THE BUGS OF VENUS

> A DEATH SCHOOL HACK

> A LADY BLACKBIRD HACK
> CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US

DESIGNED by BENJAMIN OSBORN

It is 2XXX.
Earth has been under siege for 200 years. We
seek refuge in the last city – Hume – hidden in the
mountains near the Ruins of Denver.

From within Hume’s steel and rock cocoon, we

watch the Venutians systematically destroy all life.
They hunt, now, the wanderers who have heard of
us but who have not yet arrived. We dare not
reach out to those past our walls for fear that the
Bugs of Venus will finally find and destroy us.

They came suddenly, when we first cracked

Venus’s rocky crust. Billions of them. Of every
shape imaginable. They can withstand incredible
heat and pressure. They do not need to breathe.
They cannot be reasoned with.

We have clung on for generations, but our re-

sources dwindle. EDF expeditions launch deeper
into hostile territory every year. However, the
EDF Marines are all well trained in combat and
survival. Trained to hunt without being seen.
Trained to laugh at the mortality of their own
ranks.

We have each volunteered for the EDF for our own

reasons, but we now have one mission. Keep.
Humanity. Alive.

And if we get to kill a few Bugs on the way, all the

better.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY

You need a copy of these rules, pencils for all

players and some scratch paper, and a handful of
6 sided dice. This is a “dice pool” game which
means players may be rolling upwards of 10 dice
on a single roll. You may also want several larger
dice to represent the Bugs.

