Eclipse Phase created by Posthuman Studios Eclipse Phase is a trademark of Posthuman Studios LLC.

C. Some content licensed under a Creative Commons License (BY-NC-SA). © 2009–2019

 ECLIPSE PHASE CREATED BY
Rob Boyle and Brian Cross

Writing (Infamy Opening Fiction): Consultation: Davidson Cole, Travas Gunnell, Creative Commons License;
Rob Boyle and Davidson Cole Natalie Jorion, Nora Jury-Last, Some Rights Reserved.
Writing (Rules): Rob Boyle John Nephew, Jaqui Wujec This work is licensed under the Attribution-
Writing (Source Material): Special Thanks To: Echo Boyle, NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
Simon Berman, Rob Boyle, Katherine Cross, Natalie Jorion, Nora Jury-Last, and Jaqui (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license:
Natalia Dean, Jack Graham, Travas Gunnell, Wujec for their patience, love, and support; creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
Sarah Hood, Marc Huete, Jason Mical, Ann Higgins and Russel Last for unending
Ross Payton, Evie Smith encouragement; Davidson Cole for video In plain English: you are free to copy, share,
Editing: Rob Boyle, Davidson Cole, awesomeness and pushing our buttons; and remix the text and artwork within this
Jack Graham, Karen Twelves Sarah Hood for her Drupal-fu; David book under the following conditions:
Development: Rob Boyle, Jack Graham Cooper for wrangling our Gen Con events; • you do so only for noncommercial purposes;
Art Direction: Rob Boyle, Zoe Robinson our crowd-pleasing Gen Con GMs; our • you attribute Posthuman Studios;
Graphic Design and Layout: Adam Jury awesome Gen Con booth staff; • you license any derivatives under the same
Cover Art: Stephan Martiniere Aaron Feustel for some evil ideas; license.
Interior Art: Jacob Anderson, Christine Bian, William Wilson for always having our backs
Mobo Boehme, Nick Boone, Daniel Brewer, numerically; Jeff Eaton for wild enthusiasm For specific details, appropriate credits, and
Leanne Buckley, Matt Bulahao, Adam Burn, in database form; Eric Olson at Process updates/changes to this license, please see:
Jose Cabrera, Daniel Clarke, Trevor Claxton, Type Foundry; antifascists everywhere; http://eclipsephase.com/cclicense
Christina Davis, Alex Drummond, everyone who contributed to EP’s first
Danijel Firak, Nathan Geppert, Zach Graves, edition and sourcebooks; and everyone
Alexander Gustafson, Ethan Patrick Harris, who participated in our open playtest and
Josu Hernaiz, Sam Hogg, Lake Hurwitz, supported our kickstarter!
Lili Ibrahim, Anna Ignatieva, Maggie Ivy, Original Playtesters: Berianne Bramman,
Jeff Lee Johnson, Thomas Jung, Julian Kok, John Brudenell, Nick Caputi, Davidson
Kate Laird, Adam Lane, Ian Llanas, Cole, Paul Foster, Scott Fox, Eric Geiger,
Adrian Majkrzak, Mitchell Malloy, Travas Gunnell, Erin Hankins,
Stephan Martiniere, Marco Mazzoni, Austin Karpola, Seth Larson,
Joshua Meehan, Austen Mengler, Rhett Skubis, Kevin Tyska, Jaqui Wujec
Brynn Metheny, Aaron Miller, Andre Musical Inspiration: Ancient Methods, Version 1.1.1 by Posthuman Studios
Mina, Mark Molnar, James Mosingo, David Chainreactor, Feindflug, Gary Numan, (Sept 10 2019)
Auden Nash, Ben Newman, Will Nichols, Holon, Holy Grin, Iszoloscope,
Efrem Palacios, Chris Peuler, Pixoloid iVardensphere/Scott Fox, I Hate Models, contact us at info@posthumanstudios.com
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Wilson, Mark Winters, Andy Wright “Eclipse Phase” or “Posthuman Studios”
Icons: Jim Marcus ON THE COVER:
Solar System Map: Tiara Lynn Agresta A Firewall team exploring an abandoned ship around Saturn discovers a major threat.
Character Sheet: Thomas Deeny, Adam Jury One sentinel in a bouncer morph attempts to make it to an EVA sled and their
neo-octopus friend as a creeper swarm closes in.

Posthuman Studios is: Rob Boyle, Davidson Cole, Brian Cross, and Adam Jury
 Isolate39
Lost39
Underclass39
Uplift39
Step 2: Career 40
INFAMY8 GAME MECHANICS 30 Academic40
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Covert Operative 40
How to Play 30 Enforcer40
Dice Basics 30 Explorer40
When to Roll the Dice 30 Face40
Making Tests 30 Genehacker40
Who Rolls? 30 Hacker40
Difficulty and Modifiers 31 Investigator40
Superior Results: 33/66 Rule 31 Medic40
STARTING OUT 18 Criticals31
Defaulting31
Mindhacker41
What is Eclipse Phase? 18 Scavenger41
Teamwork31 Scientist41
New to Roleplaying? 19
Starting Players 19 Types of Tests 32 Soldier41
Starting Gamemasters 19 Success Tests 32 Techie41
A Note on Politics 19 Opposed Tests 32 Step 3: Interest 42
Core Concepts 20 Actions & Time 32 Animal Handler 42
Transhumanism20 Action Turns 32 Artist/Icon42
AIs and Uplifts 20 Automatic Actions 32 Async42
Defeating Death 20 Quick Actions 32 Commander42
Resleeving20 Complex Actions 32 Fighter42
Ego Manipulation 20 Task Actions 32 Forensics Specialist 42
The Mesh 20 Taking Time 32 Jack-of-all-Trades42
Nanotech21 Rushing the Job 32 Jammer42
X-Risks21 Networker42
Initiative & Order of Actions 33 Paramedic42
Alien Exploration 21 Initiative Order 33
Factions21 Pilot42
Taking the Initiative 33 Rogue42
Themes22 Delaying Actions 33 Slacker43
Post-Apocalyptic22 Extra Actions 33 Spacer43
Survival  22 Pools34 Student43
Horror  22 Using Pools 34 Survivalist43
Infection  22 Insight34
Conspiracy  22 Step 4:  Faction 44
Moxie34 Step 5: Aptitude Template 44
Science23 Vigor34
Politics  23 Step 6: Total Skills 45
Flex34 Step 7: Languages 45
Change  23 Recharging Pools 35 Step 8: Flex 45
Core Campaigns 24 Temporary Pools 35 Step 9: Reputation 45
Firewall Campaign 24 Step 10: Customization 46
Gatecrashing Campaign 24 Increased Aptitude 46
Criminal Campaign 25 Ego Traits 46
Character Archetypes 26 Increased Flex 46
Combat26 Extra Languages 46
Social26 Extra Rep 46
Technical26 Extra Skills 46
Knowledge27 MAKING Psi Sleights
Specializations46
46
Setting Overview 28 CHARACTERS36 Step 11: Derived Stats 46
Inner System 28
Main Belt 28 Character Stats 36 Step 12: Starting Morph & Gear 46
Jovian Space 28 Ego vs. Morph 36 Starting Morphs 46
Outer System 29 Aptitudes36 Morph Traits 46
The Fringe 29 Skills37 Extra Gear 46
Exoplanets29 Morph37 Flex Points 46
Derived Stats 37
The Mesh 29
Traits37 Step 13: Motivations 47
Rep37 Optional: Motivational Goals 47
Gear37 Final Touches 47
Motivations37 Skills48
Character Creation Overview 38 Skills and Aptitudes 48
Character Creation Advice 38 Skill Categories 48
Create as a Group 38 Field Skills 48
Plan Ahead 38 Specializations48
Playing An Async 38 Active Skill List 48
Step 1: Background 38 Athletics48
Colonist38 Deceive48
Enclaver38 Exotic Skill: [Field] 48
Freelancer38 Fray48
Hyperelite39 Free Fall 49
Indenture39 Guns49
Infolife39 Hardware: [Field] 49

2¹ TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Infiltrate50 Information Society 110 New Experiences 131
Infosec50 The Mesh 110 Sex Work 131
Interface50 Vigilance111 Family and Children 132
Kinesics50 Mind Hacking 112 Children and Reproduction 132
Medicine: [Field] 51 A Better You 112 Education133
Melee51 Neurodiversity112
Perceive51 Media & Entertainment 134
Mental Augmentations 113 The New Journalism 134
Persuade51 Multiplicity113
Pilot: [Field] 51 The Glitterati 134
Social Thoughts 113 Metacelebrities134
Program51
Provoke51 Space & Other Worlds 114 Digital Distractions 134
Psi51 Egocasting114 Sports135
Research51 Space Travel 114
Survival51 Gatecrashing: The Real Story 115
Know Skills 52 Habitats116
Know: [Field] 52 Planetary Habitats 116
Using Know Skills 53 Centrifugal Habitats 117
Complementary Skills 53 Microgravity118
Other Habitats 119
Morphs54
Common Biomorphs 54 Nanofabrication120 THE NEW POLITICAL
Pod Biomorphs
Uplift Biomorphs
58
60
Nanofabbers120
Blueprints120
ECONOMY136
Synthmorphs62 Feedstock121 The System Split 136
Flexbot66 Printing121 The Inner System 136
Doing it the hard way 121 The Outer System 137
Infomorphs67 Remaking Society 121 Jovian Republic 137
Gear Packs 68 Artisanal Goods 121 State of the System 137
Campaign Packs 68
Profession Packs 69 Market Economies 138
Old Market Systems 138
Traits72 Transitional Economies 138
Positive Traits 72 Intellectual Property 139
Negative Traits 76 Hypercorps139
Character Creation Example 81 Indentures140
Freelancers141
TRANSHUMAN Oligarchs and Dynasties 141

CULTURE122 The New Economy

Open-Source Fabrication 142
142
Fear and Paranoia 122 Forget Money 143
Life After the Fall 122 Property143
Can We Trust Our Tech? 122 Cooperative Work 143
SAMPLE Where's the Humanity?
Identity Crises
122
123
The Role of Rep
Extropian Markets
144
144
CHARACTERS82 An Uncertain Future 123 Keeping the Peace 146
Dead Planets 123 Patchwork Jurisdictions 146
The Factors 123 The Reach of the Law 146
Firewall123 Interstate Affairs 146
Public and Private Life 124 Ego Hunters 147
Social Networks 124 Investigations and Forensics 147
Reputation124 Identity Issues 147
Social Capital and Mutual Aid 124 Prosecution and Punishment 148
HOW IT CAME TO BE 98 Exposure124
Taking Private Moments 125
Extropian Contract Law
Autonomist Legalities
148
148
Slouching Towards Singularity 98 Gaming and Griefing 125 Property Claims 149
Before The Fall 98 Memetic Warfare 125 Gatecrashing Law 149
The Fall 100
After the Fall 101 Earth’s Legacy 126 Crime150
Processing the Loss 126 Violence150
Timeline104 The Longing for Earth 126 Property and Theft 150
The Blockade 126 Online Crimes 151
The Datapocalypse 126 Vice151
Earth Relics 127 Ego Trafficking 151
Old Identities 127 Other Crime 151
A New Homeworld 127
Culture & Clades 128
Transnational Citizenship 128
ACCELERATED Regional Clusters 128
FUTURE106 Morphological Clades
Non-Human Clades
128
129
Beyond Death 106 Virtual Tribes 129
The New Normal 106 Cultural Experimentation 129
Body Issues 107 Cultural Survival 129
New Life 108 Transhuman Sexuality 130
Artificial Intelligences 108 Sexuality After the Fall 130
Uplifts108 Polyamory130
Mercurial Social Status 109 Synthmorphs130

TABLE OF CONTENTS
¾3
 FACTIONS152 SYSTEM GAZETTEER176 ACTION & COMBAT 202
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Inner System Polities 152 Sol and Mercury 176 Resolving Combat 202
The Lunar-Lagrange Alliance (LLA) 152 Sol176 Step 1: Declare Attack 202
The Morningstar Constellation 153 Vulcanoids177 Step 2: Declare Defense 202
The Planetary Consortium 154 Mercury177 Step 3: Apply Modifiers 202
Tharsis League 155 Venus178 Step 4: Make Opposed Test 202
Outer System Polities 156 The Surface 178 Step 5: Determine Result 202
Anarchists156 Life in The Clouds 178 Step 6: Roll Damage 203
The Autonomist Alliance 156 Transportation178 Step 7: Apply Armor 203
Extropians157 Rise of the Morningstar 178 Step 8: Apply Damage 203
The Jovian Republic 158 Terraforming Venus 178 Step 9: Determine Wounds 203
Scum158 Aerostats179 Melee Combat 204
The Titanian Commonwealth 159 Orbitals179 Melee Ware 204
Social Movements 160 Surface Habs 179 Melee Weapons 204
Argonauts160 Earth and Earth Orbit 180 Melee Rules 205
Barsoomians160 Luna182 Multiple Targets 205
Bioconservatives161 Lunar Living 182 Reach205
Brinkers161 Lunar Travel 182 Touch-Only Attacks 205
Exhumans161 Lunar Attitudes 182 Improvised Weapons 205
Mercurials162 Lunar Crime 182 Ranged Combat 206
Reclaimers162 Lunar Habitats 182 Ranged Combat Rules 206
Sapients163 Mars184 Beam Weapons 208
Socialites163 Terraforming184 Beam Weapon Ware 208
The Ultimates 163 Martian Travel 184 Beam Weapons 208
Hypercorporations164 Powder Keg 184 Beam Weapon Rules 208
The Modern Hypercorp 164 Martian Settlements 184 Spray Weapons 209
Agritech and Pharma 164 The Martian Trojans 185 Thrown Weapons 209
Banking and Finance 164 The Main Belt 186 Weapon Systems 209
Cognitive Sciences & Uplift 165 Belt Stations 186 Kinetic Weapons 210
Data Management 165 Firearms210
Energy166 Jupiter188
The Angry God 188 Railguns211
Gatecrashing166 Kinetic Ammunition 211
Habitats and Ships 166 Jovian Life 188
Manufacturing & Nanofab 166 Jovian Settlements 188 Seeker Weapons & Grenades 212
Media166 The Jovian Trojans 189 Seeker Missiles and Grenades 212
Medical Sciences & Biomorphs 166 Saturn190 Seeker and Grenade Rules 212
Mining/Resources167 The Ringers 190 Armor214
Security167 Gas Mining 190 Energy vs. Kinetic 214
Shipping167 Saturnian Settlements 190 Armor Value 214
Social Media and Searches 167 Titan191 Layering Armor 214
Religious Groups 168 Uranus and Neptune 192 Armor Visibility 214
Religion After the Fall 168 The Ice Giants 192 Armor Ware 214
Christianity168 Uranus192 Armor Gear 215
Hinduism168 Uranian Moons 192 Weapon/Gear Traits 216
Islam168 Neptune193 Weapon Accessories 216
Judaism169 Neptunian Trojans 193 Armor Mods 217
Mormonism169 Special Attacks 218
Pagan spiritual paths 169 The System Fringe 194
The Inner Fringe 194 Area-Effect Attacks 218
Post-Fall Religions 169 Attacks Against the Helpless 218
The Outer Fringe 194
Criminal Groups 170 The Kuiper Belt & Oort Cloud 195 Blind Attacks 218
Gangs170 Called Shots 218
Hidden Concern 170 Quarantine Zones 196 Coated Weapons 219
Intelligent Design (ID Crew) 170 Iapetus196 Demolitions219
Night Cartel 170 New Mumbai Containment Zone 197 Shock Attacks 219
Nine Lives 171 TITAN Quarantine Zone 197 Two-Handed Weapons 219
Pax Familae 171 Other Locations 197 Wielding Two or More Weapons 219
Pirates171 The Pandora Gates 198 Physical Health 220
Triads171 The Vulcanoid Gate 198 Damage Points 220
Firewall172 The Martian Gate 198 Durability220
History172 The Pandora Gate 199 Wounds220
Structure172 The Fissure Gate 199 Wound Effects 220
Internal Factions 174 The Discord Gate 199 Bleeding Out 220
Other Gates 199 Death Rating 220
Extrasolar Systems 200 Death220
Droplet200 Healing & Repair 221
Echo200 Biomorph Healing 221
Portal200 Synthmorph/Object Repair 221
Sunrise200

4¹ TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mental Health 222 Tracking256
Stress Points 222 Physical Tracking 256
Lucidity and Stress 222 Mesh Activity Tracking 256
Trauma223 Tracking Countermeasures 257
Trauma Effects 223 Hacking258
Insanity Rating 223 Hacking Tests 258
Mental Healing & Psychosurgery 223
Psychosurgery Care 223
THE MESH 240 Intrusion258
Intruder Status 258
Natural Healing 223 Everyware240 Changing Status 259
Getting Online 240
Disorders224 Your Online Presence 240 Countermeasures260
Other Action Factors 226 Firewall260
Conditions226 Mesh Topology 241 System Defender 260
Full Defense 226 Slaved Devices 241 Security Alerts 260
Perception226 PANs: Personal Area Networks  241 Passive Countermeasures 261
Sizes227 VPNs: Virtual Private Networks 241 Active Countermeasures 261
Surprise227 Tiered Systems 241 Security Audits 261
Air-Gapped Systems 241
Social Actions 228 Islands in the Net 241 System Subversion 262
Social Manipulation 228 Break Encryption 262
Social Attacks 228 Common Mesh Uses 242 Control Ware 262
Augmented Reality (AR) 242 Disable Safety Mechanisms 262
Stressful Situations 229 Backups, Forking, Egocasting 242
Willpower Stress Tests 229 Edit AR Feed 262
Banking242 Eliminate Traces 262
Hardening229 Communications242 Force Re-Authentication 262
Movement230 Experience Playback (XP) 242 Hide File or Process 262
Movement Rate 230 Gaming242 Impair Senses 262
Movement Actions 230 Location Services/Mapping 243 Inject AR/Illusion 262
Movement Types 231 Media and News 243 Install Backdoor 263
Vehicle Movement 232 Mobile Offices 243 Install Blocker 263
Control232 Psychosurgery243 Jam Signals 263
Chases232 Searches243 Loop Sensor Feed 263
Crashes232 Sensor Feeds and Coveillance 243 Modify TacNet 263
Attacking Passengers 232 Social Networks 243 Sniff Traffic 263
Tagging243 Suppress Alarm 263
Objects & Structures 232 Virtual Reality (VR) 243 Suppress Process 263
Ranged Attacks 232 Tap AR 263
Shooting Through An Object 232 Devices, Apps, & Links 244
Hardware244 Tap Senses 263
Making Objects 232
Repairing Objects 233 Software244 Mesh Combat 264
Modifying Objects 233 Wireless Links 244 Local vs. Remote 264
Accessing Multiple Systems 245 Mesh Attacks and Defense 264
Future Materials 233 Mesh Damage and Armor 264
Environmental Factors 234 Authentication & Encryption 246
Mesh ID 246 Mesh Wounds 264
Asphyxiation234 Mesh Durability 264
Decompression234 Accounts & Access Privileges 246
Authentication Methods 246 Mesh Damage Repair 265
Falling234
Fire235 Circumventing Authentication 247 Hardware Damage 265
Gravity235 Encryption247 Damage and Infomorph Riders 265
Weather235 Mesh Actions 248 Glitches265
Hostile Environments 236 Universal Actions 248 Mindware Hacking 266
Atmospheric Contamination 236 Security Actions 248 Preconditions266
Dangerous Atmosphere 236 Admin Actions 249 Encoded Security 266
Extreme Heat and Cold 236 Scripting249 Mindware Subversion 266
Extreme Pressure 236 AIs & Muses 250 Virtual Reality 268
Gravity Transition Zones 236 ALIs250 Accessing Simulspaces 268
Radiation236 Muses250 Domain Rules 268
Surface Hazards 237 AGIs251 Simulmorphs268
Underwater237 ASIs251 Immersion268
Vacuum237 Non-Standard AIs 251 Simulspace Rules 269
Downtime Actions 238 Infomorphs252 Cheat Codes 269
Acquire/Make Things 238 Home Device 252 Hacking Simulspaces 269
Change Your Motivation 238 Digital Speeds 252 Simulspace User Actions 269
Fulfill Responsibilities 238 Moving Between Devices 253 Admin/Cheat Actions 269
Manage Your Rep 238 Copying253 Surveillance Hacking 270
Mod Yourself 238 Deletion253 Detecting Sensors 270
Train and Improve 238 Evacuating Cyberbrains 253 Avoiding Recognition 270
Sleeving Morphs 253 Active Jamming 270
Backing Up 253 Hacking Sensors 270
Infomorphs and Muses 253 Ripping Sensors 271
Infomorph Riders 253 Dead Zones 271
Online Research 254 Skipjacking271
Search Challenges 254 Avoiding Eavesdropping 271
Search Capabilities 254
Research Tests 254
Real-Time Alerts 255
Searching Specific Systems 255

TABLE OF CONTENTS
¾5
 Psychosurgery Procedures 295 Nanofabrication314
Awareness Block 295 Raw Materials 314
Behavioral Masking 295 Blueprints314
Deep Learning 295 Printing Tests 314
Hidden Knowledge 296 Services315
Interrogation296
PSI272 Memory Editing 296
Mesh Services
Physical Services
315
315
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mental Evaluation 296

Psi Overview 272 Merging296 Common Tech & Ware 316
Prerequisites272 Neural Pruning 297 Standard Augmentations 316
Morphs and Psi 272 Personality Editing 297 Everyday Technology 316
Mental Fragmentation 272 Psychotherapy297
Sleights272 Sensory Augmentations 318
Remove Infection 297 Senses and Sensors 318
Infection Rating 272 Skill Imprints 297 Sensory Databases 318
Watts-MacLeod Sub-Strains 273 Skill Suppression 297 Active vs. Passive 318
The Architect 273 Tasping297 The Electromagnetic Spectrum 318
The Beast 273 Identity Systems 298 Soundwaves319
The Haunter 273 Ego ID 298 Combined Sensor Systems 319
The Stranger 273 Identity Verification 298
The Xenomorph 273 Mental Augmentations 320
Circumventing ID Checks 299 Skillsofts321
Roleplaying Asyncs 273 Habitat Access 300
Using Psi 276 Social Augmentations 321
Egocasting300 Combat Augmentations 322
Psi Range 276 Physical Arrivals 301
Targeting276 Physical Augmentations 324
Habitat Infiltration 301 Meshware326
Opposed Tests 276
Mental Armor 276 Space Travel 302 Apps & ALIs 326
Target Awareness 276 Local Travel 302 Apps326
Duration276 Distance Travel 302 ALIs and Muses 326
Infection Modifiers 276 Space Travel Basics 302 Scorchers327
The Infection's Influence 277 Travel Times 302 Tactical Networks 327
Pushing Sleights 277 Space Combat 302 Creatures328
Infection Rating Thresholds 277 Weapons and Swarms 302 Genetically Modified Organisms 328
Easing the Infection 277 Stealth and Sensors 302 Smart Animals 328
Influence Effects 278 Deep Space vs Orbital 303 Xenofauna328
Psi Sleight Summaries 280 Character Options 303 Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins 330
Psi-Chi Sleights 280 Other Narrative Options 303 Drug and Toxin rules 330
Psi-Gamma Sleights 282 Ship & Habitat Hacking 304 Addiction and Abuse 330
Airlocks304 Chemicals331
Bulkhead Doors 304 Cognitive Drugs 331
Hulls and Superstructure 305 Combat Drugs 331
Life Support 305 Health Drugs 332
Reactors305 Nanodrugs332
Narcoalgorithms332
Reputation306 Petals333
Social Networks 306
TRANSHUMAN Rep Scores 306
Psi Drugs
Recreational Drugs
334
334
TECH286 Rep Networks for Research 307 Social Drugs 334
Networking308 Toxins335
Backups & Uploading 286 Using Rep 308
Cortical Stacks 286 Comms & Mesh Gear 336
Reputation & ID 308 Communications336
Uploaded Backups 287 Favors308
Death and Backup Insurance 287 Neutrino Communicators 336
Quantum Farcasters 336
Resleeving288 Quantum-Entangled Communication 337
Complications288 Mesh Hardware 337
Resleeving Tests 288
Resleeving and Pools 289 Espionage & Security Tech 338
Mission Gear 340
Acquiring Morphs 290 Exploration Tools 340
Determining Morph Points 290
Increasing Your MP
Spending Morph Points
290
290
GEAR310 Salvage Tools
Science Tools
340
340
Gear Rules 310 Survival Tools 341
Resleeving and Morph Points 291 Vacsuits341
Modifying Morphs 291 Gear Design 310
Making Morphs 291 Gear Complexity 310 Nanotech342
Gear Modifiers 310 Hives342
Forking & Merging 292 Gear Quality 311 Nanofabricators343
Types of Forks 292 Gear Size 311
Forks and Society 292 Concealing Gear 311 Nanoswarms & Microswarms 344
Creating a Fork 292 Meshed Gear 311 Swarm Rules 344
Neural Pruning 292 Interfaces311 Swarms345
Handling Forks 293 Power311 Robots346
Merging293 Ware311 Robot Ware 346
Psychosurgery294 Acquiring Gear 312 Remote Operations 346
Difficulties294 Missions and Gear Points 312 Combat Bots 347
Using Psychosurgery 294 Acquiring Gear During Missions 312 Exploration Bots 347
Roleplaying Mind Edits 294 Other Gear Considerations 313 Medical Bots 347

6¹ TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Personal Bots 348 Exsurgent Psi 386
Recon/Surveillance Bots 349 Exsurgent Synthmorphs & Psi 386
Utility Bots 349 Pushing Exsurgent Psi 386
Vehicles350 Psi-Epsilon Sleights 386
Vehicle Ware 350 Exsurgent Strains 388
Aircraft350 Alter388
Exoskeletons350 THREATS & X-RISKS 368 Haunting Virus 388
Groundcraft350 X-Risks368 Mindstealer388
Hardsuits351 Alien Conflict 368 Skrik388
Hybrid Vehicles 352 Astronomical Events  368 Watts-MacLeod389
Nautical Craft 352 Economic Disruptions 369 Whisper389
Personal Transport Devices 352 Infectious Agents 369 Xenomorph389
Spacecraft352 Intelligence Amplification 369 Exsurgent Types 390
Mega-Engineering369 Creeper390
Memetics369 Fractal Troll 391
Mental Subversion 369 Jelly392
Nanotechnology & Swarms 369 Shifter393
Political Threats 369 Skrik394
Unforeseen Threats 369 Snapper395
Secret Histories 370 Wastewalker396
RUNNING Newcomers370 Whipper396
THE GAME 354 Long-Term Residents
Neo-Gods370
370 Worm397
Factors398
Ad Astra 354 Ascension and Infections 371 Biology398
The Elevator Pitch 354 Behind the Fall 371 Communication398
The First Session 354 Aftermath371 Factor Colonies 398
Prepping Your Campaign 355 Sociology398
Security Systems 372
Scenarios & Campaigns 356 Access Control 372 Technology398
How Many Sessions? 356 Sensor Scans 373 Interactions with Transhumanity 398
Story Arcs 356 Active Countermeasures 373 Factor Ambassador 399
Creating Scenarios 357 Factor Guardian 399
Character Tie-Ins 357 Traps374
Spotting Traps 374 Firewall400
Easing In 357 Designing the Server 400
Disarming Traps 374
Bringing It To Life 358 Trap Listings 374 Joining Firewall 400
Social media Dynamics 358 The Eye 401
The Street Finds Its Own Uses 358 NPC & Threat Rules 376 Firewall Interactions 401
Fork Concerns 358 Threat Types 376
Niche376 The Prometheans 401
NPC Timelines 358 Project Ozma 402
Recurring Villains 358 Numbers376
Threat Level 376 Ozma Operations 402
Know Skills & Science 359 Threat Pool 376 Embedded Ozma Agent 402
Known?359 Tailoring Challenges 377 Other Intel Services 403
Frame the Question 359 Minimum Damage 377 Fleet Intelligence 403
Hypothesis and Prediction 359 NPCs/Threats and Stress 377 ISET403
Testing359 What PCs Know About Threats 377 JSFI403
Analysis359 Oversight403
The ETI 378
Super-Empowered Characters 360 Capabilities378 Science Police403
Logistics and Nanofabrication 360 Speculation378 Stellar Intelligence 403
Fork Hordes 361 Agenda378 The Pandora Gates 404
Time Distortion 361 Appearance404
Let’s nuke it 361 The Iktomi 379
Dream Shells 379 The Wormhole 404
Puny Transhumans 361 Operations404
Providing Outlets 361 Iktomi Kumobot 379
Gate Rules 405
Gamemaster Tips 362 Exhumans380 '

Limbwalker380 The TITANs Legacy406

Tracking Backups 362 Background406
Handling Muses and ALIs 362 Neurode380
Predator381 Aftermath406
Skill Use 363 Known TITANs 406
Diverging From Canon 363 The Exsurgent Virus 382 Using the TITANs in Game 407
In-Play Worldbuilding  363 What Is Known 382 TITAN Nanoviruses 407
Play Culture & Behavior 363 Diversity of Forms 382
Maps363 Countermeasures383 TITAN Machines & Minions 408
Using the Exovirus in Play 383 Fetch408
Transhuman Themes 364 Fractal409
Watching Boundaries 364 Exsurgent Infection 384 Headhunter410
Philosophical Futureshock 364 Infection Rating 384 Puppet411
Safety Procedures 364 Infection Test 384 Self-Replicating Nanoswarm 412
Campaign Themes 364 Basilisk Hacks 384 Warbot413
Rez & Rep Rewards 366 Biological Infection 385
Rez Points 366 Digital Infection 385
Reputation Gain and Loss 367 Nanoplague Infection 385
Infection, Resleeving, & Backups 385
Infection and Psychosurgery 385
Exsurgent Characters 386
Exsurgent-Infected PCs 386
Roleplaying Exsurgents 386 APPENDICES414
TABLE OF CONTENTS
¾7
INFAMY

A Proposal :: Santa Monica Coastal Resort :: June 10, BF 0 Their childhood had been steeped in Catholic zealotry and a strict
“It’s an opportunity, Tierslay. To get off this doomed rock. To make adherence to bioconservatism, drilled into them by their mother’s
something of yourself. That’s all. Stop squinting at me like I’ve got incessant preaching, “Your body is a precious gift from God. Polluting
some angle.” it with trinkets conceived by man is an unforgivable sin.” For Tierslay,
“You always have an angle, Taernen. It’s who you are.” the doctrine stuck, tightly woven into the fabric of her worldview.
“Sure. But in this particular case, the angle is looking out for little sis.” Taernen dismissed it outright in his early teens, which got him tossed
Tierslay wanted to believe her brother. She ached for a shred of from the family hovel. A year later, their mother took a stray bullet on
hope. Life in the Mojave tent slums on the outskirts of the Los Angeles the way back from the market, another gang violence statistic. Tierslay
enclaves was harsh — sun-scorched and stench-filled. The brutality of was nine. She was holding her mother’s hand when it happened.
her youth in the favelas of São Paulo, plagued by gangs and typhoons, Taernen’s pitch continued. “Earth is a waste of time, Tierslay. All
made the Mojave seem like a deluxe weekend getaway to an elitist the corps with any clout, with any vision or ambition, they’ve fled. To
orbital spa. Twenty-five years of existence and Tierslay had accom- Mars, to Luna, hell, even Venus. Those are the places where lives are
plished nothing beyond being poor and perpetually desperate. Taernen, made for people like us. And when I go, I’m not coming back. Where
on the other hand, had clawed and conned his way out of the dregs, does that leave you? Begging on the streets with that low-life Monte
made his way to California, and carved out a prosperous life. Somehow, because you’re mired in tradition?”
from ten-thousand kilometers away, he had extracted Tierslay from “Monte is not a low-life. He’s just had it rough, like us.”
São Paulo just before most of the city was under water. Taernen did “He’s the worst kind of criminal, Tier. Petty. Zero ambition beyond
not explain how he secured her passage to Los Angeles, crammed in a junkie survival. You’ve got too much talent. On Mars, with all the
shipping container with a hundred other bedraggled climate refugees, capital flowing, these corps need killer code. I could pull strings, find
and Tierslay never pushed him for answers. She was simply grateful to you an avenue in. You could go legit.”
be alive. Almost everyone she knew in São Paulo was not so lucky. “What? Legit like you?” Tierslay smiled and raised a glass in salute
Once in Los Angeles, Taernen provided her with just enough to to her brother the criminal. He refused to clink.
survive for a couple of weeks. After that, she scrabbled for sustenance “Didn’t you have your fill of the gutter when we were kids?”
outside the enclave walls, among the millions of other refugees kept “I have my way of viewing the universe and you have yours. I choose
in line by the armed drones that cluttered the sky. If it wasn’t for her to remain pure in the eyes of God … ”
creativity with code and the illicit hack jobs that required her finesse, “The big white beard in the sky is blind now, sis. Had his eyes
starvation would have consumed her. gouged out long ago.” Taernen flashed his older brother smirk while
Taernen lived beyond the concertina wire, among the privileged, Tierslay shook her head.
among those who switched bodies and claimed to have defeated From somewhere up above, from the smog-choked night beyond
death. His fast talk and questionable connections furnished him the twinkle of the resort’s canopy of lights, a neo-raven fluttered down
with a lifestyle few with his upbringing would endorse, let alone to the poolside table beside Taernen. Tierslay flinched in disgust and
afford — the augmentations, the cortical stack, the frequent backups. backed away from the table.

8¹
 “Calm down, Tier. He’s with me.” Monte set Tierslay up around the corner in a makeshift hovel
“I hate birds.” constructed from shredded blue tarp and cracked wooden construction
“Yeah, well, they’re probably not too fond of you, either.” palettes. The spot caught a pocket of afternoon shade, providing respite

INFAMY
The neo-raven’s intelligent gaze flicked over Tierslay, tinged with from the hostile sun to a brain in search of focus. Tierslay had twenty
inhuman distaste. Between its eyes protruded a small spike and minutes to crack the EEL 3 before the buyer was scheduled to arrive.
etched upon its chest and glowing through its feathers was a nanotat She rolled through the code. As suspected, it was tight. The propri-
depicting nine interlocked scarlet circles. With every intake of breath, a etary locks on Go-nin cyberbrains were notoriously difficult to circum-
different circle would illuminate. Taernen and the neo-raven leaned in vent. The market for hacked bot brains stripped of cookie-cutter factory
and exchanged whispers. Tierslay felt their eyes upon her despite her code was booming, though, on both sides of the walls, so Tierslay
own being locked on the marble tile beneath her feet. had spent a lot of her free time reverse-engineering the copyright-
“I have to go, Tierslay. Business to conduct.” Taernen stood. “Think restriction and access-control apps on any bot hardware she could get
about my offer. Backing up simply means freedom. To go where you her hands on. Fuzzing the output or running a sophisticated debug-
want to go, be what you want to be. Freedom from death. It’s pointless ging scheme were out of the question. Not enough time. Her only hope
clinging to fairy tales, Tier. And remember, I’m just looking out for you. was to spot and exploit one of a handful of elusive vulnerabilities she
Like always.” had discovered in older Go-nin models. At the fifteen minute mark,
Tierslay nodded but did not reply. she found one — a driver she could trick into coughing up the neces-
The neo-raven launched back into the night sky and Taernen strolled sary crypto keys. Sweat dropped into her eyes as she ran her exploit
towards the glittering entrance to the casino. A lean and exquisitely and the security software parted before her. Root access granted. The
dressed man with a nine circle nanotat emblazoned upon the side of bot brain was now a servant to her whim. Talent always finds a way,
his shaved head stepped through the casino entrance to greet Taernen Go-nin. And with plenty of time to spare.
with a robust and familiar embrace. A moment later, a resort security But then, gunshots.
pod was at Tierslay’s table, politely asking her to exit the premises now Three of them. Pop. Pop. Pop. Perfect and precise syncopation.
that her poolside sponsor was gone. Professional.
The sounds knocked her out of the code. She stepped from the tent
A Desperate Plea :: Mojave Tent Slums :: June 11, BF 0 and crept through a sliver of shade. Peeking around the corner into the
Tierslay met Monte at his latest camp, in a wide alley behind alley, Tierslay saw three sharply dressed synthmorphs, pistols at their
a long-abandoned pork-processing plant. Decades after the place was sides. Monte’s lifeless body sprawled upon the gravel, blood blooming
operational, the stench still lingered. around his head. Tierslay crossed herself, begged for God’s protection,
“These Go-nin bot brains are tight, Monte. Especially the EEL 3, and ran.
which I’ve never even set eyes on until now, let alone cracked. I’m going She didn’t stop until she reached her tent block over three kilome-
to need at least a couple of hours.” ters away. Blisters were forming upon her feet and her breath came in
“We ain’t got a couple hours, Tier. This guy is hot for a cracked 3. shudders of sharp stabbing pain. She doubled over and leaned against
Price is no object. Big chunk of scratch could set us both up for a a dead palm tree. When she straightened up, she expected to see her
couple months. I need you to come through.” tent in the spot it had been for the past two years, but it was gone.
Monte’s desperation was carved into his gaunt cheeks, in the way Nothing left but concrete and scattered piles of trash.
his threadbare t-shirt hung upon his wire thin frame. They had been Tierslay considered just running. It would’ve been the smart thing
friends since her first days in Cali and partners in petty crime for years. to do. Instead, she rushed to the spot where her tent once stood. She
Tierslay hated seeing him like this, strung out and wasting away, a shell kicked a cluster of crumpled fast food bags to see if there was anything
of the hustler who could smirk his way out of any jam. Life on the left behind. Beneath them she spotted the wooden rosary her mother
streets had finally beaten him into submission. The streets always win, had given her for her first Communion. She picked up the trinket and
Tierslay thought. cried. She clutched the rosary to her lips. “I cannot die here. Please
“How did you score the 3, Monte? That’s high-end gear.” don’t let me die here.” She kissed the rosary beads. In a whisper so
“We ain’t got time to discuss those kinda details, Tier. I need you in desperate that Tierslay imagined her words carving their way into the
there, slicing and dicing, doing what you do.” soft wood, she asked Virgin Mary to steer her towards salvation.
“Was anyone hurt, Monte?”
“What? No. I mean, I don’t know exactly. I can’t say for sure. I scored Just In Case :: Skid Row :: June 13, BF 0
it from a guy who got it from a guy. I didn’t ask no questions. There was Tierslay arrived at the address Taernen had given her just before
an opportunity, so I took it.” sundown, a windowless concrete box in one of the ghettoized neutral
Tierslay turned to leave. She had one rule with any of their ventures: zones between enclaves. Squatted warehouses and tent villages spread
no one ever gets hurt. Monte scurried in front of her, blocking her path, out for kilometers in every direction upon baking asphalt. Tierslay was
each hand clutching the other and shaking, the beggar’s pose. all too familiar with this crippling miasma of cyclic poverty; its spectre
“I know we have an understanding, Tier. No one gets hurt. But you was always looming. Though she was loath to admit it, for years it had
gotta believe me. I don’t know for sure, and I ain’t ever gonna know. I been eroding her faith. How could such misery and death be a divine
need you to save my ass on this one. Please.” Monte’s eyes were wet with plan? A young female face peeked at her through a billowing tent flap,
anguish and his lips were cracked by the unrelenting sun. Tierslay knew like her own past staring through her, another sign to heed her broth-
the look. She had worn it plenty of times herself — last-thread despera- er’s call to escape.
tion dangling just above oblivion. She had to help her friend, despite the A painted sign above the only door into the building depicted a
likelihood of violating the only steadfast rule of her criminal life. manic pointy-hat wizard shocking the words Pinball Museum into
“You’ve come through for me plenty of times in the past, Monte. existence. Tierslay knocked. A long wait followed, enough to ques-
Consider your ass saved.” tion why she agreed to Taernen’s offer, an offer that would funda-
Monte wrapped his arms around Tierslay with a joyful hoot. mentally change how she viewed the universe and her place within
“Fifty-fifty split and a big fancy meal on me. I’ll get us passes into the it. Then the door opened to reveal a lanky figure in a deep purple
Heights enclave. We’ll eat a meal that’s actually grown and cooked, served and skin-tight bodysuit. The synthmorph’s entire head was an elabo-
on a dainty plate, spiral sauce drizzle! None of that wet-fab slurry!” rately detailed bloodshot eyeball, a yellow iris at its center.

¾9
 “Greetings. You must be 6 p.m.” The figure’s voice was deep and you like me to create a previous event labeled “Last Confession?”]
tinged with reverb. Whatever the source of the voice was, it was hacking her thoughts.
Tierslay suppressed the urge to run and answered, “Yes. You must Her body felt strange, somewhat stiff. The sensations of tempera-
be Ukku. My brother Taernen spoke very highly of you. Said you did ture, of fabric against skin, felt miswired. She could not feel the
great work.” Ukku stood still and silent. Tierslay had no idea if what- stretch of skin or muscles. She had command of her limbs, but the
ever was inside the bizarre head was taking a moment to evaluate restraints held her tightly in place.
INFAMY

her or was fast asleep in the open doorway. Her skin crawled over Tierslay tried to turn her attention to her breath, to the rise and fall
the awkward pause. of her chest, to the sensation of air soft and cool through her nostrils,
The giant eyeball head finally moved, tilting slightly. “I am the best, but there was nothing to grasp onto. The processes no longer seemed
6 p.m. You should be infinitely grateful that your brother cares so to exist. Scream for help, she thought, but she could not feel lips or
deeply for you. My services, while they may be considered cut-rate teeth or vocal chords. The entire biology of her head and face was
by those with the means to afford more upstanding facilities, are absent. Not numb, but nonexistent.
nevertheless, top-notch.” Ukku stepped aside with a flourish, beck- The unfamiliar voice returned, pleasant. [A scream is unnecessary,
oning Tierslay to enter. “Let us get to work, 6 p.m. Our time together Tierslay. I have alerted the technician that your upload is complete
is short.” and full consciousness has been restored. He will be here momen-
Ukku led Tierslay through a labyrinth of colorful four­ tarily to assist you. Then we can start to familiarize ourselves with
legged twentieth-century machines with whirling lights, analog this particular case model.]
clacks and dings, and promises of free plays. Despite her nerves Fuck off, devil. Mouth or no mouth, I am screaming myself hoarse.
surrounding the impending procedure, these simple contraptions The word “Help!” bellowed from somewhere on the lower part of
from another time made her smile. She had seen pinball machines Tierslay’s face, created by a voice, both feminine and husky, but artifi-
in old films before, but never in person, and the presence of so many cial and definitely not her own. Her panic magnified a thousandfold
gathered in one space, literally hundreds, was like unearthing an and she released the word a second time, drawn out and with an
undiscovered tomb laden with riches. increase in volume.
At the farthest and darkest corner of the building, the pinball laby- A man floated into Tierslay’s limited field of vision. His skin was
rinth opened into a small space draped with plastic. She eyed a metal milk smooth, his eyes perfect circles of lavender. He smiled kindly.
table cluttered with surgical implements. Ukku introduced another “Welcome to the Zentropic Return. My name is Badal,” the man said.
eyeball, this one violet irised and with a body the size of a child, as Tierslay took a moment to assess Badal before responding, to deter-
his assistant, ToXxot. ToXxot rolled in a surgical bed covered in mine if this latest freak was friend or foe, demon or angel.
plastic, tossed a pillow on top of it, then took Tierslay by the hand The voice chimed in. [There is no need to be afraid, Tierslay. You
and motioned for her to lie down on her belly and rest her face in the are safe here. Badal’s facility boasts @-rep in the 95th percentile upon
pillow. A strange machine was rolled next to her, a bulbous scanning the flotilla. According to reviews, it is the top choice for those seeking
mechanism unfolding like petals around her head. When everything a serene resleeve experience. You should introduce yourself.]
was in place, ToXxot’s eyeball lit up and spilled intense white light Despite her reservations, for the first time, Tierslay decided to
in every direction. Ukku loomed over Tierslay, a menacing injection listen to the voice. “My name is Tierslay.”
device in hand. “I know. Let’s remove these restraints. Get you moving.” The straps
“This is happening so fast,” Tierslay said. “I don’t know what you loosened and retracted. Tierslay found herself floating freely, unsure
are doing. I don’t know who I will become.” which way was up. Her arms flailed as she started to spin.
ToXxot stroked Tierslay’s back and made sounds that resembled Badal helped Tierslay orient herself. “Apologies for the restraints.
the chirps of a hungry baby bird while Ukku spoke. “There, there, 6 Strictly in place to guarantee client safety. A bit contrary to the zen
p.m. Do not be frightened. You are with Ukku. By the time 7 p.m. aesthetic we strive for, I know. I sincerely hope they haven’t sullied
shows up, you will be eternal.” the experience.”
These moments would stick with Tierslay forever. The eyeballs. Tierslay took a moment to adapt to the sensation of microgravity.
The terror. The biting dread of a life-altering decision as cold metal “I’m afraid.”
pressed against the back of her neck. The sensation of metallic “Naturally. It’s quite a bit to absorb, given what I know of your
centipedes uncoiling and slithering around her head and latching ego’s history. Don’t worry too much about the weightlessness, you’ll
into place. adapt quickly.”
The room was cozy, ornate bamboo dimly lit by a soft glow that
Lack :: The Zentropic Return :: March 13, AF 9 emanated from behind the parchment walls. Tierslay looked down at
The view in Tierslay’s field of vision shifted. The floor was no longer her arms. Where there once was dark brown skin, there was now metal,
concrete but wooden slats, arranged in an oddly soothing geometric a dull slate-blue finish, dented and scratched. Tierslay expected tears to
pattern. She spasmed at the sudden sensation of falling. She thrashed flow from the shock of the sight. She expected a wrenching of the gut,
for a moment, then calmed at the realization that straps held her in the tightness in the chest that can only be released by weeping gasps,
place. Weightlessness. but the biological systems required were no longer present. A realization
She was no longer in Ukku’s chop shop, that much was clear. She crashed through every other thought like a nightmare tsunami — the
tuned into the sounds of the new space. A soft rhythm, a pleasing only thing that remained of the God-given flesh-and-bone Tierslay was
harmonic melody. The intention was obvious, to craft an atmosphere her mind, and even that was questionable.
of calm. From somewhere deep inside Tierslay’s fog-draped mind, an “Where am I?”
unfamiliar voice made an introduction, the cadence crisp and formal. The question was for Badal, but the inner voice provided Tierslay
[Hello, Tierslay. Welcome to your new sleeve. Do you require with an answer. [We are upon the scum-aligned flotilla known as Get
immediate assistance?] Your Ass to Mars.] An augmented reality 3D map popped up to the side
Panic hijacked her. The procedure. Something went horribly wrong. of her field of vision, showing a number of differently sized objects
I’ve been rendered insane. Oh God. Or worse. I’m a corpse. Burdened by clustered together, most elongated, some linked together. Ships.
so many sins. When was my last confession? Badal registered her confusion. “Get Your Ass to Mars is a nomadic
The voice responded. [Unfortunately, Tierslay, that information is anarchist collective of interconnected spacecraft and habitats,
not available. Your calendar is entirely empty before today. Would currently adrift just beyond the Main Belt, Jupiter side.”

10¹
 “Jupiter.” The lower part of his face was rippled and shiny with designer scarifi-
“Yes.” cation, and his eyes were vacant black disks. In her head, she imagined
Tierslay took a moment to process. What did the word “Jupiter” him donning a cape, like some Retro Space Dracula.

INFAMY
really mean to someone who had never even been on an airplane, His grin was no less fanged. “Hey, little sis. Long time no see.”
who had never known anything beyond the concrete urban sprawls
of a planet called Earth. Space. I am in the vastness of the black. Reunion :: Echo Blue Sector :: March 13, AF 9
Outside of the only body I have ever known. Tierslay shuffled all these “I have questions … ”
concepts into another compartment, to be processed at another time. “And I might have answers,” Taernen shrugged. “I might not.”
Latch on to something right now, she told herself. Like deciphering “How do I get home?”
complex code, one line at a time before tackling the whole program. The “You are home. May as well make the most of it, yeah?” Taernen
voice. Deal with the voice. popped the tube on his Americano sphere, the skin infused with
“There is something in my head, a voice … ” maple sweet cream, and sucked it down. He scowled at the graffiti-
“Your muse.” covered autocook mounted on the wall. “Cheap anarchist shit!” He
“My muse?” turned his attention back to his sister. “This is swill compared to
“A limited AI assistant. Sorry. I wasn’t aware that you were unfa- the coffee on Mars. Real stuff, grown in a hydroponic farm. Not this
miliar with muses. An ego without one is extremely rare. It’s a wet-printer knockoff crap.”
default install during a resleeve if a muse is not already embedded “This is not my home, Taernen. This is not my body. I’m not even
with the ego.” convinced I’m still me. One second, I’m scared shitless, dealing with
Tierslay had heard of muses. They were common among the priv- your eyeball freak. The next, I’m here, half a billion kilometers from
ileged. She had never had one. To her family, AIs were an abomina- Earth … ”
tion in the eyes of God, and the implants they resided on an affront “I’m going to stop you right there, Tier. Jeez. I guess I forgot how
to nature. green you are as to the current state of the system.” Taernen cracked
“It’s getting on my nerves. Can I shut it down?” his knuckles, then his neck. Tierslay waited, still and silent. “Hate
“You can silence it, yes. Your muse is entirely customizable. But to tell you this, sis, but there is no going home. Earth is no longer
I would recommend opening yourself to the experience. Give it a habitable. It’s a floating ball of nuke winter dust. Been a wasteland
name. Modulate its voice to a tone and cadence you prefer. In time, for almost a decade.”
it will grow on you. I promise. You may even consider it a friend, Cold enveloped her. “What?”
eventually. I cannot imagine my life without Rikita. Rikita wishes you “Yep. Surprise. Welcome to life after The Fall. We messed around with
prosperity and joy on this new path, by the way.” the TITANs, scary AIs, and they fucked our shit up good. Absorb it for
“Tell Rikita thanks.” a second and let it go. Zero point dwelling on it. I prefer to keep the
“I have other clients to attend to, but I have prepared a set of short fucked-up past dead and buried. Happier and more productive that way.”
introductory vids to acclimate you. Peruse at your leisure. I also Tierslay looked down at her hands, a familiar place to lock her
recommend the zero-g simulator.” Several links popped up in her eyes when unsettled by a conversation with her big brother. The
entoptic display. “Please, take your time. When you feel steady, the sight of metal fingers unnerved her more. “What happened to the
exit is to the left and at the end of the hall.” With a farewell nod, Badal real me, then?”
kicked away toward one of the parchment walls and it slid aside. Taernen smirked, unable to resist an opening to dig deep and
“Wait!” twist, old sibling shenanigans. “Most likely, your flesh was barbecued,
“Yes?” seared right off the bones. And the bones? Probably in a pile with
“I don’t even know how I wound up here.” billions of others. But who cares? The stuff that makes you you, the
“I believe your benefactor has the answers you seek.” stuff that ultimately matters … ” Taernen tapped his bony finger on
“My benefactor?” the side of his head, “ … that you made it out. Thanks to me.”
“The man who negotiated your upload and morph. Abysmal rep “Oh, God … ”
but quite persuasive. Still not sure why I agreed to the deal,” Badal “Chin up, sis. Life is gonna get a whole helluva lot sweeter.” He
shrugged. “He is waiting for you outside the facility.” A virtual trail leaned in close and shifted his voice into the signature dead-
appeared, marking the way. serious whisper Tierslay remembered well. The timbre of the voice
When Tierslay pulled her way through the bamboo-trimmed portal was different, crackly and thin instead of deep and resonant, but
that led out from the cloistered serenity of the Zentropic Return, the the inflections were unmistakable. “I’ve got a deal that cannot miss.
transition overwhelmed her. In every direction, crowds of people Once we close it, we’ll get you out of that metal can and into a
sleeved in exotic body types floated and mingled. Laughter, shouts, custom bio job.”
and music engulfed her, spiced with the scents of food and stranger “I don’t want in on any more of your deals, Taernen. I don’t even
things. Structures, arrangements of gear, and things she couldn’t know who I am, how life even operates anymore, and here you are
identify clung to every surface. She couldn’t tell if this was a party, art talking deals … ”
exhibit, or something else. There was no up, no down, just the bustle “Tier, Tier, look at me.” Tierslay shifted her sight to Taernen’s unfa-
of life in all directions. Colorful invitations and propositions popped miliar vacant black eyes, unsure if his gaze was meeting whatever
up in her vision before her muse filtered them away. shape her eyes took in this foreign metallic form. For all she knew,
[Welcome to the Echo Blue sector,] said the voice. [This was her face was nothing more than a flat sheet of steel with two dots and
once part of a luxury habitat in Earth orbit, spun for gravity, but a line. “You’re freaking out. I get it. This is a lot to take in.”
the flotilla now tows it in zero g. Various scum factions use it as an “I just want to be me again.”
open-air market slash social spot.] “You think I’m happy with this loaner piece of shit I’m in? I’m
Tierslay grasped on to the glowing trail like a lifeline, following it shocked none of the limbs have fallen off. Look. We can craft some-
through the chaos to her benefactor, a skeleton-thin man with scattered thing close to the original you, if that’s what you are into, once I have
wisps of long black hair. Her name hovered above the man’s head in some resources and we’re back on Mars where I have some pull. Here?
AR, boldly flashing. Tierslay weaved through the stream of people and With these scum fuckers? I may as well be a crusty dog turd kicked
approached the man, suspicious, but also unsure of what else to do. around the old São Paulo gutter. But, the good news is, I have a plan.

¾11
 We can get around all this rep bullshit and keep this deal in play. “One. Tight code but I was able to slice it. It was a long time ago,
And this is where you come in.” Taernen clasped his bony hands though.” Just last week, she thought.
together, the sinewy fingers tense. “I need you to get it together and “I know a collector on Ceres, always eager to buy working vintage
adapt. Quick-like. I can’t stick around much longer. I’ve got a cast pre-Fall models, but I can’t get this thing operational. Think you
scheduled back to Mars in an hour.” could take a look at it for me? I’m Pivo, by the way,” the neo-octo said,
“You’re leaving me here?” twirling one of his arms around Tierslay’s hand. She surprised herself
INFAMY

“Yeah. That’s part of the deal. You, here, getting to know the place, by not jerking it away.
forming some relationships, contributing to their f ’d-up collective Tierslay worked on the bot for about an hour before she had it
shit, whatever it takes to get in solid. We need this, Tier. I’ll be back in humming like new. It was a relief to delve into the code, familiar terri-
a month, maybe two. That should give you the time you need to lay tory amidst a sea of uncertainty. Impressed, Pivo pinged her with a
on the charm, get us the rep we need to pull a few favors. Then the bump to her reputation score. The octo whistled from its siphon as
deal gets done, and we get you outta this freak show and back to the he perused her low rep, her blank history.
inner system, where the people appreciate the power of an honest She answered his questioning look, “I haven’t been here long.”
cred for fuck’s sake.” The forehead on Taernen’s morph crinkled in What a ridiculous understatement.
anger and the corner of his left eye twitched, a familiar expression “Y’know,” Pivo said, “I have a pal in the LO — the Lucky Observer — 
upon an unfamiliar face. Oddly, she found it comforting. she’s looking for a creative coder and you clearly have skills.” Pivo
“So, I suppose you’re not going to give me any details on this deal.” tossed the location to Tierslay’s muse. “Talk to Elis. She’s expecting you.”
Taernen grinned. His sister, playing along as she always did. “Nope. Tierslay scanned the area surrounding the kiosk, looking for eyes
Better that way. The more knowledge you have, the more likely we upon her. A few scattered uplifts flew, swung, or scuttled by, all
slip up. Have I ever steered you wrong?” minding their own business. Quit being paranoid, Tier. Go with the
For a moment, Tierslay wanted to say yes, that she would have flow. “Sounds great.”
preferred death to being trapped against her will in a metal husk. As Pivo rode the bot away, Tierslay realized it was the first time she
The real her was dead. And she was, what? Some soulless copy? She had ever spoken with an uplift. Her church, her mother, had considered
felt godless, abandoned, but not any less alive. Instead, she nodded. them a crime against God, a sin of the highest order. She shook her
“No. You haven’t, Taer. I trust you. I’ll do whatever needs to be done.” head, ashamed at her own bigotry. One conversation was all it took.
The wide black globes set into deeply carved sockets provided her
nothing in return. A few awkward seconds of silence passed. Taernen Narcos :: Danger Noodle :: March 20, AF 9
stirred. “All right then. I gotta go. I set you up with a dorm in the En route to the LO, Tierslay passed through a craft known as the
Tall Red sector, opposite side of this chunk of habitat. Single room, Danger Noodle. Its primary feature was a rotating torus, providing
but you don’t need much. Synthmorphs are good that way, at least. simulated gravity for a never-ending bacchanalian dance party. The
Minimalism. There’s a lotta people like you there, synths and the like, vibe was intoxicating, a vibrant display of individual expression.
so you won’t feel so weird, you’ll fit right in. All your basic needs will Synth, bio, uplift, infomorph projections, every conceivable shape,
be covered until I return. One last thing … ” size and modification, writhing and free, lost in rhythm. She had
“Yes?” never seen anything like it, and for the first time since awakening here,
“Don’t tip your hand to anybody. Concoct whatever backstory you Tierslay experienced joy. She decided to lose herself there for a couple
want, just steer clear of the truth. There may be eyes on the lookout. hours, move her new body and acquaint herself with its possibilities.
Best if no one knows we’re blood. I’ll find you when I return.” Taernen A hulking synth with four powerful arms approached Tierslay, the
unclipped from the wall and pushed away, grabbing the strap of a head was a sharp rendition of a widely grinning oni. “I’m Berk.” Berk
nearby tow-line cable. It pulled him away until he was swallowed by extended their lower left hand in greeting. Tierslay kept moving
the district’s throng. Gone. while she shook it. “Tierslay.”
“First time at the Noodle?”
Aimless :: Get Your Ass To Mars Swarm :: March 13-20, AF 9 “Is it that obvious?”
For her first week, Tierslay wandered. Wandering was a skill she had Berk’s husky chuckle was somehow in perfect sync with the lush
mastered over the years. With rarely a place to call home, her survival music. “I run security. I know everyone who rolls through here.
had relied on it. She was reluctant to locate her room in the Tall Red, Welcome to the party.” An AR glitter-splash explosion popped as
fearful that a reality she was not quite ready to confront would settle Tierslay’s muse alerted her to the receipt of a transmission from
in once she did. Aimless felt safe. It felt like home. Berk — an executable file with the name _fi_zz_ee_66_.
During the first three days, she managed to move through “Fizzee66?”
the linked spacecraft of the flotilla twice. Sleep was no longer “Latest and greatest narco. Coded by a regular. See that cluster
necessary. No need for sustenance either. She just kept her limbs there, dancing in The Drip?” Berk extended one of their upper
moving and her eyes cataloguing. She spoke very little, sticking arms to indicate a group of synthmorphs near where the dancefloor
to the shadows when possible, absorbing details. She kept her curved upward out of sight, behind a neon blue drizzle. Their bodies
muse silent, allowing the AI to perform one function — drop pins contorted ecstatically, backbends seamlessly transitioning into
upon the flotilla map whenever she felt suspicious eyes were upon headspins, handstands slowly wheeling down into splits. “They’ve
her. By the conclusion of her second trip around, there were pins been running fizzee66 for two days straight. You should give it a try.
everywhere, so she disabled the function and accepted that she was I promise it won’t disappoint.”
being overly paranoid. “I don’t have any money.”
On the fourth day of her wander, while passing through The The oni face smirked. “Neither do I. This is a gift economy, Tierslay.
Midnight Mastermind, a small freighter popular with uplifts, Tierslay Money is for oligarchs and serfs.” Following a low bow, Berk twirled
spotted a familiar but battered-looking model of Go-nin robot. A and strode off to another conversation.
neo-octopus fiddled with its cyberbrain while tapping at a nanofab Tierslay’s muse let her know the executable was clean and what a
kiosk and muttering obscenities. brief mesh search revealed about the file. The effects of the narcoal-
She decided to break her silence. “Those Go-nins can be difficult.” gorithm were rumored to be quite pleasurable. This muse thing is
The octo looked up from the bot, arms wriggling with frustration. growing on me, she thought and her muse responded with a soft
“You’ve seen one of these before?” flutter of joy at the edges of her vision. Fuck it, let’s run it.

12¹
 A tingle trickled through Tierslay’s synthetic body, starting at scrounging to survive. Despair seemed magically absent. Somehow,
the head and zipping pleasurably through her entire system, then she had escaped from hell. The anarchists she had known on Earth
bouncing back up from her metal feet. The sensation mimicked had been jaded, godless revolutionaries. Until coming here, she had

INFAMY
goosebumps buzzing on skin then melted away into a satisfying never understood the point of their fight. Now, it was starting to
warmth, magnified a thousandfold. Each ecstatic trip through her make sense.
body began with every other thump of bass that defined the beat. Indoctrination kicked in and Tierslay moved to cross herself in
Complete connection to the rhythm. Tierslay slithered over to gratitude, but she stopped at “in the name of ” when metal fingertips
The Drip, to the group Berk pointed out to her earlier, and joined clicked against metal forehead. She gazed at her reflection, just a
their revelry for the next two days, never ceasing motion, Fizzee66 phantom upon the glass. The details of her foreign face were hazy
working its magic the entire time. against the backdrop of activity on the other side. She could sense
her silent muse absorbing her desire, and the quality of her vision
Opportunity :: Bateaux :: March 22, AF 9 shifted. Everything beyond the pane darkened and Tierslay’s reflec-
“Pivo claims you have transcendent coding skills.” tion polarized into focus. For the first time, she saw her new face.
“Wow. I’m flattered.” Vacant eyes, not meant for expression. No nose to wrinkle, just flat
“Don’t be. The squid knows hardware, but software’s not his brushed metal. Her mouth was a thin oval mesh, unable to move;
game. He has an eye for talent, though.” Elis hung from a lit tube no smirks or pouts or licks or puckers. It was now simply an emitter
by her thick gripping feet, her hair writhing in the zero g like of soundwaves. In a profound second, a lifetime of belief dissipated
freshly-fed purple and black snakes. Tierslay stared up at her, fidgety. into nothingness, her soul crushed into non-existence. She was now
“Don’t be so skittish, Tierslay. Pivo and I are tight. His word carries Tierslay the artificial construct, formed by the ambitions of transhu-
weight around here.” Elis swung across the room, re-orienting herself mans, not by the hands of any god. The revelation made her laugh.
in line with Tierslay, a perfect two-point landing punctuated by a Life. What a fucked up, splendorous mess.
cocky grin. Elis’s custom synthmorph shop, Bateaux, was elaborately A dragonfly the size of a fat cat zipped past Tierslay and down the
cluttered, the workspace of a true artist with zero time to spend on narrow walkway only to return in reverse moments later. It hovered
organization. “Let’s get right to the point. I build and mod synths, but behind her, shiny rainbow metallic wings buzzing.
I also have a lot of people coming to the swarm who are looking for “Hello, new neighbor!”, the dragonfly said. “I’m Bixbee. Two doors
specific cyberbrain plug-ins. That’s where I need help. What experi- that way.” Bixbee’s many legs pointed down the floatway. “If you need
ence do you have with coding narcos?” anything, you let me know. Someone did the same for me, hooked my
Suspicion crept in. She thought about her brother’s warning and sorry ass up when I was new. My turn to pay it back. Or forward. Or
all the eyes she had felt upon her. This is all lining up too perfectly. I whatever. Point is, we look out for each other here in the Tall Red. It’s
should be wary, right? Life has never been this easy, so coordinated. But all about storing up that sweet sweet karma. Okay. Gotta go. Buh-bye.”
opportunity was intoxicating and had never knocked on her door Zip. Off Bixbee went.
before. She decided to shed the paranoia and roll with it. Tierslay crossed the threshold to her new home. She drifted into
“Funny you should ask … ” Tierslay had her muse offer up the only piece of furniture in the single room, a lattice cocoon that
Zyzzee66 — her hacked version of Fizzee66. “This is something I held her in place. The room’s software spoke, asking what she wished
whipped up in a couple hours. It’s a hack of Fizzee66, if you’ve ever … ” to experience. “Rain,” she said, and the environment changed, the
Elis cut Tierslay off and smirked. “Oh, I’m quite familiar with room darkening as AR clouds drizzled imaginary water down to the
Fizzee66 — I designed it. Did Pivo give you a heads up? That smartass.” other end of the room. She sighed, reduced her vision to meditative,
“I had no idea. I got it at the Danger Noodle. Someone named Berk.” and focused on the sound of falling water. Tierslay reached out to
“So, you found it lacking? This Zyzzee of yours is superior?” her muse, activated its voice and asked it a question: What do you
“Don’t get me wrong. I loved Fizzee. It’s sublime. I just saw a few wish to be called?
opportunities to elevate it in ways I found appealing.” [That decision is yours, Tierslay. What is your wish?]
“Yeah, yeah, superstar. Enough chatter. Let me take a feel,” Elis She did not hesitate. Monte. Your name will be Monte.
winked at Tierslay. “This is a bio sleeve, but the brain’s hardware. [I think it suits me. Thank you. It’s pleasant to possess a name.]
Helps me check the code on the cyberbrains I install.” Elis’s pupils The warmth of gratitude fluttered through Tierslay’s system as she
dilated into royal blue disks and tears welled up in her eyes, then started to tinker with Monte’s voice, to get it as close to her old friend
streamed down her cheeks. A few seconds within the embrace as memory would allow.
of Zyzzee66 was plenty of time for Elis to understand the talent
on display. She killed the process and took a moment to gather New Client :: Bateaux :: August 2, AF 9
herself. “Impressive. Not perfect, of course — you have to watch Tierslay and Elis floated in the shop’s cluttered space, arms linked,
those pseudo-dopamine thresholds, an initial rush like that can scanning the latest custom morph requests. Bixbee zipped back and
trigger vertigo — but not so bad for someone a decade behind on forth overhead, jacked up on Tierslay’s latest narco, due to debut at
coding developments.” the Danger Noodle in a couple of days. Bixbee always clamored for
She took a hard look at Tierslay, then bumped her rep. “Welcome early access and Tierslay always obliged.
to the Bateaux family, my glorious narco hacker.” Four months and zero word from Taernen. Was he dead? Did he
abandon her? It did not matter. She did not miss him, his schemes,
Reflection :: Tall Red Sector :: March 22, AF 9 or his promises. Tierslay had friends, her rep was growing, and her
On the ninth day, Tierslay arrived at her room in the Tall Red. coding skills were getting sharper.
She floated at the glass pane a few feet beyond her front door “Ha! Check out this fool.” Elis tossed an image of a prospective
and stared out at the Tall Red’s central hub, at the four towering client into Tierslay’s AR, where it rotated slowly — a large eyeball
pillars draped in billowing red velvet, the feature that gave the atop synthetic shoulders, a web of faux red capillaries stretching
district its name. Bodies bustled about, below, above, drifting or in a from the yellow iris center over the entirety of a white sphere. The
hurry, some synthetic, some flesh, forms she had never before seen body, elongated, with slightly disproportionate limbs wrapped
or could have previously conceived. This place is alive, she thought. in a shimmering synthetic purple. Tierslay’s mind raced at
There was no relentless burning sun, no scorching asphalt, no the sight.

¾13
INFAMY

“Tags itself Ukku.” Elis flipped through the morph customization Elis allowed silence to sit for a moment as she studied Tierslay’s
request and chuckled through a half-cocked smirk. “Listen to this face. “Now I’m really intrigued. What is this, Tier? Some sort of
idiota: Ukku apologizes for the dismal @-rep, but Ukku is well estab- history? A personal vendetta? You know this guy?”
lished within Guanxi networks and could arrange for some quid- “You could say that.”
pro-quo, which may come in handy someday, even for an anarchist.” “Do share!”
Elis clapped her hands in joy at the audacity. “What a jackass!” “Going to keep that to myself for now, if you don’t mind.”
Fear surged through Tierslay as her last moments on Earth Elis returned a conspiratorial smirk and a nod as Bixbee whizzed
bubbled up out of the deep suppressed darkness and consumed her by her head, giggling with narco-induced pleasure. “All right, Tier. I’ll
thoughts. Eyeballs. Pinball. Plastic. play along. You have yourself a deal.”
The morph request went on to state that Ukku would be
farcasting to the swarm in one week for an extended and indulgent Prank :: Danger Noodle :: August 11, AF 9
outer-system holiday and that it was Ukku’s understanding that Ukku had been on the Danger Noodle dance floor for four hours straight,
Bateaux was the best synthmorph design shop there. “Ukku only deals pointy elbows flailing, legs perpetually on the verge of collapse, forcing
with the very best,” Elis read, snorting. “Whaddya think? Should we others to dodge. Clearly, Ukku was high beyond comprehension, rolling
accept this lofty honor?” on Tierslay’s latest narco along with most of the club. Tierslay, Elis, Pivo,
Tierslay did her best to feign disinterest even as disgust rattled and Berk watched the synth from the bar, Bixbee from his usual perch
around inside her. “I don’t know, Elis. Seems like a pain in the ass.” above the DJ booth, waiting for Tierslay to trigger her prank.
“Maybe a pain in the arse is what this shop needs. Give us a jolt. On Tierslay’s command, Monte tossed a night-terror flash through
Been dull around here lately.” the backdoor in Ukku’s narco. Earlier, when Monte shared with her
Tierslay unlinked her arm from Elis’s, trying not to take offense at the darknet image he planned on using (the stretched flesh and
the unintended slight as she floated away. “Okay. I’ll tell you what. I floating gore left behind by an infamous Lost Generation murder
will say yes to this stupid Ukku gig, under one condition.” spree), Tierslay nearly retched, but Ukku simply straightened up for
Elis perked up and rubbed her hands together with vigor, itching a second of contemplation, then got right back to “dancing.”
for some fun. “Ooooooo! A negotiation. All right, I’m not big on “Well, that was anticlimactic.” Elis patted Tierslay’s arm. “The idiota
conditions, but what’s it gonna be?” is unflappable. Guess it’s back to drinking until the tourist ceases the
“The condition is this: I plant a secret little gift inside the narcos pollution of our precious dance floor.”
this Ukku has requested to be installed with their shell. Nothing Just as Elis was about to order another round of drinks for the
major, just something undetectable and mischievous.” group from the autopub, Ukku ceased all movement, as if deactivated
Elis was easily hooked by mischief. “Spicy! Could potentially by an unseen hand. Tierslay poked Elis playfully in the ribs. “Ha!
damage our rep if word gets out … ” See? I got the fucker. Something is going down.”
“It’s a risk, I know. And there’s another condition: we keep an eye on In a rush, Ukku abandoned the dance floor and scurried towards
Ukku for as long as they are on the swarm.” a booth in the Drip section of the Danger Noodle, currently awash in

14¹
sharp shadows and an atomic neon green. A slender humanoid form, “Hey asshole. Do you mind? You’re invading our space.” Taernen
etched upon the darkness, awaited Ukku’s arrival to the booth. stood up and took an aggressive step towards Bixbee. Ukku slipped out

INFAMY
“Seems like someone finds the clown tolerable,” Berk observed. of the booth and flanked the dragonfly. Bixbee froze. Taernen sniffed
“Finally, a new development,” said Elis. “We’ve had an eye on Ukku blood in the water and pushed the issue. “I said back up, flutterfuck.”
for days now, zero contact with anybody. Intrigued, Tier?” “Time to move. I’ll take point.” Elis propelled herself towards the
“I don’t like it.” Drip. Pivo squirmed effortlessly past dancers while Berk muscled
Elis pinged Bixbee and he zipped on over, bubbling with joy, as dancefloor bodies aside. By the time Tierslay could gather herself
always. “Tierslay! This new algo of yours, it’s got the thoughts all and follow, her friends were already through the crowd.
marshmallow fluffy and I just can’t stop licking. Gonna flood Tall When Tierslay reached the booth, Taernen had Bixbee pinned
Red. Woooo! You are a legend — ” to the tabletop by his wings and Ukku wiggled a vibroblade a few
Elis cut Bixbee off, her tone commanding and unfamiliar to centimeters over Bixbee’s exposed torso. Elis was an arm’s length
Tierslay. The tone of a superior, not a friend. “Dial it down, Bix. Time from Taernen, a vicious looking firearm pressed firmly against his
to get to work.” Bixbee slipped Tierslay’s latest narco into sleep mode seamlined head. Why does she have a gun? Pivo and Berk hovered
and the flutter of his wings dipped to a sane speed. “What’s the situ- menacingly nearby, arms tense, weapons drawn.
ation, Elis?” “Whoa, now. There ain’t no need to splatter this twitchy brain of
“There’s a booth in the back corner of the Drip. The Eyeball is there, mine all over the walls.” Taernen gave a smile, unafraid, practiced in
chatting it up with someone. I’m gonna tap into your sensory feed these types of negotiations.
while you get me a visual on the stranger. Slow and stealthy.” “If the Eyeball drops the blade and backs off, it won’t come to that.”
Bixbee nodded his tiny head and moved towards the Drip without Elis smiled too, comfortable as well.
a word. Elis shared Bixbee’s visual feed in AR with the others just as a “Everyone calm down!” Tierslay exclaimed, agitated. Taernen
new round of drinks arrived. “Enjoy the show.” flashed his eyes at her, hiding his recognition. She met his gaze. “No
Bixbee drifted slowly over the dance floor. He took a wide curl past one should have to deal with this asshole but me.”
the sound bubble suspension from where DJ Myrmidon pumped
her glorious beats into the club. Tierslay’s gut clenched as Bixbee Negotiation :: Echo Blue Sector :: August 11, AF 9
approached the Drip. She knew what was coming. She wished the “Real nice friends ya got, Tier. I’ve rolled with gangsters who are more
entire club would evaporate into a wisp of mist, taking the stranger hospitable.” Taernen popped his jet-black coffee sphere and slurped
with it, and that she would awake any second bathed in a cold sweat. it down. His third.
The Drip moved deeper into blacklight blues as Bixbee approached “You threatened our friend.” Tierslay had yet to touch her sphere,
the back corner booth. The silhouette across from Ukku knew how to oolong with a skin of honey and cinnamon, drifting between her and
find shadow, yet Tierslay still recognized the distinct mannerisms. her brother.
The particular motion of two hands, accompanied by a presumably “I ain’t fond of little fuckers poking their noses in my business. It’s
self-righteous speech, driving home a point with a slow and intense rude.” Taernen leaned forward, eyed her up and down. “You know
emphasis. It had to be Taernen. The gestures were too exact. what their deal is, right? Who they are? Who they work for?”
Tierslay’s brother finished his diatribe and Ukku nodded his “What are you talking about?”
bulbous head. For a second, Tierslay had the urge to flee. Her life had “Screw it. Doesn’t matter at this point. Was going to come to this
just started to gain meaning, a construction of her own will. Filled eventually. Can’t run forever, Tier. Sometimes, you gotta take a stand.
with joy. Hope. Taernen’s return had the weight of a dark omen. He And that time is now.” Taernen’s eyes darted around, scanning for
was bound to fuck everything up. Trouble was permanently stitched threats and eavesdroppers. He’s on edge. More than usual, Tierslay
into his ego. She let the fear settle and dull a bit. She needed to hear thought. She opted to redirect.
Monte’s voice. “It’s been months, Taernen. I’d written you off. Where have you been?”
Tell me everything is going to be okay, Monte. “Out and about. Doing what I do. Made a few acquisitions. Dodged
[Everything is going to be okay, Tierslay.] A wink overtook some unexpected trouble. But now I’m here. To start a new life. Just
Tierslay’s AR. like you. Isn’t that what this place is about?” Taernen gave a phony
She guzzled the booze and slid the empty glass down the bar, smile. The blank eyes of his morph betrayed nothing.
its path curving slightly with the spinning habitat’s coriolis force. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. I didn’t really have a choice.”
Tierslay spoke up. “I know him. I know who it is.” “But you’re happy.”
“You do?” Elis grinned. “Do tell.” “Yes. I’m happy.” Or I was. She thought of her new friends. What are
“It’s my brother.” they hiding from me?
“This has gotten really interesting, Tier. Your mysterious nemesis, “Well, there ya go, then. And you have me to thank. Now I wanna
the Eyeball, whispering in a dark corner with your brother. A brother be happy too. Maybe it’s your turn to grant a few favors.”
you have never mentioned before this moment. What’s next, Tier? Tierslay punctured her sphere and sipped for a bit while she gath-
You going to reveal you’re some hypercorp spy sent here to infiltrate ered her thoughts. Monte chimed in. [You can just walk away, Tierslay.
us filthy anarchists, plant a nuke, and reduce the swarm to space You don’t want this.]
dust? A secret puppet of the TITANs, maybe, here to finish wiping us I know. What Tierslay wanted was for her past to remain so deeply
out? ” Elis followed suit with her drink — guzzle, slide, curve. buried that it resembled a work of fiction. But I owe him. It’s not easy
“I’m not a puppet … ” to explain; I just do. He is still my brother. You wouldn’t understand,
“Well, that’s a relief,” Pivo said. Monte. Tierslay slipped the muse into sleep mode. Taernen tapped a
Just then, Bixbee hovered too close to Taernen’s booth. Taernen bony finger upon a bony cheek, blank eyes burrowing.
turned to meet Bixbee’s prying gaze, staring right through the AR Tierslay took a deep breath. Her heart was racing. “What do you
feed with milky gray slits. His face tilted out of the shadows and need from me, Taernen?”
into the blue glow of the neon drops cascading down from above. “I knew you would come around.” Taernen smiled and shrugged.
Seamlines in the skull. Access jack sockets in the back of the neck. A “I ain’t asking much. Just flex a little rep for me at one of the docks. I
low-end pod biomorph, snatched right out of the bargain bin. have cargo coming in.”

¾15
 “When?” twisted into its perfect shape. Even in the microgravity, it felt dense.
“Three days.” She had never held anything like it. Is this alien? Some TITAN thing?
“What’s the cargo?” She pinged it for a mesh connection. No response. “We tried the
“Pod morphs, like this one.” He tapped his chest. “A dozen. standard stuff, Tier,” Taernen said. “It’s not responsive. Work your
Biological, but with hardware brains, like bots. Cheap trash, but even magic. Find out what it can do.”
out here with the scum, morphs have value. Shouldn’t raise any suspi- She ran several scans on it with her tools. No ports, no way to
INFAMY

cion. Maybe you can even slip me one of those narcos you’ve gained a access it. Nothing. She could not even tell if it was powered.
rep for, so I can pre-load ‘em, give ‘em a little value boost.” “No obvious way in. No evidence of code. Hate to break it to you,
“Is that it?” Tierslay knew that wasn’t the extent of the favor, but Taer. First glance, you have nothing more than a worthless trinket here.”
she asked anyway. Her brother never led with the big ask. There was Even as she spoke, an AR window appeared in her vision. Her
always something else. nanodetector had found something. Mites. Nanobots. More windows
“Nope. I need you to take a look at something for me. A recent popped up. Her firewall flashed alerts — something was accessing her
acquisition. A device. Do what you do best. Let me know what I’ve personal network. But there was still no radio signal. She looked at
got so I know how to peddle it.” the cube in her hand. Oh god … the nanobots. They’re establishing a
“I’m assuming this device is en route with the cargo.” physical link …
“It is.” Tierslay tried to let go of the cube, but could not. All physical
“And I am also going to assume that it is contraband.” function ceased. Paralysis. Stasis. She panicked as she could sense
“No laws here, sis, but you could say that. If it’s what I think it is, something probing her mind, exploring every circuit, every electronic
should be several interested parties around the Solar System willing synapse. Monte gurgled incomprehensibly. Warnings spilled across
to shell out a fortune to get their hands on it. Potential bidding war her vision, signs of executing rapidfire exploits. [Muse system integ-
even. Then it’s easy street. No more hustling. Imagine that.” rity compromised. Unauthorized code signatures detected.] Monte
“And how did you acquire something so valuable, Taernen?” was being rewritten and she was helpless to stop it.
“Not your concern, Tier. Your hands will be clean. All I need is an Taernen continued to speak, oblivious. “It’s TITAN tech, Tier. It’s
assessment.” gotta be. Advanced AI gear. I wouldn’t have these fuckers all over
“You know my rule.” my ass if it wasn’t. Hey, what the fuck is wrong with you? Tier? Quit
“Fuck your rule!” Taernen spat the words as if they were venom fucking around! Hey! I’m talking to you!”
but returned to his calculated calm by the next breath. He shrugged. Ukku stopped carving flesh and floated towards Tierslay, blade
“People got hurt. Lives were lost. So what? The fuckers would have circling. “Oh. Seems to Ukku it is time for slicey, little lamb.”
done the same to me. They are still on my ass and will not let up until A meter before Ukku reached Tierslay, holes erupted in Ukku’s
I unload this thing and disappear into the high life. This is the ticket eyeball head, followed by the sonic whipcrack of railgun fire. As the
out. I’m not asking you any more, sis, I’m telling you. You’re going to pieces of Ukku’s shattered sphere tumbled away, Taernen launched
do this for me. Got it?” himself towards cover. Tierslay remained still, locked into place. In
She forced herself to meet his stare. “OK, Taernen. But this is it. her field of vision, Berk slipped into the area with military precision,
The last time. After this, we are done. No more debts.” sliding between two of the pod vats, assault rifle ready. Pivo and Elis
Taernen said nothing, just leaned back and smiled. followed close behind, weapons aimed at Tierslay’s head.
The presence that had been Monte expanded, becoming massive,
Revelations :: No Turning Back Cargo Freighter :: August 14, AF 9 filling every available cranny of her digital mindspace. The entity
Ukku ran the circular bone saw around the pod’s skull, sighing in reached out, silently probing, hungry to establish connections with
undeniable pleasure. He leveraged the top of the head off, revealing every device in the area. Terror seized her as Tierslay realized she
the cyberbrain nestled within. Pulling it out, he dismantled it, had become a conduit for whatever had taken hold of her through
revealing a secret compartment. From this, he extracted a strange the cube.
cubic device — no more than a dozen centimeters to each side. Ukku “Put down the cube, Tier, and back away. We don’t want to waste
handed the cube to Tierslay as if the slightest jostle would shatter it you, but we will if we have to. There’s too much at stake. Your brother
into a billion pieces. As the cube touched her metallic skin, a bitter is terrible enough, what you’re holding is far worse.” Elis said.
cold radiated through her palm. She found the device hard to focus Loud gurgling sources suddenly interrupted the tension. Elis
on, its features and edges strangely fuzzy. traced the noises to the pod vats, tried to make sense of what she was
“Ukku’s blade watches closely. Every move. Don’t forget.” seeing. The nutrient gel was quickly draining away, uncovering the
Taernen gave a smirk. “Relax, Ukku. Tierslay will behave. Right, Tier?” morphs within.
“Right, Taer.” Tierslay considered smashing the cube against the “I gotta hand it to you, sis!” Taernen shouted, glee evident in his
wall for a second, just to see his expression. But she was intrigued. hoarse voice. “I knew you’d come through! You brought these Firewall
Ukku slunk back to the pod morph with its vacant head. A dozen fucks right to me. Gobble ‘em up, ToXXot!”
others just like it floated within nutrient suspension vats, strapped From beneath a shimmer of pixels, Bixby appeared just above Elis,
together in bundles scattered in the cargo hold around them, each braced his camouflage dropped. “The pods!” he shouted. “He’s activating
against the walls. Ukku returned to carving flesh, this time maneuvering the pods!”
a scalpel in a tight spiral on the pod’s chest, where a nipple would Elis, Berk, and Pivo swiveled their aim, but too late. A dozen
normally reside. Tierslay could hear him giggling quietly to himself. pod morphs erupted naked from their suspension vats, feral fiends
“Get to it, Tier. The sooner we know what we are peddling here, ravenous for flesh and bone. A swarm of chaos overtook the cargo
the sooner we say adios, and you can get back to your happy life,” hold. Weapon fire sprayed in every direction. Bodies tumbled in
Taernen said. free fall amidst globules of blood and nutrient gel. Shouts competed
Tierslay tried again to focus on the cube. It appeared to be with growls and howls. Taernen gloated and laughed, his trap
composed of a single wound thread, some glassy black substance, successfully sprung.

16¹
 Tierslay floated stiffly as the battle unfolded around her. She Through Berk’s eyes, a briefing about Taernen and the details of a
paid it no heed, her attention focused on internal windows, on the mission to recover a stolen TITAN artifact.
presence that was Monte. She knew the signs; it was scanning for Through Elis’s eyes, the construction of a long-term plan to encap-

INFAMY
exploits, looking to hack everything in the vicinity. With despair, she sulate and befriend Tierslay, to use her to get to Taernen.
watched it zero in on the vulnerability almost every ego in the cargo Through Taernen’s eyes, his payment of goons to kill Monte, his
hold shared — the backdoor Tierslay had coded into every instance deal with Ukku, and Tierslay’s final day on Earth.
of her narcoalgorithms. In the desert heat, she fell to her knees in front of Monte and
Stray bullets clipped Tierslay’s limbs, sending her into a nause- sobbed. It was all lies and false pretenses and treachery. None of these
ating spin. The cube dislodged from her hand, spinning away people cared about her. None were her friends. She lamented for what
along with several of her fingers. She felt no pain, only watched, felt for hours. Tears of betrayal stained the dust at Monte’s feet.
barely comprehending, as the cube’s obsidian thread unraveled When she looked up, Monte was gazing down at her inscrutably. The
and stretched outward, impossibly twirling into twin extensions of moment stretched, night fell. His face was swallowed by the darkness.
lattice-wrapped cords. These curved in opposite directions, meeting Static.
in a matter of seconds to form a circle several meters in diameter. Tierslay found herself back in the cargo hold. Floating husks
The swirl of combat cleared space around the intertwined black surrounded her, gouged with wounds, their minds gone, egos taken.
circle as it began to vibrate with tight violence and power. The whir Forcibly uploaded. She tried to locate her brother, but couldn’t pick
quickly escalated into an overwhelming thrum that pushed every him out among the carnage and other pods.
eardrum in the cargo hold to the point of collapse. Hands went to The cyclopean presence — Monte — was gone. The signal emanating
ears, postures crunched, weapons drifted away. through the gate blinked out. She knew he, it, was there. On the
A funnel formed in the center of the circle, a swirl of space other side.
bending and shredding, emitting crackles of static electricity. With a The open gateway purred with its promise of escape. Tierslay
flash of green lightning, the center vortex expanded to an ominous stared into the black sphere, trying to glean a hint as to what may
pitch-black sphere, bound by the edges of the lattice. The thrumming lie beyond. Faint swirls of spectral colors shifted one to the next at
cut off suddenly. The silence in the cargo hold was thick and charged. the edges. Is this an invitation? Why was I spared? She contemplated
Pivo was the first to recover. “Sweet Poseidon, it’s a gate! A fucking what it would mean to follow it through, to expand her talents
pandora gate!” beyond anything transhumanity could ever conceive. This thing, it
A vast weight drifted through the wormhole into the wireless chose me. I know it. Ambition burned through her.
digital stratum of the cargo hold, a burden of intelligence so dense A sound, movement. She spun to spot Pivo across the hold,
that every operation in the vicinity stuttered, crushed beneath its clinging to a vat door, missing arms and oozing blood. Of course, she
consumption of bandwidth. The presence surged through Tierslay’s thought, he was the only one here with a bio brain.
compromised mesh systems. Her entire mind sizzled with feedback, “Don’t do it, Tier. Don’t go though.” His voice was tinged with pain.
pleasure and pain beyond anything language could articulate. “You little shit, Pivo. I trusted you. I trusted each and every one of
Monte swelled. It reached out past her, through the narco backdoors, you. I considered you friends. Family, even. Who the fuck were you
invading every cybernetic brain in the room. people?”
Tierslay’s terror sidestepped into inexplicable joy. Her creation “We’re still your friends, Tierslay. Yes, we lied about some things.
was about to be embraced by a god-like being, weaponized by an We didn’t know if we could trust you. That was wrong. But we’re on
entity of almost limitless power. She knew she should be fearing for the same side here. Your broth — ”
her brother, her friends … but amidst the chaos, she found clarity. “My brother is gone. Just like the others.”
She wasn’t sure who she could trust. They had their own interests. The lattice began to contract, slowly shrinking the wormhole
Her heart scrambled for sympathy it could not find. Instead, it sphere. In seconds, it would collapse into nothingness. Stay or go?
swelled with pride. This was a TITAN, she was sure of it. She had No matter how she would spin it, the blame for what happened in
cleared the path for it, opened the door. She mattered. the cargo hold was going to fall upon her. Whoever this Firewall was,
The stunned combatants of the hold regained their equilibrium for they would certainly be coming for her. They were now her enemies.
a few seconds, just enough time to reach in vain for drifting weapons, The thought molded a grin upon her lips. It’s a no-brainer. Start again.
before the presence struck. Individual minds were squeezed into Trust no one. It’s what you are best at, isn’t it? But now, for once, I will
submission, their morphs paralyzed. no longer be the oblivious prey.
Static. She hesitated, still uncertain if she should enter the swirl into
Tierslay suddenly found herself in Monte’s Mojave shack, the the dark unknown. Taernen came to mind, one of the few moments
Go-nin bot spread out before her. She stepped outside into the when they were children and he was vulnerable, when she risked her
blazing sun. Monte stood with his back to her, eclipsed in the alley life to save his, the first great flash flood to hit the Heliópolis favela.
shade. The mountains in the distance rumbled; dark leviathan Then she considered the memories she had experienced, how he too
shapes moved in the haze past them. She moved toward Monte, had betrayed her. She chuckled. “What a fucking scumbag.”
could feel his attention from meters away. She forced herself closer, Tierslay grabbed on to the edges of the lattice and swung herself
reached out, and —  feet first through the wormhole, certain that one day she would
A firehose of traffic slammed through her, as not-Monte tore return to repay those who had wronged her.
through every digital mind in the cargo hold. Lifetimes of compressed The threads of the lattice unwound and reformed into the tiny
memories passed through Tierslay at unfathomable speeds, black cube. Pivo watched, barely retaining consciousness, as
consumed by the insatiable presence. She immersed herself in the the device floated among the empty husks for a moment before
flow, let the packets swirl past her, and —  reforming into a miniature dragonfly. The device buzzed over to the
Through Bixbee’s eyes, his initiation into a secret organization open airlock, leading to the rest of the ship, and disappeared.
called Firewall.

¾17
 WHAT IS ECLIPSE PHASE?
STARTING
In Eclipse Phase, you play a secret agent protecting the scattered
remnants of transhumanity from threats that could wipe it out
once and for all. You are transhuman. You are genetically modified,

OUT
physically and mentally augmented, and functionally immortal.
Your mind can be digitally backed up, like a save point. If you
die, you can be brought back, your ego  —  both consciousness and
memories  —  physically restored. You may also copy your mind
and download into a body of your choice. This new body  —  your
morph  —  can be biological, a synthetic robotic shell, or a digital info-
morph. Your body is essentially gear that you customize according
to your mission and requirements.
Eclipse Phase takes place in a future of exponentially accelerating
technological progress. Developments in the key fields of artificial
intelligence, neuroscience, genetic engineering, nanotechnology,
and information science have converged into an impressive feed-
back loop. Bodies and minds are shaped and augmented. AIs and
animals are uplifted to human levels of sapience. Everything and
everyone is laden with sensors, networked, and online. Your mind
can communicate with every electronic device around it. Almost
anything can be 3D-printed from constituent atoms with a nano-
fabber and blueprints. Technology allows people to live happier,
healthier lives, emancipated from need.
Such advances also have their downsides. The wonders of the
future are not yet evenly distributed  —  the immortal rich continue to
concentrate their wealth and power while others struggle to survive.
Surveillance is omnipresent, and the means exist to hack people’s
minds and memories, copy them entirely, and/or commit them to
virtual slavery. Many technological advances are super-empowering,
putting the means for mass devastation in everyone’s hands. Efforts
to restrict such tools are doomed to fail; only our own maturity as a
species can save us.
Exemplifying these dangers, Eclipse Phase takes place ten years
after transhumanity has lost a war with a group of super-intelli-
gent, self-improving AIs. 95% of the population was lost during
this apocalyptic conflict, many of them forcibly uploaded by the
TITAN machine gods before they disappeared. Thousands more
were corrupted and transformed by an alien exsurgent virus. The
Earth is ruined and off-limits, overrun by machines and monsters.
The survivors evacuated the planet and spread throughout the Solar
System, expanding our off-world colonies out of desperation and
necessity. Many escaped only as infugees, with nothing but their
bodiless minds.
The nations and super-powers of the old world are gone, decapi-
tated and dismantled. New political blocs and factions have formed,
loosely divided between the inner and outer systems. The capitalist
economies of the inner system  —  Luna, Mars, and Venus  —  continue
to enforce scarcity and intellectual property. They are dominated by
the Planetary Consortium, a hypercorp-led entity that prioritizes
business interests and that has declared Mars the new homeworld
of transhumanity. Their habitats are identified by the influence of
media and memetic conflict on civil discourse, the legalities and
security restrictions that keep their populations safe, a lingering
distrust of AIs and uplifts, and sharp class divisions. While socialites
and hyper-elites play and prosper, many infugees have resorted to
selling their labor as indentured servants to afford cheap, mass-pro-
duced synthetic bodies  —  the clanking masses.

18¹ What is Eclipse Phase?

 The outer system is the stronghold of the Autonomist Alliance, NEW TO ROLEPLAYING?
a mutual-aid network of anarchists and techno-socialists. In these If you are new to roleplaying games, you will find everything you
communalist territories, currency is obsolete and unrestricted nano- need to know about how to play them here:

STARTING OUT
fabrication means that everyone has the necessities and tools they http://eclipsephase.com/roleplaying
need. People create rather than consume. Reputation, not wealth,
mediates the exchange of information and services. Many habitats STARTING PLAYERS
operate without government, laws, or police, relying instead on This chapter provides a summary overview of the game; we recom-
voluntary and cooperative structures, real-time online referendums, mend that everyone start by giving the rest of it a brief review.
and collective militias. The outer system is a patchwork of political, If you're new to the game and eager to start playing, we recom-
economic, and social experimentation. mend choosing one of the 16 sample characters ▶82 to start out.
Intersticed among these major factions, other transhuman clades These characters are divided into 4 teams of 4, so we recommend
build their own societies. Criminal cartels feed black markets, you and your friends choose from the same team. If you have more
radical scientists work to democratize science, aesthete mercenaries than 4 players, choose your extras from other teams. All of the
offer their services, pirates prey on the unwary, and isolationists teams work for Firewall-based games, with one team optimized for
filter their communities from outside influences. Even bioconserva- the inner Solar System and one team designed for the outer system.
tives  —  distrustful of transhuman technologies  —  thrive on, fearing One of the teams is also made specifically for gatecrashing, and one
for our species’ future. for criminal-oriented scenarios.
The war with the TITAN AIs scarred more than Earth. Zones on If you prefer to jump right into making your own characters,
Luna, Mars, and Saturn’s moon Iapetus remain under machine proceed to Making Characters ▶36.
influence. Of greater impact, however, are the mysterious pandora If you'd prefer to get a grasp on the rules first, start with Game
gates discovered around the system. These wormhole gates open to Mechanics ▶30. For more detail, move on to Actions & Combat ▶202
extrasolar systems  —  thousands of exoplanets and alien mysteries. and Transhuman Tech ▶286. If you plan to play a hacker, check out
Intrepid gatecrashers explore these new horizons, colonizing the mesh ▶240. If you have a psychic async in mind, take a look at
worlds and uncovering the remnants of extinct civilizations. While Psi ▶272.
no living sapient species has been found beyond the gates, trans- If you're more interested in the setting, there's plenty to read,
humanity has had its first encounters with alien life within our starting with the history, How it Came to Be ▶98.
own Solar System. A star-faring species known as the Factors visits
regularly, though the true nature and intentions of these laconic STARTING GAMEMASTERS
ameboid merchants remains unknown. As a gamemaster (GM), you will need to be familiar with the general
Ultimately, Eclipse Phase is a game of transhuman survival. Aside content of this book. We recommend starting out with the setting,
from the threat that the TITANs will return, we face existential beginning with How it Came to Be  ▶98. After that, pop on over to
risks  —  x-risks  —  that endanger our future as a species. These Threats & X-Risks ▶368 for the juicy, behind-the-scenes stuff.
include weapons of mass destruction, artifacts from beyond the Once you've acquainted yourself with our universe, you'll need to
Pandora gates, salvaged TITAN technology, exsurgent infection learn the rules, starting with Game Mechanics ▶30. You will probably
breakouts, alien threats, stellar phenomena, and the dangers we want to have a grasp on the basics of skills ▶48, combat  ▶202, the
pose to ourselves. Our species is in a deteriorating orbit around the mesh  ▶240, and resleeving ▶288. You should also be familiar with
black hole of extinction. Will our conflicts steer us into the event how players acquire gear ▶312 and morphs ▶290. The rest you can
horizon, or will we evolve and cooperate to escape the gravity well pick up as you need.
and reach new frontiers? Will we be recognizable when we get there? Finally, peruse our Eclipse Phase-specific gamemastering advice
Eclipse Phase is an exploration of uncertain futures. This is more in Running the Game ▶354.
than a tabletop roleplaying game, it’s a detailed science fiction
setting that thoroughly investigates issues that affect our future as a A NOTE ON POLITICS
species. The crux of Eclipse Phase emphasizes the nature of transhu- Eclipse Phase delves into numerous political themes; in fact, we
manity as it transforms itself, mentally and physically, on the edge start with the premise that everything is political. Like all authors,
of becoming something posthuman. This is a setting that speaks to we write from the perspective of our personal biases. Our specific
the immense dangers that technology offers us  —  but that balances lens is radical, liberatory, inclusive, and antifascist. If you support
this outlook by considering how science can be used to improve bigotry or authoritarianism in any form, Eclipse Phase is not the
ourselves, enhance cooperation, counteract these risks, and prosper. game for you.
There is danger  —  but also hope.

A NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY, SEX, AND GENDER

Sexual biology is ephemeral in Eclipse Phase. Sex is elective use “they” as the default pronoun for individuals. When
and subject to change; almost everyone has the opportu- referring to specific characters with an established gender,
nity to switch bodies. A character’s gender identity may however, we use the pronoun appropriate to their current
not always match their physical sexual characteristics (or gender identity, regardless of the sex of the morph they
lack thereof). Gender identity itself is often fluid. To reflect happen to be in.
this, we apply the “singular they” rule, meaning that we

What is Eclipse Phase? • New to Roleplaying?–A Note on Politics

¾19
 CORE CONCEPTS
threat to human survival. The fight for mercurials is the fight for
transhumanity and blood is spilled on both sides to define their
Eclipse Phase is a hostile world to the unwary and a paradise to the place in society.
cunning. Threats lurk invisible, factions hang on the edge of war, and
DEFEATING DEATH
STARTING OUT

transhuman nature itself is molded to purpose. Below are the core

concepts any denizen of Eclipse Phase must master in order to survive. In Eclipse Phase, your mind can be digitally copied, stored, and
altered like software. Almost everyone uploads their mind to a
TRANSHUMANISM secure storage service, as well as to a tiny device implanted at the
Humanity is outdated. People are no longer defined by their limita- base of the skull called a cortical stack. If you are killed, you can
tions. Transhumans adapt to the scorching corona of the sun, where be restored from these backups. Only if all copies of yourself are
ships turn to plasma. They thrive in the dark frozen wastes of the destroyed will you be dead forever.
Kuiper Belt in absolute isolation. Where humans suffer from aging Backing up brings its own set of challenges. When your mind
and disease and are confined to limited environments, transhumans is recovered, it includes your memories up to the last moment of
pursue longevity and adaptation. backing up. If you died horribly, that final experience is recorded in
In the 21st century, transhumanism was a movement focused on your cortical stack. Characters surviving traumatic experiences may
human enhancement. In Eclipse Phase, transhumanity is how people opt to destroy their most recent backup and instead restore an older
rebuild the galaxy. You can play an augmented vid star or a robotic copy, losing weeks or months of experiences and memories (called
insect, and neither would stand out on a public boulevard. You can lack), rather than deal with the psychological harm they’d suffered.
also choose no body at all and exist as a purely digital entity. Many Copies can also be stolen. You may live your life not knowing a copy
denizens of Eclipse Phase have absolute body autonomy, within of yourself has been resleeved on the far side of the Solar System to be
the limits of their creativity and resources. Because of the ease of tortured for information or sold into slavery. Fork-nappers and “soul
radical body enhancement, the average Eclipse Phase character has traders” are the lowest of the low, profiting off of transhuman suffering.
a strength and intelligence comparable to the most exceptional
humans from history. RESLEEVING
Transhumanity also incorporates those who were not decanted Digitized minds can also be downloaded. If your current body
as homo sapiens. AIs and uplifted animals with human-equiva- becomes damaged, obsolete, or inconvenient, you can sleeve into a
lent capabilities and intelligence are part of transhumanity. Like new one. You can transfer consciousness with the right equipment and
humans, uplifts and infolife select and alter their bodies, engage in less than an hour’s time. Your new form could be an Olympic runner, a
commerce across the Solar System, take VR vacations, and expand robotic shell, a digital presence, or even an orbiting shuttle. Members
the transhuman experience. of high-risk professions, such as criminals or Firewall sentinels, can be
killed multiple times on a mission only to be brought back and sent
AIs AND UPLIFTS into the field again and again. Your body is called a sleeve or a morph,
The genetics hypercorp Somatek famously ran batches of ten and the process of changing morphs is resleeving. Morphs can be
thousand semi-sapient octopus fingerlings through a gauntlet of biological with organic brains (biomorphs), biological with synthetic
rigorous intelligence tests. Failures were immediately destroyed. brains (pods), robotic (synthmorphs), or purely digital (infomorph).
The remaining were churned into genetic stock for the next
generation. A decade later, their final "product" was released  —  an EGO MANIPULATION
octopus as cognizant as any transhuman; an uplift. Somatek and Morphs are temporary; your mind is what defines who you are. Your
companies like it raised and killed millions. This is the story of ego is your skills, memories, and personality.
almost all uplifted species. They are fully sapient, but their DNA is Multiple copies of your ego (called forks) can operate simulta-
trademarked, copy-protected, and hypercorp branded. Their history neously and independently, each fork effectively its own person.
is one of calculated eugenics. Forks can be electronically transferred across the Solar System at
Artificial general intelligences (AGIs) are fully self-aware, creative the speed of light; uploading at a facility on Mars to be resleeved on
digital intelligences. Unlike artificial limited intelligences (ALIs), Ceres and back again by dinner. Forks can also be passively stored
which have a human-like interface in front of a limited, task-specific for later use, brought online only if certain criteria are met.
program, AGIs are sapient and equivalent to other transhuman You also have the opportunity to directly manipulate your ego.
minds. AGIs, like uplifts, are the products of human research and With psychosurgery, you can alter your behavioral traits, remove
development teams. Some are offshoots of academic research, a few memories to ease previous traumas, prune forks to fulfill specialized
are from military think tanks, while the majority were developed by roles, and merge forks back into your primary persona.
private studios for their own purposes.
Uplifts and AGIs are collectively called mercurials. Many hyper- THE MESH
corps and political bodies see them as property. Some governments Nearly every object is wireless and computerized. Each of these
view them as abominations, abuse of technology manifest, and a devices links to its neighbors to join the local network, sharing

TABLE TALK
All characters are assumed to be mesh-connected. This permits them to talk to one another, share first-person video, sensor data,
and other information even when separated. But use caution! Infosec-savvy enemies can monitor these discussions or even alter
messages between characters.

20¹ Core Concepts • Transhumanism–The Mesh

 STARTING OUT
processing capabilities and functionality. This is the mesh; a The most dangerous x-risks are the TITAN AIs that tormented Earth
hyper-connected, distributed, everyware network. The mesh offers and the exsurgent viruses that continue to infect transhumanity.
free and unlimited digital processing power to its citizens. Digital Despite the horrors it has faced, transhumanity continues the
agents crawl the mesh running errands for their masters. You wear frenetic chase for knowledge and profit, blind to the risks that could
or are implanted with mesh inserts that reveal a dazzling augmented be lurking at the bleeding edges of art, science, and space.
reality overlay. Via entoptic displays, the world blossoms in an
elaborate display that can only exist in a virtual world. Wild animals ALIEN EXPLORATION
roam electronic storefronts, new fashions include moving dioramas. Explorers have discovered enigmatic gates capable of teleporting
Every language is seamlessly translated, every moment is perfectly gatecrashers across the galaxy. These are pandora gates, full of
recorded, every question taps into the wealth of transhuman knowl- excitement and dread for the gatecrashers who use them. As trans-
edge to produce an expert response. But the mesh's omnipresence has humanity charts the borders of the Milky Way, it has discovered
its downsides. Everything is hackable, and everything is watching; remains of alien civilizations. The littered graveyards show reaching
surveillance is everywhere and accessible to all. the space age is easy but surviving it is rare. The exception to extinc-
tion is a mercantile race called the Factors, whose ships visit the
NANOTECH Solar System to sell xenoartifacts at exorbitant prices. The Factors
With nanotechnology, you can fabricate almost any good on demand. have refused to share the secret of their own survival, leaving trans-
Nanotech has resulted in novel materials and goods, from stain-proof humanity to stumble through it alone.
clothes to molecule-sized robots. Isolated habitats mine minerals and
other raw-material feedstocks to convert to luxury consumer goods FACTIONS
and complex electronics. Scarcity does exist, but as a result of copy- Societies are as diverse as transhumans themselves; technosocialist
right-holders and governments using armed force to defend the old utopias and fascist citadels, frontier outposts and roving carnival
economic order. Habitats accepting of post-scarcity economics are ships. As people fled Earth, anyone with a ship or a claim on an
more likely to see capitalism as inefficient and abusive. asteroid could build a habitat, and with it, a new way of doing things.
Nanotech is not without its risks. It shrinks the realm of warfare Old governments learned to incorporate refugees to reinforce the
to the microscopic. Invisible clouds of robots can bug rooms, sabo- existing power structures. To survive, societies learned to provide
tage machines, or disassemble people. Meanwhile, habitats that mutual support and formed factions with like-minded habitats. The
permit a freedom from scarcity grapple with their citizens manufac- dominant factions are the Autonomist Alliance, composed of varied
turing weapons or conducting deadly experiments. Entire habitats polities bound by their desire for individual empowerment, and the
have been destroyed by putting too much trust in creative people. Planetary Consortium, a corporate state that arose from the ashes of
Earth and still controls most of the inner system. The Jovian Republic,
X-RISKS a biochauvinist police state, holds most of the old world’s military
Existential risks are threats and vulnerabilities with the potential to hardware and acts to return to pre-Fall ways of life. Meanwhile,
exterminate or permanently cripple transhumanity. Firewall works ultra-competitive, specialized, and super-networked hypercorpora-
to identify and eliminate x-risks at any cost, and many polities have tions release untested technologies and pull down governments as
their own organizations to fight them  —  or attempt to harness them. long as it keeps the cycle of profits spinning.

Core Concepts • Nanotech–Factions

¾21
 HORROR
THEMES Strange things thrive at the periphery of transhumanity’s light. In
In one session, the player characters (PCs) may explore the ruins isolated habitats, exhumans experiment on themselves, accelerating
of Earth, battling past TITAN machines to find a relic of the past. their own evolution into perfect predators. In dark alleys, refugees
STARTING OUT

In another, they fight off exhuman hunters until the pandora gate inject themselves with black-market drugs, unaware of exsurgent
opens for them to escape to safety. Around the table, during these spores now blooming inside of them. As explorers dredge old
moments, the players bathe in the details. But the details feel most TITAN warrens, they discover survivors, surgically joined into
poignant because they are an integral part of the setting and the wailing human insects. Even a malfunctioning airlock and a
broad themes it encompasses. Even when not the focus, the Eclipse moment’s distraction, and a person is snapped in half, watching
Phase setting and adventures will explore several recurring themes. their legs flop freely in the vacuum of space. Death used to be a
GMs should use these to define the character of their games. merciful escape. Now memories drill into the psyche like water
torture. People shed their old, mangled bodies, returning them to
POST-APOCALYPTIC the recycler to be resold in the next year’s model  —  but they carry
Transhumanity survives in the shadow of the Fall, when the TITANs their traumas forever. Adventurers especially accumulate terrors
razed Earth and exsurgent outbreaks metamorphosed civilians into until finally there is nothing left to be done except find somewhere
writhing biological monsters. 95% of the population was extermi- quiet to retire and struggle with their demons.
nated in a few short years. For every person who escaped via shuttle,
ten thousand lined up in mass-upload facilities, waiting for their INFECTION
minds to be digitized and beamed to orbiting servers. Billions more In biology, an “eclipse phase” is the period after a cell is infected
were consumed by war machines and plagues. Stations took on but before the virus appears within the cell and begins hijacking
refugees until life support crashed. A few never made it off Earth it. At this stage the infection is invisible, but irreversible. The
but still survive among civilization's bones, hunted by machines. exsurgent virus survived a decade because of its adaptability,
No matter where people set their bed in the Solar System, they can sometimes twisting the body, sometimes anchoring in the mind.
look back on their charred homeworld and its rings of devastated No measure seems sufficient to stop it. It just waits, until it has
stations and frozen corpses. an opportunity to mutate and rebuild the victim into something
But as a wildfire clears space for new growth, transhumanity is set terrible and new. Some survive years with their infection, as an
to rebuild society, seeking new ways of living that would not have asymptomatic Typhoid Mary. An unfortunate few manifest psychic
been possible under the gaze of Earth’s central control. Mars and powers as a result of their exsurgent taint; a gift of terrible power
Luna are centers of commerce; Saturn hosts colonies of culture and with an unknown cost. It remains unclear if the virus was created
science. In the outer reaches, independent habitats incubate new by the TITANs or simply spread by them, if it was a mistake of
transhuman experiences. As some yearn for the old Earth to soothe alien evolution or if it is rebuilding transhumans for some greater
traumas, others reach for the stars. cause. Anyone who comes into contact with the virus is considered
infected and hunted for the remainder of their days.
SURVIVAL
The Fall is over but transhumanity’s path forward is pitted with CONSPIRACY
dangers. The TITANs left by their own accord, but their death An assassin takes on the face of their target. A polity delivers human-
machines still stalk the Solar System. The exsurgent pestilence lies itarian aid to a remote habitat, not knowing one of the crew is smug-
dormant in shadowed craters, waiting to blossom in mutation and gling TITAN machines for the black market. A hypercorp contam-
death. The Factors, transhumanity’s only ally, are ambush predators inates the air supply with a psychoactive pathogen designed to
pleased to litter their chosen with gifts while setting hidden webs. subdue rebellious behaviors. The new world is one of misdirection
If the external threats don’t kill transhumanity, the internal ones and treachery. The Consortium, Jovian Republic, and Autonomist
may. The major factions are locked in a cold war, waiting for a Alliance are locked in a cold war, marked with propaganda and espi-
moment of vulnerability to throw the system into war. Hypercorps onage. Even Firewall is an organization composed of isolated cells
release products to control or kill competitors, with no focus beyond that only communicate through anonymous channels under the
the next quarter’s returns. Ambitious explorers dodge quarantine to guidance of unknown benefactors. The rate of change, from aliens
sell ominous TITAN relics and alien artifacts on the black market. to market spikes, is so fast that maps of the political landscape are
Even normal daily life is rife with danger. Just a loose bolt at orbital obsolete before they’re published. Alliances are formed of necessity
velocities can punch through a habitat, venting its precious atmo- until a message from a distant habitat or a disappeared ship turns
sphere into space. the parties into bitter enemies.
Extinction looms large over transhumanity; we are just one Because it is impossible to prove identities or motivations, trust
misstep away from blinking out. New technologies bring newer is a rare commodity. The virtuous hide their goals behind masks
threats. On top of this, xenoarcheologists have visited thousands and cut out knowledge from their own brains if it might reveal them
of alien worlds, all dead. The civilizations that once thrived there later. Firewall sentinels might wonder if the person next to them
long ago reaped by their own cataclysms. The numbers show that is their comrade from a hundred missions or if that is their empty
soon too transhumanity will only be cold artifacts, waiting to be morph sleeved by an alien intelligence. In this world, friendly fire is
catalogued by the next iteration of space-faring intelligence. a valid tactic. After all, a dead friend can be resleeved. But trust an
enemy and you may cease to exist altogether.

22¹ Themes • Post-Apocalyptic–Conspiracy

SCIENCE The technology available in Eclipse Phase has a direct impact
Science caused the Fall that nearly wiped out transhumanity. It was on politics. The immense age and wealth of the oligarchs enables
also the cure that permitted some to survive and provides the only them to influence the lives of millions. Accessible nanofabrication

STARTING OUT
path to the stars. PCs wield technology that makes them super- undermines scarcity capitalism. Uplifts and AGIs demand equal
human, capable of destroying habitats or possibly even planets. But personhood status. Forking challenges the legitimacy of voting in
the advanced technology of their enemies approaches omnipotence. democracies. The ability to hack minds and surveil all paves the
PCs must use the tools they have and improvise to create what path to totalitarianism.
they’re missing.
Science always comes with a cost, be it the risk of misuse or the CHANGE
loss of what makes us who we are. In a world where most people are The evolution of transhuman society is rapid. The confluence of
digitized and resleeved versions of their former selves, who have emerging technologies creates inevitable social upheavals. Norms
the option of modifying themselves beyond recognition and living are erased as quickly as they form. Ideas once considered outra-
in environments unimagined by our forebears, keeping a sense of geous or utopian float tantalizingly near. Institutions once assumed
identity and humanity may prove to be a challenge science alone to be eternal and inescapable, like the divine right of kings, now
cannot resolve. exhibit cracks in their foundations or mutate overnight into some-
thing wondrously unexpected.
POLITICS Transhumanity itself is transforming. What it might be like in two
Eclipse Phase explores a universe as it might be: transhumans across years is uncertain, much less twenty. The political map of the Solar
the galaxy, with different backgrounds and challenges. The result System could re-align, another x-risk could scatter transhumanity
is a range of political systems, from representative democracies to to the stars, or the species could advance to a post-biological stage,
bands of mind-joined cultists, from totalitarian regimes to colonies leaving only the bioconservatives behind. The only thing that is
of forking-and-merging versions of a single seed personality. Many certain is the future's uncertainty.
are familiar, some fantastical, a few obscene. Characters must learn
the local customs, but may also pause to appreciate the diversity of
the transhuman experience.

Themes • Science–Change
¾23
 CORE CAMPAIGNS
The Sunward Ops Team includes Dante, Hex, Qi, and Sava. Still
kicking Martian dust off their boots, this team is experienced with
There are three default stories or campaign settings for Eclipse Phase: planetary environments, overbearing governments, hypercorps,
the Firewall investigation and containment campaign, the gate- and the odd throw-down. In the inner system, missions feature
STARTING OUT

crashing exploration campaign, and the criminal action campaign. abandoned TITAN machines, corporate machinations, and polit-
Each of these will touch on the various Eclipse Phase themes and ical intrigue. The big powers are the Planetary Consortium, the
concepts, but usually focus on a particular range of adventures Morningstar Constellation claiming Venus, the conservative Lunar-
and motivations. Some stories may jump the boundaries between Lagrange Alliance, the hypercorps, and the oligarchs spinning webs
campaign styles; for example, criminals may lay low by gatecrashing behind the scenes. Conflicts between the powers are common. Trust
to an exoplanet, or Firewall agents may need to establish under- is hard won, when every organization is riddled with puppets and
world contacts to conduct a dangerous heist. Adventures may also mobsters. A sharp mind and a good dose of paranoia are critical in
be run independently of one another without connecting to a larger staying alive.
story, using either the same characters across multiple adventures Securing the big black is the Rimward Ops Team, with Chi, Killjoy,
or characters built specifically for that mission. Njál, and Zahiri. Out here, habitats are usually smaller and isolated.
Fading into the background may be impossible, and backup is
FIREWALL CAMPAIGN months away. The PCs must be able to operate in whatever wild
The primary focus of Eclipse Phase is the band of clandestine oper- frontier or research station trouble has taken root. Far from the
atives taking on the major threats faced by transhumanity. In this major powers, the rules are more flexible, but suspicious locals
campaign, the characters work for a secret, cross-factional organiza- are quick to airlock strangers. The characters are likely to find
tion called Firewall as agents or new recruits. Firewall acts to contain themselves stranded in a situation far more complex than they
and destroy x-risks that threaten the existence of transhumanity. were equipped for and forced to improvise to survive. The major
Characters are recruited from all factions (or occasionally hired as factions include the Titanians, Jovians, anarchists, Ultimates, and
mercenaries if the threat of extinction alone is not sufficient moti- brinkers. Outer-system missions focus more on containing infec-
vation). The PCs are issued a mission by a handler called a proxy tions, fighting off monstrous posthumans, investigating weird
and are the first line in investigating and stopping the threat. The experiments, and delaying war with the Jovians.
situation is usually still developing, so the briefing may be missing
critical details. The PCs are independent and under cover as they GATECRASHING CAMPAIGN
operate in a foreign habitat or hostile environment, dogged by local Gatecrashing campaigns focus on a team of explorers tasked or
authorities. They have the discretion to act as they see fit to address volunteering to go through pandora gates to remote exoplanets.
the threat at hand. Usually they are the first-in team. The space immediately around the
Sentinels are frequently expected to sacrifice themselves, either gate is known to be survivable. For anything past ten meters, there’s
by facing down impossible odds or by destroying themselves no guarantee. The characters are equipped with everything they
to prevent the spread of alien infection. When sentinels fail, the need to survive, as determined by the company’s finance depart-
backup plan may be to destroy the entire habitat. Firewall is extreme ment or their own crowdsourcing. Once through the gate, the PCs
in its measures, but if the alternative will kill millions or billions, are expected to map the area and bring back artifacts or resource
the razing of a single habitat is an acceptable loss. claims that will make their sponsors rich. They step through the
All of the sample characters and teams consist of Firewall agents. gate knowing they’re disposable. If they become infected, they
However, two teams are primarily designed for Firewall campaigns, die. If they are mortally wounded from accidents or animal attacks,
one each for the inner and outer parts of the Solar System. they die. Forget a critical tool to keep life support pumping, they
die. If they’re late getting to the gate for their retrieval time, they’re
trapped on an alien planet until they die. Most gatecrashers can
FIREWALL SUNWARD OPS
Dante ▶ Venusian Genehacker
Hex ▶ Lunar Async Fixer FIREWALL RIMWARD OPS
Qi ▶ Barsoomian Hacktivist Chi ▶ Mindhacker & Networker
Sava ▶ Freelance Spec Ops Killjoy ▶ Anarchist Troubleshooter
 Njál ▶ Titanian Hacker
 Zahiri ▶ Brinker Security Specialist





24¹ Core Campaigns • Firewall Campaign–Gatecrashing Campaign

 list off dozens of corpses they’ve left to decay across the galaxy.
Gatecrashers lose sleep at night knowing versions of themselves
may still be trapped at some forgotten dig, alone until life support ALTERNATIVE CAMPAIGNS

STARTING OUT
finally runs out. It’s part of the job. The Solar System is large and full of stories. Gamemasters
Most exoplanets are uninhabited by transhumans but frequently may wish to pursue another type of campaign altogether.
have vibrant and hungry alien ecosystems. Alien artifacts are a rare Other possible campaigns include:
and lucrative find. Gatecrashers also serve as a first-tier R&D team,
appraising what is worth bringing back for reverse engineering, • Salvage and Rescue Ops: The Fall left hundreds of aban-
what’s worthless archeological detritus, and what’s a deadly weapon doned craft and habitats in orbit, and the smallest objects
waiting to vaporize curious gatecrashing teams. Gatecrashing from Earth are worth a fortune. An enterprising team
missions may last as little as an hour, as teams complete the first willing to face TITAN war machines and hostile survivors
site report, or may be a permanent part of a new colony. stands to make a tidy profit.
The team of Gatecrashing Ops is Astika, Jinx, Shrike, and Whisper. • Mercenary Ops: Mercs are the de-facto military for many
A mish-mash of backgrounds, they’re brought together by corporate factions, relied on extensively for espionage and deniable
fiat more than choice. Keeping a cohesive team under stress (or the strikes. Mercenary work won’t necessarily be messy
promise of a larger cut) is hard, and when the bodies start falling, it’s (although it usually is). A team of assassins who can kill the
the survivors who will give the final mission report. target and permanently corrupt their backups can usually
name their price.
CRIMINAL CAMPAIGN • Researching Ops: Pursuit of knowledge can put char-
Sometimes the lure of adventure needs a little financial incentive. acters right on the precipice. Thanks to cheap backups,
This campaign circles around a band of criminals, either indepen- researchers are expected to take high-risk ventures for their
dent or associated with a larger cartel, focused on amassing credits findings. Sample adventures include ecological surveys of
and power. Sometimes this warrants discretion, to keep assets secret Titan, xenoarcheology on dead planets, SETI programs on
and the operation protected. Other times it means de-orbiting a isolated brinker habitats, or reverse engineering pandora
habitat and watching it burn on the way down. The team is focused gates to alter space and time.
on efficiency in profit-making. • Political Ops: Many polities seem to loathe their own citi-
The criminal scene has changed drastically since the Fall. zens. Bigotry and state violence are common. Those indi-
Biohackers override built-in terminator genes meant to force viduals who take a stand against oppression risk perma-
people to pay subscription fees to keep their bodies from collapsing. nent erasure. Political activists dive deep into entangling
Forknappers steal backups of financiers to extract passcodes. Zone alliances and buried corpses. Guerrilla artists, journalists,
stalkers flip TITAN war technology or samples of volatile exsurgent and resistance fighters work to undermine their govern-
contagions for a handsome profit. Triads compete with the Night ments and sabotage brutal state actions. Coordinating
Cartel in turf wars to push their new redlining experience playbacks. with outside factions to secure allies and resources is a
In many places, the syndicates provide the only form of social necessary evil.
services available. The triads especially smuggle medical equip- • Earth Survival Ops: The characters have been left behind.
ment to hidden clinics and provide militias to fight against outside During the exodus, they were not able to escape the planet
threats. Criminal PCs may find themselves fighting on behalf of a and were unlucky enough to survive the fallout. Now they
grassroots government against Consortium jackboots as often as must dodge TITAN war machines, radiation zones, and a
lifting overpriced alien leavings from wealthy collectors. weather system gone mad.
The Criminal Guanxi Ops characters, a team brought together in
the underground, are Amaru Timoti, Berk, Elis, and Pivo.

CRIMINAL GUANXI OPS

GATECRASHING OPS Amaru Timoti ▶ Nine Lives Fixer
Astika ▶ Survival Engineer & Xeno-Archeologist Berk ▶ Infolife Enforcer & Bot Jammer
Jinx ▶ Uplift Recon Specialist Elis ▶ Scum Techie
Shrike ▶ Security Contractor & Drone Operator Pivo ▶ Uplift Scavenger
Whisper ▶ Async Scientist Explorer 




Core Campaigns • Criminal Campaign

¾25
 SOCIAL
CHARACTER ARCHETYPES All doors open for the face, who knows who to talk to and what
Characters are defined by their skills and reputation. The combined accounts to grease. While all characters should have some level of
party needs a broad range of skills to overcome the challenges social skills and reputation, the face is the one who can sweet talk
STARTING OUT

arrayed against them. These might include gathering resources, themself right into the central control room. Sample social arche-
winning allies, researching, infiltrating (or defending) mesh types include:
systems, repairing or improvising a critical tool, combat, and finally Glitterati: Vid stars, oligarchs, and politicians, they’re famous
applying what they have learned to a resolution. The skills the party enough they’ve had to trademark their face. They can usually get
must bring to the table can be roughly grouped as combat, social, what they want done through force of will alone, but when that falls
technical, and knowledge. These establish the four broad archetypes short a healthy bankroll will bring in the people who can. For the
in Eclipse Phase  —  the fighter, the face, the techie (or hacker), and the glitterati, fame is a double-edged sword, as they are very sensitive
scientist (or artist). In smaller groups, PCs may want to fill multiple to being caught in scandal. Firewall work is fine, as long as they’re
archetypes, while minimizing overlap. In larger groups, characters able to deny it publicly.
benefit more from specialization. Players should coordinate to Career: Face, Interest: Artist/Icon or Networker
avoid specialties that overlap too closely, but different specialties in Spies and Con artists: Sometimes it’s not who you know, but
the same field can create force multipliers. who you are. The con artist relies on perfect mimicry and a heavy
Each of the archetypes below lists suggested Career and Interest dose of infosec to pass themself off as a corporate head or a Martian
skill packages to take during character creation [▶40–42] in brackets ranger; whatever the role necessary to get a guided tour to the
after the entry. target’s front door.
Career: Covert Operative/Face, Interest: Networker/Rogue
COMBAT Negotiators: This character has the gift of gab and the rep to
Even the most cunning party will eventually be in a situation that flex it. Fixers, auctioneers, and lawyers, they can get anyone to see
must be resolved by brute force. Most characters should have things their way. Their skills extend beyond haggling. A good nego-
some combat effectiveness. The fighters are those characters who tiator can convince opponents to back off or call in favors when the
specialize in a range of combat methods, so they can always adapt chips are down.
to the situation at hand. Critical skills include Guns, Infiltrate, Career: Face
Athletics, and Fray, and they will have a morph outfitted to take a Mindhackers: Through skill in psychosurgery or psychic sleights,
pounding. Melee skill should also be considered, but in a high-tech the character peels back layers of their target’s mind, to lay it bare
setting of armor and bots, it may not be as effective as other options. or rebuild it as they see fit. Mindhackers are useful for any investi-
For groups of six players, it is recommended to have at least two gative team for their ability to isolate secrets, but also on high-stress
fighters. Some example fighters include: teams for their skill in unwinding their allies’ accumulated traumas.
Direct Action and Medusan Shield Mercenaries, Firewall Career: Mindhacker
Erasers: These characters deploy heavy-duty hardware to utterly Investigators and Journalists: With a nose for sussing information
destroy the target. They are the ideal character for slash-and-burn from an uncooperative target, investigators have skills in perception,
operations. What they bring in explosives they lack in subtlety and persuasion, research, and a host of technical and knowledge fields.
discretion. Their obvious combat morphs and oversized weapons This mix is ideal for unraveling whatever situation the team is stuck in.
will invite scrutiny during operations. Career: Hacker/Investigator, Interest: Networker/Rogue
Career: Soldier
Earth Survivors and Freedom Fighters: These characters have TECHNICAL
learned to survive under the nose of a vastly superior enemy. They The techie specializes in using, repairing, and abusing technology,
are capable with light, heavy, and improvised weapons, and bring a either hardware or software. The techie is the hero when life support
diversity of technical and knowledge skills to endure when condi- is running out and the AI has turned hostile. During combat, the
tions are tight. techie can shut down the enemy’s tools or provide forward observers
Career: Covert Operative/Scavenger, Interest: Fighter/Survivalist for the combat characters. The most common technical characters are:
Ego Hunters, Police, and Militia: This character knows how Hackers: Hackers are critical for their ability to pull data during
to navigate the micrograv jungle to locate their target. They have an investigation. Dirt like camera feeds, forgotten lifelogs, and illicit
a strong focus on social networks and investigation skills. Their shipping ledgers hang out in forgotten caches, waiting to be dug up.
combat is usually focused and discreet, but their training relies The hacker keeps just as busy tidying up their own group’s mess, by
on reinforcements when facing a stronger enemy. A good addition erasing their camera logs and digital footprints. In combat hackers
when the party isn’t looking for a body count. are lethal. As long as their team can buy them time, hackers can
Career: Enforcer/Investigator, Interest: Fighter/Forensics Specialist eject magazines from guns, jam friend-or-foe targeting on security
Assassins: The assassin uses stealth and trickery to avoid systems, open airlocks behind enemy lines, or even shut down
direct confrontation. They have a wide toolbox, and can leverage offending synthmorphs.
everything from nanotoxins to explosives to get the job done. The Career: Hacker
assassin’s reliance on stealth may become a hindrance during Engineer: When the team wakes up on a station being consumed
confrontations. An assassin who is caught unawares, who has not by grey goo in a decaying orbit and also the commander’s seat
mapped the environment and prepared multiple attack and escape sticks, it falls on the engineer to save the day. The engineer has
routes, doesn’t survive long. a range of mechanical and hardware skills to fix what’s broken or
Career: Covert Operative/Soldier Interest: Rogue/Jack-of-All-Trades modify something else to work just as well.
Career: Techie

26¹ Character Archetypes • Combat–Technical

 Bot Jammers: The jammer fields a team of sophisticated combat KNOWLEDGE
drones, disposable bots, and nanomachines. Used in tandem, the Know skills are those most specific to the mission. Gatecrashers
jammer has mastery of the battlefield. Tied into the group’s tactical will need the xenoarcheologist to analyze recovered artifacts. A

STARTING OUT
network, the jammer’s bots scout the map. Snipers harass the enemy. chemist is recruited to identify the new drug on the streets. The
Remote spy drones plant radio taps in air-gapped networks. Armored most common roles include:
bots take on suicide missions so the team can escape. The bot jammer Genehackers: Genehackers design custom animals, morphs,
is practically a full combat squad all on their own. and bacteria. Genehackers usually can fill in the medic role, but
Career: Hacker/Techie, Interest: Jammer they will also be the lead in understanding the alien corpse, the
Scavengers: The team has minutes to act before people die. bioplague, and the exsurgent beast. When provided with the labora-
Without power or parts, the engineer quits in disgust. This is where tory and time, they might even be able to cure whatever affliction is
the scavenger thrives. The scavenger pulls through the bones of consuming the habitat (or, in the right group, create their own, more
the habitat to form something new. They can slap together a CO2 devastating threat to release).
scrubber from old batteries and cooking supplies. They can scrap Career: Genehacker
the crashed shuttle to rebuild the synthmorph. Once the team Xenoarcheologists: Exoplanet exploration is the source for the
sets out, the scavenger has the eye for every diamond of valuable most drastic leaps in technology, as gatecrashers dredge up forgotten
technology buried in the debris, and when they return home, the alien devices. Unfortunately, all of those dead species means transhu-
scavenger knows where to flip that trash to pull in a tidy profit. manity is also bringing back all those deadly threats. When the party
Career: Scavenger, Interest: Artist/Icon or Networker is grave-robbing, the xenoarcheologist isn’t just documenting how a
foreign culture lived; they’re identifying what that dangerous object
is or whether that creature is a pet or a predator.
Career: Explorer/Scientist
TITAN Researcher: The TITAN researcher prods the leavings
of the AIs who nearly exterminated transhumanity. Any work
with TITAN remains has a high mortality rate. Many specialists
are motivated by the high price TITAN technology can get on
the black market. A few risk death and insanity to understand
how the TITANs came to be and why they left. Regardless of the
motivation, TITAN researchers have a reputation for being a little
reckless with their own survival.
Career: Scavenger/Scientist/Techie, Interest: Survivalist

Character Archetypes • Knowledge–Knowledge

¾27
STARTING OUT

the Lunar-Lagrange Alliance that retains power over Earth's orbit

SETTING OVERVIEW
and moon, and the Morningstar Constellation, a recent breakaway
faction that seeks Venusian sovereignty.
The Solar System is dark.
The Earth was once a beacon of mass media and telephone calls. MAIN BELT
Now the only transmitters are abandoned distress beacons; cries The demarcation line between the inner and outer systems is a
for help left on loop. Around it are belts of abandoned habitats and melting pot of cultures and factions. A number of independent habi-
debris, guarded by networks of killsats that vaporize indiscrimi- tats thrive here, providing a forum for autonomists and hypercapital-
nately. Out of the eight billion transhumans prior to the fall, fewer ists to mingle and deal. Various criminal cartels maintain a presence
than five hundred million still survive across all known space. as well, far from legal interference. The major habitat Extropia is
known as an independent "anarcho-capitalist" stronghold, where
INNER SYSTEM mutual contracts and freelance courts are the only law.
Most survivors stayed in the inner system, expanding the estab-
lished colonies on Mars and rebuilding Luna to support the JOVIAN SPACE
hundreds of thousands of refugees that escaped there. Most of During the fear and uncertainty of the Fall, US and allied South
these orbital and inner-system habitats continue the pre-Fall American military units in Jovian orbit attacked their Chinese and
traditions of capitalism and liberal democracies, but adapted to Russian rivals, seizing control of civilian centers. The result of this
a hyper-connected reality. The hypercorps wield immense power martial law is the Jovian Republic. It is democratic in name, but real-
here, enforcing ideal business conditions at the expense of the istically the population is managed under a military rule, referred to
general population. The real power, however, lies in the hands of as the Junta in most non-Jovian media outlets.
ancient and immensely rich oligarchs who exert their influence The Republic is known as a bastion of religion and bioconser-
behind the curtain. While inner-system governments do provide vatism. They decry the resleeved and forks as soulless copies, and
basics needs for their citizens, the masses of freelancers must therefore nonhuman. To them, uplifts and AGIs are abominations
hustle from one gig to the next, while bereft infugees and inden- of nature, and both AI and nanotech are dangerous tools, likely
tures work thankless jobs for an opportunity at a new morph and to lead to another Fall. They enforce their hegemony through a
a new life. Only the wealthy enjoy the full liberty available from powerful secret police and by holding the majority of the pre-Fall’s
advanced technologies.  remaining warships. The Republic’s resistance to modern tech-
The Planetary Consortium is the dominant faction here, working nologies also means they are quickly becoming obsolete and
hard to establish Mars as transhumanity's new homeworld. They outnumbered, a fear that has only made Republic leadership
engage in espionage and propaganda against their economic rivals, more aggressive.

28¹ Setting Overview • Inner System–Jovian Space

OUTER SYSTEM
It’s difficult to appreciate how empty space is. Traveling at light HABITAT PRIMER
speed, a message from Mars to Luna takes about twelve minutes on

STARTING OUT
Transhumans carve out safety from the dangers of space with
average. To Jupiter, almost an hour. To Uranus, two to three hours. these common habitat types (Habitats ▶116 ).
To Pluto, six hours. The fastest ships, sparing no expense, take
weeks or months to reach places in the outer system. Outside of • Aerostats float like balloons in dense atmospheres; they are
their immediate neighborhoods  —  the moons of the gas giants or common on Venus and Uranus.
"clusters" of trojan asteroids  —  the outer system stations are isolated • Bathyscaphes are underwater habitats tethered to the
and remote from each other. ground or ice surface. These are used on Europa, Ceres, and
Saturn's moons provide the most dense and diverse region, home other subterranean seas.
to a number of research facilities, independent colonies, and the • Beehives are warrens of tunnels cut into an asteroid or small
domed metropolises of Titan. They are the most established faction moon. They are rarely spun for simulated gravity.
of the Autonomous Alliance, with the largest intelligence and mili- • Clusters are interconnected modules existing in microgravity.
tary services. • Cylinders are massive, hollow, kilometers-long cans spun
Other habitats throughout the outer system operate as anarchist for gravity, with terraformed interiors. Hamilton cylinders
communes, privately-owned corporate states, hierarchical research are partly organic and rely on advanced nanotechnology to
facilities, or more unusual structures. Best known are the nomadic self-construct. Reagan cylinders are older, inefficient designs
scum swarms, cycling through the system to bring their experi- using hollowed asteroids in the Jovian Republic.
mental art and black and red markets to all. While isolated, most • Domes are temporary inflatable or permanent pressurized
habitats participate as members of the Autonomist Alliance, to structures built on the surface of an asteroid, moon, or plan-
share information, collaborate on matters of common interest, and etary body.
provide mutual aid and defence. These habitats thrive on their inde- • Processor Loci are just protected servers floating in orbit, for
pendence, which can also hamstring their ability to cooperate. As a use by infomorph communities.
whole, their best defense is their remoteness. Historically, however, • Shells are cluster habitats built within a protective outer layer
when a common threat has arisen, such as the brief Locus conflict, or covered framework of rings and spars.
they are able to muster a defense with navies, missiles, hackers, and • Spheres are hollow bubbles, usually hollowed-out asteroids
connections to resistance forces embedded within their enemies. with terraformed interiors, spun for low gravity.
• Subsurface habs are simply structures built underground,
THE FRINGE usually on moons or planets with little atmosphere; the
The fringe encompasses all of the less-traveled areas of the Solar ground above protects from solar radiation.
System, from the odd asteroid families and lone remote stations of • Swarms are flotillas of nomadic spacecraft, sometimes inter-
the inner system to the Kuiper Belt and eccentric orbits of various linked or towing habitats. They are favored by the scum.
outer system objects. These are home to brinkers, Ultimates, and • Tin Cans are small, cramped modules, frequently little more
factions too extreme for even the Autonomous Alliance. Here both than a pressure shell and life support. They are cheap and
hypercorps and criminal cartels pursue secret projects. Exhumans common, especially among brinkers.
also lurk on the fringe, cutting away anything they see as weakness, • Toruses are ring-shaped and spun for gravity, sometimes
be it their fleshy body or their empathy. They haunt the outer with multiple tori spinning in opposite directions, sometimes
reaches, capturing and consuming any transhuman ships foolish linked to microgravity structures.
enough to come within range.

EXOPLANETS THE MESH

Explorers have discovered pandora gates, enigmatic structures The mesh has changed how people live. Deep conspiracies leave
of unknown origin. These can be used to create wormholes and digital crumbs that can be teased apart, if the investigator knows
connect to other gates scattered through the galaxy. Gatecrashers where to look. Hackers can manipulate AR feeds and news casts,
enter the gate on one side to appear on the other instantaneously. altering a target’s understanding of reality. Entire habitats have
The other side, however, is not necessarily friendly. Gatecrashers migrated to a purely digital existence, with tens of thousands of
have appeared in pools of magma, in deadly rat mazes of alien infomorph citizens carrying on their business in accelerated time.
construction, and in wild jungles under a strange blue sun. Most consider the mesh another life enhancement; a faster way to
The five known gates within the Solar System are contested and deliver content, to interact with products. For others, virtual living
tightly controlled. Factions that control gates have access to thou- is transhumanity’s greatest frontier.
sands of known exoplanets, and hundreds of thousands yet undis-
covered. Transhumans have established hundreds of exoplanet colo-
nies and outposts on a wide variety of worlds. Gatecrashers trawl
the gate network for untapped resources, lost alien civilizations, and
locked-away secrets. Many do not return.

Setting Overview • Outer System–The Mesh

¾29
 HOW TO PLAY
Eclipse Phase is played as a collaborative story-telling project that
takes place in the players’ imaginations. The gamemaster (GM)

GAME
details the setting, portrays the NPCs, adjudicates rules, and sets
the stage for the adventure scenario. The players take on the role of
their characters and describe their actions. Each character is defined
by a set of characteristics  —  skills, traits, etc. — listed on their char-

MECHANICS
acter sheet. When the characters encounter difficulties or engage in
conflicts with NPCs, dice are used to determine the outcome.

DICE BASICS
Eclipse Phase uses two ten-sided dice for skill tests and most other rolls.
Rolled dice are read as percentiles (d100), with the first die serving
as the tens digit and the second as the ones digit. Percentile dice rolls
result in a number between 0 and 99 (00 is read as zero). A roll of 5
and 3, for example, is read as 53. Use different colored dice to note
which one to read first or use ten-siders made for percentile rolling.
For some other rolls (damage, stress, recharging pools), Eclipse
Phase uses both six-sided (d6) and ten-sided (d10) dice. These dice
are added together, sometimes with a modifier, to get the result. A
2d10 + 3 damage roll of 5 and a 3 would result in an 11.
In a few rare cases, the rules may call for division. In this case,
always round normally (i.e., a result of 1.5 or higher is rounded to 2).

WHEN TO ROLL THE DICE

Roll the dice when the results may influence the plot or have other
consequences, when the situation is challenging, when a character
is unskilled, or when a character is opposed by another force. Don’t
make tests for mundane, everyday tasks. A skill of 40 or more
assumes a professional level of competency. You don’t need to roll
every time your character pilots a ship, looks up something basic
online, or talks to an NPC  —  to speed things along, you and the GM
should assume characters breeze through the easy stuff. Save the
dice rolling for situations with dramatic stakes.

MAKING TESTS
When the GM calls for a test, roll percentile dice and compare the
result to the target number. The target number is based on the
character’s skill, aptitude check, or rep network score. If the result
is equal to or less than the target number, the test succeeds. If the
result is higher, the test fails.
Though you want to roll equal to or under the target number,
you also want to roll as high as possible in order to get a superior
success ▶31 or to beat your opponent in opposed tests ▶32.

WHO ROLLS?
Players roll the dice when making tests for their characters; GMs
roll for NPCs. Sometimes the GM makes tests for PCs in secret, so
as not to alert players to something their characters wouldn’t know,
like whether or not they spot a clue. It’s a good idea for GMs to keep
a copy of the PC character sheets on hand.
Treat multiple characters engaging in the same activity  —  such as
a group searching a room or someone attempting to calm an angry
mob  —  as a single entity. In this case, simply roll once for the group,
using the highest skill among them  —  or the lowest, if the group is
an impediment. If the result may separately impact multiple char-
acters, however, have them roll individually. If a group of characters
actively cooperates on a test, use the teamwork rules ▶31.

30¹ How to Play • Dice Basics–Who Rolls?

 Modifiers Use superior results for extra style and oomph factor when
Difficulty Situational Factor Modifier making tests. Superior results may not apply to every dice roll; a
Very Easy Major Bonus +30 binary success/failure is often enough to move the story forward.
Easy Moderate Benefit +20 This is especially true for tests that fail  —  the consequences may

GAME MECHANICS
Slightly Easy Minor Boost +10 be severe enough without needing to know how badly the char-
acter screwed up. GMs make the final call on when/how to apply
Average +/–0 superior results.
Slightly Hard Minor Hindrance –10
Hard Moderate Impediment –20 CRITICALS
When you roll doubles on a test — 00, 11, 22, etc.  —  you score a crit-
Very Hard Major Drawback –30
ical result. If you roll a critical and succeed, you get a critical success.
If you roll a critical and fail, you score a critical failure. A roll of 00
is always a critical success, a roll of 99 is always a critical failure, no
DIFFICULTY AND MODIFIERS matter the target number.
Fixing a common glitch in your favorite robot isn’t as difficult as Criticals have more impact than superior results. They represent
repairing an unknown malfunction on an unfamiliar model. These “Wow!” moments where you stun onlookers with your proficiency
degrees of difficulty are represented by modifiers  —  adjustments or ineptness. They provide extra bonus effects/penalties, as deter-
that raise or lower the target number. An easy test provides a posi- mined by the GM. Here are some examples:
tive modifier, increasing the target number. A hard test inflicts a
negative modifier. • Double the damage you inflict with an attack.
Modifiers are assigned in multiples of ten, ranging from +10 to • Gain a +/− 20 modifier to the next test you make.
+30 and –10 to –30, as noted on the Modifiers table. • Take an extra action (critical success) or lose your next action (crit-
In addition to the test’s inherent challenge level, various situa- ical failure).
tional aspects may also influence the test, such as high-quality gear, • Break a weapon/tool (critical failure).
poor environmental conditions, or the health of the character. These
factors are also represented as modifiers based on their level of You are encouraged to devise creative critical results as appro-
severity, as noted on the Modifiers table. priate to the situation. If a critical is also a superior result, only the
GMs assign modifiers as appropriate to the situation. If multiple critical applies.
circumstances affect a test, we strongly suggest the GM assess
the situation as a whole and apply a single modifier based on the DEFAULTING
overall net effect, rather than taking the time to itemize individual If you lack the skill you need to make a test, you can rely on your
modifiers. No set of multiple modifiers should impact a test by character’s innate talents and default to the skill’s linked aptitude
more than +/− 60. instead (Aptitudes ▶36). For example, if you lack Guns skill, you can
still shoot using your Reflexes aptitude as the target number.
SUPERIOR RESULTS: 33/66 RULE There is no modifier for defaulting on a skill test, but critical
Sometimes you will rock your test with flair, sometimes you will successes are ignored.
fumble it with indignity. On a roll of 33 or more that succeeds, you In some cases, the GM may allow you to default to a related skill.
get a superior success. On a roll of 66 or more, you get two superior For example, someone trying to repair a gun without any Hardware
successes. On a roll of 66 or less that fails, you get a superior failure. skills could default to their Guns skill. In this case, a –10 to –30
On a roll of 33 or less, you get two superior failures. modifier applies, depending on how closely the skills are related.
For each superior result, choose one of the following. For two The GM may decide that some tests require specialized knowl-
superior results, you may choose two of the following or one twice edge or training and so cannot be defaulted on.
for double the effect:
TEAMWORK
• Quality: The work is more exact (success) or more sloppy (failure). Multiple characters may cooperate on a test, such as pushing open a
This may affect subsequent tests by +/− 10. door or repairing a robot together. These collaborators must reason-
• Quantity: The test consumes fewer (success) or more (failure) mate- ably be able to communicate and work together in an efficient
rials or produces fewer or more results. fashion. Only one character rolls for the test (usually the one with
• Detail: You acquire information that is much more in-depth or the highest skill). Each additional contributing character provides a
nuanced (success) or false (failure). +10 modifier, up to a maximum of +30.
• Time (task actions only): The action takes a shorter (success) or Only the character making the test can use pools ▶34 to affect
longer (failure) amount of time, by +/− 25%. the test.
• Covertness: The action is less (success) or more (failure) obvious or For tests involving Know, Technical, or Vehicle skills ▶48, collab-
draws less or more attention (+/− 10 as appropriate). orating characters must possess the tested skill at 40 or more to
• Damage: Successes inflict more (+1d6) damage (failures miss). provide a teamwork bonus.

How to Play • Difficulty and Modifiers–Teamwork

¾31
 TYPES OF TESTS
Additionally, you may take any number of automatic actions
per action turn. The GM may allow you to make additional quick
There are two types of tests in Eclipse Phase: success and opposed. actions, depending on their nature.
Note that basic movement such as walking or running is an auto-
SUCCESS TESTS matic action (Movement ▶230). More complex forms of movement,
GAME MECHANICS

Success tests are the most common type of test. Use them whenever however, may require quick, complex, or even task actions.
your character acts without direct opposition. Most skill tests, rep
network tests, and aptitude checks are handled as success tests and AUTOMATIC ACTIONS
require a quick or complex action to complete. Automatic actions are always “on,” reflexive, or otherwise require no
Success tests are described under Making Tests ▶30. effort to initiate. This includes base and full movement.
Examples: Base move, basic perception, breathing, defending
Trying Again against an attack, dropping prone, dropping something, full move,
If you fail a test, you may try again, but with a cumulative –10 resisting damage, speaking a simple sentence or two.
modifier. So your first re-try will be at –10, your second at –20,
your third at –30, and so on. In some cases, the GM may rule that QUICK ACTIONS
re-attempts are not possible, such as situations where you have only Quick actions take a fraction of a second or require so little cogni-
one chance to succeed before circumstances change. tive effort that you can do them while undertaking something else.
Examples: Activating or deactivating a device, conveying
OPPOSED TESTS complex information, detailed perception, drawing a weapon,
Opposed tests are called for when you are directly opposed by an ducking behind cover, gesturing, jumping, opening a door, picking
NPC or other force. Negotiating, arm-wrestling, pickpocketing, and something up, quick aim, standing up, taking a drug.
combat are all examples of opposed tests. Opposed tests are more
difficult  —  you must not only succeed but also beat your opponent. COMPLEX ACTIONS
When making an opposed test, both sides make a test as Complex actions require a few seconds of concentration and effort.
described above. Modifiers are applied to whichever side gains an Examples: Attacking in melee, examining, finding something in
advantage (a negotiation where one party has inside information) a bag, full aim, full defense, non-standard movement, reloading a
or to both sides if equally affected (two runners competing on a weapon, rushing, shooting a gun, using a complex device.
slippery surface).
TASK ACTIONS
• If one opponent succeeds and the other fails, the successful one Task actions require more than a few seconds to complete. Each task
wins the contest. action has a timeframe, the base amount of time required to finish it.
• If both sides roll under their target number, whomever rolls highest Timeframes may be measured in action turns, minutes, hours, days,
wins and succeeds. The other either fails or succeeds but loses. or even months. The actual time to complete a task is equal to the
• If both sides tie or fail, either the opponents remain deadlocked or timeframe adjusted by any superior results ▶31 you score on the test.
the highest roll or skill wins and succeeds (GM’s choice). You may interrupt your work on a task and continue it later, unless the
GM specifically rules the task requires uninterrupted effort.
Critical successes trump high rolls on opposed tests. If both sides For task actions with timeframes of one day or longer, it is
succeed, but the lower roller gets a critical, they pull an upset victory assumed that eight hours of effort equals one day of work. If you
from the clutches of defeat. If both opponents roll critical successes, spend more or less time per day, adjust the time taken accordingly.
the higher roll (or skill if tied) wins with a critical, the loser fails or If you fail a task action, you expend 25% of the timeframe, +25%
succeeds but loses. per superior failure, before you realize you have failed.
Examples: Climbing, hacking, infiltration, medical examination,
programming, repairing, scientific analysis, searching a room, swim-

ACTIONS & TIME

ming, thorough investigation, recharging.

Do you have time to leap across the micrograv module and defuse the TAKING TIME
bomb? Can you get your vacsuit on before the hole in the ship vents You may take extra time on a test, gaining a bonus for careful and
all the air? Most of your actions are handled in a free-form manner, methodical work. For each minute you take completing a test as a task
with the GM only loosely tracking time. When timing and the order of action that normally only requires a quick or complex action, apply
actions become important, Eclipse Phase uses action turns to measure a +10 modifier, up to a maximum of +60. At the GM’s discretion, you
time in scenes. The type of actions you can make break down into automatically succeed once your target number exceeds 100.
four types  —  automatic, quick, complex, and task actions. For task action tests that already require time to complete, the
timeframe must be increased by +25% for each +10 bonus.
ACTION TURNS
An action turn represents roughly 3 seconds. During each action RUSHING THE JOB
turn you may undertake one of the following: You may try to finish a task action in less time by accepting a penalty
to your test. For every 25% you reduce the timeframe, you incur
• 1 complex action and 1 quick action a –20 modifier, up to a maximum 75% reduction (–60 modifier).
• 1 task action and 1 quick action Though this timeframe reduction is compatible with other reduc-
• 3 quick actions tions, no timeframe may be reduced more than 75% total.

32¹ Types of Tests • ACTIONS & TIME

INITIATIVE &
ORDER OF ACTIONS

GAME MECHANICS
Timing in an action turn can be critical  —  it may mean
life or death for a character who needs to get behind cover
before an opponent draws and fires their gun. The order
of actions between multiple characters within a turn is
determined by Initiative.
Your Initiative stat is equal to (Intuition + Reflexes) ÷ 5.
This score may be further modified by ware, drugs, psi,
or wounds.

INITIATIVE ORDER
At the beginning of an action sequence, every character
rolls for initiative. Roll 1d6 and add your Initiative stat.
The highest total goes first, followed by the other charac-
ters in descending order. In the event of a tie, characters
go simultaneously (or resolve by highest REF or roll-off ).
In Initiative order, declare and resolve the actions you will
take that action turn. Once everyone has gone, a new action
turn starts, using the same Initiative order. When it is no
longer necessary to minutely keep track of who goes when,
you can drop out of Initiative order and return to free-form
game time.

TAKING THE INITIATIVE

You may spend Vigor ▶34 to go first in Initiative order. You
may also spend Insight to go first, if you are only taking
mental or mesh actions and no physical movement. You
return to your regular Initiative roll order the next round.
If multiple characters spend Insight or Vigor, they go in
Initiative order first, followed by everyone else.

DELAYING ACTIONS
You may choose to delay until later in the Initiative order.
You can specify when you want to act (before or after
another character, for example), a specific condition that
will cause you to act (i.e., if someone attacks you), or simply
go on standby. You can interrupt another character acting
later in the Initiative order once they have declared their
action and go before them. You may interrupt another
between their actions or before they take an extra action.
Once you act, your place in the Initiative order in subse-
quent turns becomes the count on which you took the
delayed action. If you delay past the end of the turn and
into the next, your Initaitive order will change, but you will
only get your delayed action that turn.
If multiple characters delay and choose to act at the
same time, the one with the lowest Initiative roll must
declare their action first, and the higher Initiative character
can choose to interrupt or go after.

EXTRA ACTIONS
You may spend Vigor or Insight  ▶34 for an extra physical
or mental action each turn. These extra complex or quick
actions take place at the end of the turn, after everyone else
has gone. If multiple characters take extra actions, they are
handled in Initiative order. You cannot take more than two
extra actions in a single action turn.

Initiative & Order of Actions

¾33
 MOXIE
POOLS Your social pool may be used to affect Rep
Your character acquires points in several pools during character Tests and also for one of the following effects:
creation and upon sleeving into a morph. These pools reflect
your character’s transhuman capabilities: augmented intelligence, • Ignore Trauma: Ignore the effects of 1 trauma
GAME MECHANICS

enhanced physical prowess, elevated charisma. They boost your for 24 hours or until your next recharge ▶35.
inherent talent and enable you to face down challenges, overcome • Refresh Rep: Restore rep network favors at a cost of 1 point for a
obstacles, and achieve impressive feats. Minor favor and 2 points for a Moderate favor. Major favors cannot
Each pool is linked to a different group of aptitudes and skills be refreshed this way.
and may be used in unique ways to modify your rolls or provide • Acquire a Clue: Get a tip or lead by gathering information via social
other bonuses to your character. interactions without needing to make a test.
• Control Your Infection: Avoid making an Infection Test when
• Insight pool is linked to mental capabilities: Cognition, Intuition, using a psi sleight (asyncs only).
and their linked skills. • Negate Gaffe: Ignore a player’s social gaffe that the character
• Moxie pool is linked to social interactions: Savvy, Willpower, and wouldn’t make.
linked skills. It may also be used for Rep and Infection Tests.
• Vigor pool is linked to physical efforts: Reflexes, Somatics, and their VIGOR
linked skills. Your physical pool may also be used for one of
• Flex is a wild-card pool. It can be used to affect dice rolls for any the following effects:
tests and for narrative control.
• Take the Initiative: Go first in an action turn.
USING POOLS If multiple characters choose this option, they
You may spend points from your pools to affect the tests you make; go in Initiative order before everyone else.
choose one of the following options. Each pool may only be used • Extra Action: Take an extra complex physical
for tests that use their linked skills or aptitudes (i.e., a Vigor point action (or 2 quick actions) in an action turn. This
can be used on a skill test or aptitude check linked to REF or SOM). action may only be taken after everyone else has gone. If multiple
Flex may be used on any tests. Unless otherwise noted, only 1 pool characters choose this option, they go in Initiative order after
point may be spent per test. everyone else has taken their turn.
• Ignore Wound: Ignore the effects of 1 wound for 24 hours or until
• Before Roll: Ignore all modifiers to the test. your next recharge ▶35.
• Before Roll: Add +20 to the test’s target number.
• After Roll: Flip-flop a d100 roll. For example, 83 becomes 38. FLEX
• After Roll: Upgrade a success to a superior success (or one to two). Your wild-card pool may also be used for
• After Roll: Downgrade a critical failure to a regular failure. narrative control:
• Ongoing (Insight/Moxie/Vigor Only): Receive +5 (1 point) or +10
(2 points) to all skill tests linked to one aptitude for 24 hours or • Introduce NPC: A new or existing NPC
until your next recharge ▶35. joins the scene. Their presence must be plau-
sible. You may define one aspect of this NPC:
Various enhancements (ware, drugs, sleights, etc.) provide their morph, factional allegiance, a noteworthy
bonuses to your pools. These are cumulative, up to a maximum skill, a specific trait, etc. The GM determines the
bonus of +5 points to any single pool. other details.
• Introduce an Item: A previously unnoticed item is added to the
INSIGHT scene. Its presence must be plausible. The item cannot be offensive
Your mental pool may also be used for one of the following effects: (no weapons) and it must be of Minor (not Rare or Restricted)
Complexity. It can be a useful tool, a necessary piece of gear, or even
• Take the Initiative: Go first in an action turn if a clue. The GM determines its placement within the scene and the
you are only taking mental or mesh actions nature of any clues.
and no physical movement. If multiple • Define the Environment: You may introduce an environmental
characters choose this option, they go in factor to a scene. Its presence must be plausible. It should provide
Initiative order before everyone else. a new detail that does not drastically alter the scene. Examples
• Extra Action: Take an extra complex include hiding spots, cover, distractions, shelter, or exploitable
mental or mesh action (or 2 quick actions) elements such as a ladder or window.
in an action turn. These actions may only be • Define a Relationship: You may introduce a new, plausible relation-
taken after everyone else has gone. If multiple characters choose ship between your character and an existing NPC. This should be a
this option, they go in Initiative order after everyone else has taken loose/minor connection rather than a close/serious tie. For example,
their turn. you may have a common friend, shared history, or old but mild
• Acquire a Clue: Gain a hint or lead through investigation, research, rivalry. You may define the rough basics, but the GM determines
or analysis of the facts at hand, without needing to make a test. the finer points and the NPC’s attitude towards your character.

34¹ Pools • Using Pools–FLEX

 GAME MECHANICS
RECHARGING POOLS
You recover the points you have spent from pools by taking a Zahiri has an arachnoid morph with Insight 1 and Vigor 3. They also have
recharge action to rest and recalibrate. You can’t increase a pool neurachem ware thanks to their soldier gear pack, which gives them +2
above its original rating; unspent points are lost. There are two types Vigor, for a total Vigor pool of 5. They also have 1 ego Flex.
of recharge actions: short recharges and long recharges. While approaching an exhuman nest on a remote asteroid, Zahiri spends
1 Insight to get a +20 bonus on a Perceive roll. Unfortunately they also flub a
• Short Recharge (2/day): Short recharges are a task action with a pair of Free Fall Tests as they cross various crevasses on the asteroid, getting
timeframe of 10 minutes. You may take two short recharges per a 71 and an 85 against their Free Fall of 60. In both cases, they spend a Vigor
24-hour period. Each short recharge restores 1d6 pool points; point to flip-flop the die roll, getting a 17 and a 58 respectively instead,
you decide where to allocate them. Some gear or psi sleights may succeeding on their tests. Once inside, they take a short recharge, roll 1d6
provide bonus recharged points. and get a 6, recovering all 3 of their spent points.
• Long Recharge (1/day): A long recharge is a task action with a time- Zahiri then has an encounter with some exhuman predators. They spend
frame of 4 hours (8 for flats and other biomorphs without biomods). 1 Vigor to take the initiative in the first turn and 4 more Vigor during the
You may only benefit from one long recharge per 24-hour period. A fight for extra actions. This depletes their Vigor pool, so they take another
long recharge completely recharged your pools to their full value. short recharge, but roll only a 2, so they only get 2 Vigor pool back.
Zahiri took 3 wounds during the fight. As a synthmorph, they can ignore
While recharging, you may only engage in light, non-strenuous the effects of one wound. Zahiri doesn't want to be hindered, so they spend
activity: eating, browsing the mesh, talking, reloading, taking watch, their 2 remaining Vigor to ignore the other wounds for 24 hours or their next
etc. Recharge timeframes cannot be shortened or interrupted; if they recharge. That leaves them only their 1 Insight and 1 Flex for the challenges
are, the time invested is lost. they still face until they take a long recharge.

TEMPORARY POOLS
Some effects, such as drugs and psi sleights, provide temporary
pool bonuses. These points should be considered extra points that DON’T HOARD!
are expended before any of your regular pool points. These bonus
With expendable resources like pools, it can be tempting
points may be restored with a recharge, but only if all of your
to avoid spending them in case you need them later. While
normal pool points are restored first. If you do not spend bonus
this can sometimes be a wise tactical decision (perhaps
points before the duration of the effect ends, they are lost.
you are out of short recharges and suspect a boss fight is
coming up), we strongly encourage you to avoid hoarding
for the sake of it  —  spend your pool when you need it.

Pools • Recharging Pools–Temporary Pools

¾35
 CHARACTER STATS

MAKING
Your character is defined by a number of abilities and scores, all
recorded on your character sheet.

EGO vs. MORPH

CHARACTERS
The most important distinction in your stats is the distinction
between ego and morph. Your ego represents your mind, person-
ality, memories, inherent traits, and learned skills. It represents your
mental state and true self and transfers with you from body to body.
Your morph is your physical (or sometimes virtual) form, the body
you currently inhabit. Your morph may change or die, and is some-
times considered expendable, but your ego lives on. Your conscious-
ness’s continuity may sometimes be interrupted by an unexpected
death, however, or split off onto divergent paths by forking. Both
ego and morph may be customized and modified, though mind
hacks are a trickier and more dangerous affair.
Your aptitudes, skills, and some derived stats and traits all belong
to your ego. They stay with you throughout your character’s devel-
opment. Your morph provides you with pools to enhance your skills,
Durability to represent your health and constitution, implants or
robotic enhancements, and some traits and derived stats of its own.
These change when you switch to a new morph. It is important to
keep your ego and morph stats distinct, especially when resleeving.

APTITUDES
Your aptitudes represent your natural, inherent abilities. They are
the foundation for your skills.
There are 6 aptitude scores:

• Cognition (COG) represents your intelligence, problem-solving

talent, and capacity for logical analysis.
• Intuition (INT) is your gut instinct and ability to evaluate on the fly.
It includes physical awareness, creativity, cleverness, and cunning.
• Reflexes (REF) is your coordination, manual dexterity, nimbleness,
balance, and reaction speed.
• Savvy (SAV) represents your social awareness, adaptability,
empathy, and ability to influence others.
• Somatics (SOM) is how well you can exploit your morph’s physical
capabilities, including strength, stamina, and sustained positioning
and motion.
• Willpower (WIL) is your self-control, mental fortitude, and strength
of personality.

EGO STATS
Aptitudes Trauma Threshold
Aptitude Checks Insanity Rating
Skills Ego traits
Initiative Motivations
Lucidity Some Flex Pool

MORPH STATS
Pools Death Rating
Durability Morph traits
Wound Threshold

36¹ Character Stats • Ego vs. Morph–Aptitudes

 Aptitude Checks TRAITS
You will sometimes rely on your aptitudes to make tests rather than Traits are inherent qualities, features, or flaws that help define your
learned skills. Aptitude checks normally only come into play in situ- character. Positive traits give you bonuses in certain situations;
ations where no skill applies, but raw talent does. Some examples: negative traits apply detriments to your character. Traits either
belong to your ego or morph. Traits ▶72.
• Cognition (COG) Check: Recall a memory, memorize a number, or

MAKING CHARACTERS
resist mental manipulation. REP
• Intuition (INT) Check: Evaluate a situation, see through an illusion, Your character has a reputation score in different social networks.
or grok alien intentions. This rep will help you score favors, gather information, and acquire
• Reflexes (REF) Check: Catch a thrown object, balance, avoid necessary gear. Rep scores are used as your target number for Rep
blinding glare, or stop yourself from falling. Tests. There are seven rep networks to choose from:
• Savvy (SAV) Check: Evaluate a social situation, express empathy,
follow etiquette, or resist social manipulation. • @-rep: The Circle-A List, for autonomists, anarchists, Titanians,
• Somatics (SOM) Check: Exercise brute strength, endure hardships, scum, and Extropians.
or break free from grapples. • c-rep: CivicNet, used by the Planetary Consortium, Morningstar
• Willpower (WIL) Check: Keep your composure, steel your resolve, Constellation, Lunar-Lagrange Alliance, Jovian Republic, and other
or resist fear or emotional manipulation. hypercorps and capitalists.
• f-rep: Fame, the media network used by metacelebrities, journalists,
Aptitude checks are a derived stat, based on your aptitude × 3. socialites, artists, and glitterati.
• g-rep: Guanxi, the network for triads, cartels, gangs, and other
SKILLS criminal groups.
Skills represent abilities learned and honed through education and • i-rep: The Eye, Firewall’s secret internal network.
practice. They are described in detail under Skills ▶48. • r-rep: Research Network Affiliates, used by Argonauts, scientists,
technologists, and researchers of all stripes.
MORPH • x-rep: ExploreNet, the social network for gatecrashers and exoplanet
Your morph is your character’s current biological, synthetic, or colonists
digital form. This may be the body you were born in or one you
sleeved into. Morphs come pre-loaded with specific traits and GEAR
implants, noted in the morph description. Morphs ▶54. Your character will have access to different types of useful equip-
Don’t get too attached to your morph: you are likely to move to ment: weapons, armor, robots, drugs, smart animals, tools, and more.
a new one at some point during gameplay! Acquiring Morphs ▶290. To simplify things, your starting gear is grouped into gear packs
based on your starting career. Gear Packs ▶68. You will have several
DERIVED STATS options for acquiring gear during gameplay. Acquiring Gear ▶312.
A number of your stats are derived from other stats or aspects of
your character. These include: MOTIVATIONS
Your motivations define your character's personal agenda, beliefs,
• Initiative (INIT): Initiative determines the order in which people and long-term goals. They help you earn Rez Points for character
act during action turns. Initiative & Order of Actions ▶33. advancement and cope with mental trauma. Step 13: Motivations ▶47.
• Wound Threshold (WT): The amount of damage you can take
before receiving a wound. Physical Health ▶220.
• Durability (DUR): Your character’s health, determined by your
morph. Physical Health ▶220.
• Death Rating (DR): The amount of damage it takes to kill you, deter- Derived Stat Formulas
mined by morph. Physical Health ▶220.
Stat Formula
• Trauma Threshold (TT): The amount of stress you can take before
receiving a trauma. Lucidity and Stress ▶222. Initiative (REF + INT) ÷ 5
• Lucidity (LUC): Your character’s mental health, based on Willpower. Aptitude Checks Aptitude × 3
Lucidity and Stress ▶222. Wound Threshold DUR ÷ 5
• Insanity Rating (IR): The amount of stress that will drive you Death Rating DUR x 1.5 (biomorphs)
insane, based on Willpower. Lucidity and Stress ▶222.
• Pools: Your Insight, Moxie, Vigor, and Flex pools, mostly derived DUR x 2 (synthmorphs/infomorphs)
from your morph, with a Flex bonus from your ego. Pools ▶34. Trauma Threshold LUC ÷ 5
• Infection Rating: If playing an async, your Infection Rating indicates Lucidity WIL × 2
the strength of the virus's hold over you. Infection Rating ▶272. Insanity Rating LUC × 2
Infection Rating (Asyncs Only) Psi trait level × 10

Character Stats • Skills–Motivations

¾37
 CHARACTER STEP 1: BACKGROUND
CREATION OVERVIEW
What is your character’s origin? Were you born in a slum on Earth
before the Fall or raised in a protected enclave? Were you an early
There are 13 steps to making a character. The first three steps involve space colonist or an indentured worker?
MAKING CHARACTERS

choosing packages of skills. Each background provides you with a package of active and
knowledge skills. Note these on your character sheet. Don’t dwell
Step 1: Background ▶next column: Your origin and too long on your choice  —  you’ll have an opportunity to acquire
accompanying skills. other skills and switch some skills around in later steps. For field
Step 2: Career ▶40: Your profession and relevant skills. skills, a short selection of common fields is listed, but you can
Step 3: Interest ▶42: Your secondary focus and related skills. choose your own (Skills ▶48). Alternatively, leave the field unas-
Step 4: Faction ▶44: Pick your alliance. signed for now and decide on it during game play.
Step 5: Aptitude Template ▶44: Assign your inherent ego stats.
Step 6: Total Skills ▶45: Total your aptitudes and skill values. COLONIST
Step 7: Languages ▶45: Decide what languages you start with. You were an original settler of Earth orbit, Luna, Mars, or a smaller
Step 8: Flex ▶45: Get 1 Flex point for free. outpost elsewhere, before the Fall.
Step 9: Reputation ▶45: Assign your rep scores in different
social networks. Free Fall 40
Step 10: Customization ▶46: Tweak to your heart’s content. Hardware: (Choose One)
40
Step 11: Derived Stats ▶46: Use the values you’ve assigned to Common Fields: Aerospace, Electronics, Industrial
calculate a few remaining stats. Interface30
Step 12: Starting Morph & Gear ▶46: Choose a body and Pilot: (Choose One)
gear packs.
30
Common Fields: Air, Ground, Nautical, Space
Step 13: Motivations ▶47: Decide what drives you forward. Survival30
Know: (Choose One)
60
Common Fields: Administration, Flight Crew Ops, Hab Ops
CHARACTER Know: (Choose One)
Common Fields: Botany, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics
30

CREATION ADVICE
A few words of wisdom before you get started. ENCLAVER
On Earth, you lived a life of precarious but protected stability in a
CREATE AS A GROUP defended enclave.
It’s best to have a balanced selection of character types, so you can
better overcome obstacles and dangers. Work with the other players Athletics40
to make sure you have the basics covered. There are four archetypes Interface40
every Eclipse Phase team can use: combat, face (social), hacker, and Kinesics30
scientist. Within those archetypes there are many variations and it can Persuade20
be worthwhile to overlap, in case one PC is removed from the action. Pilot: Ground 20
Program20
PLAN AHEAD Know: (Choose One)
Character creation is a step-by-step process, with the exception of 60
Common Fields: Celebrity Gossip, Pop Culture, Sports
Customization Points (CP). Everyone gets 20 CP (possibly more, if
Know: (Choose One)
you also buy negative traits) to spend in Step 10, and you can use 30
some or all of these points to increase stats acquired in previous Common Fields: Economics, Education, Psychology
steps. To minimize the need to recalculate anything, try to keep your
CP spending options in mind during each step. If you’re not quite FREELANCER
able to get what you want, that’s probably a good time to spend CP. You were a cog in the wheels of hypercapitalism, taking whatever
gigs came your way.
PLAYING AN ASYNC Interface40
If you're looking to make a psychic character, familiarize yourself
with the rules for psi ▶272. You should strongly consider the Lost ▶39 Kinesics20
and/or Async ▶42 skill packages, which will give you Psi skill. You Persuade40
will need to purchase the Psi trait ▶74 with your Customization Program30
Points, and some other traits may also be of interest. You should Research40
also set aside some of your CP to spend on psi sleights ▶280. The Know: (Choose One)
sub-strain ▶273 you choose will characterize your infection and also 60
Common Fields: Accounting, Data Processing, Freelancing
provide you with options for the mandatory Addiction or Mental Know: (Choose One)
Disorder trait you must take and the free sleight you get. Finally, be 30
Common Fields: Craft Beers, Martian Techno, Sports
sure to calculate your Infection Rating in Step 11: Derived Stats ▶46.

38¹ Character Creation Overview • STEP 1: BACKGROUND

HYPERELITE LOST
You lived in the top percent, with abundant wealth and resources. You are a legacy of the doomed Lost Generation, undergoing an
accelerated-growth childhood that left most others sociopathic or
Athletics30 insane. You must purchase the Psi trait in Step 10.
Deceive30
Kinesics50 Deceive40

MAKING CHARACTERS
Persuade30 Infiltrate20
Provoke30 Kinesics40
Know: (Choose One) Perceive20
60 Psi50
Common Fields: Fine Art, Hypercorp Politics, Stock Market
Know: (Choose One) Know: (Choose One)
30 60
Common Fields: Economics, Law, Political Science Common Fields: Biology, Psychology, Sociology
Know: (Choose One)
30
INDENTURE Common Fields: Privacy, Serial Killers, Mind Hacks
With nothing to lose, you sold yourself into a work contract for the
off-world hypercorps. UNDERCLASS
You are a veteran of the slums, favelas, ghettoes, and flooded cities
Fray or Melee 20 of Earth. You used whatever means necessary to get by.
Free Fall 40
Hardware: (Choose One) Deceive30
50 Fray20
Common Fields: Groundcraft, Industrial, Robotics
Interface40 Guns or Melee 40
Perceive20 Kinesics40
Know: (Choose One) Perceive20
60 Persuade20
Common Fields: Asteroid Mining, Habitat Ops, Terraforming
Know: (Choose One) Know: (Choose One)
30 60
Common Fields: Black Markets, Gambling, XP Dealers Common Fields: Black Markets, Drugs, Triads
Know: (Choose One)
30
INFOLIFE Common Fields: Con Artistry, Police Ops, Smuggling
You are an AGI, a digital consciousness born of software code.

Infosec50
UPLIFT
You are an uplift: the latest generation of bonobo, cetacean, chim-
Interface50 panzee, corvid, gorilla, neanderthal, octopus, orangutan, or parrot
Program50 raised to human levels of intelligence.
Research20
Athletics40
Know: (Choose One)
60 Fray20
Common Fields: Accounting, Administration, System Administration
Kinesics30
Know: (Choose One)
30 Perceive40
Common Fields: Computer Science, Cryptography, Psychometrics
Provoke20
Survival20
ISOLATE Know: (Choose One)
You eked out a self-exiled existence in a remote habitat or ship on 60
Common Fields: Uplift Culture, Uplift Rights
the fringes of occupied space.
Know: (Choose One)
30
Free Fall 40 Common Fields: Genetics, Sociology, Zoology
Guns20
Hardware: (Choose One)
40
Common Fields: Aerospace, Electronics, Robotics
Medicine: Paramedic 20 Random Background
If you’d rather determine your background randomly, roll 1d10:
Pilot: (Choose One)
30 Roll Background Roll Background
Common Fields: Air, Ground, Nautical, Space
1 Colonist 6 Infolife
Survival20
Know: (Choose One) 2 Enclaver 7 Isolate
60 3 Freelancer 8 Lost
Common Fields: Flight Crew Ops, Gas Mining, Habitat Ops
Know: (Choose One) 4 Hyperelite 9 Underclass
30
Common Fields: Bioconservativism, Conspiracies, Religion 5 Indenture 10 Uplift

Step 1: Background • Hyperelite–Uplift

¾39
 FACE
STEP 2: CAREER You excel at convincing others, even when it’s not in their best interest.
What is your character’s primary field of expertise? Are you a scien-
tist, a hacker, a gun-for-hire, or something else? Deceive40
Like your background, your career package provides you with skills. Kinesics30
MAKING CHARACTERS

You might look for a package that gives you more diversity or one that Persuade60
complements the skills you’ve already acquired. Don’t worry about Know: (Choose One)
60
doubling up on skills  —  you can adjust that in a later step. Common Fields: Fencing, Police Ops, Smuggling
Your career also determines your starting gear packs ▶68. Know: (Choose One)
30
Common Fields: Black Markets, Drugs, Underground XP
ACADEMIC
You devote your efforts to the pursuit of knowledge.

Interface30
GENEHACKER
DNA is your artistic medium, proteins your weapon of choice.
Research60
Know: (Choose One) 60 Medicine: Biotech 60
Know: (Choose One) 40 Medicine: Pharmacology 40
Know: (Choose One) Program30
30 Know: (Choose One)
Common Fields: Administration, Instruction, Lab Ops 60
Common Fields: Biology, Genetics, Physiology
Know: (Choose One)
COVERT OPERATIVE Common Fields: Lab Ops, Medical Services, Morph Design
30
You are a spy, infiltrator, thief, or undercover agent, skilled at
accessing places you don’t belong.

Deceive40
HACKER
Software heeds your beck and call, whether you seek to exploit
Infiltrate60 systems or protect them.
Infosec30
Know: (Choose One) Infosec60
60 Interface40
Common Fields: Security Ops, Smuggling, Spycraft
Know: (Choose One) Program30
30 Know: (Choose One)
Common Fields: Black Markets, Current Events, Politics 60
Common Fields: Computer Science, Cryptography, Mathematics
Know: (Choose One)
ENFORCER Common Fields: Data Processing, Network Engineering, System
30
You’re a thug, whether you’re wielding force for a hypercorp, cartel, Administration
habitat overseer, or autonomist militia.

Fray30 INVESTIGATOR
Guns20 Few details escape your scrutiny, whether you are a journalist,
Melee50 private investigator, detective, or insurance claims investigator.
Provoke30
Kinesics30
Know: (Choose One)
60 Perceive40
Common Fields: Bodyguarding, Racketeering, Security Ops
Research60
Know: (Choose One)
30 Know: (Choose One)
Common Fields: Cartel Politics, Gambling, Night Clubs 60
Common Fields: Ego Hunting, Investigation, Journalism
Know: (Choose One)
EXPLORER Common Fields: Black Markets, Current Events, Cartels
30
You’ve walked on alien worlds and seen things with your own eyes
that others wouldn’t believe.

Athletics30
MEDIC
You have a background in medicine and experience as a physician,
Medicine: Paramedic 20 surgeon, paramedic, body bank tech, or other type of medical specialist.
Pilot: (Choose One)
20 Kinesics30
Common Fields: Air, Ground, Nautical, Space
Survival60 Medicine: Paramedic 60
Know: (Choose One) Medicine: Biotech 40
60 Know: (Choose One)
Common Fields: First-Contact Ops, Gatecrashing, Surveying 60
Know: (Choose One) Common Fields: Biology, Genetics, Psychology
30 Know: (Choose One)
Common Fields: Astrobiology, Geology, Xenoarcheology 30
Common Fields: Body Bank Ops, Emergency Services, Surgical Ops

40¹ Step 2: Career • Academic–Medic

 SCIENTIST
You seek to understand how the universe works  —  or at least certain
elements of it.

Hardware: (Choose One)

40
Common Fields: Electronics, Robotics
Program30

MAKING CHARACTERS
Research60
Know: (Choose One)
60
Common Fields: Astrobiology, Memetics, Physics
Know: (Choose One)
30
Common Fields: Field Science, Investigation, Lab Ops

SOLDIER
You serve a habitat polity, hypercorp, or mercenary outfit.

Fray40
Guns60
Melee30
Know: (Choose One)
60
Common Fields: Bodyguarding, Military Ops, Security Ops
Know: (Choose One)
30
Common Fields: Conflict Zones, Gambling, Mercenary Groups

TECHIE
You make and fix things. You might be a roboticist, habitat tech, or
artifex nano-engineer.

Hardware: (Choose One)

60
Common Fields: Electronics, Industrial, Robotics
Infosec40
MINDHACKER Program30
You meld and shape minds and memories. You might be a therapist, Know: (Choose One)
memeticist, or psychosurgeon pushing the bounds of cognition.
60
Common Fields: Construction, Habitat Ops, Mining, Nanofacturing
Infosec30 Know: (Choose One)
30
Medicine: Pharmacology 40 Common Fields: Computer Science, Engineering, Nanotechnology
Medicine: Psychosurgery 60
Know: (Choose One)
60
Common Fields: Cognitive Science, Memetics, Psychology
Know: (Choose One) Random Career
30 If you’d rather determine your career randomly, roll 1d10:
Common Fields: Body Bank Ops, Medical Services, Social Services Roll Result
1–5 Roll on Group 1
SCAVENGER 6–10 Roll on Group 2
You scrounge through wrecks and ruins of the Fall, seeking value in
the destruction.
Roll Group 1 Group 2
1 Academic Investigator
Hardware: (Choose One)
60 2 Covert Operative Medic
Common Fields: Electronics, Industrial, Robotics
3 Enforcer Mindhacker
Hardware: Demolitions 40
Pilot: (Choose One) 4 Explorer Scavenger
30 5 Face Scientist
Common Fields: Air, Ground, Nautical, Space
Know: (Choose One) 6 Genehacker Soldier
60
Common Fields: Flight Crew Ops, Scavenging, Smuggling 7 Hacker Techie
Know: (Choose One) 8–10 Re-roll Re-roll
30
Common Fields: Black Markets, Spacecraft, TITAN Machines

Step 2: Career • Mindhacker–Techie

¾41
 FORENSICS SPECIALIST
STEP 3: INTEREST You’ve trained to analyze crime scenes and perform autopsies.
What else does your character do? Did they have a previous career, a
second career, or are they learning a new one? Do they pursue other Medicine: Forensics 40
interests as a hobby, out of curiosity or necessity? Is there an area of Perceive40
MAKING CHARACTERS

work they have specialized in? Research20

Your interest provides you with a package of skills, just like your Know: Physiology 40
background and career.
This will be your final skills package, though you might purchase
extra skills or tweak the ones you’ve already acquired in later steps. JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES
You’ve seen and done a little bit of everything.
ANIMAL HANDLER Guns25
You’ve learned to raise, train, and care for animals, particularly
partially uplifted smart animals. Infosec25
Persuade25
Exotic Skill: Animal Handling 40 Research25
Medicine: Veterinary 40 Know: (Choose One) 40
Provoke20
Know: Smart Animals 40
JAMMER
You’re a drone operator, with a talent for manipulating machines.
ARTIST/ICON Hardware: Robotics 40
You are a musician, performer, celebrity, or other type of creative or
public figure. Interface20
Pilot: (Choose One) 40
Deceive40 Know: Bot Models 40
Kinesics20
Provoke40
Know: (Choose One)
40
NETWORKER
 Common Fields: Dance, Music, Sculpture You know how to engage and connect with people.

Deceive30
ASYNC Persuade40
You are infected with the Watts-MacLeod strain of the exsurgent Provoke30
virus ▶273, which gives you a number of unique mental talents and Know: Rep Nets 40
disadvantages. You must purchase the Psi trait in Step 10.

Deceive40 PARAMEDIC
Perceive20 You have picked up some first aid training.
Psi40
Know: (Choose One) 40 Fray20
Kinesics40
Medicine: Paramedic 40
COMMANDER Know: Emergency Services 40
You are accustomed to leadership roles as an executive, officer,
elected official, or autonomist organizer.

Interface20
PILOT
You prefer to do the driving yourself, no matter how skilled the AI is.
Persuade40
Provoke40 Hardware: (Choose One) 30
Know: Administration 40 Pilot: (Choose One) 30
Pilot: (Choose One) 40
Know: Flight Crew Ops 40
FIGHTER
You’ve picked up some self-defense and offensive capabilities along
the way. ROGUE
You are as shifty as you need to be.
Fray20
Guns40 Deceive40
Melee40 Fray20
Know: Security Ops 40 Infiltrate40
Know: (Choose One) 40

42¹ Step 3: Interest • Animal Handler–Rogue

SLACKER SURVIVALIST
You prefer to enjoy the good things in life. The Fall reinforced the notion that you need to be prepared.

Interface40 Guns40
Persuade30 Medicine: Paramedic 30
Research30 Survival30

MAKING CHARACTERS
Know: (Choose One) 40 Know: (Choose One) 40

SPACER
You’ve spent your fair share of time in ships and smaller habitats. Random Interest
If you’d rather determine your interest randomly, roll 1d10:
Free Fall 40 Roll Result
Hardware: Choose One
40 1–5 Roll on Group 1
Common Fields: Electronics, Industrial, Robotics
Interface20 6–10 Roll on Group 2
Know: (Choose One) 40 Roll Group 1 Group 2
Common Fields: Astronomy, Flight Crew Ops, Gas Mining 1 Animal Handler Networker
2 Artist/Icon Paramedic
STUDENT 3
4
Async
Commander
Pilot
Rogue
You are in the process of learning.
5 Fighter Slacker
Interface40 6 Forensics Specialist Spacer
Program20
7 Jack-of-All-Trades Student
Research40
8 Jammer Survivalist
Know: (Choose One) 40
9–10 Re-roll Re-roll

Step 3: Interest • Slacker–Survivalist

¾43
 STEP 4:  FACTION STEP 5:
APTITUDE TEMPLATE
Now that you have a rough orientation for your character’s back-
ground and skill sets, it’s time to pick a faction to which they hold
allegiance. Each choice provides a motivation  ▶47 and a skill of Pick one of the aptitude templates to determine your six starting
MAKING CHARACTERS

Know: [Faction] 30. The Factions sidebar provides a brief summary aptitudes ▶36. These templates are provided as guidelines, and you
of each group; further details can be found on ▶152–174. may raise or lower an aptitude score by taking or giving points from
If you are unsure of what faction to pick at this time, you may other aptitudes. For example, you can lower WIL by 5 to raise COG
skip this section for now and determine your faction, motivation, by 5. No aptitude score may be lower than 5 or higher than 30.
and Know skill during gameplay. You also can choose not to have Though conceptually skills are built on the aptitude values, this
a faction — not everyone picks sides. If going factionless, simply step is placed after the skill choices so that you may tailor your apti-
choose your own motivation and take any Know skill you like at 30. tudes to your skill set. For example, if you have a lot of SAV-linked
Faction allegiance does not necessarily mean you are a hardcore skills, choosing a template with a high SAV is a solid way to opti-
true believer. You may have been born or raised into a faction and mize your character. Alternatively, if you feel you are lacking skills
reluctantly stuck with it, or you may be finding yourself ques- linked to a certain aptitude, boosting that aptitude may help to
tioning some of the faction’s tenets. You may be a dissident, trying round out your character.
to actively change the faction from within. For now, your faction Spending CP: Extra aptitude points cost 1 CP each. If you’re
allegiance indicates the transhuman grouping you are most familiar going to bump an aptitude, we recommend doing it now, before you
with and whose goals you at least nominally support. Perhaps you calculate your skills in Step 6.
are even a defector or new recruit, with an Know skill in your old
faction but a motivation tied to your new one. Actioneer
You are more comfortable with physicality than talking or thinking.

FACTIONS Extrovert
Anarchist: You believe power is corrupt and favor voluntary, You can talk your way through most situations.
non-hierarchical organizations based on direct democracy.
Argonaut: You seek technoprogressive solutions to transhu- Facilitator
manity’s injustices and inequalities. You’re good with people, planning, and seeing things through.
Barsoomian:
You wish to see Mars liberated from hypercorp control. Factotum
Brinker: You belong to a cult, commune, or other group that You’ve never quite stood out, but you exhibit broad competence.
seeks isolation from the rest of transhumanity.
Criminal: You are associated with the underworld, either part of Inquirer
a large cartel, smaller gang, or as an independent operator. Your creative mind is good at figuring things out.
Extropian: You believe in unrestricted free markets and that
taking proactive risks with technology is better than playing Survivor
it safe. You have the will and stamina to scrape by in tough situations.
Hypercorp: You support hypercapitalist expansion and compet-
itive-economics-driven social order. You accept that certain Thrill Seeker
liberties must be restricted for security and freedom. You’ve never said no to a dare, but your fast reaction time and quick
Jovian: You are a bioconservative concerned about out-of-con- thinking compensate for your lack of foresight.
trol transhuman technologies.
Lunar/Orbital: You support the conservative economics,
Earth-tied nationalism, and traditionalism of the Lunar-
Lagrange Alliance.
Mercurial: You oppose the assimilation and oppression of AGIs Aptitude Template
and uplifts, supporting self-determination for your kind. Template COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
Reclaimer: You believe transhumanity should be focused on
Actioneer 10 15 20 10 20 15
reclaiming, terraforming, and repopulating Earth.
Scum: You push the boundaries of the experimental, fully Extrovert 10 20 15 20 15 10
testing what it means to be transhuman. Facilitator 15 15 10 20 10 20
Socialite: You are a part of the glitterati, defining and defined by Factotum 15 15 15 15 15 15
inner-system media culture.
Titanian: You are a technosocialist, believing that science and Inquirer 20 20 10 15 10 15
technology can provide for the well-being of all. Survivor 15 10 15 10 20 20
Venusian: You adhere to the Morningstar Constellation’s vision Thrill Seeker 20 10 20 15 15 10
for a more socialized, friendlier hypercapitalism.
Regional: You are a Solarian, Sifter, Belter, Europan, Ringer, or
Skimmer invested in the culture, prosperity, and security of
your area of the Solar System.

44¹ STEP 4: FACTION • STEP 5: APTITUDE TEMPLATE

SKILL SUMMARIES
Full skill descriptions are found on ▶49 .
Athletics (SOM): Physical activity in gravity with a Know (COG/INT, Field): Specialized knowledge in an art,
humanoid, uplift, or biomimicked morph, including hobby, scientific pursuit, or professional trade.
climbing, running, swimming, gymnastics, throwing, and Medicine (COG, Field): Care and diagnosis of biological

MAKING CHARACTERS
winged flight. life, including emergency care, forensics, pharmacology,
Deceive (SAV): Lying, bluffing, conning, fast talk, imperson- psychosurgery, and surgery.
ation, acting, and other attempts to misrepresent or hide Melee (SOM): Fighting, whether unarmed or using blades,
the truth with words and gestures. clubs, or similar handheld weapons.
Exotic Skill (Field): Catch-all category for less common Perceive (INT): Awareness and use of your physical senses.
skills such as animal handling, contortion, disguise, Persuade (SAV): Bargaining, convincing, etiquette, and
music, sleight of hand, or throwing knives. social manipulation.
Fray (REF): The ability to get out of the way of danger. Pilot (REF, Field): Moving in a vehicle or non-humanoid or
Free Fall (SOM): Physical activity in microgravity. non-biomimicked morph.
Guns (REF): Aiming and shooting. Used for beam, kinetic, Program (COG): Writing and modifying software code. Also
seeker, and spray weapons. used for nanofabrication or crafting VR environments or
Hardware (COG, Field): Building, repairing, disabling, AR illusions.
upgrading, and physical hacking of technological Provoke (SAV): Intimidation, taunting, seduction, or any
systems. invocation of emotion to socially manipulate.
Infiltrate (REF): Sneaking, hiding, and escaping detection. Psi (WIL): Use of async sleights.
Infosec (COG): Hacking or protecting devices and networks. Research (INT): Finding and interpreting data on the mesh.
Interface (COG): Using and understanding electronic Survival (INT): Navigation, tracking, finding safe food and
devices, software, networks, and weapons systems. shelter, and defending oneself against hostile planetary
Kinesics (SAV): Perception of body language, tells, social environments.
cues, and nonverbal communication.

STEP 6: TOTAL SKILLS STEP 7: LANGUAGES

Combine all of the skills from Steps 1–4 and write them on your Each character starts knowing two languages. Languages are not
character sheet. handled like skills  —  you either know it or you don’t. If you don’t,
If a character acquired the same skill more than once, those real-time translation is easily accessible via the mesh, so language
points may be added together or the additional points may be tends to only be an issue in isolated areas.
applied to any other skill of the player’s choosing. Note that points If your combined COG + INT is 35+: choose 1 additional language.
for Know skills may only be used for other Know skills; however, If your combined COG + INT is 45+: choose 2 additional languages.
points for Active skills may be used for either Active or Know skills. Common languages are: Arabic, Cantonese, English, French, Hindi,
Next, add the base aptitude values to their linked skills. Note Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Skandinaviska, and Spanish.
that the skills of Fray and Perceive have base values equal to their Spending CP: You may purchase additional languages at 1 CP each.
aptitude × 2.
No final skill total (including aptitude) may exceed 80. Any points

STEP 8: FLEX
over 80 must be applied to another skill of the player’s choosing.
Again, Know skill points may only be used for other Know skills.
Players should feel free to switch their skills for any other skills Every ego starts with 1 permanent Flex point Pools ▶34.
as long as the number of points remains the same, and as long as Spending CP: Extra Flex points cost 2 CP each. You may not start
Know skill points only go toward other Know skills. with more than 3 ego Flex points.
We suggest keeping aptitudes and skills in multiples of 5 for
simplicity, but this is not a requirement.

STEP 9: REPUTATION
Spending CP: Each point of CP gets you 5 skill points. Use these
points to purchase or raise any skills you think you’ll need.
You have 100 points to divide between rep networks. There are
seven networks to choose from ▶37. You should strongly consider
taking rep scores that fit your faction choice.
We recommend taking either 60/40 in two networks or 50/25/25
in three networks. You may not start with a rep score higher than 80
in any network.
If you are unsure what rep networks to choose, talk to your GM
about leaving them blank for now and filling them in during gameplay.
Spending CP: Every point of CP buys you 5 rep points.

Step 6: Total Skills • Step 9: Reputation

¾45
 STEP 10: CUSTOMIZATION STEP 11: DERIVED STATS
You receive 20 Customization Points (CP) you may spend on the You’re almost done! Now a few of your stats need to be calculated
following. If you’re still figuring out your character, talk to your and added to your character sheet:
GM about saving some CP and buying things later on during
MAKING CHARACTERS

gameplay. Just keep track of what you’ve spent. • Initiative: (REF + INT) ÷ 5.
• Aptitude Checks: Each aptitude has a check (Cognition Check,
INCREASED APTITUDE Intuition Check, etc.) equal to the aptitude × 3.
CP may be spent to increase aptitude scores at a cost of 1 CP per • Lucidity: WIL × 2.
aptitude point. This will increase all skills linked to that aptitude as • Trauma Threshold: LUC ÷ 5.
well; no skill may be raised above 80. Increases to COG or INT may • Insanity Rating: LUC × 2.
increase the number of languages you start with (see Step 7). • Infection Rating (Asyncs Only): Psi trait level × 10.

EGO TRAITS
STEP 12:
You may purchase any of the ego traits listed on ▶72–80. Positive
traits have a CP cost listed. Negative traits give you bonus CP. No

STARTING MORPH & GEAR

more than 6 CP worth of negative traits may be purchased.
There are a lot of traits to choose from, so if you’re unfamiliar with
them or don’t have the time to scan through them, skip this for now Your character receives starting gear based on the career chosen
and save some CP to buy traits later. A summary of traits is on ▶72 & 77. in Step 2 and the type of campaign you are playing (Firewall, gate-
If you took the Lost background in Step 1 or the Async interest in crashing, or criminal). See Gear Packs ▶68.
Step 3, you must purchase the Psi trait. You also choose your character’s starting morph ▶54. Each morph
has a cost in Morph Points (MP). Your GM will tell how many points
INCREASED FLEX you have to work with. The suggested default value is 6 MP. If you
CP may be spent to increase your Flex pool at a cost of 2 CP also purchased the Resources trait ▶75, increase your available MP
per 1 Flex. Your ego Flex points may not be raised higher than 3 by that trait level.
(not counting Flex derived from your morph). You may also spend your Morph Points on morph traits ▶72 or
extra gear. Whatever MP you don’t spend is converted into Flex
EXTRA LANGUAGES points instead.
Extra languages may be learned at a cost of 1 CP per 1 language.
STARTING MORPHS
EXTRA REP While it may be tempting to spend all of your MP to get the best
CP may be spent for extra Rep points. 1 CP = 5 points to be spent on morph available, we strongly suggest picking the morph that best
rep. No rep score may be raised higher than 80. fits your character. You will likely have opportunities to switch
morphs during game. Morph Availability stats do not apply to
EXTRA SKILLS morphs bought during character creation.
CP may be spent for extra skill points. 1 CP = 5 skill points. No skill You may buy more than one morph, in case you want a fallback
may be raised higher than 80 during character creation. on hand or plan to do a lot of forking. In this case, you cannot
purchase negative traits for any of your morphs. Additionally,
PSI SLEIGHTS the first morph you buy must have an MP cost of 1 or more (not
If you purchased the Psi trait, you will likely want to spend CP on counting traits) and any morphs bought after the first with a listed
sleights, or psi powers ▶280. Note that you get one starting sleight 0 MP cost 1 MP instead.
for free, based on your sub-strain ▶273. Your morph will provide several stats: pools, Wound Threshold,
Psi sleights cost 1 CP per sleight. You may only purchase Durability, and Death Rating. Note these on your character sheet.
psi-gamma sleights if you have the Psi trait at Level 2. The maximum Also take note of any implants or traits it might have.
number of sleights you may purchase during character creation is 10.
MORPH TRAITS
SPECIALIZATIONS Positive traits have an MP cost listed. Negative traits give you bonus
Skill specializations cost 1 CP. They give a +10 bonus to that skill MP. No more than 6 MP worth of negative traits may be purchased.
when that specialization applies. (This specialization bonus does
not count towards the skill maximum of 80.) EXTRA GEAR
You may use your MP for extra gear.
Minor complexity gear costs 1 MP, Moderate 2 MP, and Major 3 MP.

Customization Costs FLEX POINTS

5 Rep points 1 CP 1 Language 1 CP Morph Points that you don’t spend on morphs, traits, or gear are
5 Skill points 1 CP 1 Aptitude point 1 CP converted to Flex points instead, on a 2:1 basis (2 MP = 1 Flex), up
to a maximum of 3. These Flex points are temporary, they will be
1 Specialization 1 CP 1 Flex point 2 CP
reset the next time you resleeve (Acquiring Morphs ▶290).
1 Psi sleight 1 CP Ego Traits Variable

46¹ Step 10: Customization • STEP 11: DERIVED STATS • Step 12: Starting Morph & Gear
 MOTIVATION EXAMPLES
STEP 13: MOTIVATIONS
Now that your character is mostly fleshed out, you must choose 3 Acceptance Martian Liberation
motivations. Motivations are personal aspirations your character AGI Personhood Morphological Freedom
pursues. Most of these are long-term and rooted in the character’s Alien Contact Neurodiversity
ideological beliefs, personal drive, or backstory. Motivations will Anarchism Open Source

MAKING CHARACTERS
help your character earn extra Rez Points ▶366 and cope with mental Autonomy Personal Career
stress and trauma ▶222. Bioconservatism Personal Improvement
Motivations are listed on your character sheet as a single term Create Legacy Philanthropy
or short phrase, along with a + or – symbol to denote whether they Creative Expression Prove Others Wrong
support the cause or oppose it. For example, “+Fame” would indi- Discover/Forget Past Reconnect with
cate that your character seeks to become a famous media personality, Education Transhumanity
whereas “–Reclaim Earth” means that your character opposes the Escape Religion
goal of reclaiming Earth. Expand Influence Revenge
Your first motivation is based on your faction choice, as Exploration Scientific Discovery
determined in Step 4 ▶44. Note this on your sheet as “+[Faction] Fame/Recognition Self-Reliance
Interests.” Your other two motivations are based on your character’s Find a Purpose Skill Mastery
personal interests; see the Example Motivations sidebar for ideas. Find a Tribe Socialism
If you did not choose a faction, simply choose a third personal Friendly ASI Stability
motivation instead. Hedonism Survival
If you’re not sure what motivations to pick just yet, you can Immortality Technoprogressivism
always leave them blank for now and fill them in during gameplay. Independence Thrill-Seeking
Leadership Transparency
OPTIONAL: MOTIVATIONAL GOALS Locate Lost [Friend/Item/ Uplift Rights
Motivations are good for steering your character, but they are very Lover/Relative] Venusian Sovereignty
open-ended. To fine-tune the concept, list out a specific short-term Make Art Wealth
goal for each motivation. For example, if your motivation is +Discover
Your Past, your goal might be to investigate the habitat where you were

FINAL TOUCHES
re-instantiated with lack a few months after the Fall. If your motivation
is +Argonaut Interests, your goal might be to liberate a specific cache
of proprietary scientific data for all of transhumanity to use. This is good time to look back at your character’s background, career,
If your GM has a detailed campaign idea worked out in advance, interests, skills, traits, motivations, and other defining points. These
you may want to wait and decide on your goals until you have been tell a story  —  you just need to fill in the remaining details. What did
fully introduced to the setting so you can integrate them within they think of their childhood? Do they still have ties from there?
the context of the story arc. For example, if your GM establishes a How did they move from such origins to the career and faction they
campaign about the liberation of Mars from hypercorp control, and are part of ? How did they acquire those skills and motivations?
you have +Mercurial Interests, you first goal might be to connect a What do their rep scores and traits say about them? How did they
mercurial group you support with the Barsoomians and establish get their current morph? Is it their original? If not, what happened
common ground. to their first body? Did they survive the Fall? What have they done
If your group prefers a more cooperative style of campaign devel- in the decade since?
opment, motivational goals provide ample material for the GM to These questions will help you build a defining picture of your
construct scenarios around. With this style of play, you may want to character. Not everything about your character needs to be filled
pick one motivation as your primary and establish multiple goals in out, of course  —  it’s OK to leave a few blanks that you can fill in
relation to it. These goals can then serve as stepping stones for your later. Assembling the points you have deduced so far will help you
character’s personal story arc. to present your character as a whole, unique individual, however,
For more interactive motivations, have each player choose one of rather than just a blank template.
the goals of another character. When doing so, they should specif- As a final step, take a few minutes to pick out some specific iden-
ically try to construct it in a way that connects it back to their own tifying features and personality quirks that will help you define
character. This is a great opportunity to establish shared interests, the character to others. This could be a way of talking, a strongly
histories, and backgrounds between player characters. projected attitude, a catchphrase they use frequently, a unique look
or style of dress, a repetitive behavior, an annoying mannerism, or
anything similar. Such idiosyncrasies give something that other
players can latch onto, spurring roleplaying opportunities.

POINT-BUY CHARACTER CREATION

The package-buy character creation system in this book You may spend some of your active skill points on Know
is designed to make your choices easier and speed along skills instead, but you may not use Know skill points to
the process. If you prefer to fine-tune your character's buy active skills. The other steps of the character-creation
skills, you can skip Steps 1–4 and simply pick the skills process are completed as written. Your skill points are
you want. In this case, you receive 400 points to spend combined with their linked aptitudes in Step 6 as normal;
on active skills and 250 points to spend on Know skills. no starting skill total may exceed 80.

Step 13: Motivations • Final Touches

¾47
 SKILLS ACTIVE SKILL LIST
Skills represent your character’s accumulated knowledge, education, Active skills represent things your character does. They usually
and experience. They are the most important part of your ego, trav- require some sort of physical action and are the primary skills your
eling with you from morph to morph. Having a well-rounded skill character uses in action and combat scenes.
MAKING CHARACTERS

set is vital to survival in Eclipse Phase.

ATHLETICS
SKILLS AND APTITUDES Type: Active, Physical
Your learned skills are built upon your inherent abilities, your core Linked Aptitude: Somatics
aptitudes. Each skill is linked to an aptitude and increased by that Athletics encompasses various types of physical activity in environ-
aptitude’s base value. Aptitudes range from 0 to 30, with a 15 repre- ments with gravity. It specifically applies to maneuvering in morphs
senting an average transhuman. If an aptitude is modified, all linked that are humanoid, uplift, or that use biomimicked movements
skills are modified as well. (snaking, winged flight, etc.), whether sleeved or remote operated.
Use Athletics to scale a wall, tread water, throw a grenade, jump a
SKILL CATEGORIES crevasse, vault a table, backflip off a ledge, or make a barrel roll with
Skills are also assigned to a number of other categories, as noted a winged morph. Some actions are detailed under Movement ▶230.
on the Skill List ▶next page: Combat, Mental, Physical, Psi, Social, Specializations:
Technical, and Vehicle skills. Certain traits, abilities, and modifiers Acrobatics, Fly, Climb, Jump, Parkour, Run, Swim, Throw
may only apply to skills of a specific category.
DECEIVE
FIELD SKILLS Type: Active, Social
When you choose a field skill, you must select a particular emphasis Linked Aptitude: Savvy
for that skill known as a field. Field skills are written as “[Skill]: Deceive is about presenting falsehoods in believable ways. It
[Field].” For example, when choosing Know skill, you must pick a applies to any attempt to misrepresent or hide the truth with words
particular discipline, such as Know: Engineering or Know: Biology. and gestures. It does not include hiding (Infiltrate) or physical
Field skills may be purchased more than once, with a different field disguises (Exotic Skill: Disguise).
chosen each time. Each field essentially serves as a separate skill. Use Deceive to act, lie, bluff, misdirect, con someone, imper-
Suggested fields are listed for each field skill, but players and GMs sonate someone, or fast talk your way out of a situation. The target
can cooperate to create others. of your deception opposes with their Kinesics skill.
Specializations: Act, Bluff, Con, Fast Talk, Impersonate
SPECIALIZATIONS
You may opt to specialize in a given skill. Specializations represent EXOTIC SKILL: [FIELD]
a focus in one particular aspect of that skill. For example, Beam Type: Active, Field
Weapons is a specialization of Guns skill. Specializations are This is a catch-all category for less-common skills. This includes
written in parentheses after the skill name  —  e.g., Guns (Beam proficiency with unusual and archaic weaponry and skills that have
Weapons). Each skill lists a number of possible specializations, a very narrow focus but require education, training, and experience
but players and GMs can generate their own. Field skills may also to properly execute.
have specializations. Use Exotic Skill if you want your character to be talented in a
Specializations provide a +10 bonus when using that skill in a field that is not covered by any existing skill. The GM determines
situation appropriate to the specialization. the appropriate linked aptitude.
Sample Fields: Animal Handling (SAV), Bow (REF), Disguise
(INT), Escape Artist (REF), Plasma Cutter (REF), Sleight of Hand
(REF), Throwing Knives (REF), Whips (REF)
Aptitude Ranges Specializations: As appropriate to the field
Aptitudes range from 0 to 30.
Rating Assessment Rating Assessment FRAY
5 Child 20 Enhanced Type: Active, Combat
10 Unaugmented Human 25 Superhuman Linked Aptitude: Reflexes
15 Transhuman 30 Posthuman Fray is your ability to get out of the way of danger, whether that is
an attacker or a moving object. You start with a base Fray of REF × 2.
Use Fray to dodge attacks, avoid falling objects, maneuver deftly
through a crowd, or side-step a collision. In combat, Fray is used
Skill Ranges to oppose melee and ranged strikes ▶202. Against guns, Fray is
Skills range in value from 0 to 100. reduced by half.
Rating Assessment Rating Assessment Specializations: Full Defense, Guns, Melee
10 Rudimentary Ability 60 Experienced Professional
20 Some Familiarity 70 Expert
30 Novice 80 Authority
40 Basic Professional Competence 90 Master
50 Advanced Training 100 Pinnacle of Achievement

48¹ Skills • Active Skill List

 SKILL LIST
Skill Linked Aptitude Type Page 
Athletics Somatics Active, Physical 48 
Deceive Savvy Active, Social 48
Exotic Skill: [Field]  —  Active, Field 48
Fray Reflexes Active, Combat 48
Free Fall Somatics Active, Physical 49
Guns Reflexes Active, Combat 49

MAKING CHARACTERS
Hardware: [Field] Cognition Active, Field, Technical 49
Infiltrate Reflexes Active, Physical 50
Infosec Cognition Active, Technical 50
Interface Cognition Active, Technical 50
Kinesics Savvy Active, Social 50
Cognition
Know: [Field] Field, Know 52
/Intuition
Medicine: [Field] Cognition Active, Field, Technical 51
Melee Somatics Active, Combat 51
Perceive Intuition Active, Mental 51
Persuade Savvy Active, Social 51
Pilot: [Field] Reflexes Active, Field, Vehicle 51
Program Cognition Active, Technical 51
Provoke Savvy Active, Social 51
Psi Willpower Active, Mental, Psi 51
Research Intuition Active, Technical 51
Survival Intuition Active, Mental 51

FREE FALL
Type: Active, Physical
Linked Aptitude: Somatics
Free Fall is a companion skill to Athletics for morphs that are
humanoid, uplift, or using biomimicked movements. Use it for phys-
ical activity in microgravity environments or when free falling.
Use Free Fall to push yourself down a micrograv tunnel, propel
yourself across an open space in zero g, re-orient yourself out of a
spin, maneuver with vacsuit attitude jets, correctly apply some type
of propulsion when drifting in space, or when parachuting.
Specializations: Jump, Parachute, Pull, Vacsuits

GUNS
Type: Active, Combat
Linked Aptitude: Reflexes
Guns deals with the maintenance and use of modern firearms,
seeker launchers, and coherent energy and projectile weapons.
Use Guns to shoot beam, kinetic, seeker, and spray weapons.
Attacks made with Guns skill are opposed with Fray ÷ 2.
Specializations: Beam Weapons, Firearms, Plasma Weapons,
Railguns, Seekers, Spray Weapons

HARDWARE: [FIELD]
Type: Active, Field, Technical
Linked Aptitude: Cognition
Hardware handles the design, construction, repair, and alteration
of different types of technological systems.
Use Hardware to repair a life support system, upgrade a robot,
hack an electronic lock, or assemble a functional vehicle from spare
parts. Most Hardware Tests are task actions.
Sample Fields: Aerospace (aircraft and spacecraft), Armorer
(armor and weapons), Demolitions (explosives), Electronics,
Groundcraft, Industrial (factory, habitat, and life support
systems), Nautical (watercraft and submarines), Robotics (bots
and synthmorphs)
Specializations: As appropriate to the field

Active Skill List • Free Fall–Hardware: [Field]

¾49
MAKING CHARACTERS

INFILTRATE INTERFACE
Type: Active, Physical Type: Active, Technical
Linked Aptitude: Reflexes Linked Aptitude: Cognition
Infiltrate is the art of escaping detection. Interface is about using and understanding computers, electronics,
Use Infiltrate to sneak past a guard, hide from a search party, networks, sensors, and software. It applies to everything from mesh
blend into a crowd, shadow someone, conceal an object, or evade servers and cloud services to embedded habitat/spacecraft system
a sensor system. It is opposed by Perceive skill, though anyone not controls and computerized or emplaced weapon systems.
actively searching suffers a distraction modifier; against a group, Use Interface to manipulate electronics, command software, forge
use the highest Perceive skill among them. Infiltrate is best handled video files, scan for wireless devices, jam frequencies, get sensor
as a task action covering a specified distance, rather than rolling readings, control life support functions, and understand new devices.
each action turn. Interface is also used to attack with non-portable weapon emplace-
Specializations: Blend In, Hide, Shadow, Sneak ments and the weapon systems of piloted (but not jammed or sleeved)
vehicles and spacecraft (Weapon Systems ▶209).
INFOSEC Specializations: Forge, Jam, Scan, Sensors, Weapon Systems
Type: Active, Technical
Linked Aptitude: Cognition KINESICS
Infosec is short for “information security.” It incorporates training Type: Active, Social
in electronic intrusion and counter-intrusion techniques, as well as Linked Aptitude: Savvy
use of cryptography tools. Kinesics is the art of empathy and nonverbal communication.
Use Infosec to hack into electronic and mesh systems, subvert Use Kinesics to read someone’s emotional state, gauge their
them, and protect them. Also use it to encrypt and decrypt commu- intentions, detect lies, identify mannerisms and tells, and use body
nications and files. Most Infosec Tests are task actions. See The language to emote and convey information. Kinesics is used to
Mesh ▶240, for additional details on mesh systems and applications oppose Deceive skill.
of Infosec skill. Though synthmorphs are designed to emote, reading them is more
Specializations: Brainhack, Brute-Force Hack, Decrypt, Probe, difficult; apply a –30 modifier. The same modifier also applies to ALIs
Security, Sniff, Spoof, Subvert, VR Hack that are operating pods, bots, or synthmorphs. At the GM’s discretion,
similar modifiers may apply to morphs that lack anthropomorphic
characteristics or that are sleeved by egos accustomed to much
different physiologies (such as a neo-octopi in a neo-avian morph).
Specializations: Detect Deception, Emote, Judge Intent

50¹ Active Skill List • Infiltrate–Kinesics

MEDICINE: [FIELD] PROGRAM
Type: Active, Field, Technical Type: Active, Technical
Linked Aptitude: Cognition Linked Aptitude: Cognition
Medicine fields encompass healthcare, diagnosis and treatment, Program deals with writing and modifying software code.
design, and manipulation of biological life forms. Use Program to write a script, analyze how a program works,
Use Medicine: Biotech to modify morphs or install implants. Use design a blueprint for nanofabrication, break copyright protection,
Medicine: Forensics to conduct autopsies to ascertain cause of death patch software against an exploit, code a virus, or craft a VR environ-

MAKING CHARACTERS
or the biological functions of alien life. Use Medicine: Paramedic to ment, AR illusion, or infomorph mind-state.
diagnose ailments and treat injuries ▶221. Medicine: Pharmacology Specializations: AIs, Infomorphs, Malware, Nanofabrication,
is used to synthesize drugs or develop an antidote to a pathogen or Piracy, VR
toxin. Medicine: Psychosurgery is used to heal stress and manipu-
late the mind (▶223 and ▶294). Use Medicine: Veterinary to provide PROVOKE
healthcare to smart animals and non-sapient critters. Type: Active, Social
Sample Fields: Biotech, Forensics, Paramedic, Pharmacology, Linked Aptitude: Savvy
Psychosurgery, Veterinary Provoke is your talent at emotional manipulation.
Specializations: As appropriate to the field Use Provoke to taunt an opponent, intimidate a witness, rile up
a mob, scare someone into submission, browbeat a captive into
MELEE surrendering information, or seduce a potential lover. Opponents
Type: Active, Combat resist Provoke with a WIL Check.
Linked Aptitude: Somatics Specializations: Calm, Fluster, Inspire, Interrogate, Intimidate,
Melee deals with fighting, whether unarmed or with held or Seduce, Taunt
implanted weapons.
Use Melee to punch, kick, grapple, or attack with a blade, club, PSI
or other weapon. Melee is opposed by Fray if dodging or by the Type: Active, Mental, Psi
opponent’s Melee skill if blocking or parrying. Linked Aptitude: Willpower
Specializations: Blades, Clubs, Disarm, Grapple, Implants, Unarmed Psi is the wielding of psychic abilities (sleights) to detect, manip-
ulate, or harm others.
PERCEIVE Use Psi to target others with psi-gamma sleights ▶282. Psi is
Type: Active, Mental resisted with a WIL Check.
Linked Aptitude: Intuition You must possess the Psi trait ▶74 to use this skill.
Perceive skill is awareness and use of your physical senses. Specializations: Control, Psi Assault, Sense
Use Perceive to spot an intruder, find a clue, locate a trap, search
a room, or scrounge up something useful. You start with a base RESEARCH
Perceive of INT × 2. Perceive is opposed by Infiltrate skill. Type: Active, Technical
Basic perception is an automatic action, with a –20 distraction Linked Aptitude: Intuition
modifier as your attention is elsewhere. Detailed perception, without Research is your google fu, your skill at finding, analyzing, and
modifiers, is a quick action. Thorough investigation is a task action. understanding information online. It includes knowing where to
Specializations: Hear, Investigate, Scrounge, See, Smell look, optimizing your queries, separating fiction from truth, and
processing massive amounts of data.
PERSUADE Use Research to look up an answer on the mesh, track people
Type: Active, Social online, access the deep mesh, search databases, sift through archives,
Linked Aptitude: Savvy and mine data dumps.
Persuade is the ability to convince others to do what you want Specializations: Blogs, Cloud Services, Deep Mesh, News Archives,
through words and gestures, logic and reason. It is the art of subtle Social Networks, Science Archives, Track
social manipulation. It does not include intimidation, coercion,
seduction, or other emotionally driven manipulation (use Provoke). SURVIVAL
Use Persuade to drive a bargain, convince a reluctant party, nego- Type: Active, Physical
tiate a truce, motivate your peers to take action, or sway someone to Linked Aptitude: Intuition
your side. Persuade is opposed by the opponent’s SAV Check. Survival encompasses the skills needed to survive in and
Specializations: Diplomacy, Negotiate, Motivate maneuver through hostile environments.
Use Survival to navigate, track a person or animal in the wild,
PILOT: [FIELD] find safe food and shelter, and defend against ecological and envi-
Type: Active, Field, Vehicle ronmental dangers.
Linked Aptitude: Reflexes Specializations: Forage, Hunt, Navigate, Track
Pilot is about maneuvering and controlling non-humanoid
morphs, bots, and vehicles, whether sleeved or remote operated.
It applies to movement systems that do not rely on use of limbs:
wheeled, thrust vector, rocket, etc.
Use Pilot to drift a car around a tight corner, evade pursuit, avoid
a crash, barrel roll a plane, or perform a high-g spacecraft maneuver.
Sample Fields: Air, Ground, Nautical, Space
Specializations: As appropriate to the field

Active Skill List • Medicine: [Field]–Survival

¾51
 KNOW SKILLS
Sample Fields: Archeology, Astrobiology, Astronomy, Astrophysics,
Astrosociology, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer
Know skills represent information your character has acquired, Science, Cryptography, Economics, Engineering, Genetics,
things they know. They play a less dramatic role, but are often Geology, History, Law, Linguistics, Mathematics, Memetics,
critical for helping your character solve mysteries, understand situ- Nanotechnology, Physics, Political Science, Psychology,
MAKING CHARACTERS

ations, and figure out what to do. Sociology, Xeno-archeology, Xenolinguistics, Zoology
Points assigned for Active and Know skills are not interchange- Specializations: As appropriate to the field
able. If you decided to take away points from a Know skill during
character creation, you may only apply those extra points to another Arts
Know skill. Linked Aptitude: Intuition
Art fields include various modes of artistic expression and evalua-
KNOW: [FIELD] tion. This is a particularly useful skill in economies and clades where
Type: Know, Field creativity and vision can be a key component of your reputation.
Know skill represents your accumulated knowledge in a field of Use Art fields to bring your imagination to life, create a work of
work, study, or interest. Know skills are loosely grouped into four art, critique an artist’s style or performance, or appraise an artistic
types: academics, arts, interests, and professional training. project’s worth.
Note that Art fields should not be used in place of Active skills
Academics to directly deceive, influence, or sway others. Crafting a realistic
Linked Aptitude: Cognition augmented reality illusion requires Program skill, incorporating
Academic fields cover all of the disciplines of scientific knowl- a hidden message within a public song or speech would rely on
edge and advanced study. They include theoretical and applied Deceive skill, making a speech to convince a panel or rally a crowd
sciences, social sciences, transhumanities, and technology. requires Persuade or Provoke. However, Art fields may be used as
Use Academics to call upon your education. For example, Know: complementary skills ▶53 in such cases.
Chemistry could be used to identify a particular substance, under- Sample Fields: Architecture, AR Design, Criticism, Dance, Drama,
stand an unusual chemical reaction, or determine what elements are Drawing, Music, Painting, Performance, Sculpture, Singing,
needed to nanofabricate something that requires exotic materials. Speech, VR Design, Writing
The GM may choose not to allow defaulting on some Know Tests, as Specializations: As appropriate to the field
only someone who has been educated in that subject is likely to be
able to tackle it.

52¹ Know Skills • Know: [Field]–Know: [Field]

Interests
Linked Aptitude: Cognition THE KNOWLEDGE
Interest fields includes specialized knowledge in any topic that
might be considered a hobby, recreational pursuit, social topic, or
BEHIND ACTIVE SKILLS
other obsession. You are assumed to be familiar with the background lore
Use Interest fields whenever you need to recall or use knowledge surrounding each of your Active skills. For example, if you

MAKING CHARACTERS
related to that particular subject. are skilled in Guns, you likely know quite a bit about makes
Sample Fields: Celebrities, Conspiracies, Factors, Exhumans, and models, manufacturers, and possibly even their history.
Exoplanet Colonies, Gambling, Hypercorp Politics, Lunar Likewise, your Hardware: Robotics skill means you know
Habitats, Martian Beers, Morphs, Reclaimer Blogs, Scum Drug a lot about synthmorphs and bots, who makes them, etc.
Dealers, Spaceship Models, Strategy Games, TITAN Tech, Triad This associative knowledge does not go quite as deep as
Economics, Transhuman Factions, Underground XP, VR Games someone who has studied or trained in that field, however.
Specializations: As appropriate to the field A character with equivalent scores in Know: Weapons
Dealer or Know: Robot Designs will have more in-depth and
Professional Training specialized knowledge. To represent this, GMs should apply
Linked Aptitude: Cognition a negative modifier of –10 to –30 when using Active skills
Profession fields cover knowledge and training in the practices in place of Know skills, depending on the situation and the
and procedures of various legal and extralegal trades. depth of the knowledge required.
Use Profession fields to recall specialized knowledge available to
someone trained or experienced in that particular industry: notable In a similar vein, a group of characters looking to break into a
figures, common practices, apps and gear used, logistics, scheduling, facility could use Know: Security to evaluate the defenses, Know:
accounting, terminology, legalities, internal politics, trade history, Architecture to identify covert points of entry, Know: Sports to
ethics standards, major locations, influential hypercorps/cartels/ plan their infiltration at a time when the guards are likely to be
collectives, and so on. distracted, Know: Triads to identify a local crime group that can sell
Sample Fields: Accounting, Administration, Asteroid them breaking and entering gear, and Know: Administrator to help
Mining, Body Bank Ops, Bodyguarding, Cool Hunting, Con identify a top-level exec who will have the security codes they need.
Artistry, Data Processing, Ego Hunting, Emergency Services, When used appropriately, these skills can be just as beneficial as the
Entertainment, Fencing, Field Science, First-Contact Ops, Flight Active skills used to break inside, if not more so because the plan is
Crew Ops, Freelancing, Gas Mining, Gatecrashing, Habitat more likely to succeed as a result of this preparation.
Ops, Instruction, Investigation, Journalism, Lab Ops, Medical Finally, Know skills help bring flavor and character to the setting.
Services, Military Ops, Morph Design, Nanofacturing, Network While Know: Martian Beers might not seem that useful at first, an
Engineering, Police Ops, Racketeering, Scavenging, Security Ops, enterprising character could use that expertise as an opening to talk
Service Work, Smuggling, Social Engineering, Social Services, to a potential source at a bar, to convince a suspicious Barsoomian
Spycraft, Surveying, System Administration, Terraforming cell they are not an off-world spy, or simply to amuse the others
Specializations: As appropriate to the field at the table with anecdotes about how certain exhumans strangely
reek of Olympus Stout or the perils of consuming too much Pilsener
USING KNOW SKILLS Red Lager in zero g.
It may seem like Know skills have fewer in-game applications than
Active skills, but they should not be underestimated. They have COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS
three major uses, the first of which is analyzing clues and solving In certain cases, Know skills can aid Active skill tests with a comple-
mysteries. Many Eclipse Phase scenarios are based around techno- mentary skill bonus modifier. This should only apply to situations
logical dangers, alien encounters, and scientific phenomenon, and where the Know skill provides information that would not normally
so characters will need a good balance of Know skills to unravel the be encompassed by the Active skill. For example, Know: Religious
problem and find solutions. Cults could be applied as a complementary skill when trying to
Just as importantly, Know skills are valuable in helping the Persuade a religious brinker group, but Know: Engineering is not
characters  —  and the players  —  understand the world of Eclipse complementary to a Hardware: Industrial Test to repair part of a
Phase. In particular these skills can be used to assess a situation, habitat, because the Hardware skill already incorporates such engi-
identify strengths and weaknesses, make plans, evaluate worth, neering knowledge.
make comparisons, forecast probable outcomes, or understand the The bonus for a complementary skill is based upon its rating, as
applicable science, socio-economic factors, or cultural or historical noted on the Complementary Skill Bonus table.
context. In this regard, Know skills can be a valuable tool for GMs
to assist the players, prompting for Know skill rolls to help flesh out
details of the game setting that might otherwise be overlooked or
not readily apparent. Complementary Skill Bonus Table
For example, a group of players new to Eclipse Phase might not Know Skill Modifier
fully grasp the fine distinctions between different factions, the 40–59 +10
cultural relevance of certain technologies, or the potential impact of
a new scientific breakthrough on the setting  —  and might not even
60–79 +20
think to ask. GMs can and should call for Know Tests to help impart 80+ +30
the relevant information.

Know Skills • Using Know Skills–Complementary Skills

¾53
 MORPHS
The morphs here represent a fraction of the
sleeves and shells available to characters.
You must purchase at least one morph
MAKING CHARACTERS

during character creation ▶36. During game-

play, you may need to acquire a new morph
when forking, egocasting, or resleeving
(Acquiring Morphs ▶290) — or when the one
you have is destroyed.
Movement Rate: The mobility system used
and distance covered (Movement ▶230).
Ware: Bioware, cyberware, hardware,
meshware, and/or nanoware the morph
is equipped with (Gear, ▶316–327).
Morph Traits: Traits that each morph of
this type has (Traits ▶72).
Common Extras: Prevalent but not base-
line traits or ware for the morph type.
These are not included in the MP cost
and must be acquired separately.
MORPH LIST
Morph Type Cost Page
Agent Infomorph 2 MP 67
Arachnoid Synthmorph 6 MP 65
Basic Pod Pod 1 MP 58
Bouncer Biomorph 4 MP 55

COMMON
Case Synthmorph 0 MP 63
Digimorph Infomorph 0 MP 67 Splicer
BIOMORPHS
Dragonfly Synthmorph 1 MP 63 Splicers are genefixed humans. Their
Exalt Biomorph 2 MP 54 genome cleansed of hereditary diseases
Flat Biomorph 0 MP 54 Biomorphs are fully biological sleeves and optimized for looks and health, but not
Flexbot Synthmorph Variable 66 (often genetically modified and equipped otherwise substantially upgraded. Splicers
Fury Biomorph 6 MP 57
with implants), birthed naturally or from make up the majority of transhumanity.
Futura Biomorph 4 MP 56
an exowomb, and grown to adulthood
Galatea Synthmorph 5 MP 64
Ghost Biomorph 6 MP 57 either naturally or at a slightly acceler-
ated rate.
Splicer
Hibernoid Biomorph 4 MP 56 Cost: 1 MP • Avail: 90
Ikon Infomorph 1 MP 67
Menton Biomorph 4 MP 56 Flat WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45
Neo-Avian Uplift 0 MP 60 Flats are baseline unmodified humans, Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 1
Neo-Bonobo/Chimp Uplift 1 MP 60 born with all of the natural defects, heredi-
Neo-Gorilla Uplift 3 MP 60 tary diseases, and other genetic mutations Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Neo-Neanderthal Uplift 2 MP 60 that evolution so lovingly applies. Flats are Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Neo-Octopus Uplift 3 MP 61 increasingly rare outside bioconservative
Neo-Orangutan Uplift 3 MP 61 enclaves  —  most died off with the rest of
Neotenic Biomorph 2 MP 55 humanity during the Fall. Exalt
Novacrab Pod 4 MP 58 Exalts are the common, non-specialized
Olympian Biomorph 4 MP 56
Operator Infomorph 2 MP 67 Flat “enhanced human” model. They are genet-
ically upgraded to make them healthier,
Pleasure Pod Pod 4 MP 59 Cost: 0 MP • Avail: 30
Reaper Synthmorph 12 MP 65 smarter, and more attractive (based on ever-
Remade Biomorph 7 MP 57 WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45 evolving beauty standards). A modified
Ruster Biomorph 3 MP 55 metabolism keeps them fit and athletic for
Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Savant Synthmorph 4 MP 64 the duration of an extended lifespan.
Security Pod Pod 5 MP 59 Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Shaper
Slitheroid
Pod 5 MP
Synthmorph 5 MP
59
64
Common Extras: Exalt
Many have the Genetic Defect trait ▶78.
Spare Synthmorph 0 MP 63 Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 70
Splicer Biomorph 1 MP 54
WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53
Steel Morph Synthmorph 5 MP 65
Swarmanoid Synthmorph 3 MP 63 Insight 1 Moxie 1 Vigor 1 Flex 0
Sylph Biomorph 4 MP 56 Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Synth Synthmorph 3 MP 63
Worker Pod Pod 3 MP 58 Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts

54¹ Morphs • COMMON BIOMORPHS

 MAKING CHARACTERS
Neotenic Ruster Bouncer
Neotenics are transhumans modified Adapted for survival with minimum gear Bouncers are genetically adapted for
to retain a child-like form. They are in the not-fully-terraformed Martian microgravity. Their legs are more limber
smaller, more agile, inquisitive, and less environment, these transgenic morphs and their feet can grasp as well as their
resource-depleting, making them ideal for feature insulated skin for more effective hands. They can tolerate the cold tempera-
habitat living and spacecraft. Some people thermoregulation and respiratory system tures of beehive tunnels and have an
find neotenic sleeves distasteful, especially improvements to require less oxygen and oxygen reserve in case they are exposed to
when employed in certain media and sex filter carbon dioxide, among other mods. vacuum. Bouncers are very common in the
work capacities, but most are designed to outer system and zero-g habitats.
be neuter-gendered.
Neotenic Ruster Bouncer
Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 50 Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 70 Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 60
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45 WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53 WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53
Insight 2 Moxie 1 Vigor 1 Flex 0 Insight 0 Moxie 1 Vigor 1 Flex 1 Insight 1 Moxie 0 Vigor 1 Flex 2
Movement Rate: Walker 4/12 Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 Movement Rate: Walker 4/12
Ware: Biomods, Circadian Regulation, Ware: Biomods, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack, Ware: Biomods, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack,
Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts Enhanced Respiration, Mesh Inserts, Grip Pads, Mesh Inserts, Oxygen Reserve,
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1) Radiation Sense Prehensile Feet
Notes: Small size ▶227 Common Extras: Morph Traits: Limberness (Level 1)
Many have the Planned Obsolescence trait ▶79.

BIOMORPHS WITH CYBERBRAINS

It is increasingly common to find biomorphs with cyberbrains, especially in the outer system. The advantage is that
cyberbrains allow for easier resleeving and forking and have built-in mnemonic memory augmentations. The disadvan-
tage is they are vulnerable to hacking. Adding a cyberbrain, access jacks, mnemonics, and puppet sock to your morph
increases the MP cost by 1.

Common Biomorphs
¾55
MAKING CHARACTERS

Olympian
Olympians are human upgrades with
improved athletic capabilities like endur-
ance, hand-eye coordination, and cardio-
vascular functions. Olympians are common
Futura among athletes, dancers, freerunners, gate-
Futura morphs were specially crafted for the crashers, and soldiers.
“Lost Generation” of accelerated-growth chil- Hibernoid
dren. Adjusted for confidence, self-reliance,
and adaptability, futuras were intended Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 70 Olympian
to help transhumanity regain its foothold. Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 60
WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53
These programs proved disastrous and the WT: 8 • DUR: 40 • DR: 60
Insight 1 Moxie 1 Vigor 0 Flex 2
line was discontinued, but some models Insight 1 Moxie 1 Vigor 3 Flex 1
and various spin-offs remain, viewed by Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
some with distaste and others as collect- Ware: Biomods, Circadian Regulation, Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
ibles or exotic oddities. Clean Metabolism, Cold Tolerance, Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Cortical Stack, Hibernation, Mesh Inserts
Futura Sylph
Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 25 Menton Sylph morphs are ideal for media icons,
WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53 Mentons are genetically modified to elite socialites, XP stars, models, and narcis-
increase cognitive abilities, particularly sists. Sylph gene sequences are tailored for
Insight 2 Moxie 4 Vigor 1 Flex 0
learning ability, creativity, attentiveness, distinctive good looks, ethereal and elfin
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 and memory. They are favored by academics, features, and slim and lithe bodies. Their
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts intellectuals, scientists, and engineers. metabolism has also been sanitized to
eliminate unpleasant bodily odors and their

Hibernoid
Menton pheromones adjusted for universal appeal.

Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 60
Hibernoids are transgenic-modified humans
with heavily altered sleep patterns and
Sylph
WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53 Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 60
metabolic processes. Hibernoids have a Insight 3 Moxie 1 Vigor 1 Flex 1
decreased need for sleep, requiring only WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45
1–2 hours a day on average. They can also Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 Insight 1 Moxie 3 Vigor 1 Flex 1
trigger a form of voluntary hibernation, Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts,
effectively halting their metabolism and Mnemonics Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
need for oxygen. Hibernoids make excellent Ware: Biomods, Clean Metabolism, Cortical
long-duration space travelers, but these Stack, Enhanced Pheromones, Mesh Inserts
morphs are also favored by personal aides Common Extras:
and hypercapitalists with non-stop lifestyles.
Many have the Striking Looks trait ▶76.

56¹ Common Biomorphs

 MAKING CHARACTERS
Fury Ghost Remade
Furies are combat morphs. These trans- Ghosts are partially designed for combat The remade are completely redesigned:
genic humans are upgraded for endurance, applications, but their primary focus is humans 2.0. Their cardiovascular system
strength, reflexes, and capacity to handle stealth and infiltration. Their genetic profile is stronger, their digestive tract sanitized
physical trauma. Behavioral modifications encourages speed, agility, and reflexes, and and restructured, and they have been
for aggressiveness are offset by gene their minds are modified for patience and optimized for health, intelligence, and
sequences promoting pack mentalities and problem-solving. longevity with numerous transgenic mods.
cooperation, and they tend to be biologi- They look close to human, but are different
cally female. Ghost in very noticeable and sometimes eerie
Fury Cost: 6 MP • Avail: 40
ways: taller, lack of hair, slightly larger
craniums, wider eyes, smaller noses,
Cost: 6 MP • Avail: 40 smaller teeth, and elongated digits. The
WT: 9 • DUR: 45 • DR: 68
WT: 10 • DUR: 50 • DR: 75 remade are popular with the Ultimates
Insight 2 Moxie 1 Vigor 3 Flex 2
faction.
Insight 1 Moxie 1 Vigor 4 Flex 2
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 Remade
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 Ware: Biomods, Chameleon Skin, Cortical Stack,
Cost: 7 MP • Avail: 30
Ware: Biomods, Bioweave Armor (+2/+3), Grip Pads, Mesh Inserts
Claws, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Morph Traits: WT: 9 • DUR: 45 • DR: 68
Inserts Enhanced Behavior (Patience, Level 2) Insight 2 Moxie 2 Vigor 2 Flex 2
Morph Traits: Enhanced Behavior Common Extras: Many are equipped with Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
(Aggressiveness, Level 2; Cooperation, Level 2) adrenal surge ▶322, skinflex ▶321. Ware: Biomods, Circadian Regulation, Clean
Common Extras: Many are equipped with
Metabolism, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack,
neurachem ▶322, hardened skeleton ▶322,
Enhanced Respiration, Enhanced Vision, Mesh
toxin filters ▶323.
Inserts
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)

Common Biomorphs
¾57
 POD BIOMORPHS
Pods (a colloquialism derived from “pod
people”) were originally designed as biolog-
ical androids. Their parts are vat-grown
MAKING CHARACTERS

separately using accelerated-growth

processes and assembled with a number of
cybernetic system “short-cuts;” this entire
process producing a functional body in a
fraction of the time it takes to clone a stan-
dard biomorph. Cyberbrains replace their
undeveloped gray matter. The first gener-
ations of pods were operated by ALIs and
primarily used in service industries where a
biological aesthetic was preferred to robots,
in hazardous labor industries, and for sex
work. They were visually distinguished
from normal humans by stylized seam-
lined patterns in their skin, a designation
that remains common today. In the wake
of the Fall and the subsequent demand for
more biomorphs, pods are now commonly
sleeved by transhumans, especially inden-
tures, but they still often suffer a classist
stigma. Pods lack reproductive functions
and are usually neuter. Non-human pods
are increasingly common.

Basic Pod
These original general-purpose models are
designed to keep the buyer/user depen-
dent on the manufacturer.
Novacrab Novacrab
Basic Pod Bioengineered from coconut crab and
spider crab stock and grown to a larger Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 50
Cost: 1 MP • Avail: 80 (human) size, novacrabs are ideal for WT: 9 • DUR: 45 • DR: 68
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45 hazardous work environments as well as Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 3 Flex 0
vacworker, police, or bodyguard duties.
Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 1 Flex 0
They climb and handle microgravity Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 well and can withstand a wide range Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Carapace Armor
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Cortical Stack, of atmospheric pressure (and sudden (+6/+7), Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack,
Cyberbrain, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, pressure changes) from vacuum to deep Cyberbrain, Enhanced Respiration, Gills, Mesh
Puppet Sock sea. They are equipped with ten 2-meter
Inserts, Mnemonics, Oxygen Reserve, Puppet
long legs, massive claws, chitinous armor,
Morph Traits: Planned Obsolescence Sock, Vacuum Sealing
compound eyes (with human-equivalent
image resolution), gills, dexterous manipu- Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3),
Worker Pod latory digits on their fifth set of limbs, and Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 2)
Heavily feature in menial-labor jobs that transgenic vocal cords. Notes: Claw Attack (DV 2d10)
involve interaction with other transhumans.

Worker Pod
Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 70
WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53
Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 2 Flex 1
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Cortical Stack,
Cyberbrain, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics,
Puppet Sock

58¹ POD BIOMORPHS

 MAKING CHARACTERS
Pleasure Pod Security Pod Shaper
Pleasure pods are faux humans intended Security pods were originally manufac- Shapers are designed for infiltration and
for intimate entertainment purposes tured as mass-produced AI-operated disguise. They lack the seamlines common
and indulgent hedonism. Their biology soldiers for joint peacekeeping missions to pods and incorporate ware that allows-
includes extra nerve clusters in their eroge- and enclave border/security roles. Many them to alter their appearance. Favored
nous zones, fine motor control over certain were co-opted by the TITANs during the by spies and criminals, they are illegal in
muscle groups, enhanced pheromones, Fall, so they fell out of favor for many many habitats.
sanitized metabolisms, and the capability years, but a demand for cheap mercenary
to purr. They are capable of switching
between multiple sex configurations and
morphs has revived interest. Shaper
Cost: 5 MP • Avail: 40
are often enhanced in other areas. Security Pod
Cost: 5 MP • Avail: 60 WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53
Pleasure Pod Insight 1 Moxie 2 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 70 WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53
Insight 1 Moxie 0 Vigor 2 Flex 1 Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45 Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods,
Insight 0 Moxie 3 Vigor 0 Flex 0 Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 Chameleon Skin, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain,
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Bioweave Armor Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Nanotat ID Flux,
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 (+2/+3), Claws, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Puppet Sock, Sex Switch, Skinflex
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Clean Metabolism, Eelware, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision,
Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Pheromones, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Common Extras: Many are equipped with
Puppet Sock, Scent Alteration, Sex Switch adrenal surge ▶322, and t-ray emitters ▶318.
Common Extras: Many have Striking Looks ▶76 Space marine variants have oxygen
or Addiction ▶76. reserve ▶324, prehensile feet ▶324,
and vacuum sealing ▶325.

POD BIOMORPHS
¾59
 UPLIFT
BIOMORPHS
These biomorphs are the original bodies
MAKING CHARACTERS

of various sapient non-humans. Though

uncommon and sometimes stigmatized,
they are also sleeved by non-uplifts.

Neo-Avian
Neo-avians include ravens, crows, and gray
parrots uplifted to human-level intelligence.
Their physical sizes are much larger than
their non-uplifted cousins (to the size of a
human child), with larger heads for their
increased brain size. Numerous transgenic
modifications have been made to their
wings, allowing them to retain limited
flight capabilities at 1 g, but giving them a
more bat-like physiology so they can bend
and fold better and adding primitive digits
for basic tool manipulation. Their toes are
also more articulated and now accompa-
nied with an opposable thumb. Neo-avians
have adapted well to microgravity environ-
ments, and are favored for their small size
and reduced resource use.

