23rd August, 1988 - Biggar, Scotland.

Crantham staggered into his study, straight towards his drinks cabinet. He swung the glass-panelled doors open and
with a trembling hand reached for the bottle of whisky. He was coughing still, dust and cement particles spinning in
his lungs.
The whole building had come down, all in one go; it was the only reason he’d been able to slip past the soldiers and drive
home. But he couldn’t stay long – just enough time to collect his essentials and the money and passport, secreted behind
that photo on the wall and then he’d be gone, off to Paraguay, to San Antonio.
The army would call at his first office, searching for him, for answers. They didn’t know about this one, the proper one.
The one that contained all the most pertinent discoveries accrued during more than five years of Foundation research.
The rest had been destroyed, along with all the test subjects.
He clumsily tipped the bottle heavily on the rim of the glass, spilling whisky on the back of his hand. He hissed and
fumbled to screw the lid back on. His eye caught the name on the label and after a moment’s recognition he let out a
shrill laugh that sounded foreign and frightening to his ears.
“Henri.”
The quiet, soft voice made Crantham spin in its direction, instantly letting go of the glass. He did not hear it shatter.
The figure was sat in his armchair, face hidden in shadow. He wore a suit that was the fashion seventy years previous,
but looked as though it was finished just yesterday.
“What have you done, Henri?” The figure spoke. His tone was sad and hollow.
Crantham felt his way into an adjacent chair, unable to take his eyes off The Elder.
“You come to me now, finally, after all these years.” Crantham whispered. He was already on the verge of tears.
“You made that necessary, Henri. You have broken the rules which we must all follow. Now, I must do the same.”
Crantham looked down.
“Why didn’t you come sooner? Why didn’t you stop me? You … could have saved them.”
“So could have you. Henri, it is not our place to intervene with what we have created. That is our law.”
Crantham looked up again, furious.
“I just want to know why?”
“Why?”
“I want to know! I want to know why you called on me and then you denied me! I was just a child, but I never forgot. I
never wanted to forget! I … just wanted to be one of you.”
The tears were beyond his control.
The Elder watched the man weep before him. Years of confusion, frustration and denial, forever held in check, spilled
out from him. Henri had never looked so old, or as young as he did at this moment.
“Doctor Crantham,
Crantham, no Builder would be one by choice. It is a bleak, thankless chore, a burden. It is the task of a silent
caretaker, for all time. It is all joy and creation in the first chapter, but after? When death comes and the door’s unlocked?
It is the duty of a select, unlucky few.
I spared you that. You were meant to forget, as all the others do.“
“But still you won’t tell me why? Why did you choose Gideon; that miserable, wretched old man? Or Tibor; that
murderer! Why wasn’t I chosen?”
The Elder considered this for a time.
“You weren’t chosen because I feared you would become a far worse monster than Tibor. More joyous than Gideon.
You did not become the monster, though; you did create it, however. You created the Red King. And that is why I come
to you now.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It is too late for that now, Henri. Too late for myself, also. You may fly south and I may flee back to my forest, but The
Red King will return, in time. We are dead men.”
“What can we do?”
“Our part in this cycle is over. It falls to those within to find the answer.”
The Elder leant forward and peered at Crantham with white, featureless eyes.
“It starts, or ends, now.”
 SLA INDUSTRIES
2 N D E D I T I O N

Writing
Dave Allsop, Jared Earle, Mark Rapson, Chris ‘Shep’ Shepperson
Art
Dave Allsop, David Alvarez, Jacob Atienza, Mike Francina,
Jon Hodgson, Clint Langley, Alyssa Menold, Mirco Paganessi,
Scott Purdy, Aaron J Reilly, Matteo Spirito, James Worrall
Layout
Jared Earle
Rules
Chris ‘Shep’ Shepperson, Mark Rapson
S5S Rules System
Chris ‘Shep’ Shepperson
Logistics
Mark Rapson
Proofreaders
Aric Wieder with Jamie Cross, Kim Rapson
& the Kickstarter Backers

Nightfall Games are

Dave Allsop, Jared Earle, Mark Rapson
 The Nightfall Games team would like to especially thank the following:
Victoria Braithwaite, Jamie Cross, David Emmett, Jon Hodgson, John Houston, Richard Howkins, Stephen Manklow,
Gordon Parton, Kim Rapson, Tony Sephton, Steve Turner, Andrew Waller

And our playtesters:

Carl Arnold, Joshua Briggs, Kevin Case, Brendan Falconer, Darren Grainger, Mike Griffin, Matt Jones, Gordon Parton,
Marc Potter, Lee Quillan, Toby Thomas, Marc Wilson, Corrine Winwood, Ste Winwood, James Woods

We would also like to thank all the Kickstarter backers for their support and additional proofreading.

Created in Adobe InDesign on an Apple iMac i-9990 using Waverly and Adobe Caslon type.
Copyright © 2020 Nightfall Games Ltd., All Rights Reserved. Designed in Scotland. Printed in Lithuania.

https://sla.industries/ - https://nightfall.games/
C O N T E N T S

Introduction - 2
History - 8
The World of Progress - 30
Operative Hours - 54
Character Creation - 62
Rules and Mechanics - 98
The Ebb - 124
Hardware - 142
Threat Analysis - 176
The Web of Lies - 212
Index - 222

1
 SLA INDUSTRIES

T E R M I N O L O G Y
The World of Progress
The World of Progress is a series of star systems owned and controlled by SLA Industries. Within this vast, sprawling corporate
universe, anything can be bought and sold, from military armaments to fast food, pharmaceuticals to biogenetics, televised media
to high fashion, but it must fall under the overarching SLA brand. Anything produced, or even suggested without SLA’s corporate
branding is considered treason; corporate crime, which may be punishable by death.
SLA Industries hires Operatives - trained specialists who investigate these subversive acts, destroy rival companies and enforce the
will of Mr. Slayer.
Mr. Slayer
Mr Slayer is the head of SLA Industries. For 900 years he has been pivotal in the success and dominance of every star system in the
World of Progress. He inspires fear and loyalty in equal measure. He serves as an ideal for some of the most corrupt, self-serving and
career driven people in his domain, but Slayer remains an enigma. Despite being the most well-known figure within the World of
Progress, only a handful of individuals know who or what he is, the reason behind his name and his facial disfigurement. Those who
have even the slightest inkling of his true origins have good reason to fear him all the more.
The Great Enemy
In the World of Progress there have always been whispers of The Great Enemy, but few could easily define precisely what it was.
There were rumours of a planet out on the fringes of the SLA universe which imprisoned an ancient terror and if it were ever set free,
the entire World of Progress would be destroyed.
SLA Industries has countless enemies, but its true nemesis is a being simply referred to as ‘Bitterness’ - the supposed ruler of White
Earth. In the present day, a White Earth influenced cult terrorises Mort City, crafting blood magic once thought impossible in SLA
owned space.
The Shi’An Blood Cult is representative of The Great Enemy on planet Mort.
SLA has been forced to create an entire Department, ‘Stigmartyr’, to defend the company and its citizens against the threat of the
Bitterness, White Earth and the cult they inspire.
Mort
The planet Mort is the seat of SLA Industries’ power and home of its Head Office. Centuries of industrial pollution and
environmental neglect has ravaged the planet, leaving it beset with endless toxic rains and poisonous, grey landscapes. Spread across
the surface of Mort are a series of city states, each dedicated to the service of SLA, but the most notorious is Mort City itself. At its
highest artificial peak sits the gargantuan Head Office building. Beneath, an entire class system trickles down, from the most wealthy
in opulent Uptown, all the way down to the subterranean slums of Downtown, where the unemployed masses are trapped in their
squalid apartments with nothing but an endless stream of SLA brand televised media to keep them company.

T h e W h i s t l i n g B r i d g e P r oto c o l
SLA Industries, and the World of Progress it inhabits, is being attacked on all sides from enemies it had promised extinct or
claimed had never existed at all. Yet, in 903sd, these ancient enemies returned and sought revenge. Within Mort City itself
the Shi’An Cult, directly influenced and led by White Earth, is gaining traction among the Downtown populace.
SLA has always secretly feared that a day may come when its secrets may be uncovered and certain uncomfortable truths
would be brought to light and so, during the Formation of SLA Industries, a protocol was put in place to reestablish order
and safeguard against certain destruction. Its codename was Whistling Bridge and it has been met with an equal share of
praise and dread.
The Whistling Bridge Protocol’s edicts have only been read by the top Departmental Heads at SLA Industries and they
know the directives set forth will reshape the World of Progress. Two sides are emerging, for and against the Protocol and the
changes it will invoke.
Now, as the Shi’An cult expands its sphere of influence, Conflict Races, who were thought long dead, invade the SLA
universe and with the recent acknowledgement of Dream Entities materialising in the World of Progress, the Whistling
Bridge draws ever closer to execution.

2
3
 SLA INDUSTRIES

T H E O P P
SLA Industries has had unprecedented success over the centuries. One does not amass such wealth and accomplishment without
forging a few enemies along the way. SLA Industries has so many, in fact, that it has been forced to categorise its opponents into four
distinct groups.

C o r p o r a t e
The recurrent threat to SLA has always come from those with
ambition, drive and recklessness. Those who want to imitate SLA
Industries, whilst also tearing it down. These are the corporate
enemies and terrorist organisations. They create competing
products and attempt to destabilise SLA’s power structure.
These companies invariably rise and fall; destroyed by the
company’s loyal and efficient SLA Operatives, but two main forces
endured throughout the centuries: DarkNight and Thresher.
Smaller entrepreneurs are referred to as Soft Companies and
continually try to undercut SLA with rival sodas, pharmaceuticals,
fast food and cheap weaponry. They reap potentially lucrative
rewards, but probably at considerable cost.

“Look, it’s pretty simple really: SLA will come down hard on you
for creating your poxy little indie brand, okay? Don’t matter what
it is: they’ll kill you whether it’s competitor power armour or tinned
beans. Right?
Never ever try to take the cash from SLA’s pocket. It’s like signing
your own Extermination Warrant.
Gotta say, these rival Scrummy Cakes are pretty nice though.
Pity this here is the last one in existence.”
‘Big Ted’, Human Operative, SCL 7,
squad ‘Destroy All Carrien’

C o n f l i c t
SLA has long claimed that the ancient Conflict Races were
extinct; defeated and forgotten nine hundred years ago. Now these
lost species are creeping back into the World of Progress from
the lawless region known as Conflict Space, determined to enact
vengeance on the company that betrayed them and stole their
worlds.
They are a little known threat on Mort, but on the War Worlds
these various Conflict Races are destroying SLA’s armies. It is not
surprising as these aliens were bred for nothing but war and death.
Some Conflict Aliens have reached Mort however and landed in
SLA’s industrial No-Go Zone, where they plot, watch and wait.

“I’ve had a few run ins with the Conflict Aliens and they’ve got
that same dead eyed look that the Dream Entities have. They have
hatred in their gaze, but it’s like, I dunno … not their hatred?
They rage, they fight and murder, but something else is pulling the
strings.”
Ross Ackerley Reed, Human Operative,
SCL 8a, squad ‘Perfect Gallows’

4
O S I T I O N
These range from those who seek revenge for past wrongs and those who hate by their very natures, to those who wish to destroy
SLA’s corporate system and rival companies who simply desire to supplant it.

C u l t
The streets of Downtown breed madness and despair. The
marginalised citizens will turn to any messiah figure that
offers hope; real or imagined. As such, religious cults of all
denominations are rife in the slums. For centuries SLA was
content to let these people stagnate in their own delusion; they
were barely a threat.
This has all changed with the emergence of the Shi’An Cult,
with its strong ties to White Earth and genuine spiritual
powers. No other force has been capable of attracting so many
of the downtrodden and disturbed. The numbers of converted
Downtown citizens steadily rises.
The cult seeks worship, bedlam and blood.

“SLA has had its time. That time is over. We must

end them all, spill their blood and usher in a new
age of violence and liberation. We are Shi’An.”
Elliot Raik, High Priest of South Sewers

C o l l a t e r a l
These are the enemies spawned from the universe SLA has
created; by-products of their corporate greed, neglect and
corruption. Without the wholesale exploitation of SLA Industries,
creatures like the Carrien, Cannibals and, more recently, the
Dream Entities, simply would not exist.
SLA Industries created much of the threats now known
as Collateral, initially to serve the company. They proved
uncontainable and broke free into lower recesses of Downtown
and the ruins of the Cannibal Sectors. Disturbed inventions like
the Manchines and Scavs now pose a serious threat to life on
Mort.

“Oh yeah, I’m aware of the new terms that Threat Analysis is
using to group our enemies. But seriously, Collateral? Collateral!?
I mean this is totally disinge-,… disenjanu-, … totally not honest,
right? I mean how do you just class the whole of Cannibal Sector 1
as just collateral?
I tell you; last week when Shiver Private Bridges was getting his
guts chewed out of his body by a Cannibal Termagant he wasn’t
crying ‘ooh, help, someone come and get this Collateral off of me.”
Shiver Pvt. 1st Class Cara Killoran , Bridgehead Echo Beach

5
 SLA INDUSTRIES

“Look, all I ever wanted to be was a SLA Operative. That The World of Progress is a science-fiction image of the 1980s,
daydream is not exceptional in any way; everyone wants to be a where the fax machine spews out information alongside green-
SLA Op. You know why? Because SLA Ops are the only people screen computers and vat-grown biogenetic monsters. Exotic
who don’t get shat on in the World of Progress. Except they do. aliens compete with humans for work in an overgrown city that
All the time. plunges deep underground. Mort, the planet on which the game
And that’s what working for SLA is like. Accepting certain is set, is the capital of the World of Progress, a dark miserable
truths. Facing inconvenient realities. You don’t know this place where it never stops raining. The players are projected into
going in, but you certainly know it on your way out. But hey, a world that feels tense, dangerous and claustrophobic. When
maybe I’m being a little unfair. It’s not about accepting the you play SLA Industries, you never know what’s around the
truth, because once you know the truth you’ll wish you didn’t. next corner and never know which facts are truths and which
What working for SLA is really about is accepting the lie. are lies.
What is the lie? The lie is that there’s just one lie. There are too
many to count. The company is built on lies. The lie that SLA PLAYING SLA INDUSTRIES
controls everything. The lie that working for SLA will solve Players in SLA Industries take on the role of Operatives,
your problems. The lie that you are serving the public. The lie the highly-trained and well-equipped freelancers that serve as
that there are no hidden truths. the company’s agents, investigators and enforcers. Operatives
If you decide to work for SLA accept this: you are going to do perform tasks for both a pay packet and the promise of
what you’re told. You are going to kill good and bad people. You an increase in their security clearance level (SCL), as both
are going to discover things about the company and yourself, provide them access to an increased standard of living, better
that will mess you up. equipment, progression up the corporate ladder and sponsorship
You are going to feed the lie.” opportunities. Most of all though, they strive for the one thing
that everyone in the media-driven World of Progress wants:
Garren Mayfield, Human Operative, SCL Notoriety.
4b, squad Milk and Two Milgrams
A SLA Operative always has a job to do. It is not always a
glamorous one; a typical assignment (known as a BPN) may
INTRODUCTION consist of anything from exterminating giant rats or carnivorous
pigs in a sewer, to securing and retrieving an ancient artefact of
Welcome to this, the SLA Industries roleplaying game the Ebonite species.
2nd Edition core rulebook. Within this tome you will find Characters progress along within the campaign, gaining
everything you need to play the SLA Industries roleplay game. credits, security clearance and infamy. They can spend their
hard-earned credits on better equipment, stronger armour, more
WHAT IS A ROLEPLAYING GAME? deadly weapons, powerful combat drugs or something a little bit
At its most basic premise, a roleplaying game, or RPG, is a different, like a down-payment on a Life After Death account,
tabletop game within which players assume the roles of different ensuring that even death can’t stop them.
characters in a fictional setting. These characters are represented Each of the nine different species offers its own play style,
by a range of statistics and rulesets unique to each. The story’s each armed with unique species abilities, from the studious
progression and action is resolved through discussion and the Neophron to the drug-addled Frother, from the brutish Stormer
use of dice. One person is the GM, or Games Master and it is to the quick-witted Wraithen, from the versatile Human to the
their job to lead the storytelling. In many respects, the GM is honour-bound Shaktar. Pick the species that suits you best and
the director of a movie and the players are the improv actors. bring them to life.
What you will need to play
ABOUT SLA INDUSTRIES
Apart from this book you will need a set of 6 ten-sided dice
SLA Industries (pronounced “Slay Industries”) was first (often called d10s for short) per player. One of these dice needs
published in Scotland in 1993. The game is a horror noir science- to be a different colour to the rest. A few pens and pencils
fiction set in a dystopian reality in which the majority of the should also be available to the players. Other items that may
known universe is either owned or indirectly controlled by the be very useful include a GM Screen, which protects the GM’s
eponymous corporation SLA Industries. The game incorporates notes and dice rolling from the players.
many adult themes with tropes from the cyberpunk, gothic Many players also like to use miniatures and pre-drawn maps,
horror and conspiracy genres. SLA Industries is considered especially in combat situations, or specially designed RPG
one of the first and best examples of the Splatterpunk genre websites and chat rooms. Given that games can take a few
in RPGs. hours, if you are hosting you may want to consider getting in
SLA Industries, the company is a huge corporate entity that some drinks or snacks (or getting the players to bring them) too.
rules over not only Mort City, but the entire planet and the
expanding universe. Mr Slayer, the owner of SLA Industries,
aptly refers to this as ‘The World of Progress’.

6
 

This edition of SLA Industries Glossary of Gaming Terms

SLA Industries 2nd Edition features an entirely new d10- The following abbreviations are used throughout the book.
based rules system, built from the ground up and designed to
PC: Player Character. A character controlled
offer a streamlined and cinematic gaming experience. Ratings
by a player.
Points are a new mechanic for 2nd Ed, earned from facetime
in front of the camera, or through bravery, extreme success NPC: Non-Player Character. A character
and spectacular failure. These points enable players to perform controlled by the Games Master to be
cinematic feats that defy the norm and impress audiences. When interacted with by the PCs. This could
things don’t quite work out, there is the new Luck mechanism be anything from a street ganger, high-
that allows players to alter or re-roll dice results. Both Ratings ranking corporate or even a shopkeeper.
Points and Luck are a finite resource, however and should not GM: Games Master. The arbitrator and
be used frivolously. storyteller whose job it is to control the
We are very lucky to still have the original creative team at world around the player characters.
the core of this RPG. Brief stories, character quotes and other
in-game content from them bring The World of Progress to life. What do you need to know?
SLA Industries 2nd Edition is crammed full of colour art, Below is a very brief description of the key characters,
presenting one of the best visualised worlds in the RPG arena organisations and terms seen in the World of Progress. Know
and the most visually stunning representation of The World of this, know SLA.
Progress to date.
Mr Slayer The boss of SLA Industries.
Preparing to play the Game Intruder Mr Slayer’s right hand man and
The first step to playing a game of SLA Industries is creating primary enforcer.
player characters. This is fully explained in the Character Bitterness The ruler of White Earth; the great
Creation chapter. Many players really enjoy doing this and will enemy of SLA Industries.
often create more than one. Alternatively you can get hold of Cloak Division SLA’s protectors of truth, created to
the Quick Start which can be downloaded as a PDF or bought control information leaks.
from any number of outlets (ask your FLGS or favourite internet
Naga 7 Archivists and researchers of dangerous
shop, or check out our website: www.nightfall.games). While
truths; serves as advisors for SLA
the characters are being created the GM needs to plan out their
propaganda.
campaign. Again the Quick Start is a great place to start, but
one of the real joys for GMs and players alike, is the creation Shivers The SLA sanctioned police force.
process of forming your own campaign. Within this book are SLA Operatives Troubleshooters for SLA’s problems.
all sorts of ideas and stories from which the GM can weave a You, the players.
multifaceted world of adventure for the players to investigate. Props Local mercenaries for hire.
Important: When playing a roleplaying game, especially Shi’An Cult Largest growing religion in the World
one with adult themes, it is critical that all the players are of Progress; a direct threat to SLA
comfortable, or at least comfortable with being made to feel Industries.
uncomfortable, with the situations their characters will find Conflict Aliens The ancient long-forgotten enemies of
themselves in. Please check with your fellow players before SLA Industries, now returning to the
you expose them to anything likely to upset them. This is World of Progress to seek revenge.
especially important when playing with players that you do Oppressor Powers The larger companies that actively seek
not know or know well. the downfall of SLA Industries, like
SLA Industries is an adult game, it is recommended that DarkNight and Thresher.
players are at least 15 years old. Soft Companies Small-time startups or subversive
Playing the Game entrepreneurs trying to break into the
market.
Once you have created your characters and the GM has
planned out the story, all players should make sure their fellows BPN Blueprint News files, the main way
are happy with any planned strong or unpleasant themes. SLA Operatives pick up jobs.
Everyone gets set for the game by gathering around the table, SCL Security Clearance Level, the lower the
with their dice, pens, character sheets, snacks, etc.. The GM better.
normally sets the scene and each of the players introduce their Credits/Uni Credits are a currency used internally by
characters to each other. Often people like to put on accents SLA Industries while Unis (universal
or act out their characters in great depth, but you don’t need currency) are the public currency. There
to. As the story progresses the GM will direct the story and are ten Unis to a credit, but only Unis
enable the players to do what they want: investigate, fight and appear as coins and notes.
converse etc..

7
 SLA INDUSTRIES

HISTORY
“ We destroyed the Conflict Races. “They were the precursors to the Suppressor Powers, the
We created the World of Progress. governing forces within the Known Universe. They desired war,
We overcome all adversity. blood and violence yet in many respects they weren’t so different
We write our histor y. to us. They simply wanted more, unceasingly wanting of
We make fantasy a reality. everything and whilst we offered the 3Ps Contract, the Conflict
We are SLA Industries.” Races chose a more blunt and uncompromising approach: they
Intruder’s War Diaries, 585sd. simply offered death.”
Intruder’s War Diaries, 760sd
The company known as SLA Industries exists within the World
of Progress but permeates every part of it. SLA Industries has Five primary species rose to prominence.
conquered the majority of it and is preparing to absorb the rest. The Grosh - Also known as the Root Dogs, these were bio-
To put such an indelible mark on such a vast region of space engineers who were content to ravage any life system and
has taken centuries; there is no escape from its influence nor its bend its genetic code to the will of the Grosh. The Root Dogs
presence. The food one eats and cars one drives are produced built vast, animalistic armies known as The Herd. The Grosh
and sold by SLA Industries, whether you like it or not. were feared above all others.
Every person living in the World of Progress has strong The Momics - The Momics were the slave masters of the
feelings about the company that rules over them. There is hate, Ebonite species. They drained the Ebonites of their Flux
anger and love, but what binds all is fear. There has been little and feasted on their flesh. Largely an indolent and apathetic
over the nine centuries to challenge SLA’s authority and its species who chose to spend most of their existence in a state
dominance is all most people have ever known. of meditation, or torpor. They would nonetheless burst into
In order to live and survive in the World of Progress one must furious activity if challenged or more importantly, when their
accept that SLA Industries is an evil company, which in turn primary food source was appropriated.
has created an evil universe and the company is now the only The Thallasians - They were the original creators of the
power capable of keeping it all under control. specialist combat armour found on their home world of
The reality is hidden under a veneer of glitz and glamour Thallas. In temperament the Thallasian were similar to the
but what truly lies at the core of the World of Progress is a Krell, revelling in violence and warfare, but strains of their
tyrannical regime that is gradually coming apart at the seams. species were focused on crafting superior weapons and armour.
What follows in an exploration of the nine centuries of SLA The Herracleum - A deeply religious plant-like species who
Industries’ growth and dominance. It is a long catalogue of sought to conquer worlds and cultivate the surface of enemy
perceived victories built on corruption, betrayal and countless planets, replacing whole ecosystems with their own verdant
lost lives. It also charts the company’s numerous failures and culture and natural mysticism.
oversights, so often attributed to SLA’s capitalist core ideologies The Krell - The Krell were an especially brutal, militaristic
and its complete and utter lack of empathy. species, entirely led by the Krella; the female of the species. The
Nine centuries of war and lies, nine centuries of poverty male counterparts had been degraded over centuries into rabid
and wealth, nine centuries of expansion and oppression. and increasingly psychotic monsters. The genetic degradation
Upon unswerving ruthlessness, SLA Industries has built its was a by-product of the Grosh’s aim to alter the Krell’s genetic
foundations and set forth from there. code to allow incredible rates of regeneration.
THE CONFLICT ERA - PRE SD Endless war
Conflict Races The Known Universe was caught in a relentless cycle of war.
SLA Industries’ historical documents are scant on the details of
Long before SLA Industries created the World of Progress.
how and why these interplanetary disputes continued to rage
the macrocosm it inhabits was called The Known Universe. It
century after century and why no diplomatic agreement could
spread across countless solar systems, with each being loosely
ever be reached.
governed by a supreme force. Threat Analysis has detailed
The various Conflict Races were forever trying to gain
accounts of almost all these ancient powers. In nearly every case,
supremacy over each other and most spent considerable time
the Conflict Races were indisputably merciless, without a shred
and finance improving and upgrading their weaponry and
of consideration for any external species beyond its own.

8
 H ISTORY

technology. The Krell at one time entered a brief alliance with

the Grosh to increase the ferocity of their infantry and grant
them the capacity for regeneration, but this bond quickly
fell apart when the species’ leaders, the Krella, discovered the
genetic work, along with the gift of fast regeneration and
neurotoxin in the saliva, had turned their soldiers into near
uncontrollable, slavering monsters. One can only assume that
the Grosh scientists fully intended this and inevitably lead to
further decades of brutal strife and destruction between them.
Such betrayals were common amongst the great warring species
of that time period.
“In order to understand why the Conflict Era endured for so
long you have to take into account the species involved at the
highest end. You have to consider the personalities, the cultures
that bred the likes of the Krell, the Thallasians and then try to
put them in the same metaphoric space; war was inevitable, but
more importantly it was actively sought.
The Conflict Races were shaped purely for warfare, they had
no desire to explore or fulfil anything they perceived as a lesser
ambition. They were what history required of them and only
when SLA Industries arrived in the Known Universe were the
Conflict Races obligated to serve another purpose.”
Professor Jonathan E W Lisberg,
Naga 7 Historian (2nd Head)

Intruder
An important figure during the Conflict Era was Slayer’s right
hand man - Intruder. He operated chiefly as an assassin; sent out
to destroy SLA’s political rivals, the nickname ‘Clockwork Killer’
suggesting he was simply a weapon utilised by the company, but
his duties were surprisingly far reaching. He helped to liberate
the Ebonites from their Momic overlords and during the years
he fought the Conflict Aliens, he contributed his experiences to
the Stormer project.
First and foremost though, he was the shadow who slipped
silently into military outposts and royal palaces to eliminate the
opposition. He was chosen for the role because of his skills in
butchery and knowledge of anatomy and that he was master of
a collection of powers unknown to anyone else in the Known
Universe during the Conflict Era, something similar yet separate
to the Ebb. Reports back to the enemies of SLA listed him as
‘Kilneck’ and that he was seemingly indestructible.
“No, I am unsurprised you have been unable to find a member
of the Kilneck in SLA owned space, well, aside from Intruder
himself. Within the deep spirals of Conflict Space, however? A
different matter entirely, but do not press me any further on the
matter.”
Mattifet Ketaptor, The Neophron Empress
As far as anyone knew he was a species of one, as many of the
Conflict Powers searched in vain to track down other Kilneck.
In the 900 years of SLA’s rule there has never been a reported
instance of another Kilneck individual in the entire World of
Progress, leading to potential theories of his nature. Either
Intruder is concealing his true origins. Are there no other
Kilneck; have there ever been or has he destroyed all others of
his kind?

9
 SLA INDUSTRIES

The Big Picture Conflict Aliens. SLA produced technology, which had been
bought wholesale by their enemies, like missile guidance
Five years prior to the Standard Date (sd.), SLA Industries
systems and other state of the art ordnance, shut down at
emerged in the Known Universe, acting primarily as a high-
the commencement of the Big Picture. The mass destruction
quality arms dealer for any side with the money to spend.
that followed would not be that of SLA Industries, it would
SLA Industries made everything from firearms to power represent the end of the Conflict Powers and the era of which
armour to military grade vehicles; even custom armaments they reigned.
tailored towards specific requirements. What made SLA stand
The last great battle of the Conflict Era was waged on Mort
out especially was its capacities in the field of biogenetics.
City’s Central Outskirts, in which the ancient Momic masters,
The most popular products available from SLA Industries was known as The Haunted, used a primitive form of reality folding
the biogen soldiers, known commonly as the Stormers. The first to launch their final attack at the heart of SLA. Two hundred
variant available in the Conflict Era market was the Malice. A 9 Momic faced down four thousand Malice Stormers and in the
foot tall, muscular monstrosity that had a winning combination resulting bloodbath, SLA proved victorious.
of strength, speed and savagery.
The battle culminated in the surviving Haunted burning their
Countless Conflict Races bought into the Stormer Program, remaining flux, creating a vast orb of blinding light. This strange
so that they could bolster their ranks with Malice Stormers, flux anomaly has endured on the surface of Mort, indestructible,
but also, in the case of the Grosh and Thalassians, to study and mysterious and restless ever since, it came to be known as the
dissect the creation, hoping to recreate the Malice for their own White.
purposes, but their efforts proved fruitless.
After initial investigation, it was largely left alone, until an
Not all of the species bought into SLA’s products and remained Ebon pupil of SLA Industries, Durer, entered it. What later
their enemies from the very start, particularly the Krell and emerged was a monstrosity, a strange mix of Ebon and Momic.
Momics, with whom SLA fought bitterly. The Krell even served This represented the birth of the Necanthropes - an entirely
as a rudimentary inspiration for the Stormers. new strain of Ebonite, which would come to rule over them in a
Ultimately, SLA betrayed the Conflict Races and they fell similar manner to the Momics who had come before.
victim to Mr Slayer’s secret strategy known simply as ‘The Big Only two major Conflict Races actively sided with SLA
Picture’. Industries prior to the Big Picture; the Wraithen and the
Over the years, SLA set about spinning a series of rumours Shaktars and as the company was reshaped they found gainful
that outlined the company’s future plans and also its inherent employment and protection. The Ebonites, the people previously
weaknesses. The aim was to prompt a direct attack on SLA and subservient to the Momics were also liberated and brought into
therefore the company’s base of operations, the planet - Jeth. the fold.
These rumours ranged from hidden new weapon stashes, Other species fell somewhere in the middle of the supposed
power minerals found exclusively on Jeth, an experimental drug victory conditions. The Neophrons, for example, took no part in
that would apparently change the landscape of the Known any of the conflicts and purposefully avoided any negotiations
Universe and even a colony of fabled Kilneck living out in the with SLA Industries. They recognised the change that was
dense jungle regions. It was almost entirely lies, specific triggers coming and quietly returned to their home system in Conflict
that would spur the Conflict Powers into action and drive them Space. It would take many centuries for the Neophron and
to focus direct attacks on SLA throughout the Known Universe. other equally less aggressive species to return to the World of
“The company didn’t just enter the Known Universe to sell Progress, but when they did they returned as allies, rather than
you guys a bunch of weapons and monsters. That Slayer guy is challengers, to the company’s reign.
here looking for something and I suspect it’s there on Jeth. I have What remained of the Conflict Aliens fled into deep space,
contacts who believe it’s a mineral deposit; something used in the SLA Industries was victorious and its employees rejoiced. They
creation of Stormers but I’ve also heard mention of some kind of hoped it would be the dawning of a new era and they were right.
‘portal’. It’s all hearsay and speculation to most Conflict Powers Mostly. Everything was set to progress, but not necessarily to
but I know more than most. Look, see this here? This drug phial everyone’s advantage.
- I believe it was created by SLA Industries, but it isn’t on sale
yet. It may never be on sale.
THE FORMATION ERA - 0-100SD
I’m telling you, Legatus, because we’re old friends. And SLA The Storm
hasn’t given me a pay rise in 7 months. The company comes off The dust had settled. Slayer had ended the Conflict Era and
as tough, but they’re weak, they’re nothing. You and your kind won. The history books would say that the Conflict Races
could have it all. If you have the guts to reach out and take it.” were all but extinct, but in truth many survivors had fled into
SLA Salesman John Smith, addressing true emptiness and past a blank world upon which Slayer had
a potential client, Conflict Era imprisoned his darkest secret.
There was a person who had a great stake in all things, but was
They would of course be conducting their military assaults
to be denied, even in death and beyond.
with Stormers and therein lay the Big Picture.
This ‘silent partner’ was a young man and within the freshly
The Stormers instantaneously turned on their new masters
defined confines of the SLA Universe he could not be destroyed.
before they could ever reach Jeth, slaughtering countless
He had already died once. He could, however, be forgotten.

10
H ISTORY

11
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Back before SLA Industries was even conceived, a pact was company; it was just the ordinary folk who knew that this
made to confine this controversial individual, to rob him of saviour was going to erase their identity and freedoms, in their
potential and ensure that he could not impact on the affairs of entirety. If the Conflict Races could be taken down so easily, the
the company, nor the plans for what would become the World citizens of the fading Known Universe would pose little threat
of Progress. Upon arrival he was deposited on a desolate remote to SLA. Within a generation of the end of The Formation,
planet in the Known Universe. This planet had no name and historical events of resistance where buried and forgotten.
the vast majority of its landmass was desert and besides its As SLA entered its greatest years of economic wealth, there
enigmatic prisoner, the only other inhabitants were the things was no question, the company was now all consuming. SLA
he feared the most. owned and ruled every facet of life and that was the new normal.
“Tyde, I have spent many years conditioning Brent Walker’s At the beginning of the Formation, the planet Jeth was the
brain to respond to certain stimuli and to comply with demands. epicentre of the new World of Progress. Over the previous
Some of my patients require simple encouragement and mild 25 years, SLA had already set up bases across the planet, but
praise in order to produce, Brent however tends towards after the enemy species had fled into what would be known as
obstinacy, he requires fear and discipline, to work. Conflict Space (the title of the vast untamed regions beyond
SLA controlled space), SLA would focus much of its efforts on
Brent suffers from a condition called Pithecophobia, which is
building the Capital City-state on the planet and they weren’t
an innate fear of primates. A chimpanzee was purchased and
prepared to let the indigenous Jethians stand in their way.
installed at The Foundation. This is the disciplinary tool we will
use in Brent’s reeducation. An hour trapped in a room with SLA Industries maintained a chilly relationship with the
that creature is guaranteed to make him compliant with the Jethians. The company swiftly set about ravaging the planet of
Foundation expectations of him. its resources as it built its first primary city - Mort.
SLA had little to no regard for any treaties signed that would
By now Brent would rather kill a family member than spend
protect the Jethian’s natural habitats and when the council of
five additional minutes in a confined space with our pet.
Jeth tried to prevent the construction of nuclear reactors so
The time is coming, Tyde, when he will transfer; that is close to their sacred colonies, the delegates sent to protest the
unavoidable and the only means of containing him is to place issue simply disappeared. All that could be done was to quietly
him among the denizens that fill him with the greatest dread. close their borders to the industrial giant and strive to protect
You cannot kill Brent Walker, but you can suppress him. You whatever still remained of their culture and tradition.
will do this by driving him irrevocably insane.” Progress was as inevitable as the rapid climate change and string
Catalogue/Naga 7 documentation *redacted* of natural disasters. The planet Jeth soon became synonymous
with its main city, the headquarters of SLA Industries. The
On the first anniversary of the World of Progress, Slayer felt
planet Jeth became the planet Mort, like so many other things
the storm raging across that distant world. Whilst corporates
in the World of Progress, the name Jeth was lost to the aeons
and Departmental Heads laughed, patted each other’s backs
of time, to be forgotten by all but a few scholars and librarians.
and sipped staggeringly expensive champagne, Slayer could
feel the fury building in the furthest reaches of his domain. Mandrake
He could smell the burning sands and matted fur and then, he Another of SLA Industries most promising Ebonite pupils
could feel the presence, searching. Like a blind man probing for - Mandrake, boarded the Ebb Foldship Yung and charted its
a lost object. course for Conflict Space in 2sd. It was classed as an exploratory
It was the first time Slayer felt the searing pain in his chest. It mission, but in truth it was a further inspection of the departed
faded, but never left him completely. Conflict Aliens. Mandrake was to report back in 5 years and
Construction of Mort City 1-56sd relay his findings to Head Office, but once the Yung passed
beyond the boundaries of SLA owned space, at the Gates of
Throughout the course of the Conflict Era, SLA Industries had Herodotus, the Foldship was believed lost or destroyed.
been little more than a weapons and technology manufacturer,
It would however return in nine hundred years, only then it
but after the Big Picture a whole new picture began to form.
would be carrying Mandrake’s descendants and their Momic
This was a business plan that would cover all aspects of life
slavers.
and commerce. SLA was going to take over governments, star
systems and buy out and rebrand every conceivable item in the “We strike out into the unknown, looking for answers to
Known Universe over a century-long mission. questions we haven’t even asked and we are anticipating
This was the groundwork of what SLA Industries would be answers we don’t even want.
right up until the present day and historical records define the We do this to find out what lies beyond; know that we do it
period as The Formation. What was once the Known Universe for Progress.”
would be rebranded the World of Progress. This period in SLA’s Mandrake, Foldship Yung departure, 2sd
history is some of the bloodiest; worse even than the close of
the Conflict Era. The Whistling Bridge Protocol
The Known Universe was not quite prepared for such a hostile SLA Industries was fully aware of all the dreadful things it
and grand takeover. SLA was met with some resistance, except had done in order to rise victorious and perhaps also knew of
this was not the brutal Conflict Races standing up against the the evils to come. The company had already begun limiting

12
 H ISTORY

information going forward and erasing what had come to pass. In the centuries that followed, the Gartto Tundra transformed
Despite these efforts, it could not wipe the Conflict Races from into a polluted wasteland, its original Jethian title would be
its history, nor the power that was growing on White Earth, forgotten and it would simply be known as the No-Go Zone.
from reality. Their presence would always remain, in some shape The pillaging was planet-wide and within six years, SLA
or form. White Earth was left to fester and all survivors of the Industries had bled the planet dry; all botanical life on the
previous conflicts had fled into the lawless Conflict Space.They planet had been utilised until nothing remained. Jeth’s natural
were all gone, for now at least, but ignoring the possibility of fauna suffered a similar fate with only a meagre list of the most
retaliation, even centuries in the future, was imprudent. SLA aggressive and adaptive species left alive. Mort would come to
Industries’ field of influence now encompassed the Known consider them as nothing more than mere vermin.
Universe. Their old adversaries had fled to deep space.
Two plans were set in motion. Aethermen, under the employ
Mort’s First Police Force
of Naga 7 Division were sent into Conflict Space to watch, It was exciting times for the company and countless workers
evaluate and report back findings, then secondly, a set of orders, flocked to Mort from across the new World of Progress to find
based on the likelihood of future reprisals, were drawn up. This work in the fast expanding empire. With all the hopes and
agreement would come to be known as the Whistling Bridge dreams of corporate life came the inevitable consequences.
Protocol. In 5sd, it was simply a first draft of proposals, but Crime was rife in the streets of Mort City and the company
every 50 years up until the present day the Protocol has been was struggling to deal with the lawlessness, so, with the help of
revised and reassessed, based on the changes and advancements one of SLA’s more resourceful Operatives - Jonathan Bellwood,
of the World of Progress. the first legitimate police patrols arrived in Mort City. These
were the men and women in green - the Shivers.
Mort Earns Its Name From 58sd, up to the present day, the Shiver Units are easily
SLA didn’t waste any time in stripping Jeth of its natural the most common sight in Mort City, spawning generations
resources. It drew oil, mined for minerals and cut down vast of recruits to patrol the dangerous streets. They are divided
forests and jungle for lumber. It set up countless factories by loyalty to the company and corruption bred from the
and production plants in the Gartto Tundra. This region was overbearing capitalistic society of Mort.
arguably the first Jethian region to fall to the avarice of SLA.
The company stained the skies with toxic fumes and black “I am Mort’s most violent Shiver.”
smoke, forever damaging the upper atmosphere. Jackson Clyde, Shiver Unit

13
 SLA INDUSTRIES

The Jethians Transformed northwards, mutating, distorting and eventually transforming

into a broken and animalistic species. Their past forgotten, the
If Mort was going to be the main base of SLA Industries’
newly shaped species was driven by little more than hunger and
operations it was going to require power and lots of it. The
the instinct to survive.
company set about bringing nuclear power stations to the globe.
What had once been lush jungle regions were quickly wiped The people of Mort City would come to know them as the
away by industrialism. It was at this time that the company Carrien. The first horrific sightings of these beings filtered back
reencountered the Jethians. They were far from happy that the through to Head Office in early 88sd. They thought it was
company had invaded their world, stripped away their forests merely a small band of mutants that could quickly be wiped
and jungles and begun bulldozing their sacred temples. from the face of Mort. Instead, the Carrien scourge would
endure and still be plaguing the sewers of Downtown and the
The Jethians, not an especially warlike species, could only offer
debris of the Cannibal Sector for another eight centuries.
a weak form of resistance against the encroachment of SLA.
They chose prayer over resistance. The entire Jethian population EXPANSION ERA - 101-200SD
refused to fight and worse, refused to integrate within the The next century is recorded as the Expansion Era, although
growing company, instead, they flocked to the protection of this term is focused primarily on the growth of Mort City, its
their equatorial city and temples to beg their therianthropic neighbouring City-States and the industrialisation of the No-
gods for salvation. Their pleas were never answered; their deities Go Zone. Across the World of Progress, the outlook was less rosy
had seen wisdom and fled into Conflict Space. and it was in this the second century that the whole concept of
The Fission Belt, a gargantuan ring of nuclear reactors ‘Corporate Warfare’ was born. During the Expansion Era, SLA
encompassing Mort’s equatorial line erupted to life in 80sd. The Industries encountered the first true rivals to its power base.
Belt’s positioning was strategic, far enough away from Mort SLA may have been the victor, but its position in the World
City to mitigate radiation spill, but close enough to power Mort of Progress would clearly be challenged from this era onwards.
City and the new emerging city states across the entire globe.
In 87sd, just one year after the last nuclear reactors were Rising Population
completed, a catastrophic meltdown occurred. A lethal gulf The Central Outskirts continued to grow. At first, civilians
stream of radioactive winds encircled the planet. SLA secretly longing to get out from the gloom of Suburbia flocked to the
hoped that this ‘unfortunate accident’ would finally kill off the area, causing a drastic swell of inhabitants. As the years ticked
Jethians, but their fate turned out to be much, much worse. by, more and more off-worlders arrived, setting up home and
Now ravaged by lethal doses of radiation and yet still left alive, sharing their resources with SLA Industries. Of course, SLA
the Jethians fled their crumbling ancestral homes and crawled welcomed the vast majority of these species, new employees
for the company, new skill sets and new allies, but as space got
tighter, policing the Outskirts became a challenge. The Shivers
tasked with thejob in the Central Outskirts now numbered into
tens of thousands. They drastically outnumbered Operatives
and despite being poorly armed, were tasked with maintaining
order in every corner of this sprawling landscape. Despite being
great in number, the sheer size of the population meant that to
keep it in check, far less security could remain on the perimeter
fence to keep an eye on the encroaching Carrien threat.
The Evolution Of Vermin
In 103sd, a depleted Shiver force manning the perimeter fence
along the Red Stretch reported sightings of a new threat. While
the fence had only ever done a mediocre job of keeping out
the Carrien, this new foe had simply crushed the fence entirely
and brutally murdered entire squads of Shivers keeping watch.
Leading huge packs of Carrien through the perimeter was what
soon came to be known as a Greater Carrien, a hulking giant
standing in excess of 9 ft tall, sporting antlers and a muscular
frame that was as stoic as a Stormer. The Greater Carrien struck
fear into all those that saw it, an enemy the likes of which most
Shivers had never seen.
This would be the first of many sightings of Greater Carrien,
each leading packs of ravenous scavengers into the Central
Outskirts, before eventually disappearing down into the
sewers where they began to make homes, carving out great
underground halls from the subterranean passageways. The
arrival of the Greater Carrien marked an evolutionary step in

14
 H ISTORY

the Carrien species and the first dreadful sign that they were Free Enterprise
here to stay.
The birth of Rival Companies during the Expansion Era, the
The Age of Terrorism challengers to SLA, only increased during the Boom Time. As
A mercenary force identifying themselves as DarkNight were SLA grew more affluent, the greater the desire to carve out an
encountered by a Nitro Legion battalion in 123sd on a remote independent corner of the marketplace grew in others. Whilst
planet called Horatio. This mercenary force was well equipped many competitors were focused on manufacturing competitor
and seemingly well financed. In the years that followed, the goods, the most common of which being weapons, their product
threat of DarkNight followed the company back to Mort, with range would in turn become their main form of defence
a rising number of terrorist attacks taking place on public spaces when SLA came to challenge them in both retail and battle.
and key SLA buildings. Other rivals were hiring out their accumulated combat
As the years ticked by, the frequency of these attacks increased, experience as mercenaries, or simply assumed the roles of
as did DarkNight’s numbers. With the regularity and severity raiders, attacking anyone they deemed an easy target.
of the attacks growing, SLA Industries had to accept that a very Thresher
legitimate enemy had arrived on Mort, one determined to hurt
the company and incite anarchy among the population of Mort ““This isn’t a company. It’s a bunch of cutthroats tear-assing
City. DarkNight were the polar opposite of the Carrien, their around the World of Progress in big armour looking for
agents used weapons and armour that challenged the equipment vulnerable planets and Ion Ships to plunder. Yes, they fall under
used by SLA Operatives and they thought like the company; the category of Corporate Crime, but I reckon they’re more like a
true tacticians, not feral savages. SLA could not simply throw criminal organisation, a syndicate.
Shivers at this threat; it required brains and patience. Thresher armour and weaponry has never been sold by these
Very quickly, DN-branded weapons started appearing on the guys directly. The only thing they’re likely to offer is hail of 11
black market, putting military-grade firearms into the hands of cal rounds to your face.”
civilians. This bold move, challenging SLA on their own biggest Dolores Sutton-Reeves, SLA Corporate, SCL 8
enterprise, rapidly earned DarkNight the newly fashioned term
In 232sd, SLA Industries 127th Tech Support group arrived
of a ‘rival company’ in the arms race, though anyone who had
on the water rich Resource World of Thallahs. They discovered a
encountered their brutality on the streets of Downtown knew
massive hidden complex within a nearby mountain range. Inside
the truth - this was organised crime at its highest level.
they found a vast array of lost alien technology. The Conflict Era
The Lure of The Ebb had been concluded and largely forgotten for several centuries.
Though the Ebonite species had been considered an ally to The 127th were unfamiliar with Thallasian technology and the
SLA Industries since the Conflict Era and their liberation from considerable skills they had once had in creating powerful anti-
the Momics, their numbers on Mort had remained relatively personnel armours and superior weaponry.
few compared to other species. Intruder had kept company with They knew they had landed on a goldmine as they moved
those Ebonites of standing and urged them to call out to their through endless rows of mint condition armour, each armed
kin still living on far off worlds. with fully stocked and loaded heavy rifles. Procedure dictated
Word of The White had already reached Haxxan - the distant that they report their findings to Head Office, but this was the
system of Ebonite homeworlds and little persuasion was needed. age of the entrepreneur. A new and major rival company had
Ebonites boarded Foldships and made the long haul, bringing just appeared in the World of Progress, it was the beginning of
with them knowledge and artefacts beyond Naga 7’s wildest Thresher Consortium.
dreams. Mort would become the new home to the Ebonites What followed were years, bleeding into centuries of infighting
as thousands and thousands of new arrivals were welcomed within Thresher. Any noble efforts made in its past were dulled
into the arms of the company, hitting the streets as Operatives by endless raids and bloodshed. Nonetheless, Thresher - the
and drastically increasing the space travel capabilities of SLA band of exceedingly well equipped raiders, endured. Fighting
Industries. This influx accelerated the company’s understanding the morally questionable good fight, yet always fearful one day
of a great many things, bringing about new levels of innovation their precious stocks of technology would run dry and they
and technology. would never be able to reverse-engineer more.
The Ebonite species was here to stay and over the years that The Boom Families
followed they would become a major force in the company’s
It was during the Boom Time that the World of Progress truly
hierarchy, under the leadership and control of the Necanthrope,
galvanised its Upper Class. Many already wealthy families had
Preceptor Teeth.
invested in SLA Industries during The Formation and their
THE BOOM TIME - 200-299SD return on investment increased dramatically by the year 200sd,
The Boom Time is SLA Industries’ most cherished era; it helping to delineate the title to a whole generation - The Boom
was when everything was going right - a period of unrivalled Time; the extended period of economic growth.
prosperity, for a privileged few. It has a style of architecture, Families like Hinton, DeFeo, Flense-Bryant and Emmershaw
dress sense and music characteristic to this time period that is were ‘old money’; rich enough to buy whole planets and live
elegant, luxurious and classical. comfortably beyond any laws, aside from the very top rulings
from Head Office. To be one of these special investors was to be