More importantly, as the Game Master (GM), you

need to be ready to hear your friends tell a great
story.
 THE RUINS OF DENVER

• Hume
• Red Rocks

• Buckley AFB • Mile High Stadium

• Republic Plaza

• D & F Tower

• 16th St Mall

• Denver Zoo • Tattered Cover

16th STREET MALL DENVER ZOO RED ROCKS

Ped mall running down the middle of downtown Be sure to check out Predator Ridge. Beautiful natural rock formation. Famous con-
Denver. Once filled with greenery, buskers, and cert venue. Breeding ground?
public transportation. HUME
The last city. Home. REPUBLIC PLAZA
BUCKLEY AIRFORCE BASE The tallest tower of Denver. 56 floors. 714 feet.
Spy satellite and space/military/industrial MILE HIGH STADIUM Periodically on fire over the course of the
nerve center of the former United States. Ex- This monolithic coliseum oozes with alien gunk. centuries.
tremely well protected then and now. No one has ever breached its walls. Few get
close enough to try. TATTERED COVER
DANIELS & FISHER TOWER Used bookstore filled with ancient knowledge
20 story clock tower in the heart of downtown. and, likely, bookworms.
 describe how things go down, and then cross
PLAYING THE BUGS OF VENUS off the Spotlight. There are no practical limits
to what can happen during a Spotlight moment,
As you read this page, reference a character is deeply competitive. You can hit his but the event should stay focused on a dis-
sheet. Each section here corresponds to parts “Everything’s a Game” Key when you turn a crete problem and its resolution.
of the character sheets and how to use them. mundane task into a competition with other
characters. When you hit a Key you may either FREE TAG
The overall objective of the Bugs of Venus is to take an experience point (XP) or add a die to This Tag can be used with any Trait. For exam-
tell an interesting and exciting story. You will your Reserves Pool (up to a max of 10). ple, Samantha can always narrate
use your character’s Traits and Tags to over- “Vengeance” into her actions. Free Tags
come obstacles in your path, and use your THE RESERVES POOL change after a Spotlight. Samantha’s free Tag
Keys to guide how and why your character The Reserves Pool represents your stamina becomes “Savior.”
acts. and resolve. It starts with 7 dice. These dice
can be used to boost your own rolls or to help SECRETS
You don’t have to memorize all of these rules! others. The number of dice in your Pool will Each character has a Secret that can be used
There is a rules short list on each character fluctuate up and down frequently throughout only once. They can be used at any time, but
sheet. You’ll pick up the rest as you play. the session. Secrets are frequently used to get out of tight
spots when you aren’t ready to use your Spot-
TRAITS OBSTACLES light.
Traits represent broad cross sections of a By default, players can accomplish anything
character’s training, personality, and history. covered on their character sheet. It’s no fun to HELPING OTHERS
A character Trait might be “Obscene Firepow- ask for a roll when there’s no cool obstacle in If your character is in a position to help anoth-
er.” Traits do not comprehensively describe the way. The GM will be on the lookout for the er character, you can give them a die from
the character, but actions in line with a Trait opportunity to create obstacles as the action your Reserves Pool. If the roll fails, you get
give you more dice to roll when attempting to develops. your Pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is
overcome an obstacle. lost.
ROLLING THE DICE
TAGS When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll CONDITIONS
Each Trait has a list of Tags that can be incor- dice. Start with one die. Add a die if you have a Failing in overcoming an obstacle will frequent-
porated into your overall action. These Tags Trait that can help you. If that Trait has any ly (but not always!) result in a condition. A
are, for example, specific tools (“Miniguns”), Tags that apply, add another die for each Tag. condition constrains what the player should
methods (“Kinetic”), and outcomes (“Laid to Finally, add any number of dice from your Re- say about their character. For example, the
Waste”) of the Trait. As you narrate your ac- serves Pool. character may now be Hurt, Trapped, or Pre-
tions, weave Tags into your story for even sumed Dead. It’s a cue to tell the GM and play-
more dice. Several Tags are in brackets. These Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that ers to pay attention to that thing and use it as
are currently locked Tags that can be unlocked shows 4 or higher is a hit. You need hits equal material to develop the narrative.
as you play. to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the
obstacle. A difficulty of 2 is easy. 5 is extreme. REFRESHMENT SCENES
KEYS Refreshment Scenes are a brief moment of
Keys are prompts to act particular ways in line If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled. If rest shared between two characters. It is a
with your character’s core motivations. Trent you don’t pass, keep the Reserves Pool dice good time to ask questions (in character) so
you rolled and add another die the other player can show off aspects of his or
to your pool. her character. Refreshment Scenes can be
flashbacks too. When the scene is complete,
THE SPOTLIGHT you can either bring your Reserves Pool back
Each character has a Spotlight. up to 7 dice, or remove a condition if it makes
This is a moment when they get sense within the narrative.
to be extra-cool and the center
of attention. When a player rec- ADVANCES
ognizes a good Spotlight for When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
their character, they take over advance. You can spend advances to unlock the
narrative control from the GM, bracketed Tags or to refresh a used Secret.
 RUNNING THE BUGS OF VENUS
LISTEN, QUESTION, DON’T PLAN CHARACTER and TRAITS KEYS CONDITIONS and
When you’re the GM, don’t try to plan what will PLAYER NOTES
happen. Instead, ask questions. Lots and lots of
questions, and make them pointed toward the Samantha Reynolds Dead Eye Resolve
things you’re interested in. Psy-Ops Revenge
Single Mother
Ask questions like:
 Does anything break when you do this crazy Trent Schall Like a Ghost Everything’s a Game
maneuver? Flirtations Ambient Noise
 The fire probably spreads out of control Track Star
doesn’t it?
 That sounds like a bold plan. What’s the first
step? James “Jim” Parnes Ultra Black Belt Heart of Vengence
 After that quiet moment together, what did Mercenary Life Heart of Peace
Trent learn about you that you weren’t ex- Dog Lover
pecting him to find out?
Holly Panzarino Obscene Firepower Bigger Bang
Keep that going at a steady pace and the game Field Hockey I Know a Guy
flies along pretty well. Part of the job of the GM is Black Market Wares
listening to what the players say, catching it, turn-
ing it around and looking at it, and seeing if there’s
anything else to be done with it. Troy Holm Tech Guru MacGyver That Mofo
Booms and Bangs Let Me Explain!
The GM’s jobs: listen and reincorporate, play the Edge of Madness
NPCs with gusto, create interesting obstacles, and
impose conditions as events warrant (especially Gen. Roger M. Holt Redshirt EDF Marines The Art of Helping
when rolls fail) Fire Support The Art of Hurting
Logistical Support
SAY YES, LOOK FOR OBSTACLES
If the player’s failure would not result in an inter-
esting complication—if there is no interesting GENERAL NOTES and THOUGHTS COOL BUGS
obstacle in the player’s path—just say yes to the Ant
action, listen, and ask questions as usual. But also, Act I Bumble Bee
be on the look out for the opportunity to create Caterpillar/Butterfly
obstacles as the action develops. Cicada
Act II Dobsonfly
OBSTACLES AND FAILING FORWARD Dragonfly
When a roll fails, it’s not fun or interesting to de- Dung Beetle
cree that the action simply did not happen. It oblit- Fly
erates even the most awesome idea and then Act III
Gnat
stops the narrative’s momentum as the players Grasshopper
work up an entirely new tack. Ladybug
Act IV Lightning Bug
To keep the pace going after a failed roll say, “Yes, Mosquito
but…” and: Praying Mantis
 Describe unexpected consequences. Act V Rhinoceros Beetle
 Or, escalate the situation in a dangerous way.
Walking Stick
 Or, impose a condition on the character.
Wasp
Waterbug
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This game wouldn’t exist without John Harper’s Lady Blackbird (onesevendesign.com). It also wouldn’t exist without Jason Morningstar’s Death
School (bullypulpitgames.com). Extensive sections of this game are lifted wholesale from them.
Additional art was created by Andreas AAS Schroth (raben-aas.deviantart.com)
Playtesters: Dan Helvick, Ken Massey, Joe Roth, Dan Valencia
As with the above materials, The Bugs of Venus is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States
License. You are free to copy, redistribute, remix, transform, or build upon The Bugs of Venus in any medium or format, as long as you give appro-
priate credit, do not use it for commercial purposes, and share your contribution under this same license.