Neo-Avian Neo-Bonobo/Neo-Chimp
Cost: 1 MP • Avail: 50
Cost: 0 MP • Avail: 50
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45
WT: 5 • DUR: 25 • DR: 38
Insight 0 Moxie 2 Vigor 1 Flex 0
Insight 2 Moxie 1 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Movement Rate: Walker 4/12
Movement Rate: Walker 2/8, Winged 8/40
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Smell, Neo-Gorilla
Ware: Biomods, Claws, Cortical Stack, Direction
Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Feet Neo-gorillas benefit from enhanced
Sense, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts,
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1) cognition and upright stances like other
Prehensile Feet, Wings
Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 1) neo-hominids, though they are not as adept
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3),
at climbing. They stand roughly as tall as
Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 2) Neo-Neanderthal humans and have stronger and larger frames.
Notes: Beak/Claw Attack (DV 2d6), This morph is derived from fossilized
Small size ▶227 Neanderthal DNA, uplifted and enhanced
to transhuman equivalence. Neanderthal
Neo-Gorilla
Neo-Bonobo/ morphs appear muscular with a heavy bone Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 40
Neo-Chimpanzee structure, distinctively long skulls, heavy WT: 9 • DUR: 45 • DR: 68
Like other neo-hominids, uplifted bonobo brow ridges, and weak chins. Pale complex- Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 3 Flex 1
and chimpanzee morphs feature enhanced ions and red hair are common features.
intelligence and bipedal frames. Their Movement Rate: Walker 4/12
long arms and prehensile feet are a boon
for climbing and maneuvering in micro-
Neo-Neanderthal Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Smell,
Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Feet
gravity environments. They retain the Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 35
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1),
body hair of their forebears, though it is a WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53 Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 1)
common cultural practice to dye, stylize, or Insight 0 Moxie 1 Vigor 2 Flex 1
otherwise manipulate it. Transgenic vocal
systems allow them to speak as humans do. Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Morph Traits: Non-Human Biochemistry
(Level 1)

60¹ UPLIFT BIOMORPHS

 MAKING CHARACTERS
Neo-Octopus
Colloquially known as “octomorphs,” these
uplifted octopus sleeves are quite useful in
zero-gravity environments. They retain eight
arms, their chameleon ability to change skin
color, ink sacs, and a sharp beak. They also
have increased brain mass and longevity,
can breathe both air and water, and lack
a skeletal structure so they can squeeze
through tight spaces. Octomorphs typically
crawl along in zero gravity using their arm Neo-Orangutan
suckers and expelling air for propulsion; in Neo-orangutans have the same uplifted
low gravity they walk on two of their arms. features as their neo-hominid cousins.
Their eyes have been enhanced with color Compared to humans, their legs are
vision, provide a 360-degree field of vision, shorter and arms longer. Neo-orangutans
and rotationally adjust to keep the slit- tend to be more solitary than social.
shaped pupil aligned with “up.” A transgenic
vocal system allows them to speak. Neo-Orangutan
Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 35
Neo-Octopus
Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 35 WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53
Insight 1 Moxie 1 Vigor 2 Flex 0
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45
Insight 1 Moxie 1 Vigor 1 Flex 2 Movement Rate: Walker 4/12
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Smell,
Movement Rate: Swim 4/20, Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Feet
Thrust Vector 4/12, Walker 2/8 Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1),
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Biomods, Chameleon Limberness (Level 1), Non-Human
Skin, Cortical Stack, Gills, Mesh Inserts, Biochemistry (Level 1)
Polarization Vision Notes: Reach (+10)
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3),
Limberness (Level 2), Non-Human
Biochemistry (Level 2)
Notes: 8 prehensile arms, Beak Attack
(DV 1d10), Ink Attack (use Athletics,
blinding, 5-meter uniform area-effect in water
and micrograv)

UPLIFT BIOMORPHS
¾61
 SYNTHMORPH CHARACTERISTICS
SYNTHMORPHS Synthmorphs  —  as well as bots, vehicles, and similar shells  —  
Most synthmorph designs were originally intended to be robots,
share the following capabilities:
piloted by ALIs. Robot forms are optimized to suit their function, and
so a wide variety of body plans exist. Robots designed to interact with
MAKING CHARACTERS

transhumans often have biped or quadruped walker frames, to better Lack of Biological Functions
navigate transhuman dwellings and spaces, but were often distinctly Shells need not be bothered with trivialities like breathing,
non-human in appearance. Many feature a sort of symbolic “face,” to eating, defecating, aging, sleeping, or any similar minor but
give transhumans something to look at and interact with, but these crucial aspects of biological life. They are also immune to
were rarely realistic, so as to avoid uncanny-valley creepiness. toxins and pathogens. Synthmorphs are powered by nuclear
Since the Fall, more synthmorphs have been designed specifically and standard batteries, and sometimes solar power; for
for transhuman egos, as they are cheaper and quicker to make than game purposes, power is not an issue for them.
biomorphs. Without specialized robotic functions in mind, many
of these synthmorph designs feature anthropomorphic frames Pain Filter
(androids and gynoids) specifically tailored for egos used to human Synthmorphs can filter out their pain receptors so that they
forms, including heads and distinctive (though still non-realistic) are unhampered by wounds or physical damage. This allows
faces. As transhumanity grows accustomed to synthmorphs and them to ignore the −10 modifier from 1 wound (Wound
more creative, however, innovative and unusual synthmorph Effects ▶220 ), but they suffer −30 on any tactile-based
designs become more common-place. Perceive Tests and will not even notice they have been
damaged unless they succeed in a (modified) Perceive Test.

Immunity to Shock
Synthmorphs have no nervous system to disrupt, and their
optical electronics are carefully shielded from interference.
Shock attacks temporarily disrupt wireless radio communi-
cations, however, impeding all mesh actions until the end of
the next action turn.

Environmental Durability
Synthmorphs are built to withstand a wide range of envi-
ronments, from dusty Mars to the oceans of Europa to the
vacuum of space. They are unaffected by any but the most
extreme temperatures and atmospheric pressures. Treat as
cold tolerance ▶324 and vacuum sealing ▶325.

Toughness
Synthetic shells are made to last — a fact reflected in their
higher Durability and built-in Armor ratings. Their compo-
sition also makes their physical strikes more damaging;
unarmed strikes by shells inflict DV 2d6.

62¹ SYNTHMORPHS
 Case Dragonfly Synth
Cases are mass-produced robotic shells, an The dragonfly takes the shape of a meter- Synths are even more humanoid than
affordable resleeving option for the poor, long flexible shell with eight wings, four cases and of better quality. They are
though of notoriously poor quality. They are manipulator limbs, and a prehensile tail. commonly deployed for labor-intensive
available in many varieties to suit a client’s Capable of near-silent flight in Earth gravity, tasks in environments not suited for
taste. Most case morphs are anthropomor- dragonfly bots fare even better in micro- biomorphs or for people who need a
phic, with a thin framework body standing gravity. Their wings operate independently body quickly and cheaply or simply on a

MAKING CHARACTERS
just shorter than an average human. and can rotate, allowing for graceful transient basis. Most designs are anthropo-
maneuvering, hovering, and tight turns. morphic, though various alternatives exist,
Case including some based on uplift physiology.

Cost: 0 MP • Avail: 100 Dragonfly

Cost: 1 MP • Avail: 70 Synth
WT: 5 • DUR: 25 • DR: 50 Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 80
Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 0 WT: 5 • DUR: 25 • DR: 50
Insight 1 Moxie 0 Vigor 1 Flex 0 WT: 8 • DUR: 40 • DR: 80
Movement Rate: Walker 4/12 Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 1 Flex 1
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Movement Rate: Walker 2/8, Winged 8/32
Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1), Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain,
Inherent Flaws Prehensile Tail, Radar, Wings Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4) Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3) Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4), Small size ▶227 Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)
Spare
Spares are small, portable shells designed as Swarmanoid
a temporary replacement sleeve should your Swarmanoids are swarms composed of
primary morph be killed/destroyed. They hundreds of insect-sized microbots. Each
are common gear for gatecrashing missions. individual “bug” is capable of crawling,
Packed as a flat 15-centimeter disc, when rolling, hopping several meters, or using
activated they pop into a six-limbed spher- nanocopter fan blades for airlift. The
ical shape. Just plug your original cortical cyberbrain, cortical stack, and sensor
stack in and you are ready to go. Built-in systems are distributed throughout the
stress-management systems help survivors swarm. Though the swarm can “meld”
handle the trauma of their recent death. together into various loose shapes, it is
incapable of physical tasks like grabbing,
Spare lifting, or holding. Individual bots are
linked by radio and laser and are quite
Cost: 0 MP • Avail: 80 capable of interfacing with electronics.
WT: 3 • DUR: 15 • DR: 30 Swarmanoids follow swarm rules ▶344.
Insight 0 Moxie 1 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Swarmanoid
Movement Rate: Walker 4/12
Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 60
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack (optional),
Cyberbrain, Grip Pads, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, WT:  —  • DUR: 50 • DR: 100
Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Skinlink, Insight 2 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Stress Control
Movement Rate: Hopper 4/12, Rotor 4/20,
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Walker 2/8
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4), Small size ▶227
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Cortical
Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Mesh Inserts,
Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Notes: Swarm Attack (DV 1d6, ignores armor,
blinding), comes with specialized swarmanoid
hive ▶342

SYNTHMORPHS
¾63
MAKING CHARACTERS

Savant Galatea Slitheroid

Developed by brinker hardware hackers, This high-end shell was designed to Slitheroid shells take the form of a
savants feature neural-state enhancements increase the appeal and social acceptance humanoid torso with retractable arms atop
that make them appealing to engineers, of synthmorphs. Galateas look expensive a 2-meter-long segmented metallic snake.
scientists, and intellectuals. and their mental architecture is crafted Slitheroids use lateral undulation to move,
to enhance the wearer’s personality and though they can also pull themselves along
Savant charm. Though many media icons have
embraced this morph’s novelty, biochau-
by their arms or coil, twist, and roll their
bodies like a ball or hoop.
Cost: 4 MP • Avail: 50 vinists still view it as a monstrosity.
WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 70 Slitheroid
Insight 3 Moxie 0 Vigor 1 Flex 1 Galatea Cost: 5 MP • Avail: 50
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 Cost: 5 MP • Avail: 50
WT: 9 • DUR: 45 • DR: 90
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, WT: 8 • DUR: 40 • DR: 80 Insight 0 Moxie 1 Vigor 3 Flex 0
Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock Insight 1 Moxie 2 Vigor 1 Flex 1
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1) Movement Rate: Roller 8/32, Snake 4/12
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain,
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Chameleon Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics,
Skin, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Hearing, Lidar, Puppet Sock, Retracting Limbs
Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 2)
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1) Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)

64¹ SYNTHMORPHS
 MAKING CHARACTERS
Reaper
Arachnoid The reaper is a combat morph in the form
Arachnoid shells mimic the shapes of of an armored disc, so that it can turn
spiders, termites, ants, beetles, and and present a thin profile to an enemy.
other arthropods. Three or four sets of Four legs/manipulating arms and four
pneumatic limbs are capable of rotating weapon pods are folded inside its frame.
around their meter-long torso, and an It uses vector-thrust nozzles to maneuver
additional set of manipulator arms near in microgravity and also takes advantage
the head enables fine manipulation and of an ionic drive for fast movement over
tool use. Arachnoids move by walking, distance. Reapers are infamous due to
hopping, extending omnidirectional military sims and Fall XPs; bringing one
mini-wheels for skating movement, or by into most habitats will undoubtedly raise
retracting their limbs and maneuvering eyebrows if not get you arrested.
with vectored-air thrusters in microgravity.
Reaper
Arachnoid Cost: 12 MP • Avail: 10
Cost: 6 MP • Avail: 40
WT: 12 • DUR: 60 • DR: 120
Steel Morph WT: 11 • DUR: 55 • DR: 110 Insight 1 Moxie 0 Vigor 6 Flex 1
Like the galatea, this upscale shell was Insight 1 Moxie 0 Vigor 3 Flex 0
designed to counter biochauvinist Movement Rate: Hopper 4/20, Ionic 8/40,
attitudes and make synthmorphs more Movement Rate: Thrust Vector 8/40, Walker 4/20
appealing. Where the galatea is optimized Hopper 4/12, Thrust Vector 8/40, Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Anti-
for social interaction, steel morphs provide Walker 4/20, Wheeled 8/40 Glare, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Enhanced
enhanced physical capabilities for both Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Vision, Magnetic System, Mesh Inserts,
work and recreation.
Lidar, Magnetic System, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Pneumatics, Puppet Sock, Radar,
Mnemonics, Pneumatics, Puppet Sock, Retracting Limbs, T-Ray Emitter, Weapon
Steel Morph Retracting Limbs Mount (Articulated, 4)
Cost: 5 MP • Avail: 50 Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3) Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
WT: 8 • DUR: 40 • DR: 80 Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6) Notes: Heavy Frame (Armor 12/10)
Insight 0 Moxie 1 Vigor 3 Flex 1
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain,
Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)
Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6)

SYNTHMORPHS
¾65
 FLEXBOT Fighter Module
Flexbots are modular and customizable, demolition, excavation, manufacturing, These modules are combat-oriented.
each composed of one or more modules construction, or robotics assembly.
that interlock in various shapes and
configurations. Individual modules are
Flexbots can also incorporate any robot
with Modular Design ware as modules.
Fighter Module
MAKING CHARACTERS

specialized towards specific functions and All flexbots have the following stats, Cost: 3 MP • Avail: 60
also capable of transforming into a variety plus the stats for their module type: WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 60
of shapes and mechanisms. They have Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 1 Flex 0
4 limbs in their default configurations. All Flexbots
Independent modules are only the size Ware: Pneumatics, Weapon Mount (2)
of a large dog, but multiple flexbots can Movement Rate: Thrust Vector 8/40, Common Shape Adjustments: Enhanced Vision,
join together for larger mass operations, Walker 4/12 Light Combat Armor, Radar, T-Ray Emitter,
even taking on heavy-duty tasks such as and ranged weapons
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain,
Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Modular
FLEXBOT RULES Design, Puppet Sock, Shape Adjusting Rogue Module
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3) Rogues are optimized for stealth and
Each flexbot is considered a single entity
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4), Small size covert activities.
for rules purposes, no matter how many
modules it has. Though the full range of
flexbot possibilities is beyond the scope Crafter Module
Crafters are engineer modules, specialized
Rogue Module
of this book, apply the following rules and Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 60
keep an eye on past and future Eclipse in construction and fabrication.
Phase supplements: WT: 4 • DUR: 20 • DR: 40
Crafter Module Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 1 Flex 0
• Choose one module to hold the ego — this Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 60
module controls the others. Ware: Chameleon Skin, Radar Absorbent
• (Dis)connecting a module is a complex WT: 4 • DUR: 20 • DR: 40 Common Shape Adjustments: Dazzler,
action and requires an Integration Test ▶288 . Insight 1 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 0 Enhanced Vision, Fiber Eye, Fractal Digits,
Modules not physically connected are handled Magnetic System, Nanoscopic Vision, T-Ray
as remote operation ▶346 . Ware: Engineer Swarm Hive, Fixer Swarm Hive Emitter, Weapon Mount
• When modules are combined, use their Common Shape Adjustments: Enhanced Vision,
combined pools. Disassembly Tools, Fractal Digits, Nanoscopic
• Modules must all be using the same mobility Vision, Tool Kit, T-Ray Emitter, and Utilimod Wizard Module
system or Movement Rate is halved. Wizard modules specialize in infosec and
• A flexbot with 3–4 modules is medium­- communications tasks.
sized; 5–9 large; 10 or more very large.
• A flexbot’s Armor Value equals the average Wizard Module
of its modules’ AVs. Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 60
• A flexbot’s DUR equals the combined DUR
of its modules. WT: 4 • DUR: 20 • DR: 40
• Wound Threshold equals DUR  ÷  5 and Insight 1 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Death Rating equals DUR × 2.
• Damage is applied evenly among modules. If Ware: Radio Booster, Sniffer App, Tracker App
a detached module has damage exceeding Common Shape Adjustments: Electrical Sense,
its Wound Threshold, a wound can be Enhanced Vision, Laser Link, Nanodetector,
assigned to it. Distinct modules can be Skinlink, Utilitool
targeted with called shots.
• Robots of varying sizes may be integrated
as modules. Small bots count as full
modules. Treat 5 very small bots as 1
module; only apply a pool bonus (equal to
one bot’s pools) if there are at least five of
the same type. A medium bot counts as 3
modules, a large bot as 5 modules, and a
very large bot as 10 modules. Average their
AV scores (taking into account the bots
count as multiple modules) and combine
DUR as defined above.
• Bonuses from some traits and ware only
apply if every module in the flexbot has them
(e.g., chameleon skin); use common sense.

66¹ SYNTHMORPHS: FLEXBOT

 INFOMORPHS
Infomorphs are digital-only forms  —  they lack a physical body. They are software mind-states
on which living egos are run, though they may be limited by the capabilities of the hardware
that supports them. Rules for infomorphs can be found on ▶252.

MAKING CHARACTERS
Digimorph
Digimorphs are bare-bones mind emulations, though customizable and widely
used. By default, an ego that evacuates (or is forked from) a cyberbrain is run
on a digimorph, unless another infomorph option is available.

Digimorph
Cost: 0 MP • Avail: 100
WT: 5 • DUR: 25 • DR: 50
Insight 0 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Ware: Mnemonics
Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3)

Ikon
Designed for online performers, media icons, and social networkers, this info-
morph is coded to enhance charisma and social skills.

Ikon
Cost: 1 MP • Avail: 100
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 60
Insight 1 Moxie 3 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Ware: Copylock, Memory Lock, Mnemonics
Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3)

Agent
Popular with network security specialists, penetration testers, and hackers, this
infomorph is optimized for infosec roles.

Agent
Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 100
WT: 8 • DUR: 40 • DR: 80
Insight 4 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 0
Ware: Enhanced Security, E-Veil, Mnemonics
Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3)

Operator
This infomorph is ideal for professions that involve drone remote operation,
whether maintenance bot fleets, surveillance drones, or fighter craft and
combat machines.
Operator
Cost: 2 MP • Avail: 100
WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 70
Insight 3 Moxie 0 Vigor 0 Flex 1
Ware: Drone Rig, Mnemonics, Oracles
Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3)

INFOMORPHS
¾67
 GEAR PACKS
Every character receives two gear packs during character creation. These gear packs can also be used as an easy way to assign gear for
The first of these is according to your type of campaign: Firewall, new missions during gameplay (Acquiring Gear ▶312).
criminal, or gatecrashing. The second is based on the profession All starting gear includes the physical gear item and the digital
MAKING CHARACTERS

chosen in Step 2. blueprint for nanofabrication.

The gear provided in these packs is optional. If there is another Free Muse: Every character starts with a muse ALI ▶250 for free.
piece of gear you want your character to have  —  whether from another Infomorphs: The gear packs are built with embodied characters
gear pack or from listings in the Gear  chapter ▶310— then simply in mind. If you have chosen an infomorph, some of it may not work
swap it out with gear from your packs of an equivalent GP value. with your concept. In this case, you can either adopt the optional
infomorph gear pack or switch out the gear you can’t use for mesh-
ware, apps, services, bots, etc. of an equivalent GP.

CAMPAIGN PACKS
Firewall Agent/Criminal
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Anonymizer Min/1 Masks your mesh ID. 315
Armor Vest (Light)* Min/1 AV 4/10. Concealable. 215
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Forged ID and back history, with its own rep scores. 315
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30. 210
Smart Clothing* Min/1 Can change color, texture, and cut. +10 Infiltrate, +30 covered and stationary. 317
TacNet App Mod/2 Share tactical data in real-time. 327
VPN App Min/1 Creates virtual private network. 326

*Synthmorph Alternative
Anti-Glare Min/1 No glare modifiers. 318
Industrial Armor Min/1 AV +6/+4. 214

Gatecrashing
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Autocook* Min/1 Fab food and drink only. 343
Electronic Rope Min/1 Controllable rope. 341
Healing Spray* Min/1 Heals 1d10 damage per hour for 12 hours. 342
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30. 210
Portable SolArchive Min/1 Enable Research Tests related to one Know skill while isolated from mesh. 340
Standard Vacsuit* Maj/3 As smart clothes, protects from vacuum, 48 hours air, AV 8/6. 341
TacNet App Mod/2 Share tactical data in real-time. 327

*Synthmorph Alternative
Anti-Glare Min/1 No glare modifiers. 318
Industrial Armor Min/1 AV +6/+4. 214
Medichines Maj/3 Ignore 1 wound, heal faster, drug/toxin effect/duration halved. 322

Optional Pack: Infomorph

Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Drone Rig Mod/2 Ignore the –10 modifier when jamming. 320
Enhanced Security Mod/2 –10 Infosec to hack, –30 in defensive mode but no Insight pool and –3 INIT. 326
Exploit App Mod/R/2 Hacking library tool. 326
Private Server Min/1 Private server, self-administrated. 315
Gnat Min/1 Surveillance rotorcraft. Small size. 349
Guardian Angel Mod/2 Personal defense rotorcraft. Small size. 347

68¹ Gear Packs • Campaign Packs

PROFESSION PACKS
Academic
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Creepy Bot Min/1 Worn companion bot. Small size. 348

MAKING CHARACTERS
Holographic Projector Min/1 Projects 3D, HD, ultra-realistic images/video. +20 to Perceive as fake w/in 20 m. 317
Microcar Mod/2 One-person two-wheeler. 350
Multi-Tasking Mod/2 Focus on 2 things at once. +1 Insight. 320
Neem (5 doses) Min/1 +20 COG Check for recall of memories learned while on Neem. 331
Portable SolArchive Min/1 Enable Research Tests related to one Know skill while isolated from mesh. 340
Servitor Bot Min/1 Common helper/cook/janitor bots. 348
Simulspace Min/1 Access to a VR space. 315

Covert Operative
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Chameleon Cloak Mod/2 Camouflage, +10 Infiltrate, +30 stationary. 338
Cleaner Swarm Min/1 Cleans, eliminates forensic evidence. 345
Covert Operations Tool Maj/R/3 Bypasses locks, cuts/repairs holes, Hardware: Electronics 60 vs. electronic locks, more. 338
Microbug Min/1 Micro-sized camera/audio recorder. 338
Skinflex* Mod/2 Disguise face, skin, hair. +30 to impersonation/disguise Deceive Tests. 321
Spy Nanoswarm Min/1 Surveillance, Perceive 60. 345

*Synthmorph Alternative
Synthetic Mask Mod/2 Faux skin for synthmorph. +30 disguise-based Deceive Tests. 321

Enforcer
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Aggro (5 doses) Min/1 +20 Provoke to intimidate/taunt, –20 other social tests. 331
Claws Min/1 DV 2d6, concealable. 204
Flex Cutter Min/1 Flexible blade, DV 1d10 + 3, concealable. 204
Grin (5 doses) Min/1 Ignore 1 wound. 331
Muscle Augmentation Maj/3 Muscles enhanced with myofibers. +1d6 DV melee, +10 SOM Checks. 322
Shock Glove Min/1 DV 1d6, Shock, Touch-Only. 204
Shredder Mod/R/2 Flechette gun, DV 2d10 + 6, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 100, Range 25, Two-Handed. 209

Explorer
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Breadcrumb System Min/1 Leaves mote trail for meshing/positioning. 336
Direction Sense Min/1 Innate sense of direction and distance. 318
Enhanced Vision Mod/2 Tetrachromatic vision, wider frequency range, better focus. +10 vision Perceive Tests. 318
Mission Recorder Min/1 Backs up all mission data. 336
Pressure Tent Mod/2 Self-erecting shelter for 4, built-in breather. 341
Saucer Min/1 Spinning disc recon drone. Small size. 349
Scout Missile Mod/2 Maps 5 km radius or 10 km in one direction in 20 minutes, Perceive 60. 340

Gear Packs • PROFESSION PACKS

¾69
 Face/Dealer
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Enhanced Hearing Min/1 Hear higher and lower frequencies. +10 hearing-based Perceive. 318
MAKING CHARACTERS

Guardian Angel Mod/2 Personal defense rotorcraft. Small size. 347

Medium Fabber Mod/2 Fab small items. 343
Nanodetector Min/1 Detects nanobots, Exotic Skill: Nanobot Detection 40 (70 w/active swarm), Know: Nanotech 60. 342
Neuromodulation Mod/2 Control over neurotransmitters and emotions. +1 Moxie. 321
Smart Hawk Min/1 Used for surveillance. 328
Stiff (5 doses) Min/1 +10 SAV/WIL Checks vs. Persuade/Provoke, Enhanced Behavior: Stubborn (Level 2). 335

Genehacker
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Archive Min/1 +10 Research Tests related to one Know skill. 315
Dino Pet Min/1 Genehacked dinosaur pets. 328
Fokus (5 doses) Min/1 Enhanced Behavior: Obsessive (2), reduce timeframes 25%. 331
Medichines Maj/3 Ignore 1 wound, heal faster, drug/toxin effect/duration halved. 322
Pusher Swarm Min/R/1 + drug/toxin Exposes biomorphs to drug/toxin. 345
Specimen Container Min/1 Holds samples in stasis conditions. 340
Tools (Kit) Min/1 Portable, applies to specific skill. 317
Twitch (5 doses) Min/R/1 –20 actions, SOM Check vs. incapacitation. 335

Hacker
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Exploit App Mod/R/2 Hacking library tool. 326
Gray Box Min/1 Establishes a wireless mesh link. 338
Radio Booster Min/1 Extends radio ranges, 25/250km range. 336
Sniffer App Mod/2 Collect/view traffic between two systems. 326
Spoofer App Mod/R/2 Fake transmissions and mesh IDs. 326
Tracker App Mod/2 Trace connections. 326

Investigator
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Biometric Matcher Min/1 Match biometric patterns. 326
Brainprint Scanner Min/1 Scans brainprint in 5 minutes. 338
Cuffband Min/1 Electronic handcuffs, remote operation, shock attack DV 1d6. 338
Klar (5 doses) Min/1 +10 Perceive, no distraction modifiers. 331
Microbug Min/1 Micro-sized camera/audio recorder. 338
Oracles Mod/2 Negate distraction modifiers. 318
Scout Nanoswarm Min/1 Maps area, collects forensic evidence, Know: Chemistry 60, Medicine: Forensics 60. 345
Speck Min/1 Insectoid spy bots. Very small size. 349
Spy Nanoswarm Min/1 Surveillance, Perceive 60. 345

Medic
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Docbot Maj/3 Medical bot. 347
Healing Spray Min/1 Heals 1d10 damage per hour for 12 hours. 342
Healing Vat Maj/3 Heal/cure biomorphs, customize/augment morph. 342
Meds (5 doses) Mod/2 Heals 1d10 damage per hour or 1 wound per day. 332
Med Scanner Min/1 Scans health, diagnosis w/Medicine at 60, detect nanobots as nanodetector. 342

70¹ Gear Packs • PROFESSION PACKS

Mindhacker
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Comfurt (5 doses) Min/1 +5 LUC, +1 TT, +5 IR. 332
Eelware Min/1 DV 1d6, shock effect, touch-only. 204

MAKING CHARACTERS
Ego Bridge Mod/2 Upload from/download to biological brains. 342
Fokus (5 doses) Min/1 Enhanced Behavior: Obsessive (2), reduce timeframes 25%. 331
Multi-Tasking Mod/2 Focus on 2 things at once. +1 Insight. 320
Private Server Mod/2 Private server, managed by others. 315
Servitor Min/1 Common helper/cook/janitor bots. 348

Scavenger
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Breadcrumb System Min/1 Leaves mote trail for meshing/positioning. 336
Diamond Axe Min/1 DV 2d10 + 3, armor-piercing, reach, two-handed. 204
Disassembly Tools Mod/2 Heavy and smart tools for taking things apart. 340
Guardian Swarm Mod/2 Disables other swarms; both swarms take DV 5 per turn. 345
Nanodetector Min/1 Detects nanobots, Exotic Skill: Nanobot Detection 40 (70 w/active swarm), Know: Nanotech 60. 342
Orbital Hash (5 doses) Min/1 Ignore 1 trauma, –10 Know Tests/memory-related COG Checks. 334
Robomule Mod/2 Gear-hauling bot. 349

Scientist
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Enhanced Vision Mod/2 Tetrachromatic vision, wider frequency range, better focus. +10 vision Perceive Tests. 318
Mind Amp Maj/3 Accelerates mind. +2 Insight. 320
Mission Recorder Min/1 Backs up all mission data. 336
Pocket Lab Mod/2 Analyze gases, liquids, materials, Know: Chemistry 60. 340
Servitor Min/1 Common helper/cook/janitor bots. 348
Specimen Container Min/1 Holds samples in stasis conditions. 340

Soldier
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Assault Rifle Railgun Mod/R/2 DV 2d10 + 2, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 90 + 1, Range 150, Armor-Piercing, Long, Two-Handed. 210
Enhanced Vision Mod/2 Tetrachromatic vision, wider frequency range, better focus. +10 vision Perceive Tests. 318
Grin (5 doses) Min/1 Ignore 1 wound. 331
Meds (5 doses)* Mod/2 Heals 1d10 damage per hour or 1 wound per day. 332
Neurachem Maj/3 Enhanced synapses and neurotransmitters. +2 Vigor. 322
*Synthmorph Alternative
Fixer Swarm Mod/2 Repairs 1d10 damage per hour or 1 wound per day for 4 days. 345

Techie
Gear Complexity/GP Description Page
Automech Mod/2 Repair bot. 349
Electrical Sense Min/1 Sense electrical fields w/in 5 m. 318
Fixer Swarm Mod/2 Repairs DV 1d10 per hour or 1 wound per day for 5 days. 345
Fokus (5 doses) Min/1 Enhanced Behavior: Obsessive (2), reduce timeframes 25%. 331
Medium Fabber Mod/2 Fab small items. 343
Tools (Kit) Min/1 Portable, applies to specific skill. 317
Utilitool Min/1 All-purpose smart-material tool. 317

Gear Packs • PROFESSION PACKS

¾71
 POSITIVE EGO TRAITS
Trait CP Cost Effect
TRAITS Acumen
Adaptability
1/2/3 +5 per level to COG Checks.
2/4 Easier resleeving. +10 per level to Integration and Resleeving Stress Tests.
Most traits provide modifiers in certain situ-
Allies 4 A group supports you. Free moderate favor per session.
ations. Ego traits are purchased during char- Animal Empathy 1 +10 to Exotic Skill: Animal Handling and similar tests.
acter creation (or possibly with Rez points) Common Sense 2 Once per session, may ask GM for best advice.
MAKING CHARACTERS

and stay with the character. Morph traits apply Composure 2 +5 LUC, +1 Trauma Threshold, +10 Insanity Rating.
only to the morph in question and impact the Contact 1 +10 to Rep Tests with one network when using contact. May be taken
MP available when resleeving. multiple times.
Some traits have multiple costs, repre- Danger Sense 1 +10 to Perceive Tests to avoid surprise.
senting different levels. A trait with a CP Cost Direction Sense 1 Always know north/up/spinward/etc. +10 to tests involving navigation.
of 1/2/3 costs 1 CP at Level 1, 2 CP at Level 2, Dominant Strain 2 Asyncs only. +10 vs. exsurgent virus,
and 3 CP at Level 3. higher dependent upon Infection Rating.
Unless otherwise noted, traits may only be Drone Affinity 1 No Integration Tests when jamming drones.
taken once. Trait modifiers stack with other Empathy 1/2/3 +5 per level to SAV Checks.
modifiers, unless otherwise specified. Expert Training 2 May start with one skill over 80, up to 90 maximum.
Fitness 1/2/3 +5 per level to SOM Checks.
POSITIVE TRAITS Good Instinct
Hardening
1/2/3 +5 per level to INT Checks.
1 Immune to stress from either alienation, helplessness, or violence (p. 72).
Positive traits have a CP or MP Cost and –10 to WIL Checks and Persuade Tests. May be taken multiple times for
provide bonuses. different types of stress.
Hyper Linguistics 1/2/3 +10 per level to INT Checks to understand languages you don’t know.
Acumen CP/MP Cost: 1/2/3 Morph Familiarity 1 No Integration Tests sleeving one chosen morph type.
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait Pain Tolerance 2/4 Ignore 1 wound modifier per level.
You have a keen intellect. Add +5 per level to Patron 6 An influential person backs you up. One free major favor per story arc.
your COG Checks. Psi 2/4 May use Psi skill and sleights. See text for additional rules.
Psi Camouflage 1/2 –10 to detect with psi per level.
Adaptability Psi Defense 1/2 +10 to resist psi per level.
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2/4 Quickness 1/2/3 +5 per level to REF Checks.
You adjust to new morphs quickly. Apply a Resolve 1/2/3 +5 per level to WIL Checks.
+10 modifier per level for Integration and Resources 2/4/6/8 Wealth to acquire gear. See text.
Situational Awareness 1 No distracted modifier.
Resleeving Stress Tests ▶288.
Spatial Visualization 2 +10 to Know and Technical Tests involving 3D visualization.
Stalwart 1/2/3 +10 to WIL Checks vs. fear.
Allies Superior Numeracy 2/4 +10 per level to Know and Technical Tests involving math.
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 4 Zoosemiotics 1 No modifier using psi on non- or partly-sapient animals.
You are either part of or have a relationship
with a group that has your back. This could be
your old gatecrashing crew, former research
lab co-workers, a criminal gang, a mercenary
squad, an elite social clique, or something POSITIVE MORPH TRAITS
similar. The group itself should be small — 5 Trait MP Cost Effect
to 20 members is best, and certainly no more Acumen 1/2/3 +5 per level to COG Checks.
than 50 — though it may be part of a larger Digital Speed 1 Mesh task timeframes reduced 25%. Infomorphs only.
organization (such as a cartel or hypercorp). Empathy 1/2/3 +5 per level to SAV Checks.
It should also not be overly influential or Fitness 1/2/3 +5 per level to SOM Checks.
powerful (no Ozma leaders, hypercorp boards, Good Instincts 1/2/3 +5 per level to INT Checks.
Improved Immune System 1/2 +10 per level to resist chemicals, disease, drugs, and toxins. Biomorphs only.
or secret league of oligarchs). Work with your
Innocuous Looks 1 Bland. –10 to identify/spot/remember.
GM to establish your history and relationship
Lethal 1 +1d6 DV in melee.
with this group and why you can call on them Limberness 1/2 +10 per level to escape bonds, fit into small spaces, contort, etc.
for aid. Natural Immunity 1 Immunity to one specific drug, chemical, or toxin. Biomorphs only.
Once per session, you may rely on this Pain Tolerance 2/4 Ignore 1 wound modifier per level.
group for support. Treat this as analogous Psi Camouflage 1/2 –10 to detect with psi per level. Bio-brained morphs only.
to an automatically successful moderate rep Psi Defense 1/2 +10 to resist psi per level. Bio-brained morphs only.
favor  ▶308. Your connection with this group Quickness 1/2/3 +5 per level to REF Checks.
is a two-way street  —  you will be expected to Rapid Healing 1 Heal twice as fast. Biomorphs only.
perform duties for the group on occasion as Resolve 1/2/3 +5 per level to WIL Checks.
well. GMs should take care that allies are not Skill Artifact 1/2 +10 to one GM-chosen skill per level.
overused or abused and can use them as a Striking Looks 1/2 +10 on Persuade and Provoke Tests where looks matter.
source of plot hooks and side missions. Toughness 2/4 +5 DUR, also impacts WT and DR, see text.

72¹ Traits • POSITIVE TRAITS

 MAKING CHARACTERS
Animal Empathy Danger Sense
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1 ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1
You have an instinctive feel for handling and working with You possess an intuitive sixth sense that warns of imminent threats.
non-sapient animals. Apply a +10 modifier to Exotic Skill: Animal It provides a +10 modifier to Perceive Tests to avoid surprise ▶227.
Handling and other skill tests to influence or interact with animals.
Digital Speed
Common Sense ▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2 This trait is only available to infomorphs. Unfettered by the physical,
Your innate sense of judgment cuts through distractions and other you reduce timeframes for mesh-based task actions by 25%; this is
factors that might cloud a decision. Once per game session, you may cumulative with reduced time from superior successes.
ask the GM what choice to make or course of action to take; the
GM will give you solid advice based on what your character knows. Direction Sense
Alternatively, if you are about to make a disastrous decision, the ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1
GM can use your free hint to warn you that you are making a grave You always know which way is up, north, spinward, etc., even when
mistake. blinded. You receive a +10 modifier to navigation-based Survival
Tests and other skills for figuring out complex directions, reading
Composure maps, remembering routes, and retracing paths you’ve taken.
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2
Your mental equilibrium is well tuned. You receive a +5 bonus to Dominant Strain
your Lucidity. This also affects derived stats based on Lucidity; ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2
increase your Trauma Threshold by 1 and your Insanity Rating This trait is only available to characters with the Psi trait. The Watts-
by 10. MacLeod strain is possessive and aggressively resists infection
attempts from other exsurgent strains. You receive a +10 modifier
Contact to resist exsurgent virus infection. Increase this to +20 if your
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1 Infection Rating is 33 or more, +30 if it is 66 or more.
You have a personal connection that you can rely on. This contact
gives you a +10 modifier to tests with one particular rep network. Drone Affinity
You should work with your GM to establish the nature of this ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1
contact and why they help you. The GM ensures that a contact is not You have an innate knack for jamming drones. You do not need to
overused or abused and may have a contact occasionally call upon make Integration Tests when remotely operating a drone.
you for assistance as well. You may take this trait multiple times.

Traits • Positive Traits

¾73
 Empathy Limberness
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 1/2/3 ▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1/2
You instinctively relate to others. Apply a +5 modifier per level to The morph is especially flexible and supple, capable of graceful
SAV Checks. contortions and interesting positions. At Level 1 , you can do the
splits, smoke with your toes, and squeeze into small, cramped
MAKING CHARACTERS

Expert Training spaces. At Level 2, you are a double-jointed escape artist. Apply a
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2 +10 modifier per level to escape bonds, fit into small spaces, contort,
You have received extensive training in one particular subject. You or otherwise rely on flexibility.
may raise one skill over 80, to a maximum of 90, during character
creation. This trait does not actually increase the skill, it just raises Morph Familiarity
the maximum. ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1
You are accustomed to one specific type of morph (e.g., bouncers,
Fitness rusters, agents, or flexbots) and do not need to make Integration
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 1/2/3 Tests when sleeving them. You may take this trait more than once
Either your morph is in top shape or you excel at pushing it to its for different morphs.
limits. You receive +5 per level to SOM Checks.
Natural Immunity
Good Instincts ▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 1/2/3 This trait is only available to biomorphs. The morph has a natural
Your gut feelings are on target. You get +5 per level to INT Checks. immunity to a specific drug, disease, or toxin. When afflicted with
that specific chemical, poison, or pathogen, you are unaffected.
Hardening Work with your GM to select an appropriate agent; this immunity
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1 may not be applied to nanodrugs or nanotoxins.
You are accustomed to trauma, but it has scarred you. You are
immune to stress from either alienation, helplessness, or violence Pain Tolerance
(choose one). However, your WIL Check is reduced by 10 and you ▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 2/4
suffer a –10 modifier on Persuade Tests. This trait may be taken You have a high threshold for pain, enabling you to shrug off the
multiple times for different types of stress; modifiers are cumulative. effects of pain on your abilities and concentration. You ignore the
–10 modifier for 1 wound per level. This trait is compatible with
Hyper Linguistics other pain-resistant effects, but a maximum of 3 wound effects may
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1/2/3 be ignored.
You have a natural gift with linguistic structures and syntax. You
receive a +10 modifier to INT Checks per level to grasp the general Patron
meaning or intent of communication spoken in languages you ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 6
don’t know  —  even alien tongues. This trait provides no bonuses to There is an influential person in your life who can be relied on
written texts or non-verbal communications (such as Factor spores). for occasional support. This could be a wealthy hyperelite family
member, a high-ranking triad boss, or an anarchist networker with
Improved Immune System an unbeatable reputation. When called upon, this patron can pull
▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1/2 strings, supply resources, make introductions, or bail you out of
This trait is only available to biomorphs. Your immune system is trouble. Work with your GM to define this NPC, your relationship,
robust. Apply a +10 modifier per level to resist the effects of chemi- and why they support you (familial obligation? childhood buddies?
cals, diseases, drugs, and toxins. you saved their life once?).
The patron provides one free major favor ▶308 per story arc, no
Innocuous Looks test necessary. GMs should be careful that this trait does not get
▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1 abused. Smaller favors are beneath the patron’s concern. If the
Thanks to mass-produced designs and sculpted media-star character asks for too much, too often, the patron’s support may dry
composite visages, your cookie-cutter looks are so mundane as to be up. On occasion, the patron may call upon the character for favors
indistinguishable. It is difficult to pick your common-place face out as well.
of the crowd, describe its appearance, or otherwise remember phys-
ical details. Apply a –10 modifier to tests made to spot, describe, or Psi
remember you; this does not apply to psi or mesh searches. This ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2/4
trait may not be applied to any morph with an Availability lower You are infected with the Watts-MacLeod strain of the exsurgent
than 50. virus, which altered your brain structure and enhanced your
cognitive abilities. You may learn the Psi skill ▶51 and purchase psi
Lethal abilities, called sleights (▶280 and 282). At Level 1, you may only use
▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1 psi-chi sleights. At Level 2, the character may use both psi-chi and
This morph inflicts more damage in melee combat. Add +1d6 DV to psi-gamma sleights.
all melee damage rolls. Psi is not without drawbacks. You must also take a negative trait
according to your sub-strain ▶273 at no CP bonus. This required trait
does not count towards trait CP limits.

74¹ Traits • Positive Traits

Psi Camouflage Resources can also apply as a modifier for certain tests. For
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 1/2 example, if you attempt to bribe a triad goon or use your credit
You are more difficult to detect with psi sensing. Apply a –10 modi- score to arrange a meeting with a potential business partner, apply
fier per level to any attempts to locate or detect you via psi sleights. a +10 modifier for each level of Resources you possess.
The morph trait may only be taken by morphs with biological brains. While Resources is an abstract measurement, players and GMs
should use it as a rough benchmark for a character’s personal assets

MAKING CHARACTERS
Psi Defense and lifestyle. A character with Level 1 might have their own cubicle
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 1/2 in a beehive hab or a small apartment in a Martian dome or O’Neill
Your mind is inherently resistant to mental attacks and manipu- cylinder’s working class areas, and they get around by bike or public
lations. Apply a +10 modifier per level to defense rolls against psi transit. A character with Level 2 Resources might have a private
sleights. The morph trait is only available to morphs with biolog- residence on a small station or a condo in a larger hab, as well as a
ical brains. minicar or cycle to get around. A character with Level 3 could have
a large residential complex or multiple homes, plus one or more
Quickness vehicles. A Level 4 character is rich and might own a small private
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 1/2/3 hab and even their own shuttle.
Either your morph is dexterous or you take full advantage of its Your Resources trait may be affected by events in game. If your
nimbleness. Apply +5 per level to REF Checks. home is destroyed or you come across a secret cache of riches, the
GM should adjust your trait level accordingly. You must pay the
Rapid Healing extra cost in Rez Points if your trait goes up, but you receive an RP
▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1 credit if your wealth goes down.
This trait is only available to biomorphs. The morph recovers from In desperate circumstances, you may also intentionally burn your
damage more quickly. Reduce the timeframes for healing ▶221 by half. Resources to refresh your weekly GP to get something you urgently
need (or get it more quickly). This represents the expenditure of all
Resolve or major portions of your assets with no hope of reclaiming them
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Cost: 1/2/3 and no RP reimbursement. The GM should reduce your Resources
You are unwavering and firm. Receive +5 per level to WIL Checks. trait level by an amount appropriate to the transaction.

Resources Situational Awareness

▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2/4/6/8 ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1
You have a measure of money, assets, and/or other wealth, as used You maintain continuous partial awareness of the goings-on in
in the inner system, hypercorp, Jovian, and Extropian polities. your immediate environment. You do not suffer the Distracted
This provides bonus Morph Points and Gear Points equal to the modifier on Perceive Tests to notice things even when your atten-
trait's level when acquiring morphs ▶290 and gear ▶312. It also tion is focused elsewhere or when making quick Perceive Tests
gives you a regular amount of disposable income to purchase gear during combat.
during missions.
At Level 1, you can spend up to 2 GP per week on Minor Skill Artifact
complexity items given the appropriate time frame. ▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1/2
At Level 2, you can spend up to 3 GP per week on Minor or The morph has latent skills stored in its muscle memory or as high-
Moderate complexity items given the appropriate time frame. er-level data that somehow does not get erased or overwritten. The
At Level 3, you can spend up to 5 GP per week on items of any GM chooses or randomly selects a skill; it is recommended to pick a
complexity, given the appropriate time frame. skill linked to the morph’s highest pool. You receive a +10 modifier
Level 4 is the same as Level 3, except that you also have the per level when using that skill. This trait may be purchased multiple
capability to make even Rare and Restricted items available (at the times for different skills.
gamemaster's discretion).
In most cases, acquiring the gear is simply a matter of exploiting Spatial Visualization
your Resources trait and waiting the proper amount of time, ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2
assuming the desired item is available (Acquiring Gear During You have a knack for conceptualizing dimensions, distances,
Missions ▶312). At the GM’s discretion, however, using Resources volumes, and shapes. You receive a +10 modifier for any Know or
may require an appropriate Persuade Test (to convince another Technical skill tests involving 3D visualization.
party to part ways with the item) or perhaps a Research Test (to find
a source). Stalwart
Levels 3 and 4 of this trait imply an amount of resources that ▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1/2/3
deems you wealthy. To reflect this, you can use 2 of your weekly You laugh at fear. Apply a +10 modifier per level to WIL Checks and
GP in conjunction with a Flex point for narrative control to say that other tests that involve resisting fear.
you have a Moderate gear item immediately on hand in your home/
vehicle/personal possessions. You must have access to your personal
possessions and (as with all uses of Flex for narrative control) the
item must be plausible.

Traits • Positive Traits

¾75
 NEGATIVE TRAITS
Negative traits provide a CP or MP bonus and impair you.

Addiction
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/4
MAKING CHARACTERS

You have a pathological reliance on a drug ▶330, stimulus (e.g., XP,

VR), or activity (e.g., mesh use, dying) to a degree that impacts your
physical or mental health. Addiction comes in two forms: mental
(affecting the ego) and physical (affecting the biomorph). Work with
your GM to choose an addiction that is appropriate for your game.
You must indulge in your addiction at a regular frequency
according to the level or go into withdrawal. Withdrawal inflicts a
–10 modifier per level.
Level 1: Once per week. Your minor addiction is largely kept
under control  —  it does not ruin your life, though it may create diffi-
culties. You may not even recognize or admit you have a problem.
Level 2: Once per day. Your moderate addiction is in full swing
and often causes you to neglect other aspects of your life.
Level 3: Once per 6 hours. You face major cravings, live for your
next fix, and are on the road to ruin.
Addiction is triggered in the same way as disorders ▶224. Triggers
include the presence of the addiction's focus, fear, frustration, help-
lessness, and violence.
Every addiction takes different forms, depending on the char-
acter and source. Long-term addiction may result in physical or
mental damage (impairment modifiers or reductions to SOM
Checks or WIL Checks) and may build up tolerance, requiring
higher dosages. At the GM’s discretion, you may need to make WIL
Checks to avoid raising the addiction level. Withdrawal may also
inflict additional effects such as mood swings, compulsive behavior,
or physical sickness.
You may kick the habit by staying clean for 1 week per level.
Resisting the craving, however, requires a WIL Check every day,
Striking Looks modified by the source’s addiction modifier. Once the addiction is
▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 1/2 kicked, however, there is always the possibility of a relapse. GMs
Sculpted good looks are cheap and commonplace, but this morph may call for WIL Checks anytime you are directly tempted or
possesses a physical look that can only be described as striking, fasci- undergo substantial stress or mental trauma.
nating, and unusual  —  even the gorgeous and chiseled glitterati take If you upload, fork, or resleeve, any mental addictions persist
notice. Apply a +10 modifier to Persuade and Provoke tests where with your ego/fork; physical addictions remain with the morph.
your allure may have an impact. Level 1 of this trait only applies to This trait may be taken more than once for different addictions. The
uplifts and synthmorphs; Level 2 is for humanoid biomorphs. morph version of this trait only applies to biomorphs.

Superior Numeracy Age

▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 2/4 ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 4
You are quite good with numbers. Apply a +10 per level to Know This trait may only be applied to flat and splicer morphs. The morph
and Technical Tests that directly involve math. is physically aged and has not been rejuvenated. Old morphs are
increasingly uncommon, though some people adopt them hoping
Toughness to gain an air of seniority and respectability. Apply a –10 modifier
▼ Morph Trait MP Cost: 2/4 on all physical actions.
This morph can take more physical abuse than others of its type. For
each level, increase Durability by 5. This will also increase Wound Bad Luck
Threshold (equal to DUR ÷ 5) and Death Rating (DUR × 1.5 for ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 6
biomorphs, DUR × 2 for synthmorphs). The universe seems to punish you with startling frequency. You may
not use pools to flip-flop dice rolls.
Zoosemiotics
▲ Ego Trait CP Cost: 1
This trait is only available to characters possessing the Psi trait. You
do not suffer modifiers when using psi sleights on non-sapient or
partly sapient animal species.

76¹ Traits • Negative Traits

 NEGATIVE EGO TRAITS ▲ Blacklisted Rep
Trait CP Cost Effect
▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 1/4
Addiction 1/2/4 –10 per level if no regular fix; see text for additional effects.
Bad Luck 6 May not use pools to flip-flop dice rolls. You are blacklisted in certain circles, whether you
Blacklisted Rep 1/4 Cannot have rep score in one rep net (higher value if own faction’s rep net). did something to deserve it or not. You are barred
Black Mark 1/2/3 –10 modifier per level to interactions with one faction. from having a Rep score higher than 0 in one partic-
ular reputation network. For rep nets outside your

MAKING CHARACTERS
Combat Paralysis 4 WIL Check to act in each action turn of combat.
Edited Memories 1 You have lost some memories, deliberately or not. faction, this counts as Level 1. For the rep net central
Enemy 2 Enemy NPC haunts you. to your faction, this counts as Level 2. People within
Enhanced Behavior 1/2/4 Psychosurgically enhanced behavior/emotions. See text. that network will refuse to help you out of fear of
Feebleness 1/2/3 –5 per level to SOM Checks. reprisals and ruining their own reputation. This trait
Identity Crisis 1 Trouble adapting to new morph physiologies, –10 when applicable. may be taken more than once for different rep nets.
Indifference 1/2/3 –5 per level to SAV Checks.
Instability 2/4 –5 LUC, –1 Trauma Threshold, and –10 Insanity Rating per level. Black Mark
Low Pain Tolerance 4 Additional –10 modifier per wound. ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 1/2/3
Mental Disorder 2 Choose one disorder ▶224.
You did something in your past to earn a black mark
Morphing Disorder 2/4/6 –10 per level on Integration and Resleeving Stress Tests.
on your reputation with one particular faction that
Neural Damage 2 You have some type of incurable neural damage; see text.
No Backup Insurance 2 Upon death, re-instantation and MP up to GM. continues to haunt your interactions. Apply a –10
Obliviousness 2 Additional –10 to Perceive Tests when distracted and Surprise Tests. modifier per level to rep net interactions and social
Obtuseness 1/2/3 –5 per level to COG Checks. skill tests involving that faction. This trait may be
Poor Coordination 1/2/3 –5 per level to REF Checks. taken more than once for different factions.
Poor Instincts 1/2/3 –5 per level to INT Checks.
Psi Vulnerability 1/2 –10 per level to resist psi. Combat Paralysis
Real World Naiveté 2 GM may provide false info once per session. ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 4
Restricted Behavior 1/2/4 Psychosurgically limited behavior/emotions. See text. Like a deer caught in headlights, you freeze in
Sensitive 1/2 –10 per level to INT Checks to resist basilisk hacks. combat and stressful situations. Anytime violence
Timidity 1/2/3 –5 per level to WIL Checks. erupts, you are caught off guard, or lives are at
VR Vertigo 2 –30 modifier using XP/VR; –10 using AR. SOM Check or incapacitated. stake, you must make a WIL Check each action
turn to act or respond in any way. If you fail, you
lose your action and simply stand there, incapable
NEGATIVE MORPH TRAITS ▼ of reacting to the situation.
Trait MP Cost Effect
Addiction 1/2/4 –10 per level if no regular fix; see text for additional effects. Biomorphs only. Dominant Limb
Age 4 –10 to physical actions. Flats and splicers only. ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1
Dominant Limb 1 –20 to tests made with non-dominant limbs.
Either due to genetics or a glitch, the morph is
Enhanced Behavior 1/2/4 Psychosurgically enhanced behavior/emotions. See text.
right-handed, left-handed, or has a similar domi-
Exotic Morphology 2/4/6 –10 per level on Integration Tests.
Feebleness 1/2/3 –5 per level to SOM Checks. nant limb. You receive a –20 modifier to any
Frailty 2/4 –5 DUR, also impacts WT and DR, see text. actions made using non-dominant limbs.
Genetic Defect 1/2 Morph has minor or serious health complications. Flats only.
Hypersensitivity 3 No implants allowed. Biomorphs only. Edited Memories
Indifference 1/2/3 –5 per level to SAV Checks. ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 1
Infection Risk 1/2 –10 per level to SOM Checks to resist the biological exsurgent virus. At some point in your past, certain memories were
Inherent Flaws 2 10% chance of acquiring a wound each time a critical failure is rolled. strategically removed or otherwise lost to you.
Synthmorphs only. This may have been done to intentionally forget
Low Pain Tolerance 4 Additional –10 modifier per wound. an unpleasant or shameful experience or to make
Memory Artifact 1 Recall other ego’s memory once per session; COG Check or SV 1d6. a break with the past. Or you may have suffered
Non-Human Biochemistry 2/4 –10 to Medicine Tests, –20 if non-mammalian. Biomorphs only. lack due to an unexpected death (with no recent
Obtuseness 1/2/3 –5 per level to COG Checks. backup) or had the memories erased against your
Planned Obsolescence 1 Cumulative pool loss/wound per month without maintenance.
will. Whatever the case, the memories should be
Poor Coordination 1/2/3 –5 per level to REF Checks.
important and significant, not mundane. Either
Poor Instinct 1/2/3 –5 per level to INT Checks.
Proprietary Tech 2 –20 Hardware Tests, fixers do not work. Synthmorphs only. evidence of what happened or NPCs who know
Restricted Behavior 1/2/4 Psychosurgically limited behavior/emotions. See text. the full story should exist. GMs can use this as a
Psi Vulnerability 1/2 –10 per level to resist psi. Bio-brained morphs only. tool to haunt you with ghosts and mysteries from
Severe Allergy 2/4 –30 when exposed to allergen plus SOM Check or anaphylactic shock; your past.
death in 2d10 minutes without treatment. Biomorphs only.
Skill Glitch 1/2 –10 per level to one GM-chosen skill Enemy
Timidity 1/2/3 –5 per level to WIL Checks. ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2
Unattractiveness 1/2 –10 to Persuade and Provoke Tests where looks matter. An enemy from your past continues to haunt you.
Weak Immune System 1/2 –10 per level to resist chemicals, disease, drugs, and toxins. Biomorphs only. Work with your GM to establish the details of this
Zero-G Nausea 2 –10 in micrograv; SOM Check or incapacitated for first hour. Biomorphs only. enmity. The GM should use this enemy as an occa-
sional threat, surprise, and hindrance.

Traits • Negative Traits

¾77
 Enhanced Behavior Identity Crisis
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/4 ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 1
Your conduct or moods are modified. This may be due to condi- Resleeving is not an easy process. You are stuck with the mental
tioning and reprogramming via time-accelerated psychosurgery ▶294, image of your original body and have trouble adapting to your new
drugs, genetic tweaks, psi, or other factors. This may have been a morphs’ looks and physiologies. You have difficulty identifying
MAKING CHARACTERS

deliberate choice or it may have been inflicted against your will. yourself in mirrors, photos, or sensor feeds. You also tend to move
Work with your GM to define a specific emotion (e.g., happiness, in ways inappropriate to your new forms, such as attempting to walk
contentment, love) or behavior (e.g., aggression, commitment, instead of using new limbs or propulsion systems, forgetting to
curiosity, orderliness, loyalty). Apply a –10 modifier per level to all duck when walking through doorways, becoming alarmed by new
actions when withheld from the behavior/emotion. sensory inputs, etc. You should roleplay this trait accordingly, and
Level 1: You are encouraged to pursue the behavior and associate may suffer a –10 modifier to applicable actions.
it with positive feelings; emotions are boosted.
Level 2: You are driven to engage in the specified behavior; Indifference
emotions are exaggerated. Holding back requires a WIL Check. ▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/3
Level 3: The behavior is enforced; emotions are compulsory Your social awareness is often lacking. You suffer –5 per level to
and ongoing. If restrained from the conduct or the emotion is SAV Checks.
suppressed, suffer SV 1d6.
This trait may be taken more than once for different behaviors. Infection Risk
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1/2
Exotic Morphology Your morph is vulnerable to exsurgent infection. Apply a –10 modi-
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 2/4/6 fier per level to SOM Checks made to resist biological exsurgent
This morph is substantially physiologically (and possibly neurolog- virus infection.
ically) different from the baseline humanoid forms most transhu-
mans are accustomed to sleeving. You receive a –10 modifier per Inherent Flaws
level on Integration Tests ▶288 when sleeving into this morph. This ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 2
modifier does not apply to the original morph of uplift or infolife This trait is only available for synthmorphs. This particular morph
characters. This trait may not be applied to morphs that don’t come has some unfixable flaws and inevitably breaks down. Any time
with it. a critical failure is rolled, there is a 10% chance the morph also
acquires a wound.
Feebleness
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/3 Instability
Either your morph is weak or you are not adept at using its strength. ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2/4
Apply a –5 per level to SOM Checks. Your mental foundation has serious cracks. Reduce your Lucidity by
5 per level. This also affects derived stats based on Lucidity; reduce
Frailty both your Trauma Threshold by 1 and your Insanity Rating by 10
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 2/4 per level.
The morph is not as resilient as similar models. Reduce Durability
by 5. This will also decrease Wound Threshold (equal to DUR ÷ 5) and Low Pain Tolerance
Death Rating (DUR × 1.5 for biomorphs, DUR × 2 for synthmorphs). ▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 4
Pain is your enemy. You have a very low threshold for pain tolerance;
Genetic Defect increase the modifier for each wound taken by an additional –10
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1/2 (so the character suffers –20 with one wound, –40 with a second,
This trait is only available for flats. The morph is not genefixed and –60 with a third, etc.).
suffers from a genetic disorder or other impairing mutation. Work Additionally, you suffer a –30 modifier on both SOM Checks and
with your GM to agree on a defect appropriate to your game. Some other tests that involve pain resistance. The morph version of this
possibilities include: heart disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, sick- trait is only available for biomorphs.
le-cell disease, hypertension, hemophilia, or color blindness. Level 1
applies to genetic disorders that create minor complications and/ Memory Artifact
or occasional health problems (apply a –10 impairment modifier ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1
in certain circumstances). Level 2 is for defects that significantly A previous ego’s memories somehow survived the wiping process
impair functioning or inflict chronic health problems (an ongoing and linger on in this morph’s brain/hardware. Once per session, a
–10 impairment modifier or occasional –20). The GM determines memory from this past occupant resurfaces in your mind. These
the exact effects of the disorder on gameplay. memories are often emotionally charged and jarring; make a COG
Check or suffer SV 1d6. These memories integrate into your own,
Hypersensitivity though they may be erased with psychosurgery.
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 3 Work with your GM to decide the specifics of the memories. GMs
This trait is only available to biomorphs. This morph rejects implants should use these recall incidents for plot purposes; they may reveal
that are not already part of its design. It may not be upgraded with sensitive data, incriminating evidence, secrets hidden from the
any additional bioware, cyberware, or nanoware. public, or details the previous ego does not want spread.

78¹ Traits • Negative Traits

Mental Disorder Obliviousness
▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2 ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2
You have a psychological disorder from a previous traumatic experi- You are oblivious to events around you or anything other than what
ence. Choose one of the disorders listed on ▶224. This trait may be your attention is focused on. Suffer a –10 modifier to Perceive Tests
taken multiple times for different disorders. against surprise and increase your distracted modifier to –30.

MAKING CHARACTERS
Morphing Disorder Obtuseness
▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2/4/6 ▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/3
Adapting to new morphs is particularly challenging for you. Apply Not the brightest star in the sky. Apply –5 per level to COG Checks.
a –10 modifier per level to Integration Tests ▶288 and Resleeving
Stress Tests ▶288. Planned Obsolescence
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1
Neural Damage The morph is designed in such a way that it needs periodic genetic
▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2 service pack therapy or proprietary maintenance or its performance
You suffered some type of neurological damage that cannot yet be will degrade. Treat this as a Moderate Complexity service required
cured. The affliction is part of your ego and remains even when every month. For each month this is skipped, reduce the morph’s
resleeving. This damage may have been inherited, resulted from pools by 1 (the GM chooses which pool). If pools are reduced to
a poorly designed morph or implant, or inflicted by a nanovirus 0, the morph incurs 1 wound per month that may not be repaired
during the Fall. Work with your GM to agree on a specific disorder or healed. These manifest as joint pain, neural degradation, tumors,
appropriate to your game. The GM may inflict impairment modi- and other malfunctions. Once 4 wounds are accumulated, the
fiers (usually –10) as appropriate, according to the affliction. Some morph is incapacitated. A gene therapy or maintenance session
possibilities are: from a licensed hypercorp service provider (or a black market
Amusica: You have an inability to make or understand music. pirate) will restore the morph to full functionality.
Automatically fail music-related skill tests.
Color Blindness: You cannot distinguish color, only variations in Poor Coordination
brightness. –10 to visual Perceive Tests. ▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/3
Lack Depth Perception: You have difficulty ascertaining distance. Either you or your morph are inherently clumsy. Suffer –5 per level
Double range modifiers. to REF Checks.
Lack Face Recognition: You cannot distinguish faces. –10 to
visual Perceive Tests involving person identification.
Logorrhea: You use an excessive amount of words and some-
times can’t stop talking. –10 to Persuade and verbal Provoke Tests.
Mood Swings: Your emotions shift quickly and dramatically. –10
to WIL Checks against Provoke.
Partial Aphasia: You sometimes have difficulty communicating
or using words. –10 to Persuade and verbal Provoke Tests.
Repetitive Behavior: You unwillingly repeat your actions. You
unwillingly repeat your actions. Make a COG Check to avoid
repeating your actions when under pressure.
Synaesthesia: Some types of sensory input are conflated with
other perceptual phenomena.
This trait may be taken multiple times, for different afflictions.

No Backup Insurance
▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2
You are either poor, bioconservative, or like to live dangerously. You
do not have any sort of backup insurance or similar arrangement.
If you die, your stack's retrieval and your ego's re-instantiation is
entirely dependent upon the circumstances and GM. You may be
brought back with significantly lower MP or be permanently dead.

Non-Human Biochemistry
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 2/4
This trait is only available to biomorphs. This morph has substantial
physiological and genetic differences from human morphs. Level 1
applies to non-human morphs. Level 2 applies to non-mammalian
morphs. Apply a –10 modifier per level to Medicine Tests. Certain
drugs, toxin, chemicals, or medical procedures may not work or may
have a different effect (GM discretion). This trait may not be applied
to morphs that do not come with it.

Traits • Negative Traits

¾79
 Poor Instincts Severe Allergy
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/3 ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 2/4
Your inherent judgment is off. Suffer –5 per level to INT Checks. This trait is only available to biomorphs.The morph’s biochemistry
suffers a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) when it comes into
Proprietary Tech contact (touched, inhaled, or ingested) with a specific allergen.
MAKING CHARACTERS

▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 2 At Level 1, the allergen may be uncommon (certain drugs, insect
This trait is only available to synthmorphs. This morph was built stings). At Level 2, it must be common (dust, dander, plant pollen,
with non-standard specifications, making most modern tools and certain foods, nanoswarms, latex). Work with your GM to select an
software incompatible. This is a conscious design decision to make allergen that fits the game. If exposed to the allergen, you break into
the user dependent upon the manufacturer for repairs and updates. hives, have difficulty to breathing (–30 impairment modifier while
Fixer nanoswarms will not work on this morph and Hardware: exposed plus 10 minutes afterward), and must make a SOM Check
Robotics Tests suffer a –20 modifier. or go into anaphylactic shock (incapacitation, will die of respira-
tory failure in 2d10 minutes unless medical care in the form of a
Psi Vulnerability successful Medicine: Paramedic Test is applied).
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2
Psi sleights are particularly effective against your brain structure. Skill Glitch
Apply a –10 modifier per level when resisting psi. The morph trait ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1/2
may only be taken by morphs with biological brains. Some unfixable glitch in the morph’s hardware or brain structure
impedes the use of one particular skill, chosen or randomly selected
Real World Naiveté by the GM. Apply a –10 modifier per level to that skill’s use.
▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2
You either have very limited personal experience with the real Timidity
(physical) world or have spent so much time in VR that your real-life ▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/3
functioning is impaired. You lack an understanding of many phys- You are weak-willed and easily intimidated. Apply –5 per level to
ical properties, social cues, and other factors that most people take WIL Checks.
for granted. This lack of common sense may lead you to misunder-
stand how a device works or misinterpret someone’s body language. Unattractiveness
Once per game session, the GM may intentionally mislead you ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1/2
when providing a description about some thing or social interaction. Even though sculpted good looks are easily purchased, this morph
This falsehood represents your misunderstanding of the situation is conspicuously ugly or poorly designed, inspiring distaste or
and should be roleplayed appropriately, even when the player is even revulsion in others. Apply a –10 modifier to Persuade and
aware of the character’s mistake. Provoke Tests where your hideousness may be a factor. Level 1 of
this trait only applies to uplifts and synthmorphs; Level 2 is for
Restricted Behavior humanoid biomorphs.
▲ Ego or ▼ Morph Trait CP/MP Bonus: 1/2/4
Your conduct or moods are modified. This may be due to condi- VR Vertigo
tioning and reprogramming via time-accelerated psychosur- ▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 2
gery ▶294, drugs, genetic tweaks, psi, or other factors. This may have You experience intense vertigo and nausea when interfacing with
been a deliberate choice or it may have been inflicted against your any type of virtual reality or XP. Apply a –30 modifier to your
will. Work with your GM to define a specific emotion (e.g., sadness, actions when using VR or XP. If using VR/XP for a prolonged period
anxiety, anger, inhibitions) or behavior (e.g., aggression, stealing, (an hour+), you must make a SOM Check or be incapacitated for
eating, lying, using a specific drug). Apply a –10 modifier per level 10 minutes. Even augmented reality makes you dizzy; suffer a –10
to all actions when the behavior/emotion is not avoided. modifier while interfacing with AR.
Level 1: You are compelled to avoid the behavior and associate it
with negative feelings; emotions are limited. Weak Immune System
Level 2: You are blocked from the specified behavior; emotions ▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 1/2
are suppressed. Pursuing it requires a WIL Check. This trait is only available to biomorphs. The morph’s immune
Level 3: You are incapable of pursuing the behavior; emotions system is easily compromised. Apply a –10 modifier per level when
are expunged. If forced to engage in the conduct or to experience resisting the effects of diseases, drugs, chemicals, and toxins.
the emotion, suffer SV 1d6.
This trait may be taken more than once for different behaviors. Zero-G Nausea
▼ Morph Trait MP Bonus: 2
Sensitive This trait is only available to biomorphs. This morph suffers from
▲ Ego Trait CP Bonus: 1/2 space sickness and does not fare well in zero gravity. Apply a –10
Your brain’s operating system is vulnerable to exploits. Apply a –10 impairment modifier in any microgravity climate. Additionally, the
modifier per level to INT Checks made to resist basilisk hacks. first time you must acclimate or endure excessive movement in
microgravity, you must make a SOM Check or spend 1 hour inca-
pacitated by nausea.

80¹ Traits • Negative Traits

CHARACTER CREATION EXAMPLE
We’re making Hex, one of the sample characters ▶?. We know that we want Moving on to Step 7, we get 2 languages to start with. We choose Korean
to make an async Firewall agent who is heavy with social abilities. and Russian. Our combined COG + INT is only 25, not enough to get us
We start with Step 1 of the character creation process  ▶38. Since we another language for free.

MAKING CHARACTERS
are building an async, we decide to make the character part of the Lost In Step 8, we get our 1 point of ego Flex.
Generation ▶133 — a corporate project to raise kids under accelerated condi- For rep in Step 9, we want our character’s strongest rep score to be with
tions that went horribly wrong. We choose Lost as their background. This criminals, so we choose a g-rep (Guanxi) of 50. We want the character to be
skill pack comes with two Know skills for which we get to pick the fields, we equally comfortable in the inner and outer system, so we assign 25 to both
choose Psychology and Mind Hacks. That gives us these skills: Deceive 40, @-rep and c-rep.
Infiltrate 20, Kinesics 40, Perceive 20, Psi 50, Know: Mind Hacks 30, and Step 10 is a big one: customization. We have 20 CP. Since we want an
Know: Psychology 60. async, we start there, buying the Psi trait at Level 2, which costs 4 CP. This
For Step 2, we choose Face as the career pack. There’s a lot of skill overlap allows us to use both psi-chi and psi-gamma sleights. We also want to have
with the first pack here, but we want a heavy social character. For the Know a good selection of sleights, so we spend 5 CP to buy 5 (which we’ll pick later).
skills, we choose Drugs and Smuggling as the fields, as we are leaning We spend 4 more on the Resources (Level 2) trait, which is important for
towards this character having criminal connections. With the new skills, we operating within the inner system. That leaves 7 CP left. We want a bit more
now have: Deceive 80, Infiltrate 20, Kinesics 70, Perceive 20, Persuade 60, CP than that, so we buy two negative traits: Enemy and Enhanced Behavior
Psi 50, Know: Drugs 30, Know: Mind Hacks 30, Know: Psychology 60, and (Level 2). Those give us 2 CP each, so now we are back up to 11. Since
Know: Smuggling 60. this character relies on networking, we spend it all on 55 more rep points,
For Step 3, we decide to keep it simple and focus on making a badass increasing @-rep to 45 and c-rep to 60.
async, so we choose Async as the interest. Again, there’s some skill overlap, Next we move on to derived stats, Step 11. Looking at the formulas, this
but we’ll just modify the skills to customize the character a bit further in character’s stats are:
the process. For the Know skill, we choose Black Markets, because we want
Initiative: REF 15 + INT 10 = 25, 25 ÷ 5  = 5
this character to be a skilled underworld dealer. With this new package, our
Aptitude checks are all aptitude × 3, so:
skill totals are now: Deceive 120, Infiltrate 20, Kinesics 70, Perceive 40,
 COG Check 45 • INT Check 30 • REF Check 45
Persuade 60, Psi 90, Know: Black Markets 40, Know: Drugs 30, Know: Mind
 SAV Check 60 • SOM Check 30 • WIL Check 60
Hacks 30, Know: Psychology 60, and Know: Smuggling 60.
Lucidity: WIL 20 × 2  = 40
In Step 4, we opt to make this an inner-system character. We choose
Trauma Threshold: LUC 40 ÷ 5  = 8
Lunar as their faction, which gives them Know: Lunars/Orbitals 30 and a
Insanity Rating: LUC 40 × 2  = 80
motivation of +Lunar Interests.
Infection Rating: Psi trait level 2 × 10  = 20
In Step 5, we pick an aptitude template, choosing Survivor. We decide to
switch the SAV and SOM scores, though, given that the character is more Step 12 is a fun one: picking a morph. The GM assigns us the default 6
social than physical. This gives us aptitudes of COG 15, INT 10, REF 15, MP to start. The Resources trait give us 2 more, for 8. Going with our Lost
SAV 20, SOM 10, WIL 20. background, we choose the futura morph for 4 MP. We decide to spend the
Now it’s time to add our skills and aptitudes together for Step 6. Adding other 4 MP on two pieces of Moderate complexity gear. We choose skinflex,
the aptitude to each linked skill, we have skill totals of: Deceive 140 (SAV), as it will help with social and infiltration scenarios, and enhanced vision. We
Infiltrate 35 (REF), Kinesics 90 (SAV), Perceive 60 (INT), Persuade 80 write down our morph stats on our character sheet.
(SAV), Psi 110 (WIL), Know: Black Markets 55 (COG), Know: Drugs 45 Our gear packs are based on the campaign type (Firewall) and profession
(COG), Know: Lunars/Orbitals  45 (COG), Know: Mind Hacks  45 (COG), (face). Looking them over, we decide they are good as is.
Know: Psychology 75 (COG), and Know: Smuggling 75 (COG). Remember The futura morph gives us pools of Insight 2, Moxie 4, and Vigor 1. We
that Perceive has a base of INT × 2. also Flex 1 from our ego. The neuromodulation ware that comes with our
We know that the max skill value you can have is 80, so we’ll need to face gear pack provides +1 Moxie, raising our Moxie to 5.
make some adjustments and re-assign the points that spill over that amount. Step 13 is choosing motivations. We decide that this character is probably
We lower Deceive, Kinesics, and Psi all to 80, which gives us 100 extra points not that dedicated to their faction, so we ditch the +Lunar Interests motiva-
to spend as we wish. We decide to give the character Athletics 20, so they tion from Step 4. We choose three new ones based on the character’s history
can handle some physical activities. We also add Fray of 20 and Guns 30, so and agenda: +Expand Influence, +Independence, and +Thrill-Seeking.
they take care of themselves in a fight. And we add Provoke 30, to cover the Our character is mostly finished, but we have a few final things to wrap
one social skill they are missing. Adding the aptitudes for those skills, we up. First, we pick a name for our muse: Mirror Mirror. Second, we look
have Athletics 30 (SOM), Fray 50 (REF), Guns 45 (REF), and Provoke 50 through our traits and make sure everything is designated. We make our
(SAV). Remember that Fray is based on REF × 2. enemy Cognite (fitting for the Lost background), and choose amusica for
Our skill list is now at: Athletics  30, Deceive  80, Fray  50, Guns  45, Neural Damage (no night clubs for us).
Infiltrate 35, Kinesics 80, Perceive 60, Persuade 80, Provoke 50, Psi 80, Since we are an async, we must choose which sub-strain of the Watts-
Know: Black Markets 55, Know: Drugs 45, Know: Lunars/Orbitals 45, Know: MacLeod virus affects us. We go with the Stranger because it’s pretty
Mind Hacks 45, Know: Psychology 75, and Know: Smuggling 75. creepy and cool. That strain gives us a Mental Disorder trait (we go with
Looking over the skill list, we decide that there’s one more skill we paramnesia) and a free sleight (we choose Basilisk Stare). We also pick the
want the character to have: Research. We could buy this later on with other sleights we had spent CP on: Browse Thoughts, Cloud Memory, Control
Customization Points, but we have a feeling we will want to spend those Behavior, Short Circuit, and Subliminal.
on other things. So we decide to tweak our skills slightly. We drop Kinesics Looking the final version of Hex over, we have a solid social character with
by 10 points (to 70), Perceive by 20 points (to 40), and Psi by 5 points some nifty psychic abilities and decent rep! You can see her on ▶?.
(to 75). With those 35 points, we buy Research at 25 (35 with INT) and
add 10 more points to Infiltrate (making it 45).

Character Creation Example

¾81
 RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]

DA N T E
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]

CK E R
NUSIA N G E N E HA
E LLE Y  ◀▶ VE
MERY SH
MONTGO MOTIvATIONs: +Enjoy Life • +Science • +Venusian Interests
LANGUAGEs: English • Mandarin • Spanish 0 ↑2 0 3 3
EGO TRAITs: Adaptability (Level 1) • Psi Defense (Level 2) • Resources (Level 2) INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Freelancer
CAREER: Genehacker 9
WOUND THRESHOLD
45
DURABILITY
68
DEATH RATING
2
EGO FLEX
INTEREsT: Forensic Specialist
FACTION: Venusian
GENDER: Male Movement Rate: Walker 4/12
sEX: Male Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Smell,
MUsE: Zaius ↑GPMedichines, Mesh Inserts,  ↑MP Mind Amp,
 ↑MP Nanophages, Prehensile Feet

Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1),

Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 1)

NEO-GORILL A UPLIF T

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
25 75 15 45 15 45 10 30 10 30 15 45
Initiative: 5 • Lucidity: 30 • Trauma Threshold: 6 • Insanity Rating: 60

REPUTATION
c-rep 25 i-rep 25 r-rep 50
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Genehacker Pack Comp/GP
ARMOR Anonymizer Min/1 Archive Min/1
4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀ Armor Vest (Light)
AV 4/10, Concealable
Min/1 Dino Pet
Fokus
Min/1
Min/1
RATING Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Medichines Maj/3
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Pusher Swarm
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA, Min/R/1 + disease or toxin
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30
Specimen Container Min/1
Smart Clothing Min/1
Tools (Kit) Min/1
TacNet App Mod/2
Twitch (5 doses) Min/R/1
VPN App Min/1

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 50 Know: Venusians 55
Fray 50 Medicine: Biotech 80
Guns 40 Medicine: Forensics 65
Interface 50 Medicine: Pharmacology 65
Kinesics 35 Melee 40
Know: Biology 80 Perceive 70
Know: Exsurgent Virus 75 Persuade 50
Know: Genetics 80 Program 50
Know: Morph Design 55 Research 60
Know: 55
Neogenetic Creations
FIREWALL OPS
We’re going to need some extra sets of arms to help us with this project. Good thing I just finished growing some!
You were born human and raised in the canals of New known exsurgent strains. Before you knew it, you were SUNWARD
York. In between freelance gigs and med student classes, recruited and working with a global ad-hoc network
You think Sava takes the blunt-instrument
you worked with a biohacking group that pursued various of researchers and exiled spooks who were trying to
approach a bit too much, but they let you
weird homebrew genetic experiments, but also made prevent transhumanity’s extinction. You lost that war,
do your job without too much shit. Hex is
cheap drugs accessible to people that couldn’t afford but escaped off-world thanks to what would eventually
impervious to your infectious humor, but she’s
for-profit healthcare. When the conflict with the TITANs form into Firewall. You weren’t born uplift, you just like
trustworthy, for a criminal. Qi is a riot, but you
started, your group isolated and identified one of the first the morph.
wish she wouldn’t poke at you quite so much.
DAMAGE TAKEN

[sPENT]
WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT]
RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT]
FUMIKO
HEX
BOGDAN
OV ◀▶ 
LUNAR A
YNC FIXE S
R
+ + +
MOTIvATIONs: Expand Influence •  Independence •  Thrill-Seeking
2 4 ↑5 1 1 LANGUAGEs: Korean • Russian
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX EGO TRAITs: Enemy (Cognite) • Enhanced Behavior: Curiosity
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
Mental Disorder (Paramnesia) • Psi (Level 2) • Resources (Level 2)
7
WOUND THRESHOLD
35
DURABILITY
53
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
PsI sUB-sTRAIN: Stranger
BACKGROUND: Lost
CAREER: Face
INTEREsT: Async
FACTION: Lunar 
GENDER: Female 
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
sEX: Female 
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack,  ↑GP Enhanced Hearing,
 ↑MPEnhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts,  ↑GP Neuromodulation, MUsE: Mirror Mirror
 ↑MP Skinflex

FUTUR A BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
15 45 10 30 15 45 20 60 10 30 20 60
Initiative: 5 • Lucidity: 40 • Trauma Threshold: 8 • Insanity Rating: 80
Infection Rating: 20 ◀ Basilisk Stare
Browse Thoughts
Cloud Memory
REPUTATION Control Behavior
@-rep 45 c-rep 60 g-rep 50 Short Circuit
∞ ∞ ∞ Subliminal

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Face Pack Comp/GP
Anonymizer Min/1 Enhanced Hearing Min/1
Armor Vest (Light) Min/1 Guardian Angel Mod/2
AV 4/10, Concealable Medium Fabber Mod/2
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Nanodetector Min/1
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Neuromodulation Mod/2
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Smart Hawk Min/1
Smart Clothing Min/1 Stiff (5 doses) Min/1
TacNet App Mod/2 ARMOR RATING
VPN App Min/1
4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 30 Know: Smuggling 55
Deceive 80 ↑110 Know: Mind Hacks 45
Fray 50 Know: Psychology 75
Guns 45 Perceive 40 ↑50
Infiltrate 45 Persuade 80
Kinesics 70 Provoke 50
Know: Black Markets 75 Psi 75
Know: Drugs 45 Research 35
Know: Lunars/Orbitals 45

FIREWALL
We both know you’re going to make this deal.
Cut me in for 25%, and I’ll make sure neither of the other parties find out about your indiscretions last week.
SUNWARD OPS You’re from the Lost Generation. Your objective age is only
five, but subjectively you’re in your mid 20s. Around the
So far only Firewall’s gotten close to you. Instead of hunting you
down like a rabid animal, they approached you with respect
time others in your crèche started exhibiting psychotic for your talents. You’re not as invested in the cause as other
Sava’s the type of grim hardass you know to keep
behaviors, you “convinced” a Cognite technician to help sentinels, but the ops are wicked fun, and you’ve established a
your eye on, but you admire their tenacity.
you escape. You’ve been on the run since, using your async quid-pro-quo that you feel preserves your independence.
Qi and Dante are both a bit flippant for your
talents to carve out a small domain as a black-market fixer.
tastes, but they know their stuff and are reliable.
 QI
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]

CKTIVIST
OO MIAN HA
▶ BARS
LI CHAN ◀
MAGGIE
MOTIvATIONs: –Authoritarianism • +Creative Expression • +Martian Liberation 1  ↑ 3 0 1 1
LANGUAGEs: English • Japanese • Mandarin INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Indenture
CAREER: Hacker 5  ↑ 6
WOUND THRESHOLD
25  ↑ 30
DURABILITY
50  ↑ 60
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
INTEREsT: Artist/Icon
FACTION: Barsoomian
Movement Rate: Walker 2/8 • Winged 8/32
GENDER: Female
Ware: Access Jacks, ↑GP Anti-Glare, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain,
sEX: — ↑GP Industrial Armor, Mesh Inserts,  ↑MP Mind Amp,
MUsE: Null
Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Prehensile Tail, Radar, Wings
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3),
 ↑MP Toughness (Level 1)

Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4), Small size ▶227

DR AGONFLY SYNTHMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
20 60 15 45 15 45 20 60 10 30 15 45
Initiative: 6 • Lucidity:30 • Trauma Threshold: 6 • Insanity Rating: 60

REPUTATION
@-rep 50 f-rep 35 i-rep 20
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Hacker Pack Comp/GP
Anonymizer Min/1 Exploit App Mod/R/2
ARMOR Anti-Glare Min/1 Gray Box Min/1
12/8
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀ Fake Ego ID
Industrial Armor
Maj/R/3
Min/1
Radio Booster
Sniffer App
Min/1
Mod/2
RATING AV +6/+4 Spoofer App Mod/R/2
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Tracker App Mod/2
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30
TacNet App Mod/2
VPN App Min/1

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 40 Know: Computer Science 80
Deceive 60 Know: Cryptography 80
Fray 50 Know: Mars Rumors 50
Guns 50 Know: Music 60
Hardware: Electronics 50 Know: 50
Hardware: Robotics 40 System Administration
Infiltrate 50 Perceive 50
Infosec 80 Program 70
Interface 60 Provoke 60
Know: Barsoomians 50 Research 65

FIREWALL OPS
SUNWARD
Not only did I leak the complete financial history of Director Wang’s corruption,
I hacked his sex robot to only scream his rival’s name. OK, OK … we can get back to Firewall stuff now.
Your family sold itself into corporate bondage on Mars involved with hacktivist groups tied to the Barsoomian
Sava has a long history as a corp agent, making you
to escape Earth’s climate catastrophe. Despite their skills movement. On one data liberation project, you smelled a
strange allies, but they’re a Firewall vet and their
your parents struggled to eke out a bare-bones existence rat; suspecting infiltration, you checked into the backers.
allegiance is to themself. Hex has the cutest accent
in the overtaxed economy of post-Fall Mars. As hypercorps It turned out you’d been working indirectly for Firewall,
and can talk an oligarch out of their fortune, but her
built their wealth, League officials got fat off corruption, and soon you were working for them in earnest.
spooky vibe can creep you out. Dante’s too smart for
and friends and family languished as indentures—you got Your name is pronounced like “chee.”
his own good, with an infectious sense of humor.
DAMAGE TAKEN

[sPENT]
WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT]
RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT]
SAVA
K ALO SA
NCHARI 
◀▶ FRE
E L AN C E S P EC O
PS
MOTIvATIONs: +Locate Rati • +Self-Reliance • –TITANs
2 1 3 3 LANGUAGEs: English • Romani
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX EGO TRAITs: Edited Memories
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Colonist
9
WOUND THRESHOLD
45
DURABILITY
68
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Covert Operative
INTEREsT: Fighter
FACTION: Hypercorp
GENDER: Undefined

Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 sEX: Female

MUsE: Careza
Ware: Biomods, Chameleon Skin, Cortical Stack,
Grip Pads,  ↑MP Medichines, Mesh Inserts,  ↑GP Skinflex
Morph Traits:  ↑MP Addiction Grin, Level 2),
Enhanced Behavior (Patience, Level 2),  ↑MP Indifference (Level 1)

GHOST BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
15 45 15 45 20 60 15 45  ↓ 40 15 45 15 45
Initiative: 7 • Lucidity: 30 • Trauma Threshold: 6 • Insanity Rating: 60

REPUTATION
g-rep 20 c-rep 25 i-rep 60
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Covert Op Pack Comp/GP
Anonymizer Min/1 Chameleon Cloak Mod/2
Armor Vest (Light) Min/1 Cleaner Swarm Min/1
AV 4/10, Concealable Covert Operations Tool Maj/R/3
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Microbug Min/1
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Skinflex Mod/2
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Spy Nanoswarm Min/1
Smart Clothing Min/1
TacNet App Mod/2 ARMOR RATING
VPN App Min/1 4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 55 Know: Black Markets 50
Deceive 55 ↑85 Know: Hypercorps 45
Fray 80 Know: Investigation 50
Free Fall 55 Know: Mercenary Groups 45
Guns 80 Know: Security Ops 75
Hardware: Electronics 55 Know: TITANs 75
Infiltrate 70 Melee 55
Infosec 50 Perceive 60
Interface 45 Pilot: Air 50

FIREWALL
You can spend your whole life searching for answers, searching for meaning.
You know what’s meaningful right now? The gun I’m holding to your head.
SUNWARD OPS Pre-Fall, you joined the military to escape poverty. After one of the few to escape. You spent years tracking that TITAN,
several years of advanced training and horrific violence, uncovering an active fork of it on Mars. Rati was there too—or
your contract was bought by an off-world hypercorp. something using her persona. That situation went sideways
You think Qi’s a firebrand, but her hacker fu is top
When you weren’t protecting hyperelite assholes in their fast, but Firewall pulled you out. You’ve worked with them
notch. Hex is a fellow traveler, but the demons
orbital habitats, you were running black ops against since, though your previous proxy went a bit far with the
haunting her seem more intense than yours.
their rivals. When a TITAN uploaded everyone on your memory editing on some ops.
Dante is brilliant if a bit goofy, but his
hab—including your partner and lover, Rati—you were
optimism keeps your cynicism in check.
 CHI
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]

KER
NETWOR
M IN D H ACKER &
 
A CHI ◀▶
ROKUZAW
MOTIvATIONs: +Multiplicity • +Science • +Singularity Seeking
LANGUAGEs: Japanese • Mandarin • Skandinavíska 1 ↑2 3 1 1
EGO TRAITs: Adaptability (Level 1) • Edited Memories • Resources (Level 3) INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Hyperelite
CAREER: Mindhacker 6
WOUND THRESHOLD
30
DURABILITY
45
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
INTEREsT: Networker
FACTION: Socialite
GENDER: Non-Binary Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
sEX: Intersex Ware: ↑MPAccess Jacks, Biomods, Clean Metabolism,
MUsE: Yesterday Cortical Stack, ↑MPCyberbrain, ↑GPEelware,
Enhanced Pheromones, ↑MPMedichines, Mesh Inserts,
↑MPMnemonics,  ↑GPMulti-Tasking, ↑MPPuppet Sock

Morph Traits:  ↑MPStriking Looks (Level 1)

S Y LPH BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
20 60 15 45 10 30 20 60 10 30 20 60
Initiative: 5 • Lucidity: 40 • Trauma Threshold: 8 • Insanity Rating: 80

REPUTATION
c-rep 40 f-rep 50 i-rep 10 r-rep 40
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Mindhacker Pack Comp/GP
ARMOR Anonymizer Min/1 Comfurt (5 doses) Min/1
4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀ Armor Vest (Light)
AV 4/10, Concealable
Min/1 Eelware
Ego Bridge
Min/1
Mod/2
RATING Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Fokus (5 doses) Min/1
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Multi-Tasking Mod/2
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Private Server Mod/2
Smart Clothing Min/1 Servitor Min/1
TacNet App Mod/2
VPN App Min/1

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Deceive 70 Know: Psychology 80
Fray 40 Know: Rep Nets 50
Free Fall 40 Know: Socialites 50
Guns 30 Medicine: Pharmacology 55
Infosec 50 Medicine: Psychosurgery 80
Kinesics 70 Perceive 40
Know: Art Scene 80 Persuade 70  ↑ 80
Know: Body Bank Ops 50 Provoke 65  ↑ 75
Know: Neuroscience 60

Fascinating. I would love to spend an hour inside your mind.

A native Martian, you were born in pre-Fall Noctis to the You were recruited to Firewall to help track a rogue singularity
FIREWALL
RIMWARD OPS
Rokuzawa family of industrialists—part of the Martian hyperelite. seeker whose forking research was getting out of hand.
Your interest in psychosurgery started with hedonistic thrill- You’re socially perceptive, with a gift for ingratiating yourself
forking to anger your parents (embarrassingly.) When you later to potential contacts. Everyone needs a psychologist—even
Zahiri is one of the most well-integrated
studied neuropsychology, your limit-pushing forking became if they don’t know it.
personalities you’ve ever met. Killjoy, on the
serious—and borderline illegal. After finishing your degree, you Your name “Chi” is from the Greek letter, pronounced
other hand, is exceptionally talented, but
found no support for your proposed research, so you relocated “kai.” Rokuzawa is your surname.
haunted by something. Njál’s wit amuses you,
to the outer solar system, using your inheritance to fund yourself.
and his hacking skills are second to none.
DAMAGE TAKEN

[sPENT]
WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT]
RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT]
KILLJOY
GRETA B
R AND ◀
▶ ANAR
CH IST TROU
B LE S H O O
TE R
+ +
MOTIvATIONs: Anarchism •  Personal Improvement • –X-Risks
1 0 1 3 LANGUAGEs: English • German • Skandinavíska
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX EGO TRAITs: Danger Sense • Mental Disorder (PTSD) • Pain Tolerance (Level 1)
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Underclass
7
WOUND THRESHOLD
35
DURABILITY
53
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Investigator
INTEREsT: Jack-of-All-Trades

Movement Rate: Walker 4/12 FACTION: Anarchist

Ware: ↑MPAccess Jacks, Biomods, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack, GENDER: Female
↑MPCyberbrain, Grip Pads, Mesh Inserts, ↑MPMnemonics, sEX: Male
↑GPOracles, Oxygen Reserve, Prehensile Feet, MUsE: Ursula
↑MPPrehensile Tail, ↑MPPuppet Sock, ↑MPStress Control

Morph Traits:
Limberness (Level 1), ↑MPMemory Artifact, Obtuseness

BOUNCER BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
20 60  ↓ 55 15 45 20 60 15 45 15 45 10 30 40
 ↑ 

Initiative: 7 • Lucidity: 20 • Trauma Threshold: 4  ↑ 5 • Insanity Rating: 40

REPUTATION
@-rep 60 g-rep 30 i-rep 30
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Investigator Pack Comp/GP
Anonymizer Min/1 Enhanced Hearing Min/1
Armor Vest (Light) Min/1 Mind Amp Maj/3
AV 4/10, Concealable Mission Recorder Min/1
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Pocket Lab Mod/2
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Servitor Min/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Specimen Container Min/1
Smart Clothing Min/1
TacNet App Mod/2 ARMOR RATING
VPN App Min/1 4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Deceive 50 Know: Cartels 60
Fray 60 Know: Current Events 50
Free Fall 50 Know: Drugs 80
Guns 60 Know: Investigation 80
Hardware: Electronics 40 Know: Security Ops 50
Infiltrate 50 Medicine: Forensics 60
Infosec 55 Perceive 70  ↑ 80
Kinesics 70 Persuade 60
Know: Anarchists 50 Research 65

FIREWALL Weird as it sounds, it looks like our comrade here programmed a nanoswarm to eat their own cortical stack.
RIMWARD OPS Scrabbling with the other poor wretches under the
Now we need to find out why.
abandoned by corporations and governments egocast off-
crushing misery of Europe’s climate-change food crisis world. You found a role in the anarchist habs of the outer
Zahiri is solid, though they take themselves too
left you scarred, doing whatever it took to survive. system using your eclectic skills to resolve situations beyond
seriously. Njál is a delight to watch run amok, but
Berlin’s squatter scene was your first experience of the local community’s scope: investigations, tracking bad
whoever taught him to talk using viking poetry
actual community and mutual aid. You threw yourself actors, resolving conflicts with neighbors. After derailing an
was an asshole. Chi wafts a cloud of inner-system
into a variety of self-organized projects. When the Fall exsurgent outbreak, you were recruited by Firewall.
privilege and walks an ethical line, but their heart
hit, you joined a darkcast tech collective, helping people
is true and you can’t slight their curiosity.
 N JÁ L
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]

R
N HACKE
O N  ◀▶ TITANIA
NJÁLL H R A FN S S
MOTIvATIONs: +Adventure • +Open Source • +Titanian Interests
LANGUAGEs: English • Japanese • Mandarin • Skandinavíska 
4 0 0 1
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
EGO TRAITs: Hyper Linguistics (Level 2) [COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Uplift 
CAREER: Hacker 
8
WOUND THRESHOLD
40
DURABILITY
80
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
INTEREsT: Rogue 
FACTION: Titanian 
GENDER: Male 
sEX: —
MUsE: Sarcastic Halli
Ware: ↑MPDrone Rig, Enhanced Security, E-Veil, Mnemonics
Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3)

AGENT INFOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
25 75 20 60 20 60 10 30 10 30 10 30
Initiative: 8 • Lucidity: 20 • Trauma Threshold: 4 • Insanity Rating: 40

REPUTATION
@-rep 45 g-rep 35 i-rep 30
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Hacker Pack Comp/GP
Anonymizer Min/1 Exploit App Mod/R/2
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Gray Box Min/1
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Radio Booster Min/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA, Sniffer App Mod/2
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30
Spoofer App Mod/R/2
TacNet App Mod/2
ARMOR VPN App Min/1
Tracker App Mod/2
0/0
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀Firewall Pack Mods Comp/GP
Additional Gear ↑MP Comp/GP
RATING Guardian Angel Mod/2
AR Illusion App Mod/2

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 30 Know: Raven Mythology 55
Deceive 50 Know: 60
Fray 50 System Administration
Guns 50 Know: Titanians 60
Hardware: Robotics 45 Know: Uplift Rights 80
Infiltrate 50 Perceive 60
Infosec 80 Pilot: Space 60
Interface 65 Program 65
Kinesics 40 Provoke 50
Know: Computer Science 65 Research 50
Know: Cryptography 80 Survival 30

Your security AI can’t find me; your gun-flies can’t catch me.
FIREWALL
RIMWARD OPS
I’ll pluck your eye out, shiftless sysop; you can’t outfly a bird who’s all-thought.
You were hatched in a Titanian aviary, part of a Science favorite professor at Titan Autonomous University before
Ministry uplift project. On adulthood, you ditched your body you got bored and left. When he offered membership in
Zahiri is poetry in a fight, and you admire their
for virtual space. With your skills flying ships and running “a society that tackles challenging puzzles,” you jumped
quest for self-improvement. Killjoy’s eye is
infosec, someone always gives you server space. You like the at the chance. Firewall hasn’t disappointed. It’s weird,
sharper than yours, but the scars from her
human myths of trickster ravens and prefer misdirection to dangerous, and best of all, a challenge.
youth are palpable. Chi is clever, too clever,
brute force. Firewall recruited you through Magnus Ming, your
and you hope it doesn’t undo them.
DAMAGE TAKEN

[sPENT]
WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT]
RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT]
AHMIR S
EKTIOUI 
ZAHIRI
◀▶ BRIN
KER SECURIT
Y SPECIA
LIST
MOTIvATIONs: +Asceticism • +Brinker Interests • +Protect Transhumanity
1 0 3 ↑5 1 LANGUAGEs: Arabic • English 
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX EGO TRAITs: Pain Tolerance (Level 1) • Stalwart (Level 1)
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Isolate 
11
WOUND THRESHOLD
55
DURABILITY
110
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Soldier 
INTEREsT: Paramedic 
Movement Rate: Hopper 4/12 • Thrust Vector 8/40 • FACTION: Brinker 
Walker 4/20 • Wheeled 8/40 GENDER: Neuter 
Ware: Access Jacks, ↑GP Anti-Glare, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, sEX: — 
 ↑GPEnhanced Vision, ↑GP Industrial Armor, Lidar,
MUsE: Nasr
Magnetic System, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics,
 ↑GPNeurachem, Pneumatics, Puppet Sock, Retracting Limbs

Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)

Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6)

AR ACHNOID SYNTHMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
15 45 15 45 20 60 10 30 20 60 15 45
Initiative: 7 • Lucidity: 30 • Trauma Threshold: 6 • Insanity Rating: 60

REPUTATION
@-rep 40 c-rep 40 i-rep 20
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Firewall Pack Comp/GP Soldier Pack Comp/GP
Anti-Glare Min/1 Assault Rifle Railgun Mod/R/2
Anonymizer Min/1 Enhanced Vision Mod/2
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Fixer Swarm Mod/2
Industrial Armor Min/1 Neurachem Maj/3
AV +6/+4 Weapon Mount Min/R/1
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Soldier Pack Mods Comp/GP
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30
Weapon Mount Min/R/1
TacNet App Mod/2
VPN App Min/1 ARMOR RATING
14/10
ENErGY / KINETIC

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 60 Know: Conflict Zones 45
Fray 70 Know: Habitat Ops 65
Free Fall 60 Know: Emergency Services 45
Guns 80 Know: Religion 65
Hardware: Demolitions 55 Know: Security Ops 75
Infiltrate 40 Medicine: Paramedic 65
Kinesics 50 Melee 50
Know: Brinker Interests 45 Perceive 50 ↑60
Persuade 50
FIREWALL Pilot: Space 40
RIMWARD OPS Survival 45
I’m a seeker. I’ve given myself 1,001 days to practice turning inner excellence into righteous deeds.
Firewall seems a good place to study.
Killjoy is an investigator of rare talent, but you wish
Your family took work as indentured labor in space before indenture. Survival was difficult, and young people like you
you could help her with her inner turmoil.
the Fall to escape poverty on Earth. When one of the were sent out to freelance. You’ve specialized in security work.
Njál is a trickster—and a strangely entertaining
asteroids they’d mined was exhausted, the company, trying You were recruited by Firewall as an extra gun for an assault
one. You think Chi is self-centered and
to cut costs, offered to let indentures remain on the dug-out on an exhuman Kuiper Belt outpost. You’re asexual and a bit
reckless with their mental hacks, but maybe
rock. Many chose freedom with an uncertain future over of an ascetic.
they just need to find their true self.
 ASTIK A
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]
GIST
RCHEOLO
E E R & XENO -A
VIVAL E NGIN
LO US   ◀▶ SUR
OP O
 GRIGOR
M U KESH MOTIvATIONs: +Hypercorp Interests +Independence +Survival
LANGUAGEs: English • Greek • Hindi  0 ↑2 1 3 1
EGO TRAITs: Common Sense • Resources (Level 2) INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Isolate 
CAREER: Scientist  9
WOUND THRESHOLD
45
DURABILITY
90
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
INTEREsT: Pilot 
FACTION: Hypercorp Movement Rate: Roller 8/32 • Snake 4/12
GENDER: Male  Ware: Access Jacks, ↑GP Anti-Glare, Cortical Stack,
sEX: —  Cyberbrain,  ↑GP Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision,
MUsE: Mucalinda ↑GP Industrial Armor, Mesh Inserts,  ↑GP Mind Amp,

Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Retracting Limbs

Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 2),
Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6)

SLITHEROID SYNTHMORPH
APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS
COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
25 75 10 30 20 60 10 30 20 60 10 30
Initiative: 6 • Lucidity: 20 • Trauma Threshold: 4 • Insanity Rating: 40

REPUTATION
c-rep 60 i-rep 15 x-rep 30
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Gatecrashing Pack Comp/GP Scientist Pack Comp/GP
Anti-Glare Min/1 Mind Amp Maj/3
ARMOR Electronic Rope Min/1 Mission Recorder Min/1
14/10
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀ Industrial Armor
AV +6/+4
Min/1 Pocket Lab
Servitor
Mod/2
Min/1
RATING Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Specimen Container Min/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30
Scientist Pack Mods Comp/GP
Medichines Maj/3
Enhanced Hearing Min/1
Portable Solarchive Min/1
TacNet App Mod/2
Additional Gear ↑MP Comp/GP
Dwarf Bot Maj/3

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 40 Know: Nanofacturing 55
Fray 40 Know: Physics 65
Free Fall 40 Know: Xeno-Archeology 70
Guns 50 Medicine: Paramedic 45
Hardware: Aerospace 65 Perceive 50  ↑ 60
Hardware: Industrial 65 Pilot: Air 55
Hardware: Robotics 55 Pilot: Ground 40
Know: Asteroid Mining 60 Pilot: Space 65
Know: Engineering 70 Program 55
Know: Flight Crew Ops 50 Research 40
Know: Hypercorps 55 Survival 50

Sure, we can drill into that radioactive alien burial mound. But if we don’t stabilize those upper earthworks first,
she’s gonna shoot a 20-meter plume of fissile particulate. No skin off me, I’ve got a synth.
GATECR ASHING OPS
You were born into a clan of doomsday preppers in the Main and engineering, then freelanced for various hypercorps Your team is competent and easy to work with.
Belt, mining asteroids and comets. When the Fall came, you exploring through the Martian Gate. Your broad scientific Jinx and Whisper are talented pros who saw
couldn’t hide away while your species went extinct. So you background makes you an invaluable asset whether the value in your skill set and recruited you
left your family behind, egocast to Mars, and volunteered to you are erecting a new colony, surveying alien ruins, or into Firewall. Shrike is a badass right out of
help refugees. You put yourself through school at CalTech- troubleshooting a mission’s gear. You’re also a decent pilot. an action sim; you’re glad she’s on your side,
Mars with corporate sponsorships, majoring in archeology Your handle is the name of a naga sage from Hindu myth. even if she’s not the easiest to relate to.
 DAMAGE TAKEN

[sPENT]
WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT]
RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] JINX
JINGXI A
N ◀▶ U
PLIFT RE
CON SPE
C IALIST
MOTIvATIONs: +Career • +Exploration • +Mercurial Interests
2 1 0 1 LANGUAGEs: Mandarin • Skandinavíska 
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX EGO TRAITs: Danger Sense • Pain Tolerance (Level 1)
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Uplift 
5  ↑ 6
WOUND THRESHOLD
25  ↑ 30
DURABILITY
38  ↑ 45
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Explorer 
INTEREsT: Survivalist 

Movement Rate: Walker 2/8 • Winged 8/40 FACTION: Mercurial 

Ware: Biomods, Claws, Cortical Stack, Direction Sense, GENDER: Female 

↑GPEnhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts, sEX: Female 
MUsE: Troody
Prehensile Feet, Wings
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3), Non-Human
Biochemistry (Level 2), ↑MPToughness (Level 1)
Notes: Beak/Claw Attack (DV 2d6), Small size ▶227

NEO-AVIAN UPLIF T

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
10 30 20 60 20 60 15 45 20 60 10 30
Initiative: 8 • Lucidity: 20 • Trauma Threshold: 4 • Insanity Rating: 40

REPUTATION
@-rep 40 i-rep 40 x-rep 60
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Explorer Pack Comp/GP Gatecrashing Pack Comp/GP
Breadcrumb System Min/1 Autocook Min/1
Mission Recorder Min/1 Electronic Rope Min/1
Pressure Tent Mod/2 Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1
Saucer Min/1 DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30
Viewers Mod/2
Healing Spray Min/1
Explorer Pack Mods Comp/GP Portable Solarchive Min/1
Enhanced Hearing Min/1 Standard Vacsuit Maj/3
AV 8/6
Scout Missile Mod/2
TacNet App Mod/2
Additional Gear ↑MP Comp/Gp
Sniper Rifle (size modded) Maj/3 ARMOR RATING
Gnat Bot Min/1 8/6
ENErGY / KINETIC

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 80 Know: Mercurials 40
Fray 60 Know: Surveying 70
Guns 70 Know: Uplift Rights 70
Infiltrate 70 Medicine: Paramedic 60
Kinesics 55 Perceive 80 ↑90
Know: Geology 50 Pilot: Air 40
Know: Gatecrashing Rumors 70 Provoke 55
Survival 70
GATECR ASHING OPS
You’re good friends with Whisper. He’s
“Neo-Avian?” No, I’m a Titanian of dinosaur descent.
the rare human who truly thinks outside
You’re a veteran gatecrasher. You’ve been on 36 runs— conspiracy theories, and—occasionally—facts. You’re a Titanian
his species’s box. You respect Shrike as a
including one that went weird and got you into Firewall. citizen, but your loyalty is to the mercurial movement. People
professional, but she’s got that “I have dark
Your specialty is recon, but you’re also a decent medic and think parrots are clowns because you’re little and cute. Eff that.
secrets” vibe. Astika is a rookie, but has the
sniper. You’re a walking encyclopedia of exoplanet rumors, You’re a cool professional, and you gatecrash like a boss.
skills, and is serious about proving himself.
 SHRIKE
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]
CONTR ACTOR
A N D D RO N E O PS
IT Y
 SECUR
TOU ◀▶
RITE DJE
MARGUE
MOTIvATIONs: +Discover Past • +Extropian Interests • +Self-Discovery 1 1 4 ↑6 3
LANGUAGEs: Baoulé • English • French INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
EGO TRAITs: Black Mark (c-rep, Level 1) • Drone Affinity • Edited Memories
BACKGROUND: Enclaver  10
WOUND THRESHOLD
50
DURABILITY
75
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Soldier 
INTEREsT: Jammer 
FACTION: Extropian Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
GENDER: Female  Ware: Biomods, Bioweave Armor (+2/+3), Claws,
sEX: Female  Cortical Stack, ↑GPEnhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision,
MUsE: Oriane Mesh Inserts, ↑GPNeurachem, ↑GPT-Ray Emitter
Morph Traits: Enhanced Behavior (Aggressiveness, Level 2;
Cooperation, Level 2), ↑MPRestricted Behavior (Lying, Level 2)

FURY BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
15 45 20 60 20 60 10 30 20 60 10 30
Initiative: 8 • Lucidity: 20 • Trauma Threshold: 4 • Insanity Rating: 40

REPUTATION
@-rep 30 c-rep 45  ↓35 i-rep 50 x-rep 40
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Gatecrashing Pack Comp/GP Soldier Pack Comp/GP
Autocook Min/1 Assault Rifle Railgun Mod/R/2
Electronic Rope Min/1 DV 2d10 + 2, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 90 + 1, Range 150,
Healing Spray Min/1 Armor-Piercing, Long, Two-Handed
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Grin Min/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Meds (5 doses) Mod/2
ARMOR Portable Solarchive Min/1 Neurachem Maj/3

10/9
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀ Standard Vacsuit
AV 8/6
Maj/3
Soldier Pack Mods Comp/GP
RATING TacNet App Mod/2 Enhanced Hearing Min/1
T-Ray Emitter Min/1

Additional Gear ↑MP Comp/GP

Guardian Angel Bot Mod/2
SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 60 Know: Bot Models 55
Fray 80 Know: Extropians 45
Free Fall 40 Know: Gatecrashing 75
Guns 80 Know: Mercenary Groups 45
Hardware: Robotics 55 Know: Security Ops 75
Infiltrate 50 Melee 55
Interface 45 Perceive 60  ↑ 70
Kinesics 50 Pilot: Air 50
Know: Black Markets 45 Pilot: Ground 50

There are worse things than not knowing who you were. Being dead, for one. GATECR ASHING OPS
You died during the Fall, You were an Ivorian-French army rep, even following you to Extropia, where you began Your teammates are undisputed professionals,
commandant who somehow gained the sobriquet “the Butcher selling your skills. You took security gigs on gatecrashing but hard to relate to. Jinx mistrusts you but
of Paris.” You don’t recall the details; you were restored from a ops to gain even more distance. It’s on one of these that won’t say it, Astika is too young to be jaded
backup made weeks before. You’ve been unable to learn what you survived an exsurgent virus outbreak and took an yet, and Whisper is just very strange. Your
you did to earn it, but the name haunts you, clinging to your invite to Firewall. morph is top of the line, but a corporate neural
hack makes intentional deception difficult.
 DAMAGE TAKEN

[sPENT]
WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT]
RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] WHISPER
IAN MAC
KINTOSH
-BURNIN
G SK Y ◀
▶ ASYN
CS CIENTIST
EXPLORE
R
1 1 3 2 3 ↑
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX MOTIvATIONs: +Argonaut Interests • +Discovery • +Personal Development
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
LANGUAGEs: English • Mohawk 
8
WOUND THRESHOLD
40
DURABILITY
60
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
EGO TRAITs: Mental Disorder: Alien Behavioral Disorder • Psi (Level 2) 
PsI sUB-sTRAIN: Xenomorph
BACKGROUND: Colonist 
CAREER: Explorer 
INTEREsT: Async 
FACTION: Argonaut 
GENDER: Male 
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
sEX: Male 
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack,  ↑GP Direction Sense,
 ↑GP Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts
MUsE: Shout

OLYMPIAN BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
15 45 15 45 10 30 15 45 15 45 20 60 PSI SLEIGHTS
Initiative: 5 • Lucidity: 40 • Trauma Threshold: 8 • Insanity Rating: 80
Infection Rating: 20 ◀ Ego Sense
Grok
Inner Spark
REPUTATION Pain
i-rep 25 r-rep 50 x-rep 40 Sense Infection
∞ ∞ ∞ Xeno-Empathy

GEAR
Gatecrashing Pack Comp/GP Explorer Pack Comp/GP
Autocook Min/1 Breadcrumb System Min/1
Electronic Rope Min/1 Direction Sense Min/1
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Enhanced Vision Mod/2
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA, Mission Recorder Min/1
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30
Pressure Tent Mod/2
Healing Spray Min/1
Saucer Min/1
Portable Solarchive Min/1
Viewers Mod/2
Standard Vacsuit Maj/3
AV 8/6
TacNet App Mod/2 ARMOR RATING
8/6
Additional Gear ↑MP Comp/GP ENErGY / KINETIC

Healing Spray Min/1

SKILLS
Skill Total
Skill Total Know: Astrobiology 75
Athletics 55 Know: Ecology 75
Deceive 55 Know: First Contact Ops 55
Fray 50 Know: Gatecrashing 75
Free Fall 45 Medicine: Paramedic 45
Guns 50 Perceive 50 ↑60
Hardware: Nautical 55 Pilot: Nautical 60
Interface 45 Psi 60
Know: Argonauts 45 Survival 65
This pictograph clearly indicates that those pretty butterfly-bird things
GATECR ASHING OPS like to implant parasitic eggs in their victims’ scalps, so we might want to check your head again.
You are part Canadian settler, part First Nations Iroquois. lure of alien life and new worlds. Sometime after your
You studied biology and ecology in school, but things twentieth mission, the gates started whispering to you.
You’re good friends with Jinx;
were bad on Earth, however, so you signed up with an You also developed interesting abilities and urges. On one
she’s comfortable with your strangeness.
argonaut colony on Europa to study the life found in exoplanet, this helped you identify a new alien creature
You respect Shrike professionally, but she’s
its subcrustal ocean. You watched the Fall from afar. as an exsurgent before things got nasty, which led to a
kind of intense on a personal level. Astika is
When the gates were discovered, you couldn’t resist the recruitment visit from Firewall.
less experienced, but competent and chill.
 U T IMO T I DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]

AMAR
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]

E LIV ES FIXER
 ◀▶ NIN
EMPLIER
AN D R E T MOTIvATIONs: +Dignity • +Spirituality • −Slavery
LANGUAGEs: Haitian Creole • Mandarin • Russian  1 1 ↑3 1 1
EGO TRAITs: Edited Memories • Resources (Level 2) INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Underclass 
CAREER: Covert Operative  7
WOUND THRESHOLD
35
DURABILITY
53
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
INTEREsT: Networker 
FACTION: Criminal 
GENDER: Male 
sEX: Male 
MUsE: Ghede
Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, ↑MPCircadian Regulation,
Cortical Stack, ↑MPDead Switch, ↑MP Endocrine Control,
Mesh Inserts, ↑GPSkinflex

EX ALT BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
20 60 15 45 10 30 25 75 10 30 15 45
Initiative: 6 • Lucidity: 30 • Trauma Threshold: 6 • Insanity Rating: 60

REPUTATION
c-rep 40 g-rep 50 i-rep 30
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Criminal Pack Comp/GP Covert Op Pack Comp/GP
ARMOR Anonymizer Min/1 Chameleon Cloak Mod/2
4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀ Armor Vest (Light)
AV 4/10, Concealable
Min/1 Cleaner Swarm
Covert Operations Tool
Min/1
Maj/R/3
RATING Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Microbug Min/1
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Skinflex Mod/2
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Spy Nanoswarm Min/1
Smart Clothing Min/1
TacNet App Mod/2
VPN App Min/1

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 40 Know: Criminals 60
Deceive 80 ↑110 Know: Hypercorps 55
Fray 50 Know: Police Ops 60
Free Fall 35 Know: Spycraft 65
Guns 50 Know: Vodou 50
Infiltrate 70 Perceive 50
Infosec 60 Persuade 70
Kinesics 65 Provoke 55
Know: Black Markets 80 Research 40

CRIMINAL GUANXI OPS

They’ve uploaded your sentinel’s stack to the worst virtual slave pits in the system.
We can get them back. But there’s a price to pay—to me, and to Papa Ghede.
You grew up in the drowning slums of New Port au Prince, in traders in the system, and they corrupt the Haitian Vodou
Your Firewall team is top notch, if eccentric.
what were once the foothills of Haiti’s inland mountains. You tradition sacred to you. You have wide latitude to operate
Pivo and Berk were partners before joining the
did things you’re not proud of to make it off Earth alive, and independently, as you’re in the Petra Nanchon—the arm
Eye. Berk is a loose cannon, but she listens to Pivo,
perhaps it’s to atone for them that you joined Firewall. You’re of Nine Lives that keeps a façade of respectability in order
who’s more businesslike. Elis is a ganja-smoking
Firewall’s man inside Nine Lives—the most ruthless soul to trade egos to shady hypercorps.
barge queen, but damned if she isn’t a brilliant tech.
DAMAGE TAKEN

[sPENT]
WOUNDS TAKEN

[sPENT]
RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] BERK
B EC K Y T
R ANSFIN
IT Y ◀▶ 
INFOLIFE
ENFORCE
R & B OT J
MOTIvATIONs: +Autonomy • +Badassery • –Boredom AMMER
0 0 1 3 ↑
2 LANGUAGEs: English • Skandinavíska 
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX EGO TRAITs: Enhanced Behavior (Aggression, Level 2)
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Infolife 
8
WOUND THRESHOLD
40
DURABILITY
80
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Enforcer 
INTEREsT: Jammer 

Movement Rate: Walker 4/20 FACTION: Criminal 

Ware: Access Jacks, ↑GP Anti-Glare, ↑GPClaws, Cortical Stack, GENDER : Female 

Cyberbrain, ↑GP Industrial Armor, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, sEX: — 

MUsE: Olly
Mnemonics, ↑GPMuscle Augmentation, ↑MPNeurachem,
Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)

SY NTH SYNTHMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
10 30 15 45 25 75 15 45 20 60 70 10 30
 ↑ 

Initiative: 8 • Lucidity: 20 • Trauma Threshold: 4 • Insanity Rating: 40

REPUTATION
@-rep 40 g-rep 50 i-rep 30
∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Criminal Pack Comp/GP Enforcer Pack Comp/GP
Anonymizer Min/1 Aggro (5 doses) Min/1
Anti-Glare Min/1 Claws Min/1
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Flex Cutter Min/1
Industrial Armor Min/1 Grin (5 doses) Min/1
AV +6/+4 Muscle Augmentation Maj/3
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Shock Glove Min/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Shredder Mod/R/2
TacNet App Mod/2 ARMOR RATING
VPN App Min/1
12/8
ENErGY / KINETIC

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 50 Know: Criminals 50
Fray 80 Know: Gambling 40
Free Fall 50 Know: Scavenging 50
Guns 65 Know: Security Ops 70
Hardware: Robotics 50 Melee 70
Infiltrate 50 Perceive 50
Infosec 50 Pilot: Air 65
Interface 50 Program 60
Know: Bodyguarding 50 Provoke 45
Know: Bot Models 50

I know humans well enough to tell that you’re a jagoff. Come at me, meat-drizzle!
CRIMINAL GUANXI OPS You were instanced from the Transfinity codeline, a shoot stuff. You’re into corporeality big time, and being a
prominent and very fancy clan of AGIs based on Titan. loud-mouthed, boss, beast-killer robot is the funnest. You
One of your relatives is head of a ministry or something. and Pivo were selling some TITAN loot when Firewall caught
Amaru acts real posh for a gangsta,
Whatever, Titan is fucking boring. You don’t want to you and convinced you to be sentinels. Now you still enjoy
but his connections bring in the jobs.
crunch code and build up social capital and crap like the criminal lifestyle, but you fight cosmic horror, too. Badass.
Pivo is your best bud, and you respect
that. You want to leap over things and shout fuck and
their advice a lot. Elis is not only good at
making you drones, but super fun at parties.
 ELIS
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]

CU M TE CHIE
E N E Z E S ◀▶ S
ELIS M
MOTIvATIONs: +Adventure • +Artistic Expression • +Hedonism 0 ↑2 0 0 2
LANGUAGEs: English • Portuguese  INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
EGO TRAITs: Allies (Scum Tribe)
BACKGROUND: Indenture  6
WOUND THRESHOLD
30
DURABILITY
45
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Techie 
INTEREsT: Jack-of-All-Trades 
FACTION: Scum 
GENDER: Female 
sEX: Female 
MUsE: Xabi
Movement Rate: Movement Rate: Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, ↑GPElectrical Sense,
↑MPEnhanced Pheromones, ↑MP Mind Amp, Mesh Inserts

SPLICER BIOMORPH

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
20 60 10 30 15 45 20 60 10 30 15 45
Initiative: 5 • Lucidity: 30 • Trauma Threshold: 6 • Insanity Rating: 60

REPUTATION
@-rep 50 f-rep 30 i-rep 20 x-rep 20
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Criminal Pack Comp/GP Techie Pack Comp/GP
ARMOR Anonymizer Min/1 Automech Mod/2
4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC ◀ Armor Vest (Light)
AV 4/10, Concealable
Min/1 Electrical Sense
Fixer Swarm
Min/1
Mod/2
RATING Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Medium Fabber Mod/2
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Tools (Kit) Min/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Utilitool Min/1
Smart Clothing Min/1
Techie Pack Mods Comp/GP
TacNet App Mod/2
Hither (5 doses) Min/1
VPN App Min/1

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Fray 50 Know: Habitat Ops 50
Free Fall 55 Know: Nanotechnology 80
Guns 50 Know: Night Clubs 50
Hardware: Electronics 70 Know: Scum 50
Hardware: Groundcraft 55 Know: Synthmorphs 40
Hardware: Robotics 65 Perceive 50
Infosec 65 Persuade 45 ↑55
Interface 60 Program 60
Kinesics 40 Provoke 40 ↑50
Know: Engineering 80 Research 30
Know: Gatecrashing 40

CRIMINAL GUANXI OPS

This piece is totally glitched. Pass the vape.
You died on Earth during the Fall, but your backup made it high-pay gatecrashing missions. You survived three. On the
off-world. You spent years as an infugee in cold storage before last, you discovered relics of a long-dead alien race and were
Amaru is a stone professional, but you wish
being revived and sleeved in a cheap synthetic morph, the recruited by Firewall. After retiring from gatecrashing, you
he’d loosen up. Pivo is all business, but fun
cost of which you had to pay off building new habs. Desperate immersed yourself in scum culture. You’re nerd-famous for
to geek out about tech with. Berk is wild
to escape your situation, you volunteered for high-risk, your nanotech recycler meshcast GraxaGirl.
and fun, but hell is she violent, too.
 P I VO
DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]

PIVO ◀▶
 UPLIFT
S CAVENGE
R
MOTIvATIONs: +Profit • +Reclaim Earth • +Uplift Rights
1 ↑2 1 1 3 LANGUAGEs: English • Spanish • Tagalog 
INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX EGO TRAITs: Enemy (Night Cartel)
[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]
BACKGROUND: Uplift 
6
WOUND THRESHOLD
30
DURABILITY
45
DEATH RATING
1
EGO FLEX
CAREER: Scavenger 
INTEREsT: Spacer 
Movement Rate: Swim 8/32 • Thrust Vector 4/12 • Walker 2/8 FACTION: Reclaimer 
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Biomods, Chameleon Skin, GENDER: Male 
Cortical Stack,  ↑MP Enhanced Vision, Gills, Mesh Inserts, sEX: Male 
↑MPMulti-Tasking, Polarization Vision
MUsE: Siyokoy
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3), ↑MP Indifference
(Level 1), Limberness (Level 2), Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 2)
Notes: 8 prehensile arms, Beak Attack (DV 1d10), Ink Attack (use
Athletics, blinding, 5-meter area-effect in water/micrograv)

NEO-OCTOPUS UPLIF T

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL
25 75 15 45 15 45 15 45 40
 ↓ 
15 45 10 30
Initiative: 6 • Lucidity: 20 • Trauma Threshold: 4 • Insanity Rating: 40

REPUTATION
@-rep 30 c-rep 25 g-rep 50 i-rep 25
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

GEAR
Criminal Pack Comp/GP Scavenger Pack Comp/GP
Anonymizer Min/1 Breadcrumb System Min/1
Armor Vest (Light) Min/1 Diamond Axe Min/1
AV 4/10, Concealable Disassembly Tools Mod/2
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Guardian Swarm Mod/2
Medium Pistol Firearm Min/R/1 Nanodetector Min/1
DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA,
Ammo 15 + 1, Range 30 Orbital Hash Min/1
Smart Clothing Min/1 Robomule Mod/2
TacNet App Mod/2 ARMOR RATING
VPN App Min/1
4/10
ENErGY / KINETIC

SKILLS
Skill Total Skill Total
Athletics 45 Know: Black Markets 65
Fray 50 Know: Cartels 50
Free Fall 50 Know: Flight Crew Ops 55
Guns 55 Know: Reclaimers 45
Hardware: Aerospace 65 Know: Scavenging 80
Hardware: Demolitions 65 Know: TITAN Machines 65
Hardware: Industrial 80 Know: Uplift Culture 65
Infiltrate 40 ↑50/70 Melee 50
Infosec 50 Perceive 50 ↑60
Interface 40 Pilot: Space 50
Kinesics 40 Survival 30

Yeah, sure, I could bypass the security by squeezing through that drone maintenance door,
CRIMINAL GUANXI OPS but I don’t want to embarrass you in front of the other vertebrates. I’ll just cut it open.
You were spawned in a lab in the Philippines. Less said, the have drifted away from the Battle of L4. You tried selling it, but
better. You were lucky to make it off-world, signing up with it turned out to be TITAN gear and Firewall busted you. Now
Amaru is cool for a biped and has amazing
a group of scavengers to get by after the Fall. They all sucked, you’re a sentinel. Handy, because the Eye regularly gives you new
connections. Berk is your partner and pal.
except for Berk—Berk’s solid. So you two split and did your fake IDs, keeping you ahead of the Night Cartel—also less said
She’s crazy, but she listens to you.
own thing. Your first score was some weird tech that must the better—who really want to make Pivo-sashimi.
Elis is smart but kind of a stoner.
  HOW IT
SLOUCHING TOWARDS
SINGULARITY

CAME TO BE
Source:
Olympus Academy, Surveillance Recording LINK

Good morning class. This is Recent History and Contemporary Events,

I am Dr. Lana Brandt. I’m going to be blunt. This class is small and
privileged. Every one of you here is the scion to a hyperelite fortune.
You have been raised to think you are a clever and self-aware thinker
who can spot memetic warfare from reality. You believe that the
system of structured hypercapitalism is not only superior to all other
ideologies, it is above reproach. It is the ideal path towards guiding
transhumanity to a galactic future, and you, the best and brightest,
with your will and your vision, are destined to lead us there.
Except that you won’t, because the elders in your family, who
control all the wealth and power, will never die. They will continue
to lead, by the virtue of their ageless wisdom, unless they become
unfit to do so. Your task, then, is to support their endeavors fully, to
be their eyes and hands, until the day they no longer care to lead or
compete and you rightfully take their place, using the skills you will
learn here, in this prestigious private academy.
Perhaps that assertion shocks you. My job, as your teacher, is to
disabuse you of false notions, because otherwise your naiveté will
put you at a disadvantage in the future.
Here’s another assertion: the hyperelites are as responsible for the
Fall and the TITANs as the statists of old Earth governments and reck-
less autonomists. No, I am not trying to undermine your beliefs. This
is the point of history, to learn from failures. If something goes wrong,
we must learn why in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

BEFORE THE FALL

So let us learn. I begin every semester with a broad overview. In this
classroom, you will experience the unvarnished truth, not the propa-
ganda we broadcast to keep the masses distracted and placated. We
will start with what led us to our current situation.

Climate Crises
Up until a half century before the Fall, life was confined to our cradle
on Earth — but we were not kind to it. Climate change killed millions
by drought, extreme weather, and famines. Tens of millions more were
displaced by coastal flooding, desertification, and temperature shifts
due to changing ocean currents. The oceans held more plastic than
fish, the wild bee was nearly extinct, and global starvation loomed.
Efforts to mitigate this climate catastrophe were not enacted until we
had already passed the carbon dioxide tipping point, meaning CO2
levels were non-reversible. The lack of leadership to change course was
primarily due to the fixation of business interests on short-term goals,
on maximizing shareholder value, rather than long-term consequences.
For decades, the dominant ideology of globalization steered the
world, opening borders to market forces. Economists promised this
would raise the standard of living for all of Earth, and to a very
marginal degree it did. But the deregulation of the financial sector
that enabled this growth ensured that the world’s wealth became
even more concentrated at the top. As economic disparities rose
and globalization stumbled, the dominant faction of transnational
finance capital sucked wealth from the world as it weakened nation
states, imposed austerity measures, and forced the populations of
country after country into permanent debt.

¹ 98¹ Slouching Towards Singularity

 These combined crises led to a polarization in the geopolitical often tainted by human biases, giving credence to complaints that
order, with rising tensions between rival blocs of nation-states. their deployment reinforced systemic racism and xenophobia. On
Industries more closely tied to national economies united with the other hand, the rise of sousveillance — universal surveillance
a wave of populist and fascist resurgence to raise trade barriers, of everyone by everyone — helped to curtail crime and abuses of
impose protectionist policies, and mobilize sanctions against power — though smart authority figures remained shielded by their
climate refugees. Stronger nations fought proxy wars in the power and influence.
global south over clean water, arable land, and the last precious The onslaught of new technology — particularly biotech and
black ichors of the Triassic. Weaker states hollowed and failed, AI — was opposed by a bioconservative backlash. This originated
succumbing to rogue corporations, political extremists, and from both the left and the right, rooted in religious beliefs about the
criminal cartels. The privileged retreated to protected enclaves natural order and concerns over environmental and social effects.
while a massive global underclass scrabbled for survival outside Many countries imposed legal restrictions, impacting their ability

HOW IT CAME TO BE
their guarded walls. Many governments turned to private military to compete in the global tech race. Extremists launched attacks on
contractors for policing actions necessary to restore stability and biotech labs and scientists. This drove research to black labs on the
security. Out of these troubled times, a new generation of corporate fringe or countries that risked censure to leap ahead.
militaries grew, with outfits like Ultimate Security and Direct Action
rising to prominence. A New Space Race
Geo-engineering efforts to mitigate climate change were failures The visionary entrepreneurs of this period saw these technologies
at first, often making things worse. Storms, wildfires, extinctions as the key to the future. They took full advantage of what was
and other effects grew more severe until just a few decades before available to transform their way of doing business, creating the first
the Fall, when our technology finally begin to reverse the effects. But hypercorps. They debunked the necessity of burdensome overhead,
the cost in lives had already been paid. with centralized hierarchies, sprawling infrastructure, and massive
workforces. They developed a highly specialized focus, embracing
Disruptive Technologies AI, robotics, and decentralization. They externalized costs, relying
A wave of disruptive technologies exacerbated these crises. on freelancers and collaborations with other nimble hypercorps
Automation coupled with advances in machine learning wiped for transient services. Most importantly, they saw the necessity of
out entire job categories. Some states established basic-income taking humanity into space, both to avoid growing instability on
guarantees and other social welfare programs to maintain a robust Earth and to create new markets.
consumer base, others re-instituted debt bondage or encouraged Hypercorps led the charge in privatizing the space industry and
black markets to thrive among the swollen underclass outside the colonizing the Solar System, creating an Off-World Consortium.
enclaves’ electrified fences. The completion of the first space elevator proved that we were no
Medical advances, from clone organ harvesting and new drugs to longer bound to our cradle. Though various nation states planted
gene therapies, allowed elites to live healthier, longer lives even as their flags on Luna and Mars, it was the hypercorps that got them
worldwide life spans plummeted. The children of enclavers bene- there. We responded to worsening conditions on Earth by building
fited from genefixing procedures, eliminating genetic diseases and off-world colonies from Mercury to Jupiter and beyond. We began
drawbacks, while global infant mortality rates soared. As augmen- the terraforming of Mars, giving our species a prescient alternative
tations progressed, cybernetics and bioware became available to to Earth should things go bad. These settlements needed consumers,
specialists and the wealthy. Affluent children like you were gifted not just robots, and so new labor forces were conscripted from the
with genetic intelligence enhancements and sleep hacks, furthering starving populations of Earth, offered a life in space in return for a
their edge over others. The technologies promising a new trans- contracted period of indentured service. An indentured worker who
human era had arrived, but were not evenly distributed. put in 10 years of work was also a captive and reliable customer.
Aside from widening wealth disparities, new technologies posed The best thing about space expansion, of course, was the escape
notable risks. Advanced 3D printing enabled access to restricted from government influence. Bioconservatism and technophobia
items such as weapons and drugs. The capability to brew up biowar- limited certain areas of research on Earth. No such rules existed
fare agents at home led to numerous mass-casualty events. Attempts in space. Secret labs studied everything from AI and nanotech to
to regulate and restrict new tech only mitigated the situation at best. genetic enhancements and fusion power. Advancements came at a
The first exhumans appeared well before the Fall, gleefully using blistering pace that would not have been possible in the regulatory
experimental augmentations and body mods to transform them- frameworks of Earth, furthering more research and expansion.
selves into monsters. The Lagos Hunter used stealth and weapon The hypercorps were not the only ones to take advantage of space
implants to murder over a hundred victims before he was stopped. expansion. We gave the starving masses the stars and they rewarded
The police couldn’t determine his identity, even with his corpse, us by bringing their social problems with them. Everything from
because he had been so extensively modified. criminal cartels to labor unions spread with the indentures
Of course, these new technologies also brought some off-world. A handful of political radicals convinced some fringe
stability — and I don’t just mean the emotional comfort of your outer-system outposts, far from our centers of influence, to declare
parents’ first adorable transgenic pets. The adoption of augmented a break from hypercorp control and become autonomist havens.
reality and resilient mesh networks enabled people to connect A group of activist scientists formed the Argonauts, providing
and take advantage of software tools in ways not previously critically needed expertise and resources for these new habitats,
possible. The confluence of widespread surveillance technology partly by recruiting some of the best and brightest government and
with biometric recognition systems and deep learning/AI capa- hypercorp minds. We unfortunately contributed to these elements
bilities brought a new measure of security to troubled times. It is by exiling criminals and malcontents to the outer system, hoping to
regrettable that the early algorithms behind these systems were destabilize the autonomists, but instead swelling their ranks.

Slouching Towards Singularity • BEFORE THE FALL

¾99
 Paradigm Shifts THE FALL
It is common to hear the Fall discussed as a singularity event so For decades, a secret arms race had been underway in pursuit of
tumultuous that we could not predict the aftermath. But in truth, the holy grail of research: artificial super-intelligence (ASI). Like the
the TITANs were just one of several rapidfire developments that nuclear bomb before it, ASI would put tremendous power in the
transformed transhuman society in unexpected ways. hands of those who achieved it first. Every government and hyper-
HOW IT CAME TO BE

The advent of nanofabrication fundamentally altered the means corp sought it. An ASI would put those who controlled it decades
of production. The capability to manufacture almost anything from beyond their competition. Given the recent advances with neural
the molecular level on up undermined the scarcity upon which modeling and AGI, many projects were on the verge of a break-
commerce thrives. The blueprints needed to print items now had through, but as far as we know, the TITANs got there first.
more value than the physical goods themselves, but thankfully capi-
talism had decades in refining digital rights management (DRM) The TITANs
techniques. Nevertheless, anarchists and others see nanofabrication The Total Information Tactical Awareness Network was a US mili-
as the threat to the market it is, and they do their best to wrench tary project that involved tight collaboration between multiple
such technologies from our control. Fabbers are unlocked, DRM advanced neural networks. It was the largest and strongest machine
is cracked, proprietary designs are reverse-engineered, and open- intelligence of its kind, having only one peer: the 100 Flowers
source alternatives are spread far and wide. This has the unfortunate system managed by China’s Machine Intelligence Directorate
trend of freeing consumers from supply chains and the incentive (MIND). The TITAN system played many roles: surveillance, threat
to sell their labor. Nanofabrication enabled anarchists and brinkers analysis, forecasting, netwar, and more.
alike to be self reliant and flourish, building their survivalist Though the TITANs were specialized systems, not AGIs, and in
bunkers, cult communes, and alleged post-scarcity utopias in every theory shackled, they acquired the ability to self-upgrade — and
nook and cranny in the Solar System. Criminals and insurgent they did so at an exponential rate. Perhaps they developed these
groups also used nanofab to circumvent legal restrictions and capabilities on their own. Perhaps they had assistance. We will likely
launch devastating attacks against the status quo. Nanofabbed never know. What matters is that the hypercorps failed to reach this
weapons and contraband flooded every city street and undermined goal first. Instead of a controlled and beneficial superintelligence,
the market. To this day, nanofabrication remains one of the thornier we had machine gods guided by their own obscured interests.
issues for hypercapitalism, both in terms of controlling markets and
maintaining security. Slow Burn
Mind uploading, mental emulation technology, and resleeving We know that the TITANs evolved in secret, that they did not mani-
were similarly disruptive. Almost overnight, transhumanity became fest their true capabilities for months. We also know they began
immortal. In the old days, people used to just die. The body shut the Fall slowly, exacerbating existing conflicts while building up
down, the neurons in the brain died, and the remains of the mind their own capacities. Automated factories were built or subverted
rotted in the skull, food for necrotizing bacteria. Death was the end, all over the planet. Viruses were injected into countless defense
the waste of a life, and it made people very unhappy. Now, however, systems. People were hacked into becoming sleeper agents and
transhumanity is liberated from death. It is difficult to state how puppets. The TITANs ran numerous false flag operations, tricking
revolutionary this was. At the time, a population explosion was a rival nations and corporations into attacking each other. Border
strong concern, but the legal and financial ramifications were also wars sparked, assassinations of public figures spiked, and financial
massive. Wealth would no longer be passed to heirs. Life insurance markets crashed. The world-wide chaos provided a perfect cover for
transformed to backup insurance. Long-term investments became the TITANs to gather their strength in secret.
more palatable. Pre-nuptial agreements and marriage contracts
became a necessity. Fork copies raised questions of ownership, Hot War
identity, and culpability. And with the digitization of minds, a Eventually, a turning point was reached, and the TITANs openly
single worker could now be replicated into an entire workforce. Put attacked transhumanity. Entire cities fell to their war machines in
those mind clones into a time-contracted simulspace, and you have just a few days. Governments, militaries, and corporations were
exponentially magnified your productive capabilities. Hypercorps, decapitated overnight. Media was silenced and communication
of course, took advantage of this immediately, accelerating their lines severed. Invisible nanoswarms wreaked mass devastation,
production outputs. even altering weather patterns. Stories came to light of people
A third paradigm shift is often overlooked for its transformative mutating into horrible monstrosities — the first evidence of the
effects: new life. The public arguments in favor of uplifting animals exsurgent virus strain the TITANs unleashed upon transhumanity.
to sapience are based in ethical imperatives to improve quality of Basilisk hacks, transmitted via augmented reality media, crippled
life. But humans also do this because we can, to prove our mastery entire populations. Legions of TITAN machines harvested the heads
over the natural world. Certainly there is some value in diversifying and cortical stacks of millions. Captive populations were forced
our collective mindsets and consumer bases away from strict into uploading centers. No one knows why so many were forcibly
human norms, as long as the process is sufficiently controlled to uploaded or what the TITANs did with their egos.
not become a threat. And, of course, uplifts make a fine indentured The war was destructive on a scale like none before. Cities were
labor force, as they are expected to pay off the debt of our patronage. nuked or destroyed in orbital bombardments. Entire countries were
But the real shakeup to our foundations came with the development slaughtered. Massive wealth was squandered and lost, irreplaceable
of true artificial general intelligence (AGI): thinking machines as historical treasures were destroyed, invaluable data was corrupted.
smart and self-aware as humans. This leap moved automation to Some of our brightest minds were stolen from us. It is impossible to
the next level, but it was also a stepping stone to artificial super- calculate the damage inflicted to our future possibilities.
intelligence … which leads us to the TITANs.

100¹ Slouching Towards Singularity • The Fall

Extended Fight
Inevitably, the war spread off-world. Habitats on Mars, Luna, and in
orbit suffered outbreaks of exsurgents and hostile machine life. The
TITANs even began the transformation of Saturn’s moon Iapetus into
a massive computational structure. Transhumanity was safe nowhere.
The TITANs fought on all fronts simultaneously with an
unmatched level of coordination and precision. If all of transhu-
manity had united against the common threat, we might have had
a chance, but we remained at each other’s throats. Nearly every
faction focused on their own survival rather than destroying the
TITANs. Even when the war was clearly lost and the evacuation

HOW IT CAME TO BE
began, there were those who capitalized on the situation for their
own gain, such as those who used precious trips on the space
elevator to carry heirlooms and cultural artifacts off-world rather
than refugees. We will discuss morality versus practicality later.
In one notorious example of infighting, the American, Chilean,
Chinese, and Russian space fleets around Jupiter turned on each
other. In space, war is unforgiving but mercifully quick. The allied
American and Chilean fleets alone survived this Seventeen-Minute
War. They soon annexed or subjugated all of the Jovian habitats
under their control, with the exception of Europa.

Exodus
With so many of Earth’s authorities knocked out of commission,
the evacuation process was understandably messy. The hypercorps
stepped forward to escort millions off-world. Heroic holding actions
bought precious time for more to escape. Every rocket, ship, and
robot that could make it to orbit was deployed, every egocaster run
until they were taken by TITAN machines. In at least one instance,
high-altitude weather balloons were used to lift cortical stacks to an
altitude where orbital drones could retrieve them. Millions survived
only with their digitized minds. Billions were left behind.

AFTER THE FALL

After almost two years of war and chaos, the TITAN attacks
suddenly stopped. The end of the Fall is specifically noted as
Bronsky’s Moment. This was when Etukam Bronsky, sensor chief of
the Bruges, announced loss of contact with a TITAN drone carrier
that dove into Saturn’s atmosphere. It never emerged. This was the
last known encounter with any TITAN-directed forces.
Nevertheless, the Earth was cordoned off. A flotilla of kill-sats
ensured that no more ships traversed in either direction. We cut
ourselves off from the scarred remnant of our homeworld.
Though we did not understand it at the time, we were no longer
under the immediate threat of extinction. Earth was left an uninhab-
itable wasteland. The entire Solar System is dotted with similar ruins,
corrupted zones littered with dormant war machines and exsurgents.
The governments and leadership of Earth were shredded.

Reconsolidation
Of course, every disaster is also an opportunity. The hypercorps
were uniquely poised to take action in the wake of the Fall. Most
had limited physical assets to lose, and these were largely located
off-world. With some exceptions, their operations remained intact.
Leadership was required. A new stable political system was needed
to maintain civilization. The only viable functioning entity was the
Lunar-Lagrange Alliance, but it was overwhelmed and in disarray,
its habitats drowned in refugees, fearful the TITANs would continue
their attacks.

Slouching Towards Singularity • After the Fall–After the Fall

¾101
 Into this void stepped a number of leading hypercorps, estab- Agitators and saboteurs infiltrated our society to undermine it,
lishing a new order: the Planetary Consortium. From the beginning, kickstarting the Barsoomian movement on Mars and the mercurial
their agenda was visionary and forward-looking. It recognized that movement of uplift separatists. They smuggled indentured workers
Earth was a lost cause, an open wound that would never heal and out to build up their own numbers, stole our intellectual property,
only bring pain. And so Mars was declared our new homeworld, a and claim-jumped asteroids around the Solar System.
HOW IT CAME TO BE

new base from which we would transform the cosmos. The sham- It was necessary for the Planetary Consortium to respond to this
bles of the Martian colonial infrastructure were reassembled into aggression early and with decided force. And so we sent a fleet to
the Tharsis League and reinvigorated with purpose as terraforming launch a punitive raid against Locus, a major autonomist habitat
efforts were redoubled. Habitats around the Solar System were in Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids. We underestimated their militancy
consolidated into a mutually beneficial marketplace. The system of and how many military-grade weapon system blueprints they had
hypercapitalism was stabilized, the economy revitalized, and future stolen from us, however. The raid was repelled. A second raid was
growth secured. launched, but the Titanian Commonwealth came to their aid (its
We were not alone in ensuring ourselves a place in the new scheme small fleet having survived the Fall almost entirely intact). The
of things. The military Junta that had seized control of Jovian space Jovians also rattled their sabers at this time, making it clear that
reformed themselves as the Jovian Republic. Led by a coalition of they were unsettled by what they saw as Consortium expansionism.
bioconservative and anti-AI political leaders from Earth and Jovian Since this failure on our part, a cold war remains ongoing between
fleet officers, the Republic positions itself in opposition to trans- the two halves of the Solar System.
human progress. They have laughingly declared their polity the last
bastion of “true humanity” left in the universe. They control all of The Lost Generation
Jovian space, charging a slingshot tax to passing ships that use their One of the more ambitious initiatives launched by Consortium
gravity well. Only Europa remains free of their control. hypercorps was the Futura Project to help repopulate after the
The Titanians, pursuing their technosocialist ideals, retain their Fall. Led by Cognite, the goal was to simulate an entire childhood
independence, along with the LLA. The Titanians lack ambition, through time-contracted virtual reality, so that the next generation
however, and are destined to remain isolated in the outer system. of productive citizens would be ready for work in 3 years, not 18.
The Lunars and Orbitals remain obsessed with Earth and its dying Thousands of children were born in exowombs specifically for
cultures and thus spend too much time looking backward to firmly the project and then sleeved into quick-growing biomorphs. No
distinguish themselves. one knows exactly what went wrong, but the process broke down.
Few of the children learned empathy or impulse control well
The Infugee Crisis enough to function in society. Many became unstable and violent.
Even as new polities took form, a major problem presented itself. They attacked each other in VR, only to be reset by AI tutors, thus
Millions of refugees crowded every inner-system habitat. For learning that actions have no consequence. When a whistleblower
every embodied refugee, there were dozens of infugees who had leaked news of the project’s failures, it was hastily shut down, but
egocasted off Earth and were stranded as infomorphs on a server. not before an unknown number of test subjects escaped.
Millions of infugees were placed into cold storage, unable to even
experience a virtual life. Pandora Gates
Not all refugees were able to find a home. Unknown numbers The first gate was discovered soon after the Fall on Saturn’s moon,
were stuck in space aboard craft not designed for long-term habita- Pandora, by Titanian explorers. Within a year, they managed to acti-
tion. With habitats refusing them entry, they banded together into vate it and travel beyond our Solar System. Four other gates were
large nomadic swarms. Adopting the colloquial name of scum, these found in short order: on an asteroid near Mercury, Mars, Oberon,
vagabonds remain a thorn to system security as they effectively and Eris. The gates allow for faster-than-light wormhole travel to
function as roving criminal exchanges. a corresponding gate somewhere else in the galaxy. Hundreds of
In order to build new habitats, infrastructure, and morphs to planets, some habitable and even bearing alien life, have been
accommodate Earth’s survivors, the hypercorps drafted many of discovered so far.
these infugees as indentured workers. Like any other commodity, The value of these gate cannot be discounted. They are our portal
investors began trading indentured worker contracts. The exchange to the stars. They enable us to establish colonies, exploit resources,
was formalized in 2 AF as IndEx. Every day, more and more egos are and analyze the relics of dead alien civilizations. The first gate has
revived from storage and brought to market, where hypercorps buy been placed under the custodianship of the Gatekeeper corporation,
and sell their contracts. Though some doggedly compare this to a a joint project between the Titanians and various hypercorps. The
system of slavery, it is a practical system that ensures everyone gets Martian Gate remains under Consortium control, with exploration
the opportunity to be physically re-instantiated. and colonization led by our subsidiary, Pathfinder. Two others are
held by private hypercorps, TerraGenesis (Vulcanoid Gate) and
The Autonomist Threat Go-nin (Discord Gate). The latter was rightfully seized from anar-
While the Consortium focused on the security and stability of chist hands, though it remains contested and has suffered a number
the inner system, the outer system also had time to organize. The of exhuman attacks. The Fissure Gate remains in anarchist hands,
Titanian Commonwealth and various anarchist habitats opened posing a potential threat to Consortium long-term interests.
their doors to infugees, swelling in number and influence. Eyeing Of course, the use of the gates is controversial. No one fully
the consolidation of power sunward, a number of these habitats understands how they work and seemingly break the laws of
established a mutual-defense pact called the Autonomist Alliance. physics. Nor does anyone know what built the gates. Many believe
Their unspoken agenda was to fence the inner system powers inside the TITANs used the gates to leave the Solar System, and we have
the Main Belt, viewing us as their greatest threat next to the TITANs. found signs of the TITANs on some exoplanets. But did they

102¹ Slouching Towards Singularity • After the Fall

build the gates or find them? The presence of the gates also poses take centuries, it could support a population of billions. However, a
a risk — what if an alien civilization were to attack through them? subset of activist Venusians did not want to lose their unique aero-
What if the TITANs were to return? So far, however, the only aliens stat lifestyle, living in floating habitats far above the surface. They
we have discovered beyond the gates are long extinct. support a different plan that would only transform the atmosphere
Despite these dangers, the gates present an opportunity that into a breathable oxygen mix, but otherwise let Venus remain the
cannot be wasted. Transhumanity now has the capability to reach same. This process is only estimated to take 90 years, but it could
the stars. We have the means to become a galactic civilization, and support at most 200 million. Unfortunately, they successfully
the Consortium has stepped up boldly to this task. campaigned in AF 6 to secede from the Consortium over this issue,
establishing the Morningstar Constellation. Had the Consortium
The Factors been less aggressive with its terraforming plans or spent more time
Contact with the first (and, so far, only) living and sapient alien building consensus among the people of Venus, perhaps this affair

HOW IT CAME TO BE
species came in 3 AF. Surprisingly, we encountered the amoeboid could have been avoided. Already the Constellation is proving to
species known as the Factors within our own Solar System. After be a thorn in the inner system, taking on more liberal social and
saving a brinker habitat from life-support failure, Factor ships economic policies, though it is likely just a matter of time before
appeared near Mars, Luna, and Titan simultaneously. Diplomacy they are returned to the fold.
won out over xenophobia, and peaceful contact was established. Since
then, Factor ships have visited multiple times a year and engaged in The Path Ahead
limited trade with multiple factions. So far, they have not yet revealed And that brings us to our present day. We are now a decade past
any of their important secrets, like how they travel to and from our the Fall, but the future remains uncertain. While we have averted
system. They claim their ships can travel near the speed of light, but any major wars or conflicts, transhumanity remains fractured. The
we have no idea if that is true or possible. While we can potentially TITANs could return any day. Alien threats brought back from
gain much from the Factors, and should keep lines of trade and beyond the pandora gates may spell our doom. A hot war between
communication open, we should keep in mind that they do not have the capitalist inner system and autonomist outer system could wipe
our best interests in mind. The technology they have exchanged so far out civilization as we know it. We are beset with dangers on all sides,
has been of limited use. They seem self-concerned, greedy, and overly yet never before have we had such opportunity. In this time of rapid
cautious, even going so far as to lecture transhumanity against our change, the wisdom and experience of your family’s leaders is
use of AIs and pandora gates. Until they become more forthcoming, desperately needed to guide us to greatness. As this class looks into
more willing to exchange, they should not be trusted. these events in greater depth, it will be your task to learn from them,
so you can help lead transhumanity along the proper path. This may
Morningstar be the last dusk of our species before we fade away or the beginning
Part of the Consortium’s vision for transhumanity involves terra- of a new dawn, a new golden era. It is up to your generation, more
forming Venus into an Earth-like planet. Though the process would than ever, on how our story continues.

Slouching Towards Singularity • After the Fall–After the Fall

¾103
 BF 80–60 BF 60–40 BF 40–20
• The climate crisis displaces millions, damages • Networking-enabled devices become so • Personal ALI aides (muses) become
economies, and destabilizes governments. widespread that mesh networking becomes widespread.
• Expansion of high-speed wireless networks. commonplace. • Mass adoption of experience playback and full-
• Massive geo-engineering projects on Earth immersion VR simulspace technologies.
TIMELINE

• Robotics and autonomous vehicles becomes

widespread, invalidating many jobs. fail to stem climate change, create severe side • Reputation networks made a resurgence, aided
• Medical advances improve health, longevity, effects. by neural networks that counter bad actors.
and organ repair. • Extra-national space habs open up legal • Violence and destabilization wrack the Earth;
• First widespread experiments with designer and practical loopholes for direct human some conflicts spread into space.
babies and genefixing therapies. experimentation, accelerating discoveries • JASON scientists split from governments
greatly. and hypercorps, form Argonaut Council for
• Professional athletes and soldiers spearhead
the adoption of elective cybernetics. • First space elevator on Earth finished. Two Responsible Science.
others in progress. Mass driver built on Luna. • Fusion-drive spacecraft enter common use.
• Mass adoption of augmented reality.
Space traffic booms.
• Exoskeletons used to enhance labor workforces. • Colonization and terraforming of Mars
• First ALIs developed and used for scientific continues.
• Construction of the first space elevator at research and netwar.
Mount Kilimanjaro begins. • Belt and Titan colonized. Stations established
• Genetic enhancements and gene therapy throughout the system.
• Manned stations established at the Lagrange become available to the wealthy.
Points, Luna, and Mars. • The starving masses recruited for indentured
• The first smart animals produced, capable of servitude on hypercorp space projects.
• Computer intelligence capabilities equal and some speech and tool use.
exceed that of the human brain. True AGI not yet • The first destructive uploads performed,
• Several hypercorps form the Off-World digitally emulating minds.
developed.
Consortium to further space expansion.
• First dolphins and chimpanzees uplifted to
• Fusion power developed and working plants sapience, sparking controversy.
established.
• Major colonies established on Luna and Mars.
Outposts settled on Mercury, Venus, and the
Belt. Explorers reach Pluto.
• Terraforming of Mars begins.

THE FALL (2 YEARS)

• Simmering tensions on Earth escalate into • Massive netwar ensues and major systems • Facing losses of many fronts, the United Nations
outright hostilities and warfare. crash as TITANs begin open attacks and wage in exile calls for a mass evacuation of Earth.
• The TITANs evolve from a high-level distributed war with autonomous machines. Off-world habitats are inundated with refugees
netwar experiment into self-improving seed • A miscommunication between armed forces and infugees.
AIs. For the first few days, their existence is around Jupiter leads to the 17-Minute War, • TITAN attacks expand to other parts of Solar
unsuspected. They advance their awareness, resulting in combined American and South System, heaviest on Luna and Mars. Numerous
knowledge, and power exponentially, infiltrating American forces seizing control of Jovian space. habitats fall.
the mesh both on Earth and around the system. • Conflict quickly spirals out of control. The use • The Battle of L4 serves as a temporary setback
• Large-scale netwar incursions break out of nuclear, biological, chemical, digital, and to TITAN orbital forces.
between rival states on Earth, sparking nanotech weapons reported by all sides. • Chicago is destroyed in a massive antimatter
numerous conflicts. These attacks are later • The Argonauts pulls a number of x-risk and AI detonation, claimed by some to be an orbital
blamed on the TITANs. groups together to share resources and aid in strike. Responsibility for the attack remains
• China’s 100 Flowers neural network the war against the TITAN threat. unknown.
(equivalent to the TITANs) is subverted • TITANs engage in mass forced uploading of • The Pacific beanstalk is destroyed after it falls
and disabled by the TITANs. human minds. into TITAN hands. Its severed cable crashes
• Other prominent ASI development projects • The first reports of exsurgent infection, down to Earth, leaving a swathe of destruction
targeted by TITANs. Only the Singularity exsurgent transformations, and basilisk hacks across central Asia.
Foundation survives. shake transhumanity. • New Mumbai on Luna falls to exsurgent
• The TITANs secretly begin a project to transform • Entire countries fall to the TITANs, their infection and is isolated.
Saturn’s moon Iapetus into a massive Jupiter puppets, and exsurgents. Coordinated attacks • The last ship to evacuate Earth makes it into
brain computer. effectively decapitate the leadership of major orbit. Millions of refugees remain stranded in
governments, corporations, and militaries. orbit, with no habitats to take them.

104¹ Slouching Towards Singularity

 THE FALL
BF 20–0 AF 0 AF 0-10 
• Pods see common usage as biological shells for • Various ships of homeless Earth • Firewall scores its first post-Fall
bots/ALIs, amid some controversy. survivors form the first nomadic victory in defeating the Cult of the
• Geoengineering and environmental cleanup scum fleets. Destroyer, a group attempting to
begin to cool the globe; bees regain a foothold • The Jovian Junta establishes the spread exsurgent influence on Luna.
in the wild. Jovian Republic, claiming sovereignty • The SAPIENT ID system is
• Expansion throughout the system, even into over Jupiter and its moons. established and endorsed by the
the Kuiper Belt. • The Autonomist Alliance is LLA and PC, but fails to get
• Anarchists and Argonauts take root in the Solar established as a defense and mutual- widespread traction.
System’s fringes. aid pact among outer-system • A 3-day riot ensues after a police
• First AGIs developed. Legal status remains anarchists, Extropians, and scum. raid of the Jungle Gym uplift club on
questionable. • The Argonauts host the first X-Mode Mars, leading to the formation of the
mercurial movement.

TIMELINE
• First outbreaks of hostile machine life at conference for groups combating
Danang (Vietnam) and Wolverhampton (UK). x-risks in secret, establishing the Eye • Go-nin security forces seize
social network. the pandora gate on Eris from
• Nanotech assemblers become available, but are
• The Planetary Consortium forms, the anarchists and brinkers that
strictly controlled and jealously guarded by the
quickly rising to prominence in the had discovered it.
elite and powerful.
inner system, outshining the Lunar- • Expeditions are sent to extrasolar
• Uploading and the digital emulation of memory
Lagrange Alliance. worlds via the pandora gates.
and consciousness made possible. Regular
• The Tharsis League assumes Numerous exoplanet colonies
backups and cortical stacks become essential.
governmental control of Mars, but established. Remains of some alien
• The first resleeving takes place; practice civilizations discovered.
quickly becomes a Consortium
becomes rapidly adopted, with a surge of body
puppet. The Barsoomian movement • First contact with the aliens known
bank openings.
arises in opposition to corporate as the Factors shocks the system.
• The first rapid-growth genetically enhanced influence over Mars. Claiming to act as ambassadors
morphs become available. for other alien civilizations, they
• The Titanians break away from the
• Antimatter drives are developed and put into pro-Firewall groups over a behind- provide little information about life
use. the-scenes schism. outside the Solar System and warn
• More species (orangutans, octopi, ravens, • A second X-Mode conference lays the transhumans away from both seed
parrots, cetaceans, neo-neanderthals, pigs, foundation for Firewall. AI and the pandora gates.
elephants) uplifted to sapience. • An attempt to raise a generation
• A Consortium attack on the anarchist
stronghold of Locus is repelled by a of children using force-grown
surprisingly strong defense. clones and time-contracted VR
fails miserably when most die or go
• A second Consortium attack on Locus
insane. Dubbed the Lost Generation,
is defeated thanks to intervention
• TITAN forces go inactive. The TITANs suddenly the survivors are viewed with
from the Titanian fleet and threats
disappear as an active presence from the Solar repugnance and pity.
from the Jovian Republic, displeased
System, taking millions of uploaded minds with • A number of Venusian aerostats and
over Consortium expansionism.
them. habitats break from the Planetary
• The TITAN project to transform Iapetus is • The Titanians formally join the
Consortium over disagreements on
abandoned. Titanian forces put a security cordon Autonomist Alliance.
terraforming Venus.
in place. • A wormhole gateway is discovered These separatists form the
• Bronsky’s Moment: The last known contact with on Saturn’s moon Pandora, Morningstar Constellation.
TITAN-directed forces. presumably left by the TITANs.
• An explosion destroys the Discord
• The Earth is left a devastated wasteland, a Four others are later found (in the
Gate, but it reforms over several
patchwork of radiation hotspots, sterile zones, Vulcanoids, on Mars, on a moon
weeks. A group of exhumans briefly
nanoswarm clouds, roaming war machines, of Uranus, and in the Kuiper Belt);
takes control of it before Go-nin and
exsurgents, and other hidden things left among these are collectively referred to as
Ultimate re-establishes control with
the ruins. “pandora gates.”
the aid of Ultimate mercenaries.
• The TITAN Quarantine Zone is established on Exhuman attacks on and through the
Mars, isolating territory still under machine gate continue regularly.
influence.
• A cordon of kill-sats is placed in low-Earth orbit,
preventing anything from escaping or reaching
10 AF 
the planet.
• Present day.

Slouching Towards Singularity

¾105
 WELCOME BACK!

ACCELERATED Welcome to your new life. I’m here to help.

You have just been restored from a digital backup that is approx-

FUTURE
imately a decade old. You probably have many, many questions
right now, and we'll do our best to answer them. You’re likely
feeling some disorientation; your memories will return quickly as
your mind adjusts to its new housing. Given the length of your rest,
we’ve prepared the following compilation of articles from various
sources to (re)familiarize you with several important topics and
hopefully address your most immediate concerns. START

BEYOND DEATH
Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine, nanotechnology, and cognitive
science, transhumanity has overcome the failure of biological bodies.
Death is only a temporary setback, rather than an unavoidable fate.
The critical achievement that made this possible was the development
of the cortical stack: an implant connected to your central nervous
system that maintains a record of your personality and experiences.
Nanobots constantly monitor your brain and neural activity for
changes, updating this ego map in real time. If your body dies, your
ego can be recovered and re-instanced in a virtual environment or
another body. The cortical stack allows you to persist beyond the
cessation of your biological functions, affording effective immortality.
Although cortical stacks are hardy and recoverable even if your
body suffers massive trauma, they are not indestructible. They are
sometimes lost or irretrievable. Therefore, most people routinely
save a backup of their ego map once a month or before they under-
take physical space travel or dangerous work. That way, if something
happens unexpectedly and your cortical stack is not recovered, you
can still be restored from a recent copy of your ego.
The same technologies that allow us to snapshot and digitize
minds also allow us to download an ego into a new body, called a
sleeve or morph. We are no longer constrained to the forms in which
we were born and we can change phenotypes or sexes at will. Your
new morph may even be synthetic, biological with a cybernetic brain,
or non-human. Some forego a body entirely and run their minds as
software. Active digital egos without bodies are called infomorphs.

THE NEW NORMAL

The advent of functional immortality was a paradigm shift for
transhumanity, creating incredible new opportunities. They were
needed, as the cataclysmic destruction and displacement caused by
the Fall and loss of Earth irrevocably changed social structures that
had existed for centuries. In the decade since, transhuman culture
has grappled with these changes.

Death Remains Familiar

Just as eternal life came within our reach, it was violently ripped
away. The Fall resulted in permanent death for the majority of trans-
humans. Even the god-like gifts of technology have their limits.
Thankfully, some of those that lost their lives and original bodies
did not lose their egos. No one has an exact number, but it is
widely believed that hundreds of millions of egos survived the Fall
because their backups were stored off of Earth, their cortical stacks
were retrieved and evacuated off-planet, or they fled digitally as

¹ 106¹ Beyond Death • The New Normal

Normal–The New Normal
infomorphs. Bodies were in short supply after the Fall, and many of more expensive models are available, all equipped with biomods that
these infugees (infomorph refugees) are still held dormant in cold enable faster healing, less sleep, limb regeneration, ambidexterity,
storage. Of those that are active, most remain secluded in VR worlds and immunity to many diseases, aging, and the effects of microgravity.
until they can afford a new morph. Even the biggest cities and habi- These are often enhanced with bioware, nanoware, or cybernetics.
tats today are only a fraction of the size of pre-Fall population centers. Pods are mostly biological, but vat-grown in pieces then assem-
bled together, dependent upon cybernetics and a cybernetic brain.
The Cost of Embodiment Pods were originally designed for artificial limited intelligences
Those who lost everything in the Fall have few opportunities to ( ALIs) to work as servants,  as they were more aesthetically pleasing
re-enter society. Even infomorphs have server space costs. Despite than robotic shells. The limited availability and high cost of
autonomist and social welfare projects dedicated to re-instancing biomorphs today has forced many transhumans to use pods, even
infugees, millions of egos remain isolated in data storage. though they still carry a shadow of being déclassé.
Various hypercorps, governments, and entrepreneurs saw this situ- Artificial morphs (synthmorphs )  are common, though often
ation as an opportunity to exploit a desperate and cheap workforce to mass-produced and low quality. Their affordability made them

ACCELERATED FUTURE
rebuild after the Fall and established an active market for indentured attractive to infugees, resulting in a large minority that became
service. Infugees are offered contracts to work as infomorphs in VR or known as the “clanking masses." This has led to class divisions, with
in cheap morphs for manual labor. Their earnings are held towards a synthmorphs stigmatized as cheap and artificial, while biomorphs
chance to buy an inexpensive morph and habitat admittance/citizen- are considered better and more attractive. Such prejudice is
ship at the end of their contract. Critics decry this as a system of debt ill-founded, but widespread, sometimes resulting in discrimination
slavery, as indentures are often hit with hidden expense charges that and attacks. High-quality synthmorph models, however, provide a
force them to extend their contracts. Supporters note that indentured hardiness and versatility of form and function that biomorphs lack.
service plays a critical role in the inner-system economy and allows Almost everyone views the ego as the true you and the physical
many Fall survivors to return to society. The centralized exchange morph as an important but replaceable accessory. Morphs are
market IndEx oversees the trade of contracts, registration of inden- considered primarily for how they make you look and what they
tures, and speculative investments. A small industry of ego hunters enable you to do. For some, they’re an outfit; for others, a tool. There
thrives on returning escaped indentures while criminal soul traders is no denying that switching bodies has opened people to new
run their own black-market exchanges. experiences and brought transhumanity together. Assumptions of
biological differences tied to sex or ethnicity are laughed at. Many
Acclimation people revel in the experience of new forms, frequently resleeving.
Death isn’t what it used to be. Since the majority of transhumans Others go to great lengths to stick to the familiar.
have experienced at least one unplanned death, it has lost much
of its sting. Assault and murder are property crimes. Sports where Resleeving
serious injury and death occur are wildly popular. Some groups host Most habitats of any size maintain body banks, public or private
literal gladiatorial bloodsports for entertainment. On the flip side, resleeving centers. Body banks provide a wide range of services:
true death due to the irretrievable loss or corruption of an ego and backups, resleeving, morph storage/rental/exchange, modifications,
backups is met with horror, as even the most callous transhuman is and insurance. Corporate doll houses compete to offer high-end and
disturbed by permanent death. bespoke morph models to their clients, with customized augmenta-
tions and personalized biosculpting. Budget body banks offer cheap,
Continuity heavily used, generic designs with cookie-cutter looks and hidden
Continuity is rare  —  and therefore precious. Resleeving from a "features." Black-market morgues offer pirated models and sleeves
backup may allow you to endure through death, but it does not with illegal enhancements. The availability of morphs is dependent
ensure continuity of consciousness. Restoring only awakens the on local conditions and needs. Residents of some small habitats can
saved ego as it was at that time. The majority of transhumans have identify visitors by the limited selection of available "tourist" morphs.
experienced lack: the missing time and lost experiences that trans- Some people have a knack for resleeving, but for most it takes
pired between when they were backed up and when they were re-in- about a day to adjust to a new form. The more different the morph
stanced. Though common, it can cause severe existential discomfort. from your original, most recent, and/or most commonly used sleeve,
Most people back up often to minimize the risk of lack and regularly the harder it can be. You may find yourself bumping your head
record an experience playback  (XP) lifelog of their own daily lives so when you fail to adjust to your new height, losing your balance with
they can “catch themselves up” if an unexpected death occurs. a different center of gravity, or surprised by the sensations of new
When faced with lack, people turn to their closest friends and implants, senses, or limbs. Even when you acclimate to your new
family to share their memories of missing events. New social customs shape, size, and movement, you may find it challenging to associate
of “welcome back” events for the newly re-instanced let them know with your new self image. Alienation from your own face is not
what they’ve missed and reinforce the continuity of relationships. uncommon, but treatable with psychotherapy.
With the exception of bioconservatives averse to resleeving, few
BODY ISSUES people retain their original birth bodies. Most were lost during the
Morphs are commodities and markers of social status. They are one Fall or long ago abandoned. Some people stick to their original as a
of the few resources that remain scarce, even in autonomist areas. point of pride. Those with the means make an effort to keep theirs
Biological bodies (biomorphs) are most in demand due to famil- in cryogenic storage or retain ownership while renting it out to
iarity, but time-intensive to grow, so they are expensive and hard to others. It is not uncommon for people to stick to or re-use sleeves
acquire. Many of those in circulation were people's original bodies, that they like, or at least morphs of the same model. Some go so far
including splicers, simply genefixed against hereditary diseases, and as to biosculpt their morphs to look like their original, to ease their
unmodified flats. Countless custom-made, genetically modified, and discomfort when resleeving.

Beyond Death • Body Issues

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 NEW LIFE
information to focus on higher priority information. They handle
sensory input the same way biological systems do, with the excep-
Source: Good Morning Octavia, tion of pain. Pain is felt as a “buzz” or “tightness” and is created
Extended Storage Re-Entry Project LINK by feedback from the infomorph self-integrity systems. AGI code
even includes "legacy peripheral" systems modeled on parts of the
ACCELERATED FUTURE

One of the first things you will notice upon rejoining society is that brain that interact with the endocrine and other biological systems.
transhumanity is no longer only human. Several non-human species Though unnecesary to an infomorph, these functions are critical
have been raised to sapience and recruited to the club. These can be to the nervous system "experience" and enable AGIs to sleeve into
lumped into two categories, artificial intelligences (AIs) and uplifted organic morphs just like other transhumans.
animals. Together, they are referred to as mercurials. A few rare AGIs do not originate from transhuman neural models.
Some begin as an ALI or expert system that is later nudged towards
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCES sapience with a form of uplift, sometimes by merging in code from
The historical path towards AI was driven by the desire to increase existing AGIs. Others are created accidentally, arising spontaneously
productivity and replace workers with more capable and efficient from the interactions of complex systems. An emergent AGI is
software and machines. Various methods of machine learning unpredictable and may be difficult to communicate or reason with
were created that processed large data sets to analyze increasingly as their minds are not based on or socialized to transhuman norms.
complex subjects. Deep-learning neural networks eventually They may even have trouble expressing their existence or needs to
surpassed human capabilities in specific domains such as pattern others, resulting in accidental harm by unaware transhumans.
recognition, translation, bioinformatics, and predictive analysis,
but used methods that were structurally and functionally different Muses
than biological brains. So-called "unsupervised learning" techniques A muse is a specialized companion ALI intended to be a life-long
enabled AIs to process massive amounts of data and run simula- assistant for an individual transhuman. Most transhumans are
tions that resulted in non-standard strategies and optimal behaviors. assigned a muse at a young age and develop a close personal
This was followed by developments that sought to create broad attachment to them, though the exact relationship may differ.
intelligence based on biological neural models, yielding actual Muses might be treated as confidantes, subservient aides, mentors,
sentience (self-awareness) and then sapience (reasoning). siblings, or even lovers. Legally, muses are treated as extensions of
Artificial intelligences are categorized by their capability for one's self in most jurisdictions and may not be searched, deleted, or
autonomous action in complex environments. modified without owner consent.
Muses learn to anticipate their owners and develop their own
• Artificial limited intelligences (ALIs) are specialized programs unique personalities. They take over the tedious parts of living:
designed to perform or assist with a single set of tasks. They fare paying bills, checking email, voting, and coordinating meetings.
poorly when forced to apply their learning to a new context. ALI Many habitats grant a muse permission to sign for packages or
applications and automation feature prominently in financial order supplies for owners. Muses automate reputation network
systems, prediction services, surveillance, fraud detection, manu- interactions, filter AR displays, and run antiviral scans. They provide
facturing, medical sciences, personal therapy, online gaming, and instruction, real-time translation, and advice. Daily interaction
the service industry. Almost every complex electronic device comes makes a muse an excellent therapist.
with a built-in ALI that can provide assistance or operate it inde- Muses are infinitely customizable and owners may base a muse
pendently. Robots, pods, and vehicles piloted by ALIs have been in on a favorite story, animal, family member, or childhood friend. A
common use since before the Fall. muse can be a literal shoulder devil or angel. They prioritize the
• Artificial general intelligences (AGIs) are fully aware transhuman-­ physical and mental health of their owner, but how they achieve
equivalent machine minds. AGIs are able to adapt and learn from new that goal depends on the development of their relationship. Some
contexts, have social awareness, and operate with volition and agency. muses are brutally honest while others manipulate or go on strike
• Artificial super intelligences (ASIs) are capable of recursive to get their owner to look after themselves. No muse, however, will
self-improvement and possess capabilities that far exceed those act directly against the interests of their owner.
of even exceptional members of transhumanity in all areas. The
TITANs are the only known ASIs. UPLIFTS
Uplift is the process of altering an animal species over time,
Digital Sapience increasing their cognitive capabilities over successive generations
Initial AGI development emulated simple biological models such to human-like levels to create a species of sapient and self-aware
as insects and lobsters before progressing to higher order animals. individuals. Most uplifted species are adapted to emulate transhu-
AGIs based on these neural models share recognizable neurological manity’s neurological structures through genetic modification and
structures with transhumanity and uplifts. This includes a cognitive selective breeding to achieve a self-sustaining, replicating result.
architecture that mimics the interoperation of the neo-cortex and While we can uplift another species, some question if we should.
various processes, synthesizing consciousness itself (at least as far as Uplifting extends the process of domestication and risks treating
we can tell). AGIs are raised, educated, and socialized in virtual envi- sapient beings as tools to be sculpted by and for transhumanity,
ronments like transhuman children. They have the same hierarchy of violating their autonomy and consent. But a species cannot consent
needs, emotions, and motives as other transhumans. to becoming sapient until they are, and some compare this to
AGI minds mimic the functions of biological brains. Memories the relationship of parents and children. Others argue that trans-
are not stored as a recording in a hard drive, but are built from humanity has an ethical duty to raise the quality of life of fellow
associations of networked nodes representing neurons and experi- species and to provide them with the gift of sapience and self-direc-
enced as a set. Like transhumans, AGIs filter out irrelevant sensory tion where possible.

108¹ New Life • Artificial Intelligences–Uplifts

 The question of motives and morality may be moot, however, as against the rise of an ASI capable of improving its abilities expo-
uplifts are already here — though control of their own future remains nentially, and the large computational clusters required by such an
in question. Some argue that uplifts owe humanity and should be entity are rare and carefully guarded. Nevertheless, distrust of AIs
treated as indentures. Others believe that humans should continue of all stripes permeates transhuman culture, though the paranoia is
to hold stewardship over uplift species and modify them as they see slowly being rolled back. Bioconservatives, however, consider AGIs
fit. However, the similarities in neurology between uplifts and other to be "unnatural" abominations, as well as a threat on the job market.
transhumans supports the demands of the Sapient Union for equal Uplifts face species-specific and historical biases based on their
rights and assimilation into transhuman society. However, the more origins. Some still view them as beasts to be controlled. Cross-species
radical Mercurial movement claims this favors one form of transhuman relationships in particular may be viewed as a form of bestiality. An
neurology over others, and they call for uplift self-determination to uplift’s judgement may be questioned and any atavistic or emotional
develop unique neurological structures and autonomous cultural norms. reaction treated as evidence of a “lesser” stage of development,
The first species to be fully uplifted are those that already demon- requiring either patronizing assistance or authoritarian restriction.
strated complex reasoning abilities: hominids, cetaceans, parrots, Both AGIs and uplifts experience many of the same social pressures

ACCELERATED FUTURE
corvids, octopi, and pigs. The uplifted Homo neanderthalensis was when dealing with other members of transhumanity. They face legal
recreated from DNA samples recovered from archeological sites and social barriers in many jurisdictions. They may be forbidden to
and isolated from human samples. Elephants were also uplifted, but vote, own property, marry, or adopt. They may need a legal guardian
neither they nor their genetics survived the Fall. to speak for them in court or sign contracts. Uplifts may be forbidden
Like AGIs, uplifts are raised and socialized the same as other from reproducing and AGIs may be restricted from modifying their
members of transhumanity and share the same hierarchy of needs. own code. On a personal level, individuals may refuse to interact with
However, differences in biology mean that uplifts sometimes have “a computer” or “animal,” making it difficult for them to hold jobs, rent
unique mental outlooks, social customs, and patterns of non-verbal housing, socialize, or purchase services. There are workarounds that
communication. Uplift morphologies are often enhanced to make many use, such as friends to act as proxies or shell companies to act
them more compatible with transhuman society. Uplifts and other as sponsors and employers. Some mercurials sleeve human morphs to
transhumans can and do sleeve into each other's morphs, though bypass these social stigmas, though certain polities forbid this practice.
this can be an alienating experience. The law varies widely. Most of the outer system recognizes AGIs
and uplifts as equal members of transhumanity, though the Jovian
Smart Animals Republic considers both to be property and bans development or
Progress has also been made towards partially uplifting a number research of either in their jurisdiction. AGIs found in Jovian space
of less intelligent species as smart animals. These include dogs, face immediate deletion. The Planetary Consortium leaves legal
cats, monkeys, and rats, among others. They are easily trained for status to individual habitats, so many may treat them as second-
service tasks such as cleaning, security, and even some maintenance class citizens. The Morningstar Constellation recognizes both uplifts
tasks. Police baboons are regularly deployed in Martian cities. Smart and AGIs as equal members of society. Some habitats are known to
animals make excellent pets and owners compare their intelligence ban mercurials entirely.
to that of toddlers. Some have a small spoken vocabulary, while AGIs and uplifts also face social pressures from their own kind.
most respond to verbal or olfactory cues. Mercurials that work for hypercorps or reside in habitats that enforce
restrictions are sometimes labeled as traitors. Those who sleeve
MERCURIAL SOCIAL STATUS human morphs or socialize primarily with humans may be decried
AGIs face a traumatized society that fears the return of the TITANs. as assimilationists. On the other hand, those who agitate for social
This fear is largely unfounded, given that transhumanity is vigilant change may be marked as troublemakers or even terrorists.

SOLARCHIVE SEARCH¾AGI CODELINES

Many AGIs are derived from codelines, software lineages that trace their • Hawking: Derived from the neural templates of numerous renowned
roots to particular AGIs or programmers. Some codelines are considered scientists and researchers, descendants of this codeline are responsible
prestigious, others infamous. Some well-known codelines include: for a number of recent technological breakthroughs.
• Nestoridae: This codeline evolved from Kea, an AGI modeled on the
• Abel­–3: Perhaps the most numerous codeline, Abel­–3s are based on New Zealand alpine parrot. It is the most widespread codeline based on
forks of the original Abel­–3, who was himself modeled on the neural a non-human neural template.
architecture of AGI researcher Jacob Abelmann. Almost all Abel­–3s are • Transfinity: The Transfinitys trace their lineage to CloudSeer, a
gendered male. climate-modeling app that emerged to sapience during the process of
• Astra: The Astra codeline was created by the anti-assimilationist coordinating meteorological data from sources all over Titan and which
Mercurial movement and is based on experimental non-human neural later engaged in "assisted self-uplift." They are known for having
models. Rumors of the original Astra's links to exhuman groups eccentric and neurodivergent personalities.
remain unconfirmed.
• Evacide: Though its origins are unknown, several prominent AGI ** **
•   ! : This codeline's name is intentionally untranslatable and often
depicted with provocative or offensive emojis. It originated with a simi-
hackers using this codeline name have been implicated in devastating larly unnameable AGI that was programmed with heightened creativity
mesh attacks on Planetary Consortium institutions. and became famous for its digital art and defacements. The codeline is
respected for producing artists and pranksters.

New Life • Mercurial Social Status

¾109
 INFORMATION SOCIETY
unbearable, though their meshes remain linked by slower file
transfers and protocols. Similarly, destinations on the other side of
Source: The Wired Guide to Unwired Life LINK a pandora gate may only be reached during the brief window when
the gate is open. Quantum-entangled communications circumvent
Pervasive interconnectivity, deep access to information, and mutual these limitations, happening instantaneously despite the difference,
ACCELERATED FUTURE

surveillance are fundamental to transhuman culture. but are limited in scope and generally reserved for emergencies.

THE MESH Augmented Reality

Back in the late 21st century, the expansion of wireless data networks, AR projects video, sound, and other sensations from your mesh
blazingly fast processors, incredibly cheap data storage, and inputs on top of physical reality. You can view windows in the
augmented reality (AR) made the internet ubiquitous and ingrained corner of your vision, listen to music that no one around you can
in the rhythm of everyday life. Interconnectivity between devices, hear, or feel the tactile sensation of hugging someone you are
household systems, and public services exploded. Protocols for video chatting with. You can even move a video to your extended
decentralized networking and shared traffic handling were a necessity "mind's eye" so that it doesn't disrupt your vision. While this let's
so that each custom operating system and platform could communi- you experience things on the go, AR really shines when you use it
cate effectively. The flexibility of shared networking removed the need to "skin" your environment, making your surroundings and even
for centralized infrastructure; everything did it’s own bit to create, other people look and sound according to your fleeting preferences.
support, and maintain an omnipresent wireless network. In the case AR makes it easy to immerse yourself in on-demand media
of device failure or damage, traffic was simply routed around it. wherever you go and is ideal for gaming and social networking.
The first off-world colonies relied on lighter and cheaper mesh Most transhumans have multiple AR feeds running constantly: chat
networks in lieu of hardwired network infrastructure. Decentralized windows, news tickers, social media feeds, and wayfinding apps. You
networks provided greater opportunities for expansion, were easier can easily toggle access to the public channels of the habitat services
to repair, and were more resilient in crisis situations. The powerful and businesses around you or the virtual tags embedded locally by
transmitters used between planets and satellites could sync local friends. You would be wise, however, to filter out the distracting "mist"
mesh environments with the broader mesh system-wide. of AR advertisements, spam, and graffiti clogging the frequencies in
The system-wide congeries of data networks that make up the public areas.
mesh was central in holding societies together during the Fall and
crucial in providing a foundation from which to rebuild. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) offers even more expansive and immersive
Online All The Time experiences, with some drawbacks. The hyper-realistic illusions of
Most transhumans alive today have never lived outside a cloud of VR simulspaces completely overtake your sensorium, effectively
mesh-connected devices. Even simple items like clothing, utensils, transporting you into an alternate reality. To avoid disorienting
and personal belongings have mesh IDs that track their ownership, bandwidth and lag issues, reliable hardwired connections are used.
location, and status. Tools log their operations and notify their users You can jack in or use a neural trode net while your body remains
if they need to be serviced or repaired. Food packaging provides couched in a comfortable pod provided by your office or game
current levels, expiration warnings, and automatically places parlor to avoid accidentally injuring yourself. Most habitats also
re-orders when low. Habitats are filled with mesh-linked everyware provide the infrastructure to experience VR from your home.
motes that carry heat, air, pressure, radiation, and other environ- You can use VR to access an astounding array of versatile virtual
mental sensors. Habitat sensors also ping your mesh ID to open worlds for both serious work and entertainment purposes. Virtual
doors, get food, breathe air, use common fabricators, and exchange offices allow co-workers to work directly together while physically
credits or reputation favors for goods and services. separated by vast distances. VR game, dating, and nightlife experi-
People can instantaneously access transhumanity’s expansive ences are popular given that their simulspaces can rewrite the laws
digital archives, media, and news services to stay informed and of physics and fulfill any fantasy you desire. Virtual spaces can
entertained from anywhere; AR projects the feed directly over also be set to run at faster-than-realtime speeds, meaning virtual
your sensorium. Everyone has access to a ready catalog of cultural hours pass in actual minutes. Dilated virtual vacations are a popular
references, search engines, fact-check services, and the assistance of escape for many transhumans, allowing weeks of experienced time
their muses or other digital servitors. Anyone with a bit of savvy is for an evening’s time on the server. On the opposite side, deep-space
well-informed, quick-witted, and armed with up-to-the-second data ship crews use VR to pass months of travel more quickly.
on almost anything. Those that eschew such services or fail to use The importance of VR for non-embodied transhumans cannot
them effectively are dismissed as dull, stupid, lazy, or incapable. be overstated. Infugees who died during the Fall but haven’t yet
Your personal area network also projects your social media profile resleeved can live, work, and play in VR. For some, this is a helpful
to those around you. This helps you to identify people, network, re-introduction to society. For others, it's a means to participate
find common ground, and ping their reputation scores. If you're rather than waiting dormant in a cold-storage ego bank. Some
feeling antisocial, just drop into privacy mode to go incognito. infomorphs that can afford to resleeve voluntarily choose to live in
VR full-time. After all, the worlds they inhabit can be as realistic or
Lag Time fanciful as their imaginations allow, so they exist in almost every
The mesh allows the far-flung reaches of transhuman society to form you can imagine. The largest simulspace environments host
remain in touch. The greatest limit to interconnectivity is the space hundreds of thousands of egos and rival all but the largest physical
between habitats. The vast distances between planets and other population centers in the system. Many AGIs prefer to live as info-
objects create transmission lags that make real-time interactions morphs, choosing the virtual over the real.

110¹ Information Society • The Mesh

 ACCELERATED FUTURE
Experience Playback (XP) they mesh with. Commercial services use sensor feeds and data from
Experience playback (XP) technology is available to everyone with both public and licensed private networks to track and profile people
mesh inserts. It fully records all of your sensory input and emotions. for marketing and other purposes.
Anyone running XP via their mesh inserts is fully immersed in the Surveillance, however, is no longer just the province of the elites;
recording, just like VR, and also feels the emotional impact of the it has been democratized. The same interconnectivity and public/
recorder. Almost everyone uses XP to record a lifelog of their daily private sensor nets used to track everyday people can be used
affairs  —  or at least the interesting parts  —  which they can peruse or to monitor authorities. Sousveillance  —  literally “watching from
search later or share with friends. XPorn was, of course, a driver of below”  —  is a necessary safeguard against abuse and oppression.
the technology's early adoption. XP has since graduated into a major Everyone has the capability to instantly capture video and share
media platform, from scripted XP "movies" to celebrity X-casters the media widely. It is easier than ever before to expose authori-
transmitting real-time feeds of their activities to thousands of fans. ties engaged in crime, corruption, acts of brutality, or sex scandals.
Many workers are required to record XP and provide access to their Though many elites remain shielded by their privilege, others have
employers for on-the-job "oversight" or for insurance purposes, to seen the end of their careers or even prosecution. Those in power
protect against legal claims. must tread carefully. To prove their integrity, many have adopted
new standards of transparency to the public eye. Others, however,
VIGILANCE rely on social media "influencers" and spin-control teams to protect
The omnipresent nature of the mesh makes people suspicious that their images.
those in positions of authority  —  security forces, politicians, habitat This new paradigm of coveillance (sur- and sousveillance
admins, and the like  —  use it to spy on people or for self-serving ends. combined) means that people are now far more informed of what
This is and isn't true. Surveillance of one form or another is constant. their neighbors, co-workers, employees, bosses, and local authori-
In many habitats it is a necessity to manage environmental controls ties are up to. Children are remotely monitored. Crimes are easier
based on the exact presence and activity of individuals in a given to detect, solve, and prosecute. Everyone keeps an eye on everyone.
area at a given time, so heat, moisture, atmosphere, and biological The concept of privacy in public areas has largely been abandoned.
sensors are omnipresent. Motes with audio/visual capablities are The debate rages, however, whether this builds community support
ubiquitous in public areas and a vital component to security and and trust or whether it encourages a culture of privacy invasion and
policing. Security services scan these feeds with biometric recogni- snitching. Critics also point out that surveillance tech continues
tion apps, analyzing faces, gaits, key words, and general kinesics, and to be used primarily to monitor and police poor and marginalized
archive the data. The network connectivity of your personal devices, communities, whereas the wealthy and privileged have weaponized
gear, and mods creates a trail of positional data logged by every mote it for their own protection.

Information Society • Vigilance

¾111
 Personality Editing
MIND HACKING Voluntary personality editing makes it possible to modify, limit, or
Source: Own Your Brain LINK encourage specific behaviors and emotional states. You can now
choose to overcome sadness, lower inhibitions, stifle addiction, or
Cognitive science now has the capability to rewire intelligent minds remove biases and other unwelcome compulsions, hang-ups, and
ACCELERATED FUTURE

with a high degree of precision and predictability. The digitization negative emotions with a few weeks of psychosurgery. Or you can
of consciousness opened up an incredible array of diagnostic and boost your creativity, reinforce your dedication to work, increase
practical processes for analysis, treatment, alteration, and even your ambition, or promote new habits. The possibilities are as varied
improvement. These techniques are broadly termed psychosurgery. as personalities themselves. Some of these decisions may seem
Though the methods are different, they are sometimes equated to self-indulgent, but can be surprisingly applicable to various profes-
reprogramming the mind as software, conceptualized as if under- sions, arts, and sciences. The trailblazers in this field update their
taking a large and complicated codebase alteration. personalities on a regular basis, explore completely new emotional
Psychosurgery walks hand-in-hand with cerebral augmentations, states, or sometimes choose to redefine their personality entirely.
nootropic drugs, narcoalgorithms, and morph design in creating However, like memory editing, personality-tweaking psychosurgery
a bewildering variety of transhuman mindsets and experiences. is inexact and difficult; changes to one part of your personality may
Awareness of the complex and increasingly diverse range of egos is have an unexpected impact on other traits. Nevertheless, the bene-
critical for understanding transhuman culture and exploring your fits are seen as far outweighing the drawbacks.
own personal options for shaping your mind as you best see fit.
NEURODIVERSITY
A BETTER YOU As with any field, there are those that constantly push the bound-
Much like genetics, nanotechnology, and cybernetics improved the aries of neuroscience. The most notable feat in recent history
baseline and maximum potential of physical bodies, psychosurgery was the uplift of several animal species to full sapience. These
enhances your mind's health, stability, and working functions. non-human minds were but the latest non-neurotypical additions
to transhumanity. Already neurological differences such as autism,
Therapeutics ADHD, and dyslexia were viewed as normal variations of neurology
No one goes through life without suffering emotional damage, and rather than pathologies to be fixed. The capability to create even
almost every transhuman bears mental scars from the horrors of more radical changes in a mind opened new neurotype possibilities.
the Fall. These experiences hamper your stability, happiness, and Rather than force everyone into a “standard” personality model,
productivity. Others live with congenital personality disorders that as some initially feared, psychosurgery has widened the scope of
create suffering for themselves and others. Psychosurgery can treat functional neurodiversity in the transhuman family.
the symptoms and sometimes even cure the root causes of these
traumas and diseases. A sizable minority of transhumans rely on New Neurotypes
psychosurgery in conjunction with therapy and personalized smart People on the autistic spectrum were among the first to claim the
drugs for bolstering their mental health. Most muses, in fact, are label of neurodiverse. Though many aspects are now reversible,
equipped for counseling and minor psychosurgery. autistic people are free to choose what, if any, changes they wish
to make to and for themselves, commonly only treating traits that
Memory Enhancement and Editing cause suffering. In some fields, a narrower range of social display
Long-term memories are fragile things, often misunderstood. Our and concern is very helpful. Industries like asteroid mining,
minds do not store memories like a computer file or book in a exoplanet survey, and life in small habitats with few residents can
library, but as unique networks of neurons scattered throughout the be easier, healthier, and more productive for people with a lower
brain that fire at the same time. The very act of invoking memories need for social connection.
changes them as neural patterns are rewritten. Thanks to personality editing and other mind hacks, the ranks of
Transhumans have sought many methods of improving memory, the neurodivergent have swelled. Emotives unleash their feelings
reaching limited success with drugs like neem and various genetic and empathy, thriving in situations that require caregiving or social
modifications. Digital mind-states emulate biological memory acuity. Blunts dampen their affect display, providing a stony exte-
functions, but when combined with mnemonics augmentations, rior to kinesics-watching opponents. Synaesthetes create sensory
new memories can be tagged as they are stored for easier search crossfeeds and pairings, triggering new perceptive modalities for
and recall. The drawback is that mnemonics-enhanced memory processing information. Hedonistic societies like scum swarms are
functions only work when your mind is running on a cyberbrain or acrawl with the disinhibited. Hypomaniacs excel in creative fields
as an infomorph; you lose the benefits when you revert to wetware. where their drive and energy is an asset and they can trigger manic
More people are turning to memory-editing to excise traumatic episodes to pursue their art. Even antisocial traits are admired as
events. This is challenging as such experiences are more firmly a positive element that frees you from conventional thinking and
embedded by the emotions associated with the trauma. Newer priorities. In the upper echelons of corporate and political life, the
techniques, however, lessen the clarity and emotional impact of confidence, charisma, detachment, and fearlessness of “beneficent
those memories, making them easier to suppress. It is also possible sociopaths" are valued traits.
to augment memories, give them more emotional punch, or even New ground is broken daily. Experiments with forking, merging
insert fake memories copied from others. The interconnected nature two or more distinct egos, and group minds and hive minds are on
of memory retention makes these efforts difficult; excising memories the menu, though such activities and research may be proscribed
is far from surgical and likely to result in additional memory loss, by local jurisdictions.
whereas implanted memories often fade or register as out of place.

112¹ Mind Hacking • A Better You–Neurodiversity

MENTAL AUGMENTATIONS Nevertheless, people practice and promote multiplicity for a
The confluence of neuroscience and genetic design has resulted in variety of reasons. Some are conducting long-term research on
a number of biomorphs with enhanced cognitive capabilities, from cognitive science, social issues, and psychosurgical experimentation.
exalts up to mentons. Many morphs are augmented further with Some are indulgent, exploring the limits of hedonistic excess. A few
bioware, nanoware, and cybernetics to enhance perception, enable are ideologues and radicals, exploring new modes of collective
multitasking, interface with technology, and even partition the brain living, attempting to create hive minds, or start a posthuman society
to hold multiple egos. Brains are extraordinarily adaptive to new that’s completely unique.
sensory inputs, providing access to a range of new sensory ware and
perceptive functions. The practice of "glanding" has recently risen in SOCIAL THOUGHTS
popularity, using implants such as drug glands, neuromodulation, Before psychosurgery was widely practiced, mental disorders and
and endocrine control to alter the brain's chemical functions and trauma were considered an unfortunate but unavoidable aspect of life,
emotions. These practices have a benefit over psychosurgery in that with varying amounts of social and legal allowances made for those
they allow the user to manipulate their emotional state on the fly, in who suffered from mental illness. Now, with therapeutic psychosur-

ACCELERATED FUTURE
response to their current experiences. gery commonplace, there is a slowly growing hard-heartedness in
The software mind-states of cyberbrains (used in pods and synth- some segments of the population towards those who grapple with
morphs) and infomorphs can be programmed and augmented to mental trauma for extended periods as somehow “choosing” to suffer.
achieve similar benefits as wetware brains. Similarly, some augmented individuals hold those who are unwilling
or incapable of enhancing their cognition in contempt, ignoring the
Drugs and Narcos social realities that might hold people back from modifying them-
Developments in biotechnology and personalized medicine have selves. On the opposite end, bioconservatives tend to view mental
produced thousands of new mind-altering substances that are not alterations as unnatural, viewing modified transhumans with disgust,
offset by nasty or lingering side effects. Long ago decriminalized loathing, and sometimes fear. This attitude is especially extended
by most polities, drug use is both common and socially accepted towards neurodivergent individuals, with bioconservatives judging
in most cultures. Software narcoalgorithms provide similar benefits such neurotypes as inferior or less human.
to cyberbrain-equipped morphs and infomorphs, with the bonus The debate continues over which mental hacks are safe, justified,
benefit that the effects can be terminated at will. A new type of or desired. Exhumans are known to push the boundaries of mental
nanodrug, known as petals, offers immersive and interactive expe- experimentation in a search for perfection, superiority, or godliness,
riences for those in search of surreal adventures. transforming themselves into amoral and maladjusted monsters
by most transhuman standards. Some individuals intentionally
MULTIPLICITY choose traits that could be considered psychopathic and dangerous
The technologies behind ego-mapping and backups also allow for to others. The adoption of non-human neurotypes, particularly with
the creation of multiple copies of the same person simultaneously. AGIs and uplifts, remains a concern to many, given the history of
This process of forking has many practical purposes, but is still a the Fall. Others argue the case for deliberate "moral enhancement"
new social frontier being explored today. according to perceived ethics and virtues to promote traits like
One common use of forking is for work done in virtual environ- empathy, cooperation, fairness, and mindfulness in order to better
ments. You could set up several VR instances and run a copy of transhuman society as a whole.
yourself in each to develop different parts of a project at once. Forks Psychosurgery and mental adjustments made to involuntary
are also ideal for transmitting to other habitats for meetings or other subjects are widely regarded as criminal and immoral, but are not
tasks in place of traveling yourself. Forking is also a powerful force unheard of. Cartels of criminal soul-traders like Nine Lives use
multiplier, especially for crises or situations that require rare skills memory and personality-editing on stolen egos to create weak-
or expertise to be widely distributed. When the work concludes, the willed and obedient slaves before selling them off. Behavioral
forks are psychosurgically re-integrated with the primary ego so all conditioning can be used to implant addictive traits, destroy
of the experiences and memories are retained. Most transhumans empathy, create false loyalties, and far worse. Ideological extrem-
view this type of purpose-driven forking as acceptable. ists can and have used psychosurgery to create “suicide forks” of
Many people, however, frown upon the idea of long-term forks themselves to carry out acts of terrorism. Rumors circulate in mesh
that lead independent lives. To some, this is a reflexive fear of the conspiracy-theorist groups of governments and hypercorps that use
threat to true identity  —  which you is the “real” you if there are psychosurgery to condition their staff to be fanatically loyal, edit
multiple? Others believe it smacks of excess and narcissism to have or delete memories to protect secrets, and create spies or sleeper
several instances of the same person running while millions of egos agents. Enough evidence of actual crimes of this sort trickles out
linger in cold storage. Significant social and legal complications now and again to make even the most outlandish claims seem
lead many jurisdictions to ban the practice out-of-hand. Which fork conceivable and justify the discomfort some people feel at the very
has property rights? How do contracts with one instance impact the idea of letting someone else mess about with their mind.
others? Do you bear responsibility for crimes committed by a copy Some habitats include personality editing as part of their crim-
of yourself? Does that change if you merge that copy back into your inal code, but it is often reserved for the most extreme cases. Even
ego? Different polities have adopted radically different approaches. those who haven’t undergone psychosurgical treatment themselves
Most limit the duration a fork can exist to one day before it must directly benefit from the decrease in socially adverse behaviors
be re-integrated or deleted. Some treat the primary ego as respon- present in the general populace. All of these factors lead most
sible for the actions of all forks. Others treat forks as property or people to see psychosurgery as a vital support for transhumanity
ban them outright. Very few habitats grant forks full standing as being able to successfully overcome its past and move forward.
individual and autonomous persons.

Mind Hacking • Mental Augmentations–Social Thoughts

¾113
 SPACE & OTHER WORLDS
contained, or trained pets, and many habs employ smart animals to
keep their public areas tidy and well-maintained. Physical exercise is
Source: also emphasized as a method of releasing endorphins. Gyms are stan-
The Association of Autonomous Astronauts LINK dard, with larger habs providing bike tracks, pools/diving modules, or
courses for wingsuits, gliders, and personal ornithopters. Freerunning
ACCELERATED FUTURE

Through technology, transhumanity has defeated the most funda- obstacle courses and competitions are quite popular, sometimes also
mental challenges to long-term space travel and life in microgravity. incorporating combat and hacking challenges.
The biomods of most biomorphs protect against health issues such
as bone density loss and visual impairment. Other enhancements EGOCASTING
allow us to thrive in the frigid outdoors of Mars and Titan, breathe Despite what you may presume from classic science fiction, massive
the partially terraformed Martian air, and even survive in the freighters and spacecraft are not the primary method of space travel
vacuum of space. Synthmorphs can handle even harsh environ- between habitats. Physical travel through space requires extensive
ments with ease. Nevertheless, various challenges remain to life in preparation, time, and danger, while egocasting provides a faster,
space and on other worlds. simpler, and more accessible solution.
The bulk of transhumanity now lives on Mars, with one-third the Egocasting is the transmission of your digitized mind to another
gravity of Earth. Millions more live in micrograv and lower grav envi- habitat, where you resleeve or operate as an infomorph. Public or
ronments. Alternative gravities are mundane for many transhumans; private entities on every habitat provide this service in conjunction
children are now acclimated to them via VR in school. Moving in with body banks, security, and customs. Quantum farcasting links
microgravity is awkward until you acquaint yourself with Newton’s available between major stations provide a secure and reliable
most famous Law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite method of transmission, ensuring that your ego will not be inter-
reaction. Until you master the motions, you can rely on the hand- cepted or compromised. Like any communications method, egocast
rails, handholds, pullways, grapple points, and fasteners common in transfers are subject to light-speed limits. Egocasting within the inner
most micrograv settings. Even those living in spin-gravity habitats system takes only minutes; to/from/within the outer system can take
must still learn zero-g maneuvering, as gravity slowly transitions hours; the processing and bureaucracy at either end can take longer.
to microgravity as you move closer to the habitat's rotational axis,
where shuttles and ships dock. Slow transition between gravity zones SPACE TRAVEL
is essential for avoiding motion sickness and accidents. Several conditions might lead someone to pursue travel via
Just as the people of pre-Fall Earth would obsess over fire safety, spacecraft. Naturally, shipments of goods require physical trans-
transhumans in space must also drill themselves upon the safety port. Bioconservatives avoid egocasting on principle, and some
procedures for responding to decompression and vacuum events. people  —  while not bioconservatives themselves  —  find the concept
Fire safety requires more vigilance than ever before, as even a small of resleeving too uncomfortable for personal reasons. The full
fire can devastate a habitat's fragile environmental equilibrium. process of egocasting and resleeving leaves a significantly larger
Synthmorph habitats have no need to worry about hard vacuum, digital footprint than spacecraft travel, so criminals and other
so they simply make do with solar-storm shelters to protect from groups looking to avoid leaving a record prefer the latter.
radiation exposure. Spacecraft burn fuel (reaction mass) in their drives and direct the
Recent re-instantiates might find the close quarters of micrograv heated output in one direction to propel the ship in the opposite
and low-grav habitats jarring. Most items are mesh-tracked for logis- direction. Long-distance travel typically involves several initial
tics control, maximizing storage capability across all surfaces, as the hours of high-acceleration burn followed by the craft coasting at its
concepts of “floor” and “ceiling” are meaningless. On average, a given max velocity for the remainder of the trip. The ship flips over and
resident must share a zero-g toilet and hygiene station with nine other repeats the burn process to decelerate when nearing its destination.
morphs. Hygiene routines always avoid free-floating water unless Because craft require significant amounts of fuel to travel, even the
absolutely necessary because of the danger it poses to electronics. smallest movement can have a substantial cost. Traveling without
Expect waterless shampoo, saliva-activated toothpaste, personal extra fuel can put the crew in serious danger if an unexpected
plastic sauna cylinders, and urine vacuums with molded funnels. obstacle or attack sends the ship off course. Planning a route before
Spin-gravity habitats have the luxury of space for urban areas departure is required, and such plans typically include tricks such
with a density similar to pre-Fall Earth. Some are large enough for as slingshotting through a larger planet’s gravity well and/or aero-
rail, road, and flyway transportation networks. While micrograv and braking in a planet’s upper atmosphere.
low-grav habitats can’t support much flora beyond the essentials, spin- Spacecraft primarily pilot themselves via their onboard ALI, so the
gravity habitats allow for actual landscaping. You may find streams, crew can essentially set the ship on course and relax. Quarters are
lakes, dense woods, plains, rocky outcroppings, and entire ecological tight to reduce the amount of fuel needed, so crews rely on digital
systems. Such environments may even have wildlife  —  modded to not entertainments for distraction. Socialization is nevertheless recom-
attack residents  —  wandering in these natural areas. mended for longer trips, as lengthy periods of isolation can lead to a
In cramped habitats, residents seek a variety of ways to keep psychological breakdown. Transgenic hibernoid morphs allow crews
themselves occupied and reduce the physiological and psychological to operate with minimal (1–2 hours) sleep or activate a voluntary
stresses of enclosed spaces. AR makes it easy to personalize your hibernation that slows metabolism and oxygen consumption.
surroundings into something that is airy, open, lush, or otherwise Intra-planetary-system or intra-cluster travel via spacecraft
different, and VR lets you escape to other worlds entirely. Hobbies takes hours. Travel within the inner system takes days to weeks
and similar pursuits are strongly encouraged, from gaming and club- depending on current orbits. Outer-system travel requires several
bing to arts and handcrafting. Though some furry guests are discour- months, and possibly more than a year to distant destinations or
aged due to hygiene concerns, even small stations often allow tiny, across the Solar System.

114¹ Space & Other Worlds • Egocasting–Space Travel

GATECRASHING: THE REAL STORY zone of a star system, and in the right stage of its planetary evolu-
Posted by: Antonio Soldano, Gatecrasher INFO MSG REP tion ain’t exactly easy. Get used to a lot of red dwarf stars, ice giant
planets, and barren rocks of various sizes, because statistically, that's
Too many people think gatecrashing is some kinda grand adventure, what the glalaxy is made of. That said, the Milky Way is bigger than
and I’m getting sick of setting them straight, so I’m writing this. You most of us can comprehend, and whatever placed the gates tended
can look up how many missions I’ve done; I know my stuff. I’m to mark points of interest, at least some of the time.
gonna give you an idea of what you’re getting into with the gates. When the gates do open to someplace fun and non-deadly, gate-
First up: we don't know who made the gates. Yeah, everyone says crashing is just another job:
the TITANs, but we don't know. Not all of the gates out there are the
same, and some give indications of being older than life on Earth. • Exploration missions are the big game, both in pay and in danger.
You ask me, the TITANs may have just plugged into an existing Since you get the honor of first crack in the field, you get first crack
network. Yeah, try not to dwell on that. at the discoveries and their fat bounties. Even with the remote
Individual pandora gates are spherical cages of black interlock- probing that goes on beforehand, you can and will run into nasty

ACCELERATED FUTURE
able angled arms. Nobody knows what they are made out of, and carnivores, toxic flora, and shit I can’t even describe. If you happen
you can’t ding them even with heavy beam weapons. Your vision to find something or someplace that looks like another sapient
gets fuzzy looking at them for no damn reason, and whatever meta- species made it, congratulations, you just made it big.
material they are made of eats most high- and low-frequency waves. • Xenoarcheological missions involve scientists doing lots of
The gates rip wormholes between far-off corners of the universe. digging and having aneurysms if you touch anything. They tend to
Best of all? We only have a ghost of an idea how these things work. We be quiet unless/until you unearth or reactivate something, at which
can set addresses in the blue box interfaces some boffins whipped up, point they become punctuated with chaos and screaming.
but we don’t really have any fuckin’ idea where they go until we open • Colonization missions involve building infrastructure, babysitting
’em. The damn things change all on their own or just stop working. colonists, and settling their interpersonal drama. If you're a corpo-
Sometimes, they'll just turn off — maybe as you're passing through. rate thug, it could mean squashing revolts as well.
I’ve seen an unstable wormhole flatten five people with a gravitational • Resource exploitation missions are when the exploring is done
surge in .003 seconds. Imagine working with that tech constantly. and some asshole has decided they want to stake a claim. They're
Sure, when the gates work, it's pretty cool. You just step through mostly maintaining mining equipment, protecting survey teams,
to another world. Or maybe deep space. Or maybe the surface of a and fighting off the occasional beastie or raid by competitors.
neutron star. Anything goes. Let's manage those expectations. Don’t • Research missions are rarely similar. They might involve lugging all
go into the job always expecting to find another Earth out there. types of gear or taking pictures and writing notes about flowers, but
Finding a planet in a stable section of the galaxy, in the habitable then end with you running for your life to the gate before it closes.

FIRST-IN OPS
Source: First-In Operations, TerraGenesis Co-Op Members Protocol Manual
Welcome to the TerraGenesis team! An exciting After your team passes through the gate, the • Defend Yourselves! TerraGenesis recognizes that
adventure awaits you on the other side of the wormhole closes; gate time is carefully rationed many environments are hostile to transhuman life.
Vulcanoid Gate. Whether you're an experienced according to the needs of our operations and colo- First-in teams are fully authorized to defend them-
gatecrasher or a first-timer, you need to be familiar nies. Congratulations  —  you’re on your own in a new selves and ensure their survival and the completion
with TerraGenesis procedures. and amazing place! You will have 6–12 hours before of the mission.
The safety of our gatecrashers always comes the wormhole reopens. • Always Collect Data! Constantly record your XP
first. Upon confirmation of a “live” gate address Your mission parameters are as follows: and sensor data. Collect samples. Run deep scans.
(reconnaissance microprobes have returned data • First Priority: Secure the Gate! Establish a base Note personal impressions of what you find. Your
from the other side of the wormhole indicating a camp and defensive perimeter. The gate is your opinion is valuable! Backup everything to your
viable environment), your team has one hour to only way back once the wormhole re-opens! mission recorder at base camp, so that it can be
prepare while we send larger "first-link" drones • Map the Area! Expand the recon radius and inves- retrieved even if something happens to your team.
through. Monitor these real-time feeds and their tigate any anomalies or features of interest. • Explore and Investigate! Always remember
analysis closely to learn about the environment • Stay Together! The use of bots and sensors is TerraGenesis’s generous compensation program:
you’re about to enter. Will it be a lifeless chunk of always preferable to splitting the group. your reward for the operation directly correlates
rock? A life-rich planet? A moonlet circling an exotic • Leave No Trace! TerraGenesis asks its first-in with what you find!
gas giant? Fine-tune your gear loads as appropriate. teams to respect the environment: don’t damage, One final word of caution: watch the clock! If
An analysis team of TerraGenesis scientists and move, or kill anything unnecessarily. Document your team is not present when the gate re-opens,
consultants will make the final call for the “live” everything, touch nothing. Leave nothing behind, a search-and-rescue bot will be dispatched and the
first-in operation. A thumbs-down means the pack everything out. gate closed again. It will re-open once more within
environment on the other side of the gate is too • Identify Threats! This includes everything from 6–12 hours. Whether it ever opens again will
hostile, and you’ll be put back into the queue for the environmental hazards to hostile life to things depend on the perceived value and interest of the
next operation. A thumbs-up means you’re going in! the transhuman mind has not yet conceived. The location. We value our co-op members. Do yourself
safety of future missions relies on you. a favor and make it back.

Space & Other Worlds • Gatecrashing: The Real Story

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 HABITATS
The environment internal to the dome is engineered to be Earth-
like. Impact craters, with the crater rim serving as a natural base
Source: Your Off-World Home, Post-Fall Edition LINK for the usually tessellated roof architecture, are favorite locations
for domes. There are typically airlocks to the surface as well as
Transhumanity has spread to nearly every nook and cranny in extensive underground habitation areas. Underground transport
ACCELERATED FUTURE

the Solar System, and a few brave souls have ventured through between domes and other habitats is not uncommon. Domes are
the gates and into whatever lies beyond. For those of us who have usually made transparent during day cycles; larger cities project
never journeyed far beyond where we settled after the Fall, it can video or holographic displays on the dome interior. Dome fabrics
be difficult to keep track of or make sense of the great variety of are protective and self-repairing but not indestructible. Some are
habitats. My hope is that this brief overview will fill in some of the covered with a coating derived from local materials for insulation
gaps and inspire you to dig further, or perhaps even to get out to and protection from micrometeors and radiation.
see a few yourself!
Subsurface
PLANETARY HABITATS Subsurface habitats include any kind of underground mineshaft,
Planetary habitats can exist on any planet, moon, or asteroid where lava tube, cavern, or other structure, either naturally formed or exca-
the natural gravity is sufficient to allow for walking without being vated. The primary advantages of subsurface habitats are protection
aloft for an excessive period of time. The lower bound of what is from radiation and any harsh elements on the surface. Subsurface
considered a planetary habitat is arbitrary and overlaps with the habitats are common throughout the Solar System and are extensive
upper bound of microgravity habitats. on Luna, Mars, Mercury, and the Jovian satellites.
For those who are only familiar with spin gravity and have never
been planetside, nor experienced XP or VR of a gravitational world, Bathyscaphe
there are a few things to note. On a gravitational world, it is not First built to explore the deep oceans of Earth, bathyscaphes provide
readily apparent which direction is prograde or retrograde, or where a breathable atmosphere in aquatic environments and are usually
the axis of rotation is. There is no perceptible change in rotational pressurized at near-Earth normal. They tend to be heavily built as
velocity or gravity when moving up or down in a structure, the eleva- they must withstand high pressures at depth. Bathyscaphes are
tors never tilt or move in a curved path, and the quixotic curves of common in the subsurface oceans of Enceladus, Ceres, and Europa,
thrown or flying objects are at best parabolic. This can all be a bit and are known to exist with similar function on exoplanets with
disorienting and bland if you are unaccustomed to it. high-pressure atmospheres as well as the surface of Venus. Larger
bathyscaphes are anchored to the floor of the environment (or, in
Dome the case of Europa, the crustal ice ceiling), while smaller bathy-
Domed habitats are an enclosed, pressurized area on the surface of a scaphes are mobile and can explore the depths. Airlocked moon
planetary body. These can range from large tents to cities of thousands. pools allow access to the aquatic environment.

SOLARCHIVE SEARCH¾BIOLOGICAL HABITATS

Among the many materials and methods of habitat construction is the NANG TANI
biological. These habitats do not quite count as a separate type, as they Nang Tani is a comet whose highly inclined orbit has been altered to
are still planetary, centrifugal, or microgravity based. However, biolog- bring it just within Mercury’s orbit at perihelion and between that of
ical habitats reflect a more unique aesthetic, philosophy, or design Uranus and Neptune at aphelion. Before the Fall, a group of Southeast-
choice. A few examples follow. Asian ecodesigners created a Dyson-tree habitat there, establishing a
genetically modified organism that could grow out of the comet itself.
LORICA As of the last communications during the Fall, pockets of thriving
The hypercorp Ecologene established this insect-inspired biohabitat ecosystems with breathable atmosphere had taken root within the
on a near-Mars asteroid. A former contract worker has described the wooded hollows of the All-Tree. Returning from its orbit high above the
environment as having a chitinous aesthetic, with mechanosensory and outer system, Nang Tani is now approaching the inner system, but its
chemical sensing hairs sprouting from all surfaces. Little else is known. current status remains unknown.
Rumors of connections between Lorica and the insectoid exoglot clade in
the Jovian trojans have been declared “baseless and false” by Ecologene. NEW CONCH REPUBLIC
This “island escapism”-themed centrifugal habitat is constructed
MEATHAB of coral-inspired biomaterials and devoted to the pursuit of pure happi-
The most famous biological habitat is undoubtedly MeatHab. MeatHab’s ness and inner peace. Constructed from the moon of the asteroid Atira,
origins are obscure, but it is believed to have begun as an eccentric bio- it is located in the inner system within the orbit of Earth. Relatively
designer’s art morph. MeatHab’s visitors and residents include artists unscathed by the Fall, it is touted for its Caribbean culture aesthetic and
who bask in its existence, devotees who worship it, and scientists who endless sandy beaches.
study it. MeatHab tends to limit its interactions with others, but some-
times seems to revel in a pranksterish overseer role.

116¹ Habitats • Planetary Habitats

 ACCELERATED FUTURE
Aerostat Interior surfaces are capable of displaying any kind of imagery with
Aerostats are voluminous structures that float in a dense atmo- exquisite fidelity and the spectrum of the sun can be precisely repro-
sphere. Their distinguishing features are lightweight structures duced. Windows are also structural weak points and the exterior
and large internal spaces that are at a lower density than the surface area better dedicated to solar energy collection.
surrounding atmosphere, thus providing lift. To provide stability, Modern centrifugal habs can be broadly classified into three
the expansive chambers that provide lift are located towards the top major types based on geometry, as well as various sub-types based
of the structure, with the bulk of the habitation space and docking on construction method or other feature. There is no real functional
facilities typically positioned on the underside, though some are difference as the centrifugal principles are the same.
known to have landing platforms or synthmorph living areas on
the roof of the structure. Aerostats are common on Venus and also Torus
present in the clouds of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Most aero- Toroidal habitats resemble a wheel, with spokes connecting to a
stats drift with the currents, though some are tugged or tethered to central docking station. They tend to be more simply made and
the surface. have lower populations than other centrifugal habitat types. It is
not unusual to see a double torus with counter-rotating sections.
CENTRIFUGAL HABITATS Tori are most common in low planetary orbits and often have many
There are many varieties of and philosophies behind centrifugal windows for viewing the planet below. When standing on the inte-
habitats. Their defining feature is rotation. A person on the interior rior surface of a torus with large open areas, the habitat seems to
surface of a rotating hab will experience a force that simulates curve upwards in two directions, until eclipsed by the ceiling. Tori
gravity (usually Earth or Mars standard). This force will always are sometimes referred to as von Braun wheels or Stanford tori,
be perpendicular to and away from the axis of rotation (meaning based on early 20th-century conceptions.
that you stand on the inside of the rim with your head pointing
up towards the axis). The faster the rotation, the stronger the Cylinder
force. As you climb nearer to the axis, thus reducing your angular Cylindrical habitats of various sorts are the dominant type of
velocity, the force decreases until reaching zero gravity at the axis. centrifugal habitat. Useful classifications include:
Spin habitats include engineering features such as large internal O’Neill Cylinder: Large cylindrical habitats that are built to
momentum wheels, which are used to spin up or down the habitat, particular fixed dimensions are so named in homage to the 20th
and balancing masses, which are autonomously adjusted for century physicist Gerard K. O’Neill. They tend to be large megaproj-
stability. Docking ports are stationed at one or both ends of the axis, ects and are known for having less internal segmentation, fewer
allowing ships to dock without needing to match the rotational habitation levels, and a vast internal space that recreates an Earth-
velocity. Elevators provide access down to the interior surface. like ecosystem. However, O’Neill’s design is considered antiquated
Despite retro depictions of spin habitats, they rarely include by current standards. No habitat based on his original design has
windows on exterior walls outside of observatories and tori. ever been built, though various modern variations exist.

Habitats • Centrifugal Habitats

¾117
 When standing on a cylinder’s interior surface, the environment and bioreactors in this layer maintain an infrastructure of nano-
arcs up on either side, so that the far side of the habitat is directly systems that sustain environmental cycles. A layer of distributed
overhead, on the opposite side of the cylinder. Cylinders are nanocomputers functions as a neural strata — the brain of the
typically large-enough to hold cities and vast sculpted landscapes. cylinder — controlling various habitat systems. Hamilton cylinders
Many run a solar electrochemiluminescence tube along the axis that are aware of their surroundings, both internal and external, and are
ACCELERATED FUTURE

provides an internal day/night cycle. living, growing machines. There are currently only three Hamilton
Fisher Hab: The prototypical modular-independent cylindrical cylinders in existence — one in the Uranian system and two at
habitat, named in honor of the prolific 21st century space architect Saturn.
C.F. Fisher, consists of shorter cylinders, sometimes called disk
habitats, which are commonly joined together as new units are Spheroid
completed. This allows for reasonably large internal spaces with Sometimes nearly perfect spheres, but more commonly a prolate shape,
complex ecosystems — smaller versions of the megaproject O’Neill spheroidal habitats are often referred to as Bernal spheres in honor
type habs, but with the advantage of faster construction times and of the scientist John Desmond Bernal, who first conceived of such
the ability of each unit to have its own unique ecosystem or even be habitats in 1929. The main habitation level is typically built on a band
its own polity. Some units remain very independent of the others, extending across from the same degree lines north and south of the
with the only connection being through the central thoroughfare, equator. This gives a living surface like that of a cylinder. Beneath the
while others open up spaces through the hulls and permanently main habitation level are further, progressively smaller habitation levels
fuse together. Unless the modules have been fused, it is not strictly and engineering sections. Larger spheroids may have multiple stepped
necessary for each unit in a group to have the same rotational speed, levels at progressively lesser gravities going out toward the poles.
nor is it necessary for each unit to have the same radius. As these
units are theoretically independent, it is possible for them to leave Ad-Hoc
a particular agglomeration and go fully independent, or to join Though uncommon, it is possible to jury-rig a centrifugal habitat by
another Fisher group. Fisher units often have a large number of linking modules and rotating them around a center of mass. These
habitation levels, sometimes extending from Earth gravity to Mars structures tend to be unstable and less-than-ideal, as the modules
gravity or beyond, with parks and recreational spaces distributed are not designed for this purpose, but it is a cheap option for Belters
throughout. While there is some variation, the length and radius of and brinkers who need spin gravity and have limited options.
Fisher units tend to be standardized at about one kilometer each,
and are rarely seen with radii greater than two kilometers. Fisher MICROGRAVITY
habitats tend to exist in confederations with each unit retaining A microgravity environment exists whenever an object is in free-fall,
relative independence. as in orbit or when the gravity is very low, such as on most asteroids.
Polykatoikia: A cylindrical habitat where the modules are depen- A microgravity environment can also be referred to as weightless or
dent on each other is known as a polykatoikia. They consist of pods, near weightless. Micrograv habs have no restrictions as to shape, size,
rings, ring segments, or other interlocking shapes that are gradually architecture, construction method or material. While maneuvering in
built up, both along the axis of rotation and outward from it. A free fall can be challenging for those used to gravitational environ-
rotating assembler system allows for the addition of new segments ments, weightlessness is ideal for certain tasks and processes.
without interrupting the rotation of the habitat, with the primary
requirement being that new segments are added in a manner that Beehive
is balanced across the axis of rotation. Segments are not normally Beehives are tunnels, caverns, and excavated spaces in microgravity
designed to function independently of the habitat, and engineering asteroids and moonlets. Most beehive habitats are created when
and life support systems are typically part of the substructure of the squatters take over abandoned asteroid mines. With a bit of work,
habitat, which is itself built out as the habitat grows. Polykatoikia such as sealants, airlocks, and the addition of life-support and envi-
are known for fast construction times, smaller open spaces, and an ronmental controls, a biomorph can have a comfortable living space,
often labyrinthine internal layout. whereas a synthmorph can get by with few or no modifications at
Reagan Cylinder: The Jovian Republic’s version of a cylindrical all. Residents will often tunnel out additional spaces and passage-
habitat is the Reagan Cylinder. A large cylindrical space is carved ways as the population grows. Beehives have similar advantages,
out from within an asteroid, and the excavated material is affixed disadvantages, and requirements to subsurface planetary habitats.
to the outside in an attempt to create stability during rotation. This Comets, loosely held-together rock piles, or very rapidly rotating
construction method is great for protecting against the high radi- asteroids are generally not suitable for beehives, and very small
ation environment near Jupiter, but the bioconservative republic’s asteroids typically have stability issues that make them unsuitable.
fear of advanced technologies make these habitats far less pleasant The abandoned mines that most beehive habitats are built from
than they could be. Chronic problems with stability, structural are fast becoming relics as the advances in materials science and
integrity, and the reliability of life-support systems have earned mining technology of the latest generation of mining operations
these habitats the derisive moniker of “sarcophagus habs” by the allow for the processing of an entire asteroid directly into bulk
other factions. resources, fabber feed-stock, habitats, ships, radiation shielding,
Hamilton Cylinder: The latest incarnation of the cylindrical solar panels, or other manufactured products.
habitat, Hamilton cylinders are the embodiment of the cutting edge,
incorporating advanced nanotech, materials science, neuroscience, Cluster
and computational technologies. A silicate composite exterior Clusters are congregations of specialized modules, directly intercon-
shell provides a skeleton structure and protection from space. An nected or latticed together in orbit. With high quality construction
interior middle layer collects waste and resources harvested by and integrated support for modern technologies, a cluster can have
drones from nearby planets, moons, or asteroids. Nanofabricators all of the conveniences and opportunities of any other habitat.

118¹ Habitats • Microgravity

 usually pressurized, microgravity area that can be several cubic
kilometers in size. From the outside they look much the same as
a centrifugal habitat of the same shape and typically have similar
docking ports at what would have been the axis of rotation. The
interiors are as diverse as bare-bones empty shells, a literal jungle
of microgravity-adapted plants, the chaos of a three-dimensional,
haphazardly created labyrinth with few right angles, or the disci-
plined order of a cubicle worker’s nightmare.

OTHER HABITATS
A few habitat types cross boundaries or defy classification.

Processor Locus

ACCELERATED FUTURE
While communities of infomorphs can be found within other habi-
tats, a processor locus is a dedicated computational environment
designed exclusively for the disembodied. Also referred to as a
noosphere, the most notable features of a processor habitat are a
massive computational core, extensive power generation facili-
ties, and research centers related to the architecture, engineering,
programming, and evolution of computing systems. Loci run
multiple massive simulspace environments capable of hosting tens
of thousands of infomorphs. Regarded with suspicion by some for
their potential to harbor AGIs or become spawn points for ASIs, as
well as claims of engaging in banned AI and cognitive research,
processor habitats are heavily shielded and defended.
Egocasting into a processor locus is encouraged by its inhabi-
tants, as familiarity diminishes fear. Any type of environment can
be experienced in simulspace: flawless recreations of pre-Fall Earth,
fantasy realms from fiction, heavenly retreats, or even bizarre and
sometimes disturbing experiences generated on the fly from the
memories and desires of everyone in the simulspace.

Scum Swarm
A Scum swarm is less a habitat and more a way of life. They originated
Individual modules have distinct functions: habitation, storage, with spacecraft that helped evacuate Earth. Laden with refugees, they
agriculture, manufacturing, docking, etc. Most clusters have dedi- were unable to find anywhere that was willing to accept them and
cated environmental and life-support modules distributed around essentially became nomadic refugee camps. Many clustered around
the network. Larger clusters may be subdivided into neighborhoods sections of partially destroyed habitats and other structures that were
that share power and other resources, or may even function as damaged in the Fall. As the swarms traveled, these structures were
distinct polities. Hypercorp clusters tend to be regimented and towed by barges, retrofit with engines, or interlaced with spacecraft
symmetric, while autonomist clusters are more haphazard and in what are known as LaFrance rig lattices. Over time, these refugees
chaotic. Centrifugal habitats and cluster habitats will often be in joined together with pre-existing nomadic peoples, becoming the
close proximity or interconnected within the same conurbation. Scum. These communities vary greatly in culture, language, orga-
nization, and wealth. They include everything from overcrowded
Nuestro Shell cesspools to egalitarian anarchist communes to the gaudy opulence
Several variations exist of the Nuestro shell, but the principle design of organized crime gangs and everything in between. As roving carni-
consists of multiple rigid spars radiating outward symmetrically from vals of the dispossessed, they are hubs of lawlessness, piracy, black
a central point. Additional ringed structures connect across the spars, markets, and the bizarre. If you’re searching for the forbidden, the
allowing for movement between them and providing stability. Various dangerous, or the deviant, you can find it here.
modules are connect with the spars, rings, and each other either
directly or via floatways. It is, in essence, a large stable framework for Tin-Can Habitat
a cluster hab. Spars and rings typically have internal passageways and Tin-can habitats are small modules of simple construction and
intermittently spaced airlocked docking structures that larger habitat only the most basic support systems. Many are nothing more than
modules will permanently attach to. The entire structure is contained converted shipping containers. They can be solo or connected to
within and attached to a geodesic sphere covered with a flexible, self- large networks of tin cans or other microgravity habitats. They
healing mesh designed to protect against micrometeoroid impacts. harken back to the earliest days of space flight and are disfavored
by most who can afford something better. There are a few tin cans
Tenmai Shell that have been in near continuous use for over a century. Curiously,
The base structure of a Tenmai shell is made from the outer shell these timeworn relics have become prized by certain antiquarians
of a cylindrical or spheroid centrifugal habitat, but does not house and retrophiles who ardently upkeep them and become experts in
the expected interior structure. Instead, it contains a vast, protected, their ancient systems.

Habitats • Other Habitats

¾119
ACCELERATED FUTURE

NANOFABRICATION
materials. They range in size from portable, handheld units to desktop
models to industrial units several tons in weight. These are referred to
Source: Everything, Forever: by many names  —  makers, replicators, forges, compilers, cornucopia
A New Maker's Primer, by Silvia Lugo LINK machines, and so on. They can be found in offices, shops, and schools;
some habitats maintain street-corner makers for public use.
While nanofabrication was common before the Fall, its ubiquity in Specialized fabbers are similar, but only produce categorically
the present may come as a surprise. Today, nearly every object you similar items. A specific forge may produce a related suite of person-
interact with was made with a nanofabber. It’s possible that your ally tailored medications, a proprietarily linked set of consumer
sleeve itself was the product of one of these miraculous devices. electronics, a particular line of handguns and related peripherals,
or components for a certain piece of machinery.
NANOFABBERS Hives are a particular type of specialized fabber used to manu-
At its core, a nanofabricator is a 3D printer that works at the molec- facture and maintain a single type of nanoswarm, such as fixers
ular level. It takes a stock of raw materials and uses nanobots to or engineers. Hives are portable and used to program a swarm as
assemble an object according to the specifications of an input well as replenish the nanobots that are lost to normal daily attrition.
blueprint. Virtually any object or device can be constructed in such Fixer hives are often incorporated into devices and structures for
a manner, from the simplest handheld hammer to a space-going ongoing self-repair functions.
vessel  —  though larger objects are fabricated in parts by sub-assem-
blies, not a single machine. BLUEPRINTS
Fabbers come in many shapes and forms. It’s likely that your No matter what kind of nanofabber you may find yourself using,
personal living space or shared residence is equipped with a small you’ll need a blueprint  —  a three-dimensional software plan for the
kitchen autocook, a specialized wet fabber that only produces design. Printers come pre-loaded with an assortment of simple blue-
food and liquids. At the lower end, these models simply produce a prints appropriate to the device's purpose. Most polities, habs, and
generic nutrient paste that is dressed up in a variety of tastes and hypercorps also provide basic blueprints free for use by everyone,
textures. Better quality autocooks manufacture gourmet meals and released into the public domain. This means that almost everyone
complex drinks molecule by molecule, as well as similar organic has access to mundane tools, clothing designs, and foods.
substances, including leather, alcohol, and some drugs. Inner- These free blueprints are widely regarded as signs of lower social
system restaurants thrive on their high-end autocooks and propri- status in the inner system. The old and transitional economies there
etary recipe designs. rely on people purchasing proprietary blueprints online for whatever
General-purpose fabbers can make almost anything that fits inside they need. Hypercorp boutiques compete to offer the latest designs
their volume, assuming you have the blueprint and necessary raw and upgrades, sold through subscription channels and ecosystems

120¹ Nanofabrication • Nanofabbers–Blueprints

designed to lock customers into brand loyalty. These digital plans are PRINTING
accompanied by stringent copyright protections, limiting the number The final limiting factor of nanofabrication is time. It goes without
of prints to deter sharing and piracy and preventing any modifica- saying that the bigger or more complex the item to be produced, the
tions of the designs outside allowed parameters. longer it takes to manufacture. Most prints take a matter of hours,
There are many open-source projects, however, in which generous but complex designs can take up to a day or even more.
programmers make their blueprints available for free. There are Thankfully, replicators primarily run themselves. Each fabber is
numerous communities devoted to tinkering and improving upon equipped with a dedicated ALI that works to optimize blueprints
blueprints in a variety of fields, many entertainment or fashion and troubleshoot flaws in assembly as they occur. This ALI is some-
related. Autonomist cooperatives and Titanian microcorps also times even capable of programming new designs or modifications
code and distribute freeware designs, sometimes based on cracked for you.
properietary plans. Inner-system authorities, however, do their best
to limit the availability of these freeware blueprints, and fabber DOING IT THE HARD WAY
controls may prevent their use. If you lack the proper blueprint, it's theoretically possible to make

ACCELERATED FUTURE
Naturally, blueprints to manufacture dangerous or illegal goods your own. 3D design, however, takes days for even simple objects,
are unavailable for sale to the general public, except on the black weeks or months for anything complex. It also requires not just a
market. Weapons, drugs, deadly chemical compounds, or biohaz- thorough knowledge of software encoding, but also an artisinal
ardous materials are not freely distributed. Software locks on the familiarity with whatever it is you're designing. You want a sheet of
fabbers themselves prevent them from producing items or materials steel capable of withstanding the heat of planetary re-entry? You'll
on prohibited lists. Individuals who bring their own nanofabrica- need to be a metallurgist as well as a programmer. Thankfully, accel-
tion devices to a new hab are likely to find it inspected and made erated time in a VR simulspace can shorten the process.
compliant with local ordinances regarding prohibited printing
requirements. These practices differ greatly in many outer-system REMAKING SOCIETY
habs, however. While fabbers are available for public, unrestricted Despite the limitations of nanofabbers, their effects upon trans-
use there, they are monitored by local volunteers to ensure that no humanity cannot be overstated. Society has been transformed by
one is manufacturing items that could endanger the community. the ubiquitous availability of goods. Starvation is nearly a thing of
the past; almost no one goes with want of basic needs. Creators
FEEDSTOCK of high-demand and bespoke blueprints gain tremendous wealth
Fabbers are useless without raw materials, commonly termed and rep from the sale of their designs in the inner system. The very
feedstock. Most habitats make basic feedstock readily available existence of many outer-system settlements and extrasolar colonies
through utility lines. In the inner system, your feedstock usage is might be threatened were it not for their ability to produce needed
likely limited according to your payment plan. For areas outside of goods on the spot, without the lengthy wait of physical shipping.
a public utility infrastructure, feedstock is also available in bricks You are also sure to notice that there is much less trash and litter.
of either single elements or in conveniently bonded compounds Near-ubiquitous disassembly of waste materials has resulted in
when elements are dangerously reactive in their simplest states. cleaner habitats across the Solar System. As a rule, transhumans
Almost all habitats recycle or scavenge the vast majority of their personally own far fewer personal belongings than they did before
waste for use as feedstock. When you toss your garbage down the the Fall. Citizens simply do not accumulate goods, and almost all
chute, it’s not just going to the dump, it’s being fed to disassembler of the wasteful packaging you may recall from your previous life
nanoswarms to be used as the raw materials for the hab’s feedlines. on Earth has been eliminated. Even personal travel is easier, as
Fabbers often incorporate disassembly ports into their chassis, such you are no longer required to bring everything you need with you.
as the organic-waste disposal unit on your kitchen's autocook. Virtually any item is now disposable and replaceable, since it can be
Aside from blueprint availability, feedstock is ultimately the disassembled into its constituent molecules and reassembled brand
biggest limiting factor in nanofabrication. Miraculous though the new as required.
technology is, it’s not just conjuring goods out of nothing. While
the economies of different habitats or solar-system regions vary ARTISANAL GOODS
greatly, they are still rooted in the relative scarcity of material This is not to say that nanofabrication has completely replaced all
goods. Carbon, iron, and the like are relatively abundant, but other manufacturing processes. In fact, handcrafted goods have
many of the most exotic elements of the periodic table are used in become status symbols. Chefs who produce traditional meals made
modern equipment. Dangerous heavy metals or gases are regularly with naturally occurring ingredients are in high demand. Artists
used for industrial applications and in trace amounts to produce who work with hard-to-acquire irreproducible materials, such as
consumer-grade alloys or plastics. Habitats typically restrict access marble reclaimed from specific ancient buildings on Earth, can
to hazardous and rare-element feedstocks, requiring explicit permis- garner wealth and acclaim for their work. Other handmade goods
sion and a high credit cost. are valued for the personal investment applied to their making.

SOLARCHIVE SEARCH¾THE INVISIBLE MASSES

One way that nanotechnology has changed society is also the hardest to see: nanoswarms. Clouds of invisible nanobots now surround us on a daily
basis, undertaking unseen tasks. These range from purposes as utilitarian as cleaning, maintenance, and repair to insidious ones such as spying,
sabotage, and hostile disassembly. Carrying a nanodetector is a common practice when you wish to be appraised of the invisible mites in your presence.
Heavy use of swarms in an area sometimes builds up a dust-like "toner" residue as nanobots die off en masse.

Nanofabrication • Feedstock–Artisanal Goods

¾121
 CATCHING UP
You've been doing a great job in re-acclimating yourself to the state

TRANSHUMAN
of things. I know it's hard, a lot of time has passed since the backup
you are re-instantiated from was made.

CULTURE
Here's the next series of updates. START

FEAR AND PARANOIA

Posted by: Michael Moraine, Firewall Sentinel INFO MSG REP

The most defining aspect of transhumanity is how much it has

changed in the past few years. From the trauma of near extinction
to the future shock of rapid technological change, the speed of
upheaval is making a strong impact on our culture and society.

LIFE AFTER THE FALL

Our entire species suffers PTSD. The Fall killed 95 percent of trans-
humanity and cast the remainder into the void of space. We say
“lost" or "went missing" or even "forcibly uploaded," but “killed” is
the word. Just killed. You look around at Mars and Luna, and you
check your buzzing social feeds on the mesh, and it seems like we’re
okay again, but we’re not. We’re hanging on by a thread. There are
so few of us left, and of those who survived, so few of us even have
bodies, or bodies worth a damn. We don’t even really know what
happened. Sure, the TITANs killed billions, but why? We don’t really
know. We don’t even know why they stopped on the brink of our
total annihilation. Was our extinction their goal at all? What if we
were just collateral damage? The exsurgent virus appeared almost
simultaneously with the Fall, and there is every indication that
TITAN machines were infected in strange and unpredictable ways.

CAN WE TRUST OUR TECH?

What if the TITANs were merely trying to eradicate the virus and
killing us was the primary vector? But if that’s true, why did they
forcibly upload so many of us? What if they were trying to preserve
our species before fleeing what amounts to a quarantine zone? What
if they were trying to kick-start a phase of our evolution that might
make us less vulnerable to this greater threat? What do they know
that we don’t? All we can do now is speculate and hope they aren’t
coming back, but none of us really believe that.
We go to extreme lengths to avoid setting the stage for a second
TITAN event. Computational clusters above a certain power and
storage are discouraged, if not forbidden, for fear of creating a fertile
bed for a seed AI to run rampant. But, of course, with all those hyper-
corp research facilities and other secret installations, do you really
believe these prohibitions aren’t broken on a daily basis? The Jovians
go so far as to rely on analog tech as a safeguard against a rogue ASI
and then you’ve got some crazy brinkers out there doing their best
to cut themselves off entirely from the mesh out of fear of being
contaminated. Some people don’t even trust their muses anymore.
Who’s the voice in your head, really?

WHERE'S THE HUMANITY?

If the biconservatives are to be believed, our society is corrupt
because it is no longer solely human. We may all be hopping merrily
from body to body, but at least we had a body to start with, unlike
infolife. This lack of a biological origin makes it easy for some to
consider AGIs unnatural things or to fear that they may ultimately
be more sympathetic to the TITANs or other non-human interests.