15
 SLA INDUSTRIES

filter through to Head Office; disquieting stories of a planet on

the verges of the World of Progress. The planet had found an
orbit and had a name now: White Earth.
It had become one world in a small solar system orbiting the
red star - Herodotus. There were disturbing tales of creatures
known as ‘First Born’ - the primates introduced to serve as the
gaolers for the singular prisoner, but there were now stories
emerging of confirmed people on White Earth and a message
spread across the backwater worlds - First they were nightmares
and then they were clay.
The worst story finally reached Slayer’s ears, a tale he had been
dreading since the beginning of time; talk of an entity on White
Earth simply referred to Bitterness. There were conflicting
accounts regarding what exactly Bitterness was. Slayer simply
nodded as he was told the stories, but did not respond. He knew
exactly what Bitterness was, he had been sensing Brent Walker
suffering the brutality of the First Born, year after year, until
finally he had became the aggressor. With each victory, Walker
reshaped White Earth and its humans. His humanity slipped
away. All that now remained was a singular focus - revenge.
SLA Industries had found its true enemy and the rains came.
Naga 7 Society were asked to conduct further research of
White Earth but like the Neophron before them, they feared
the entity that ruled on that world, a being they could not
restrain or control. By the end of the Boom Time, Naga 7
quietly disappeared from the World of Progress.
Bleak Forecast
a Boom Family. There were 68 such families during the Boom
In 295sd, SLA had finally destroyed the upper atmosphere of
Time, but it swiftly reduced to 50 as certain households fell into
Mort and the rains began to fall. They would never cease. The
ruin as the Great Downturn occured at the turn of the century.
endless downpour marked the end of the Boom Times and the
The Boom Time was also the birth of the Corporate Sector, as advent of a much darker period.
the World of Progress knows it today. It was dawning of Mort’s
great law firms and investment banking, with subsidiaries “It’s been over six hundred years since the end of the Boom
such as Hinton Moss and Rowan, Garthon Investments and Time and I think SLA Industries has never quite gotten over
Sillindrad (the Ebonite family responsible for the creation of that era. It’s been brutal and bloody ever since. It was the last
Dark Lament), dominating Central and Uptown. time we felt like we had a stake in the company’s future and its
The Boom families had the best of everything, going as far as to expansion.
create the best schools and universities in the World of Progress, Nowadays we’re just supposed to do what we’re told and be
putting their own progeny through esteemed foundations like happy with whatever we’ve got.
Buxbridge, Greenwood and Napwell. Still, you can see traces of that glorious era even today. When
Formal Education you’re in Head Office you can see it in the architecture and
iconography: that’s pure Boom Time. It’s a time and place that
In 279sd SLA Industries opened the Meny Training Facility
SLA’s desperately trying to get back to, yet never will. It’s gone
in Mald. Meny was and still is, more a city of education rather
forever.”
a singular building complex. It covers all aspects of Operative
Angela Maybridge, Historian, Threat Analysis
and high-level Employee Status Education. In 279sd, Meny
was a five-building interconnecting network, covering primarily The Boom Time had been wonderful for the super affluent,
the earliest forms of SLA professions. Over the centuries it has but in the hundred years of prosperity it had created an ever-
expanded considerably, to cover newer training packages and increasing class divide. By the end of the 200s there had been a
faculties dedicated to schooling Cloak Division and Stigmartyr visible decline in the standard of living of the people living on
agents. These standalone faculties, are in reality independent lower incomes especially in the population centres on Mort, but
universities, with their own funding and some of the best also throughout the entire World of Progress.
protected buildings in the World of Progress. Most were learning to accept hard times and whatever strife
White Earth lay ahead, but others were cracking under the accumulated stress
The blank world used to entrap Brent Walker had never been and desperation of the times they were living in. A craving for
given a name before. It and its prisoner had been placed as far violent revolt swept through the population.
away as to be forgotten forever, but in 295sd reports began to

16
 H ISTORY

you could say that they helped to shape what we watch, what we
THE GREAT DOWNTURN - 300-399SD see on our SLA manufactured television sets today.
Whatever wealth and prosperity was achieved during The
SLA clearly owes a debt to Brutalic, but the company secretly
Boom Time took a sharp downturn in the early years of the
prays it doesn’t see a resurgence.”
fourth century. Only the truly rich would remain largely
Angela Maybridge, Historian, Threat Analysis
unaffected by the crash of 300.
It was believed that it was the collapse of Salvation Tower Brutalic was a force that struck SLA at the worst possible
which caused the financial crash but it was actually a massive time and prevented its typically swift recovery for many years.
rise and subsequent dip in military stocks and spending. The fourth century saw a further rise in rival companies and
The economic crash was felt across Mort and throughout the was forced to pump huge amounts of its capital into military
World of Progress, particularly on Industrial planets. applications and the troops. SLA was also shifting much of its
weapon manufacturing to cheaper planets. This hit the factory
“In the Boom Time you get all these wealthy bastards gulping workers in Mort’s Central Outskirts very hard, marking the start
down fancy pop and lighting their fat cigars from burning of mass unemployment on Mort - a trend that unfortunately
homeless people and all that posh nonsense. Then you get continues to the present date.
everyone underneath wanting a piece of that action, so up come
Industrial worlds all across SLA’s reign saw loss of workforce,
all the rival companies. What do you get? More fighting, more
food shortages and were left vulnerable.
War Worlds.
The Brutalic movement impacted these woes, as countless
SLA’s up top at the end of the last century, but now they’ve got agents of its savage ideology attacked SLA, on the city streets
to hold that position, dogs biting at their heels. More spending and even on the war worlds, sending whole armies of suicidal
on ammunition, military technology and all the other shit that madmen to tear down the company’s rule.
makes people dead.
Brutalic’s funding was coming from one of the original Boom
SLA wins, again. Then it loses, big time. All the stocks and families - the House of Bechard on New Paris. It had the
shares drop dramatically. financial means in which to bankroll this new company and
They say we’re entering a new dark age in the World of equip its agents.
Progress, but it’s got to be pretty damn dark to match the Great
“Now, what we have here is a fire-arm from the third
Downturn.”
century, created by the rival company - Brutalic. You may all
Phylis ‘Redtooth’ Morley, Human Operative,
know New Paris for its pretty dresses and luxury cheeses, but
SCL 7d, squad ‘Boss Man’s Wrath
back then this is the sort of product you’d expect to see emerging
Brutalic from that world.
A new Oppressor Power had grown in the World of Progress I see a few wry smiles in the class and yes indeed, this
- a company and ideology known as Brutalic. The company’s weapon does in fact have three barrels. It’s also hard to miss the
beliefs were born out of the violence and bloodshed endured underslung chainsaw; as if it weren’t scary enough.
over the 300 years of rule under SLA Industries. How many of you would be comfortable taking this weapon
They differed from DarkNight because they were not driven to into Lower Downtown? Show of hands, please. Hmm, yes, I’m
right wrongs, merely embrace the dominant culture - brutality. not surprised!
Brutalic drew in employees who craved ceaseless savagery. It This is a gun that’s most likely to blow up in your hands in
was more than the creation of horrific weaponry, murder movies record time, but you have to consider the minds of the creators
and combat drugs; it was treated as a religious practise. The belief and the agents eager to use this weapon.
was to throw oneself into harm and to generate harm. Brutalic They knew full well all the risks of overheating and they used
would attack any outside force, be it SLA, or DarkNight or them anyway. They welcomed the risk, welcomed the carnage.
anyone that appeared to challenge their near cult-like approach Once this weapon began spitting rounds someone was going
to business and warfare. to be killed or maimed and it’s a coin toss whether that be the
“Brutalic is mostly forgotten in our historic documentations target or the gun owner.
and their period of activity is commonly overshadowed by And so begins your education on the extreme ideology of
the exploits of DarkNight and Thresher. But Brutalic was a Brutalic.”
powerful adversary of SLA back in the 300s and only a handful Rael Virrin, Wraithen Operative/
of scholars are able to describe the rival company’s philosophy in Tutor, Meny Training Facility
any clear fashion.
Salvation Tower
They made what some call snuff films, built weapons focused
more on damage over accuracy and creating the most extreme Central Outskirts on Mort had always been a vast region beset
spectacles of gore on the city streets. with unemployment, subversion and crime. The city planners
chose to construct an enormous social services building in
They were a precursor to the Horrors recently deployed in
the Outskirts that would work tirelessly to improve the lives
Cannibal Sector 1, the Contract Circuit’s Gore Zone and
of those inhabiting these slums during the Great Downturn.
possibly even the Shi’An Cult, well, on Mort at least. I suppose
The building was called Salvation Tower and it took 6 years to

17
 SLA INDUSTRIES

complete. It was the great hope of all civilians living in Central Digger’s Toll
Outskirts, but almost as soon as work was completed on Mort’s
A legion of robots were deployed at the defence wall to patrol
second largest building, it fell, causing one of the greatest
the perimeter and eliminate potential threats and incursions
catastrophes in SLA’s history.
posed by Piper and her allies. The robotic creations displayed
The disaster took place on 12th November, 300sd and whilst bizarre behaviour from the very beginning of their deployment;
‘The Fall of Salvation Tower’ suggests the building toppled they had a nasty habit of removing the skin and flesh of their
over completely, it simply sank several building stories into opponents and applying it to their own metal frames.
the ground beneath it, destroying many of the surrounding
A ‘Manchine’ arrived on the defensive line in November that
buildings and the substations which powered the region.
was unlike anything the Shivers had seen before. Initially it
The result was a power blackout across the entirety of Central was known as ‘AGF-14’ - Anthropomorphic Giga-Frame 14,
Outskirts. This was not merely a temporary obstruction but a Manchine that stood 20 feet tall and weighed in at around
a shut down from which the region would never recover. The one tonne. It had been deployed by SLA Industries for the
event was called the Big Black. express purpose of hunting down and destroying the leader of
Once the Big Black lurched into being, what followed was the Central Outskirt rebels - Sandi Helen Piper.
city wide panic and rioting, as the frightened citizens of the AGF-14 functioned very differently from other Manchines
crumbling Outskirts fled toward the safety of Mort City, but and most Shivers were terrified of it; the robot seemed to have
were forced back into the chaos. a mind of its own, a mind that was vicious and feral. Its name
A young SLA Operative in training - Sandi Helen Piper, was changed swiftly. Because of its weight, the Manchine would
so disgusted by the refusal and neglect of responsibilities by frequently sink through the surface of city streets and stalk its
SLA that she immediately turned traitor and led a concerted way around the sewer system, only to burst back up through
attack against the makeshift wall defences SLA had thrown up the cement and ambush its prey - from then on it was simply
to safeguard itself. known as Digger.
SLA Industries realised Piper and her supporters posed a Digger tracked Piper down within a twenty-four-hour period
substantial threat so they switched from defensive position to but did not kill her as it was programmed. It did proceed to
offensive, unleashing an entirely new terror into the mounting shadow her for a month, systematically starving her and denying
conflict. her shelter or sustained rest. It also murdered anyone that may
have come to her aid; she faced her inescapable death, alone.
Sandi Piper disappeared from the gaze of SLA Industries, but
so too did their prized Manchine. Digger effectively completed
the mission (but nobody knew for sure the exact manner of her
death) then went rogue and journeyed deeper into the dead city,
taking up residence and ultimately ruling over what remained
of the crumbling Salvation Tower.Digger has been recognised
as one of SLA’s greatest enemies ever since.
The Sector Wall
It was acknowledged, within days of the The Fall, that Central
Outskirts would never recover from its catastrophe and what
began as a makeshift defence would mark the beginning of a
fortified wall which would encircle the entirety of Mort City.
It was the birth of what became the Sector Wall - an enormous
structure whose boundary runs for 352km and took 47 years to
complete. Most Shivers in the present day contest this number,
citing that it has never fully been completed, as it is always
undergoing repair and modifications to bolster its defences.
Since its conception the Sector Wall has been policed by
Shivers, with generation after generation of recruits devoting
their whole careers and in many cases their lives, to surveying
Cannibal Sector 1 and protecting Mort City from monsters
lurking outside.
Dawn of the Cannibal
By 345sd studies of Central Outskirts concluded that the
ruins were now completely devoid of human civilisation; what
now was scratching out a living in the remains were utterly
savage and bereft of their former propriety. The once-people
had now taken to eating each other in order to survive. They
were now simply to be classed as exactly what they’d become:

18
 H ISTORY

Cannibals, with the Central Outskirts becoming known as the Some SLA historians class this as the definitive period of the
cannibal sectors. never ending corporate war within the universe.
Lower Downtown Begins “It’s true, DarkNight, Brutalic and Thresher existed long
SLA believed that simply creating Downtown as a quick before the Consolidation Era, but I’d still class this as the true
replacement for Central Outskirts would solve its civilian Corporate Wars. Other historians prefer the term the 2nd
population issues, but by 353sd it was clear that intense Corporate Wars; but this is all conjecture. The important aspect
overcrowding was causing an increase in crime, disease and of this era is the birth of the micro companies, or as we now call
a limited work infrastructure that meant 78% of the people them the Soft Companies. Tiny competing brands that did not
living in Downtown faced lifelong unemployment. The Great challenge the might of SLA directly, but quietly attempted to
Downturn would seemingly never end. Something had to be undermine soda brands, adhesive tape manufacture and dental
done. care products. They came at SLA with second rate produce, but
Early in 354sd, SLA Industries journeyed to the depths of were to defend it with first rate aggression.”
Downtown and began to dig. It intended to create a whole new Angela Maybridge, Historian, Threat Analysis
series of habitation levels and force the populace to embrace SLA also redesigned their company structure, grouping the
these tightly confined subterranean tunnels and domiciles. entire business into various departments. The employees at
“Fuck that; no way am I going into Lower Downtown. I Head Office would gradually find themselves belonging to a
don’t care what the letter says or threats SLA makes. That place new specific Department, or in the case of Operatives they
gives me the bloody creeps and we’re already hearing horror would receive their missions, now referred to as BPN Files
stories about what’s going on down there… Seriously, I think which would be issued by the newly drafted Departments.
I’d rather take my chances in the cannibal sectors than go to the “BPNs are just one of these phrases that is universally used,
slums of Lower Downtown.” but rarely questioned. The Blueprint News files first went into
Arthur Lynne, (45), Civilian (Unemployed) circulation on 3rd October 304sd and they weren’t an actual
People were quite literally bullied into Lower Downtown and ‘blueprint’, y’know, like a design, yeah? They were originally
it wasn’t just the civilians who were taking up residence in the printed on light blue paper and with a dark blue ink, specific to
region; Carrien, Mort Rats and serial killers began stalking the the machines that created them at the time. And as for News,
concrete warrens. well, that’s a weird one. It seems that by using the term ‘news’
the designated mission felt like a suggestion, rather than a
The Shiver Units deployed to Lower Downtown were at half
direct order. Like, “did you hear the news, maybe you should
the capacity of those patrolling the higher levels and after a
investigate?”
time the Shivers actively avoided the depths and just left the
civilians abandoned there to their own devices. It was the doom The high ups thought the Operatives would rebel if they were
of desperate thousands. told what to do, so they gave ‘em the kid gloves? They had to be
coaxed into working! Just a polite word for do what you’re told
CONSOLIDATION PERIOD - 400-500SD - news. Crazy, isn’t it?
In the fifth century, SLA Industries began to reevaluate their A different time…
company, their corporate structure and the varying subsidiaries
Anyway, the words and the colours stuck, but today we’re
manufacturing products for them. Administration felt the
under no illusions about the orders we’re given.”
infrastructure had become too sprawling and unmanageable, so
Visage, Ebon Operative, SCL6d, squad Dusty Lavender
in 400sd the Consolidation Era began and whilst the majority
of changes took place within the first decade, the consolidation The Sector Rangers
process would continue until the beginning of 500sd.
100 years after the cannibal sectors came into existence, SLA
Many of the minor subsidiaries creating biogenetic goods were
Industries recognised the rapid evolution of the Cannibals and
brought under the banner of Karma, effectively making this
Carrien and felt it necessary to devise and conduct research
singular division in charge of all aspects of biogenetic creations,
patrols of the city ruins. The end result was the Sector Rangers,
from the Stormer projects to the clothes worn and the food
who would grow to be among the best trained and most efficient
that was consumed in the World of Progress. Karma’s influence
Operatives SLA Industries has ever created.
would span across countless worlds, but it would always bear the
same logo and the same style of management whether it be on The Sector Rangers were founded in 407sd and the first
New Paris or on a random backwater Resource World. recruits ventured into the dead city just one year later. Not
everyone entering Meny was capable of becoming a Sector
The same brutal approach was implemented across all forms
Ranger, nor would most want to be, especially as word spread of
of manufacture with only major companies running specific
the Rangers’ gruelling training regime and the equally miserable
forms of production. The stockholders in firms like FEN, Power
six month long tours of the cannibal sectors.
Projects and BLA became exceedingly wealthy once more,
harkening back to the Boom Time of the 200sd. “I hear ya, the Sector Rangers are as tough as they come and
Some companies wished to keep their identity and tore free you’d think everyone in SLA would want to be one, right? I
from SLA rule. SLA in turn deemed them ‘Soft Companies’ and heard that it’s something like 1 in 500 that gets selected for
classed them as subversives; enemies of the World of Progress. the Fenswick Program, but I mean, look at these guys. They’re

19
 SLA INDUSTRIES

bloody dead inside. I’ve seen more sentience out of a Low Wave allow SLA to essentially take over the running of your world, or
Stormer than those ghouls. refuse and accept the potential ramifications.
The Sector Wall Shivers created the term ‘Stone Eyes’ for the Third Eye News airs ‘Progress Control’ - an hourly news channel
Rangers. These guys don’t just patrol the Cannibal Sector, they covering universal politics, current affairs and interplanetary
become a part of it.” statuses. There, new worlds under offer are heavily publicised.
Anders ‘Screwhead’ Palmer, Human Operative, The citizens of the World of Progress watch the news, every
SCL 9a, squad ‘The Sparkly Cats’ hour on the hour and so too does SLA’s corporate rivals.
By showcasing a vulnerable planet on Progress Control it is
From the moment the Sector Rangers were introduced to the announcing to the World of Progress that it is defenceless and
Operative ranks, SLA recognised their value and the breadth of ripe for the taking. DarkNight, Thresher and shoals of aggressive
their capabilities. For the first hunderd years after the cannibal Soft Companies are always angling to conquer and convert a
sectors were formed a great deal of even Cannibal Sector 1 had new society to their cause, force their product range upon them.
not been traversed nor catalogued. The Rangers resolved that.
SLA is fully aware of this and will utilise the looming threat of
Quickly it became clear that the Sector Rangers could travel imminent invasion: if the planet’s governments do not acquiesce
only so far into the first sector. A finate amount of supplies to SLA’s demands, they will exit and abandon them to certain
could be carried in a Battle Taxi and their training, especially attack by any number of rivals, who will likely be even more
on how to survive off of the sectors, had proved wanting. The savage in their negotiations than SLA.
Rangers couldn’t get far beyond the NorthWest Compact.
Almost all planets and star systems in the World of Progress
SLA Industries essentially went back to the drawing board were snared and defeated by SLA in such a manner. Some
with the Sector Ranger Program and in 421sd, a state of the art planets tried to retaliate against SLA, but considering the
simulator and training centre was opened in Viddrie. Old and company could deftly defeat so many powerful enemies during
new recruits were educated, and put through their paces, in an the Conflict Era, such resistance is most likely futile.
artificial environment based on the Sector knowledge gathered
Many planets simply roll over and let SLA monopolise them.
over the prior fourteen years.
Thousands of worlds gradually let go over the centuries and
The 3Ps Contract took to producing whatever the company told them. SLA
Offworld reports were returning to SLA with news that many would protect them, but not from poor decision making.
of its Resource Worlds were coming under constant attack from “When the Conflict Aliens fled I think everyone thought it was
rival companies. Before taking more extreme measures, the the dawning of a brighter future, but I think it was just more
company sent undercover spies to these planets and conducted of the same. Maybe it was worse, because what we got instead
investigations into the growing subversion. In many cases it was was the worst fate imaginable; to live on and on after crushing
corrupt officials who had entered into clandestine trading with defeat. I was a soldier in the Conflict Era and I thought it’d
DarkNight. be the end of me. Now I’m seeing out my final years working
It seemed that SLA Industries was starting to lose its grip on 18 hour shifts stitching these zips into short pants. I’ll die face
the World of Progress, so it opted to reinstate the 3Ps Contract down in denim.
in an effort to establish itself as the overruling body in the World Thank you, SLA.”
of Progress. The 3Ps Contractual Agreement was entitled after Janice Scobie, (48) Factory Worker,
the three pillars of SLA Industries ethos: Progress, Prospects Franchise World ‘Dig 4’
and Prosperity. It’s issued to all newly discovered planets in the
World of Progress and whilst progress, prospects and prosperity THE NEW WAVE - 500-599SD
all sounds very encouraging, it is invariably anything but. 3Ps
contracts led to totalitarian regime, horrendous Franchise Expanding Range
Worlds and all manner of global abuses at the hands of SLA. It SLA Industries, ever intent on progress, looked to further
was and still is, a brutal, autocratic means of conquering worlds, advances in the development of armour, weaponry and new
but the 3Ps Contract also served to galvanise the modern-day studies in fusion technology. For the next hundred years began
World of Progress. what would later be known as ‘The New Wave’, with the World
The contract appears optimistic until the planet’s governments of Progress enjoying a wide scale manufacturing boom.
read through the plethora of stipulations within the contract The New Wave produced classic products which are still
and then witness first-hand what it means to fall beneath the available in the present day: Crackshot and Dogeybone armour
control of SLA. Such worlds lose all identity and become merely and time-honoured weapons like the KPS Mangler AS and the
an extension of SLA. Global continents no longer serve and aid FEN 30-30 ‘True Shot’ Sniper Rifle.
each other; they become a collection of nations in name only Elsewhere, it looked far more gloomy and towards the close of
which exist to serve the company in however it demands. They the highly productive century, darker days were to follow.
can always refuse, but the consequences of denial will be severe.
SLA Industries does not invade worlds, although the 3Ps Age of Nightmares
Contract effectively strong arms a new planet with clauses it At the beginning of 582sd Cannibal Sector 1 was suddenly
cannot possibly accept. Nonetheless, the choice is theirs: either beset by two solid days of black rain. The majority of the
denizens in the Sector took cover and waited for the strange

20
 H ISTORY

deluge to subside, but those who were struck by the downpour They had found strange, eccentric civilians already living in
were plagued by horrific visions unlike anything typically the occupancies that had been completed just moments before.
conjured by the region. Some workers even catalogued histrionic reports of sky views
By the end of the 48 hour period the black rains ceased and from certain windows; an impossibility in such subterranean
relative normality returned to the Sector. The Shiver stationed depths.
on the Wall believed it was simply the result of pollution in Mort City planners simply put this down to overworked staff
Mort’s skies, but in the months that followed a new form of suffering from exhaustion and hallucinations brought on by
horror settled in the ruins, marking the beginning of the Age chemicals in the tunnel air. In time they would recalibrate the
of Nightmares. air ducts, but in the meantime civilians were quickly housed in
Shivers reports spoke of ‘living shadows’ which were flitting the eerie, echoey apartment blocks of Lower Downtown.
about the NorthWest Compact. These shades targeted all the
species living in the Sector, ravaging their minds and tasting
THE CONSTRUCT - 600-699SD
their fears. In time, the amorphous black shapes would Fifteen years after the completion of Lower Downtown,
materialise in physical forms, based on the accumulated horrors Shiver patrols had already dropped down to almost zero. The
of the Cannibal Sectors. people in those recesses had begun to lose their humanity and
They were the first reported Dream Entities on Mort. In were displaying peculiar behaviour.
subsequent years these beings would evolve into ever more As if this weren’t alarming enough, the last Shiver reports sent
advanced and complex shapes and gradually slip through the back to SLA from the base level of the region claimed that there
Sector Walls and into the deep recesses of Mort City. were indications that there were more civilian levels appearing
beneath. The transit elevators now had numbers that descended
Lower Downtown Complete to even deeper levels.
By late 590sd work had been completed on Lower Downtown. Only one Shiver patrol ventured below base level and never
A further 12 civilian levels had been added but problems returned. After that no Shiver team would enter the unexplored
had begun to crop up even before the new citizens entered. streets again.
A large number of the workforce had fallen ill and suffered In 605sd, Tr’K V’rrTK, a well experienced and resourceful
from crippling anxiety during the long period of construction. Shaktarian SLA Operative, agreed to explore the fabled levels
Workers had encountered extreme feelings of claustrophobia and return with a detailed summary of findings.
and made claims of abnormal occurrences.

21
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Tr’K re-emerged on Inner Downtown base level three weeks This night went down in Mort City’s history as ‘The Six
later, dishevelled, armour battered and rambling incoherently. Seventeen Bloodbath’. Many compared it to the Big Black and
It took a further four weeks to obtain anything of value from the Fall of Salvation Tower, but in this instance, there was no
his frenzied account - he claimed that it was full of impossible incitement recorded; just the inevitable tipping point for the
creatures that had constructed their own version of reality and escalating problems in Lower Downtown.
that the place predated Lower Downtown. As far as he could The crazies had no terms or demands of SLA. No motive.
tell, the levels descended indefinitely. They’d just gone insane and the madness was contagious. Ops
SLA took very little stock in the Shaktar’s declarations, were sent in within a matter of hours and by then the mob had
but resolved to dispatch some of its best Aethermen into the exceeded 200. They found the aftermath of a mass blood orgy,
unknown levels. decapitated Shiver heads on iron poles and numerous apartment
buildings burning out of control.
“Report to Catalogue Backlog,
It took a further 12 hours for the sanctioned SLA Ops to quell
I cannot attest to the number of civilian levels descending into the disturbance, killing 150 civilians and forcing the survivors
the infinite. But after 10 days of almost continual descent I had into the bottom two levels of Lower Downtown. SLA was
not reached the basin. I can only surmise that it goes down a forcibly locking the gates on the two deepest levels and then
good deal further. effectively washing its hands of the rest. It took just 27 years for
It is my opinion that this region has in essence created itself and Lower Downtown to go from ‘a vision of future prosperity’ to
to classify it as civilian domiciles would be highly inaccurate: it yet another ‘blight on the surface of Mort.’
is merely a construct.
The Omaja
It is my opinion that SLA Industries should quarantine this
controversial region and cap information access. I’m not one to In 630sd the very first of the long forgotten Conflict Races
ignore potential threats but I’m at a loss as to what should be returned to the World of Progress, but not as vengeful enemies;
done. There are no people, not that I’m aware of and very few the Omaja were now refugees. They reappeared in their original
will ever venture this deep. It simply exists, but hasn’t taken a Baal Star System, having fled decimation at the hands of the
malevolent stance. Not yet anyway. Root Dogs. SLA reluctantly welcomed them back, but forced
them to serve within the labour force in the Baal mineral mines.
Leave the Deep Construct be for now, but never, ever, forget Having suffered such terrible losses in Conflict Space, the
that it exists down here.” Omaja took to this work without question and performed their
Aetherman Montague, 6th Head arduous task diligently, yet as a species they were nonetheless
plagued by bigotry and the constant threat of violence.
Chaos Reigns
Downtown had always been an unruly and violent section of “I hate these little fuckers. I’ve lost three work shifts to the
Mort society, but the mounting pressure of subterranean living compliant little monkeys; all because they work double time and
and the influence of the Deep Construct beneath finally took earn half pay. It’s a conspiracy I tell ya, them apes and the bosses;
its toll on Lower Downtown. It is safe to say things never quite robbing honest humans of honest pay. I tried telling one of them
settled in Lower Downtown; it was a region that was troubled Omajans to piss off back to Conflict Space where they belong
from its inception. Countless civilians were thrust upon the and the shithead bit my hand! Look at it! This means more time
recesses and were simply expected to adjust to the cramped, off and it’s all their fucking fault!”
squalid apartments and perpetual gloom. As months turned Excavator ‘Chip’ Chester Miles, Whittler & Nash
into years, the Lower Downtowners grew more isolated, strange Mining Company, Project 7, Baal System – 631sd
and eventually aggressive. Having spent so much time in the mines, the Omaja earned
“It’s bad down there. I mean, really bad. Not many Shiver the cruel nickname ‘Trenchers’ aand as a species that was always
Patrols drop to Level seven, the folks there will actively attack quick to temper, fights inevitably broke out. Once again the
the APCs. But it’s worse than that… I guess the best way to Omaja were forced out and pressured to work on the remote
describe them is just fucked in the brain. backwater worlds on the fringes of SLA owned space, where
I was on a patrol on Level eight and I saw a guy stood out on they have remained up until the The Changes in 900sd.
the street butt naked except for one boot, munching on a dead, The Shadow Decade
raw rat. Nobody’s batting an eyelid. Back in Cannibal Sector 1, the inhabitants on both sides of
That was Level eight, so I’m scared to think how bad it might the Wall suffered the longest recorded period of heavy rain and
have gotten on Level nine. As for Level eighteen. Fuck that!.” storms in the region, stretching from 679sd to late 689sd.
Shiver Patrolman Dillon, 616sd It was during this miserably protracted period that the Carrien
On October 31st, 617sd things finally came to a head in Lower and Cannibals endured devastating famine. Thousands died. The
Downtown. Reports were coming through that a Shiver Patrol only species unaffected in the sectors were the Dream Entities,
had been taken down by a ‘violent and extremely disturbed who simply thrived on the widespread terror and anguish.
group of individuals’ numbering around 35. An hour later a It was during the Shadow Decade that the earliest Dream
Shiver Precinct was ransacked by over 60 individuals. Entity Masters materialised in the Sector and set about
enslaving and moulding their own species.

22
 H ISTORY

“I’ve read in our history books that these rains signify things to
come. When the downpour rivals anything previously recorded
and it intensifies, seemingly without end.
Something will emerge again though, I have no doubt. Do not
be scared now, the time to worry is when the rain eases and the
horror finally shows its face.”
Shiver Sgt. Godley, Sector Wall, 684sd

MEDIA ERA - 700-799SD

It was during the Media Era that the citizens of the World
of Progress began to see the many faces of SLA with greater
clarity. Through the lens of a television cathode ray tube they
would witness the company’s greatest success, as heroic SLA
Operatives struck down the agents of DarkNight, but they
would also see for the first time the ruins of Cannibal Sectors
in all their lurid glory.
The viewers at home ate it up and loved every good and bad
minute of it. Within hours, the Media Era had the unemployed
masses in its thrall and its grasp never waivered.
The Children of Scarogg
A frightening new species appeared in Cannibal Sector 1 that
didn’t just threaten SLA Industries but every other opposing
species eking out an existence in the ruins.
They were known as the Scavs; great hulking monstrosities
overladen in scrap armour and tattered trench coats, each with
its face concealed behind a gas mask. Throughout the varying
regions of the Cannibal Sector, the Scavs wheezed and killed
and plundered. They proved to be not only deadly combatants, concerned with studying their loyalty and what resources could
but also expert engineers and mechanics. Almost everything be readdressed in these nations. SLA did not always have to
carried and wielded by the Scavs was by their own design. venture off planet to use and abuse a potential revenue stream.
The terrible secret behind the mysterious Scavs is that they In most cases, the research teams returned with promising
are yet another failed experiment by SLA Industries. In 706sd, findings, but typically the level of radiation still being emitted
Doctor Arild Scarogg was stationed in the No-Go Zone and by the Fission Belt prevented much utilisation for a few more
charged with completing ‘The Vodyanoy Project’, in which he centuries. Further north there were, however, safer and lucrative
would create a force of super soldiers for SLA Industries. SLA opportunities, particularly in the country of Skend. The
suspected that Scarogg’s creations might rival the Stormers industries born out of Skend had made inroads into high end
and at a fraction of the cost, but the development was highly automotive development and manufacture, as well as several
controversial, as it was based on Shaktar DNA as its framework. other decidedly specialised product lines, such as tweed, cigars
By 708sd SLA Head Office had lost all contact with the Doctor and mineral water.
and found no trace of the Vodyanoy in his secret compound.
Ex-War Criminals
The horrid ‘Children of Scarogg’ would return several years
later in the form of the Scavs, only this time rather than be in As highly sought after Skendish cars began appearing in
thrall of the company as had been the want, they would attack Uptown, something far less pleasurable was also arriving
SLA directly. in the Cannibal Sectors at the exact same time. Military
veterans were returning from the War Worlds, they had fought
Mort Expands insurmountable odds, secured innumerable victories for SLA
SLA had opted to keep much of its exploration a secret. Industries and finally earned their homecoming.
They did not want to encourage a wave of intrepid explorers There was no fanfare, nor reward for their honourable service
journeying out into the uncharted provinces of Mort unless to the company. SLA did make a tragic error in allowing these
they were in charge. There had always been other continents and soldiers to retain their military grade weaponry and armour as
other city-states, but their function and service to SLA was far a meagre way of saying thanks. Unable to adjust to Mort City
narrower. They were much less populated or significant than the and the fast paced consumer lifestyle so encouraged by SLA,
thriving capital city of Mort. Research teams were covertly sent these decorated military personnel descended into the depths
out to analyse and document the largely forgotten continents of Downtown and the Cannibal Sector ruins to start the war
of planet Mort. These research teams claimed to the foreign anew. Their troubled minds seeing enemies in the denizens of
authorities they were merely performing radiation and health their new homes. They were no longer the celebrated heroes of
level checks on the population bases. In reality, they were more the World of Progress, they were now traitors and subversives

23
 SLA INDUSTRIES

The Contract Circuit was easily the most popular network on

TV throughout the World of Progress. SLA trained specialist
Operatives to fight in a televised gladiatorial arena; firstly
challenging one another and then eventually rival companies
whom brought their own branded fighters to the challenge.
These heroes of the airwaves were called Contract Killers.
“Tune into the Contract Circuit at 8 for the big showdown!
Reigning champion Slice n Dice will be facing off against the
DarkNight contender Sickle Moon! Why not stick around for
some of the other bouts airing at nine: the Giddy Gals will be
fighting freshly imported Sector 2 Carrien Rams and we may
be lucky to see a few special guests sprinkled throughout! Tune
in or miss out! The choice is always yours. Only on Fight TV!”
Contract Circuit advert, Fight TV, circa 911sd

THE ERA OF PROGRESS - 800-899SD

The Era of Progress was the very height of SLA Industries
successes, it was a hundred cycles in which many new high-end
concepts would be sampled and run, although much would fall
by the wayside in favour of time honoured traditions. It would
culminate in the 900th year celebration of SLA Industries and
its World of Progress. It would also mark the birth of a cult,
which in time would go on to be its greatest enemy.
History in the Making
On October 31st, Mort’s national holiday, 845sd the entire
population tuned to Third Eye News and sat glued to their
television sets to watch Cannibal Sector 1’s first televised
who were just as likely to gun down Operatives as they were broadcast. Until that moment the vast ruins and its terrifying
Carrien and DarkNight Agents. From this point on they would inhabitants had been the exclusive experience of the Sector
be classified as ‘Ex-War Criminals.’ Rangers, Wall Shivers and the occasional SLA Operative squad.
Only the briefest glimpses of CS1 had been seen by the general
The Great Hunter’s Moon populace, but now, finally, they would get unprecedented
In 779sd, SLA Industries saw a huge influx of young Shaktars exploration of the region. Awe, wonderment and terror
enlisting as Operatives in the company. It was attributed to what permeated the airwaves.
the Shaktarian species referred to as the ‘Great Hunter’s Moon’; It meant that CS1 would get a great deal more attention
an exceptionally rare lunar conjunction that only occurred every than it had gotten for hundreds of years, but not just from
1200 years. the average citizen; company rivals like DarkNight saw the
It was seen as highly fortuitous and a blessing from the enormous potential in such lawless desolation and in late 845sd
four Shaktarian Gods of Virtue. The Great Hunter’s Moon terror cells infiltrated the Sector.
encouraged many young Shaktars to forgo family life on their
homeworlds and journey to Mort in search of noble causes,
The Bullet Tax
glory and adventure. Most settled in Mort City and never In 847sd SLA Industries implemented Bullet Tax for the first
returned home, those born since are referred to as Hunter’s time throughout the entire World of Progress. It was introduced
Children and of Hunter Families. in an effort to drive Operatives to favour melee weapons,
which proved more popular for TV ratings. The taxation did
Televised Reality not have the desired effect, however, as SLA Ops still stocked
SLA had seen credible evidence that crime and rebellion was up on ammunition hourly. Bullet Tax did prove popular with
at its lowest due to the rise in TV viewing. More channels, the Corporate Sector though, lining employee’s pockets with
choices and opportunities in that entertainment form meant revenue every year since implementation.
more loyalty and far less subversion. SLA told the masses it
could be trusted; they believed it. SLA promised the World of
DeLyon City
Progress it would take every opportunity and means necessary In the far south of CS1 is DeLyon City - a once expensive and
to protect and safeguard its people and for the most part it had uncommonly picturesque section of Central Outskirts. DeLyon
succeeded in doing that, or so they believed. The only authentic has always been regarded as a DarkNight hangout even before
rivals were DarkNight and Thresher and SLA had these enemies the Big Black and many Sector Ranger and Operatives squads
under control. have had run-ins with the rival company over the centuries since.
By 850sd however it had become apparent that DarkNight was

24
 H ISTORY

dominating the old city and had constructed a series of fortified out by 901sd, but the secondary objective to capture Tek Trex’s
outposts among the now crumbling bourgeoisie architecture. manufacturing schematics was not completely achieved.
SLA sent in Operative teams, assisted by Sector Rangers in The Lost Scrolls
an attempt to break up the DarkNight power structure, but
each and every time, the SLA force was destroyed or repelled. In Lower Downtown, a Human civilian - Elliot Raik had
DarkNight was very much in its element in DeLyon City and spent years studying everything related to White Earth, the
much of its boundaries are rigged with all manner of booby legends of Shi’An and offering highly complex blood sacrifices
trapa and explosive devices. One simply cannot charge into the to Bitterness. It was the first time the call was answered.
DN-held territory without expecting to lose a limb on the way. Elliot has been on SLA Industries radar for many years and
DeLyon City is pivotal in DarkNight’s chain of command. the department devoted solely to the research and defence
against White Earth considered Raik one of the greatest threats
Wind Up Toys to the World of Progress. He had followers in the hundreds and
Tek Trex Inc. came into existence during the Chrome Era similar numbers of murder victims.
around 880sd, when cybernetics and more specifically robotics Unseen by SLA, the first true incarnation of the Shi’An Cult
were popular in the World of Progress. It was initially regarded was germinating in Downtown. The power to utilise blood
as an Oppressor Power, but SLA media had overestimated magic was bestowed to Raik in the form of the Lost Scrolls –
the company’s output and power level. It specialised in small the last vestiges of Shi’An herself and the spells she’d created.
automated drones, which were used in raids and support The gifting of such power would change everything, but as
equipment to other Soft Companies. before, Elliot chose to be patient and quiet. He would let the
Tek Trex was more of a hit on television than a hit in battle. TV cult remain largely dormant and slowly generate a structure and
viewers loved to watch Operatives fighting scores of these little hierarchy. The Shi’An cult would not be simply a dull subversive
drones. Unfortunately, by the ninth century SLA had begun to for SLA Industries to snuff out on a whim; it would be the
eliminate some of its smaller, but persistent enemies and it was Great Enemy. The time for Shi’An to unveil its true face was
Threat Analysis who elected to wipe out the rival company. still more than a decade away.
This decision received criticism; even from SLA Operatives
themselves, who saw value and potential in such a photogenic
Halloween Jack
and inoffensive company. SLA dug its heels in on this issue In late 895sd, Shiver Patrols were reporting a spate of
however and a series of Hunter Sheets were issued to kill off murders occurring throughout District 5 of Inner Downtown.
Trex’s engineers. The company’s staff were effectively wiped Homicide was and is, a frequent occurrence in Mort City, but

25
 SLA INDUSTRIES

the individual committing the killings was more distinctive itself. These collectively would shape the new era to follow,
than most, with his obscure orange helmet and garish outfit. known throughout the World of Progress as The Changes.
The serial killer - Halloween Jack, was also highly proficient in
combat and seemingly unstoppable. The Shivers had tried to
The Conflict Aliens Return
eliminate Halloween Jack and had lost countless troops to the Some of SLA Industries’ most notorious adversaries - the
‘mad man with the chainaxe’ and when he proved too much for Krell, Grosh and the Momics all return to the World of Progress
them, Operatives were sent in to challenge him. They fared no between 905 - 909sd, with more vengeful species en route
better. from Conflict Space. The Krell headed directly for their home
The legend of Halloween Jack grew exponentially over the worlds, the Root Dogs were more focused on War Worlds and
subsequent years, as the body count mounted and his TV ratings backwater planets, whilst the Momics were the only faction to
increased. Everything about the murderer remains, to this day, burn directly for Mort and resume their battle for dominance
a mystery - the reasoning for his outfit, the apparent motive for over the Ebonite people.
all the bloodshed, who he serves, even who it is hiding behind Third Eye News was very selective on reporting the Conflict
the mask. Halloween Jack has never uttered a word, not even Aliens invading the World of Progress. The citizens of Mort
when bullets riddled his body. Attempts have been made to remained largely unaware that the ancient threats had begun
reach out and communicate with the enigmatic character, but it ravaging the distant planets of SLA controlled space again.
has only ever resulted in more deaths. As the years marched on, disquieting rumours and snippets of
In the present year, Halloween Jack is widely regarded as information gradually filtered back to Mort City. Operatives
public enemy number one. Since his first appearance he has had who had been assigned Green BPNs had seen the horrifying
a HunterSheet issued for his extermination, with the highest Conflict Aliens first hand and suffered the casualties. Yet still,
bounty ever recorded, sitting at one million Creds. not all hope was lost. For all the negative, there was a shred of
goodness to emerge from deep within Conflict Space.
“ Yeah, the ‘all time high’ HunterSheet. Halloween Jack. Pretty From the Farouk system, the Neophron returned to the World
exceptional, huh? You know what’s also exceptional? That no of Progress, but not to fight. They had had some dealings with
Op Squad ever steps up, despite the cool one mill on offer. Now SLA Industries prior to the Formation, but were wise enough to
why do you reckon that is?” bow out once the company’s deception became clear. Over the
Maxwell Nowlan, 34, Downtown Civilian (Unemployed) last nine centuries the Neophron High Elect had watched the
wars rage on within Conflict Space and then bore witness as the
Rust Alley influence of White Earth and Shi’An cult erode the numerous
For close to a decade Mort City saw a fad for cybernetic galaxies from within. They also watched as the instability of the
augmentation. People were turning away from biogenetic whole universe spawned a separate reality of beings - The Dream
enhancements in favour of robotics. The media mockingly Entities, or as they are known in Conflict Space - Ethereals.
coined the term the ‘Chrome Era’, to describe the trend for The Neophron realised that what was happening in Conflict
fashion robotics. It only lasted from 875 - 885sd. Problems Space was soon to descend on the World of Progress and rather
abounded with applications and accessories built during this than leave it to its fate, the Neophron chose to risk all and return
period and many people suffered disabilities and crushing debt to the company who’d done so much damage, then and now.
from cybernetic augmentation performed in the Era. Most could
never recover. Many SLA OPs and high-ranking employees “We have spent many days in talks with the heads of Threat
were made homeless by the turn of 880sd and for the next five Analysis, relaying as much information as possible on what
years they were forced into an impoverished Downtown region dangers we face in Conflict Space and the current threats
known as Rust Alley. By 900sd no trace of them nor Chrome encountered in the World of Progress.
Era as a whole was left on Mort. Might we suggest that SLA Industries introduce a simple list
of categories which group the varied opposition? At present, your
THE CHANGES - 900SD TO PRESENT citizens are ill prepared to witness or confront these enemies, let
Year of Progress alone clearly identify one from the other.
900sd was an important year for SLA Industries. It was There is still much we must know, on both sides, so may we
the Year of Progress, celebrating nine centuries of growth put forth the four recognised threats? They are Corporate,
and success. It showcased new weapons and new advances in Cult, Conflict and all other concerns falling under the title of
biogenetics in the form of two new Stormers and the Vevaphon. Collateral for now?”
Perhaps, most important of all was the introduction of Karma’s Asenathek Sott, Spokeswoman, Neophronic
development of LaD (Life after Death) allowing Operatives Council of the High Elect
and high-ranking employees the opportunity for a scientific
resurrection, as long as they had the creds to spend. Life After Death
It seemed that SLA, at the height of its powers could do no LaD (first referred to as ‘Longevity Chain’) first came to
wrong, but it was at the turn of the new century that everything the public’s attention in 903sd after the assassination of SLA
began to slip. A series of catastrophic events were taking place Contract Killer - Delia the Destroyer. Most everyone thought
throughout the World of Progress, even within the company that was it for Delia, but instead of being shipped to the morgue,
a Karma Medic Crew arrived on the scene and carted her

26
 H ISTORY

away. The media began to talk of a ‘revolutionary new medical in full knowledge of the Sector’s existence. It was reason enough
procedure’, called LaD (Life after Death) and seven days after to not venture too far and if Cannibal Sector 1 was as bad as the
Delia’s supposed death, suddenly she was back on active duty. media constantly reported, then whatever lay beyond it must be
It seemed like a miracle, although aspects of Delia’s personality even worse.
had been somewhat altered during the process. She was more “I remember how SLA sold it as a crusade; some great war
aggressive and prone towards violence. One just had to look at to win back the glory of Mort and all that other garbage they
photos of her before and after the work performed in the Karma were spouting before the slaughter began in earnest. Truth
labs to see the physical and psychological effects of her death is, there was some special report sent back to the company via
and resurrection. the resident Sector Rangers. Something about plant life they’d
Overnight, the LaD Option was made available to all Ops found way out there and other less pleasant findings besides.
with the creds to buy in. All that was required for initial set up
SLA was going out there for more than just honour.”
was 1 single cred in their new LaD account and they were good
Pvt. Joey ‘The Shiver Guy’
to go and then come back again, when the time came…
Duncan, Bridgehead Endeavour
Not every species in the World of Progress would join the
program. Ebonites, whom react badly to biogenetics as it dulls SLA Industries was no longer prepared, however, to sit back
their Ebb, took little interest in the treatment. Shaktars largely and let the vast stretch of ruins quietly rot in the distance. It
refused on religious grounds - it went directly against their was time to take back the Sectors. The first attempt to take
belief systems and the desire to die in battle. back the Cannibal Sector was brutal, direct and horrendously
Most other species however jumped at the chance. LaD was misconceived. On 10th May, 908sd. SLA launched the Project
no singular process - it used state of the art pharmaceuticals to Red Sky, in which thousands of Shiver recruits charged out in
maintain the patient at the threshold of life and death and could the Sector’s Elmar Estate and faced certain death. They were ill
also use biogenetic enhancements to repair and even improve equipped and ill prepared for what they were about to confront.
dead tissue. It all depended how much you were willing to Red Sky resulted in a bloodbath and it is widely regarded as
spend; LaD offered a variety of procedures and augmentations one of the most humiliating defeats in SLA Industries’ history.
for the recently deceased. The surviving Shiver troops withdrew and the plan to retake
In the age of LaD, when an Operative died, the medical team Cannibal Sector 1 was shelved for three years whilst the plan of
had four minutes to reach the Operative and rush them back to attack was reconsidered.
a nearby Karma base, but in more recent times and depending The 9th Division
on location this was unfeasible, so steps have been taken to
improve the window of rescue. Still, if LaD cannot get to their After the disaster of Project Red Sky, with many troops left
patient in time, the funds in their account are transferred to a alive, still trapped in the Cannibal Sector and the families
relative, even if it’s just the one cred. If the account holder does grieving for their dead, all looked to SLA for financial and
not have immediate family, or privately assigned heirs, the funds medical support, which never came. They were abandoned and
are completely wiped from record. left to starve and die.
Thousands of loyal Shivers died needlessly owing to cost
“It seems like the be all, end all doesn’t it? In theory LaD is cutting and an extremely poorly devised military campaign. The
great, but it’s getting to be a different story in The Changes. If effective scapegoat for Red Sky was a SLA Corporate - Charles
you’ve got a BPN going on in the depths of Lower Downtown, Sebastian Grady III, who had been in charge of much of the
there’s no way they’ll get to you in time. The best hope you’ve got finances on the project, especially with regards to munition
is checking out in Inner Downtown. They’re setting up Karma supplies. Grady opted for Greenband ball bearing ammunition,
bases there now, heavily guarded of course. It doesn’t guarantee instead of the lethal Redband flechettes, which resulted in
anything and it’s getting to feel more and more of a gamble all thousands of wrongly-equipped Shivers dying pointless deaths.
the time. I hear rumours that they’re trying to develop some kind Grady belonged to one of the illustrious Boom Families, but
of cranial device your squad attaches to the spinal column to with a catastrophic failure on the scale of Red Sky his inherent
extend the window. privilege could not save him. Charles Grady was facing a life
That’s the good rumour. The bad rumour I’m hearing is they term in Fallgate Prison, but before he could begin his sentence
can’t resuscitate if you die on one of those new Orange BPNs. I he was shot dead by Errol ‘Jester’ McManus: a Shiver turncoat
don’t know why, but that’s pretty terrifying, right?” and recent survivor of Project Red Sky.
Joe Mauchline, Human Operative, McManus had gone after Grady in his ‘Jester’ paint job,
SCL 7, Squad ‘Scary Biscuits’ switching Shiver Green to black and red. Enraged Shivers,
incensed by SLA’s neglect were inspired to turn traitor and
Project Red Sky repainted their Body Blocker in the Jester colour scheme.
By the 9th century, SLA Industries believed it could do no It was the birth of the rebel Shiver faction - the 9th Division.
wrong. Nothing was beyond its capabilities and so it turned
to the problems that lay on its own doorstep on Mort. The “I respect the 9th, for what it’s worth. It’s a rash and foolish
Cannibal Sectors had been a stain on an already polluted decision though. This is not how you challenge SLA Industries,
landscape for 600 years and it was time to address the glaring nor is it any kind of way of life: living by your wits in the depths
issue. The citizens of Mort City had lived and died for centuries

27
 SLA INDUSTRIES

of the Cannibal Sector. If that place won’t get you, SLA Ops Moral Right Division
will, once the Bellwood Campaign progresses far enough.
In 911sd, Agnes Dowr - a high ranking member of Naga
If I’m honest, I think there’s as much risk of 9th recruits 7 succeeded in getting a bill passed that would address the
turning on each other, than any external threat. There’s a lot ‘degradation of moral values and decency in Downtown’.
of diverse ideology in there and not everyone is in it for noble Agnes was granted funding to create Moral Right Division -
reasons. a militarised organisation tasked with educating Downtown
I’d be genuinely surprised if the 9th Division is still around civilians on the virtues of morality, dignity and politeness.
in ten years. Five years tops if they continue to make CS1 their At first, Operatives and Shivers alike thought it was all a big
base of operations.” joke, but quickly discovered that MR Division was serious.
Shiver Pvt. Phoebe Chang, Bridgehead Resistunce Deadly serious. Moral Right was sending out Virtue Squads
to enforce these policies, a group of brutish thugs, dressed in
The Bellwood Campaign white Body Blocker, led by a Whip - a privileged young man of
By 910sd SLA was ready to take a second try at the Cannibal the upper gentry. Instead of teaching family values the Virtue
Sector. This time it would be different; Commander Cradle of Squads were simply beating down the marginalised citizens
Shiver Command would be at the helm and operating on the of Downtown with hammers and generally indulging in all
years of data put forth by Sector Rangers and generations of manner of vice and illegal activity.
Wall Shivers. Four years on and Virtue Squads are still patrolling Inner
It would be called the Bellwood Campaign, named after the Downtown, bullying the masses under the thin veneer of public
founder of the Shiver Organisation - Jonathan Bellwood. The decency, but they have not gained as much traction as Mrs
new plan was to attack and hold a region then build a prefab Dowr and her prim and proper organisation would have hoped.
Shiver fortress, known as a Bridgehead directly in the Cannibal Agnes is nonetheless undeterred and is currently petitioning
Sector. The first stage of the campaign took place on 10th May for greater funding and increased powers to ‘educate’ the
910sd and marked three brutal days of conflict. This time, the troublesome undesirables.
Shivers and by extension, SLA were victorious, at the cost of
“ Yeah, I’ve had run-ins with the Virtue Squads. Virtue! Hah!
thousands of Shiver lives.
Cluster of assholes is what I calls em! Old Agnes has literally
Bridgehead Endeavour was the first outpost to take hold in not one clue what these goons are up to down here. Seriously,
the Cannibal Sector; the first ground taken for the company in they’re worse than a bunch of Shivers with their load on and
600 years. A further 16 Bridgeheads would be built in Cannibal it’s because the Seraphim have way more powers of authority
Sector 1 over the next five years. than the guys in green. What’s that old phrase about power
“We’ve had a few victories to be sure, but check the map and corrupting? Oh yeah - Too Much Power Turns You Into A Total
SLA’s presence in the Cannibal Sector is a series of 17 dots. This Fanny. I think that’s it.
place is fucking massive. It’s going to take years, maybe decades I haven’t seen much of the Virtue Squads, lately, but knowing
to really take back these ruins. This Bellwood Campaign will go that old bag they’ll be coming back with a vengeance.
on literally after I’m dead and gone. There’s no way Moral Right Division are giving up on this.”
Actually, come to think of it, that could be tomorrow…” Mad Wee Frank, (Proprietor of Mad Wee Frank’s
Sgt. Alvin Summers, Bridgehead Wet Head Mad Wee Falafels), 42, Downtown Civilian

Return of Naga 7 Wall Reinforcements

If the Neophron represented positive change within SLA The Bellwood Campaign has been one of SLA’s more recent
Industries, the reemergence of the shadowy Naga 7 was the successes, but there is still much work to be done in the cannibal
opposite. In 911sd, a scholarly organisation, who had not shown sectors. The deployment of the lesser known Stormer variant -
its face since The Formation, once again offered its services to the 830 Gator is the latest addition to the program.
SLA Industries. Many within the company were taken aback The present duties of the Gators are to patrol the perimeter of
by the sudden acceptance back into the company and the highly the Sector Wall which encircles Mort City, killing and eating
allotted position they were to hold. Naga 7’s responsibilities anything that attempts to breach the boundary.
appear broad and somewhat vague. Some have claimed the With there being so many hostile forces in the city ruins this
department deals exclusively in propaganda, although they have initially appeared to be an exercise in futility, but the defensive
not specified where it is profiteering from said propaganda, exercise has proven successful and won the support of the Wall
whilst others cite their duties as more mutualistic, they are Shivers, who will try to make friends with the roving Gators by
dealing with irregularities the populace must not know about. throwing them beer and sandwiches.
With the exception of their rather amiable Aethermen, Naga
7 is generally unpopular in the company and in regular conflict “Ah fuckin’ love Gators, me.”
with other important departments like Threat Analysis and Shiver Sergeant Christopher Chester,
Stigmartyr, where their inherent nosiness can cause considerable Sector Wall Section 350
friction. They have also taken some very questionable liberties
with regards to Mort City’s Downtown districts.