NOTES
Within Lady Blackbird is a wonderfully flexible About 7 to 10 Tags support each Trait: FINAL TOUCHES
template for character-driven one shots. It is  Component parts and tools (3-4) The Spotlight and Free Tag are developed to-
also written and distributed under a generous  Methods to be used (3-4) gether. While I had ideas for each at different
Creative Commons license (see above). I sup-  Specific desired outcomes (1-2) times for each character, they weren’t really
pose that’s why so many hacks of it exist. finalized until after the Traits and Keys were
There isn’t a well defined power curve in Lady done.
The following are my design notes as I picked Blackbird; unlocking Tags is about it. By virtue
apart both Lady Blackbird and the 80’s action of being locked, these Tags provide an example The Free Tag needs to coherently work with
movie hack Death School to write this game. of what a character could do. They are aspira- each Trait. It is all of the character’s actions
These notes are based on my own particular tional by design; locked Tags don’t need to be and methods distilled to a single word or
design goals and interpretation of what makes bigger or better. Just something that the phrase.
Lady Blackbird games tick. My hope is that character doesn’t have but would want.
these brief notes are helpful for future hacks. The Spotlight is a combination of the Free Tag
I gave each Trait 2 locked Tags, each Tag rep- and Keys at a moment of choice. As a conse-
THE BLANK PAGE resenting a different way to approach the Trait quence of that choice, the Free Tag is trans-
I wanted something I could put together in a and overall character, e.g., Trent’s here-and- formed. It should still work with all Traits, and
week with a driving, cinematic feel and a rec- now Rocket Boots vs. his backstory hook of should be related to the original Free Tag (e.g.,
ognizable setting that could support many Gold Medal. after unleashing everything, Shock becomes
heroes working together. Death School + fu- Awe).
ture alien invasion, obviously. ADDING MOTIVATIONS
I don’t think I finished a single set of Tags be- WHAT WAS CUT
I started with painfully generic tropes—sniper, fore turning to the Keys of the character. There is no option to create new Keys or
heavy, martial artist, tech support, scout, Once I had a general idea of what I wanted the Traits. I think there’s enough moving parts for
General—and built up characters around the character to be able to do, Keys were an op- a one shot, and locked Tags give enough moti-
stubs of ideas. portunity to define why they did what they did. vation to seek Advances. I also removed the 2
XP/Dice for hitting a Key into danger as part
ADDING ACTIONS Keys should be complementary in that a player of this overall streamlining of mechanics.
Traits and Tags inform both what a character can hit both Keys throughout the session with-
can do and how he does it. I let one Trait func- out appearing to be disjointed and incoherent. I took out Plot Objectives from Death School’s
tion as the base archetype (e.g., the heavy’s But players should rarely if ever be able to hit system. While evocative, I think Spotlights,
Overwhelming Firepower) and mined the per- both Keys with a single action. flavored Traits and Tags, and the overall
sonalities from other media for a list of Traits. theme were enough to drive genre conven-
Once Keys were created, I went back and re- tions. I think Plot Objectives would be essential
I mixed and matched until it felt like I had var- vised and completed the Tags. Players interact for a less accessible theme that still wanted
ied, interesting combinations of Traits. My with Tags more than any other component of an over-the-top cinematic flavor.
regular group has two people with nearly op- the system. How each Tag is worded can add
posite personalities and interests. My overall additional hooks and cues for the player. A gave all of the Redshirts to one of the Gen-
design goal was that every character appealed Minigun becomes Miniguns. Endurance Running eral’s Traits. May he use them hilariously.
to both players. becomes Push Til You Puke.
TRENT SCHALL THE BUGS OF VENUS
SPOTLIGHT [ ] When the time comes, you can have your first real moment of empathy and understand
YOU NARRATE the enemy plans. RESERVES POOL (start with 7 dice, max of 10)
YOU MAY SPEND any number of Reserves Pool dice you have to add dice to
your current roll.
TRAITS FREE TAG “Inappropriate Joke” transforms into “Determined Cheerfulness” after Spotlight.
+ 1 DIE YOU MAY SPEND one Reserves Pool die to help another character.
+ 1 DIE/TRAIT LIKE A GHOST Bionic Vision. Reactive Camo. Silent Kill. Recon Robots. From Above. From Behind.
YOU MAY REFRESH your Reserves Pool back to 7 dice by having a Refresh-
+ 1 DIE/TAG Choking Hazard. Knives. Under Cover. Trip Mines. [Perfect Timing]. [In Plain Sight]
ment Scene.