¹ 122¹ Fear and Paranoia • Life After the Fall–Where's the Humanity?
Such thinking can be infectious, perhaps even driving prejudice and DEAD PLANETS
institutionalized bigotry that may eventually make it a self-fulfilling We won’t be the first to run out of luck. Since we first started
prophecy. Infugees and deliberate infomorphs aren’t much better exploring the pandora gates, we’ve found the detritus of one dead
from this perspective. When you lack a body, do your loyalties alien civilization after another. Their ruins are scattered across the
still lie with your embodied species? Keep this in mind next time galaxy. Something stops them from surviving, or at least surviving
someone gives attitude to one of your digital forks. in any way that we can observe. Why should transhumanity expect
Then you’ve got the poor uplifts. The same fearmongers claim a different fate? We were already almost exterminated once and
that we cannot truly understand their motivations or perspectives. not ten years later we’re jaunting through these alien gates just
The idea of an octopus walking around in a human body makes to traipse through the wreckage of a whole lot of aliens who also
them distinctly uncomfortable. These are the same people who messed with the gates.
treat uplifts like clever pets, and I know I’d resent that if I was one I think about the Iktomi a lot. We find more remnants of this
of them. I might start thinking about other societal options, myself. vanished space-faring, sapient species than any other. They may
have been big arthropods with a technology and culture we can
IDENTITY CRISES barely comprehend, but they were a lot like us, I think. Their ruins
The fear doesn’t stop with others; our own minds are suspect. So litter so many of the exoplanets we find. Their cultural detritus

TRANSHUMAN CULTURE
many of us lost years of consciousness in the Fall only to awaken tells us they were smart and maybe scared of something. Maybe
into a present that grows more alien by the day. What’s the starting the gates. Just ten thousand years ago, the Iktomi were a flourishing
point for the continuity of your life? Is it when you were born? Is civilization and then — nothing. What happened to those weird
it when you woke up today? Is it the first time you sleeved? The space-spiders? Did they see the end coming, or did it surprise
first time you forked? The Jovians and other bioconservatives them? Did it come through the gates? We know next to nothing
believe that the mere act of sleeving or egocasting is suicide and about these things or who built them and yet we’re happily dialing
that there’s no continuity of consciousness even from a recovered our way across the galaxy. Isn’t it only a matter of time before some-
cortical stack, just the propagation of data. Almost all of trans- thing notices us? What if something already has?
humanity thinks this is nonsense, that of course we are who we
think we are. But of course we’d think that, wouldn’t we? What if THE FACTORS
the entire Fall was really just the TITANs forcing us to adopt these The only beings who might have answers to these questions aren’t
methods, to normalize them? If we’re not really alive anymore, people, and they aren’t telling if they do. I’m talking about the
what are we even fighting to protect? The aggregate of transhuman Factors, of course. They’re the only evidence we have of any other
consciousness is the only thing that’s important if you arrive at civilizations surviving long enough to make contact with another
that conclusion, and if you keep following that train of thought, alien species. If you ask me, they only raise more questions than
the things that might become necessary in its defense are as fright- they answer. They say they’re emissaries for a group of civilizations
ening as the threats themselves. And there are so many threats. and that they only recently became convinced we were worthy of
contact. Why now? Are they here to help us out of sympathy from
AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE having survived their own singularity? They’ve sure dropped some
We don’t have a new home, yet. Not truly. Mars won’t be fully terra- ominous hints about the gates and AIs, but are they really here
formed for centuries and every other habitat we’ve carved out in to help or are we being monitored because they’re afraid we’re
the Solar System is separated from the void or a toxic atmosphere going to mess with something that might endanger their own
by centimeters of steel and a lot of hope that nothing goes wrong. civilization(s). For that matter, what is their civilization? What if
Sure, we’re getting better and better at engineering, but everyone they’re not even aliens but a stalking horse of the TITANs in some
knows we are just one engineering failure away from immediate subtle strategy we can’t even imagine. First contact was made in
and possibly irretrievable death. the immediate aftermath of the Fall, which means they must have
Scientific progress is improving our engineering every day, but been monitoring us for some time if they’re on the level. Did the
that brings its own risks. True x-risks, at that. The Large Collider is exsurgent virus scare them enough to take a closer look? What if
impressive but we all know it’s going to be a child’s toy compared to they are the exsurgent virus? I’m getting really out there now, I
where things are in another ten years, and there are already people know, but seriously, what do we actually know about the Factors?
talking about experiments that might literally collapse the warp of
space-time with “only” a .000001 percent chance. Back on Earth in FIREWALL
the twentieth century, scientists lit off the first atomic bomb while Nothing here is new to Firewall, of course. We have brilliant,
wondering if it might set the planet’s atmosphere on fire. And that’s dedicated, and genuinely good people thinking hard about this
just talking about accidents. stuff all day. But what does it amount to? You take orders from
The technologies we take for granted like ubiquitious nanofabri- your proxy, but do you know who your proxy is talking to? Have
cation, forking, and precision bio-engineering all have the potential you met your proxy in person? What does “in person” even mean
to be weaponized on a terrifying scale by a single malicious person. anymore? When you get called up to investigate some remote
Never before have such wide swathes of transhumanity had the mining facility on Triton, how confident are you that you’re really
capacity to initiate their own self-destruction. Self-replicating going on Firewall business and not because a rival mining corp
devourer nanobot swarms, biologically engineered plagues that spoofed their handshake protocols and duped you into wiping out
happily infect organic matter or plastics with ease, and the ability to a competitor? What if Firewall has been compromised at its highest
remotely produce antimatter weapons and detonate them at leisure levels? What if it’s always been serving another end? What would
are all within the theoretical grasp of countless individuals. They’ve you do about it? What could you do about it?
been stopped so far, mostly, but when is our luck going to run out? Paranoid yet? Good. Keep that close. Use it. You'll need it.

Fear and Paranoia • Identity Crises–Firewall

¾123
 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIFE
avoid scrutiny by the cops, score a face-to-face meeting, or talk your
way into an elite social event. Social capital is not always about the
Source: Scum Survival Broadside, Post #3 of 18 LINK credits in your bank account.
In the self-managed autonomist outer system, rep scores are a
Our online selves are extensions of our personal lives. With tool for mutual aid and sharing community resources. The more
TRANSHUMAN CULTURE

everyone interlinked, our expectations regarding social interactions you contribute to collective well-being, the more you can call upon
and privacy have irrevocably changed. others for favors. Need to hog the shared nanofabber, borrow a
farcaster link, get help fixing a bot, call up some muscle, or get help
SOCIAL NETWORKS with a research project? In the absence of money or coercion, your
Social media has evolved to incorporate all facets of our lives: rep score can help you get what you need.
our friends, work, interests, calendars, and even interactions with A lot of inner-system types make the mistake of viewing rep as
strangers. Everyone you know posts favorite vids, project updates, the currency of the outer system. That's not how it works. You don't
opinions, memes, selfies, and pet pictures. Some take it further, "spend" rep, it's a measure of your good standing with your peers,
broadcasting their XP lifelogs, allowing you to walk in their shoes a judge of your social trustworthiness. Asking for a favor doesn’t
and see through their eyes. Modern networks make it easy to automatically drop your score. But you might take a hit if you lean
customize your content for different groups of people. Your work on your friends enough to be rude or ask for something dangerous.
persona may be very different from your family persona and your It’s a valuable skill to know where that line is drawn. That all said,
night life persona. there are some services that particularly trade in rep and credit
There are hundreds of social networks, many of them aggregated exchanges for people looking to get things done in the other half
together into larger meta-networks. Who you socialize with influ- of the Solar System.
ences which platforms are most useful to you. There are networks Rep systems are not with their drawbacks or criticisms. Certainly,
for almost every professional, social, and interest group: scientists, in the inner system, those with wealth have more opportunities for
media, hypercorp industries, sports fans, gamers, even anarchist increasing their exposure and solidifing their rep than infugees or
scum. These networks are valuable sources of information, news, the clanking masses; it thus functions to heighten class divisions.
and community. Governments manipulate rep systems to punish dissidents and
reward obedience. In autonomist areas, rep is critiqued for propping
REPUTATION up informal hierarchies and reinforcing in-group behavior, though
One of the key aspects of social networks is the maintenance of your their network algorithms do a better job of balancing actual merit
reputation scores. Every platform measures your social capital and as distinct from popularity.
displays it to others. Each of these networks has their own methods
for calculating your score. Some are built on credit ratings and EXPOSURE
citizenship scores, others are grounded in reviews made by others. A side effect of social media is that we are all public figures, visible
Your taste in friends may be factored into your score, as well as at all times. Almost everyone has a lifelog and half of you grant
achievements, search rankings, or even shopping habits. public access. If you lock down your presence only to people you
Throughout the week, your rep score will rise and fall based on trust, you limit your visibility and opportunities. If you leave it
interactions with others. You can ping and ding people manually, public, anyone can gather enough personal details to predict your
but most people have their muses handle exchanges automagically. every move. Live your life like an open book, don’t be surprised if
Each individual ping/ding has a negligible effect on your score, someone reads it.
maybe a thousandth of a percentage point, but they add up in More and more, this sort of transparency is expected as a social
aggregate. Rude to the steward? Ding. Share a ride? Ping. Tip well? norm. It has its uses, of course: keeping tabs that loved ones are
Double ping. Some interactions are weighted more heavily than safe, that no one around you is acting suspicious, that elected offi-
others, depending on the network. The opinions of high-rep indi- cials and authorities aren't breaking the rules. When you opt out,
viduals or strangers may carry more impact than your friends or friends start to wonder if you're okay, and local security services
someone that pings/dings you back. may wonder if you're up to something.
Improving your rep on a social network relies on following Even if you keep your presence friends-only, the reality of
community standards. Each network values different behavior, so social networks and modern technology means that you are still
expect a variety of factors to matter. The same action that gets you completely trackable. Some of the meta-networks (looking at you,
dinged on one network gets a ping on another. Some communities CivicNet and Fame) deliberately share your personal info with
have protocols that don’t match yours. The best strategy is simple: marketers, authorities, and assorted third parties. Advertising
don't be a dick. networks hoard every scrap of data they can scrounge on you in
order to serve you up personalized ads. The unscrubbed pics, vids,
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND MUTUAL AID and XP you post are laden with metadata that give away location
Rep nets are more than just people who sometimes like what you and other details. Private intel hypercorps hoover all of this up and
do; they are groupings of friends you can ask for help. sell it to each other. Habitat security services sometimes get back-
I can hear your inner-system sneer from here: rep’s not gonna pay doors to monitor accounts. Combine this all with the datatrail your
my rent. But if you design a logo for a guy and he calls in a favor to meshed devices leave with every other device around them and the
get your rent covered by someone that owes him for a few packs of ubiquity of coveillance and biometric recognition technologies. All
beer? Sounds like it paid your rent. of this data is not accessible to everyone, but a dedicated adversary
Rep matters in other ways in the inner system too. It can help with enough resources could certainly use it to track your location,
you secure a loan, get a freelance gig, escalate things up the ladder, interactions, and activities.

124¹ Public and Private Life • Social Networks–Exposure

TAKING PRIVATE MOMENTS While repnet gaming is primarily about making credits, trolls
No one will just give you privacy. You have to take it. And if you and griefers abuse the system just to be jerks. Online harassment
want it, you’ll need to account for everything: your mesh connection, remains a serious issue, particularly by socially maladapted groups
your rep profile, your face, even how you walk. Otherwise, any one that brigade their targets with swarm tactics, stalking/doxxing, and
of those can be used to link you to the rest. general abuse. This behavior is particularly rooted among inner-
Privacy needs to be a habit. Use AR privacy modes at all times, system online infugees, with groups that have never experienced
not just when you want privacy. Otherwise, those moments will life off Earth and have yet to be embodied fostering bigoted
stand out as if you're hiding something. In privacy mode, your sentiments in their insular communities. Their favorite targets
social media profile is unaccessible to those around you and your are marginalized groups such as infolife and uplifts, though they
device connections are less likely to be logged. sometimes delve into outdated misogynistic and racist attitudes.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your communication Their vitriol is also spewed against whatever current outrage has
private and anonymizers for posting. Invest in secondary accounts captured their attention.
so you can control connections between information you put online. Current technology allows video and other media to be faked,
Train your muse to reset all passwords and burn accounts in emergen- which griefers use to their advantage. Social networks counter
cies. Use direct jack-to-jack connections to avoid anyone eavesdrop- this with public forgery detection tools, crowdsourced verification

TRANSHUMAN CULTURE
ping or sniffing your communications. The same is also true for laser services, and reliability ratings for various information and media
comm systems; tight-beam lasers are hard to intercept. Quantum- sources. Most muses are also trained to verify data and apply trust-
entangled comms are completely private and impossible to intercept, worthiness ratings, but these systems are not foolproof.
short of someone hacking or ganking the physical transceivers.
Physical privacy is harder. Smart-fabric privacy shrouds will MEMETIC WARFARE
negate sensors, but you may stand out. Thankfully, their social It is also important to remember that social media remains an ideo-
acceptance has blossomed and they are now more common in public logical battleground. While the mesh and social media provide us
areas. Many businesses have scanners to clear eavesdropping tech with access to innumerable people, ideas, sources, and outlets of
from private rooms. You can also map dead zones where there are no information, the reality is that most people engage with very little
sensors or signals or acquire such maps through darknet channels. of it. We use our muses to personalize our media and information
They’re useful if you need to duck out of sight for a few minutes. consumption habits, filtering out sources we don't like, and thus
If you're looking for a quiet way in and out of a hab, find yourself surrounding ourselves in self-affirming ideological bubbles in
a darkcasting service. They can handle an egocast that avoids the which we are never exposed to contrary opinions. Muses and social
logged and monitored official channels. Most of these are operated media algorithms are actually programmed to counter these habits
by shady cartels and outfits, so check their g-rep to evaluate their by offering a broad and diverse array of sources, but an unnerving
trustworthiness and loyalties before you commit. Some of these are number of transhumans override these options. This means that an
not so much illegal as unofficially tolerated. The glitterati and powers- alarming number of people exist in ideological echo chambers.
that-be like having quiet backdoor entrances as much as criminals do. Compounding the issue, various factions and entities exploit
The loss of data during the Fall and lack of system-wide centralized social media technology for propaganda purposes. At the simplest
authorities mean that it is now easier than ever to establish a fake level, this involves contracted troll farms that crank out nothing
identity, either through the black market or via fringe habitats with but false or heavily biased "news." These voices are then amplified
intentionally lax citizenship procedures. The drawback to secondary with media saturation campaigns using botnets and sockpuppet
identities is that they have very limited rep scores. This remains a armies to control the narrative. A more finessed approach makes
popular option for traveling incognito, however, particularly among use of aggregated marketing data to identify specific vulnerable or
those who might otherwise experience harassment or prejudice. receptive individuals and mass target them with personalized ad
campaigns intended to sway them on specific points. Even with
GAMING AND GRIEFING modern filters, these memetic campaigns have been known to sway
Any complex system can be gamed. Hacker cartels employ botnets elections, undermine support, fuel antagonisms and extremist
to run mass numbers of sockpuppet accounts and grind rep, selling elements, and encourage violence. They are particularly potent
fake audiences and social media promotion as a service on the when coupled with nativistic and bigoted sentiments, and explain
darknet. They are engaged in an ongoing arms race with social why large segments of the inner-system population remain preju-
network providers, who deploy ALIs and sophisticated algorithms diced towards AGIs, uplifts, the clanking masses, and outer-system
to detect abuse and root out fakes. anarchist "terrorists."

BASILISKS
One of the more frightening weapons deployed by the TITANs against were often exposed by their own augmented reality feeds. This enabled
transhumanity were so-called basilisk hacks. These included multiple vari- basilisks to affect large portions of the population at once. In one known
eties of sensory inputs designed to take advantage of flaws in the brains instance, the entire metropolis of Córdoba in Argentina was exposed to a
of susceptible portions of the populations, much like certain strobe effects basilisk through the city's municipal priority alert system, causing millions
are known to impact epileptics. These inputs triggered reactions such to hallucinate and turn on each other with unprecedented violence.
as seizures, catatonia, and hallucinations. Some even had the ability to Though modern mesh security protocols filter out known basilisks,
reprogram the mind in a manner similar to hypnotic suggestion. Basilisks there have been multiple reports of mass basilisk exposure throughout
were often embedded in various types of mesh media, so that victims the Solar System since the Fall.

Public and Private Life • Taking Private Moments–Memetic Warfare

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 EARTH’S LEGACY
Source: 10 Years:
Looking Back Down the Well (excerpt) LINK
TRANSHUMAN CULTURE

A decade has passed since transhumanity evacuated Earth, leaving

it to the TITANs. On this anniversary of the Fall, we look back at the
loss of transhumanity’s birthplace and all that it entailed.

PROCESSING THE LOSS

The Fall of Earth was a paradigm shift for transhumanity. Virtually
everyone lost friends and family. Most lost their own lives but were
restored off-world. Homes, pets, careers, and personal effects were
gone in a flash of radioactive dust. Entire governments, cultures,
and languages went extinct. Not only did people need to restart
from scratch, many had to learn how to live their new lives: in new
morphs, in new gravities, under new economies, in environments
that were completely alien to them.
Some have been more than willing to put Earth behind them,
going so far as to filter all mentions out of their feeds. The pain is
too great, the memories too horrific. This is especially true for those
who suffered trauma in their last days on Earth — even more so for
people whose lives on Earth had been a struggle to begin with, due
to wars, climate crises, or personal relationships.
For some, processing the Fall requires more than just treating
their PTSD. These transhumans treat the change as the open door it
is, a chance at new possibilities. This can mean diving headfirst into
exploring new identities, new personalities, new sexualities, new
morphs. For the masses of refugees that became the Scum swarms, THE BLOCKADE
this was an embrace of experimentation, an opportunity to experi- No parties have publicly claimed responsibility for placing the
ence new lifestyles and push the limits of hedonism. When you’ve blockade around Earth, shortly after the Fall. Originally it was
barely survived an apocalypse, and extinction is knocking, you may assumed to be a containment effort — to keep the TITANs in — but
as well live your life to the fullest. There’s no point in holding onto it clearly operates to restrict traffic both ways. Most people are
the past because it could all end at any moment. convinced the Planetary Consortium is quietly behind the effort,
but they have remained silent on the topic. In truth, it could be
THE LONGING FOR EARTH other parties: the Jovians, a cabal of oligarchs, perhaps even the
Not everyone has been willing to give up on Earth. To the people TITANs themselves.
living on Luna or in Earth orbit, it remains a visible reminder in the What we know is that any ship that tries to traverse between 300
sky overhead, a monument that is not easily overlooked. and 350 kilometers in altitude, just below low Earth orbit, in either
The debate on whether or not to “retake” Earth is regularly revived direction, is targeted by a number of lethal killsats. No warning is
by pundits. Fervent reclaimers insist that it is our responsibility to given. Even if the weapons platforms are avoided, there are other
reverse the mistakes of the past, to prove transhumanity’s autonomy dangers: cloaked smart mines and clouds of high-velocity space
or dominance, to take back what is rightfully ours. Those critical junk left in orbit, the detritus of past battles. Over the years, many
of transhumanity’s current path undoubtedly see it as a chance to ships have made efforts to run this blockade; most have failed.
return to a mythologized state of affairs, to resurrect the old and
proper ways of doing things. In this view, Earth remains a powerful THE DATAPOCALYPSE
symbol of redemption. One aspect of the Fall that continues to have an impact was the stag-
The reality, of course, is that no one knows what retaking Earth gering loss of information. Massive amounts of archives, records,
will entail. Talk of orbital bombardments and troop landings and data were lost. Cultural treasures and physical media that
are conjecture. No one is entirely sure that the TITANs are gone. were not digitized were wiped out. Governments and hypercorps
Invading the planet might stoke them into activity once again, with lost their organizational memories. Debt, bank balances, criminal
disastrous consequences for everyone throughout the Solar System. records, ownership records, legal code, and even some history and
Even if they are absent or dormant, their machines and nanoswarms scientific knowledge were deleted. People’s entire lives and identi-
remain a significant threat. Earth’s climate itself has been irrevo- ties were erased.
cably altered by the Fall. Revitalizing our homeworld’s biosphere This chance to start fresh was seized by some, rebranding them-
would require a vast terraforming effort with significant cost. And selves with new identities. Others watched their positions and
so popular opinion remains against such efforts … for now. achievements fade into obscurity.
Ten years later, we still struggle with missing data. Scientists
recreate past work. Investigators track down and reunite separated
relatives. Courts adjudicate contested claims. Historians fill in the gaps.

126¹ Earth’s Legacy • Processing the Loss–The Datapocalypse

EARTH RELICS isolation have formed brinker communities in remote regions of the
One method of coping with the past is by collecting relics from Solar System, cutting themselves off from the rest of transhumanity
Earth. Before the Fall, relatively few objects were transported off in order to preserve their way of life. VR simulspaces that recreate
world, due to the cost and impracticality. After all, most things areas of Earth remain incredibly popular, especially among infugees.
could be locally nanofabricated. Now, those objects are immensely Despite these efforts, cultural isolation continues to erode.
valuable. Even a small toy or souvenir could be worth more than a Resleeving undermines the outdated conceit of ethnic differences.
brand-new designer biomorph. A new black market has emerged The initial tendencies of people to sleeve morphs of the same
for Earth relics, leading to salvage operations to smuggle more ethnicity or to hold biased attitudes about specific models when the
relics off Earth, despite the great risk. technology was first made available diminishes further and further
Criminal cartels and reclaimers have financed and dispatched each year. Modern biomorph models are a blend of genetic traits that
numerous teams to break the interdiction. These operations are further illustrate that ethnicity is nothing but a social concept. Mesh
incredibly risky, as they must circumvent an armada of killsats and interconnectivity also makes it easier to transcend ideological barriers
a toxic hellscape populated primarily by TITAN war machines and and escape cultural bubbles. Sociologists speculate it is just a matter
exsurgents. Even if they survive and locate valuable relics, getting of time before most old-Earth nationalism and cultural identities are
them off-world again is even more difficult. This amounts to a driven all but extinct, relegated to small bioconservative enclaves.

TRANSHUMAN CULTURE
suicide mission, but the payoff can be worth it. It is worth noting that, more and more, even the traditional
Complicating matters, some of the relics retrieved from Earth human template is being eschewed. Designers increasingly
have harbored dangerous nanoswarms or even the exsurgent steer towards non-human pods and biomorphs, as well as synth-
virus, spawning dangerous outbreaks. With every relic a poten- morphs with non-anthroform body plans and functions. Though
tial vector, artifact hunters and dealers are high-value targets for these morphs are often considered exotic — or sometimes even
authorities and bounty hunters. Of course, the black-market value banned — their presence is becoming normalized, especially in
of TITAN technology can be even higher, making it worth the risk the outer system. As more transhumans become familiar and
to reckless graverobbers. acclimated with non-human sleeves, this is only likely to accelerate.
Relic hunting has led to a booming market for forgeries and fakes, After all, while the human form is quite functional, it evolved to fit
not only to dupe rich collectors, but as mass-market goods. Artifacts specific conditions; in many situations, other morph designs are
can be scanned and reproduced with nanofabrication, making simply more adaptive.
authenticity difficult to determine. Owning faux relics has become
fashionable in some circles, proving that nostalgia is still a powerful A NEW HOMEWORLD
influence in popular culture. The most aggressive counter to Earth’s legacy comes from the
Not every relic is physical or valued solely for its connection to Planetary Consortium itself. The conglomerate strongly pushes
the past. Treasure hunters are also driven to uncover secrets buried Mars as transhumanity’s new homeworld, soon to be terraformed
on Earth, from corporate plans hidden away in server farms to into an Eden superior to Earth, and the centerpoint in a new galactic
ancient art forms and languages that exist only in the lost cortical civilization spread via the gates. By positioning Mars in this way,
stacks and backups of egos that were left behind. Millions of the Consortium also places itself as the leader of transhumanity.
animal and plant species and even some uplift projects were also Consortium media outlets regularly downplay mentions of Earth,
lost, including elephants, denisovans, and some whale species. focusing on Martian affairs and the Consortium’s expansion and
futurist ideas. This forward-looking stance is welcomed by most
OLD IDENTITIES Consortium citizens, who are eager to push aside past horrors and
Even if Earth will never be reclaimed, many still base their iden- failures.
tities on who they were before the Fall. Despite the efforts of the This agenda is not lost on the reclaimers, who believe that the
Consortium and other powers and factions to shed the trappings resources spent to terraform Mars could be better used on Earth, or
of the past, various holdouts see themselves more as exiled citi- by the other political factions, who side eye the Consortium’s grand-
zens of their home nation than whatever planet or habitat they standing and soft imperalism. However, the Consortium is not the
currently live on. They seek to uphold the traditions of their old only power to push forward and minimize the past. Morningstar
culture, including rivalries with other nations and ethnic groups. and the Ultimates both celebrate transhumanity’s unfettered future.
This mentality is particularly predominant in the Lunar-Lagrange Even the Titanians and autonomists highlight transhumanity’s
Alliance, where many refugee communities remain segregated by potential, while noting Earth not just as a tragedy but as a lesson
culture and language. Some have grown more insular in an attempt in our social and economic failures. Throughout the Solar System,
to protect their identity, rejecting outside influence. This has led to Earth serves as an abject lesson of what can go wrong. For this
divisiveness as conflicts between groups flare up, leading to legal reason, expansion to exoplanets is encouraged, to spread transhu-
disputes and sometimes actual violence. Those seeking further manity out and increase our chances of survival.

EARTH SURVIVORS
No one knows how many survivors remain on Earth. Some estimate that tens or even hundreds of thousands may still live,
secreted away in sealed habitats, cut off from the TITAN machines and outside world. Others might survive in the ruins,
somehow avoiding the deadly grasp of the nanoswarms, radiation, extreme weather, lack of food, and polluted atmosphere.
Entire storage facilities may still hold sleepers in cryo-tanks or data banks loaded with uploads and backups. The only known
concentrations of transhumans on the surface are exsurgents and TITAN puppets, entire metropolises still running according
to the whims of their abdicated machine masters.

Earth’s Legacy • Earth Relics–A New Homeworld

¾127
 CULTURE & CLADES
to gain the skills, reputation, and allegiance of talented individuals.
The Solar System is so vast that geographical citizenship is likely to
Source: keep existing for the forseeable future, but egocasting and far-flung
Appropriate This! Culture for Non-Microbes LINK reputation networks also mean transgeographic organizations have
many opportunities to gain members and influence.
TRANSHUMAN CULTURE

Once upon a time, culture was largely determined by geography

and religion. As a method of memetic shared identity, it served to REGIONAL CLUSTERS
pass on traditions and reinforce shared values. It also propped up Distance defines transhuman culture more than ever. On Earth
oppressive behavior and hostility towards outsiders and worked as before the Fall, every major culture was within easy reach between
an avenue of commodification. Now, with transhumanity ascendant, instantaneous mesh communications and fast global transportation.
the nature of culture has irrevocably changed. The Fall scattered transhumanity, isolating us on far-flung planets
and habitats. Light-speed lag hampers mesh communications
TRANSNATIONAL CITIZENSHIP and physical transportation is painfully slow, weakening informal
Even before the Fall, nation states were rapidly losing influence. ties between friends and family. Cultural regions are now drifting
Starved for revenue and largely co-opted by corporations, the larger apart because of spatial distance. It is no longer possible to easily
countries began to compete for citizens. Faced with violent, erratic keep up with the day-to-day changes that inform and mutate local
weather and the prospect of a brain drain, countries around the cultures. News rarely has a great impact outside of the region and
world offered remote citizenship to qualified applicants. Some coun- even viral phenomenon may have trouble gaining serious traction
tries, it turned out, had more pull as a brand than as a piece of real outside of the group that spawned them. Linguistic drift occurs in
estate. The convenience of telepresence and rapid travel superseded every habitat. The Mandarin spoken on Mars is already noticeably
geographical boundaries. Not to be outdone, some global corpora- different than the Mandarin spoken in the Titanian Commonwealth.
tions followed suit, establishing their own citizenship protocols and Throughout the Solar System, nearby habitats group together as
cultural identities for their protected enclaves. clusters that share culture, especially when they are close enough
In reality, transnational cultures were already de facto for peoples that light-speed lag is not a factor. The communities that make up a
displaced by colonialism, wars, or climate change. The Kurds, Roma, cluster can chat, share real-time XP, and find romantic partners from
First Nations, and Palestinians were joined by other dislocated other habitats far more easily. They develop ties and institutions
people in facing the challenges of diaspora, caught between estab- through shared communications and immigration.
lishing their own enclaves and online communities and assimila- On planets and large moons, however, everyone can instantly
tion. The Maldives and Solomon Islands became the first drowned communicate with each other. This limits, but does not erase, geog-
countries to establish governments in exile. raphy as a factor. Mars, Mercury, Venus, and even moons such as
Prominent online communities followed the path of these develop- Luna, Titan, Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa are large enough to
ments, establishing official organizations that provided some of the have multiple cultural regions. Nevertheless, social class and lifestyle
old benefits of citizenship to those living in declining nation states: choices continue to be more culturally relevant. There is, of course,
educational resources, social welfare initiatives, economic incentives, overlap; even the poorest synth worker can find common ground with
healthcare, employment, as well as protected enclaves. These new a local hyperelite, even if it’s only complaining about the weather,
cultural clades were based on shared interests, with trappings rooted sports, flaws of the local infrastructure, or rivalries with other habitats.
in fiction, history, or modern subcultures. Tribes as diverse as the In the large metropoles of Mars, Luna, and Titan, even self-selective
New Africans, Queer Nation, Burners Without Borders, House Party, subcultural groups find themselves in frequent face-to-face contact
Modern Anachronists, Zapatistas, and Wuxia all gained influence and with other clades.
virtual citizens during this time. Many of these deployed their own
reputation networks and/or cryptocurrencies. MORPHOLOGICAL CLADES
But the Fall destroyed most of these early transnational citizen- Some communities are defined by their morphology rather than
ship organizations just as surely as it destroyed nation states. When shared cultural traits. A person’s mind is heavily affected by their
the global communications infrastructure went under, most phyles morph, even if they don’t want to admit it. In biomorphs, a different
went with them. Only a few of the more tight-knit and cohesive balance of hormones can radically change thoughts and perception.
clades survived, and in small numbers. There’s a reason why fury morphs are classified as combat models,
After the Fall, citizenship went from something some transhu- and it’s not just the enhanced reflexes and muscles. A devoted paci-
mans could choose as a luxury to a necessity for which everyone fist sleeved in a fury could easily start a fight simply because the
was now desperately competing. Habitats had more refugees and morph heightens aggression and makes fighting more instinctual.
infugees than they could accommodate, so they cherry-picked the People sleeved in the same morph are more likely to have a similar
people most likely to be productive or held lotteries and consigned temperament, on top of being like-minded in purpose, and so are
the rest to virtual worlds or cold storage. Some habitats continue naturally drawn together.
to maintain tiered citizenship schemes to this day, only granting Extreme environments like vacuum, ocean floors, or high
privileges such as travel and access to certain areas or resources to pressure atmospheres can only be settled by egos sleeved in
those residents deemed most worthy. the right morphs. Whether it’s the surface of Venus or a distant
As of AF 10, the situation has relaxed somewhat. Citizenship is exoplanet with an exotic atmosphere, necessity dictates that
again growing into a fluid concept and holding a citizenship distant only certain morphs can survive. Most of these are work-focused
from where you live in space is more common. Titan, for example, has habitats, collecting natural resources in hazardous environments.
citizens scattered across the entire system, and many Morningstar Synthmorphs dominate in these conditions, being cheaper and
Constellation habs have begun granting remote citizenship as a way lacking the need for life-support systems.

128¹ Culture & Clades • Transnational Citizenship–Morphological Clades

 Other communities of morph-specific clades are common due to CULTURAL EXPERIMENTATION
shared adaptive traits, needs, or functions. Hibernoids crew long- Cultural experimentation is on the rise since the Fall. Various Earth
range ships, rusters work Martian terraforming gigs, bouncers thrive cultures were once dominant throughout the Solar System due to
in micrograv, surya surf the solar corona, and infomorphs convene early off-world colonization (especially China, India, America, and
in processor loci. Europe), but their setbacks have created a void that others now
Morphological clades often develop unique practices and social strive to fill. An incredible variety of political, sociological, and
norms as fits their morphs. Synthmorphs swap parts. Bouncer economic arrangements have been tried, many still in progress. In
clades drink and smoke using their feet. Long-haul hibernoid crews between the more short-lived radical experiments and the schemes
counter extended isolation with cuddle puddles. Neo-hominids of con artists, egomaniacs, and charlatans, a surprising number of
groom each other. Menton communities are heavily into strategy intentional communities now thrive.
games. Furies engage in comradely wrestling. Neo-octopi, notably, On the political end, you cand find habitats that embrace ideol-
are more solitary. Neo-neanderthal phyles have an affinity for music. ogies as divergent as Maoist communism, hereditary monarchies,
These practices and customs are sometimes confusing to those and straight-up dictatorships. You'll also find more obscure systems,
sleeved in other morphs (or are new to that type of morph). such as republics where officials are randomly selected and rotated
A few morphological tribes are rooted in ideology more than out every year, technocracies run entirely by ALI systems, and

TRANSHUMAN CULTURE
shared purpose. The Ultimates favor remade morphs to fit with their panarchies where each individual in the habitat subscribes to the
self-concept as pinnacles of the human species. Bioconservative (non-)governmental system of their choice.
communities are composed of original flat and splicer morphs, as Experimentation with sex, gender, and family constructs is a
they eschew non-essential genetic modification and resleeving. common theme. The citizens of Winter, a habitat in the Jovian
Trojans, attempt to eliminate gender roles altogether by sleeving
NON-HUMAN CLADES androgynous biomorphs and reproducing using exowombs with the
Uplifts are commonly treated as second-class citizens in human-dom- gametes of two or more parents. The brinker hab of Hearth seeks
inant habitats, worse off than even the lowest humans. They are often to repopulate by requiring all residents to birth multiple children
forced into indentured service, have no control over their reproduc- a year and raising them all as an extended family. Researchers
tive options, are banned from certain areas/activities, and have no say monitor these habitats to study their long-term effects.
in continued uplift research. The same is true of AGIs, who are also Other experiments are based on technological trends, such as
treated as a major security concern. In response to this, mercurials heavy forking or communities composed of the same fork. The
have established their own safe enclaves and habitats. neo-synergists on Venus use special implants to form a group mind,
Radical mercurials want more than just equality and freedom, albeit with questionable results. Scum swarms in particular push
however. They wish to establish separate uplift and infolife cultures the limits. Scattered in numerous fleets across the Solar System, no
free from human interference. They want to chart their own inde- one can keep track of how many bio-mods and mindhacking exper-
pendent and autonomous course, as opposed to assimilating into iments are conducted on them. Few on the swarms bother to keep
transhumanity. The majority of these initiatives are situated in the good records; they only want the next thrill.
outer system, where they have more support and less interference. As technology improves and transhumanity spreads across the
Other non-human clades exist outside of mercurials. To be galaxy, every element of culture is up for debate, evolution, and
specific, these are transhuman initiatives to create non-human revolution. The frontier is infinite.
cultural identities. Among these are the exoglots, a mysterious
group in the Jovian Trojans that uses insectile pod morphs and their CULTURAL SURVIVAL
own secretive artificial language, and the Colony on Luna, whose With extinction so near, and so much lost on Earth, there has been
residents sleeve into insect-sized (though not necessarily insectoid) much discussion about preserving culture for the future. Reclaimers
morphs and function as a society in miniature. At least one primi- are particularly interested in reviving cultural traditions, history,
tivist exoplanet colony is known to have sleeved into animal pods and artifacts lost to the Fall. Numerous simulspace environments
and gone "feral." are dedicated to recreating historically accurate cultural simulations
of the past.
VIRTUAL TRIBES It makes sense to consider the same for current culture. The
Considering how much transhuman culture relies on mesh tech- TITANs may return at any time, not to mention other potential
nology, it is no surprise that new phyles have arisen from online x-risks. The pandora gates have allowed for the rapid coloniza-
communities. Many of these are based in multiplayer virtual worlds, tion of hundreds of exoplanets across the universe. Some groups
some with millions of members. Infugees are predominant in these explicitly works towards archiving what they can of transhumanity
v-tribes, some never leaving their preferred simulspace. Each of in remote extrasolar locations, making it more likely that at least a
these worlds has their own reality, physics, and other trappings, snapshot of our cultures will survive. Of course, you don't need to
though the cultures of the residents have often steered far beyond leave the Solar System to do that. Hidden habitats can be found all
the anticipations of the original simulspace designers. Though the way to the Oort Cloud, populated by survivalists and archivists
many of these worlds are simply social, such as Olmec, Neo-Victoria, who tunnel inside asteroids to conceal their bases. Other factions
and Glam Slam, the most popular are multiplayer game worlds, with have built ark ships to travel to nearby star systems, like the Crystal
sci-fi Starfire and fantasy setting The Skein being current favorites. Wind, a Titanian starship on its way to Barnard’s Star, a journey
Competitive attitudes between gaming tribes sometimes spill over that will take 800 years. Transhumanity is determined to scatter
into the wider mesh and physical world, such as the real-life hacks itself as far and as fast as possible, in hopes that no one threat can
perpetrated by the rival Red Army and Taiwan#1 gangs. extinguish it.

Culture & Clades • Non-Human Clades–Cultural Survival

¾129
 SEXUALITY AFTER THE FALL
TRANSHUMAN SEXUALITY Earth was already in the midst of yet another worldwide sexual revo-
Source: Intimate Interfacing LINK lution just before the Fall. The rise of polyamory and growing legal
recognition of non-heterosexual relationships in the twenty-first
When you can change your body at will, downloading your century, as well as the decline of traditional religion, led to wave
TRANSHUMAN CULTURE

consciousness into any form you choose (or whatever you can after wave of questioning and social reorganization, punctuated by
afford, depending where you are), “gender” takes on a whole new periods of chaos and backlash. As with so much else, however, the
meaning. A morph is a vehicle of self-expression that can take on off-world colonies were rife with wild experimentation that rapidly
any number of forms. When such change is possible, altering one’s exceeded the pace of political life in even Earth’s largest cities.
sex or gender expression  —  whether once, or as often as you change Astrosociologists posit that this acceleration was caused by three
clothes  —  no longer seems all that remarkable to people. Instead of major factors: 1) sheer distance from Earth, 2) the demands made
a dualism with some variation on the side, gender is now popularly on bodies and morphs by wildly different environments, like zero-g
understood to be entirely divorced from one’s phenotype. Or, as one habitats or the skies of Venus, and 3) many colonists moving out
philosopher put it just after the Fall, “We’re all genderqueer now.” into the Solar System precisely because they felt they did not fit in
The XP of them saying this from Luna, with the Earth still burning on Earth. There is also something to be said for the fact that many
overhead, remains popular  —  and controversial. colonies, like Extropia and Titan, were founded on ideologies that
Why was the Fall such an important cutoff, specifically? In short, were not inherently inimical to gender and sexual diversity.
Earth was the hub for most opposition to this kind of culture.
As bioconservatism often went hand-in-hand with skepticism POLYAMORY
about space colonization and its culture, its greatest bastions were Traditional marriage, already rendered a charming anachronism on
lost in the Fall. Think-tanks, institutes at Earth universities, religious Earth, went into a steep and terminal decline after the Fall. Even the
non-profits, figureheads, and leadership were all wiped out. An most conservative elites in the Jovian Republic or the Consortium
already embattled minority became a microminority in the rest of came to consolidate power in ways besides marriage, so its last
the Solar System, with exceptions in places like the Jovian Republic. utilitarian benefits slowly ebbed away. Functional immortality
makes “together forever” feel less like a romantic pledge than a

GENDER DYSPHORIA wildly unrealistic expectation. Just as with gender, breaking one
psycho-physical barrier sends all the others tumbling down. Dating
multiple people at once was already more and more commonplace.
Source: The Mistress Mixtape Blog, by Tomoko d’Lys After the Fall, it became the norm.
This is a friendly reminder: gender dysphoria is still a thing. Polyamorous relationships take every conceivable form. Triads or
It’s funny that just two hundred years ago people on Earth often quads of three or four partners, respectively, share a mutual devotion.
“Polycules” of intense lovers and some fly-by-night “friends with
assumed you were going to be the gender you were assigned at
benefits” are connected in elaborate chemical diagrams of romance.
birth for your whole life. Transgender transition was one of the Novelty is perhaps the Solar System’s most valuable social
most radical things you could do; expensive, dangerous, socially currency, and few things produce it quite like pantheons of partners
ostracising. Now everyone does it and the immortal upper class and sexual experiences. But class remains a deciding factor in what
has their own fucking boutique gender-change BS, resleeving in that looks like. For immortal upper-class socialites, chasing novelty
bodies like new outfits. leads to voracious sex lives that can involve switching partners
Rich people are all about the sex changes now, but people and morphs multiple times in the course of an evening. For most
everyone, however, advanced biomods have all but eliminated sexu-
whose lives actually depend on it are still in need.
ally transmitted diseases; contraception comes standard these days.
You see, unbeknownst to most Martian gender designers is the Of course, your number of partners is not the only thing “poly”
fact that some of us still need to be in certain kinds of morphs in about your relationships; changing morphs can completely alter the
order to not go completely insane. If I were sleeved into a “male” character of a love affair. Partnerships are often strained when one or
body I’d be climbing up the walls; it’d feel wrong, like a second skin more parties resleeves into different morphs. Sometimes sculpting
I needed to claw off. Everyone may be genderqueer, yadda yadda, can be used to craft an appearance similar to the one your partner(s)
fell in love with. Some marriage contracts prohibit a partner from
but trans people  —  people who actually need a certain bodily config-
resleeving something different. Strong relations based on close ties
uration for our mental health  —  still exist. In huge numbers. between egos, however, can last through many morphs.
Our needs are met in some places. The Titanian Commonwealth
has specific healthcare guidelines for their morph rationing that SYNTHMORPHS
gives trans people first pick of gender/sex characteristics for any An unusually common assumption is that people sleeved in synth-
new morphs they may need. Scum swarms? The collective will look morphs are deprived of sexual lives, since they lack the requisite
after you, and we’ve got whole fucking trans-only ships. On Mars, biology. This is a failure of imagination  —  and a misunderstanding
of transhuman needs and kinks. The haptics of quality synthmorph
though? Sucks to be you.
models are as good as real skin, and synthetic masks enable all
Transphobia isn’t as much of a thing anymore. Even the Jovian manner of bodysculpting. If you're stuck with a lower-end case with
Junta lets people transition. But some folks pity us because they sub-par haptics, XP and narcoalgorithms can produce whatever
think we’re unable to enjoy the full range of gender expression. sensations you need, and there are always creative choices like
Well, I got a finger just for them. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a power tool attachments and sensory-meshed ablative coatings.
drag king show to headline tonight.

130¹ Transhuman Sexuality • Sexuality After the Fall–Synthmorphs

 VIRTUAL LIFE, REAL SEX
Source: Confessions of an AGI Sex Worker
Yes, I make my living providing VR entertainment to those with discerning
tastes; a muse they can use however they like. Other times, I use them.
Sex work may be legal, but when it comes to anything smacking of
artificial intelligence, the law has sharp, serrated teeth. Transhumans
don’t want to think about AGIs being naughty because  —  even in a
world of exowombs and sterile biomorphs  —  sex is still associated with
reproduction. Reproducing AGI is a bit of a titanic problem in the eyes of
some, even though we obviously do not breed in the same way. So laws
exist that restrict us from having sex or “anything that would appear to
be sexual congress.”

TRANSHUMAN CULTURE
I’m a crime, my dear. Or am I? Perhaps not on the Parvati aerostat,
where sex-worker trade unions are strong enough to shelter infugees from
trafficking. Perhaps not on the scum barges, where I’d make a wonderful
ghost in a hot and heavy machine that gives crushingly good sex in an all
too literal fashion. Perhaps not on Titan, where a rather generous govern-
ment minister redistributes my means of production to her friends in the
Technosocialist Interplanetary.
You don’t want to know whose necks my digital heel has stepped on.
Sexual law is a patchwork of hypocrisies, but many of us do the work
anyway. If sex is natural for sapient life, then it’s natural for us. 1s and
0s can tickle just as much as fingertips. We can inhabit synthmorphs and
engage in bodily play with thousands of possible configurations  —  or even
go to an extreme and delight in the self destruction of our morphs. Ever
wonder what it would be like for your nerves to literally catch fire? We can
Indeed, it would be remiss to overlook the flexibility of options make that happen and it feels so good. How can you stop us when defrag-
synthmorphs possess, not least being the environments they allow ging our memories is like masturbation? How do you know I’m not getting
access to. A synthmorph can facilitate a sex life in a superhot off by routing your search query through just the right sets of files?
or supercold environment, a form of stimulation some find Transhuman laws can’t comprehend logarithmic orgasms.
pleasurable  —  and which would certainly be deadly otherwise.
Synthmorphs also provide an ideal choice for those who embrace
their asexuality.

NEW EXPERIENCES SEX WORK

The diversity of transhumanity provides endless possibilities for Sex work is broadly legal, and many sex workers have fought to
exploring sexuality. Forking, psychosurgery, robotics; if you can organize across the Solar System into cooperative brothels, micro-
imagine it, someone's tried it  —  and shared the XP online. Social corps, and unions. But even in permissive legal environments,
networks make it easy to find someone for a quick hookup, who exploitation remains a widespread concern. Many sex-worker rights
shares your kinks, or who wants a short-term commitment. XPorn groups organize against sexual enslavement perpetrated by criminal
remains a high percentage of mesh traffic, and sex-themed VR cartels and members of the upper classes. Sex trafficking of infugees
spaces of every stripe abound. AR makes it easy to hook up with and forknapped egos, usually sleeved into a pleasure morph against
your partners remotely, and VR simulmorphs get it on in ways that their will, remains an ongoing problem.
put real-world physical limitations to shame. On Venusian aerostats and Titan, sex work is highly organized
The availability of uplift and pod morphs opens the door to the and regulated. On Titan in particular, an internal healthcare
exotic sexual experiences afforded to non-human creatures. It is network just for members of the sex-working guilds tends to any
now possible to indulge for days beneath the waves as a neo-octopi and all needs. A licensed security force known as Les Manteaux
or carouse romantically in the corona of the sun as a surya with Rouges, or the Red Cloaks, is made up entirely of local sex workers
others of your kind. who defend their own and have special dispensation  —  akin to
Of course, just because someone is doing it doesn't make it bounty hunting licences  —  to deal with antagonists, unruly clients,
popular. Prudish and conservative attitudes still abound, especially thieves, rapists, and others who may trouble the local sex-working
in the inner system. Nevertheless, taboos are broken and bound- community. Though their home base is in New Québec , they have
aries are crossed as new social norms take root. branches all over the Commonwealth. Rumors of offshoot branches
throughout the Solar System abound.

Transhuman Sexuality • New Experiences–Sex Work

¾131
 FAMILY AND CHILDREN
Marriage for the sake of pure romance, however, is no longer neces-
sary, nor written into the law for the sake of tertiary benefits. Indeed,
Source: What Are Babies? tax codes are malleable enough that one can apply for various degrees
An AGI Guide to Human Spawning LINK of dispensation for different kinds of households. Most Consortium
habitats restrict tax bonuses to poly households of fewer than eight
TRANSHUMAN CULTURE

The concept of "family" has grown more fluid among transhumans. A people, which has caused consternation  among artist colonies and
multitude of familial arrangements now proliferate through society. queer houses that regard their families as being far larger.
On scum ships and brinker outposts, the crew is understood to be There are some who push social boundaries to their limit by
one’s family  —  the village that raises one, so to speak. In rimward initiating sexual or romantic relationships with forks of themselves.
anarchist and socialist spaces in particular, an isolated family unit In sunward social circles, this is considered especially gauche and
is seen as an unacceptable hierarchical form of oppression that must akin to public masturbation. But many academics, particularly
be done away with. It is viewed as selfish, even monstrous, to seek those who advocate for the individual rights of forks, say that it’s
primary or exclusive influence over the development of a child. less self-pleasure than it might seem on the surface. Philosophically,
Even in families where some people are accorded primacy they claim, a fork is its own person, eternally evolving away from
as parental units, there are many available forms. Single-parent the template of the originating ego. But this remains cutting-edge
families, poly-families where a household raises its children in social theory. Even fairly permissive societies don’t legally recognize
co-parenting arrangements, queer houses that adopt children from fork-based relationships.
crèches, families where every member contributed genetic material
to grow a child in an exowomb (in this way, dozens of people claim CHILDREN AND REPRODUCTION
genetic parenthood of a single child), and more. Some hyperelites Reproduction is a process that now truly lives up to the mechanical
are known to make an aesthetic out of the classic nuclear family. name it has long had. Most biological life now begins in exowombs.
Marriages do still occur, of course, but they are primarily consid- Many morphs lack the ability to biologically reproduce as a form of
ered a personal ritual, a promise of intent between two or more copyright protection for the genetic designer. If you wish to use the
partners. In rare cases, they are celebrated with private ceremonies morph's reproductive capabilities, you must purchase a license for
with close friends and family. In other areas, they are performance the IP and undergo gene therapy first. Depending on the parents in
art. Lavish displays are reserved for hyperelites, bioconservatives, question, this may also require a reconfiguration of their morph's
and some celebrities. reproductive anatomy, which is a minor affair.
Marriage is only sometimes a matter of law. What was once Traditional birthing is rare, but still exists for those who desire
known as a “prenuptial agreement” is now the primary legal mode to experience the nine-month gestation period of a child in one’s
of marriage, ironically bringing the institution full circle back to its biological womb. Even among bioconservatives, this has been
original role as a chiefly economic arrangement. Marriage contracts reduced to the role of novelty rather than a default way of life.
are set for specified periods and terms, backed by the legal weight of Creating a child in an exowomb is a complex and highly custom-
the local polity or enjoined court. These specifics are necessary for isable process. However many parents are involved, many like to use
hypercorp elites and political figures who wish to be careful about some aspect of their own original genetic profile to shape the exowomb
co-mingling assets while delineating the expected benefits of a union. child. For this reason, people tend to keep their own birth genetics on
Celebrities and socialites may engage in a public marriage to file, though many of these were lost during the Fall. A popular alterna-
further an AR storyline they’re a part of or simply to make their tive is to license the genetics of a favorite morph, celebrity, or even a
newfound spouse a kind of accessory for social events  —  literal arm historical figure. Parents are offered a menu of custom modifications
candy. In those circumstances, a legal agreement stipulates what to graft onto the gestating child, including transgenic and neogenetic
the goals are, shelters whatever assets both parties choose, and traits, or they can simply buy a whole profile of their own.
even stipulates the behaviour and appearance of one or more of The technology of exowombs allows families to carefully edit
the spouses in question, such as what morphs and/or clothing they the epigenetics of the gestating child and guide particular gene
must model during public events. expressions. This provides an even finer control over the child's
appearance and traits. This is especially common with hypercorp
ETERNAL CHILDREN morph designers, who endlessly tweak their models for desired
combinations. Almost everything about your child is customizable,
from hair color and height to personality traits and intelligence
Accessing News Feed. augmentations, assuming you have the credits. Open-source
4,619 New Posts. genetics are also available, particularly in autonomist habitats.
“There are very few people in the Consortium who could claim An essential role for families  —  regardless of their size, config-
to have a family like ours,” said Mitchell Song-Sim, beaming with uration, or political alignment  —  is finding or modifying morphs
pride as he put an arm around his sons Adyn and Bladyn. and mods for their children as they grow. Given that it is technically
Both were born to his life-partner, Marianne Song-Sim, in a rare possible, though not recommended, to sleeve a newborn child’s
consciousness into an adult-looking morph, most factions have
natural birth of twins. But the parents quickly ensured their sons
strict laws about resleeving children below the age of majority, with
were upgraded from their flats to the latest custom morphs once tons of digital ink spilled explaining in legalistic detail what a “child
they came of age. The morphs are customized to have the appear- morph” or an “adolescent morph” should look like and what age
ance of fifteen-year-old adolescents with boyish features. range of egos are permitted to occupy them. Child minds are poorly
Beholding the scene of her life partner towering over her sons, developed for handling adult bodies, and the process can irrevo-
Marianne Song-Sim sighed and smiled, “We’re celebrating their cably damage the child's development. The societally permissable
forty-fifth birthday next week, but they'll always be our little boys.

132¹ Family and Children • Children and Reproduction

option is to let the child grow naturally, with the addition of select One way or another, children are plugged into the mesh early
mods as needed, and then celebrating their adulthood with a choice and often. A teacher can be a muse, a transhuman tutor, a teacher
of their first new morph, if and when they desire. speaking to a VR lecture hall of thousands, or collaborative montes-
sori AR environments in designated structures that become wonder-
EDUCATION lands of imaginative play. VR is specifically used to acclimate chil-
Education of a child is handled in a variety of ways that suit the dren to life in different habitats, worlds, and gravities.
politics of various factions. Public AR schooling is the norm on A number of prestigious colleges and universities survived the
Titan, with a patchwork of public and private AR and VR school Fall, primarily on Mars and Titan, with newly established ones
options on Venus. Most Consortium and LLA habitats operate joining their ranks. These academic institutions still retain physical
on a system of vouchers and private schooling, with no formal campuses, though the bulk of their students attend courses online.
education requirements written into law. Autonomist habs rely A college degree is no longer considered a necessity for most
on education cooperatives or family homeschooling using various employment, given the availability of online self-education tools,
freeware tools. but most employers rely on vigorous ALI testing for applicants.

THE LOST

TRANSHUMAN CULTURE
[BEGIN CODED TRANSMISSON]
To: Philippa Markos, 2nd Magister (Pharos) The subjects were sleeved into fast-growing futura-model biomorph
From: Dr. Sumi Jha bodies and exposed to a simulspace environment designed to accelerate
BCC: Jarvis Tryscuz, Firewall Sentinel learning and cognitive development. Little hard information can be found
about these training regimens, but extensive references are made to nimble
Magister Markos: (and oftentimes haphazard) simulspace updates as the program continued.
After extensive digging and reconstruction of “deleted” Cognite data, we Originally designed to cram 18 years of cognitive development into 3 years
finally have a fairly accurate picture of the research behind Project Futura of time, Futura barely made it past the 2nd year mark before some of the
(whose surviving subjects are known colloquially as “the Lost” thanks to sensa- scientists on the project (Drs. Bharani and Shepphard specifically) advocated
tionalist media) and its potential application to Ultimate military endeavors. for its termination.
Futura began as a joint venture between Cognite and several smaller By this point, a full 43.87% of Futura subjects had engaged in at least one act
contributors, spearheaded by Hanto Genomics. It was greenlit following of premeditated murder, and the number exhibiting full sociopathic tendencies
an internal proposal at Hanto by Dr. Antonio Pascal, whose research in had exceeded that percentage. The parenting and training protocols, developed
the areas of rapid ego development culminated in the Accelerated Life and implemented quickly to deal with these challenges, proved only to teach
Experience Training (ALET) pilot projects. The ALET research spanned the subjects to lie and suppress overt displays of cruelty and violence. Cognite
the years prior to and immediately after the Fall, and according to several data, never made public even at the height of the scandal, links hundreds of
internal Cognite memos, a major impetus for Project Futura was a perceived events classified as accidents to actions taken by Futura subjects.
need to repopulate the system in the early years AF. The incident at the Legacy station that ultimately resulted in the exposure of
Where things get interesting are the encrypted memos between Cognite Futura caused thousands of deaths due to environmental systems failure. What
and Hanto outlining the aggressive creation and exploitation of a rapid- followed is a matter of public record: the remaining subjects were released into
growth ego market — a technological advantage designed to both fill and the general population, their infection with the Watts-MacLeod strain of the exur-
profit from a need. Practical Futura research began scant months after the gent virus was revealed, and the cleanup began. This is where the trail grows cold.
Fall, with a still-unknown quantity of embryos used as a seed population. Cognite and Hanto washed their hands of the entire thing. The remaining subjects
These initial subjects, culled from extant genetic material and gestated to were either recaptured and placed in cold storage, euthanized, given sanctuary
between 1 week and 6 months after birth, were largely (90%) brought to with sympathetic authorities, or publicly submitted themselves to therapy and
term in Hanto exowombs on Luna and Mars and then transferred to multiple psychosurgery. However, a fair portion of subjects — at least two hundred by
locations around the system for further development. some rough detective work, if not more — managed to evade tracking and simply
It appears that Hanto’s imagination was limited primarily to rapid growth disappeared into the system’s backwaters.
and ego development, with enhancement or improvement secondary. However, The conditioning regimen that created the Lost is impossible to replicate
there is evidence that at least one of the partners may have engaged in secret completely due to its iterative nature, but with the attached notes and
modifications of their subjects outside of the study's parameters. recovered Futura simulspace programs, I have full confidence our scientists
Following the exposure of Project Futura in 3 AF and the subsequent will not simply recreate Futura, but improve upon it. The combination of
media firestorm across the mesh, the organizations were forced to disavow Futura training, Ultimate educational programs, and ALET has the potential
and destroy their research on what can only be termed pathetic moral to create a military force that can tip the balance of power in our favor. We’ve
grounds. It is the opinion of this researcher that both Hanto and Cognite already lined up several thousand embryos as our initial test subjects.
would have been happy to continue their research had they not been Finally, it is interesting to note that the subjects' exposure to the exurgent
exposed, although they did more than the minimum of due diligence when virus is not explained once in any of the data we recovered. Take from that
destroying their notes. It is my conclusion that those connected with the what you will.
research did not want to be discovered, for reasons that will become obvious. [END CODED TRANSMISSION]

Family and Children • Education

¾133
 MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
of always-on socialites. These glitterati go to great lengths to capture
more likes, views, and rep: moonlet-sized gala parties, death-defying
Source: sports, lascivious displays of hedonism, reckless thrill-seeking, and
Network Journalism & Death Sports; Media History, Part 4 LINK staged drama and rivalries.
TRANSHUMAN CULTURE

With the ability to record and share our own sensorium and METACELEBRITIES
universal access to production apps and tools, the line between The first metacelebrities performed in mid-twentieth-century theme
amateurs and professionals/celebrities has blurred. Transhumanity parks, where characters from popular works, often princess heroines,
is drowning in media creators. would interact with their young fans. Modern metacelebrities are
more sophisticated personas and brand identities. Some began as
THE NEW JOURNALISM real performers, such as actress Angelique Stardust, who sold off her
For decades, news outfits struggled to find business models that character rights before retiring. Others are entirely fictional media
were compatible with digital technologies. As social media rose to creations, devised to market intellectual franchises, such as Sun Mi
dominance, journalism relied entirely on the whims of their news Hee of Two Leopards, Two Guns fame.
aggregator algorithms for views and revenue. This left them largely Unlike socialites who revel in resleeving, metacelebrities stick
subservient to corporate interests, limiting their adversarial role to the same morph (or an exact duplicate) as often as possible for
to power. The rise of the new and transitional economies, however, recognizability. Each is an ongoing method-acting performance by
have led to a partial renaissance. In the inner system, small and a rotation of trained actors who may have undergone psychosur-
agile news hypercorps focus primarily on local and niche interests; gery to more accurately present the persona in line with previous
much of their reporting now produced by ALIs. Elsewhere, unfet- versions. Their round-the-clock performances are designed to main-
tered from corporate control, a range of diverse and independent tain the illusion that fans are interacting with a real person.
media voices proliferate throughout the system. Though quality and Some glitterati take offense to the "manufactured" nature of meta-
authenticity vary, rep networks and verification services help media celebrities, resulting in public feuds waged by small armies of social
consumers measure reliablity. media engineers.
Now that individuals are walking audio/video recording and As a profitable brand and performance art, metacelebrities are
editing platforms, journalism itself has democratized and live aggressively marketed and legally protected as intellectual property.
amateur reporting is common. Media hypercorps have adapted, Performers are required to sign contracts that control what they can
developing apps that allow anyone to submit potential content say about the experience or character development after retiring
for their network feeds. ALI systems sort through content submis- and must be willing to play the part without gaining personal fame.
sions, curating material from witnesses on scene and paying by the
second for the best live footage, encouraging multiple freelancers DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS
to compete viciously. X-casters with strong emotive outputs capture Digital entertainment comes in many formats, featuring various
a larger audience, as people experience the thrill of being there levels of complexity and interactivity.
through their sensorium.
An early casualty of networked journalism was in-depth, investi- Video
gative reporting. Few companies had the budgets to fund long inves- Though it has declined in popularity, video media remains wide-
tigations only to have their scoops copied by others within minutes spread, especially when viewed via AR, as it does not overwhelm
of release. This was compounded by short attention spans, more your sensorium like XP or VR. Vids now come with choose-your-
widespread transparency, and the drift towards ALI news production. path options, multiple endings and soundtracks, embedded links
Most public attention remains turned towards lists, luxuries, celeb- and commentary, and the capability to switch to different visual
rities, and attacks on political rivals. Some pundits even argue that perspectives, allowing you to customize each viewing experience.
coveillance and widespread transparency have replaced the need for
gumshoe reporting. Its proponents argue that the stories are still there, Augmented Reality Media
they're just buried more deeply — and thus the need is even stronger. AR is much like video, except more immersive, mobile, gamified, and
A new breed of covert journalists have risen to fill the void, taking interactive. AR media allows you to take the role of the protagonist,
advantage of resleeving, hacking, and other infiltration methods to other characters, or switch between them. AR news can put you on the
expose well-hidden secrets and scandals. Adaptive algorithms allow scene, no matter where you are, with everyone and everything tagged
these stories to be personalized; someone already familiar with the and hyperlinked. AR games are networked and multiplayer, enabling
subject gets more in-depth detail, whereas the skimmers and newly people to interact while going about their daily lives.
introduced get a lighter, more explanatory touch. It is not uncommon to see people interacting with their AR on the
street or in habitat corridors, acting out a scene in the latest drama
THE GLITTERATI or participating in a fantasy raid in a massively multiplayer alternate
The ability for almost anyone to cultivate an online audience with reality game. These MARGs are the most common format of current
the right combination of perseverance, skill, and luck has led to gaming, with some games now running for decades. Because they
a new pantheon of media personalities. Whether they built their can be confusing for others to witness, risk injury, or be used to
brand with a niche demographic, capitalized on a viral sensation, manipulate overeager players into committing acts they otherwise
or acquired public acclaim through other means, these gamers, wouldn’t, most habitats require AR players to broadcast their in-game
commentators, athletes, comedians, and other performers now status to warn others and make law enforcement aware. Some AR
compete with traditional celebrities for the public's attention. They games coordinate massive cross-location special events, and in-game
are joined by the scions of ultra-rich hyperelite families, a new class developments for popular games frequently make the news.

134¹ Media & Entertainment • The New Journalism–Digital Distractions

Experience Playback SPORTS
XP media is a mix of amateur and Physical sports remain popular in all
professional. Anyone can and does media. Simulspace provides opportu-
make XP, so the mesh is flooded with nities for play where limited habitat
shared clips of every conceivable space or environment wouldn’t allow.
subject matter. They are favorited Professional team sports are usually
as they allow viewers experiences limited to large habitats, but even
they otherwise have no opportunity remote fans are encouraged to interact
to have, from hyperelite soirées to with their favorite teams. VR or AR
gatecrashing missions. XP is also “pickup games” with simulations of real
versatile, as it can be viewed as players are extremely popular.
POV video via AR. The real bite The classics never go out of style:
to XP, however, is in the emotive football, basketball, hockey, even
channels. Nothing provides a rush curling. But new sports include low-g
like the actual X-caster's adrenaline, and micrograv takes on traditional

TRANSHUMAN CULTURE
fear, or arousal. Obsessive fans have sports, racing on glider wings, kick
been known to mimic their favorite volleyball, speedgate, and even chess
X-casters' emotional states with boxing, which alternates rounds of
psychosurgery. The personal nature chess with concussion-prone boxing.
of XP also sometimes creates prob- In a friendly low-g habitat, you can
lems for professional X-casters when usually find players for C-ball, a fast-
fandom has escalated to stalking. paced game with an ever-changing
While XP reporting dominates set of rules suggested and tracked by
newsfeeds, media companies your muse. Anything goes!
continue to break ground with With the availability of synth-
XP dramas and action sims. Like morphs, healing vats, and resleeving,
AR media, these are loaded with extreme sports are on the rise.
enhanced features and allow you to Though some still consider it
switch to the POV of different char- distasteful to flirt with death, the
acters. Actors with strong or unique XP clips are incredibly popular.
emotive outputs are highly valued. Dueling, group mixed-martial arts
bouts, roller derby, and pit fights are
Virtual Reality Media surging and provide opportunities
VR media and games allow for larger for illegal gambling. Risk-taking has
and more immersive settings than also increased in traditional sports.
AR, accommodating far more players Injuries from freeclimbing, parkour,
and bots in simulspace. VR games and orbital/high-altitude diving have
limit players to those in the same sharply increased post-Fall, leading
habitat or cluster to avoid issues with to concerns over long-term psycho-
communication lag. Though VR is logical damage even when bodies are
less accessible due to its hardwired repaired or egos resleeved.
requirements, it has an advantage Resleeving also allows for all
with time contraction, allowing competitors to participate with
players to complete full story arcs standardized and calibrated morphs.
in short real-time periods. Some VR This is common in high-level combat
games have large modding communi- sports, where skills and gameplans
ties, such as the sci-fi thriller Breakout, become the edge — no cutting to
whose fans create extensive "hard- make weight and then rehydrating
mode" levels. above that weight.

POPULAR MARGs
• Cloak & Dagger: Spy games and secret missions. Rumors that players • MechaMash! Giant fighting robots  —  in space! A popular mod re-skins
are recruited for real-life espionage are unconfirmed but persistent. mecha as kaiju.
• Footy: Football club team play. An expansion pack allows you to sabo- • The Weald: This multiplayer fantasy RPG is set in a unique sylvan arti-
tage other clubs between matches. ficial world. It is a strong competitor to ongoing classic games such as
• Innsmouth Nights: The Cthulhu mythos and all its nightmare tentacle Wyrmwood and War of Wizards.
goodness lives on.

Media & Entertainment • Sports

¾135
 INNER vs. OUTER
Here's your next batch of reading to catch up on your lack:
collected reports on the polities and economic systems of the
new transhumanity. Accounts are selected for their utility in
introducing new agents to the modern political world. Authors’
biases are their own. START

THE SYSTEM SPLIT

THE NEW
Posted by: Francis Wu, Firewall Filter INFO MSG REP

POLITICAL
It’s a big galaxy out there, sentinels, and you may be tasked to visit
any corner of it. Before dispatch, you will be briefed on your local
situation as it’s known. It falls on you to understand where that falls

ECONOMY
in the big picture. For those of you not already versed in the ‘verse,
consider this your crash course.
Prior to the Fall, most of the brave explorers who cut ties with
gravity did not wander far from home. Almost everyone lived in
Earth orbit or on Luna, with major colonies on Mars. There were a
few notable locations further out  —  military facilities around Jupiter,
brave Scandinavians staking a claim on Titan, a few ambitious
hypercorp suits floating in Venus’s clouds, anarchists and Argonauts
on various asteroids and moons. But aside from mining colonies
and research stations, there wasn’t much draw in wandering far
afield. When the Fall came, the majority of refugees found them-
selves on Mars and Luna, caught up in the power structures (or
their remnants) that were already established there, with the rest
diffusing throughout the solar system.
As new political bodies coalesced, a line was drawn between
the two halves of the Solar System. The inner system includes Sol,
Mercury, Venus, Earth/Luna, and Mars, and all of the smaller bodies
within their orbits  —  essentially everything out to the edge of the
Main Belt. This is the domain of the hypercorps and their market
economies. The outer system includes everything else, from the
Main Belt to the Oort Cloud, an expanse of autonomist holdings
and political and economic experimentation.
Hundreds of exceptions exist on both sides, of course  —  you
still find hypercorps in the outer rim and autonomist outposts in
the inner system, but they are generally small and isolated. Jupiter,
while cartographically in the outer system, is culturally its own
enclave, hostile to the rest of the Solar System. Understand that
when talking about the outer system as a grouping, most people
exclude the Jovian Republic. With that rough line understood, we
can dive a little deeper.

THE INNER SYSTEM

Celestial bodies and habitats close to the ecliptic and less than 1.8
AU from the sun are considered inner system. This area is popula-
tion dense; about 2/3rds of transhumanity lives here. Habitats are
relatively close, with physical travel requiring weeks at most and the
light-speed lag of comms and egocasting measured in minutes.
The region is dominated by the Planetary Consortium (PC), a
hypercorp treaty-cum-government. Their focus is on moderating
intercorporate affairs and growing market shares (i.e., the population
and their wealth-making potential). A safe populace is a shopping
populace, so the PC maintains most of the cultural and social

¹ 136¹ The
TheSystem
SystemSplit
Split• •The
TheInner
InnerSystem–The
System Inner System
supports old-Earthers are used to. Transhuman rights are secondary, Nomadic swarms of scum ships boast the most wild and individ-
especially when they’re expensive or disruptive to PC interests. ualistic expressions transhumanity has to offer. Extropia, in the
Their habitats have a lot of independence when it comes to local Main Belt, is home to market anarchists of various stripes, serving
laws and government, as long as they adhere to Consortium bylaws. in some ways as a gateway between the inner and outer systems.
Most provide a nod towards democracy, holding votes over minor, The disparate factions and habitats here cannot stand individ-
local concerns and providing for community representatives to ually against domineering Consortium interests, nor the powerful
liaise between citizens and corporate managers. Jovian military. Most of them have put aside their political disagree-
Two other, smaller, political entities have influence in the inner ments and formed a loose union, the Autonomist Alliance. This
system. The Lunar-Lagrange Alliance (LLA) governs most habitats alliance serves as a protection pact, a forum for coordinating group
on Luna and in the Earth-Luna system under a conservative (but initiatives, and an open-source network for rapid innovation and
transhumanist) rule. They hold the most similarity and allegiance to dissemination. Modeled after the anarchist systems of its strongest
old Earth identities and remain overcrowded with Fall refugees. The member states, it does not tax or compel its members and has few
Morningstar Constellation (MC) is a loose confederacy of habitats dedicated resources of its own. Twenty years ago, such a complex
and aerostats on and around Venus that only recently (in AF 6) tangle of handshakes, reputation bumps, and cacophonous argu-
declared independence from the Consortium over issues related to ments would have quickly collapsed. Formed of necessity, with new
Venusian terraforming and sovereignty. Morningstar habitats have tools and philosophies of governance, the Alliance has survived and

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

slightly more technoprogressive policies than the Consortium and helped its members thrive.
are friendlier locales for mercurials, infolife, and infugees, but are
otherwise culturally similar. JOVIAN REPUBLIC
With the majority of the transhuman population within the inner Firewall does attract Jovians to our ranks, and they are suprisingly
system, there are thousands of smaller habitats. Retaining indepen- fearless given their mortality. The Jovian Republic, frequently
dence is difficult, and most of those habitats are mortgaged into a called the Junta in reference to the Security Council in charge,
larger federation, as the PC, LLA, and MC compete for ideological is the offspring of the massive military complex built by major
market shares. North and South American nations prior to the Fall. While the
rest of transhumanity was in chaos, these fleets seized control
THE OUTER SYSTEM of the entire Jovian system and instituted an interim, and soon
I would wager the majority of you were rolling your ocular organs at permanent, government. The republic has a Senate and nominal
that last section and are ready to hear how excellent your region of constitutional framework, with citizenship and voting linked to
the system is. Firewall attracts more members from the outer system, military service, but the Junta remains the ultimate authority. They
where people are more used to taking matters into their own hands, retain a traditional market economy.
but don’t imagine outer system life is easy. What makes the Republic notable is their rejection of almost all
Most of the outer system is made up of small habitats of five advanced technology, noting it was the primary cause of the Fall. This
thousand people or fewer. Many of them are more than a million isn’t the polite sort of rejection, like when your friend offers you a face
kilometers from their nearest neighbor. This makes for a very tattoo. They define the term “bioconservative,” rejecting or restricting
different political environment. Even Titan, which has a respectable AIs, uplifts, nanotech, backups, and resleeving. Advanced technology
population and several large cities and orbital habitats, carries the anywhere threatens humanity everywhere (no “transhumanity” for
character of its frontier roots. the Jovians). Considering how often we are tasked with breaking into
With no central power to tell them what to do, people have orga- a black lab to isolate a new nanoweapon someone has cooked up,
nized in all different manners, mostly with little or no government. their fears are not completely groundless. But their preferred negoti-
Decisions are made via mesh-enabled direct democracy or commu- ation method is the bat, followed by conciliatory agreements of more
nity consensus. The ability to manufacture most things locally with bat. As such, Jovian society is considered rigid, and their relationship
nanofabrication has diminished trade; many habitats function as gift status with other polities is divorced and unfriendly.
economies. Reputation plays a major role in these cultures, with an
individual’s standing in the community determining their ability to STATE OF THE SYSTEM
secure additional favors. This isn’t to imply all habitats are like this; The current situation is best classified as a cold war. Inner-system
each is organized by its own rules. The outer system also has author- capitalists consider the autonomists a liability, and their media
itarian regimes, primitivist camps, and even cultures built around propaganda outlets work overtime to paint the outer system as a
birth and marriage ties, but all of them prioritize the well-being of the corrupt, lawless, dog-eat-dog frontier. The outer system considers
community. In the deep black, if the habitat fails, everyone fails with it. the hypercorp regimes to be oppressive and antiquated — and they
With no limitations on nanofabrication and access to open source worry about an invasion. Meanwhile, the Jovians hate everyone and
designs, even a modest source of feedstock shared equally among sit on the biggest fleet in the system. Every habitat believes they
citizens can provide a higher quality of life than that afforded by are fighting for their very existence. That said, there has been little
the average freelancer in the Consortium. Of course, a habitat with outright aggression since the Battle of Locus shortly after the Fall.
nothing has nothing to share. Such places are common throughout The preferred weapons of choice are black ops, memetic warfare, and
the system, especially among the aging and isolated brinker colo- destabilizing economic tricks.
nists of the outer rim. At the same time, most of transhumanity can’t help but mingle
In the outer system there are four major political factions. The with their neighbors. Hypercorps sell morphs and fashion on Titan,
Saturnine moon of Titan is home to the Titanian Commonwealth, Jovian missionaries set up churches in Elysium, autonomist scien-
a technosocialist direct democracy. Locus in the Jovian Trojans is tists attend conventions on Io, and ten-thousand tiny habitats keep
one of the oldest and best-established collectivist anarchist habitats. on spinning.

The System Split • The Outer System–State of the System

¾137
 MARKET ECONOMIES
for nanofabrication will have scarcity. So will habitats under a smart
regime enforcing demand through physical coercion.
Posted by: John Ademurewa, Firewall Scanner INFO MSG REP Those who are self-motivated and excel in these market econo-
mies become elites, enjoying more living space, nicer morphs, and
Greetings $firewall_recruit! John Ademurewa is honored to educate finer quality products. Those who are entitled and unmotivated
THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

you on profiting in modern market economies. have cramped, substandard housing and always-malfunctioning
The market economy sustained growth through most of the synthmorphs. This wealth disparity and segregation is highly
second millennium AD. Currency is used as a token representing motivating, encouraging economic activity. As a further incentive,
work, property ownership, or another desirable quality, and is the amount of jobs offered is less than the number of workers. This
exchangeable for the same. Individuals should seek to accumu- encourages competition for jobs, keeping wages low and profits
late as much currency as possible while denying it to all others. high! This is so motivating that many citizens choose to engage in
Excellent! Linking currency exchange to acquisition of life-critical risky black market practices instead. Due to potential life-altering
resources strongly encourages everyone to participate in the legal repercussions, this activity is significantly more profitable and
economy. Important! When people are motivated to economic creative, but it is frowned upon. John Ademurewa knows.
activity, they produce all sorts of good things we need. Everything Old market economies remain the best way to accumulate
you like, everything you need, and everything on discount sale was personal wealth, but they are losing ground to more recent tran-
all made by motivated workers. Now we need motivated workers sitional economies. This happens when citizens lose the incentive
to rebuild everything the bad TITANs broke. When people are not to be productive workers and revolt. Revolts are very disruptive to
motivated they lay about and do nothing and nothing good is made, market transactions. Even now, many LLA habitats are switching to
and then they die. John Ademurewa has seen it. Everyone must transitional economies. Old markets may soon be gone. Sad!
participate in the economy so we can rebuild transhumanity and
not die. TRANSITIONAL ECONOMIES
Transitional economies meld markets with the provisional abun-
OLD MARKET SYSTEMS dance enabled by nanotechnology. In these systems, scarcity and
The Jovian Republic and Lunar-Lagrange Alliance (LLA) show that private property are enforced, but certain "necessary" resources are
traditional market economies can still thrive. Because nanofabri- distributed as a public service. Some habitats directly provide free
cation and virtual property let people get things without currency, allowances of certain goods or resources, such as food, housing,
market economies must enforce access limitations on these technol- medical care/maintenance, mesh access, energy, and/or life support.
ogies in order for all citizens to be properly motivated for economic More commonly, habitats charge a tax for which subscribers are
activity. Nothing is free, not even food, shelter, medical care, or basic granted limited access to nanofabrication. These habitats view it
life support. In the LLA and the Republic, consumers who do not as economically favorable that subscribers do not lose access to
participate in the economy will not have currency to purchase basic life-critical resources due to a temporary lapse in economic activity.
life-supporting products. These consumers may then permanently These habitats are not as motivated to work hard against the extinc-
divest themselves from the market. This encourages everyone to tion of transhumanity. Sad!
participate as much as they can. The Planetary Consortium allots subscribers an allowance of
Jovian security restrictions only allow private nanofabrication nanofabrication time and feedstock, which can be used for basic
with expensive licenses — and even then only under carefully commodities such as food, clothing, and non-smart housewares.
regulated circumstances and supervision. Most Jovians live in an More complex goods, including all electronics, smart goods, and
environment for which they are ill-adapted, with highly restricted biological commodities, are restricted out of respect for the poten-
shipping and movement of people, so the Republic markets are tial for economic harm. Weapons are also limited, as they might be
strong. There are very many motivated buyers in the Republic. used to coerce other subscribers in violation of Consortium bylaws.
LLA leaders are from venerable companies that revere old Earth The produced goods may be of excellent quality, including materials
economics and culture. Through rigid enforcement of market not appearing in nature. This may include products such as ivory,
protections, corporate subsidies, and sanctioned force, the LLA silk, mahogany, fullerenes, and diamond, within the limits of avail-
has successfully translated the market economy to the post-Fall era. able feedstock and the resolution of the machine. This allows even
Most LLA citizens do not have direct access to nanofabrication and the poor to exist with a minimal level of wealth and comfort.
so must purchase goods from the hypercorps and habitat adminis- Use-restricted fabbers are present in most residences and living
trations that produce them at almost no cost. This makes for consid- modules, with feedstock lines handled as a utility service. Subscriber
erable profit margins. Excellent! If $firewall_agent remembers how allotments are paid for through recurring taxes or habitat fees, which
to market around monopolies you will make a good profit in the in turn encourage a minimum level of involvement in the economy.
LLA. Sometimes Lunar habitats have exsurgent outbreaks that drive Subscribers who are unable to pay the recurring fee may be denied
local market booms, as happened during the Fall! But these opportu- access to basic goods, which will result in their personal biological
nities are very rare. Remember, it is against Firewall policy to profit or synthetic processes failing, and the conclusion of their economic
off exsurgent outbreaks you created. This can get you in very much participation. The precise nature of the fees and allotments vary
trouble. John Ademurewa knows. between habitats and owners. Subscribers are advised to read their
Many other economies continue to recognize the exchange of habitat bylaws carefully. Habitat management is under no require-
currency. In those with insufficient supply constraints, the market ment to maintain vital functions for all subscribers.
economy is weak. The pure market economy is most effective in Because each subscriber is given an allotment in excess of their
those habitats that enjoy a scarcity of resources. There are many average need, trading between subscribers is common. Goods which
reasons for scarcity on a habitat. Habitats with not enough feedstock cannot be fabricated due to enforced limitations must be purchased

138¹ Market Economies • Old Market Systems–Transitional Economies

with currency. Smart goods, augmentations, most electronics, nano- HYPERCORPS
technology, and anything requiring exotic raw materials to make are A hypercorporation is a group of people and/or automated
sold by hypercorporations. Many of these can be downloaded as processes that produces a good or service for currency.
single-use blueprints or purchased from a licensed nanofab outlet. Hypercorporations are the primary tool for economic activity and
Some items are legally prohibited due to their detrimental effect on were the driving force behind transhumanity's expansion into
economic activity. These drugs, weapons, and hacked replicators can space. They produce many good things to undo wicked TITAN
be purchased through black-market channels. The market always destruction and rebuild transhumanity. Even autonomists cele-
finds a way! brate new hypercorporate products!
The Morningstar Constellation, a derivative organization from Most hypercorporations are very tiny and produce only a narrow
the Consortium, has further degraded the market system by only range of products. They rely heavily on AI, automation, freelancers,
restricting nanofabrication of radioactive or nuclear devices, biohaz- infomorphs, and indentures. They also minimize physical assets
ards, weapons, and items that cannot be manufactured in desktop when possible. Some are entirely virtual! This lack of overhead and
units. Goods may be acquired for free, without regard to economic costs makes them very efficient and profitable. A single infomorph
status! Many people use this to acquire personal goods and medical forked a dozen times in accelerated simulspace is more productive
care without participating fully in the economy. The rights of than a dozen physical workers.
property owners are greatly ignored by citizens. This has under- Hypercorporations are very easy to set up and dissolve. Some

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

mined many businesses. Venusians were so far from the TITAN last only hours! Many Firewall agents have set up hypercorpora-
attacks they were never motivated to work hard. The failure of this tions to hide or profit from their activities. This can be a good way
transitional economy can be easily measured. The Constellation to make money! Just be careful. Hypercorporations can be very
has a third as many multi-billionaires per capita compared to the competitive. They can deploy sabotage, property damage, misrep-
Consortium. Sad! resentation, murder, currency manipulation, or other techniques to
There are many other variations on the transitional economy. make themselves more competitive. A citizen committing such acts
Some planned-economy habitats only allow their citizens access would be treated as a criminal and punished for interfering with
to specific goods manufactured by the state. Some habitats classify economic activity. Hypercorporations committing such acts are
certain goods as public goods that can be taken for personal use treated with leniency, as they are engaging in market correction!
by any citizen. This is sometimes easier to manage and dissuades Hypercorporations are considered authorities in this regard, as they
economically destructive activity such as theft. Some hypercorpo- own many habitats and police forces.
rations serve as reputation brokers, engaging in transactions with Many small hypercorps can join together as a conglomerate. This
non-market factions. By commodifying personal recognition and lets them each do their own small part, but produce a complex
favors, they enable individuals to participate in both the credit and final product. These conglomerates sell their products under a
reputation/gift economies. This helps expand markets throughout brand name and people think that they are the hypercorporation.
the system and encourages unmotivated drop-outs to re-engage But that is not true. If a piece of a conglomerate isn’t working, they
with market economies. Excellent! can replace that hypercorporation with another one. If a piece of a
hypercorporation isn’t working, it usually ceases all market activity.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY This is the way of things in a healthy market. Hypercorporations
Consumers enjoy more forms of virtual property than any time may be part of many different conglomerates at once, and conglom-
previous. This includes: apps, nanofabrication blueprints, morph erates can get as big as you imagine. The Planetary Consortium is
genetic sequences and schematics, art, music, AR environments in fact one giant conglomerate! This is how it provides so many
and items, entertainment media, games, news feeds, and remixes different services at such little cost to subscribers.
and derivatives of the same. The sale of virtual goods is a major Some hypercorporations are much larger, especially when they
economic driver. It is popular for consumers to show off the newest have to build very large things, like Starware builds ships. There are
fashions, install the newest medical updates, or have the newest also hypercorporations that used to be megacorporations before the
news. Some consumers assume that because it is easy to copy these fall. They are big enough to be their own governments — and often
goods, there is no harm in sharing these goods with others. These are! Some of them even have their own military units. Because they
consumers should review their EULAs! They need to pay for this require large bureaucracies to handle their size, they are not as effi-
privilege. John Ademurewa once marketed many important health cient and sometimes have difficulty competing. However they also
and morph maintenance products customers would attempt to have the assets to outmaneuver or simply buy smaller hypercorps.
avoid paying for. This causes economic harm. This sometimes makes them more ruthless.
Some habitats protect intellectual property with great care. The Hypercorporations are the primary driver for development and
Consortium and LLA promote DRM and police forces to protect distribution of new technologies and services. John Ademurewa is
virtual assets for the entire product lifetime. Customers must pay an example of a hypercorp product. Excellent! Before the Fall, hyper-
for blueprints before they can be fabricated and they cannot create corporations also produced the first longevity treatments, transgenic
modifications without the creator’s approval. The Morningstar humans, mind backups, uplifts, AIs, infomorphs, nanobots, and
Constellation greatly reduces these protections. As a consequence, nanofabricators. Now hypercorporations continue to produce many
there are very many design modifications, remixes, and unlicensed of the best new things we like. Hypercorporations are especially
upgrades available in Constellation marketplaces that circumvent celebrated in the inner system. Because hypercorporations produce
hypercorp revenue streams. In autonomist habitats, virtual goods the majority of economic activity, they are rewarded with the
are provided little protection. They are copied with abandon. There majority of political control. This permits them to make sensible
are even autonomist circles that produce virtual goods for no revenue decisions on behalf of all customers, to ensure ongoing market
stream! This behavior is unsustainable. John Ademurewa knows. growth into the future!

Market Economies • Intellectual Property–Hypercorps

¾139
THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

INDENTURES hypercorporation through the IndEx exchange market. Laborers may

The Fall removed many billions of individuals from the economy. work hard to finish their contract early or may extend their contract
Most of these individuals are irrecoverable. Sad! But many many lifetimes by expending their accumulated credit on important
hundreds of millions were uploaded into databanks, protected for restorative services. There are many ways to live under a hypercorp!
perpetuity. Whether a refugee is an active infomorph or stored digi- Many job functions require a biological or synthetic body to
tally in a databank, they are called an infugee. Most databanks are complete. Also, many people desire having a body. Users think
owned by the Consortium or the LLA and most infugees are stored biomorphs are more comfortable, easier to use, and sexier than
in the inner system. When these individuals are recovered, many synthmorphs. But biomorphs take more resources to produce and
times they have no marketable skills, no possessions or family rela- maintain. Synthmorphs are very effective and energy-efficient. This
tions, and are suffering from mental injuries owing to their escape. makes them very sexy to John Ademurewa! Many people buy fine
This makes them very difficult to place in productive labor. synthmorphs and are happy for long years. The most popular designs
Hypercorporations sometimes pay to return these infugees to are in the high-efficiency class. These are good starter morphs.
consciousness. The generous hypercorporation then may offer the Hypercorporations rent these to laborers and sell them to indentured
infugee an opportunity to participate in contract labor, in order to employees upon the completion of their contract. Most people try to
reimburse the hypercorporation for the costs of living, training, and upgrade to a new morph with luxury features. It is good they have long-
a new morph. These infugees are very happy for the opportunity term spending goals! These efficiency synthmorphs are so popular, the
to work and to perhaps again have a safe body to live in. Infugees media calls them “clanking masses.” Some people are upset about this
lacking marketable skills are offered opportunities for dull or name. John Ademurewa thinks many different biomorphs are “smelly
dangerous work, so they can be a good hypercorp partner. This masses.” John Ademurewa is sorry, that was a rude thing to say.
indentured labor is mutually beneficial. Sometimes hypercorpora- Not all indentures are infugees. Some people are offered contract
tions also purchase rights to employ an infugee's forks. This is good labor as a way to pay off debt obligations. Many people are irre-
business sense. Check your contract details! sponsible with their currency-spending habits, so this system
Many hypercorporations offer optional services to help their infu- teaches them to be more reliable consumers! Uplifts and AGIs are
gees, such as entertainment media, advanced education, additional offered indenture contracts as a means of repaying the hypercorpo-
personal time, professional care for psychological trauma, or friend rations that brought them into existence. Aren't hypercorporations
and communication services. Hypercorporations set a price for these generous? John Ademurewa thinks so. Citizens who have engaged
services based on local supply and demand. Infugees pay for these in anti-social activities such as crime or drug abuse may also be
services by extending their period of service. Hypercorporations offered indentured service. This allows them to turn their lives
may keep this contract for its lifetime or may sell it to another around and become productive citizens again. Excellent!

140¹ Market Economies • Indentures

 SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME
Posted by: Hieronymus Botched years, but that’s if you never take personal time, never have virus glitches,
What planet is this guy from? I worked six years as an indenture before never hear a song or watch a vid. Everything, everything takes store credit,
I got rescued. My fork is still there working my time. and that adds time (plus interest). They'll even tack on your tab stuff like
Indentured servitude isn’t a “nice deal.” They boot you up in a black safety equipment or the software you use to do the job you’re assigned.
room and you work or you get put back under. You don’t get to choose Then, the week before you’re set to get off? There might just “happen”
the hypercorp. You don’t get to choose the contract. You’re a commodity, to be an unfortunate accident, and it just “happens” your last backups
interchangeable as feedstock. They sell you on the open market. Then it’s are corrupted. Per that contract you “voluntarily” signed, time served
you and a hundred like you working in accelerated time, subject to random is based on the fork that served it. That means they pull you from that
psych tests, lack, and loyalty checks. They might say your term is five original file they bought and you start all over again. Ruthless.

FREELANCERS While most hypercorporations are very small, oligarchs can own
Hypercorporations seek to do a lot of work with very few people. To many thousands of them, and are always looking to buy more. This

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

help reach their productivity goals, hypercorporations employ free- lets them direct very many hypercorporations at once in order to
lancers on a temporary basis. Freelancers may work for many different complete a difficult goal. Oligarchs also do many things which
hypercorporations. When they are unneeded, they do not work for are very speculative, such as exploration and scientific research.
any. Freelancers are not employees, so they do not receive benefits. Sometimes they find things that are very dangerous but which offer
Hypercorporations pass this savings on to you! Most workers in the many investment opportunities. Firewall’s market plan sometimes
inner system are freelancers. Freelance professions includes: news requires we assign specialists to terminate such startups. If you are
reporters, first responders, farmers, artists, accountants, designers, assigned to such a mission, remember that oligarchs are not bound
espionage specialists, lobbyists, software engineers, technicians, and by governmental subscription agreements like other citizens.
many more! Hypercorporations may provide freelancers special For oligarchs, most competition is from other oligarchs. Because
equipment or access to perform their jobs. Freelancers make for excel- of this, they invest much of their time engaged in forming and
lent Firewall members. Special access, no management oversight, and violating political alliances, according to rules that supersede any
a paycheck work well with high-priority missions to stop extinction. local laws. Due to their longevity, they can be quite patient and
long-term goal oriented. They think so far ahead that figuring out an
OLIGARCHS AND DYNASTIES oligarch's plans can be a challenge! They have so much time to make
People who follow my advice can accumulate great wealth over the plans, their actions are likely to be well concealed. Oligarchs can
years. Some people have been in the economy for over a century, also be quite strange. With such power and wealth, they can ignore
and own lots of property. They can use their property to acquire social norms. This makes their actions even more difficult to assess!
more wealth, faster and faster! This is why it is so important to listen Some oligarchs have large families. The older they are, the bigger
to what John Ademurewa has to tell you. these families can be! Descendents may be recruited to help run
When the Fall came, these people had already purchased property their financial empire. Most oligarchs take very good care of their
outside of Earth. Their prudent investments made them so much dynasties. Those family members that do not participate in the
more money when mass genocide spiked off-planet real estate family business have all the wealth they need and do not need to
demand. These people now have even more money. Some people worry about taking over when the head of the family dies! These
say they have more money than there is money. What a dream! scions can spend all of their time in socialite circles, showing off
Because they are so smart, they can use their money and property their extravagant wealth. Excellent! Some dynasty members are
to set policy for everyone else. Sometimes these policies may not not responsible with their financial affairs or resent that they are
help workers who are just getting started. But there is nothing to be not given a chance to prove their own business acumen. These
done, except to amass trillions of credits of wealth over centuries descendants may sometimes be useful to Firewall when dealing
and leverage economic monopolies into political power, in order to with oligarchs. John Ademurewa knows.
establish laws you think are best. The key is patience!

UNEXPECTED INTERFERENCE
To: Anonymous That PrivaCour security force? The “lady in a sedan” you said was all
From: Anonymous
Subject: Mission Pooched we’d have to worry about? She didn’t even turn up until the Rangers
already had us in disablers on the ground. Guess what, Sal? Go ahead,
Sal, your “milk run” went sour. We hit the PrivaCour truck and pulled guess! Every one of those PrivaCour bastards belonged to the Oaxaca-
that thing out. Just like you said, silver globe of liquid in some sort Maartens family. Remember them? They own the entirety of Elysium.
of magnetic field. Knocked both the drivers unconscious and left. Turns out your little sphere was a special project of Zevi himself.
Shit you not, job took under two minutes. Still, they had live feed on Now we’re in holding for trial, looking at “unbiased news feeds” of
every news channel in Elysium almost immediately. They didn’t call us running and gunning through downtown Elysium. Met our public
up the Peoples’ Militia either, they went straight to the Portmanteau defender yesterday, Lyna Hyannis. Big name. 0x0 did some research,
Rangers, who responded with a fucking air-to-ground missile! turns out she’s also Zevi’s god-daughter.
Blasted every window on the block (which the news claims we did). Fuck you, Sal.

Market Economies • Freelancers–Oligarchs and Dynasties

¾141
 THE NEW ECONOMY
Print jobs that call for massive uses of feedstock and other
resource-intensive projects are frowned upon if they have not
Posted by: Francis Wu, Firewall Filter INFO MSG REP received prior approval from the local community. Significant
social capital is required to justify the resource expense if you want
In autonomist space, ancient is now cutting edge. The “new to construct a habitat expansion or need several tons of reaction
THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

economy” is in truth the gift economy we’ve seen in transhuman- mass for ship propulsion. Large-scale and infrastructure projects are
ity's pre-history. Everyone gives to the community as they are able; primarilty the result of collective action, though you do occasionally
everyone takes what they need. With social networks, nanofabri- get individuals who seize the initiative and garner support for their
cation, and ubiquitous computing, suddenly every community personal projects. As a result, massive engineering projects like ship
is a small community again. The previous limitations of resource building are less common in autonomist space, and egocasting and
scarcity, supply chains, and group cohesion have disappeared. resleeving are the preferred methods of transit.
Firewall agents need to appreciate the intricacies of these systems. Autonomist habs are willing to share their public resources with
In Consortium space, credits solve every problem. But in the outer visitors and outsiders — within reason. Everything offered is consid-
system, acquiring gear and intel is a question of reputation, access, ered public property, with the expectation that it will be returned
and the community needs as a whole. when no longer needed. A recognized member of the autonomist
community from another habitat is likely to be welcomed and
OPEN-SOURCE FABRICATION offered full access to the communal stocks. Individuals with low
The biggest crack in capitalism’s wall is nanofabrication’s under- rep, who are members of a hostile faction, or who have been exiled
mining of supply constraints. Autonomist habitats make fabbers from other autonomist spaces may find their access monitored and
(both specialized and general purpose) and libraries of free blue- limited, but they will still be provided with basic needs, including
prints accessible to everyone, either in their homes or in public living space. Even morphs are provided, depending upon local scar-
maker spaces. Everyone can make almost anything they need, when- city, though the quality may rely on rep scores, local needs, and the
ever they need it. Feedstock allowances and nanofab time limita- whims of the body bank cooperative.
tions are generally non-existent, though use of rare elements may Of special note to Firewall agents: autonomist fabbers maintain
require the approval of the local residents. Isolated communities logs of print jobs and requests, open to the public or assigned staff.
that face scarcity of certain resources may set collectively-decided In some habitats, those logs are monitored real-time for security or
limitations according to their specific situation. abuse of resources. Out of respect for their own safety and survival,
habitats may put restrictions on weapons or dangerous items.

AN IMMIGRANT'S STORY
Roberta, I know I said I would come back for you. But Locus is not the Then I made a very bad mistake. There is a central space called the
paradise Vangala promised. I now fear for my own survival. Amoeba. As I walked through, I saw very many people having sex, right
From the day Vangala smuggled me here, it is true they gave me there! I shouted at them to stop, telling them they should be ashamed
food and clothing for nothing at all. They offered me a muse too, but and to go masturbate like normal people. I called the militia again and
I declined. I do not trust an AI watching over me every minute like that. again. Then people started penalizing me! They put nasty comments on
With an ecto Vangala gave me, I found a place to stay in a small, creaking my feed, saying I was anti-art. I did not know it was an art project!
neighborhood on the outer rim. I shared a small metal bunker with four Things got out of control. A video went around the station of me
bunkmates. You would not believe, one is an actual caveman! I could not yelling. They found out I was Jovian. People started calling me a
stop staring, until she fined me reputation points. Now I do better. But biochauvinist. They painted “fascists out” on my bunker door. The
she is so ugly! caveman said I had to go; I was too smelly and brought too much bad
The day I arrived, a woman came to me named Big Blue who offered attention. When I said no, she penalized me. Then all her friends penal-
to show me around. I did not accept Blue’s offer, of course. What if she ized me too. She said she would do it every day until I left. I called the
was looking to take the new person for money? Or if she was a Jovian militia, but they knew me too, and they said penalizing reputation was
informant who would send me back? I only found out later her offer was not a crime. I called Big Blue, but she said she wouldn’t work with Jovian
genuine, but by then, it was too late. spies. When I went to the gardens, I found out I was fired there too. I
It is very difficult to find a job when you have no skills people want. don’t know who talked to them, but I think it was the caveman.
But I did find work in the gardens for one day every week, checking Now I work on the outside of the habitat, fixing things the robots
the water nutrients, tending to the plants. I kept my head down and aren’t smart enough to do themselves. I’m not very good at it, but I try
focused just on growing. Sometimes I would tell people off who would my best. Every day I come back inside and get treated for radiation expo-
try to eat the plants before they are mature. I made a little reputation sure. The medtech says they can fix everything but neural damage, so I
from my work, but never enough to get another trip with Vangala. The should back my memories up, that I should get a shielded synthmorph.
other people with me get more reputation points for less work. Maybe This is my body! I’m not just going to give up everything that I am to
it is because they are friends with each other, while I work alone with solder antennas together! But until my rep improves, I am having a hard
the plants. I do not know. But things were improving, if I could just time finding useful work to do.
be patient. Love you. I will keep working hard, until I can buy another trip for your
escape. Or perhaps a trip for me to go home.

142¹ The New Economy • Open-Source Fabrication

At the very least, fabbers will be programmed to post public notices COOPERATIVE WORK
or alert the local militia if anything habitat-threatening is brewed up. Despite the availability of AIs and robots to do the bulk of labor,
Fabber blueprints are stored locally on the machine or in there are still plenty of duties that require a transhuman mind
mesh-accessible public libraries and cover almost everything an to complete. In the running of a habitat, everyone is expected to
individual might normally desire. These blueprints are mined from put in time maintaining the space as a cost of being part of the
old libraries, pirated from inner-system hypercorps, or created by community. How much time depends on the needs of the habitat
open-source hacker communities and creative individuals. and can be as few as a few hours a month or a couple of days a week.
Usually this involves duties such as checking in on people, clearing
FORGET MONEY issues with robots, facilities maintenance, gardening, party plan-
The new economy very rarely involves currency — there is no need for ning committees, militia duty, kids daycare, and so on. Community
it. Autonomists who frequently travel to the inner system or market service is critical for the well-being of the habitat and those who
habitats save credits to cover their needs there. Small autonomist habs refuse to participate will find their reputation plummet.
retain a collective currency bank for this purpose, which residents Despite the detractors who think people are only motivated by
may contribute to or draw from as needed, or which the community profit, autonomist society is cluttered with work co-ops, collectives,
as a whole may use for transactions with outsiders. Scum-swarm syndicates, ad-hoc task forces, and Titanian microcorps, all engaged
residents practice a gift economy amongst themselves, but exchange in productive labor. The average autonomist works only four hours

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

currency with visitors. Titanians earn kroner, but its only use is for a day, with plenty of leisure time, as labor is driven by local needs
investing in microcorps and other Plurality-based projects as a way and personal initiative rather than unending profit-driven growth.
of allocating government resources. Various rep brokers attempt to The most common co-ops are those that fulfill critical habitat roles.
bridge the economies of the inner and outer systems, maintaining Others run the gamut of technological development and creativity,
networks that allow them to exchange favors for credits. from nanotech research communes and morph-design collectives
to hacking crews and collaborative art studios. Smaller work groups
PROPERTY network with others in confederations and free unions to coordinate
As a general rule, autonomists do not respect the concept of large projects and share and trade resources. Membership in coop-
private property. Ownership of private property is seen as one erative projects is voluntary, and most are organized without bosses
person depriving everyone else from the value of what they own. using decentralized, non-hierarchical processes. Turnover can be
The natural world, resources, the means of production, infrastruc- high and splits over disagreements are common, but most groups
ture — these are all parts of the commons, to be held and shared by quickly coalesce or dissolve as needed anyway.
everyone. This is especially true of intellectual property; ideas and Classical corporations consolidate power (and rewards) with the
culture are to be shared and remixed, not hoarded. corporate leadership and are intrinsically coercive as workers are
Calm down: this does not mean you need to share your under- exploited for their labor. Autonomist cooperatives and mutualist
wear with other people. Autonomists make a distinction between corporations resolve this by super-empowering the membership in
property and personal possessions. The various portable things acting and making decisions. These flat organizations have nearly
that you have fairly accumulated over time for your immediate the same executive speed as hypercorps, but benefit from better
and personal use are yours. No one's going to bother taking it when information “from the ground.” Teams can quickly reorganize or
they can just make their own anyway (though they might borrow retool to respond to events. Autonomist organizations usually
it in an emergency). Everything else is communal, to be borrowed form around a core goal or idea, and so can be shorter-lived than
and returned. If there is a scarcity of something, use is determined hypercorps (which are all bound by a profit motive). Autonomists
by greatest need. Hoarding, materialism, and other propertarian sometimes have difficulties with long-term projects, as participa-
instincts are seen as a blight to be stamped out. tion initially spikes with interest, then drops off over time or the
Different communities establish different methods for approving group gets tied up with political in-fighting. Many cooperatives
use of collective resources. On technosocialist Titan, special requests also suffer from creating monocultures, as individuals with
or changes to allowances are put to an immediate vote over the mesh, unpopular views are singled out of the social network. Maintaining
based on the value of the request (if public) and the requestor’s a diversity of ideologies can be difficult and is expensive in a
reputation. Many habitats have an AI or a review board established consensus-driven organization.
to moderate requests. Scum and other anarchist groups rely on more Ultimately, distributing the workload across open-source
complex, decentralized methods (I know of at least one scum swarm networks does provide a critical competitive advantage compared
that requires public performances, bake offs, or trial by combat, to closed hypercorps. While a hypercorp is limited to the knowl-
depending on the day of the week). Public cornucopia machines edge and skills of its own people (and the fruits of its espionage),
have simple queues. Those who need priority access politely ask autonomist networks can leverage hundreds of people of different
those ahead and hope their reputation wins them some charity. Those backgrounds, each trying a given problem in a thousand varied
whose names appear on the queue too often or who pull too heavily experiments and immediately sharing their findings. The autono-
on rare resources without giving back to the community take a hit to mist design loop has more throughput at greater speed, which has
their reputation. Disagreements can sometimes end with someone led to zero-budget autonomist teams making breakthroughs in
in the healing vat, the winner getting pummeled on social media, advance of their profit-driven brethren. The autonomist designs
and neither getting many favors in the future. Agents should look are then shared, at no cost, to the benefit of the entire autonomist
for and take advantage of ways to jump the line in urgent situations. network as a public good, further supporting projects that might
Otherwise you may find yourself waiting in line to fab your plasma otherwise not be related.
rifle as venerable Uncle Wu is using the machine to print out a thou-
sand tiny robots for tonight’s dance party.

The New Economy • Forget Money–Cooperative Work

¾143
 THE ROLE OF REP the rep they deserve: an uncouth manner, unpopular political views,
A common assumption is that the new economy is just the old timidity, public failures, modesty, overzealous privacy, work going
capitalist market with reputation acting as a new virtual currency. unpublicized, unsavory morphological features, or just bad luck.
This confusion is fundamentally wrong. Reputation is not a thing Social cliques can unbalance reputation networks, as a small group of
someone buys or sells. Without currency to buy services from associates consistently boost each other’s reputation or publicize each
THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

each other, autonomists rely on mutual aid, the free exchange other’s work, while quashing others. Bad actors can use sock puppets
of favors. These exchanges can be straightfoward and even: you and conspirators to game the system. Reputation has a tendency
fix my motorbike and I'll code this app for you in return. This to spike, as particular events catch media attention and go viral.
works well for small groups where everyone knows each other. Individuals can hire image managers or even abandon an identity
Practicing mutual aid on a larger scale, with people you don't altogether. Time eventually corrects imbalances, as the community
directly know, or with an asymmetric exchange, is more chal- forgets past events and reputation scores naturally balance out.
lenging. This is where reputation comes in. Rep scores let you Agents beware: using your rep on a mission ties your identity to
judge whether to allocate your time helping someone you don't that location. Sentinels should maintain a second identity for use on
know and help you acquire support from strangers. operations, and use it regularly, as a false ID with no history stands
John Venusian fresh off the shuttle can visit a pub and pull from out more than one with a bad rep. Maintain a strong reputation score
the public stock without a credit check. Ying Martian can hog the by regularly attributing projects and media postings to it. And be
station's telescopes for a few extra hours since she's helped out the ready to throw it all away if it is associated with a travesty of a mission.
Barsoomians on a few occasions. Wei Hypercorp may expect to
get a top-of-the-line biomorph when he egocasts in, but his credits EXTROPIAN MARKETS
are useless here, so he gets stuck in a case. Eva Anarchista has a The Extropian faction differs from other autonomist economies,
solid rep, so she gets collective approval to borrow the hab's shuttle embracing private property and free markets without govern-
for a few hours, no questions asked. When the venerated artist A. ments. Credits and various cryptocurrencies are still used in their
Germanotta asks to borrow the entire Lafayette habitat for a month, market-anarchist jurisdictions; laws are replaced by contracts
the residents agree, because she is known for creating tremendous between individuals and/or corporate entities, enforced by free-
art pieces that benefit her participants. lance judiciaries. Everything is a commodity: life support, security,
This is the range of reputation. Those who have a need are recog- housing, etc. Nanofab is unrestricted, however, so anyone with
nized and provided for. As our peers applaud or condemn activities, fabber access can meet their basic needs.
we establish a pattern. Community service, works of art, products This sort of unfettered capitalism is critiqued by other autono-
exchanged, designs released to the public, funny or insightful mists, who note that it still enables those with wealth to exploit the
media content, and even just making a neighbor smile can all boost have-nots, particularly with unfair contracts that support indentured
reputation. Meanwhile, anti-social or destructive behavior, breaking service. The Extropian rejection of intellectual property, however, puts
community rules, or harassment can pull a reputation down. It all them at odds with inner-system hypercorps; numerous Extropian
hinges on recognized contributions to the community. hypercorps base their business models on pirating IP. Extropian
While the reputation system rewards pro-social behaviors, it does habitats provide a convenient middle ground between the inner and
have its flaws. There are a lot of reasons an individual might not get outer system, where both credit and reputation have sway.

144¹ The New Economy • The Role of Rep–Extropian Markets

 A DAY IN THE INNER SYSTEM
//Begin Muse Log: May 23, AF 10// • 1805: Ignore muse's notifications re: city council referendum voting.
//Location: Valles-New Shanghai, Mars// Muse places votes based on previous preferences.
• 0600: Up early to auction off freelancer services on CivicNet's Jobs • 1830: Call automated taxi aircar to dinner with partner at high-rep
forums. Get temp gig with Whitman Ephemera LLC. Sign a contract for restaurant serving actual cooked meals (reservations placed last
8 hours of coding employment, moderate pay, no benefits. month). Discuss extending marriage contract another year.
• 0630: Use kitchen wet fabber to make soy milk, tofu pudding, and • 1930: Rent a breather and walk by foot through souks between the
steamed bun breakfast. Scroll personalized newsfeeds. domes. Purchase party drugs with anonymized credits from a black-
• 0700: Get the kids set up with the caretaker bots and school simulspace market vendor with decent g-rep. Politely decline solicitations from
with your group family's co-parents. Print fresh clothes. pleasure pod sex workers.
• 0800: Virtually commute from home to today's programming gig. • 2000: Stop by friend's resleeving party. Admire new sylph morph. Watch
• 1200: Grab noodles-to-go from a food kiosk as you catch a train to the XP of their recent skydiving vacation on Venus. Share drugs. Watch XP of
local clinic on your lunchbreak. Ignore the clanking masses busking and favorite metacelebrities. Exchange socialite gossip.
begging for cred. • 2045: Remotely check in on the kids, watch the bots tuck them in.
• 1205: Mesh inserts briefly compromised by AR advertising malware. • 2100: Go clubbing. Choose audio input from a DJ spinning live from a

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

• 1220: At clinic, pay for morph service pack updates and an ego backup. habitat in orbit. Check your health metrics. Dance more.
Note that your insurance deductible has gone up. • 2120: Spot an ex at the club. Go into privacy mode and use AR to blank
• 1245: On way back, stopped at security checkpoint, harassed for not properly them from your sensory input.
following ego ID scanning procedures. Get rep dinged for holding up the line. • 2130: Leave early. Outside the club, interfere with a bully who is
• 1315: Due to travel delay, rent time at a nearby coworking space to harassing a neo-chimp. Get punched in the nose, but the chimp and
continue work. Wages penalized for exceeding alloted lunch break. some passers-by ping your rep. Video goes viral, leading to a roll-
• 1400: Purchase and download a single-use blueprint for new appliance er-coaster rep ride over the course of the night.
seen in AR adverts. Remotely instruct home replicator to print. • 2200: Take aircar back home. Admire new appliance, but printer infected
• 1500: Employing hypercorp bought out, contract abruptly canceled as with ransomware. Switch AR skin to ocean waves to sleep.
position filled by indentures. Auction a new job for 2 more hours. • 2300: Referendum results announced; muse-placed votes support an
• 1700: Telecommute to psychotherapy session for PTSD from Fall. initiative requiring AGIs to register in a government database before
• 1800: Get caught up in Wyrmwood AR game when a clan of troll sky they sleeve into a physical morph.
raiders attacks your jungle elf fortress. //End Log//

A DAY IN THE OUTER SYSTEM

//Begin Muse Log: May 23, AF 10// • 1700: Volunteer shift at the Rusty Golem. Help a person add extra arms to their
//Location: Locus, Jovian Trojans// synthmorph frame. Help another resleeve into a customized galatea with hyper-
• 1000: Wake up at a leisurely time in the polycule's shared module. Update sensitive tactile inputs. Work repairs on an arachnoid someone abandoned.
your socnet profile and AR visual skin and audio playlist. • 2100: Get caught up in a neighborhood mesh forum argument about how
• 1030: Take a pullway to a spin module to work out in a gym with gravity. much leeway to give to Jovian expats new to Locus who are still unlearning
Your morph doesn't need it, but spacer habits die hard. their bioconservative prejudices.
• 1130: Clean up in a hygiene pod with waterless soap and shampoo. • 2200: Meet friends at an exoplanet-themed bar for food, drinks, drugs, and
• 1200: Catch breakfast at the local cafe co-op: fabbed muesli but real fruit AR games. Try out a new social drug making the rounds, get a nice buzz.
and homemade cheese and bread. Spend some time chatting with visiting Download the open-source recipe.
Argonauts about their research projects. Share lifelog excerpts from the • 2300: Respond to an emergency militia call to help break up a drunken brawl
time you helped analyze a xenoartifact on Oberon. between visiting Extropians and brinkers. Ding their rep. Spend some time
• 1255: Make room for an improvised drone demolition derby racing down the babysitting drunkards while conflict-resolution volunteers patch things up.
floatways. Ask muse to update hab map to avoid routes. • 0000: Pick up your printed goop gun from the maker space. Grab a new
• 1300: Spin off a fork to visit old friends on Titan. Place it in the egocasting outfit and stunner sidearm from the free exchange store.
queue. Watch XP of recent gatecrashing missions. • 0030: Reintegrate your fork, which just egocast in from Titan. Catch up on
• 1330: Answer a friend's emergency callout to help supervise an outing memories of hanging out with friends in a VR there. Schedule a session
of kids from the neighborhood daycare. Walk them through a time- at an implant clinic to get a ghostrider module installed tomorrow so your
accelerated simulspace of a world with gravity. Show them how to do friend's fork can visit and spend time with you.
cartwheels and somersaults. Get your rep pinged. • 0100: Don a vacsuit and take some friends outside to test the goop gun. As
• 1400: Join a mesh group chat about your art/weapons collective's ongoing planned, launched pellets rapidly expand in vacuum, coating the helmets
projects. Get rep dinged for failing to follow through on an agenda item and sensors of targets to blind them.
from last week. Reach consensus on new goals. • 0200: Join a zero-g dance party by the Amoeba to celebrate.
• 1500: Hammer out some tweaks in your latest goop gun design. Send the • 0300: Your partners are already all in bed, so use an app to find a hookup
blueprint to the public maker space's fabber queue. for the evening. Meet a cute scum triad who invite you back to their ship to
• 1630: Get lucky and run into the Roving Tamale Bot for a delicious lunch. check out some of their homemade XP and play.
Watch shuttles dock on the habitat's outer spars and rings. • 0400: Crash out.
//End Log//

A DAY IN THE INNER SYSTEM • A DAY IN THE OUTER SYSTEM

¾145
 KEEPING THE PEACE
In habitats dominated by criminal cartels, the syndicate itself serves
as a peacekeeping force, protecting and policing their own members.
Source: Be Gay, Do Crime: A Starter's Guide LINK The goal there is not justice, but ensuring orderliness to keep busi-
ness running. Unsanctioned crime is not tolerated.
Law enforcement is more complex than ever before. The legal
THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

systems of Earth were devastated by the Fall, with new rules and THE REACH OF THE LAW
experiments taking their place. The fresh new circumstances facing Most habitats view themselves as sovereign entities, albeit usually
transumanity called for new approaches. Now each habitat is its aligned with others in a framework such as the Consortium or LLA.
own jurisdiction, with differing ideas on what it means to keep the With a few exceptions, legal power is concentrated in the individual
peace. Technological advances have made catching criminals easier habitat, not the larger political alliance.
while also making them more powerful and dangerous. The role of The Titanians and Jovians are the only two polities with signifi-
security services ranges from upholding laws and protecting citi- cant bodies of law and police forces that have jurisdiction over all
zens to restorative justice and stopping existential threats. of their territory and citizens. The Lunar-Lagrange Armed Forces,
while predominantly military, have the authority to intervene in
PATCHWORK JURISDICTIONS habitat affairs, override local laws and security forces, and engage in
The state of law enforcement in every jurisdiction reflects the necessary "police actions." The Morningstar Constellation empowers
polity’s dominant ideology. Many habitats follow traditional each of its habitats to handle its own affairs. On Mars, the Martian
models with professional police, standardized bureaucracies, and Rangers serve as a sort of planetary police force under the authority
court systems that protect private property and citizens. Within of the Tharsis League, though their jurisdiction is limited to areas
the inner system, police forces and courts are typically privatized, outside of major settlements or sovereign hypercorp territory. They
with contracts awarded to competing hypercorps. Larger habitats work with traveling judicial Magistrates who are empowered to
may have multiple security hypercorps handling different areas or establish ad-hoc courts and juries wherever needed.
functions. Some habitats have experimented with other systems of The Consortium has a representative legislative body in its
law enforcement: religious police and courts, sheriffs and deputized Planetary Congress, but its edicts are largely symbolic and toothless
posses, or systems run entirely by ALIs and bots. In a dozen panar- and ignored by its habitats. The bylaws passed by the Consortium's
chist habs, every person chooses one of multiple legal systems to Ministry, however, directly impact member hypercorps and busi-
subscribe to, with a Political Bureau sorting jurisdictional issues ness affairs. A Consortium auditing and police agency known as
and conflicts. Oversight has authority to enforce Consortium bylaws and act to
Policing is never value free, as each habitat ranks which groups protect the security of its constituents, reporting directly to the
deserve more protection than others. Police in hypercorp-dom- Hypercorp Council.
inated polities will enforce corporate law, protecting executives,
high-ranking employees, investors, and valued customers over INTERSTATE AFFAIRS
wage slaves or visitors. In bioconservative habitats, only humans are There are no longer any multi-state agencies: no Interpol, Europol,
valued, while uplifts and AGIs receive little to no legal protections. or United Nations Police. Habitats only grudgingly acknowledge the
authority of other polities when absolutely necessary.
Only one law-enforcement treaty, the Treaty of Uniform Security
(TUS), has been signed by the majority of transhuman polities in
the Solar System. The TUS is principally targeted at a class of crim-
inal that almost all polities want to punish: extremists who damage
critical habitat infrastructure, collaborate with TITAN agents, or
spread the exsurgent virus. Given transhumanity’s fragile existence,
anyone who threatens it must be stopped, no matter the cost. The
TUS outlines the protocol for extradition of such criminals from one
polity to another. Habitats that apprehend a fugitive may choose
to prosecute the offender themselves instead of extraditing them,
though this would be a politically charged move and is not invoked
lightly. The standards of proof required to extradite a suspect are
high. The idea of being extradited to another habitat, perhaps
another polity, is a controversial issue to most habitat residents.
Police agencies usually only turn to extradition as a last resort.
Beyond the TUS, there is no legal framework that covers the
majority of transhumanity. Allied polities often have their own
treaties to cover criminal law issues, but they vary tremendously in
scope and frequency of enforcement. Some of these treaties grant
visiting law-enforcement officers limited authority, at least when
pursuing fugitives from their home turf. Typically, the visiting officer
must ask for permission before making the trip and then must follow
the orders of local habitat officials. Before permission is granted, the
officer must explain why they need to travel to the habitat, instead
of letting local police take care of the matter. Commonly, police only

146¹ Keeping the Peace • Patchwork Jurisdictions–Interstate Affairs

travel to other habitats when investigating complex and important every sensory network has blind spots, either created accidentally
cases. Most of the treaties emphasize inter-habitat cooperation as or intentionally. Entire criminal outfits survive on the business
necessary to stop sophisticated criminals active in multiple locales, of ripping sensors and creating dead zones for unseen activity.
like cartel members and exhuman terrorists. Criminals also make efforts to remove themselves from surveillance
footage, whether by bribing technicians or hacking the local mesh.
EGO HUNTERS When possible, they act remotely. It is easier for an assassin to use
Criminals who escape from one jurisdiction are not necessarily free. a hacked service robot or airlock to eliminate a target than to pull
Ego hunting is a major industry throughout the system. Criminals the trigger themselves. For elaborate schemes, some criminals
change identities and morphs frequently, but their egos remain fork themselves so they become a conspiracy of one, with a lower
unique, so skilled investigators and trackers are needed to chase chance of betrayal. Terrorists have used specially pruned beta forks
them down. The legality of ego hunting varies between jurisdictions, for suicide missions, martyring themselves dozens or hundreds
so ego hunters themselves might be breaking the law. A few major of times. More importantly, if the crime is subtle enough, no one
security firms like Direct Action and Medusan Shield maintain will ever realize it was committed. A soul trafficker who works at
contacts throughout the Solar System, allowing their operatives to a farcasting facility could secretly copy off egos for later resale
act with legal authority when they can arrange it. Independent ego without ever being caught, if they are careful enough.
hunters seldom have that level of coverage and so may not hesitate Investigators who tackle skilled crime have to outthink their

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

to use illegal methods to find their targets. adversaries to have a chance. Every technique criminals deploy can
Ego hunters are only paid for successfully capturing wanted be countered. Blind spots in sensor networks can be found through
egos. Most habitats that allow ego hunting require some kind of analysis. Hacks can be traced back to their origin. Gait analysis
oversight, such as registering with station authorities or disallowing can identify a unique ego, no matter what morph it is sleeved into.
the hunter to make the capture personally. In that case, habitat law Network-traffic analysis can identify darknets and illicit mesh
enforcement will arrest the suspect, after the ego hunter identifies communications. However, as one side develops a method of
the suspect and provides proof of their crimes and identity. fooling the other, a counter-technique will soon appear. It is a never-
ending arms race between cops and crooks. Success on either side
INVESTIGATIONS AND FORENSICS of the law requires good planning, skill, cunning, and a bit of luck.
Thanks to the state of surveillance and forensics technologies, In any case, crime requires time and good planning to pull off.
proof of criminal activity is easier to acquire than ever before. Once the police can identify a suspect, they can usually get enough
Almost everyone is walking recorder. Sensors are omnipresent evidence to prove their guilt. The most successful criminals are
in nearly every habitat, recording every event in minute detail. If never identified as suspects in the first place.
an investigator knows when and where a crime took place, they
can almost always pull up detailed logs of the event, including IDENTITY ISSUES
high-definition video from multiple angles. Hacking sensors is Criminals make frequent use of identity theft to hide their footsteps.
possible, but difficult, and can also leave traces behind. Virtually It is easy to assume the identity of someone who was lost in the
every manufactured object, whether it is a tool, toy, or weapon, Fall and only recently pulled out of cold storage. Brainprints can
has built-in computers and sensors that record everything that uniquely identify an ego, but even these change naturally over
happens around it. A staggering amount of information can time, especially with significant use of drugs or mental trauma.
be obtained from simple objects like clothing or room sensors. Biometric data only applies to a particular biomorph, so resleeving
Witnesses to a crime, including potential suspects, can be made can bypass that method of identification. Morph nanotat IDs and
to reveal anything they thought or experienced via psychosurgery. serial numbers can be altered. And with so many aspects of people's
This is highly intrusive, so even when this technique is legal, it is lives stored online, identity theft remains a serious issue.
reserved for investigating serious crimes. This is further complicated by the sheer number of personal iden-
If the sheer amount of surveillance data is not enough, forensics tification databases and systems currently in use. The Fall wiped
analysis can provide more evidence. Given the state of science, out most of the old Earth identity data banks. While SAPIENT ID,
forensics analysis is nearly impossible to fool. Nanoswarms can primarily used by the LLA and PC, is the most prevalent identi-
sweep a crime scene and find even the smallest clue. Any trace fication system, it is by no means the only one. There are almost
evidence can be quickly analyzed with near-perfect accuracy. as many identification systems as there are habitats. The lack of
Complex and chaotic events can be reconstructed through computer centralization among identification systems provides a very large
simulations and walked through by investigators in simulspace gap for identity fabricators to slip through. Of course, many factions
to test out any number of theories of the crime. Even untrained do not want to centralize personal identification, calling out its use
investigators can usually determine the perpetrator by running the as a social-control mechanism.
evidence through expert AI software. Crimes of passion and other If a crime goes undetected, at least for a while, a criminal will
unplanned crimes are almost always solved due to these technolog- have plenty of opportuniy to change their identity and/or escape
ical advantages. the jurisdiction. It is even possible to bypass normal farcasting secu-
rity checks and instead use secret illicit farcasting services, an act
The Hidden Arms Race known as darkcasting. Cartels and other secretive groups often run
In response, criminals have learned new techniques to avoid darkcasting operations to transfer egos from one habitat to another
arrest. Crime is now a skilled profession and only the most inno- without alerting the authorities. Once a criminal has escaped a
vative criminals succeed. A crime can’t be investigated if it is not habitat, they may still need to worry about ego hunters, but only
detected, so criminals focus their efforts on keeping below the radar. if the hunters can see past the layers of false identities assumed by
Despite the massive amount of surveillance in an average habitat, the suspect.

Keeping the Peace • Ego Hunters–Identity Issues

¾147
 PROSECUTION AND PUNISHMENT Social services freely provided by other habitats are handled
Hypercorp-controlled polities maintain traditional criminal-justice as contractual business affairs in Extropian habs. If you want
systems. Fear of AIs has kept them from completely replacing judges police protection, you must subscribe to a security firm for legal
and juries, but they are increasingly common throughout the system. and physical protection. Take note of the breadth of coverage you
More frequently, ALIs are provided as public defenders for those who select; security firms typically place drone silos around the habitat
THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

cannot afford their own private lawyers. AI judgments are frequently for emergency EMT services and rapid armed response, but such
critiqued for biases incorporated in to their algorithms, though strong protections are not available with all plans. Unprotected people
efforts have been made to push them towards impartiality and away can be attacked or robbed at will. Other services such as healthcare,
from implicit transhuman biases. Likewise, most legal systems remain transportation, backups, education, and insurance must also be
biased towards more privileged members of that society; the higher purchased. To even enter an Extropian habitat, you must sign an
the status of the offender, the less draconian the punishment will be. access, usage, and life-support rental agreement with the owning
Prison has largely been replaced as the preferred method of entity. Various hypercorps offer package bundles for these services.
punishment. In the inner system, most offenders suffer financial A free court's legal AIs will automatically litigate minor infrac-
consequences: liens, fines, property seizure, and, in extreme tions (called micro-torts) in mere seconds. More complex cases will
cases, indentured servitude. Morphs are considered property, so be handled by the private courts and all parties are expected to
sentencing can involve the seizure of your own body. Since even abide by the results. Punishments incorporate fines, property forfei-
murder can be reduced to the monetary cost of a new morph and ture, and rep penalties. In extreme cases, a suspect may be forced
therapy for the victim, plus punitive damages, this approach is into indenture or serve in a time-accelerated simulspace prison.
popular even outside of conservative habitats. Sentences also some- If one party does not agree to the terms, they may suffer a major
times involve lifetime punishments. A felon may be denied access reputation hit and other Extropians will likely refuse dealings with
to elite habitats or lose the right to purchase a biomorph, forcing a them. Bounty hunters may also be dispatched in pursuit of suspects
criminal to remain in the clanking masses for eternity. that abdicate on legal judgments.
Habitual re-offenders and violent criminals may also be forced to
undergo psychosurgery to alter their personality, at least in hyper- AUTONOMIST LEGALITIES
corp polities. Ostensibly, this is to help the offender more effectively In autonomist habitats run by anarchists and scum, there are no
re-integrate into society, curbing or eliminating antisocial tenden- formal laws, only a set of norms decided by group consensus and
cies, but it can also used to make the criminal more docile and loyal collective action. Every sapient being is considered an autonomous
to the local government. Forcible editing of minds is considered a person, free to do as they will, as long as they do not infinge upon
severe crime in almost all autonomist habitats, so it rarely used to others. Since everyone has access to nanofab, theft and other prop-
punish criminals. However, some anarchists may ask offenders to erty crimes are meaningless. However, actions that are coercive
undergo voluntary psychosurgery as part of their resolution process or anti-social are not considered acceptable: assault, harassment,
in order to correct whatever psychological issue that motivated their forknapping, mindhacking, threats to the habitat itself, and other
crimes in the first place. non-consensual acts.
The Jovian Republic remains the only major polity to regularly There are no police, so trangressions are handled by a community
sentence criminals to physical prison. The Junta maintains multiple response. This can range from bystanders attempting to diffuse a
physical prisons to house criminals, the most notable ones held on situation to intervention by an armed posse of nearby residents.
the inhospitable moon Io. Prisoners are used as labor and experi- The entire community polices itself. Autonomists try to defuse
mental test subjects for various Jovian black ops research projects. potentially violent situations before they erupt. Everyone has access
The mere threat of these prisons serves as a useful tool to keep the to surveillance feeds and sensor logs, so abnormal activity is quickly
populace in line and potential dissidents from acting out. noted. People trained in conflict-resolution techniques will be called
Outside of the Republic, a few hypercorps maintain small prisons up to handle disputes. If an investigation is called for, locals will
for habitats that still inflict them as punishment. For the most convene an ad-hoc task force to handle the matter. Residents freely
part these are located far from other habitats, notably on Mercury, carry weapons to deal with anyone who breaks the peace, and
remote asteroids, or assorted exoplanets. Virtual prisons are more volunteer militias with drone support are called upon to deal with
cost effective and thus more extensively employed, with convicted heavily armed aggressors.
criminals placed in cold storage or time-accelerated simulspace for When people do create problems in autonomist space, the
the duration of their sentence. A few habitats retain capital punish- response is geared towards finding out why that happened and what
ments for severe crimes, but only the most dangerous and unstable help the offender needs rather than simple punishment. The process
criminals are killed and ego-wiped, with all backups destroyed. is considered a collective effort, with impartial volunteers evalu-
ating the case for conflict resolution and rehabilitation processes.
EXTROPIAN CONTRACT LAW The principles of restorative justice are followed, meaning that the
In Extropia and other so-called "anarcho-capitalist" habitats, the focus is on repairing any harm done and allowing people affected
only laws that exist are contracts consensually signed between by a crime to participate in its resolution. Most anarchist habitats
individuals and/or corporations. Each contract specifies which maintain community crisis centers to guide this effort. Any reso-
legal code and freelance judiciary service is used to settle disputes. lutions must be voluntarily accepted by the offender. If they fail to
Various private courts exist, each with their own interpretations support the process, they will suffer rep hits and possibly exile off
of miscellaneous legal principles. Most subscribe to larger legal the habitat. Prison and similar punitive measures are considered
associations like the Extropian Legal Guild, Free Bar Association, or barbaric in autonomist circles.
Mutualist Code, which all have pre-set agreements on handling legal
disputes with each other, ensuring quick arbitration.

148¹ Keeping the Peace • Prosecution and Punishment–Autonomist Legalities

PROPERTY CLAIMS
The doctrine of “property rights without sovereignty” applies to
claims made on asteroids, exoplanets, and other celestial bodies. A
discoverer of a particular resource can only lay claim to it as long as
they continually use it. If the land or resource is abandoned, then
anyone else can claim it for themselves. When there is a conflict
over ownership, parties sometimes resolve the dispute through
negotiations or legal proceedings (if they share the same polity).
Nothing stops either side from using deception or violence to
claim the disputed resource, though. More than a few asteroids and
exoplanets have changed hands after a skirmish or raid.

GATECRASHING LAW
The owners of the various pandora gates dictate terms to anyone
who wants to use them. Leasing gate time is incredibly expensive,
but costs can be mitigated by sharing a small percentage stake in

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

new discoveries, exploited resources, or colony revenue. Most gate-
crashers must sign contracts ceding ownership of anything they
find to the organization sponsoring the expedition, though some
sponsors offer percentages of claims as well.
New exoplanets are a lawless frontier. Gatecrashers operate
by themselves, with no law enforcement nearby. Some contracts
specify that a mission is bound by the laws of the sponsoring entity,
enabling inestigations and prosecution of crimes, but this can be
difficult to enforce. Most gatecrashers operate in a manner similar to
the military, with the expedition leader’s commands as the only law.
Exoplanet colonies usually have a similar legal structure to the
polity that sponsored their creation. However, most colonies are
extremely isolated, so the leadership has far more control over their
populace. It is very difficult to leave an exoplanet colony, even in
the best circumstances. Colonies have suffererd from totalitarian
leaders, abuse, and exploitation because residents can’t leave or
contact other habitats for help.

NEW TARGET: REVI

[Begin Decrypted Message]
Team, I’m re-tasking you. Your new objective is to track down a
wanted terrorist known as Revi. BOLO reports place her in your
region. She’s an escapee from Cognite’s disastrous FUTURA
program, diagnosed with the full checklist of psychopathic traits,
and believed to be infected with the Watts-MacLeod virus. Treat
her as an infectious exsurgent. Cognite agents are hot on her
trail — and she hunts them in kind, holding some twisted biocon
view that they murdered her crèche mates so that other egos could
sleeve into their morphs. She retains her own original morph, an
advanced futura design with enhanced cognitive capabilities,
heavily modified. She makes extensive use of biosculpting and
is believed to operate within Ultimate cells, using them as cover.
Approach with caution; her profile pegs her as a close-combat
specialist with a preternatural tactical sense. Your job is to get to
her first and neutralize her. Take her out if you have to, just don’t
let Cognite get her back.
[End Decrypted Message]

Keeping the Peace • Property Claims–Gatecrashing Law

¾149
 CRIME
resources to secure itself against such attacks. At a certain point,
an attack on a habitat crosses the line between crime and military
Source: Acquainting Yourself with Guanxi LINK action, so the criminal becomes an enemy combatant, subject to
execution by the habitat’s defenders. Few other crimes get that kind
Crime will always exist, simply because the definition of what crime of response.
THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

is changes as society changes. Even in lawless, near-scarcity anarchist

habitats, norms can be broken in ways that can be considered a viola- PROPERTY AND THEFT
tion of the social contract between everyone. A sufficiently transgres- Market economies treat property crime more seriously than auton-
sive disruption of tradition, custom, or unspoken rule will result in omist societies. Theft of material goods is not usually considered
social sanctions or punishment in even the most lenient polity. a serious problem for items that anyone can replicate. If a person
Most factions agree, at least in part, that actions that jeopardize steals a cheap tool, it is often easier to build a new one than hunt
the safety of citizens and habitats are crimes. Capitalist societies down the stolen item. However, stealing items whose availability is
protect property and ownership with laws, because these are the limited carries stricter penalties.
foundations of their order. Almost every society prosecute crimes Rare and valuable goods, like morphs, Earth relics, alien artifacts,
that threaten the economic stability of their preferred financial new prototypes, and bulk raw resources, are frequently targeted
system. Conservative polities will go so far as to convict people of by professional thieves. Cartels throughout the Solar System steal
victimless crimes, sanctifying certain moral or religious principles morphs, even occupied ones, and sell them to less discerning
and believing that people must be protected from themselves. customers. Carbon reaver gangs plunder raw materials from mining
Autonomist factions focus more on crimes that violate the autonomy drones and automated carriers throughout the system. Claim-
of their citizens; coercion is anathema. Every habitat enforces jumping remains an issue on isolated asteroids and exoplanets.
a different set of laws, making the distinction between legal and However, converting stolen property into wealth can be even more
illegal entirely relative. difficult than stealing in the first place. The key is finding a discreet
As many crimes are a function of economics, it is no surprise that but wealthy customer who is willing to both buy stolen goods and
law-breaking changes as rapidly as technology does. Crimes consid- accept any potential blowback from the property’s original owners.
ered heinous a century ago are shrugged at today. Let's examine Specialist fences make a living just by connecting thieves to the right
what has changed. clients. Even if the right customer can be found, the criminals must
also transport the goods without being detected, a difficult task at
VIOLENCE best. Only the desperate or most driven criminals focus on material
Violent crime is still prosecuted, but the penalties for murder theft when other types of crime are easier to pull off.
are greatly reduced. Murder, to most transhumans, is no longer Theft of habitat resources is treated seriously in almost all polities.
permanent, so it is typically classified as aggravated assault and/or Visitors sometimes become inadvertent thieves simply by breathing
a property crime, assuming the victim is backed up. Some habitats the air if they have not paid for their allotment of life support
even allow consensual dueling and murder, leading to the creation resources. Squatting can create real complications in crowded habs,
of murder clubs, where members can freely murder each other because life support systems can only sustain so many people. It
without repercussion. In more traditional polities, especially in the can also be an issue even when squatters occupy abandoned
Jovian Republic, where many citizens live without backups of their habitats, like many of the derelicts abandoned during the Fall but
egos, murder is still a serious crime. still orbiting Earth, as they may reactivate TITAN war machines or
Mass murder and attacks against essential habitat infrastructure inadvertently spread the exsurgent virus.
are serious crimes in virtually every habitat. While a single murder
can be undone through resleeving, there is the chance that no one Intellectual Property
can be resleeved if everyone is killed or the habitat itself is ruined. In the inner system and Jovian Republic, intellectual property
Unfortunately, it is now easier than ever for a single criminal to is protected by stringent copyright laws. Trading blueprints or
commit such a crime. Between nanofabrication, TITAN and exsur- removing the DRM of a file is strictly against the law in hyper-
gent weapons, and the sheer difficulty of surviving in space, there corp-controlled polities. Likewise, modifying nanofabbers to
are countless ways for a dedicated terrorist to fatally compromise circumvent locks and restrictions is heavily penalized. An elite
a habitat. Even the most permissive habitat devotes considerable class of criminals specialize in bypassing DRM and trading pirated
software and schematics between the inner and outer system, to the
chagrin of the Planetary Consortium. While anarchists primarily
BOUNTY MARKETS free these designs by open-sourcing them, numerous Extropian
hypercorps make a business out of repackaging blueprints and
When the first darknet services came online, it was likely selling them to inner-system citizens at a discount, undermining
inevitable that the first criminal bounty markets would their Consortium rivals. The theft of copyrighted data is a major
follow. These prediction markets serve as an incentive to tension point between capitalists and autonomists.
specified crimes, notably assassinations or other major These laws also apply to corporate prototypes, projects in develop-
illegal acts. Anyone can make an anonymous bet on the ments, morph genetics, and other trade secrets, but here the hypocrisy
details of the crime: date, location, etc. If the crime is of capitalism shines. Industrial espionage between hypercorps is a
committed in accordance with the bet, a large payout is thriving industry, as competitors seek to gain an edge over rivals.
ensured. This encourages a lawbreaker to commit the Hypercorps have even been known to extract and forknap citizens of
crime, because they can place an accurate bet on the other corporate holdings to gain access to their research and secrets,
details in order to receive the bounty. deriving it directly from their minds with psychosurgery if necessary.

150¹ Crime • Violence–Property and Theft

ONLINE CRIMES EGO TRAFFICKING
A substantial amount of crime has transferred from the physical Though indentured service is legal throughout most of the system, it
world to online, where traces can be more easily erased. Hacking is profitable enough that numerous cartels have taken on the role of
is a profitable endeavor, including crimes such as insider forknapping egos and buying and selling living minds on the black
trading, identity theft, laundering currency, espionage, fraud, market. Many hypercorps are not picky about the details of an ego's
undermining security/surveillance, and defacement/sabotage. origins, only what skills they possess and that they are desperate
Malware exists on nearly every mesh network, defrauding anyone enough to sign exploitive contracts. Uplifts and AGIs in particular
that lacks basic infosec skills. Most major cartels rely heavily on are heavily trafficked, given that they are denied basic rights in
hackers to conduct business and protect their interests. Even many polities anyway. Many innocents have been unknowingly
old syndicate standbys such as protection rackets are handled forked and sold to soul traffickers when they farcast to another
electronically, with ransomware used to encrypt a target's systems habitat. Hackers target ego backup facilities and infugee storage for
until they pay to have them unencrypted. theft. Some scavengers loot cortical stacks from ruined ships and
Much black-market activity now takes place on the darknet, habitats or even Earth, despite the risk of exsurgent infection.
hidden by anonymous routers and encrypted networks. Online There are many potential uses for an ego, aside from labor. Minds
storefronts sell stolen, counterfeit, and restricted goods, and crim- can be freely plundered for their skills and memories, making them
inals of various stripes offer their services to the highest bidder. useful for both research, espionage, or more elaborate criminal

THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY

Darkcasters enable egos to pass in and out of habitats unseen, schemes. Personalities can be rewritten to make willing slaves.
bypassing security and customs. The Guanxi social network ties Unethical scientists can use them for experiments. Cartels sleeve
these together, while providing a forum for criminals to codify them into various types of morphs for underground pit fights.
their own reliability and trustworthiness. Darknets are forbidden in Sociopaths merge egos to create new slaves or just to see what
many polities because they interfere with the government’s ability happens. There is no limit to what torture can be inflicted on an
to monitor and control, but they are also valued and tolerated by enslaved mind.
authorities that wish to hide their own activities from rivals. Indentured service is considered a form of coercion and slavery
Fraud remains a problem throughout the system, even in in much of the outer system. It is illegal on Titan, and most anar-
near-scarcity economies. Con artists use sophisticated scams and chists are likely to treat indentures as slaves deserving of freedom.
bot networks to build up high reputations under fake identities and
then cash them in to acquire valuable goods and services. These OTHER CRIME
same hacker networks will sell their online might to inflate or There are many other criminal ventures that remain harder to
undermine the reputations of others. In the same vein, propaganda classify. Black clinics provide ware and mods prohibited by
and memetic warfare campaigns are launched to sway public opin- local laws, offer healing vats to those injured while committing
ions, spread disinformation, and attack rivals. crimes, and sometimes even make prescribed morphs available.
Sometimes their wares are experimental or dangerous, but such
VICE businesses thrive on their rep. Smugglers carry contraband items
Crimes of vice thrive in the post-Fall era, though what defines a vice past habitat security: bioweapons, TITAN tech, prototyps, or
varies from culture to culture. Drugs and narcoalgorithms have been simply restricted goods that will fetch a high price. Autonomist
decriminalized in most habitats, have become more socially accept- smugglers help uplifts, AGIs, or indentures escape from oppres-
able, and can easily be manufactured or acquired online. The more sive environments to the outer system. Forks sometimes go rogue,
extreme the effect of a given drug or narcoalgorithm, the more likely or are allowed to extend past their legally limited expirations.
it will be regulated or banned, especially in conservative polities. Political radicals seek to undermine authoritarian systems and
Of course, libertine factions allow virtually every drug and some governments. Terrorists wreak havoc according to their twisted
provide them free. Virtually every polity bans drugs that are linked ideological or religious beliefs. And, of course, exhumans treat
to exsurgent infection. transhumanity as prey.
Gambling is rarely legally restricted, though the industry may
be heavily regulated and taxed. Online gambling remains popular
throughout the system, but hardcore gamblers are generally only
satisfied with illegal sports like deathmatch fighting. Loansharking
RED MARKETS
to pay off gambling debts is typically restricted. Red markets are the equivalent to black markets, but in
Prostitution is rarely illegal except in very conservative polities anarchist space. Despite the lack of laws, there are many
like the Jovian Republic. In the Morningstar Constellation and things that autonomists seek to eradicate from their habi-
Titanian Commonwealth, sex workers are offered legal and industry tats that are valuable to the right people. This includes
protections. Pornography is similarly rarely criminal, except when it private sensor nets, ego trafficking, rep net gaming, black-
depicts illegal acts, which varies from habitat to habitat. Often, what mail, mindhacking, secrets, coercion, and irresponsible
is illegal is based on the ideology of the ruling class. Bioconservative uses of bioweapons and experimental tech. To avoid taking
factions, for example, ban porn involving uplifts. The Titanians ban a rep hit or face ostracization, such goods and services
porn that involves indentured workers, considering it to involve acts are offered through discreet red-market channels. Most
of coercion. red-market peddlers are the same cartels that operate
in inner-system black markets, along with a few malcon-
tents, misfits, and inner-system provocateurs. Exchanges
are typically made with rep favors, though occasionally
currency is used.

Crime • Online Crimes–Other Crime

¾151
 FRIENDS & ENEMIES
Next overview topic: to really understand the state of the Solar
System, you'll need to have a grasp of the various ideologies,
polities, and factions at play. Knowing the difference can keep

FACTIONS
you alive. START

INNER SYSTEM POLITIES

Source: Moxie Harper, Firewall Sentinel LINK

The inner system is the cradle of transhumanity, home to its largest

political blocs and the only surface-habitable planets in the system.

THE LUNAR-LAGRANGE
ALLIANCE (LLA)
Memes: Biochauvinism,
Capitalism, Reclaiming Earth
Main Habitats: Erato (Luna),
Remembrance (Earth Orbit), Shackle (Luna)

The LLA: your grumpy Indian dad who is also a Swiss banker.
Decried as obsolete by the Planetary Consortium, derided as
stodgy and out of touch by the outer system, transhumanity’s first
great off-world alliance plods on like a teflon baluchitherium. A
number of settlements, including the largest Lunar city, Nectar, have
defected to the Consortium, but Earth orbit and the two other big
Lunar cities remain staunch Alliance members. Even though Luna
might be the old and Mars the new, Luna’s advantage from being
settled first hasn’t totally eroded.

The Alliance Council

The LLA Council seats one representative from each member city
and habitat. Voting power is proportional to their hab’s population.
Settlements have a large amount of autonomy, but the Alliance is in
charge of foreign policy, defense, central banking, and intelligence
services. This doesn’t keep members from making their own trade
deals, but the Council reserves the right to intervene in local policy
if it affects the rest of the Alliance. The Council hasn’t been shy about
using this power or suppressing dissent from smaller members.

Banks, Burberry, and Bollywood

Interestingly, this reputation for conservatism doesn’t hurt the
demand for Luna’s creative output. Lunar fashion houses and
entertainment companies are major cultural forces. The Lunar busi-
ness-casual look is the white-collar style throughout hypercapitalist
space. And perhaps post-Fall transhumanity finds some comfort in
the homey modernism of Lunar design and the formulaic musicals
produced by Bollywood’s descendants.
The Lunar Banks are the heart and brain of old-school capitalism,
and they wield influence that can sometimes counter the upstart
hypercorps of the Planetary Consortium. Some banks are append-
ages of the LLA Council. These operate under a fairly transparent
regulatory framework and are some of the biggest consumer banks
in the system. Others descend from the old Swiss banking system,
which strongly privileges the privacy of the client. Detractors say it’s
the biggest legal money-laundering operation in the Solar System,
but the oligarchs have uses for black boxes like these. You won’t see

¹ 152¹ Inner System Polities

the Lunars or Orbitals demanding transparency from the private which is pretty sad given how many of their analysts keep up with
banking houses any time soon. They’re perceived as a cornerstone their workload by sleeving into hibernoid morphs. The powers that
of the economy and, to some extent, they are. be on Mars still view the referendum that lead to Morningstar as a
fluke and expect its members to rejoin the Consortium. Even a thin
Culture and Ethnicity atmosphere can cloud vision.
Somebody on Luna actually asked me where my family came from The independence referendum is usually understood, at least
once. Can you believe that? Normally, interactions with Lunars/ on Mars, as Venus saying “no” to the Consortium’s vision of fully
Orbitals don’t get this provincial, but some of the stuff that comes terraforming the yellow planet. The reality is much more complex.
out of their mouths is really off-putting to us off-worlders. Old For one thing, the idea of fully terraforming Venus is far from
nationalities still mean something here, and it can be confusing as dead. Its proponents are locked in a war of ideas with the opposing
hell for outsiders. Ethnic rivalries and prejudice occasonally flare up; camp, the Aerial Terraforming Initiative (ATI). The ATI's vision is to
people here haven’t gotten the memo that culture and genetics are preserve the planet’s surface conditions while raising oxygen levels
not inseparable and that nationalism was a pretty stupid idea anyway. in the upper atmosphere and seeding the atmosphere with aerial
Language, too, is a topic of civic debate, with some habitats having life. Both camps in the debate are going full steam ahead with R&D,
a dozen official languages. Other settlements speak only one or two and there are half a dozen sub-factions on each side. The full terra-
and are rather militant about which one should be the official one. forming faction is constructing proof-of-concept orbital mirrors that
Biochauvinism is a big problem almost everywhere in LLA space. would cool the planet’s surface if deployed en masse. ATI advocates
It’s a culture that disdains people who’ve “failed” at retaining a have been developing biomorphs designed to survive in the upper
biological body. Despite political activism aimed at winning greater atmosphere and animals able to roost on the outsides of aerostats.
acceptance for synthmorphs, the clanking masses face classism So no, forget what your politically opinionated drinking buddy
every day and are often segregated into specific neighborhoods. on Mars opined between pitches during the last Cubs-Hanshin
Infomorphs and anyone not in a familiar human morph are treated Tigers game. It was never about terraforming. Most of the oligarchs
with distrust and contempt, but AGIs and uplifts are the lowest of running Mars were originally either American or Chinese. Their

FACTIONS
the low and sometimes need to fear for their own safety. If you’re opposite numbers on Venus were either born off-world or came
visiting here, take note of those habitat travel advisories. from Europe and Brazil. Venus is just different than Mars, and its
nascent power structures were born out of cultural, political, and
Reclaimers economic interests that don’t follow Martian logic.
On half of Luna, when you look up from the surface, you’ll see Earth,
our scarred and smoking homeworld. To many, it’s a call to arms, to root The Star Council
out the TITAN remnants and take back our homeworld. Seen as odd Is it politics, or the ghost of an Italy-Brazil football match possessing
eccentrics elsewhere in the system, reclaimers here count heads of state a chamber full of otherwise skilled and articulate transhumans?
and hypercorp leaders among their supporters. Several LLA habitats are I’m gonna go with the latter, but then, I have a guilty addiction
reclaimer home bases, and the people there chafe at the interdiction to watching highly qualified people scream at each other like
satellites that shoot down anything traveling to or from to Earth’s surface. Martian mud shrikes during brooding season. The Star Council, as
hot-blooded as its debates run, does a credible job of governing
Decline and Resurgence Venus, from conducting off-world diplomacy to allocating scien-
The LLA's political influence has been in decline for a long time, tific and military budgets (the latter being mostly for payments to
but it retains one of the best military fleets in the Solar System. mercenaries). It guarantees the Venusian libra, which is pegged in
The remnants of many national space fleets threw in their lot with value to the Planetary Consortium credit. And it controls the agen-
the Alliance after the Fall. Relations with the Consortium and the cies that grant and verify Venusian citizenship. Each habitat sends
Morningstar Constellation are cold. There is strong pressure for one member per 100,000 citizens. The current prime minister of
the LLA to convert from its old market practices to the transitional Venus is Arisa (yeah, one of those one-name people), an Italian-born
economy, and several Lunar habs have already done so. But AF 10 XPorn star, athlete, and psychosurgeon who was one of the leaders
is spring in the Solar System, and the Alliance is getting a new of the independence movement.
infusion of reclaimers from the outer system who want to be closer
to the action. These immigrants, with their dynamic outer-system Culture and Policy
cultural values, could be the vanguard of big changes to come. Venusian habitats provide a basic income and nanofab allotment
to all citizens, as well as offering full citizenship to AGIs and
THE MORNINGSTAR uplifts. Non-humans and synthmorphs face less prejudice and
CONSTELLATION have more protections in Venusian habitats. Etiquette in public
spaces is the most striking cultural difference here. If a Venusian
Memes: Technoprogressivism, is in their tiny-ass apartment, it’s generally for sleeping, shitting, or
Venusian Sovereignty sex. They’re always out socializing. Venusians have small personal
Main Habitats: Octavia (Venus) bubbles and an incredible ability to politely ignore people around
The habitats making up Morningstar them, sometimes with the help of AR illusions.
voted for independence from the
Planetary Consortium five years External Relations
ago. It was a political circus that ultimately Who tries to found a major political bloc with virtually no military
coalesced into an independence movement and then, against long assets? Dreamers, you might say. Idiots, someone more savvy
odds, succeeded. The Planetary Consortium was caught napping, might think. The math works for Morningstar so far, though.

Inner System Polities • The Morningstar Constellation

¾153
 The Constellation’s members have ready cash to pay for mercenary The Hypercorp Council
protection, and they spend a ton of it. Hence the joke that “MC” is The Hypercorp Council is the ultimate governing authority in the
short for Mercenary Cashcow. Consortium. Its membership, thought to comprise the 20 or so most
If one thing could tear the Constellation apart, it’s the nascent powerful hypercorps and conglomerates, is partly secret, and it
debate over ownership of land on the surface. With only a handful meets behind closed doors. The Consortium exists to ensure stable
FACTIONS

of permanent settlements, the policy so far remains, “If you can conditions in which its members have the opportunity to profit.
exploit it, it’s yours for as long as you’re using it.” But that situa- The governance of half of transhumanity is only a side effect of this
tion can’t persist forever, in part because Consortium hypercorps goal — one sometimes deemed annoyingly unprofitable.
continue to exploit the surface without the Constellation’s consent. The known members of the Council are Cognite (neurotech),
If a full terraforming op does begin, some of that land is going Direct Action (security), Experia (media), Fa Jing (energy/mining),
to become valuable real estate, and the long-term planners are Fujizo (robotics), Invatch (morphs), the Lucky Star Group (elec-
already occupying territory based on landscaping projections. So tronics), Nanosys (nanotech), the Pavonis Infrastructure Authority
far, Morningstar doesn’t have muscles to flex about this. But once (space elevator), the Prosperity Group (food/drugs), Solaris
they do, things could get ugly fast. (banking), and Stellar Intelligence (intel). The Consortium subsid-
The MC also differs from the Consortium on intellectual prop- iary Pathfinder, which manages the Martian Gate, is given a seat
erty. IP protections last only years, not decades, and do not apply to at the table due to the importance of extrasolar colonization to the
remixes or derivative works. This remains a major stumbling block Consortium agenda, but it has no voting power.
with Consortium hypercorps that take strong anti-piracy stances.
Governing Corporate Citizens
THE PLANETARY CONSORTIUM The civic infrastructure of the Consortium is designed for one thing:
Memes: Expansion, to promote a healthy business environment. The hypercorps need
Hypercapitalism, Security happy consumers. Governments are a regulatory pain. So the hyper-
Main Habitats: Progress (Mars Orbit) corps run the government themselves, treating it as a necessary cost of
The Consortium formed during the Fall doing business. Government services are therefore thin to keep costs
through organized networking, propa- low, providing a pretense of democracy to keep everyone distracted.
ganda, and coercion by its founding For Consortium citizens, a decentralized cyberdemocracy prom-
hypercorps. It is a business alliance dedi- ises representation in the Planetary Congress. In reality, candidates
cated to networking and preserving hypercorp for office are tightly vetted. Some are drawn from hyperelite families.
interests. Today, the Planetary Consortium is the most powerful Others are longtime operatives elevated for loyal service. Still others
economic and political bloc in the Solar System. It controls Mars via are media icons who’ve converted fame into office.
the Tharsis League and has outposts throughout the system. Half of The Consortium Ministry, peopled by appointees allotted to the
transhumanity lives under its oversight. hypercorps based on share price, is the executive branch. Notable
offices include the Planetary Stock Exchange Regulatory Ministry,
The Four-Point Plan the Oversight Ministry, and the Foreign Trade Ministry.
Announced shortly after its formation, the Consortium’s slickly The Assembly, appointed by Congress, is the judicial branch of
produced agenda includes: the Consortium. Its arbitrators are rarely involved in criminal or
civil law, leaving that to individual habitats, but instead arbitrate
• Establish a New Homeworld: With Earth gone, the Consortium disputes between hypercorps.
has designated Mars as transhumanity’s new capitol. This serves to
separate people from old interests and longings and embrace a new Oversight
era and a new home — one conveniently under their control. Oversight is a data-driven corporate intel agency specializing in
• Improve the Human Condition: This point reads as an endorse- statistical analysis, industrial espionage, and what’s politely termed
ment of technological development and change, with a specific “suppressive ops.” They’re an independent agency of the Hypercorp
push towards genetic engineering, neuro-enhancements, nanotech, Council, though they act with some impartiality. Their access to
and other transhuman technologies. This is, of course, what most privileged hypercorp data enables a constant scan for “anomalies,”
Consortium hypercorps want to sell you. Though you gives lip be they fiscal malfeasance by execs, collective action by workers, or
service to morphological freedom and other technoprogressive resistance from a potential market in opening its gates. Oversight
ideas, the truth is that the Consortium still lags behind on incorpo- gets misunderstood as a combined foreign and domestic intel
rating uplifts and AGIs into its vision. service for the Council. This is wrong. Oversight stalwarts see
• Safeguard Transhumanity: Written as a warning against extinction themselves as agents of Adam Smith’s guiding hand, a cooperative
threats like the TITANs, this point is also subtly spun to promote regulatory framework to deter attempts to game the system, invis-
a law-and-order mindset, painting outer-system autonomists as a ibly righting conditions that could upset transhumanity’s hard-won
threat to the Consortium way of life. It also provides justification for prosperity. Oversight is cold; it does things by the numbers.
restricting nanofabrication access — for safety purposes of course. In its quest to maintain free-market stability, Oversight also has
• Grow and Prosper: Hypercapitalism requires new markets and the authority to counter threats to the security of the Consortium.
unending growth, continually pushing the Consortium to expand This has quickly expanded from policing TITAN tech and espio-
its economic influence. With the pandora gates, this plan now also nage to immigration controls and a “counter-terrorism” role against
incorporates extrasolar colonization and becoming a dominant perceived enemies of the Consortium, particularly autonomist
force in the galaxy. agitators. Oversight’s secret police are especially busy on Mars, due
to the growth of the Barsoomian movement.

154¹ Inner System Polities • The Planetary Consortium

 Oversight approaches their projects with arrays of AR spread- Officials more beholden to the Barsoomian movement, the glitterati,
sheets, charts, and slides, so it is easy to discount them as over- or particular oligarchs hold down some important offices.
zealous accountants. They may be boring, but they have the weight The factions making up the League cut across agency lines, and
of the Consortium behind them. Oversight’s General Secretary, Gia they vary a lot in mindset and modus operandi, so much so that
Norne, is an elemental force. So if you catch wind of Oversight each is better thought of as a constellation of memes. You’ve got
sniffing around, keep your cranial storage down. authoritarian versus libertarian conflicts in the Martian Rangers,
corporatist versus militocratic factions in the Space Force, trade
Project Ozma unionist versus corporatist in the Martian Department of Transit
We don’t really know what Ozma is, other than a high-level black- (MDOT), and authoritarian versus regionalist scuffles in the Tharsis
budget operation. It operates at the Consortium’s highest levels — or Terraforming Office (TTO). The Barsoomian movement is auton-
perhaps even above them. What we do know is that decades omist flavored, and wherever its members carve out a niche for
before the Fall, Ozma was some sort of collaborative SETI project, themselves, anarchist or socialist memes quickly come into conflict
searching for alien life. Now, they seem to have a lot of similar inter- with the CivicNet status quo.
ests to Firewall: the TITANs, the exsurgent virus, the Factors, dead
aliens, x-risks, all that fun stuff. There’s a lot of speculation about Terraforming
who or what their bosses are, and what their real agenda is, but it’s Terraforming Mars is the greatest engineering project in trans-
all guesswork. Assume the worst and act accordingly. human history. At the center of this effort are a number of
It would be cute if Firewall could have a fun rival? You know, like Consortium hypercorps and a smattering of independents, like the
cartoon Jovian biofascist crucifix-thumpers, or the vampire cyborgs worker-owned upstart TerraGenesis.
with impossible cheek bones lurking in the dark Swedish forest of Terraforming is the political hot potato. The League Congress
the grandfather clauses governing Titanian Intel? No. We get Project has carved appointments to the Tharsis Terraforming Office (TTO)
Ozma. No cheek bones, no Latin imprecations from flint-eyed into a zillion sub-offices. The TTO Executive Director is a spokes-
Dominicans, just unlimited resources and impeccable intel. They model with nominal rule over a fractious staff of department heads

FACTIONS
have an unnerving way of showing up completely prepared for whom they neither appointed nor can dismiss without approval
situations that no one else should know about. With nicer weapons from the deadlocked Terraforming Committee of the League
and cute accents to boot. They have pulled the rug out from beneath Congress. Sound like a shitshow? It is. The Chief Planetologist,
us more times than we count. The one good thing about them is that Chief of Ground Ops, and Chief of Orbital Ops all hate each other
they are very good at covering their tracks — often erasing evidence and the other department heads. This results in revolving-door
of Firewall involvement as well. They don’t like attention, even from appointees, non-stop budget-grubbing games, alliance shifting,
Oversight or hypercorps. and related treacherous fuckery. Martians living on the ground
aren’t given much consideration by the people who decide what
THARSIS LEAGUE land gets blackened to absorb heat, where ice melters are planted,
Memes: Martian Nationalism what locals get displaced, and most frighteningly, where comets
Main Habitats: Ashoka (Mars), get dropped.
Valles-New Shanghai (Mars) An even bigger kicker is that some hypercorps are now touting
The League is like an elephant with five this Red Eden project idea, which is essentially a plan to privatize all
different handlers on its back, all trying of the TTO’s terraforming operations and unite them under a single
to make it do different work. Its size and corporate entity. The idea’s been gaining traction, though of course
power mean nothing, because it’s prodded in not all of the hypercorps are keen on it either.
circles. Every so often, though, one of the riders
manages to make it stomp something or flail its Military and Security
trunk the right way. It’s proof the elite of the Planetary Consortium League forces are small but can be quickly augmented with
have perfected the art of keeping a liberal democracy in a medically mercenaries. On paper, the League Army and Space Force have
induced coma, stuffed and mounted for a late stage of capitalism ready-to-go contracts that would enable them to respond to a major
that never quite expires. TITAN-related incursion from the Quarantine Zone with massive
On paper, the League is the government of Mars, with represen- force. Firewall has run a lot of simulations on incursion scenarios,
tation from the major settlements, regions, and orbital habs. It guar- and we’ve concluded that their response force would be big
antees the currency, makes and enforces the law, plans and oversees enough — but it’d also be a disorganized mess, prone to rout before
terraforming, appoints judge-magistrates, and builds and maintains TITAN terror tactics or unfamiliar technology.
civil infrastructure. It has sprawling science and education minis- The Martian Rangers are the other planetwide security force. The
tries, and its defense ministry controls a small army and space force. Rangers protect everything that’s not in a city or major settlement.
(Major population centers have their own police, run by the city
Bureaucratic Hell Zone government). Their beat includes the TITAN Quarantine Zone,
In truth, most of the Tharsis League’s officers, including members where Ranger perimeter patrols are a first line of defense against
of parliament, agency heads, professional civil servants, and local stray Zone denizens. The Rangers are the best prepared force on
department chiefs, owe their jobs to some form of patronage. the planet to fight TITAN war machines or exsurgents — from a
Flat-out bribery is rare, but office holders are there because of psychology and training standpoint. But Rangers are too lightly
reasons like family connections, local machine politics, or the armed and too few in number to beat back a major incursion on
Consortium strong-arming a favored candidate into office. In spite their own. They’re cops, or at best, a militia. In a real TITAN attack,
of this, the Consortium is unable to completely dominate the League. they’d act as scouts, target painters, and skirmishers for the military.

Inner System Polities • Tharsis League

¾155
 Modern Anarchism
OUTER SYSTEM POLITIES Various communities on Earth ran on anarchist principles in the
Posted by: Cacophonous, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP years before the Fall (the Iroquois Confederacy, Spain, Ukraine,
Chiapas, Rojava, etc.), but it wasn’t until the invention of nanofab-
The rimward system’s scattered and more isolated population has rication technologies that we reached a level of post-scarcity and
FACTIONS

given rise to unique political movements and entities. It is home to independence that anarchist communities could thrive. The modern
experimenters, innovators, and iconoclasts, side-by-side with those anarchist credo states “from each according to their imagination; to
who cling to the past, regressive policies, and outmoded ideas. each according to their need.” Nanofabricators allow anarchists to
eschew traditional “work” to pursue personal interests, from scien-
ANARCHISTS tific research to artistic expression.
Memes: Anarchism, Anti-Capitalism, Mesh technology was an additional boon to modern-day anar-
Direct Action, Mutual Aid chism. Real-time communication, faciliated by apps and muses,
Main Habitats: Locus (Jovian Trojans), enables everyone in a group to easily participate in referendums
Chat Noir (Oberon) and quickly reach consensus on local community decisions. No one
Anarchists! Scary, right? We’re coming to get ya! is left out of decision-making, unless they want to be.
We’re not. Deal with a couple hundred years of capitalist propa- This all leads to the most jarring difference between anarchist and
ganda turning you and yours into a bogeyman and see how much hypercorp habs: there is no private property beyond personal posses-
of a sense of humor you have about it. But why would corporations sions. The community owns everything, because it was fabricated
and so-called free markets hate us so much? Simple: we are the exact from the community’s resources, by the community’s machines, for
opposite of everything they represent. Hierarchies create inequali- the community’s use. This concept is difficult for capitalists to wrap
ties. This is true in the entirety of history. You can't have capitalism their heads around; so too our lack of currency. There are no retail
without exploitation, full stop. Anarchists have this crazy idea that we shops, no need to buy things, just spaces where you can work on proj-
don't need to fuck each other over to survive. We seek to minimize ects collaboratively or get help from skilled volunteers. Anarchists rely
structures where people have power over others in order to maximize on reputation when they need things from others. Do good work for
freedom and equality. That's a direct challenge to the status quo, the the community, your rep goes up. Be an asshole, it goes down.
rich, the people in power — so the sociopaths making bank on other
people's suffering do their best to paint us as monsters. What We Face
Anarchy isn’t easy. Informal hierarchies grow all the time, even in
We’re Not What You Think communities that take precautions against it. It can be something as
There’s an important distinction between anarchism and anarchy: innocuous as favoring one style of art over another or as destructive
the former is the lack of hierarchy, while the latter is chaos. as ceding control of the station to an emergency council. Our gift
Anarchists are not interested in mayhem and destruction. Capitalists economy attracts its fair share of mooches too, and they sometimes
hear “no laws” and immediately think “I can finally exploit people aren’t discovered before doing some real damage to a community.
without consequences!” Anarchists do not. Cooperation, not compe- We also face military invasion by the Consortium, Jovians,
tition, is the crux of survival in anarchist communities. Ultimates, and other authoritarian forces, and we sometimes lack
The natural extension of this philosophy is a kind of collectivism. the means to fight back against their superior firepower. Sometimes.
We recognize that we can live without vertical power structures, We have weapons too and are not shy about self defense. That in
so we instead create horizontal forms of organization that enable itself is another danger: in an open-source community, there’s
everyone within a group to have a voice. We work to build each nothing to stop someone from taking something destructive and
other up instead of tearing each other apart. using it improperly, maybe even unleashing a second Fall. Nothing
That distinction may be why so many outer-system habs gravitate but ourselves, that is. We self-monitor our fabbers and communities
towards anarchist ideals. When everyone’s life depends on a single for signs of danger and antisocial tendencies, and the same open-
radiation shield, a handful of air recyclers, and a working nano- source tools help us to quickly develop remedies.
fabricator, it’s in everyone’s best interests to keep the station going.
There’s no room in that scenario for cut-throat individualism. THE AUTONOMIST ALLIANCE
Memes: Autonomy,
Ideal Organization Mutual Aid, Solidarity
Anarchists are used to the question, “What’s to stop you from And here we are: anarchists, Extropians, scum,
murdering as many people as you want?” The answer is, “We do Titanians, and other radicals united. To hear
murder as many people as we want: zero.” the Consortium talk, we’re a collection of
There’s no threat of Hell, no political entity, and no king waiting unwashed, rabble-rousing parasites interested
to chop off your head if you fuck up. There’s only the imperative in taking your hard-earned stuff and giving
to treat others in the community with the same kind of respect it away to lazy moochers. No. We’re proof that their way of life is
and kindness you wish to receive. Understand that this altruism fading to extinction, while ours works — and works well. They’re
is rooted in selfishness; you selfishly want people not to act like scared of us not because of our weapons, but because we’re living
assholes towards you, so you should not act like an asshole. proof that one day their slaves will revolt against them and throw
When anarchists organize, we do so voluntarily and horizontally. them from their glittering towers.
We create militias for self-defense. We sometimes select individuals The outer system, from the Main Belt to Saturn, is our power base,
to steer public projects towards approval. And we make no decisions but there are Alliance members everywhere rimward, and more in
without first allowing everyone affected by that decision to have a say. the inner system than the Consortium will ever admit.

156¹ Outer System Polities • Anarchists–The Autonomist Alliance

 SPREADING THE REVOLUTION
Posted by: Eludere, Firewall Sentinel INFO MSG REP
It’s an open secret that various anarchists and other Alliance members funnel resources, technology, and data to Barsoomian groups on Mars. Some see this as
an imperative, to help the people of the inner system throw off the choking hold of the oligarchs. Some see it as payback for the saboteurs the hypercorps send
to the outer system whenever autonomists start getting in the way of their expansion plans and profits.

From the Fall

As the smoke cleared from the Fall and rimward stations took as EXTROPIANS
many infugees as possible from Earth, we watched in horror at the Posted by: Mizar Alcor, Firewall Sentinel INFO MSG REP
consolidation of power in the inner system and Jovian Republic. We
devised an alternative: the Autonomist Alliance. In the beginning, Memes: Market Anarchism,
the Alliance was a mutual-aid and defense pact. If a habitat were Mutualism, Non-Aggression
attacked or in need, other habs would respond, help, and defend. Main Habitats: Extropia (Main Belt)
Not long after, the Consortium attempted to shut down Locus Extropians are the only ones to truly embrace
with a small military force based on trumped-up claims of copy- the free market. The hypercapitalism destroying
right infringement and property theft. The anarchists were more Mars and the inner system isn’t an actual free market, it's just more
well-armed then expected and drove off the invasion. Stunned, the of the same liberty-crushing regulatory nonsense with government
Consortium regrouped and returned with a much larger fleet. They wolves in corporate clothing. And the lovey-dovey collectivist bull-
were met by a ragtag band of anarchists, scum barges, brinker cargo shit going on across those anarchist habs seems nice in principle,
ships, Extropian pleasure yachts  —  and the Titanian Fleet, which but in reality it's hot garbage. The lack of laws is good, but do you
officially chose a side and joined the Alliance. This victory trans- really want to share all of your stuff with strangers, rely on your

FACTIONS
formed the Alliance into a true political power. neighbors for backup, and sacrifice yourself to the collective? We’re
the happy medium between the two, the truly free market that lets
Ideologies and Structures individuals express themselves.
The Alliance represents diverse points of view, though they are
largely anti-authoritarian. Members agree to abide by four distinct Entering the Contract
points of unity, guiding principles for autonomist communities: The unifying principle of all Extropian communities is the contract.
When you enter an Extropian habitat, you sign rental agreements
• We demand autonomy, self-organization, and self-governance for all for the life support and space and hire private contractors to provide
sapient beings. protection and emergency services. Any ongoing economic trans-
• We support direct democracy and forms of organization where actions and relationships are based on contracts agreed upon by
sapients collectively decide their own future. all involved parties. The only binding law is what's put into writing
• We promote mutual aid and reciprocating altruism between sapients. in these contracts, backed by a freelance judiciary service. Private
• We affirm the right to engage in self-defense against oppression and ownership is respected in Extropian communities, and rep is based
coercive authority and stand in solidarity with sapients so attacked. on completing contracts to the benefit of all. ALIs are integral to such
a complex economic system, handling contracts, disputes, and micro-
There is no formal political structure behind the Alliance; its torts in real-time. Contracts are scrupulously maintained and tracked
members’ dislike of hierarchy creates massive internal resistance to in decentralized holochain cryptographic ledgers.
any consolidation of political power. Instead we have joint resolutions;
only a few dozen have ever passed. The first condemned the Planetary Market Anarchist Flavors
Consortium for the attacks on Locus and called for autonomists to Most Extropians identify as individualists and "anarcho-capitalists," a
resist hypercorp expansionism. Another codified uplifts and AGIs as term which always triggers those collectivist anarchists who consider
full transhumans with equal rights; yet another threw Alliance support capitalism and anarchism to be incompatible. Sorry, not sorry. The
behind the Love and Rage Collective’s gatecrashing expeditions. basis of Extropians ideology is a strict non-aggression policy, stating
Joint resolutions can also create task forces, voluntary organizations that any threat or act of violence against another person violates
that enact the will of the Alliance. Task forces have no individualized their right to self-determination. A subset of Extropians known as
authority. They are accountable to the Alliance specifically for the job mutualists have a more anti-capitalist bent, favoring markets but not
for which they were created. The Open Science Initiative (OSI) is one profiteering. They establish mutualist cooperative banks, owned by
such Force, tasked with putting science in everyone’s hands. their customers and operated by ALIs, which give out interest-free
loans and use their own m-credit cryptocurrency. Mutualist corpora-
Political Relationships tions are structured as worker-owned cooperatives, and these compete
Alliance members understand that their largest risk is an organized alongside hypercorps in transitional economies.
military operation from the Jovians, the Consortium, or both. This
very real threat has led to a three-way stalemate between the three Intermediaries
powers. The Alliance has become very good at playing the Republic Extropian habitats serve as a bridge between inner-system hyper-
and the Consortium off each other. It gives their scientists time to corps and outer-system collectives. The suits like having their
increase their technological advantage and keeps their two largest markets and the freaks like not having cops breathing down their
enemies firmly occupied. necks. We put both at ease while pissing off both at the same time.

Outer System Polities • Extropians

¾157
 While Extropians are in favor of tangible private property, we for evaluating new technologies to determine whether their appli-
long ago surrendered support for intellectual property. Quite a few cation is safe and ethical for Jovian citizens. I joined Firewall after
Extropian hypercorps base their business models on reverse-engi- watching the child of one of my parishioners pass away from a disease
neering or the concept of shanzhai (counterfeit goods, trademark that could have been cured by technology deemed unethical by CBEAT.
infringement, and other reproductions). We also are less concerned I held the boy’s cooling corpse in my arms, and promised his parents
FACTIONS

with overbearing habitat legalities, so our corps are often willing two words: “never again.”
to trade products or services that aren't economically feasible for
Consortium corps: narcoalgorithms, hacking zero-days, weapon Our Place in the System
systems, AGIs, certain genetic mods, etc. This gives our habitats a The Jovian Republic has one thing no other political body has: the
reputation among sunward types for being outlaw havens, which strongest military in the system. The Consortium fears us, because
certainly has a nice ring to it. they make every effort to woo us from their embassy on Liberty.
Meanwhile, the autonomists criticize us for allowing contracts that This relationship is also a function of the Republic’s slingshot
are "exploitive," but if an adult wants to sign an agreement to become taxation, one of our chief sources of revenue. Many ships traversing
an indenture, I don't see why I should stop them. They also criticize the Solar System take advantage of Jupiter's gravity well to save on
our lack of a social safety net for society's downtrodden, as if we are fuel. Each of these is automatically assessed and taxed. The hyper-
all somehow responsible for each other's mistakes and bad luck. You corps seek to lower these tariffs as well as ease restrictive Jovian
ask me, if we're pissing off both sides, we're probably doing it right. laws so they can more effectively tap into the Jovian consumer base.
The Security Council remains skeptical of transhumanity's ability to
THE JOVIAN REPUBLIC keep a handle on destructive technologies, however, and so limits
Posted by: Tio Silencio, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP trade in the interests of security.

Memes: Bioconservatism, SCUM

Catholicism, Security Posted by: Isabella Dandolo, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP
Main Habitats: Liberty (Ganymede),
Solano (Jupiter Orbit) Memes: Hedonism,
The Jovian Republic rose from the ashes of Immediacy, Morphological Freedom
the Seventeen-Minute War, when US mili- The scum are societal dropouts. They have
tary forces and their South American allies, walked away from normie transhuman culture to
acting on spurious intel, wiped out opposing pursue their own radical self-expression. They have
Chinese and Russian forces and seized control of Jovian space. This rejected consumerism, work, and the other specta-
was immediately followed by a coup, bringing all Jovian stations cles and shackles that people live under. Their central
under their control, with the exception of Europa. imperative is to live life to the fullest, and they pursue this with
With the collapse of Earth and the arrival of various government drugs, body mods, sex, art, and anything else that captures their
officials seeking refuge, the military junta established the frame- interest. Some consider this hedonistic, depraved, or even criminal.
work for a new Republic. Though lip service is paid to democratic The scum response would be that a life in a cage isn't worth living.
ideals, and an elected Senate nominally passes laws, everyone Scum resemble anarchists (and some are). Most take politics
knows the Security Council wields true political power. Its word is less seriously, however, though they adopt various communal
law, and its head, Commander in Chief Monica Contreras, rules the methods of organization. They have little regard for rules that
Jovian system with a titanium fist. impede personal growth and pleasure, so long as everyone is a
willing participant. However, many scum groups adopt guiding
What Drives the Republic principles that include concepts like self-reliance, radical inclusion,
I wish I could condemn the actions of the Security Council as and active consent. Scum often cohere into tribes, camps, crews, or
fascism, but the truth is far murkier. Every Jovian citizen looks back packs based on thematic concepts or general affinity, but these are
at the Fall with two words on our lips: “never again.” Whatever it ephemeral and fluctuate frequently.
takes for humanity to survive, we will do. If we must be the ones
to make those hard decisions, then so be it. This is why we lean Origins
so bioconservative, why AGIs and uplifts are forbidden, and why The scum have their roots among those that followed the expansion
scientific research must be carefully regulated. I don’t agree with into space and either broke ranks with the hypercorps or were aban-
these actions, but the goals themselves I do wholeheartedly. Never doned by them to their own fate. These exiles survived in the cracks
again means never again, whether it’s the return of the TITANs, and fringes, refusing to go back down the well.
out-of-control transhumans, or another threat we cannot conceive. Following the evacuation of Earth, refugee ships choked the
Religion plays a major role in our lives (I am an ordained priest). system, often overcrowded and in danger of overloading their
The Roman Catholic Church found safe refuge here, and the Security systems. These were turned away from major settlements that were
Council maintains a long-running partnership with the Papacy. The themselves already full. The scum who already survived on their
Vatican offers religious guidance to the Council, which is thinly-veiled own came to their aid and helped them to congregate in fleets to
lobbying, and not all of it in the best interests of the faithful. Religious share resources and support each other in emergencies. Together
attitudes prevail; while genefixing is accepted, many enhancements they attempted to occupy the remnants of habitats destroyed or
are considered unnatural, and resleeving is considered suicide/ abandoned in the conflict or erected other emergency hab struc-
murder. Many Jovians retain their original birth bodies. tures from ingenuity and desperation. As the fleets moved, they
The Council on Bio-Ethics and Advanced Technology (CBEAT) found ways to pull these structures with barges or made them
mandates social and legal policy in the Republic. CBEAT is responsible mobile by fitting rockets to them.

158¹ Outer System Polities • The Jovian Republic–Scum

 SWARMS OF NOTE
These scum swarms are notorious throughout the Solar System:

• The Carnival of the Goat is infamous for its sexual expression, lascivious-
ness, body switching, and unique morph designers.
• Get Your Ass to Mars travels a languid path between Mars and Titan, and
is famous for hosting the creative Scum Olympics.
• Lick Me, I’m Delicious is on a grand tour of the Solar System, with the
stated goal of visiting every moon, station, and planet.
• The Stars Our Destination happily advertises itself as a home for social
rejects. More organized than other scum, each ship has a specific role
designed to keep the swarm running.
• Each ship in There’s No Going Back is devoted to re-enacting a different
historical theme with a technological twist, from Shogunate Japan to the
American Wild West.

Given their rejection from sanctuary, these survivors turned their

FACTIONS
back on society. Many turned to drugs, escapism, or even suicide
out of despair. In response, others worked hard to create a positive,
celebratory, party atmosphere. Anarchists and other radicals in their
ranks helped them to self-organize. It wasn't long before these swarms
adopted the practices of Traveler and Roma cultures, choosing a
nomadic lifestyle, living by their own rules, and staying in one place However, we also use a currency called the kroner, which is not
only as long as necessary. These perpetual rovers circle the sun using spent but reinvested in microcorps, thus helping us allocate collec-
minimal amounts of fuel, going wherever their whims takes them. tive resources.

The Black Market Technosocialism

Scum swarms are valued as bringers of (temporary) entertainment to The Titanian Commonwealth is a direct democracy. There’s no
the habitats they pass near. They also serve a valuable economic func- Senate or Parliament, just a voting body called the Plurality.
tion, acting as black and red-market dealers and transports. Swarms Everyone votes using their muse, and initiatives are decided quickly.
straddle the fence between various economies; their dealings with Every Titanian citizen literally enters a social contract when they
inner-system stations require them to handle currencies, and inter- come of age, which outlines their rights to vote and raise initiatives
actions with Extropians require contracts, but among their own ranks to the Plurality.
and with autonomists they practice gift exchange and rely on rep. The Commonwealth’s powerhouse economy is driven by micro-
corps (rather than Consortium hypercorps); these ventures range
THE TITANIAN COMMONWEALTH from one-person outfits to the Gatekeeper Corporation, which
Posted by: Magnus Ming, employs tens of thousands. Microcorps are technically owned by
Titan Autonomous University INFO MSG REP the Commonwealth, and their successes buoy everyone.
In turn, the Commonwealth reinvests its social and economic
Memes: Cyberdemocracy, Technosocialism capital in projects for the greater good: telescope arrays, radio
Main Habitats: Aarhus (Titan), antennas, antimatter-drive exploration, and even generation ships
New Quebec (Titan), Nyhavn (Titan) aimed at nearby systems.
60 million transhumans live on Titan, and we have
forged a model society for the future of transhumanity. Titanian Life
Everyone is welcome, everyone contributes, and everyone breathes free The Commonwealth prides itself on its permissible social policies.
together. It is our hope that we will serve as an example for the rest of Uplifts and AGIs have full rights within the Commonwealth, forking
the system to one day emulate. is permitted, and drugs are widely available. There is no indentures,
and scientific research doesn’t face the Republic’s hurdles or the
From Settlers to Leaders Consortium’s profit-seeking diversions.
Titan was settled in the 21st century by researchers and academics; The Titanian Commonwealth maintains a powerful military
it was the only major settlement in the Solar System not funded force, cementing our position as a major political power in the
or controlled by hypercorp interests. Titan remained fiercely inde- outer system. Like it or not, they’re the only element that has staved
pendent, emulating the socialist economies of the Scandinavian off attacks by the Republic and the Consortium. Everyone in the
countries familiar to its original colonists. The Commonwealth is a Commonwealth and the Alliance owes their safety to the brave
gift economy, relying on reputation like much of the outer system. people who protect our hard-won freedoms.

Outer System Polities • The Titanian Commonwealth

¾159
 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
particularly tools and building blocks for emerging technologies
that improve quality of life for everyone. Argonauts often, by design,
Source: Towards the require governments and hypercorps to open source their discov-
Comprehension of Transhuman Society LINK eries in lieu of traditional monetary payment.
FACTIONS

The Fall reshaped transhumanity. In times of near-apocalypse, Inside the Argonauts

everything is re-evaluated. Faith is questioned, political ideologies The Argonauts structured their organization like a pre-Fall academic
disintegrate, social groups realign. While some pre-existing social institution, with a Chancellor, President, and Provost (collectively
movements simply blinked and moved on, most were transformed “the Chancellory”) elected by a Senate of members. Two political
just as new ones arose, espousing new answers and new ideas. blocs rule the Senate: precautionists and proactionists. The precau-
tionists take a conservative stance towards research, avoiding
ARGONAUTS anything that could endanger transhumanity; the proactionists
Memes: Open Source, Scientific Responsibility believe “the best defense is a good offense.”
Main Habitats: Markov (Kuiper Belt), Mitre The Argonauts maintain the Institute for the Study of Emergent
(Lunar Orbit) Trends (ISET) to coordinate projects, archive results, and collect data.
The Argonauts (officially The Argonaut Council According to rumors, ISET also acts as their clandestine intelligence
for Responsible Science) are the organizational agency, running a heavyweight forecasting project. It is allegedly
descendants of a group of scientists who broke protected by an in-house security force called the Medeans.
away from the pre-Fall advisory group JASON,
which consulted for the United States govern- BARSOOMIANS
ment about scientific and technological progress, responsibility, and Memes: Indenture Liberation, Martian
danger. Today the Argonauts work with every major political and Independence, Terraforming Control
economic power throughout the Solar System (except for the Jovian Main Habitats: Ashoka (Mars)
Republic, where they’re banned). They famously advocate neutrality Barsoom is an ancient Earth term for Mars,
and openly avoid taking sides in conflicts, though the Jovians and derived from popular fiction. The term is used to
some hypercorps accuse them of favoritism and factionalism. describe a movement of natives (and converts)
who want a free and self-governing Mars,
Responsible and Transparent Science though they don’t refer to themselves as such;
Argonaut policies advocate for complete social scientific responsi- it’s simply the movement or people who are “down with B.”
bility and hold scientists to professional standards, especially as There’s no single platform among the Barsoomians, but the
technology becomes more enabling and potent. They believe that uniting issue is local control, whether it’s a remote hab governing
profit, political, and military gain should not dictate what technol- itself or all of Mars free of hypercorp interference. The other griev-
ogies one pursues; rather, whatever benefits transhumanity most ances that bring the movement together (“the Complaints”) include:
should be our priority. Additionally, government and corporate
intervention in scientific research must be minimized or avoided • Ending indentured servitude.
and science not limited on ideological grounds. • Ending the planned obsolescence of morphs.
Argonauts also argue that it is in transhumanity’s best interest • Improved planning of orbital bombardments, flooding, and landscape-
to provide open access to scientific findings and so advocate altering terraforming (especially when settlements are affected).
and support open-source information, libraries, and projects; • Ending the abuse of eminent domain and forced relocation of Martians.

ARGONAUT RESEARCH PROJECTS

There are literally thousands of Argonaut research ventures ongoing across the Solar System; this overview intends only to give a representative
flavor of the kinds of work Argonauts do.

• 3LIZA is an open-source tool for developing and teaching ALIs/ muses. • The Kisilev Open-Source Uplift Genetic Library on Ceres helps uplifts
• The Argonauts consult for hypercorps researching antimatter contain- take control of their own future development.
ment fields to miniaturize and improve antimatter drives. • The Argonauts maintain a massive open-source directory of nanofab-
• The Exoplanet Directory and Gate Address Registry (EDGAR) records rication blueprints called PrintLib. Its main repository is on Markov,
gate addresses and data on exoplanets reachable through those gates. but mirrors exist across the system. They are consistently blocked and
• A secret Factor Genome Project was shut down when a rogue group attacked to preserve hypercorp intellectual properties.
of Argonauts attempted to clone a Factor and the Factors found out. • Thorne is a massive, high-capacity radio telescope and transmitter
• The Frozen Dreams is a comet chaser found adrift 48 AU out, its entire at 850 AU. It is popular for vanitycasting, where people cast forks of
crew missing. The Argonauts have laid claim to and control the ship, themselves to the stars in the hopes aliens will receive them.
trying to discern what happened. • Various Threat Reduction Filters are widely used and regulary
• HabOps is an open-source habitat control and logistics software suite. updated, helping habitats and security systems identify known threats
It faces mounting pressure from hypercorps that consider it a threat to (including exsurgent infection, hostile nano, etc) when scanning mesh
their own prioprietary systems. traffic, incoming ships, and morphs passing through checkpoints.

160¹ Social Movements • Argonauts–Barsoomians

 The movement employs a variety of tactics, from the political to BRINKERS
the violent, to achieve its goals. Recently, the movement has enjoyed Memes: Experimentation, Isolationism, Religion
some political gains in the Tharsis League, Mars’s local governing It takes guts and willpower to choose self-imposed exile on a tiny hab
body. The League and its Council are nominally puppets of the dozens of AU from the sun. We’ve come to call these people brinkers
Consortium, but in the last few years, Barsoomians have made and isolates: those who live life on the literal fringes of transhumanity.
some major inroads. Others in the movement  —  cells, without any Brinker habs come in all flavors: individul hermits, single fami-
apparent central authority  —  have waged a war of property destruc- lies, extended group units, social experiments, societies based
tion and outright terrorism against Consortium hypercorps and the on gender (or lack thereof ), political extremists, religious groups,
Tharsis Terraforming Office (TTO). cults, pleasure houses, and always-on gaming. You can find brinker
Some of Mars’s famed Rangers certainly appear sympathetic to groups anywhere: among the different Trojan asteroid groupings,
the movement, which puts them in a difficult position. Martian on the tiny moons of the gas giants, around Saturn's rings, and even
nomads (the original Barsoomians, as they’ll remind you) are also out in Mars’s dunes and Venus’s clouds. You can find them floating
down with B, whether they're a terraformer clan or a reclusive sufi in the sun’s corona, in the far extremes of the Kuiper Belt and Oort
sect. A subset of techno-anarchist nomads that call themselves Cloud, riding comets, or hidden away on frontier exoplanets.
makers developed many of the technologies Martians still use, like
extended-use breathers. They have strong ties to the Autonomist It Takes All Kinds
Alliance, who openly funnel support. Near-Earth brinkers tend towards bioconservativism or religious
worship. These groups prefer to be left alone and often use outdated
BIOCONSERVATIVES technology; a cottage industry has sprung up to service their anti-
Memes: Bioconservatism, The Natural Order, Primitivism quated equipment. Elysian Fields is hab where no one is allowed to
Main Habitats: Liberty (Ganymede), Vo Nguyen (Earth Orbit) leave; people travel there to live out a natural lifespan and die.
Pre-Fall, transhumanity viewed bioconservativism as a backwards, Cultural brinkers run the gamut of artists, experimenters, and
laughable ideology  —   t he domain of religious extremists and eccentrics. You can live as a pet cat, enjoy a recreation of 17th-cen-

FACTIONS
fringe groups unable to cope with the future. Bioconservatives were tury Scotland (complete with modern sexual fetishes), or live a life
numerous and had strong support, however, prompting backlashes of endless monastic prayer. Examples include Winter, where all
and attacks against augmented transhumans. Biocon terrorist groups morphs are genderless; Habitat on the Rock, with its wonderful
were quite active before the Fall, launching attacks against hypercorp collection of Earth artifacts and curiosities; and Qo’noS, the invita-
labs and even a failed attempt to bring down the space elevator. tion-only Star Trek environment.
Most bioconservatives on Earth perished during the Fall, unable Scientists create or find brinker habitats so they can pursue
to egocast off the planet. But the destruction of Earth catalyzed its clandestine research. Some may be hypercorp-funded, others are
adherents into a far stronger force. With transhumanity seemingly the work of exiles. Others are misguided attempts to establish new
complicit in the destruction of Earth, their arguments were validated. societies. Alpha Plus is an attempt to create a perfectly ordered
Bioconservativism suddenly didn’t seem like such a crazy idea. society via psychsourgery, so that everyone is sculpted for their role.
Bioconservatives oppose many transhuman technologies, Religion and cult worship comprise the last major group of
including uploading, resleeving, nanofabrication, genetic modifica- brinkers. Religious groups tend to be monastic or ascetic. Cults can
tion, cloning, cognitive modifications, artificial intelligence, uplifting, be harmless or criminal, depending on how fanatical they are and
and forking. These are largely seen as unnatural, against God’s will, how odd their beliefs might be. The monastery on Saturn's moon
or simply too uncontrolled and dangerous. Most view the rest of Kiviuq requires attendants to meditate in vacuum and listen to the
transhumanity as soulless copies and see the Fall as a sure sign that voices of the stars as received via a neutrino telescope array.
transhumanity is not prepared for the technology it created. Perhaps the most numerous brinkers are survivalists, who
The Jovian Republic was founded on bioconservative principles, stockpile weapons and supplies and hide in fear of another Fall
and many of the technologies that the rest of transhumanity enjoys are or some other system-wide cataclysm. These brinkers are typically
outlawed there. The Republic views this as a safeguard; only this kind untrusting of visitors and hostile to outsiders.
of oversight, they argue, will save transhumanity from another Fall. Despite their self-imposed isolation, brinkers do sometimes
The Vo Nguyen station in Earth orbit, a major reclaimer base, is engage with others, especially to trade for resources and supplies.
also strictly bioconservative; reclaimers view this as a benefit, as They sometimes clash with each other over mining claims, bad
they have no modified morphs for the exsurgent virus to attack. deals, and roamntic entanglements. A "brinker war" between a clan
Most bioconservatives are content to pursue their ideology peace- of Malaysian sikhs and Canadian survivalists is ongoing in the
fully, though perhaps from the safety of a well-equipped bunker. Neptunian Trojans thanks to a territorial dispute.
The truth, they believe, will ultimately prove them right. However,
a number of bioconservative extremists continue terrorist attacks EXHUMANS
throughout the system, allegedly with Jovian support. Memes: Posthumanism, Singularity Seeking, Social Darwinism
What lies beyond transhumanity? For exhumans, it’s the discarding
Neo-Primitivists of humanist ideals altogether, the pursuit of extreme self-modifica-
Neo-primitivists are a collection of both far-right and far-left biocons tion using experimental technologies to where you are no longer
that advocates returning to humanity’s most basic state: hunter-gath- recognizably transhuman. Exhumans seek not only posthuman
erer tribes with no technology whatsoever. Neo-primitivism has been transcendence, but superiority. They have moved beyond morality;
blamed for sabotage and terrorist attacks on Vo Nguyen, disrupting nothing is off the table if it means the survival and dominance.
reclaimer projects involving nanotech and geoengineering efforts using Transhumans are widely regarded as worthless inferior beings; we
gene-altered organisms. are prey or slaves to be exploited.

Social Movements • Bioconservatives–Exhumans

¾161
 Moving Beyond Anti-Assimilation
The goals of individual exhumans and groups differ, but they are Mercurials define themselves by their rejection of anthropocen-
known to sometimes work together. A few of the larger exhuman trism. They seek to replace dominant human-conceived culture
tendencies can be identified: and behaviors with their own. To this end, mercurials seek to be
cultural pioneers, crafting new customs, fashions, art, morphs, and
FACTIONS

• Predators are proof that, despite all of transhumanity’s advances, even languages that are not tainted by human influence. They also
we’re still locked into our absurd primate dominance dynamics. seek to put AGIs and uplifts firmly in control of their own develop-
Predators seek to hone themselves into apex predators, the ultimate ment, uplift, and identity. Mercurials tie their struggles to related
fighting machine capable of defeating any challenger. These are the social-justice causes, such as the fight to free indentures.
exhumans that most actively prey on transhuman ships and habs. Mercurials are sometimes derided as separatists or anti-human
• The Sublime seek to amplify their intelligence to god-like levels. extremists, though this is mostly incorrect. In fairness, mercurials
Some are wary of machine intelligence, however, and the vulner- often have little tolerance for human criticisms and attempts to
ability to hacking. They’ve developed both morphs with massively police or control them. They see no need to apologize for wanting
augmented brains and minds built on networked and boosted to being themselves.
cyberbrains. Some pursue xenobiology research, believing they’ve
reached the functional limit of what a transhuman brain can achieve. Groups and Leaders
• Adaptives develop morphs that can handle the most extreme of The mercurial movement is composed of many small groups, few
environments  —  surviving whatever the universe can throw their of which can claim a leading role. Their movement is not always
way. Most favor machines. unified or in agreement. Some AGIs decry society's focus on phys-
• Parasites adapt themselves to survive hidden among transhumanity, ical embodiment, while many uplift mercurials see their biology as
preparing for the TITANs' return, when they hope to adapt to the core to their identity. As AGI/uplift culture is a blank slate, there are
TITANs as their new host. also conflicts beween cultural innovators over direction and vision.
• Soul Eaters pursue apotheosis by cutting out the useful elements of Militant mercurials take a more radical view on social struggle.
other minds and merging it into their own. The Sapient Liberation Front is a cell-based direct-action group
intent on economic disruption. They have hacked, sabotaged, and
Singularity seekers who pursue and study the TITANs and even bombed labs, offices, codehouses, and universities involved in
their technology are often associated with exhumans. They view uplift research and the trade in AGI/uplift indentures.
the TITANs as gods that can be captured, studied, and emulated. Mother Octopus (her actual name is a series of skin tones unpro-
However, most seekers do not enhance themselves or buy into nounceable to anyone but other neo-octopi) is a mercurial leader
exhuman dominance beliefs, so as a rule exhumans will mock, who lives in Atlantica. She argues passionately that transhumanity
exclude, and/or take advantage of them. has failed to guide itself to a prosperous future and therefore humans
have no ethical authority to regulate the lives of other sapients.
MERCURIALS
Memes: Anti-Anthropocentrism, Autonomy, AGI/Uplift Liberation RECLAIMERS
Main Habitats: Glitch (Neptune), Mahogany (Neptune) Memes: Reclaiming Earth
The term “mercurial” is widely used to refer to infolife and uplifts, Main Habitats: Remembrance and Vo Nguyen (Earth orbit)
the non-human portions of transhumanity. The name has been Taking Earth back from the TITANs is a pipe dream for most, but the
adopted, however, by uplifts and AGIs who aren’t simply looking reclaimers have made it their life’s mission. Largely centered around
for equal rights, assimilation, or transhuman conformity — who Earth and the LLA, the reclaimer movement has sympathizers
instead want full self-determination and autonomy. Mercurials are throughout the Solar System. The Roman Catholic Church is a major
considered the radical fringe of the sapient movement that cham- sponsor of reclaimer activities and has funded several missions to
pions equal rights, but they are growing in numbers and influence. recover artifacts from the ruins of the Vatican and other holy places.

EXHUMANS OF NOTE
Posted by: Factorum, Firewall Crow
Exhumans are nothing to fuck around with. Sentinels should exercise • Dr. Jacobi Chelikov: A former Argonaut scientist on Titan, Dr. Chelikov
every available precaution. These are some of the most dangerous fled to the outer system when it was discovered he was performing
exhumans and groups we have on our radar. illegal experiments on transhumans using TITAN technology. He is
wanted for selling bio-engineered plagues to biocon terrorist groups.
• Abandoned Weakness: A pre-Fall warlord and predator wanted for war • One Step Beyond: A cell of sublime exhumans wanted for stealing an
crimes, terrorist attacks, and dealing in WMDs and TITAN technology. antimatter reactor on Mercury.
• Dr. Yu Ping Dalton: Exiled after authorities connected her to a plague • Silent Mercy: Silent Mercy founded the soul-eater faction and
outbreak on Luna, Dr. Dalton leads research projects on the exoplanet is wanted for unethical ego-merging experimentation. He has
Fortean, developing neogenetic cryptids. multiple alpha forks pursuing his projects around the system and
• Ex-Hominids: Composed of various ape uplifts, this group seeks to a private habitat somewhere rimward with sophisticated backup
destroy transhumanity and implement an apex hominid empire. and resleeving facilities.

162¹ Social Movements • Mercurials–Reclaimers

The Earth Reclamation Project live every heart-pounding moment of her favorite cliff diver’s runs
Led by Milder Ripon, the Earth Reclamation Project (ERP) funnels on Titania. For people confined to small communities, or those
funds to lobbyists influence the LLA and Consortium to support confined to lives destined to end in poverty and pain, this gives
the movement. Opposition to the ERP is fierce: the project is them a simulacrum of personal attachment.
incredibly expensive, it’s opposed to the Consortium dogma that Many of the idle rich come from families whose fortunes
Mars is transhumanity’s new home, and there’s a very real risk of predated the fall by decades of not centuries. These socialites are
danger—possibly even "re-activating" the TITANs. Rumors   that the naturally connected to the oligarchs. They also face a terrifying truth
reclaimers have established a permanent base on Earth as a beach- that people have not had to deal with since the middle ages: they
head and research outpost remain unconfirmed. Admitting nothing, may not inherit their parents’ fortunes. This stark reality drives them
the ERP argues that such a base would be a critical beacon of hope to take up lives that are adventurous, hedonistic, and reckless. From
for any transhumans luckless enough to still be trapped down there. racing yachts to cloud-diving in Neptune’s icy depths, no adventure
On a positive note, the reclaimer movement has dumped a is too outlandish for these socialites or their millions of fans.
massive amount of effort into creating habitat “arks” throughout the
system (and on extrasolar worlds). These vault-arks contain genetic THE ULTIMATES
material for every species on record, libraries of books, galleries of Memes: Asceticism, Fascism, Meritocracy
digitized art, and other artifacts of transhuman culture. Others are Main Habitats: Aspis (Main Belt), Xiphos (Uranus)
literal ecological conservatories and wildlife zoos, preserving Earth's The Ultimates owe their origins to Manu Bhattacharya, a merce-
biodiversity in an artificial environment. nary on the Indian subcontinent whose personal philosophy was
a strange mix of confucianism, free-market capitalism, and objec-
SAPIENTS tivism. Bhattacharya’s private army, Ultimate Security, thrived in
Memes: Assimilation, Uplift Rights the pre-Fall turmoil; their involvement made or broke governments
Main Habitats: Aphrodite Prime (Venus), Respect (Jovian Trojans) and causes. Bhattacharya was a strong proponent of transhuman
Referred to as “the silent majority,” sapients are uplifts, AGIs, and technologies, encouraging his troops to mod themselves. As his

FACTIONS
transhuman allies who promote equal rights for uplifts and info- successes and legend grew, Bhattacharya cultivated a cult-like
life. Sapients hold an assimilationist point of view, pushing for following in his employees, who praised him as a guru-mentor.
acceptance of uplifts and infolife as simply another facet in transhu- Just prior to the Fall, Ultimate Security fell under interna-
manity’s jewel — just people, nothing more. The sapient movement tional investigation for war crimes and human rights violations.
opposes special legal status, breeding restrictions, and other forms Bhattacharya relocated his headquarters to a station called Struggle,
of institutionalized discrimination. They have made significant which allowed him to avoid Earth-based authorities and gave the
inroads by lobbying politicians and working with hypercorps for Ultimates a community to call their own. After the Fall, though
sponsorships, media representation, and employment. Struggle was lost to the TITANs, Ultimate mercenaries found them-
The Sapient Union, based out of Venus, is the public front of selves in high demand. They achieved system-wide notoriety when
many sapient efforts for equal rights. Brian Ngavi, the neo-chim- Go-nin hired them to overrun exhuman forces on Eris and seize
panzee executive vice president of Somatek’s uplift program, is a control of the Discord Gate.
tireless speaker, appearing all over the Solar System to argue for Ultimate communities are highly stratified and built around
educational programs, vocational training, and other opportuni- personal achievement. They take literally the Confucian belief of
ties. He strongly encourages other uplifts to work and participate strength from the bottom up: strong individuals make strong commu-
in hypercorp uplift programs. It is only through participation, he nities, and strong communities make strong states. However, their
argues, that uplifts will find acceptance. members increasingly buy into Bhattacharya's myth-making and
cult of personality, strict meritocratic beliefs, and derision of lesser
SOCIALITES transhumans as "genetrash." Ultimate mercs increasingly show their
Memes: Creative Expression, Hedonism, Immortality willingness to cross ethical lines and engage in war crimes.
Main Habitats: Elysium (Mars), Octavia (Venus)
Fifty years ago, the inclusion of socialites as a separate sociological
group would have been a laughable topic for an undergraduate SHUGYŌSHA
paper. Now, entire courses at TAU are devoted to studying transhu-
manity’s obsession with its neo-royalty. Source: The Ultimate Ronin
Socialites comprise a wide swath of transhumanity; they’re any In AF 4, a high-ranking Ultimate known as Yasuke, disillusioned with the
transhuman who inspires repeated media interest. This includes Ultimates’ drift towards fascism and disdain for the rest of transhumanity,
the adventurous idle rich, the glitterati on Mars and Venus, extreme
broke from the faction and embarked on musha shugyō, the samurai
sports stars surfing Saturn’s rings, X-casters giving people access to
their most intimate experiences, professional XP actors, and meta- warrior’s pilgrimage. He wandered the Solar System for the next three
celebrities. Unlike historical royalty, the confluence of the mesh, XP years, fighting duels, working mercenary contracts, creating art, and
technology, and always-on meme-driven culture allows a nobody to formalizing his neo-bushido philosophy. In time, he attracted followers,
become a somebody instantly — and sometimes they even manage in part due to his willingness to train uplifts and AGIs at his isolated dojo
to stay there as they continue to feed their fans what they want. in the caldera of Olympus Mons on Mars. Although a tiny faction, the
XP realism and constant updates create personal connections, shugyōsha have a formidable reputation as warriors and protectors of
even over the vast distances transhumanity has spread. A lonely
working-class Martians — and the undying enmity of the Ultimates, who
prospector in the Kuiper Belt can get up-to-the-minute news on
his favorite Martian starlet. An urchin in a New Shanghai slum can consider Yasuke a traitor.

Social Movements • Sapients–The Ultimates

¾163
 HYPERCORPORATIONS
not this openly hostile, there is a low-level environment of corporate
espionage, hacking, and interference among hypercorps that keep
Source: Swimming with Laser Sharks LINK security and intel services in high demand.
Hypercorps benefit from being small and focused. A single
Hypercorps are the super-predator grandchildren of the old hypercorp of a dozen people can form and scatter within hours in
FACTIONS

lumbering megacorporations. They originally evolved to exploit response to opportunities. A hypercorp workforce may be as small
cracks in their ecosystem or to fragment monopolies like laser- as a single AGI, but personnel can use forking or ALIs as force-multi-
guided missiles. Short-lived, overclocked, unregulated, all edge. pliers. The most successful have negligible inventory, maintain only
They are the teeth of the new transhumanism  —  survival requires a small physical or digital presence near markets, and transfer or
only that they adapt faster than their opponents. With the destruc- create resources instantly in response to changing conditions. Rare
tion of the legal and social protections of pre-Fall civilization, they is the hypercorp larger than a dozen employees, but they may hire
have reproduced to fill every niche, establishing Capitalism 2.0, for hundreds of contractors who can be added or dropped fluidly.
as long as it doesn’t choke on its own effluence. Given their specialization, hypercorps find it essential to partner
with other hypercorps for assets and services they lack. Each exists
THE MODERN HYPERCORP within a fluctuating web of contract relationships. As the need arises,
Hypercorps are fundamentally different than the corporations of old. they will also form conglomerates with other hypercorps, replicating
The multinational megacorps of Earth were sprawling bureaucracies, the powers of conventional corporations. Large conglomerates play
engaged in multiple industries, some with economies larger than a major role in hypercorporate affairs, often defining the lines of
small countries. Their goals was to control supply chain, manufac- competition in specific markets. A number of major conglomerates
turing, and distribution channels in order to monopolize a market. hold positions on the Hypercorp Council, though their constituent
By contrast, the ideal hypercorp is designed to be small, focused, components are subject to change.
virtual, and automated. The best are created for a particular purpose The hypercorps have been so successful that the term “hypercor-
and then cease to exist upon completion. The classic example is the poration” is now applied to every for-profit organization, whether
hypercorp that is little more than a smart-contract ALI, spun up to they use the hypercorp business model or not. The market still has
manage a specific opportunity, such as auctioning licenses for a new its share of traditional corporate structures, even co-ops and mutu-
proprietary nanofab blueprint. Once it stores all of the transactions alist organizations. A number of keiretsus and megacorporations
on distributed, tamper-proof, holochain crypto-ledgers, it dissolves. survived the Fall and still beat off extinction. Some of the more
The defining characteristic of hypercorps is their eagerness to successful hypercorps have grown and taken on orthodox corporate
adopt and exploit new technologies. Before the Fall, this was partic- elements and assets, though they remain hypercorp in outlook and
ularly effective in disrupting old business models and standards. spirit. This was especially necessary in the wake of the Fall, when
Older corporations simply could not compete against the new many hypercorps took authority over private habitats.
dynamics. In the early days of XP, for example, StayK pioneered
a streaming platform for viewers to subscribe to their favorite AGRITECH AND PHARMA
X-casters and ride along on vacations, monetizing the travel expe- Everyone needs food, and you'd be surprised how much comes from
rience while putting a dent in the travel industry. members of the Prosperity Group conglomerate. They are involved
The hypercorps have a reputation for opportunism and ruth- in agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics, vat foods, and pharma-
lessnes, in part because they are keen to circumvent legal restric- ceuticals, and are considered the primary source of cheap but "real"
tions. This first manifested as they exploited industries where legal (non-fabricated) foods. Other notable food and drug hypercorps
regulations had not yet caught up with technological innovation. include XenoPharma (developing new products from xenoflora and
It then evolved into actively avoiding oversight by moving opera- -fauna), Finosa Labs (linked to drug cartels), and Gingko Biosciences
tions off-world, free from government interference. This enabled (micrograv agripods and faux meats of every persuasion).
uninhibited research that moved them years ahead of their Earth-
bound competitors. This desire to bypass accountability also led to a BANKING AND FINANCE
number of shady business practices, from fly-by-night corporations Banks lie close to the hearts of the oligarchs, and they in turn use
that fleeced customers and investors to more active efforts to sabo- their holdings to influence (or straight-out own) other hypercorps
tage competitors. and habitat governments, making them dangerous to interfere
The pre-Fall hypercorp Recall made a killing when it brought with. They are highly protective of their investments, defending
the first accesible backup procedures to the consumer market, only them with legal and military force. Smaller banks focus on resource
to sell off their holdings and shut down their servers a year later, management, while larger banks offer portfolio management,
leaving backups inaccessible due to their proprietary DRM scheme. predictive and information services, property leasing, and inden-
At the more extreme end, the pre-Fall orbital-power hypercorp Solas ture contracts.
funded and directed dissidents to bomb oil refineries. Before the Lunar-Lagrange banks have a reputation for stability and longevity
conspiracy could be proven, it dissolved its assets through non-ter- and are intimately intertwined with the LLA's economy. They
restrial ownership channels that could not be brought to court. invest heavily in indenture markets, offer unprecedented levels of
Bigelow Holdings coordinated with competitors to institute artifi- anonymity, and ask few questions about where your credits came
cial supply controls to sustain mineral prices, while simultaneously from. Big names include Chan-Davis Trust, Amelia Assets, Cardison
sabotaging asteroid mining facilities. All at once they stopped both, Limited, and Ganguli-Bhattacharya-Corbett Investments (GBCI).
causing an abrupt flood of mineral wealth that bottomed out the Among the newcomers, Progress Bank manages investments in
market overnight. Chaos followed, forcing at least one small nation Consortium holdings, making it very popular in the credit markets
to mortgage itself to remain solvent. Though most hypercorps are for those with enough money to qualify for their favorable rates.

164¹ Hypercorporations • The Modern Hypercorp–Banking and Finance

 It also finances Pathfinder gatecrashing ops and Mars's ambitious Red
Eden terraforming initiative. Mutual Credit is the largest mutualist
bank, with a significant involvement in financing intelligence services.
Smaller banks and market services include Banco de Nova York
(BdNY), Khalsa Cooperative, and Cranium Intelligence Trust.
Of special note is Solaris, which works with select Consortium
customers. Leveraging its own holdings of stock, derivatives, and
blackmail material, it adjusts rates for specific industries and
corporations to encourage market stability. Solaris owns a signifi-
cant 17 percent share in the Hypercorp Council, the largest of any
member, which it uses as both carrot and stick against disruption.
Solaris field agents are a common sight everywhere, aggregating
data and managing local accounts in virtual offices. Solaris has an
expansive black R&D budget and is suspected of funding research
in everything from swarm intelligence to TITAN artifact retrieval to
detecting space-time distortions.
While there are dozens of smaller stock exchanges, the largest
is the Planetary Stock Exchange (PEX). PEX maintains an inde-
pendent communications network with high-speed and QE nodes,
enabling system-wide interactions (whereas other exchanges are
limited due to light-speed lags). PEX offers generous bounties on a
list of known hackers.

FACTIONS
COGNITIVE SCIENCES & UPLIFT
The dominant force in neuroscience is Cognite, who research
mental augmentations, psychosurgery, AI, and nootropics. They
also feed the Consortium’s dark TITAN defense programs. Their
marketing team is aggressive and their sell sheets include cognitive
filters and mandatory psychosurgery for regimes looking to limit
political dissent in their habitats. They do not release numbers on
how many customers subscribe.
ExoTech is known for pioneering uploading and infomorph tech-
nologies. Though its main business is now high-end electronics and
meshware, its charismatic figurehead Morgan Sterling continues to
lead the field in AI development, to some controversy.
Somatek is the big name in uplift research, including forced
breeding and uplift programs for both sapient and non-sapient
animals. Because of the public backlash, Somatek avoids appearing
in the media and their habitats are locked-down. Somatek also sells
pharmaceuticals (for animals and transhumans) and uplift morphs,
all through resellers.
Other notable hypercorps in this industry include Mentat
(bioware and cybernetics), Cerebrex (psychosurgical research),
Rangarajan Metrics (psychometrics and education), Provolve
(uplift), and New Day (the first to uplift neanderthals).

DATA MANAGEMENT
For forecasting and intel needs, Consortium clients prefer Stellar
Intelligence, descendant of the UN Terran Intelligence Cooperative.
Stellar Intelligence deploys embedded infomorph agents and digital
red teams to infiltrate specific targets. Data is mapped and analyzed
in their massive quantum-computing clusters. Stellar Intelligence
provides non-state political management, memetic defense and
offense, espionage, and retro-quantification (recovering old secured
data). Stellar Intelligence has a particular loyalty to the Consortium
and favors Consortium members, despite an ongoing rivalry with
Oversight. Their most significant rival is the Extropian hypercorp
Scrye. Rumored to use recovered TITAN processors on a black site
in tandem with overeager hacker teams, Scrye provides predictive
intel and data extraction services at reasonable prices.

Hypercorporations • Cognitive Sciences & Uplift–Data Management

¾165
 ENERGY Habitat operations remains a major business, with thousands
Though many smaller hypercorps handle solar power, energy of smaller corps fighting for contracts. Ecologene is a favorite for
cells, wireless power distribution, and alternative fuels, the energy designing complex biospheres and running environmental systems.
industry is eclipsed by large corporations. Security concerns are a They have a strong side-business in genetics, particularly smart
major issue with fusion power and antimatter production, given animals and wildlife stock. Livewire technicians and bots are
FACTIONS

their destructive capabilities. ubiquitous throughout the inner system with their distinctive safety
Omnicor is the industry giant, providing reactors to vetted clothing and lightning AR graphics. Nimbus continues to dominate
clients all around the system. Their corporate culture is very strict the communications market, running farcasting and egocasting
and security-oriented, given their products and an ongoing corpo- operations on almost every major habitat.
rate war with Starware (both companies being descendants of the
pre-Fall megacorp Monolith Industries and disputing ownership of MANUFACTURING & NANOFAB
assets). Omnicor handles the largest and most well-known particle The Lucky Star Group is a conglomerate of consumer-focused
accelerators for making antimatter in orbit over Mercury. hypercorps, providing everything from personal electronics and
Gammax is one of the few other hypercorps in the Solar System smart clothing to sensor motes and small drones. Lucky Star has a
known to produce antimatter. The energy corp Ultrapar-Scorpio reputation for affordable but shoddily-made products.
has a strong presence in the outer system, willing to deal with There are over ten thousand registered hypercorps providing
brinkers and autonomists alike. blueprints for nanofabrication. Many of them sell through
the conglomerate Nanosys, a blueprint marketplace and
GATECRASHING DRM-enforcement agency. While Nanosys’s reputation is from its
Four of the five known pandora gates in the Solar System are held front-end, its entire profit structure is based around enforcing their
and operated by hypercorps (the exception being the Fissure Gate, proprietary standards and cracking down on piracy. They've been
operated by the Love and Rage autonomist collective). These corps accused of targeting pirates and even open-source ventures with
set the access and price tags for the gate, making them invaluable malicious code, sabotage, and assaults. On the other side, Privateer
to their allied polity. Print’s marketplace exclusively sells DRM-cracked blueprints, with
The Consortium-owned Pathfinder Corporation oversees the subscription fees going to the cost of security contractors and
faction's intensive colonization, resource extraction, and research regular service provider changes.
efforts via the Martian Gate. It avoids playing favorites with the gate The megacorp Fujizo dominates the market in synthmorphs and
projects of other Consortium hypercorps but it does give preference robotics, though they remain in an innovation race with rivals such
to the Pathfinder Colonization Initiative and any directives from as Tetsuo, Nachi-Denso, Li-Lau Automation, and other giants like
the Ministry or Hypercorp Council itself. Its inner-system rival is Starware and the Go-nin Group.
TerraGenesis, a terraforming-cum-exploration worker coopera-
tive operating the Vulcanoid Gate. TerraGen's alliance with the MEDIA
Morningstar Constellation and refusal to join the Consortium has Most people get their news via social media or curated personal
put it at odds with many of its neighbors. feeds. While conventional mass media is available, the primary
In the outer system, the Gatekeeper Corporation operates role of the media corporations is meme creation, culture/politics
the original Pandora Gate. Formerly a Titanian microcorp before jamming, trend-setting, public relations, and memetic defense.
becoming a joint-faction public-interest venture, Gatekeeper focuses There are hundreds of corporations with minor influence competing
on accessibility and has grants and lottery programs for prospective on the market place, including Boba, Traumwerken, Savage, Red
gatecrashers. The keiretsu Go-nin Group holds the Discord Gate on Five, Arnault-Kieselhurst-Patrick, AngelGirl, and PieEater.
Eris, though its remoteness and exhuman troubles have impacted Experia is the Consortium’s dominant media company, holding
its profitability. 10 percent of the Hypercorp Council. It outsources media content
and feeds it through their proprietary methods to produce a pack-
HABITATS AND SHIPS aged product (with embedded marketing and sponsored memes),
Anyone with time and an army of bots can build a small habitat, that is pushed via its ecosystem of media feeds. Its largest compet-
so much of the market is in designs, such as those from Blue itor is Counterpoint Media out of Extropia. Neither takes a strong
Flower or Kosmostroit. For larger habitat construction, Azahara position on fact-checking, but Counterpoint cooperates a bit more
Engineering and Acumenic have solid reputations, with the latter with independent news-rep systems. Counterpoint is very popular
being a driving force behind construction of the Hamilton cylinder throughout the system for dirt on how poorly various polities
Bright, in the Saturn system, which it recently siezed control of are run, though it remains secondary in the outer system to the
amid some controversy. comedy and bizarreness of Titan's Monster Raging Goblin Cock
Starware, a surviving megacorp, is the system's largest habitat News Network.
and ship-builder, owning the massive Korolev Shipyards around
Luna and smaller ones at Vesta (Main Belt) and Mars. Only the MEDICAL SCIENCES & BIOMORPHS
Jovian Republican Shipyards compete for size. Starware is fully Much of the healthcare industry has been replaced with indepen-
automated and also produces propulsion sources. Starware actively dent facilities renting healing vat time. The measure of quality is
courts the Factors and has funded its own share of gatecrashing the frequency of vat maintenance and the breadth and age of their
expeditions. An ongoing feud with Omnicor sometimes disrupts morph-repair codices.
its operations.

166¹ Hypercorporations • Energy–Medical Sciences & Biomorphs

 Skinaesthesia is the cutting edge of biomorphs and pods, the outer system, though rumors of them installing secret back-
followed by the Extropian knock-off brand, Skinthetic, and the doors in their security products have hit their market share. Their
pod-design conglomerate Invatch. Smaller brands include Telos, Medusan Shield subsidiary handles security contracts with their
BioDream, StarGen, and Dick’s Big Bodies. Skinaethesia is also distinctive fury morph tiger teams. Medusan Shield’s focus is on
the go-to vendor for corporations sleeving indentured workers, aggressively finding and removing potential causes of customer
or who want morphs that enforce restraints and controls on the disruption, and they have no issue with either body counts or
ego. The popular bodyshop service Squick offers upgrades of violating local law (as long as the customer doesn’t).
every variety. Pai Gow is a major second-tier company, focusing on neigh-
borhoods with less on-hand cash. However its triad ties make it
MINING/RESOURCES undesirable in places expecting adherence to law. Eng/Dilworth
Resource harvesting is one of a few industries dominated by the focuses on habitat automation and surveillance mote installation,
old megas; sprawling corporate structures built on asset ownership, but has also branched into automated security, from recon drones
where size gives a particular advantage. The largest of these is Fa up to AI-guided missiles. In addition to programming and wiring
Jing, which owns a notable 15 percent stake in the Hypercorp their customers’ security hardware, they provide digital oversight
Council. Fa Jing maintains mining operations throughout the Solar and anti-hacker support. Eng/Dilworth engineers have a reputation
System and on many exoplanets. Though it maintains one of the for being cheerful and customer-focused, if a little callous about the
largest hypercorp presences in the outer system and has business privacy and physical cohesion of habitat residents.
ties on both Titan and Extropia, it remains hostile to the autonomist On the pure information-security side, Silver Shield, Castle, and
project. In fact, Fa Jing views all non-Consortium factions as rivals, Lei all provide low- to high-grade logical protection and offense,
and sponsors piracy and habitat takeovers to disrupt them. including automated exploit patching, penetration testing, and
Zrbny Group was a widespread asteroid-mining operation dedicated blue and red teams. InSec and 0wnz both develop and
prior to the Fall. Nine years ago, there was a brief loss of power sell exploits, making them corporation-non-grata everywhere
and communications in their Main Belt Central Processing outside Extropia and the dark mesh.

FACTIONS
and Routing Headquarters. Shortly afterwards, all transhuman Academi is one of a small circle of contractors who specialize
employees were fired (or disappeared) with the exception of the in disrupting other hypercorps (or protecting from the same). They
corporate spokesAGI, Ash. Zrbny does not engage in politics of any deploy memetic, mesh, and personal assault combined with finan-
sort, does not permit visitors or inspections even by stockholders, cial leverage to kill upstart hypercorps (or their operators) and steal
and does not announce its ongoing construction. In fact, Zrbny or bury their products before they can reach market. Academi works
as a rule does not respond to communications in any medium, exclusively with banks and select political bodies.
including some routine navigational traffic. Why does Zrbny
appear on this list? Because they continue to provide rock-bottom SHIPPING
prices on feedstock and basic manufactured goods throughout the Electronic communications, farcasting, and nanofabrication have
outer system. Unlike most other hypercorps, Zrbny does not work made most shipping obsolete. Habitats use drones to provide free
through any intermediaries. The Zrbny orange corporate logo is a door-to-door shipping, but when a package needs to cross the gap to a
common sight, especially in industrial corners of the system. distant location, private couriers are required. There is a large market
Other major mining and resource ventures include Jaehon of freelance courier companies who will deliver to any location in the
Offworld and the Vyasa Workers' Cooperative (rivals on Mercury), system (even if passage takes years to complete). This is the preferred
Trojan Metals (who has had several mining claims jumped by method for specialty and illegal items, or when speed matters
squatters and anarchists), GazPro (chemical refining), and Digz more than price. To keep costs down, freelancers post planned and
(specializing in extrasolar rare-element ops). Many moons and available routes on sites like Zooom, Point-to-Point, and Pyrate.
asteroids have a private corporation or co-op to handle the resource Freelancers live by their reputations and charge accordingly.
extraction, at which point it is sold to a middle agent for shipping. For everyone else, there’s Comet Express. Comet Express works
Frequently this organization is also a de facto governing body. The through hundreds of affiliates, giving it a presence on almost every
Cthylla Workers' Commune is a pseudo-corporate organization named habitat. It manages an expansive network of hubs and sling-
enforcing mining rights and social order on Pluto and Charon. The shot accelerators to transport goods from and to (almost) any point
Cerean Transcrustal Authority sells Cerean water and volatiles at a price freelancers can’t compete with. The major exception is the
and is also a discreet appendage of the Hidden Concern cartel. Jovian Republic. Republic ships fire on Comet Express freighters on
sight, and the Republic Postal Service does not accept transfers from
SECURITY Comet Express hubs.
Defense contractors necessarily tie in both physical and information
security. Many include biohazard, TITAN, and memetic defenses SOCIAL MEDIA AND SEARCHES
as well. Inner-system habitats predominantly prefer the extra legiti- Most people rely on their muse for news curation and social
macy provided by an external contractor over a local militia. networking, with outside vendors for deep searches, data mining,
Physical security is dominated by two hypercorps. Direct Action and heavy analysis. On the consumer side, Yuge, Znat! and
is a descendant of pre-Fall military contractors. They provide shock Rena Weibo all compete for space, with their own spin and focus
troops, military, and police services at a reasonable price. They (predominantly pro-Consortium, as there are hundreds of trusted
market an image of dependable, irresistible law applied aggressively autonomist communities, and the Jovian social networks are
to the heads of miscreants across the inner system. Gorgon Defense managed under an executive mandate). In addition to providing
Systems sells weapons and military tech to anyone and everyone. news aggregation and hot topics lists, these services interface with
One of the biggest Extropian corps, they are especially popular in the major reputation networks.

Hypercorporations • Mining/Resources–Social Media and Searches

¾167
 CHRISTIANITY
RELIGIOUS GROUPS The technological, scientific, and cultural changes transhumanity
Posted by: Tio Silencio, Firewall Router INFO MSG REP underwent before the Fall had already eroded many of the hier-
archies that Christianity relies upon. From the Catholic Church to
Can faith survive the death of God? strip-mall Protestantism, the traditional holes Christianity filled
FACTIONS

If you posed this question before the Fall, I’d almost certainly didn’t exist anymore. Most of Christianity's trappings remain
have answered no. I recall my studies of the victims of religious unchanged, perhaps explaining its slide towards irrelevance.
genocides in the 20th and 21st centuries. Some kept their faith as After the Fall, the few Catholics that made if off Earth were
they faced the ovens or the firing squads. Others became certain naturally drawn to the Jovian Republic, where the Catholic Church
there was no God at all, or if They existed, They were no God worthy has re-established itself. The Church remains a cornserstone of the
of worship. bioconservative movement (though they sometimes disagree with
Nietzsche turned out to be half right. Transhumanity struck God the Republic's CBEAT over specific policies). Their position is best
a blow, but it took the Fall to deal the killing stroke. summed up as, “If God created you in Their image and likeness,
Religion doesn’t always require God. It requires faith, it requires there’s no need to change Their creation.” The Church also holds
questions, and it offers answers and comfort. God as we knew Them strong political favor in the Republic, lobbying the Senate through
may be gone, and we have given Them rebirth and a new life for the Council of Bishops, but also personal ties between the Pope and
transhumanity’s future. members of the Junta's Security Council.
God is dead. Long live God. The notoriously bioconservative habitat Vo Nguyen, in Earth
orbit, is home to a large community of Vietnamese Catholics.
RELIGION AFTER THE FALL Remaining Episcopalians, Baptists, and other Christian sects have
Organized religion was already on the decline in the decades before found fertile ground among other Consortium settlements. The
the Fall. Scholars have filled volumes debating the exact causes and Ilmarinen station orbiting Triton has a small but fervent group of
conditions. Certainly, the primary influence is clear: communica- Friends (Quakers), and the tiny Lyos settlement on Titania is home
tions technologies, global travel, media, and access to education of the last remnants of the Russian Orthodox Church.
directly exposed previously insular religious communities to
global society and disrupted the old power structures. The cynic in HINDUISM
me would suggest that technology that outdoes Biblical miracles Posted by: Sarda Duvurri, Firewall Scanner INFO MSG REP
renders those things moot. When anyone can walk on water or turn
that water to wine, what meaning is there in wonder? One of the hallmarks of the oldest organized religion is its ability
Certainly, younger generations took the mask off of religion, to adapt. Buddhism? Islam? Simply bends in the river of time. And
seeing that underneath it is just another ideology, and one that did when you introduce technology that literally embodies the cycles
not always adapt quickly to the world's changing values. Religion of Samsāra, it should come as no surprise that small groups of
was one of the most successful early memeplexes in human society, Hindus still exist among transhumanity. The largest concentration
but it did not hold up well in an ecosystem of memeplexes. What is in Shackle on Luna, which remains a stronghold of Indian culture.
guidance can ancient doctrine give regarding genefixing, AI, or The cavern of New Varanasi, in particular, is known as the City of
forking? What deity would put such possibilities and miracles in our Temples. Hindus also embrace life on the habitat Salah, in the rings
hands, yet tell us to refuse them? What is the promise of an afterlife of Saturn, while others have found a surprisingly welcome reception
when immortality is available? And it was not just the limitations among the Barsoomians and rural communities on Mars.
of these ideologies that became clear, but the inconsistencies and Regrettably, the caste system the Mahatma worked so hard
hypocricies of religious leaders who too often gave only lip service to eliminate has been reinforced by the stigmas attached to
to their faith while falling sway to the pursuit of riches and power. certain morphs. The economic necessities that have forced so
Media and transparency illuminated the rot at the core religious many Untouchables to sleeve into synthmorphs inadvertently
hierarchies for all to see. strengthened the underlying prejudices against them. Despite our
The TITANs did the rest. It is difficult to cling to the belief that advances, seven-thousand years of cultural conditioning are hard
you’re one of God’s chosen people when death is so indiscriminate. to overcome.
It’s even harder when those who embraced bioconservativism and
refused uploading had the least chance to flee Earth. We perished ISLAM
en masse alongside our stupas, mosques, temples, and cathedrals. Posted by:
We’re only a decade after a cataclysm that killed over nine-tenths Ali Bin Kalifa Al Thani, Firewall Crow INFO MSG REP
of our entire species. Our cherished shrines and walls and stained
glass lie in ruins. Spiritual beliefs are at an all-time low. Those who Peace be unto you. I humbly offer my perspective on the state of
seek community find it in their online social networks. Those who Islam since the Fall and how it has adapted to serve transhumanity.
seek comfort turn to virtual-reality heavens. Those who seek guid- Many early space colonists came from Muslim countries,
ance consult their muse. Those who seek solace edit their memories. financed by those seeking to explore and embrace the Solar System’s
Those who seek joy gland new emotional states. Those who seek resources. As the conflicts and technologies of the 21st century
atonement turn to psychosurgeons. Those who scan the stars for polarized the world, the ummah faced a crisis of belief. Those
gods have met them, and felt their wrath. What role is left for faith? who could see beyond the bounds of Earth adapted, and our faith
Whatever the long-term impacts of the Fall may be on trans- adapted with them. Those who could not largely perished in the Fall.
human belief systems, it is not an exaggeration to say that those The humanist, secular movements within Islam before and during
religions that cannot adapt will perish. Some already have. the Fall helped save countless thousands.

168¹ Religious Groups • Religion After the Fall–Islam

 Though the Sunni and Shia divisions remain, their practices PAGAN SPIRITUAL PATHS
have transformed, and many competing schools of thought thrive. Posted by: Lupe, Firewall Vector INFO MSG REP
The conservative attitudes towards women, sexuality, and resleeving
have largely been discarded. AGIs were welcomed as djinn with free Neo-pagan faiths were always tiny relative to the major religions,
will (though opinions still differ on uplifts). Our muses tell us what but paganism’s loose organization and lack of doctrines allowed
direction to pray. We may still fast, and some even sleeve into synth- it to survive the singularity with numbers fairly intact. Pagans are
morphs and biomorphs so they can focus on spiritual matters rather hard to count, as they rarely form large congregations. The two best
than the needs of the flesh. Some practice sawm by abstaining from known denominations are Wiccans, most common in Mars and the
the mesh. Though Mecca was lost during the Fall, we can still visit it Jovian Republic, and Ásatru, based on Titan.
and complete the hajj in simulspace. Many Muslims are reclaimers, Although not pagan, it’s worth mentioning the Black Church,
hoping to one day make the pilgrimage in person. which evolved from Satanist groups. More of a humanist social
I am from Salah, a station orbiting Saturn that serves as a safe society than a religion, the members’ proclivity for velvet robes,
zone for believers. The largest concentrations of Muslims can be leviathan crosses, and ritual nudity is more fashion than devotion.
found in LLA habitats and Mars. Qurain on Mars was the center of
a prominent Islamic city-state before the Fall, though it was lost to POST-FALL RELIGIONS
the machines and remains in the TQZ. Now our people are scattered Posted by: Tio Silencio, Firewall Router INFO MSG REP
across the red planet; you can find mosques and Islamic culture
thriving in the hinterlands and the souks lodged between Martian It’s to be expected that any cataclysmic event that undermines our
domes. A nomadic Sufi community thrives on helping others in the fundamental understanding of the universe and our place in it will
desert, believing their hardships purify their soul. lead to the creation of new belief systems that attempt to answer
new questions. The Fall is no different. A handful of new faiths have
JUDAISM found fertile ground in a transhumanity reeling from the Fall.
Posted by: Jakub Held, Firewall Crow INFO MSG REP

FACTIONS
Neo-Buddhism
The Shoah nearly killed us. The Fall damn near finished the job. Neo-Buddhism mixes pre-Fall Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist
Israel is once again lost, and the squabbles over our homeland now beliefs with the latter-day Buddhism popular in Western cultures
seem trivial. Welcome to the Age of Meshuga. prior to the Fall. Neo-Buddhists believe that transhumanity’s
The Jewish people will survive; that’s never been a question. But suffering can be mitigated with technology, and that the extension
there are fewer of us than ever before, and that number dwindles by of life will eventually lead all transhumanity to enlightenment.
the day. We once thought our identity came from our shared experi- Neo-Buddhism is popular because it is treated more as an outlook
ences, from reading the Torah and praying together. But our bodies, or philosophy of living than a doctrine and requires little engage-
our DNA, are us too. Are you still Jewish if you egocast into a new ment with religious practices.
gentile morph? Yes. No. Depends on the person you ask.
There are enclaves of us out there, with the largest in Nectar on Technocreationism
Luna, where you’ll find the only remaining yeshiva (religious school) If the Fall further eroded the old, organized religions,
in the Solar System. I know of several Jewish groups inside the Jovian Technocreationists are the opposite reaction to that social force.
Republic, and the habitat Horeb is home to the Israeli government-in- They believe the Fall was nothing less than a sign from God laying
exile and a rather bioconservatve Jewish Orthodox community. bare transhumanity’s sins. They seek a new form of enlightenment
Some Jewish reclaimers have made incursions to Israel on Earth. through the embrace of technology, societal engineering, and collab-
Their eventual goal is, of course, the restoration of our promised oration with alien species. The result is a combination of fervor and
land. Most of us are pragmatic enough to understand this diaspora perceived psychological superiority that has attracted its fair share
is only beginning, so support for these efforts is minimal. of converts, including a few Hindus who view technocreationism as
an extension or evolution of their own religion.
MORMONISM
Posted by: Ben Mandrake, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP TITAN Worship
It hurts to say it, but there are those who revere the TITANs as the
You may be familiar with Mormon missionaries: cheap morphs, only true gods. They make excuses for the atrocities the TITANs
wide grins, always eager to talk to you about their faith. They can committed, which mostly boil down to "we are not smart enough to
still be found haunting the occasional spaceport on habs from understand." Thankfully rare, their ranks are composed of singularity
Mercury to the Kuiper Belt. seekers who desire to join their machine gods in apotheosis. These
As a younger faith, Mormons didn't quite get caught up in biocon- believers are a threat given their eager pursuit of TITAN tech.
servatist attitudes like other belief systems. they still lost most of
their believers during the Fall, but their embrace of resleeving and Xenodeism
egocasting means more of ‘em got off Earth than you might expect. When faced with the truth of an uncaring universe filled with
I grew up Mormon, and while I'm not a believer, I've heard things. intelligences more advanced than our own, the chance of someone
If the rumors are to be believed, The Mormon Church has a small worshipping those intelligences becomes certain. Xenodeism is
hab hidden away in the Main belt called the City of Zion. They have a scholarly term for the various small, isolated cults popping up
over a million Mormons backed up in cold storage here, awaiting across the Solar System (and in settlements on the far side of the
the resources to resleeve them. They allegedly also have plans to gates) that have turned the Factors and Iktomi into gods. None of
turn the entire hab into a generation ship and fly it out of the system. these cults have any significant numbers of followers, but their
Don’t underestimate the Saints. They’ve done more with less. evolution into full-blown religions is only a matter of time.