28
 H ISTORY

The Shi’An Threat Worlds, eh? Yeah, well what worked for us in the Bellwood
Campaign, is definitely working for the Conflict Aliens out there
By the time of The Changes the Shi’An Cult had grown
on the Verges. Those backwater planets might be a row of dirt
in numbers and in power. Elliot Raik had studied the Lost
balls, but they’re perfect staging platforms for those weird heads.
Scrolls and by now had imparted all his wisdom to other like
minded individuals: a whole religious hierarchy had developed And now we’re losing our Chagrins, what the fuck? I mean,
in Downtown. Despite repeated warnings by Stigmartyr that yeah, they’ll put their helmets on back to front, but they can smash
the threat posed by the Shi’An could potentially overthrow the practically anything in the Cannibal Sectors. I bet this is down to
company. SLA continued to ignore the danger. that ‘Whistling Bridge’ Protocol I’ve been hearing about.
In 903sd, the denizens of White Earth began cropping up Mark my words, the Chagrins are just the start of big, bad
in the Downtown Districts. Hominids and other such horrors changes.”
were being summoned onto Mort where they would indulge in Shiver Sgt. Jeffrey Palmer, Bridgehead EchoBeach
acts of incredible bloodlust, terrifying Mort civilians with their
fury and sheer otherness. The World Of Change.
Raik and his followers were creating simple summoning spells Now, in the year 915sd SLA Industries faces an inescapable
that any idiot could activate (and frequently did). The goal was World of Change. The sins of its past have finally caught with
not to build worthy spell casters but to generate fear and create it, culminating in the present date. Only a small fraction of
anarchy in the heart of SLA. More than a thousand unwitting the company can truly be held accountable for what has come
Shi’An hopefuls have lost their lives bringing forth brutal to pass; the Operatives and employees simply play a function
Hominids and Bane Rats via blood portals into Downtown, within the machine that runs the World of Progress and the
usually ending up serving as the first victims of these outsiders. civilians overcrowding the many SLA controlled planets have
The Shi’An are singular in their focus. The aim is not worship no say in the company’s running, nor what has come before.
and devotion; it is solely driven to destroy SLA Industries and Nevertheless, all will now be held accountable as the Conflict
anyone or anything associated with it. Races raid and pillage every world in their path and Great
Enemy permeates every aspect of SLA Society, converting and
Vevaphon: The End corrupting the very lowest and equally largest cross section of
Heralded as the future of bioengineering, the Vevaphon from the population.
the new and up and coming company, Doppelganger, instead SLA is now forced to make its choice; to stay the course as
proved to be a misstep and something of an embarrassment for the evil corporation which has unfairly dominated the World
SLA Industries. of Progress for 900 years, facing almost certain destruction. Or
Vevaphons were lauded as the solution to deal decisively with finally, once and for all, it must face and address its countless
SLA’s non-conflict enemies, a flexible and reactive weapon crimes over the centuries and work towards a better future.
capable of mimicry and infiltration. Instead, an error-filled
bioconstruct was rushed-out that was over-engineered and
incapable of the job it had been created for. They were finally
fielded in the same niche as the Xeno Stormer which was
deployed at the same time, but the Vevaphons turned out to be
much more expensive to maintain and psychologically unstable.
Many struggled to fully integrate themselves into Operative life,
grappling with self identity and failing to connect with other
members of their squads. Although it took longer than it should
have, it was no surprise that Doppelganger was eventually closed
and all Vevaphons recalled by the end of 912sd.
Chagrins Depart
The emergence of the lost Conflict Races has been a continually
escalating threat in the World of Progress. At first, it was merely
the backwater worlds on The Verges that armies like the Krell
and Root Dogs targeted; planets that were of little resource of
the company, but in more recent years the Conflict Aliens have
been far more emboldened and launched considerable attacks
on the War Worlds and alarmingly, they’ve been winning.
This has forced SLA to take more drastic measures and, as of
909sd, all manufactured Chagrins (the largest combat variant in
the Stormer program) have been re-trained and shipped to War
Worlds, such as Dante and Cross, to force back the invaders.
“I can’t believe Head Office let the Conflict Races this far into
the World of Progress! Oh yeah, sure; who cares about the Verge

29
 SLA INDUSTRIES

THE WORLD OF PROGRESS

beyond their borders. Much of the world has been inaccessible
PLANET MORT to all but a few for years due to the once deadly Fission Belt
Mort (formerly named Jeth) is the principal Industrial Planet encircling the planet. In recent years the Belt has dissipated to
in the World Of Progress and the main headquarters and heart sustainable levels and once limited trade routes are opening up
of SLA Industries. The nerve centre of all corporate activity for the first time in centuries. More and more code Green BPNs
stems from Head Office, which is based in the centre of Mort are sending SLA Ops to perform missions and investigations
City. Despite being the most valued and important planet in in countries previously only read about, like Feland, Trakaar,
SLA space, Mort is an ecological mess. For many centuries the Gorrod and Valott. At present, these nations are mysterious and
surface of the world has been barraged by toxic pollutants and enticing. The dissipation of the Fission Belt is also resulting in
radiation, devoiding it of most natural life. Nearly all native immigration into Mort City from these countries. Some feel
fauna and flora was wiped out years ago. The oceans are dead and that Mort City is being swamped with unfamiliar languages,
many of the countries in the northern hemisphere, including accents and customs, while others are embracing the diversity.
much of Killainas, are barren. The majority of the population In recent months non-Killians have started joining the ranks of
are sustained from offworld imports and massive clean-air the SLA Operatives, their outlook on life, helping their fellow
processors. Only recently has any form of plant life re-emerged Operatives.
within Cannibal Sector 1 and even then it is mostly just weeds,
“Hello, men, I’m Rosst Van Rooyen.
moss and algae. Various locations, including the reserves in
Traakar, the pig farms of Klawe and the Meny campus, are now Have you got a problem with my eccent, men? Look, just coz
teeming with life hidden under massive protective domes. This I’m a Trakaarian Contrect Hunter, you think we’re all up to
is reintroduced and genetically modified, a corruption of life shady business in Eggrippina, ey boy? Listen. Let me tell you
and a tainted, bastardised parody of what was there before. something, men. I’ll cetch any exotic enimal you want and hand
Whatever natural animal life that still exists on Mort is it over to you for very effordable rates. No trouble. End I don’t
primarily vermin; diseased and savage species that can pose as let eny bleddy customs efficiel get in the way of good business
much a threat to its occupants as any corporate opponent or relations, men.”
cultist. Rosst ‘Slide Ection’ Van Rooyen, Contract Hunter
In spite of this, people still flock in their droves to the planet, There are 19 city states on planet Mort with each commonly
set to carve out a place for themselves, particularly in Mort acknowledged as serving one or more specific purposes for
City, taking on jobs as Operatives, Shivers, Contract Killers, or SLA Industries. The continent of Skend and its city-state
are simply content to wile away their existence as unemployed Hoddeskalle are famous for their production of high end
citizens living on a diet of fast food and television. The mess of automobiles and fine tweed, whilst Klawe’s Pig Town is,
Mort is just what the inhabitants of the World of Progress are as its name suggests, known for its livestock, abattoirs and
used to. The pollution, the violence, the failures, all are normality. meat supply. The Traakarian city state Agrippina, provides a
In most cases, the population are mistrustful of positivity, clean conduit to the Contract Hunters and the meat, pelts and other
air and basic hope. Mort is a bleak, wet and ugly planet, but it is assets their hunting in the reserves produces and it is also the
home to billions of unfortunate souls who consider themselves manufacturing location of the Crawler APC. All city-states
fortunate. are aligned with SLA Industries, but each has its own unique
When people of the World Of Progress think of the planet internal threats and setbacks, be it attacks from rival companies
Mort they will only consider its principal country: Killainas and or environmental hazards. Mort City is by far the largest, the
its capital city state, Mort City, but there are other continents most important and the most infamous.
and countries on Mort that serve the company well. Countries
like the cold and mountainous Hiberia, the homeland of the MORT CITY
Frothers. The country of Mald is best known for its training
facility Meny; a vast campus where all of Mort’s SLA Operatives “Mort City is … Look, when I started out as an Operative,
are prepared, educated and trained before they assume their my SLA Squad couldn’t be bothered to sit in Slayer’s Crib for
duties in Mort City. hours on end and we took our chances on a Terminal for a
Even within the confines of Mort City, most SLA Operatives mission and we lucked out bad - a job that took us out into
and civilians are scarcely aware of the larger world that exists Cannibal Sector 1.

30
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

That was before the Bellwood Campaign and when you

wanted to go into the ruins you just had to march out the main
gates. The rain was especially bad that day and it was just
starting to get dark. Y’know when everything starts getting
that deep blue shade? I tell you, we weren’t in the best of moods
when we got to trudging across the rubble and then, like, our
Ebon just stops and looks back.
I’m about to shout at her to keep moving and … then I get it.
I get why she stops dead in her tracks. It was the first time I’d
really seen Mort City, properly, from the outside. I mean, it’s
hard to explain just … the scale of it.
For the Shivers on the Wall, even they don’t see it; it’s just a
wall of architecture shooting up behind them, but us? We got to
see Mort City in its entirety.
That’s how I understand why the Cannibal Clans won’t
attack; Mort City is about as overbearing and oppressive as you
can imagine.
You wouldn’t dare attack it.”
Ralph ‘Blaster Boy’ Hawkins, Human Operative
SCL 6, Squad ‘Milk and Two Milgrams’
Mort City stretches up in a vaguely conical shape, reminiscent
of the biggest volcano one could ever imagine, but constructed
from building upon building upon building for as far as the eye
can see, with Mort Central and SLA Industries Head Office
acting as its peak and much of Mort City’s structure below
the surface of the planet. The vast majority of the city-state’s
citizens live well below the basal line. There they are deprived
of natural light and rained upon constantly by the effluence of
those above them.
Mort City is built on many layers and is a pyriform
representation of the class structure that exists within SLA
Industries. At the very top is the Head Office of Mr Slayer himself
and below that is Central, where the elite and the departmental
heads work, surrounded by untold riches and decadence. Next
is the affluence of Uptown and then the bleak concrete high
rises of Suburbia, which houses the majority of the overworked
and underpaid employees of the company. Below Suburbia, out
of sight and out of mind of those above, is the Crust and Inner
Downtown, home to the millions of Mort’s employed. Squalor
and depravity exist in constant and equal measure below Inner
Downtown in the area known as Lower Downtown. Further
down, at an unknown depth, the unmapped, forgotten and
barely explored Deep Construct sprawls, while outside the city,
all semblance of control and humanity has disappeared, replaced
with the savage ruins known as the Cannibal Sectors.
At the core of Mort City is an enormous central column,
measuring up to 10km wide, which supports the city structure
and houses a vast series of power cables and utilities that run
endlessly throughout the metropolis. Each layer of the city is
officially known as a District Level, although most citizens
and employees know them simply as ‘Districts’ or ‘Levels’.
Downtown is divided into three sections: District 1, known
colloquially as The Crust, Inner Downtown, which groups
Districts 2-6 and Lower Downtown which contains Districts
7-18, with the largest District being approximately 12,000 sq km
in size. Each Downtown District is subdivided into around 200

31
 SLA INDUSTRIES

M O R T C I T Y M A P

A Downtown Sector is a self-

contained unit that can be sealed
off in case of flooding or fire.

32
T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

33
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Sectors, so when Operatives are sent to a BPN location, the Central

area will be presented as, for example: District 3 - Sector 118,
Inner Downtown. Transportation between levels is facilitated Home to SLA Head Office and SLA’s main subsidiaries –
by subways, gauss trains, ramps for vehicles and vast civilian such as Karma, Dark Lament, Power Projects, etc. Only Mr
elevators, known as Shift Blocks, that ferry passengers between Slayer and the Departmental Heads are allowed to live in
districts constantly. Lower Downtown is considered a potential Central. It is the most heavily defended region in the entire
solution to the overpopulation of the inhabited parts of the World of Progress. It is also home to the Corporate Sector –
city, but scaremongering and ghost stories need to be quashed (represented as 3 large tower blocks).
and the area prepared for habitation, both physically and via The enormous SLA Head Office building dominates the
marketing campaigns, before the population can be convinced territory and no other building comes close to it in terms of
to move from their birth sectors. size, scale or activity.
Below Lower Downtown is unmapped and only recently All starting SCL 10 SLA Operatives will attend the induction
unearthed. This sub-city region is simply known as The Deep centre during their inauguration into the company. It is here
Construct. At present, SLA Industries has no concrete details that they will collect their SCL and ID Card, their standard
on how many Districts stretch downwards into the Deep FEN 603, KIippo Lighter and funds, before heading to purchase
Construct and no public plans to map it. their personalised equipment. It all seems so very exciting and
most feel like they’re part of some larger whole, but in reality
“Mort City; gotta love it. The deeper you go the poorer it gets, most will likely not return to Head Office for any other reason
the meaner it gets, the uglier it gets. By the time you reach the but to wait in line at Slayer’s Crib (see BPN Halls).
base level you’re in the realms of bloody fantasy and your own
sanity is nowhere to be found. BPN Halls
By the way, it’s your round.” Before a SLA Operative squad can go about earning, they
must first obtain a mission from the company, or as it is officially
Albert ‘Gunface’ Milne, Human Operative,
known a BPN File (Blue Print News File). In order to apply for
SCL7, Squad ‘Burrow Downs’
a BPN, the Ops usually head to a BPN Hall and wait in line.
There is an assumption that all Op sanctioned BPNs are
issued in the Hall at Head Office, but the company has many
centres dotted throughout Mort City. Ops learn very quickly
that heading to the Main BPN Hall (also known as Slayer’s

34
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

Crib) is neither the easiest nor the quickest way to get a fresh Most experienced Operatives go into Uptown or Suburbia
mission. Starting Operatives assume this is the place to go, so it BPN Halls to get their missions. These places are, however,
is always crowded. It can take somewhere in the region of 4-8 generally smaller and with a tighter range of available colours,
hours to get an appointment with a BPN Officer and by that but there are also hidden advantages. The BPN officers will offer
point you basically take whatever you are given. a nominal but legal cut on the pay for a mission more tailored
to the Op Squad.
“Hi boys, take a seat. Been waiting long? Good, I’m glad; it’d The wait is also considerably less in BPN Halls that lie off the
give you time to contemplate how badly you screwed up that beaten path.
Blue I gave you on Tuesday. Seriously, how do you fuck up a
Those who are brave, or in a hurry, can risk their luck (and
Blue? It’s Street Maintenance! All you had to do was roll a few
fate) on a BPN Mission Terminal, that can be found - cracked,
drunks and you clowns burned up a Food Court.
scratched and coated with graffiti, throughout Suburbia and
So… onwards and upwards, eh? I have three new BPNs for Downtown. The terminals will supply a BPN in a matter
you to choose from. One, is another Blue. Yes, yes, yes, I know, of seconds, based on locations and Shiver or Threat Analysis
more Street Maintenance, but it’s easier this time. You just need reports. The terminal will ask for the user’s SCL but it rarely
to exterminate a rat horde over by the Crust. Open air, local takes the information into consideration before it spits out a
wildlife and stunning vistas - you’ll love it. mission.
I have a White BPN - Investigation. Murder. It’s looking like Many Ops have lost their lives to these rather haphazard
Mesha serial murder. Some freakazoid is going around slitting computerised BPN officers; accepting missions with little to
throats and ripping out tongues. What is today’s youth coming no details or warnings, that lead into abandoned tower blocks,
to? Now, this gig’s been passed on three times because its leads darkened sewer pipes and Lower Downtown…
have gone ice cold, bbbbut if you can locate and take down the
killer you’ll get a cred boost. Time to take the Stormer scalping, Uptown
eh? This is regarded as the high-end retail/residential district. Only
And last and certainly least is a shit Green BPN… alright, affluent families and high SCL Operatives can afford to live
alright hear me out. It’s on a Backwater world called Scorch. here. Most Ops will have spent at least some time in Uptown;
Head Office wants you to go bust some rioter heads. Don’t look either out shopping for new equipment after a successful BPN,
at me like that, Barkovitch; you always said you wanted to getting bio genetic upgrades, or simply blowing off steam at
travel! Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a pacifier baton. Sign The Pit.
here.” Everything that is available in SLA’s World of Progress can be
BPN Officer Mills, Slayer’s Crib purchased or experienced here.

35
 SLA INDUSTRIES

T H E P I T
“Counting the minutes until those doors slide open. Everytime
I step through Deth’s Door it feels like I’m home. I live for this
MUSIC IN THE PIT
place.” The Pit accommodates all tastes; trendy corporates, gregarious
Terminal, Eban Operative, 6.4b Frothers and refined Neophron can always find something to
enjoy in Mort’s premiere nightclub. Most new musical styles
The Pit is one of the reasons that people want to work for first come to people’s attention via the the loud speakers in The
SLA Industries. The employee-only nightclub is famed for its Pit. The most popular sounds, however, are as much a fashion
live music, vast array of different bars and for being one of the and ethos as they are a musical brand. One can easily tell the
most impressive feats of construction that the city has to offer; particular tastes of a Pit attendee simply by the cut of their hair
not that anyone can really admire its beauty. The Pit is a nine- and clothes they’re wearing.
level descending skyscraper that spirals down into Uptown,
with each level being smaller than the last, forming a huge “The Burgess Brothers are pretty popular at the moment with
upturned cone of steel and concrete. The Pit is ‘the’ hangout for that single, what is it? ‘It’s Not My Name”? And so the popular
Operatives. For many years the concept of drinking anywhere press are still trying to nail down whether it’s a Shade-Oh
else was simply laughed at, though over the last two years, band, or just regular Eight-Oh with a bit of an edge. Of course,
with more and more Operatives needing to move further High End are trying to lay claim to it because some reviewer
into Downtown and employee accommodation becoming said that the lyrics were about Mr Slayer. Pretty crazy, huh?”
increasingly expensive, many Ops are finding that making the Anna Without, News Anchor - Third Eye News
trip to Uptown for a beer just isn’t worth the cost or hassle.
That is not to say that the club isn’t still packed every night; the EIGHT-OH
corporate sector alone keeps the dance floors full from 20:00 to
04:30 every single day. Eight-Oh is the up and coming genre sweeping the World of
Progress. Its bands and hit singles are uncommonly upbeat and
“ You know what pisses me off… I move from SCL 10 to 8 the fashion sense of the scene is bright and colourful, garishly
and somehow I get to hang out in The Pit ‘less’. How the fuck so. Nobody quite seems to know how or where this sudden
does that work?! Dammit, I miss that place. Good beer. GOOD tonal shift in tastes came from, or the odd sensations the
beer.” songs and fashion and patterns seem to stir in people. Eight-
Timmy Franks, Human Operative, SCL 8.7 Oh has been described as a brand new genre, yet most people
encountering it feel as though they have heard the music before
At ground level, The Pit appears as little more than a huge but can’t place where.
concrete bunker, square and boring, with a number of turnstyles
Eight-Oh is very popular in Downtown, embraced by young
and security barriers. This heaving entranceway is known
people who need it to offset the soul crushing bleakness and
as Deth’s Door, named after the original head of Security,
drudgery of their lives.
a now elderly Shaktar who took on the nickname of ‘Deth’.
He retired from his role of Security Chief at the Pit in 912sd Eight-Oh has had a polarising effect among Operatives; fresh
and was replaced by an Advanced Carrien called Rarg. The recruits straight out of Meny accept it as the ‘new mode’ and
somewhat political move to put an Advanced Carrien on the view it as their generation’s style, whilst some older Operatives
front of house was done to smooth over their somewhat rocky decry it, claiming that it has supplanted the Niner sound.
introduction to Operative life, forcing more Ops to come face As Eight-Oh is still relatively new (despite claims that it isn’t)
to face with the species on a regular basis. On a whole, the idea and it is only just now breaking up into categories: pure pop,
seems to have worked, though to avoid any conflict, Rarg has ballads and bands going to the next level with a darker edge,
recently adopted the nickname ‘Deth2’ as the very suggestion of essentially subverting Eight-Oh.
renaming the venue’s entrance way to Rarg’s Door just wasn’t
worth the fallout. Rarg leads a staff of around 1200 security SHADE-OH
personnel who work shifts up and down The Pit’s many layers, Shade-Oh is an offshoot Eight-Oh and it leans more towards
made up of almost every species imaginable. heavier processed guitars and darker synths. Much like Burb
music, Shade-Oh has come under a certain amount of flack for

36
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

its lyrics. Shade-Oh covers darker themes which correspond of retaliation against MR Division’s Virtue Squads and other
with its sound and is often critical of SLA’s politics. such policies enforced by Agnes Dowr.
Moral Right have pushed for investigations into certain As such, Naga 7 has put Burb musicians under far more
Shade-Oh bands, whose lyrics they consider corruptive and scrutiny for subversion than any other genre, especially since
in many instances downright subversive. In truth though, MR it has captured the moment back in the region it first arose -
Division is more focussed on tearing down Burb bands. Suburbia.
“They say that Ebon music is cold, but have you listened to NINER
some of the new Shade-Oh bands? Like, Drop Shadow - they’re
in the charts right now and when you hear those steely sounding Niner is the sound of 900sd, hence the name. Similar to the
synths how can you not imagine Mort City? This is our town. more recent Eight-Oh, Niner covers a wide array of musical
This is our generation. This is our music.” styles but is almost completely geared towards rock and metal
Allison Franks, Downtown and clothing that favours black dyes, leather jackets and biker
Civilian, 20, (Unemployed) boots. Niner has faded slightly in popularity in the era of The
Changes, but this is nonetheless the go-to genre for the likes of
Eban, Stormers, Frothers and young boisterous Shaktars just
HIGH END starting out as Operatives.
High End is the music of the Corporate Sector. Self
affirmative songs which lean heavily towards masculine BASHHEAD
themes of winning, succeeding in business and making lots
BashHead is a subset of Niner music and fashion. BashHead
of money. As a musical style High End has proven somewhat
is ear-shreddingly loud and intensely aggressive. Stormers and
controversial, as many believe it has cribbed off other sounds,
Frothers have a particular love of BashHead and whenever
particularly Eight-Oh and adopted it as its own; which is the
songs from bands like Burst Appendix, Fusion Pig and
very essence of Corporate mentality.
Stormer, Stormer, Stormer are up next on the Pit the dance
Uptown Corporates are habitually quick to claim the latest floor immediately clears, as combat ensues. For four or five
Eight-Oh chart hit as a High End song. minutes fists fly, teeth shatter and head butts embrace exposed
With High End music comes High End fashion and beliefs. noses. LaD typically has a few medics on standby at the Pit,
Corporates in SLA are heavily influenced by expensive suits, as there are regular fatalities connected to BashHead slam
accessories, grooming and aftershaves/perfumes. Many dancing in the venue.
legitimate High End bands constantly reference such products,
serving as an audio style guide for the whole Corporate Sector. SPECTRAL
More recent bands have found themselves being sponsored by
Spectral is music produced by and primarily for Ebonites,
clothing brands specifically to get mentioned in the lyrics.
especially for Ebons. It is best described as haunting, ethereal
“I landed 20,000 creds before brunch yesterday and Queen Electronica. Its music covers emotive themes; yet beneath a
Tangerine’s ‘Live Fast, Die Rich’ was playing on the radio veneer of icy and austere sounds. Aside from Ebonites, Spectral
when it registered in my account. Now I fucking love that band. is popular with moody teens who are seeking out something
I went out and got some of those music mags to check ‘em out, ‘see with a bit more depth, whilst also bordering on the inaccessible.
what else they’ve done. Lead guy’s got a Telford Weave 3 piece, The current favourite sub category is Skendish Spectral, which
New Parisian silk Virna brand tie and going for blonde weep- is as chilly a sound as it gets - usually sang in native Skendish,
back cut. Jet black’s out, clearly. I’m getting my hair bleached or Ebonite language with tracks clocking in at around twenty
tomorrow. Now piss off, my phone’s ringing, there’s cash on the to thirty minutes.
line.”
Corporate Vincent Anthony DeFeo, SHAKTARIAN FOLK
SCL8b (Hinton, Moss and Rowan) Shaktarian Folk, or in its original form - F’ttRkt K,nn,KrTT,
H’r T’Rnth-K’t (translated as Music of our Ancestors) is
BURB an acquired taste. Shaktarian Folk vocals are composed of
Burb music is, as its name suggests, the sound of Suburbia. extended notes created deep in the throat generating a sound
It is a popular albeit underground musical genre created by the unlike anything else in the World of Progress. Instrumental
teenage kids of SLA employees who have lived and worked pieces are performed with strange tribal instruments:
deadend jobs in the suburban sectors. Burb is music for Shaktarian Mountain Horns, drums and harsh pipes.
disaffected, angry youths who want for more yet are fully aware
“What the buggering fuck am I listening to?! Sounds like
of systemic limitations imposed on them.
my arse after a Sewer Pork Curry - give us some fuckin’
Burb was at the height of its popularity during the 700s but BashHeeeead!”
as Mort life becomes more troubled and manic in the present
Black Angus MacArthur, Frother Operative,
day, Burb music has resurfaced in a pretty big way. Naga 7
SCL 10a, Squad ‘Heid The Baws’
analysts have attributed the new Burb movement as a form

37
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Crime in Suburbia is usually confined to local gang activities,

civil disturbances and very occasionally DarkNight acts of
terrorism and soft company insurgency. It is here that the streets
begin to be protected by Shiver Patrols. They are some of the
best-trained soldiers, but tend to be somewhat lazy and corrupt.
There are factories throughout Suburbia, but these are typically
low pollution emitting facilities. They produce munitions, power
cells for armour and countless consumables.
Suburbia is famed for its distinctive architecture, but not in
any favourable light. The architects at head office clearly did
not have quality of life in mind when the plans were drawn
up to create vast but affordable housing sectors. Nearly all the
accommodation in the suburbs is grey, hulking concrete tower
blocks. They are dull, ugly looking monoliths; built to last but
showing their age and wear. There is scarcely an inch of wall that
isn’t cracked and crumbling, stained by leaking pipes or clouded
in generations of graffiti.
The suicide rate and alcoholism is very high in Suburbia as
SLA employees struggle with work stress, long hours and low
pay.

“I reckon most Downtowners would give their back teeth to

live in Suburbia, but that’s probably because they’ve never been
there. The whole place is just concrete slabs and graffiti and if
you think the civi blocks are hideous just wait until you see the
inside. The only thing those boxy apartments inspire you to do is
get out, preferably from a tenth story window.”
Ellen Barkovitch, Human Operative SCL 8a,
Squad ‘How do I change Title/Name?’
The cost of living in Uptown is high and continuing to rise
steadily. Where once many SLA Operatives could buy, or at
the very least, rent a small studio apartment, the price tag now
means that only rich Corporates and top ranking Operatives of
SCL 5 and better can hope to obtain keys to property.
There is very little crime or subversion occurring in Uptown; it
is usually just Operatives getting too drunk and causing trouble.
And since the region is heavily policed by SLA Dark Finders
and Stormers, dressed and armed in SLA’s finest weapons and
equipment, Corporate and Collateral threats are obliterated
before getting within one mile of this prosperous region.

“Look if you’re wanting to get a new Fen AR or a suit of Exo

Armour, fine, go get it in Uptown: you’re getting authentic
brand product. But anything else? Go to Suburbia where’s a ton
of decent bars. If you want to see real corporate crime, go take a
look at the prices on the wine list at Dortlich’s in Uptown; you’re
looking at a month’s earnings for a single glass of red. Avoid.”
Joana Stimbler, SLA Corporate SCL 9a, Waller,
Privik and Hutchinson Investments

Suburbia
‘Basic’ Operatives (SCLs 10-6) and SLA Employees live
in Surburbia. It is the last region entirely populated and
protected by SLA Industries. The look of the area is defined
by its somewhat drab and oppressive architecture. SLA racks
countless employees and their families into these ugly concrete
slabs and most never leave them, except to attend a labour
intensive job or to get inebriated.

38
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

Perimeter Wall
This zone divides Suburbia from the Downtown Districts. The
Perimeter serves much the same purpose as the considerably
larger and impressive Cannibal Sector Wall, in that it was
constructed to keep the undesirables out.
Downtown civilians rarely, if ever, are granted access to within
the Perimeter Walls and the customs and security checks there.
You must have SLA employee or Operative credentials, or be
part of a credentialled family unit, to get through and while the
Sector Wall is patrolled by Shivers, the Perimeter is guarded by
very well trained and equipped Dark Finders, who will scrutinise
all paperwork and permits with a suspicious eye.
Once you pass the Perimeter Wall on the verges of Suburbia,
you are leaving the safety and security of SLA Industries and
descending into the chaos and violence of Downtown.
The Crust
This represents the top layer of the civilian sections. If you
are in Downtown and are able to see the sky and feel the rain
on your face, you are on The Crust. Many have nicknamed the
citizens living here rather mockingly as ‘The Upper Crust’ as it
is a desirable location to inhabit, but it still comes with its own
risks and hazards.
The surface of The Crust is an uneven plateau of high rise
apartments and factory rooftops which circle the Perimeter
Wall that fences off Suburbia and Downtown below.
The pollution levels are quite high on The Crust, as it is open
and exposed to the elements. The Crust is also under constant
attack from Dark Night terror cells and the abuses of Soft battle in gladiatorial arenas, with chain axes and Power Reapers,
Company subversion. There is a high price to pay for living on shedding blood by the gallon for a sea of baying crowds.
Downtown’s least impoverished level. They will see an unfamiliar world through the lenses of a
Helmet mounted cameras, as televised Op missions enter
Inner Downtown perilous sections of Downtown, to blast away Carrien and serial
This is the most densely populated region in the whole of Mort killers, feeding their fascination, brooding frustrations and fears.
City. Inner Downtown is a vast network of civilian apartment All too often the external dangers are on their doorstep and at
blocks, subways, sewer tunnels and shopping arcades. Most of night they are awakened by something scratching at their front
the people living here are unemployed, at constant risk of death door, unseen and unknowable and so the frightened civilian
and have never seen the sky or breathed air that wasn’t filtered sets about reinforcing his door, saving to buy a better gun, but
through a rusty air duct. As you progress down the five districts most of all, escaping deeper into a fantasy world that 20 straight
of Inner Downtown, the housing gets poorer, the streets dirtier hours of television has stirred in him.
and the crimes more violent. Most civilians go from birth to Downtown civilians have a love/hate relationship with SLA
incineration knowing nothing more than the square mile of the Operatives; they admire what they see of them in their viewing
Downtown sector they were born in, never moving up or down entertainment but in person it is all too real. It is where fear
a district, nor having any aspirations more than getting their and jealousies surface and the Operative Squads carrying out
weekly social security cheque and a slightly better TV. the murder investigation in their building is looked upon with
The main staple of civilian life is television. It is the only chance suspicion and scorn.
of glimpsing a world beyond the confines of the individuals’ Operatives rarely display much respect towards Downtowners,
bleak, compact apartment building. There is little else to do, so they see them as expendable annoyances; an unemployed
most Downtowners cash their weekly allowance from Social civilian killed by a stray bullet is usually at worst a slight dock
Security, quickly buy whatever amenities they can afford from a in pay and almost never affects a SLA Ops SCL. Civilians in
local store and hurry home. Once inside their cramped, gloomy Downtown hold an even lower opinion of the Shiver Patrols,
apartment they will fall into a burst, worn sofa and hit the SLA’s own police force. Armoured in green Body Blocker, the
remote. In an instant their eyes are fed the glitz and glamour Shivers are a very common sight to most Downtowners and
of everything SLA Industries has to offer: special deals on cut they know to avoid them. Shivers are seen as brutal and corrupt,
price toasters, fast food, fizzy sodas and affordable firearms eager to flaunt and enforce what little power and authority they
for home protection. Their thirst for violence is also quenched have over Mort’s poor via a Gauss Rifle, power baton and sense
in the form of the Contract Circuit, wherein celebrity killers

39
 SLA INDUSTRIES

of entitlement. Shivers typically only behave themselves when between Downtown levels can take up to 20 minutes; it is slow
the SLA Operatives are around. and laborious but relatively cheap. One simply throws 2 unis
Part of the civilian resentment towards SLA is that it scarcely into the worn and battered turnstile, takes a seat and spends the
does its duty in protecting its populace. A great many of the next 20 minutes staring at the weary looking passengers and the
threats a Downtowner faces on an hourly basis have been layers of built up graffiti adorning the walls of the Shift Block.
created by the company in one way or another. They created the
Manchines and made little or no attempt to recall them when Shivers barely have a handle on the crime there and SLA Ops
they went rogue, the Carrien are becoming omnipresent and are stretched too thin trying to get to the enemy or situation in
the pigs and rats continue to plague Downtown. More recently, time to deal with it; the scale of Inner Downtown is simply
there is the threat of the Shi’An. A cult that was spawned by too immense and we’re already seeing Ops simply renting
the frustrations and resentment brooding in Downtown over temporary digs in a specific region and taking local BPNs. SLA
many centuries and yet again it is the humble civilians who bear Industries is already looking at options to deal with this issue
the brunt of that aggression. Countless people are either caught and I’m sure the operatives won’t like what they are planning.”
up in religious massacres or are drawn into the homicidal BPN Officer Ganwich, West Hampton BPN Hall
fanaticism.
Jobs In Downtown
“Life is shit mate and I’m broke as fuck, but at least I’ve got Inner Downtown’s most common form of employment is retail
my ciggies, a four pack of Dave beers and me telly...and I’ll get and services. Downtown has no shortage of shops, canteens and
my security cheque next week. I’ll just watch the telly til then, bars and there is always a need for staff behind the counter.
s’only six days.” Some Downtown families have whole generations that enter
Jack Bolton, Inner Downtown the Shivers and work the beat their whole lives, while others go
to work in the factories and spend long, low paid shifts creating
Accessing Lower Levels all manner of produce for the company.
A series of large, open elevators ferry the working population There are other less favourable careers. At a push, those who
up and down the levels of Inner Downtown. At a distance these want some extra unis in their pockets can take on positions in
ferries look like expansive transport waiting rooms, except that sanitation and pipe maintenance, or opting for more dangerous
they themselves are the mode of transport. SLA calls them work tackling Mort’s vermin as full time Exterminators. The
Shift Blocks and even though they are rated for 30 people at truth is precious few are genuinely happy in their chosen
a time they can transport up to 60 occupants and the duration profession; there is little to no job satisfaction.
A great many of Mort’s disaffected youth forgo all hope of
employment and immediately fall in with the street gangs or
become assets of the skin trade.
Lower Downtown
Owing to overcrowding in Inner Downtown, SLA Industries
elected to create 12 more District Levels below District 6. Work
began on what came to be known as Lower Downtown on 7th
January, 355sd. District 7 would be the first of the Districts to be
built underground and even as the excavation began the citizens
of Inner Downtown expressed their reluctance to inhabit even
the highest of these new lower levels. Today, Lower Downtown
is considerably larger than Inner Downtown, yet it is far more
sparsely populated. Shiver Patrols never venture more than a
few levels down and in essence, have washed their hands of all
its evils, as has much of the company. There is very little support
structure in Lower Downtown. It bears a passing resemblance
to the Cannibal Sectors in that it is isolated from normal
society and whereas Cannibal Sector One was created by the
sudden blackout and subsequent lockdown; Lower Downtown
was more a gradual descent into neglect and insanity, taking
place over hundreds of years. This is why Lower Downtown is
as dangerous and as frightening as it is.

“A lot of people who haven’t spent real time in Lower

Downtown don’t really get the place, or the attitude of the
people living there. I do a lot of BPNs in Lower Downtown
and I reckon the first three Districts aren’t that different to
Inner Downtown. The civilians are a bit more aggressive and

40
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

a lot more suspicious of outsiders. These levels are so heavily It is exceptionally easy to get lost travelling through Lower
populated, but it’s still comparatively normal - I mean, if you Downtown. The navamaps for the Districts are, by and large,
can call anything in Downtown normal that is. out of date and the SLA communication signals are unreliable
No, it’s when you go down below District 9 that it goes wrong. or non-existent for large areas. In order to go to any real depth
That’s when the folks get downright strange, when you start in Lower Downtown, a great deal of preparation must be
getting clear evidence of the Shi’An cult and the deaths are just performed before entering and it is always advisable to take a
as easily attributed to Dream Entities as Carrien and what guide (typically an Aetherman or experienced Operative) before
have you. risking your first excursion.
By that time you’re pretty much in the heart of Lower Many of the Cannibal Sector’s inhabitants slip through into
Downtown and you still have, what? Nine more districts to go Mort City, through the Sector Wall, which has, over the years
before you reach the basin. At around District 11 I’d say all bets developed hairline cracks. Shivers on the wall work hard to
are off. That’s when the average citizen is simply a Dreg and as protect the city from outside threats but since the wall extends
for civilisation? Forget it. Nothing down there but monsters. for hundreds of miles there are many patches that are not so well
You’re pretty much in the province of the Shi’An there; it’s their patrolled. This is especially true in Cannibal Sector 2, where the
world, not our’s.” wall is most neglected. As a result Carrien often access Mort
City and enter into District 7 - the uppermost level of Lower
Jeff Gregory, Human Operative, Downtown. Many of the vermin are so driven by instinctual
SCL 5, Squad ‘Infiltration 4’ hunger that they head directly for the higher levels of the city,
Lower Downtown is a threat to life in countless ways. The to feast where the population is denser and are quickly gunned
civilians are generally mentally disturbed and overtly hostile, down. Most however, slink into the deeper recesses of Lower
some of the company’s deadliest enemies are in abundance and Downtown, taking their place amongst the other monstrosities
the sheer scale of the region is bewildering to inexperienced inhabiting the subterranean network.
Operatives. Many Districts levels are utterly neglected, visitors Districts seven to ten provide the perfect location for the
can spend hours or even days journeying through silent, gloomy manufacture of black market products from rival companies.
tunnels, only occasionally stumbling across dweller settlements, These districts are far enough away from the prying eyes of
places and people who have had little to no contact from SLA SLA Industries, but close enough in proximity to potential
Industries in years and will just attack Operatives out of pure customers. SLA Industries’ disinterest in the districts borders
fear and confusion. on abandonment, a perfect seclusion for anyone wishing to

41
 SLA INDUSTRIES

operate outside of The Company’s prying eyes. DarkNight Ops hate BPNs based in Lower Downtown. It’s a long journey
weaponry and soft company products fired or consumed in down, there is minimal support, too many variables and it’s a
Districts 1-6 typically originated from a warehouse or factory in challenge just getting out alive. As such, the company has set in
Lower Downtown. The 9th Division, deserter Shivers from the motion the development of a new class of SLA Operative squad
Bellwood Campaign, have begun setting up there. In creating – the Sweep and Clear Operative teams (shortened to SAC
and then abandoning Lower Downtown, SLA Industries Op). These teams are being trained and tasked to journey into
provided the perfect base of operation for anyone wishing to do every level of Lower Downtown, to research and understand
wrong to the Company. the issues present and eliminate the resident threats. The hope is
that this will free up space for new accommodation and alleviate
“Do you like this? I got it from one of the new companies out of overcrowding in the upper levels. These teams are expected to
Lower Downtown. It’s pretty innit? The bloke who sold it to me work closely with Stigmartyr and the Aetherman branch of
said he’d be back next week. If I take you to him he’ll give you ten Naga 7 as needed; certain Lower Downtown residences will
percent off one of your own and we both get some free bullets. We require it.
just need to make sure the Shivers ain’t watching. You wanna?’
Willhelm Waterson, quickly becoming THE CANNIBAL SECTORS
a man to know in District 6
In 300sd, the best hope for Mort’s civilian population,
Lower Downtown is not even an official term created by Salvation Tower, sank into the ground, triggering a massive
SLA; it is something of a recent invention generated by the blackout across the Central Outskirts and rioting on such a
Shivers and civilians of Inner Downtown. It was the place you catastrophic scale that the region never recovered. Mort City
simply don’t visit. A place you actively avoid. SLA Industries is effectively closed its borders to the outskirts and on its own
realising that the reason Inner Downtown is so overcrowded people. Those people would never be accepted back into the
is that its citizens know not to inhabit the lower levels. There company.
are little to no amenities and there are simply too many deadly In the years that followed, the place that was once called
threats infesting Lower Downtown, especially the Shi’An Cult Central Outskirts descended into further chaos. Food supplies
and Dream Entities. were quickly exhausted and the desperate people still trapped
With each descending level within Lower Downtown, the in the ruins began to feast on each other in order to survive.
intelligence quota and social norms and capabilities of the The advent of cannibalism in the Outskirts heralded the end
populace degenerate. The quiet, gloom and remoteness have of civilisation in the region and the dawn of something much
spawned a backward, deeply disturbed society. Operatives are more savage and ruthless. The abandoned populace had been
familiar with aggression and prejudice from the civilians of forced to forgo whatever humanity they had once had. In 301sd
Inner Downtown, but that found on the lower levels are a breed
apart. The people that reside below are strange and worryingly
abnormal. Once the Operatives are in the heart of Lower
Downtown they will likely find themselves encountering the
Dregs.
The Dregs are not exactly a threat faction and are barely
considered Collateral, but they are becoming an increasingly
common sight as greater exploration into the depths of the city
occurs. Whilst the people out in Sector 1 transformed into hardy,
muscular Cannibals, the abandoned citizens of Downtown
degenerated into little more than pail, waif-like animals. They
are not aggressive or violent and will scurry away from as little as
a torch beam. They are naked, filthy and desperately thin having
had to survive on cockroaches, moss and algae and the water
leaking from burst pipes. The Dregs have devolved so much
from what is considered normal human life, that they cannot
speak and have lost the ability or want to walk upright. They
awkwardly lope around on all fours. Most are rife with disease,
with weak joints and very poor eyesight. Concisely, they are the
worst example of SLA neglect since The Formation.
Lower Downtown is additionally, widely regarded as the
hotbed of Shi’An Cult activity; most of the major Covens are
based there, away from the gaze of SLA Industries. It is in the
depths that the cult can perform extremely complex rituals and
sacrifices en masse. Much of the cult’s power and scale comes
from the fact that SLA ignores and avoids the abandoned
civilian levels within Lower Downtown

42
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

SLA Industries renamed the Central Outskirts to the Cannibal opened to the public and have grown to homesteads and then
Sectors. to townships, repurposing the old buildings of the Northwest
There are five Cannibal Sectors surrounding Mort City, each Compact. Hole2 has been opened to allow the public to pass
populated with a varied cross-section of species and fauna. between these towns, though it is heavily guarded by Shivers.
Sector 1 is the most diverse, with Cannibals, Carrien, Scavs,
Dream Entities and Manchines all domiciled throughout its SECTOR WALL
territories. Sector 2 is slightly larger than the first sector, but
The Sector Wall is the barrier separating Cannibal Sectors 1
is predominantly ruled by Carrien, to such an extent it is often
to 5 from Inner Downtown and Mort City. Its precursor was
known as the Carrien Sector. Sector 3 is known for its Ex War
created initially as a cordon line to keep the citizens of Central
Criminals, Sector 4 is very polluted and overrun with Cannibal
Outskirts from the main city. Over time that has morphed into
tribes while Sector 5; the smallest Sector, is plagued with
an enormous cement and steel structure that protects Mort City
horrific mutants derived from all its denizen species.
from the forsaken in the cannibal sectors. The Sector Wall as
“ Yeah, I know there’s all this new talk of shit going on in it is recognisable now, began construction in the height of the
Lower Downtown and we’re starting to hear about this fighting after the collapse of Salvation Tower and took a further
Deep Construct, but I’m still going to focus my attention on 47 years to complete. Owing to the sheer size and magnitude of
the Cannibal Sectors. They’re still a danger, no matter how such an edifice it is continuously repaired, reinforced, fortified
strong the Sector Wall is, or how well the Shivers are doing and improved.
on the Bellwood Campaign. Those ruins out there have been The Sector Wall has served Mort City very well over the
a battlezone for six centuries. The inhabitants are classified as last six centuries and whilst it cannot keep out small packs of
their own defined species - Cannibals. They aren’t even Humans Carrien nor stop determined Scav teams from slipping through,
anymore; that’s how much time has passed. How mad is that? it has protected the city from large scale assault many times
Not as mad as the fact these Cannibals even have their own during its existence. Given the increases in small breaches and
religion to boot. The worship of a god called Rawhead. Huh, as the recent successes of the Bellwood Campaign, there has been
if Digger himself wasn’t bad enough…” debate over the validity of the Sector Wall. As the campaign
continues, the wall will become further and further from the
Wrek Taggin, Wraithen Operative, frontline.
SCL 7, Squad ‘Dusty Lavender’
Shiver Patrols are now frequent in the heart of the Northwest
In modern times the Cannibal Sectors are still considered the Compact and numerous Bridgehead forts have been established
most hostile and neglected stretches of terrain on Mort. They meaning the wall is becoming invalid as a frontline defence.
are awash with Cannibal clans, Carrien packs, Scavs, Manchines Advocates for the wall counter that Cannibal Sector 1 and its
and even Dream Entities, the list of horrors inhabiting the neighbouring territories cover thousands of kilometres of savage
sectors is near unending. terrain and it will take many, many years for SLA to bring the
The Cannibal Sectors surrounding Mort City have now inhabitants to heel. While the reclamation continues, the wall
existed for more than six hundred years, but SLA Industries provides a formidable last line of defence and one that Mort
wants them back. Since the advent of the Bellwood Campaign, City should be very pleased to have.
the primary zone, Sector 1, has gone through a massive The Wall runs for 352km and is 30m in height and roughly
transformation. Dotted throughout the various districts of CS1, 20m thick at the base. Its ramparts are constantly patrolled by
the Shiver Organisation has fought for and held a series of forts, Shivers and within the wall administration and technical staff
known as Bridgeheads. SLA Industries finally has a foothold maintain, upkeep and catalogue reports of all activity taking
in the lawless ruins, but the work continues and the war to place beyond the city border. There are a series of gates stationed
overcome the region will take many more years. There is also the along the length of the wall via which the Shiver Patrols, Sector
issue with the other four Cannibal Sectors, which, as yet, still Rangers and on occasion, SLA Operatives can travel to and
stand unopposed. The Bellwood Campaign is succeeding in the from the Cannibal Sectors, these are the most heavily protected
first sector, but can SLA Industries afford the cost to regain the sections of the Sector Wall.
other 4 sectors? Additionally, the Bellwood Campaign has been Hole2 is widely regarded as the main entrance and exit to
successful in getting SLA Industries back into Cannibal Sector Sector 1 and leads to the main supply route, Fothergill Lane,
1, but it has failed in keeping the sector’s varying denizens out connecting the Bridgeheads to the Sector Wall defences and
of Mort City. Over time, a few small clusters of most enemy Mort City. In the last couple of years, a new Stormer has been
factions have crept through the cracks in the Sector Wall and implemented at Sector Wall section 350, as an ‘intelligent’
are beginning to make their way up through the subterranean defence against increasing Carrien incursions there. The 830
levels of Lower Downtown into Inner Downtown and amongst ‘Gator’ Stormer is an improvement on a near forgotten war
the city’s inhabited regions. world Stomer pattern, known by the same name but a different
In the last couple of years, a perimeter line of small number. Although they appear near identical to their forebears
bridgeheads have been set up between Bridgeheads Endeavour the 830s have a lot of subtle design features including an
and Distant North, forming the edge of what is now called insatiable appetite for Carrien flesh.
the ‘Northwest Strip’, which is closed in by nothing but a wire
fence. Bridgeheads between this line and the Sector wall were

43
 SLA INDUSTRIES

“Sergeant Chester feeds our local Gator with the sandwiches a piece of the region for the same reasons. Like most Sector
his wife makes. Apparently, they’re made with Piggy Wiggy, inhabitants the Scavs assumed that the Zone would be entirely
but she bought it down the market on a bulk deal. The Gator lifeless, but they have quickly discovered this is not the case.
goes mad for it and is getting big. I tried feeding it straight out Carnivorous pigs and rats do not favour the NGZ, but beings
the tin and it wasn’ interested. I’m beginning to think the Sarg’s far more otherworldly do.
Piggy Wiggy ain’t Piggy Wiggy”. The enemies of SLA who have successfully chosen to make
Shiver Private Serentine Wilmahurd, their home in the No-Go Zone were not natives of Mort,
Sector Wall Section 350 instead were Conflict Aliens. The first to arrive were the Momics,
who selected the irradiated tundras as their home and began
NO-GO ZONE converting them into Maggrot forests. Several detachments of
Thallasians have landed and set up base to the north and there are
The No-Go Zone is not as well explored as other regions on rumours that Grosh scientists have created scientific outposts,
Mort, with SLA historically focusing its Operatives more on not unlike those created by the Scav progenitor, Dr Arild Frode
tackling the Cannibal Sectors and Lower Downtown. As there Scarogg, centuries earlier in the forbidding wilderness.
is barely any sustainable ecosystem existing in the No-Go Zone,
most factions simply avoid it. The Zone is a vast region to the “ You know it’s bad when even the Dream Entities won’t
south east of Cannibal Sector 1, perpetually blasted by rain touch a place. The No-Go Zone really earned its name, if you
and gale force winds. It is as hostile an environment as one can know what I mean. The only reason we know the Zone is a
imagine. The majority of this land mass is industrial machinery hotbed for Conflict Aliens is because the Sector Rangers told us.
and pipelines, most of which have existed since the Formation. It’s not like the Scavs were going to divulge that information.
Most of the savage species found within the Cannibal I doubt many SLA Ops even know the No-Go Zone even
Sectors avoid the No-Go zone for two reasons: it is devoid of exists, let alone be able to point to it on the map. But they’re
sustainable flora or fauna and hence food and is wracked with gonna know, very soon. See, I reckon there’s going to be a whole
some of the most extreme weather conditions seen on Mort. new version of Green BPN that’s going to send them out there
Hammering rain, vicious storms, toxic atmosphere and deadly to fight the Conflict Races. I’m calling it the Shit Greens.
hail constantly beset the region, enough reason for Cannibals Good luck to them; they’re going to need it.”
and Carrien to steer well clear.
Shiver Sgt. Josefina Hernandez, Bridgehead Endeavour
Of Mort’s races only the Scavs have successfully ventured that
far south, simply because there are so many industrial resources
to be found in the No-Go Zone. It is too enticing for the Scavs DEEP CONSTRUCT
to ignore and DarkNight is also trying to carve themselves “I have heard some Aetherman claiming five extra Districts
and also heard others claim 8 or even 12 Districts exist down
there, in varying states of completion. And look, I choose the
words ‘states of completion’ very carefully when describing the
Deep Construct. It’s a difficult place to quantify and that’s what
makes it so bloody scary.
We don’t know how big it is, how deep it goes. We don’t know
who exactly created it, what exactly it is, or what purpose it
serves. We don’t know how it affects visitors in the short or long
term, physically, mentally or I guess, spiritually.
The defining characteristic of the place is that it is mystifying
and the moment that fear or confusion settles on you, then the
Deep Construct owns you.”
Aetherman Fernsby, Naga 7 Division, 6th Head
Below the sparsely populated black tunnels of Lower
Downtown, there are more street levels growing and solidifying.
The existence of these phantom districts is linked directly to
the darkest secrets of SLA Industries. Secrets the company has
strived to silence and contain for centuries. The Deep Construct
is the new term used to describe the recently discovered region.
Threat Analysis finds the Deep Construct particularly alarming
since it does not appear on any architecture map. It looks to be
an extension of Downtown, but an extension that was never
built by SLA Industries. As yet only a handful of Aethermen
have ventured there and much like the forays into the Fission
Belt, the expeditions must be brief or fatal.