FLIRTATIONS Rounds for Everyone. Bad Pick Up Line. Good Tipper. Party Starter. Ride the Whip. YOU MAY REFRESH one Reserves Pool die by hitting a key.
Perfect Playlist. [Good Kisser]. [On the House]

TRACK STAR Burst of Speed. The Best Shoes. Victory Lap. Push Til You Puke. Wind Swept. Hur- ROLLING THE DICE KEYS and ADVANCES
dles. Pole Vault. Long Jump. Carb Loading. [Rocket Boots]. [Gold Medal] When you try to overcome an obstacle, When you hit a key you may either:
you roll dice. Start with one die. Add a
 Take an experience point (XP)
die if you have a trait that can help you.
If that trait has any tags that apply, add  Add a die to your Reserves Pool
KEYS EVERYTHING’S You enjoy winning. Hit your key when you turn a mundane task into a competition another die for each tag. Finally, add any (up to a max of 10)
+ 1 XP, or A GAME with other characters. Buyoff: Try to lose. number of dice from your Reserves
When you have accumulated 5 XP, you
+ 1 POOL DIE Pool.
earn an advance. You can spend advanc-
AMBIENT You are frequently in tight spots. Hit your key when you need to whisper into your Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each es to unlock bracketed tags or refresh a
NOISE comm to avoid detection. Buyoff: Be the loud bait in a trap. die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. You used Secret.
need hits equal to the difficulty level
(usually 3) to pass the obstacle. Level 2 Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff
condition occurs, you have the option of
is easy. Level 5 is extreme.
SECRET ALWAYS [ ] No matter how dire the situation, you find or improvise a lethal device and removing the key and earning two ad-
PREPARED have the means to use it. If you pass, discard all the dice you vances.
rolled. If you don’t pass, keep the Re-
serves Pool dice you rolled and add REFRESHMENT SCENES
another die. You can refresh your Reserves Pool or
CONDITIONS [ ] Losing [ ] Hurt [ ] Dead EARNED XP remove a condition by having a Refresh-
HELPING OTHERS
[ ] Lost [ ] Hunted [ ] Trapped ment Scene with another character. A
If your character is in a position to help Refreshment Scene is a good time to ask
another character, you can give them a questions (in character) so the other
die from your Reserves Pool. Say what player can show off aspects of his or
your character does to help. If the roll her character. Refreshment Scenes can
fails, you get your Pool die back. If it be flashbacks, too.
succeeds, your die is lost.
JAMES “JIM” PARNES and BAMBOO THE BUGS OF VENUS
SPOTLIGHT [ ] When the time comes, you can reveal your ultimate technique.
YOU NARRATE RESERVES POOL (start with 7 dice, max of 10)
YOU MAY SPEND any number of Reserves Pool dice you have to add dice to
your current roll.
TRAITS FREE TAG “Precise” transforms into “Devastating” after Spotlight.
+ 1 DIE YOU MAY SPEND one Reserves Pool die to help another character.
+ 1 DIE/TRAIT ULTRA Fists and Feet. Blade. Inner Strength. Outer Strength. Disarm. Throw. Vital Area.
YOU MAY REFRESH your Reserves Pool back to 7 dice by having a Refresh-
+ 1 DIE/TAG BLACK BELT Whirlwind of Blows. Throwing Knives. Smoke Bomb. [Guru]. [Perfect Balance]
ment Scene.