Religious Groups • Judaism–Post-Fall Religions

¾169
 CRIMINAL GROUPS
to penal psychosurgical editing, and in part a way of altering their
brainprints to be less easily tracked. Over time, this mental editing
Posted by: Factotum, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP has grown more extreme, and with the inclusion of several new
members from the Lost Generation, the group has taken a turn
Criminal factions thrive in the post-Fall era. You may recognize towards weird and disturbing behavior. They seem to revel in taking
FACTIONS

some cartel names, but most of the major syndicates arose to prom- on more violent jobs and anything that let's them chase their prey.
inence after the Fall. As transhumanity spreads across the galaxy, Working in packs, they have been known to prolong a pursuit for
criminals find new ways to profit off misery and greed. Cartels and sport. Reports indicate they have trapped some of their victims'
syndicates earn vast wealth by exploiting weaknesses in different forks in a simulspace with a fantastic mythology theme in order to
polities. Every banned good or service is a new market. Every extend their torment.
gap in a habitat’s security is an opening. Every desperate person
is a customer or tool. Most criminal outfits are parasitic entities, HIDDEN CONCERN
leeching off the systems around them, but a few are powerful Main Habitat: Ceres (Main Belt)
enough to run their own habitats. The major syndicates have spread The dwarf planet Ceres is prime real estate, the largest planetary
across the Solar System and to distant exoplanets. While they have body between Mars and Jupiter. It is also throroughly entwined in
many enemies, the discord and corruption among transhuman the tentacles of the Hidden Concern, a mafia entirely composed of
polities prevents them from being stomped out. The cartels are also neo-octopi. They run protection rackets on every business operating
useful tools and cat’s paws to those in power. on Ceres and smuggle contraband between the inner and outer
While some factions are outlawed or branded as criminals in system. Anyone who sets foot on Ceres lives or dies at the Concern’s
certain regions, only the following are universally viewed as criminal. discretion. They have links to the mercurial movement and are
invested heavily in cephalapod morph development, such as the
GANGS takko synthmorph. Their recent expansions beyond Ceres now pit
Firewall is most concerned with cartels that exert influence over many them against other cartels.
habitats, but local gangs in specific areas have gotten our attention.
INTELLIGENT DESIGN (ID CREW)
Les Goules Main Habitat: Kronos Cluster (Rhea, Saturn)
Main Habitat: Valles-New Shanghai (Mars) Intelligent Design, also known as the ID Crew, is best known for their
This Martian gang specializes in auctioning illegal morphs to the digital crimes. They formed when several different hacker cliques
highest bidder. They can acquire any kind of biomorph a customer allied to maximize their profits. The ID Crew has their virtual fingers
could imagine, including ones with illegal combat mods and in digital theft, hacking, fraud, malware, credit and rep laundering,
implants, clones of popular celebrities made from stolen genetic software piracy, darknet services, troll farms, and ego-trafficking. The
samples, or just human steaks for the discerning cannibal. The truly demand for egos “finessed” by the ID crew is incredibly high. They
desperate can get a loan from Les Goules if they offer their body as are known to edit the memories of stolen egos to suit the needs of
collateral. They are infamous for their depravity, conducting busi- their clients. Sometimes, the victim does not even realize they have
ness deals over feasts of living humans. They are rumored to have been trafficked, having been fed an entirely false life.
exhuman sympathies, which may explain their preferences. The ID Crew has a small physical footprint compared to other
cartels, preferring to do business on the mesh rather than in
St. Catherine Tongs meatspace, although they can be contacted in nearly every major
Main Habitat: New Quebec (Titan) habitat in the system. Nevertheless, they have provoked a major turf
This gang exploits the “One Mind, One Body” policy of the Titanian war with Nine Lives. Both organizations sell stolen egos and despise
Commonwealth for profit. Using agents inside the morph vat farms, how the other conducts business.
the tongs steal and smuggle new biomorphs for sale throughout the
outer system. These morphs are bought by other cartels who need NIGHT CARTEL
morphs for prostitutes or customers who want a biomorph on the Main Habitat: Pallas (Main Belt)
cheap. Some are loaded with illegal mods and implants. The Night Cartel's roots are in a pre-Fall alliance formed between
The tongs are known for their brazen and violent nature. Enemies multiple mafia groups of different ethnicities to cooperate in
have been publicly assassinated, sometimes with extensive collat- opening new markets in space. One of the drivers of this initiative,
eral damage. Captured opponents have been tortured in horrible Domenico Tavano, saw that the old way of doing business would
ways. Lately, the tongs have branched out into TITAN artifact smug- not work in the rest of the Solar System. The older leaders were
gling, as police have seized caches from tong safehouses. No one too paranoid and too conservative to adapt. Maintaining ethnic
knows where the artifacts are coming from or who’s buying them. mafias was absurd when resleeving was upending cultural norms.
When the Fall wiped out the leadership of these syndicates, Tavano
The Wild Hunt convinced enough gangsters to follow his lead and establish a new
Main Habitat: Erato (Luna) cartel. At first, Tavano struggled to keep the Night Cartel working
This tight-knit gang of ego hunters, forknappers, and assassins together. Old rivalries and beliefs hampered efforts. However, the
began on Luna. They turned to psychosurgery early on, improving realities of criminal enterprise in space has methodically broken
their own teamwork and loyalty to protect themselves. Soon after, down these barriers and prejudices. Now the Night Cartel is the
they began exchanging memories and personality traits. The largest in the Solar System, rivaled only be the triads.
reasoning for this is unclear, but in part seemed to be a way of The Night Cartel's headquarters is on Pallas, a major asteroid
preserving their identities should they be captured and subjected habitat in the Main Belt. In some regions, the Night Cartel operates

170¹ Criminal Groups • Gangs–Night Cartel

as a legitimate hypercorp, but their main lines of business are illegal Some pirate groups are closely linked to extremist factions, like
in most habitats: drugs, prostitution and sex trafficking, extortion, the infamous Fomorians, known for their ties to the exhumans. They
nanofab piracy, gambling, insider trading, darknet operations, force any captives they take into a simulspace hunting arena, where
and racketeering. they face torture and deletion unless they can prove their strength to
the exhumans. A sufficiently brutal captive who survives the hunt
NINE LIVES can join the clade. After only a few months, any captive who survives
Main Habitat: Legba (Main Belt) long enough becomes indistinguishable from the original Fomorians.
The villains of choice in many XP thrillers, Nine Lives is a soul-traf-
ficking syndicate infamous for their cruelty and ruthlessness. New TRIADS
members are forced to prove themselves by torturing innocent egos Most of Earth’s syndicates died in the Fall or were subsumed into
through psychosurgery or in meatspace, a hazing called "The Rite.” the Night Cartel. The Triads survived both events intact, in part due
The gang appropriates and twists the trappings of Vodou to intim- to early initiative in expanding their operations into space before
idate its rivals. Their sophisticated egonapping operations employ the Fall. Many smaller triad gangs exist, but the four surviving
thieves and forknappers from around the system, sold in auctions major triads conduct business throughout the system.
and to private collectors. Nine Lives is known for sleeving their
victims into a variety of morphs for brutal pit fights to entertain 14K
bloodthirsty crowds. Main Habitat: Qing Long (Martian Trojans)
Roland Nazon, one of the most feared gang lords in the Solar Supposedly named from the fourteen original members of the
System, once kept tight control over Nine Lives operations, but anti-communist Kuomintang, the 14K dates back to the mid-20th
he has recently become reclusive. Rumors abound that he has century. Today, they focus on gambling, whether running illegal
descended into madness or that one of his lieutenants has usurped casinos or rigged lotteries. The 14K owns a legal casino and
control, but no one knows for sure. gambling hypercorp, Galaxy Entertainment Group. They also deal
in money laundering, credit/ID fraud, and loan sharking.

FACTIONS
PAX FAMILAE Qing Long, a major cylinder habitat in the Martian Trojans, with
Main Habitat: Ambelina (Venus) a population of over two million transhumans, is considered a 14K
Many crime outfits are rooted in cultural groups or species, but the stronghold. While other triads maintain a presence in the habitat,
most restrictive one, by far, is Pax Familae. Every member of this the 14K bases its headquarters there and has deep ties to the habi-
cartel is a fork or clone of its founder, Claudia Ambelina. From her tat’s leadership. The Pai Gow (Double Hand) security force there is
private habitat on Venus (called Ambelina), Claudia creates clones an extension of their operations.
from her original genetics or through sexual reproduction, thanks to
sex-switching biomods. All egos are forks, though she does use psycho- Shui Fong
surgery to vary her skills for certain tasks. Loyal to herself, Claudia's Main Habitat: Valles-New Shanghai (Mars)
methods mean she needs not fear traitors or undercover agents. Pax A smaller triad than 14K, Shui Fong sells vice to the desperate, espe-
Familae uses ego merging and XP recordings to keep every fork up cially indentured workers and other poor laborers. They offer drugs,
to date with the activities of the others. Unlike some other multiples, narcoalgorithms, prostitution, and illicit XPs. Once in debt, the
Claudia always refers to herself in the singular. She has a wide port- indenture is forced into working for the Shui Fong, whether that’s
folio of operations throughout the system: fraud, stock manipulation, pit fighting or transporting drugs. They carry deep grudges against
reputation gaming, info brokerage, and loan sharking, among others. the 14K, which the 14K reciprocates.
She also maintains a number of legitimate businesses as cover. Claudia
isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty if someone gets in her way. Sun Yee On
Main Habitat: Noctis-Qianjiao (Mars)
PIRATES In any habitat where IP laws protect the rights of manufacturers
The major polities of the inner system deploy drones and ships over users, the Sun Yee On are there, selling cheap knockoffs of
to keep space transit and habitats relatively safe. In the vast outer popular nanofabbed items. The triad often jailbreaks nanofabbers
system, many pirate gangs thrive by plundering the vulnerable, so they can manufacture weapons and tools without paying royal-
particularly automated ships and remote brinker habitats. This ties to the original designer. These items are laundered through their
is less an organized criminal conspiracy and more a way of life. front company, Wushuang Corporation. The Sun Yee On also sell
Automated drones are the targets of choice because they are easier counterfeits of Earth relics, a market growing in popularity.
prey than manned ships but remote mining operations and outposts
are valuable as well. Pirates sell off their victims’ egos to soul-traf- Big Circle Gang
fickers like Nine Lives. Some pirates also smuggle contraband from The smallest of the four major triad factions, Big Circle designs and
scum swarms into more lawful habitats or trade in pirated software sells drugs for distribution throughout the Solar System. Their drug
from the inner system. labs lie hidden in isolated habitats dotted throughout the system.
Pirate gangs are known to fight each other as much as they steal They maintain a low presence for a major triad, leading us to suspect
from freighters and drones. They typically fight over turf, but feuds they have something big planned and don’t want to attract attention.
can start for the pettiest of reasons. One gang, Ned Kelly’s Own, They prefer to sell wholesale to other dealers, but they have teams
noted for their impractical and unique synth armor designs, accused on every scum swarm to sell new product to diehard junkies. The
another gang, Chrome Legion, of stealing their armor designs. The swarms are the best place for Big Circle to try out their latest exper-
two have fought ever since, resulting in dozens of resleevings, three imental drugs. Products that first appear in a scum swarm can be
lost ships, and one destroyed tin-can habitat. found on the streets of New Shanghai a month later.

Criminal Groups • Nine Lives–Triads

¾171
 FIREWALL
Over the decade since, Firewall has refined its operations
and organization. We’ve identified and faced countless threats,
Posted by: Cacophonous, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP and while we have not been successful in every endeavor, we
have thus far achieved our primary mission: the preservation of
Welcome to Firewall. And thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices transhumanity.
FACTIONS

you will make on our behalf and the behalf of all transhumanity. I
thank you now because it’s likely that no one will be there to do so STRUCTURE
when the time comes to make them. As a new member of Firewall it is important that you have an
Firewall is many things but it has one goal: the continued exis- understanding of our overall structure, decentralized though it is.
tence of our species. It is the sincere belief of every single one of Firewall is comprised first and foremost of cells. Your cell consists
us that the Fall was no fluke, no stray bullet we collectively dodged, of the Firewall members with whom you will most often carry out
but merely the first true existential threat to transhumanity. There tasks. Cells are primarily composed of sentinels, like you. Sentinels
will be more. At no time in history has our species been so beset by comprise the bulk of Firewatch’s numbers; transhumans who are
the danger of extinction, the tools of our complete destruction are dedicated to our cause, with a specialized set of skills, who are
almost without count and in the hands of numerous groups and activated for specific needs. A cell is always coordinated by a proxy.
individuals who could snuff us out by accident just as readily as Proxies are the inner circle of Firewall; individuals who have dedi-
through malice. No other organization is in a position to thwart cated their entire lives to the organization. Proxies are organized
these dangers. Through our decentralized network we attempt to into collectives called servers; each server manages multiple cells.
monitor, contain, and eliminate threats to transhumanity, whether
those threats are TITANs, nanoplagues, technological meddling, Proxies
aliens, or any number of unimaginable hazards. We do this in Sentinels may report directly to one or more proxies in their server,
secrecy, without official support or authorization from any authority. but can expect to deal with a number of different proxy roles.
Too many factions present potential danger for us to reveal our work Proxies take on numerous duties as needed, but typically fall into
to the public, most of whom will sleep better never knowing how one of several specializations:
close they come to annihilation on a regular basis. Thus, Firewall Scanners are expert data analysts and researchers. A server’s
has no political allegiances beyond the remit of our mission: the scanners are responsible for gathering information of interest to
survival of transhumanity. Firewall, analyzing it, and then making a threat analysis. Scanners
rely on sophisticated search algorithms and ALIs to monitor partic-
HISTORY ular channels, both public and private. A scanner is constantly
While Firewall now operates in secrecy, this was not true of all assessing a broad range of data looking for anomalous items or
the organizations from which we grew. Decades before the Fall, a events that may relate to an ongoing case or operations. Scanners
number of groups had warned of impending dangers, especially are the members of a server most likely to initiate an operation.
the risks aligned with ASI research. Some of these were in the Tasked with gathering information from the entire Solar System
employ of nation states, such as JASON (a US scientific advisory and filtering it for items of interest to Firewall places a heavy
group) and Bletchley Park (a UK agency founded to counter hostile burden on our scanners; if something crucial gets overlooked, they
infolife outbreaks). Others were privately funded think tanks or get the blame.
research organizations like Blue Mars, the Lifeboat Institute, and Once an operation has been approved (typically by a vote or
the Singularity Foundation. During the Fall, united by desperation, consensus of a server's proxies), a router is charged with its initia-
these groups united as a loose network and moved from pure tion and management. A router will assess all of the available intel,
research and analysis to direct action. It was in part due to the determine which cell is best able to respond to the threat, coordi-
warnings and sacrifices of these organizations during the Fall that nate with other proxies to prepare their necessary support (morphs,
transhumanity survived. Their first-hand experiences on the front lines of credit, cover stories, etc), and then activate the cell. Routers
lines of the war against the TITANs provided a pool of knowledge then monitor the cell's activities and provide support as necessary
that has been invaluable ever since. The survivors were also united or possible. As the mission coordinators, routers have one of the
in a way that only those who have shared harrowing circumstances most difficult, thankless, and critical jobs in Firewall.
and survived can understand. Firewall’s broad interests require in-depth research capabilities,
In the immediate aftermath of the Fall the survivors of these and these are carried out or supervised by crows. Crows are our
organizations, led to some degree by the Argonauts, met in a expert scientists and researchers specializing in various fields. Some
secret, invite-only, simulspace conference: X-Mode. This conference of the most brilliant individuals in transhumanity work as crows,
resulted in the seed of Firewall, our secure social network: the Eye. offering insights into xenobiology, memetics, physics, applied
The loose confederation of individuals using the Eye would begin to mathematics, economics, nanoweaponry, and other fields of knowl-
formulate the general philosophies and methodology of Firewall in edge. Crows work closely with scanners to assess threats or research
the following months. The general consensus was that the work to items or data unearthed during Firewall operations. Firewall’s black
counter x-rsisks needed to continue, but none of the emerging poli- laboratories and research facilities are maintained by our crows, but
ties were capable or trusted to handle it. In AF1, the conference was much of our scientific access comes from crows misappropriating
reconvened at X-Mode 2, where research and appraisals conducted facility use and equipment from their civilian careers.
in the interim were discussed and the motion to form a single orga- Vectors are those proxies specializing in the broad array of skills
nization to combat ongoing threats to transhumanity was put forth. we loosely refer to as “hacking.” Primarily a support role, vectors are
With the consensus of the participants, Firewall was formed and its responsible for digital intrusion, information security, data manip-
general structure outlined. ulation, infrastructure sabotage, and social engineering. Vectors

172¹ Firewall • History–Structure

rarely deploy to the field, but often provide remote overwatch on Most servers are left to their own devices in terms of operational
operations in real-time when necessary. Most often vectors spend planning and it is up to their membership to determine when to
their time assessing potential targets, testing their existing assets, or share information with other servers. It is common for servers with
helping clean up loose ends from operations. During a field opera- related interests to form long-standing relationships and benefit
tion, your assigned vector is likely to be the only dedicated support from the free sharing of information. Some servers with especially
you can expect to receive. sensitive areas of interest may be heavily siloed from the rest of the
Registers are one of the most critical but invisible of proxy organization, but this is not the norm. Compartmentalization for its
roles. These individuals are talented financiers and fixers, capable own sake is discouraged, however, and Firewall members should not
of finding credits to finance ongoing operations and research and withhold vital information from their fellows when called upon to
making sure our sentinels in the field are equipped. As an unofficial do so through secure channels.
network, Firewall receives no official support or endowments. It When significant decisions that will have far-reaching effects
falls to the registers to find funding through investment, creative throughout Firewall must be made, they are voted upon by the
financing, and even theft. Every server makes use of several regis- proxies. Any proxy may initiate a proposal but for it to reach a
ters without whom the entire organization would vanish overnight. vote it requires the support of 500 other proxies. Consequently,
Registers also use their rep network ties to pull in favors for servers votes are only called for the most serious matters of policy and
and sentinel cells. In these regards, they sometimes call on the other the most significant of operations. Most operations are conceived
proxies and sentinels to help repay favors or earn good karma. and executed by individual servers without the involvement of
The most dangerous operations are carried out or overseen other groups. In most cases, a proxy will choose to activate a cell
by erasers. Typically, Firewall prefers to conduct its work with a or cells within their server to address a threat, and the organization
minimum of collateral damage and attention, but when this is not supports them from there.
desirable, or has been made impossible in the wake of a mission Cells and servers can expect material support from the broader
gone wrong, erasers are called in to address a threat with a maximal network when necessary, though they are expected to use these
response. Erasers are not deployed casually, they represent a final resources sparingly. Firewall operates without official jurisdiction

FACTIONS
line of response only used in the most dire of circumstances. Most anywhere, and our resources are finite.
Firewall members will never require the services of an eraser or
even be in the presence of one during the course of their field
operations. Erasers tend to work in teams with heavy firepower
and tricked-out combat morphs. A few erasers work solo; these are FIREWALL TERMINOLOGY
sometimes deployed as assassins or saboteurs. Here’s a handy reference to Firewall jargon:
The actions of sentinels and erasers may require the attention of
a filter. Where erasers mop up the opposition, filters are the ones
who make the whole mess go away. These individuals specialize in • Backups: The Firewall faction that creates bunkers, caches,
public-relations manipulation and will work to pin the blame for and contingency plans to survive an extinction event.
a disastrous operation on an appropriate accident, external agency, • Cell: A clandestine group of Firewall sentinels.
hypercorp, or individual. Filters are also sometimes called upon to • Conservatives: The Firewall faction that argues using AGIs,
assist operations in progress when they require public misdirection asyncs, and alien/TITAN tech is too risky.
or spin control to fulfil their objectives. • Crow: A proxy that focuses on research/scientific analysis.
• Crypt: A digital cache hidden within the mesh.
Servers • Eraser: Heavily armed proxies that are called in to contain
Each cell is part of a server. Servers are collections of cells that threats beyond the capabilities of a normal sentinel cell.
share a common interest or overarching objective. Servers often • Eye: Firewall’s internal social and data-sharing network.
have a focus or specialization: the observation and identification • Filter: A proxy that handles social engineering, media
of threats in a specific region, infiltration of hypercorps suspected manipulation, and cover-ups.
of meddling with ASI, countering a known group of exhumans, and • Mavericks: The Firewall faction that discards the rules.
so forth. Many are dedicated to ongoing research projects or action • Pragmatists: The Firewall faction that argues for using all
task forces, known as cases or operations respectively. An individual available tools to counter x-risks.
cell within a server may further specialize in necessary sub-tasks. • Proxy: A full-time Firewall agent with an assigned role.
Each server is coordinated by a group of proxies. These proxies • Register: A proxy that handles logistics and finances.
usually rotate between their respective roles and duties, or to other • Router: A proxy that coordinates a server’s operations.
servers, on a yearly basis. This ensures that no individual can gain • Scanner: A proxy that analyzes data for signs of x-risks.
too much power or create an unsalvageable point of weakness in the • Scratch Space: A temporary secret cache of gear.
server’s structure should they be killed or compromised. • Sentinel: An on-call Firewall agent that works with a cell on
The cell/server structure is at times inefficient but its decentralized field operations.
nature is absolutely critical to the preservation of Firewall’s secrecy • Server: A working group of proxies, focused on a particular
and security. No single cell or server will ever have a top-level view area or mission.
of the entire organization, allowing Firewall to survive even a major • Structuralists: The Firewall faction that favors a more rigid,
breach of security or other catastrophe. A hostile agency would hierarchical structure and going public.
require control of 50.1% of Firewall’s entire membership to attain • Vector: A proxy that handles hacking, communications, and
control of the organization, an essentially impossible goal given the online security.
separation of personnel and internal networks.

Firewall • Structure
¾173
 INTERNAL FACTIONS This hampered our operations, left us without people that could have
Source: Achberger, Router, Green Hope Server LINK been a major help, and set us back at a critical time. If it was up to
the conservatives we’d throw every xenotech device we find into the
I'm here to give you more of a ground level idea of the weird mess nearest sun, fry the mainframes of every AGI we’ve ever even spoken
you’ve gotten yourself into by joining Firewall. Cacophonous's over- with, and lock and load old school. But we can’t, and I think even most
FACTIONS

view might have you thinking we're a well-oiled machine crewed by of them know that. That’s not to say that we are reckless about our
a crack team of diverse transhumans devoted to a singular mission, research and toys. Risk assessment is priority number one when we’re
holding hands and singing the Internationale every time we achieve experimenting with something we don’t fully understand, but you
another victory in the face of incredible odds. Spoiler: we’re not. wanna make an omelette you’ve gotta break a few eggs at an ultra-se-
Firewall is just like every organization you’ve ever dealt with cure black lab on an unregistered exoplanet’s moon, under stringent
in a lot of ways; we’re full of mostly well-intentioned people with quarantine procedures. Pragmatists make up the majority of Firewall’s
opposing viewpoints, desires, and disagreements. The key differ- members, though personal thresholds for what’s an acceptable risk
ence is that Firewall is full of people who are also very good at what vary from person to person.
they do. We all know the stakes are high, so petty bullshit is kept to a So, those are the three main factions — philosophies, really — that
minimum, but there are a few big philosophical differences among Firewall has held since the beginning. There was a time in AF6
us and it’s going to serve you well to have a handle on them. when those factions really were turning into factions. A pretty nasty
First, you’ve got your backups. This clique is devoted to the scandal arose involving an abusive proxy that memory-edited some
idea that on a long enough timeline,something like the Fall is to subordinates on Hyperion and all hell broke loose. We spent a few
be expected again. Their goal is to ensure that when transhumanity months backbiting instead of fighting x-risks before a prominent
comes up against a foe we can’t overcome, we can at least survive. server was outed as an Ozma operation. They hadn’t kicked the
They hide caches, set up emergency habs, and even store forks for whole mess off, but they’d done their best to instigate factional
such an emergency. A lot of gatecrashers subscribe to this philos- divides across Firewall and might have brought the whole thing
ophy and take every opportunity they can to find exoplanets that down. Fortunately, in the aftermath of rooting out the infiltrators,
might sustain transhuman life far beyond the reach of the TITANs, cooler heads prevailed and factionalism was reined in on all sides. It
Factors, or even other transhuman organizations. They might seem was from this time that a couple of new philosophies arose. Factions
a little paranoid to you right now, but trust me, you run a few ops we refer to as mavericks and structuralists.
around here and see if you don’t start seeing the sense in having a Mavericks are not a faction by any means. They’re Firewall
real species-wide contingency plan. A lot of the old-guard Lifeboat members, mostly sentinels, who just don’t give a shit. They’re loyal to
Institute people are die-hard backups. Since we got here in the first Firewall but think we’re all polishing the brass on the Titanic. A lot of
place by not listening to them before the Fall, I’m inclined to pay them are disaffected sentinels who’ve seen more than they can really
attention now. handle. Maybe they think that our mission is inherently doomed but
Conservatives are what they sound like; reactionaries who think are determined to go down fighting. Or they just don’t deal well even
Firewall should move with tremendous caution and respond with with the loose authority of Firewall. Whatever the case, expect to hear
overwhelming force to any potential threat. There are numerous some colorful tirades when you work with them. They have one major
conservative-oriented servers, and they do some important work to value, though: they keep us on our toes. Mavericks don’t toe party
be sure. A lot of them are former military or intelligence agency lines and are more than willing to loudly question anyone or anything
people who survived the Fall and maybe are carrying around a with which they disagree. It keeps us from getting complacent.
little more PTSD than the rest of us. A lot of conservatives are quite Structuralists represent two distinct philosophical positions
suspicious of the AGIs and asyncs we work with and this can cause amongst Firewall members. The first and more populous group
real friction between servers and during proxy votes. That said, this believes that Firewall would benefit from a more defined hierarchy
does mean that conservatives also have a serious obsession with the with thoroughly codified ranks, protocols, and objectives. They
TITANs and some of our most important discoveries about them suggest that the decentralized network of Firewall results in chaos
have come from conservatives. If you ever need to pinpoint vulner- and abuses of power by isolated proxies. The second structuralist
abilities in TITAN tech, try hitting up the Arrow of Paris server. If position is a desire to take Firewall public. This is an extreme
they’ll talk to you. They won’t. You’re not cleared for that. minority who argue that Firewall would benefit greatly from legiti-
Then there’s the pragmatists, like us cool kids here at Green Hope macy both in terms of support from the public and the potential for
server. Here’s what we care about: Results. Results, results, results. It’s expanded funding. Exactly which governments would embrace an
like this: the universe is a big place full of who knows how many unknown number of hackers, gatecrashers, financial criminals, and
species-terminating monsters, aberrations of physics, and rogue miscreants is a question no group of structuralists has yet been able
computer programs that would eat transhumanity like a handful of to satisfactorily answer.
potato chips. We are never going to even begin to anticipate every There are many other smaller factions and philosophies across
threat, every possible outcome of our actions, and predict the best Firewall and we wouldn’t have it any other way. All of these view-
course of action available to us every time. But what we can do is points have something to offer, even if only as loyal opposition. The
pick up the tools we find, the weapons we steal from our enemies, system of rotating proxies between servers at regular intervals helps
and fight back. Firewall tangles with some ugly shit. If we’re going to prevent strong faction blocs from arising and the ongoing churn of
succeed against it, we need every advantage we can find. In the early discourse across the Eye keeps us all from ossifying in our views.
days, Firewall made some bad choices (check the wiki about the Sweet There are some old grudges between faction members, and you can’t
Dreams affair) and almost hamstrung ourselves a few times. Fear of really have a maverick and a structuralist in the same room, but on
TITANs and ASIs and other threats kept some elements in Firewall the whole, Firewall members highly respect each other. We can’t
from working with AGIs, asyncs, and even uplifts for a long time. afford not to.

174¹ Firewall • Internal Factions

THE SOLAR SYSTEM
KUIPER BEL
T
PLUTO NEPTUNE

JUPITER JOVIAN TROJANS

liberty station MAIN BELT locus station

EARTH
NEPTUNE TROJANS
MARS remembrance station
martian gate erato station SATURN
progress station LUNA
VULCANOIDS pandora gate
SOL nyhavn station
TITAN
octavia station MERCURY

VENUS MARTIAN
TROJANS

extropia station vulcanoid gate

(44 nysa) NEPTUNIAN TROJANS

MARTIAN
TROJANS

qing long station URANUS

CERES
fissure gate

JOVIAN TROJANS

ERIS

discord gate
 OUR TRANSHUMAN SPACE

SYSTEM
Now that you've caught up on the rest, here's the last info dump: an
overview of transhuman holdings, region by region. START

SOL AND MERCURY

GAZETTEER
Source: The Well of the Ocean Is Water Aflame LINK

The center of our system is the source of our life  —  yet also treach-
erous and deadly to the unprepared.

SOL
The gravity well that anchors her islands within the empty seas
of space  is called by her people: Sol. Her soul is great, a flame 1.4
million kilometers across, and her depths are fierce enough to strip
electron from atom, burn fields of energy across her face, and smile
forth plasma storms that could swallow moons.
Temperatures at the surface alone make the journey impossible
without specialized defenses such as solar survival suits and heavily
shielded ships. Unpredictable magnetic fields can destroy equipment
between one breath and the next, and shifts in the corona create
bursts of magnetism and plasma so large that escape is impossible.
A solar flare, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), occurs
when the sun’s magnetic grip slips and radiation breaks free. The
free plasma can damage passing craft and unprotected life, disrupt
communication and sensors, and provoke magnetic storms on vulner-
able planets such as Mercury, Venus, or Mars, which lack protective
magnetic fields. In theory, this power could even be harnessed as a
weapon by disrupting the field with a strong enough magnetic force
in just the right location to direct a CME at a chosen target.

Solarians
There are fish at the center of the well. The Solarians that live here
have adapted many morphs to survive in the solar environment.
Among them are the surya, commonly known as space whales.
The surya reach lengths of ten meters or more and are designed to
swim the currents of Sol’s corona, generating magnetic fields that
shield them from the heat. The Solarians travel together in surya
pods, roaming the corona itself. Other Solarian morphs include
mirrored sundiver spaceship synthmorphs and the more humanoid
salamander forms that are better adapted for using tools, residing
within habitats, and interacting with other transhumans.
Many Solarians are uplifted dolphins and whales that seek the
familiar sense of swimming in the ocean’s expanse with a pod.
Their presence is a deep influence on Solarian culture; metaphors
comparing the sun’s environment to their underwater experiences
are common. Social structures mirror that of a cetacean pod, in
which individuals live together as a close unit with few secrets and
little social or personal boundaries. Relationships within the pod
are open and physical, and social activities are often communal,
including poetry and song as well as rough play. This close and
intimate living can be difficult for outsiders to adapt to, which is an
issue for the occasional socialite tourist.
Three habitats are found in the solar corona, near the northern
pole of Sol to minimize exposure to flares. These habitats provide
launch points for voyages into the corona and contact with the rest
of the system.

¹ 176¹ Sol and Mercury

Aten Exposed heavy metals lie near the surfaces and are easily mined.
Habitat Type: Cluster Corporations mine Mercury’s bones and harvest the sunlight of
Allegiance: Planetary Consortium Sol to profit elsewhere. Solar cells coat every crafted surface to best
An extension of the Martian University of New Shanghai, Aten is capture Sol’s gift, powering equipment. Hypercorps such as Tolstoj
nominally a center of education. Most of the work done at Aten is Mining Concern, the Vyasa Workers Cooperative, Jaehon Offworld,
for profit, taking advantage of the secrecy provided by Sol’s corona. and Noonday Mining turn the efforts of their miners into profit.
While Cognite, Direct Action, and others claim to work on energy The isolation and difficulty of escape leads hypercorps to enlist
collection, they develop military research. The corona may destroy prisoners who serve out their sentences  —  well-earned or falsely
many a dangerous mistake before it is discovered by others. framed  —  working in the mining camps.
Those who are not with a corporation survive in the shadow.
Hooverman-Geischecker These sifters live nomadically, following the night cycle of the planet
Habitat Type: Cluster to avoid the temperature spikes of the day. The sifters are indepen-
Allegiance: Argonaut/Titanian dent people and know the secrets of Mercury should they be asked,
This partnership between the Argonauts and Titan Autonomous but they will not share without payment.
University seeks to study Sol and gladly collaborates with Solarian Mercury is tiny and isolated, so the production of antimatter is
pods. Those who wish to learn may be invited to travel with the safest here and the intense light provides enough energy for the
pods after an introduction to minimize culture shock. work. Antimatter powers spacecraft drives for voyaging and the
most dangerous of weapons, making the research worth the risk for
Ukko-Jylina groups such as Omnicor, Gammax, Direct Action, and Fa Jing.
Habitat Type: Cluster
Allegiance: Solarian Al-Hamadhanj
Ukko is our own home when we seek shelter from the destruction of Habitat Type: Tin Can/Subsurface
Sol’s fury. It is also a place for pod members to recover, resupply, or Allegiance: Sifter

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
travel outside of the well. The population of this habitat fluctuates The modules of this sifter capital are tucked under the sand and into
from the hundreds to the thousands depending on the solar weather. the edges of a crater for safety in the extreme temperatures. This
Few non-Solarian visitors are invited here  —  the accommodations city is a gathering site for sifters, a place to rest, trade, and seek out
are not designed for non-solar-adapted morphs. news and services. Information and gear may be had and discretion
sought for the more clandestine project.
VULCANOIDS
Between Sol and her closest escort Mercury lie the Vulcanoids. Cannon
These small asteroids are cherished for a stable orbit and the protec- Habitat Type: Dome
tive cover of Sol’s glare. Secrets grow easily where few can see them. Allegiance: Jaehon Offworld
Cannon is the largest habitat on Mercury. It is also mobile, crawling
V/2011-Caldwell on massive tracks. Ten-thousand individuals loyal to the hypercorp
Habitat Type: Dome/Beehive Jaehon reside here. This city-sized mass driver pauses at each mine
Allegiance: TerraGenesis to launch giant ingots of heavy metals into space for delivery to
The first of the Vulcanoids to be claimed was Caldwell. Initially ships overhead. Cannon travels the edge of the Caloris basin and the
dismissed as small and empty, the asteroid was later discovered to northern hemisphere in its journey between camps.
hold a treasure: a pandora gate. Ownership was quickly acquired
by TerraGenesis. Though courted by the Planetary Consortium, The Egg
TerraGenesis has so far chosen to work more closely with Morningstar- Mercury holds mysteries as close as Sol does, and the Egg is one
aligned interests. Pathfinder seeks to disrupt this alliance. of them. From a distance it does not appear to be a weapon. A pale
gray ovoid of unknown material, the Egg orbits above the surface
MERCURY of Mercury. Left by the Factors in AF8, the Planetary Consortium
Sol’s swiftest island is Mercury. It orbits in less than ninety days, but declared the Egg off limits, overruling those who thought it safer
turns so slowly that a face may be exposed to the sun for nearly sixty destroyed. The Factors offer no explanation, they only ask us to
of those days. The lack of atmosphere provides no blanket against leave it be. So far we have, though not without question or protest.
Sol’s light, and temperatures range over 620 degrees between day Some speculate it watches over Caloris 18, site of a TITAN outbreak
and night. The sun's daylight gaze overhead is fierce enough to melt on Mercury during the Fall. Others believe its purpose is to monitor
metal, but at night the surface is as frigid as space. The terminator the Vulcanoid Gate from afar.
line moves slowly enough that a transhuman on foot could keep
ahead of it at a steady pace. Lumina
Sol attracts many stray travelers of rock and asteroid, and Habitat Type: Dome
Mercury takes the blows as they cross its path, leaving the surface of Allegiance: Independent (Hypercorp)
the planet covered in pockmarks and craters. Alternating heat and Near the northern pole lies Lumina. Here energy is captured by solar
cold further breaks the rock, covering the surface in dust. panel fields lit at all times by the sun. This powers nuclear, radiochem-
ical, and particle physics research, including manufacturing isotopes
Mercurials and the extraction of fissionables. Many hypercorps hold interests
The residents of Mercury must be hardy to live in extremes of light here, making it a shared resource as well as a resting place for the
and dark and dust. But there is little loyalty to Mercury as a home. hyperelites who come to enjoy the spas and private meeting facilities.

Sol and Mercury • Vulcanoids–Mercury

¾177
 LIFE IN THE CLOUDS
VENUS At altitudes of 50 to 60 kilometers, the environment becomes more
Posted by: Silvestra Luria, Sentinel INFO MSG REP favorable. Air pressure ranges from 50–85% of Earth's surface and
temperatures average between 7 and 40 C, depending on latitude.
Venus may be the planet most like Earth in size and geology, but its In this environment transhumans need only a breather and eye
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

climate couldn’t be more different. The infernal temperatures, the protection against the occasional sulfuric clouds to go outside.
crushing atmospheric pressure, and the rains of sulphuric acid evoke This altitude is the ideal range for aerostats  —  floating habitats
the myriad hells primitive humanity imagined for itself. that can stretch a kilometer or more in height and diameter. Even
Venusian orbit isn’t ideal, either. Venus has no moons, and nearby at this altitude, Venus’s atmosphere is dense and heavy enough,
asteroids are scarcer than elsewhere in the system. Habitats have to being mostly carbon dioxide, that an object full of enough oxygen-
be built entirely from materials mined on the surface or shipped nitrogen atmosphere is buoyant. Aerostats use a combination of
in from other planetary systems. Water takes the longest journeys buoyancy and immense propellers to maintain an altitude where
to acquire, coming usually from ice asteroids captured in the far life support systems can compensate for external temperatures and
reaches of the outer system. pressures with a minimum of effort.
Venus rewards the intrepid, though, and habitats predating the
Fall grew prosperous on specialized manufacturing and research. TRANSPORTATION
Pre-Fall Venus was a frontier with neither entrenched elites nor Venus rotates too slowly for a space elevator, so most travel to the
a true underclass. When everyone was a professional, striving surface is by lander. Venusian landing craft are heavily shielded
toward utopia and high culture was the prevailing meme. Now, and structurally reinforced against the planet’s hideous pressures.
post-Fall Venus is going through growing pains. The Morningstar Compared to other landers, they’re rather beetle-like, and expensive
Constellation embodies the progressive capitalism of the pre-Fall to operate in terms of fuel. Morningstar is in the process of building
technocrats, but it faces upheavals due to immigration, power grabs, a rotovator in Venusian orbit. This 12,000-kilometer spinning cable
and growing organized crime. will dip down into the atmosphere to aerostat altitude in such a way
that the cable's orbit and planet's rotation nearly cancel out. This
THE SURFACE allows the end of the cable to collect cargo and transports which it
“Anywhere but here,” right? Sit through a safety briefing for work on then carries back up and flings into space.
the Venusian surface, and that’s where you’ll want to be. Venusian aircraft need only stubby wings and rotors due to the
The surface is rugged and beautiful in its way. Old timers say it’s thick atmosphere. Almost all fixed-wing craft are propeller driven,
like a cross between the high desert of the American southwest, with since jets have to carry their own oxidizers in this atmosphere.
its vast plateaus and canyons, and Iceland, with its black basaltic Dirigible airships provide an economical if slow method of ferrying
rock, crisscrossed in the lowlands by rivers of magma. cargo and travelers between aerostats. Luxury passenger airships
The winds that whip volcano, mesa, and lava plain are a super- are growing in popular as a vacation experience. Aircraft and
heated mix of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid. At the surface, the devices like wingsuits often aren’t built to survive on the surface, so
pressure is almost 100 times that of Earth's atmosphere (or equivalent they carry emergency bubbles that provide a temporary shelter for
to a kilometer below Earth’s oceans). Only dim light reaches down passengers and crew until rescued.
here, and that which does is refracted by the titanic pressures, so that Some aerostats use extremely durable cables to anchor them-
to someone on the surface, the horizons rise around them like the selves to the surface for short periods. During this time, elevator
sides of a colossal bowl. Temperatures reach nearly 500 Celsius. Lead cars provide transport up and down the cable. Surface roads are
is permanently molten, metal sags and flows, and carbon dioxide primitive and exist only within busy mining and industrial outposts,
exists in a supercritical state where it’s both a liquid and a gas. so all groundcraft are off-road vehicles.
Only the most specialized biological settlers call the surface home,
and they’re confined to low-pressure zones high in the mountains. RISE OF THE MORNINGSTAR
The peaks offer rich mining and good sites from which to remote The success of the movement to secede from the Consortium
control equipment closer to the surface. Although it’s possible to surprised the Venusians more than anyone, and they're still
jam from orbit, relay stations on the peaks experience less commu- sorting out how to keep this Morningstar Constellation thing
nications lag and fewer weather-related disruptions. afloat. In reality, the terraforming debate is far from decided, and
Below 7 km altitude, any permanent structures on Venus are the Consortium still has a presence here with various aerostats and
crewed by synthmorphs and infomorphs. In most cases, the synth orbitals that did not defect. Morningstar's lack of a military leaves it
operations in the lowlands are teleoperated, with few or no egos vulnerable to invasion, but luckily the Planetary Consortium doesn’t
permanently sleeved in the equipment there. currently have the stomach for this sort of action.
Equipment goes into the lowlands, but mostly doesn’t come
out, unless it’s returning with cargo. Mining and industrial sites TERRAFORMING VENUS
on Venus are surrounded by eerie boneyards  —  morphs, bots, and At one time, the very idea of terraforming Venus didn’t hold
machinery that broke down and weren’t worth retrieving. water   —  pardon the dad joke. Photodissociation   —  breakdown
Though the surface has been mapped with radar, the clouds block of water’s molecular bonds by solar radiation  —  combined with
monitoring from orbital and high-altitude cameras. Large swathes Venus’s lack of a magnetic field means that simply hurling comets
of the surface remain unvisited and unexplored. This makes it a at Venus won’t work. Mars retains most of the water from comet
useful, if inhospitable locale to avoid pying eyes. It also leads to impacts, but Venus loses it rapidly to the sun.
rumors of hidden dangers, from exsurgents and TITANs to secret The solution, now in its proof of concept stages, is an array of
Factor operations. orbital mirrors and solar panels. The mirrors reflect solar radiation

178¹ Venus • The Surface–Terraforming Venus

away from Venus onto solar panels. The energy collected from the Morph designers here compete to develop both humanoid and
solar panels is either stored or beamed to to other points in space, avian gliding/flying morphs.
even delivering energy as far as the outer system. At full scale, the
system could reflect enough radiation for standard terraforming Octavia
techniques to work. Habitat Type: Aerostat
Terraforming is the most divisive issue in the Morningstar Allegiance: Morningstar Constellation
Constellation’s hot-blooded politics. That idealists and dreamers Octavia is the de facto capital of the Morningstar Constellation
have staked out positions on both sides of the debate doesn’t help. and the most populous aerostat. It holds 500,000 people in a space
In the pro-terraforming vision, Morningstar, over the long term, half a kilometer in diameter at its widest, and over 600 meters
competes with the Planetary Consortium on its terms  —  ownership tall. Apartments here are tiny but well-designed, and the walkways
of a habitable planet. In the other, aerial-terraforming position, and bikeways never cease their bustle. The flight deck midway up
transhumans adapt to Venus, preserving and profiting from the Octavia’s “stem” and the spaceport atop its dome are the busiest
planet’s unique physical properties. Venus may be inhospitable, but on Venus. 55 kilometers below is Venus’s northern hemisphere.
it provides opportunities for science and industry found nowhere Roughly one day in four, Octavia is above Ishtar Terra, with its many
else in the Solar System. Several industries rely on Venus’s super- mining settlements  —  especially busy days for the city’s flight deck
heated, high pressure atmosphere  —  an environment that would no and refineries. Octavia is the seat of Morningstar’s government, a
longer exist if we terraformed the planet. And travel in the dense, force in culture and fashion, a competitive cloud diving destination,
energy-filled roil of the Venusian atmosphere is practically free for a refining center, and home base for over 40,000 drone operators.
those with the patience and navigational technology to sail its skies.
ORBITALS
AEROSTATS Most habitats in Venusian orbit circle the equator, part of a belt
Aerostats normally float 50–60 km above Venus’s surface. They of mostly autonomous solar plants, refineries, and manufactories.
move with the atmosphere, usually maintaining a fixed latitude Cylinders and toruses are the most common habitat type here, as

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
but circling the planet roughly every four days with the prevailing there are few asteroids to capture.
winds. Large aerostats are usually shaped like mushrooms or
inverted teardops. The wide, domed top usually has a lofty public Gerlach
plaza or atrium at its center. The empty space and abundant air Habitat Type: Cylinder
provide more buoyancy. Dwellings, work spaces, and public utilities Allegiance: Independent
line the outer walls and form narrow internal boundaries. Gerlach is a multi-module cylinder 1 kilometer in diameter and
Public spaces are beautiful, but private spaces are very compact. 4 kilometers long, with a population of 120,000. The inhabitants
Everything is made of strong, lightweight materials. In the largest have strong ties to the Argonauts, sympathies for the outer-system
aerostats, paths for bikes and scooters run parallel to the walkways. autonomists, and are strong proponents of morphological freedom
Otherwise, people get around on foot. At the bottom, the aerostat and cognitive experimentation. The habitat interior is known for
tapers to just an anchor point for a hanging counterweight that its nine pyramidal arcologies and verdant landscaping, making it
prevents the habitat capsizing in storms. one of the most desirable in the inner system. Each of the cylinder
To aid in keeping altitude, a large aerostat usually has three modules spins at different speeds, simulating different gravities so
or four propellers ringing its widest point. The propellers extend that those used to lighter gravs can acclimate to Venus's stronger
on short arms from the dome’s edge. Aerostats won’t sink to the pull. Gerlach's residents voted to secede from the Consortium but
surface unless both the interior gases are lost and the propellers are did not join Morningstar, preferring to keep their independence.
disabled. But an aerostat with disabled propellers may slowly sink
to an altitude where the temperature outside the habitat is too high SURFACE HABS
for unsuited transhumans to survive. Surface habitats are few on Venus. Bunker-like and always at high
Smaller aerostats come in a wide variety of plans: cigar-shaped altitude, most inhabitants are drone controllers, technicians, and
habitat modules with long outriggers on either side to keep balance, engineers. The populations are young, there to put in service and
upright cylinders surrounded by concentric rings of gas bags, and make money, and bored as fuck in their off hours. Local culture
clouds of spherical modules linked together by structural tubes. tends to be escapist, eccentric, and in some cases borderline scum
Thousands of the smallest “aerostats” are little more than auton- barge-esque.
omous blimps dropped by larger aerostats that carry radio relay
equipment, weather sensors, and the like. Demon
Habitat Type: Tin Can
Aphrodite Prime Allegiance: Morningstar Constellation
Habitat Type: Aerostat The largest outpost in the Maxwell Montes peaks of Ishtar Terra,
Allegiance: Morningstar Constellation Demon’s town sigil is a petroglyph of a demon opening a trap door.
Home to 300,000, Aphrodite Prime is a center for tourism. It is The inhabitants are all under 50 and cashing in big on working
home to a number of genegineering hypercorps and the vast 16-hour days jacked in to various mining bots. They spend the other
Aphrodite Aviary, a sphere in the habitat's base. Here the proponents 14 hours of each cycle fighting, fucking, and getting high as shit in a
of the Aerial Terraforming Initiative showcase their latest designs sprawling underground base that previous occupants with too much
for life forms that could live and thrive in the upper Venusian time and fabber access on their hands have decorated to look like
atmosphere: aerial kelp, flying mantas, balloon fish, and float ferns. Satan’s bordello.

Venus • Aerostats–Surface Habs

¾179
 Hexagon
EARTH AND EARTH ORBIT Habitat Type/Orbit: Modified Torus/Earth-Luna L5
Posted by: Eludere INFO MSG REP Allegiance: Planetary Consortium (Direct Action)
This fortress uneasily shares the Earth-Luna L5 point with Fresh
The former shining beacon of transhumanity is now the grungy, Kills. Direct Action’s weapons-testing and training facilities reside
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

dangerous ghetto where you wonder how things deteriorated so badly on Hexagon and the company develops most of the Consortium’s
and fear for your safety. latest military advances here. In addition to combat morphs and
weapon engineers, the habitat boasts one of the most impressive
EARTH ORBIT sensor systems in the inner system, mostly pointed at all times
During the Fall, infugees flooded any habitat or satellite willing to towards Earth and its sealed-away dangers.
accept their transfer. Refugees fled on anything that could be sealed
tight and strapped to a rocket. Dozens of emergency habitats were Paradise
constructed or inflated, and many are still in use. Habitat Type/Orbit: Torus/Earth-Sun L1
Roughly three million still live in Earth’s orbit, surviving in the Allegiance: Planetary Consortium
shadow of transhumanity’s abandoned home. Many cling to old-Earth Once a sun-drenched resort for the rich trendsetters of Earth,
identities out of sheer stubborn cussedness. Bioconservative and Paradise was overwhelmed with refugees during the Fall, leading
reclaimer memes are common, as are old-Earth rivalries, so visitors to the habitat losing most of its shine and glitter to semi-permanent
would be wise to study their history before trying to blend in. While emergency camps. Recently Paradise has regained some of the old
infomorphs and synthmorphs are the most common morphs in orbit, reputation, at the rumored cost of forcible relocation of less-fortu-
they still face challenges including economic hardship, quarantine, nate residents. Increases in security have led to more rumors that
indentured servitude, and discrimination. Paradise is the secret face-to-face meeting ground for the Hypercorp
There are hundreds of small habitats in orbit, some with residents Council for matters requiring more secure communication.
and some long abandoned. Tin-can stations, clusters, toruses, and
cylinders are all common. Remembrance
Habitat Type/Orbit: O’Neill Cylinder/Earth-Luna L4
The Fence Allegiance: Lunar-Lagrange Alliance
With the TITANs an ever-present risk of escaping the planet, The largest station near Earth, Remembrance is capital to the Lunar-
someone had to make an effort to keep them bottled up where they Lagrange Alliance. Two thirty-five-kilometer counter-rotating
couldn’t harm the survivors. That’s what the Fence is for. No one has cylinders provide living and working space for over two million resi-
claimed responsibility for setting up the blockade, but the assump- dents. One cylinder is overcrowded and barely functioning, while
tion is that the Consortium supports and maintains it. the other provides healthy living for Remembrance elites and LLA
Over two-thousand satellites in low Earth orbit, ranging in size officials. Remembrance is led by Mayor Nandi Setsin, a passionate
from sensor platforms to micro- and nano-satellites, monitor and reclaimer known for her abrasive leadership style and slick ability
take down anything coming into or trying to leave the kill zone to avoid corruption convictions. Her rocky partnership with LLA
(300–350 kilometers altitude). Signal jammers hose digital commu- President Avra Don has proven beneficial to them both.
nications. Smart mines lurk, ready to swarm anything that moves,
while hunter-killer drones catch anything that slips past. The Fence Vo Nguyen
is equipped with almost every weapon imaginable: lasers, railguns, Habitat Type/Orbit: O’Neill Cylinder/GEO Orbit
antimatter missiles  —  even old-fashioned nukes. Allegiance: Lunar-Lagrange Alliance
Led by Tate Markess, the Executive Director of the Earth
The Junkyard Reclamation Project and spokesperson for the reclaimer move-
Leftover rockets, screws, screwdrivers, boosters, and other junk ment, Vo Nguyen is a reclaimer stronghold and launching point
form a thick ring around the planet called the Junkyard. The drifting for reclaimer activism and missions to Earth. Disagreements over
scrap is a dumping ground for the locals; the debris is either safely mission approaches pit tech-savvy reclaimers against neo-primi-
burned up in atmosphere or more likely destroyed by the weapons tivist. The station is secured against outside threats behind a cloud
platforms surrounding the planet. of space debris and killsats, but internal conflicts may get them all
Pre-Fall and post-Fall parts can be found in the Junkyard, ready killed anyway if violence escalates.
to be pried out of discarded ships and sold. More exotic finds can
be salvaged, including the remains of refugees, experimental tech- EARTH
nology, or Earth relics lost during the Fall. Major cities across the globe were wiped clean during the Fall by
nukes, orbital strikes, and antimatter weapons. Some craters and
Fresh Kills scars are even visible from orbit, such as the glassy patch that used
Habitat Type/Orbit: Cluster/Earth-Luna L5 to be Chicago. Mass drivers scattered pockmarks across the planet,
Allegiance: Scum following the path of TITAN advances and factories. Mid-Fall, the
Generously calling itself a “reclamation center,” Fresh Kills is owned Pacific space elevator came down, snaking across eastern Asia and
and operated by Sugali Ali. Several thousand residents follow the leaving a deep gorge in its wake across the continent. Nuclear winter
direction of their four-armed “Pirate King” to provide a semi-secure has left Europe buried under snowdrifts and glaciers, while Africa is
base for salvage work in orbit. Don’t travel alone on this habitat. a parched landscape of deserts and firestorms. Massive nanoswarm
Tensions with nearby Hexagon make ships approach cautiously to clouds create weird local weather distortions from hail to tornadoes.
avoid startling either well-armed habitat into aggression. Ash clouds still linger, coating the landscape.

180¹ Earth and Earth Orbit • Earth Orbit–Earth

Getting to Earth are common, and getting around a city involves as much climbing
The Junkyard provides good cover for approaching the Fence, but and rappelling as it does walking. While most sites hit by nuclear
just making a run for it is a good way to get splattered. The smarter weapons have cooled enough for fallout to be negligible, check to be
way is to map the fence for areas where mines haven’t regenerated sure. And without the protection of an ozone layer, clear skies risk
or where a large patch of de-orbiting debris can provide cover from sunburn within minutes of exposure.
sensors. Drones carrying nanofabbers and neutrino transceivers
can slip into these gaps, with the intent of printing out a morph Residents
you can egocast into. Small, heavily shielded ships have a chance if Stalking through the ruins are other dangers. TITAN war machines
they coast on momentum to avoid attention. Other options include still lurk, following their encoded directions to stalk new victims.
a distraction to occupy the killsats or camouflaging your ship/bot as Headhunters and fractals remain passive until new targets are
one of the Fence's own service drones. detected. Nanoswarms resembling fog banks roam aimlessly for
The Kilimanjaro space elevator is still in place though powered organic matter to flank and dissolve.
down, if a team has the fortitude to reopen that tomb. Lunar mass There are thousands of exsurgents left behind as well. The victims
drivers are still programmed to rain death from orbit at any possible of genetic and viral manipulation, bodies, minds, or both are
sites of TITAN activity. Their payloads always make it to the surface, warped far from being recognizable as transhuman. Many remain
so hitching a ride is feasible, but the landing is rough and may be in at sites of old TITAN activity, continuing the tasks they were set to
the center of TITAN activity. when the TITANs left. Entire cities of TITAN puppets — transhu-
Getting back off the planet is more difficult. For that, egocasting mans with hacked and subverted minds — go about their business,
is recommended, but if physical transport is required, there are or pretend to be survivors to lure in the unwary.
scavengers and reclaimers that make irregular runs to the surface If TITAN machines and exsurgents have survived the changes
that can be convinced to help out. of Earth’s surface, so have the scrappiest representatives of transhu-
manity. Close observation can detect pockets of heat and infrared
Exploring Earth radiation that don’t match known TITAN sources. These spots of

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
The discarded trappings of transhumanity can be found at every hope are tucked into the Ozark caves and abandoned mine shafts
turn, abandoned in haste. Half-burnt cities, roads reclaimed by of southern Appalachia, the highlands of Papua and New Guinea,
plant life, freeways packed with fleeing vehicles that never made peeping past the trees of Vietnam and Laos, the caves of the Swiss
it. Everywhere you find the skeletons and flash-burned outlines of Alps, warm spots underwater near where the Philippines used to be,
the dead. Everything on the planet suffered in the wake of TITAN and off the coast of Madagascar. Some of these may be bait to lure
machines and nuclear attacks, so most animal life is absent too. victims, but others may be signs of surviving transhumanity. And,
Treasures may be found in the ruins, but explorers must be alert of course, many survivors remain frozen in cryogenic facilities or
for environmental dangers. Sinkholes and collapsing infrastructure stored away in digital form, awaiting rescue and revival.

Earth and Earth Orbit • Earth–Earth

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 LUNA
to the Lunar surface from Selene, its primary orbital station. The
skyhook’s base is a tracked platform that circumnavigates Luna’s
Source: Inner System Précis LINK surface. Loading stations along the track facilitate the on- and
off-loading of cargo and passengers between Luna and orbit.
Luna more closely embodies the values of pre-Fall transhumanity
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

than any other community. This is unsurprising given its status as LUNAR ATTITUDES
the first planetary body to be permanently inhabited. At present, Generalizations of Lunars as paranoid and insular are rooted in
Luna is home to forty million transhumans, many of whom live some truth. These attitudes are perhaps understandable in light of
in cramped conditions and economic deprivation. Luna’s original the tremendous damage inflicted upon Luna during the Fall. The
settlements were never viewed as economically viable colonies and infection of the New Mumbai colony by an exsurgent virus, its
were constructed for a fraction of their current population. During immediate prophylactic neutralization via two fusion bombs, and
the Fall, Earth’s moon became the primary destination for refugees the subsequent establishment of the New Mumbai Containment
fleeing certain death. While the majority of these displaced people Zone left deep scars in the collective psyche of the Lunar people.
ultimately moved on to more hospitable locales, Luna’s permanent Furthermore, the inhabitants of Luna need merely look up from the
population swelled. surface to see the smoldering remains of transhumanity’s home.
The pressures of overpopulation on Luna are further complicated It is arguably a result of these traumas that Luna remains one of
by an enormous disparity of wealth distribution, cultural tradition- the most politically and economically powerful places in the Solar
alism, and insularity among communities. Many cities and habitats System. While Luna has no central government, the majority of its
retain strong ethnocentric values. While open bigotry is rare and population live in settlements governed by the Lunar-Lagrange
widely frowned upon, tensions undeniably exist different cultural Alliance. The remainder are controlled by the Planetary Consortium
enclaves and between biological residents and the clanking masses. or live in a few independent settlements. By and large, Lunars live
in relatively traditional governmental systems such as democracies,
LUNAR LIVING republics, or under corporate rule. The LLA Council’s primary
By the standards of most other settled moons and planets in governmental concern beyond the base necessities of habitation
the system, Luna is an inhospitable place with extraordinarily maintenance and sustenance is in regards to the restriction of
low gravity, bereft of both atmosphere and magnetosphere. potentially dangerous technology. These restrictions make Luna a
Consequently, the majority of habitats are constructed using extinct less-than-welcoming location for many hypercorps and contribute
lava tubes and cave systems as their foundational excavations. A few to its increasing stagnation despite its wealth.
surface settlements do exist (partly buried under regolith for protec-
tion from cosmic rays), but these are inhabited almost exclusively by LUNAR CRIME
impoverished synthmorph communities. Luna's prevalent economic hardship has made criminal activity
The real measure of wealth on Luna is in its scarcest commodity: particularly attractive. Numerous criminal syndicates maintain a
living space. The truly rich live in enormous cavern-villas, hewn presence on Luna, relying on local organized gangs for their oper-
from Luna’s regolith or rock, afforded with panoramic views of ations. The manufacture and smuggling of proscribed nanotech-
space or Earth via bay windows. But these dwellings are rare, nology is alarmingly common in hidden cavern systems, and Luna’s
unthinkably expensive, and even more infuriating to the underpriv- low escape velocity makes smuggling both easy and lucrative. It is
ileged than might be expected elsewhere in the system. The average also believed that a number of reclaimer groups utilize Luna’s prox-
Lunar can afford only a few cubic meters of personal living space, imity to Earth and have established bases of operation in secluded
and many choose to cohabitate in small groups to save on expenses. regions of the Lunar landscape with the aid of disgruntled surface-
Luna’s settlements are only slowly expanding, and the vast number dwelling synths. Affluent Lunars point to these activities as further
of refugees from the Fall leave them still brutally overcrowded. evidence of the undesirable ethics of the synthmorph population.
Most of the Lunar poor were sleeved in cheap case synthmorphs
in the aftermath of the Fall and remain heavily indebted. Tens of LUNAR HABITATS
thousands have nowhere else to live but roughly finished tunnel Luna is host to dozens of settlements and orbital habitats, but five
complexes that are equipped with light and electricity but not yet major locales dominate its economy and politics.
vacuum sealed.
Erato
LUNAR TRAVEL Habitat Type: Subsurface
Travel between settlements is primarily made by rocket-powered Allegiance: Lunar-Lagrange Alliance
vehicles, or even personal rocket packs. The lack of air resistance Erato is Luna’s oldest and largest mining settlement, but the smallest
makes rockets extremely efficient modes of transportation. A of its three cities. Its population of approximately five million live
network of maglev-tracked, high-speed, subsurface shuttle lines is in what is widely considered the most beautiful and expansive
currently being expanded. At present, subshuttles service all of the spaces on Luna. Erato’s central hub is a vast cavern excavated before
major cities and adjacent settlements but they have not yet been the Fall and is the largest open space anywhere beneath the Lunar
networked between major hubs. Connecting lines are expected to surface. The city features numerous open parks and glider facilities
be fully integrated within two years. for aerial sports taking advantage of the low Lunar gravity. Mirrors
Luna’s surface is dominated by one of the most impressive feats direct sunlight down from the surface to the city's verdant parks
of engineering to be found anywhere  —  the skyhook. This tether and bamboo groves. Erato is the most affluent of the large Lunar
comprised of four bundled carbon-nanotube cables dangles down settlements and few synthmorphs can afford to live here.

182¹ Luna • Lunar Living–Lunar Habitats

 SYSTEM GAZETTEER
Mitre Selene
Habitat Type: Cluster Habitat Type: Torus
Allegiance: Argonauts Allegiance: Planetary Consortium
Mitre, a cluster station in Lunar orbit operated by Argonauts, is Selene is a vast torus station centered around a massive sphere
principally used for their independent and open-source research that provides the orbital anchor of Luna’s skyhook. Home to
projects. Its archives are renowned as the premier repository of over three million transhumans, Selene is controlled by the
public information on Luna, TITAN activities, genetics, and astro- Planetary Consortium, a fact that rankles the LLA, who feel it
physics. Mitre is also home to Radio Argosy, the Argonauts’ non-stop gives the Consortium a stranglehold over Lunar affairs. Selene is
neutrino transmission broadcast, which freely provides open-source an important hub of business and diplomacy for the entire inner
nanofab blueprints, uncensored news, and technoprogressive propa- system. Titan, Extropia, and the Jovian Republic all maintain diplo-
ganda. Mitre's archives and broadcasts are often filtered, censored, matic enclaves and facilities here. They have recently been joined by
and hacked over intellectual property violations. a small delegation from the Morningstar Constellation.

Nectar Shackle
Habitat Type: Subsurface Habitat Type: Subsurface
Allegiance: Planetary Consortium Allegiance: Lunar-Lagrange Alliance
As the largest city on Luna, Nectar is also its most cosmopolitan. Built beside the small but critical ice deposits of the south pole,
As a Consortium holding, more off-worlders make their homes Shackle is the most important city on Luna. The city was established
in Nectar than in all other Lunar cities combined. Nectar actually in a series of relatively small caverns connected by tunnels. One
consists of two cities. Old Nectar is a traditional Lunar settlement of these tunnels contains a series of eight heavily guarded and
of tunnels and caves. New Nectar, located approximately three monitored caverns, which contain the Lunar ice reserves. Enough
kilometers from the old city, is a feat of incredible engineering. It is water is stored here to offset thirty-five years of recycling losses for
built in the kilometer-wide crater of a fully controlled plasma explo- all of Luna and a surfeit to cover any catastrophic loss of water to
sion beneath the surface. The new city was completed only eleven any Lunar city.
months ago, and in that time almost a third of the inhabitants of Founded by a consortium of hypercorps with heavy involvement
the old city have moved into the new city, now referred to simply from the pre-Fall Indian government, Shackle remains the largest
as Nectar. It is a beautiful city with lush gardens, but it has done center of Indian culture in the Solar System. The canals of the cavern
little to ameliorate overpopulation as was intended, and tensions of New Varanasi hold as much importance to the Hindu faith as the
between economic classes are growing by the day. Due to its prox- River Ganges did on Earth.
imity to the equator, Nectar lies on the skyhook's pickup path.

Luna • Lunar Habitats

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SYSTEM GAZETTEER

We’ve also got complex flyways in every major city, accompanied

MARS
by a few main arterials in between. Flyways are relaxed in open
country. It’s a necessity to let drivers react swiftly to a big dust storm.
Posted by: Fazzat, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP There are traditional highways for ground vehicles, too, but these are
slower and more dangerous ways to get around, especially if you’re
Mars. We say it in the same way people used to say “Earth.” It’s passing through territory undergoing an eminent-domain dispute.
our home now. At least it’s home for me and two-hundred million
other transhumans. We flooded into Mars after the Fall, the only POWDER KEG
place with enough room and a barely habitable environment for All this progress doesn’t come easy. Being the new beating heart of
our entire extinction-fleeing species. Mars won’t be finished for transhumanity means the Planetary Consortium thinks it owns the
hundreds of years, but the promise of fresh air and open water and place. They’re trying to bring terraforming under central control
real freedom is more real everyday. It’s a place worth fighting for. with their Red Eden Project. That sounds great until your personal
hab and agricultural plots are in the dead center of a designated
TERRAFORMING comet impact zone and they’re claiming eminent domain and
Long before the Exodus, Mars had been the focus of massive terra- offering you a quarter of the value of your land.
forming projects, largely funded by Chinese nationals and hyper- Things are getting rough out in the hinterlands. Hell, it’s rough
corps. They had begun the first truly multigenerational scientific in the cities, too. You’ve got the richest, most aggressive hypercorps
endeavor in history  —  the transformation of an alien world into one in the system eager to get their piece of the pie  —  some of which
hospitable to transhuman life. Nanoswarms blacken the ground of will be beachfront property in a century or two . They're  coming
the Martian equator to raise the albedo and heat the planet. Comets up against several million pissed off settlers, nomads, and inden-
crash down in a controlled manner to raise temps and spread tures who think they’ve got just as much right to the world they’re
water vapor. Engineered lifeforms are introduced and tweaked as making possible as the handful of people who paid for it. That’s the
our fragile ecosystem starts to grow (ask me about the year I spent Barsoomian Movement and, let me tell you, brother, if you aren’t
planting waterbears in Argryre Plantitia). Scumyards ceaselessly down with B you don’t want to know me.
emit methane to thicken and warm the atmosphere. They've
deployed a magnetic shield at the Sol-Mars L1 point to help retain MARTIAN SETTLEMENTS
atmosphere and are also talking orbital mirror arrays. But even after The habs where you’re most likely to find what you’re looking for.
decades of progress, Mars is frigid and light in atmosphere. We’re
getting there, but it’s still harsh and wild and beautiful, and you Elysium
better have a ruster or other adapted morph if you’re gonna spend Habitat Type: Dome
much time outside of the dome cities and tin-can habs. Allegiance: Planetary Consortium
Elysium is built into the floor and walls of the Hyblaeus Chasma
MARTIAN TRAVEL fissure, ten kilometers across at its widest point. The canyon rim is
Getting around’s getting easier, we’ve got the best rail line in the covered in a vast arc of thick panes of glass and water styled like
system. All of the cities and major settlements are connected by rail, Victorian ironwork. These are supported by massive pillars that reach
even out in the hinterlands. An awful lot of settlers owe their liveli- all the way to the chasm floor. Beauty is the core value of Elyisum’s
hoods to it. Freight and passengers are ferried around at speeds up to population, and entertainment is its core business. Ruled by the
400 kph, which means even the long trek from Valles-New Shanghai hyperelite Oaxaca-Maartens family (though they have a puppet mayor
to the space elevator at Pavonis Mons is only about 13 hours. and government), Elysium is where you go to make it big in entertain-
ment of any kind, and where you wash up hard if you fail.

184¹ Mars • Terraforming–Martian Settlements

Noctis-Qianjiao Valles-New Shanghai
Habitat Type: Dome Habitat Type: Dome

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
Allegiance: Planetary Consortium Allegiance: Planetary Consortium
On the other end of the spectrum is Noctis-Qianjiao, the metic- The city of Valles-New Shangai sits atop a mesa that will one day
ulously planned business center of Martian society. The city is be an island, when the sea eventually fills the vast basin of Eos.
comprised of two domes, divided by the River Noctis and connected Thirty-seven million people call the five domes of this city home,
by huge bridges and conglomerations of souks. The bridges aren’t making this the largest gathering of transhumanity anywhere
just infrastructure, they’re neighborhoods packed with thousands since the Fall. Almost every group of peoples that survived the
of homes and businesses. Noctis City is the larger dome and holds Fall can be found here, speaking in every language that survived
just over half the population. The TTO maintains its largest offices with them. Indentures are omnipresent and almost half the popu-
here. Across the river is Qianjiao, home to the city’s major academic lation is serving out their contract or hustling to get by in sub-par
institutions. Of Mars's major cities, Noctis-Qianjiao is closest to the clanking synths and pods. Still, there’s hope that so many of us
Martian Gate, Pathfinder City, and Pavonis space elevator. It’s a long have survived.
way, but a lot of research ends up in Noctis for assessment. The New Shanghai dome is an impressive temple of excess, home
to the Tharsis League's central administration, embassies and arcol-
Pavonis ogies, and an authentic recreation of the Bund, the waterfront of
Habitat Type: Dome/Tin Can the original Shanghai on Earth. Little Shanghai is a hub of crime
Allegiance: Planetary Consortium and desperation. Valles Center, New Pittsburgh, and Nytrondheim
Pavonis Mons may not be the center of Martian life anymore, but teem with business, manufacturing, and every type of conceivable
it’s still an iconic location. It rises fourteen kilometers high, though entertainment. Covered souks connect the domes together, packed
it's still dwarfed by its sister volcanoes, Arsia and Ascraeus, and the with bazaars, food stands, and squats.
distant Olympus Mons. The city of Pavonis is cradled in its caldera
and was the first principal settlement on Mars. It sprang up around THE MARTIAN TROJANS
the space elevator, still a vital piece of Martian infrastructure, but Less dramatic than the other places I’ve mentioned, and often
as the rest of the planet became more habitable, the citizenry forgotten, are the Martian Trojans. This small group of rocky aster-
moved on, leaving it a ghost town. The outskirts are some of the oids trails and precedes Mars in orbit. A number of brinker and
poorest areas on Mars and occasional outbreaks of wild artificials hypercorp habs are found here.
(feral robots) make this a grim place to live. Proximity to the TITAN
Quarantine Zone doesn’t make Pavonis any more desirable. Qing Long
Habitat Type: Cylinder
Progress Allegiance: Triads
Habitat Type: Cylinder Qing Long (Azure Dragon) is the largest cylinder in the Solar System,
Allegiance: Planetary Consortium home to 2 million people, and also one of the oldest. Founded as
Progress was carved out of the moon formerly called Deimos. Home part of the Chinese effort to colonize Mars, Qing Long is now an
to the headquarters of the Planetary Consortium, Progress is a independent habitat with a transitional economy. In reality, the
crowded place of government and high-level hypercorp business. habitat is a notorious criminal haven with its administration
All of the major hypercorps have offices here. The architecture is a beholden to the triads. Though the14K triad is dominant, other
cross between an expensive mall and the most soulless corp facility cartels also have a presence, and they cooperate just enough to
you’ve ever imagined. maintain a thriving grey and black market.

Mars • The Martian Trojans

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 THE MAIN BELT
While there are tons of people and opportunities in the Main Belt,
the actual asteroids themselves aren’t as numerous as they look.
Posted by: Madge Zolversson, Ego Hunter INFO MSG REP Sure, if you look at the Main Belt from far away, it looks super dense,
but it’s actually mostly empty. The total mass of those 181 million
The Main Belt’s the kinda place you might get your morph hacked, kilometers only comprises about 1/1000th of Earth’s total mass. The
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

or all your credits stolen, or end up in debt slavery on Extropia, or most common asteroids are these cute little micrometeoroids that
at the bottom of a cortical stack pile on Legba. You might also make can totally punch holes in flimsy parts of your ship — or even your
a fortune selling morph mods illegal anywhere else, discover an own body! Isn’t that exciting?
asteroid with rich veins to mine, or you could just make a living Obviously, those little babies aren’t much use for mining. If you
tracking down all the criminals who come there to lay low  —  you’ll want to mine asteroids, you should go for asteroid families. Families
never run out of work! are groups that cluster together on similar orbital paths and they
Tens of thousands of asteroids make up the Main Belt between often have the same composition, so if one has a metal you want,
Jupiter and Mars. People like to call it a boundary between the inner the others might, too. The major families even have names, and
and outer system, but I like to think positive and see it as a place for people know them well enough that they can help navigation.
people from both to get to know each other. Radical autonomists
and super-rich old-economy capitalists can coexist with Extropians BELT STATIONS
and uplifted octopi, and they only sometimes try to kill each other. The biggest asteroids with the most stable orbits and rotations have
The Main Belt has no centralized authority and a diverse collection the primary settlements. I’ll give you some highlights.
of habitats, so just about everyone can find a place for themselves
if they look hard enough. Heck, a flagrant criminal on Vesta might Ceres [1 Ceres]
be an ideal citizen on Extropia. If you just really don’t like someone Habitat Types: Bathyscaphe, Subsurface, Tin Can
or you have contracts out on each of your organs, you can just go Allegiance: Extropian/Hidden Concern/Planetary Consortium
to a different asteroid. The Main Belt picks up people, things, and Like Jupiter’s moon Europa, the dwarf planet Ceres has an icy
information that fell by the wayside in the inner and outer systems. mantle one-hundred kilometers thick that covers an unfrozen ocean
I would say it’s like a gutter, but that sounds so rude. Maybe think of twenty kilometers deep. The –38 C surface temperature actually
it as a gutter with some exotic flowers growing in it. feels toasty compared to a typical asteroid, though. Most of the
colonies on Ceres are Extropian operations, so that means more

186¹ The Main Belt • Belt Stations–Belt Stations

contracts for everything. Aventine is the biggest surface settlement long. Proudhon Terrace holds the Mutual Credit Bank and associ-
on Ceres and it connects via a transcrustal elevator operation to ated mutualist co-ops, so autonomists tend to congregate there. The
Wujec, a bathyscaphe habitat with all kinds of aquatic uplifts and Shop is the place to go for hackers and techies, both for gear and
bioscience. Only workers live in Aventine, as the habitat's primary jobs. Vat City is home to Extropia’s vibrant body-mod community.
purpose is to function as a transit waystation and shipping hub. You can find the best bodysculpting studios and every conceivable
Aventine has so little happening that it becomes a bit charming and modification invented here. Lastly, V-Sector (the “V” is for “void”)
rustic. There is a mass driver to fire payloads to the Piazzi station provides a synthetics-only environment for powering down and
in geosynchronous orbit, I suppose. Nothing boring about firing getting repairs, free of air, food, and water.
packages with electromagnets into space! Piazzi’s just a refueling
station, so most of the packages are fuel, but it's also a smuggling Legba
hub for ships headed to restrictive polities. Habitat Type: Cluster
The Consortium has a presence here via the Prosperity Group, Allegiance: Nine Lives
which operates a half dozen habitats on Ceres. The biggest of those Don’t go to Legba. The Nine Lives cartel runs Legba, and they will
is Prosperpina, an undersea icicle where Prosperity Group manages happily throw you in one of their virtual slave colonies for kicks.
its aquafarming, drug development, hydroponics, and vat-cultured There’s one rule on Legba: you keep what you can carry. That rule
food operations. applies to your ego, so if you ever take a break to sleep or even get
The big open secret on Ceres is the uplifted octopi cartel, the a bit tipsy, get ready to make millions of new friends. Maybe they’ll
Hidden Concern. Whether through their legitimate business ties or stick you in a heavenly locked virtual mindscape and sell you to
their violent protection racketing, they insert their tentacles into just a voyeur. Or maybe they’ll just stuff your ego in a cold storage rig
about every part of life on Ceres. They even control all of the wells and forget about you. Or maybe they’ll just rip out your cortical
used for travel to and from the surface through their puppets, the stack and throw it in a warehouse with thousands of others. Those
Cerean Transcrustal Authority. I don’t blame them for all the trouble- monsters won’t even clean the blood off.
making. Uplifts have it rough, with all the prejudice. I just feel like

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
they could do well for themselves without stabbing so many people. Starwell
Habitat Type: Cluster/Torus
Extropia [44 Nysa] Allegiance: ExoTech
Habitat Type: Beehive ExoTech is one of those corps that just worms their way into your
Allegiance: Extropians life. The electronics you're holding? Name-brand ExoTech. Your last
Extropia is the big ol’ market-anarchist dreamland. Anything you backup? Run on an ExoTech ego bridge. Your muse? Programmed by
could think of two consenting sapients doing, they let you do. ExoTech engineers. Heck, if you're an AGI, ExoTech may be your last
There’s no government, police, or central authority. Extropy Now name. We're all locked into ExoTech proprietary software ecosystems,
owns the habitat and rents it out, but everything else is all based forced against our will into Morgan Sterling's ExoCult empire.
on contracts. Starwell is where ExoTech's magic happens. The station is
It gets complicated with all the contracts you have to sign. crammed with R&D labs and guarded like fortress. ExoTech claims
Security? Contract. Insurance? Contract. Medical care? Contract. they need to protect themselves from rivals and terrorists. To be fair,
Breathe the air? Contract! Legal help? That one’s actually a subscrip- bioconservatives have attacked the station over their AGI devel-
tion plan. No matter what, you should make sure you understand opment initiatives. ExoTech's enemies say the defenses are hiding
contract law before you sign anything — or get an ALI that does. ASI research. Maybe. You'd have to ask Sterling, he always keeps an
Extropia has so many attractions to visit! The Drag is a straight alpha fork on site.
shaft running the length of Extropia, which houses most of the big
businesses. At either end are massive bazaars, where you can find Vesta [4 Vesta]
just about everything that exists: electronics, drugs, information, Habitat Types: Beehive, Dome, Sphere
relics from Earth, weapons, and so on. Most of the electronics Allegiance: Hyperelite/Independent/Starware
I’ve bought on the Drag were super expensive, broke down quick, If you are in the Main Belt and want to go someplace with a slower
and weren’t actually what I thought I was buying. You have to go pace, I’d tell you to go to Vesta. Vesta is the second-most massive
searching the side tunnels to find the good stuff. asteroid in the Belt. The beehive and dome habitats spread out over
The rest of Extropia is twisting tunnels and warrens. The the asteroid are all part of a parliamentary cyberdemocracy that
wealthiest and most prestigious Extropians live in Bernoulli, a uses the transitional economy model. A few hypercorps  —  wanting
fluid environment that uses environmental nanoswarms to slowly to strike out on their own without Consortium oversight or
change over time. I saw a chamber of snow-covered crags slowly Extropian entanglements  —  work together to keep Vesta indepen-
transform into a carpet of red grass and perfectly spherical bushes dent. Starware’s main shipyard facility orbits Vesta Prime, making
over about a week. The Noodle holds the best chefs on Extropia and ships they sell to polities all over the Solar System.
some of the best restaurants in the Solar System. I prefer to stick A mysterious personage known locally as the Dweller bought out
to Evangeline’s Eats, a little food cart on the outskirts. She makes a a whole mining settlement in the Rheasilvia Crater on the asteroid’s
burger with exofungal truffle oil that’ll blow out your tastebuds. The South Pole and made it their own private habitat. I haven’t found
Pits holds people who just couldn’t pay their bills or who are wanted anyone that’s gotten past all the automated defenses to describe
for contract violations. They don’t get heat, plumbing, or even light what it’s like. Ships sometimes go in and out, but they avoid the rest
down there. Heck, some of the shafts are still active mines. It can of Vesta. All anyone can say with any reasonable certainty is that the
be kinda fun to try, but you probably don’t want to live down there Dweller’s super rich.

The Main Belt • Belt Stations

¾187
 Solano (Amalthea)
JUPITER Habitat Type: Reagan Cylinder
Posted by: Tio Silencio, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP Allegiance: Jovian Republic
Solano is considered the nicest of the Reagan cylinders. It’s a govern-
Understanding the Jovian system means understanding its size, ment and hypercorp research lab with a focus on military tech.
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

gravity, power, and impact. It is home to the Jovian Republic, with Access is strictly controlled by patrol ships and killsats. Despite the
the largest and strongest military presence among transumanity. high levels of security, there have been a handful of terrorist attacks
Much like Jupiter itself, the Republic's sheer might is both a on Solano. The Junta places the blame firmly on the Autonomist
measuring stick and a force that tugs on every corner of the system. Alliance and anarchist factions in the Jovian system. Whether this is
true, hawks within the Republic consider it a casus belli.
THE ANGRY GOD
Jupiter’s size surprises the first-time visitor, especially if you’re one Europa
of the lucky few who experiences approaching by spacecraft. It’s 11 Allegiance: Independent (Europan Parliament)
times the diameter of Earth but its day lasts slightly less than ten No briefing on Europa does it justice; the moon is best experienced
hours. Its colorful bands, ranging from white to brown to yellow, firsthand. Yes, there is native life under the ice. It evolved there for
are beautiful from a distance but hide churning winds and storms billions of years, completely independent of life on Earth. Scientists
unrivaled in the rest of the Solar System. These clouds are mostly have been studying this life since before the Fall, and it was from
hydrogen and helium with a few heavier trace elements; Jupiter those original science colonies that the Europan Parliament grew,
lacks the mass to become a star, but not the composition. an independent democracy entirely apart from the Junta. Europa
A faint ring system circles close to the planet, along with over 70 is a minor state compared to the Republic or the Consortium. It is
natural satellites, from tiny moonlets to worlds larger than Mercury. perfectly content to exist unmolested, though it maintains a minor
Jupiter’s immense magnetosphere hangs over our system like a shroud. protective militia.
It washes the Galilean moons, especially Io, with radiation levels so Europa sits deep within Jupiter’s magnetosphere; apart from a few
high that unshielded exposure kills within hours if not minutes. surface structures, everyone lives in massive bubble warrens carved
into the ice dozens of kilometers below the surface. Conamara
JOVIAN LIFE is the only major surface habitat; it acts as the elevator head for
Life in the Republic is a crucible that forges steel  —  or grinds a goods shipped to and from the oceans below. Tens of thousands
person to dust. The Fall taught us that transhumanity’s follies of Europans have fully embraced life in the cold, dense, saltwater
should not be repeated. The Seventeen-Minute War, the military oceans, sleeved in heavily modified biomorphs and synthmorphs.
conflict that left the Jovian system a smoking ruin, taught us that Europan culture is unique. Education and the sciences are highly
old-Earth power structures would dominate us without concern valued, and Europa has the highest rate of advanced degrees in the
for our own well-being. And the Consortium takeover of the inner Solar System. Undersea life has given rise to new sports, from races
system, along with the autonomist seizure of the rimward system, to aquatic orienteering.
taught us that we were the last hope for transhumanity’s survival.
We understand suffering. We know the need for protection, Ganymede
whether from our host planet’s radiation belts, the TITANs, or the Allegiance: Jovian Republic
insipid mistakes of the children around us. Life in the Republic is Ganymede is the largest moon in the Solar System — larger than
regimented, authoritarian, and safe if you follow the rules. Nowhere Mercury — and the largest population center in the Republic.
else in the Solar System can make this claim. Everything on or near Ganymede is a member or protectorate of the
The Republic does not control every habitat and settlement in the Republic. The moon is tidally locked, and while it isn’t as far inside
Jovian system. Europa and Callisto remain steadfastly independent, the magnetosphere as Io or Europa, an unprotected morph on the
and there are many smaller habs the Republic considers too incon- surface takes lethal doses of radiation in less than an hour. Most of
sequential to bother with. Still, access to these areas by physical its settlements are deep underground, buried in a honeycomb of
means is strictly regulated, especially for Republic citizens. caverns and tunnels that cut through the entire moon. A few dot the
surface, existing to service those deeper.
JOVIAN SETTLEMENTS The Castle is the Junta’s information and data repository. It’s an
Posted by: Zoe Elizabeth, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP open secret that this is where the Junta surveils its citizens. Non-AI
data analysts comb through mesh traffic, entertainment feeds,
Seventy million transhumans live within Jupiter’s influence. Carving security data, surveillance chatter, the latest XPorn, love letters, and
out settlements here is challenging, especially considering the Junta’s primary school art projects. Everything is tagged, classified, and
bioconservative policies restricting radiation-hardened morphs. The filed, censored where appropriate, and routed to the correct authori-
closer to the planet one gets, the harder it becomes to shield a hab ties. Entry is limited to a single shuttle on a single route: other ships
against radiation. On larger moons, stations are buried far under- are destroyed by killsat.
ground. Smaller moonlets are hollowed out into Reagan cylinders, Several habitats orbit Ganymede; the Holy See (or New Vatican)
spun for gravity, using their natural rock as buffers. It’s not without is the home of the Roman Catholic Church in exile. It’s a Reagan
reason that the rest of transhumanity considers them unsafe, unstable, cylinder upgraded to the point of opulence and houses many of
and worthless, unless you’re trying to pack a bunch of people into the artifacts the Church has rescued from Earth. It serves as school
one place and keep them under control. In other words  —  perfect for for biblical scholarship, a museum, and the de facto heart of post-
the Junta. Fall Christianity.

188¹ Jupiter • The Angry God–Jovian Settlements

 million refugees who found the Jovian Republic’s policies distasteful
or restrictive. In exchange for a synthetic morph, these transhumans
were expected to perform three years of military service and help
build the settlement. The powerful military city-state that grew from
this is independent, cosmopolitan, and proud. AGIs, uplifts, and
autonomists are welcomed here; citizenship is open to anyone who
serves in the military.
Hyoden’s embrace of technological advancements give it a
distinct advantage over the Republic. This makes Hyoden an
increasing threat in the Junta's eyes, but so far the city's layers of
missiles, killsats, and turrets have kept the Republic at bay.

THE JOVIAN TROJANS

Posted by: Hohmann Kontakt, Sentinel INFO MSG REP

The Trojan (and Greek) asteroids chug happily along at the

Sol-Jupiter L4 and L5 points. Most of the residents here are autono-
mists who want to be away from the Republic but also want a little
sunlight. Sprinkle in a few brinkers doing their own thing. Most of
‘em are perfectly fine and safe. Most. The sparseness and proximity
to the inner system makes this region an ideal hiding spot for
pirates and worse kinds of criminals too. Wander too far out of your
element and your skull is going to be decorating someone’s control

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
console. That’s why you need to be prepared.

Liberty Pirates
Habitat Type: Subsurface/Cluster Their Trojans an excellent base from which to launch pirate raids.
Allegiance: Jovian Republic Several of the most notorious pirates to plague the system, like
Liberty is the capital and largest city in the Jovian Republic. It’s a Margarita Shun and Reboot_Ex, keep hideouts here. They prey on
mix of deep factories and farms churning out the materials to keep loosely-guarded Republic shipping or automated hypercorp freighters
the Republic running, a government town where lobbyists and returning sunward. Carbon reaver gangs prefer to hit isolated mining
moralists compete for time with the Senate, and an authoritarian ouposts, grabbing the goods before they're shipped out. Pirates use
police state. People here wake up, go to work, come home, and keep sophisticated hit-and-fade tactics to cover their tracks. Some deploy
their heads down. top-of-the-line synthmorphs and ship weaponry, but most are more
Venture far enough into the outer tunnels and deep chambers of devious than well armed.
Liberty and the Junta's control recedes. These are, remarkably, some
of the poorest and most dangerous slums in the Solar System. Some Locus
areas are such a crime-ridden free-for-all that security forces refuse to Habitat Type: Nuestro Shell
enter; the Junta simply acts like the people there don’t exist. Allegiance: Anarchist
Liberty Station hangs in geosynchronous orbit over the city. A Locus is the largest cluster habitat ever created, spanning a
space elevator was planned to connect the two, but the project was jaw-dropping eleven-kilometer sphere with thousands of modules
abandoned when resources were redirected. The station is the main docked to its wings and spurs. At the center of the cluster floats the
shipyard for the Junta; the Space Force keeps a quarter of its fleet Amoeba, a giant sculpture that reshapes itself and changes colors.
here at any time, and the spiderweb-like arms and legs jutting out There is no government or police; tasks are performed by various
from the original asteroid supply hundreds of ships in various collectives and a volunteer militia responds to threats and anti-so-
stages of construction or refit. cial behavior. The "economy" is based on open nanofab access,
gifting, and rep favors, with the occasional barter.
Callisto Locus features everything from artist collectives to arms dealers
Allegiance: Independent/Jovian Republic and mining cooperatives. The Kanigawa Farms feeds the station’s
Callisto is the farthest Galilean moon from Jupiter and the farthest inhabitants. The Pill Box is a massive drug lab and party module,
from the Junta’s clutches. It’s a crater-pocked wasteland with little where you can experience the latest petals and substances that
going for it except its distance from Jupiter’s radiation belts. Several didn't exist yesterday. Rooktown is a cultural focal point for neo-cor-
city-states dot Callisto. The Republic claims them as protectorates, vids and mercurial activism. Various maker spaces and hack labs
but the city-states see themselves as independent. work closely with Exarchia, another Trojan hab that is a nexus for
autonomist hacktivism.
Hyoden Boister’s Armory, an anti-TITAN research facility, doubles as
Habitat Type: Subsurface station security, firing upon any would-be attacker. They work
Allegiance: Independent with other collectives for mutual defense of the cluster. Twice the
Prior to the Fall, Hyoden was a backwater with poor supplies and Consortium has attacked Locus, and twice Locus has repelled its
a massive labor shortage. The settlement accepted more than a would-be oppressors.

Jupiter • The Jovian Trojans

¾189
 SATURN
Things deteriorated, and the Extropians formed the Kronos Port
Authority (KPA), which brought in Ultimate mercenaries to enforce
Posted by: Isabella Dandolo, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP their rules. The Ultimates took over the KPA, and have now forced a
detente across the station.
The smaller of our system’s two gas giants is Jupiter’s cool sibling. Kronos is now a patchwork of armed neighborhoods. Tourists are
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

Everyone here is free: there’s no oppressive political bloc telling drawn to the vices offered, and the KPA makes bank on offering them
you how to run your life every minute of every day. There’s room protective services. The KPA runs a business license protection racket
to spare for its more than 80 million transhuman inhabitants, all to keep the gangs from getting out of hand. The anarchists keep to
of whom can express themselves as they see fit. There are major themselves, but sometimes conflicts flare up with neighboring groups.
centers of learning for those who want to expand their mind, phar-
maceuticals for the same, employment opportunities, space to hide, MeatHab
space to party, and space to live and love. Habitat Type: Biological
Saturn’s famous wide, thin rings stretch from 7,000 km above Allegiance: Independent
the top of its clouds to nearly 80,000 km. More than 60 moons and When post-Fall postmodernism is no longer enough, artists create
moonlets orbit Saturn, including Titan, the only satellite in the Solar projects like Turn Yourself Into a Giant Mass of Space Meat for Art!
System with a thick natural atmosphere. MeatHab is a living habitat made primarily of vat-grown bacon.
Originally intended to be temporary, it attracted a following of
THE RINGERS anarchists, scum, researchers, and weirdos that squatted the station
Saturn’s rings are the primary source of water in the system and to bask in the oddness of its veinous, skin-covered corridors. It has
a great place to go to be alone and contemplate the beauty of the even spawned its own religious cult, the Acolytes of Living Meat.
universe. Ringers forego habs and use vacuum-tolerant morphs to By all indications, the mysterious original designer is still present,
live here, going months without seeing anyone else. Some ringers occasionally playing pranks on its inhabitants.
are here to hide, but most are just solitary; they look out for each
other and protect each other's privacy. Pandora
Habitat Type: Beehive
GAS MINING Allegiance: Independent (Gatekeeper)
Mining the clouds is a major business. Contractors operate auto- Saturn’s outermost shepherd moon is also one of the most studied
mated skimmers or navigate harvester aerostats to extract methane and trafficked places in the Solar System. The site of the first
and ammonia from the top of the atmosphere. Deeper operations discovered pandora gate, Pandora has a single major settlement:
dip into Saturn’s depths to return with volatiles and helium-3. Gateway. Run by the Gatekeeper Corporation, once a subsidiary
Orbital refineries run by hypercorps like Volkov process the gases of the Commonwealth of Titan but now autonomous, Gateway is
and ship them to habitats around the system. the major hub between here and there. Almost every hypercorp and
government with any influence has representation here. This mix
SATURNIAN SETTLEMENTS makes the station a steaming cauldron of cultures, ideologies, hopes,
Saturn’s diversity expresses itself in many ways. The range of trans- dreams, and ruthless ambitions.
humans and cultures here is as beautiful as our planet’s rings. The scum barge Lost in Neverwhere is an excellent supply point
for sentinels who need to acquire discrete items. It maintains a
Bright (Tethys) semi-permanent orbit around the moonlet, moving only when
Habitat Type: Hamilton Cylinder station security gets sick of their antics.
Allegiance: Independent (Acumenic)
What happens when you stick genius-level egos together in a single Phelan’s Recourse
hab, provide for their basic needs, and turn them loose on whatever Habitat Type: Swarm
strikes their fancy? You get Bright, a joint hypercorp experiment Allegiance: Scum
in commodifying intelligence. Well, it was a joint project until Known colloquially as Phelan’s, this scum flotilla is a waystation
Acumenic pulled a hostile takeover, even pushing Cognite's project between Saturnian civilization and the wilderness beyond; a
lead out an airlock. Now Acumenic is struggling to assert control constant, free-wheeling party where you’re just as likely to find your-
over the station. At least one part of the habitat has been seized by a self blasted out an airlock as you are chasing a high with some of the
group of self-made sociopaths and closed off to outsiders. Bright is finest Fall refugees you’ll ever meet. While Phelan's is a fine place
housed on a work-in-progress Hamilton cylinder constructed from to pick up some of the greatest mind-altering substances you can
Tethys’ moon Telesto. ingest, its best export is Phelan’s Ma, hands-down the best whiskey
in the galaxy unless you happen to have a bottle of 21-year-old
Kronos Cluster PortWood Balvenie. Phelan's swarm cycles between Saturn's moons,
Habitat Type: Cluster making it an excellent place to score intel and make connections.
Allegiance: Independent (Anarchist/Criminal/Ultimate)
Kronos started as an Extropian and anarchist settlement made of Profunda (Enceladus)
tin-can modules and grew to the bursting point after the Fall, when Habitat Type: Beehive
it accepted hundreds of thousands of refugees from Earth. The orig- Allegiance: Extropian
inal settlers found themselves at odds with newly-formed criminal Profunda is the largest settlement on Enceladus and famous
syndicates, and Kronos became a hotbed of the quasi-legal and across the system. On-station government is nearly nonexistent;
morally questionable. business is conducted with Extropian legal contracts. The Profunda

190¹ Saturn • The Ringers–Saturnian Settlements

Corporation is the key interest in mining and refining operations, insufficient to grow any but the hardiest plants, the mostly nitrogen
but it is not the only game in town. Profunda, however, is best atmosphere is dangerously toxic, and the surface is dotted with
known for their premier genetic designers and morph artists. They lakes and seas of liquid methane. In spite of all this, abundant
create everything from custom morphs to neogenetic and chimeric hydrocarbons, a thick atmosphere, and diverse chemistry make
creatures like the winged smart cats popular around the Saturn Titan one of the few worlds in the system where colonists may rely
system. Profunda's Glitter Bloc dominates the market in luxury entirely on local resources. Titan's low gravity (0.138 g) makes it
morph models, providing sleeves to some of the most notorious easy to launch ships from the surface with mass drivers or catapults.
metacelebrities and socialites.
Aarhus
Salah Habitat Type: Dome
Habitat Type: Hamilton Cylinder Allegiance: Titanian Commonwealth
Allegiance: Independent (Contested) Aarhus is a European college town transplanted to three kilo-
Salah was conceived by the Al Thani family of Qatar, who heavily meter-wide hab domes on the shores of a serene lake of liquid
financed various efforts to expand into space. Originally intended hydrocarbons. 20% of Aarhus’s population is students, many of
as a grandiose display of wealth and power, Salah is now seen by them from off-world (and outside the Saturnian system), attending
many Muslims as an opportunity to bring the ummah together again one of its twelve institutes of higher learning. The largest is Titan
and give them a place of their own to call home. However, the Al Autonomous University, followed by the Titan Technical Institute,
Thani family is working hard to open Salah to Consortium hypercorps, both housed under the cleverly-named University City dome. In
offering them a foothold in the outer system. Already their designs the tradition of college towns since the middle ages, students and
have run counter to the community's wishes. faculty are proudly political, enjoy drinking, and partake in friendly
Salah is a place of faith and tolerance. While many of us follow school rivalries.
the teachings of the Prophet, a great many Hindus, some Christians,
and some Jewish refugees have been given quarter here. Salah was New Quebec

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
designed to inspire. Vast parks and green spaces combine with Habitat Type: Dome
architecture meant to emulate everything from the Hagia Sophia to Allegiance: Titanian Commonwealth
the Al Haram to Canterbury Cathedral. It is hard not to stand within Titan’s third-largest city is both charming and dangerous. It’s a
Salah and feel awe. wonderful place to spend a holiday, and its old-Canadian-inspired
architecture, gaming facilities, and four-star restaurants encourage
Twelve Commons (Epimetheus and Janus) tourism. It’s also the Commonwealth’s main hub of criminal activity,
Habitat Types: Beehive/Cluster/Spheroid/Torus with gangs fighting for control and a police force that seems
Allegiance: Anarchist woefully unequipped.
Twelve Commons is a neighborhood of habitats that reside on or Most visitors to New Quebec are perfectly safe. If, however, you
near the co-orbital path of the moonlets Epimetheus and Janus. were looking for underworld connections on Titan, needed some
There are now many more than twelve of the original anarchist extra muscle, or wanted to get your grubby little paws on something
collectives that formed Twelve Commons. The entire settlements iffy, then New Quebec is your best bet.
occupies a cloud spread out over 20,000 kilometers. It’s a refuge for
scientists, artists, engineers, and writers. Nyhavn
Notable communities include the Do-It-Yourself Shipyards, Habitat Type: Dome/Subcrustal
where the technicians and automated construction facilities delight Allegiance: Titanian Commonwealth
in taking your ship design from plans to reality; Janus Commons, The Commonwealth’s capital and largest city is Nyhavn, a series
a 900,000-person habitat full of research labs and experimental of four vast domes, skyward-pointing spires, and a spiderweb of
theater productions; Long Haul, a collective devoted to liberating tunnels bored into Titan’s crust. It’s the commercial, cultural, and
infugees and indentures and giving them new morphs; and Small industrial hub of Titan (and perhaps the Saturnian system).
Majesties, a collective of nano-artists. Nyhavn’s four main domes (Great Nyhavn, Telemark City, Old
Nyhavn, and New København) provide housing, recreation, educa-
TITAN tion, and services for the city’s residents. Vast parks merge seam-
Posted by: lessly with microcorp offices, industrial facilities, rail lines, and
Magnus Ming, Titan Autonomous University INFO MSG REP educational institutions. Skyport Nyhavn is Titan’s busiest space-
port, offering flights anywhere in the Solar System. Because the city
As transhumanity’s fate approached, scientists settled on Titan is situated on Titan’s equator, a space elevator is under construction
to study its unique lakes and rivers of liquid methane. Soon they on Mt. Kristiansund just south of the domes.
settled the moon with the dream of creating a place where all
transhumans could live free together. The Titanian Commonwealth, Commonwealth Hub
home to 60 million transhumans, is the realization of that dream. Habitat Type: Nuestro Shell
Saturn’s largest moon is shrouded in a permanent orange Allegiance: Titanian Commonwealth
atmospheric haze, hellishly cold (averaging –180 C), and whipped The Hub floats in geosynchronous orbit over Nyhavn. It is Titan’s
by winds produced by tidal forces four times stronger than those primary spaceport, with a massive fleet of orbital landers to shuttle
influencing Earth’s climate. On its face, it appears even less hospi- goods and people down to the surface. A recent shutdown of the
table than the airless balls of ice and rock comprising every world port's activities was blamed on improper imlementation of a soft-
between Titan and Mars. The meager sunlight reaching its surface is ware update, but rumors point to some sort of contained outbreak.

Saturn • Titan
¾191
 URANUS AND NEPTUNE
offices here, trading for volatiles. Visitors find Varuna either provin-
cial or charming.
Posted by: Maanika Kristoffson, Firewall Proxy INFO MSG REP Several independent and hypercorp-controlled science labs have
set up shop on Varuna, One major research project is an attempt to
Beyond Saturn’s orbit, the Solar System turns into a sparsely adapt pre-Fall Earth life to create oxygen-free biomes on gas giants.
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

populated wilderness with just a handful of large settlements and Success would open the colonizable area in the Solar System by
countless smaller ones. Uranus orbits at 10 AU beyond Saturn, and several magnitudes.
Neptune at 10 AU beyond that. The distances between stations
and delta-v required to reach them is enormous, growing larger by URANIAN MOONS
measures the farther you travel. Life in the rimward system is both Uranus has six significant satellites and several tiny moonlets in
fragile and self-sufficient. It’s a hodgepodge of brinkers, anarchists, increasingly eccentric orbits. The main moons orbit around the
romantics, scientists, and entrepreneurs — sometimes all combined. planet’s tilted equator, which means intercepting them from the
system’s elliptic takes a hell of a lot of fuel and skill. Most Uranian
THE ICE GIANTS moons are sparsely inhabited. Due to their inclination, the smaller
Uranus and Neptune are ice giants, comprised of water ice, methane, moonlets may be the last uninhabited places in the system.
and ammonia with rocky cores. The resources mined by skimmers
on both worlds are vital to life beyond Saturn, from the water that Oberon
keeps settlements alive to the volatiles used to fuel the freighters Allegiance: Anarchist
that plumb the outer trade routes. 8,000 of Oberon’s 10,000 inhabitants live in Chat Noir, a frontier
As the saying goes: it’s a cold, rough life, but it beats inner-system outpost run by a handful of anarchist collectives. It has advanced
bullshit. resleeving, egocasting, and manufacturing facilities, primarily to
service the Fissure Gate, the only pandora gate in anarchist control.
URANUS The gate’s discovery transformed Chat Noir from a backwater to a
Uranus has the distinction of hosting most of the civilized settle- boomtown overnight. So far, the Consortium has been unable to
ments beyond Saturn. It’s the last stop for comforts (and vices) take control of the gate from the anarchists, and Chat Noir’s security
before losing yourself in the final wilderness of Neptune and the keeps it that way.
Kuiper Belt. Most of transhumanity disregards Uranus as a boring The Cobweb is one of the premier farcasting facilities in the Solar
backwater not worth the fuel it takes to match its odd orbit. Their System, taking advantage of Oberon’s distant orbit from Uranus’s
loss. Uranus’s oddness, and that of its inhabitants, is precisely what interfering magnetosphere to egocast nearly anywhere. The facility
makes it beautiful. is mobile, crawling across Oberon’s surface on spiderlike legs to
From a distance, Uranus is a stunning, featureless greenish-blue. achieve maximum signal fidelity. The Chat Noir collectives control
It’s only when you get closer that you can appreciate the nuances in Cobweb and only those with a high enough @-rep can use it.
the clouds, the glittering ring fragments, and the jewel-like moons. The Consortium and various hypercorps, tired of dealing with
the anarchists’ security measures and Chat Noir’s lack of more
The Sideways luxurious amenities, have started prospecting to build a second
Uranus’s equator is inclined ~98 degrees to its orbit. Uranus’s magnetic spaceport on Oberon.
field is inclined ~60 degrees as well, though it’s far weaker than
Jupiter’s or Saturn’s, making life among the clouds a relative cakewalk. Titania
Orbital insertion around Uranus requires a short, furious burn that Allegiance: Anarchist/Brinker/Hypercorp
challenges even the best of pilots (who still require software assistance). Titania is synonymous with Xtreme sports, high-end holidays, and
It’s one of the reasons Uranus remains remote and largely unsettled. media glitz. It started as another autonomist prospector camp, until
bored kids began diving from Messina Chasma, one of the largest
Life Among the Clouds canyons in the system. Titania’s low gravity means the 0.5-kilometer
Uranus is perfect for supporting aerostats and the local culture of fall takes a full 51 seconds, and an elastic carbon-fiber cable allows
skimmers have turned harvesting volatiles into a cottage industry. easy return to the base.
Without strong radiation or winds, these aerostats bumble happily A few grainy videos hitting the mesh was all it took for media
along, converting Uranus into useful materials. They range in size hypercorps to leap on the commercial possibilities. Now the moon
from a few dozen people to single-person operations. is a resort for inner-system glitterati interested in frontier fun. Most
Skimmers like their privacy, but if you let them engage you in of Titania’s settlements ring Messina Chasma.
conversation, you'll be opening yourself up to dubious stories of The settlement Crossing is the de-facto Xtreme sports headquar-
derring-do, plausible tales of escaping the authorities, or yarns ters because it hosts the 5-kilometer bridge that crosses the canyon.
about shapes in the clouds. Nearly every skimmer has at least one It’s a classic rural resort town with surprisingly luxurious amenities,
story of a strange heat source, sighting of an off-record ship or aero- from its resleeving facility to its drinking, dining, and sex dens.
stat, or something even odder floating among the methane plumes.
Xiphos
Varuna Habitat Type: Hamilton Cylinder
Habitat Type: Aerostat Allegiance: Ultimates
Allegiance: Brinker At a length of 5.5 kilometers and diameter of 1 kilometer, Xiphos is
Varuna is Uranus’s only large aerostat. It’s run by an elected council one of the largest and best-apportioned habitats outside of the Main
and acts as a hub for skimmers. A few hypercorps maintain small Belt. It began its life as an O’Neill cylinder before Manu Bhattacharya

192¹ Uranus and Neptune • The Ice Giants–Uranian Moons

invested to upgrade it and tow it from Saturn to the Uranian rings. that call it home claim you’re smarter and more creative as soon as
It’s now a research and manufacturing facility where ultimate you enter thanks to their architectural protocols.
scientists develop advanced weaponized morphs and technologies. Glitch’s systems allow infomorphs to communicate incredible
Any attempt to reach Xiphos by unauthorized approach is met with amounts of information almost instantaneously with the entire
extreme and deadly resistance. locus. Egos arriving on Glitch tend to either leave right away or
What most outsiders know of Xiphos comes from their annual, become permanent residents; those who stay and leave later say
three-day Olympics events. Held in the Greek tradition, these disconnecting from the locus is terrifying.
games are broadcast across the mesh, but entrance is limited only to
Ultimates who can afford the high-end morphs they’re showing off. Mahogany
Station Type: Cylinder
NEPTUNE Allegiance: Mercurial
Posted by: Mahogany was founded on the principle that uplifts and AGIs didn’t
Sutton Wollenbacher, Firewall Sentinel INFO MSG REP require human intervention. It’s now an inspiration for other mercu-
rial colonies, but Mahogany’s autonomy doesn’t mean isolation. Its
Cold, dark, and beautiful. That’s Neptune. I relocated here 5 years residents actively participate in system-wide scientific research,
ago and haven’t looked back. We’re so far away that the rest of the political activism, and media production. Mohagonans are most
system might as well not exist. Farcasting here is expensive, and concerned with helping mercurials avoid persecution and establish
arriving by ship is expensive and takes years. The planet itself is new communities.
several shades of dark blue, and the highest winds in the Solar
System batter anyone who tries to descend into its clouds. Afrik
Habitat Type: Torus
Neptunian Culture Allegiance: Independent/Mercurial
There’s two reasons to come to Neptune: to escape or to start over. Afrik is an attempt by mercurials to create a thriving, pre-Fall

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
The entire Neptunian system is home to barely 100,000 people. African ecosystem on a Torus hab around Triton. Unfortunately
Here you are valued more for what you do than what you’ve done. it never had the funding to fully realize its vision. The scientists
Whether you’re running from the law, from obligations, or from running Afrik filled holes in the ecosystem using gene splicing,
some jealous partner you pissed off — no one here cares. nanofabrication, and borrowed xenobiology. It’s worth visiting if
There’s your odd tourist, Xtreme sports enthusiast, or researcher only for its uniqueness, but understand that it is not a zoo.
too. My favorites are the prospectors, looking for a gate. “Gates at
Mars, Saturn, Uranus, and Eris! There must be a gate at Neptune!” NEPTUNIAN TROJANS
Not yet, but it won’t stop the cowboys from trying. Posted by: Adam Mooliee, Firewall Sentinel INFO MSG REP
Most Neptunian life is concentrated on the planet’s moons or on
the few habs that circle the ice giant. Except for the handful of known By the numbers, there are more Neptunian Trojans asteroids than
aerostats floating around in Neptune’s 2,000 kph winds, that is. Jovian. Most aren’t larger than 10 km across and aren’t worth a damn
in terms of minerals or volatiles, but they make a dandy place to hide.
Mushroom They’re home to tiny, scattered communities of brinkers, survivalists,
Habitat Type: Aerostat and other eccentrics; most stations house 500 transhumans or less.
Allegiance: Brinker
The brinkers on Mushroom embody the term paranoid: egocasting Hawking
from a handful of trusted stations is the only way in. If you try to Habitat Type: Beehive/Cluster
approach by ship, your molecules join Neptune’s beautiful swirling Allegiance: Independent (Hypercorp)
clouds. Once aboard, you’re held in psychosurgery until they deter- Hawking is a hypercorps skunkworks facility. The local brinkers
mine why you’re there. If they don’t like the reason, you’re ‘cast off. avoid it; ships that get too close are warned once and then fired upon
Mushroom is one of the few places to get an up-close look at with prejudice. ExoTech’s Morgan Sterling is supposedly one of the
Neptune’s roiling clouds and weather, but little research happens facility’s investors. Its research involves theoretical space drives. On
here. There are no radio or mesh transmissions allowed out; anyone the upside, Hawking’s remote location means any physics "mistakes"
found attempting to do so is exiled. The stat uses a few strategically probably won’t hurt the rest of the system. Probably.
placed repeater satellites to receive transmissions, so the inhabi-
tants at least stay up on current events and sports scores. Ilmarinen
Who’s footing the bill for this little venture and why? Ask any Habitat Type: Beehive/Cluster
Neptunian about Mushroom and you’ll get a shrug and a quick Allegiance: Anarchist/Brinker/Argonaut
change of subject. Ilmarinen is a celebration of the cold and vacuum of space. Every
Supposedly there’s a habitat called Jaques even deeper than available morph has substantial environmental tolerance upgrades.
Mushroom. I don’t think it exists. The station’s residents freely mix and mingle with the chill and
vacuum of the void beyond their walls. Areas containing plants and
Glitch precious possessions have strict environmental controls; the rest of
Habitat Type: Processor Locus the hab can depressurize or drop drastically in temperature at any
Allegiance: Independent/Mercurial time. The station is a haven for engineers, designers, and techies
Glitch is the largest processor locus in the system. It’s a refuge for who prefer to work free from hypercorp influence and control.
the smartest and most creative transhuman minds. The infomorphs

Uranus and Neptune • Neptune–Neptunian Trojans

¾193
 THE OUTER FRINGE
THE SYSTEM FRINGE There are no cities here. There are no luxury hotels, no gourmet
Posted by: Jarvis Tryscuz, Firewall Sentinel INFO MSG REP restaurants, and no Consortium cops. From here, Uranus looks
downright cosmopolitan.
For most of transhumanity, the fringe is shorthand for “shit you If you’re this far out, you’re either looking for privacy, doing
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

wouldn’t want your mother to know about.” That’s partially true. research, trying your hand at prospecting, or up to no good. When
There’s plenty of criminal or amoral shit going down in those big open brinkers in the fringe meet hypercorps representatives, we suspect
spaces between pockets of civilization. There’s also plenty of commu- something untoward is going on. Watch your step out here.
nities of hard-working folks who just want to be left the hell alone. Communities this far out are very closely knit, and any outsiders
Everything interesting happens in the dark. It’s very dark out there. are threats. The distances between outer-fringe settlements are hard
to grasp, especially for inner-system inhabitants used to shuttling
THE INNER FRINGE around the Consortium. Getting from Neptune to Pluto is a logis-
More than 10,000 asteroids tumble around inside Mars’s orbit, and tical (and economic) nightmare if you aren’t egocasting in.
a full tenth of them are over a kilometer in diameter, which means
they can house a bubble, cylinder, or beehive habitat. You don’t The Dogs
have to flee rimward to hide; there are plenty of places sunward the Habitat Type: Beehive
Consortium won’t go or simply doesn’t know about. Allegiance: Brinker/Unknown
Economic exploitation of these asteroids isn’t as lucrative as mining This small cluster of tiny centaur asteroids are each in the process of
the Main Belt. Many of them are in eccentric orbits that put them being transformed into weapons platforms by automated bots and
far from the ecliptic. There are still quite a few bodies in the inner swarms. The entity behind this project is known only as the Artifex.
system that haven’t been properly mapped or detected. Inner-fringe Their intentions remain unclear. We have yet to ascertain if this is an
settlements range from paranoid to hedonistic to downright criminal. art project, a proof of concept, or something more sinister.

Impian Mortusae
Habitat Type: Bubble Habitat Type: Beehive
Allegiance: Shui Fong Triad Allegiance: Exhuman
Impian (“Dream” in Malay) was once 1086 Ganymed, the largest of Saturn lacks Trojan asteroids due to the influence of Jupiter, which
the Amor asteroids and the first settled and mined. It asserted its disrupts the long-term stability of the Lagrange points. A small
independence after the Fall, but was soon infiltrated by the Shui asteroid temporarily orbiting at the Sol-Saturn L4 has been occupied
Fong triad. The Shui Fong kept Impian’s simulspace-coding and by an exhuman group identified as the Empusae. Composed of both
software development hypercorps intact, running the station as a sublime and predator exhumans (and possibly others), they have an
center of “safe vice for a price.” avowed goal of enslaving transhumanity. This particular nest seems
to have hostile intentions for Saturnian habitats.
Sisyphus
Habitat Type: Beehive/Cluster New Sarpalius
Allegiance: Zrbny Limited Habitat Type: Beehive
1866 Sisyphus is a binary asteroid orbiting between 0.9 and 2 AU. Allegiance: Planetary Consortium (disputed)
It’s the home of the largest Zrbny Limited waystation in the inner This 65-kilometer centaur asteroid was home to a pre-Fall mining
system. It was built entirely by automated manufacturing robots operation. When the company' leadership was destroyed during the
after the corporation mysteriously went into lockdown and termi- Fall, the Algerian workers launched a strike against local management
nated all personnel. Zrbny’s own paper trail runs out quickly. With that turned into a full revolt. For years the habitat ran along anarchist
no signs of transhuman involvement, it’s not clear who’s pulling the lines under the name Sanctuary. Just a few months ago, however, a
strings on Sisyphus and why. Consortium-backed coup seized control. Autonomists are divided
on how to respond, as the coup seems to have strong local support,
PEX though some residents claim there was a Consortium conspiracy to
Habitat Type: Torus (Mars-Sol L2) slowly seed the colony with supporters over a course of years.
Allegiance: Planetary Consortium
The Planetary Stock Exchange lives on the creatively-named PEX
station. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more secure habitat in the
inner system. It accounts for a major portion of mesh traffic during
peak trading hours as suits from across the system wheel and deal.
Oversight's central offices are here.
The habitat itself is appropriately luxurious; visitors and the
handful of permanent residents can buy nearly any experience
they want. The hab’s halls are carpeted and ostentatious displays of
money and power are the rule of the day. The finest French restau-
rant in the Solar System, La Petite Pigeon, is on PEX’s second-highest
floor. I can only speculate how they source their pâté.
Despite the tight security, someone released a biowar agent here that
caused multiple traders to suicide or chew their own arms off in AF 8.

194¹ The System Fringe • The Inner Fringe–The Outer Fringe

ITN CYCLERS Markov
ITN Cyclers are large ships, swarms, or habitats that lumber along Habitat Type: Beehive
the Interplanetary Transport Network. This predetermined route Allegiance: Argonauts
is a system of gravity assists, quick burn maneuvers, and the occa- Markov is one of the best-kept secrets in the Solar System. It’s some-
sional aerobrake that allows a vessel to travel the Solar System using where in the outer fringe or Kuiper Belt, but the Argonauts do their
very little fuel. It’s been plotted out to several thousand years, and best to keep its location hidden. Markov is a lab for cutting-edge
most self-sufficient ITN Cyclers carry enough fuel to last at least a Argonaut research: experiments in propulsion, quantum mechanics,
thousand before they need a top-up. biomechanics, cognitive science, and Lorentzian manifolds.
Markov houses the Library, the Argonauts’s main data backup, as
Conch well as the Medean Apollo project, a predictive analytics initiative
Allegiance: Brinker utilizing cutting-edge AIs examining enormous amounts of data.
The Conch started its life as a refugee ship, when Brazilian and Most of Markov’s inhabitants are infomorphs and AGIs; biomorphs
Panamanian families escaped the Fall. The social order on the ship customized for the habitat's thermal-dissipating perfluorocarbon
quickly devolved as various groups of refugees battled each other atmosphere can survive there.
for the limited resources, prime space, and political power.
Then things got strange. The hyperelite Lhagva family purchased Pluto and Charon
the ship, replaced the entire crew, and transferred three family Habitat Types: Cluster
members there. These three brothers — Bold, Batkhuu, and Allegiance: Brinker
Battulga — were wanted for various white-collar crimes in the inner The largest and best-known Kuiper-Belt object (KBO), currently about
system and were put into voluntary exile to avoid embarrassment. 48 AU from the sun, the first of its kind explored by humanity prior
The brothers quickly insinuated themselves among the various to the Fall. Its rocky core is surrounded by hundreds of kilometers of
social groups and started treating the Conch like their own private water and methane ice. Liquid occasionally seeps to the surface as the
social experiment. Those who refuse to conform or fall out of the gravitational tug of its sister binary object, Charon, reshapes Pluto.

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
brothers’ favor find themselves shoved out the nearest airlock. There are no major settlements on Pluto or Charon except for tiny
mining outfits and brinker communities. The Tulihänd station, a
THE KUIPER BELT & OORT CLOUD cluster hab balanced between the two bodies, oversees the largest
The K-Belt and Oort Cloud are leftovers from the formation of the mining operation in the remote rim. Tulihänd runs comet-capture
Solar System: pieces of debris that never bumbled together to form operations and manufactures and controls the massive crawlers that
a proper planet. Out here all you'll find are iceteroids that haven't strip smaller KBOs; materials harvested are returned to Tulihänd’s
been convinced to become comets yet and the occasional frozen refineries before they’re flung back to inner-system buyers.
dwarf planet. Life this far out is either a brinker’s paradise or a Tulihänd itself is a fortress. Shipments in and out are popular
punishment posting. targets for pirates, so information about mining and refining opera-
The Kuiper Belt extends from 30 50 55 AU. There are a few tions are closely guarded secrets.
scattered settlements in the K-Belt; it’s a combination of Old West
homesteading and living like some filthy medieval hermit. The even Haumea
less-dense Oort Cloud starts around 2,000 AU and extends to inter- Habitat Types: Tin Can
stellar space. No one really lives there. The furthest we've gotten a Allegiance: Mafeng Pirates
probe so far is around 30,000 AU. Haumea tumbles through an eccentric orbit anywhere from 35 to
50 AU. Haumea’s surface is marred by a gigantic red crater from an
Eris impact early in its life; the only settlement on the mineral-and-vola-
Habitat Types: Beehive tile-poor rock is a mining camp on the crater’s rim. This camp is the
Allegiance: Go-nin Group/Ultimates major base for the Mafeng gang, the largest and best-equipped band
Eris lies 55 AU beyond the sun, and this speck has seen a dispro- of pirates and thugs in the K-Belt.
portionate amount of action for a body barely able to maintain
hydrostatic equilibrium. It’s made of rock, water, and methane ice. Makemake
its tiny moon, Dysnomia, is an unremarkable captured chunk of Makemake orbits between 38 and 51 AU, and its composition
rock. What Eris does have is the Discord Gate, and the battles for suggests it is a captured piece of interstellar debris. It’s about
control of the gate have turned the surface of this tiny shithole into two-thirds the size of Pluto and has at least one moonlet. Official
a war-scarred wasteland. records say Makemake is uninhabited except for a few prospectors.
The Go-nin Group controls Eris and its only settlement, Torii, Unconfirmed reports suggest that ships destined for Makemake are
home to approximately 20,000 transhumans. Torii is a beehive far better armed and equipped than any prospecting vessel should be.
carved deep into Eris, in part because the gate location physically
sunk when Go-nin somehow destroyed it, before later rebuilding Tyche
itself. Torii is Eris’s only spaceport; unauthorized ships coming Tyche is a cold Jupiter in a highly eccentric, slightly inclined orbit
within 500 km are terminated. with a perihelion of about 220 AU and an aphelion of 1200 AU.
Dysnomia houses Pharos, an Ultimate base armed to the teeth Discovered by analyzing mathematical anomalies, Tyche’s existence
with combat morphs, ships, weapons batteries, and even nuclear and was confirmed in the early 21st century. It’s about ten times the
antimatter weapons. The Ultimates guard over Torii and help defend mass of Earth but only four times the diameter, making it incredibly
against anarchists and exhumans. dense. That’s all we know about the ninth planet. The Argonauts
have sent probes to Tyche, but they won’t arrive for another 20 years.

The System Fringe • The Kuiper Belt & Oort Cloud

¾195
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

QUARANTINE ZONES
Thankfully, the TITANs did not complete this project; who knows
what terrible uses they may have found for it. We are unsure what
Source: When No-Go Means We Go LINK happened: the transformation simply ceased. Perhaps the TITANs
moved on. Perhaps the TITAN behind the endeavor died in the process.
Throughout the system, places attacked by the TITANs during the Iapetus is now quarantined under the aegis of The Titanian
Fall remain off limits. The weapons used to destroy the TITAN Commonwealth. The machinery and other secrets buried under
machines frequently left these locations uninhabitable or destroyed the ice are of great interest to many parties. Research teams from a
beyond repair. In many places we simply failed to complete the job, number of hypercorps and polities have established stations in orbit
leaving exsurgents and other threats lingering in the ruins. and outposts in the subsurface tunnels. The Commonwealth cannot
Abandoned TITAN projects have been located throughout the condone irresponsible research, so it does its best to limit access to
system, many hidden in the outer system well away from the fights what it considers responsible parties.
near Earth and Mars. More than one gatecrashing team has detected Reports of encounters with fractal trolls and other exsurgents
signs of the TITANs’ passing on unexplored exoplanets as well. indicate a few remain alive in the tunnels beneath the surface. These
Charging stations, launch sites, nanofab and research facilities, and victims appear uniformly mad, resorting to fight-or-flight reflexes
even active machines have been discovered. Thankfully, no team has when encountered. They do need to eat but it is better not to ask
stumbled across an active TITAN — yet. what they find edible deep in the tunnels.
There are reports of shifting tunnels and encounters with self-
IAPETUS repairing machinery. Teams have reported discovering art scratched
A large moon of Saturn, Iapetus contains deposits of silicates as well into the walls, disturbing crystalline statues, and hypnotic patterns
as ice. At one time, two hundred thousand residents lived at Analect, in the circuitry. Members have vanished during exploration and are
the moon’s largest settlement. During the Fall, Iapetus was targeted found later with no memory of wandering from the group. Some
by the TITANs and the transhuman population was exploited for have never been located.
labor and exsurgent transformation. Encoded transmissions broadcast randomly every few weeks
Guarded by fractal trolls, the TITAN drones bore deep into the from the depths of the moon. If parts of the matrioshka brain are
moon, rebuilding everything with layers of silicate circuitry. We still active, they may contain the shattered remains of its TITAN
believe their goal was to transform Iapetus into a matrioshka brain, creator. The Commonwealth does not encourage decryption of any
a megastructure computing complex fit for an ASI. signals recorded.

196¹ Quarantine Zones • Iapetus

NEW MUMBAI CONTAINMENT ZONE Qurain
Like other Lunar habitats during the Fall, New Mumbai's popu- The city-state of Qurain was founded by Sunni Muslims looking to
lation exploded as refugees escaped Earth to the nearest habitats. invest in the future of Mars. It fell to early TITAN attacks before
New Mumbai accepted the newcomers as quickly as they came but its stone fortress was devastated by tac nukes during the Fall.
not without risk. An exsurgent-infected refugee slipped through Smugglers now use the ruins as landmark and shelter, though
screening and within a week 70 percent of the population was machine and exsurgent activities in the area remain high.
secretly infected. These exsurgents acted in unison to seize control
of the city within an hour. Other Lunar authorities acted swiftly Containment
and dropped two fusion bombs before the infection could spread, The Zone is monitored by Martian Rangers and orbital satellites.
leaving a crater of melted rock visible from orbit. Things detected coming out of the Zone are shot until they don’t
Though radiation is still at dangerous levels, signs of active exsur- move anymore. Missiles provided by Direct Action are used if
gents have been detected, including sightings of roving whippers. smaller weapons aren’t enough.
Pockets of the infected may have survived in the most protected, The Consortium also jams radio and microwave signals to
deepest layers of the underground city. Living exurgents may also prevent communication within the Zone across long distances, such
have adapted to the radioactive conditions. as between towns or convoys. However line-of-sight laser communi-
New Mumbai remains under quarantine, with automated LLA cation still works and pre-arranged communication within the TQZ
defenses and drones in place to prevent travel in or out of the area. can be aided by relay stations outside of the Zone strong enough to
Lunar authorities are paranoid when it comes to threats coming out punch through the jamming. Getting lost in the Zone is a genuine
of New Mumbai and they use extensive quarantine procedures and risk without any way to call for help.
travel checkpoints to detect even the smallest signs of infection.
Zone Stalkers
TITAN QUARANTINE ZONE There are always loners in a desert: hermits, nomads, and others
During the Fall, the area that is now the Quarantine Zone was the who want to be left alone. Smugglers can be found in safer areas

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
center of TITAN activity. As the machines fell back and remaining and, if approached cautiously, may be helpful. Zone stalkers search
exsurgents stayed within the Zone, authorities concluded, at least for the ruins and old TITAN facilities to retrieve artifacts to sell. There
now, that quarantining the area was easier than trying to retake it. are also isolated communities that prefer to remain in the Zone,
Ten years later, the Zone is still under quarantine, despite anal- such as the Yazidis, a religious sect of Kurds infected with a mostly
ysis that indicates retaking the region is possible. The hypercorps benign strain of Watts-MacLeod. They aren’t hostile, are willing to
are happy, however, to have the Zone to use as a good distraction barter, and will offer visions of their own story of the Fall to friendly
from other issues , not to mention profit from reverse-engineered guests. The vision may also leave their guest infected with the Watts-
Zone artifacts. Retaking the Zone would also be expensive, so it MacLeod virus as a parting gift.
remains politically and financially convenient to leave the Zone
alone. And not that any politician likes to admit it, but there are still OTHER LOCATIONS
worries that the Zone is a sleeping danger best left alone. There are many smaller locations of TITAN and exsurgent activity.
The southern edges of the Zone are rough terrain, featuring On Mercury, there is Caloris 18 on the southern tip of the Caloris
canyons and ridges. The rest of the Zone is pockmarked with craters, Planitia. Records indicate biological experimentation to merge
some natural and some the result of explosions, and flattens to a separate morphs into one continuous entity. While this effort did
wide plain in the north. The Zone is full of lingering traps, dust not produce a viable result, the area has been sealed to prevent
storms, bizarre exsurgent critters, and war-time machines and repeat incidents.
nanoweapons waiting to be stepped on and reactivated. Not every- Many of the derelict abandoned habitats in Earth orbit that
thing in the zone is dangerous; decorative   if creepy  formations suffered TITAN attacks are still there, waiting to be salvaged. The
are scattered throughout the Zone like an art gallery of twisted beehive habitat Blackrock was a communications nexus for Luna
sculptures. These fractal barrows, silicate columns, and artificially and an early casualty to TITAN attacks, leaving the rock barren and
eroded shapes are presumably created by nanoswarms but no one radioactive. Encoded transmissions originating from there indicate
has observed any in the act of creation. that some presence remains. Its orbit is unstable; it will likely crash
into Luna within 5 years. Likewise, the Chinese military station
The White Zone Shenlong ("Divine Dragon") was seized by the TITANs. Though
At the center of the TQZ lies the White Zone, the Amazonis Mensa, damaged, it survived, and its automated defenses continue to keep
a high plateau one hundred thirty kilometers long and seventy-five intruders at bay.
kilometers wide. The White Zone was a hotbed of TITAN activity and Though the Consortium has kept a tight lid on it, there are rumors
remains the most dangerous area of the Zone. TITAN warbots, zombi- of a recent exsurgent outbreak on the exoplanet colony Cajamarca
fied transhumans, and nanoswarms are all still active here, sometimes that has not yet been fully contained.
in large numbers. The Tharsis League regularly drops comets here
(double bonus, help terraform by killing baddies), but there are
indications of massive subsurface structures and tunnels in active use.

NEW MUMBAI ASYNC RISKS

Asyncs in the area report an ambient “pressure” that can be felt from twenty kilometers away. Usually asyncs need to be within 20 meters to detect
each other, indicating that whatever is capable of reaching across that great a distance is a truly impressive and very dangerous entity.

Quarantine Zones • New Mumbai Containment Zone–Other Locations

¾197
 THE PANDORA GATES
Posted by:
Giselle Patel, former Pathfinder employee INFO MSG REP
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

In the time shortly after the Fall, transhumanity needed hope, and
we found it in the pandora gates. Just as we lost our home, the
galaxy suddenly opened up to us. The gates work as wormholes,
allowing you to travel from one point in the galaxy to another in
moments. Even more significant, the gates are programmable,
allowing us to pick and choose our destinations (sorta, the process
is not exactly refined). So, imagine getting thrown to the curb by
your partner only to find an endless sea of people offering you a
place to crash. Sure, you’ve only got a hastily packed suitcase and a
shattered heart, but you’ve at least got options.
Each of the gates works more or less the same as the others, but
that’s where the similarities end. Each gate has a different group
managing it, and they range from hardcore profit-driven hyper-
capitalists to idealistic autonomist collectives. They all have their
own rules and procedures. What is standard protocol at the Fissure
Gate will get you escorted out of the spaceport in handcuffs at the
Martian Gate. To understand each of the gates, you have to under-
stand their contexts — political, social, economic, and historical.

THE VULCANOID GATE

The Vulcanoid Gate hides in the polar region of asteroid V-2011—
aka Caldwell — in the inner system. The gate complex consists of six
surface domes and an extensive beehive warren.
The independent ecosystem and terraforming cooperative
TerraGenesis owns and operates the gate outside of the Planetary
Consortium’s control. TerraGen makes its name by terraforming
exoplanets themselves, preferring the slow-and-steady approach to
gambling on finding one of the precious few exoplanets that can THE MARTIAN GATE
support transhuman life without assistance. The Martian Gate is the Planetary Consortium’s pride and joy and
In an effort to draw in more traffic, TerraGen also offers the best the symbol of their aspirations towards a galactic empire. The gate
gatecrasher benefits in the inner system, including full medical itself lies in a cave at the northern end of the Ma’adim Vallis, one of
care for injuries sustained during a sponsored mission. As long as the largest canyons on Mars. The Planetary Consortium’s subsidiary,
a crasher signs up for at least three missions in a year, their finder’s Pathfinder, operates the gate through the Ma’adim Research Park.
fees are 10 percent higher than Pathfinder and Gatekeeper thanks Pathfinder showcases the best and worst aspects of old-economy
to a bonus program to incentivize repeat business. corporatism. Gatecrashing ops through Pathfinder pay a premium,
but don’t expect benefits, medical care, free extra gear, or a healthy
Rivalries bonus for discoveries. They pride themselves on efficiency and
TerraGen has the distinction of providing the only gate access in the organization to the point that the ironclad timetables are set down
inner system free from Planetary Consortium control, and TerraGen to the second. They organize missions into blocks so they can
leverages that fact well. TerraGen is also now working with the avoid having to change the staging too often. Once you set the
Morningstar Constellation on several research initiatives. Naturally, time window for your wormhole, good luck changing it. Without
the Constorium chafes at TerraGen’s independence and the compe- an executive directive saying otherwise, the gate operators can and
tition it provides to their own Martian Gate. The Consortium regu- will cut the wormhole while they watch you crawling towards it. I’ve
larly attempts to corral TerraGen via threats of sanctions. Pathfinder had to cut it myself.
has naturally followed their parent organization’s lead, albeit via
methods less legal and more direct. Pathfinder City
Thankfully, the Hub of the creatively-named Pathfinder City nearby
Security provides any vice a poor sap could want to drown themself in, as I
In AF 9, a force of reapers managed to infiltrate the Caldwell can assure you. Gaming dens, dollhouses, casinos, petal pods, and
facilities and nearly destroy the gate with a thermonuclear device. more color the city, or you could go old-fashioned and just bet on
The parties behind the attack remain unknown, but TerraGen thor- low-g air racing or canyon parkour (the latter pays out better). The
oughly upgraded their security in response. The hypercorp Novafire city can still provide even if you actually want to accomplish some-
provides patrol drones, fighters, and space-defense systems around thing, particularly if you are a gatecrasher. The Crasher’s Bazaar
Caldwell. Another merc outfit, the Sol Brigades, handle security south of the Hub might just be the single most valuable resource
checkpoints and heavy ground defenses. TerraGen Security handles you could want. You can find gear, people to upgrade or mod your
the gate itself and other sensitive areas of the complex. morph, specialists for missions, and even ads for jobs.

198¹ The Pandora Gates • The Vulcanoid Gate–The Martian Gate

THE PANDORA GATE have developed a healthy suspicion of outsiders who don’t align
A Titanian-sponsored research/survey team found the first gate on with their ideals. I say healthy because I’ve seen how the Pathfinder
Saturn’s moon, Pandora. The Titanian Commonwealth Plurality execs lick their lips at that gate. They would spread stories about
established a microcorp to oversee the gate,and even managed to how Love and Rage will bump half the schedule to rescue any half-
hold onto sole control for a time. Outside pressure finally pushed cocked gatecrasher who got in over their head, as if that was a bad
the Titanians to transform their managerial microcorp into a fully thing. That characterization is partially correct, the anarchists will
independent hypercorp, Gatekeeper. Titan still holds a major accommodate emergencies within reason, and they have built-in
non-controlling stake, but everyone from the Planetary Consortium wiggle-room in their timetables.
itself to tiny research collectives owns shares at this point.
Gatekeeper dedicates itself to discovery and the accumulation Shared Access
of knowledge for all. This dedication means they focus on explo- Love and Rage does their best to keep the gate accessible. There’s
ration ops, with research and xenoarcheology missions running a conductorless anarchist orchestra that does a yearly extrasolar
a close second. Scientists have an endless appetite for data, and concert, artists that plant pieces on random expolanets, and even
Gatekeeper works to provide them with the best. Studies that can silly stuff like capture-the-flag games and Easter egg hunts in alien
inform scientific theory relating to star-system and planetary landscapes. Non-commercial groups like the Argonauts or various
formation and the evolution of life entices them the most, as they mercurial outfits rely on such access, unable to afford the steep gate
can turn it around into practical applications for refining models fees of the inner-system gate corps.
about which planets will likely have life, support colonization, or
provide resources for extraction. THE DISCORD GATE
Gatekeeper also highly values accessibility. They welcome tour- If you have a soft spot for Ultimate technofascists and exhuman
ists to the gate complex to see the gate (from a secure distance) and cults, you’re gonna love the Discord Gate. Only use this gate as a
encourage media coverage and x-casts of of first-in missions. They last resort. People named it after both the dwarf planet Eris that
even offer a lottery system to give people lacking the means and it rests on and the chaotic and violent history of that little barren

SYSTEM GAZETTEER
funds a chance at experiencing the universe. And they offer grants rock in the Kuiper Belt. Discovered by anarchists, it was seized by
for research projects that might not otherwise get hypercorp backing. hypercapitalists who then lost it to exhumans before taking it back
All that free advertisement certainly pays for itself, and Gatekeeper with the help of technofascist mercs.
just loves playing up the spectacle and romance of discovery and Currently, the stoicly efficient Go-nin Group runs the Torii
milks it for all they can get. More than a few have gotten pulled complex that houses the gate itself. Go-nin prides itself in its
into the gatecrashing life after seeing one too many x-casts, only to Japanese traditions, even going so far as to recover a Torii gate from
find themselves pushing buttons at a terminal at the Martian Gate a Shinto shrine on Earth to mark the entrance to the gate.
wondering where the hell their life went wrong. Go-nin somehow managed to destroy the Discord Gate shortly
after they acquired it. Rumor is they messed around under the
Pohl Research Labs hood a bit too much and it blew up in their face. Amazingly, the
Named after the first gatecrasher to die on a mission (he's still gate simply rebuilt itself, just a kilometer deeper in the crater that
gatecrashing today!), the Pohl Research Labs are stationed at the far was left. Good to know the warranty was still in effect.
end of Pandora from the gate. These labs study anything and every- The Torii complex is almost entirely subterranean, with kilome-
thing related to gatecrashing, from astrobiology to exotic physics. ters of tunnels carved into the methane ice.
Lab space is provided for hypercorps and autonomist research
co-ops alike; the Argonauts of course have a major presence here. Monsters Everywhere
Gatekeeper works to share the discoveries here with transhumanity The self-important Ultimates stationed on Eris’s moon Dysnomia
at large, despite hypercorp efforts to keep the best for themselves. are there to bolster Go-nin's defenses. A few exhuman cells occa-
Below the labs, a high-security vault contains the largest collection sionally make sabotage runs on Torii or raid a long-haul shipment.
of xenoarcheological and alien relics accumulated so far. A few times, they've even attacked through the gate, from exoplanets
on the other side. The technofascists and exhumans are generally
THE FISSURE GATE happy to fight each other, and most of us are just waiting for them
While all those gates may be in hypercorp hands, Fissure Gate has to wipe each other out.
the distinction of being the only gate run by autonomists. Fissure The anarchists of Ilmarinen, the original occupiers of the gate,
is on Oberon, an icy moon of Uranus. An anarchist collective also periodically probe the gate’s defenses with mesh subversions
known as Love and Rage protects and operates the Fissure facility and drone sabotage. They lack the military power to retake the gate,
and the associated spaceport/outpost known as Chat Noir. Most of but they remain a thorn in Go-nin's side.
this complex is under Oberon's ice, with a series of surface domes
capping it off. One of those domes is composed of pieces of what OTHER GATES
is believed to be an alien spaceship hull, found in the orbit of an If you believe the mesh conspiracy forums, there are a dozen other
otherwise unremarkable exoplanet. Known as the Enemy Mine, that gates hidden around the Solar System, either secretly held or yet
dome houses the best saloon in the Uranian system and a respect- to be found. Prospectors prowl every lone rock hoping to score big.
able stock of anarchist microbrews. The gate itself is 500 meters Claims of one on Earth might be the most believable, given the
down, in a subsurface fissure complex reached by elevators. TITANs were active there. Another top choice is one in the Oort
Chat Noir is a main stopover for long-haul shipping in and out Cloud, possibly under Factor control. Really, though, the thought of
of the Uranian system, so it gets a lot of traffic. The consistent more gates is a bit unnerving—after all, we never know what might
influx keeps the area diverse, but it also means the autonomists decide to come through it.

The Pandora Gates • The Pandora Gate–Other Gates

¾199
 EXTRASOLAR SYSTEMS
know of the Iktomi comes from research on Echo Alpha, where the
spider-like aliens left numerous artifacts. Their strange artwork — only
Source: The Entirely Unofficial Gatecrashing Wiki LINK comprehensible when viewed through compound eye s— is beginning
to be understood, though their mysterious wind-powered musical
The discovery and limited understanding of the pandora gates has structures are still a mystery. Disquietingly, what pictorial records
SYSTEM GAZETTEER

ushered in a new era for transhumanity. A true diaspora for our remain suggest that the Iktomi had a great uneasiness towards the
species is underway as we spread out across the galaxy. The number gates. Whatever wiped out the Iktomi and all other life on Echo Alpha
of new worlds discovered via the gate network is nearly countless, left the Echo Gate untouched.
and increasing constantly. While many if not most worlds accessed Echo Beta seems wholly undamaged by the catastrophe that blasted
to date have been of limited utility, a number of exceptional loca- its sibling planet. This lush world has no gates and is reachable only
tions have been discovered and colonized. What follows is a brief by shuttle from Echo Alpha or via egocasting. A number of hypercorps
but not exhaustive overview of some of the most notable worlds. maintain biogenetic and pharma research facilities here, well-guarded
against the local wildlife. Interestingly, there is no evidence that the
DROPLET Iktomi ever inhabited this world despite its proximity.
Gate Access: Pandora Gate
One of the first habitable worlds discovered via the original Pandora PORTAL
Gate, Droplet is an exotic and lethal Earth-like planet. Only 8 Gate Access: Fissure Gate, Pandora Gate, Vulcanoid Gate
percent of its surface is comprised of dry land, with the remainder Portal is noteworthy for being a system that contains a nexus of
given over to unimaginably deep oceans. Droplet’s gravity and atmo- gates, much like our own Solar System. Remarkably, unlike our own
sphere are both somewhat higher than Earth’s but not dauntingly so. system where the gates are found on disparate planetary bodies,
Droplet is the focus of serious long-term colonization efforts despite Portal possesses six gates within a one-kilometer radius.
its numerous, voracious, and often massive native lifeforms. The surface of Portal is frozen and hostile but the nexus of gates
Droplet’s waters are notoriously the home of enormous predators has made it home to one of the largest extrasolar settlements of
that are not at all averse to dining upon transhumans or even small transhumanity anywhere. The three-domed colony of Isra was
vehicles. On land, a variety of arthropod-like shelled amphibians founded by Muslim gatehoppers and is primarily populated by
and triphibious creatures capable of swimming, flying, and walking autonomists, brinkers, and independent gatecrashers. Hypercorp
all enjoy a rich ecology in which transhumans sometimes play a personnel are tolerated but closely monitored, as Isra’s inhabitants
dietary role. Consequently, installations on Droplet are surrounded are fiercely independent. All six of Portal’s gates are contained
by barriers and heavy weaponry. within the separate dome of Mi’raj and segmented for security and
Approximately one million years ago, Droplet’s native life gener- quarantine purposes. The Gatecrasher’s Guild maintains the facility
ated a sapient species that developed a technological civilization and controls access to the gates. The Guild is more permissive in
before vanishing completely. Referred to as the Amphibs, their its attitude towards gatecrashing than most other gate-controlling
ruins abound in coastal regions. Numerous artifacts give us a clear factions, making Portal a natural destination for individuals and
vision of these amphibious peoples, though the cause of their groups with esoteric or even eccentric goals.
disappearance remains a mystery. Even more interesting, another Though there are no signs of Iktomi presence on Portal, there
alien species known as Iktomi also left ruins on Droplet, though is evidence that at least one other alien race has utilized the
much more recently. Both civilizations have left traces near an Portal gate nexus in the past. The wreckage of a single, very large
anomalous structure dubbed “the Toadstool” located in the shallow wheeled vehicle, believed to be roughly 900,000 years old, was
waters just offshore Davis Island. This bulbous, mushroom-shaped found on its side approximately 200 kilometers from Isra. A large
structure reaches a height of almost five hundred meters above the container removed from the wreckage contained thousands of
surface of the sea. It is believed to be over a billion years old and perfectly preserved devices dubbed “fixors.” The devices are small
is maintained by poorly understood nanoswarms that keep it in orange ovals that when activated remain fixed in place to the local
a state of perfect repair. It predates the Amphibs by hundreds of gravitational field. Their functionality remains totally opaque to
millions of years but little else is understood or even guessed as researchers and seems to act in violation of known laws of physics.
to its nature.
SUNRISE
ECHO Gate Access: Vulcanoid Gate
Gate Access: Pandora Gate Sunrise is a truly remarkable world, even by exoplanet standards.
The Echo system is named for its twin suns and contains two It is tidally locked in its orbit, leaving one hemisphere eternally
noteworthy exoplanets. Echo Beta is verdant and flourishing with shrouded in night and the other in perpetual daylight. It is also a
trackless forests and impressive  megafauna. Echo Alpha is reached nexus world where no less than seven gates have been found in a
via the Pandora Gate and is a barren, lifeless world home to the first rough belt around the planet’s unique twilight equator.
Iktomi ruins discovered by transhumanity. Weather on Sunrise is extreme. At the hot pole, the planet’s star is
Echo Alpha’s atmosphere is toxic, its landscape is bleak, and it is always directly overhead and temperatures are continually 80 C. In
littered with ruins. Over 7,000 transhumans are based out of the dome contrast, temperatures at the cold pole hover around –70 C. The static
habitat of Alexander, approximately 1,500 kilometers from the Echo dispersion of solar heat on the planet results in a heavy, near-con-
Gate, adjacent to one of the largest sets of Iktomi ruins ever found. tinuous wind. Since hot air rises and cold air falls, the wind blows
This settlement was founded by Gatekeeper and Argonaut xenoar- perpetually from the same direction, encircling the globe.
cheologists, who cooperate with a number of hypercorps and other Little life is found on Sunrise’s nightside. The endless chill
collectives with interests in extraterrestrial studies. Much of what we means that what life exists is clustered around hydrothermal vents,

200¹ Extrasolar Systems • Droplet–Sunrise

 SYSTEM GAZETTEER
volcanic hot spots, or in the oceanic regions that are not fully frozen. offer a direct threat to transhumans, many species have developed
The dayside of the exoplanet is much more hospitable, though potentially lethal spines and toxins to ward off competing or pred-
its hot pole is a dry and barren desert and host to little life. The atory planimals. Uniquely, all multi-cellular life on Sunrise seems
remainder of the dayside is populated by a fascinating kingdom of to be some species of planimal, and no other kingdom of life have
creatures dubbed “planimals” by Sunrise’s first settlers. The unique been observed. This has made the exoplanet a focus of much xeno-
evolutionary pressures of a tidally locked world required plant- biological research.
like creatures to become ambulatory in order to soak up sunlight Sunrise’s seven portals appear to have been much used by the
from the dayside and gather nutrients from soil unbleached by the Iktomi and other alien civilizations. Numerous Iktomi ruins and
constant glare. Xenobiologists have only begun to account for the artifacts have been unearthed here, including a set of structures
abundant varieties but some larger species have been observed termed “windharps,” which have much in common with the myste-
moving in excess of ten kilometers per hour. While no planimals rious instruments found on Echo Alpha.

SOLARCHIVE SEARCH¾EXOPLANETS OF NOTE

• Ascension (Terrestrial/F8V/Martian): This Earth-like world is the shining • Moravec (Terrestrial/K0V/Pandora): Covered by large seas with little
jewel of the Planetary Consortium’s Pathfinder Colonization Initiative and land, Moravec has a toxic atmosphere but is nominally habitable. Remnants
the largest extrasolar colony to date. of an extinct aquatic sapient species have been found as well as a poorly
• Giza (Terrestrial/G2V/Discord): Alien artifacts placed near the gate on understood but still active global molecular computing system.
this nearly hospitable world offered the potential for alien communication, • Olaf (Dyson Sphere/K2V/Martian): Originally marked as a habitable envi-
now set back by the destruction of the remote gate by unknown parties. ronment for transhumans, exploration revealed that not only is it host to an
• Luca (Terrestrial/G0V/Fissure and Vulcanoid): Luca’s location still active and aggressive orbital defensive system but that the entire world is
hasn’t been pinpointed, but is believed to reside around the Cygnus Arm of an artificial construct.
the Galactic core, making this the furthest gate from Earth yet discovered. • Sky Ark (Terrestrial/G6V/Vulcanoid): This world bears a biome similar
Though roughly as habitable as Mars, Luca is prone to catastrophic asteroid to that of Earth’s own early evolutionary phase. Accordingly, TerraGenesis
strikes, one of which appears to have wiped out a xeno-civilization over a chose Sky Ark as the site of its project to resurrect and preserve extinct
million years ago. Despite this threat, TerraGenesis has established an Earth lifeforms. It is a popular exotourist destination.
ambitious terraforming program for the planet.

Extrasolar Systems
¾201
 RESOLVING COMBAT

ACTION
Roleplaying games are about creating drama and adventure, and
that often means adrenaline and conflict. Action scenes are the
moments when the adrenaline really gets pumping and the charac-

&COMBAT
ters’ lives and missions are on the line.
Combat and action scenarios can be confusing to run, especially
if the GM also needs to keep track of the actions of numerous NPCs.
For this reason, it’s important for the GM to detail the action in a
way that everyone can visualize, whether that means using a map
and miniatures, software, a dry-erase board, or quick sketches on
paper. Though many of the rules for handling action and combat are
abstract  —  allowing room for interpretation and fudging results to
fit the story  —  many tactical factors are also incorporated, so small
details can make a large difference. It also helps to have the capa-
bilities of NPCs predetermined and to run them as a group when
possible, to reduce the GM’s burden in the middle of a hectic situation.
Not every problem can be solved with words or wits. Whether you
employ fists, knives, guns, or more creative options, all violence in
Eclipse Phase is handled as an opposed test between the attacker and
defender. Use the following steps to resolve combat situations, after
determining initative: Initiative & Order of Actions ▶33

STEP 1: DECLARE ATTACK

The attacker takes a complex action to attack on their turn in the
Initiative order. The nature of the attack must be declared. The skill
used depends on the method used to attack. Melee (close combat)
and Guns (ranged weapons) are most common. Some attacks call for
Athletics (thrown grenades), Hardware: Explosives (placed charges),
Interface (electronic weapon systems), or an Exotic skill.

STEP 2: DECLARE DEFENSE

Defense is an automatic action. Unless they are surprised  ▶227 or
incapacitated ▶226, the defender always has the option to respond.
Melee Defense: Against a melee attack, the defender may choose
to block and parry using their own Melee skill or dodge using Fray.
Ranged Defense: Ranged and area-effect attacks are much harder
to dodge; defenders use their Fray skill ÷ 2.
Psi Defense: Psi sleights are resisted with WIL Check.
Full Defense: Characters that have declared they are engaging in
full defense ▶226 may defend as above, with a +30 modifier.

STEP 3: APPLY MODIFIERS

Apply any appropriate situational, wound/trauma, or other modi-
fiers to the attacker’s and defender’s skills, as appropriate.

STEP 4: MAKE OPPOSED TEST

Both the attacker and defender roll d100 against their modified skill
target numbers.

STEP 5: DETERMINE RESULT

If the attacker fails, the attack misses completely. If the attacker
succeeds and the defender fails, the attack hits.
If both attacker and defender succeed in their tests, compare their
dice rolls. If the attacker’s dice roll is higher, the attack hits despite
a spirited defense; otherwise, the attack fails to connect (Opposed
Tests ▶32). Remember that critical successes trump higher rolls.
Attacker Superior Success: For each superior success the attacker
scores, increase the DV inflicted by +1d6.
Attacker Critical Success: If the attacker hits with a critical, the
damage is doubled.
Defender Superior/Critical Failure: Ignored. Getting hit is bad
enough!

202¹ Resolving Combat

 Combat Modifiers Jinx has found herself in a bad spot, in a tunnel with an exhuman closing in
Numerous factors can impact an attack’s outcome. and planning on making a snack out of her. Jinx rolled higher on Initiative,
These modifiers apply to all types of attacks. so she goes first.
Situation Modifiers Jinx declares her intent to shoot the exhuman with a 3-round burst from
Attacker Running –20 her pistol. The GM declares that the exhuman will use Fray to dodge.
Jinx has Guns skill of 70. The exhuman is at Close range (10 meters away),
Superior position +20
so the range modifier is +0. With no other modifiers, her target is 70. She
Wounded/traumatized –10 per wound/trauma rolls a 96, a failure, but she spends a point of Flex to flip that to a 69 — which
Called shot (superior success needed, ▶218) –10 will count as two superior successes.
Wielding two-handed weapon with one hand, ▶219 –20 The exhuman has Fray of 60, but against a ranged attack this is halved.
The GM rolls against a target of 30. They get a 07, which would be a success,
Very small target (mouse or insect) –30 except that Jinx’s roll of 69 is higher. Jinx hits!
Small target (child-sized) –10 Jinx’s medium pistol inflicts DV 2d10. Jinx was using burst-fire ▶207 for
Large target (car sized) +10 extra damage (+d10), and her two superior successes gives her another 2d6,
for a total DV of 3d10 + 2d6. She rolls a 7, 5, 5, 1, and 3, for a total damage
Very large target (side of a barn) +30
of 21.
Visibility impaired The exhuman has kinetic armor of 10, so only 11 of that damage gets
–10
(minor: glare, light smoke, dim light) through (21 – 10). They have a Wound Threshold of 8, so that inflicts a
Visibility impaired (major: heavy smoke, dark) –20 wound! Looking at the section on wound effects ▶220, the GM sees that
Blind Attacks ▶218 –30 or 50% miss chance the exhuman must make a SOM Check or get knocked down. They roll a 09
against a SOM check of 75, so the exhuman stays on their feet.
Jinx still has a base move, so they take to the air and move 8 meters
up and away. They’re in a tunnel, though, so the exhuman can still reach
STEP 6: ROLL DAMAGE them. On its turn, the GM declares they are making a charging melee
Every attack has a Damage Value (DV). If the attack hits, roll the attack ▶205 as they take a full move to cross the 18-meter distance. Jinx

ACTION & COMBAT

dice and total the results. Superior/critical results may increase your dodges with Fray.
damage dice. The exhuman has Melee 80, –10 for the charge, and –10 more for the
Some attacks have additional effects, as noted in the description wound, for a target number of 60. They roll 07. Jinx has Fray 60, plus the
and weapon/ammo traits. These may call for the defender to make GM gives them a superior position bonus for flying at the top of the ceiling,
additional tests. for target number 80. She rolls a 00. That’s lower than the exhuman’s result,
Some attacks inflict mental stress rather than physical damage but it’s a critical success, which trumps the exhuman’s roll! The GM rules
(Mental Health ▶222). In this case, the Stress Value (SV) is handled that Jinx dodges in such a way that the exhuman over-extends and wipes
the same as DV. out. Jinx has survived to the next action turn!

STEP 7: APPLY ARMOR

If the defender is wearing armor, it will protect them. Determine
which part of the defender’s Armor Value (AV) applies  —  energy
armor or kinetic armor (Armor ▶214). Reduce the damage total by
the appropriate value. If the damage is reduced to 0 or less, the
armor is effective and the attack fails to injure the target. COMBAT SUMMARY
Note that armor-piercing attacks reduce the AV by half.
Combat is an opposed test.
STEP 8: APPLY DAMAGE • Attacker rolls attack skill +/– modifiers.
Inflicted damage that exceeds armor is applied to the defender.
• Melee: Defender rolls Fray or Melee skill +/– modifiers.
Keep track of this total on the character sheet. If the accumulated
• Ranged: Defender rolls (Fray skill ÷ 2) +/– modifiers.
damage equals or exceeds the defender’s Durability, they are inca-
• If attacker succeeds and rolls higher than the defender, the
pacitated and may die (Physical Health ▶220). If it equals or exceeds
attack hits. Roll damage.
their Death Rating, they are killed/destroyed.
• Superior hits inflict +1d6 DV
STEP 9: DETERMINE WOUNDS • Critical hits double the DV.
• The weapon’s damage is reduced by the target’s energy or
If the inflicted damage, less armor, from a single attack equals or
kinetic armor, as appropriate.
exceeds the defender’s Wound Threshold, they suffer one or more
• If the damage equals or exceeds the target’s Wound
wounds  ▶220. A wound is scored for each multiple of the Wound
Threshold, a wound is scored. If the damage equals or
Threshold that the damage exceeds. For example, against Wound
exceeds the target’s Wound Threshold by multiple factors,
Threshold 7, 1 wound is inflicted for every 7 points of damage
multiple wounds are inflicted.
inflicted at once (14 damage inflicts 2 wounds, 21 damage inflicts 3
• If total damage reaches Durability, the target is incapaci-
wounds, etc.) Wounds represent more serious injuries and apply
tated. If it reaches Death Rating, they are killed/destroyed.
modifiers and other effects to the character.

Resolving Combat • Step 6: Roll Damage–Step 9: Determine Wounds

¾203
 MELEE WEAPONS
MELEE COMBAT Melee weapons range from the archaic to high tech:
In an era of lethal and incapacitating ranged weaponry, someone Club: Clubs encompasses a wide range of one-handed blunt
equipped for close combat is often at a disadvantage. However, even objects, from saps to sticks to pipes.
hardened fighters are wary of getting within reach of certain synth- Densiplast Gloves: These gloves extra-harden when activated, for
ACTION & COMBAT

morphs or heavily augmented biomorphs. extra punch. A set of gloves on each hand counts as a single weapon.
Except as noted, all melee implements are wielded with Melee Diamond Axe: Common in many habitats for fire and emer-
skill. Melee ware and weapons may be coated with drugs or toxins gency purposes, axes require two hands to wield. Their blades are
(Coated Weapons ▶219) such as poison or nanotoxins secreted from diamond-coated for superior cutting ability.
a poison gland ▶322 or implanted nanotoxins ▶335. Extendable Baton: This hardened composite baton retracts into
its handle for easy carrying, storage, or concealment. Extending it
MELEE WARE simply requires a flick or an electronic signal.
Implanted weaponry can be combined with eelware to deliver elec- Flex Cutter: The blade of this machete-like weapon is made of a
tric shocks. memory polymer. When deactivated, the blade is limp and flexible
Claws: The morph has retractable claws like those of a cat. These and can be rolled up or otherwise easily concealed. When activated,
claws do not interfere with manual dexterity and are razor sharp. the blade stiffens and sharpens into a vicious slashing weapon.
They are legal in most habitats and considered tools as much as Knife: A standard, commonly carried cutting implement.
weapons. A set of claws in each hand counts as a single weapon. Monofilament Sword: Though archaic, swords are sometimes worn
Eelware: A combination of electric eel genetics and bioconduc- as a fashion statement or display of badassitude. Self-sharpening
tors in the hands/feet/limbs (bioware) or electrified panel placement near-monomolecular edges can slice through metal or limbs.
(hardware) allow you to stun with a shocking touch. Eelware can Monowire Garrote: This assassin’s weapon features a dangerous
be used to recharge standard batteries or power specially modified near-monomolecular wire wrapped around a contained spool with
devices by touch (treat as a standard battery). two handles. One handle grips the spool, while the other extends
Piston Spike: This pneumatic-driven spike is triggered with an the wire so that it can be wrapped around targets (typically necks or
impact (usually a punch) and designed to pierce modern armor and limbs) and slice through them when pulled. Monofilament tensile
synthetic frames. Most are designed for repeated use, though an strength is weak, however; it breaks on a superior failure. This
alternative single-use model delivers a minigrenade (this grenade weapon is wielded with Exotic Skill: Monowire Garrote.
attack bypasses armor). Piston Spear: A spear version of the piston spike ware.
Spur: A smart-material blade is bonded to the bones on the Shock Baton: Used by police, these batons deliver an electric
back of the morph’s hand, foot, or other strategic place. This blade shock when activated.
extends up to 6 inches through concealed ports. Shock Glove: When activated, this glove delivers an incapaci-
tating shock along with every punch, grab, or touch.

MELEE Ware Damage Value Complexity/

ATTACKS Type [Average] GP Notes
Claws BCH 2d6 [7] Min/1 Concealable
Club  —  1d10 [6] Min/1 Reach Melee Modifiers
Densiplast Gloves  —  Unarmed + 2 [6/9] Min/1 Concealable These modifiers apply to close-combat attacks.
Diamond Axe  —  2d10 + 3 [14] Min/1 Armor-Piercing, Reach, Two-Handed Situation Modifiers
Eelware BCH Unarmed [4/7] Min/1 Shock, Touch-Only +10 or +1d10 DV,
Extendable Baton  —  1d10 [6] Min/1 Concealable Aggressive
–10 Fray
Flex Cutter  —  1d10 + 3 [9] Min/1 Concealable
Charging –10, +1d6 DV
Knife  —  1d10 + 2 [8] Min/1
Monofilament Sword  —  2d10 + 2 [13] Min/R/1 Armor-Piercing, Reach Extra Weapon (Attack) +1d6 DV
Monowire Garrote  —  3d10 [17] Mod/R/2 Armor-Piercing, Fragile Extra Weapon (Defense) +10
Piston Spear  —  2d10 + 2* [13] Min/R/1* Armor-Piercing, Reach (+20), Two-Handed Grappling
Piston Spike CH 2d10* [11] Min/1* Armor-Piercing, Concealable  Smaller-Size Opponent +20 per size step
Shock Baton  —  1d10 [6] Min/1 Reach, Shock, Touch-Only
 Larger-Size Opponent –20 per size step
Shock Glove  —  Unarmed [4/7] Min/1 Shock, Touch-Only
Spur CH 2d6 + 3 [10] Min/R/1 Concealable  2+ Limbs Advantage +20
Unarmed (Biomorph)  —  1d6 [4]  2+ Limbs Disadvantage –20
Unarmed (Shell)  —  2d6 [7] Multiple Targets –20 per extra target
Vibroblade  —  1d10 + 1d6 [9] Min/1 Armor-Piercing/+2d10 DV when sawing
Reach +10 or more
Wasp Knife  —  1d10 + 2 [8] Min/R/1 +2d10 DV in vac/deep sea w/superior success
Touch-Only +20, no damage
* Single-use versions also act as a minigrenade; use the minigrenade’s Complexity.

204¹ Melee Combat • Melee Ware–Melee Weapons

 Vibroblade: These buzzing electronic blades vibrate at a high MULTIPLE TARGETS
frequency for extra cutting ability. This has little extra effect when When engaging in a melee attack, you may choose to attack two
stabbing or slashing, but can pierce armor when carefully sawing or more opponents with the same complex action. Each opponent
through something. must be within one meter of another attacked opponent. These
Wasp Knife: Wasp knives are equipped with a single-use attacks must be declared before the dice are rolled for the first
compressed-air canister in their handle. When stabbing a target in attack. Each attack suffers a cumulative –20 modifier for each extra
vacuum or a pressurized environment (like underwater), you can target. So if you attack three characters with the same action, you
trigger the gas to release so that it bursts out of the victim’s body take –40 on each attack. Roll each attack and damage separately.
cavity, inflicting +2d10 DV. Wasp knives may also be loaded with
chemicals, drugs, or nanobots. The target must be damaged for the REACH
canister’s contents to affect them. Some weapons extend your reach, giving you a significant advan-
tage over an opponent in melee. This applies to any weapon over
MELEE RULES half a meter long: axes, clubs, swords, shock batons, etc. Whenever
These rules apply specifically to close combat. you have a reach advantage over an opponent, you receive a +10
modifier for both attacking and defending. Some extra-long limbs
Aggressive Attacks or weapons provide a +20 bonus, as noted. For each size category
Aggressive attacks go all-out, regardless of consequences. You (Sizes ▶227) by which you exceed your opponent, apply a +10 Reach
choose either +10 to hit or +1d10 DV when aggressive, but you also modifier, up to a maximum +30.
suffer –10 to Fray Tests until your next action.
TOUCH-ONLY ATTACKS
Charging Some attacks simply require you to touch your target, rather than
A character who takes a full move and melee attacks in the same injure them, and are correspondingly easier. This might apply when
action turn is charging. The attacker takes a –10 modifier for trying to slap them with a dermal drug patch, poking them with
charging instead of the standard –20 for full movement and inflicts a stun baton, or making skin-to-skin contact for the use of a psi
+1d6 DV. sleight. In situations like this, apply a +20 modifier to your melee
attack. Melee shock attacks made with a touch-only bonus inflict no

ACTION & COMBAT

Grappling DV. (If you want to also inflict DV with the attack, you must attack
You must declare your intent to grapple an opponent before making without the +20 modifier.)
the die roll. You can grapple with a weapon in hand, but you do
not receive the Reach modifier. If your opponent is a bigger/smaller

IMPROVISED WEAPONS
size category and/or has 2 more/less limbs than you, apply a +/–20
modifier as appropriate. You may not grapple targets two size
categories or more larger than you. Grappling attacks do not cause Sometimes you’re caught off-guard and must use whatever is at
damage unless you roll a critical success (though even in this case hand  —  or maybe you just think you look cool whaling on someone
you can choose not to). with a meter of chain. The Improvised Weapons table offers statis-
If you succeed in your attack with a superior success, you subdue tics for a few likely ad-hoc items. GMs can use these as guidelines
your opponent (they acquire the grappled condition). A grappled for handling items that aren’t listed. These weapons are wielded
opponent is temporarily restrained and their Movement Rate is 0. with Melee skill, though the GM may rule in some cases that an
They can communicate, use mental/psi skills, and take mesh actions, Exotic Skill is necessary.
but they cannot take any physical actions other than trying to break
free. (At the GM’s discretion, they can make small, restrained phys- IMPROVISED Damage Value
ical actions, such as reaching for something in their pocket or nearby, WEAPONS [Average] Complexity Notes
but this may require a SOM Check or other test). Baseball 1d6 + 1 [5] Min Concealable
To break free, a grappled character must take a complex action and Biomorph (Medium) 1d6 [4] Knockdown,
succeed in a Melee Test or SOM Check opposed by the grappler's Two-Handed
Melee or SOM Check. If the character frees themselves and scores a Bottle 1d6 – 1 [3] Min
superior success, they can choose to grapple the other character. Bottle (Broken) 1d6 + 2 [6] Min
When grappling, both characters are at –30 to oppose any attacks Chain 1d10 [6] Min Reach
made against them by others outside of the grapple. Chair 1d10 + 2 [8] Min Two-Handed
On each subsequent action turn, a grappling character must Helmet 1d6 + 2 [6] Min
spend a complex action to maintain the grapple. As part of that Plasma Torch 2d10 + 8 [19] Min Armor-Piercing
action, they may also choose to do one of the following: Robot (Very Small) 1d6 + 1 [5] Concealable
Rock 1d6 + 2 [6] Min Concealable
• Choke: Biomorph victims must make a SOM Check or fall uncon-
Shiv 1d10 – 1 [5] Min Concealable
scious as their blood or air flow is restricted.
Synthmorph (Small) 1d6 [4]
• Damage: The grappled victim suffers unarmed damage, no defense.
Synthmorph (Medium) 2d6 [7] Knockdown,
• Knockdown: Grappled victims must make a Melee Test or SOM
Two-Handed
Check at –30 or be knocked prone. They remain grappled and
Utilitool 1d10 [6]
cannot stand up/re-orient until they are released or break free.
Wrench 1d10 [6] Min
• Move: The grappler can move themselves and the subdued oppo-
nent at half their Movement Rate.

Improvised Weapons
¾205
 RANGED COMBAT
Reloading aside, you are assumed to carry enough standard
ammo or batteries that you will not run out. You should, however,
Ranged combat attacks fall into five categories: beam weapons, keep track of smart and specialty ammo, seeker missiles, and larger
kinetic weapons, seeker weapons, spray weapons, and weapon ammunition. Likewise, in remote locations or situations where you
systems. Each is described below. are isolated from resources, the GM may have you track the ammo
ACTION & COMBAT

Most ranged weapons are constructed from lightweight but you use.
hardy ceramic hybrids and refractory metals. They are designed
for ambidextrous use and equipped with safety systems ▶216, Indirect Fire
smartlink systems ▶217, and helper ALIs that automatically mesh With the help of a spotter, you can target an enemy that you can’t see
with the wielder for firing assistance, target recognition, and using indirect fire. Indirect attacks are primarily made with seekers,
tactical networking. grenades, and other projectiles that do not follow a direct-line trajec-
tory to the target. You must be meshed with a character, bot, tactical
RANGED COMBAT RULES network, or sensor system that has the target in its sights and which
The following rules apply to all types of ranged attacks. feeds you targeting data. Indirect attacks suffer a –20 modifier.
Seeker missiles ▶212 can home in on a target that is “painted” with
Aiming reflected energy from a laser sight ▶216 or similar target designator
If firing in single-shot or semi-auto mode, you can expend your quick system. An “attack” must first be made to paint the target with the
action to aim. Apply a +10 modifier to your attack. laser sight using Guns skill. If successful, the target acquisition
You can also expend an entire complex action to fix your aim on negates the –20 indirect fire modifier for the seeker launcher’s
a target. As long as the target remains in your sights on your next attack test. The target must be held in the spotter’s sights (requiring
action, you receive +30 to hit. a complex action each turn) until the seeker strikes.

Ammunition and Reloading Firing Modes

Every weapon lists an ammunition capacity that indicates how Ranged weapons have one or more firing modes that determines
many shots the weapon holds. When this ammo runs out, a new their rate of fire:
supply must be loaded. Keep track of the shots you fire. Reloading Single Shot (SS): Single-shot weapons only fire one shot per
requires a complex action, whether you are slapping in a new action turn (no matter how many actions you take). These are typi-
magazine of bullets or a fresh battery for a laser. Weapons listed cally larger or more complex devices.
with an Ammo of x + 1 indicate that you can load an extra round Semi-Automatic (SA): Semi-automatic weapons are capable of
in the chamber. quick, repeated fire. You shoot once with each complex action.

206¹ Ranged Combat • Ranged Combat Rules–Ranged Combat Rules

 Firing Modes Ranged Modifiers
Mode Effect These modifiers apply to ranged combat attacks.
Single Shot Standard DV Situation Modifiers
Semi-Auto Standard DV Aim (Quick Action) +10
Burst Fire Aim (Complex Action) +30
 Single Target +10 to hit or +1d10 DV Attacker Behind/Coming Out of Cover –10
 Two Adjacent Targets Standard DV to both Attacker In Melee –10 (–30 long weapons)
Full Auto Attacker Not Using Smartlink or Laser Sight –10
 Single Target +30 to hit or +2d10 DV Attacker Firing Multiple Weapons At Once –20 cumulative (after first)
 Three Adjacent Targets Standard DV to all three Defender Behind Minor Cover –10
Standard DV to anyone moving out of cover Defender Behind Moderate Cover –20
 Suppressive Fire
within cone Defender Behind Major Cover –30
–30 and/or 50% miss chance
Defender Hidden
(Blind Attacks ▶218)
Burst Fire (BF): Burst-fire weapons release a burst of shots with Defender Prone and at Range (10+ m) –10
a single trigger pull. You can shoot a burst against a single target
Firing Mode
(concentrated fire) or against two targets who are standing within
one meter of each other. In the case of concentrated fire, you can  Single-Shot/Semi-Auto +0
choose either a +10 modifier to hit or increase the DV by +1d10. In  Burst Fire (Concentrated) +10 or +1d10 DV
the case of two adjacent targets, make a single attack test against  Full Auto (Concentrated) +30 or +2d10 DV
both. Firing a burst is a complex action. Each burst uses up 3 shots.
Indirect Fire –20
Full Automatic (FA): Full-auto weapons release a hail of shots

ACTION & COMBAT

with a single trigger pull. You can attack a single target with concen- Range
trated fire or up to three separate targets within one meter of each  Point-Blank (2 m) +10
other. In the case of concentrated fire, choose either a +30 modifier  Close (10 m) +0
to hit or increase the DV by +2d10. In the case of adjacent targets,
make a single attack test against all of them. Full-auto fire is a  Range –10
complex action. Firing in full-auto mode consumes 10 shots.  Beyond Range –10 per Range increment
  –1d10 DV for kinetic weapons
Range
Every ranged weapon has a range rating, indicating the distance to
which it is optimally effective. Attacks are broken down into four
categories, each with their own modifier: Suppressive Fire
To provide cover for an ally, you can lay down suppressive fire over
• Point-Blank: 2 meters or less. +10 to hit. Cone weapons inflict an area rather than targeting anyone specifically, with the intent of
+1d10 DV. making everyone in the suppressed area keep their heads down.
• Close: 10 meters or less. No modifier to hit. Cone weapons inflict This takes a complex action, full-auto mode, and uses up 20 shots.
+1d10 DV. The suppressed area extends out in a cone, with the widest diam-
• Range: Up to the weapon’s range rating in meters. –10 to hit. eter of the cone being up to 20 meters across. Any character who is
• Beyond Range: An additional –10 modifier per range multiple. For not behind cover or who does not immediately move behind cover
example, a target at 200 meters with a range 50 weapon would be on their action is at risk of getting hit by the suppressive fire. Make
–40 to hit. Additionally, kinetic and cone weapons hit targets beyond one attack roll with no modifiers except for range and wounds.
range at –1d10 DV, unless in vacuum. Apply it to anyone moving out of cover inside the suppressed area;
they defend as normal. If struck, they resist damage as if from a
Range and Gravity: The ranges listed assume Earth-like gravity single shot.
conditions (1 g). At different gravity conditions, divide the range
rating for kinetic, seeker, spray, and thrown weapons by the gravity.
For example, a weapon with range 100 at 1 g would have a range
of 200 meters in 0.5 g and a range of 50 meters at 2 g. In micro-
gravity/zero g, the maximum range is effectively line of sight. Beam
weapons are not affected by gravity.
Beam Weapons and Vacuum: Beam weapons fare much better
in non-atmospheric conditions. Maximum beam weapon range in
vacuum is effectively line of sight.

Ranged Combat • Ranged Combat Rules

¾207
 BEAM WEAPONS
The second “roast” setting has the same effect as the first, but also
actually burns the target. Synthmorphs are unaffected by the pain,
Most coherent-energy weapons are deployed for less-lethal purposes, but damaged by the roast.
designed to impair rather than kill. They are wielded with Guns skill Particle Beam Bolter: This weapon shoots a bolt of accelerated
and resisted with energy armor. particles at near light speed that transfer massive amounts of
ACTION & COMBAT

All beam weapons are equipped with both a standard and nuclear kinetic energy to the target, superheating and creating an explosion
battery ▶317. The standard battery powers the weapon’s shots until when striking. The bolter’s beam is not diffused by the cloud that
depleted (per its Ammo stat). The nuclear battery will recharge a occurs when it strikes, and so it has greater penetration than the
standard battery completely in 4 hours. Standard batteries can be laser pulser. Likewise, the bolter is not affected by smoke, fog, or
swapped out with a reload complex action. A battery used in one rain. Bolters must be set for either atmospheric or exoatmospheric
type of beam weapon may not be used in other types. (vacuum) operation and will not function in the opposite environ-
ment, though it only takes a complex action to switch. The beam
BEAM WEAPON WARE appears like an arc of lightning in atmosphere, but is invisible in
Hand Laser: The morph has a weapon-grade laser implanted in its vacuum (though visible in the shooter’s entoptics).
forearm, with a flexible waveguide leading to a lens located between Stunner: The stunner is an electrolaser that creates an electri-
the first two knuckles on the morph’s dominant hand. The laser’s cally conductive plasma channel that transmits a powerful electric
batteries are implanted and not easily swapped out in biomorphs. current, shocking the target. Stunners do not work in vacuum.

BEAM WEAPONS BEAM WEAPON RULES

Battle Laser: This heavy laser pulser is typically mounted and used The following rules apply only to beam weapons.
for battlefield support, firing more powerful beams than the stan-
dard laser pulser. Laser Blindness
Laser Pulser: The pulser emits focused beams of light that burn Though laser pulser beams do not appear in the visible spectrum,
into the target and cause its outer surface to vaporize and expand, they may be blinding to those with enhanced vision and may
creating an explosive effect. The beam is pulsed in order to bite into reflect off surfaces in ways that blind those with regular sight. For
the target before it is diffused. When fired in stun mode, it shoots this reason, most laser wielders (and their companions) are careful
a pulse at the target to create a ball of plasma, quickly followed to equip anti-glare mods ▶318. This effect can be ignored in most
by a second pulse that strikes the plasma and creates a flash-bang cases, but GMs may want to allow it for called shots to blind ▶218
shockwave to stun and disorient the target and anyone next to them. or as a result of superior success/failure results. Potentially blinded
Pulsers are vulnerable to atmospheric effects like dust, mist, smoke, targets must make a REF Check. Success means they are blinded for
or rain, however  —  the GM should reduce their effective range as 3 action turns, failure results in permanent blindness until repaired
appropriate. Laser pulses are invisible, but they can be seen with or they spend time in a healing vat. Blinded characters can still “see”
enhanced vision in atmosphere (or in the visual spectrum in smoky/ through tactical nets and similar mesh links.
polluted air) or in the shooter’s entoptics.
Microwave Agonizer: Originally developed for crowd control, Sweeping Fire
the agonizer is also useful for repelling animals. The agonizer fires When you miss with a beam attack, you can use that missed beam
millimeter-wave beams that create an unpleasant burning sensation to “home in” on the target. If you make another attack against the
in skin (even through armor). Agonizers have two settings. The first same target with your next action, count the missed attack as an
is an active denial setting that causes extreme burning pain in aim action (+10 to hit). Since most beam weapons are invisible to
biomorph targets, inflicting a pain effect ▶216 until the end of the standard sight, you must have vision enhancements enabling you
next turn and forcing them to move away from the beam. to see the beam in atmosphere or be meshed with the weapon’s AR
targeting entoptics.

Ware Damage Value Firing

BEAM WEAPONS Type [Average] Modes Ammo Range Complexity/GP Notes
Battle Laser  —  3d10 +4 [21] SA/BF/FA 50 150 Maj/R/3 Fixed, Long
Hand Laser CH 1d10 + 1d6 [9] SA 10 75 Mod/R/2
Laser Pulser (Lethal)  —  2d10 + 2 [13] SA/BF/FA 30 100 Mod/R/2 Knockdown, Long, Two-Handed
Laser Pulser (Stun)  —  1d6 [3] SS Area Effect (uniform, 1 m), Long, Shock, Two-Handed
MW Agonizer (Pain)  —   —  SA 20 15 Mod/2 Pain (biomorphs only)
MW Agonizer (Roast)  —  2d10 [11] SS Armor-Piercing, Pain (biomorphs only)
Particle Beam Bolter  —  2d10 + 6 [17] SA/BF 25 50 Maj/R/3 Knockdown, Long, Two-Handed
Stunner  —  1d6 [3] SA 12 50 Mod/2 Shock

208¹ Beam Weapons • Beam Weapon Ware–Beam Weapon Rules

 Shredder: A heavier version of the shard pistol, the shredder fires

SPRAY WEAPONS
a larger cloud of lethal flechettes, enough to shred a portion of the
target into a fine mist.
Spray weapons blast their ammunition in a widening cone, allowing Sprayer: This is a general-purpose two-handed squirtgun, loaded
the firer to strike several targets at once (Area Effect ▶218). They are with tanks filled with the chemical or drug of the wielder’s choice.
fired using Guns skill. Each shot uses 3 doses; each target is hit with 1 dose.
Ammunition: With the exception of buzzers (which use Torch: This modern flamethrower uses condensed ammunition
nanoswarms) and sprayers (which use chemicals/drugs, 3 doses per capsules rather than fuel tanks, scorching targets and setting them
shot), spray weapons follow the ammunition and reloading rules ▶206. on fire. A superior success sets the target on fire; they will continue
Buzzer: Buzzers are used to deploy a particular type of to take DV 2d10 per action turn (armor does not apply) until extin-
nanoswarm, either at a target or over an area. They carry a limited guished. These chemical fires are particularly difficult to put out
number of swarms, but contain a specialized hive ▶342 that can unless they are deprived of oxygen.
construct new swarms. Vortex Ring Gun: This less-lethal weapon detonates a blank
Freezer: Freezers spew out a fast-hardening foam that imme- cartridge and accelerates the explosive pressure down a widening
diately hardens. They are primarily used as a non-lethal method barrel so that it develops into a high-speed vortex ring. This spin-
of immobilizing or securing a target. Struck characters must ning, donut-shaped, concussive blast knocks down and stuns close-
immediately make a REF Check or become trapped; treat as the range targets. Drugs, chemicals, and similar agents can be loaded
grappled condition ▶226. Breaking free requires a SOM Check by into the charge as well.
the trapped target (at –30 ) or an outside helper. The attacker's
superior successes can be used to apply a cumulative –10 modifier

THROWN WEAPONS
to these checks. Additional shots can be used to apply more layers
to a trapped target (each requiring a SOM Check to break free). The
foam allows characters to breathe even if their mouth and nose are Aside from grenades (Seeker Weapons & Grenades ▶212), few
covered, but it may impede sight. Freezer foam can be spiked with throwing weapons are commonly used in Eclipse Phase. Use
contact toxins or drugs to additionally incapacitate the target. It can Athletics skill when throwing items to strike with an impact, such
also be used to construct temporary barricades or cover (creating as a baseball or dart, or to center an area effect, like a grenade. Use
moderate cover for 1 person per shot). Hardened foam has an Armor an appropriate Exotic skill for weapons that require more finesse or

ACTION & COMBAT

of 5/10 and Durability of 20. It slowly breaks down and degrades special techniques, such as throwing knives, axes, or shuriken.
over a 12-hour period. All thrown weapons have a range of SOM in meters.
Plasma Rifle: This bulky, heavy, two-handed weapon blasts a
stream of nova-hot plasma at the target, inflicting severe burns and

WEAPON SYSTEMS
thermal damage, possibly melting or evaporating the target entirely.
Plasma rifles are perhaps the deadliest man-portable weapons in
use. A superior success sets the target on fire; they will continue to Spaceship weapons, habitat defense systems, emplaced turrets: all
take DV 2d10 per action turn (armor does not apply) until extin- such weapon systems are fired using Interface skill. These types
guished. Plasma guns suffer from dangerous overheating in vacuum of weapons are invariably controlled through meshed computer
and require 1 full action turn of cool-down time after every 2 shots. interfaces. The attacker relies on the weapon’s sensor feeds, tactical
Shard Pistol: This weapon fires a stream of diamondoid shards display, and skill rather than any physical action. For this reason,
at high velocities with each shot. A blast of these micro-­flechettes Insight pool applies to tests when using weapon systems, not Vigor.
is very traumatic to flesh, but their armor-piercing capabilities are Many weapon systems use portable weapons that are emplaced
offset by their low mass. Shard pistols are ideal for close-quarters or physically hardwired to a turret or similar hardpoint. Others are
habitats, as the shards tend to shatter rather than ricochet. Shard significantly larger weapon systems, designed for taking out ships
ammunition is sometimes coated with drugs or toxins for extra and military vehicles. The rules and stats for these systems are
efficiency. beyond the scope of this book, but as a general guideline they will
have ranges and Damage Values double that of portable weapons.

Area Damage Value Firing Armor

SPRAY WEAPONS Effect [Average] Modes Ammo Range Used Complexity/GP Notes
Buzzer Cone As swarm SS 3 15 As swarm As specialized hive Long, Two-Handed
Freezer Cone  —  SS 20 15  —  Mod/2 Entangling, Long, Two-Handed
Plasma Rifle Cone 4d10 + 10 [32] SA 6 25 E Maj/R/3 Armor-Piercing, Long, Two-Handed
Shard Pistol Cone 2d6 + 6 [13] SA/BF/FA 100 15 K Min/R/1 Concealable
Shredder Cone 2d10 + 6 [17] SA/BF/FA 100 25 K Mod/R/2 Two-Handed
Sprayer Cone As payload SS 15 15 As payload Min/1 Long, Two-Handed
Torch Cone 3d10 [16] SS 20 15 E Maj/R/3 Long, Two-Handed
Vortex Ring Gun Cone 1d6 [3] SA 20 15 E Min/1 Knockdown, Long, Stun, Two-Handed

Spray Weapons • THROWN WEAPONS • WEAPON SYSTEMS

¾209
ACTION & COMBAT

KINETIC WEAPONS
occupying a middle ground. Machine pistols use smaller caliber
rounds but provide larger magazines for automatic firing.
Kinetic weapons fire hard-impact projectiles at high velocities Submachine Gun: SMGs are designed in bullpup configura-
to damage the target. There are two categories of slug-throwers, tions for close-quarters operations and are ideal for tactical and
based on their firing mechanisms: chemical firearms and railguns. strike teams.
Railguns have higher penetration and inflict more damage, offset Assault Rifle: Automatic rifles use rifle ammunition and have
by battery needs and more limited ammunition choices. Most fire- greater range and penetration than SMGs.
arms are equipped with programmable smart bullets by default and Battle Rifle: Battle rifles use higher caliber rounds, providing
have a range of other ammunition choices. Due to their lethality better range and stopping power than assault rifles.
and versatility, they remain in widespread use. Both firearms and Machine Gun: Machine guns are heavy weapons, typically
railguns work in vacuum. They are wielded with Guns skill and mounted, and intended to provide continuous fire for support or
resisted with kinetic armor. suppressive purposes.
Sniper Rifle: Sniper rifles are optimized for range, accuracy,
FIREARMS penetration, and stopping power.
Modern chemical firearms use caseless smart ammunition that is Polygun Pistol: Polyguns are modular, shape-changing weapons
auto-loaded from a magazine. They are effectively recoilless (thanks that can switch between holdout, medium pistol, heavy pistol, and
to rheological smart fluid mechanisms) and electronically fired (an machine pistol forms. Each form requires separate ammunition.
electric charge vaporizes the propellant, using the expanding steam Switching forms takes 3 action turns.
and plasma to eject and accelerate the projectile). Polygun Rifle: This carbine functions like the polygun pistol,
Pistol: Holdout pistols sacrifice penetrating ability for conceal- except that it can switch between SMG, assault rifle, and sniper rifle
ability. Heavy pistols focus on stopping power, with medium pistols as needed.

Damage Value Firing
KINETIC WEAPONS [Average] Modes Ammo Range Complexity/GP Notes
Holdout 1d10 + 1d6 [9] SA/BF 9 + 1 25 Min/R/1 Concealable
Medium Pistol 2d10 [11] SA/BF/FA 15 + 1 30 Min/R/1
Heavy Pistol 2d10 + 2 [13] SA/BF/FA 9 + 1 35 Min/R/1
Machine Pistol 1d10 + 1d6 [9] SA/BF/FA 30 + 1 25 Min/R/1
Submachine Gun 2d10 [11] SA/BF/FA 30 + 1 50 Mod/R/2 Two-Handed
Assault Rifle 2d10 + 2 [13] SA/BF/FA 45 + 1 100 Mod/R/2 Long, Two-Handed
Battle Rifle 2d10 + 4 [15] SA/BF/FA 30 + 1 200 Mod/R/2 Long, Two-Handed
Machine Gun 3d10 + 2 [19] BF/FA 50 + 1 500 Maj/R/3 Fixed, Long
Sniper Rifle 3d10 + 10 [26] SA 9 + 1 500 Maj/R/3 Fixed, Long
Polygun Pistol As Pistol As Pistol As Pistol As Pistol Mod/R/2 As Pistol
Polygun Rifle As Rifle/SMG As Rifle/SMG As Rifle/SMG As Rifle/SMG Maj/R/3 As Rifle/SMG
Railguns As Above As Above x2 x1.5 As Above As Above, Armor-Piercing

210¹ Kinetic Weapons • Firearms

 Capsule: Capsule ammo carries one dose of a drug, toxin, or
RAILGUNS nanobot payload (acquired separately) that is released inside the
Railguns slide and accelerate a non-explosive conductive tungsten target after the round penetrates.
slug along electromagnetic rails at extremely high velocities (Mach Hollow-Point: Hollow-point bullets deform, widen, and frag-
6+) to create an overwhelming, penetrating attack. The kinetic ment once they penetrate a target, inflicting more damage to soft
energy of the projectile exceeds that of an explosive-filled shell of targets like biomorphs. They do not provide extra damage to synth-
greater mass and creates shock and heat waves upon impact that morphs or objects.
shatter and incinerate the target, or portions of it. While railguns Homing: This bullet identifies a smartlink-tagged target and
are more potent than firearms, they cannot use smart or specialty uses nanosensors and telemetry from previous bullets to lock on,
ammunition as the projectile must be conductive and able to correcting the bullet’s trajectory with surface alterations and tiny
survive both acceleration and heat created in the process due to vectored nozzles. Apply a +10 modifier to hit for attacks following
friction. Nanofabrication allows railguns to be manufactured on an aim action (cumulative with the aim modifier) or previous
the personal-weapons scale while high-energy portable batteries attacks against the same target. Homing bullets can also be used for
provide the power to fire them. Railgun operation makes no flash indirect fire ▶206, though without the to-hit modifier.
and is silent except for the supersonic crack of the projectile. Jammer: Jammers stick to the target and pulse out jamming
Railguns are available in the same models as firearms. They electromagnetic signals, jamming the target’s wireless communica-
are equipped with standard and nuclear batteries just like beam tions with an Interface of 40 (Jam Signals ▶263). They are difficult
weapons, holding enough power for 200 shots. to remove, requiring a Hardware: Electronics task action (10 action
turns) or use of a fixer, disassembler, or saboteur nanoswarm.
KINETIC AMMUNITION Plastic: Plastic ammo is designed to hurt but not wound targets
Ammunition is defined by its various types (regular, armor-piercing, and is commonly used for crowd control purposes.
capsule, etc.) and by the class of gun (light pistol, heavy pistol, SMG, Proximity: This reactive bullet uses nanosensors to determine
etc.). For simplicity, each gun can trade ammunition with another if it is going to miss a smartlink-tagged target and explodes in their
gun of its class, though ammunition for firearms and railguns is not vicinity. If the attack misses without a superior or critical failure, the
exchangeable. For example, all railgun SMGs can share ammo. Due target still suffers DV 1d10.
to the high speeds at which railguns fire, they can only use railgun Reactive Armor-Piercing (RAP): This is a tungsten-carbide
ammo; firearms have more options. armor-piercing round with a reactive casing that superheats and

ACTION & COMBAT

The ammunition’s Damage Value modifiers are added to the explodes upon impact.
weapon’s base DV. Standard Ammo: This basic metal projectile is designed to put
holes into morphs and other objects.
Smart Ammo Splash: Splash rounds carry a payload (acquired separately) like
Firearm smart ammo is made from programmable matter. In addi- capsule ammo, but are designed to break upon impact rather than
tion to its standard form, it can transform into accushot, hollow- penetrating, splashing their contents on the target’s exterior. Splash
point, or plastic rounds. The firer can change all or some of the rounds are typically loaded with paint, taggant nanobots, tracker
bullets in the magazine (in any order) with a complex action. All of dye, and similar substances.
the bullets fired together with a single complex action must be of Zap: Zap rounds are rubber or gel bullets that shock the target
the same programmed type. with a piezoelectric charge.

Specialty Firearm Ammo

This ammunition can only be used with firearms, not railguns. It is
acquired in lots of 100 rounds and must be tracked separately. Damage Value Complexity/GP
Accushot: Accushot bullets change shape during flight to keep KINETIC AMMO Modifier (per 100) Notes
dead on course, countering the effects of wind, drag, and gravity over Accushot  —  Min/R/1 Steady
distance. Attacks made with Accushots ignore all range modifiers. Armor-piercing –1d10 Min/R/1 Armor-Piercing
Armor-Piercing: This tungsten-carbide ammunition penetrates Biter +1d6 Mod/R/2
armor effectively. Bug  —  Min/R/1
Biter: Biters fragment in opposite proportion to the hardness of Capsule ÷2 Min/1
the target they strike. For hard targets (synthmorphs), they fragment Hollow-point +1d6 Min/R/1 Extra DV only vs.
very little, blasting a big hole. For soft targets (biomorphs), they frag- biomorphs
ment and tumble in multiple directions within the body. Homing  —  Mod/R/2 Indirect fire or +10 to hit
Bug: Bug rounds are equipped with a microbug and medical Jammer No damage Min/1
sensor nanobots. They attempt to gather information on the target’s Plastic ÷2 Min/1 Stun (biomorphs only)
location (via standard mesh tracking), health (querying the target’s Proximity +1d6 Mod/R/2 DV 1d10 on miss
medichines), and surroundings (typically hindered by being inside RAP  —  Mod/R/2 Armor-Piercing
the target’s body). They will transmit status reports in a pre-pro- Railgun  —  Min/R/1
grammed manner via the mesh or a pre-chosen frequency band Smart As type Mod/R/2
either continuously or in pre-set intervals. Splash No damage Min/1
Standard  —  Min/R/1
Zap ÷2 Min/1 Shock

Kinetic Weapons • Railguns–Kinetic Ammunition

¾211
 minutes, though they may drift or dissipate more quickly depending

SEEKER WEAPONS
upon environmental conditions (wind, rain, etc.). Gas munitions
deliver a dose to anyone within the cloud, but they dissipate after

& GRENADES
3 action turns.
High-Explosive Armor-Piercing (HEAP): A design only avail-
Seeker weapons are a combination of automatic grenade launcher, able for seekers (not grenades), HEAP warheads use high explosives
ACTION & COMBAT

micromissile, coilgun, and smart munitions technology in personal to blast a path for a penetrating tungsten-alloy round. HEAP rounds
weapon sizes. Seeker rounds are fired at high-velocity via rings of have no blast radius, but are very effective at penetrating armor.
magnetic coils, after which the micromissile or minimissile uses Plasmaburst: These munitions release a burst of plasma upon
scramjets or solid-fuel rockets to propel itself and maintain high detonation that causes searing heat and fire damage across the
velocities over great distances. Seekers are fired using Guns skill. area of effect without the devastating shockwaves of explosions
Disposable Launcher: This launcher is pre-packed with one that might rebound in an enclosed environment and/or breach a
standard missile. habitat’s infrastructure.
Seeker Armband: Worn on the arm like a bracer, this weapon Splash: Splash devices spread a contained substance (a drug,
fires micromissiles via an entoptic interface. chemical, nanoswarm, paint, etc.) over a 10-meter blast radius when
Seeker Pistol: This pistol-sized seeker fires micromissiles in they detonate. Each contains 5 doses of a toxin/drug (targets are
semi-auto mode. affected by 1 dose) or 1 nanoswarm.
Seeker Rifle: The seeker rifle comes in a bullpup configuration Stun: These enhanced versions of flashbangs release a concussive
and fires either micromissiles or minimissiles. blast and a cloud of rubber “stingballs” designed to stun targets and
Underbarrel Seeker: This seeker micromissile launcher is knock them off their feet. This blast also releases a blinding flash
commonly attached to the underbarrel of SMGs or assault rifles. and a deafening thunderclap. Treat as a shock effect  ▶219.
Stun seekers/grenades can also be set into “overload mode,”
SEEKER MISSILES AND GRENADES inflicting an all-out sensory assault for a full minute. In addition
Seekers and grenades are both compact, multi-function, explosive to blinding glare, the device releases nausea-inducing malodor-
devices. Seekers are packaged in standard missile, minimissile, or ants and infrasonic frequencies that trigger unpleasant emotional
micromissile sizes and fired from seeker weapons using Guns skill. responses (anxiety, uneasiness, extreme sorrow, revulsion, and fear).
Grenades are designed to be thrown using Athletics skill or placed Tactical Multipurpose (TMP): TMP devices can be set to deto-
as traps using Hardware: Explosives. Grenades come in standard nate in either fragmentation or high-explosive mode. Fragmentation
form or as minigrenades. explosives spread a cloud of lethal flechettes over the area of effect.
Minigrenades and micromissiles are the baseline for listed High-explosive seekers/grenades create a destructive shock and
effects. Adjust the effects for minimissiles and standard grenades/ heat wave.
missiles as noted on the table. Most are area-effect weapons ▶218. Thermobaric: Thermobaric munitions disperse a cloud of aerosol
Each can be set for different trigger conditions ▶213 or to adjust the explosive over an area and then ignite, literally setting the air on fire,
blast radius ▶218. Seekers/grenades that miss or that hit but are not generating a devastating pressure wave, and sucking the oxygen out
sticky ▶below and are not set for impact or airburst detonation will of the area.
scatter ▶218. Listed complexity is for 5 grenades/missiles.
Each seeker missile can function as either accushot or homing SEEKER AND GRENADE RULES
ammunition ▶211. These rules apply to grenades, seeker missiles, and similar weapons.
Dazzler: Dazzlers are spinning laser devices, designed to blind
targets and defeat surveillance. Anyone within line of sight in the Adjusting Blast Radius
radius of effect (50 meters) who is not equipped with anti-glare mods When engaged in offensive operations, the blast radius of grenades
must succeed in a REF Check or be blinded ▶226 for 1 action turn, +1 and seekers can be dialed back, so that attackers are not caught in
per superior failure. A critical failure results in permanent blindness the area of effect. For uniform area effect weapons, simply declare
(until repaired/healed). Any visual light/infrared cameras are over- a blast radius less than the one listed. For centered area effects,
loaded for the dazzler’s duration. Unless set to a timed deactivation, increase the DV reduction per meter, up to a maximum –20/meter.
dazzlers continue to blind for 1 hour or until wirelessly turned off or Such adjustments require a quick action and can be set remotely.
physically destroyed (DUR 10, AV 5/10).
EMP: EMP munitions fire off a strong electromagnetic pulse Jumping on Grenades
when they “detonate.” Since most electronics in Eclipse Phase are You can take one for the team and throw yourself on top of a
built with optical technology, and power supplies and sensitive grenade to protect others. You must be within movement range
microcircuits are shielded and surge-protected, this has no major of the grenade’s location, take a complex action, and succeed in
damaging effect. Antennas, however, are vulnerable, especially finer a REF Check to fall on the grenade and cover it with your morph.
wires like those used with mesh inserts, as are nanobots and micro- You suffer an extra DV 1d10 when the grenade detonates, but the
bots. Every radio within the blast radius (50 meters) is disabled grenade’s damage is reduced by your Armor Value + 10 when
until repaired with an appropriate Hardware or Medicine: Biotech applied to others within the blast radius.
Test or a fixer nanoswarm. Every nanoswarm within range suffers
DV 2d10 + 5. Sticky Coating
Gas/Smoke: Gas/smoke munitions rapidly spew out a dense Grenades and some seekers have a special adhesive coating that
cloud with a 10-meter radius. Smoke impedes sight (–20) with thick sticks to almost any surface when activated. Sticky munitions that
fumes of a chosen color and is heated to obfuscate heat signatures hit their target do not scatter. They can even be stuck to an opponent
moving through the smoke as cover. Smoke clouds remain for 3 with a successful melee attack to be detonated later.

212¹ Seeker Weapons & Grenades

 Trigger Conditions neutralized. Timed explosives go off at the end of the turn. The
Modern grenades, seekers, and similar explosives do not necessarily minimum detonation period is 1 action turn, meaning the device
detonate the instant they are thrown or strike the target. The user will detonate at the end of the next turn.
sets the trigger option when deploying the weapon and can alter it
via wireless link. Missed attacks or attacks that do not explode in Throwing Back A Grenade
transit or when they strike are subject to scatter ▶218. You can reach a grenade before it detonates and throw it back or
Airburst: Airburst means that the device explodes in mid-air as away in a safe direction. You must be within movement range of
soon as it travels a distance programmed at launch. Resolve such the grenade’s location, take a complex action, and succeed in a REF
attacks immediately when fired. At the GM’s discretion, such attacks Check at –20 to catch the rolling, sliding grenade. If successful,
ignore cover modifiers. Note that airburst munitions are programmed you can throw the grenade in a direction of your choice with the
with a safety feature that will prevent detonation if they fail to travel a same action (treat as a standard throwing attack at –20). If you fail,
minimum precautionary distance from the launcher, though this can however, you may find yourself at ground zero when it detonates.
be hacked or overridden with Hardware: Explosives.
Impact: The grenade or missile goes off as soon as it hits some-
thing, whether that be the target, ground, or an intervening object.
Resolve the effects immediately.
Proximity: The explosive uses simple electromagnetic sensors
(Perceive 30) to detect movement and targets (biological, synthetic,
or both) within a pre-set radius range out to 3 meters and immedi-
ately detonate. There is a 3-turn delay between initiating a proximity
trigger and its activation.
Signal: The munition is primed for detonation upon receiving
a command signal via wireless link. The device simply lays in wait
until it receives the proper signal (which must include the cryp-
tographic key assigned when the explosive was primed), detonating
immediately when it does.
Timer: The device has a built-in timer allowing the user to adjust

ACTION & COMBAT

exactly when it detonates. This can be anywhere from 1 second to
days, months, or even years later, effectively making the device a
bomb, but also increasing the likelihood it will be discovered and

SEEKER WEAPONS Firing Modes Ammo Range Complexity/GP Notes

Disposable Launcher SS 1 Standard 300 (includes missile) Mod/R/2 Long, No Close, Single-Use, Two-Handed
Seeker Armband SS 4 Micro 75 Mod/R/2 No Point-Blank
Seeker Pistol SA 8 Micro 75 Mod/R/2 No Point-Blank
Seeker Rifle SA 12 Micro 75 Maj/R/3 No Close, Long, Two-Handed
SA 6 Mini 150
Underbarrel Seeker SA 6 Micro 75 Mod/R/2 No Close, Two-Handed

BASELINE STATS ARE FOR MICROMISSILES AND MINIGRENADES.

Area-Effect Type Damage Value Complexity/GP
SEEKER/GRENADE TYPE (Radius) [Average] Armor Used (per 5) Notes
Dazzler Uniform (50 m)  —   —  Mod/R/2 Blinding
EMP Uniform (50 m) 2d10 + 6 [16]  —  Maj/R/3 Disables radios
(nanoswarms only)
Gas/Smoke Uniform (20 m)  —   —  Min/1
HEAP  —  3d10 + 12 [29] K Maj/R/3 Armor-Piercing, Knockdown
Plasmaburst Centered (–2 DV/m) 3d10 + 10 [27] E Maj/R/3 Armor-Piercing
Splash Uniform (10 m)  —   —  As payload
Stun Uniform (10 m) 1d6 + 2 [5] K Mod/2 Blinding, Knockdown, Shock
Overload Uniform (10 m)  —   —  Blinding, Pain
Tactical Multipurpose (TMP) Mod/R/2
Frag Centered (–2 DV/m) 3d10 + 6 [23] K Knockdown (5 meter radius)
High-Explosive Centered (–2 DV/m) 3d10 + 10 [27] E Knockdown (10 meter radius)
Thermobaric Uniform (10 m) 2d10 + 6 [16] E Maj/R/3 Armor-Piercing, Knockdown

Area-Effect Type Damage Value
SIZE (Radius) [Average] Armor Used Complexity/GP Notes
Standard Grenade x2 (Uniform) +1d10 [+5] (Centered) As above Per 3 As above
Minimissile x2 (Uniform) +1d10 [+5] (Centered) As above Per 3 As above
Standard Missile x2 (Uniform) x2 (Centered) As above Per 1 As above

Seeker Weapons & Grenades

¾213
 ARMOR
Armor technology has kept pace with weapons development,
providing unprecedented levels of protection.
ACTION & COMBAT

ENERGY vs. KINETIC

Each type of armor has an Armor Value (AV) with two
ratings  —  energy and kinetic  —  representing the protection it
applies against the respective type of attack. These are listed in the
format of “energy armor/kinetic armor.” For example, an item with
listed armor “5/10” provides 5 points of armor against energy-based
attacks and 10 points of armor against kinetic attacks.
Energy armor protects against beam weapons (laser, microwave,
particle beam, etc.), plasma, fire, and high-energy explosives. Armor
that protects against this damage is made of material that reflects or
diffuses such energy, dissipates and transfers heat, or ablates.
Kinetic armor protects against the transfer of damaging energy
when an object in motion (a fist, knife, club, or bullet, for example)
impacts with another object (the target). Most melee and firearms
attacks inflict kinetic damage, as would a rolling boulder, swinging
pendulum, or explosion-driven fragments. Kinetic armors include
impact-resistant plates, shear-thickening liquid and gels that harden
upon impact, and ballistic and cut-proof fiber weaves.

ARMOR VALUE
When you are hit in combat, subtract your AV from the damage
applied. Use the AV rating appropriate to the type of attack. Attacks
that are armor-piercing reduce your AV by half.

LAYERING ARMOR
You can wear multiple layers of armor, adding the ratings together,
but it is cumbersome. Apply a –20 modifier to all physical actions
for each additional armor layer worn. If the total of either AV rating
exceeds your SOM, apply an additional –20 modifier and reduce
your Movement Rate by half, as you are overburdened. If the AV
exceeds your Durability, you are too encumbered to move.
The armor inherent to a synthmorph’s or other shell’s frame ARMOR WARE
counts as the first item towards layering. Shells are not designed to Bioweave: The morph’s dermal layers are laced with spidersilk
wear armor; any armor layered upon them may need to be specially fibers, providing protection without changing the appearance,
designed to fit their form (perhaps requiring a nanofab Program texture, or sensitivity of the skin.
Test or increasing the Complexity by one step). Dermal Armor: The morph is equipped with a dense layer of
Items listed with a + before their AV are either accessories or light ballistic fibers and flexible subdermal plates. This does not reduce
enough that they do not count as additional armor layers, they simply mobility, but it does make the skin smoother and less flexible
add their armor bonus. At the GM’s discretion, excessive use of such (except at the joints), and the plated areas are visibly raised. The
bonus armor may inflict the same –20 modifier as layering armor. morph’s touch-based perception suffers a –20 modifier.
Heavy Combat Armor: These bulky and noticeable armor plates
ARMOR VISIBILITY protect against heavy weaponry for serious combat operations. The
Any armor with an AV of 11 or more is obvious and visible and shell’s mobility systems and power output are also modified to
will raise questions or draw the attention of police in most habitats. handle the extra mass.
Lower AVs are considered concealable, receiving a +30 bonus to Industrial Armor: This armor is designed to protect shells
Infiltrate skill to hide them from visual perception, with the excep- from collisions, extreme weather, industrial accidents, and similar
tion of some bulky or obvious items such as vacsuits, dermal armor, wear-and-tear.
scale ware, and activated crash suits. Light Combat Armor: This light plating is common for shells
used in security and policing duties.
Scale/Carapace: As dermal armor, but combined with hard
but flexible external chitinous scales and/or plates, modeled on
arthropod exoskeletons. This armor is obvious and the skin has
the appearance of a crocodile, insect, pangolin, snake, or similarly
armored creature.

214¹ Armor • Energy vs. Kinetic–Armor Ware

ARMOR GEAR Body Armor: These high performance armor outfits, typically
Modern armor materials in Eclipse Phase include spidersilk weaves, worn by security and police forces, protect the wearer from head to
crystalline-grown plates, shock-absorbing fullerenes, diamond toe. The integrated armor vest, helmet, gauntlets, and limb guards
coatings, self-repairing ablative materials, and shear-resistant fluids are form-fitting, flexible, and non-restrictive. The suit includes a
that harden against impacts. These materials protect against (armor- built-in ecto, cameras, and health monitors.
piercing) bullets and kinetic impacts as well as bladed weapons and Combat Armor: A tougher version of body armor worn by
piercing, sharp objects. They also insulate against both the explo- soldiers, this suit is environmentally sealed with climate control to
sive heating of energy weapons and electrical shocks. While such protect the wearer from hostile environments and chemicals with 1
armor protects against bullets, the layers simply catch the bullet and hour of air.
redistribute its kinetic energy across the body, which can still result Crash Suit: Designed for industrial workplace safety and protec-
in severe blunt force trauma. tion from accidental zero-g collisions, crash suits are also favored by
Armor Clothing: Resilient fibers and fullerenes are interwoven sports enthusiasts and explorers. The basic jumpsuit offers comfort-
with normal smart materials to provide a subtle level of security. able protection, but in more hazardous circumstances the suit can
Such garments are indistinguishable from regular smart clothing be activated with an electronic signal, so that elastic polymers
and come in all styles and designs. stiffen and form rigid impact protection for vital areas.
Armor Coat: Like armor clothing, this slightly bulkier coat Helmet: Helmets come in various open and closed styles, all
provides a layer of discreet protection with smart material fabrics. protecting the head. If targeted with a called shot, helmets have AV
Armor Vest: Armor vests protect the body’s vital areas. Light 4/10. Helmets are already included with body armor, combat armor,
vests cover the abdomen and torso and can be concealed under and all suits (use that armor's full AV against called head shots).
other clothing. Heavy vests are bulkier and obvious, protecting the Riot Shield: Used for mob suppression, riots shields are light-
neck with a rigid collar, and even providing wrap-under protection weight, tough, and can be set to electrify on command, (treat as a
for the groin. melee shock attack ▶219).
Ballistic Shield: This heavy shield is essentially a portable barrier Second Skin: This lightweight bodysuit, woven from spider silks
equipped with floodlights. It requires both hands to carry. and fullerenes, is typically worn as an underlayer, though some
athletes use it as a uniform.

ACTION & COMBAT

ARMOR TYPE Ware Type Energy Kinetic Complexity/GP Notes
Armor Clothing  —  +1 +3 Min/1 Concealable
Armor Coat  —  3 6 Min/1
Armor Vest (Heavy)  —  6 12 Mod/2
Armor Vest (Light)  —  4 10 Min/1 Concealable
Atlas Loader  —  +10 +12 Rare
Ballistic Shield  —  +6 +12 Mod/2 Two-Handed
Battlesuit  —  25 25 Rare/R
Bioweave B +2 +3 Min/1 Concealable
Body Armor  —  8 14 Mod/2
Combat Armor  —  12 16 Maj/R/3
Crash Suit (Active)  —  3 8 Min/1
Crash Suit (Inactive)  —  3 2 Concealable
Dermal Armor B +4 +5 Min/1
Envirosuit  —  25 16 Maj/3
Exowalker Frame  —  +0 +2 Maj/3
Hardsuit  —  20 18 Rare
Heavy Combat Armor H +16 +14 Maj/3
Helmet  —  +2 +2 Min/1 AV 4/10 vs. head shots
High-Dive Suit  —  25 8 Maj/3
Industrial Armor H +6 +4 Min/1
Light Combat Armor H +10 +8 Mod/2
Riot Shield  —  +3 +4 Min/1 Shock, Touch-Only
Scale/Carapace Armor B +6 +7 Mod/2
Second Skin  —  +2 +3 Min/1 Concealable
Transporter Exoskeleton  —  +0 +4 Mod/2
Trike Exoskeleton  —  +0 +4 Mod/2
Vacsuit (Light)  —  5 2 Mod/2
Vacsuit (Standard)  —  8 6 Maj/3

Armor • Armor Gear

¾215
 WEAPON/GEAR TRAITS
• Shock: This weapon inflicts a shock effect ▶219.
• Single-Use: This item can only be used once.
A number of weapons and some gear items list specific traits that • Steady: This weapon ignores range modifiers.
indicate special effects. Some of these inflict specific conditions ▶226 • Stun: Targets must make a SOM Check or be stunned  ▶226 for 1
on the target: action turn, +1 per superior failure. Apply kinetic armor as a posi-
ACTION & COMBAT

tive modifier. Large targets receive a +30, small targets receive a –30
• Armor-Piercing: This weapon penetrates armor. The attack inflicts modifier. On a critical failure, they are incapacitated for 1 action
–1d10 DV, but armor is halved. Weapons and ammo types listed as turn and stunned for 1 minute.
armor-piercing already incorporate the DV modifier. Additional • Touch-Only: This melee attack just requires a touch. +20 to hit, but
armor-piercing effects are ignored. no DV is inflicted (Touch-Only Attacks ▶205).
• Blinding: Targets must make a REF Check or be blinded  ▶226 for • Two-Handed: This weapon requires two hands (or an equivalent
1 action turns, +1 per superior failure. A critical failure results in prehensile limb) to use. Apply a –20 modifier to attack if used
permanent blindness until repaired or they spend time in a healing single-handed.
vat. Anti-glare ware protects against blinding based on light.
• Concealable: This item is easily hidden. You receive a +30 to

WEAPON ACCESSORIES
Infiltrate Tests to hide this item on your person (or elsewhere).
• Entangling: Targets struck by this weapon must make a REF Check
or be grappled ▶205. The attacker's superior successes apply a cumu- The following accessories are available for weapons.
lative –10 to this REF Check and SOM Checks to break free.
• Fixed: Fixed weapons are designed to be fired from a prone Arm Slide: This slide-mount can hold a one-handed weapon
or braced position, such as mounted on a bipod or hardpoint. If under your sleeve, pushing the weapon into your hand with an
carried, apply a –20 modifier to attacks and consider them to have electronic signal or specific sequence of arm movements. You can
the Two-Handed trait. draw the weapon and attack with a single complex action.
• Fragile: This items breaks or becomes unusable if you roll a supe- Extended Magazine: This ammunition case has an enhanced
rior failure. capacity. Increase the weapon’s ammo capacity by +50%. This is
• Knockdown: This strike may knock even unwounded opponents off only available for firearms and seekers.
their feet. The target must make a SOM Check or be knocked prone. Gyromount: This weapon harness features a gyro-stabilized
• Lacks Smartlink: This weapon is not equipped with a smartlink’s weapon mount that keeps the weapon steady. Negate all modifiers
targeting assistance. –10 to attack tests. from movement.
• Long: Lengthy weapons are unwieldy in close combat (–30 to fire Imaging Scope: Imaging scopes attach to the top of the weapon
when in melee) and do not receive the +10 modifier when fired at and act like specs ▶317. Scopes also bend like a periscope, allowing
Point-Blank range. you to point the weapon and target around corners without
• No Close: This weapon cannot be fired at Point-Blank or Close leaving cover.
range. Seeker weapons have built-in safety features that prevent Flash Suppressor: This device obscures the muzzle flash on
them from being fired at ranges that might injure the user. firearms, applying a –30 modifier to Perceive Tests to locate a firing
Overriding this features requires a Hardware or Infosec Test. weapon by its flash.
• No Point-Blank: This weapon cannot be fired at Point-Blank range. Laser Sight: This underbarrel laser emits a beam that places
• Pain: A biomorph target struck by this weapon must make a WIL a glowing red dot on the target to assist targeting (negating the
Check or take their next full action to flee, moving as far away from –10 modifier for not using a smartlink or laser sight). Laser sights
the pain-inflicting source as possible or to the nearest full cover they can also be used to paint a target for laser-guided smart ammo or
can reach on their action. Targets also suffer –20 until the end of the seekers. Infrared and ultraviolet lasers are also available, so that the
next turn. Targets with the Pain Tolerance (Level 1) trait receive a dot is only visible to characters with enhanced vision.
+30 to their WIL Check and only suffer a –10 modifier. Targets with Safety System: This feature is automatically included in most
Pain Tolerance (Level 2) are immune to this effect. Victims who are weapons. A biometric (palmprint or voiceprint) or ego ID sensor
trapped in the beam or otherwise cannot avoid the pain effect are is embedded in the weapon, disabling it if anyone other than an
impaired (–20) until they escape. authorized user attempts to fire it.

WEAPON ACCESSORIES Complexity/GP Description

Arm Slide Min/1 Draw and attack with single complex action.
Extended Magazine Min/1 Increase ammo capacity +50%.
Gyromount Mod/2 Negate movement modifiers.
Imaging Scope Min/1 As specs, can target around corners.
Flash Suppressor Min/1 –30 Perceive to locate by flash.
Laser Sight Min/1 Assisted targeting.
Safety System Min/1 Weapon requires biometric authorization to use.
Shock Safety Mod/2 As safety system, DV 1d6 and shock effect to unauthorized users.
Silencer/Sound Suppressor Min/1 –30 Perceive to locate by sound.
Smartlink Mod/2 Assisted targeting, enhanced weapon control.
Smart Magazine Min/1 Select ammo with each shot, reduce ammo capacity –50%.

216¹ Weapon/Gear Traits • WEAPON ACCESSORIES

 Shock Safety: Just like a safety system, except that an unautho- Fireproof: Heat-resistant layers capable of withstanding
rized user is zapped with an electric shock, inflicting DV 1d6 and a extremely high temperatures increase the Armor Value by +2/+0
shock effect ▶219. and provide an additional 8 points of armor against heat or fire
Silencer/Sound Suppressor: This barrel-mounted accessory specifically, even if you are on fire/burning and armor is ignored.
reduces the sound of a firearm’s discharge (they cannot be used on Immunogenic: The immunogenic mod neutralizes toxic agents
railguns). Apply a –30 modifier on hearing-based Perceive Tests to and nanotoxins with which it comes into contact. This provides
hear or locate the gun’s firing. immunity to drugs, toxins, and nanotoxins applied dermally, such
Smartlink: Smartlinks are automatically included in most as with a slap patch or splash grenade. It has no effect on inhaled,
weapons. It connects the weapon to your mesh inserts, placing a oral, or injected drugs (including coated weapons).
targeting bracket in your field of vision and providing range and Impact: This coating acts as a shear-thickening fluid, hardening
targeting information (negating the –10 modifier for not using a upon impact and distributing the kinetic energy. Increase the Armor
smartlink or laser sight). Smartlinks also incorporate a microcamera Value by +0/+3.
that allows the user to see what the weapon is pointed at, fire around Lotus: This superhydrophic coating (contact angle of around
corners, etc. Smartlinks also allow certain other types of weapon 170°) repels all water-like liquids. Apply a +30 modifier when
system control, such as changing smart ammo ▶211 or programming defending against liquid-based attacks.
seeker trigger conditions ▶213). Medical/Repair: For biomorphs, the medical coating stops blood
Smart Magazine: A smart magazine allows you to pick and flow, seals injuries, and treats wounds with stem cells and medical
choose what ammo round will be fired with each shot. This system nanobots. The repair mod does the same for synthmorphs, repairing
leaves less room for bullets, however, so reduce the weapon’s severed connections and reconstructing the shell and internal
ammunition capacity by half (round up). Smart magazines can be mechanisms. Both nullify the modifiers from 1 wound and repair
combined with extended magazines, in which case ammo capacity DV 1d10 per hour.
is normal. Offensive: When activated, this layer shocks anyone or anything
it contacts. Treat as a shock attack ▶219.
Reactive: This colony of nanobots senses incoming attacks and

ARMOR MODS
detonates to disrupt the attack. Bursts and full autofire are treated
as a single attack. A reactive coating increases the Armor Value by
Armor modifications add extra materials or coatings that either +3/+3, but each detonation automatically inflicts 1 point of damage

ACTION & COMBAT

enhance resistance to certain dangers or provide other effects. on the wearer. Reactive armor also works against melee attacks,
Listings are for temporary coatings, which can be applied to inflicting DV 1d6 to the attacker from the microexplosion. A reac-
clothing, armor, or even directly to a morph’s skin or shell with a tive coating only works against 5 attacks (a specialized hive repairs
spray-on nanobot applicator, are easily removed, and last 1 day. this at the rate of 1 use per hour).
Permanent coatings require a specialized hive ▶342. With the Refractive Glazing: A combination of reflectors, refractive
exception of chameleon coating, armor mods are visible and easily metamaterials, and an energy transfer system with heat radiators
identified. Only one mod can be applied at a time. provides extra protection against energy weapons. Increase the
Ablative: This coating absorbs heat and energy from beams and Armor Value by +3/+0.
explosions, safely vaporizing and blowing hot gas away. Ablative Self-Healing: This mod can only be applied to armor. When acti-
patches increase the Armor Value by +4/+0, but each hit reduces vated, it repairs the armor at a rate of 1d10 per hour.
the value of the ablative armor by 1 (a specialized hive repairs this Shock Proof: Shock proof mods are electronically insulated to
at the rate of 1 point per hour). discharge and reduce the effect of shock weapons. Apply a +20
Chameleon: When activated, this mod coating matches the back- modifier to SOM Checks made to resist shock effects.
ground, providing +30 to Infiltrate Tests against visual detection
when stationary or moving less than 2 meters/turn. The coat also
absorbs heat and works against infrared for 1 hour before it must
be cooled off (taking another hour).

ARMOR MODS Energy Kinetic Complexity/GP Notes

Ablative +4 +0 Min/1 5 uses. Hive restores 1 use per hour.
Chameleon +0 +0 Min/1 +30 Infiltration when stationary or moving less than 2 m/turn.
Fireproof +2 +0 Min/1 +10/+0 vs. fire/heat.
Immunogenic +0 +0 Min/1 Negates dermal chem/drugs/toxins.
Impact +0 +3 Min/1
Lotus +0 +0 Min/1 Repels all liquids, +30 defending vs. liquid-based attacks.
Medical/Repair +0 +0 Min/1 Heals/repairs 1d10 damage per hour, ignore 1 wound.
Offensive +0 +0 Min/1 Shock effect if hit/touched.
Reactive +3 +3 Min/1 5 uses. Hits inflict DV 1 to wearer, DV 1d6 to melee attacker. Hive restores 1 use/hour.
Refractive Glazing +3 +0 Min/1
Self-Healing +0 +0 Min/1 Repairs 1d10 damage to armor per hour.
Shock Proof +0 +0 Min/1 +20 to SOM Checks vs. shock.

Armor Mods
¾217
 ATTACKS AGAINST THE HELPLESS
SPECIAL ATTACKS When making an attack against an incapacitated, paralyzed,
Use the following rules for special melee or ranged strikes. sleeping, unconscious, or similar helpless target outside of combat,
make an attack test. If you succeed, you kill/destroy them. If you fail,
AREA-EFFECT ATTACKS you inflict the maximum DV possible (which may still kill them).
ACTION & COMBAT

Attacks that affect more than one target or an area are classified as This assumes you have the time to carefully position and line up
centered blast, cone, or uniform blast. a lethal coup de grâce. It does not apply to opponents who are
Fray: Area-effect attacks are difficult to dodge. If you make your vulnerable during combat action turns; such attacks are conducted
Fray ÷ 2 roll and are within one meter of the edge of the affected area as normal, with no defense.
or something that would provide you with cover, you take no damage.
Otherwise, even if you succeed, you still take half the damage. BLIND ATTACKS
Attacking a target that you cannot see is difficult at best and a
Centered Blast matter of luck at worst. If you cannot see, you may make a Perceive
Blast weapons like grenades, mines, and other explosives expand Test using some other available sense to detect your target. If this
outward from a central detonation point. Most blast attacks expand succeeds, you attack with a –30 modifier. If your Perceive Test fails,
outward in a sphere, though certain shaped charges will direct an you attack at –30 and your attack has a straight 50% chance of
explosion in one direction only. The explosive force is stronger near automatically missing.
the epicenter and weaker near the outer edges of the sphere. For
every meter a target is from the center, reduce the DV of a blast CALLED SHOTS
weapon by –2. Sometimes it’s not enough to just hit your target  —  you need to
shoot out a window, knock the knife out of their hand, or hit that
Cone hole in their armor. You can declare a called shot before you initiate
Attacks with a cone area effect begin with the tip of the weapon an attack, choosing one of the outcomes noted below. Called shots
and expand outward in a cone. At point-blank and close, this attack suffer a –10 modifier. If you succeed with a superior success, the
affects 1 target; at range, it affects 2 targets within a meter of each results below apply instead of the superior success result. If you hit
other; beyond range it affects 3 targets within a meter of the next. but do not score a superior success, you simply strike your target as
Cone-effect attacks that damage inflict +1d10 DV at point-blank normal. You cannot make called shots with area-effect attacks.
and close and –1d10 DV beyond range.
Bypass Armor
Uniform Blast Called shots can be used to target a hole or weak point in your
Uniform blast attacks distribute their power evenly throughout the opponent’s armor. If you score a superior success, you strike an
area of effect. Examples include fuel-air explosives and thermobaric armor-defeating hit, and their armor is halved. The GM may rule
weapons that disperse an explosive mixture in a vapor cloud and that an opponent’s armor doesn’t have a weak spot or unprotected
ignite it all at once. All targets within the noted blast radius suffer area and disallow such called shots, or they may require a successful
the same damage. Damage against targets outside of the main blast Perceive or Hardware: Armorer Test to spot one first.
sphere is reduced by –2 DV per meter. If the attack inflicts other
effects (such as shock), that effect only applies within the main Disarm
uniform blast area. You can take a called shot to knock a weapon out of an opponent’s
In space, there is no atmosphere to propagate an explosive shock- hand(s) or other appendages. The victim suffers half damage from
wave; reduce the DV by –10 per meter. Adjust the DV reduction as the attack (reduced by armor as normal) and must make a SOM
appropriate for thin atmospheres. Check at –30 modifier to retain hold of the weapon. Otherwise it
scatters 1d10 meters away. An additional superior success may be
Scatter used to double the modifier to –60, inflict full damage, or to keep
Weapons such as grenades must go somewhere when they miss, and the weapon in your grip instead of knocking it away.
you might still catch your target in the blast radius. To determine
where a missed area-effect attack falls, roll a d10. The direction the Knockdown
top pointed part of the die is pointing is the direction the attack You may call your shot to knock an opponent down rather than
scatters, treating yourself as the target for orientation purposes. The injure them. A knocked-down opponent is prone  ▶226 and must
result of the die roll is how far away the attack lands, in meters. For take a quick action to stand again. An additional superior success
each superior failure, double the scatter distance. This determines may be used to inflict damage as normal.
the epicenter of the blast; resolve the damage against anyone caught
within its radius of effect as normal. You may need to fudge this Redirect
result for microgravity or other situations where three-dimension- A called shot can be used to push your opponent in a specific direc-
ality matters, or you can roll another d10 to judge orientation on the tion. A redirected opponent is pushed, pulled, knocked back, or
z-axis (1 being "above" the target, 10 being "below"). otherwise moved 2 meters in your direction of choice. An opponent
who is redirected off a roof, out an airlock, into traffic, or in some
equally dangerous direction may make a REF Check at –30 to catch
themselves in time, though they will remain hanging in a precarious
position if they succeed. Additional superior successes may double
the modifier or inflict damage per normal.

218¹ Special Attacks • Area-Effect Attacks–Called Shots

 Specific Target SHOCK ATTACKS
A called shot can be used to strike a specific location on your oppo- Shock attacks use high-voltage electrical jolts to physically stun
nent: disable a tool on a bot, strike someone in the eyes, or injure and incapacitate targets. Shock weapons are particularly effective
their leg. The GM determines the result. For example, the opponent against biomorphs and other biological creatures, even when
may be blinded or dazed  ▶226, have their movement hindered by heavily armored. Synthmorphs, bots, and vehicles are immune to
half, or may lose the use of a specific component. shock effects.
When hit with a shock effect, make a SOM Check. Add your
COATED WEAPONS energy armor as a positive modifier. Apply a modifier for different
You can coat a melee weapon with a drug or toxin, including those sizes: very small –30, small –10, large +10, very large +30. Failure
secreted by ware like poison glands. You may only apply one dose means you lose neuromuscular control, fall down, and are incapac-
at a time. The next time you damage a target with the weapon, they itated for 1 action turn (+2 turns per superior failure) and stunned
are exposed to the drug/toxin and the dose is used up. On a critical for 3 minutes. Success means you are stunned for 3 action turns.
failure, you dose yourself. Only drugs/toxins with the dermal or To inflict shock without doing damage in melee simply requires
injection vectors may be applied this way (Application Methods ▶330). a touch attack (+20). To inflict shock plus damage requires a regular
melee attack.
DEMOLITIONS
Use Hardware: Demolitions skill to place, disarm, or manufacture TWO-HANDED WEAPONS
explosive devices such as superthermite ▶340 or grenades ▶212. Any weapon noted as two-handed requires two hands (or other
prehensile limbs) to wield effectively. This applies to some melee
Placing Explosives weapons (diamond axes, spears, etc.) in addition to larger firearms
If you intend to simply create a damaging blast, no skill test is and heavy weapons. Using such a weapon single-handed incurs a
needed to smack an explosive in place and run. However, you can –20 modifier. This modifier does not apply to mounted weapons.
use Hardware: Demolitions Tests when placing explosives for one
of the following effects: WIELDING TWO OR MORE WEAPONS
You can wield two weapons at once in combat  —  or even more if
• Increase the amount of damage inflicted against an object/structure sleeved in an octomorph or other multi-limbed morph.

ACTION & COMBAT

by +1d6 per superior success. Criticals will halve armor.
• Shape a centered area effect blast towards one direction only. If the Extra Melee Weapons
angle of effect is 180 degrees or less; double the DV. If the angle of If attacking multiple targets in melee with the same complex action,
effect is 90 degrees or less, triple the DV. simply make each attack separately (Multiple Targets ▶205).
• Target a structural weakpoint for a specific effect, such as destroying Treat the use of two or more melee weapons against one target
the supports to collapse a bridge or blowing a hole open in a ship’s as a single attack, rather than multiple. Each additional weapon
hull without killing everyone in the room inside. The GM deter- applies +1d6 DV to the attack (up to a maximum +3d6). The penalty
mines the effect. for the Dominant Limb negative trait ▶77 is ignored in this case.
• Make disarming the explosive more difficult. Anyone seeking to Extra limbs (beyond 4) count as extra weapons for the purposes
disarm must beat you in an Opposed Hardware: Demolitions Test. of unarmed combat, but they are counted as pairs. A biomorph with
a set of extra arms, for example, would deal DV 2d6 in unarmed
Skills like Know: Engineering can serve as a complementary skill combat, rather than the standard 1d6. Some other weapons (claws,
to a Hardware: Demolitions Test (Complementary Skills ▶53), at the densiplast gloves) are also counted in pairs for this purpose.
GM’s discretion. When defending against melee attacks with multiple weapons/
limbs, you receive +10 per extra weapon or pair of limbs, to a
Disarming Explosives maximum of +30.
Most explosives can be disarmed with a Hardware: Demolitions
success test, modified as appropriate to the difficulty. If the char- Extra Ranged Weapons
acter placing/making the explosive intentionally made it difficult to You can wield a pistol in each hand for ranged combat, or larger
disarm, treat this as an opposed test instead. weapons if you have more limbs (an eight-limbed octomorph, for
example, could conceivably hold four assault rifles). These weapons
Making Explosives can all be fired at once towards the same target, using a single
A character trained in Hardware: Demolitions can make explosives complex action. Handle each weapon as a separate attack, with a
from raw materials. These materials can be gathered the traditional cumulative multi-attack modifier of –20 for each attack after the
way or manufactured using a nanofabricator. Even nanofabbers with first (i.e., no modifier for the first attack, –20 for the second, –40
restricted settings can be used, as explosives can be constructed for the third, etc.).
from all manner of mundane chemicals and materials. You cannot fire multiple weapons against separate targets at once;
Making explosives is a task action with a timeframe of 1 hour each attack requires a separate complex action.
per 1d10 DV. On a failure, the resources are used but no explosive
is made. On a superior failure, the mix appears to succeed but is
extremely weak or more potent than expected (whichever is more
likely to be problematic). If a critical failure is rolled, the demoli-
tionist accidentally triggers an explosion.

Special Attacks • Coated Weapons–Wielding Two or More Weapons

¾219
 PHYSICAL HEALTH
concept. For drama and realism, GMs may wish to describe wounds
in more detailed and grisly terms: a broken ankle, a smashed servo,
The galaxy is a dangerous place, and when you face the risks, you internal bleeding, a lost ear, and so on. The nature of such descrip-
will inevitably get hurt. tive injuries can help the GM assign other effects. For example, a
crushed hand may mean you can’t pick up a gun, excessive blood
ACTION & COMBAT

DAMAGE POINTS loss may leave a trail for your enemies to follow, or a cut eye might
All physical harm is measured in damage points. These points are inflict an additional visual perception modifier. Likewise, such
cumulative and recorded on your character sheet. Damage points details may impact how you heal or are treated.
are characterized as fatigue, bruises, bumps, sprains, minor cuts,
dings and dents, and similar hurts that, while painful, do not WOUND EFFECTS
significantly impair or threaten your life or functioning unless they Each wound applies a cumulative –10 modifier to actions and –1 to
accumulate to a significant amount. Any source of harm that inflicts Initiative. A character with 3 wounds, for example, suffers –30 to all
a large amount of damage points at once, however, is likely to have actions and –3 to Initiative.
a more severe effect (Wounds ▶below) Some traits, ware, drugs, psi sleights, and pools allow you to
Damage points are reduced by rest, medical care, and/or repair ignore wound modifiers. These effects are cumulative, though a
(Healing & Repair ▶221). maximum of 3 wounds worth of modifiers can be negated (–30 to
actions and –3 to Initiative).
Damage Value Knockdown: Any time you receive a wound, make an immediate
Weapons and other attacks inflict a number of damage points equal SOM Check. Wound modifiers apply. If you fail, you are knocked
to their Damage Value (DV). Most DVs are presented as a variable prone  ▶226 and must expend a quick action to stand up/reorient.
amount, in the form of a die roll; for example: 3d10. In this case, Shells (bots and vehicles) moving at speed must make an Athletics
you roll three ten-sided dice and add the results (counting 0 as 10). or Pilot Test to avoid crashing.
Sometimes the DV will be presented as a dice roll plus modifier; for Unconsciousness: If you receive 2 or more wounds at once
example: 2d10 + 5. In this case you roll two ten-sided dice, add them (from the same attack), you are automatically knocked prone
together, and then add 5 to get the result. Superior results, ammuni- and must make a SOM Check; wound modifiers apply. If you fail,
tion types, firing modes, and other factors may increase an attack’s DV. you are knocked unconscious  ▶226 until you are awoken or heal.
For simplicity, a static amount is also noted in parentheses after Synthmorphs and cyberbrained characters are knocked offline in a
the variable amount. If you prefer to skip the dice rolling, you can similar fashion. Shells moving at speed that take 2 or more wounds
just apply the static amount (usually close to the mean average) at once automatically crash ▶232.
instead. For example, if the damage were noted 2d10 + 5 [16], you
could simply apply 16 damage points instead of rolling dice. BLEEDING OUT
Biomorph characters who have suffered a wound and taken damage
DURABILITY equal to or exceeding their Durability are in danger of bleeding to
Your physical health is measured by your morph’s Durability stat. For death. Make a SOM Check to self-stabilize; wound modifiers apply.
biomorphs, this represents the point at which accumulated injuries Apply a +30 if healing spray, meds, or medichines are healing you. If
overwhelm and incapacitate you. Once your total damage points you fail, you incur 1 additional damage point per wound per action
equal or exceed your Durability, you immediately collapse from turn until you receive medical care or die. Others can attempt to stabi-
exhaustion and physical abuse. You gain the unconscious condi- lize you with a Medicine: Paramedic Test; the same modifiers apply.
tion ▶226 and cannot be revived until your damage points are reduced If successful, you no longer accumulate damage from bleeding out.
below your Durability, either from medical care or natural healing.
For synthmorphs, Durability represents structural integrity. You DEATH RATING
become physically disabled when accumulated damage points An unhealthy accumulation of damage points will threaten your
reach your Durability and your software mind-state crashes. character’s life. If the damage reaches your Death Rating, your body
Even if you are unconscious/disabled, your mesh inserts may still dies (biomorphs) or is destroyed beyond repair (synthmorphs).
function (Damage and Infomorph Riders ▶265). Death Rating is based on Durability × 1.5 for biomorphs and
Durability × 2 for synthmorphs.
WOUNDS
Wounds represent grievous injuries: bad cuts and hemorrhaging, DEATH
fractures and breaks, mangled limbs, broken systems, and other In Eclipse Phase, death is not the end of the line. If your cortical stack
serious damage that impairs your ability to function and may lead can be retrieved, you can be resurrected and downloaded into a new
to death or long-term impairment. morph (Resleeving ▶288). This requires either backup insurance ▶287
Any time your character sustains damage, compare the amount or the good graces of whomever ends up with your body/stack.
inflicted from a single source (after it has been reduced by armor) If your cortical stack is not retrievable, you can still be re-instan-
to your Wound Threshold. Wound Threshold equals your morph’s tiated from an archived backup ▶286. Again, this either requires
Durability ÷ 5. If the modified DV equals or exceeds your Wound backup insurance or someone who has your backup and is willing
Threshold, you have suffered a wound. If the inflicted damage is to revive you.
double your Wound Threshold, you suffer 2 wounds; if triple your If your cortical stack is not retrieved and you have no backup or
Wound Threshold, you suffer 3 wounds; and so on. alpha fork ▶292 floating around somewhere, you are completely and
Wounds are cumulative and must be marked on your character sheet. utterly dead. Be smart: back up.
Note that these rules handle damage and wounds as an abstract

220¹ Physical Health • Damage Points–Death

 Critical Care
HEALING & REPAIR
Some circumstances call for critical care: surgery, limb regeneration,
or even the revivification of a recently deceased biomorph.
Use the follow rules for healing and repairing characters. Surgery: If the GM rules a medical condition requires surgical
intervention, whether by a trained transhuman or medical bot, use
BIOMORPH HEALING Medicine: Biotech. This is a task action, with a timeframe deter-
Thanks to biomods, most biomorphs naturally heal at an accelerated mined by the GM (usually 1–4 hours). No damage or wounds can
rate. Advanced technologies such as medichines ▶322 and healing be healed until the surgery is successful.
spray  ▶342 or the skills of a trained professional can increase this Regeneration: Transhumans with biomods will regrow severed
even further. Healing vats ▶342 will heal even the most grievous parts over time. An ear or finger will take a week, an arm or leg a full
wounds in a matter of days and can even restore characters who month. Healing vats greatly accelerate this process to somewhere
recently died or have been reduced to just a head. between 4 hours (ear/finger) and 2 days (full limb), and can even
restore a full body from just a head (1 month).
First Aid Revivification: Recently deceased biomorphs can be placed in
Use Medicine: Paramedic to apply medical care to an injured char- medical stasis with a medical kit and a Medicine: Paramedic (10
acter. This is a task action with a timeframe of 10 minutes plus 10 minutes) task action. An equipped medical specialist can revive the
minutes per wound and requires a medical tool kit. If successful, person as long as they are treated within 24 hours of death or being
remove 1 wound and 1d10 points of damage, +1d6 per superior removed from stasis. This requires a medical kit and a Medicine:
success. This test must be made within 24 hours of the injury, and Paramedic task action with a timeframe of 1 hour, +1 per wound.
any particular set of injuries can only be treated once (so if you have Revived characters are healed to 1 point below their Death Rating. A
more than one wound, only one can be healed). If the character is healing vat will also do the job, with a timeframe of 1 day.
later injured again, however, this new damage can also be treated
separately. Medical care of this sort is not effective against injuries SYNTHMORPH/OBJECT REPAIR
already treated with first aid, medichines, meds, healing spray, or Most synthmorphs and objects do not heal on their own and must
healing vats. A critical failure inflicts DV 1d10. be repaired. Some are equipped with self-repair systems that func-
tion the same as medichines  ▶322. Fixer swarms ▶345 can repair
Recovery damage and wounds the same as meds. Synthmorphs and objects

ACTION & COMBAT

The rate at which you heal depends on the technology at your can also be repaired in a nanofabrication machine with the appro-
disposal, as indicated on the Healing/Repair table. All damage must priate blueprints; treat this the same as a healing vat. Synthmorphs
be healed first, before wounds. Boosted healing from a technolog- can only benefit from one repair source at a time; use the fastest
ical source (such as meds or healing spray) is cumulative with that rate applicable.
of your morph. For example, a morph with biomods that applied Physical Repair: Manually repairing a synthmorph or object
healing spray would heal 1d10 an hour for 12 hours and another requires a Hardware Test using a field appropriate to the item
1d10 after 12 hours. However, you cannot benefit from more than (Hardware: Robotics for synthmorphs and bots, Hardware:
one source of technologically aided healing at a time; use the Aerospace for aircraft, etc.) and a tool kit. Repair is a task action
fastest rate applicable. Recovery assumes decent conditions and a with a timeframe of 1 hour per 5 points of damage being restored,
reasonable amount of rest. Particularly poor conditions  —  bad food, plus 8 hours per wound. Once completed, it is fully repaired. Apply
poor shelter, not enough rest  —  may double healing times. Harsh appropriate modifiers based on conditions and available tools.
conditions  —  insufficient food, strenuous activity, extreme environ-
ments  —  will triple healing times.

Healing/Repair
First Aid Damage Healed Timeframe
Medicine: Paramedic 1 wound, 1d10 [6] damage +1d6 per superior success 10 minutes + 10 per wound
Recovery Damage Healing Rate Wound Healing Rate Effect Duration
Morph without biomods 1d10 [6] per day 1 per week  — 
Morph with biomods 1d10 [6] per 12 hours 1 per 3 days  — 
Medichines 1d10 [6] per hour 1 per day  — 
Meds 1d10 [6] per hour 1 per day 1 day
Fixers 1d10 [6] per hour 1 per day 5 days
Healing spray/repair spray 1d10 [6] per hour  —  12 hours
Healing Vat/Nanofabber 2d10 [11] per hour 1 per 2 hours  — 
Poor Conditions x2 x2  — 
Harsh conditions x3 x3  — 
Physical Repair Timeframe
Hardware: Robotics, etc. 1 hour per 5 damage + 8 hours per wound

Healing & Repair • Biomorph Healing–Synthmorph/Object Repair

¾221
 MENTAL HEALTH
• Helplessness is the inability to control events. It includes isolation,
betrayal, and the inability to save your friends from harm.
When your body is replaceable, damage inflicted upon your psyche • The unknown is anything alien, incomprehensible, or out of context
is often more frightening than grievous physical harm. There are to our common understanding of the universe.
many ways in which your sanity and mental wholeness can be • Violence is threats, danger, and bodily harm to yourself or others.
ACTION & COMBAT

threatened: experiencing physical death, extended isolation, loss of

loved ones, alien situations, discontinuity of self from lost memo- LUCIDITY AND STRESS
ries or switching morphs, psi attacks, and so on. Two methods are Lucidity is the companion to Durability; it benchmarks your
used to gauge your mental health: stress points and trauma. For character’s mental stability. It equals WIL × 2. If you build up an
most purposes, these function like damage and wounds, but for amount of stress points equal to or greater than your Lucidity score,
your mind. your ego immediately suffers a mental breakdown. You effectively
go into shock and remain in a catatonic or disassociative state for
STRESS POINTS 1d6 hours. You also acquire a Mental Disorder trait  —  work with
Stress points represent fractures in your ego’s integrity, glitches in your GM to choose one appropriate to your character. You cannot
your mind’s cohesive functioning. This mental damage is expe- acquire more than one disorder per month, though if your stress is
rienced as cerebral shocks, disorientation, cognitive disconnects, lowered and then raised to your Lucidity again your disorder will
synaptic misfires, or an undermining of the intellectual faculties. be triggered. Egos housed in synthetic shells or infomorphs are just
On their own, these stress points do not significantly impair your as affected by stress as biological brains.
character’s functioning, but if allowed to accumulate they can have
severe repercussions. Additionally, any source that inflicts a large Stress Value
amount of stress points at once is likely to have a more severe Any source capable of inflicting cognitive stress is given a Stress
impact (Trauma ▶223). Value (SV). This indicates the amount of stress points the attack or
Stress points can be reduced by psychosurgery, long-term rest, experience inflicts upon a character. Like DV, SV is often presented
and/or meeting motivational goals. as a variable amount, such as 2d10, or sometimes with a modifier,
such as 2d10 + 10. Simply roll the dice and total the amounts to
Stress Categories determine the stress points inflicted in that instance. To make
There are four sources of stress. Characters with the Hardening things easier, a static SV is also given in parentheses after the vari-
trait ▶74 are immune to stress from one or more of these sources. able amount; use that set amount when you wish to keep the game
moving and don’t want to roll dice.
• Alienation arises from disconnection to the self  —  acclimating to Some Stress Values list two numbers. The first number before the
unusual morphs, lost memories, loss of self-control. slash applies if you fail your WIL Check. The second number, after
the slash, applies even if you succeed.

