e lves t h at way. R e a l peo p l e va l u e
t h e i r l ives . They s h o u l d n 't b e i d iots, e a s i l y fooled
i nto d o i n g t h i ngs o r act i n g in ways t h at n o person
eve r wo u l d , s i m ply beca u s e a die ro l l s u ggests it
( u n less they' re not very bright o r someth i n g more
powe rfu l-l i ke m i n d control-is at work) .
Th i n k about rea l people that you know or cha racters
from books, televi s i o n , and movies. Base yo u r N PCs'
personal ities o n them. M a ke them as widely varyi ng,
as i nterest i n g, and as deep as those people.
Re m e m b e r, too, t h at there a re m i n o r c h a racte rs
a n d major o n e s , j u st l i ke in a book. The band its
who waylay the PCs a re in the s potl ight fo r o n ly
a few m i n utes at most a n d d o n ' t need a l ot of
deve l o p m e nt, but a major advers a ry or a l ly m i ght
get a lot of atte ntion fro m t h e p l aye rs and therefore
deserves a l ot fro m yo u . As with so many t h i ngs
re l ated to be i n g a good G M , co n s i ste n cy a n d
bel ieva b i l ity a re t h e keys to d eve l o p i n g a good N PC.
NPC GAME STATS
N PCs s h o u l d be easy to create. M ost can s i m ply
be pegged at a l eve l from 1 to 10 a n d yo u ' re d o n e .
Wo rki n g o n h ow to d escri be o r portray t h e m wi l l take
l o n ge r t h a n worki n g u p t h e i r game stats.
Someti m e s , t h o u g h , yo u ' l l want to e l a bo rate
on the N PC' s ca pab i l ities a n d ta i l o r t h e m to the
concept. A l evel 4 N PC who i s a n expe rt i n the
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
Stat Pool, page 20
n u m e n e ra m i ght be level 5 or 6 i n n u m e n e ra-re l ated
tasks, such a s i d e ntifyi n g o r u s i n g devices. But d o n ' t
s i m ply m a ke the N PC level 5 o r 6 overa l l beca u s e
t h e n s h e ' d a l so be bette r a t com bat, i nteract i o n s ,
cl i m b i ng, j u m p i ng, a n d eve ryt h i n g e l s e , a n d t h at
doesn't fit yo u r co ncept.
Use the N PCs in C h a pter 1 6 : N o n - P l ayer
C h a racte rs (page 269) a s good sta rt i n g poi nts o r as
exa m ples fo r what yo u can do. But yo u ' re n ot l i m ited
by t h e m . I n fact, yo u ' re n ot l i m ited in any way. The
most i m portant t h i n g to re m e m be r about N PCs in
N u m e n e ra i s t h at they d o not fo l l ow t h e s a m e rules
a s PCs. They d o n ' t h ave descri pto rs, type s , o r foci .
They d o n ' t h ave tiers or any of t h e same stats. They
d o n ' t eve n ro l l d ice.
N PCs work p recisely a s you (a n d the sett i n g
a n d sto ry) need t h e m t o . I f a n N PC i s t h e greatest
sword s m a n in the l a n d , yo u can give h i m o bv i o u s
advantages w i t h a sword i n attack a n d defe n s e , but
yo u can go outside t h e box a s we l l , a l l owi n g him to
attack more t h a n o n ce per t u r n , atte m pt to d i sarm
foes with a fl ick of his b l ade, a n d so on.
There a re n o h a rd - a n d -fast rules fo r creat i n g a n Because Numenera isn't
N PC who c a n be matched pe rfectly aga i n st t h e PCs just about combat and
in com bat-it' s n ot t h at kind of game, and t h at ' s n ot gaining power, Numenera
the p u rpose of N PCs. I n stea d , u s e the g a m e ' s s i m p l e N PCs should be motivated
mech a n ics to portray the N P C s i n the wo rld a n d i n by things beyond that.
Love, lust, embarrassment,
yo u r n a rrative so t h at t h ey m a ke sense a n d can d o
loyalty, revenge, familial
what yo u want t h e m t o d o (a n d ca n n ot d o what yo u ties, altruism, and curiosity
d o n ' t want them to d o) . are all great motivators.
Like the player characters, N PCs often carry and
use cyphers. Thus, any N PC could have virtually any
capabil ity at his d i s posal as a one-shot power. In theory,
N PCs can heal themselves, create force field s, teleport,
turn back time, h u rt a foe with a sonic blast, or do
337

You can think of GM
intrusion for a creature
like this: "This monster
can do whatever horrible
thing I can think of it
doing, and to activate it,
I give its victim 1 XP. "
Dread destroyer, page 23 9
anyth ing else. An N PC m ight also use esoteries, possess
m utant powers, or have biomechan ical i m plants. You
can lay out these cyphers and abilities when prepari ng
for the game, or you can just go with the idea that certain
N PCs can prod uce amazi ng and s u rprising effects and
make them u p as you go along-with some caveats.
If a l l N PCs can do wh ateve r they want, whenever
they want, t h at wo n ' t i n st i l l m uch be l i eva b i l ity in the
p l ayers o r give you m uch cred i b i l ity a s a G M . So keep
the fo l l owi n g t h i ngs in m i n d .
Keep to the Level : N PCs s h o u l d ge n e ra l ly kee p to
t h e i r l evel para m eters. S u re, yo u can give a to u g h
N PC more health t h a n h i s l evel m i ght i n d icate, a n d
the aforementioned great sword s m a n m i ght attack
and defe n d with h i s b l a d e at h i g h e r than h i s n o r m a l
l eve l , but these a re m i n o r exce pt i o n s .
Explain Thi ngs H owever You Want: I f yo u keep to
the l evel para m eters general ly, yo u can exp re s s t h e m
i n a l l sorts of i nterest i n g ways. Fo r exa m ple, a level
5 N PC u s u a l ly i n fl icts 5 poi nts of d a mage. But t h at
d a m age m i ght come from waves of magnetic fo rce
t h at he can p rod u ce t h a n ks to a n a n otech virus t h at
h a s taken ove r h i s body.
Wild Cards: Yo u m i ght give some N PCs-n a n o s ,
co b b l ers w i t h many stra nge d evices, a n d t h e l i ke-a
w i l d ca rd a b i l ity t h at a l l ows them to do i nterest i n g
t h i ngs l i ke l evitate, u s e teleki n e s i s , co n struct o bj ects
of p u re fo rce, and so fo rt h . You d o n ' t h ave to n a i l
d own these powers a h ead o f t i m e . These ra re N PCs
can j u st d o wei rd t h i n g s . As l o n g as yo u keep t h e m
rea s o n a b l e m o s t of t h e t i m e , n o o n e wi l l b a t a n eye .
( I f eve ry i m portant foe h a s a fo rce fie l d , t h at wi l l
seem re petiti o u s , d u l l , a n d u n fa i r t o t h e PCs.)
Use GM I ntrusions: S i nce a PC can p rod u ce a l l
k i n d s o f i nterest i n g , u s efu l , a n d s u rp ri s i n g effects
t h a n ks to cyp h e rs , you can occa s i o n a l ly re p l i cate
t h i s fo r an N PC by u s i n g G M i nt r u s i o n to give h i m
p reci sely t h e a b i l ity needed i n t h e cu rre nt s ituation.
I f t h e N PC h a s been poisoned, h e p u l l s out a v i a l of
a ntive n o m . I f a vi l l a i n i s cornered by t h e PCs, she
activates a d evice o n h e r belt t h at lets h e r phase
d own t h rough t h e floor. I f the foe i s at the extreme
ed ge of h e a l t h , h e i n jects h i m self with a te m p o ra ry
a d re n a l i ne boost t h at restores 1 5 health i m med i ately.
NPCs AND DEATH
As explai ned i n Chapter 1 6: Non-Player Characters
(page 269) , N PCs have a health score rather than three
stat Pools. When a n N PC reaches 0 health or below,
he is down. Whether that means dead , u nconscious,
or i ncapacitated depends on the circum stances as
d i ctated by you and the players. M uch of this can be
based on logic. I f the N PC i s cut in half with a giant axe,
he's probably dead. I f he's menta l ly assau lted with a
telepathic attack, he m ight be i n sane i n stead . If he's h it
over the head with a club, wel l , that's you r cal l .
338
It d e p e n d s on the i ntenti o n s of those who a re
fight i n g the N PC, too. PCs who want to knock out a
foe rat h e r t h a n ki l l h i m can s i m ply state t h at as t h e i r
i ntention a n d describe t h e i r act i o n s d iffe rently
u s i n g t h e fl at of t h e b l ade, so to s peak.
INTERACTIONS
Let ' s say the PCs want to learn more about a m i s s i n g
m a n , so they ta l k t o h i s best frie n d . You a n d t h e
p l ayers ro l e p l ay t h e conversat i o n . The p l aye rs a re
friendly a n d h e l pfu l a n d a s k t h e i r q uesti o n s with
res pect. Do yo u ca l l fo r a n I nte l l ect ro l l ( u s i n g the
fri e n d ' s l evel to d eterm i n e the d ifficu lty) to see if h e
wi l l ta l k to t h e m , o r d o yo u s i m ply d e c i d e t h at h e
reacts t o them we l l a n d gives them the i nformat i o n ?
As a n o t h e r exa m ple, a n o l d wo m a n h a s watched
ove r the entra n ce to a n ancient ru i n fo r years. S h e
co n s i d e rs it a d uty given to h e r b y t h e god s a n d h a s
n ever t o l d a nyo n e the secrets s h e knows. The PCs
co m e a l o n g with some tra i n i n g in i nteract i o n s , ro l l
d i ce, a n d expect t h e wo m a n t o s p i l l h e r guts. Does
she te l l them eve ryt h i n g ?
The a n swer t o both q u esti o n s i s : it d e p e n d s . I n
either s it u atio n , yo u ' re j u stified i n ignori n g the d ice
a n d mec h a n ics a n d s i m ply h a n d l i n g t h i ngs t h rough
table conversat i o n . Th at' s w h at m a kes i nteraction
e n co u nters so i nterest i n g a n d so d i st i n ct ive fro m ,
s ay, co m b at. You ca n ' t put a s i d e the d ice a n d act
out t h e fight between t h e PCs a n d a d read destroye r,
but yo u can ro l e p l ay a conversat i o n . I n s u c h cases,
yo u can portray the N PCs p recisely a s yo u want, i n
ways t h at seem fitt i n g t o t h e i r perso n a l ities, without
wo rryi n g about die ro l l s . The best friend p ro b a b ly
wants to h e l p the PCs fi n d h i s m i s s i n g co m rade. The
o l d wo m a n wo u l d n ever give h e r secrets to a band
of s m ooth tal kers t h at s h ows u p o n h e r doorstep
one d ay. Yo u can a l so e n s u re t h at the p l ayers get t h e
i nformation y o u w a n t them to get-a n d d o n 't get the
i nformation you d o n ' t want them to get.
O n the oth e r h a n d , somet i m e s u s i n g game
mech a n ics i s a bette r o pt i o n . Fo r exa m p l e, a person
who i s n 't particu l a rly eloquent m i ght want to p l ay
a c h a racte r who's a s m ooth tal ker. You wo u l d n 't
req u i re a p l aye r who's never h e l d a swo rd i n rea l l i fe
t o p rove t h at h e ' s a n adept co m bata nt t o w i n a fight
in t h e game, so yo u s h o u l d n ot fo rce t h e p l aye r of a
c h a rm i n g c h a racte r to be, we l l , c h a r m i ng. The game
mech a n ics can s i m u l ate those q u a l ities.
And somet i m e s , you can u s e both a p p roaches.
Yo u can let t h e conve rsation with t h e N PC p l ay
out a ro u n d the table, a n d t h e n ca l l for ro l l s-not
to d eterm i n e whet h e r the PCs s u cceed o r fa i l at
the i nteraction but to get a n idea of the degree of
s ucce s s . For exa m p l e, if the c h a racters h ave a good
cover story fo r why the guards at the gate s h o u l d
l et t h e m p a s s , the ro l l m i ght d eterm i n e n ot whether

the g u a rd s say yes (yo u can u s e logic for th at) but
whet h e r the g u a rd s acco m p a n y the PCs beyo nd the
gate. In a way, the d ie ro l l s h apes a n N PC's react i o n .
I t ' s n ot a n o n /off switch but a g e n e r a l degree of t h e
overa l l t r u s t t h at the P C s earn.
LANGUAGE
Carefu l readers wi l l h ave noticed that there a re no
rules for langu ages in N u menera. That's beca use for
most people, language i s more of a backgro u n d or
roleplayi n g featu re than a mech a n ical one. Yo u d o n 't
want to h ave to make a rol l to s peak, for exa m p l e .
Cha racters s h o u l d begi n the g a m e knowi n g t h e
l a n guage (s) that m a ke the most sense for them. For
the vast m ajority, that wi l l be the Truth , and m aybe a
bit of some local d ialect or u n iq u e langu age. As the
game p rogresses, cha racters can learn new languages
by spend i n g XP to gain short-te rm benefits. M o re than
l i ke ly, learn i n g a new language wi l l h ave o n ly a l i m ited
or short-term benefit beca use most langu ages other
than the Truth a re n 't widely used.
La n g u age i s a s pecial case, h oweve r, beca u s e
some peo p l e wo n ' t w a n t to deal w i t h it. And t h at ' s
fine. Some p l aye rs a n d G M s wi l l fi n d it a n i nterest i n g
c h a l l e n ge t o com m u n icate w i t h peo p l e o r creat u res
who d o n ' t s h a re a co m m o n l a n guage. Others wi l l
th i n k it' s a n i m ped i ment t o i nteraction with n o rea l
u ps i d e . Yo u c a n h a n d l e the i s s u e h oweve r yo u want.
NPC ALLIES
Because the p l ayers u s u a l ly rol l a l l the d ice, N PCs who
a re not opponents ra ise u n iq u e i s s ues i n N u menera.
I f a cha racte r ga i n s a n N PC a l ly who accompan ies the
gro u p , how a re the a l ly' s actions resolved ?
M ost of the time, the G M should decide what makes
the most sense i n the context of the situation and the
N PC. lfthe characters cl i m b u p a steep slope and must
make rol l s to ascend, the N PC does n't make a rol l .
I n stead , t h e G M q u ickly considers whether he could
cl i m b it and goes from there. A fit, able ally should sim ply
cl i m b the s lope. A feeble or overweight N PC wi l l need
assistance. In other word s, the N PC doesn't face the
challenge (that's what the PCs do)-he remains a part
of the u nfold ing story. The old man the PCs m u st escort
through dangerous mountains need s help cl imbing
because that' s part of the story of the adventure. His
able-bodied son who also travel s with the group does not
need help because that wouldn't make m uch sense.
I f the entire gro u p i s ca ught in a l a n d s l i d e l ater
in t h at same adve n t u re, t h e GM can d o o n e of two
t h i ngs i n regard to the N PCs. E it h e r decide w h at
h a p p e n s to them as see m s most logical or fitt i n g
(perh a p s u s i n g G M i ntru s i o n , s i n ce w h at befa l l s t h e
N PCs a l so affects the PCs) , o r h ave t h e p l aye rs ro l l
o n behalf o f t h e N PCs a n d treat t h e m j u st l i ke the
p l ayer cha racters i n eve ry way pos s i b l e .
LI M E NE
USING THE RULES
CREATURES
W h e n ever p o s s i b l e , creat u re s s h o u l d be h a n d l e d
l i ke ot h e r N P C s . T h ey d o n 't fo l low t h e s a m e r u l e s
a s t h e p l aye r c h a racte r s . I f a n yt h i n g, t h ey s h o u l d
h ave greater l at i t u d e i n d o i n g t h i n g s t h at d o n ' t fit
t h e n o r m a l m o l d . A m a ny- a r m e d beast s h o u l d be
a b l e to attack m u l t i p l e fo e s . A c h a rg i n g rh i n o l i ke
a n i m a l o u g h t to be a b l e to m ove a co n s i d e ra b l e
d i st a n ce a n d attack a s p a rt o f a s i n g l e act i o n .
Co n s i d e r creatu re s i ze very ca refu l ly. Fo r
t h o s e t h at a re q u i c k a n d h a rd to h it , i n c re a s e t h e
d i ffic u l ty to attack t h e m b y o n e ste p . Large, stro n g
creat u re s s h o u l d be e a s i e r to h it , s o decrease t h e
d i fficu l ty to attack t h e m by o n e ste p . H oweve r, you
s h o u l d free l y give the stagger a b i l ity to a n yt h i n g Truth, page 133
twice a s l a rge a s a h u m a n . T h i s m e a n s t h at i f t h e
creat u re s t r i k e s a fo e , t h e ta rget m u st m a ke a n For more about language
in the Ninth World, see
i m m ed i ate M i g h t d e fe n s e ro l l o r l o s e i t s n ext t u r n .
Language, page 7 32
A creat u re ' s level i s a ge n e r a l i n d icator of its
to u g h n e s s , com b i n i n g a s p ects of power, d efe n s e ,
i nte l l i ge n ce , s p eed , a n d m o re i n to o n e rat i n g . I n
t h e o ry, a s m a l l creat u re with a m az i n g powers o r
ext re m e l y d e a d l y ve n o m co u l d be h i g h leve l , a n d
a h u ge b e a s t t h at i s n ' t very b r i g h t a n d i s n 't m u c h
of a fi g h t e r co u l d be l ow leve l . B u t t h e s e exa m p l e s
go a ga i n st typ e . G e n e ra l l y, s m a l l e r creat u re s h ave
l e s s h e a l t h a n d a re l e s s terrify i n g in co m b at t h a n
l a rg e r o n e s .
N u m e n era h a s n o syste m fo r b u i l d i n g creat u re s .
T h e re i s n o r u l e t h at s ays a creat u re w i t h a ce rta i n
a b i l ity s h o u l d b e a given leve l , a n d t h e re i s n o
r u l e d i ctati n g h o w m a n y a b i l it i e s a creat u re of a
given level s h o u l d h ave. B u t kee p t h e s p i rit of t h e
system i n m i n d . Lower- l evel creat u re s a re l e s s
d a n ge ro u s . A l e v e l l creat u re co u l d b e p o i s o n o u s ,
b u t its ve n o m s h o u l d i n fl i ct a few p o i nts o f
d a m a ge a t m o s t . T h e ve n o m of a level 6 creat u re ,
h oweve r, m i g h t knock a PC down a ste p o n t h e
d a m a ge t r a c k o r p u t h i m i nto a co m a i f h e fa i l s
a M i g h t d e fe n s e ro l l . A l ow-level creatu re m i g h t
be a b l e to fl y, p h a s e t h ro u g h o bject s , o r t e l e p o rt
beca u s e t h e s e a b i l it i e s m a ke it m o re i nterest i n g
b u t n o t neces s a r i l y m o re d a n ge ro u s . T h e va l u e of
s u c h a b i l i t i e s d e p e n d s on t h e creat u re t h at u s e s
t h e m . I n ot h e r word s , a p h a s i n g rod e n t i s n ot
ove rly d a n ge ro u s , b u t a p h a s i n g batt l e j u ggern a u t
i s terrify i n g . B a s i c e l e m e nt s s u c h a s h e a l t h ,
d a m a ge, a n d offe n s ive o r d e fe n s ive powers ( s u c h
a s p o i s o n , p a r a l ys i s , d i s i ntegrat i o n , i m m u n ity
to attacks , a n d s o o n ) need to be t i e d d i rect l y to
level-h i g h e r- l evel creat u re s get bett e r a b i l it i e s
a n d m o re of t h e m .
339
 CHAPTER 22
B U I LDI NG A STORY
TEACHING THE RULES
It's n ot rea l ly yo u r job to teach the p l ayers t h e r u l e s ,
Target number, page 1 5 yet it o ft e n fa l l s u po n the G M to d o j u st t h at. Before
begi n n i n g a game, e n co u rage the p l ayers to read
Forfurther immersion in C h a pter 2: H ow to P l ay N u m e n e ra to get an ove rvi ew
the setting, encourage of the game. It wo n 't take t h e m long.
your players to read Yo u ' l l probably a l so want to give them a n ove rvi ew
"The Amber Monolith, " of the sett i n g (Ch a pter 1 : We lcome to the N i nth
page 6.
Wo rld i s d e s i gned j u st fo r this p u rpose) . Foc u s
p r i m a ri ly o n t h e k i n d s of cha racte rs a p l aye r c a n
create a n d w h at t h ey m i ght d o i n t h e game. O n ce
Stat Pool, page 20 p l ayers u n d e rsta n d who t h ey a re a n d what t h ey' l l do,
the rest of the sett i n g i s j u st d eta i l s they can d i scove r
as they go a l o n g .
The key to teach i n g s o m e o n e t h e game i s to sta rt
Dice rolls, page 87 with the idea of t h e d i ce ro l l s a n d h ow they u s e the
s a m e mech a n i c n o m atte r w h at a c h a racte r tries
Effort, page 2 7 to do. Then exp l a i n u s i n g Effort, which i nvolves a n
Stats, page 20 i nt rod u ction to t h e th ree stats . After t h at, a p l aye r i s
ready t o sta rt m a k i n g a c h a racte r. Ta k i n g a n ew p l ayer
For additional assistance t h rough the c h a racte r-creation p roce s s gets h i m
with character creation,
ready t o p l ay. Don't ove rload h i m with a l ot o f d eta i l s
see Appendix A:
Character Creation beyo n d t h at. A l l o f those c a n be p icked u p a s needed
Walkthrough, page 400. in t h e cou rse of p l ay.
When using Numenera THE FIRST FEW SESSIONS
distance terminology, With any game, G M s should consider ru n n i n g it a l ittle
feel free to use "close" d ifferently the first few times, and N u menera i s no
and "immediate" d ifferent. There are a few thi ngs a GM can expect with
interchangeably. Use a table fu l l of new players. Fi rst of all, they won 't get
whatever sounds best in
the term i nology and the jargon right-they' l l use the
context. The nano might
be "close" to the gla i ve, term i n ology and jargon of the l ast game they played .
within "close range, " And that's fine. But the G M should try to get it right
or within "immediate beca use the pl ayers wi l l fol low her lead , and after a
distance. " session or two, they' l l start getting it right. If the G M
always ca l l s thi ngs by the wrong name, the pl ayers wi l l ,
too. H owever, don't j u st s pout jargon. Each t i m e you
Damage track, page 93 use a new term for the first time, such as "dam age
GM intrusion, page 88 track, " "G M i ntrusion , " or even "d ifficu lty, " explain what
Difficulty, page 86 it means. M a ke s u re everyone's on the same page, even
with the basic stuff.
The p l aye rs wo n't know what' s easy and what's
h a rd . Part of good N u menera p l ay i s knowi n g when
to use Effort and when to conserve, but begi n n i n g
340
p l ayers w i l l h ave no frame of reference. I n t h i s case,
the best way to give them some solid gro u n d o n which
to sta nd i s to be fai rly tra n s p a rent. Tel l them the ta rget
n u m be r for each task before they attem pt an action.
G u id e them t h rough the p rocess. Rem i n d them that
they can use Effort if need be, although they probably
wo n't forget. On the contra ry, begi n n i n g p l ayers te nd
to use Effort o n every rol l . Yo u can a l most cou nt on
it. T h i s means you can expect begi n n i n g cha racters to
d o very wel l i n wh atever they set out to do, but they' l l
h ave t o rest more ofte n beca use they' l l deplete their
stat Pool s more q u ickly.
RUNNING NUMENERA COMBATS
N u menera com b ats s h o u l d be about someth i n g.
There s h o u l d be someth i n g i nterest i n g at stake.
"Tryi n g not to d ie" is a n i nterest i n g stake, but it's
not the only one. Com bat can be fu n and ho pefu l ly
exciting i n its own right, but it's not necessarily the
focu s . In other word s, fighti n g t h rough a long com bat
i s n 't the poi nt, and fi n d i n g a way to win a com bat
q u ickly t h rough creative thought i s n 't cheat i n g. I n
fact, i t s h o u l d b e encou raged . Defeat i n g the " b i g boss
mon ster" easily s h o u l d not be a letdown; it s h o u l d
be the res u lt o f s m a rt, creative p l ay. And N u menera
adventu res s h o u l d n 't a lways h ave a c l i max i nvo lvi n g
a " b i g b o s s mon ster, " anyway. The exciti n g end to
the sto ry co u l d i nvolve s u rvivi n g a massive l a n d s l ide,
finding a way to s h ut d own a d a n gero u s mach i n e , or
convi ncing a tyra n n ical warlord to let the hostages go.
Numenera is about discovery. Can you
have discovery through combat?
S u re. Say the PCs a re explori n g an ancient co m p l ex
and encou nter a stra n ge l i fe form. The creatu re
attacks, but d u ri n g the fight, it te lepath ically says
t h i ngs l i ke, "Curio u s , " and "Creatu re u n known " and
" P rotect the sanct u m . " It's telepath ica l ly ta l ki n g to
someone el se, but the PCs "overhear. " Alth ough the
com bat i s fa i rly sta n d a rd , the PCs h ave d i scovered
a new creatu re, and they know it's someth i n g that's
neve r encountered a human before. There a re more of
them, somewhere, and there ' s some kind of sanctu m .
I t ' s not j u st a fight. T h e PCs h ave learned somet h i ng.

I n a more sta n d a rd set u p , the co m b at i s the
obstacle t h at the PCs m u st ove rcom e to reach t h e
d i scove ry, which aga i n re i n fo rces t h e idea t h at t h e re
i s no right or wro n g way to ove rco m e the o b stacle.
Sneak past t h e foes o r convi nce them to l et t h e PCs
pass-both a re enti rely va l i d .
M ec h a n ical ly, com bat i n N u m e n e ra does n 't p l ay
out as it does i n many games where d a m age wh ittles
down a c h a racte r's h it poi nts o r health score. Th i s
k i n d o f s l ow attrition i s less l i kely to h a p pe n i n
N u m e n e ra beca u s e t h e PCs wi l l try t o avo i d gett i n g
h it. F o r exa m p l e, many p l ayers wi l l s p e n d poi nts
fro m t h e i r S peed Pool to add Effort to t h e i r defe n s e
ro l l s to e n s u re t h at they d o n 't get h it (a n d t h u s
d o n ' t lose poi nts fro m t h e i r M i ght Pool) . Cha racte rs
a l so h ave n u mero u s a b i l ities to add to t h e i r S peed
defe n s e rol l s o r red uce the d i fficu lty of a S peed
defe n s e task. Last, and perh a p s most s i g n ifica nt, the
most freq uent use of experience poi nts fo r re ro l l s wi l l
p robably b e d efe n s ive i n n at u re. P l ayers j u st d o n ' t
l i ke t h e i r cha racte rs to get h it.
There a re two i m portant as pects to t h i s . The fi rst
is t h at it' s the p l aye rs' cho ice. They' re in control
of which poi nts t h ey lose and h ow m a ny, so it
fee l s d i fferent, eve n t h o u g h the effect i s l a rgely
the s a m e-a s l ow loss of poi nts ove r time. The
seco n d a s pect i s t h at, n a rratively, you d o n ' t h ave
LI M E NE
BUILDING A STORY
to exp l a i n a n d d escri be l ots of m i n o r wo u n d s a n d
scratches t h at eve n t u a l l y a m o u nt t o someth i n g. I n
N u m e n e ra co m bats, when PCs a re struck, it's l i kely
s i g n ifica nt. P l u s , so many creatu res a n d foes h ave
effects t h at p a ra lyze, i n fect, p o i s o n , stu n , a n d so on
t h at the d a m age is n ot necessarily the i nterest i n g
o r s i g n ifica nt part o f what they d o t o the P C s . That's
why t h e re a re creat u res whose attacks can move
a PC d own the d a mage track a ste p o r two. I t ' s
n ot so m uch about the poi nts of d a mage but the
co n seque nces of b e i n g h it at a l l .
CRAFTING STORIES Speed Pool, page 20
I kee p s ayi n g ove r and ove r t h at N u menera is a l l
about story-na rrative. Yo u r b i ggest job a s t h e G M Might Pool, page 20
i s to p rovide the i m petu s fo r sto ries i n the game. The
sto ries t h e m s e lves arise out of gamepl ay, but they
a re started a n d g u i d e d by yo u . Yo u p rovide the seed
Encourage the players to
describe their actions, not
of the story and p resent the eve nts a s t h ey u n fo l d
the mechanics involved.
beca u s e o f what the P C s a n d N P C s d o . The game is more fun if a
Craft i n g a good story i s a to p i c t h at co u l d fi l l a player says things like, "/
book of t h i s s ize. I h i g h l y reco m m e n d t h at i nterested leap up on the table and
G Ms read books o r a rticles a i med at fiction writers swing my sword down upon
the creature, " instead of
(many of wh ich a re ava i l a b l e o n the I ntern et) t h at
"/ use my jump skill to get
p rovide advice on p l ot. Fo r t h at m atte r, s i m i l a r up on the table to get a
s o u rces a b o u t c h a racte rization can h e l p i n t h e one-step advantage on my
creation of N P C s , as we l l . attack roll. "
34 1
 For n ow, remem ber these few key concepts:
Learn what m otivates the p l ayers at yo u r table.
Exp l o rat i o n ? Co m bat? Puzzle-solv i n g ? I nteract i n g
w i t h N PCs ? Cater t o t h e s e d e s i re s .
Learn what m otivates the P C s t h at t h e p l aye rs
ru n . What a re the c h a racte rs' goa l s ? What do
they seek? Wea lt h ? Cu rios ity? Powe r? Protect i n g
oth e rs ? U se t h e s e t h i ngs t o start yo u r stories.
Create sto ries t h at i nvolve t h e PCs a s d i rectly a s
pos s i b l e . I f someth i n g bad i s affect i n g peo p l e ,
h ave it affect the P C s or t h e i r l oved o n e s , too.
The chapters in this part
Rat h e r t h a n entici n g them to strive to s ave a
of the book are as close
as I can come to relating ra n d o m farmer, get t h e m to save a c h a racte r' s
how I run my own b rot h e r or best frie n d .
games. Re m e m b e r t h at the p l ayers a re yo u r co
sto ryte l l ers, and t h at the PCs a re the m a i n
cha racte rs o f the sto ry, so t h e i r deci s i o n s s h o u l d
h ave d i rect i m pact o n what h a p p e n s .
Weave m u lt i p l e sto ries together. H ave t h e PCs
learn about the begi n n i n g of one story wh i l e
they' re sti l l e m b ro i led i n a n ot h e r.
Vary yo u r stories. Fo l l ow a co m b at-h eavy
exp l o ration of a n ancient ru i n with an i ntrigue
fi l led adventu re i n a l a rge city t h at i nvolves a l ot of
i nteract i o n . Create o n e story t h at i s a l o n g q u est
but then fo l l ow it up with another t h at wra p s up i n
a s i n g l e game s e s s i o n .
Margr, page 244 Vary t h e encou nters wit h i n a story. Even i n the
middle of a series of battles, there' s always room for
exploration or i nteraction (a nd it breaks thi ngs u p) .
N ot eve ry story need s t o b e about savi n g the
worl d . Somet i m e s t h e smaller sto ries about
h e l p i n g o n e person can be the most i nterest i n g.
Twi sts a n d u n expected eve nts a re wo n d e rfu l a n d
s h o u l d be u sed ofte n , but somet i m e s the b i ggest
twist i s to h ave t h i ngs go exactly the way the
p l aye rs th i n k it wi l l .
Don't get bogged d own j u stifying, rati o n a l i z i n g ,
Shins, page 77 o r exp l a i n i n g eve ry d eta i l . Th i s i s N u m e n e ra .
I t ' s s u p posed to be we i rd . The p l ayers a re n ' t
s u p posed to u nd e rsta n d eve ryt h i ng.
Sto ries t h at i nvolve a l ot of eve nts the PCs a re
u n awa re of wi l l e n d u p m a k i n g l ittl e sense to t h e
p l aye rs, a n d s h o u l d p robably be avo i d e d , u n l e s s
yo u ' re go i n g fo r the we i rd ness of i t , i n which case
it' s fine. B ut kee p in m i n d t h at t h e n u m e n e ra and
its myriad effects ( i n cl u d i n g non h u m a n creat u res)
s h o u l d seem we i rd , but t h e peo p l e of the N i nth
Wo rld a re sti l l peo p l e a n d s h o u l d be re l ata b l e .
Base you r sto ries o n rea l h u m a n e m oti o n . N P C
vi l l a i n s can be d riven b y greed o r powe r, but a l so
by l ove, longi n g, cu rios ity, or eve n m i s g u i ded
altru i s m . Don't m a ke yo u r p l aye rs j u st i nteract
with t h e eve nts-m a ke t h e m react to t h e
emot i o n s beh i n d the eve nts. Vi l l a i n s s h o u l d
i n s p i re act u a l h ate a n d anger. The l o s s o f a va l u ed
342
a l ly s h o u l d i n s p i re act u a l sad ness a n d l o s s .
Occa s i o n a l ly, create sto ries t h at a re seq u e l s t o
yo u r p rev i o u s stories. The deci s i o n s t h at t h e
p l aye rs made i n the p a s t affect t h i ngs i n t h e
p resent. Vi l l a i n s ret u rn fo r a n o t h e r try at reach i n g
t h e i r goa l , o r perh a p s j u st fo r reve nge.
PACING
The key to ru n n i n g a great game a s o p posed to an
adeq u ate o n e i s often t h e s i m p l e m atte r of paci ng.
We l l , pac i n g i s s i m p l e to describe, but it's n ot so
s i m p l e to u nd e rsta n d o r i m p lement. I t comes with
p ractice a n d a sort of d eve l o ped i n t u i t i o n .
Paci n g can mean many t h i n gs . Let ' s b riefly b reak
t h e m d own .
PACING WITHIN AN ENCOUNTER
Kee p t h i ngs movi ng. Don't let the action get bogged
d own by i ndecis ive p l ayers, arguments about the
rules, or i rre levant m i n utiae. Don't l et the middle of a n
encou nter get sidetracked b y someth i n g that rem i n d s
a p l ayer (or worse, you) o f a ga m i n g sto ry, a movie, or
a fu n ny thing on the I nternet. There ' s time for a l l of
that l ater, p robably after the game session i s over.
Don't l et the e n d of t h e e n co u nter d rag out. When
it's clear h ow t h i ngs a re go i n g to t u rn out, a n d
peo p l e m i ght sta rt t o get bored , w r a p it u p . I f the PCs
were fighti n g two d ozen m a rgr and o n ly th ree a re
left, t h e re ' s noth i n g wro n g with s ayi n g t h at those l a st
th ree ru n away or s u rre n d e r or t h at t h e PCs h a n d i ly
d i s patch t h e m . Wra p t h i ngs u p a n d m ove a l o n g .
PACING WITHIN A GAME SESSION
H ave many d ifferent encou nters i n a session-
some long, some short, some complex, some
straightforward . One of the trickiest as pects of game
session paci ng i s deci d i n g what to play out and what to
skip. For example, the PCs want to buy new gear with
the s h i n s they were paid for a job. You cou l d describe
the town's market and roleplay each i nteraction with
various merchants. You could even cal l for occasional
rol l s to see if the characters get good deals or not.
Alternatively, you could say, "Okay, you guys buy
whatever you want," and then move on. There a re good
cases to be made for both approaches, depend i n g
on t h e context. M aybe one o ft h e PCs contracted a
d i sease on the l ast m i ssion and doesn't real ize it until
he i s i nteracting with people i n the ma rket. M aybe a
th ief i n the market attem pts to steal from the PCs, or
they notice a th ief stea l i n g from a merch ant. M aybe
the players l i ke i nteracting with N PCs and enjoy you r
portrayal o f m i nor characters. All o f these are good
reasons to play out a shopping encou nter. But if there's
no com pel l i n g reason, j u st advance through it.
Someti m e s , you s h o u l d d o t h i s eve n if one p l aye r
wants to p l ay out eve ry moment of h i s c h a racte r' s

l ife a n d describe eve ryt h i n g i n excru ciati n g d eta i l .
Although you want eve ryo n e t o b e h a p py, yo u ' re i n
c h a rge o f paci ng. I f you m u st err, m a ke t h e p l aye rs
struggle to keep u p , rat h e r t h a n lett i n g t h e m be
bored and wo n d e r i n g when yo u ' re go i n g to get on
with it. Th u s , if there's n o co m pe l l i n g reason aga i n st
it, d o n 't h e s itate to adva n ce t i m e , eve n i n l a rge
ch u n ks . If the PCs fi n i s h a b i g sce n a ri o and some
downt i m e m a kes s e n s e , t h e re ' s noth i n g wro n g with
a n n o u n c i n g, "So, t h ree weeks l ater, yo u hear
t h at ... " a n d sta rt i n g i n o n
the n ext story l i n e (as l o n g
as the p l aye rs a re content
Skip the
with it) . Books and movies
d o t h i s kind of t h i n g all the
t i m e . Skip the boring bits.
I n a d d i t i o n , fee l free to i ntrude on p l aye r
d i sc u s s i o n s for t h e p u rpose of m ovi n g t h i ngs a l o n g .
Somet i m e s p l aye rs s p i n t h e i r wheels o r p l a n a n d
p l a n t h e i r n ext m ove, n ever acco m p l i s h i n g a nyth i n g.
Yo u can i ntrude by t h row i n g a n e n co u nter o r a
s u rprise t h e i r way ("A message from the p riests
at the cl ave a rrives") , o r yo u can s i m ply say, " Let' s
m ove t h i ngs a l o n g , guys . "
Kee p a clock handy so you c a n see h ow m uch time
i s left i n the session. Never lose track oftime. Yo u
want to end a session at a good poi nt-a p l ace where
everyone can catch their breat h , at a good c l i ffh a n ge r,
or as everyt h i n g i n a sto ry wraps u p so you can start
anew next time. These a re a l l fine sto p p i n g points, but
you want to control which one yo u use. N ext session,
LI M E NE
BUILDING A STORY
you ' l l h ave to start t h i n g s u p aga i n , recap past eve nts,
and get everyone back i nto the swi n g of t h i n gs .
Try to e n s u re t h at a t t h e e n d of any s e s s i o n , the
p l ayers can look back o n what they d id a n d fee l l i ke
they acco m p l i shed someth i n g.
PACING WITHIN A STORY
T h i s as pect of paci n g goes back to research i n g how
fiction writers h a n d l e sto ry creation, and it's a h u ge
s u bject, but con s i d e r the sta n d a rd th ree-act
struct u re as a good
start i n g poi nt. In act I've seen bad pacing ruin
one, the p roblem i s more games than probably
boring bits. anything else. Keep things
i ntrod uced . I n act two,
t h i n gs get worse (or a moving. Keep them
interesting.
new com p l ication is i ntrod uced) . I n act t h ree, t h i ngs
a re resolved . There are many other ways to d o it, but
remem ber that the action need s to e b b and fl ow.
You need downtime between the mome nts of action,
h orror, or h i gh d rama.
PACING WITHIN A CAMPAIGN
M ix s h o rt sce n a rios in with longer ones. Weave t h e Clave, page 134
p l otl i n e s together so t h at as o n e story e n d s , t h e
P C s sti l l h ave t h i ngs to d o . B ut d o n 't be afra id o f
d ownt i m e . Let the cha racters h ave a wee k, a month,
o r l o n ge r h e re o r there to l ive t h e i r n o r m a l l ives
before th rowi n g them o n ce aga i n i nto the heart of
d a n ger. If a ca m p a i g n takes a yea r of p l ay t i m e i n
t h e real worl d , you d o n ' t want i t t o take p l ace i n o n ly
th ree weeks of game t i m e . That n eve r fee l s right.
343
 DESCRIPTION
In C h a pter 2 1 : U s i n g the Rules, I reco m m e n d ed
u s i n g description t h at was both p recise a n d co ncise.
P rec i s i o n co mes from avo i d i n g re l ative term s l i ke
" b ig" or " s m a l l " or emot i o n a l word s l i ke "terrifying"
beca u s e these wo rd s mean d iffe rent t h i ngs to
d ifferent peo p l e . T h i s does n ' t mean yo u h ave to
s pecify the exact h e i g h t of eve ry struct u re t h e PCs
fi n d . B ut rat h e r t h a n descri b i n g a b u i l d i n g a s " a ta l l
towe r, " co n s i d e r s ayi n g " a towe r a t least five t i m e s
t h e h e i ght o f the trees a ro u n d it. "
B e i n g co ncise i s i m portant, too. Go on too l o n g
w i t h d escripti o n s , a n d the p l aye rs' m i n d s wi l l d rift.
Someti mes, what works best a re s h o rt, declarative,
If things bog down, or evocative descript i o n s with pau ses in between for
if you even suspect that p l aye r co m m e nts o r q u est i o n s .
things might, interject
something weird. A DESCRIBING THE ACTION
house with permeable
G reat ro l e p l ay i n g game s e s s i o n s often i nvolve
walls rather than doors
or an old woman with a i m m e rs i o n . I m mersion comes fro m a sense of be i n g
strange aura that only truly caught u p i n t h e action a n d t h e fict i o n a l worl d .
one PC can see make J u st a s w h e n yo u read a great b o o k o r watch a we l l
even the dullest village m a d e movie, p l ayi n g a n R P G c a n get yo u caught
interesting.
u p i n yo u r own i m a g i n at i o n . And best of all, yo u ' re
s h a r i n g yo u r i m a g i n ative escape with eve ryo n e e l s e
at the table. Fo r i m mersion to work, yo u h ave to give
great d escri pt i o n s .
N u menera com bat, for exa m p l e , i s very s i m ple
and open-ended rather than p recise, givi n g you lots
of room to describe h ow cha racters move, how they
attack, and how they avoid attacks. A successfu l S peed
d efense rol l m i ght mean dodging, blocki n g with a
wea pon, or d ucki n g beh i n d a p i l l a r. A character who i s
struck i n com bat for 3 poi nts o f d a m age m i ght h ave
dodged the wea pon attack but fa l l e n backwa rd onto a
jagged and ru i n ed control co nsole.
The p l ayers s h o u l d describe their act i o n s , too.
E n co u rage them to be creative in w h at t h ey d o a n d
344
h ow they perform a task, whether it i nvolves t h e way
they attack, w h at t h ey do to give t h e m s e lves the best
c h a n ce to m a ke a d i fficult leap ove r a pit, o r h ow t h ey
s l i p i nto a n o b l e ' s study to steal the m a p they need.
Don't take any of this as a req u i rement. Long
descri ptions can be ted ious as easily as they can be
i nteresting. Sometimes the best way to serve the paci ng
of a com bat encou nter is to state whether an attack h it
and how m uch damage is dealt and keep thi ngs movi ng.
Vivid descri ption is great, but it's not a valid excuse for
you or a player to d rag thi ngs out and destroy the paci ng.
DESCRIBING A WEIRD WORLD
The N i nth Wo rld i s a wei rd p l ace, a n d d escri b i n g
it c a n be d ifficu lt. W h e n pos s i ble, stress the wei rd
a s pect of yo u r descript i o n . Fo r exa m p l e, d o n 't bot h e r
tel l i n g t h e P C s a l l about the n o r m a l b u i l d i ngs i n t h e
city if the ce ntral towe r i s a d o u b l e h e l ix s u p po rt i n g a
glowi n g b a l l of e n e rgy l i ke a m i n i at u re s u n .
Although p reci s i o n i s a good t h i ng, pedantic,
exh a u stive d eta i l i s n ot. Eve n if t h at ' s what i s needed
to fu l ly describe t h e we i rd creat u re, c h a racte r, device,
struct u re, o r p h e n o m e n o n , don't d o it. Leave the
p l ayers with a n i m p re s s i o n rather than a n exact
d e scri pti o n . "A creatu re t h at looks l i ke th ree b l ack
beetles, each t h e s ize of a m a stiff with too many
legs a n d eyes " i s n 't a full d escri pt i o n , but it' s a n
i m p re s s i o n . I t gives t h e p l aye rs someth i n g t o p i ct u re,
eve n if it's n ot p reci sely w h at yo u ' re p i ct u r i n g . It's
wei rd a n d evocative, a n d t h at ' s i m portant.
Be wary of shorthand description and i n a p p ropriate
com parisons. If the PCs see a veh icle flyi n g t h rough
the a i r toward them and you describe it as "sort of l i ke
a flyi n g car, " they' re goi n g to see a flyi n g 2 1 st-century
sed a n with t i res, a steering whee l , and b u m pers,
and that's not the i m age you want i n their head s.
I n stead , try to give them the gist of the veh icle. Sayi n g
somet h i n g l i ke "A l a rge, d a rk mass-s h arply a n gled
and fu l l of stra n ge p rotru s i o n s from all d i rections
suddenly rumbles towa rd yo u t h rough the s ky,
blocki n g out the s u n " puts a more evocative and wei rd
i m age in the p l aye rs' m i nd s . It's bette r to be vague
than i n co rrect or, wo rse, j a rri n gly i n a p p ro p ri ate.
I f you m u st, use 2 1 st-centu ry term s or
co m pa r i s o n s to describe t h i n g s , but i ntrod u ce t h e m
s pa ri n gly beca u s e t h ey can b r e a k t h e m o o d very
easi ly. Be wary of c l i ched sci-fi or fa ntasy terms a s
we l l . To k e e p the wei rd vibe, if there ' s a more o b s c u re
wo rd for someth i n g, u s e it rather t h a n an ove rly
fa m i l i a r wo rd .
Some general s u ggest i o n s to keep i n m i n d :
S a y automaton, never robot. Android i s o kay
(ra rely) , but n eve r say droid.
Say machine intelligence before artificial intelligence,
but n ever say A. I. o r eve n computer if yo u can h e l p
it.

Say ray emitter, but n ever s ay blaster, ray gun,
o r laser gun.
Say slugspitters a n d needlers, but n ot guns, pistols,
or rifles.
Avo i d wo rd s l i ke laser (use beam or ray i n stead ) ,
grenade (use detonation o r explosive i n stead ) , radar,
car, train, plane, spaceship, a n d so o n .
Avo i d wo rd s l i ke dragon o r mythological creatu re
n a m e s l i ke griffons or faeries.
Say world, n ot planet (a lthough be awa re t h at t h i s
co u l d b e confu s i n g somet i m e s beca u s e N u m e n e ra
refers to t h e past as t h e " p ri o r worl d s " ) .
Say dimension or universe, n ot plane.
SOMETIMES THE DETAILS SELL IT
Although t h e creat u re s , devices, a n d oth e r a s pects
of the N i nt h Wo rld a re the i m portant elements,
somet i m e s i n conseq uenti a l , u n exp l a i ned d eta i l s a re
what m a ke the sett i n g u n i q u e . I n c l u d e t h e m i n yo u r
d e scri pti o n s o f n ew p l aces a n d peo p l e a s often a s
yo u ca n . H e re a re a few ideas to get yo u sta rted.
G i ant, glea m i n g i n sects g l i d e about o n m u lt i p l e
p a i rs o f w i n g s .
F l owe r i n g p l a nts s e e m t o s i n g o r m o a n .
F l oati n g crystals o r b i t a n N PC' s h ead .
An N PC' s cloth i n g s h ifts co l o r a n d text u re.
M ec h a n ical b i rd s fl utte r t h ro u g h the a i r.
Float i n g , glowi n g m otes of l i ght swi rl a bout.
The m ateri a l s d ecorat i n g a struct u re c h a n ge
s u b stance.
A structu re h a s n o doors, but any wa l l can be
passed t h ro u g h a s if it were n ' t t h e re.
Port i o n s of a wa l l h ave eye l i ke mech a n i s m s t h at
fo l l ow yo u as you m ove.
Odd patches of violet fu n g u s grow eve rywhere.
An ante n n a j uts out of t h e body of a n oth e rwise
n o r m a l - l ooki n g beast.
Bel l s hang from co rd s t h at d a n g l e fro m eve ry
pos s i b l e s u rface.
G ravity s h ifts orie ntation in a l ocat i o n .
Eve ryo n e i n a gro u p of N P C s h a s t h e same faci a l
scar.
Eve ryt h i n g e m its a h azy gl ow.
The vo i ce of an N PC does not m atch the
m ove m e nts of h e r m o u t h .
A creatu re l eaves beh i n d co l o red tra i l s i n the a i r a s
it m ove s .
An object t h at a p pears to be n o r m a l i s act u a l ly a
bioengi neered creatu re i n t h at s h ape.
A w i n d ow looks out onto a sce n e t h at i s nowhere
nea rby.
A structu re h a s t h i n o rga n i c m e m b ra n e s rat h e r
t h a n doors.
F l oati n g s pores fro m a p l a nt give off a s l i ghtly
e u p h oric odor.
A structu re i s l a rger on the i n s id e t h a n the outside.
LI M E NE
BUILDING A STORY
It i s always n i ght i n a l i m ited locale.
A l l t h e trees a n d p l a nts m ove a s m u c h a s pos s i b l e
t o avo i d be i n g to uched.
A deep pool of wate r can be wal ked acro s s a s if it
were s o l i d .
S o u n d s a re stra n gely a m p l ified i n a given locat i o n .
T i m e i n a l i m ited locale seems t o move slightly slower.
Eve ryt h i n g made of a cert a i n m ateria l-wood ,
stone, i ro n , synt h , or someth i n g e l s e-ceases to
exi st i n a given l ocat i o n .
PREPAruNG FOR THE GAME
SESSION
N u menera doesn't req u i re you to spend hours carefu l ly
design i n g stats for N PCs (u n less you want to) . There
aren't a lot of rules to memorize. It's not worth writing
out elaborate descri ptions ofeach encou nter because if
you allow t h i n gs to proceed organ ical ly, many plan ned
encou nters m ight not be used. The rules of N u menera
al low you to come up with a lot of the deta i l s as you go
along, s i nce you don't have to reference load s of books
and stats d u ri n g the game session.
To prepare for a session, you need to create only th ree
thi ngs: a l i st of names, a brief outl ine, and a l i st of ideas.
1 . A list of names. No m atte r h ow m uch you p re p a re, Some Ninth World
yo u ' l l e n d u p creat i n g some N PCs o n t h e fly, so h ave human names:
a l i st of n a m e s to u s e when t h i s h a p p e n s . Leave Horrek
roo m to write a q u ick n ote n ext to each n a m e you
Bish Novalar
Gren Coronus
use in case t h at N PC s h ows up in the game aga i n .
Thremody Maree/ell
Erance Noriban
2 . A brief outl i ne. T h e outl i n e i s a n i d e a o f where yo u Quen the Trigger
th i n k the story co u l d go. Of co u rse, the key wo rd Warred
is think. Yo u can't know for ce rta i n-th e act i o n s of Linanou Casatile
Anive the Mancer
the PCs wi l l take t h i ngs in u n expected d i rect i o n s .
Blue Dain
I n trut h , "out l i n e" i s p robably n ot the r i g h t word . Propalas Vil
Th i n k i n terms of p l aces t h e PCs m i ght go, peo p l e o r Bra st
creat u re s they m i ght i nte ract wit h , a n d eve nts t h at Flen Yamorian
m i ght occ u r. Fo r exa m p l e, l et ' s say t h at t h e PCs a re Melbae Soran
i n a s m a l l vi l l age. You p l a n to start the s e s s i o n by Xinma Oh
Leck eForalloch
h avi n g them hear about a local m a n n a med D ra h l
Teague the Skyweaver
w h o d i sa p peared myste rious ly. Yo u r n otes m i ght s ay: Ushant Roun
D ra h l d i s a p peared outside the fl o u r m i l l where he
worke d . N o rth of tow n .
D ra h l l ived i n a s m a l l , run-down h o u se. Wife: N a rla,
and two kids. N arla: d i straught and prone to d ri n k.
F l o u r m i l l : About a d ozen worke rs. Boss: Arias
F i n ney. Wit n e s s : Sarai saw D ra h l d i s a p pear right i n
fro nt o f h e r. Does n ' t want t o ta l k about i t beca u s e
s h e ' s scared it m i ght be some k i n d of evi l cu rse
(level 4 to get her to ta l k) . Knows D ra h l rece ntly
found a stra n ge device-looked l i ke two s i lver
co i n s joi ned at the edges.
Pickpocket (level 3 ) atte m pts to steal fro m one PC
wh i l e they' re i n tow n .
345
 Loca l Aeo n Priest: Rori c h . H a s seen s m a l l d evices
l i ke t h e o n e S a ra i describes. Sends PCs to a
n evaj i n t h at l ives west of the v i l l age.
And so o n .
Obvi o u s ly, that's j u st the begi n n i n g, but yo u 've
covered a l ot of the co nti n gencies, a s s u m i n g the PCs
i nvesti gate Drah l ' s d i sa p pearance at a l l . Some of t h at
m ate rial m i ght n ot get used . The PCs m i ght n ot go
to h i s h o u se-o n ly to t h e m i l l a n d then to the Aeon
Priest. M aybe t h ey wo n ' t go to the priest at a l l , a n d
yo u ' l l n e e d to h ave s o m e o n e e l s e d i rect t h e m to the
n evaj i n . O r m aybe t h e PCs wi l l co m e u p with a w h o l l y
u n expected p a t h of i nvestigat i o n .
3 . A list of ideas. J u st l i ke w i t h t h e l i st o f n a m e s , jot
d own a b u nch of ra n d o m i d e a s . These a re t h i ngs you
Energy Protection, can th row i nto the game at a moment's notice. They
page 3 7 m i ght be fl avor, cool v i s u a l s , or i m portant s i d e p l ots.
Fo r exa m p l e , yo u r l i st m i ght i n c l u d e :
M etal c h e s t w i t h ornate d ecorat i o n , i n c l u d i n g feet
t h at look l i ke twi n ed serpents
Man with o n e side of his face horribly b u rned l o n g
a g o b y a n u m e n e ra weapon
Device t h at looks l i ke a h o l l ow h e m i s p h e re, with
c i rcuitry o n the i n s id e
Pests t h at l o o k l i ke t i n y, two-legged frogs with
bat l i ke wings
Door t h at wo n ' t open u n l e s s the co rrect fl avor of
s m o ke i s wafted past a s e n s o r
These a re a l l ideas t h at yo u can s p ri n kl e i nto the
game when a p p ropriate. Yo u h ave n ' t tied t h e m to a
s pecific encounter, so yo u can i n sert t h e m wheneve r
yo u want.
HANDLING PLAYERS
Part of bei n g a G M i s " h a n d l i ng" p l aye rs. T h i s m e a n s
a l ot of t h i n gs . Fo r exa m p l e , it's p a rt i a l ly yo u r job t o
m a ke s u re t h at eve ryo n e h a s a good t i m e . Yo u need
346
to e n s u re t h at a l l the p l ayers get to do t h e k i n d s of
t h i ngs they l i ke to do i n games, a n d t h at no o n e i s
l e ft out. I f o n e p l aye r rea l ly l i kes co m bat a n d a n other
enjoys N PC i nteract i o n , p rovide some of bot h .
Before yo u can d o t h at, y o u n e e d t o fi n d out what the
p l ayers want i n t h e fi rst p l ace, so ta l k to them a n d
learn t h e i r expectati o n s .
Anot h e r b i g p a rt of h a n d l i n g p l ayers i s co p i n g
with d i s r u ptive p l aye rs. D i s ru ptive p l ayers c a n b e
t h e death o f a g a m e . T h ey c a n h o g a l l t h e atte n t i o n ,
te l l ot h e r p l ayers w h at to d o , o r c h a l l e n ge yo u r
ru l i n g s a t every t u r n . A l ot o f G M s a re tem pted
to d e a l with s u ch p l ayers d u ri n g the game by
p u n i s h i n g t h e m o r givi n g t h e m n e gative feed back.
Fo r exa m p l e , t h ey h ave the c h a racte r get attacked
m o re ofte n , lose expe r i e n ce p o i n t s , o r s u ffe r s i m i l a r
co n s e q u e nces. Re s i st t h i s tem ptat i o n . I n stead ,
s p e a k with t h e p l aye r person to person (not G M
to p l aye r) outs i d e of t h e game a n d exp l a i n t h at h i s
behavior i s ca u s i n g p ro b l e m s . Be c l e a r, d i rect, a n d
fi r m , b u t a l so b e fri e n d ly.
The bottom l i n e, h owever, is d o n ' t p l ay games with
j e rks. O n e d i s r u ptive, rude, o r offe n s ive p l ayer can
ru i n the whole gro u p ' s fu n .
A d ifferent p ro b l e m p l ayer i s o n e w h o j u st does n ' t
get the n a rrative focus of N u m e n e ra . These k i n d s
o f p l ayers te n d t o s e e a l l g a m e s a s com petitive
enterprises, and they m i ght try to "wi n " N u m e n e ra
by exp loiti n g w h at t h ey see as holes i n t h e rules to
create a n d p l ay an u n beata b l e c h a racte r. Alt hough
part of m a n y peo p l e ' s RPG experience i s the fun
of p l ayi n g a powe rfu l cha racte r, it s h o u l d n 't be the
u lt i m ate goal i n N u menera beca u s e such a p l aye r
wi l l get frustrated a n d bored .
Fo r exa m ple, a p l aye r m i ght try to u s e t h e E n e rgy
P rotection esotery to p rotect aga i n st ki netic e n e rgy
a n d then c l a i m t h at he is i m m u n e to a l l attacks.
H e ' l l see t h i s a s a hole t h at h e was s m a rt e n o u g h to
exp loit, and he' l l h o l d up the rules and say, " S h ow
me where I ' m wro n g ! "
When a p l aye r does t h at, point h i m h e re:
"Yo u ' re wro n g . "
H e ' s wro n g beca u s e N u m e n e ra i s n 't a board
game where the rules a re l i ke a p uzzle to be so lved
o r beate n . The rules exi st to faci l itate the story a n d
portray t h e worl d . I f t h e re ' s a " h o l e " i n the rules o r a
ru l e t h at wo u l d p rod uce an i l logical or u n e njoya b l e
res u lt if fo l l owed t o the l ette r, c h a n ge i t , redefi n e it,
o r j u st ove rru l e it. It's t h at easy.
On the oth e r h a n d , some p l aye rs absol utely wi l l
get it. They' l l u nd e rsta n d t h at it's t h e s p i rit o f t h e
r u l e s , n ot the l ette r, that's i m portant. They' l l g e t t h at
the story b e i n g told i s key. Rather t h a n pori n g ove r
the description of a powe r a n d tryi n g to twist the
wo rd s to a n u n i ntended mean i n g, t h ey' l l u s e their
i n te l l igence a n d creativity to figure out the best way