44
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

Given its positioning below the structure of Mort City the place to a deep sea world on the ocean floor, even going as
and the countless threats and hazards that lie within it, it is far as to compare the local Dream Entities to the angler fish and
fortunate that very few people have ever ventured into the Deep other marine life that are found in the depths.
Construct. Those that have, have put forth various accounts If a visitor were to descend far enough into the Deep
and descriptions of the inhabitants and the look of the streets Construct, oxygen would be required, along with considerable
and buildings. Some describe architecture not unlike that of mental fortitude. This is an area completely devised by alien
the deeper districts of Lower Downtown, others have spoken minds with only a rudimentary understanding of the normalcy
of completely alien tunnels with the style of some long lost and culture of the world above. The closest and most accurate
historical design, one that unsettles at the most basic of levels. It term the Aethermen could attribute to the Deep Construct is
is so much more than simple blood and guts scary in the Deep ‘maddening.’
Construct. One thing that is confirmed and fully recognised by Until recently, Platinum BPNs, issued directly by Head
everyone and every organisation, is that there are no Downtown Office, have always been missions to White Earth, but now
civilians living there. All reports mention Dream Entities and Platinum could equally mean exploration into and of the Deep
unfamiliar fauna. There are not even any sightings of Shi’An cult Construct. SLA will not dispatch just anyone there, only the
activity there, at least not yet. It seems that the Deep Construct most experienced and hardened of Operatives will be sent into
is the province of the Dream Entities and their own skewed the Construct. The results so far have been unfavourable and
perspective and bewildering way of life. The Deep Construct poor. It is likely therefore, that the Whistling Bridge Protocol
belongs to the Dream and we should not enter into it. will result in a program not dissimilar to the Sector Rangers
It is as yet uncertain exactly where Lower Downtown ends deployed in Cannibal Sector 1, but instead focused on Deep
and the Deep Construct begins. Most who have ventured that Construct specialists.
far down claim to sense a change within themselves which
suggests a passing over the threshold from one plane to another. “Well, ‘The Drop’ is an ancient elevator created during the
The term ‘sea change’ is used by Aethermen to describe the early development of Downtown. It can take its occupants to
feeling of entering into the Deep Construct. the very lowest levels of Downtown, direct from Head Office.
Aethermen believe that the Deep Construct is either one Now, it seems, it can continue on and into the Deep Construct.
large Dream Entity, or, more likely, a complex interconnection A fast track to imminent danger.”
of basic Dream Entities conjuring and fortifying their own Aetherman Fernsby, Naga 7 Division, 6th Head
depiction of Downtown. Some of the Aethermen have likened

45
 SLA INDUSTRIES

convenient if both ends of your journey are near a station, or if

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT you need to travel long distances or out of Mort City completely.
“I saw a Shiver getting a knee trembler in a Shift Block once Gauss Trains are tubular trains, powered by magnetic
- nobody even looked up!” propulsion in soft vacuum tubes, that travel at speeds around
Bin Weng, Civilian, Downtown Sector 4-285 1000km/h, at peak. The tubes run from Central Station to a
few key locations around the city. There are approximately a
Travel throughout Mort City and other major cities, comes in hundred or so active stations. The tubes can have gentle curves,
many guises, but walking is the most common. Public transport allowing trains from outside the city to terminate in Central,
also features heavily, with elevators between levels, buses, trains, high above Downtown and so, provide access to the spaceport
subways and taxis all competing with personal vehicles for and other facilities. There is a small clearance zone in Central
footfall. For long distances, atmospheric shuttles can get you Station to provide security and catch those without permits to
from one side of the planet to the other in under a day. be within the Perimiter Wall. They are forced to change trains
to return outside the security walls.
SHIFT BLOCKS A local trip is two Credits and anywhere outside the city is
anything from five Credits to fifty Credits.
“I fucking hate hate hate being crammed in like Piggy Wiggy
in Tomato Sauce next to some old helltramp that stinks of TAXIS
someone else’s piss for what seems like an hour, just to get from
level three to four, every fucking day.” “Tell Kenananotep I’m on my way. Taxi!”
Fenwick Green, Human Operative SCL 8.2, Squad ‘Ham’ Slick Marstes, Human Corporate SCL 6.2, Dept. Finance
Shift Blocks are platforms that move large groups of people Taxis are common above Downtown, providing SLA
up and down through Inner Downtown. Slow, smelly and employees a way to get around that does not require them to
unreliable, they are constantly crowded by civilians willing to mix with undesirables. Twenty credits an hour will get you
put up with being packed on a platform just to get from level to anywhere you want within the Perimeter Wall. Downtown
level. Slap a couple of Uni in the slot, walk through the turnstile taxis are similar, only they are charged in Unis, ten an hour and
and wait twenty minutes for the platform to arrive. they’re a lot less pleasant.

BUSES PERSONAL TRANSPORT

“The serial killer Prison Shiv was a Downtown taxi driver. Cars, Motorbikes, powered armour, there are many forms of
I’ll take the bus” transport that SLA Industries would like you to buy. The road
Haryet Glib, Civilian, Downtown Sector 5-360 system, when it’s working, allows easy access across Mort City,
with gentle ramps between the layers and plenty of roads to get
The bus system on Mort is lacking, with some sectors not even anywhere you want.
having one. You can’t get from sector to sector on the buses as You can spend as much as you want on your own personal
they are all tied to the local sector management system. transport.
A bus will get you anywhere within the sector, albeit with a
few changes, for a Uni. A bus trip across a sector can take up to
two hours, if you’re unlucky with connections.

THE SUBWAY
The underground train system of Mort City, the subway, is the
favoured commuter system in the upper levels of Downtown,
but once the workforce is done with the confined trains, it
becomes a haven for bored citizens. Subways don’t go up or
down, so you can’t get a train from one layer to another. Most
subway stations have a Shift Block installed.
A subway will get you anywhere within your starting sector
in up to an hour, usually less than half and anywhere within
three sectors in any direction within two hours. A five Uni ticket
provides unlimited travel for a whole day.

GAUSS TRAINS
The quickest way to get around Mort, short of reality folding,
is by Gauss Train. With fewer stations than the subway and
longer distances between them, these tubed trains are only

46
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

duty is spread across a wide range of weapons manufacture,

THE WORLD OF PROGRESS vehicles and armour development and Karma branches of bio-
The World of Progress is a catchall term for the entirety of engineering. Naturally these complex outputs require millions
SLA held and owned space. It is not a singular world as its of staff, so vast cities are built to support the requirements and
name suggests but a galaxy, housing numerous solar systems to house the employees of SLA Industries.
with planets which in various ways serve the company. With such densely populated city sprawls, there is always
The combined locations, World of Progress, Herodotus corporate crime and collateral threats. Companies like
System and Conflict Space, are often just referred to as ‘The DarkNight will invariably target Industrial Worlds because it is
SLA Universe’, despite how all three areas are at odds with each far easier to spread dissension and rebellion amongst so much
other. high pressure living and social unrest.
Practically all the viable planets in the World of Progress serve As a result, SLA Operatives are always integral to the
some function for SLA Industries. Those that attempt to resist protection and security of Industrial Worlds. SLA faces similar
the company’s control are ruthlessly beaten into submission, or Corporate threats on all Industrial Worlds, but their positioning
abandoned and left vulnerable to attack by rival companies or in the World of Progress may present different additional
Conflict Races. threats. Those close to the Verges of SLA held space are more
prone to attack from Conflict Races, whilst those at the heart of
“The 3 Ps Contract, ha! More like SLA Protection Racket…. SLA are likely to face opposition from the Shi’An Cult.
You pay to get fucked.” The largest and most important of all Industrial Worlds is of
Brinsley Quarterstaff, DarkNight Agent course Mort itself.

The company has broken these planets into a variety of DELUXE WORLDS
classifications that best describes their purpose.
Pleasure planets, or as they are officially known, Deluxe
INDUSTRIAL WORLDS Worlds, have better standards of living and are by far the
least polluted planets of the World of Progress. Most wealthy
Industrial Worlds are among the most valued planets to SLA Operatives and Corporates vacation on Deluxe Worlds, but
Industries. they are very expensive to enjoy, even when only staying for a
SLA has countless worlds that produce specific consumer few days or weeks.
items, but Industrial Worlds tend to have a broader scope. Their

47
 SLA INDUSTRIES

One of the most famous Deluxe Worlds is New Paris, which is Aside from environmental hazards, people in the World of
widely regarded as the most picturesque and well maintained in Progress fear these places as they can commonly be used as
the World of Progress. It is also where much of SLA Industries’ forced labour camps for SLA convicts. Criminals and traitors
high fashions and trends are created. who are sent to Labour Worlds to serve usually receive full life
But this is the SLA Universe and so there cannot be the sweet terms. Being consigned to a brutal Labour World is in essence
without the sour. Intruder has been known to use the beautiful a death sentence.
veneer of Deluxe Worlds to conceal secret Black Sites (specially Some low-end corporates naively think they can turn a profit
sanctioned torture rooms) away from the prying eyes of Head on these hellish worlds, but soon find out they are little better
Office. off than the broken men and women who suffer and waste away
in the enormous factories and mines.
HOME WORLDS
These are planets for races that have fallen under the banner
WAR WORLDS
and protection of SLA. At present, Home Worlds are specifically In attempt to subvert global catastrophes SLA Industries
populated by Wraithen, Shaktars and Ebonites, since these elected to designate certain planets as War Worlds and whilst
races sided with SLA during the Conflict Era; they did not lose SLA and its rivals will battle on Industrial Worlds, most of the
or flee their Home Worlds and so they have kept them over the greater disputes are started, settled and started once again on
last 900 years. the churned up surface of War Worlds, like Dante, Cross and
Home Worlds usually exist within their kept solar systems and Erebus.
have a capital planet: Shaktars (K’nth), Wraithen (Polo) and Much like Labour Worlds they are ravaged over time and
Ebonites (Static). gradually transform in purpose when there is little left to utilise
The Neophron and the far lesser known Omaja are in and obtain.
negotiations to reclaim their Home Worlds in SLA Space. War Worlds tend to devolve from planets who refused the
terms of SLA Industries’ 3 Ps contract. They are left open to
RESOURCE WORLDS attack and suffer rather unfair consequences. SLA invariably
leaves the planet for about a year whilst it is worn down by
Resource Worlds are SLA’s best attempts to maintain viable an assault for the likes of Thresher or the Krell and once a
ecosystems whilst still trying to ravage them for as much as beleaguered victory emerges, SLA will return with a counter
they can withstand. Largely, they are natural environs with attack.
little more than exotic flora and fauna populating the surface.
In most cases this assault is swift and conclusive; SLA wipes
Occasionally there may be a low impact primitive species on
away its opponent and installs a ‘franchise infrastructure’
the Resource World and SLA employees and Operatives are
converting the planet into a Resource or Labour World. If this
stationed there to keep the natives in check, as deforestation
does not hold, or the opposition still proves too strong, the SLA
and mineral excavation takes place on an hourly basis.
Military will stage a full-scale attack.
SLA Industries usually dots the landscape with a series of
The end result is a War World.
scientific outposts in order to study and marginally preserve the
environment. They have little compassion for the worlds they
own, but seek to protect the Resource World as much as possible FRANCHISE WORLDS
in order that it can continue to produce for the company. “Good morning, Emperor Zaffin. Let me start by just saying
Resource Worlds are often targeted by Contract Hunters in how relieved we are that you chose to sign our contractual
search of new exotic animals to capture and sell to the Circuit agreement. So good to finally force Thresher out, once and for all.
which will then fight in the arenas. The pay for alien fauna can
Now, under the terms of our agreement your planet and
earn a high price and many Hunters are willing to poach and
nations will be part of our Franchise Initiative and I’m certain
break quarantine laws for such sought after prey.
you’ll be thrilled with the plans we have for the future. Thomas,
could you please bring over the product range? Thank you.
LABOUR WORLDS
Now, as we already have several chains based here I’m sure
Much of SLA’s primary manufacture takes place on Labour you’ll already be familiar with the Big Smile Burgers brand?
Worlds; planets dedicated almost entirely to a singular product: It’s just one of our little fast food subsidiaries but it has a well
armaments being the most common. Labour Worlds typically proven track record.
begin life as Resource Worlds, wherein the planet is selected What we have here is the Toothy Grin Meal For One: Double
for its valuable minerals ore, oil and flux material etc. Over the Plus Big Smile with Cheese Burger, Big Win Fries and Sun
course of centuries, these resources are mined completely and the Beam Soda. Just the classic range: it’s what your planet’s sole
destitute planet’s surface is then converted into manufacturing focus will be going forwards.
plants and industrial complexes.
As we look at the map here of your planet we can see where
What happened to Mort’s No-Go Zone is what happens on
the individual food groups will be manufactured. The bio beef
a global scale with Labour Worlds. The ruthless and excessive
patties - here, gherkins and other produce - here, the sauce
mining turns to environmental disaster, beset by storms and
factories along the coast - here and here in the Capital you’ll
hurricanes.

48
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

be producing the signature smiley buns. Oh and who can forget

that tasty Sun Beam Soda, which will be produced … down
here.
So, here are our manufacturing projections and expectations
for the next 10 years. Just have a look at the documentation at
your leisure. In the meantime, I think this is a great opportunity
for a few press photos: Thomas, could you bring in the Toothy
Grin Mascot and the photographers?
Emperor Zaffin, are you listening? Could you come and stand
over here in the light and let’s see your best Big Smile for the
cameras! Please shake Toothy’s paw and smile, thank you.”
3Ps Contractual Lawyer, on the newly anointed
Big Smile world (formerly Beleron)
Planets on the brink of collapse often find themselves having
to bow down to SLA and become one of the notorious Franchise
Worlds. As part of the Franchise Initiative, the planet loses its
identity and is forced to become a global manufacturing plant
for a specific subsidiary of SLA - fast foods, toy manufacture,
vehicles and tinned goods are the most common. Anything that
requires vast mass production usually stems from a collection of
Franchise Worlds.
Rarely do world governments wilfully enter into these
extremely shady, ruthless deals: SLA press-gangs the planets
into these contracts by pointing out the invading forces
threatening to destroy their home and how their only hope of
salvation is to spend the rest of their existence producing burger
ingredients, sports footwear and teddy bears.
For most it is a fate worse than death, as SLA insists a select
product or brand be the Franchise World’s sole focus. Ops receive BPNs centred on these situations and are sent out
People quickly grow sick of the overbearing Franchise that to serve as back up support.
permeates every aspect of their lives and careers. Everywhere
they look there is a factory uniform or advertising billboard for THE HERODOTUS SYSTEM
a Big Smile Burger and it is a trend that isn’t ever going away. At the very edges of the World of the Progress lies the
Op Squads are often assigned to these worlds when ‘Franchise Herodotus System. Only three planets circle the burning star
Sickness’ sets in and hysterical members of the beleaguered of Herodotus: Gesmas, Marris and White Earth. It is widely
public go on homicidal rampages to rid their world of the regarded as the most dangerous (and feared) system existing
maddening Franchise that obliterated their cultural landscape within the SLA Universe. Its sheer malevolence is felt by
and social identity. all who pass its boundaries. Despite its relative small size in
comparison to the World of Progress and Conflict Space, the
BACKWATER WORLDS Herodotus System is still categorised as a separate territory as
it is governed by neither side of the universe, although there
“When I see ‘Backwater’ on a BPN, I know to avoid it. are those that maintain that White Earth’s influence rules over
Nothing good ever happens out there.” Conflict Space.
Jankman South, Human Operative SCL 9.1, Squad ‘Biff ’
“I have ventured into Conflict Space, many, many times and
Backwater Worlds are the planets positioned on the edges each and every time I have felt the Red King’s eyes on my back.
of the World of Progress, referred to as The Verges; the bank Everything seems to slow down, as he scrutinises my thoughts,
of space that runs dangerously close to the Herodotus System. probing and searching.
These planets rarely serve any great purpose or have limited Bitterness has always permitted me into Conflict Space and
resource value to SLA Industries and are typically just left to not let me or my crew fall foul of the Dark Moon Shaktars and
their own devices I do not understand why.
Backwater Worlds do tend to become a breeding ground for
Perhaps it is not what I take into Conflict Space that interests
corporate subversion and in more extreme cases, a target for the
him, but whatever I may be bringing back.”
Shi’An Cult. As a consequence, Threat Analysis will send out
specially trained spies to infiltrate backwater governments, in an Aetherman Elwell
effort to spot and report revolution before it can take hold and
take the necessary steps to quell an uprising. Sometimes SLA

49
 SLA INDUSTRIES

CONFLICT SPACE ION DRIVE

This is the lawless and largely unexplored region of space When the Shaktar joined SLA Industries, they brought with
which exists beyond the Herodotus System. Believed to be as them a superior faster-than-light system. While these hulking
expansive and densely populated as the World Of Progress, it is ships are still built by Shaktars around Kn’nth, SLA-built cargo
the province of the Conflict Races, once believed extinct. ships using Shaktar technology have been commonplace for
Those wishing to flee the wrath of SLA often venture into hundreds of years.
Conflict Space and take their chances in truly alien and hostile The Ion Drive is also used in shuttles that take people and
worlds. In order to reach the new frontier the traveller must first cargo from the surface of planets to the large orbiting ships and
skirt the edges of Herodotus and hope to not draw too much they are also used to get commercial Foldships out of the gravity
attention. Shaktarian Ion Drive Pirates, all aligned to Bitterness wells of stars.
and White Earth, camp out in this region, ready to snare all Once an Ion Drive ship reaches around 3% of light speed,
who veer too close to the domain of the Red King. they create wormholes that act similar to reality folding, only
Many Aethermen journeyed into Conflict Space for years at a nowhere near as instantaneous, with travel taking around a
time and returned with wild and elaborate tales. SLA Industries month, a third of which is in Dk’ Shnh, translated as none-space,
places heavy restrictions on passage into Conflict Space. It is a cloudy and colourful place between space that spacefaring
usually only Aethermen and Neophron Ambassadors permitted Shaktar think of as a peaceful and spiritual place.
to venture that far beyond SLA’s reach.
REALITY FOLDING
“I hail from the Farouk System and the Farouk system lies in
the heart of Conflict Space. You want to know what Conflict Mastery of the Ebb allowed short distance reality folding to
Space is like? It is joy, it is horror, it is riches, it is curses. evolve into inter-planetary travel, with a few caveats. Gravity
It is countless worlds where the Conflict Era never ended. and momentum are easy to deal with on a small scale with
Species known and hated by SLA and many others never seen basic formulation having enough room for minor errors to be
in the World of Progress. And the Shi’An, oh yes. ignored, but on a large inter-planetary scale, gravity becomes far
too dangerous and complicated to factor in. With commercial
The taint of the Shi’An cult is everywhere in Conflict Space flight, this means that a ship would need to use conventional
and I dare not count the loss; the uncounted worlds lost to its mass drive or ion drive to get out of range of the sun before
madness. It is why we return to SLA; to save it from such a fate. folding, where the decreased gravitational pull of the sun no
One day soon, we must return to Conflict Space, for answers. longer plays an effect on the formulae calculations. At 1G
And you must come back with us and taste and sample all that constant acceleration, this takes on average one week before
I have described. folding is seamless, with a following week of deceleration after
We will pass the Gate of Herodotus and explore all that lies the fold.
beyond.” You can get anywhere in the World of Progress in two weeks,
Mattifet Ketaptor, The Neophron Empress but if you can afford it, you can do it even quicker with a
qualified Ebonite pilot, as long as you don’t need to keep your
lunch down. Military Foldships will push their Ion Drives over
SPACE TRAVEL 1G acceleration, especially when they are transporting Stormers
who can cope with over 2G of constant acceleration and
The World of Progress spans thousands of star systems, many
experienced Ebonite Foldship pilots can survive those extremes
of which are inhabited and exploited by SLA Industries. Travel
if they have trained their Dark Lament Pilot Deathsuits to keep
amongst these worlds can be achieved by four different systems
them alive.
of transport, although only two of them, Reality Folding and
Ion Drives, are in common use.
CUTTER ENGINES
MASS DRIVES “They’re nice, but way too small for anything useful.”
SLA Industries used Mass Drives to get faster-than-light Bjern Alskoerd, Skend Logistics, Mort
travel, pushing large ships through space at high speeds to get
The Neophrons came to the World of Progress in small ships
their personnel and resources to far-off worlds within two to
known as Cutters. The Cutter engines were smaller than the
six months, extending the World of Progress at a rate limited
Ion Drives used in transport ships and shuttles. Cutter engines
only by the time their assets could spend in deep space. This
are only effective up to a certain mass, but they are considerably
system of dispersal lasted until the Shaktars were brought under
quicker than Ion Drives. Cutters also have gravity dampers that
SLA’s protection, giving them access to the Shaktar’s superior
allow faster speeds without discomfort.
Ion Drive technology.
A Neophron Cutter can be large enough for a crew of a dozen
Older Mass Drive ships are occasionally found in use where
or so and can travel anywhere in between ten and twenty days,
cost is a factor and time isn’t, but with the increased efficiency of
using the same wormholes as Shaktar ships, only spending a lot
Ion Drives, they are getting less and less common.
less time in the none-space.

50
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

Welcome to TransFlight’s SPACEPORTS

Mort - New Paris Luxury Cruise flight.
Planets typically have spaceports where shuttles take you into
Get ready for an enjoyable fifteen-day cruise to New Paris. orbit where you transfer to a Foldship or, if you’re cargo, an
All our voyages start with a shuttle ride from Mort Ion Drive ship. These starports usually double up as airports
Spaceport, with the lower berths boarding first and the on planets with commercial airports. A spaceport will typically
staterooms boarding last. Boarding can take up to a day have a landing area, cargo areas and security systems to ensure
on our spacious cruise liners, so don’t be late. Once aboard only those allowed get to travel.
your ship, you will be expected to make your way to your Mort City’s spaceport, located inside the perimeter wall in
room where your luggage will be waiting for you, but if Uptown, is one of the busiest and is not burdened with aircraft
you have forgotten anything, you will likely find it in one as the weather makes flight almost impossible. However, the
of the many on-board shopping zones. Please note that a spaceport is kept busy with constant shuttles transporting
few of our subsidised flights may have reduced facilities to Operatives, Employees and cargo to Ion Drive ships and
accommodate the facilities required by military personnel Foldships in geostationary orbit.
or company operatives and officials.
Once everyone is settled in and the mandatory safety
drills have been performed, the journey will start. It takes
OBSERVATION STATUS
approximately a week to get out of the solar system to a The classification of planets in the World of Progress is
distance where reality folding is no longer affected by the currently managed by Observation Status, a recent amalgam
Sun’s gravity and during that time, you are welcome to of departments coalesced from smaller departments to present
explore the ship and make use of the extensive facilities on a unified catalogue of planets. Their Standard Listings are
offer. You are advised to get to the viewing decks as early in designed to provide Operatives and Employees with enough
the journey as possible so you can see the planet Mort fill information to quickly decide on off-world BPNs and other
your sky. However, views of space are available throughout excursions.
the voyage and even the higher speeds you reach before A planet is described by Observation Status as follows:
reality folding are not high enough to spoil the vista of the
stars. Name: The name of the planet
When the ship reality folds, you will be asked to take a seat, System: The star system in which the planet can be found
even though the risk of a gravity shift is exceedingly low Type: The classification of the planet from the
these days. This is for your own safety and should only take a Observation Status categories: Industrial,
minute. After the alerts are over, you may resume whatever Deluxe, Home, Resource, Labour, War,
recreational activity you were enjoying prior to the fold. Franchise, Backwater.
Please note, the swimming pools and other facilities may be Output: What the planet provides
closed several hours in advance of folding for your security. Size: The planet’s size: Tiny, Small, Medium, Large,
The deceleration phase takes seven days to get to New Huge
Paris. You will be notified of local dates and other pertinent Population: Population according to the eleven basic
information in any of the localisation seminars held at Observation classifications listed below,
regular times in the conference rooms. Laws and customs including Kill Terrain, the designation for
are also explained at separate induction courses for first- contested planets.
time visitors and courses in New Parisian are available Prosperity: The wealth and social level to be expected, listed
to those travellers wanting a more authentic view of the as either Poor, Normal or Rich.
culture and destinations the planet offers.
After fourteen and a half days, you will find yourself Classification Population
orbiting the beautiful planet of New Paris and will be A Dense with cities
expected to have packed in readiness for your descent to the B Balanced with cities
planet’s surface by local shuttle, but if you’re a little tired or
C Sparse with cities
just want to spend a little longer on board, shuttles will be
operating for an additional day and many of the bars and D Dense with towns
restaurants remain open at this time, but we do recommend E Balanced with towns
that you make use of the shuttles as soon as is convenient as F Sparse with towns
you would find the fine cuisine and decor planet-side much
more appealing. G Dense with villages

We hope you enjoy the journey. Stewards are available to H Balanced with villages
assist you throughout the voyage; don’t hesitate to ask them I Sparse with villages
anything! J No permanent residents
K Kill Terrain

51
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Scorch Gregori IV
“SLA saw potential in Bolarvo so they installed their own “Apparently they used Low Waves here originally, but that
presidente to run the government; the inevitable tyrannical proved too costly, they wore out too quickly. I don’t know
regime, so then DarkNight arrived and builds resistance armies whether it’s true or not, but they say they tried to make a hardier
in the foothills. The Bolarvion Freedom Fighters clashed with version, just for this planet. Then some bright spark fucker had a
paramilitary style Death Squads and the bodies piled up. SLA clever idea to just use us prisoners. Cheaper!”
crushed the resistance but that blood still stains the soil and Val Bealson, Human Ex-Operative, Deceased
Shi’An was drawn in on the scent”
Emilio Fernando Ortega, (68) Factory Worker To be sentenced to a Labour world is a life sentence of hard
labour. Gregori IV is one of the worst labour planets in the
Scorch, or as its native people call it - Bolarvo, is a small World of Progress. Prisoners are forced to work 15 hour days
Backwater on The Verges of the World of Progress. Scorch with no breaks, followed by 5 hours sleep. The planet is bitterly
borders on being classified as a Resource world, as it grows a cold and the terrain exclusively tundra, meaning that the ore
particular form of plant used in the creation of the SLA drug - and rocks are extremely difficult to quarry. Most inhabitants
Alice, but its output is currently low. Most of the planet’s limited have lost fingers, noses and other extremities to frostbite. The
economy is built around the harvesting, partial synthesis and air is full of ore dust, as the minerals are purified at exceedingly
shipping of the derived chemical. The vast majority of Scorch’s low yields.
populace live in abject poverty, scraping by in shanty towns Human life expectancy is approximately 4 years. Most
scattered throughout wide stretches of jungle terrain. These succumb to the cold or Emphysema. The lucky may become a
towns are extremely violent places where life is clearly deemed quick meal for the native direbears. No one has ever escaped the
cheap. As if Scorch weren’t dangerous enough, there are now planet, nor is it expected they ever will.
rumours that the Shi’An cult has taken hold in the townships.
Gregori IV
Scorch
System Type Output
System Type Output Sirith Labour Ceramic Minerals
The Verges Backwater Chemicals
Size Population Prosperity
Size Population Prosperity Huge C (Prisons) Poor
Small D Poor
Ramdeff
Maugra Til’
“See, it’s a sad old place. I run a Bertha-class transport out
“No, I have never been there, nor will I ever go. There is no to Chapter every few months to get cars and I noticed it’s the
honour there. The Shaktars of the Dark Moon call it home, that same guys operating the Ramdeff shuttles every time. They must
is enough for me to not call it at all. It doesn’t exist to me and to live out there. Can you imagine living in a car park? I mean I
suggest it does is to insult me and my culture beyond anything practically live in a Bertha and even I think they must be mad.”
else. I know you didn’t know, so I will give you a pass...Now
Sack Maastersen, Bertha-class Ion Drive ship pilot
what were you asking about? Think carefully!”
Ki’Khen’Kerthu Shaktar Operative SCL 7.1, Squad ‘Ki’ One of only two planets in the Chapter system has been
described as a car park the size of a planet. With no permanent
Dark Moon Shaktars are either found on the Gate of residents, the planet is covered in flattened geography that is
Herodotus or in their own neighbouring Rott System. The covered in containers and vehicles. Originally used as an off-
black jewel in Rott is the Industrial World - Maugra Til’ loading point for vehicles built on Swest, the other planet in
(pronounced Mogra Teel). The primary function of Maugra the Chapter system, other industrial planets switched to using
Til’ is the production and repair of Ion Drive Ships. It is also Ramdeff as a shipping hub for cars and other vehicles. There
homeworld to the ruling Dark Moon Clans. As with all to do are a few large spaceports with a few barracks for security and
with Dark Moon Shaktar culture, Maugra Til’ is heavily aligned logistics, but the planet has no indigenous life or resources.
with White Earth and so it is a world mired in violence, horror Workers on Ramdeff seldom have familes and over half the
and depravity. The Shaktarian race considers Maugra Til’ to be living creatures are Low Wave Stormers performing menial
the most evil location in the entire World of Progress. It is a tasks moving cars and car parts between storage and shuttles.
reputation well deserved.
Maugra Til’ Ramdeff
System Type Output System Type Output
Rott Home/Industrial Ion Drive Ships Chapter Industrial Cars

Size Population Prosperity Size Population Prosperity

Large A High Small J Normal

52
 T H E WO R L D O F P R OG R E S S

Dante New Paris

“When you’re in the SLA Military and they start talking about “There’s nowhere in the World of Progress I’d rather be right
sending you to one of the big War Worlds, you piss yourself. When now, in spite of all the cheese.”
they tell you you’re headed to Dante, you piss and shit yourself. Birt Noggam, Human Corporate, Tourist
Maybe puke up your lunch too. You’d be right to, as well! Dante
really is the worst of the worst. You’ll find everything there: The favourite holiday destination of SLA’s corporate class. The
DarkNight, Thresher and now there’s the Conflict Aliens.” centre of culinary excellence, style, art and wine. New Paris is a
Sgt. Parker, 33rd ‘Bullet Wings’ Shock Armour Battalion. planet of one city and a lot of picturesque agriculture. With a
bustling nightlife and busy spaceport to go with relaxed sojourns
Dante is the most famous and notorious War World in SLA and fine dining, there’s always something to keep you busy and
owned space. Battles have raged on its surface for centuries, distracted from the looming return flight. If you’re tired of New
with each Oppressor power vying to dominate with a level of Paris, you’re tired of life.
rage and hatred only comparable to that seen last in the Conflict For the locals, it’s just home. While there is less unemployment,
Era. SLA sends the best weapons and technology to Dante to this is due to a lack of social safety net outside of family. For
ensure victory over its rivals. those who can’t find work and are not rich enough to support
The Krell have recently carved out a formidable base on themselves, there are work placement schemes that take you
Dante, focusing their efforts on destroying DarkNight. The offworld and put you to use elsewhere, either on an Industrial
vast majority of SLA Chagrin Stormers have been deployed to world or in SLA’s Military, with almost every War World
Dante and are now ready to face down the Krell War Pigs in deployment having a “Paree Legion” of exiled New Parisians,
some of the bloodiest battles ever encountered on a War World. trying to earn their passage home.

Dante New Paris

System Type Output System Type Output
Rufus VII War NA Regonne Deluxe Tourism/Fashion
Size Population Prosperity Size Population Prosperity
Large K NA Small E Rich

Big Smile World Dalblair II

“It’s not called Big Smile World, it’s called Beleron and no I “I came here to the Ayria system to make my fortune and retire
don’t want to Mega-Size...fuck off! No, just because I was born young. I have done well and for a person of my standing, a
there doesn’t mean I smell of fries, I’m from the Mustard...I fortune I have amassed. Problem is, with this line of work, you
mean...Azure Coast anyway. No, I don’t wanna give ya a smile. don’t retire young you die young. I wouldn’t have minded too
I’m hungry. You wanna get a burger with fries? I’m paying.” much, but I brought my kids here too, they’re all dead now, so I
guess the company is getting my fortune, I hope it chokes on it”
Sally Bream, Human. Trainee Operative, Meny
Andrew Maller, Shift Manager, Bleaching Block 245-F
When the Emperor of Beleron signed his world over to SLA
Industries he thought he was signing a protection contract, he Originally a beautiful planet with a novel and fragile jungle
wasn’t wrong, but unfortunately, he had not considered what the ecosystem, Dalblair II is one of the three planets in the Ayria
3Ps in the 3Ps contract actually stood. Beleron also got Progress, system that had life, each covered in over eighty percent forests.
Prospects and Prosperity. The planet has been rebranded and These trees are over 200m tall with a diameter of approximately
its populace, land and resources redeployed. The Azure Coast 20m. The largest planet, Dalblair I, has been stripped of all
is now the Mustard Coast, the capital city the Pattie Precinct, resources and is now nothing more than a barren rock. Dalblair
each region, or in some cases country, is utilised to produce a II will soon follow its fate, having been half stripped of lumber
specific aspect of the Big Smile menu, be that pickles, fries, already. The factories turn the reddish brown fibres into bleached
burger buns or condiments. The planet has been rebranded at white and high end stationery, which is sold at great profit in
every level, the staff are expected to wear Big Smile uniforms, Suburbia. Most of the workforce succumb to lung cancer within
their Hab blocks must be painted in the designated Big Smile three years, brought on by constant exposure to the chemicals,
colours. Big Smile is not just a burger, it’s life. inks and fibres sallowing the air.

Big Smile World Dalblair II

System Type Output System Type Output
Shine Franchise Big Smile Menu Ayria Resource Stationery

Size Population Prosperity Size Population Prosperity

Large B Normal Large I Normal

53
 SLA INDUSTRIES

OPERATIVE HOURS
A SLA Operative is glorified as a freelancer that picks and assigned to a Greenhorn Squad, where everyone is a fresh
chooses their role in the World of Progress, wearing their recruit. Each squad has a leader, determined democratically,
sponsorship deals on their pristine armour, wandering a historically or determined in advance by SLA Industries. That
photogenic offworld paradise, brandishing the finest composite leader is the point of contact whenever a squad interacts with
firepower FEN has to offer. The reality is a different matter SLA Employees or Shivers and is also the most likely to get
altogether, with Operatives having to take pretty much any job, disciplined when squads can’t decide whose fault an infraction
from clearing sewers to tangling with a fraying reality, from is.
breaking up an illegal cherry soda soft company to fighting alien Most starting characters will be members of an assigned
monsters, from investigating a serial killer to risking their very Greenhorn Squad and must come up with a leader and squad
soul engaging with a deadly cult, only rarely realising they are name pretty much on the spot. If they can’t come up with one
the product SLA pushes on the World of Progress. in their induction, SLA will assign them a squad name and
Operatives have to make ends meet, like everyone in Mort allocate a leader. Squad names need to be unique and SLA-
City. They need to pay their bills, repair their armour and pay approved, although the approval process is automated, based on
exorbitant prices for their ammunition. They need to look good, uniqueness, as the company assumes any squad stupid enough
fight clean and deliver on whatever they’re asked to do, just to choose a daft name will change it the moment they get
in case the cameras are watching. Please, let the cameras be turned down by a sponsor.
watching.
While SLA Industries promises to make the lives of future “They put you on the spot, they do. I was bunched in with
Operatives better, generation after generation of the best and four new pals, A gobby ebby bloke, a Frother lady, a Massive
brightest see their efforts rewarded less and less. The company’s Shaktar and a loud Stormer. What’s your squad called? You’re
corporates seem to skim a little bit more every financial period in charge, they said. Mankle, he’s the stormer, kept saying ‘smash
and yet, in spite of all this, everyone still wants to work for SLA it, hur hur’ and we didn’t know how to come up with anything
Industries. better. So, yeah, that’s how we got our name.”
Meghan Pepper, Human Operative
INDUCTION SCL10, Squad ‘Smash It Hur’

An Operative begins their career as a graduate of Meny, Sample Squad Names

the main training facility that serves as both university and . Spider House
military boot camp for the successful Operative. SLA Ops are
usually screened for at schools, steered into different classes the . Trailblazers
moment they turn into teenagers, but some employees will put . Milk and two Milgrams
their children into Operative/Employee early-placement classes . Gang of four or five
at a much younger age. Prospective Ops will typically graduate . APC or bust
aged between eighteen and twenty four, depending on their
aptitude, species and training packages. Ebonites start a year . Operative Living
earlier and have an extra year’s worth of training. Stormer 313s A starting Operative will generally be able to get a single-
are also trained slightly longer, but typically start their education room apartment organised in advance of their graduation. This
at birth and graduate after seven years. Shaktars and Wraithen can sometimes play a part in their squad allocation, with SLA
who are fluent in Killan, the language of the World of Progress, Industries preferring to have Operatives living in the same
take as long as human and Frother students, but those who sector of Downtown. In other cases, where the character has a
are not as integrated into Mort’s culture and language have an “Housing, Good” or “Housing, Poor” advantage/disadvantage,
additional year of education. Some students may have to repeat they will have a clean and safe apartment in Suburbia, or a room
years, if they are struggling, but are still deemed worthy of the in a shared rat pit in Downtown District 6
effort or if their families are rich or important enough to lobby
on their behalf. It is rare to see anyone repeating more than two “The view’s not much, the floor smells, the neighbours are shite
years of the standard five. and the stairs are a mess. Still, at least the TV works.”
Once Operatives graduate, they are assigned to a squad, either Grib Tellern, Human Operative SCL10, Squad ‘Fenster’
replacing a dead squad member, making up numbers or being

54
 Housing Examples
. Suburbia two room apartment. Housing, Good - 2
. Suburbia one room apartment. Housing, Good - 1
. Downtown District 1-3, two room apartment. Housing,
Good - 1
. Downtown District 1-3, one room apartment.
. Downtown District 1-3, room in a shared apartment.
Housing, Poor - 1
. Downtown District 4-6, one room apartment. Housing,
Poor - 1
. Downtown District 4-6, room in a shared apartment.
Housing, Poor - 2

All Operatives start their career in Mort City and very few of
them ever leave the planet, let alone live offworld.Those who do
end up living on another planet will have spent at least two years
on the streets of Mort. The exception to this rule is an Operative
who screws up so badly, they get given the option of serving a
four year sentence in military service on one of the many War
Worlds needing fresh bodies to serve. As most of them never
return, this is not considered a career move.

SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVELS

Very quickly, an Operative will realise that everything they
are able to do, information they need and the jobs available all
hinge on their security clearance level, or SCL. A regular SLA
Employee will have an SCL of eleven, the lowest clearance
available. Shiver Units also have an SCL of eleven, with some
specialists or high-ranking officers gaining the next level, the
level of starting Operatives, SCL 10.
At SCL 10, you are able to buy firearms and openly carry
them anywhere. Upon graduation, an Operative gains a security
clearance badge along with their FEN 603. A badge that says
SCL 10 may be looked down upon by experienced operatives,
but it is the opening of a lot of doors and signifies the start of
new opportunities.
SCL can be increased in a few ways, but an Operative is most
likely to gain more of the company’s trust by earning it one step
at a time, through Blueprint News Files and, or as their careers
progress, Hunter Sheets. These two methods of getting jobs are
the tried and trusted methods of improving an Operative’s lot
in life and most Operatives will do nothing but BPNs their
entire careers.
Increases from BPNs are typically awarded in amounts from
0.1 to 0.4, with an Operative usually having to perform at least
three BPNs flawlessly to gain a letter increase in their security
clearance.

Example: Christina Foulds, a starting Operative with SCL

10 gets a 0.2 increase after a messy sewer clearance and
goes from SCL 10 to SCL 10.2. Her squad mate “Pigkiller”
Mortons had an SCL of 9A.8 and goes to an SCL 9B.
Pigkiller gets an updated SCL badge with the change in
letter, while Christina has to clean a lot more Carrien corpses
from tunnels to get an updated card.

55
 SLA INDUSTRIES

The SCL Ladder BPN Halls

11 (Employee) Typically, a squad will head to Slayer’s Crib, the largest BPN
10 10A (Operative) hall and the nearest to the induction centre at Central Station,
for their first BPN. The hall is a busy building that houses
9 9A 9B
bureaucracy and disappointment. If you are lucky, you will be
8 8A 8B 8C able to register your presence at the BPN hall and get a ticket
7 7A 7B 7C 7D with a number on it. There are screens around the hall that
6 6A 6B 6C 6D 6E show numbers and the displays will update with a new number,
sometimes in sequence, but occasionally seemingly at random.
5 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F
Once your number comes up, or if your squad name is called
4 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E 4F over the tannoy, - something else to watch out for - you are
3 3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F expected to make your way to the booth, office or desk of the
2 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F BPN officer who is going to take care of you.
1 Smaller halls of varying quality are dotted all around Mort
Central, Uptown and Suburbia, providing Operatives choice,
Note: Civilians and SCL 11 Employees have the right to but most will head to Slayer’s Crib, meeting up with other
only buy CAF civilian-grade firearms. Higher SCL levels squads and catching up on the latest scuttlebutt before getting
grant Operatives access to better sponsors and privileges. their next job.
SCL 1 is only available to Mr Slayer. Slayer’s Crib has a few booths with windows, but most BPN
Officers have their own cramped office with a desk and an in
From SCL 10, an Operative has the rights to: tray, while Operatives will have to wait outside the offices on
. Bear arms. benches or huddled around small tables with form dispensers
. Information belonging to SLA Industries at their SCL and broken pens on chains.
level. BPN Officers
. Buy and sell stocks and shares from SLA Industries. A BPN Officer’s uniform is a blue suit with gold trim,
. Apply for Blueprint News Files (excluding Platinum with the outfit’s quality decreasing the further
BPNs). away the Officer’s station is from Central. All of
. Control Shiver Units at a crime scene the Operative is the officers at Slayer’s Crib are well presented
assigned to. and professional, but those in more far flung
. Enforce Search and Seizure warrants against civilians. spots, nearer the Perimeter Wall, might be less
well-presented, much like the sorts of BPNs
While this seems like the Operatives are at the top of you can expect from them.
the pile, they know that they answer to SLA BPN Officers will have a stack of BPNs to
Industries and are constantly monitored allocate and will use favouritism as much as
by Station Analysis, Cloak Division and squad proficiencies to decide which jobs you get
Internal Affairs. offered. An officer will expect you to take the first
one offered and will have less palatable jobs in the
BLUEPRINT NEWS FILES wings if you refuse. Once you get the BPN card,
and have signed the requisite forms, your squad
Once an Operative squad has been given their starting
name is entered into the ledger and all members
equipment, signed their employment contract and found
of your squad are responsible for its completion,
out where they will be living, the clock is ticking and they
however only the squad leader’s signature is required
have to start earning money. Progress doesn’t happen by
to commit the squad to the task.
itself, after all.
Some BPN Officers specialise in a certain type of
Their first job and possibly every job they ever see,
BPN and will have only one or two colours available,
will come in the form of a BPN, or Blueprint News
like Officer Hilgard who loves sending squads off
File. This docket comes in a variety of colours, each
world, or Grenfold “Bluesman” Spitani in the shadow
colour denoting a type of task. Each BPN will have
of the Perimeter Wall, who is alleged to get kickbacks
the title of the job, the amount the squad will be paid,
from sanitation companies for every Blue BPN he
per squad or per operative and the type of attention
deals out. Other officers gain reputations for being
they’re likely to receive. Getting a BPN is a squad’s
tough but fair, like Officer Mills or a willingness to
first task as they start their career in the service of
put Operatives in harm’s way, like Officer Vlick.
SLA Industries.
Regardless which officer deals with the squad, there
will be forms to fill out.