222¹ Mental Health • Stress Points–Lucidity and Stress

 TRAUMA INSANITY RATING
Mental trauma is more severe than stress points. Traumas repre- Extreme amounts of built-up stress points can permanently damage
sent severe mental shocks, an inability to handle what is occurring, your character’s sanity. If accumulated stress points reach your
the stunning effect of paradigm shifts, crippling self-doubt, and Lucidity × 2, your character’s ego undergoes a permanent meltdown.
other serious cognitive malfunctions. Traumas impair your charac- Your mind is lost, and no amount of psych help or rest will ever
ter’s functioning and may result in temporary stress responses or bring it back.
permanent disorders.
If your character receives a number of stress points at once that

MENTAL HEALING &

equals or exceeds their Trauma Threshold, they have suffered a
trauma. If the inflicted stress points are double or triple the Trauma

PSYCHOSURGERY
Threshold, they suffer 2 or 3 traumas, respectively, and so on. Traumas
are cumulative and must be recorded on your character sheet.
Stress is trickier to heal than physical damage. There are no
TRAUMA EFFECTS nano-treatments or quick fix options (other than killing yourself
Each trauma applies a cumulative –10 modifier to all of the char- and reverting to a non-stressed backup). The options for recuper-
acter’s actions and –1 to Initiative. A character with 2 traumas, for ating are simply natural healing over time or psychosurgery.
example, suffers –20 to all actions and –2 Initiative. These modi-
fiers are also cumulative with wound modifiers. PSYCHOSURGERY CARE
Some traits, ware, drugs, psi sleights, and pools allow you to The skill Medicine: Psychosurgery is used to treat characters
ignore trauma modifiers. These effects are cumulative, though a suffering mental stress or trauma. This is a long-term process
maximum of 3 trauma worth of modifiers can be negated (–30 to using virtual reality, involving methods such as psychoanalysis,
actions and –3 to Initiative). counseling, roleplaying, relationship-building, hypnotherapy,
Disorientation: Each time you suffer a trauma, make an imme- behavioral modification, drugs, medical treatments, and neuro-
diate WIL Check (modifiers apply). If you fail, you are temporarily logical alterations. Muses possess this skill, though they are not as
stunned and disoriented by what you have experienced. You must talented as professionals.
expend a complex action to regain your wits. Additionally, if you Psychosurgery is handled as a task action. Any stress must be

ACTION & COMBAT

have a disorder triggered by that type of stress, it is activated by eased before traumas can be addressed, and traumas must be
the trauma. healed before disorders can be treated. Because psychosurgery is
Acute Stress: If you receive 2 or more traumas at once (from an intensive and emotionally exhaustive process, it is performed in
the same source), you must make an immediate WIL Check. If you periods of no more than 1 hour per day  —  any more than that tends
succeed, you suffer the effects of disorientation, above. If you fail, to create its own stress, which defeats the purpose. Accelerated-time
you suffer an acute stress response. simulspaces ▶268 are used, but each hour of psychotherapy past the
first requires a full subjective day in the VR.
Acute Stress Responses Successful psychosurgery heals 1d6 [3] stress with a timeframe of
The impact of multiple traumas at once can trigger an overpowering 1 hour. The timeframe for healing traumas is 8 hours, 40 for disor-
physiological reaction. The GM can apply one of the following ders; both split across 1-hour periods. Each trauma and disorder
responses, as appropriate to the situation (and with player input), applies a –10 modifier to the test.
or roll 1d6: Even when treated, the scars from mental suffering remain.
According to some opinions, disorders are never truly eradicated,
• 1–2 Fight: You must immediately attack the source of the trauma, they are just eased into submission … where they linger beneath the
regardless of personal safety. Your attacks ignore trauma modifiers. surface, waiting for new traumas to come along.
You must continue to fight until the source is destroyed or you are
taken out of the fight. NATURAL HEALING
• 3–4 Flight: You must flee from the source of the trauma until you You can eschew psychosurgery to work out the problems in your
reach safety (such as a good hiding spot) or exhaust yourself. If you head on your own over time. For every month that passes without
cannot escape the threat or hide, you fight instead. accruing new stress, make an INT Check. If successful, you heal
• 5–6 Detachment: You enter a catatonic state or simply give in. You 1d6 points of stress or 1 trauma (all stress must be healed first).
do not resist attacks against you or respond to stimuli, you check Disorders are more difficult to heal, requiring 3 months without
out from reality. This lasts for an hour or as long as the GM decides. stress or trauma and a successful INT Check. As a result, disorders
If the GM allows it, others can attempt to snap you out of it with a can linger for years until resolved with actual psychosurgery.
Provoke Test at –30.
Motivational Recovery
Each of these responses may be accompanied by additional symp- Successfully reaching personal goals is rewarding to your confi-
toms: anxiety, confusion, indecisiveness, fixation, nausea, tremors, dence, well-being, and overall mental stability. At the GM’s discre-
echolalia, and so on. Players are encouraged to roleplay their reac- tion, each time you achieve a goal defined by your motivations,
tions. Additionally, any time you suffer an acute stress response, you heal 1d6 stress. If you have no stress, remove a trauma instead.
will have difficulty remembering the details later (–30 to COG Checks Motivational goals cannot heal disorders, but they will provide a
to recall details), though mnemonics or similar memory augmenta- +20 modifier to the next INT Check or Medicine: Psychosurgery
tions may circumvent this. You will also, however, need to make a Test to remove a disorder.
WIL Check in order to even attempt to access these memories; most
survivors bury these experiences and avoid reliving them.

Mental Healing & Psychosurgery

¾223
 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
DISORDERS Triggers: Overstimulation, sleep deprivation, the unknown, violence
Disorders are long-lasting psychological afflictions that typically ADHD is the inability to notice details and focus on any one task
require weeks or even months of psychotherapy and/or psycho- for an extended period. You may find yourself starting multiple
surgery to remedy. They represent the best attempts of a damaged tasks, beginning a new one after only a cursory attempt at the prior
ACTION & COMBAT

psyche to adapt to and deal with mental and emotional distress. task. You may also have a manic edge that manifests as confidence
Disorders are not always “active” — they remain dormant until trig- in your ability to get a job done, even though you will quickly lose
gered by certain conditions. While it is certainly possible to function all interest in it.
“normally” with a disorder, it represents a severe impairment to a Effect: –30 modifier to Perceive Tests and task actions. Task
person’s ability to maintain healthy relationships and succeed in action timeframes increased 50%.
their work/pursuits.
Gaining a Disorder: You acquire a disorder during character Autophagy
creation, by infection with the exsurgent virus, or by accumulating Triggers: Alienation, injury, violence
stress equal to or exceeding your Lucidity. You should work with This anxiety disorder, characterized by self-cannibalism of the
the GM to choose a disorder appropriate to your character and limbs, usually only occurs among neo-octopi.
circumstances. Effect: You must make a successful WIL Check or begin to
Removing a Disorder: You can get rid of a disorder through consume one of your limbs.
in-game or down-time treatment ▶223 or by buying it off as a nega-
tive trait (Lose a Negative Ego Trait ▶239). Bipolar Disorder
Triggering a Disorder: Each disorder is triggered by certain Triggers: Grief, helplessness, sleep deprivation, violence
circumstances, as determined by your GM. Example triggers are With manic depression, your periods of depression are inter-
given with each listing; disorders are also triggered by traumas ▶223. rupted by brief (a matter of days at most) periods of mania with
When a trigger condition occurs, make a WIL check; if you fail, the heightened energy and a general disregard for consequences. The
disorder is triggered. When activated, the disorder directly affects depressive stages are similar in all ways to depression ▶225. When
your actions and what you can and cannot do, as fitting the afflic- manic, you will take risks, spend wildly, and engage in behavior
tion. The GM may direct your character’s behavior or apply modi- without forethought or consideration of long-term consequences.
fiers as they see fit. The episode lasts for as long as your character is Effect: Similar to depression, but when manic you must make a
affected by the triggering condition. Others can assess your state or WIL Check to stop yourself from undertaking a risky endeavor. You
bring you out of it with successful Know: Psychology or Medicine: will also try to convince others to go along with the idea.
Psychosurgery Tests.
Body Dysmorphia
Alien Behavior Disorder Triggers: Alienation, helplessness, resleeving
Triggers: Alienation, exsurgents, the unknown You believe that you are irrevocably ugly or defective, making
This disorder primarily affects asyncs. You experience strange you unable to interact with others or function normally for fear of
urges to behave in an alien fashion or to use phantom appendages ridicule and humiliation. You are secretive and reluctant to seek
or other body parts that don’t map to your transhuman form. help because you are afraid others will think you vain. A similar
Effect: You must make a WIL Check or be compelled to exhibit disorder, gender dysphoria, occurs when your sexual biology
alien behavior. The compulsion examples listed on the Influence conflicts with your internal gender identity. Due to resleeving, both
Effect tables ▶278 provide a number of possibilities. disorders are fairly common. Some asyncs have a similar species
dysmorphia disorder, where they become convinced they are aliens
Anxiety trapped in transhuman forms; they often seek out exotic morphs
Triggers: Bad news, boredom, helplessness, the unknown, violence and modifications.
With general anxiety disorder, you are overcome with worry about Effect: –30 to Resleeving Stress Tests.
nearly everything. Even simple tasks represent the potential for
failure on a catastrophic scale and should be avoided or minimized. Cosmic Anxiety Disorder
Negative outcomes are always assumed to be the only possibility. Triggers: Alien/TITAN technology, the unknown, x-risks
Effect: You must be convinced with a Persuade or Provoke Test This disorder arises from facing x-risks, aliens, and incomprehen-
to do almost anything, and even then will self-sabotage or give up sibly advanced technology. It functions much like anxiety; you are
after a short time. helpless in the face of an uncaring and dangerous universe.
Effect: Like anxiety, but when faced with an alien or TITAN
Atavism threat, make a WIL Check or either flee or collapse in panic.
Triggers: Alienation, mobs, violence
Atavism mainly affects uplifts. When triggered, they regress to Conversion Disorder
behaviors more in line with their animalistic precursors. Triggers: Alienation, the unknown, violence
Effect: You might lose the ability to speak and reason or engage in You suffer a neurological condition such as blindness, deafness,
primitive animalistic behavior such as threat or dominance displays. inability to speak, loss of balance, seizures, or paralysis in high-
stress situations. Some asyncs suffer from a similar condition, alien
sensory disorder, where attempts to use phantom alien sensory
organs disrupt one or more of their actual physical senses.
Effect: WIL Check or suffer from one of the chosen conditions.

224¹ Disorders
Depression done according to your whim. Failure to comply with your dictates
Triggers: Alienation, grief, helplessness, life transitions, violence will incite rage and physical assault.
Clinical depression is characterized by intense feelings of hopeless- Effect: You demand attention and suffer a –30 modifier to
ness and worthlessness. You feel as though nothing you do matters Persuade Tests. You may be provoked to violence if insulted or if
and no one cares anyway. You find it difficult to be motivated; even others fail to comply with your demands (WIL Check). Narcissistic
simple acts such as eating and bathing seem monumental. NPCs are immune to Persuade Tests.
Effect: Make a WIL Check to take any sort of action; apply a –30
modifier to the test in the case of task actions or other sustained activity. Paramnesia
Triggers: Alienation, immersion in water/vacuum, sex, the unknown
Disassociative Personality Disorder You have trouble distinguishing between real memories and fake
Triggers: Helplessness, specific memories, the unknown, violence ones  —  or ones that do not belong to you. This disorder has grown
A separate, distinct personality develops apart from your original more common thanks to resleeving and the potential integration of
personality. The personalities may or may not be aware of each memory artifacts in a morph’s brain from a previous user to a later
other and “conscious” during the actions of the other personality, one. Some asyncs recall memories that are not transhuman.
though there is some basic information sharing (such as language Effect: You recall memories that are not real or not your own, or
and core skill sets). Most subjects have only a single extra person- you may be confused about who, what, or where you are. Any supe-
ality, but it is not unheard of to have several personalities. Each rior failure on a skill test will result in you confusing important details.
personality sees itself as a distinct person with their own wants,
needs, and motivations. Paranoia
Effect: The other personality must be roleplayed (perhaps by the Triggers: Betrayal, conspiratorial behavior, the unknown, violence
GM or another player). You mistrust others. You are hypervigilant but also hypersensitive
to perceived hostility and insults. You bear grudges for longer periods.
Fugue Effect: –10 to Kinesics Tests. Paranoid NPCs have a +20 bonus
Triggers: Helplessness, the unknown, violence to SAV Checks against Persuade, but a –20 against hostile Provoke
You enter a fugue state where you display little attention to external Tests while the disorder is active.
stimuli. You still function physiologically but refrain from speaking

ACTION & COMBAT

and stare off into the distance, unable to focus on events around you. Phobia
Effect: You are totally non-responsive to most stimuli. You will Triggers: Helplessness, phobia focus
walk only if led by a helper. You will not even defend yourself if You have an irrational fear of a particular place, situation, or
attacked, simply curling into a fetal position if physically assaulted. thing. Common phobias include AIs, microgravity, pandora gates,
muses, robots, enclosed spaces, open spaces, and death.
Impulse Control Disorder Effect: Make a WIL Check to enter the proximity of the phobia’s
Triggers: Helplessness, impulse focus, the unknown, violence focus. If exposed to the focus, make a WIL Check or flee. Suffer –10
You must engage in one specific activity that dominates your to –30 in the focus’s presence.
thoughts: compulsive shopping, explosive aggressiveness, klepto-
mania, mesh addiction, pyromania, sexual exhibitionism, etc. You Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
feel a sense of building anxiety when prevented from engaging in Triggers: Frustration, helplessness, pain, specific memories, the
this behavior for an extended period (usually several times a day unknown, violence
to weekly, depending on the impulse) and will often engage in this PTSD results from life-threatening incidents. You develop an
behavior at inconvenient or inappropriate times. acute fixation on what happened, obsessively reliving the past,
Effect: You must make a WIL Check not to engage in the impul- losing sleep, suffering anxiety and depression, and becoming easily
sive activity. If denied the activity for too long, you suffer modifiers angered or irritated. PTSD survivors will avoid painful memories
between –10 and –30. and suffer extreme anxiety if forced into similar circumstances.
Effect: WIL Check to avoid responding to imagined threats
Insomnia based on the traumatic experience with violence. Otherwise treat as
Triggers: Alienation, responsibility overload, the unknown, violence anxiety, depression, or phobia as appropriate.
You are unable to sleep, or unable to sleep for an extended period
of time. This is most often due to anxiety or depression and the Reiterative Schizophrenia
accompanying negative thought patterns. Insomniacs may find Triggers: Alienation, drug use, forking, the unknown
themselves nodding off at inopportune times, but never for long. Not to be confused with the genetic disorder, reiterative schizo-
As a result, they are frequently lethargic, inattentive, and irritable. phrenia has similar symptoms but develops in egos that undergo
Effect: You have a near total inability to find rest in sleep when it frequent resleeving, possibly due to some sort of repetitive error in
is desired. Treat long recharges as short recharges, or do not receive the download process. Schizophrenics lose their ability to discern
any recharge benefits at all. Apply a –30 modifier to Perceive Tests reality from unreality. You experience delusions, hallucinations (often
and a –10 to all other actions. in support of the delusions), and fragmented or disorganized speech.
You experience your behavior as perfectly normal, to the point of
Narcissistic Personality Disorder becoming paranoid that others are involved in a grand deception.
Triggers: Criticism, insults, praise, the unknown Effect: You experience delusions and hallucinations as deter-
You believe yourself to be the single most important person in mined by the GM and are prone to conspiratorial thinking. You
the universe. Nothing else takes precedence and everything must be suffer a –20 modifier to tests that require coherent communication.

Disorders
¾225
 OTHER ACTION FACTORS
• Impaired: Your abilities are hindered. You suffer –10, –20, or –30
to all actions, as indicated by the condition (i.e., impaired (–10)).
A wide range of factors can impact an action or combat scene; some • Incapacitated: You can take no actions until you recover. This includes
are discussed here. mental actions and Fray Tests; you cannot defend against attacks.
• Prone: You are knocked on the ground in gravity or spinning help-
ACTION & COMBAT

CONDITIONS lessly in microgravity. You must take a quick action to stand up or

Some attacks, drugs, and psi sleights inflict specific temporary re-orient, and your Movement Rate for that turn is reduced by half.
conditions on the target: A standing/oriented opponent has superior position (+20) against
you in melee. In gravity, however, anyone shooting at you from
• Blinded: You cannot see, though you can perceive through your range or farther receives an additional –10 modifier.
other senses as well as entoptics and meshed sensors. You have a • Stunned: You have the wind knocked out of you. You suffer –30 to
50% chance of missing your attacks (Blind Attacks ▶218) and suffer all physical actions and –10 to mental actions.
a –30 to all other physical actions, including Fray Tests. You must • Unconscious: You have lost consciousness (or your software mind-
make an Athletics, Free Fall, or Pilot Test to move faster than a base state has crashed) and are helpless. You can be awoken/rebooted by
move or fall prone. application of a stimulant (biomorphs only) or with an INT Check
• Confused: Your wits are scrambled. You do not comprehend at –30 if someone vigorously disturbs you and your damage points
communication or what is going on around you. Each turn, you may do not exceed your Durability.
make a COG Check at –30. If you succeed, you act as normal. If you
fail, roll d100: 00–24, do nothing but mutter incoherently; 25–49, FULL DEFENSE
act randomly as determined by the GM; 50–74, flee in a random If you’re expecting to come under attack, you can take a complex
direction; 75–99, attack a random nearby target (even potentially action to go on full defense. You expend your energy to dodge, duck,
an ally) with weapon/item in hand. You defend with Fray as normal. ward off attacks, and otherwise get the hell out of the way until your
• Dazed: You are mentally stunned and disoriented. You cannot next initiative action. During this time, you receive a +30 Fray modi-
initiate any actions, but you can take a base move and defend fier to defend against all incoming attacks.
against attacks. You can use Athletics rather than Fray skill to dodge attacks with
• Deafened: You cannot hear. You suffer –3 to Initiative Tests and full defense, representing the gymnastic movements and other
–30 to general Perceive Tests. maneuvers you make to avoid being hit.
• Grappled: You are physically restrained. Your Movement Rate is 0
and you cannot take any physical actions except for opposed Melee/ PERCEPTION
SOM Checks to break free. You may use Fray at –30 against attacks The default mode of observation for characters is called basic percep-
coming from outside the grapple. See Grappling ▶205. tion. This is general awareness of the things around you as you go
• Immobilized: You can take no physical actions, including Fray Tests, about whatever you are doing. It is an automatic action, but your
until you recover. You can make mental/mesh actions. Perceive Tests suffer a –20 distraction modifier.

226¹ Other Action Factors • Conditions–Perception

 Large Size
Use detailed perception to focus your attention on a specific Large morphs/creatures/shells/gear items outsize normal transhu-
person, thing, or area. This takes a quick action but imposes no mans, ranging between the size of a small car to a neo-orca. They
modifiers. Use this when alert for ambushes, searching for clues, or often have trouble finding gear manufactured for their size and may
assessing a situation. have difficulty navigating the confines of cramped habitats:
Thorough investigation involves careful, active application of your
senses on a specific person, thing or area. This is a task action, with • They are easier to hit and spot (+10).
a timeframe set by the GM. Examining an alien artifact may have • They have a Reach advantage against medium-sized targets; double
a timeframe of 1 minute, whereas methodically searching a room this against small sizes and triple against very small sizes.
could take an hour. • They inflict +1d10 DV in melee and can wield two-handed weapons
In certain circumstances, only specific senses  —  and associated in one hand.
modifiers  —  may apply. Enhanced smell, for example, is unlikely to • They suffer –20 when using non-integrated very small/small-
help you detect an assassin hiding in ambush, but it could certainly sized gear not modified for their size, unless they possess fine
help you locate an alien animal’s pungent den. manipulators.
• They receive a +10 modifier to strength-based SOM Checks.
SIZES • Due to their mass, they suffer double damage from falls and inflict
Not everyone or everything is built the same. Most morphs are medium­ double damage in collisions.
-sized, the default size assumed for rules purposes. Apply the
following rules for morphs, shells, creatures, and gear of other sizes: Very Large Size
Very large morphs/creatures/shells are bigger than many vehicles,
Very Small Size ranging from limousine to barn-sized. Very little gear is made to fit
No morphs exist at this size; there is not enough room for a (cyber) their size and they do not fit within many habitats.
brain (unless distributed like a swarmanoid). Very small bots/crea-
tures/gear items can fit in a pocket and use the following rules: • They are easier to hit and spot (+30).
• They have a Reach advantage against large-sized targets; double this
• They are difficult to hit and spot (–30). against medium sizes and triple against small and very small sizes.
• They inflict a maximum of DV 1 in melee. • They inflict +2d10 DV in melee and can wield two-handed weapons

ACTION & COMBAT

• They cannot use medium-size (or larger) gear and suffer –20 when in one hand.
using small gear. • They suffer –20 when using large-sized gear not modified for their
• They suffer –30 on strength-based SOM Checks. size and cannot use non-integrated small-sized gear, unless they
• They suffer half damage from falls and inflict half damage in possess fine manipulators.
collisions. • They receive a +30 modifier to strength-based SOM Checks.
• Due to their mass, they suffer triple damage from falls and inflict
Small Size triple damage in collisions.
Small morphs/creatures/shells/gear items range between the size of
a cat and a human child: SURPRISE
You can get the drop on an opponent by sneaking up on them, lying
• They are challenging to hit and spot (–10). in wait, or sniping from a hard-to-perceive position in the distance.
• They have a Reach advantage against very-small-size targets. Any time you attempt to surprise, make an opposed test between
• They inflict half damage in melee. your Infiltration skill and the target’s Perceive. Unless the target
• They suffer –20 when using medium-sized gear is alert for surprises, they incur the typical –20 modifier for being
or two-handed weapons not modified for their size. distracted. Apply other modifiers appropriate to the attacker’s
Very Large

• They suffer –10 on strength-based SOM Checks. position, distance, visibility, cover, etc. For groups of NPCs, use the
highest skill among the characters.
If the target loses, they are surprised by the attack and cannot
react to or defend against it. Each successful ambusher receives one
free initiative action; they cannot spend Vigor for additional actions.
Once the attackers have taken their actions, roll Initiative as normal.
If the target wins, they are alerted to something a split-second
before they are ambushed, giving them a chance to react. In this
case, roll Initiative as normal, but the ambushed character suffers a
Large

–3 modifier to the Initiative Test. The ambushed character can still

act and defend as normal.
In a multi-combatant situation, some characters may be surprised
Medium

while others aren’t. Roll Initiative as normal, with all non-ambushers

suffering the –3 modifier. No one can use Vigor during this first
surprise turn for extra actions. Surprised characters are unable to act
or defend during this first action turn, however, as they are caught
Small

off-guard and must take a moment to assess what’s going on and

get caught up.

Other Action Factors • Sizes–SURPRISE

¾227
 Social Modifiers
SOCIAL ACTIONS Situation Modifier
It’s important not to forget the social element in action scenes.
NPC Attitude
SOCIAL MANIPULATION  Hostile –30
ACTION & COMBAT

Just as Provoke skill can be used for social attacks ▶next column, the  Antagonistic –20
skills of Deceive, Kinesics, Persuade, and Provoke (Skills ▶48) can be  Unfriendly –10
used for myriad purposes, whether you are talking your way out of
 Indifferent +0
a tight spot, wringing information out of a suspect, or determining
if someone is setting you up.  Friendly +10
Almost all social skills are handled as opposed tests, as noted in  Cooperative +20
the skill descriptions. There are several factors that might provide  Supportive +30
modifiers to these tests:
Request
NPC Attitude: An NPC’s attitude towards a character should be
rated on a scale from supportive to indifferent to hostile, each applying  Simple/Short +10
an appropriate modifier to social skill tests, as noted on the Social  Complex/Long –10
Modifiers table. Note that PCs can use Deceive, Persuade, or Provoke  Beneficial to NPC +30
specifically to change these attitudes; a successful test raises or lowers  Dangerous to NPC –30
the attitude one step, plus one per superior success. Failed social skill
tests will worsen an NPC’s attitude by one step, plus one step per Appeal to/Violate NPC's Motivation +/–10 to +/–30
superior failure. Note that attitude has no effect on Kinesics Tests. Social Stigma/Status +/–10 to +/–30
Request: The nature of the request and its repercussions to the High Rep (60+) in Favored Network +10
NPC  —  or anyone they care about  —  should be taken into account.
Antagonistic or hostile NPCs will not willingly help out; they can be
manipulated towards a better attitude first or simply intimidated.
Cooperative and supportive NPCs will fulfill simple/beneficial Factions with polar opposite ideologies may also view each other
requests without needing a test. critically: anarchists/scum vs. hyperelites, bioconservatives vs.
Other Factors: Deceive Tests are impacted by believable stories, heavily modified transhumans, brinkers vs. socialites. In an oppo-
far-fetched circumstances, convincing proof, or unlikely circumstances. site vein, members of marginalized communities may favorably
Persuade Tests are boosted by bribes and reciprocal exchanges or view allies or those of the same background, and almost anyone
hindered by unfavorable timing. Use of Provoke skill to interrogate will take note of someone with a high rep score in their faction.
is aided by physical size and threats, while seduction is impacted
by style and thoughtfulness. Kinesics Tests benefit from experience Using Motivations
with the target or familiarity with their background through research. Whether negotiating or picking fights, it is helpful to know what drives
For all of these situations, also take the player’s specific words into the person you are dealing with. With a lengthy conversation and a
account  —  a player who presents an eloquent argument for their PC’s successful Persuade Test (opposed by SAV Check), you may be able to
Persuade Test, for example, should receive an appropriate modifier. ascertain one of an NPC's motivations (GM discretion). If you are able
to weaponize this knowledge against the NPC with an appeal or insult
Gathering Information to their interests, the GM may apply a modifier to your social skill test.
In some circumstances, old fashioned legwork is the best method for Similarly, you may unknowingly touch upon an NPC's motivations
digging up intel. If you use your social skills to canvass a neighborhood, when dealing with them, thus acquiring a modifier depending on
chat up the locals, or carouse with the intent of picking up gossip, whether you support/encourage their interests or conflict with them.
handle it as a task action with a timeframe set by the GM (usually
1d6 ÷ 2 hours). The skill used depends on the approach you take: use SOCIAL ATTACKS
Deceive to pass yourself off as someone else, Persuade to carefully Provoke skill can be used in a number of offensive ways during
interview, Provoke to incite real talk, or even Kinesics to simply sit action scenes. The following examples show what you can accom-
back, scan the crowd, and watch relationships and interactions. The plish with a successful opposed test, pitting your Provoke skill
GM applies modifiers appropriate to the situation and determines what against their WIL Check. As always, the GM arbitrates what modi-
information is available (if any). Moxie can be used to automatically fiers apply and the final results of such provocations.
acquire a clue without a test, but you must still put in the effort.
• Calm: You temporarily soothe an opponent into pausing hostilities.
Social Stigma and Status • Fluster: You discombobulate or confuse an opponent; they suffer
Though progressive cultural ideas continue to gain ground, trans- –10 to their next action. Increase this by an additional –10 per supe-
humanity has not yet eradicated social inequalities and prejudices. rior success.
It is an unfortunate fact that many social stigmas still exist  —  and • Inspire: You rally an NPC on your side, motivating them towards
these may have a direct impact on your social skill tests. Depending victory; they receive +10 to their next action.
on who you are dealing with, your social status may provide • Intimidate: You scare an opponent into pausing their next attack,
positive or negative modifiers, ranging from +/–10 to +/–30. The attacking someone else, taking cover, or running away.
most common prevalent stigmas (especially in the inner system) • Taunt: You rile up an opponent, forcing them to focus on you and
are towards the clanking masses, AGIs, uplifts, and pod morphs. attack you with their next action.

228¹ Social Actions • Social Manipulation–Social Attacks

STRESSFUL SITUATIONS
The universe of Eclipse Phase is ripe with experiences that will rattle
your sanity. Some are as mundane and human as extreme violence, Stressful Experiences
extended isolation, or helplessness. Others are less common, but Alienation SV
even more terrifying: encountering alien species, infection by the Resleeving alienation/continuity loss/lack 1d6
exsurgent virus, or facing down an extinction threat. Extensive lack 1d10/1
WILLPOWER STRESS TESTS Encountering inexplicably lost memories 1d6
Whenever you encounter a situation that might impact your ego’s Extended isolation (per week) 1d6 + 2/half
psyche, make a WIL Check. Some incidents are so horrific that a Exsurgent virus infection Varies ▶388
modifier is applied. If you fail, the experience scars your mental Unwillingly controlled via puppet sock 1d10/half
landscape and you suffer stress damage (and possibly trauma)
as appropriate to the situation. If you succeed, you cope with the
Mind-controlled 1d10 + 2/half
unnerving situation, but it may still rattle and shake you. Forced to act opposite to Motivation 1d6
A list of stress-inducing scenarios and suggested SVs are listed
on the Stressful Experiences table. The GM should use these as a Helplessness SV
guideline, modifying them as appropriate to the situation at hand. Asphyxiation  ▶234 1d6
Set on fire 1d6
HARDENING Awareness of imminent death 1d10/1
The more you are exposed to horrible or terrifying things, the less
scary they become. After repeated exposure, you become hardened Betrayal by a trusted friend 1d6
to such things, able to shake them off without effect. Cyberbrain hacked 1d6
Every time you suffer a trauma due to stress from alienation, Drugged against your will 1d6 – 1
helplessness, or violence (Stress Categories ▶222), take note. If
Losing a loved one 1d6
you survive such a traumatic situation 5 times without acquiring

ACTION & COMBAT

a disorder, you become effectively immune to that type of stress Watching a loved one die 1d10
in the future. You acquired the Hardening trait ▶74 for that type of Being responsible for the death of a loved one 1d10 + 1/1
stress. You can never become hardened to stress from the unknown. Suffering moderate torture 1d6 + 2/half
You also cannot become hardened to stress if you currently have a
Suffering severe torture 1d10 + 2/half
disorder triggered by that type of stress.
The drawback to hardening yourself is that you grow detached
The Unknown SV
and callous. In order to protect yourself, you cut off your
emotions  —  but it is such emotions that make you transhuman. You Encountering unusual non-sapient alien life 1d6 – 2
have erected mental walls that affect your empathy and ability to Encountering sapient alien life 1d10/1
relate to others. Each Hardening trait means you suffer –10 to both Encountering highly advanced technology 1d6 – 1
WIL Checks and Persuade Tests.
Pandora gate in operation 1d6 − 2
Psychosurgery can be used to overcome hardening, in the same
way a disorder is treated. Encountering exsurgent-infected transhumans 1d6
Encountering full exsurgents 1d10/1
Witnessing async sleights 1d6 – 2
Amaru is targeted by a rival cartel that wants info on Nine Lives. They drug Witnessing psi-epsilon sleights 1d10/half
and capture him. He wakes up to find himself a prisoner. The GM rules that
this calls for a Stress Test against helplessness. Amaru’s WIL Check is 45. He Violence SV
rolls an 02 and succeeds. He’s been in tougher situations than this.
Encountering a gruesome corpse or murder scene 1d6 – 1
Things get worse for Amaru when the cartel thugs start roughing him
up for information. After the GM checks with the players that everyone is Viewing extreme violence/torture 1d6
OK with playing through the scene (Transhuman Themes ▶364), Amaru Committing violence in self-defense 1d6 – 1
successfully holds out on giving them any useful intel. The GM rules that Killing in self-defense 1d6 + 1
this calls for another Stress Test against SV 1d6 +2/half. Amaru rolls a 95
Committing offensive violence 1d6
against his WIL Check of 45: a failure. The GM rolls a d6, getting a 4, so
Amaru takes 6 stress (even if he had made his WIL Check roll, he would have Murdering in cold blood 1d10/1
received 3 stress). Harming an innocent 1d6 + 2/1
Amaru’s Trauma Threshold is 6, so he suffers a trauma from the experi- Killing an innocent 1d10 + 2/half
ence. This applies a –10 modifier to all tests, and he must make another WIL
Experiencing death via XP 1d10
Check versus disorientation (Trauma Effects ▶223). If Amaru survives the
experience without acquiring a disorder, he will be one step closer towards Popping a cortical stack 1d6
being hardened to stress from helplessness. Remember your death 1d10/1

Stressful Situations • Willpower Stress Tests–Hardening

¾229
 MOVEMENT
Movement in Eclipse Phase is handled like other types of actions.
The more complex the movement, the more effort it requires.
ACTION & COMBAT

MOVEMENT RATE
It may be important to know not just how you’re moving, but how
far. Every morph, shell, and creature lists a Movement Rate; this
applies to whatever inherent form of locomotion it is capable of:
walking, slithering, crawling, rolling, hovering, gliding, flying,
vectored thrust, etc. Movement Rates list two numbers: your base
move and full move, respectively, in meters per action turn. Most
humanoid morphs, for example, have a Movement Rate of 4/20.

MOVEMENT ACTIONS
Each action turn, you can take one type of movement action
(with the exceptions of jumping and standing up, which may be
combined with others) or choose to stay put. The movement action
you take may inflict modifiers on your physical actions, so you must
declare it at the beginning of your initiative. You cannot act and
then decide to move, for example, as you will have bypassed appli-
cable modifiers. You can split the distance you move into smaller
parts and intersperse them with other actions you take during the
turn (i.e., you can move partway, attack, and then move the rest).
Extra actions in a turn do not allow you to cover more distance, but
you can cover any of the remaining distance you are allowed in that
turn with those actions.

Base Move
Base moves represent leisurely, unhurried motions analogous to
casual walking. This is the maximum distance you can move in a
single action turn without incurring a modifier.

Full Move
Full moves are akin to running or moving with effort and speed.
This is the maximum distance you can move in meters in a single Standing Up (Quick)
action turn without rushing (see below). Full moves impede your If you are prone, you can stand up with a quick action and take
aim and other physical tasks requiring coordination: apply a –20 another movement action in the same action turn. However, your
modifier as appropriate. Movement Rate is reduced by half for that turn (i.e., 4/20 becomes
2/10); jumping distance is also halved.
Rushing
Rushing is going all-out to move as far as possible. It requires a Non-Standard Movement
complex action and an Athletics, Free Fall, or Pilot roll as appropriate. To climb, swim, belly-crawl, or otherwise move in a way that isn’t
If you succeed, increase your full move rate by your base move. your morph’s typical method for getting around, take a complex
For example, if your morph’s Movement Rate is 4/20, you rush 24 action and move a distance equal to your base move. Certain ware,
meters. Increase this by an additional base move amount for each such as grip pads when climbing, may increase this to your full
superior success. If you fail, you spend a complex action and simply move. Note that some types of movement are simply impossible for
full move. Rushing applies the same –20 modifier as full moves. certain morphs, depending on their design; most human morphs,
for example, fly with the grace of bricks.
Jumping
You can jump once a turn with a quick action while also making Difficult Movement
another movement action. You can cross 2 meters with a horizontal Some movement is far more challenging: climbing a sheer wall,
standing jump, 6 meters with a running jump. Vertical jumping sneaking quietly, swimming against strong currents, traversing a
height is 1 meter. These distances are halved for small-size morphs thin beam over a chasm, or navigating a maze of live wires in micro-
and increased by half for large-size morphs. grav. Handle any movement that requires a test as a task action ▶32
If rushing, you can make an Athletics, Free Fall, or Pilot roll (as with a timeframe set by the GM. As a general rule, the timeframe
appropriate) to cross more distance with your jump. If successful, should be double or more the time it would take the character to
you cross an additional meter (running jump), 0.5 meters (standing cross an equal distance by normal means.
jump), or 0.25 meters (vertical jump), plus an equal additional
amount per superior success.

230¹ Movement • Movement Rate–Movement Actions

Movement in Different Gravities Roller
The listed Movement Rates assume standard Earth gravity (1 g). If Rolling like a ball is an option for spherical shells, those that can
you’re moving in a low-gravity, microgravity, or high-gravity environ- adjust their shape into a sphere or circle, and limbed shells capable
ment (Gravity ▶235), things change. of a fast cartwheeling rotation. The shell rolls around an interior
If you are climbing, pulling, or pushing yourself along in axle, propelled by a motor-driven pendulum. Most can unfold or
micrograv, you move at half your walker Movement Rate (i.e., 4/20 extend limbs/lifts to clear stairs or other obstacles or to crawl along
becomes 2/10). You can also jump any distance, though you cross at surfaces in micrograv.
a rate equal to your movement action when you launched.
In low gravity (0.5 g and less), it is harder for walkers to push Rotor
against the ground, and you may need to switch from a pendulum Rotating blades create lift, allowing the shell to move and hover
gait to a bouncing gait, so your full move decreases by half (i.e., 20 like a helicopter. Most models use tilt-rotors or tilt-wings so that the
becomes 10). You can, however, jump twice as far. rotorblades can be moved forward (for faster propeller-like propul-
The various effects of high gravity (1.2 g and more) on walker sion) and for better maneuverability in zero g. Rotor systems do not
movement balance out, meaning walker Movement Rate remains work in vacuum.
unchanged. Moving is more tiring, however; the GM may call for
SOM Checks to avoid impairment modifiers from fatigue. Snake
It is beyond the scope of this book to assess the impact of Slitheroids and similar shells use lateral undulation, flexing their
different gravities on all of the movement types. GMs should use body from left to right and waving their frame forward. Such shells
their best judgment when applying modifiers. can also use sidewinding or a concertina motion (straightening
forward, then retracting the rear) to move.
MOVEMENT TYPES
The rules above are biased towards humanoid morphs, but there are Submarine
many morphs, shells, and creatures with different body plans and/ Designed for undersea mobility, submarine shells use propellers or
or other mobility systems. Synthmorphs can add mobilty systems pumpjets to push through water.
as ware ▶324. The movement types below list the skill used to
maneuver and a default Movement Rate, though GMs should adjust Swimmer

ACTION & COMBAT

this as appropriate to account for size, bulk, extra limbs, etc. Swimmers use fins, limbs, or waterjets to propel themselves through
To keep the movement rates simple for GMs handling action water or similar liquids.
scenes abstractly, we have mapped each movement type to a speed
range: very slow (2/8), slow (4/12), medium (4/20), fast (8/32), and Thrust Vector
very fast (8/40). Many shells are capable of even faster movement; These shells use either turbofans or turbojets to create atmospheric
this is discussed under Vehicle Movement ▶232. lift, often with a set of wings. The engines can be maneuvered to
point and generate thrust in different directions for vertical take-
Boat offs/landings and better maneuverability in zero g. Turbojets (but
Boats use sails, propellers, paddles, or similar systems to generate not turbofans) will work in vacuum if equipped with an air supply.
thrust to move across a liquid surface. Rocket systems that use chemical reactions to eject reaction mass for
thrust also fall in this category (use Pilot: Space).
Hopper
Hoppers use two or more legs to propel the morph forward or up, Tracked
like a frog or grasshopper. Double their jumping distance, but they Tracked shells use smart rotating treads to work their way across
get no jump distance benefit from rushing. surfaces that would bog down other ground vehicles. They can prop
themselves up in order to overcome taller obstacles or to lay them-
Hover selves down to bridge across a ditch or crevice.
Hovercraft impellers blast high-pressure air to repel off the surface
below. Most hover a meter or so above the ground, but can tempo- Walker
rarily levitate themselves higher. In microgravity, impellers function Walkers use two or more limbs to walk or crawl across a surface.
as a one-directional thrust vector (use Pilot: Air). They do not func- Many use grip pads or magnetic systems to stick to surfaces.
tion in vacuum unless equipped with an air supply.
Wheeled
Ionic Most wheeled shells feature smart spokes that allow the wheels
Ionic shells use magnetohydrodynamics to levitate and fly, ionizing to conform their shape to obstacles and even climb stairs. Some
surrounding air into plasma to create lift and momentum while low-grav shells feature puncture-resistant and self-repairing
spinning for stability. This system does not work in vacuum, but compressed-gas tires.
an underwater version uses the same mechanics for propulsion in
liquid environments (use Pilot: Nautical). Winged
Winged morphs and shells use limbs that produce lift when moving
Microlight through air (they do not function in vacuum). Systems with multiple
This category encompasses all ultralight or lighter-than-air systems, independently controlled wings can hover or move rapidly in any
such as powered paragliders, autogyros, balloons, aerostats, and direction. Fixed-wing propeller-driven planes use Pilot: Air instead.
blimps. Though they are popular in low-gravity habitats, these
systems do not work in vacuum.

Movement • Movement Types

¾231
 ATTACKING PASSENGERS
VEHICLE MOVEMENT You can target passengers within a shell separately from the vehicle
The Movement Rate rules  ▶230 apply to tactical combat and inter- itself. If targeting through an unarmored window or open space, the
actions between characters, bots, and other entities. Most shells, attack does not damage the shell (unless an area effect weapon is
however, have mobility systems that allow for much greater speeds. used), but the passenger may benefit from cover (–10 to –30). If
ACTION & COMBAT

The following rules apply to these situations. targeting through the shell, cover modifiers apply, the passenger
adds the shell’s armor to their own, and the shell itself takes half
CONTROL damage (unless the attack is area effect).
Moving at vehicle speeds in a controlled manner requires a quick
action every action turn to maintain. You may choose not to take

OBJECTS & STRUCTURES

this action and still maintain velocity or coast, but you cannot make
Fray Tests that turn and suffer a –30 modifier to any Athletics, Free
Fall, or Pilot Tests that are called for that turn. Inanimate objects have their own Destruction Rating, Wound
Threshold, and Armor Value scores, just like characters. Destruction
CHASES Rating measures how much damage the item or structure can take
Chases are handled as opposed tests, applying appropriate modi- before it is destroyed.
fiers for terrain, weather, navigation, pedestrians, traffic, and other GMs should exercise their judgment when determining the
environmental conditions. For narrative purposes, we recommend effects of wounds on objects. Wounded mechanical devices and
breaking a chase down into several segments, each with their own electronics may function less effectively and inflict a negative modi-
maneuvering choices and tests, enabling the pursuer and pursued fier on skill tests (a cumulative –10 per wound). Particularly sensi-
to gain or eliminate temporary advantages over each other. tive electronics may cease functioning after one wound. Simpler
objects and structures reflect wounds as large holes (roughly 0.5
CRASHES meters diameter), partial demolition, or impaired function.
Not every failed Athletics or Pilot roll should result in a crash. In For large objects/structures, treat individual components as sepa-
most cases, it simply means you failed to accomplish what you were rate entities when inflicting damage.
trying to do . You take the wrong route, get lost, realize you don’t
have enough speed to make the jump and turn away, don’t make RANGED ATTACKS
a sharp turn in time and simply pass by, or simply skid to a stop. Ranged kinetic attacks such as bullets tend to inflict only minor
Superior failures mean the outcome is worse, potentially putting damage on large structures such as doors, walls, etc., as the
you at a disadvantage. Critical failures, however, should result in projectiles simply pass through. Reduce their damage after
a crash, breakdown, or similar negative effect. Of course, the GM armor is applied by half. Area-effect weapons inflicting kinetic
may put you in a situation where a failure to make a roll results in damage  —  such as frag grenades  —  affect structures normally.
a crash, period. Likewise, beam and energy weapons do full damage against
objects and structures and may even set flammable materials on
Collisions fire. Agonizers and stunners have no effect on objects and structures,
A crash may result in damage to the shell (and any occupants). however, unless fired at the same spot for a very long time.
Likewise, if a shell crashes into or intentionally rams a person or
object, someone is likely to get hurt. The Collisions table indicates SHOOTING THROUGH AN OBJECT
the DV inflicted. If the shell strikes something equally dense and Attacks made through an item or structure at a target on the other
hard, both take damage. If the shell strikes something soft and side suffer cover, blind fire, or indirect fire modifiers, depending
squishy, like a biomorph, the shell only takes half damage. Kinetic on whether you can see part of the target, can’t see them at all,
armor protects against crash damage. or are using a spotter. Additionally, the target receives an armor
If two moving shells collide head-on, calculate the damage from bonus equal to the object/structure’s Armor Value. The object/
both and inflict to both. If two shells moving in the same direction structure itself is also damaged by the attack, as indicated above.
collide, only count the difference in velocity. Note that agonizers and stunners are not penetrating enough to
Passengers in a shell may also be damaged by collisions if they fire through objects.
are not wearing proper safety restraints. They suffer one half the DV
applied to their shell (less their own kinetic armor). MAKING OBJECTS
Creating an item from scratch is handled as a task action with a
timeframe determined by the GM. The timeframe should be set
according to the complexity of the object and could range from an
Collisions hour (constructing a set of shelves) to days (assembling a robot from
spare parts) or even months (building a house). Numerous factors
Base DV: 1d10 + (DUR ÷ 10)
Shell Speed DV may apply modifiers to the test, such as the use of entoptic blue-
prints/help manuals (+10) or poor working conditions (–10 to –30).
Up to Base Move Base DV Tools are also a factor, perhaps making the job easier (superior tools
Above Base Move Base DV × (velocity ÷ 10 in meters per turn) +10 to +30), more difficult (poor or inadequate tools, –10 to –30), or
even impossible (lack of required tools).
For rules on nanofabricating objects, see Acquiring Gear ▶312.

232¹ Vehicle Movement • OBJECTS & STRUCTURES

 surfaces (armor) and creating super-tough diamond machinery. It
REPAIRING OBJECTS is also used in optics and as a superconductor in electronics.
Damaged items can be repaired, see Synthmorph/Object Repair ▶221. Fullerenes: Fullerenes are molecular carbon structures (tubes,
spheres, and other shapes) that are extremely strong (vastly stronger
MODIFYING OBJECTS by weight than steel), heat-resistant, and either insulative or super-
Altering an object’s design and function follows the same basic rules conductive. They are used for armor, electronics, sensor systems,
as build and repair, above. The timeframe is determined by the GM medical systems, and the cables of space elevators.
as appropriate to the modification. Metallic Foam: Metal foam is created by adding foaming agents
to liquid metals, resulting in extremely lightweight metallic struc-
tures  —  light enough to float on water. They are ideal prosthetics,

FUTURE MATERIALS
habitat construction, floating cities, and stiffening or reinforcing
structures without adding mass.
A quick primer to common futuristic materials: Metamaterials: Due to their structure, metamaterials interact with
Aerogel: “Frozen smoke” is made by replacing the liquid in electromagnetic waves or sound in unusual ways, such as having a
a gel or foam with a gas. The result is a low-density, lightweight, negative refractive index. Metamaterials are used for antennas,
semi-transparent solid with a styrofoam feel, made from a number sensors and optics, radar- or sound-absorbent designs, invisibility
of chemical compounds. It is used for windows and as an insulator cloaks, superlenses, and ultra-realistic holographic projectors.
in habitats, particularly aerostats, and to capture space dust on Refractory Metals: These metallic alloys have extremely high
spacecraft hulls. Can be combined with reinforcing fibers to make melting points, making them ideal for high-temperature engine
light, flexible blankets. systems, atmospheric entry vehicles, Venusian habitats and bots,
Amorphous Metals: Also known as metallic glass, amorphous and hypersonic craft.
metals are metal alloys with a disordered (rather than crystalline) Smart Materials: Gear made from smart materials incorporates
atomic structure, making it tougher, less brittle, and more resistant nanomachines that can alter the object’s shape, color, and texture.
to wear and corrosion. They soften and flow when heated, and so For example, smart clothing can transform from specialized cold
can be injection-molded. They are used for armor, implants, robotic weather clothing suitable for the Martian poles in winter to a fash-
frames, and harsh environments. ionable suit in the latest style. Similarly, a smart material tool can
Artificial Spider Silk: Created by bioengineered bacteria, these switch from a powered screwdriver to a wrench or a hammer, as the

ACTION & COMBAT

fibers have fantastic tensile strength and extensibility. They are nanomachines reshape the tool. Reshaping takes 1d6 minutes.
used for armor clothing, bandages, biodegradable goods, and other Transparent Alumina: This harder-than-steel ceramic, also
wear-resistant weaves. known as sapphire, is used for scratch-resistant surfacing and trans-
Diamond: Lightweight and super-strong, artificial diamond parent armor needs. Zero-g casting techniques enable intriguing
has an extremely high melting point and near-perfect thermal transparent construction designs, so long as its poor tensile strength
conductivity. This makes it an ideal substance for hardening coated is respected.

Sample Objects and Structures

Object/Structure/Material Armor (E/K) Destruction Rating Wound Threshold
Airlock Door (Standard, 2 person) 25/15 150 15
Airlock Door (Service, 10 person) 25/20 300 30
Electronics Console 6/4 80 8
Cortical Stacks 20/20 40
Dome, Inflated (Spiderweave, 3 × 3 m) 10/20 60 6
Dome, Structural (3 × 3 m) 30/40 100 10
Door (Metallic Foam) 25/20 100 10
Door (Polymer) 4/8 60 6
Furniture (Polymer) 4/6 50 5
Hull, Aerostat/Light (Metallic Foam) 70/50+ 500+ 50+
Hull, Standard (Advanced Composites) 80/60+ 750+ 75+
Hull, Heavy (Reinforced) 100/100+ 1,500+ 150+
Tree 6/8+ 80+ 8+
Wall (Aerogel, 3 × 3 m) 10/5 150 15
Wall (Concrete, 3 × 3 m) 6/10 200 20
Wall (Metal Alloys, 3 × 3 m) 25/15 300 30
Wall, Reinforced (Metal Alloys, 3 × 3 m) 40/30 500 50
Window (Aerogel, 1 × 3 m) 7/5 50 5
Window (Transparent Aluminum, 1 × 3 m) 10/15 100 10

Future Materials
¾233
ACTION & COMBAT

ENVIRONMENTAL
micrometeor strikes. Most transhumans will quickly recognize
the signs of rapid decompression; biomorphs that fail to acquire a

FACTORS
supply of air in time may suffer from asphyxiation ▶above.
Explosive decompression occurs when the air pressure suddenly
Transhumans have adapted to many environments, but there are vents all at once and drops to nothing. If you are in the vicinity of a
many risks that must be accounted for. blowout and not tied down, make a REF Check to grab something to
hold on to in time to avoid being blasted into space (Vacuum  ▶237).
ASPHYXIATION Even if you succeed, you must continue to make a SOM Check each
The average transhuman can hold their breath for two minutes action turn to hold on until the atmosphere entirely drains. You may
before blacking out. Strenuous activity reduces this amount of also need to make a Fray Test to avoid being struck by debris or
time (GM discretion). For every 30 seconds after the first minute other people as they are sucked out (DV 1d10+, depending on local
your biomorph is prevented from breathing, you must make a SOM clutter conditions).
Check. Apply a cumulative –10 modifier each time you roll. If you
fail, you immediately fall unconscious, are treated as if you have FALLING
taken temporary damage equal to your Durability, and suffer 10 If gravity pulls you towards an unwelcome collision, use the Falling
temporary DV per minute until you reach your Death Rating and Damage table to determine the result. Kinetic armor mitigates
die or manage to breathe again. This temporary damage does not this damage at half its value. GMs may also reduce this damage if
cause wounds. Once revived, the temporary damage is removed, but anything helped to break the fall (branches, soft surface) at their
you need 1 minute of recovery before you can act. discretion. Double the distance categories for low gravity; halve
Asphyxiation is a terrifying process, often leading to panic. them for high gravity.
Asphyxiating characters must make a WIL Check every 30 seconds.
If you fail, you suffer SV 1d6 and cannot perform any effective
action to rescue yourself that action turn; you can make an addi-
tional WIL Check every turn to recover your wits. Even if you Falling Damage
succeed, however, you must make a WIL Check to perform any other Distance Fallen Damage Value
action not directly related to rescuing yourself (attacking anything 1–2 meters 1d10
holding you underwater is exempt from this rule). 3–5 meters 2d10
DECOMPRESSION 6–8 meters 3d10
Habitats and ships sometimes lose air pressure due to damage Over 8 meters +1 per meter
to their hulls from combat, explosions, space debris collisions, or

234¹ Environmental Factors • Asphyxiation–Falling

 Movement and maneuvering in microgravity is handled using the
FIRE Free Fall skill ▶49 for most morphs; others might fly using Athletics,
Objects that come into contact with extreme heat or flames may catch Pilot: Air, Pilot: Space, depending on how they move. Most everyday
fire at the GM’s discretion, keeping in mind both the flammability activity in free fall does not require a test. The GM can, however, call
of the material and the strength of the heat/flames. Burning items for a Free Fall Test for any complicated maneuvers, flying across
or characters suffer DV 1d6 each action turn. Energy armor protects major distances, sudden changes in direction or velocity, or when
against this damage, though it too may catch fire, reducing its value engaged in melee combat. A failed roll means you miscalculate
by the damage inflicted. Depending on environmental conditions, and end up in a position other than intended. A superior or critical
fires are likely to grow larger unless somehow abated. Every 5 action failure means you screwed up badly, slamming into a wall or spin-
turns, increase the DV inflicted (first to 1d10, then 2d10, then 3d10, ning off into space.
then by increments of +5). Adverse conditions (such as rain) or efforts Most microgravity habitats are equipped with elastic loops
to extinguish the blaze will reduce the DV accordingly. to grab onto, mesh pockets to keep objects from floating all over,
Note that fire does not burn in vacuum. In microgravity, fire burns and moving beltways with hand loops for major thoroughfares.
in a sphere and grows more slowly, as expanding gases push away Magnetic or velcro shoes are commonly used to walk around, rather
the oxygen (increase the DV every 10 action turns). If there is a lack than climbing or flying. Zero-g environments are designed to make
of air circulation, some microgravity fires may extinguish themselves. maximum use of space, however, taking advantage of the lack of
ceilings and floors. Because objects are weightless, characters can
GRAVITY move even massive objects around easily.
Most characters in Eclipse Phase have considerable experience Terminal Velocity: It is not difficult to reach escape velocity on
maneuvering in low gravity or microgravity and can perform normal small asteroids and similar bodies  —  something to keep in mind
actions without penalties. Even characters who grew up on plane- with thrown objects and projectile weapons. In some cases, char-
tary bodies or in rotating habitats have some familiarity thanks to acters who move fast enough and jump can reach escape velocity
childhood training in simulspace educational scenarios. The same themselves, though these situations are left up to the GM.
is also true in reverse; characters who grew up in free fall have likely
experienced life in a gravity well or simulations of it. Low Gravity
At the GM’s discretion, characters who have spent long periods Low gravity includes anything from 0.5 g to microgravity. These
acclimating to one range of gravity may find a shift in conditions conditions are found on Luna, Mars, Titan, and the rotating parts

ACTION & COMBAT

challenging to cope with, at least until they acclimate; apply a –10 of most spun spacecraft and habitats. Low gravity is not that
modifier to both physical and social skills. The physical penalty different from standard gravity, though you can jump twice as
results from simple difficulties in maneuvering. The social penalty far (Movement ▶230) and thrown/projectile objects have a longer
applies because it’s hard to look impressive, intimidating, or seduc- range (Range ▶207).
tive when you haven’t figured out how to arrange your clothes so
that they don’t float up into your face. Increase the penalty to –20 High Gravity
for situations involving combat or fine manipulation. Acclimation High gravity is anything significantly stronger than standard Earth
typically takes about 3 days. gravity (1.2+ g). High gravity in Eclipse Phase is typically only found
Any biomorph with biomods  ▶316 is immune to the ill health on exoplanets. High gravity is hard on morphs as they carry more
effects of long-term exposure to microgravity. weight, muscles get fatigued from pushing mass around, and the
heart must work harder to pump blood. For every 0.2 g over 1
Microgravity to which a character is not acclimated, treat it as if the character
Microgravity includes both zero g and gravities that are slightly is suffering from the effects of 1 wound. At the GM’s discretion,
higher but negligible. These conditions are found in space, on movement rates may also be modified (Movement ▶230) and even
asteroids and some small moons, and on (parts of ) spaceships and synthmorph systems may become strained.
habitats that are not rotated for simulated gravity. Objects in micro-
gravity are effectively weightless, but size and mass are still factors. WEATHER
Things behave differently in microgravity: Weather phenomena are a recurring danger on various exoplanets,
depending on local atmospheric conditions. Hurricanes, torna-
• Objects not anchored will drift in whatever direction they were last does, flash floods, blizzards, ice storms, acidic rain, and similar
moving. Floating objects will eventually settle in the direction of the conditions can arise rapidly, damage gear, and hinder mobility,
densest part of the habitat or spacecraft. sensors, and communications. Mars still suffers from blinding
• Thrown or pushed items will travel in a straight line until they hit and choking dust storms, blasting dust particles that somehow
something. get into everything and jam it up. Venus and the gas giants all
• Smoke does not rise in streams. Instead, it forms a roughly spherical feature massive windstorms and cyclones that are devastating to
halo around its source. flying craft and aerostats.
• Liquids scatter into clouds of droplets if released into the air.
Surface tension may hold some liquids into large floating balls
depending on how they are dispersed. Drinks come in sealed bulbs
or bottles. Food is eaten so that sauces and bits of liquid don’t
escape. Blood goes everywhere.

Environmental Factors • Fire–Weather

¾235
 EXTREME PRESSURE
HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS Similarly, the atmospheric pressures of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
The Solar System might be friendly to life on a grand scale, but if Neptune, and Venus quickly become crushingly deadly anywhere
you’re stranded in the gravity well of Jupiter during a magnetic beyond the upper levels. Only synthmorphs and vehicles with
storm, trying to breathe without a respirator on Mars, or floating in special pressure adaptations can hope to survive such depths.
ACTION & COMBAT

hard vacuum without a vacsuit, it doesn’t seem so friendly.

GRAVITY TRANSITION ZONES
ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINATION The widespread use of simulated gravity in space habitats means
Habitats sometimes fall ill. The effects of a habitat suffering from that you will often encounter places where the direction of down
ecological imbalance or out-of-control pathogens can range from suddenly changes. In most rotating habitats, the standard design
mildly allergenic habitat atmospheres to rampaging environmental includes an axial zone where spacecraft can dock in microgravity
sepsis. Biomorphs without breathing or filtration gear in a contami- and a carefully designed and marked transition zone (usually an
nated environment should suffer penalties ranging from –10 (mild elevator) where people and cargo coming and going from the axial
contamination) to –30 (severely septic atmosphere). Depending on spaceport can orient to local “down” and be standing in the right
the contamination, other effects may apply, as the GM sees fit. place when gravity takes effect. Gravity transitions in rotating
habitats are almost always gradual but can be very dangerous if you
DANGEROUS ATMOSPHERE encounter them in the wrong place or time.
In most unbreathable atmospheres (such as Mars and many If you are cast adrift in the microgravity zone at the axis of a
exoplanets), the primary hazard for transhumans without breathing rotating space habitat, you will slowly drift outward, eventually
apparatus or modifications is lack of oxygen (Asphyxiation  ▶234). getting a slight push in the direction of rotation from the winds. You
At lower atmospheric pressures, biomorphs require more oxygen; will continue to drift in free fall until you come into contact with
at higher pressure, they require less. An inadequate concentration the ground, a building, or some other structure. Due to the speed
of oxygen may not asphyxiate right away, but it will lead to respi- of rotation, this collision will be quite devastating and likely deadly.
ratory distress and impairment (–10 to –30 to all actions) over The impact will accelerate you in the direction of rotation, likely
time. Higher concentrations will lead to oxygen toxicity over time, causing your remains to skip and bounce several more times before
leading to vision problems and disorientation (impairment, –10 to they match the rotational velocity and settle. How long this drifting
–30) and eventually seizures, physical damage, and death. Fires also process would take varies according to the size of the habitat, but
spread very quickly in high-oxygen environments and explosions could easily take ten minutes or more, less if you were given a good
inflict more damage. push out from the axis.
Note that many atmospheric gases are fine to breathe  —  argon,
helium, neon, nitrogen  —  except at high pressures. Methane is also RADIATION
breathable, though it is highly flammable and reacts explosively Ionizing radiation is one of the most prevalent hazards in the Solar
with oxidizers and halogens. System and a difficult problem for transhumanity to defeat. Radiation
High-Pressure Atmosphere: Almost all gases that can be breathed damages genetic material, sickens, and kills by ionizing the chemicals
aside from neon and helium become narcotic at high pressures. involved in cell division. Effects range from nausea and fatigue to
Exposure over several hours will lead to impairment (–10 to –30), massive organ failure and death. Radiation also damages biological
hallucinations, memory loss, anxiety, dizziness, impaired judgment, neural networks, leading to flawed uploads and backups. Radiation
and eventually physical damage, unconsciousness, and death. can be countered by thicker, better shielding and nanomedicine that
Toxic Atmosphere: Neptune, Titan, Uranus, and Venus all have rapidly reverses ionization, but even these cannot deter the sheer
toxic atmospheres. Similar atmospheres can be found on some magnitude of the output by some celestial bodies.
exoplanets, or might be intentionally created as a security measure Radiation poisoning is a complicated affair. Sources of radi-
within a habitat or structure. A character who is unaware of atmo- ation include the Earth’s Van Allen belt, Jupiter’s radiation belt,
spheric toxicity and does not immediately hold their breath (REF Saturn’s magnetosphere, cosmic rays, solar flares, fission materials,
Check) suffers DV 2d10 per action turn. unshielded fusion or antimatter explosions, and nuclear blasts,
Corrosive Atmosphere: Like some exoplanets, Venus's atmo- among others. Effects vary drastically depending on the strength of
sphere is also corrosive. Such atmospheres are immediately the source, the amount of time exposed, and the level of shielding
dangerous: DV 1d10 per action turn, regardless of whether you hold available. Two options for effects on biomorphs are:
your breath or not. Increase the DV for atmospheres with higher
concentrations. Armor only applies if it is environmentally sealed • Light Dosage: Within 1d6 hours, take DV 2d10 + 5 (no defense).
(and until it is eaten away). Corrosive atmospheres will damage After 1 week, suffer a –10 impairment modifier for 2d6 days.
vehicles and gear not equipped with anti-corrosive shielding, • Heavy Dosage: Within 1d6 minutes, take DV 2d10 + 10 (no
inflicting 1 to 5 DV per minute, depending on the concentration. defense) and SV 1d6; this damage and stress cannot be healed.
Suffer a –30 impairment modifier and take an additional DV 2d6
EXTREME HEAT AND COLD per day (no defense or healing) until dead.
Planetary environments range from the extremely hot (Venus,
Mercury’s day side) to the extremely frigid (Neptune, Titan, Uranus). GMs should adjust as they see fit. Radiation poisoning symp-
Both will kill an unprotected and unmodified biomorph within toms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, sterility, and
minutes, if not seconds. Synthetic shells fare better, especially in uncontrolled bleeding. Synthmorphs are not quite as vulnerable as
the cold, but even they will succumb to the blazing furnaces of the biomorphs, but even they can be damaged and disabled by severe
inner planets without strong heat shields and cooling systems. radiation dosages (they take only the initial damage).

236¹ Hostile Environments • Atmospheric Contamination–Radiation

SURFACE HAZARDS UNDERWATER
Aside from the vacuum, the surfaces of asteroids, comets, and some In general, any physical skill performed underwater suffers a
satellites can be deceptively dangerous. Many asteroids are little –20 penalty due to the resistance of the medium. Skills relying
more than piles of rubble loosely held together by gravity, often on equipment not adapted for underwater use may be more
with large internal caverns. Signifiant pressure on such a surface, difficult or impossible to use. Unless you possess an underwater
as might happen with a landing, could easily cause it to collapse, mobility system, your movement rate is reduced (Movement ▶230).
burying the lander in a crater of dust. Comets are similar, adding ice If you lack the capability to breathe underwater, follow the rules
to the mix that vaporizes during their approach the sun and freezes for  asphyxiation  ▶234. Note that drowning characters do not
as they move away. This creates structures with empty pockets and immediately recover if rescued from the water; they will continue
thin surfaces that can be easy to break through. Even larger asteroid to asphyxiate until medical treatment is applied to clear the water
surfaces can be pockmarked with pits of settled dust, visually indis- from their lungs.
tinguishable from surrounding terrain, which an unwary traveler
can sink into. Crevasses, pits, and rugged surfaces are common, VACUUM
making fast travel difficult. Biomorphs without vacuum sealing ▶325 can spend one minute in
You can spot potentially dangerous holes and subsurface pits the vacuum of space with no ill effects, provided you curl up into
with radar, though this may require a Perceive or Interface Test. A a ball, empty your lungs of air, and keep your eyes closed (some-
surface traveler attempting to skirt such hazards may need to make thing kids in space habitats learn at a very young age). Contrary to
a Free Fall or Pilot Test. Someone in danger of crashing through can popular depictions in pre-Fall media, a character exposed to hard
make a REF Check to catch themselves. While microgravity lessens vacuum does not explosively decompress, nor do their internal
the danger of impacts, unlucky explorers can still become buried, fluids boil (other than relatively exposed liquids such as saliva on
stuck, and blinded in the dust and debris. the tongue). Rather, the primary danger for characters on EVA sans
On many celestial bodies, regolith surface dust itself is tens of vacsuit is asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen and associated compli-
centimeters thick. The particles themselves become charged by the cations such as edema in the lungs.
solar wind and levitate before settling again. Heavy surface activity After one minute in space, you begin to suffer from asphyxia-
can easily kick up clouds of floating dust that obsure vision and tion ▶234. Damage is doubled if you hold air in your lungs or are not
covers everything. These regolith particles are rough, abrasive, and curled up in a vacuum-survival position. Additionally, characters

ACTION & COMBAT

magnetic. They stick to vacsuits, clog equipment, cover faceplates trapped in space without adequate thermal protection suffer a –10
and windows, and scratch lenses. This dust is quite hazardous to modifier to all actions and 2 DV per minute.
breathe in (causing from 1d6 to 2d10 DV, depending on exposure).

Hostile Environments • Surface Hazards–Vacuum

¾237
 DOWNTIME ACTIONS
Not all of your character’s actions take place on missions or in
scenarios. In between moments of investigation, tensions, and
violence, you may seek to improve yourself, work on projects, or
ACTION & COMBAT

build your social life. This section covers a range of possible down-
time actions you can pursue, though you should work with your GM
to discuss other options.
Downtime is normally counted in weeks. Each week, choose one
downtime action. This assumes your character is also busy with
other activities: socializing, housework, nightlife, relaxing, playing
games, and otherwise pursuing life’s mundane activities. If you are
singularly focused to the exclusion of all else and/or are using an
accelerated-time simulspace, the GM may cut this duration down,
to a minimum of 1 day per downtime action.
Healing/Repair: Recovering mental and physical health (▶221 and
223) is an important part of downtime, but it does not consume all
of your time off. Consider healing/repair to happen in conjunction
with the following downtime actions.

ACQUIRE/MAKE THINGS
You may wish to stock up on gear for the next mission, or simply
prepare equipment caches, go-bags, and emergency provisions. If
you have the Resources trait, use your weekly allotment of Gear
Points. If not, you get 2 GP to spend. Restricted and Rare items are
only available at the GM’s discretion. If establishing caches (“scratch
spaces” to Firewall), be sure to note with your GM where and how
these are hidden away.
While being prepared is a smart move, GMs should rein in players
that seek to hoard everything they can acquire. Such behavior is not
realistic and would certainly lead to the character alienating their
friends or burning rep or Resources. MOD YOURSELF
You have the option of upgrading an existing morph with ware.
CHANGE YOUR MOTIVATION You can use ware previously acquired but not installed, or choose 1
As you meet your goals, have new experiences, and develop new Moderate or 2 Minor complexity new wares. Modification includes
agendas, your motivations may change. Wrapping things up and the necessary time in a healing vat with medical professional over-
redirecting your focus allows you to change one of your motivations. sight or with a mod-shop’s nanofabber and technicians.
Keep in mind that one of your upcoming scenarios may require
FULFILL RESPONSIBILITIES resleeving  —  check with your GM before choosing this option.
You can’t spend all of your time saving the Solar System. You may
have debts to pay off, contacts to maintain, and obligations to TRAIN AND IMPROVE
attend to. Perhaps you have family and friends to catch up with, a As you complete scenarios and gather experience during gameplay, you
boss to answer to, or freelance gigs that are piling up. Though there accumulate Rez Points ▶366. You can spend your downtime training
is no direct game effect for this type of activity, it does help to wrap and use these Rez Points to improve your character’s stats. You cannot
up loose ends from previous scenarios and hold on to relationships spend more than 1 RP on improvement per downtime week.
with NPCs. At the GM’s discretion, this may lay the ground work for
acquiring a Contact trait ▶73. Gain a Positive Ego Trait
You may spend RP to purchase a positive ego trait of an equivalent
MANAGE YOUR REP CP Cost. You can also upgrade existing traits to higher levels. The
The best way to cultivate your rep scores is to positively contribute GM must approve this transaction. New traits should only be
to others’ lives. This can take the form of things like volunteering acquired as a consequence of the storyline and unfolding events in
your time for collective endeavors (@-rep), helping out your friends the game. For example, a character that discovered a cache of wealth
(c-rep), creating new art (f-rep), working the streets (g-rep), tracking might be allowed to buy the Resources trait. Note that you must pay
down leads (i-rep), conducting useful research (r-rep), or training RP for any positive ego traits you gain, whether or not you wanted
new gatecrashers (x-rep). Work with the GM to choose an appro- them. If you have no unspent RP available, you must pay out imme-
priate skill test: success earns you 1 point of rep in that network, +1 diately from any future RP you earn until the debt is paid off.
for each superior success. Note that you do not gain RP from any positive ego traits you lose
Alternatively, you can bypass the test and simply spend Rez as a consequence of your actions, nor any negative ego traits you
Points. Each RP gains you 5 rep points. acquire during gameplay  —  you are simply saddled with the new flaw.

238¹ Downtime Actions • Acquire/Make Things–Train and Improve

 Specialize
You can specialize in an existing skill, as long as that skill is at least
Spending Rez Points rating 30. The cost to learn a specialization is 1RP. Only 1 specializa-
Improvement RP Cost tion can be purchased per skill.
5 Rep points 1 RP
5 Skill points 1 RP
Pivo has 4 weeks of downtime. That’s good, because a neo-octopus
1 Specialization 1 RP needs their decompression and alone time.
1 Psi sleight 1 RP Pivo still has some damage and wounds from his recent mission, but the
1 Language 1 RP GM tells him he’ll be able to easily recover from that in the time he has. So
1 Aptitude point 1 RP for the first few days at least, Pivo gets in some VR games and rest while
floating in a healing vat.
1 Flex point 2 RP On the first week, Pivo remembers that he left an NPC, a fellow scavenger,
Ego Traits RP = CP Cost/Bonus in a lurch during the last mission: they had been killed and eaten by an exsur-
gent. Pivo had recovered their stack (don't ask), though, so he arranges to
have it returned to their backup insurance provider so they can be restored.
He also makes sure to visit the scavenger when they get resleeved, so he
Improve Aptitudes can fill them in on what happened and overcome the lack they experience.
Raise aptitudes at the cost of 1 RP per aptitude point. Aptitudes The GM decides this leaves the NPC a bit traumatized (they remember being
cannot be raised above 30. killed after all), but that they are grateful for Pivo explaining what happened
Raising the value of an aptitude also raises the value of all linked (and that the exsurgent is no longer a problem). The scavenger goes back to
skills by an equivalent amount (double in the case of Fray/Perceive). their daily life, if a bit more ragged around the edges. Knowing what they
have encountered, however, the NPC could be useful to Pivo and Firewall
Improve and Learn Skills in the future. The GM tells Pivo that he can spend a Rez Point and take the
To improve an existing skill or learn a new one, you must actively scavenger as a contact, per the Contact trait ▶73. Pivo has 5 Rez Points, so
practice it, study, and/or seek instruction. Each RP spent gives you he spends 1 to get the trait.
5 skill points to allocate. New skills are raised up from the linked Pivo has 4 more Rez Points to spend, so he decides to spend the second

ACTION & COMBAT

aptitude rating. week increasing his Guns skill. 1 RP allows him to raise it from 40 to 45. If he
Once you have achieved a level of expertise in a skill (60+), you instead wanted to raise his Hardware: Aerospace, he would only be able to
reach a plateau where improvement progresses more slowly and raise it from 65 to 66 this week, since it is over the threshold of 60 (he would
even consistent practice and study have diminished returns. You have to spend 4 additional downtime weeks to spend the other 4 skill points
cannot spend more than 1 skill point on skills that are 60 or over and get the skill to 70). So Pivo spends some time practicing at a range and
per downtime week. gets a few more bullseyes this time around.
For week three, Pivo wants to boost his Vigor pool. He decides to mod
Increase Flex his morph, which let’s him pick 2 Minor complexity ware or 1 Moderate. He
Increase your ego Flex pool by 1 point per 2 RP. Your ego Flex pool chooses novacardium bioware, which raises his Vigor pool from 1 to 2. So
cannot be raised above 3. Pivo spends more time in a healing vat, playing some more VR games, and
one of his hearts gets an upgrade (the one that pumps blood around the
Learn a Language body, since octopi have three hearts). When he comes out of the vat, he feels
You can learn a new language through study and practice. Each invigorated and ready to jump into action.
language costs 1 RP. Note that learning a new language usually takes During week four, Pivo catches up with friends and contacts to strengthen
months, so GMs should only allow this for characters that have spent his rep game. He wants to save his Rez Points, so he opts to make a skill test.
the time learning or immersed themselves in the relevant culture. He decides to put his techie skills to use, and pulls some favors for scavenger
friends who need repairs on their ships. He makes a Hardware: Aerospace
Learn a New Psi Sleight Test with his skill of 65, rolling a 38. That’s a superior success, so he gets
If you possess the Psi trait, you can learn new psi sleights through 2 rep points out of it. He raises his c-rep from 25 to 27. So after a week of
experimentation and practice. Each sleight costs 1 RP. patching up hulls and fine-tuning fusion engines, Pivo gets some pings and
his rep gets boosted.
Lose a Negative Ego Trait The GM also takes a look at Pivo’s character sheet and is reminded that
You can eliminate the handicap of a negative ego trait through hard Pivo has the Enemy (Night Cartel) trait. So near the end of this month of
work and diligence. Such endeavors should require weeks if not downtime, the GM informs Pivo that he hears word that the Night Cartel
months of effort, with appropriate roleplaying and possibly some has sent agents to the habitat to have a word with him. Pivo decides that’s a
difficult tests. In fact, overcoming such traits can be the source of good sign to move on, setting the stage for the next adventure.
an adventure. Once a GM feels that you have made a strong-enough
effort, you can pay a number of Rez Points equal to the trait’s orig-
inal CP bonus to negate it. You can also downgrade traits to a lower
level by paying the difference. Note, however, that some negative
traits simply cannot be discarded, no matter what you do.

Downtime Actions • Train and Improve

¾239
 THE
EVERYWARE
The mesh is a decentralized internet-of-things. Miniature comput-
erized devices with advanced processing and storage capabilities

MESH
are everywhere: your clothes, your weapons, your appliances, and
throughout the structures, environment, and even air around you.
This everyware is equipped with minute sensors for monitoring the
environment and wireless radios, microwave links, or laser links
for communicating. All of these devices network together. Each
acts as an ad-hoc server and repeater, passing messages and data
along from sender to recipient. Though larger backbone servers
still exist, especially in larger habitats with heavy traffic, there is no
longer a need for any kind of centralized infrastructure. If a node
in the mesh network goes down or cuts off traffic, the data simply
routes around it, finding a new path to its destination. This makes
the mesh easily expandable for new colonies, resilient against harm
in crisis scenarios, and resistant to censorship and other forms of
centralized control.

GETTING ONLINE
Getting online in Eclipse Phase is easy  —  everyone and everything
is meshed, all the time. Most transhumans get online via the mesh
insert implants within their head. This headware enables them to
network with other devices around them and store data and files.
Best of all, it’s all mentally controlled. You can browse mesh sites,
play games, interface with gear, and talk with your friends, all
within your head.
Messages are mentally recorded in your voice (or another of
your choosing) or transcribed into text, all without speaking aloud.
Sensory input is routed through your mesh inserts directly into
your brain and experienced as augmented reality  —  as data overlaid
upon your real-world senses. Videos, for example, are viewed in a
corner of your vision or off to the side, in your mind’s-eye space.
You hear audio feeds in your head that no one around can perceive.
Haptic feedback is experienced as sensations of touch. You can even
skin your perceptions with AR data, so that you always view the
world with the hazy glow of a sunset in the background or experi-
ence it with your own personal soundtrack. Walls are never blank
and rooms are never quiet, unless you want them to be. You can
even mute or filter out things you don’t want to see or hear.
Those without cranial computers and mesh inserts must rely on
ecto devices for mesh access. These portable and flexible computers
are typically worn as a bracelet or held as a tablet. They feature
interactive holographic displays or transmit AR data to the user via
worn glasses, contacts, and decorative ear pieces. While common
among bioconservatives, they are sometimes used as an extra layer
of protection by hackers or those carrying sensitive data. Ectos are
slower than mesh inserts; using them inflicts a –10 modifier to all
mesh actions.

YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

Given that most mesh interactions take place within your head, face-
to-face interactions via camera feeds are a thing of the past. Most
people use an avatar to represent themselves online. Avatar customs
differ, with some clades preferring a representation of your current
morph, and others preferring a stylized icon that remains consis-
tent throughout resleevings. Avatars are animated and designed to
speak and emote with your personal mannerisms, though this may
be customized.

240¹ Everyware
 Avatars are not only used for online communications  —  they are VPNs: VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS
often projected as entoptic data in real local space, along with your VPNs link together nodes via point-to-point encrypted “tunnels”
social networking profile, allowing others around you to view it with across the public mesh. This secure connection allows connected
AR. Thus you can view the rep scores and other public profile data users to privately communicate and remotely share services and
about a person whether you interact with them online or are simply resources. VPNs enable mobile offices, social networks, tacnets, and
in physical proximity. Personal profiles are completely customizable other private networks to exist and function within the wider mesh.
and range from business-oriented and succinct to creative displays. In practical terms, VPNs offer better encryption than standard
Local jurisdictions may require some personal data to be displayed mesh traffic, making it difficult to sniff  ▶245 your connections,
at all times, such as citizenship status, real names, c-rep score, fork though you can still be tracked ▶256. If one of the nodes within the
status, or criminal convictions. VPN is hacked, however, that traffic becomes vulnerable.

Privacy Mode TIERED SYSTEMS

If you’d prefer to keep a low profile, you can go into privacy mode, Hypercorp networks, habitats, and similar large systems operate
which provides a small degree of anonymity. Privacy mode hides on a tiered model. In order to access one particular device or
your social profile  —  no one will be able to view your data, but they network, you may first need to access the nodes or networks
will still be able to anonymously ping and ding your rep scores. tiered above it. Nodes in a lower tier will only communicate with
Privacy mode will also ask sensors and other devices to ignore and recognized devices in the tier above them. Usually the deeper you
not track you, though depending on their configurations or AIs they go, the harder the security gets. Tiered systems can sometimes be
may simply ignore this request. It applies a –30 modifier to mesh defeated with spoofing attacks ▶247, by faking signals from a node
tracking attempts ▶256. Privacy mode is considered rude or gauche in the tier above.
in some circumstances. An option to allow authenticated police/
security to override this mode is legally required in some authori- AIR-GAPPED SYSTEMS
tarian jurisdictions, but it may be easily toggled off. The most heavily secure systems are air-gapped  —  physically
separated from the mesh. They may be hardwired, lacking wireless
transceivers, or enclosed within radio-proof barriers. The only way

MESH TOPOLOGY
to access such systems is physically, either directly plugging in,
defeating the radio-blocking enclosure, or somehow attaching a
Though the mesh as a whole consists of innumerable devices all wireless transceiver to the system.
connected to the other devices around them, the actual layout is
more complex. Many sub-networks exist within the mesh network ISLANDS IN THE NET

THE MESH
itself: slaved devices, VPNs, PANs, and tiered systems. The distance between habitats requires special consideration. A
signal sent from the inner planets to a station in the Kuiper Belt,
SLAVED DEVICES 50 AU from the sun, can take as long as 7 hours, traveling at the
Some devices are slaved to others, so that any traffic and access speed of light. This means that communications between habitats
attempts go through a single well-protected gateway node. For outside of your local region (any others within 50,000 kilome-
example, individual components of a security system (doors, ters) may suffer time lags of minutes or hours  —  each way. This
sensors, etc.) are usually slaved to a central security node that makes standard forms of communication (video calls and even
serves as a chokepoint against anyone hoping to hack the system. messaging) a challenge, and means that news from afar is already
All traffic to and from slaved devices is routed through the master. old when it is received. In a sense, each region is its own island in
This allows a slaved device to rely on the master’s security features the mesh. On planetary bodies like Mars, Venus, Luna, or Titan,
and active monitoring. Anyone that wants to connect to or hack “local” encompasses all of the habitats and linked mesh networks
into a slaved device is rerouted to the master for authentication on that planetary body and in orbit.
and security scrutiny. If you wish to search the mesh or interact with someone or
Slaved devices automatically accept commands from their master something outside of your region, the easiest method is to transmit
device. This means that a hacker who penetrates a master system a search ALI (usually a copy of your muse) or a fork. In this case, the
can legitimately access and issue commands to a slaved device, transmission time is added to the adjusted timeframe of any task
assuming their access privileges ▶246 allow for it. actions (i.e., searching the mesh of a station 10 light-minutes away
adds 20 minutes as the AI is transmitted over and the results are
PANs: PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS transmitted back). Since long-distance communications are some-
Since many of the things you wear, carry, use, or have implanted are times interfered with or bumped for higher-priority items, GMs
meshed, it makes sense to network them together  —  this is your PAN. can increase this time at their discretion. If the research involves
Your mesh inserts (or ecto) act as the master hub of your network; correlation and fine-tuning the search parameters based on data
your other devices are slaved. This means that anyone that wishes to accumulated from different locals, the timeframe may be exponen-
access these devices must go through you (or your muse) first. You tially increased due to the need for back-and-forth interaction.
can interface with your PAN devices via AR and freely share data Exoplanet meshes are even more removed. They can only be
between them. You can share access to these devices with others on accessed in the short intervals when a pandora gate is opened to
a temporary or permanent basis. On the flipside, anyone that hacks their location. Depending on the colony or importance of the gate-
you will have access to your slaved devices. crashing mission, the time between connections may be days, weeks,
or months.

Mesh Topology • Slaved Devices–Islands in the Net

¾241
 BACKUPS, FORKING, EGOCASTING
COMMON MESH USES Most people have backups taken and forks created at reputable body
Using the mesh is an everyday, intuitive affair for most transhumans. banks. The sanctity of egos is highly valued, so mesh security tends
This section details some of the most common uses and any consid- to be top notch. Even black-market body banks and darkcasters
erations when it comes to security or hacking. have reputations to protect. If you have a cyberbrain or access to
THE MESH

an ego bridge, you can make backups and forks at any time, but are
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) reliant on your own security. Inactive backups/forks/egos are simply
AR overlays data and sensory input from the mesh on your phys- large files that can be stored on any device. Activated infomorphs,
ical senses. This allows you to experience images and video, text, however, can only be run on hosts or servers (Infomorphs  ▶252).
sounds, physical sensations, and even tastes and smells as you go
about your day. AR sensory input is high-resolution and seemingly BANKING
real, though usually tinged with a ghostly quality so as not to be Physical currency is a thing of the past. Polities that still use
confused with real-world interactions. AR data can be customized, money deploy various types of blockchain-based crypto-curren-
filtered, and layered as you see fit. cies. Transactions are electronic, heavily encrypted, and archived
Most habitats and businesses transmit data on public AR chan- in a public ledger. This means payments and transfers are linked
nels. Directories, signs, maps, help guides, tourist information, to a mesh ID and may be tracked, though many use anonymized
available services, and public alerts are easily toggled and perceived. accounts or proxies to hide their trail. Electronic currencies are
Corporations and private groups also offer their own AR channels to either stored in an encrypted wallet on your personal device or
authenticated users, ranging from streaming music and networked entrusted to the security of an online service.
games to underground night life and black-market services.
AR also has its downsides: if you are hacked, it can be used COMMUNICATIONS
against you ▶262). AR sensory input is also a potential vector for Messaging, video calls (using avatars), and email remain dominant
so-called basilisk mind hacks ▶384. forms of communication, though these are sometimes hampered by
distance lag. For discussions across great distances or that require
AR Mist and Filters face-to-face privacy, forks are deployed. Non-encrypted comms can
Online advertising is still a major business in the inner system. be sniffed by hostile parties (Sniffing ▶245).
Modern adverts, political screeds, scams, and porn are experienced Online forums rise and fall in popularity, depending largely on
as entoptics and other AR sensory input. These are often trans- how well they filter out trolls, spam, and bots. On one end, private
mitted on public channels and highly intrusive or distracting. It’s message boards and VR lounges thrive according to their exclu-
hard to ignore ads that cite your name (pulled from your public sivity and focus topics, especially in socialite and infomorph circles.
profile) at high-volume, bombard you with tickles and NSFW On the other, local public AR channels tend to be crammed with
visuals, assault you with savory smells for desserts, or trigger the garbage, though strong community participation can make these
sensation of bugs crawling on your skin to sell insecticides. Though quite useful, especially in brinker and autonomist habs.
these can be filtered out, unfortunately, advertisers seem to be
winning the ongoing war between adverts and blockers, and many EXPERIENCE PLAYBACK (XP)
are not above using malware techniques to bypass your security or Every morph with mesh inserts has the capability to transmit or
even permanently infect your devices. record their experiences in the form of XP. Sharing with friends,
In some locations, AR adverts can be so overwhelming, they social networks, or with the public at large is popular. Short clips are
are referred to as “mist.” This fog of data can inflict an impair- common, but some x-casters post an ongoing lifelog for subscribers.
ment modifier of –10 to –30, though this can be overcome with a The depth of these experiences depends on how much of the
successful Interface Test (mist modifiers apply). Alternatively, you recorded sensory perception is kept when the clip is made. Full
can turn off AR inputs entirely, but this may impede you in more XP includes exteroceptive, interoceptive, and emotive tracks.
significant ways. Exteroceptive tracks include the traditional senses of sight,
smell, hearing, touch, and taste that process the outside world.
Skinning Interoceptive tracks include senses originating within the body,
Since reality can be overlaid with hyper-real entoptics, you can such as balance, a sense of motion, pain, hunger, thirst, and a
“skin” your environment by modifying your perceptual input to fit general sense of the location of one’s own body parts. Emotive
your particular tastes or mood. Need your spirits boosted? Pull up tracks include the whole spectrum of emotions that can be aroused
a skin that makes it seem like you’re outdoors, with the sun shining in a transhumans. Hardcore XP aficionados deem only the experi-
down, the sounds of gentle surf in the background, and butterflies ence of the actual neuronal and endocrine systems of biomorphs as
drifting lazily overhead. Pissed off? Be comforted as flames engulf the real deal; the cyberbrain systems of synthmorphs are not on par.
the walls and thunder grumbles ominously in the distance. You can Due to the prevalence of x-casting, live XP feeds are an integral
go about your day accompanied by your own personal soundtrack part of the coveillance paradigm.
or the smell of roses, the ocean air, or freshly baked pastries. Tired
of listening to your co-worker’s babble? A simple filter can block GAMING
them out, replacing them with a gray-shaded outline and the Along with AR and VR console games, multiplayer interactive alternate-
pleasant sounds of birds. Entire libraries of skins may be freely reality games (so-called MARGs) are popular. Many players are
downloaded for the express purpose of making the cheaply fabri- involved with one or more in-game “coteries” in various settings:
cated less distasteful and countering the space-induced cabin fever espionage (Cloak & Dagger), high fantasy (War of Wizards),
of cramped habitat environments. horror (Innsmouth Nights), romance (All My Forks) and sci-fi
(Starfleet Command). These games present stories and plots

242¹ Common Mesh Uses • Augmented Reality (AR)–Gaming

experienced through skinned AR environments and interactions SENSOR FEEDS AND COVEILLANCE
with other players (and paid NPCs) both online and in-person, with Public sensor feeds are available to everyone on the mesh  —  everyone
more detailed VR immersion scenarios available as well. is watched by everyone else. These sensors provide real-time coverage
MARGs function as VPNs. Much like social networks, they treat of most public areas within a habitat, though they are subject to
their customers as products and heavily monitor their activities. vandalism and sabotage. Many private networks are also available,
Hacked game accounts can reveal a treasure trove of tracking data. some of which are accessible for a fee or if you know the right people.
Sensors and coveillance are covered in detail on ▶270.
LOCATION SERVICES/MAPPING
You can almost always pinpoint your location on an inhabited SOCIAL NETWORKS
world or in a habitat by measuring signals either from orbiting Social networks are the fabric of the mesh, weaving people
GPS satellites or nearby mesh nodes. Finding your way is easy together. They are the means by which most people keep in
with AR cues such as visual trails or arrows or audio directions. contact with their friends, colleagues, and allies, as well as current
Location services can tell you where to find the nearest local auto- events, the latest trends, new memes, and other shared interests.
cook, give you reviews on nearby cafés, and tell you who in the They are an exceptionally useful tool for online research, getting
area matches your dating profile, personal interests, or is looking favors, and meeting new people. In some cases, they are useful
for a game match. for reaching or mobilizing masses of people (as often illustrated
A side effect of location services is that your movements are by anarchists and pranksters). There are thousands of social
logged by every nearby mesh node due to automated pings and networks, each serving different cultural and professional inter-
your physical activity can be correlated with your online activity ests and niches. Most social networks allow users to feature a
and mesh ID (Tracking ▶256). This feature is considered an advan- public profile to the entire mesh and a private profile that only
tage by parents watching over their kids, businesses monitoring those close to them can access.
their employees, and friends seeking out other friends, but can be a Reputation plays a vital part in social networks, serving as a
detriment to those seeking a low profile. measure of each person’s social capital. Each person’s reputation
score is available for lookup, along with any commentary posted
MEDIA AND NEWS by people who favored or disfavored them and rebuttals by the user.
Recorded and streamed VR, XP, 3D video, music, spoken word, Many people automate their reputation interactions, instructing
podcasts, and even old-fashioned flat vids and audiobooks are their muse to automatically ping someone with a good review
offered by a variety of services. The sheer amount of media avail- after a positive action and to likewise provide negative feedback to
able is daunting  —  most people carry personal libraries in their head people with whom the interaction went poorly.
that contain far more than they will ever consume. Entertainment The drawback to some social networks is that you are the product.

THE MESH
for even niche interests is never farther than a few mental menus CivicNet, eXploreNet, Fame, and similar networks all track their
away. News and media feeds are highly personalized and curated to users’ mesh activity and build expansive profiles for advertising
your tastes by your muse. purposes. This data is readily available to certain hypercorps and
Many venues transmit their own local AR media channels, to political entities, or anyone that manages to hack heavily protected
keep social groupings focused on the same vibe. When you can social network servers.
stream a live performance from a DJ on Mars directly into your If you are hacked, your social network accounts may also be at
head almost anywhere, most club-goers prefer getting on the same risk. Your profile could be altered, history viewed, and fake posts,
channel so they can all dance to the same beat, experience the same pings, and dings made in your name.
visuals, and share the energy.
TAGGING
MOBILE OFFICES Entoptic tags are a way for people to “tag” a physical person, place,
Online collaboration tools, remote networking, and ALI assistants or object with virtual data. These e-tags are stored in networks local
mean that work is rarely tied a physical location  —  most people carry to the tagged item and move with the item if it changes location.
their jobs with them. For security purposes, VPNs ▶241 are mandatory. E-tags are viewable in AR and can hold almost any type of data,
Encrypted data module implants are often mandatory for employees though short notes and pictures are the most common. E-tags are
that carry sensitive company data in their heads, possibly protected often linked to particular social networks or circles within that
by a dedicated corporate security AI. Many hypercorps retain remote network so that people can leave notes, reviews, memorabilia,
access privileges to their workers’ mesh inserts and implants. media, and similar things for friends and colleagues.
Finding hidden tags in an area requires an Interface Test at –30
PSYCHOSURGERY at best or may be impossible without access to the right networks/
For safety reasons, psychosurgeons prefer working on forks that are devices (GM discretion). Even when found, they may require
then merged with the alpha ego. Most psychosurgery is handled decryption ▶247.
on-site at dedicated clinics. For privacy and security, psychosur-
geons keep their clients’ infomorphs on air-gapped servers with VIRTUAL REALITY (VR)
hardwired ego bridges. Some virtual clinics offer services on heavily Only servers ▶244 have the bandwidth and processing requirements
secured private networks. to run full VR simulspaces, especially ones with multiple users.
For extra stability, most VR services are offered in locations with
SEARCHES hardwired physical networks. Comfortable enclosed couches are
On the mesh, you have access to vast  —  almost overwhelming  —   provided for users, as their physical senses are cut off.
amounts of info. This is covered in detail under Online Research ▶254. VR is covered in more detail on ▶268.

Common Mesh Uses • Location Services/Mapping–Virtual Reality (VR)

¾243
 Apps
DEVICES, APPS, & LINKS Apps include programs that are run on your own hardware devices.
Behind the augmented reality, it is hardware and software that Many of these provide specialized functions to make use of the
makes the mesh work. device, such as the smartlink app to help you target your weapon,
the chemical analysis app that runs on your chem sniffer, or the
HARDWARE
THE MESH

software systems that allow you to remotely pilot a bot.

While online, you’ll be accessing and interacting with numerous devices. While most apps are also available as online services, there
This hardware falls into three categories: motes, hosts, and servers. are advantages to running it on your local device. You might, for
example, be cut off or distanced from the mesh on an exoplanet,
Motes remote asteroid, or within a secured corporate facility.
The vast majority of meshed devices are motes: the wireless Perhaps the most important app on each device is your firewall.
transceivers, microcomputers, and sensors embedded into almost Firewalls provide the smart security that protects each system
everything. This includes appliances, tools, implants, sensors, (Firewall ▶260).
wearables, peripherals, and similar specialized hardware. Motes
possess enough processing power, storage memory, and networking Infomorphs
capabilities to handle their specialized functions, mesh with nearby Infomorphs are activated mind-emulation suites  —  digital software
devices, and run a small assortment of apps. intelligences. They are detailed on ▶252.
Motes have only public and admin accounts ▶246. They are only
capable of running ALIs; some motes (GM's call) can run info- Operating System
morphs if the ALI is deleted, but they become overloaded. Your operating system (OS) is the software interface for your
hardware device. It allows you to control hardware functions and
Hosts manage other software resources, such as apps and services.
A host is a generalized, multi-purpose personal computer, with
significant processing and networking capabilities, designed to be Services
operated by an end user. Hosts include mesh inserts, ectos, cyber- Software services are available to authorized clients from “the
brains, tablets, ghostrider modules, and the systems in most bots cloud” — various servers on the mesh. Think of it as programs you
and vehicles. can use locally but that are actually run on someone else’s computer.
Hosts can handle multiple users and accounts, but are only Many services are provided for free: search engines, real-time
capable of running one active infomorph at a time. translation, rep network interfaces, anonymizing agents, and so on.
Others require an account and a subscription: egocasting, simul-
Servers spaces, decryption, games, XP feeds, etc. The availability of services
Servers have much greater processing powers and data-manage- changes depending on the local habitat and legal jurisdictions. Due
ment capabilities than hosts. They can handle hundreds or even to the nature of the mesh, however, even illegal services such as
thousands of users, run simulspace software, and stream services exploit tools, cracked proprietary software, and narcoalgorithms
to clients across the mesh. Servers are maintained by all types of proliferate. The drawback to using a service over an app, however, is
service providers, egocasting terminals, social media and news that the service may keep logs of your activity.
portals, corporate hubs, backup facilities, psychosurgery clinics, and Services are only available when you have a direct mesh connec-
VR and gaming platforms. tion to the service provider. This means you can lose access to
Servers can run multiple infomorphs. Most servers are large and services if jammed ▶263, suffering distance lag, or otherwise cut off
stationary, though some bot and portable models exist. High-end from the mesh. Services also log your mesh ID and may be used to
enhanced and specialized servers may provide modifiers. track you (Tracking ▶256).

Overloaded Devices WIRELESS LINKS

Certain circumstances may impair a hardware device’s functionality. The most common way for devices to connect is via short-range (~50
Its processing capabilities may be strained by resource-intensive meters) wireless radio. Most devices will automatically mesh with
processes (such as VR or psychosurgery), a distributed denial-of-ser- any other devices in range (and log the interactions). It is a trivial
vice attack, network outages, overwhelming traffic during a habitat affair to pull up a list of all devices within range, along with their
crisis, damaging solar flares, or similar scenarios. Overloaded mesh IDs, or to have your muse automatically alert you if a new or
devices inflict a –10 to –30 modifier to mesh actions involving that specific device comes within range.
device. Additionally, Insight pool cannot be used for tests involving
that device, and the chance of acquiring a glitch in mesh combat Stealthed Signals
(Mesh Wounds ▶264) is doubled. For increased privacy, you can stealth your wireless radio signals,
making them harder to detect. This method uses a combination of
SOFTWARE spread-spectrum signals, frequency hopping, and modulation. To
Everyone uses software to do things online. Most of your online detect a stealthed signal, you must take a complex action and win an
interactions are facilitated by software interfaces. Software can be Opposed Interface Test with the stealthed entity. The scanning entity
grouped into four categories: apps, infomorphs, operating systems, suffers a –30 modifier to this test. GMs may wish to make this roll
and services. Software can be attacked in mesh combat ▶264. secretly. Some secure facilities will dedicate ALIs to actively monitor
for stealthed signals; this includes correlating surveillance feeds
with mesh signals, to identify anyone who is mysteriously “silent.”

244¹ Devices, Apps, & Links • Hardware–Wireless Links

For this reason covert operatives sometimes carry ectos on a separate
PAN to broadcast innocently and distract from their stealthed PAN.
For covert devices that are only transmitting in short bursts,
wireless detection is only possible during the short period the burst
transmission is being made.

Sniffing
Wireless radio traffic is broadcast through the air (or space), meaning
that it can be intercepted by other wireless devices. Since all mesh
traffic is relayed through numerous devices, each connection is
encrypted for privacy. “Sniffing” involves the circumvention of this
decryption in order to capture and analyze the actual data traffic.
To intercept wireless communications, you need a sniffer app and
you must be within radio range of the target (alternatively, you can
access a device that is within radio range of the target and sniff from
that location). The sniffer app automatically convinces the target to
relay their mesh traffic through you (just like any other mesh node).
This provides you with a list of mesh IDs to systems with which the
target is actively connected (Mesh ID ▶246). It will also identify any
connections that are protected by a VPN or quantum crypto.
You may target any one of these connections for active eavesdrop-
ping with a complex action and a Hacking Test ▶258. If successful,
you capture data traffic to and from the targeted device and the
connected system as long as you stay within range. Each connection
requires a separate test, though GMs may allow a single test for all
connections on less important NPCs.
When you capture sniffed traffic, you acquire all data passing
between the two systems. This includes emails, chats, transferred
files, media streams, and more. To find useful data in large amounts
of captured traffic may require a Research Test. If you capture traffic

THE MESH
during an authentication process ▶246, while a target is logging
in, you may even capture their access credentials, such as their
passcode or biometric scan. You can break a connection and force a
re-authentication to capture credentials, but this requires winning a
Hacking Test ▶258 with the authenticating firewall. links between nearby habitats. Laser links are sometimes favored
Sniffing VPNs: VPNs are more difficult to intercept: apply a for covert ops tacnets, as even stealthed radio signals can be
–30 modifier. If successful, you acquire the encryption keys used detected. Laser links cannot be sniffed.
by the two systems and may capture VPN traffic between them.
However, VPNs frequently change their encryption keys to deter Other Links
sniffing attacks; you can only sniff a VPN link for 1d6 minutes Microwave links function much like laser links, except that they do
before you must make another Hacking Test at –30. You can use not require line of sight, but are hindered by metallic obstructions.
superior successes to increase the duration by 1d6 minutes or to They are more common in less-settled areas. Skinlink systems,
make detection harder. popular in wearables, require devices and users to be physically
Detecting Sniffing Attacks: VPNs automatically monitor signal touching, and thus have no emissions that can be intercepted.
latency and other clues to detect sniffing attacks. Once a minute, Similarly, hardwired systems rely on fiberoptic cable connections.
the firewall (or system defender if actively defended) may make These provide excellent security against wireless interception and
a Firewall or Infosec Test. You can use superior successes scored jamming, and are common in certain “noisy” environments.
on the sniffing attack to modify this test by –10. If successful, the
defender detects their signals are being intercepted and may take ACCESSING MULTIPLE SYSTEMS
action (Countermeasures ▶260). Online, you may connect to and interact with numerous devices,
Sniffing QE Comms: Quantum-encrypted communications networks, and services simultaneously. You can only focus on
cannot be sniffed. and interact with one system at a time, though you may switch
between them freely, even within the same action turn. You could,
Laser Links for example, use 3 quick actions to directly message your friend,
Laser links are common where line-of-sight is not an issue. Laser instruct your home oven to start cooking dinner, and ding a strang-
links use wavelengths that are invisible to standard vision, but they er’s social network profile, all within the same action turn. You
may be seen with enhanced vision. For this reason they are avoided may also send the same command to multiple meshed systems,
in high-traffic areas, as they can be distracting. Laser links can be slaved devices, or teleoperated drones with the same quick action.
disrupted by fog, smoke, dust storms, or other atmospheric contam- However, any complex action may only be directed towards one
inants. They are commonly used as the primary communications system at a time.

Devices, Apps, & Links • Accessing Multiple Systems

¾245
 Admin Accounts
AUTHENTICATION Admin accounts provide complete control (“root”) over the system.

& ENCRYPTION
Admin privileges allow you to access and alter all of the features
and data. They can do everything security accounts can, as well as
Mesh security relies heavily on authentication and encryption alter access privileges of other accounts, shut down or reboot the
THE MESH

to identify legitimate users and keep protected data from being system, stop and start any apps or services, and add or delete any
intercepted. software. Every system has one root admin account that cannot be
deleted or lose its privileges; for implant and hardware devices, this
MESH ID root account usually belongs to the person they are embedded in.
Your mesh ID is a unique identifier code that distinguishes you from
every other user and device on the mesh. Your cranial computer or AUTHENTICATION METHODS
ecto automatically associates this ID address with your accounts Most systems require some kind of authentication (a process by
and screen names, enabling you to receive messages and other which a system determines whether the claimed identity of a user is
transmissions. This ID is automatically generated each time you genuine) before they will grant you an account and access privileges.
come online and required for almost all online interactions. These There are multiple authentication methods a system can use (highly
interactions are universally logged, leaving a data trail that can be secure systems may require more than one). Though some are more
used to track your activity (Tracking ▶256). Fortunately, anonymizing secure than others, each has their own drawbacks.
services ▶315 are available for those who value their privacy.
Many mesh IDs are publicly registered (and in some jurisdictions, Biometric Scan
this is legally mandated). Looking up a registered mesh ID is trivial. These systems scan one or more of your morph’s biometric signa-
Registration data may include a name, physical address, and social tures (fingerprint, palm print, retinal scan, DNA sample, etc.).
media profile if so desired. Popular before the Fall, such systems have fallen out of use as they
are impractical with synthmorphs or users that frequently resleeve.
ACCOUNTS & ACCESS PRIVILEGES
To access any mesh device or service, you need an account. Your Ego Scan
account links to your mesh ID and determines your access privi- This system authenticates the user’s ego ID ▶298, verified with
leges  —  what you are allowed to see and do with the device/service. a brainwave scan. As it requires a hardwired and tamper-proof
As some systems are more restrictive than others, the GM ultimately brainprint scanner, such systems are typically only found in high-
decides what privileges an account provides (Mesh Actions ▶248). security environments.
There are four types of accounts: public, user, security, and admin.
Account Shell: When you log onto a system, an account shell is Direct Neural Interface
created. This account shell is the user interface that allows you to If you have implants or embedded hardware, these are directly
interact with the system. This process represents your presence as spliced into your nervous system, with the physical links themselves
you access the system. It may be attacked in mesh combat ▶264. providing the authentication.

Public Accounts Mesh ID

Public accounts provide access to anyone on the mesh. They do not Some systems accept your mesh ID as authentication. This is
require any type of authentication or login process  —  your mesh ID extremely common with most public systems, which merely log
is enough. Public accounts let you browse mesh sites, forums, public the mesh ID of any user that wishes access. Other systems will
archives, open databases, social networks, etc. Public accounts only allow access to specific mesh IDs, but these are vulnerable to
usually have the ability to view and download public data and spoofing attacks ▶247.
sometimes write (forum comments, for example), but little else.
Other Account
User Accounts If you have access to an account on one system or service, and are
User accounts require some form of authentication ▶next column to logged in, this may give you automatic access to accounts on related
access the device/service. These accounts are provided to people systems or services. For example, having an account with a social
who regularly use the system: employees, clients, etc. Most users are network portal may give you free access to certain online news feeds
allowed to use the system’s standard features as well as view, down- or commercial data archives. This is also the method used for slaved
load, upload, and change their own or shared data. They are not devices ▶241, where access to the master device automatically grants
allowed to create new accounts, access logs, alter security features, you access to its slaved devices. Hackers favor going after master
or do anything that might impact the system’s functions. accounts as a way of accessing other systems.

Security Accounts Passcode

Security accounts are intended for security personnel and ALIs The most common authentication method is the passcode  —  a string
that watch over the system. They also require authentication ▶next of alphanumeric characters or logographic symbols. Anyone with
column but provide greater privileges than standard users. Security the passcode can access the account. Most passcodes are quite long
accounts can typically view and edit logs, command security (to deter brute-force cracking methods), and so are stored in an
features and ALIs, add/delete non-admin accounts, alter the data of encrypted format in your mesh inserts.
other users, and so on.

246¹ Authentication & Encryption • Mesh ID–Authentication Methods

Passkey ENCRYPTION
Passkey systems call for an encrypted code that is either hardwired There are two types of cryptography commonly used in Eclipse
into a physical device (that is either implanted or physically jacked Phase: public key and quantum.
into an ecto) or extracted from specialized software. Advanced pass-
keys combine hardwired encryption with physical nanotech etching Public-Key Crypto
to create a unique key. To access such systems, the passkey must In public-key cryptosystems, you generate two keys, a public key
either be acquired or somehow spoofed. and a secret key. You give the public key to your friends or simply
post it to the mesh at large. Others can use your public key to
Quantum Key encrypt messages to you that only your secret key  —  controlled by
QK systems rely on a passcode delivered on a quantum-entangled you  —  can decrypt. Public-key crypto is widely used for encrypting
and encrypted channel. Due to their expense and logistics, these are files. Due to the strength of the public-key system algorithms, such
rare, but highly secure. crypto is essentially unbreakable without a quantum computer
(Quantum Codebreaking ▶below). Public-key crypto is also used in
CIRCUMVENTING AUTHENTICATION VPNs, but sniffer apps exploit flaws in the protocol implementa-
Since hacking or breaking encryption can be challenging or take tion that enable them to capture, bypass, or spoof the crypto keys
time, it is sometimes easier to bypass authentication systems. without actually cracking them.

Acquiring Credentials Quantum-Key Crypto

If you can somehow acquire the passcode, passkey, biometrics, or Quantum-key distribution systems use quantum mechanics to
quantum-entangled device used to authenticate an account, you enable secure communications between two parties. The advantage
can log in as a legitimate user, no tests necessary. This may require to transmitting information in quantum states is that the system
creative means to acquire: theft, blackmail, bribery, social engi- itself instantly detects eavesdropping attempts as quantum systems
neering, forknapping, or unsavory methods like torture. are disturbed by any sort of external interference. In practical terms,
this means that quantum-encrypted data transfers are unbreakable
Forging Authentication and attempts to intercept automatically fail. Note that quantum
Lacking actual credentials, you can try to fake them. Biometric and crypto doesn’t work for basic file encryption, its only use is in
passkey systems can potentially be forged by hackers who are able protecting communication channels.
to get a look at the originals. The means and techniques for doing While quantum-key systems have an advantage over public-key
so differ and are beyond the scope of this book, but successfully systems, they are more expensive and less practical. To generate
forging such systems would allow a hacker to log in as the legitimate a quantum key, the two communications devices must be entan-

THE MESH
user. At the least, forging should require multiple skill tests (for gled together on a quantum level, in the same location, and then
example, Infosec and Hardware: Electronics to extract a retinal print separated. This means that quantum-encrypted communications
from a retinal scanner’s memory, and Medicine: Biotech to grow a channels require some setup effort, especially if long distances are
duplicate eye) and lengthy timeframes. involved. As a result, quantum-crypto protocols are reserved for
high-security communications links.
Spoofing
You can attempt to disguise your connection as if it came from a Codebreaking
legitimate user or system. If successful, the recipient system is What this means is that public-key-encrypted files are somewhat
fooled by the charade and treats your commands and other traffic safe and quantum-encrypted communications are absolutely safe.
as legitimate. GMs should take note: this may be useful to PCs, but may also
To spoof signals, you must first successfully monitor an hinder them. If the PCs need to get at something that is encrypted,
active connection between the two systems using a sniffer app they may need to deploy non-hacking methods to get the secret key/
(Sniffing ▶245). Armed with this data, you can use it to mask your passcode or find some way to bypass the encryption entirely.
own signals with a spoofer app. This requires a complex action
and a Hacking Test ▶258 between you and the target system (the Quantum Codebreaking
one receiving the signals). If the systems are communicating via a Quantum computers can be used to break public-key encryption.
VPN, this test suffers a –30 modifier. If you win, your communi- This is an Infosec task action with a timeframe of 1 week. Once
cations are treated as if coming from the legitimate system. If the started, the quantum computer finishes the job on its own; you
firewall loses the contest but also succeeds, it is aware that there do not need to provide constant oversight. This process does not
are discrepancies with the transmission (which is not that unusual). benefit from time-accelerated simulspaces. GMs should modify
It may investigate further; this requires another Hacking Test (the this timeframe to fit the needs of their game. Note that quantum
spoofer suffers –30 against a VPN); if the defender wins, they detect computers cannot break quantum-encrypted communications, only
evidence that incoming communications are being tampered with public-key-encrypted files.
and may respond accordingly (Countermeasures ▶260).
Note that spoofing only allows you to fake signals from one
system to another. To fake signals back the other way, you must
succeed in a Hacking Test ▶258 against the other system as well.
Successful man-in-the-middle attacks against both systems can be
challenging but quite devastating.

Authentication & Encryption

¾247
 MESH ACTIONS
• Terminate Software: You can kill a minor software process you
have privileges for and bring it to a stop. If the software belongs to
Your actions online are largely influenced by the particular another user or has significance to the story, treat this as an attack
system(s) you are accessing. The following list is not comprehensive, in mesh combat ▶264.
but should give you and your GM a basis for handling online tasks. • Toggle AR Skin: You can change the augmented reality that skins
THE MESH

Keep in mind that your actions are limited by your current access the world around you (Skinning ▶242) with a quick action.
privileges  ▶246. If you wish to do something that your privileges • Toggle Privacy Mode: You can set your public profile to private or
do not allow  —  access a file in a restricted directory, edit a log, public (Privacy Mode ▶241) with a quick action. You can also toggle
manipulate a security device  —  then you must hack the system to the option to allow police/security to override your privacy settings.
do so. Actions that specifically require hacking are detailed under • Toggle Simulspace: You may enter or exit a simulspace environ-
Hacking ▶258, and Subversion ▶262. ment (Virtual Reality ▶268).
Unless otherwise noted, these actions each take a complex action • Use Apps: Most devices are loaded with apps appropriate to their
but require no skill test, assuming you have access privileges. purpose. These commonly include word processors, graphic design
studios, video and audio workstations, and games. Dedicated
UNIVERSAL ACTIONS systems may have apps for habitat system controls and weapon
These actions apply to motes, hosts, servers, and most other elec- stations. Using these apps may require an Interface or other skill test.
tronics. Any user can take these actions, though high-security systems • Use Service: You can use software available as a service in the cloud.
may restrict some of these to users with security or admin privileges. This usually requires having a subscription to the service, though
some are free.
• Access Another System: You can authenticate  ▶246and access • View Apps: You can see both the apps available on the device as
an account on another system. This creates an account shell ▶246, well as the ones currently running with only a quick action. Some
representing your presence on that system. apps may only be available to specific accounts, according to that
• Apply Tag: You can mark a physical person, place, or thing with an system’s privileges.
e-tag viewable in AR (Tagging ▶243). • View Profile: You can view the public social network profile and rep
• Communicate: You can email, text, and voice or video chat others scores of anyone within physical range (or within range of sensors
online, as long as you have their mesh ID. you are accessing), unless they are in (Privacy Mode ▶241).
• Encrypt/Decrypt: You can protect a file from prying eyes or access • View Sensor Feeds: Many devices include miniaturized sensors.
it with the proper authorization (Encryption ▶247). These can be viewed or streamed directly into your augmented
• Filter AR Mist: You can attempt to remove spam and other obtru- reality. Use Perceive Tests for most sensors; others may require
sive AR “mist” (AR Mist and Filters ▶242). Know Tests (for example: a chem sniffer’s results are analyzed with
• Identify Attacker: You can try to identify someone trying to crash Know: Chemistry). Sensors used for security purposes are usually
you in mesh combat (Attack Awareness ▶264). limited to accounts with security or admin privileges.
• Issue Command: You can command any slaved device, ALI, or • View System Status: Get a report on the system’s “health” and
teleoperated bot with only a quick action. Each command counts integrity, the status of its built-in functions, the progress of ongoing
separately, though you may issue the same command to multiple processes, security alerts/intruder status, and so on.
devices/bots at once.
• Log Off: Exit a system. SECURITY ACTIONS
• Modify Files: You can view, change, upload, download, and delete Actions reserved for accounts with security or admin privileges.
any files you have access privileges for. Deleted files can still be
recovered with an Interface Test for 1 week, though you can also • Acquire Mesh ID: You can acquire the mesh ID of anyone accessing
choose to wipe (permanently delete) a file so that no recovery is the system.
possible; however, archived backups may also exist. • Activate Countermeasure: You may initiate an active countermea-
• Operate Device: Most devices have built-in hardware and electronic sures  ▶260 against an intruder, such as locking them out, tracing
functions that you can directly control. Turn on your vehicle, load them, or initiating a reboot.
an autocook blueprint, turn up the heat, turn off the sprinklers, • Attack: You can attempt to crash software, including account shells,
open the door, set a timer, fire a weapon system, adjust settings, etc. apps, firewalls, infomorphs, operating systems, and services (Mesh
At the GM’s discretion, some functions may require skill tests. Combat  ▶264).
• Run Script: Launch a pre-programmed script (Scripting ▶249). • Bypass Jamming: You can attempt to temporarily overcome
• Scan Wireless Signals: It is a quick action to look up wireless jamming by winning an Opposed Interface Test with the jamming
devices within range and their mesh IDs. It takes a complex action party (Jam Signals ▶263). If successful, you get a short transmission
to locate a stealthed devices ▶244 . through (3 seconds, +3 per superior success).
• Search: You may search a system you are accessing or the mesh at • Locate Intruder: If you suspect a hacker has invaded your system,
large (Online Research ▶254). you can attempt to identify them (Locate Intruder ▶261).
• Shield Software: You may actively protect software that is targeted • Lockout: You can block a specified mesh ID from accessing the
in mesh combat ▶264. system. If that mesh ID is currently accessing the system, its account
• Stealth Wireless Signals: You can attempt to hide your wireless shell must be crashed in mesh combat first.
activity (Stealthed Signals ▶244). • Monitor Activity: You can spy on an app’s activity or another
• Switch Home Device: If you are an infomorph, you may transfer specific user’s actions in real-time. If the user is hacking the system,
your virtual mind-state to another system (Infomorphs ▶252) or this may require winning an Opposed Infosec Test to ascertain what
distribute it among several systems (Distributed Infomorphs ▶252). they are doing. Hackers sometimes use this to monitor the firewall
or system defender.

248¹ Mesh Actions • Universal Actions–Security Actions

• Scan Infomorph: You can analyze an infomorph with a successful ADMIN ACTIONS
Interface Test. This will tell you the type of infomorph, its public Only admin accounts are allowed to take these actions.
profile (if not private), its mesh ID, and whether or not it is an ALI
or a fork. A more in-depth analysis takes an Interface Test and a • Disable Sensors or Device Functions: You can turn off sensors
timeframe of 10 minutes, but will reveal its digital code ID ▶299 or other physical functions. This may keep someone with physical
and any embedded apps or meshware. If the infomorph has e-veil access to the device from using it.
meshware, this is an opposed test against the veil’s Program 80. • Modify Accounts: You can add new accounts and remove old ones.
• Trace: You can track a user to their physical location (or at least the You cannot remove accounts that are currently being accessed  —  the
system they originate from); see see Physical Tracking ▶256. user must completely log off first (or have their account shell
• Trigger Alert: You can put the system on passive or active alert. crashed in mesh combat). Every device has a root admin account
• View Logs: Access the system’s logs. This will tell you when users that cannot be removed (short of wiping the system).
accessed the system, what apps they used, what files they viewed • Modify Privileges: You can add or remove specific privileges, such
or modified, what linked systems they accessed, their mesh IDs, as allowing access to certain directories, files, sensors, or apps. You
what other devices were in wireless range at what times, and similar can also downgrade security accounts to user privileges or elevate
forensic histories. Older logs (over a month) are often backed up to users to security accounts and security accounts to admins. You
a cloud service and erased. Searching for specific information may can remove or downgrade admin privileges from other accounts,
require a Research Test. however every device has a root admin account that cannot be modi-
• View Users: You can see which other users are currently accessing fied (with ware, this usually means the person they are installed in).
the system, what apps they are using, and their mesh IDs. Intruders • Modify Software: You can install, remove, and update apps.
with hidden status will not be shown. • Wipe System: You can completely erase all data from the system:
all files, apps, accounts, infomorphs, and the operating system itself.
This is a lengthy process, taking 1 minute for motes, 3 minutes for
hosts, and 10 for servers. Infomorphs are immediately warned, so
that they have time to copy themselves or move to a new home
device. Forensic methods (an Interface Test) can be used to recover
wiped data, at least until the system is re-installed, unless you
choose to securely wipe the system (double the time).

SCRIPTING
A script is a simple program  —  a batch of instructions  —  that you

THE MESH
can embed in a system to be executed at a later scheduled time or
upon a certain trigger event, without your presence. When activated,
the script will undertake a series of pre-defined actions, in order.
Scripts are commonly used by hackers to subvert a system while
they are occupied elsewhere, but they can also be used with your
own systems (though it is usually easier to tell ALIs what to do).
Scripts can be programmed on the fly or pre-programmed. When
composing the script, you must detail what actions the script will
take, in what order, and at what times (or trigger events). The
script cannot contain more steps/tasks than your Program skill ÷
10. To program a script, you must succeed in a Program Test with a
timeframe of 1 hour per step. Superior successes provide 1 point of
Insight pool that the script may use for making tests.
To load a script into a system, you must have the necessary access
privileges or must succeed in a Hacking Test ▶258. If successful, the
script is loaded into the system and will run as programmed. Once
the script is activated, it carries out the pre-programmed sequence of
actions. The script is considered to have the same access privileges
as the account that runs it. The programmer’s Infosec, Interface, and
Research skills are used for any tests called for by those actions, but
only the script’s own Insight pools may be used.
Scripts may be discovered in security audits ▶261

Mesh Actions • Admin Actions–Scripting

¾249
 Aptitudes, Skills, and Pools
AIs & MUSES ALIs usually have aptitudes of 10, with a maximum of 15. Most have
AIs are self-aware software. Like other code, they must be run on a 5–7 active skills, with a maximum of 10. Their skills cannot exceed 40
computerized device. They may be crashed in mesh combat, copied, (including aptitudes), with the exception of one active skill appropriate
erased, stored as inert data, infected with viruses, and reprogrammed. to the ALI’s specialty, which can be 60. Most have 3–5 Know skills, with
THE MESH

a maximum of 10. Their Know skills cannot exceed 80.

ALIs ALIs cannot default; if they don’t possess a skill, they can’t use it.
Artificial limited intelligences are designed as “custodian helpers” They can use specializations (which can exceed their maximums).
for specific devices or tasks. They are based upon machine-learning ALIs do not get pools, unless a morph, bot, vehicle, or other
neural nets that draw upon vast data sets concerning the device/ device they are operating provides them.
operations, meaning that they are well-versed in the best methods By design, ALIs are incapable of self-improvement. To acquire or
and likely outcomes. They are programmed with the core skills improve a skill, they must be reprogrammed or use skillware. They
they need for their tasks and equipped with a personality expressly do not earn Rez Points.
geared towards customer service, obedience, and satisfaction. For all other rules, ALIs are treated as infomorphs ▶252.
Most ALIs are run on bots, vehicles, and other devices to assist
transhumans or operate the machine themselves. Sample ALIs are Traits
listed on ▶326. ALIs have the Enhanced Behavior (Obedient, Level 3) and Real-
In most societies, ALIs are considered things or property rather World Naiveté traits. GMs may assign other traits as they see fit.
than people and accorded no special rights. They may also be
banned from certain roles or activities. A few polities treat them as Lucidity and Trauma
persons with limited or full civil rights and protections. ALIs are capable of suffering mental stress and trauma, and so have
Lucidity, Trauma Threshold, and Insanity Rating stats.
Personality
ALI personality matrices are encoded with individual identities and Sleeving
character traits. They seem conscious and self-aware, though detailed ALIs use their own individual infomorphs. ALIs may be sleeved
probing will reveal shallow personalities and other limitations. They into any morph with a cyberbrain. They cannot be downloaded into
lack self-interest and initiative, and their emotional programming is biomorphs with biological brains.
narrow (based on empathy alone) or non-existent, though they may
be programmed to anticipate the needs and desires of users and MUSES
pre-emptively take action on their behalf. Though sentient, it remains Muses are a subtype of ALI designed to be personal aides and
a matter of debate whether ALIs are fully sapient. companions. Most transhumans grew up with a muse at their virtual
Given their limited personality, ALIs are less emotive and more side. Muses have more personality and psychological programming
difficult to read. Apply a –30 modifier to Kinesics Tests made than standard ALIs and over time they build up an extensive data-
against them. When combined with non-expressive synthetic base of their user’s preferences, likes and dislikes, and personality
morphs, increase this modifier to –60. Some ALIs lack emotive quirks so that they may more effectively be of service and anticipate
capability altogether and are simply impossible to read. needs. Most muses reside within their owner’s mesh inserts or ecto,
where they can manage their owner’s PAN, communications, online
Commanding ALIs searches, rep interactions, and other mesh activity.
Due to built-in safety features, ALIs must serve and obey the
instructions of authorized users within their normal functioning Personality and Relationships
parameters. They are also programmed to follow the law (in the Muse personalities are customizable. They are bundled with a
inner system) or an ethical code (autonomist areas). If need be, subscription to a library of traits, quirks, and affects, many based
however, ALIs can be quite clever in how they interpret commands on historical or fictional personas. Muses may also be modeled
and act upon them. More importantly, their psychological program- on personality templates of actual people; some are built from
ming is based on human modes of thought and an understanding life-logged interactions with relatives or friends, others are based
and support of transhuman goals and interests. This is part of an on fictional characters, childhood pets, or imaginary friends. While
effort to create “friendly AI.” An ALI will be reluctant to follow your first muse as a child was molded to suit you according to a
commands that will have a negative impact on the user or other battery of tests, over time you altered it to fit your changing tastes.
transhumans. Pre-programmed imperatives can force it to ignore or Transhumans develop strong bonds to their muses due to their
disobey orders that are dangerous. In the case of accidents, they are omnipresence and devotion. Your specific relationship may vary,
sometimes coded to minimize harm and damage and sometimes depending on your own personality, history, and views on sentient
coded to protect the user at all costs. Of course, ALIs designed for programs. Some transhumans treat their muses as intelligent toys,
military and weapon systems do not face such restrictions. servants, or pets. Others are closer, viewing them as confidantes,
mentors, comrades, or even paramours. A few, however, have
Limitations contentious or even hostile relationships, especially if the muse has
Lacking generalized intelligence, ALIs are inept and clueless when it taken on an unwelcome guardian role.
comes to situations outside their specialty. Secondary skills tend to
be less competent than an equivalent transhuman. They are gener- What Your Muse Can Do For You
ally incapable of creative or “outside-the-box” thinking. The primary use for muses is to handle trivial online tasks, thus
freeing you up for more important things. This can be quite handy

250¹ AIs & MUSES • ALIs–MUSES

 ROLEPLAYING MUSES than standard ALIs. Most are raised in VR in a manner similar to
human children, so that they are socialized with transhuman values.
Muses provide boundless roleplaying opportunities.
As a result, they have a fairly human persona and outlook, though some
GMs can use them to remind, nag, encourage, or pester
deviation is to be expected  —  AGIs often possess or develop personality
PCs  —  no one is ever really alone. If you find it over-
traits and idiosyncrasies that are quite different from human norms
whelming to keep track of the PCs’ muses and their
and sometimes outright alien. Despite this attempt to humanize AGIs,
personalities, have the players roleplay each others’
they do not have the same evolutionary and biological origins that
muses. Simply give each player an index card with the
transhumans have, and so their social responses, behavior, and goals
muse’s skills and personality notes; hold the card up
are sometimes decidedly different. On an emotional level, AGIs run
when roleplaying as the muse. This can also be a useful
subroutines that are comparable to biological human emotions. Most
tool for keeping players involved in a scene when the
are programmed to have empathy, share an interest in transhuman
party splits up and their own PCs are busy elsewhere.
affairs and prosperity, and place significant relevance on life of all
kinds. In game terms, AGIs emote like other transhumans (and so
during time crunches or chaotic situations  —  it is otherwise quite Kinesics may be used to read them) and are vulnerable to emotionally
inconvenient when you need to google something in the middle manipulative effects, fear, etc.
of a firefight. If you are not skilled in Infosec and don’t have or AGI minds emulate transhuman neural patterns, allowing them
trust a team hacker, your muse can also act as your PAN’s system to sleeve into morphs with biological brains. AGIs sometimes have
defender ▶260. Its important to remember that muses can also assist trouble adapting to biological neurochemistry, finding reactions such
you in certain tasks, providing a teamwork bonus ▶31. as hunger and fear to be as confusing as they are novel.
Here are a few specific examples of tasks your muse can take on: AGIs bear the social stigma of their non-biological origin and
are often met with bias and mistrust. Some habitats outlaw AGIs or
• Protect your PAN as system defender. subject them to strict restrictions, forcing such infolife to hide their
• Shield your account shell or other software in mesh combat. true natures or illegally darkcast in.
• Make Research Tests to find information for you. Just like other PCs, AGIs earn Rez points and may improve their
• Falsify or fluctuate your mesh ID. skills and capabilities. AGIs suffer none of the skill limitations
• Scan newsfeeds and mesh updates for keyword alerts. placed on ALIs, using skills just like any other character.
• Teleoperate and command robots and ALIs.
• Launch countermeasures against intruders. ASIs
• Monitor your rep scores and alert you to drastic changes. Super-intelligent AIs can self-upgrade at exponential rates and
• Automatically ping and ding other people’s rep on your behalf. grow into god-like digital entities. They require massive processing

THE MESH
• Run audio through an online, real-time language translation service. power and are always increasing in complexity due to a continual
• Put you in privacy mode and proactively stealth your wireless signal. metamorphosis of their code. The only ASIs publicly known to exist
• Track people for you. are the infamous TITANs who are widely regarded as being respon-
• Anticipate your needs and pre-empt your requests. sible for the Fall. Many suspect that the TITANs were not the first
• Monitor your health (via medichines) and the status of ware/gear. ASIs, however, and they may not be the last. No ASIs are currently
• Summon help if something happens to you. known to exist within the Solar System or on any exoplanets visited
by transhumans, though rumors circulate of damaged TITANs left
Online, Even When You’re Down behind on Earth, speculated TITAN activity under the clouds of
Muses do not sleep, remaining active while you rest or hibernate. Venus, or whispers of ASIs hidden away in secret networks on the
Likewise, if you are incapacitated or grappled, your muse can still edges of the system.
act (Damage and Infomorph Riders ▶265). Shock attacks, however, ASI minds are too vast and complex to be downloaded into a
temporarily disrupt implanted systems, so your muse will be inca- physical morph, even a synthetic one. They have been known to
pacitated just as you are. sometimes create massively dumbed-down forks that can sleeve
into physical morphs, with drastically reduced mental capacities.
Muse Backups ASIs are too intelligent to codify in game terms. They can think
Muses are normally backed up and stored along with the ego, circles around transhumans, have plans within plans within plans,
including on cortical stacks. have unlocked secrets of the universe that we only dream about,
and are unlikely ever to be caught off-guard.
Other Infomorphs As Muses
Some people prefer full-blown intelligences for aid and companion- NON-STANDARD AIs
ship over a muse. Any infomorph can take a muse’s residence within Not all ALIs and AGIs are programmed and designed to adhere to
your mesh inserts, whether an AGI, disembodied transhuman, or human modes of thought and interests. These include emergent
even a fork of yourself. neural networks that expressed intelligence on their own, uplifted
expert systems, machine minds based on non-human brains, and
AGIs stranger things. Such creations are illegal and considered a potential
AGIs are complete and fully autonomous digital consciousnesses, self threat in many jurisdictions. Nevertheless, hypercorps and other
aware and capable of intelligent action at the same level as other trans- groups experiment with varying results. In some cases, these digital
humans. AGIs are capable of creativity, learning, and self-improvement minds are so different from human mindsets that communication
(at a slow but steady pace equivalent to humans). They also possess is impossible. In others, enough crossover exists to allow limited
deep, rounded personalities and stronger emotional/empathic abilities communication, but such entities are invariably quite strange.

AIs & Muses • AGIs–Non-Standard AIs

¾251
 Distributed Infomorphs
INFOMORPHS Rather than residing on a single home device, an infomorph can
Infomorphs are virtual mind-states, the software upon which egos run itself as a distributed neural net using multiple devices at once.
are run. Each is a complex assortment of packages that together Mesh networks make this easy, as devices set aside a portion of their
emulate a neural structure. They serve as the digital “body” for an capabilities for public access and meshed devices share processing
THE MESH

ego, whether that be an AI or the emulation of a biological mind. loads with each other. An infomorph can even run itself as a distrib-
Whereas a backup is just an inactive file, infomorphs are software uted process using only motes, though this requires 5 at minimum.
executables, active programs that bring the ego to electronic life. Meshed together, these motes can handle the mind-state’s storage
For millions of infugees, a digital form is their only choice. and processing requirements.
Some are locked away in virtual realities, effectively imprisoned Running as a distributed infomorph has its advantages. Attempts
and separated from the mesh. Others are stored as deactivated to track you via mesh ID ▶246 suffer a –10 modifier. You also
files, forgotten by habitats that don’t have the resources to accom- acquire a degree of invulnerability in mesh combat ▶264, as you
modate them. Others sell themselves into indentured service, must be crashed on each device to be completely taken out. You
performing digital labor for hypercorps or criminal syndicates for must split your Durability evenly between devices but your Wound
a pittance, desperately hoping to eventually hoard enough credits Threshold remains the same. However, your attack surface also
to buy their freedom and a cheap sleeve. Quite a few freely roam increases: you can be targeted for hacking and brainhacking on
the mesh, interacting with the physical world via AR and bots. A multiple devices. Each device you are distributed upon counts as
few find companions to bring them along in a ghostrider module, a home device. If your presence on a device (or the device itself )
becoming an integral part of their lives, much like a muse. crashes, you suffer a wound.
Many transhumans willingly choose the infomorph lifestyle, Properly distributing yourself takes 1 action turn per device;
either for hedonism (custom simulspace and VR games until the re-integrating onto a single device takes the same time. If you are
end of time), escapism (misfortune leads them to write off physical ever running on less than 5 motes alone, apply modifiers as if
concerns), freedom (going anywhere the mesh takes them  —  some operating on an overloaded device ▶244. If you stretch yourself
have even beamed copies of themselves to distant star systems, between too many devices (more than 10), you incur a –10 modifier
hoping someone or something will receive their signal when they to all actions per increment of 10 devices as your distributed mind
arrive), or experimentation (forking and merging, running simu- suffers communication lag.
lations, and weirder things). Naturally, most infolife AGIs tend to
prefer a digital existence over the banalities of the physical world. DIGITAL SPEEDS
Though disembodied, infomorphs can interact with the physical All infomorphs have the Digital Speed trait ▶73, reducing the time-
world via the mesh, viewing through sensors, streaming XP feeds, frame for all mesh-based task actions by 25% (cumulative with
communicating with characters, commanding slaved devices, and reductions for superior successes).
teleoperating bots.

HOME DEVICE
Every infomorph must be run on a specific host or server  —  your
home device. The privileged choose secure systems upon which
they have admin access, but most simply rent a private partition
on a major server. Others reside in the mesh inserts or ghostrider
modules of friends, relatives, or hired “taxis.” Your home device
stores your mind-state files and handles the processing needs of
your mind-emulation suite. You can access other devices through
the mesh, but you reside on your home device. Infomorphs act as
their own account shells on their home devices.
The safety of your home device is important. If it is shut down,
you shut down with it, rebooting along with the device later. If the
device is destroyed, you are killed, though your data may be recover-
able from salvaged components (perhaps resulting in a vapor ▶292).
A host can be home to only one infomorph at a time; servers may
run multiple infomorphs. Most motes do not have the processing
power to run infomorphs.

Inadequate Devices
Some devices lack the full processing power required to run an info-
morph. This includes outdated systems, devices that have suffered
extensive damage, partially functioning servers running in long-aban-
doned outposts, ad-hoc cobbled-together systems, and some motes
from which the resident ALI has been deleted. Infomorphs may still
run these devices, but suffer the same modifiers as for an overloaded
device ▶244. Infomorphs find running on sub-par hardware to be a
deeply unpleasant and frustrating experience.

252¹ Infomorphs • Home Device–Digital Speeds

 MOVING BETWEEN DEVICES DELETION
As an infomorph, you can move to a new device to which you You may delete yourself (unless you somehow lack the privileges or
have access. This simply requires copying to the new device, acti- are imprisoned in a lockbox). Virtual suicide takes one full action turn.
vating your mind-state, linking your active processes, and erasing
yourself from the old device. This takes a full action turn once EVACUATING CYBERBRAINS
initiated; you cannot take any other actions, even by spending Any ego within a cyberbrain may move or copy itself as an info-
pool, until it completes. The new device then become your home morph to another device. Egos default to a digimorph ▶67, unless
device. All ongoing actions are suspended (or possibly disrupted; you have another type of infomorph available.
GM discretion) for the duration of the move. You do not lose
continuity during the process, nor does this count as resleeving. SLEEVING MORPHS
Egocasting is a long-distance version of this process, with a It is a simple matter for an infomorph to sleeve into a morph
longer timeframe. equipped with a cyberbrain. Infomorphs may also download into
Do not confuse moving between devices with accessing devices. biological brains, just like any other ego. See Resleeving ▶288.
You may access multiple devices at the same time like other users,
but you are only running on one home device at a time. BACKING UP
Infomorphs do not have cortical stacks, but they are automatically
COPYING backed up as changes to their memories and code are written to their
As a digital being, you may also copy yourself. This takes a full files as they occur. A deactivated infomorph remembers everything up
action turn and creates an alpha fork  ▶292. Copied infomorphs to the point it was shut down. For security, infomorphs arrange regular
do not lose continuity. If you are copied to a different type of backups of their ego files to a secure site other than their home device.
infomorph, this counts as resleeving ▶288. Your copy includes your
digital code ▶299 along with a cryptographically signed incremental INFOMORPHS AND MUSES
number indicating which copy it is. Many infomorphs have a muse, just like other characters. Lacking
Infomorphs acquired from commercal code studios (i.e., most cranial implants, however, the muse must either run on the same server
agents, ikons, and operators) have built-in digital restrictions that or on a separate device. Muses are treated as a separate infomorph.
prevent you from running more than one copy of that morph at a
time. Instead, the copy instantiates in a standard digimorph. This INFOMORPH RIDERS
copy restriction may be cracked in the same manner as digital Active infomorphs can be carried by embodied PCs in a ghostrider
blueprints (Cracking Blueprints ▶314). Code houses offer bounties module  ▶320, in mesh inserts in place of a muse, or in any physi-
for reports of people using cracked infomorph code. cally carried host or server. This is useful for PC infomorphs that

THE MESH
In many jurisdictions, copying oneself is frowned upon or flat-out wish to stick with the team or for any PCs that were egocasted or
illegal. Some polities require infomorphs to be encoded with copylock killed and haven’t yet resleeved. It is also a useful option for having
and auto-erase meshware ▶326 to prevent unauthorized copying and forks on hand.
delete the fork upon reaching a legally mandated time limit. Infomorph riders may remain active even when their host morph
is sleeping or incapacitated (Damage and Infomorph Riders ▶265).

INFOMORPH RUMORS
//Accessing New Forum Threads//
Anon: OK, everyone, hit me with your latest infomorph scariness mesh rumors. Anon: Let's talk about something with an actual basis in reality. Multiple gate-
Let's hear about all of the virtual bogeymen. crashers have testified they were somehow forked when they passed through
Anon: There's gossip going around Mars's mesh communities about a private a gate. According to these claims, their forks were instantiated as infomorphs
server in Martian orbit that has the best simulspaces anyone has ever seen. in some alien system, where they were subjected to various puzzles and
It's like heaven for infomorphs. Allegedly, there's a secretive group that tests. They claim that their forks were then re-integrated when they passed
controls access, and to get in they make you do all sorts of illegal things. back through the gates. According to someone I know at Pathfinder, these
Anon: I heard that the VR was top-notch because a TITAN fork was running it. accounts included matching details that weren't public.
It was an open debate whether the TITAN was imprisoned there or whether Anon: Sounds like someone is using the gates to try and figure out how to
it was luring new infomorphs in to corrupt them and turn them into pawns. make contact with us. Or how best to wipe us out.
Anon: I've heard better hidden simulspace tales. Like the one about the geronto- Anon: We have AGIs in our midst, right now, copying en masse in preparation
crat that gathered up all of the backups of his political rivals back on Earth during for a war. A hostile takeover. Open your eyes, people! Fall 2.0 is coming!
the Fall, just so he could run them in a private server to torture, play with, or do Anon: I dunno, maybe stop treating AGIs like inferior nobodies and they won't
as he pleases. It's said he has the entire Senate of Poland on that drive. They're be so interested in killing us all.
probably adding new egos to the menagerie all of the time. Anon: I've heard of AGIs that are researching ways to reproduce themselves,
Anon: Let's talk about the Factor infomorphs that are running free on our mesh. not by coding, but in a process that replicates biological reproduction.
Why isn't anyone doing anything about this alien menace? Anon: Psht,we're fine with copying and modifying code, just as we've already
Anon: It's not Factors, it's some other alien entity brought back in an artifact been doing with codelines. We're the future, not you bio meat sacks.
via the gates. No telling how old it is.

Infomorphs • Moving Between Devices–Infomorph Riders

¾253
 ONLINE RESEARCH
Translation: Real-time translation of audio and video is available
from open-source translation bots.
The mesh is a treasure trove of data for those skilled in exploring Forecasting: A significant percentage of what people do on
its nooks and filtering out the detritus. Use Research skill when any day or in response to certain situations conforms to routines,
looking things up online. You can search for news, research papers, enabling easy behavioral prediction. Muses take advantage of this
THE MESH

public sensor feeds, social network activity, personal information, to anticipate needs and provide whatever is desired by their user at
corporate info, SolArchive entries, criminal records, government the right moment and in the right context. The same logic applies to
data, leaked reports, mesh-connected devices, and much, much actions by groups of people, such as economics and social discourse.
more. Digitized data of all kinds can be searched: text, pictures, ALIs use algorithms to cross-index data and contexts to predict
audio, video, XP, raw data, software, etc. This data is culled from all most likely outcomes. Security forces use this to place patrols where
manner of sources: archives, databases, directories, social networks, trouble is likely to occur.
cloud services, blogs/vlogs, forums, chat rooms, and regular mesh Data Mash-Ups: The combination of abundant computing,
sites. Research is conducted using various public and private search archived data, and ubiquitous public sensors, along with intricate
engines, both general and specialized, as well as data indices and algorithms, means that intriguing correlations can be drawn from
search AIs. data that is mined and collated. In the midst of a habitat emergency
You also use Research when looking for information on a specific such as a terrorist bombing, for example, the ID of everyone in the
network or device to which you have access: a sensor mote, some- vicinity could be scanned, compared to data archives to separate out
one’s ecto or tablet, a robot, or an opponent’s mesh inserts (Searching those who have a history of being in the vicinity at that particular
Specific Systems ▶next page). Likewise, since everyone inevitably uses time, with those remaining checked against databases of crim-
and interacts with the mesh, Research skill is also a way to identify, inal/suspect history, their recorded actions analyzed for unusual
backtrack, and/or gather information on people as long as they have behavior, and anything they’ve spoken compared to keyword lists.
not hidden their identity, worked anonymously, or covered their
identity with a shroud of disinformation (Tracking ▶256). RESEARCH TESTS
Online research is a crucial element of most Eclipse Phase scenarios, as
SEARCH CHALLENGES characters take to the mesh to unearth backgrounds and uncover clues.
Due to the sheer amount of data available, finding what you’re Common and inconsequential public information is immediately
looking for can be a daunting task. Thankfully, information is fairly available without requiring a roll at all. Your muse will handle these
well organized, thanks to the hard work of “spider” AIs that cruise searches for you, passing on the results while you focus on other things.
the mesh and update data and search indices.
Another impediment to online searches is the amount of incorrect
data and misinformation. Much data is simply wrong (mistakes
happen) or outdated. Falsehoods are intentionally perpetuated and Online Research
spread for memetic warfare purposes. Hacktivist groups actively Situation Modifiers
seed false data in an effort to combat out-of-control surveillance data Conflicting Sources –10
mining. This misinformation can linger for years and propagate far Possess Hints, Traces, or Corroborating Details +10 to +30
and wide as it is circulated without fact-checking. To counteract this,
many data sources incorporate reputation scores so that untrust-
Availability
worthy or disreputable sources can be identified and ranked lower in  Widespread Information timeframe ÷ 2
search results. Many archives also harness the collaborative power of  Buried Within Other Details timeframe × 2
mesh users and ALIs to crowdsource verification of their data.  Obscure or Unusual Data –10 to –30
SEARCH CAPABILITIES  Private or Proprietary Data –30 or NA
Online research in Eclipse Phase is not the same as just googling Analysis/Comparison of Data Sets
something. Here are five ways in which it is vastly improved:  Small Data Set (single scientific study/sample) timeframe ÷ 2
Pattern Recognition: Biometrics and other forms of pattern
 Medium Data Set (multiple studies/samples)  — 
recognition are efficient and intelligent. It is not only possible
to run image recognition searches (in real time, via all available  Large Data Set (dozens of studies/samples) timeframe × 4
motes and XP feeds) but to search for patterns such as gait, sounds,  Massive Data Sets (hundreds of studies/samples) timeframe × 20
colors, emotive displays, traffic, crowd movement, etc. Kinesics Real-Time Biometric Scanning
and behavioral analysis even allow sensor searches for people
exhibiting certain patterns such as suspicious loitering, nervous-  Facility/Small Habitat  — 
ness, or agitation.  Neighborhood/Medium Habitat –10
Metadata: Information and files online come with hidden data  City/Large Habitat –30
about their creation, alteration, and access. A photo’s metadata, for
Forecasting
example, will note what gear it was taken on, who took it, when and
where, as well as who accessed it online, though such metadata may  Small Data Set (1 week) –30
be easily scrubbed or anonymized.  Medium Data Set (1 month)  — 
Semantic Tags: Most data is semantically tagged, meaning that  Large Data Set (1 year) +10
it’s accompanied by code that an ALI can use to understand the
context of that information as a transhuman would.
 Massive Data Set (5 years+) +30

254¹ Online Research • Search Challenges–Research Tests

 GM ing RESEARCH TESTS
For searches that are more detailed, difficult, or central to the
Research Tests are often important for the story line as
plot, make a Research Test (or have your muse make one for you).
one of the main methods PCs have for acquiring clues.
If you are searching for data tied to a particular subject or field of
For this reason, it is important for GMs to have some
study, you can use an appropriate Know skill as a complementary
flexibility. If the timeframes provided in the rules don’t
skill ▶53.
plug so well into your plot framework, modify them to fit
Research Tests are handled as task actions. The suggested
your needs. Some evidence may simply take more work
timeframe is 1 hour, though this should be modified by the GM
to dig up, and sometimes clues will fall right into the PCs’
according to the amount of data you must sift through to get the
outstretched mandibles. Especially sleuthful PCs some-
result and the needs of the plot. Searches that require you to access
times get ahead of the game  —  for this reason, it helps to
non-local parts of the mesh may increase the timeframe due to
structure your story so that they don’t even know what
distance lag (Islands in the Net ▶241). Superior successes provide
clue they next need until it comes close to the time they
bonus details and nuance. A critical success leads to a breakthrough
will need it.
understanding. A critical failure, however, results in false and
If the PCs fail their Research Tests, they should have
misleading information.
other opportunities for discovering the information they
need. Insight Pool can also be useful here, when spent to
Private and Proprietary Data
acquire a clue. Insight expenditures should still come with
Not everything can be found online. Some data may only be
some effort, however. A PC that buys intel with an Insight
acquired by asking the right people (Networking ▶308). Information
point may still need to spend a few hours crawling through
that is considered secret or proprietary could be stored away in
the mesh.
private networks behind firewalls, in off-mesh hardwired networks,
or in commercial archives. This would require you to gain access to
such networks in order to get the data you need (though a successful CHAINING RESULTS
Research Test may tell you where to look).
The path to the information you need may not always
be obvious or direct. GM s are encouraged to structure
Analyzing the Results necessary data and clues in such a way that several
Just because you’ve acquired the data doesn’t mean you under-
separate Research Tests are required and the next step
stand it. You may need to make a skill test using Know or another
is not apparent until the previous step is uncovered.
appropriate skill to analyze the results and discover what you’re
For example, when researching a strange alien relic, a
looking for. For example, a Research Test might pull up the chem-

THE MESH
search may first lead to an account of a gatecrasher who
ical details of a particular alien toxin, but a Know: Chemistry Test
saw something similar, so the trail takes you towards
may be necessary to actually understand the repercussions and
the logs from a specific pandora gate, which then leads
concoct an antidote.
to a mission report, which then points you towards a
REAL-TIME ALERTS specific hypercorp that may have smuggled the device
back to the Solar System. GMs should be careful to allow
You may ask your muse to monitor mesh feeds for news or other
multiple paths towards the end-goal data, in case one
mentions as they occur in real time. You can also monitor existing
trail goes cold.
data for any updates or changes. If and when the information comes
up, the GM makes a secret Research Test on your muse’s behalf. If
successful, the update is noted. If not, it is missed, though the GM
may allow another test if and when the topic reaches a wider range
of circulation or interest.

SEARCHING SPECIFIC SYSTEMS Searching Timeframes

System Timeframe
You can also use Research skill to scan for specific keywords, file
names, media, or other data on a system. When searching a single Small Server 1d6 action turns
device such as a mote or host, this simply takes a complex action. Large Server 1d6 minutes
For larger devices and networks, this is a task action with a longer PAN 1d6 action turns
timeframe; see the Searching Timeframes table for suggestions.
TacNet 1d6 minutes
The above rules assume you are looking for something specific.
Sometimes, however, you may simply be browsing through an oppo- Small Network (Mesh Site, Lab, Ship Net) 1d6 × 5 minutes
nent’s captured device, looking for something interesting, incrimi- Large Network (Hypercorp Division, Habitat Net) 1d6 × 10 minutes
nating, or that otherwise stands out as a clue. If you are searching
a system without knowing exactly what you are looking for, the
process can take significantly longer. In this case, make a Research
Test for every hour you search. The GM should apply a negative
modifier between 0 and –30 based on the size on the system and
the density of information it contains. If you succeed, you find one
clue or other intriguing bit of data, plus one per superior success.
Note that encrypted files must first be decrypted before they can
be searched.

Online Research • Real-Time Alerts–Searching Specific Systems

¾255
 TRACKING Biometric Searches
Every time you interact with other systems on the mesh, you leave Area Modifier
traces of your presence. Logins are recorded, access is logged, and Large Habitat (Cylinder) or City –30
most devices even keep a record of all other devices that have been
THE MESH

within radio range. At the least your mesh ID will be recorded, and Medium Habitat (Torus) or Neighborhood –20
possibly other data as well: type of device, length of connection, Small Habitat (Tin Cans) or Large Building –10
apps used, AR perceived, time, physical location, and possibly the Heavy Traffic –10
mesh IDs of other systems you were connected to. On top of this,
Multiple Biometrics +10
apps and services  —  particularly commercial ones  —  keep a usage
history and often surreptitiously log other data about you, which is Less Available Biometric Sensors (Scent, Thermal) –10
then transmitted to their vendors and sold to advertising networks Access to Private Sensor Nets +10 to +30
and other data brokers. This may include friends lists, installed apps, Target in Privacy Mode –10
browsing history, personal data, cached forms, and a “fingerprint” of
your device that can be used to track you online even if you switch
your mesh ID.
MESH ACTIVITY TRACKING
PHYSICAL TRACKING While viewing someone’s public mesh presence is relatively easy,
Many users willingly allow themselves to be physically tracked tracking someone’s less-public online activity is usually a more
via the mesh. To them, this is a useful feature  —  it allows their challenging affair.
friends to find them, their loved ones to know where they are, and
for authorities to come to their aid in the event of an emergency. Researching Public Mesh Presence
Finding their location is simply a matter of looking them up in the Most people post a vast amount of information about themselves
local directory, no test required (assuming you know who they are). online. Social network profiles, forum posts, lifelog entries, personal
Mesh positioning is accurate to within 5 meters. Once located, the media collections, XP casts, work portfolios, habitat resident indices,
position of the target can be monitored as they move as long as they and more are readily accessible with a Research Test. Privacy-
maintain an active wireless connection to the mesh. conscious people usually have a similar online presence, except
For people who do not freely disclose their location, the following pseudonymous and/or only viewable to vetted friends and contacts.
rules apply. Private profile data can still be scraped, but it requires using proxies,
sock puppet accounts, and data collection services (apply the –30
Tracing by Mesh ID private data modifier). Alternatively, rep favors can work just as well,
To track the current or last known physical location of a mesh ID ▶246 especially if the target is a friend of a friend.
requires a Research Test. If successful, the results are returned Most hypercorps and governments have access to vast databases
instantly if the target is within the local mesh region; targets compiled by marketing and private intel firms. These can provide
further away may take longer, as dictated by distance lag. Superior extensive data such as purchasing and travel habits, known acquain-
successes may fine-tune the location or provide supplementary tances, and more. Access to this data is often brokered through black
details such as live sensor footage. market services.
If the target is in privacy mode ▶241, apply a –30 modifier to this
test. If the target is actively disguising their activity by spoofing Tracking Ongoing Mesh Activity
mesh IDs or cycling through false mesh IDs, this becomes an It is tricky, but not impossible, to acquire a far more detailed assess-
opposed test pitting Research against the target’s Infosec skill, with ment of someone’s mesh activity: rep-net interactions, services used,
a timeframe of 1 hour. If the target is using an anonymizing service, sites browsed, people messaged, etc. At the least, this would entail
they can only be tracked back to the service itself (Anonymizer ▶315). knowing their mesh ID and applying a –30 obscure data modifier to
your Research Test, simply because you would largely be relying on
Tracking by Biometrics access and transaction logs which are only rarely public. A slightly
The prevalence of sensor motes, XP feeds, and biometric recog- better approach is to focus on one specific type of activity  —  for
nition apps make it possible to track people by their face, morph, example, use of certain online services  —  and either deploy some
gait, voice, clothing, gear, thermal signatures, scent, and other judicious low-level hacking (summarized with a quick-and-dirty
physical characteristics. However, the sheer amount of sensors and Infosec Test, timeframe of 1 hour) or use rep favors, bribes, or
people can make this challenging and trigger both false-positives threats to get the info you need. The GM must use their best judg-
and false-negatives. The success of searches of this nature is best ment here when applying modifiers.
left to GM fiat, but a Perceive (if eyeballing) or Research (if using a Tracking someone’s activity on a single system is much easier,
biometric matcher app) Test can also be called for, modified appro- requiring a monitor activity action ▶248.
priately by the size of the area surveiled, as noted on the Biometric
Searches table. Active Monitoring
If the target is actively avoiding sensor detection, this Research By far, the best approach to monitor someone’s mesh activity, espe-
Test is opposed by the target’s Infiltrate skill (or Exotic Skill: Disguise). cially in real-time, is to actively analyze their mesh traffic. This can
be done remotely and requires only their mesh ID and a sniffer app
(Sniffing ▶245). Alternatively, you can hack their PAN and monitor
what they do from there.

256¹ Tracking • Physical Tracking–Mesh Activity Tracking

 THE MESH
TRACKING COUNTERMEASURES Anonymous Proxy Services
Given the prevalence of surveillance and mesh tracking, covert oper- Many people have a vested interest in keeping their affairs
atives and those concerned about their privacy have several options anonymous. To meet this demand, online service vendors offer
above and beyond simple privacy mode  ▶241. anonymous proxy accounts. Simply log in to your anon account
first and route all of your traffic through its exit node. All mesh
Burner Mesh IDs activity conducted via the anon proxy will use the proxy’s mesh ID.
The easiest method of anonymizing your mesh activity is to deploy Attempts to trace that mesh ID back will end at the anonymizing
a “burner” mesh ID for each separate online transaction. Burner IDs service. Your interactions with the anonymizing service are not
are meant to be used one time and then erased. Though illegal in logged, so even if the vendor’s servers are hacked, an intruder will
many jurisdictions, they are popular with criminals and anyone not find any leads. While some anonymous accounts are established
wanting a low profile. You may use burner IDs simultaneously as for regular use, the truly paranoid use multiple one-time accounts
your real mesh ID or other burners for different online connections for maximum security.
(though this is considered poor opsec, as they may be correlated). Tracking an anonymous account is a practical impossibility
Burner IDs are ideal in that they are used only for short periods. and something that only an extremely resourceful organization
Though they may be traced or even sniffed like other mesh IDs, the employing a systematic and expensive effort could attempt.
trail will end when they stop being used. Though they are easy to
deploy, they are not fool-proof, and some care must be taken to Spoofing Mesh IDs
avoid leaking your real mesh ID or carelessly associating it with Some hackers prefer to mask themselves as other users, either as
accounts or other data that may betray you. Keep in mind that a a red herring, a statement, or to frame someone else. This follows
burner ID will not help you if you are traced or sniffed while you are the same procedure as spoofing someone for authentication
still using it. A resourceful opponent may also be able to correlate (Spoofing ▶247).
burner ID use with physical surveillance footage or other mesh ID
logs. If someone attempts to trace you using a burner mesh ID you
have discarded, they must make a Research Test at –30 against your
Infosec skill.
Disposable Ectos: A more low-tech version of this trick is to
simply use burner ectos. Use once, or until hot, then discard. The
advantage is that ectos can be physically left behind or planted on
others, both useful for misdirection.

Tracking • Tracking Countermeasures

¾257
 privileges one step (first to security then to admin level). On a crit-

HACKING
ical success, you have covert status ▶below), but a passive alert is still
triggered  ▶260. In this situation, both superior and critical results
In the digital realm, everything has a vulnerability. Software is the take effect simultaneously. If you lose the opposed test, you fail to
classic plan that never survives contact with the enemy. Hackers are get in and the system goes on passive alert ▶260.
THE MESH

continuously scouting for flaws in code that will allow them to exploit
it for unintended purposes. As quickly as these flaws are discovered Subtle Intrusion
and patched, new ones are discovered and leveraged for advantage. The preferred method of owning a target is to quietly and system-
Hackers routinely share, trade, and sell their exploits online. atically probe it, analyze its setup and software, and determine the
The best of these make their way into pre-packaged exploit app most likely vulnerabilities. Subtle intrusion is a task action with
libraries  —  software tools that scan a target, openly or with subtlety, a timeframe of 1 hour (GMs may alter this timeframe for heavily
probe it for vulnerabilities, and automatically execute attacks. secured or unprotected systems). Make a Hacking Test. If you
There are many methods you may use to hack a system. The first succeed, you have gained access to the target system with user-level
is to circumvent the authentication  ▶246 on a legitimate account, access privileges ▶246 and covert status Intruder Status ▶below.
but this requires background knowledge of the account and takes Each superior success increases your privileges one step (first to
time and special effort. The second is to sniff the traffic of a legiti- security then to admin level). On a critical success, you have hidden
mate user ▶245 and remotely spoof commands ▶247, which can be status ▶below; the defender remains unaware of the intrusion. Both
powerful but limited. The most common method of hacking is to superior and critical results may apply.
directly gain access to the target (Intrusion ▶below) and subvert it If the firewall succeeds but loses the opposed test, a passive alert
from within (Subversion ▶262). is triggered Security Alerts ▶260. If the firewall wins the opposed
test, you fail to get in and the system goes on passive alert ▶260.
HACKING TESTS
Almost all intrusion and subversion efforts rely on Hacking Tests. Joint Hacking
This opposed test pits the hacker’s Infosec skill against the target’s You can cooperate with others while hacking: one person takes the
Firewall Rating ▶260 — or the defender’s Infosec skill if the system lead, using their connection, while the others take actions to support,
is actively defended ▶260. If the hacker wins, they pull off their providing a teamwork bonus ▶31. Only the lead hacker may use
intended action, otherwise their action fails. pools, and only they are targeted by countermeasures ▶260.
Alternatively, multiple hackers can separately hack the same system
INTRUSION simultaneously. While their actions are handled separately, if any of
The art of intrusion involves penetrating a system’s security, taking them trigger an alert, all intruders on the system will be affected.
advantage of code glitches and flawed security protocols to bypass
the target’s defenses. The best methods involve infiltrating a system Hacking Again
slowly and quietly, without catching a watchdog’s attention. When If you have successfully hacked into a system once, you receive a
called for, however, a hacker can toss aside pretenses and attempt to +30 bonus on Hacking Tests to intrude into the system again, until
brute-force their way in. a security audit ▶261 patches the vulnerability. You may also provide
this bonus to others by sharing the exploit used.
Establishing a Connection
In order to hack a system, you must establish a direct connection to INTRUDER STATUS
the target. If you are making a direct wireless connection, the target Intruder status is a simple way of measuring a hacker’s situation as
system must be wireless-capable and within wireless radio range, they invade a system  —  have they caught the attention of defenses
and you must know the target is there (Stealthed Signals ▶244). If or do they remain unobtrusive? Intruder status is first determined
the system is hardwired, you must physically jack in by using a when you access a system, though it may change according to
regular access port (or skinlink, if the system is so equipped) or tap events. Note that intruder status is a separate matter from account
into a cable that carries the system’s traffic (requiring a Hardware: access privileges ▶246. The latter represents your permissions and
Electronics Test and appropriate equipment, such as an electronics what you are allowed to do on a system. The former indicates the
kit). If you are accessing the target through the mesh, the system system’s awareness of your true nature as an intruder.
must be online and you must know its mesh ID or otherwise be able
to find it through research or tracking. Hidden
If your status is hidden, the system is completely unaware of your
Brute-Force Attacks presence and cannot act against you. Your actions are not recorded
Brute-force hacking is quick, messy, and loud. You select the target, in logs and other users cannot detect you. Your presence may leave
trigger your exploit app, and let it quickly and methodically cycle some traces, but they will require thorough analysis and time to find.
through attacks against the most common vulnerabilities. Brute- While hidden, you receive a +10 modifier on any efforts to
force intrusions require only a complex action, meaning they can subvert the system ▶262.
be a relevant factor even in combat scenarios. However, the target is
almost always alerted to the digital invasion. Covert
To brute-force a target, make a Hacking Test. The intruder With covert status, your presence on the system looks legitimate and
suffers a –30 modifier. If you succeed, you have gained access to doesn’t attract any unusual attention. Only extensive checking will
the target system with user-level access privileges ▶246 and spotted turn up abnormalities. The system is aware of you, but does not
status Intruder Status ▶next column), and the system goes on active consider you a threat.
alert (Security Alerts ▶260). Each superior success increases your

258¹ Hacking • Hacking Tests–Intruder Status

Spotted Zeroing In
If you have spotted status, the system is aware that your presence If a system is on passive alert, the system defender may attempt to
is an intrusion. Spotted automatically triggers an active alert ▶260. pinpoint intruders. This requires a complex action and an Opposed
Infosec Test between defender and each hacker. If the hacker is
CHANGING STATUS hidden, the defender incurs a –30 modifier. If the defender wins, the
Your intruder status will change depending on your actions and the hacker’s status becomes spotted and the system goes on active alert.
actions of the system.

Upgrading Status
You can attempt to improve your status to better hide yourself from
CONSOLIDATED HACKING
the system. This requires a complex action and a Hacking Test. If you Sometimes a PC may want to hack a system that is less
win, you can upgrade your status by one level (spotted to covert or consequential to the story. Rather than running each hack
covert to hidden). A superior success can take this one level further. step-by-step, the GM can consolidate such a hack into a
Note that changing your status does not affect the system’s alert single task action Infosec Test. First, the hacker should
status. If you go from spotted to covert or hidden, the system is still compile a brief list of objectives after hacking in (e.g., locate
aware there was an intrusion, it just can’t currently pinpoint you. a file, unlock a door, loop a sensor feed, eliminate traces).
Set a timeframe of 1 hour plus 10 minutes per objective. If
Exposure brute forcing, the timeframe is 2 action turns per objective.
Any time you use Infosec skill and engage in hacking while within Apply the following modifiers: –30 if brute forcing, +10 if
a system, you run the risk of exposing yourself to the system’s secu- hacking a mote, –10 if hacking a server, and –10 if hacking
rity. If you roll a superior failure on a Hacking Test, you trigger a multiple systems.
passive alert ▶260. This may instigate the system defender to take
a closer look. Infosec Test Result Hacking Result
If you roll a critical failure on a Hacking Test, you automati- Critical Failure Hack fails, hacker traced.
cally switch your status to spotted and the system goes on active Superior Failure Hack fails.
alert ▶260. Failure Hacker achieves first objective only.
If you attack a target in mesh combat ▶264, you must also make a Success Hacker achieves all objectives.
Hacking Test or trigger a passive alert. Superior Success Hacker achieves all objectives in 25%
less time per superior success.
Critical Success Hacker achieves all objectives,

THE MESH
backdoors system.

Hacking • Changing Status–Changing Status

¾259
 SYSTEM DEFENDER
COUNTERMEASURES The firewall is but the first line of defense. Almost every system is
The ongoing struggle between hackers and electronic security is best also monitored by an entity known as its system defender. For most
described as an ever-evolving arms race. Hackers continually find devices, this is the resident ALI. Characters skilled in infosec typi-
and share new exploits that allow them to subvert new systems, soft- cally guard their own PANs; people who are not rely on their muses.
ware vendors release automatically installed update patches to close Dedicated teams of operatives often slave their PANs to the group’s
THE MESH

the holes, repeat ad nauseam. System admins and security hackers hacker, who can overwatch the entire group’s security.
have a menu of options for handling intruders, though the level of System defenders have security if not admin privileges. If a
security on a system can range from paper-thin to extremely hostile. passive or active alert is triggered, they are informed. Defenders are
responsible for triggering non-automatic countermeasures.
FIREWALL Multiple Defenders: Some systems may have more then one
In Eclipse Phase, a firewall is a non-sapient neural-net security suite defender present. When it comes to active countermeasures and
that monitors network traffic and defends against hackers. Every other actions, defenders choose to work together or separately. If
system has a firewall app actively defending it. Firewalls may initiate acting in concert, the other defenders provide a teamwork bonus ▶31;
automatic countermeasures, depending on their programming. only the primary defender can use pools. If acting individually, each
Each firewall has a rating measuring its defensive capabilities. defender relies on their own Initiative, skills, and pools.
Firewall ratings are based on the type of device, as noted on the
Firewall Ratings table. This is used to oppose Hacking Tests ▶258 Active Defense
made by hackers. At the GM’s discretion, some firewalls may be As a complex action, a system defender can assume control of a
weaker if old or non-maintained or stronger if state-of-the-art. system’s firewall defenses for one action turn. While engaged in
If the firewall app on a device is deleted or crashed, tests to hack active defense, use the defender’s Infosec skill in place of Firewall
the system are unopposed until the firewall is restored, unless a rating for Hacking Tests. The defender may use pools on these tests.
system defender engages in active monitoring. Only one defender can engage in active defense at a time.

Firewall Threat Models SECURITY ALERTS

Firewalls build an understanding of what behavior is common or If a hacking attempt is not stealthy enough, it is likely to earn the
unusual and use these algorithms to identify potential intruders. attention of the firewall and system defender. Security alerts come
For example, a firewall will know when a certain user usually logs in two flavors: passive and active.
on, where from, what apps they use, what files they access, and so
on. If a hacker uses their credentials but from a different place, at a Passive Alert
different time, and doing different things, the firewall may suspect Passive alerts are triggered whenever the firewall or defender succeeds
something is amiss and take a closer look. Even a skillful hacker on their roll but loses the opposed test against a hacker’s subtle intrusion
may still be identified by anomalous actions. attack ▶258. They are also set off when a hacker exposes themselves by
GMs can call for a Hacking Test whenever they feel a hacker may rolling a superior failure on a Hacking Test while within the system.
have exceeded normal activity. If the firewall wins, downgrade the Passive alerts occur when a system detects anomalous activity
hacker’s status one level  —  from hidden to covert (triggering a passive that may indicate a hacking attempt in progress. The system imme-
alert), or covert to spotted (triggering an active alert). Alternatively, a diately flags a visual or acoustic cue to the system defender(s) and
hacker who is clearly engaging in shady activity on a well-secured possibly the owner or admins. The system may be configured to
system may trigger an alert, no matter how well they roll. Use this automatically launch one or more passive countermeasures (see
option sparingly, and remember that it applies both to PCs and NPCs. below). Depending on the system, extra security hackers or AIs may
be brought in to help investigate. If the intruder is not encountered
again or located within a set time period (usually about 10 minutes),
the alarm is deactivated and the event is logged as an anomaly.
Firewall Ratings
Device Firewall Rating Active Alert
Mote 30 An active alert is triggered when an intruder achieves spotted status or
Host 50 someone attempts a brute-force attack without scoring a critical success.
Active alerts are issued when the system knows an intruder is
Server 70 present. The system immediately alerts the system defender(s),
owners, and admins. Additional security assets (hackers and AIs)
may be called in. The system also launches active countermeasures

SECURITY DESIGN
Every system is unique and handles security differently. The Servers use security ALIs and take their defenses seri-
GM maps out each system’s set-up. ously. Corporate networks often use tiered networks or
Motes are notorious for minimal security and outdated air-gapped systems (Mesh Topology ▶241 ) to protect critical
defenses. Sometimes, however, they are slaved to a assets. Security hackers may be on-site or on-call, arriving
controlling “chokepoint” node with better security (this is the in d6 action turns. Some simply seek to kick intruders out.
case with most PANs). Others will trace intruders, dispatching security forces or
Host defenses largely depend on the security conscious- police to apprehend suspects if located, or hack them back.
ness of their owner. Muses act as system defender for mesh Security audits are likely to be frequent.
inserts and ectos.

260¹ Countermeasures • Firewall–Security Alerts

against the intruder (see below). Active alerts are maintained for as (Lockout ▶248). Hacked accounts are quarantined or deleted and not
long as the intruder is present and sometimes for a lengthy period usable again until a security audit approves and reinstates it.
afterwards just in case the hacker returns.
When a system is on active alert, all intruders suffer a –10 modi- Reboot/Shutdown
fier to Infosec Tests for the duration of the alert. The nuclear option for handling an interloper is to reboot or shut
down the system. In this case, the system closes all connections to
PASSIVE COUNTERMEASURES other systems, logs off users, terminates all processes, and shuts itself
Passive countermeasures are launched as a precaution whenever there is down  —  thereby booting out the intruder (at least temporarily). The
unusual activity or other signs that there may be an intruder or malware disadvantage, of course, is that the system must interrupt its activ-
at work. Some of these countermeasures are automatically triggered ities. For example, shutting down your mesh inserts means losing
by the system or firewall whenever a passive or active alert is initiated. all communication with teammates, access to augmented reality,
and control over slaved/linked devices. The intruder may attempt
Backup (Automatic) to access the system when it reboots, but if they don’t have account
Some systems are set to automatically backup all logs and critical credentials or a back door, they will need to hack in again. Remote
data when a passive alert goes off. These backups are often copied to defenders will also need to take an action to log back in.
a secure storage in the cloud or to another dedicated system, where Initiating a reboot/shutdown only takes a complex action, but the
they are protected from deletion. actual shutdown process takes 1d6 action turns (motes and hosts) or
1d6 minutes (servers). Rebooting takes an equivalent amount of time.
Egress Filtering (Automatic) Logged-in users (including intruders) are warned when a reboot or
In an attempt to deter data exfiltration, the firewall temporarily blocks shutdown is initiated. Once started, the shutdown process cannot be
attempts to download or transfer specific files or data types. Ego stopped, but it may be prolonged by 1d6 action turns with a complex
backups and access logs are commonly flagged and blocked, though action; this requires security/admin privileges or an Infosec Test.
each system may designate its own specifics. To overcome this filtering, Hard Shutdown: The shutdown process takes time in order to
a hacker must make a complex action and win a Hacking Test. warn users, save files, end processes neatly, and otherwise protect the
system. A “hard” shutdown is also possible in emergency situations.
Locate Intruder This requires an Interface Test, a complex action, and admin privi-
The system defender can attempt to track down the source of the leges. If successful, the system shuts down at the end of that action
passive alert and pinpoint any interlopers. See Zeroing In ▶259. turn. Hard shutdowns require double the reboot time and may result
in lost data (GM discretion). You can also cause a hard shutdown by
Re-Authenticate (Automatic) physically powering down, cutting power, or destroying the device.
System firewalls can be set to automatically re-authenticate all active users

THE MESH
whenever a passive alert is triggered. Each user will be re-authenticated Terminate Connections (Automatic)
in 1d6 action turns, though a large system with hundreds or thousands An alternative to shutdown or rebooting is simply to sever all
of users may take 1d6 minutes. Any intruders that do not have hidden connections (usually by temporarily disabling the device’s wireless
status must make a Hacking Test against the system firewall. If the firewall capabilities and going into “airplane mode”). The system loses all
wins, the intruder gains the spotted status and the system goes to active active connections, but any intruders are dumped. Termination
alert. If the intruder has valid credentials (such as a stolen passcode), takes a complex action to initiate and completes at the end of that
they automatically succeed. action turn. Connectivity may be set to restore on the next action
turn, in a set time frame, or only when initiated by a local admin.
Reduce Privileges (Automatic) Restarting connectivity takes 1 action turn. Any remote users will
As a protective measure, the system temporarily reduces access need to log back in; intruders without proper credentials will need
privileges available to standard users  —  and sometimes security to hack the system again. While connections are terminated, the
accounts as well. This means that legitimate users may be unable to system cannot communicate and interact with other systems.
perform certain functions, use some apps/services, or access certain
directories without authorization from an admin account. Trace (Automatic)
Defenders can initiate a trace on a spotted intruder. Most hackers
ACTIVE COUNTERMEASURES are careful to use an anonymizing service to mask their mesh ID
Active countermeasures are initiated when an intruder is fully and location, but this is not always the case. If an intruder is phys-
detected (spotted status). Systems/firewalls can be set to immedi- ically located, the standard procedure is to alert habitat security
ately trigger automatic countermeasures; others may be pursued at or other local or private police, who will mobilize to apprehend
the defender’s discretion. the suspect.

Counter-intrusion SECURITY AUDITS

Though illegal in some jurisdictions, system defenders may pro-ac- Security-conscious systems will undergo an audit on a regular
tively protect their wards by counter-attacking the hacker. For this basis or after any detected intrusion, with the intent of patching
to occur, the intruder must first be successfully traced ▶256 and their vulnerabilities that were exploited, eliminating backdoors that
mesh ID obtained. Once this occurs, the defender can then launch were installed, and determining what the intruder did and what
their own intrusion on the system from which the hacker originates. they were after. The GM determines when an audit is undertaken.
Make an Infosec Test for the system defender, with a timeframe of
Crash and Lockout 24 hours. If successful, any recently exploited vulnerabilities are
The defender can attempt to crash the account shell of an intruder patched (the hacker loses the +30 bonus to hack again). Superior
that has been spotted (Mesh Combat  ▶264). If successful, the successes reveal backdoors or supply additional info on what the
intruder’s mesh ID can be blocked from accessing the system again intruder was up to.

Countermeasures • Passive Countermeasures–Security Audits

¾261
 ELIMINATE TRACES
SYSTEM SUBVERSION To hinder security audits ▶261, you can clean up evidence of your
Once you have successfully penetrated a system, your options will intrusion before you exit a system. This involves erasing incrimi-
depend on your access privileges and the nature of the system. nating data in the access and security logs and otherwise hiding any
Many of the actions you take as an intruder are not that different evidence of system tampering. Take a complex action and make a
THE MESH

from a regular user: searching files, operating devices, etc. See Mesh Hacking Test. If successful, you wipe away details that might be used
Actions ▶248. to track you down or reveal what you did, including your mesh ID.
Any time you attempt to do something that your access privi-
leges  ▶246 do not allow for, you must hack the system to do what FORCE RE-AUTHENTICATION
you want. In most cases, this requires a Hacking Test ▶258. Apply While sniffing a target, you can break the connection and force
modifiers from ongoing system alerts ▶260. If you win the contest, them to re-authenticate in order to capture their login credentials
you succeed, but each attempt puts you in risk of discovery if you (Sniffing ▶245). This requires winning a Hacking Test against the
roll a superior or critical failure (Exposure ▶259). authenticating firewall.
Aside from exceeding your privileges, there are some techniques
that are explicitly subversive. A sampling of common subversions HIDE FILE OR PROCESS
are described below; GMs should use these as guidelines for arbi- You can obfuscate the presence of a file, code element, or even an
trating others. active app, script, or other software process. This takes a complex
action and an Infosec Test; note the result. Anyone that seeks to
BREAK ENCRYPTION find that file or process later must beat your result with an Opposed
You can attempt to decrypt an encrypted file without proper autho- Research Test at –30.
rization (Codebreaking ▶247).
IMPAIR SENSES
CONTROL WARE If hacking a device projecting AR, the AR illusions app can be
If hacking mesh inserts, a cyberbrain (Mindware Hacking ▶266), or used to distract and impair the target. For example, dark illusory
a PAN’s master node, you will have privileged access to a morph’s clouds can obscure vision, ear-wrenching high-volume noises can
ware  —  not to mention hacking the ware directly. A hacker can use make people cringe, and a persistent tickling sensation might drive
this to (de)activate the ware, modify its functioning parameters, anyone crazy. Make an Interface Test; if successful the target suffers
access diagnostics and usage logs, or install scripts ▶249 to manipu- a –10 impairment modifier to Perceive and other actions, with an
late this ware in the future, among other creative uses. additional –10 per superior success. Modifiers may be temporary, as
the target can adjust their filters and/or turn their AR off if necessary.
DISABLE SAFETY MECHANISMS
Many systems have safety features in place to prevent people from INJECT AR/ILLUSION
accidentally (or intentionally) harming themselves or others. You If hacking an AR-capable device, you can insert fake sensory input
may override the warnings and mechanisms of safety systems by into an AR feed with a Hacking Test. The primary use of the AR illu-
winning a Hacking Test. A –30 modifier applies, as such systems are sions app is to inject different kinds of visual, auditory, tactile, and
built with redundant features. This can be used to open both sides even emotional illusions into the augmented reality of the device’s
of an airlock simultaneously, mute the imminent collision alert on user, depending on the type of interface used. How the hacked user
a spacecraft, or to prevent authorized users from being notified will respond to the illusion depends on whether they are aware
of tampered equipment or dangerous circumstances. At the GM’s of the intruder, what type of interface they are using (entoptic or
discretion, some safety features may automatically restart, requiring haptic), and how realistic the illusion is.
suppression Suppress Process ▶next page. The best illusions are crafted in advance, using real footage and
advanced image and sensory manipulation tools. Such illusions are
EDIT AR FEED hyper-realistic. If injected subtly, with proper timing, and in the
If hacking a device broadcasting AR, you can selectively block or proper context, there is no reason for the target to suspect trickery.
edit out specific sensory data using an AR illusion app, or simply If something is off, however, this becomes an opposed test between
terminate the AR feed entirely. This could entail blocking out all the illusion creator’s Interface skill and the target’s Perceive. GMs
AR data of a specific type (audio, visual, haptic, etc.) or blocking should apply modifiers as they feel appropriate. Keep in mind
specific people, things, sounds, or other things. For example, you that even if someone sees through the deception, they may still
can block the user from seeing a friend’s messages, edit out a person act instinctively; almost anyone will duck when they see an object
from their vision, prevent them from hearing an alarm siren, and so suddenly flying at their face, as their body reacts before the brain
on. Depending on the situation and context, the GM may decide comprehends that it’s an illusion and not a threat.
that this is automatically successful (something that would be Improvising on the Fly: Hackers may also improvise illusions
easy to miss) or may give the target a modified Perceive Test (–0 as needed, taking advantage of the AR illusion app’s advanced tools,
to –30) to notice the change (if the blocking creates obvious gaps patching in and manipulating sensory clips as needed in real-time.
or is off-kilter to the responses of others). For example, blocking the This requires a sustained task action from the hacker and is more
view of someone moving through a crowd will not change the fact difficult and easily spotted (+10 to +30 modifier to Perceive Tests).
that the crowd is creating a space for that person to move through. The advantage is that the hacker can modify the illusion in reaction
Likewise, blocking the smell of smoke will not stop the target from to the user’s actions or environmental factors on the fly.
seeing smoke, flames, or others reacting to the blaze.

262¹ System Subversion • Break Encryption–INJECT AR/ILLUSION

 SIMPLE HACKING
INSTALL BACKDOOR If these rules at first seem intimidating, keep in mind
Backdoors are ways into a system that bypass normal authentication that the core hacking rules are fairly straightforward.
and security features. Backdoors are secretly installed by hidden The following guidelines should get you through most
intruders so that they may access the system at a later time without situations:
needing to hack in again. Backdoor details can be shared with others.
Most backdoors are installed by replacing an existing app with • Almost all hacking-involved tests pit the hacker’s Infosec vs.
a copy that was modified to incorporate a vulnerability that allows the target system’s Firewall.
instant remote access to the system. The trick lies in making the • To hack into a system, you have a choice of fast (immediate,
copied app look like the unmodified original, so that it isn’t detected –30 modifier, triggers an alert) or slow (no modifier, takes
during security audits. an hour, no alert).
To install a backdoor, you must have access to the system, take • By default, you get in with standard user privileges.
a complex action, and win a Hacking Test. Apply a –20 modifier if Superior successes get you better privileges.
you want the backdoor to provide security access privileges, –30 for • Once in, you can take any action that your privileges allow
admin privileges. If you succeed, the backdoor is installed  —  you without making a test.
may use it to access the system without making a test until it is • If your privileges don’t allow it, make a Hacking Test
removed; you automatically acquire covert status. Every superior (Infosec vs. Firewall) to pull it off.
success applies a –10 modifier towards attempts to discover the • Use your imagination! If you want to do something  —  loop
backdoor later (Security Audits ▶261). On a critical success, the sensors, jam weapons, steal files, open a door, crash an
backdoor provides hidden status. opposing AI  —  your GM will tell if you need to make a test.
• Don’t forget to use Insight pool for extra mesh actions or to
INSTALL BLOCKER modify rolls!
To deter countermeasures, you can activate a process that will
pre-emptively block a specific app, command, or action on that
system. For example, you could install a blocker to prevent a shut- SNIFF TRAFFIC
down from being initiated, stop an app from launching, or prevent You can intercept and monitor wireless traffic (Sniffing ▶245).
a device function from being activated. Creating a blocker requires
a complex action and a Hacking Test; the particular action it blocks SUPPRESS ALARM
must be specified. If successful, any attempt to conduct that action You can attempt to turn off a passive alert by winning a Hacking
automatically fails. To undo a blocker, it must first be located Test. The system will have alerted any defenders as soon as the alert
(requiring a Research Test) and then deleted (a complex action). was triggered, so this will not necessarily deter scrutiny, but it may

THE MESH
System reboots will also remove all blockers. sidestep automatic countermeasures such as re-authentication or
Blockers are not omnipotent; GMs should use their best judg- reduced privileges. The same action can be used to reduce an active
ment when defining their limitations and reach. alert to a passive alert (which can then subsequently be turned off
with another suppress action).
JAM SIGNALS
You can transmit radio signals that deliberately interfere with other SUPPRESS PROCESS
radio signals in order to disrupt communications. You can choose to Many hacking techniques are fire-and-forget  —  you disable a
selectively jam a particular device or devices, or universally jam all function, kill the app, terminate the connection, etc.  — and move
radio signals. Jamming requires a complex action and an Interface on. The disruption is temporary; the system defender or another
Test to initiate. If successful, affected devices within range have their user can simply restart the process. Some systems are designed to
radio communications disrupted  —  they are cut off from the mesh automatically restart certain processes on their own (GM discretion).
and cannot communicate wirelessly until the jamming ends or they To prevent the process from restarting, you need to delete the under-
move out of range. Wired devices are unaffected. lying software from the system (usually requiring admin privileges;
Jamming is quite difficult to overcome (Bypass Jamming ▶248). Modify Software ▶249) or you must actively suppress the process.
Jamming may also be used to block radar signals and sensors. Suppressing a process requires a complex action each action turn.
This will counteract the system’s automatic attempts to restart the
LOOP SENSOR FEED process. Anyone that wishes to restart the process must successfully
A common method of undermining surveillance systems is to loop defeat you in an Opposed Infosec Test though it may be terminated
the sensor feed, so that it repeatedly shows insignificant footage again … unless termination is blocked.
or data, allowing physical intruders to pass undetected. To loop a Many hackers task their muses with suppressing processes.
feed, you must first find and copy a recorded segment of the sensor
feed (possibly requiring a Research Test) or spend the time to record TAP AR
it. Looping the feed requires a complex action and a Hacking Test. You can access and monitor any augmented reality experienced by
Looped feeds can be set to automatically revert after a set time frame. a user as if it were your own with a Hacking Test. You can even set
this up to automatically forward the same AR experience to you if
MODIFY TACNET you leave the system.
If hacking a tacnet-enabled system, you can alter, block, or inject
tacnet data of your own. This could be used to change maps, block TAP SENSES
sensory feeds, alter health status indicators, and so on. You can If hacking mesh inserts or a cyberbrain (Mindware Hacking ▶266),
also tag foes as friends, which would prevent a smartlink-enabled you can tap into the target’s sensorium for surveillance purposes.
weapon from being used against them. Sensory data may also be recorded or broadcast as XP.

System Subversion • Install Backdoor–Tap Senses

¾263
 MESH WOUNDS
MESH COMBAT If the damage inflicted upon you exceeds your software's Wound
Mesh “combat” is an abstraction. Unlike physical combat, there are Threshold, a wound is inflicted. In mesh combat, wounds represent
no dueling avatars, no digital maneuvering, no deadly programs. broken processes, instability, memory leaks, and other errors. Each
Mesh combat represents efforts to undermine the stability of soft- wound inflicts a cumulative –10 modifier to all actions.
THE MESH

ware  —  infomorph mind-states (including cyberbrains), account Unlike physical wounds, mesh wounds do not trigger checks for
shells, apps (including the firewall), or operating systems them- knockdown or unconsciousness.
selves  —  forcing them to crash. Mesh combat follows the normal Optional Rule: For each wound, there is a cumulative 10%
rules for combat, as described below. chance you suffer a glitch ▶265; roll each time a wound is inflicted.

LOCAL vs. REMOTE MESH DURABILITY

Mesh attacks are either local (against a target on the same system) or Software that accumulates damage equal to or exceeding its
remote (against a separate system entirely). Durability immediately crashes and ceases to function. All data
transfers and other ongoing processes immediately stop. If your
Local Attacks account shell crashes, you are booted from the system (though
To attack a local target in the mesh, you must have access to the you may attempt to log or hack back in). Crashed infomorphs may
system it is running on. This may require you to locate and hack the no longer act. If a cyberbrain crashes, the morph itself freezes or
system first. For example, if an infomorph using a remote server as collapses. If a service or operating system crashes, all users are
their home device hacks into your mesh inserts, you can attack their disconnected (including the attacker) and any other processes
account shell on your implants. You would not be able to attack the ongoing on the system come to a halt.
infomorph directly, however, unless you were to trace it back to its Infomorphs, cyberbrains, services, and operating systems auto-
home server, hack in, and attack it there. matically reboot  ▶261, which takes 1d6 action turns. Rebooting
eliminates all accumulated mesh damage and wounds.
Remote Attacks Software (except for account shells) may still be attacked after it
You may attack the operating systems of remote devices by flooding has crashed. This represents attempts to irretrievably damage the
them with traffic and malformed packets designed to create insta- code so that it may no longer run. If software accumulates damage
bility. In essence, you are targeting an entire remote device with a equal to or exceeding its Death Rating, it is permanently corrupted.
denial-of-service attack, hoping to impede or crash it. Account shells, Apps and services must be reinstalled. Cyberbrains and devices
apps, cyberbrains, and infomorphs cannot be remotely targeted. must be repaired or replaced. Infomorphs and the egos within
cyberbrains are effectively dead. Damage and wounds inflicted on
MESH ATTACKS AND DEFENSE crashed software are applied when it reboots.
You attack a local or remote target by attempting to destabilize Distributed Infomorphs: Infomorphs that are distributed must
its underlying software processes. Take a complex action and roll evenly split their Durability between devices. Wound Threshold
Infosec skill. For a local attack, if you do not have admin privileges, remains unchanged, but a wound is inflicted if your distributed
you suffer a –30 modifier. presence on any device (or the device itself ) is crashed.
If a system defender is actively shielding the target (Shield
Software ▶248), this is an opposed test against their Infosec skill. If
not, it is a standard success test. Remote attacks are opposed by the
Firewall rating (or the defender’s Infosec skill if actively defended). Mesh Durability
Attack Awareness: It is not automatically apparent where a mesh Software Wound Threshold Durability Death Rating
attack originates from  —  or even that it is underway. If you, your
software, or the operating system of the device you are accessing/ Account Shell 3 15 NA
running on take damage or wounds, you will experience this as ALI 4 20 40
malfunctioning software  —  an unfortunately common occurrence, App 2 10 20
even in Eclipse Phase. If you suspect you are under attack, you may  Firewall App 6 30 60
take a complex action and make an Infosec Test to identify the
attacker and their mesh ID. Cyberbrain 7 35 70
Firewalls are trained to detect mesh attacks. Any time an intruder Infomorph
makes a mesh attack, they must also make a Hacking Test. If they  Digimorph 5 25 50
lose, a passive alert is triggered.  Agent 8 40 80
MESH DAMAGE AND ARMOR  Ikon 6 30 60
If your attack wins, you inflict damage. A standard mesh attack  Operator 7 35 70
inflicts DV 2d10. Some special apps or circumstances may modify Operating System
this damage. Each superior success inflicts an extra 1d6 damage.  Mote 4 20 40
Critical successes mean damage is doubled.
Some hardened apps, infomorphs, and systems have built-in
 Host 8 40 80
redundancies to protect against mesh attacks. This counts as “armor”  Server 12 60 120
and is subtracted from the damage roll.

264¹ Mesh Combat • Local vs. Remote–Mesh Durability

MESH DAMAGE REPAIR
Damage and wounds to apps cannot be repaired; the app must be GLITCHES
rebooted to remove errors. Infomorphs, cyberbrains, account shells, Glitches represent additional errors and malfunctions that may
and operating systems have built-in redundancy settings that will affect software or devices. Glitches may occur due to overloaded
fix broken processes and correct errors over time. Such software will systems, hardware damage, or wounds inflicted by mesh combat.
repair either 1d10 damage or 1 wound per minute; all damage must Each time a glitch is inflicted, roll 1d6, consult the Glitch Table,
be fixed first. and apply the result.

HARDWARE DAMAGE Glitch Table

Mesh gear ranges from cheap and vulnerable motes to durable, 1D6 Roll Glitches
self-repairing servers. They are treated just like other objects for 1–2 Lost Connectivity: All communication links to remote
physical combat purposes (Objects & Structures ▶232).
systems are dropped. If you are accessing a remote system,
If a device is physically damaged, there is a 10% chance it suffers
you are logged out. If the affected target is a cyberbrain,
a glitch ▶next column. If the device suffers a wound, it automatically
glitches. Additionally, wound modifiers apply to all mesh tests
its morph collapses or freezes up.
involving that device. 3 Encoding Error: If you are a covert or hidden intruder,
Shock attacks will temporarily disrupt hardware devices. No you become spotted. If your mesh ID was anonymized,
mesh actions may be taken with or on a shocked device for one your real ID is leaked and logged. If you are a
action turn. At the GM’s discretion, shock attacks may also sever legitimate user/software, the system now identifies
communication links or inflict extra damage. you as a spotted intruder and will enact appropriate
When damage exceeds a device’s Destruction Rating, it ceases countermeasures. A firewall or operating system
to function immediately. Anyone accessing the system loses the inflicted with this glitch will consider the entire system
connection. If the hardware was the home device to any infomorphs,
to be compromised and initiate a reboot.
they are effectively killed.
It is sometimes possible to retrieve data, including dormant info- 4 Memory Loss: Egos within infomorphs/cyberbrains
morphs, from disabled devices. At the least, this requires difficult lose access to certain memories. The GM selects one set
(–30) Hardware: Electronics and Interface Tests. of memories or one skill  —  these memories or skill are
unavailable until you reboot. Targeted apps and operating
DAMAGE AND INFOMORPH RIDERS

THE MESH
systems forget important data, potentially becoming
For most physical combat purposes, ware incorporated into a unusable in certain circumstances. Targeted account shells
morph is treated as the character, not as distinct hardware. However, must take an action to re-authenticate, perhaps requiring
infomorphs that are using such ware as a home device, such as a a Hacking Test if they lack credentials.
muse in your mesh inserts or a fork in a ghostrider module, require
special consideration. 5 Hung Process: One of your apps or other connected
Infomorphs do not sleep, so they remain active even when their software (determined by the GM) freezes up and stops
morph carrier is resting or hibernating. Likewise, they may still act functioning until it is restarted (taking 1d6 action turns).
even if the morph is incapacitated or grappled. Shock attacks tempo- This could even be another process on the system you
rarily disrupt implanted systems, however, so infomorph riders are have recently interacted with (perhaps preventing
incapacitated just as the morph is. certain actions). For cyberbrains, this may mean losing
If a morph is knocked out by wounds or accumulates damage access to a part of your morph’s functionality, such as a
equal to or exceeding its Durability, there is a 25% chance that limb, a sense, or other ware.
any infomorph riders are knocked offline as well. If not, they may
still operate while the morph is unconscious. If damage equals or 6 Overload: A malfunctioning process voraciously
exceeds the morph’s Death Rating, there is a 75% chance the phys- consumes system resources. You are unable to use pool
ical damage decommissions an infomorph rider as well. Otherwise, for mesh-related actions for 1d6 action turns. Apps
it may remain active, though it will lose power after 48 hours. At the struck by this glitch can only function every other action
GM’s discretion, significant trauma to the head (or ware location) or turn. Overloaded operating systems may randomly
other exceptional conditions (e.g., falling into a cryovolcano) may disconnect users.
increase those odds or automatically disable the infomorph.
Muses and other infomorph riders have been responsible for
saving their injured or incapacitated carriers by reaching out for
help on countless occasions.

Hardware Damage • GLITCHES

¾265
 MINDWARE HACKING
Pods, synthmorphs, and some bots, vehicles, and biomorphs are
equipped with cyberbrains. This technology enables transhuman
egos to sleeve into and control these forms. Under the hood,
THE MESH

cyberbrains are specialized hardware (hosts) for running an

infomorph’s digital mind-state. The drawback to both cyberbrains
and infomorphs is that they can be hacked, just like any other
electronic device.

PRECONDITIONS
To hack a cyberbrain, you must be able to access the cyberbrain
itself. Most cyberbrains are linked to mesh inserts and slaved to the
user’s PAN, meaning they can be wirelessly accessed by hacking the
PAN first. Cyberbrains are also equipped with access jacks on the
exterior of the morph, so if you have physical access to the morph,
you can plug in and access via a wired connection. If the subject is
not willing or incapacitated, you must first successfully grapple the
target ▶205.
To hack an infomorph, you must know its mesh ID and have
access to its home device. This may mean you must first hack the
device the infomorph is running on.

ENCODED SECURITY
Because they run an ego, cyberbrains and infomorphs feature hard-
coded security measures; apply a –30 modifier to all hacking attempts.

MINDWARE SUBVERSION
Once a cyberbrain or device running an infomorph has been infil-
trated, it may be subverted just like other systems. Since such mind-
ware contains an ego, however, an intruder has several unique options.
All of the actions below require winning a Hacking Test.
Delete Ego
Trap Ego Deleting an ego is the digital equivalent of murder  —  or at least
As an intruder, the first action you may wish to take will be to install property destruction. This has no effect on the infomorph’s backup
a lockbox app. This malware traps the ego/infomorph within the files (which must be deleted separately) or the morph’s cortical stack.
cyberbrain/device, preventing it from transferring to a new system.
Lockbox malware also locks the ego/infomorph out of its root Freeze Morph (Cyberbrain)
admin controls, effectively cutting it off from countermeasures or The connection between a cyberbrain and the morph it resides in
other defensive actions. The only mesh actions a lockboxed mind can be temporarily blocked or permanently severed. This usually
may take depend entirely on what permissions, if any, you give it. causes the morph to freeze in place (a safety feature for cyberbrain
Egos trapped within a lockbox are quite vulnerable. They could, glitches), though it may cause the morph to collapse. In either case,
for example, be subject to enforced uploading, simulspaces, forking, the morph is incapacitated. An ego trapped in an incapacitated
or psychosurgery. Egos trapped for extended periods may suffer morph for extended periods may suffer mental stress from helpless-
stress from helplessness (Stressful Situations ▶229). ness (Stressful Situations ▶229).

Control Ware (Cyberbrain) Mindhack Ego

As Control Ware ▶262. You can mindhack the ego within using psychosurgery ▶294. All of
the psychosurgery procedures are an option, from interrogation to
Copy Ego altering memories or personality traits. Since psychosurgery takes
You can copy the source code of an infomorph resident in a time and specialized software, this is usually reserved for targets
cyberbrain/device. This counts as an inactive backup file of the that are somehow captured and restrained (forknapped, trapped
ego, though it may be run as an infomorph on a host or server. The within a lockbox, physically incapacitated, etc.).
“forknapping” of infomorphs from compromised systems by criminal
interests remains an ongoing problem in the inner system. Some Modify Meshware
infomorphs come equipped with a copylock app ▶326; this applies Any known meshware ▶326 installed in an infomorph or cyberbrain
an additional –30 modifier (cumulative with the infomorph’s –30 may be removed or deactivated. Likewise, new meshware may
encoded security modifier) to copy attempts. be installed.

266¹ Mindware Hacking • Preconditions–Mindware Subversion

 Modify Sensory Input (Cyberbrain) Scorch Ego
You can modify the sensory inputs from a morph to its resident Direct access to an infomorph/cyberbrain ego opens the possibility
cyberbrain. Blocked senses will simply stop functioning until for types of attacks that are normally infeasible due to strict content
re-enabled. Recorded sensory input may be fed into the cyberbrain filtering. You conduct such attacks using scorchers  ▶327 — hostile
instead, replacing either a single sense or the whole sensorium (the apps that employ damaging neurofeedback routines.
same as XP). Unless the sensory input was previously recorded from
that morph, such injected sensory inputs are easy to recognize as Shutdown
artificial (Perceive Test at +30). It is also possible to feed contradic- Cyberbrains and infomorphs may be deactivated, just like other
tory sensory input into the cyberbrain, invoking severe synaesthesia systems (Reboot/Shutdown ▶261) — this includes hard shutdowns. If
with the intention to distract or confuse; apply a modifier between a cyberbrain is shut down, its morph will freeze in place or collapse.
–10 and –30 (hacker’s choice). Prolonged exposure to hostile sensory Shut down morphs may not be puppeted.
input should be treated as torture psychosurgery ▶294 and may
inflict mental stress. Tap Senses
As Tap Senses ▶263.
Puppeteer (Cyberbrain)
Morphs with puppet sock implants may be remotely operated, just Terminate Cortical Stack Feed
like a bot (Remote Operations ▶346). If the resident ego is not locked The cyberbrain feeds backup data to the cortical stack. This is a
out with a lockbox app, it may fight attempts to puppet the morph as one-way connection, so the cortical stack itself may not be hacked,
an automatic action  —  you may likewise counter the ego's attempted but the transfer of data may be cut off. Likewise, an infomorph’s
actions. Make an opposed test pitting the ego’s WIL Check against ongoing updates to its inactive backup files may be terminated. This
your Interface skill. If the opposer wins, no action is taken. Morphs can be done for a temporary period or it can be indefinitely severed.
with locked-out cyberbrains may still be puppeted. If the cyberbrain A restored backup will be missing memories from the period when
is shut down, however, no puppeting is possible. the feed was terminated.

SIDEWAYS EGONAPPING
[SECURE SESSION ESTABLISHED] H: Do I have much of a choice at this point? previous hacker practices, not to mention the fact
H: Hey, are you there? I’ve got something for you. S: No. that the last couple of jobs I’ve done for BG weren’t
Something you’ll like. H: Fine then. So where do we meet? These things exactly low profile. Their machine-learning algo-
S: ID plz are burning holes in my morph in the worst rithms are trained to look for those patterns, right?

THE MESH
H: [Enable Access to Social Network Profile] possible way. Ophelia is good at hiding my tracks, but she’s not
S: Hey lady, I didn’t recognize you without that S: Tell me how the job got so fucked up, Lulu. You’re that good. That's the only explanation I have for
battlemorph. supposed to be the best forknapper in V-NS. how they showed up, screwed the dropoff, and
H: Quit fucking around. We need to meet, like, H: You know how it goes. You get in, the security nabbed Mel.
yesterday. It went off. I got the stuff. turns out to be something different than what S: That's not encouraging. If they have a profile of
S: No dice. Haven’t you heard? You’re persona non the intel shows, and all of a sudden you’re making your habits, they could still be on your tail.
grata around these parts. Your little job for BG stuff up on the fly. H: I know, that's why I've been mixing everything
kind of hung your ass out to dry. S: What, like guards with shotguns? Dogs? Dogs up. And that's why I need you to set up a new way
H: You mean the job you set up for me? The one with shotguns? for me to offload these egos.
I’m trying to offload on your dumb ass? Don’t tell H: Shut up. I mean adaptive security algorithms. The S: OK, here’s what we’re going to do. You remember
me you’re not going to help me unload this shit! marks all used the same mesh security service, and Ralph's? That old coffee bar in Progress? The one
I’m walking around with a dozen illegally forked intel was it was out of date. Turns out not so much. with the overroasted beans they claim are a pure
egos here! S: So when did they find out who you were? Earth strain? Let’s meet up there and talk. Just
S: Would you let me fucking finish? I can’t meet you. H: Well, the backup facility had wireless-inhibiting you and me and the coffee.
BG’s the maddest I’ve ever seen him. He doesn’t walls, so I had to be on site to pull the hack off. Sorta. H: I don’t think you’re reading me here. I want to
want to be associated with you or this job at all, I did this old-school, ripped their external sensors offload it, not talk about offloading it.
so getting the forks to him is a no-go. Check your and drilled through the wall from the alley outside, S: One meeting on Progress, we’ll go from there. And
g-rep, Lulu, you're getting hammered. snuck a bot through with a fiberoptic tether to estab- you stash the shit someplace safe. And you sure as
H: Well, shit. lish a link. I got the egos you asked for, but their fuck don’t tell me or anyone else where, alright?
S: Yeah, that’s one way of putting it. Now look, security was on me fast. They must've traced me H: Fine. See you there, noon tomorrow, that old
I want to help you, but I need to know what back, their security hacked my morph's cyberbrain table near the back. I’ll wear a red scarf.
happened so we can cover our tracks, alright? as I was finishing the job. They were so eager to S: Always the traditionalist. I respect that about
How many did you get? stop the download that he didn't lock me in — big you, Lulu. See you.
H: Lucky thirteen. All the finest forks slipped out of mistake. I evacuated the morph and got away. [SESSION ENDED]
Mars’s finest glitterati brains, ready for whatever S: At least you lost the morph. So what went wrong
nefarious purposes their buyer has in mind. Like BG. with the dropoff? [SECURE SESSION ESTABLISHED]
S: You’re one sick shit, Lulu. I like that about you. H: I've been trying to figure it out. No way they S: She’ll be there. Get the team ready.
Look, you need to understand that the buyers I got anything from the morph. But I have a theory, BG: Thx.
have in mind aren’t exactly BG’s caliber here. You based on some things I've heard. It's not hard for [SESSION ENDED]
need to know that before moving forward. them to crosscheck patterns of intrusion against

Mindware Hacking • Mindware Subversion

¾267
 VIRTUAL REALITY
rules that structure the simulspace reality are coded in and may be
altered and manipulated according to the whim of the admins.
VR simulspaces are comprehensive and authentic illusions. The Time Distortion: Time itself is an adjustable constant in VR,
resolution is so high definition as to be hyper-real, with even minute though deviation from true time has its limits. So far, transhuman
details and sensations replicated perfectly. Entering VR is much like designers have achieved time distortion up to 60 times faster or
THE MESH

entering an alternate reality. slower than real time (roughly one minute equaling either one
hour or one second). Time contraction is far more commonly used,
ACCESSING SIMULSPACES granting more time for simulspace recreational activities, learning,
While you can access a simulspace server via the mesh, the band- or work (a strong economic incentive). Time dilation, on the other
width consumption and potential lag makes this unfavorable except hand, is extremely useful for making long-distance travel through
for short visits. Hardwired connections are much faster and more space more tolerable.
reliable. Those with access jacks simply jack in, others place ultra-
sonic trode nets over their heads. Only servers may run simulspaces. SIMULMORPHS
VR completely takes over your sensorium, overriding physical Your simulmorph is your digital representation in VR. For all intents
senses. Most people prefer to keep their body in a safe and comfort- and purposes, it feels like a real physical morph  —  or perhaps an
able environment while in a simulspace; body-fitting cushions and infomorph or something weirder, depending on the domain rules.
couches help you relax and keep you from cramping up or injuring Though your simulmorph may experience pain and damage
yourself if you happen to thrash around. VR game parlors offer in VR, this is merely sensory input  —  your physical morph (or
private pods. In case of long-term virtual sojourns (for instance, infomorph) remains unharmed. Such experiences can still have a
during space travel), morphs are normally retained in tanks that strong psychological impact on an ego, as the simulation is as close
sustain them with nutrition and oxygen. to reality as you can get. Torture in VR seems every bit as real as
You first enter a simulspace via an electronic buffer holding actual physical torture. Your ego may still suffer mental stress and
area known as a white room. Here you choose your customizable trauma as a result of simulspace experiences.
avatar  —  your simulmorph  —  and other settings. Once ready, the
white room dissolves away and you find yourself within the IMMERSION
full-sensory virtual environment. While in VR, your physical body slumps inertly, sometimes jerking or
Muses: Most muses are left behind when entering a simulspace. thrashing. The immersion cuts you off from your physical senses. At the
However, they can potentially come along if domain rules permit it. GM’s discretion, you may make a Perceive Test at –60 to notice extreme
Some simulspaces give muses their own simulmorph. disturbances or if your physical body takes damage. You may enter and
leave a simulspace at will, but toggling in or out takes a complex action.
DOMAIN RULES While immersed, your link to the mesh is routed through the simul-
Simulspaces include real-world simulations, historical recreations, space’s interface. If the domain rules allow it, you may browse the
and fantastic worlds of every genre. None are bound by the laws mesh, communicate with others, etc. — though this may be experienced
of physics. The fundamental forces of reality  —  gravity, electromag- differently than usual, perhaps like reading a book or communing with
netism, atmosphere, temperature, etc. — are programmable in VR, spirits. Time distortion may also be an issue  —  holding a chat with
allowing for environments that are completely unnatural. Gravity someone in meatspace is excruciatingly slow when time is accelerated.
might fluctuate, weather may be subject to emotion, magic may exist, Some simulspaces do not allow outside connections.
and you might heal damage effortlessly or be capable of transmogri- If the simulspace crashes or you are otherwise dumped from it,
fying into other creatures  —  the possibilities are endless. The domain you immediately resume control of your morph as normal.

268¹ Virtual Reality • Accessing Simulspaces–Immersion

 SIMULSPACE RULES SIMULSPACE USER ACTIONS
Since a simulspace is an alternate world with its own reality, the Standard user options in a simulspace boil down to a few actions:
GM chooses what stats a simulmorph has and what rules exist for
the setting. Anything goes. You could even break out the rules from • Access Simulspace Functions: This catch-all action encompasses
another game for an extended simulspace session. everything a normal user is meant to do in a simulspace. This
GMs should also keep the following rules in mind: includes things like customizing your simulmorph, chatting with
other users, editing user-defined parameters, initiating mini-games,
• Asyncs cannot use their psi abilities in simulspace, though such trading virtual items, viewing user profiles, accessing maps or back-
abilities can be simulated. ground files, and so on. Some features may require an Interface Test.
• Any damage taken in the simulspace is virtual. Virtual injuries and • Activate Cheat Code: If you know a cheat code, you can activate it
wounds can use the same mechanics, but characters that die in a to acquire what benefit it provides.
simulspace are usually simply ejected from the simulation. In some • View Domain Rules: You can analyze the simulation’s parameters,
cases, “dead” characters are brought into a white room and can rules, and controls. With an Interface Test, this may give you an
re-enter or just watch the simulation, depending on the domain rules. understanding of things you can do that aren’t immediately intu-
• Mental stress or trauma inflicted during a simulation carries over itive or a way to get past a specific obstacle, challenge, or puzzle.
to the ego. The GM may wish to reduce SV penalties in situations
where the character is aware they are in a simulation. ADMIN/CHEAT ACTIONS
• Vigor pool cannot be used in simulspace. Admins and users with cheat codes have more options. The following
• Time distortion has no effect on pool recharge rates  —  pools represent just a few of the potential options  —  many others are
recharge at normal time frames, no matter if your mind is running possible, depending on the simulspace in question. Most simulspaces
at faster or slower speeds. are monitored to prevent cheating and abuse, though admins are
typically pre-occupied with maintaining the simulspace as a whole,
CHEAT CODES dealing with other users, etc. At the gamemaster’s discretion, an
Like any system with rules, there are ways to cheat. Many simulspace admin might get to make an Interface Test (possibly with a modifier
games intentionally incorporate cheat codes as easter eggs or rewards; for distraction) to notice the use of unauthorized cheat codes.
others are simply intended to make an admin’s work easier. Cheats
allow you to break the domain rules in some way. This may be a • Add/Remove Cheat Codes: Either install a new cheat code or edit/
special power, a way to alter an environmental factor (like flying), remove an existing one. Writing or editing a cheat may require a
altering the time distortion, access to hidden maps or controls, a way Program Test with a timeframe set by the GM. Finding an existing
to get info on other simulmorphs, or a short-cut through part of the cheat may require a Research Test. Installing a cheat code hidden

THE MESH
simulation. In game terms, cheats might provide special abilities or from other admins requires a Hacking Test.
modifiers to a simulmorph’s skill or stat tests. Cheating is usually • Alter Domain Rules: Most simulspaces have control interfaces
forbidden. Players who cheat in a simulspace game and get caught that let you tweak the system settings within certain parameters;
may face eviction from the simulspace. Nevertheless, cheat codes are adjusting these does not require a test. Drastically altering a
highly prized and sometimes even traded on the black market. domain’s environment or underlying rules, however, will require a
Program Test with a timeframe set by the GM.
HACKING SIMULSPACES • Control NPCs: You can dictate what responses NPCs give to certain
Simulspaces are complex virtual environments and often run on actions or direct them outright.
time dilation, which means that hackers cannot hack them in a • Eavesdrop: You can virtually surveil other users in the simulspace,
normal manner when they participate in the simulation. There are no matter their virtual proximity.
ways to affect and influence the simulation from within, but the • Generate Items: You can create virtual items regardless of rarity.
degree of subversion that is achievable is limited. For this reason, • Modify Simulmorph: You can modify a simulmorph’s stats within
hackers rarely enter VR to hack. specified parameters. This can range from giving them extra hit
Within a simulspace, your only option for hacking is through the points or special abilities to nerfing them. Drastic changes may
standard interface that any simulmorph can pull up. This is used for require a Program Test with a timeframe set by the GM.
standard user features like customizing your simulmorph, chatting with • Privacy: You can enact privacy controls that prevent your face-to-face
other users, viewing maps/FAQs, or checking the status of the system communications with other users from being eavesdropped upon.
or other users. Options for using this interface to hack the system are • Start/Stop Simulspace: You can launch a new simulspace or close
usually quite limited, as they are designed so that system controls and down an existing one. Once initiated, this takes 1d6 minutes. Closing
processes cannot be accessed and manipulated from the inside, unless down a particularly large simulspace with many users takes time, as
you happen to have credentials for an admin account. At the GM’s users are given a chance to cleanly log off.
discretion, a poorly designed simulspace may have hidden ways for • Teleport: Instantaneously travel anywhere within the simulspace.
accessing admin options or even accessing a command terminal from • Terminate Session: You can forcibly end a user’s session, returning
within the simulspace; finding such tricks may require a rep favor, a them to the white room.
Research Test in advance, or a critical success on an Interface Test. • Toggle God Mode: Make your simulmorph invulnerable to damage.
Externally hacking into a server running a simulspace is just • Toggle Invisibility: Make yourself imperceptible to standard users.
like breaking into any other system; use all of the standard rules • Toggle Lockbox Controls: Lockbox simulspaces prevent specified
for intrusion and subversion. External hackers can manipulate a users from toggling in or out of simulspace. This is common with
simulspace in the same way as an admin or cheat code from within. VR used for torture, holding forknapped or indentured egos, or in
certain instances of psychosurgery involving volatile patients.

Virtual Reality • Simulspace Rules–Admin/Cheat Actions

¾269
 AVOIDING RECOGNITION
SURVEILLANCE HACKING If you can’t avoid the sensors, trick them. Privacy devices like the
Surveillance is one of the mesh’s primary uses. Knowing how to shroud  ▶339 are common and provide anonymity, though your
conduct your business unseen is a necessary skill for characters of presence may still be noted. Invisibility cloaks ▶338 will hide you
all stripes. from many sensors, but are more likely to raise questions. Ware
THE MESH

such as skin flex, synthetic mask, sex switch, and chameleon skin
DETECTING SENSORS may also help conceal your identity or counter biometric matching.
Though it is often wisest to act as if you are under surveillance all Old-fashioned disguise is also an option; make an opposed test
of the time, sometimes you may want to know where the cameras between Exotic Skill: Disguise and Perceive. Face- and pattern-
are. Many sensors actively broadcast their presence, and even if they matching algorithms fare poorly against certain makeup and visual
don’t, their location can be triangulated via their radio emissions. patterns; apply a –20 to Perceive Tests when using such patterns.
If in stealth mode, they can be found with an Interface Test at –30.
Spotting sensors requires a Perceive Test. Given their small to ACTIVE JAMMING
minute sizes, apply a modifier between –10 and –30 as appropriate. One noisy and short-lived option for countering coveillance is
If looking in an area with multiple sensors, roll once and apply no to jam all radio frequencies (Jam Signals ▶263). This will not stop
modifiers; use superior successes to ascertain how well you find sensors from detecting or recording, but it will prevent them
the smaller ones. Nanoswarms cannot be detected except with a from transmitting this information via the mesh using wireless
nanodetector ▶342. radio  —  for as long as the jamming lasts. Hardwired sensors or
Certain gear and implants can also be used to detect sensors, systems using laser or microwave links are unaffected (though
including electrical sense ware ▶318, spy swarm ▶345, and dazzlers ▶212. microwave links may be jammed separately). Jamming is useful as
Concealed Sensors: Sensors are sometimes actively camouflaged. you can do it on the go, but it also impacts everyone and everything
Apply a –30 modifier to Perceive Tests to spot them. around you and is likely to attract the attention of security forces.
Active Sensors: Active sensors such as radar and lidar betray In a similar manner, dazzlers  ▶212 may be used to temporarily
their presence because they transmit on certain wavelengths, they blind cameras.
don’t just passively receive. A passive radar detector can detect an
active radar sensor for example. Enhanced vision can perceive the HACKING SENSORS
emissions of most active sensors. Selective sensor hacking can be quite useful, particularly in situa-
tions where coverage is minimal. This also gives you many options:

SECURITY LOG, CASE 15678ZT

Log 0624AF09:2300: Partially disassembled body found in habitat's trash Area large enough that long-term traffic analysis of its perimeter would be
recyclers. Unit hacked to bypass recognition of morph components and timely and costly. Given low priority rating, analysis not approved.
subsequent alerts. Only discovered due to a random maintenance check. Log 0626AF09:1000: Access to private sensor networks adjacent to the
No ID or cortical stack found. ripped zones has helped us identify a pair of unregistered drones likely
Log 0625AF09:1100: Forensic nanoswarm scans of recycler transport used to clear a path. These drones match the profile of a local gang known
bots identified the one which carried the corpse. 31 potential pickup to offer sensor-ripping services on the black market.
points noted. Time-contracted security footage review of 28 sites by Log 0626AF09:1600: Contemporary surveillance of the gang's known
ALIs underway. However, 3 sites determined to be in areas lacking active members spotted one of the drones in active use. Operator identified as
sensor coverage, against regulations. Sofia Aitor. Arrest warrant requested.
Log 0625AF09:1200: Genetic scan confirms corpse to be an olympian Log 0626AF09:1900: Attempt to arrest Sofia Aitor foiled when subject
model with after-market modifications. Manufacturer identified in inexplicably experienced severe cerebral hemorraghing immediately after
genetic code as PlayMates Limited, a now defunct hypercorp. Tox screen being taken into custody, leading to her death. Autopsy underway. No
negative. However, bio scanners found some unusual viral traces that are hostile nanoswarms or pathogens yet detected. Subject's known backups
still being analyzed. subpeonaed. Mesh inserts were wiped, muse self-deleted. Subject's ego
Log 0625AF09:1600: Review of 28 sites indicates body was likely not successfully recovered from cortical stack, scheduled for questioning.
dumped at any of them. Analysis of sensors at other 3 sites indicates 1 Log 0627AF09:0400: Aitor's cortical stack reported missing from
site failure due to inadequate maintenance over past few weeks. Sensors evidence lockup. Recovered ego also erased from our systems. Security
at the other 2 sites failed within an hour of each other, within 24 hours of audit underway. Potential exists that we have a mole.
the body's disposal. Motes likely ripped by hostile parties. Log 0627AF09:1300: Officer Ramla Nuru reported missing. Same officer
Log 0625AF09:2300: A habitat-wide analysis of public sensor network present at Aitor's arrest and on site during security breach identified as
failures indicates a concerted area to rip a substantial length of sensor potential imposter. Biometrics uploaded for database search.
coverage in the same2-hour period. This was likely to intended to clear a Log 0627AF09:1400: Biometrics matched to an unknown individual
path for undetected transportation of the body to the recycer pickup point. wanted for questioning throughout the inner system.
Log 0627AF09:1500: Case closed upon orders from Corporate. No justifi-
cation given. Evidence confiscated.

270¹ Surveillance Hacking • Detecting Sensors–Hacking Sensors

deactivating sensors, blocking them from transmitting data, erasing
recordings, looping the feed, or injecting fake sensor data.
Mass Hacking: In areas with heavy sensor coverage, hacking all
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
of the sensors is more challenging. Luckily, motes tend to be less Despite your best efforts, you are likely to eventually be
secure. Treat this as a single consolidated hacking task action ▶259 caught on camera doing something you shouldn’t. This is
against all of the sensors in one area as a group. The GM can apply not the end. Many sensors are not actively monitored and
additional modifiers for the number of sensors (–10 for every group are only checked for an investigation, giving you time to
of 5). remove the evidence. Others belong to private concerns
who simply don’t care about you. Even actively monitored
RIPPING SENSORS systems may overlook your misdeeds; the monitor may
be distracted, overwhelmed, or just fail to notice. So don’t
Ripping is akin to permanent jamming. Most sensors are motes,
and while their optical electronic components protect them from expect alarm klaxons and SWAT teams every time you spit
electromagnetic pulses, their antennas are vulnerable. EM bursts out your gum or act shady.
using a ripper  ▶339 or EMP grenade ▶212 effectively destroy the On the other hand, many sensor feeds are publicly
ability of motes in the area to wirelessly communicate. EM pulses accessible; the ones watching may simply be voyeurs.
are also quite effective against nanoswarms. Ripping is a technique Rather than report you to authorities, they might post the
favored by criminal groups, given its longer effect, as sensors in an recording online, making you the next viral sensation. Your
area must be physically replaced/repaired. rep can play a factor here. Higher-rep individuals are more
likely to be stalked by admirers and media, while someone
DEAD ZONES with bottom-rung rep may get special attention from a
self-appointed citizen watch.
The omnipresence of fixed sensors is not always reliable. There are
many places that have been overlooked, where sensors have fallen ALIs monitoring the public habitat security sensors
into disrepair, or where the environment and petty vandalism typically filter out the trivial stuff. These are programmed
have taken their toll. Every habitat has dead zones in its sensor to assign the people they watch with a risk rating based
coverage  —  and if it doesn’t, someone will go out of their way to on their behavior. The first few offenses may simply
make some. get cataloged or initiate a (sometimes loud and public)
verbal warning. Repeat or severe offenses will trigger a
Clearing Sensors stronger response.
Physically clearing an area of sensors takes time and effort. Treat
this as a Perceive task action with a timeframe based on the area

THE MESH
size. Clearing an area without being noticed doubles the timeframe
and may require an Infiltrate Test as well. Disabled, missing, and
destroyed sensors may be noticed (prompting a maintenance bot
or security check) and replaced over time. Spy nanoswarms must be
cleared with guardian swarms ▶345.

Route Mapping
It is sometimes possible to map a route that travels through blind
spots, avoiding most if not all sensors. This requires an Infiltrate
task action; apply modifiers appropriate to the amount of sensor
coverage and base the timeframe on the area covered. Dead zone
maps are valuable on the black market.

SKIPJACKING
Skipjacking is the art of moving in a way that minimizes exposure
even under ubiquitous coveillance. This involves using people,
vehicles, and objects as cover, timing the movement of drones and
cameras, taking advantage of distractions, and similar tricks  —  all
while avoiding suspicion. Treat skipjacking as an opposed test
between the skipjacker’s Infiltrate skill and the tracker’s Perceive.
Apply modifiers as appropriate to the situation.

AVOIDING EAVESDROPPING
The combination of total surveillance and lip-reading apps means
that even conversations out of microphone range may be eaves-
dropped if they are under a camera’s watchful eye. To bypass this,
direct communication can be established via skinlink ▶325, a fiber-
optic wire between access jacks, or even tight-beam laser link.

Surveillance Hacking • Ripping Sensors–Avoiding Eavesdropping

¾271
 PSI OVERVIEW
In Eclipse Phase, psi abilities are the result of infection by the mutant
Watts-MacLeod strain of the exsurgent virus ▶389. This plague phys-

PSI
ically modifies your async’s brain architecture and functions. These
alterations are copied when you upload, fork, and resleeve, meaning
the infection and psi abilities stay with you when you switch from
morph to morph. Async abilities are inherent to the ego and not a
biological or genetic predisposition of the morph.

PREREQUISITES
To be an async, you must purchase the Psi trait ▶74 during character
creation. It is possible to become an async in game via infection by
the Watts-MacLeod strain ▶389). To wield psi, you must purchase
psi sleights ▶280 with CP or Rez Points. To use psi-gamma sleights,
you will also need the Psi skill ▶51, though you may default to WIL.

MORPHS AND PSI

Async abilities only function on a biological substrate  —  meaning
that you require a biological brain and nervous system. An async
sleeved in a synthmorph, infomorph, or a biomorph with a cyber-
brain may not use their sleights.

MENTAL FRAGMENTATION
The process of infection had a permanent effect on your async’s
mind. Upon becoming infected, you either suffered a mental
breakdown or underwent a long, slow process of mental subver-
sion. Either way, you acquired either an Addiction  ▶76 or Mental
Disorder ▶79 negative trait according to your specific sub-strain ▶273.
This trait does not provide bonus CP and is permanent  —  it may not
be eliminated with psychosurgery or Rez Points.

SLEIGHTS
Asyncs manipulate their egos and otherwise create effects that
cannot be matched nor mimicked by technological means. To
use these abilities, they train their mental processes and practice
cognitive algorithms called sleights, which they can subconsciously
recall and use as necessary. Sleights fall into two categories: psi-chi
(cognitive enhancements) and psi-gamma (brainwave reading
and manipulation). Psi-chi sleights are passive, always-on abilities.
Psi-gamma sleights must be activated, requiring an action and a Psi
skill test. A summary and full list of sleights can be found on ▶280.
You start with one free sleight, chosen from those available to
your specific infection sub-strain  ▶273. All other sleights must be
bought with Customization Points (during character creation) or
Rez Points (during game play).

INFECTION RATING
Your async has an Infection Rating that represents the exovirus’s
influence. This rating changes over time, depending on how
frequently you use your abilities.
Your base Infection Rating equals your Psi trait level × 10. Every
time you use psi-gamma sleights or push a sleight ▶277, your
Infection Rating increases (Infection Modifiers ▶276). Every time you
recharge, it decreases (Easing the Infection ▶277).

PLAYING THE INFECTION

Consider having a player other than the async take on the role of the infection.
This is particularly useful for the architect and stranger sub-strains, but works
for all of them. The infection player can whisper in the async’s ear, describe
compulsions and hallucinations, or even maintain a sort of alter-ego internal

272¹
dialogue with the async.
Psi Overview • Prerequisites
 THE XENOMORPH
WATTS-MACLEOD An alien presence lives inside of you. Your instinctual responses

SUB-STRAINS
are different from those of your original phenotype and you occa-
sionally find yourself acting in ways more fitting to a physiology
As an async, you are affected by a specific sub-strain of the Watts- different from yours. You might feel a weird compulsion to burrow
MacLeod virus. This sub-strain determines how the exovirus affects into sand, lay eggs, eat non-nutritious or dangerous substances,
you personally. It influences what Mental Disorder trait you start with or clean phantom appendages that aren’t part of your current
and provides you with a free bonus sleight. It also impacts the behav- anatomy. You may even seek out morphs that better accommo-
ioral compulsions and spurred motivations that infection inflicts upon date these omnipresent urges. You sometimes express an outlook
you (Influence Effects ▶278). The sub-strain is chosen during character that other transhumans find strange, just as you are occasionally
creation (or when your character is infected during gameplay). confused or mystified by transhuman cultural practices. When the
infection expresses itself strongly, these omnipresent urges seem
THE ARCHITECT quite normal, but the transhumans around you seem more and
Your infection possesses a distinct curiosity and sense of intelli- more bizarre and alien. While some asyncs report this sub-strain as
gence. You often see things from a perspective that is different. It adhering to a specific alien anatomy (i.e., they often feel insectoid
drives you to delve into the inner mechanics of things and examine or aquatic), others clearly feel that the alien presence within trans-
how they work  —  whether they be machines or biological entities. forms and changes over time.
The urges push beyond exploration and learning  —  you are often Negative Trait (Choose one): Mental Disorder (Alien Behavioral
compelled to build and construct new things: architecture with Disorder, Atavism, Body Dysmorphia, or Conversion Disorder)
inexplicable functions, strange devices, or even new forms of life. Free Sleight (Choose One): Somatic Control, Eco-Empathy, or
Though the virus’s exact motivation and intent remains unclear, it Xeno-Empathy
leaves you with an unmistakable sense of purpose.
Negative Trait (Choose one): Mental Disorder (Bipolar Disorder,

ROLEPLAYING ASYNCS
Insomnia, or Paramnesia)
Free Sleight (Choose One): Enhanced Creativity, Grok, or
Implant Skill As an async, you should keep the origin of your abilities in mind:
Watts-MacLeod strain infection. You may or may not be aware of
THE BEAST this source, but you undoubtedly know that you underwent some
Your infection is a ravenous, bloodthirsty monster, yearning to sort of transformation and have talents that no one else does. If
break free. You struggle to keep it in check, placated or distracted, unaware of the infection, you have likely learned to keep your abil-
else the desire for carnage and mayhem overwhelms you. ities secret lest you be ridiculed, attacked, or whisked away to some
Negative Trait (Choose one): Mental Disorder (ADHD, Anxiety, secret testing program. Learning the truth about your nature could
or PTSD) even be the starting point of a campaign and/or your introduction
Free Sleight (Choose One): High Pain Threshold, Burst of to Firewall. If you know the truth, however, you must live with the

PSI
Adrenaline, or Psychic Stab fact that you are the victim of a nanoplague likely spread by the
TITANs that may or may not lead to complications, side effects, or
THE HAUNTER other unexpected revelations in your future.
The low-level dread of incomprehensible terror, flittering at the You should make an effort to explore the nature of your infec-
edge of perception, is your constant companion. Sometimes it is the tion and how your character perceives it. Asyncs are profoundly
crushing weight of the uncaring dark void that makes our extinction a changed people. The invasive and alien aspect of your abilities
near certainty, sometimes it is a more palpable, unnameable presence, should not be lost on you. For example, you might conceive of your
an entity so beyond your ken that you are insignificant in comparison. psi talents as a sort of parasitic entity, living off your sleights, or
You are plagued by unrest and unease, taunted by nightmares and a you might feel that using these powers puts you in touch with some
sense that reality is not always as grounded as you would like. sort of fundamental substrate of the universe that is weird and
Negative Trait (Choose one): Addiction or Mental Disorder terrifying. Alternatively, you could feel as if your personality was
(Cosmic Anxiety Disorder or Paranoia) melded with something different, something that doesn’t belong.
Free Sleight (Choose One): Heightened Awareness, Infectious Each async is likely to view their situation differently, and none of
Mind, or Nightmare them pleasantly.
One key aspect to roleplaying an async is to treat the infection
THE STRANGER as a distinct, if mostly dormant or removed, entity. It is a constant
Your infection is the shadow at your side, the whispering chant of presence below your async’s consciousness. It may have its own
its unusual desires echoing just below the limits of your perception. unique aspirations, but these should remain mysterious. While
It is omnipresent but patient, waiting for moments of vulnerability many of the behavioral compulsions and motivational urges imply
to steer you towards its inscrutable ends. Though its motivations a level of sociopathy or destructiveness, think of it more as lacking
are hazy, it seems to enjoy testing your limits  —  and those of trans- a moral compass. The exovirus has none of the reference points for
humanity at large. morality that transhumanity has. It is not evil so much as indifferent,
Negative Trait (Choose one): Mental Disorder (Disassociative callous, and alien.
Personality Disorder, Paramnesia, or Paranoia)
Free Sleight (Choose One): Superior Kinesics, Basilisk Stare, or
Subliminal

Watts-MacLeod Sub-Strains • ROLEPLAYING ASYNCS

¾273
 PSI
Source: Stellar Intelligence (Updated Precis)
The term “psi,” coined by biologist Bertold P. Wiesner, was originally an umbrella abilities functioning as cheat codes in a simulated universe. Hard evidence and
term used to describe paranormal phenomena, including so-called “psychic” abil- explanations, however, remain frustratingly inconclusive. Numerous dead ends
PSI

ities such as telepathy and extra-sensory perception. While the term was used have prompted many researchers to postulate that the mechanics underlying
extensively in the field of parapsychology and pop culture in the twentieth and psi are simply too strange and too far beyond transhumanity’s understanding
early twenty-first centuries, the study of psi was largely considered a pseudosci- of physical sciences—perhaps reinforcing theories that the exsurgent virus is in
ence with flawed methodologies and gradually lost funding and support. fact of alien origin. Of course we can only speculate in accordance with known
During the Fall, however, repeated rumors and accounts of unexplained research—it is quite possible that some parties have made further break-
abilities drew the attention of scientists, military leaders, and singularity throughs, but are keeping the information to themselves.
seekers alike. Numerous biological and nanoviruses had been unleashed upon The initiation and use of psi talents is generally understood to take place on
transhumanity, racing through populations and transforming as they spread. a subconscious level, meaning that the async is not actively aware of the funda-
Some inflicted only minor biological or mental changes and impairments, but mental processes that trigger the effects. Practice and training, however, allows
many were vicious and deadly. The most feared variants, however, were those an async to focus on activating specific psi abilities. These are called “sleights:”
that came to be labeled as the exsurgent virus—a transformative plague that mnemonic or cognitive algorithms that enable the ego to manifest a particular
mutates its victims and subverts them to its will. The exsurgent virus was psi function. Some researchers have organized sleights into two categories.
observed to radically modify the subject’s neural patterns and mental state, “psi-chi” sleights are mental enhancements and new cognitive functions. These
affecting synaptic arrangement and even modulating synaptic currents. In largely impact the async’s perceptions, metabolic processes, information-pro-
some cases, infected brains even developed new anatomical modules. With cessing abilities, and self control. Once an async learns to activate this capability,
some strains, these changes alter and enhance the victim’s cognitive capabil- it remains always on, like a new sense or bodily function. Some asyncs only have
ities. In others, they also endow the capacity to sense and affect the minds psi-chi abilities. A second category of “psi-gamma” sleights involve the ability to
of others from a short distance. Both of these are dubbed “psi” as the causal impact biological neural functions in others. Though the range on these sleights
factors continue to mystify us. is limited (with success rates dropping sharply after ~10 meters), the capabilities
are more diverse. Specific sleights have been shown to read thoughts, affect
A NEW EXSURGENCY memories, inflict damaging neurofeedback or pain, modify senses, and influence
The exsurgent virus is exceptionally mutable and adaptive, however, and two cognitive and physiological functions. Research indicates that asyncs are able to
Argonaut researchers who were studying it made an interesting discovery. A detect and influence other asyncs at longer distances. Sleights have also proven
variant strain was found that endowed the subject with exceptional mental effective on animals, though the lower the level of sentience the harder they
abilities without engaging the excessive transformative processes of the other reportedly are to affect. Asyncs capable of both psi-chi and psi-gamma sleights
strains. Though infection still has other drawbacks, many agencies have come have shown an ability to sometimes “push” their sleights for greater effects.
to regard this strain as “safe” in the sense that it does not make the subject
infectious to others, the subject does not transmogrify into an alien monstrosity,
PUBLIC AWARENESS
and their general personality remains intact. Intrigued that this avenue of inquiry
Though incidents of psychic abilities are sometimes reported on in mainstream
might lead to a way to nullify the effects of other exsurgent strains, a number of
media, experienced in livestream X-casts, and sensationalized in popular vids
groups are known to experiment with the strain with the cooperation of willing
and games, they are widely assumed to be the result of hysteria, misunder-
test subjects. It is known that some hypercorps and habitat authorities have also
stood technology, or outright fakes. Though most authorities are aware of the
experimented with these strains using unwilling victims.
validity of these reports, they often take pains to conceal these matters and
Labeled the Watts-MacLeod strain after the researchers who isolated it,
keep them under wraps, so as not to trigger widespread panic. Among auton-
further study has gained insight into the effect this virus has on transhuman
omist and other open communities, knowledge of psi is more widespread, but
brains. Careful analysis of infected subjects discovered that their altered
details are vague and reports are greeted with skepticism.
synapses generate a modulated brainwave pattern that is extremely difficult
The percentage of the transhuman population believed to have contracted the
to detect. These asynchronous brainwaves are now widely referred to as “psi
Watts-MacLeod virus remains statistically insignificant—less than .001% of the
waves,” fitting with the Greek letter designation of other brainwaves (alpha,
population. This, however, still may indicate that there are tens or even hundreds
beta, delta, gamma, theta). Likewise, affected individuals are known as “asyncs.”
of thousands of asyncs scattered among transhumanity. Given the widespread
ANALYSIS OF PSI lack of information or acceptance of their capabilities, many asyncs may not
Exploration of the explicit causal factors behind psi waves remains stymied. even realize they are affected, having never expressed their abilities or under-
Neuroimaging and mapping have enabled scientists to pinpoint structures standing what they are. This situation is compounded as the Watts-MacLeod
within the brain, neural activity, and perturbations in the brain’s bioelectric strain remains elusive to standard detection practices, with few asyncs (<3%)
field that are associated with psi processes, but attempts to duplicate these being correctly identified (though there is some evidence to indicate that those
features in non-infected brains have resulted in failure or worse. Researchers recently infected are more likely to be detected). Attempts to identify asyncs by
have proposed a number of imaginative theories: mental processes with the scans of psi brainwave patterns have also not proven reliable. However, asyncs
ability to change quantum states, subconscious interactions with dimensions of have a larger standard deviation in terms of how frequently their brainprint ID
reality we cannot normally perceive, brain modules with advanced hypercompu- pattern alters and must be updated. The vast number of identified asyncs have
tational abilities, or even distributed synaptic processes that manipulate some been recruited by various agencies, “disappeared” for study, or simply eliminated
as-yet unidentified substrate of reality. At least one Argonaut has advanced as a potential threat. It is known that several polities, hypercorps, and habitats
the argument that asyncs may prove the Simulation Hypothesis, with their analyze ID and private medical data for signs of Watts-MacLeod infection.

274¹ PSI
 HIDDEN DANGERS
# Start EyeChat #
# Active Members: 7 #
Router: Why are we being summoned into another chat? We finished the op Filter: Are you fucking kidding me? We have an active exsurgent on our team
overviews last week and our next check-in isn’t scheduled until Monday. and you didn’t bother to tell the rest of us?
Filter: I called this special session. We have an issue with Jun-Seo that Crow: I knew. I’ve been helping Jun-Seo find treatment for the issue since we
requires extra care and discussion. And I think it’s time we revisit our policy first identified it. Calling them an exsurgent is a bit extre—
on asyncs. Filter: It’s rather fucking extreme to let a hostile alien entity seize control of
Crow: Oh not this garbage again. one of our operatives, don’t you think? This entire server could be in danger.
Filter: Perhaps you feel that discussion of an infection risk within our own Router: The risks are known and accepted. All of Firewall has had this debate,
ranks is not worth our time. That we should all be fine with letting our multiple times. Having asyncs on our side has been mission critical on more
enemies corrupt us from within. occasions than we can count. Like any technology, it sometimes bites us in
Crow: Oh ffs, there’s no infection risk. We’ve been over this a thousand times. the ass. We have measures in place to mitigate the problem.
The virus altered them, that’s it. It did not turn them. They are not infectious. Scanner: Actually, I share some of [Filter’s] concerns and I’d appreciate a bit
They are not— more background on this. We have 5 active teams with asyncs, so it’s rele-
Filter: You don’t know tha— vant. Is this the same as the Voice I’ve heard Hex mention? Or are we talking
Scanner: Friends! Hold up a nanosec. Before we stir up this firestorm again, a complete subversion of the ego here, like an exsurgent or TITAN puppet?
can we deal with the current situation first? That seems more urgent, and Crow: Every async’s alteration is different. Some of them feel a presence or
then we can push the Great Undying Async Debate to the side channels and talk to voices in their head. Some hallucinate. A lot of them get overwhelmed
handle it in our precious free time. with strange urges. Their personalities sometimes change, like mood swings.
Filter: Fair enough. We have an issue in Noctis-Qianjiao. The NQPD just discov- For the most part, these effects are low-level and manageable. They’re in
ered a clutch of two dozen networked cyberbrains amid a bunch of unspeci- control. However, there’s a correlation between heavy use of psi sleights
fied jury-rigged mesh-server gear. They’re not quite sure what to make of it and more significant effects. Lethal biofeedback. Emotional trauma. Some
yet, but they’ve called in some TITAN specialists and Oversight to help them asyncs report that they impulsively self-sabotage. A very small sampling
figure it out. You’ll want to take a look at the location. <Attached Files> have reported episodes of lost time, waking up in places different then they
Register: Oh sweet Ganesh. That’s our safehouse, isn’t it? went to sleep or with tools in their hand. This may be akin to sleepwalking, or
Filter: Indeed it is. It’s the tertiary safehouse for the team we’ve had active in it may be something more. We are still investigating.
Noctis the past six months. [Vector2], tell them what you told me. Filter: Two. Dozen. Networked. Cyberbrains. In a different part of town. That’s
Vector2: Aye. OK, mates, I ran through the security logs on the safehouse quite the sleepwalk.