MERCENARY Pack of Smokes. Betrayal. Hard Bed. Hidden Wealth. No Trust. Widely Traveled. YOU MAY REFRESH one Reserves Pool die by hitting a key.
LIFE Skeptical. Disillusioned. Resourceful. [Lifetime Contract]. [Powerful Benefactors]

DOG LOVER Good boy. Fetch. Stay. Tight Spot. Stalk. Intimidate. Charm. “Attack!” [Use Blade]. ROLLING THE DICE KEYS and ADVANCES
[Use Grenade] When you try to overcome an obstacle, When you hit a key you may either:
you roll dice. Start with one die. Add a
 Take an experience point (XP)
die if you have a trait that can help you.
If that trait has any tags that apply, add  Add a die to your Reserves Pool
KEYS HEART OF You must find and defeat your most powerful opponent. Hit your key when you fight another die for each tag. Finally, add any (up to a max of 10)
+ 1 XP, or VENGENCE the strongest thing you’ve ever fought. Buyoff: Flee from an unfair fight. number of dice from your Reserves
When you have accumulated 5 XP, you
+ 1 POOL DIE Pool.
earn an advance. You can spend advanc-
HEART OF Balance has been lost in the world. Hit your key when you bring other characters Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each es to unlock bracketed tags or refresh a
PEACE to compromise. Buyoff: Antagonize your teammates to action. die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. You used Secret.
need hits equal to the difficulty level
(usually 3) to pass the obstacle. Level 2 Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff
condition occurs, you have the option of
is easy. Level 5 is extreme.
SECRET ONE LAST [ ] No matter how dire the situation, you can call in your last marker to get a removing the key and earning two ad-
FAVOR critical resource in a time of need. If you pass, discard all the dice you vances.
rolled. If you don’t pass, keep the Re-
serves Pool dice you rolled and add REFRESHMENT SCENES
another die. You can refresh your Reserves Pool or
CONDITIONS [ ] Mad as Hell [ ] Hurt [ ] Dead EARNED XP remove a condition by having a Refresh-
HELPING OTHERS
[ ] Lost [ ] Hunted [ ] Trapped ment Scene with another character. A
If your character is in a position to help Refreshment Scene is a good time to ask
another character, you can give them a questions (in character) so the other
die from your Reserves Pool. Say what player can show off aspects of his or
your character does to help. If the roll her character. Refreshment Scenes can
fails, you get your Pool die back. If it be flashbacks, too.
succeeds, your die is lost.
HOLLY PANZARINO THE BUGS OF VENUS
SPOTLIGHT [ ] When the time comes, you can unleash everything you’ve got to destroy something larger
YOU NARRATE than life. RESERVES POOL (start with 7 dice, max of 10)
YOU MAY SPEND any number of Reserves Pool dice you have to add dice to
your current roll.
TRAITS FREE TAG “Shock” transforms into “Awe” after Spotlight.
+ 1 DIE YOU MAY SPEND one Reserves Pool die to help another character.
+ 1 DIE/TRAIT OBSCENE Miniguns. Suppressing Fire. Myriad Grenades. Rockets. Extra Clips. Kinetic. Laid to
YOU MAY REFRESH your Reserves Pool back to 7 dice by having a Refresh-
+ 1 DIE/TAG FIREPOWER Waste. Hard Points. DU Rounds. Explosive Rounds. [Flame Thrower]. [Aimbot]
ment Scene.