to u s e the powe r to portray a c h a racte r who fits t h e
sett i n g a n d i s fu n to p l ay.
Peo ple who try to exp loit the rules d o n 't u n d ersta nd
N u menera, but people who exp loit the situations do.
I f a p l ayer i s s m a rt and creative enough to t u rn the
tables on his foes i n a n u n expected way by u s i n g
what's a ro u n d h i m , a l low it ( i f it m a kes sen se) . I f t h e
P C s find a pool o f ca u stic fl u i d and l u re t h e i r foes
i nto it rather than fight i n g them in a straightforwa rd
m a n n e r, that's not cheat i n g-th at' s awesome.
Be certa i n yo u don't acci denta l ly penal ize p l aye rs
fo r n ot d o i n g the o bv i o u s o r straightfo rwa rd t h i ng.
Be ge n e ro u s with peo p l e who take n o n sta n d a rd
act i o n s or who do so meth i n g rea l i stic (such as u s i n g
t h e i r action t o take stock o f t h e s ituation rather
t h a n attack-gra nt them a step b o n u s ) . Don't m a ke
" attack" always t h e right choice. I t ' s a creative game,
so a l l ow the p l ayers to be creative.
MATURE THEMES
Someti m e s , it's very a p p ropriate to i nvolve m at u re
themes i n N u m e n e ra games. Sex, extre m e violence,
a n d oth e r topics certa i n ly fit i nto the N i nt h Wo rld.
But each gro u p i s go i n g to h ave to decide fo r
t h e m s e lves if it fi t s i nto t h e i r game. Yo u s h o u l d a l s o
p re p a re yo u r sto ries w i t h yo u r s pecific p l ayers i n
m i n d . I f o n e o r m o re a re ve ry yo u n g, o r h ave i s s u e s
w i t h cert a i n to pics, avo id t h i ngs t h at wo u l d b e
i n a p p ro p riate. Also be awa re t h at some to pics, l i ke
ove rt sexu a l ity, ra pe, a n d gra p h i c viole nce a re the
kinds of t h i ngs t h at m i ght d i st u rb p l ayers eve n when
yo u a re n ' t expect i n g it. I t ' s always best to know fo r
ce rta i n before a l l owi n g t h e s e topics i nto yo u r game.
Th i n k of it l i ke the movie rat i n g system . I f you can
te l l the story that you want to tel l i n a G or PG (o r eve n
PG-1 3 ) way, you ' re l i kely fine. If events u nfold that
a re goi n g to give you r game an R rat i n g or h igher, it's
best to ta l k with you r p l ayers ah ead of time. It's not a
m atter of good or bad , it's a m atter of a p p ropri ateness
for the "aud ience" and givi n g people a head s up
ahead of time-j u st l i ke movie rat i n gs .
DESIGNING ENCOUNTERS
E n co u nters a re to a game s e s s i o n w h at scenes a re
to a movie or a book. They' re a way to break u p t h e
s e s s i o n , a n d the adve n t u re at l a rge, i nto s m a l l e r,
m o re m a n agea b l e ch u n ks . Yo u ' l l fi n d , for exa m p l e,
t h at the adventu res i n Part 8 (page 3 65 ) a re d ivided
i nto encou nters.
Somet i m e s it's m e s s i e r than t h at, m o re d i fficult to
know where o n e encou nter e n d s and another begi n s .
Fo r t h at rea s o n , encou nter i s n ot always a u s efu l
o r mean i n gfu l game term. I t ' s o n ly u s efu l fo r yo u
when yo u th i n k about the scenes of yo u r adventu re.
When the PCs go ta l k to the Aeon Priests, that's
o n e e n co u nter. Afte r they d o so, h o pefu l ly gett i n g
LI M E NE
BUILDING A STORY
the i nformation they need , they head off i nto the
w i l d e r n e s s , where they h ave to cro s s a deep c h a s m-
a n other e n co u nter. When a n e rynth gra s k a p pears Erynth grask, page 240
a n d attacks, that's a n ot h e r encounter, and so o n .
Th u s , n ot eve ryt h i n g t h at h a p p e n s i s a n e n co u nter.
H ead i n g off i nto the w i l d e r n e s s , for exa m p l e ,
p robably i nvolved gat h e ri n g s u p p l ie s , decid i n g o n a
ro ute, a n d so o n , but it i s n 't rea l ly an "enco u nter. "
An encou nter i s w h e n yo u , t h e G M , a re go i n g to
p rovide a l ot of d eta i l . Yo u and the p l ayers a re go i n g Detail i n description, page 344
to i nte ract a l ot in a n encounter. Yo u m i ght decide
to s u bd ivide eve ryo n e ' s act i o n s i nto ro u n d s to h e l p
keep track o f w h o ' s d o i n g wh at, w h e n .
COMPLEX ENCOUNTERS
E nco u nters a re n 't j u st about com bat. As mentioned
a bove, talking to N PCs i s a n encou nter. Dea l i n g with
a physical obstacle i s a n encou nter. Figuring out h ow
to use a com p lex mach i n e is an encou nter. The best Laak, page 243
encou nters-the rea l ly memorable ones, i n fact-a re
goi n g to i nvolve m u lt i p l e t h i ngs h a p pe n i n g at once. A
fight on a boat raci n g down the ra p i d s , for exa m ple, i s
a n i nterest i n g encou nter. An encou nter where a cou p l e
o f P C s m u st d i sable a g i a n t bomb w h i l e the others
fe nd off attacking l aaks is i nterest i n g too. Sometimes, even the term
Someti m e s , t h e n , an e n co u nter can be "adventure" gets just as
i ntentio n a l ly d e s i gned with t h at goa l . At least
messy as "encounter. "
Deciding where one
occa s i o n a l ly, yo u s h o u l d take a n idea yo u h ave
adventure begins and
fo r an e n co u nter and t h e n add in someth i n g e l s e another ends can be-and
t h at wi l l m a ke it eve n m o re i nterest i n g , excit i n g, o r perhaps should be
c h a l l e n g i n g. I n t h e N i nth Wo rld , the pos s i b i l ities a re difficult. "Adventure" is a
e n d l e s s . Perh a p s gravity fu n ct i o n s d iffe re ntly t h a n useful term for published
products, but for your own
expected. There ' s a wei rd fu n g u s givi n g o ff spores
use, you might want to toss
t h at a lter perce pt i o n . The e n co u nter takes p l ace the concept out andjust let
i n s id e a sentient mach i n e t h at m u st be reasoned one story/event flow into
with a n d a p peased wh i l e eve ryt h i n g e l s e i s goi n g on. another naturally.
An i nterd i m e n s i o n a l effect m a kes all metal i n t h e
e n co u nter te m porarily cease to exi st. And that's j u st
for starte rs. U s e the wei rd to yo u r advantage to m a ke
t h i ngs crazy a n d fu n . Design e n co u nters t h at a re l i ke
noth i n g t h at t h e p l aye rs h ave eve r expe rienced .
But somet i m e s these k i n d of encou nters with
m u lt i p l e l eve l s of action o r we i rd co m p l i cati o n s
j u st arise out o f the game i t s e l f. The P C s h ave t o
leap o n t o a m ovi n g p l atform t o get d own i nto t h e
giant mach i n e ' s i nterior co n d u it syste m , which i s
i nterest i n g , but the ravage bears t h at t h ey ra n fro m
earl i e r s u d d e n ly s h ow u p w h i l e they' re d o i n g so, Ravage bear, page 254
h avi n g tracked them by scent. Yo u d i d n 't plan for
t h at a h ead of t i m e , it j u st h a p pened beca u s e t h at ' s
the w a y t h i ngs we nt. Which i s great.
Last ly, G M i ntru s i o n s can b ri n g about these k i n d s
o f e n co u nters o n t h e fly. The P C s h ave t o re p a i r
a h u ge d evice a t the heart o f a n a n c i e n t co m p l ex
t h at i s vent i n g p o i s o n o u s gas before t h ey a re a l l
ove rco me. With a G M i nt ru s i o n t h at occ u rs t o yo u
347
 If a player is smart and creative enough to turn the tables on his foes in an
unexpected way by using what's around him, allow it (ifit makes sense) . That's
not cheating-that's awesome.
For more on ways to earn at t h e last moment, you l et t h e m know t h at the
XP, see Chapter 8: Rules gas a l s o weake n s struct u ra l i ntegrity of meta l , a n d
of the Game, page 7 08 the s u p po rts u n d e r t h e fl o o r a re buckl i n g a n d wi l l
co l l apse with t h e PCs sta n d i n g o n i t a t a n y moment.
For more on balance in
gameplay, see Chapter
27: Using the Rules, page BALANCING ENCOUNTERS
320 In N u menera, there i s no concept of a "balanced
encou nter. " There is no system for match i n g creatures
of a particular level or tas ks of a particular d ifficu lty
to cha racters of a particu lar tier. To some people, that
m ight seem l i ke a bad t h i ng. But as I 've written earl ier,
match i n g character b u i l d s to exacting challenges is not
a part of this game. It's about story. So whatever you
want to happen next in the story is a fine encou nter
as long as it' s fu n . You ' re not denyi ng PCs XP if you
make t h i ngs too easy or too d ifficult, because that's
not how XP are earned . I f t h i ngs are too d ifficult for the
PCs, they' l l have to flee, come u p with a new strategy,
or try somet h i n g else enti rely. The o n ly t h i n g you have
to do to mainta i n "balance" is set d ifficu lty with i n that
encou nter accu rately and con s i stently.
I n a game l i ke N u m e n e ra , if eve ryo n e ' s h avi n g fu n ,
t h e game i s b a l a n ced. Two t h i ngs wi l l u n ba l a n ce the
game i n this context.
One or more PCs are far more i nteresti ng than
the others. N ote t h at I said " m o re i nterest i n g , " n ot
" m o re powe rfu l . " I f my c h a racte r can do a l l k i n d s of
cool t h i ngs but ca n't ki l l a b h u m a n s as efficiently as
yo u rs does, I sti l l m i ght h ave a whole l ot of fu n .
The challenges the PCs face are routi nely too easy
or too difficult.
The fi rst i s s u e s h o u l d be h a n d led by the c h a racte r
creation r u l e s . I f there's a p ro b l e m , it m i ght be t h at
poor cho ices were made or a p l aye r i s n't taki n g fu l l
advantage o f h e r optio n s . I f someone rea l ly does n ' t
enjoy p l ay i n g h e r c h a racter, a l l ow h e r to a lter the
c h a racte r o r-pe rhaps bette r-create a n ew one.
The second i s s u e i s trickier. As p reviously stated ,
there is no form u l a that states that N n u m ber of
level X N PCs is a good m atch for Tier Y cha racters.
H oweve r, when the game has four or five beginning
characters, the fol low i n g g u i d e l i nes a re ge nera l ly true.
Leve l l o p po n e nts wi l l be noth i n g but a n u i s a n ce,
eve n i n s izable n u m be rs (twelve to s ixtee n) .
Leve l 2 o p po n e nts wi l l n ot be a c h a l l e n ge u n less i n
n u m bers o f twe lve or more.
Leve l 3 o p po n e nts wi l l be a n i nterest i n g c h a l l e nge
348
i n n u m bers of fo u r to e i ght.
Level 4 o p po n e nts wi l l be a n i nterest i n g c h a l l e n ge
i n n u m bers of two or th ree.
A s i n g l e l evel 5 o p ponent m i ght be a n i nterest i n g
c h a l l e n ge.
A s i ngle level 6 opponent will be a serious ch al lenge.
A s i ngle level 7 or 8 opponent wi l l l i kely win i n a fight.
A s i n g l e l evel 9 o r l 0 opponent wi l l win in a fight
without b rea k i n g a sweat.
B ut let me caution you , and I can't stress t h i s
enou gh-it d e p e n d s on the s ituation a t h a n d . I f the
PCs a re a l ready worn down from prior encou nters, or
if they h ave the right cyp hers, any of the expectations
l i sted a bove can change. That's why there i s no syste m
for balancing encou nters. J u st keep i n m i n d that
begi n n i n g characters a re p retty h a rdy and probably
h ave some i nterest i n g resources, so you a re n 't l i kely
to wipe out the gro u p by accident. Characte r d eath is
u n l i kely u n less the PCs h ave a l ready been t h rough a
n u m be r of other encou nters and a re worn down.
RESOLVING ENCOUNTERS
Don't p l a n fo r h ow an e n co u nter wi l l e n d . Let the
game p l ay d eterm i n e t h at. Th i s e n s u re s t h at p l ayers
h ave the proper level of i n put. You decide, for
exa m ple, t h at if the PCs go i nto the towe r, there is
a gang of m utants i n s id e t h at wi l l attack. Yo u can't,
h owever, decide h ow t h at e n co u nter wi l l end. M aybe
the PCs wi l l be victori o u s . M aybe they wo n 't. M aybe
they' l l flee, o r m aybe they' l l barga i n fo r t h e i r l ives.
Ifyou try to decide such thi ngs ahead oftime, that's
cal led rai l road ing the game, and it puts the players i n the
role of observer rather than actor. Even ifyou try to plan
out the results of an encou nter ahead of time but then
let the game play dictate them, you sti l l m ight end up
planning a lot on outcomes that don't happen. I n other
word s, ifyou base a whole plotl ine on the PCs fleeing out
ofthe tower with the mutants, but instead they manage to
d rive the mutants out instead, all you r plans are wasted .
P l a n for vari o u s pos s i b l e o utcomes, but d o n 't
p redete rm i n e t h e m . Th i n k of yo u r story as h av i n g
many pos s i b l e p l ot l i n e s , n ot j u st o n e .
CHALLENGING CHARACTERS
If the game has a bala nce p ro b l e m , it's more l i kely
d ue to p l aye rs fi n d i n g things too easy rather than too
h a rd . I f t h i n gs a re too h a rd , they s h o u l d run away and
find someth i n g else to d o (o r you s h o u l d l i ghten u p a

b it) . But if the characte rs i n the gro u p need a greate r
c h a l l e n ge, try one or more of the fo l l owing o ptions.
Damage Track: Sometimes a few poi nts of damage
aren't enough to scare a player. But a weapon or effect
that i m med iately moves h i m one step down the damage
track wi l l terrify h i m . No matter how big a character's stat
Pools are, no matter how m uch Armor he has, there are
only th ree such steps to death.
Ongoing Damage: Poisons that i n fl ict eve n a s m a l l
a m o u nt o f d a mage (1 or 2 poi nts) every rou n d u n t i l
a n antidote i s found c a n b e extre mely dead ly. Or
con s i d e r this: one of the reasons that napalm i s so
terri ble i s that it c l i ngs to s u rfaces, i n cl u d i n g fl e s h .
I m agine a weapon or effect that i n fl icts 5 poi nts o f fi re
d a mage eve ry ro u n d and pers i sts for 8 rou n d s u n less
the cha racters can figure out a way to douse it.
Effects Other Than Damage: Attacks can b l i n d ,
stu n , grapple, para lyze, i n fect, hobble, or otherwi se
h i nder a characte r without dea l i n g any poi nts of
d a mage at a l l .
Effects That Harm Equipment: A PC' s gear is often the
source of his abilities. Destroyi ng or n u l l ifyi ng cyphers or
artifacts damages him just as s u rely as breaking h i s leg
would-it l i m its a player' s options, which really h u rts.
Enem ies Worki ng i n Concert: Alt hough a gro u p
effectively act i n g as o n e i s a s peci a l a b i l ity o f some
creat u re s (such as b roken h o u n d s , page 2 3 2) you
co u l d a p p l y it to any creatu re yo u l i ke. As a general
rule, fo r eve ry four creat u res worki n g together, treat
t h e m a s one creatu re with a l evel eq u a l to the h i ghest
of them p l u s 1 , with a m i n i m u m of a +2 d a m age
bon u s . So a l evel 4 band it who h a s th ree l evel 3 a l l ies
co u l d team u p a n d attack o n e foe as a l evel 5 N PC.
T h at m e a n s t h e i r attack d e a l s m o re d a m age a n d
i s h a rd e r t o defe n d aga i n st. I t a l so m e a n s l e s s d ie
ro l l i n g, so t h e co m bat moves a l o n g faster.
Beef up the Foes: Yo u ' re i n c h a rge of t h e N PC
stats. If they need m o re Armor, m o re health, o r
h i gher l eve l s to be a c h a l l e n ge, s i m ply m a ke it s o .
I t ' s e a s y a n d straightfo rwa rd to give a n N PC a " boost
package" of four t h i n gs :
+l 0 health
+ l to Armor
+3 poi nts of d a m age
Attacks a n d d efe n d s as one l evel h i gher
T h at should d o the trick, but if nece s s a ry, give the
boost package to t h e same N PC aga i n .
Beef u p the Obstacles: I nclude more exotic
materials i n doors and other barriers, which i ncrease
their d ifficu lty by one to three steps. M a ke physical
challenges more d ifficu lt-the s u rfaces that need to be
cl i m bed are s l i ppery, the waters that need to be swu m
are roi l i ng, and other actions are ham pered by strong
winds. Don't beef u p obstacles i n this way too often,
but remember that circum stances such as weather are
you r tools for adj usting the d ifficu lty of any action.
LI M E NE
BUILDING A STORY
HIGHER-TIER CHARACTERS
Although c h a racte rs start out q u ite ca p a b l e , by
the t i m e t h ey reach the fifth or s ixth tier, t h ey wi l l
b e truly lege n d a ry. Both you a n d t h e p l aye rs m i ght
fi n d reach i n g t h e u p per tiers m o re rewa rd i n g and
satisfyi n g if the jou rney u nfo l d s m o re grad u a l ly, so Stat Pool, page 20
Armor, page 79
yo u can s l ow d own t h i s p rogre s s if d e s i re d . To do
t h i s , start i n g at t h i rd o r fo u rth tier, yo u can s pecify
h ow the p l aye rs can s p e n d the experience poi nts
they earn. Req u i r i n g t h at some X P (as m uch as
h a l f) m u st be spent o n i m med i ate, s h o rt-te rm, o r
l o n g-term advantages-rat h e r t h a n o n c h a racte r
advanceme nt-w i l l s l ow d own the p rogre s s i o n
t h rough t h e u p per t i e r s . But it wo n ' t take a nyth i n g
away fro m t h e p l ay experience beca u s e s pe n d i n g X P
Sometimes players will
o n those advantages i s fu n a n d rewa rd i n g, too.
be unwilling to spend XP
on anything other than
CHARACTER DEATH character benefits, which
Challenging characters is i m portant. If there is no th reat in turn lead to advancing
of failure-or at least the perceived th reat of failure-it's to new tiers. The truth is,
hard for players to feel com pel led by the story. Very often, spending XP on immediate
or short-term gains very
the u ltimate failure a PC m ight face is death. The N i nth
likely provides as much
World is a dangerous place. But death i s serious because overall benefit. In other
it means the player can no longer play h i s character. words, in the big picture,
If a c h a racte r d i es, the eas iest a n d most four crucial rerolls are
stra i ghtforwa rd res p o n s e i s to h ave t h e p l aye r create probably about the same as
acquiring a new skill. It will
a n ew c h a racter. I d eal ly, h e wi l l m a ke a begi n n i n g
take some players a while
c h a racter (wh i ch i s t h e eas iest t o create) , b u t i f to come to that conclusion,
t h e oth e r cha racte rs a re t h i rd t i e r o r h i gher, i t wi l l however.
b e m o re satisfyi n g t o l et t h e p l aye r create h i s n ew
c h a racter at an adva n ced tier.
H owever, keep in m i n d that a lower-tier character
can operate effectively in the com pany of higher-tier
characters. The d ifferences are not so stri king. I f a
player bri n gs a new begi n n i n g character i nto a gro u p of
advanced characters, be particu larly generous with XP
to help the new character catch up to the others a bit.
Rega rd l e s s , a rra n ge the c i rc u m stance s of the story
so t h at you can bri n g i n the n ew c h a racter i n a logical
fa s h ion a n d a s q u ickly a s pos s i b l e.
Not Quite Dead: There is an alternative for a player who
real ly, real ly wants to keep playing the same character.
Al low the PC to teeter on the bri n k of death but survive,
saved by h i s com panions (or through sheer l uck) . Such
a character m ight recover but have serious injuries
that result i n a weakness, an inability, or some other Inability, page 47
d rawback. The point is not to penal ize the PC (although
barely escaping death should have some repercussions)
but to change the character in a memorable way.
I n the N i nth Wo rl d , t h e pos s i b i l ities a re e n d l e s s .
U s e the we i rd to yo u r adva ntage to m a ke t h i ngs
crazy a n d fun. Design e n co u nters t h at a re l i ke
noth i n g t h at t h e p l aye rs h ave eve r expe rienced .
349
AN EXAMPLE OF PLAY
Somet i m e s t h e best way to u n d e rsta n d a game i s to see it p l ayed . Th i s section p rovides t h e n ext best t h i ng: a scri pt d e p i ct i n g a gro u p
p l ay i n g t h rough a N u m e n e ra e n co u nter.
GAM E MASTER: j u st as the trin ket s a l e s m a n i n t h e v i l l age
described, yo u see the cave at the base of the c l i ff. You n ote t h at
the c l i ff i s extre mely sheer a n d vertica l . The cave mouth open i n g
i s about 1 2 feet h i gh a n d 8 feet acro s s . I t ' s very reg u l a r, t h o u g h
oddly s h aped .
BRUCE ( p l ayi n g a seco n d -tier jack n a m ed B a n n o r) : What do yo u
m e a n , regu l a r but oddly s h a ped ?
G M : The s i d e s a n d top of t h e cave mouth a re straight l i nes,
although the cave entrance i s wider o n t h e top t h a n the botto m .
DIANA ( p l ayi n g a seco n d -tier g l a ive n a m ed P ri n an) : So it' s more
of a doorway t h a n a cave, a l beit a stra n ge one.
GM: Perh a p s .
C LARK ( p l ayi n g a seco n d -tier n a n o n a med l<a l ex) : I wa l k towa rd
the cave entra n ce.
DIANA: Doo rway.
BRUCE: I ' m go i n g to check a ro u n d t h e re fi rst-search fo r
a nyth i n g stra n ge o r d a n ge ro u s .
G M : O kay, B ruce. Th at' s go i n g t o be a n I nte l l ect task.
350
BRUCE: I ' m go i n g to u s e a l evel of Effo rt. I h ave a n E d ge of 1 in
I nte l l ect, so it wi l l cost me 2 points fro m my Poo l .
The GM knows there 's nothing t o find a t the doorway, b u t she
muses for half a second as if pretending to figure out a target
number.
G M : Ro l l .
BRUCE: Ro l l ed a 7 .
G M : Yo u d o n 't fi n d anyt h i n g o u t o f t h e o rd i n a ry. H owever, it
looks a s t h o u g h a n u m be r of creatu res co m e and go out of t h i s
cave o n a reg u l a r b a s i s .
This bit of information is a "gimme. " The characters had already
learned that the cave was the home of a small group of bandits.
DIANA: The band its. We' re at the right p l ace.
C LARK: I take out a glowglobe and go i n s i d e .
BRUCE (to Clark) : Yees h . Yo u ' re ove rco nfident. (To G M ) I fo l l ow
h i m but try to be q u iet.
DIANA: I go i n , too. They' l l need me.

C LARK: I 've got my Wa rd to p rotect me.
DIANA: Sti l l , I'm goi n g to take t h e lead.
GM: O kay.
BRUCE: I sti l l h ave my eyes peeled for any s i g n of d a n ger.
G M : With yo u r l i ght, you can see t h at t h e "cave" h a s s m ooth
wa l l s , and the floor is n ot j u st s m ooth , but made of ancient
m eta l .
BRUCE: We' re i n s o m e k i n d o f ancient struct u re t h at j u st looks
l i ke a cl iffs i d e afte r all these m i l l e n n i a .
DIANA: I agree.
C LARK: Wh at' s a h ead ?
G M : Eve ntual ly, you co m e to a l a rge c h a m be r fi l led with p i pes of
d i fferent widths t h at go i n a l l d i rect i o n s acro s s t h e ce i l i ng. About
ten paces i nto t h e roo m , t h e re ' s a s h a rp d rop-off, a l most l i ke a
c h a s m t h at b i s ects t h e roo m , but on the oth e r s i d e i s a b a n k of
mach i n e ry. I t ' s q u ite h u m i d , a n d t h e s o u n d of d r i p p i n g wate r
co mes from m u lt i p l e p l aces i n t h e d i m ly l it c h a m b e r.
C LARK: I want to check out t h e mach i n e ry.
G M : O kay, but there ' s a c h a s m i n yo u r way. I t ' s about 1 6 feet
acro s s .
DIANA: H ow deep i s it?
GM: When you look d own , yo u see more p i pes a n d co n d u its
about 3 0 feet below yo u . There m i ght be m o re open s pace below
t h e m . I t ' s h a rd to te l l .
C LARK: T h i s p l ace i s h u ge.
BRUCE: The band its t h at l ive h e re m u st cross this somehow.
G M : As you s ay t h at, you n otice a p i l e of wood e n p l a n ks o n the
oth e r s i d e of the c h a s m .
BRUCE: Ah.
DIANA: D a m n .
C LARK: I ' m go i n g to leap acro s s .
B R U C E : Of co u rse yo u a re .
G M : O kay. G o i n g to b a c k u p to get a ru n n i n g start ? There ' s
p l e nty o f roo m to b a c k u p .
C LARK: Yes .
35 1
LI M E NE
BUILDING A STORY
DIANA: Perh a p s I s h o u l d go, or at least B a n n o r. Yo u ' re a n a n o .
C LARK: Yo u fo rget-I t o o k j u m p i n g a s a s k i l l a w h i l e b a c k . I ' m
tra i ned i n t h i s task, s o t h at l owers the d ifficu lty by o n e ste p .
G M : W i t h a ru n n i n g sta rt, a j u m p of 1 6 feet i s d ifficu lty 3 . So fo r
yo u it's o n ly d ifficu lty 2 . Th at' s a ta rget n u m be r of 6 o r bette r.
C LARK: I ' l l ro l l . No Effort. I got a 1 3 !
G M : You leap acro s s i n a s i n g l e bo u n d .
C LARK: G reat!
GM: And that's when two men come out of the s h adows beh i nd the
mach inery. Their d ark-colored clot h i n g and hood s hel ped them to
remain h idden. They bra n d i s h wicked ly cu rved kn ives of great s ize.
DIANA: O h , n o !
B R U C E : Band it g u a rd s !
G M : I need i n itiative ro l l s .
The bandits are level 4 NPCs. That means that the target number to
beat them in initiative (andjust about anything else) is 1 2. It also means
that they have 12 health and ifthey hit in combat, they will do 4 points
ofdamage. However; the GM also decides to give them 1 point ofArmor
and poison on their blades to make things more interesting.
BRUCE: I got a 1 2 .
C LARK: 4.
DIANA: 8 .
G M : O kay, B a n n o r g o e s fi rst, but Pri n a n a n d Ka l ex d o n ' t act u nt i l
after the band its.
BRUCE: I take out my bow a s fast a s I can a n d s h oot a n arrow.
G M : I t ' s a m ed i u m wea pon, so yo u ' l l i n fl i ct 4 points of d a mage
if yo u h it.
BRUCE: Right. I ro l l a 1 7 !
G M : T h at n ot o n ly h its, but yo u i n fl i ct an extra point of d a m age.
B RUCE: 5 points!
G M: You stated t h at yo u kept yo u r eyes peeled fo r d a n ger, so
when the band its a p peared , yo u reacted swiftly. Yo u r s h ot see m s
to h ave s u rpri sed the band it, a n d it s l i ces across h i s t h i g h ,
d rawi n g b l ood d e s p ite h i s leat h e r armor.
C LARK: N ice s h ot.
G M : The band it t h at was s h ot cu rses a n d g l a res at B a n n o r, but
both men move towa rd Ka l ex, kn ives d rawn . "Yo u s h o u l d n ot
h ave come here!" t h ey say, m e n a c i n gly, as they s l a s h with t h e i r
l o n g kn ives. C l a rk, m a ke two S peed d efe n s e ro l l s .
C LARK: I ro l l a 1 2 a n d a 1 3 .
G M : The e n e rgy field t h at s u rro u n d s yo u t u r n s away the fi rst
attack, and you d uck and avo i d the seco n d .
B R U C E : I t ' s l i ke h e c a n ' t be h u rt.
DIANA: He's always l ucky. My t u r n ?
G M : S u re .
C LARK: N o , D i a n a , w a i t . I ' m go i n g to u s e my action to put one
of these board s acro s s the d ivide so yo u can get acro s s . Let me
go fi rst.
DIANA: Wh i l e they attack yo u ?
C LARK: They've a l ready m i s sed m e . (To t h e G M ) Th at' s what I
do.
The GM silently agrees with Diana. The boards are about 18 feet
long. It will be difficult for Ka/ex to place one while two murderers
try to kill him with knives. The GM slides two experience cards across
the table toward Clark. The group uses the cards to represent XP, so
Clark knows that the GM is using GM intrusion.
G M : As you grab t h e board a n d l i ft it acro s s the expa n s e , o n e
of the band its uses t h i s opport u n ity to attack y o u aga i n . Ro l l fo r
S peed d efe n s e .
C LARK: I d o n ' t w a n t to get h it. I ' m go i n g to a p p l y a l evel o f
Effort. U g h ! I ro l l e d a l .
G M : T h i ngs go fro m bad to worse. The b a n d i t h its yo u fo r 4
poi nts of d a m age, s l i c i n g i nto yo u r a r m . I n the pai n , you d ro p
the p l a n k d own i nto the deep c h a s m , where it cl atters a m i d t h e
co n d u its. Yo u ' re n ot wea ri n g armor-
C LARK: B ut my Wa rd gives m e + 1 to Armor.
G M : O h , right. So t h at red u ces t h e d a mage to 3 points, which
co m e straight out of yo u r M i ght Poo l .
B R U C E : Th i s i s why yo u s h o u l d stay towa rd the back.
C LARK: That's j u st n ot my style-I m e a n , Ka l ex' s styl e.
G M : I t gets sti l l worse. The band its seem to h ave somet h i n g
q u ite v i l e coat i n g t h e i r b l a d e s . C l a rk, m a ke a M i ght defe n s e ro l l .
CLARK: This i s n 't good . I don't real ly h ave t h e M ight t o apply Effort.
352
DIANA: Is t h at wise? You d o n ' t know what k i n d of poison t h i s
m i ght be.
BRUCE: H e is, h owever, the l u ckiest man a l ive.
C LARK: I d o n ' t fee l t h at l u cky at the moment, but yea h , I ' m j u st
go i n g to m a ke the ro l l . . . a n d I get a 7.
The GM frowns and prepares to tell Clark that he is now impaired
due to the poison, but before he can do that, he is interrupted.
DIANA (s l i d i n g an expe rience ca rd towa rd the G M ) : I ' m go i n g to
spend an expe rience point to h ave C l a rk re ro l l t h at.
GM: O kay. C l a rk, ro l l aga i n .
C LARK: T h a n k yo u , D i a n a . I ro l l a 1 2 t h i s t i m e . That's bette r, at
least.
G M : It's good e n o u g h . Yo u ' re fi n e a n d d o n 't notice any i l l
effects. O h , a n d C l a rk, yo u sti l l h ave a n experience point t o give
to one of the ot h e r p l aye rs.
C LARK: O h right. I give it to D i a n a , obvi o u s ly, fo r savi n g me.
DIANA: T h a n ks .
G M : The band its sti l l glower, t h e i r b l ad e s fl i cke r i n g i n the l i ght of
yo u r glowglobe, which h a n gs in the a i r.
DIANA (wh o h a s the Bears a H a l o of F i re focus) : We l l , I sti l l
h ave m y t u r n . I ' m go i n g t o h u rl fl a m e a t t h e wo u nded band it a n d
u s e a l evel o f Effort t o i n crease t h e d a mage t o 5 . I ro l l a 1 4.
G M : You ca l l u po n yo u r h a l o of fi re a n d s h eathe yo u rself i n
fl a m e . With a q u ick mot i o n , you h u rl a h a n dfu l o f fi re a t the
band it, a n d you h it! Yo u r d a m age b u r n s him bad ly. H e cries out
i n s u rprise a n d pa i n . I t ' s n ow B a n ner's t u rn aga i n .
BRUCE: I loose a n a rrow a t t h e s a m e band it a s before. I ro l l a l 0.
G M : The arrow goes right in the b a n d i t ' s chest. He d ro p s h i s
blade a n d cl utches h i s wo u n d a s h e d ro p s t o t h e floor. T h e oth e r
b a n d i t l o o k s fa r less confident but swi ngs a t Ka l ex aga i n .
C LARK: I ro l l a 4 fo r defe n se.
GM: That's another 4 poi nts of d a mage, plus you need to m a ke
a M i ght d efe n s e ro l l for the p o i s o n .
C LARK: I ro l l 1 9 . A m i n o r effect.
G M : O kay, yo u ' re sti l l fine.
C LARK: With t h e m i no r effect, can I m a ke him d ro p t h e wea po n ?
 LI M E NE
BUILDING A STORY

G M : No, that would be a major effect. How about the poison on the
blade doesn 't h u rt you , and now it' s ru bbed off?
C LARK: I ' l l take it. I ' l l fo l l ow t h at u p with a n O n s l a u ght esote ry.
I ' l l u s e the fo rce b l a st opti o n . I ' m u s i n g two l eve l s of Effort a n d
add i n g both to d a m age. I h ave a n I nte l l ect E d ge of 2 , so t h e
Effort costs 3 poi nts fro m my I nte l l ect Poo l . I ro l l a 1 0. B ut my
focu s m a kes m e t ra i ned in esote ries.
The GM pegs Clark's difficulty at 7 and Diana's at 1 .
BRUCE: There ' s n o t i m e fo r t h at ! M o re band its wi l l b e h e re any
seco n d . Is there a n exit ove r o n t h at s i d e ?
G M : Yes . There ' s a d a r k doorway i n the right- h a n d corner.
BRUCE: I nock an arrow a n d cove r t h at door.

G M : Yo u h it fo r l 0 poi nts of d a m age. With a gestu re a n d some C LARK: I get a 1 4.

co ncentrat i o n , yo u b l a st raw fo rce i nto this guy' s j aw. I t knocks
h i m back a few feet, and h e looks sorely wo u n ded .
DIANA: I ' m go i n g to back u p for a ru n n i n g start, d raw my
swo rd , a n d leap acro s s the c h a s m . I ro l l a 1 4 .
G M : N i ce. You get acro s s .
DIANA: Ca n I attack, too ?
G M : N o , backi n g u p , gett i n g across s k i l lfu l ly a n d safely, a n d
l a n d i n g ready fo r battle i s yo u r act i o n .
DIANA: Al l right.
BRUCE: I fi re another arrow, but I ro l l a 2.
G M : Yo u r arrow s a i l s ove r t h e b a n d i t ' s head . H e ca l l s out for
help a n d backs up, looki n g l i ke he's t ryi n g to take a defe n s ive
postu re.
On the fly, the GM decides that the bandit does not attack but
instead will hold out until reinforcements arrive. She rules that this
increases the difficulty of attacking him by one step.
C LARK: I u s e another fo rce b l ast, but t h i s t i m e I d o n 't u s e any
Effort. With my E d ge, it costs m e noth i n g. And d o n ' t fo rget t h at
I ' m tra i n e d . B ut, sad ly, I o n ly ro l l a 6 .
G M : Yo u m i s s . D i a n a ?
DIANA: I l u n ge fo rward a n d attack. I ro l l a . . . 1 7 .
G M : The mach i n e s a re l o n g d ead . You h ave no idea what they
o n ce d id . Scave n g i n g t h rough t h e m wi l l take at least fifteen
m i n utes.
C LARK: O kay, n ever m i n d-fo r now.
DIANA: I ro l l ed a 5 .
G M : Each band it was weari n g leather armor. T h e blades a re
med i u m wea pons and look l i ke they' re i n good s h a pe. Each also
has a few s m a l l e r t h rowi n g kn ives. One has a pair of d ice and 6
s h i n s i n a bag. The other h a s noth i n g el se.
If Diana had failed her roll, she would have missed the shins.
BRUCE: I ' m l i ste n i n g for m o re band its on the way.
G M : G ive me a ro l l . I t ' s an I nte l l ect task.
BRUCE: I got a l 0.
The GM had set the difficulty at 2 to hear the bandits, since they're
not trying to be quiet and their shouts can be heard easily even at
a distance. Because Bruce succeeded at a difficulty 3 task, the GM
decides to give him a bit more information.
G M : Yo u hear s h o uts in the d i stance, ech o i n g d own co rridors.
You don't know h ow many voices there a re , but it co u l d be a lot.
They' re gett i n g closer. Yo u esti m ate t h at yo u 've got about th ree
ro u n d s before t h ey get to you . Wh at do you d o ?

G M : He tries h i s best to b l ock yo u r b l ow, but yo u r stre n gt h a n d

s k i l l s u rpass h i s . You stri ke h i m i n the s i d e a n d h e d ro p s to the
floor.

DIANA: Yes !

C LARK: I ' m go i n g t o check o u t those mach i n e s . F i rst I ' l l s e e i f

they' re fu n cti o n i n g a n d t ry t o identify t h e m . I f n ot, I ' l l j u st root
a ro u n d for anyt h i n g I can s a lvage-maybe a cyp h e r or two.

DIANA: I ' m go i n g to search t h e dead g u a rd s .

G M : Yo u s h o u l d both give m e I nte l l ect- based ro l l s .

353
 CHAPTER 23

REALIZI NG TH E
N I NTH WO RLD

T
h e N i nth Wo rld
i s a sett i n g u n l i ke
any ot h e r. B u i l d i n g
"My people have lived sto ries there c a n seem
on this planet for untold c h a l l e n g i n g. Portray i n g
generations-hundreds a world o n e b i l l io n yea rs
of millennia, at least.
i n t h e fut u re can be
But we will always be the
outsiders here. " -Visixtru, d a u nt i n g .
vatjellan philosopher C h a pter 1 : We lcome
to the N i nth Wo rld
i s a great sou rce fo r
add iti o n a l i nformation
about h ow to exp l o re
a n d ta l k about the wo r l d .
I f y o u h aven't a l ready
done so, I reco m mend
read i n g t h at c h a pter to
give yo u a good sense
of the wo rld before
p rogre s s i n g.
featu res of rave n s . Rave n - headed h u m a n o i d s a re n ' t
MAINTAINING THE WEIRD enti rely typ i ca l , but t h at a l o n e p robably i s n 't e n o u g h
N u m e n e ra is meant to be we i rd . The N i nth Wo rld i s to be co n s i d e red we i rd . M u rd e n a l s o e m i t a psyc h i c
b u i lt o n t h e bones o f prior civi l izat i o n s t h at n ot o n ly buzzi n g s o u n d i n the m i n d s o f a nyo n e who d raws
created tec h n o logies t h at s u rpass u n d e rsta n d i n g close t h at see m s l i ke a n i rritat i n g bit of mental n o i s e .
b u t a l so l ived i n c u l t u res a n d carried o u t activities Th at' s k i n d of we i rd . Someti mes, h oweve r, i n te l l i gent
t h at ca n n ot be i m a g i n ed by t h e cu rrent i n h a b itants. b e i n g s hear t h e voices of peo p l e fro m their past
Eve n t h e very n at u re of these past peo p l e ca n n ot be ech o i n g t h roughout the buzz i n g . That's N u m e n e ra
truly u n d e rstood-no m o re t h a n a Cro- M agnon m a n we i rd .
co u l d b e g i n t o u n d e rsta n d a n i n h a b itant o f the 2 1 st We i rd i s s u st a i n ed b y myste ry, a n d mystery
ce n t u ry typ i n g on a p l astic keyboard on a co m p uter co m e s fro m t h e u n k n own a n d t h e u n exp l a i n e d . T h i s
hooked w i re l e s s l y to the I nternet to p l ay a s pace m e a n s t h at i n N u m e n e ra , n o p l aye r s h o u l d eve r
exp l o ration game with h i s frie n d s o n the oth e r s i d e t r u l y fee l l i ke he u n d e rsta n d s everyt h i n g a ro u n d
o f the p l a net. h i m . I f a PC co m e s u po n a control p a n e l a n d fi g u re s
With a l l t h at d i stance d ivid i n g any kind of out w h at a few of t h e contro l s d o , t h e re wi l l a l ways
u nd e rsta n d i ng, t h i ngs wi l l seem p retty wei rd to t h e be far m o re b u tto n s and d i a l s t h at h e does n ot
c h a racters. J u st as i m portant, t h i ngs s h o u l d s e e m u n d e rsta n d .
wei rd to t h e p l aye rs. W h e n yo u r u n a N u m e n e ra game, y o u s h o u l d
We i rd i s a co m b i nation of frighte n i n g and m a i nta i n the we i rd . H e re a re a few t i p s .
Murden, page 247 i nterest i n g . It's a com b i n ation of d i st u r b i n g and
Abhuman, page 7 3 fascinating. We i rd i s a few ste ps beyo n d . The m u rd e n DESCRIBE, DON'T DEFINE
a re t h i evi n g a b h u m a n s t h at h ave some of t h e Beca u s e mystery i s so i m portant to we i rd , the N i nth

354

Wo rld is n ever about strict d efi n it i o n s or co ncrete
q u a ntificat i o n s . " Describe, d o n ' t define" m i ght be
the n u m be r one rule. I t n ot o n ly l eaves roo m for
fu rt h e r d evelopment l ater, but it a l s o kee ps t h i ngs
myste rious a n d we i rd , a n d that's t h e most i m portant
c h a racte ristic of the sett i n g.
Act u a l ly, perh a p s t h e rule s h o u l d be, " Describe
rat h e r than define, a n d if yo u m u st define, n eve r
q u a ntify. " I n oth e r word s , when tal k i n g about
a b h u m a n s , I m i ght describe t h e m a s " m i s s h a p e n ,
brut i s h h u m a n o i d s t h at l ive outs i d e h u m a n soci ety. "
H owever, yo u m i ght h ave to d i st i n g u i s h (defi ne)
them fro m m utants at some poi nt d u ri n g a game,
beca u s e i n the N i nt h Wo rld " m utant" mea n s
so meth i n g d i fferent (some a b h u m a n s m i ght b e
m utants, b u t n ot a l l m utants a re a b h u m a n s . . . but
I d i gress) . I wo u l d never say, "There a re s ix types of
a b h u m a n s , a n d they a re . . . "
That k i n d of q u a ntification is the death of mystery.
NEVER USE THE SAME TRICK TWICE
I f a PC fi n d s a n i n j ector d evice t h at h e a l s wou n d s ,
the n ext t i m e h e fi n d s a s i m i l a r device, it' s a p i l l . T h e
n ext t i m e , i t ' s a n e l ixi r t h at h e m u st d ri n k. And s o
o n . C h a n ges keep t h i ngs u n kn owa b l e a n d kee p t h e
p l ayers fro m fee l i n g safe.
Of co u rse, you can also turn the tables o n them
l ater. H ave the cha racters v i s it a region where h ea l i n g
a lways co mes i n identical p i l l s , and the p i l l s a re
somewhat com m o n . Where a re they a l l com i n g from ?
O n e way t o com m u n icate a sense o ft h e wei rd
wh i l e m a i nta i n i n g veri s i m i l itude is to h ave the PCs
encou nter N PCs who a re fa m i l i a r with the beasts and
d evices of that adventure. So although the PCs h ave
neve r encountered or heard of a cragworm , the N PCs
they meet in a nea rby v i l l age h ave seen the beasts and
can re l ate deta i l s about them. In fact, n ow and then,
it w i l l seem a l l the wei rder to the p l ayers if stra n ge
creatu res a n d t h i ngs that a re wo nders to them a re j u st
another part of the l ives of people that they meet.
DON'T USE ONE IDEA-USE TWO
(OR MORE)
I f you h ave a co u p l e of cool ideas fo r n ew a n d
d a n ge ro u s creatu res fo r t h e P C s t o e n co u nter, d o n ' t
create seve ra l d i fferent beasts. I n stead , take a l l t h o s e
ideas a n d i n corporate them i nto o n e creatu re. Don't
create a serpent with a hypnotic sta re a n d a p l a n t
w i t h p o i s o n o u s t h o rn s-create a s e r p e n t bristl i n g
with l o n g , ve nom-t i p ped s p i n es t h at a re i n turn
covered with a fu n g u s t h at e m its hypnotic s po re s .
ALWAYS PROVIDE ANOTHER DOOR
I f the PCs exp l o re a n ancient tec h n o l ogical co m p l ex,
m a ke it va st-fa r too b i g to exp l o re eve ryt h i ng. G ive
t h e m more doors t h a n t h ey can open or co u ntless
LI M E NE
REALIZING THE NINTH WORLD
THEN AND NOW
Are we-l ivi n g in the 2 1 st centu ry-o n e of
the eight prior worl d s ? We l l , in the fi rst p l ace,
the peo p l e of the N i nth Wo rld n ever s pecify
d i st i n ct i o n s between the prior worl d s beca u s e
such t h i ngs a re m ea n i n gl e s s to t h e m . I f the
civi l ization of 1 00 m i l l io n yea rs ago had q u a l ities
t h at set it a p a rt fro m the civil ization of 800
m i l l io n years ago, what d i fference does it m a ke
to N i nth Wo rlders? N o n e . And eve n if t h ey d id
care, the d iffe re nces between the two wo u l d
l i kely b e i n co m p re h e n s i b l e t o t h e m . So t h e
cu rre nt civil ization i s the N i nth Wo rld beca u s e Mutant, page 7 23
that's w h at t h e peo p l e c h o o s e to ca l l it, n ot
beca u s e they know for a fact t h at there we re eight
civi l izat i o n s before them.
In the seco n d p l ace, o u r 2 1 st-centu ry
civi l ization wo u l d h ave to adva n ce d ra m atica l ly
to rise to the l evel of the so-ca l l ed prior worl d s .
I f w e s u rvive, s ay, a n ot h e r m i l l i o n years, t h e n
m aybe-j ust m aybe-we wi l l be o n e o f those
worl d s . The ancient peo p l e of the N i nth Wo rl d ' s
past a re s o fa r beyo n d u s , s o a l ie n t o u s , t h at we
a re more l i ke the N i nth Wo rlders in o u r l evel of
u nd e rsta n d i ng. The peo p l e of those prior wo rld s Weird does not mean
co m m a nded the ve ry fo rces of the u n iverse. surreal or some kind of
They moved p l a nets and s u n s , trave led to oth e r inexplicable psychedelic
galaxies, a n d exp l o red oth e r u n ive rses. We dreamscape. Weird is
ca n n ot truly co m p re h e n d what they we re l i ke. usually more subtle, and
works in juxtaposition
Fro m our point of vi ew, j u st a s from the N i nt h
with the non-weird, unlike
Wo rlders' point o f view, t h ey wielded magic. surreality.
co rri d o rs stretch i n g i nto d a rkness. The trad itio n a l
"craw l " type o f adve n t u re , where the PC exp l o re Cragworm, page 23 6
roo m after roo m , i s n 't always the best N u m e n e ra
adventure (yo u can do it, but it' s c h a l l e n g i n g) . I n
a n a rrative where the c h a racters a re exp l o ri n g a n
a n cient struct u re, it's bette r to u s e state ments
l i ke this one: "Afte r h o u rs of exp l o r i n g n u m e ro u s
c h a m bers fi l led w i t h t h e re m n a nts o f stra n ge
mach i n e s , w i n d i n g co n d u its, a n d p i pe s , a n d afte r
desce n d i n g many l eve l s , you fi n d yo u rself i n a l a rge
a rea . . . . " Descri pt i o n s l i ke t h at leave p l e nty of roo m
fo r t h e u n known w i t h o u t devolvi n g i nto ted i u m .
Ted i u m i s t h e enemy o f we i rd .
DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE THE
NINTH WORLD
Although Part 4 : The Sett i n g (page 1 2 9) l ays out
the b a s i cs of the N i nth Wo rld (at least fro m the
point of view of those i n the Steadfast) , yo u , as the
G M , need to decide the p recise fee l a n d fl avor yo u
want to g ive it-yo u r own pers o n a l s p i n , if you wi l l .
I f you l i ke fa nta sy, yo u c a n i m m e rse t h e p l aye rs i n
355
 See Appendix B: the pers pective of t h e N i nth Wo rld fo l k, who often
Bibliography and u s e wo rd s s uch a s " m agic," " s p e l l s , " "witc h e s , "
Resources (page 402) a n d " d e m o n s , " a n d who n ever u s e tec h n o l ogical o r
for more inspirational
scie nce word s . I f yo u l i ke scie nce fict i o n , y o u c a n
suggestions.
portray t h e same t h i ngs a s b e i n g m o re gro u nded i n
scie nces t h at w e h ave n a m e s fo r, at least, if n ot t r u e
u nd e rsta n d i ng.
Below a re some exa m ples of h ow to give the
sett i n g yo u r own fee l .
A POST-APOCALYPTIC SElTING
The N i nth Wo rld exi sts a m o n g the ru i n s of a prior
civi l izat i o n . Le ss-adva n ced peo p l e scave n g i n g among
the re m n a nts of a n e n l i ghtened , l o n g- l ost c u l t u re i s a
sta p l e for many post-apocalyptic stories, fro m Planet
of th e Apes to Thundarr the Barbarian.
W i t h t h i s focu s , m o s t adve n t u re s wo u l d i nvolve
the PCs exp l o ri n g the ru i n s of the prior worl d s to
recove r wh ateve r they can to h e l p t h e m s u rvive. M ost
l i ke ly, the point of the ca m pa i g n wo u l d n ot be about
re b u i l d i ng, but s i m ply e n d u ri n g. Pol itics a n d d a i ly life
i n N i nt h Wo rld tow n s a n d cities wo u l d be merely a
backd ro p for the rea l act i o n : d e lvi n g i nto the legacies
of the a n cients, fi n d i n g d a n ge r a n d rewa rd a m o n g
the ru i n s .
356
A QUASI-MEDIEVAL FANTASY SElTING
When a l l is said and done, the d i fferences between the
tech no-magic of a N i nth World nano and the ritu a l s
and i n cantations o f a c l a s s i c fantasy wizard a re rather
ped antic. Fa n s of trad itional fantasy, sword s and
sorcery, and so on co u l d easily use the N i nth World
with only a s l ight change of mental focu s .
I n t h i s take o n the sett i n g , yo u 've got a m ixed
band of exp l o re rs go i n g t h rough ancient ru i n s
t o fi n d trea s u re a n d fight m o n sters. S o u n d
fa m i l iar? H e re, t h o u g h , t h e d u ngeo n s a re vast
s u bterranean mach i n es, the magic ite m s a re
p ractica l ly u n d ec i p h e ra b l e device s , a n d the d rago n s
a re genetica l ly e n g i n ee red h o rrors tra n s p l anted
fro m another wo rld o r d i m e n s i o n . Carefu l u s e of
l a n g u a ge-fo r exa m p l e , always referri n g to a rtifacts
a s magical-a l l ows the N i nth Wo rld to reta i n a
fa ntasy fee l .
M a ny N u m e n e ra G M s wi l l be tem pted t o u s e
tec h n o l ogical term i n o l ogy i n t h e i r descri pti o n s
fro m t i m e t o t i m e . I f yo u w a n t to portray the N i nth
Wo rld as a q u as i - m e d i eval sett i n g , h owever, yo u
s h o u l d avo id tech n i cal j a rgon a n d always describe
t h i ngs i n terms of trad itio n a l fanta sy-d rago n s ,
d e m o n s , stee l , go l e m s , a n d so o n . The p l aye rs m i ght
deve l o p a sort of l iterary i rony s i n ce they h ave a b a s i c
u nd e rsta n d i n g of the sett i n g, but if yo u re i nfo rce the

trad iti o n a l fa ntasy outlook of the characters, soon
eve ryon e wi l l fee l l i ke they a re p l ayi n g i n a fa m i l i a r
sett i n g w i t h u n i q u e twists.
M a ny fantasy stories-fro m The Dying Earth to
the Shannara series-a l l use sett i n g s b u i lt o n the
re m n a nts of a tech n o l ogical past. G e n e Wo lfe ' s
s e r i e s The Book ofth e N ew Sun t u r n s o n t h e idea t h at
although it fee l s l i ke a fantasy tale i n a rea l m based
o n our past, it's act u a l ly a fa r-futu re story where
tec h n o l ogy res e m b l e s magic.
A WEIRD HORROR SETIING
I n t h i s take, the peo p l e of the N i nth Wo rld try to
s u rvive in a world they d i d n ot create. They h ave
no idea what h o rrors of t h e past wait for them j u st
beyo n d the l a m p s of t h e i r tiny com m u n ities
perh a p s e n g i n ee red m o n st rosities, mach i n e s t h at
ki l l , or c l o u d s of t h e so-ca l l ed I ro n Wi n d t h at can tear
a person a p a rt in a heartbeat or, worse yet, c h a n ge
h i m i nto somet h i n g e l s e . The myste ries of the past
a re beyo n d co m p re h e n s i o n , a n d those who atte m pt
to learn these secrets a re d oomed .
Th i s i s a rather n i h i l i stic, pseudo- Lovecraft i a n
a p p roach to horro r, but it i s n o stretch to th i n k t h at
someone with the se n s i b i l ities of ancient h u m a n ity
wo u l d d eve l o p a rather d a rk view of the u n iverse
when l iv i n g in a wo rld of n a n otech ru n a m o k.
G M s wis h i n g to use the N i nth World as a h orror
sett i n g need to kee p the tech nologies of the past
utterly mysterious-essential ly, i n co m p re h e n s i ble.
Every creat u re need s to be a u n iq u e mon ster, and each
m u st be more ho rrific, deadly, and d ifficult to d efeat
than the last. Techno logy/magic ca n n ot be mastered
or even u n d e rstood , and it always comes with a p rice.
Explori n g ancient locales i s a last resort-someth i n g
d o n e because without the d a n gero u s secrets fo u n d
with i n , d estruction i s i m m i nent.
A HOPEFUL NEW WORLD SETTING
The peo p l e of the N i nt h Wo rld h ave been given a
great gift: a whole wo rld t h at is t h e i rs to tame a n d
m a ke t h e i r own . N ow they m u st overco m e t h e
re m n a nts of the p a s t a n d , where pos s i ble, recove r
what they can to fo rge a n ew fut u re.
B rave explorers seek the legacies of the prior worlds.
They strive to b u i l d a world that i s as fantastic as or
better than the ones that ca me before. Yes, the land i s
fu l l o f dangers thanks t o the actions o f the ancients, but
these are merely ch al lenges to be overcome.
ALL AT ONCE
Ca refu l readers wi l l n ote t h at each of these
s u ggest i o n s focuses o n o n ly o n e a s pect of t h e N i nth
Wo rld . Any of the o pt i o n s can be used without
m a k i n g m a s s ive c h a n ges to t h e sett i n g beca u s e the
N i nth Wo rld co m p rises each of t h e m a l ready.
LI M E NE
REALIZING THE NINTH WORLD
SUFFICIENTLY ADVANCED
TECHNOLOGY
The a rtifacts a n d cyp hers t h at the PCs fi n d a re
b its a n d b a u b l e s t h at can be u sed i m med i ately i n
i nterest i n g ways or co b b l ed toget h e r i nto h a n d y
too l s o r d a n ge ro u s wea po n s . T h a t ' s the magic o f the
N i nth Wo rld.
B u t m a g i c i s m o re t h a n t h at. Eve n without
t h e u s e of a rt ifacts o r cyp h e rs , h u m a n s and
creat u re s h ave we i rd powe rs. T h ey m i ght be Artifact, page 298
the legacies of m utat i o n , genetic m a n i p u l at i o n , Cypher, page 278
e l ectro m agnetic fl u ct u at i o n s , t ra n s d i m e n s i o n a l
rift s , n a n otech n o l ogy, ove rl a p p i n g n etwo rks
b road cast by h i d d e n towe rs and o r b i t i n g sate l l ite s ,
s o m e com b i n at i o n of a l l of t h e s e , o r s o m eth i n g
eve n stra n ge r.
Part of t h e point is t h at it' s i n co m p re h e n s i b l e . The
tec h n o l ogy of the prior worl d s i s s u c h t h at we, a s
2 1 st-ce ntury peo p l e , ca n ' t truly u nd e rsta n d o r eve n
identify it, so h ow can t h e far yo u n ge r peo p l e of the
N i nth Wo rld th i n k of it a s a nyth i n g ot h e r t h a n magic?
(An d honestly, a re they rea l ly so wro n g ?) B ut the
i n a b i l ity of the p l aye rs-let a l o n e t h e c h a racte rs-to
rea l ly u n d e rsta n d the "tech " of t h e N i nth Wo rld i s
i m portant.
Don't describe a p iece of tech n o l ogy a s a g u n ,
a p h o n e , o r a co m p uter. I t ' s a l l fa r stranger t h a n
t h at. The a rt ifacts a n d cyp h e rs t h at cha racte rs fi n d
a re often b its a n d p i eces of l a rge r, m o re co m p l ex,
a n d u l t i m ately less co m p re h e n s i b l e d evices. The
l i ghtn i n g-th row i n g tube t h at Jerik found m i ght
h ave been a p a rt of the powe r co n d u it fo r a l a rger
mach i n e . The g l a s s t h at s h ows fa raway p l aces m i ght
h ave been the viewfi n d e r of so meth i n g else, a n d
the g l a s s t h at a l l ows N e m m o l to s e e t h rough wa l l s
m i ght b e a s i m i l a r o bj ect t h at h a s been mod ified o r
i s m a l fu n ction i n g.
The co m m o n peo p l e of the N i nt h Wo rld l u m p
eve ry k i n d o f tech nol ogy together u n d e r t h e label
"the n u menera." To t h e m , it's a l l s u pernatural
stuff. They don't necessarily recogn ize t h at some
tec h n o l ogy i s fa r m o re advanced t h a n others.
They d o n ' t rea l ize t h at a med ical sca n n e r i s m o re
advanced t h a n a p i ston-d riven e n g i n e . A s i m p l e
b l owtorch see m s the s a m e a s a d evice t h at d i s ru pts
o rga n i c ce l l s .
Aeon Priests a re t i n ke rers w h o take a rtifacts fo u n d Aeon Priest, page 269
b y exp l o rers a n d t u rn t h e m i nto u s a b l e d evices. They
u nd e rsta n d (or perh a p s m i s u n d e rsta n d ) j u st e n o u g h
of the o l d tech nologies to get the b its a n d p i eces t o
perform h a n d y tasks. When a g l a ive b r i n g s t h e m a
stra n ge, glowi n g crystal pyra m i d , the p riests know
t h at it can be made i nto a pers o n a l powe r s h i e l d or a
magnetized tracto r bea m .
B u t s o m e o f t h e p r i o r wo r l d s we re m i l l i o n s (or
357
 h u n d re d s of m i l l i o n s ) of yea rs i n t h e past. H ow
can s u ch i n cred i b ly o l d stuff sti l l be a ro u n d ?
S o m et i m e s , sta s i s fi e l d s preserve o bject s . Ot h e r
t i m e s , t h ey h ave s e l f- re p a i r mech a n i s m s , o r n a n ites
re p a i r them o n a m o l ecu l a r l eve l . Sti l l ot h e rs
a re m a d e of s u c h adva n ced m ateri a l s t h at t h ey
a re effect ively i m m u n e to t i m e . Last, i m po s s i b l e
l o n gevity m i ght be a property o f t h e l ocat i o n
w h e re t h e ite m s we re fo u n d , with pe rfect sea l s o r
p rotect ive fi e l d s m a i nta i n i n g a struct u re a n d its
contents i n defin itely.
TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY
Oddities, page 3 7 4 W h e n t h i n ki n g about cyp h e r s , a rt i facts , od d it i e s ,
Discoeries, page 3 7 4 d i scove ries , a n d ot h e r re l i cs of t h e past, it' s worth
b rea k i n g t h e m d own i nto b road catego ries. T h e s e
c l a s s ificat i o n s d o n ' t nece s s a r i l y h ave m e a n i n g a s
game mech a n ics. Fo r exa m p l e , w h et h e r a wea p o n
i s a b i o e n g i neered orga n i s m , a mech a n i c a l l y
Numenera is meant to be weird. The Ninth World is built on the bones ofprior
ci11ilizations that not only created technologies that surpass understanding but also li11ed
in cultures and carried out actii;ities that cannot be imagined by the current inhabitants.
ret ract i n g b l a d e , or an item t h at attacks a vict i m
o n a m o l ecu l a r l eve l , it m i ght h ave t h e s a m e b a s i c
mech a n ics a n d d o t h e s a m e a m o u nt o f d a m age.
T h e average N i nt h Wo r l d e r does n ' t u n d ersta n d
t h e s e types of d i st i n ct i o n s , e i t h e r, b u t it' s u s efu l
for G M s to t h i n k i n t h e s e term s , mostly to keep
t h e i r h o rizo n s o p e n . The n u m e n e ra can d o v i rt u a l ly
a n yt h i n g, l i m ited o n l y by t h e u n d e rsta n d i n g of t h o s e
who recover i t .
The fo l l owi n g catego ries u s e 2 1 st-ce ntury terms
a n d u n d e rsta n d i n g to exp l a i n these b road types of
tech nol ogy. They' re not meant to be co m p re h e n s ive
o r to put l i m its o n w h at can be fo u n d-j ust the
oppos ite, i n fact. U se these c l a s s ificat i o n s as creative
i n s p i ration n ot j u st fo r ite m s the PCs use but a l s o for
mach i n es and tec h n o logies they encou nter in t h e i r
exp l o rat i o n s . Re m e m b e r, too, t h at somet i m e s the
n u m e n e ra e n co m passes m a ny of these tech nologies
at o n ce .
Machines and Engines
The tech n o l ogy in t h i s category is perh a p s the
s i m p lest, based on mech a n ical principles a n d
often powered b y c h e m i ca l s o r e l ectricity. Although
this m i ght be t h e most straightfo rwa rd and
u n d e rsta n d a b l e category of tech n o l ogy, it s h o u l d
sti l l be utte rly baffl i n g. I t i n c l u d e s clocks, ve h i cles,
fi rea rms, ge n e rato rs, a uto m ato n s , cybernetics,
358
p rod u ction faci l ities, a n d m o re. The mach i n es
i nvolve t u r b i n e s , fans, p i sto n s , s p ri n g s , belts,
screws , hyd ra u l ics, m otors, p u m p s , tra n s i stors, and
servos , somet i m e s on a co l o s s a l sca l e . They m i ght
a l so i nvolve capacitors, res i stors, s e m i co n d u ctors,
c i rcu its, m i croc h i p s , and t h i ngs o n a m icrosco p i c
sca l e .
Fo r a more exotic s p i n , co n s i d e r mach i n es made
of u n expected m ateri a l s , such a s a n engine made of
extre mely h a rd g l a s s , a n e l ectro n i c d evice of fl exi b l e
p l astic, or a n auto m aton made of cera m ics t h at uses
l i q u i d o r o rga n i c m ateri a l fo r p roce s s i n g a n d storage.
Don't: H ave the PCs m eet a h u m a n o i d auto m aton
who s peaks t h e i r l a n g u age in a fu n ny, mech a n ical
voice a n d h a s a s h o u l d e r- m o u nted ca n n o n .
D o : H ave t h e P C s e n co u nter a b roken a n d cracked
wo m a n m a d e of cera m ics and g l a s s . H e r wo u n d s
a n d fi s s u re s ooze a stra n ge m i l ky s u bstance t h at,
as it d ri e s , e n co u rages t h e growt h of a b l u e fu n g u s .
T h u s , s h e i s caked w i t h t h i s fu n g u s . T h e s p o re s
e m it a h i g h -fre q u e n cy s o u n d t h at ca n ' t be h e a rd but
t h at d i s r u pts t h e syn a pses of h u m a n s , scra m b l i n g
a n d u l t i m ately fryi n g t h e i r b ra i n s .
Don't: H ave t h e PCs fi n d a mach i n e g u n .
Do: H ave t h e m fi n d a n a rtifact t h at looks l i ke a
b u n d l e of joi ned t u be s a n d a wide p i pe with a metal
scoop in t h e back. When the scoop i s fi l led with
o bj ects (s m a l l sto n e s , b its of meta l , screws a n d
bolts, o r someth i n g s i m i l a r) a n d o n e o f the t u be s
i s p u l led b a c k a n d p u shed u pwa rd i nto the heart o f
the d evice, the a rtifact s p rays a b u rst of t h e o bjects
with i n cred i b l e s peed and fo rce. I n oth e r wo rd s , the
a rtifact fu n ct i o n s j u st l i ke a mach i n e gun, but o n ly
t h rough trial a n d error (a n d the c h a racte rs d o n ' t
know what a mach i n e g u n i s beca u s e t h at does n ' t
exi st i n t h e N i nth Wo r l d , so they wo u l d n 't c l a s s i fy it
t h at way) .
Networks and Computational Devices
Th i s tech n o l ogy i nvolves d ata p roce s s i n g a n d
storage, co m p utat i o n a l powe r, a n d d i s s e m i n ati n g
i nformation o n a wo rldwide l eve l . I t a l s o i n c l u d e s
reco rd i n g a n d stori n g t h e d ata ( a n d e s s e n ce) of
co m p lex orga n i c b ra i n s in a perm a n e nt, near
i m m o rtal state. Co l l ectively, we u s e the term