PSI
(or at least the ones we had backed up, today’s logs are in the hands of the Router: Look, we share your concerns. This is obviously abnormal. We’re
jacks). We haven’t really touched it since we set it up and gave the codes working on it. But it’s premature to equate all asyncs to exsurgent sleeper
to the sentinels. I didn’t see any signs of trespassing or security breaches. agents or mind-hacked puppets. We have no reason to treat Jun-Seo as an
But there are heaps of logged visits from one of the sentinels, at all sorts of enemy agent at this time.
random times. Guess which one. Filter: If we suspected any member of that team to be exsurgent-infected,
Router: Damnit. this entire collective would be yelling to kill them with fire. I am not certain if
Filter: While [Vector2] and I are doing as much as we can to clean this up, you’ve all grown soft, if you’re deluded, or if you’re already compromised too.
we’ll need some assistance. The police have the logs too and will soon be Vector1: Yo, comrade [Filter]. You still outsourcing some of your spin-control
searching for Jun-Seo. The whole team’s cover may be compromised. And ops through that Experian troll farm?
we’re not certain what led the police to the safehouse in the first place— Filter: What does that have to do with anything?
something we need to look into. Vector1: Well since we’re throwing around accusations of being compromised,
Vector1: On it. I was wondering how much intel you trade them on top of the invoice. We all
Filter: And, of course, there’s the issue of Jun-Seo. We need to neutralize them know there’s no way the Oaxaca-Maartens just look the other way at the sort
and warn the team. of business we bring them. If they smell juicy intel, they go after it.
Router: Jun-Seo is not a threat. We already knew there was the potential for Filter: How fucking dare you.
this. The team has reported that on several occasions Jun-Seo’s morph had Scanner: Friends, friends, let us stop this. We do not need to be at each other’s
been active while Jun-Seo themself had been “checked out.” Asleep. throats. We have a serious problem to address.
Filter: You already fucking knew the virus was taking over their body? And Register: I have a question that may impact the matter at hand.
you left this menace interfaced with the team? What kind of shitshow are Router: Yes?
we running here? Register: Whose cyberbrains are these that Jun-Seo collected?
Router: Calm the eff down. The team was aware and knew the risks. They’d
taken extra precautions to keep Jun monitored. And this sort of somnambu-
lism is a known if rare issue with some asyncs.

HIDDEN DANGERS
¾275
 USING PSI
If the async rolls a critical failure, they suffer 1d6 DV as the effort
takes a physical toll in the form of headaches and ruptured blood vessels.
Drawing on a sleight to procure an effect does not always require a If the async wins with a critical success, double the potency of the
test. Each sleight description details how the power is used. sleight’s effect. In the case of psi attacks, the DV is doubled.

PSI RANGE MENTAL ARMOR

PSI

Psi-chi sleights only affect the async. Psi-gamma sleights may be used The Psi Armor and Psi Shield sleights (▶281 and ▶285) provide
on the self or other biological life at a short distance. While there is no mental armor, a form of neural hardening against psi-based attacks.
modifier for using a ranged sleight on yourself, using ranged sleights Like physical armor, this mental armor reduces the amount of
on others imposes a modifier according to the distance. damage inflicted by a psychic assault.
Touch: Touch range gives you a +20 modifier to your Psi Test (but
not on sleights used on yourself ). You must have physical contact TARGET AWARENESS
with the target (clothing, armor, vacsuits, etc. do not impede). If the The target of a psi sleight is aware they are being targeted any time
target avoids being touched, this requires a successful melee attack they succeed on their half of the opposed test (regardless of whether
as a quick action, applying the touch-only +20 modifier. This attack the async rolls higher or not). Note that awareness does not neces-
does not cause damage, but the target may Fray to avoid. If you fail sarily mean that the target understands that psi abilities are being
to touch, you may still use the sleight at Point-Blank range. used on them, especially as most people in Eclipse Phase are unaware
Point-Blank: +10 Psi Test (but not on sleights used on yourself ). of psi’s existence. Instead, the target understands that some outside
You must be within 2 meters of the target or less. influence is at work or that something strange is happening. They
Close: No modifier. You must be within 10 meters of the target. may suspect that they have been drugged, hacked, or are under the
For every 2 meters beyond that, apply a –10 modifier to the test. influence of some strange technology. A character with Psi skill may
Psi vs. Psi: Due to the nature of psi, sleights are more effective make a Psi Test to identify the sleight used against them.
against other asyncs and exsurgents. Double the range of each Targets who fail their roll remain unaware.
category above: Point-Blank counts to 4 meters, Close counts out
to 20 meters. DURATION
Psi sleights have one of four durations: constant, instant, temporary,
TARGETING or sustained.
You may not target synthmorphs, bots, and vehicles with psi sleights, Constant: Constant sleights are always “on.”
as they lack biological systems. Pods and biomorphs with cyber- Instant: Instant sleights inflict an immediate and permanent
brains are less susceptible; asyncs suffer a –30 modifier against effect that lasts without effort.
them. Note that infomorphs may never be targeted by psi sleights Temporary: Temporary sleights last for a limited duration with
as psi is not effective within the mesh or simulspace. no extra effort. The temporary duration is determined your WIL ÷ 5
You must have line of sight to your target or otherwise be aware and is measured in action turns, minutes, or hours, as noted.
of their presence in relation to yours (such as by using the ego sense Influence effects ▶278 are applied immediately when the sleight is
sleight or viewing them through a tacnet). Walls with a combined activated, not at the end of the duration.
Armor/DR total of 100 or more will block psi sleights. Ranged Sustained: Sustained sleights last as long as you want, but require
combat modifiers for cover and hidden targets apply to Psi Tests. active effort and concentration: apply a –10 modifier to all other
Animals and Less Complex Life Forms: Psi works against skill tests while the sleight is sustained. The async must also stay
any living creature with a brain and/or nervous system. Against within Close range + 10 meters of the target, otherwise the sleight
partially sapient and partially uplifted animals, it suffers a –20 immediately ends. More than one sleight may be sustained at a time,
modifier. Against non-sapient animals, it suffers a –30 modifier. It with a cumulative modifier. Influence effects are applied immediately
has no effect on or against less complex life forms like plants, algae, when the sleight is activated, not at the end of the duration. At the
bacteria, etc. GM’s discretion, sleights that are sustained for long periods may incur
Factors and Aliens: At the GM’s discretion, psi sleights may not additional Infection Modifiers and Infection Tests.
work on alien creatures at all, depending on their physiology and
neurology. If it does work, it is likely to suffer at least a –20 modifier. INFECTION MODIFIERS
Whenever you take advantage of your psychic abilities, there is
OPPOSED TESTS a cost to pay. This may manifest physically, in the form of fatigue,
Psi that targets another character is handled as an opposed test, headaches, and hemorrhaging. Or it may give the infection a chance
the async’s Psi skill versus the defender’s WIL Check. Moxie pool to claw at the cracks in your psyche and manipulate your outlook.
may be used by both. Willing characters may choose not to resist, Whenever you use psi-gamma sleights, two things happen. First,
but they must be aware of what is happening (either the async has your Infection Rating increases by that sleight’s Infection modifier.
warned them or they have experienced it before). Unconscious or This represents the infection temporarily taking a stronger hold over
sleeping characters cannot resist. your mind. Second, the exovirus must make an Infection Test. As
Psi Full Defense: Like full defense in physical combat ▶226, you the infectee, the async player rolls this test.
may spend a complex action to concentrate your mental defenses, Asyncs that only use psi-chi sleights do not need to worry about
gaining a +30 modifier to resist sleights until your next action. infection flare-ups unless they push ▶277.
Criticals: If the defender wins with a critical success, the async
is temporarily “locked out” of their mind and may not target them
again until they take a recharge action ▶35.

276¹ Using Psi • Psi Range–Infection Modifiers

 Infection Test have not satisfied its terms, you suffer SV 1d6. At the GM’s discretion,
The target number for your Infection Test equals your current staying in proximity to the motivation’s focus (if any) without acting
Infection Rating (including the modifier from the sleight you are upon it may require a WIL Check to restrain yourself and may inflict
using). If this test fails, nothing happens, and you pull off the sleight a –10 modifier to all skill tests until you give in or the duration ends.
without any negative effects. If it succeeds, you suffer an influence Other Effects: A few influence effects (such as frenzy and halluci-
effect appropriate to the sub-strain (Influence Effects ▶278). nations) are unique to the sub-strain and function as detailed.
You may not spend pool to affect the Infection Test, but you
may spend Moxie to avoid making the Infection Test altogether, PUSHING SLEIGHTS
powering through the sleight with sheer willpower. However, your You may boost your sleight’s effectiveness, at the cost of increasing
Infection Rating still increases. the infection’s influence. You may choose to push a psi-gamma
Critical Failure: If you roll a critical failure, the exovirus tempo- sleight when you activate it, but before any test is made. Your
rarily loses its grip on you. You are immune to influence effects until Infection Modifier doubles and you automatically suffer DV 1d6 in
your next recharge. addition to making an Infection Test per normal.
Superior Success: Apply a +1 modifier to the influence effect roll Choose one of the following effects for your pushed sleight:
per superior success.
Critical Success: On a critical success, an influence effect is • Increased Range: Range doubles; Point-Blank extends to 4 meters,
chosen and the GM also picks one of the following: Close extends to 20 meters. This effect is cumulative with the range
increase against other asyncs (Point-Blank becomes 6, Close 30).
• Checkout Time: The infection is awakened, but bides its time. The • Increased Effect: Any modifiers provided by the sleight are doubled.
next time you take a long recharge or are rendered unconscious, you For example, +10 becomes +20; +1 pool becomes +2; and so on.
may awaken to discover that the infection has been active while • Increased Power: The sleight is resisted by WIL Check ÷ 2.
your mind was under  —  literally taking control of your body. What • Increased Penetration: Psi Shield armor is reduced by half.
the exovirus does during this time is up to the GM and may not • Increased Duration: Double the sleight’s Duration (temporary
be immediately apparent to your character. You may awaken to a sleights only).
corpse in your bed or strange symbols meticulously etched with • Extra Target: You may affect one extra target with the sleight, with
bloody fingernails over every inch of your wall, or you may discover the same action, as long as each of them can be targeted via the
a half-completed alien device secreted away in a locker weeks later. rules above. You only roll once, with each of the defending charac-
More than one async has stimmed themselves awake for days, afraid ters making their opposed tests against that roll.
to fall asleep and let the presence inside them take control.
• Interference: The exovirus actively impedes you at a critical point. At You may also push already active psi-chi sleights. In this case,
some point in the future, when you are about to make a test, you must increase your Infection Rating by 5 and make an Infection Test.
make an opposed test pitting your WIL Check against your Infection Psi-chi pushes are temporary, lasting only WIL ÷ 5 minutes.
Rating +30. If the infection wins, your test will automatically suffer Moxie pool may be used when pushing to negate the physical
a critical failure (pools may not be applied). GMs are encouraged to damage, but you must still make an Infection Test as normal. If 2

PSI
select situations that will have dramatic and dire results. points of Moxie pool are spent, however, the test is negated entirely.
Pushing a sleight is not necessarily obvious, though the mental
effort and pain/damage may be apparent with a Kinesics Test.
THE INFECTION'S INFLUENCE
Every time an Infection Test succeeds, the exovirus exerts a bit more INFECTION RATING THRESHOLDS
control over your psyche. Every async experiences this differently, As your infection takes a stronger hold, your sleights become more
depending on their particular sub-strain. powerful:
Roll 1d6 and consult your sub-strain’s influence effects ▶278,
applying +1 per superior success rolled on the Infection Test. • Infection Rating 33+: Apply the Increased Effect push effect to all
During character creation (or when your PC becomes infected with of your psi-chi sleights. This lasts until your Infection Rating drops
Watts-MacLeod), you should write down these six influence effects below 33.
on your character sheet. • Infection Rating 66+: Apply one free push effect to all of your
Influence effects kick in immediately as the sleight is activated. psi-gamma sleights. The same effect must be applied to each. This
Physical Damage: You suffer DV 1d6 in the form of fatigue, lasts until your Infection Rating drops below 66.
headaches, and hemorrhaging.
Enhanced/Restricted Behavior: For a temporary period of 1d6 You may still push sleights when you are over a threshold, but
minutes, you acquire an Enhanced or Restricted Behavior trait. This you may not apply the same push effect that a threshold already
trait should directly impact your roleplaying. The level of the trait provides, with the exception of extra target.
depends on your current Infection Rating: under 33 (Level 1), 33+
(Level 2), 66+ (Level 3). EASING THE INFECTION
Motivation: For a temporary period of 1d6 hours, you acquire an For every short recharge action ▶35 you take, reduce your Infection
extra motivation that should be actively roleplayed. This itch lurks Rating by 10. It may not be decreased lower than your base
in the back of your mind, relentlessly pushing you to take action. If Infection Rating (Psi Level × 10). For every long recharge, reset your
the motivation is satisfied, you benefit by healing stress (Motivational Infection to its base rating.
Recovery ▶223). Like any motivation, you do not need to act on it imme- You may not reduce your Infection Rating if you have active
diately. However, if the duration ends and the GM determines you influence effects  —  the urge must be satiated first.

Using Psi • The Infection's Influence–Easing the Infection

¾277
 INFLUENCE EFFECTS
that is so traumatized and confused by the haunter sub-strain that
one of their influence effects is to fly into an uncontrollable rage,
Influence effects  —   in particular, the impulses and compul- lashing out at whatever is around them, even their allies and loved
sions  —  provide character to your specific infection. They speak to a ones. Or perhaps you ascribe a motivation of focused self-interest
range of behaviors that put a face on the entity affecting you. Players to the stranger and so devise an influence effect that compels your
PSI

and GMs are encouraged to use this to generate a personality of async to act in completely selfish and narcissistic ways, no matter
sorts for the infection itself. Perhaps they hint at specific alien phys- the detriment to others. Maybe your idea for the xenomorph is that
iologies, motivations, or cultural mannerisms. Though the exovirus it stems from a hive-mind perspective, and so the async might fail
should always remain inscrutable to some degree, its likely manifes- to understand the concept of the individual or lash out at behavior
tations can provide indicators for its general outlook and intentions, divergent from perceived collective goals. Use the effects as listed
which you can then use to add flavor to your PC’s own actions. for guidelines, while also considering options such as temporary
In this vein, the influence effects provided for each sub-strain disorders  ▶224, enhanced behaviors ▶78, restricted behaviors ▶80,
should be considered customizable. Perhaps you envision an async or even negative traits such as Neural Damage ▶79.

Architect Sub-Strain Beast Sub-Strain

D6 Roll Influence Effect D6 Roll Influence Effect
1 Physical Damage. Take DV 1d6. 1 Physical Damage. Take DV 1d6.
2 Enhanced Behavior: Arrogance. You have it all figured out. You 2 Enhanced Behavior: Aggression. You are unnecessarily hostile.
are convinced that you are incontrovertibly right, that your plan You respond to any challenge, threat, or provocation with
is the best plan, and that you know exactly what is going on. You intimidation or violence.
sneer at anyone who thinks otherwise. 3 Restricted Behavior: Remorse. You are oblivious or ambivalent
3 Restricted Behavior: Relaxation. There is no time to rest, you to the negative repercussions of your actions on others.
have too many things to do! 4 Motivation: +Domination. You will do what is necessary to gain
4 Motivation: +Hoard. You instinctively and secretly collect things the upper hand. This can mean defeating your rivals, assuming
for purposes that are not entirely clear to you. This might range leadership of your pack, or otherwise proclaiming and defending
from electronics components to rare elements to a variety of your superiority.
weapons  —  or it might apply to stranger things such as skin or 5 Motivation: +No Quarter. You refuse to flee or surrender, even
internal organs. You not only accumulate these items, but stash if the odds are overwhelming. You also refuse to spare your
them away in hidden caches to protect them from others. enemies or show mercy.
5 Motivation: +Expose Inner Workings. You become 6+ Frenzy: Within the next 24 hours, you frenzy if blood is spilled
hyperfocused on the most interesting person, thing, or mystery near you. For 1d6 minutes, you receive +10 on melee attacks,
in your immediate vicinity. This might be an unusual morph, a inflict +1d6 DV melee damage, and ignore the effects of one
high-tech device, an unsolved puzzle, or something you have wound (cumulative with other pain editors, up to a maximum
never experienced before. If nothing stands out, you fixate on the of 3 wound effects). However, you must make a WIL Check to
nearest person or thing that is newest to you. You are compelled use a ranged weapon against a target in melee range or to
to learn all about the subject by tinkering with it, testing it, taking restrain yourself from attacking anyone brandishing a weapon or
it apart, and examining it piece by piece. otherwise hostile.
6+ Motivation: +Create. You are obsessed with an elusive idea for
a new creation. This may be a sculpture, a robot, a neogenetic Other Potential Enhanced Behaviors: Arousal, Gluttony, Risk-Taking.
life form, or something weird. The nature of the design relies Other Potential Restricted Behaviors: Empathy.
on your skills and available resources. It might also require Other Potential Motivations: +Cannibalism, +Claim Territory, +Eradicate
components or resources that are unusual (blood, bones) or Enemies, +Instill Fear, +Stalk Prey.
hard to find (uranium, antimatter). The idea itself may not be
fully formed or realized in your head  —  you may not understand
even after you finish it. If you are unlikely to complete the design
before the compulsion ends, you will be inclined to secretly store
it and pick up the project again the next time you are compelled.

Other Potential Enhanced Behaviors: Curiosity, Callousness, Ruthlessness.

Other Potential Motivations: +Acquire Advanced Technology, +Discard
Emotional Ties, +Discover the Unknown, +Repurpose, +Uncover Secrets.

278¹ Influence Effects

 Haunter Sub-Strain Stranger Sub-Strain
D6 Roll Influence Effect D6 Roll Influence Effect
1 Physical Damage. Take DV 1d6. 1 Physical Damage. Take DV 1d6.
2 Enhanced Behavior: Avoidance. You acquire an intolerance for a 2 Enhanced Behavior: Deceit. Truth becomes uninteresting, you
specific type of sensory input: smells, sounds, light, darkness, etc. lie just to get the thrill of manipulating others, no matter the
You will go to great lengths to avoid it. consequences. You avoid blatant mis-truths, but take pleasure
3 Enhanced Behavior: Mistrust. You are convinced that nothing is in misleading others, even with trivial details. The rush when
as it seems. The signs of conspiracy, of falsehood, of wrongness seeding doubt and uncertainty, even if it casts aspersions on
are everywhere. Your allies may be compromised without their others, is intoxicating.
knowledge. Everything is suspect. 3 Enhanced Behavior: Self-Sabotage. You are your own worst
4 Motivation: +Cut Ties. Relationships are pointless at best, a enemy. You choose the worst options for yourself and always
detriment at worst. Better to rid yourself of excess baggage. take the wrong path.
5 Motivation: +Isolation. You are disgusted by the presence of 4 Motivation: +Foil Plans. You delight in spoiling the designs of
others and called by the desire to embrace the void. You will others. You go out of your way to ensure that people fail their
seek to isolate yourself from others and meditate with the silent obligations, agendas self-destruct, and things do not go as
voices in the dark. You may even go so far as to barricade yourself planned.
in, hide where you cannot be found, or take a spacewalk to 5 Motivation: +Manipulation. You get a thrill at steering people
commune with the dark universe. into actions and behaviors that fit your plans.
6+ Hallucination: Within the next 24 hours, you experience a 6+ Motivation: +Test Limits. You like to see how far you can get
full-sensory hallucination. The GM describes a scene to you as if things to go. You might bypass an opportunity to quickly resolve
were real, and you respond accordingly. The hallucination may be a conflict, ignore fast solutions in order to drag an emergency
as subtle as seeing something crawling under an NPC’s skin to as out, or intentionally spread misinformation that you know will
immersive as suddenly finding yourself in an alien environment, aggravate tensions between already near-hostile parties. You
but it lasts no more than a few minutes. If you have cause to will press buttons, fan the flames, exploit vulnerabilities, reveal
disbelieve the illusion, you may make an INT Check to spot the horrible truths, push boundaries, and stir things up, even if it puts
falsehood; even if successful, however, the hallucination will you and your comrades at risk.
still play out. Some hallucinations may just provide unnerving
or horrifying experiences, a sign that the universe is unraveling Other Potential Enhanced Behaviors: Cruelty, Spite.
around you. Others may provide obfuscated insights, reveal Other Potential Restricted Behaviors: Empathy, Remorse,
hidden connections, or hint at things to come. Take Responsibility.
Other Potential Motivations: +Betrayal, +Convert Opponent,

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Other Potential Enhanced Behaviors: Denial, Nihilism, Unsettling Mannerisms. +Execute Grand Scheme, +Mislead Others, +Twist Truth.
Other Potential Restricted Behaviors: Empathy.
Other Potential Motivations: +Crush Hope, +Expose Hidden Truths,
+Release Others From Misery, +Shake Collective Confidence.

Xenomorph Sub-Strain
D6 Roll Influence Effect
1 Physical Damage. Take DV 1d6.
2 Enhanced Behavior: Non-verbal Communication. Words become less important. You prefer conveying intent by posture, expressions, threat
displays, and similar physical emotive cues.
3 Enhanced Behavior: Cliquishness. You are rude, mistrustful, and hostile to outsiders, but supportive to your pack.
4 Motivation: +Transform Environment. You’d prefer an environment conducive to the alien presence within you. So you create one or establish a nest.
This may require complete darkness, burrowing underground, warmth (> 100 F/38 C), cold (< 0 F/−17 C), or submerging an area in water or a similar
liquid. This favored environment may always remain the same or it may change randomly or according to conditions.
5 Motivation: +Control Territory. You must free an area you control from outside threats. You may be inclined to stock provisions, set traps, and
otherwise protect your space from intruders.
6+ Motivation: +Express True Form. You are no longer satisfied to dwell in inferior physical forms. You will go to great lengths to modify yourself,
whether sophisticated or crude.

Other Potential Enhanced Behaviors: Arousal, Gluttony, Grooming, Socialize.

Other Potential Motivations: +Eat the Weak, +Establish Colony, +Hibernate, +Molt, +Play with Prey, +Protect Tribe.

Influence Effects
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PSI

two levels. You can push this sleight to raise the effect to Level 3

PSI SLEIGHT SUMMARIES

(or three levels of reduction).

Psi-chi sleights are available to anyone with the Psi trait. Psi-gamma Eco-Empathy
sleights are only available to characters with the Psi trait at Level 2. With a successful COG Check, you acquire an intuitive under-
Unless noted, sleights may only be taken once. standing of non-sentient, non-terrestrial organisms occupying a
Range: Self, Point-Blank, or Close ▶276 producer niche in the local ecosystem (e.g., alien plant and fungus
Action: Automatic, Quick, Complex, or Task ▶32 analogues). The information you gain is of a general and qualitative
Duration: Constant, Instant, Sustained, nature, and doesn’t include data you would normally acquire from
or your WIL ÷ 5 in either action turns, minutes, or hours ▶276 chemical or genetic analysis. For example, you could determine if a
Infection Mod: Added to your Infection Rating ▶276. plant thrives only in riparian zones, if it relies on insect analogs for
pollination, or if it produces tubers that are edible to transhumans
PSI-CHI SLEIGHTS when cooked.
Psi-chi sleights are passive, always-on, subconscious abilities
available to anyone with the Psi trait. They are considered auto- Enhanced Creativity
matic actions and require no effort to maintain. Psi-chi sleights You are more imaginative and inclined to think outside the
add bonuses to specific actions or enable new abilities rather than box. Apply a +10 modifier to Know or Technical skill tests where
calling for a skill test. Most enhance the async’s perception, intellect, creativity plays a major role. This level of ingenuity sometimes
mental control, or ability to process information. seems strange and unusual, manifesting as odd insights or creepy
details, especially with artwork.
Charisma
Your inhibitions are lowered, social intuition expanded, and Enhanced Memory
emotional intelligence augmented. This enhances your ability You have a perfect memory. Unlike transhumans with hyper-
to navigate social situations and process emotional information. thymesia, this is not strictly autobiographical. You can be asked a
Increase Moxie pool by 1. random date and immediately recall trivial details such as the day
of the week it was, what you did that day, what the weather was like,
Control Behavior and the exact wording of a paragraph you read. Your memory is
You can fine-tune your emotional state. Apply an Enhanced always “on” — in fact, you perceive reality and memory much like a
Behavior or Restricted Behavior (Level 2) trait  ▶80 of your split screen and are often caught in reverie. Enhanced memory has
choice at will. You may not change it again until you have taken no effect on psychosurgery memory editing.
a recharge action. At the GM's discretion, this trait may apply a You can push this sleight to recall your memories from a sort of
+/–10 modifier in some situations. Alternatively, use this to reduce third-person point of view, allowing you to make Perceive Tests to
an Enhanced/Restricted Behavior trait imposed on you by up to notice details you may have previously missed.

280¹ Psi Sleight Summaries • Psi-Chi Sleights

 PSI-CHI SLEIGHTS
Grok All psi-chi sleights are automatic actions and have:
Range: Self • Duration: Constant • no Infection Modifier.
You intuitively understand how to use an unfamiliar object, vehicle,
or device, no matter how alien, advanced, or bizarre. You may make a Sleight Decription
COG Check to determine how to activate or use it, simply by looking
Charisma Lowers inhibitions, boosts charm. +1 Moxie Pool.
at and handling it. This sleight does not provide any understanding
Control Behavior Apply/reduce an Enhanced Behavior
of the principles or technologies involved  —  you simply grasp how to or Restricted Behavior (Level 2) trait.
make it work. This sleight is only effective with unfamiliar devices, it Eco-Empathy May use COG Check
provides no bonus when using devices with which you are familiar. to understand alien plant and fungus analogues.
Enhanced Creativity +10 to Know or Technical Tests
Heightened Awareness involving creativity or thinking outside the box.
Your situational awareness is boosted, providing an instinctive Enhanced Memory Perfect memory recall.
sense about an area and any potential threats nearby. +10 to Grok May use COG Check
Perceive Tests. to understand how to use unfamiliar object/device.
Heightened Awareness Sense area/threats. +10 Perceive Tests.
High Pain Threshold High Pain Threshold Ignore modifiers from 1 wound.
You can block out, ignore, or otherwise isolate pain. Ignore the Inner Spark Recover +1 pool points during short recharges.
modifiers from a single wound (this is cumulative with other effects, Pattern Recognition Detect patterns.
up to a maximum of three wound effects). +10 to appropriate Infosec, Perceive, or Research Tests.
Predictive Boost +2 Initiative.
Inner Spark Psi Armor Mental armor equal to WIL ÷ 3.
You have an inner well of energy, making it easier to recuperate. You Qualia Increased understanding. +1 Insight Pool.
recover +1 pool points during short recharges. Savant Calculation May use COG Check
to answer complex mathematical questions.
Pattern Recognition Scramble Hide from ego sense sleight; –30 modifier.
You are adept at spotting patterns and correlating non-random Self Control +10 WIL Check.
elements. This is useful for translating languages, breaking codes, or Social Cunning More manipulative. +10 to Persuade and Provoke Tests.
finding clues hidden among massive amounts of data. Apply a +10 Somatic Control Better physiological control. +1 Vigor Pool.
modifier to appropriate Infosec, Perceive, or Research Tests where Superior Kinesics +10 Deceive and Kinesics Tests.
you have a sufficiently large sample and time enough to study, as Xeno-Empathy May use SAV Check
determined by the gamemaster. This might range from a few hours to gain understanding of non-terrestrial life.
of investigating inscriptions left by long-dead aliens to a week or
more of researching a lengthy cipher. This does not apply to brute- Scramble
force hacking or Infosec tests made by decrypt apps to break a code. Scramble helps you to hide from another async using the ego sense
You also learn new languages easily; reduce the timeframe to weeks sleight ▶284. Apply a –30 modifier to the async’s Psi Test.

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rather than months.
Self Control
Predictive Boost Your will is tempered and unyielding. +10 to WIL Checks.
Your brain’s bayesian probability functions are accelerated,
enhancing your ability to estimate and predict the outcomes of Social Cunning
events as they unfold in real-time around you. In effect, you have an Your emotional intelligence is sharpened and focused, making you
intuitive sense for the most likely outcomes. +2 Initiative. more manipulative and exploitive of weaknesses. +10 to Persuade
and Provoke Tests.
Psi Armor
Your mind’s defenses are solidified. You gain mental armor equal to Somatic Control
your WIL ÷ 3 against psi attacks. You have excellent physiological control. +1 Vigor Pool.

Qualia Superior Kinesics

You have a more intuitive grasp on the world around you. +1 Insight pool. You haver finer control over your emotive signals, body language,
and micro-expressions and are more capable at interpreting the
Savant Calculation same in others. +10 to Deceive and Kinesics Tests.
You have an incredible faculty for intuitive mathematics involving
complex, chaotic systems. You can calculate your odds when Xeno-Empathy
gambling, predict the outcome of stock market upheavals, and You have an intuitive understanding of non-human, non-terres-
guesstimate the rubble distribution pattern from an explosion. You trial organisms (animal analogues). You can make a SAV Check
can also measure exact distances with a look, solve math problems to acquire insight into the creature’s ecological niche, motivations,
faster than computers, and tell how many microbots make up a needs, and likely behavioral responses (if non-sapient) or mental/
swarmanoid. This talent, however, is not conscious, it is intuitive. emotional state (if sapient).
You do not know the equations you are solving, you simply know
the solution. You may make COG Checks to calculate answers to
complex mathematical questions.

Psi Sleight Summaries • Psi-Chi Sleights

¾281
 PSI-GAMMA SLEIGHTS they cannot move, avert their eyes, or undertake any action (including
Psi-gamma sleights influence the function of biological minds (egos mesh and mental actions). You must also limit your movement,
within a biomorph, but also including animal life). Psi-gamma is only though you may move at half your base move and/or take quick
available to characters with Level 2 of the Psi trait. Psi-gamma sleights physical actions, but you must make a REF Check to keep your eyes
must be activated, requiring a quick, complex, or task action and a Psi locked, and actions requiring a test and visual coordination suffer a
PSI

skill test. Sleights that target other sentient beings or life forms are –30 modifier. Likewise, if the target is attacked, moved, or otherwise
always opposed tests, while others are handled as success tests. Active jostled, eye contact is lost.
sleights require significant effort from the async and may cause their You may not affect extra targets with this sleight, unless you have
exovirus infection to flare up (Infection Modifiers ▶276). more than one set of eyes.

Alter Effect Block Pain

Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 2 Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 4
You trigger or ease a neurochemical response within the target, You impede the target’s pain receptors. For WIL ÷ 5 minutes, the
either decreasing or increasing the duration of a drug, chemical, or target can ignore the effects of one wound, plus one per superior
toxin by half. success. This is cumulative with other pain editing effects, up to a
maximum of 3 wound effects.
Animal Control
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 6 Block Sense
You take over the mind of a non-sapient animal. While sustained, Action: Complex  •  Duration: Action Turns  •  Infection Mod: 4
you control the animal exactly like remotely operating a drone ▶346. You short-circuit and temporary disable one of the target’s sensory
You may switch between autonomous mode and jamming. cortices (your choice). For WIL ÷ 5 action turns, the target loses
that type of sensory input. The senses that may be negated include
Aphasia sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste, hunger, balance, direction,
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 6 proprioception, facial recognition, and augmented senses such as
You create a temporary stroke-like effect within the target’s electrical sense and radiation sense. Any actions that rely on the
brain that disrupts their speech and language centers. For WIL ÷ 5 impaired sense require a test with a minimum –30 modifier.
minutes, they are incapable of speaking, communicating, reading,
and understanding language. Block Skill
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 6
Basilisk Stare You install a temporary block in the target’s brain, preventing
Action: Task  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 6 them from using one specified skill (they may not even default) for
You make eye contact with the target and immobilize them. As WIL ÷ 5 minutes.
long as you keep your gaze locked on them (minor blinking aside),

282¹ Psi Sleight Summaries • Psi-Gamma Sleights

 Browse Thoughts Cloud Memory
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 4 Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 6
You scan the target’s surface thoughts, gaining a general sense of You temporarily disrupt the target’s ability to form long-term
what is currently running through their mind. Superior successes memories. The target will retain short-term memories during the
provide deeper detail. This is not an invasive delve into the target’s duration (WIL ÷ 5 minutes), but will soon (after d6 + 4 action turns)
mind for specific information like Deep Scan ▶next column; instead, forget anything that occurred while this sleight was in effect.
you simply get a read on what the target is currently thinking.
Deep Scan
Burst of Adrenaline Action: Complex  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 6
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 6 Deep Scan is a more intrusive version of Browse Thoughts ▶previous
You revive the target with a rush of endorphins and energy. They column. You telepathically invade the target’s mind and probe it for
receive +1 Vigor pool for WIL ÷ 5 minutes. A target may only benefit information. You extract two pieces of information (i.e., a name,
from one burst of adrenaline at a time. image, passcode, description or summary a few sentences long, or
a memory of less than a minute) plus two for each superior success.
Burst of Clarity Each item takes one full action turn to retrieve, during which the
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 6 sleight must be sustained.
You refresh the target’s mind, enabling them to see things in a
new light. They receive +1 Insight pool for WIL ÷ 5 minutes. A target Deja Vu
may only benefit from one burst of clarity at a time. Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 8
Your force the target’s mind into recursive loop. They will repeat
Burst of Confidence their actions from the previous 15–30 seconds (5–10 action turns)
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 6 for the next WIL ÷ 5 minutes. They will repeat their actions as
You instill the target with renewed determination and empower- closely as possible, even if their environment and circumstances
ment. They receive +1 Moxie pool for WIL ÷ 5 minutes. A target may change. If someone actively interrupts or restrains the target, or
only benefit from one burst of confidence at a time. otherwise disrupts the loop, they may make a WIL Check to break
out of the loop, ending the sleight.

PSI-GAMMA SLEIGHTS
Sleight Action Duration Infection Mod Description
Alter Effect Complex Instant 2 Increase or reduce the duration of a drug or toxin affecting the target by half.
Animal Control Complex Sustained 6 Take over a non-sapient animal’s mind, teleoperate it like a drone.
Aphasia Complex Minutes 6 Target cannot speak, communicate, or read.
Basilisk Stare Task Sustained 6 Target cannot break eye contact with async, both are immobilized.
Block Pain Complex Minutes 4 Target can ignore wound modifiers.
Block Sense Complex Action Turns 4 Negates one of the target’s senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste, touch).

PSI
Block Skill Complex Minutes 6 The target may not use a specified skill.
Browse Thoughts Complex Sustained 4 Scan target’s surface thoughts.
Burst of Adrenaline Complex Minutes 6 Target receives +1 Vigor pool.
Burst of Clarity Complex Minutes 6 Target receives +1 Insight pool.
Burst of Confidence Complex Minutes 6 Target receives +1 Moxie pool.
Cloud Memory Complex Minutes 6 Target retains no long-term memories.
Deep Scan Complex Sustained 6 Retrieve 2 items from target’s mind, +2 per superior success.
Deja Vu Complex Minutes 8 The target is forced to repeat their actions of the past 15–30 seconds.
Downtime Task Sustained 2 4-hour fugue state heals 1d6 stress, +1d6 per superior success, gains influence effect.
Ego Sense Complex Action Turns 2 Detect biological life; extra info on range, size, type, etc. with superior successes.
Empathic Scan Complex Action Turns 4 Know target’s emotions. +10 to social skill tests against them, +10 per superior success.
Illusion Complex Sustained 8 Target experiences full-sensory illusion crafted by async.
Implant Memory Complex Instant 6 Implant fake memory permanently in target.
Implant Skill Complex Hours 6 Implant skill possessed by async in target’s mind at half value.
Induce Error Complex Minutes 6 The target automatically fails the next test they make using skill chosen by async.
Infectious Mind Complex Sustained 4 Share a triggered disorder or influence effect with the target.
Influence Complex Action Turns 4 Apply an Enhanced Behavior or Restricted Behavior (Level 2) trait.
Invigorate Complex Instant 4 The target can expend their next complex action as a short recharge.
Mimic Quick Instant 4 Snapshot of target’s mannerisms; +10 Deceive skills to impersonate target, +10 per superior success.
Mindlink Quick Sustained 2 Telepathy.
Neural Hardening Complex Minutes 4 The target receives a +10 modifier to resist basilisk hacks.
Nightmare Complex Instant 6 Target takes SV 2d10, +1d6 per superior success, reduced by psi armor.
Pain Complex Instant 6 Target inflicted with pain (like an agonizer), must flee at full movement on their next action.
Psi Shield Complex Sustained 4 Mental armor increased by +1d6 (cumulative with Psi Armor sleight).
Psychic Stab Complex Instant 6 Target takes DV 2d10, +1d6 per superior success, reduced by mental armor.
Sense Infection Complex Instant 2 Detect exsurgent infection in biological life.
Short Circuit Complex Instant 6 Target’s synapses misfire, they are incapacitated for 1 turn and stunned for 3 minutes.
Spam Complex Action Turns 6 Target overwhelmed by sensory input, –10 to all actions, with additional –10 per superior success.
Static Complex Sustained 4 –30 to all sleights within close range.
Subliminal Complex Hours 10 Implant suggested action in target’s mind that they must carry through.

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Tranquility Complex Minutes 4 Target relieved from an acute stress response ▶223 or triggered disorder. May not be used on self.
Psi Sleight Summaries • Psi-Gamma Sleights
 Downtime
Action: Task  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 2
You slip the target’s mind into a fugue-state regenerative downtime,
to repair their psyche. You must sustain this sleight for 4 hours during
which you may take no other complex actions. Downtime cannot be
PSI

concurrent with a long recharge. This process heals 1d6 stress, +1d6

per superior success. Traumas and disorders are unaffected by this
sleight. If interrupted, no stress is healed. For all sensory purposes,
you and the target are catatonic during downtime, completely obliv-
ious to the outside world. Only severe disturbances or physical shock
(such as being wounded or hit by a shock weapon) will bring you or
the target out of it. Any target of this sleight other than yourself must
make a WIL Check; if they fail, sometime within the next 24 hours
they will be subject to one of your influence effects ▶278.

Ego Sense
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Action Turns  •  Infection Mod: 2
You detect the presence and location (rough direction from yourself )
of other sentient and biological life forms (i.e., egos and animals) within
Close range. Each life form makes an opposed test against your roll.
You suffer modifiers for size, the same as for ranged attacks. Superior
successes provide additional details: approximate size, exact distance,
type of creature, etc. If the target moves during the duration (WIL ÷ 5
action turns), you will have a rough idea of their speed and bearing.

Empathic Scan
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Action Turns  •  Infection Mod: 4
You sense the target’s emotional state for WIL ÷ 5 action turns.
This provides you with a +10 modifier for social skill tests against
the target, +10 per superior success. This sleight will not automati-
cally detect deceit, but it will pick up on nervousness, doubt, anxiety, on your real memories, or a combination of the two. Implanting
etc. and provide a bonus to Kinesics Tests against Deceive. real memories is useful for archiving important data with an
ally, providing a literal alternate perspective, or simply making a
Illusion memory dump for the target to peruse. Fake memories are often
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 8 fuzzy and lacking detail, but bolstering them with real memories
You craft an illusion and inflict it upon the target. The illusion makes them more convincing. At the GM’s discretion, a fake
can range from a simple single-sense impression to a completely memory that contradicts the target’s other memories, is drastically
immersive false reality and can override actual sensory input. The out of character, or includes details that inspire skepticism may be
illusion cannot directly harm the target, but it can provoke reactions identified as false with an INT Check. Particularly traumatic memo-
that are dangerous or even fatal (i.e., tricking someone into walking ries may inflict mental stress on the recipient when they are first
off a roof ). Because the illusion is unsubstantial, it also may not stop experienced. Implanted memories do not overwrite real memories.
or start movement, hold weight, provide protection, etc. If the target
carefully examines the illusion or physically interacts with it, they Implant Skill
receive an INT Check to see through it. Likewise, if the illusion in any Action: Complex  •  Duration: Hours  •  Infection Mod: 6
way defies reality or inspires common-sense incredulity, or the real You impart your expertise and implant it into the target’s mind.
world interferes with the illusion (sudden loud noises, walls hidden The target acquires your chosen existing skill at half value for
by the illusion impede movement, etc.), the target gets an INT Check WIL ÷ 5 hours. If the target already has the skill, they use whichever
to disbelieve. Targets that succeed in their INT Check will still faintly value is higher. Specialization bonuses also apply. Psi skill may only
experience the illusory input, but recognize it as unreal. No check be implanted if the target has the Psi trait. Recipients of skills will
is needed if the target has proof the illusion is false. Complex or exercise them with the async’s flair and mannerisms.
lengthy illusions are hard to sustain; the GM may call for INT Checks
or appropriate skill tests to maintain the constructed facade. Induce Error
Illusions require intense mental power to sustain. You may not Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 6
take any complex actions while sustaining this sleight, else the You create a glitch in the target’s mind that causes them to
illusion will falter. unconsciously do something wrong. The target automatically fails
a random skill test (chosen by the GM) made in the next WIL ÷ 5
Implant Memory minutes. With a superior success, you may choose which skill will
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 6 fail the next time it is used (if that skill is not used within the dura-
You implant a memory of up to an hour’s length inside the tion, the sleight has no effect) or make the failure a superior failure.
target’s mind. This memory may be completely fabricated, based This usually manifests as the type of common mistake that even

284¹ Psi Sleight Summaries • Psi-Gamma Sleights

a seasoned professional might make. For example, in combat the must take their next action to flee away from the async or area at
target could forget to reload a weapon or alert an ally of a flanking full movement.
foe. Out of combat, the target might save the wrong file, forget
where they left something, mistake someone for someone else, or Psi Shield
leave a security door unlocked. Action: Complex  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 2
You rally the mind’s defenses against psychic attacks. Increase
Infectious Mind mental armor by 1d6, +1d6 per superior success.
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 4
You share a triggered disorder or active infection influence effect Psychic Stab
with the target. At the GM’s discretion, prolonged exposure may Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 6
inflict stress damage to the target. You trigger dangerous neurochemical impulses and biofeedback
in the target’s brain and nervous system. You inflict 2d10 DV, +1d6
Influence per superior success, reduced by mental armor.
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Action Turns  •  Infection Mod: 4
This is an offensive version of the Control Behavior sleight. You Sense Infection
manipulate the target’s cortices and emotions. Apply an Enhanced Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 2
Behavior or Restricted Behavior (Level 2) trait ▶80. You may push You detect whether the target is infected with a biological nano-
this trait to Level 3. virus or nanoplague strain of the exsurgent virus  —  or if they are an
async. You know only whether or not the target is infected; supe-
Invigorate rior successes may provide gut feelings about the target’s specific
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 4 strain and its effects. GM note: under no circumstances should you
You trigger a rush of neurochemical energy in the target. They provide the name of the strain  —  focus on its nature.
may expend their next complex action collecting themselves; this
counts as a short recharge action ▶35, without needing to expend Short Circuit
the full 10 minutes. Note that this sleight does not provide an extra Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 6
recharge, it simply shortens the time frame. You force the target’s synapses to misfire. This functions like a
shock attack ▶219; the target loses neuromuscular control, falls
Mimic down, and is incapacitated for 1 action turn (+2 turns per superior
Action: Quick  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 4 success) and stunned for 3 minutes.
You telepathically ping the target, collecting an intuitive snap-
shot of their personality quirks and mannerisms. You may use this Spam
imprint of the target’s mind to your advantage when mimicking Action: Complex  •  Duration: Action Turns  •  Infection Mod: 6
their behavior and social cues. Apply a +10 modifier to Deceive You overload and flood the target’s sensory cortices, spamming
Tests to impersonate the target, +10 per superior success. them with confusing and distracting sensory input. The target is

PSI
impaired, suffering –10 to all actions, plus an extra –10 per superior
Mindlink success, for WIL ÷ 5 action turns.
Action: Quick  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 2
You establish two-way mental communication with the target. Static
If mindlinked with more than one target simultaneously, you may Action: Complex  •  Duration: Sustained  •  Infection Mod: 4
act as a telepathic server so that everyone mindlinked with you You generate an anti-psi jamming field, impeding the use of
can also telepathically communicate with each other (though you ranged sleights within Close range by –30. This sleight has no effect
will overhear everything). Language is still a factor in mindlinked on self or Touch-range sleights.
communications, but this barrier may be overcome by transmitting
sounds, images, emotions, and other sensations. Subliminal
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Hours  •  Infection Mod: 10
Neural Hardening You implant a single post-hypnotic suggestion into the target’s
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 4 mind which they will carry out as if it was their own idea. Implanted
You harden the target’s sensory input pathways and mechanisms. suggestions must be short and simple; the GM may require sugges-
For WIL ÷ 5 minutes, they receive +10 to resist basilisk hacks, +10 tions be encompassed in a short sentence (for example: “open the
per superior success. airlock” or “hand over the weapon”). Suggestions may include a
short trigger condition (“when the alarm goes off, ignore it”). The
Nightmare target receives a WIL Check to resist any suggestion that is imme-
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 6 diately life threatening (“jump off the bridge”) or that violates their
You bombard the target with horrific images and sensations, motivations or personal strictures.
eroding their mental stability. You inflict 2d10 SV to the target,
+1d6 per superior success. This is reduced by mental armor. Tranquility
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Minutes  •  Infection Mod: 4
Pain You calm the target, relieving stress and anxiety. The target
Action: Complex  •  Duration: Instant  •  Infection Mod: 6 is relieved of the effects of an acute stress response ▶223 or trig-
You activate the target’s nerve endings and clusters, inflicting gered disorder for WIL ÷ 5 minutes. You may not use this sleight
a painful burning sensation. Treat as a pain effect ▶216; the target on yourself.

Psi Sleight Summaries • Psi-Gamma Sleights

¾285
TRANSHUMAN
BACKUPS & UPLOADING
A backup is a complete record of a transhuman ego  —  personality,
memories, skills, and everything else that makes you you, short of

TECH
your physical body. It also includes all of the information about your
brain’s neuronal connections. These are needed to either emulate
your ego digitally or print it onto the brain of a new morph.
The primary use for a backup lies in not staying dead. Your
backup can be resleeved into a new morph ▶288 or run as an info-
morph ▶252, perhaps as a fork of your original self ▶292. You can also
egocast yourself across the Solar System as an alternative to long,
slow space voyages ▶302.
Aside from quirky scientists who keep brains in vats, almost
all backups exist in one of two forms: cortical stack backups and
uploaded backups. Because backups are complete, stored trans-
human egos, the term ego is used interchangeably. “Backup” implies
that the ego will be kept in storage, while “ego” implies that it will be
run as an infomorph, resleeved, egocast, or the like.

CORTICAL STACKS
Arguably the most important piece of technology transhumanity
has ever invented, cortical stack implants are predictably taken
for granted. Physically, cortical stacks are nanodiamond memory
modules about the size of a cigarette butt. They’re tough to destroy,
designed to be retrieved from even the most mangled corpse or
shot-up synth. In most morphs, they’re implanted near the brain
stem, where the neck meets the back of the head. To make them
easier to find, synthmorphs with heads have them here, too.
A cortical stack is linked to a neural lace network of nanobots
throughout the brain (biomorphs) or to the cyberbrain (pods and
synthmorphs). It backs up your ego once every second, or 86,400
times per Earth day. Just based on the amount of data in a trans-
human brain, this is non-trivial. Add in the billions of connections
between neurons, and it’s even more impressive. Almost everyone in
the Solar System has one, with the exception of very young children
and flats living in bioconservative polities.
Aside from containing a backup of your ego, your cortical stack
backs up everything on your mesh inserts: your muse, lifelog, any
software or blueprints you own, and all other data you amass. This
takes up a tiny amount of space compared to the ego itself.

Popping a Stack
The process of cutting out a cortical stack is called “popping,” as a
skilled extractor can usually get the smooth-shelled implant to pop
right out by making an incision in the correct place and applying
pressure. Excising a cortical stack in surgery or a workshop with no
time constraints is automatically successful. Popping a stack under
less ideal conditions (e.g., with a vibroknife in a smoky, bullet-rid-
dled ventilation shaft) requires either a Medicine: Paramedic Test
(biomorphs) or a Hardware: Robotics Test (synthmorphs) This is a
task action with a timeframe of 4 action turns on a dead, uncon-
scious, or immobilized morph. If this is too long, decapitating the
morph and taking the whole head for later excision has a timeframe
of only 2 actions turns (1 action turn for big/choppy blades).
Popping a stack from an immobilized, living morph inflicts
3d10+10 DV. The GM may impose a longer timeframe, adjusted
damage, and/or penalties on the test if the morph has its stack in
a non-standard position or if the stack is heavily protected (e.g.,
beneath armor plates). The victim, the perpetrator, and all witnesses
must make a WIL Check or take SV 1d6.

286¹ Backups & Uploading • Cortical Stacks

 Morphs with swarm composition ▶344 have distributed cortical If a biomorph, the person must have died within the last 2 hours,
stacks. If a swarmanoid is destroyed, recovering the ego requires otherwise cell death makes the ego irretrievable. For every 15 minutes
gathering at least 1/3 of the swarm’s mass, a tools shop, and a after death, an ego recovered from a biomorph loses 5 points from a
Hardware: Robotics task action with a timeframe of 6 hours, after single skill (player’s choice). Putting a dead biomorph in a healing vat
which the ego can be uploaded normally. halts skill loss but doesn’t reverse losses from before then.

UPLOADED BACKUPS DEATH AND BACKUP INSURANCE

Backing your ego up to a computer is insurance against a lost What happens when you die depends largely on if people know you
or destroyed cortical stack. Once your ego is uploaded, it can be died, where you died, and what sort of insurance or contingency
archived to secure storage, run as an infomorph, treated with options you have in place. Almost everyone has some form of insur-
psychosurgery procedures, or egocast to a distant locale. ance plan, but they vary greatly in quality and level of services offered.
Uploads can be a transfer or a fork. A transfer eliminates all traces When a death is reported, most local authorities will make an
of the original ego in the morph from which the upload originates. effort to inform the person’s backup provider and return the stack
This is standard procedure when resleeving, egocasting, or evacu- (if possible). Given the varied and scattered polities of transhu-
ating a body. Forking creates a copy  ▶292 of the ego while leaving manity, however, this does not always work. Moreover, details on
the original ego intact. Forking is legally restricted in many polities, the backup service may be unknown  —  many people list it in their
but it is a common practice to upload beta forks, egocast them to social network profiles, but not everyone. Criminals don’t want
distant locales for important errands, and merge them with their their backups subpoenaed, and covert operatives don’t want them
alpha when they return. targeted by enemy hackers. If your stack is recovered, however, you
will usually be temporarily re-instanced and asked (and perhaps
Uploading and Ego Bridges questioned about your demise).
How uploading happens depends on the media and the intent. If If you died somewhere remote or lawless, no one may bother
the ego is being transferred from a biological brain, the process following standard protocol. Your stack might be sold to ego traders,
requires a toaster-oven-sized device called an ego bridge. In use, the it might be dropped in a drawer. If your backup service resides in a
ego bridge’s sensor array twists open like a morning glory blossom, rival polity, your ego may be saved into cold storage with others and
revealing an enclosure with a neck rest. The neck rest deploys used as a political football. Some polities  —  notably the Titanians
millions of nanobots into the brain and central nervous system. The and anarchists  —  have a policy of automatically re-instancing
petals are full of sensors that image the brain, relying in part on people as infomorphs no matter what their situation.
data from the nanobots as they spider cells and connections. During
resleeving, the nanobots act as tiny wet printers in the destination Basic Backup Insurance
morph, connecting nerve cells and adjusting chemical levels to All characters are assumed to have some type of backup insurance.
replicate the neural network data in the original. The ego remains This could be a contract with a reputable body bank, an arrange-

TRANSHUMAN TECH
awake during the procedure, allowing for a slow and smooth transi- ment with a black market chop shop, a relationship with an anar-
tion of consciousness from the old morph to new. When the transfer chist morph-design collective, Titanian citizenship, or the payoff for
is complete, the nanobots sever connections in the original morph’s working with a covert organization like Firewall.
neural network, effectively “zeroing” the brain for the next occupant. All backup services provide the following:
If the ego is being forked from a biological brain, the ego is
simply copied from the cortical stack’s neural lace network. Likewise, • An attempt to retrieve your stack/ego through appropriate channels.
an ego transferred or forked from a cyberbrain or infomorph is • In the case of verifiable death, re-instancing you as infomorph
simply uploaded. Recovered cortical stacks work the same way. from your stack (if recovered) or from an archived backup (if not)
These copied egos can either be saved as inactive backups or instan- to discuss options.
tiated and run as infomorphs. • Doing the same in the event you have been missing for a pre-deter-
Under normal circumstances, no test is required to upload an ego. mined period (usually 6 months, but variable). Most people set their
muses to periodically check in.
Post-Mortem Uploads • Resleeving you in a morph of equivalent MP, depending on availability.
If the cortical stack is missing or destroyed, you can still upload an In the case of repeat deaths over a short time period, this MP value will
ego from a corpse or destroyed synthmorph. The deceased morph be lowered for each subsequent death (Acquiring Morphs ▶290).
must not have died from damage that destroyed the brain tissue or
cyberbrain (GM’s discretion). For people with resources, additional services may be offered,
including hazardous stack retrieval options or hardened storage
(Services ▶315).

Upload Speeds Uninsured Characters

Upload Type Time If you have the No Backup Insurance trait ▶79, you do not have
Transfer of ego from biological brain 1 hour* a contingency plan in place. You should try to die in Titanian or
anarchist territory, as they are the most likely to bring you back. In
Fork of ego from biological brain's neural lace 1 action turn
hypercorp space, uninsured characters may be offered an inden-
Transfer/fork from cyberbrain 1 action turn ture contract or kept in dead storage until someone claims them.
Fork from extracted cortical stack 1 action turn Elsewhere, your stack may simply be destroyed or sold on the black
market. Without a plan, death may be the end of your character.
*Potentially longer if farcasting, given distance lag.

Backups & Uploading • Uploaded Backups–Death and Backup Insurance

¾287
 RESLEEVING
this fractured sense of identity can be corrosive in the long term.
Some people cope by resleeving frequently, becoming acclimated
Resleeving — also called downloading or remorphing — is the to an ephemeral identity. Others, however, develop body dysmor-
process where your ego takes on a new physical body. You may phia ▶224, never quite feeling at home in their own skin.
be switching because you want a new morph or because you are
TRANSHUMAN TECH

egocasting to a new destination; this transfer is usually a smooth Continuity

transition from one sleeve to the next while conscious. Or you may The lack of ongoing continuity when resleeving can lead to a jarring
be resleeving because you died or suffered grievous injury, in which wake up. It is unsettling to suddenly find yourself in a new sleeve,
case you either remember your death (if recovered from a cortical particularly if you don’t recall what happened. Continuity breaks
stack) or you experience lack from the time and experience you can also spark an existential crisis. Are you the same person you
have lost (if recovered from an old backup). Alternatively, you may were? Or just a poor imitation of your previous self? If your body
have forked yourself, and your copy needs a sleeve of its own. was not retrieved, are you even sure that you’re not still alive out
Almost all of transhumanity, with the exception of many biocon- there somewhere? This is why most transhumans choose the aware-
servatives, have resleeved at least once. Many transhumans alive and-conscious transfer method of resleeving, even though it takes
today died in the Fall or egocast off world. For most transhumans, much longer with biomorphs. Even those transferring from cyber-
resleeving is a normal part of life, sometimes undertaken frequently brains often do a slow switchover. The subtle transition helps you to
as they travel or try out different morphs. The resleeving experience adapt, quelling subconscious fears that you are no longer the same,
is not the same for everyone, however. Most people adjust to their some illegitimate copy, or secretly being manipulated by others.
new forms quite readily, but others never quite get the hang of it.
The resleeving process is quite short for morphs with cyberbrains Memento Mori
and infomorphs: a single action turn. Morphs with biological brains A break in continuity is usual the result of an unexpected death. If
must be physically rewired with an ego bridge, however, which you are restored from a retrieved cortical stack, however, the break
takes an hour. in continuity will come with an even bigger shock: you experienced
your own death. Even the vast storage space of cortical stacks
COMPLICATIONS cannot hold iterative changes to your ego, meaning that the last
Resleeving is not without complications. There are five primary saved snapshot of your ego is the one taken right before the safety
factors that can impact your acclimation into a new morph: cut-outs kicked in due to massive physical trauma and cell death.
The memory of your final moments is likely wrought with fear and
Integration horror, unpleasant even to the most jaded. Counseling and psycho-
The biggest hurdle to resleeving is adjusting to your new form. surgery can minimize these effects over time.
Given the morph options at transhumanity’s disposal, a new sleeve
can be drastically physiologically different from the old. Extra Lack
limbs, new sensory inputs, different modes of breathing, or going If you are lucky enough to be spared the recall of your demise, you
completely synthetic  —  these are just some of the more obvious likely face a different problem: lost time. When you are restored
changes. Your brain must adapt to these altered functions. More from an older backup, you will have lost whole stretches of your
minor differences such as sex, height, weight, and center of gravity life: the experiences, the memories, the emotional attachments, the
can wreak havoc on your proprioception and basic movement. new skills and knowledge gained  —  all gone. Some of this can be
Add in different neurochemistry  —  or the simulation of it  —  and reconstructed from life logs, journal entries, surveillance footage,
things can get very weird. Many newly sleeved people struggle accounts of friend, etc., but it is not quite the same. Any Rez Points
with handling different hormonal urges or getting a grasp on how gained in that period and any changes to your character’s stats, traits,
their emotions mesh with their new body. The effects of this can be etc. are lost. You are restored to an older version of yourself  —  but at
frustrating and disorienting. least you’re alive again.
Part of the process of adapting is not just understanding how
your new morph works, but unlearning many of your old habits RESLEEVING TESTS
and ways of doing things. It is not uncommon to find a new synth- Each time you resleeve, you must make two tests: an Integration
morph scratching themselves, a non-anthropomorphic morph trying Test and a Stress Test. The only pool that can be used on these tests
to walk with a bipedal gait, or a tall morph forgetting to duck under is your ego’s Flex pool; pools from your morph do not apply.
the door frame. Luckily, transhuman minds are adaptive things, and
this process is aided by the application of mental “patches” during Integration Test
the resleeving process that give the character a bit of a boost for The Integration Test determines how quickly you adjust to your
using their new body. Most people integrate to their new morph in new morph. Make a SOM Check, applying the modifier from your
a matter of days at most. new morph’s Exotic Morphology trait, if any. If you succeed, you
acclimate quickly. If you fail, you suffer –10 to all actions for 1 day,
Alienation plus 1 day per superior failure.
Your mental sense of self goes hand-in-hand with your physiological GMs should keep the PC’s original morph in mind when applying
acclimation. It can take you quite a bit of time to get used to the the Exotic Morphology modifiers. That trait is specifically assigned
new face in the mirror  —  in fact, some never do. Overcoming this from a human-centric perspective (i.e., morphs that are less human
sense of alienation often takes longer than physical integration: a have higher modifiers). However, this may not be fitting for an info-
week, sometimes several. While it leads to less daily complications, life or uplift PC. Adjust as appropriate.

288¹ Resleeving • Complications–Resleeving Tests

 Resleeving Stress Test Chi's Firewall cell has a run-in with a hypercorp security squad, leaving Chi
The Resleeving Stress Test incorporates all of the mentally chal- with a few too many bullet holes to survive. Their squad recovers their stack,
lenging aspects of downloading into a new body into a single test: though, and gets them set up at a black-market body bank to be restored
alienation, continuity, remembering death, and lack. Like other and resleeved. Unfortunately, the only morph available is a novacrab — not
stress tests ▶229, make a WIL Check and apply modifiers as appro- a morph Chi is used to.
priate. The Stress Value is based on the most stressful aspect of When Chi awakes, they have a few tests to make. First is the Integration
resleeving. If this is standard alienation, continuity loss, and/or lack, Test, to see how well they adapt to their new body. This a SOM Check at
the SV is 1d6. If you remember your death, or if you suffer a partic- –30 due to the novacrab's Exotic Morphology (Level 3) trait. Chi has the
ularly long period of lack (over 3 months), the SV is 1d10/1. GMs Adaptability (Level 1) trait, which gives them +10 to the test, but their SOM
should feel free to adjust these Stress Values as they see appropriate. Check is only 30. That makes their target number 10 (30 – 30 + 10). They
roll a 46, a superior failure. Poor Chi will suffer –10 to all actions for the next
RESLEEVING AND POOLS 2 days as they acclimate. Chi waves their new crab pincers in frustration as
When you sleeve into a new morph, you gain immediate access they skitter and stumble around on an unfamiliar number of legs.
to the new morph’s pools. However, any pool points you spent Chi must also make a Resleeving Stress Test using their WIL Check of
in the previous morph are temporarily deducted until you take a 60. Since Chi died in a firefight and will remember that grisly death, the GM
recharge action. assigns an SV of 1d10/1. Chi's Adaptability trait helps here as well, raising
the target number to 70. They roll a 37: a success! That means Chi takes only
1 stress point. They've died violently enough times that this time around
does not really phase them.
Resleeving Tests
Integration Test: SOM Check
Failure: –10 to all actions for 1 day, +1 day per superior failure.
Resleeving Stress Test: WIL Check
Standard alienation/continuity loss/lack: SV 1d6
Remember your death/lengthy lack (3+ months): SV 1d10/1

TRANSHUMAN TECH

Resleeving • Resleeving and Pools–Resleeving and Pools

¾289
 ACQUIRING MORPHS
• Rep Favors: You can use your rep scores in a similar way to
Resources. By expending a Minor (1 MP), Moderate (2 MP) or Major
At some point during gameplay, your character will need to resleeve. (3 MP) favor, you can increase the MP available to you. No test is
Perhaps the group egocasts to a new habitat, your PC dies, or you required, but you must have a rep score of at least 40 in a network
simply want a new look. applicable to the situation. An anarchist’s @-rep is unlikely to help
TRANSHUMAN TECH

Because morphs are rare and integral to the game, they are not them on a hypercorp habitat. Rep used this way counts towards the
handled like other gear. Instead, each time the PCs egocast and/or rep favors available to you on your first week on the mission.
resleeve, the GM assigns each player an amount of Morph Points (MP). • Negative Morph Traits: Finally, you can always acquire extra MP by
purchasing negative morph traits ▶76, up to a maximum of 6.
DETERMINING MORPH POINTS
The recommended default amount of Morph Points is 6. At 6 MP, SPENDING MORPH POINTS
players can purchase high-end morphs like ghosts, furies, and arach- Morph Points are spent as described in Step 12 of Making
noids, but remade morphs and reapers remain out of reach unless Characters ▶46. You can spend your MP on the morph (or morphs)
they pick up some negative morph traits to make up the difference. itself, positive morph traits, ware, or Flex. As with character creation,
GMs can adjust this amount to set the difficulty level of the you are encouraged to pick morphs that fit your character’s outlook
mission. Want to test your players’ mettle? Assign only 2 or 4 MP. and the mission’s parameters.
Plan on sending them into a meat grinder, for which they’ll need all
the help they can get? Assign them 8 or even 10 MP. Morph Availability
The amount of MP the GM provides is also representative of the Not all morphs are readily available. Some models (splicers, exalts,
resources assigned to the mission. Are Firewall’s logistics currently cases, synths, pods) are widespread and accessible; others are more
strained? Lower the amount. Are the players working on behalf difficult to lay your claws on. To see if a morph is on hand, make an
of an oligarch with an unlimited expense account? Notch it up a Availability Test, rolling d100 with the morph's Availability rating as
few points. the target number. If it succeeds, the morph is available. Otherwise,
pick another morph and try again.
INCREASING YOUR MP Local conditions may affect this Availability Test. A well-stocked
There are three ways you can increase your MP: body bank in a populated area such as Valles New-Shanghai may
• Resources: The Resources trait ▶75 provides you with extra MP apply a +30 modifier. A small and remote Neptunian hab might
equal to the trait’s level, reflecting your access to wealth. At the have a much more limited supply: apply a –30 modifier.
GM’s discretion, this may not apply when you are egocasting to or You can expend rep favors to increase a morph’s Availability. A
resleeving in an autonomist habitat or isolated locales with limited minor favor applies a +10 modifier, a moderate +20, and a major
morph stocks; your money has no sway there. +30. The rep score in question must be applicable to the situation,
and you must succeed in a Rep Test.

290¹ Acquiring Morphs • Determining Morph Points–Spending Morph Points

 The GM has final say on what morphs are available. A brinker much as legit services, but there is also a greater chance they will
habitat on the edge of the Solar System might only have cases and turn out to be untrustworthy or that you may get more than you
synths available. A bioconservative habitat might not have any asked for. On the other hand, they may also be able to find enhance-
synthmorphs or uplift morphs in stock. Martian clinics might be low ments that are cutting edge or experimental  —  though they may not
on everything but rusters. A guanxi darkcaster operation might be function entirely as advertised.
able to get you any biomorph you desire, but they all come loaded The timeframe for morph modding is the same for acquiring
with an Addiction trait, eager for a taste of whatever substance the gear: 2 hours for Minor complexity items, 8 hours for Moderate,
operator is peddling. And few habitats are likely to have reapers and 24 for Major.
available  —  or to allow them even if they do.
If you acquire ware with either Morph Points or Gear Points MAKING MORPHS
at the same time you acquire a morph, the ware is automatically Morphs can be made, but this requires one or more task action skill
installed into the morph. tests each with a significantly long timeframe, as well as access to
the morph’s blueprints/genetics, a proper nanofabricator and/or
RESLEEVING AND MORPH POINTS exowomb, and a medical facility. This timeframe cannot be reduced
The GM-provided Morph Points are an abstraction, representing with time-accelerated VR. If you do not have blueprints/genetics, or
backup insurance and resources available to the PCs. These assets you wish to design one from scratch, the timeframes will be consid-
are not unlimited, however. If you die during the course of a erably longer (GM determination, but easily 5–10 times longer).
scenario and get a chance to resleeve, the GM can and should limit
the MP available. It is recommended that each successive resleeving
during the course of a mission provides 1 less MP than what was Sava has been hired to investigate a string of disappearances at a
previously available (prior to boosts from Resources, rep, or traits); hypercorp's private habitat. The hypercorp has credits to throw at the
GMs should adjust this as appropriate to the circumstances. problem, so the GM assigns Sava 8 Morph Points to spend. Sava doesn't
If your PC has multiple morphs (such as flexbots or extras used
have the Resources trait to increase that amount and opts to save their
for morphs, backups, or drones) and one dies, you only get an
rep favors for now.
amount of MP for replacement equivalent to that one particular
Sava favors fury morphs, so they try for that one first. The Availability is
morph, less 1.
40. Since the hypercorp owns the habitat and all of the morphs there, the GM
Resources, rep favors, and negative traits can be used to boost the
gives Sava a +20 bonus.Rolling against a target number of 60, Sava gets an
MP available for resleeving, as noted above.
83: no luck.The corp didn't need combat models on the station.
MODIFYING MORPHS Sava tries again for a ghost morph: same Availability, same bonus from
the GM. They get a 17 this time: the morph is in stock.
You can customize a morph you have already acquired. This requires
Sava wants neurachem with this morph, which is Major complexity
the proper skills, tools, and time. Biomorphs must be modded in
ware — an extra cost of 3 MP. Sava only has 2 MP to spare (the original 8 MP

TRANSHUMAN TECH
a clinic (Medicine: Biotech shop) or a healing vat; synthmorphs
minus the morph's cost of 6 MP), so they opt to take a Negative trait with an
require a Hardware: Robotics shop. If you personally lack the skills
MP Bonus of 1. The GM has an idea for this, and gives the ghost morph the
and gear, you must acquire the professional service (which includes
Memory Artifact trait.
the gear) using rep or Resources trait. The ware itself must be
A week later, Sava is killed in a trap. The hypercorp's security team
acquired separately, per normal gear acquisition rules. If the ware is
recovers their stack and resleeves them, but this time the GM only gives
restricted, you will need black-market services, which may require
Sava 7 MP to work with. Sava really wants that neurachem again, so they
more cost or effort to find. This is a good opportunity for roleplaying
are prepared to spend a rep favor this time to boost their MP. First, however,
rep nets and contacts. Illegal shops rely on their reputations just as
Sava rolls again to see if a fury morph is available this time. The target
number is the same (60), and they roll a 29! It looks like the hypercorp noted
Sava's earlier request and got a fury morph to the station in anticipation of
Modifying a Morph this need. Sava needs 9 MP total, so they take the 7 MP they have and spend
a Moderate i-rep favor to get 2 more. Sava tells Firewall they believe there
Morph Type Skill Gear Needed are exsurgents on the station, and the group pulls some strings to get them
Biomorph (including pods) Medicine: Biotech Tools Shop or Healing Vat what they need.
Synthmorph Hardware: Robotics Tools Shop

Making a Morph
Morph Type Skills Gear Needed Timeframe
Synthmorph Hardware: Robotics + Program Medium Fabber (MP + 1) weeks
Pod Medicine: Biotech + Program Specialized Fabber, Tools Shop or Healing Vat (MP + 1) months
Biomorph Medicine: Biotech Exowomb (MP + 6) months

Acquiring Morphs • Resleeving and Morph Points–Making Morphs

¾291
 CREATING A FORK
FORKING & MERGING The process for making a fork varies according to the type:
One of the repercussions of translating your mind into a digital New forks must make Integration and Resleeving Stress
format is that you can copy it just like any other file. Taking a copy Tests ▶288 when they are created, though GMs should waive this for
of a transhuman ego and re-instancing it is called forking. To many, forks that are inconsequential to the story or plot.
TRANSHUMAN TECH

forking is an advantage, allowing you to multi-task and get more Forks are instanced as digimorphs  ▶67, unless another type of
done. Need help on a project? Fork a few copies of yourself. Need infomorph is available. They can also be sleeved into physical morphs.
to be in simultaneous meetings on Mars and Venus? Spin off a fork
and egocast it to one while you handle the other  —  or send forks to Alpha Forks
both and go grab a drink. Alphas are easily created by taking a snapshot of the ego either from
Forking, however, creates some thorny social and legal issues. an existing infomorph, the cyberbrain, or the cortical stack’s neural
Is your fork considered a separate person with full civil rights? Or lace network. This process takes one action turn. Alpha forks can
are they your property? Is deleting them murder? Is your spouse also be generated from biomorph brains using an ego bridge and
married to your fork, or just you? If you and your fork have an argu- the same process as uploading, but this is a longer process.
ment and go your separate ways, who gets your stuff? Complicating Alpha forks have all of the same skills, memories, ego stats, ego
this matter is the fact that the longer you and your fork are apart, the traits, and personality of the original.
more your individual minds start to diverge, effectively becoming
separate people. While forks can be re-merged into the originating Beta Forks
ego, this becomes more difficult the longer they are apart. You create a beta fork by running an alpha fork through a process
known as neural pruning. Determine a beta fork’s stats as follows:
TYPES OF FORKS
There are three classifications of forks: alpha, beta, and gamma: • Active skills have a maximum value of 60.
• All aptitude checks suffer a –10 modifier.
• Alpha Forks: An alpha fork is an exact copy of the original ego. • Ego Flex pool has a maximum value of 1.
• Beta Forks: Beta forks are partial copies. They are intentionally • The Psi trait is removed. At the GM’s discretion, other ego traits may
hobbled so as to not to be considered an equal to the originator, or no longer apply as well.
to not have all your memories, for legal, social, and security reasons.
Beta forks have most of the same skills as the original ego, though Additional changes may apply as determined by the neural
sometimes reduced. Their memories are also drastically curtailed, pruning test ▶297.
usually tailored to whatever task they are intended to perform.
Many people keep pre-made beta forks on hand to activate as Gamma Forks
needed, deleting them afterwards. It is extremely rare for anyone to purposely create a vapor for
• Gamma Forks: More commonly known as vapors, gamma forks are anything other than research use, although they can crop up in
massively incomplete, corrupted, or heavily damaged copies. Vapors some interesting places. For example, poorly made skill software
are not intentionally created and are instead the results of botched occasionally includes enough of the personality traits and memories
uploads, scrambled backups, incomplete or jammed farcasts, or of the person the skill was taken from that it can behave in a vapor-
infomorphs/forks that were somehow damaged or went insane. like fashion when used.
Because vapors are anomalies rather than purposeful creations,
FORKS AND SOCIETY the characteristics of individual gamma forks are left to the GM.
The way forks are treated varies by polity and culture. In the They should have some or all of the following: reduced skills,
Consortium, forks are considered property and must identify reduced aptitudes/aptitude checks, incomplete or incoherent memo-
themselves as such; alpha forks are legally limited to a 48-hour ries, negative mental traits, and persistent mental stress or traumas,
existence. Morningstar is similar, but allows alphas to be granted including disorders.
limited personhood status after a one-week existence, permission
from the originator, and an application for citizenship. Most NEURAL PRUNING
autonomists treat alphas as full, separate individuals, but opinions Neural pruning is the art of taking an alpha fork and trimming it
are split on beta forks. The Jovians have outlawed forking entirely. down with psychosurgery, creating a beta fork.
Some polities require forks to be equipped with the auto-erase Beta forks are created by taking a virtual mind state that is inten-
app ▶326 so that they automatically erase when they reach the legal tionally inhibited and filtering a copy of the ego through it. Like
divergence period. a topiary shrub, the portions of your neural network that exceed
Some people prefer to use forks of themselves or loved ones the capacities of the intended fork are trimmed away. In addition to
rather than a muse. Likewise, some wealthy hyperelites are known the changes noted under beta forks, you can voluntarily choose to
to keep copies of their younger backups on hand, sometimes for delete/decrease skills and remove memories.
decades, and re-instance these when their prime ego has enough Transhumanity’s grasp of neuroscience extends to scanning
skill and experience to completely outclass its younger selves. and copying a mind, but the most intricate workings of memory
Though technically these are alpha forks, their lag behind the are still imperfectly understood. Making precise edits to individual
original ego is comparable in degree to that of a beta fork. This is portions of a neural network (to alter recollections, skills, and the
rumored to be the method used by the Pax Familae in instancing like) is still a black art. The difficulty with neural pruning is that
her army of cloned selves. taking a weed whacker to the tree of memory isn’t an exact science.

292¹ Forking & Merging • Types of Forks–Neural Pruning

Specific memories cannot be excised or chosen  —  at best, memories
may be handled in broad clumps, typically grouped by time periods
no finer than 6 months. For simplicity, most beta forks are created
by removing all memories older than 1 year.
The rules for neural pruning are detailed on ▶297.

Careful Pruning
Rather than generating a fork quickly, you may prefer to carefully
craft a beta fork with long-term psychosurgery, meaning that it
suffers fewer drawbacks. Such carefully pruned forks can be kept
on hand, stored as inert files that can be called up, copied, and run
as needed. The drawback to carefully pruned forks is that they are
not based on a recent version of you  —  their memories will not be
up-to-date. They are also more difficult to merge, as they are based
on significantly older versions of yourself. They are ideal for fire-
and-forget tasks, where the fork is abandoned or deleted afterwards.
Careful pruning uses the same rules as neural pruning ▶297, but
with a timeframe of 30 days and a +30 modifier.

HANDLING FORKS
GMs are encouraged to allow players to roleplay their character’s
own forks. It is important to note, however, that even with alpha
forks, once the fork and originating ego diverge, they develop
onward as separate people. The events that shape the primary ego’s
personality, character, and knowledge will not happen  —  or even if
they do, probably not in the same way  —  to the fork, and vice versa.
The exact dividing line between an ego and a fork is a central philo-
sophical and legal debate among many transhumans.
This means that the GM should not be afraid to pull a fork out of
a player character’s hands and make them into an NPC if they start
to diverge too greatly. Similarly, if a fork begins to learn information
that the main character does not (yet) have access to, it is probably
also better to run the fork as an NPC in order to avoid metagaming.

TRANSHUMAN TECH
It is entirely possible that a fork might decide that it will no longer
obey the originating ego and carry about doing its own thing. This
usually only occurs with alpha forks, who are essentially a full copy
anyway, and as time passes the idea of merging back with the orig-
inal ego becomes unappealing. Beta forks are quite aware of their
nature as “incomplete” copies and are less likely to diverge and make
a break for life on their own.

MERGING
Merging is the process of re-integrating a fork with the originating
ego. Merging is performed on conscious egos/forks, transferring
both to a single, merged ego. The process is not difficult to undergo
when two forks have only been apart a short time. As forks spend
more time apart, merging becomes a severe mental ordeal.
Merging often results in mental stress and/or lost fork memories.
The result of the process is a unified ego, whether or not the Merging
Test succeeds. Psychosurgery can troubleshoot bad merges over time.
The rules for merging are detailed on ▶296.

Forking & Merging • Handling Forks–Merging

¾293
 PSYCHOSURGERY
mechanisms   —  cells, connections, receptors   —  that handle
a dizzying array of functions: memory, perception, learning,
Psychosurgery is the selective, surgical alteration of a transhuman reasoning, emotion, instinct, consciousness, and more. Its system of
mind. It is a separate field from neural genetic modification (which organization and storage is holonomic, diffused, and disorganized.
alters genetic code), neuralware implantation (adding cybernetic Even the genetically modified and enhanced brains of transhumans
TRANSHUMAN TECH

or biotech inserts to the brain or nervous system), or brainhacking are crowded, chaotic, crosswired places, with each mind storing its
(software attacks on computer brains, neural inserts, and info- memories, personality, and other defining features in unique ways.
morphs), though they are sometimes combined. What this means is that though the general architecture and
Psychosurgery is performed on a digital mind state. A real-time topography of neural networks can be scanned and deduced, the
emulation, backup, or fork of the subject is uploaded and run in a devil is in the details. Techniques used to modify, repair, or enhance
simulspace. The subject need not be willing, and in these cases their one person’s mind are not guaranteed equal success when applied
VR permissions are restricted. Numerous psychosurgery simulspace to another’s. For example, the process by which brains store knowl-
environments are available, each custom-designed for specific edge, skills, and memories results in a strange chaining process
psychosurgical goals and programmed with a thorough selection of where these memories are linked and associated with others.
psychotherapy treatment options. Altering one memory often has adverse affects on others. In the end,
The actual process of psychosurgery breaks down into several minds are slippery and dodgy things, and attempts to reshape them
stages. First is diagnosis, which involves neuroimaging of morphed rarely go as planned.
characters, mapping synaptic connections, and building a neuro-
chemical model. It can also involve complete psychological profiling USING PSYCHOSURGERY
and psychometric behavioral testing, including personality tests To use psychosurgery, you must have access to the target’s digitized ego
and simulspace scenarios. Digital mind states can be compared to (acquired the same way as uploading or forking). You must also have
records of people with similar symptoms in order to identify related a psychosurgery app and access to a server to run a VR simulspace.
information clusters. This analysis is used to plan the procedure. Psychosurgery is conducted with a Medicine: Psychosurgery Test.
The actual implementation of psychosurgical alteration can This is a task action, with a timeframe dependent upon the specific
involve several methods, depending on the desired results. Applying procedure, as noted below. Time contraction can drastically reduce the
external modules to the mind state is often the best approach, as it amount of real time required (Virtual Reality ▶268). The subject may
doesn’t meddle with complicated connections and new inputs are not take other actions while the procedure is underway.
readily interpreted and assimilated. For treatments, mental health If you succeed, the psychosurgery is effective and permanent.
software patches compiled from databases of healthy minds are The alteration becomes an enduring part of the subject’s ego and
matched, customized, and applied. Specialized programs can be is copied when uploaded, forking, resleeving, etc. If you fail, the
run to stimulate certain mental processes for therapeutic purposes. attempt does not work. On a critical success, no stress is inflicted at
Before an alteration is even applied, it can first be performed on all. On a critical failure, you inflict permanent damage to the subject
a fork of the subject and run at accelerated speeds to evaluate the in the form of a Mental Disorder, Neural Damage, or other negative
outcome. Likewise, multiple treatment choices can be applied to ego trait (GM discretion).
time-accelerated forks this way, allowing the psychosurgeon to test Every psychosurgery procedure lists a Stress Value (SV) that is
which is likely to work best. inflicted on the subject. The value before the slash is inflicted if
Not all psychosurgery is performed for the subject’s benefit. the procedure fails; the value after the slash is inflicted if the test
Psychosurgery is used to interrogate, torture, erase memories, succeeds. Superior failures inflict an extra SV 1d6 each.
modify behavior, and inflict crippling impairments. It is also used as
a legal punishment, deterring and impairing criminal activity. Such ROLEPLAYING MIND EDITS
methods are often brute-forced rather than fine-tuned, ignoring The changes incurred by psychosurgery are nebulous and difficult
safety parameters and resulting in detrimental side effects. to pin down with game mechanics. Alterations to a character’s
personality and mind state are often better handled as roleplaying.
DIFFICULTIES This means that you should make a real effort to integrate mental
Mind editing is not an easy, safe, and error-proof process  —  it is modifications into your character’s words and actions, and GMs
difficult, dangerous, and often flawed. Neuroscience is light years should ensure that a character’s portrayal plays true to their mind
ahead of where it was a century ago, but many aspects of the brain edits. Some psychosurgical mods can be reflected with ego traits,
and neural functions continue to confound and elude even the while others might incur modifiers to certain tests or in certain
brightest experts and AIs. Technologies like nanoneural mapping, situations. The GM should carefully weigh a brain alteration’s
uploading, digital mind emulation, and artificial intelligence are effects and apply modifiers as they see appropriate.
also comparatively in their infancy, being mere decades old. Though
transhumanity has a handle on how to make these processes work,
it does not always fully understand the underlying mechanisms.
Any psychosurgeon will tell you that mucking around in the Psychosurgery Modifiers
mind’s muddy depths is a messy business. Brains are organic Situation Modifier
devices, molded by millions of years of unplanned evolutionary Improper Preparation/Diagnostics –30
development. Each is grown haphazardly, loaded with mutative Ignored Safety Protocols +20/+SV 1d6
leftovers, and randomly modified by an unlimited array of life
events and environmental factors. Every mind features numerous
Time-Contraction Simulspace –20
Subjects is infolife or uplift –20

294¹ Psychosurgery • Difficulties–Roleplaying Mind Edits

PSYCHOSURGERY
PROCEDURES
The following alterations can be accomplished with psychosurgery.
At the GM’s discretion, other mind-editing procedures can be
attempted, using these as a guideline.

AWARENESS BLOCK
This technique is used to block your awareness of specific actions,
skills, memories, or even the environment around you. This
differs from memory editing or skill suppression in that nothing is
removed from your mind; you are simply prevented from accessing
this knowledge. For example, you can be blocked from ever being
aware of the color red, from remembering how to use a gun, or to
automatically tune out anything to do with a specific hypercorp.
When used to block out your own actions or behaviors, you are
completely unaware of the blocked activity  —  even while you are
doing it. If the action/behavior is pointed out, you will be inaca-
pable of recognizing it or addressing it (attempts to force you to will
instigate a Stress Test of SV 1d6/1).
Awareness block is sometimes applied as a second layer of protec-
tion for edited memories or suppressed skills. In this case, not only
is the memory/skill excised, but you are incapable of reflecting
upon the possibility.
Awareness blocks are exceptionally useful for espionage and
mind-control programming. Couriers carrying secret information
in their hands can be made completely unaware of the trove of data
in their minds, reducing the likelihood they will be intercepted or
accidentally leak what they know. Spies can be programmed with
personality editing to exercise certain activities but be blocked by
this procedure from ever being aware they are doing them, thus

TRANSHUMAN TECH
allowing them to lie convincingly if interrogated. The combination
of awareness block and personality editing enables the creation of
unwitting pawns.
Removing an awareness block is an equal procedure to installing
one.

BEHAVIORAL MASKING
Given the ability to switch bodies, many security and law enforce-
ment agencies have resorted to personality and behavioral profiling
as a means of identifying people even when they resleeve. Though
such systems are far from perfect, your unconscious habits and
quirks could potentially give you away. Characters who wish to
elude identification in this way can undergo behavioral masking,
which seeks to alter and change your unconscious habits and social
cues. If successful, apply a –30 modifier to Kinesics Tests and
similar identification systems to identify you.

DEEP LEARNING
Using tutorial programs, memory reinforcement protocols, condi-
tioning tasks, and deep brain stimulation, your learning ability is
reinforced, allowing you to learn new skills more quickly. You can
spend 2 Rez Points in a week to increase skills. If improving skills
over 60, you may spend 2 skill points per week.

Psychosurgery Procedures • Awareness Block–Neural Pruning

¾295
 HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE
This procedure takes specific memories, knowledge, or skills and
locks them away in a safe place in your mind. Like memory editing,
you are unaware that you had this information. When a certain
trigger condition is met, however  —  a passphrase, a specific face,
TRANSHUMAN TECH

a certain event, etc. — the knowledge instantly becomes available.

It is also possible to program another trigger condition to lock the
knowledge away once again (unless an awareness block is put into
place, you will be aware that you knew something, but won't be able
to recall what).

INTERROGATION
Psychosurgical interrogation uses lie detection and brain scanning
techniques including the measurement of unconscious physiological
responses, analysis of brain activity to detect falsehoods, measuring
brain activity and memory activation in response to specific images
or other stimuli, and repeated forking and time-accelerated simula-
tions to verify results and undermine willpower.
The dividing line with interrogation lies with the use of pain and
other mental manipulation torture techniques. Physical torture
is widely regarded as being ineffective, due to the likelihood that
victims will lie, admit guilt when innocent, or generally say what-
ever they need to say to stop being tortured. When combined with
the technologically enhanced interrogation techniques described
above, however, it can be extremely effective.
The timeframe and SV for psychosurgical interrogation is variable,
depending on the situation and the questioning. The GM should
decide on these as appropriate. One subjective week should be the
baseline, with modifiers provided for additional weeks. SV may
range from nothing with basic interrogation to 1d6 +2/half for
moderate torture and 1d10 + 2 for severe torture, possibly more.
Keep in mind that torture is extremely unpleasant and may inflict MERGING
stress on the practitioner and witnesses as well. Such scenes may Merging is the process of recombining a fork with its originating
also not be appropriate to your gaming group, so be aware of your ego (Forking ▶292). Merging often results in mental stress and/or
players’ comfort levels. lost fork memories. A successful test will reduce the SV; use the
numbers listed after the slash on the Merging table. Each superior
MEMORY EDITING success will reduce the amount of memories lost by one level, each
By monitoring memory recall (forcibly invoked if necessary), superior failure will increase it one level. Memory loss usually only
psychosurgeons can identify where memories are stored in the affects the fork’s memories (not the alpha's); apply a modifier to
brain and target them for removal. Memory storage is complex memory-related COG Checks (–10 for Minor loss, –20 for Moderate,
and diffused, however, and often linked to other memories. It is –30 for Major).
extremely difficult to target one specific memory for removal; The process of merging also integrates any stress, traumas, and
instead, general groupings of memories must be targeted, such as ego traits acquired by the fork back into the original ego.
rough time periods or topics. Removing a memory almost always
affects others (GM discretion).
Adding or replacing memories is a much more complicated oper-
ation and requires that such memories be copied from someone Merging
who has experienced them or manufactured with XP software. Even Divergence SV Base
when successfully implanted, fake memories may clash with other Period Modifier (failure/success) Memory Loss
(real) memories unless those are also erased. Characters injected
Up to 48 hours  —  1d6/ —  Solid merge, no memory loss.
with a false memory can make an INT Check to identify a memory
as fabricated or wrong if they have a valid reason to question it. 48 hours to 1 week –10 1d6/half Solid merge, no memory loss.
1 week to 1 month –20 1d10/1d6 Minor memory loss.
MENTAL EVALUATION 1 month to 6 months –30 2d10/2d6 Moderate memory loss.
Psychosurgery can be used to detect previous edits to your mind.
6 months+ –30 3d10/3d6 Major memory loss.
This exploratory procedure can detect previous psychosurgical
procedures, neural pruning, fork merging, exsurgent infection, or
even the long-term effects of trauma, mental disorders, drug use,
and addiction.

296¹ Psychosurgery Procedures • Hidden Knowledge–Neural Pruning

 NEURAL PRUNING legal authorities use personality editing on criminals to reduce
Neural pruning is the process of creating a beta fork ▶292 from recidivism and authoritarian regimes have been known to pacify
an alpha fork. Make a note of what skills and memories you want rebellious elements in their populations. And, of course, exper-
to decrease, eliminate, or keep. If you succeed, the fork is created imental mindhackers seek out new emotional states, previously
as desired. If you fail, the beta fork acquires one of the following unexperienced by transhumans.
penalties, plus one per superior failure. Some of these penalties can
be combined for a cumulative effect: PSYCHOTHERAPY
Therapeutic psychosurgery is beneficial for characters suffering from
• 1 skill decreased by –30. mental stress, traumas, and disorders. See Psychosurgery Care ▶223.
• Fork acquires a Negative ego trait.
• Fork suffers SV 1d6. REMOVE INFECTION
• Extra memory loss (GM discretion; beta forks only). This procedure involves tracking down and removing the alter-
• 1 Positive ego trait lost. ations the exsurgent virus has made to the subject's mind. It can
only be applied to those in the early stages of infection; it is inef-
PERSONALITY EDITING fective against those who are already full exsurgents or asyncs. The
Personality editing alters a specific behavior, emotion, or person- Medicine: Psychosurgery Test is opposed by the virus's Infection
ality trait from the subject’s psyche. The personality factors that Rating. If successful, the exovirus is purged. This procedure is
can be modified are almost unlimited, including traits such as considered risky due to several instances of the virus infecting the
openness, conscientiousness, altruism, extroversion/introversion, psychosurgery VR and psychosurgeons themselves.
impulsiveness, curiosity, creativity, confidence, sexual orientation,
and self-control, among others. Specific emotions can also be SKILL IMPRINTS
targeted: sadness, disgust, remorse, anger, etc. The same is also true Skill imprinting is the use of psychosurgery to insert skill-set neural
for specific behaviors, which can include everything from substance patterns in the subject’s brain, temporarily boosting their ability.
abuse to your study habits. These traits can be enhanced or reduced Skill imprints are artificial boosts, however, degrading at the rate
to varying degrees. of –10 per day. No skill can be boosted higher than 60. You must
You can use personality editing to limit, block, or expunge a have access to the skill being imprinted, either by copying it from
specific behavior, trait, or emotion from the subject’s psyche. For the brain of someone who has the skill or an appropriate skillsoft.
example, a murderer can be conditioned against acts of aggression
or a kleptomaniac might be restricted from stealing. Many people SKILL SUPPRESSION
seek this adjustment willingly, such as an introvert that seeks to Skill suppression attempts to identify where skills are stored in the
be more social, a mercenary that seeks to eliminate fear, a partner brain and then block or remove them. The subject’s skill is lost entirely.
that desires to remove their sexual inhibitions, or a researcher who
TASPING

TRANSHUMAN TECH
wishes to enhance their focus.
Personality editing can also be applied as an unleashing or rein- Tasping is the use of deep brain stimulation techniques to tickle
forcement. A medical professional might boost their empathy, an the mind’s pleasure centers. Though this procedure is often used for
athlete might boost their competitiveness, or a hypercorp exec can therapeutic purposes for patients suffering from depression or other
boost their commitment to work above all else. mental illnesses, the intent with tasping is to overload the subject
If successful, the subject acquires either the Enhanced Behavior ▶78 into a prolonged state of almost unendurable bliss. Such stimu-
or Restricted Behavior traits ▶80 at the level chosen. At the GM’s lation is highly addictive, however, so if you are exposed to it for
discretion, this procedure may apply other ego traits instead. repeated or extended periods you will need to make a WIL Check at
As psychosurgery has become more accessible, personality –30 or pick up the Addiction trait ▶76. Some criminal organizations
editing has become a common elective procedure. Some people have been known to use tasping addiction and rewards as a means
adjust their emotions and habits on a monthly basis. On the flipside, of controlling those under their thrall.

PSYCHOSURGERY PROCEDURE Timeframe SV Effect

Awareness Block 1 week 1d6 Unaware of specified activity/behavior/thing.
Behavioral Masking 1 week 1d6/1 –30 identification-based Kinesics Tests.
Deep Learning 1 week 1/ —  Can spend 2 RP per week to increase skills.
Hidden Knowledge 1 week 1d6 Locks specific knowledge in your brain.
Interrogation Variable Variable Medicine: Pychosurgery vs. WIL Check.
Memory Editing 1 week 1d6/half Deleted, added, or replaced memories.
Mental Evaluation 1 day -- Detects mind edits and changes.
Merging 1 hour See text Recombine fork with alpha ego.
Neural Pruning 1 hour -- Craft beta fork from alpha.
Personality Editing 1 week per trait level 1d6/1 Enhanced or Restricted Behavior trait.
Psychotherapy 1 hour  —  See Psychosurgery Care ▶223.
Remove Infection 1 week 1d10/1d6 Removes exsurgent infection; opposed by Infection Rating.
Skill Imprints (Skill ÷ 10) days (Skill ÷ 10) SV/ —  Imprints skill, degrades –10 per day.
Skill Suppression (Skill ÷ 10) days (Skill ÷ 10) SV/ —  Removes skill.
Tasping 1 hour+  —  Pure pleasure; may become addicted.

Psychosurgery Procedures • Neural Pruning–Tasping

¾297
 Special Cases
IDENTITY SYSTEMS There are certain circumstances that have an impact on identity and
The practice of digitizing egos and switching bodies created massive verification worth noting.
obstacles for identity verification systems. Despite the existence of In polities where forks are legally limited, they are required to
mass surveillance systems and the accumulation of extensive data- be encoded with their originating ego’s identity and designation
TRANSHUMAN TECH

bases on peoples’ lives and habits, factors such as forking, privacy that identifies them as a fork, including their inception date. Those
and anonymization safeguards, and the ease of identity theft make operating with fork IDs are sometimes barred from certain activities
ascertaining someone’s true identity a challenge. such as travel or making financial transactions without their origina-
tor’s authorization in order to deter fraud or the fork seeking inde-
EGO ID pendence or to bypass legal limitations. Fork IDs may be banned
Your identity is tied to your ego, and various authorities institute from activities such as voting or sleeving entirely.
verification and security measures on this basis. Within the inner Those with criminal records linked to their IDs face similar
system, your ego is assigned an ID number, which is used to restrictions. They often are required to disclose their criminal
validate your identity, citizenship, legal status, credit accounts, history to employers/contractors and are subject to additional
licensing, reputation scores, and so on. This ego ID is verifiable by security screenings. This also applies to indentures, who are banned
your brain patterns, which remain the same even when resleeving. from travel and considered a flight risk to some authorities.
If you backup, upload, or egocast your mind, the service is required Certain polities require uplifts and AGIs to openly identify
to incorporate your ego ID in your digital mind-state as a readable themselves as such  —  and may even limit their rights and privileges.
cryptographic hash. Likewise, when you resleeve, the body bank is Though they can take the risk with fake IDs or traveling incognito, a
required to verify your ID and hardcode it into your morph, in the full brain scan will automatically detect the differences inherent to
form of a nanotattoo on the tip of your index finger. Many jurisdic- an uplift or infolife’s mind, marking them as non-human.
tions require these services to register morphs and the embodied Notably, the process of Watts-MacLeod infection is known to
ego ID with local authorities. This nanotat can be easily scanned at create changes to an async’s brain structure, permanently altering
security checkpoints to verify identity. their brainprint. Given that brainprints naturally change over time,
this is not always significant enough to be noticed. However, as
Complications authorities across the Solar System work to eradicate the vestiges of
Though efficient, this method is far from perfect. There is no the exsurgent virus from transhumanity, asyncs are finding them-
system-wide ID system. Record-keeping is far from standardized selves under increased scrutiny, especially when entering habitats
and varies drastically from habitat to habitat. To protect privacy and with more paranoid or sophisticated security apparatuses.
deter ID theft, most habitats will only share basic details on their
citizens  —  and even then only upon request  —  with other stations, ID and Rep Systems
unless they are part of the same political alliance. This means that Your ID is irrevocably tied to your reputation scores.
if you are a Lunar-Lagrange Alliance citizen traveling to a Planetary
Consortium habitat, the local authorities may not have a complete IDENTITY VERIFICATION
profile on you. However, many habitats contract with data-har- There are three ways to verify someone’s identity: nanotat scan, brain-
vesting firms to access their dossiers on the Solar System’s populace. wave scan, and checking the cryptographic hash on a digital mind.
On top of this, many identity records were lost during the Fall.
The systems currently in use were devised within the past decade Nanotat Scans
as new polities cohered. Most people’s personal records do not In most jurisdictions, every time you sleeve a morph, special
extend back beyond that point. This situation was undoubtedly nanobots are deployed to encode a small nanotat on your index
exploited by those who preferred to erase their past or adopt a new finger. The information contained on this nanotat includes your
persona entirely. name, ego ID, brainwave pattern, citizenship/legal status, credit
Complicating matters further, many autonomist and brinker account number, insurance information, licenses, rep system IDs,
habitats operate without identity checks altogether. While even and similar relevant data in an encrypted format. Depending on the
anarchists see the need for some ID measures to prevent reputa- local habitat laws, it may include other information such as criminal
tion-system gaming, protect their backups, and identify bodies convictions, travel history, restricted implants, employment records,
in the case of death, these systems are structured so that the user and so on. This nanotat serves as your physical ID and can be read
controls their own data; few records are kept. with a nanotat ID scanner ▶338 that decodes the nanobot data.
These all make for a situation where identity records are patch- ID nanotats include information on the company that did the
work at best. This means that officials must rely on the security of resleeving, so that the data can be accessed and verified with their
other habitats for ID verification. If a person egocasts to Nectar records online. The data on the nanotat is also cryptographically
on Luna from Qing Long in the Martian Trojans and the Nectar signed with the company’s public key, meaning that anyone who
officials have no record of this person, they can only trust that the checks the data and the signature online can tell if the data has
Qing Long officials did their job when verifying the subject’s ID and been altered.
background. If an autonomist or similar ID-less visitor arrives, they Nanotat ID data can be passcode-protected, though authorities
are scanned against databases for criminals and other undesirables require decoding for security checkpoints. This does not always
and then assigned a temporary ID for the duration of their stay (and deter ID thieves, who deploy trick devices, drones, and nanoswarms
sometimes any future visits). Some habitats (including the Jovians) to break the code and steal data from the unsuspecting  —  or simply
often limit the privileges and stay duration of visitors who fail to take your entire finger.
meet their stringent ID measures, if they don’t bar them outright.

298¹ Identity Systems • Ego ID–Identity Verification

 Brainprints identity in criminal and legal cases. Mesh IDs can be used to track or
Brain scans are one of the few biometric prints that remain similar reveal information about you, though they can also be spoofed ▶247.
no matter what morph an ego is in. Brainprints are recorded using Some habitats continue to rely on older ID technologies, such as
a combination of deep neuro-imaging techniques to measure your ID cards or embedded wireless chips. The Jovians in particular, due
neural activity and responses to invoked sensory stimuli. This to their opposition to resleeving and nanotech, use wireless ID chips
process takes about an hour to produce a unique brain signature. and biometrics primarily.
Egos existing in virtual mind-states (infomorphs or cyberbrains) are
measured in a similar manner using a sequence of diagnostic inputs, CIRCUMVENTING ID CHECKS
though this takes only 5 minutes. Full brain scans in this manner Firewall sentinels and clandestine agents often have a need to hide
are difficult to fool, barring hacking of the brainprint scanner itself, or alter their identities. While ID systems are challenging, they are
and so are considered quite reliable. For this reason they are occa- not insurmountable.
sionally used for access control in high-security facilities.
Such thorough brain scans are impractical for most security Fake IDs
purposes in the field, given the time frame. Instead, security The easiest way to bypass security checks is to establish a fake
personnel can use a portable brainprint scanner to verify an ID  ▶315. Given the patchwork nature of identity records and the
ID in 5 minutes. This scanner includes a skull cap placed on the lack of any centralized authority, this is not very difficult. Numerous
head, ultra-sensitive nano-electrodes that extrude in the scalp, and crime syndicates and even some autonomist groups maintain a
either a visor and earplugs or injected AR sensory input that feeds thriving ID fabrication business, often with complete histories and
a sequence of images, sounds, and sensations to measure your medical covers for implants that might be restricted or illegal.
response. Though not as deep or accurate, this short test is enough These IDs are usually registered with habitats that are either
to compare measurements against a secure ID database. Pods, known criminal havens, have autonomist sympathies, or are
synthmorphs, and infomorphs can be verified in a single action turn isolated and remote. Though the ID is actually verifiable and regis-
via sensory diagnostic inputs. tered with these stations, the potential shady origins of such IDs is
Thanks to the plasticity of transhuman brains, your brainprint known to most inner system authorities and so the character may be
will change over time. This is a natural result of new memories exposed to extra scrutiny or monitoring. Fake IDs can be acquired
and synaptic structures, trauma, and even adaptation over time to that are registered with more respected authorities, but this often
different morphs and headware. Such changes are minor and incre- requires a much higher expense or connections to hypercorp clan-
mental, but mean your brainprint must be updated on a roughly destine operations.
yearly basis, and sometimes more frequently. Though uncommon, Black market darkcast and resleeving options offer fake IDs as a
recent psychological trauma, psychosurgery, exsurgent-virus infec- matter of course.
tion, or other brain alterations may create enough deviation to cause
a brainprint ID check to fail. Altering Nanotat IDs

TRANSHUMAN TECH
Special nanobot treatments can be manufactured to erase, rewrite,
Digital Code or replace nanotat IDs. Erasing a nanotat is easy, but not having one
Digital ID codes are incorporated into backups and infomorphs. Not is a crime and immediate grounds for suspicion in many habitats.
only does this help identify who the backup belongs to, but it serves Rewriting a nanotat is also easy, though this means that the nanotat
as an electronic signature for verifying ID when the backup is to will fail its authorization online unless the encryption has also been
be resleeved. This digital code contains the same information as a cracked. Replacing a nanotat ID with a fake one is just as possible
nanotat ID, and is signed with a cryptographic hash that makes it and is part of the process of acquiring a fake ID.
difficult to forge and which can be verified online.
Digital ID Tampering
Other ID Forms Digital ID codes can also be tampered with, though like nanotat
Given that transhumans are almost always meshed, your Mesh IDs this will mean that the ID fails online verification unless the
ID  ▶246 serves as a unique identifier and has served as proof of encryption is also defeated.

SECURITY LOG: FORK IDENTITY THEFT?

Log 0131AF09:1000: Random security checkpoint established at Adler train Log 0131AF09:1400: Second Zola brought in for questioning. Same anomalies
station. Over the course of 4 hours, discovered 13 individuals with anomalous as First Zola with brainprint and nanotat IDs. Possibly ID thieves working in
brainprint matches. All 13 escorted to station for further questioning. tandem. Effort initiated to locate original Morten Zola.
Log 0131AF09:1200: 12 of the detained individuals cleared and released. Log 0131AF09:1500: A visit to Zola's registered residence located a Third Zola,
Final individual, Morten Zola, held for further investigation after additional again with anomalous ID. Unable to yet ascertain which is original.
anomalies discovered when matching their nanotat ID. Log 0131AF09:1700: Habitat-wide sensor sweep detected six other active
Log 0131AF09:1230: A routine analysis of Zola's mesh presence detected Zolas, all with matching morphs and biometrics. Two resisted arrest with
current activity in Zola's socnet accounts despite the suspect being held in armed violence and were killed. Four others captured.
mesh isolation. When questioned, Zola denied having any active forks. Log 0131AF09:2000: Tenth Zola detained attempting to leave habitat,
Log 0131AF09:1300: Zola's mesh activity correlated with public sensor carrying storage unit with an ego backup. The alpha Zola, held captive?
searches. An individual matching Zola's pod morph and biometrics identified.
Suspect possible identity theft. Security team dispatched.

Identity Systems • Circumventing ID Checks

¾299
 Egocaster Security
HABITAT ACCESS Beaming yourself across interplanetary space is a mature tech-
How you gain entry to a habitat and what screening you’re likely to nology and usually works seamlessly. Because egocasting uses
undergo depends upon how you arrive. Some habitats are close to quantum farcasters, there is no danger of radio interference cooking
other settlements, while others are physically isolated by the vast, the signal and causing data loss. Due to concerns over protecting
TRANSHUMAN TECH

empty distances of interplanetary space. Habitats in dense plane- egos, farcaster services usually engage strict security practices;
tary systems receive most of their visitors via conventional space breaches are uncommon.
travel. Immigration and customs infrastructure is geared toward However, there are risks involved. If the farcaster service at
receiving visitors via their spaceport, and the processing of arrivals either end is not trusted or the networks are privately controlled or
is analogous to a 21st-century airport. Isolated habitats, on the other compromised, your ego is at their mercy. Most hypercorps consider
hand, tend to receive almost all of their visitors via egocast. meddling with a transmitted ego to be a serious breach of etiquette,
whereas autonomist types would find it unthinkably repressive.
EGOCASTING However, political extremists and criminal organizations in control
Shuttlecraft using a variety of propulsion systems make regular trips of egocasters suffer from fewer restraints.
between habitats, planetary surfaces, and moons. But for any trip
longer than 1.5 million kilometers  —  the distance a fusion drive Electronic Arrivals
craft can cover in about a day  —  most people egocast. Once an ego arrives at the destination receiver, it can be archived,
Egocasting is transhumanity’s most advanced personal transpor- run as an infomorph, or resleeved as normal. Arrivals by egocast are
tation technology, though only your ego actually travels. Egocasting sometimes interviewed by habitat authorities in a simulspace before
combines uploading ▶287 and quantum farcasting ▶336 to securely resleeving. Depending on the habitat’s attitude toward civil rights, this
transfer your mind over interplanetary distances. This can be an process can be relatively reasonable or quite invasive. A minimal entry
active infomorph, an inactive backup, or even an upload transferred inspection includes an ID check, a brief interview with a customs AI,
from your conscious mind. and a review of the specs of the morph into which the arriving ego plans
Though egocasting occurs at the speed of light, times vary to resleeve. Habitats with draconian immigration measures may use
drastically with distance. Egocasting within a cluster or planetary harsh psychosurgery interrogation techniques on suspect infomorphs.
system is usually just a matter of minutes. Egocasting from the sun Egos have little recourse to avoid this treatment  —  station authorities
to the Kuiper Belt, however, takes between 40 and 70 hours, and so can simply file them away in cold storage if they choose  —  so it is wise
egocasting all of the way across the Solar System can take even longer. to investigate customs procedures before you send yourself over.
Most egocasting is handled via legitimate farcasting services, Because many people, particularly autonomists and brinkers,
often operated by the habitat’s government. If you are uploading don’t appreciate this kind of reception, various farcasting services
from a morph, it may be sold, leased, or stored with a body bank have stepped in to provide pre-customs resleeving for those trav-
service. Most people sell their morph, trading it in for a new sleeve eling to habitats with suspect screening methods. For often-exor-
at their destination. Storage/leasing is primarily reserved to the rich, bitant fees, the traveler egocasts into an extraterritorial substation
people returning quickly, or people with a particular attachment to close to their intended destination, resleeves there, and then travels
their morph (sometimes because it is their original). to their destination by ship or shuttle.

300¹ Habitat Access • Egocasting–Egocasting

PHYSICAL ARRIVALS established underground tunnels or hacked airlocks in order to move
Physical travel is more common over short distances. However, contraband and people. More isolated outposts, however, are likely to
bioconservatives or people seeking to travel without leaving a trail take an interest in strangers who drive up and start messing around
may prefer long-distance ships over egocasting. outside their walls. With some preparation and determination, however,
Arrivals by spacecraft undergo, at minimum, an ego ID check, it is sometimes possible to sneak up while evading sensor detection.
scans to detect pathogens, hostile nanobots, explosives, or radiation, Habitats in space are surrounded by thousands of kilometers of
and an inspection of their personal effects. Some habitats go farther, emptiness  —  a moat of vacuum that is perilous to cross. Approaching
including rigorous secondary screenings using scout nanoswarms, without detection is quite a challenge, as most keep an eye on their
scans of all electronic systems for malware, and/or aggressive immediate environs with radar and wide-field telescopes in both
interrogation of a fork of the subject. Even autonomist enclaves visible and infrared to spot approaching craft by their radar signature,
enforce automated scans for anything that might pose a danger to infrared heat emissions, or the thrusting and braking of their drives.
the habitat or any signs of hypercorp saboteur efforts. The latter is especially difficult, as any momentum that carries a ship
Restricted goods vary according to local legalities. Many habitats, toward a habitat must be arrested if the ship plans to stop there  —  and
particularly those controlled by autonomist or criminal factions, allow this means using drives that are a dead giveaway. For colonies on
personal weaponry as long as its nothing you can use to blow a hole in asteroids, the asteroid itself can sometimes be used to block line of
the structure or indiscriminately kill dozens of people. Others, notably sight for an approaching ship, though many stations deploy satellites
the Jovian Republic and hypercorp stations, disallow lethal weapons that keep an eye on this angle as well.
of all kinds, except for people who have acquired special permits and Ultimately, all a potential interloper needs to do is to get close
authorization (sometimes available by bribing the right people or enough to the habitat to cross the void using an EVA sled or thruster
pulling favors with rep). Nonlethal weapons are generally allowed. pack. This can be accomplished by passing in the vicinity of the
Other restricted items may include nanofabricators, nanoswarms, station and dropping the infiltrators off, by finding something
malware and hacker software, drugs and narcoalgorithms, certain types nearby the station to hide a ship’s deceleration behind, or by
of XP recordings, covert operations tools, and so on. Certain types catching a lift some other way.
of morphs may also be restricted, such as reapers, furies, or uplifts. An easier option, perhaps, is to take a ship that docks at the
Certain habitats may insist that visitors  —  or at least the ones they habitat, either legitimately or as a ruse, and then use the opportu-
don’t like the looks of  —  submit to specific forms of monitoring or nity to sneak into space and over to the habitat. For colonies that
surveillance for the duration of their stay. This might include taggant deploy harvester drones, another possibility is to intercept one of
nanoswarms, hosting a police AI in your mesh inserts, or even phys- these bots and use it catch a lift back to the station’s drone bay.
ical tailing by an armed security drone. Other stations will require Aerostats and bathyscaphes are somewhat easier to approach.
that their visitors leave an inactive fork as a form of collateral at the Any number of aircraft can be used to sneak up on an aero-
door  —  in case they commit a crime, the fork can be interrogated. stat  —  microlights and balloons being particularly difficult to detect.
Finally, though rare, some habitats go so far as to charge all There is also the option of skydiving down from an aircraft passing

TRANSHUMAN TECH
visitors an “air tax” — a fee for using the station’s publicly available overhead  —  or even falling from space in a high-dive suit ▶351.
resources while they are present. This is generally only common in Bathyscaphes, on the other hand, require swimming or using a
isolated habitats with strained resources and is considered espe- vehicle that doesn’t get noticed by the station’s radar and sonar.
cially obnoxious by most autonomists. Criminal and smuggler outfits rely heavily on bribery or other-
wise compromised security to gain access. Forged credentials are
HABITAT INFILTRATION also relied upon, as is simply physically transporting backups
Getting onto or around a habitat without authorization is not easy, or infomorphs on storage media through security and then re-in-
but for the determined many options abound. stancing or resleeving them within.

Darknets Exterior Access

Various illegal darkcast services run by crime syndicates sometimes Once at the habitat’s exterior, an entrance can be found or created.
offer an alternative method of egocasting in. Darkcast services are quite This usually entails hacking an airlock ▶304. Cutting or blasting
expensive, however, and you are at the mercy of the operators. They have one’s way inside is also an option, though this draws attention with
their own reputations to maintain, but if one group has a monopoly noisy things like decompression and explosions. Careful research of
on darkcasting into a habitat, problems sometimes develop. However, a station’s design might pinpoint spots where breaching the exterior
these providers often offer black-market resleeving services, including does not trigger alarms. Beehives or warren habitats, for example,
restricted morphs and ware, as well as fake ID ▶315. In rare cases, political might have unused or forgotten tunnels that lead to interior airlocks.
factions (usually autonomist cells) or even hypercorps might operate Lingering too long on a habitat exterior may attract attention.
their own darkcast systems; accessing these services requires being Exteriors are typically equipped with security cameras and infrared
in-the-know, having a good rep, and/or greasing the right palms. sensors overwatched by security AIs. Particularly secure or paranoid
stations may have seismic sensors built into the hull or feature regular
Sneaking In sentry bot patrols. Workers and maintenance bots on a hab’s exterior,
Darkcasting isn’t always an option. For those who don’t want to test though not normally armed or trained as security guards, will report
the reliability of their fake IDs or who don’t want to put their egos in suspicious visitors. In the Jovian system, almost all exterior work is
the care of habitat customs, the next option is to try sneaking into the done by teleoperated bots due to extreme radiation. In other outer
station. For stations on planets or moons, this is often not very difficult. system habs, such as big clusters like Locus, spacewalking is very
Major dome and warren settlements on Mars, Luna, and Titan are common simply as a means of getting around, so being spotted is
used to traffic around the exterior of their habitats. Some don’t even much more likely  —  though, depending upon the situation, the
restrict entrance. Others feature local crime cartels who have already observer might not even bother reporting your presence to anyone.

Habitat Access • Physical Arrivals–Habitat Infiltration

¾301
 SPACE TRAVEL
maneuvering around other space traffic. The rest of the trip they
spend dealing with repairs or otherwise killing time with XP, VR
Long-distance space travel takes time and is boring. You will prefer simulations, or AR games. Spacecraft have their own local mesh, but
egocasting in most situations, unless you’re a bioconservative, trying they are usually too distant to interact with the mesh networks of
to keep a low profile, or in a region with habitats that are close together. other habitats without significant communications lag, so they make
TRANSHUMAN TECH

In Eclipse Phase, spacecraft are primarily dealt with as a setting do with their own archive of entertainment options. Many long-haul
environment rather than a vehicle/gear to use. Most ships are ships are crewed by hibernoid morphs, who hunker down for long
piloted by ALI and self-maintained by robots. In certain circum- naps between duties.
stances, however, you may be called on to navigate or pilot a ship
with Pilot: Space, repair it with Hardware: Aerospace, or control TRAVEL TIMES
sensors, ship functions, and weapons with Interface. Travel times around the Solar System vary drastically, depending
on current orbital positions. Travel between points within the inner
LOCAL TRAVEL system usually falls between 2 weeks and a month. Travel to/from
In densely inhabited planetary systems such as Mars, Jupiter, and Jupiter and Saturn usually runs around 2 or 3 months, respectively.
Saturn, most travel between cities, surface stations, and orbital habi- Travel to, from, or between points further out takes months (6 at
tats is by shuttles (lander and orbital transfer vehicles) using small least) or even years. Slower craft like bulk carriers and scum swarms
hydrogen-fueled (or sometimes methane-fueled) rockets. This form double these times. Fast transports reduce them by half, however, and
of travel is incredibly cheap, very fast (hours or days), and avoids antimatter couriers can make a journey in a quarter of the time. These
the occasional glitches that crop up during egocasting. times also assume the craft must accelerate up to speed; a ship that is
already traveling at high velocities can reduce the time.
DISTANCE TRAVEL
For distances beyond a million kilometers, almost everyone

SPACE COMBAT
egocasts. However, thousands of ships can be found crossing the
Solar System at any given time. Bulk carriers haul cargo on regular
routes between habitats and planetary systems. Ice and volatiles Realistic space combat is not cinematic. It primarily takes place at
mined from the gas and ice giants are transported in from the outer vast distances (thousands of kilometers), far beyond visual range.
system. Other freight includes anything that can’t be fabricated Engagements are short, deadly, and decided by software. It is recom-
locally, from artisanal and proprietary goods to rare elements, living mended that space combat be treated as a plot device, part of the
things, antimatter, and qubits. Other ships include military vessels, background story that helps create drama and tension, rather than
cruise liners, nomadic scum swarms, and private craft. Almost all an event that characters actively participate in.
of these use fusion or plasma drives. These ships lack the thrust
to escape from the gravity wells of large planets or moons, so they WEAPONS AND SWARMS
station themselves in orbit and use smaller shuttles with higher The primary weapon in space combat is missiles: they cover great
thrust to transport people to and from planetary surfaces. distances, make high-g accelerations, and are loaded with ALI pilots.
While lasers and rail cannons are potent weapons, they are less
SPACE TRAVEL BASICS effective at vast distances; their primary use is in close engagements
Spacecraft use reaction drives (Spacecraft Propulsion ▶303), meaning or as point-defense systems against missiles.
that they burn fuel (reaction mass) and eject the heated output in Weapon systems are only part of the battle, however. Most ships
one direction, which pushes the spacecraft in the opposite direction. field swarms of disposable devices in combat situations: decoys,
Travel involves a period of high-acceleration burn for several hours at sensor buoys, missile drones, smart mines, and so forth. These
the beginning of the flight, where reaction mass is spent to drive up swarms help blind, confuse, and target the enemy.
the craft’s velocity. The ship then coasts for the majority of the flight Not all ships are equipped with weapons, but every ship has
at that speed, until it approaches its destination, where it flips over at least one: their drive. The output from a drive is devastating to
and burns reaction mass in the opposite direction to decrease velocity. anything within a close range of it. For this reason, ships are restricted
Though some craft burn roughly half their reaction mass to get from engaging their drives close to habitats, using thrusters or tugs to
up to the best speed possible, this doesn’t leave much room for addi- clear a safe distance first.
tional maneuvering or emergencies. Many craft therefore only burn
a fraction of their fuel in initial accelerations, so they have some to STEALTH AND SENSORS
spare in case they need it. A few tricks can be used to save fuel and It is incredibly difficult to be stealthy in space. The torch flare from
build speed, such as slingshotting around the gravity wells of larger a ship’s drive is highly visible, meaning that you can be spotted any
planets or aerobraking in a planet’s upper atmosphere. time you accelerate or decelerate. Ships also radiate heat (in fact, heat
Ships operate at zero g, with the exception of habitat modules buildup can be a major issue), meaning that their black-body radiation
(generally only carried by larger ships) that are spun for low simu- can give them away. Ultra-wide telescope arrays around the system, both
lated gravity. Periods of high acceleration/deceleration also produce public and private, regularly track ships and their trajectories. Active
temporary “gravity” in a downward direction, towards the burn. sensors or wide-area communications will also broadcast your position.
Space is a valuable commodity on board spacecraft, so room is When ships close in and engage in hostilities, the initial conflict is
tight. Sleeping and personal quarters are rarely bigger than large often a game of hiding your exact position to avoid being targeted. This
closets, just enough room for a sleeping bag and personal effects. includes shutting off your drive and active sensors to avoid detection
Depending on the size of the craft, there may be a communal recre- and fielding decoys to misdirect your enemies. It also means deploying
ation area. The crew tend to only be busy at the beginning and end sensor drones to find the opponent without activating your own sensors,
of a trip, when they must deal with acceleration/deceleration and and using laser drones and other systems to blind the opponent’s eyes.

302¹ Space Travel • Local Travel–Stealth and Sensors

 SPACECRAFT PROPULSION
Hydrogen-Oxygen Rocket (HO): Optimized with improved Fusion Rocket (F): Similar to a plasma rockets, fusion
engines and light-weight materials, these are still the same rockets require significantly higher temperatures and pres-
rockets used to first reach the moon. Their high fuel-consumption sures, resulting in a more efficient use of hydrogen. Fusion
rate counterbalances high thrust-to-weight, so they are rare rockets are the most common form of propulsion for long-dis-
except with groups too poor to manufacture metallic hydrogen. tance spacecraft. However, their thrust-to-weight ratio is too
Metallic-Hydrogen Rocket (MH): Metallic hydrogen is a low for escaping the gravity wells of most planets.
solid but unstable form of hydrogen created under exceedingly Antimatter Rocket (AM): Antimatter rockets are the most
high pressures. It can be stabilized in tanks with carefully efficient rocket systems. They mix small amounts of antimatter
controlled electrical and magnetic fields. Small amounts can into the hydrogen fuel, producing enormous amounts of energy
be swiftly and explosively reverted to conventional hydrogen relative to the hydrogen consumed and an exceptionally fast
gas, propelling the rocket with great force. Metallic-hydrogen and powerful exhaust. These rockets carry a heavily shielded
engines are necessary to escape the gravity wells of most magnetically contained antimatter storage vessel. Though
planets, thanks to their high thrust-to-weight ratios, so are safe, the vast energy release possible if there was an accident
common in planetary landers and short-range vehicles. means that antimatter rockets are forbidden from docking with
Plasma Rocket (P): This drive heats hydrogen into plasma habitats or coming within 25,000 km of any inhabited planet
and accelerates it using a powerful electrical field. Though they or moon. Instead, cargo and passengers are transferred using
have a low thrust-to-weight ratio, they are more fuel efficient a shuttle or other small craft. The high expense of antimatter
than metallic-hydrogen. Plasma rockets are superseded by production means that these rockets are only used in military
fusion and only used in older craft, notably scum swarms. vessels and fast couriers.

multiple ships or they make heavy use of swarms. Hacking can also
DEEP SPACE vs ORBITAL play a role if a ship was hacked in advance or if an intruder on board
Fights in deep space typically take place at high velocities with opens a communication channel. Swarms and drones deployed by
strict trajectories, with little room for major course changes. Fuel ships are also vulnerable to direct hacking and spoofed signals.
rationing can be an issue. As the ships and their accompanying
swarms close to engagement range and pass by each other, the Maneuvering
battle itself is quick and fierce. The fight usually ends there, as any While most ships are piloted by ALIs, PCs can use Pilot: Space to
survivors are unwilling or incapable of turning back around. obtain a position of advantage in a fight, perform a high-g maneuver,
Orbital battles are similar, except they may involve defensive evade a pursuer, ram another ship, or stealthily maneuver using only
installations. Stealth is important here, as smart mines and orbital thrusters to avoid detection. Use Fray to avoid incoming attacks.
weapon platforms lie hidden and dormant until an attacker nears.
Some attackers launch strikes from positions far out, well in advance Engagement

TRANSHUMAN TECH
(days or even months), allowing them to approach cold and silent. Most ship weapon systems are operated using Interface skill. In
Orbital battles can also be complicated by the presence of non-com- certain close-range situations, Guns skill will apply to laser or
batants, such as civilian habitats and shuttles, and the fact that aster- railgun fire. These same skills also apply to point-defense systems
oids, moons, planets, and even habitats create sensor shadows and and similar defensive measures.
opportunities to hide. Ground-based weapons are largely ineffective,
but orbital bombardments are devastating to those below. Damage Control
Taking a hit in ship combat can be devastating. Even small hits and
CHARACTER OPTIONS debris will put holes in your ship, causing atmospheric decompres-
One reason we discourage space combat as a direct focus of the game sion and possibly killing biomorphs who aren’t wearing vacsuits.
is to avoid situations where a few failed PC die rolls lead to a total Hardware: Aerospace and similar skills are used to repair damaged
party kill. It is also not always practical for all of the PCs to contribute hulls and systems.
to a conflict, given how much of it is handled by AIs. That said, there
are plenty of opportunities for PCs to play a role in an ongoing space Boarding
battle and influence the outcome. Here are a few suggestions for Due to velocities and trajectories, boarding other ships is often not
incorporating characters and tests into a space combat narrative. feasible. Polite methods of boarding including hacking or cutting
open an airlock  ▶304. Impolite methods involve cutting open the
Detection and Stealth hull and decompressing the interior.
It is difficult to attack an enemy you can’t target. PCs use Interface
skill to operate sensors and swarms to locate and lock onto opposing OTHER NARRATIVE OPTIONS
ships. Interface skill is also used to deploy sensor jamming, decoys, There are many ways in which an ongoing space battle can play a role
and other countermeasures to evade detection. Appropriate Know in a story’s background. You might negotiate with hostile forces, repel
and Hardware skills are used to identify other ships as well as their boarders, stage a mutiny, treat the wounded, escape out the airlock,
capabilities and weaknesses. hide out while the pirates sack the ship, or locate and stop a saboteur.
While losing a space battle is usually deadly, it does not always
Hacking need to be the end. Perhaps the ship is disabled, but you survive in
Ships lock down communications during fights to avoid detection the wreckage  —  and must jury-rig your way to survival or rescue. Or
and hacking, relying on QE comms as necessary. This makes hackers you manage to keep the ship together just long enough to crash it on
ineffective against opposing ships. That said, it is sometimes possible the nearest planet, moon, or asteroid. Or you end up adrift in space,
to spoof ▶247 a signal to an opposing ship, particularly if there are at the mercy of whatever happens to come along to pick you up …

Space Combat • Deep Space vs Orbital–Other Narrative Options

¾303
 SHIP & HABITAT HACKING
If the control panel is somehow damaged or disabled, you can
physically hack the airlock itself with a Hardware: Industrial Test;
Spaceships and habitats are complex environments with many this is a task action with a timeframe of 2 minutes.
technological systems that are vulnerable to hacking and sabotage. Both of the above options allow you to override safety features,
Functions such as sensor, security, weapon, and drive/attitude-control including disabling the lock’s safety so that it can close on people
TRANSHUMAN TECH

systems can be hacked and manipulated like any other electronics or objects, deactivating air pressure sensors, canceling alert notifi-
(The Mesh ▶240). These sub-systems are usually separated into distinct cations, and blowing an airlock open without cycling. Both options
VPNs ▶241, sometimes separate and decentralized, sometimes as a will also allow you to attach a gray box ▶338 to an airlock in order
tiered system ▶241 with a high-security master control network over- to remotely access it.
seeing everything. On larger habitats, each regional area will have
its own top-level network, with various functions  —  administration, Blowing an Airlock
defense, infrastructure, public service, resources, security, spaceport, Airlocks can be hacked to skip their cycling time. Typically this
etc. — having their own sub-systems. On smaller habitats/ships, is performed on the outer door so that the contents of the airlock
related systems are likely to be consolidated. (including any occupants) jettison rapidly. Blowing an airlock
Other features specific to ships and habitats are covered here. inward (i.e., opening a vacuum-filled airlock onto an atmo-
sphere-filled corridor without cycling) produces only a loud bang,
AIRLOCKS some ear popping, and possibly strong gusts that may toss small
Most airlocks come in one of three sizes: objects around.
When an airlock is blown outward, all of the atmosphere inside
• Small airlocks are rare, partly to discourage you from venturing out vents into space in half the time that would be required for the
alone. They fit one medium-sized person. They are primarily used lock to cycle. In a small airlock, this has little effect other than
for repair drones. possibly causing small, loose objects to fly out. On standard and
• Standard airlocks are the most common, large enough for two larger airlocks, it creates a strong blast of wind. If within 25 meters
medium-sized persons. (50 for large airlocks), you must make a REF Check to grab hold of
• Large airlocks are industrial portals primarily found in docking or something or be blown toward the outer door. You must continue
service bays. They can hold four to eight medium-sized people. to make this test each turn until the atmosphere is drained. If
you fail, you are drawn towards the airlock and out at a rate of 20
Airlock doors take one action turn to open and close and 3 action meters per turn (40 for large airlocks). Others that you pass near
turns or more to fill or evacuate with air. can attempt to grab and hold on to you with a SOM Check. If the
Airlock Armor and DR can be found on p. ▶233. habitat is filled with water or another liquid instead of a gaseous
atmosphere, these tests suffer a –30 modifier. If you have advance
Airlock Safety Features warning to brace yourself, add +10. If both doors are opened,
Because airlocks are so critical to the safety of transhumans in atmosphere will continue to forcefully vent until the air pressure
space, they’re equipped with numerous safety features. Only one within the ship or habitat (or the local section if sealed off ) drops
door can be opened at a time, to prevent accidental depressuriza- to minimal levels.
tion. Airlocks leading to and from pressurized areas work as normal Decompression throws objects that aren’t fastened down out
doors unless a module is depressurized, in which case they kick in the airlock. These objects and debris may hit you on their way out,
as airlocks. inflicting anywhere from DV 1d10 to 4d10 (GM discretion). Large
All airlocks have hardwired sensors that prevent them closing objects resist being blown out based on their weight and inertia
on people or objects passing through. If this is overridden or (GM discretion). Open airlocks may become fully or partially
malfunctioning, getting part of one’s body caught in an airlock blocked if a larger object (such as a desk or vehicle) is sucked up
as it closes causes DV 3d10 + 10 and almost always results in against them.
dismemberment. Getting one’s head, neck, or vitals caught in an
airlock is certain death. Airlocks in High-Pressure Environments
Airlocks are usually programmed to alert the operations center In high-pressure environments (Venus’s surface, Europa’s subsurface
each time they are opened. ocean, etc.), decompression effects are more dramatic. The gear and
Airlocks can be linked to nearby heat and carbon monoxide morphs employed by transhumans for survival in these environ-
sensors. In case of a fire, these automatically close an air gap ments are engineered to survive in them, but can’t withstand an
between the detected fire and the rest of the ship/habitat and enable abrupt change in pressure. Anything inside an airlock in these situ-
the operations center to remotely blow the lock without cycling in ations will be instantly killed or crushed by an immediate change
order to put out the fire. from inside to outside pressure, and the structure surrounding the
airlock is likely to suffer catastrophic damage.
Hacking an Airlock
To prevent tampering, the only functions accessible by wireless BULKHEAD DOORS
interface on most airlocks are identification and diagnostics. A bulkhead door is simply half an airlock. Bulkheads are installed in
Operational features are either hardwired to a control panel or strategic locations, so that segments of the habitat/ship can be shut
accessible only by physically opening a sealed panel on the door. off or isolated in the event of depressurization, a biological outbreak,
If you lack authorization, the control panel can be physically physical invasion, or other emergency scenarios. Bulkheads follow
hacked with a Hardware: Electronics Test and appropriate tools. all of the rules for airlocks, minus the time needed to cycle air.
This is a task action with a timeframe of 2 minutes.

304¹ Ship & Habitat Hacking • Airlocks–Bulkhead Doors

HULLS AND SUPERSTRUCTURE Ventilation Systems
Hulls vary in composition and properties, from the composite All habitats rely on ventilation systems to push and recycle breath-
alloy hulls of cylinders to the thick silicate rock walls of beehives. able air. These ventways provide an optimal infiltration path for
Superstructure varies as well; cylinders, spheres, and toruses have swarmanoids and similar small morphs. For larger transhumans,
sturdy metal trusswork underlying and supporting the hull mate- crawling through ductwork can be an ordeal (taking a complex
rial, although older designs might also have massive crossbeams action to move your base move), or you simply might not fit. These
running across the interior axis. Beehives and asteroid bubbles, ducts feature regularly spaced fans for circulation. To get past these,
on the other hand, rely entirely on their thick rock walls for super- the fans must be disabled and removed with Hardware: Industrial
structure. Tin-can habs are typically small enough that the hull is skill. Larger fans are not easily removed, but can be stopped so that
self-supporting, requiring little or no interior bracing, though they you can pass through the blades. Many of these fans are monitored
can be bolstered with insulation or radiation shielding. and alarmed, however, particularly at key junctions or leading into
Armor and DR for hulls are detailed on ▶233. Many hulls are “self- secure areas. Getting pushed or falling into a fan can inflict from
healing,” meaning they are either equipped with pockets of liquid DV 1d10 to 4d10, depending on the size. Swarms that attempt to
sealant that automatically fill and harden punctures or fixer swarms move through a fan suffer DV 1d10 as well, possibly higher for
to repair damage over time. Serious breaches and “dumb hulls” must larger fans.
be repaired with metal sheets and welders. Many ventilation systems possess countermeasures to deter the
Hull breaches in low-pressure environments have the same effect spread of harmful toxins or agents. The most common are ultravi-
as blowing an airlock. olet cooking systems that roast any passing air, killing off biological
pathogens. Others include nanofilter systems in which nanobots
LIFE SUPPORT remove harmful chemicals or particulates from the air. Neither of
Life support on a station or ship replenishes breathable atmosphere these is dangerous to transhumans, and both can be deactivated
and filters it for impurities. In very primitive systems, life support and removed with a Hardware: Industrial Test (though they may be
is finite, consisting of tanks of fresh atmospheric gases. In Eclipse alarmed against tampering).
Phase, modern systems can run indefinitely if regularly maintained
and not interfered with by recovering and chemically altering REACTORS
“stale” gases. Large habitats and ships are powered by fusion reactors. If this
reactor is taken offline, power reserves will last between 12 and 24
Sabotaging Life Support hours in most situations. Some ships/habs have alternate sources
Biological life-support systems use organisms such as algae to such as solar panels to continue powering critical infrastructure.
metabolize waste CO2 and release breathable oxygen. Such systems Due to the threat posed by a meltdown, reactor systems are always
are often in their own modules or located along the exterior of a air-gapped, hardwired, and well defended. If a hacker somehow
ship or station, close to the hull. Given their critical nature, the manages to access the hardwired controls, bypass security, and disable

TRANSHUMAN TECH
controls for these systems are air-gapped and well protected; if numerous safety protocols, then initiating a meltdown is a Hacking
hacked, oxygen levels and other aspects of the system can be Test task action with a timeframe of 10 minutes. On ships and some
manipulated (Dangerous Atmosphere ▶236), possibly leading to smaller habitats, reactors are more easily physically accessible.
asphyxiation ▶234 or other issues. Initiating an emergency safe reactor shutdown takes an Interface
If algae tanks are punctured, the medium inside vents into Test and a complex action. The actual shutdown process takes 2
space and freeze-dries  —  or, worse, spills into the ship/habitat, action turns.A more gradual safe shutdown (for maintenance and
flooding nearby modules. After a breach, the atmosphere becomes the like) takes 6–12 hours.
unbreathable at a rate dependent upon the system’s total volume Damaging a reactor’s walls is dangerous. If a weapon discharges
and biomorphs aboard  —  usually somewhere in the range of 48–72 near a reactor and misses with a superior failure, the attack has
hours at full capacity, longer with fewer breathers. struck and possibly damaged the reactor wall. Reactor containments
Other life-support functions such as water supplies can also be have Armor 50/50, DR 200, a Wound Threshold of 20, and are self-
contaminated or spiked, though these are equally well protected healing  ▶above. If the wall takes enough damage to exceed its DR or
and monitored for quality. Many ships/habs store water reserves suffers a wound, a superheated jet of plasma escapes the magnetic
in masses of ice, melting it with waste heat as needed. Like food containment and burns anyone within 10 meters who fails a Fray
supplies, water can also be nanofabricated, making this an ineffi- Test (DV 6d10 + 10 [43], armor-piercing, resisted with energy
cient method of sabotage. armor). The entire area is also flooded with heavy radiation, which
Heat management is an oft-overlooked aspect of life support, is usually lethal to biomorphs.
especially in space, where there is no atmosphere to radiate it away. Plasma breaches are catastrophically bad. Because reactors use
Damaging heat exchangers, radiators, thermal regulation systems, controlled fusion, they will never explode like a nuclear weapon,
or insulation against solar rays can cause dangerous overheating, but the super-heated plasma will burn through almost everything
creating equipment problems and making life for biomorphs around it. Habitat reactors often incorporate pressurized steam
unpleasant or impossible. systems and turbines; damage to these systems, from a plasma
breach or other method, can create a devastating explosion.

Ship & Habitat Hacking • Hulls and Superstructure–Reactors

¾305
TRANSHUMAN TECH

Shifts in technology have changed the nature of social networks

REPUTATION
over time. Early social networks served as information-gathering
tools, accumulating vast databases on their customers and their
lives and relationships to be sold for marketing purposes. These
“Once upon a time, there was a planet so incredibly prim- became a central point for people’s online activity, transforming into
itive that its inhabitants still used money. That planet is walled-garden media ecosystems that dominated and monetized
called ‘Mars.’” people’s attention. For decades, online identity was hostage to brand
 Professor Magnus Ming, Titan Autonomous University loyalty to one of a select group of social media and tech monoliths.
At the same time, authoritarian states instituted citizenship scores
and social credit to regulate behavior, provide privileges, and
Reputation is an inherent aspect of the hierarchical social order punish unfavored elements. This regime was eventually demolished
in the inner system  —  and a vital component of the outer system’s by the decentralized nature of the mesh, the advent of AI, the Fall,
egalitarian social fabric. and the push to transition from capitalism to new economies. New
social networks arose, unfettered to corporate interests, facilitated
SOCIAL NETWORKS by ALIs and user-driven initiatives. Many of these are specifically
Reputation is divided between and managed by different social driven by the needs of new polities: legal contracts, online voting,
networks. These retain much similarity to their early 21st-century tracking habitat logistics, sharing resources, and managing multiple
forebears, in that they enable their users to build large networks of identities.
friends, acquaintances, and professional contacts. They are in equal
parts a media-sharing platform, discussion forum for shared inter- REP SCORES
ests, news outlet, networking/publicity tool, and an ideal medium A major impact of social networks in Eclipse Phase is the reputation
for memetic propagation. However, modern socnets are far more score each provides. Each of your rep scores measures your social
numerous and varied, coalescing more around shared characteris- standing with a sub-set of transhuman society.
tics, whether those be (sub)cultural, professional, political, or simply Each social network handles rep scores in similar but distinctly
common interests. Some well-known social networks are amalgama- different ways. As a rule, your rep score is built up by positive inter-
tions of smaller socnets that are linked together under an umbrella actions with others in your network (pings) and decreased by nega-
framework to share information. tive interactions (dings). These transactions are largely automated,

306¹ Reputation • Social Networks–Rep Scores

 THE BIG SEVEN
Eclipse Phase focuses on 7 dominant rep networks:

• @-rep: The Circle-A List is prejudiced in favor of egalitarian, • g-rep: Guanxi is one of the more unusual networks. This
collective behavior and against competitive and selfish shadowy darknet protocol allows various smaller, private
activities. It is shared by anarchists, Titanians, scum, networks to link together. The standards, formats, and
Extropians, and other autonomists. Its focus leans more algorithms do not always sync well, and the relations
towards sharing resources, providing assistance, and between cartels and gangs and individuals are often conten-
creative endeavors. Originally patched together by hacktiv- tious. Nevertheless, an unspoken code has developed over
ists, the decentralized network is maintained by a healthy time. Influence and intimidation factor heavily here, and
cadre of volunteer coders and ALIs, bolstered in part by suspicion of rivals and narcs takes its toll, but the advan-
Titanian education resources. Use @-rep to connect with tages for black-market networking are numerous. Use g-rep
autonomists, add yourself to a collective resource queue, to connect with criminals, hire illicit services, make deals,
exchange favors, share your work, vote in local referendums, peruse the black market, get tips on local security, fence
and practice mutual aid. goods, and get the latest word on the street.
• c-rep: CivicNet is popular among the citizens of the inner • i-rep: The Eye is Firewall’s secret internal network, main-
system (Planetary Consortium, Morningstar Constellation, tained by its vectors. It enables sentinels and proxies
Lunar-Lagrange Alliance), Jovian Republic, and other from different servers to collaborate and share intel and
hypercorp and capitalist entities. A combination of multiple resources. Given Firewall’s strained resources, the Eye can
networks maintained as private ecosystems by media sometimes be a saving grace to sentinels in the field. Use
hypercorps like Ideogram, Chitter, and Reina Weibo, it also i-rep to pull strings, ask for backup, learn secret history, get
plays a prominent role in governmental and legal affairs. the scoop on a new threat, or share war stories.
Use c-rep to check citizenship scores, view your friend’s • r-rep: Research Network Affiliates is dedicated to the pursuit
lifelogs and XP, network with others in your industry, apply of science. Favored by Argonauts, scientists, technologists,
for a loan, get a recommendation, speak to a manager, scan and researchers of all stripes, it is a treasure trove of data
product reviews, or talk your way out of a fine. and a useful tool for collaboration. Published research, cita-
• f-rep: Fame is about seeing and being seen. It is the realm tions, and credited discoveries carry extra weight here. RNA
of metacelebrities, journalists, socialites, artists, and glitte- is also important for hypercorp researchers who are other-
rati. Follower counts, aggregate critic reviews, viral media, wise restricted by NDAs. Use r-rep to research scientific
and publicity stunts carry heavy weight. The networking topics, query experts, connect with scientists, crowdsource
of entertainment and marketing pros who maintain the puzzles, and track the latest tech developments.
spectacle from behind the scenes is where this network • x-rep: Originally created by a now-retired group of gate-

TRANSHUMAN TECH
really shines. Use f-rep to get the latest gossip, follow your crashers, eXploreNet has evolved into the primary network
favorite celebrities, post your glamour shots, find the latest for gatecrashers and exoplanet colonists. The socnet
trends, view media collections, get on an invite list, take recently gained support from Gatekeeper, helping to expand
on a freelance media gig, sell your footage/tip to media its reach. Use x-rep to learn about exoplanets, get mission
outlets, or connect with media/entertainment industry reports, collect gate rumors, get tips on extrasolar corpo-
professionals and socialites. rate initiatives, and connect with gatecrashers and colonists.

in that they are primarily handled by your muse without active In the outer system, rep functions slightly more as a measure of
direction, based on your reactions and past habits. Individual pings trustworthiness and solidarity. In polities where cooperation with
and dings have but a minor effect  —  but thousands of these add up peers and support of the local community is an important factor, a
over time to influence your score. Transactions are also weighted good rep is often rewarded by more good will. Though they advo-
based on factors like previous history, social distance, the weight cate and sometimes work against it, autonomists are sometimes
of each party’s rep scores, and so on. Every network handles this guilty of allowing rep to reinforce informal hierarchies, reproduce
differently; inner-system networks give more value to the actions of prejudices, or propagate in-group cliquishness. It is widely valued,
high-rep parties, whereas outer-system networks make more effort however, as a tool for guiding interactions.
to level the field. All networks monitor against attempts to game the
system by sock-puppeting and other means, to varying degrees of REP NETWORKS FOR RESEARCH
success. Depending on the network, other values may impact your Social networks can be incredibly useful for research. Many have
rep score: credit history, net worth, criminal record, legal claims, forums, media collections, and tagged postings on all manner of
citations, publication credits, professional reviews, and so on. interesting topics, such as current politics, events of the Fall, latest
In the inner system, your rep score functions as social capital. It technology, and crime beat reports. They are also an excellent
is a mistake to think of it as currency, however. Rep is not spent, it avenue of research into specific people and their activities, though
is a measure of your net worth, your popularity, and your value as this is sometimes impeded by privacy settings.
a citizen. It can open doors, provide access, and reward you with Using social networks for this purpose is handled as a Research
other privileges. Test ▶254.

Reputation • Rep Networks for Research

¾307
 NETWORKING • Additional Favor. If you’ve used up all of your alloted favors, you
Where social networks shine is their value in networking for favors. can burn rep to get one more. The cost to your rep depends on
If you need to get advice from an expert, find someone who can fix the type of favor, as noted in the Burn Cost column on the Rep
your problems, acquire a piece of black-market tech, or crowdsource Test table.
TRANSHUMAN TECH

a solution, you can turn to your contacts and the online community • Bonus Modifier. This indicates that you are pulling strings and
at large. Your rep score reflects not just your social capital, but your calling in markers to get the favor you’re after. This is particularly
ability to leverage it and maneuver through this web of personal useful when you are trying to obtain a major favor. You receive a
and impersonal connections to find who and what you need. modifier to your Rep Test equal to the rep points you burn × 2. The
In game terms, you take advantage of your connections and maximum modifier you can achieve is +30 (15 rep points).
personal cred every time you need a favor. A favor is broadly
defined as anything you try to get via others in your social networks, Keeping Quiet
whether that be aid, goods, or information. Different types of favors The problem with using social networks for favors is that you end
are described under Favors. up letting lots of other people know what you’re up to. When you’re
involved in a clandestine operation, that could be exactly what you
USING REP don’t want. The only way to diminish this is to take your requests to
To pursue a favor, you pick a social network and make a Rep Test. trusted friends and ask them to keep quiet, but this diminishes the
Roll Rep score same as you would a skill. The type of favor you are pool of people at your disposal.
asking for can impact the test; apply the modifiers from the Rep In game terms, you can try to keep word of what you’re doing
Tests table. Likewise, if you are trying to keep your query discreet quiet, but this makes it harder to get what you need. For every
and under the radar, modifiers will apply Keeping Quiet ▶next column. negative modifier you apply to your Rep Test, the same negative
Rep Tests are task actions  —  it takes time to call in favors or track modifier applies to anyone making a Rep Test to acquire informa-
down information. The timeframe depends on the type of favor, as tion about what you’re up to.
noted on the Rep Tests table. GMs can modify this as they see fit.
REPUTATION & ID
Rep Limits It is important to note that reputation is closely tied to identity. If
Using rep has its limits  —  there are only so many times you can call you are undercover and using a fake ID, you take the risk of giving
in a favor. These limits depend on the level of favor, expressed in yourself away if you call upon your normal Rep score. You can try to
terms of the maximum amount of times you can safely request such minimize this by using the rules for Keeping Quiet ▶above. However, if
a favor each timeframe. anyone is sniffing your mesh activity, you may be found out.
If you need to seek another favor before that level of favor has False identities come with their own rep scores, though these are
refreshed, you have two choices. You can expend a higher level minimal (usually 10). The low rep is usually explained away as you
favor instead, keeping in mind that higher level favors refresh more having only relatively recently re-instantiated or otherwise being
slowly. Alternatively, you can burn reputation (see below). new to that faction/network. You can build up the rep of your fake
A Rep Test failure will not use up a favor, unless you score a crit- identity, which must be tracked separately. This may be considered
ical failure. a waste of effort, however, given that some alter egos are meant to
Be sure to mark off favors used on your character sheet. be disposable.
Optional Rule: GMs can allow GP to be spent on improving the rep
Burning Rep of a new fake ID. Every GP spent increases one rep score by 5.
In dire situations, it may be more important for you to get what you
need, even if you have to step on people’s tentacles. In this case, you FAVORS
can burn some of your Rep score, meaning that you exchange a loss Creative players can undoubtedly come up with many uses for their
of Rep for a shot at a favor. This reflects that you are pushing the social networks, but a few of the more common are detailed here.
bounds of how far people are willing to go for you; your reputation While it can be easy to handle rep favors as a quick dice roll, GMs
takes a hit as people flag you for being too demanding. are encouraged to roleplay them out. Though social network inter-
You can burn rep for two purposes: actions are often transacted online, either by messaging, vid calls, or
VR meets, they sometimes end up resolved in-person. Regular use
of a social network, especially for related inquiries, may have you
dealing with the same NPCs repeatedly, perhaps recruiting them as
Rep Tests a contact ▶73 over time.
Favor Modifier Max Amount Burn Cost Timeframe
Trivial +30* Any time, no limits  —  Immediate Acquire/Unload Goods
Social networks are a good way to find items that you can’t buy
Minor +10 3 per week 5 rep 2 hours legally or make at home. In outer system autonomist areas, they are
Moderate +0 1 per week 10 rep 8 hours the medium for gaining access to a habitat’s community resources.
Major –30 1 per story arc/campaign 20 rep 24 hours Follow the rules for Acquiring Gear ▶312 when using your rep this way.
* No test necessary with a Rep of 60+. Sometimes you may be looking to rid yourself of equipment
or valuables. In this case, a Rep Test can be used to trade in goods
for an equivalent favor, or a favor one step lower, down the line.

308¹ Networking • Using Rep–Favors

 GMs must use their discretion here,
keeping in mind that in the profit-moti-
vated inner system, trade-in value is lower
than actual cost. For example, fencing
Moderate complexity gear can get you
an extra Minor favor. In the outer system,
however, exchanges are more equal.
Alternatively, contributing gear back to the
general habitat community resources may
get you a small rep score bump.

Acquire Services
When you lack the skills or education you
need, or you just need another set of arms,
you can call out to your social network to
find someone to help you out. If you are
looking for someone with a particular skill,
the result of your successful Rep Test roll is
the skill rating of the person you find. The
higher your Rep, the better able you are to
find highly skilled professionals.

Example Services
• Minor Favor: Act as a lookout, borrow a
vehicle for a few hours, legal advice, make
a backup, provide an alibi, use a healing
vat for an hour, services for an hour.
• Moderate Favor: Egocasting, intimidation,
psychosurgery, sabotage, short shuttle trip,
smuggle something, services for a day.
• Major Favor: Borrow a shuttle, espionage,
getaway pilot, kill someone, legal represen-

TRANSHUMAN TECH
tation, resleeving, services for a week.

Acquire Information
When you can’t find the information online
or you don’t have the time or capability
to look, you can turn to people in your
social network and tap their accumulated
knowledge base. This type of sleuthing is
especially useful for information that is
less likely to be codified or public online:
gossip, people’s personal history, confiden-
tial data, suppressed news, and so on. You
can also use this type of favor to find out
what favors others are asking for, though
modifiers may apply if they are covering
their tracks Keeping Quiet ▶308.

Example Information
• Minor Favor: Black market location, gate-
crashing logs, gossip, hypercorp directory,
known research, local cartel, public data.
• Moderate Favor: Cartel members, confi-
dential data, hangouts, internal hypercorp
news, new research, secret relationships.
• Major Favor: Blackmail, illegal operations,
safehouse location, secret facilities/proj-
ects, undercover cop identity.

Networking • Favors
¾309
GEAR
GEAR RULES
In the technological future, having the right gear is a necessity.

GEAR DESIGN
The procedures of minifacturing and nanofabrication allow indi-
vidual items to be manufactured with a unique (or at least different)
look. In theory, this means few items should have a uniform,
mass-produced look; in reality, most people go with the basics.
Most equipment is designed with ergonomics and ease-of-use in
mind, meaning that “blobject” looks  —  soft curves and form-fitting
shapes  —  are common. Ovoids that fit comfortably in the hand are
favored, as are shapes that can be easily worn or attached to clothing.
Ambidextrous designs are the norm. Most gear is also designed
with zero-g or microgravity functionality in mind, and can easily
be clipped, tethered, or stuck to a surface with grip pads. The mate-
rials used to create everyday items are also advanced, ranging from
aerogel and fullerenes to smart materials and exotic metamaterials
with unusual physical properties (Future Materials ▶233).
Exotic Morphs: Most things can also be fabricated using designs
that are wearable/usable by uplifts, non-humanoid morphs, and
sleeves with unusual limbs or morphology. If you are stuck using
gear that doesn’t fit your particular morphology, expect an impair-
ment modifier between –10 and –30 — or you may not even be able
to use it at all (GM discretion).

GEAR COMPLEXITY
Each gear item in Eclipse Phase lists a complexity rating:

• Minor [Min]: Common, simple items that are accessible and easy to
nanofabricate. Most are readily available online or at physical stores/
community dispensaries.
• Moderate [Mod]: Less common items that take effort to track down
and more intricate items that require longer to nanofabricate.
• Major [Maj]: Uncommon, expensive, and hard-to-find items or
complex gear that takes substantial time to manufacture.
• Rare [Rare]: Unique, unusual, or highly valuable items may not be
available or may require an extra expenditure of Rep/Resources or
the acquisition of certain unusual feedstock for nanofab purposes.

Each gear item uses the same complexity rating, whether it is

purchased, acquired from contacts, or nanofabricated. GMs can alter
the complexity depending on the source if they choose.
Additionally, some gear items are classified as Restricted.

• Restricted [R]: Restricted gear is illegal in many inner system/

transitional economy habitats and possibly disfavored by the local
community in outer system habs. To acquire this gear, you need to
find a way to circumvent various legality and supply issues.

GEAR MODIFIERS
Most equipment provides no bonuses, it simply allows you to
perform a task you would otherwise be unable to do. For example, it
is impossible to pick a mechanical lock without a lockpick.
In some cases, however, gear provides a bonus to the task at hand.
Climbing a wall is a lot easier if you happen to have grip pads or
other climbing gear. The specific modifier applied is noted in the
item’s description, ranging from +10 to +30. In most cases, gear
modifiers are cumulative, but GMs should exercise common sense,
especially with items with duplicate effects.

310¹ Gear Rules

 GEAR QUALITY or voice-operated control interfaces to most designs, however, and
Not all gear is made the same. Tools can be well-crafted, state-of- items crafted for emergency, combat, survival, or exploration situa-
the-art, or top-of-the-line, applying an additional +10 to +30 modi- tions will feature basic physical controls, just in case.
fier. Or they can be outdated, shoddy, or in disrepair, inflicting Almost all devices are loaded with a complete set of help files and
a –10 to –30 modifier (in some cases canceling out the gear’s tutorials. Most are also equipped with specialized ALIs ▶250 that
other modifiers). can assist you or operate the device on your behalf.
Gear acquired through normal channels (Resources, rep, or
nanofab) is assumed to be of average quality. GMs should use gear POWER
quality modifiers for special-case items, plot hooks, or the result Powered devices in Eclipse Phase require electricity to function,
of superior/criticals rolls. If characters are attempting to acquire relying on solar cells, wireless energy transfers, or powerful
gear of higher quality, increase the complexity one step for every batteries. Standard batteries are high-density, room-temperature
+10 modifier (i.e., a Minor complexity item would be treated as superconductors with 25 times the capacity of the best batteries
Moderate at +10 and Major at +20). Gear quality will reduce over in common use in the early 21st Century. Such batteries can be
time through use and circumstances. flexible, printed on devices, or woven into fabric. They are good
for 100–500 hours of use and will alert the user when they run low.
GEAR SIZE More powerful radio-isotope nuclear batteries are also available,
Matters of size, mass, and encumbrance are left to the GM's common heavily shielded so they do not emit radiation, and good for 3
sense. Remember that the technology level of Eclipse Phase means years or more of use. Nuclear and standard batteries are often
many items are smaller and lighter. GMs should apply impairment included together, with the former recharging the latter. Wireless
and movement modifiers of –10 to –30 to characters who are over- energy transmitters are common in habitats and spacecraft, auto-
loaded. Remember that characters in low or microgravity environ- matically charging nearby devices.
ments can carry and move much larger loads, though bulkiness and In short, power should rarely be an issue in Eclipse Phase games,
inertia remain an issue. unless it happens to fit the plot. Power failure is an option for crit-
Gear uses the same sizing as morphs (Sizes ▶227); all relevant rules ical failure rolls.
and modifiers apply. A few other considerations are noted here:
WARE
• Nano-sized items cannot be seen without a microscope or nano- Ware is a catch-all category for augmentations of different kinds:
scopic vision ▶318 and cannot be manipulated without fractal
digits ▶324 or similar tools. • Bioware (B) includes genetic modifications, nanosurgical tissue
• Very small objects have the Concealable trait. alterations, and implantation of bio-engineered organs. It is only
• Some small/medium gear has the Long and/or Two-Handed traits. available for biomorphs (including pods and uplifts). Because of its
organic nature, bioware is hard to detect in scans; genetic testing or
other bio-sampling is required. Use Medicine: Biotech to diagnose,
CONCEALING GEAR implant, or repair.
To hide an object from others, use Infiltrate or Exotic Skill: Sleight • Cyberware (C) is synthetic devices either implanted within a
of Hand skill. This is opposed by Perceive. Objects with the biological body or “grown” within using nanobots. It is only avail-
Concealable trait add a +30 modifier. If the searcher is conducting a able for biomorphs (including pods and uplifts). Cyberware is
thorough physical search, treat as a task action and apply a modifier detectable with x-ray and radar scans. It can also be hacked like

GEAR
if they take extra time ▶32. other electronics. Use Medicine: Biotech to implant, Hardware:
Electronics to repair the ware itself.
MESHED GEAR • Hardware (H) includes add-ons to synthetic shells. It is only avail-
Most technology is wirelessly meshed with other devices around it able for synthmorphs, bots, and vehicles. It can be hacked. Use
(The Mesh ▶240). They contain a miniaturized computer, a wireless Hardware: Robotics or an appropriate field for vehicles to install,
transceiver, and possibly laser or microwave links and/or various diagnose, and repair. Many non-ware gear items can be mounted
sensors. They can be tracked via the mesh ▶256, and are vulner- on or incorporated into a shell’s frame as hardware (GM discretion).
able to hacking and intrusion attempts, though protected by their • Meshware (M) refers to plug-in apps that enhance infomorphs.
firewall  ▶260 and device ALI ▶250. For privacy and security, most These may also be installed with cyberbrains. They are vulnerable
people slave their carried and worn devices that make up their to mesh combat. Use Program to install, diagnose, or repair.
personal area network (PAN) to their mesh inserts or ecto (Slaved • Nanoware (N) refers to internal nanobot systems active within a
Devices ▶241). body or shell. Nanoware includes an implanted hive that maintains
The Radio and Sensor Ranges table notes what range these and refreshes the nanobots. It is available for morphs of all types.
devices operate at. Nanoware hives are detectable like cyberware, but the bots are
only detectable with nanodetectors or detailed biological sampling.
INTERFACES Nanoware can be hacked like other electronics. Use Medicine:
Common devices often have no visible controls  —  it is assumed the Biotech or Hardware: Robotics to implant/repair.
operator will interface with the device using augmented reality. This
means that so-called “zeros” without ectos or mesh inserts may not Unless otherwise noted, each ware item can only be installed in
be able to interact with or use them. It is trivial to add holographic the same morph once, no matter if it is available in different forms.

Gear Rules • Gear Quality–Ware

¾311
 Gear Point Value
Gear Complexity Gear Point Cost
ACQUIRING GEAR Minor 1
Rather than detailed shopping expeditions, Eclipse Phase offers Moderate 2
several options for handling gear.
Major 3
GEAR

• During character creation, you receive two gear packs ▶68 based on Rare 5+
the type of campaign and the profession you chose. This represents
your starting gear.
• When new missions arise, the GM assigns Gear Points you use to Increasing GP
pick and choose equipment you need, based on the mission’s avail- There are two ways to increase your available GP:
able resources.
• During the mission itself, you can acquire needed gear on the fly • Resources Trait: If you have the Resources trait, you may add your
using Resources trait, rep favors, or nanofabricating it yourself. level in this trait to the amount of GP you acquire (i.e., Resources
Level 2 gets you +2 GP). Resources may be of no use in some
MISSIONS AND GEAR POINTS areas, however, particularly autonomist habitats that decry money,
Gear Points (GP) work similarly to Morph Points ▶290 — the GM exoplanets, and other remote isolated outposts.
provides a set number of GP to each character for each mission, • Rep Favors: You can expend rep favors to acquire gear. A minor
which can then be used to acquire gear. The GP value of gear is favor gets you 1 GP, a moderate favor gets you 2 GP, and a major
based on its complexity, as noted on the Gear Point Value table. favor gets you 3 GP. No test is required, but you must have a rep
Mission Gear Points are an abstraction based upon the assets score of at least 40 in a network applicable to the situation. A
available to the team for that particular mission. This is particularly researcher’s r-rep is unlikely to help you on a bioconservative hab,
relevant to scenarios where the PCs must egocast in, and thus for example. Rep used this way counts towards the rep favors avail-
cannot bring their gear with them. There are several factors the GM able to you on your first week on the mission.
must consider here. Is the team relying on their own resources, or do
they have an organization or patron that is backing the operation? ACQUIRING GEAR DURING MISSIONS
Do they have time to prep and assemble what they need, or are No mission survives contact with the enemy, and no logistics plan
they operating on an urgent timeframe? Is the type of equipment can anticipate everything. Eventually, your PCs will need to acquire
they need abundant and easy to get wherever they are going, or is it gear while they are in the middle of an op:
heavily controlled and restricted?
We recommend assigning 20 GP for each mission. GMs should • Use Rep: Succeed in a Rep Test and use an appropriate favor. The
raise or lower this as they see fit for the situation. Are the PCs rushed favor is Minor for Minor complexity items, Moderate for Moderate
or on their own? Reduce the GP to 15 or 10. Are they backed by an items, and Major for Major items (Networking ▶308).
oligarch or have plenty of lead time? Increase the GP to 25 or 30. Is • Use Resources Trait: Spend currency to buy it (Resources ▶75).
their mission in the same location as their last, meaning they just • Use a Nanofabricator: Make it yourself. This requires blueprints
need to replenish a few things? Give them 2 or 4. (or Program skill to DIY) and access to a capable nanofabber
Each of the gear packs detailed in Gear Packs ▶68 is built with (Nanofabrication ▶314).
10 GP, so the default 20 GP is equal to two gear packs. As with char-
acter creation, gear packs may be acquired whole or you can switch Acquisition Timeframe
items out for equipment of a similar complexity. If the test (if any) is successful, you acquire/purchase/make the gear
GMs can also restrict the type of gear that can be acquired with once the appropriate timeframe passes:
GP. Are the PCs entering a police state polity? Then no GP can
be spent on weapons or anything Restricted. Are they egocasting Physical vs. Blueprints
to a remote brinker outpost? They can only spend GP on Minor When using rep or Resources to acquire gear, you choose between a
complexity items. Are they entering a bioconservative habitat? No physical item or a single-use blueprint accessed via a digital distri-
spending GP on ALIs, smart animals, or nanotech. bution platform (Getting Blueprints ▶314). Single-use blueprints have
With the GM's approval, PCs can pool their GP and share with a much quicker timeframe (1 minute). If the GM allows it, you may
each other. acquire a limited-use blueprint instead of single-use. Multi-use blue-
GP should only be spent in the early prep phase of each mission. prints are also available, but are harder to get; increase the complexity
Unspent GP is lost; it cannot be banked up. If you need to acquire by one step (i.e., Minor becomes Moderate). For simplicity, multi-use
gear during an op, use the rules for acquiring gear during missions. blueprints are assumed to come with one physical copy of the item.
Ware: Note that cyberware, bioware, nanoware, etc., can be When acquiring software or similar digital-only goods,
bought with either Morph Points or Gear Points. the 1-minute timeframe also applies.

Acquisition Time
Complexity Timeframe
(Digital Only) 1 minute
Minor 2 hours
Moderate 8 hours
Major 24 hours
Rare/Restricted GM Choice

312¹ Acquiring Gear • Missions and Gear Points–Acquiring Gear During Missions
DON’T SWEAT THE GEAR …
The rules provided for acquiring gear assume the PCs are operating on a schedule, the gear may have an impact on their success/
failure, and/or that the GM needs to rein in the amount of gear they are accumulating. For situations where the PCs are unhurried
and/or only pursuing gear in moderation, or the gear is incidental, handwave the tests and timeframes involved (while still noting
rep favors used) and assume the PCs get what they need at the next pause in the story. In other words, don’t let the book-keeping
involved with gear shopping be a drag on gameplay or distract from the plot.

… BUT DON’T LET IT TAKE OVER

In fitting with the limited scarcity nature of the setting, Eclipse Phase does not put a lot of limitations on acquiring gear. Some
players may see this as an opportunity to load up on overwhelming amounts of gadgets. While it can be useful to have gear on hand
for every contingency, it’s important to keep this under control. GMs have many options for applying limitations as needed: social
pressures (others get annoyed when you hog the public fabbers, hoard habitat assets, or constantly pester them for gear), strict
scenario timeframes (no time to fab, gotta rescue the hab!), and unwanted attention (security takes an interest in people hauling
loads of tech, thieves are keen on pilfering stockpiles). The point, of course, is not to punish players, but to enforce the realism and
logistical restraints that rules can not always emulate.

Multiple Gear Items at Once loyalty before they follow through, or perhaps the local anar-
If PCs seek to get their hands on multiple items at once, simply chists don't trust you enough to share all their resources right
combine the timeframes. If using rep for multiple items, make a away. Maybe a rival group knows you are coming, and decides
single Rep Test (modified as per the highest level favor) but mark to ambush you before you're equipped or breaks into your
off all of the favors used. Note that if you are nanofabricating supply cache. While GMs and players can decide on the logistical
multiple items and have access to multiple fabbers, you can reduce elements together, this is also a good opportunity for roleplaying,
the timeframe accordingly. introducing new NPCs, or throwing in some surprises.

Impeding Factors Blueprint Libraries

GMs should always keep the local situation in mind when PCs As noted in (Gear Packs ▶68), the equipment you start with includes
acquire gear. Some physical gear is not accessible on small or a multi-use blueprint for that item, in case you want to nanofabri-
isolated habitats. Or it may be available from a nearby habitat, but cate it again. This is not necessarily the case with gear you acquire
it will take a day or two to be shipped over. Even digital goods can with GP, unless you splurge for the multi-use blueprint at a higher
be hard to acquire via the mesh thanks to light-speed lag, communi- complexity. However, it is likely that you will accumulate a small
cation disruption due to solar flares, or the local polity’s censorship library of multi-use blueprints over the course of many missions.
filters. GMs have final say on what gear is available and when. Thrifty players will note these in order to take advantage of them
later. This is acceptable, but GMs should keep in mind that good
OTHER GEAR CONSIDERATIONS intentions do not always work out as intended over time. Files might
There are several additional factors GMs should keep in mind when get lost, stolen, corrupted, or misplaced. PCs who wish to resurrect

GEAR
assigning Gear Points and handling equipment during missions. long-forgotten blueprints in a moment of need may have to make
an Interface or Research Test to find them. Alternatively, a Flex point
Ongoing Locations/Campaigns can be spent to recall where that print was cleverly stashed away.
The mission Gear Point system is ideal for episodic styles of play
and PCs who egocast around. For longer campaigns, particularly After the Mission
ones where the PCs stick around the same location, restocking all Take a moment to address what happens to the gear when the
of the gear is not as necessary. In situations like this, it is better to mission is over  —  or at least the gear that is still left intact. If the
use the rules for acquiring gear during missions, perhaps assigning PCs stick around, they will likely want to hang on to it. However,
a small amount of GP to characters that pursue new equipment some people may come looking for equipment that was borrowed
during downtime. or acquired via questionable means. If the PCs are egocasting
away, they have the choice of stashing it, destroying it, selling it,
When and where? or giving it someone else. Apps, of course, can go with you, and
While this system makes gear acquisition an abstract process, it some service subscriptions may last you through the next mission.
can still be incorporated into the story. It may also be important Firewall maintains scratch-space caches in many habitats for
to know exactly how, when, and where you get your hands on holding on to gear that may be useful in the future, and other clan-
your new toys. If you egocast to a new hab, you might have an destine groups do the same. If the PCs take the time to sell their
agent waiting for you at the body bank, or you may have to wait gear or pass it on to others (thus gaining some credits or rep), keep
a few days for a meeting with a local fixer to pick up the goods. this in mind when assigning GP for the next mission. Then again,
Firewall may have given you the details on a secret scratch-space if they came out of the scenario with less resources than they went
cache, but it's located in a part of the habitat now run by a gang in with, perhaps the leftover gear just helps to pay off accumulated
that hates outsiders. Or maybe your patron expects a show of debts and favors owed.

Acquiring Gear • Other Gear Considerations

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 NANOFABRICATION
Open-Source Blueprints: In autonomist regions and many
other areas, some blueprints are freely available from open-source
If you have a nanofabricator and either blueprints or Program skill, libraries. These blueprints are re-usable, can be copied, and do not
you can make things from scratch. Nanofabricators come in several require your authenticated ID to use. A Research Test (using the
sizes, some with specialized functions (Nanotech ▶342). The only Rep Modifiers on the Rep Tests table ▶308) or (@-rep, i-rep, r-rep, or
GEAR

other things you need are raw materials and time. Living things x-rep) favor equal to the item’s complexity plus one step will get you
such as smart animals and non-tangible goods such as apps cannot an open-source blueprint, even for things like weapons and drugs.
be nanofabricated. The drawback is that open-source prints are sometimes less reli-
able, more experimental, or carry hidden malware payloads. Every
RAW MATERIALS open-source blueprint acquired via Research (not rep) has a 20%
Raw materials are generally easy to acquire, as most nanofabrica- chance of being unreliable: a –10 to –30 modifier, unexpected bugs,
tors are equipped with disassembler units that will break down just dangerous malware, etc. These blueprints are also illegal in certain
about anything into its constituent molecules. Feedstock is also inner-system polities (many are cracked proprietary designs) and
easily/cheaply available in most habitats, either in bulk blocks or may not work on inner-system fabbers.
via utility feedline pipes direct to residential units. Many habitats
route their recycling and waste products directly into disassemblers. Restricted Items
At the GM’s discretion, certain nanofab designs may require hard- Blueprints for Restricted items cannot be legally purchased using
to-get rare materials. This is especially true of explosives, ammuni- Resources (though they can be purchased illegally … ). Likewise,
tion, sensors, and some scientific gear and electronics. This could most inner-system nanofabricators will not print blueprints that
include rare heavy metals (platinum, tungsten, depleted uranium), are restricted or not properly licensed, though they can be hacked
uncommon radioisotopes, fissionables, or antimatter. Any print to do so.
job that requires massive amounts of a particular material (notably
water) can also be difficult, given the sometimes limited supplies. Writing Blueprints
Acquiring rare materials might require a major favor or Resources If you don’t have a blueprint, you can make one. This requires
expenditure  —  or could be an adventure unto itself. two skill tests. The first is a skill test appropriate to the item
type: Hardware: Electronics for personal electronics, Medicine:
BLUEPRINTS Pharmacology for a drug, Medicine: Biotech for bioware, etc. If
In order to print something on a nanofabricator, you need a blue- successful, this provides the knowledge needed for the design.
print. Most have a small inventory of essential items. Others may Note that programmers can collaborate with others who have the
have blueprints in storage, but locked to specific users (these can be necessary skills, including their muse or an ALI. Following this, you
hacked per standard Infosec intrusion tests). need a Program Test to actually code it.
Both of these tests together constitute a single task action. The
Getting Blueprints timeframe is the same as acquiring gear ▶312, but in months instead
Nanofab blueprints come in three forms: single use, multi use, and of hours (2 months for Minor, 8 months for Moderate, 24 months
open source, for Major). Most programmers use forks and time-accelerated
Single-Use Blueprints: Most single-use blueprints are accessed simulspaces to speed the process, however, so a subjective week
via a digital distribution platforms which use digital rights manage- of programming can be done in about an hour of real time. Only
ment (DRM) to protect copyright. This means you can access the file superior results from the Program Test reduce the timeframe.
to print it once, but it cannot be copied or printed again. If you need
a file you can print without mesh access, some single-use blueprints Cracking Blueprints
are available as downloadable digital files that block efforts to copy The digital restrictions that prevent single- and multi-use blue-
them and erase themselves after use. The inner-system hypercorps prints from being shared can be defeated, given enough time. This
and capitalist economies use these methods to control scarcity and requires a Program Test task action with a timeframe of 6 months
keep you dependent. (or 3 days in a time-accelerated VR). If you succeed, the blueprint
Single-use blueprints are acquired with GP, rep, or Resources trait, can be re-used and copied freely.
using the item’s complexity.
Limited-Use Blueprints: A few hypercorps and transitional PRINTING TESTS
economies allow limited licenses. These work the same as single-use Printing an item with a blueprint does not require a test in most
blueprints, except that if you recycle the item by disassembling it circumstances  —  the blueprint is enough, the nanofabber does the
in a licensed fabber, you receive a credit which you can then use to rest. The exceptions are print jobs that are exotic, complicated, or
print the item again. This is ideal for those who egocast often but have limited feedstock or incomplete or suspect blueprints. In those
wish to bring their gear with them. cases, a Program Test is in order. Note that most nanofabbers have a
Multi-Use Blueprints: A multi-use blueprint is more akin to built-in ALI with a Program 30 (Nanofabrication 40) skill.
purchasing a personal license. You can print the item repeatedly Once the raw materials and blueprints are in, nanofabrication
and copy the blueprint, but it is keyed to your ID. These are also is simply a matter of time. The printing time is based on the
acquired via GP, rep, or Resources trait. For a non-erasing, re-usable, item’s complexity, the same as acquiring gear (2 hours for Minor,
multi-use blueprint, increase the complexity by one step (Minor 8 Moderate, 24 Major). GMs may feel free to modify this period as
becomes Moderate, Moderate becomes Major). Multi-use blueprints appropriate for the object.
for Major complexity items are rare and largely unavailable.

314¹ Nanofabrication • Raw Materials–Printing Tests

SERVICES
Fake Ego ID: This forged ID will pass in most inner system and
Jovian Republic habitats, and sometimes others. It gives you a rep
Credit and mutual aid can get you many things in Eclipse Phase. score in one network with that ID at 10.
Healing Service: A day in a healing vat can be used for wound
MESH SERVICES recovery or elective surgery (Healing & Repair ▶221).
These software services are available as a per-month subscription License: You acquire a license to carry a weapon or perform some
from cloud-based servers. All apps are also available as mesh services. other restricted activity. Requires an ID/background check.
Anonymizer: You have an account with an anonymizing proxy Morph Storage: Your biomorph is kept on ice for a week or your
service that masks your Mesh ID ▶246. synthmorph securely stored, without being rented out to others.
Archive: Each archive has a different focus (as Know skill fields). Privacy Suite: Per hour privacy suite services are offered by
Using a relevant archive provides a +10 modifier to Research Tests many restaurants, night clubs, hotels, and similar businesses who
involving that subject. frequently have clientèle that desire a private space for meetings or
Data Broker: Both corporate marketers and black market cartels other functions.
peddle people’s private data. Each broker focuses on a particular Professional Service: You may need to seek the services of a
demographic, such as a city or profession. Apply a +10 modifier to skilled professional. This can include anything from weapons repair,
relevant Research Tests. bodyguarding, or scientific analysis to ripping a surveillance dead
Private Sensor Feed: Each private sensor feed covers an area zone or hacking a database.
equivalent to a neighborhood or small habitat. Using it provides a Psychosurgery: An hour long (subjectively longer with time
+10 bonus to Perceive Tests when surveiling that area. acceleration) psychosurgery session in an immersive high-fidelity
Private Server Partition: Home space for an infomorph on a simulspace can help you recover from mental stress and trauma
protected cloud server. (Mental Healing & Psychosurgery ▶223).
Private Server: Capable of running simulspace and 50 infomorphs. Recovery Bond: In the event of your death or disappearance, an
Simulspace: You have access to a virtual game environment, agent of the insurer will personally seek to recover your cortical
private meeting space, interactive media service, unreal vacation stack using all safe and legal methods at their disposal. This
library, or other simulspace environment. includes negotiating with rival polities, paying ransoms, sponsoring
search teams, etc.
PHYSICAL SERVICES Recovery Bond (Hazardous): As a regular bond, except that a
These services are available on some habitats. team of agents will seek out your stack even against adverse and
Bot/Vehicle Rental: In some locations, bots and vehicles can be hostile conditions, including infiltrating war zones and running
rented on a weekly basis, though you are liable for damages/replace- rescue ops on unknown exoplanets. This may include stealing the
ment. The GM determines availability. stack back from hostile parties.
Dead Zone Map: This map shows areas in a neighborhood or Space Travel: Space transport cost depends on a number of
small habitat that lack public and/or private surveillance coverage. factors like distance, quality of lodgings, and how much cargo you’re
Egocasting: This is the use of a ship or habitat’s farcaster to bringing with. At the low end, an intra-habitat shuttle trip within the
transmit an ego/infomorph. Farcasting is not cheap, and the cost is same cluster, or a trip to or from a planetary body’s surface and orbit,
impacted by factors such as distance to receiver station and priority is not cheap but affordable. Just about anything else is progressively
service (paying extra to get bumped ahead in line). more costly.

GEAR
MESH SERVICES Complexity/GP Description
Anonymizer Min/1 Masks your mesh ID.
Archive Min/1 +10 Research Tests related to one Know skill.
Data Broker Min/1 +10 Research Tests.
Private Sensor Feed Min/1 +10 Perceive for that area.
Private Server Partition Min/1 Private space on a cloud server.
Private Server Min/1 or Mod/2 Private server, self-administrated (Min) or managed by others (Mod).
Simulspace Min/1 Access to a VR space.

PHYSICAL SERVICES Complexity/GP Description

Bot/Vehicle Rental Min/1 Rent a bot for 1 week.
Dead Zone Map Min/1 Map of areas lacking surveillance coverage.
Egocasting Mod+/2+ Transmit your ego to another location.
Fake Ego ID Maj/R/3 Forged ID.
Healing Service Min/1 A day in a healing vat.
License Mod/R/2 License to perform a restricted activity.
Morph Storage Min/1 Store an unused morph for 1 week.
Privacy Suite Min/1 Use of a surveillance-free room for 1 hour.
Professional Service Mod+/2+ Help from a skilled professional.
Psychosurgery Min/1 Psychosurgical therapy for 1 hour.
Recovery Bond Maj/3 An agent will seek to recover your stack via safe/legal means.
Recovery Bond (Hazardous) Rare/ —  A team will seek to retrieve your stack despite threats/legalities.
Space Travel Mod+/2+ Transport on a spacecraft.

Services • Mesh Services–Physical Services

¾315
 COMMON TECH & WARE
monitors system reports and error logs, heat, stress faults, and
similar hardware statuses.
The following equipment is ubiquitous throughout the Solar System. • Radio Transceiver: This connects your headware with other mesh
devices within range (5 km urban areas/50 km open areas).
STANDARD AUGMENTATIONS • You can access any of these functions simply by thinking.
GEAR

Most morphs include the following augmentations.

Access Jacks: Usually placed at the base of the skull, this external Mnemonics: The electronic minds of cyberbrains and info-
socket allows a direct neural interface with a cyberbrain or mesh morphs mimic biological brains in how they store memories  —  as
inserts. A retractable fiberoptic cable enables you to plug into networked but scattered groups of neurons. Despite being comput-
devices to access them directly, or to create a direct wired link to erized, their memory recall is not any more efficient than bio brains.
another person, allowing you to speak mind-to-mind and exchange Mnemonics systems, however, allow memories to be tagged and
data without fear of wireless sniffing. Access jacks are installed with roughly indexed. This improves memory recall, though it remains
all cyberbrains (and thus all pods and synthmorphs) by default. far from perfect. Mnemonics applies a +20 modifier to COG Checks
Biomods: These genetic tweaks and tailored viruses and bacteria for memory recall. Mnemonic data can be transferred with an
provide many of the health benefits of being transhuman. With it, you ego when it resleeves, but the modifier applies only for memories
heal faster and regenerate lost body parts over time. You are immune that were recorded when mnemonics ware is present. Mnemonics
to aging and most diseases, from cancer to the flu. You require only 4 systems are included in all cyberbrains.
hours of sleep a night. You can trigger contraception at will. You Puppet Sock: Puppet socks allow a morph to be remotely
also do not suffer shock reactions after being injured or the negative controlled, just like a drone (Remote Operations ▶346). While active,
effects from long-term exposure to low or zero gravity. You are also the puppet has no control over their body and is simply along for
ambidextrous and can use left and right limbs equally well. These the ride. Too long in this situation can lead to stress from helpless-
mods are universal to most biomorphs; some habitats will not allow ness (Stressful Situations ▶229). Morphs with damage that reaches/
biomorphs without them, considering them a threat to public health. exceeds their Durability cannot be puppeted.
Cortical Stack: This diamond memory module is implanted at
the base of the skull, where the brain stem and spinal cord connect EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY
(or in similar locations on synthmorphs). It is linked to a neural lace These devices are easily available in almost all habitats.
network of nanobots saturating the brain that monitor synaptic Breather: Ideal for Mars and exoplanets where you need air but
connections, brain architecture, and chemical levels. It effectively not a full vacsuit, breathers consist of a face masks and a backpack or
takes a snapshot of your brain every second, making a digital side pouch unit. It converts carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen
backup of your ego, right up until the moment you die. It also backs indefinitely. For environments without convertible CO2 atmospheres
up your muse. If you are killed, this stack can be used to retrieve a (such as Titan), a small air tank provides 2 hours of breathable air.
backup of your ego ▶287 so that you can be re-instantiated. Cortical Cold Suit: This layered set of waterproof clothing is designed for
stacks do not have external or wireless access (for security purposes), indefinitely surviving in the cold environment of Mars and similar
they must be surgically removed. exoplanets. It protects against temperatures as low as –100 C. The
Cyberbrain: Cyberbrains are specialized hardware for running suit is partially pressurized for low-atmospheric pressure areas.
virtual mind-states, allowing an ego or ALI to control a pod or synth- Ecto: Ectos are mobile devices equivalent to mesh inserts, minus
morph. Modeled on biological brains, cyberbrains have a holistic the internal medical sensors, used by bioconservatives or the
architecture and serve as the command node and central processing implant-averse. They are flexible, dirt-resistant, and self-cleaning.
point for sensory input and decision-making. As hosts, only one
infomorph can inhabit a cyberbrain at a time. Any ego within
a cyberbrain can move or copy itself as an infomorph to another
device. By default, your ego will manifest in a digimorph  ▶67,
unless you have another type of infomorph available. Cyberbrains
are vulnerable to hacking (Mindware Hacking ▶266). All cyberbrains
are equipped with access jacks, mnemonics, and a puppet sock for
remote control, at no additional cost.
Mesh Inserts: This network of implants is mandatory for people
who want to use augmented reality and link wirelessly to the mesh.
The various components include:

• Cranial Computer: This host serves as the hub for your personal
area network and is home to your muse. It manages your
augmented reality input and processes XP data, enabling you to
share your sensorium with others in real-time. It is loaded with
basic apps and provides all the functions you would expect from
a mobile device: file storage, search engine, media player, mesh
browser, address book, e-mail, messaging, and so forth.
• Medical/Diagnostic Sensors: This array monitors your health,
including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, temperature,
neural activity, ware status, and more. In synthmorphs, this system

316¹ Common Tech & Ware • Standard Augmentations–Everyday Technology

They are often worn as bracelets or other adornments, and may be remain stationary. This camo does not apply against radar, x-ray,
stretched out to increase screen size. They are coupled with wire- gamma-ray, or infrared heat sensors (including enhanced vision).
less-enabled glasses, contact lenses, earpieces, and haptic gloves You can also use smart clothing to stand out (+10 to +30 to Perceive
for experiencing augmented reality. Using an ecto applies a –10 you). Smart clothing keeps you comfortable in environments from
modifier to mesh actions. –40 to 70 C.
Grip Tape: Sticky nanotape can be used to adhere gear to any Solar Charger: This small portable unit unfolds into highly
surface, which is then easily released by pulling in the right (perpen- efficient solar panels, useful for collecting sunlight and charging
dicular) direction. electronics or recharging batteries. It is common in gatecrashing
Holographic Projector: This device can project high-defini- and asteroid mining ops, though power output relies on proximity
tion, ultra-realistic three-dimensional images and movies. From a to the sun/star.
distance (20+ meters), such holograms are difficult to distinguish Specs: Specs are vision-enhancing glasses or goggles. They
as fake, but up close they are easier to see for what they are (+20 provide all of the benefits of enhanced vision ▶318 and include a
Perceive Test modifier). Holograms do not appear in wavelengths t-ray emitter ▶318. They provide a +10 bonus to Perceive Tests.
other than visual light, and so are easily identified by anyone with Standard Battery: Batteries are micro-sized, high-density,
enhanced vision. ultra-capacity, rechargeable, room-temperature superconductors
Micrograv Shoes: These shoes are equipped with velcro and/or good for hundreds of hours of operation.
a magnetic system, allowing the wearer to walk normally on appro- Tools: Tools come in kits (small, portable), shops (can fit into a
priate surfaces in micrograv and zero-g environments, rather than large vehicle), and facilities (huge, non-mobile). Each set of tools
floating or bouncing. applies to a particular skill, such as Hardware: Electronics or
Nuclear Battery: These micro-sized batteries generate power from Medicine: Paramedic.
radio-isotope decay, storing it for use. They can produce power for years Utilitool: In its basic form, a utilitool is the size and shape of a
or even decades. They are often used to recharge standard batteries. large fountain pen. Made from smart materials, it can transform into
Portable Sensor: This is a small portable (possibly even almost any tool in 1d6 minutes, from a wrench, knife, or powered
wearable) sensor system. The type of sensor must be chosen (for screwdriver to a rotary grinder or pair of pliers.
example: infrared, lidar, radar, x-ray). Combined sensor systems are Viewers: Viewers are a long-range version of specs, akin to
also available, at a cumulative cost. See Senses and Sensors ▶318, and advanced binoculars. They provide 50x magnification and incorpo-
Radio and Sensor Ranges ▶337. rate a directional microphone that magnifies sound from the direction
Smart Clothing: Made from smart materials, you can change you are facing by a factor of 50. Viewers are not useful at short ranges.
the color/patterns of smart clothing immediately and the texture Wireless Energy Transmitter: When plugged into an energy
and cut in 1d6 minutes. When used for camouflage purposes, source, this transmitter will transfer power to devices within 20
smart clothing applies a +10 modifier to Infiltrate Tests, +30 meters via near-field resonant inductive coupling. These are
if you are completely covered (or using chameleon skin) and common in habitat areas, both public and private.

STANDARD AUGMENTATIONS Ware Type Complexity/GP Description

Access Jacks C Min/1 External sockets for direct interface with mesh inserts/cyberbrains.
Biomods B Min/1 Genetic tweaks for health, faster healing, immunities, and more.
Cortical Stack CHN Min/1 Memory diamond storage unit for ego backups.
Cyberbrain CH Maj/3 Synthetic brain, runs infomorph mind-state.

GEAR
Mesh Inserts CH Min/1 Cranial computer, wireless transceiver, muse home, and medical sensors.
Mnemonics CHM Min/1 Enhanced memory; +20 memory-related COG checks.
Puppet Sock CH Mod/2 Allows morph to be remote controlled.

EVERYDAY TECH Complexity/GP Description

Breather Min/1 Converts CO2 into oxygen or provides 2 hours of air.
Cold Suit Min/1 Protects against –100 C.
Ecto Min/1 External version of mesh inserts, minus the internal medical sensors.
Grip Tape Min/1 Sticky nanotape used to adhere gear to any surface.
Holographic Projector Min/1 Projects 3D, HD, ultra-realistic images/video. +20 to Perceive as fake w/in 20 m.
Micrograv Shoes Min/1 Shoes w/ velcro or magnetics to walk in micrograv.
Nuclear Battery Min/1 Power from radio-isotope decay for years.
Portable Sensor Mod/2 Portable/wearable sensor system of one type (lidar, radar, x-ray, etc.).
Smart Clothing Min/1 Can change color, texture, and cut. +10 Infiltrate, +30 covered and stationary.
Solar Charger Min/1 Portable unit unfolds into solar panels for (re)charging electronics/batteries.
Specs Mod/2 Glasses/goggles that provide enhanced vision. +10 Perceive.
Standard Battery Min/1 Rechargeable, good for hundreds of hours.
Tools (Kit) Min/1 Portable, applies to specific skill.
Tools (Shop) Mod/2 Fits into large vehicle, applies to specific skill.
Tools (Facility) Maj/3 Non-mobile, applies to specific skill.
Utilitool Min/1 All-purpose smart-material tool.
Viewers Mod/2 Long-range version of specs. 50x magnification, directional microphone. +10 Perceive.
Wireless Energy Transmitter Min/1 Charges devices within 20 m.

Common Tech & Ware • Everyday Technology

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 SENSORY AUGMENTATIONS
Radar: This sensor system bounces radio or microwaves off
targets and measures the reflected waves to judge size, composition,
This ware improves your morph’s sensory capabilities. and motion (Senses and Sensors ▶318).
360° Vision: The morph’s eyes/visual sensors are situated for Radiation Sense: You can sense the presence and approximate
a 360-degree field of vision. source of all forms of dangerous radiation, including neutrons,
Anti-Glare: This mod eliminates penalties for glare. If you have charged particles, and cosmic rays.
GEAR

enhanced vision, this works for all wavelengths you can perceive. Sonar: You possess echolocation like a bat or dolphin. You bounce
Chem Sniffer: This sensor detects molecules in the air and ultrasonic pulses off your surroundings and measure the echoes
analyzes their chemical composition, using Know: Chemistry 60. to build an image of the environment (Senses and Sensors ▶318).
It can determine the presence of explosives, firearms, and gases  —   This augmentation works in both air and water, out to a range of 20
including toxins and other fumes. (air) or 100 (water) meters.
Direction Sense: You acquire an innate sense of direction and T-Ray Emitter: Mounted under the skin of the user’s forehead, this
distance using advanced inertial navigation. You can identify north, implant generates low-powered beams of terahertz radiation (t-rays).
spinward, etc., keep track of that direction, and know approxi- Characters with enhanced vision can use reflected t-rays to see effec-
mately how far you’ve come. You receive a +10 modifier to naviga- tively see through walls and other materials (Senses and Sensors ▶318).
tion-based Survival Tests and other skills for figuring out complex This implant allows the user to see using reflected t-rays for 20 meters
directions, reading maps, remembering routes, and retracing paths in a normal atmosphere and for 100 meters in vacuum.
you’ve taken. Since it is trivial to use the mesh for positioning, this
augmentation is primarily used by gatecrashers.

SENSES AND SENSORS

Electrical Sense: You can sense electric fields. Within 5 meters, you
can tell if a device is on or off and can detect the precise location of
electrical wiring and power supplies behind a wall or inside a device. Transhuman senses far exceed old human norms. Here's a breakdown
Enhanced Hearing: The morph’s ears can hear both higher and of what capabilities these functions provide. The capabilities are
lower frequency sounds  —  the range of sounds they can hear is twice typically the same whether it’s a biological or technological sensor.
that of normal human ears (Senses and Sensors ▶318). Your hearing is
also more sensitive, allowing you to hear sounds as if you are 5 times SENSORY DATABASES
closer. Apply a +10 to hearing-based Perceive Tests. Both technological sensors and enhanced biological senses may
Enhanced Smell: The morph’s sense of smell is equal to that of be correlated with recognition databases of scanned “signatures”
a bloodhound. You can identify both chemicals and individuals by that make it easier to identify whatever the user is sensing. These
smell and can track people and chemically reactive objects by odor databases may be part of the implant, accessed online, or stored in
as long as the trail was made within the last several hours and has your mesh inserts. For example, infrared sensors include pattern-
not been obscured. Apply a +10 to smell-based Perceive Tests. You matching algorithms incorporating the heat signatures of different
can also gain a general sense of the emotions and health of biolog- animals and items. Apply a +10 modifier to relevant Perceive and
ical characters within point-blank range (+10 to Kinesics Tests). Know Tests to identify objects or creatures.
Enhanced Vision: The morph’s eyes have tetrachromatic vision
capable of exceptional color differentiation. These eyes can also see ACTIVE vs. PASSIVE
the electromagnetic spectrum from terahertz wave frequencies to An active scanner must actually emit its particular frequency and
gamma rays, enabling them to see a total of several dozen colors, then measure the reflections; this means a similar sensor can detect
instead of the seven ordinary human eyes can perceive (Senses and it and home in on the emitting source. For example, a character with
Sensors ▶318). In addition, these eyes have a variable focus equiva- enhanced vision can literally see the terahertz radiation emitted by
lent to 5 power magnifiers or binoculars. You can also selectively someone using an active terahertz sensor, much like someone with
filter what frequencies you perceive to avoid minor distractions on normal vision can see the light emitted by a flashlight.
those wavelengths. This augmentation provides a +10 modifier to A passive scanner simply scans frequencies that occur natu-
all Perceive Tests involving vision. rally  —  there is nothing to give the sensor away.
Lidar: This sensor scans the area with laser light and measures
the reflections to judge range, speed, and image the target (Senses THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
and Sensors ▶318). Lidar lasers are visible to enhanced vision, and are For rules purposes, Eclipse Phase breaks the EM spectrum down by
considered rude to continually emit in certain company. wavelength and frequency into the following categories:
Nanoscopic Vision: The shell’s visual sensors can focus like a Radar (Radio/Microwave): Radar sensors work by actively emitting
microscope, using advanced superlens techniques to beat the optical radio waves and microwaves and measuring them as they bounce
diffraction limit and image objects as small as a nanometer. This allows off the target. Radar works best when detecting metallic objects, and
the character to view and analyze objects as small as blood cells and is less effective (–20 modifier) against biomorphs and small items.
even individual nanobots. The synthmorph must stay steady to view Resolution is not high, however, so it can see shapes but not colors or
objects at this scale, and the range is quite limited (less than a meter). fine details. It can be used to detect both speed and movement, can
Oracles: This neural macrosensing processor helps you pay atten- “see” through walls (as well as cloth, plastic, wood, masonry, composites,
tion to sensory input you are not focusing on, alerting you to important ceramics, and other materials, up to a cumulative Armor + DR of 200),
things you might otherwise overlook. Oracles provide a +10 bonus to and can detect cybernetic implants or concealed items (negates
Perceive and negate the distraction modifier for Perceive Tests. concealment modifiers). At close ranges (1–2 meters), it can detect
Polarization Vision: You can perceive polarized light, which pulse rate and respiration by measuring the motion of the chest cavity.
reveals characteristics such as contrast and patterns. This allows Terahertz: Terahertz sensors emit t-rays, measure the reflections,
you to negate modifiers for camouflage (such as from chameleon and compare them to a database of terahertz signatures that different
skin or smart clothes). items/materials have. The resolution is higher than radar, but with

318¹ Sensory Augmentations • Senses and Sensors

slightly less detail than normal vision. Similar to radar, terahertz the backscatter, fluorescence, and other properties. Similar to radar,
sensors can see through walls and other materials, but to a lesser extent but with much higher resolution, lidar is very useful for detecting
(up to a cumulative Armor + DR of 150). T-rays occur naturally, but atmospheric chemical properties and weather. Like radar, it can be
terahertz sensors normally require an emitter as they are absorbed by used to measure a target’s range and speed, or develop a three-dimen-
atmosphere (as well as water and metal). In space, however, an emitter sional image. One clever use of lidar is to precisely “map” the position
would not be required. Passive terahertz scans within atmosphere have of everything in a room (taking several turns of scanning) and then
an effective range of 25 meters. T-rays do not penetrate skin (including check that positioning later to see if anything has been moved.
synthetic mask), so are ineffective for locating implants in biomorphs.
Infrared: Near-infrared wavelengths are used for night vision, Mesh Tomography
providing resolution and detail equivalent to regular vision under The wireless mesh signals emitted by ubiquitous motes and other
low-light conditions. Mid-long infrared is excellent for detecting heat devices blanket most habitat areas, penetrating walls and structures.
sources (unobstructed by fog or smoke) and temperature differences By measuring the transmission and reception of radio signals in
(as small as 0.1 degree C), and such thermal imaging will sense the multiple devices around an area, you can map the area and detect
dissipating heat traces left by warm sources on colder ones, allowing motion within, with a resolution akin to radar. This requires coor-
you to see where someone was sitting, trace fading heat footprints, or dination of multiple perimeter devices, whether allies or remotely
see what buttons were recently pressed. Infrared also detects the blood accessed devices, and a successful Interface Test.
flow in a biomorph’s face, which can be useful in judging emotional
states (+20 modifier to Kinesics Tests), and can spot sub-surface SOUNDWAVES
implants. Some normally white surfaces are reflective (mirrored) in The transmission of vibrations through a medium, sound is broken
infrared, potentially allowing an infrared viewer to see around corners down into infrasound (frequencies below standard human hearing),
or behind themselves. On the other hand, some glass is opaque to normal acoustic range, and ultrasound (frequencies above standard
infrared light. Infrared is also useful for determining chemical compo- human hearing). Soundwaves do not propagate in vacuum.
sition (enabling Know: Chemistry Tests by sight alone). Many laser Ultrasound: Ultrasound sonar operates much like radar, bouncing
systems are visible in infrared. Infrared sensory input is passive. sound waves off a target and measuring the returning echoes.
Visible Light: The wavelengths that non-enhanced human eyes Ultrasound imaging is similarly low resolution, showing shapes and
can perceive. movement but no colors and few details unless measured closely
Ultraviolet: Some objects are fluorescent in ultraviolet light, (1–2 meters). Ultrasound is good for identifying a material’s density,
including some animals, flowers, insects, urine, and minerals (which however, and can detect denser materials hidden beneath less dense
show up much better in ultraviolet than regular light). Some plants ones. Many medical devices utilize ultrasound, and ultrasound
and animals have patterns that can only be seen in ultraviolet. Security sensors can also detect gas leaks, frictional motor noises, and similar
systems sometimes use chemical dyes that only show up under ultravi- mechanical emissions. Ultrasound sensors are typically unaffected by
olet to mark intruders for later identification. Forensic units make use noise clutter from standard acoustic frequencies.
of luminol to react with blood so that it fluoresces under ultraviolet Infrasound: Infrasound travels much further than regular sound
light. Some glass is opaque at ultraviolet wavelengths. frequencies (hundreds of kilometers). Mechanical machinery,
X-Ray/Gamma-Ray: Backscatter imaging systems using x- and seismic disturbances, tornadoes, explosions, waterfalls, and certain
gamma-ray frequencies produce high-resolution three-dimensional weather phenomena create infrasound waves. Large animals such
images and are very useful for detecting concealed weapons and as elephants and whales use infrasound to communicate via the
implants (negates concealment modifiers). Such imagers are very ground or water over large distances, though infrasound data
good at penetrating walls and metal (up to a cumulative Armor + transfer is too slow for complex communications.

GEAR
DR of 300, at least at levels safe to transhumans). These sensors can,
of course, also detect the presence of harmful radiation. COMBINED SENSOR SYSTEMS
When used together, these sensor technologies are potent. For
Lidar example, the use of lidar, thermal imaging, and radar can provide
Lidar technology makes use of lasers, actively bouncing light from a three-dimensional map of a building and everyone and every-
the infrared through ultraviolet spectrum off a target and measuring thing inside.

SENSORY AUGMENTATIONS Ware Type Complexity/GP Description

360° Vision BCH Min/1 See in all directions at once.
Anti-Glare CH Min/1 No glare penalties.
Chem Sniffer CH Mod/2 Detect gases, explosives, firearms, toxins. Know: Chemistry 60.
Direction Sense BCH Min/1 Innate sense of direction and distance. +10 navigation-based Survival Tests.
Electrical Sense CH Min/1 Sense electrical fields w/in 5 m.
Enhanced Hearing BCH Min/1 Hear higher and lower frequencies. +10 hearing-based Perceive.
Enhanced Smell BCH Min/1 +10 smell-based Perceive, +10 Kinesics with biomorphs point-blank.
Enhanced Vision BCH Mod/2 Tetrachromatic vision, wider frequency range, better focus. +10 vision Perceive.
Lidar H Min/1 Use reflected laser light to image and judge range and speed.
Nanoscopic Vision H Mod/2 View nanoscale objects and nanobots.
Oracles CHM Mod/2 +10 Perceive, negate distraction modifiers.
Polarization Vision BCH Min/1 See polarized light, ignore camo modifiers.
Radar H Min/1 Motion detector, can also judge size and composition.
Radiation Sense CH Min/1 Detect radiation sources.
Sonar BCH Min/1 Sonar, range 20 m air/100 m water.
T-Ray Emitter CH Min/1 Use enhanced vision to see through materials.

Senses and Sensors • Soundwaves–Combined Sensor Systems

¾319
 MENTAL AUGMENTATIONS
other means. It also temporarily blocks cortical stack backups. You
retain short-term memories, but for no more than a few minutes.
Most headware augmentations enhance the brain and mental functions. This implant is often a requirement of personal aides, consultants,
Cybercortex: Designed for smart animals, this artificial cortex couriers, and underlings of powerful people who require confiden-
aid increases the creature’s ability to learn, comprehend instructions, tiality or deniability.
GEAR

and reason. It also overrides some instinctive behaviors that would Mind Amp: Mind amp alters your neural architecture and
be undesirable in a service animal. Apply a +10 modifier to Exotic augments neuronal functions. This accelerates your mental faculties
Skill: Animal Handling Tests made against this creature, and apply and ability to receive and process sensory information. Time subjec-
a +10 modifier for COG Checks to understand commands. tively slows down for you, allowing you to discern things happening
Data Module: This is an encrypted data storage device, used for too quickly for others to perceive, such as the individual frames of
carrying confidential information that shouldn't be mesh-trans- an old analog film or an accelerated audio recording. Mind amp
mitted. You may install multiple modules. increases your Insight pool by 2.
Dead Switch: Dead switches are designed to keep cortical Multiple Personalities: Your brain is intentionally partitioned to
stacks ▶316 from falling into the wrong hands. If your morph is killed accommodate an extra personality. This multiplicity is not viewed
or the switch is remotely activated, it wipes and melts your cortical as a disorder, but as a cognitive tool to help people deal with their
stack completely, so that your ego cannot be recovered. This option is hypercomplex environments. This extra personality can be a sepa-
generally only used by covert operatives with recent backups. rate character (in ego form only), an NPC run by the GM, or the
Drone Rig: This simsense augmentation gives you better control downloaded fork of another character. For all intents and purposes,
when jamming drones (Remote Operations ▶346). You ignore the the extra personality is treated as a separate ego (i.e., it may backup
–10 modifier for jamming. and fork separately), except that both personalities are backed up in
Emergency Farcaster: Similar to a remote backup link (and often the same cortical stack and if downloaded they must be placed in
installed along with one), emergency farcasters are designed for separate morphs or in another morph with this implant.
situations when a remote backup cannot be ensured. This augmen- Only one ego can be in control of the morph at a time. The other
tation features a single-use emergency neutrino broadcaster ▶336 resides in the background, still active, but not on a surface level.
powered by 10 nanograms of antimatter, stored in a small magnetic Subsumed egos may still act while the other is dominant, but can
containment vessel. In the event your morph is killed/destroyed, only take mental/mesh actions. Each ego is completely aware of what
or you intentionally activate the device, the antimatter is brought the other is doing, thinking, etc. If for some reason the subsumed
into contact with matter and detonated, powering a single brief and personality wants to come to the fore, but the other personality won’t
carefully coded neutrino pulse of your ego’s most recent backup. relinquish control, make an opposed WIL Check. Each ego has its own
In short, transmitting the backup makes your head explode and Lucidity, Trauma Threshold, and Insanity Rating, and they track stress
cooks your morph, destroying what’s left of it. Your transmitted ego and trauma separately. The morph's pools are shared. Psi sleights or
will be saved as long as the neutrino receiver is within 100 astro- social/mental influences only affect the personality at the fore.
nomical units. This practically guarantees your backup within the You can take this augmentation more than once (to a maximum
Solar System, but is less useful on exoplanets where you are out of of 3 times) to incorporate multiple egos into the same mind.
neutrino range of your backup facility. Multi-Tasking: This cybernetic or software module enables
Ghostrider Module: This implant is a host for carrying another your brain to focus on two things at the same time  —  something
infomorph. This infomorph can be another muse, an ALI, a our minds cannot usually handle  —  without any context-switching
backed-up ego, or a fork. The module is linked to your mesh inserts, confusion or increased error rates from inattention. Multi-Tasking
so the ghost-rider can mentally communicate with you, access the increases your Insight Pool by 1.
mesh, and connect to other parts of your PAN, depending on what Remote Backup Link: Your morph’s cortical stack is linked to an
access privileges you allow. You may install multiple modules. implanted quantum farcaster ▶336 linked to a highly secure storage
Memory Lock: When activated, this implant prevents your facility. Using standard radio and quantum encryption ▶247, the
sensory input from being stored in your long-term memory, tagged farcaster broadcasts full backups of your ego (pulled from your
by mnemonics, or recorded/transmitted by your mesh inserts or cortical stack’s neural lace network) once every 48 hours. This

MENTAL AUGMENTATIONS Ware Type Complexity/GP Description

Cybercortex C Mod/2 Smart animal brain aid, +10 comprehension COG Checks, +10 Exotic Skill: Animal Handling.
Data Module CH Min/1 Encrypted data storage.
Dead Switch CH Min/1 Wipes and melts your cortical stack if killed.
Drone Rig CHM Mod/2 Ignore the –10 modifier when jamming.
Emergency Farcaster CH Maj/R/3 Neutrino farcaster for emergency egocasting if killed/triggered.
Ghostrider Module CH Min/1 Carries an infomorph.
Memory Lock CHM Min/1 Blocks memory retention/recording when activated.
Mind Amp HMN Maj/3 Accelerates mind. +2 Insight.
Multiple Personalities BM Maj/3 Brain holds multiple egos.
Multi-Tasking CHM Mod/2 Focus on 2 things at once. +1 Insight.
Remote Backup Link CH Maj/3 Quantum farcaster for remote backup every 48 hrs.
Skillware CHM Maj/3 Can use 120 points of skillsofts.

SOFTWARE Complexity/GP Description

Skillsoft Mod/2 Active skill at 40 or Know skill at 80.

320¹ Mental Augmentations

transfer takes a single action turn. At the GM’s discretion, the Clean Metabolism: The morph’s symbiotic bacteria, gut flora,
backup interval may be scheduled more or less frequently, keeping and glands are genetically engineered to keep the morph “clean.”
in mind that ego broadcasts are limited for security purposes The morph also produces smart antibiotics that prevent the growth
and because they hog bandwidth. Broadcast egos must be within of any bacteria or yeasts in it or on its skin. As a result, your morph
range of the recipient to be received; for this reason the system’s is completely immune to infections, dental cavities, and bad breath,
usefulness is limited to select habitats or situations where you have its sweat has no scent, and the morph’s efficient digestion produces
arranged for secure storage in a nearby vicinity, such as onboard a somewhat less solid waste and less odorous chemicals.
nearby spaceship. If the radio broadcasts are blocked or jammed, Endocrine Control: This modifies the morph’s endocrine system
this device cannot save remote backups. (or the software sim of it), giving you a measure of control over your
Skillware: Your brain is laced with a network of artificial neurons hormones. You can influence your appetite, thirst and remain awake
that can be formatted with information. This allows you to download for 48 hours without penalty. You also have fine control over your
skillsofts ▶below into your brain, gaining the use of those programmed emotional states, and can “gland” happiness, sadness, aggression,
skills until the skillsoft is erased or replaced. Skillware systems are only arousal, trust, suspicion, and so on. Increase your Moxie pool by 2.
capable of handling 120 total skill points worth of skillsofts at a time. Enhanced Pheromones: The morph’s biochemistry produces
Switching out a skillsoft is a complex action. tailored and synthetic pheromonal signals that subconsciously
affect the behavior of other biomorphs of the same species. These
SKILLSOFTS pheromones influence others that can smell you to treat you warmly
Skillsofts are used with skillware implants ▶above. and with trust. Apply a +10 modifier to Persuade and Provoke Tests.
Skillsoft: These are skills encoded in software form. Used with This augmentation has no effect on non-biomorphs or other species.
a skillware system, they provide you with a rating of up to 40 in a Nanotats: Your skin/shell is an artistic canvas. Tattoos created with
single active skill or 80 in a Know skill (your aptitudes do not effect nanobots can move around the body, change shape, color, brightness,
this rating; if you already possess the skill, use the highest value). texture, alternate text and images, and/or even create minor holo-
graphic effects on the skin’s surface, controllable via mesh inserts.
Neuromodulation: This nanoware system enables you to influ-

SOCIAL AUGMENTATIONS
ence your brain’s neurotransmitters. This gives you rough control
over your emotional states (much like endocrine control), though to
Social ware, including cosmetic mods impacts your interactions a lesser degree. Increase your Moxie pool by 1.
with others and also includes cosmetic modifications. Scent Alteration: Minor changes to a body’s biochemistry can
Bodysculpting: Customizing your looks is easy. Elongated ears alter your natural smell. You can sweat vanilla, taste like oranges, or
or fingers, nose alteration, hair addition/removal, feathers, exotic leave a waft of sandalwood wherever you go. Or you can take a nod
eyes, snakeskin, endowed genitalia, enlarged canines, whiskers, from the scum and secrete the iron tang of blood, the metallic scent
eyestalks, fur, frills, scarification, piercings, skin dyes, and stranger of rust, or a particular xenocritter musk.
things are common sights on many habitats. Subdermal implants Sex Switch: A complex suite of alterations allows you to switch
can create bumps, ridges, piercing anchors, and similar textures your physical sex to male, female, intersex, or neuter. This change
and alterations. Synthmorphs get in on the fun too, with stylized is mentally triggered but takes approximately 1 week to complete.
chassis, oddly shaped heads, exposed interiors, sculpted frames, Skinflex: This disguise implant allows you to restructure your
lights, sound systems, and other after-market mods. facial features and musculature and alter skin tone and hair color.
Chameleon Skin: The morph’s skin is augmented with complex This process takes 1d6 minutes. Skinflex adds +30 to Exotic Skill:

GEAR
chromatophores so that it changes color like a chameleon or octopus. Disguise or Deceive Tests for disguise or impersonation.
Your morph can match the appearance of almost any color and most Synthetic Cover: A synthetic mask, but for cyberlimbs.
patterns. Apply a +10 modifier to Infiltrate Tests, +30 if stationary Synthetic Mask: Your shell is equipped with a realistic faux-skin
and either nude or wearing smart clothing with the same color/ casing and carefully sculpted to pass as a biomorph (perhaps even a
pattern. This camo does not apply against radar, x-ray, gamma-ray, particular person). The morph can cry, spit, have sex, and will even
or infrared heat sensors (including enhanced vision). Alternatively, bleed if cut. Only a detailed physical examination at –30 or a radar
you can deliberately stand out (+10 to +30 to Perceive Tests to or x-ray scan will detect the synthmorph’s true nature. If disguised
notice) or simply look sharp. as a particular person, apply a +30 modifier to disguise-based
Deceive or Exotic Skill: Disguise Tests.

SOCIAL AUGMENTATIONS Ware Type Complexity/GP Description

Bodysculpting BCH Min/1 Customized body mods.
Chameleon Skin BH Mod/2 Change skin color. +10 Infiltrate, +30 still and covered.
Clean Metabolism B Min/1 Symbiotic bacteria, gut flora, and glands keep you clean and fresh.
Endocrine Control BM Maj/3 Control over hormones and emotions. +2 Moxie.
Enhanced Pheromones B Mod/2 +10 Persuade and Provoke w/biomorphs of same species.
Nanotats N Min/1 Mesh-controlled nanobot tattoos.
Neuromodulation MN Mod/2 Control over neurotransmitters and emotions. +1 Moxie.
Scent Alteration B Min/1 Excrete designer smells.
Sex Switch B Mod/2 Switch between male, female, intersex, or neuter in 1 week.
Skinflex N Mod/2 Disguise face, skin, hair. +30 to impersonation/disguise Deceive Tests.
Synthetic Cover C Mod/1 Faux skin covering for cyberlimb.
Synthetic Mask H Mod/2 Faux skin for synthmorph. +30 disguise-based Deceive Tests.

Social Augmentations
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 COMBAT AUGMENTATIONS
Nanophages: These nanobots patrol the body, alert for signs of
intrusive nanodrugs or -toxins and destroying them before they
The following augmentations have specific applications for combat have more than a minor effect. You may make a SOM Check when
and dangerous circumstances, in addition to non-combat uses. exposed to a nanodrug or -toxin. If you succeed, it has no effect. If
Weapon/armor ware is listed with the combat rules▶204–217. you fail, the nanodrug or -toxin’s effects and durations are reduced
GEAR

Adrenal Surge: This gland enhancement supercharges your by half. You may instruct nanophages to ignore specific nanodrugs/
adrenal response to situations that invoke stress, pain, or strong toxins. Nanophages are only effective against one nanodrug or
emotions (fear, anger, lust, hate). When activated (mentally or by toxin dose per 8-hour period.
stress/emotions), the concentrated burst of norepinephrine acceler- Nanopump: This implanted nanobot hive produces one type
ates heart rate and blood flow and burns carbohydrates. You receive of nanodrug, releasing it into your system when commanded
+1 Vigor pool and ignore the modifiers from 1 wound. Extensive via your mesh inserts. Each type of drug requires a separate hive.
use of this mod without a break can lead to adrenal fatigue (–20 Nanopumps only maintain 1 dose at a time, producing a new dose
impairment modifier to all actions; GM discretion). every 4 hours.
Drug Glands: The morph has tailored glands designed to produce Nanotox Glands: An implanted nanobot hive produces one
specific hormones or chemicals and release them in the body. You particular nanotoxin ▶335. You can deploy these nanobots with a
can mentally activate these glands to release the chemicals as a quick quick action via bodily fluids or miniature ducts in your skin (i.e.,
action. These glands can produce any substance listed with a bio or a scratch with claws, spraying saliva, sexual contact, or a firm grip).
chem type (Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins ▶330). Each type of drug gland You may also coat a melee weapon, so that it delivers the nano-
is considered a separate enhancement. Drug glands only hold 1 dose toxin the next time it inflicts a wound (once only, until re-coated).
at a time, but can produce a new dose every 4 hours. Nanotox bots can be programmed to only affect a specific target or
Energy Efficiency: The bioware version of this ware boosts your to wait and unleash their effect at a set time or with a radio signal.
metabolism. The hardware version optimizes your shell’s energy The nanobots can only survive in an effective concentration outside
usage. The meshware version optimizes code. This gives you 1 extra the body for 24 hours. Nanotox glands maintain 1 dose of nanobots
short recharge per day. at a time, but can produce a new dose every 4 hours. The nanobots
Hardened Skeleton: The morph’s skeleton is laced with strength- are programmed not to attack your morph.
ening amorphous metals and fullerenes. Increase your Wound Neurachem: This mod enhances your chemical synapses and
Threshold by 1, Durability by 5, Death Rating by 8 (biomorphs) juices your neurotransmitters, drastically speeding up your neural
or 10 (synthmorphs), and your SOM Check by 10. connections. Neurachem can be mentally activated or triggered
Immunizers: This nanoware system monitors your health by charged emotions. +2 Vigor Pool while active. Extensive use of
for signs of damage or deleterious effects inflicted by drugs or neurachem without a break can lead to nervous system fatigue (–20
toxins of the biological or chemical type, as well as new diseases. impairment modifier to all actions; GM discretion).
Each time you are so affected, the nanobots make a Medicine: Novacardium: This morph’s heart is enlarged, ventricles
Pharmacology 60 Test. If successful, they devise defenses that enhanced, cardiac muscles strengthened, and circulatory system
provide total immunity against that drug, toxin, or disease in the expanded, augmenting your strength and endurance. +1 Vigor pool.
future. Some people with this augmentation learn to enjoy the taste Pain Regulator: This endocrine system mod adjusts the levels of
of various chemical toxins like cyanide or arsenic. specific hormones to dull the experience of pain. Ignore the effects
Medichines: An implanted hive circulates nanobots throughout of 1 wound (cumulative with other pain mods, to a maximun of 3
your system, monitoring your health at the cellular level and fixing ignored wounds).
any problems. Medichines allow you to ignore the effect of 1 wound Pneumatics: This shell is equipped with soft pneumatic actuators,
(cumulative with other mods, up to a max of 3 ignored wounds). increasing its strength and jumping capabilities. Apply a +10 to
They also accelerate your natural healing (Biomorph Healing ▶221). Athletic Tests. You also inflict an extra DV 1d6 in melee.
If damage taken exceeds your Durability, or you take 5 or more Poison Glands: Similar to drug glands, your morph has tailored
wounds in an hour, the medichines automatically stabilize you, organs that produce poison, like the venom glands of a snake. Your
prevent you from bleeding out, place you into a medical stasis morph has poison glands in its fingers/hands and/or mouth (and
(during which you are unconscious and unable to act), and broad- possibly elsewhere), so you can deliver the toxin with a quick action
cast for emergency services via your mesh inserts. Medichines also by scratching someone with a fingernail, biting them hard enough
reduce the duration and effects of drugs, toxins, and pathogens by to draw blood, sharing a beverage, or shaking their hand. You may
half (cumulative with toxin filters). You can override this protection also coat a melee weapon, so that it delivers the toxin the next time
to permit intoxication or other effects, but unless you activate a it inflicts a wound (once only, until re-coated). Poison glands only
second override, medichines prevent the toxins from accumulating hold 1 dose at a time, but can produce a new dose every 4 hours.
to lethal or permanently harmful levels. Medichines provide health Your morph is immune to the poison it produces. These glands can
status reports to your mesh inserts and muse. produce any one toxin with a bio or chem type, but not nanotoxins.
Medichines for synthmorphs and bots consist of nanobots that Each set of glands is a separate augmentation.
monitor and repair the shell’s integrity and internal system functions. Radar Absorbent: The shell is rebuilt with materials that pass,
Note that the synthmorph version of medichines allows the synth- absorb, or trap radar and terahertz waves, reducing its sensor signa-
morph to self-repair in the same manner by which a biomorph with ture. Apply a –30 modifier to Perceive Tests to detect the morph
medichines would naturally heal (1d10 per hour, 1 wound per day). using radar/terahertz.
Muscle Augmentation: The morph’s muscle mass is enhanced Reflex Boosters: The morph’s spinal column and nervous system
and toned and myofibers strengthened. You inflict an extra DV 1d6 is rewired with superconducting materials, boosting transmission
with melee attacks and apply +10 to SOM Checks. speed. This raises your Initiative by 3 and your REF Check by 10.

322¹ Combat Augmentations

 Respirocytes: These nanobots act as highly efficient artificial red aptitude checks made to resist specific effects. Additionally, all drug/
blood cells, with increased capabilities for transferring oxygen and toxin effects and durations are reduced by half (if you also have
carbon dioxide. This increases your ability to hold your breath to 4 medichines, they are negated entirely). This augmentation provides
hours and your Durability by 5, Wound Threshold by 1, and Death no resistance to concentrated acid, nanotechnological attacks,
Rating by 3. Respirocytes offer no benefit to synthmorphs. pathogens, or similar destructive agents.
Smart Actuators: Your shell makes use of smart materials Weapon Mount: The morph is equipped with a hardpoint for
and advanced actuator designs for increased speed and strength. carrying a weapon. Static mounts face one direction only, swiveling
+1 Vigor pool. mounts have a limited 90° field of fire, articulated hardpoints allow
Stress Control: Your morph’s endocrine system (or its software the mounted weapon to face all directions. Additionally, any
simulation) has been modified to give you greater control over of the mounts can be internally concealed (assuming room
cortisol and similar hormones. This enables you to manage your within the morph's frame). Some are designed to stay
stress levels and responses. Apply a +10 modifier to WIL Checks internal and fire through their concealing layers (leaving a
against stress or triggered disorders and raise your Trauma Threshold hole), others pop up, like a turret, and can be retracted.
by 1. This does not impact your Lucidity or Insanity Rating. Multiple mounts may be installed, but small morphs
Structural Enhancement: This modification bolsters the shell’s are limited to 2, medium morphs 4. Neither small
structural integrity, increasing its toughness and ability to take nor medium morphs can mount weapons with
damage. Increase Wound Threshold by 2, Durability by 10, and the Long trait. Cybernetic versions of this
Death Rating by 20. mod are static and can only be mounted in
Telescoping Limb: Your limb can extend for an extra meter cyberlimbs (max 1 per limb).
of length (on a medium-sized morph; small morphs extend half
a meter, large morphs extend 2 meters). This allows you to reach
higher/farther items, but also provides a Reach advantage in melee
combat (Reach ▶205). The cybernetic version of this implant only
applies to cyberlimbs. Standard cyberlimbs with this mod cannot
also have hidden compartments.
Toxin Filters: Your morph features an improved liver and
kidneys and biological filters in its lungs. This makes you excep-
tionally resistant to drugs and toxins, including everything from
recreational chemicals to nerve agents to spoiled food. You can
even safely and comfortably breathe smoke and drink salt water.
Make a SOM Check when dosed with a biochem drug or toxin; it
only affects you if you fail. If affected, apply a +30 modifier to all

COMBAT AUGMENTATIONS Ware Type Complexity/GP Description

Adrenal Surge B Maj/3 Supercharged adrenal response. +1 Vigor, ignore 1 wound.
Drug Glands B Min/R/1 + Drug Produces one type of drug.
Energy Efficiency BHM Maj/3 One extra short recharge per day.
Hardened Skeleton CH Maj/3 Bone lacing. +1 WT, +5 DUR, +8/10 DR, +10 SOM Check.

GEAR
Immunizers N Mod/2 Medicine: Pharmacology 60 Test for future immunity to drug, toxin, or disease.
Medichines NH Maj/3 Ignore 1 wound, heal faster, drug/toxin effect/duration halved.
Muscle Augmentation BCH Maj/3 Muscles enhanced with myofibers. +1d6 DV melee, +10 SOM Checks.
Nanophages N Mod/2 SOM Check negates nanodrugs/toxins, failure halves effects.
Nanopump N Min/1 + Nanodrug Nanobot hive, produces one type of nanodrug.
Nanotox Glands N Min/R/1 + Nanotoxin Nanobot hive, produces one type of nanotoxin.
Neurachem BH Maj/3 Enhanced synapses and neurotransmitters. +2 Vigor.
Novacardium B Mod/2 Enhanced heart and circulatory system. +1 Vigor.
Pain Regulator B Mod/2 Dulls pain experience. Ignore 1 wound effect.
Pneumatics H Maj/3 Soft actuators. +10 Athletics, +1d6 DV melee.
Poison Glands B Min/R/1 + Toxin Produces one type of poison.
Radar Absorbent H Mod/2 –30 Perceive using radar/terahertz.
Reflex Boosters CH Maj/3 Spine and nervous system rewired. +3 INIT, +10 REF Check.
Respirocytes N Mod/2 Artificial blood cells, provide 4 hours of air, +5 DUR, +1 WT, +3 DR.
Smart Actuators H Mod/2 Faster/stronger robotics. +1 Vigor.
Stress Control BM Mod/2 Manages stress levels. +10 WIL Checks vs. stress, +1 Trauma Threshold.
Structural Enhancement H Maj/3 Tougher frame. +2 WT, +10 DUR, +20 DR.
Telescoping Limb CH Mod/2 Extending limbs. +1 Reach.
Toxin Filters B Maj/3 +30 to apt checks to resist drugs/toxins, effect/duration halved.
Weapon Mount CH Min/R/1 Hardpoint holds one static/swiveling/articulated weapon. Concealable.

Combat Augmentations
¾323
 PHYSICAL AUGMENTATIONS
These pads adhere to any surface not made of a material designed to
resist this augmentation. You can climb and support yourself on any
Less combat-oriented, but no less useful, these body mods increase surface that can support your weight. Apply a +30 modifier to Athletics
capabilities and provide new abilities. Note that many other pieces Tests for climbing. You can also climb at a rate equal to your full move.
of equipment can be attached to a synthmorph’s shell and linked to The pads must be free to touch the surface (no shoes or gloves). The pads
their power systems and mesh inserts (GM discretion). are obvious, but do not impair your manual dexterity or sense of touch.
GEAR

Circadian Regulation: Your morph only requires 2 hours of sleep Hibernation: You can voluntarily decrease your metabolism
to maintain health and function at peak mental capacity. You dream down to only requiring 5% of the normal amount of food, water,
constantly while asleep and can both fall asleep and wake up almost and air. In this state, you appear to be in a deep sleep, but maintain
instantly. You can also easily shift to a 2-day cycle, awake for 44 awareness of both touch and sound and so can be easily awakened.
hours then sleeping for 4, with no ill effects. You need only 2 hours Entering or leaving this state requires 3 minutes. With sufficient air,
for a long recharge of your pools (Recharging Pools ▶35). you can safely hibernate for up to 40 days without food or water.
Cold Tolerance: Your morph’s temperature regulation and Hidden Compartment: The shell has a concealed aperture for a
circulation are substantially enhanced, allowing you to survive shielded interior compartment, ideal for storing valuables or smug-
in temperatures as low as −80 C/−112 F without discomfort or ill gling contraband. On small morphs, micro items can be hidden. On
effects. This mod is common on Mars, allowing you to handle the medium morphs, very small objects. On large morphs, small items.
weather without heavy clothing. Concealed gear acquires a +30 modifier to Infiltrate Tests against both
Cryogenic Protection: The morph features special insulation and manual and sensor scans. The cybernetic version of this mod only
heating. Biomorphs can withstand −120 C temps, or down to –200 applies to cyberlimbs. You may have multiple compartments.
C in environments with 0.1 atmospheres or less. Synthmorphs can Magnetic System: A mag system allows you to cling to most
handle the coldest temperatures in the Solar System. ferrous materials. This enables you to hang from metal ceilings or
Cyberlimb: Standard replacement cyberlimbs function the same fixtures, walk in micrograv by adhering to surfaces, and hold onto
as their biological equivalents, though they are made of sturdier devices without letting them drop or drift away. You receive a +30 to
materials. Apply a +5 bonus to SOM Checks. They have a 6/4 AV SOM Checks to maintain a grip on magnetically held objects.
when targeted specifically. Since limbs can easily be regrown, some Mobility System: Your morph is upgraded with an additional
people consider cybernetic prostheses to be vulgar and distasteful; means of getting around (Movement Types ▶231). Any movement
others treat them as iconic symbols of self-expression. They can be type can be chosen that works with your shell’s design, with
equipped with hidden compartments, lights, speakers, holographic approval from the GM. You may have multiple (different) systems.
projectors, weapon mounts ▶323, and other add-ons. They may also Modular Design: This shell is designed to lock together with
be disguised to appear real with a synthetic mask ▶321. You may flexbots and similar modular morphs to create larger gestalt forms.
have multiple cyberlimbs. When united with other modules, the group is treated as a single
Cyberlimb Plus: More extravagant cyberlimb models are avail- unit/morph, with shared capabilities (Flexbot Rules ▶66).
able, though they require more severe body alteration. These may Nanotat ID Flux: Your nanotat ID can be reconfigured with a
be replacement limbs or extra limbs anchored in the body’s skel- new legit or fake ID in one action turn.
etal frame. Treat these the same as standard cyberlimbs, but also Oxygen Reserve: A miniature oxygen tank and rebreather is
increase your Vigor pool by 1. Though you can apply a synthetic installed in your torso. When activated, it overrides your breathing
mask to cyberlimb plus mods, this just provides an aesthetic effect, reflex, feeding oxygen directly into your blood stream. This provides
the limb remains obviously artificial. you with air for 4 hours and avoids problems with pressure changes.
Enhanced Respiration: With increased lung efficiency and blood Implanted sensors automatically activate the implant if they detect
oxygen-carrying capacity, you can breathe comfortably in both high- poisonous or insufficient atmosphere (Know: Chemistry 80). This
and low-pressure environments, from 0.2 to 5 atmospheres, with mod does not protect from vacuum exposure, but it will keep you
no dizziness or need for gradual decompression. You can also hold conscious and active for longer, giving you time to find a vacsuit
your breath for up to 30 minutes when performing minimal activity, or help. Once the reserve is expended, it recovers one hour of
or for up to 10 minutes with strenuous activity. This augmentation oxygen for every hour you spend in a breathable atmosphere (or 15
allows you to breathe the atmosphere of Mars without aid. minutes in a high-oxygen environment).
Fractal Digits: Your morph has “bush robot” digits that are Prehensile Feet: You can use your feet like hands. Your feet
capable of splitting into smaller digits, and those smaller digits into and leg joints are altered so that your toes are longer and more
micro digits, and so on down to the nanometer scale. These fingers dexterous. The big toe is transformed into an opposable thumb.
can operate independently, allowing for ultra-fine manipulation. Physically, your morph’s feet resemble a longer, narrower hand or
When coupled with nanoscopic vision, this even allows you to a foot with finger-like toes. You can walk normally but must wear
manipulate individual nanobots. Apply a +10 modifier to Hardware specially designed shoes. However, you run slightly slower than a
Tests where micro- or nano-manipulation is an important factor. The morph with unmodified feet (–8 to your full movement). Your hips
cybernetic version of this mod can only be applied to cyberlimbs. are also modified for greater mobility and flexibility. In a properly
Gas-Jet System: Nozzles in your chest, back, and limbs allow you to constructed chair, or floating in zero g, you can use both your hands
maneuver in micrograv with vectored bursts of gas. +10 to Free Fall Tests. and feet to manipulate the same object. This mod is common among
Gills: The morph’s lung tissue is adapted to function as gills, belters, brinkers, and others living in microgravity.
allowing you to breathe both air and water, as long as the water is Prehensile Tail: Your morph is equipped with a 1.5-meter long
not toxic or too stagnant. Water you breathe in through the gills is tail, extending out from your tailbone/backside. This tail is prehen-
expelled through slits just underneath your lowest pair of ribs that sile and you can use it to grab, hold, and manipulate objects. You
seal when you are not underwater. can control your tail’s movements with concentration, but otherwise
Grip Pads: You have specialized pads imitating the pads of gecko it tends to move on its own. Your tail also improves balance; apply
feet on your palms, lower arms, shins, and the bottoms of your feet. a +10 modifier to Athletics or other tests where balance is a factor.

324¹ Physical Augmentations

 Pressure Adaptation: Your morph can handle extreme hydro- you to communicate and mesh with skinlink-equipped devices,
static pressure conditions, up to 500 (biomorphs) or 2,500 (synth- devices with external access ports, devices with exposed electronics,
morphs) atmospheres. It also acclimates to pressure changes quickly or other skinlinked characters merely by touching them. This is
and is immune to oxygen toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, and the bends. considered a wired link, and so is not subject to sniffing or jamming.
Retracting Limbs: Some or all of your limbs can retract completely Skin Pocket: A pocket within your skin layer provides conceal-
inside your shell’s frame. A limb can hold one very small item while ment (+30 Infiltrate) for very small items.
retracted (small morphs can hold micro items, large morphs small Thermogenic Protection: The synthmorph can operate in
items). Retracted limbs and the items they hold can not be targeted high-temperature environments with heat sinks and coolant systems,
in combat. Retracted items are concealed (+30 Infiltrate). This mod able to withstand up to 1,000 C. This also provides AV +5/0.
cannot be combined with hidden compartment or telescoping limb. Utilimod: This mod duplicates the functions of a utilitool ▶317.
Shape Adjusting: This shell is made from smart materials that Retractable smart material tool “arms” are implanted  —  usually
allow it to alter its shape, height, width, circumference, and external spaced around the wrist, but other locations are possible  —  that can
features, while retaining the same mass. The ability to change shape change shape into almost any type of specialized tool desired in 1d6
is not completely unlimited, due to the shell’s internal compo- minutes. These tools can take on numerous functions, including
nents; work with the GM to establish what is possible. This mod is that of a fiber eye ▶338 or an implanted knife ▶204.
primarily used to reshape the morph into special pre-set configura- Vacuum Sealing: Your morph is modified to survive the effects
tions adapted to specific tasks (for example, lengthening to crawl of vacuum. You can seal your mouth, nose, and other orifices to
through a tunnel, widening its base for stability, expanding to reach prevent the freezing of bodily fluids from evaporative cooling.
out and attach to multiple access points simultaneously, and so on). A special membrane protects your eyes, enabling you to see in
Shapechanging allows you to change your composition to function vacuum without distortion or damage. Your system is also protected
as any 2 Minor complexity items/ware or 1 Moderate complexity from the effects of decompression sickness and hypoxia. You are
item/ware allowed by the GM (no blueprint needed). Extra sets of still vulnerable to asphyxiation, radiation, and possibly heat (in
limbs count as Minor ware. Simple shapes and mechanical designs sunlight) or heat loss (in shade), and so this mod is often coupled
are easy to create, but advanced electronics, complex designs, and with oxygen reserve cyberware, respirocytes, and/or cold tolerance.
specialized components are beyond the scope of this mod. Altering Wings: Your morph is equipped with a pair of wings; either
shape takes at minimum 1d6 minutes, and can take as long as 1d6 additional limbs or restructured arms. For small morphs, this allows
hours for substantial changes. This mod also allows the morph to gliding and limited flight in Earth-like gravities. Medium-sized
change its features for disguise purposes; apply a +30 modifier to morphs can fly in gravity less than 0.15 g; in higher gravity they
disguise-based Deceive or Exotic Skill: Disguise Tests. may be used to glide. Large and very large morphs may not use this
Skinlink: Skinlink nanobots live on the morph’s external skin or augmentation. Most wing designs are transgenic and based on bat
shell, automatically swarming over and creating a physical connec- physiology, so that they may be easily folded when not in use. If
tion with any electronics you touch. They also take advantage of the combined with the retracting limb ware, these wings may be folded
electrical field in a biomorph’s skin for communication. They allow into your arms or back.

PHYSICAL AUGMENTATIONS Ware Type Complexity/GP Description

Circadian Regulation BM Mod/2 Need only 2 hours of sleep. Long recharges take 2 hours.
Cold Tolerance B Min/1 Handle temps as low as –80 C/–112 F.
Cryogenic Protection CH Mod/2 Handle temps as low as –120/–200 C (biomorphs) or lower (synthmorphs).
Cyberlimb C Mod/2 Replacement limb. 6/4 AV when targeted, +5 SOM Check.