FIELD HOCKEY Hitting Things With a Stick, Running, Dodging, Offense, Defense, Coordination, YOU MAY REFRESH one Reserves Pool die by hitting a key.
Smack Talk, [Pemberton Double-Fake], [Senior Formal]

BLACK MARKET Bathtub Gin. Moonshine. Unapproved Weapons. Weird Weapons. “Legal” Modifica- ROLLING THE DICE KEYS and ADVANCES
WARES tions. Rumors. Unusual Contacts. Thieves’ Cant. [Dirty Bomb]. [The Don’s Cell #] When you try to overcome an obstacle, When you hit a key you may either:
you roll dice. Start with one die. Add a
 Take an experience point (XP)
die if you have a trait that can help you.
If that trait has any tags that apply, add  Add a die to your Reserves Pool
KEYS BIGGER BANG You understand collateral damage is inevitable in war. Hit your key when you don’t another die for each tag. Finally, add any (up to a max of 10)
+ 1 XP, or care what else you hit. Buyoff: Pull your shot at the last minute. number of dice from your Reserves
When you have accumulated 5 XP, you
+ 1 POOL DIE Pool.
earn an advance. You can spend advanc-
I KNOW A GUY You know people. Hit your key when you provide goods or services via your net- Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each es to unlock bracketed tags or refresh a
work. Buyoff: Offer protection without compensation. die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. You used Secret.
need hits equal to the difficulty level
(usually 3) to pass the obstacle. Level 2 Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff
condition occurs, you have the option of
is easy. Level 5 is extreme.
SECRET HIDDEN CACHE [ ] No matter how dire the situation, you can dig deep and refresh your Reserves removing the key and earning two ad-
Pool. If you pass, discard all the dice you vances.
rolled. If you don’t pass, keep the Re-
serves Pool dice you rolled and add REFRESHMENT SCENES
another die. You can refresh your Reserves Pool or
CONDITIONS [ ] Out of Ammo [ ] Hurt [ ] Dead EARNED XP remove a condition by having a Refresh-
HELPING OTHERS
[ ] Lost [ ] Hunted [ ] Trapped ment Scene with another character. A
If your character is in a position to help Refreshment Scene is a good time to ask
another character, you can give them a questions (in character) so the other
die from your Reserves Pool. Say what player can show off aspects of his or
your character does to help. If the roll her character. Refreshment Scenes can
fails, you get your Pool die back. If it be flashbacks, too.
succeeds, your die is lost.
SAMANTHA REYNOLDS THE BUGS OF VENUS
SPOTLIGHT [ ] When the time comes, you can ensure your child is safe until he is ready to inherit your
YOU NARRATE legacy. RESERVES POOL (start with 7 dice, max of 10)
YOU MAY SPEND any number of Reserves Pool dice you have to add dice to
your current roll.
TRAITS FREE TAG “Vengeance” transforms into “Savior” after Spotlight.
+ 1 DIE YOU MAY SPEND one Reserves Pool die to help another character.
+ 1 DIE/TRAIT DEAD EYE Leading. Under Cover. Earth’s Curvature. Lethal. Disarming. Sniper’s Nest. Spotter.
YOU MAY REFRESH your Reserves Pool back to 7 dice by having a Refresh-
+ 1 DIE/TAG Surprisingly Close. [World Record]. [Curved Shot]
ment Scene.

PSY-OPS Touch and Hear. See and Feel. Telekinetic. Minor Cantrips. Buggy Eyes. So Many YOU MAY REFRESH one Reserves Pool die by hitting a key.
Voices. Mental Fortitude. Inception. Empathy. [Lightening]. [Combustion]