56
 O P E R AT I V E H O U R S

Downtown BPNs
Operatives will likely find most of their missions taking place
in Inner Downtown and the types of BPNs they will receive
and threats they will face runs the gamut. Nearly every collateral
enemy of SLA can be found lurking here and in a short space of
time the Operative Squad will encounter all of them. 

“ Y’know, me and the rest of the squad hasn’t left Inner

Downtown in well over a month. It just takes too damn long
going back and forth to Central. Why not just stay here and
tough it out. And sure, it means using the BPN Terminals, but
if I’m entirely honest? I kinda like it? The missions are brutal,
weird and totally random, but our squad’s been going for a year
and it’s working out. 
You never know what you’re getting anyway, so for a laugh
we just got our resident Frother to sit on the keyboard and wait
to see what the dispenser gives us. MacDonald’s ass has gotten
us Whites, Blues, Reds and all manner of stupidity, and we just
get out there and do it. 
Good times…”
Mr Burnykins, Eban Operative SCL 8c,
Squad ‘How do I change Title/Name?’
BPNs based in Inner Downtown invariably come from Shiver
Patrol reports. Shivers are ill equipped and trained to deal with
rival company agents and anything more dangerous than a gang
member so they will just record their findings, pull back to a
safe position and file the paperwork for a BPN. Operatives will
usually find a cordon line of Shivers surrounding a troubled
apartment block or open sewer drain when they arrive. The DEPARTMENTS
Shivers are there to secure the area for the squad’s arrival and SLA Industries, as a company, is made up of departments, each
perform clean up once the SLA Ops have left.  one with their own ambitions and responsibilities. Departments
Operatives must gain a well rounded understanding of the may contain several different companies and sub-departments,
geography, culture and temperament of Downtown. They will with strictly hierarchical constructions or flat control structures.
find themselves driven to talk to civilians and Shivers, learn Smaller departments spring up and die off according to the
the layout commonly associated with apartment buildings and needs of the company, but there are several departments that
subways, so they will know where to track and locate opponents. define SLA Industries. These departments can authorise and
So much of Inner Downtown is a complex network of civilian release BPN files through the BPN Halls, terminals and, in
accommodation, retail districts, travel lanes and Shift Blocks and some cases, offer squads BPNs directly.
it’s easy to get lost or waylaid in the throngs of civilian traffic.
There is also no skyline and Operatives who are unfamiliar with Head Office
the warren-like environment can find themselves turned around Head Office is a term that encompasses Mr Slayer’s office and
in a moment.  the departmental heads that are invited there. If you get a seat
A squad that’s looking for work in Inner Downtown doesn’t at Mr Slayer’s table, you are Head Office. Everything that SLA
have the luxury of a BPN Hall and has to rely on the aged Industries does is decided at that table and passed down to the
network of BPN Terminals, machines that have a display screen lower departments.
and a keyboard for a squad to fill in their details and swipe their
leader’s SCL card. The machines are old enough that they still BPNs: Platinum. These BPNs are only ever directly issued
use the previous style of BPN card and unreliable enough that from Head Office.
experienced Operatives know to write down the details of the Cloak Division
BPN on the screen before pressing the print button, as they
sometimes don’t print out the docket, leaving an Operative or a Cloak Division exists to protect SLA Industries and the
squad with a job allocated to them without giving them a copy information it owns. This department works closely with
of the instructions. Stigmartyr, Threat Analysis, Station Analysis and Internal
The BPNs from terminals are usually local, but occasionally Affairs to protect the company from inside and outside subversive
they will hand out an unexpected remote job or a little more threats. When the department’s agents, the intimidating Dark
than the Operatives bargained for. Finders, are too busy, or a job requires a more subtle approach,

57
 SLA INDUSTRIES

This is the department that issued the BPN. Contact Some BPNs require specialist skills and will recommend at least one
this department for further information, if required. member of a squad to be trained in a skill package listed here.

BB LL UU EE PP RR II NN TT NN EE W
W SS
Departmental Authorisation:
The job description and SCL increase is
Department of Sanitation
displayed here.
Training Package Recommended:

colour Code:
Any
Details:
These checkboxes will display if the mission
Strange smells of cadaverine coming from the sewers

B LUE
is public (no selections), has Third Eye News
support or if it’s a private mission, where
under Downtown Sector 4-23. Squad to investigate
Station Analysis provide direct support. and clear local sewers. Squads only, no solo Operatives.
Squads can access StationAnalysis support over Report to Shiver squad 92d at Pinesall Mall for further
headset communicators if the box is filled. information.
+ 0.1 SCL Increase

Station Analysis: Consolidated Bonus Scheme:

75c
Per Op: SCL 10
Third Eye News: Per Squad:
The amount the job pays, under the
Consolidated Bonus Scheme designed to ensure
“Blueprint News” and “Third Eye” are wholly owned subsidiaries of SLA Industries. Any unauthorised use of their names or images is illegal.

fairness in BPN allocation. The checkboxes

Each BPN has a minimum SCL requirement, shown here.
determine if the payment is a total amount for
the squad or an amount per operative.
The Colour of the BPN is clearly displayed in both colour and text here.

Cloak Division will issue a BPN to get Operatives to police the Station Analysis
information leaks.
The information backbone of SLA Industries is Station
Recently, Naga 7 took an interest in Cloak Division, especially
Analysis, a department dedicated to gathering and disseminating
with their recent failure to contain the growing Shi’An Cult
information throughout the company. Working closely with
menace or suppress the information of the return of Conflict
other departments, they maintain the catalogues that Threat
Aliens and is restructuring the department, quietly bringing it
Analysis collects and creates, they look after the financial
under their control.
records of each department, with the Department of Housing
BPNs: White, Grey, Black. Extermination warrants are also and the Department of Employment, they maintain the most
issued by Cloak Division. complete census of civilians, employees and Operatives, on
Mort and beyond.
Stigmarytr When Station Analysis takes an interest in a BPN, when they
Stigmartyr agents are often mistaken for Dark Finders, in spite don’t want the media covering it, they will mark it accordingly
of the gold letter S on their distinct black armour, but Mara and provide the active Operatives with a contact number to call
Kessock’s department was set up to look further than internal on a Headset Communicator for any information the squad
subversion and to keep an eye on all things White Earth. They needs to complete the task. Station Analysis will cut through
are becoming more active with the recent increased influence the red tape for you because, in most cases, they are the red tape.
of the Shi’An blood cult and its roots in White Earth and have
started offering employment to Operatives to investigate or
Third Eye News
eliminate cult activity in Mort City. The new Orange BPN is Third Eye News are, essentially, the media. They control local
the result of their shift in focus. news through subsidiaries and reality-entertainment via planet-
Stigmartyr likes to keep an eye on Bitterness’s servants and wide channels. They also have several twenty four hour news
is always open to any news of White Earth Monitors in the channels, each dedicated to a different aspect of news, including
World of Progress. a corporate-leaning news channel, a violence and crime focused
news channel and a celebrity news channel.
BPNs: Orange, Grey, Black. LaD is not available to anyone If Third Eye News are interested in your BPN, denoted by
currently active on an Orange BPN. checking a box on the docket, they may send a news crew to
follow the Operative squad or have a single reporter with a Spot
Bee Drone chase them up afterwards.

58
 O P E R AT I V E H O U R S

BPNs: Silver, Jade, Red. Occasionally, Third Eye News will BPNs: White, Yellow, Green. BPNs from Naga 7 Division
want to make the story, rather than merely report it. are always slightly unusual, looking to uncover some truth
that wants to remain hidden.
Threat Analysis
A relatively new department, formed out of necessity, Threat SLA Military
Analysis were created to document the return of the many To extend its power and control throughout the World
Conflict Species and provide Operatives and Military alike of Progress, SLA Industries has always relied on its military
with the clearest information available. Working with Station arm. SLA Military gets the best weapons and armour, unlike
Analysis, they have built a library of information that they make the urban-friendly personal arms allowed on Mort and is
available to anyone with the right paperwork. immensely well-funded. SLA Military occasionally requires the
Often sending Operative squads off-world, Threat Analysis services of Operatives, especially in regions - anywhere but War
are all about categorising threats, with their 4Cs collation Worlds - where the military is not allowed to operate and issues
system, documenting Corporate, Cult, Conflict and Collateral BPNs through the regular channels.
menaces. However, Operatives are more likely to deal with
Threat Analysis seeking information on the latest horror they BPNs: White, Grey, Green, Silver, Black.
have encountered. Other Departments
BPNs: White, Green, Red. There are other departments that sanction work, like the
Department of Sanitation’s notorious blue BPNs, or the
Internal Affairs occasional Shiver-related BPN and odd jobs can come from
Often mistaken for Cloak Division, a mistake they prefer any department imaginable.
not to correct, Internal Affairs deals with crime and corruption
within the company itself, mostly insider trading and Operatives BPNs: Blue, Any
or employees defecting to rival companies, along with more subsidiary companies
mundane crimes. They use Operatives and Cloak Division for
direct action, lacking an armed division. SLA Industries owns a vast amount of companies that
compete with one another for your Credit or Uni, from food and
When they require the assistance of Operatives, they will issue
clothes to weapons and armour. While these various companies
BPNs to engage one or more squads for a task.
usually operate as stand-alone businesses, with shareholders,
BPNs: White, Grey, Yellow, Green. Internal Affairs BPNs rivalries and their own unique management structures, they
will rarely involve media coverage. are effectively governed by SLA Industries who will buy out,
close down or merge them as needed to keep the marketplace
Corporate Sector balanced, diverse and profitable.
Money, Law and Trade. The Corporate Sector manages the
contracts, financing and logistics of keeping the World of THE LOVE OF MONEY
Progress moving. With Corporates in most departments, the There are two linked currencies in the World of Progress,
Corporate Sector is not a department as such, but a collection Credits (c) and Unis (u). The Credit is a virtual currency equal
of small partnerships and offices that work for SLA Industries. to ten Unis while Unis are a physical currency with coins and
Sharp-suited office workers, competing for the larger slices of notes changing ownership throughout the known universe.
the pie, will hire Operatives to get them information or assets, Civilians don’t get access to Credit accounts, managed
issuing BPNs to further their careers and profits. through an Operative’s SCL badge, which acts as a way to keep
BPNs: Yellow. A Yellow BPN issued by a corporate Operative-level firepower out of the hands of civilians as SLA
partnership or firm will be titled “Corporate Sector”, with firearms are not sold outside the Perimiter Wall and Unis are
the company contact in the details. not accepted anywhere within the enclosed keep of Suburbia
and Uptown.
Naga 7 In Downtown, however, very few shops accept credits and
Formed from a secret society, Naga 7 spent part of their history Operatives have to buy Unis from dispensers or banks to
outside SLA Industries, but have recently returned to the fold. purchase food. However, the black market is rife with SLA-
They are attempting to shape the World of Progress into what sanctioned weapons obtained through nefarious means, as
they consider a better society, making the future more solid and well as those made by other rival companies, most notably
holding the crumbling of reality at bay while investigating the DarkNight.
reasons for its collapse.
Note: Any item that does not have a stated cost in Unis (u)
The friendlier face of Naga 7 is the Aetherman, a stalwart is not available to the general public without attempting to
defender against the insidious Dream that has started to creep obtain said item through the black market, or by taking it
into Downtown in the form of Grey Zones and Dream Entities. from the body of a dead Op. The GM is free to assign any
BPNs from this mysterious department range from archaeology extortionate Uni cost they deem suitable to obtain items on
hunts to assisting the Aethermen in their tasks. the black market.

59
 SLA INDUSTRIES

The Finance Chip EMPLOYMENT

The Finance Chip is a small semi-biogenetic device that is
Operatives and Employees are the most commonly thought of
inserted into an employee or Operative’s skull. It links the user’s
SLA workers, but there are other types of employment that can
brain directly to their bank account, showing their bank balance
get you a security clearance and advancement in the company.
and the time and date on a heads up display directly in the user’s
brain. The Finance Chip also transmits whatever the employee Employee
sees to Station Analysis to allow for quick, cardless financial
SLA Industries employs a lot of people and half of them are
transactions. Even with a 100c induction bonus and a stipend
referred to simply as Employees. These are the workers who
of up to 200c a month, most operatives choose not to have one
operate the factories, sell food and clothes, transport goods. An
fitted, especially after a few high-profile breach of privacy cases.
Employee pulls in a wage to cover their rent in Suburbia.
As its popularity wanes, the Finance Chip is starting to
become a worthwhile project failed by departmental overreach. Administration
Falling somewhere between Operatives and Employees
“We once had an IA BPN to take out some Station Analysis
in authority, Administration workers do the office jobs and
creep who was patching into SummerBi’s partner’s Finance
bureacracy that keeps track of the company’s progress. A BPN
Chip feed and selling slugs of their intimate moments, if you
Officer would fall into this category, as would a pencil pusher.
know what I mean. And by that, I mean fucking, of course.
Oh shit, we were supposed to keep that secret. Fuck. Don’t tell Contract Killer
anyone I told you. Wait, are you chipped?”
Contract Killers are the media darlings, fighting the good
Grayson Beaver, Human Operative, Deceased fight in front of a camera. They usually only have an SCL 11 and
are forbidden from Operative duties, in spite of their fame and
Note: Due to the location of the implant, Ebonite characters
fortune on the Contract Circuit, a glorified arena where they
are not permitted to have a Finance Chip installed.
fight each other for entertainment. Occasionally, a Contract
Killer will be attached to a squad and cause them all sorts of
LIFE AFTER DEATH trouble.
“For just one credit, you can live after death.” Contract Hunter
LaD advert on the Operative Express, Mort Central Part big game hunter, part bounty hunter, Contract Hunters
Life After Death, LaD, is an option available to any starting are long-gun wielding, Crawler driving, Safari poaching hunters
Operative. It’s an insurance contract that ensures you will be from Trakaar. SLA Industries uses these hunters to track down
rescued and brought back to life in the event of an untimely criminals that are on the run, or elusive targets that have skipped
death. SLA Industries has invested a lot of money in you and off-world. They occasionally have their own space transport to
wants you to be productive, even after death. For one Credit, an transport them throughout the World of Progress.
Operative can open an LaD account, ensuring that SLA will SLA Industries Soldier
make their best effort to bring the account holder back from
death. The process costs around 5,000 credits to rebuild a dead Most SLA Military employees never make it back from War
Operative to base minimum standards, but to be brought back Worlds and those that do are either quiet and reclusive or return
to life the same as, or better, than when the subject died can cost with their battles unfinished, taking to the Cannibal Sectors as
upwards of 10,000c. Anyone with under 5,000c in their account Ex-War Criminals. Most Operatives will never meet an active
will get the bare minimum service and a massive debt. service SLA Industries Soldier, unless they venture out to a War
It serves an Operative well to have over five thousand credits World on a Green BPN where they will see how much better
in their account. the military equipment is than theirs.
The LaD process involves a pacer implant attached to the heart Trustee
and a brainsaver implant around the brain. If the brain implant
A Trustee is a former Operative who has been assigned to a
stops getting a signal from the pacer, it secures the brain and
particular SLA Industries department. When an Operative gets
keeps the subject alive for up to twenty minutes, long enough
too valuable to galavant around Downtown, Head Office will
for an LaD recovery service to get to you anywhere within the
occasionally assign them to a department where they will serve
Perimeter Wall and layers 1-3 of Inner Downtown. Any longer,
as a Trustee, working the majority of their time on departmental
the subject needs an LaD Booster attaching to the back of their
issues.
neck. The booster is a device that injects the subject with all
manner of life preserving meds and slow release oxygen. It was Sector Ranger
developed in conjunction with the Sector Rangers during the
Early in an Operative’s training, a small number of them are
Bellwood Campaign. The booster also acts as a radio amplifier
pulled aside and trained as Sector Rangers. If the Operative can
to allow LaD trustees to get a better location. A LaD Booster
cope with the sorts of stresses the cannibal sectors throw up,
will add an hour to the subject’s recovery time and has been
they are sent to train as a Sector Ranger instead and will end up
demonstrated to work as far out as Cannibal Sector 1.
working as explorers and researchers in the unforgiving sectors.

60
 O P E R AT I V E H O U R S

Corporate
Corporates work for firms and partnerships in the Corporate
Sector, moving the money around and formulating contracts to
keep everyone in their place. Occasionally Corporates can be
Agents who get their squads the best sponsorship deals for their
ten percent, or even Operatives working within the squad.
Dark Finder
Cloak Division has its own police force for Mort Central and
Uptown, the Dark Finders. They wear custom Crackshot X
armour in varying shades of black. Since Naga 7’s interference,
their appearance has shifted to a more militaristic style.
Shiver
Shivers are the Gang in Green, Mort’s police force.
Having taken over the duties of the disbanded Monarch law
enforcement and getting sent out to fight to reclaim Cannibal
Sector 1 in the Bellwood Campaign, the Shivers have a lot on
their plate. Many of them resent Operatives, considering them
to be overpaid preening show ponies.

THE WATCHFUL EYE

SLA Industries is a panopticon of entertainment, with the
streets as its stage and Operatives as the players. Every house
in Mort has a television and they don’t have an off switch. The
media is constantly looking for entertainment and there is little
their audience enjoys more than watching Operatives dealing
out justice and progress to the enemies of SLA Industries.
SCL 9
With the Shivers of the Bellwood Campaign stealing the
screens for the last few years, it’s once again the Operatives’ turn Entry-level independant sponsors will get you 50c a month
to keep the unemployed in their TV-watching couches. and the occasional freebie to be seen with. Power drinks, beers,
Television crews are always ready to tag on to a squad on the entry-level clothing deals, a small indie sponsor will likely stay
job, as long as the job looks interesting and the squad looks with the Operative for life.
good. An entire industry of media, agents and sponsors is “Dave Beer would love it if you could drink a can in front of
looking for the next big thing. the cameras, but only if you’re not about to drive.”
Corporate Agents Unknown
“I started out as an Operative, grinding out BPNs in a squad. SCL 8
It wasn’t too hard to stay alive, especially with the team I was For 100c a month, the Operative is sponsored by a commodity
with and in return, I got them the best deals. Remember Jeff company, e.g. a clothing, magazine or drug company.
Moreau’s FEN ad? I’m now a partner at Hinton, Moss and
Rowan, and you know we’ll fight for you. Watch the reruns.” SCL 7
Cherry “Cerise” Hinton, Human Corporate, SCL 3E, Media companies start taking an interest in the Operative,
‘Hinton, Moss and Rowan’ offering 150c a month for prominent placement of their logo.
An Operative wanting to get sponsorship, or any media deal, If the Operative suits their brand, TV channels and newspapers
needs an agent. Corporate Agents are sometimes Operatives are probable.
themselves, while others work from an office in Uptown or SCL 6
Mort Central. An agent will charge ten percent of what they
get you, but ninety percent of the size of pie they can get you is When the major companies take an interest, Operatives can
almost always worth the deal. earn 200c a month for wearing a FEN or BLA logo, as well as
discounted or free weapons being on the table, as long as the
Sponsorship Operative stops using the competition’s product.
Sponsorship deals come in many forms, with more notoriety SCL 5
bringing in bigger and better sponsors. With a good agent.
you can start looking for sponsors at SCL 9, but as your SCL Departments take an interest in the Operative, for 250c a
increases, so do your opportunities. month, occasionally leading to Trustee offers.

61
 SLA INDUSTRIES

CHARACTER CREATION
In SLA Industries each player assumes the role of an Operative. wounded. Hit points are affected by a character’s species and
These ‘characters’ are the personas that will represent the players their physical statistics.
as they venture into The World of Progress. Building a SLA 7. Movement: Movement is simply the measure of how far
Operative is easy to do, needing little more than a character and fast a character can move. During this step a character
sheet, a pencil and your imagination. The following section will records their movement values based upon the species they
walk you through character creation, getting your Operative have selected and how athletic the character is.
street-ready in no time. 8. Encumbrance: Encumbrance is underpinned by the
1. Select a Species: Mort’s population, while mostly human, physicality of a character and is a measure of how much
is comprised of a large number of alien species, some of weight they can carry without penalty. A character with a
whom have been welcomed to the planet in return for their high encumbrance value is able to carry more equipment
cooperation and employment. SLA Industries is very good during the game without suffering harm or exhaustion.
at highlighting the strengths of a species and utilising those 9. Equipment: During step 9 the player will record all the
skills to better the company’s position. There are a total of default starting equipment provided to the Operative
nine different species to choose from, each with their own following completion of their basic training. Each character
physical, mental and social limitations. will then be able to spend an amount of additional money
2. Stats: Each character possesses a number of stats that on purchasing weapons, armour and gear of their choosing
represent their core attributes and define how strong, fast, in order to get their character street-ready. SLA Industries
smart, sociable and lucky they are. It is upon the foundation authorises the use of a large range of armaments from a huge
of these stats that a character is able to take shape. Players range of manufacturers, all available to any Operative who
will assign a number of points to these stats during step 2 of can afford the price tag.
this process. 10. Finishing Touches: The final step of the process is purely
3. Ratings Points: Ratings Points are a limited resource to inject some life into their Operative. During this step, the
possessed by all characters and reflect a character’s sway with player will be able to dig into the background and history of
the ever present media in Mort City. Ratings Points also their character, give them a name, purpose, passion and decide
represent a character’s confidence and bravado, allowing them exactly what makes them tick. Step 10 is purely creative and is
to achieve the unachievable in the direst of circumstances. there for players to embellish as much as they please.
During this step, players will assign a number of ratings points Once all ten steps have been followed, the character creation
to each of the three categories - Body, Brain and Bravado. process is complete and the Operative will be ready to undertake
4. Skills: Skills work in conjunction with stats and represent the their first BPN.
specialisations of the character. This step is broken into a few
smaller steps which involve applying those skills which are SELECT A SPECIES
inherent to a specific species, choosing a training package for
the Operative and then spending a pool of points to further “Who are these new guys?”
increase existing skills or round off a character’s learning with Bench Masterson, SLA Induction, Mort Central Station
new skills.
5. Traits: Some characters are fortuitous; as having friends in The first thing a player must consider when building a character
high places or savings squirrelled away for a rainy day. Some is the species that they wish to play. SLA Industries employ a
may even have additional physical edges, such as exceptional large spectrum of species, both alien and more familiar, each for
hearing or they may be ambidextrous. At the same time, the different attributes they bring to the Operative role. From
many characters will also have aspects about them which the fast agile Wraithen to the diplomatic Neophron, a species’
may be considered disadvantages, such as a phobia, illness or characteristics, strengths and weaknesses will play a big part in
arch enemy lurking in the shadows. These aspects are covered defining what type of character the player creates.
by Traits and players are free to apply these bonuses and In addition to the different personalities, stats and skills that
penalties during step 5. come with selecting a character’s species, each species also
6. Hit Points: During step 6 of the process, characters will possesses unique Species Specific Abilities that set them apart.
calculate and apply their hit points; a measure of how The different personalities and characteristics are discussed over
much physical damage they can take before being critically the following pages.

62
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

This gauss train from Meny will be my last.

A journey I started four years ago ends today and I can’t wait
to start my new life as a SLA Industries Operative. I have my
certificate marking me out as sanctioned for Strike and Sweep
and I’ve been given a squad allocation. They told me eventually
I get to choose my squadmates, but more often than not, Ops stay
with the team they start with, which makes sense as we’re all
on the same side.
I hope I get to work with a Shaktar, as I knew a couple in the
combat classes and they seemed cool. They kept to themselves on
campus, but apparently they mix more with humans like me
once they’re Operatives.
The train carriage was a bit manky, but the adverts were new;
the glue was still wet on some of them. The adverts were a mix
of the direct and the odd. FEN and BLA were well represented,
along with some weird hostels for Ops that don’t like their
new digs. There was even one for an APC cot and a bag for
Operatives that want to live in their van. Weird, I know.
I’ve heard some Ops get sent straight out to the cannibal
sectors, but that might have just been someone bullshitting the
rookies. I hope it was a wind-up as I’m looking forward to the
streets of Mort City. My youth was spent ducking in and out of
the shanty shops in the shadow of the sector wall and I saw how
the Shivers changed when they started getting sent out. Regular
street coppers, with a ‘clip round the earhole for nicking shit
from stalls off you go kid don’t let me catch you again coppers’,
turned to hundred-foot face veterans who weren’t entirely there.
But you know what I’m really looking forward to? Sure, it’s
the SCL card, the headset communicator, the body blocker and
the 603, but most of all, I’m looking forward to a Klippo of
my own. Watching Merkar Aceford on the telly, shooting up
a room of Carrien with the slow clicking of a Blitzer, pulling
out a filtered Dead Will Dance and sparking up with his SLA
Operative Klippo. The close-up on his smirking face as you could
see the logo on the lighter held to his cigarette, nothing was cooler
to me aged eight.
I spent years dreaming about being an Operative and I’m not
going to say it was easy, but I aced a few of the early aptitude
tests and put the effort in at school. I wasn’t the strongest or
the smartest, but I was good at learning stuff and made sure
I passed the classes they told me Ops needed to pass. I’ve got
first aid badges I earned over the holidays one year, that’s how
determined I was.
I mean, of course I wanted to leave home and strike out for
myself and avoid becoming one of the lifeless slobs claiming dole
and watching TV all day, but more than that, I wanted to be
an Operative.
Getting into Meny was hard and I failed on the first
application, but here I am. I’ve got a suit of Body Blocker and a
603 waiting for me in Mort Central, in the Operative Express
arrival zone and I’m in a carriage with a couple of hundred
new Ops, all shitting ourselves about our first day out of class.
But I’ve got something to look forward to. Something that got
me to where I am today.
So, yeah, I’m getting a fucking SLA Klippo.

63
 SLA INDUSTRIES

HUMAN
“I’ve got this Shaktar in my squad. Nice bloke, not got a bad bone from, or Shaktars who were blown apart for attempting to bring
in his body but he could snap your head off if you looked at him the noble art of swordplay to a gun fight. And who could forget,
funny. The guy always speaks his mind; no filter at all. Anyways, the Ebonites reduced to gibbering wretches when their emotions
he says that he likes Humans, but we’re all pretty boring. entangled with the Shi’An horrors, or were consumed by the
When a Shaktar calls you boring what he means is you aren’t Momics.
special. As Humans don’t have scaly red skin, or telekinetic powers, The mighty will rise and the mighty will fall. No one is perfect;
can’t turn invisible and we don’t grow spontaneous electric blue least of all a human being, but at least a Human knows what to
hair by nature. SLA hires and makes all sorts, but Humans are expect when she takes to the streets of Downtown in nothing but
neither the strongest, the fastest, nor are we the biggest. I mean, Body Blocker armour and a shitty 603.
there are Neophrons in the World of Progress now, so we can’t You are whatever you are needed to be in the moment. Caring
even claim to be the smartest. As always, we just sit somewhere in and compassionate, cunning and ruthless, often very ruthless. The
the middle, on everything. Unspectacular in almost every regard. point is, few other species can tell which you’ll be when you don
And that’s what the jolly red giant means by boring. What he the SCL badge and perhaps that ambiguity is your strongest suit
doesn’t realise is Humans far exceed every other species in the as an Operative.
World of Progress in terms of population. Same with Operatives You join your new squad and suffer the usual snide comments
ratios and Shiver recruitment and SLA Military, even in and the shifty glances. They’re already wondering how long you
Civilian quota. I’m not even talking about Mort City; that’s the can possibly last, but you have all kinds of surprises in store for
entire World of Progress. It’s Humans, Humans, Humans. What these clowns. They underestimate you, but give it time: you’ll show
does all this mean? Well, I don’t know. Either Humanity is doing them. The greatest blessing and curse bestowed on a human being
something really right, or more likely, something is very, very is that it is capable of anything.
wrong.”
Background
Joffa ‘Breezy’ Metcalfe, Human Operative,
SCL 7d, Squad ‘The No-Go Zoners’ Humans can adhere and adapt to almost any situation or setback
and bounce back from whatever hardship SLA Industries can
Insight throw at them. They are regarded as the bland underdog of the
World of Progress but this has only driven them to struggle, strive
You are one amongst billions of Humans living on planet Mort.
and fight for everything they have. They are loved and they are
Raised and abused by the streets of Inner Downtown, you have
loathed.
seen it all through unflinching eyes by the time you have reached
The Human species has a tendency towards racism and bigotry,
the meagre age of 8. You watched a sibling be slowly eaten alive
far more so than any other species in the World of Progress,
by Mort Rats, a childhood friend dragged into the notorious
which likely stems from its population majority on Mort and
Skin Trade, never to be see again. You’ve heard the scrape of a
throughout the World of Progress. Even within the Shiver ranks
Manchine’s blade at the door to your apartment as you huddled
Humans far outstrip other species by a considerable margin and
in a corner of the living room with your sobbing father, clutching
more depressingly, the Moral Right’s Virtue Squads’ membership
you tight. You played with your toys by your bedroom window and
is entirely Human.
watched a teenage Gang Member get torn to shreds by a pack of
Carrien, so you raised a plastic SLA Op figurine and fired in the Alarmingly, more Humans join Cults and become serial killers
direction of the feasting monsters because this is what you want than any other species in the World of Progress. The worshippers
to be. It’s all you’ve ever wanted to be; an Operative recruited by of the Shi’An in Mort City are approximately 95% Human. Threat
SLA Industries. Analysis has put considerable research and examination into this
phenomenon and the initial consensus is that human beings are
It was tougher for you, being a mere human being. As a child
far more ambitious than other species and their motivations are
you learned to blend in with the crowd, but now that plays against
driven by self-interest and the desire for power.
you. Still just one amongst billions. Not that it is all bad; as a
human being you are highly adaptable and versatile. In training This is also very true even within the company itself. Humans
you were surrounded by fellow Humans and some were destined are keen to take positions in Administration and the Corporate
for the Corporate Sector, others Contract Killers or perhaps even Sector, where those with low morals can accrue enormous
Sector Rangers. It was almost impossible to tell from a simple wealth. Other species often strive for fame and glory that will
glance. be representative of their kind, especially Shaktars. Humans,
however, tend to push for individualism. They are heavily invested
Other species are destined for greatness, but the great majority
in what SLA inspires in its employees: start with nothing and end
fail. Stormers who believed they could take on Digger and got
life with the most toys.
reduced into bloody chunks they could not possibly regenerate

64
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Humans are neither greedy nor self-serving by their very natures,

but it is drawn out of them far more easily than other species,
especially once they join SLA Industries. The closest species to
Humans in terms of personality is likely the Wraithen, who also
act in their own self-interest, but Wraithen are not as malicious or
treacherous as Humans: they simply want what they want.
The newly arriving Neophrons find the Human species the most
fascinating. The majority of the species they encounter can usually
be figured out quite quickly, but this is simply not the case with
Humanity. They have encountered incredible acts of brutality
and compassion in equal measure among Humans, which is both
wonderful and terrifying.

Appearance
Human physiognomy is similar to that of Ebonites. There is a
great amount of diversity in terms of skin tone, facial structure and
musculature, which is based on genetics and planetary location.
Hair and eye colour are also widely varied. A noticeable Human
feature is the development of irises and pupils, which dilate and
constrict in reaction to sudden changes in light.
Human skin is thin and flexible and damages easily. Humans
can rapidly increase muscle mass through rigorous exercise, but
will lose definition and gain weight far quicker than other species
if they neglect physical activity.
The lifespan of a Human is recorded between 70-80 years, but
in Mort City this is considerably less if the Human is a Civilian,
owing to air pollution and malnutrition. The Human body starts
to physically decline around the age of 55, although regular
exercise and a healthy diet can offset the ill effects of age for a
time. Most Humans employed by SLA Industries will turn to
Karma biogenetic to augment their bodies and increase lifespan.
Downtown civilians, lacking in such opportunities and funds,
often turn to the likes of the Shi’An Cult to cheat ill health and
mortality, although typically end up increasing the likelihood of
injury and death.

Species Specific Abilities

Adaptable - Humans are the most adaptable species on Mort and
as a result, are the most prominent as SLA Operatives. At the end
of character creation, a Human character may select any two skills
that they do not already possess and gain them both at rank 1.
Additionally, Human characters pay 1 experience point less than
the usual cost to increase their skills during downtime sessions.
Sociable - While many are not, the vast majority of Humans are
naturally sociable creatures, with a natural flair for communication,
particularly with other Humans. To reflect, this a Human character
receives a +1 modifier to the Success Die for all Diplomacy and
Persuasion rolls when dealing with other Humans.
. Life Span: 70 - 85 years
. Height/Weight: 5.2 - 6.5 ft, 10-14st
. Strengths: Versatility, broad range of skill sets.
. Weaknesses: Low impulse control, propensity for greed
and self-interest.

65
 SLA INDUSTRIES

FROTHER
“Aye, I’m fae Heberia, like aw the best Frothers. Heberia’s nice The Frother is something of an oddity amongst the gallery of
and aw, wae stunning vistas and big-arsed mountains, but if Operative types. They may have begun as a Human classification
yer wanting tae swing yer Power Claymore aboot, y’need tae get and served some more noble purpose. But over centuries, the
yerself over tae Mort City and became a bastarding SLA Op. Frothers have warped into the berserkers of the Operative roster,
They’ve got gid drugs, natty armour and guns… aww, the a career path they have thoroughly embraced.
guns… Aye, it’s nae bad fighting fur the big company, but most Few other species will adopt the particular, somewhat suicidal,
ay the beer’s a bit pish. But who cares about the booze when you approach of the Frother. Only the people of Heberia would actively
can fire up some Ultra Violence and set aboot some Dark Night choose to assume the mantle and profession of Frother. Like
fannies wae yer sword!” Stormers they are hired purely for their brutal yet effective skills in
– Hector McTavish, Frother Operative, combat, principally hand-to-hand and their heady mix of bravery
SCL 8.3a, Squad ‘Heid The Baws’ and recklessness. If a SLA Op squad is entering combat, the Frother
will invariably be leading the charge, regardless of the odds.
Insight Frothers are widely acknowledged as little more than combat
drug junkies, but in reality, it is a little more complicated than that.
You are being forced to listen to a final lecture on the ‘Dangers
The addictive personality of the Frother permeates all aspects of
of Downtown’, before you board the train to Mort City. You
his being, going far beyond straightforward drug use. If anything,
completed training, mostly and you’re ready to become a
the Frother is addicted to adrenaline produced by risk more
respectable, upstanding SLA Operative. Technically, you’re
than anything else. He will not hesitate to throw himself into
already an Op, but there’s a few more boring hoops you have
life threatening situations, where he is grossly outnumbered, or
to jump through before you tool up – papers to sign, a round of
outgunned. He will intentionally fire off all his available ammo as
immunisation injections to go through and of course, this mind-
quickly as possible, so he has to rely on his luck and his skill with a
numbing presentation.
sword. The greatest kick is always to beat the unbeatable odds; it is
You herald from Heberia and sure, you miss home. You miss the when the Frother feels most alive and no other buzz comes close.
bitter winds and proper strong beer; not the piss water they’ve
Frothers never fully relax. Their perpetual motion is constantly
been forcing you to drink in Meny. You want to get back home at
driven by the need for more challenges, more mayhem, more fun.
some point, but mostly you’re just eager to get into Mort City, buy
The moment a Frother wakes from unconsciousness it’s time for
your Op equipment and get stuck into those Downtown Carrien.
a quick beer or dose to take the edge off, then it’s a trip down
The video is telling you that they’re these vicious killers. That’s
the local bar for an all-day booze session or a metaphorical roll
hilarious: you’re the vicious killer and in about 24 hours you hope
of the dice at a dodgy BPN Terminal which will hopefully lead
to be teaching that very fact to the dogboys.
to the meanest, most hazardous mission that will invariably lead
The starting pay ain’t so great. You can’t get the signature to death, or another night blowing the BPN payment at The Pit.
Frother HARD armour yet; too expensive. But you can at least Most days end for Frothers in the form of a blackout, either from
get your hands on a flesh slicing Power Claymore; that’s the blood loss or excessive partying.
ticket! Then there’s all the lovely drugs – oh, the wondrous, mind
The exact evolution of the species, from Human to Frother,
altering narcotics that’s already got you scratching your veins in
continues to baffle SLA Industries. For countless generations,
anticipation. You’ve heard about mind blowing Blaze UV and that
Frother families have injected copious doses of company
you go to a whole ‘nother level on that shit, which sounds utterly
narcotics, until it seeped into their genetic code. Their children
awesome to you.
have dependency towards the pharmaceuticals of their parents,
The man in the video is trying to put the frighteners on you but instead of making them frailer, the long running culture of
about Manchines now, but you’re not really paying attention to drug use has only made the Frother stronger and hardier.
any more of this guff. You’re a Frother: you weren’t meant to sit
The vast majority of Frothers employed by SLA originate from
still, or blend in. You weren’t meant to listen.
the country of Heberia, which lies to the North East of Mort
You were meant to be a drug addled fighting machine and City. It has a clan-built culture and owing to the rowdy nature
you fully intend to make both your Hebernian Clan and SLA of the Frothers, there is a lot of infighting between the numerous
Industries proud, by being the loudest, meanest, most zonked out families. This of course breeds the hardiest stock and SLA
nut-job fighting machine in the whole World of Progress. Industries only want the best that the clans have to offer. These
Background clans financially benefit greatly by inducting their youth into the
company and around ninety percent of all families support SLA.
The name ‘Frother’ is derived from the operative’s tendency to Only clans Murdoch, Campbell, McMillan and McClung have
salivate and drool like a rabid dog whilst under the influence of allied with Dark Night.
SLA manufactured combat drugs like Rush and Ultra Violence.

66
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Loyalist Frother clans are insistent that SLA assign any BPN
missions involving the noted traitor clans to squads with at least
one Frother. They regard it as a family affair and do not want to
see any other species deliver justice to such traitors; it’s theirs to
deal with.

Appearance
Frothers are now classed as a unique species, separated from the
originating Human species. Over the centuries, the physiognomy
of Frothers has changed: they are taller and have muscular builds
that exceeds the limits of Human anatomy. Their facial features
have also altered over the generations; they have thicker brows
and broad noses that set the eyes farther apart. Some may
acknowledge there are some physical similarities between Frother
evolution and that found amongst the Cannibal species out in
the Sector, but they aren’t stupid enough to say that to a Frother
directly…
Frothers rarely step outside of the traditional outfits native to
Heberia; weapon choices and career paths that have defined their
species for so long that it is their entire culture. They all sport
the familiar colourful dreadlocks, facial war paint, DNA tattoos
and rough, tartan fabrics. The patterns of such tartans are highly
specific and denote the particular clan that the individual Frother
is a member of. Much like the Shaktar, Frothers are staunchly
proud of their heritage and cultures, which must be celebrated and
displayed in their national and native dress.
The favoured weapon of all Frothers is the two-handed Power
Claymore. It is as common among Frothers as the trademark
drugs and flowing dreadlocks. If a Frother should however rise
to the higher levels of SCL they will mature and start to select
hand-to-hand weapons that are tailored to their specific duties.
Many of the old timers prefer expensive handcrafted one-handed
vibro sabres, which they can wield with just as much skill and
proficientcy as the heavy, less than subtle, Claymores.

Species Specific Abilities:

Drug Resistance - All Frother characters must take at least rank
1 in the Drug Addict trait during character creation. In addition,
any drugs used by a Frother are considered to have an additional
30 minutes’ duration, one additional dose is required before an
Addiction Test is made and all Addiction Ratings are reduced
by one.
Feel No Pain - Frothers are notoriously hardy and will continue to
push forward in the face of life-threatening injury, either through
sheer determination or utter disregard for their personal safety.
To represent this during game play, a Frother ignores the rules
and modifiers applied to them by any one wound that they have
received, so for example, if a Frother has suffered three wounds,
they only apply the modifiers for two of them. The player may
always choose which wound to ignore.
. Life Span: 50-65 years
. Height/Weight: 6 - 6.5 feet, 18-28st
. Strengths: Strong and resilient physique. Excellent in
close combat.
. Weaknesses: Reckless, thrill seeking personality which
can lead to deadly outcomes for themselves and others
around them. Drug usage leads to impulsive and poorly
considered choices.

67
 SLA INDUSTRIES

EBONITE
“A thousand years ago we were cattle; a slave race to the Momics. Background
The company sent their agents to liberate us and integrate us as
Operatives. We were garbed in a friction suit made from layers of Ebonites are a species split in two, both the Ebons and Ebans
glyph, allowing us to utilise the power inside us: the Ebb. It is like (or Wasters), have the ability to wield and shape the energy force
no other and we can either learn to control it, or let it devour us. known as the Ebb. Through this power they can create destructive
kinetic blasts, heal wounds, move objects telekinetically, even
We traded one master for another, although at least now there fold space. The ability to manipulate the Ebb is a mixture of
is a modicum of choice. It is an important choice, in that we must mathematical equation and emotional drive. There is a middle
decide what we are to become. Should we use our media names, be ground in which the Ebb powers are formed and a species born of
faithful enforcers of SLA’s rule? Should we give in to our emotions that Ebb can understand it.
and our darker impulses? Or darker still, let the knowledge of
Ebonites, as a species, are constantly searching for answers.Who
Formulae warp us into monsters, the Necanthropes? Are they
they are and where do they come from? What is this universe in
really so different from the Momics that drank our flux and
which they inhabit? Since the Formation they have been raised
gnawed on our bones?
and guided by SLA Industries. What is left of their culture
In order to know ourselves and choose the right path, we must predates their liberation from the Momics. They do not know
strive to know about the universe we inhabit. We must set aside how closely they were related to their former overlords and what
our differences as Ebonites, resist the dwindling Necanthropy and was it that the Momics had suppressed and controlled within the
uncover the truth beneath.” Ebonite species. Now the Ebonite species is complex, beset with
Vilhildra ‘Quicksilver’ Sihilann, Ebon Operative, phenomenal power and a tumult of conflicting emotions. It can
SCL 6a, Squad ‘Dusty Lavender’ be torturous to be an Ebonite, but it is the conflict that gives them
strength and makes them invaluable to SLA Industries.
Insight In order to activate Ebb abilities Ebonites must dispel Flux; the
You are far from home. It has been more than a year since you energy source within them all. Early in SLA’s history Ebonites
visited Static. Despite spending your childhood yearning to join would use complex Glyphs, but in modern times this is made
SLA and become an Operative, you’d give just about anything to possible through a suit of armour called a ‘DeathSuit’, as it takes
feel the sun’s rays and breathe in the clean Static air. But like all the form of a skeletal carapace. It is sinister, baroque looking garb
dreams in the World of Progress, they turn to reality and now you that contrasts starkly with the good natured Ebons, yet utterly
are in the cramped, cloying interior of an APC hurtling through compliments the Ebans and their darker natures.
Suburbia. Ebonites grow and learn to develop their Ebb abilities, through
You clench your hands into fists and try to calm your churning understanding the Formulae. The greater their understanding of
emotions, whilst the flux gems on your Glyph Suit sizzle quietly. Formulae the more powerful the Ebon or Eban becomes. For
The surge of feeling takes on the spinning forms of formulae in centuries this would culminate in the Ebonite going through a
your mind - love, regret, hope and fear, culminating in what your terrifying metamorphosis and transforming into a Necanthrope.
elder sister told you of the Momics she’d encountered in Lower Since the return of the Momics, however, this important
Downtown; that the taste of their Ebb is damp and oily and in progression is rapidly vanishing from Ebonite culture. Like most
their close proximity one can feel the flux inside being pulled in people existing in the World of Progress, Ebonites do not know
their direction. An alien presence, yet painfully familiar. what their future holds. The Momics were never mentioned to
You look down and slowly draw your Ebb Flintlock and run a generations of Ebonites and whatever was catalogued in their
clean dry cloth across the barrel. You have to be strong, you have history vaguely described a dead, extinct species, but now the
to be ready. Once through the Perimeter, the horrors will begin Momics have returned and no Ebb being in the World of Progress
and you must draw upon your experience and learning to tear is safe. Ebonites employed within SLA Industries crave further
down the enemies who are desperate to feast upon you and the information, but the company has divulged precious little.
less fortunate still who will come to depend on you for help. You Ebonites have a broad family hierarchy including both Ebons
can do good if you remain strong and focussed. and Ebans, connected primarily by title and house. Such houses
You start to feel better and a burst of joy and exhilaration runs birth Ebons and Ebans seemingly randomly, despite their best
through you. The Flintlock in your hand begins to glisten, charged efforts to direct a particular option. Families are divided into two
and channeled by your newfound positivity. units, one Ebon and one Eban, with Necanthropes ruling over the
Let’s do this. entire family and its affairs. Ebonites believe that the genetic strain
or bloodline knows best how to raise and guide a child rather
than birth parents, so if two Ebons parents, for example, have an
Eban child they will be heartbroken and forced to make a choice:
attempt to raise a potentially violent and unruly Eban or elect to

68
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

have the child reared by the Wasters within the family. The latter
tends to be the norm. Such family matters are troublesome, leading
to feuds and strife. It is typically the overseeing Necanthrope who
has final say on how the child shall be raised. If the parents refuse
to heed the demand of a Necanthrope they may find themselves
banished from their Ebonite House.
This is often the case with Ebonite who have grown up in
Downtown districts: feral children born to parents exiled by a
powerful Ebonite House in the Haxan System. Such households
may be tumultuous, but there is often more genuine love and
compassion within, simply because the parents chose their own
children over the timeworn laws of a Necanthrope Patriarch. As
a result, a feral Waster in Downtown is usually born to Ebon
parents and perhaps better rounded in personality than a supposed
pureblood Eban from Hades.

Appearance
There are two differing forms of Ebonite: Ebons - who
represent the positive aspects of the Ebb and the darker Eban
variety - instantly recognisable for the black charring around their
featureless eyes.
A lot can be told about the nature of an Ebonite by just looking
at their outward appearance; their personality spills through in
their hair and eye colour and these may even visibly brighten or
darken as their mood shifts.
The Ebonite species is visually similar to Humanity, but
their forms are far more malleable and shaped by the Ebb. The
Deathsuit will literally bond with their physical bodies and sculpt
them closer to their internal depiction of themselves. Some of the
gloomier and more introspective of the Ebans grow more sinuous
and skeletal within their Deathsuits, compressing internal organs
and narrowing cheekbones to such an extreme degree that it does
not seem physically possible, yet these drastic reformations do not
seem to injure the wearer at all.
It is the utterly emotive nature of the Ebonite that shapes every
part of their being, from their core personality to their entire
physical form. Ebons tend towards tall, lithe unblemished forms,
considered attractive by most species in the World of Progress.
Ebans however have more unconventional demeanours with more
angular, muscular visages that exude aggression and brutishness.
In recent years Ebonites have struggled with the terminology
that defines them in the World of Progress. Ebons do not like the
term ‘Deathsuit’ because of the morose connotations it conjures,
preferring to use the unofficial title ‘Glyph Suit’. Ebans, however
derive absolute glee in the frightening description and love to
emphasise that it is in fact armour they are wearing and that it
delivers death.

Species Specific Abilities

Control of The Ebb - All Ebonites can manipulate the Ebb to
perform actions that would be otherwise impossible to others.
To represent this, Ebonite characters replace their LUCK stat
with the FLUX stat. See “The Ebb” on page 124 for more
information.
. Life Span: 100 - 200 years
. Height/Weight: 5.5 - 6 feet, 7-10st
. Strengths: Bestowed with incredible powers of the Ebb.
. Weaknesses: Difficulties with coping emotive state.