" d ata s p h e re" to describe the wo rldwide w i re l e s s
n etwo rk t h at co n nects a wide vari ety of co m p ute rs,
s ate l l ite s , and oth e r mach i n es to store and exc h a n ge
d ata. H oweve r, a n u m be r of s u c h n etwo rks m i ght
exi st in t h e N i nth Wo rld (a n d beyo n d-some of
these n etwo rks co u l d be co n n ected to i nterp l a n eta ry,
i nterste l l a r, i nterga l actic, o r i nterd i me n s i o n a l
s o u rces) .
The category a l so e n com passes a rtificial
i nte l l i gences, u n i q u e N PCs t h at a re somet i m e s
a l most l i ke s p i rits o r god s . T h e i r powe r i s l i m ited
o n ly by the tech n o logy t h at they can st i l l acce s s .
Artifici a l i nte l l i ge n ces co u l d l ive wit h i n the
d ata s p h e re itself o r be confined to u nco n n ected
co m p uters or mach i n e s . They m i ght u s e h o l ogra m s
t o p roject a p resence i nto t h e rea l world o r b u i ld
a utom ated bod ies to i nteract i n a physical state. (Or
they co u l d fi n d both of those opti o n s ri d i c u l o u s o r
a b h o rre nt.)
An i nterest i n g concept co u l d be t h at d i fferent
a rtificial i nte l l i ge n ces from d i fferent e ra s exi st with i n
t h e d atas p h e re toget h e r. They wo u l d b e a s a l ie n to
each oth e r as h u m a n s and extrate rrestri a l s . The
i nte l l i ge n ce s m i ght work together o r wage co n stant
war, o r they m i ght not eve n be awa re of each other's
exi stence.
Genetic Engineering
J u st as adva n ced civ i l izat i o n s can s h a p e steel a n d
g l a s s a n d p rod uce p l a stics a n d ot h e r m ateri a l s ,
t h ey c a n s h a pe a n d create b i o l ogical orga n i s m s .
D i seases c a n b e c u re d , wo u n d s h e a l e d , a n d
bod i e s re b u i lt, red e s i g n e d , a n d re p u rposed . To o l s
a n d mach i n e s can be g rown rat h e r t h a n m a d e ,
a n d t h ey can re p a i r t h e m selves w h e n nece s s a ry.
T h i s catego ry of tech n o l ogy a l s o i n c l u d e s
c l o n i n g, b i o l ogical i m p l a nt s , graft s , rewrit i n g a n d
ove rwrit i n g b ra i n s (with i n st i n ct s , s k i l l s , knowledge,
o r m e m ories) , a n d d ru g s so adva n ced t h at t h ey
l itera l ly rewrite D N A.
S o m e g e n e t i c m a n i p u l a t i o n m i g h t be
i n a dvertent. Ra n d o m m utati o n s c a n arise fro m
past e n g i n e e r i n g go n e bad o r fro m u n i ntent i o n a l
s o u rces s u c h a s rad i a t i o n o r c h e m i ca l s i n t h e a i r,
g ro u n d , or water.
Leftove r n u m e n e ra t h at can do some type
of genetic e n g i n e e ri n g gives us a peek at some
creat u re s of the prior worl d s . At least o n e of the
civi l izat i o n s was p r i m a r i l y h u m a n , a n d at least o n e
was enti rely n o n h u m a n . T h i s i nformation reve a l s two
t h i n gs . F i rst, some of the a b h u m a n s of the N i nth
Wo rld a re genetica l ly mod ified h u m a n s o r a re the
desce n d a nts of such i n d iv i d u a l s fro m prior worl d s .
A n d seco n d , s o m e o f t h e a rtifacts a n d struct u res
d i scovered d o n ' t react to h u m a n s a n d clearly a re n ot
i ntended for h u m a n u se.
LI M E NE
REALIZING THE NINTH WORLD
Energy Manipulation
The e l ectro m a g n et i c s pectru m beco m e s a tool u nto
itself in t h i s catego ry, and eve n the fu n d a m e n t a l
fo rces i n t h e u n iverse can be m a d e to d a nce The Ninth World is
at the p l e a s u re of those w h o co m m a n d t h e s e enveloped in a field of
tech n o l o g i e s . O bvi o u s ly, t h i s g ro u p i n c l u d e s
information-think of it
as an area with a hundred
destructive e n e rg i e s l i ke ray o r b e a m weapo n s , b u t thousand active radio
it a l s o h a s s o n ic, m a g n etic, gravitic, m i crowave , o r stations, but almost no one
d i s i ntegrat i o n weapo n s . And wea p o n s a re s i m p l y has a radio. The datasphere
t h e e a s iest m a n ifestat i o n of e n e rgy m a n i p u l at i o n . occasionally malfunctions
Devices i n t h i s category a l s o i n c l u d e s e n sors, or interacts with the people
in the world in unexpected
sca n n e r s , co m m u n i cato rs, h o l o g ra m s , fo rce field s ,
ways, however, sending
t ractor bea m s , m i c rowave t ra n s m i s s i o n s , a n d "glimmers" of information
s e n s o ry m a n i p u l at i o n . I t i n c l u d e s u s i n g m a g n et i c directly into someone's
fi e l d s o r g ravity to m ove, m a n i p u l ate, o r s h a p e head. The GM should
m atter a n d ot h e r e n e rgy. I t can i nvolve t e l e p athy, occasionally have this
teleki n e s i s , pyroki n e s i s , a n d ot h e r m a n ifestat i o n s happen to the PCs. Not
often. And the vast majority
of e n e rg i e s with i n t h e b ra i n ( o r mech a n ical o r
of the time it shouldn 't
b i o l ogical d evices i m p l a nted o r g rown with i n make any sense or be
t h e b ra i n t o p rod uce s i m i l a r effects) . E n e rgy relevant. Maybe once in a
m a n i p u l at i o n can affect m o l ec u l a r b o n d s a n d whole campaign, however,
ot h e r p r i n c i p l e s o n a n ato m i c o r s u bato m i c level to it is pertinent and helpful.
t ra n sform o r t ra n s m ute m atte r.
You can plan for this or you
can make it a way to send a
much-needed hint or clue.
Nanotechnology
N a notec h n o l ogy can c h a n ge m atte r on its most
fu n d a mental l eve l s . E n g i neered mach i ne s t h at exi st
o n a n ato m i c o r s u bato m i c sca l e can m ove, res h a pe,
a lter, o r co m p l etely red e s i g n m atte r-both i n o rga n i c
a n d o rga n i c-a n d t h ey c a n p rod uce a n d m a n i p u l ate
e n e rgy as we l l . Beca u s e n a n o m ach i ne s often co m e
i n fa ntastica l ly h u ge n u m bers, they can w o r k a t
what a p pears to be a n a l most m a g i c a l s peed . I t ' s n o
wo n d e r t h at many peo p l e see n a n otech a s the work
of i n v i s i b l e s u pernatural creat u re s (somet i m e s ca l l ed
n a n o s p i rits) .
N a n otech i nvolves b u i l d i n g a n d re p a i ri n g
i norga n i c a n d o rga n i c struct u re s . I t c a n be used
a s ta rgeted d rugs a n d viruses t h at can c h a n ge a
creatu re on the cel l u l a r l eve l , worki n g as a c u re fo r
d i sease a n d the m e a n s to s h a pe .
N a notec h n o l ogy a l so a l l ows fo r t h e creation
of t h i ngs t h at wo u l d oth e rwise be i m po s s i b l e
m ate r i a l s t h at a re s u pe r-th i n , s u pe r-strong, s u per
res i l ient, or a l l th ree at o n ce. It a l s o m i ght i nvolve
creat i n g exoti c mate r i a l s s u c h as l i q u i d m eta l , s m a rt
fl u id s , s h apeable gases, a n d stra n ge r t h i n g s .
A t some point i n the p a s t aeo n s , n a n otech m u st
h ave gone horribly awry. Some of t h e h u m a n s of
the N i nth Wo rld u n knowi ngly h ave l atent n a n otech
viruses t h at co u l d s u d d e n ly activate and wreak
c h a n ges-eve n d rastic c h a n ges-i n t h e i r phys i o l ogy.
Va rious m utants a n d a berrant creatu res ( i n cl u d i n g
a b h u m a n s) a re l i kely t h e res u lt o f n a n otech n o l ogy.
B u t t h e worst t h reat of a l l i s t h e so-ca l l ed
I ro n W i n d . T h e s e a re c l o u d s of n a n o m ac h i n e s Iron Wind, page 7 35
359

The /(ardashev scale is
a very useful tool and
a great starting point
for research in ideas of
just what an advanced
civilization could really
accomplish. Physicist
Freeman Dyson conceived
of the Dyson sphere,
which would be a way to
surround a star to absorb
a II of its energy output
(a /though it wou Id take
all the matter in the
planets around the star
to build it) . Once you
have your mind wrapped
around that, what's even
more mind-blowing is a
Dyson sphere around an
entire galaxy.
r u n a m o k , c h a n g i n g m atter t h ey co m e acro s s
i n ra n d o m a n d b i z a rre ways . I s it a fo rce o r a n
i nte l l i ge n c e ? T h e I ro n W i n d i s n ' t a s i n g l e t h i n g
it's a phenomenon.
Stellar Technology
Soviet astronomer N i kolai Kardashev created a
scale to mea s u re truly advanced civi l izations. H e
based it m a i n ly on energy u se. T h e scale has three
types (a lthough other people
expanded it to include five) .
A Type I civil ization is not
u n l i ke o u rs in the 2 1 st
centu ry, with l i m ited
capabil ities and
energy use. A Type 1 1
civi l ization uses the
energy of its star.
It b u i l d s thi ngs on
a mega-scale, such
as a ring or sphere
that encircles the
s u n or structures that
i nvolve the moving or
d i s mantl i n g of a planet.
A Type I l l civil ization
begi n s to harness the
power of a l l the stars in
its galaxy and can even res h ape t h i n gs on a
galactic scale.
When I ta l k about ste l l a r tech nol ogy, I ' m ta l k i n g
a b o u t a t least Type 1 1 a n d more I i kely Type 1 1 1 . Th i s
category i nvolves tech nologies t h at a l l ow a n d arise
fro m h avi n g t h e a b i l ity to travel a nywh e re i n t h e
gal axy o r beyo n d . I t i n c l udes struct u res b u i lt fro m
m ate r i a l s h a rvested from a wh ite dwarf sta r; the
creation a n d u s e of b l ack holes to gene rate a n d
h a rn e s s e n e rgy; t ra n s p lanti n g a l i e n creat u re s , races ,
a n d mate r i a l s ; a n t i m atter; d a rk e n e rgy; reaction l e s s
d rives; a n d more.
I t ' s safe to s ay t h at at o n e poi nt, the earth was a
cro s s roads i n an i nterste l l a r-o r eve n i nte rga l actic
civi l izat i o n . M a ny tech nologies, creat u re s , a n d
m ate r i a l s n ow p resent i n the wo rld d i d n ot origi n ate
h e re. Do re m n a nts of t h at vast civi l ization sti l l exi st
out t h e re in the u n iverse, with memories of E a rt h ?
Al most certa i n ly.
Transdimensional Technology
I n the aforementioned l<a rd a s h ev sca l e ,
"tra n sd i m e n s i o n a l tec h n o l ogy" l i kely c o m e s fro m
a Type IV or Type V civi l ization-o n e t h at can affect
t h i ngs on a u n ive rsal scale a n d travel to (or create)
oth e r u n iverses beyo nd o u r own . Th i s category
i nc l u d e s the u s e of tran s d i me n s i o n a l taps to b ri n g
i n e n e rgy fro m ot h e r d i me n s i o n s , te leportation
360
m atrixes, ext rad i m e n s io n a l s paces, the a b i l ity to
c h a n ge t h e p h ases of m atte r, a n d more. Th i s i s l i kely
t h e stra n gest a n d most i n co m p re h e n s i b l e category
of tech n o l ogy. It can i nvolve rewrit i n g the l aws of
physics, creat i n g s pace where there was none,
sto p p i n g t i m e , t i m e trave l , a n d t i m e m a n i p u l atio n .
ADVENTURE IDEAS
N ow yo u u n d e rsta n d h ow to u s e the r u l e s , h ow to
deal with p l aye rs, a n d h ow to pace
yo u r ca m p a i g n . So w h at d o
yo u want t h e cha racte rs t o do ?
Wh at sto ries do you want
to te l l ?
I n many ways, the
archetypal N u menera
adventure is this: the
PCs are exploring
the wilderness and
come u pon someth i n g
i nexp l icable. They
i nvestigate, and d i scover
amazing t h i n gs, not the
least of which i s that it' s a l l
even wei rder t h a n i t first
appeared . And the whole
thing i s , of cou rse, laced
with danger.
T h i s can take many form s :
Beyo n d t h e rocky h i l l s l i es a ru i n o f i ro n a n d g l a s s ,
so d e e p l y e ntwi ned i n t h e u n d e rgrowt h t h at i t
a p pears t o be a part o f t h e l a n d scape. What l i es
with i n ? Treas u re ? Ancient h o rro rs ? Bot h ?
T h e o l d road lead s t o a mysterious tower-the
home of a noble that the PCs h ave neve r heard of.
H e i nvites them to spend the n i ght, but the PCs
soon learn that h e h ides some s i n i ster secret. What
h a s t h i s noble been experi ment i n g with ? What's i n
t h e upper cham ber o f that tower?
The PCs stop at a s m a l l vi l l age to res u p p ly. The
peo p l e there h ave st u m bled u po n a n ancient
secret. Is it a boon o r a bane?
The PCs come u po n a n i s o l ated com m u n ity in
a d e s o l ate reg i o n , a n d need a p l ace to re st. The
com m u n ity, out of touch with the rest of h u m a n ity
for years, h a s made a l l i a nces with or a l l eg i a n ces to
someth i n g n ot h u m a n-a stra n ge creatu re from
the past, a n i n te l l i gent mach i n e , someth i n g fro m
beyo n d s pace a n d t i m e ? Someth i n g stra n ge r, o r
someth i n g wo rse?
A l l of these ideas, a n d t h e t h o u s a n d s of s i m i l a r
o n e s , a l l base them selves a ro u n d two key i s s ue s :
1 . The p resent i s b u i lt u p o n the myste ries of the
past. Re l ics a n d ru i n s a re everywhere, eve n i n p l aces
n o one wo u l d s u s pect.

2. The peo p l e of the N i nth Wo rld a re i s o l ated fro m
each oth e r. M u ch re m a i n s u n known , n ot j u st about
the past, but about the p resent. Wh at l i es beyo n d
those wood s ? N o one knows u n t i l s o m e o n e g o e s t o
i nvesti gate.
Obvi o u s ly, the N i nt h Wo rld offe rs many, m a ny
adventure opport u n ities. T h i s section p rovides a
b rief ove rview of some of t h e m , with s u ggest i o n s .
CITIES
Although the cities and stro n g h o l d s of the N i nth
Wo rld we re b u i lt by t h e peo p l e of the era, the
i nfl uence of t h e prior worl d s i s i m me d i ately evi dent.
B u i l d i n gs o r port i o n s of b u i l d i ngs u s e o bj ects a n d
m ate r i a l s crafted o r p rod uced i n the past, m a k i n g
e a c h a pa l i m psest d i s p l ayi n g aeo n s of t i m e i n each
wa l l o r a rchway. Roa d s a n d pat h s a re a l m ost a l l
n ew, although h e re a n d there sect i o n s a re made
of the re m n a nts of byways paved with u n knowa b l e
m ateria l s .
A N i nt h Wo rld struct u re re s e m b l e s a h o u s e
o r castle ( a s w e a re fa m i l i a r w i t h t h e m ) o n ly i n a
p a s s i n g fa s h i o n . Fee l free to d e s c r i b e t h e m h oweve r
yo u w i s h , b u t d o n 't re ly s o l e l y on word s l i ke "towe r"
o r " p a l ace" u n l e s s you i ntent i o n a l l y want to tap i nto
the h i storical i m agery in the p l aye rs' head s . W h e n
yo u s a y t h at D u c h e s s Det h o n e l ives i n a c a s t l e , t h e
p l aye rs a re l i ke l y to t h i n k of s o m et h i n g out of a fa i ry
t a l e or med ieval h i story u n t i l yo u fu rt h e r state t h at
t h e cast l e ' s trapezo i d a l towe rs we re co n structed
of vast, t ra n s l u cent b l u e sto n e s , each with what
a p pe a rs to be a fish o r serpent of gold e m bedded i n
its center.
D e s p ite t h e " m agic" of t h e past t h at s u rro u n d s
t h e m , t h e l ives o f N i nt h Wo rld h u m a n s a re n ot
u n l i ke t h o s e of med i eva l co m m o n e rs . T h ey wea r
garments of ro u g h cloth a n d w i d e - b r i m m ed h ats
a s p rotect i o n fro m the red d i s h g l ow of the s u n as
t h ey lead m u l ecarts fu l l of h a rvested t u rn i p s i nto
town to s e l l at t h e o p e n m a rket. If you 've eve r r u n
a trad itio n a l fa ntasy R P G before, i t ' s n ot h a rd t o
port ray a vi l l age o r a city of t h e N i nt h Wo r l d . T h e
t ra p p i n g s a re d i ffe rent, but u l t i m ately t h e co re i s
fa i rly s i m i l a r.
Scenarios
T h a n kfu l ly, the pol itics, greed , pett i n e s s , jealou sy,
l ove, l u st, fea r, a n d fa m i l i a l bonds t h at s p u r o n
adventures i n games i n m o re conventional sett i n gs
a l l exist i n the N i nt h Wo rld as we l l . N o b l e s vie fo r
powe r, k i n g d o m s go to war, briga n d s ra id trade
ca rava n s , kid n a p pers s n atch ch i l d re n , the rich hoard
wea lth, l overs s n e a k off for c l a n d esti n e meet i n g s ,
t h i eves steal va l u a b l e s , a n d m o re. The P C s co u l d b e
h i red o r motivated t o perform a l l sorts o f d uties as
befit the co nfident a n d ca p a b l e . N ot eve ryt h i n g has
LI M E NE
REALIZING THE NINTH WORLD
to deal with the prior worl d s or t h e n u m e n e ra left
ove r fro m t h e lost aeo n s . H oweve r, those i nvolved
in the adventu res (th e PCs and N PCs) wi l l l i kely u s e
the cyp h e rs o r a rtifacts of the p a s t a s they carry out In less than a billion
m i s s i o n s of the p resent. years, our sun 's growing
luminosity will make life as
Possi ble scenarios set i n cities i nclude the following. we know it impossible on
T h i eves steal a va l u a b l e p i ece of a rt. earth. The oceans will boil
away and photosynthesis
A n o b l e need s atte n d a nts to escort h i m wh i l e h e
won 't be possible. Since
trave l s . that isn 't the case in
A n u menera expert need s a s pecific part for h e r work. the Ninth World, we
A cri m i n a l boss h i res the PCs to p rotect h i s ch i l d . know that at some point
Two cri m i n a l o rga n izat i o n s g o t o war. some extremely powetful
The ruler of t h e town is a s s a s s i n ated .
ciilization did something.
The Ninth World's sun has
The PCs m u st d efe n d a n o b l e ' s home aga i n st about the same luminosity
i nvaders. as what we are accustomed
D i g g i n g a fo u n d ation u n covers a myste rious to in the 2 1st century.
mach i n e .
The o n l y w i t n e s s t o a cri me m u st be p rotected.
A b u s i ne s s needs help o r it wi l l fa i l .
T h e PCs a re fra med fo r a crime.
A noble need s envoys to attend a d i plomatic
meeting.
The authorities need someone to gat h e r
i nformation o n a cri m i n a l . For stellar technology
A te m p l e need s h e l p i n d ea l i n g with a n u n ru l y taken to its insane limits,
see the adenture "Three
m e m b e r of the re l i g i o n .
Sanctums, " page 3 90.
The b e l o n g i n g s o f a d e a d n u m e n e ra expert a re
a uctioned off.
An a n n u a l festival i s h e l d , a n d the fa i r h a s many
i nterest i n g co ntests.
An ancient struct u re i s said to be " h a u nted . "
A rare b u t d a n ge ro u s creatu re h a s escaped from a
m e n agerie.
VILLAGES
Vi l l ages in the Beyond a re u s u a l ly ca l led aldeia. They
offer a very d ifferent sett i n g for adve ntu res than cities
or towns do. These s m a l l com m u n ities exi st o n the
ed ge of the wilderness and the u n known. They a re
isolated , sometimes with no con n ection to the rest of
the world for years at a time. P l ay up the secl u s i o n and
d i strust felt by residents i n most v i l l ages.
The aldeia grow up a ro u n d Aeo n Priest claves,
for they h ave the most knowledge. But sometimes
the clave' s actions, research, and expe riments put
the v i l l agers i n d a n ger. In addition, once i n a w h i l e ,
a mem ber o f a v i l l age m asters some as pect o f the
n u menera beyond anyt h i n g d reamed of by the Aeon
Priests. These people grant the v i l l age i n which they
l ive some advantages beyo nd the norm. Th u s , to
m a ke each aldeia memorable and u n ique, give most
of them at least one d i scove ry or affliction that res u lts
from the work of the cl ave o r a lone ge n i u s (either i n
t h e p resent or t h e recent past) .
36 1
 Afflictions
"You are your own best A m i st co mes in the n i ght and ste a l s peo p l e away
test subject, I always The peo p l e m u st m a ke h u m a n s acrifices to
say. " -Sir Arthour someth i n g in a nea rby pit
S p o res t h at destroy metal fill t h e a i r
Eve ryo n e ' s i ntel l i ge n ce h a s been l owe red
d ra m atica l ly
A l l nea rby p l a n t l ife is p o i s o n o u s
The residents of an aldeia I n exp l icable so rrow gri p s eve ryo n e period i ca l ly
may not use that term Al l food d ecays with i n one h o u r
to describe it. They may Eve ryo n e req u i re s twice a s m u c h s l eep
refer to it as a town, A co u g h i n g m a lady gri ps eve ryo n e
ii/age, community, or Eve ryo n e i s a d d i cted to t h e same d ru g l i ke
something else entirely.
s u bsta n ce
Eve ryo n e can re m e m b e r o n ly the last few d ays
Rad iation s l owly wea ke n s eve ryo ne
Eve ryo n e h a s attractive but n o n h u m a n features,
such a s go l d e n skin o r ove rsized , d a rk eye s
Discoveries
Defe n s ive towe r (s) with l i ght n i n g e m itte rs
D r u g vastly i n creases l i fe s p a n
M e a n s to tele path i ca l ly l u re fi s h i nto nets
L i m ited weather control
M ec h a n ical h a rnesses grant great stre n gth
Livi ng, o rga n i c b u i l d i ngs a n d h o u s e s
S o n i c p rotect ive fi e l d
Force b u b b les u sed a s p r i s o n s a n d cages
Te lepat h i c i m p l a nts
Cl ockwo rk i n sects fo r pets
A l a rge flyi n g ve h i cle
D i a m o n d s a s co m mo n cu rre n cy
A l a rge auto m aton servant
M u s i c p l ays t h roughout the v i l l age
I nject i o n s o r i m p l a nts fo r teach i n g s k i l l s a n d
knowled ge
G e netica l ly e n g i n ee red g u a rd i a n h o u n d s
Ca moufl age cloaks
M i ndwi pe d evice rewrites t h e b ra i n s of cri m i n a l s
Water p u rifier clea n s nea rby conta m i n ated l a ke
Ce ntra l ized d evice p rod uces l i m itless food
Ce ntra l ized d evice s h ows the l ocation of a l l
nea rby g a m e a n d th reats
M e c h a n ized farm eq u i p m ent
Clock towe r
Refrige rators to store food
Te leport pad co n n ects v i l l age with nea rby ru i n
H u ge, glow- i n -t h e-d a rk mot h s i n cages fo r l i ght
Ad d ictive i nject i o n s m a ke eve ryo ne beautifu l
Cro p s grow ext re mely l a rge a n d healthy
Local tree p rod uces fru i t t h at s u sta i n s eve ryo ne
Device s u p p resses a n ge r a n d violence
Tracers p l aced on a l l re s i d ents
Dead peo p l e a re p reserved in sta s i s
362
Scenarios
As the l a st bastion of civil ization before a t rave l e r
heads i nto the w i l d e rn e s s , a v i l l age i s a meet i n g
p o i n t o f both as pects o f t h e N i nth Wo rld . T h e
u n known th reate n s the known h e re, a n d t h e
sce n a rios yo u s e t i n v i l l ages s h o u l d refl ect t h at.
A yo u n g ch i l d has gone m i s s i ng.
The we l l h a s beco me conta m i n ated .
Stra n ge n ew p red ato rs a re co m i n g out of t h e
wilderness.
An envoy of v i s itants h a s s h own u p , looki n g t o
tal k.
A m o n stro u s m utant c h i l d has been born and i s
o n t h e loose.
The PCs m u st g u a rd t h e o n ly bridge i nto the
v i l l age fro m i nvad ers.
Exp l o re rs h ave a rrived with a stra n ge device.
A gro u p of band its has been ra id i n g the v i l l age and
m u st be sto p ped .
An i l l ne s s wracks t h e peo p l e , a n d they need a c u re.
The v i l lage i s h o l d i n g a contest to see who can
track a n d ki l l a ra re beast fi rst.
The PCs a re i m p ri s o n ed fo r a n offe n s e t h ey d i d n 't
eve n know existed .
An eart h q u a ke u n cove rs an ancient ru i n nearby.
A storm passes t h ro u g h the v i l l age a n d c h a n ge s
eve ryo n e ' s perso n a l ity.
The res i d e nts u s e deadly fo rce to p rotect the
secret of t h e i r mach i ne-inte l l igence deity.
A m utant need s h e l p co m i n g to term s with h e r
n ewly e m e rgi n g powe rs.
A warlord adva n ces fro m deep i n the w i l d s
t o co n q u e r the v i l l age, backed b y a n a rmy of
a b h u m a n s with advanced wea p o n s and a vast,
city-cru s h i n g war mach i n e p u l led by a t h o u s a n d
c h a i ned beasts.
THE WILDERNESS
Although h u m a n h i story of the N i nt h Wo rld
exte n d s back h u n d red s of years, by most sta n d a rd s ,
civi l ization i s yo u n g. M ost o f t h e world i s sti l l
u nexp l o red. M yste ries a n d d a n ge r a bo u n d . Anyt h i n g
co u l d b e beyo n d t h e n ext rise, t h rough t h o s e trees,
o r at the botto m of t h at l a ke.
The wilds a re p u n ctu ated by wei rd a n d u n expected
terra i n , the i ntent i o n a l o r u n i ntent i o n a l res u lt of
tec h n o l ogy of the past. Float i n g m o u n ta i n s , trees of
cryst a l , fie l d s of grey goo, a n d ro l l i n g h i l l s glowi n g
w i t h stra n ge rad iation a re j u st a few exa m p l e s .
Li kewise, the weat h e r of the N i nth Wo rld i s o d d
a n d d a n ge ro u s . I ce-covered i s l a n d s i n the m i d d l e o f
tro p i ca l l a ke s , e n e rgy storms, a n d ra i n s of sto nes o r
fi s h can a n d d o h a p p e n .
But the w i l d e rness i s i n h a b ited , t o o . I so l ated
v i l l ages, lonely castles, myste rious towe rs, h i d d e n
te m p les, lost civil izati o n s , a n d com m u n ities
 LI M E NE
REALIZING THE NINTH WORLD

of n o n h u m a n creatu res can be fo u n d a m i d the

co u ntrys ide, deep i n t h e fo rests a n d j u n gles, a n d
nestled i n t h e m o u ntai n s . Vici o u s t r i b e s o f ca n n i ba l s ,
a b h u m a n s , rov i n g b a n d s o f m a ra u d e rs , a n d i n sa n e
a uto m ato n s h u nt i n the w i l d s . A n d , o f co u rse, the
a n cient ru i n s , mach i n e s , a n d re m n a nts of the past
can be found a s o n e exp l o res t h e vast wilderness.

Scenarios
The w i l d e rn e s s is a n entici n g d esti n ation for
exp l o rers. I m me n s e tracts of u n known l a n d s a n d
mystery awa it those who d a re to enter. Few pat h s
a re ava i l a b l e , so exp lorers m u st m a ke t h e i r o w n way
a n d be ready to e n co u nter the stra n ge creat u res of
the N i nth Wo rl d . B ut somet i m e s there is m o re to the
wilderness.
A s c h o l a r h i res t h e PCs to m a p a n u nexp lored
reg i o n .
The P C s e n co u nter a biza rre storm t h at see m s to Crownkeep lies in the far
affect t i m e . reaches of the Beyond
A m e rc h a nt h i re s the P C s to b l aze a n ew trade and serves as an excellent
example of an ancient
ro ute.
technological structure that
A n o b l e need s h e l p cleari n g land and b u i l d i n g could easily be explored
struct u re s . or even utilized by Ninth
A s m a l l gro u p of a b h u m a n s a s ks the P C s fo r h e l p World humans. Was it an
aga i n st a m a ra u d i n g a utomato n . observatory? A research
An i nterd i m e n s i o n a l gateway t h at a l l ows stra n ge
facility? A hospital? A
home? A landing pad for a
creat u re s i nto t h e wo rld need s to be closed .
vehicle? We have no idea,
A t i n y settlement h a s been wi ped out, but by what? and very likely the PCs
A k n i ght we lcomes t h e PCs to h e r re mote keep but won 't ever have the ability
fo rb i d s t h e m fro m looki n g i n the towe r. to make the determination.
Lost i n a re mote a n d a l ie n reg i o n , t h e PCs m u st Which is to say, it's not
the point. Something that
fi n d ed i b l e food a n d a way to s u rvive.
is understood usually isn 't
A terri b l e swarm of deadly i n s ects a p p roach e s , a n d interesting anymore. If the
the P C s m u st fi n d s h elter. PCs explore Crownkeep, or
Slli>E
A m a d m a n atte m pts to kid n a p the PCs to perform ifit's occupied by others
I EW.

experi ments o n t h e m . that the PCs interact

A d a m aged automaton h a s va l u a b l e i nformation i f with, the structure itself
should never be fully
it can be re p a i red .
understood. In fact, at least
A rog u i s h hermit with a beautifu l , steam- powered on some level, it shouldn't
wheeled ve h icle is s a i d to h ave fo u n d the key to make sense because
i m m o rtal ity. it was built by people
A s m a l l band of m o n ks h ave b u i lt a te m p l e a ro u n d (humans? perhaps not)
a self-aware mach i n e t h at c a n s e e i nto t h e futu re.
whose lives were all but
incomprehensible to Ninth
Worlders.
RUINS
Perh a p s the a rc h etypa l N u m e n e ra adve n t u re loca l e
i s a ru i n fro m a p r i o r aeo n . These ru i n s can t a ke
on m a ny fo r m s . Alt h o u g h t h e i r o r i g i n a l d e s i g n a n d
p u rpose n o l o n ge r m atte rs, s o m et i m e s it' s u s efu l
to h ave a l i st for generat i n g i d e a s . B u t keep i n m i n d
t h at t h e P C s s h o u l d often h ave n o i d e a w h at t h ey
a re exp l o ri n g beca u s e too m u ch i nfo rm a t i o n wi l l
take away t h e a i r o f a l i e n myste ry, a n d yo u a lways
want to m a i n ta i n the we i rd in N u m e n e ra .

363

Because mystery is so important
to weird, the Ninth World is ne1Jer
about strict definitions or concrete
quantifications. "Describe, don 't define "
might be the num ber one rule.
M a ny ru i n s a re n ' t act u a l struct u res but vast
mach i n e s t h at the PCs can enter and exp l o re, looki n g
fo r devices t h at c a n be u s e d a s odd ities, cyp hers, o r
a rtifacts . I n s u c h a g i g a n t i c mach i n e , co rri d o rs m i ght
be cond u its, a n d roo m s m i ght s i m ply be j u n ct i o n s ,
n eve r i ntended fo r h a b itation-o n l y acce s s .
The i nteriors o f t h e s e l a rge com p l exes exi st very
m uch in t h ree d i m e n s i o n s . Vertical s h afts a re j u st as
co mmon as horizontal corridors. The l ayout rarely
m a kes sense to a N i nth World h u ma n (or to one
from the 2 1 st ce ntu ry) . Exp lorers s h o u l d n 't try to
second-guess the p u rpose beh i n d eve ryt h i n g they fi n d .
To d o so wou l d be pointless. Wh i l e the P C s exp lore
the ru i n , stress the h u ge size of their s u rro u n d i ngs.
Ofte n , cove ri n g the whole i nterior i s n 't pos s i ble,
and it's rarely the poi nt, so a d eta i led m a p of each
nook and cra n ny i s o n ly occasionally usefu l . M ost
of the time, you can get by with vague descriptio n s ,
sayi n g someth i n g l i ke, "You pass t h rough twi st i n g
cyl i n d rical corridors for more than a n h o u r, sometimes
scra m b l i n g over fa l l e n and ru i ned mach inery, before
As soon as the players
you reach an i nterest i n g chamber . . . " s i m ply d a n ge ro u s
seem to understand
something about If yo u 've p l ayed oth e r fa ntasy games where the
the past, change it. PCs exp l o re d u n geon- style enviro n ments fi l led
While the aspects of with tra p s , puzzles, m o n sters, a n d we i rd , i s o l ated
their own world and l ocat i o n s , yo u can a d a pt m a ny of those s a m e
their own civilization
p r i n c i p l e s h e re as we l l . Of co u rse, a t r a p o r p uzzle
should be relatable
and comprehensible, m i ght s i m ply be a mach i n e t h e cha racte rs d o n ' t
the prior worlds should u n d e rsta n d . Why does t h e cyl i n d rical c h a m b e r s p i n
never be-at least not a s i t l owers i nto a fa n l i ke mech a n i s m ? T h e P C s wi l l
completely. Keep the n eve r kn ow, b u t i t was o n ce a n o r m a l p a rt o f a very
mystery alive. That's l a rge t u r b i n e-d riven m otor.
how you keep it feeling
N ot a l l ru i n s a re i n the style of mach i ne-fi l led
like magic.
d u n geons. Some a re s i n g l e b u i l d i n gs-towe rs,
domes, o r struct u res too stra n ge to be given a
s i m p l e n a m e . They m i ght be so ancient t h at they
h ave beco m e i n corpo rated i nto the l a n d scape.
M ost ru i n s i nvolve a great deal of meta l , glass, and
perhaps synth . Some are made of stone, at least i n part
(although it m ight actu ally be an artificial substance
that only appears to be stone) . Other ru i n s m ight be
crystal l i n e or even organ ic, made of l iving creatu res
or b u i lt from the bones, shells, or carapaces of dead
ones. It's not hard to imagine ru i n s formed entirely of
energy-p lanes of force, or solid l ight that takes the
appearance and textu re of another s u bstance.
364
Possible Types of Ruins
B u i l d i n g ( i n co m p re h e n s i b le)
Co m p l ex of b u i l d i ngs ( i n co m p re h e n s i b le)
U n d ergro u n d co m p l ex
La rge gro u n d ve h i cle
Flyi n g o r s pace vessel
M o n u ment
Labo rato ry
Wa re h o u s e
Powe r station
U n d ergro u n d t ra n s it t u n n e l s
Airport o r s paceport
Tra n s d i m e n s i o n a l gateway
Res idential co m p l ex
B ioengi neeri n g faci l ity
Creatu re men agerie/ h atch e ry
P i p e syste m s
Facto ry
Sewer
Co m m u n i cation station
P roce s s i n g p l a n t
M i ne
E n t i re city
Scenarios
Rega rd l e s s of t h e i r s ize a n d n atu re, ru i n s a re fi l led
with d a n gers, i n c l u d i n g the fo l l owi ng.
Defe n s ive mech a n i s m s
Defe n s ive a utomato n s o r b i oe n g i n ee red creat u res
I n co m p re h e n s i b l e tec h n o logies a n d mach i ne s
whose origi n a l d e s i g n i s a myste ry but n ow a re
M ac h i n e s t h at a re m a l fu nctio n i n g d ue to a g e o r
d a m age
Wea kened or part i a l ly co l l apsed struct u res
Creat u re s t h at h ave taken u p res i d e n ce
A PARTING WORD
As the G M , you a re the guide for the rest of the gro u p
as you exp lore the N i nth World. I t i s a stra n ge p l ace,
not meant to be fu l ly u n d e rstood. The feel of the
sett i n g-the dark mood , the u n solvable myste ries,
the u n expected turns, the u n a n swerable q uestio n s ,
and the enormous d a n gers-a re far more i m portant
than the d eta i l s . When sett i n g yo u r gro u p ' s stories
here, focus more on mainta i n i n g this mood than
on any other as pect of be i n g a G M . The rules a re
i m portant, the fu n is i m porta nt, and the i m mersion
and be l i eva b i l ity a re i m porta nt, but they all take a back
seat to the mood and atmos phere of the truly wei rd .
E sta b l i s h that first, and the rest wi l l fol low n atu ra l ly.
Chapter 24: Adventures Overview 366

Chapter 25 : The Beale of Boregal 367

Chapter 26: Seedship 3 79

Chapter 2 7 : The Hidden Price 385

Chapter 28: Three Sanctums 390

 CHAPTER 24

ADVENTU RES
OVERVI EW

PART 8: ADVENTU RES PRESENTS FOU R NUMENERA

G Ms, of course, should
feel free to modify
anything in any of the
ADVENTU RES . EACH IS VERY DIFFERENT IN TOPIC AND STYLE
adventures in order to
make them work best

AS WELL AS PRESENTATION .
with their players in their
campaign.

TH E B EALE OF BOREGAL (page 3 6 7) i s meant to
be a G M ' s fi rst N u m e n e ra adve n t u re . It is p rese nted
with a s m uch advice and a s s i stance as a n ew G M wi l l
need . I t eve n co mes with a fl owc h a rt t h at s h ows the
co u rse of the adventu re. The fl owch a rt i s a n exa m p l e
o f h ow G M s m i ght write u p t h e i r own adve ntu res-a
few se ntences a re a l l yo u rea l ly need.
S E E DS H I P (page 3 79) i s a n a rea-ba sed adventu re in
which the PCs exp l o re a m a p h owever they choose.
I t s h ows h ow a GM can set u p adve n t u re s without
worry i n g about the o rd e r i n which t h i ngs h a p p e n .
Pl aye rs can exp l o re l ocation- based e n co u nters i n
wh ateve r o rd e r they wi s h . "Seed s h i p " co u l d b e
exp a n d ed i nto a m u c h l a rger adventu re.
assu mes that a G M can ad - l i b N PCs and s ituations
as they arise. I t s h ows that not every adventure i n the
N i nth World m u st be ce ntered a ro u n d the past. This
sett i n g and game handles a l l sorts of scenarios.
T H R E E SAN CTU M S (page 3 90) is a g ra n d
adve n t u re i nvolv i n g a m a n iacal orga n izat i o n a n d a
p l ot t h at feat u re s pote n t i a l l y wo rld-ch a n g i n g powe r.
It s p a n s a g reat d e a l of t h e n o rt h e r n Steadfast
and req u i re s a GM w h o can deal with a l a rge
orga n i zat i o n and h ow it m i ght react to t h reats fro m
with i n a n d without. T h i s adventu re s h ows t h at i n
N u m e n e ra , yo u d o n ' t h ave t o wait u n t i l t h e e n d of
the ca m pa i g n fo r the PCs to i nteract with powe rfu l
peo p l e , concepts, a n d d i s cove ries.

TH E H I DD E N PRICE (page 385) is an u rban These fo u r adve n t u re s a re o n ly the begi n n i n g. The

adventure with i nvestigation, dou ble-dea l i ng, and best adve n t u res wi l l be crafted by yo u , with yo u r
cri m i n a l i ntrigue. It i s potent i a l ly ve ry open-ended and s pecific p l aye rs a n d t h e i r cha racte rs i n m i n d .

366
 LI M E NE
THE BEALE OF BOREGAL

CHAPTER ZS

TH E B EALE OF
BO REGAL
f of- BOREGALFLOW ;?F__
T _
h i s adventu re works wel l with
BEALE Ev_E_
N_Ts
begi n n i n g characte rs. In fact,
it's a fine scenario to start a new
___ ,,...
., ---
ca mpaign. It's p rese nted in a style that
gives new G M s (or at least G M s new to N u menera) ENCOUNTER 1

; ,f
some h e l pfu l h i nts about h ow to run the adve ntu re.
o
The begi n n i n g is des igned so that the PCs h ave a a

5., , ,,V:
reason to join together even though
their backgro u n d s and cha racter
types m i ght be very d ifferent.
I n "The Beale of Borega l , " p l aye rs
wi l l h ave the o p po rt u n ity to exp l o re - Attacked by scut i m o rph
u n known p a rts of the N i nth Wo rld
wh i l e test i n g their m otivat i o n s and
their stre n gth of co nvict i o n . ENCOUNTER S
ENCOUNTER 3 - C lear out broken h o u n d s

BACKGROUND
t
- Defend vi l l age aga i n st pallones
- Ta l k to vi l l agers
Fa r out in t h e Beyo n d l i es a town ca l l ed
E m be red Peaks. N estled in the p a l m of a ENCOUNTER 6
- B l ack bugs swarm
m o u n ta i n ra n ge t h at looks l i ke a giant
seven-finge red h a n d-th e d a rk peaks

fro m which the town takes its n a me
E m be red Peaks is a s i m p l e co m m u n ity.
Fo l i o , l l ow clues
I n h a b ited mostly by merch ants, farmers, a n d Seria's di rections to larger problem
p i l g ri m s see k i n g a few d ays' re s p ite fro m t h e
Wa n d e r i n g Wa l k, the town i s h e a d e d b y a gro u p o f
p riestl i ke magi strate s ca l l ed d evo i rs .
E m be red Peaks m i ght be a s i m ple p l ace, b u t i t h a s
somet h i n g that n o other town has: a mach i n e that ENCOUNTER 7
- Speak with crazed residents

\ f/ ;: :
a l lows the residents to ta l k to the dead . Wel l , perh aps

:: t:
talk i s too stro n g a word . Th i s mach i ne, which l i e s C onv h i
far beneath the gro u n d and h a s a name that the Ye s ce
town sfolk neve r d a re to wh i s per, a l lows them to b riefly to Yieran and l ower cham ber

con nect to the brai nwaves of the rece ntly d eceased

and ask one q uestion of the rea n i m ated cad ave r.
ENCOUNTER S
Odd ly, the cadaver a lways a n swers the q uestion with - Deal with Yieran
a l ie, which led to some . . . unpredictable res u lts in the - Fight or aid Boregal
early d ays of its use and caused the devo i rs to take

over the mach i ne. M uch of t h i s respon s i b i l ity fel l
t o M agi strate Yiera n , a m a n w h o began h i s career
Pote n t i a l Wa n d e ri n g Wa l k E n co u nter
as a res po n s i b l e citizen but who has been d rive n
i n sane by the mach i n e he hoped to contro l .

367
 Rece ntly, there was contention a m o n g t h e d evo i rs ,
a s s o m e o f t h e m bel ieved t h at t h e town wo u l d b e
bette r o ff if the mach i n e co u l d be m a d e to act u a l ly
ra i s e t h e dead rat h e r t h a n h ave them a n swer a
s i n g l e q u estion (a n d i n correctly at th at) . E m bered
Peaks co u l d beco m e a d e sti n at i o n , they a rgued ,
a p l ace where peo p l e wo u l d b r i n g t h e i r dead a n d
p a y h a n d somely fo r t h e u s e of the mach i n e . Oth e r
d evo i rs we re n ot so s u re , worryi n g t h at it wo u l d
be a n a b u se o f t h e mach i n e-afte r a l l , who knows
h ow it works o r w h at powe rs it ?-a n d wo u l d att ract
m o re t h a n j u st good -hearted fo l ks want i n g a l a st
conve rsation with t h e i r deceased l oved o n e s . Fueled
by the m i n d -a lteri n g effects of the mach i ne , t h i s
confl ict beca m e u g l y a n d , eventual ly, b l oody.
As for t h e mach i n e itself, its n a m e is Borega l .
O nce a m a n with a beale ( a genetic m utation t h at
a l l owed h i m to touch t h e m i n d s of oth e rs) , he was
rev i l ed and feared by those a ro u n d h i m . S h u n ned by
h i s com m u n ity a n d scared of h i s own powe r, Boregal
a l l owed h i m self to be taken to the fa r edges of the
The Beyond, page 7 74 wo rld a n d s h ut i nto a h o l d fa st deep i n the eart h .
There h e rested , t u rn i n g yea r b y yea r i nto someth i n g
l e s s m a n a n d more mach i n e, h i s powe rs dormant
a n d sealed fro m t h e worl d . At some poi nt, h oweve r,
t h e earth rose u p or was worn away, a n d the mach i n e
c a m e closer t o the s u rface-close e n o u g h t h at
Peregrines, level 2 Borega l ' s beale co u l d restore dead b ra i n ce l l s to a
s e m b l a n ce of l ife, if o n l y for a few moments.
The experimentations of the devoi rs awa kened the
mach ine and, with it, the man it once was. Scared ,
confused, and with no memory of how or why he
a rrived at this place, Boregal struggles aga i n st the
holdfast. N ot m i n d less, but neither m i n dfu l nor fu l ly
aware, he began to ca l l out for help. H u mans with
beales-a fai rly rare and often undetected genetic
m utation-a re affected , as are h u m a n s and creatures
who a re s u sceptible to mental suggestion. At first, o n ly
those close to the E m bered Peaks are affected, but as
Boregal begi n s to pan ic, h i s cal l spread s outward and
begi n s to ca pture a larger ran ge of creatu res i n its p u l l .
SYNOPSIS
Wh i l e trave l i n g a l o n g the Wa n d e ri n g Wa l k, the PCs
encou nter a stra nge s i g ht: two yo u n g peo p l e rid i n g
Scutimorph, page 257 toward t h e m o n a scuti morph . The d u o a s k s t h e
P C s fo r a s s i stance, fo rci n g t h e m t o m a ke a deci s i o n .
O n e cho ice lead s t o the Fa l s e Fo rest, t h e ot h e r t o t h e
Cyl ion Bas i n .
Wh ateve r path they choose, t h e P C s d i scove r t h at
someth i n g i s d i st u r b i n g the creatu res of t h e a rea,
but t h ey struggle to fi n d the s o u rce. Although many
peo p l e m i ght re m a rk o n t h e c h a n ges th ey've noticed ,
no o n e see m s to h ave s o l i d i n fo rmation about what
co u l d be ca u s i n g the p ro b l e m s .
A s the P C s fo l l ow a stri n g o f c l u e s , they u n cover
368
i nformation that lead s to E m bered Peaks, a s m a l l
town t o the south . Eventual ly they learn t h e town ' s
secret-a man-turned - m ach i n e b u ried d e e p beneath
the earth that has the powe r to b riefly revive the dead.
The PCs m u st decide whether to free the mach i n e
o r d e stroy i t , u lt i m ately faci n g t h e con seq u e n ces of
t h e i r cho ice.
THE WANDERING WALK
The Wandering Wal k i s a p i l grimage route through the
N i nth World . No one knows the exact length of the
Wander, nor ca n anyone point to its exact begi n n i n g or
end. M any people s pecu l ate that the Wa nder i s actually
a closed circle that encloses the whole of the N i nth
World and that some travelers, es pecially those with
e n h ancements or otherworld ly attri butes, h ave been
trekki n g its eternal loop s i n ce before recorded time.
For most, the Wa nder i s too physica l ly taxi ng to
be u sed as a trade or travel route. It s l i p s through
fl u id-filled canyons, curves i n s ide crawl s pace tunnels,
and wi n d s through wood s, forests, and m uch of the
Beyond . The rewa rd s seem few, and the dangers are
many. Yet at any given time of the year and at any
given point along the known sections of the route, the
Wander i s laced with p i l gri ms, explorers, and those
who are fool i s h enough to think it offers safe passage.
Those who fol low the Wander for religious, s p i ritu al,
or other reasons are cal l ed Peregri nes or j u st B i rd s
(though t h e l atter term i s u s u a l ly derogatory) . Although
their d ress varies, true Peregri nes ca rry some mark
of the Wander. Typical ly, the mark i s an elaborate and
conti n ually growi n g circu lar bloodscar along their palm;
there i s l ittle else to do along the Wander when one
i s not wandering, and the i ntricate nature of the scar
gives bragging rights to show how long a traveler has
s u rvived along the way. Experienced Peregri nes ca rry
the scar up the length of their arm or on both palms.
Of co u rse, there a re a l so many who trek the
Wa n d e r fo r oth e r kinds of growth-n a m e ly, t h e
growt h of t h e i r pockets. These s k u l ke rs who co m e t o
borrow fro m the bod ies of the fa l l e n often become
i n adve rtent p i l gri m s t h e m selves, either gett i n g lost
a l o n g t h e ro ute or wa l k i n g it to fi n d a home where
they can settle with t h e i r n ewfo u n d spoi l s . They d o n ' t
ge nerally m a ke it fa r before they fa l l to the e l e m ents
o r to the hand of a n other s k u l ker.
And thus, the Wander captu res all in its eternal length.
GETTING THE PLAYERS INVOLVED
Yo u can u s e this adventu re a s t h e sce n a ri o t h at sta rts
a n ew ca m pa i g n . I f the PCs beg i n a s stra n gers, give
the p l aye rs the backgro u n d about t h e Wa n d e r i n g
Wa l k a h ead o f t i m e . Th ey' l l h ave t o i ntegrate t h e i r
cha racters i nto the adventure b y deci d i n g why they' re
on the p i l gri m age (or at least on the path) . M ore
about t h i s below.