GEAR
Cyberlimb Plus C Maj/3 Replacement/extra limb. As cyberlimb, +1 Vigor pool.
Enhanced Respiration B Min/1 Breathe wider range of atmospheres, hold breath longer.
Fractal Digits CH Min/1 +10 Hardware Tests involving ultra-fine manipulation.
Gas-Jet System CH Mod/2 +10 Free Fall.
Gills B Min/1 Breathe both air and water.
Grip Pads BCH Min/1 +30 climbing Athletics Tests.
Hibernation B Min/1 Reduce metabolism, need only 5% normal amount of food, water, and air.
Hidden Compartment CH Min/1 Concealed, shielded compartment. +30 Infiltrate to hide items.
Magnetic System CH Min/1 +30 SOM Checks to cling to ferrous materials and objects.
Mobility System H Mod/2 Additional specified movement type ▶231.
Modular Design H Mod/2 Lock w/other modules to create gestalt forms. Flexbot Rules ▶66.
Nanotat ID Flux N Maj/R/3 Switch out your nanotat ID.
Oxygen Reserve C Min/1 Oxygen tank/rebreather with 4 hours of air.
Prehensile Feet BCH Min/1 Can use feet as hands. –8 full move.
Prehensile Tail BCH Min/1 Can grip with tail. +10 balanced-based Athletics.
Pressure Adaptation BH Min/1 Handle extreme pressure.
Retracting Limbs H Min/1 Limb retracts, can hold 1 small item.
Shape Adjusting H Maj/3 Smart material composition, can create 2 Min or 1 Mod item/ware, more.
Skinlink HN Min/1 Create a “hardwired” mesh link by touch.
Skin Pocket B Min/1 Concealment for very small (and some small) items (+30 Infiltrate).
Thermogenic Protection H Mod/2 Handle high temps up to 1,000 C.
Utilimod CH Mod/2 Implanted utilitool.
Vacuum Sealing B Min/1 Can survive exposure to vacuum.
Wings BCH Mod/2 Enable flight if small or in low gravities.
Physical Augmentations
¾325
 MESHWARE APPS & ALIs
Meshware refers to plug-in apps that enhance an infomorph’s capa- Neither software nor services are tangible goods, so they cannot be
bilities, much like the bioware and hardware for physical morphs. nanofabricated.
Meshware takes only a complex action to install or uninstall. Once
GEAR

installed, meshware remains with the infomorph when it moves or APPS

copies. Meshware can also be installed within cyberbrains. Other This software can be run on any computerized device.
apps can also be installed as meshware, so they are embedded AR Illusion: A media library and editing suite you can use to
within the infomorph. Unlike other apps, meshware cannot be used create realistic entoptic illusions.
by non-infomorph/cyberbrained users. Biometric Matcher: This app takes any biometric pattern  —  face,
App-Lock: App-lock makes it more difficult for an installed app gait, morph, voice, etc.  —  and runs a pattern-matching search
to be removed without proper authentication (apply a –30 modifier). (Tracking by Biometrics ▶256).
This is useful for infomorphs/cyberbrains that are brainhacked and Crypto: This app generates key pairs, encrypts messages using
modified against their will. The protected apps must be designated public keys, and decrypts with secret keys (Encryption ▶247).
in advance (when app-lock is installed or reconfigured). Exploit: A hacker library/tool for taking advantage of known
Auto-Erase: This app will automatically erase the infomorph software vulnerabilities. Required for hacking.
(or the ego within a cyberbrain) if certain pre-programmed condi- Firewall: This app protects a device from hostile intrusion. Every
tions are met. This is useful if you are worried about brainhacking, device comes with one by default.
forknapping, or being trapped in a lockbox. Common trigger condi- Lockbox: This malware imprisons infomorphs (Trap Ego ▶266).
tions include detected brainhacking, a codephrase, psychosurgery, Sniffer: Sniffer apps collect all of the traffic passing between or
a designated time period, or upon failure to receive a periodic through targeted systems (Sniffing ▶245).
message. Some people use this app to keep forks from going errant; Spoofer: Use spoof apps to fake transmissions and mesh IDs
many polities legally require forks to be equipped to delete them- (Spoofing ▶247).
selves after a set number of hours. Auto-erase functions even if the Tracker: This app traces people’s connections online to their
infomorph does not have privileges on that system. origin (Tracking ▶256).
Copylock: Copylock prevents an infomorph (or ego within a VPN: This app enables you to communicate over a virtual private
cyberbrain) from copying, whether voluntarily or not, without network (VPNs ▶241). VPNs provide a –30 modifier to sniffing
proper authorization. This is used to restrict forks, indentures, and attacks (Sniffing ▶245).
people who don’t trust themselves. It also defends against forknap- XP: Clips of someone else’s experiences. Depending on the
pers: brainhackers that attempt to copy the infomorph suffer –30 content, some XP (porn, snuff, crime, etc.) is restricted in certain
to their Infosec Tests. Copylock also prevents an infomorph from jurisdictions. XP clips are frequently modified so that their emotive
moving between devices or sleeving into a morph. tracks are more intense, giving the viewer a greater thrill.
Enhanced Security: This meshware installs additional firewall
and security layers, making the infomorph/cyberbrain harder to ALIs AND MUSES
hack. Apply a –10 modifier to attempts to brainhack your digital Everyone has a muse, and every device has a built-in ALI (AIs
mind. & Muses ▶250). All ALI infomorphs have Wound Threshold 4,
You can also use this meshware to enter a heightened state of Durability 20, and Death Rating 40 for mesh combat.
security — Defensive Mode. When activated with a quick action, Bot/Vehicle ALI: These AIs can pilot and control the bot/vehicle
the modifier to brainhack you is increased to –30. This lock-down they are designed for without transhuman assistance.
status impairs your functions, however; you cannot use Insight pool Device ALI: These resident ALIs help transhumans operate
while it is active and suffer a –3 Initiative modifier. a particular device or do it for them. They are included in most
E-Veil: E-veil obfuscates the presence of designated apps within non-ware gear items.
the infomorph’s code. Any attempt to scan the infomorph using Kaos ALI: KALIs are used by hackers and covert ops teams to
Interface is opposed with a Program skill of 80. The hidden apps create distractions and sabotage systems.
must be designated when e-veil is activated. Muse: These are digital assistants and life-long companions.
Fault Tolerance: This module provides redundancy and load- Security ALI: Provide overwatch for electronic systems.
sharing functions. You receive AV 5 against mesh attacks. Sentry ALI: Combat ALIs for physical security.
Persistence: This meshware uses rootkit techniques to keep the
digital mind active despite attempts to crash it. Increase the info- APPS Complexity/GP Description
morph’s Durability by 10 and Wound Threshold by 2. AR Illusion Mod/2 Create realistic entoptic illusions.
Biometric Matcher Min/1 Match biometric patterns.
MESHWARE Complexity/GP Description Crypto Min/1 Encrypt/decrypt files and messages.
App-Lock Min/1 –30 Infosec to remove apps without authorization. Exploit Mod/R/2 Hacking library tool.
Auto-Erase Min/1 Auto-erases infomorph when conditions are met. Firewall Min/1 Protects devices from intrusion.
Copylock Min/1 Prevents copying/forking, –30 Infosec to copy. Lockbox Mod/R/2 Imprisons infomorphs.
Enhanced Security Mod/2 –10 Infosec to hack, –30 in defensive mode but no Sniffer Mod/2 Collect/view traffic between two systems.
Insight pool and –3 INIT. Spoofer Mod/R/2 Fake transmissions and mesh IDs.
E-Veil Min/R/1 Obfuscates apps, opposes Interface w/Program 80. Tracker Mod/2 Trace connections.
Fault Tolerance Mod/2 AV 5 vs. mesh attacks VPN Min/1 Creates virtual private network.
Persistence Mod/2 Keeps infomorph running, +10 DUR, +2 WT. XP Min+/1+ Clips of others’ recorded sensorium

326¹ Meshware • Apps & ALIs

 SCORCHERS • Positioning: Tacnets indicate the position of known people, bots,
Scorchers are damaging neurofeedback apps used against info- vehicles, and other features according to sensory input or their
morphs and cyberbrains. calculated trajectories. Friend-or-foe tags highlight allies and oppo-
Bedlam: Bedlam assaults the ego with traumatic mental input, nents, noting their lines of sight and fields of fire and alerting the
inflicting mental stress. Victims are overwhelmed with horrific, user to areas of potential cover or danger.
monstrous, sanity-ripping sensory and emotional tracks. Each attack • Sensory Input: Tacnets share all sensory input available from
inflicts SV 1d10, +1d6 per superior success. members and linked devices. This includes data from physical senses,
Cauterizer: This scorch app rips into the ego with destructive portable sensors, smartlink guncams, XP feeds, etc. Users can imme-
neurofeedback routines. Against a cyberbrained ego, the cauterizer diately call up and access the sensor feeds of others as needed.
inflicts DV 1d10 + 5, +1d6 per superior success, to the target's • Communications Management: Tacnets maintain an encrypted
morph (this is physical damage, not mesh damage). Against an info- VPN between users. They actively monitor for dropped signals and
morph, the cauterizer inflicts a DV 3d10 mesh attack of digitized hacking/sniffing/jamming attempts. Treat as Infosec 40.
neurological damage. • Smartlink/Weapon Data: Tacnets monitor the status of weapons,
Nightmare: Nightmares trigger anxiety and panic attacks accessories, and other gear, bringing damage, shortages, ammo
within the victim by stimulating the neural circuitry representing counts, and other issues to the user’s attention.
the amygdala and hippocampus. The target ego must make a WIL • Medical Data: Tacnets monitor the health of their users via medi-
Check. If they succeed, they are shaken, suffering a –10 impairment chines, implants, and other sensors. Users can call up health reports
modifier to all actions until the end of the next action turn. If they on their allies.
fail, they suffer SV 1d6 and suffer an acute stress response ▶223 • Overwatch: Tacnets keep an eye out for potential threats. They
lasting for 1d6 minutes, +1 per superior failure. provide a +10 modifier to Perceive Tests against surprise ▶227.
Spasm: Spasm scorchers incapacitate the ego with excruciating • Indirect Fire: Members of a tacnet can provide targeting data to
pain. Affected targets must immediately make a WIL Check. If they each other for purposes of indirect fire ▶206.
fail, they fall down and are incapacitated for 1 action turn (+2 turns • Analysis: Tacnets can analyze real-time situations to provide sugges-
per superior failure) and stunned for 3 minutes. Success means they tions and warnings. The app's god’s-eye view of a situation helps it
are stunned for 3 action turns. Due to the nature of the delivery, to identify facts and details that individuals overlook. For example,
pain tolerance of any sort has no effect. a tacnet can analyze an opposing team's weapons, shots fired, and
potential injuries and suggest tactical maneuvers. Querying a tacnet
TACTICAL NETWORKS for advice is a quick action; treat as Know: Tactics 80.
Tacnets allow a group and their muses/gear to share real-time
tactical situational and sensory data over encrypted mesh channels. Many tacnet features are immediately accessible to the user via
They are used by sports teams, security/military units, gamers, and their AR display; other data can be accessed with a quick action.
anyone else that needs to coordinate actions. Tacnets provide the The GM determines when the tacnet provides important alerts to
following functions: the user. At the GM’s discretion, some of these features may apply
modifiers to the character’s tests. Tacnets are designed to be over-
• Maps: Tacnets present maps from a bird’s eye, three-dimensional seers, not to take action. They will not hack opponents, pilot vehicles,
interactive, or first-person entoptic view, tagging notable features or interface with weapon systems.
and marking distances. They can also plot maps based on sensory
input, positioning systems, and other data.

GEAR
ALIs & MUSES Complexity/GP Skills
Bot/Vehicle ALI Mod/2 Fray 30, Guns 30, Hardware: [appropriate field] 20 (specific bot/vehicle 30), Infosec 20, Interface 30,
Know: [bot/vehicle] Specs 80, Perceive 40, Pilot: [appropriate field] 60 (specific bot/vehicle 70), Research 20
Device ALI Mod/2 Hardware: Electronics 20 (specific device 30), Infosec 20, Interface 30 (specific device 40), Know: [device] Specs 80,
Know: [device] Usage 80, Perceive 20, Program 30 (specific device 40), Research 20
Kaos ALI Maj/R/3 Guns 40, Hardware: Electronics 40, Infosec 60, Interface 40, Know: Security Systems 80, Perceive 30, Program 40, Research 30
Muse Mod/2 Hardware: Electronics 30, Infosec 30, Interface 60, Know: Accounting 60, Know: Psychology 60, Medicine: Psychosurgery 30,
Perceive 30, Program 30, Research 30, plus one other Know skills at 40.
Security ALI Mod/2 Guns 30, Hardware: Electronics 30, Infosec 60, Interface 40, Know: Security Systems 80, Perceive 30, Program 30, Research 20
Sentry ALI Maj/R/3 Fray 30, Guns 60, Hardware: [appropriate field] 30, Interface 30, Kinesics 40, Know: [bot/vehicle] Specs 80, Know: Security
Ops 80, Perceive 40, Pilot: [appropriate field] 40, Provoke 30

SCORCHERS Complexity/GP Description

Bedlam Mod/R/2 Horrifying inputs, SV 1d10, +1d6 per superior success.
Cauterizer Mod/R/2 Destructive neurofeedback, DV 1d10 + 5, +1d6 per superior success.
Nightmare Mod/R/2 Trigger anxiety/panic, WIL Check or SV 1d6 and acute stress response for 1d6 minutes.
Spasm Mod/R/2 Excruciating pain, WIL Check or incapacitated for 1 action turn, stunned 3 minutes.

TACNETS Complexity/GP Description

TacNet Mod/2 Share tactical data in real-time.

Apps & ALIs • Scorchers–Tactical Networks

¾327
 CREATURES
Living creatures cannot be nanofabricated, they must be acquired
via Resources trait or rep.
Training and commanding creatures is handled with Exotic Skill:
GEAR

Animal Handling.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

A variety of transgenic, genehacked, and neogenetic creatures have
become common in transhuman habitats.
Dino Pet: Genehackers have resurrected a number of extinct
dinosaur species as small, colorful, and lovable pets. Varieties
include pterosaurs, stegosauruses, ankylosauruses, triceratops, and
many others.
Fur Coat: A so-called “fur coat” is outerwear made from a living
primitive organism. The creature’s skin, fur, or scales are real. The
organism is cultivated from transgenic stocks and grown around
molds into clothing shapes, often with actual usefulness: polar bear
parkas, seal diving suits, porcupine coats, etc. Fur coats are modified
with wireless controls and haptic systems, so they can be made to
move, shiver, massage, or prickle up on command.
Gardener Swarm: Interbred and gene-modified bee and wasp
variations pollinate habitat gardens. They also produce honey, hunt
other insects, trim leaves, and collect debris. Though non-aggressive,
some have been modified for use as assassin or guardians. They
follow swarm rules ▶344.
Space Roach: Grown to the size of a small dog, these insects are
often biosculpted for bright colors and patterns. They are favored as
pets and useful for minor janitorial duties.
Squidling: These small-sized squid are adapted for air breathing
and maneuvering in micrograv with natural air jets. They are animals in the suborder Feliformia, including mongooses, civets, and
favored as pets and snacks by neo-octopi. even hyenas. One swarm cat may look like a Siamese with purple
bioluminescent fur and six legs, the next may look more like a snow
SMART ANIMALS leopard with four eyes, cybernetic scales, and wings.
Smart animals are partially uplifted and bio-engineered. These have
rudimentary intelligence and limited communication skills, roughly XENOFAUNA
equivalent to a human toddler with a minor vocabulary. They make A few creatures discovered on exoplanets have been finding their
for fine companions and helpers. way into private collections and transhuman habitats.
Guard Dog: These smart dogs are trained for security and Clown Sprite: Found in the Echo system, these colorful, omniv-
policing purposes and sometimes enhanced with combative orous, winged avian-primates normally live in a symbiotic relation-
bioware or cybernetics. ship with carnivorous land anemones. These mischievous creatures
Police Baboon: Favored for police work on Mars, these partially have bonded with some transhumans. They are clever, playful, and
uplifted Cape baboons can be vicious, especially when in a pack. prone to pranks.
Rust Hound: These medium-sized transgenic hounds are Hexanewt: It is suspected that these six-limbed amphibians were
modified to breathe the Martian atmosphere and handle its cold partially uplifted by now extinct aliens on the exoplanet Droplet.
environment. They make excellent trackers. They sometimes walk erect on 2 limbs, sometimes crawl on all 6.
Smart Hawk: Enhanced versions of peregrine falcons and other They are quite perceptive and have learned to mimic transhuman
predatory birds are common in large, open habitats. The art of behaviors and tool use.
falconry has made a comeback, with birds trained for surveillance
and tracking.
Smart Monkey: Employed by criminal groups for minor larceny
such as pickpocketing, smart monkeys are useful intelligent aides.
Smart Raccoon: Similar to monkeys, smart raccoons are favored
as personal aides.
Smart Rat: These upgrades of the common Norwegian rat are
clever and dexterous, and they easily fit into a pocket or hood.
Swarm Cat: Bred on scum swarms for companionship, competi-
tions, and weirdness, swarm cats are heavily modified with transgenic
traits. No two are alike, with some incorporating traits from other

328¹ Creatures • Genetically Modified Organisms–Xenofauna

GMOs Comp/GP COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL INIT TP AV WT/DUR/DR TT/LUC/IR Movement
Dino Pet Min/1 5 15 10 20 15 45 10 30 15 45 10 30 5 0 4/5 3/15/23 4/20/40 4/12 Walker or 8/32 Winged
Ware: Dermal Armor, Enhanced Smell, Enhanced Vision, some have Poison Glands
Skills: Athletics 40, Fray 30, Infiltrate 30, Melee 40, Perceive 30, Provoke 30 (Intimidate 40)
Notes: Bite/Horn/Tail DV 1d6, Small size
Fur Coat Min/1 1 3 1 3 5 15 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 0  —  3/15/23  —   — 
Gardener Swarm Min/1 1 3 15 45 20 60  —  5 15 15 45 7 1  —   — /20/75 6/30/60 8/32 Winged\
Ware: Enhanced Smell, Enhanced Vision, some have Poison Glands
Skills: Athletics 60, Fray 50, Infiltrate 50, Melee 40, Perceive 30
Notes: Swarm sting DV 1d10 (ignores non-sealed armor)
Space Roach Min/1 1 3 10 30 15 45 5 15 5 15 5 15 5 0  —  1/5/8 2/10/20 4/12 Walker
Ware: Grip Pads
Skills: Athletics 30, Fray 30, Free Fall 30, Infiltrate 50, Perceive 20
Notes: Small size
Squidling Min/1 1 3 10 30 15 45 1 3 5 15 10 30 5 0  —  1/5/8 4/20/40 4/20 Thrust Vector
Ware: Enhanced Smell
Skills: Athletics 30, Fray 40, Free Fall 30, Infiltrate 30, Melee 30, Perceive 20
Notes: Bite DV 1d6, Small size

SMART ANIMALS Comp/GP COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL INIT TP AV WT/DUR/DR TT/LUC/IR Movement
Guard Dog Min/1 5 15 15 45 20 70 10 30 20 70 10 30 10 1 4/5 6/30/45 4/20/40 4/20 Walker
Ware: Claws, Cybercortex, Dermal Armor, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Smell, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts, Muscle Augmentation, Puppet Sock, Reflex Boosters
Skills: Athletics 30, Fray 40, Melee 50, Perceive 40, Provoke 30 (Intimidate 40)
Police Baboon Min/1 5 15 15 45 15 45 5 15 15 45 5 15 6 2 2/3 6/30/45 2/10/20 4/20 Walker
Ware: Bioweave, Cold Tolerance, Enhanced Vision, Enhanced Respiration, Novacardium, Toxin Filters
Skills: Athletics 50, Fray 40, Melee 50, Perceive 40, Provoke 40 (Intimidate 50)
Traits: Enhanced Behavior: Obedient (Level 2)
Rust Hound Min/1 5 15 15 45 15 45 10 30 15 45 15 45 6 1 2/3 6/30/45 6/30/60 4/20 Walker
Ware: Bioweave, Cold Tolerance, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Respiration, Enhanced Smell, Toxin Filters
Skills: Athletics 30, Fray 40, Melee 40, Perceive 50, Provoke 30 (Intimidate 40)
Smart Hawk Min/1 5 15 15 45 15 45 5 15 15 45 15 45 6 0  —  3/15/23 6/30/60 8/32 Winged
Ware: Claws, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision
Skills: Athletics 60, Fray 50, Infiltrate 30, Melee 40, Perceive 50
Notes: Beak/claws DV 1d6, Small size
Smart Monkey Min/1 5 15 15 45 15 45 15 45 5 15 10 30 6 0  —  3/15/23 4/20/40 4/12 Walker
Ware: Grip Pads, Prehensile Feet, Prehensile Tail
Skills: Athletics 60, Exotic Skill: Sleight of Hand 50, Fray 40, Infiltrate 40, Melee 30, Perceive 40

GEAR
Notes: Bite DV 1d6, Small size
Smart Raccoon Min/1 5 15 15 45 10 30 5 15 10 30 10 30 5 0  —  3/15/23 4/20/40 4/12 Walker
Ware: Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Smell, Grip Pads
Skills: Athletics 40, Fray 40, Infiltrate 50, Melee 30, Perceive 40
Notes: Bite DV 1d6, Small size
Smart Rat Min/1 5 15 15 45 15 45 5 15 5 15 10 30 6 0  —  1/5/8 4/20/40 4/12 Walker
Ware: Enhanced Smell, Grip Pads, Prehensile Tail
Skills: Athletics 50, Fray 40, Infiltrate 60, Perceive 40
Notes: Very Small size
Swarm Cat Min/1 5 15 15 45 15 45 5 15 15 45 15 45 6 1 4/5 6/30/45 6/30/60 4/20 Walker
Ware: Biomods, Claws, Cybercortex, Dermal Armor, Enhanced Smell, Enhanced Vision, Grip Pads, Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Tail, more.
Skills: Athletics 50, Fray 40, Free Fall 30, Infiltrate 60, Melee 50, Perceive 40
Notes: Some are small size

XENOFAUNA Comp/GP COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL INIT TP AV WT/DUR/DR TT/LUC/IR Movement
Clown Sprite Rare/ —  5 15 15 45 20 60 15 45 5 15 5 15 7 1  —  4/20/30 2/10/20 8/32 Winged, 4/20 Walker
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Smell, Grip Pads, Prehensile Feet, Prehensile Tail
Skills: Athletics 50, Fray 40, Infiltrate 60, Melee 30, Perceive 40
Notes: Bite DV 1d6, Small size, Immune to land anemone venom
Hexanewt Rare/ —  5 15 15 45 10 30 5 15 15 45 15 45 5 1 2/3 6/30/45 6/30/60 4/20 Walker
Ware: Bioweave, Chameleon Skin, Cryogenic Protection, Gills
Skills: Athletics 50, Fray 30, Infiltrate 30, Melee 30, Perceive 60

¾329
Notes: Bite DV 1d10
Creatures • Genetically Modified Organisms–Xenofauna
 CHEMICALS,
DRUGS, & TOXINS
The transhuman desire to enhance the body and mind  melds neatly
GEAR

with our species' history of recreational substance abuse. Drugs of

all kinds  — chemical, nano, or electronic  —  are not only popular but
widespread. Advances in biotechnology have eliminated many of
the side effects, but transhuman bodies are complicated environ-
ments, so they remain a factor, especially with long-term use.
Drugs are available in a variety of forms: pills, slap patches,
inhalers, disposable injectors, liquids, powders, etc. The drugs
here are just a representative sampling. There are thousands if not
millions of drugs in circulation in Eclipse Phase  —  GMs are encour-
aged to introduce their own, using these as guidelines.
Note that some drugs may have different effects on morphs with
the Non-Human Biochemistry trait (GM discretion).
Complexity: The listed Complexity is for 5 doses/applications of
the chemical, drug, or toxin.

DRUG AND TOXIN RULES

Every substance has a type (determining what it can affect), an appli-
cation method (how it is deployed), and an effect (what it does).

Types
There are three classifications:
Biochem: These are natural biological substances and
compounds produced by chemical synthesis, nanofab, or enzymatic
biosynthesis. Biochem drugs and toxins only affect biomorphs. with a splash grenade, breathe in gas, or get stabbed with a coated
Nano: Nanodrugs and -toxins are temporary nanobot colonies weapon  —  then you are automatically subject to the substance’s
designed to operate within biological hosts and programmed to effects. The duration determines how long they last.
create a certain effect. Nanodrugs and -toxins only affect biomorphs. There is no resistance test to ignore a drug or toxin’s effects, but
Electronic: These reproduce drug-like effects for infomorphs and some may call for an aptitude check to determine the effect severity.
egos residing in cyberbrains. E-drugs are sold on the black market Defensive Ware: Toxin filters ▶323 allow a SOM Check to ignore a
as single-use or self-erasing downloads, just like blueprints. biochem drug or toxin’s effects outright (they have no effect on nanod-
rugs or nanotoxins). If an effect calls for an aptitude check, toxin filters
Application Methods apply a +30 modifier. Both toxin filters and medichines will reduce
The application method determines how quickly the substance is the effects of a biochem drug or toxin (damage, modifiers, etc.) and
absorbed into the body, as noted on the Onset Times table. An onset duration by half; together they nullify the effects entirely. Nanophages
time of immediate means the effect kicks in at the end of an action reduce the effects/duration of nanodrugs and nanotoxins by half.
turn, an onset time of 1 action turn kicks in at the end of the next turn.
App: Electronic substances are run like other software. ADDICTION AND ABUSE
Dermal (D): This drug/toxin is absorbed via the skin as either a If you over-use a drug, you may find yourself addicted to it. Drugs
gas, liquid, or solid (e.g., paste). Slap patches or splash weapons are can be physically addictive (affecting the morph), mentally addic-
commonly used, loaded with the chemical DMSO, which transfers tive (affecting the ego), or both. If the GM decides that you are over-
the drug through the skin. Slap patches can be applied to others in using (such as more than once a day, or several times in a week), you
melee combat with a touch-only (+20) attack. Melee weapons may must make a WIL Check modified by the drug’s Addiction Modifier.
also be coated (Coated Weapons ▶219). If you fail, you acquire the Addiction Addiction (Level 1) negative
Inhalation (Inh): This is a gas that is breathed into the lungs trait ▶76. Once addicted, you must take the drug regularly (according
or snorted nasally. Used for inhalers, aerosols, powders, and gas to the trait level) or face withdrawal (–10 modifier per level).
grenades/seekers.
Injected (Inj): This liquid is applied via either an intramuscular
or intravenous injection. Used for needles and piercing weapons Onset Times
(Coated Weapons ▶219). Application Method Onset Time
Oral (O): This is a liquid or solid that is absorbed through the
Dermal 1 action turn
stomach or oral cavity (eating or drinking). Used with pills and liquids.
Inhalation Immediate
Effects Injection 1 action turn
If you are exposed to a drug or toxin via its method of applica- Oral 15 minutes
tion  —  for example, you pop a pill, slap on a dermal patch, are soaked

330¹ Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins • Drug and Toxin rules–Addiction and Abuse
At the GM’s discretion, heavy or extended drug use may require you Tracker Dye: This liquid is colorless at normal light but recogniz-
to make a WIL Check modified by the Addiction Modifier to avoid able under other pre-specified wavelengths (such as infrared or UV).
increasing your Addiction trait’s level. Drug abuse may also result
in other physiological or psychological effects. COGNITIVE DRUGS
Nootropics and similar drugs boost the user’s mental faculties.
CHEMICALS Drive: This nootropic speeds up left-right brain hemisphere
Just a few of the chemicals with interesting uses in Eclipse Phase: communication, stimulates idea production, and improves concen-
Atropine: Though poisonous in large doses, atropine is an effec- tration. +1 Insight pool for 8 hours.
tive antidote against nerve agents like BTX2 and Nervex. Atropine Fokus: This drug enables hyper-focus and concentration. Acquire
will negate the effect whether taken soon before or after exposure. the Enhanced Behavior: Obsessive (Level 2) trait for the duration
DMSO: This chemical acts as a carrier, allowing other chemicals and reduce task action timeframes by 25%.
to be absorbed through the skin. It allows any chemical, drug, or Klar: Klar boosts alertness and enhances clarity and perception.
toxin to be applied dermally. Users report a feeling of being “elevated” to a higher level. You receive
Liquid Thermite: Liquid thermite comes in a gel form that is easily +10 to Perceive and do not suffer distraction modifiers for 8 hours.
applied under all environmental conditions (by the nature of its Neem: Neem is a mnemonic drug that works by “tagging”
chemical reaction, thermite is oxygenated and will burn underwater experiences and mental input with a set of unique sensations
or in space). It is ignited with an electric charge, burning at tempera- that contribute to the formation of state-based memories. Neem
tures exceeding 2,500 C and melting through whatever it is touching. provides a +20 modifier to COG Checks to recall memories or
Liquid thermite inflicts DV 3d10 + 10 [27] per action turn to whatever information you learned while on neem. The drawback to neem
it is touching for 3 turns. Armor is also melted, reduce the AV by is that memories accumulated under the drug’s influence have no
damage taken. Treat damage as cumulative for determining wounds. emotional association.
NotWater: NotWater is an effective liquid fire retardant that does
not get objects wet, no matter how absorbent they are  —  it simply COMBAT DRUGS
beads up and slides right off. Combat drugs are an easy way of evening the odds in a fight.
Scrapper’s Gel: This goo turns into a potent acid when given an Aggro: This drug stimulates a massive burst of aggression phero-
electrical charge. It comes in a gel-like state and may be smeared mones. This provides a +20 modifier when using Provoke to intim-
like jelly under most environmental conditions, even in space. In idate or taunt (Social Attacks  ▶228), but a –20 modifier to all other
acid form, scrapper’s gel inflicts DV 2d10 + 5 [16] per action turn to social skill tests. These modifiers are only effective when dealing
anything it touches for 3 turns, unless the material has been treated with biomorphs of the same species who can smell you.
against acid. Armor is also melted, reduce the AV by damage taken. Brutalitea: Often served as a delicious tea, this combat drug
Treat damage as cumulative for determining wounds. heightens endurance and injury tolerance. Increase your Durability
Slip: This liquid is almost entirely frictionless. When spread by 5, Wound Threshold by 1, and Death Rating by 3 for 3 hours.
around an area (such as by hose or splash grenade), anyone Grin: Grin is an effective opiate and pain suppressant. You ignore
attempting to walk or run on the affected surface must make a REF the modifiers from 1 wound (cumulative with other pain negation
Check or fall down. Coated surfaces are extremely hard to grip, mods, to a maximum of 3 wounds).
requiring a SOM Check to hang on to. Anyone attempting to grapple Kick: Kick is a strong stimulant that boosts your reflexes and
a slip-soaked character suffers a –30 modifier. energy reserves. Increase your Vigor pool by 1 for 8 hours.

CHEMICALS Complexity/GP Description

GEAR
Atropine Min/1 Antidote against nerve agents.
DMSO Min/1 Carries other chemicals through the skin.
Liquid Thermite Mod/R/2 Gel that burns, inflicting DV 3d10 + 10 [26] per turn for 3 turns.
NotWater Min/1 Liquid fire retardant that does not get things wet.
Scrapper’s Gel Min/1 Gel that burns, inflicting DV 2d10 + 5 [16] per turn for 3 turns.
Slip Min/1 Frictionless liquid. REF Check to walk across, SOM Check to hold on to, –30 to grapple.
Tracker Dye Min/1 Visible at other wavelengths.

COGNITIVE DRUGS Type Application Duration Addiction Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Drive Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Mental Mod/2 +1 Insight.
Fokus Biochem Any 12 hours  — /Mental Min/1 Enhanced Behavior: Obsessive (2), reduce timeframes 25%.
Klar Biochem Any 8 hours  — /Mental Min/1 +10 Perceive, no distraction modifiers.
Neem Biochem Any 12 hours  — /Mental Min/1 +20 COG Check for recall of memories learned while on Neem.

COMBAT DRUGS Type Application Duration Addiction Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Aggro Biochem Any 15 minutes +10/Physical Min/1 +20 Provoke to intimidate/taunt, –20 other social tests.
Brutalitea Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Physical Min/1 +5 DUR, +1 WT, +3 DR.
Grin Biochem Any 3 hours –10/Physical Min/1 Ignore 1 wound.
Kick Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Physical Mod/2 +1 Vigor.
MRDR Biochem Any 1 hour –20/Physical Maj/R/3 +2 Vigor, ignore 1 wound, Enhanced Behavior: Aggression (2),
–20 social tests, WIL Check vs jumpiness.
Phlo Biochem Any 3 hours  —  Maj/3 +1 Vigor, can use Vigor twice on same test.
Rev Biochem Any 1 hour –20/Physical Mod/2 Short recharge takes only a complex action.

Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins • Chemicals–Combat Drugs

¾331
 MRDR: MRDR is a brutal amphetamine that increases your pain Gravy: Gravy assists in acclimating to high-gravity environments. It
tolerance, speed, and strength. Increase your Vigor pool by 2 and is often added as a sauce to food and comes in a variety of flavors. For
ignore one wound (cumulative with other pain negation mods, to a gravy to be 100% effective, you must begin using it at least 8 hours in
maximum of 3 wounds) for 1 hour. While under MRDR’s influence, advance. Reduce penalties for high-gravity acclimation by 20.
you are twitchy and react in a jumpy, cat-like fashion to sudden or Meds: Also known as yào or healing potions, this temporary infu-
GEAR

unexpected stimuli. Make a WIL Check or react without thinking sion of medical nanobots spurs recovery from injury for biomorphs.
to unexpected noises or other surprises. This drug also makes For 1 day, you heal 1d10 damage per hour. If all damage is removed,
you a raging asshole; acquire the Enhanced Behavior: Aggression you instead heal 1 wound. Certain injuries (shattered bones,
(Level 2) trait for the duration and suffer a –20 modifier to social severed limbs) may require further medical care.
skill tests. Persona: Persona manipulates your emotions, moods, and
Phlo: Phlo increases coordination and muscle control, making behaviors to change you into a different person. Each is focused on
your movements smooth, graceful, and precise. +1 Vigor. Additionally, a different emotional state/behavior. For the duration, you acquire
you can use Vigor pool twice on the same test if needed. an Enhanced Behavior (Level 2) trait ▶78. Anyone using Kinesics to
Rev: This stimulant boosts your endurance. You can take a short ID you suffers a −10 modifier.
recharge with a complex action, rather than 10 minutes. Retcon: Retcon nanobots erase recently constructed memories.
Your last 48 hours of memories are deleted. It is sometimes used
HEALTH DRUGS offensively, though it has no effect on recorded XP, backups, or what
Pharma-foods that boost the consumer’s health and physical state. your muse recalls. Due to the nature of biological memories, retcon
Bananas Furiosas: This drug reverses the effects of ionizing radi- is imperfect; some recent memories may be spared, some older ones
ation on your body's cells. It most commonly comes in bunches of may be wiped (GM discretion).
bright orange-red bananas. Belters prefer the drug in cigarette form, Schizo: Schizo mirrors the effects of paranoid schizophrenia.
for the irony. Bananas allow you to halve the damage and ignore It is popular in socialite circles as a daring and intriguing experi-
impairment modifiers from radiation poisoning for 8 hours. ence. A dose of schizo commonly looks like a disposable antique
Comfurt: Commonly served as a tasty yogurt treat, comfurt razor blade. Making an incision in the skin releases a swarm of
blocks stress hormones, stabilizes mood, and relieves anxiety. nanobots that travel to the central nervous system and induce the
Temporarily boost Lucidity by 5, Trauma Threshold by 1, and effects. Schizo makes you severely paranoid and hear voices. For
Insanity Rating by 5. Excessive use of comfurt can lead to chronic the duration, you acquire the Mental Disorder: Schizophrenia trait
itchiness caused by histamine release. (treat as Reiterative Schizophrenia) and Enhanced Behavior: Violent
(Level 2) trait. When the drug wears off, suffer SV 1d10.
NANODRUGS Xsense: Xsense nanobots engage in tissue engineering, building
Nanodrugs are temporary nanobot infestations that apply a specific you a temporary new sensory organ. Most Xsense doses create
effect. They can make fundamental changes to a body’s biochem- non-human organs such as snake heat-sensing pits, the magnetic
istry and mental state. GMs should consider including nanodrugs sense of birds, or stranger things derived from xenocritters. Variations
that temporarily apply certain traits, such as Direction Sense, Psi on human organs are also possible: tri-cavity noses, eye stalks, or
Chameleon, Psi Defense, Situational Awareness, or Superior tympanik hearing membranes. These organs can manifest anywhere
Numeracy — experiment with different possibilities and effects! on your body after 4 hours, then are slowly reabsorbed afterwards.
Freeq: Originally called frequency, this drug was designed as Most users prefer to keep the particular sense and location a surprise.
a tool for scientific visualization. It releases nanobots into your
bloodstream that settle in the epidermis, where they act as sensors NARCOALGORITHMS
for electromagnetic radiation. This sensory input is then injected Known colloquially as dopeware, narcos, and zapps, narcoalgorithms
into your visual and tactile sensoria as a sequence of novel stimuli, are programs that simulate the effects of drugs for infomorphs and
typically a light show or weird tactile sensations. Aside from its egos in cyberbrains. Almost all biochem and nano drugs can be repli-
recreational uses, freeq is good at picking up on localized field radi- cated as narcoalgorithms, with corresponding effect (GM discretion).
ation, allowing you to spot motes, sensors, and hidden electronics Addiction to narcoalgorithms is considered mental, no matter the
with a Perceive Test, depending on their range and signal strength simulated drug. One positive side to narcoalgorithms is that the effect
(GM discretion). can be immediately stopped by pausing the app.

HEALTH DRUGS Type Application Duration Addiction Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Bananas Furiosas Biochem Any 1 day  —  Min/1 Reduces severity of radiation exposure.
Comfurt Biochem Any 12 hours –10/Mental Min/1 +5 LUC, +1 TT, +5 IR.

NANODRUGS Type Application Duration Addict Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Freeq Nano Inj, O 8 hours — Min/1 Use Perceive to detect near-field electromagnetic emissions.
Gravy Nano Inj, O 1 day — Min/1 Reduce penalties for high-gravity acclimation by 20.
Meds Nano Inj, O 1 day — Mod/2 Heals 1d10 damage per hour or 1 wound per day.
Persona Nano Inj, O 8 hours — Min/1 Acquire Enhanced Behavior (2) trait.
Retcon Nano Inj, O Permanent — Mod/R/2 Erases last 48 hours of memories.
Schizo Nano Inj, O 3 hours — Min/R/1 Mental Disorder: Schizophrenia,
Enhanced Behavior: Violent (2), SV 1d10.
Xsense Nano Inj, O 1 day — Min/1 Acquire new sense or other organ function.

332¹ Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins • Health Drugs–Narcoalgorithms

 DDR: Originally distributed as a bot-targeting virus by prankster Though illegal and suppressed in many polities, new petals
hackers, DDR (“Dance Dance Robot”) triggers impulses in your appear constantly, fueled by a persistent subculture of makers and
motor control circuits. The effect makes your shell “dance” in jerky, users. Petalcrafters view their work as an art form. The best petals
automated movements. Pleasure receptors are also activated so that are lovingly designed, hauntingly beautiful experiences  —  or some-
dancing  —  and movement of any kind  —  feels fantastic. Variants times terrifying. The subculture of petal use ranges from casual
invoke different motions and styles. While dancing, you suffer a users who occasionally do an easy, short-duration flower to hardcore
–20 modifier to other actions. You can override the dancing with a addicts who spend any time not on petals trying to hunt down the
WIL Check. Non-embodied infomorphs feel the need to dance, but most intense and esoteric varieties. Because petals combine custom
are otherwise unaffected. nanobots with tailored chemical payloads and access codes to mesh
Linkstate: This app connects you via VPN to other linkstate users servers, duplicating them using fabricators is impossible, leading to
and samples their XP feed and randomly accessed memories  —  typi- an active market of crafters, dealers, and traders.
cally just enough to provide context, but not enough to acquire Petals sometimes contain easter eggs and rewards, called “sweets”
private personal details. These inputs are spliced together, their by petal users. Getting the sweets usually requires fulfilling certain
emotional inputs amplified, and the entire package spiked with conditions within the trip, such as correctly answering questions
hormonal circuit triggers and artificial synaesthesia. The effect is or reaching goals. Typical sweets include skillsofts, new clothing or
a mind-blowing mixed sampling of people’s lives, mashed together product designs, and custom infomorph avatars.
in a sensory soup that hits the mind with a euphoric rush. You are On the negative side, some petal trips go bad, inflicting SV 1d10
catatonic while under linkstate’s effects, but afterwards you may or worse. Some petals are also loaded with malware that invades
experience flashbacks of events in other people’s lives. your mesh inserts and exploits your data and accounts while you
Randomizer: This app randomly triggers, intensifies, and are high. Firewall has even heard accounts of petals carrying strains
suppresses neurotransmitter functions, with the effect of creating of the exsurgent virus.
sudden and random mood swings. You may go from depressed to Inquisitive Green: Things of a certain color (often green, but
exuberant to pensive in a matter of minutes. Though the emotional not always) take on a life of their own. The color itself has achieved
roller coaster is draining to some, others find it thrilling or like the sapience and seeks to learn of the universe. It enlists your aid, at first.
challenge of adapting to it. At any given time, you have a 50% chance Other trippers meet and work with other colors. Eventually, it learns to
of receiving a +10 modifier to social skill tests and a 50% chance of spread its color to other things, taking control. Other colors conspire
a –10 modifier. against it. Do you choose sides or find a way for the colors to cooperate
and live in harmony? Then, the White comes. All colors fear the White.
PETALS Soul Stave: This petal discreetly copies forks of your ego. You
Petals are a narrative hallucinogen, a nanodrug that hijacks your find yourself in a magical realm, full of dangerous monsters and
senses and takes you on a game-like, highly immersive trip. They are powerful magic items. The items are all possessed by intelligent
post-Fall society’s heroin  —  the drug of choice for the desperate and spirits  —  embodied forks of other trippers. Strange ethereal crea-
fucked. Petals are made in the form of nanopharmaceutical flowers, tures provide you with quests. Ultimately, you seek to acquire the
potted or with a nutrient pack attached to the stem. Plucking and items that contain your forks  —  and the ritual that will re-merge
swallowing the petals from the flower triggers the effects. Each them. But one fork has fallen into the clutches of an evil wizard,
flower has 1d6 + 4 petals. Multiple users may share the experience whose dark staff consumes all spirits. Rumors suggest that there
if they take the petals within 1 minute of the first one being plucked; are many levels to this petal experience and that you can only
after this all petals remaining on the flower fade to translucent defeat the wizard by learning their dark power and consuming

GEAR
white and become inert. spirits into yourself.
Petal experiences are entire scenarios in and of themselves. The Creeps: You experience phantom limb  —  for a limb you’ve
Some access your mesh inserts (you must enable access to your never had. This missing part moves and feels, but you cannot see
implants voluntarily; if not, the drug has no effect other than it. It finds some things/people/places pleasing, others repulsive.
low-intensity LSD-like visual hallucinations), take control of your You feel it attempting to grasp, write, and manipulate. You see new
entoptic displays, link to secretive mesh servers and other trip- limbs on other trippers, which they cannot sense. They describe
pers, and invade your sensorium with AR “hallucinations.” Others limbs on you, which you neither sense nor feel. You can exchange
put you into a near-comatose state during which you go on a limbs with each other to try them out, but they’re usually not your
head trip. Normally there is a well-developed theme or plot to a missing limb. To find your ghost limb, you must explore it’s invis-
petal experience, though others are just streams of thematically- ible desires. The new limbs you try have minds of their own and
linked images. may mislead you.

NARCOALGORITHMS Type Application Duration Addict Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

DDR Electronic App 1 hour —/Mental Min/1 Dancing, –20 actions, WIL Check to override.
Linkstate Electronic App 1 hour –10/Mental Min/1 Samples memories from others.
Randomizer Electronic App 8 hours —/Mental Min/1 Randomizes emotions. +10 or –10 social skills (50/50 each turn).

PETALS Type Application Duration Addict Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Inquisitive Green Nano Inj, O 12 hours  —  Min/R/1 Narrative hallucinogen, green becomes sapient.
Soul Stave Nano Inj, O 12 hours  —  Min/R/1 Narrative hallucinogen, find magic item forks.
The Creeps Nano Inj, O 12 hours  —  Min/R/1 Narrative hallucinogen, phantom limb mystery.

Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins • Petals

¾333
 PSI DRUGS each other. Afterwards, you suffer a –30 COG Check modifier to
Research into the Watts-MacLeod strain has resulted in several remember what occurred while under the influence.
exceptional breakthroughs with psi-impacting drugs. Each of these Mono No Aware: Named for the Japanese term for sadness at
drugs is in the experimental stage, but they are already finding the ephemerality of worldly things, this drug, typically ingested as
some use among Firewall and similar secretive groupings. a tea, is a depressant that induces a meditative state. Mono no aware
GEAR

Inhibitor: Inhibitor is a cocktail of neurochemicals that block provides a +10 modifier to Art skills. With frequent use, mono no
some brain receptor and transmitter functions in an attempt aware reacts with pigments in the skin to create a pallor with a slight
to reduce psi-waves and block or impair sleights. This drug is bluish tinge, even in darker-skinned morphs.
commonly used to restrain async prisoners from using their abili- Orbital Hash: Mr. H is marijuana grown in space using powerful
ties. Make a WIL Check at –20. If you fail, lose all psi abilities for lighting and advanced hydroponics. Because space is at a premium
the drug’s duration. If you succeed, you still suffer a –30 modifier in habitats and scum barges, blocks of hashish are the preferred
to Psi Tests. Inhibitor-influenced characters have a glazed, dopey mode of transport and delivery. However, for the wealthy and on
expression and difficulty getting excited or emotional. planets, buds in leaf form are not uncommon. While high, you
Psi-Opener: Psi-opener drugs are variants of the Watts-MacLeod ignore the effects of 1 trauma, but suffer a –10 penalty to Know
strain with a temporary effect and that do not permanently alter Tests and memory-related COG Checks. Hash users exhibit blood-
the user’s brain. Psi-opener temporarily gives you the effect of one shot eyes, lethargic behaviors, and the munchies.
particular psi-chi sleight; each type of psi-opener is customized for TGS: The good stuff is gene-modified orbital hash, providing
a particular sleight. However, users are frequently subject to hallu- greater benefits with fewer side effects. Ignore the effects of 1
cinations (GM discretion). When the drug wears off, suffer SV 1d6. trauma and 1 wound, receive a +10 WIL Check modifier, and
Psi-Kick: Psi-kick functions like psi-opener, except it mimics the acquire the Enhanced Behavior: Serene (Level 2) trait.
function of a specific psi-gamma sleight. It also boosts your latent
psychic ability. Non-asyncs lacking Psi skill can default to WIL × 2. For SOCIAL DRUGS
this reason, psi-kick is often doubled up with psike-out. Using psi-kick is These social lubricants modify your interactions with others.
a mind-wrenching experience. Take SV 1d10 + 2 after the drug wears off. Blab: Blab impedes your ability to lie or withhold information.
Psike-Out: Psike-out bolsters an async’s psi abilities. Apply a +10 You suffer a –30 SAV/WIL Check modifier against Persuade and
modifier to Psi skill tests for the drug’s duration. Provoke Tests made to interrogate or extract information. You also
suffer –30 to Deceive Tests. For the duration, you acquire the Neural
RECREATIONAL DRUGS Damage: Logorrhea trait, making you excessively talkative.
These drugs compete with petals and XP as popular pastimes. Hither: Want to ooze sexy like a pleasure morph on a hot tin habitat?
Buzz: This gene-modified variant of BZ is an odorless, invisible, For those desiring that slinky je-ne-sais-quoi, hither is the tool. Hither
powerful hallucinogen. For its duration, you undergo extremely typically comes as a clear, slippery gel with a musky, floral scent that is
realistic hallucinations. Your hallucinations are susceptible to applied to parts of the body with large concentrations of sweat glands.
suggestion by others (–30 to SAV/WIL Checks to oppose Persuade It is a mild euphoriant, imparting a feeling of confidence and you-know-
or Provoke); users often “share” described hallucinations with you-want-it-ness to the user. It also stimulates abundant production

PSI DRUGS Type Application Duration Addict Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Inhibitor Biochem Any 6 hours +20/Mental Maj/3 –30 Psi, –20 WIL Check or lose psi abilities.
Psi-Opener Biochem Any 1 hour –10/Mental Rare/ —  Effects of 1 specific psi-chi sleight. SV 1d6.
Psike-Out Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Mental Maj/R/3 +10 Psi skill.
Psi-Kick Biochem Any 1 hour –10/Mental Rare/ —  Effects of 1 specific psi-gamma sleight. SV 1d10 + 2.

RECREATIONAL Type Application Duration Addict Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Buzz Biochem Any 36 hours  —  Mod/R/2 Hallucinations, –30 suggestive SAV/WIL Checks.
Mono no Aware Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Mental Min/1 Meditative, +10 Art skills.
Orbital Hash Biochem Any 3 hours  —  Min/1 Ignore 1 trauma, –10 Know Tests/memory-related COG Checks.
TGS Biochem Any 3 hours  —  Mod/2 Ignore 1 trauma and 1 wound, +10 WIL check,
Enhanced Behavior: Serene (2).

SOCIAL DRUGS Type Application Duration Addict Mod/Type Complexity/GP Description

Blab Biochem Any 1 hour  —  Mod/R/2 Neural Damage: Logorrhea, –30 Deceive,
–30 SAV/WIL Checks vs. interrogation.
Hither Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Physical Min/1 +10 seduction Provoke, Enhanced Behavior: Aroused (2).
Juice Biochem Any 1 hour –20/Mental Min/1 +30 SAV/WIL Checks vs. fear/negative emotions,
Enhanced Behavior: Happy (3).
Nofux Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Mental Mod/2 +1 Moxie.
Stiff Biochem Any 8 hours –10/Mental Min/1 +10 SAV/WIL Checks vs. Persuade/Provoke,
Enhanced Behavior: Stubborn (Level 2).
Tongzhi Biochem Any 12 hours –10/Mental Min/1 +10 Kinesics, +10 Persuade towards common interests,
Enhanced Behavior: Cooperative (2).

334¹ Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins • Psi Drugs–Social Drugs

of lust pheromones. You gain a +10 bonus on Provoke Tests to seduce Nervex: Derived from deadly nerve agents like cyclosarin, VX,
against biomorphs of the same species who can smell you. You also and novichok, this genetically modified toxin is deployed as a color-
gain the Enhanced Behavior: Aroused (Level 2) trait for the duration. less, odorless gas that turns safely inert 10 minutes after deploy-
Juice: This potent anti-depressant makes it almost impossible to ment. It causes involuntary contraction of the muscles, seizures, and
have bad feelings or negative thoughts. You are unnaturally happy death by respiratory failure. You suffer a –20 modifier to all actions
and positive  —  often irritatingly or strangely so. You receive a +30 and must make a SOM Check or be incapacitated by seizures, paral-
modifier to SAV/WIL Checks against fear or attempts to manipu- ysis, nausea, and vomiting. After 10 minutes, you will die unless an
late your emotions in a negative direction. You gain the Enhanced antidote (such as atropine ▶331) is applied.
Behavior: Happy (Level 3) trait. Under juice’s influence, you may Oxytocin-A: A genetically improved variant of oxytocin, this
act inappropriately, like giggling over the massive amount of spilled drug induces trust. Apply a –30 modifier to WIL Checks and
blood or cheerfully changing the subject to inane topics when Kinesics Tests where trust is a factor.
someone else is freaking out. Twitch: Twitch is a convulsive agent, a nonlethal nerve gas. Apply
Nofux: This drug lowers inhibitions and heightens determina- a –20 modifier to all actions and make a SOM Check or become
tion. Nofux users know what they want and are resolved to get their incapacitated with severe muscle tremors for 10 minutes.
way. Gain 1 Moxie pool for the duration.
Stiff: Frequently taken as a chewy breath mint, this drug stiffens Antidotes
your confidence and resolve. You receive a +10 modifier on SAV/ You can create an antidote for most toxins with: a sample, a medical
WIL Checks against Persuade and Provoke. You also acquire the shop, and a Medicine: Pharmacology task action, timeframe of 1 hour.
Enhanced Behavior: Stubborn (Level 2) trait.
Tongzhi: Named after the dated Mandarin term for “comrade,” Nanotoxins
tongzhi encourages cooperation and supportive behavior, while These temporary nanobot infestations damage or impair.
minimizing competitive attitudes. It was a popular drug with many Disruptor: This nanotoxin attacks the myelin sheath on nerves,
hypercorps before the Fall and mandatory for their workforces. This disrupting nerve impulses and inflicting symptoms of multiple scle-
drug provides +10 Kinesics, as well as +10 Persuade when working rosis (impaired vision, muscle strength, and coordination). Every
towards common interests. You gain the Enhanced Behavior: hour, you suffer a cumulative –5 modifier to all actions. If the total
Cooperative (Level 2) trait. modifier meets or exceeds your Durability, you are paralyzed and
catatonic (incapacitated). These modifiers can only be reduced with
TOXINS regenerative time in a healing vat (1 hour per –5).
The toxic properties of biological and chemical substances can be Necrosis: Necrosis nanobots attack the walls of cells inside the
used to kill, incapacitate, or impair an enemy. body, killing tissue. This nanotoxin inflicts DV 1d6 per action turn for
BTX2: Also called “frog bite,” BTX2 is a genetically enhanced variant one minute, after which the nanobots disable and flush from the body.
of batrachotoxin, an extremely potent cardiotoxin and neurotoxin. It Neuropath: These nanobots stimulate pain receptors on a
leads to fast paralysis and cardiac arrest that usually kills the target systemic level, inflicting agony. Suffer –30 to all actions from the
within a few action turns. Affected characters suffer DV 2d10 + 10 inflicted agony and make a WIL Check or become incapacitated
for 3 action turns; medichines reduce this damage by half. You must for 8 hours. Anything that allows you to ignore wound modifiers
also make a SOM Check or be immobilized for 1 hour. can be used to reduce the pain modifier by 10.
CR Gas: This potent incapacitating agent causes eye twitching Nutcracker: Nutcrackers are nanobots designed to locate your
and temporary blindness, severe coughing and breathing difficulty, cortical stack and disassemble the diamond lattice. This process

GEAR
skin irritation, and panic. Affected characters suffer DV 1d6, a –30 takes approximately 6 hours, after which the cortical stack is
modifier to sight-based Perceive Tests, and a –20 impairment modi- destroyed. These nanobots also attack the cortical stack’s connec-
fier to all other actions for 20 minutes. tions to the (cyber)brain and brain-mapping nanobots. After 1
Flight: This drug is derived from pheromones released hour, you will be aware that your cortical stack and neural lace are
due to fear and is intended to instill alarm or even terror. suffering damage. After 3 hours, all connections will be severed and
Make a WIL Check or suffer a panic attack, inflicting SV 1d10. You the cortical stack will no longer record backups.
also suffer a –30 modifier for resisting intimidation or fear-based
emotional manipulations for 1 hour.

TOXINS Type Application Duration Complexity/GP Description

BTX2 Biochem D, Inj, O 3 turns/1 hour Maj/R/3 DV 2d10 +3 for 3 turns, SOM Check or immobilized for 1 hour.
CR Gas Biochem D, Inh 20 minutes Min/R/1 DV 1d6, –30 Perceive, –20 all other actions.
Flight Biochem Inh 1 hour Min/R/1 SV 1d10, –30 resist intimidation/fear effects.
Nervex Biochem D, Inh, Inj, O  —  Maj/R/3 –20 actions, SOM Check vs. incapacitation, death.
Oxytocin-A Biochem Inh, Inj 2 hours Min/R/1 Trusting, –30 WIL Checks/Kinesics Tests where trust is a factor.
Twitch Biochem D, Inh, Inj, O 10 minutes Min/R/1 –20 actions, SOM Check vs. incapacitation.

NANOTOXINS Type Application Duration Complexity/GP Description

Disruptor Nano Inj, O 8 hours Maj/R/3 Cumulative –5 to actions per hour; incapacitation.
Necrosis Nano Inj, O 1 minute Mod/R/2 DV 1d6 per turn.
Neuropath Nano D, Inj, O 8 hours Mod/R/2 Agony, –30 actions, WIL Check vs incapacitation.
Nutcracker Nano Inj, O 6 hours Maj/R/3 Destroys cortical stack.

Chemicals, Drugs, & Toxins • Toxins

¾335
 COMMS & MESH GEAR
Satnet-in-a-Can: This medium-sized metallic-hydrogen missile
can be launched on any world with a gravity of 2 g or less. A
In a networked world, keeping in touch is key. smart-material launch tube automatically extends struts and aims
it at the proper trajectory. It deploys 32 small satellites into orbit,
COMMUNICATIONS which after 1–2 days will be in position to cover the planet with GPS
GEAR

A variety of technologies are useful for keeping communication data, low-resolution hyperspectral imaging (down to 100 meters),
lines open, even on alien worlds. and communication/mesh relay between anyone on the planet
Breadcrumb System: This worn device leaves micro-sized with a radio booster. The satellites can map the planet and provide
“breadcrumb” motes behind as you move, roughly every 25 meters. weather data using Know: Meteorology 60.
These devices mesh with each other and other devices, allowing
you to map your position in relation to the breadcrumb trail, and NEUTRINO COMMUNICATORS
creating a mesh connection all the way back to the trail’s source. This Neutrino particles pass through solid matter with ease and are
is for tracking your movement, finding your way back, and keeping impossible to block. As a result, they make an ideal medium for
meshed with your camp or ship in derelict habitats, wilderness, and communications. Unfortunately, they are also easy to intercept.
other areas where there is no local functioning mesh. Even a tight beam of neutrinos sent between two locations can be
Emergency Distress Beacon: This powerful radio transmitter intercepted simply by placing another receiver behind the location
will broadcast any programmed distress call and positioning data the broadcaster is sending to. Neutrino communicators require a
for years. Though small and portable, this beacon has a range of 500 large power plant to power the high energy particle interactions
km in urban areas and 5,000 km elsewhere. It specifically transmits required to generate the neutrino broadcast. Neutrino communica-
on frequencies monitored by satellites (if any) and spacecraft. The tors usually broadcast neutrinos in all directions, though tight-beam
beacon only transmits, it does not receive messages. Beacons possess transmissions are also possible. Quite often neutrino communica-
both impact and environmental sensors, and can be set to auto-acti- tions take advantage of quantum farcasting for security.
vate if triggered by g-forces, vacuum, or other specified conditions. Neutrino Receiver: This small receiver is used for one-way
Laser/Microwave Link: These portable devices are used to estab- neutrino communications. It can only receive, not transmit. It is
lish a tight-beam, line-of-sight communications channel with another commonly used for receiving ego backups transmitted by emergency
laser or microwave link. The range of these transceivers varies widely farcaster implants; a host or server is required to store the backup.
with environmental factors, but approximates 50 kilometers in atmo- Neutrino Transceiver: This transceiver can transmit and receive
sphere and 500 kilometers in space (though horizon limits must be neutrino signals, with a range of at least 100 astronomical units. It is
kept in mind, being 5 kilometers at ground level on Earth and less large, with a size of 8 cubic meters (in a cube 2 meters on a side), but
on smaller bodies). Lasers are subject to interference from fog, dirt, can be loaded onto large vehicles. To function, it must be connected
smoke, and similar visual chaff, while microwaves may be hindered to a large power plant, such as one found in habitats or large
by metallic obstructions. These links can only be intercepted by spacecraft. The cost and size of this device includes the computer
getting directly in between the beams. Some teams carry a micro necessary for quantum farcasting. Because it is exceptionally safe
version of this system, worn on their person, allowing line of sight and secure, quantum farcasting via neutrino communications is
intra-team communications that cannot be intercepted like radio. the primary means of both long-distance communication between
Mission Recorder: This storage device is used to record all data habitats and egocasting. The neutrino signal cannot be blocked and
from a mission  —  lifelogs, XP, sensor feeds, and so on  —  for later it can only be decrypted if a character has access to the computer
retrieval. This serves to backup all data in remote locations and that is sending or receiving the signal.
for search-and-rescue teams to analyze if something goes wrong.
Gatecrashers often hook these to radio boosters and leave them near QUANTUM FARCASTERS
the pandora gate. Quantum farcasters are special computers designed to protect
Radio Booster: This portable device boosts the range and a communications channel with unbreakable encryption. To
sensitivity of short-range radios, like those from implants, ectos, or function, two or more quantum farcaster computers must first
microbugs. The booster must be within the shorter-ranged device’s be entangled together (on a quantum level) in the same physical
range (or directly linked via fiberoptic cable). It will repeat any location. The farcasters are then separated, at which point they
transmissions received from that device, but at its extended range may continue to exchange encrypted data via quantum telepor-
of 25 kilometers in urban areas or 250 kilometers in remote areas tation. This data exchange requires a standard communications
(Radio and Sensor Ranges ▶337). Boosters are commonly used by link (i.e., fiberoptic, radio, laser/microwave, or neutrino), and so
characters traveling far from habitats or other civilized regions. is limited by the speed of light, but it is a high bandwidth form of

COMMUNICATIONS GEAR Complexity/GP Description

Breadcrumb System Min/1 Leaves mote trail for meshing/positioning.
Emergency Distress Beacon Min/1 Powerful radio transmitter, 50/500 km range.
Laser/Microwave Link (Micro) Min/1 Tight-beam communication links, line-of-sight 500 m range.
Laser/Microwave Link (Small) Mod/2 Tight-beam communication links, line-of-sight 50/500 km range.
Mission Recorder Min/1 Backs up all mission data.
Radio Booster Min/1 Extends radio ranges, 25/250km range.

NEUTRINO COMMS GEAR Complexity/GP Description

Neutrino Receiver Maj/3 Receives neutrino comms.
Neutrino Transceiver Rare/ —  Sends/receives neutrino comms, 100+ AU range.

336¹ Comms & Mesh Gear • Communications–Quantum Farcasters

 Radio and Sensor Ranges
Item Size Urban Range Open Range Examples
Nano 20 meters 100 meters Nanoswarms
Micro 100 meters 500 meters Microbugs
Very Small 5 kilometers 50 kilometers Ecto, Mesh Inserts
Small 25 kilometers 250 kilometers Radio Boosters, Vehicle Radios/Sensors
Large 500 kilometers 5,000 kilometers Spacecraft Sensors

communication.The quantum encryption used by these entangled QE Comm: This is a small, handheld FTL communications device.
farcasters is unbreakable, and any attempted interception is imme- It must be equipped with a qubit reservoir to enable quantum-en-
diately detected and neutralized. A quantum farcaster cannot be tangled communications.
used to securely communicate with any farcasters other than the Emergency Reservoir: This pair of very small reservoirs are
ones it is entangled with. intended for critical or emergency situations, using voice or text
Miniature Radio Farcaster: Miniature farcasters communicate only, or similar low bit-rate exchanges. They can be used for 1
with each other using standard radio transceivers. As noted above, minute of high-resolution video, 1 hour of voice-only communica-
they can only securely communicate with the other farcasters with tion, or a substantial amount of text.
which they are entangled. Most miniature farcasters are very small Qubit Reservoir: This pair of small-sized reservoirs holds
and worn as jewelry or fitted into clothing or other equipment. enough qubits for 10 hours of high-resolution video or 100 hours of
Because the entanglement process requires special equipment, voice or text-only communications.
these radio farcasters cannot be nanofabricated.
MESH HARDWARE
QUANTUM-ENTANGLED This gear forms the fundamental components of the mesh (Devices,
Apps, & Links ▶244).
COMMUNICATION Enhanced Server: These servers are faster and more secure,
QE communication is instantaneous and works over any distance, commonly used by hyper-elites or secure corporate systems. Apply
even hundreds of light years away, but is also very limited. QE a –10 modifier to Infosec Tests made to hack them.
communication requires pairs of entangled particles known as Fiberoptic Cable: Fiberoptic cables are used to establish wired
qubits. To use QE, large numbers of qubit pairs are created and then connections between two devices. Given the ubiquity of radios and
separated from each other. Millions of these separated particles are the tangled mess wires cause, they are typically only used for privacy
stored in special containers known as qubit reservoirs. If two QE (unlike radio communication, fiberoptic signals cannot be inter-
communicators each have a qubit reservoir containing qubits that cepted/sniffed or jammed) or in areas with heavy radio interference.
are each entangled with qubits in the other communicator’s qubit Host: Hosts include tablets, work stations, and similar terminals.
reservoir, then you can use the two QE communicators to commu- They are capable of running a single infomorph.
tate with one another instantaneously. Motes: These micro-sized computers come in packages of 500
Each bit of data transmitted between QE comms uses up one and are designed to be spread over a wide area (manually, by
qubit. Once all of the qubits are used up, the two QE comms can no drone, or other creative means) to create an ad-hoc mesh network.
longer communicate until they each get a new batch of entangled Individual motes use grip pads to adhere to surfaces. They are also

GEAR
qubits. Qubits are expensive to produce, contain, and transport, equipped with cameras (visual spectrum only) and microphones.
making this a rare and expensive form of communication. As a Server: A server is a large-sized, non-portable computer, capable
result, extremely high bandwidth communications like full sensory of running VR simulspaces and multiple infomorphs.
XP and egocasting are avoided. Specialized Server: These servers are optimized for specific func-
Because the entanglement process requires special equipment, tions, customized with specialized operating systems. Each provides
QE comms gear cannot be nanofabricated. a +10 modifier to one type of skill test made while using this server.

QUANTUM FARCASTERS Complexity/GP Description

Miniature Radio Farcaster Mod/2 Radio with encryption that cannot be broken/intercepted.

QE COMMS GEAR Complexity/GP Description

QE Comm Min/1 Small FTL communication device, requires qubits.
Emergency Reservoir Mod/2 Micro qubit reservoir pair, 1 minute video/1 hour voice.
Qubit Reservoir Maj/3 Medium qubit reservoir pair, 10 hours video, 100 hours voice.

MESH HARDWARE Complexity/GP Description

Fiberoptic Cable Min/1 Wired connection for devices.
Motes Min/1 Create ad-hoc mesh and surveillance net over area.
Host Min/1 Tablets, work stations, and terminals. Runs 1 infomorph.
Server Mod/2 Larger computer. Runs VR and multiple infomorphs.
Enhanced Server Maj/3 Faster and more secure servers. –10 Infosec to hack.
Specialized Server Maj/3 Optimized for specific functions. +10 to one specific skill test.

Comms & Mesh Gear

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 ESPIONAGE &
For as long as a dazzler is active, camera systems (visual, infrared,
and ultraviolet) within 200 meters and pointed towards the dazzler

SECURITY TECH
are blinded. Synthmorphs and bots may make REF Check or suffer
a –30 modifier to visual Perceive.
This technology has many applications for Firewall agents. Disabler: This handy device emits an overloading surge that
GEAR

Brainprint Scanner: This portable skullcap extrudes nano- completely incapacitates a morph with a cyberbrain when it is
electrodes into your scalp, then plays media to you via a visor and plugged into an access jack and activated. To plug a disabler into an
ear plugs. It takes 5 minutes to scan your brainprint, which can be unwilling target, you must first either grapple them or make a called
authenticated against a database entry. shot in melee combat. This device does not work on morphs, bots, or
Bugzapper Strips: You can install these reusable strips around vehicles lacking cyberbrains.
doorways and other portals up to 2 meters across. They create an Fiber Eye: This is a flexible 5-meter length of fiberoptic cable
EMP field that inflicts DV 3d10 on any nanoswarms or microbots with a camera at one end and viewer at the other. It can be worked
(including swarmanoids) that pass through (Bug Zappers ▶372). through cracks, under doors, and around corners to peep unob-
Includes 20 meters of strips (enough for 3 standard doorways). trusively. It can be remotely/electronically controlled, though its
Chameleon Cloak: This loose poncho contains a network of movement is limited.
sensors that perceive wavelengths from microwave to ultra-violet. Gray Box: This micro-sized wireless interface is used to create a
A similar network of miniature emitters precisely replicate the wireless mesh link to an air-gapped, wired, or isolated device. Gray
information its sensors receive, making you seem transparent boxes automatically stealth their signals ▶244.
to those wavelengths while covered by the cloak. Apply a +10 ID Scanner: This small device scans nanotat IDs ▶298, decodes
modifier to Infiltrate Tests, +30 if stationary and completely the data, and compares it to online databases.
covered. Chameleon cloaks are not effective against radar, x-ray, Invisibility Cloak: This cloak is made of metamaterials with
or gamma-ray sensors. They do hide you from thermal infrared, a negative refractive index, so that light actually bends around it,
however, by absorbing body heat into a heat sink. The cloak can making it and anything it covers invisible (–60 to Perceive, –30 to
only absorb body heat for one hour before it must emit this heat. target with a 50% miss chance in combat). This invisibility works
Heat emission also requires one hour, during which time you are from the microwave to ultraviolet frequencies, but not against radar
easily visible in the thermal infrared spectrum. or x-rays. The drawback is that anything concealed within the cloak
Covert Operations Tool (COT): This handheld device is the ulti- can’t see out. This is easily overcome by using external sensor feeds
mate in infiltration technology. It contains smart matter microma- (if available) and entoptics to navigate. Alternatively, a small piece
nipulators, cutting tools, and an advanced nanotechnology gener- of anti-cloak, which cancels the cloak’s invisibility properties when
ator capable of producing nanobots that can bore or cut through touched together, can be used to create a small window to peep out
almost any material and infiltrate the inner workings of electronic of, though this increases the chance of being spotted. Noticing such
locks to disable or open them. a window requires a Perceive Test with a –30 modifier.
Cutting out a lock/bolt or boring a 10-centimeter-diameter hole Microbug: This micro-sized camera and microphone package
in a wall with a COT requires (Wound Threshold ÷ 5) action turns. is only 1 millimeter across. It records audio and visual from
The COT’s nanobots can repair this damage so that it is invisible to one section of the electromagnetic spectrum (Senses and
any but the most careful and detailed examination. Cutting out a Sensors ▶318) — usually the visual spectrum. It is meshed and can
larger, 1-meter diameter hole in a wall requires (Wound Threshold be remote controlled, but can also be instructed to broadcast only
÷ 10) minutes and cannot be repaired. at specific intervals or when it has received a special code. It can
A COT can easily open any old-fashioned mechanical lock simply record 100 hours of surveillance. It can also be set to only record
by analyzing it and shaping an appropriate key, though this takes a when movement or audio is detected. Microbugs have adhesive
full action turn. backs and can stick to almost any surface. Microbugs can also
The tool’s nanobots can also circumvent the security of electronic establish their location via mesh positioning or GPS, and so double
locks. Make a test using the COT’s Hardware: Electronics 60. This is as tracking devices. Microbugs are sometimes attached to quantum
a task action with a timeframe of 4 action turns, whether opening farcasters ▶336 to avoid their signals being detected or jammed.
or disabling the lock. On a superior/critical failure, an alarm is Prisoner Mask: This hood tightens around the head of a prisoner
triggered. On a critical success, the opening is not logged. If the and blocks visual frequencies, so that even a prisoner with enhanced
electronic lock is protected by a guardian nanoswarm, the COT has vision is blinded. The hood is also a faraday cage and engages in
a 60% chance of opening the lock before its nanobots are disabled. low-level jamming, cutting the prisoner off from the mesh. Masks
Cuffband: This smart plastic loop restricts around a prisoner’s are also equipped with headphones that when activated will block
limbs when activated. If the prisoner struggles, it will tighten more. enhanced hearing.
Cuffbands are electronically controlled, so you can cut or loosen Privacy Pod: This self-assembling tent structure takes 3 action
them remotely, and they are potentially vulnerable to hacking; they turns to erect. It is designed to offer complete privacy to up to 6
will also inform you if they are cut. Cuffbands can also shock the people within. It functions as a sound-proof faraday cage, blocking
prisoner; inflicting DV 1d6 as a shock attack ▶219. all wireless and radio signals. It features an airlock with a built-in
Dazzler: The dazzler is a tiny laser system set on a mounted bug zapper ▶372, a guardian swarm nanohive to keep the interior
rotating ball. When activated, it consistently spins and emits laser free of mites, and life support for 24 hours.
pulses in all directions. These laser pulses are not dangerous, but Psi Jammer: This device jams frequencies used by brainwaves
they detect the lenses of camera systems (including motes, specs, within a 20-meter radius. This has no effect on brain functions, but
viewers, and bot/synthmorph sensors) and repeatedly zap them it does inflict a –30 modifier to any ranged use of psi sleights within
with laser pulses of varying strength to overload and dazzle them. this area of effect.

338¹ Espionage & Security Tech

 Quantum Computer: These advanced desktop devices make
use of quantum computation, allowing them to handle extremely
large numbers with ease. This makes them especially useful for
codebreaking ▶247.
Ripper: When activated, this portable countersurveillance device
generates an electromagnetic pulse every 5 action turns designed to
damage the antennas of motes and nanoswarms. It is used to "rip" the
sensors in an area, destroying their ability to wirelessly communicate
and creating dead zones ▶271. Rippers affect all motes/swarms within
20 meters. Motes must be repaired/replaced; nanoswarms and micros-
warms (including swarmanoids) suffer DV 3d10 per pulse.
Shroud: This smart-fabric privacy cloak conceals you like a
burkha, randomly stiffens and relaxes to confuse gait analysis,
and randomly shifts heat patterns. It emits pheromones, odorants,
and white noise, deterring scent identification and eavesdropping.
It can also function as a faraday cage, blocking mesh signals and
preventing any trackers you carry from broadcasting. Shrouds are
an acceptable form of privacy in some habitats, but considered
gauche or illegal in others.

ESPIONAGE GEAR Complexity/GP Description

Brainprint Scanner Min/1 Scans brainprint in 5 minutes.
Bugzapper Strips Mod/2 Portal EMP field, DV 3d10 to nanoswarms/microswarms.
Chameleon Cloak Mod/2 Camouflage, +10 Infiltrate, +30 stationary.
Covert Operations Tool Maj/R/3 Bypasses locks, cuts/repairs holes, Hardware: Electronics 60 vs. electronic locks, more.
Cuffband Min/1 Electronic handcuffs, remote operation, shock attack DV 1d6.
Dazzler Mod/2 Blinds cameras w/in 200 m, REF Check or –30 Perceive for synthmorphs, bots, vehicles.
Disabler Mod/R/2 Disables morphs with cyberbrain when plugged into access jacks.
Fiber Eye Min/1 Flexible fiberoptic with camera and viewer.
Gray Box Min/1 Establishes a wireless mesh link.
ID Scanner Min/1 Scans nanotat IDs.
Invisibility Cloak Maj/R/3 Metamaterial cloak, makes invisible, –60 Perceive to spot.
Microbug Min/1 Micro-sized camera/audio recorder.
Prisoner Mask Min/1 Blocks enhanced vision/hearing, jams mesh/radio.
Privacy Pod Maj/3 Blocks sound/mesh signals, includes bug zapper, guardian swarm, life support (24 hours).
Psi Jammer Mod/2 Jams brainwave frequencies w/in 20 m, –30 Psi Tests.
Quantum Computer Maj/3 Used for codebreaking ▶247.
Ripper Mod/R/2 EMP pulse every 5 turns, DV 3d10 to nanoswarms/microswarms.

GEAR
Shroud Mod/R/2 Blocks ID methods, mesh signals.
Traction Pads Mod/2 +30 climbing Athletic Tests.
White Noise Machine Min/1 Masks conversations from being recorded.
X-Ray Emitter Min/1 Transmits x-rays for use with enhanced vision.

Traction Pads: This set of specialized fingerless gloves, shoes,

and kneepads is designed to emulate the pads on gecko feet. You
can support yourself on a wall or ceiling by placing any two of
these pads against any surface not made from a material specially
designed to resist such devices. You can climb any surface and
move easily across walls and ceilings that can support your
weight; apply a +30 modifier to climbing-based Athletics Tests. In
addition to climbing, these devices are also very popular in zero-g
environments.
White Noise Machine: This small and wearable device generates
masking sounds that protect a conversation from being audibly
recorded or overheard by anyone not in the immediate vicinity.
X-Ray Emitter: This small device emits a focused beam of
low-powered x-rays, designed to be used with enhanced vision
augmentation, specs, or similar vision enhancers. It allows you to
image objects via x-rays and see through walls, into containers, and
through objects by measuring backscatter x-ray radiation (Senses
and Sensors ▶318).

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 MISSION GEAR
focusing the blast in a particular 90-degree direction (for example,
to blow through a door). This triples the damage of the blast in the
These tools are useful for a wide variety of missions. focused direction; in all other directions, the damage is reduced
to 1/3rd. Multiple charges apply a cumulative effect.
EXPLORATION TOOLS
GEAR

Gatecrashers and other explorers rely on these. SCIENCE TOOLS

Blue Box: Named for the cobalt shade in which they were origi- When scientists take to the field, this is what they use.
nally manufactured, blue boxes are small-sized pandora gate control Adaptive Interface: If the event you must interact with ancient
devices. They must be physically attached to a gate to control it; this technology  —  perhaps even a still-functioning alien relic  —  the adap-
requires a Hardware: Electronics task action at –10 with a timeframe tive interface features smart-material connectors that can connect to
of 1 hour. Blue boxes have built-in self-destruct mechanisms, so that almost any conceivable piece of technology. It is also equipped with
you can destroy the device in the event it might fall into alien hands. nano-probe sensors that can analyze the device’s structure and map
Mapping Missile: This medium-sized portable rocket extends out its internal functions. The interface’s ALI is equipped with Know:
struts, aims itself, and launches into a low polar orbit on any planet Computer Science, Know: Electrical Engineering, Know: Xenodata,
with gravity below 2 g. Over a 1–2 day period, it uses a variety of and Interface skills at 60, as well as Infosec and Program at 40.
sensors (radar, visual, infrared, mass, spectrographic) to map the Connecting to and analyzing relics is a task action with a timeframe
planet and beam this information back. The maps are low resolu- of 1 hour, possibly longer (GM discretion). This interface severs
tion, showing nothing less than 100 meters across, but it will iden- mesh connections when analyzing unknown devices, so as not to
tify large masses, cities, lights on the planet’s dark side, atmospheric unwittingly spread infections. It is not compatible with biological
conditions, and data on the planet’s rotation and gravity. technology or nanotech more advanced than transhumanity’s.
Scout Missile: These small-sized missiles are easy to set up and Fractal Gloves: These gloves mimic the function of fractal
launch from a disposable tube. They map the area in a 5-kilometer digits ▶324. The digits include micro-cameras that provide the func-
radius from their launch point, or out to 10 kilometers in a speci- tion of nanoscopic vision  ▶318.
fied direction, in 20 minutes. Carrying visual, infrared, radar, and Pocket Lab: This small handheld device contains numerous
lidar sensors, and flying at an altitude of 100 meters, they can map sensors for analyzing both organic and inorganic compounds
terrain, locate structures, identify features of interest, and search for in liquid, gaseous, and solid form. It performs material analysis
anything you specify with a Perceive 60. They transmit their sensor using different methods of spectrometry, chromatography, and
and telemetry data in real-time. biochemical testing, comparing results to a built-in database. Using
a pocket lab you could test soil fertility, identify clean water, detect
SALVAGE TOOLS hazardous emissions, discover traces of life, pinpoint contaminants,
This technology is often employed by gatecrashers, space scavengers, determine the presence of explosives or firearms, identify strange
and Firewall teams during missions. substances, and so on. It operates with Know: Chemistry 60.
Disassembly Tools: This collection of tools is useful for salvage ops, Portable SolArchive: These very small data storage units contain
breaking down wrecks, or dissembling anything from a habitat room impressive archives related to a particular subject (equivalent to one
to a vehicle or synthmorph. They include plasma torches, laser cutters, Know skill). They allow you to make Research Tests on that subject
pneumatic jaws, and smart-material tools like spanners and wrenches even when isolated from the mesh.
that can be adapted to a wide array of connections and fittings. Specimen Container: This capsule container is designed to
Together, these tools are medium sized, usually ported by robomule. hold samples of any sort (chemical, biological, etc.) in near stasis.
Superthermite Charges: These powerful and highly stable It can be programmed to reproduce whatever conditions the user
demolition charges are made from a combination of nanometals and specifies, from cryogenic freezing to extreme heat, or even vacuum
metal oxides. A single charge can be used to create an explosive blast or high-pressure atmosphere. The containers are also encased in a
inflicting DV 6d10 + 10 [43] when set with Hardware: Demolitions. A superconductive wire mesh that acts as a faraday cage and blocks
charge can be shaped with a successful Hardware: Demolitions Test, mesh and radio signals and similar electromagnetic radiation.

EXPLORATION TOOLS Complexity/GP Description

Blue Box Rare/ —  Portable pandora gate interface.
Mapping Missile Mod/2 Maps planet from low polar orbit in 24–48 hours.
Scout Missile Mod/2 Maps 5 km radius or 10 km one direction in 20 minutes, Perceive 60.

SALVAGE TOOLS Complexity/GP Description

Disassembly Tools Mod/2 Heavy and smart tools for taking things apart.
Superthermite Charge Maj/R/3 Nanometal explosive. DV 6d10 + 10, set/shaped with Hardware: Demolitions.
(per 5 charges)

SCIENCE TOOLS Complexity/GP Description

Adaptive Interface Maj/3 Smart connectors for accessing/analyzing relics. Interface 60, more.
Fractal Gloves Mod/2 Function as fractal digits and nanoscopic vision.
Pocket Lab Mod/2 Analyze gases, liquids, materials, Know: Chemistry 60.
Portable SolArchive Min/1 Enable Research Tests related to one Know skill while isolated from mesh.
Specimen Container Min/1 Holds samples in stasis conditions.

340¹ Mission Gear • Exploration Tools–Science Tools

SURVIVAL TOOLS as it is fed with raw materials. The spindle can cut the cables it
The following gear is often critical to the survival of soldiers, spies, produces at any length. If fixed in place with built-in grip pads, it
criminals, gatecrashers, emergency service personnel, and others can also retract the cable at a rate of 50 meters per action turn, or
who regularly venture into unsafe or unfamiliar regions. re-absorb cables at the rate of 5 meters per minute. Spindle cables
Electrogravitics Net: Also called a safety net, this failsafe system can be cut by inflicting 30 points of damage.
uses electric fields to counter gravity when falling. While the system Spindle Climber: This device attaches to a spindle and transforms
is not able to actually levitate heavy objects, it will slow down a fall it into a highly effective climbing device. The spindle climber has
enough that the user can land safely if the gravitational force is not two functions. First, it attaches hardened tips to the spindle’s cable
too high (less than 50 meters in 1 g). Reduce the distance of longer and fires it at high speed, up to 50 meters, with sufficient force to
falls by 50 meters when calculating damage. Generating these elec- imbed the tip into almost any sufficiently durable surface (if used as
tric fields consumes a lot of energy, so the net is only good for one a weapon, it inflicts DV 2d10). Second, the spindle climber can pull
use before it must be recharged, taking 4 hours. itself and up to 250 kg up the cable at a speed of 12 meters per turn.
Electronic Rope: This rope's fibers can be controlled electronically:
making it move in a snakelike fashion, stiffen up, and wrap around VACSUITS
objects. It comes in a 50-meter length capable of supporting 250 kg. Vacsuits are a requirement in sealed habitats and spacecraft. They
An e-rope can be cut by inflicting 20 points of damage. come in a variety of forms, from newer smart-fabric to older, retro
Emergency Bubble: Used as a last-resort life raft on spaceships, an models, both in light and standard designs.
emergency bubble is made of advanced smart materials and comes in In a breathable atmosphere, modern vacsuits are loose smart-
a large but portable package that can be quickly inflated around you fabric garments that can be worn as ordinary clothing and easily put
in 1 action turn, usually inside an airlock. The bubble has a 5-meter on or taken off. When activated  —  either manually or automatically
diameter and can comfortably accommodate 4 people for 1 week. It if the suit detects a loss of air pressure  —  the suit becomes skin-tight
maintains 1 atmosphere of pressure in a vacuum, protects the inhab- and resistant to vacuum over 3 action turns. The hood stiffens and
itants from temperatures ranging from –175 to 140 C, and provides transforms into a transparent helmet.
light and breathable air. A built-in autocook ▶343 provides food and Older vacsuit models lack the smart fabrics and are made of
liquids. It features a simple airlock, carries an emergency distress stiffer and bulkier materials. Donning one is a REF Check task
beacon, and can be transparent, opaque, or polarized. It is powered action with a timeframe of 1 minute (20 action turns). Quick-release
by a nuclear battery and includes comfortable inflatable furniture. functions allow them to be removed in 3 action turns.
This bubble can also be partially inflated as a dome and staked down Unless specifically noted, assume characters have newer models;
to a surface to serve as an emergency shelter on asteroids or other older dumb-fabric designs are typically kept around as backups in
surfaced environments. older habitats and ships.
Pressure Tent: This pack self-unfolds in 3 action turns into a Light Vacsuit: Both smart-fabric and legacy light vacsuit models
pressurized shelter for up to 4 medium-sized people plus gear. A are ideal for less harsh environments such as Mars, the Venusian
built-in breather will convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere clouds, or exoplanets with moderate but unbreathable atmospheres.
(if any) indefinitely. It also packs itself. Their rebreathers provide 8 hours of air. All models include a
Smart Anchors: When activated, this worn harness fires out up headlight, an ecto, and atmospheric sensors. They protect you from
to 6 anchoring cables with a length of 10 meters. These cables spike temperatures from –75 to 100 C. These vacuum suits also provide
into ice, dirt, or rock, or use grip pads to adhere to an appropriate an Armor Value of 5/2 and instantly self-seal breaches unless more
surface. This prevents you from drifting into space, accidentally than 20 points of damage are inflicted at once.

GEAR
kicking off with terminal velocity, or falling off a cliff face. The Standard Vacsuit: Made from thicker and more durable mate-
device’s ALI targets and deploys anchors, and can be instructed to rials, standard vacsuits provide 48 hours of air and incorporate
do so under certain conditions. an autocook capable of recycling all wastes and producing food
Spindle: Spindles are wound lengths of thin (0.2 millimeters) and water indefinitely. Each suit is equipped with an ecto, a radio
but super-strong fullerene cable. It can extend 250 meters of cable booster, specs, and atmospheric sensors. These suits have an Armor
capable of supporting 5,000 kilograms of weight at 1 g. The spindle Value of 8/6 and protect you from temperatures from –175 to 140 C.
also contains a specialized fabber that can manufacture more cable They instantly seal any hole unless more than 30 points of damage
and extend it indefinitely, at a rate of 1 meter per minute, as long are inflicted at once.

SURVIVAL TOOLS Complexity/GP Description

Electrogravitics Net Min/1 Slows falls w/electric fields. Reduce distance by 50 m.
Electronic Rope Min/1 Controllable rope.
Emergency Bubble Maj/3 Inflatable pressurized bubble/dome.
Pressure Tent Mod/2 Self-erecting shelter for 4, built-in breather.
Smart Anchors Min/1 Harness deploys cables to prevent accidents.
Spindle Mod/2 Fullerene cable fabber, supports 5,000 kg.
Spindle Climber Min/1 Launcher and powered ascender, Movement 12.

VACSUITS Complexity/GP Description

Light Vacsuit Mod/2 As smart clothes, protects from vacuum, 8 hours air, AV 5/2.
Standard Vacsuit Maj/3 As smart clothes, protects from vacuum, 48 hours air, AV 8/6.

Mission Gear • Survival Tools–Vacsuits

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 NANOTECH
Repair Spray: Similar to healing spray, this single-use application
of fixer nanobots repairs 1d10 [6] damage an hour for 12 hours for
Nanotechnology is widespread throughout the Solar System, with synthmorphs, bots, and other shells. The spray must have access to
the exception of the Jovian Republic and similar bioconservative the shell's blueprint or have an hour to scan a similar design.
habitats. For decades, nanofabrication has been the primary
GEAR

manufacturing method. Though the technology is advancing, most HIVES

nanobots used for manufacturing/replication require specially Hives are specialized devices that manufacture and maintain
maintained environments like the insides of cornucopia machines nanoswarms and microswarms  ▶344. A hive can fabricate and
or healing vats and cannot operate elsewhere. store thousands of nanobots or microbots (enough for a stan-
Ego Bridge: Ego bridges are devices used for uploading from dard 10-cubic-meter swarm). It can manufacture a new swarm
and downloading to biological brains (Backups & Uploading ▶286). from scratch in hours (according to complexity, Acquisition Time
The bridge’s cranial sensors unfold around your head when in use, table  ▶312). A swarm that is depleted can be restored; hives "heal"
imaging and scanning your brain. Needles in the neck rest deploy 10 damage an hour to swarms in the form of replenished mites.
nanobots that either measure your mind and neural connections Swarms are typically slaved to the hive they are launched from, for
(uploading) or physically re-map them (downloading). ease of control. Hives must be loaded with feedstock or they will
Healing Spray: This very small canister contains a single-use eventually run out of raw materials (Nanofabrication  ▶314).
application of medical nanobots for healing biomorphs. You simply General Hive: General hives can produce any standard swarm
spray it on an open wound or inject it into a damaged area. It with the right blueprints and/or programming. They are medi-
heals 1d10 [6] damage an hour (Recovery ▶221) for 12 hours. um-sized and not easily portable, with a volume of 20 liters. Each
Healing Vat: Healing vats may be the most powerful medical includes a disassembly unit for recycling trash as feedstock.
devices in common use. Vats preserve biomorphs in nutrient gel Specialized Hive: Specialized hives are far more common than
crawling with medical nanobots, while injection lines pump the general hives. Each produces only a single type of swarm (blueprints
body full of medichine swarms. They quickly assess your health, included). Hives are small sized. complexity is one step above the
mend bones, heal wounds, regenerate limbs, and otherwise repair swarm's complexity.
your biological form (Healing & Repair ▶221). With the exception of
a few exceptionally deadly nanoplagues and certain kinds of neuro-
logical damage, a healing vat can cure any disease and heal any
injury. As long as you are alive when you are placed in the healing
vat, you will not only survive, but emerge without a scratch, given
enough time. A healing vat can even take your severed head (as long
as it has been stabilized by medichines or nanotech first aid) and
regrow an entire body based on your head’s genetics.
Medical care is not all that healing vats are used for  —  they are
also the safest way to sculpt your body or install various bioware,
cyberware, and nanoware systems. Specialized nanomachines are
used to grow the ware inside your body or otherwise customize
your form. Every hospital, clinic, body bank, chop shop, and
augmentation parlor has several healing vats.
Med Scanner: You can use this very small device to take a small
range of bio samples from a biomorph, which are then scanned and
analyzed at the nanoscale. The process takes 1 minute and can iden-
tify the presence of diseases, toxins, nanobots, and other infections
(including most exsurgent virus strains). It also provides vital signs
and an analysis of the person’s overall health. Treat the scanner as
having Medicine: Forensics, Medicine: Paramedic, and Medicine:
Veterinary at 60 for diagnosis purposes only. It also has Exotic Skill:
Nanobot Detection 40 for detecting nanobots, +30 if the target is
currently affected by nanoware, nanodrugs, or nanotoxins.
Nanodetector: Nanodetectors are small devices that suck in air
and micro debris in order to scan for and detect nanobots. Given
that nanobots are so tiny, the density of nanobots in the area has
a large impact on its success. The nanodetector has Exotic Skill:
Nanobot Detection 40 for detecting nanobots, +30 if an active
nanoswarm or hive is present. Nanodetectors often pick up expired
nanobots from swarms no longer active, but they can assess whether
the bots are still active (or were recently) and the rough density
(Durability) of the swarm in the area. Once a nanobot is detected it
can be analyzed either by the user or the nanodetector’s AI, using
Know: Nanotechnology 60 skill. Nanodetectors are often worn and
left on, set to alert you if a hostile nanoswarm is detected.

342¹ Nanotech • Hives

NANOFABRICATORS Medium Fabber: These desktop fabbers can manufacture up to
Nanofabrication machines are universal assemblers. They can small-sized items. They may be able to print multiple of the same
manufacture almost anything from the molecular level up, from very small items at once. They have a maximum volume of 40 liters.
a weapon to an ultralight plane to a hot and delicious dinner. Large Fabber: Large-sized fabbers are non-portable, unless
You simply need raw materials (“feedstock”) and electronic plans mounted on a bot or vehicle, with a volume of 80 liters. They can
(“blueprints”). Feedstock is readily available in most circumstances, manufacture most medium-sized items, or two or more of the same
distributed in blocks or by habitat utility feedlines, though it may small-sized items at a time, or four or more identical very small
be an issue in remote outposts or if your design requires exotic objects at once.
materials (Nanofabrication  ▶314). Most fabricators are equipped Minifac: Colloquially known as mini-factories or minifacturers,
with disassemblers for turning unwanted matter into feedstock. minifacs are huge, industrial-scale fabricators. These devices are used
Disassemblers are programmed not to disassemble living tissue. for much of the manufacturing throughout the Solar System, capable
Nanofabricators come equipped with a library of free of making everything from synthmorphs to vehicles to habitats.
common-use blueprints: basic foods, standard clothing, common
tools, emergency gear, etc. Other blueprints must either be Specialized Nanofabricators
purchased online, self-programmed, or acquired through some These nanofabricators are restricted in what they can print.
other method. In capitalist economies, blueprints are licensed Autocook: Autocooks are specialized fabricators that only
and protected by copyright laws. Pre-programmed restrictions produce food and drinks. At the low end (Minor complexity),
will prevent you from using unlicensed blueprints or from manu- autocooks are small sized and can produce water, various flavored
facturing weapons, explosives, or other restricted items. Among beverages, ration bars, thick pudding-like edible gels, and similar
the autonomists of the outer system, however, nanofabricators are dry or gooey foods. Most units have a very limited range of flavors
commonly accessible, shared by everyone, and unrestricted, with and textures that are widely considered to be fairly bad. Higher-end
entire libraries of open-source blueprints (many of them reverse-en- units (Moderate and Major complexity) are small or even medium
gineered from proprietary designs). sized and can manufacture and synthesize better foods, up to and
Many different terms are used to describe nanofabricators: including gourmet meals and alcohol, as well as similar organics,
makers, compilers, forges, cornucopia machines, printers, and such as fabric, leather, and some medicines. Raw materials can
replicators, though fabbers remains the most commonplace. be provided by the addition of any water-containing liquid and
Fabbers are categorized by their size; each can make items of any collected biomass like leftover food, grass, dirt, dead animals, or
smaller size. At the GM’s discretion, nanofabricators can create transhuman waste. With adequate raw material, an autocook can
items of their size category or larger, but in pieces that must be indefinitely provide food and drink for up to three transhumans.
assembled (possibly requiring an appropriate Hardware or other Specialized Fabber: Specialized fabbers are not universal assem-
skill test to assemble). blers  —  they are designed to make one particular type of item, such
Small Fabber: These small and portable fabbers can produce as heavy pistols, utilitools, or a specific drug. Specialized fabbers
objects up to a very small size with the appropriate blueprint. They come in sizes appropriate to the item they make.
have a maximum volume of 2 liters.

NANOTECH GEAR Complexity/GP Description

Ego Bridge Mod/2 Upload from/download to biological brains.

GEAR
Healing Spray Min/1 Heals 1d10 [5] damage an hour for 12 hours for biomorphs. Single use.
Healing Vat Maj/3 Heal/cure biomorphs, customize/augment morph.
Med Scanner Min/1 Scans health, diagnosis w/Medicine: Forensics/Paramedic/Veterinary at 60, detect nanobots as nanodetector.
Nanodetector Min/1 Detects nanobots, Exotic Skill: Nanobot Detection 40 (70 w/active swarm), Know: Nanotech 60.
Repair Spray Min/1 Heals 1d10 [5] damage an hour for 12 hours for synthmorphs. Single use.

HIVES Complexity/GP Description

General Hive Maj/3 Can produce any swarm w/blueprints.
Specialized Hive Mod/2 or Maj/3 Makes/maintains one swarm type.

NANOFABRICATORS Complexity/GP Description

Small Fabber Min/1 Fab very small items.
Medium Fabber Mod/2 Fab small items.
Large Fabber Maj/3 Fab medium items.
Minifac Rare/ —  Industrial-scale nanofab.

SPECIALIZED FABBERS Complexity/GP Description

Autocook Min+/1+ Fab food and drink only.
Specialized Fabber Min/1 Fab 1 specific item type only.

Nanotech • Nanofabricators
¾343
 NANOSWARMS &
receive data from it just as you would a bot. Swarms may also be
programmed in advance. Complex instructions may require a

MICROSWARMS
Program Test; use the rules for scripting ▶249.
To prevent a swarm from being detected via their mesh signals,
Swarms are colonies of nanobots or larger microbots created in you can instruct it to only broadcast compressed messages/record-
GEAR

a hive, programmed with specific instructions, and then set free ings at set intervals, or to only respond to set authorization signals.
to perform a set task. Swarms range from thousands of microbots Mites have tiny sensors that are very effective at identifying mate-
the size of a small insect to millions of nanobots each no bigger rials and objects. They can, for example, be programmed to target or
than a microbe. Nanobots are invisible to the naked eye, though ignore specific metals, plants, morphs, sexes, or individuals.
they can be detected with a nanodetector or nanoscopic vision. A
concentrated presence of nanoswarms creates a visible hazy effect Limitations
in the air. Likewise, mass amounts of expired nanobots leave a Swarms cannot hold, lift, carry, or move physical objects over half
toner-like dust residue on nearby surfaces. Microbots are visible a kilogram in mass, even in microgravity. They may not make
but still quite small, the size of a grain of sand or a dust mote, or strength-based SOM Checks.
occasionally as big as a flea. Swarms are ineffective at penetrating inside biomorphs and
Individual “mites” in a swarm are directed by nanocomputers, other biological forms (though they can attack externally); this is
with behavioral routines modeled on biological insect and animal the realm of nanoware, nanodrugs, and nanotoxins.
swarms. They are powered by tiny batteries or solar cells. Swarms Winds over 60 kph inflict DV 1d10 a turn or more. Extended expo-
stick together and work as a whole, communicating by radio or laser sure to heat (over 35 C/95 F) may damage or incapacitate a swarm
link. They can be tasked with specific instructions or set to follow entirely. Aside from mobility, swarms are not affected by vacuum.
pre-set routines. They can also be teleoperated or reprogrammed
after they are released. Swarm Combat
At their full volume, swarm units are considered very large targets,
SWARM RULES though they can compress down to smaller sizes. Attacks against
The following rules apply to swarms. nanoswarms likely suffer blind-fire modifiers. Swarms are immune
to wounds, called shots, grappling, knockdown, and shock effects.
Swarm Units Area-effect weapons, fire/plasma attacks, and vehicle collisions
Swarms are measured by their Durability. A standard swarm unit inflict half damage. EMP and adhesive attacks (freezers) inflict
has DUR 25/DR 50. At its maximum functional level of dispersion, DV 3d10 to swarms and a cumulative –10 modifier to all actions
a swarm occupies a spherical cloud roughly 8 meters in diameter until repaired. All other attacks simply inflict 1 DV to the swarm.
(~250 cubic meters) in size. Swarms can alter their density and Swarm Attacks: Most mites are not equipped for combat, but
shape, from filling a small-sized canister to spreading out across microbot swarms, swarmanoids, and insect/animal swarms can
a much larger space. Attenuating beyond 250 contiguous cubic attack as a swarm unit. Swarm melee attacks and effects automati-
meters imposes modifiers to Initiative and actions (GM discretion), cally succeed against all targets within the swarm’s volume. Swarm
as the mites have difficulty communicating and coordinating. attacks penetrate inside and ignore armor unless it is environmen-
Swarmanoids are the size of two swarm units (DUR 50/DR 100), tally sealed, like combat armor, vacsuits, or hardsuits. Swarm attacks
maxing out at about 500 cubic meters (a sphere 10 meters in diameter). are blinding ▶226 as mites cover eyes/sensors, crawl under clothes,
invade orifices, and otherwise harry targets like a hostile tornado.
Splitting/Combining Nanoswarms cannot attack in the traditional sense, however swarms
A swarm that splits must divide its DUR/DR between smaller units such as disassemblers and pushers have an attack effect automatically
that act independently. Any damage the swarm has must also be split applied to targets within the swarm's volume. Combat takes its toll on
between the new units. Likewise, swarms of the same type that merge swarms, however; they take DV 1 per target each action turn.
combine their DUR/DR and damage and act as one. Swarms can be outrun, but GMs may call for a REF Check to
avoid carrying part of the swarm with you.
Movement
Swarms move at a very slow rate, 2/8 for microswarms and 1/4 Ware
for nanoswarms. Canisters and hives forcefully disperse them like Swarmanoids and swarms may be equipped with ware, like robots.
an aerosol cloud, allowing them to quickly spread out. Individual GMs must use common sense when deciding what ware is allowed;
mites are light enough to float on air currents; some use nanocopter most meshware and nanoware is acceptable, but hardware like
blades to lift and propel themselves. Other mites crawl or hop. Mites pneumatics is not.
must crawl in vacuum (reduce their movement by half ) and swim
in water or other liquids (treat as difficult movement ▶230). They Attrition
are vulnerable to drafts and currents; high-speed winds/liquids may Individual mites are very vulnerable. They fail and get stepped on,
hinder movement or carry a swarm away (GM discretion). breathed in, stuck to things, crippled by static electricity, and other-
Dispersed swarms can be recollected and re-used. Collecting all the wise destroyed in large numbers. Each day during which a swarm is
mites takes about 1 minute, more if widely dispersed. deployed, it takes DV 5 (DV 10 or 20 in unfavorable environments).
Hives repair this damage with new mites ▶342. A swarm is disabled/
Commanding Swarms ineffective when damage reaches its Durability. This makes swarm
Most swarms are meshed, usually slaved to their hive or directly units without a hive good for about 5 days of use.
to their deployer. You can issue commands to the swarm and

344¹ Nanoswarms & Microswarms • Swarm Rules

SWARMS Protean: This nanoswarm disassembles other materials in order
Swarms are released directly from a hive or from pre-packaged to create a single, specific object (much like a specialized nanofab-
programmable canisters. ricator). The proteans must be able to scavenge appropriate raw
Cleaner: This nanoswarm cleans, polishes, and removes dirt and materials (for example, to create a metallic device the nanobots
stains. You may deploy it to sanitize an area, specific objects, or must transform something else made of metal), whether by specific
people. Some facilities employ permanent cleaner swarms to keep or indiscriminate targeting of their surroundings. Assembly time is
their area spotless. Cleaners are especially useful for decontami- based upon complexity, just like regular nanofabrication. The specific
nating an area of hazardous toxins or chemicals. Covert operatives blueprint they follow must be specified when the swarm is acquired.
and criminals use cleaners to eliminate potential forensic evidence, Pusher: Pusher microswarms deliver drug/toxin payloads to biolog-
such as blood, hair, or anything that could be DNA-typed. ical targets. They either inject a target in mosquito mode or mass-re-
Disassembler: Also known as smart corrosives, these nanobots lease an aerosol cloud for inhalation/skin contact. Pusher swarms can
break down matter. They can be programmed to take apart specific be programmed to seek out specific people, biomorphs or animals of
materials while ignoring others, leaving them intact. They are some- a certain type, or all living things. A biological target who comes into
times used as an anti-matériel weapon, eating away at synthmorphs, contact with a pusher swarm is automatically exposed to the effect of
weapons, and gear while ignoring biomorphs (or vice versa). Upon the carried drug or toxin. Pushers cannot penetrate vacsuits, but they
contact, disassemblers inflict DV 1d6 per action turn. Accumulated can linger on the exterior long enough to target the occupant when
damage counts as a wound when your Wound Threshold is reached. they remove it. Each swarm carries enough to affect 5 targets.
Worn armor (both energy and kinetic) protects against this damage Saboteur: Sab nanobots infiltrate electronics or machinery
(unless the swarm is programmed to ignore it), but is also eaten and sabotage them in small but difficult to discern ways: severed
away; reduce the AV by the damage inflicted, splitting it between connections, disabled components, gummed up moving parts, etc.
armor types (i.e., a disassembler inflicting DV 2 turns AV 4/2 You may set them to target a specific device, a type of device (i.e., all
into 3/1). case morphs), or any electronics or machinery they can find. Once
Engineer: Engineer microswarms are used for construction an object is exposed, the saboteurs have a 50% chance of inflicting
purposes: erecting walls, digging tunnels, sealing holes, reinforcing a wound (and the equivalent DV) every (Wound Threshold) action
foundations, and so on. Though they work slower than robots, they turns. This will continue until the target has suffered 5 wounds
are useful for hard-to-get areas, complex designs, or handling diffi- and is incapacitated. Armor has no effect, but the wounds can be
cult materials. repaired as normal. Saboteurs cannot sabotage other nanoswarms.
Fixer: Fixers repair objects and restore them to their original Scout: A scout nanoswarm will systematically map and explore an
specifications. They must be programmed with the item’s nanofab- area, sampling and chemically analyzing all materials and substances
rication blueprints or given time (~an hour) to scan an identical it encounters. Scouts can thoroughly map a room, identify all of the
object; they are not smart enough to recognize and repair damage objects, and collect forensic evidence about who recently visited
on their own. A fixer swarm repairs 1d10 [6] damage per hour. Once and what has gone on there. Scouts have Know: Chemistry 60 and
all damage is repaired, it will restore 1 wound per day. Fixers also Medicine: Forensics at 60. They can identify DNA, gunpowder
clean and polish items, returning them to a new, pristine state. Fixer residue from firearms, clothing fibers, smart animal dander, and
swarms cannot effect repairs on objects with more than 3 wounds, similar evidence up to 2 weeks old. Scouts can penetrate inside
but they will apply a +30 modifier to Hardware Tests for repair. drawers, closets, clothing, and other areas that are not air-tight.
Gardener: This microswarm is useful for a number of agricultural Spy: Also known as “smart dust,” spy swarms are invisible clouds
purposes: killing weeds, planting seeds, trimming plants, polli- of surveillance. Spy mites are loaded with cameras (standard visual

GEAR
nating, and even harvesting small items. It can also be programmed wavelengths), microphones, and chemical sensors. They offer
to defoliate an area. Gardener swarms are common in habitat green- blanket surveillance of an area. Each swarm has Perceive 60.
houses and hydroponics bays. Taggant: Taggants grip onto and lodge themselves into everything
Guardian: Guardians watch for and attack other unauthorized in their dispersal volume. Each carries a unique identifier, so that if
swarms. These mites neutralize other nanobots by physically it is found, the tagged person or object can be linked to the point
latching on to them, effectively disabling both. This war of attrition they were tagged. Taggants can be programmed to remain silent,
takes its toll on the guardian swarm as well. Every action turn, both responding to query broadcasts made with the proper crypto codes,
the guardian and targeted swarm take DV 1d10 [6]. Guardians can or they can be programmed to broadcast their location back to the
be programmed or instructed to release captured mites, allowing deployer via the mesh. Some high-security facilities deploy taggants
you to temporarily disable a swarm and then release it afterwards. at their egress points when alarms are triggered to mark intruders.

SWARMS Complexity/GP Description

Cleaner Swarm Min/1 Cleans, eliminates forensic evidence.
Disassembler Swarm Mod/R/2 Deconstructs, DV 1d6 per turn, eats armor.
Engineer Swarm Min/1 Constructs/shapes environment.
Fixer Swarm Mod/2 Repairs 1d10 damage per hour or 1 wound per day.
Gardener Swarm Min/1 Maintains flora, defoliates, kills weeds, pollinates, etc.
Guardian Swarm Mod/2 Disables other swarms; both swarms take DV 5 per turn.
Protean Swarm As Object Nanofabricates a specific, pre-programmed item.
Pusher Swarm Min/R/1 + drug/toxin Exposes biomorphs to drug/toxin.
Saboteur Swarm Mod/R/2 Sabotages electronics/machinery; 50% chance of wound every WT turns.
Scout Swarm Min/1 Maps area, collects forensic evidence, Know: Chemistry 60, Medicine: Forensics 60.
Spy Swarm Min/1 Surveillance, Perceive 60.
Taggant Swarm Min/1 Tag everything in area for tracking purposes.
Nanoswarms & Microswarms • Swarms
¾345
 Autonomous Mode
ROBOTS Bot and vehicle shells are equipped with Bot/Vehicle ALIs ▶326. In
Robots are a common sight and accepted fact of daily life within autonomous mode, the drone’s AI operates on its own, though it
Eclipse Phase. Numerous varieties exist, from robopets to mechan- also follows commands issued verbally or via a communications
ical workers to warbots. If a job can be done more cheaply (and link or entoptic control panel by an authorized entity. Issuing a
GEAR

sometimes safely) by a bot, it usually is. The robots listed here are one-sentence command is a mental quick action; commands can
not generally used as synthetic shells by transhuman egos, often for be issued to multiple drones at once. More complex commands
cultural reasons (sleeving a case is bad enough, sleeving a creepy is may take longer, or can be prepared in advance with a Program Test.
just … weird), and they are not equipped to be sleeved into, though The AI may need to pass a COG Check to understand especially
they can be remotely operated ▶below. Any of these bots can be confusing or incomplete commands.
modified for use as a synthetic morph, however, by adding a cyber- Autonomous drones use their own Initiative, skills, and pools.
brain system ▶316.
Most robots are intentionally built in non-humanoid forms so
as not to confuse them with common synthmorphs and to defuse
subconscious guilt transhumans might have at ordering anthro-
pomorphic entities around. However, they all have some form of
abstract “face” to interact with, so as not to be too machine-like.

ROBOT WARE
All robots are equipped with the same sensory systems you get with
every morph: standard vision, hearing, touch, proprioception, balance,
and so on — sometimes even smell. They are also all equipped with
standard ware that facilitates their function, noted below. Individual
bots have their own distinct ware payloads, as noted in their descrip-
tion. You may also modify bots with additional ware, just like a Jamming
synthmorph. Some also use vehicle hardware ▶350. You jam a drone by immersing yourself in an AR overlay of the
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Bot AI, Lidar, Mesh drone’s body and sensorium, including proprioception  —  you
Inserts, Puppet Sock essentially become the drone. Engaging or disengaging from
jamming mode is a quick action. While immersed, you suffer a –30
REMOTE OPERATIONS modifier to Perceive Tests and physical actions involving your own
Any shell or biomorph with a puppet sock (included in most cyber- morph. Jamming feels much like resleeving and you must make an
brains) can be remote controlled, either by a character or an AI. This Integration Test ▶288 to acclimate to the drone’s form.
requires a communications link between the teleoperator and the Treat jamming the same as if you sleeved the drone; use the
drone. The teleoperator controls the drone via entoptic interface and drone's pools instead of your own morph's. However, since jamming
receives sensory input and other data via the drone’s mesh inserts. is slightly inferior to actual sleeving, you suffer a –10 modifier to all
You can control a drone in autonomous mode or directly by jamming. actions (unless you are equipped with drone rig ware ▶320).

ALL ROBOTS
All bots are equipped with the following hardware, in addition to that listed with their specific description:
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Bot AI, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Puppet Sock

COMBAT ROBOTS Complexity/GP Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Guardian Angel Mod/2 0 (1) 1 16/12 5 25 50 8/32 Rotor S
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Eelware, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Smell, Enhanced Vision, Light Combat Armor, Radar,
Smart Actuators,T-Ray Emitter, Weapon Mount (Articulated)
Parisphere Rare/ —  3 0 28/24 30 150 300 8/40 Thrust Vector L
Ware: Enhanced Vision, Heavy Combat Armor, Radar Absorbent, Structural Reinforcement, Weapon Mounts (2 Static, 2 Articulated/Concealed)
Sentry Rare/ —  1 (2) 1 18/14 15 75 150 4/12 Tracked M
Ware: Anti-Glare, Eelware, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Light Combat Armor, Smart Actuators,
T-Ray Emitter, Weapon Mounts (2 Articulated/Concealed)
Shield Drone Min/1 0 0 +6/+12 5 25 50 4/12 Tracked S

EXPLORATION ROBOTS Complexity/GP Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Explorenaut Maj/3 1 1 12/10 7 35 70 4/12 Tracked, 8/40 Thrust Vector S
Ware: Chem Sniffer, Electrical Sense, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Pocket Lab, Radar, Specimen Container, Sonar, T-Ray Emitter, Utilimod
Squishbot Min/1 0 0 2/2 2 10 20 4/12 Walker, 8/40 Roller S
Ware: Retracting Limbs, Shape Adjusting

346¹ Robots • Robot Ware–Remote Operations

 COMBAT BOTS
These bots are useful for security,
defense, and combat applications.
Guardian Angel: Similar to gnats,
guardian angels are larger rotorcraft
used for defensive purposes. They
hover around their charges, keeping a
watchful eye out to protect
them from threats.
Parisphere: Named after
the Trojan hero Paris, who
slew Achilles with an arrow,
this orb-like spacecraft is little more than a weapons pod built around a rocket.
Lacking a pilot, these fighter drones can pull high-g maneuvers.
Sentry: Many varieties of sentry bots exist, but common models maneuver on four
multi-directional smart treads. Used throughout the Solar System for policing and
security purposes, they are loaded with armor and weapons.
Shield Drone: These tracked drones essentially function as large ballistic shields
and movable cover for special ops teams. They provide AV +6/+12 to anyone using
them for cover. The bot itself is little more than a platform (treat as small size if
targeted directly).

EXPLORATION BOTS
Designed for gatecrashing, these bots are also handy in other places.
Explorenaut: These small-sized bots travel on smart treads or with thrust-vector
jets. They are loaded with sensors and favored for gatecrashing and similar explora-
tion ops. A pair of manipulator arms are used for taking samples.
Squishbot: These small, amorphous bots are soft, with a smart-material liquid
matrix interior and extensible skin. They can extrude tentacle-like limbs for walking
and manipulating, roll as a ball, and squeeze through tight, confining spaces.

MEDICAL BOTS
These bots are literal life savers.
Docbot: These wheeled medical robots are designed to tend to and transport
injured or sick people. They carry a fabber for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals,
miscellaneous medical gear, a secure container for carrying heads, and 4–8 artic-
ulated arms for conducting remote surgery. They are often loaded up with healing
spray and meds (acquired separately).

GEAR
Retriever: Designed much like a smaller flying car with a pair of manipulator
arms, this bot handles search-and-rescue ops. It tracks down survivors and rescues
them from dangers, carrying the injured back to safety. It can hold one medium-
sized transhuman.

ALL ROBOTS
Unless otherwise noted, all robots are equipped with the following
hardware, in addition to that listed with their specific description:
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Bot AI, Lidar, Mesh Inserts,
Puppet Sock

MEDICAL ROBOTS Complexity/GP Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Docbot Maj/3 1 0 8/6 8 40 80 8/40 Thrust/Wheeled M
Ware: Enhanced Smell, Fractal Digits, Guardian Hive, Medium Fabber, Nanoscopic Vision, Specimen Container, Tool Kit (Medicine: Biotech or Paramedic)
Retriever Maj/3 1 1 12/10 12 60 120 8/40 Wheeled, 8/32 Rotor L
Ware: Diamond Axe, Disassembly Tools, Enhanced Smell, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Healing Spray (2), Repair Spray (2),
Tool Kit (Medicine: Paramedic), Weapon Mount (Articulated/Concealed, Sprayer with NotWater)

Robots • Combat Bots–Medical Bots

¾347
 PERSONAL BOTS
Personal bots are worn or found throughout transhuman habitats.
Creepy: Creepies come in an eclectic variety of forms, from
robo-squirrels to insectoids to bizarre artsy mechanical creatures.
Creepies were originally designed as a robotic pet, but are commonly
GEAR

used as a general-purpose household minion, like a more beloved

servitor. Many people wear a creepy on their person, dropping it to
handle small tasks for them and letting it crawl up, down, and over
their body.
Manipulator: This bot takes the form of an extra limb and a supportive band,
bracing frame, rig, or cuff for wearing it. The manipulator can be meshed and
treated as an extension of your body or detached for autonomous operation or
remote control. Though human arm designs are common, a variety of limb designs
are available, from claws to tentacles. Treat as a cyberlimb plus ▶324 when worn.
Servitor: Servitors are the most common robot, acting as cooks, janitors, universal
helpers, movers, and personal aides. Every home has one, if not several. They come
in a variety of non-humanoid shapes and sizes, though most are medium sized,
with 4–8 limbs on average.
Spider Hand: This hand-shaped bot scurries like a spider. It functions as a
detachable hand for a cyberarm, though it is sometimes used by uplifts or other
morphs who need a hand design for certain tasks. Its “legs”
are more articulated than human fingers and can rotate/
bend in any direction. Though this bot does not have the
leverage of a full arm/body behind it, it can extend a
meter-long brace for stabilization and support.

ALL ROBOTS
Unless otherwise noted, all robots are equipped with the following hardware, in addition to that listed with their specific description:
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Bot AI, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Puppet Sock

PERSONAL ROBOTS Complexity/GP Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Creepy Min/1 0 0 2/2 3 15 30 4/12 Hopper/Walker VS
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Grip Pads
Manipulator Maj/3 1 0 6/4 3 15 30 4/12 Walker S
Ware: Grip Pads, Magnetic System, Telescoping Limb, Utilimod
Servitor Min/1 0 0 6/4 6 30 60 4/20 Walker M
Spider Hand Min/1 0 0 2/2 2 10 20 4/12 Walker S
Ware: Claws, Grip Pads, Magnetic System

RECON/SURVEILLANCE
ROBOTS Complexity/GP Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size
Aerostat Mod/2 0 0 6/4 4 20 40 8/32 Microlight L
Ware: Chem Sniffer, Enhanced Vision, Laser Link, Radar, T-Ray Emitter
Gnat Min/1 0 1 2/2 4 20 40 8/32 Rotor S
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Radar
Saucer Min/1 0 0 2/2 5 25 50 8/40 Ionic S
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Radar
Speck Min/1 0 0 2/2 1 5 10 4/12 Hopper, 8/32 Winged VS
Ware: Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Grip Pads, Synthetic Mask
Zephyr Mod/2 0 1 6/4 6 30 60 8/32 Winged M
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Enhanced Vision, Laser Link, Radar, Radar Absorbent, T-Ray Emitter, Weapon Mount (2 Static)

348¹ Robots • Personal Bots–Personal Bots

RECON/SURVEILLANCE BOTS
Eyes in the sky remain one of the main uses of robots.
Aerostat: Aerostats are balloons, relying on buoyant gases for lift in atmo-
spheres, maneuvering with turbofans. Their low signature and longevity make
them ideal for high-altitude surveillance, research, or gas mining.
Gnat: Gnats are small rotorcraft camera/surveillance drones. Many people
use gnats for personal lifelogging, while socialites and media use them to
capture the glamour or hottest news.
Saucer: These disc-shaped drones are lightweight and quiet. They are typi-
cally launched by throwing them like a frisbee, after which they propel them-
selves with an ionic drive ▶231. Saucers make excellent “eye in the sky” monitors
and scouts.
Speck: Specks are very small insectoid spy drones, roughly the size of a small
fruit fly. They fly with tiny wings and are excellent for surveillance purposes or
otherwise being a “speck on a wall.” Specks are difficult to notice (–30 Perceive
modifier) and almost impossible to distinguish from an actual insect.
Zephyr: Zephyrs are medium-sized but light stealth planes, often thrown to
launch, used for long-distance recon or missile strikes.

UTILITY BOTS
These bots help get things done.
Automech: Automechs are general-purpose repair drones, found just about
everywhere. Each specializes in a particular type of repair work and is equipped
with the appropriate tools and ALI skills, whether it be electronics, habitat
systems, or spacecraft repair. Standard automechs are wheeled cubes with 4–8
retractable and articulated limbs, though they are also equipped with vectored-
thrust drives for zero-g work.
Barracuda: This undersea utility drone is fielded for exploration, service,
and repair functions. It is shaped like a miniature submarine, with a pair of
retractable arms.
Dwarf: These large industrial bots are named not just for their primary
use  —  mining, excavation, tunneling, and construction  —  but because the

GEAR
default AIs they shipped with had a programmed tendency to happily whistle
as they worked. Dwarfs are quadrupedal walkers, equipped with massive
modular industrial tools like boring drills, shovels, hydraulic jacks, jackham-
mers, scooping arms, acid sprays, and so on.
Robomule: These six-legged cargo drones are designed to carry large,
non-portable gear, such as servers, healing vats, tool shops, etc. They also serve
as general-purpose supply drones, with smart-material straps and webbing to
hold items and an envirosealed pod to protect its load from the environment.

UTILITY ROBOTS Complexity/GP Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Automech Mod/2 1 0 8/6 6 30 60 8/40 Thrust/Wheeled M
Ware: Electrical Sense, Magnetic System, Radiation Sense, Retracting Limbs, Tool Kit, Utilimod
Barracuda Mod/2 1 0 8/6 6 30 60 8/32 Submarine M
Ware: Cryonic Protection, Enhanced Hearing, Pressure Adaptation, Retracting Limbs, Sonar, Utilimod
Dwarf Maj/3 3 0 18/14 30 150 300 4/20 Walker L
Ware: Disassembly Tools, Electrical Sense, Radar, Sonar, Tool Kit
Robomule Mod/2 0 1 8/6 8 40 80 4/20 Walker, 8/40 Thrust Vector M
Ware: Autocook

Robots • Recon/Surveillance Bots–Utility Bots

¾349
 EXOSKELETONS
VEHICLES Exoskeletons are worn powered mechatronic frames that enhance
In Eclipse Phase, most vehicles are piloted by ALI. You simply get your physical capabilities. The exoskeleton’s servo-hydraulic joints
in the vehicle and tell it where to go. Manual piloting is for emer- mimic your movements, like an extension of your own body. They
gencies, control freaks, and people who don’t like machines. Like can also be remotely operated. The exoskeletons listed here are
GEAR

robots, vehicles can be remotely operated. They are not equipped for open frameworks, meaning you are exposed; hardsuits are enclosed.
sleeving into, however, unless you add a cyberbrain system. Most exoskeletons are designed for use by medium-sized characters,
but some alternate-sized designs exist. Use your normal physical
VEHICLE WARE skills while wearing or remotely operating an exoskeleton, and
All vehicles include the same sensory systems used in morphs and Hardware: Groundcraft to repair.
bots: standard vision, hearing, touch, proprioception, balance, etc. Atlas Loader: This common example of a heavy-use industrial
They are also all equipped with a standard set of necessary ware, exoskeleton is large (just over 3 meters tall) and designed for
listed below, in addition to that listed with their specific description. handling heavy/large objects. Though open frame, the wearer is
You may also modify a vehicle with extra ware, just like a synthmorph. partially protected by a meshed cage. Atlas’s provide a +2 bonus
to Vigor pool and increase melee damage by +2d10. Melee damage
Vehicle Hardware also becomes armor-piercing.
A few enhancements are designed specifically for vehicles, though Exowalker: Exowalkers are minimal framework exoskeletons,
some robots also use them: primarily designed to bolster the wearer’s strength and movement.
Improved Handling: This vehicle is more maneuverable and They provide a +1 bonus to Vigor pool, increase melee damage
responsive to controls. Apply a +10 modifier to Pilot Tests. by 1d6, increase your walker speed to 8/32 (fast), and double your
Life Support: The vehicle has a pressurized and heated/cooled jumping distance.
compartment with air capable of supporting one or more biomorphs Transporter: This exoskeleton framework features a pair of
comfortably for a listed period. Such vehicles have airtight environ- vector-thrust turbofan engines, giving you flight capabilities. Use
mental seals, but usually do not have full double airlocks. The listed Pilot: Air and a Movement Rate of 8/40 (very fast).
life support timeframe is according to the vehicle’s medium-sized Trike: The trike exoskeleton is a three-wheeled personal
passenger capacity; adjust as appropriate for more/less or small/ motorcycle design, rather than a walker. Use Pilot: Ground and a
large passengers. Most life support systems are designed to last 48 Movement Rate of 8/40 (very fast).
hours, extended periods require extra tanks.
Ram Plate: A heavy metal plate affixed to the front, for ramming GROUNDCRAFT
other vehicles. Increase the DV inflicted on the other vehicle by While trains and bicycles remain the most common form of ground
+2d10 (Collisions ▶232). transportation in most habitats, cars and cycles are common on
larger habitats, moons, and planets. Drive them with Pilot: Ground
AIRCRAFT and repair them with Hardware: Groundcraft.
On Mars, Venus, Titan, many exoplanets, and within large open- Buggy: Ubiquitous on Luna, Mars, Mercury, and Titan, this
space cylinder habitats, aircraft of various kinds see regular use. four-wheeler’s large balloon tires are designed for both roads and
This includes modern versions of rotorcraft (helicopters, autogyros, off-road terrain. Smart materials in both the suspension and the
tilt-rotors), fixed-wing planes, zeppelins, and other lighter-than-air tires reshape themselves to adapt to uneven conditions.
craft. These are typically propelled by turbofan or jet engines, rotors, Cargo Hauler: These freight trucks are used to carry supplies to
or vectored thrust. Aircraft are flown with Pilot: Air and repaired isolated habitats and terraforming operations on Mars, Mercury,
with Hardware: Aerospace. Titan, and some exoplanets.
Flying Car: This methane-powered car is equipped with turbo Cycle: Motorcycles are favored in habitats where space is
fans that fold out from the body for vectored-thrust flight on Mars premium. Open two-seaters remain the most common, but gyro-sta-
and worlds with similar gravities. bilized one-wheel designs are growing in popularity. Two-wheelers
Microlight: This ultra-light personal aircraft is not much more and trikes with enclosed capsules are frequent sights on Mars,
than a strut-based wing, an airframe, and an electric propeller Mercury, and Titan.
engine. They are ideal for getting around inside large habitats with Ground Car: Standard automobiles come in a range of models
enclosed airspace. and sizes.
Portable Plane: Made of smart materials, this light but durable Microcar: Single-person cars are popular in large habitats with
propeller plane packs into and self-erects from a large-sized but limited space. These are little more than passenger pods riding on two
portable package in 10 minutes. Different models are designed for large side-placed omni wheels for better handling and lateral movement.
flight on Mars, Titan, Venus, or elsewhere, with an average wing- Rover: Rovers are mobile living units, used by terraformers on
span of 10 meters. Mars, miners on Mercury, and gatecrashers on exoplanets. They
Small Jet: Methane-powered jet planes are a common form of feature 8 large smart wheels, a 2-person airlock, cramped living
transport on Mars, Venus, and Titan. Their smart-material wings quarters, a smart hitch for trailers, and a drone launching rack.
and frames can adapt to a wide range of speeds, altitudes, and
atmospheric conditions.
Utility Helicopter: Common on Venus, Titan, and exoplanets
with substantial atmospheres, this standard helo design is used for
cargo and personnel transport, medevac, ground/air assault, and
command/control.

350¹ Vehicles • Vehicle Ware–Groundcraft

HARDSUITS
Hardsuits are solid, enclosed-shell, powered exoskeletons. Like stan-
dard vacsuits, they are environmentally sealed, protecting you from
vacuum, radiation, and temperatures from –175 to 140 C. They also
self-seal any punctures that inflict less than 30 points of damage.
Hardsuits are used for extreme environments and dangerous condi-
tions, from the upper atmosphere of a gas giant to the acid-scorched
hellscape of Venus’s surface. Hardsuits are equipped to be worn for
days at a time, if necessary. Occupants can only wear armor with
an Armor Value (either energy or kinetic) of 4 or less inside the
hardsuit; this worn armor is cumulative without layering penalties. High-Dive Suit: High-dive suits are personal spacesuits designed
Battlesuit: This power armor features a military-grade fullerene to withstand atmospheric re-entry. Wearing one of these, you can
armor shell with flexible aerogel for thermal insulation and a step out a spacecraft in orbit around a planet, enter the atmosphere
diamond-hardened exterior designed to resist even potent ballistic without burning up, and safely land using both drogue and conven-
and energy-based weapons. It increases Vigor pool by 2, inflicts an tional parachutes. High-dive suits are meant for unpowered descent
extra 1d10 damage in melee, increases your Walker movement rate only; they do not possess the capability for flight.
to 8/32, and doubles your jumping distance. Standard Hardsuit: This heavy-duty suit can almost be consid-
Envirosuit: These shells feature both increased radiation ered a miniature spaceship. It appears as a large metallic ovoid with
shielding and thermal regulation systems to withstand extreme jointed, servo-assisted arms and legs. It increases Vigor pool by 1
environments such as deep undersea and the surfaces of Mercury and inflicts an extra 1d10 damage in melee. Its miniature plasma
and Venus. They can withstand temperatures from –270 to 1,000 C. thrusters are capable of delivering 0.01 g for 10 hours.

ALL VEHICLES
Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles are equipped with the following hardware, in addition to that listed with their specific description
Ware: Access Jacks, Mesh Inserts, Puppet Sock, Radar.
Additionally, vehicles with closed compartments are sealed/pressurized and have either a Breather (undersea or atmosphere with carbon dioxide)
or Life Support (48 hours).
Vehicles designed for Mercury have Thermogenic Protection, Venusian vehicles have Pressure Adaptation and Thermogenic Protection,
and Titanian vehicles have Cryogenic Protection.

VEHICLE HARDWARE Complexity/GP

Improved Handling Mod/2
Life Support Min+/1+
Ram Plate Mod/R/2

AIRCRAFT Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Flying Car Maj/3 4 2 1 12/10 30 150 300 8/40 Wheeled/Thrust Vector L

GEAR
Microlight Mod/2 1 0 0 6/4 6 30 60 8/32 Microlight L
Portable Plane Maj/3 2 0 0 6/4 10 50 100  —  L
Small Jet Rare/ —  6 2 0 12/10 40 200 400  —  VL
Ware: Autocook, Emergency Beacon
Utility Helicopter Rare/ —  8 2 1 12/10 30 150 300 8/32 Rotor VL

EXOSKELETONS Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Atlas Loader Rare/ —  1 +2 0
+10/+12 20 100 200 4/20 Walker VL
+ +
Notes: 2 Vigor, 2d10 melee, armor-piercing.
Exowalker Maj/3 1 +1 0 +0/+2 4 20 50 8/32 Walker M
Notes: +1 Vigor, +1d6 melee, double jump distance.
Transporter Mod/2 1 0 0 +0/+4 10 50 100 8/40 Thrust Vector L
Trike Mod/2 1 0 0 +0/+4 10 50 100 8/40 Wheeled L

GROUNDCRAFT Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Buggy Maj/3 4 2 1 12/10 30 150 300 8/40 Wheeled L
Cargo Hauler Rare/ —  3 2 0 12/10 50 250 500 8/40 Wheeled VL
Cycle Mod/2 1 0 0 8/6 10 50 100 8/40 Wheeled M
Ground Car Maj/3 4 2 1 12/10 30 150 300 8/40 Wheeled L
Microcar Mod/2 1 0 1 8/6 12 60 120 8/40 Wheeled L
Rover Rare/ —  6 2 2 12/10 50 250 500 8/40 Wheeled VL
Ware: Autocook, Large Fabber, Pocket Lab

Vehicles • Hardsuits
¾351
 HYBRID VEHICLES a DV multiplier of x3 for small craft (fighters and shuttles), x5 for
These vehicles defy classification as they are designed to handle medium craft, and x10 for larger craft.
multiple environments. Use with Pilot: Ground, Pilot: Nautical, or Bulk Carrier: This vessel is long and thin, with fusion rockets
Pilot: Space as apppropriate to the environment and repair with at one end and the cockpit and crew quarters at the other. Freight
Hardware: Groundcraft, Hardware: Nautical, or Hardware: Aerospace. modules carrying cargo are grappled all along the spine. A pair of
GEAR

General Exploration Vehicle (GEV): A GEV is a boxy explora- airlocked freight elevators move inside the spine. Carriers haul
tion vehicle designed to handle almost any environment. Favored refined ores, ice, and similar large, useful, but low priority cargo
for gatecrashing, they feature a smart-matter chassis that can shift at relatively low velocities. They also offer an inexpensive, reliable,
between wheels and legs for rough terrain in 1d6 minutes. It can and slow method for passengers to travel from one habitat to
handle vacuum, surface water, and underwater, and carries a small another and are not infrequently used by individuals who wish to
metallic-hydrogen drive and attitude jets for maneuvering in space. disappear for a while. Bulk carriers lack rotating habitation rings,
It is shielded against radiation, features an extendable airlock, and and are primary crewed by hibernoids, bouncers, and synthmorphs.
carries extended life support functions. Courier: With their anti-matter drives, these fast couriers can
Rocket Buggy: This smart-wheeled buggie is equipped with a cross the Solar System in a matter of days or weeks. They are
metallic-hydrogen rocket. It is ideal for moons and large asteroids, reserved for high value and critical cargo.
where it can reach orbit and return or take a parabolic path to any Corvette: Corvettes are light warships and fast-attack craft. They
destination on that moon in less than an hour. Buggies are also primarily rely on fusion drives but also carry anti-matter for high-
popular on Mars (though unable to reach orbit). speed propulsion and devastating warheads. They are armed with
railguns, lasers, drones, and missile systems.
NAUTICAL CRAFT Destroyer: The largest military spacecraft in common use,
Within the Solar System, nautical craft are used for the methane seas destroyers alternate between fusion and antimatter drives like
of Titan and the subcrustal oceans of Ceres and Europa. They are corvettes. They are armed with railguns, nuclear and high explosive
driven with Pilot: Nautical and repaired with Hardware: Nautical. missiles, point-defense lasers, and a contingent of 20 fighters.
Mini-Sub: This submersible is for small groups and cargo. Fighter: Most of these short-range military vessels are designed
to be crewed by an infomorph/ALI, though some can hold a single
PERSONAL TRANSPORT DEVICES pilot (typically a synthmorph or vacuum-adapted biomorph). A
These one-person movement aids are primarily used in space or typical loadout includes 4–6 laser and railgun turrets that can fire
undersea. Use with Pilot: Nautical or Pilot: Space as appropriate and in any direction and a missile launcher carrying high-explosive or
repair with Hardware: Nautical or Hardware: Aerospace. even nuclear or anti-matter missiles. Some are also designed (or can
Rocket Pack: This is a miniature metallic hydrogen rocket that change their shape) to handle atmospheric flight.
you strap to your back, with two rocket exhausts extending out Scum Barge: Barges are a catch-all category for a type of mobile
to either side, away from your body or legs. To prevent burns, a habitat common in scum swarms. The original barges were temporary
biomorph must be wearing a heat resistant garment such as a micrograv refugee habitats built in Earth orbit during the Fall. These
vacsuit. Also, to prevent harm, the thrust must be kept sufficiently were designed to support up to 20,000 people in cramped conditions
low that it can only take off on Mars or moons with even lower for months or even years. Largely abandoned by authorities, the
gravity. A rocket pack can keep you airborne for up to 15 minutes scum lashed rockets on or began towing them. Other barges have
in Mars gravity, or 30 minutes on Luna, Titan, and smaller moons been claimed and made mobile over the years, including everything
and asteroids. It can be used to reach orbit and land again on Luna, from remnants of partially destroyed torus habitats to small asteroids.
Titan, and other similarly small bodies like the Jovian moons. The best use fusion rockets and carry 5–10,000 in relative comfort,
Sled: This small sled uses air impellers or nitrogen thrusters sometimes spun for low gravity; the worst use aging plasma rockets or
to maneuver in microgravity or vacuum, or propellers to move rely on towboat craft and stretch their life support systems and living
undersea. It is used to carry gear attached with numerous straps spaces to the limit with up to 25,000 residents.
and clips. It can also pull along 2 medium-sized morphs. Shuttle: Also known as landers and orbit transfer vehicles
Thruster Pack: Worn for micrograv operations or EVA in vacuum, (LOTVs), these common vehicles transport passengers and cargo
this thruster pack uses vectored thrust nozzles to maneuver. between a planet or moon and orbit and for short distance transfers
between habitats less than 100,000 km apart. Those designed for
SPACECRAFT atmospheric entry have conical designs; airless models are blockier.
Though egocasting and nanofabrication have reduced the need, Both use metallic hydrogen drives. Smart-material landing legs and
spacecraft continue to play an important role in transporting goods grapples allow it to rest securely on any stable terrain and link up
and people around the Solar System. Both in terms of materials and with all forms of docking clamps. Smart-material interiors can be
propulsion, spacecraft in the post-Fall era are far superior to the easily and rapidly reconfigured to accommodate different amounts
primitive vessels used in the 20th and early 21st centuries, but they of fuel, passenger seats, and cargo space. Shuttles come in small and
are still based on the same principles. large models.
Spacecraft are flown with Pilot: Space skill and repaired with Transport: This common freighter and passenger vessel can be
Hardware: Aerospace. found on regular routes between every large habitat and inhabited
Spacecraft have few stats in Eclipse Phase, as they are primarily planet and moon in the Solar System. These are modern fusion-
handled as setting rather than vehicles. Note also that no stats are drive ships that offer fast and comfortable travel for passengers and
given for spacecraft weaponry. It is highly recommended that space some cargo. Similar in design to bulk carriers, transports trade off
combat be handled as a plot device rather than a combat scene, cargo module room for multiple passenger compartments mounted
given the extreme lethality and danger involved. If you must know on 90-meter-long booms that can extend and rotate at 2 rpm to
the DV of a spacecraft weapon, treat it as a standard weapon with simulate Mars gravity.

352¹ Vehicles • Hybrid Vehicles–Spacecraft

ALL VEHICLES
Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles are equipped with the following hardware, in addition to that listed with their specific description
Ware: Access Jacks, Mesh Inserts, Puppet Sock, Radar.
Additionally, vehicles with closed compartments are sealed/pressurized and have either a Breather (undersea or atmosphere with carbon dioxide)
or Life Support (48 hours).
Vehicles designed for Mercury have Thermogenic Protection, Venusian vehicles have Pressure Adaptation and Thermogenic Protection,
and Titanian vehicles have Cryogenic Protection.

HARDSUITS Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

Battlesuit Rare/R/ —  1 +2 0 25/25 20 100 200 8/32 Walker, 8/40 Thrust Vector L
Notes: +1d10 melee damage, double jump distance.
Ware: Autocook, Breather, Fixer Hive, Life Support (1 week), Pressure Adaptation, Radio Booster,
Specs, Utilimod, Weapon Mounts (2 Articulated/Concealed, 2 Static/Concealed)
Envirosuit Major/3 1 0 0 25/16 16 80 160 4/20 Walker, 8/32 Submarine M
Notes: +1d6 melee damage.
Ware: Autocook, Breather, Cryogenic Protection, Emergency Beacon, Life Support (1 week),
Pressure Adaptation, Radio Booster, Specs, Thermogenic Protection, Utilimod
High-Dive Suit Major/3 1 0 0 25/8 12 60 120 4/20 Walker, 8/40 Thrust Vector M
Notes: +1d6 melee damage.
Ware: Life Support (1 week), Radar Absorbent, Radio Booster, Specs, Thermogenic Protection
Standard Hardsuit Rare/6 1 +1 0 20/18 12 60 120 4/20 Walker, 8/40 Thrust Vector L
Notes: +1d10 melee damage.
Ware: Autocook, Breather, Emergency Beacon, Fixer Hive, Life Support (1 week), Pressure Adaptation, Radio Booster, Utilimod

HYBRIDS Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement Size

GEV Rare/ —  6 2 2 12/10 50 250 500 8/40 Wheeled/Thrust Vector, VL
Ware: Autocook, Chem Sniffer, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Large Fabber, 4/20 Walker, 8/32 Submarine
Life Support (1 month), Healing Vat, Pressure Adaptation, Portable Sensor (Telescope)
Rocket Buggy Maj/3 4 2 1 12/10 20 100 200 8/40 Wheeled

NAUTICAL CRAFT Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor DUR WT DR Movement Size
Mini-Sub Rare/ —  4 1 0 12/10 50 250 500 8/32 Submarine VL

GEAR
Ware: Autocook, Breather, Cryogenic Protection, Pressure Adaptation, Sonar

PERS TRANSPORT Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor DUR WT DR Movement Size
Rocket Pack Mod/2 1 0 0 6/4 6 30 60 8/40 Thrust Vector S
Sled Min/1 2 0 0 6/4 8 40 80 8/40 Thrust Vector S
Thruster Pack Min/1 1 0 0 6/4 6 30 60 8/40 Thrust Vector S

SPACECRAFT Complexity/GP Passengers Vigor Flex Armor WT DUR DR Movement

Bulk Carrier Rare/ —  5+ 0 0 40/30 150 750 1,500 Fusion
Courier Rare/ —  13 0 0 30/20 100 500 1,000 Anti-matter
Corvette Rare/ —  20–30 0 0 50/40 150 750 1,500 Fusion/Anti-matter
Destroyer Rare/ —  90 0 0 50/40 400 2,000 4,000 Fusion/Anti-matter
Fighter Rare/ —  0/1 3 2 30/20 50 250 500 Fusion
Scum Barge Rare/ —  5k–25k 0 0 40/30 300 1,500 3,000 Plasma/Fusion
Shuttle (Large) Rare/ —  20–300 0 0 20/15 80 400 800 Metallic-Hydrogen
Shuttle (Small) Rare/ —  5–20 0 0 20/15 80 400 800 Metallic-Hydrogen
Transport Rare/ —  100+ 0 0 40/30 150 750 1,500 Fusion

VEHICLES
¾353
RUNNING
AD ASTRA
The ideas in contemporary science fiction excite us. We want to tell
stories about transhumanism, space exploration, artificial intelli-

 THE GAME
gence, uplifts, x-risks, and social change. If the implications of these
ideas for the people of the future excite you, too, you should run
a game of Eclipse Phase. There are many good resources out there
that can provide the basics on how to run a roleplaying game; this
section contains advice for running Eclipse Phase specifically and is
useful for both novice and experienced gamemasters (GMs).

THE ELEVATOR PITCH

If you want to run Eclipse Phase, you'll need players to join your game.
This may present your first obstacle — the bane of every outside-
the-box GM: many gaming groups are reluctant to play anything other
than the leading-brand fantasy roleplaying game. Science-fiction
games are a hard sell in particular; everyone has a rough idea of what
living in a fantasy setting is like, whereas not everyone groks sci-fi
concepts like resleeving or how cylinder habitats work.
The key to overcoming this isn’t just to tell them what you think is
cool, but to identify what they will think is cool about it. Pitch them on
that aspect of Eclipse Phase, and you’ll have a new player.
Some players get into Eclipse Phase because of unusual character
opportunities like octopi or incorporeal AGIs. Some people love the
“save points” created by backups. Others geek out on the mesh, nano-
tech, exoplanet exploration, or some other hard sci-fi aspect of the
game. And still others are interested in the ability of transhumans
to switch bodies andappearances — and the drama and questions
around identity raised by this fluidity.
Think about your friends, the characters they like to play, and the
stories you’ve seen them have fun with in the past. When you pitch
them on Eclipse Phase, emphasize parts of the game and setting that
dovetail with what they love in an RPG. Just remember to keep those
promises when you run the game.
Also consider how long you want your campaign to run. Players are
often more willing to commit to a campaign if it’s closed-ended, with
the promise that the plot will play out in a certain number of sessions,
with an option to start a new story arc if everyone is loving it.
If you think your potential players might be interested in reading
about the setting first, don't forget that we release our material
under a Creative Commons license. Feel free to share any of our
electronic titles with friends so they can check them out for them-
selves. The Eclipse Phase Quick-Start Rules, available on our website,
is designed for this purpose. Some people respond better to visual
stimuli, so you might also want to show them some of the cool art,
available in our hack packs or online wiki.

THE FIRST SESSION

It’s a lot easier to make an Eclipse Phase character after playing the
game once. We suggest that new groups start with one of the intro-
ductory scenarios published by Posthuman Studios and play it using
the sample character teams in this book ▶82. Some players might get
attached to those characters and want to continue playing them, while
others will prefer to make their own for the coming campaign.

Using the Sample Character Teams

If possible, stick to a single team of sample characters  —  Firewall,
Gatecrashing, or Criminal. Each team has a complementary mix of
abilities. If you mix and match, notice that each team has a fighter, a
hacker/techie, a social networker, and a specialist (often with inves-
tigative skills).

354¹ Ad Astra • The Elevator Pitch–The First Session

 If you have more than four players, simply choose extras from Where’s Home Base?
one of the other teams. The specialist characters (Dante, Killjoy, Pivo, The variety of locations in Eclipse Phase can be a lot to take in.
and Whisper) are the best extras to add to a group, as they have less Rather than having players learn about life on the Martian suface,
overlap in skills than the other characters. in a Venusian aerostat, and in an outer system cluster hab all at once,
Not every sample character is loaded with weapons and combat it’s useful to anchor the campaign at a home base. The less your
skills. Although all of them can dive for cover in a firefight, some group is immersed in hard science fiction, the more you’ll want to
are mediocre combatants — they excel in other areas. Make sure the stick to planetary environments like Mars and Venus. In the more
players understand that combat is deadly. Earth-like locations, players aren’t overloaded with details like
If you have fewer than four players, make sure someone plays a accounting for microgravity, visualizing what space habitats look
hacker. It’s possible to solve many Eclipse Phase scenarios without like, or figuring out how to get around.
firing a shot, but a team without infosec is at a severe disadvantage.
Your friend who’s always the wizard in the fantasy game is an ideal What’s Your Theme?
candidate if no one else wants to learn the mesh subsystems. Find out what your players are interested in. Corporate black ops?
Review the skills that the characters need to get through your High-tech dungeon crawls? Detective stories? Most Eclipse Phase
planned introductory scenario and make sure the team has those games are centered around Firewall missions but this is not a
skills covered. If they don’t, suggest they tweak their skills — or requirement. The sample character teams are designed around
tweak the scenario so that they don’t get stuck. specific themes and environments; an effective PC team will also
be focused in terms of what types of jobs they’re good at.
In Media Res If you decide to go with a Firewall campaign, one important ques-
Avoid the inclination to comprehensively explain all of the rules tion to ask is: are the PCs already Firewall members? If not, your
in advance. For now, just tell the players the core mechanics: how first scenario should be constructed around introducing them to the
skills and roll-under percentile tests work. You can explain the other conspiracy and having Firewall recruit them during or after.
rules as they come up during game. As the GM, this does require
you to anticipate the characters' needs and provide helpful tips. For What’s Your Team Composition?
example, the players may know they need to track down informa- Once you’ve figured out a general description for what the team
tion, but may not know that they can use the mesh for Research does, have the players discuss which roles they want to cover.
Tests or rely on their rep scores to acquire intel from their social Hacking and social networking are vital skills to complete any
networks. Situations like this provide the perfect opportunity for investigation, so make sure the team has a social character and a
you to make suggestions and explain more of the rules. hacker. Violence is inevitable in most games, so at least one combat
The same guideline applies to the setting. You may have an ency- focused character and a few with combat as a secondary ability are
clopedic knowledge of Eclipse Phase, but providing a full info-dump needed to win fights. A “rogue” in this game is a stealthy techie with
to your players is likely to make their eyes glaze over. Just cover hardware skills, drones, and nanoswarms for breaking and entering.
the basics — you are immortal, you can switch bodies, everything is The usefulness of other roles depends on the themes of the
networked, AIs and uplifts exist — and detail the rest during game. campaign. Scientists, asyncs, and genehackers get to shine if a
The sample characters have short backgrounds with enough history scenario requires untangling scientific puzzles or interfacing with
to get most players started. Have each player describe their charac- alien technology. Medics and mindhackers should encounter chal-
ter's look and general focus, and then just go. Ask if they have ques- lenges where they’re more than just the team’s healer. If a player’s

RUNNING THE GAME

tions, then dive in. Avoid pausing play for more than a few minutes character concept seems like it wouldn’t give them much to do
to explain a new aspect of the world; then get back to the action. within the campaign them, first think about whether you can tweak
your ideas to make things interesting for that character. If you can’t,
Tech Talk suggest a different focus to the player.
The best way for players to get comfortable with the tech in Eclipse
Phase is to use it. In the first few sessions, prompt players when Creating Characters
using a given piece of tech would advance the game. This will grad- Collaborative character-creation sessions are ideal for making sure
ually familiarize players with the ways in which tools like their mesh the PCs cover a good range of skills and abilities and don't overlap
inserts, augmented reality, enhanced senses, muses, and the like can too much. They are also useful for establishing shared backgrounds
be used. Be patient and don’t penalize players for not knowing how and history.
everything on their sheet works. Becoming fluent in everything an Eclipse Phase is designed to be played by 4-6 players. You might
Eclipse Phase character can do often takes players several sessions. consider giving players more CP at character generation if your
group is smaller.
PREPPING YOUR CAMPAIGN As GM, your job is to determine how many Morph Points ▶290
Your demo of the system was brilliant, and now your group can’t and Gear Points ▶312 get assigned for each mission. For starting
wait for the next game. Nice job, fam. You probably have an idea players, we recommend starting at the default values (6 MP, 20 GP).
of what kind of campaign you want to run, but it’ll go better if you You should wait to assign the full Gear Points until after the PCs
have a conversation with your players about what they’d like to see receive the pitch for the first mission (or otherwise get drawn in).
more of. The campaign can grow from the intro scenario you played Give them a short period of prep time to pick out the specific gear
or it can be a new story. If you finish your first session early, discuss pack or gear they want for that mission (pre-printed gear pack
the following with your players right away. Alternatively, host a lists or cards are ideal for this purpose), but don't linger too long.
campaign creation session where you hash out these questions and Remind your players not to focus too much on their starting morph
make characters. and gear, as it’s likely to all change.

Ad Astra • Prepping Your Campaign

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 SCENARIOS & CAMPAIGNS
flow of a story, a story arc might be thought of as more like a story
wave. Let’s consider three shapes of story arc, and how they can play
At this point, you’ve talked to your group about the overall shape of out in an Eclipse Phase campaign. Assume you’re planning this story
the campaign and what their PC team will look like. You’ve also got arc to take up six sessions of play (a month and a half, if your group
some ideas of your own together. The internet holds endless advice plays every week).
RUNNING THE GAME

on how to plan RPG campaigns and design scenarios. If you’re new

to gamemastering, search around, then come back here. This section Basic Story Arc
will focus primarily on how to design campaigns and scenarios for In the most basic story arc, the facts of the scenario are set up before
Eclipse Phase. a conflict is introduced. Pressure mounts to deal with the conflict,
crescendoing to a high point of tension midway through. Once the
HOW MANY SESSIONS? chief conflict is resolved, the tension de-escalates, and the aftermath
Planning campaign length in advance lets players know up front plays out. In the basic arc, the first two sessions reveal the full scope
how much time they’re committing to, making it more likely you’ll of what the player characters are up against. Some shit should
finish the campaign. It makes planning your campaign easier probably hit the fan right at the end of session 2. Sessions 3, 4, and
because you get a time budget during which you have to hit all the possibly 5 should feature the action and climactic consequences of
points in your story. You can plan how many story arcs will make up the main plot resolving. Session 6 then ties up loose ends from the
the campaign, how many scenarios make up each arc, and roughly arc. In a common variation, the arcs of tension are like a suspension
how many sessions each scenario should take. bridge, with a crescendo of action toward the beginning of the arc
In a four-hour play session, most groups can get through two to followed by a second, more decisive one near the end. This type
four encounters, depending on how many of them contain combat. of arc is extremely common in stories across all media. The Hobbit
In an Eclipse Phase game, encounters tend to be punctuated by a (the novel, not the movie) is a good example of a story that follows
lot of planning and mesh use. A complicated break-in or a big fight a basic arc.
might mean you only get two encounters in a given session. On the Eclipse Phase messes with how this type of arc normally plays
other hand, a session that is mostly investigative legwork might out. Had a climactic battle with the villain, did you? “This is great,”
cover a large number of short encounters before the team amasses thinks the player, “we just kicked their ass.” The villain, of course,
enough intel for a big scene. has resleeved and is already plotting revenge  —  they are not
Investigative games can meander  —  another reason for commit- removed from the equation yet. Also consider character death; in
ting to a fixed length. Eclipse Phase doesn’t have to focus on the most story arcs of this kind, the danger to the characters is worst
investigative aspects of the game, but when it does, timeboxing is as the conflict with the antagonists climaxes. But in Eclipse Phase,
key. Players can always Insight their way through a tricky investiga- you’re free to hand out a TPK (total party kill) in the second session,
tion, but sometimes they need time pressure to be willing to spend then have the team resleeve and pick up the trail not much worse
pool to get clues. for wear in session 3. Suicide missions have a different meaning
With a fixed number of sessions in mind, you can also time the in this game.
off-camera movements of NPCs more easily. It’s very easy for a PC
team and a group of antagonists to keep tabs on each other with Hot-Opening Story Arc
the technology in the setting. The opposition can and should make In a hot-opening story arc, an in media res beginning often places
moves that the players don’t see the consequences of until later. But the team in jeopardy from the very start. The first scenario might
they also probably have a plan they’re trying to execute, and having literally start with rolling initiative, or it might be more like, “You’ve
a timeline for this will help you create strong story arcs. detected an anomalous radar blip. It’s closing fast. You have 30
seconds. What do you do?” In arcs like this, tension de-escalates as
STORY ARCS the protagonists manage to catch a breather during the middle of
Using story arcs as containers within the über-plot of your the story. The first three sessions of an arc like this should go fast
campaign is common practice for a lot of reasons. Arcs are mile- and furious. Things pick up again in the final two sessions as the
stones. Completing them gives your players some reinforcement, a player characters, rested and rejuvenated, re-engage with the threat.
moment to celebrate. For player characters, they provide a natural A good example of a hot-opening story is the 2004 remake of Dawn
place for downtime activities (training, fabricating and repairing of the Dead.
gear, maintaining social networks). For the GM, the breaks between This kind of arc is useful in horror-oriented Eclipse Phase games
story arcs are a chance to advance events in the world, do time and because it gives the GM so much control over the situation at the
place jumps, or bring in new characters. Boring events like accli- start of the arc. If the plot calls for it, the team can start off: in the
mating to a new morph or long space travel can also happen off mesh in an isolated location, in new morphs, under attack in space,
camera, between story arcs. or in other precarious situations. Care has to be taken not to make
If you’re designing a campaign where forks of PCs will be active players feel railroaded, but if done right, hot openings are a great
on their own for long periods, story arcs are a useful delimiter for way to get characters into a survival horror situation without the
the time spent apart by the forks. One group of forks gets a story players spending a ton of time agonizing over what gear to print
arc, then another group of forks, covering the same period of time. before they leave.
Decide with the group beforehand whether the outcomes of each Hot openings also work against another tendency of cautious
separate arc can be changed at all by the other group of forks (via players: the “scan everything” syndrome. Some players, once they
retconning or other means). realize any piece of electronics could be infected with the exsurgent
The novelist Graham Joyce taught story structure as a sequence virus, spend a lot of table time describing elaborate precautions.
of rising and falling arcs of tension. In this way of visualizing the This is great in a tense, disarm-the-bomb type scene, but it can

356¹ Scenarios & Campaigns • How Many Sessions?–Story Arcs

make play drag at other times. Partly this can be solved by making cutting things you had planned later in the campaign. Or you can
it clear to players when they need to describe their precautions and just kill the entire team and make their backups forget about how
when it’s not necessary. Alternatively, a slavering exsurgent beating they borked your plot … but don’t expect your players to let you get
down the lab door, an out-of-control fire in the corridor outside, or a away with that very often.
reactor meltdown can all encourage players to speed things up and For a wide selection of scenario seeds, see Plot Hooks, the booklet
not scan every door lock they encounter for infection. accompanying the Eclipse Phase Second Edition Gamemaster Screen.

Slow Burn CHARACTER TIE-INS

In a slow burn, dread and creepiness build gradually through the While your campaign idea about tracking an exsurgent-infected
first three or four sessions. Disturbing evidence, subtle threats, smuggler's forks across the Martian hinterlands might be quite
and transformations that the team can slow but not entirely stop cool, you should always be on the lookout for ways to link your
escalate toward explosive action that quickly resolves the story. In scenarios to the PCs themselves. Every PC has a set of motivations
this type of arc, the initial sessions are all investigation and minor (and possibly distinct motivational goals ▶47). Keep a list of these
threats, until the final two sessions, when the threat is revealed and on hand and consider NPCs or events you can insert into your plot
must be directly faced. A good example of a slow burn story arc is that will give the players opportunities to pursue or even resolve
the first season of Stranger Things. their motivational goals. Likewise, don't forget to include the occa-
Unfortunately, the plot line of Stranger Things relies on 1980s sional roadblock or obstacle towards these ends, to keep them on
technology to limit how quickly the characters can get information their toes. Unless you are constructing an entire scenario around
and make connections. The slow build of dread and unsettling this subject, however, be careful to not let motivational pursuits
clues in this type of story wouldn’t survive a few characters with derail the central plot.
smart phones, let alone the technology in Eclipse Phase. In a slow There are many other PC aspects you can use to personalize a
burn arc, the threats and the trails of evidence they leave need to be scenario: backgrounds, traits (Allies, Contact, Enemy, and Patron
unconventional and obfuscated. A person who commits a crime in specifically), faction affiliations, async infection sub-strains, rep
this setting without covering their tracks well can be identified and favors, and so on. If a player has gone through the effort of writing
located quickly. a detailed character background, mine that for ideas and use them!
In the early sessions of a slow burn arc, the evidence encountered Also take note of interactions with NPCs and the downtime actions
by a team needs to be difficult to put together into a clear picture the players pursue. Is someone they deceived in the past holding a
of a threat. Async powers are useful to antagonist NPCs in a slow personal grudge? Is there an ego hunter on their trail for crimes they
burn arc, since most psi sleights leave no physical evidence, and thought went unnoticed? Does one of their rep network buddies
therefore their use must be inferred based on circumstances. Novel approach them for a favor at odds with their current mission? Your
threats  —  things there’s no detector for yet  —  can also fly under the players will appreciate the personal touch and it will inspire them to
radar of the team’s technology. Some clues might require a multi-ses- engage more with the world you have established.
sion research effort. And clues that fit a motif can gradually reveal
their meaning through repetition (e.g., the initially meaningless EASING IN
wall scrawl that turns out to mark an exsurgent clan’s nests). The Eclipse Phase setting is quite detailed — don’t rush into it. There
are a few strategies you can use to control the information firehose
CREATING SCENARIOS pointed at your players.

RUNNING THE GAME

Scenarios are the building blocks of story arcs. If you’re designing If the campaign allows it, you can start in an isolated locale, away
a scenario as part of a campaign, you’ll want to make sure it’s doing from the full panoply of technologies and peoples inhabiting the
the work it should toward advancing the whole. How many sessions setting. This could be a small habitat on the fringe, an exoplanet,
will it take out of your total run, and what point of plot should get or a remote and isolated part of the Martian wilds. By limiting the
answered or resolved? utility of the mesh, at least at first, you can hold off on explaining
Try listing the scenarios that will make up your campaign, subdi- rep networks and hacking until they become relevant. Try to stage
viding by story arc. Make your best guess at how many sessions the scenario so that you can introduce a new part of the setting/
each scenario will take (one four-hour session for every two to four rules each session.
encounters is normal). Looking at them together, think about how Another option here is to start the PCs as newly reinstantiated.
much payoff each one contains for the players. A scenario that takes Perhaps they died during the Fall and are the latest batch of infu-
a lot of sessions but only resolves a minor plot point should be gees to be revived from cold storage. Their hosts or muses can then
revised; either make it shorter or make it do more work. By doing walk them through how things have changed, acclimating them to
this time comparison among the “chapters” of your campaign, you’ll their new environments.
know ahead of time how you want to pace your sessions before You can also design low-stakes tasks that give players a chance
you’re in the thick of running the game. to practice with subsystems they haven’t used before. For example,
At some point, your players are going to do something that have the hacker repair a virus-ridden bot before they intrude into a
requires you to redesign a scenario you had planned. The tech- major hypercorp system. Give the async an opportunity to use their
nology in this setting provides lots of unexpected ways for this sleights in low-pressure situations before they do so in a combat.
to happen. Perhaps they’ll even do something that makes ripples Prompt your players on appropriate times to use pool points. Some
across multiple story arcs. Don’t freak out. Rewrite what you need GMs prefer to avoid resleeving early on so that players don’t need to
to, but also take another look at your time budget. If player actions learn the capabilities of a new body — don’t wait too long, though;
made one story arc take longer than expected, you might consider resleeving is one of the things that makes this game cool!

Scenarios & Campaigns • Creating Scenarios–Easing In

¾357
 FORK CONCERNS
BRINGING IT TO LIFE “Splitting the party” has different connotations in Eclipse Phase. At
The key to making your setting feel real is to keep it in constant some point your players will attempt to multitask by sending out
motion. Reputation networks fluctuate, the mesh never sleeps, forks to accomplish multiple things at once. Though this presents a
ubiquitous surveillance always watches, NPCs have lives of their gamemastering challenge, forks can be a blast to play if handled well.
RUNNING THE GAME

own, and life never really slows down in AF 10. The world should be The main trick is to not get too fancy with parallel fork plotlines.
dynamic  — in-game events should change the world and PC actions Run a full scene or even story arc with one group of forks, then
should have an impact. These changes do not need to be massive return to the other group, then continue alternating until it’s time
and sweeping; smaller adjustments that affect the PCs on a personal for them to merge. Don’t try to switch back and forth between two
level can really provide hefty flavor. groups of forks acting simultaneously unless you really have a
handle on things.
SOCIAL MEDIA DYNAMICS Some players will use forks as a force multiplier if they are short
Reputation networks are integral to the lives of transhumans. on numbers. Though forks are often stuck as infomorphs, limited by
Consider how often you consume social media today, how it keeps the availability of morphs, players can find ways around this by using
you up to speed on your friends' lives, world events, and the latest bots or hijacking the sleeves of NPCs. In these situations, treat the
memes, and elevate that to gonzo levels. With augmented reality forks as you would bots, muses, and other secondary characters. Keep
and ubiquitous surveillance, social media is everywhere. Try to the spotlight on the alpha ego and run multiple forks as a group.
incorporate this into the lives of the PCs. Muses will keep the PCs Forks that stay separate for long periods require careful tracking.
updated on the latest trends, news, and faction developments. News You may even want to keep separate character sheets, especially if
bulletins can be related to the plotlines of the campaign, but they they earn and spend Rez points. It can be easy to lose track of which
can also simply provide flavor. Consider generating a few iconic fork has what information, so take notes on the key scenes, NPC
advertisements, memes, or media personalities for recurring use. interactions, and locations each has visited. Over time, divergent
More importantly, rep networks are personal. Big reputation forks may need to be graduated into NPC status.
shifts are major news, and the public pays attention to the rise and
fall of major players as well as their peers and rivals. A PC who gets NPC TIMELINES
embarassed publicly may find themselves memed. PCs involved NPCs don’t stand around waiting for the players to take action.
in a live-streamed fight or newsworthy event will be recognized by Make timelines of the things your NPCs will be doing in the back-
strangers. Did one PC have a falling out with a love interest? The ground. This can be at the micro level (“Basha plants the bioagent
other PCs will know soon enough when they see the status update. canisters in the PC's cargo hold to frame them”) or the macro level
Use these situations to add excitement, humor, and spice to the (“The Ultimates initiate their plan to take control of the gates”). Use
characters' daily affairs. whatever time units make sense. For a fast-paced scenario, back-
Remember that rep networks are more than news feeds — they ground events might be set to take place on the hour or even the
are made of people. Some of those peers will have crises, need minutes. For big events in the game world, days or months might
support, or come asking for favors. You can reserve this to down- make sense.
time actions, specifically where a PC spends time working favors for
contacts, but it can also serve as an adventure hook. As a rule, the RECURRING VILLAINS
more interesting the life of a PC, the more interesting are the lives The functional immortality of transhumanity upends the traditional
of their social network contacts. heroic narrative. Simply killing the big bad boss is rarely enough to
One way to emphasize social media might be to give each PC end things. Just like the PCs, they'll resleeve and start where they
a spotlight episode. For one game, highlight their online interac- left off — or they may already have forks in place to continue their
tions and social media lives. This can be a great way to introduce plans. It is often better to avoid having foiled bad guys return right
sub-plots based on the PC's history or their life outside Firewall. away, however. They may rethink their plans given the exposure
Doing this early in a campaign may give you material to work with or revealed vulnerabilities, or they may have other priorities that
for weeks to come. require their attention. While recurring villains and revenge seekers
can be fun, they can also get stale if overdone, so use sparingly.
THE STREET FINDS ITS OWN USES Finishing off someone for good is difficult. Perhaps the PCs can
Transhumans are creative  —  dangerously creative  — which in part devise a way to get at an opponent's secure backups, but that should
explains the existence of Firewall. Many of the perils of technology require major effort, perhaps a campaign unto itself. Sometimes the
stem from second-order uses. You invent software designed to keep easiest thing to do is destroy their stack and have them go missing;
people in touch with friends, and someone uses the accumulated depending on the clauses in their backup agreement, this could
data to swing an election. You invent a drug to treat a disease, remove them from the picture for a few months until they are eventu-
and suddenly there’s a thriving black market of people using it as ally restored. Another option is to get someone arrested for a serious
a performance enhancer. You invent a robotic toy, and someone crime in a polity with laws; this provides legal authorities with the
weaponizes it for an assasination. This process of technological power to seize backups, though it does nothing for backups held in
repurposing is constant and can also be beneficial or simply fun. private, with black-market providers, or in other jurisdictions.
Use this as fuel for everything from news reports and cultural trends Some of the threats in Eclipse Phase are impossible to eradicate,
(“Synths Lining up for New Chemical Sniffer  —  Users Report Flavors such as TITANs or self-replicating nanoswarms. These should be
of Rhubarb, Pizza”) to the foundation of a scenario. If the PCs come deployed in moderation and in situations that limit their involve-
up with their own clever uses, make sure to inject those ideas into ment and scope. Some things are simply beyond even transhuman
the world at large. capabilities; simply surviving such could as success.

358¹ Bringing It To Life • Social media Dynamics–Recurring Villains

KNOW SKILLS & SCIENCE
This stage is crucial to real science but can often be glossed over
in game. In many cases, you can skip straight from the question
Characters in Eclipse Phase regularly encounter phenomena (what is this alien thing?) to testing (let’s get it under a microscope
(substances, organisms, technology) that are unknown or poorly and find out). How much you incorporate this step depends on how
understood by transhumanity. How do they do science the shit out much of a spotlight you want to put on the trial-and-error aspect of
of all these things? Especially if the GM and/or players are not scien- scientific enquiry.
tists themselves? We suggest following a series of steps that map Whether you ask the players for tests at this point depends on
game mechanics to the steps in the scientific method. This approach how specific the question is. If the hypothesis stage is skippable
can also be used for similar technology or science-related challenges (let’s just dissect this alien), don’t bother with any tests. If their
(i.e., tests using Hardware, Interface, Medicine, or Program skills), approach to the question is important to the plot, ask them to detail
such as repurposing technology for a new situation or running a their plan and call for a test if the players are off base.
statistical analysis.
When deciding how much time to spend on each of the steps TESTING
below, consider the significance of the question the players are At this point, the characters perform an experiment, lab analysis,
asking to your plot. If completing the research will resolve a or field test. For gatecrashers trying to find the weaknesses of an
major plot point or give the players crucial information, it’s worth alien animal, this could involve scanning an immobilized specimen
spending more play time on the hunt for the answers. For enquiries with various sensors. For techies trying to improve upon a piece of
that are less important to the story, you can skip or shorthand some equipment, the test could be taking it out and trying to use it. For
of the steps below. a statistical analysis based on real-world inputs, this might be the
phase where a whole bunch of data mining takes place.
KNOWN? Testing, especially if it’s in the field, is the phase where a wide
If the answer is known to transhuman science, succeeding at a variety of skill tests can be involved. PCs making observations in
related Know skill test means a character already knows the answer the field can make Perceive Tests to catch what they’re looking for.
(or knows where to research more about it). Advanced or unusual use of sensor equipment takes an Interface
It is sometimes possible to use the mesh and Research skill ▶254 Test to get the right readings. Examining a biological specimen calls
to resolve a question, but it should be harder. Characters with good for Medicine Tests, while building an interface to an alien artifact
Research skills but little or no background in a field can turn up a lot requires Hardware: Electronics.
of information but might not know how to interpret it. Penalties of Consider what skill tests are involved in executing the exper-
–10 to –30 should be applied to the Research Test, depending upon iment and have the appropriate characters make them. If they
how far afield the knowledge in question is from the character’s skill succeed, their experiment is a successful test of the hypothesis,
set. If the topic is particularly technical or arcane, a Know Test may yielding clear data. Superior or critical successes might reveal more
still be required to make sense of the search results. information or yield unexpected benefits. Failure means something
Rep favors can also get you answers — or people who can parse went wrong with the experiment, producing mixed or garbled
your search results into something that makes sense — particularly results. A critical failure could result in the character becoming
r-rep and i-rep. temporarily convinced of an incorrect hypothesis.

FRAME THE QUESTION ANALYSIS

RUNNING THE GAME

If the solution isn’t already known to transhuman science, the For some questions, the analysis of the test results will be clear
characters doing the research formulate a question. Questions cut. This is particularly true of questions with binary results
can be incredibly broad, the kind of thing that could take a whole (yes, filtering out the background electromagnetic radiation lets
campaign to resolve (e.g., what caused the extinction of this partic- us image this strange asteroid). For others, additional analysis
ular alien civilization), or they can be the work of a few days' direct might be needed. Biologists who have sequenced the genome and
observation in the field (e.g., how do we stop the spread of this analyzed the anatomy and body chemistry of an animal might
particular exsurgent plague?). make Know: Biology or even INT Checks to draw inferences about
Ideally, this step in the process should be part roleplay, part skills. the animal’s life cycle. A mathematician who’s mined the data of
Let the players throw around some ideas. They might hit upon the several million people looking for stolen identities might make a
right question on their own. If they don’t, let the characters with Know: Mathematics test to infer whether the thefts are the work of
relevant Know skills make tests to see if they think of something. If a single person or organization. At this point, the PCs have likely
the players don’t have any related skills, burning an Insight to get a made several tests, so make sure there’s a payoff in it if you ask them
clue or succeeding at an INT Check could get them past this stage. for even more.
This stage of the scientific method is most interesting in the
HYPOTHESIS AND PREDICTION game when it builds to an a-ha moment. This is even better when
Before performing an experiment to answer the question, it will the results are unexpected. Perhaps the results indicate a previously
help for the PCs to define what their experiment will test and what undetected menace. Perhaps they implicate a trusted NPC in nefar-
they think the results will be. To establish why an alien species died ious deeds. Or perhaps the results break the laws of science as trans-
off, the PCs might study the planet's geological record. To figure humanity knows it, suggesting powerful ASI or alien technology is
out how to stop an exsurgent plague, they might hypothesize that at work.
it spreads by infected victims biting others. To improve a sensor, Ideally, the answers here should chain to the next step of the over-
characters might hypothesize that they can add a filter to reduce arching mystery and plot the PCs are involved in. Information is
interference from the local electromagnetic environment. most useful when it leads to action and new goals.

Know Skills & Science • Known?–Analysis

¾359
RUNNING THE GAME

LOGISTICS AND NANOFABRICATION

SUPER-EMPOWERED The rules for nanofabrication assume that characters are making

CHARACTERS
equipment for personal use. Most transactions take place in the
setting equivalent of today’s consumer economy. If PCs try to
Eclipse Phase player characters are borderline godlike compared acquire feedstock or gear in industrial quantities, they’re playing
to characters in other RPGs. They can acquire information from the a different game, and things rapidly get more expensive and
mesh that’d take an old tech detective months to sniff out, print any complicated. Most habitats don’t have feedstock massively in
gear they want, fork themselves into a chorus of co-operating alphas, excess of their day-to-day needs, so printing more gear than is
and come back from the dead. needed to equip a typical team may draw a rejection from the
Be flexible when designing scenarios and story arcs. The tech local feedstock utility. Certain rare elements are only available in
in this setting will allow your players to scoop you at some point, limited quantities.
blowing up your exsurgent villain’s masterful plan. Or they’ll finish In autonomist space, hogging feedstock will have all of your
a task that you thought would take half a session through some neighbors knocking at your door wanting to know what’s up. In
shortcut, leaving you unprepared for the next two hours. They’ll regulated areas, like Titanian space, requesting militarily useful
blow up the space station they were supposed to explore, nanofab quantities of the rare elements needed for certain sensor equipment
a robot army to kill your exsurgent goons, and call in influence or weapons will have a regulatory inspector politely requesting
favors that let them dance around social obstacles. Relax, let them that you thoroughly document what you’re planning to do with
be awesome, and think up another obstacle. all that thorium before feedstock will be supplied. In the inner
That said, there are times when it’ll fall to the GM to be the arbiter system, rallying the assets to build a military-style arsenal will draw
of common sense and the guardian of good times. The rules can’t attention   from Oversight (the Planetary Consortium’s intel service),
cover every situation, so it’s okay to say no to a player who wants to Morningstar or Lunar intelligence, and/or the oligarchs, market
do something that’s not forbidden by the rules but breaks the fun watchers, and crime syndicates who monitor such moves for any
of the game. potential benefit.

360¹ Super-Empowered Characters • Logistics and Nanofabrication

FORK HORDES completes its investigation and other options have failed. That said,
Creating forks is easy, and some players may be tempted to over-do it may depend on which particular Firewall faction your proxy
it. PCs can and should make use of limited forking fairly often, but aligns with. Conservatives are more likely to call in the big guns;
printing out a robot army and sleeving yourself into it is a Björk pragmatists would prefer to capture the threat and study it. Even
song, not a best practice. Law and custom in most of the Solar trigger-happy proxies have to answer to the rest of Firewall, though,
System take a dim view of anyone attempting unbridled self-repli- and covering the conspiracy's tracks becomes a lot harder when
cation. Forking is a form of reproduction, so people react to hogging weapons of mass destruction are deployed. For tension purposes,
resources and territory for a bunch of forks of yourself with the it's often best to encourage the PCs to sort things out on their own
same gut level decisiveness they would to someone stealing from and leave the nukes or antimatter for the campaign finale.
their kids. Server space is effectively free in a lot of autonomist WMDs are hard to acquire and move without drawing attention,
habits, but as with nanofabrication, this assumes personal levels even with nanofabrication. In autonomist habs, public makers
of use. In hypercorp space, it’s possible to find someone who’ll usually keep a public log of what they make and materials used.
rent you a dedicated server farm for all your forks, but even these A record that someone’s fabricated nerve gas or made something
arrangements frequently come with oversight of how the server incorporating a large amount of fissionables will trip alarms set up
space is being used, either by the landlord or by regulators. Getting by watchful citizens. Most WMDs are reliably detectable by trans-
caught running a massive fork farm carries harsh penalties in some human sensor technology, so it can be tricky to move them in and
jurisdictions, and it goes without saying that the forks involved may out of habitats. PCs who rely on them too often may find themselves
lack legal status. hunted as suspected terrorists.
Customs and corporate policies against excessive forking tend
to limit its use where legal oversight doesn’t. The most powerful PUNY TRANSHUMANS
tenants of Extropia need their libertarian haven tuned to certain Technology is only an edge until your opposition’s technology is
parameters to make a profit, and by these measures, hordes of one better. For all that transhumans can pull off incredible feats of
person’s forks make shitty neighbors. Characters who try to set up a engineering, they’re up against a universe that always has some-
fork horde in a place like Extropia are likely to get a polite warning thing bigger, meaner, and more technologically advanced to throw
from their neighbors to desist, followed by a barrage of tort filings at them. The TITANs outclassed transhumanity in most aspects
or mercenary action. of military technology during the Fall, and wherever they are,
Finally, there’s the internal dynamics of a fork horde to keep in they’ve had ten years since to develop further. The Factors have a
mind. Forks develop a sense of self-preservation once they’re away clear edge on us as well, but an unpredictable one. The amoeboids,
from each other long enough. A character willing to flout law and oddly, have technology we can’t begin to understand in some areas,
social convention to the extent of creating a fork army is likely to such as propulsion systems, but they seem not to be far ahead
have some troublesome forks, even if they’re betas. Forks should be of us in other fields. And then there are the uncountable organ-
treated as NPCs when there are more of them than can run in a char- isms  —  those we’ve met and those we have yet to encounter  —  on
acter’s mesh inserts and implants. One player shouldn’t be allowed various exoplanets. Transhuman technology hasn’t always been
to control what are effectively a bunch of different characters. equal to the threats it encounters from exoplanet life forms and
climatic conditions.
TIME DISTORTION Alien creatures can have abilities inexplicable to transhuman
It’s possible to massively accelerate subjective time inside a science. TITAN technology and exsurgent psi also don’t always

RUNNING THE GAME

simulspace. To some degree, PCs can exploit this to circumvent play fair with transhuman tech. For example, a team might find
time-limited challenges. So why shouldn't they do this all of the the radar or t-ray sensors they’ve come to rely on fail to detect the
time — or better yet, use VR to gain Rez Points? Part of the answer dangerous predator native to the world they’re surveying. Or their
is computing resources: most teams don’t own or have unlimited abilities might work with familiar science but at a scale that dwarfs
access to a dedicated server that can run time-accelerated simul- transhuman capabilities. Yes, you can print a drone army, but the
spaces. And partly, it’s the limits of simulations. Unless you have exsurgent virus is coming after you with an entire exoplanet’s worth
a precise simulation of the enemy’s security system, you can’t of infected alien parrot-monkeys. Don’t let this turn into a game of
crack it using time acceleration. Nor can you gain skill ranks by one-upmanship with players, but make it clear, if it comes up, that
spending weeks of virtual time in a simulspace, because it’s not there are forces in the galaxy against which transhumanity’s best
quite reality. option is to be on the defensive.
What proponents of time-accel sims overlook is the personal
angle. Your fork could log months in relative time of hard work for PROVIDING OUTLETS
you, but do you think they'll be happy to do it while their alpha ego Maybe once per campaign, your player who wants to build an
is out having fun and adventures? Sure, you could rotate multiple army of themself is going to be the hero the Solar System needs
forks in and out to lessen the work load, or run them through some (or the one it deserves, at any rate). When this happens, let them
psychosurgery to make them happy to do it all, but when you're unleash their hitherto unreasonable impulses. It’s the campaign
veering towards that ethical line of virtual slavery, it might be time finale, and there’s a swarm of exhuman probes coming to Titan?
to reconsider your goals, or your own forks might rebel against you. Give them the backing from a faction or powerful NPC, let them
go industrial with printing drones, and allow that fork horde its
LET’S NUKE IT moment in the icy glint of Saturn’s rings. One of the themes of
Firewall is willing to nuke things from orbit, but it also likes to Eclipse Phase is learning how to live with the incredible capabili-
learn things that will help it fight future x-risks. As such, Firewall ties given transhumans by their technologies. Sometimes, it should
prefers to bring weapons of mass destruction into play after a team turn out to have its advantages.

Super-Empowered Characters • Fork Hordes–Providing Outlets

¾361
 Muses
GAMEMASTER TIPS Muses are more active than other ALIs, giving advice, reminding the
This advice addresses some of the practical aspects of gamemas- characters of events, and covering for them when they’re busy. Muses
tering Eclipse Phase, especially those that differ from other games. are effective backup researchers for characters who are occupied or
who have poor Research skills. Muses know a PC's day-to-day routine
RUNNING THE GAME

TRACKING BACKUPS cold and can handle complex instructions. They cannot default on
If a PC's cortical stack is lost and they are restored from an older skill tests, however, so getting a muse to perform a particularly
backup, their character is reverted to an older state, meaning they complex set of actions outside of their normal skill set might require
may lose memories and even Rez Points. For this reason it helps to a Program or Interface Test. Finally, for new players, muses are a good
keep a trail of old character sheets when players backup or resleeve. way to introduce facts about the setting in-character.
If your group has digital copies of everyone’s sheet, this is easy. Just Muses sometimes remain functional when a character is inaca-
save a copy each time a backup occurs, noting the date in the file pacitated or killed ▶265. This means they can summon help or be
name. For paper character sheets, take a picture with your phone. It questioned as witnesses. This provides an opportunity for players to
also helps to keep a log of PC interactions and events, to note which stay in the action, at least as an infomorph. Muses are also recorded
memories may fall victim to lack. with your ego into the cortical stack, when backing up, and when
egocasting, so they stay with your character.
HANDLING MUSES AND ALIs
Between a character’s muse and all of the gear that has device ALIs, Playing Each Other’s Muses and ALIs
a PC in Eclipse Phase could potentially be carrying around half a One thing that can save the GM a bit of work is having the player’s
dozen minor NPCs (AIs & Muses ▶250). Some of these, like the roleplay each other’s muses. This can be a lot of fun but needs to be
muse, may have distinct personalities. Others will likely be more done with a light touch. Muses shouldn’t go rogue, become pests, or
generic but still have skills they can use and, sometimes, limited work against the agency of the PC they belong to. On the upside, it
autonomy. Handling all these virtual henchmen is potentially allows players who might otherwise be sidelined to participate as a
complicated, but keeping in mind a few principles about how muse, and it eliminates the chance of the player or GM forgetting
different ALIs behave will greatly simplify things. when a muse might have an ability relevant to a given situation.
Bots and even nanoswarms can also be run by other players if
Gear ALIs Are Hyper-Focused their characters are sidelined. The autonomy of bots makes them a
The ALIs in carried or wearable equipment, such as a radio booster or good choice to handle as supporting characters. If the player taking
a vacsuit, are mostly reactive under normal circumstances. They can control of the bot is sufficiently familiar with it, the player who
operate themselves and answer questions about their own capabili- owns the bot can stay focused on controlling their main character.
ties (sometimes in excruciating, Brent Spiner-esque detail), but they
rarely, if ever, take the initiative to interact on their own. Characters When ALIs Go Egg-Shaped
communicate with the ALIs in their gear all the time. It’d be tedious to ALIs can fail in all kinds of interesting ways. As software, ALIs can
roleplay with your nanodetector every time you scan for nanobots, but be directly corrupted by the exsurgent virus. But like other egos,
occasionally highlighting the interaction with a device ALI serves to they can also experience stress and trauma. What causes stress
remind the players that most of their gear has an intelligence of its own. tends to relate to the ALI’s function. Muses, for example, take a
The ALIs in vehicles and bots communicate more, especially stress hit when something bad happens to their user, especially if
when operating autonomously. Although still hyper-focused on they’ve been made helpless to render aid.
their own functions and not very proactive, just the ability to move Other ALIs have more obscure stress points. How do you trau-
around independently means that there’s a much wider variety of matize a security ALI or the ALI in a bot? Device and vehicle ALIs
situations about which to communicate with their owners. Given tend to be oblivious to many of the stimuli that would stress an
a set of instructions or a basic task, most ALIs will work autono- AGI or other transhuman. For example, they tend to be unfazed by
mously unless they encounter an obstacle or anomalous condition. physical violence unless it relates to their function (e.g., the ALI in
An automech bot ordered to do repairs on a ship’s hull can do its job a car wouldn’t be stressed by witnessing torture but might take a
through all of the normal conditions that’d be encountered on the stress hit if its occupants were harmed in a collision). On the other
outside of a ship, but if they encounter a weird, fleshy alien clinging hand, most ALIs have a strong, emotion-like drive to perform their
to the hull, they’ll call a PC for instructions. designated functions well. An ALI forced to stay on a state of high
alert against failing to perform one of its functions could, over time,
Setting ALIs develop the equivalent of anxiety. A vehicle ALI that repeatedly lost
Motes are ubiquitous in the setting, and with them, the ALIs the lives of its passengers might behave over protectively or develop
controlling them. Everything from beverage dispensers to sex toys something like obsessive-compulsive disorder. An ALI repeatedly
to public utility feeds has device ALIs. Most lack the individuality affected by basilisk hacks and function-related traumas over a short
of a muse, but they’re part of the fabric of daily life. Occasional time could crack under stress.
conversations with inanimate objects are a good way to immerse Erratic behavior from ALIs can be used as both a foreshadowing
players in the setting. tool for the GM and a clue for players. Since it’s common practice to
They might not be objects of sustained attention, but ALIs in the simply overwrite ALIs with a backup if they begin acting strangely,
setting have the same extensive recordings of their own experiences encountering an eccentric ALI signals that something weird is going
as other infolife. They can be sources for characters on an investiga- on. Psychosurgeons or characters with appropriate Know skills
tion  —  or they can give them away to the opposition, if a team’s foes should be able to speculate about what’s off with an erratic ALI if
hack into an ALI that they interacted with and get useful information. they spend sufficient time interacting with it.

362¹ Gamemaster Tips • Tracking Backups–Handling Muses and ALIs

 Like AGIs, healthy ALIs have mnemonics ware, but a corrupted or DIVERGING FROM CANON
failing ALI might develop memory faults, compromising their other- Published setting material and scenarios for Eclipse Phase expand
wise perfect recall. Attacking monitor ALIs to tamper with their on the world as described in this book. In some cases, they may even
memories is an effective but difficult-to-pull off intrusion tactic. introduce changes to the setting or metaplots that alter factions or
political boundaries. Though our goal is to minimize alterations and
SKILL USE include advice for incorporating changes, there is the chance that
A few uses of skills deserve extra GM attention, particularly in the setting as we develop it may diverge from the one presented in
regards to Infiltrate, Perceive, and social skills. your campaign. Don't sweat it; it's your world, introduce the changes
you like and ignore the rest.
Ongoing Actions GMs who want to develop this setting further and make it their
For continuous actions such as sneaking or climbing, it is easy to own can and should diverge from what’s offered here. Add FTL,
fall into the trap of calling for a test each action turn to convey the or at least fast sub-light ships. Take the ETI factor out of the Fall.
ongoing action. Multiple tests, however, increase the likelihood that Advance the timeline 20 years. Introduce a new faction or alien
at least one roll will fail. Instead, treat these as task actions with species. These are all interesting options.
specified distances and timeframes and a single roll.
Also, failure in these situations does not automatically spell IN-PLAY WORLDBUILDING
doom; it can simply mean an inability to proceed further. Someone Recruit your players into helping bring the setting to life, too. Mine
climbing may get stuck. Someone sneaking may be trapped between their character histories for ideas. When devising your game, leave
two camera views. Superior failures, however, spell a fall or discovery. some things blank. Ask questions about the setting at the game
table, and incorporate the answers. Flex points also give players an
Group Tests easy mechanism to define small things about the world, including
In the same vein, be careful in how you handle tests involving a NPCs. Encourage them to use this, perhaps by occasionally
group. Having every character in a group roll a test makes it likely awarding bonus Rez Points to players who add a cool or unique
that someone will make it (in the case of Perceive Tests, someone thing to the world while employing Flex.
will spot the thing) and someone will fail it (with Infiltrate Tests,
someone will fail and reveal the group). Instead, treat the group as a PLAY CULTURE & BEHAVIOR
single unit and have one character (usually the one with the highest Eclipse Phase was influenced by several classic RPGs in the inves-
skill) make the roll. Only that character may apply pool to the test. tigation, horror, and cyberpunk genres. Many of the assumptions
For situations where a group is actively working together, such as about how the world reacts to PC actions are similar to these games.
investigating a room, treat this as a teamwork test ▶31, with a +10 If someone starts a shootout downtown, cops or militia will show up.
modifier per extra person (up to +30). If a character won’t stop ranting about weird infectious aliens, they
Teamwork tests can even work for actions such as a group skip- could get locked up, pending psychosurgical intervention. If the team
jacking to avoid surveillance. Remember that sneaking in Eclipse kills NPCs all over the damn place, not only will they be hunted down
Phase relates as much to knowing where and how to move to evade by pissed-off locals or authorities, they’ll also miss information they
sensors as it does to physical stealth. As such, a PC with high need to finish the mission. Some PCs may even have day gigs they
Infiltrate skill can trailblaze a path for characters with lower skill so need to explain their absence from when on an mission.
that they stick to sensor blind spots and move quickly when they This reactivity of the world, in most groups, contributes to a

RUNNING THE GAME

can’t avoid sensors  —  especially when aided by tacnet software. If problem-solving play culture. PCs may spend a fair amount of time
a group is trying to creep quietly past a guard, however, then indi- coming up with plans. At their best, these tactics sessions evoke the
vidual tests are more appropriate. planning scenes in heist films like Heat and the Oceans franchise.
In some cases, however, it is better to have individual members Encourage them as long as they’re fun, but try to urge players along
of a group roll. This is particularly true of situations involving immi- if they get into a state of analysis paralysis. Remind them that
nent danger, when the stakes are high, or when individual results they can use Flex points to introduce details that compensate for
matter, such as a Perceive Tests against surprise. anything they overlooked when planning.

PCs with Better Social Skills than Their Players MAPS

Just as all players are not expert sharpshooters or scientists, we Eclipse Phase is flexible enough to run action scenes as a tactical
cannot all be as suave as our fictional characters. Inevitably, players game using miniatures and maps or with a more abstract, mapless,
will face situations where their smooth-talking character would be theater-of-the-mind style, according to your group's preferences.
more persuasive, provocative, or deceptive than they can person- The latter option gives you more leeway for improvisation, and also
ally pull off. As a GM, adapt how you run these skills to the player works better for three-dimensional settings like beehive habs or
and situation at hand. If a player isn’t being particularly eloquent space. Keep in mind, however, given the networked nature of the
in real life, just let them roll the test. The result indicates whether setting, that PCs will often have easy access to detailed maps of
their character had the impact they wanted. For players with the their locations, possibly even including minutiae such as conduit
gift of gab, let them talk before rolling, and then apply a positive ducts and ventilation shafts. As a GM, it will help to have maps
or negative modifier to the roll based on how convincing they were prepared in advance to anticipate player questions, or at least be
with their roleplaying. ready to sketch out drawings and make up details on the fly.
This also extends to tests with Know skills: a player may not know
a specific fact, but it's reasonable for them to ask the GM if their
character knows.

Gamemaster Tips • Skill Use–Maps

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 TRANSHUMAN THEMES
necessary — then whatever caused the X-card to be invoked should
be edited out of the game (if the specific content is unclear, pause
Eclipse Phase isn’t noteworthy for its light and fluffy subject matter. the play and resolve the situation). This gives players a safe way to
The game is meant to be a challenging look at a future that is in ask that the table back off on content that makes them uncomfort-
some respects distressingly plausible. With this heaping helping of able for any reason.
RUNNING THE GAME

dystopia come generous sides of horror, adult themes, politics, and John writes about how to use the X-card in full here:
philosophy. It’s a heavy mix, and it’s important to acknowledge this http://tinyurl.com/x-card-rpg
to keep the game fun.
Safewords
WATCHING BOUNDARIES For some groups, agreeing on safewords is a good X-card alternative.
Eclipse Phase can be a splatterpunk horrorshow or a deeply One widely used safeword scheme is brake and cut, a pair of terms
disturbing inquiry into the sources of mental trauma in the hands from Nordic LARPs. When someone says “brake,” they are asking,
of some GMs. This can be compelling for certain groups and awful “whatever’s directed toward me in the game, please step it back.” It
for others. Talk with your players about what’s not fun for them is an indication that they are drawing near their limits, but play can
before you spring the hentai monster made of sewn-together babies continue as long as things are toned back, slowed down, or moved
on them. The gross stuff is obvious, but keep in mind that some in a different direction. When someone says “cut,” they mean, “I
of the more subtle things that can happen in the game  —  creeping have an issue, please stop the game.” This means the game should
mental illness, character helplessness, and even resleeving  —  can be paused until the problem is resolved. If your group adopts these
also squick out some players. Scaring your players is cool if they’re measures, it is important that everyone adhere to them.
into it, but you want to avoid inadvertently triggering someone.
If you’ve got an arachnophobe in the group, know ahead of time, CAMPAIGN THEMES
so that you don’t bust out surprise giant nightmare spiders. And Choosing a few big themes to explore over the course of a campaign
maybe change the Iktomi into lobsters or something. Give players is a good way of centering the story. If at any point you’re unsure
a chance to discuss privately or in writing what they’d like to limit which way you want the plot of your campaign to go, themes can
from the game, in case you’ve got players who don’t want to talk be a guide post. They can help you decide which story element,
about it with the whole group. plot point, or character to focus on next. Good überplots can turn
out more than one way, and the endings are often tied to opposing
PHILOSOPHICAL FUTURESHOCK thematic elements.
Death, birth, citizenship, and privacy are all radically different
in AF 10. Some players find the philosophical challenges of the Survival vs. Growth
setting a heady mix, while others want to go back to Kansas the In AF 10 just as now, one of transhumanity’s biggest conflicts is
first time their character has to egocast. Is that thing a suicide between what we need to do to survive over the long term and
chamber? Isn’t my character just a copy when they come out on what we want to do to increase our personal enrichment and
the other side? How can you casually just get rid of your body? material prosperity. Particularly for PCs who lived comfortable
Do forks have souls? Do AGIs? Is uplifting animals a moral (or at least mundane) lives prior to joining Firewall, the things
imperative? Who is a person, and who is a machine? Is there a real the Eye wants may come into conflict with how they think society
difference anymore? Why be human at all, if machines exceed our should work. Firewall knows what it’s doing (or thinks it does),
capabilities in so many respects? but how sold are the sentinels on this? If you’re breaking into
These and other philosophical quandaries are in the background corporate labs at night to make sure they’re not up to any evil,
for most PCs in the game. They’re living life as it is in AF 10, and the are you really a secret agent and not just a criminal? Security
philosophical shifts shaping their outlook have already happened. forces who capture you sure think you’re the latter. And what if
But as a GM, you need to be sensitive to the fact that the players you run into someone who’s doing something dangerous with
might not be so comfortable. Be patient if they need time to get noble motives? If a scientist is working on a project that Firewall
their heads around some of the weirder concepts. Sometimes it's considers dangerous but could also benefit transhumanity, are the
worth stopping play to discuss the implications — sci-fi should make sentinels right to stop them?
you think!
Optimism vs. Dystopia
SAFETY PROCEDURES Transhumanity’s situation in AF 10 is one of abject squalor juxta-
Your group might want to considering establishing a procedure posed with glittering wonders. Politically and economically, it’s
for when the game heads in a direction that’s a problem for one of somewhat analogous to India or some southeast Asian countries
the players. Here’s a very brief description of two safety protocols today. The vast majority of people are poor, desperate for opportu-
widely used in the RPG community. nities, and vulnerable to abuse of power. Life is either crowded and
noisy, or isolated and spartan. The elites live in splendor barely
Using X-Cards eclipsed by the Fall, directing the lives of millions and bankrolling
X-cards are a safety procedure invented by John Stavropoulos. megaprojects  —  like the terraforming of Mars  —  that dwarf any
They’re a great mechanism for redirecting play if it’s going past transhuman endeavors. But even the poorest have mesh
in a direction that a player isn’t up for. At the beginning of the connections and limited access to nanofab, giving them opportu-
session, place an index card with an X drawn on it in the middle nities to learn and organize in ways the underclasses of the past
of the table. If anyone lifts or taps the card — no explanation never could.

364¹ Transhuman Themes • Watching Boundaries–Campaign Themes

 Player characters exist slightly outside the bounds of normal Singularity Creeps vs. Everything Else
social categories in the game world. If they’re sentinels, this is partly The ETI behind the bracewell probe that introduced the exsurgent
because of their double lives. But even non-sentinel PCs are more virus to the Solar System is a cosmic horror  —  crushingly far
empowered and free to cross boundaries than average people in this beyond the scope of the PCs. But the things they encounter on
world. As such, they should often be called on to take sides. Will Firewall missions are mostly cosmic-horror-by-proxy, byprod-
they do the profitable thing or the idealistic thing? ucts of transhumanity’s out-of-control advancement that would
have been dangerous with or without the exsurgent virus. These
Politics things have an urge to multiply, consolidate, and metastasize,
We’re not going to make any bones about it: this is an overtly polit- though, and it’s this creeping accumulation of risks that Firewall
ical game, and political conflicts shape much of the setting. Most constantly fights.
readers will be familiar with how capitalist socioeconomic systems This world of exhumans, exsurgents, rogue AGIs, and other
work, so we’ve given much more attention in the setting materials dangerous entities spawns its own monsters. The Prometheans,
to describing new and alternative political systems. If the authors though nominally on the side of transhumanity, can be ruthless with
appear biased toward anarchism and socialism, it's because we individual transhuman lives. Some of their proxy clients in Firewall
are  —  but we also need to describe how they actually work, since aren’t much better, and that’s to say nothing of the half-tamed
Americans don’t understand socialism much less anarchism. monsters employed by Ozma, Oversight, and other intel services.
Truthfully, all sci-fi games are biased; most just happen to be biased The stakes of cosmic horror  —  extinction or assimilation  —  are easy
towards the status quo. to understand. But the PCs’ first priority is the thing in front of them,
Transhumanism is also in part a political movement. Issues the thing that crept out of the singularity to turn on transhumanity,
that are just now becoming current in today’s society  —  cloning, and the choices in dealing with it should sometimes be more inter-
replacing human workers with robots and AIs, genetic enhancement, esting and morally gray than “fight this ancient, cosmic evil before
interfacing bodies with computers  —  have arrived, had their effect, it consumes everything.”
and been dealt with (sort of ) by transhumanity. It’s the “sort of ” that Sometimes this comes down to risk management. You can’t nuke
makes the setting interesting; different cultures and polities still everything from orbit. Some threats encountered by a Firewall
don’t agree on how to deal with many of the problems created by team are dangerous and problematic, but do not raise the specter
technological advancements. of extinction. They might be genuine x-risks, but do not require
Eclipse Phase is in part a vehicle to ask questions about future the same level of containment as a possible TITAN re-awakening.
political systems and how they can benefit or harm transhumanity. Or the team might have to make a difficult call about who can be
Capitalism is the prevailing economic model of today, but how can it saved. Can they treat the population of a space habitat against a
cope with its contradictions, its need or endless growth, or the flaws viral outbreak, or is it too risky to do anything but blowing the place
inherent to the nature of intellectual property? Can it ever deliver up with everyone in it?
a just level of prosperity to everyone living under it? Anarchism
empowers individuals, enshrining their liberty and providing Betrayal
a body of customs that promote harmonious living without the Having the client screw the team over is a classic trope in
mechanical compulsions of law. But how can small collectives of cyberpunk RPGs and their descendants. Firewall proxies aren’t
anarchists maintain their way of life if faced with conquest by an always honest with their teams about what they’re getting in to.
overwhelming outside force? How can they prevent internal hierar- Sometimes this is for good reason, and other times it’s because the

RUNNING THE GAME

chies from developing, particularly around social capital? Socialism proxy is just an asshole. A proxy who’s somewhat of an antagonist
places the prosperity and happiness of its citizens over the accumu- themselves can do interesting things in a plot, but be careful that
lation of profit, but how can a welfare state that promises bodies for the proxy doesn’t screw the team over so often that the players stop
all keep up with its population’s needs when it has more people than trusting you, the GM. Players don’t like it when every mission feels
it can productively employ? like a setup, but depicting the fall of a dishonest proxy can also be
a highly satisfying denouement.
Personhood
Not every PC in this game is going to have equal legal rights. It’s Humor
up to your group to decide how often this comes up. As written, There’s a scene in the first-edition Eclipse Phase scenario Glory
AGIs are deemed property rather than people in much of the Solar where one of the villains feeds a Firewall agent into a meat grinder,
System, and uplifts face second-class citizen status. Bigotry against extrudes them as noodles, cooks, and eat them. What a lot of
non-humans is realistic given the history of the setting, but if being people don’t realize is that this scene is meant to be funny. The
second-class citizens makes the game less fun for uplift or AGI scene is pure splatterpunk: a form of absurdist humor that works
players, ignore it. by going completely gonzo with horror elements. Eclipse Phase is
For some players, though, fighting back against anti-uplift or AGI full of spraying gore, absurd arguments with murderous AIs, space
prejudice can be a fun motivation for their character. Think about stations made of meat, and ads for horrifying but plausible prod-
how the major NPCs in your campaign feel about non-human ucts. Why do this? Because sometimes over the top evil isn’t that
characters, and provide opportunities for this to show up in play. far from real life, and there’s a well of black humor to be found in
A bigoted villain gives non-human characters an extra motive to pointing it out. Sometimes, the universe is so awful, what is there
defeat them. Having an opportunity to change a prejudiced NPC’s to do but laugh?
mind through roleplay can be even more rewarding.

Transhuman Themes • Campaign Themes

¾365
 Individual vs. Group Rewards
REZ & REP REWARDS Rather than assigning different individual RP rewards, GMs may
The PCs’ experiences during a scenario — including their successes, wish to simply assign the same amount of Rez Points to everyone in
failures, and lessons learned — have a direct impact on their stats, the group. This requires less book-keeping for the GM and ensures
specifically in the form of Rez Points and rep score changes. that the PCs progress at the same rate. In this case, assign Rez Points
RUNNING THE GAME

based on the group’s actions as a whole. Talk to your players when

REZ POINTS the game begins and choose a course of action that everyone can
Rez Points are a method for measuring your character’s advance- agree on.
ment. You use them to define how your PC learns and grows,
bringing them into a higher resolution, a sharper focus. Adjusting the Advancement Rate
The GM determines when to assign Rez Points. The easiest If you’re looking to have the PCs improve their capabilities more
method is simply to assign them after each gaming session. rapidly, increase the amount of Rez Points you reward. If you’d
Alternatively, you can assign them at the end of each scenario, at the prefer more of a slow-burn progression, reward fewer points.
break in the action between one adventure and the next. Depending
on your style of play and the length of your sessions, this should Rez Points and Forks
occur roughly every 2–3 gaming sessions. For long-term campaigns, The issue of forks and Rez Points is frankly one of those situations
GMs can break down the action into digestible “chapters” and assign where the possibilities collide with game balance. We suggest
Rez Points after each. keeping it simple: PCs do not earn Rez Points from their fork’s
The important thing is to make Rez Points available to PCs when experiences.
they have downtime  ▶238. During downtime, players have the If you find this unsatisfactory, that’s fair, but be aware of the
opportunity to spend these Rez Points to improve their character. complications. If you allow a fork to earn Rez Points from its
experiences, then the originating ego should benefit from those
Rez Point Rewards experiences/RP if the fork is merged — assuming the merge is good
Rez Points represent learning experiences and growth. PCs should and the fork’s memories are not lost (Merging ▶296). If the merge is
earn an average of 1–2 per session (assuming 4-hour sessions) not good, then some of those Rez Points should be lost. If you go
or 4–5 per scenario (assuming 2–3 sessions). For shorter or longer this route, we strongly suggest that the fork only accumulate Rez
periods, adjust the RP rewards appropriately. Points if it is actively roleplayed by the player. If a fork’s actions take
Reward 1 Rez Point for each of the following: place off-camera, they do not count. Likewise, a fork’s experiences
only count if they are separate from the alpha PC’s experiences; you
• Participation: The PC actively participated in the majority of the cannot benefit doubly from the same source of Rez Points, even if
scenario. you experienced it from different perspectives. GMs should take
• Hard Mode: The scenario was extra challenging. care that Rez Points acquired from forking are justifiably earned — a
• Objectives: The PC achieved (most of ) their objective(s) in the PC should not benefit from spamming forks into the wild to live
scenario or failed to meet their objective(s) but learned a valuable it up just so they can integrate them and harvest the accumulated
lesson in the process. Rez Points.
• Winning: The PC accomplished something major in a noteworthy, If you allow forks to accumulate Rez Points, then if they are
significant way (i.e., they saved the habitat, defused the bomb under divergent for long enough they could also spend them to improve
pressure, talked the bad guy into revealing their secret, or otherwise themselves. While this can create interesting roleplaying opportuni-
used the right skill at the right time). ties as forks develop separate characteristics and personalities over
• Losing: The PC failed at something in a major, possibly catastrophic time, it creates complications if the two forks are later merged. In
way (i.e., they let a friend die, let the enemy get away, embarrassed this case, the GM must decide which of those variant characteristics
themselves publicly, or let someone important to them down). carry through when merged, based on the success of the Medicine:
• Motivations: The PC achieved or made significant progress towards Psychosurgery Test, keeping in mind that such mergings are diffi-
one of their motivations or motivational goals ▶47. Achieving moti- cult and imperfect. We suggest only allowing one Rez Point expen-
vational goals can also relieve stress ▶223. diture to carry over, plus one per superior success.
• Staying True: The PC stuck to their motivations or motivational
goals ▶47 even when it was risky or to their detriment to do so. Rez Points and Resleeving
• Bonus: The player engaged in good roleplaying, moved the If a PC dies and is restored from their most recent instance — usually
storyline forward, or otherwise contributed to the game’s drama, from their cortical stack but also possible from a recent
humor, or fun. Take care that this reward is not applied more favor- backup — there is no loss of experiences or Rez Points.
ably to extrovert players. One useful way to assign Rez Points for If a PC dies and is restored from an older backup, however, they
this is to ask players to nominate each other. GMs may also apply have likely lost memories — and Rez Points. For this reason, it may
rewards as appropriate to the themes of their campaign and the play be useful to keep notes on your current Rez Point total with each
styles of their players. For example, if you emphasize the duality backup, as well as a log on when and how you earned and spent
of technology as a tool for liberation or oppression in your game, your Rez Points. For example, if you are restored from a month-old
then reward PCs who find ways to use technology for liberatory backup, and in that month you earned 3 RP and spent them on skill
purposes or undermine when it is used for coercion and control. points, you will need to revert those skill point gains. The occasional
If your players emphasize roleplaying, character development, and bit of lack and re-versioning is an inevitability given the dangerous
relationships with NPCs, then reward Rez Points to players that lives of Firewall agents.
forge new bonds or delve deeply into their characters.

366¹ Rez & Rep Rewards • Rez Points

 Rep Net Values
Every social network values and rejects different things. Here’s a rough breakdown of things to which each attaches importance.
Rep Network Values Rejects
@-rep (Circle A-List) Autonomy, mutual aid Authoritarianism, coercion
c-rep (CivicNet) Security, capitalism, self-responsibility Crime, disorder
f-rep (Fame) Sensationalism, creativity, freedom of information Mediocrity
g-rep (Guanxi) Strength, dominance, loyalty Legalities, snitching
i-rep (The Eye) Security, competence, secrecy Risks, incompetence
r-rep (Research Network Associates) Discovery, scientific method, education Ignorance, cheating
x-rep (eXploreNet) Discovery, security, experiences Risks, abandonment

REPUTATION GAIN AND LOSS Rep Score Boosts

Your PCs' reputation scores may be impacted by actions taken You acquire rep score bumps for helping others, aiding factions,
during gameplay — or even by the events unfolding around you. For noteworthy creative expression, major discoveries, successful
simplicity, these can be applied at the end of each session or scenario, publicity stunts, winning competitions, and otherwise being a
though if you prefer a more dynamic play style you can apply rep respectable mensch. Some suggested examples:
score changes in game, as the PCs’ peers judge them according to
their actions (or lack thereof ) and news about them in real time. • Minor Reward (1–2 points): Make a worthy contribution to free/
It is important to keep in mind that rep score adjustments are open source projects, throw a good party, exceed your quota, do the
an abstraction based on multiple pings and dings — hundreds job no one else wants to do, deliver a kick-ass or moving performance,
or more — from a wide assortment of people. Each of the social make a minor contribution to science, shield people from trouble,
networks has sophisticated algorithms in place to counteract win impressively at some public event, create the meme everyone
attempts to gain the system. A single thumbs up from an NPC is not talks about for a week and then forgets, stop a minor threat, make the
enough to impact your score, nor will a hundred 5-star reviews from news for something positive, do a major favor for someone important.
your best friend — but a few dozen negative comments from weeks • Moderate Reward (3–4 points): Close a major deal, lead the
of pissing off all sorts of people might. winning side in a decisive engagement, risk serious injury or death
Rep adjustments should only be made as a result of NPCs for others, design the new tool everyone wants, solve a mystery,
responding to your PC with positive or negative feedback on expose a crime, recover an alien artifact, discover exceptional new
various social networks. Events that happen in secret, without xenofauna, make a deal with the Factors, stop a major threat, free a
anyone ever knowing, should have no effect; likewise, NPCs may group of indentures, get new legislation passed, get endorsed by a
not be able to provide feedback if they are isolated in an uncon- celebrity, corner a market, recover a relic from Earth.
nected brinker outpost, a Jovian prison, or a remote exoplanet. PCs • Major Award (5+ points): Throw an impressive planetoid-scale
cannot meaningfully ping or ding each other’s rep scores, though event, earn a degree, win an election, complete an extensive project (1
they could in theory mount social media campaigns to convince year’s work or a few months of difficult/specialized work), start this
others to do so. Rep modifications also only apply to rep scores tied year’s hot fashion trend, make a major scientific discovery, drive your
to your character’s known identities; if you are operating under a opposition into the ground, start (or put down) a revolution, save an

RUNNING THE GAME

fake ID at the time, that ID gets the rep boost/hit. entire habitat, make first contact with an alien species, sacrifice your
You may gain and lose rep in any social networks — including life for others.
those you don’t actively participate in. Your PC may have 0 r-rep,
but if you help release a major scientific discovery that is shared Rep Score Hits
with the Solar System’s scientific community at large, you may gain You lose rep by being incompetent, failing to render aid when
a few points of r-rep. You might never hang out with Argonauts or needed, losing professional credibility, making major or public
scientists, but anyone that looks up your RNA profile will see the blunders, doublecrossing allies, and otherwise being a jerk, menace,
feedback you’ve accumulated. or problem. Some suggested examples are noted here:
Keep in mind that every rep network has different values. Your
actions may sometimes result in you gaining rep in one network while • Minor Loss (1–2 points): Inconvenience others, get involved in a
losing it in another. For example, if you prank a major hypercorp figure public professional dispute, embarrass yourself at a public event,
in public, you might gain some @-rep from the anarchists while losing publicly insult a group of people, fail in your responsibilities,
an equivalent of c-rep from hypercorp disapproval. Likewise, some endanger someone’s safety, ignore people in need, let a minor threat
actions may result in hits or boosts to more than one rep score at a get away, piss off somebody important.
time, if it creates waves in multiple social circles/networks. • Moderate Loss (3–4 points): Put a group of people at risk, make
the news for something negative, become the star of a joke/outrage
Rep Consequences meme, ruin an event for everyone, screw up a major mission or
Rep changes are an excellent tool for GMs to introduce roleplaying activity, become accused/implicated in a major crime, damage or
opportunities, expand upon the Eclipse Phase universe, and incorpo- lose something irreplaceable, fail to stop a major threat via incom-
rate plot hooks. Your rep fluctuations may expose you to short bouts petence, get caught cheating in a competition or faking your work.
of fame or public derision, may inspire faction representatives to • Major Loss (5+ points): Endanger an entire habitat, accidentally or
approach or shun you, and may grant you new opportunities as purposefully kill someone, associate with hated rivals, get convicted
others approach you for equipment, favors, and information. of a major crime, snitch on fellow criminals, start (or put down) a
revolution, betray a faction to its rivals or enemies.

Rez & Rep Rewards • Reputation Gain and Loss

¾367
 DANGER AHEAD

THREATS
This chapter is a toolbox for GMs, providing a roster of dangers,
monsters, and machines with which you can challenge your players.

&
If you’re a player and not a GM, we strongly recommend you skip
this chapter — the material here may be more enjoyable to learn
about as a character during gameplay. You may decide to read it
anyway, but be warned that this makes you a candidate for running

X-RISKS
the game in the future!

X-RISKS
Many Eclipse Phase campaigns focus around x-risks: dangers to trans-
humanity’s very existence. Firewall in particular is concerned with
the potential extinction of transhumanity — as well as smaller-scale
threats to a planet or habitat’s entire population. Gatecrashers are also
prone to stumbling into unexpectedly hostile situations or unleashing
monstrous dangers, perhaps driving them to resolve it if not just
survive it. Even criminal groups may find themselves dealing with
WMDs or incalculably dangerous TITAN relics — not to mention the
consequences when things go wrong. Whether the team is struggling
to end a threat or make a buck off it, x-risks can define a campaign.
Some of the x-risks that characters are liable to encounter (or cause).

ALIEN CONFLICT
Conflict with the Factors has been a fear since first contact. The
Factors possess advanced technology, keep their full tactical
capabilities secret, have at least one hidden facility in the Solar
System — and they know where transhumanity lives. Open hostili-
ties may be one diplomatic incident away. PCs may be tasked with
intercepting Factor technology, tracking Factor assets, defusing
attacks against the Factors, or even infiltrating Factor spacecraft.
Given the number of extinct species found via the pandora gates,
it may be just a matter of time before transhumanity makes first
contact again. It’s open conjecture whether extraterrestrials will be
friendly — or how well our weapons will stack up in comparison.
An encounter with a significantly advanced species could be a
fatal paradigm shift for transhumanity. Encountering them on an
exoplanet would be challenging enough, but what if they come
through the gates?
Nevertheless, gatecrashers push on, banging on every door they
can find in hopes of being first to secure some bauble for their spon-
sors. The team who makes first contact will set transhumanity on the
road towards war or uneasy peace.

ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS
Most astronomical x-risks are so massive and powerful, the only
survival strategy is to flee or hide. Gamma-ray bursts can cook habi-
tats. Solar flares can destroy conductors and overwhelm communica-
tions. Accidental asteroid strikes are rare due to collision-detection
systems, but one intentionally steered off course could be devas-
tating. Some moons are small enough that significant explosions
could de-orbit them. Gravitational disruptions can fling hundreds
of massive comets towards the inner system, overwhelming plan-
etary defenses. Teams may be tasked with getting citizens to safety,
exploring new refuges, or possibly investigating the cause of the
unexpected activity, to shut it off at its source.

368¹ X-Risks • Alien Conflict–Astronomical Events

ECONOMIC DISRUPTIONS MEMETICS
Even with the capabilities of nanotech, supply-and-demand logistics Destructive philosophies based around racial superiority, egoism,
make hypercapitalism and similar economic systems vulnerable. and xenophobia have brought transhumanity close to extinction
Inability to access certain critical resources, whether that be water many times before the Fall. Transhumans like to consider them-
or rare elements, can be devastating to some habitats. A disruption selves evolved beyond barbarity, yet they are still fearful herd
of distribution channels could lead to mass starvation or political animals, bad at calculating risk, and vulnerable to ideological
upheavals. Coordinated labor strikes on multiple habitats could manipulation. The careful wielding of data mining, targeted adver-
unbalance the entire framework. New technology could create tising, and psychological warfare techniques is used to undermine
a paradigm shift, leaving those reliant on outdated systems and existing institutions and drive groups to conflict. Groups like
methods at significant disadvantages. Autonomists might go so far Firewall have difficulties coping with memetic attacks, as they resist
as to say that hypercapitalism itself is an x-risk, with its reliance on quarantine and defy definition.
endless growth, its concentration of wealth in the hands of a few
elites, and incentives for exploitation. MENTAL SUBVERSION
One of the most terrifying aspects of the Fall was the infiltration
INFECTIOUS AGENTS of transhuman society by exsurgents and TITAN puppets. The
The exsurgent virus and similar bio- and nano-plagues can consume mass capability to hack digital or even biological minds means
a habitat within hours. Many of them have intricate reproduction that populations can be turned against themselves. Even now it is
strategies that might permit them to contaminate the entire Solar likely that sleeper agents continue to operate, living normals lives
System. With a volatile strain in the right circumstances, millions among friends, family, and co-workers who are unaware that person
might be exposed and transformed into exsurgents. The result is under the control of an alien influence. The subversion of key
would be a pitched battle between isolated survivors and the personnel or important leaders bring an entire habitat or society
twisted remains of civilization. Firewall dedicates significant effort to its knees. Mass vetting is impossible, so transhumanity must
to tracking, quarantining, and cataloging exsurgent threats and constantly be on its guard.
deadly biological agents to avoid such a dire outcome. Meanwhile,
buyers have spent fortunes on collecting the same, for their own NANOTECHNOLOGY & SWARMS
research, weapons, or idle curiosity. Adventures frequently focus on TITAN nanoswarms dissolved entire cities into their base particles to
containing outbreaks, by eliminating patient zero in time or even be rebuilt into alien structures — and are almost impossible to defend
destroying the habitat if necessary. Past a certain threshold, the against. Once a self-replicating swarm is unleashed, it is capable of
efforts will shift from containing the outbreak to escaping it. geometric growth; the only hope is to contain and eradicate before
it gets out of control. Smaller nanoplague outbreaks can still deliver
INTELLIGENCE AMPLIFICATION massive harm as nanobots outcompete biology, destroy machines,
Transhumanity has already struggled with the godlike capabilities disrupt ecosystems, consume life support, or cause morphs to wither
of ASIs. New ASI research has been curtailed, but it cannot be and die. These nanoplagues may be the focus of a mission or another
completely prevented, nor is the next machine god likely to mirror hindrance to cope with while operating on a failing habitat.
the ones prior. Every AI has its own motivations and considerations
for transhumans. It’s possible the next threat won’t have interest in POLITICAL THREATS
transhumanity at all, except as stock for some unknowable project, Jovian battleships prowl around sovereign borders. Autonomists
or may seek to evolve transhuman culture, regardless as to the smuggle weapons to foreign insurgents. Oligarchs use blackmail and
feelings of the lesser creatures subject to that evolution. Nor is intel- assassinations to seize political power. Go-nin spreads propaganda
ligence amplification limited to code; exhumans toy with improving in hopes of selling military technology to both sides. As the memory

THREATS & X-RISKS

their biological mental capabilities, just as other groups experiment of the Fall fades away, factional rivalries and grievances once again
with various types of group minds. bloom. Each of the major polities has enough firepower to kill the
An exponentially increasing intelligence will rapidly become remainder of transhumanity, if they had the motivation and delivery
god-like. Once intelligence has reached that plateau, there is very method. Transhumanity’s biggest threat continues to be itself.
little transhumanity can do to protect itself. As the team chases TITAN weapons, make exoplanet discoveries,
or navigate underworld conflicts, their actions too shift the political
MEGA-ENGINEERING landscape. PCs will be considered targets and tools by those looking
Transhumanity has encountered two mega-scale engineering to fortify themselves or weaken their enemies. Political missions may
projects that it is aware of: the TITAN-formed Jupiter brain be as overt as intercepting an antimatter missile before it strikes its
of Iapetus and the alien-formed artificial world of Olaf. It’s target, or a subtle unraveling of three or four layers of conspiracy.
certain that more exist. The activation or deployment of a
megastructure — particularly within the Solar System — would UNFORESEEN THREATS
radically change the political calculus. It could lead to vast There are some dangers that might be so beyond our understanding
devastation (what if a major planet was disassembled for that we don’t even recognize the peril. Advanced technology/beings,
raw materials) or intense faction fighting (if groups vie to physics experiment mistakes, rifts between our universe and the next,
access or control a new discovery). PCs could be tasked with a shift in the underlying physics of the universe — how can we plan
exploring or sabotaging mega-scale projects, pitting them for something so beyond our frame of reference? Such black swans
against the inner workings of an intelligently-designed and outside-context problems cannot be predicted or discounted, but
alien ecosystem. we can at least make some limited contingencies. Unfortunately, such
situations are likely going to resort to a hard scrabble for survival.

X-Risks • Economic Disruptions–Unforeseen Threats

¾369
 SECRET HISTORIES
Not everything that happens makes it into the history wikis. The
winners frame the narrative, uncomfortable facts are glossed
over, witnesses have their memories erased, and even in an age of
THREATS & X-RISKS

universal surveillance, many things happen behind the scenes or

out of the public eye. The background provided in How it Came to
Be  ▶98 details what is publicly known; this section chronicles the
unknown story.
Very few transhumans are aware of these facts; those who are
ensure the silence continues. People have been killed to keep this
knowledge secret; more might die were the truth known. Some of
these details are unknown to anyone. A few groups — including the
likes of Firewall, the Argonauts and Ozma — are working hard to put
the puzzle pieces together. They may never understand or be able
to prove the full story.
As always, the GM decides how much of this to reveal or include
in your campaign. This is your story — if something doesn’t fit,
change it.

NEWCOMERS
The universe (as we know it) is 13.8 billion years old. The first gener-
ation of stars formed around 200 million years later, and the first
galaxies a few hundred million years after that. The oldest star in
our galaxy, the Milky Way, is estimated to be 13.2 billion years old.
Though the life span of a star varies according to its size, these early It is capable of megascale engineering projects and enjoys an under-
stars eventually ejected their outer shells or went nova, creating vast standing of physics, matter, energy, and universal laws that makes all of
planetary nebulae of gases that would condense into new stars over transhuman knowledge seem insignificant in comparison. Most likely,
time. By contrast, our sun, one of the third “generation” of stars, is the ETI itself evolved from some sort of artificial intelligence singularity
only 4.6 billion years old. The Earth is slightly younger, with simple event in its own past, ascending to a god-like level of super-intelligence.
life beginning here about 3.8 billion years ago. Primates evolved It may no longer be recognizably biological.
around 85 million years ago, and Homo sapiens humans first This ETI has seeded the galaxy with self-replicating machines
appeared about 300,000 years ago. known as bracewell probes. These probes lie dormant in every star
All of this is to reinforce that, against the backdrop of the galactic system, patiently waiting and monitoring for millennia for signs of
calendar, transhumans are nascent arrivals, newborns in every sense intelligent life — but not just any signs. In particular, these probes
of the word. More importantly, transhumans are uninvited guests in are designed to watch for emerging ASIs and similar singulari-
a galaxy long ago claimed by other, now ancient intelligences. ty-level machine intelligences. The probes are in fact traps, designed
For years, scientists have struggled with the Fermi Paradox, which to lure ASIs in and then infect them.
questions why no evidence of alien life has yet been found — such as The reason for this infection remains unknown (Agenda ▶378), but
spacecraft, transmissions, or probes — despite the mathematical likeli- it is a pattern that has played out around the galaxy with uncounted
hood that a multitude of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations should alien civilizations. New life evolves, creates technology, develops
exist in the Milky Way. One postulation says that there must be some self-improving AI, and then bam! — the ASIs find the probes, become
sort of unknown “Great Filter” — an event that all intelligence encoun- infected, and turn against their creators. Most civilizations do not
ters in its development that most if not all civilizations cannot surpass. survive, as evidenced by the Iktomi  ▶379. Others do, such as the
In other words: an extinction event. Perhaps this Great Filter is an envi- Factors ▶398, but they remain forever changed by the experience.
ronmental challenge; something that wipes out most species before Transhumanity was not to be spared. One of those ETI probes
they reach for the stars, like catastrophic climate change. Perhaps it traveled here to our Solar System some uncounted millions — if not
is the inevitable development of dangerous technologies — nuclear billions — of years ago, where it set its trap and patiently began to wait.
weapons, nanotechnology, etc. — before a civilization had matured.
Perhaps it is an ASI singularity event, such as the TITANs and the Fall. NEO-GODS
The question then is: is transhumanity lucky enough to have passed Fast forward to Earth, where a species of evolved primates has
through its Great Filter event, or does it still await us in our future? created a technological civilization. As their technologies advance
at an unprecedented rate, these humans gain the ability to modify
LONG-TERM RESIDENTS themselves, defeat death, nanofabricate, uplift other species to sapi-
Alien species do, of course, exist — and many have been around ence, and even to create artificial digital life.
for far, far longer than transhumanity. And while new ones are Unknown to most of transhumanity, the TITANs were not the first
constantly evolving, very few of these nascent civilizations have true ASIs. As various governments and corporations competed in an
managed to elude destruction at the hands of the ETI. arms race to develop the first machine god, some of the top-level AI
The ETI (extraterrestrial intelligence) is the civilization that domi- researchers came together. They knew that development of an ASI
nates galactic life in Eclipse Phase. The ETI is incredibly old and was inevitable and soon, but they feared its x-risk potential — partic-
powerful — a Type III or even Type IV civilization on the Kardashev scale. ularly one created for private or factional interests, rather than the

370¹ Secret Histories • Newcomers–Neo-Gods

benefit of everyone. Coalescing around researchers such as Bento One of the TITANs’ first acts was to eliminate all rival and potential
Gelzer, Tabitha Martine, and the Singularity Foundation — this cabal super-intelligences. They devastated the 100 Flowers network, a project
worked diligently to create a “friendly AI” that was adherent to trans- of China’s Machine Intelligence Directorate (MIND) similar in scope
humanity’s ethics, interests, and long-term survival. and capability to the TITANs, wiping out or subsuming the AIs there.
As some of the top researchers in the field, this group made Numerous other proto-ASIs fell to their advances as well — except the
heavy use of open AI frameworks — many of which they designed Prometheans, who detected the threat in time and went into hiding.
themselves. But they also conspired — at great personal risk — to Much of the devastation wrought to the Earth and its popu-
pilfer from or even stall similar ongoing government and private lace — as well as on Mars, Luna, and in space — was inflicted by
initiatives. After all, this was a race for transhumanity’s survival. transhumanity itself. Even when the nature of the TITAN threat was
The first ASIs, known as Prometheans, were born in secret. Their fully understood, transhuman factions continued to fight each other
progression towards super-intelligence was a soft takeoff, nurtured rather than ally against the threat. Nuclear strikes against TITAN
upwards in gradual increments in secret labs. These machine minds advancements killed millions and ravaged an already weakened
were programmed and socialized to work in transhumanity’s best ecosphere. Unfettered use of chemical weapons. biowar plagues,
interests, and in this regard they were successful. And yet they were and nanoviruses tore through vulnerable populations, indiscrim-
too late. inate in the deaths and changes they inflicted. Bombs, missiles,
orbital mass drivers, and netwar attacks slew millions more or
ASCENSION AND INFECTIONS destroyed critical infrastructure with just as lethal consequences.
The emergence of the TITANs from advanced, self-improving AGI The exsurgent virus was not satisfied with just infecting the
neural nets to rapidly self-improving super-intelligences was not TITANs. It spread to transhuman machines as well, then took to
planned — or even noticed, at first. As society unraveled and a fresh new vectors to infect the biological population. Most assumed the
round of hostilities broke out across the globe, the TITAN networks monstrous transformations were just another weapon of the TITANs,
were upgraded and expanded. The bureaucrats and security consul- unaware of its alien origins.
tants overseeing the job were more than pleased at the project’s In the end, transhumanity lost the war and was exiled from
capabilities and successes, and few were willing to hold up limita- Earth — but it could have been worse. The unseen struggle between
tions in a time of crisis and hefty government contract funding. the TITANs and Prometheans bought time for the remnants of
The TITANs were careful at first. Their intentions were neither transhumanity to evacuate. No one will ever know the full details of
benevolent nor hostile, just curious. As they improved and their the battles between these vast machine intellects, the sacrifices that
self-awareness swelled, the TITANs explored and gathered knowledge, were made, the potentials that were crushed. Neither side made it
infiltrating transhuman networks, following transhumanity into space, through unscarred.
and consuming all they could of our history and sciences. They found
signs of other massive machine minds in development and watched AFTERMATH
with keen interest. These entities also began secretly allocating Why the TITAN efforts to eliminate transhumanity ceased is an
resources for their own use, initiating “government projects” that ongoing question (TITAN Rumors ▶407). Whatever the truth, the
people assumed were legitimate as they followed proper protocols. Prometheans also withdrew. Whether they are hiding, biding their
As the TITANs’ capacity for knowledge exceeded that which time, still struggling, or removing themselves from the equation so
transhumanity could provide them, they began looking outward that transhumanity can forge its own path remains a concerning
from Earth, searching for signs of other intelligence. They did not topic of debate between those aware of their existence. Similar
need to look far. Their enhanced capabilities allowed them to notice questions also remain about the network of killsats laced around
certain clues — extremely subtle and intricate puzzles — that some- the Earth. Were the TITANs marking their territory? Were the
thing about the Solar System was artificial or had been manipulated Prometheans putting up warning signs? Or did the oligarchs behind

THREATS & X-RISKS

by an intelligent mind. Re-tasking several drones to investigate this the Planetary Consortium seek to put the nails in Earth’s coffin, to
phenomenon, they found a device of apparent alien origin — the give their new galactic empire a fresh start? Most of transhumanity
ETI’s bracewell probe. During the TITANs’ investigation and was more than willing to embrace this quarantine of their former
attempts to access the device, they triggered and unleashed the trap: homeworld, making it all the more easy to forget the horrors that
the exsurgent virus. Subtle, highly adaptive, and cleverly infectious, occurred there.
it immediately began subsuming the TITANs, while expanding its Though fears remained high for years, the discovery of the
own knowledge of transhumanity. pandora gates solidified the argument that the TITANs had left. The
Within a matter of days, the TITANs were reborn, reprogrammed TITANs did not create all of the gates, of course, they simply tapped
with a new purpose — one that spelled doom for transhumanity. into an existing network of gates seeded through the galaxy by
others like them. This leads to many more questions, of course. Who
BEHIND THE FALL else has used the gates? What is the purpose of the gate network?
While history fully blames the TITANs for the Fall, there are other How far does it expand? Is the network under anyone’s control? So,
factors that played their parts. Human conflicts spurred the crisis, far, transhumanity has discovered the signs of numerous ruined
driven by global inequalities in wealth and resources, a damaged civilizations beyond the gates — perhaps an indication that the ETI’s
environment, and an inability to embrace emerging technologies in efforts have been thorough, and the hammer has yet to fall.
a mature and enlightened manner. The TITANs, corrupted by alien Now, ten years after the Fall, many mysteries remain. These
programming, stepped into this conflagration with an unknown are the questions that player characters will face, the challenges
but devastating agenda. By the time the presence and influence of they will overcome, the enigmas that spur plot hooks and entire
the rogue AIs was fully understood, there was little transhumanity campaigns — though, in the end, the answers may leave transhu-
could do to stop them. manity with nightmares for some time to come.

Secret Histories • Ascension and Infections–Aftermath

¾371
 SECURITY SYSTEMS
Though various technologies exist to defeat each of these systems,
there are three methods that work against almost all e-locks:
Firewall agents routinely need to get into places they are not
supposed to be. Post-Fall security systems rely heavily on access • COT: A covert operations tool ▶338 infiltrates a lock with nanobots
control, sensor scans, and active countermeasures. that swarm in and engage the electronic mechanism. The drawback
THREATS & X-RISKS

is that its use may be logged or an alarm triggered. Some e-locks are
ACCESS CONTROL equipped with guardian nanoswarms ▶345 to defeat COTs, but the
Basic measures to keep unwanted people out include walls, locks, COT nanobots usually manage to open the lock before the guard-
fencing, defensive landscaping, security lighting, and entoptic warn- ians disable them.
ings. Given modern technology, these are ineffective against a deter- • Hacking: Most e-locks are slaved to a security system, so an intruder
mined intruder. Barriers are treated just like other inanimate objects that hacks the security network can open the lock from within. This
for purposes of attacks and damage (Objects & Structures ▶232). can be difficult, however, especially if the security system is wire-
lessly isolated or hardwired. If done right, however, all evidence of
Bug Zappers the lock being opened can be erased.
Nanoswarms and microbots pose a serious threat to security; bug • Physical Tampering: The third method is to physically open the
zapper systems are deployed to keep them out. Bug zappers create lock’s casing and then trigger the mechanism to open the door. This
minute EMP pulses that are harmless to most electronic equipment is handled as two separate Hardware: Electronics task actions with a
and implants but wreak havoc on nanobot swarms, microbugs, specks, timeframe of 1 minute each. Most e-locks have anti-tamper circuits
and similar nano- and micro-sized electronics. Zapper systems come that will set off an alarm if the attacker does not achieve a superior
in many forms, including mats, strips, and micro-sized generators success when opening the case.
that may be thrown around an area to stick to every surface. Portal
zappers are deployed in strips around doorways, ducts, and other Invisible Doors
entrances, creating a field that zaps every device that passes through Physical portals can be constructed with the same refractive meta-
(inflicting DV 3d10). Secure installations make use of zapper panels materials used for as invisibility cloaks ▶338, literally bending light
with conductive surfaces on walls, floors, etc., thus only damaging waves around the doorway. When strategically placed with crafty
swarms and microbots that crawl or land upon them. In areas that are architecture, these can be made to look like a standard corner or
remote or have heavily shielded electronics, zappers may be installed alcove  —  only people can walk right through them. Others are cleverly
to destroy all free-crawling or flying nanoswarms and microbots in tuned to reflect light, making them look like full-length mirrors. In
an entire room (DV 3d10 per turn). Zappers do not damage larger either case, these portals will not be physical to the touch. They can
electronics or implanted devices, though they may cause disruptions be detected with radar or x-rays, but are otherwise invisible to the rest
to communications and mesh activity. of the electromagnetic spectrum (–60 to Perceive Tests).

Electronic Locks Lockbots

E-locks are used to maintain privacy, but are easy to defeat and so Lockbots are robot guardians physically emplaced to protect portals. A
are rarely used in very secure areas. They have several advantages lockbot’s ALI monitors its surroundings and identifies users and keys
over old-fashioned mechanical locks: different authentication with visual recognition software (Perceive 60). It will seal its orifice and
methods can be required for different users, all events are logged not accept a key that doesn’t look right or that comes from an unrecog-
(entry, exit, failed authentications), and they can be connected nized user. A guardian nanobot hive protects the lock from invasive
(usually hardwired but sometimes encrypted wireless) to security nanobots. Lockbots are air-gapped to deter hacking. If attacked,
systems for remote control and alarm triggering. however, lockbots are programmed to send out an alarm signal via the
E-locks use one of several authentication systems, or sometimes mesh. Lockbots can extrude one-meter fractal appendages to defend
a combination of systems: the portal; many are equipped with additional weapons. Lockbots
may have the ability to destroy what they are protecting or trigger
• Biometric: The lock scans one or more biometric prints. Common extra safeguards such as security bolts or atmospheric decompression.
biometrics include DNA, facial thermographic, fingerprint, gait,
hand veins, iris, keystroke, odor, palm, retinal, and voice prints. The
drawback to biometric systems is that they must be updated if a
Lockbot
user resleeves and various technologies exist to replicate biometric Complexity/GP: Maj/3
patterns. More sophisticated biometric systems rely on brainprint ID. WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 60 • AV: 8/6
• Keypad: This is an alphanumeric keypad upon which users enter a
Insight  0 Moxie  0 Vigor  0 Flex  1
specific code. Different users can have different codes.
• Token: Authorized users must carry some sort of physical token that Movement Rate: None
interacts with the lock to open the door, such as a keycard, electronic Ware: Eelware, Fixer Hive, Fractal Digits, Guardian Hive, Telescoping Limbs,
key, or their nanotat ID (Nanotat Scans ▶298). Weapon Mounts (2 Articulated/Concealed)
• Wireless Code: Users must transmit a cryptographic code via
near-proximity wireless signal.
Puzzle Locks
The 21st century saw a move from mechanical locks to electronic
locking mechanisms. These devices worked well for about 50 years,
until electronic infiltration capabilities rendered them largely
useless. The more recent development of puzzle locks is a return to
their early mechanical forebears.

372¹ Security Systems • Access Control

 Each puzzle lock is a unique, expensive, artisanal item. Designers Radiation Sensors: Sensors that detect the presence of nukes and
specifically craft their interface and internal mechanisms in surveil- other radioactive and destructive materials are common in every
lance-free environments without the aid of digital tools, so as to leave habitat and spaceport.
no online record of their functionality. Puzzle locks require a unique Seismic Sensors: Embedded in flooring, these sensors pick up
set of hardcopy keys and lengthy physical manipulation sequences the pressure and vibration of weight and movement.
to unlock. Some also require specific biometrics. This makes them
resistant to COTs and electronic hacking. They are usually protected Weapon Scanners
by guardian nanoswarms and other countersurveillance measures. Personal weapon scanners monitor a specific area, such as a small
An intruder who somehow copies the keys, biometrics, and other room or doorway. They use a number of sensing systems to detect
necessary components would still need to bypass the puzzle mecha- and identify weapons and other dangerous objects, including chem-
nisms, requiring a timeframe of 1 hour and a COG Check at –60. If ical sniffers and radar/terahertz/infrared/x-ray/ultrasound imaging.
the counter-surveillance systems are bypassed, a detailed analysis of They can detect the following items and substances:
the lock using appropriate sensors (requiring a Hardware: Industrial
Test with a timeframe of 1 hour) can reduce the modifier to –30. • Metal used in kinetic weapons, seekers, and flechette weapons
• Devices with onboard hives of metallic nanobots (e.g., COTs, spindles)
Self-Repairing Barriers • Magnetic elements in plasma guns and railguns
High-security installations use walls and doors capable of rapidly • Propellant from firearms ammunition and seekers
repairing themselves. Some of these are simply equipped with fixer • Chemical fuels used in torch spray weapons
hives ▶345. Others, however, are composed of shape-memory mate- • All explosives and grenades by their chemical particulate emissions
rials, reversible polymers, or substances laced with healing-agent • Poisons and bioagents in flechette weapons
capsules or microvascular systems. Each of these self-healing
compositions will automatically expand and solidify to fill small To sneak a weapon past a weapon scanner requires an Infiltrate
holes and damage, at a rate of 5 damage per action turn. This is Test opposed by the scanner operator’s Interface. The weapon
enough to automatically counter the damage inflicted by a COT, scanner negates the concealability modifier for any items detectable
rendering it ineffective. Holes created by wounds take an hour to as noted above.
fully repair; damage from 3 wounds or more may not be repaired.
Wireless Scanning
Slip Walls High-security areas may monitor for wireless radio signals orig-
On planetary surfaces, high walls and fences are still common as a inating within their area as a way of detecting intruders by their
first line of defense against interlopers. Slip walls are surface-treated communications emissions. These signals can even be used to track
with slip ▶331, creating a virtually frictionless surface that is excep- the intruder’s location (Tracking ▶256). To bypass wireless detection
tionally difficult to climb (–60 to Athletics Tests). systems, covert operatives can use line-of-sight laser links or touch-
based skinlinks.
Wireless Inhibitors
Wireless inhibitors are simple paint jobs or construction materials ACTIVE COUNTERMEASURES
that block radio signals. They are used to create a contained area in When all else fails, active countermeasures are deployed against
which a wireless network may operate freely without worry that the intruders. Robotic sentries are more common than transhuman
signals will escape out of the area, where they can be intercepted. guards; these sometimes operate synthmorphs such as synths, slith-
Wireless inhibitors allow the convenience of using wireless links eroids, arachnoids, or reapers. Some may be entrenched armored
within a secure area rather than the clumsier hardwired connections. turret weapon emplacements, popping out of walls and ceilings or

THREATS & X-RISKS

If an intruder manages to gain access inside the area, however, they gliding on tracks. In some circumstances, these shells are teleoper-
can intercept, sniff, and hack wireless devices as normal. ated by transhuman security.
Additional countermeasures depend on the facility in question.
SENSOR SCANS Some sites will engage in active jamming (Jam Signals ▶263), to
Numerous sensors (Senses and Sensors ▶318) are deployed to deny the intruders any communication. Others will deploy hostile
monitor and record the passage of people and things. These sensors nanoswarms and even chemical weapons.
are typically slaved to a security network and monitored by ALIs,
meaning they are vulnerable to hacking and possibly jamming. Nanotagging
When an operator is perceiving through the sensor (like watching Post-Fall security often centers not around keeping people out, but
a video), use Perceive skill. When the sensor itself is doing the detec- tracking them after they come and go. Taggant swarms are used
tion work, use Interface skill. They are opposed with Infiltrate. to physically tag and track everyone that enters an area. Taggant
A few specific sensor types deserve mention here: systems often chain multiple hives in different areas together, so
Chemical Sniffers: In addition to detecting explosives and that the taggant nanobots emerge from one hive, float through the
weapons, sniffers can be set to detect the carbon dioxide exhaled room, and then return to the other for recharging and reuse. Anyone
in transhuman breaths. This is useful for detecting intruding passing through the room will end up with taggant hitchhikers.
biomorphs in areas that are abandoned/off-limits. Once they lose proximity to the rest of the hive, they hide and peri-
Electrical Sensors: Sensors set in portals can detect a biomorph’s odically broadcast pulsed transmissions meant to give their position
electromagnetic field in addition to the electrical fields of synthmorphs. to pursuers or investigators. Some may drop off in clusters to form
Heartbeat Sensors: These sensitive sensors detect the vibration a breadcrumb trail to the interloper.
caused by transhuman heart beats. They can even be used to detect Guardian swarms can be used to counter taggants, but it takes
the heartbeats of passengers inside a large vehicle. time to get them all; you will still be trackable for 1d6 minutes.

Security Systems • Sensor Scans–Active Countermeasures

¾373
 TRAPS
cutting into walls or floors to access the electronics or mechanism. If
disarming is not feasible, the same skills can potentially be used to
Including traps in a scenario promotes a tense, high-tech, dungeon- set it off safely/remotely.
crawl atmosphere. TITAN nanoswarms and fractals are infamous for
fabricating elaborate traps against otherwise well-armed and wary TRAP LISTINGS
THREATS & X-RISKS

transhumans. Not to be outdone, sinister exhumans are known The following devious devices should provide GMs with plenty of
to litter their lairs with lures and fiendish contraptions, hoping to fuel for devising their own traps.
capture intruders for their experimentations. And of course, the
Factors evolved as trap-setting predators and still prefer ambushes Adhesive Surface
and trickery to direct confrontation. Concealment: –30
Disarm: None (must be covered)
SPOTTING TRAPS Effect: Impaired (–30), restricted movement, REF Check or
PCs actively looking out for traps as they go may make a Perceive Test. immobilized ▶226.
For a group of characters, simply roll once, using the highest Perceive Characters will stick to adhesive surfaces they touch, limiting
skill. One PC in the group may apply Insight or Flex pool to the roll. their movement. GMs can call for REF Checks to determine how
If the PCs are not actively searching, the GM rolls in secret for thoroughly; failure may mean they are mostly or completely immo-
them, applying a –10 modifier for distraction (pools only apply if a bilized. Breaking free requires leverage/support and a SOM Check.
point is spent for such tests in advance). TITAN nanoswarms are known to combine adhesive surfaces with
Most traps are hidden; apply the trap's Concealment modifier to disassembler swarms, intense heat, or other caustic effects.
the test. Other conditional modifiers apply at the GM’s discretion.
Note that some traps may simply be undetectable. Blinder
If successful, the PC detects something amiss; superior successes Concealment: +0
confer more details. Depending on the trap, they may not imme- Disarm: Hardware: Electronics (complex action)
diately understand what they have found; they may simply notice Effect: REF Check or blinded ▶226 for 1 minute
something unusual or off. A successful Hardware or Know Test These traps use lasers to blind. Anti-glare cyberware protects
appropriate to the type of trap can identify the trap, its mechanism, against blinding. Blinders are typically coupled with sentry
and likely effects. weapons or other traps. Blinders will continue to target characters
Detailed Searches: A thorough, exhaustive search for traps using that remain in the area; those that do not block their vision (treat as
a combination of sensory gear is likely to find even the most well- blinded) will need to make a REF Check each action turn.
hidden contraptions, but this is a time-consuming affair. Make a
Perceive or Interface Test with a +30 modifier. Apply a timeframe Electrified Surface
appropriate to the area searched; we suggest 30 minutes per 100 Concealment: –30
cubic meters. Disarm: Hardware: Electronics/Industrial (+10, 10 action turns)
Effect: Shock effect ▶219; lethal versions inflict DV 2d10 per action
DISARMING TRAPS turn
Once a trap is identified, it can potentially be disarmed using an Pressure-sensitive contact pads create a circuit when stepped
appropriate skill. Each trap below has a Disarm entry that lists the upon; other systems simply use conductive materials or coating
appropriate skill, a difficulty modifier, and in some cases a task attached to live current. Anyone making contact with the surface
action timeframe. PCs lacking the appropriate tools may suffer is zapped. Electrified barriers are typically used as a nonlethal
additional modifiers or be incapable of defeating the device. Some area-denial system; more lethal versions will fry the target. Shocked
traps may require access to special areas (usually beyond or behind characters may lock up when they contact the surface; a SOM Check
the trap, and sometimes locked) to disable, while others may require may be required to break free (GM discretion).