69
 SLA INDUSTRIES

STORMER 313 ‘MALICE’

“I don’t need to do nothing to those gang members over there, Background
because they can’t do nothing to me. Can’t shoot me, can’t stab me,
they can’t even get through my armour. Anything they do will heal The Stormer Project is the foundation from which much of
in a minute and then I’ll smash their faces in. SLA Industries was built as a company. The manufacture of the
original 313 ‘Malice’ Stormer was sold to countless Conflict Races
I was ordered to do that the other day and I did too. I smashed as the very pinnacle of biogenetics. The Stormers were instantly
this Prop’s face right fucking in. His skull just looked like a salad bought en masse and performed their duties well – perhaps a little
bowl when I’d done with him. The Wraithen I work with was too well…
proper angry because I wasn’t supposed to make the Prop’s brains
Other rival companies have tried to create their own bio-
come out his ears. So I told the Wraithen that I’d smash his face
engineered organisms, with little to no success. Even when such
in next if he didn’t shut up and walk away. Then the Wraithen
enemies of SLA have kidnapped Karma technicians and forced
wasn’t angry anymore. I won that argument. ‘Good at that.”
them to reproduce their original product, they have been unable
‘Smasher’ – 313 Stormer Operative, to match it. There is some secret component that lies at the very
SCL 8, Squad ‘Perfect Gallows’ earliest stage of Stormer conception and it cannot be replicated
outside of Karma’s development facilities. The most anyone
Insight outside of Head Office refers to the process calls it ‘Death Wake’,
As you open your eyes for the first time, you see the world but anything beyond this is pure flight of fancy, increasingly
through a filter of red. You are submerged in a fluid filled container, elaborate rumours and hearsay.
in what appears to be a vast laboratory. Bio-tanks, identical to the As the centuries pass, SLA Industries has grown evermore
one that contains you, each holding a monster curled in the foetal protective of its Stormer production, even going as far as to redact
position, stretches out in many rows. You place your clawed hand certain details regarding the 313’s origins and people behind
upon the glass wall and watch as countless scientists busily survey its conception. Some of the original people involved in early
these womb-like cylinders, examining the life reading on each development quite simply disappeared.
individual panel. All that is now known is what they look like and what the
You hear a muted note and feel a series of sharp stings about Stormer can do – it is ugly and exceptional at ending lives. It
your torso as the life support cabling disconnects from your body can regenerate, healing even severe wounds within a matter of
and floats away. minutes. They have enough physical strength to wield the largest,
The red liquid protein noisily drains from the tank and then most devastating weapons SLA has ever created. They rarely tire,
the glass panel lifts as you breathe air for the first time. You flex having to sleep just a few hours every 2 or 3 days. They have few
strong, steely muscles and stare curiously at the DNA barcode and ambitions beyond the desire for more fighting, louder music,
tattoo on your inner forearm. It is black, red and white with a skull better bigger weapons and an abundance of the finest junk food
at the base and everything seems to fall into place. What you are. Mort has to offer. They ask no questions and have no interest in
What you can do. the greater complexities of life; they are SLA Industries’ Operative
The bio-scientists take notice and proceed to flock around, ideal - an individual who never asks too many questions.
making perfunctory checks. They are small and puny and you Disturbing as the Stormers may appear, they are such a common
acknowledge it would be very easy to kill them by simply breaking sight on Mort that their presence is viewed as relatively normal,
them in two, or biting their heads off. You are not sure why you that is until one is bearing down on you. What people are most
immediately ponder these choices, but the act of killing feels afraid of is the temperament and abilities of the 313. It has been
second nature. designed to fight and kill and if they are not engaged in combat
The small people speak words that you seem to understand. They for any length of time, a typical Stormer will become irritable and
tell you that you are deemed complete, ready to enter the World of frustrated. This gives them the tendency to lash out aggressively,
Progress – a 313 Stormer. A brutal enforcer of the company’s will. or simply instigate violent encounters to quell their urges.
You feel an excess of energy and unimaginable strength coursing Stormers lack higher Human intellect, but can nonetheless
through you, a force that is eager to be released. The only form function within Mort society and perform their duties as a SLA
of release is violence, it’s the language you understand best. You Operative: accepting and executing BPNs, following orders and
know you can’t destroy the little scientists who scurry about, maintaining a basic understanding of the Departmental Hierarchy.
but you must find something to break soon and you hope an Stormers were designed solely for combat. At first, to aid and
important person at SLA will unleash you and allow you to relieve then defeat the Conflict Races and finally to protect SLA and to
that tension on an enemy of the company, something that screams destroy its enemies on the War Worlds.
at high volume; the music to your ears. Op squads have something of a love/hate relationship with the
313 Stormer. When the bullets are flying they are the best ally an

70
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Operative can have as there is little to challenge an experienced,

well equipped Stormer, but placing these biogenetic creations in
social situations can be problematic. They are not especially helpful
during tense negotiations, nor are they particularly diplomatic.
They are also impatient, so it’s not uncommon for them to get
surly and mean during the stuffy, protracted periods of waiting for
missions in the BPN Halls.
Stormers struggle to think beyond the concept that ‘might is
right’; a SLA Corporate may be giving them orders but it baffles
them as to why they should listen; they could just kill him in an
instant. As a result, it can take some time to earn the respect of
a Stormer, which is typically through acts of bravery, or patience
with the Stormer’s inherent limitations.

Appearance
The overall appearance of the 313 Stormer is that of an intensely
muscular Humanoid, but easily the most notable feature of the
beast is the large equine shaped skull and the rows of broad fangs
littering its jaws. Like all Stormer variations, the 313 Malice’s lips
are peeled back from the teeth, giving the Stormer a perpetual
grimace and the propensity to drool.
Stormer hair grows with great rapidity but only ever upon the
scalp of the creature and is long, thick and shaggy. Its skin is
uniformly grey/blue, or black and with an oily sheen. In order to
help differentiate themselves from each other, Stormers will inject
themselves with a skin pigment-altering drug called Lumo.
The Stormer creation has been called all manner of names,
ranging from ugly, to utterly horrific, but clearly the camera
loves it. Few other individuals in the media draw a crowd like
a rampaging Stormer in full aggression mode. The 313 ‘Malice’
Stormer is Karma’s bioengineering at its very finest. No other
design of Stormer has been as well received, or as a reliable in
combat as the Malice.
It is the first and it is the best.

Species Specific Abilities

Regeneration (2) - Stormers are capable of regenerating
themselves at a highly efficient rate, healing injuries and
rebuilding damaged tissue automatically. A Malice has a
Regeneration Rate of 2. Full details on Regeneration can be
found in the Rules & Mechanics chapter of this book.
Physical Favourite - The cameras love a Stormer. All Stormer
313 ‘Malice’ characters start with an additional 1 Ratings
Point in the Body category. If a Malice starts any game session
with 0 Ratings Points in the Body category, they immediately
gain 1.
. Life Span: Indeterminate
. Height/Weight: 9 feet, 60st
. Strengths: Genetically created to fight and kill, perfect
within context.
. Weaknesses: Mean and surly disposition. Low impulse
control. Difficult to manage.

71
 SLA INDUSTRIES

STORMER 711 ‘XENO’

“Do not be afraid of the way I look. I’m just like you, only better. the complex goal was a new form of killing machine that would be
Now, do you want to be killed with the MAC Knife or the Flick smarter and more self-reliant than the standard Malice, be more
Scythe?” agile, move quietly and could blend with its surroundings.
Grandmaster Stabb, 711 Xeno, Contract Killer There were countless attempts to perfect the Stormer and with
each misstep Maxon’s position within the project strengthened.
Insight: His ruthlessness and sinister cunning seemed to galvanise the
You awaken. You hear a sucking sound, distant muted voices monster that finally came to fruition, a monster that wasn’t so
and feel thick synthetic amniotic liquid draining away from your very different from himself.
body. You are now fully conscious and your visual array shows you The final product was far from an oil painting. It was easily one
everything in the room; the Karma scientists rushing around the of the most bizarre creations to ever emerge from the Karma
rows upon rows of tall glass cylinders and the enormous Stormers Labs. It had insect-like compound eyes, a dome shaped skull, an
contained in each one. immensely tough hide that adapted to any environment. There is a
These are 313 ‘Malice’ Stormers. Much different from you, in rumour that a terrified junior bioengineer nicknamed it the Xeno
almost every way. You are smaller, leaner than these clumsy brutes because of its outlandish appearance, but there is another darker
and despite being a just a few minutes old, you know you are tale that suggests Maxon sneaked the DNA of a known Conflict
special; you have value. You were meant for great things. Alien Race into the mix which held to bind the competing DNA
strands together, where all previous attempts had failed. This
You glance at your hands and with a split second’s concentration
rumour has never been verified and since the Xeno’s success, Dr
your skin’s pigment adapts to match colour on the glass, the metal
Hagen has not received a summons from Cloak Division, so far.
ridges: interesting. You examine your claws and scratch the surface
of the container with a fine groove, which pleases you as you As the Xeno went into full manufacture, a few personality traits
imagine what it will do to a human eyeball. began to seep through in the 711 model. Being somewhat more
intelligent than the familiar 313 Malice, it developed something
A Karma technician is lifting the lid to your own container and
of an arrogant attitude that rubbed fellow Operatives the wrong
reaches in to help you out, but you push his hand away; as if you
way. Xenos are a unique, well-crafted example of bioengineering
of all things need any help. You exit the tank in two fluid motions
and not only do they know it, they are very quick to remind
and land deftly on the laboratory floor.
everyone of the fact.
You glance at the gathering technicians, outstretching a hand
Xenos were built to perform assassinations and they develop an
and uttering your first word - ‘towel.’
intense love of the kill, leading some to suspect that there may
There’s no time to waste. You don’t have time for all the be some Wraithen DNA in the mix. Xenos and Wraithen react
inductions and ceremonies, you want to get trained up as quickly to each other in extremis: they either bond instantly or utterly
as possible, ace your education and fast track to Operative status. despise each other and unfortunately it tends towards the later. If
You have goals to meet, places to be and enemies of SLA to kill. there are both species in a squad they will bicker constantly and
Background continual try to one-up each other at every opportunity.
Xenos are very much driven by status and praise. They love the
For centuries, 313 ‘Malice’ Stormers have represented the
SCL system put in place at SLA Industries and they are always
muscle and backbone of the company, but subtlety was far beyond
eager to climb the ladder. This does not mean that a Xeno is
their capabilities. SLA Industries wanted a new design that
focused on being squad leader, they simply want a badge that
could master covert missions and assassinations, a Stormer that
states they have a higher number than anyone else around them.
could slip unseen into an enemy base and eliminate a threat as
quickly and quietly as possible. It was a tall order: the division Off duty Xenos live much the same as any Op, spending their
which created Stormer types, Phantom Pregnancy had enjoyed downtime in The Pit drinking and bragging about their past
enormous success in the developing large, brutal and unstoppable achievements, or browsing weapon retail stores and drooling over
creatures but designing a new type that had a more advanced the newest, sexiest deadly weapon on the market.
approach would take considerable effort and ingenuity. Some Xenos do tend to ‘calm down’ after a few years of
The new 711 project took almost ten years to complete, as employment and gradually come to accept their fellow squad
Phantom Pregnancy struggled to create a sustainable Stormer members as more than just opponents and underlings, which has
type that met the requirements SLA had set forth. Two led to the belief that there may be as much naivety in Xenos as
prominent scientists in the field of Biogenetics were brought in to there is arrogance. They are developed to kill for SLA and it can
helm development - Dr Maxon Hagen, from the Department of take time for them to understand the people around them have
Zoology came in to assist the project leader Dr Nathan Coen. The feelings and interior lives; that there may be more to life than just
new Stormer would combine numerous strains of animal DNA - winning, killing and winning at killing.

72
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Appearance
The Xeno model (pronounced Ze-no) supposedly gets its name
from its absurdly alien appearance, particularly in the shape of
the skull and the complex array of large compound eyes dotted
around the upper surface, giving a wider field of vision.
Like all Stormers, the Xeno has a lipless set of jaws exposing
sharp wedge-shaped teeth, which tend to be lighter and smoother
than that of the 313 Malice. They have digitigrade legs which
allow them to sprint at increased speed compared to plantigrades.
Xenos are not as large nor heavily built as other Stormer types,
their primary design feature is stealth so they are grown with lithe,
slender bodies but are nonetheless highly muscular.
Xenos have adaptive skin which allows them to blend with their
surroundings. More recent, upgraded Xeno models can control
the ability and decide whether or not to blend with the scenery.
This feature was added when the 711 type became popular in the
Contract Circuit and Xenos wanted to be seen, so they can switch
their skin pigment to more garish colours in order to ‘stand out’.
Whichever way the Stormers wish to present themselves they
prefer not to wear armour and rely on their tough leathery skin.
On a typical kill mission the Xeno approaches the target
undressed and unarmoured so the Stormer has been designed
with a series of organic pockets and pouches dotted around its
body. More recently, many more Xenos prefer to display more of
a personal identity, wearing coats and accessories, relying more
heavily on their basic stealth skills and ranged attacks.
For the more traditionalist, there are ten pockets integrated
onto the 711: two each on the thigh (160x210mm), lower leg
(120x300mm), chest (120x120mm), abdomen (150x180mm) and
one on each upper arm (110x230mm). These pockets bind with
the Xeno’s body when not in use.
Species Specific Abilities:
Regeneration (1) - Stormers are capable of regenerating
themselves at a highly efficient rate, healing injuries and
rebuilding damaged tissue automatically. A Xeno has a
Regeneration Rate of 1. Full details on Regeneration can be
found in the Rules & Mechanics chapter of this book.
Adaptive Skin - A Xeno has chameleon like skin that begins
to blend with its surroundings as it stops moving. Any Detect
rolls to spot a stationary Xeno receive a -1 modifier to the
Success Die. This modifier is increased to -2 if the Xeno has
been stationary for any significant length of time.
Armoured Skin - A Xeno’s skin is also armoured, removing
the need for them to wear other armour and keep their
adaptive camouflage in play. A Xeno’s armoured skin has PV
5 and Resistance equal to its Hit Points. Whenever a Xeno
regenerates any Hit Points it also regenerates an equal value of
Resistance. A Xeno takes great pride in their capabilities and
may never wear any other armour. In addition to the protective
capabilities, the skin also has a number of small pockets,
allowing the Xeno to carry items such as ammo, knives and
other essentials without conventional means.
. Life Span: Indeterminate
. Height/Weight: 7 feet, 11st
. Strengths: Perfectly designed for covert missions
. Weaknesses: Behavioural issues, including narcissism and
arrogance

73
 SLA INDUSTRIES

SHAKTAR
“Fight with principle. Champion the four virtues. Honour one’s The four Virtuous Moon Shaktars sided with SLA Industries,
family. Rise to all forms of adversity, with fury and joy.” while the four Dark Moons inevitably sided with White Earth
T’Rn K’nth’Rr. – Shaktar Operative, and so Bitterness.
SCL 7, Squad ‘Perfect Gallows’ Shaktars must forever acknowledge the Dark Moons and accept
them, even if that is simply in bitter conflict. No virtue can exist
Insight without the coexistence of a diametric opposite. If the Shaktar is
You were born in a cold mountain fortress on the royal to champion anything positive then it must accept equal adversity.
Shaktarian Tribe World – Kn’nth. In a matter of days you could This is the Shaktar way. Everything is balance.
walk and more importantly, grip and wield a weapon - it was Shaktars based on Mort are every bit as staunchly religious as
little more than a small knife, but in your diminutive hands it those found back on their tribe worlds, but they find every day a
was a sword, you immediately took to swinging your blade at the struggle, as they try to exist within the excesses of Mort City and
chitinous vermin that skittered about the grounds of the prayer feel that they are constantly tempted.
temples. Before savagery and bloodlust could overtake you, your For all of a Shaktar’s nobility and honour, they are a war-like
parents swept you up and immediately began your education and species and they have great innate desire for combat. Fighting
taught you to challenge your aggression. You were versed in the is something they revel in and yet also harbour a deep sense of
Shaktarian virtues and taught to loathe and shun the opposing guilt for that joy of violence. The Dark Moon Shaktars, however,
vices. completely forgo their shackles of virtues and openly indulge in
Once you reached adolescence you were made to face the brutal acts of bloodshed. They feel no guilt, only satisfaction. Dark
Exalted Challenge, an elevation to adulthood and the Warrior Moon Shaktars are never employed by SLA Industries and are
Cast. With ceremonial dagger in hand, you entered the pen of always in the service of White Earth. If they are encountered on
the brutish Shahantian Bull. To receive the blessing, you slew the Mort it is usually because they are providing muscle to the Shi’An
beast and sliced off its primary horns: the symbol of distinction Cult.
and maturity. You were then proven an adult and it was time to Shaktars face a constant struggle to avoid slipping into the
leave Kn’nth and sign up as an Operative at SLA Industries. territory of the Dark Moons and in certain cases these urges
You have heard stories of Mort City and the people who live overwhelm them and thus they defect to the side of the enemy,
there. There are tales of corruption, treachery and dishonour. The forever.
Shaktarian Elders expect you to venture into the heart of SLA As such, most Shaktar SLA Ops will try to attend counsel with a
and uphold the cherished values instilled in you from birth. You local Shaktarian priest, whom acts as a form of confessor. But even
will educate and you will discipline, with words and sabre. this has ties back into warfare. In many cases the Shaktar simply
gains advice from the priest or priestess, but in more complex
Background dilemmas the Shaktar must challenge the resident Empty One –
The Shaktars are an ancient Conflict Race that sided with SLA this is another Shaktar who’s undergoing their own inner struggle,
Industries before The Formation. Unlike many species from that having lost all sight of virtue and vice and cannot align with any
era, they are a proud, honourable and dignified people. They of the eight moons. The Empty One wears a faceless black mask
strongly believe in family, friendship and tradition. Without these, and armour, armed with a weapon based on the severity of the
a Shaktar is nothing; no weapon or martial arts training will give opponent’s internal struggle.
her strength if she has nothing to stand for. Honour and courage The tormented Shaktar must face down the Empty One in
defines her. combat and defeat it. If the Shaktar cannot best it then he must
Shaktars believe in challenge and that it be as brutal and go and reassess his choices or direction.
uncompromising as possible. They feel that in all aspects of their Shaktars have even been known to approach business
lives they must be constantly testing themselves. They are a proud opportunities in much the same fashion.
species who are also terrified with the concept of pride itself, Other species find this approach to faith and catharsis absurd,
because its influence can lead to far more negative connotations. since all too often the quandary of the Shaktar has no basis in
The Shaktars have built their religion around the eight separate physical combat, but they are neglecting to fully understand the
moons that circulate their various home worlds. Like all elements culture of Shaktars and what has worked for them over many
of Shaktarian life, there is balance, there are four positive moons centuries. Shaktars actively seek friendship and bond with their
and four negative ones, also known by Shaktars as the ‘dark fellow Operatives. They respect dignity and courage above all else
moons’. Each moon partners with another polar opposite: Virtue and bestow a clasp of veneration (or braid) to any squad mate that
- Distortion, Vision - Dementia, Vigour - Disease and Verity (or exemplifies these traits in battle. This oath is of high importance
Validity) - Doubt. as it now means the Shaktar will defend and protect his friend for
as long he lives.

74
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Appearance
Of all the post-Conflict Races, the Shaktar is the closest to
Human in terms of appearance. They are a large bulky species,
however, sprouting to 7 or 8 feet in height with thick, muscular
builds. The most notable features of a Shaktar are their instantly
recognisable segmented, fleshy dreadlocks, which pour from their
scalp all the way down to the lower back and the deep crimson
hue of their skin. They have a typical Humanoid anatomy and
whilst heavily built they do not generate sculpted ‘body builder’
physiques through exercise and maintain robust body types not
dissimilar to that of a wrestler or butcher.
All Shaktar sport a thick prehensile tail, which will involuntarily
twitch and sway when the Shaktar ‘s emotions are heightened by
rage or stress. Some Shaktars, usually among the young members
of the species, will develop a crest on their uppermost dreads prior
to combat, or simply when enraged. Shaktars are not the best at
concealing their emotions, these clear indicators indicate when to
back away or apologise for a perceived slight.
Shaktars are bestowed with a wide variety of boney facial plates,
particularly across the brow and nose. Shaktars believe the diversity
in these patterns and outcroppings denote particular heritage and
dynasty in their culture. These facial ridges thicken and grow as
the Shaktar advances in years. The Shaktarian language is throaty
and coarse, lacking the common vowels found in the Killan
dialect. Nearly all Shaktars based on Mort have learned Killan,
but will visually cringe when non-Shaktarian species attempt, but
inevitably butcher their sacred language.
Shaktar believe in the purity of their own bodies and will not
use any biogenetic enhancement or augmentation. Shaktars are
a hardy species, however and they live long productive lives. They
maintain a sturdy ‘prime’ until around the age of 120 and then
their strength fades and their abilities falter. At this point in their
lives they must decide whether to stay on the warrior’s path until
death or retire as an Shaktarian Elder and serve as counsel to a
Lord of a Tribe World. Most Shaktars fear this path, as a warrior
species they all wish to die in battle, rather than see themselves
wither and fade of natural causes. Those who have entered their
winter years take a much less extreme view, though and find new,
less aggressive ways to uphold the Shaktarian Virtues.

Species Specific Abilities

Honour Bound - A Shaktar is a deeply honourable creature who
lives to a warrior’s code. A Shaktar may never flee if it means
leaving a comrade behind. In addition, a Shaktar’s COOL stat is
increased by 1 (even over the species maximum) whenever they
are defending an injured ally.
Prehensile Tail - Shaktars have huge heavy tails which they can
manipulate. The tail aids in climbing, balance, gives an increased
sense of touch and can be used to entangle opponents. To reflect
this, Shaktars receive a +1 modifier to the Success Die for all
Climbing rolls and opponents in hand-to-hand combat may not
use Acrobatic Defence.
. Life Span: 160-180 years
. Height/Weight: 7-8 feet, 25-35st
. Strengths: Expert fighters, with a strong moral code.
. Weaknesses: A strong moral code which can be inflexible.
Trusting, to a fault.

75
 SLA INDUSTRIES

WRAITHEN
“Here, check this out. It’s the very latest, top of the line BLA Background
833 Drop-Down sniping rifle. See there, B-L-A, they make the
best weapons in the World of Progress and this is their first proper People who are unfamiliar with the Wraithen may find them
ranged weapon. I got it on preorder, so this isn’t even out yet. difficult to be around at first. Their unique disposition and outlook
Hardly anyone can get their hands on this level of sexiness. It’s a stands at odds with most other species in the World of Progress,
snub nose, much like the FEN GAG, which I mastered but is now particularly Shaktars, who in terms of personality position at
utterly rubbish, so I chucked it. direct opposite. Both species elected to join SLA during the
Conflict Era but for the Wraithen it was never a difficult choice,
This baby though; I’ll hit some Dark Night dweeb at 200 meters, they have always sided with the perceived winning team.
right through his left eye and blow his brains clean out the back
Wraithen can be as chilly as the Ice Worlds from which they
of his skull. It will be brilliant. I’ll get an awesome sponsorship
originate. They lack all but the slightest form of empathy and
from that.”
compassion, yet they aren’t especially cruel. Humans loosely
Virin Vrott – Wraithen Operative, SCL compares Wraithen to cats, they seem aloof and disinterested by
6, Squad ‘Dusty Lavender’ anything outside their sphere of interest. As a culture they have
very few traditions or beliefs and barely keep a record of their own
Insight history. They can be highly materialistic, but will literally discard a
You were so glad to finally get off your icy Home World; it was relatively new piece of equipment or weapon in favour of the very
just so boring. Yes, the freezing temperatures were nice and all and latest and most popular upgrade.
there was lots of fresh game but they didn’t have all the cool guns Wraithen are also like this with regards to relationships. They
and vibro weapons that were in abundance in those glossy SLA may enter a relationship for days or months but will simply drop
magazines. Even the smell of that shiny paper, so nice. You knew the connection if there is a chance of attaining someone better.
you were going to have to get grown up as fast as possible and get Attractiveness is not as high on their list of appeal as status, wealth
your butt over to Mort and become a SLA Operative. and opportunity. It is always whatever is in the best interests of
There weren’t many Humans and such on Polo and they were the Wraithen that drives them on.
all on the side of SLA so you weren’t allowed to hunt them: so Wraithen struggle to understand why a Shaktar treasures an old,
boring. Apparently, Humans taste awesome, like, way better than battered shotgun, or the memories he associates it with, nor can
the shit you get on Polo. Maybe you’d get a taste of a Dark Night they fathom why a spouse would stay with a partner who is sick
Gunner when nobody is looking. or has lost their job. The first instinct of the Wraithen is to drop
Most of all you wanted to get a decent sniping rifle and take out dead weight and move on.
some enemies of SLA at seriously long range. Or just wing them It is believed that a Wraithen is incapable of love, a concept set
and then move in for the kill. It’s so exhilarating, that anticipation, forth by standards of other species, and for the most part this
that you can barely sit still in your chair. You’re on your way now. is true. It tends to be however, the more time Wraithen spend
You finished training - top marks and in a few short hours you’ll around different speices for extended periods they develop new
be tooling up for your first BPN. feelings and emotions, but with Wraithen it takes much longer
You look out of the window of the gauss train, as it hurtles than most. Over time, many Wraithen gradually grow to like
though the Cannibal Sector. It’s a hideously awful place, or so or even admire other species. Although more cynical observers
you’ve been told, but to your hunter’s eye it looks it’ll be great believe that it is an elaborate trick or form of mimicry, a way to
fun. Just so, so many exciting species to prey on, which means big further the Wraithen’s own personal agenda.
creds, better equipment, nicer things. Love is difficult for Wraithen but they do have a great fondness
You stare at all the other fresh recruits who’ll be joining SLA for hunting; something that ties into the earliest evolutionary
right along with you. Man, they all look so clumsy, flabby and stage of their species and is still salient in the present day. A
slow. It’s hilarious. Yes, you’ve come a long way from your humble Wraithen cannot resist the thrill of stalking and killing an elusive
beginnings, the one surviving cub in your litter. You’d feel bad prey, whether that be live game that they prep for dinner, or an
about your dead brothers and sisters if you could remember their unsuspecting Dark Night agent caught in the sights of their rifle
faces, or anything else about them. But hey, they’re dead and scope. They like the taste of fresh blood and raw meat, which
you’re not. You were tougher, faster and hungrier. satiates their deep primal urges, their innate ‘killer instinct.’
That’s why you made it, baby. That’s why you’ll be a SLA Wraithen subscribe to the attitude of survival of the fitness and
Operative and the best kind - a Wraithen SLA Op. this extends into every aspect of their lives, whether it is climbing
the SCL ladder, performing a challenge, or getting served first at
the bar. They want to be best, first, happiest and make no apologies
for it.

76
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Appearance
The Wraithen species are a strange mix of feline and saurien and
depending on what side of the Ice World’s equator dictates which
one they lean more visually towards.
Those Wraithen born on the northern equator have smooth,
angular features whilst those born in the south have eyes set
farther forward on the skull and are more chiselled in their
facial anatomy. SLA records will commonly classify a Wraithen
Operative as a ‘Northern Wraithen’ or ‘Southern Wraithen’.
Northern Wraithen are most commonly found on Mort, so
when the far more rare Southern sub-species are encountered
other species are surprised at the physical diversity, yet Wraithen
themselves barely make the distinction at all.
Wraithen have an overall humanoid physiognomy, with scarcely
an ounce of fat on any part of their bodies. Their muscles are
taut and sinewy, allowing for incredible reflexes and speed, far
outstripping the dexterity of any species currently employed by
SLA Industries.
Both types of Wraithen are coated in a layer of fur, light and
smooth on a northern Wraithen, but thicker and coarser on the
southern variety.
Whilst stationed on their native Ice Worlds the Wraithen’s hair
turns white and their eyes fade to a pale pink, but when they enter
a warmer climates their fur and hair darkens to varying shades of
purple and they present a mottled patterning similar to that of a
leopard.
Wraithen are natural hunters and they bare sharp teeth and
claws, which they are always proud to show off whenever possible.
Wraithen struggle somewhat with climates warmer than their
icy home worlds, so take to wearing coolant stalks on either cheek
to help regulate their body temperature. This external device soon
becomes second nature to Wraithen. Those born on Mort tend
to have better temperature regulation, but will still have standard
coolant stalks applied once they take on roles at SLA Industries.
Wraithen have short natural lifespans compared to other
species in the World of Progress, which is typically attributed to
Wraithen’s exceptionally high metabolism although they reach
full maturity by 10 years of age. Wraithen also welcome biogenetic
augmentation that may extend their lifespan.

Species Specific Abilities:

Skilled Hunter - Wraithen are natural hunters, a skill set
instilled in them from birth. As such, a Wraithen is considered
to have one additional Skill Dice success when making a
Tracking roll.
Acute Senses - A Wraithen’s heightened senses extend to their
strong survival instinct, giving them an uncanny knack at
detecting dangerous situations. A Wraithen adds 1 to their
Initiative Bonus, making them more likely to act before others
in combat.
. Life Span: 45 - 50 years
. Height/Weight: 5-6 feet, 7-8st
. Strengths: Exceptional speed and reflexes. Highly
motivated.
. Weaknesses: Ruthless, self serving attitudes.

77
 SLA INDUSTRIES

ADVANCED CARRIEN
“Everyone is funny to me. They say funny things. Call me funny and eat you. This is how the average Mort Civilian (and in truth,
names, things that are meant to hurt. But I’ve been cut, shot, the average SLA Operative too) regards the average Carrien: it is
stabbed and bitten; and that’s proper pain. I got past all that; I’ll a monster that means you harm, so trying to introduce ‘Carrien
get past this. Operatives’ was always going to be met with considerable
I’m a ‘bone head’, a ‘dog boy’, a ‘tunnel mutt’. I’ve heard it all. resistance.
But when you get lost in the Downtown sewers and a carnivorous SLA Industries has been struggling to utilise Mort’s burgeoning
pig is chewing on your nutsack, you’ll be needing my help. Carrien population for a very long time. The company regards
No one can handle Mort City like an ADV.” the genus as repellent yet despite its less than commendable
traits, SLA cannot deny its innate powers and resilience. It is a
Krackle, ADV Carrien Operative, species that survived (albeit corrupted by) nuclear radiation, then
SCL 9.1a, Squad ‘Dusty Lavender’ starvation and a host of differing pollutants beyond the Fission
Belt. The Carrien nonetheless endures and thrives.
Insight
Unfortunately, the vast majority of Carrien are completely feral
You have only vague, fleeting memories of your infancy. You and and from an early age they imprint onto the dominant Greater
your 4 sibling pups were born in a sewer pipe in Downtown. One Carrien, or a sturdy Alpha Carrien pack leader. They are not a
of your litter was slain by Mort Rat, which you then killed. You species that would ever actively side with SLA Industries, but that
then bit out the throat of your brother who was trying to steal is about to change.
your kill; you ate them both. SLA Industries, ever searching for new employment
One night your mother was shot dead by an Operative, by that opportunities, persevered and after countless attempts to re-
time you were the sole surviving pup. With the man in armour educate the animalistic species, the ADV Carrien was finally
came other Humans in lab coats. One shot you with a dart gun created.
and when you woke you were in a cage in a white, shiny Karma At first, the development team focussed on juvenile Alpha
lab. Carrien, but they could not be tamed in any useful way, so this
As time passed, you were given a series of injections. They stung initial intention was abandoned. The key was to capture the
bitterly but the effects soothed you. When you were able to focus best specimens within the first weeks of their lives. There was
you saw a Human woman smiling at you through the bars, which nothing random about this process – the chosen Carrien packs
prevented you from chewing her tasty face off. She taught you to were monitored for months, even years, to find the best, toughest
read, the bare basics of writing and to speak the Mort language. It young infants. The company was looking for just one in a litter of
was difficult and you were frustrated, but in time you got to learn pups who would rise above the rest and then weather the early
more interesting skills. challenges in Carrien life.
The big, red, alien man educated you in the use of firearms, vibro When the timing was optimal a team of Karma techs would
weapons, even unarmed fighting which could allow you to drop intervene and steal away the juvenile Carrien and immediately
foes much larger than yourself and leave them shuddering on commence reconditioning it, turning it from slavering monster
the floor. Finally, they informed you that you were now an ADV into a faithful, compliant employee of the company.
Carrien and you had a job to do. So be it: you got into your heavy Initially, Karma tried to adapt the physical make-up of the
armour, slotted your MAC in its sheath and left the Karma lab. Carrien by grafting a layer of skin to the familiar bare skull, but
SLA had trained you, but not prepared you, for society, with all its the DNA addition refused to adhere. Despite better nutrition,
complexities and discrimination. education and improved posture – an Advanced Carrien would
You were assigned to an Op Squad and the insults continued always remain a Carrien.
for a time, but you didn’t much care. You managed to break the But SLA had still achieved its objective – The ADV filled a
Frother’s nose when he tried to steal your Big Grin burger and particular niche in the Operative roster. It is a species perfectly
when the resident Stormer punched you for mocking his dead adapted to the Downtown and Cannibal Sector environs; they
pet Arrowhead Cockroach, you didn’t fall over, so the Stormer have excellent resistance against disease, radiation and poison.
was your best friend after that. It has been a long, difficult road They shrug off most injuries and do not spook easily.
to acceptance, but the squad needs you now, especially if the next
ADV Carrien commence their employment at odds with the
BPN leads back into the sewers. The place you were born.
world around them. In essence, they are a bit of a blank slate.
Background They don’t yet have much preference towards food, dress sense, or
musical taste and will invariably look to the squad’s Neophron or
For so many centuries the Carrien has been regarded as vermin,
Ebon on what they should wear, or even think.
like Mort Rats only bigger and more vicious. There isn’t much that
is sympathetic or admirable about a Carrien. They want to kill Much like their kin out in the cannibal sectors, ADVs will fixate
on seemly random objects, either staring at them for protracted

78
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

periods and obsessively collecting them en masse. Feral Carrien

like shiny objects, but ADVs have a much wider range of
obsessions, buying pieces of SLA equipment based on aesthetic
quality rather than function, even going as far as to buy flux gems
and ebb gear because the weird shapes and contours fascinate
them. Once they find a piece of music or band they like, they will
listen to select tunes on repeat, much to the annoyance of the rest
of their squad.
Gradually, over time, the ADV establish their own sense of
identity and worth.
SLA Industries rarely uses the full term – ‘Advanced Carrien’,
much preferring to use the abbreviated ‘ADV’ in an effort to lessen
the connection with the creatures perceived as SLA’s enemy. It
doesn’t do much to alleviate the fear and hatred directed towards
ADVs and most of their number are quiet, reserved and modest
creatures whom rarely speak out. They do their jobs as efficiently
as possible.

Appearance
The ADV bears many of the same visual characteristics of a feral
Carrien – the bare, skinless canine skull, the sharp teeth and claws
and bright, featureless blue eyes, deep set in the sockets. Some
of the more bigoted members of SLA society cannot seen any
difference at all in the appearance of an ADV Carrien compared
to the wild Carrien found in Downtown or the cannibal sectors.
There are however, several notable differences between the two.
ADV Carrien have far better posture compared to the feral
breed, with a physiognomy closer to that of a Human. They
are also far healthier and well groomed and since Carrien have
fast acting metabolism, any weight they gain quickly converts
into strong, lean muscle mass. Lastly, the whole demeanour of
the ADV Carrien sets it apart from regular Carrien; they have
true sentience. Many ADVs will attach hoods, protective caps
(commonly worn under helmets) and accessories to the head
region to further lessen the association to their savage cousins.

Species Specific Abilities

Familiar Breed - While a far cry from their kin, Advanced
Carrien are able to communicate flawlessly with other members
of the Carrien genus. To reflect this, Advanced Carrien receive
a +2 modifier to the Success Die for all CHA and COOL
based skill rolls when dealing directly with members of the
Carrien species.
Against All Odds - The upbringing of any Carrien is far more
brutal than almost any other species can imagine. The hardships
and violence experienced during their early years, paired with
the challenges overcome with escaping the cannibal sectors
and being accepted by SLA Industries make the Advanced
Carrien extremely hardy. To reflect this, Advanced Carrien
are considered to have one additional Skill Die success when
making a Survival roll.
. Life Span: 40 - 50 years
. Height/Weight: 6 - 6.5 feet, 20-30st
. Strengths: Perfectly adapted to Mort life. Excellent
physical constitution.
. Weaknesses: Species-related stigma in Mort society. Low
level understanding of social niceties and interactions.

79
 SLA INDUSTRIES

NEOPHRON
“No, I am not a Wraithen. You may however refer to me as Background
Neophron: we go by many names but that will suffice for the
moment. Now, our friend here - he was seemingly killed with Neophron are a new species to emerge in the World of Progress.
a one-handed blade, except that this particular injury was non- Many class them as a Conflict Race, as most ‘fresh faces’ on Mort
fatal, based on the depth of the puncture wound and limited blood are believed to have once been an enemy of the company, however
loss. I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of obtaining the Neophron were never at war with SLA Industries and as far
a blood sample. There was a touch of discolouration around the as most people know, they have always existed in Conflict Space.
laceration, so it seemed likely that the blade was coated in White Their reasoning for entering the World of Progress is to guide
Queen: which I found to be correct. and educate. They know the Conflict Races and their motivations
and the Shi’An Cult, which is all but destroying the planets beyond
White Queen Lichen is only found in Cannibal Sector One, so
the World of Progress. The Neophron recognise White Earth as a
it had to have been shipped into Mort City. I checked local Shiver
threat beyond the current capabilities of SLA Industries and they
reports and discovered that a squad of 9th Division defectors had
want to help if they can.
been slain recently and that White Queen Lichen capsules had
been listed on their private manifest. The Neophron are under no illusion with regards to the true
nature of SLA. They know of its corruption and its cruelty and its
We should look for any cult symbols or paraphernalia pertaining apathy towards injustice. But the Neophron still believe there is
to the Raw Head religious order. There is another fellow in the hope. They see what they believe is a civilisation on its last legs and
master bedroom whom has had his left leg amputated post mortem, the society that will replace it is far, far worse.
which I suspect is tonight’s dinner for our murderer.
Neophron are by and large a good-natured species, whose
How can I be certain? Well, if you have full collection of the facts, education and research has taught them to respect and assimilate
in this crime, you’ll discover it’s elementary, my good chap.” into unfamiliar civilisations and absorb their cultures and beliefs.
Tarak Harakhebi – Neophron Operative, A Neophron will be fascinated by the deep-rooted mysticism of
SCL 8c, Squad ‘Perfect Gallows’ the Shaktars, but will also try to accept and tolerate the belligerent
brutishness of Frothers. They accept new traditions at face value,
Insight but if there is one thing a Neophron will not tolerate it is ‘wilful
You originate from the desert worlds of the Farouk solar system, ignorance’. They will forgive a Downtown Civilian who doesn’t
far from the World of Progress in which you now reside. Mort know any better, but will be incensed by a Waster bully who does.
is a diametric opposite of the blazing sun and cooling breeze of Refined and charismatic, most, if not all, SLA species will get on
your home; it is grey, damp and miserable. Nonetheless, you are with the Neophron, but if they can be faulted for anything it may
excited. It is vastly different from what you know and variety is be their own intellectual pride.
the spice of life. You cannot wait to explore all aspects of SLA Neophron will go to great lengths to learn a new skill, or explore
society. You are eager to meet your new squad mates and although every aspect of topic and may sometimes frustrate themselves with
you have been told they will be challenging, you are undeterred. failure, or by simply being incorrect. Neophron loathe exhibiting
This is simply not a problem; all challenge is exhilarating. any form of negativity and will be ashamed with themselves if
Like most of your kind, you come from considerable wealth, displaying irritability or shortness with friends and companions,
but here under the employment of SLA Industries you insist on as a result of failure.
starting with nothing more or less than any starting Operative. Neophron never sit idle; they are always reading a book or data
Your goal differs greatly from most people entering the company, slug, learning a new instrument or chatting with the locals and
in that you aren’t driven to climb the corporate SCL ladder; sampling their native cuisine, regardless of quality or refinement.
wealth and status is what you left behind. Your driving force is Neophron love to explore and discover new things and will grow
new experiences, true altruism and using your broad range of skills uncomfortable if their daily life becomes routine, or mundane.
and education to help others less fortunate than yourself. Neophron make good Op squad leaders and SLA admin will
You chose a training package that would place you in the most usually assign management status to the resident Neophron, who
impoverished areas of Downtown, where your services can do the they know will opt for the most sensible course of action and
most good. calmly keep their rowdy team members focussed yet driven. They
Having been raised in Conflict Space you are fully aware of the will ensure their wards have their needs met and prevent them
threat of White Earth and see now that the same cruelty and from taking too many liberties with their elevated status.
ugliness associated with that awful place amongst the civilians of Neophron tend to dislike fighting, as their bodies aren’t
Downtown. You and all other Neophron on Mort are determined especially built for it and will try to find a peaceful solution where
to turn the tables and save the World of Progress as best you can. possible. Of course, they know that Mort is a world that is steeped

80
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

in violence and thus have increased their normal combat training

to fit better among a squad of Operatives.
They dislike the finality of death, as if offers no chance
of redemption, so rarely will a Neophron kill a defeated or
unconscious foe if they can safely be brought to justice instead.
Appearance
The majority of Neophron entering the World of Progress
are tall and slender, with refined and graceful mannerisms and
gestures. They acknowledge their light, delicate physical frames
and never take excessively combat driven training packages, much
preferring the more cerebral based careers within the company.
Neophron are avian humanoids. They do not have wings, despite
have a plumage that covers all but their hands and feet, which
terminate in thin, black talons. Their heads are especially bird-
like and there is a wide diversity of colour and shape, particularly
around the beak and eyes. They also bear unique skin patterns
around the nasal region by which Neophrons can identify
particular families and nationalities.
On Mort, Neophron typically dress in formal attire, whether
they are employed by the corporate sector or not. These outfits
are usually well made, tailored suits, waistcoats and overcoats.
Neophron add their own Faroukan incline to such conservative
wear, such as adding subtle golden adornments, pendants and
ornately carved blue stone cuff links.
These embellishments are more pronounced when they are
attending diplomatic events and they wish to display more of
their own cultural identity.
Those Neophron who do take combat classes equip themselves
with gear that plays to their strengths: opting for light armour
such as SilverBack suits (when funds will allow), vibro sabres
and easily concealable pistols. This is done as much to convey a
message to civilians and even potential enemies, that violence and
bloodshed is not their primary aim.
Species Specific Abilities
Charm Offensive - The Neophron are talkers, born to a world
where speech is their greatest weapon. On the streets of Mort,
the Neophron’s silver tongue is a vital tool in investigation
and PR. A Neophron character receives a +1 modifier to the
Success Die for all Diplomacy, Oratory and Persuasion rolls.
This bonus is not applied when dealing with other members of
the Neophron species - they are just too wise to be drawn in.
Inquisitive Mind - A Neophron’s understanding of the power
of words generally leads the youth of their race to focus on
studies and communication techniques. By most standards,
a Neophron is generally educated to a higher standard
than even the Humans found on Mort. To reflect this, the
Neophron has more starting racial skills (discussed later) than
other races. In addition, at the end of character creation, a
Neophron character may select one rank 3 KNOW or CHA-
related skills on their character sheet and increase it to rank 4,
ignoring the usual restrictions.
. Life Span: 120-180 years
. Height/Weight: 5.5 - 6 feet, 5-6st
. Strengths: Well suited to leadership roles and problem
solving through diplomatic solutions.
. Weaknesses: Physically frail in comparison to other SLA
Operative classes. Intellectually vain.

81
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Luck (LUCK) - A character’s Luck stat is a measure of just how

STATS lucky they are in the line of duty. While Operatives like to
Stats represent the core capabilities of a character - how smart, think of themselves as highly trained individuals, sometimes
strong, fast or lucky they are. The different stats that characters a little blind luck makes all the difference to the outcome.
possess are: Ebonites do not have a Luck stat.
Strength (STR) - A measure of how physically strong and fit Flux (FLUX) - Only Ebonites have a Flux stat. Flux represents
the character is, as well as their capabilities in close combat. the Ebonite’s mastery of the Ebb and represents a pool of
Strength can be considered a measure of overall fitness and is resources that can be used to evoke powerful Ebb disciplines
used when running, climbing, throwing or fighting in hand- during the game.
to-hand combat.
STAT RANKS
Dexterity (DEX) - Dexterity represents a character’s speed,
agility and hand-eye coordination. Dexterity comes into play Each stat has a range from 0 to 6, with 0 representing a
when considering the use of ranged weapons like pistols or particularly low capability in that area and 6 representing the
rifles, as well as when hiding, sneaking or performing an peak of capability. Each step is referred to as a rank, e.g. rank
acrobatic manoeuvre. 3 in Strength represents that a character has above average
Knowledge (KNOW) - Knowledge is the core thinking power capability in that area. The ranks are as follows:
of a character, representing not only their level of education in
academic subjects, but also their wit and ability to retain vital Stat Ranks
information. A character’s Knowledge stat is an indication of 0 Poor
their overall intelligence. 1 Adequate
Concentration (CONC) - A character’s Concentration stat 2 Average
is considered for complex tasks that require both dedication
and study, as well as their ability to hone their senses in order 3 Above Average
to spot and detect threats or clues. Concentration is used for 4 Good
driving, a range of technical skills and identifying threats. 5 Exceptional
Charisma (CHA) - Charisma is a measure of a character’s 6 Incredible
likability, communication skills and persuasive nature. The
Charisma stat is used when diplomacy is needed, or when The maximum rank available to a character in any stat depends
haggling, seducing or leading others. upon the species of that character. Each species has an initial
Cool (COOL) - Cool represents a character’s willpower and rating for every stat, along with a species maximum which may
ability to resist the effects of fear. It is used when interrogating never normally be exceeded (unless an another rule specifies
and torturing subjects or when survival instincts take over. otherwise).

Species Stat Limits

Stat Human Frother Ebonite Stormer 313 ‘Malice’ Stormer 711 ‘Xeno’
Initial Max Initial Max Initial Max Initial Max Initial Max
STR 1 3 2 4 0 3 3 6 2 5
DEX 1 4 2 4 1 4 2 6 3 5
KNOW 2 5 1 5 1 5 0 2 0 3
CONC 1 5 1 3 2 6 0 3 1 4
CHA 1 5 0 4 1 5 0 3 0 2
COOL 1 5 1 5 1 5 3 6 2 6
LUCK / FLUX 1 6 1 3 2 6 0 2 0 2
Shaktar Wraithen Advanced Carrien Neophron
STR 3 5 1 3 3 5 0 2
DEX 2 5 3 6 1 5 0 3
KNOW 1 4 1 4 0 2 2 6
CONC 0 3 1 4 1 4 2 6
CHA 1 3 1 4 0 3 3 6
COOL 1 6 0 5 3 6 1 5
LUCK / FLUX 0 3 1 4 0 3 0 3

82
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Note: While Operative stats range from 0 to 6, other creatures which category gains which points, you should add up the stat
lurking within The World of Progress may break these limits. ranks under each category and assign Ratings Points to them in
Additionally, the use of certain hardware, drugs and abilities order of value, with 2 points being awarded to the highest total
may increase stats over the species limits temporarily during and 0 points to the lowest.
the course of the game.
Example: Hector is creating a Human Operative and has
STARTING STATS assigned the following stats:
STR 3, DEX 2 (Body total of 5)
All stats begin at the initial ranks as listed in the ‘Species Stat KNOW 4, CONC 3 (Brain total of 7)
Limits’ table. A player must then spend 12 points on increasing CHA 1, COOL 3 (Bravado total of 4)
their character’s stats. Every point spent increases the rank of
The character would assign 2 Ratings Points to their Brain
the chosen stat by 1.
category as it has the highest combined stat total, 1 Ratings
Once all points are spent, the player should record the stat Point to their Body category and would not assign any
ranks on their character sheet. Ratings Points to their Bravado category as it has the lowest
Example: Lucy is creating a Wraithen Operative. She wishes combined stat total.
to increase the character’s DEX from 3 to 5. This will cost If any of the stat totals are tied, the player may decide which
her two of her available twelve points. category receives which points, for example, considering the
previous scenario, if the character had a CHA of 2 (bringing
Note: LUCK/FLUX is recorded to the right of the ‘/’ on the Bravado up to 5) then they would be free to allocate 1 Ratings
character sheet. The space on the left is updated each time Point to either the Body or the Bravado category, but not both.
the character spends a point in order to keep track of how far
the stat has drifted from its maximum value.
STARTING RATINGS POINTS
INITIATIVE BONUS In addition to the starting values, a player must spend 3
additional points on increasing their character’s Ratings Points.
The character sheet also has a space to record a character’s Every point spent adds 1 Ratings Point to the chosen category,
‘Initiative Bonus’. This value is equal to the character’s DEX and however no more than two of these points may be allocated to
CONC stats added together. This value is used during combat the same category. Once all points are spent, the player should
when determining the character’s Initiative Value. As per the record the Ratings Points on their character sheet.
listed Species Specific Abilities, Wraithen character’s always
add 1 to their Initiative Bonus.

RATINGS POINTS
Ratings Points represent the reputation that a character has
in certain areas, either through televised action, corporate
sponsorship or unshakable faith in their own abilities. During
the game, Ratings Points are spent to overcome great obstacles,
perform cinematic feats or scrape a success from the jaws of
defeat.
Each character has a number of Ratings Points in addition
to their stats. Ratings Points are initially generated based upon
the ranks that a character has in certain stats and fall into three
categories: Body, Brain and Bravado.

Ratings Point Applicable Stats

Category
Body Strength (STR) & Dexterity (DEX)
Knowledge (KNOW) &
Brain
Concentration (CONC)
Bravado Charisma (CHA) & Cool (COOL)

Note: LUCK/FLUX are not connected to Ratings Points.

Each Ratings Points category has a range from 0 to 6
regardless of a character’s species. During character creation,
a character will assign 2 Ratings Points in one category, 1 to
another category and 0 in the final category. To determine

83
 SLA INDUSTRIES

with a combat shield, such as the PP949 Breacher Shield or

SKILLS other similar variants. The skill allows for using the shield as
Skills represent the capabilities gifted to a character through a defensive tool, a makeshift weapon and training in how to
their life experience and formal training. Where stats represent move and perform actions while wielding such an item.
the intrinsic strength and mental capabilities of a character, skills Support Weapons - Support Weapons covers the use of most
show the technical capabilities and specialist knowledge gained heavy weaponry, from stationary support platforms and turret
from an education or hands on experience with a particular task. mounted vehicle weapons, to heavy, high rate of fire personnel
weapons where handling the weapon’s recoil is more important
SKILL RANKS that its aim. The skill is also used to handle any weapon using
suppressive fire.
Each skill has a maximum of four ranks, though only the first Swimming - While safe water is a rarity in Mort, there are
three are available to starting characters. If a character does not many areas of Lower Downtown which are almost entirely
possess a certain skill, then they are considered to be ‘unskilled’ flooded by rainwater from the levels above. While far from an
in that particular area. Being unskilled does not mean that a easy task, learning to swim in armour while stuck in a flooded
character is incapable of performing a task, but that they will sewer could save an Operative’s life. Higher ranks in the skill
find performing such actions considerably harder than those represent the characters endurance and stamina on long swims
with the relevant training. as well as their ability to swim at a high pace.
For example, being unskilled in Swim does not mean that a
Advanced Tasks: Swimming whilst armoured, carrying a
character can’t swim, rather that they can only swim at a casual/
heavy load, or while dragging or carrying another person.
leisurely pace and not well under pressure.
Throw - Throw is used in combat for both grenades and thrown
Skill Ranks weapons, such as daggers. Outside of combat situations, the
1 Skilled throw skill represents the characters ability to throw items
2 Experienced accurately and over long distances.
3 Expert Advanced Tasks: Throwing exceptionally heavy items over
great distance, hitting particularly small target points.
4 Specialist
Unarmed Combat - Unarmed Combat covers all disciplines
of close range fighting such as martial arts, wrestling, boxing
SKILLS LIST and brawling. While there are numerous different styles, the
Important: Each skill is closely connected to a specific stat. eventual result is the same - the more skilled a person is in
A starting character may not take a skill at a rank higher their chosen discipline, the more damage they are able to dish
than that of the related stat, for example, a character with out and the better they are at defending themselves in close
STR at rank 2 may not take the Throw skill at a rank higher quarters. Characters are encouraged to build their Unarmed
than 2. These limitations are lifted after character creation Combat fighting style into their backstory.
is complete, allowing characters to increase these skills with Dexterity (DEX):
experience points between game sessions.
Acrobatics - This skill covers all acrobatic and gymnastic
Strength (STR): activity, both in a competition setting, but also in the line
Climbing - This skill represents the character’s training or of duty, covering flips, hanging, swinging and even dodging
natural ability as a climber, of both natural and man-made hand-to-hand attacks. Higher levels show a proficiency in
structures. Higher ranks in Climbing will allow the climber to such activities that will have been honed over many years.
traverse more dangerous surfaces, possibly without the use of Advanced Tasks: Backflipping over a burning vehicle,
dedicated climbing equipment. swinging from one dangling cable to another.
Advanced Tasks: Climbing without equipment, traversing Athletics - Athletics is a measure of sporting fitness and covers
horizontal outcrops. activities such as running and jumping, with higher ranks
Melee Weapons - The art of using weapons designed for hand- representing a faster more agile character. In addition to its
to-hand combat, from knives and stabbing instruments to use as a skill when undertaking athletic activity, the character’s
clubs, batons and improvised weapons. The skill covers all Rushing speed is increased by 1 for every two ranks they have
melee weapons with the exception of long reach polearms (see in Athletics (round down).
the Polearm skill). Advanced Tasks: Running long distances wearing unpowered
Polearm - Polearm is the skill dedicated to longer reach melee armour, jumping from great heights without injury.
weapons, most commonly the Flick Scythe or Chain Axe, Drive Motorcycle - Unlike other driving skills which are based
each of which require special training to use correctly without more on the driver’s concentration and mental wit, Drive
personal injury. The skill also covers the use of improvised Motorcycle relies far more on the riders Dexterity, especially
staffs and spears. when handling the most modern wave of fusion cycles. The
Shield Craft - A skill which has only been recognised for a skill represents a character’s ability to handle a motorcycle at
few years, Shield Craft is a measure of a characters capability high speeds on the streets of Downtown.