The action begi n s on wh at' s ca l l ed t h e Fifth
Stretch of the Wa n d e ri n g Wa l k, t h e long, d ry,
m o u n ta i n o u s exp a n s e of the route t h at stretches
ro u g h ly between the weste rn poi nt of Cyl ion
B a s i n-a town fi l led with poo l s t h at i s a rej uve n ation
point fo r wea ry trave l e rs-a n d the eastern point of
the G reat Slab, a h u ge con struction t h at rises fro m
the l a n d i n a l a rge, fl at s q u a re of synth a n d con crete.
Wise Peregri nes know to go a ro u n d the s l a b , d e s p ite
the l e n gth t h i s d eto u r a d d s to the ro ute. Those with
less knowledge and poorer frie n d s wi l l n ot be warned
in time. To the n o rth l i es t h e Fa l s e Wood s .
The Fift h Stretch i s p robably t h e best-docu me nted
a rea of the Wa n d e r i n g Wa l k, perh a p s beca u s e it
has a n u m be r of s m a l l vi l l ages h e re and there a n d
beca u s e the exp a n s e p l ays host to a n experience
t h at ca n ' t be fo u n d a nywh e re e l s e-occa s i o n a l
b i o l u m i ne scent swa rms (if s o m e o n e knows w h e n
o r w h y t h e swa rms occ u r, t h ey' re n ot tel l i n g) . The
swarms co n s i st of m i l l io n s of see-t h rough o rga n i s m s
t h at s pe n d most o f t h e i r l ives lyi n g camoufl aged
o n the sandy l a n d scape u n t i l t h ey s u d d e n ly rise
toget h e r, beco m i n g b i o l u m i nescent a n d twi sti n g
a n d t u rn i n g i n u n ified patte rns o f d a n ce a n d fl i ght.
In fact, the sandy l a n d scape i s n ot s a n d at all but
i s b u i lt from l ayers of b l u e-green detrit u s from the
creat u re s . Th i s loam q u ickly soi l s the s k i n a n d sta i n s
t h e clothes o f those w h o s pe n d m u ch t i m e h e re, a n d
LI M E NE
THE BEALE OF BOREGAL
it' s somet i m e s u sed as dye or food co l o r i n g .
Before begi n n i n g the adventure, e a c h PC s h o u l d
esta b l i s h h i s o r h e r reason fo r bei n g i n the a rea
(a lthough if they a re stra n gers, they m i ght n ot h ave
s h a red t h i s i nformation with one another) .
Options include the followi ng:
They' re atte m pt i n g a p i l gr i m age of t h e i r own after
a tragic eve nt i n t h e i r l ife .
They hope to catch a g l i m p se of a l i ght swarm fo r
perso n a l o r scientific rea s o n s .
They' re s k u l kers, h o p i n g t o gat h e r spoi l s fro m the
dead Peregrines a l o n g the way.
They' re lost or on t h e i r way to somewhere e l se.
They h ave heard r u m o rs of trea s u re i n the Fa l s e
Wood s .
They h ave heard r u m o rs o f a "resu rrection
mach i n e" somewhere nea rby.
They hope to be the fi rst to cl i m b the G reat S l a b .
They' re co l l ect i n g l o a m t o dye someth i n g t h ey a re
creat i n g or b u i l d i ng.
They h ave some oth e r, m o re pers o n a l rea s o n .
WANDERING WALK ENCOUNTERS
D u ri n g t h i s adventu re, the PCs s p e n d m u c h of t h e i r
t i m e trave l i ng. There i s l ittl e o f n ote a l o n g the pat h ,
but the cha racters can u s e the t i m e to d e e p e n t h e i r
re l atio n s h i ps w i t h o n e a n other. The gro u p wi l l need
to ca m p fo r at least one n i ght.
369
 G M s can add s i d e e n co u nters to t h e j o u rn ey,
if d e s i red. These e n co u nters can be i ntrod u ced
a nywh e re and at any t i m e wh i l e the PCs a re l ocated
in the Fifth Stretch of the Wa n d e r i n g Wa l l<.
The Skulking Bands
T h i s side encou nter can be u sed anytime the PCs
a re near the Wa nder. I t s h o u l d take p l ace at n i ght
but doesn't need to occ u r i n the l ocation of a M o uth
Zaelem, level 3, health Ca irn, where the zae lem h ave been spend i n g their
7 8, Armor 2, stealth time of l ate.
actions as level 4 The " s k u l k i n g b a n d s " a re known mostly by
wh i s pe rs a n d rumors. B e l i eved to be gro u p s of
h u m a n s o r a b h u m a n s t h at rove the edges of the
Fifth Stretch (and perhaps a few oth e r portions) of
t h e Wa n d e r i n g Wa l k, the s k u l k i n g b a n d s a re act u a l ly
creatu res ca l l ed zae l e m .
Fro m fa r away, a zae l e m a p pears t o be a gro u p of
band its t h at q u ickly m oves a s one across the l a n d . I n
trut h , i t i s a s i n g l e creat u re . Its s l u g l i ke m a i n body i s
w i d e a n d fl at, w i t h i t s m o u t h o n t h e u n d e rs i d e , a n d
cru sty extru s i o n s o n i t s b a c k grow 5 t o 6 feet (1 . 5 t o
1 . 8 m) i n h e i g h t-th e " b a n d it s . " The creat u re ' s l owe r
h a l f can be as l a rge as 1 0 s q u a re feet (0. 9 sq. m) a n d
takes o n t h e co l o r o f the gro u n d below i t . A zae l e m
l owers i t s e l f ove r a p ro n e creatu re a n d atte m pts t o
s u ffocate its p rey before s u c k i n g the enti rety-body,
Slaytongue is believed in
some parts of the world cloth i n g, a n d posse s s i o n s-i nto its mouth.
to be the powerful and The p rotru s i o n s that rise from the creat u re ' s back
angry voice of the dead. a re b u i lt from the col l ected posses s i o n s of the dead,
Desecrate the memories which it ca n n ot d i gest. The p rotru s i o n s grow l a rger
or bodies of the deceased, with every s u bsequent ki l l . T h i s also m a kes a zaelem
and the Slaytongue will
d a n ge ro u s i n u n p red icta ble ways. Depe n d i n g on what
come for you. Many
adults will say they don 't odd assortment of objects it has i ntegrated , when
believe in the ancient attacked , it cou l d exude a poison, exp lode, or s pew
curse, yet they reverently a cone of flames if a n u menera weapon is a m i d the
honor the Mouth Cairns. rem a i n s . The zaelem d o n 't know h ow to control the
n u men era, but they can be h azard o u s j u st the same.
If a PC is sitti ng or standi ng, the skulking bands attempt
to knock them flat with a successfu l attack that infl icts
no damage. If the zaelem succeeds, or ifthe character
is already prone (perhaps asleep) , it then tries to lower
its large, flat body over the victi m and suffocate him.
Suffocation takes four rounds, and d u ring each round the
victim can attempt a M ight defense rol l to get free.
Zaelem attacks a re t h e o r i g i n of the po p u l a r (and
often m i s i nterpreted) sayi ng, " O n t h e Wa n d e r, a man
wo u l d d o we l l to s leep with his best of friend s . "
Loot: I f the P C s s u cceed i n ki l l i n g a zae l e m a n d
take a closer look, t h ey' re l i kely t o fi n d u s e a b l e
p a rts, exp l o rer's gear, a n d perh a p s eve n 1 d 6 cyp hers
among t h e p rotru s i o n s .
Light swarm, level 2 Light Swarms
It has been a long time s i nce the people of the Wa nder
h ave seen a l i ght swa rm, yet many wait for it with
370
l o n g i n g. The stories that h ave been pas sed down for
ge nerations describe it as a beautifu l s i ght, somet h i n g
beyond word s and wo nder. H oweve r, i t ' s h i g h ly
p robable that no one a l ive today h a s ever seen one.
I f t h e PCs e n co u nter a l i ght swa rm, it h a p p e n s
faster t h a n see m s pos s i b l e. O n e moment, the n i ght
s ky i s d a rk. The n ext, the e n t i re s ky i s fi l led with
b l u e-gree n orbs t h at seem to m ove in a n i n tricately
choreogra p hed d a nce. The creat u res a re cool to
the touch a n d d o n o h a rm to the PCs if t h ey b r u s h
aga i n st t h e c h a racte rs' s ki n . The eve nt see m s t o go
o n fo r h o u rs , perh a p s , u n t i l eve n the most i nterested
peo p l e find t h e i r atte ntion ove rwhel med by t h e
l e n gth of the d a nce.
This i s no mere d ance, however; it i s the creatures'
tra n s itory phase from larva to ad u lt. They are
con necting in long chains, s p i n n i n g their way i nto
giant tri ple hel ixes that, once complete, lose their
l u m i nescence and fall to the ground. The newly formed
larval creatures are starving after their long transition,
and the characters probably look l i ke tasty snacks.
I f the PCs a re nea rby when t h i s occu rs, t h ey m i ght
be attacked by twe lve l a rval creat u res.
Taking the Girl
Th i s encou nter works o n ly if the PCs h ave chosen to
take Seri a with t h e m o n t h e i r trave l s .
As the P C s b e d d own fo r the eve n i ng, they
d i scove r t h at fo u r of the Peregri nes fro m earl ier i n
t h e d ay h ave fo l l owed t h e m . I n stead o f t h e fr i e n d l y
conversation the P C s expect, the gro u p asks them t o
h a n d ove r the g i r l , c l e a r l y mea n i n g to d o h e r h a r m .
W i t h t h e r i g h t q uest i o n s o r i nti m i d ation tactics,
the PCs m i ght d i scove r t h at t h e reason h a s to d o
w i t h Seri a ' s a b i l ity to control t h e scuti morp h s . The
PCs can h a n d h e r ove r, scare the Peregrines i nto
leavi n g without h e r, o r fight them off.
ENCOUNTER 1 :
THE MOUTH CAIRNS CAMP
The PCs h ave gathered at one of the Mouth Cairns
tucked i n the s h adow of a h u l ki n g meta l l i c structu re
along the Wander. These shal low, circu lar hollows
each marked by a short, rou n d wa l l b u i lt from the jaws
of dead Peregri nes-are considered among the few
safe places along this stretch of the route. Those who
enter a bone circle m u st give some p ro m i se of their
good i ntent to the s l a i n lest the dead mouths awake
and cast their retri bution. Even those who don't bel ieve
in the so-ca l led S l aytongue may find them selves at the
end of a wea pon if they try to brea k the peace here.
Sti l l , PCs h ave l i kely heard the r u m o r t h at
someth i n g ' s attacki n g eve n those seq uestered i n the
ca i rn s . Trave l t h rough t h e a rea i s more d a n ge ro u s
t h a n u s u a l . Others ca m p i n g i n a n d a ro u n d t h e
M o uth Ca i rn s h ave heard s i m i l a r sto ries.

O n ce a l l the p l ayers a re comforta b l e with where
they a re a n d wh at' s go i n g o n , read or para p h rase t h e
.ALO U D
fo l l owing.
READ
T h e ca m p i s mostly peacefu l , with about a d ozen
travelers s h a r i n g the sleeping and cooking s pace.
There is no l ight swa rm, but there a re stars and
glowglobes and a l ittle d r i n k, and the weather i n the
lee of the struct u re i s d ry and passable. In the early
eve n i ng, you hear some d i sgruntled ta l k about the
lack of a l ight swarm and a few wh i s pered tales of the
I ro n Wind com i n g i nto the a rea. But it's o n ly when the
conversation turns towa rd a rece nt ras h of deaths i n
t h e M o uth Ca irns that t h e gro u p grows restless.
Rumors, i n s i sts o n e o l d man, both pa l m s a n d the
exposed l e n gth of his arms cove red i n e l a b o rate
b lood scar.
My mother saw it with her own eyes, s ays a n other,
yo u n ge r m a n , who poi nts at a wo m a n s l e e p i n g
a l o n g t h e e d g e o f the h o l l ow a n d then m a kes the
c i rcle of a u g m e ntation with his fi n gers. She has
mech eyes, and trust me, she sees everything. There i s
n e rvo u s l a u ghter fro m t h e gro u p . Most eve ryo n e h a s
a mother, after a l l , a n d re m e m bers h e r i m po s s i b l e
eye s i ght, a u g m e nted o r n ot.
Likely not human at all, says a t h i rd t rave l e r, and a
fo u rth a n d fifth agree.
The PCs can i nterject their own b e l i efs about wh at' s
been h a p pe n i n g at the Ca i r n s . Cha racte rs who h ave
been on the Wa n d e r for a w h i l e a re l i kely to know
m o re d eta i l s , but the PCs can u s e t h i s opport u n ity
to s h a re t h e i r own i nterpretat i o n s or to agree o r
d i sagree w i t h oth e r cha racters o r N PCs. F e e l free
to add d eta i l s about the N PCs a n d h ave them
participate i n the d i scu s s i o n , but keep i n mind t h at
they d o n ' t get i nvolved i n the action or t h e rest of
the adventu re. (Th at ' s why they h ave n ' t been given
names h e re.)
Th i s i s a c h a n ce fo r PCs to stre n gt h e n co n n ect i o n s
w i t h oth e r m e m bers o f t h e i r pa rty, so e n co u rage
t h e m by taki n g the ro les of vari o u s N PCs and j o i n i n g
i n t h e conversat i o n . (Th e truth i s t h at the zae l e m
h ave b e e n attacki n g peo p l e i n the M o uth Ca i rn s , but
.ALO U D
the q u estion i s : why?)
READ
Late i nto t h e n i ght, ta l k o f o d d wo u n d s a n d dead
bod ies l eaves eve ryo n e ch i l led d e s p ite the soft a i r,
a n d the d i sc u s s i o n fi n d s m a n y of the c i rcle awake
l o n g after t h e i r u s u a l h o u rs .
Sti l l , i n the e n d , eve ryo n e s l e e p s , a s they m u st, a n d
t h e re a re n ot a few who fi n d t h e m se lves s u rpri sed
to wa ke i n the morn i n g whole and u n h a rmed . There
LI M E NE
THE BEALE OF BOREGAL
BEALE
The circle of
augmentation-a gesture
A beale i s a rare genetic abil ity to offer mental
in which a person makes
suggestions to creatures, and people who h ave this two fists atop each
abil ity a re often cal led by the term as wel l . Beales other and twists them
are con nected to one another by tenuous mental in opposite directions-
l i n ks that seem to i ntensify as they get closer to is used to designate
others of their kind. (I magine a solar system where physical augmentations.
Occasionally used as a
the gravitational power of a star p u l l s the planets
derogatory gesture.
closer to one another and to itself.)
The word "beale" is a bastard ization of " beal,"
a Scottish term for the mouth of a river or valley
(originally from the Gaelic "beu l," meaning mouth) .
Presumably, the word was origi nally used tongue
in-cheek, a way to describe those with the abil ity to
com municate without using their mouth. It is the
closest approxi mation we have tod ay for the term
which com mands both res pect and fear and is used
as a cu rse in some parts of the N i nth World.
The GM can decide h ow q u ickly the PCs learn
of the word a n d Seria a n d Borega l ' s genetic
m a ke u p . At va rious poi nts i n t h e sto ry, the G M
s h o u l d d ro p va rious c l u e s about S e r i a ' s u n u s u a l
m i n dtouch a b i l ity, a n d t h e wo rd " beale" m i ght b e
wh i s pe red b y t h o s e who fea r o r reve re the powe r.
is someth i n g d e l i c i o u s about open i n g yo u r eyes to a
l ift i n g l i ght a n d rea l iz i n g t h at it's neither t h e glow of
the afterl ife n o r the s h i n e from the fa l l i n g b l a d e of a
knife. The rea l ization gives t h e m o rn i n g ' s activity a
boi ste ro u s a n d comradely feel.
As yo u ' re breaki n g ca m p , t h e re i s the s o u n d of
h ooves i n the d i stance. Fro m fa r away, it perh a p s
sou n d s o f a n a rmy, a h u ge n u m be r o f creat u res
making their way towa rd the h o l l ow, although
there i s n o s i ght of such a t h i ng, n ot eve n fro m the
augme nted eyes of the mother. Eve n t u a l ly, h owever,
s h e m a kes out t h at it is act u a l ly j u st one creatu re,
a scut i m o r p h , co m i n g across the sands fro m t h e
d i rection of the Fa l s e Woods a t a s u perb pace,
carry i n g at least two riders. There is a l ow m u r m u r
fro m t h e gro u p a t t h i s n ews-h e rd s o f scuti m o r p h s
fi l l the Fa l s e Woods a t t h e n o rthern ed ge of the Fifth
Stretch , wra p p i n g their segme nted bod ies a ro u n d the
h eat-co n d u ct i n g t ru n ks . N o o n e rides t h e creat u re s .
You sure what you 're seeing, mother? a s ks t h e yo u n g
m a n , o n ly t o be s h u s h ed b y t h e others w h o stra i n
t h e i r eyes n o rthward .
The creatu re a n d its riders a rrive q u i ckly, its many fl at
feet barely d i st u r b i n g the eart h as it settles to a stop
between the structu re and the h o l l ow.
O n e of the riders i s a yo u n g m a n , clearly i n j u red
fro m a fight of some k i n d . H i s wo u n d s a re serious
but probably n ot l i fe-th reate n i ng. The oth e r rider,
37 1
 b a rely o l d e r t h a n a g i r l , i s clea rly d i stra u ght. N e it h e r
of t h e m b e a r s the m a rks of the Peregri n e s , n o r a re
t h e i r pants sta i n ed with the tel ltale b l ue-green h e m
o f t h e area. Observant P C s m ay n otice t h at t h e g i r l ,
eve n i n h e r a n g u i s h , see m s t o be t h e o n e who i s
s o m e h ow tam i n g t h e scuti morp h . The scut i m o r p h
doesn't a l l ow anyo n e e l s e close to it. By ta l k i n g with
Patel, level 2 t h e yo u n g man, who s ays h i s name i s Patel , the PCs
can e a s i l y learn t h at the girl is h i s s i ster, Seria; t h at
Seria, level 2, t h ey a n d t h e i r fa m i ly we re attacked by creatu res
intermittent mind
ca l l ed p a l l o n e s; a n d t h at they a re rid i n g fo r h e l p .
injluencing and
communication powers Patel begs the P C s to take h i s s i ster t o the Cyl ion
at short range as the GM B as i n , sayi n g t h at s h e needs some type of p rotection
sees fit (alth ough from wh at, h e wi l l n ot say) , wh i l e h e
ret u r n s to h e l p defe n d h i s fa m i ly fro m t h e attackers.
I f t h e PCs t ry to get m o re i n formation fro m h i m ,
Pallone, page 25 7
a s u ccessfu l I nte l l ect- based ro l l m e a n s t h at h e
w a r m s u p to o n e p a rticu l a r m e m be r of t h e g ro u p .
Patel m i ght te l l t h i s person t h at S e r i a contro l s t h e
scut i m o r p h t h ro u g h h e r powers a s a beale a n d t h at
t h e p rotect i o n s h e need s i s fo r h e r m i n d , w h i c h i s
b e i n g affected b y t h e stra n ge n e s s t h at see m s t o b e
g ri p p i n g t h e w h o l e reg i o n . H oweve r, beca u s e h e i s
very p rotect ive o f Seri a a n d re l u ctant t o revea l h e r
secrets , t h e d i fficu lty t o ga i n t h i s i n formation i s
i n creased b y t h ree ste p s , t o a tot a l o f 5 . N o m atte r
w h at t h e re s u lts of t h e rol l , Patel wi l l not s h a re t h i s
i nfo rm a t i o n with t h e e n t i re gro u p , o n l y i n a p rivate
d i sc u s s i o n with the s i n g l e PC h e s pe a ks wit h .
Seria i s clea rly d i stra u ght, b a rely a b l e t o form
co m p l ete sentences. The o n ly time she speaks i s to
d i s agree with h e r b rother. She a s ks the PCs to leave
h e r and t rave l back with Patel to h e l p h e r fa m i ly i n
t h e Fa l s e Wood s . S h e i n s i sts t h at s h e c a n get t o t h e
Cyl ion B a s i n o n h e r own . I f t h e PCs m a ke a d d i t i o n a l
atte m pts to com m u n icate w i t h h e r, s h e cont i n ues t o
repeat h e r req uest.
GM I ntrusion: I f any of the PCs touch Seri a at any
poi nt, they hear her utte r someth i n g gutt u ra l and
lyrica l . H owever, the sound i s o n ly i n their m i nd s . I t
gives them a n o d d con n ection t o her, and t h roughout
the adventure, they wi l l sometimes hear her nonsense
word s i n their head . T h i s form of geas does not u rge
the affected PCs to any particu l a r action, but it gives
them a sense of d i s q u iet when they move close to
p l aces that a re i m portant to the girl.
The Scuti morph: O n ce Seria i s n o l o n ge r i n physical
contact with t h e scuti m o r p h , the creatu re breaks its
co n n ection with h e r. I f anyo n e atte m pts to touch
it o r eve n a p p roach with i n 5 feet ( l . 5 m) of it, the
scut i m o r p h l i kely attacks. Oth e rwise, it s kitters off.
PC Choice: At this poi nt, t h e PCs m u st choose
a path-h e l p Seria by goi n g to the Cyl i o n B a s i n
372
( E ncounter 4) , or h e l p h e r fa m i ly by go i n g to the
Fa l s e Wood s ( E ncounter 2) . To get i nvolved in
the act i o n , t h ey' l l h ave to choose o n e of the two
optio n s , t h o u g h it does n ' t m atte r wh ich one. If t h e
P C s s p l it u p , they' l l l i kely m eet u p aga i n soo n . ( I f
the c h a racte rs g o separate ways, yo u ' l l h ave t o r u n
m u lt i p l e encou nters a t once, with each gro u p o f PCs
deal i n g with o n ly h a l f of the situat i o n . It's n ot t h at
h a rd to d o-it ' s l i ke cutt i n g back a n d fo rth between
two scenes in a movie.)
Either way, t h e PCs wi l l soon d i scove r t h at
someth i n g stra n ge i s afoot on a m u c h l a rger sca l e
t h a n the l ives o f two yo u n g peo p l e . Someth i n g i s
creat i n g o d d d i stu rba n ces a m o n g t h e creat u re s
of the a rea. Alt h o u g h many peo p l e who l ive i n the
region h ave n oticed t h e d i s ru pt i o n s a n d m i ght
re m a rk upon them to t h e PCs, few seem to h ave any
u nd e rsta n d i n g of the cause.
ENCOUNTER 2: THE FALSE WOODS
Fro m far away, the Fa l s e Wood s a p pears be an act u a l
fo rest, p robably o n e t h at w a s cultivate d . Al l o f the
l a rge trees appear to be t h e same d i a meter a n d the
s a m e h e i ght. O n ly when the PCs get closer d o they
d i scove r t h at t h e n a m e " Fa l s e Wood s " i s m o re t h a n
a pt. T h i s w a s o n ce a sort o f struct u re, but n o w i t
a p pears more l i ke a grove o f tree s . H oweve r, t h e
trees a re n ot trees at a l l , but a field of synth t u bes
covered i n a l iv i n g m e s h at t h e top.
Each b rown-grey t u b e begi n s about 2 feet (0. 6 m)
a bove the gro u n d a n d rises 20 (6. l m) feet i nto the
a i r. The tubes a re about 10 feet (3 m) i n d i a meter
and h o l l ow o n the i n s i d e . A l a rge scut i m o r p h wra p s
a ro u n d e a c h tube, a n d the creat u re ' s ro u g h a n d
co b b l ed b rown exo s ke l eton m a kes the t u be look
l i ke a rea l tree tru n k. PCs atte m pt i n g to cl i m b t h e
tu bes o n t h e outs i d e fi n d t h at the creatu res re lease
a vaporo u s s u bstance t h at m a kes their exo s ke l eto n s
s l i ppery. Tryi n g t o k i l l o r h a rm a scuti morph ca u ses
the creatu re to rea r u p fro m its co i l a ro u n d the
tree, its l a rge front p i nchers seeki n g to d a mage the
attacker. I f one scut i m o r p h wakes, the oth e rs beg i n
t o res pond as we l l .
T h e i nteriors o f some o f t h e tubes h ave s m a l l
cutouts, fo rm i n g l a d d e rs o f sorts. The m e s h a bove
the tu bes, o n ce some k i n d of p rotective roof, n ow
h a n gs down i n l o n g stri p s a n d i s l ittered with d e b r i s ,
both n a t u r a l a n d a rtific i a l . Desp ite i t s a g e , t h e
weavi n g i s stro n g a n d , i n m o s t p l ace s , st i l l s u p po rts
the we ight of a h u m a n wa l k i n g acro s s it.
U nder the G eas: I f a n y of the PCs a re u n d e r t h e
g e a s of S e r i a , t h e c l o s e r t h ey get to t h e Fa l s e
Wood s , t h e stro n g e r t h e i r s e n s e of u n ease
beco m e s . I t creates a s i c ke n i n g fee l i n g i n t h e
sto mach a n d a bit of a h e a d a c h e . Alt h o u g h t h i s

does n 't i m p a i r t h e affected c h a racters, it p rov i d e s
a n o p port u n ity fo r a G M i nt ru s i o n . P C s w h o a re
i n co m b at or conversat i o n m ay fi n d t h e i r s e n s e of
u n ease g rowi n g stro n g e n o u g h t h at t h ey fu m b l e
t h e i r wea p o n , m i s s t h e i r m a rk, o r s u ffe r i n t h e i r
conversat i o n a l s ki l l s .
Attacked i n the Woods: Wh i l e t h e PCs exp l o re
the Fa l s e Wood s , t h ey a re attacked by an agitated
scut i m o r p h . The creatu re acts e rratical ly. Fo rt u n ately,
if t h ey m a n age to i n fl i ct 1 0 poi nts of d a m age, it flees.
ENCOUNTER 3: THE RUINED ALDEIA
A few h u n d red yard s i nto the Fa l s e Wood s , the PCs
d i scove r a cleari n g t h at a p pears to hold the re m a i n s
o f a s m a l l vi l l age: th ree tri a n g u l a r struct u re s t h at
a re made of a l iv i n g s u b stance s i m i l a r to the m e s h
a bove. These a re clea rly dwe l l i n g s , a n d a q u ick
i n s pection of t h e s ite s h ows t h at there once we re
nearly a dozen m o re s i m i l a r struct u res, which h ave
s i n ce been destroyed. A n u m be r of peo p l e a re i n
t h e a rea, re b u i l d i n g t h e struct u res, clea n i n g u p , a n d
gatheri n g wea po n s . The general mood see m s t o b e
exh a u stion a n d fea r. As t h e P C s a rrive, the v i l l agers
s u d d e n ly take up a r m s , mostly long s pears and staffs
of metal a n d synth.
The cha racte rs m i ght th i n k t h at the v i l l agers a re
p re p a ri n g to h a rm t h e m , but t h ey q u ickly rea l ize t h at
the peo p l e a re i n stead attacki n g t h i n , a l m ost i nv i s i b l e
creat u re s i n the a i r above t h e m . T h e s e creatu res a re
the p a l lones t h at Pate l warned them a bout.
S i x p a l lones of va rious s izes attack the vi l l agers
and the PCs. They a re es peci a l ly aggre s s ive,
i ncrea s i n g t h e i r l evel to 3 fo r t h i s encounter.
The v i l lagers a re s k i l led with t h e i r wea pons a n d
com pete nt i n battle, although it's clear t h at they
a re n ' t used to fight i n g t h i s p a rticu l a r creatu re.
PCs who a s s i st i n t h e fight a re rewa rd ed with
gratitude fro m t h e vi l l agers and i nvited to s h a re a
meal a n d conversat i o n .
Tal king t o t h e Villagers: Pos s i b l e N PC i nteract i o n s
i nc l u d e the fo l l owing.
N aed i, t h e mother ofSeria and Patel. S h e a p p roaches
the PCs as soon as it' s clear t h at they h ave co m e to
h e l p . I f the PCs mention the n a m e s of either of h e r
ch i l d re n , s h e i s eager t o hear o f t h e i r fate. N aed i i s
eq u a l ly keen t o exp l a i n t h at t h i s attack o n t h e i r town
is the seco n d by the p a l l o n e s in as many d ays. I n h e r
d i straught state, s h e ve h e m ently b l a m e s eve ryo n e
but h e r d a u ghter.
H owever, a PC who ca l m s h e r a n d m a kes h e r fee l
safe d i scovers t h at h e r true worry i s t h at t h i s i s a l l
Seri a ' s fa u lt. S h e m i ght eve n ad m it t h at Seria i s a
beale (gett i n g h e r to revea l t h at fact i s a l evel 4 task) .
LI M E NE
THE BEALE OF BOREGAL
Lowd , Seria's grandfather and the town's cu rrent Lowd, level 3
leader. He is concerned about h i s g ra n d c h i l d re n b u t
s ays , a bit gruffly, "That gi rl i s ca p a b l e of cari n g fo r
h e rself a n d t h e n s o m e . " H e s ee m s m o re worried
about re b u i l d i n g t h e town and p re p a ri n g it to
defe n d aga i n st fu rt h e r attacks . PCs who a s s i st h i m
with t h i s t a s k fo r m o re t h a n a n h o u r fi n d t h at h e
offers h i s own view o f t h e story: s o m et h i n g u n d e r
t h e g ro u n d i s d i s r u pt i n g t h e n at u ra l o rd e r of t h e
creat u re s i n t h e area. " I fee l its p u l l fro m t h e fi n gers
of t h e west , " h e says. Th i s i s a refe re n ce to the
E m bered Peaks, b u t t h e co n n ect i o n m i ght n ot be
obvi o u s yet. F i g u r i n g out the refe re n ce at t h i s p o i n t
i s a d ifficu lty 4 I nte l l ect t a s k .
Vibris, a you ng m a n . V i b r i s see m s t o re m a i n Vi bris, level 3
separate fro m the others. Alt h o u g h h e fo u g h t b rave ly
aga i n st the p a l l o n e s , h e retreats to the ed ge of the
town after the battle, s moki n g a n d watc h i n g the
oth e r v i l l agers. I f the PCs a p p roach h i m , h e tries to
send t h e m off rou g h ly with a g l a re o r a h a r s h word .
Those s k i l led i n pers u a s i o n or c h a rm (and who offe r
h i m a bit of food , so meth i n g to s m o ke, o r the l i ke)
hear h i m say, " Do n ' t be l i eve those foo l s . T h i s i s a l l
t h at g i rl ' s d o i n g. W h y d o n ' t y o u a s k h e r w h y t h i s h a s
been happening?"
Other villagers ta l k ge nerally a b o u t h ow creatu res i n
the a rea h ave b e e n u n u s u a l ly aggre s s ive a s o f l ate.
Eve n the scuti m o rp h s h ave u n co i l ed fro m t h e i r tree
tubes to attack without p rovocati o n .
P C Choice: Fro m h e re, the c h a racte rs c a n head
west to t h e E m bered Peaks ( E n co u nter 7) o r go
to the Cyl i o n B a s i n a n d try to t rack d own the g i rl
( E n co u nter 4) .
ENCOUNTER 4: TROUBLED WATERS
If the PCs head towa rd t h e Cyl i o n B as i n , they most
l i kely h ave Seria with them. Alt h o u g h she see m s
t o h ave n o physical tro u b l es-s h e i s a b l e t o kee p
pace with the gro u p with s u rp ri s i n g ea se-the girl
re m a i n s q u iet a n d stra i n e d , clearly i n some type of
mental a n g u i s h . PCs who ta l k to h e r ca l m ly without
a s k i n g a lot of q u esti o n s (for this ro l l , the d ifficu lty Naedi, level 3
is i n creased by one step) m ay d i scove r t h at s h e ' s
worried a b o u t h e r fa m i ly a n d vi l l age, a n d t h at s h e
h a s a n odd n o i s e a n d p a i n i n h e r h e a d t h at m a kes i t
d ifficu lt t o t h i n k o r s peak clearly.
I f the PCs i n stead a rrive i n t h e Cyl i o n B a s i n looking
for Seria a n d Pate l , someone poi nts them in the right
d i rection after they a s k a ro u n d a bit (or p u rchase a
h ea l i n g re medy) . The s i b l i ngs a re with D a rv i n (see
bel ow) , who has been u n a b l e to heal Seri a due to t h e
b ro ke n h o u n d s i n the synth gard e n .
373
 Cylion Basin
S i t u ated at the western m ost ed ge of t h e Fifth Stretch
of the Wa n d e r i n g Wa l k, the town of Cyl i o n B a s i n is a
p l ace of res p ite a n d h ea l i n g for Peregri nes a n d ot h e r
t rave lers.
The region i s n a med fo r a series of five s m a l l
bod ies o f l i q u i d , a l l ro u g h ly t h e s a m e s ize-a bout 20
feet (6. 1 m) a ro u n d and 3 feet (0. 9 m) deep-th at
a re a rra n ged i n a straight l i ne. Each bas i n is fi l led
from a n atu ra l sou rce with a d iffe rent co l o r l i q u i d .
W h e n trave l e rs a rrive i n town o n t h e o n ly pat h , t h ey
encou nter t h e bas i n s i n t h i s order: red , o ra n ge,
ye l l ow, gree n , a n d b l ack. Each bas i n i s a l s o fi l led
with so meth i n g e l se-a p r i m o rd i a l soup of n a n ite s ,
m icrosco p i c creat u res, a n d oth e r e l e m ents t h at h e l p
to heal m i n o r p h y s i c a l a i l ments a n d i l l nesses.
The town grew u p a ro u n d the bod ies of wate r,
u s i n g them as a sort of m a i n street. M ost of the
b u s i nesses a re re l ated to health a n d we l l n e s s , a n d
t h e com m u n ity boasts a wide vari ety o f peo p l e w h o
ca l l t h e m s e lves h e a l e rs o f o n e sort o r another. A
n u m be r of s h o p s a n d sta l l s offe r health re m e d i e s
of vari o u s types-h ea l i n g h a n d s a n d c h a nts,
pot i o n s a n d p i l l s , idols a n d ca n d l e s , tech n i cal and
mech a n ical o bjects, a n d more. I t costs noth i n g to
use the ba s i n s , but m uch of the tow n ' s reve n u e
stream i s based o n a b u sy to u ri st trade fro m t h e s a l e
Darvin, level 4 o f oth e r re med i e s . T h u s , the bas i n s a re we l l l it, a n d
peo p l e u s e them a t a l l h o u rs o f the d ay a n d n i ght.
Arrival: When the PCs a rrive at the Cyl i o n B a s i n ,
they notice that the town i s b u stl i n g w i t h a wide
assortment of people i n d ifferent stages of health .
The many shops and sta l l s seem to h ave fewe r salable
good s than they m i ght expect. PCs who co mment on
the lack of good s d i scove r that the stores a re h avi n g a
d ifficult time gett i n g s u p p l ies l ately beca use many of
the u s u a l vendors h ave not come to town.
PCs who a s k about gett i n g help fo r Seria m i ght
e n d u p with too m uch i nformat i o n . O n ce the
v i l l agers u n d e rsta n d t h at it's fo r t h e g i r l , t h ey' re
ove rly ready to h e l p , h awki n g t h e i r wares a n d s h a r i n g
contra d i ctory s u ggest i o n s t h at m i ght l eave t h e
c h a racters co nfu sed a n d frustrated .
H owever, PCs who s p e n d a bit of co i n at any of the
s h o p s n otice a sudden switch i n the pers o n a l ity of
t h e ve n d o r.
Typical ly, the shopkeeper leans forward and shares
the i nformation as though it were a wel l-guarded secret
rather than someth i n g a nyone could learn for a s h i n
or two. " H ead back t o t h e e n d o f M a i n Street, past the
.ALO U D
black pond , and look for the sign with the bra i n on it."
READ
Broken hound, page 232
" M a i n Street" i s j u st a set o f l o n g wood e n p l a n ks
l a i d d own a l o n g both s i d e s of t h e bas i n s . I n t h e
374
wate rs, men a n d wo men a n d creat u res p l ay a n d
rest. Ch i l d re n d a rt a ro u n d y o u a s yo u m a ke yo u r way
d own the ra i n bow stretch of po n d s .
O f a l l t h e u n n at u ra l co l o rs-the red o f b l ood ,
the orange of s u n set, t h e green of the bri ghtest leaf
aga i n st t h e l i g ht-it i s perh a p s the b l ack t h at fi l l s
yo u with a s e n s e o f u n ease. I f t h e l i q u i d we re ta rry
or o i ly, it wo u l d n 't u p set yo u r s e n s e s so m uc h . B ut
it's wate ry, t h i n a n d yet as deep a n d b l ack as if it
were s o l i d . C h i l d re n s p l a s h and p l ay in its d a rkness,
s p read i n g l o n g stre a m s of i m po s s i b ly d a rk i n k
towa rd o n e a n other u nt i l i t ru n s d own t h e i r h a i r a n d
s k i n i n ve i n s o f b l ack.
Look away if yo u can so you don't fo rget what
yo u ' re search i n g for: a store, a s i g n . And beyo n d t h e
b l ack bas i n , t h e re it i s : a wood e n s i g n w i t h a n act u a l
b ra i n n a i led t o it w i t h two l a rge, t h i c k n a i l s . Fro m t h e
s ize, t h e b ra i n doesn't a p pear to be h u m a n , but it's
h a rd to be s u re.
Ben eath t h e s i g n i s a wo m a n who wears the face
of a m e rcu rial h e a l e r. S h a rpened s h a rd s of metal and
synth p rotrude i n s e m i c i rcles a ro u n d h e r eye s , the
base of h e r nose, a n d the co rners of h e r mouth.
"Come," s h e says, without givi n g yo u time to speak
or ask or even gape. " I know of what you seek."
The wo m a n ' s name i s D a rv i n , a n d she s pecial izes
in i l l nesses of the b ra i n . I n s i d e her shop a re tu bes
and w i res m a k i n g mach i n es t h at seem to be hod ge
pod ged together. S h e a s ks fo r the PCs' sto ry, but as
s h e l i ste n s , most of her atte ntion is focused o n Seri a.
D a rv i n says s h e has a re medy but need s mate r i a l s
fro m the synth gard e n o u t s i d e o f tow n . The gard e n ,
s h e te l l s t h e m , u s e d t o be a com m u n ity res o u rce,
a p l ace to p rod u ce many of the m ateri a l s the local
h e a l e rs need fo r t h e i r pot i o n s and re m e d i e s , but
rece ntly a pack of broken h o u n d s took ove r the area,
kee p i n g the h e a l e rs away.
" I t ' s d a n ge ro u s , " s h e m i ght caut i o n . " B ut those
h e re wo u l d owe yo u , should you m a n age to ret u rn
the synth gard e n to safety. Leave t h e girl with me so I
can prepare h e r. "
I f t h e PCs agree t o go, Darvin a s ks t h e m t o b ri n g
back fo u r l o n g stri ps o f a red metal as wel l as a go lden
pear, which " m i ght give a bit of a s hock to the touch . "
ENCOUNTER 5 : THE SYNTH GARDEN
The synth gard e n i s j u st outside town to the east. It
looks somet h i n g l i ke a trad itional gard e n , b u i lt with
long rows. Some rows a re home to fl oweri n g p l a nts,
herbs, o r e d i b l e s , wh i l e oth e r rows host grow i n g
t h i ngs t h at s e e m a s synthetic a s t h ey a re o rga n ic. S i x
b roken h o u n d s h ave m oved i nto the a rea, a l t h o u g h
n o one knows why.
If t h e PCs s u cceed i n ki l l i n g the h o u n d s a n d

secu ri n g the gard e n , a l ittl e scouti n g wi l l a l l ow them
to d i scove r a row of p l a nts t h at p rod uces l eaves
made of l o n g red meta l , as we l l as a s m a l l b u s h t h at
h a s o n e or two go l d e n " pears" st i l l on it. Any PC who
picks o n e fro m t h e bush l i kely gets a bit of a s h ock,
but it's o n ly o n the fi rst to u c h .
Those w i t h s ki l l s i n identifyi n g a n d u s i n g p l a nts
o r with the n u m e n e ra m i ght fi n d a d d i t i o n a l t h i ngs
of u s e h e re a s we l l . (Th e GM can expa n d o n this a s
d e s i red.)
I f t h e PCs ret u r n victori o u s , D a rv i n s ays t h at she
h a s p re p a red Seria but need s a d ay to fa s h ion the
c u re. At t h at poi nt, s h e says, Seria should be able
to te l l them more about what h a p pened to h e r a n d
p rovide c l u e s as t o t h e i r next move. O n ce wo rd
s p read s of the PCs' a s s i stance i n t h e synth gard e n ,
the tow n s peo p l e we lcome t h e m w i t h offers o f free
l o d g i n g , heal i n g pot i o n s , a n d mea l s d u ri n g t h e i r stay.
ENCOUNTER 6: A NIGHT IN TOWN
D u ri n g the n i ght, the PCs hear screams and thras h i ngs.
I f they i nvestigate, they d i scover th ree people who h ave
j u st cl i m bed out of the black basin. All three are covered
in streams of small black bugs that flow l i ke water down
their skin. The bugs are eas i ly s h aken off and step ped
on or smashed, but the victims h ave s m a l l p u rple
bruises a l l over their exposed skin. The bruises a ren't
painfu l , but they itch mad ly.
If a PC h a p p e n s to be i n the b l ack b a s i n d u ri n g
t h i s t i m e , s h e a l s o experiences these bugs.
The town see m s u pset by this i n cident but n ot
s u rprised. The general co n s e n s u s i s t h at t h i s type
of t h i n g-th e broken h o u n d s mov i n g i n , h a r m fu l
creat u re s i n the ba s i n s-see m s t o be h a p pe n i n g
m o re a n d m o re.
In the morn i n g, Seria i s s p o rt i n g a n odd n ew
face p l ate: two red a n d gold stri ps across h e r left
cheek. In many ways , she seems l i ke a n enti rely
d i fferent perso n , n ow ch atte r i n g a n d l a u g h i ng,
tea s i n g the PCs, t h a n k i n g t h e m fo r their help, a n d
m a k i n g p re p a rat i o n s t o ret u rn t o h e r fa m i ly.
If the PCs a s k her, s h e te l l s them that s h e fe lt a
m i n d con nected with hers from the northwest, a
mach ine-man deep i n the eart h . S h e d raws a m a p for
them i n the d i rt, clearly denoti n g the seven-fi n gered
m o u nta i n peak as the p l ace she i s referri n g to. I t takes
l ittle effort to rea l ize that t h i s i s the E m be red Peaks.
" H e ' s scared , " she says. " B ut I d o n ' t l i ke h i m . H e
m a d e me fee l bad , a n d I d o n 't want you t o h e l p h i m .
B u t yo u h ave to. I th i n k you h ave to."
N o m atte r w h at t h e PCs s ay, Seria m a kes it clear
t h at s h e i s go i n g back to h e r fa m i ly to m a ke s u re they
a re safe a n d we l l .
Any PCs w h o we re formerly con nected with h e r now
feel that sense of u nease l ifted , and they' re s u rpri sed
to d i scove r h ow m uch better they suddenly feel .
LI M E NE
THE BEALE OF BOREGAL
ENCOUNTER 7: EMBERED PEAKS
If the PCs trave l to E m bered Peaks, t h ey fi n d w h at
PCs who spend any time
s h o u l d be a s i m p l e tow n . The m ajo rity of the
in the basins add 1 to any
b u i l d i ngs i n t h e center of town a re made of sto n e recovery rolls they make
a n d stee l , w i t h a d a r k green ce ment m ixtu re between while in town.
the b l ocks. O n the outs k i rts, homes a re mostly
carved out of t h e m o u nt a i n edges, often reveal i n g
t h e d a rk green i nterior o f t h e l a n d scape.
H owever, E m bered Peaks see m s to be i n some kind
of u p h eava l , nearly p u s h ed to the b ri n k of i n s a n ity.
S i g n s of destruction and violence-b roken windows,
rece nt fi res, people with bandages-a re everywhere.
The merch ants, cavot farmers, and p i l g ri m s a re too Cavots are small, black
scared to talk to the PCs or to one another. They look rodentlike creatures. As
vegetarians, they subsist
at the PCs (a nd at many of their fe l l ow resid ents) with
on a diet of echar berries,
obvious m i stru st. G ro u p s of people gather in s m a l l found on shrubs that grow
cl u m ps , wh i s pe ri n g a m o n g them selves and p repari n g best in dark, wet places.
for the next outbreak o f violence. Unable to digest the
seeds of the berries, the
I f the PCs ask about t h e violence, they get a biza rre
cavots discard them after
m ixtu re of a n swers, a l l exp re s s i o n s of Borega l ' s
having polished them to
para n o i a a n d i n s a n ity: a beautiful yellow shine.
"I d o n ' t l i ke the way eve ryo n e in t h i s town cha nts Many of the villagers raise
i n the m i d d l e of the n i ght, p rayi n g to some d a rk cavots and use the seeds
god . I th i n k I h ave to ki l l t h e m . " not only as currency but
" Everyo ne h e re h ates me beca u s e I ' m t h e o n ly o n e also as signs of wealth,
decorating their clothing
t h at knows the truth a b o u t the u n ivers e . "
and personal belongings
" Lotsa folks 'round here got some kinda strange with them.
mach ine in their brains. You can see it when they tal k."
" I was j u st m i n d i n g my own b u s i n e s s when
eve ryo n e started attacki n g eve ryo n e e l s e . I t was
l i ke l iv i n g in a m a d h o u s e . "
"Yo u m u st be o n e o f the crazy ones if yo u ' re
a s k i n g me that."
With some pers u a s i o n o r i nti m i d ation (a l evel 4
task) , the PCs m i ght get someone to te l l them to
search out M agi strate Yiera n , who can be fo u n d i n
t h e Fo ru m o f t h e Dead-th e c i rc u l a r sto ne b u i l d i n g
i n t h e m i d d l e o f tow n . Yieran i s t h e leader o f t h e
d evo i rs a n d , t h u s , o f E m bered Peaks itself, although
n o o n e h a s seen him fo r d ays.
I f the PCs i n q u i re about a res u rrection mach i n e o r
any k i n d of mach i n e , n ot o n l y d o they g e t n o a n swe r,
but the person either attacks them on t h e s pot (a
typ ical re s i d e n t i s l eve l 2) or waits to gat h e r a few
fr i e n d s a n d attacks t h e PCs l ater.
Looki ng for Yieran: I n s i d e the Fo ru m of t h e Dead , the
PCs enter a n outer office t h at see m s to h ave been
ra n sacked . Papers a n d mach i n e ry a re strewn a bout.
An observant c h a racte r m i ght n otice a few s p l atte rs
of b l ood o n the floor and fu rn it u re (a l evel 5 task) .
A rat h e r fra ntic yo u n g m a n see m s to be looki n g
fo r someth i n g i n the outer office, h i s b l o n d h a i r
fa l l i n g ove r h i s face a s h e sto p s h i s search t o greet
the c h a racters. T h i s is C h a h i l . I f t h e PCs a s k about Chahil, level 3
375
 M agi strate Yiera n , he says the magi strate is n ot
see i n g a nyo n e right n ow d u e to the m u rders.
All of the "Read Aloud"
text is information that I f the PCs a re d i p l o m atic, they can get him to
the PCs probably need a n swer some i n q u i ri e s , but noth i n g see m s to m a ke
to know. You can, of s e n s e . C h a h i l tal ks about the devo i rs both as if
course, paraphrase this t h ey wi l l be back at any m o m e nt and a s if t h ey' re
information in your own
a l l dead. I t ' s d i fficu lt to get any rea l i nformation
words.
out of h i m . Ch a h i l i n s i sts t h at the PCs come back
l ater. H owever, if t h ey a re pers i stent a n d pers u a s ive
(tas ks to co nvince h i m a re l evel 6 d ue to h i s agitated
state) , Ch a h ii takes the PCs i nto the i n n e r office to
see Yiera n . If the PCs get nowhere with C h a h i l , t h ey
m i ght need to devise a p l a n to s n e a k i n on t h e i r own .
Sneaki ng I n : T h e door t o t h e magi strate ' s i n n e r office
( i n the very ce nter of the b u i l d i n g) h a s two locks a n d
req u i res two ro l l s . The fi rst l o c k i s l evel 2 , a n d the
seco n d-an orn ate meta l l i c box fi l led with movi n g
p i eces l i ke a s l i d i n g p uzzle-i s l evel 4.
The i n n e r office holds noth i n g out of the o rd i n a ry,
j u st a d e s k a n d a few tru n k s . Observant PCs n otice
t h at t h e roo m see m s particu l a rly co l d i n its ve ry
center-a n a rea about 5 feet (1 . 5 m) s q u a re where
Magistrate Yieran, level 4 t h e tem perat u re d ro p s d ra m atical ly. I f they j u m p
o r step i n t h at s p ace, t h e floor echoes a s if i t we re
h o l l ow. Any PCs who get d own on the floor to look
fi n d a c i rc u l a r door with a b utto n n ext to it. O n ce the
b utto n i s p ressed, the door o p e n s very q u i ckly; PCs
sta n d i n g a bove it m u st m a ke a S peed defe n s e ro l l
(level 2 ) t o avo id fa l l i n g t h rough t h e hole.
I f they fall, they d ro p i nto near b l ackness 3 0 feet
(9. 1 m) d own a c i rc u l a r set of sto n e sta i rs . They
s u ffe r 3 poi nts of d a mage.
I f they don't fa l l , t h e sta i rs a re n ot d a n ge ro u s at a l l ,
a s l o n g a s t h e P C s d o n 't m i s step w h i l e desce n d i ng.
ENCOUNTER 8: DEEP SLEEP
At the bottom of the stai rs, a hal lway leads to a locked
door with a m i rrored panel next to it. I f the PCs sneaked
in on their own , they h ave to figure out how to get
t h rough the wh i s perlocked door. To open the door, one
m u st touch the panel and say "Vadders h i m , " j i m my the
level 6 lock, or break down the door (a level 5 tas k) . I f
Chah i l i s with the characters, he knows the key and can
take them right i n .
Beyo n d t h e door, the P C s fi n d Yieran a n d
t h e sou rce o f a l l t h e p ro b l e m s t h at the a rea i s
expe rie n c i n g . I f Ch a h i i i s not with t h e gro u p , alter
READ .ALOUD
t h at p a rt of the read - a l o u d text.
T h e sta i rs a re c i rc u l a r a n d we l l wo rn, t h e a i r ben eath
the floor co l d e r than you m i ght expect. An odor of
someth i n g s h a rp a n d rott i n g-perh a p s fruit, o r b u rnt
meat, o r a dead creatu re beneath t h e floorboard s
a s s a u lts yo u r nose. At the bottom of the sta i rs , a
376
series of wa l l torches lead s the way d own a t u n n e l .
A t the e n d , Ch a h i i p u t s h i s h a n d aga i n st a m i rro red
s q u a re a n d says someth i n g i n a u d i b l e , h i s l i ps
act u a l ly b ru s h i n g the s u rface of t h e s q u a re. A door
o p e n s to revea l a l a rge, u n adorned roo m . Th i s i s n o
basement o r s u b room but a m o rt u a ry-a p re-to m b .
Bod ies wra pped i n stri p s o f cavot-dyed s h ro u d s ,
the p u rp l e fa b ri c d a rk a s b r u i s e s , rest p r o n e o n
benches. The o n ly u nwrapped p a rts a re t h e i r head s .
Faces stare b l a n kly u pwa rd , eyes wide, m o u t h s s l ack.
The heads of all t h e dead a re s h ave n , a n d scorched
i nto each of t h e i r fo reheads i s a b l ack mark about the
s ize of a m a n ' s fist.
At the far end of the room , wel l l it by flames and
glowglobes, a tube comes from the wal l , a large
s parki ng p l u nger resting in a clear vat of b u b b l i n g water.
At the roo m ' s center, a m a n l e a n s ove r o n e of the
co rpses, his ear to the dead man's mouth. I t looks
a bit l i ke h e ' s l i sten i n g fo r b reat h , exce pt fo r t h e fact
t h at the dead m a n ' s mouth is m ovi n g. N o , not j u st
m ov i n g-s peaking.
M agistrate Yieran: The leader of the d evo i rs a n d t h e
town i s a ta l l , soft- s poken m a n who h a s b e e n p u s h ed
too fa r. H i s clot h i n g is ca refu l ly te n d e d , a n d h i s
e m b l e m s o f position-a recta n g u l a r s i lver p i n a t h i s
th roat a n d a c i rcu l a r b i t o f metal t h at h e always h o l d s
i n h i s r i g h t h a n d-a re c l e a n a n d s h i ny.
He does n 't seem s u rpri sed to see the PCs approach,
and he acknowledges their presence with a nod.
"Are you here to h i nder me or to help me?" he asks.
I f t h e PCs s ay " h e l p , " h e nods and wi l l a n swe r
t h e i r q u est i o n s , although he occa s i o n a l ly gives
them o rd e rs , such a s h a n d i n g h i m va rious too l s or
swee p i n g u p .
I f t h e P C s s ay anyt h i n g e l s e , Yieran co m p l etely
ignores them and goes back to d ea l i n g with all the
dead a ro u n d h i m .
T h ro ugh conversat i o n , t h e c h a racte rs c a n learn:
The h i story of t h e d evo i rs a n d the res u rrection
mach i n e , which l ie s st i l l fa rther bel ow, a s we l l as
what Yieran knows of Boregal-w h i c h , truthfu l ly,
i s n ot m u c h .
T h at t h e so-ca l l ed re s u rrection mach i n e doesn't
act u a l ly ra i s e t h e dead but can b r i n g them
back to l i fe l o n g e n o u g h to a s k them a s i n g l e
q u esti o n .
That the dead a lways a n swe r the q uestion with a l i e .
I f t h e P C s a s k Y i e ra n w h at h e a s ked t h e d e a d m a n ,
h e wo n 't te l l t h e m , sayi n g o n l y, " I a s ked t h e wro n g
q u estion yet aga i n . " T h e m a g i strate s e e m s to
know noth i n g about the stra n ge h a p pe n i n gs in t h e
outs i d e worl d .
Yieran h a s clea rly lost h i s g r i p o n rea l ity a n d h a s

nowhere to t u r n . H e a s ks t h e PCs for t h e i r h e l p with
the mach i ne . "I h ave k i l led a s m a ny as I d a re , " h e
wh i s pers. "An d I h ave l e a r n e d noth i n g. B ut I wo u l d
rat h e r h ave the mach i n e n ot a t a l l t h a n l et i t d e stroy
the town I l ove . " After Yieran s ays t h i s , the PCs can
learn t h at the dead all a ro u n d a re t h e oth e r d evo i rs .
H e k i l led them a l l so h e co u l d q u estion them a n d
l e a r n h ow t o stop the mach i n e fr o m tort u r i n g
eve ryon e i nto m a d n e s s .
Fro m o n e o f the t a b l e s , h e takes a l o n g- h a n d led
tool with a s p i ked p i nwheel at o n e end. "Cut h i m
loose," h e says, " o r ki l l h i m . Fo r I ca n n ot. " H e b i d s
READ .ALOUD
the P C s t o fo l l ow h i m .
Yieran u n locks a l a rge door, a t u b u l a r pas sage that
is fil led with l ight. It s l a nts d ownward . At the end of
the passage is a great tri a n g u l a r room . M ost of the
room i s taken u p with a l a rge gel at i n o u s mass, l i ke
a thousand tra n s l u cent bl ack b u bbles with glowi n g
red i nteriors, attached to the wa l l w i t h co rd s and
cond ucto rs. B its of mech a n ical t h i ngs and mach i nery
a re strewn about and p i led u p , givi n g the roo m the
i m p ression of a tech j u n kya rd .
Yo u hear a voice i n yo u r head s-a few n o n s e n se
wo rd s , acco m p a n ied by a sense of pan ic. A clear plea
fo r help. A s h riek. M u m b led p l ead i n g.
LI M E NE
THE BEALE OF BOREGAL
The m a s s i s s l i ghtly soft to the touch a n d ve ry wa rm,
but it doesn't move o r res pond when to uched .
Along the back of t h e m a s s , near where it j o i n s
the wa l l , r u n s a s e a m t h at see m s t o fit t h e tool t h e
magi strate gave to t h e PCs.
The mass i s Borega l . There i s n o way to
com m u n i cate with h i m i n t h i s state exce pt with
mental powe rs. I f any of the PCs h ave s uch a b i l ities,
they can try co n n ect i n g to Borega l ' s m i n d . At fi rst,
"When I say that some
t h i s res u lts in messages of utter p a n i c and stro n ge r
of my bestfriends are
pleas fo r re lease. I f they soothe h i m a n d convi n ce artificial, most people have
h i m t h at they can h e l p h i m escape (a l eve l 5 task) , no idea what I'm talking
Borega l beco mes ca l m a n d g u i d e s them to a s m a l l about. " -Sir Arthour
switch o n the botto m o f the m a s s . F l i p p i n g t h e
switch essent i a l ly ca uses t h e b u b b l e s t o b u rst a n d
m e l t , leavi n g o n l y t h e petrified b ra i n . Al l i s q u i et fro m
with i n it-at least for now.
I f the PCs attack o r d a mage the m a s s , atte m pt i n g
t o destroy i t , Borega l begi n s u s i n g h i s m i n d attack
powe rs o n eve ryo n e in t h e roo m .
I f the P C s u s e the tool t o c u t a l o n g the s e a m , t h e
m a s s co l l a pses t o the floor. I n s i d e it i s a petrified
o bj ect t h at o n ce m i ght h ave been a b ra i n . As soon
as the b ra i n i s re lea sed , it begi n s to d raw a l l loose
material in the roo m toward it to create the s h ape
of a h u m a n . Stones, s m a l l wea p o n s , too l s , b its of
the ge l at i n o u s mass, a n d a nyth i n g t h e PCs a re n ' t
h o l d i n g o n t o beco m e part of the b o d y struct u re.
377
 Bo regal w h at ca u s ed t h e d i st u r b a n ce s or why t h e t ro u b l e
Level 5 (1 5) sto p ped .
Descri pti o n : Wh i l e h i s b ra i n is sti l l of t h i s worl d , A pacified Boregal co u l d beco m e an N PC
t h e body o f Boregal n o l o n ge r exi sts. H oweve r, co m pa n i o n fo r t h e PCs. H e wi l l n eve r aga i n take
t h e stre n gt h of h i s bea l e i s s u c h t h at he c a n physical form a n d he refu ses to u s e h i s powe rs to
d o m o re t h a n t o u c h ot h e r m i n d s ; h e ca n h a rm ot hers, but he co u l d be a telepat h i c tra n s l ator
control i n a n i m ate o bj ects to b u i l d h i m s e l f a o r s i m ply a stra n ge frie n d . H e h a s n o knowledge of
body a ga i n . O n ce h i s new body i s co m p l ete, the cu rre nt wo rld t h at i s of any u s e to t h e PCs.
h e fi g h t s by attacki n g w i t h h i s m i n d and h i s
If it all comes down to a p hy s i c a l fo r m . Fighti ng Boregal: The fight i s l i kely a d a n ge ro u s one.
fight, it should be an epic M otive: Self-defe n s e , t h e d e s i re t o be free Both C h a h i l and Yiera n , a l ready p u s h ed to the b ri n k,
one. Take a look at the
H ealth: 20 a re e a s i l y co ntro l led by Boregal a n d fight on h i s
encounters that yoi.i've
played through already Damage I nflicted : 3 b e h a l f i f p resent.
with the PCs. Were they Armor: 2 Destroy i n g Boregal ends his effects o n the peo p l e
too hard or too easy? M od ifications: Attacks those with mental powe rs a s a n d creat u res o f the reg i o n . Further, t h o s e who we re
You may want to tinker l evel 6. affected rea l ize t h at they we re b e i n g i nfl uenced by
with Boregal's stats to
Com bat: Borega l ' s p r i m a ry mind attack i s to an outs i d e fo rce, w h i ch-wh i l e st i l l awfu l-makes it
make them just right for
your game. If one PC d i sorient a n d confu s e a foe, but the attack a l so e a s i e r fo r t h e m to recove r and m ove o n .
regularly deals 9 points d e a l s 6 poi nts of I nte l l ect d a mage (ignori n g
of damage (which would Armor) t o eve ryo n e i n l o n g ra n ge. I f a fo e Dealing With Yieran: l f Yieran s u rvives the encou nter,
take Boregal down in just comes close e n o u g h t o touch Borega l ' s body, h e the PCs m i ght be l i eve t h at he need s to be h e l d
three hits), for example, res p o n d s w i t h a defe n s ive p h y s i c a l attack. acco u nta b l e fo r h i s cri mes. I n trut h , t h e magi strate
increasing Borega/'s
As a n a ltern ate attack, Boregal can ta rget wa s n 't s i m ply b e i n g menta l ly i n fl u e n ced . He i s
Armor by 7 point will
allow him to last at least a s i n g l e PC a n d ca u s e t h e vict i m to lose h e r ge n u i n ely i n sa n e a n d re m a i n s so n o m atte r w h at
one more round. n ext t u r n a s we l l a s s u ffe r 6 poi nts of I nte l l ect h a p p e n s with Borega l .
d a m age.
I nteraction: Wh i l e Boregal i s with i n the mach i n e , Loot: Among t h e o bjects i n t h e roo m , PCs d i scover:
tele pathy i s the o n ly way t o co m m u n i cate with 1 d6 ra n d o m cyp h e rs
h i m . I f re leased, h e can s peak and hear normal ly. An odd ity: a s m a l l synth co n e t h at p rod u ces a l i ght
He is co nfu sed , terrified , a n g ry, a n d p a ra n o i d . b reeze when activated
Boregal i s clearly h a l f mad w i t h pan ic, fea r, An odd ity: a gemstone set in a metal c i rcle t h at
a n d the a m o u nt of t i m e he h a s s pent trapped a l l ows nea rby s l eepers to h ave pleasant d re a m s i n
betwee n l i fe a n d deat h . There i s n o reaso n i n g wh ich t h ey eat t h e i r favo rite food s
with h i m . An a rtifact: a synth staff, 5 feet (1 . 5 m} long,
Loot: T h e core o f Borega l ' s petrified b ra i n ca n n ot t h at e n d s i n a foot- l o n g metal b a r t h at gives
be destroyed, a n d it sti l l seems to h ave a a n e l ectrical s h ock. I t i n fl i cts 3 poi nts of S peed
s m a l l a m o u n t of powe r-probably a res u lt of d a m age and stu n s the vict i m , cau s i n g h i m to lose
Experience Point Award: t h e a m o u n t of t i m e it h a s been co n nected to his n ext turn. Depletion 1 i n l d l O.
In addition to awarding mach i n e ry. Th i s core co u l d be u sed to restore
XPfor any artifacts
gained, award each PC
powe r to a d e p l eted a rtifact if a c h a racte r m a ke s ENDING THE ADVENTURE
7 XP for discovering the a n I nte l l ect ro l l (use the d e p l eted a rtifact ' s l evel E m be red Peaks wi l l need t i m e to recove r from the
truth about Boregal and a s t h e d i fficu lty} . e m ot i o n a l a n d physical d a m age t h at occu rre d , not
7 XPfor dealing (one G M I ntrusion: Boregal takes mental control of a to mention the loss of a l l the tow n ' s leaders. The
way or another) with c h a racte r a n d fo rces h e r to fight h e r frie n d s fo r town s fo l k a re gratefu l t h at t h ey we re s aved but also
the threat he posed to two ro u n d s . e m b a rra s sed a n d a bit rese ntfu l . PCs looki n g fo r
the area. Finally, you
hearty co n g ratu l at i o n s wo n ' t fi n d m uc h .
might consider awarding
each PC 7 XPfor helping Resc u i n g Boregal: I f t h e P C s s u ccessfu l ly Beyo n d the tow n , the res i d ents o f the s u rrou n d i n g
Seria and Patel and co m m u n i cate with Boregal a n d ca l m h i m with region l i kely n ever know what act u a l ly h a p pened. But
discovering that looks can t r u t h o r l i e s , h e re m a i n s (o r goes back to b e i n g} a the stra n ge behavior fro m peo p l e a n d creatu res h a s
be deceiving-sometimes petrified b ra i n . Afterwa rd , h e c a n s p e a k with t h e m co m e t o a n e n d , a n d fo r t h at, they a re h a p py.
great power comes t e l e p at h i ca l ly w h et h e r t h ey h ave m e n t a l powers The PCs m i ght w i s h to re s u m e t h e i r p i l gr i m age o n
disguised as something
o r not. The PCs c a n t a ke h i m o u t of t h i s p l ace the Wa n d e ri n g Wa l k, o r t h ey m i ght e n d it h e re.
that appears frail.
and d o wh ateve r t h ey fee l is r i g h t with h i m . T h e
p eo p l e a n d creat u re s i n t h e reg i o n a re n o l o n ge r
p u s h ed toward fe a r a n d m a d n e s s , b u t t h ey m u st
cope with w h a t h a s h a p pe n e d . T h ey h ave n o i d e a