SINGLE Resourceful. Devoted. Crafty. Wrangler. Role Model. Food Prep. First Aid. Bug Sur- ROLLING THE DICE KEYS and ADVANCES
MOTHER prise Tactics. Bedside Manner. Grief. Consoling. [Foster Parent]. [School Board] When you try to overcome an obstacle, When you hit a key you may either:
you roll dice. Start with one die. Add a
 Take an experience point (XP)
die if you have a trait that can help you.
If that trait has any tags that apply, add  Add a die to your Reserves Pool
KEYS RESOLVE One and done. Hit your key when you resolve an obstacle with a single shot. Buyoff: another die for each tag. Finally, add any (up to a max of 10)
+ 1 XP, or Act to buy time. number of dice from your Reserves
When you have accumulated 5 XP, you
+ 1 POOL DIE Pool.
earn an advance. You can spend advanc-
REVENGE Hit your key when the fact that Bugs killed your partner significantly impacts your Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each es to unlock bracketed tags or refresh a
decisions. Buyoff: Forgive the Bugs for what they’ve done. die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. You used Secret.
need hits equal to the difficulty level
(usually 3) to pass the obstacle. Level 2 Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff
condition occurs, you have the option of
is easy. Level 5 is extreme.
SECRET MOTHER’S [ ] No matter how dire the situation, you can protect someone, giving them time removing the key and earning two ad-
INTUITION to re-roll. If you pass, discard all the dice you vances.
rolled. If you don’t pass, keep the Re-
serves Pool dice you rolled and add REFRESHMENT SCENES
another die. You can refresh your Reserves Pool or
CONDITIONS [ ] Blind [ ] Hurt [ ] Dead EARNED XP remove a condition by having a Refresh-
HELPING OTHERS
[ ] Lost [ ] Hunted [ ] Trapped ment Scene with another character. A
If your character is in a position to help Refreshment Scene is a good time to ask
another character, you can give them a questions (in character) so the other
die from your Reserves Pool. Say what player can show off aspects of his or
your character does to help. If the roll her character. Refreshment Scenes can
fails, you get your Pool die back. If it be flashbacks, too.
succeeds, your die is lost.
TROY HOLM THE BUGS OF VENUS
SPOTLIGHT [ ] When the time comes, you can show the world your true genius.
YOU NARRATE RESERVES POOL (start with 7 dice, max of 10)
YOU MAY SPEND any number of Reserves Pool dice you have to add dice to
your current roll.
TRAITS FREE TAG “Eccentric” transforms into “Mad” after Spotlight.
+ 1 DIE YOU MAY SPEND one Reserves Pool die to help another character.
+ 1 DIE/TRAIT TECH GURU Crunch Time. On Call. Code Jockey. “I Know This”. Phreaking. Obsessive. Bug Re-
YOU MAY REFRESH your Reserves Pool back to 7 dice by having a Refresh-
+ 1 DIE/TAG port. Unboxing Video. All Nighter. Hackathon. [Fire Sale]. [AI Singularity]
ment Scene.

BOOMS and Propellants. Timers. Repurposed Machine. Mechanisms. Welding. Chemistry. Unin- YOU MAY REFRESH one Reserves Pool die by hitting a key.
BANGS tended Consequences. Duct Tape. Gadgets. [Bunker Buster]. [EMP]