84
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Advanced Tasks: Handling a bike in a firefight, jumping great anytime a character wishes to do something with their hands
distances. without being seen.
Forgery - Forgery is the skill of creating fake documents and Advanced Tasks: Pickpocketing a Neophron, swapping an ID
IDs as well as forging signatures. Such activities require very under the nose of a Dark Finder
careful and precise hand control and though forgery is highly Stealth - Stealth covers a character’s ability to move quietly
illegal, the skill set that comes with such knowledge can be of and undetected, from crossing areas of the urban landscape
great use to an investigator in Mort City. without being seen, to slipping in and out of crowded spaces.
Advanced Tasks: Forging a Cloak Division ID, creating Additionally, this skill also covers a character’s ability to hide
believable rival company documentation. and conceal their body using the terrain around them.
Pistol - This skill represents a character’s proficiency with Advanced Tasks: Silently navigating a floor of broken glass,
handguns, revolvers and submachine guns, as well as being hiding in heavily illuminated areas.
an indication that they have received some formal training Knowledge (KNOW):
in their use. Higher ranks in Pistol represent the characters
sturdy aim and ability to hit harder moving targets. Admin & Finance - Admin & Finance is the knowledge of
correct administrative practises, filing and understanding
Note: Submachine guns may use either the Pistol or Rifle of financial budgets and management. This includes both
skill. a character’s own finances, as well as those of the squad,
department, or any other business situation the character may
Rifle - Rifle covers the use of a wide range of weapons, from
find themselves in.
assault rifles and shotguns to most submachine guns and sniper
weapons. Rifle is one of the most commonly learned skills Advanced Tasks: Correctly filling in requisition forms to
amongst Operatives and higher ranks represent a significant obtain a Reaver Cannon.
level of skill and training in the use of these weapons. Computer - Computer provides the required knowledge
to manage files, follow SLA’s stringent word processing
Note: Submachine guns may use either the Pistol or Rifle requirements for official documentation and at higher levels,
skill. be able to perform security hacks to break into encrypted files
Sleight - The skill of hand dexterity, Sleight is the ability to and password protected terminals.
use prestidigitation for both entertainment and to confuse Advanced Tasks: Hacking high security files, writing programs
or beguile others. The skill is also used for pickpocketing or to automate tasks.

85
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Lore (Cult, Dream, Sector), Specify - A strong understanding

of the history and writings on a specific subject are covered
by the Lore skill. The knowledge learned from studying such
subjects is generally a mixture of real experience and theory-
crafting, taken from the journals of an Aetherman or other
veteran members of the SLA ranks. Cult Lore is knowledge of
Mort’s many cults, including SLA’s newest and darkest threat;
the Shi’An blood cult. Dream Lore covers the understanding
of Dream Entities and the role they play in The World of
Progress. Sector Lore details the flora, fauna, meteorology
and geography of the cannibal sectors. A character may take
multiple Lore skills if they wish.
Advanced Tasks: Predicting what may have been summoned
by a Shi’An ritual, knowing how to best appease a Cryptid.
Note: A starting character may never begin with any Lore
skill at a rank higher than 2.
Medical - The required skill set to provide correct paramedical
aid, including the administering of drugs, suturing wounds,
diagnosing illnesses and toxicants and at a higher level of
knowledge, perform medical operations and surgery.
Advanced Tasks: Diagnosing rare diseases contracted from
time in the cannibal sectors, performing life saving heart
surgery.
Streetwise - Streetwise represents a character’s knowledge of
the street, including where to find people, drugs, gangs and
information. In some instances, a character’s Streetwise skill
Education (Academic, Natural), Specify - Education is a may even replace other communication skills as knowing how
collection of skills covering a range of learning on specific to speak some of Mort’s most obscure gang slang can create
subjects. The skill represents that a character has received new contacts and earn a character great respect in Downtown.
a formal education in some or all of the relevant fields. A Advanced Tasks: Locating illegal DarkNight weaponry,
character may take both Education skills if desired. tracking down members of the Skin Trade.
Academic: Archaeology, Architecture, History, Literacy, Concentration (CONC):
Mathematics, Psychology and Science
Demolitions - This skill gives the user the knowledge to set
Natural: covers the subjects of Astronomy, Botany, Ecology, up, operate and disarm demolitions and explosives. At higher
Geography, Physiology and Zoology levels the user will be able to not only disassemble explosive
Advanced Tasks: Obtaining an insight or information that devices, but also repurpose the charges and create their own
has significant impact on the current game session. items. Training in demolitions should not be taken lightly
Forensics - Forensics is the skill of correctly and methodically as incorrect use or failure in such activity will usually lead to
analysing a crime scene to find subtle traces left behind by death. This skill does not cover the throwing of grenades (see
anyone who may have passed through, including fingerprints, the Throw skill).
footprints and blood spatter analysis. In addition, the skill also Advanced Tasks: Disarming a DarkNight-rigged explosive
covers experience in pathology as well as the dissection and device, building explosives from scratch.
investigation of corpses to find additional evidence such as
Drive (Civilian, Military, Pilot), Specify - The Drive skill
ingested toxicants or other causes of death.
represents a character’s training in driving or piloting a range
Advanced Tasks: Locating very minute specks of blood, of vehicles, from town cars to mil-spec APC’s. The Drive Pilot
running a tox-screen on a Frother. skill also covers the use of Kilcopters and airborne dropships,
Language (Wraithen, Shaktarian, Neophron, Sign, Gristle, though access to such vehicles is exceptionally rare. This skill
Biya), Specify - This skill represents that a character has either does not cover the driving of motorcycles (see the Drive
studied and practiced a foreign language, or is a native speaker Motorcycle skill). A character may take multiple Drive skills
of the given language. A character may take more than one if they wish.
Language skills. See “Language” on page 119 for more on this. Advanced Tasks: Piloting anything over the skies of Cannibal
Advanced Tasks: Communicating with an angry Carrien or Sector 1, driving in combat situations under heavy fire.
talking a Cannibal Butcher down from eating you. Detect - Detect represents a character’s ability to spot clues,
Note: Gristle may only be taken above rank 1 by ADV. threats or pretty much anything else from both an investigatory
and an observational perspective. The skill acts as a measure

86
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Technical (Electrical, Mechanical, Weapons), Specify -

Technical is a skill group related to specific training in highly
technical subjects. Electrical covers the repair and modification
of electronic devices such as scanners and cameras, Mechanical
relates to the maintenance and repair of engines, vehicles and
heavy machinery and Weapons is the required knowledge to
maintain, modify and quickly repair damaged firearms and
armour. A character may take multiple Technical skills if they
wish.
Advanced Tasks: Replacing the engine block of a Crawler
APC, field repairing electronics without the right tools.
Tracking - A character skilled in Tracking is able to use the
local environment to identify signs of a specific person or
group of people, with the aim of tracking them through
the urban landscape of Mort City or out into the wastes of
CS1. Tracking includes identifying tracks, markings, specific
scents and a range of other elements to form an impression
of direction, pace and whereabouts of a particular individual.
Advanced Tasks: Tracking a Wraithen, tracking individuals in
foul weather or darkness.
Charisma (CHA):
Diplomacy - The skill of handling and maintaining relationships
between different people, species and factions. Diplomacy can
be an important skill not only for managing interdepartmental
relationships, but also on the streets of Downtown, where
handling the delicate rivalries between different gangs and
factions can make an Operative’s life significantly easier.
of the character’s keenness for their surroundings and covers Advanced Tasks: Resolving an honour dispute between
sight, smell, hearing and touch. Shaktars, bringing together rival faction leaders.
Advanced Tasks: Spotting well concealed traps, hearing an Haggle - Haggle represents a character’s ability to drive a hard
approaching vehicle during a gunfight. bargain. The skill is a measure of the character’s ability to
negotiate whilst also having an awareness of the relative value
Lock Pick (Manual, Electronic), Specify - The Lock Pick skill of the item/information/purpose of the transaction. Haggle is
is the character’s training and experience in opening sealed used for both buying and selling of such items.
locks and doors. As there’s a distinctive difference between
traditional locks and modern electronic maglocks, the Advanced Tasks: Getting a collector to part with a DN-1
discipline is split into two separate skills. A character may take Cermanic, getting a good price for your battered old 10-10
both Lock Pick skills if they wish. Bullyboy.
Advanced Tasks: Cracking a Magna4001 TechLock, lock Leadership - The recognised art of leading others, both in
picking silently. combat situations and through arduous tasks or stressful
periods. A good leader can motivate and drive others to
Read Lips - The act of deciphering speech without hearing succeed, make decisions that greatly affect the outcome and
it, purely through the movement of a subject’s lips. Talented quell squabbling or conflict amongst those that follow them.
lip readers make for great scouts and investigators, able to
obtain information from a distance without ever making their Advanced Tasks: Leading Shivers, holding your squad
presence known to the subject. together in DarkNight controlled territory.
Advanced Tasks: Reading lips in extreme weather or poor Oratory - Oratory is the skill of public speaking. The skill is
lighting. used for making announcements, motivational speeches, pep
Tactics - A trained tactician is a valued asset to any squad. The talks and when delivering bad news without getting negative
skill covers the implementation of battlefield tactics, as well (or violent) reactions. Those highly skilled in Oratory often
as deciphering tactics used by opponents to predict their next become TV reporters or a SLA media darling.
move. Those highly trained in Tactics will be able to out smart Advanced Tasks: Making a convincing media broadcast,
and out flank enemy combatants before the fight begins or motivating Frothers on a come down.
organise their squad for maximum battlefield efficiency. Persuasion - This skill represents the character’s ability to
Advanced Tasks: Outwitting Thresher combatants, predicting sweet talk, con and manipulate their way to an outcome that
DarkNight movements in densely populated areas. best serves them. Persuasion is used to get people on-side,
to convince people of a mistruth or to rally support over a

87
 SLA INDUSTRIES

place in The World of Progress is on the outcome of Contract

Circuit fights and televised events involving Contract Killers,
though this skill also covers knowledge of popular games like
3-Down and the character’s ability to play the odds in order to
work towards a beneficial outcome.
Advanced Tasks: Beating a Shiver at 3-Down, winning big on
a Contract Circuit bet.
Interrogate - Interrogate is (officially) the first port of call
for Operative investigators. Before violence, before torture,
SLA interrogates. The skill reflects the user’s experience and
demeanor in extracting information from a subject using
only verbal means. The subject is usually put under extreme
pressure, with their story scrutinised in an attempt to make
them say the wrong thing. A good interrogator will be able to
extract information and turn even the most stone cold killer
into a blubbering wreck.
Advanced Tasks: Interrogating a DarkNight Commandant or
a ranking employee of SLA Industries.
Intimidate - Intimidate is the process of making another
person feel uneasy, uncomfortable or noticeably afraid of you.
Intimidation can be physical or psychological, but a character
well versed in intimidating others is able to take control of
situations and force others to work for or with them. Unlike
Leadership, Intimidate gains less voluntary compliance, but
can also serve to shut down potential threats before they can
amount to anything.
Advanced Tasks: Intimidating a Carrien or harder yet, a
situation where people are divided. The art of persuasion can
suited up Thresher pilot.
also be used to bring a potentially aggressive situation to a
peaceful resolution when conventional diplomacy fails.
Advanced Tasks: Persuading Advanced Carrien to venture
back into Cannibal Sector 1, talking a Shiver into doing your
dirty work.
Seduction - The art of seduction is the process of deliberately
enticing someone into flirtatious, romantic or sexual activity.
Seduction is used to both attract a partner or lover, as well
as to lead astray those who are attracted or interested in you
by making them believe your intentions coincide with their
own. While many people become adept at the act of seduction
for pleasure and fun, a number of trained interrogators and
investigators will use it as a manipulation technique aimed at
extracting information from a subject.
Advanced Tasks: Seducing an irate Eban, creating a forced
emotional attachment.
Cool (COOL):
Bribery - The required knowledge on how to actively influence
someone’s behaviour or choices by identifying and offering a
suitable reward that the subject would otherwise not normally
receive. Most commonly a bribe is an exchange of information
for money, but someone skilled in this discipline will be able
to identify a whole host of possible subjects and suitable bribes
to entice them.
Advanced Tasks: Bribing a Cloak Division agent or better
still, a Necanthrope.
Gambling - The skill of betting and gambling, for fun or
significant financial gain. The most common betting that takes

88
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Survival - Survival is the required knowledge to survive becomes capable of healing others in rapid and effective ways.
without normal shelter or supplies, relying on your instincts This skill is favoured heavily by those on the Ebon path.
and the environment around you. Those skilled in Survival will Protect - Protect represents control over and synergy with
be able to find food, identify suitable drinking water, know an Ebonite’s own Deathsuit - the symbiote armour worn
how to create sufficient shelter and even make primitive tools exclusively by Ebb users. The skill allows the user to increase
or weapons from the items around them. the protective capabilities of their Deathsuit as well as teaching
Advanced Tasks: Surviving without proper supplies in it to store more Flux or act independently of its wearer.
Cannibal Sector 1, creating a safe makeshift shelter in Lower Reality Fold - One of the most powerful and misunderstood
Downtown. arts of the Ebonite species. Reality Folding is the skill of
Torture - Official training in torture techniques is handed moving from one location to the next in an instant. The more
down to Operatives from Cloak Division-sanctioned training advanced the knowledge of the Ebonite is, the further they
officers and includes the use of a wide range of verbal, narcotic will be able to travel, or the greater the number of ‘passengers’
and physical mechanisms designed to put the subject in they may be able to take with them.
extreme emotional and physical stress, with the end goal of Senses - Senses represents control over a subject’s primary
obtaining information. The validity of information obtained senses, normally to remove, restore or manipulate the
in such a way is always questionable and the results are often interpretation of that sense. With this skill an Ebonite can
gruesome, leading to scenes that can make even the toughest blind and deafen a subject, restore vision to those who have
Op feel sick. Operatives may turn to torture when regular lost such senses and at higher levels, to enhance their own
interrogation techniques fail. senses, such as the ability to see in different light spectrums.
Advanced Tasks: Leaving lasting trauma, implanting Telekinesis - Users are able to physically move objects and
psychological triggers. people about using thought. At higher levels, subjects can be
Ebb Disciplines (CONC): moved at speed or with significant force over a long distance.
Thermal (Blue, Red) - Thermal is an inherent skill learned by
Note: Ebb disciplines are skills that are only available all Ebonites and is believed to be a direct extension of one’s
to Ebonite characters. While an Ebonite uses FLUX to natural temperament. Blue Thermal, gifted to those who follow
summon the abilities associated with these disciplines, it is the Ebon path, grants the user control over cold, creating
the character’s CONC stat that is used to determine their blades from ice and freezing the air around them, where as
maximum rank and is used for any applicable skill rolls. See Red Thermal, understood only by Wasters is control over heat,
“The Ebb” on page 124 for more information and for how to allowing them to ignite their surroundings or targets.
use these skills in your games.
Awareness - Awareness represents an Ebonite’s connection to SPECIES SKILLS
the Ebb, allowing them to detect other Ebb users and recently
Each character starts with a number of species skills which
used Ebb disciplines in the vicinity. As training progresses the
reflect the base knowledge earned during a typical upbringing.
discipline can be used to track individuals and form specific
These skills should be recorded on the character sheet. Each
knowledge of them, with the highest levels allowing the
species skill begins at rank 1.
tracking of non-Ebb users as well.
Blast - Blast is the most destructive of the Ebb disciplines, Species Starting Species Skills
moulding fragments of the Ebonite’s emotional state into a
Detect, Education: Academic,
physical form. The skill allows the Ebonite to control kinetic Human
Streetwise, Unarmed Combat
forces in order to direct a physical attack, either against a
single target, or to create a blast that covers a wide area. The Detect, Melee Weapons,
Frother
Blast skill also allows for flashes of blinding light and general Streetwise, Unarmed Combat
illumination of the surrounding area. Detect, Education: Academic, [see
Ebonite
Communicate - This skill allows for direct telepathic “Ebonite Characters” below]
communication with people over distance, as well as the ability Athletics, Intimidate, Throw,
Stormer 313 ‘Malice’
to plant ideas, read minds and generally control the thought Unarmed Combat
patterns and behaviours of others. Stomer 711 ‘Xeno’ Climbing, Stealth, Unarmed Combat
Enhance - Enhance is the art of physically manipulating an
Climbing, Detect, Language: Shaktarian,
Ebonite’s own body to increase strength, speed or to form Shaktar
Survival, Unarmed Combat
natural weapons such as razor sharp teeth and claws. At
its highest level, Enhance allows the Ebonite to transform Athletics, Detect, Language: Wraithen,
Wraithen
themselves into a feared but uncontrollable Ebb Beast for a Unarmed Combat, Tracking
short period of time. This discipline is often favoured by those Intimidate, Language: Gristle, Lore:
Advanced Carrien
on the more destructive Waster path. Sector, Survival, Unarmed Combat
Heal - The Heal skill allows an Ebonite to heal physical Education: Academic, Education:
damage, wounds and illness, as well as rid the body of toxins Natural, Bribery, Diplomacy, Language:
Neophron
and poison. As training in this discipline increases, the user Neophron, Language: pick one,
Leadership, Oratory, Persuasion

89
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Ebonite Characters Note: Most training packages have stat requirements

that must be observed. Typically these are minimum stat
Ebonite characters must specify which path they followed requirements for the character to have been considered for
during their upbringing and early training: Ebon or Waster. that school of training. All requirements are listed alongside
Ebon’s followed a traditional upbringing, focusing on self the following entries.
preservation and mental focus, where as a Waster’s upbringing
is more destructive, with a focus on using Flux in a more Strike & Sweep
aggressive capacity. These differences are represented by the
maximum limit that either path may obtain in any given Ebb Requirements: none
discipline. In addition, Ebonites each have a number of starting Operatives trained in the Strike & Sweep package are given
Ebb disciplines depending on the path they have chosen. Like a wide range of general use combat and field-ready skills.
other skills, each of these begin at rank 1. While the package title sounds somewhat glamorous, a Strike
& Sweep Operative is in fact the generalist of SLA Industries.
Starting Ebonite Skills The vast majority of Ops on the streets of Mort are trained
Ebonite Path Starting Ebb Disciplines with this package as finding candidates with the more specific
requirements of other packages is far harder. Strike & Sweep
Ebon Heal, Protect, Thermal: Blue
gives an Op basic training with a range of weapons, vehicle
Waster Blast, Protect, Thermal: Red types and other combat ready skills.
Ebb Discipline Maximum ranks Skills Provided:
Ebb Discipline Ebon Waster Athletics 1 Detect 1
Awareness 4 3 Drive Civilian 1 Drive Military 1
Blast 3 4 Melee Weapons/Unarmed
Medical 1
Communicate 4 3 Combat (pick one) 1

Enhance 2 4 Pistol 1 Rifle 1

Heal 4 2 Close Assault

Protect 4 4 Requirements: minimum of STR & DEX at rank 2
Reality Fold 4 4
Close Assault is the training package of choice for the physical
Senses 4 4 Operative who favours close combat, be it with blades, clubs
Telekinesis 3 4 or fists. The focus of training is on maximising the combat
Thermal 4 4 capabilities within hand-to-hand range of the enemy, as well
as bolstering the physical demands of such activities. Climbing,
A note about Thermal: There are two versions of the running, athletics and stealth tactics are all taught in addition
Thermal discipline, Thermal: Blue and Thermal: Red. Once to the weapon skills needed to be a capable Close Assault
an Ebonite is set upon a path of upbringing they will be Operative.
taught the Thermal discipline of their elders. Due to the
limitations of the Ebb, a character trained in the use of one Skills Provided:
Thermal discipline will be entirely unable to learn or access Acrobatics 1 Athletics 2
the other, as such it should be considered that Thermal: Blue Melee Weapons/Polearm/
is unique to Ebons and Thermal: Red is unique to Wasters. Melee Weapons/
Throw/Unarmed Combat
Polearm/Throw/Unarmed
(pick one, different
TRAINING PACKAGES Combat (pick one) 2
to the first) 1
Once species skills are recorded, a player must select a training Climbing 1 Stealth 1
package for their character. The training package represents the
path of training that the character chose to follow once they
Heavy Support
were accepted as an Operative with SLA Industries. Requirements: minimum of STR & DEX at rank 2
When one of the following training packages is selected it
Heavy Support is a popular training package for Operatives
should be noted at the top of the character sheet and the listed
during training. The aim of this training package is to prepare
skills and ranks are recorded alongside the character’s species
Ops for the rigours of handling and using support weapons
skills. Training packages provide a mix of skills at both rank 1
within the confines of Mort City, as well as out in the cannibal
and 2. If a skill appears on both the species skills and training
sectors. The training includes experience with explosives, fully
package lists, add the ranks together. Note that a skill may never
automatic weapons and the knowhow to maintain and repair
be higher than the stat it relates to, so if the combined total of
such equipment out in the field.
species and training skills values exceeds the character’s relevant
stat, then excess ranks are not gained.

90
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

also with a range of specialist knowledge about the anatomy

and makeup of all common species. The Medic package also
provides the required training to cut it as a talented forensic
investigator, giving them considerable advantages over many
other training packages.

Skills Provided:
Computer 1 Detect 1
Education: Academic 1 Education: Natural 1
Forensics 2 Medical 2

Investigation & Interrogation

Requirements: minimum of KNOW & COOL at rank 2
Investigation & Interrogation is the primary package of choice
for the modern non-combat Operative. The package has proven
very popular since the rise of new threats on the Downtown
streets and covers everything from basic forensic examination
to advanced interrogation and torture techniques. Investigators
often get the higher paying BPNs from departments who don’t
want subjects shooting before the job is done.

Skills Provided:
Computer 1 Detect 1
Forensics 1 Interrogate 2
Streetwise 2 Torture 1

Technical
Skills Provided: Requirements: minimum of CONC at rank 3
Demolitions 1 Rifle 2
Technical specialists hold down a range of positions within
Support Weapons 2 Tactics 1 SLA Industries, from keeping reactors and water processors
Throw 1 Technical: Weapons 1 running, to weapons manufacture. In the last few years, SLA
have identified the need for such technical skills on the street
Scout as well, using their most experienced staff to train the first wave
Requirements: minimum of DEX & COOL at rank 2 of Technical Operatives. The new Technical package teaches a
range of mechanical, electrical and weapons tech skills, along
Scouts are trained in stealth techniques, tracking and with advanced computer training and other utility skills that
observation, giving them a range of applications both on the are already proving to be a valuable asset to Operative squads.
streets of Mort, out in the cannibal sectors and off-world.
Scouts will typically be careful planners, talented sharpshooters Skills Provided:
and expert trackers, making them valuable assets when it comes Computer 2 Detect 1
to hunting people of interest.
Haggle 1 Lock Pick (pick one) 1
Skills Provided: Technical (pick one) 2
Technical (pick one,
Detect 1 Read Lips 1 different to first) 1

Rifle 1 Stealth 2 Bureaucrat

Survival 1 Tracking 2 Requirements: minimum of KNOW & COOL at rank 2
Medic While the bureaucrat package is one of the company’s less
popular options, it has nonetheless become an extremely
Requirements: minimum of KNOW at rank 3
valuable package for the modern Operative. The Bureaucrat is
Forming an Op squad without a trained medic is a risky call. often the strongest leader within a group, acting as the voice of a
The streets of Downtown are dangerous, Lower Downtown squad and using their communication skills to not only lead, but
worse still, but get sent over the wall into Cannibal Sector 1 also manage the civilian population of Mort. Bureaucrat-trained
and very few Operatives will come back unscathed. The Medic Operatives are strong communicators, natural diplomats and
package trains an Operative not only in paramedical skills, but

91
 SLA INDUSTRIES

will usually file the correct paperwork without getting hassle

from Corporate.
TRAITS
Traits round a character off, adding to the roleplaying element
Skills Provided: of their personality. They also give the GM some juicy bits to
Admin & Finance 1 Computer 1 play with. Each trait is worth (or costs) a number of points. Some
Diplomacy 2 Haggle 1 have a variable points value, with a higher value representing
a greater level of the trait. Traits with a negative points value
Leadership 2 Oratory 1
represent negative traits, with the lowest levels representing very
severe disadvantages. The cost of some traits also range from
OTHER STARTING SKILLS negative to positive, representing that it can be taken as either
After a character has applied their training package skills, an advantage or disadvantage to the character, for example
additional skills may be chosen to round off their experience of ‘Vision’ ranges from particularly bad vision to incredibly good
working for SLA Industries and living in Mort City. eyesight. If a trait only has a single value shown then there is
A player must now spend 30 points on purchasing, or only one rank to it, though such traits may grant (or cost) more
improving their character’s skills (and Ebb disciplines in the than a single point, for example, taking the Ambidextrous trait
case of Ebonite characters). Skills have a cost equal to the rank costs 2 points.
being purchased plus one and are paid for one rank at a time. For Players should note that any maximum ranks taken in traits
simplicity, the following table displays the cost for purchasing must be adhered to with regards to the way that the player plays
or increasing skill ranks. the character. Expect those large minus figures to come back
to bite you! Importantly, GM’s should encourage players to
Skill Rank Points Cost roleplay their traits, ensuring that these aspects play a part in
Target Rank defining the character’s personalities.
Starting Rank A player starts with 0 points to spend on traits for their
1 2 3
character, but may gain points by taking negative traits. Traits
0 2 5 9 should be considered a Yin and Yang system, with positive traits
1 - 3 7 only being available to those who take negative traits.
2 - - 4 Optionally, a player may also opt to spend some of their 30
skill points to purchase traits and/or spend points earned from
Note: a starting character may not purchase skills or Ebb taking negative traits on additional skills, though such points
disciplines at rank 4. may only ever be used to purchase skills at rank 1. A character
may have no more than 3 negative traits and 3 positive traits
Example: Oscar is creating a Shaktar Operative and wishes during character creation, though more may be obtained
to increase his Interrogate skill from rank 1 to rank 3. through the course of gameplay.
Consulting the table he can see this will cost him 7 of his
30 available points. He also chooses to add each of the three Note: While there are no normal species restrictions for
Technical skills at rank 1 each, costing 2 points each for a taking traits, all Frother characters must take at least 1 rank
total of 6. Oscar now has 17 points remaining to spend on in the Drug Addict trait during character creation.
skills.
All skills should be recorded on the character sheet. For ease Important: the following list contains a number of Traits
of reference we would suggest also noting the relevant stat that deal with sensitive issues related to mental health. The
alongside the skill, for example: ‘Throw (STR)’. Alongside the descriptions contained in this section are intended for in-
skill ranks on the character sheet is a second column titled ‘skill game use only and are in no way considered to be an official
bonus’. The skill bonus is equal to the character’s rank in the scientific definition. If a further look into any of these
given skill, plus their rank in the related stat. For example, if a Traits is needed, we would suggest researching through
character possess the Throw skill at rank 3 and has a STR stat official channels which are readily available via the internet.
of 4, their skill bonus for Throw will be 7. This is the value that
will be added to any skill rolls made by the character. Trait Ranks Points per rank
No points may be saved from this process, so any unspent Addiction/Compulsion
3 Gain 1
points are lost. (specify)

“Go to school, my mum said. Fuck that, I’d rather learn to kill Allergy (specify) 3 Gain 1
big shit with my sword. Ambidextrous 1 Cost 2
What do you think they teach you at Meny, she said. Anger 1 Gain 2
And here I fucking am.” Anxiety 3 (See note) Gain 1
Hamish “Hoots” Sinclair, Frother Trainee, Meny Arrogant 1 Gain 1
Chicken 1 Gain 3

92
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Ambidextrous - The character is able to perform equally well

Trait Ranks Points per rank
with both left and right hands. As such the character may
Contact 4 Cost 1 ignore any negative modifiers or increase in difficulty to any
Debt 3 Gain 1 skill rolls due to having to use their off-hand. There is only a
Depression 3 (See note) Gain 1 single rank in this trait, which costs 2 points.
Anger - The character suffers from a serious anger problem,
Drug Addict (specify) 3 Gain 1
leading to persistently violent and antisocial behaviour or
Enemy 4 Gain 1 spiteful outbursts. A character with Anger must prioritise
Exceedingly Cool 1 Cost 2 attacking any combatant who has already attacked them, until
Hearing (good or poor) 2/2 Cost 1 / Gain 1 that combatant is unconscious, dead or no longer a threat. If
the character is attacked by multiple combatants, they are free
Housing (good or poor) 2/2 Cost 1 / Gain 1
to choose the order in which they seek to neutralise them.
Illness (specify) 3 Gain 1 The character will also refuse to retreat from combat if any
Looks (attractive combatant that has attacked them is still standing, even
2/2 Cost 1 / Gain 1
or unattractive) fighting through their own squad-mates in order to finish the
Natural Aptitude: job. The player is expected to roleplay this heightened sense of
3 Cost 1 aggression. There is only a single rank in this trait rank, which
Skill (specify)
grants 2 points.
Natural Aptitude:
1 Cost 3 Anxiety - Anxiety is a neurosis, categorised by a feeling of
Stat (specify)
worry or nervousness at certain situations, or at higher levels,
Pacifist 1 Gain 3 about life itself. Anxious characters are always on edge and
Phobia (specify) 3 Gain 1 generally think of the worst possible outcome every time.
Psychosis (specify) 3 (See note) Gain 2 Each rank in anxiety applies a -1 modifier to the dice during
all Fear Tests. In addition, the character is expected to roleplay
Savings 3 Cost 1
this trait accordingly. During character creation there are 2
Sterile 1 Gain 1 available ranks in anxiety, with each rank granting a point.
Vision (good or poor) 2/2 Cost 1 / Gain 1 After character creation it is possible for anxiety to go as high
as rank 3, at the GM’s discretion, on account of traumatic
Note: Not all ranks in this trait are available during character experiences that feed the anxiety.
creation. See the individual entries for these traits for more Arrogant - Arrogance is a common personality trait among the
information. Human population of Mort and increasingly common among
Addiction/Compulsion - The character suffers from an other species too. Arrogance is the inflated feeling of one’s
addiction, or compulsion to take, consume, perform, or hunt own importance, usually manifested by an air of snobbiness,
down a particular thing. The trait does not include drugs or a sense of entitlement, or the general feeling that you’re just
narcotics of any type (see the Drug Addict trait), but does that bit better than those around you. The character suffers
cover everything from OCD-related behaviour to compulsive a -1 modifier to all dice on CHA related skill rolls when
eating and video games addiction. The exact addiction/ dealing with anyone that does not have an SCL higher than
compulsion must be specified. For each rank a character has their own, including all non-SLA employees. The player is also
in this trait, they must feed their addiction/compulsion twice expected to roleplay this trait accordingly, potentially leading
per day or suffer a -1 modifier to all dice on all dice rolls. There to unfavourable opinions from those they meet. There is only a
are 3 ranks in this trait, with each rank granting a point. A single rank in this trait, which grants 1 point.
character may take multiple addiction/compulsion traits. Chicken - A chicken has no sense of bravery and will regularly
Allergy - Characters that suffers from an allergy will find shy away from conflict or hide behind others during stressful
themselves feeling ill in the presence of a particular allergen. situations. This trait reduces the species maximum of the
Most allergy sufferers suffer with streaming eyes and nose character’s COOL stat by 2. This character will also suffer the
and an itchy throat which is both distracting and highly effects of fear for 2 hours (rather than 1 hour) after removing
uncomfortable. Allergies can be anything from a particular themselves from a fearful situation. In addition, the player
food to animal hair or aerosols. The exact allergy must be is expected to roleplay this trait accordingly, ensuring they
specified. Anyone coming into contact with their chosen are the last into an engagement and hesitant to enter scary
allergen will suffer a -1 modifier to all dice on CONC related situations. There is only a single rank in this trait, which grants
skill rolls for each rank they have in the trait until they either 3 points. A character who is a Chicken may not also possess
take medication or are free of the allergen. There are 3 ranks the Exceedingly Cool trait.
in this trait, with each rank granting a point. Additionally, Contact - The character is considered to have a valuable contact
rank 1 represents an uncommon allergen, rank 2 a commonly or trusted friend that can be called on to provide information,
occuring allergen and rank 3 an allergen both common and aid the characters squad, or help solve complex problems. The
life threatening, requiring instantly administered medication chosen rank in this trait reflects the value of the contact, with
or potential death. A character may take multiple allergy traits. rank 1 representing a street contact who may occasionally have
useful information and rank 4 representing a high ranking

93
 SLA INDUSTRIES

individual in SLA or another company/faction who can rules on drug addiction, see “Drugs” on page 121 for more
provide significant resource (usually at a price). The GM has information. There are 3 ranks in this trait, with each rank
the final say on the value that a contact can bring to the game. granting a point. A character may take multiple drug addict
There are 4 ranks in this trait, with each rank costing a point. traits.
A character may take multiple contact traits. Enemy - An enemy can be a dangerous thing to have. This trait
Debt - The character owes a substantial debt to someone, either represents a person or organisation that has a vendetta against
directly to SLA or to some criminal element. A character the character. At rank 1 the enemy may be a street gang
with debt is expected to pay 10% of any earnings they make member or local Shiver where as a rank of 4 may represent a
for every rank they possess in the trait. Additionally, at rank violent DarkNight agent or high ranking official. The GM has
3 the character may be chased or hounded for additional the final say on the enemy and is encouraged to work them
repayments. A character with debt is still eligible to take the into the story, with high rank enemies appearing at the worst
savings trait, representing that they have a surplus of cash possible moment. There are 4 ranks in this trait, with each rank
hidden away from the eyes of those they owe money to. There granting a point. A character may take multiple enemy traits.
are 3 ranks in this trait, with each rank granting a point. Exceedingly Cool - An exceedingly cool character is the
Depression - Depression is best described as a deep feeling of embodiment of courage and bravery. This trait raises the species
gloom and unhappiness, categorised by feelings of inadequacy, maximum of the character’s COOL stat by 1, to a maximum
loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Severe depression can of 6. Note that this does not raise the COOL stat’s rank, only
dominate the mind of the sufferer bringing dark and lonely the maximum rank that may be obtained. In addition, once
feelings on a daily basis. Each rank in depression applies a per game session the character may automatically succeed at
-1 modifier to the Success Die during all CHA based skill a Fear Test without the need to roll. There is only a single
rolls. In addition, the character is expected to roleplay this trait rank in this trait, which costs 2 points. A character who is
accordingly. During character creation there are 2 available Exceedingly Cool may not also possess the Chicken trait.
ranks in depression, with each rank granting a point. After Hearing (good or poor) - This trait represents a characters
character creation it is possible for depression to go as high as level of hearing, either one that is noticeably better than their
rank 3, at the GM’s discretion, on account of experiences or species norm, or noticeably worse. Each rank in good hearing
interactions that may worsen it. adds one additional Skill Die success to any Detect roll that
Drug Addict - The character is addicted to one or more narcotic is based on hearing. Each rank in poor hearing will apply a
substances, most commonly the combat or soft drugs used by -1 modifier to the Success Die during any Detect roll that is
SLA Operatives.The exact drug must be specified. For full based on hearing. There are 2 ranks in good hearing, with each
rank costing a point and 2 ranks in poor hearing, with each
rank granting a point. A character may not possess both good
and poor hearing.
Housing (good or poor) - The housing trait is a measure of
a characters living situation, representing a home which is
outside of the Operative norm, from a luxury apartment in
Suburbia to a particularly unsafe shared bedsit in Lower
Downtown. A character with good housing will have a safe
place to use as their base of operations, secure storage and
a good amount of privacy. Those with bad housing will find
themselves robbed, vandalised and unable to keep anything of
value, or themselves, safe. There are 2 ranks in good housing,
with each rank costing a point and 2 ranks in poor housing,
with each rank granting a point. A character may not possess
both good and poor housing.
Illness - The character suffers from an illness, which while
under control, will require regular medication or treatment.
The rank in the illness trait will determine the severity of the
illness, with the character specifying one from the following
list.
Athsma Rank 1
Asthma is a condition which affects the breathing and physical
capabilities of its sufferers. The character’s species maximum DEX
value is reduced by 1 and the character may never have more than
1 Ratings Point in the Body category. The character needs daily
medication.

94
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

Once per game session this trait allows a reroll on a failed

Migranes Rank 1
skill roll using the Natural Aptitude: Skill rank instead of the
Migraines are severe headaches that can strike at any time (GM’s character’s normal rank in that skill. A character may never
discretion). When they occur the character suffers -2 CONC and
have a Natural Aptitude at a rank higher than the skill it
DEX (down to a minimum of 0) for the duration. Medication may
allow this to pass quickly.
relates to. A character may only have at most, a single Natural
Aptitude: Skill trait.
Diabetes Rank 2 Natural Aptitude: Stat - The character seems to surpass the
Diabetes is an illness related to the bodies inability to create insulin normal potential of their species in one particular area. This
and correctly control blood sugar levels. Diabetes is usually kept trait raises the species maximum of a single stat by 1, to a
under control by regularly administered medication, but even then maximum of 6. Note that this does not raise that stat’s rank,
bouts can occur if the player mismanages their diet correctly. If the only the maximum rank that may be obtained. A character
character has an attack they suffer -2 STR, DEX and CONC (down may not obtain this newly increased stat rank during character
to a minimum of 0) until medication is administered. creation. COOL and LUCK/FLUX may not be increased by
this trait. There is only a single rank in this trait, which costs
Epilepsy Rank 2 3 points. A character may only have at most, a single Natural
Epilepsy is a photosensitive illness triggered by rapidly changing or Aptitude: Stat trait.
blinking light sources and can cause blackouts and uncontrollable Pacifist - A pacifist does not believe in violence and will actively
fits. Epilepsy is usually kept under control by constant medication,
shy away from violent situations. Wherever possible, the
but even then bouts can occur at the GM’s discretion. If the character
has an attack they are considered incapacitated and at the GM’s character will search for a peaceful resolution to any situation
mercy until the attack passes or sufficient medication is administered. and will be hesitant to commit violent acts. The character will
never roll for initiative in combat and instead is considered to
Cancer Rank 3 have the lowest initiative of all combatants. Additionally, any
Cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth causing it to replicate acts of violence should be followed by feelings of guilt and
uncontrollably. There is no cure for cancer, but medication and internal conflict. There is only a single rank in this trait, which
healthy lifestyle can slow the process, buying the character many grants 3 points.
years. The characters species maximum STR and DEX values are Phobia - A phobia is an irrational fear of a particular stimulus.
reduced by 1. Additionally, those statistics are reduced by 1 every 2 Phobias can relate to literally anything, from spiders to pencils,
years, with this rate increasing as dramatically as the GM sees fit,
from height to buttons. The exact phobia must be specified.
based on the lifestyle choices of the character. If cancer causes either
stat to drop below 0, the character is killed by the illness.
Players are free to choose any phobia they like, though the
GM must approve the choice to avoid players deliberately
Haemophilia Rank 3 picking phobias to stimulus that they are never likely to come
A genetic disorder which prevents the subject’s blood from clotting
across. Having rank 1 in a phobia increases the Fear Rating
should they receive any cuts or wounds. Given the prominence of of the current situation by 2 when the phobia’s stimulus is
violence in an Operative’s life, this has become a particularly deadly present. The Fear Rating is increased by an additional 1 for
illness. Any character with the bleeding condition loses 2 Hit Points every additional rank in the phobia trait. There are 3 ranks in
every 20 minutes rather than 1. The character needs daily medication. phobia, with each rank granting a point. A character may take
multiple phobia traits.
The GM is free to allow any illnesses not represented in this
list and should work with the player to determine the effects of Psychosis - Psychosis is a severe mental illness which represents
that illness should medication not be used correctly. There are the character’s view of reality and reasoning to be impaired.
3 ranks in illness, with each rank granting a point. A character There are many forms of psychosis, but those acknowledged
may take multiple illness traits. here as traits are:
Sociopathy: Categorised by a distinct lack of interest or
Looks (attractive or unattractive) - Looks is a measure of a awareness in others emotional state. A sociopath struggles to
character’s physical appearance, suggesting that they are either connect with others and generally shows a significant lack of
noticeably attractive or considerably unattractive. Each rank empathy. A character with sociopathy requires an excellent
in attractive adds one additional Skill Die success to any margin of success to succeed during any CHA based skill
CHA-based skill roll that would be influenced by others being rolls. In addition, the character will be unable to identify
attracted to them, most commonly when using the Seduction the emotional states of others through a Detect roll and will
skill. Each rank in unattractive will apply a -1 modifier to the consider torture their go-to interrogation technique.
Success Die during any CHA-based skill roll that would be
Delusions: The character believes in something that is not
influenced by the character’s physical appearance. The GM has
true. This could be anything from the impending attack of
the final say on when these modifiers would apply. There are 2
Conflict Aliens to them really being the deity of a lost species.
ranks in attractive, with each rank costing a point and 2 ranks
The character immediately applies the Afraid or Terrified Fear
in unattractive, with each rank granting a point. A character
result whenever their delusion is mentioned or comes to mind.
may not possess both attractive and unattractive.
The GM is the final arbiter of which effect and how regularly
Natural Aptitude: Skill - The character presents a level of this comes into play.
exceptional ability in a particular field. A character may
not have a natural aptitude in any weapon or combat skill.

95
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Dissociative Identity Disorder: DID is a potentially players should be aware that showing off their wealth is likely
frightening disorder whereby the subject’s mind is fragmented to attract unwanted attention. A character with savings is still
into more than one unique personality. The sufferer may flip eligible to take the debt trait, representing that they have a
between these personalities when triggered, or at random surplus of cash hidden away from the eyes of those they owe
intervals, suddenly acting and even sounding like an entirely money to. There are 3 ranks in savings, with each rank costing
different person. The GM may create an alternative personality a point.
for you, along with its own traits, beliefs, psychological and Sterile - The character is sterile and unable to bear children,
physiological attributes. At least once per gaming session, or as even with the most expensive of fertility treatments. In
often as the GM decides, the player must switch character for addition, members of the Shiver Organisation may look down
a period of at least 10 minutes. This could entail anything from or ridicule sterile characters should the fact become known.
suddenly believing they are a pacifistic weakling, thinking they It is a requirement of the recruitment process that all Shivers
are a member of an entirely different species. The GM may be fertile and while the reasons behind this are still unknown,
wish to create a character sheet for this personality, ignoring many Shivers see the fact as a status symbol in a world where
all normal requirements for character creation. If the rank in sterility runs exceptionally high. There is only a single rank
DID is ever increased, the GM may increase the regularity of in this trait, which grants 1 point. All Stormers are naturally
appearances, or create an additional personality which must sterile and so may not take this trait. Any Shaktar with this
also be experienced for at least 10 minutes per session. trait may be outcast by their community and elders.
Paranoia: The constant feeling that everyone is against you, Vision (good or poor) - This trait is a measure of a characters
blames you, or is out to get you. A Paranoid subject will sight, representing either exceptionally good, or noticeably
usually think the worst, struggle to maintain relationships and poor eyesight. Each rank in good vision adds one additional
be constantly on edge. A character with paranoia applies a -1 Skill Die success to any Detect roll that is based on sight. Each
modifier to the Success Die on all CHA, COOL and CONC rank in poor vision will apply a -1 modifier to the Success Die
related skill rolls whenever the illness is affecting them. At during any Detect roll that is based on vision. In addition, rank
least once per gaming session, or as often as the GM decides, of 2 in poor vision requires glasses or other visual assistance.
the player must apply the effects of paranoia for a period of There are 2 ranks in good vision, with each rank costing a
at least 10 minutes. If the character’s rank in paranoia is ever point and 2 ranks in poor vision, with each rank granting a
increased, the effects become constant. point. A character may not possess both good and poor vision.
Schizophrenia: The character struggles to separate thoughts
All traits should be recorded on your character sheet. An
and feelings from external reality, resulting in them thinking
unspent points earned from taking traits are lost.
they are hearing voices that tell them to do things or that
they are being controlled by an unseen force. A character
with schizophrenia requires an excellent margin of success to HIT POINTS
succeed during any CONC-related skill rolls. In addition, the
GM may, once per session, provide the player with a piece of Hit Points are a measure of how much physical damage
information which they feel they must act upon regardless of a character can sustain. The World of Progress is a violent
the current circumstances. The GM is free to use this idea as landscape and Operatives, though trained to defend themselves,
they best see fit. will often come under fire or in harm’s way. A character starts
with their maximum Hit Points.
Note: Psychosis can be confusing and life threatening, both
to the sufferer and those around them and the GM should Species Hit Points
ensure this fact is known; more so than any other traits, the Human 14 + STR stat
chosen psychosis should be roleplayed accordingly. There
is only one rank in psychosis available during character Frother 15 + STR stat
creation, which grants 2 points. After character creation it Ebonite 14 + STR stat
is possible for a psychosis to be increased by up to another Stormer 313 ‘Malice’ 22 + STR stat
two ranks, with the GM giving extra ranks for traumatic
Stomer 711 ‘Xeno’ 20 + STR stat
experiences or extreme behaviours that feed the illness.
Gaining an additional rank in a psychosis increases the Shaktar 19 + STR stat
severity of the illness, which should be portrayed through Wraithen 14 + STR stat
roleplaying, though the GM is free to hinder the player in Advanced Carrien 20 + STR stat
any way they see fit. If a psychosis ever reaches rank 3, the
Neophron 11 + STR stat
character sheet must be handed to the GM and the character
is considered no longer playable. These may be reduced through taking damage and gained
A character may take multiple psychosis traits if they wish. through healing, resting, or the use of drugs. A characters Hit
Points are determined by their species, as shown in the table
Savings - The character has money saved up, either through
above.
previous earnings, inheritance or a financial windfall of some
form. Each rank taken in this trait represents savings of 500c. Hit Points are recorded on the character sheet in the designated
While it may seem desirable to have a surplus of Credits, box, to the right of the ‘/’. The space on the left is updated each

96
 C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N

time the character suffers damage in order to keep track of how Players should be aware that if any in-game effects cause a
far their Hit Points have drifted from their maximum value. character’s STR stat to drop, their Encumbrance Value will be
immediately adjusted too. Record the Encumbrance Value to
Example: Zack McTavish, Frother Operative, has a STR the right of the ‘/’, in the relevant box on the character sheet,
stat of 4, which is added the Frother Hit Points value of 15. using the left space to keep a tally of the total Weight Factor a
His starting Hit Points will be 19. character is carrying.