378
 LI M E NE
SEEDSHI P

CHAPTER 26

S EEDS H I P
'' s eed s h i p" i s a n adventure for characters
who h ave some experience and backgro u n d
s e e p s fro m t h e earth i nto the fl oors of t h e i r h o m e s ,
a n d t h at some res i d ents of D ru i s s i h ave g o n e
i n exploration. I n many ways, i t ' s the m i s s i ng.
perfect exa m p l e of the "exp lore a n ancient ru i n " The town leader i s atte m pti n g to keep a tight lid
adventu re. Although it's set i n t h e town o f D ru i s s i o n t h e tragedy, but m e m bers of the H oza i-a s m a l l Druissi, page 7 9 7
i n the Ba-Ad e n u Forest, i t co u l d easily be relocated re l i g i o u s gro u p fo recast i n g doo m-are p ro p h e syi n g Ba-Adenu Forest, page 1 8 9
a l most a nywhere in the N i nth World. t h at a great evi l i s awa ke n i n g i n the earth a n d co m i n g
fo r those w h o h ave a b u sed its powe r.
BACKGROUND
Those who b u i lt the town of D ru i s s i o n t h e h a l f SYNOPSIS
b u ried h u l k of an a n cient, u n known structu re The PCs decide to exp l o re t h e ancient ve h icle, not
p robably chose t h at p l ace beca u s e they knew of knowi n g a nyth i n g about its nature.
the boon it wo u l d bri n g t h e i r fa m i l i e s . H eat rises They may d i scove r t h at a wo m a n bent o n solv i n g
co n stantly fro m t h e synth a n d steel h u l k yea r- ro u n d , the p ro b l e m o f the toxic seepage fo u n d a way t o d e a l
warm i n g h o m e s , cooki n g food , a n d savi n g l ives w i t h it but c a m e to a n u nti mely e n d . They m i ght
d u ri n g the winter. be a b l e to fi n i s h h e r work. The c h a racte rs may a l so
If those who b u i lt the town a l s o knew of the d i scove r t h at t h e structu re i s a vessel of some k i n d ,
potential d a n gers t h e i r b u ried structu re m i ght perh a p s fro m a n ot h e r d i m e n s i o n , a n d t h at it h o l d s
someday b r i n g , t h ey tu rned a b l i n d eye. seed s t h at conta i n d a ngero u s co n sc i o u s n e s s e s t h at
But no m o re. The struct u re i s act u a l ly far m o re want n ew bod ies i n t h i s wo r l d .
a n cient a n d m o re d a n ge ro u s t h a n a nyo n e but the The P C s may a l so d i scove r t h at t h e Hozai a re n ot
most learned m i ght h ave guessed. O n ce a mode of entirely what they see m .
tra n s port fo r myste rious
b e i n g s of a prior wo r l d ,
the v e s s e l cra s hed i nto
the eart h aeo n s ago,
beco m i n g a b u ried
prison fo r wh ateve r st i l l
l ived i n s i d e .
Afte r a rece nt
eart h q u a ke, more of
the wreckage h a s been
revealed, i nc l u d i n g an
a rea where t h e meta l
seems to h ave re nt
a p a rt, leav i n g s m a l l
open i n gs i n the s i d e .
The peo p l e w h o l ive
o n the s u rface know
o n ly t h at t h e i r o n ce
coveted warmth is n ow
a lternately freez i n g
a n d boi l i ng, t h at a d a r k
o ra n ge l i q u id somet i m e s

379

Might, page 20
The ship is, of course,
much larger than the
few areas described here.
Feel free to add doors
and corridors that lead
off into other parts of the
ship. These parts can be
created by you ahead of
time, or you can have the
doors or access points you
add be blocked or locked,
providing an opportunity
for later exploration.
GETIING THE PCS INVOLVED
The p l ayer cha racte rs m i ght hear of D r u i s s i a n d t h e
stra n ge structu re beneath it via tales told e l sewhere,
o r perhaps t h ey a rrive i n town wh i l e trave l i ng. T h a n ks
to its warm bat h s a n d heated roo m s , D ru i s s i is a
coveted rest stop for trave lers, a n d many on the road
reco m mend it as a good p l ace to stay.
U se o n e of the fo l l owi n g h ooks to get the PCs
i nterested in exp l o ri n g the ves s e l :
Reward : The m ayo r i s offe r i n g a rewa rd fo r a nyo n e
wi l l i n g to q u ickly a n d q u ietly e n t e r the struct u re,
ki l l eve ryt h i n g they find, a n d seal t h e hole. H e a l so
s lyly h i nts t h at h e ' d be wi l l i n g to rewa rd a nyo n e who
s h uts u p t h e l o u d e st of the H oza i , a m a n n a m ed
N e r r, whose l o u d , aggre s s ive d o o m s ayi n g scares the
tow n s peo p l e .
Rescue: A m a n n a m ed G e i rn s ays h i s wife h a s
d i s a ppeared . H e doesn't h ave a nyth i n g i n the way
of reward to offer, but h e begs the PCs to look for
h e r. Alt h o u g h h e kee ps sayi n g t h at s h e was taken
by someth i n g fro m t h e wreckage, h e occa s i o n a l ly
m i s s peaks a n d h i nts t h at s h e m i ght h ave gone i nto
the struct u re of h e r own accord .
Recovery: Although most of the H ozai loudly proclaim
the com i n g of great evi l , i n rea l ity they j u st want to
keep people out of the structu re so they ca n exp lore
it themselves. H owever, one member of the H ozai, a
man n amed Theybis, approaches the PCs for help. He's
afraid to enter the structure, but he'd l i ke samples of
its materials and creatures for h i s own use before the
other mem bers of the rel igious group get hold of any of
it. Theybi s pro m i ses the PCs that he will create a usefu l
n u menera device for them from parts of the wreckage if
they bri n g h i m the samples he seeks.
AREA 1 : OUTER HULL
I f the P C s exa m i n e t h e outer p a rt o f the struct u re,
t h ey ga i n a bit of i nformat i o n . Re m e m be r t h at n o o n e
i n D r u i s s i knows a nyth i n g of its nature beyo n d the
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obvi o u s . They d o n 't eve n know t h at it's a ve h i cle.
READ
The visible section of the ancient structu re i s cu rved
and ap pea rs to be made of various metal s and synth,
joi ned with knobs, smooth seams, and elements that
resemble h i nges. M ost of it feels s mooth, and some
parts appear more mal leable (yet too strong to break or
tear eas i ly) . Other sections-most of which are circles
a bout 6 i nches (1 5 cm) wide-seem to be made of
tightly woven mesh. The material vibrates with a s l i ght,
con stant s h udder and i s warm to the touch .
The v i s i b l e section of the structu re is about 5 00
feet (1 5 2 m) l o n g a n d at least 200 feet (61 m) wide,
380
some of it cove red by the b u i l d i ngs of D ru i s s i . T h i s
a bovegro u n d section s e e m s t o be j u st a portion of
the e n t i re s ize, giv i n g the i m p re s s i o n t h at the b u ried
sect i o n s m u st be enormous .
The h u l l is i m po s s i b l e to b reach . Any effo rts made by
the PCs barely l eave a scratc h .
T h e recent earth movements appear t o h ave opened
the vessel in a n u m ber of pl aces. M ost of these
open ings are smal l-a few i nches to less than a foot
in width-but one seems al most large enough for the
PCs to fit t h rough. Wid e n i n g the hole t h rough the use
of force i s a M ight task with a d ifficu lty of 4. H owever,
it looks l i ke someone or someth i n g else a l ready
attem pted to widen the hole and possibly succeeded
before return i n g the material to its original position.
AREA Z: ENTRY CORRIDOR AND
MEZZANINE
E nteri n g t h rough t h e h o l e begi n s the PCs'
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exp l o rat i o n .
READ
The smell that rises from the widened hole is one of
chemicals and rot, an u nderlying odor that is there and
then gone. The hole appears to lead into a shaft or corridor
about 6 feet (1 .8 m) wide. The walls and cei ling are made
of overlaid stri ps of synth , and the floor consists of a
translucent material that bows l ightly as you step on it.
The area below the floor is a shadowy expanse, broken
occasionally by blinks and streams of glowing colors.
PCs who cont i n ue d own the t u n n e l move in d a rkness,
u n s u re whether they' re head i n g toward anyt h i n g at
all. Occasional sections of the floor s i n k deeply when
ste p ped on or a re torn open; the b ro ken sections are
easy to see if the PCs h ave a l ight source.
About 1 00 feet (30 m) a l o n g , the t u n n e l sto p s
a b ru ptly a n d o pe n s i nto a l a rger roo m t h at see m s
t o be a mezza n i ne . B u i lt o f t h e same m ateri a l a s t h e
t u n n e l , t h i s room h a s a l o w cei l i n g w i t h l a rge s q u a res
of fabric h a n g i n g down from it. At the fa rthest e n d
of the roo m , the wa l l i s made of cri s scros sed stri p s
of m e t a l t h at form s q u a res about 6 i n ches b y 6
i nches ( 1 5 cm by 1 5 cm) . On the oth e r s i d e of t h i s
w i d e grat i n g o r grid , t h e vessel o p e n s fa rt h e r i n
a l l d i rect i o n s ; it' s i m po s s i b l e t o s e e anyt h i n g but
b l ackness a n d occa s i o n a l mov i n g l i ghts.
The G rid: PCs who touch the grid barehan ded get a bit
of a s h ock-not h i n g h a rmfu l , but enough to be very
u n p leasant. ( I f a cha racter touches it for a fu l l rou n d ,
it causes 1 point o f d a m age that ignores Armor.)

Attem pt i n g to s l a s h or cut the grid with anyt h i n g
meta l l i c i ncreases t h e s h ock, ca u s i n g 1 p o i n t of
d a mage that ignores Armor. Cutt i n g t h rough the l evel
4 grid i s pos s i b l e with standard too l s o r weapons, but
d o i n g so wi l l ca use many s h ocks-th i rty in a l l . T h u s ,
one characte r who cuts t h rough the g r i d alone suffers
3 0 poi nts of d a m age, but th ree characte rs who work
together to cut t h rough each suffer 1 0 points.
The oth e r wa l l s , ce i l i n g, a n d floor a re
i m penetra b l e .
Afte r search i n g t h e enti re mezza n i ne , t h e PCs
d i scove r a l a rge ge l at i n o u s c i rcle t h at see m s b u i lt
i nto t h e floor near the metal gri d . Pas s i n g a h a n d
ove r the c i rcle c a u s e s it t o l i ght u p i n a swi rl i n g
o ra n ge s p i ra l . W h i l e someone h o l d s h i s h a n d ove r
the c i rcle, t h e grid no l o n ge r p rod uces a s h ock.
Beyo n d the gri d , the d ro p d own to the floor of the
c h a m be r beyond i s about 20 feet (6 . 1 m) . T h i s i s the
ves s e l ' s m a i n room (a rea 3 ) .
H idden H atch: I n the southern portion o f the
mezzan i ne, a secret panel on the floor h ides a passage
that angles down to the m a i n room l i ke a ch ute.
F i n d i n g it i s a level 6 perception tas k, although a bright
l ight sou rce decreases the d ifficu lty by one step.
Steel Spiders: I f the PCs exp lore the fabrics h a n g i n g
from the cei l i ng, they a re attacked . Otherwise, t h e
READ .ALOUD
attack c a n occur anytime wh i l e they exp lore the roo m .
Fro m ove rhead co mes t h e q u iet s o u n d o f metal
m ovi n g aga i n st m eta l . There i s a soft rustl i n g fro m
the h a n g i n g fa b ric, a n d t h e cloth begi n s to s h ud d e r
l i ghtly, as t h o u g h moved b y a n u n seen b reeze.
S l owly, a l o n g b l ack leg c u r l s ove r the edge of o n e
of the fa b rics. Then a n other, a n d a n ot h e r. Soo n , you
see the bod ies t h at fo l l ow-meta l l i c and s h i ny b l ack,
scutt l i n g a l o n g o n eight legs, and s p i n n i n g t h i n ,
m eta l l i c we b s t h at s h i m me r i n t h e d a rk n e s s .
The creatu res a re steel spiders. A s the P C s move
through the room , four spiders d rop down from their
homes i n s ide the fabrics, q u ickly s p i n n i n g long, meta l l i c
webs that are razor s h arp and infl ict 4 poi nts o f damage
if touched . The creatures moved to this area after the
earthquake to awa it the appearance of new prey.
READ "@:ALOUD
AREA 3 : THE MAIN ROOM
Th i s c h a m be r i s l a rge-h u n d red s o f feet wide a n d
pos s i bly h a l f aga i n t h at m uch i n l e n gt h . The l i ghti n g
i s ve ry d i m , although yo u h ave a sense t h at t h i ngs
a re mov i n g about i n the s h adows a m o n g t h e p l a nts
LI M E NE
SEEDSHI P
t h at fi l l the roo m . Fro m floor to ce i l i n g, t h i s p l ace
a p pears to be about 5 0 feet ( 1 5 m) h i g h , and h i gher
towa rd the center.
PCs who cl i m b or j u m p d own fro m t h e mezza n i n e
d i scove r t h at the gro u n d o f t h e m a i n fl o o r i s m a rs h y
a n d d a m p . The floor a p pears to be a co m b i n ation o f
m u ck, m u d , a n d p l a n t m atte r. C h a racte rs who sta n d
sti l l fo r longer t h a n a moment m i ght fee l somet h i n g
s l ither ove r t h e i r feet o r a l o n g t h e i r legs. The s m e l l i s
o n e o f stagnant wate r a n d rot.
The l ights that the PCs saw from above are now more
visible, and it's clear that many of them are movi ng.
PCs with a l i ght sou rce see t h at the room i s l i ke
a j u ngle, fi l led with ta l l , wh ite a n d b l u e p l a nts with
b road l eaves and eve n some t h i n , thorny trees .
They l i kely h ave t o h a c k t h ro u g h the fo l i age t o m a ke
t h e i r way a ro u n d t h e roo m . These p l ants a re u n l i ke
anyt h i n g e n co u nte red outside the struct u re, a n d they
clea rly d o n ' t req u i re s u n l ight.
The roo m tee m s with stra n ge i n sects flyi n g a n d
scutt l i n g a bout. They' re a n n oyi ng, but t h ey' re n ot
d a n ge ro u s (a n d , l i ke t h e p l a nts, they' re enti rely
u n fa m i l i a r) .
A n u m be r of mostly i n nocu o u s b i o mech a n ical
creatu res-the s o u rces of the m ovi n g l i ghts-scurry Steel spider, page 260
t h ro u g h the m uck, see m i ngly u n affected by t h e
presence of t h e P C s . They a re fa r more mach i n e
t h a n l iv i n g b e i n g , a n d t h e i r a p peara n ce re se m b l e s
n ot h i n g the P C s h ave eve r see n . They avo i d oth e r
creat u res b y scu rryi n g u p i nto the t rees . C h a racters
with knowled ge of the n u m e n e ra may see the va l u e
i n atte m pt i n g t o catch ( a l evel 5 S peed task) a n d Speed, page 20
d i s mantle t h e s e creat u res. The i n n e r co m po n e nts of
one in eve ry t h ree can be fa s h i o n ed i nto a ra n d o m
cyp h e r by any PC who m a kes a n I nte l l ect ro l l w i t h a Intellect, page 20
d i fficu lty of 4.
Retu rning H ere Later: When the PCs go to a n other
a rea a n d t h e n co m e back to this roo m , they fi n d t h at
fo u r m e m bers of the H ozai h ave entered the ve s s e l . Hozai Explorers, leel 4,
The two gro u p s p robably startle e a c h oth e r. The 1 Armor
Hozai react to t h e PCs with a great deal of hostil ity
no o n e is s u p posed to be i n s i d e t h e struct u re. If the
PCs were sent by Theyb i s a n d they say so, this m i ght
a l l eviate some of the h osti l ity (but o n ly beca u s e the
Hozai red i rect their a n ge r towa rd Theyb i s fo r send i n g
outs i d e rs i nto t h e fo r b i d d e n structu re) .
The H ozai know t h at t h e myste rious structu re i s
act u a l ly a ves s e l , a n d they s u s pect t h at it origi n ated
in another d i me n s i o n . They h ave n o p roof, but they
eagerly seek co nfirmation of t h e i r theory.
The H ozai exp lorers a re i nterested i n the creat u re s
a n d p l a nts i n t h i s c h a m ber. They h ave a b a n d o ned
their cere m o n i a l ro bes a n d sym bols a n d i n stead wea r
38 1
 goggles, h e l mets, leather s u its, gloves, a n d boots,
a n d they carry all manner of gear: ro pes, gra p n e l s ,
l a rge sacks, s peci m e n j a rs , s m a l l cage s , too l s , a n d
so fo rt h . O f co u rse, they a re n ' t fool i s h-t h ey a re a l so
we l l a rmed with d a rt th rowe rs, b road swo rd s , a n d
s pears, a n d o n e m e m be r carries a cyp h e r: a h eat ray
e m itte r t h at i n fl icts 9 poi nts of d a mage.
AREA 4: FRONT HULL
Towa rd t h e fro nt o f the vessel i s a l a rge ro u n d door
t h at glows softly and, at fi rst g l a n ce, a p pears to
be covered with fl owi n g water. To uch i n g the door
reve a l s t h at it's made of a n u n known m ateri a l t h at
a p pears to be d ry a n d yet fl ow i n g . Despite its wei rd
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a p pearance, t h e door is easy to s l id e open.
READ
This triangular room i s l it by gooey globs that are
Mesomeme, page 246 attached to the wal l s , the many i n stru ment panels
(some i ntact, others destroyed) , and al most every
other s u rface. The globs glow in a variety of colors and
seem to move slowly over the s u rfaces i n u n known
patterns. M ost of the wal l s are con structed of the same
transl ucent material that you 've seen before. Through
them, you can see the rock and debris s u rro u n d i n g the
bu ried structure. On the other side of the wal l s , large
tunnels h ave been d u g through the d i rt.
D i scove ri n g 1 d 6 ra n d o m cyp h e rs a m o n g the p a n e l
d e b r i s i s a l eve l 4 I nte l l ect task. H oweve r, a nyo n e
who m a kes a n I nte l l ect ro l l w i t h a d ifficu lty of 6 fi n d s
1 d 6 m o re cyp h e rs a s we l l a s a ra n d o m oddity.
PCs can take t h e globs with them as te m po ra ry
l i ghts, although a s i n g l e glob i s n 't very bright (and
fades if re moved from the vessel) . I t wi l l stick to
cloth i n g, p rovided a PC can sta n d to fee l t h e heat of
a glob a s it s l owly craw l s across h e r body.
I f the c h a racte rs s p e n d more t h a n ten m i n utes
exp l o r i n g t h i s roo m , t h ey d i scove r a torn bit of skrip
t h at a p pears fa i rly fres h , fi l led with h a n dwritten n otes
and a n i m age of a n u m e n e ra d evice. The only legi b l e
writ i n g says , " H eat h e a l s fi s s u re s . "
AREA 5: SUNKEN STAIR
Along the fa r e d g e o f the m a i n roo m , a set o f sta i rs
lead s d own , although each "step" i s nearly 3 feet (0. 9
m) h i g h . L i q u i d r u n s d own t h e ste p s , m a k i n g t h e m
s l i p pe ry but m a n agea b l e . A t the e n d o f seve n ste p s ,
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t h e sta i rs d i s appear i nto a r o o m fi l led w i t h l i q u i d .
READ
Discerning PCs may
realize that the woman At t h e botto m o f t h e sta i rs , yo u hear t h e s o u n d o f a
they hear as one of the
mesomeme's talking wo m a n ' s voice, a soft cry i n an u n fa m i l i a r l a n g u age.
heads is that of Geirn 's The o n ly u n d e rsta n d a b l e wo rd i s a n a m e-G e i rn .
now-dead wife. T h e vo i ce see m s t o co m e fro m t h e wate ry b l ackness
382
i n front of you a n d echoes a ro u n d t h e roo m . A
moment l ater, oth e r voices j o i n i n . Some s o u n d
h u m a n a n d i n a n g u i s h , oth e rs a n i m a l i stic a n d i n fea r.
The Stairs: M ovi n g u p a n d d own these tal l , wet
ste p s is d ifficult. Cha racte rs m u st move ve ry s l owly
o r atte m pt a l eve l 3 move ment task to ascend o r
d e sce nd w i t h o u t s l i p p i n g a n d fa l l i ng. P C s who fa l l
take 1 point of d a m age a n d a re p rone.
T h e Room: The wate r i n t h e room i s at least 6 feet
(1 .8 m) deep in most p l ace s , and the s i d e s of t h e
roo m a re s l i ppery.
I f PCs with I ight co m e d own i nto t h e roo m , at fi rst
it a p pears t h at the wate r is fi l led with a n u m be r of
creat u re s and peo ple, with o n ly t h e i r heads above t h e
s u rface. H owever, what the P C s a re see i n g i s act u a l ly
a mesomeme, a n d it rises out of the wate r to attack
soon after it hears them enter the a rea.
I f it ca n , t h e mesomeme atte m pts to grab a
c h a racter a n d h o l d h i m u n d e rwate r. The PC m u st
atte m pt a M i ght d efe n s e ro l l each ro u n d to escape.
I f t h e vict i m fa i l s the ro l l eight ro u n d s in a row, h e
d rown s . The mesomeme can h o l d one creatu re
u nd e rwate r w h i l e sti l l e n gaged i n co m b at with
oth e rs .
U nder t h e Water: I f the P C s search t h i s l a rge a rea
ca refu l ly, sco u r i n g the water-covered floor, they find
a clear synth d i s k about 4 i n c h e s (1 0 m) in d i a m eter.
S u c h a search req u i res at least an h o u r. The d i s k
m a kes o pe n i n g t h e doors i n a rea 6 ve ry ea sy.
AREA 6: FLAME CORRIDOR
A t the b a c k of the m a i n roo m i s a n other l a rge
ro u n d door. T h i s one a p pears to be made of ice, but
touch i n g it reve a l s t h at it's co n structed of t h e same
m ate rial as the o p pos ite door, j u st with a d ifferent
a p peara n ce. I t s l id e s open easi ly.
Th rough the door is a long hall about 20 feet (6. 1 m)
high and 20 feet (6. 1 m) across. U n l i ke the other areas, the
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hall is well l it, with fl ickering yellow lights along the cei l ing.
READ
T h e floor i s wet, although n ot a s wet a s t h e stra n ge
j u n g l e roo m . T h a n ks to t h e overhead l i ghts, yo u can
see t h at the l i q u id i s d a rk o ra n ge-pe rhaps the s a m e
fl u id t h at t h e res i d e nts of D r u i s s i s aw co m i n g u p
t h rough t h e gro u n d . Th icker t h a n water, the l i q u i d i s
warm to t h e touch a n d see m s t o fl ow fro m the s pace
a h ead towa rd the m a i n roo m yo u j u st left, beh i n d
yo u . A t the e n d o f t h e co rridor, y o u s e e a pyl o n of
gree n tra n s l ucent sto ne, which sta n d s about 8 feet
(2 .4 m) h i g h . I t ' s s u rro u nded by th ree ci rcu l a r doors.

The Pylon: I f t h e PCs p roceed d own t h e corri d o r,
t h e p re s s u re of t h e i r move m e n t t h ro u g h t h e a i r
activates a fl a m e t h at s pews fo rt h fro m a h o l e i n t h e
western wa l l . T h e fi re i n fl i cts 6 p o i nts o f d a m age
( i g n o r i n g Armor) o n a n y c h a racter w h o fa i l s a
S peed defe n s e ro l l . Those w h o m a ke t h e ro l l sti l l
s u ffe r 3 p o i n t s o f d a m age.
H owever, if the PCs look, t h ey see a d i a l o n the
wa l l at the n o rt h e n d of the h a l l . O n t h e d i a l a re a
n u m be r of sym bol s . N o n e of t h e m m e a n s anyt h i n g
t o the PCs, but if they t u r n t h e d i a l t o the sym bol
t h at looks t h e most l i ke the pyl o n , the pyl o n moves
fo rward , b l ocki n g the fl a m e jet. If the d i a l is tu rned to
any oth e r sett i n g, ro l l a d20:
1 -2 The pyl o n moves away fro m the fl a m e . There
is no way to m a ke it move i n fro nt of the jet.
3 A panel o p e n s i n t h e eastern wa l l , a n d n ow
there a re two fl a m e jets.
4 A panel o p e n s i n t h e wa l l , expo s i n g ra n d o m
mech a n i s m s (not h i n g of i m portance) .
5 A s h ri l l s i re n s h rieks for ten m i n utes. (Th i s
l i kely d raws t h e automaton i n a rea 8 i nto t h e
h a l lway.)
6-20 N oth i n g h a p p e n s .
T h e Doors: The t h ree ci rcu l a r d oors a re made o f a
m eta l l i c m ate rial of l evel 7 stre n gt h . The door on the
right bears deep scratches a l o n g its s u rface, as if
a n other person o r creatu re tried to open it.
Open i n g these d oors is d i fficult without the synth
d i s k from a rea 5. I f t h at d i s k is p resent, a t h i rd of
it l i ghts u p . The door t h at it n ow "poi nts" to opens
e a s i l y by s l i d i n g to o n e s i d e . O n ly o n e door can be
opened at a t i m e .
AREA 7: WRECKAGE
The door to th is a rea h a s been forced open in the
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past, but that doesn't m a ke it any easier to open now.
Th i s a rea i s a wreck, with d e b r i s l itte ri n g t h e floor.
Part of t h e structu re h a s co l l a psed, a n d meta l l i c
s u p port bea m s h ave cra s h ed d own fro m t h e ce i l i n g,
expo s i n g mec h a n ical co n d u its a bove.
Searching the Cham ber: I t takes at least an h o u r
t o search t h i s roo m thoro u g h ly. The P C s c a n fi n d
a n other s krip, a s i n a rea 4, but d o i n g so i s a d ifficu lty
3 I nte l l ect task. The scri p s h ows a n other d rawi ng,
this t i m e a sort of m a p s h owi n g a ro ugh s ketch of
a reas 2 , 3, 4 , 6, a n d 7 . The wo rd "Vesse l ? " i s written
o n one s i d e of the scri p. O n the oth e r s i d e a re the
wo rd s , " B ut fro m where ? "
The c h a m b e r a l so h a s l d 6 - l cyp hers a n d a
co b b l ed a rtifact composed i n part fro m t h e d e b r i s ;
LI M E NE
SEEDSHI P
fi n d i n g t h e m i s a d ifficu lty 4 I nte l l ect task. The
a rtifact m atches the i m age d rawn o n t h e skrip i n a rea
4. The d evice i s a m o l ecu l a r bonder, which can be Molecular bonder, page 308
used to bond the leaki n g ta n k in a rea l 0 back to its
origi n a l stre n gt h .
AREA 8: GUARDIAN
Th i s c h a m be r i s mostly e m pty exce pt fo r the
g u a rd i a n automaton t h at sta n d s h e re, waiti n g fo r
i ntruders. I t attacks i m me d i ately a n d ruth less ly,
fight i n g u n t i l destroyed .
The automaton res e m b l e s a barre l -chested giant
of a m a n with fo u r a r m s . Two of the a r m s h o l d metal
s h i e l d s , a n d two e n d i n long and terri b l e b l a d e s .
Guardian Automaton
Leve l 5 (1 5 )
Health: 25
Damage I nflicted : 5
Armor: 4
M ovement: S h o rt
M od ifications: S peed defe n s e as l evel 7 d u e to
s h i e l d s . If struck i n a vital s pot on its head, the
auto m aton d ro p s both s h i e l d s .
Com bat: A straightforward com bata nt, the guard ia n
automaton ru n s i nto com bat and attacks, m a k i n g
two attacks e a c h rou n d as a s i ngle action. There
is a vital s pot on its head that a PC can notice by
m a k i n g an I ntel lect rol l with a d ifficu lty of 5. If a
characte r states that he attacks that s pot d i rectly
and h its, the automaton d rops both s h ields,
red ucing its S peed defe n se to norm a l . In ad d ition,
its two extra arms become useless.
Loot: S a lvagi n g the wreckage of the d e stroyed
auto m aton yi e l d s l d l O s h i n s , l d 6 cyp h e rs , a n d
a n odd ity.
383
 READ .ALO U D
AREA 9: THE SEEDS
In technical terms,
touching a seed triggers G l iste n i n g l i ke eggs o f glowi n g b l u e g l a s s , eight
an almost instantaneous
nod u l e s , each 2 feet (0. 6 m) high a n d h a l f a s wide,
download of information,
coded directly onto a re positioned with i n this c h a m be r amid a wi n d i n g
the DNA of the host. m aze o f co ntro l s , ca b l e s , a n d mech a n i s m s .
This information is
the ultraterrestrial's
memories and thought Each o f these eggl i ke seed s conta i n s a n
patterns. Further, the
u ltrate rrestri a l con sci o u s n e s s . I f a l iv i n g creatu re
process begins rewriting
the host's DNA to create touches a seed , it m u st m a ke an I nte l l ect d efe n s e
a neural override so the ro l l w i t h a d ifficu lty o f 5 . Fa i l u re m e a n s t h e creatu re
consciousness can take beco mes host to the co n s ci o u s n e s s wit h i n the seed .
control of the body. Thereafter, eve ry 28 h o u rs , t h e host m u st m a ke a
new I nte l l ect d efe n s e ro l l . With each fa i l u re, the
u ltrate rrestri a l ga i n s more contro l . I f the host fa i l s
five ro l l s , t h e u l t raterrestri a l a s s u m e s total control
of the host's body. Its motives a re utterly a l ie n a n d
stra n ge, a n d it h a s n o i nterest i n the h o s t ' s goa l s ,
fri e n d s , fa m i ly, o r a nyth i n g o f t h e sort.
Ridd i n g the host of the u ltraterrestrial
co n scio u s n e s s i s ve ry d i fficult a n d p ro b a b ly req u i re s
a s pecial d evice t h at wo u l d n e e d to be co n structed
(leve l 5 ) . I n D ru i s s i , o n ly the H ozai a re l i kely to h ave
the nece s s a ry knowledge.
Destroyi n g the seed s i s fa i rly easy (d ifficu lty 2 task) .
AREA 1 0: LEAKS
The southern doors in areas 7, 8, a n d 9 a l l g ive
acce s s to co rri d o rs t h at descend deep i nto t h e
bowe l s of t h e ves s e l . These i n turn lead to a l a rge
Travonis ul, page 263 ci rcu l a r c h a m ber, nearly as b i g across as the m a i n
roo m a n d twice a s ta l l . I n it i s a clear ta n k that's
s h a ped l i ke a figu re eight a n d about t h ree-q u a rters
fu l l of the same d a rk o ra n ge fl u i d fo u n d in a rea 6.
The l i q u i d s l owly seeps t h ro u g h the many fi s s u res
c@:ALO U D
a n d cracks i n t h e wa l l s of the tan k.
READ
I n t h e tan k, myriad u n known creatu res o f a l l s izes
a n d s h a pes swi m fra ntica l ly a ro u n d , eye i n g you
t h ro u g h the tra n s l ucent m ateri a l . At the top of t h e
tan k, which i s o p e n , a n other creatu re sits o n the
edge. I t reaches i nto the l i q u i d with its writ h i n g mass
of tentacles a n d p u l l s u p a s m a n y of the swi m m i n g
Experience Point Award: creat u res as it can gra s p , stuffing them i nto its great
In addition to awarding mouth. At the s o u n d of yo u r e nt ra n ce, it sto ps a n d
XPfor gaining any
t u r n s i t s atte ntion towa rd yo u .
artifacts, award each
character 1 XP if the
group learns that the
structure is a vehicle T h e Beast: The travo n i s u l i s a creatu re o f h u ge
and 2 XP if they find the a p petites t h at d evo u rs eve ryt h i n g it ca n . It m a n aged
source of the strange to get i nto the vessel t h ro u g h a rent in the h u l l
liquid and stop the leaks.
d own h e re . I s i t origi n a l ly from t h e s h i p ? I s i t s i m ply
aroused at the notion of feed i n g u po n creat u re s fro m
384
its own d i me n s io n-o r i s it from somewh e re e l s e
enti rely? The P C s w o n ' t know fo r ce rta i n , but o n e
t h i n g i s c l e a r : it attacks t h e m h u n grily.
The Creatu res in the Tan k: These swi m m i n g
creat u re s ignore t h e PCs. They a re u ltraterrestri a l i n
nature a n d seem w h o l l y a l i e n . Catc h i n g o n e o r more
(fo r study, perh a p s) i s a d i fficu lty 5 task. They a re
p o i s o n o u s to eat (level 4 poison t h at i n capacitates
the eater fo r one h o u r with sto mach d i stress) .
The Leaking Tank: The liquid in the tan k is toxic.
Touch i n g it del ivers a level 4 poison that inflicts 4 poi nts
of damage per round until the victim makes a successfu l
M ight defense rol l . Sealing t h e cracks i n t h e tan k is easy
with the molecu lar bonder found i n area 7. Otherwise,
the repairs are a d ifficu lty 6 task and take ten hours.
The Rest of the Vessel : The PCs can co nti n u e to
exp l o re the vessel if t h ey w i s h . They wo n ' t find any
oth e r creat u res fro m the outside, but t h e s h i p m i ght
hold all m a n n e r of stra n ge wo n d e rs-wh ateve r the
GM wants to devise.
The Passage Out: Fol l owi n g the fl ow of l i q u i d from
t h i s cham ber lead s to a hole in the wa l l , which i n turn
leads to a mass ive crack i n the fu sel age that the PCs
can use to reach a b u rrow created by the travo n i s u l .
Fo l lowi n g t h i s t o t h e s u rface takes t h e characte rs out
of the seed s h i p , wel l outside of D ru i s s i .
ENDING THE ADVENTURE
The res i d e nts of D ru i s s i a re n ot h a p py to hear t h at
the structu re on which they've b u i lt t h e i r town i s
act u a l ly a stra nge a n d d a n ge ro u s ves s e l . N o o n e wi l l
b e m o re d i straught t h a n G e i rn , i f h e learns t h at h i s
wife d i ed wh i l e with i n , although if t h e PCs learned
t h at she was act u a l ly tryi n g to fix t h e d a n ge ro u s
leaks, a n d w a s o n t h e way t o s u cceed i n g, t h at wi l l
co n s o l e t h e grievi n g h u s ba n d a bit.
The H ozai are very u n h a ppy that the PCs went i n s ide
the s h i p, and the gro u p attem pts to run the cha racters
out of town. The troublemaker N err, in particu lar, looks
u pon them u n kind ly. H owever, the mayor helps the PCs
if they agree to do away with N err.
I f t h e c h a racters m a d e a d e a l with T h eyb i s , h e
kee p s h i s word a n d b u i l d s t h e m a n u m e n e ra d evice,
b u t h e d oe s so in secret. I f need be, t h e d evice t h at
he crafts m i ght be t h e t h i n g t h at can s ave a n y PCs
w h o h ave beco m e hosts fo r u lt rate rrestri a l seed s .
 CHAPTER 2 7
TH E H I D D EN PRICE
''
T
h e H i d d e n Price" i s a n adventure fo r
begi n n i n g c h a racters t h at i nvolves a brief
exp l o ration of a stra n ge " ru i n " fo l l owed
by u rban i ntrigues. I t ' s a good adventu re to test
the c h a racte rs' outlook o n legal ity a n d pers o n a l
o b l i gati o n s . The adventure t a k e s p l ace i n M u l e n , the
capital of l sco bal , but it co u l d be tra n s p l a nted to any
m ed i u m - s ize o r l a rger city.
BACKGROUND
Peo p l e ca l l h i m D racoge n , but it's certa i n ly n ot h i s
rea l n a m e . A c h a r i s m atic b u t u n refi ned h u m a n with a
left eye of meta l a n d g l a s s , he ca m e to M u l e n twe nty
years ago at the head of a ca rava n a n d esta b l i s h ed
h i s h o m e i n a m ajestic ru i n t h at t h e loca l s c l a i med
was h a u nted . I f it was, he's s h own no sign of it;
h e p ros pers a n d th rives t h e re, u s i n g his store of
myste rious wealth a n d tech n o l ogy to help fund the
exp loits of d e s p e rate exp l o rers.
But his help co mes with a p rice. D racogen is
obses sed with t h e wo n d e rs of the o l d worl d s , a n d
a ft e r a s u cce ssfu l exped iti o n , t h e exp l o rers m u st
l et h i m exa m i n e any n u m e n e ra they d i scovered
a l o n g the way. He own s an extraord i n a ry-perhaps
u n i q u e-mach i n e t h at can scan a n a rtifact o r cyp h e r
a n d m a ke a worki n g d u p l icate. U nfo rt u n ately fo r
those who d o b u s i n e s s w i t h h i m , D racogen i s l i kely
to keep any re m n a nt t h at his d evice ca n 't co py, and
somet i m e s h e a s ks fo r a n item s i m ply beca u s e it
catches h i s eye a n d h e can't bear to p a rt with the
origi n a l . T h u s , when exp l o rers re port back to t h e i r
patro n , t h ey n ever know if h e wi l l take o n e p i ece of
t h e i r n u menera, o r seve ra l , o r perh a p s a l l of t h e m .
Rega rd l e s s , most peo p l e b i t e t h e i r to ngues beca u s e
they w a n t to stay o n h i s good s i d e ; the p ro m i s e o f
future fu n d i n g i s a l u re few can refu se. I f D racogen
d i scove rs t h at h e ' s been cheated-a n d somehow,
h e always kn ows-h i s k i n d d e m e a n o r gives way to a
wrath t h at i s s u btle a n d terri ble.
Th i s i s t h e story t h at peo p l e kn ow. U n s u rp ri s i n gly,
t h e re is more.
The m a n known a s D racogen i s m e rely a
mouth p i ece. The magn ificent ru i n i nto which h e
m oved was i n d eed h a u nted-by a n enormous
re pti l i a n creatu re ca l l ed t h e D racoge n , a n exi l e fro m
its h o m e beyo nd the stars. The creatu re ca l l ed fo r
h i m , a n d h e came to serve i n exc h a n ge fo r i m m e n s e
wea lth, l e n d i n g a h u m a n fa c e to i t s t h o u s a n d -yea r
scheme. H i s a u g m e ntat i o n s bol ster h i s s u cces s . H i s
a rtifact eye can see a pers o n ' s rece nt past, a n d h i s
secret l atti ce o f s u bderm a l c i rcuitry h e l p s h i m w i n Mu/en, page 7 59
peo p l e ove r by s u btly affect i n g t h e i r attitudes a n d lscobal, page 7 58
react i o n s .
The D racogen acts a s t h e l e a d e r o f the u n d e rwo rld
i n the city, u s i n g the n u m e n e ra brought back to h a rry
its e n e m ies or keep fract i o u s pol itici a n s i n l i ne . I t ' s
pos s i b l e t h at the creatu re h a s put fo rth mouth p i eces
in oth e r cities scattered across the N i nth Wo rld to
gather m o re n u m e n e ra and more i n fl u e n ce. The
D racogen h a s s o l i d ified its base of powe r h e re,
but its d e s i res exte n d fa r beyo n d the worl d ' s paltry
riches. It p l a n s to storm the gates of its home,
ret u rn i n g i n b l oody a n d ven gefu l glo ry.
SYNOPSIS
The PCs learn of a fa b u l o u s trea s u re t h ey co u l d
o bta i n , but it l ie s o n a float i n g p l atform h i g h a bove
the oce a n , a n d they can't reach it without h e l p .
I n t h i s case, they m eet a wi l l i n g patron n a m ed
D racogen who gives them the s u p p l ies they need . Artifact, page 298
They co m p l ete t h e i r q uest a n d ret u rn to D racoge n , Cypher, page 278
w h o a s ks t h e m t o d o someth i n g fo r h i m i n ret u r n .
When they d i scove r t h at the task i s n 't o n the u p- a n d
u p , they h ave to decide what to d o next, choos i n g
s i d e s ve ry ca refu l ly.
GETTING TH E PLAYER
CHARACTERS I NVOLVED
O n e of the PCs gets hold of a m a p t h at lead s to
a n ancient p l atform t h at floats ove r the oce a n . The
m a p describes it a s a n " u n explored t rea s u re-hou se"
about 50 m i l e s (80 km) off t h e coast of G h a n and Ghan, page 1 45
about 3 , 000 feet (91 4 m) i n the a i r. It's a n exciti n g
o p po rt u n ity, b u t the c h a racters d o n ' t h ave t h e m e a n s
t o reach t h e p l atfo rm. ( Few peo p l e d o , which i s w h y
it re m a i n s u n explored.)
O n e n i ght while i n M u l e n-th e closest point to
where t h e i r m a p s h ows to go t h at i s e a s i l y reach ed
they hear of a h u m a n who fu n d s exped iti o n s l i ke
385
 Dracogen, level 7, level t h e i rs . A m a n n a med D racogen serves as a sort of
70 for all perception patron fo r exp l o rers. He h a s vast resou rce s a n d
tasks, including seeing m i ght be a b l e to g i v e them the a s s i stance they
through deception, level req u i re. The PCs arra n ge to m eet h i m at h i s home.
8 for persuasion and
numenera knowledge;
Armor 4; 30 health ENCOUNTER 1: PATRONAGE
" I ' m h e re to h e l p , " D racogen te l l s the PCs. H i s
h o m e i s a we l l -appoi nted , l avi s h m a n o r b u i lt out of
an ancient structu re made of stra n gely s h a ped but
nearly i n d estruct i b l e cera m i c a n d crysta l .
"Al l you h ave t o d o i s l et m e exa m i ne t h e trea s u res
you recove r. I j u st want to study t h e m b riefly. "
That's t h e d e a l . I f t h e PCs te l l h i m about the
m a p a n d the p l atform , a n d they agree to his (q u ite
generous) te r m s , D racogen a s s u res them t h at he' l l
b e a b l e t o co m e u p with a sol ution t o t h e i r p ro b l e m .
I t m i ght take a d ay or two-maybe a bit l o n ger.
S u re e n o u g h , th ree d ays l ater, a co u rier d e l ivers
a message to the PCs, whereve r t h ey a re. D racogen
has p rocu red what they need .
When they meet u p aga i n with their new patro n , h e
h a s fo u r occu ltic cyp hers. T h e s e a re com p l ex, back
mou nted flyi n g packs that s p rout s m a l l w i n gs when
activated. They al low the wearer to fly at about 80
m i les (1 29 km) per hour for u p to fo u r hou rs-enough
to get to the p l atform , spend a short time there, and
fly back. I f there a re more than fo u r PCs, one o r more
w i l l h ave to be carried . If there a re fewe r than fo u r,
386
D racoge n p rovides o n ly one cyp her per cha racter.
I nvestigati ng Dracogen: I t ' s n atu ra l for t h e PCs
to d i strust D racoge n . At some poi nt, t h ey m i ght
try to learn what oth e rs h ave to say about h i m . If
they can fi n d peo p l e who know the wealthy patron
and a re wi l l i n g to ta l k (a l evel 4 task) , they d i scove r
t h at he i s fa i rly we l l rega rd e d , but most peo p l e
co n s id e r h i m a n e n i gm a . I f the P C s get t h e i r h a n d s
d i rty a n d ta l k t o a m o re nefari o u s sort, a n d they a re
particu l a rly c h a rm i n g or pers u a s ive (a level 7 task) ,
they learn t h at D racogen i s a l m ost ce rta i n ly i nvolved
in s h ady and i l legal d ea l i ngs. H oweve r, eve n the
local m i screants who know this s i d e of him co n s id e r
D racogen to be a m a n o f h i s word-as we l l as a
rut h l e s s o p po n e nt if crossed.
ENCOUNTER 2 : TH E FLOATING
PLATFORM
The flyi n g packs a re n ot particu l a rly m a n e uvera b l e ,
but they a l l ow the P C s to move t h ro u g h the a i r
q u ickly. The jou rney to t h e p l atform i s u n eventfu l ,
although flyi n g a ro u n d l i ke b i rd s i s excit i n g
n o n et h e l e s s .
So h i g h i n the a i r, the p l atform i s often o b s c u red
by l ow c l o u d s . H oweve r, when the PCs a rrive, t h e
weat h e r i s windy a n d clear, m a k i n g the p l atform
v i s i b l e fro m fa r off. As they a p p roach , the cha racters

see t h at the p l atform i s a p p roxi m ately 1 20 feet (3 7
m) l o n g a n d 40 feet (1 2 m) wide. I t ' s mostly fl at, with
some myste rious struct u res o n t h e u n d e rs i d e and a
co ne-sh aped towe r on the top. O nce the PCs reach
the p l atfo rm, t h ey can l a n d o n it fa i rly e a s i ly. I t ' s
wet a n d s l ick, but it h a s p l e nty of fl at s pace to m ove
a ro u n d o n .
Salt a n d corrosion covers m uch o ft h e platform's
hull. The PCs easi ly find a hatch that leads i nto the
cone-shaped structure. The hatch is round and about
6 feet (1 .8 m) across, but it is positioned about 5 feet
(1 .5 m) above the level of the platform , suggesting that
it probably wasn't meant for h u mans. The hatch seems
firmly sealed, but opening a smal ler panel next to it
exposes a round glass plate that glows wh ite. To open
the hatch , the correct sym bol m u st be traced on the
plate. If a PC looks closely at the plate and succeed s at
a level 3 I ntellect task, she can make out the l i nes of the
sym bol-over many m i l lennia of vis itors to the platform,
it has been sl ightly scratched i nto the glass. I f the PCs try
to open the hatch a d ifferent way, it' s a level 6 task.
The I nterior: I n s i d e the co n i cal towe r is a stra n ge,
a l ie n co n g l o m e ration of tech nologies, most of which
seem to h ave contro l s , i nterface s , a n d i n n e r worki ngs
of g l a s s a n d crystal. M uch of t h e g l a s s i s cracked o r
b ro ke n . The i nterior i s d a rk. M ost of the devices a re
no longer fu n ct i o n a l , a n d the few t h at do work seem
to serve n o d i scern i b l e p u rpose.
The Danger: I f a nyo n e roots a ro u n d i n s i d e the
towe r, p a rt of a m a s s ive glass structu re near the top
of the co n e comes loose a n d cra s h e s to the gro u n d .
Anyo n e i n the structu re m u st m a ke a S peed d efe n s e
ro l l o r s u ffe r 5 poi nts o f d a m age. Sen s i n g t h i s
d a n ge r a h ead o f t i m e req u i res a n I nte l l ect ro l l w i t h a
d i fficu lty of 4 .
T h e Payoff: I f the P C s spend a n h o u r search i n g
i n s id e t h e towe r, t h ey recove r t h e fo l l owing:
2 d 6 ra n d o m cyp h e rs , most of t h e m crysta l o r
g l a s s i n form.
An odd ity: a p i ece of cu rved b roken g l a s s t h at
reacts to s o u n d waves . If set on a s m ooth s u rface,
it s p i n s and m oves at eve n the softest s o u n d
nea rby, s p i n n i n g faster w i t h l o u d e r s o u n d s .
A n artifact: an alarm t i l e . Once activated, t h i s 8-inch
(20 cm) glass tile analyzes how many creatures
of h u m a n s ize or larger a re wit h i n long range. For
the next twelve hours, the tile changes color if
the n u m ber of creatures changes. I f the n u m ber
decreases, the tile glows bright blue for one rou n d .
I f the n u m ber increases, the tile glows bright red fo r
one rou n d . It glows as m a n y t i m e s as it needs to
(never more than once per round) d u ri n g the twelve
hour period . The artifact has a dep letion of l in d l OO.
The Pen u m bra Fiend: One more d a nger l u rks in the
c h a m ber-an i nte l l i ge n ce dwe l l s with i n t h e crystal
a n d g l a s s mach i n e ry. I t m i ght be a l iv i n g creatu re
LI M E NE
THE HI DDEN PRICE
u p loaded i nto the devices or an a rtifici a l ly i nte l l i gent
n ative. Rega rd l e s s , it's awa re of what h a p p e n s
a ro u n d it a n d w i l l trave l i n any i t e m t h at t h e P C s take
fro m t h i s c h a m b e r.
From that point onward , the alien inte l l i gence
watches and waits. It has l i m ited abil ity to control l ight
and s h adow from wit h i n any crystal or glass object,
and it begi n s m a n i p u l ating events a round it, mostly
as an experi ment. B right flashes of l ight or the sudden
loss of l ight are d i stracting and d i sorienting, and
these see m i ngly ra ndom occu rrences h i nder the PCs
(increasing the d ifficu lty of their tas ks by one or even
two steps) . Sometimes, people and creatures around
the PCs will be affected .
Eventually, the i ntel l i gence learns to create an energy
form of s h adow to i nteract with the normal world .
The Penumbra Fiend The nature of the
Level 5 (1 5) penumbra fiend is such
that the PCs will likely have
Descri ption: T h i s a l i e n i ntel l i ge n ce was o n ce
more than one encounter
fo rced to l ive with i n g l a s s or crysta l , b u t it can with it before eventually
m a n i p u l ate l i ght, even to t h e poi nt of creat i n g a figuring out how to destroy
body fo r itself out of l i ght a n d s h ad ow. T h e body it permanently.
i s l i ke t h at of a serpe n t i n e beast of d a rk n e s s
with a h u ge m aw t h ro u g h w h i c h it d evo u rs
a l most a n yt h i n g , b u t it p refers to eat t h e soft,
eas i ly s h redded m atte r ca l l ed fl es h . T h e creat u re
m u st a b s o r b s o l i d m atte r, or it loses t h e a b i l ity
to take s o l i d fo r m .
M otive: S o l i d m atte r gives it s u bsta n ce
Health: 1 8 .
Damage I nflicted : 7 points.
M ovement: S h o rt.
M od ifications: M oves stea lth i ly and h id e s a s l evel 7.
Com bat: The fiend attacks with its terri b l e bite. I t can
also control s h adow a n d l i ght to d i stract foes. If
the creatu re does so without u s i n g a n act i o n , the
d ifficu lty of act i o n s taken by o p po n e nts with i n
s h o rt ra nge i s i n creased b y o n e ste p . I f i t u s e s
a n action to focus m o re i ntently o n co ntro l l i n g
s h a d ow a n d l i ght, t h e d i fficu lty fo r a l l fo e s with i n
s h o rt ra nge i s i n creased b y two ste p s .
H owever, perh aps far more d ramatic i s the
fien d ' s abil ity to become i n s u bstantia l . It ca n't
be attacked or affected by corporeal attacks while
i n s u bstantial, but it can't attack or affect the
corporeal world, either. Fu rther, if it does not regai n
its solid form with i n th ree rounds, t h e fiend loses
its body entirely and can't reform for 1 d 6 + 1 d ays.
Re n d e r i n g the pen u m b ra fiend to 0 h e a l t h
o r b e l ow destroys its s o l i d fo r m , after w h i c h it
can't reform fo r l d 6 + 1 d ays. T h e o n ly way to
destroy the fiend perm a n e ntly is to destroy its
s o l i d form in utte r d a rk n e s s o r b l i n d i n g l y b r i g h t
l i ght, with n o p i eces of crystal o r g l a s s with i n
s h o rt ra nge.
387

Ehvera, level 5; 2 Armor
Ehvera 's lackeys, level 2;
1 Armor
Agents, level 4; Armor 1;
level 4 unconsciousness a re i n structed to bring the PCs back a l ive. I f they do,
inducing poisons
C h a n ges in i l l u m i nation (such as expo s u re to
bright l i ght o r exti n gu i s h i n g a l l l i ght) stu n s the
creatu re, making it lose its n ext turn.
I nteraction: I f a person s o m e h ow esta b l i s h es
com m u n i cation with the fie n d , s h e finds t h at it
is selfis h , s p itefu l , and para n o i d to a n a l m ost
i n sa n e degree.
Use: The pen u m b ra fiend m i ght p l ague t h e PCs o n
a n d off fo r a ve ry l o n g t i m e .
G M I ntrusion: The fiend creates a b r i g h t fl a s h o f l i ght
t h at b l i n d s the c h a racte r fo r 1 d 6 ro u n d s .
ENCOUNTER 3: RETU RNING TO
DRACOGEN
I f the PCs ret u rn to M u l e n a n d D racoge n , h e
co n g rat u l ates t h e m o n a j o b we l l d o n e a n d takes
w h at t h ey fo u n d to exa m i n e and copy it. (He does n 't
te l l t h e m about the copyi n g device, but he does n 't
go out of h i s way to kee p it a secret, either.) The n ext
d ay, h e ret u r n s it a l l to them with a s m i l e . And t h at
wo u l d seem to be t h at.
Crossing Dracogen: I f t h e PCs don't ret u rn to
t h e i r patron o r if t h ey try to h id e ite m s from h i m ,
h e s e n d s s i x agents t o h u nt t h e m d own . T h e agents
D racogen sco l d s t h e c h a racte rs fo r cro s s i n g h i m ,
takes t h e i r n u m e n e ra ite m s t o keep, a n d l ets t h e m
go w i t h a warn i n g n ever to go u p aga i n st h i m aga i n .
ENCOUNTER 4: YOU OWE M E
S h o rtly after t h e i r conversation with D racoge n , the
PCs a re contacted aga i n by messenger, asking t h e m
to c o m e b a c k to h i s home. There, h e treats t h e m t o
w i n e a n d fo o d a n d says t h at s i nce they p roved so
capable, h e h a s a n other l u crative j o b fo r them. There
i s a ve ry stro n g u n d e rcu rrent to D racoge n ' s wo rd s :
you owe me. ( I f the c h a racters a n gered h i m earl i e r, h e
s p i n s t h i s req uest a s t h e i r go l d e n opport u n ity to get
back o n h i s good s i d e . )
H e a s ks them to l ocate s o m e o n e who betrayed
h i m-a d o u b le-cro s s i n g l owl ife n a m ed M i l l i a n who
sto l e a d evice from his l a rge co l l ecti o n of n u m e n e ra .
D racogen w a n t s it b a c k . H e d e s c r i b e s a h a n d h e l d
d evice made of red m e t a l a n d b l u e synth a n d ca l l s it
t h e revita l izer. H e offers to pay t h e PCs 50 s h i n s fo r
retriev i n g it fr o m M i l l i a n .
ENCOUNTER 5: DIGGING FOR
INFORMATION
I t ' s a s i m p l e l eve l 2 task to a s k a ro u n d M u l e n fo r
a few h o u rs a n d fi n d out t h at M i l l i a n i s a m a n who
l ives i n a l a rge re ntal structu re ca l l ed the Ch a l l i m one
B u i l d i ng. His a p a rtment i s o n t h e second floor.
H owever, i n t h e cou rse of t h e i r i n q u i ry, the PCs
388
a l so learn t h at someone e l se-a wo m a n n a m ed
E h vera-is looki n g for M i l l i a n a n d a d evice called the
revita l izer. E hvera i s known to be a cri m i n a l a n d h a s
a s m a l l fo rce o f crooks work i n g fo r h e r. R u m o r h a s i t
t h at M i l l i a n sto l e the revita l izer fro m h e r.
I nvestigati ng Ehvera: Fo l l owi n g u p on t h e E hvera
rumor (a l evel 3 i nteraction task) p roves t h at it's
true. I f t h e PCs ta l k to t h e right peo p l e (e ither the
authorities o r oth e r cri m i n a l s) , t h ey a l s o d i scove r
t h at E h vera i s re l atively n ew i n t h e city a n d is t ryi n g
t o grow h e r cri m i n a l o rga n izat i o n , but s h a d owy
fo rces a re worki n g aga i n st h e r.
Confronti ng Ehvera: If the PCs track d own E h vera,
they l i kely h ave to fight t h e i r way t h rough a gro u p of
ten of h e r lackeys-a ro u g h , d i sorgan ized gang of
d e l i n q uents and d ru g ad d i cts with kn ives a n d c l u b s .
Afte r t h at s c u ffl e , E hvera m a kes a n a p peara n ce
with eight more l ackeys at h e r back-a n d offers to
tal k. The cri me boss is a b road, powe rfu l wo m a n with
a s n a rl , a cu rved blade, and b l ack armor of h a rd e n ed
leather p l ates. S h e l ays it out p l a i n ly for t h e PCs:
D racogen i s t h e h ead of M u l e n ' s cri m i n a l u nd e rwo rld
a n d i s tryi n g to r u n h e r out of the city. Apparently, h e
heard t h at M i l l i a n sto l e the va l u a b l e revita l izer fro m
E h vera a n d decided to get it for h i m se l f.
The Choice: T h e P C s now h ave t o choose. Do they
work for a cri m i nal and help h i m obta i n an item that
doesn't belong to h i m ? Do they betray D racogen i n
some way even though he has d o n e noth i n g b u t help
them?
ENCOUNTER 6:
WORKING FOR DRACOGEN
I f t h e PCs choose to d o the j o b fo r D racoge n , t h ey
m u st go to t h e Ch a l l i m o n e B u i l d i n g a n d confront
M i l l i a n (or atte m pt to break i nto h i s a p a rtment when
h e ' s not t h e re) .
Cl i m b i n g the outs i d e wal l s of t h e b u i l d i n g to get
i nto M i l l i a n ' s w i n d ow is a l eve l 4 task.
B rea k i n g d own M i l l i a n ' s door o r picki n g t h e lock is
a l evel 5 task.
Confronting M illian: M i l l i a n i s a wi ry, croo ked - nosed
man who d resses in gari s h cloth i n g, which includes
a n outl a n d i s h cape. H e p robably assu mes the PCs
a re worki n g for Ehvera and i s n 't goi n g to stick a ro u n d
t o ch at. H e e i t h e r fl e e s or fights w i t h the h e l p o f h i s
b rother G ra u n . Both a re leve l 4. N e i t h e r wears armor,
but G ra u n is a b u rly m a n with 20 health who i n fl i cts
6 poi nts of d a m age with wh ateve r he grabs as a
weapon-a c h a i r, a l a m p , or a nyth i n g e l se. M i l l i a n has
a p a i r of kn ives and can attack with both at the same
time o n the same foe or on two d iffe rent foes.
In addition, M i l l i a n has the revita l izer, which h e
uses if he gets the chance. H e also has a leve l 5
d etonation cyp her that creates a cloud of choki n g gas
 LI M E NE
THE HI DDEN PRICE

i n i m mediate ra nge, and if need be, he uses it to try to with a grudge. On the oth e r h a n d , s h e m i ght be
m a ke a getaway. Those who fa i l a M i ght d efense rol l dead, fu rth e r s o l i d ifyi n g D racoge n ' s u nd e rwo rld
lose their next t u rn fro m cough i n g a n d a re h i n d ered re p utation-d o n ' t cross h i m .
on a l l actions for th ree ro u n d s afterwa rd (th e d ifficu lty An d , o f co u rse, there i s always t h e pen u m b ra fiend
of their actions is i ncreased by two steps) . to worry a bout. . . .
The Revitalizer: Th i s d evice restores 1 d6 points i n
o n e chosen stat Poo l . I t h a s a d e p l etion of l i n l d l O.
Compl ication: T h i s e n co u nter wo u l d be a terri b l e
t i m e fo r t h e pen u m b ra fiend to take s o l i d form a n d
attack-the pe rfect u s e of G M i ntru s i o n .