EDGE OF Pattern Recognition. Numerology. Cypto-currencies. “It Goes to the Top!” Sudden ROLLING THE DICE KEYS and ADVANCES
MADNESS Insight. Deep Study. Usual Suspects. Ingestants. [No More Secrets]. [They Live] When you try to overcome an obstacle, When you hit a key you may either:
you roll dice. Start with one die. Add a
 Take an experience point (XP)
die if you have a trait that can help you.
If that trait has any tags that apply, add  Add a die to your Reserves Pool
KEYS MacGYVER You just can’t leave well enough alone. Hit your key when you modify, repair, or another die for each tag. Finally, add any (up to a max of 10)
+ 1 XP, or THAT MOFO improve some tech. Buyoff: Pass up the opportunity to explore new tech. number of dice from your Reserves
When you have accumulated 5 XP, you
+ 1 POOL DIE Pool.
earn an advance. You can spend advanc-
LET ME Everyone needs to understand. Hit your key when you explain your latest theory to Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each es to unlock bracketed tags or refresh a
EXPLAIN! another character. Buyoff: Keep your very correct opinions to yourself. die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. You used Secret.
need hits equal to the difficulty level
(usually 3) to pass the obstacle. Level 2 Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff
condition occurs, you have the option of
is easy. Level 5 is extreme.
SECRET POLYMATH [ ] No matter how dire the situation, you know just about everything and can ap- removing the key and earning two ad-
ply tags from more than one trait when you roll. If you pass, discard all the dice you vances.
rolled. If you don’t pass, keep the Re-
serves Pool dice you rolled and add REFRESHMENT SCENES
another die. You can refresh your Reserves Pool or
CONDITIONS [ ] Uncertain [ ] Hurt [ ] Dead EARNED XP remove a condition by having a Refresh-
HELPING OTHERS
[ ] Lost [ ] Hunted [ ] Trapped ment Scene with another character. A
If your character is in a position to help Refreshment Scene is a good time to ask
another character, you can give them a questions (in character) so the other
die from your Reserves Pool. Say what player can show off aspects of his or
your character does to help. If the roll her character. Refreshment Scenes can
fails, you get your Pool die back. If it be flashbacks, too.
succeeds, your die is lost.
GEN. ROGER M. HOLT THE BUGS OF VENUS
SPOTLIGHT [ ] When the time comes, you can write your place in the history books.
YOU NARRATE RESERVES POOL (start with 7 dice, max of 10)
YOU MAY SPEND any number of Reserves Pool dice you have to add dice to
your current roll.
TRAITS FREE TAG “Foolish Charge” transforms into “Heroic Sacrifice” after Spotlight.
+ 1 DIE YOU MAY SPEND TWO Reserves Pool die to help another character.
+ 1 DIE/TRAIT “REDSHIRT” Covering Fire. Wrong place. Sacrifice. Blown up. Bad Timing. Gruesome. Bleed Out.
YOU MAY REFRESH your Reserves Pool back to 7 dice by having a Refresh-
+ 1 DIE/TAG EDF MARINES Incorrect Choice. Poisoned. Mental Break. [Infested From Within]. [Zombified]
ment Scene.

FIRE SUPPORT Heavy Artillery. Ammo Dump. Blown up. Collateral Damage. Unexpected Conse- YOU MAY REFRESH one Reserves Pool die by hitting a key.
quences. Demolished. Unstable. Hazardous. [Precision Strike]. [Efficient]

LOGISTICAL Speedballs. Drop ships. Hilarious Supplies. SNAFU. Blown up. Process Change. Un- ROLLING THE DICE KEYS and ADVANCES
SUPPORT expected Passengers. Missed Timing. [Radar Overlay]. [Ion Cannon] When you try to overcome an obstacle, When you hit a key you may either:
you roll dice. Start with one die. Add a
 Take an experience point (XP)
die if you have a trait that can help you.
If that trait has any tags that apply, add  Add a die to your Reserves Pool
KEYS THE ART Hit your key when you inspire the other characters to protect, rescue, or save another die for each tag. Finally, add any (up to a max of 10)
+ 1 XP, or OF HELPING another human. Buyoff: Entice the other characters to eradicate humanity. number of dice from your Reserves
When you have accumulated 5 XP, you
+ 1 POOL DIE Pool.
earn an advance. You can spend advanc-
THE ART Hit your key when you help the other characters by destroying or killing something Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each es to unlock bracketed tags or refresh a
OF HURTING near them. Buyoff: Collapse a building on their heads. die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. You used Secret.
need hits equal to the difficulty level
(usually 3) to pass the obstacle. Level 2 Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff
condition occurs, you have the option of
is easy. Level 5 is extreme.
SECRET QUOTATIONS [ ] No matter how dire the situation, you can give a rousing speech and inspire removing the key and earning two ad-
another character’s re-roll. If you pass, discard all the dice you vances.
rolled. If you don’t pass, keep the Re-
serves Pool dice you rolled and add REFRESHMENT SCENES
another die. You can refresh your Reserves Pool or
CONDITIONS [ ] Red Tape [ ] Hurt [ ] Dead EARNED XP remove a condition by having a Refresh-
HELPING OTHERS
[ ] Lost [ ] Hunted [ ] Trapped ment Scene with another character. A
If your character is in a position to help Refreshment Scene is a good time to ask
another character, you can give them questions (in character) so the other
TWO DICE from your Reserves Pool. Say player can show off aspects of his or
what your character does to help. If the her character. Refreshment Scenes can
roll fails, you get your Pool dice back. If be flashbacks, too.
it succeeds, your dice are lost.