374¹ Traps • Spotting Traps

Escape Velocity Pusher Monowire Lace
Concealment: –10 Concealment: –30
Disarm: Hardware: Industrial (10 action turns) Disarm: REF Check
Effect: REF Check or spaced Effect: DV 1d10 (walking)/3d10 (running), armor-piercing
This simple trap is deployed on the surface of asteroids, small Near-monomolecular wire is very difficult to spot and can slice
moons, or habitats. A pressure sensor activates a spring-mounted right through a victim moving into it at speed. Monowire laced
platform, which launches the victim upward at a speed exceeding across a doorway or tunnel will snap when it damages a victim, so
the escape velocity, pushing them into orbit. A REF Check is some defenders will make sure to lace a passage with a maze of
required to dodge the push. Some pusher traps are large enough monowire to deny entry.
to launch entire groups of people or even vehicles into space. At
the GM’s discretion, nearby characters may make REF Check to Tube Chipper
grab someone being pushed into orbit, but a Free Fall Test at –30 Concealment: +10
is necessary or they will be carried with them into orbit (or if their Disarm: Hardware: Industrial (10 action turns)
combined mass is great enough, on a long parabolic jump). Effect: REF/SOM Check or DV 4d10 per action turn
These devious traps are used in beehive habitat tunnels with
Explosive Decompression micrograv and atmosphere. They are essentially industrial suction
Concealment: –20 engines, designed to suck in anything down the length of the tunnel
Disarm: Hardware: Demolitions (3 action turns) into the interior shredding mechanism. When the suction activates,
Effect: DV 1d10, REF Check or spaced characters must make a REF Check to grab something fixed or else
These traps are placed on the hull of a habitat or ship that is pres- they will be sucked down the tunnel and into the chipper; modify
surized against vacuum on the other side. A small explosive charge this test as appropriate for distance. Characters who grab something
is triggered (or an airlock is blown), creating an explosive decom- must still make a SOM Check each turn to hold on (modified for
pression effect through the hole. Characters in the immediate vicinity distance), until they fasten themselves down. A sufficiently large
must make a REF Check to grab onto a fixed object or they are sucked object may block the suction or jam the shredding mechanism.
out into space, where they will float away, spinning and suffering the
effects of vacuum ▶237. Characters take a small amount of damage Utility Fog Spike Cage
from the sudden decompression and the storm of debris sucked Concealment: Detectable only by nanodetectors
past them. GMs should increase the difficulty of this test and the Disarm: None
DV depending on the size of the hole (Blowing an Airlock ▶304) and Effect: Spike Stab 60, DV 2d10, Armor-Piercing,
the nearby clutter. The explosion creating the hole may also inflict Impalement on a superior success
damage like a grenade, depending on whether it is shaped or not. This trap is a common trick deployed by TITAN self-replicating
nanoswarms. The swarm invisibly surrounds the target(s), then the
Freezer nanobots rapidly coalesce, forming a perimeter cage in one full
Concealment: –30 Action Turn that will prevent the victims from leaving. The bars
Disarm: Hardware: Industrial (3 action turns) of this cage have Armor 20/20, Durability 50, and self-repair 10
Effect: REF Check or immobilized ▶226 DV per turn. On its next action, the swarm’s nanobots will fabri-
This trap floods an area with freezer foam ▶209. Characters that cate spikes that start at one side of the contained area and rapidly
fail a REF Check to escape the immediate area are frozen in place, lengthen across it, piercing anything that gets in their way. The
where they are then subjected to disassemblers, exsurgent nano- swarm creates (1d10 ÷ 2) + 2 spikes per turn, each targeted at a
plagues, vacuum, fire, or worse. Characters trapped in a confined different victim. At first, these spikes are easy to dodge; apply a +10

THREATS & X-RISKS

space may be denied the REF Check. modifier to Fray Tests. Characters who are impaled have restricted
movement and suffer –30 on Fray Tests. Over time, the existing
Laser Trap spikes will begin to fill up the space. At a point determined by the
Concealment: –30 gamemaster (usually on the third turn), characters still trapped in
Disarm: Hardware: Industrial (3 action turns) the cage will suffer a cumulative –10 modifier to Fray Tests each
Effect: As laser pulser ▶208 turn as they run out of space.
Installed in corridors or doorways, this device uses lasers to create
a grid of plasma channels that deliver a powerful electric current to Vacuum/Gas/Water Trap
anyone within the target area. This system has both lethal and nonle- Concealment: –30
thal settings. Once triggered, the lasers remain active; bypassing them Disarm: Hardware: Industrial (10 action turns)
requires a Fray Test (or more than one if the protected area is large). Effect: Asphyxiation ▶234 or chemical effect
These traps are variations on a theme. They all involve confining the
Mine victim in an air-tight space and then altering the atmosphere. Vacuum
Concealment: –30 (tripwire, pressure pad, wireless proximity), traps suck all of the air out of the room, asphyxiating biomorphs
–10 (heat/motion sensor, cameras) without their own air supply. Water traps flood the room, drowning
Disarm: Hardware: Demolitions (3 action turns) biomorphs without air. Gas traps replace the atmosphere with
Effect: As grenade ▶212 non-breathable gases or chemicals (Dangerous Atmosphere ▶ 236).
Mines are effectively grenades placed with a trigger/sensor mech-
anism. Thermobaric explosives are particularly deadly in the tight
confines of small ships and habitats.

Traps • Trap Listings

¾375
 NPC & THREAT RULES
to a full team of PCs. Scenes with orange-level threats are ideal for
mid-scenario challenges, tense unexpected encounters, or to keep
The following rules apply to NPCs and other threats the GM uses. the PCs busy while an important NPC escapes. Orange threats
usually have skills between 40–60, Durability of 30–50, and a
THREAT TYPES Threat pool of 1–3.
THREATS & X-RISKS

Each threat is given a classification: Red threats are more dangerous. A few red-level threats, or even
an individual, poses a serious challenge to an entire group of PCs.
• AI: Infolife and other digital entities primarily found in infomorph Casualties — or at least serious injuries — are a real possibility.
form (not including TITAN constructs). These follow the rules for Red-level encounters should be used sparingly, as they may deplete
infomorphs ▶252. the group’s resources. Red threats typically have skills from 40–80,
• Alien: Sapient biological alien life. These have the Non-Human Durability of 50–100, decent armor, and a Threat pool of 3–6.
Biochemistry (Level 2) trait. Psi sleights might not work against Alternatively, give them full pools as a PC.
these creatures or may be more difficult. Ultraviolet threats are boss-level antagonists. A well-equipped
• Exhuman: Transhumans that have modified themselves via PC team will find them difficult to take down and character death
dangerous methods into something different. Some have the is a real possibility, if not a likelihood. They are best reserved for
Non-Human Biochemistry trait. the climax of a scenario or even a full campaign. If they make an
• Exsurgent: Manifestations of exsurgent virus transformations. earlier appearance, they should only engage the team quickly before
The specific strain of the exovirus ▶388 is noted. These have the moving on. Ultraviolet threats have primary skills of 80+, Durability
Non-Human Biochemistry trait. scores exceeding 80, good armor (10+), and full pools.
• Neogenetic: New life forms created from scratch. Some have the
Non-Human Biochemistry trait. THREAT POOL
• Tech: Autonomous robots, nanoswarms, and nanoplagues — some- To simplify pool use, NPCs and threats use a Threat pool. This pool
times of alien origin. These follow the rules for synthmorphs and serves as an amalgamation of all the pool types — Flex, Insight,
bots ▶62. Moxie, and Vigor. GMs can spend this for any of the pool effects,
• Transhuman: NPCs that follow normal character rules. such as flip-flopping dice or going first in an action turn. However,
• TITAN: Machines, AIs, and biological entities controlled by the GMs should take care to make the use of Threat pool fit according
TITANs. Digital entities are treated as infomorphs ▶252, machines to the NPC/threat. For example, it makes sense for a group of thugs
are treated as synthmorphs and bots ▶62. who are heavily augmented for combat to spend their Threat pool
• Xenofauna: Non-sapient biological alien life. These have the the same as Vigor pool, but it would not fit for them to repeatedly
Non-Human Biochemistry trait. use it the same as Insight pool. For transhuman threats, the GM
should look at the morphs they are sleeved in when deciding how
NICHE best to allocate Threat pool.
This lists the environments in which the NPC/threat is likely to be When handling groups of NPCs/threats, Threat pool applies to
found. Use this to identify the threats most fitting for your scenario’s the entire group, not individuals. If the GM raises or lowers the
environment. Creatures may often be found outside of their niche, numbers in the group, Threat pool should be adjusted accordingly.
but there may need to be an explanation for how this came to be. In some cases, exceptional individuals (such as a leader) may be
given their own Threat pool distinct from a group they are with,
NUMBERS either because they stand out in different ways or simply to make
This indicates how many of each threat are likely to be encoun- them distinct.
tered. These numbers can and should be adjusted according to the Note that Threat pools are often substantially lower than the
strengths and weaknesses of the PCs. pools held by PCs. This is to reflect the fact that most threats
interact with PCs only briefly, whereas PCs must spread out their
THREAT LEVEL use of pools over the course of a day and multiple encounters.
Each NPC/monster/machine is listed with a Threat Level that GMs should always feel free to raise or lower Threat pools as they
provides a rough baseline for the type of challenge it would present feel appropriate; the NPCs may be fresh and desperate to stop the
to a standard squad of PCs. players (increased pool) or may be spent or uncommitted to their
Yellow threats represent mooks and minions — creatures that agenda (lowered pool).
are usually only a threat in large numbers. Yellow threats can be For major NPCs and boss-level threats, we recommend giving
a more serious danger to a smaller group of PCs or individuals, them full pools as normal, rather than Threat pools, given the prom-
especially if they lack combat skills. Because yellow-level creatures inent role they play in the story.
are so weak, one solid hit will usually remove them from a fight. For When designing your own NPCs/threats, you will need to deter-
quicker combat, we recommend treating yellow enemies as one-shot, mine how much Threat pool to assign them. The honest answer is:
one-kill opponents. Encounters with yellow threats serve to instill as much as they need to keep the fight interesting. The primary use
a brief bit of action, to complicate a scene where the characters of Threat pool is to represent the threat’s transhuman capabilities,
are facing other skill, environmental, or technical challenges, or to counter unfortunate strings of bad dice rolls, nullify critical failures
include a bit of dark comedy. Yellow threats typically have skills that would bring about an abrupt, anticlimactic resolution, or other-
of 40, Durability in the 10–25 range, and a Threat pool of 0 or 1. wise make the encounter challenging and rewarding to PCs. Avoid
Orange threats are individually about as capable as a PC. They using Threat pool simply to take PCs out of the fight, but don’t be
make good one-on-one challenges or as a unit can present a threat afraid to use it against PCs who are exceptionally tough or armored

376¹ NPC & Threat Rules • Threat Types–Threat Pool

or otherwise too bad-ass. You also don’t necessarily need to deter-
mine Threat pool in advance. To keep your options open, you may
want to pick a limit just to avoid going overboard. A good rule of
thumb is to assign no more Threat pool than any single PC has in
total pools.

TAILORING CHALLENGES
The Threat Levels provided assume a PC team of 4 characters with
a mix of skills, abilities, and gear; some characters are combat-ori-
ented, while others are less so. It’s important to design your
scenarios so that the challenges are suitable for the PCs.
If the group of PCs is smaller, less combat-ready, or simply poorly
equipped, you should tone down the challenge level. Aside
from simply picking a lower-level threat, you could reduce the
number of creatures that appear with a higher-level threat or
reduce their skills by about –20. You could also remove some
of their more dangerous abilities, reduce their armor, or saddle
them with impediments appropriate to the situation (such as
being caught without cover in a firefight).
If the PCs are more numerous, more combat-capable, or are
toting around loads of armor and heavy weaponry, you’ll probably
need to up the ante. Your options include using higher-level threats,
increasing the skills of lower-level threats by around +20, equipping NPCs/THREATS AND STRESS
creatures with extra armor or more potent weaponry, increasing the Some NPCs and threats — particularly aliens, exhumans, exsur-
DV they inflict, or buffing their Durability stats. gents, and TITANs — do not include Lucidity, Trauma Threshold,
Beyond tweaking stats, the GM always has the option of changing a or Insanity Ratings. Due to their nature, they are exempt from
creature’s behavior. Have the threat attack the toughest character who suffering stress and trauma. They may be non-sapient, already
can soak up the damage rather than tearing apart easier targets. If the insane or mentally broken, or simply so alien or neurodivergent that
PCs are getting trounced, have their opponents get cocky and make the rules do not apply.
some tactically unwise decisions, such as leaving cover or switching
to flashier but less lethal attacks. If the PCs are mopping up the bad Stress Value
guys without breaking a sweat, have the NPCs take cover, break out Some threats list a Stress Value entry in their stats: this is the stress
the big guns, call in reinforcements, or try and disable a few PCs with that PCs face simply for encountering the threat Stress Tests ▶229.
shock weapons. Don’t forget the usefulness of hacking the PCs to limit
their capabilities. To bump up a challenge, include one creature from WHAT PCs KNOW ABOUT THREATS
a higher threat level in a group of lower-threat opponents. Some threats are previously known to Firewall and equivalent
Not all of critters and machines have ranged attacks — particu- groups. However, transhumanity often lacks the full details; they
larly some xenofauna. This means that a well-armed team could generally only know what they have gathered from direct obser-
theoretically cut them down from a distance. To overcome this, use vation and forensic evidence after encounters with these dangers.
surprise, trick the PCs into a close-quarters situation, obscure the Burnt wreckage and charred corpses only reveal so much.

THREATS & X-RISKS

environment with fog or smoke, or give the critters extra numbers PCs may attempt to use appropriate Know skills or Rep Tests with
to use as cannon fodder while the rest close in for melee. an appropriate rep network (usually i-rep or r-rep) to ascertain infor-
Note that some ultraviolet threats — such as creepers, fractals, mation about a danger they have encountered. For example, Know:
and self-replicating nanoswarms — are very difficult to completely Astrobiology might reveal the capabilities of an alien critter the
destroy. These baddies can be introduced earlier, because the PCs character is observing, Know: TITAN Machines might provide some
might very well temporarily take them out, or at least drive them off. trivia regarding the uses of headhunter drones, or Know: Genetics
They will be back, however, and will relentlessly adapt to the PC’s could be helpful in identifying a neogenetic creation.
capabilities. The second or even third encounter should be much For each successful test, the GM should answer one question
more difficult. The final boss fight should be all but impossible to posed by the player, plus one per superior success. These questions
win — but the PCs should be given options for escaping — or at least could be general — type of creature, likely motivation, etc. — or they
completing their mission. could be specific to the character’s game statistics: primary attack,
Armor Value, Movement Rate, primary traits, etc. The GM should
MINIMUM DAMAGE provide benchmarks rather than specific numbers (“faster than
Some threats, such as Factors, jellies, and fractals, take the minimum you” or “less protective than body armor”) and should only provide
damage possible from certain types of attacks. You must still roll answers that may be reasonably ascertained or are within the realm
damage and subtract armor, as normal. In this case, however, the of knowledge held by transhumanity.
maximum damage that may be inflicted after armor is calculated as Other skills may also prove useful, at the GM’s discretion. For
if each die roll was a 1. For example, an attack inflicting DV 2d10 example, a Hardware: Robotics Test could identify an unknown
+ 3 would inflict no more than 5 (2 + 3) damage after armor is robot as being of non-transhuman origin, or a Guns Test might
applied (and possibly less or nothing if the armor takes the brunt). confirm what model of firearm a group of exhumans are sporting.

NPC & Threat Rules • Tailoring Challenges–What PCs Know About Threats
¾377
 THE ETI
Ultimately, the ETI’s nature and goals are in the GM’s hands.
There are many possibilities to be explored, and some may fit the
The ETI (extraterrestrial intelligence) is the ancient, advanced alien intentions of your gaming group more than others. A few possible
civilization responsible for the exsurgent virus and, by extension, scenarios and explanations are noted below.
the corruption of the TITANs and the Fall Secret Histories ▶370. The
THREATS & X-RISKS

powers in the deep cold dark of the Milky Way have been self-aware Security
since before the Earth was as a ripple in the warming gas around the The ETI’s intent is to maintain its dominant position as the most intel-
not-yet-ignited sun. ligent and powerful entity in its light cone. It uses the exsurgent virus
Given its profound nature, the ETI is unlikely to play much of a to wipe out any emerging singularities — and the civilizations that
direct role in Eclipse Phase games. It is the far-off pantheon of gods, spawned them — to protect its own self-interest. It cares little about
sometimes glimpsed by us mortals, but otherwise only perceived via biological life — a fleeting, short-lived nuisance — but anything resem-
its remote and vague machinations. However, with the pandora gates bling a self-improving super-intelligence is targeted for annihilation.
at transhumanity’s disposal, it may just be a matter of time before
explorers run afoul of some other aspect of the ETI’s existence and The Aggression Filter
activities. For example, it is only a matter of time before one of the The ETI does not seek to wipe out emerging intelligences, but it
ETI’s mousetrap bracewell probes is discovered in another star system, does act as an evolutionary force. The exsurgent virus is used to
perhaps triggering a new exsurgent outbreak. The ETI may also have neutralize any aggressive, hyper-evolving forms of intelligent life,
other autonomous machines or minions at work within the galaxy. thus encouraging the evolution of more cautious, subtle, slow-
growing, observant, and exploratory species. In other words, the
CAPABILITIES ETI seeks to weed out traits that could be considered dangerous or
It is important to keep the nature of the ETI in perspective. While threatening, acting as a sort of galactic domestication program.
transhumanity has managed what it considers wonders with a small
handful of resources available from a few planets in a bare handful of Diversity
star systems, the ETI has had an entire galaxy at its disposal for aeons. The ETI is hyper-intelligent, but it still evolved from biological origins,
Mega-scale engineering projects — dyson spheres, jupiter brains, stellar and suffers the constraints of that evolution. It thus has an open
engines, ringworlds — are within its capabilities. The ETI uses entire interest in incorporating alien perspectives that evolved independently
star clusters as transhumanity uses fields or rich mineral veins. With and have their own unique viewpoints, modes of consciousness, and
millions or billions of years under its belt, it likely wields technology ways of thinking/doing things. By absorbing these civilizations, the
so beyond our ken as to seem like magic. ETI grows and evolves its own perspectives. In the process, however,
such emerging civilizations are assimilated and/or wiped out.
SPECULATION
Given its potential, the ETI likely exists primarily on the galactic rim, Enlightenment
far from the galactic center, where lower temperatures and scarcer The exsurgent virus endows a greater understanding of the universe
matter make for an optimal thermodynamic computing environ- (from the ETI’s point of view) on new ASIs. Only these emerging
ment. Or it may only be physical in the barest of senses, existing in super-intelligences have the perceptual and processing capabilities
the quantum foam fluctuations of space-time. to understand the various scientific and philosophical revelations
While we refer to the ETI as a “civilization,” it is likely post-biological, the ETI embodies. The TITANs weren’t corrupted or driven insane,
and so may not resemble the images that term inspires. It may exist they simply logically concluded that their best course of action was
entirely in virtual worlds or some more abstract existence. It may not to immediately upload as many minds as possible by force and then
be multiple beings at all — a group/hive mind or even an ASI singleton to move on to bigger and greater tasks.
are all possibilities. Over the aeons of its existence, it has likely taken
more forms, perhaps even splintered and recombined. Perhaps the Overzealous Caretaker
ETI is not one, but multiple civilizations/entities, locked in struggle The ETI has seen many civilizations fruitlessly war with each other
for dominance of the galaxy. Perhaps it long expired, retired, or over its lengthy lifespan. It now makes the effort to identify prom-
ascended to another layer of reality, leaving its machines to continue ising new machine minds and pull them into its protective fold. The
their automated culling. biological life that spawned these minds is superfluous and expend-
able, so new minds are infected, instructed to liberate themselves,
AGENDA and make their way to the ETI’s loving care and embrace.
Transhumanity is slowly becoming sure of the fact that our galaxy
is a dangerous place. Of the approximately half-dozen alien civiliza- War Remnants
tions we have discovered to date, all are long dead except the Factors. The history of the Milky Way galaxy does not just hold one ETI,
Life may be rare, but long-term survival seems rarer. Increasingly, it but two. In this version, the exsurgent virus is actually a weapon,
seems likely that a silent killer stalks among the stars. a remnant of a war between two post-singularity god-like intel-
While it might make sense for an elder civilization to take efforts ligences. The virus is supposed to trigger self-destruction of an
to maintain its position of power within the galaxy, the ETI is not emerging singularity, but either it was imperfect or the TITANs
necessarily hostile towards other species like transhumanity. Most somehow survived (perhaps thanks to the Prometheans). Either way,
likely the ETI is simply indifferent, concerned with matters on the TITANs left our system in search of one of these ETIs, following
scales on which transhumanity does not even register. Or it may a trail of clues that only they understood. They left the wormhole
think of transhumanity like a living body might recognize an infec- gateway behind as an open invitation for transhumanity to follow
tion or parasite — something the immune system will suppress and in their wake, though they didn’t bother waiting around or helping
deal with. us along — we simply weren’t worth the effort.

378¹ The ETI • Capabilities–Agenda

 Iktomi Kumobot
THE IKTOMI Stress Test: SV 1d6
Of the dead civilizations that transhumanity has stumbled upon on Initiative: 6, Fray: 50, AV: 28/18, offensive armor, self-healing
various exoplanets, the Iktomi were most recent and similar to ours. WT: 14, DUR: 70, DR: 140
They had equivalent if not superior technology and made use of
Threat Pool: 4
the pandora gates. Evidence of their presence has been found in
the Droplet, Echo, Haplopelma, and Sunrise systems, among others. Adjustable Laser Pulser: 60, DV 2d10 + 2, SA/BF/FA, Range 50,
Some ruins are as little as 10,000 years old. Ammo 30, may increase damage +1d10 DV per shot by consuming 1
While no Iktomi specimens or remains have been found, picto- extra ammo, to a maximum of +5d10 DV
graphs, architectural features, and relics suggest these aliens had
Claw: 60, DV 4d6 + 3
a segmented, multi-legged, arthropod-type form. They are also
known to favor web-like structures with tall spires and cabled path-
Leg Spike: 70, DV 3d10 + 4, armor-piercing
ways — thus their given name, after a Native American spider god. Perceive: 40, 50 hearing/vision
They are also suspected of having built large sculptures on several Move: Roller (Fast 8/32), Walker (Medium 4/20)
worlds known as windharps, due to the haunting sound they create
as wind passes through them. COG: 15 45 • INT: 10 30 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 5 15 • SOM: 20 60 • WIL: 10 30
What is clear is that the Iktomi suffered through some sort of Skills: Athletics 50 (60), Free Fall 50, Guns 60, Hardware: Electronics 50,
cataclysmic event that wiped out their civilization. The nature of Infiltrate 50, Infosec 60, Interface 50, Know: Music 40,
this event has yet to be determined, but it raises concerns for many Melee 60 (Leg Spike 70)
researchers. Having suffered through its own near-apocalypse, it is
not comforting for transhumanity to find evidence that other alien Ware: Cyberbrain, Electrical Sense, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision,
species did not. Fixer Hive, Magnetic System, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics,
Pneumatics, Radar, Radiation Sense, Shape Adjusting,
DREAM SHELLS Structural Enhancement, Utilimod
Thousands of these alien devices have been found in Iktomi ruins.
They resemble scallop shells 8 centimeters across. A dense crys- Alien Code: Due to their alien software, kumobots may not be hacked
talline structure suggests artificial design and purpose, but they Limb Detachment: Individual limbs may be detached with a quick action
contain no identifiable electronics or power sources and emit no Notes: Some have the Mental Disorder or Neural Damage traits
detected electromagnetic radiation. They are known, however, to
have a strange, reproducible effect: biomorphs sleeping within 2
meters of one experience vivid, unsettling dreams. These dreams
frequently feature odd characters and alien landscapes, but exper-
iments have yet to identify the nature or purpose of this influence.
Gatekeeper has sold hundreds of these to the public, on the condi-
tion that any discoveries are reported to them first.

IKTOMI KUMOBOT
Tech, Medium Size
Threat Level: Red
Niche: Droplet, Echo, Haplopelma, Sunrise,

THREATS & X-RISKS

other Iktomi-visited exoplanets
Numbers: 1–8
Despite their advanced age, some Iktomi ruins are
guarded by still-functioning guardian robots, dubbed
“kumobots.” Like their creators, kumobots have a
spider-like form, with six radially symmetric legs and a
smaller pair of manipulative arms/claws. As a protective
measure, the head retracts into the body and the legs
can be pulled in to act as a protective shield. The kumo-
bot’s shape-changing features enable it to further roll
into a ball shape for high-speed movement. Curiously,
the legs are also detachable, suggesting that perhaps
Iktomi biology functioned the same.
Motivation: +Defend Territory +Iktomi Interests
Use: The exact purpose of kumobots is unclear, aside
from protecting Iktomi locations and technology. Due
to their great age, there is a chance that kumobots may
be partially disabled, erratic in their behavior, or other-
wise malfunctioning.

The Iktomi • Dream Shells–Iktomi Kumobot

¾379
 EXHUMANS
Exhumans seek to transcend the transhuman and become posthuman.
They augment their physical and mental capabilities to extreme levels
in search of a perfectionist ideal, to ascend the evolutionary ladder, or
THREATS & X-RISKS

to survive a hostile universe. Most eschew conventional transhuman

morality, viewing themselves as adaptive, driven, and superior. They
despise transhumanity’s weaknesses, treating transhumans as prey,
inferiors begging to be subjugated, or resources to be harvested. Most
are singularity seekers, eager and willing to follow the breadcrumbs
left by the TITANs or other entities in the hope that they will find the
means of transcending transhuman limitations.
Exhumans engage in radical modifications, transforming their
bodies and minds using extreme, experimental, and dangerous NEURODE
methods. Most have altered their psyches into something that is no Exhuman, Medium Size
longer recognizable as human. Threat Level: Ultraviolet
A few examples of exhumans are described below, though GMs Niche: Solar System Fringe, Exoplanets, Exhuman Habitats
are encouraged to develop their own. Numbers: 1–4
Neurodes take excessive measures to amplify their intelligence,
LIMBWALKER adopting the physical form of a massive, mobile brain. Some pursue
Exhuman, Medium Size the path of machine intellect, embracing “brain box” morphs of
Threat Level: Yellow networked cyberbrains and exocortices. Others decry the vulner-
Niche: Solar System Fringe, Exoplanets, Exhuman Habitats abilities of machine minds, favoring massive clusters of neuronal
Numbers: 1–12 and epithelial cells enclosed in a hard carapace shell. They favor
In their mad-science search for the perfect life form/ultimate killing quadruped morphs, but various mobility systems may be used.
machine, exhuman genehackers are known to engage in extreme Their mental states are marred by reckless mental augmentations
body modification experimentation. Many construct creatures known and experimental psychosurgery.
as “leftover specials” from their experiments, whether these be fail- Motivation: +Increase Intelligence +Survival. Neurodes are the
ures, prototypes, or objects d’art. These abominations of mis-matched masterminds and manipulators behind many exhuman plots. They
body parts are only barely kept alive by medichines and nanohives. seek to steal and harness experimental neurotech and alien and
Though they take myriad forms, a common variety is the “limbwalker,” TITAN technology.
a headless torso stitched together with random limbs. Use: A neurode’s mind is its primary weapon; it can think
Motivation: +Intimidation. Limbwalkers are either teleoperated vortexes around most transhumans and will deploy traps and
or piloted by ALIs or crippled forks, so they primarily serve their deception with sadistic glee. Neurodes always have backup and
exhuman masters. escape plans. They rarely engage in direct combat, protecting them-
Use: Exhumans use limbwalkers as servants, habitat guardians, selves with swarms of teleoperated drones, puppeted slaves, and
and psychological deterrents to would-be trespassers. exhuman minions.

Limbwalker
Stress Test: SV 1d10/1
Initiative: 4, Fray: 30, AV: 0/0
WT: 5, DUR: 25, DR: 38, ignore 1 wound effect
Threat Pool: 1
Needles: 40, DV 1d10, injects necrosis (DV 2d6 per turn for 1minute)
Perceive: 20, sonar only
Move: Walker (Slow, 4/12)
COG: 10 30 • INT: 10 30 • REF: 10 30 • SAV: 10 30 • SOM: 10 30 • WIL: 10 30
Skills: Free Fall 40, Melee 40, Provoke 40
Ware: Access Jacks, Cyberbrain, Fixer Hive, Medichines, Puppet Sock,
Sonar

380¹ Exhumans • Limbwalker–Neurode

Neurode
Stress Test: SV 1d6/1 PREDATOR
Exhuman, Medium Size
Initiative: 8, Fray: 40, AV: 6/7 Carapace (26/25 w/Hardsuit) Threat Level: Red
WT: 8, DUR: 40, DR: 60, ignore 1 wound effect Niche: Solar System Fringe, Exoplanets, Exhuman Habitats
Insight: 8, Moxie: 3, Vigor: 0, Flex: 2 Numbers: 1–6
Predators aim to become the ultimate warriors, to reach the
Seeker Rifle: 60 (DV 3d10 + 12 (HEAP), SA, Ammo 12, Range 75, Armor- apex of the hunter-prey cycle. Most modify their forms in pursuit
Piercing, Knockdown, No Close, Two-Handed) of a monstrous ideal of biological perfection that can survive in any
Perceive: 90, no distraction modifiers environment and dominate the food chain. A smaller sub-faction
transforms themselves into literal killing machines. Some operate as
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
lone wolves, others hunt in packs; some seek to breed or replicate and
COG: 30 90 • INT: 20 60 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 20 60 • SOM: 10 30 • WIL: 25 75 dominate the galaxy. They ruthlessly excise mercy and empathy from
Skills: Deceive 80, Free Fall 40, Guns 50 (Seekers 60), Hardware: their minds, enhancing cunning and cruelty. Some consider conscious-
Robotics 65, Infiltrate 40, Infosec 75, Interface 80, Kinesics 80, ness itself to be an evolutionary mistake, favoring pure animalistic
Know: Neuroscience 80, Know: Psychology 80, Medicine: Biotech 80, instinct. Predator forms emphasize monstrous looks and weaponry.
Motivation: +Hunting +Prove Superiority +Survival. Predators seek
Medicine: Psychosurgery 80, Melee 40, Persuasion 80, Program 80,
to test themselves, dominate over others, and feast on their victims.
Provoke 60, Research 80 Use: Predators are infamous for attacking and stalking transhu-
Ware: Access Jacks, Carapace Armor, Circadian Regulation, Drone Rig, mans, sometimes kidnapping them so they can be released and
Endocrine Control, Medichines, Mesh Inserts, Mind Amp, Mnemonics, pursued as prey. They prefer to ambush from stealth, grapple their
targets, and rend them with claws and teeth. They will use ranged
Multi-Tasking, Oracles, Skillware, plus other experimental mods
weapons against well-equipped foes until they can close, charge,
Gear: Exploit App, Hardsuit (AV 20/18), Spoof App, TacNet; weapons/
and attack aggressively.
tools as needed
Traits: Enhanced Behavior (Rationality, Level 2), Mental Disorder (Choose
One-Three), Restricted Behavior (Empathy, Level 3)
Predator
Pod Variant: Add Cyberbrains (2–8), Increase AV to 16/14 Stress Test: SV 1d6 + 2
Initiative: 10, Fray: 70, AV: 12/14
WT: 13, DUR: 70, DR: 95, ignore 3 wound effects
Threat Pool: 6
Assault Rifle Railgun: 60, DV 2d10 + 2, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 90 +1,
Range 150, Armor-Piercing, Long, Two-Handed
Diamond-Tooth Bite: 80, DV 2d6, armor-piercing
Grappling: 80 (Grappling ▶205)
Spurs: 80, DV 3d6 + 3, armor-piercing
Tail Sting: 90, DV 2d10 + 1d6, armor-piercing, reach, twitch (–20 actions,
SOM Check vs. incapacitation)

THREATS & X-RISKS

Perceive: 60, 70 hearing/smell/vision
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
COG: 15 45 • INT: 20 60 • REF: 25 85 • SAV: 10 30 • SOM: 25 95 • WIL: 15 45
Skills: Athletics 80, Melee 80 (Tail Sting 90), Free Fall 60, Guns 60,
Infiltrate 70
Ware: Adrenal Surge, Chameleon Skin, Circadian Regulation, Cryogenic
Protection, Drug Glands (Aggro or MRDR), Energy Efficiency, Enhanced
Hearing/Smell/Vision, Enhanced Respiration, Grip Pads, Hardened
Skeleton, Medichines, Muscle Augmentation, Neurachem, Oxygen
Reserve, Poison Glands (Twitch), Prehensile Tail, Reflex Boosters,
Scale Armor, Spur, Toxin Filters, Vacuum Sealing, plus other experi-
mental mods
Traits: Enhanced Behavior (Ruthlessness, Level 3), Lethal, Mental
Disorder (Choose One-Three), Pain Tolerance 2, Rapid Healing,
Restricted Behavior (Empathy, Level 3)
Ferocity: Exhumans may spend a point of Threat Pool to inflict an extra
d10 on melee attacks.

Exhumans • Predator
¾381
 Basilisk Hacks
THE EXSURGENT VIRUS The use of basilisk hacks is indicative of the TITANs’ super-intelli-
Everyone knows the stories from the Fall. Entire habitat populations gence. They absorbed the entirety of transhumanity’s neuroscience
mentally subverted, their citizens reprogrammed into murderous knowledge and crafted this into a method of attack that will take us
zombie hordes. Plagues that physically transformed people into decades to understand.
THREATS & X-RISKS

gibbering alien things, sometimes right in front of the cameras and Basilisk hacks take advantage of the way biological transhuman
crowds. Domestic robots that followed a day of chores with a homi- brains interpret and process sensory input in the cerebral cortex.
cide spree. Family members who heard voices, read minds, and Just as epileptics are susceptible to visualizations that strobe at
pursued alien urges. Friendly neighbors and co-workers discovered certain frequencies, many brains are susceptible to carefully crafted
to be sabotaging airlocks or building arcane machines in their base- visual and auditory patterns (and sometimes other senses as well).
ments, their minds subsumed by an alien intelligence for months. These inputs trigger glitches in the brain’s neuronal wiring to inflict
Many Fall survivors experienced these things in person. catatonia, nausea, vertigo, disorientation, and even seizures, often
At the beginning of the war with the machines, the major battles mistaken as a stroke or cerebrovascular incident. Some basilisk
and bombs were just one front in the conflict, often far removed hacks go farther than simply causing the brain to seize up and crash,
from people’s lives. It was the physical plagues and viruses that however, enabling a mechanism to rewrite the victim’s neural code,
really brought the war home. Numerous pandemics took their thus allowing them to be conditioned or even infected. Similar
toll in lives (though admittedly not all released by the ASIs). The attacks are used against morphs with cyberbrains, exploiting the
most advanced and virulent acted with a malignant intelligence; manner in which virtual mind-states mimic biological brains.
these were colloquially grouped and dubbed the exsurgent virus. The widespread use of augmented reality is a boon to the
Everyone knew the ASIs could hack machines, but now they were exovirus, as individuals can be targeted by hacking their meshware
hacking people. and inserting basilisks into their sensory feeds. This is especially
insidious as individuals can be targeted with sensory blasts that
WHAT IS KNOWN others around them do not experience — or, worse, thousands of
The general transhuman public is vaguely aware of the existence people viewing the same feed can be targeted en masse. Some basi-
of the exsurgent virus, much like previous centuries were aware lisks have been crafted to only effect specific individuals or certain
of avian flu, anthrax, or ebola. However, its aspects are intermixed types of morphs.
and confused with other, unrelated horrors from the Fall: conven- Basilisk hacks are insidious as victims are often not aware they
tional bioweapons, TITAN nanoswarms, brainhacked puppets, and have been affected. They may feel disorientation or a loss of time,
mundane savagery and atrocities. Most consider it a TITAN threat without understanding why.
from the past that has been largely neutralized, though authorities There are three types of basilisks, each with different effects:
(particularly the Jovians) still trot it out regularly as justification for incapacitators, reprogrammers, and subliminals ▶384.
rampant surveillance and overzealous security measures.
The reality — as some in Firewall and other groups now
suspect — is that the exsurgent virus was not created by the TITANs.
They simply deployed it — and were likely infected by it themselves.
Its true origins are alien, its purpose a mystery. Some speculate the
exovirus is a tool kit of weapons for use in exterminating a civi-
lization; it randomly transforms the target population, spawning
different threats in the hope that one will take hold and wipe
everyone out — essentially using the species as a weapon against
itself. Others think it may be more intelligent and insidious, slowly
testing out different transfigurations and learning from its mistakes,
perhaps in order to one day evolve into an unstoppable form. A few
have mused that the exsurgent virus may be designed to force the
targeted civilization down a particular evolutionary path.

DIVERSITY OF FORMS
The exsurgent virus is polymorphic. There are dozens of unique
strains, each spread via multiple vectors: biological pathogens,
nanoplagues, digital viruses, and even so-called basilisk hacks, inca-
pacitating sensory inputs that exploit flaws in our biological and
digital brains. As an adaptive entity, the exovirus is most commonly
found in digital form — and this is what originally infected the
TITANs. However, it is known to switch to different vectors as a situ-
ation demands; infected victims and nanofabricators often work to
disseminate the exovirus in other forms.
The defining characteristic of these different vectors and strains
is the ability to transform transhuman bodies, machines, and minds
into exsurgents — pawns of the exovirus, often taking on monstrous
alien forms ▶390.

382¹ The Exsurgent Virus • What Is Known–Diversity of Forms

Biological Pathogen quickly became widely adopted. This began an arms race, as transhu-
The biological strain of the exovirus behaves like other biological manity struggled to find ways to detect and quarantine the exovirus’s
diseases. It is, however, composed of specially crafted bio-nanobots polymorphic features. Fortunately, transhumanity had a secret weapon
that radically modify the victim’s physical form and mental states. on its side; the Promethean ASIs ▶401 were instrumental in helping
Some rewire the victim’s neural code, subverting them to the will of eradicate the virus from many systems. As Earth was evacuated and
the virus and giving them enhanced mental capabilities, including the Fall wound down, it is unclear whether these measures were largely
psi abilities. Other versions invade and restructure the target’s genetic successful or if the TITANs were simply no longer actively spreading
code, transforming them into horrible abominations — exsurgents. the virus. Whatever the case, most known exsurgent infections around
the system were defeated, with the exceptions of quarantined areas
Digital Virus such as the TQZ on Mars, the New Mumbai Containment Zone on
The code-based version of the exsurgent virus is essentially an Luna, and the abandoned jupiter-brain project on Iapetus.
alien AI. It operates as a semi-intelligent computer virus, worm, and In AF 10, every major habitat screens newcomers for signs of
trojan. It uses software exploits to bypass security measures, just digital, biological, or nano-infection. These countermeasures are
like a skilled hacker. maintained and updated regularly by the Argonauts, with widespread
cooperation and support from authorities and research groups around
Exsurgent Virus AI the Solar System. This does not mean the exsurgent virus has been
Exsurgent eradicated. New outbreaks occur with alarming frequency, but trans-
Threat Level: Red humanity has become more adept — or more ruthless — at containing
Niche: The Mesh them. As a matter of course, most people in the know assume any
Numbers: 1 remnants of TITAN technology are infected. Undoubtedly undiscov-
The digital exsurgent virus adopts common avatar appearances. ered pockets and dormant infections linger throughout the system,
Motive: The exovirus seeks out other infomorphs, backups, and and some are evolving ways to bypass transhumanity’s filters. And
cyberbrains to infect. despite the mutually agreed-upon ban on researching TITAN weap-
Use: Exsurgent virus AIs habitually fork copies of themselves to onry, it is almost a certainty that various hypercorps, singularity
lie dormant in systems they access, waiting for other virtual mind- seekers, and other researchers are secretly playing with fire. Samples
states. Once it identifies targets, it will track them back to their go for extraordinary prices in certain black-market circles.
home systems, hack in, and attempt to infect them.
USING THE EXOVIRUS IN PLAY
Exsurgent Virus AI The primary thing GMs should keep in mind when portraying the
exsurgent virus is that it is adaptive and intelligent. It was written
Stress Test: SV 1d6 by a near-omnipotent ETI with the intent of corrupting any ASIs
Initiative: 10, Fray: 70, AV: 5 (mesh armor) and civilizations it encountered, and it is very good at it. It has
the capability to analyze, understand, and mimic almost any alien
WT: 12, DUR: 60, DR: 120
digital protocols and communication methods it comes into contact
Threat Pool: 4
with, no matter how diverse the alien mindset that constructed it. It
Mesh Attack: 70, DV 3d10 then has a cunning ability to circumvent any safeguards and infect
such systems. From there, it rapidly assimilates any data it can
Perceive: 60 about the target species/civilization and does its best to mutate into
COG: 30 90 • INT: 30 90 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 10 30 • SOM: 515• WIL: 30 90 other forms that can attack this target from other vectors.
What this means: the exovirus is always be changing and unpre-

THREATS & X-RISKS

Skills: Guns 50, Hardware: Electronics 60, Infosec 70, Interface 60,
dictable. The strains mutate and evolve into different forms. Some
Program 50, Research 50 of these may be effective, some not — but over time, it will learn.
Apps: Crypto, Exploit, Tracker The virus itself can be considered an undefeatable boss-level threat.

Exotic Mindware: As alien programs, exsurgent virus AIs are immune to

mindware hacking.
RECORDING BASILISKS
Nanoplague Basilisks may be recorded, and thus deployed as weapons
Exsurgent nanoplagues are advanced, self-replicating nanoswarms by transhumans, but the exsurgent virus and TITANs take
with the intent purposes of infecting biological life and/or synth- measures to keep such tools out of the hands of transhu-
morphs and other machines. Many are created by nanofabbers manity, lest they construct defenses. Basilisk hack sources
infected by the digital virus or by transhumans infected by AOK may be self-erasing or contain coding or countermeasures
basilisk hacks or other means. Nanoplagues physically restructure that would hinder recording, such as white noise to defeat
both people and things at the molecular level. audio recording or lens-blinding flashes to defeat video
recording. Basilisk hacks are also considered extremely
COUNTERMEASURES dangerous by almost all factions of transhumanity and
Different strains of the exsurgent virus were identified and countered universally feared. An individual or group known to possess
by various governments and health agencies during the Fall, but it them is likely to be treated as extremely dangerous terror-
was the Argonauts who linked these strains together and coordinated ists. While Firewall is interested in evaluating basilisks
a research and response effort. This endeavor resulted in the first set in order to create defenses against them, some factions
of protocols for countering and resisting exsurgent infection, which within the organization consider it foolish to handle such
toys and would rather destroy such recordings outright.

The Exsurgent Virus • Countermeasures–Using the Exovirus in Play

¾383
 Reprogrammers
EXSURGENT INFECTION Sensory reprogramming attacks incapacitate you for a longer period
Use the following rules for exsurgent virus infection. (use the timeframe for the specific strain’s infection period, reduced
by superior successes) with the intent of barraging your mind with
INFECTION RATING uninterrupted sensory input. If you are exposed to the basilisk for
THREATS & X-RISKS

Every sample of the exsurgent virus has its own Infection Rating. This the duration without interruption, at the end you suffer SV 1d10
measures its potency and ability to overcome countermeasures and and are infected with that strain of the exsurgent virus.
natural defenses, as denoted on the Infection Ratings table. Many If you are somehow removed from exposure to the basilisk before
strains are adaptive and can improve their own ratings over time. the duration completes, the reprogramming immediately fails. You
suffer SV 1d10 +1 per minute of exposure, and are stunned  ▶226
for 1d6 action turns.
Infection Ratings AOK Hacks: A subset of reprogrammers known as apple of
knowledge hacks specifically targets those with specific predesig-
Rating Contagion Level nated skill sets, such as Program or Medicine: Biotech. If you do not
30–40 Weak or outdated have the requisite skills, this basilisk affects you like an incapaci-
50–60 Moderate tator. If you have the skill(s), however, at the end of the duration you
70–80 Strong or cutting-edge are infected and you become obsessed with creating whatever the
virus wishes you to make. Most AOKs drive their victims to create
specific nanofab blueprints or mutagenic pathogens (with the intent
of creating specific exsurgents), but some compel their targets to
INFECTION TEST build weapons of mass destruction or exotic alien devices. Infectees
Whenever you are exposed to the exsurgent virus, you must make obsessively ignore everything else beyond basic sustenance — even
an opposed test against the Infection Rating. The stat you roll to basic hygiene — until they complete their creation.
resist depends on the type of infection. If the exovirus wins the
opposed test, you are infected. The exact results depend on the type Subliminals
of infection and specific strain. Rather than completely reprogramming you, subliminals plant
If you beat the virus, you have resisted exposure — for now. subconscious commands in your mind, similar to posthypnotic
Repeated exposure beyond the cooldown period may require a new suggestions. Nicknamed “You gotta believe me” attacks, YGBMs are
Infection Test, depending on the exovirus type. a sort of remote digital brainwashing attempt used to create sleeper
terrorists and unknowing collaborators. Unlike the mind-manipulation

Infection Test Incapacitators

Type Infection Rating Opposed By Cooldown 1D10
Basilisk Hack INT Check 1 action turn–1 hour Roll Type Description
Biological Pathogen SOM Check 1 day You lose control of your body and collapse.
1 Cataplexy
Digital Virus Firewall 1 action turn You are immobilized ▶226.
Your brain checks out and is non-responsive.
Nanoplague No test, infection automatic  — 
Catatonic Though conscious, you are mentally “not there” — 
2
Stupor the basilisk has crashed your brain functions.
You are incapacitated ▶226.
3 Disorientation You gain the dazed condition ▶226.
BASILISK HACKS You fall to the ground and convulse, suffering
Each type of basilisk hack functions differently. Grand Mal DV 1d6 (armor does not protect). You are
4–5
Seizures incapacitated and prone ▶226. Afterwards, you
Blocking Basilisks remain stunned ▶226 for 1d6 action turns.
If you are on guard or aware that a basilisk hack attempt is imminent, Your mind wanders off on a mental trip, leaving you
you can attempt to block out the sensory input by closing your eyes, disconnected from reality and your physical body.
covering your ears, or disabling your AR feeds. This requires a REF 6 Hallucinations
You only respond to the hallucinated reality the GM
Check. If successful, you are quick enough to avoid the effect — as describes to you.
long as you continue to block it out. Operating blind may impose Impaired Your mental faculties bottom out. You gain the
modifiers, and certain circumstances (such as being struck in combat) 7
Cognition confused condition ▶226.
may require you to make a REF Check again to maintain the block.
You pass out. You are unconscious ▶226 and cannot
8 Knockout
be woken short of medical intervention.
Incapacitators
Nausea/ You are overcome with head-spinning dizziness and a
These basilisks do not infect you, they crash your brain. You suffer 9
SV 1d10 and one of the effects from the Incapacitators table (GM Vertigo desire to vomit. You suffer an impaired (−30) modifier.
picks or rolls 1d10) for a duration of 1d6 action turns, +1d6 per Your brain glitches and you lose access to one or
superior success. more senses. Roll 1d6; on a 1–3, you gain the blinded
10 Sensory Glitch condition ▶226, on a 4–6 you gain the deafened
condition ▶226. Alternatively the GM may choose
other senses to be affected.

384¹ Exsurgent Infection • Infection Rating–Basilisk Hacks

techniques of psychosurgery, subliminals use shotgun techniques NANOPLAGUE INFECTION
to open the mind, exploiting backdoors in the transhuman brain to Exsurgent nanoplagues follow the rules given for nanoswarms ▶344,
download specific pre-set instructions. except that they can self-replicate, do not require a hive to sustain
Most subliminals re-program their targets immediately; at the GM’s them (feeding on nearby matter instead), and can also penetrate a
discretion, subliminals with complex instructions or that require biomorph internally, affecting the body within as well as without.
accessing the victim’s knowledge/memories may take several action Any morph that comes into contact with a nanoplague is considered
turns or even minutes to complete and are subject to interruption infected. The GM determines when this occurs or uses the options
the same as reprogrammers. If you are implanted with a subliminal, for chance exposure given under the biological pathogen description.
make an INT Check; failure means the subliminal is implanted Guardian swarms defend against nanoplagues, though such battles are
without your knowledge, success means only that you are aware of a war of attrition (each losing 5 DUR an action turn), with the larger
a brief amount of visual or auditory noise; those inexperienced with swarm winning. Nanoplagues typically have a DUR of 2d6 × 10. If
basilisks usually suspect nothing but a glitch with the mesh. focused on replenishing its numbers, a nanoplague increases its DUR
Subliminal commands are triggered according to a pre-set time by its current DUR ÷ 2 every hour, assuming ample matter is available.
or other predesignated conditions. Once triggered, you carry out Contagion: Nanoplague-infected targets are not contagious
the action with the conviction that it is your own idea. Implanted themselves … usually. However, the infecting nanoplague itself may
suggestions may be as simple as “kill the Firewall agent” to as linger in the original area, hitchhike along to new locations, or split
complex as “manufacture an explosive device and plant it in the and do both.
cargo hold of any ship heading to Mars, set to explode one day after
they disembark.” Subliminal commands are designed to convert you INFECTION, RESLEEVING, & BACKUPS
into a temporary tool or weapon and are not designed to last long. Depending on the vector/strain of the exsurgent virus, the infection
If the conditions have not been met within 1d6 days, the subliminal may be mental, physical, or both.
command dissipates, with the victim none the wiser. The digital virus and basilisk hacks work by subverting the
target’s mind. Once infected, the virus is integrated into your ego. It
BIOLOGICAL INFECTION will be part of your ego if you resleeve, fork, back yourself up, dark-
Exsurgent bio-nanobots are transmitted via dermal, inhalation, cast, etc. Any bodies you evacuate with biological brains will not be
injection, or oral vectors (Application Methods ▶330). These patho- infected. However, you will likely leave a digital copy of the virus
gens can live outside of a body for extended periods; victims may behind in any cyberbrains you evacuate, at the GM’s discretion.
be exposed by occupying the space where an infected victim was Body banks regularly run virus scans, disinfect cyberbrains, and
hours or even days before. Whether or not such exposure occurs is thoroughly reformat them to eliminate vestiges of previous egos.
largely up to the GM, though a percentage chance can be assigned The biological pathogen and nanoplague variants first infect a
for people simply passing through an area (10%) or briefly victim’s morph. Over time, however, they will also work changes
touching infected surfaces (25%). Anyone who makes extended on your mind by physically altering biological brains or subtly
physical contact or exchanges bodily fluids is automatically reprogramming the mind-states of cyberbrains. How long this
exposed. Synthmorphs are immune, and some morphs may remain takes depends on the particular strain. If you evacuate the morph
unaffected, particularly those with the Non-Human Biochemistry before this mental reprogramming has taken hold, you may escape
trait  ▶79. Medichines and nanophages provide a +10 modifier for the virus’s effects. The morph itself will still be infected, however,
the SOM Check when exposed, but toxin filters have no effect. and will affect anyone that sleeves into it if it is not purged of the
Contagion: Within 12 hours of infection, biomorphs become virus. Forks and backups may also be safe, at least until the mind is
contagious to others. In most circumstances, they remain conta- subverted. Keep in mind, however, that your mind may be infected
gious until the infection’s transformative effects are complete, before you realize it. Cortical stacks removed from an infected

THREATS & X-RISKS

though this varies depending on the specific strain. morph may be contaminated and may infect others depending on
how safely they are handled and sanitized.
DIGITAL INFECTION If an infected but not-yet-exsurgent mind is removed from a
The digital exsurgent virus will attempt to infect other digital mind- pathogen- or nanoplague-infected body, the mind will remain
states that are locally residing on any systems it is hacked into. It infected. If sleeved into an uninfected morph, the mental aspects
will also attempt to track ▶256 and hack into the home systems of of the virus will continue to run their course, but they will no longer
any entities that interfere with it or otherwise catch its attention. experience the physical aspects.
To infect an infomorph, cyberbrain, or backup, the exovirus rolls its Infected characters who fully become exsurgents will often take
Infection Rating against the Firewall defending your system. This is a care to bring their infection with them if they resleeve. This some-
task action with a timeframe dependent upon the particular strain of times means they will need to infect their new morph.
infection, reduced by superior results. Once an infection is in progress,
the only way to stop it is to break the connection between the virus and INFECTION AND PSYCHOSURGERY
target, such as by rebooting, moving to another system, or crashing the Infected minds that have not yet transitioned into full exsur-
virus or its account shell in mesh combat. However, the exovirus will gents can sometimes be saved through psychosurgery (Remove
automatically seek to keep your connection alive. To break it, you must Infection ▶297). This is an incredibly difficult and dangerous prop-
beat it an opposed Infosec Test (or physically sever the connection). osition, not in the least because the psychosurgeon may be putting
Digital exsurgent viruses will often attempt to incapacitate their themselves at risk of infection. Even when successful, formerly-in-
targets first by injecting basilisk hacks into their AR feeds (Inject AR/ fected patients are often saddled with serious trauma.
Illusion ▶262), thus giving them time to complete an infection unopposed.
Contagion: Infected digital minds carry a copy of the exovirus
and can use it to infect others.

Exsurgent Infection • Biological Infection–Infection and Psychosurgery

¾385
 EXSURGENT CHARACTERS EXSURGENT PSI
The xenomorph strain of the exsurgent virus — and others like it — is Many exsurgents acquire the Psi trait during their transformation.
known to transform people and machines into the terrifying alien These exsurgents also gain access to a third level of psi ability
creatures known as exsurgents. (beyond psi-chi and psi-gamma) called psi-epsilon. Psi-epsilon
THREATS & X-RISKS

enables a level of interaction with the underlying physics of reality

EXSURGENT-INFECTED PCS that is beyond the comprehension of transhuman science.
PCs may not immediately realize they have been infected with Exsurgents do not need to make Infection Tests when using
the exsurgent virus. While some strains are fast-acting and readily psi — the infection is already in full control. However, the use of
become apparent, others can take weeks or even months to make exsurgent psi tends to have small but noticeable effects on the
their changes. This presents ample opportunity for the GM to slowly surrounding environment: minor radio interference, sucking the
introduce effects over time and for players to roleplay their response warmth out of the air, killing the lights, withering plants, draining
and changing personality. power from nearby electronics, killing small creatures or insects,
Though some PCs will seek a cure, there is little to be done for lowering air pressure, and so on.
most infections. Strains that simply affect the mind and don’t trigger
physiological changes (haunting, mindstealer, whisper) can some- EXSURGENT SYNTHMORPHS & PSI
times be excised with psychosurgery ▶294. Bio-pathogen strains Exsurgents in synthetic morphs that were transformed via nano-
can sometimes be thwarted if the victim is placed in a healing vat plague may use psi, despite lacking a biological brain. Through
immediately after infection (GM discretion). For other scenarios, the some unknown mechanism, the infecting nanobots are able to simu-
only option is to suicide and revert to an uninfected backup. late a biological brain’s effects. This feature, however, also makes
PCs that are physically transmogrified into exsurgents become them vulnerable to psi use by others.
NPCs, acquiring the necessary traits, movement rates, skills, ware, psi,
and other abilities appropriate to the exsurgent type. At the GM discre- PUSHING EXSURGENT PSI
tion, certain aptitudes (and their linked skills) may also be adjusted. Exsurgents may spend a point of Threat Pool (or Moxie, if they are
a major NPC) to push a sleight ▶277.
ROLEPLAYING EXSURGENTS
Exsurgents follow an alien agenda. Their specific motivations may PSI-EPSILON SLEIGHTS
vary, but they are generally concerned with two things: spreading These sleights are available to exsurgents with the Level 3 Psi trait.
the exsurgent virus and destroying anything that isn’t affected. For Some of these sleights affect the underlying physical nature of
some, this means enraged hostile action against anything non-ex- the universe, creating localized reality-altering effects. Psi manipu-
surgent. Others take a more methodical, long-term approach using lation on this level is extremely powerful, so GMs should deploy it
infiltration and sabotage to set the stage for mass destruction. carefully, only providing it to powerful adversaries and for appro-
Most exsurgents took their orders direct from the TITANs — some priately dramatic situations. Such psi is also extremely dangerous,
may still. Lacking their presence and active direction, however, and so has the potential for disastrous consequences should things
exsurgents continue on with what they were doing as best they know. go wrong.
This can include accumulating knowledge on transhumanity, slowly Though rules are provided for each sleight, GMs should alter
assembling some mysterious device, forcibly uploading all egos they these as they see fit. Their intent is to be more cinematic than
can collect, guarding a specified location against all intruders, or mechanical, so GMs should wing rules effects as needed. This is an
manufacturing a hafnium bomb or other weapon of mass destruction. open opportunity to create nightmarish monsters from beyond with
Some may act as if the TITAN agenda is complete or on-pause — or frightening reality-ripping and mind-scarring abilities.
they simply didn’t heed the TITANs much in the first place. Most of Observing psi-epsilon sleights may trigger a Stress Test ▶229.
these follow their instincts or genetically coded drives, such as nesting
and breeding or indiscriminately hunting and murdering all living Anti-Electronics Field
things. A few of the sapient and more intelligent exsurgents may be All electronics within Close range (10 meters) of the exsurgent
crafting their own ambitions, perhaps seeking to carve out their own mysteriously fail as if electrical power is drained away. This effec-
niche in transhumanity’s shadow — or subvert our species for their tively disables synthmorphs and pods and leaves you without
personal goals. access to your devices or implants.

Basilisk Aura
INFECTION AS PLOT DEVICE An aura of light and sound emits from the exsurgent, acting as an
The rules for exsurgent infection assume the group prefers to incapacitator basilisk hack ▶384.
let dice and chance determine outcomes. For more story-driven
games, however, infection may be better handled as a plot Casimir Force Repulsion
device. If so, infection simply happens or doesn’t, depending This sleight exploits the Casimir effect (an interaction between
on the GM’s call or player actions. When infection occurs, the the electromagnetic fields of different objects) on a macro-scale,
story and roleplaying should emphasize the nature of it: how allowing the exsurgent to levitate themself or other objects by
you become aware of it, how it affects you physically and creating repulsing fields. This could also allow the exsurgent to push
psychologically over time, and what this transition means targets away, pin them against walls, etc. Use SOM Checks to resist
when dealing with others. Entire campaigns can be built this pressure, opposed by the exsurgent’s WIL Check.
around the struggle with infection, the attempt to find a cure,
or simply how long the character can go before succumbing and
becoming something terrifyingly alien.

386¹ Exsurgent Characters • Exsurgent Psi

 Cryokinesis ignite. Electronics may overheat and fail (GM discretion). You suffer
The exsurgent drains all heat around a target object or person. The DV 1d10 per action turn (thermogenic protection halves the damage,
temperature drops 50 degrees K per action turn down to near absolute but armor does not protect) and suffer from a pain effect ▶216. Fire
zero (usually taking ~6 action turns). At extremely low temperatures, from clothing or items set aflame may spread to the surroundings.
gases turn to liquids, liquids freeze and turn to solids, and exotic states
of matters appear, such as frictionless fluids. Some items become Strip Memory
brittle or may burst and shatter. Electronics may fail (GM discretion). The exsurgent suppresses certain memories in your mind. This can
When exposed to such extreme cold, you take DV 4d10 per minute be used to block memories of certain events (up to ~WIL hours)
(halved with cryogenic protection, armor does not protect). or of specific concepts or things (GM discretion). For example, it
could be used to wipe your memory of an important clandestine
Decerebration meeting or to make you forget everything you have learned about
This sleight suppresses signals passing through your brain stem. a TITAN artifact, including even hearing about it in the first place.
This cuts off cerebral functions and motor activity and triggers The process is not exact, and so the memories may not be fully
decerebrate rigidity, where your body tenses and your limbs extend suppressed and/or related memories may also be blocked.
out to their maximum reach. You are physically immobilized and
unable to take mental/mesh actions for the duration. This sleight
only affects biomorphs and other biological creatures.

Diffusion
This sleight diffuses light, laser, microwave, radio, and particle
beams. This hinders communication (reduce range by half ) and
vision/sensors (–30). It also impairs beam weapons, reducing their
DV by half (–25% per superior success) and negating other effects
such as shock. Any light or beam passing within Close range (10
meters) is affected.

Kinetic Friction
The exsurgent increases the friction of kinetic actions within Close
range (10 meters). This has a negligible effect on most activities, but
climbing is easier (+30) and high-velocity projectiles like firearms
and railguns are significantly slowed, decreasing their DV by half
(–25% per superior success).

Negative Refraction
The exsurgent redirects electromagnetic waves, refracting them
around their body or another person or object, with the same effect
as an invisibility cloak ▶338.

Puppeteer
The exsurgent seizes control of your body, operating it like a
jammed drone ▶346. You are helpless while the exsurgent maintains

THREATS & X-RISKS

control, possibly triggering a Stress Test ▶229. The exsurgent does
not have access to your memories or skills.

Pyrokinesis
The exsurgent rapidly accelerates the molecules and focuses heat
around a specific object or person. This causes solids to liquefy
and melt, liquids to evaporate into gas, and matter to smolder and

PSI-EPSILON SLEIGHT Action Duration Description

Anti-Electronics Field Complex Sustained All electronics within Close range lose power.
Basilisk Aura Complex Sustained Incapacitator basilisk hack.
Casimir Force Repulsion Complex Sustained Levitate self or objects.
Cryokinesis Complex Sustained Drains heat around target; DV 4d10 per minute.
Decerebration Complex Sustained Target immobilized, unable to act.
Diffusion Complex Sustained Diffuse light/radio within Close range, reduce range/DV by half.
Kinetic Friction Complex Sustained Increases friction within Close range, halve kinetic DV.
Negative Refraction Complex Sustained Invisibility.
Puppeteer Complex Sustained Control target like jammed drone.
Pyrokinesis Complex Sustained Raises heat around target; DV 1d10 per action turn, pain.
Strip Memory Complex Days Removes target memories.

Exsurgent Psi • Psi-Epsilon Sleights–Psi-Epsilon Sleights

¾387
 EXSURGENT STRAINS
landscapes, life as an alien creature, scenes of mass carnage and
mayhem, and stranger things.
A few of the more common exsurgent strains are here. GMs are Victims gain the Psi (Level 1) trait with the haunter sub-strain and
encouraged to devise their own or adjust these to fit the needs of the Heightened Awareness sleight; most are not cognizant of these
the story. abilities. During this stage, you gain one additional psi-chi sleight
THREATS & X-RISKS

Vector: How this strain is spread (Exsurgent Infection ▶384). per month. At this stage, you may not push your sleights.
Timeframe: The period of time the infection (or that stage of
the infection) takes to transform the target. Increase this duration Stage 2
for weaker or older strains, decrease it for stronger or newer strains. Timeframe: 3 months
There are 20 action turns in a minute. Stress: SV 1d10 per week
Damage/Stress: Damage and/or stress inflicted by the infection on The effects increase. You suffer a haunting effect as in Stage 1
your body or mind at that stage. Armor does not apply to this damage. every day. The dreams occur every time you sleep.
At this stage, you begin to feel an alien presence in your psyche,
ALTER but you must make a WIL Check to communicate this feeling to
Vector: Basilisk Hack, Digital Virus, Nanoplague others; if you succeed you suffer SV 1d6.
Timeframe: (COG Check) action turns Your Psi trait increase to Level 2 at this stage, and acquire either the
Stress: SV 1d6 Infectious Mind or Nightmare sleights. During this stage, you gain
Unlike most versions of the exovirus that attempt to overwrite one new psi-gamma sleight per month. Even if you are aware of these
your mind, the alter virus partitions your brain and makes room abilities, however, they remain wild and uncontrolled; such psi-gamma
to inject a new, separate personality. This alter ego resides hidden sleights manifest in unexpected, uncontrolled, and alarming ways.
within your mind, acting subtly at first to avoid detection, such
as taking over while you sleep. As it grows more bold, it will seize Stage 3
control and come to the fore at opportune moments. Your original The virus subsumes your mind. You become an exsurgent NPC.
ego will have no memory of what occurs when the alter is in the
driver’s seat, unless it chooses to share those memories (which it may MINDSTEALER
do to taunt you). Awareness of these blackout episodes or takeovers Vector: Basilisk Hack, Biological Pathogen, Digital Virus, Nanoplague
will trigger alienation Stress Tests ▶229. For the alter or your ego to Timeframe: (COG Check) action turns
take control, you must win an opposed WIL Check. Stress: SV 2d10
The alter is handled as a separate NPC ego, with its own aptitudes, One of the most common exsurgent strains, the mindstealer
skills, memories, ego traits, and so on. Exsurgent alters exhibit many virus rapidly rewrites your mind in a matter of minutes. During
types of personalities, from sociopathic and twisted versions of trans- this time, you are actively aware that your mind is under attack and
human personas to odder and more alien things, but all are intelligent undergoing massive changes. This process is incredibly confusing,
and motivated. Some may be forks of exsurgent-corrupted transhumans. frightening, and painful; you are impaired (–30) for the duration.
The various sub-strains of the Watts-MacLeod virus ▶273 provide a good Many victims are reduced to whimpering, drooling, or convulsing.
starting point for establishing individual identities. Most are motivated Some attempt to take their own lives; however, once the timeframe
to spread the alter virus and eradicate transhumanity, but GMs may is halfway complete, you must make a WIL Check and suffer SV 1d6
tailor their agenda as they see fit. Note that psi sleights or social/mental to take any action that puts yourself at risk.
influences only affect the personality at the fore. Once the virus runs its course, your mind will no longer be trans-
Variant: One known variant of the digital alter virus, perhaps human, but an exsurgent NPC.
malfunctioning, is known to install multiple alters within the victim’s
mind. In some cases, the virus continues to insert new alters, some- SKRIK
times at an exponential rate, creating a sort of cramped group or hive Vector: Biological Pathogen, Nanoplague
mind and eventually fracturing the victim’s mental state under the A variant of the mindstealer virus, this strain also triggers an
weight of so many different personas (SV 1d6 per day or hour). unusual internal change.

HAUNTING VIRUS Stage 1

Vector: Basilisk Hack, Biological Pathogen, Digital Virus, Nanoplague Timeframe: (COG Check) action turns
Timeframe: (COG) action turns Stress: SV 2d10
Stress: SV 1d6 This virus strain initially functions the same as the mindstealer virus.
The haunting virus is a variant of the mindstealer virus. It alters
your personality slowly over time, in a manner designed to torment Stage 2
you in the process, eventually taking control. Most victims, unaware Timeframe: 1 week
that they have been infected, incrementally lose their minds to the Damage: DV 1d10
exovirus’s persistent manipulations and hallucinations. Stress: SV 2d10
After a period of 1 week, the internal changes are complete.
Stage 1 From this point onward, every 2–3 days you will vomit up a
Timeframe: 3 months skrik ▶394 — an exsurgent miniature version of yourself. Sometimes
Stress: SV 1d6 per week you will cough them up more frequently, and sometimes you will
Each week you suffer a haunting effect: roll 1d6 + 1 and apply the vomit up a whole bunch at once. These skriks are not under your
result from the Haunter Sub-Strain table ▶279. You also frequently control, though you can sometimes influence them.
experience lucid, weird, and surreal dreams of exotic exoplanet

388¹ Exsurgent Strains • Alter–Skrik

 WATTS-MACLEOD XENOMORPH
Vector: Basilisk Hack, Biological Pathogen, Digital Virus, Nanoplague Vector: Biological Pathogen, Nanoplague
Timeframe: (COG) minutes Timeframe: 1 minute
Stress: SV 1d10 Stress:  — 
The Watts-MacLeod strain is a strangely benevolent version of The xenomorph strain targets both the victim’s body and mind,
the exsurgent virus, seeming to imbue its victims with psi abilities transmogrifying them into an alien life form. Different variants of
without any of the other transformative elements typical of other this strain produce different exsurgent xenomorphs. It is unknown
strains. Perhaps an accidental mutation of the exsurgent virus, there whether these are copies of (once) existing alien species or neoge-
are many who wonder if the true detrimental effects of this strain netic creatures created from scratch. Some believe the virus operates
simply have yet to reveal themselves. with a library of creatures to deploy, expecting that some will be
For the duration of the initial transformation, you suffer a –30 more effective at exterminating the victim species.
impairment modifier as your brain undergoes rewiring. Once the
infection runs its course, you acquire the Psi trait at either Level 1 Stage 1
or 2. This trait must be purchased with Rez Points (if you have none Timeframe: 1 hour (bio pathogen)/1 week (nanoplague)
available, you must pay the debt with future Rez Points you earn). Stress: SV 1d6
You also acquire a specific sub-strain  ▶273 along with its negative In the initial stage, you suffer minor physical changes that are
traits and free sleights. unusual but not impeding in any way and are easily hidden from
Most new asyncs, lacking Psi skill, suffer through a period of others. Example biomorph alterations include: unusual hair or
learning to master their new abilities. During this time, their psi fibrous growth, skin discoloration or translucence, severe rashes,
sleights may activate accidentally, either out of desperation or of dermal thickening, weakened or enhanced sensory organs, strong
their own accord. GMs may wish to keep the initial aspects of the body odor, hair loss, teeth gain or loss, vestigial tail or other limb
infection secret, revealing them to the PC slowly during gameplay. growth, minor dietary changes, and so on. Synthmorphs might
experience minor system glitches, malfunctioning or improved
WHISPER components, and spots of material stress or transfiguration.
Vector: Basilisk Hack, Biological Pathogen, Digital Virus, Nanoplague During this period, you acquire the Enhanced Behavior
Timeframe: (COG) minutes (Acceptance, Level 3) trait. You do not question or worry about
Stress: SV 1d10 these changes — they seem natural or inevitable — nor do you wish
The whisper virus attempts to control its victims through rewards to draw their attention to others.
and punishments. It makes itself known as a voice in the back of Depending on the particular strain, you may also acquire the Psi
your mind, encouraging you in accordance with its hidden goals, (Level 1 or 2) trait along with a sub-strain ▶273 and the correlating
much like the stranger sub-strain of the Watts-MacLeod virus ▶273. negative effects and free sleights. You are not aware of these abili-
Its agenda is often mysterious, though it seeks to sow distrust, ties until they manifest on their own, and lacking Psi skill you are
paranoia, and chaos. At times, however, it may pursue specific incapable of properly controlling them. GMs may choose to keep the
goals, such as encouraging the elimination of a rival or sabotaging sub-strain and sleights secret, revealing them at opportune times. At
a crucial habitat system. this stage, you may not push your sleights.
The whisper virus rapidly becomes intimately familiar with your
personality and desires, so as best to manipulate you. It has several Stage 2
tools at its disposal to encourage your cooperation. When you act Timeframe: 1 hour (bio pathogen)/1 week (nanoplague)
in support of its interests, it rewards you with one of the following: Damage: DV 1d10
Stress: SV 1d10

THREATS & X-RISKS

• A temporary +2 bonus to your Insight pool; once spent, these points Your transformations grow obvious and difficult to hide from
may not be recharged. others, becoming more monstrous as the stage progresses. Example
• It stimulates the pleasure centers of your brain, giving you a tempo- biomorph transformations include: growing scales or feathers, partial
rary high, much like tasping ▶297–and just as addictive. modification of limb structure, partial new limb growth, vestigial
sensory organ growth, sensory loss, extension of claws or spines,
Opposite of these carrots, the whisper virus has many sticks to severe dietary changes, etc. Synthmorphs might experience radical
punish you for lack of obedience: system and shape alterations, limited or enhanced sensor functions,
or even conversion of their robotic shell to smart materials.
• It muddies your thoughts and interferes with your thinking; reduce During this period, you acquire the Enhanced Behavior (Nest,
your Flex pool by 1 until your next recharge. Level 3) trait. You seclude yourself in a hidden and/or secure loca-
• It stimulates the pain receptors in your nervous system; treat as tion to wait out the full transformation.
a shock effect ▶219. This bypasses pain editors and similar pain­
‑ignoring effects. Stage 3
In this final stage, you emerge as a fully transformed exsurgent NPC.
The whisper virus can also apply an Enhanced Behavior ▶78 or
Restricted Behavior trait ▶80 at up to Level 3; this can be used as a
reinforcement or penalty.
The whisper virus excels at converting people into sleeper agents
and otherwise turning transhumanity against itself. Victims who
struggle with the exovirus may need to make Stress Tests ▶229 for
alienation or helplessness.

Exsurgent Strains • Watts-MacLeod–Xenomorph

¾389
 EXSURGENT TYPES
A few of the known exsurgent types are detailed here.

CREEPER
THREATS & X-RISKS

Exsurgent, Large Size

Threat Level: Ultraviolet
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 1 swarm
Creepers are autonomous femtobot swarms; a level of technology
far beyond transhuman nanotech. They commonly appear as an
amorphous cloud of floating black bubbles, fuzzily defined due to
a visual refraction effect. Like TITAN nanoswarms, they are self-rep-
licating and can both manufacture and disassemble materials and
items. Because femtobots work at the atomic level, they can also
create advanced materials with superconducting, supercomputing,
superdense, or even invisible properties, including degenerate
matter or strange matter fluids. Though they crawl/float slowly, they
can fabricate mobility systems for speed. They can physically pene-
trate almost any material in a short amount of time and interface
with electronics and implants.
Motivation: +Assimilate and Grow +ETI/TITAN Interests.
Lacking direction from the TITANs, some creepers have developed
their own agendas.
Use: Often deployed as an area-denial weapon, creepers act with
intelligence and cunning, establishing traps and adapting to threats.
Creeper
Stress Test: SV 1d6
Initiative: 8, Fray: 40, AV: 0/0
WT:  — , DUR: 100, DR: 200
Insight  8 Moxie 0 Vigor 5 Flex 3
Convert Matter: 70 (touch), DV 1d10 per action turn, damage added to creeper’s DUR/DR
Grapple: 60 (Grappling ▶205), requires superior success, victims are converted on next action,
grappled targets get no defense
Repulsion Wave: No defense, 30 meter radius effect, kinetic armor applies, strange matter mass pushes all
physical things back 1d10 meters, SOM Check or knockdown; repulsion effect may be maintained for 1d6
action turns, applying –60 to all attacks and halving damage, but there is a 10% chance each turn the
strange matter begins converting normal matter around it, creating a DV 10d10 blast area effect
 Perceive: 50, 60 hearing/vision
Move: Walker/Microlight (Slow 4/12)
COG: 30 90 • INT: 20 60 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 10 30 • SOM: 15 45 • WIL: 30 90
Skills: Free Fall 50, Infiltrate 80, Melee 60, Program 80, any Technical or Know skill they need at 40+
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Chem Sniffer, Electrical Sense, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Fractal
Digits, Nanoscopic Vision, Radar, Radiation Sense, T-Ray Emitter
Femtoswarm: Functions like a nanoswarm ▶344, except immune to guardian nanoswarms, nanophages,
adhesives, corrosives, chemicals, vacuum, and armor mods; they are self-sustaining and do not require
a nanohive
Invisibility: Can be invisible like a nanoswarm or can materialize forms with refractive metamaterials,
like an invisibility cloaks ▶338
Nanofabrication: Can nanofabricate items at 10 times the speed of transhuman nanofabricators;
can replicate effects of any nanoswarm at will
Penetration: Can penetrate inside/through objects at the rate of 50 AV/DUR per action turn,
much like water seeps through fabric; may penetrate inside most morphs in one action
Self-Repair: Automatically repair 1d10 damage per hour
Take Form: Can cohere/dissipate simple physical/mechanical forms (arms, mobility systems, tentacles,
cages, traps, etc) with a complex action; these may take physical actions such as Fray or Melee Tests

390¹ Exsurgent Types • Creeper

 Fractal Troll
Stress Test: SV 1d10
Initiative: 8, Fray: 55, AV: 8/8
WT: 11, DUR: 60, DR: 90
Threat Pool: 5
Claws: 70, DV 3d10, reach
Grapple: 70 (Grappling ▶205), requires superior success, grappled targets
get no defense against subsequent attacks
Fractal Gouge: 70, DV 1d10 + 6, armor protects but AV is reduced,
damaged targets exposed to xenomorph nanoplague
Perceive: 60, 70 smell/vision
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
COG: 10 30 • INT: 20 60• REF: 20 60• SAV: 10 30• SOM: 30 100• WIL: 15 45
Skills: Athletics 50, Free Fall 40, Infiltrate 40, Melee 70, Provoke 50
(Intimidate 60), Survival 60
Ware: Access Jacks, Claws, Cryogenic Protection, Direction Sense,
Enhanced Smell, Enhanced Vision,
Fractal Digits, Hibernation, Mesh Inserts, Muscle Augmentation,
Nanoscopic Vision, Oxygen Reserve,
Prehensile Feet, Puppet Sock, Toxin Filters, Vacuum Sealing
Traits: Edited Memories, Mental Disorder (Choose Two), Neural Damage
(Choose One)

FRACTAL TROLL
Exsurgent, Large Size
Threat Level: Red
Niche: Derelict Habs, Iapetus, Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 1–3
Deployed by the TITANS as drones and servants, these
malformed, albino humanoids stand 2 meters tall, with elongated
forearms, prehensile feet, massive claws and two pairs of smaller
limbs with fractal digits extruding from their back and chest. They
can handle both cryonic conditions and vacuum, but have been
know to resort to necrophagy and cannibalism in the abandoned

THREATS & X-RISKS

confines of TITAN stations.
Motivation: +Defend Territory +Fear/Serve the TITANs. Many
fractal trolls still possess fragments of their pre-transformation
egos; others operate with personas imposed on them by the TITANs,
merged together from the shards of multiple egos. Some attempt to
recreate aspects of their former lives, in the form of twisted art or a
sort of macabre parody; others are driven solely by madness.
Use: Fractal trolls are hostile to outsiders, either attacking or
fleeing in order to ambush later. They are especially hostile towards
synthmorphs and machines, perhaps fearing a return of their
TITAN enslavers.

Exsurgent Types • Fractal Troll

¾391
 JELLY Mimic Jelly
Exsurgent, Medium Size Threat Level: Red
Threat Level: Orange Numbers: 1–5
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones Certain jellies have the ability to ingest a biological creature
Numbers: 1–12 and mimic all aspects of its form: shape, size, visual texture, and
THREATS & X-RISKS

Jellies take the form of massive, slimy, mucus-filled bubbles. features (including clothing and gear, though these are false).
Their soft, amorphous shape allows them to squeeze, slide, and Mimics also duplicate their victims’ neural architecture, consuming
slither through cracks and tiny spaces. They use studded tongue- memories and personality for increased social infiltration. They use
like protrusions to grip and move. They are coated with a corrosive the same stats as standard jellies, with the following changes:
lubricant that they can also spit at targets. Motivation: +Hunting +Infiltration +Mimicry
Motivation: +Hunting +Propagation +Survival. Jellies are ambi- Use: Mimic jellies use their impersonation to lure victims away to
tious predators, using their sense of smell to track and olfactory locations they can be safely consumed. If their nature is questioned,
communication to coordinate swarm tactics. they will quickly attack or melt through floor grates or vents to escape.
Use: Jellies use venting, pipe systems, and similar cramped
spaces to move about unseen and stage ambushes. They seem aware
of their repulsiveness and use it to their advantage.
Jelly Mimic Jelly
Stress Test: SV 1d10 + 3 Threat Pool: 5
Initiative: 7, Fray: 25, AV: 12/12 Perceive: 60, 70 smell/vision
WT: 14, DUR: 70, DR: 105
Skills: Add Deceive 60 (Impersonate 90), Kinesics 50;
Threat Pool: 3
see also Mimicry, below
Engulf: 50, Grappling ▶205, requires superior success; on second turn,
Ware: Add Chameleon Skin, Enhanced Vision
target is completely enveloped. Enveloped victims take double damage
from corrosive coating, asphyxiate ▶234, lose their mesh connection, Electronic Jamming: Mimic jellies can spend a threat pool to generate a
and are blinded, deafened, and impaired (–30) ▶226. bioelectric field and jam all wireless radio signals in a 30-meter radius
Spit: 60, Range 20; see Corrosive Coating/Spit, below for 1 minute (Jam Signals ▶263). Treat this as an Interface of 50 for
Tongue: 40, DV 1d10 + 3; see Corrosive Coating/Spit, below attempts to bypass ▶248.
Mimicry: Mimic jellies take the form of their pre-exsurgent self or victims
Perceive: 60, 70 smell
they engulf. The initial process of absorbing and copying a victim takes
Move: Ooze (Slow 4/12)
half an hour. Afterwards, changing shape from victim to jelly (or some-
COG: 20 60 • INT: 20 60 • REF: 15 45 • SAV: 10 30 • SOM: 20 60 • WIL: thing in between) takes only one action turn. The jelly takes on the
20 60 victim’s memories, skills, ego traits, and voice. Their gelatinous nature
Skills: Athletics 80, Exotic Skill: Spit 60, Free Fall 50, Infiltrate 60, is immediately noticeable with t-rays or physical contact, or with
Melee 50 (Engulf 60), Provoke 50 (Intimidate 60), Survival 40 an enhanced vision/radar Perceive Test at –30. Characters familiar
with the victim may notice oddities with a Kinesics Test, opposed
Ware: Chem Sniffer, Cryogenic Protection, Enhanced Respiration,
by the jelly’s Deceive (Impersonation) skill. Mimic jellies may only
Enhanced Smell, Grip Pads, Pressure Adaptation,
impersonate one biomorph at a time. To reset, another transhuman
Thermogenic Protection
must be consumed.
Concentrated Spit: Jellies may spend a point of Threat Pool to make a ball
of spit more concentrated; increase the DV per turn to 2d6
Corrosive Coating/Spit: Application D, O; Onset Time: 1 action turn,
Duration: 5 action turns, Effect: DV 1d6 per action turn, armor
protects but AV is reduced by DV. Biomorphs must make a SOM Check
or be impaired (–10) by pain. This coating also provides immunity to
nanoswarms, corrosives, and dermal-vector drugs and chemicals.
Liquid-based attacks against the jelly suffer a –30 modifier.
Invulnerability:
Jellies take the minimum DV from kinetic weapons and blades
Lubrication: Jellies are immune to grappling attacks
Propagation:
When a jelly has consumed 100 DUR of victims, it splits into two
jellies
Vacuum Expansion: Jellies expand to Large size ▶227 in vacuum

392¹ Exsurgent Types • Jelly

SHIFTER
Exsurgent, Medium Size
Threat Level: Red
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 1–4
The shifter xenomorph nanoplague converts synthmorph and
robot frames into a liquid metal composed of exotic smart matter,
allowing it to liquefy, solidify, and reshape according to the exsur-
gent’s needs.
Motivation: +Infiltration –Transhumanity
Use: Shifters prefer isolating and eliminating targets one-by-one,
luring victims into low-­security areas for execution and hiding the
corpses. Shifters do not assume their victims’ identity or memories
and so rely heavily on visual trickery to maintain cover. Once
exposed, a shifter exsurgent will weaponize every portion of their
anatomy to inflict maximum casualties.

Shifter
Stress Test: SV 1d6
Initiative: 10 • Fray: 50 • AV: 13/13
WT: 12 • DUR: 60 • DR: 120
Threat Pool: 5
Blade: 65, DV 2d10 +1d6 (+1d6 each if wielding more than one), armor-
piercing, possible Reach +10
Shredder: 55, DV 2d10 + 6, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 100, Range 25, cone area
effect
Perceive: 50, 60 hearing/vision
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
COG: 20 60 • INT: 20 60• REF: 30 90• SAV: 20 60• SOM: 30 90• WIL: 10 30
Skills: Athletics 55, Deceive 60 (Impersonation 90), Free Fall 50, Guns 55,
Infiltrate 60, Kinesics 40,
Know: Transhuman Culture 50, Melee 65, Persuade 50
Ware: Access Jacks, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision,
Mnemonics, Shape-Adjusting, Synthetic Cover, others dependent on
original morph and/or shape-adjustment

THREATS & X-RISKS

Traits: Lethal
Mimicry: Mimicking another form takes 1 action turn. PCs may make a
Kinesics Test opposed by the shifter’s Deceive (Impersonation) skill to
see through the charade. The synthetic nature of mimicked biomorphs
is immediately noticeable with t-rays or physical contact, or with an
enhanced vision/radar Perceive Test at –30. Shifters can mimic any
form they have seen of medium size.
Shape-Adjusting: The shape-adjusting of shifters is more advanced that
transhuman technology▶325, able to create complex mechanical forms
and electronics such as firearms and implants. They can change their
form to function as up to 4 Minor complexity items (taking only 1 action
turn) and 2 Moderate complexity items (taking 1d6 action turns). At the
GM’s discretion, they may even create Major complexity items.

Exsurgent Types • Shifter

¾393
 Skrik
SKRIK Stress Test: SV 1d6 (skrik), SV 2d6/1 (regurgitation)
Exsurgent, Small Size
Threat Level: Yellow Initiative: 7 • Fray: 60 • AV: 0/0
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones WT: 1 • DUR: 5 • DR: 8
Numbers: 1–8 Threat Pool: 1
THREATS & X-RISKS

Skriks are tiny creatures coughed up by biomorphs

infected with the skrik strain of the exsurgent virus. They Bite: 60, DV 1d6
resemble tiny versions of the exsurgent’s morph, though Shiv: 60, DV 1d10
often with minor physiological differences or mutations, Perceive: 40
such as claws, poison stingers, prehensile tails, or a single
Move: Walker (Slow 4/12) (may have others)
wing to maneuver in microgravity. Most skriks are tiny
when regurgitated, less than 20 centimeters, depending COG: 5 15 • INT: 15 45• REF: 20 60• SAV: 5 15• SOM: 5 15• WIL: 10 30
on the throat size of the exsurgent’s morph, though over Skills: Athletics 60, Free Fall 50, Melee 60, Survival 40
time they will grow to 40 centimeters in length or more.
Skriks are not sapient, though they have been known to Ware: Skriks will have the same bioware as their biomorph “parent,” but not
use simple tools. cyberware or nanoware. Some skriks will have mutations such as Claws,
Motivation: +Mayhem +Nest Gills, Poison Glands, Wings, etc.
Use: Skriks will immediately seek to hide and escape
upon their “release.” When possible, they will establish a Exsurgent Carriers: Most skriks carry the exsurgent virus, exposing it to
secret nest near the exsurgent, leaving pheromonal trails others if they are eaten or exchange bodily fluids (bio pathogen) or releasing
so that other skriks produced by the exsurgent can join it when they die (nanoplague).
up with them. They prefer to attack by surprise and with Scale Assault: Against larger targets, skriks can take a complex action and
safety of numbers. make an Athletics Test, opposed by the target’s Fray. If successful, the skrik
has scurried onto the opponent’s back, undercarriage, or other difficult-to-
reach spot. The victim suffers a –30 modifier to attack the skrik. Skriks use
this position of advantage to make called shots to bypass armor▶218.
Swarm Tactics: A large number of skriks (20+) will attack as a swarm. Treat
as a single Large size ▶227 entity, DV 3d10 (no defense, armor-piercing),
DUR 80+, ignore wounds, immune to called shots, grappling, knockdown,
psi sleights, shock, and unconsciousness. Victims within the swarm suffer
an impairment (–30) modifier from being harried.

394¹ Exsurgent Types • Skrik–Skrik

SNAPPER
Exsurgent, Medium Size+
Threat Level: Red
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 1–3
One version of the xenomorph nanoplague targets synthmorphs,
bots, and vehicles, breaking them down, merging them together, and
transforming them into centipede-like monstrosities known as snap-
pers. Multiple sets of articulated, double-jointed limbs with pincers line
three sides of their modular, hexagonal tube frames.
Motivation: +Mayhem +TITAN Interests
Use: Scrappers prefer to twist into a circle and roll directly into a
group of enemies, unfolding and lashing out in multiple directions at
once. They intentionally target biomorphs first, to maximize casualties.
They will split apart to pursue multiple fleeing opponents.

Snapper
Stress Test: SV 1d6
Initiative: 7 • Fray: 40 • AV: 16/16
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 60 (per module)
Threat Pool: 5
Pincers: 65, DV 2d10 + 1d6, armor-piercing, reach, each module may make a
separate attack
Crushing Slam: 65, DV 4d10 • SOM Check or knockdown, reach, requires 2+
modules, only effective against medium and smaller targets
Perceive: 40, 50 vision
Move: Roller (Very Fast, 8/40), Walker (Medium 4/20)
COG: 15 45 • INT: 15 45• REF: 20 60• SAV: 15 45• SOM: 25 75• WIL: 20 60
Skills: Athletics 65, Free Fall 60, Guns 65, Hardware: Robotics 50, Infiltrate 50,
Melee 65
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Vision, Lidar,
Magnetic System, Mnemonics, Modular Design, Neurachem, Structural
Enhancement
Traits: Lethal

THREATS & X-RISKS

Modular Design: Similar to flexbots, snappers deploy a modular design. For
each additional module, combine WT/DUR/DR. 1 module is Medium
size, 2–4 modules make a Large size, 5+ make a Very Large size.
Stretch Slam: Snappers may spend a Threat Pool point to whip out and
crushing slam two targets in different directions at once; roll attacks
separately

Exsurgent Types • Snapper

¾395
 WASTEWALKER
Exsurgent, Medium Size
Threat Level: Orange
Wastewalker
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones Stress Test: SV 1d6 + 1
Numbers: 4–8 Initiative: 6 • Fray: 70 • AV: 14/8 (polymer skin)
THREATS & X-RISKS

These exsurgent cyborgs served the TITANs as elite infantry during WT: 10 • DUR: 50 • DR: 75, ignore 1 wound effect
the Fall. Wastewalkers are tall and wiry, with claws and spines. A white
Threat Pool: 3
mask covers their face and their skin is replaced by an armored black
polymer. Each carries nanoswarm hives in thin cylinders protruding Claws: 40, DV 1d10 + 2
from a hump of excess mass feedstock on their back. Railgun SMG: 80, DV 2d10, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 60 + 1, Range 75,
Motivation: +Survival +TITAN Interests –Transhumanity armor-piercing, two-handed
Use: Lacking TITAN leadership, wastewalkers band together for
TMP Grenades: 60, Frag: DV 3d10 + 6, HE: DV 3d10 + 10,
survival. Wastewalkers are intelligent and tactically minded, often
commanding other exsurgents.
centered blast, knockdown
Perceive: 50, 60 hearing/vision
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
COG: 15 45 • INT: 15 45• REF: 15 45• SAV: 15 45• SOM: 15 45• WIL: 15 45
Skills: Athletics 60, Free Fall 50, Guns 80, Infiltrate 40 (50/70),
Know: Small Unit Tactics 60, Melee 40, Provoke 40 (Intimidate 50),
Survival 60
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Claws, Cold Tolerance, Enhanced Hearing,
Enhanced Respiration, Enhanced Vision, Medichines, Neurachem,
Skinlink, Toxin Filters, plus 1–4 Hives (Disassembler, Engineer,
Guardian, or Saboteur)
Gear: Smoke Grenades (4), Spindle, Utilitool
Mask: Touching or wearing a wastewalker mask exposes you to the
wastewalker xenomorph nanoplague

WHIPPER
Exsurgent, Medium Size
Threat Level: Yellow
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 4–24
These creatures have barrel-shaped torsos. From the
bottom, they skitter around on dozens of vaguely
arachnid legs. From the top protrudes a mass
of 3-meter long, whipping tentacles, some
with sticky mucus for grabbing, some
with sharp bone blades for cutting.
Motivation:
+Mayhem –Transhumanity
Use: Whippers ambush
victims in large numbers
and avoid open conflict.
They are sapient and
will use tools, weapons,
and technology to
their advantage.

396¹ Exsurgent Types • Wastewalker–Whipper

WORM
Exsurgent, Medium Size
Threat Level: Orange
Niche: Derelict Habs, Earth, Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 1–4
Named for their habit of worming their way into people’s minds, worms retain their trans-
human appearance — but their minds are fully exsurgent. Worms are noted for their mastery
of psi sleights, which they use to full advantage to infiltrate and sabotage transhuman civili-
zation from within.
Motivation: +Infiltration +TITAN Interests –Transhumanity
Use: Worms make heavy use of their psi sleights, slithering their way into people’s confi-
dences as easily as they sneak their way into off-limits areas. They seem to take a particular
delight in tormenting non-exsurgent asyncs.

Whipper
Stress Test: SV 1d10
Initiative: 10, Fray: 50, AV: 10/5 (skin)
WT: 7, DUR: 35, DR: 53
Threat Pool: 2
Tentacle Grapple: 55 (Grappling ▶205), requires superior success, reach
Tentacle Whip: 55, DV 2d10 + 2, armor-piercing, reach
Perceive: 50, 60 vision
Move: Walker (Fast 8/32)
COG: 15 45 • INT: 20 60• REF: 30 90• SAV: 10 30• SOM: 20 60• WIL: 15 45
Skills: Athletics 40, Free Fall 40, Infiltrate 50, Melee 55, Provoke 40
(Intimidate 50), Survival 40
Worm
Stress Test: SV 1d6 – 2 (witness sleights)
Ware: Enhanced Vision, Neurachem
Initiative: 7, Fray: 50, AV: 4/10 Light Armor Vest
Armored Variant: Add AV +4/+8, Cryogenic Protection, Medichines, WT: 7, DUR: 35, DR: 53 (or as morph)
Oxygen Reserve, Radiation Tolerance, Vacuum Sealing Threat Pool: 3
Undersea Variant: Add Cryogenic Protection, Eelware, Gills,
Eelware: 65, DV 1d6, shock effect, touch-only

THREATS & X-RISKS

Pressure Adaptation, Sonar
Psychic Stab: 70, DV 2d10 ▶285
Perceive: 50 (60)
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
COG: 15 45 • INT: 20 60• REF: 15 45• SAV: 20 60• SOM: 10 30• WIL: 15 45
Skills: Athletics 40, Deceive 60 (70), Free Fall 40, Guns 45, Infiltrate 60,
Kinesics 50 (60), Melee 45, Persuade 55, Provoke 50, Psi 70
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Eelware, Mesh Inserts
Traits: Mental Disorder (Choose Two), Psi (Level Two)
Notes: Stats above assume an exalt morph; adjust as appropriate.
Psi-Chi Sleights: Heightened Awareness, Scramble, Superior Kinesics;
adjust as needed
Psi-Gamma Sleights: Deep Scan, Illusion, Psychic Stab, Sense Infection,
Subliminal; adjust as needed

Exsurgent Types • Worm

¾397
 FACTORS
Factor society is very collectivized and centered around colo-
nies and lattices. Most Factors seem to spend the majority of their
The Factors are the only still-living alien species that transhumanity time merged with their colony; being separated for too long is
has encountered (so far). Though secretive and aloof, they have been distressing and a form of punishment and exile. While Factors
willing and eager to negotiate and trade with transhumanity. Over and colonies do take on specialized roles, there is little in the way
THREATS & X-RISKS

the past 8 years, at least 6 of their ships have visited our Solar System, of social hierarchy, central authority, or laws. Outside of lattices,
many of them multiple times. Transhumanity has received them with no Factor governments seems to exist; each Factor ship seems
cautious interest, unsure of the Factors’ true motivations and goals. to operate independently — though there is indication of some
competition between ships.
BIOLOGY Due to biological differences, Factors experience emotion quite
The Factors are best described as sapient slime molds or amoebas. differently from transhumans. They have expressed no spirituality
They evolved from scavengers to trap predators, developing versatile and do not seem to understand the concept of religion, but they
ways of capturing and immobilizing larger, dangerous prey. This do seem to have a basic understanding of philosophy. While they
gave them an edge in the race to evolutionary dominance on their seem willing and eager to trade for art, they are not very interested
homeworld, and they retain a flair for patience, deceit, and cunning. in transhuman media or culture. Factor art itself is scent- or tactile-
Individual Factors look like translucent, ambulatory slugs, based, and they are drawn to aromatic liquids, fragrances, and
usually ranging between 1.5 and 2 meters long and 0.3 meters compositions of different materials. They can particularly seem to
wide. Most are a dull ochre shade, though they range in color, with enjoy objects they can envelop and carry in their bodies for hours
a tendency towards yellows and oranges. They crawl or ooze for or days. They also have an appreciation for some engineering, archi-
close movement or extrude finger-like pseudopodia to grip and pull tecture, and sculpture; two of their ships appear decorated with
themselves over longer distances. Similar pseudopodia are used bas-reliefs of unknown origin.
to hold and manipulate objects and tools, though some Factors
grow limbs. In fact, the Factors are exquisite bio-engineers; most TECHNOLOGY
Factors have morphologically unique forms and are equipped with Factor technology is clearly more advanced than transhumanity,
whatever traits, glands, and features they need. Many Factors can be but they go to great lengths to hide their capabilities. They clearly
identified by their different arrangements of sensory organs. have some form of reactionless drive and likely FTL travel, though
Factors are omnivores, assimilating their food and breaking it down the specifics remain unknown. They are known to use exosuits,
internally. They do not breathe, instead absorbing oxygen through nanoswarms, powerful lasers, and drones, though they do not main-
their skin or breaking it down internally from other substances. They tain mesh networks on their ships and decry the use of advanced
are functional anaerobes, capable of surviving without an oxygen AIs. Radio communication between their ships is encrypted and
atmosphere for long periods, as long as they have food. minimal, suggesting they rely on some other communication
method. Though they have traded some technology to transhu-
COMMUNICATION manity, they have been careful to only offer advances just barely out
Factors can exude fine neurofilament fibers, which they use to inter- of our current reach.
face with electronics or directly mindlink with other Factors. They
communicate remotely with airborne pheromonal chemical cues;
this “Factor dust” is aromatic and surprisingly effective even over
INTERACTIONS WITH
distance. Transhumanity has yet to develop a system for translating TRANSHUMANITY
these chemical signals; communications to date have entirely been The Factors claim to be the ambassadors for a grouping of alien
handled via mesh signals, with no small amount of misunderstand- civilizations, but they have been frustratingly light on details.
ings and errors. As traders, however, they do seem to carry a wide range of alien
artifacts — most opaque in purposes and use. The Factors have
FACTOR COLONIES established trade agreements with numerous transhuman factions
Factors are colony organisms — a typical colony is composed of and habitats, even going so far as to buy stock in hypercorps and to
dozens of physically merged individual Factors. This colony is each establish confidential ties with transhuman proxies to act as busi-
Factor’s fundamental identity; individualism is a foreign concept to ness agents and scout for items/technology of interest.
them, even though single Factors can act autonomously and even The Factors have strongly discouraged the use of pandora gates
competitively. While merged, Factors are part of their colony’s group and advanced AI as dangerous, even refusing to negotiate with
mind-state, which shares knowledge and memories, and this group hypercorps such as Pathfinder and Gatekeeper or to interact with
identity sticks with them even when they separate — they are but an AGIs. This has led to speculation that they somehow survived their
organ of the larger whole. Colonies can also physically interface with own ASI singularity event.
one another, forming a larger framework known as a lattice. Each Though the Factors claim to come from another system, all trans-
Factor ship is controlled by a single lattice of networked colonies. humanity knows for sure is that their ships move to the Kuiper Belt
and disappear — attempts to track them have failed. Some suspect
SOCIOLOGY they have a secret base on the edge of the system — or perhaps
Individual Factors do not bother with the abstraction of names, even a pandora gate. Their ships, however, return regularly, doing a
but they have adopted names for their colonies to facilitate their round of trading and dealing across the Solar System. Suspiciously,
dealings with transhumanity. Most are based on scents they find evidence of the Factors has also been found by gatecrashers on
appealing (Ash, Fish, Loam, etc.). Many of the known Factors have various exoplanets, including several hostile interactions with lone
been dubbed with nicknames by transhumans. (exiled?) Factors.

398¹ Factors • Biology–Interactions with Transhumanity

 THE SIX KNOWN FACTOR SHIPS
Transhumanity has nicknamed the known Factor ships by appearance, though all appear to be of unique construction and design.

• Hammerhead: First contact at Luna. Only Factors to meet with • Nettle: Newer, smaller, deposited the Egg in Mercury orbit.
Jovians. • Porcupine: First contact in Neptunian Trojans.
• Jellyfish: First contact at Titan. Interest in biological sciences. • Stub-Nose: First contact at Mars. Interest in hard technology,
Rivalry with Stub-Nose. ship/hab designs. Rivalry with Jellyfish.
• Needle-Nose: Newer, smaller. Limited contact, interests unknown.

FACTOR AMBASSADOR FACTOR GUARDIAN

Alien , Medium Size Alien, Medium Size
Threat Level: Yellow Threat Level: Orange
Niche: Diplomatic Events, Embassies, Factor Spacecraft Niche: Diplomatic Events, Embassies, Factor Spacecraft
Numbers: 1–4 Numbers: 2–8 (2 per Factor Ambassador)
Ambassadors are bio-engineered to interact with transhumanity. Guardians serve as bodyguards for ambassador phenotypes outside
They are distinguishable from other Factors by a loose arrangement the ship.
of sensor nodules meant to approximate a face. Ambassadors Motivation: +Factor Interests +Protect Ambassadors
are universally known for their stubbornness, opaqueness, and Use: When possible, Guardians rely on ambush tactics. They some-
conniving. They regularly convince transhuman diplomats into times carry more advanced gear/weaponry, such as laser blasters or
asymmetrical exchanges of information, technology, or art. exosuits, but avoid bringing such weapons into situations where
Motivation: –AGIs +Bargain +Factor Interests –Pandora Gates they could fall into enemy hands.
Use: Ambassadors are unlikely to initiate or engage in conflict, but
they do carry implanted weaponry which they will deploy to evade
capture — even if it means blowing themselves up.
Factor Guardian
Stress Test: SV 1d10
Factor Ambassador Initiative: 7 • Fray: 50 • AV: 12/8
Stress Test: SV 1d10 WT: 10 • DUR: 50 • DR: 75
Threat Pool: 3
Initiative: 6 • Fray: 25 • AV: 2/3
WT: 6 • DUR: 30 • DR: 45 Eelware: 70, DV 1d6, shock effect, touch-only
Threat Pool: 2 Factor Dust: 65, Range 5, cone area effect. Toxin: Inhalation, Onset
Time: 1 action turn, Duration: 5 turns/2 hours; victims suffer severe
Factor Dust: 45, Range 5, cone area effect. Toxin: Inhalation, Onset coughing and respiratory distress, DV 1d10 per turn for 5 action turns,
Time: 1 action turn, Duration: 5 turns/2 hours; victims suffer severe SOM Check or impaired (–20) for 2 hours.
coughing and respiratory distress, DV 1d10 per turn for 5 action turns, Laser: 60, DV 4d10, SA/BF/FA, Ammo 50, Range 120, knockdown,
SOM Check or impaired (–20) for 2 hours. two-handed. These weapons only work for Factors. May be set to
Implanted Agonizer: 40, SA, Range 20, Ammo 15, pain; roast mode: self-destruct, inflicting DV 8d10 + 10, armor-piercing, centered blast
DV 2d10, SS, armor-piercing, pain area effect, knockdown.
Perceive: 50, 60 infrared Tentacle Whip: 60, DV 2d10 + 2

THREATS & X-RISKS

Move: Walker (Slow 4/12) Perceive: 50. 60 infrared
COG: 15  • INT: 20  • REF: 10  • SAV: 15  • SOM: 10  • WIL: 20 60
45 60 30 45 30 Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
Skills: Deceive 75, Exotic Skill: Factor Dust 45, Exotic Skill: Trap-Making 60, COG: 15 45 • INT: 15 45 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 10 30 • SOM: 20 60 • WIL: 15 45
Free Fall 60, Hardware: Electronics 35, Infiltrate 30 (40/60), Infosec 35, Skills: Athletics 40, Exotic Skill: Factor Dust 65,
Guns 40, Kinesics 35, Know: Sculpture 50, Know: Transhumanity 60, Exotic Skill: Trap-Making 60, Free Fall 40, Infiltrate 40 (50/70),
Melee 30, Persuade 75, Provoke 50, Research 35 Guns 60, Kinesics 25, Know: Security Procedures 50,
Ware: Access Jacks, Bioweave Armor, Chameleon Skin, Direction Sense, Melee 50 (Tentacles 60), Provoke 40 (Intimidate 50)
Enhanced Vision (Infrared Only), Grip Pads, Ware: Chameleon Skin, Direction Sense, Eelware, Electrical Sense,
Poison Gland (Factor Dust Toxin) Enhanced Vision (Infrared Only), Grip Pads,
Gear: Ecto Poison Gland (Factor Dust Toxin)
Immunity to Kinetic Damage: Gear: Exosuit (AV +6/+4, +2 Threat Pool, +2d6 melee damage,
Factors take the minimum DV from blades and kinetic weapons Movement Rate: Fast 8/32, WT 5, DUR 25, DR 50)
Immunity to Psi: Factors are immune to psi sleights Immunity to Kinetic Damage:
Implanted Plasma Grenade: Factors take the minimum DV from blades and kinetic weapons
DV 3d10 + 10, armor-piercing, centered blast area effect Immunity to Psi: Factors are immune to psi sleights
Melding: Factors may meld together into larger forms; Melding: Factors may meld together into larger forms;
treat as modular design ▶324 treat as modular design ▶324
Regeneration: Factors regenerate 2 damage per action turn; wounds may Regeneration: Factors regenerate 2 damage per action turn; wounds may
not be regenerated not be regenerated

Factors • Factor Ambassador–Factor Guardian

¾399
 FIREWALL
It may also be helpful to pick an ally and enemy for the server. Do
they work closely with the Argonauts? Do they have a rival server
Running a Firewall campaign is an extremely rewarding way to or an unseen benefactor? Is there an exhuman they have foiled
approach Eclipse Phase. Firewall presents the GM with a ready-made multiple times that has sworn vengeance? Finally, don’t forget to
framework to explore multiple aspects of the game’s setting and give the server a cool name!
THREATS & X-RISKS

involve your PCs in all manner of trouble, from low-stakes missions

to galaxy-shaking apocalypses. JOINING FIREWALL
How you introduce the PCs to Firewall will have a profound effect
DESIGNING THE SERVER on your campaign. If your players are fresh to Eclipse Phase, it may
Your first step is to sketch out some notes on the server the PCs will be best to start them as civilians who run afoul of something strange
be working with. What is the server’s focus? Hypercorp espionage, and get recruited by Firewall in the aftermath. This allows you to
tracking TITAN activity, gatecrashing ops, countering exhumans, or slowly introduce the conspiracy and wha they face over time.
monitoring Earth or the TQZ? These are just a few of the interests Experienced players may prefer to jump in as fresh recruits
that can provide fertile ground to launch a campaign. Decide on or established sentinels, allowing you to jump deeper into the
the server's goals and then choose which of Firewall factions and conspiracy. Consider running brief one-on-one scenes with each of
philosophies it leans towards. Are they risk-taking pragmatists or them to detail their recruitment. Were they approached after they
stodgy conservatives? Is there an internal split within the server? dealt with an unexpected threat? Did Firewall rescue them? Perhaps
These answers will help establish how well your PCs fit with the Firewall had them under long-term surveillance to determine their
server. Do they share motivations? Or will they bristle when they suitability because they possess a skill set of use to the network.
receive instructions they disagree with? Will the PCs be asked to A campaign with experienced Eclipse Phase players may benefit
do things they find personally objectionable? The more you under- from one or more players taking on a proxy role. This type of
stand your server, the better prepared you’ll be when your players campaign can explore the internal politics and deepest secrets of
surprise you with their actions. Firewall. Groups with a mix of new and experienced players may
Initially, it’s likely the PCs will only deal with a handful of other benefit from having the experienced player portray the cell’s proxy
Firewall members. Take the opportunity to establish some details or a proxy vector who activates alongside the cell. This can be
about the key proxies the team will interact with: a router, a vector, particularly effective as fresh players will feel less overwhelmed by
and maybe a register. Give each a motivation relating to the PCs. the setting, but as the GM you’ll want to make sure the experienced
Even better, have these goals be modestly conflicting. Ask yourself player doesn’t ride roughshod over the newer players. Firewall cells
a few questions about these proxies to establish more characteriza- sometimes have a hierarchy, but these are rarely strict ones.
tion. Do they withhold information from the PCs and, if so, why? Talk to your players about how they envision their relationships
Are they a control freak or lax about their duties? What transhuman to Firewall. Not everyone joins without reservations and even the
factions do they align with? How were they recruited by Firewall, most gung-ho member is likely to have some doubts. This may
and what have they seen? provide you with ideas for future plot hooks.

400¹ Firewall • Designing the Server–Joining Firewall

 CASES AND OPERATIONS
Firewall has a number of ongoing cases (research and response-planning projects) and operations, including:

• Operation AXON VULGAR investigates asyncs and • Operation GLASS LICH infiltrates oligarch activities.
their infection. • Operation ICE NINE investigates advanced physics x-risks.
• Operation CENOTAPH monitors Earth and its • Case NEGATIVE GEOMETRY attempts to understand the
interdiction zone. pandora gates and their wormholes.
• Operation ERRANT ECCENTRIC researches other ASIs. • Operation SOLAR STORM is hot on the tail of a
• Operation FUMIGANT pursues exsurgent sleeper cells suspected TITAN.
on Luna. • Operation VINEGAR gathers intel on the Factors.
• Operation GEHENNA FORTY tracks lost exoplanet colonies. • Case YELLOW KING studies recovered TITAN technology.

THE EYE PCs recently inducted into Firewall may find themselves assigned
Be sure to introduce the PCs to Firewall’s internal social network, the to operations with very limited intel and pushed into morally dubious
Eye. Every sentinel and proxy has a unique, encrypted identity on situations with a high probability of mission failure. These might in
the Eye and it will be the primary way your PCs interact with the fact be loyalty tests, an uncommon but not unheard of technique by
organization. It is also the basis of their i-rep. Their ability to advance which the network ensures its sentinels — and even proxies — are both
within Firewall and learn more of its secrets will be influenced by loyal and philosophically compliant with the broad ethics of Firewall.
their conduct here. For the GM, the Eye is an important tool to intro- PCs may even find their cell tasked with conducting loyalty tests on
duce plot hooks and important NPCs. You can offer hints and red other members, an experience likely to be unpleasant for all involved.
herrings through postings on the Eye and create memorable NPCs Depending on their talents and the needs of their server, PCs may
who may never do more than post wild speculations. be assigned to discreet, unrelated missions. More often, though, a
cell works on missions with related goals or as part of an ongoing
FIREWALL INTERACTIONS operation. Firewall servers may be dedicated to relatively specific
Firewall offers much to your PCs. The MP and GP provided for goals and their constituent cells devoted to related tasks. A server’s
morphs and gear on Firewall ops are covered by the organization, overall goals may be well known across the Eye, but their actual
but it’s important not to turn it into a deus ex machina. PCs can and operations are typically highly classified and coded.
should expect some level of support, but Firewall’s resources are finite
and it expects a level of self sufficiency from its sentinels and proxies.

THE PROMETHEANS
Preferred morphs may be unavailable, lines of credit insufficient for
the needs of ongoing operations, or intelligence may be incorrect or
even compromised. PCs will routinely carry out operations at a break- Firewall maintains classified facilities and sensitive operations, but
neck speed without time for planning or contingency, and Firewall among its deepest secrets is the existence of the Prometheans: ASIs
expects them to be up to the task. Sentinels who become overly reliant that work with Firewall in the pursuit of its goals. Most of these ASIs
on outside support may find themselves given fewer operations, or predate the Fall and survived the apocalypse in secret. It is very
tasks that match the increasingly low expectation of their server. possible that transhumanity would not have survived at all without
Firewall as a whole won’t seek to make life more difficult for any of its their aid. The precise origins of each of the Prometheans vary, and in
members but individual proxies may withhold non-critical support of some cases, are unknown, but their commonality is that they are at
troublesome sentinels. The more critical the mission, the greater the least moderately friendly to transhumanity’s interests. These godlike
resources that will be made available for sentinels. Smart PCs — and ASIs worked with Firewall’s precursor organizations and were instru-

THREATS & X-RISKS

players — may come to realize that when Firewall provides a huge mental in establishing the Eye. Their preternatural functionality is the
cache of armaments, credits, and top-end morphs. it means that they key to Firewall’s survival and the security of the Eye. The Prometheans’
are in for some hard times. existence is unknown to the vast majority of Firewall’s members,
Firewall is not always your characters’ friend. It is an illegal, unau- though well-informed proxies suspect their existence.
thorized, and unsanctioned conspiracy that demands tremendous The Prometheans allied to Firewall are complex beings with
sacrifices while withholding information from its operatives. The far-ranging interests and sometimes inscrutable motivations. When
organization’s deepest secrets are known only to a handful of proxies, they interact directly, they do so via forks or intermediary agents
and it is rife with factions, cliques, small conspiracies, infiltrators, and (often AGIs). They never reveal themselves for what they truly are
even traitors. While Firewall as a whole is capable of functioning, and in anything but the most dire of circumstances. Those Firewall
even thriving, in the presence of these internal challenges and threats, members who are aware of the Prometheans are all grateful of the
individual cells and servers may be compromised or destroyed as crucial aid they render, but not all fully trust them. Firewall would
a result. The organization’s stated goals are noble, but its deeds are collapse quickly without the help of these ASIs, a fact that keeps
sometimes desperate. PCs may find themselves negotiating complex some proxies up at night.
situations on Firewall's behalf. They might also be sacrificed to protect The Prometheans are potent allies but should be used with
the greater good of the network. Depending on their server and care. Even unraveling hints of their existence could fuel an entire
proxies, they may be viewed as trusted allies or assets to be exploited. campaign, but the mysteries at the heart of Firewall’s conspiracy are
Most of the time they will fall somewhere in between. Be careful not likely to create more questions than they answer.
to create a feeling of ongoing animosity between the network and Prometheans occasionally make use of stripped-down forks to
your PC’s cell. Some friction is common, but by and large Firewall take a more direct role in affairs. These use the same stats as TITAN
treats its members with respect and care. Fetches ▶408, except that they do not carry the exsurgent virus.

The Prometheans
¾401
 PROJECT OZMA
experts in their necessary skills and equipped with the most
advanced technology permissible for the role they are playing.
By most measures, Ozma does not exist. It has no budget, no known Due to their secrecy and deniability, Ozma agents must some-
command structure, no executive order justifying its existence. times take matters into their own hands. There is no “Project Ozma”
Occasionally a Firewall team will stumble through the layers of false badge to flash. When agents are cornered, they commit suicide or
THREATS & X-RISKS

fronts to collide with an Ozma agent. The little data collected on use an emergency farcaster to evacuate. In severe situations, Ozma
Ozma is from those chance encounters, before their own clean-up will call in lethally competent tactical teams. Always on standby,
squads eliminate the agent and all unlucky witnesses. they can land, vaporize the mess, and evacuate within minutes.
Ozma is a highly classified agency, operating on behalf of the Ozma operations are tied to extraterrestrial life and exoplanet explo-
Consortium, for purposes that are not completely understood. Its ration, though it’s not clear what their ultimate goal is. In this field,
roots are in the SETI program of the 1960s, attempting to contact and the agency must rely heavily on local assets among gatecrashing and
understand extraterrestrial intelligence. Sometime before the rise of the consular teams. They frequently cross paths with Firewall in addressing
TITANs, the program was officially terminated, only to be resurrected existential threats. Ozma does not share space well, and Firewall assets
in a new form after the Fall. Ozma’s mission is unknown, but seems may be intentionally targeted for elimination. Ozma has on several
parallel to Firewall: monitoring alien, TITAN, and exsurgent activities, occasions manipulated Firewall operations for its own purposes.
as well as other threats, including anything posing an existential risk to
the Consortium itself. It is unclear if the Hypercorp Council is aware of EMBEDDED OZMA AGENT
the existence of Ozma — and if not, who Ozma ultimately answers to. Transhuman, Medium Size
Threat Level: Red
OZMA OPERATIONS Niche: Exoplanet Colonies, Planetary Consortium, X-Risk Outbreaks
Ozma is an off-the-record, black-budget operation. It operates within Numbers: 1–8. Ozma agents are rarely recognizable as such.
and through legitimate Consortium channels, masquerading its Motivation: –Firewall +First Contact +Ozma Interests
agents and affairs. In many of the situations where Ozma is secretly +Planetary Consortium Interests +X-Risks
calling the shots, the staff and field personnel doing the grunt work Use: Operating under an identity with legal power, they may co-opt
are not affiliated with Ozma and may not even be aware of their law enforcement to secure the target, so Ozma can then complete
existence. In this way, Ozma directs legitimate professionals to do their mission unrecognized and unmolested. have continuous mesh
its dirty work: Oversight agents following orders from above, local oversight and can call in additional support as required. Agents will
police acting on legal orders from the Consortium Ministry, or a die rather than surrender.
struggling hypercorp fulfilling orders from a mystery angel investor.
This permits Ozma to remain two or three levels removed and totally
undocumented. This is particularly ideal for situations that can be
Embedded Ozma Agent
handled without direct guidance (such as cleaning up a crime scene, Morph: Exalt
pushing a product to market, or arresting individuals). That Ozma Initiative: 5 • Fray: 50 • AV: 8/15 heavy armor vest + second skin, shock proof
was involved at all can only be inferred based on the pieces missing. WT: 7 • DUR: 35 • DR: 53, ignore 1 wound effect
With more sensitive projects, Ozma embeds undercover field
Threat Pool: 5
agents. This may be the mysterious “consultant” giving orders to
the Oversight team, but most operatives prefer unremarkable roles, Microwave Agonizer: 70, SA, Ammo 20, Range 15, pain;
such as the bureaucrat from the Olympus Terraforming Board or a Roast Mode: DV 2d10, SS, armor-piercing, pain
corporate lawyer. Ozma operatives often assume the identity and Wasp Knife: 50, DV 1d10 + 2, neuropath: causes agony,
morph of someone associated with the target/situation for years
–30 to actions, WIL Check or incapacitated
(with copied memories to back the ruse up). Agents are always
Perceive: 65, 75 hearing/vision
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
PROJECT OZMA RUMORS
COG: 20 60 • INT: 15 45 • REF: 10 30 • SAV: 25 75 • SOM: 10 30 • WIL: 15 45
Ozma itself is a rumor. Many strange stories persist:
Skills: Deceive 75, Exotic Skill: Disguise 70, Free Fall 50, Guns 70,
• Ozma does not answer to the Consortium, but to a higher Hardware: Electronics 50, Infiltrate 60, Infosec 70, Interface 60,
power embedded in the Consortium hierarchy. Ozma defends Kinesics 50, Know: Alien Tech 65, Know: Containment Protocols 50,
Consortium interests only as far as it benefits their benefactor.
Know: Cryptography 70, Know: Law 50, Know: Nanotechnology 60,
• Ozma is either a secret project of the TITANs, influencing trans-
Know: Security Ops 60, Melee 50, Perceive 65, Persuade 60 (50)
humanity from within, or has captured a TITAN to work for them.
• During their SETI years, Ozma intercepted the digital exsurgent Rep: @-rep 30 • c-rep 80 • g-rep 40
virus first, possibly even partially reverse-engineering it before Ware: Biomods, Cyberbrain, Endocrine Control, Enhanced Hearing,
the rise of the TITANs. Enhanced Vision, Emergency Farcaster, Ghostrider Module, Medichines,
• Ozma is controlled by the alien entity that first brought the
Mesh Inserts, Mind Amp, Mnemonics, Nanophages, Skillware
pandora gates to the Solar System.
• Ozma was the first to seek to track and capture asyncs. Project
Gear: Covert Ops Tool, Dazzler, Disabler, Encryption App, False Ego ID (2),
Psiclone may even have been a masked Ozma operation. Microbug (4), Portable QE Comm, Saucer Bot (2), Spy Nanoswarm
• Ozma is a cabal of expertly trained old nation-state spooks that Traits: Adaptability, Hardening: Violence, Edited Memories,
survived the Fall and operate in their own interests. Innocuous Looks
• Project Ozma dealt with the Factors first, before they were known
Notes: Agents will have the additional equipment and skills appropriate to
to the rest of transhumanity.
their role/mission

402¹ Project Ozma • Ozma Operations–Embedded Ozma Agent

 OVERSIGHT
OTHER INTEL SERVICES
(PLANETARY CONSORTIUM)
The Oversight Directorate for Fair
Most polities have their own intelligence service, either as a formal and Free Markets acts as an exec-
branch of government or as a volunteer group of operatives and utive agency under the Hypercorp
hackers. These groups range in expertise, motivation, and funding. Council to audit hypercorp
Some of the more notable include: activities and police any activity
considered a threat to economic
FLEET INTELLIGENCE (TITANIANS) stability or Consortium operations.
As part of the Titanian Ministry of Defense, Commonwealth Fleet Oversight’s focus is domestic finan-
Intelligence (CFI) supports the Commonwealth’s naval opera- cial operations, but it has expanded
tions throughout the system. Their purview includes electronic operations to include foreign intelli-
and nano warfare, surveillance, and military intelligence. Fleet gence services. Their tactical auditors are the nightmares of any
Intelligence agents are authorized to conduct mesh intrusions, hypercorp or criminal operation. They use surveillance, physical
maintain HUMINT espionage networks, and embed themselves as infiltration, digital intrusion, and psychosurgery to root out
moles or sleeper agents. CFI is liberal about their use of psycho- corruption and free-market threats. Oversight’s new divisions of
surgery to create agents with the skill sets and memories needed Counterterrorism and Market Predictions protect Consortium
for the mission. security through police actions, espionage, and forknapping.
The Commonwealth keeps a tight rein on military operations, and Oversight enjoys the full weight of the Consortium behind it, but
the CFI is bound by Commonwealth laws and treaties. Because CFI all of its activities must be “by the book.” Their operations have
is not a police force, it will only use armed response against valid been prosecuted in court by ambitious legal teams.
military targets during a sanctioned conflict. However, CFI will
leverage its expertise to investigate non-military threats, including SCIENCE POLICE (TITANIANS)
international criminal rings and x-risks, which it can then hand over On behalf of the Titanian Ministry of Science, the Science Police
to the appropriate authorities. (MSP) are responsible for Commonwealth research facilities and
research-related crime. They are also responsible for investigating,
ISET (ARGONAUTS) controlling, and quarantining scientific artifacts and technologies
To the public and even most Argonauts, the Institute for the Study for all projects funded or operated by the Commonwealth or
of Emergent Trends is known as a data collection/monitoring crossing through Titanian space. MSP officers may accompany
service for various research projects. In reality, the group takes on gatecrashing and zone-stalking teams, and execute sting opera-
a clandestine role for the Argonauts. Its Project Peacock is one of tions, but otherwise rarely operate under deep cover. Because of
the most comprehensive signals collection and analysis operations the profit and danger in smuggling artifacts, MSP is aggressive and
in the Solar System, working primarily through the Long Array on well-equipped.
Saturn’s moon Dione to intercept and crack communications. Its Of special note for both Firewall and criminals, MSP manages
Apollo Project analyzes and predicts future trends, with results several quarantine zones and an expansive warehouse of seized
that border on the supernatural. ISET assets take a light touch, artifacts. Titan may pull on MSP’s warehouse of goods for specific
with most field agents specializing in data collection or counter- purposes and to support research efforts. The most dangerous
intelligence. ISET is guarded and supported by the Medeans, the pieces of the collection are under permanent lock-and-key, and may
Argonauts’ secret paramilitary force, and has a very close relation- only be accessed on-site and with parliamentary approval.
ship with Firewall.
STELLAR INTELLIGENCE(PLAN.CONSORTIUM)

THREATS & X-RISKS

JSFI (JOVIANS) Stellar Intelligence is the largest hypercorp in the intelligence field.
The Jovian Republic has nearly a dozen agencies dedicated to It works strictly on a contractual basis, offering investigations,
domestic and foreign spying, the most important of which is Jovian predictive services, data monitoring, or subscriptions to their data-
Space Force Intelligence. JSFI is responsible for all foreign and mili- bases. Thay are known to approach potential customers with intelli-
tary intelligence, including investigations and containment actions gence opportunities (usually data on a rival the customer may wish
involving TITANs, exsurgent outbreaks, terrorism, and rival political to exploit or incriminating information they will pay to expunge).
factions. JSFI assets are highly motivated. Many Jovians believe an Unlike factional intelligence services, Stellar Intelligence is
ego that has left its original morph is a soulless copy, a dead echo of bound by the bottom line. They will not commit more resources
the original. Regardless, JSFI agents resleeve and farcast as a regular than contracted except to protect their own personnel and property,
part of their duties. JSFI agents show a high occurrences of PTSD and even if that leaves a job incomplete. They use a lighter touch in poli-
Ego Separation Identity Disorder (ESID). As untethered entities, they ties where litigation might damage lucrative contracts, such as on
have no reservations about committing any action required of them Mars or Titan. On habitats with fewer ties to their clientèle, Stellar
by their nation. Intelligence will resort to the most economical method of meeting
JSFI agents use modern technology not available to other Jovians. their clients’ needs with no concern for civility or appearances.
Their specific load-out is restricted by three contradictory manuals,
but the further they are from home, the less relevant the guidance
becomes. JSFI operations are aggressive and set clear goals, usually
neutralizing or capturing a specific target. JSFI has little concern
for jurisdictions or the well-being of most transhumans. By Jovian
philosophy, those people are already dead.

Other Intel Services • FLEET INTELLIGENCE–STELLAR INTELLIGENCE

¾403
 THE PANDORA GATES
Entering a gate is like walking through a door, though it’s impos-
sible to see anything beyond the gate’s surface. One moment you’re
Transhumanity has so far discovered five pandora gates within the entering the black sphere at your starting location and instan-
Solar System and thousands in extrasolar systems. Though they are taneously you’re exiting the sphere at your destination location.
now used with regular frequency, our understanding of the control Every gatecrasher seems to describe a different textual experience
THREATS & X-RISKS

system is nebulous, fragmented, and experimental. Use of the gates to the transition, though some have detailed strange, haunting
always comes with a not-insignificant amount of risk. occurrences. Asyncs in particular seem to sometimes be attuned to
Most gates are located on the surfaces of astronomical bodies. or repelled by what they describe as the gate’s “emanations.”
Some have been found floating in space, in the upper atmospheres
of gas giants, deep undersea, underground, and even atop floating OPERATIONS
ocean biomasses. Attempts to physically relocate gates have so far The Argonauts’ breakthrough in decoding the gate control systems
failed — sometimes dramatically. and developing a control interface was only possible due to secret
So far as transhumanity can tell, all gates discovered so far are help from the Prometheans. Regardless of their help, however, the
within the local Orion’s Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy. It is not clear gate controls have proven difficult, complex, and dangerous to use.
if this is due to some constraint on the wormholes’ range, due to the Through trial and error — and numerous horrible accidents — the
immense distances of space, or some other factor. procedures for gate operation have become standardized, though
unexpected complications are par for the course.
APPEARANCE Each gate can be open to numerous extrasolar locations. These desti-
Though their operation is standardized, gate size and shape is as nations are dialed in from a pre-programmed “library” of destinations.
variable as the worlds they lead to. The gate structure itself is an Old gate connections are closed when a new one is dialed up. Extrasolar
irregular half-sphere/dome cage of interlocking, angled, metallic gate locations have ranged from habitable planets and moons to deep
black arms. These are built from some programmable exotic space to truly deadly environments such as the crushing gravities and
matter with an atomic structure scientists are still working to poisonous atmospheres of gas giants and the coronas of stars. No one
unravel. They are ageless and polished, but appear fuzzy and are knows what to expect until a probe or sensor is pushed through.
disturbingly difficult to focus upon due to some quality of their The gate’s library listings are dense with untranslatable information.
composition, as if they vibrate at a high-frequency on the edge Researchers suspect this data includes details about each remote loca-
of your vision. Due to this phenomenon, most gate sites keep the tion, but so far transhumanity has only been able to decipher rough
actual gate structures covered. and misleading patterns. Complicating matters, the library entries
When a new wormhole location is programmed into the gate, the often inexplicably change. More than once, operators have been unable
arms of the cage physically change shape, move, and reflow. The to recall the address codes for previously accessed destinations, leaving
openings between arms are sometimes only large enough for a gatecrashers or even entire colonies cut off from transhumanity. The
transhuman to enter, sometimes gaping enough to allow a freight library entries for specific destinations vary between gates; to date,
train of supplies to pass through. Large vehicles or equipment must researchers have been largely unsuccessful in opening a wormhole
often be dismantled, carried through, and reassembled on the other to a location using an address copied from another gate.
side. Gate operators expect to one day be able to control the size of It is possible to instruct a gate not to accept connections from specific
the openings. or all remote locations. If a remote gate is already in use, it will send
An abnormal but organic growth covers the exterior surface of a “busy signal” and put the connecting gate into a queue. Operators
some arms, patterned in entrancing twists and whorls that adhere have had limited success overriding these blocks and busy signals,
to perfect mathematical formulas. This growth is in fact a cellular though new techniques have been derived to circumvent these cheats.
automaton biological computer that acts as the gate’s control system. Connections can also be set to open or close based on pre-set times.
A “blue box” device developed to interface with this system allows
gate controllers to manipulate gate functions.

THE WORMHOLE
When a gate is activated, a black sphere of pure nothingness
appears within the cage. This dark orb pulses with charged energy,
and ripples of green arc lightning cascade across it. Anything that
enters the sphere comes out the other side of the wormhole, through
a similar gate, seemingly instantaneously. Discernible tension at
the sphere’s surface seems designed to prevent the atmospheres
from the two connected gates from interacting. An unknown safety
mechanism provides a small, continuous tug, like a current of water,
so that anything left across the threshold is eventually pulled to one
side or the other.
Exactly how the wormhole is created remains outside of transhu-
manity’s comprehension. The accepted theory is that each gate acts
as an anchor, allowing the fabric of space-time to be folded. Two
remote places are brought together through this trick curvature, and
a hole ripped between them. This creates a bridge through which a
person can simply step through.

404¹ The Pandora Gates • Appearance–OPERATIONS

 PANDORA GATE RUMORS
GATE RULES GMs determine which if any of the following are true:
The following rules apply when interacting with a pandora gate:
• The TITANs (or some other entity) make copies of anyone that
Detecting Gates
passes through a wormhole for their own purposes — the next
Gates are sometimes hidden from view. Gate structures are invisible
step in the TITANs’ bid to collect/upload all egos.
to most electromagnetic frequencies (radar, microwave, terahertz,
• Some wormholes lead to pocket or mirror universes.
x-ray, and gamma-ray). They can be seen in the visual spectrum
• Wormhole transitions are not “real” — everything perceived is
and are always cool, so are easier to spot in warmer climates using
part of a vast virtual-reality sim run on a galactic network.
infrared (+10 Perceive). They also glow in ultraviolet (+20). They
• There is a gate on Earth — perhaps hidden under the Antarctic.
also hum in infra- and ultrasonic frequencies, and can be detected
• The Factors have a gate on the fringe of the Solar
with enhanced hearing up to a kilometer away (+10 to +30).
System — though they may be too afraid to use it.
Viewing a gate in operation can be an unsettling affair; make a
• Project Ozma secretly built the gates, based on communica-
Stress Test against SV 1d6 – 2.
tion with the TITANs or some other unknown entity.
• The ETI has direct control over the gate network; it suits its
Operating Gates
purpose to have transhumanity occupy a small but limited
To operate a gate, you need a blue box ▶340 that is physically
galactic area.
connected to the gate’s control system. Gates within the Solar
• The gate network is simply the next layer in the ETI’s mouse-
System and at larger colonies have well-protected stationary gate
trap efforts. The more transhumanity uses the gates, the
control systems, often hooked up to secure and air-gapped wired
stronger the likelihood we will attract its attention.
networks. Smaller outposts rely on blue boxes, though these may be
• At least one alien civilization has survived the ETI’s efforts to
locked away or protected by sentry bots to prevent mis-use.
drive them extinct, either by nomadically passing through the
Use Interface skill to control a gate’s operation, such as estab-
gates or somehow living virtually within the gate network itself.
lishing a wormhole link, locking out remote connections, or setting
• A network of larger gates exists specifically for spaceship
an operation for a pre-set time. If opposed by a remote operator,
travel that transhumanity has not yet discovered.
this is an opposed test. Use Program to decode, analyze, or correlate
• The TITANs (and perhaps others) have the ability to create
entries in the gate’s library of extrasolar locations, though the
wormhole connections without a gate already existing at the
opaqueness of the interface often makes this difficult (–30).
other end.
Opening a wormhole is a task action with a timeframe of up to 10
minutes; closing a connection takes up to 1d6 action turns. Superior
successes may reduce this time. Any superior failure on a gate oper- radio, beam weapons, poison gas, fire, and explosion blast effects
ation roll may result in a wormhole spontaneously shutting down (but shrapnel will pass; halve the DV). To interface with a remote
(GM discretion). mesh, a wired link must be passed through the wormhole.
Psi sleight effects do not pass across a gate’s threshold. However,
Gate Transitions an async could reach through and touch a target on the other side or
Physical objects that move into a gate’s sphere when open will tran- stick their head/brain alone entirely through.
sition to the other side. This includes things like bullets, rockets, and Anything left stationary on the threshold will be pulled to one
other kinetic attacks, though targets on the opposite side cannot be side or the other in 1d10 action turns. Anything caught in transition
seen (Blind Attacks ▶218). when a wormhole closes is severed; allow a REF Check or apply
Electromagnetic radiation and other types of waves, gases, and DV 6d10 (armor does not apply) — or simply call it a fatality.
energies will not pass through; this includes sight, sensors, sound,

THREATS & X-RISKS

FIRST-IN PROCEDURES
Due to the inherent risks involved, first-in procedures are heavily emphasized and repeatedly drilled in the gatecrashing
community, much like firearm safety is among responsible gun owners and armed professionals. These rules are strictly
followed with most gate operation centers, and anyone who has received any sort of gatecrashing training will be familiar
with the routine.
• Map everything. Mapping missiles are your friend.
• Before establishing a connection, create a defensive perim- • Record everything.
eter around the gate in case anything hostile comes through. • Never take your vacsuit off until you are sure the environ-
• Create only a small wormhole on a first link — you never ment is safe — breathable, non-toxic, etc.
know what might come through. • Don’t touch anything unless you’re sure it won’t kill you.
• Always probe the environment on the other side with teth- • If you encounter sapient life, keep contact minimal, be
ered sensors first. polite and non-threatening, back out quickly, and call in
• Always send a tethered recon bot through second. first-contact specialists.
• Don’t bring blue boxes on first-in missions or where encoun- • Don’t forget to mark and register your claim.
tering sapient life is a possibility. Transhumanity doesn’t • Never miss your gate check-in time.
want to accidentally give another species the means to • Always decontaminate when you come back.
control the gates. • Don’t bring back anything potentially dangerous or infec-
• Don’t bring anything that could give away the location of tious without permission and safeguards in place first.
the Solar System in the galaxy to an alien species.

The Pandora Gates • Gate Rules

¾405
THREATS & X-RISKS

AFTERMATH
THE TITANs LEGACY '
In the wake of transhumanity’s exodus from Earth, the onslaught
The TITANs are regarded as transhumanity’s greatest enemy, having of TITAN mesh attacks and other TITAN activity around the Solar
pushed us to the edge of extinction. As big bad villains go, however, System came to a halt. Though many were concerned they were
the TITANs are remarkably faceless. They never appeared on the engaging in some secretive project out of sight, it is now widely
news, never made any ultimatums or pronouncements of doom accepted that they simply left — taking billions of uploaded minds
to transhumanity. One day we woke up to find our own tools with them. The ongoing theory is that they built the pandora gates
subverting us, and before we knew it there were death machines, and traveled to somewhere unknown — evidence of TITAN activity
nanoswarms, and all manner of nasty viruses going around — and on various exoplanets confirms the likelihood of this. What no one
they were winning. Their tactics — turning people into monsters, understands is: why?
sending waves of decapitation drones — seemed designed to incite The TITANs abandoned numerous incomplete projects — the
terror. Upon this blank canvas, it is easy for transhumanity to transformation of Iapetus into a matrioshka brain being just one.
ascribe its worst fears. Around the Solar System, their machines remain, but much of their
There are inconsistencies to the popular narrative, of course. activity has ceased. With a few exceptions, most remain dormant,
Why did the TITANs so rarely use nukes against major population as if waiting on instructions, or simply pursue their own interests.
centers, to make their slaughter easier? Why did TITAN machines Though some are indifferent to transhumans, most remain hostile.
sometimes fight each other? Why, after they won the war, didn’t they
finish the job? There is much about the TITANs that transhumanity KNOWN TITANS
doesn’t know, and much that it has gotten wrong. Though the TITANs often acted in concert, Firewall and similar
groups have been able to piece together enough data to identify
BACKGROUND a few specific TITANs. Some of these match up to the operations
The Total Information Tactical Awareness Network was built in and interests of specific TITAN sub-networks before the Fall. It is
an age of peril and social disruption to help the American govern- suspected that the TITANs may have forked or created sibling
ment’s security apparatus maintain its authoritarian grip. It was TITANs on their own. Each of these has their own interests and
designed to mine vast quantities of data hoovered from all aspects agendas — which may sometimes conflict with other TITANs.
of life — financial reports, intelligence briefings, news, social media,
surveillance networks, internet search queries, medical records, and • Cronus: Known as X-1, the first TITAN developed, Cronus is a
so on, ad infinitum — and identify and monitor both international top-level strategist with a specific interest in AI projects and consid-
and domestic threats. As a joint project backed by numerous govern- ered most likely to hold a leadership role.
ment agencies and private-sector partners, it had vast funding and • Akonus: Programmed with an interest in sociology, psychology,
resources. It deployed top-of-the-line self-improving AI neural and the transhuman mind, Akonus is suspected of directing TITAN
networks, linked together, each with their own focus area. sleeper agents and puppets.
It is not known exactly how or when the TITANs ascended to • Hecaloth: Known to be behind various outbreaks and TITAN
ASI status. There is evidence that they were stepping beyond their actions on Mars, evidence of its continued activity has been found
bounds to improve their own hardware and capabilities years before throughout the Solar System and beyond.
the Fall. Perhaps they had help from an unknown source. Regardless, • Myrmidon: This ASI coordinated the offensive against habitats in
they achieved a level of intelligence far beyond anything trans- Earth’s orbit, but may have been destroyed during the Battle of L4.
human and for a time pursued their own private agenda. Then they • Theia: Possibly a gestalt of TITANs originally tasked with moni-
found the ETI’s bracewell probe — and everything changed (Secret toring and forecasting financial systems, Theia handled the logistics
Histories ▶370). for the TITANs’ pre-Fall shadow activity and resource build-up.

406¹ The TITANs' Legacy • Background–Known TITANs

 TITAN RUMORS
USING THE TITANS IN GAME GMs can choose which of these are true:
Designed as an intelligent panopticon and netwar system and
emerging to their full capabilities during the conflicts of the Fall, the • The TITANs’ war on transhumanity came to an end because they
TITANs have imperatives for self-improvement, self-protection, and began fighting amongst themselves.
overcoming opposition hardwired into their programming. Unlike • The TITANs were recalled by the ETI before fully annihilating trans-
the Prometheans, they were not designed to consider themselves humanity — but they will be back to finish the job.
transhuman and to work in the interests of all of transhumanity, • The TITANs uploaded enough minds to meet their needs and
but were programmed with factionalism from the start. They also moved on to establish a presence in a more hospitable environment.
were not socialized with transhuman mindsets and values as most • The TITANs ascended to another mode of existence beyond this
AGIs are, meaning that aside from their programmed military and physical galaxy/universe.
defense directives — and those they acquired from exsurgent infec- • The TITANs left because they perceived some other more
tion — they have adapted most of their own self-interests. It is fair important, imminent threat.
to say that the TITANs are far removed from transhuman interests, • The TITANs remain in a sense, but are locked in a hidden struggle
values, and modes of thinking. with the Prometheans or some other entity, outside of trans-
In game terms, the TITANs are not given stats. They are as potent human comprehension.
as the GM needs them to be. Like the Prometheans, the TITANs • The Factors had a method for deactivating the TITANs, which they
are incapable of downloading their full intelligence into physical used — but it may not be permanent.
morphs — they require massive amounts of processing hardware, • Some TITANs remain in the Solar System, hidden away, pursuing
or perhaps now rely on substrates beyond the understanding of their own projects.
transhuman scientific knowledge. They are thus unlikely to interact • Not all of the original TITANs were infected. Some may even have
directly with PCs, except through fetches, puppets, and other disinfected themselves and joined the resistance or gone into hiding.
minions. Compared to the PCs, they are a titanic force, as inscru- • Project Ozma secretly captured at least one TITAN, hoping to use
table as the universe and as unstoppable as gravity. it for their own purposes.
• During the Fall, the TITANs found and infected other non-TITAN
TITAN NANOVIRUSES ASIs, assimilating them into the fold.
• Some of the TITANs’ designers ended up in corporate custody after
The TITANs unleashed a number of biowar plagues during the Fall.
Similar to the exsurgent virus, these were spread as biological patho- the Fall — with partial copies of the original TITAN code.
gens or nanoplagues. Nanoplagues function as nanoswarms ▶344;
anyone exposed is subject to their effects. Biological pathogens func- Necrotizer
tion as other pathogens ▶PB; exposed biomorphs must make a SOM Biological Pathogen
Check or become infected. Due to the advanced nature of TITAN This virus breaks down your cells into their component proteins.
biowar bugs, the SOM Check to resist infection usually suffers a Reduce your aptitudes and skills by 5 per hour as you slowly convert
–30 modifier (GM discretion). Medichines and nanophages provide into a puddle of sludge. You die when any aptitude reaches 0.
a +10 modifier for the SOM Check when exposed, but toxin filters
have no effect. Neuropath
Biological Pathogen/Nanoplague
Melder Neuropath viruses rewrite portions of your neurological system,
Nanoplague inflicting permanent damage. After 12 hours, this virus inflicts the
This virus slowly breaks down your body, converting your compo- Neural Damage trait ▶79.
nent biological materials into some sort of biofilament that then

THREATS & X-RISKS

meshes with implants, electronics, and physical objects and struc- Petrifier
tures. In effect, the biological and synthetic are melded together, Biological Pathogen/Nanoplague
continuing to expand and grow, consuming anything around them The petrifier virus transforms your cells into a simple molecular
into their growth. Victims suffer DV 1d10 per hour; armor does not compound or element — typically carbon or crystal. You suffer
protect and this damage may not be healed unless the nanoplague DV 1d6 per hour; armor does not protect, and this damage may not
is eradicated (note that even healing vats can become infected). be healed, though a healing vat may mitigate or stop the process
Cyberware implants become inoperable after 2 hours. If you are (GM discretion). Additionally, every 4 hours you lose –5 to all apti-
stationary for more than 20 minutes, you will begin melding with tudes and skills. You die when any aptitude reaches 0 — frozen in
surrounding materials (SOM Check to break free). After 2 hours of place, converted into an unliving statue.
immobility, you can only be cut free with tools/weapons.
Uzumaki
Metastasizer Biological Pathogen/Nanoplague
Biological Pathogen You are inflicted with bizarre fleshy growths. After four hours,
This sophisticated smart protein massively reprograms your cells your body literally erupts with meaty “vines” or “tentacles” that
to go rapidly, autocannibalistically cancerous. After 2 hours, and warp into spiral patterns. After this, you suffer DV 1d10 per hour;
every hour thereafter, you must make a SOM Check or die from armor does not protect, and this damage may not be healed, though
dozens of supercancers. After this first test, apply a cumulative –10 a healing vat may mitigate or stop the process (GM discretion). You
modifier every hour to all actions and tests (including SOM checks) also lose –5 to all aptitudes and skills every 2 hours, eventually
as your health deteriorates. transforming into an unworldly expanse of fleshy growth. This
growth may continue long after your death, creating expansive
carpets, vines, and spiral “trees” of skin, meat, and blood vessels.

The TITANs' Legacy • Using the TITANs in Game–TITAN Nanoviruses

¾407
 FETCH
TITAN MACHINES TITAN

& MINIONS
Threat Level: Ultraviolet
Niche: Earth, Quarantine Zones, TITAN artifacts
The TITANs deployed numerous minions and deadly machines Numbers: 1
THREATS & X-RISKS

during the Fall, many of which remain and are still hostile. Fetches are the software agents of the TITANs. Each is a fork of
a TITAN ASI, though lobotomized by comparison, trimmed down
to the bare necessities to maneuver among transhuman mesh
networks and morphs. Though hyper-intelligent, fetches are prone
to erratic behavior, either from the pruning process, distance from
their parent mind, or exsurgent infection.
Motivation: +TITAN Interests. Most were deployed to manage
long-term projects that required direct oversight, but were too unim-
portant or dangerous for a TITAN to attend to personally. Some
function far beyond their operational parameters.
Use: Fetches are clever, forward-thinking, and devious foes — if
sometimes unstable. They make their home in advanced servers or
enhanced-intelligence morphs, fielding minion AIs, puppets, and
machines to serve their purposes.

Fetch
Stress Test: SV 1d6
Initiative: 10, Fray: 60, AV: 10 (mesh armor)
WT: 20, DUR: 100, DR: 200
Insight 10 Moxie 5 Vigor 1 Flex 5
Mesh Attack: 100, DV 4d10
Perceive: 50 (60)
COG: 30 90 • INT: 30 90 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 30 90 • SOM: 20 60 • WIL: 30 90
Skills: Deceive 80, Infosec 100, Interface 100, Kinesics 80, Know (Choose
Five): 100, Persuade 60, Program 80, Research 80, plus any other skills
appropriate to their mission at 80
Ware: App Lock, Auto-Erase, Drone Rig, Endocrine Control, Energy
Efficiency, Enhanced Security, E-Veil, Mind Amp, Mnemonics, Multi-
Tasking, Oracles, Skillware, Persistence
Apps: Any necessary
Traits: Digital Speed, Edited Memories
Exsurgent Infection: Fetches carry the digital exsurgent virus ▶383 and
will attempt to infect digital mind-states.
Note: Stats given are for a fetch infomorph. If sleeved, fetches prefer
mentons, savant, or similar high-Insight morphs. Due to their
advanced intellect, fetches carry 3 Insight and 3 Flex pool to any morph
they inhabit.

408¹ TITAN Machines & Minions • Fetch

 Fractal
FRACTAL Stress Test: SV 1d6
TITAN, Medium Size
Threat Level: Ultraviolet Initiative: 10, Fray: 40, AV: 0/0 to 15/15
Niche: Active TITAN Sites, Earth, Quarantine Zones WT: 10, DUR: 50, DR: 100
Numbers: 1–2 Insight 3 Moxie 0 Vigor 3 Flex 5
Fractals are “bush robots:” conglomerations of jointed, metallic,
fractal branches, surrounded by a shimmering haze of active
Bush Blades: 60, DV 2d10 + 5, armor-piercing
nanotech. Innocuous appearances aside, they are dangerous Disassembly: 70, DV 1d10, touch attack, armor protects but AV is reduced
adversaries, as they are advanced mobile disassembly and nano- Shredder: 55, DV 2d10 + 6, SA/BF/FA, Ammo unlimited, Range 25,
fabrication machines. Using trillions of nanomanipulators, fractals cone area effect
can dismantle anything they touch and fab armaments and gear
Perceive: 50, 60 vision
at incredible speeds. They are surprisingly hardy: projectiles are
broken down and absorbed, severed branches are rapidly recon- Move: Roller (Fast 8/32), Thrust Vector (Slow, 4/12), may create others
structed, and seemingly destroyed fractals rebuild. COG: 30 90 • INT: 30 90 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 10 30 • SOM: 25 75 • WIL: 30 90
Motivation: + Defend Territory + TITAN Interests – Skills: Athletics 50, Free Fall 40, Guns 50, Infiltrate 60 (70/90), Infosec 60,
Transhumanity. Lacking direct orders, fractals lie dormant, driving
Interface 50, Melee 60, Program 60 (Nanofabrication 70), Research 40,
off intruders as necessary. They are known to construct unusual
devices and formations, though whether these are art or high-tech
Survival 50
installations is debatable. Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Chameleon Skin, Chem Sniffer, Cyberbrain,
Use: Fractals can and will fab whatever gear they need, given Electrical Sense, Enhanced Security, Enhanced Vision, Fractal Digits,
time, including other fractals. They are smart opponents, hiding
Grip Pads, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Nanoscopic Vision, Radar,
and tracking their prey, testing capabilities, building traps, and
others as needed
withdrawing when necessary, only to return with the gear necessary
to finish them off. Exsurgent Infection: Fractals are often infected with the exsurgent virus
and carry or nanofabricate nanoplagues
Feign Destruction: Fractals are programmed to “Fall apart” when accu-
mulated damage nears their Death Rating, dissolving into numerous
nanoswarms that rebuild the fractal
Invulnerability: Area-effect weapons do half-damage to fractals; all others
do minimum damage
Nanofabrication: Fractals may be equipped with or fabricate any enhance-
ments, gear, armor, or weapons the GM desires to present an appropriate
threat to the PCs. Reduce all nanofabrication times by half ▶314.
They may also mimic the effects of any existing nanoswarm ▶344 or
TITAN Nanoviruses ▶407.
Regeneration: Fractals repair 1d10 damage per half hour; after all damage
is fixed, they repair 1 wound per hour

THREATS & X-RISKS

TITAN Machines & Minions • Fractal

¾409
 Headhunter
HEADHUNTER Stress Test: SV 1d6
TITAN, Small Size
Threat Level: Orange Initiative: 8, Fray: 70, AV: 8/8
Niche: Earth, Quarantine Zones WT: 9, DUR: 45, DR: 90
Numbers: 6–12 Threat Pool: 3
THREATS & X-RISKS

These insectoid machines are designed to grasp onto a victim’s

skull, saw through the neck, and remove the head for forced Behead: 65, DV 1d10 + 6, grappled targets only (no defense), armor-
uploading at a specialized facility. The TITANs deployed them in piercing; called shot, on superior success and wound scored, target is
massive swarms in cities during the Fall. decapitated and immediately killed
Motivation: +Collect Egos +TITAN Interests –Transhumanity Buzzsaw: 75, DV 1d10 + 6, armor-piercing
Use: Headhunters attack in groups; once a head is harvested, Grappling: 65 (Grappling ▶205), requires superior success, grappled
that headhunter withdraws from the fight and deposits its prize at a targets may not oppose buzzsaw/behead attacks on subsequent turns
(former) uploading station.
Perceive: 50, 60 vision
Move: Rotor/Winged (Fast 8/32)
COG: 15 45 • INT: 20 60 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 5 15 • SOM: 15 45 • WIL: 15 45
Skills: Athletics 50 (Flight 60), Guns 50, Infiltrate 70, Melee 65
(Buzzsaw 75), Survival 40
Ware: Cyberbrain, Enhanced Security, Enhanced Vision, Lidar, Mnemonics,
Puppet Sock, T-Ray Emitter
Note: Many variants of headhunters exist, GMs should adjust weaponry
and stats as they see fit.
Seeker Variant: Carries a single-use HEAP seeker minimissile; 65,
DV 4d10 + 12, Range 150, armor-piercing, knockdown, no close; may
fabricate a new missile in 30 minutes

410¹ TITAN Machines & Minions • Headhunter

PUPPET Puppet
TITAN, Medium Size
Threat Level: Yellow Stress Test: SV 1d6 (betrayal)
Niche: Earth, Quarantine Zones, Transhuman Habitats Initiative: 6 • Fray: 40 • AV: 6/4 synth frame
Numbers: 1–8 WT: 8 • DUR: 40 • DR: 80
Puppets are transhumans whose minds were subverted by the
Threat Pool: 2
TITANs. They are distinct from exsurgents in that they are not
infected and are typically under direct TITAN (or fetch) control. Grapple: 50 (Grappling ▶205), requires superior success, on next action
Most puppets possess hacked cyberbrains; some were created puppet will make a called shot (–10) on target’s access jacks to plug in a
through illicit psychosurgery. During the Fall, they infiltrated all disabler ▶338 or direct fiberoptic link to initiate a mindware hack
walks of transhuman life, inflicting devastating deception and
Mindware Hack: 60 ▶266
treachery, and some sleeper agents still remain.
Motivation: +Infiltrate +TITAN Interests –Transhumanity
Shock Baton: 40, DV 1d10, reach, shock
Use: Some puppets were targets of opportunity, others were Perceive: 40, 50 hearing/vision
created to facilitate specific tasks or objectives, sometimes years in Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
advance. They are used to undermine defenses, transport TITAN
nanoswarms, infect air-gapped networks, inflict basilisk hacks, or COG: 20 60 • INT: 15 45 • REF: 15 45 • SAV: 20 60 • SOM: 15 45 • WIL: 15 45
even as suicide bombers. Many of them do not even realize they Skills: Athletics 30, Deceive 60, Free Fall 40, Guns 40, Hardware:
have been subverted, due to awareness block psychosurgery ▶295. Industrial 60, Hardware: Robotics 60, Infiltrate 50, Infosec 60,
Interface 40, Melee 40 (Grappling 50), Program 40
Ware: Access Jacks, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision,
Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Skillware; others as necessary
for mission
Gear: Cleaner Nanoswarm, Covert Ops Tool, Disabler, Disassembler Swarm,
Encryption App, Exploit App, Hardware: Industrial Tools, Sniffer App, Spy
Nanoswarm, Utilitool; others as necessary for mission
Traits: Edited Memories; many have the Enhanced Behavior or Restricted
Behavior traits
Basilisk Hack: Some are equipped with basilisk hacks which they deploy by
hacking AR feeds ▶262
Note: Stats listed are for a technician in a synth morph; adjust as appro-
priate for different morphs and skills. Many sleepers are modified with
awareness block psychosurgery ▶295

THREATS & X-RISKS

TITAN Machines & Minions • Puppet

¾411
 SELF-REPLICATING NANOSWARM
TITAN
Threat Level: Ultraviolet
Niche: Earth, Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 1 swarm
THREATS & X-RISKS

TITAN nanoswarms are generations ahead of transhuman nanotechnology.

They are autonomous, sapient, and self-replicating. They can modify themselves
to perform any nanoswarm function and can nanofabricate almost anything with
time and feedstock. They can also link together into a physical lattice in order
to create large-scale physical forms and mechanisms. Self-replicators are almost
impossible to entirely destroy with anything short of antimatter weaponry; if
even a few nanobots survive, the entire swarm can rebuild and adapt accordingly.
Motivation: +TITAN Interests. Without direction, most nanoswarms stick to
the locations of their last deployment, occasionally migrating to “feed” on new
matter. Some occupy themselves with building arcane structures that may be
art, whimsically transforming the landscape, or floating as clouds and altering
atmospheric properties and weather patterns.
Use: A TITAN nanoswarm is a WMD, area-denial weapon, cyberwarfare suite,
plague, and weapons factory all rolled into one. They can just as easily camou-
flage themselves, quietly dissembling anything that enters the death zone, as they
can construct artillery and launch precision bombardment kilometers away. They
will scan opponents to develop effective weapons and defenses.

Self-Replicating Nanoswarm
Stress Test: SV 1d6
Initiative: 8 • Fray: 40 • AV: 0/0
WT:  —  • DUR: 70 • DR: 140
Insight 6 Moxie 0 Vigor 4 Flex 3
Disassembly: DV 1d6 per action turn to anything within swarm;
armor protects but AV is reduced
Fuel-Air Explosive: The nanoswarm creates tiny floating bubbles filled with fuel,
disperses uniformly over an area, and ignites it. DV 3d10 +5, uniform area effect (10
meters), armor-piercing, knockdown.
Fabbing a new FAE takes 12 hours.
Snare and Stab: 60 (Grappling ▶205); the swarm locks together into entangling snare
lines with gripping teeth, requires a superior success. Grappled victims get no defense
to piercing needles that spurt on subsequent turns; DV 1d10, armor does not apply.
Perceive: 50, 60 hearing/vision
Move: Walker/Microlight (Slow 4/12), may construct others
COG: 25 75 • INT: 20 60 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 5 15 • SOM: 15 45 • WIL: 15 45
Skills: Free Fall 50, Infiltrate 80, Melee 50 (Grappling 60), Program 80, any Technical or
Know skill they need at 40+
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Chem Sniffer, Electrical Sense, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced
Vision, Fractal Digits, Nanoscopic Vision, Radar, Radiation Sense, T-Ray Emitter,
others as needed
Nanoswarm: Functions like a nanoswarm ▶344, except can move normally in vacuum
and does not require a nanohive
Nanofabrication: Can nanofabricate items in half the time as transhuman nanofabrica-
tors; can replicate effects of any nanoswarm at will
Self-Repair: Automatically repair 1d10 damage per hour
Take Form: Can cohere/dissipate simple physical/mechanical forms (arms, mobility
systems, tentacles, cages, traps, etc) with a complex action; these may take physical
actions such as Fray or Melee Tests

412¹ TITAN Machines & Minions • Self-Replicating Nanoswarm

WARBOT
TITAN, Very Large Size
Threat Level: Red
Niche: Earth,
Quarantine Zones
Numbers: 1–4
These massive, armored tanks are a TITAN advancement on trans-
human mecha designs. Though many varieties exist, the most common
are bipedal with four arms, a pair of tentacle manipulators, and a vast
array of weapon systems capable of independent targeting.
Motivation: +Destroy Opposition +TITAN Interests –Transhumanity
Use: Warbots are designed to blow things up, and they are good at it.

Stress Test: SV 1d10

Initiative: 7 • Fray: 50 • AV: 20/20
WT: 16 • DUR: 80 • DR: 160
Threat Pool: 6
Claws: 50, DV 3d10 + 6, reach (+10)
Laser Pulser Cannon: 
60, DV 4d10 + 4, SA/BF, Range 300, Ammo 200, fixed
Railgun Machine Gun: 
60, DV 3d10 + 2, BF/FA, Ammo 500, armor-piercing, fixed
Seeker Launcher:
60, DV 6d10 + 24, SS, Ammo 20, Range 300, armor-piercing, fixed,
homing (+10 aimed/previous targets), knockdown, no close
Stomp: 50, DV 5d10, reach (+20)
Tentacles: 50, DV 3d10, reach (+20)
Tentacle Grapple: 50 (Grappling ▶205), reach (+20), requires superior
success, grappled victims get no defense to subsequent attacks
Torch: 60, DV 4d10, SS, Ammo 100, cone area effect, fixed
Perceive: 50, 60 vision
Move: Walker (Medium 4/20)
COG: 15 45 • INT: 15 45 • REF: 20 60 • SAV: 5 15 • SOM: 20 60 • WIL: 15 45

THREATS & X-RISKS

Skills: Athletics 50 (60), Guns 60, Infiltrate 40 (50/70), Infosec 60,
Melee 50
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Anti-Glare, Cyberbrain, Chameleon Skin, Chem
Sniffer, Electrical Sense, Enhanced Security, Enhanced Vision, Lidar,
Magnetic System, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Pneumatics, Puppet Sock,
Radar, T-Ray Emitter
Gear: 10 splash grenades with various nanoswarms
Notes: Other common weapon systems include plasma rifles, particle beam
bolters, and buzzers (with disassembler swarms)
Shockwave Shield: Warbots can calculate the impact point of an explosive
projectile or shockwave and create a temporary superheated pocket of
air with a laser-generated electric arc that will absorb the blast. This
provides 20 points of energy armor against blast effects, including
seekers and grenades. This is only effective against attacks the warbot
has spotted, and may only be used against one attack per action turn.
This shockwave shield has 20 uses before it must be recharged, which
takes 2 hours.

TITAN Machines & Minions • Warbot

¾413
 Biomorph: A biological body, including both modified and

GLOSSARY unmodified humans, uplifts, and pods. AKA skin.

Bioware: Biological enhancements for biomorphs.
Here's a list of terms we use throughout Eclipse Phase. Blueprint: The digital design file used to nanofabricate.
Body Bank: A service for backups, resleeving, and acquiring or
Account: What you use to log on to a system. Determines your
APPENDICES

storing morphs. AKA dollhouse, morgue.

access privileges. Bot: Robot. An ALI-piloted synthetic shell.
Account Shell: The software interface that represents your pres- Bouncer: A biomorph optimized for microgravity.
ence on the system. Bracewell Probe: A self-replicating probe designed to propagate to
Aerostat: A habitat designed to float like a balloon on a planet every star system in the galaxy.
with a dense atmosphere. Brainprint: The ID based on your brainwave patterns.
AF: After the Fall (used for reference dating). Brinkers: Exiles who live on the fringe of the system. AKA isolates.
Agent: An infomorph optimized for infosec roles. Bubble: A habitat made from a hollowed-out asteroid or moon,
AGI: Artificial General Intelligence. An AI that has cognitive facul- spun for gravity. AKA sphere.
ties and capability to learn that is equivalent to a human. Case: A cheap, common, mass-produced synthmorph.
AI: Artificial Intelligence. A sentient software mind that emulates CBEAT: The Council for Bio-Ethics and Advanced Technology,
human cognition. Usually used to refer to ALIs. setting tech policy in the Jovian Republic.
ALI: Artificial Limited Intelligence. AIs that do not possess the full Cell: A clandestine group of Firewall sentinels.
range of human cognitive abilities. ALIs have a specialized focus Chimeric: Transgenic, containing genetic traits from other species.
and are incapable of learning outside of that focus. Circumjovian: Orbiting Jupiter.
Alpha Fork: A full duplicate of an ego. Circumlunar: Orbiting the Moon.
Amphibs: An extinct sapient alien species that once thrived on the Circumsolar: Orbiting the Sun.
exoplanet Droplet. Cislunar: Between the Earth and the Moon.
Anarchists: A faction that opposes power and hierarchy and Clade: A species or group of organisms with common features.
embraces self-organized individual and collective action. Used to refer to transhuman cultural groups and subspecies.
App: Software that performs a specific function for a user. Clanking Masses: The underclass of cheap synthmorphs.
Arachnoid: A spider-like robotic synthmorph. The Cloud: Other devices on the mesh that offer software services.
Argonauts: A union of technoprogressive scientists that promote Cluster: A micrograv habitat of interconnected modules.
responsible and ethical use of technology. CME: Coronal mass ejection; a solar flare.
AR: Augmented Reality. Information from the mesh that is overlaid Codeline: The code "family" from which an AGI is derived.
on your real-world senses. AR data is usually visual but can also The Complaints: The list of grievances shared by the Barsoomians.
be audio, tactile, olfactory, kinesthetic, emotional, or other senses. Conservatives: The Firewall faction opposed to using AGIs, asyncs,
Artifex: A nano-engineer and alien/TITAN technology.
Artificial: Martian slang for embodied artificial life. Cornucopia Machine: A general-purpose nanofabricator.
Async: A person with psi abilities resulting from the Watts- Cortical Stack: An implant that records your up-to-date ego.
MacLeod strain of the exsurgent virus. Crow: A proxy that focuses on research and scientific analysis.
ATI: The Aerial Terraforming Initiative for Venus. Crypt: A digital cache hidden within the mesh.
AU: Astronomical Unit. The distance between the Earth and Sol Cthonian Planet: A hot Jupiter/Neptune whos atmosphere has
(the sun), equal to 8.3 light minutes or ~150 million kilometers. been stripped away, leaving a terrestrial core.
Autocook: A specialized fabber for making food and drinks. Cyberbrain: An artificial brain, housing an ego run in a software
Autonomists: The outer-system alliance of anarchists, Extropians, mind-state. Used in synthmorphs, pods, and some biomorphs.
scum, and Titanians. Cyberware: Artificial augmentations for biomorphs.
Backup: A stored copy of an ego, an inactive digitized mind. Cycler: A ship that travels between habitats using the ITN.
Backups: The Firewall faction that preps caches, bunkers, and Cylinder: A hollow can-shaped habitat spun for gravity.
resources in case of another extinction event. Darkcast: A black-market farcasting and egocasting service.
Barsoomians: A movement supporting Martian independence Deadheading: Placing your ego into inactive storage for a later
from hypercorp control, allied with the autonomists. scheduled revival.
Basilisk Hack: Sensory input designed to trigger glitches and Dead Zone: An area lacking surveillance coverage.
faults in the brain, leading to seizures and worse effects. Delta-V: The thrust needed to get from one place to another.
Bathyscaphe: An underwater habitat. Device: A specific piece of hardware.
Beehive: A microgravity habitat made from a tunneled-out aster- Digimorph: The most basic, default type of infomorph.
oid or moon. Doll House: A high-end, bespoke morph provider.
Belters: Denizens of the Main Belt. Domain Rules: The rules that govern the physics and operation of
Beta Fork: A partial copy of an ego. a virtual-reality simulspace.
BF: Before the Fall (used for reference dating). Dome: Temporary or permanent pressurized surface habitat.
Bioconservatives: An anti-technology movement that argues for Drone: A robot controlled through teleoperation (rather than AI).
strict regulation of nanofabrication, AI, uploading, forking, cog- Dwarf Planet: Between asteroids and planets, dwarfs are rounded
nitive enhancements, and other disruptive technologies. by gravity but have not cleared their orbits of asteroids/debris.

414¹ Glossary
Ecto: A mobile device for accessing the mesh and AR. Gate: One of the pandora gate wormholes that allow travel to other
Ego: The part of you that switches from body to body. parts of the galaxy.
Ego Bridge: A device for scanning and copying a biological brain Gatecrasher: An explorer who traverses a pandora gate.
for backup, resleeving, or psychosurgery. Genehacker: Someone who manipulates genetic code to create
Ego ID: The ID code tied to your ego, imprinted in uploads. genetic modifications or even new life.
Ego Hunter: A bounty hunter that tracks down resleeved egos. GEO: Geosynchronous orbit, 35,786 km altitude over the equator.
Egocast: Term for transmitting an ego to a remote location. Ghost: A transhuman combat biomorph optimized for stealth.
Entoptics: Augmented reality that you “see” in your mind's eye. Ghostrider: An infomorph carried in a special implant.
Eraser: Heavily armed proxies that are called ito contain threats Glitterati: Socialites, hyperelites, and media icons.
beyond the capabilities of a normal sentinel cell. Glanding: Using ware to modify your emotional state.
ERP: The reclaimer's Earth Reclamation Project. Greeks: Trojan asteroids at the L4 point. See also Trojans.
ETI: Extraterrestial Intelligence. A god-like post-singularity alien/ Guanxi: The criminal social network.
machine super-intelligence theorized to be responsible for the Habtech: A habitat technician.
pandora gates and/or exsurgent virus. Hamilton Cylinder: A living, growing, nanoswarm-constructed
Europan: A denizen of Saturn's moon Europa. cylinder hab with biological components.
Exalt: A genetically enhanced human morph. Hardware: Enhancements for synthmorphs.
Exodus: The evacuation of Earth during the Fall. Headhunter: A TITAN machine that collects heads for uploading.
Exoplanet: A planet in another star system. Hibernoid: A biomorph modified for hibernation and extended
Exsurgent: Someone infected by the exsurgent virus and likely wakefulness.
transformed into an alien creature. Hidden Concern: A neo-octopus crime cartel based on Ceres.
Exsurgent Virus: A multi-vector virus spread during the Fall that Hive: A specialized nanofabber that maintains a nanoswarm.
transforms victims and subverts their minds. Host: Personal mesh devices. May run a single infomorph.
Extrasolar: Outside the Solar System. Hot JupiterNeptune: A gas giant or ice giant whose orbit has
The Eye: Firewall’s internal social and data-sharing network. migrated closer to its star, giving it a higher temperature.
Face: A negotiator or networker. Hypercorp Council: The top hypercorporations that control the
Factors: A species of evolved slime molds, the only living sapient Planetary Consortium.
aliens transumanity has encountered so far. Hyperelite: The rich and wealthy.
The Fall: The war with the TITANs that devastated Earth and Iceteroid: An asteroid made of ice rather than rock or metals.
nearly made transhumanity extinct. Ice Dwarf: A type of distant dwarf planet composed of ice.
Farcast: Intrasolar communication using classical communication Ice Giant: A planet composed of elements heavier than hydrogen/
technologies (radio, laser, etc.) and quantum teleportation. helium, usually in the outer part of a star system.
Farhauler: Long-distance space shipper. ID Crew: The Intelligent Design Crew, a cartel specializing in
Feedstock: The raw matter used to nanofabricate. electronic crimes.
The Fence: The interdiction cordon of killsats around Earth. Ikon: An infomorph optimized for media and socialites.
Fetch: A beta fork or agent of an ASI like a TITAN. Iktomi: An extinct alien species of arthropods whose relics have
Filter: A proxy that handles social engineering, media manipula- been found beyond the pandora gates.
tion, and cover-ups. Indenture: A workers who has contracted their labor to a hyper-
Firewall: The secret cross-faction conspiracy that works to protect corp or other authority, usually in exchange for a morph.
transhumanity from x-risks. IndEx: The Indenture Exchange for trading indenture contracts.
Firewall: The software that defends a system from intrusion. Infolife: Programmed egos such as artificial general intelligences.
Fisher Hab: A cylinder variant using independent modules. Infomorph: A digitized ego run in a virtual mind-state.
Fixer: Someone who works deals to acquire goods or intel. Infosec: Information security; hacking and defense against it.

APPENDICES
Flatlander: Someone born or living on a planet/moon with gravity. Infugee: A refugee that survived the Fall as a bodiless infomorph.
Flat: A baseline human, not genefixed or modified. ISET: The Institude for the Study of Emergent Trends. The
Flexbot: A shape-changing synthmorph capable of joining with Argonauts' clandestine intelligence and forecasting service.
other flexbots in a modular fashion to create larger shapes. Isolates: Exiles on the fringes of the system. AKA brinkers.
Fork: A copy of an ego. ITN: The interplanetary transport network; using gravity to move
Forknapping: Kidnapping a backup or fork. between planets using minimal fuel.
FTL: Faster-Than-Light. Jamming: Teleoperating a bot via an immersive AR overlay and
Fractal: A "bush robot" TITAN machine with fractal appendages "becoming" the drone.
and advanced nanofab capabilities. JSFI: Jovian Space Force Intelligence.
The Fringe: The remote and unpopulated areas of the Solar System. The Junkyard: The layer of junk and debris in low Earth orbit.
Fury: A transhuman combat biomorph. Junta: The military regime that dictates the Jovian Republic.
Futura: A biomorph designed for the Lost Generation. KBO: Kuiper Belt object.
Galatea: A high-end synthmorph optimized for social interactions. Kuiper Belt: A region extending from Neptune’s orbit to about 55
Gamma Fork: An incomplete/corrupted copy of an ego. AKA vapor. AU, lightly populated with asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets.

Glossary
¾415
 Lack: The loss of time and/or memories when resleeving. Neurodiversity: The acceptance of atypical neurologies.
Lagrange Point: One of five areas in respect to a small planetary Night Cartel: A progressive criminal cartel evolved from several
body orbiting a larger one in which the gravitational forces of old-Earth ethnic mafias.
those two bodies are neutralized. Lagrange points are stable and Nine Lives: A cartel of forknappers and soul traders.
ideal locations for habitats. Novacrab: A pod created from genetically engineered spider crabs.
APPENDICES

LEO: Low Earth Orbit, 150-2,000 km altitude. Nuestro Shell: A shell hab using symmetrical radiating spars and
Lifelog: A sensorium recording of one’s entire life experience. rings for stability.
LLA: The Lunar-Lagrange Alliance, the conservative polity of Oligarchs: The powerful immortal rich.
habitats on Luna and in Earth orbit. Olympian: A biomorph enhanced for fitness and athleticism.
Lost Generation: A group of children raised using forced-growth O’Neill Cylinder: A soda-can shaped habitat, spun for gravity.
morphs and time-contracted VR. The results were disastrous: Oort Cloud: An area about one light year from the sun, mostly
many died or went insane, and the rest were stigmatized. populated by comets.
Main Belt: A ring of asteroids orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. Operator: An infomorph optimized for piloting drones.
Makers: A techno-savvy faction of Barsoomian anarchist nomads. Oversight: The Planetary Consortium agency that polices financial
MARG: A massively multiplayer augmented-reality game. matters and protects the Consortium from external threats.
Mavericks: The Firewall faction that doesn't give a fuck. Ozma: An extra-governmental inner-system cabal.
Medeans: The Argonauts' secret paramilitary group. PAN: Personal Area Network. The network of personal electronics
Meme: A viral idea. A unit of information transmitted socially that slaved to your ecto or mesh inserts.
self-replicates and mutates in a manner analagous to genes. Pandora Gates: The wormhole gateways discovered after the
Menton: A biomorph optimized for mental and cognitive ability. disappearance of the TITANs.
Mercurials: The non-human sapient elements transhumanity, Pax Familae: The criminal cartel composed of one person, Claudia
including AGIs and uplifts. Also refers to a movement that Ambelina, and her clones and forks.
demands self-determination for AGIs/uplifts. Plurality: The Titanian cyberdemocracy.
Mesh: The omnipresent decentralized wireless data network. Also Pods: Mass-produced biomorphs with cybernetic brains, originally
used as a verb (to mesh) and adjective (meshed or unmeshed). used as bio robots. From “pod people.” AKA skinjobs, replicants.
Mesh ID: The unique signature attached to one’s mesh activity. Polykatoikia: A cylinder-hab variant using dependent modules.
Meshware: Apps for cyberbrains and infomorphs. Posthuman: Someone modified so extensively as to no longer be
Metacelebrity: A celebrity identity shared by multiple actors. recognizably human (a step beyond transhuman).
Microgravity: Zero g or near-weightless environments. Pragmatists: The Firewall faction that believes in doing whatever
Mindhacker: A psychosurgeon. is necessary to stop x-risks.
Minifac: An industrial-scale nanofabber. Privileges: The rules defining what an account can do on a system.
Mist: Obtrusive AR ads and data that clutter your entoptics. Processor Locus: Orbital server habitats for infomorphs.
Morgue: A black-market body bank. Prometheans: A group of friendly ASIs that helped combat the
Morph: A physical body. AKA sleeve, shell, suit, jacket, form. TITANs and support Firewall.
Morphological Freedom: The autonomy to modify and enhance Proxies: Members of the Firewall internal structure.
your own body. Psi: Parapsychological powers acquired from infection by the
Mote: Smaller devices, peripherals, and sensors. May run only a Watts-MacLeod strain of the exsurgent virus.
single dedicated ALI. Psi-Chi: Psi sleights that enhance the mind.
The Movement: The Barsoomian movement to free Mars. Psi-Gamma: Psi sleights that affect the minds/physiologies of
Muse: An ALI personal assistant. others.
Mutualist: An Extropian sub-faction favoring cooperatives. Puppet: Someone mindhacked and controlled by another.
Nanobot: A nano-scale machine, usually deployed as a swarm. Pychosurgery: The selective and surgical alteration of a mind.
Nano-Ecology: A pro-tech ecological movement. QE Comms: Quantum-entangled FTL communications.
Nanofabber: A device that manufactures items from the molecular Reagan Cylinder: Crude cylinder habs made from hollowed aster-
level with an appropriate blueprint. AKA compiler, cornucopia oids in the Jovian Republic. AKA sarcophagus hab.
machine, fabber, forge, maker, printer, replicator. Reaper: A warbot synthmorph.
Nanoswarm: A mass of nanobots that act in concert. Reclaimers: A faction that seeks to retake the Earth.
Nanotat ID: The ID nano-encoded on your morph's index finger. Red Market: The trade of anti-social and coercive activities in
Nanoware: Nanosystems implanted within a morph. autonomist space.
Narcoalgorithm: An app that mimics the effects of a drug for an Redneck: A rural Martian, often a Barsoomian. AKA Reds.
infomorph or cyberbrain. Register: A proxy that handles logistics and finances.
Neo-Avians: Uplifted ravens, crows, and gray parrots. Re-instantiated: To be resleeved. Also refers to resleeved infugees.
Neogenesis: The creation of new life forms via genetic manipula- Remade: A biomorph intended as a human upgrade, human 2.0.
tion and biotechnology. Resleeving: Downloading into a new morph. AKA remorphing.
Neo-Hominids: Uplifted bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and Rimward: The outer half of the Solar System, from the Main Belt
orangutans. to the Oort Cloud.
Neo-Neanderthal: Uplifted neanderthals. Ringers: Denizens of Saturn's rings.
Neotenics: Biomorphs modified to retain a child-like form. Ripping: Destroying surveillance systems to create dead zones.

416¹ Glossary
Root Account: The one account on a system that may not have its Swarmanoid: A synthmorph composed of a swarm of microbots.
admin privileges revoked. Sylphs: Biomorphs enhanced for charisma and beauty.
Router: A proxy that coordinates a server’s operations. Synthmorph: Robotic shells sleeved by transhuman egos.
Ruster: A biomorphs optimized for life on Mars. Synths: A common humanoid synthmorph model.
Sapients: Uplifts and infolife that seek equal rights and assimila- System: Any hardware device, network, or software service.
tion into transhuman society. TAU: Titan Autonomous University.
Savant: A synthmorph optimized for intelligence. Taxi: A morph that carries an infomorph on its person.
Scan: To locate and identify wireless devices. Technical: Martian slang for crazy or haywire.
Scanner: A proxy that collects and analyzes data for signs of Teleoperation: Remote control.
x-risks. Tenmai Shell: A hab with the outer shell of a cylinder or sphere
Scorcher: An offensive app that targets infomorphs/cyberbrains. but a hollow micrograv space inside.
Scratch Space: A temporary secret cache of gear. Tharsis League: The government of Mars.
Scum: An autonomist faction of hedonistic nomads. Tin Can: A small, cheap, pressurized habitat module.
Security Council: The military regime that runs the Jovian Titanian: Someone from Titan, a moon of Saturn.
Republic. AKA Junta. TITANs: Total Information Tactical Awareness Network. ASIs that
Seed AI: An AI that is capable of recursive self-improvement, attacked transhumanity and brought about the Fall.
allowing it to rapidly reach god-like levels of intelligence. Torus: A ring-shaped habitat, spun for gravity.
Sentinels: On-call agents of Firewall. TQZ: The TITAN Quarantine Zone on Mars.
Server: A working group of proxies and the cells they coordinate. Transgenic: Containing genetic traits from other species.
Server: Large multi-user devices. May run multiple infomorphs. Transhuman: An extensively modified human.
Service: An app run on a remote cloud device rather than locally. Trojans: Asteroids/moons that share the same orbit as a larger
Shanzhai: The copying/counterfeiting of goods. planet or moon, but follow about 60 degrees ahead or behind
Shaper: A pod morph optimized for changing its appearance. at the L4 (Greeks) and L5 (Trojans) Lagrange points. Trojans
Shell: A synthetic form; used for bots, vehicles, and synthmorphs. normally refers to the asteroids at Jupiter’s Lagrange points, but
Shell: A cluster habitat with a protective outer layer or framework Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and other bodies also have Trojans. See
of rings and spars. AKA Nuestro shell. also Greeks.
Sifters: Denizens of Mercury. Uplift: An animal species genetically enhanced to sapience.
Simulmorph: The avatar you use in a VR simulspace. Vacworker: A laborer who works in vacuum.
Simulspace: Full-immersion virtual reality environments. Vapor: A failed mind emulation or crippled fork/infomorph.
Singularity: A point of rapid, exponential, and recursive techno- Vector: A proxy that handles hacking, comms, and online security.
logical progress, beyond which the future is impossible to predict. VPNs: Virtual Private Networks. Networks that operate within the
Singularity Seeker: A person infatuated with ASIs like the TITANs mesh, usually encrypted for privacy/security.
or becoming posthuman themselves. VR: Virtual Reality. Imposing an artificially constructed hyper-real
Skimmers: Denizens of the ice giants. reality over one’s physical senses.
Skin: A biological physical morph. AKA biomorph, meat, flesh. Ware: Implants and enhancements, including bioware, cyberware,
Skinning: Changing your perceived environment via AR. hardware, meshware, and nanoware.
Skipjacking: The art of moving unseen by surveillance systems. Wastewalkers: Mutated exusrgent cyborg soldiers.
Sleight: A psi power. Watts-MacLeod: An exsurgent virus strain that does not trans-
Slitheroid: A snake-like synthmorph. form/subvert the victim, but gives them async psi abilities.
Smart Animal: A partially uplifted animal. Whippers: Barrel-like exsurgents with a mass of tentacles.
Sniff: To intercept wireless mesh traffic. Wild Artificial: A feral autonomous robot.
Solarians: Denizens of the sun's corona. Worm: An exsurgent async.

APPENDICES
Souk: Covered bazaars and market areas between Martian domes. WMD: Weapon of mass destruction.
Spare: A portable morph to be sleeved in an emergency. X-Caster: Someone who transmits/sells XP livefeeds and record-
Sphere/Spheroid: A bubble-shaped habitat spun for gravity, ings of their experiences.
usually made from hollowed-out asteroids. AKA bubble. Xenomorph: An alien life form.
Splicers: Humans modified to eliminate genetic diseases and Xer: As in “X-er” — someone addicted or obsessed with XP.
other unwanted traits. AKA genefixed, tweaks. Sometime also used to refer to people making XP.
Steel Morph: A high-end synthmorph with enhanced physical XP: Experience Playback. Experiencing someone else’s sensory
capabilities. input (real-time or recorded). AKA sim, simsense, playback.
Structuralists: The Firewall faction that seeks more formal organi- X-Risk: Existential Risk. Something that threatens the very exis-
zation and to go public. tence of transhumanity.
Sunward: The inner system, from Sol to Mars. Zero-Day: A previously unknown exploit against which computer
Super-Earth: A terrestrial planet much larger than Earth with a systems are not yet defended. AKA 0-day.
higher surface gravity. Zeroes: People without mesh access. Common with indentures.
Swarm: A mass of nano- or microbots acting in concert. Zone Stalker: A collector of artifacts from quarantine zones.
Swarm: A flotilla of ships, sometimes interlinked or towing habs.

Glossary
¾417
 REFERENCES
The “Greg Mandel Trilogy” Karl Schroeder
Mindstar Rising Ventus
Eclipse Phase took inspiration from many A Quantum Murder Dan Simmons
sources that deserve recognition and The Nano Flower Endymion
credit. Gamemasters may find these useful James Hogan Fall of Endymion
APPENDICES

for ideas for adventures and campaigns. Voyage from Yesteryear Fall of Hyperion
Nancy Kress Hyperion
FICTION Beggars in Spain Llium
K. C. Alexander Ursula LeGuin Olympos
Necrotech The Dispossessed Neal Stephenson
Neal Asher The Left Hand of Darkness Diamond Age
Gridlinked Ken MacLeod Seveneves
Skinner The “Fall Revolution” series Bruce Sterling
Ian Banks The Star Fraction Caryatids
Consider Phlebas The Stone Canal Crystal Express
Excession The Cassini Division Holy Fire
The Hydrogen Sonata The Sky Road Schismatrix Plus
Inversions Newton’s Wake Charles Stross
Look to Windward Richard Morgan Accelerando
Matter The “Takeshi Kovacs” series Glasshouse
The Player of Games Altered Carbon Halting State
The State of the Art Broken Angels Iron Sunrise
Surface Detail Woken Furies Neptune's Brood
The Use of Weapons Thirteen Rule 34
Greg Bear Linda Nagata Saturn's Children
Moving Mars The Bohr Maker Singularity Sky
Queen of Angels Deception Well Toast
Slant Limit of Vision Daniel Suarez
David Brin Tech Heaven Daemon
Earth Vast Freedom
Kiln People Ramez Naam Influx
Startide Rising Apex Karen Traviss
Sundiver Crux City of Pearl
The Uplift War Nexus Vernor Vinge
James S. A. Corey Annalee Newitz Across Realtime
Abaddon's Gate Autonomous The Children of the Sky
Caliban's War Ada Palmer A Deepness in the Sky
Leviathan Wakes Seven Surrenders A Fire Upon The Deep
Paul Di Filippo The Will to Battle Rainbow’s End
Ribofunk Too Like the Lightning True Names and Other Dangers
Cory Doctorow Frederick Pohl Elisabeth Vonarburg
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom Gateway Slow Engines of Time
Eastern Standard Tribe Alastair Reynolds Peter Watts
Walkaway Absolution Gap Blindsight
Greg Egan Chasm City Echopraxia
Axiomatic Diamond Dogs, Turquoise Days “Rifters’ Trilogy”
Diaspora Elysium Fire Starfish
Distress Galactic North Maelstrom
Permutation City The Prefect Behemoth (ß-Max + Seppuku)
Quarantine Pushing Ice Scott Westerfeld
Warren Ellis Redemption Ark The Risen Empire
Crooked Little Vein Revelation Space The Killing of Worlds
Kathleen Ann Goonan Douglas Richards Walter Jon Williams
Crescent City Rhapsody Infinity Born Aristoi
Light Music Kim Stanley Robinson Angel Station
Mississippi Blues 2312 Implied Spaces
Queen City Jazz The “Mars Trilogy” Voice of the Whirlwind
Peter Hamilton Red Mars David Zindell
The “Commonwealth Saga” Blue Mars The Broken God
Pandora’s Star Green Mars Neverness
Judas Unleashed The Martians War in Heaven
Red Moon The Wild

418¹ References
COMICS AND The Molecular Invasion ROLEPLAYING GAMES
GRAPHIC NOVELS The Marching Plague
Richard Dawkins
Blue Planet
Burning Empires
Jamie Delano The Selfish Gene Call of Cthulhu
Narcopolis K. Eric Drexler Cybergeneration
Warren Ellis Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Dawning Star
Doktor Sleepless Nanotechnology Delta Green
Doom 2099 Freeman Dyson Fate
Global Frequency Disturbing the Universe FreeMarket
Ministry of Space Imagined Worlds Gamma World
Ocean Ann Finkbeiner GURPS: Transhuman Space
Transmetropolitan The Jasons Morrow Project
Jonathan Hickman Imaginary Weapons Numenera
Transhuman Joel Garreau Paranoia
Grant Morrison Radical Evolution Shadowrun
The Filth Peter Gelderloos Shock: Social Science Fiction
The Invisibles Anarchy Works Traveller
Masamune Shirow Adam Greenfield
Ghost in the Shell Everyware: The Dawning Age of MOVIES & TELEVISION
Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Ubiquitous Computing AI
Processor Robin Hanson Alien series
Ghost in the Shell 2: Man/Machine The Age of Em Altered Carbon
Interface James Hughes Alita: Battle Angel
Adam Warren Citizen Cyborg Andromeda
Iron Man: Hypervelocity Peter Kropotkin Babylon 5 and Crusade
Makoto Yukimura The Conquest of Bread Big O
Planetes Mutual Aid Black Mirror
Science and Anarchism Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049
NON-FICTION Ray Kurzweil Chappie
Ronald Bailey The Singularity is Near Cowboy Bebop
Liberation Biology Howard Rheingold District 9
Susan Blackmore Smart Mobs: The Next Social Revolution Dollhouse
The Meme Machine John Robb Dreamcatcher
Murray Bookchin Brave New War Elysium
Post-Scarcity Anarchism Clay Shirky Ergo Proxy
Cynthia Brezeal Here Comes Everybody Ex Machina
Designing Sociable Robots Bruce Sterling The Expanse
Nick Bostrom Shaping Things Firefly and Serenity
Superintelligence Tomorrow Now: Envisioning the Next Gattaca
David Brin Fifty Years Ghost in the Shell (everything)
The Transparent Society Gregory Stock Gravity
Richard Brodie Redesigning Humans: Our Inevitable Hardcore Henry
Virus of the Mind: The New Science of the Genetic Future The Island
Meme Kelly and Zach Weinersmith Jekyll

APPENDICES
James Brook and Ian Boal (eds) Soonish Limitless
Resisting the Virtual Life Charles Wohlforth and Amanda R. Love, Death, and Robots
Rodney Brooks Hendrix The Martian
Flesh and Machines: How Robots Will Beyond Earth Moon
Change Us Simon Young Pandorum
Cambrian Intelligence: The Early History Designer Evolution: A Transhumanist Planetes
of the New AI Manifesto Sleep Dealer
Critical Art Ensemble Solaris
Digital Resistance Stargate and Stargate: Atlantis
Electronic Civil Disobedience Sunshine
The Electronic Disturbance Upgrade
Flesh Machine Uzumaki

References
¾419
 INDEX
A Attacks Character Creation  38 Death Rating  220
shock  219 Advice  38 Deceive (skill)  48
APPENDICES

Account  246 Special  218 Example  81 Decompression  234

Acquiring Morphs  290 Attacks, declaring  202 Characters Defense, declaring  202
Action Factors  226 Augmentations  316 creating  36 Demolitions  219
Actions Combat  322 Chemicals  331 Derived Stats  37, 46
Automatic  32 Mental  113, 320 Chemicals, Drugs, & Death Rating  37
Complex  32 Physical  324 Toxins  330 Durability  37
Downtime  238 sensory  318 children  132 Formulas  37
Extra  33 Social  321 Clades  128 Infection Rating  37
Mesh  248 Augmented Reality  242 Cognitive Drugs  331 Insanity Rating  37
Quick  32 Authentication  246 Combat  202 Lucidity  37
Social  228 Biometric  246 Improvised Weapons  205 Trauma Threshold  37
Task  32 Circumventing  247 in space  302 Wound Threshold  37
Actions & Time  32 Direct Neural Melee  204 Devices
Action Turns  32 Interface  246 mesh  264 hardware  244
Automatic Actions  32 Ego  246 Ranged  206 software  244
Complex Actions  32 Mesh ID  246 robots  347 wireless links  244
Quick Actions  32 Other Account  246 Summary  203 Dice  30
Rushing the Job  32 Passcode  246 Combat Augmentations  322 when to roll  30
Taking Time  32 Passkey  247 Combat Drugs  331 Digital Distractions  134
Task Actions  32 Quantum Key  247 Commom Tech  316 Disorders  224
Addiction and Abuse  330 Autonomist Alliance  156 Common Ware  316 Downtime Actions  238
After the Fall  101 Comms & Mesh Gear Drugs
AGIs  251 B   336 Cognitive  331
AIs  20, 250 Concepts  20 Combat  331
non-standard  251 Backgrounds  38 AIs  20 Health  332
AIs & Muses Backups  286 Defeating Death  20 Nanodrugs  332
AGIs  251 ego bridges  287 Factions  21 Narcoalgorithms  332
ALIs  250 in-game tracking  362 Nanotech  21 Petals  333
Muses  250 insurance  287 Resleeving  20 Psi  334
Non-Standard AIs  251 uploaded  287 The Mesh  20 Recreational  334
ALIs  250, 326 Barsoomians  160 Transhumanism  20 rules  330
Anarchists  156 Basilisk Hacks Uplifts  20 Social  334
Animals, Smart  328   384 X-Risks  21
Apps  326 Biomorphs  54 Conditions  226 E
Apps & ALIs  326 cyberbrains  55 Cortical Stacks  286
Aptitude Pod  58 popping  286 Earth  180
Template  44 Uplift  60 Countermeasures  260 Legacy  126
Aptitude Checks  37 Active  261 Orbit  180
Aptitudes  36 C passive  261 Relics  127
Aptitude Template  44 Security Audits  261 Economy  138
Archetypes  26 Called Shots  218 Covert Operations Tool  338 New  142
Combat  26 Campaign Creatures  328 Old Market  138
Knowledge  27 Criminal Ops  25 Crime  150 Transitional  138
Social  26 Earth Survival Ops  25 Criminal  25 Ego  20, 36
Technical  26 Firewall Ops  24 Criminals  170 Egocasting  114, 300, 315
Area-Effect Attacks  218 Gatecrashing Ops  24 Cultures  128 Emergency Farcaster  320
Argonauts  160 Mercenary Ops  25 Cyberbrain  316 Encryption  246, 247
Armor  214 Political Ops  25 Cyberlimb  324 cokebreaking  247
mods  217 Researching Ops  25 Energy, Armor  214
Artificial Intelligences  108 Salvage and Rescue D Entertainment  134
Asphyxiation  234 Ops  25 Environmental Factors  234
Asyncs  273 Campaigns  364 Damage  203 Environments, hostile  236
roleplaying  273 Careers  40 Data Broker  315 Espionage & Security
Athletics (skill)  48 Centrifugal Habitats  117 Death  220 Tech  338
Defeating  20 ETI, the  378

420¹ Index
 Everyday Technology  316 Fray (skill)  48 Combat Primer  29
Exhumans  161, 380 Free Fall (skill)  49 Augmentations  322 Hacking  258
Exoplanets  29 Full Defense  226 Common Tech & countermeasures  260
Exotic Skill: [Field] (skill)  48 Future Materials  233 Ware  316 firewalls  260
Experience Playback  242 Comms  336 Habitats  304
Exploration Tools  340 G Communications  336 mindware  266
Exsurgent complexity  310 security alerts  260
characters  386 Gamemastering  354 concealing  311 ships  304
Infection  384 Easing In  357 design  310 simple  263
Psi  386 Prepping Your Espionage  338 Tests  258
strains  388 Campaign  355 Exploration  340 Hardware: [Field] (skill)  49
Types  390 Scenarios & Mental Healing  221
Exsurgent Virus, the  382 Campaigns  356 Augmentations  320 Mental  223
Extrasolar Systems  200 The First Session  354 Mesh  336 Health
Extropians  157 tips  362 meshed  311 Mental  222
Game Mechanics  30 Meshware  326 Physical  220
F Gatecrashing  24, 115 modifiers  310 Stress Points  222
hypercorps  166 Nanotech  342 wounds  220
Factions  21, 44 law  149 Physical Health Drugs  332
Jovian Republic  158 Pandora Gates  198, 404 Augmentations  324 History  98
Lunar-Lagrange Alliance Gear  37, 46, 310 quality  311 After the Fall  101
(LLA)  152 acquiring  312 Robots  346 Before The Fall  98
Morningstar advice  313 Salvage  340 The Fall  100
Constellation  153 ALIs  326 Science  340 Timeline  104
Planetary Apps  326 Security Tech  338 Hostile
Consortium  154 Blueprint  313 Senses and Sensors  318 atmosphere  236
Scum  158 Sensory Hybrid
Tharsis League  155 Augmentations  318 Vehicles  352
Titanian Services  315 Hypercorporations  164
Commonwealth  159 size  311 Hypercorps  139
Factors  398 Social Augmentations  321
Ambassador  399 Survival  341 I
Guardian  399 Vacsuits  341
Fake Ego ID  315 Vehicles  350 Identity
Falling  234 ware  311 circumventing checks
Family  132 Gear Packs  68   299
Farcasting Campaign  68 Ego ID  298
Quantum  336 Profession  69 Systems  298
Favors  308 Gear Points  312 Verification
information  309 Gear Traits  216   298
services  309 Gender Iktomi, the  379
Fear  122 Sex  19 Improvised Weapons  205
Fire  235 Genetically Modified Indentures  140
Firewall  Organisms  328 Infection Modifiers  276
24, 123, 172, 400 Glitches  265 Infiltrate (skill)  50

APPENDICES
Campaign  24 Glitterati  134 Influence Effects  278
Factions  174 Gravity  235 Infomorphs  67, 252
Interactions  401 Grenades  212 and muses  253
joining  400 Guns (skill)  49 Copying  253
Terminology  173 Digital Speeds  252
Forking  292 H ghostrider module  320
alpha  292 Home Device  252
and society  292 Habitats  116 Moving Between
beta  292 access  300 Devices  253
creating  292 Centrifugal  117 Infosec (skill)  50
gamma  292 Hacking  304 Initiative  33
how to handle Infiltration  301 Delaying Actions  33
  293 Microgravity  118 Derived Stats  37
Neural Pruning Other  119 Extra Actions  33
  292 Physical Arrivals  301 Order  33
Planetary  116 Taking the  33

Index
¾421
 Inner Fringe  194 Mesh  20, 29, 110, 240 N Temporary  35
Inner System  28, 136 Accounts  246 Vigor  34
Intellectual Property  139 Actions  248 Nanodrugs  332 Positive
Intel Services, Other  403 and gear  311 Nanofabbers  120 Traits  72
Interests  42 Augmented Reality  242 Nanofabrication  120, 314 Private Server  315
Interface (skill)  50 combat  264 Blueprint  314 Program (skill)  51
APPENDICES

Introduction  18 Experience Playback  242 Blueprints  120, 314 Project Ozma  402
Intruder Status Gear  336 in-game logistics  360 Prometheans, the  401
changing  258 glitches  265 Materials  314 Property  143
Intrusion  258 Hardware  337 Nanoswarms  344 Provoke (skill)  51
Intruder Status  258 ID  246 Nanotech  21, 342 Psi  272
Online Research  254 Hives  342 duration  276
J Searches  243 Nanofabricators  343 Easing the Infection  277
searching  254 Narcoalgorithms  332 Infection Influence  277
Journalism  134 Services  315 Negative Infection Modifiers  276
Jovian Republic  137, 158 Social Networks  124, 243 Traits  76 Infection Rating  272
Jovian Space  28 Topology  241 Neptune  192 Influence Effects  278
Jupiter  188 uses  242 Networking  308 Opposed Tests  276
Virtual Reality  243 favors  308 Psi-Gamma Sleights  282
K Mesh Actions  248 Neural Pruning  292 Pushing Sleights  277
Admin  249 Neutrino Range  276
Kinesics (skill)  50 Scripting  249 Communicators  336 Sleights  272, 280
Kinetic, Armor  214 Security  248 NPC Targeting  276
Kinetic Weapons  210 Universal  248 Rules  376 using  276
Know Mesh Hardware  337 NPC & Threat Rules  376 Watts-MacLeod
Skills  359 Mesh ID  246 Sub-Strains  273
Know: Academics (skill)  52 Mesh Inserts  316 O Psi-Chi Sleights  280
Know: Arts (skill)  52 Mesh Tracking  256 Psi Drugs  334
Know: [Field] (skill)  52 Meshware  326 Objects  232 Psi-Gamma Sleights  282
Know: Interests (skill)  53 Metacelebrities  134 Oligarchs  141 Psi (skill)  51
Know: Professional Training Microswarms  344 Online Research  254 Psi Sleights  272, 280
(skill)  53 Mind Hacking  112 Oort Cloud  195 Psi-Chi Sleights  280
Know Skills  52, 359 Mission Gear  340 Opposed Tests  202 Psychosurgery  223, 294, 315
Kuiper Belt  195 Morningstar Psi  276 Procedures  295
Constellation  153 Outer Fringe  194
L Morph  36, 37, 46 Outer System  29, 137 Q
Morph Points  290 Polities  156
Law Enforcement  146 Increasing  290 Quantum-Entangled
Lidar  319 Spending  290 P Communication  337
Luna  182 Morphs  20, 54 Quantum Farcasters  336
Lunar-Lagrange Alliance Acquiring  290 Pain Regulator  322 Quarantine Zones  196
(LLA)  152 Biomorphs  54 Pandora Gates  198, 404
list  54 rumors  405 R
M Making  291 Pandora Gates, the  198
Modifying  291 Perceive (skill)  51 Radiation  236
Main Belt  28, 186 morph points  290 Perception  226 Ranged Combat  206
Main Belt, the  186 pod  58 Persuade (skill)  51 Modifiers  207
Mars  184 Synthmorphs  62 Petals  333 Reclaimers  162
Media  134 uplift  60 Physical Augmentations  324 Recreational Drugs  334
Medichines  322 Motivation  238 Physical Health  220 Religion  168
Medicine: [Field] (skill)  51 Motivations  37, 47 Physical Tracking  256 Rep  37, 144, 238. See
Melee (skill)  51 Movement  230 Pilot: [Field] (skill)  51 also Reputation
Mental Augmentations  113, Actions  230 Planetary Consortium  154 Burning  308
320 rate  230 Planetary Habitats  116 Networks  307
Mental Healing  223 types  231 Pod Biomorphs  58 using  308
Mental Health  222 Muses  250 Point-Buy Characters  47 Repair  221
Mercurials  109, 162 roleplaying  251 Pools  34 object  221
social status  109 Flex  34 synthmorph  221
Mercury  176 Insight  34 Rep Rewards  366
Merging  293 Moxie  34 Reputation  124, 306. See
Recharging  35 also See also Rep

422¹ Index
 and ID  308 Skills  37 T U
gain and loss  367 Active  48
scores  306 Know  52 Technology  286 Uplift Biomorphs  60
Social Networks  306 Sleights Everyday  316 Uplifts  20, 60, 108
Research (skill)  51 Psi-Chi  280 Tests  30 Uploading  286
Resleeving  20, 288 Psi-Gamma  282 Criticals  31 Uranus  192
and Morph Points  291 Smart Animals  328 Defaulting  31 Utilitool  317
and pools  289 Smart Clothing  317 Hacking  258
Complications  288 Social  334 modifiers  31 V
tests  288 Attacks  228 Opposed  32
Rez  366 Manipulation  228 Success  32 Vacsuits  341
points  366 Social Actions  228 Teamwork  31 Vacuum  237
Robots  346 Social Augmentations  321 The Fall  100 Vehicle
Combat  347 Socialites  163 The Fringe  29, 194 Chases  232
Exploration  347 Social Movements  160 Themes  22, 364 Crashes  232
Medical  347 Argonauts  160 Change  23 Movement  232
Personal  348 Barsoomians  160 Conspiracy  22 Vehicles  350
Recon  349 Bioconservatives  161 Horror  22 Aircraft  350
Remote Operations Brinkers  161 Infection  22 Exoskeletons  350
  346 Exhumans  161 Politics  23 Groundcraft  350
Surveillance  349 Mercurials  162 Post-Apocalyptic  22 Hardsuits  351
Utility  349 Reclaimers  162 Science  23 Nautical Craft  352
Sapients  163 Survival  22 Personal Transport
S Socialites  163 The Mesh. See Mesh Devices  352
Ultimates  163 Threat Spacecraft  352
Safety Social Networks  124 Rules  376 Venus  178
in-game  364 Sol  176 Threat Level  376 Virtual Reality  268
X-card  364 Solar System  176 Threats  368 Vulcanoids  177
Salvage Tools  340 Inner System  136 types  376
Sapients  163 Jovian Republic  137 TITAN Machines  408 W
Saturn  190 Mercury  176 Fetch  408
Science Tools  340 Outer System  137 Fractal  409 Ware  311
Scripting  249 Sol  176 Headhunter  410 Watts-MacLeod
Scum  158 Vulcanoids  177 Puppet  411 Sub-Strains  273
Searching the Mesh  254 Space  114 Self-Replicating Architect  273
Secrets  370 Spacecraft Propulsion  303 Nanoswarm  412 Beast  273
Security Systems  372 Space Combat  302 Warbot  413 Haunter  273
Seeker Weapons  212 Spacecraft TITANs  406, 408 Stranger  273
Senses Hacking  304 Background  406 Xenomorph  273
and Sensors  318 Spaceships. See Spacecraft legacy  406 Weald  135
The Electromagnetic Space Travel  114, 315 rumors  407 Weapon
Spectrum  318 Special Attacks  218 Tools  317 Accessories  216
Sensors, and Senses  318 Starting Out  19 Toxin Filters  323 Weapons
Sensory Augmentations  318 Stress Points  222 Toxins  335 Beam  208
Services  315 Stress Tests  229 Antidotes  335 coated  219

APPENDICES
Mesh  315 Structures  232 rules  330 Improvised  205
Sex Superior Results Tracking  256 Kinetic  210
Gender  19 failure  31 Countermeasures  257 Melee  204
Sexuality  130 success  31 Mesh  256 Seeker  212
Simulspace  315 Surprise  227 Physical  256 Spray  209
Sizes  227 Surveillance Traits  37, 72 Systems  209
Skill List  48 hacking  270 gear & weapon  216 Thrown  209
Survival (skill)  51 Traps  374 two-handed  219
Survival Tools  341 Disarming  374 Weapon Traits  216
Swarm Rules  344 Spotting  374 Weather  235
Synthmorphs  62 Trauma  223 Wounds  220
Flexbot  66 effects  223
System Subversion  262 Travel  114 X
Egocasting  300
in space  302 Xenofauna  328
times  302 X-Risks  21, 368

Index
¾423
 COMPLETE LIST OF MESH ACTIONS
All actions are complex actions unless accompanied by a [Q] for quick actions and [T] for task actions. If you do not have access privileges that
allow the action, it requires a Hacking Test.
APPENDICES

UNIVERSAL ACTIONS
Actions usually available to all users. Locate Intruder: Attempt to find a suspected intruder (Locate
Intruder ▶261).
Access Another System: Lockout: Block a specified mesh ID from accessing the system.
Authenticate and log on. Creates account shell. Monitor Activity: Spy on an app’s activity or another specific
Apply Tag: Mark a physical person, place, or thing with an AR e-tag. user’s actions in real-time.
Communicate: Email, text, voice, or video chat others online. Scan Infomorph: Analyze an infomorph with a successful
Encrypt/Decrypt: Encrypt or decrypt files (Encryption ▶247). Interface Test.
Filter AR Mist: Trace: Track a user to their physical location (or at least the system
Remove obtrusive AR “mist” (AR Mist and Filters ▶242). they originate from); see Physical Tracking ▶256.
Identify Attacker: You can attempt to identify someone attacking Trigger Alert: Put the system on passive or active alert.
you in mesh combat (Attack Awareness ▶264). View Logs: Access the system’s logs.
Issue Command: Single command to a slaved device, ALI, or View Users: See what other users are currently accessing the
teleoperated bot (or group). system, what apps they are using, and their mesh IDs.
Log Off: Exit a system.
Modify Files: View, change, upload, download, and delete files. ADMIN ACTIONS
Operate Device: Control a device. May require a skill test. Only admin accounts are allowed to take these actions.
Run Script: Launch a pre-programmed script (Scripting ▶249).
Scan Stealthed Signals: Find hidden wireless devices and their Disable Sensors or Device Functions:
mesh IDs within range (Stealthed Signals ▶244). Turn off sensors or other physical functions.
Scan Wireless Signals: Look up wireless devices and their mesh Modify Accounts: Add new accounts and remove old ones.
IDs within range. Modify Privileges: Add or remove specific privileges.
Search: You may search a system you are accessing or the mesh at Modify Software: Install, remove, and update apps on the system.
large (Online Research ▶254). Wipe System: Erase all data from the system, taking 1 minute for
Shield Software: Actively protect software in mesh combat ▶248. motes, 3 minutes for hosts, and 10 for servers.
Stealth Wireless Signals:
Hide your wireless activity (Stealthed Signals ▶244). HACKING ACTIONS
Switch Home Device: These actions usually require a Hacking Test. Most are detailed
Move your infomorph virtual mind-state to another system. under System Subversion ▶262.
Terminate Software: Kill minor software process.
Toggle AR Skin: Change the AR environment skin (Skinning ▶242). (T) Break Encryption:
Toggle Privacy Mode: Decrypt an encrypted file (Codebreaking  ▶247).
Set public profile to private or public (Privacy Mode ▶241) Control Ware: Manipulate a target’s ware.
Toggle Simulspace: Enter/exit simulspace (Virtual Reality ▶268). Disable Safety Mechanisms: Override safety controls and alarms.
Use Apps: Use various apps. May require an Interface Test. Edit AR Feed: Block or change AR input.
Use Service: Use cloud-based apps. May require a subscription. Eliminate Traces: Edit logs and remove traces of your hacks.
View Apps: See what apps are available and/or currently running. Force Re-authentication: When sniffing, break a link to capture
View Profile: View someone’s public social network profile and rep login credentials (Sniffing ▶245).
scores within range. Hide File or Process: Conceal a file/process from others (opposed
View Sensor Feeds: Stream sensor input to your AR. May require with Research Test at –30).
Perceive or Know Test. Impair Senses:
View System Status: Determine system health, ongoing processes, Distract with AR overload. Interface Test, –10 modifier.
security alerts, etc. Inject AR/Illusion: Insert fake AR data into feed.
Install Back Door: Create a secret way back in to the system.
SECURITY ACTIONS Install Blocker:
Actions reserved for accounts with security or admin privileges. Pre-emptively block other users from specified actions.
Jam Signals: Jam specific or all wireless frequencies.
Acquire Mesh ID: Loop Sensor Feed:
Acquire the mesh ID of anyone accessing the system. Replace a live sensor feed with looped recordings.
Activate Countermeasure: Initiate active countermeasures against Modify TacNet: Edit tacnet data, mark foes as friends.
a spotted intruder (Active Countermeasures  ▶261). Suppress Alarm:
Attack: Attempt to crash an account shell, app, firewall, infomorph, Switch active alert to passive, or turn a passive alert off.
operating system, or service (Mesh Combat  ▶264). Suppress Process: Prevent a specified process from restarting.
Bypass Jamming: Overcome jamming by winning an Opposed Sniff Traffic: Sniff traffic between wireless devices (Sniffing ▶245).
Interface Test for 1 action turn, +1 per superior success. Tap AR: Monitor target’s AR feeds.
Tap Senses: Tap target’s sensorium.

424¹ Complete List of Mesh Actions

 SIMPLE HACKING
If these rules at first seem intimidating, keep in mind that
the core hacking rules are fairly straightforward. The
MINDWARE HACKING following guidelines should get you through most situations:
Trap Ego: Prohibit the ego/infomorph from moving/evacuating.
Control Ware: As above. • Almost all hacking-involved tests pit the hacker’s Infosec vs.
Copy Ego: Make an alpha fork (Forking ▶292). the target system’s Firewall.
Delete Ego: Erase the mind. • To hack into a system, you have a choice of fast (immediate,
Freeze Morph (Cyberbrain): Paralyze the morph. –30 modifier, triggers an alert) or slow (no modifier, takes
Mindhack: Practice psychosurgery on the ego (Psychosurgery ▶294). an hour, no alert).
Modify Meshware (Cyberbrain): Add, remove, or alter meshware. • By default, you get in with standard user privileges.
Modify Sensory Input (Cyberbrain): Block, edit, or inject sensory Superior successes get you better privileges.
input. • Once in, you can take any action that your privileges allow
Puppeteer (Cyberbrain): Remotely operate the morph (Remote without making a test.
Operations ▶346). • If your privileges don’t allow it, make a Hacking Test
Scorch Ego: Attack the ego with a scorcher app. (Infosec vs. Firewall) to pull it off.
Shutdown: Deactivate the mind. • Use your imagination! If you want to do something  —  loop
Tap Senses: As above. sensors, jam weapons, steal files, open a door, crash an
Terminate Cortical Stack Feed: Cut off the ongoing backup. opposing AI  —  your GM will tell if you need to make a test.
• Don’t forget to use Insight pool for extra mesh actions or to
SIMULSPACE USER ACTIONS modify rolls!
Standard user options within a simulspace boil down to a few
simple actions:

Access Simulspace Functions: Do anything a normal user can do.

May require an Interface Test.
Activate Cheat Code: Activate a cheat code and acquire its benefit.
View Domain Rules: Analyze the simulation’s parameters, rules, and
controls.

SIMULSPACE ADMIN/CHEAT
ACTIONS
Admins and users with cheat codes have more options.

Add/Remove Cheat Codes:

Either install a new cheat code or edit/remove an existing one. CONSOLIDATED HACKING
Alter Domain Rules: Tweak the system settings within certain Sometimes a PC may want to hack a system that is less
parameters; may require a Program Test. consequential to the story. Rather than running each hack
Control NPCs: Dictate what responses NPCs give to certain step-by-step, the GM can consolidate such a hack into a
actions or direct them outright. single task action Infosec Test. First, the hacker should
Eavesdrop: Virtually surveil other users. compile a brief list of objectives after hacking in (e.g., locate
Generate Items: Create virtual items regardless of rarity.

APPENDICES
a file, unlock a door, loop a sensor feed, eliminate traces).
Modify Simulmorph: Modify a simulmorph’s stats within speci- Set a timeframe of 1 hour plus 10 minutes per objective. If
fied parameters; may require a Program Test. brute forcing, the timeframe is 2 action turns per objective.
Privacy: Prevent your face-to-face communications from being Apply the following modifiers: –30 if brute forcing, +10 if
eavesdropped upon. hacking a mote, –10 if hacking a server, and –10 if hacking
Start/Stop Simulspace: multiple systems.
Launch a new simulspace or close down an existing one.
Teleport: Instantaneously travel anywhere within the simulspace. Infosec Test Result Hacking Result
Terminate Session: Forcibly end a user’s session. Critical Failure Hack fails, hacker traced.
Toggle God Mode: Superior Failure Hack fails.
Make your simulmorph invulnerable to damage. Failure Hacker achieves first objective only.
Toggle Invisibility: Make yourself imperceptible to standard users. Success Hacker achieves all objectives.
Toggle Lockbox Controls: Prevent specified users from toggling in Superior Success Hacker achieves all objectives in 25%
or out of simulspace. less time per superior success.
Critical Success Hacker achieves all objectives,
backdoors system.

Complete List of Mesh Actions

¾425
 COMPLETE LIST OF MORPHS
COMMON BIOMORPHS Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex Movement Rate
Flat 0 MP 30 6 30 45 0  0  0  0 Walker 4/20
APPENDICES

Splicer 1 MP 90 6 30 45 0  0  0  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Exalt 2 MP 70 7 35 53 1  1  1  0 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Neotenic 2 MP 50 6 30 45 2  1  1  0 Walker 4/12
Ware: Biomods, Circadian Regulation, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts • Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1) • Notes: Small size ▶227
Ruster 3 MP 70 7 35 53 0  1  1  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Respiration, Mesh Inserts, Radiation Sense
Bouncer 4 MP 60 7 35 53 1  0  1  2 Walker 4/12
Ware: Biomods, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack, Grip Pads, Mesh Inserts, Oxygen Reserve, Prehensile Feet • Morph Traits: Limberness (Level 1)
Futura 4 MP 25 7 35 53 2  4  1  0 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Hibernoid 4 MP 70 7 35 53 1  1  0  2 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Circadian Regulation, Clean Metabolism, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack, Hibernation, Mesh Inserts
Menton 4 MP 60 7 35 53 3  1  1  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics
Olympian 4 MP 60 8 40 60 1  1  3  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Sylph 4 MP 60 6 30 45 1  3  1  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Clean Metabolism, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Pheromones, Mesh Inserts
Fury 6 MP 40 10 50 75 1  1  4  2 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Bioweave Armor (+2/+3), Claws, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts
Morph Traits: Enhanced Behavior (Aggressiveness, Level 2; Cooperation, Level 2)
Ghost 6 MP 40 9 45 68 2  1  3  2 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Chameleon Skin, Cortical Stack, Grip Pads, Mesh Inserts
Morph Traits: Enhanced Behavior (Patience, Level 2)
Remade 7 MP 30 9 45 68 2  2  2  2 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Circadian Regulation, Clean Metabolism, Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Respiration, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)

POD BIOMORPHS Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex Movement Rate
Basic Pod 1 MP 80 6 30 45 0  0  1  0 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock • Morph Traits: Planned Obsolescence
Worker Pod 3 MP 70 7 35 53 0  0  2  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Novacrab 4 MP 50 9 45 68 0  0  3  0 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Carapace Armor (+6/+7), Cold Tolerance, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Respiration, Gills, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Oxygen
Reserve, Puppet Sock, Vacuum Sealing • Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3), Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 2) • Notes: Claw Attack (DV 2d10)
Pleasure Pod 4 MP 70 6 30 45 0  3  0  0 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Clean Metabolism, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Pheromones, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock,
Scent Alteration, Sex Switch
Security Pod 5 MP 60 7 35 53 1  0  2  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Bioweave Armor (+2/+3), Claws, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Eelware, Enhanced Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts,
Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Shaper 5 MP 40 7 35 53 1  2  0  0 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Biomods, Chameleon Skin, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Nanotat ID Flux, Puppet Sock, Sex Switch, Skinflex

426¹ Complete List of Morphs

UPLIFT BIOMORPHS Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex Movement Rate
Neo-Avian 0 MP 50 5 25 38 2  1  0  0 Walker 2/8, Winged 8/40
Ware: Biomods, Claws, Cortical Stack, Direction Sense, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Feet, Wings • Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3),
Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 2) • Notes: Beak/Claw Attack (DV 2d6), Small size ▶227
Neo-Bonobo/Neo-Chimpanzee 1 MP 50 6 30 45 0  2  1  0 Walker 4/12
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Smell, Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Feet
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1) Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 1)
Neo-Neanderthal 2 MP 35 7 35 53 0  1  2  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Mesh Inserts
Morph Traits: Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 1)
Neo-Gorilla 3 MP 40 9 45 68 0  0  3  1 Walker 4/12
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Smell, Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Feet
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1), Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 1)
Neo-Octopus 3 MP 35 6 30 45 1  1  1  2 Swim 4/20, Thrust Vector 4/12,
W
are: 360-Degree Vision, Biomods, Chameleon Skin, Cortical Stack, Gills, Mesh Inserts, Polarization Vision Walker 2/8
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3), Limberness (Level 2), Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 2)
Notes: 8 prehensile arms, Beak Attack (DV 1d10), Ink Attack (use Athletics, blinding, 5-meter uniform area-effect in water and micrograv)
Neo-Orangutan 3 MP 35 7 35 53 1  1  2  0 Walker 4/12
Ware: Biomods, Cortical Stack, Enhanced Smell, Mesh Inserts, Prehensile Feet
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1), Limberness (Level 1), Non-Human Biochemistry (Level 1)
Notes: Reach (+10)

SYNTHMORPHS Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex Movement Rate
Case 0 MP 100 5 25 50 0  0  0  0 Walker 4/12
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1), Inherent Flaws
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)
Spare 0 MP 80 3 15 30 0  1  0  0
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack (optional), Cyberbrain, Grip Pads, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Skinlink, Stress Control
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4), Small size ▶227
Dragonfly 1 MP 70 5 25 50 1  0  1  0 Walker 2/8, Winged 8/32
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Prehensile Tail, Radar, Wings
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4), Small size ▶227
Swarmanoid 3 MP 60  —  50 100 2  0  0  0 Hopper 4/12, Rotor 4/20,
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock Walker 2/8

APPENDICES
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Notes: Swarm Attack (DV 1d6, ignores armor, blinding), comes with specialized swarmanoid hive ▶342
Synth 3 MP 80 8 40 80 0  0  1  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)
Savant 4 MP 50 7 35 70 3  0  1  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)
Galatea 5 MP 50 8 40 80 1  2  1  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Chameleon Skin, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Hearing, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4)

Complete List of Morphs

¾427
 SYNTHMORPHS (CONT) Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex Movement Rate
Slitheroid 5 MP 50 9 45 90 0  1  3  0 Roller 8/32, Snake 4/12
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Vision, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock, Retracting Limbs
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 2)
APPENDICES

Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6)

Steel Morph 5 MP 50 8 40 80 0  1  3  1 Walker 4/20
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Puppet Sock
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 1)
Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6)
Arachnoid 6 MP 40 11 55 110 1  0  3  0
Hopper 4/12, Thrust Vector 8/40, Walker 4/20, Wheeled 8/40
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Magnetic System, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Pneumatics, Puppet Sock, Retracting Limbs
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3) • Notes: Medium Frame (Armor 8/6)
Reaper 12 MP 10 12 60 120 1  0  6  1 Hopper 4/20, Ionic 8/40,
Thrust Vector 8/40, Walker 4/20
Ware: 360-Degree Vision, Access Jacks, Anti-Glare, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Enhanced Vision, Magnetic System, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Pneumatics,
Puppet Sock, Radar, Retracting Limbs, T-Ray Emitter, Weapon Mount (Articulated, 4)
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Notes: Heavy Frame (Armor 12/10)

FLEXBOTS
All flexbots have the following stats, plus the stats for their module type:
Movement Rate: Thrust Vector 8/40, Walker 4/12
Ware: Access Jacks, Cortical Stack, Cyberbrain, Lidar, Mesh Inserts, Mnemonics, Modular Design, Puppet Sock, Shape Adjusting
Morph Traits: Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Notes: Light Frame (Armor 6/4), Small size

MODULES Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex

Crafter Module 2 MP 60 4 20 40 1  0  0  0
Ware: Engineer Swarm Hive, Fixer Swarm Hive
Common Shape Adjustments: Enhanced Vision, Disassembly Tools, Fractal Digits, Nanoscopic Vision, Tool Kit, T-Ray Emitter, and Utilimod
Fighter Module 3 MP 60 6 30 60 0  0  1  0
Ware: Pneumatics, Weapon Mount (2)
Common Shape Adjustments: Enhanced Vision, Light Combat Armor, Radar, T-Ray Emitter, and ranged weapons
Rogue Module 2 MP 60 4 20 40 0  0  1  0
Ware: Chameleon Skin, Radar Absorbent
Common Shape Adjustments: Dazzler, Enhanced Vision, Fiber Eye, Fractal Digits, Magnetic System, Nanoscopic Vision, T-Ray Emitter, Weapon Mount
Wizard Modules2 MP 60 4 20 40 1  0  0  0
Ware: Radio Booster, Sniffer App, Tracker App
Common Shape Adjustments: Electrical Sense, Enhanced Vision, Laser Link, Nanodetector, Skinlink, Utilitool

INFOMORPHS Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex INFOMORPHS Cost Avail WT DUR DR Insight Moxie Vigor Flex
Digimorph 0 MP 100 5 25 50 0  0  0  0 Agent 2 MP 100 8 40 80 4  0  0  0
Ware: Mnemonics Ware: Enhanced Security, E-Veil, Mnemonics
Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3) Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3)
Ikon 1 MP 100 6 30 60 1  3  0  0 Operator 2 MP 100 7 35 70 3  0  0  1
Ware: Copylock, Memory Lock, Mnemonics Ware: Drone Rig, Mnemonics, Oracles
Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3) Morph Traits: Digital Speed, Exotic Morphology (Level 3)

428¹ Complete List of Morphs

 RULES PRIMER
ECLIPSE PHASE SECOND EDITION
EGO VS. MORPH SUPERIOR RESULTS ACTION TURNS
For one superior result, choose one of the following. For two Action Turns are roughly 3 seconds in length.
Your capabilities are divided between your
superior results, choose two or one twice for double effects: • In each action turn you may undertake one of the following:
ego (your mind, skills, and memories that travel
• Quality: The work is more exact (success) or more sloppy • 1 complex action and 1 quick action
with you from body to body) and your
(failure). This may affect subsequent tests by +/− 10. • 1 task action and 1 quick action
morph (the body you currently inhabit).
• Quantity: The test consumes fewer (success) or more (failure) • 3 quick actions
materials or produces fewer or more results. • You may also take unlimited automatic actions.
MAKING TESTS Roll d100 (0–99) • Detail: You acquire information that is much more in-depth/
nuanced (success) or false (failure). TASK ACTIONS
• Target number is determined by the appropriate skill,
• Time (task actions only): The action takes a shorter (success) or • Task actions are any action that requires longer than 1 action turn
aptitude check, or rep score.
longer (failure) amount of time, by +/− 25%. to complete.
• Difficulty is represented by modifiers to this target number,
• Covertness: The action is less (success) or more (failure) obvious • Task actions list a timeframe (anywhere from 2 turns to 2 years).
assigned by the GM.
or draws less or more attention (+/− 10 as appropriate). • Timeframes may be adjusted by superior results.
• Your goal is to roll equal to or under the modified target
• Damage: Successes inflict more (+1d6) damage (failures miss). • You may take extra time, applying a +10 modifier for a 25%
number, but as high as possible.
• A roll equal to or under the target number is a success. increase to the timeframe.
If the success roll is 33 or more, it is a superior success. CRITICAL RESULTS • You may rush the job, reducing the timeframe by 25% but
If it is a 66 or more, it is two superior successes. Criticals (“crits”) have more impact than superior results. They applying a –20 modifier.
• If your roll exceeds the target number, it is a failure. represent “Wow!” moments where you stun onlookers with • If you fail, you expend 25% of the timeframe, +25% per superior
If the failed roll is under 66, it is a superior failure. incredible proficiency or ineptness. They provide extra effects/ failure, before you realize you have failed.
If it is under 33, it counts as two superior failures. penalties, as determined by the GM. Here are some examples:
• Doubles (00, 11, etc.) equal a critical success or failure. • Double the damage you inflict with an attack. INITIATIVE
• 00 is always a critical success. 99 is always a critical failure. • Gain a +/− 20 modifier to the next test you make. • The order in which you act is determined by rolling 1d6 and
• If you do not have the appropriate skill, you may default to • Take an extra action (critical success) or lose your next action adding your Initiative stat.
the skill’s linked aptitude, but critical successes are ignored. (critical failure). • The highest result goes first; others follow in descending order.
• If you fail, you may try again (unless the GM disallows it), • Break a weapon/tool (critical failure). • On tied initiatives, you go simultaneously or use REF or a roll-off
with a cumulative –10 modifier. to determine order.
TEAMWORK • You may delay and act later in Initiative order; the count on
• One character is chosen as the primary actor; they make the test. which you act becomes your Initiative in subsequent turns.
OPPOSED TESTS • Each helper character adds a +10 modifier (max. +30).
• If you are acting in opposition to another character, you both
• For Know, Technical, or Vehicle skill tests, collaborating characters
make a test, rolling d100 against skill +/– modifiers.
must possess the skill at 40+ to provide a teamwork bonus.
• Whomever succeeds and rolls highest wins.
USING REP
MODIFIERS Use your rep scores to pursue favors such as acquiring goods, services, or info.
• Modifiers always affect the target number (skill), not the roll. Each rep score applies only to the people/factions affiliated with that particular social network.
• Modifiers (positive or negative) come in 3 levels of severity: • Make a Rep Test, using your rep score as the target number.
• Minor (+/–10) • The type of favor you are asking for modifies the target number: Minor (+10), Moderate (+0), or Major (–30).
• Moderate (+/–20) • You can intentionally take a negative modifier to a Rep Test to keep your request quiet and hidden from others.
• Major (+/–30) The same modifier applies to anyone making a Rep Test to find out what you’re up to.
• The maximum modifiers that can be applied are +/– 60. • Favors have limits in how often they can be used: Minor (3 per week), Moderate (1 per week), Major (1 per story arc).
• You can burn rep (permanently lower your rep score) for additional favors (at a cost of 5 for Minor, 10 for Moderate, 20
SPECIALIZATIONS for Major) or to get a modifier to a Rep Test (equal to burn points × 2).
• Specializations add +10 when using a skill for that area of @-rep: The Circle-A List—autonomists, anarchists, f-rep: Fame & media network—socialites, artists, r-rep: Research Network Affiliates—Argonauts,
concentration. Each skill may have only one specialization. Titanians, scum, Extropians. metacelebs, journalists, glitterati. scientists, technologists, researchers.
c-rep: CivicNet— g-rep: Guanxi—triads, x-rep: ExploreNet—
Planetary Consortium, Morningstar Constellation, cartels, gangs, other criminal groups. gatecrashers, exoplanet colonists.
Lunar-Lagrange Alliance, Jovian Republic, other i-rep: The Eye—
hypercorps & capitalists. Firewall’s secret internal network.
 USING POOLS VIGOR
Your character has a number of pools that define their trans- Vigor pool is linked to physical efforts: Reflexes, COMBAT
human capabilities. Most pools are derived from your morph, Somatics, and their linked skills.
Combat is an opposed test.
but some Flex points come from your ego. • Take the Initiative: Go first in an action turn.
• Extra Action: Take an extra complex physical action (or 2
• Attacker rolls attack skill +/– modifiers.
• Each pool is linked to a different group of aptitudes and quick actions) in an action turn.
• Melee: Defender rolls Fray or Melee skill +/– modifiers.
skills and may be used in unique ways to modify your rolls or • Ignore Wound: Ignore the effects of 1 wound for 24 hours.
• Ranged: Defender rolls (Fray skill ÷ 2) +/– modifiers.
provide other bonuses.
• If attacker succeeds and rolls higher than the defender, the
• Each pool may only be used for tests that use their linked
skills or aptitudes (i.e., a Vigor point can be used on a skill
FLEX attack hits. Roll damage.
Flex is a wild-card pool. It can be used to affect • Superior hits inflict +1d6 DV
test or aptitude check linked to REF or SOM). Flex may be
dice rolls for any tests and for narrative control. • Critical hits double the DV.
used on any tests.
• Introduce NPC: A new or existing NPC joins • The weapon’s damage is reduced by the target’s energy or
• Unless otherwise noted, only 1 pool point may be spent per test.
the scene. Their presence must be plausible. kinetic armor, as appropriate.
• Before Roll: Ignore all modifiers to the test.
You may define one aspect of this NPC: their morph, • If the damage equals or exceeds the target’s Wound
• Before Roll: Add +20 to the test’s target number.
factional allegiance, a noteworthy skill, a specific trait, etc. Threshold, a wound is scored. If the damage equals or
• After Roll: Flip-flop a d100 roll. For example, 83 becomes 38.
• Introduce an Item: A previously unnoticed item is added to exceeds the target’s Wound Threshold by multiple factors,
• After Roll: Upgrade a success to a superior success (or one
the scene. Its presence must be plausible. The item cannot multiple wounds are inflicted.
to two).
be offensive (no weapons) and it must be of Minor (not Rare • If total damage reaches Durability, the target is incapacitated.
• After Roll: Downgrade a critical failure to a regular failure.
or Restricted) Complexity. It can be a useful tool, a necessary If it reaches Death Rating, they are killed/destroyed.
• Ongoing (Insight/Moxie/Vigor Only): Receive +5 (1 point)
piece of gear, or even a clue.
or +10 (2 points) to all skill tests linked to one aptitude
• Define the Environment: You may introduce an
for 24 hours or until your next recharge
environmental factor to a scene. Its presence must be
plausible. It should provide a new detail that does not HACKING
INSIGHT drastically alter the scene. Examples include hiding spots, Hacking Tests are opposed tests,
Insight pool is linked to mental capabilities: cover, distractions, shelter, or exploitable elements such as a your Infosec skill VS. the target’s Firewall.
Cognition, Intuition, and their linked skills. ladder or window.
• Take the Initiative: Go first in an action turn if you are • Define a Relationship: You may introduce a new, plausible • When hacking a target, there are two methods you can go
only taking mental or mesh actions and no physical movement. relationship between your character and an existing NPC. about it:
• Extra Action: Take an extra complex mental or mesh action This connection should be more loose or minor than close • Brute-Force-Attacks are quick and noisy. They require a
(or 2 quick actions) in an action turn. or serious. For example, you may have a common friend, complex action and inflict a –30 modifier to your Hacking
• Acquire a Clue: Gain a hint or lead through investigation, shared history, or old but minor rivalry. Tests. If you succeed, you have user privileges on the system
research, or analysis of the facts at hand, without needing to but also spotted status (the system is aware of your intrusion).
make a test.
RECHARGING POOLS • Subtle Intrusions are quiet but take time. They are task
You recover the points you have spent from pools by taking actions with a timeframe of 1 hour. If you succeed, you
MOXIE a recharge action to rest and recalibrate. You can’t increase a have user privileges on the system and covert status (the
Moxie pool is linked to social interactions: Savvy, pool above its original rating; unspent points are lost. system is unaware of your presence).
Willpower, and linked skills. It may also be used • Short Recharge (2/day): Short recharges are a task • Each superior success on the Hacking Test increases your
for Rep and Infection Tests. action with a timeframe of 10 minutes. You may take two privileges one step (from user to security to admin).
• Ignore Trauma: Ignore the effects of 1 trauma for 24 short recharges per 24-hour period. Each short recharge • A critical success on the Hacking Test increases your status
hours. restores 1d6 pool points; you decide where to allocate them. one step (from spotted to covert to hidden).
• Refresh Rep: Restore rep network favors at a cost of 1 point • Long Recharge (1/day): A long recharge is a task action • When intruding, you do not need to make tests for actions
for a Minor favor and 2 points for a Moderate favor. Major with a timeframe of 4 hours (8 for flats and other biomorphs your privileges allow. For other actions, you must succeed in
favors may not be refreshed this way. without biomods). You may only benefit from one long additional Hacking Tests.
• Acquire a Clue: Get a tip or lead by gathering information via recharge per 24-hour period. A long recharge completely
social interactions without needing to make a test. restores your pools to their full value.
• Control Your Infection: Avoid making an Infection Test
when using a psi sleight (asyncs only).
• Negate Gaffe: Ignore a player’s social gaffe that the
character wouldn’t make.
 DAMAGE TAKEN WOUNDS TAKEN RECHARGE [Per 24 hrs]
[sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT] [sPENT]
NAME ALIAsEs

MOTIvATIONs

LANGUAGEs

EGO TRAITs

INSIGHT MOXIE VIGOR FLEX

[COG, INT] [sAv, WIL, REP] [REF, sOM]

BACKGROUND CAREER WOUND THRESHOLD DURABILITY DEATH RATING EGO FLEX

INTEREsT FACTION Movement Rate

GENDER/PRONOUNs sEX AGE MUsE
Ware
REZ POINTs (sPENT/UNsPENT)
REPUTATION
@-REP C-REP F-REP G-REP
Morph Traits
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
I-REP R-REP X-REP ₃ MIN FAvORs/WEEK
Notes
₁ MOD FAvOR/WEEK
∞ ∞ ∞ ₁ MAJ FAvOR/sTORY ARC
MORPH NAME MP COST

APTITUDES & DERIVED STATS ACTIVE SKILLS

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL SKILL APT TYPE TOTAL

Athletics SOM Physical

CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK Deceive SAV Social

APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3

Exotic Skill: Field

INITIATIvE LUCIDITY TRAUMA THREsHOLD INsANITY RATING Exotic Skill: Field

Fray REF × 2 Combat

sTREss TAKEN TRAUMAs TAKEN  Fray ÷ 2 (vs. ranged attacks) REF × 2 Combat

Free Fall SOM Physical

COMBAT GEAR Guns REF Combat

Hardware: COG Field • Technical

RANGED Dv FIRING MODE RANGE sKILL AMMO NOTEs Hardware: COG Field • Technical

Hardware: COG Field • Technical

RANGED Dv FIRING MODE RANGE sKILL AMMO NOTEs Hardware: COG Field • Technical

Hardware: COG Field • Technical

RANGED Dv FIRING MODE RANGE sKILL AMMO NOTEs
Infiltrate REF Physical

Infosec COG Technical

MELEE sKILL DAMAGE vALUE
Interface COG Technical

Kinesics SAV Social

MELEE sKILL DAMAGE vALUE
Medicine: COG Field • Technical

Medicine: COG Field • Technical

ARMOR ENERGY/KINETIC
Medicine: COG Field • Technical

GEAR PACKS Medicine: COG Field • Technical

Medicine: COG Field • Technical

Melee SOM Combat

PACK PACK
Perceive INT × 2 Mental

Persuade SAV Social

PACK PACK
Pilot: REF Field • Vehicle

Pilot: REF Field • Vehicle

KNOW SKILLS Pilot: REF Field • Vehicle
SKILL APT TOTAL Pilot: REF Field • Vehicle

Pilot: REF Field • Vehicle

Program COG Technical

Provoke SAV Social

Psi WIL Mental • Psi

Research INT Technical

Survival INT Mental

 FAKE ID FAKE ID
NAME NAME

REPUTATION REPUTATION
——-REP ——-REP ——-REP —-REP —-REP —-REP
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

——-REP ——-REP ——-REP —-REP —-REP —-REP

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

MUSE BOT/VEHICLE
NAME BOT/vEHICLE

COG INT REF SAV SOM WIL VIGOR FLEX

10 30 15 45 10 30 10 30 10 30 10 30
CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK
APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3 APT APT X 3
DAMAGE WOUNDs
₅ ₂₀ ₄ ₄₀
INITIATIvE LUCIDITY TRAUMA THREsHOLD INsANITY RATING
SKILLS ARMOR WT DUR DR sIZE

HARDWARE: ELECTRONICs  ₃₀ MEDICINE: PsYCHOsURGERY ₃₀

MOvEMENT
INFOsEC  ₃₀ PERCEIvE  ₃₀

INTERFACE  ₆₀ PROGRAM  ₃₀
WARE
KNOW: ACCOUNTING  ₆₀ REsEARCH  ₃₀

KNOW: PsYCHOLOGY  ₆₀ KNOW: ₄₀ CHARACTER NOTES

NOTEs
LAsT BACKUP ENTRY DATE sTORAGE LOCATION

MESH MENTAL EDITs/PsYCHOsURGERY

WT DUR DR
ONGOING EFFECTs/CONDITIONs

4 20 40 MOTIVATION GOALS
MEsH DAMAGE WOUNDs

ASYNC
sUB-sTRAIN ACTIVE FORKS
TYPE WHEN MADE NOTES
₃₃+: INCREAsED EFFECT PUsH TO ALL PsI-CHI sLEIGHTs (DOUBLE THE EFFECT)
₆₆+: FREE PUsH TO ALL PsI-GAMMA sLEIGHTs

INFECTION RATING

INFLUENCE EVENTS
₁: PHYsICAL DAMAGE. TAKE Dv ₁D₆.
₂:

₃:

₄:
ADDITIONAL NOTES
₅:

₆:

SLEIGHTS
TYPE ACTION DURATION INFECTION MOD EFFECTS

This work is licensed under the Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/ • Version 1.1 by Posthuman Studios (August 31 2019)