ENCOUNTER 7: The Dracogen

CROSSING DRACOGEN (extraterrestrial), level
9; 50 health; 6 Armor;
I f t h e PCs decide to cro s s D racoge n , t h ey can d o so numenera energy weapons
in a n u m be r of ways : that can strike at up to
l . S i m ply wa l k away. eight targets at long range
2. Co nfro nt M i l l i a n , but give the revita l izer to its true simultaneously, inflicting
own e r, E h vera.
7 0 points of damage per
target; unlimited range
3. G o to the authorities.
telepathy; teleportation
4. Co nfro nt D racoge n . with a range of 7 000 miles;
mind control at long range.
I n opti o n s l , 2 , a n d 3 , D racoge n s e n d s h i s agents
after t h e c h a racte rs, as descri bed i n E n co u nter
3. I f t h e PCs chose option l , the agents exp re s s
t h e i r e m p loyer's d i s a p p o i ntment a n d a s s u re t h e
cha racters t h at h e w o n ' t be h e l p i n g them aga i n . I f
t h e PCs chose option 2 o r 3 , t h e agents try t o b r i n g
t h e m b a c k t o D racoge n , who i nte n d s t o fo rce t h e m
i nto d o i n g a n o t h e r job fo r h i m to m a ke a m e n d s
t h i s t i m e for no payment.
In option 3, t h e authorities exp l a i n t h at they know
who D racogen i s but can't p i n any cri mes on h i m .
S i nce a l l t h e c h a racte rs h ave i s t h e wo rd o f E hvera, a
known cri m i n a l , they d o n ' t h ave a stro n g case.
Option 4 i s t h e b ravest but perh a p s t h e most
d a n ge ro u s cho ice fo r the PCs. D racogen a p p reci ates
t h e i r s p i rit, but h e says t h at h e wi l l n eve r h e l p t h e m
aga i n . I f the c h a racte rs attempt to coe rce o r attack
h i m , it p rovo kes a deadly fight. And if the wealthy
h u m a n i s seriously th reate ned, his m aster-t h e a l i e n
creatu re known a s the D racogen-ri ses u p fro m its
h i d i n g p l ace to a s s i st its mouth p iece. Experience Point Award:
If the PCs discover the
truth about Dracogen's
ENDING TH E ADVENTU RE alien master, award each
If D racogen is h a p py at the e n d of the adventu re of them 3 XP in addition
(mea n i n g t h at the PCs h ave dealt with M i l l i a n a n d to XPfor any artifacts
g i v e n the revita l izer to the co l l ecto r) , h e co nti n ues t o gained. Otherwise, use your
give t h e m w o r k whenever t h ey w a n t it a n d patro n izes discretion as to whether
their actions seemed to
t h e i r oth e r e n d eavors. H e wi l l be a n exce l lent a l ly
merit XP awards.
go i n g fo rwa rd , although n ot an a ltru i stic one.
I f t h e PCs e n d t h e adventu re with D racogen u n h a p py,
they h ave lost a va l u a b l e a l ly a n d m i ght h ave ga i n ed
a powe rfu l e n e my.
Depe n d i n g on h ow eve nts u n fo l d e d , E hvera m i ght
be a n ew pote ntial a l ly fo r the PCs o r a n ew e n e my

389
 CHAPTER 28
TH RE E SANCTUMS
''
T
h ree S a n ctu m s " i s a very l o o s e adventu re
to be u sed with cha racte rs who a re
n ot j u st start i n g out. I n fact, it' s fa i rly
i m portant t h at they h ave d i scovered at least o n e
Artifact, page 298 n u m e n e ra a rtifact of some powe r.
The Steadfast, page 1 3 6 I n the northern Steadfast, an organ ization of scholars
and nanos schemes to harness a vast power source
before they are d i scovered by the rest of the world. This
Conergence, page 223 group ca l l s itself the Convergence, and its mem bers are
ruthless in their p u rs u it of knowledge and power. The
PCs learn of this organ ization and m u st stop its mad
plot to harness the energy of an entire star.
BACKGROUND
The Co nve rge nce i s a n affi l iation o f n a n o s a n d
s c h o l a rs i nterested i n gatheri n g perso n a l powe r
t h ro u g h u s e of ancient secrets.
About five years ago, one of its mem bers, the
magister Corl i m Va rness, made an amazing d i scovery.
At some point i n one of the prior worlds, ancient
scientists created a chamber that was larger on the
i n side than the outs ide. Although this kind of s patial
warp i n g was i nteresting, it had been seen before. What
was truly remarka ble was the s ize of the cham ber' s
i nterior. From one end to the other, the cham ber' s width
stretches h u n d reds of times the d i stance between the
Earth and the s u n-approxi mately 1 60 b i l l ion m i les
(260 b i l l ion km) . What's more, the ancients pl aced an
entire sta r at the center of this chamber-a red giant
once cal l ed Antares.
Corl i m q u ickly set u po n d eterm i n i n g a way to use
this d i scovery to his advantage. Before he co u l d find
one, h e d ied u n d e r mysterious c i rc u m stances. A team
of other magi sters, howeve r, d evel oped a co m p l ex
mach i n e that be n d s s pace to tap d i rectly i nto the heart
of t h i s ca ptive star. T h i s mach i n e , ca l led the Venerato r,
req u i res h u m a n m i n d s to co n d u ct its p rocesses,
so the Co nvergence h a s been kid n a p p i n g people to
i n corporate i nto the d evice. The gro u p has started
u s i n g its own s l aves for t h i s p u rpose as wel l . T h i s
p rocess has been d ifficult and m a n y m i stakes h ave
been made, so they h ave contacted M noma, another
magi strix of the Convergen ce, who i s a n expert on the
fu sion of flesh and mach ine.
390
CONVERGENCE MEMBERS
The PCs a re l i kely to encou nter many Co nve rge n ce
m e m bers i n t h i s adve n t u re, as we l l as guards a n d
oth e r servants o f the orga n izat i o n . U n l e s s d i rected
oth e rwise, use the "Typical Co nve rge n ce M ag i ster/
M agi strix" stats for a l l mem bers, although t h e G M
i s e n co u raged to m a ke each i n d iv i d u a l a s u n i q u e a s
pos s i b l e.
Typical Convergence Magister/Magistrix
Level 5 (1 5)
Descri ption: Co nverge n ce m a g i sters and magi strixes
typ i ca l ly wea r hooded ro bes and a heavy
m ed a l l io n beari n g t h e i r eye l i ke sym b o l .
M otive: U n d e rsta n d i n g the l o re of the past to ga i n
pers o n a l powe r
H ealth: 1 5
Damage I nflicted: 3 poi nts
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Res i sts mental effects as level 6.
Com bat: Each m a g i ster h a s a n a rtifact ca l l ed a
terrorizer. It e m its a l o n g-range ray t h at i n fl icts 4
poi nts of d a m age. H oweve r, it a l s o wracks l iv i n g
ta rgets w i t h i n cred i b l e pai n . T h o s e struck b y t h e
ray m u st m a ke a M i ght defe n s e ro l l o r l o s e t h e i r
n ext t u r n , co n s u med i n pai n . A terro rizer h a s a
d e p l etion of l i n l d l O.
Special: Ab i l ity to do o n e or more of t h e fo l l owing:
l evitate 20 feet (6. 1 m) per ro u n d via a n
antigravity esote ry o r device, t u rn i nv i s i b l e fo r
o n e m i n ute via a d i stortion field, o r ga i n 4 Armor
fo r ten m i n utes via a fo rce fie l d .
I nteraction: Co nve rge n ce m e m bers s h a re o n e t h i n g
i n co m m o n-t h ey a re powe r m a d a n d rut h l e s s
i n t h e i r p u rs u its. Some a re m o re t h a n wi l l i n g
to tal k, b a rter, or n egoti ate. Few act u a l ly enjoy
co n fl i ct.
Use: The Convergence is made u p of perfect N i nth World
vi llains. They are knowledgeable masterm inds with
secret lore and no eth ical restrai nt.
Loot: A Co nve rge n ce m a g i ster or magi strix typ i ca l ly
h a s 3 d 6 s h i n s , 1 d 6 cyp h e rs , an oddity, an a rtifact,
a wide variety of too l s , a n d perh a p s oth e r n o r m a l
gear.

Magistrix Mnoma
Level 5 (1 5)
H ealth: 20
Damage I nflicted: 7 poi nts
Armor: 5
M ovement: S h o rt
M odifications: Res i sts mental effects as level 6 .
Com bat: M n o m a h a s synth steel p l ati n g t h at cove rs
most of her body. U n l i ke oth e r Co nve rge n ce
m e m bers, s h e does n ot carry a terro rizer,
a n d s h e l i kes h a n d -to- h a n d co m bat. S h e h a s
synth steel cl aws b u i lt i nto h e r h a n d s . The claws
conta i n poison reserves; each s u ccessfu l attack
a l so req u i res a vict i m to m a ke a M i ght defe n s e
ro l l o r move d own o n e ste p o n the d a m age track.
Afte r th ree s u ccessfu l p o i s o n o u s attacks, the
reserves a re e m pty.
I nteraction: M n o m a i s b r u s q u e but pol ite. If h e r
te m pe r i s ra ised, s h e s h ows no m e rcy.
Loot: M n o m a h a s 23 s h i n s , th ree ra n d o m cyp hers,
a n d a ra n d o m odd ity.
LI M E NE
THREE SANCTUMS
Typical Convergence Guard
Level 2 (6)
Description: Convergence guard s wear l ight
breastpl ates and synth hel mets. They serve their
masters wel l because they are paid wel l and are
promised greater power and influence in the future.
U ltimately, they do what they are ordered to do by
their s u periors, rega rd less of legal ity or moral ity.
M otive: P rotect i n g t h e i nterests of the Co nve rge nce
Health: 8
Damage I nflicted : 3 poi nts
Armor: 2
M ovement: S h o rt
M od ifications: Sen ses h i d i n g a n d sneaki n g foes a s
l evel 3 .
Com bat: Typ ical ly a r m e d w i t h s pears a n d cro s s bows,
Co nve rge n ce g u a rd s a re stra i ghtforward
co m bata nts. They a p p reci ate stre n gth i n
n u m bers a n d , i f pos s i b l e, always ca l l o u t fo r h e l p
w h e n need e d . They rarely fi g h t to t h e deat h .
I nteraction: Co nverge n ce g u a r d s a re typ ica l ly
s u s p i cious but n ot always effici ent or wise. M ost
a re cru e l , a rroga nt, and selfis h .
Use: Co nverge n ce guards watch ove r t h e m a g i sters
and magi strixes of the Co nve rge n ce and t h e i r
laborato ries, works h o p s , a n d stro n g h o l d s .
Loot: A n y given g u a rd h a s 2 d 6 s h i n s i n add ition t o
wea po n s , armor, a n d basic gear.
39 1

Charmonde, page 7 3 8
Truth, page 733
"Bilu-sha-ziri, the Lord of
the Seed" is the ancient
Mesopotamian name for
Antares. It's used here
not to imply a literal
connection between the
Convergence and that
ancient culture, but
rather because it has
the right "feel" in this
context. The connection
between them and the
research they've done
on Antares could be very
loosely equated to the
relationship people in the
2 1st century have with
ancient Mesopotamia.
It's mysterious, sketchy,
and strange. Ultimately,
it's just an exotic
sounding name. Or
perhaps it's as good a
translation from the
name they actually use
as any.
Feral
Level 4 (1 2)
Descri ption: The Conve rge nce has created a v i ra l
seru m that te m porarily recod es the D N A of
h u ma n s to give them a n i m a l - l i ke q u a l ities. The
s u bjects treated with this serum a re cal led the
Fera l . Alth ough their a p pearances vary somewh at,
w h i l e affected by the seru m , most h ave physical
chan ges-p rod igious h a i r, a n i m a l - l i ke eyes,
p ronounced ears, snout- l i ke p rotru s i o n s of the
l owe r s ku l l , a n d so o n . The longer a fe ra l h a s been
taki n g the seru m , the more p ronounced these
featu res h ave become.
M otive: P rotect i n g the i nterests of t h e Co nve rge n ce
H ealth: 1 6
Damage I nflicted : 6 poi nts
M ovement: Lo n g
M od ifications: S e n s e s h i d i n g a n d s n e a k i n g fo e s as
l evel 5 ; stealth act i o n s a s l evel 5 ; cl i m b i n g a n d
j u m p i n g as l eve l 5 .
Com bat: Fe ra l attack w i t h t h e i r cl aws a n d s h arp
teet h . When a Fe ral s u ffe rs 6 poi nts of d a m age
o r m o re, it goes i nto a fe roc i o u s fre nzy, d u ri n g
wh ich t i m e i t attacks a n d d efe n d s as l evel 5 a n d
i n fl icts 2 a d d i t i o n a l poi nts o f d a m age p e r attack.
T h i s fre nzy l a sts u nt i l the cu rrent co m bat i s ove r
or t h e Fe ra l is dead or u n co n s c i o u s .
I nteraction: Fe ral d o n ot s peak, but they u n d e rsta n d
t h e Truth .
Use: Fe ral lead gro u p s of Co nve rge n ce g u a rd s ,
i s s u i n g co m m a n d s b y p o i n t i n g , growl i n g, o r
s i m ply expect i n g the g u a rd s to fo l l ow them i nto
battle. If conversation m u st h a p p e n , t h ey l et a
g u a rd h a n d l e it.
Loot: Each Fe ral has a dose of t h e seru m . I f a h u m a n
i s i njected w i t h the seru m , h e ga i n s t h e fo l l ow i n g
fo r 28 h o u rs :
Tra i n i n g i n perceiving, stealth , c l i m b i ng, a n d
jumping
C l aws a n d s h a rp teeth t h at a l l ow t h e m t o i n fl ict +2
d a m age with u n a rmed attacks
Fur and oth e r a n i m a l i stic appeara n ce c h a n ges
ANTARES
Antares is a red s u pergiant sta r, o n ce o n e of the
bri ghtest stars i n E a rt h ' s s ky. I t was somet i m e s
ca l l ed the H e a rt of the Scorp i o n . The mem bers o f
t h e Co nve rge nce, h oweve r, ca l l the s t a r B i l u - s h a-zi ri,
t h e Lo rd of the Seed . They be l i eve t h at it's t h e key to
atta i n i n g god l i ke powe r.
The rad i u s of Antares is 883 t i m e s t h at of t h e s u n ,
a n d it i s 1 0,000 t i m e s a s l u m i no u s . I t once h a d a
co m p a n i o n sta r, Antares B. T h at star is a l s o enti rely
gone from the n i ght s ky. N e ither h a s eve r been i n the
s ky of the Ni nth Wo rl d .
392
SYNOPSIS
The player cha racters meet a mysterious woman
na med M noma. They learn of the Convergence and its
plan to ach ieve god l i ke power from somet h i n g cal led
B i l u-s ha-ziri. M noma steals an object from the PCs and
they fol low her, getting i nvolved i n the Convergence's
plot. Fi rst they travel to the so-cal led E m pty Sanctum
and d i scover a space-warping con d u it that con nects
to the group's other strongholds. They can visit the
Golden Sanctu m , but that way lead s o n ly to trouble.
The real th reat lies at the Scorpion Sanctu m , where
M noma and her cohorts work on a d iabol ical mach ine
cal led the Venerator. The PCs m u st deactivate the
mach ine before the Convergence activates it.
GETIING TH E PLAYER
CHARACTERS I NVOLVED
The adventu re a s writte n begi n s i n the city of
Charmonde , but it can be used in any city in the
Steadfast where t h e PCs h a p pe n to be. In this city
dwe l l s a wo m a n n a med M n o m a .
M a ny peo p l e a ro u n d town know who M n o m a
i s , but few know m u c h about h e r. S h e i s a
b i o m ech a n ical hybri d , part mach i n e a n d p a rt h u m a n .
A s a n expert i n the n u menera, s h e co n stantly
atte m pts to u pgrade a n d i m p rove h e r mech a n ical
parts. She secretly belongs to t h e Co nve rge nce,
s h a r i n g h e r knowled ge i n exc h a n ge fo r t h e gro u p ' s
res o u rces . When oth e r mem bers began b u i l d i n g
t h e Ve n e rator, they co n s u lted with M n o m a fo r h e r
expe rt i s e i n fu s i n g o rga n i c a n d i n o rga n i c syste m s .
W i t h t h e mach i n e so c l o s e t o co m p leti o n , t h ey h ave
a s ked her to j o i n t h e m at the Scorp i o n S a n ct u m .
Th u s , M n o m a i s p repari n g t o leave Charmonde.
The PCs co me i n contact with her because they' re
i nterested in her knowled ge. Perh aps they need her
to identify someth i n g, they h ave a q uestion about the
n u menera, o r they need some kind of d evice that s h e
possesses. Even though M noma i s gett i n g ready to
leave town, s h e agrees to meet with them to get some
last- m i n ute fu n d s . Their meet i n g i s E nco u nter 1 .
Altern ative ly, gett i n g the PCs to the E m pty Sanct u m
wi l l i nvolve them i n the adventu re, a l t h o u g h it mea n s
s k i p p i n g E n co u nter 1 . I f yo u want t o use t h i s o ptio n ,
there a re many ways to d o i t . H e re a re a few.
Kid napped Son: Cherie M e n gris h a s lost h e r
s o n . S h e l ives i n the v i l l age of B rookhave n , near
Charmonde. H e r s o n , Aa n o r, d i s a p peared t h ree
n i ghts ago w h i l e tend i n g h i s flock of oorics ( l a rge,
fl i ghtless, woo ly b i rd s) . W h i l e pass i n g t h rough tow n ,
the P C s run acro s s C h e r i e , who a s ks them to try t o
fi n d h e r s o n . S i g n s of a struggle a n d tracks lead the
cha racters to t h e E m pty S a n ct u m . Aa nor h a s been
taken by Co nverge n ce m e m bers t h ro u g h the co n d u it
to the Scorp ion S a n ct u m (to powe r the Ve n e rator) .

Kid napping Attempt: The PCs are trave l i n g along
the northwestern s lopes of the Black Riage when they
are attacked by seven Convergence warriors looki n g
for victims t o take t o the E m pty Sanctum, and from
there to the Venerator in the Scorpion Sanctum. The
PCs l i kely fend off their assailants and have l ittle trouble
determ i n i n g that they came from the E m pty Sanctum.
Looki n g for payback or s i m ply more i nformation, the
cha racters are d rawn i nto events there.
Exploring the Sanctu m: In t h i s sce n a rio, t h e PCs
hear about the E m pty S a n ct u m a s a location where
"some wizard s " o n ce holed u p , but it i s vacant
n ow. They d ete rm i n e t h at it m i ght be i nterest i n g or
p rofita b l e to exp l o re such a p l ace.
ENCOUNTER 1: HYB RI D ' S EYE
When the PCs contact M no m a , s h e agrees to m eet
t h e m in a p u b l i c cafe in the m i d d l e of the afternoon.
Th i s i s sta n d a rd fo r h e r-s h e ' s a bit paranoid about
meet i n g n ew peo p l e .
M n o m a i s of m ed i u m h e i ght, a n d h e r b o d y h a s a
d a rk synth s h e l l t h at cove rs a l most eve ryt h i n g exce pt
h e r face. H e r eyes glow fa i ntly of t u rq u o i se. S h e i s
attract ive b u t i n a very d e l i berate, a rtificial way.
She s peaks in an accent that's d ifficu lt to place.
Her manner i s brusque but pol ite. Time i s clearly of
the essence to her. You can h ave the players rol I d ice
to conduct the i nteraction if you wish, but as long as
the PCs pay her and a re halfWay pol ite, she does not
react poorly. Whatever the PCs want, M noma m ight be
wi l l i n g to do, but she wants to get it done q u i ckly. She
doesn't explain why.
Wh i l e they talk, M noma notices a d evice in the
posses sion of one of the PCs. The item i s of some
va l u e and i m portance to the cha racter. M noma can
be s u btle if s h e wants to, but her gaze falls ofte n on
that particu l a r PC a n d his d evice. I t i s a level 5 task to
notice her behavior and exactly what s h e i s looki n g at.
At some point d u ri n g t h e i r i nteract i o n , use G M
i nt r u s i o n to a l l ow M n o m a to take the ite m . S h e
exc l a i m s , "Th at' s exactly w h at w e n e e d . Th i s wi l l
co m p l ete t h e device ! " Then s h e gra b s t h e ite m
fro m the PC a n d uses a cyp h e r to te leport away. The
cyp h e r s e n d s h e r o n ly a s h o rt d i stance, but it s h o u l d
be e n o u g h fo r h e r t o get away. I t i s i m portant t h at
M n o m a s u cceed s beca u s e h e r theft i s the p r i m e
m otivation fo r the p l aye r c h a racte rs to h ate h e r a n d
to bel ieve t h at s h e i s u ntru stwo rthy a n d a m o ra l .
A d i s l i ke fo r M n o m a wi l l carry t h e m fa r i n t h i s
adventure.
M noma's Home: Obvi o u s ly, it's d ifficult fo r t h e
P C s to fo l l ow h e r d i rectly after s h e te leports away, but
learn i n g where s h e l ives by asking a ro u n d i s a l eve l
3 task. H e r h o m e is a seco n d -floor a p a rtment i n a
b u i l d i n g of wood a n d stone. S h e ' s n ot at h o m e when
the PCs a rrive, a n d the door i s l ocked . O pe n i n g the
LI M E NE
THREE SANCTUMS
door i s a l evel 4 task, whether t h at m e a n s b u s t i n g it
d own o r picki n g the lock.
The apartment i s fil led with various tools, parts,
books, and fu rniture. H owever, a search reveals
that al most everyt h i n g of val u e has been
taken. M noma has no i ntention of
return i n g here aga i n .
T h e PCs can s e a rch
h e r home a s m u ch a s
t h ey want, a n d t h ey
d i scove r l d 6 ra n d o m
cyp h e rs a m i d t h e
j u n k. H oweve r, t h ey
a l s o fi n d a b i rd cage n e a r
t h e w i n d ow. T h i s i s w h e re M n o m a kept
her m e s s e n ge r swe l t h , a swift and i ntel l i gent
b i rd co m m o n ly u sed to carry m e s s a g e s . N ext
to t h e cage a re a few leat h e r m e s s age h o l d e rs
t h at s h e tied to t h e swe l t h ' s l e g a n d s o m e b l a n k
stri p s o f p a p e r. O n t h e ot h e r s i d e o f t h e cage i s
a bowl with s l i p s o f p a p e r-mess ages t h at M n o m a
h a s rece ived . M a ny o f t h e s e a p pe a r to be tech n i ca l ,
a n d eve n c h a racters w h o a re k n owl edgea b l e a bout
t h e n u m e n e ra can't m a ke m u ch out of them
without a n y context. Two m e s s ages a re of p a rticu l a r
i m porta nce. T h e fi rst read s , " I f t h i s p l a n s u cceed s , Black Riage, page 7 77
a n d t h e Ve n e rator works, B i l u - s h a-ziri wi l l m a ke u s
powe rfu l beyo n d t h e d re a m s o f m a n . "
T h e oth e r read s , "The s i m p l est way i s t o travel
u s i n g the con d u it in the E m pty S a n ctu m . "
After read i n g a l l t h e m e s s a g e s , t h e P C s can
atte m pt a l evel 6 I ntel l ect t a s k to rea l ize t h at
w h o m ever M n o m a was co m m u n icat i n g w i t h , t h ey
were ta l k i n g about s o m e k i n d of p roce s s i nvolvi n g
v a s t a m o u nts of e n e rgy a n d l iv i n g h u m a n b ra i n s .
H e r a p a rtment h a s noth i n g e l s e o f i m porta nce.
Fu rther I nvestigation: I n q u i ry with oth e r
knowledge a b l e s o u rces such a s the city l i b ra ry o r
the A e o n Priests reve a l s t h at B i l u- s h a-z i r i mea n s GM intrusion, page 88
"the Lo rd o f t h e Seed " i n a l o n g-fo rgotten l a n g u age.
H oweve r, the n a m e has a p a rticu l a r m ea n i n g i n
more o b s c u re c i rcles. B i l u- s h a-z i r i i s t h e sou rce of
u l t i m ate powe r, a part of a p ro p h ecy wh i s pe red by
fri n ge t h i n kers a n d peo p l e thought to be crackpots.
The idea h o l d s t h at the ancients m u st h ave had
powe r sou rces beyo n d recko n i n g to acco m p l i s h their
wo nders, a n d s u c h a n e n e rgy sou rce m i ght sti l l exist.
I f it were fo u n d , those who co u l d h a rness it wo u l d
be l i ke u nto god s . A t t h i s poi nt, the P C s h o pefu l ly
fee l t h at M n o m a i s t h e last person they want to see
o bta i n t h at kind of powe r.
The c h a racte rs can a l so learn t h at the E m pty
S a n ct u m was the d e m e s n e of a ca bal of self- styled
wizard s ca l l ed the Co nve rge nce, but a s its n a m e
s u ggests, the p l ace i s n o w e m pty. (Th i s l a st "fact"
is i n co rrect.) Sti l l , the s a n ct u m is the o n ly s o l i d c l u e
393
 t h at t h ey h ave rega rd i n g M n o m a ' s whereabouts, so
Through luck or careful t h ey p robably head t h e re.
action, it's entirely Alternative I nvestigation: I f the PCs d o n 't go
possible that the PCs to M n o m a ' s h o m e after s h e ste a l s their ite m a n d
might skip Encounters 2,
teleports away, g e n e r a l i nvest i gation m i ght reveal the
3, and 4. That's okay. If
you like the Kallithak or r u m o r t h at s h e was p l a n n i n g to leave town soo n . N ot
the Golden Sanctum, you m a ny peo p l e knew h e r we l l , s h e d i d n 't h ave any close
can always involve them frie n d s , a n d s h e l ived a l o n e . I f t h e PCs ca n ' t fi n d
in a future scenario. any leads t h at take t h e m to h e r home a n d the c l u e s
t h e re i n , d i l i gent cha racte rs eve n t u a l l y d i scove r a
t rave l i n g m e rchant who s po ke with M n o m a a n d gave
h e r d i rect i o n s to the E m pty S a n ct u m .
ENCOUNTER 2 : TH E EMPTY
SANCTUM'S GUARDIAN
The jou rney to t h e E m pty S a n ct u m i s l i kely to be
swift and u n eve ntfu l . The stro n g h o l d i s n ot d ifficult
to fi nd-a ta l l sto n e towe r rises u p fro m a n i s l a n d
Mysterious, m urderous
data cloud, level 9 i n t h e Wyr River. M a s s ive p i pe l i n es a n d t u be s (with
h u n d reds of acco m p a n yi n g ca b l e s , powe r ce l l s ,
a n d j u n ction boxes) ru n away fro m t h e towe r i n
two d i rect i o n s a t about a 45-degree a n g l e fro m
each ot h e r. Each con d u it e n d s at a metal a n d g l a s s
a rchway. The co n d u its pass t h ro u g h the a rchways
but d o n 't come out the oth e r s i d e .
Norbrun, level 3, level 7
N o o n e s ee m s to be a ro u n d , a s b e fi t s t h e n a m e
for all physical actions
a n d d e s c r i p t i o n of t h e p l ace. Of co u rs e , t h e E m pty
S a n ct u m i s n 't e m pty at a l l . It is g u a rd e d by a b e i n g
ca l l ed t h e Ka l l i t h a k , a p a rt-orga n i c, p a rt- m ac h i n e
m o n stros ity t h at floats i n t h e a i r a n d h a s b r i st l y
b l ad e s a n d razor- s h a r p fl a i l s . I f t h e PCs a p p roach
t h e towe r, t h e Ka l l it h a k co m e s o u t and attacks
them without warn i n g o r h e s itat i o n . I t fi g h t s to t h e
d e at h .
The Kallithak
Level 5 (1 5)
H ealth: 24
Damage I nflicted : 5 poi nts
Armor: 3
M ovement: Lo n g
M od ifications: Res i sts physica l ly based attacks
(po i s o n s , d i sease, and so on) a s l eve l 7 . Res i sts
mental attacks a s l eve l 4 .
Com bat: Ca n m a ke fo u r attacks i n o n e ro u n d , t h o u g h
e a c h m u st be aga i n st a d iffe rent o p po n e nt.
The Singularity: T h e entra n ce to the towe r i s
n ot locked . T h e E m pty S a n ct u m ' s n a m e act u a l l y
co m e s fro m t h e i nterior. T h e Co nve rge n ce h a s
created a d a n ge ro u s s i n g u l a rity t h at a b s o r b s a l l
m atte r a n d e n e rgy, but it' s conta i ned i n a h u ge
cyl i n d rical ves s e l t h at occu p i e s most of the towe r.
T h e ve s s e l m a n i p u l ates t h e s i n g u l a rity a n d d raws
vast powe r fro m it. The co n d u its t h at j o i n a l l t h ree
394
towe rs a re u s e d to t ra n s fe r t h i s powe r. T h a t ' s t h e
w a y t h e s a n ct u m s work- i n each , t h e m a g i sters
and m a g i strixes atte m pt to gat h e r e n e rgy, a n d
t h e n it i s s h a red a m o n g t h e t h ree l ocat i o n s t o
fu e l g reate r devices, expe r i m e nt s , a n d s c h e m e s .
I n fa ct, t h at' s o n e of t h e m a i n p u rposes of t h e
Co nvergen ce-to s h a re knowledge a n d h ave acce s s
to a s o u rce of g reat powe r. S e p a rate ly, t h e grou p ' s
m e m bers wo u l d p ro b a b l y n ever be a b l e t o t a p i nto
s u c h e n e rgy for t h e i r work. At the m o m e nt, t h e
s i n g u l a rity p rod u ce s m o s t of t h e powe r u sed b y t h e
Co nve rge nce. I f t h e p l a n to activate t h e Ve n e rato r
s u cceed s , t h at powe r wi l l dwarf w h at t h e s i n g u l a rity
generate s .
Rece ntly, h oweve r, somet h i n g came out o f the
s i n g u l a rity. I gnori n g trivi a l t h i ngs l i ke m atte r a n d
p h y s i c a l l aws, it exited the v e s s e l a n d s l ew many o f
the m e m bers, g u a rd s , a n d s l aves i n the S a n ct u m .
The rest fl e d . Th i s creatu re-a sort o f l iv i n g d ata
cloud t h at doesn't fu l ly exist in a m ateri a l sense but
t h at ca u ses b ra i n h e m o rrhages in a nyo n e who co mes
near-has s i n ce wa n d e red off. Fo r rea s o n s u n known ,
the Ka l l it h a k was u n affected by it.
ENCOUNTER 3: H I D DEN SLAVE
H id i n g in the towe r i s the s h attered re m a i n s of a
former s l ave n a m ed N o rbru n . Beaten a n d m i streated
fo r years, h e n ow wa l ks with a h u nched l i m p , a n d
o n ly o n e of h i s arms i s sti l l u sefu l . H e i s terrified a l l
the t i m e , although h e fea rs p a i n fa r m o re t h a n d e a t h .
S u ccor wi l l w i n N o rbrun ove r, w i t h fo o d a n d d ri n k
loose n i n g h i s to ngue.
N o rb r u n was a s l ave kept by t h e Co nve rge nce,
fo rced to work in the E m pty S a n ct u m to h e l p
b u i l d t h e co n d u it syste m t h at l i n ks t h e t h ree
stro n g h o l d s . He was p re s e n t w h e n the creat u re
c a m e o u t of t h e s i n g u l a rity a n d c a n te l l t h e PCs
w h at h e s aw. (G o i n g aft e r t h e d ata cloud i s beyo n d
t h e s c o p e o f t h i s adve n t u re . ) H e c a n a l s o exp l a i n
t h e s et u p o f t h e t h ree s a n ct u m s . N o r b r u n ca n
even p rod u ce w h a t he ca l l s " t h e t h ree- p i ece m a p "
a n d s h ow h ow, eve n t h o u g h t h e co n d u its d o n ' t
s e e m t o p o i n t i n t h e r i g h t d i rect i o n s , t h ey b e n d
s p ace s o t h at t h e t h ree s a n ct u m s l i n k u p to fo rm
a p e rfect eq u i l ateral t r i a n g l e-j u st n ot i n t h ree
d i m e n s i o n a l s p ace.
N ot long ago, Norbrun also saw M noma arrive
(although he does n 't know her name) . S h e ignored
the tower altogether and went right to a con d u it, but
he doesn't remember wh ich one. One con d u it lead s
to the Golden Sanctum and the other to the Scorpion
Sanctum. U n less the PCs ca n jog N orbru n ' s memory,
read h i s m i n d , or the l i ke, they h ave a 50/50 cha nce
of correctly gues s i n g which con d u it will lead them to
M noma.
 LI M E NE
THREE SANCTUMS

ENCOUNTER 4:
TH E GOLDEN SANCTUM
If t h e PCs t rave l to t h e G o l d e n S a n ct u m , t h ey fi n d
t h at it i s we l l staffed a n d g u a rd e d . Alt h o u g h it' s
t h e m o s t rem ote of t h e t h ree s a n ct u m s , it' s a l s o
t h e l a rgest a n d m o s t h e a v i l y occu p i e d . H oweve r,
m o s t of t h e i n h a b i t a n t s a re focu sed o n t h e i r own
p l ot s and s c h e m e s , and t h ey h ave n ot h i n g to do
with M n o m a o r the Ve n e rator at the Scorp i o n
S a n ct u m . I f t h e c h a racters d o n ' t re a l ize t h at
t h ey've co m e to t h e w ro n g p l ace, t h ey c a n get i nto
a l ot of t ro u b l e h e re .
The G o l d e n S a nct u m i s nestled i n the Westwood ,
with no pat h s or road s lead i n g to it. The s a n ct u m
i s a wa l l ed fo rtre s s w i t h a n i n ne r keep a n d m a n y
b u i l d i n g s . The wa l l s o f the stro n g h o l d , 3 5 feet ( 1 0. 7
m ) h i gh a n d 9 feet (2 . 7 m ) th ick, a re sto n e re i n fo rced
with meta l . G u a rd s patrol the wa l l s and p rotect t h e
m a i n gate i n two s m a l l towe rs. The fo rt re s s h a s fo u r
oth e r watchtowe rs a s we l l . Al l towe rs a re eq u i p ped
with n u m e n e ra ray e m itte rs t h at h ave a ra n ge of 200
feet (61 m) and i n fl i ct 7 poi nts of d a mage.
The s a n ct u m h a s fifty-eight conve rge n ce g u a rd s ,
n i n e Fe ra l , a n d twe nty magi sters / m a g i strixe s . T h e
leader i s D i eva Kn u l l , a m a g i strix with a wand l i ke
d evice t h at tra n sforms o rga n i c m atte r to a gaseo u s
state a t l o n g ra n ge ( i n fl i ct i n g 8 poi nts o f d a m age) .
S h e h a s fo rged an u n easy a l l i a n ce with We stwood ' s
most d a n ge ro u s i n h a bitants, t h e c u l ovas , which
kee p s t h e s a n ct u m re latively safe a n d q u i et.
T h e g u a rd s watch the co n d u it entra n ce s close ly.
PCs a rrivi n g i n t h e G o l d e n S a n ct u m a re i ntercepted
u n l e s s t h ey h ave p a rticu l a rly i m p re s s ive stealth
capa b i l i t i e s . S ix g u a rd s a re l i ke l y to be o n t h e
s pot q u i ckly, a n d t h ey wo n ' t h e s itate to ca l l fo r
re i n fo rcements if t h ey need i t . H oweve r, t h e g u a rd s
d o n 't attack i m m ed i ately-t h ey s i m p ly d e m a n d
to k n ow who t h e P C s a re a n d h ow t h ey got acce s s co m m o n th reat i n t h i s a rea a n d ra id t h e s a n ct u m
to t h e co n d u it syste m . T h ey atte m pt to capt u re n ow a n d aga i n , i nterested m a i n ly i n fo o d b u t Westwood, page 7 3 7
a n yo n e w h o does n 't h ave a good a n swe r, a n d , i f occa s i o n a l ly i n eq u i p ment. Fo rt u n ately fo r t h e PCs,
t h reate n e d , t h ey re s po n d with d e a d l y fo rce. T h e the attack mea n s t h at t h e i r a rrival goes u n n oticed .
g u a rd s d o n ' t c h a s e i nt r u d e rs w h o p a s s back out The s a n ct u m co n s i sts of a ta l l towe r of b rown
t h ro u g h t h e co n d u it o r flee i nto t h e wood s . In t h e desert sto n e and five outbu i l d i ngs u sed fo r storage, Cu/ova, page 23 6
l atte r c a s e , t h ey a s s u m e t h e c u l ovas wi l l t a ke care o f sta b l e s fo r pack a n i m a l s , and a g u a rd ba rracks. The
t h e t re s p a s sers. And t h at see m s l i kely-c h a racters towe r h o u s e s the Ve n e rator and serves a s l iv i n g
w a n d e r i n g i nto the woo d s q u ickly e n co u nter s i x q u a rters fo r t h e magi ste rs.
c u l ovas, a n d s h o rtly t h e reafter, t h ey a re co nfronted The leader of t h e Scorp i o n S a n ct u m i s M ag i ster Chirog, page 235
by ten m o re . l o rn , a man with a fo n d n e s s fo r t h e po p u l a r
be l i ef t h at n a n o s a n d oth e rs s k i l led i n the ways of
ENCOUNTER 5: n u m e n e ra a re wizard s who wield sorce ry. He d resses
the part, with a long, w i ry beard , vol u m i n o u s ro bes,
ARRIVAL AT TH E SCORPION
a n d a stra n ge , d o med h at with the Co nverge n ce
SANCTUM sym bol on it.
The co n d u it p l aces t h e PCs i n the desert outside Besides lorn a n d M n o m a , t h e re i s cu rrently
the Scorp ion S a n ct u m . When t h ey PCs a rrive, t h e o n l y one oth e r fu l l Co nverge n ce member i n the
fo rt re s s i s u n d e r attack. C h i rog a b h u m a n s a re a s a n ctu m-a magi strix n a med J ut h e s .

395
 The Fight: At the moment, eight g u a rd s a n d a
Dealing with /om should Fe ra l work to d rive off a dozen ch i rogs tryi n g to get
really feel like dealing i nto the storage b u i l d i ng. With i n a few ro u n d s , six
with a mod wizardfrom more g u a rd s co me out of the ba rracks to re i nfo rce
a traditional fantasy t h e i r co m rades. (Th e re a re fo u r m o re g u a rd s in t h e
story. He rambles, ba rracks, but they wo n ' t be ready a n d eq u i p ped fo r
cackles, and occasionally
gets distracted by a n o t h e r fo u r ro u n d s.) I f left a l o n e , the guards a n d
things of which the PCs the Fe ral a re victo r i o u s , ki l l i n g five o f the c h i rogs
aren't aware. He might a n d d rivi n g t h e rest away, but o n ly after l o s i n g t h ree
occasionally speak in of t h e i r n u m ber. I f the PCs get i nvolved in t h e fight,
riddles or rhymes. anyt h i n g co u l d h a p p e n .
G etting I nto t h e Tower: I f t h e PCs u s e t h e batt l e
a s a d i stract i o n , t h ey can atte m pt to g e t i n s i d e t h e
towe r. T h e sto n e door i s l ocked (level 5 t a s k t o
p i c k t h e l ock; l evel 7 t a s k to b r e a k d own t h e d o o r) .
O pe n i n g t h e d o o r by a n y m e a n s without wea ri n g
o n e o f t h e g u a rd s ' r i n g s sets off a n u m e n e ra s e n s o r
t h at a l e rts l o rn , J ut h e s , a n d M n o m a of i nt r u d e r s .
I t a l s o re l e a s e s a c l o u d of p o i s o n gas ( l evel 4) .
T h i s gas i n st i l l s a s e n s e of ext re m e p a ra n o i a a n d
fea r. T h o s e affected a re l i ke l y to s h out o r scre a m ,
d i stru st t h e i r c l o s e st fri e n d s , a n d ru n a n d h i d e i f
confronted i n a n y way. T h e s e effects l a st fo r o n e
m i n ute.
Tower I nterior: The leve l s of t h e towe r a re
co n n ected by stai rca ses t h at h u g the outer wa l l s . The
main l evel of t h e towe r a n d those i m med iately above
it h o l d o n ly a l itt le of i nterest to the PCs. Roo m s o n
these l eve l s i n c l u d e :
396
A storeroom for s e n s itive mach i n e co m po n e nts
( 1 d 6 ra n d o m cyp h e rs can be found h e re after a
ca refu l search)
Te n bed c h a m bers fo r Co nverge n ce m e m bers
(seven a re cu rrently u n used)
A l i b ra ry with many books about the n u m e n e ra
A kitc h e n , d i n i n g roo m , a n d com m u n a l a rea
An ad m i n i strative office, which conta i n s n otes
pen ned by lorn s u m m a riz i n g the p l a n to tap i nto
B i l u - s h a-ziri to ga i n a l most l i m itless powe r
ENCOUNTER 6:
A MOU NTED DEFENSE
When t h e PCs ascend to t h e pe n u lti m ate l evel of t h e
towe r, they fi n d a ro u n d , open c h a m be r 60 feet (1 8
m) acro s s where six Co nve rge n ce guards a n d two
Fe ra l sta n d watc h . Each of these defe n d e rs sta n d s
o n a g l a s s p l atform t h at floats i n ches above t h e floor.
The sta i rway fro m the l evel below b r i n g s t h e PCs
i nto the western m ost s i d e of the ro u n d roo m . The
sta i rway up to the top l evel i s in the eastern most s i d e
o f t h e roo m .
T h e Floor: The fl o o r i s cove red i n a m eta l l ic grid
t h at p u l ses with e n e rgy. Anyone touch i n g it i s jo lted
with powe r and st u n ned, l o s i n g her n ext t u r n . The
jolt i s a l eve l 4 attack, and c h a racters can res i st it
with a M i ght defe n s e ro l l , but they m u st d o so each
ro u n d .

The Platform: The g l a s s p l atform i s 1 2 feet ( 3 . 7
m) across a n d h a s a crysta l l i n e pedestal t h at h o u ses
s i m p l e co ntro l s to t u rn t h e meta l l i c grid o n a n d off.
The co ntro l s a l so m ove t h e p l atform a s h o rt d i stance
i n a ro u n d . Both of these fu n ct i o n s req u i re an act i o n .
The p l atfo rm d o e s n o t fl oat o r m ove if the floor i s
n ot powe red . I f a PC scave n ges t h e pedestal a n d
m a kes a n I nte l l ect- based ro l l (d ifficu lty 5) , s h e fi n d s
a cyp h e r: a h a n d h e l d crysta l l i n e d evice t h at p rod uces
a fo rce field a ro u n d o n e c h a racter fo r ten m i n utes,
gra n t i n g h e r +3 to Armor.
The G uards: At fi rst, t h ey m a ke ran ged attacks
o n i ntruders. Then t h ey m ove the p l atform in fo r a
ra m m i n g attack t h at i nfl icts 3 poi nts of d a mage to
a nyo n e i n t h e i r way a n d knocks foes prone. ( U s e the
co ntro l l i n g g u a rd ' s l eve l fo r t h e attack.) They fight to
the death.
Carefu l PCs: I f the PCs entered the towe r without
tri p p i n g the a l arm a n d reached this l evel q u ickly a n d
q u ietly, t h e g u a rd s wi l l be sta n d i n g on the p l atfo rm,
but the floor won't be activated.
ENCOUNTER 7: TH E VENERATOR
The top l evel of the Scorp i o n S a n ct u m towe r h o l d s
the Ve n e rator a s we l l as the acce s s t o B i l u - s h a-z i r i .
L i ke the l evel bel ow, t h i s l evel i s a ro u n d , o p e n
c h a m be r 60 feet (1 8 m) acro s s .
T h e M achi ne: The Ve n e rator i s a h u ge d evice o f
m e t a l a n d g l a s s , 1 5 feet (4. 6 m) h i gh a n d s h a ped
ro u g h ly l i ke a pyra m i d . Ca b l e s ru n from it across the
roo m to a n ot h e r device, wh ich see m s to be a pe rfect
cu be of utte r b l ackness, 1 1 feet (3.4 m) to a s i d e .
The Ve n e rator u ses the p roce s s i n g powe r o f h u m a n
b ra i n s t o h a n d l e t h e extre mely co m p l ex fu nction of
d rawi n g e n e rgy from the star.
I nfl ict i n g 20 poi nts of d a m age on the mach i n e wi l l
d e stroy i t fo reve r. l o m a n d J uthes wo u l d need many
years to build a n ew one, a n d if either i s s l a i n , its
secrets d i e with t h e m . Ran sacki n g t h e mach i n e fo r
parts p rod uces 1 d 6 + 2 ra n d o m cyp h e rs .
The Victi ms: E i g h teen peo p l e a re c u rre n t l y
stra p p e d onto meta l l i c p l atfo r m s a ro u n d t h e
m a c h i n e , b u t t h e re i s roo m fo r tw ice t h at m a n y.
Cord s a n d t u b e s a re p l u gged i n to t h e v i ct i m s ,
p u m p i n g fl u i d a n d e n e rgy i n a n d o u t o f t h e i r
bod i e s . M o st o f t h e s e kee p t h e v i ct i m s a l ive b u t
i n a n e a r-ve getative state. T h e cord s co n n ected t o
t h e v i ct i m s ' b ra i n s a re h eavy d ata ca b l e s . Free i n g
a v i ct i m i n volves re movi n g h i s co n n ect i o n s . D o i n g
s o w i t h o u t h a rm i n g t h e v i ct i m i s a n I n te l l ect
act i o n with a d i ffi c u lty of 4. Fa i l u re m ea n s t h at t h e
v i ct i m s u ffe r s greatly a n d co l l a p s e s i nto a co m a .
V i ct i m s s u ccessfu l ly freed a re very we a k , b u t t h ey
c a n sta n d a n d m ove w i t h a b i t of h e l p , a l t h o u g h
t h ey ca n n ot s p e a k . Aft e r a fu l l d ay ' s re st, t h ey a re
LI M E NE
THREE SANCTUMS
stro n ge r a n d m o re ca p a b l e , b u t t h ey l i ke l y need a
wee k to recove r fu l l y.
The M agister: l o rn m a i nta i n s t h e mach i n e h e re .
I f h e hears the P C s co m i n g (vi a t h e a l a rm o r t h e
sou n d s of battle o n t h e l evel below) , h e activates
a cyp h e r t h at sits o n h i s s h o u l d e r l i ke a s m a l l
mec h a n ical d rago n . O n ce p e r ro u n d , i n add ition to
h i s own act i o n s , t h i s l evel 5 "creatu re" can s p it fi re
u p to s h o rt ra n ge at a s i n g l e ta rget, i n fl ict i n g 5 poi nts
of d a mage t h at ignore s physical armor.
l o rn i s n ot i m med i ately host i l e . H e does n ot re l i s h
co m bat a n d atte m pts t o bribe t h e PCs i nto leavi n g
h i m a n d h i s mach i n e a l o n e . H e offers t h e m 1 00
s h i n s a n d the fo l l owi ng:
An odd ity: a g l a s s t h at t u r n s any l i q u i d p o u red i nto
it i nto a co l d , sweet d r i n k
A cyp h e r: a p i l l t h at restores a l l stat Poo l s t o t h e i r
m axi m u m (ta kes effect t e n m i n utes after the p i l l i s
swa l l owed)
An a rtifact: a d evice s i m i l a r to a s pyg l a s s t h at
m a kes anyt h i n g u p to 5 m i l es (8 km) d i stant
appear as if it we re in s h o rt ra n ge if t h e viewer has
l i n e of s i ght to it; d e p l etion 1 1 in 1 d l 00. The Venerator's victims
present a real challenge to
altruistic PCs. If rescued,
I f the PCs agree to the bribe, they d o n 't get the
they still very likely need
paym ent u n t i l t h ey leave the towe r. I t wi l l be d e l ivered help getting home. Aanor
to them by a g u a rd . Mengris (page 3 92) is of
course among them, and
Bargaining With lorn: T h e PCs m ight try t o bargai n with he would like to get back to
the magi ster. I f they do, keep the fol lowi n g in m i n d : Charmonde.
l o m w i l l n ot exp l a i n t h e Ve n e rator o r a nyth i n g
e l se-not eve n u n d e r th reat o f deat h .
I n it i a l ly, l o rn refu ses t o free any vict i m s hooked
up to the mach i n e , but cha racters who u s e
pers u a s i o n o r i nt i m i d ation m i ght get h i m to free
one, five, o r a l l of the captive s . l o rn w i l l agree to
the l atte r o n ly u nd e r th reat of death.
I f the PCs a re i nterested m a i n ly i n gett i n g reve nge
o n M n o m a , lorn g l a d l y bet rays h e r. H e wi l l go get
h e r u n d e r fa l se p rete n ses a n d t h e n "give" h e r to
the PCs, eve n h e l p i n g to s u bd ue h e r.
l o rn won't wi l l i ngly a l l ow the PCs i nto B i l u - s h a-ziri.
I f the PCs agree to some k i n d of a rra ngement, lorn
atte m pts to keep his s i d e of the barga i n .
Fighti ng lorn: I f t h e P C s attack t h e magi ste r, the
ro u n d after the fight begi n s , a l l the re m a i n i n g g u a rd s
fro m outs i d e t h e towe r ru s h u p t h e sta i rs , h avi n g
b e e n secretly s u m m o n ed b y l o rn via tele pathy either
when the a l a r m was tri p ped o r when h e fi rst s aw the
PCs. l o rn wo n 't fight to the deat h , but t h e o n l y p l ace
fo r h i m to flee is B i l u - s h a-zi ri.
The Cu be: The cube i s t h e c h a m b e r t h at h o l d s
B i l u - s h a-zi ri. Its wa l l s a re i nt a n g i b l e , a n d cha racte rs
can e a s i l y pass t h ro u g h them i nto the m uch l a rger
c h a m b e r i n s i d e (th o u g h gett i n g back out i s a n other
397
 m atte r) . Eve n pass i n g part i a l ly t h rough t h e wa l l s of
t h e cu be d raws o n e entirely i n s id e it.
ENCOUNTER 8: BI LU-SHA-ZIRI
The item Mnoma
When viewed fro m t h e o u t s i d e , the b l ack cube
stolefrom the PC
at the beginning of a p pears to be about 1 1 feet (3.4 m) to a s i d e , but the
the adventure is now i nterior i s many t i m e s l a rger t h a n t h e orbit of P l uto.
incorporated into the U po n enteri n g the c h a m ber, the PCs sta n d a l m ost 80
device here. It cannot be b i l l i o n m i l e s (1 2 9 b i l l i o n km) fro m Antares-a l m ost
restored. 900 t i m e s fa rt h e r t h a n a person o n the E a rt h ' s
s u rface i s fro m t h e s u n . H owever, Antares i s 883
times the s ize of the sun a n d fa r, fa r brighte r. So,
d e s p ite the d i stance, t h e red , glowi n g orb a p pears
about the s ize of the s u n a n d i s far too bright to look
at d i rectly.
The enti re c h a m be r h a s a red d i s h cast. The floor
a p pears to be made of the s a m e b l ack m ate rial as
t h e outs i d e of the cube, except t h at it i s solid and
extre mely s moot h . The s i d e s a re n o l o n ge r nea rby,
of cou rse-they a re 80 b i l l i o n m i l e s away. So n o
obvi o u s w a y to leave p resents itself.
The ca bles that ru n from the Venerator i nto t h i s
cham ber seem t o co me u p t h rough the fl o o r j u st a few
feet from where the cha racters appear. They con n ect
to a meta l l i c pyra m i d that is s i m i l a r to the Ve nerato r
but without the l iv i n g people con nected to it. Two
figures te nd t h i s mach i n e-M noma and J uthes.
J uthes h a s l o n g d a rk hair a n d a scar ru n n i n g d own
her left cheek. She wears a n u m be r of h i d d e n d evices
and i m p lants t h at grant h e r a n e lectrical p rotective
field (4 Armor) and the a b i l ity to s h ock with a touch
( i n fl i ct i n g 6 poi nts of d a m age) .
The M agistrixes: If the PCs enter the chamber,
M noma and j uthes assume that the i ntruders are
hosti le and that lorn is dead. Thus, they attack
i m med iately. j uthes fights to the death, but M noma
does not. I n stead , if faced with an overwhe l m i n g
force, she barga i n s for her life with the most val uable
com mod ity she has-the secret of how to leave this
Experience Point Award: chamber.
For the discoveries made The Pyramid: Th i s pyra m i d is t h e absorb i n g
in this adventure (the d evice. I t b e n d s s pace t o t a p d i rectly i nto t h e heart of
conduit system between Antares a n d tra n s m its t h at e n e rgy to the Ve n e rator i n
sanctums, the Venerator,
t h e Scorpion S a n ct u m , where t h e powe r i s m a n aged
and Bilu-sha-ziri), award
7 XP to each PC in t h ro u g h the h u m a n m i n d s . At least, that's the theory.
addition to XPfor any N o n e of it fu n ct i o n s yet. M n o m a u sed parts fro m
artifacts gained. If the t h e a rtifact s h e sto l e fro m t h e PCs to h e l p b u i l d t h e
characters also discovered pyra m i d .
the singularity, award an I nfl ict i n g 20 poi nts o f d a m age on the mach i n e w i l l
additional 7 XP to each
destroy it fo reve r. l o rn a n d J uthes wo u l d need many
PC.
years to build a n ew one, a n d if either i s s l a i n , its
secrets d ie with t h e m . Ran sacki n g the mach i n e fo r
p a rts p rod uces 1 d 6 + 2 ra n d o m cyp h e rs .
Explori ng t h e Chamber: To s ay t h at t h e i nterior of
398
t h i s c h a m be r is vast i s a d ra m atic u n d e rstate ment.
The entire s u rface of the wo rld wo u l d be a t i n y s peck
o n the floor o r the wa l l . Alt h o u g h the c h a m ber looks
e m pty fro m where the c h a racters i n it i a l ly appear,
t h e re co u l d be enti re cities or civi l izat i o n s with i n the
roo m (th o u g h it wo u l d take more t h a n a n exp l o rer's
l ifet i m e to reach them) . O n the oth e r hand, the roo m
m i ght be as e m pty a s it see m s .
Getting O u t of t h e Chamber: The trick to leav i n g
the c h a m ber l ies i n the ca b l e s t h at co n n ect to t h e
Ve n e rator. The magi strixes h ave attached a s m a l l ,
h i d d e n d evice ben eath t h e m . W h e n activated ,
t h i s d evice tra n sfers peo p l e back t o t h e t o p o f the
Scorpion S a n ct u m towe r, more o r l e s s s l i d i n g them
a l o n g t h e ca b l e s .
Sta n d a rd teleport tech nol ogy wo u l d a l so work,
a s s u m i n g it has the ra n ge to reach the s a n ct u m .
M ost l i kely, i nterp l a n etary ra nge i s need ed.
ENDING TH E ADVENTU RE
The adventu re co mes to a close afte r the PCs take
t h e i r reve n ge on M no m a , e n d t h e Co nve rge n ce ' s
p l a n , o r both-or neither. M no m a i s a l ateco m e r to
the gro u p and knows o n l y a few of the d eta i l s of t h e
p roce s s , but if the P C s l eave l o rn a n d j uthes a l ive,
they co nti n u e t h e i r schemes to tap i nto Antares a n d
u s e the powe r fo r t h e i r o w n e n d s . Destroy i n g the
mach i n e s sets them back, but n ot fo reve r. Of co u rse,
they m u st a l so decide what to d o with the a l most
l i m itless e n e rgy at t h e i r d i s po s a l , but i n o n ly a s h o rt
t i m e , they co u l d create terrifyi ng, real ity-a lteri n g
devices t h at wo u l d m a ke t h e m l i ke god s .
I f l o rn , J uthes, o r both a re s l a i n a n d t h e Ve n e rator
is destroyed, it is u n l i kely to be recreated. H owever,
the Co nverge n ce m i ght atte m pt to u s e B i l u - s h a-ziri
a n d its vast c h a m be r fo r oth e r schemes. O n ly ve ry
s pecial tra n sd i m e n s i o n a l devices can m ove the
cube, a n d n o fo rce yet known i n t h e N i nth Wo rld can
d a m age o r a lter it.
I f t h e PCs sto pped the Co nve rge nce's p l a n s , t h ey
wi l l h ave earned powe rfu l , l i fe l o n g e n e m i e s .
Appendix A: Character Creation Walkthrough 400

Appendix B : Bibliography and Resources 402

Appendix C: Kickstarter Backers 403

Glossary 41 1

Index 41 2

Numenera Character Sheet 414

 APPENDIX A

CHARACTER CREATIO N WALI<TH ROUGH

Follow these steps to create you r Numenera character.

+ GET PREPARED
I f yo u ' re u s i n g the c h a racter s h eet i n the back of this book, m a ke a
two- sided p h otocopy a n d then fo l d it i n t h i rd s l i ke a p a m p h l et so
the N u m e n e ra logo i s o n t h e top of the fro nt panel a n d N OT E S is
o n the back.
When the p a m p h l et is closed, yo u ' l l see a p l ace to write yo u r
c h a racte r' s n a m e , d escri ptor, type, a n d focu s , a l o n g with s p ace
to i n c l u d e an i m age. When yo u open t h e fro nt p a n e l , yo u ' l l see
a p l ace fo r yo u r c h a racte r' s backgro u n d . And when you open the
p a m p h l et fu l ly, yo u ' l l see a p l ace fo r all of yo u r c h a racte r' s stats,
s k i l l s , a b i l ities, and eq u i p ment.
CHOOSE YOU R CHARACTER
DESCRI PTOR, TYPE, AND FOCUS
Start i n g on t h e fro nt p a n e l , record yo u r c h a racte r' s n a m e a n d t h e
d e scri pto r, type, a n d fo c u s to co m p l ete t h e sentence .
For this example, let's say I am a Charming glaive who Bears a Halo ofFire.
The s pace below that i s a p lace to d raw, s ketch, or paste an i m age
of you r cha racter. You m ight want to wait to flesh out you r background
until you h ave figured out you r character's stats, s i nce they can play a
role in you r h i story.
My descriptor of Charming gives me +2 to my Intellect Pool. This
increases my starting stat Pool numbers to Might 1 4, Speed 7 7, and
Intellect 7 1.
FILL IN YOU R EDGE STATS , AS
DETERMINED BY YOU R TYPE
My glaive has a Might Edge of 1, a Speed Edge of 1, and an
Intellect Edge of 0.
WRITE IN ADDITTONAL STATS, AS
DETERMINED BY YOUR TYPE
Add any Effort, s k i l l s , a n d cyp h e r l i m its, as we l l as any s pecial
a b i l ities p rovided by yo u r type. These i n c l u d e esoteries, fight i n g
m ove s , a n d tricks o f the trad e. Be s u re t o write d own t h e cost (if
any) of any special a b i l ities a n d to note whet h e r yo u a re tra i ned
(T) o r s pecial ized (S) i n a s k i l l .
M y glaive has a n Effert of 7 and a cypher limit of2. H e is also
Practiced in Armor and Practiced With All Weapons, and I'm going to
choosejumping as his trained (T) skill. I also get to choose twofighting
moves, so I'll take Pierce and Thrust.

FILL I N YOU R
+
STAT POOLS, AS
DETERMINED BY YOU R
TYPE
Fi rst, take a detai led look at your type,
because that's where you'll get your Pool
starting values. Fill in those val ues.
For my glaive, my starting values are
Might 7 7, Speed 1 0, and Intellect 7, plus
6 additional points to spread between
the Pools. I 'm going to add 3 points to
Might, 7 to Speed, and 2 to Intellect,
for totals of Might 1 4, Speed 1 1, and
Intellect 9.
You r descri ptor m ight also add to
;\\
/
you r Pools. Feel free to check you r
descri ptor now to see if it gives you
additional points, and, if so, add them to
the appropriate starting Pool .

400

M ost foci a l so give yo u a s pecial a b i l ity. Fee l free to look at yo u r
focu s n ow a n d a d d a n y s peci a l a b i l ities.
My focus of Bears a Halo of Fire gives me a fire esotery called
Shroud of Flame.
WRITE I N ADDITIONAL STATS ,
AS DETERMINED BY YOU R
DESCRI PTOR &.. FOCUS
If you h ave n 't a l ready added any a d d i t i o n a l poi nts fro m yo u r
d e scri ptor a n d focu s t o yo u r start i n g Poo l , d o so n ow. Add any
add iti o n a l s k i l l s o r eq u i p m ent fro m yo u r d escri pto r a n d focus as
we l l .
I've already done this, s o I don 't need to do it again.
CHOOSE YOUR POSSESSIONS,
AS DETERMINED BY YOUR TYPE
The posses s i o n s t h at you start t h e game with a re d i ctated by yo u r
type a n d i n c l u d e weapo n s , armor, packs, a n d oth e r gear. I f yo u
wea r armor, or if yo u h ave a s peci a l a b i l ity t h at grants yo u Armor,
n ote the total a m o u nt of Armor i n the s pace p rovided .
Check to see if yo u r descri ptor gives you add iti o n a l
posses s i o n s , such a s eq u i p ment o r extra s h i n s .
As a glaive, I start the game with clothing, two weapons (or one weapon
and a shield), light or medium armor; an explorer's pack, and 5 shins. I'm
going to choose a fringed beastskinjacket (medium armor), which gives me
2 points ofarmor.
My descriptor gives me 1 0 extra shins.
+
40 1
LI M E NE
APPENDIX A: CHARACTER CREATION WALKTHROUGH
LIST YOU R ATIACKS
Attacks a re based on yo u r chosen wea p o n s a n d esote ries. List
t h e m h e re, write d own h ow m u c h d a m age they d o , a n d i nc l u d e
any s pecial mod ifiers.
For my weapons, I chose two daggers. My Pierce and Thrustfighting moves
give me + 7 to damage to attacks with those weapons.
Shroud of Flame costs me 7 Intellect point, but it inflicts +2 points of
damage on anyone who attempts to touch me or strike me with a melee
attack. It also gives me +2 to Armor againstfire damage when the shroud
is active.
+ :: ! ? !
r y p e s
an oddity. Some foci wi l l also give you an a rtifact.
Bears a Halo ofFire gives me an artifact-a device that can be used to
spray inanimate objects to make themfire-resistant.
;::?e?
c h a racte r can h e l p d efi n e yo u r backgro u n d . Yo u r type gives you a
co n n ecti o n to t h e worl d , yo u r focu s gives yo u a co n n ecti o n to o n e
ot h e r p l ayer cha racter, a n d yo u r d escri ptor gives yo u a con n ection
to t h e fi rst adve n t u re .
For my glaive connection, I'm going to choose a past as a bouncer
in a local bar. My focus allows me to choose a PC in the group who
isn 't harmed by my fire. Last, my descriptor connects me to the
current adventure, and I'll choose that I instigated this adventure and
convinced everyone else to join me.
DURING PLAY, NOTE DAMAGE
TRACK, RECOVERY ROLLS, AND XP
D u ri n g game p l ay, keep reco rd s of h ow
many recove ry ro l l s yo u 've used each
d ay and where you a re o n the d a m age
track. ( I f yo u ' re h a l e o r dead, yo u wo n ' t
n e e d to mark anyt h i ng; oth e rwise, it' s
i m portant to m a ke a n ote of yo u r stat u s
o n t h e d a mage track.) The 1 D6+ b o x i s
fo r reco rd i n g the a m o u nt t h at y o u a d d
t o yo u r recovery ro l l s; t h i s n u m be r i s
u s u a l ly yo u r cu rre nt tier, but it c a n b e
a ltered b y vari o u s mod ifiers.
Ad d it i o n a l ly, n ote what tier yo u a re
a n d h ow many experience poi nts yo u
cu rrently h ave .
;es?!: t d for
events and experiences that h a p pen to
yo u r characte r once the game begi n s .
 APPENDIX B

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND
RESOURCES

W
h i l e creat i n g N u m e n e ra a n d the N i nth FICTION
Wo rl d , I co n s u lted a l ot of s o u rces . M u ch Airtight Garage, M oe b i u s
of t h i s research was done o n l i ne, but there A t the Mountains of Madness, H . P. Lovecraft
a re some a m a z i n g books out t h e re d i sc u s s i n g t h i ngs Arzach, M oe b i u s
of i nterest to N u m e n e ra G M s-ideas o n cutt i n g The Book of the N e w Sun, G e n e Wo lfe
ed ge tec h n o logy a n d , eve n bette r, spec u l ation o n A Canticle for Leibowitz, Wa lter M . M i l l e r J r.
w h at t h at tech n o l ogy co u l d look l i ke i n t h e fa r, fa r The City and the Stars, Art h u r C. Cla rke
fut u re. Read i n g a b o u t such w i l d i d e a s wi l l i n s p i re Dancers at the End of Time, M ichael M oo rcock
t h e d i scove ries t h at N u m e n e ra PCs can m a ke, t h e Dreadstar, J i m Starl i n (co m ics)
cyp h e rs a n d a rt ifacts they can fi n d , a n d so o n . Dune, Fra n k H e rbert
Ad d it i o n a l ly, t h e re a re n ove l s , stories, gra p h i c The Dying Earth, j ack Va nce
n ove l s , T V s h ows, a n d movies t h at h ave greatly Eon, G reg Bear
i n fl ue nced N u menera. I want to n ot o n ly cred it Eternity, G reg Bear
t h e m a s s u c h but a l s o s h a re t h e m with yo u so t h at Eternals, j ack Ki rby (co m i cs)
you can be i n s p i red by t h e m as we l l . Somet i m e s Far Futures, ed. G regory Benford
t h e i n s p i ration they p rovide i s m o o d o r sett i n g, The History of the Runestaff, M ichael M oo rcock
somet i m e s it's a lot of w i l d tec h n o l ogical ideas, a n d The Inca/, Alej a n d ro j od o rows ky (co m ics)
oth e r t i m e s it's j u st the look o r fee l of somet h i n g t h at Last and First Men, O l af Sta pledon
m i ght fit we l l i nto a N u m e n e ra game. Neverness, David Z i n d e l l
E njoy. N e w Gods (a n d the enti re Fo u rth World series),
j ack Ki rby (co m ics)
The Night Land, Wi l l i a m Hope Hodgson
The Nine Billion Names of God, Art h u r C. Cla rke
Planetary, Wa rren E l l i s (co m ics)
Prophet: Remission, B ra n d o n G ra h a m (co m ics)
Pump Six and Other Stories, Paolo Baciga l u p i
Roadside Picnic, Arkady a n d Boris Strugat s ky
Saga, B r i a n K. Va u g h n (co m ics)
Star Man 's Son, An d re N o rton
The Sword of Shannara, Te rry B rooks
Timelike Infinity, Ste p h e n B axte r
Viriconium, M . J o h n H a rrison
The Zothique Cycle, Cla rke Ashton S m ith
NONFICTION
Eternity: Our Next Billion Years, M ichael H a n lo n TELEVISION AND MOVI ES
Indistinguishable From Magic, Robert L. Fo rwa rd A. I.
Nanotechnology, M a rk a n d D a n i e l Ratner Adventure Time
Physics ofthe Impossible, M i c h i o Kaku Cloud Atlas
The Physics of Superheroes, J a mes Ka ka l ios The Fifth Element
Strange Matters, To m S i egfried Fringe
Visions, M i c h i o Ka ku Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Oblivion (201 3 )

402
 LI M E NE
APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

515 Adam Everman Alexander Wresch nig And rew, Stacy, and G rifin Baradaelin Bob Runn icles
" Evil" Avi Zacherman Adam Freund Alf G ranger Davis Barry D. G uertin Bob S m ith
" ProducerPa u l " Barrett Adam I som Alf Wh itehead And rija Popovic Bart H e n n igan Boman Allan Jeffries
"Stom py'' Dan Brown Adam Kan uchok Alfonso "Archie" Diaz Andy "awmyh r" MyH R Barthelemy Alezandaru Boris Searles
"Top" W. l<one Adam Knudsen Alfred Elter Andy "Sm itty" S m ith Bastian Dornauf BOSCO'S

"Tuxedo" Ian M u ndt Adam Koebel Ali Bolcakan Andy & Vanessa Aiken Bastien Daugas Boyd Stephenson
"Weird Dave" Olson Adam Luchjenbroers Ali Dur en Andy Blanchard Bearded Dragon Games B rad Colver
"Zip y" Zabawa Adam M. Coleman Ali Mohsenian Andy Goldman Beau Bellot B rad Deavers
Wolf ang Coe Adam M a rley Al ista i r Parker Andy K Becky Weisgerber B rad G u nnels
l Oxl Room Adam Meyers Aliz " Izzy" G ru bel Andy M c M i l lan Belegdel B rad J ackson
9th Level Games Adam N ave Al lan M acKenzie-G raham Andy Rau Belligerents B rad Jones
A Chan Adam Ness Al lan Sam uelson Andy Wal ker Bel ly-Belly B rad Lyons
A J acob Cord Adam Pannell Alok Baikadi Andy Zeiner Ben B rad Osborne
A. Avery Patiyoka Adam Parkinson Alonso A Martinez M Anestis Kozakis Ben "superfan" Waxman B rad Rees
A. M iles Davis Adam Rajski Alonso 0. Rubio Angel Leigh M cCoy Ben Aldrich B rad Roberts
A. Trevor Longino Adam Rivera Altori nne Angel Torres Ben Armitage B rad Serl
Aaro Viertiii Adam Robichaud Amanda Angela Tremain Ben Barnett B rad Walter
Aaron "Jalinth" Davis Adam Sch i l l i n g Amanda Cook Angelo Pileggi Ben Bonds B rad Wheeler
Aaron " M okona" Al berg Adam Teece Amanda Lee-Low Angus MacDonald Ben Drago B rad Wilkinson
Aaron Ackerman Adam Waggenspack Amber E. Scott Anne-Sylvie Betsch Ben Erickson B raden Dougherty
Aaron Allred Adam Watts Amber Thiesen An nie Bellet Ben Ferguson B radlee Ledger
Aaron Benja m i n Carter Adam Wh itcomb Am ine Hsu N ekuchan Anonymous Ben H oTias B radley M a l i n
Aaron D. Fleming Adam Whitlatch Amit N etanel Anonymous Ben Johnson B rakus B l ue
Aaron F Stanton Adam Windsor Amonchakai Anonymous Ben Jolly B randon " D rake" Reed
Aaron Farrington Adam Wise Francis Anders Bersten Anonymous Ben Kam phaus B randon Doxtater
Aaron G enest Add i son Fox Anders D. Howard anonymous Ben Kaser B randon M etcalf
Aaron J. Schrader Adem Sawyer Anders H a l l i n Ant Holloway Ben Madden B randon Ording
Aaron Kahler Adm i ral_Brad Andre Bogaz e Souza Anthony " N az" l a n nazzi Ben McFarland B randon Pau l Salinas
Aaron Lake Adrian Bigland Andre B raghi n i Anthony "Tony" Adkins Ben McKenzie (@ B randon Stenger
Aaron M a rk Johnson Adrian Maddocks Andre Jespersen Anthony A Davenport labcoatman) B rand rith
Aaron Mclin Adrian Scully Andrea Baruzzi (l mola) Anthony and Vincent Ben Nettleship brazil808
Aaron N . Martin Adrian S m ith Andrea Faenza Vil loria Ben Prunty B renan Peterman
Aaron Nowack Adrian Zol l i n ger Andrea M agiera Anthony J ames Dingman Ben W Bell B rendan G Conway
Aaron Potts adriann Andreas H i ppe Anthony Jones Ben-David l(irsten B rendan Strejcek
Aaron Rei mer Adric Clifton Andreas P Rauch Anthony Kilburn Benedict H a l l B rendon J Wyber
Aaron Schindeler Afet Andreas Rose Schm idt Anthony N ijssen Benja m i n and Christi na B renna M oore
Aaron Tudyk Aidan Domogalla Andresen Anthony Parent H ernandez B rent Cerrato
Aaron Vander G iessen Aiden H ayes Andreas W. S i mon Anthony S. Robi n son Benja m i n and Linda B rent Crockett
Aaron Wamsley Aki l H ooper Andreas Walters Anthony Savi n i Benja m i n Bernard B rent Evans
Aaron Wong Aki ra Andres "fnord" H a rasty Anthony Sti ller Benja m i n H a rdy B rent Futrell
ABasketOIPups Al B i l l i ngs Andres Agu irre Anthony Teth Benja m i n H i n n u m B rent H oyler
Abby N afZiger AL Lajeunesse Andres Ram i rez Antoine Bertier Benja m i n H uff B renton Wiern i k
Abe Pralle Al Pidwell Andrew 'Pheylorn' Antoine Boegli Benja m i n M eader Brett Barksdale
Abraham B itton Alain Solheid Medeiros Anton nio "Vonreid" Reid Benja m i n Menard Cat Brett Bozeman
Ack Alan Col i net Andrew 'Whitenoise' Antti Walhelm G od Brett Easterbrook
Ada L. Fin igan Alan D. Kohler Rogers Arc Dream Publishing Benja m i n Rogers Brett Hen nock
Adam 'Woulf' F i n k Alan DeHaan Anarew " M u ntjack" Lister Archy Benja m i n s m ith Brett L. Lambrix
Adam "Arog" Rogers Alan J Clark Andrew " Paradox" Areito Echevarria Benja m i n T. Martin Brett Tamahori
Adam " Pakishi" Watson Alan Jackson Comstock Areon Oregano Rumerek Bennett M oore Brett Wilson
Adam B. Ross Alan Larki n Andrew "Sakar" N a re Ari M a rmell Bennett Nason Brian 'Erev' H i rth
Adam Baker-Si roty Alan M i l lard Andrew Beasley Arianna Reyes Benoit Devost Brian "Chainsaw"
Adam Barnum Alan M iller Andrew Brereton Ariel Kaiser Bert I s l a Campbell
Adam Chevalier Alan Spadoni Andrew Chizhik Ari n n Dembo Bertil J o n e l l Brian "death" Reiskin
Adam Ch u n n Alanna D. Andrew Cotgreave Arnd Felten Beth Rimmels Brian " F itz" Fitzpatrick -
Adam Crossingham Alasdai r Andrew Cowie Arne Kreutzmann bewmaynes Game Knight Reviews
Adam D. Ashworth Alasta i r B ishop Andrew D. Devenney Arrynchius B h i l H eath Brian Allen
Adam Dray Alayna Fong Andrew G. Ch u rch Arseni Kritchever B i l l "Two Soups" l<ahler Brian Altm iller
Albert Baird Andrew G uastella Arthur " LudoBardo" Bill "Vagabond Azu lien" Brian Awis
Albert H Nakano Andrew H . Tucker Protasio N ibz Brian Boonstra
Alberto Bermudo Andrew Hackard Arthur Santos B i l l Benham Brian Carpenter
Delgado Andrew H ovanec Arthur William B reon I l l Bill B ridges Brian Casey
Alcyr Barbin Neto Andrew Jones Artur J eziorski Bill Dunn Brian D. Warmbrod
Alec Stringer Andrew L. Strickland AS H LAW B i l l H ealy Brian Danford
Alejandro Astorga Andrew Lal i berte ashleigh boslet Bill Lovell Brian DiTu l l i o
Aleksander Lie Andrew Lloyd Wal ker Ashley Veigel B i l l Olander B r i a n E Hollenbeck
Aleksi Airaksinen Andrew Maddock Ashok Desai Bill Paulson Brian E. Kirby
Aleksia Men H uon Andrew M aizels Ash u r Parker Bill Stenross Brian Engard
Alex Bergqu i st Andrew Marlowe Asmora B i l l Webb Brian Everett
Alex Cantatore Andrew M atzen Asrugan B i l l Wi ltfong Brian F. C. Wilson
Alex Chow Andrew Mertz Astral G ames M edford B i l l i e Abbitt Brian Fisher, N L
Alex Crouzen Andrew M ontgomery Athiwat Ch u n lakhan B i l ly G oodwi n Brian G ute

j
Alex Dem psey H u rrel l Atomixwah BinaryAgent Brian H iggi ns
Alex Gagnon Andrew M udgett attriel B i nder Brian I( J uad
Alex G ifford Andrew P. M ayer Attrin B ' arte Stien l<arlsen Brian I<. Eason
Alex H a kobian Andrew Parker-Scott Auri Lee B ack B u n ny Brian K. Gage
Alex Ker Andrew Parran Aus Autarch B lack Diamond Games Brian l<elsay @ ripcrd
Alex McM orris Andrew Pascal Austi n "YQ M " M cGowan blackcoat Brian Lake
Alex M eadows Andrew Pearce Austi n M Pickles B lackStar Studios Brian Lavelle
Alex Puterbaugh Andrew Peregrine Austi n McDonald Blair Limcan_gco Brian Liberge
Alex Scheibe Andrew R Fried man Austi n Shern Blair T S Gaffney Brian Lovell
Alex Switzer Andrew Ross Austi n Stanley Blair Van B riesen Brian McCas ki l l
Alex von Hochtritt Andrew S. Williams Austi n Thompson Blake Dickie B r i a n M u rphy
Alex Wilkinson Andrew Shebanow Avarei i Blake jolly Brian Newman
Alexander 'Xan' Kashev Andrew Shockney Axel H eidenreich bl ujoker Brian Patterson
Alexander Chang Andrew Stein Aybkamen B l u mf Brian Paul
Alexander Desmond Andrew Taylor Ayd in Turk M a rdan Bo Brian Pritchard
Rodatos Andrew Thompson Az H a R Bo Williams Brian R. J ames
Alexander J. Dem ianiw Andrew W. H. H ouse B R M cCa n n Bob cah i l l Brian Smedley
Alexander Keane Andrew Wal ker B. Keith Barron Bob H uss Brian W Suskind
Alexander M oon Andrew Watson B.J. Austin Bob Johnson Brian West
Alexander 0. S m ith Andrew Wilson B . R. Kimball Bob Keller Brian Wisti
Alexander Pereira Andrew Wojcik Babs Boston Bob Lu becker B rien Piersol
Alexander W. Corrin Andrew Wu rm Badspyro Bob M u nsil Brocks

403
 APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS
B rody Cu rrie Cassara K. Chris l<irby Chuck Frizzell Damien & Kelly Brunetto Dave Dostaler
Brooks B a n ks Cassio Yamamura Chris l<n ight Chuck M ock Damien Laing Dave Feldman
B ruce Alderman and Cat Gard i ner Chris l<u mmel Chuck Wilbur Damon C B radshaw Dave G ross
Amanda J ose Alderman Catheri ne Vol lertsen Chris Lahey Cian " l cecream" Damon Eric English Dave H a m i lton
B ruce H arlick Cathy Hoyt Chris Laine O'Sullivan Dan "The Captai n " Dave Hanlon
B ruce Novakowski CAVAZOS F LORES Chris Lewis Cianan S i m s Haskins Dave M a rshall
B ruce Powell Ceci lia Tan Chris Longh u rst Clark B. Tim m i n s Dan B rees Dave M cCown
B ruce R Cordell Cephalik Chris M a rsh Claude Martins Dan Cecile Dave Neumann
B ruce Snell Cero Chris Mclaren Claudio Pozas Dan Delaunois Dave Oda
B ruce Taylor Chad 'Skrym i r' H ughes Chris M ichael Jahn Clay Fleischer Dan Derby Dave P Mansker
B ruce Tu rner Chad " Doomed pafadin" Chris Mobberley Clayton "Wise Kobold" Dan Forinton Dave Poirier
Bruno Freitas M iddleton Chris Mortika Ren nie Dan Harms Dave Reed
Bruno Pereira Chad Bartlett Chris Parkinson Clayton M ontgomery Dan J acobs Dave Ryack
Bryan "What the Duck" Chad Brown Chris Perki ns Clayton Pelan Dan Keller Dave Shackelford
Em borsky Chad Dru m mond Chris Perri n Cliff Alles-Curie Rodas Dan Martland Dave Sokolowski
Bryan Barnes Chad Long Chris Piazza Cl ifton 'Calvi nbah' Dan Schmidt Dave S paar
Bryan Bertsch Chad Maue Chris R Gordon dan sinclair Dave Stark
Bryan Fowler Chad Patterson Chris Rath unde Clint "Pippin" M alcolm Dan Stewart Dave Tavener
Bryan Gough Chad Robin son Chris Riedel Clint Barkley Dan S u ptic Dave Terh une
Bryan G rissom Chad Thornton Chris Schinaman Cli nton J Johnson Dan Taylor Dave Tomczyk
Bryan H ickok Chad Toopes Chris Sharpe Cli nton J . Boomer Dan Trand berg Jensen David ' Doibs' Koch
Bryan H olland- M i n kley Chadrick M a haffey Chris S heari ng Coboney Dan You n g David 'Za n kabo' Kohler
Bryan M anahan Chance & Tricia Le Meur Chris S horb Coby Hed berg D a n a Bayer David "Antioch" G uyll
Bryan M ul l i n s Chance Whitmore Chris Show Biz Ballard Code Monkey Daniel Abigail David " N ez" Clark
Bryan Reed chancecatalyst Chris S nyder Cody B lack Daniel Atherton David (Si r Zaric) H uet
Bryan Smart Cha n i n Vichaita Chris Sylvis Cody Swatek Daniel Berryh i l l David & Tal itha Wark
Bryant Durrel l chapicus Chris Tavares Cole Nord i n Daniel Boyer David A N issen
Bryce Kaspar Charles "Castellan" Chris Thompson Col i n B uckler Daniel Brumme David A I<. Lichtenstein
Brynjar Siguri5sson M eigh Chris VanderKnyff Col i n Cashman Daniel C. H utch ison David Adwokat
Bryon l<ershaw Charles Brown Chris Volcheck Col i n Fredericks Daniel Colwell David Ambu rgey
BT l<ennedy Charles Chapman Chris Von Wahlde col i n matt hews Daniel Crochet David Andraka
B uckett Charles Elder Chris Wachal Col i n M cCom b Daniel Cushman David An nandale
burningcrow Charles H ack Chris Weakley Col i n M i l ler Daniel Donahoo David B. Robertson
B utch2k Charles H a m mond Chris Wiemer Col i n M i s kowitz Daniel E. Knoop David Bagdan
Byron R. H arder Charles L. Allen Chris Williams Col i n Patrick Daniel Evanson David Barwise
Byron Richards Charles M i racle Christian A N ord Col i n , Galen, Chad! Daniel F l u merfelt David Beauchamp
C Cosper Charles M oore Ch risti an F. Kelley Col l i n Q Toohey Daniel Gonzalez da C. David Bernegger
C Em merich Charles Myers Christian H u ndahl Colman Reilly Cam pos David Bigg
C. B rian Bucklew Charles Parker Christian H u n d ley Colmcorbecl 3 Daniel G reta I l l David B lack
C. Denton Charles Powell Christian Lindke Conan B rasher Daniel G rzeskowiak David Booth
C. Joshua Villi nes Charles Tippett Christian Panten Connor Lavoy Daniel H ackett David Cherva n i k
C. Parker G a rl itz Charles W. Plemons I l l Ch risti an Poe Con rad M urkitt Daniel H eath David Ch rist
C. Patrick Daily Charl ie Reece Ch risti an Rothe Constantine Thomas Daniel Helman David DePrest
C. Pau l Cou nts Charl ie Roth Christian Seiler Copper Crane Daniel H e l m ick David Douglas Rol l i n s
C. W. Rogers Charl ie S m ith Christian Taylor Cora Anderson Daniel Johnston David Durand
CJ. and Jess Stott Charl ie Vick Christian Theriault Cordell Barile Daniel Kidney David E M u m aw
CJ. Le Blanc Charmaine & Steven Ch ristifer " Perch" M u lford Corey ' M oorhawk' Austin Daniel Kinka i d & Tom David F. Chapman
CJ . M isner Thornton-Cook Ch risti ne Paluch Corey "Truly Evil Bob" Rhodes David Farnell
C.I . Short Chase Bacetich Ch ristophe MOUCH E L Radloff Daniel L. Ras m u ssen David Garcia-B razales
cADave Chase Colman Ch ristophe SAU RA Corey H agopian Daniel Lex Santiago
Cain Eyebright Chau It ch ristophe yung Corey Owens Daniel Lofcon David G i n s b u rg
Caio Cesar Viel Chevaliers Christopher ' Last of the Corey Shaw Daniel Longwi ng David Gove
Calle Englund Chip M orris Timelords' S pivey Corhakil Daniel Maddern David Haller
Cal l u m Prior Chloe Katzburg Christopher "J u J u " Cormac 6 Foghlu Daniel N a ruta David H a rold
Calvin H i l l Chong Sim Chung M erri l l Corrado M uzi Daniel Petersen David H a rrison
Calvin Shafer CH P Christopher @chaupt Corrosive Rabbit Daniel Pires David H eadq u i st
Cam Doell Chris 'Oz' Oswalt H a u pt Craig " Doc Rr,der" Brown Daniel Rod riguez David Holbrook
Cam Rawls Chris " Fyrestryke" B radley Christopher A Roberts Craig "Zeej in ' Walmsley Daniel Sacd praseuth David J Prokopetz
Cameron Cal ka Chris "The Light" Sn iezak Christopher Anthony Craig Bishell Daniel Sanford David J. Zim merman
Cameron Corn i u k Chris & Ben Con rad Christopher Baar Craig G u a risco Daniel S haw David j ack
Cameron Coutts Chris Al<A "DOO M " Christopher Barton Craig H ackl Daniel S haw David j oy
Cameron Fong Chris And rews Christopher Brind Craig James Parent Daniel Stack David Kirl in
Cameron Kellett Chris Archer Christopher Church Craig Loos Daniel T. Bekmand David L. Pigman
Cameron Paine Chris Avellone Christopher Cork Craig M ccl ung Daniel Taylor David Lash
Cam i l l e Men H uon Chris Aylott Christopher Cou lter Craig Raven Daniel Williams David M .
Canezar the Dragon Chris Basque Christopher E. Gerber Craig S J anssen Daniel Worthington David M . John son
Captai n M oot Chris B u rnside Christopher Ell ison Craig Stephenson Daniel Yauger David M a n n
Captai n Norway Chris Caporaso Christopher Emerson Craig Sutherland Daniele " D rystar" Pavone David M argowsky
Cara Vita Chris Cham bers Christopher G ray Craig Wisn iewski Daniele Ard u i n i David McCartney
Card iacKangaroo Chris Col l i n s Christopher H i l l CST- I l l D a n n S u l l ivan David M cFal l
Carey Williams Chris Cowles Christopher J Foster CT Phillips Danny Seed house David M esick
Carl Baughman Chris Cu m m i n g Christopher J. Gautrau Curt Herwig Dari u s B reau David M ichael S ugar
Carl Bou Mansour Chris D'Amico Christopher J. Lau ricel la Curt M eyer Dark Lord Cth u l u David M organs
Carl G i lchrist Chris de Putron Christopher J . Williams Curtis "Cogzwell" Dalton DarkFl ite David Nett
Carl Malota Chris Dud ley Christopher J ordan Curtis H ay Darren C Tait David N g
Carl M eyer Chris Dulsky Christopher Kay-Chalk Curtis Tom Darren Fong David N ielson
Carl Ross Chris Edwards Christopher Klise cwalsh Darren Hen nessey David N ix
Carl-N iclas Odenbring Chris Elkins Christopher Kugler Cyle G rantham Darren M iguez David P. Cox
Carlos A. Steffens Chris Farrell Christopher Lockey D Scott Williams Darren Watts David Pau l
Carlos Alexandre Chris Fazio Christopher Long D. C. Dodd Darri n A M ichelson David R. Bender
Carlos Martin Chris Fenton Christopher Lazaga D. Lacheny Darri n Anderson David R. H i l l
Carlos Ovalle Chris Fitzsimmons (The Christopher M. Read D. M ax Loy Darri n Drader David R . M u rrel l
Carlos Roberto Garcia Dragons eye Games) Christopher M ackie D. Weeks Darryl Park David Rapp
Fil ho Chris Flipse Christopher M ayfield DA Evosi rch/Go, Cat, Darryl R. Farr David Ridout
Carly Robertson Chris Foggi n Christopher Mennell (The Go! Games Daryl G u bler David Sanchez
Carlyle "Caco" Sguassabia Chris Fu ng Secret D M ) D. R.G i l bert Dau lton Wh itehead David Sowa
Carol Darnell Chris G u i ney Christopher Richard Dain N ielsen Dave Arber David Stephenson
Caroline Pierce Chris Gwi n n Stevenson Daised Dave B resson David Stoll
Carrie Vaughn Chris H a m i lton Christopher Rueber Dal Dalain Dave B rookshaw David Tickner
Carsten Tolkmit Chris H a rp Christopher S m ith Adair dalarpguy Dave Cadoret David Treen
Casey C Clark Chris Hartford Christopher West Dale M azzola Dave Chalker David Wei n stei n
Casidhe Nebu losa Chris H i ldebrand Chuck B i rd Dale Seibert Dave Cul pepper David Wickham
Cassady Toles Chris I rvine Chuck Childers Damian Coffey Dave Cutts David Wiley H olton

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APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

David Willson Drew Daniel B rigner Eric Magnuson Fran Thomson Gerald Vanover Hans " l nfernalistgamer"
David Wilson Brown Drew J Cass Eric M u rphy Francis Traver Geza Letso Watts
David Woh l reich Drew S h iel Eric P. Stipe Francisco Sepulveda M G i a m paolo Agosta H a n s Christoffer Sandnes
Davy Kavanagh Drokare Eric Paquette Franois " Elfteiroh" Naud G i a n l uca Gatto Hans Cu m m ings
Dean homas DrSbaitso Eric Pierce Franois Labrecque G i bbs M oore Hans Erik Danielsen
Dean M athison Duane M oore Eric Robinson Franois Pal l ier Gidian Benjam i n Larsen Hans Kare S. Oppigard
Deana Lancaster Dubravko l<ezic Eric Rosenberg Franois Tel noff gigglestick H a rpu nea
DeAn na Ferguson Du ncan Eshelman Eric Sorensen Fra n Bath G ilbert M ilner H a rris Rotman
Dee H a rding Dusdan Eric Sta n kiewicz Fra n k Belinske G i l berto Leon H a rry Wise
Demelza Beckly Dustin & Eric S pencer Eric Stein bren ner Fra n k Bogensperger giryan H a rsh Real ities, LLC
Demian Walendorff Dustin and Kimothee Eric Suess Fra n k Fou l i s G i u lio Cesare G iorgin i H ayden Eather
Denis Gagnon Archer Eric Ti llemans Fra n k K Krivak glaciermfS HAYT
Denis S u rl<ov Dustin Curtis Eric W Olson Fra n k L Emanuel Glen G rongan H az
Den n i s Pejcha Dustin H eaden Eric Williamson Fra n k Shea Glen Martin H eadhu nterp
Den n i s Rude Dustin Rector Eric Wong Fra n k Tedeschi G lenda & Tom I n scho H eath Wilder
Den n i s Timm Dustin Wi l l i s H opson Eric Yeager, Game Fra n kie M u ndens Glenn " N a kedH obo" H eath_Bar
Derek and Ashley dwigt Designer Franklin Crosby Buettner H eather Blandford
Torgerson Dylan Craine Erich Vereen Frans Evaldsson Glenn Williams I l l H eather Pedersen
Derek Carbonneau Dylan Robinson Erick J a udon Franz Georg Rosel G lobaUd iot H eather Pritchett
Derek Du nwiddie Dyl lon M oseych uck Erick Pierce Fraser I m rie G log Stonebones H ector 'chucho68' Varela
Derek G roothuis Dynewi nd Erik Banner Fred H erman GM Chris H elder Lavigne
Derek G uder e Erik Booher Frederi "Volk Kom m issar Gohyakuen Henk B i rkholz
Derek ) . H u nt E. R. Dorner, J r. Erik C. Peterson Friedrich" POCHARD Gordon Dell H e n n i n g Wol l ny
Derek Kupper Ean H epburn Erik Crossley Frederic Defoy Gordon Duke Henry Benton J r.
Derek Outwater Eben Lowe Erik Emrys Carl Frederic Metliot Gordon R. Thomas Henry 0. H a rrel l
Derek Tilton Ed Erik Fra n khouse French!e Goth hog Henry Wong
Derick Larson Ed Courttroul Erik G u m inski FrictionX42 G raeme Lewis H erman Duyker
Derik M a lenda Ed Eschler Erik Hymel Fri nge Element G ragger H eySteve
Derrick Kepli nger Ed H a l l Erik l n gersen FWACATA.com G ranam H ol l i s McCray
Des i ree Storcli E d Kowalczewski Erik Jonnson G . Hartman G raham Dear H olly Cook
Devin N ight Ed Thater Erik M a n n G . L. Gay G raham Starfelt H orst Ragnar6k
Devin Redd Eden Sparks E r i k Ny Gabe Gal lagher G raham Wel l s H oward Andrew Jones
Devin Redd Edgar G i l lock Erik Olsen Gabe Usry G raham W i l l s hplovescats
Devon Apple Edouard Contesse Erik Olsen I M rThePlague] Gabriel Madeira Pessoa G raham H L H ugh Ashman
Dexter M acleod Edson "Gan" Carli J r Erik Parker Gabriel N ormandeau G randy Peace H ugh Lawson
Dez V Ed uard Sanz Eri k Tenkar Gabriel Perez G rant G erstner H ugo Solis
Dhaunae De Vir Ed uardo Venancio de Erik Thu rston Galactus, Devou rer of G rant Kinsley H u nter H a rrel l
Diana Bell Almeida Soares Erik Van B u ren Worlds G ray H il l h u rleyxvx
Dillon M i l l s Edward D Hol mes Erika Eby gamer42_au G rayson Soreluel M itchell Hyath i n
Dioltach Edward Durant Erin A Kinser Gamerstable Podcast G reg Arguello Hypnoseal
Direhi ppo Edward Hand Erin Rose M cDougal Gamescape San G reg Basich I'm Board ! Games &
Dirk Sch lobinski Edward Linder Erin Torl ine Francisco G reg B u l l a rd Fam i ly Fun
Dirk-J a n Pater Edwi n von S iegburg Ernesto " M o ntalve" Gaming Paper G reg B u rroughs lain H u nter-Fennell
Dj G i l crease Eeshwar Rajagopalan Ram i rez Gareth H odges G reg Cueto I a n Castleman
DM Morgana Einroy S m ith Ernesto Bravo Gareth H ugnes G reg Feh r I a n Cooper
Docteu r Half Ejtaka Ernesto Yip Gareth Lewis G reg French Ian Cyr
Dom Stevens El B u n ker Estaog Garreth " Dead J i m ' G reg G errand I a n Foster
Dom inic Hamon Eladrin Ethan M G i bney Baldwin G reg G reen ian rree
Dom inic Morin Elderac Ethan Prosen Garrett Fitzgerald G reg Jensen I a n G rey
Dom i n i k Dalek Eldric IV Ethan Zim merman Garrett WoOd G reg King I a n G u nther
Dom i n i k Steenken Elena M a u reen Martinez Ettore, G iordano e Maia Garry C Frankowski G reg M orrow Ian H e l m ke
Dom inique A Suchaire Eli Cu rtz M u nari Garry Jenkins G reg M o u nt I a n H utzel
Don A. Dehm Eli M a l lon Evan B u rgess Garth Wilson G reg Santo Ian J. Stewart
Don Early Eli Todd Evan Darrow Garvin Anders G reg Saunders I a n Kirby
Don Gardner Elijah Elefson Evan Myers Gary Bratzel G reg Sweeney Ian McCreery
Don H ayes El izabeth Courts Evan Rattner Gary E. Weller G reg Voel ker Ian McDouga l l
Don Johnson Ell iot J obe Evan Saft Gary Lutz G regg Meissner I a n N ewborn
Don Kosak Ell iot Williams Everitt Long Gary Montgomery G regory Bowes
Don S m ith Ell iott Freeman evil bibu Gary Schroeder G regory G. G eiger
Donald Bouton Ellis M . Creel Exor G rey Gary Thompson G regory Le
Donna I<. Fitch El ric Ezra H a rrington Gauthier Descamps G regory M a roda
Donny Rhye Elspeth Golden F. H ebert Gavin Bisesi (Aka G regory Morse
Donogh McCarthy Ely Dane F.S. Lloyd Daenyth) G regory Park
Doug " Dhomal" Raas Em Ecks Fabiano Neme Gavin H a l ldorson G rey
Doug " DJ Eternal Emeric j . Dwyer Fabio Passamonti Gavin Kenny G rey G rowl
Darl<ness" Carter Emiliano M a rchetti Fanfare Gavin Mok G ry H a ram
Doug B i l l i ngsly Enrique Estu rillo Fantask Gavin O ' B rien GThane
Doug G rimes entropyrat Faroguy Gavin Simons G u a rdian Games
Doug Hyatt Eoin B u rke Fastiaious M o n k gcbiggie64 G u ido Treissl
Doug Pippy epeeguy Faumspur gcollic G u i llaume Adroit
Doug Seipel Epheros Aldar Fel Gee Barger G u i llaume Bernard
Doug Winter Erhoo Lopez Fel i pe de Amorim Geek I m p rovement G u i llaume Chau
Dougal Scott Eric Fel i pe Weber GeekNative.com G u i llaume Paci
Douglas H u l ick Eric "Gyrax" Belisle Felix "Flax" Le Rouzes Gelsamel G u i l lermo Lago
Douglas Odell Eric "ogehn" B renders Felix G i rke Gemini H abuzel bot G u l lven
Douglas Parker G ray Eric "Omnifarious" Felix Seibert Gene F Walth es J r G ustavo
Douglas R. B riggs H opper Fenyx4 Gene Molnar "Guggawitze"
Douglas Robertson Eric "Strat" Ken nedy Fernando Barrocal Gene Rugg Martinez
Douglas Snyder Eric & john Ferrett Steinmetz Genesis G u a rds G uy N uyda
D P RJ Eric Coates Fidark Geoff & Christy Gill G uy Thompson
Dr Ad rian Melchiori Eric Cu m m i n gs Fil ipe Stefano G h i s i Geoff Sears Guz Waatensen
Dr Eric Walchak Eric Dalehite Fil ippo B u righel Geoff Skinner H . M . 'Dain' Lybarger
Dr M atthew Barron Eric Dieter Fi lthy Mon l<ey Geoffrey Gollin H. Ravl i n
Dr M ichael B radley Eric Ellis Fiona Denehy Geoffrey Nelson H aegin
Draco Rat Eric G Fiona Lyn n Zimmer George H atus H agen Kirk
Dracogen.com Eric H oltgrefe Fire Opal Media George N. Haon Gaut
Dragn moon Eric Jensen Flash, Mercu ry, and Blade George Richardson H a l G reenberg
Dragon's Lair Comics & Eric Kervi na Fletcher Williams George S H a rdy H a l M angold
Fantasy Eric Lang Florian Merx George T. Krieger, IV Hank Amorin I
Drakythe Eric Lindset Florian P. M . Kohn George Taray Hannah " E rOO"
Dreamstreamer Eric lopez Florian Wassermann George Vasilakos Fordham
Drew (And rew) South Eric M Jeppesen Flozz Gera la J S m ith Hannah Taylor
Drew Astolfi Eric M. Foz Gerald Rose J r H a n nes Furia

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 APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS
I a n O' Dea James Bryant Jason F. B road ley J eff H otchkiss J ester's Playhouse john H a n n a
Ian Phill ipch u k James C l<ing Jason Flowers J eff Jeppesen J evin John H are
I a n Robin son James C. Ray Jason G i l more J eff Joh n ston JF Paradis John H iggin botham J r.
Ian SerVaas & Sage James Carl isle Holder Jason G u nder J eff Jones JHG Hendriks John H ughey
I a n T. " Keeper" Small James Col i n Campbell Jason J . Ambrose j eff Kajrs Jim Alcala Sales john J. G i l l ick, TPK
I a n Tong James Cosper Jason J a h r J eff Klessig Jim B lack O n l i ne.com
I a n Walton James Crouch J a s o n Johnson- Price J eff Knee Jim B lack john J. Kammer
Ian Whitehead James Doherty Jason Lescalleet J eff Kramer Jim B u rzelic John K. M orris
l d i l i o Santos James Durchenwald Jason Levine J eff Lindsay Jim Clunie John Kusters
I gnacio Segura James Galloway Jason Lund J eff Maughan J i m Cu m m i n gs John Layton Long
I gnati us M ontenegro James G l over (G B) Jason M . Frawley J eff M ecnl inski Jim Gill John Lowell Kelly
I gor 'UtarefsoN' Moreno James H . Lewis Jason M. H eath J eff Messina Jim Hall John Lu iten
I gor Benetazzo James H ays Jason M. Stewart J eff Popke J i m Hart John M. Kuzma
I gor Bone James H orne Jason Marks J eff Prather J i m H eath John M. Portley
I gor Skvortsov James J acobs Jason M aver J eff Quantri l l J i m Kitchen John M a ki
iiowyn James Jandebeur Jason N . Duffey J eff Quick J i m Lasseter John M a rk Smotherman
i ivari Lappalainen James john Jason Nell J eff Seifert J i m Long john M a rron
l ma n i M a rks James Keegan Jason Pitre J eff Shepherd Jim Moss John McCarthy
l manol Bautista James Kiley Jason Ram boz J eff Sherman Jim Olszewski (Cohrbin) John M cCullough
"Wulwaif" James Klingler Jason Richardson J eff Spencer Jim Priebnow john McLi ntock (AKA.
i NCREPT James Knevitt Jason S. Owens J eff Terri l l J i m Rickel J M cL63)
I n igo Gard u n o Cuevas James Lawler Jason Sch indler J eff Wimett J i m Ryan John Mehrholz
I n q u isitor M cConnell James Mason Pierce Jason Sereno J eff Xi Ion J i m Shepard John M ichael Davis
l ntwischa Press James M ccloy Jason Tack J effery A. Dobberp u h l J i m Trigg John M orrow
I ra l<alina James M cKendrew Jason Templeton J effery Sergent J i m Zub john P. G regory
l rfon-Kim Ahmad James M E Patterson Jason Van hee J effrey A Jones J i m bo Holmstrom john Pau l Ashenfelter
l rven " M yrkwell" l<eppen James M iller Jason Wayne Keesey J effrey A. Robbins J i m bo Staggins John Poole
I saac Carr James Moffitt Jason Wyrick J effrey Dentzer Jimi Kathryn Bonogofsky John R. Troy
I saac Van Duyn James Myers J avier " l ntkhiladi" J effrey Edgington J im m i e B ragdon John R. Warren
I sabelle DG Moreau James Niemira Escajeda J effrey Hosmer J i m my Plamondon John Randecker
Isak Strom James O'Laugh l i n J avier M u ri l l o Sanchez J effrey J .A. Fu ller 1 1 J in-Ping Lim John Rudd
ltamar Weisberg J a m e s P. Pope J ay E Treat I l l J effrey Osthoff JJ Garcia & Charlie John Rugwell
Ivan Su botic James Pacheco J ay G a rmon J effrey S. Campbell Dreisbach john Ryan Beattie
lvica Folnovic James Powell J ay G oodfader J effrey Wong JJ Kahrs John Sairrin
lzarux James Ram i rez J ay Kint J effrey Zimmer jmstu m p John Santin
J & J H a rdesty James Roy Peters J ay Kominek J effry Fleischer Jo R John Scchock
J Aaron Farr James S. Barratt j ay Little Jen Page Jo-H erman H augholt john Sch u h r
J Natera James Sears J ay Steven Uy Anyong jen W J oao L. "Tabaco" R M. john Sepu lveda
J Quelch James Seibert j ay V. Sch indler Jennie Sch i l l i n g J oaq u i n Vasquez john S ignorino
J Snagg James Spangen berg j ay Wh ite Jenn ifer B. Ramon J ody Kline John Skinner Jr
J. Andrew Wilson James Stoneburner J aye Sonia Jenn ifer B rozek J oe "G ravity" Newton John Stafford
J . B . "Trollsmyth" M u rphy James Stuart J ayme Last Jenn ifer G u bernath J oe Abboreno John Steve
J. Carter James Thomson J ayson French Jenn ifer Schlosser J oe carlson John T Coleman
J. Daniel Lewis, J r. james till man J ayson Richard Jens H alverson J oe Crow John T Coyne
J. Holdridge James Tomasino Jd and Keri Wiker Jens Olesen J oe Damiani John T. Overath
J. J. Veatcn James Van H orn jean ALAH E L Frid rici J erald Schri m s her J oe Dunham john Taber
J. Ohmer & R. Ren nie James Vogel Jean Pau l Thewissen J ere l<asanen J oe Ebner john Traglio
J . Patrick Wal ker James W H ines Jean-Baptiste Vlassoff J ered H eeschen J oe Frankovitch john Wenskovitch
J . P h i l l i p Stewart James W. Wood J ean-Claude Labelle J eremiah B rougher J oe Fusion john Wi nters
J. Schultz James Winfield J r jean-Francois Fiset J eremiah G riffin J oe G iammarco John WS Marvin
J . M . Martin James Wnorowski j ean-Ol ivier Ferrer J eremiah Tol bert J oe Johnston John Yngve Fred rik
J . R. & Lean n Knight James Wood Jeanette Johnston J eremy & Jenn ifer Farnes J oe M a ron Lundgren
J .W. Kemery James Worley Jeb Woodard J eremy Bent J oe Noll John-M atthew DeFoggi
J .W.S. Wise, I l l Jamie Pilgrim Jed M cCl u re J eremy Bergfeld J oe Senecal Johnathas Mendes
J ack G u l ick Jamie Varn i J efA J eremy Brown J oe Thater Beccon
J ack Kel n hofer Jamie Wolff J eff "foxxtrot" Craig J eremy Caldwell J oel A. Ad kins Johnny Alfaro (Dreik)
J ackus Jamison T Thing J eff Badger J eremy Coffey J oel Flank J o h n Ph i l i p S. W i l l s
J acob Alexander Jamon Schroeder J eff Bergan J eremy Cook J oel Kurian Jon Blackwell
J acob Angel Jan Egil Bjune J eff Cross J eremy Cu n n i ngham J oel Thorne Jon Bolding
J acob Evans Jan M a kinen J eff Devin J eremy Fox J oerg M . Nosthaf Jon Crider
J acob Kessler Jan Pralle J eff Eaton J eremy Friesen J oesys Jon Criswell
J acob M a ndel Jan Rodewald J eremy H i l l j oey Ruina Jon G reen
J acob Mandell Jan Schmid J eremy H ostetler j oey Virtue jon h icks
J acob Reich Jan-Paul Koopmann J eremy Kinser Johan Lj ungman Jon H uss
J acob Sorensen Jan go J eremy Kostiew Johan nes Doln itzki Jon I n gersol l
J acob Trewe Janosch H ildebrand J eremy La Mere john "Decker" Pool Jon Jones
J acob Vanyai Japegrape J eremy Land john "Goon" Williams Jon Ki m m ich
J acob W. Jared & N icole Callahan J eremy R Jerkins John "Johen ius" Richter Jon Leitheusser
J acob W. l<al b Jared M cFarland J eremy Scherer John " Living the Dream" Jon Loeffler
J a i (H agi) Daniel Jared Nelson J eremy Scott Dodd Jon Marr
J a ke Darby Jared Scott J eremy S hajiiv john "Oz" Oswald Jon M attson
J a ke Foster Jared Voshall Sivaneswaran John Ada m u s Jon M eerd i n k
J a ke Nelson Jared Wadsworth J eremy Weyand john Alfred Young Jon Metzger
J a ke Rich mond Jarek Curtis J eremy Whalen John Bellando Jon M ichaels
Jamas En right J arrod -ch iefocto J eremy Zim merman John Brewer Jon M oore
J ames " Derthmanter" Brown J eroen J etten John Buczek Jon S i m pson
DeWitte Jasmine Devereaux J eroen Ru igrok van der john C. Tod Jon Smejkal
J ames " Ravenspoe" Jasmine Rae Friedrich Werven john Casker Jon Solmu ndson
Carpio Jason 'Xeno Phage' J errett M cCormick John Cmar Jon Spengler
J ames & Lau ra G oodwi n Frisvold j errin Strongblade John D. Barr Jon Swanson
J ames A. Johnson Jason " LordZod" Jerry "J uberberry" Ozbun John D. Faugno Jon T. M cCarty 1 1
J ames A. Quirk Liswood jerry D. G rayson john D. Pankey Jon Watts
J ames a.k.a. uber jason " mOOse" bean Jes Wu lfs berg N ielsen John D. Will iford Jon Wooley
J ames Alan G ardner Jason "Tyrian" Emery jess Bell john David Wright Jon-Col i n Evans
J ames Allen Jason Best J esse Davenport john Donahue Jonas "TheSpace M a n "
J ames Alley Jason B l i n d J esse Goble John Donogh ue Pettersson
J ames Barlow (angil le) J a s o n B rick J esse Nash John Deny Jonas H ansson
J ames Becker Jason B u rlew J esse Rexnolds john Doty Jonas M ustonen
J ames Bell Jason B u rton J esse Taylor John du Bois Jonas Richter
J ames Bell Jason Cheung J esse Tnacker john Dwyer Jonas Schiiitt
J ames Bowman Jason Childs Jessica Alsop john Good J onathan 'Tred H ed'
J ames Brett Jason Craft Jessica H a m mer John G ranvi lle Young
J ames B ridges Jason Erbe Jessica Pippard John H Reiher J r. Jonatnan " B uddha" Davis

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APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

Jonathan A. G i l l ett Joshua H Morris Keith Duncan Kristian G rossman Lisa Stevens M a rcus Johnson
Jonathan Agens Joshua H a n cock Keith H igdon Madsen Lisandra N i eva M a rcus M aczynski
Jonathan Basse Joshua K. Martin Keith M Martin Kristian H a rtmann Lloyd Eley-Sm ith M a rek Staron
Jonathan Borzilleri Joshua KTFish7 G u l l ion Keith M ageau Kristian Robben lobachevsky M a rek St pniowski
Jonathan Bristow Joshua Lamos-Sweeney Keith M cG i l l ivray Kristi ne Roper Lobo M a rian De l<leermaeker
Jonathan Cabildo Joshua Little Keith Nelson Kristoff Bergenholm Locke Bendekar M a rino Santirso Ruiz
Jonathan Cliffen Joshua Men H uon Keith Price Kristoffer Dorph Logan "Jebal" S m ith M a rio Vandaele
Jonathan Cruz Joshua O'Connor-Rose Keith Shaw Kun Xin Logan Bonner M a rion N alepa
(EpicWords.com) Joshua P. Smtih Kelcey Calderon Kurt Dietrich Loig Marius H offmann
Jonathan Doda Joshua Pau l i k Kellan Ki lmer Kurt Johnson Lol<1 Carbis M a rja " Pock" Feilen
Jonathan D u hrkoop J o s h u a Peck Kelly & Robyn Fisher Kurt Korfmacher Loki63 M a rk " B uzz" Delsing
Jonathan Eskritt Joshua Wehner Kelly Caudle Kurt T. Runkle Lorean M u rphy M a rk "The Barbarian"
Jonathan Francis Audet Joshua Ziegler Keis a Kurt Zdanio Lord Baane Rajic
Jonathan G ri m m J ovaZ Kelsey Mohland kurtis b fran ks Lord Darth Travis M a rk "Va l ris S u n star"
Jonathan H ague J ozh Ken Austi n Kurtis B right Bartholomew Winston Rumler
Jonathan Jordan J uan Adolfo Lucha Garcia Ken Blakey Kusatteiru Gary Wooda l l IX, Esq. M a rk A G a l l icch io
Jonathan Killstri ng J uan Pablo de Betolaza Ken B u rruss Kyle " F iddy" Pinches Lorenzo Di Loreto M a rk A. Barreto
Jonathan Korman J ubakin Ken Col l i n s Kyle A. Lovett Lori n "Xavier" G rieve M a rk A. Siefert
Jonathan L. Howard J udd M . G oswick K e n Ditto Kyle Anderson Lou Anders M a rk Al lan Patrick
Jonathan Leopold J ude Vais Ken Finlayson Kyle Ballard Lou Baj u k H u ghes
Jonathan M cCu lley J udge Zahn Ken H erbert Kyle Brodzky L o u Goncey M ark Almeida
Jonathan McDermott J udson Wright Ken M arable Kyle David Frost Lou is Agresta M a rk Beardmore
Jonathan McDermott J u l & M at Ken Norton Kyle E. O ' H a l loran Lou is R. Evans M a rk Brown
Jonathan M ier J u l ian C. Steen Ken Pawl i k Kyle Ferri n Lou is-Andre Pel letier M a rk Buffington
Jonathan M u sgrove J u l ien Delabre Kendal I J u n g Kyle G. N eff Lou i s-Rene H ebert M a rk B utler
Jonathan N a s li ju not d faz Kennan Ward Kyle Hartzel louisdeb M a rk C. Chu-Carroll
Jonathan Olsen J u rannok Kenneth "The Borg" Kyle J ackson Luca Beltra m i M a rk Carroll
Jonathan P N iess J u rgen Peters Earnest Kyle Lewis Lucas M cCa u s l i n M a rk Cathro
Jonathan Riefler J une H orneman Kenneth j Ruch Kyle MacKay Lucas Nascimento M a rk Cockerham
Jonathan Ruffin J ussi Myllyluoma Kenneth Liska Kyle Tas ker M achado M a rk Darrah
Jonathan Schrack J u stDave Kenneth N ewq u ist Kyle Watt Lucas Toddy M a rk Diaz Tru man,
Jonathan Scott J ustin Ach i l l i Kenneth Thronberry Kym Farley Luciano C. Magpie Games
Jonathan Steele J ustin Alexander Kennon and El izabeth L. M i lton Luciano Fernandez M a rk Dover
Jonathan the B lack J ustin And rew Mason Bauman L. McKinney Lucien B reitkopf M a rk Field ing
J oos Ketelslegers J ustin Ashley Powell Kenny L.R. Stevens Lucien Freeman M a rk Francis
J ordan Bowe J ustin Beatty Ken ny Chik Lachlan Jones Ludovic Chaban! M a rk Garringer
J ordan Cu n n i ngham J ustin Beeh Kens boro Lachlan S m ith Luigi Castellani M a rk Goldman
J ordan Den n i s J ustin Bohnet Kent Wayson Lady Suza n n e of Luis Goncalo Mendes M a rk G reco
J ordan Raymond J ustin B urr Kerion D'Archangel i Booklandia, level 2 7 nerd Lukas Daniel Klausner M a rk H a rris
J ordan S u rie J ustin D. Jacobson kesi pyc Laevatein Lukasz M a rk J Modugno
J ordan Trais J ustin H u kle Kevan Chapman Lal i Agu iar Luke G ra n l u n d M a rk K. Emmert
J ordan n a Artma n n J ustin Lee Kevin " Rifter" Ran k Lance Schroeder Luke G reene M a rk Kadas
J orden O'Bryant J ustin McDaniel Kevin Bender Lance T H i ldebrand Luke H a uck M a rk Keating
Jorge Chacon J ustin Mohareb Kevin B rennan Lance Williams Luke M oran M a rk Llewelryn J ames
Jorn Kiselev J ustin N Kevin Davis Landon B Luke Platfoot M a rk M agagna
J ose 'The H aser' Fitchett J ustin Ragan Kevin Doswell Larae Luke Rowan M a rk M alone
J ose Espinoza J ustin Scliu ltz Kevin Flyn n Lari Ku kkonen Luke S imcoe M a rk M cCa n n
J ose Lozada J ustin Shelby Kevin G roat Larry Hollis Lu ke S towel I M a rk M iller
J ose Luiz J ustin Thomason Kevin H a m i lton Lars Gawronsky Lutz M ichen M a rk M orden
"Tzimiscedracu l" F. J ustin Vander Schaaf Kevin H ogan Lars Westergren Lyn Setchell M a rk Noonan
Cardoso J ustin Vierra Kevin J . Maroney Lateef Livers M Alexander J u rkat M a rk Pankhurst
J ose M Adams l<-Slacker Kevin l<i n sley Lau ra S u l l ivan M. Christopher Freeman M a rk Perneta
J ose Man uel Hernandez K. L. M u rphy Kevin Kulp Lau rel Amberd i n e M . M ichalik M a rk Quire

r
J ose Montero Kacy S m ith Kevin Lai Lau ren Knowles M . Sean Melley M a rk Richman
J oseph A. B lack Kaerlyzar Kevin Lawrence Lau rent "cyberpanda" M .C.A. H ogarth M a rk s
J oseph A B rasse l<ai Hell meier Kevin M. S m ith Dumas Maarten B roekman M a rk Shocklee
J oseph A. Russel l<ai ram Ahmed Hamdan Kevin Mayz Lau ri H i rvonen Mac Senour M a rk Solino
J oseph Carroll l<a m i n iwa Kevin Mclean Lau ri P. Laux J r Mad Tinker G nome M a rk Sponholtz
J oseph Choe l<aosweaver Kevin Ohannessian Lawfu l N ice M agatone M a rk ten B ri n k
J oseph Cortese Kara J ames & Curtis Kevin Ramsell Lawrence E. H uang M age M a rk Teppo
J oseph Evans Jones Kevin Ramsell Leandro " PaladaEX" Mage M i stress.com M a rk Townshend
J oseph Gandee Kari Lehtikari Kevin Reynolds Costa MaGnuS M a rk W. B ruce
J oseph H a rvey l<arl A. Schmidt Kevin Schantz Leandropug M a g n u s Alvestad M a rk W. H. Lambe
J oseph Kogin l<arl Barbosa Kevin Tait Leanne C. Taylor-G iles Magnus Widvist M a rk Win n ington
J oseph Lewis l<arl Borns Kevin Weiser Lee DeBoer Magus M a rk Woodson
J oseph Mcl<in l ey Boster I I Karl Castle Khash i r El'eth Lee Sims M aiki M a rk Woolley
J oseph McRoberts Karl Deckard Kieran Stones Lee Wendel Majdi Badri M a rk Yohalem
J oseph Pound Karl M. Hen non Kim M azaraki Lema M alex M u rdoch M a rk Zabaro
Josh Arnold l<arl M a u rer Kim berly G Schneider Len O'G rady Mama Wu isa markus igel
Josh Boys l<arl Okerholm Kimmy Len Peralta M a n uel Den n i s I l l M a rkus Pfeil
Josh Colon l<arl The Good Kindath Shadowcloak Leo Byrne Jenicek M a n uel Qu ick M a rkus Plate
Josh Demaree of TH E Karsten Alexander King Drew Follett Leo M atheus M a n uel Siebert M a rkus Schoenlau
ESTAB LiS H ED FACTS Kopplin Kip rennan Leon H igley M a n uel Vrizzi Marni Erwin
Pod cast Kary "Starman" Williams Kirin Robinson Leon Powell mare eyraud M a rsell
Josh Dixon aka " Real m Master K" Kirwan's Game Store Leonardo Pru n k M a rc Golsmith Martin " Flash" J ager
Josh Epperson Kaspi Kit Wessendorf Leonardo Souza M a rc G ra n l u n d Martin Blake
Josh Flint kassarin Kitasi Leperkhaun M a rc H utcheson Martin Brown
Josh H i lden Kat Bou lware Kjeti l Kverndokken lerolabell M a rc Plourde Martin C. Howard
Josh Rensch l<at Evans Klan mabas Leroy " Falstep" Lee M a rc Rougier Martin Coleman
Josh Scagl ione l<ate l<irby KM Criscione Les S i mpson M a rc-Andre Martin Dickson
Josh Spotts l<atie and M a rc Davignon Knoxx Leslie " Phadeout" Balazs M a rc-Andre Lau rence Martin G reen i n g
Josh Street Katie Fou ntaine Koen Casier Leslie A. Wilson M a rcel Beaudoin Martin H il l s
Josh Triplet Katlyn n & Schuyler Konstantin Gorelyy Leslie Sedak M a rcel Benoit Martin Jonassen
Josh Wilhelmi Katri na L. H a l l iwel l Kosuno Lester Ward M a rcelo de Vasconcellos Martin Jones
Joshua "Strago" Luther l<atryna & Erich Wade Krab Lewie Nerino M a rcie Dobyns Martin Langhammer
Joshua A Long l<ay Elspas Krathogn is Lewis B lack M a rco "_Jou rneyman_" Martin Legg
Joshua Archer l<aytal (J osh B ryant) Kris Chesney Liam " H a m m " Barney Bignami Martin Lennert, Master of
Joshua Bailey l<azekam i Kris Culotta Liam Bou rret-Nyffeler M a rco Andre Kuranor
Joshua Besaw kbob42 Kris l<elly Liam M u rray M ezzasalma Martin Lemser
Joshua B uergel Keasar Kris l<etchersid Li berKaos M a rec Veltri Martin Mou ntford
Joshua D. Fairhurst Kee Hwan Yi Kris, Elizabeth and Lina Li bona ti M a rcus Arena Martin Ralya
Joshua D. M oody l<eith "Xiawarr" H erzoh Lisa "The Mouse" M a rcus Beyer Martin Wagner
Joshua D. Wild Clendenen Kristi H . Lisa Kaiffer M a rcus G roenig Mary Robinette Kowal
Joshua Gorfain l<eith Baker Kristian Cee Lisa Kellogg M a rcus Johansson M a rzio Ombra

407
 APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

IT
M a rzio Spaira n i Matthew Sands M ichael Spinks N ate M i ller Ocean Druen Pau l Scarrone
Mason Z. Matthew Scott M ichael Stell ick N ate Udell Octavio Aran o Pau l Sheppard
Massimo Spiga Matthew Trent M ichael Swiern i k N athan G udowski Odysseas Da as Pau l Snow
M at H u lett Matthew Tucker, M ichael Zautner N athan H. Kahler Ohad Pau l Stone
M at M u n ro Geekmaster M ichael Zen ke N athan Haslam Olav M u l ler Pau l Weimer

M ateria M agica Matthew Wal ker M ichele Carter N athan H oobler 01 iver Borden Pau l Wilcox

M athew Reuther Matthew Wasiak M ichelle M a ki N athan Iverson Ol iver Kasteleiner Paulo Andre Vieira
M athew Schels ky M atth ias N a m ickl iddy N athan J Davis Ol iver von Spreckelsen Paulo Bernardi Baccarat

M athew Schu ltz M atth ias Wee s M i uel Reyes N athan Knaack ol ivier pail let Pearce Shea
( l n klike U rine) M attias Kasche Mi e " B lack Wolf" N athan Lax Olna J e n n S m ith Pedro Panzard i
M athias Exner M a u rauders B rowne N athan Letsi nger Olshanski Fam ily Pedro R. Martinez Perez

M athias Gehl M a u rice Stru bel M i ke Speedy) Harwood N athan Olmstead opsirus Pedro (te)
M athieu Cote M a uricio H. Navate M i ke owie N athan Owen orange snafu peetsnack
M athieu Krog M a u ricio Moura M i ke B radley N athan Pearson Orastes Pericacho
M atias Sapp1 M ax "G reen_eyes" M i ke Cherry N athan Richardson Oren Geshuri Perry ones
M att A N i kolaev M i ke Con nolly N athan Robinson Orica Im Pete riflith
Orin Thomas

M att Bogen M ax Benton M i ke H itchcock N athan Rockwood Pete H u rley
M att Bowyer M ax Kad m u s M i ke J . Carlson N athan Trai l Oscar & M i les Yum Petebob

t
M att B rid eman-Rivett M ax Kaehn M i ke Ku h n N athan Tu rner Oscar Estevez Peter 'Andy' Ru iter
M att B u s M ax Means M i ke Lawhorn N athanial Taylor Ovid9 Peter " Plenz" Lenz
M att Colvi lle Maxwell Frattol i n M i ke Levitt N athaniel Bennett Owen 'Sangu i n ist' Peter Aronson
M att Do e Maxwell Strickland M i ke Loftus N athaniel bowers Thompson Peter Berneiser

r,
M att For eek m d l 780 M i ke Maughmer N athaniel H attrick Owen Wesley Kerschner Peter D
M att Fu ller M egan Coppock M i ke M claugh l i n nbps P Cu rran Peter D'Angelo

M att G rix M e an Ortiz M i ke M istele Neal Dalton P. Gelatt Peter Dean
M att G rote M e anie Al len-Hyma M i ke Ott Neal l<aplan P. I saac H ildebrandt Peter Douce
M att H ufstetler Melissa and Howard Bein M i ke Pal m ieri Neal Tanner Pablo Doba Peter El lva
M att Jackson Melissa Theetge M i ke Pattee Neale Carter Pablo Palacios Peter Enge os
M att Jenkins Mendel Sch m 1 edeka m p M i ke Perna Neall Raemonn Price Pablo Ruiz M uzquiz Peter G ates
M att Jett Mendo M i ke Sands Neil Carr Pablo Valvidares Peter G eorge Cou lthard
M att Kovich Mengu G u ngor M i ke Selinker Neil Crampin Pal ' D rem Shon'Ai Peter G oderie

M att Krous M eric and J e n n ifer Moir M i ke Shannon Neil Mahoney Panagiotis G rigorakakis Peter H. Kru lder I I
M att Leitzen M ia Mailahn M i ke Tidman Neil N g Pandemon i u m Peter Hass e l
M att Lo n M icah M i ke Ti nney Nels Anderson Paolo M a rino Peter Klevval l

f
M att M cElroy M ichael " M i kki" Garry M i ke Torrey Nelson Goeri ng paranoius Peter Kristensen
M att Martinson M ichael " R PGAlchemist" M i ke Welham Nelson Robaina Paris Conte Peter Lau
M att M a Day Adams M i ke Zwick Nerdwit Parker Watts Peter Lougee

M att Par M ichael "Storyteller" M i khail Ramalho Neverown Parus Paron " Par" Peter N ewman
M att Postema Holland M i khail Ushanov N icholai Fugate Donner Peter R B rooks
M att Prangley M ichael & Danielle M i kkel Berget N icholas Pascal M . Daniel Peter Re nolds
M att Seckman Beekman M i lan D. McKay "Technomancer" Roberts Pascal PA ugfelder Peter Sc weighofer
M att Shortess M ichael A. Caldwell M i les Cochran N icholas A. De lateur Patrice M ermoud Peter S i n kis
M att S h u rsen M ichael A. Goodwin M i les Matton N icholas Cardarel l i Patrick Aschwanden Peter T Ch icuorka
M att Tyrrell M ichael Baldoza M i n a Martin Core N icholas Edwards Patrick Ciraco aka The Peter Tidd
M att Wal ker M ichael Barselow m i n itrue N icholas Fascite l l i Ancient G a mer. Peter Troia
M att Wang M ichael Baskal M i nott N icholas G u idotti Patrick Curtin Peter Vervloet

M att Wester M ichael Beck M i rko "Cormac" H ess N icholas H u ba Patrick Curtin Peter Wocken
M att Whalley M ichael Bond M i rko & Diana M uggli N icholas Lytal Patrick Doyle petite marmotte

f
M att Wi ington M ichael B ranham m i rko a. mitta N icholas M G iard Patrick Fowler Petter Wass
M att Ze us M ichael Calabrese M i rko M azzi N icholas Richardson Patrick G a m b l i n PFXJ
Matteo Cesari M ichael Capps m istcore N icholas Somera Patrick G u rdgiel PhantasticSoul

Matteo Signori n i M ichael Carus M itch Ad ler N icholas TAng Patrick H alverson Phil MAC) McNeely
Matthew ' H axar' Shaw M ichael Chorney M ITCH ELL CH RI STOV N icholas W Peddicord Patrick Hartley Phil dler
Matthew " M averick" M ichael D. Blanchard mmaranda N icholas Wrem Patrick Hen Downs Phil Allison

i
Schauster M ichael De Rosa M oglet N icholas Zakhar Patrick J . H o loway Phil B i n kowski
M atthew " Mountain Face" M ichael Dore Moira Tagle N ick ' M age' H u stak Patrick J . Pen ney Phil Garrad
Cleveland M ichael Dowden Mon ica Valentinelli N ick Barone Patrick J . Steiden Phil G roff
Matthew " uady" Bohme M ichael D u n n Morgan Boehringer N ick Bate Patrick J oynt Phil H obson

Fs
Matthew "T rantor" Allen M ichael E. S hea Morgan Ellis N ick Fovargue Patrick Keith Phil H u rwitz
Matthew Allen M ichael F. Brown Morgan H ay N ick G oede Patrick Neal Phil Lucas

,
Matthew Ariela M ichael Feldhusen Morgan H azel N ick H uaman Patrick Nevin Dwyer Phil McGre or

Matthew Batchelder M ichael Fienen Morgan Jol lymore N ick J Patrick Plouffe Phil N ichol s
Matthew Bates M ichael G a l l igan Morgan T Mendenhall N ick Jon Patrick Riley Phil Vecchione

k
Matthew B lackwell M ichael Garcia Mor an Weeks N ick M at ewson Patrick Tu bach Phil Ward
Matthew Bottigl ieri M ichael G rancey mor athol N ick McKay Patrick Winter Phil Wright

Matthew B u l lock M ichael G u nderson Morrisse Tyler Cahiwat N ick McVeigh Patrick Young Philip " ReAp ErM a N "

g
Matthew C Carr M ichael H a rrison morte oa ley nick nevels Patryk Adamski Coffey
Matthew C H Winder M ichael H i l l Morten G reis Petersen N ick Piatek ' Ruemere' Philip Baumgart
Matthew C. Kin M ichael lach i n i Morten N A N ick Schwarzen berger Pat Stadnicki Philip Eisner

f

Matthew Cam [> e l l M ichael J B risbois Morten Strarup N ick Schweitzer Pau "Andy" Rol l Philip K . Creswel l
Matthew Crawford M ichael J Cossairt Mr B u n raku N ick U m stead Paul " H is Back Was To Philip Mcmahon

J;
Matthew D. Sercel M ichael J Neice M r. and M rs. John son N ick Vertodoulos Me" Bensel Philip Tatro
Matthew Dobervic M ichael J. Chern icoff M r. Cat N icki DaGrimOne) Paul " Pwyl l" Davis Philipp H i nderer
Matthew Edwards M ichael J. Dulock M r. J Cargill N icko aeris Paul A. You n Philipp Schneider
Matthew Elkin M ichael Jon Porter M u n anename N icole M ezzasalma Paul Al lan Ba lard Phili ppe Daigneault
Matthew Houghton M ichael Jones Mur Lafferty N iels Adair Paul Anderson Phili ppe Del:iar
Matthew J . Ruane M ichael Kenny M u rkatos N i ke m l d d leton Paul Beyard Phili ppe Devi lle

y
Matthew J ameson M ichael Kildaire M u rray H S m ith N itza Ram i rez-B lackstock Paul B igbee Phili ppe Fenot
Matthew Johnston M ichael Lorenson M u rray K Dahm noah mclaugh l i n P a u l Davis Phili ppe M a rcil
Matthew K G r M ichael Luipersbeck Mychal Anaya Noah N athanson Paul Demars Phili ppe N iederkorn
Matthew Keevi M ichael M achado Mychal H . M a rq uez Nobilis Reed Paul Douglas P h i l l i p Bailey

Matthew Krykew M ichael M a i r Mystic5523 Noble Knight Games Paul Drussel Phillip Eversu l l

J
Matthew L . Seidl M ichael M cSwi ney MysticMoon N oel Paul Duggan P h i l l i p Lawler
Matthew Led ewood M ichael O ' Reilly N a i rn Falandino N ojh a u l G eer Phillip Mastromano
Matthew Lin M ichael Oney N a kos Theodorosides noname aul H avens P h i l l i p M il l m a n
Matthew M a rkland M ichael R. U nderwood N aoki Tachibana N ori I lo Paul J . Cuch na 1 1 Phybe
Matthew N ielsen M ichael Richards N at "woodelf'' Barmore Norl u n d P a u l Kam i n s ky Pierce Coady
Matthew P. M ichael Russell N at Lanza N orm Walsh Paul Maloney Piercio

Matthew Parmeter M ichael S. Webster N atanel Schor N orm Walsh Paul Morrison Pierre H u sted Sigvardsen
Matthew Pauze M ichael Schell N ate F. M itchell Norwyn Schu ltze Paul Nasrat Piers Beckley
Matthew Pritchard M ichael Schloss N ate Jones N ostradu nwhich Paul Pearce Pieter Goris
Matthew Ras m u ssen M ichael Si er N ate Lawrence N otting H il l Games Paul Richardson PK
Matthew Rees M ichael So olski N ate Little N RFGol iath Paul Roberts Plagus Deitrich

408
 LI M E NE
APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS

P61 Stafford Richard J Rogers Robert Peacock Ryan Cleven Scott M. Alvarado Shaun G i l roy
Pom mligur Richard J. Pratt Robert Pou l i n Ryan Frederick Scott M a n n Shaun Welch
Pray For Peace Richard Jones Robert Rees Ryan G igl iotti Scott M cG i l l S hawn H ayden
prefer not to be l i sted Richard L G l over I I Robert Saunders Ryan Houlette Scott McKin ley S hawn Lam b
Preston Poland Richard Li bera Robert Sawyer Ryan H u l l Scott M u rray S hawn M a rier
Pri nceS hadowz Richard Malena Robert Stehwien Ryan l d ryo Scott Oden S hawn Plummer & Dan
Profeten Thomax Richard N ichols Robert Townsend Ryan Jackson Scott Paeth B race
Psyl is Richard Parent Robert van Wij k Ryan Kina! Scott R. Dierks S hawn Schu ltz
Pualo " Luchs" M . Richard Warren Robert W. Calfee Ryan Landis Scott R. LeG ros S hawn Vincent
Djordjevic richt Robert Wittig Ryan Leahy Scott Schm itt S herman Shefta l l
Purple Duck Games Rick Blair Robert Wood Ryan Linn Scott Slater Shervyn
Q.bros Rick G rubel Robert Y Lum Ryan Lu rvey Scott S m ith Sherwin Chao
QED Rick H a rrelson Roberto (Sunglar) M icheri Ryan M Ford Scott S utherland S h i m rath
Q u a s i Mortu us Rick H u l l Robi n Booth Ryan M oore Scott Taylor S h i n nosuke Takahashi
Quill Rick L . Jenkins Robi n H udson Ryan Myers Scott Thede s h i n pei kuga
Quinn Wongkew Rick Neal Robi n M cCo l l u m Ryan Northcott Scott Vandehey S h ivam B liatt
R R M ichael-H u m p h reys Rick Saada Robi n M onogue Ryan Percival Scott Warner S h u ra 1 oplot
R. Hyrum Savage Rick Stri nger Rocky S m ith Ryan Poss Scu rvy Danforth Simaehl
R. Little Rick Wendorf I I Rod Cobb Ryan S. Sea m u s Young Simon And rews
R. M. J ordan Riggah Rod Shelton Ryan S. Dancey Sean " N oG utsNoG lory!" Simon Brunig
R. M a iwald Rik Spru iten burg Roderick Edwards Ryan Sheldon Connor Simon Carter
R. 0. B. Riley M orse Rod ney H a n kemeier Ryan Slater Sean " NotSteve" Simon Carter
R. M . Wal ker Rinley Deeds Rodolfo M aximiano Ryan S m ith Timmons Simon Do
Rabih Yazbeck Rishi Agrawal Rodolfo Rosi n i Ryan Thames Sean "Starhawk" N okes Simon English
Rachel A. Spink River & Zeph Archwright Rodrigo " Ki ngmob" Ryan Tuck Sean ''Twitch" Seymour Simon Forster
Rad iova l kyrie Rizal Repin Lopes Ryan W. Roberts Sean Anderson Simon Jones
Rad u Craiovean u RJ Howe Rodrigo, the B ride ryan wellamn Sean Blakey Simon M i l ich
Rafael G a rcia Martins RKDN Studios Roger Alix-G audreau Ryker Van Doren Sean B radley Simon Strietholt

j
Rafe Ball Rob Roger Barr S Pen rod Sean Decker Simon Stroud
Rainy Day Games Rob "TheDude" Roger N. Domin ick S. A Wi l l iamson Sean Frackowiak Simon Ward
Ra l<ochhar l<u kuchka Roger Sen S. Adam S. Sean G ibb Simon Weinert
Ra ph M azza Rob B Roger Wesson S. John Spey Sean H . Anton Simon Withers
Ram Ness Rob Beadle Roland Perry S. M i kulak Sean H ope Simon York
Ramien Rob Boyle Rolf Borei S. Scott M u l l i n s Sean H uguenard S i mon" jf. H u nt
ramjac Rob Carter Rom B. S. Vemenko Sean J . M . O'Connor Sion Rod riguez y G ibson
Randall Dederick Rob Celada Rom Elwell S. Viswanathan Sean K King S iv L. Strand berg
Randall WiseWolf Padi l l a Rob Col l i n i Roman S.A. Young Sean K Reynolds Sky Luke Corbelli
Randy & Charlene Mac R o b Deobald Roman Kal i k Sad i r Samir Sean Kin ney S kylar Eka m per
Kay Rob Donogh ue Roman Komarov Saffron Williams Sean Knapp S leep3 rN3t
Randy Jeffries Rob Gaffney Roman Moreno U rdiales Sage LaTorra Sean Lambert (sum 1 els) S m u rdy
Randy Keen Rob G realy Ron " B u bba Ho-Tep" Salem Sean M S u l l ivan snakeye
Randy Martens Rob Gruhl Purvis Salem Adams Sean M cCl u re Soren
Randy N ichols Rob G ustafson Ron Ashcraft J r. Sam Allen Sean M claugh l i n S0ren l<eis Thustrup
Randy Ripley Rob Heinsoo Ron Boggs Sam Beuglass Sean McNeil soudrack
Randy White Rob H ilferty Ron H ay Sam Condon S e a n O'Dell S peaks
RangerDan Rob Hobart Ron Lazebnik Sam Feipel Sean Patrick Fannon Spellforger
Ran neko Rob J e l l i nghaus Ron Lipke Sam Garamy Sean Pel key Spencer Davis
Raphael B ressel Rob LeGood Ron Reamey Sam Gem Sean Rhodes Spencer L Gerowe
Raphael Pabst Rob Little Ron Robinson Sam Gorton Sean Rich mond Spencer M ays
Raphael Reitzig Rob Macleod Ron Searcy Sam H ock Sean Springle S picy Batman
Ray B rooks Rob Malo Ronald and Mary Sam Ken kel Sean Swearingen Spin ner
Ray M . Rob Nadeau Wochner Sam O' Rei lly Sean T. Delap Spyke Alexander
Ray Newland Rob Quil len Ronald Hopkins Sam Roberts Sean T. Maher Staale Tevi k
Ray Val lese Rob Short Ronald Karsten Sam Roberts Sean Taylor Stacy Forsythe
Ray Wisneski Rob S m ith Ronald lj'att Sam Stoute Seb Sta n !
Raymond D. Arrastia Rob Trimarco Ron n Alford Sam Wong Sebastian Brugnoli Starla Lester
Raymond H Lee Rob Verboom Roa Wetzel Sameer Yalamanch i Sebastian H i rsch Stefan A Pokorny
Raymond M. S. Quignon Rob Wieland Rory William M c i n n i s Samir El Aouar Sen ex Stefan M u rawski
Raymond Pau l Holmes Rob Wingrove Ross " Friendly Fire" Samuel B riggson Seppa S i n isalo Stefan Ohrmann
Real Atomsk Robert "Seeker" Kupcek M cDowell Samuel M ontgomery Sergio S i lvio Herrera Gea Stefan Radermacher
Rebel liousUno Robert Athey Ross Bowman Blinn Serl<eros Stefan S u rratt
rectulo Robert Barrick Ross Cheung S a m u e l M ooney Seth A G i l bert Stefanie Slamon
Red G iant Wargames Robert Biddle Ross H Samuel R. H i l laire Seth Aesoph Stefano Liggeri
Reed Zesiger Robert Biskup Ross Kingston Sandor Si lverman Seth Brower Stefano Redd Rossi
Reel man Robert B lackberg Ross Payton Sandra Kinsley Seth Caldwell Steffen W. Jonassen
Ren Robert B u rke John son Ross Williams Sandu Bogi Nasse Seth Corbett Steph Tu rner
Ren Decena Robert C M i ller I l l Rowan Cota Santiago Aguiar Seth Davis Stephan Szabo
Renzo Cris pieri Thomas Robert Cud i n s ki Rowan Rose Lily H azel Santiago Mendez IV Seth Johnson Stephanie H uffaker
Reto M . Kiefer Robert Flowers M idd leton Sarn Aska Seth Thomson Stephanie N ewman
Rev. J i m Best (Fourthson) Roy Ki l l i ngton Saruichiban Seth Wilcox Stephen 'behippo' Abel
Reverance Pavane Robert Foose Roy Zemlicka Sasha B i lton Seth icles Erasmus Petrus Stephen Azuma
Reverend Brown ing Robert Freeborn Rt Mora Scantrontb Woolwine Stephen Bottomley
Reverend Dak Robert G Fen sterman Rudy Ouimet Scathaigh sev Stephen C. Campliell
Rhaegys Robert G . Male Rule-of-Th ree Sched i m Severi an Stephen C. Young
Rhel na DecVande Robert G uy Rune Petersen Schlesi Shade Stephen Cappello
Ric MV Robert H. Eisen berg RurouniQ Scott Acker ShadowWalkyr Stephen D. S u l l ivan
Ric Wagner Robert H. M itchell J r. Ruskin Drake Scott Atwood Shaidar Chimaertheon Stephen Dewey
Ricebits Robert H. Schneider Russ Brown Scott Boehmer Shana Bertram Stephen Egolf
Rich Chamberlain Robert H a u sch Russ Germond Scott B rown Shane A Wh ite Stephen Esdale
Rich H oward Robert J G uadagno Russ M orrissey Scott C Bourgeois Shane Blake Stephen Fu rlani
Rich Ol iver Robert J Schwalb Russell Duhon Scott C. Nolan Shane cu m m i n g Stephen Holman
Richard " B oomtopper" Robert J. Finamore Russell H oyle Scott Carter Shane H a rsch Stephen J . M . Reynolds
Wh ite Robert J. h u rn Russell M ettendorf Scott Coulson Shane Ken nedy Stephen J oseph Ellis
Richard "Tregev" H a rris Robert J. Parker Russell Rutherford Scott Cu lver Shane Lacy Hensley Stephen Peterson
Richard Chilton Robert James Russell Scherker Scott D i l l i n Shane O' Dea Stephen Price
Richard Dansky Robert Jenks Russianmario Scott Farrell Shane Wi l l iamson Stephen Radney
Richard deM orris Robert Kay Ruth Hyatt Scott Gable Shannon M aclean M acFarland
Richard Dufault Robert L. M u l l J r. Ryan " G i l l igan" M cRae Scott G a l l iand Shannon Prickett, Patron Stephen Rutherford
Richard E Flanagan Robert Loper Ryan "Wang" Chaddock Scott Geisler of the Arts B randon
Richard G riffith Robert M. Everson Ryan Blackstock Scott James Magner Shannon Ryke Steppen Adams
Richard H a l l Robert M u rray Ryan C. Scott Scott Kehl Shannon Shoemaker Sterl ing H ershey
Richard H i rsch Robert N. Emerson Ryan Carden Scott Krok Shard 73 Steve " Leidus" G ilman
Richard H u nt Robert O' Neill Ryan Carroll Scott Lindsay Shaun D. B u rton Steve (Erekose) Edwards

409
 APPENDIX C: KICKSTARTER BACKERS
Steve Acheson Tam bora Tim Horton Trevor Sheldrake Wilfred-Xavier Tomas
Steve Ad kins Tanaria Tim H oyt Tri m u s D'Al beron Will M cG rath
Steve Andreadis Tanderossa Bob, Ruler of Riches Tim Jensen & Willow Palecek Trisha Lantznester Will Trufant
Steve Andrews Tanya C. D. Tim Link Tristan Liao Will U rban
Steve Arens berg Tara and Thomas Tim M eyer Tristan S m ith Will Vesely
Steve Baletsa Tara l m bery Tim Morris Tristan Wem m William "Th u ran Raven" Curtis
Steve Benton Tara N ewman Tirn N a nzer Troels Pedersen William Adarn McDuff
Steve Bergeron Tara S u n der Tim Partridge Tronoth Sarum William Adams
Steve Bode Tate's Gaming Satell ite Tim Rudolph Troy "Wrongtown" H a l l William Bate
Steve Bornstein Tau Stam pede Tim Thomas Troy E l l i s William C. M cCormick
Steve Cranford tavernbman Tim Thomas Troy Orr William Dodds
Steve Dodge Taylor Brown Tim Yore Troy Pichelman William Dougherty
Steve Doty Tectonic Craft Studios Timo M u ltamaki Trystan S. Goetze William Dovan
Steve Farmer Ted Anderson Timothy C. Cooke Twi n S u n s Enterta i n ment / William Gordon
Steve Feuerborn Ted H a h n Timothy J. Watki ns J oel Al lan William Hel lwarth
Steve Holder Ted Ludemann Timothy Lam Tycho B rahe William J. Scott I l l
Steve Hol lex Teich Dragon Timothy Rascher Tyler "TiZ" H enson William James Cuffe
Steve H owe I Is Tekpriest Timothy Rol ler, Esq. Tyler S pears William King
Steve Johnson Temaperacl Timothy Sanders Tyson Col l i n s William Kotarski
Steve Knowlton Tenth Planet G ames & Com ics Timothy S m ith Tyson Levasseur William Kov
Steve Leung Teo Commons Tim pie Tyson M ueller William lewis
Steve Lord Teos Abadia Tina & John Tipton Tyson Neumann William nabors
Steve M cDonough Teppo Tinajero Garcia Tyson Persoff William Ogden
Steve M u mford Teresa Oswald Titan Games & Com ics tzenes William P. McGu igan
Steve Peterson Terry A. McKelvey Tivadar Farkas UbiquitousGrue William Paul Hassinger
Steve Powell Terry Olson TJ and Rachel U d i Schlessi nger William R. Edgi ngton
Steve Salem Terry S. Hensley TJ OG rady U g lyfoot William R. LuoelSki
Steve Schm itt Terwyn TJ S packman Uri Troyo William S. M orris
Steve Zaccard i Tesla Aida TKC U m berto Lenzi William Stephenson
Steven "Ti mberjaw" Richards Test Al liance Please Ignore TN U B U ncle's G ames William Tinni n-Ti m m
Steven Berg TG M i l l s Toast Erickson u rens W i l l i a m Van Ark
Steven Conforti Thaddeus Ryker Tobias "Capta i n Spiffy" Beck V H offman William Warren
Steven Cotter Thaine Hepler I l l Tobias Southworth-Barlow Valdier William Wolff
Steven Creech The Adventure Game Store & Tobias Walbridge Valerion Wilson Gerald M ead I l l
Steven D Warble Dragon's Lair Toby Rogers Valhalla's Gate Games Win ston
Steven Danielson The Fantasy Shop Com ics & Todd Beaubien Varbamse Wizbang The M ighty

j
Steven Dengler of Dracogen.com Games Todd B ranch Varlician WJ Ol l l
Steven Fietz The H a rtshorn Fam i ly Todd Christopher Varthandi Wm B rian Troutt
Steven Hel berg The N ewn ham Fam i ly Todd G roten h u i s Veli-M atti "Velgar" Orava Wo ' ciech G bczyk
Steven H enderson The Reverend Doctor Edgar D. Todd Landrum Veronica Wakefield Wo fgang Baur
Steven J Fontenot Johnson I l l Todd Wilkes Vicente Cartas Espinel Wolfgang Knebel
Steven I<. Watki ns The Veterans of a Thousand Tom Bowman Victoria Klemm Wolfgang Reinthaler
Steven M a rsh M id n ights Tom Cadorette Vigi lance Press Wol ru m Fallon
Steven Martin The Wizard's Chest Tom Carpenter Vitor Haag Worlds Best Comics
Steven McReynolds The Wyvern's Tale Tom Champion Vince Shearer wraith808
Steven M oore TheLem m i n g Tom Cook & l<aren S m ith Vincent 'd igiconda' Arebalo Wyko "The Dutch" ter H aar
Steven Morris Theo Tom Deprez "zifnabbe" Vincent Ecuyer xander speer
Steven Samorod in Theo Brinkman Tom Doolan Vincent G E RMAI N Xavier B roch u
Steven Thesken thePaperN i nja Tom Dul lemond Vincent Langlois Xavier Cattarin ich
Steven Vet The Red l Kommie Tom Flanagan vincent metais Xavier Freycon
Steven W H ughes TheWyvernSlayer Tom Hancock Vinny N u n n Xoxaxis
Stevie Strickland Thiago Cardozo Tom H i l lenbrand Vinsc XpresoAdct
Stew Wilson Thiago Gonalves Tom Ladegard Violaceous J ay Yam i r Ortiz

l
Stijn H oop Thiago H e n rique Righetti e Tom Ladegard Vitale Daniels Yan G u i l l emette
Stoich kov 1 3 S l iva Tom Lommel Vitto G . dos Santos Yan n Golanski
Stork Thom H opper Tom Lynch Vo tech Pri byl Yan n ick Men H uon
Stormaggedon, Dark Lord of All Thom P h i l l ips Tom McCarthy Vo atus32x Yes
Streamjumper Thomas Baker (Wrangler of Tom M cVey vud u m a n 78 Yifan N g
Strictura Ferrets) Tom Sn ider W B i rchler Yos h i Creelman
Stuart Broz Thomas B i s kup Tom Tu l l i s W. "Shaman" Obenshain Yvonne Chung
Stuart B uxton Thomas Bockert Tom Walters W. J effrey Heng Yvonne Law
Stuart Dean THomas Chandler- M arshall tomas overbai W. Sanders Z. Daniel Esgate
Stuart H odge Thomas Christy Torn i 'rnyrpg' S u u ron en W. Schaeffer Tol l iver Z. Mollon
S u n e G a m 6y Thomas Davies Tom i Sarkki nen W.Alexander zab u n i
S u n i l Pai Thomas Erskine Tommy S u nthorn W. Rich Zach G reggs
Susannah M a rie Thomas Faine Tone Berg Wabmey Zachary Becker
Svel lanosta Thomas Gassner Tony and J oseph Pacheco Wade (zWolf) H one Zachary J Shepherd

j
Sven "Gorasa" B ra u n Thomas H agen Zunder Tony Becerra Wade Rockett Zachary Sylvain
Sven "The Willkurer" Bott Thomas Henry Tony Borzotta Wade U ssery Zachary T Cross
Sven H a n nemann Thomas H enshell Tony Digaetano Wa anai Snidvongs Zachary Woodard
Sven H oward Thomas James DePew Tony H i rt Wa ter M a n beck Zack Bowman
Sven Wiese Thomas Knight Tony Peterson wargamerm ike Zack Hensley
Svend Andersen Thomas Kromke Tonx Sanson Warren Sistrom Zack Walters
Swen Barth Thomas M. S m ith Torah Cottri l l Warshadow Zaerath
Sylvai n Pronovost Thomas Maund Torgny Hylen Waseem Aftab Zaffudo
T H. M. Gellar-Goad Thomas R. S m ith Tormod Digre Wawoozle Zalzator
T Killen Thomas Regan Torolf Wayne Reid Zander Catta Preta
T McDuff Thomas Siemens Tou ri M Weave Zane & Jessica Kudddes
T Mcl<ay Thomas Slaughter Trachalio Wei-H ua, H sieh Zaxarus
T Rob Brown Thomas U h len hake Tracy J . G osei I Weird Zeb Doyle
T Ross Thor Deacon Trampas Johnson Wendy Wal lace Zenon john Garnett
T E. Hendrix Thorn Travis Anderson Werewolf Zerod ime
TJ. Thomas Tim Bedard Travis Bryant Werner Beytel Zivilcou Rage
T R. Fu llhart Tim Bogosh Travis Busenbark Wes Dodd Zlatko Perez-Luna Rafaj lovski
T R. Knight Tim Callahan Travis Carpenter Wes H a rper Zoeperkoe
TS. Luiart Tim Cook Travis H atler Wesley Barta Zom bie Orpheus
TTaylor Tim Cupp Travis Lee Cheng Weston Clowney Enterta i n ment
Tacet Tim Czarnecki Travis M idd leton Wh itney Lee Zom bieShoj u
Tadeusz Cantwell Tim Dalton Travis S m ith Wh itney M attson zurotzu
Tai Shterzer Tim Duong Treborm i l l s Wh itt. Zweigefu hle
Talon D u n n i n g Tim E Werner Trent Boyd Wightbred
Talon Razor Tim Edwards Trentin C Bergeron Wif Patrick
Tam and Danks Tim Ellis Trevor Schadt Wil Pharis

410

GLOSSARY
Abhu mans: Some m utants, cro s s b reed s , genetica l ly e n g i n ee red
creat u re s , and t h e i r offs p ri n g.
Adventu re: A s i n g l e portion of a c a m p a i g n with a begi n n i n g a n d
an end.
Aldeia: A v i l l age i n the Beyo n d , typ ical ly s u rro u n d i n g a cl ave of
Aeon Priests.
Am ber Pope: The leader of the O rd e r of Truth.
Ancuan: O n e of the nine k i n g d o m s i n t h e Steadfast.
Artifacts: La rge n u m e n e ra devices t h at typ i ca l ly can be u sed
m o re t h a n o n ce to p rod u ce the s a m e re s u lt.
Beyond: A section of l a n d outs i d e the Steadfast, where v i l l ages
and com m u n ities a re i s o l ated and rare.
Cam paign: A series of s e s s i o n s stru n g together with an
ove ra rc h i n g story (or l i n ked sto ries) with the s a m e
c h a racte rs.
Character: Anyt h i n g t h at can take act i o n s in the game. I n c l u d e s
P C s a n d h u m a n N P C s , a s we l l a s creat u res, a l i e n s , m utants,
a utomato n s , a n d a n i m ate p l a nts.
Character Descri ptor: Defi n e s yo u r c h a racte r.
Character Focus: What yo u r c h a racte r does best.
Character Type: The core of yo u r cha racter, s i m i l a r to a c l a s s .
The th ree types a re g l a ive, j a c k , a n d n a n o .
Claves: S m a l l cloi stered gro u p s of A e o n Priests i n t h e Beyo nd
a ro u n d which many com m u n ities grow.
Creature: Anyt h i n g t h at can take act i o n s in the game.
Cypher System: The game system of N u m e n e ra .
Cyphers: S m a l l , m i no r n u m e n e ra d evices t h at m o s t cha racte rs
can coax a s i n g l e effect fro m before they a re d e p l eted .
Damage Track: A syste m for tracki n g a PC' s health. It h a s fo u r
states : h a l e , i m pa i red , d e b i l itated , a n d dead.
Difficu lty: H ow easy o r h a rd any given task i s , a s d eterm i n ed by
t h e GM (on a sca l e of l to 1 0) .
Draol is: O n e of the n i n e k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast.
Edge: A stat t h at red uces the cost of u s i n g poi nts fro m yo u r
Poo l .
Effort: A stat t h at c a n be a p p l ied to l ower the d ifficu lty o f a task.
Esotery: An a b i l ity t h at i s s pecific to n a n o s .
Experience Poi nts (XP) : Awa rd ed d u ri n g g a m e p l ay fo r
d i scove ries a n d G M i ntru s i o n s . Ca n be used fo r a vari ety o f
t h i n g s , i n c l u d i n g p u rch a s i n g c h a racte r benefits .
Fighti ng M oves: An a b i l ity t h at i s s pecific to g l a ives.
Game M aster (G M ) : The p l aye r who doesn't ru n a cha racter, but
i n stead guides the fl ow of the story (a n d ru n s all t h e N PCs) .
G han: O n e of t h e n i n e k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast.
G laive: One of the th ree c h a racter types i n N u m e n e ra .
G M I ntrusion: A game mech a n i c t h at a l l ows the G M to s l i ghtly
a lter eve nts i n the game fo r t h e bette rment of the story.
I ntel lect: Th i s stat d eterm i n es h ow s m a rt, knowl ed gea ble, a n d
l i ka b l e yo u r c h a racter i s .
l scobal: O n e o f t h e n i n e k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast.
J ack: One of the th ree c h a racte r types i n N u menera.
M alevic: O n e of the n i n e kingdoms i n t h e Steadfast.
M i ght: A stat t h at defines h ow stro n g and d u ra b l e yo u r
c h a racte r i s .
41 1
LI M E NE
GLOSSARY
TALK LIKE A NINE-WORLDER: A
SAMPLING OF COMMONLY USED WORDS
Drit: A fine, a rtificial s o i l made fro m m i crosco p i c p i eces of
a n cient, u n known tech nologies a n d struct u re s .
Peregri ne: O n e who fo l l ows t h e Wa n d e r i n g Wa l k fo r
re l i g i o u s , s p i ritu a l , o r oth e r rea s o n s . Somet i m e s ca l l ed
B i rd s , u s u a l ly d e rogatory.
Slying: A term u sed to convey a co m b i n ation of lyi n g a n d
s l y. W h i l e mostly d e rogatory, it a l s o carries a h i nt o f
res pect fo r someo n e ' s s k i l l s at decept i o n .
M i l ave: O n e of the n i n e k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast.
N ano: One of the th ree c h a racte r types i n N u m e n e ra .
N avarene: O n e of t h e n i n e k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast.
N i nth World: Where the game of N u m e n e ra i s set. There h ave
been eight prior wo r l d s .
Non- Player Character (N PC) : Cha racters r u n b y t h e G M . T h i n k
o f t h e m a s t h e m i n o r c h a racte rs i n t h e sto ry, o r t h e v i l l a i n s
o r o p ponents.
N u menera: A co l l ective n a m e fo r cyp hers, a rtifacts , a n d
odd ities.
Odd ities: Re l ics t h at a re neither cyp hers n o r a rtifacts . They serve
no o bv i o u s p u rpose but h ave stra n ge, c u r i o u s fu n ct i o n s .
Order o f Truth: An o rga n ization o f Aeo n Priests t h at reve res t h e
peo p l e of the p a s t a n d t h e i r knowledge.
Party: A gro u p of p l ayer cha racte rs (a n d perh a p s some N PC
a l l ies) .
Player: The p l aye rs who ru n cha racte rs i n the game.
Player Character (PC) : A c h a racte r ru n by a p l aye r rat h e r than
t h e G M . T h i n k of them as the main c h a racters i n the sto ry.
Pytharon Empire: O n e of t h e n i n e k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast.
Recovery Rol l : A d 6 ro l l t h at a l l ows you to rega i n stats in one or
m o re of yo u r Poo l s .
Session: A s i n gle p l ay experience, u s u a l ly l a sti n g a few h o u rs .
Speed : A stat t h at d e s c r i b e s h ow fast a n d physica l ly coo rd i n ated
yo u r c h a racte r i s .
Stat Pool: The most b a s i c mea s u rement o f yo u r M i ght, I nte l l ect,
a n d S peed stats.
Stats: The d efi n i n g c h a racte ristics of a p l aye r cha racte r, d ivided
i nto M i ght, I nte l l ect, a n d S peed .
Steadfast: A cl u ster of settled l a n d s .
Target N u m ber: The n u m be r yo u ' re atte m pti n g to get o n a ro l l ,
based o n t h e d ifficu lty o f t h e task. T h e ta rget n u m be r i s
always t h ree t i m e s the t a s k ' s d ifficu lty.
Thaemor: O n e of t h e n i n e k i n g d o m s i n the Steadfast.
Tier: A mea s u rement of a c h a racte r' s powe r, tough n e s s , a n d
a b i l ity.
Trick of the Trade: An a b i l ity t h at is s pecific to jacks.
Visitants: H u m a n o i d s who a re n ot n ative to E a rth but who n ow
ca l l the N i nth Wo rld home.
 INDEX
abhuman 13 cel lular dis ru ptor 302 eagleseye 285 heal i n g sword 305
abykos 230 Challad ien 1 1 1 1 61 ecstasy paralyzer 3 04 heat nodule 287
actions 90 chameleon cloak 302 Edge 20 H idden N ares h 1 78
adamant s i l k 77 character advancement 112 Effort 21 Hol iva the First 1 52
ad hesion clamps 282 character descri ptor 47 Eldan Firth 1 71 hoop staff 305
Aeon Priest 269 character focus 52 Employs M agnetism 59 hover belt 305
Aian 1 64 character stats 20 Em pty M ach ine 1 84 hover square 305
aldeia 1 34 character type 26 Em pty Sanctum 1 78 Howl s at the Moon 64
amber casement 300 Charm i n g 47 encou nters 90 Hthu mos 1 91
Amber Monolith 1 44 Charmonde 1 38 encumbrance 78 h u nter/seeker 287
Amber Pope 1 33 chem ical factory 283 E ntertai n s 60 H u nts With G reat S ki l l 65
Amorphous Fields 200 ch i rog 235 Ephremon 1 90 im age projector 288
amu let of safety 300 ch i u rgeon s phere 302 E rrid Kaloum 1 91 imager 306
analyzi n g s h ield 300 Citadel of the I ron Saint 21 0 erynth grask 240 i n a b i l ity 47
An cu a n 1 66 City of Bridges 1 45 esoteries 35 inferno wal l projector 288
aneen 231 class (social) 1 32 Exists Partially Out of Phase 60 infiltrator 288
Angu lan Knights 224 clave 1 34 experience poi nts (XP) 1 08 l ngwald 1 81
antivenom 282 Clever 48 explod i n g arrow 3 04 i n itial cost 89
Aras I s land 1 69 Clock of Kala 21 3 explorer 271 i n itiative 90
Armor (stat) 92 Cloudcrystal S kyfields 1 74 explorer's pack 82 i n stant bridge 306
armor 79 cobbled 277 Explores Dark Places 61 i n stant servant 288
armored flesh 300 cohesion stabil izer 303 Fahat 21 1 i n stant s helter 288
artifacts 298 Com mands Mental Powers 54 Far Brohn 1 62 I ntel l ect 20
assets 16 com prehens ion graft 283 fash ioned 277 i ntellect enhancement 288
Astaria 1 94 control led b l i n ki n g nodule 283 Fasten 1 40 I ntel l igent 48
Augu r-Kala 21 5 Controls Beasts 55 fearmaker 3 04 i nvis ibil ity nod u l e 289
Au s par 1 53 Controls G ravity 56 Fengali Forest 1 70 I ron Wind 1 35
Aus ren Woods 1 85 Convergence 223 Fields of Frozen Flowers 21 2 l scobal 1 58
autom ated cook 300 Corare Sea 1 70 fiery hellmaker 3 04 l s h lav 1 66
azu re steel 77 crafting 1 06 fi g hting moves 29 I s land of Last M igration 1 72
Ba-Adenu Forest 1 89 Crafts I l l usions 57 Fights With Pan ache 62 ithsyn 241
bandit 2 70 Crafts U n ique Objects 58 filtration straw 3 04 j ack 40
ban i s h i n g nodule 282 Cragworm 236 fireproofing spray 285 J agged Dream 224
battle armor 300 cra n k cross bow 79 flame-retardant wal l 286 J argolamis 1 62
battles u it 301 Cromulus Ran ks 1 97 floatstone 82 J aston 1 47
Beansta l k 1 86 Crowd City 1 74 focus 52 j i raskar 242
Bears a Halo of Fire 52 cu lova 236 Focuses M i nd Over Matter 63 Jyrek 1 53
beasts kin 79 Curtaris 1 79 food scanner 3 05 Kapari n 1 67
attractor 282 cypher bag 303 food tube 3 05 Keford 1 47
Beoth 1 50 cyphers 2 78 force cube projector 286 kinetic s h ield 306
Beyond 1 74 dam age 92 force dome 3 05 King Asour-M antir 1 66
Beyond the Beyond 21 3 dam age track 93 force nodule 286 King Lai rd 1 45
Black Riage 1 77 dark fathom 23 7 force screen projector 286 King Noren ti Kal loban 1 58
b l i n ki n g nodule 282 datas phere s i phon 283 force s h ield projector 286 King Yorvic 1 55
blood barm 232 defense 1 02 forearm blade 80 knowledge e n hancement 289
Bod rov 1 39 Deep Vorm ask 1 75 Foundation Stones 21 1 Kordech 151
bonded 277 dens ity nodule 283 Fourth Mark 1 50 Le Temple de Frogue 1 82
bon u s 17 depletion 298 friction-red ucing gel 286 laak 243
Bo reg 157 descri ptor 47 frigid wal l projector 286 Lambent Fields 1 88
bou n d i n g boots 302 Dessanedi 1 87 Fuses Flesh and Steel 64 language 1 32
bra i n bud 302 detonation 284 gas bomb 287 lattimor 1 22
bri l l i ance cloth 82 d ifficu lty 86 Ghan 1 45 lau ncher 306
broken hound 232 d i mensional armor 303 ghost crab 241 Lead s 66
buzzer 79 d isassembler 238 glaive 26 Learned 48
Caecilian J u ngle 1 81 discovery 1 08 glowglobe 82 Ledon 1 47
caffa (ad u lt) 233 d i s ru pting nodule 285 GM i ntrusion 88 Legrash 1 77
caffa (larva) 233 d i s ru ption blade 303 Golden Sanctum 1 38 level 85
callerail 234 distance 89 G racefu l 48 Lhau ric 1 97
Carries a Qu iver 54 Divided Seas 1 92 gravity n u l l ifier 287 l i ght spike 306
carryal l 302 Draolis 1 48 gravity- n u l l ifying spray 287 l i ghtn i n g wal l projector 289
Castle Aventur 1 51 d read destroyer 239 G reat Slab 1 87 liquid armor 306
Castle Sarrat 1 50 d ri l l s pear 304 Gtharren 1 60 liquid sword 307
cathol icon 282 Druissi 1 91 G u ran 204 Lives in the Wilderness 67
cats eye 282 Dynafel 1 59 H ayrest 1 95 l iving armor sheath 307

41 2
 LI M E NE

INDEX

l iving solvent 289 Our Order of the Lady second skin 310 Thaemor
Luigolamis 1 62 of the Salt Way 1 93 Seshar 203 Th riest 157
mach ine control im plant 289 Pad u n 1 90 ses ki i 258 thuman 262
magnetic attack d ri l l 289 pal lone 25 1 Shallamas 1 39 thunder cannon 312
magnetic master 290 personal environ ment fi e ld 291 shaper key 82 tiers 23
magnetic s h ield 290 phase changer 291 shapestone 77 t i m e d i l ation nodule 296
major effect 88 phase d i s ru ptor 291 s hatter wand 31 1 timekeeping 89
Malevich 1 54 phas i n g piton 3 09 s heen 294 Titanic Ridge 1 79
margr 244 p h i lethis 252 S heer 21 3 Tough 51
M asters Defense 68 Pica I ah 1 89 S h i n -Tal k 1 33 town guard 2 72
M asters Weaponry 69 Pike's Head 1 69 shins 77 tracer 297
mastigophore 245 Plains of Kataru 1 84 shock manacles 31 1 trained 86
M atheunis 208 plant jar 3 09 shock nodule 294 trai n i n g 25
memory ants 82 pl iable metal 77 shock ri n g 82 tra n s d i m e n s i o n a l
memory len ses 290 poison 95 shocker 294 ray p roj ecto r 313
Mencala Peak 1 78 poison (cypher) 291 sisk 80 travonis u l 263
mental scrambler 290 poison brain im plant 3 09 s ki l l boost 294 tricks of the trade 42
meph itic staff 307 Pool 20 s ki l l bud 31 1 trigger trap 313
Merchant Fleet 1 48 psych ic com m u n ique 292 skills 25 Truth 1 33
mesomeme 246 psych ic hel met 3 09 skull blaster 31 1 Twisted Spire 200
metabolism bud 307 psych ic whistle 3 09 Slant M i l ieu 1 79 type 26
metal death 290 Pytharon Empire 1 61 s leep i n d ucer 295 U n ivers ity of Doors 21 6
M ight 20 Qi 1 48 s l ugspitter 31 1 U n seen Lake 1 75
M i l ave 1 63 Queen Armalu 1 37 s n i pewand 31 1 U ntethered Legion 1 91
mind im ager 307 Ques l i n 1 96 snow loper 259 U rzat Zarteri 21 5
m i n iatu res 116 Rachar 1 60 sonic hole 295 Uxphon 1 76
m i nor effect 88 Rages 71 sound dampener 295 varakith 264
molded foam 77 Rarmon 1 62 Southern Wal l 21 1 varjellen 1 21
molecu lar bonder 308 Rarrow 1 69 s patial warp 295 Vebar 202
monoblade 291 raster 253 s pecial abil ities 24 verred 80
motion sensor 291 Rathscor Fortress 1 63 s pecial rol l s 88 visage changer 297
Mt. Zan l i s 1 77 ravage bear 254 s pecial ized 86 vis itants 1 20
M u len 1 59 ray em itter 293 S peed 20 visual displacement device 297
m u ltidimensional blade 308 razor ri n g 80 s peed boost 295 vocal translator 297
m u rden 247 real ity spike 293 sprayflesh 82 vuech i 313
m u rder globe 308 recorder head band 3 09 spraymetal 82 warlord 2 72
M u rders 70 recovery rol l 94 stat Pools 20 warmth projector 297
mutants 1 23 Redfleets 226 stats 20 water breather 297
mutations 1 24 red l ight clip 3 09 Steadfast 1 36 Weal of Baz 1 98
Mystical/Mechan ical 49 Redstone 208 Stealthy 50 weapon graft 313
nano (N PC) 271 Regent Ellabon 1 54 steel s pider 260 weapons 79
nano (type) 32 rej uvenator 293 stim 295 Wears a S heen of Ice 73
nano-need ler 308 rel igion 1 32 sti n g charge 82 weather 1 34
nanotech nology 32 remote clamp 310 Sti rthal 1 55 western seas 1 70
N avarene 1 37 remote viewer 293 Stratharian war moth 261 Westwood 1 37
Nebal ich 208 repair s phere 310 strength boost 295 wh isperlock 82
need ler 308 repair u n it 294 Strong 50 Wh ite Lake 1 88
nevaj i n 248 retal i ation nod u l e 294 Strong-wi l led 50 Wields Power with Precision 74
Neverlost 1 56 Rides the Lightn i n g 71 stronglass 77 Wields Two Weapons
N i bovian wife 249 round 90 stu nner 312 at Once 75
n ightvision goggles 308 rubar 255 s u bdual fi e ld 296 wind rider 313
N i h l iesh 209 Rugged 49 suspensor belt 312 wi ndsl ice blade 313
Norou 21 3 Sada Emidu 21 5 Swift 51 Wislayn 21 4
n u menera 2 75 safe corridor 310 synth 78 Works M i racles 75
Obel isk of the Water God 1 44 Salach ia 1 95 synthsteel 78 Works the Back Alleys 76
odd ities 314 Sarracenians 226 Tal ks to M ach i nes 72 Wyrfa l l 1 59
Omar 1 46 sarrak 255 target n u m ber 15 x-ray viewer 297
Oorgolian soldier 250 sathosh 256 task d ifficu lty 86 xi-d rake 265
Order ofTruth 222 Scarred Monoliths 1 47 telepathy im plant 296 yel low swarm 266
organ ic stone 77 scavenged 277 teleporter 296 Yenth 157
Orgorek 1 85 Scorpion Sanctum 1 75 tel ltale glass 312 Yos h-ul 1 88
Orri la 1 64 Scorpion's Reach 1 69 tem poral viewer 296 yovok 267
Ossam's Traveling Menagerie scutimorph 25 7 tendril graft 312 yu l k 80
and Soari ng Circus 1 65 Sea of Secrets 1 71 tetrahyd ra 262 Zhev 268

41 3
 WHAT1S NEXT FOR
THE NINfH WORLD?
THE DEVIL'S SPINE
This collection of linked-but
separate adventures showcases
the narrative structure of
Numenera, and offers new
creatures, characters, and items
to add to any campaign.
96 pages. $24.99 MCG003
TECHNOLOGY
COMPENDIUM:
SIR ARTHOUR'S
GUIDE TO THE
NUMENERA
This hardcover book is a manual
of technology. Named in honor
of Arthur C. Clarke and his
"indistinguishable from magic"
quote, it includes hundreds of new
items and describes all kinds of
wild, imaginative technologies (and
the results of such technologies).
160 pages. $39.99 MCGOOS
416
THE NINTH WORLD
BESTIARY
This full-color hardcover creature
book is lavishly illustrated,
featuring creatures and some
unique characters to use in
Numenera games. A must-have for
any Numenera GM.
160 pages. $39.99 MCG004
THE NINTH WORLD
GUIDEBOOK
This full-color hardcover setting
guide, building on what's in the
Numenera corebook, brims with
art and maps, presented in the
style of a traveler's guide. Full
of new adventures, creatures
and items, it also provides great
ideas, stories, characters, and
concepts for creating your next
amazing campaign.
256 pages. $49.99 MCG006