MOVEMENT EQUIPMENT
Movement is a measure of how far a character can move A new Operative starts with a standard set of issued gear, a
on foot during a single Combat Round, as well as being a shared downtown apartment and 1500c (Credits) to spend on
representative value of speed when compared side by side with additional gear. Players are free to spend Credits as they see fit.
other characters. Distance is calculated in metres, giving players Any unspent Credits may not be saved - they are to be used only
a recognisable measurement to work with when visualising for starting equipment.
different scenes. A character’s Closing and Rushing speeds After character creation a character is given 100c loaded to
show exactly how many metres they may move during a single their Finance Card. An operative may upgrade from a Finance
Combat Round. Closing speed represents a character edging Card to a Finance Chip and receive a bonus of 100c. Ebonite
forwards as they shoot or strike, whereas a character’s Rushing characters may not have a Finance Chip. In addition, a character
speed represents them running, diving or moving under the also receives 100u (Unis), the physical currency used on the
duress of a combat situation. A character’s Movement speeds streets of Mort.
are determined by their species, as follows:
SLA Operative starting equipment
Species Closing Rushing
The starting equipment of every operative is presented to them
Human 2 5 as part of their graduation ceremony. Recieving their personal
Frother 2 5 FEN 603 Auto-Pistol is seen by many graduates as the moment
Ebonite 2 5 they become an operative.
Stormer 313 ‘Malice’ 3 6 Starting Equipment
Stomer 711 ‘Xeno’ 4 6 SLA Blade Headset Communicator
Shaktar 3 6 Finance Card (or
Klippo Lighter
Wraithen 4 8 Finance Chip)
Advanced Carrien 4 7 SLA Industries ID Card
Pack of contraceptives
and SCL Badge
Neophron 2 5
Operative organiser Two sets of clothes
In addition, a characters Rushing speed is increased by 1 for and admin kit and boots/shoes
every 2 ranks they have in the Athletics skill (round down). FEN 603 Auto-Pistol (plus 2 clips of standard ammo)
Starting equipment should be recorded on the character sheet.
ENCUMBRANCE
A character can only carry a certain amount of gear before it
FINISHING TOUCHES
simply becomes too heavy. While powered armour doesn’t carry Character creation is concluded by investing a little time into
a specific weight to the wearer, unpowered suits, large weapons working out the name, details, personality and background of
and all manner of other items can come with considerable your character. This should include what makes them tick, their
weight. A character is free to carry a certain amount of weight gender or how they identify, their sexuality, why they came to
before they begin to struggle and slow down. work for SLA Industries, their personal agendas, appearance and
All items have a Weight Factor. Many items will have a any side storylines that may come from the high ranked traits that
Weight Factor of 0, meaning they do not weigh enough to be of you may have selected for your character. There are absolutely no
any significance to the owner, though a GM should always use limits when it comes to deciding who you are, so go wild.
their judgement to ensure that players do not try to exploit the A synopsis of the character’s background should be recorded
system (while a single pen carries a Weight Factor of 0, carrying in the space provided on the character sheet, for the GM to
10,000 pens does not). review during the game session.
Additionally, each starting character has an SCL (Security
A character’s encumbrance is equal to 8, or STR x 3, Clearance Level) of 10, which should be noted in the relevant
whichever is higher. box. This value will change as they complete BPNs and make a
name for themselves.
Character creation is now complete. Time to hit the streets!

97
 SLA INDUSTRIES

RULES & MECHANICS

The following section details all the rules and mechanics Note: SLA Industries uses 10-sided dice, referred to herein
associated with running a game of SLA Industries. as d10. for all active skill rolls. If an example states 4d10, this
The system has been designed to provide a streamlined, means four 10-sided dice.
cinematic gaming experience for everyone playing the
game, however there is one golden rule that the GM should SKILL ROLL DIFFICULTY & TARGET NUMBERS
observe at all times: If any concept, rule, mechanic or test
explained in this chapter would otherwise break the flow of In addition to the type of roll, the GM must also consider how
the game, it should be ignored. SLA Industries is first and complex the task at hand is. The applicable difficulty of a task
foremost a ‘roleplaying’ game and wherever possible players will determine the target number for the test between a range of
should roleplay their way through the streets of Mort City. 4 and 16. The following difficulties are used for all non-combat
The following rules simply provide a benchmark for success skill rolls:
and failure in the line of duty.
Difficulty Target Number
SKILL ROLLS Mundane Automatic Pass
Simple 4
The most common test made during a game is the skill roll.
Skill rolls are used to determine the success (or failure) of Challenging 7
actions being undertaken during the game; everything from Complex 10
filing paperwork correctly to successfully spotting a tripwire Strenuous 13
rigged to explosives can be determined by a skill roll. There are
Insane 16
two main types of skill roll: Passive and Active.
Passive - A passive skill roll is not really a roll at all, rather it It is up to the GM to assign a difficulty to any skill roll that
is simply a sense check of the character’s capabilities versus may need to be made. While the GM is free to make any task
the complexity of the task at hand. If the difficulty assigned the difficulty of their choosing, the following summaries should
to the test is Mundane (see “Skill Roll Difficulty and Target be used as guidance:
Numbers” below) then the task is automatically considered to Mundane - A mundane task is one that is performed easily,
be a success without the need to roll any dice. Rolls up to even under duress. This might include opening doors, hopping
a difficulty of Complex may also be passed automatically as over a low wall, climbing over a table etc. These events should
long as the character is not under duress (in combat, being never require a skill roll and can be performed by all but the
interrogated etc.) and the following requirements are met: most injured of characters.
Simple - The character has at least 1 rank in the relevant skill, Simple - Simple tasks including completing documents
or, the character’s relevant stat is 3 or greater. correctly, basic computer work, light maintenance and
Challenging - The character has at least 2 ranks in the relevant communicating with those you are familiar with. These tasks
skill, or, the character’s relevant stat is 4 or greater. should be considered second nature to anyone not under any
Complex - The character has at least 3 ranks in the relevant level of duress.
skill, or, the character’s relevant stat is 5 or greater. Challenging - Such tasks require thought and while specific
A passive skill roll does not consider the margin of success training is not always needed, those without the required skills
and instead assumes a normal success with no remarkable may find themselves struggling. Challenging skill rolls include
outcome. haggling with black market traders, interrogating rookie gang
Active - An active skill roll requires the player to roll a number members or spotting someone lurking in a dark alley.
of dice and obtain a value, or values, equal to or higher than Complex - A complex task is one that requires specific training or
the target number. The number of successes will reflect the an awful lot of sheer luck. Technical repairs, basic paramedical
degree of the overall success or failure of the roll. All skill treatment, swimming long distances or communicating at the
rolls that do not meet the aforementioned Passive criteria will highest levels in a foreign language should all be considered
require an active skill roll. Complex rolls.
Strenuous - Strenuous tests require advanced training and
experience, including forming complex tactical military plans,

98
 RULES & MECHANICS

piloting a Kilcopter in the polluted skies over Cannibal Sector

1 or performing life saving surgery.
Insane - generally the most difficult tests receive the Insane
difficulty. Sometimes a Complex or Strenuous test is increased
to this level due to the amount of pressure or stress a character
is under, or maybe the task at hand puts the character’s life in
the balance. This might include disarming a bomb with only
a few seconds to spare or not giving in to the most extreme
DarkNight torture techniques. Many characters may find
that their stats and skills make achieving an Insane skill roll
entirely impossible.
Increasing Difficulties
The GM should feel free to increase the difficulty of a roll if
it makes sense for the situation at hand, such as performing
non-combat tasks during a firefight or trying to do anything
with your left hand if you’re right handed. Difficulty increases
like this can make success very difficult, as such the GM should
be careful not to hinder players too much throughout game
sessions.
Unskilled Characters
If a character does not possess the required skill, a skill roll
may still be attempted. In this instance, the character will only
consider the related stat for the purposes of any skill rolls.
Depending on how technical the task at hand is, the GM
should consider whether the difficulty should be increased by
one step on account of the character’s lack of knowledge.

MAKING ACTIVE SKILL ROLLS

There are two types of dice used during all skill rolls - the
Success Die and a number of Skill Dice.
Success Die - The Success Die must be a different colour to all
other dice used. We suggest using a black die for your Success
Die. The Success Die represents the core result for the test
being made. If the die total, after any modification is equal to
or greater than the target number for this roll, then the roll is a
success. If the total is less than the target number, the roll is a
failure. A player will always roll one Success Die (1d10).
Skill Dice - Skill Dice must be a different colour to the Success
Die and are used to determine the margin of success of any
roll. At most, a player will be required to roll five Skill Dice
(5d10).

Note: While we suggest using a black or white die for

your Success Die and any other colour of your choosing
for the Skill Dice, the colour options are entirely up to you.
A number of different SLA dice packs are available from
Nightfall Games for those of you who want a SLA branded
option.
To perform an active skill roll, the player must roll the Success
Die plus a number of Skill Dice equal to the rank they have in
the relevant skill plus one. In this way, a player will roll at most
6d10 at any time, comprised of a Success Die and between one
and five Skill Dice. Each die is considered independent – do not
add the values together.

99
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Example: Zack McTavish, Frother Operative, is making a opportunity to progress a story, throw a spanner in the works or
Detect roll and has the Detect skill at rank 2. The player will even award a Ratings Point.
roll a total of four dice - the Success Die and three Skill Dice.
Important: When the Success Die results in a success,
Note: It is important to remember that each skill is tied only successes rolled on Skill Dice are considered, ignoring
to one of 6 stats, for example, the Detect skill is related to all failed Skill Dice. The same is true in reverse, when the
the Concentration (CONC) stat and the Climbing skill is Success Die results in a failure, only failures rolled on
related to the Strength (STR) stat. These values combined Skill Dice are counted, ignoring all Skill Dice successes
are known as a character’s ‘skill bonus’ and are recorded on unless there are enough to trigger the ‘Success Through
the character sheet during character creation. Experience’ rule above.
After rolling the required number of dice, the player should Successes
add their applicable skill bonus to each die. If a character does
not possess the required skill then they just add the related stat Though it is possible to roll more than four Skill Dice, the
to each die instead. margin of success only considers up to four results, ignoring
any additional results. The following table details the relevant
If the total of the Success Die is equal to or greater than the
margins of success:
target number, then the test is a success. Each Skill Die that also
equals or exceeds the target number represents a higher degree Number of Dice Equal/Exceed Target Number
of success and a bigger impact on the task being performed.
Success Die Success
Example: Glisten, Ebon Operative is attempting to +1 Skill Die Excellent Success
interrogate a suspect. Glisten has a COOL stat of 3 and
+2 Skill Dice Exceptional Success
an Interrogate skill of 2, giving her a skill bonus of 5. The
GM decides that the target is a tough one to crack and sets +3 Skill Dice Incredible Success
the difficulty at Complex, giving it a target number of 10. +4 or more Skill Dice Unbelievable Success
Glisten rolls the Success Die plus 3 Skill Dice (for their
The GM should use this information to determine the impact
rank 2 in Interrogate, plus one). She rolls a 7 on the Success
that any success has on the current story and game session. For
Die and get 3, 5 and 8 on the Skill Dice. She now adds her
the most part these exceptional results should be used to advance
Interrogate skill bonus to each die, giving totals of:
the game session forward or spin the players in a new direction
7+5 = 12 (Success Die) as a vehicle for the storytelling aspect of SLA Industries.
3+5 = 8 (Skill Die)
Excellent - An excellent success will often herald no additional
5+5 = 10 (Skill Die) benefits, though a particularly generous GM may grant some
8+5 = 13 (Skill Die) additional information, allow players to notice additional clues
The Success Die beat the target number of 10 and so the or provide a small discount when haggling.
roll is successful. In addition, two of the Skill Dice also beat Exceptional - Results of this level will stand out, revealing
the target number, meaning an exceptional success. Not only small details that lead to great reward, making new contacts
does the target crack and tell the truth, but they also give or achieving something that would earn you some reputation.
up another name that would have been otherwise withheld Incredible - Incredible results may get noticed by the cameras
from the players. and almost certainly by those around you. Successes of this
In the same manner as a successful roll, should the Success Die level may save lives that hang in the balance, notice traps
be less than the target number then the result is considered a designed to kill other characters or allow the interrogation of
failure, even if multiple Skill Dice succeed. Each Skill Die that is even the coolest of DarkNight agents.
also lower than the target number represents a greater potential Unbelievable - Results of this magnitude will save lives, earn
for serious failure. Highly skilled individuals are sometimes able sponsorship deals and get you noticed. Unbelievable success
to avoid failure due to their significant experience in certain should be rewarded accordingly, either with a Ratings Point
areas. This is reflected by the following rule: or through information that makes a real difference to the
Success Through Experience - If four or more Skill Dice equal character and their squad.
or exceed the target number, then the skill roll is considered a Failures
success even if the Success Die fails. In this instance no margin
of success is gained and the roll is simply considered to be Unlike successes, margin of failure is not measured by a
a success, as though only the Success Die had achieved the number of increasing tiers, instead there is only one additional
required result. possibility beyond simply failing a roll: a serious failure.
A serious failure is achieved when ALL dice being rolled
Margin of Success/Failure result in a failure. When this happens the GM should consider
The margin of success/failure is used as a measure of how the failure an opportunity to hinder the player or their squad,
much of an impact the current skill roll has on the task at hand. possibly leading to injury, negative reviews from the media or
Significant success or failure can present the GM with the anything else which might put the character in a tough spot.
Though a serious failure should usually be met with significant

100
 RULES & MECHANICS

hindrance, it is also a suitable opportunity for highly skilled A character may spend LUCK points during their own active
Operatives to learn a valuable lesson. As such, the GM may skill rolls. One point of LUCK, spent after a roll has been made,
choose to award a Ratings Point when any serious failure allows one of the following:
involving four or more Skill Dice occurs.
. Reroll the Success Die.
In all cases the GM is the final adjudicator of any bonus or
punishment that occurs from a margin of success or serious . Reroll any or all of the Skill Dice.
failure, so take it easy on those Ops… or don’t! Or alternatively:
Note: Margins of success and failure function slightly . Multiple points of LUCK may be spent after a roll to
differently during a combat situation. The exact differences add a +1 modifier to the Success Die, per point of LUCK
are detailed in the “Life & Death (Combat on The Streets of spent.
Mort)” section of this chapter.
Only one of the above options may be applied to a roll.
Advanced Tasks Multiple points of LUCK may not be spent to reroll any die a
In addition to active skill rolls, some tasks are also considered second time.
Advanced Tasks. Such tasks include anything that would require
very specific training, such as stripping and repairing a fusion Example: Timmy Franks, a Human Operative is trying to
engine or disarming a bomb. Without any specific training such rally some Shivers who are about to run from an encounter
tasks are almost always destined for failure. with some Shi’An cultists. The GM decides that this requires
A skill roll should be considered an Advanced Task if the a Leadership roll against a difficulty of Complex (target
situation is particularly difficult, or if the GM deems it so. number 10). Franks has a Leadership skill of 1 and a CHA
Advanced Tasks may be undertaken normally, providing the stat of 2. He rolls dice, giving totals of:
character has a relevant skill rank of 3 or higher, with difficulty 5+3 = 8 (Success Die)
being assigned as normal, typically at Complex difficulty. If 6+3 = 9 (Skill Die)
the character does not possess the skill at the required rank 8+3 = 10 (Skill Die)
then the task may be undertaken only at the Strenuous (or The result is a failure, which would result in being left alone
Insane) difficulty levels. In this way, many Advanced Tasks will to face the cultists. Franks also has a LUCK stat of 3 and
not be possible for those without training, unless they have a has not spent any yet this game session so decides to go
significant rank in the relevant stat. An example of applicable ahead and spend 2 points of LUCK to alter the result on
Advanced Tasks is given alongside the description of each skill the Success Die to 10, changing the failure into an excellent
in the “Character Creation” chapter of this book. success.
Ebb-Related Skill rolls LUCK replenishes itself back to the stat maximum during
Ebonite characters have access to Ebb discipline by expanding downtime between game sessions. See “The Web of Lies” on
their Flux capabilities. Ebb disciplines are effectively skills that page 219 for more information.
are connected to the CONC stat and require the expenditure of
FLUX points to use. There are a number of additional factors FEAR
that come into play when using Ebb disciplines, all of which are The streets of Downtown are a scary place to roam. Worse still
discussed under “The Ebb”. are the subterranean pathways of Lower Downtown, topped
only by passing the wall into Cannibal Sector 1, where a whole
LUCK new world of terror awaits. While SLA Operatives are selected
for their hardy nature, not all of them have the grit needed to
“What can I say? I’m a lucky guy!”
face the brutal monstrosities that The World of Progress has to
Sam Hainn, ‘More real than Reality’, Real Time Media offer.
All non-Ebonite characters have a LUCK stat. Luck is used To represent this during a game, every person, scene and
throughout game sessions to tip the balance on more complex situation is assigned a Fear Rating. In most cases this will be
tasks or those skill rolls that would otherwise be impossible 0, representing that even the most timid of characters will not
to achieve. Unlike other stats, LUCK is not a static value be phased, but sometimes Fear Ratings need to be considered,
and instead represents a number of points that can be spent particularly in times of danger or stress.
during the game. The character sheet has space for two values As with all rules, the GM and players should not get bogged
separated by ‘/’; the number to the right of the slash represents down with Fear Ratings. Players are encouraged to not think
the stat maximum, whereas the number to the left of the slash too much about them, relying on the GM to highlight elements
represents the current amount of unspent LUCK. Therefore, that begin to affect the players. This allows for a much more
if the character sheet was showing ‘LUCK: 3 / 4’, this would realistic use of fear - you simply do not know something scares
represent that a character has 3 points left of their maximum you until you encounter it, then the reality is all too real.
of 4 LUCK.

101
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Fear Ratings made if there is a significant change to the combat situation,

such as the arrival of a combatant with a higher Fear Rating or
The following are examples of common Fear Ratings. The base if the GM deems the events of the encounter to be truly horrific.
values and modifiers shown here should be adjusted by the GM In this way, combatants can be considered either affected or not
as needed to suit the situation. affected by fear for the duration of the combat without needing
to interrupt the action.
Fear Rating Examples
To make a Fear Test, a character must roll the Success Die and
Mort Rats, Most Humans, Frothers, Ebonites, add their COOL to the value rolled. A Fear Test is considered
0
Wraithen, Neophron
successful if the total result is 10 or greater. If the roll is a success
Shaktars, Advanced Carrien, Carrien, then the character has overcome the fear and may continue to
1
Cannibals, violent crime scenes act as normal. They are not required to make another Fear Test
Malice & Xeno Stormers, well feared Ops and for the same threat or situation again during this game session.
Props, common Dream Entities, Cannibal If the roll is 9 or less then the character is affected by Fear until
2
Sector Fauna, most DarkNight and Thresher the threat has been removed or the character has been removed
threats, walking in on a blood ritual from the situation and at least an hour has passed. The effect
Dream Entity Effigies, extremely gory murder of Fear is determined by the Fear Rating that forced the test.
3 scenes, being alone and cornered by a pack of The effects listed in the following table are cumulative, so for
Carrien, a large Carnivorous Pig example, if a character was affected by the Petrified result, they
Renowned Serial Killers, Contract Killers, would also suffer the result of Afraid and Discouraged:
4 Homonids, the death of a loved one, witnessing
the brutality of the Skin Trade Fear Rating Result Effect
5 Dream Entity Masters, Necanthropes 0-2 Discouraged Subtract 1 Skill Die success
from all skill rolls
6 Halloween Jack, The Figment
3-4 Afraid Apply a -1 modifier to all dice
7+ Digger, anything else you wish you could unsee
5-6 Petrified Freeze (must act last in each
In addition to the base Fear Rating, a number of modifiers round of combat) or Flee
can increase the rating, making the impact of the effects of - GM’s discretion, also -1
fear appear far greater. The following modifiers are cumulative COOL for the duration of the
should multiple examples apply at the same time. Common Fear effect
modifiers include: 7+ Terrified Apply a -3 modifier to all
CHA-related skill rolls and
Modifier Examples an additional -1 COOL for
In a squad, outnumbering the enemy at least the duration of the Fear effect.
-1 Optionally the GM may
3 to 1
enforce a permanent Rank 1
Outnumbered at least 3 to 1, alone, in pitch
Phobia trait towards the source
black darkness, injured (lost at least 25% of Hit
of the fear
+1 Points), being poisoned, being interrogated,
being in Cannibal Sector 1, successful Players are expected to roleplay the effects of Fear, drawing
Intimidate skill roll. on their personal experience of being afraid and ensuring their
Badly wounded (suffered at least 2 wounds), characters act accordingly, with trepidation and hesitation at the
+2
being lost in Cannibal Sector 1 forefront. Players that do not act afraid should find themselves at
Being tortured, being interrogated by Cloak the mercy of the GM who will inevitably make their characters
+3 even more terrified.
Division

“Ran into Digger once. Close enough to regret it. I literally LIFE & DEATH - COMBAT ON
shit my balls out.”
Shiver Pvt. Jimmy McMurphy, squad ‘Raymonde’s Raiders’
THE STREETS OF MORT CITY
Life as an Operative is dangerous. Even the bureaucrats carry
Fear Tests a gun and need to know how to use it. Mort is a violent place:
During narrative play, whenever the total Fear Rating of any street gangs, the Skin Trade, Carrien breaking in from the
given circumstance becomes higher than a character’s COOL sewers and now the newest threat - incantations of the Shi’An
stat, or at any other time that the GM deems suitable, the blood cult. Sooner or later, whether they go looking for it or
character is required to take a Fear Test. not, a SLA Operative is going to find themselves in a hostile
During a combat situation, in order to keep the action rolling, situation which they will need to shoot or hack their way out
the need for a Fear Test should be checked during the first of. Thankfully for the budding Operative, SLA Industries
initiative phase of the combat. After any required Fear Tests manufacture a fine range of armour, firearms and melee weapons
have been resolved, the need for further tests should only be for such an occasion.

102
 RULES & MECHANICS

It is very easy for players (and GMs) to be blinded by powered of DEX and CONC meaning that those with a sharp mind
armour suits, FEN Power Reapers and the GASH Chain Axes. receive as much of a bonus as those with sharp reflexes...
It is easy to take this gear and turn your game into a blood fest; Initiative is not all about someone’s combat prowess.
and do not get us wrong, at times SLA is exactly that, deeply
violent and gory, but at its core, combat is more likely to be Important: Initiative Values remain in place for subsequent
represented as a fight for survival in a dark building or sewer, Combat Rounds, with combatants continuing to choose
against an unknown enemy looking to devour your very soul. and resolve actions in the specified order until a significant
The following section describes the process of running combat change in situation arises, most commonly when a
scenes in SLA Industries. The system has been balanced to combatant is removed from the combat (is killed or flees),
provide a streamlined experience with very little ‘maths’, while or a new combatant joins the fight, at which point new
still offering enough strategic decision and luck mitigation to Initiative Values should be determined at the start of the
keep the ‘crunchy gamer’ occupied. Lock and load! next Combat Round. Other occurrences can also prompt
the GM to request Initiative Values to be recalculated,
INITIATIVE such as the lights going out or a large explosion that may
distract or shock the combatants. This process reflects the
Before actions are selected during a Combat Round, it is combatants adapting to the flow of the conflict and reacting
also important to consider the order in which these actions are suddenly to the change in situation.
resolved. This is organised by determining Initiative.
Initiative is a measure of a combatant’s reaction speed to Example: Two Operatives are facing off against a pair of
dangerous situations and serves to determine the order in angry Carrien. All parties roll for Initiative Values, resulting
which actions are selected and performed. A combatant with in the following totals:
a particularly high initiative will be able to analyse the scene Operative A - 8
quickly, identifying what other participants of the combat are Operative B - 6
likely to do and react to that by taking the first action. At the
Carrien A - 7
opposite end of the spectrum, a combatant with a low initiative
will be slower to react, committing to the first decision that Carrien B - 6
comes to mind and acting after others have already done so. The Combat Round begins by selecting actions in the
following order: Carrien B and Operative B declare together
Initiative Bonus (their results are tied and both have the Detect skill at
A character’s Initiative Bonus is equal to their DEX & CONC rank 2), Carrien A, then Operative A. They will play out
stats added together. This value is used during combat when the Combat Round in reverse order to that in which they
determining Initiative Values and is recorded on the character selected: Operative A, Carrien A and finally both Operative
sheet. B and Carrien B acting simultaneously.
Initiative Value There are a few rules that cause characters to automatically
act last, ignoring the normal Initiative order. These aspects are
When combat begins, each combatant calculates their
all discussed later throughout these rules, but where multiple
Initiative Value by rolling 1d10 and adding their Initiative
characters are all instructed to act last, the following order
Bonus. The total value is the combatant’s Initiative Value for
applies:
the first Combat Round. Any ties are broken by whichever
combatant has the highest rank in the Detect skill. Should . Characters leaving hand-to-hand combat with the Break
there still be a draw at this point, the drawn combatants are Off action
considered to act simultaneously, selecting and resolving their . Characters with the pacifist trait
actions at the same time (when this happens it is suggested that
. Characters who are Stunned
combatants write down their actions and reveal them together,
though the GM is free to handle this in whatever way they best . Characters under the influence of fear
see fit).
If any rule permits a character to take an additional action
Once Initiative is determined, all participants in the combat during a Combat Round (such as the combat drug, Rush), that
take turns selecting an action for the Combat Round, starting action is declared at the same time as it is performed rather than
with the lowest Initiative Value. After all combatants have when declaring Initiative.
selected an action, these actions are performed in order starting
with the highest Initiative Value. Initiative for groups and swarms
Sometimes the players will come up against a large number of
Note: By using this method of initiative, those who are
enemies of the same type that have the same Initiative Bonus,
slower to react must declare their intentions first. Those more
such as a huge swarm of rats or a whole pack of Carrien. When
experienced or quick witted will then react to the decisions
this happens the GM should feel free to make a single initiative
made by others, choosing their own actions based on what
roll for the group of enemies rather than making a large number
they now know other combatants are doing. This reflects
of separate rolls. In this way, pack mentality comes into play,
those with a higher initiative being better able to respond to
the situation at hand. Importantly, Initiative is based on a mix

103
 SLA INDUSTRIES

allowing a swarm to maximise their strengths and move or represent this, there are two different movement actions that
attack together. may be undertaken during combat: Move and Charge.
Move
COMBAT ROUNDS & ACTIONS
Movement during combat is measured in short distances.
During regular game play it is not normally a requirement to While people are unlikely to be doing a great deal of walking
organise the game into a rigid order of who does what first, as during a firefight, short dashes to reposition, gain better cover or
the fluidity of good roleplaying comes from talking that out as close the distance to the enemy are often the aspects of combat
a group. However, when in combat, the matter of who shoots that turn the tide on the outcome of a battle.
first can be the difference between life and death. To represent A combatant may move up to their Rushing speed in metres
this, all combat situations are organised into Combat Rounds. as their action. This represents the combatant dashing at full
During a single Combat Round, each combatant will take a pace to take cover or move in on the opposition. In addition, it
single action from the following list: is worth noting that a moving target becomes harder to hit than
. Movement Action (Move or Charge) a stationary one. Movement up to a character’s Closing speed
. Hand-To-Hand Action (Attack or Break Off ) may be performed as a part of a hand-to-hand or ranged attack,
though such actions become easier if time is taken to steady a
. Ranged Action (Attack or Aim)
weapon rather than move.
. Recover (a penalty action taken to recover from a stumble
or unjam a weapon etc.) Charge
. Calculate The Ebb (see “The Ebb” on page 128) Charging into combat is a risky, but potentially deadly
manoeuvre. The movement will result in both combatants being
. Auxiliary Action (covers all non-combat activity: reload a
locked in hand-to-hand combat, but with the added benefit
weapon, use a Medical Kit, inject Combat Drugs, change
of the charging impact. The downside to such a manoeuvre is
weapon, pick up a dropped weapon etc.)
that it can be hard to stop and maintain balance if the strike is
When every participant has completed an action during the unsuccessful.
Combat Round, a new Combat Round will begin, with all An attack is considered a charge when a combatant starts their
remaining participants selecting a new action. This process action at least 3m from an opponent and chooses to move up
repeats until the combat ends. A single Combat Round is to their Rushing speed, plowing full force into their target. The
considered to last 3 seconds. charging combatant must have a line of sight to their target at
the start of the action. Charging an opponent gives the potential
Failed Actions to inflict additional damage, as explained in the “Hand-To-
Occasionally, after declaring an action, but before a combatant Hand Combat” section.
gets to act, situations may arise that prevent the chosen action
from being performed; this is referred to as a ‘failed action’.
Move & Charge Actions vs Initiative
Examples may include: performing a Charge against an As actions are declared in reverse order, it would stand to reason
opponent who has moved out of range, targeting an opponent that anyone who has a Charge (or Move which ends in hand-
who has already been killed, or performing a ranged attack, to-hand combat) declared against them by a combatant with
but being disarmed before you get the chance to fire. In these a lower Initiative Value, could just choose to move backwards,
situations, the combatant may instead perform an Auxiliary thus moving out of the range of the incoming attacker. While
action. Alternatively, the combatant may perform a hand-to- this may seem like a good option for more fragile Operatives,
hand attack, ranged attack or calculate the Ebb action, but will turning a combat into a ‘chase’, the GM should make it clear
apply a -2 modifier to all dice during any skill rolls made in that most enemy combatants are not easily fooled. Repeated use
relation to that action. In the case of a failed Charge action, of combatants moving backwards to lure charging opponents
the combatant may instead make a Move action towards the whilst other squad members shoot them, or to ensure that they
intended target if they wish. can never be reached by the opposition, should be punished
accordingly; leading the retreating Operative into a dead-end
MOVEMENT or ambush will help them learn their lesson. Due to primetime
viewers considering ‘retreat’ a cowardly option, combatants
Outside of combat, players and the GM may use the relative with a higher Initiative Value who are charged would be well
Closing and Rushing speeds of each species to determine advised to try and gun down the incoming attacker, counter
their relevant speed compared to each other. During combat charge them, or brace for impact. The GM’s overall goal is to
it becomes more important to track movement more precisely, circumvent silly games of cat and mouse and to provide a more
allowing players to judge the distance between themselves and realistic approach to people reacting to the unfolding events of
their enemies, as such the stated Closing and Rushing speeds the combat.
for each species represent a character’s pace of movement under
the duress of a combat situation. While attacking characters
are able to move as a part of performing an attack, at times
characters will simply want to move about at a faster pace. To

104
 RULES & MECHANICS

HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT
Hand-to-hand combat using fists, teeth, blades or other close-
range weaponry is the benchmark of Operative capability. While
gun sales are significant, the high rate of bullet tax makes firing
your rifle an expensive proposition. On top of that, TV ratings
logged by GoreZone, The Killing Floor and Crunch Time have
all proven time and time again that melee weapons, martial arts
and Stormers pulling people’s arms off, are exactly what people
want to see. On the streets of Mort, civilians, gang members and
other unsavories will arm themselves with knives, bats, chains
and all manner of other accessible weapons. For Ops, the melee
weapons catalogue is far more diverse, from powered swords
and fists to the feared Chain Axe. Each melee weapon has its
own profile, which looks like this:

DPB Vibro Sabre Cost: 100c

Skill: Melee Weapons

DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10-1 4 1 1
Rules: none
This information gives us everything we need to know about
the DPB Vibro Sabre, including all the numbers needed when
making an attack with the weapon:
Skill - The skill used when performing attacks with this weapon.
DMG - The amount of damage inflicted by a successful attack
with this weapon. In this example, the damage inflicted is
equal to the roll of 1d10, minus 1. Note: Natural weapons, target number of 10 to which a range of modifiers may apply,
such as punching, or using claws or teeth, have DMG values thus any result of 10 or more after adjustment indicates a hit.
based on the character’s STR stat rather than one determined Hand-To-Hand Attack Modifiers
by a die roll.
The following modifiers are applied to all rolls to hit in hand-
Min DMG - The minimum amount of damage that the weapon
to-hand combat. It is possible for multiple modifiers to apply
will inflict. In this example, the weapon is therefore capable of
to a single roll. While most modifiers will add to or subtract
inflicting between 4 and 9 damage.
from the value rolled, some instead add automatic Skill Dice
AD - The amount of Armour Damage inflicted to the targets successes to the number of successes rolled.
armour. Armour Damage is discussed in greater detail under
“Armour”. Situation Modifier
Weight Factor - The weight of the item. Charging a target -1 to Success Die and +1 Skill
Rules - If the weapon has any specific rules they will be noted Die success
here. Target charged you, or moved -1 to Success Die
When performing a hand-to-hand attack, the combatant may more than their Closing speed
move up to their Closing speed in metres before performing the this Combat Round
attack, providing they are not already engaged in hand-to-hand Target uses Combat Defence -1 to all dice for each skill
combat. This allows them to close a small distance, allowing rank allocated to defence
them to strike. Effectively, every combatant has an area around
Target uses Acrobatic Defence -2 to all dice for each rank of
them equal to their Closing speed that they can attack in hand- the defenders Acrobatics skill
to-hand combat without the need to take other actions.
Successfully hit the same target +1 to Success Die
All attacks require an Active skill roll, regardless of the user’s
during the last Combat Round
proficiency with a weapon or combat style. The skill roll is made
as normal, rolling the Success Die and one Skill Die for each Target is performing a Break +1 to Success Die
rank that a character has in the applicable weapon skill plus Off this Combat Round
one and adding the relevant skill bonus (or stat) to each die. Attacking with a natural +1 to Success Die
However, the normal skill roll difficulties and target numbers weapons (fists, teeth, claws etc)
do not apply during attack rolls, instead there is always a static Target is suffering the Prone, +2 to Success Die
Stunned or Immobile condition

105
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Important: Once engaged in hand-to-hand combat, a Vibro Sabre, which requires the Melee Weapons skill, which
combatant may not use ranged weapons. While it may seem Shae possesses at rank 2. Shae also has a STR of 2, meaning
possible to fire a weapon at point blank range, the reality of she will roll 4 dice (the Success Die and 3 Skill Dice) and will
the frenzied combat on the streets of Mort means that few add 4 to the result of each one. The Gang member will have
combatants have the capacity to ready their weapon before his chance to strike back later during this Combat Round,
having it parried away. The last opportunity to use a ranged but is concerned about getting sliced up before he gets the
weapon is the round in which the combatant is charged chance. He is armed with a knife and decides to allocate both
or engaged, representing them getting a final shot off at of his 2 ranks in Melee Weapons to Combat Defence, giving
their attacker, or another target. Alternatively, the charged Shae a -2 modifier to all her dice during the roll. Shae rolls:
combatant may opt to consider their declared ranged attack 7+4-2 = 9 (Success Die)
as a ‘failed action’, following the usual rules. 4+4-2 = 6 (Skill Die)
Defensive Manoeuvres 5+4-2 = 7 (Skill Die)
8+4-2 = 10 (Skill Die)
The biggest potential for modifying an attacker’s roll to hit
comes from the defender performing a defensive manoeuvre, The Success Die was a failure, with a total of 9. Thanks to the
either using their agility to dodge, dive and flip out of harm’s gang member’s Combat Defence he was able to avoid being
way, or to use their own weapon proficiency to parry or guard shredded by Shae’s attack, however, when the gang member
against the oncoming attack. attacks this round, he will count as having a Melee Weapons
skill of 0.
Important: The decision to perform a defensive manoeuvre Acrobatic Defence - A defender may choose to use their
must be made before the attacker rolls to hit. A defender Acrobatics skill to side step or dodge out of harm’s way during
may use either Combat Defence or Acrobatic Defence hand-to-hand combat. For each rank that the defender has
during an attack, but not both. Additionally, a combatant in the Acrobatics skill, the attacker applies a -2 modifier to
may only defend against a single hand-to-hand attack all dice being rolled by the attacker. A combatant may only
during each Combat Round. use Acrobatic Defence if they have not already performed an
Due to the availability of defensive manoeuvres during hand- attack action during this Combat Round. If the defender has
to-hand attacks, anyone may opt to reserve ranks of their not yet acted during this Combat Round, their planned action
relevant combat skill in order to perform a Combat Defence if is cancelled - they may do nothing but dodge. If the attacker’s
they expect to get hit later in the Combat Round. In the same roll to hit fails, the defender may move up to their Rushing
way, a combatant who is attacked early in a Combat Round, speed to represent the movement generated by the Acrobatic
may decide how many ranks to allocate to a Combat Defence, Defence. A combatant who has performed an Acrobatic
reserving their remaining ranks to attack with later in the round. Defence may not do so again during the following Combat
As such, a character with a Melee Weapons skill of 3 could opt Round.
to only use two ranks during their attack, in order to save one
rank to defend with later during the round. Example: A local gang leader is attacking Shae ‘Rattle’ Cross
using Unarmed Combat. The gang leader is an impressive
Combat Defence - The combatant being attacked may opt to brawler with an Unarmed Combat skill of 3 and a STR stat
defend themselves using their current hand-to-hand weapon of 3. Shae has already acted this round by administering a
or fighting style. To do so, the defender may allocate any dose of combat drugs, but as she has not performed an attack
number of ranks of the chosen skill - Unarmed Combat, she may use her Acrobatic skill to defend. Deciding that
Melee Weapons or Polearm - according to the weapon they diving out of the way is the safest option, Shae decides to use
are currently armed with. As action takes place quickly, it an Acrobatic Defence, giving the gang member a modifier of
is not possible for someone to decide to draw a weapon (or -2 for each rank she has in the Acrobatics skill, for a total of
drop/sheath one) for the purpose of switching to a different -6. The gang leader rolls:
skill, Combat Defence must be performed with whatever
is in hand (or the combatant’s hands themselves!). While 7+6-6 = 7 (Success Die)
unarmed defence may take place if the character is holding a 6+6-6 = 6 (Skill Die)
pistol, any character holding a two-handed firearm such as a 5+6-6 = 5 (Skill Die)
rifle or support weapon may not perform a Combat Defence. 8+6-6 = 8 (Skill Die)
Each rank allocated in this way, applies a -1 modifier to all 10+6-6 = 10 (Skill Die)
dice being rolled by the attacker. Any ranks allocated in this The Success Die was a failure, so the gang leader misses his
way are not available to the defender during any attack that target and Shae is allowed to move up to her Rushing speed
they perform later during this Combat Round. Similarly, if of 5m to create a little space between her and her attacker -
the combatant has already attacked this Combat Round, only just enough space to give Fal’Kt’Kt’Lg, her Shaktar sidekick,
those ranks that were reserved for Combat Defence may be a clear headshot to take him down. If Shae is attacked again
used in this way. during the next Combat Round she will be unable to perform
Example: Shae ‘Rattle’ Cross, is attacking a Downtown gang an Acrobatic Defence, nor can she defend again against any
member in hand-to-hand combat. She is using her DPB other incoming attacks during this Combat Round.

106
 RULES & MECHANICS

Resolving Hand-To-Hand Attacks Note: As well as punching and kicking, the following
Operative species also have access to other natural weapons.
If the roll to hit was a failure, the attacker’s action ends
immediately and play continues to the next combatant’s action. Malice Stormer, Xeno Stormer, Shaktar, Advanced Carrien
The result of a serious failure during a hand-to-hand attack - Teeth and Claws
(failure on every die rolled) represents the attacker stumbling Wraithen - Teeth
or losing grip on their weapon. To reflect this, the only action Neophron - Beak
that combatant may take during the next Combat Round is
the Recover action, during which they may do nothing as they Punch/Kick
compose themselves. DMG Min DMG AD
If the roll to hit is a success the defender has been struck by STR -2 1 0
the attack and will suffer damage according to the profile of the
weapon. Margin of success is used during attacks to modify the Any combatant with a STR of 5 or greater who lands a punch
or kick will be capable of knocking over weaker opponents,
damage inflicted by the strike. For full information on how to
inflicting the Prone condition. Such occurrences are down to
resolve damage from a successful attack, see “Damage” on page
the GM’s discretion and should be done to create a sense of
112 for more information.
cinematic action.
Break Off
Teeth/Tusks/Claws
When combatants are locked in hand-to-hand combat they
are considered to be engaged. An engaged combatant may DMG Min DMG AD
only leave the combat if their opponent(s) are incapacitated STR -1 2 1
or choose to ‘Break Off ’, nor may they take any other action,
Using teeth or tusks requires combatants to be extremely close,
besides attacking, Calculate the Ebb or performing a Break Off either as a result of a charge or by pressing up against an opponent.
themselves. As such, engaged combatants will generally either
attack their opponent or attempt to flee the combat. When Beak
a character chooses to Break Off from an engagement, the
combatant is able to move up to their Rushing speed providing DMG Min DMG AD
the movement does not move them into another hand-to-hand STR -1 2 0
engagement. Using a beak requires combatants to be extremely close, either as
Once the Break Off action is selected, the combatant will a result of a charge or by pressing up against an opponent.
automatically move to the end of the initiative queue, acting
last in this Combat Round (unless another combatant chooses Mandibles
to Break Off after them). If all combatants involved in a single DMG Min DMG AD
engagement chose to Break Off then all may leave the combat
freely without penalty. A character performing a Break Off may STR 2 2
not use any defensive manoeuvres during combat this round A creature can use mandibles to lock onto a target. If a roll to
and becomes easier to hit. Turning your back on an opponent is hit is successful, they have locked on. If they choose to attack
a dangerous prospect. the same target during the next combat round, no roll to hit is
required. A creature who has locked on with their Mandibles
Natural Weapons may not perform any defensive manoeuvres.
As well as the ability to punch and kick, a number of creatures
possess natural weapons, such as sharp teeth or claws. Natural RANGED COMBAT
weapons all use the Unarmed Combat skill for the purposes
Firefights are swift, brutal… and expensive. Since the bullet
of resolving attacks. Note that the use of armour may prevent
tax was implemented, drastically raising the cost of ammunition,
natural weapons from being used; for example, wearing a helmet
more and more Operatives have turned to melee weapons to
prevents the use of teeth and wearing armoured gauntlets
satisfy their needs. This has not stopped the arms companies
prevents the use of claws. The GM gets the final say on whether
continuing to manufacture firearms by the millions. Like melee
natural weapons can be used. The following list presents the
weapons, each ranged weapon has its own profile:
most common natural weapons, though the GM is free to create
others as they see fit. Unlike other weapons, natural weapons FEN 603 Auto-Pistol Cost: 200c
have a DMG value based on the STR of the user.
Skill: Pistol
Example: A Stormer chooses to attack a Juvenile Carrien DMG Min DMG AD Weight
with their claws. After a successful roll to hit, the Stormer
1d10-2 3 1 1
inflicts damage equal to their STR-1. The Stormer has a
STR of 5, meaning they will inflict 4 damage. This number is ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
modified by the margin of success as normal.
1/3 0/1 60m 20 30c
Rules: None

107
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Range - The maximum effective range of the weapon. A target

which is further away than half of the weapon’s stated range
is considered to be at long range and becomes harder to hit.
With the FEN 603, a target further away than 30m would be
considered to be at long range.
Clip - The amount of ammunition held in a single clip/
magazine. When a weapon is fired, the amount of rounds
specified by the chosen ROF should be marked off. When
the weapon has fired rounds equal to its clip capacity it must
be reloaded.
Weight Factor - The weight of the item.
Rules - If the weapon has any specific rules they will be noted
here.

Note: DMG and AD can be further modified by different

ammunition types. The values stated on a profile assume
regular ammunition is being used.
When performing a ranged attack, the combatant may
move up to their Closing speed before performing the attack,
providing they are not already engaged in hand-to-hand
combat. This allows them to close a small distance before firing.
As with hand-to-hand combat, all ranged attacks require
an Active skill roll, regardless of the user’s proficiency with a
weapon. The skill roll is made as normal, rolling the Success
Die and one Skill Die for each rank that a character has in the
applicable weapon skill plus one and adding the relevant skill
bonus (or stat) to each die. Also like hand-to-hand combat, a
static target number of 10 is also used for all skill rolls to hit,
This information gives us everything we need to know about thus any result of 10 or more after adjustment indicates a hit.
the FEN 603 Auto-Pistol, the standard issue sidearm of all Important: Regardless of a weapon’s ROF, only one roll
SLA Operatives. The profile includes all the numbers we need to hit is made. The implications of being hit by multiple
when making an attack with the weapon: rounds in a single volley are discussed under “Rate of Fire
Skill - The skill used when performing attacks with this weapon. (ROF)”.
DMG - The amount of damage inflicted by a successful attack
with this weapon. In this example, the damage inflicted is Line of Sight and Firing Blind
equal to the roll of 1d10 minus 2. In most cases, a line of sight is required to a target in order for a
Min DMG - The minimum amount of damage that the weapon ranged attack to be able to be made. Providing a combatant can
will inflict. In this example, the weapon is therefore capable of see a part of the target’s body or armour, they are considered to
inflicting between 3 and 8 damage. have a line of sight and may perform an attack normally. When
AD - The amount of Armour Damage inflicted to the targets a combatant is unable to see their target, they are considered
armour. Armour Damage is discussed in greater detail under to be Firing Blind, such as when poking a gun over the top of
“Armour”. a barricade or firing at a target which is completely concealed
ROF - The rate of fire tells us how many rounds the weapon behind a wall.
is capable of firing in a single volley. The more rounds fired, Knowing a target’s location may be sufficient if using a weapon
the more likely one will hit its target, but the harder the capable of punching through a wall or barricade, though such
weapon becomes to handle. Where multiple fire modes are shots may only be attempted under the GM’s discretion,
available, different numbers will be listed separated by a /. In applying the modifiers for both heavy cover and Firing Blind.
this example, the weapon may fire 1 or 3 rounds per Combat A line of sight is not required to a target in order to throw a
Round. Rate of Fire is described in more detail later in this grenade, as explained in the “Grenades and Thrown Weapons”
chapter. section on page 111.
Recoil - The recoil of a weapon is a measure of its ‘kick’ or how Ranged Attack Modifiers
hard it is to keep steady when firing. Whenever different rates
of fire are available, each will have a listed recoil, also separated The following modifiers are applied to all rolls to hit in ranged
by a /. In this example, the weapon has a recoil of 0 when firing combat. It is possible for multiple modifiers to apply to a single
1 round and a recoil of 1 when firing 3 rounds. Higher recoil roll. While most modifiers will add to, or subtract from, the
makes it harder to hit with the weapon. value rolled, some instead add or subtract automatic Skill Dice
successes to the number of successes rolled.

108
 RULES & MECHANICS

take up position far from the action and patiently watch for the
Situation Modifier
right moment, aiming is also a valid response for combatants’
Target is in light cover -1 to Success Die closer to the action. Drawing your pistol or rifle on an opponent
Target is in heavy cover or is during a standoff and taking aim can mean all the difference
-2 to Success Die
concealed between a glancing blow and a killing head shot.
Target moved more than their If a character elects to spend the Combat Round aiming they
Closing speed this Combat -1 to Success Die must stay stationary, with their weapon focused on an opponent.
Round When declaring an aim, the intended target must also be
-1 to Success Die for each declared. Aiming is possible with any weapon that requires the
Recoil Pistol or Rifle skill, but not for other weapons, such as those
point of recoil the weapon has
that require the Support Weapons or Throw skills. A character
Firing Blind -1 to all dice
may never aim with a hand-to-hand attack.
-2 to Success Die (same While a combatant may aim for as many rounds as they wish,
Dual Wielding target) or -4 to Success Die they may only gain a maximum number of Aim bonuses equal
(different targets)
to their rank in the relevant weapon skill. It is possible for a
Target is at long range (further combatant to spend multiple successive rounds aiming before
away than half the weapon’s -1 Skill Die they fire, for this reason players may wish to use tokens, glass
range) beads, or other suitable markers to keep a tally of how many
Target is suffering the Prone, Combat Rounds have been spent aiming.
+1 to Success Die
Stunned or Immobile condition When the aiming combatant finally decides to fire their
+1 to Success Die or +1 Skill weapon, they may add one of the following bonuses for every
Aiming
Die success round that the Aim action was taken. These bonuses are declared
Burst Fire May reroll Success Die before the roll to hit is made:
Full-Auto May reroll any/all dice . Apply a +1 Modifier to the Success Die
+2 Skill Dice successes and . Add 1 automatic Skill Die success to the roll
Suppressive Fire
may reroll any/all dice
A combination of both options may be used during the same
Cover ranged attack. The aiming combatant will retain the accrued
Standing in the open in the middle of a firefight is a recipe aim bonuses for all subsequent Combat Rounds that they elect
for disaster. Instead, most combatants will take cover, at least to fire at the same target, representing the combatant keeping
until the capabilities of the enemy can be assessed. A combatant their sights trained on the target. These bonuses are lost once
in cover is harder to hit, as the cover can cause the ricochet of any one of the following occurs:
rounds or soak up the impact of the shot before it reaches its . Any other action is taken, besides continuing to aim at,
intended target. Cover typically falls into three categories: or perform a ranged attack against the designated target.
Light Cover - Light cover includes any items with low stopping . The aiming combatant moves or is moved for any reason.
power, but that are capable of concealing at least half of the
. The aiming combatant suffers the loss of 3 or more Hit
target, or obscuring their shape sufficiently. Examples of light
Points in a single Combat Round.
cover include fencing, low walls, windows and most indoor
furniture. There is a modifier of -1 to the Success Die when . The aiming combatant performs a defensive manoeuvre.
rolling to hit a target in light cover.
Heavy Cover - Heavy cover is cover which either conceals the Example: Joe Fade, a veteran Human Operative has his
vast majority of a target or offers exceptionally high protective weapon trained on a potential Skin Trader. Joe has a Rifle
qualities, such as solid concrete walls, steel barriers and most skill of 4 due to his long service with SLA Industries and
vehicles. There is a modifier of -2 to the Success Die when multiple tours of Cannibal Sector 1. He decides to start
rolling to hit a target in heavy cover. aiming. Joe may claim up to 4 bonuses over 4 Combat
Rounds by selecting the aim action each time. Joe may aim
Concealed - A concealed target cannot be seen, but the firer
for a 5th, 6th, 7th round etc. but would receive no additional
is aware of their presence, either through observation or the
bonus in doing so, though it would allow him to maintain
use of thermal optics etc. Firing at a concealed target comes
the bonuses he had accrued at that point if he wasn’t ready to
with the same modifier as firing at a target in heavy cover.
take the shot. Joe decides to take the shot after he has aimed
In addition, the target is considered to have +1 to +3 PV
for 4 rounds, opting to apply a +2 Modifier to the Success
(depending on the material which conceals them), as specified
Die, as well as gaining two automatic Skill Die successes.
by the GM, for the purpose of resolving this attack.
BOOM! Joe Fade will retain the same bonuses to use again
Aim during the next Combat Round if he fires at the same target
Rather than attacking, a combatant may choose to aim with again.
a ranged weapon in order to increase the effectiveness of the
eventual shot. While aiming is a no-brainer for snipers who

109
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Rate of Fire (ROF)

Many weapons are capable of different fire modes, allowing
the user to opt for a single accurate shot or a volley of multiple
rounds. All ranged weapons are capable of one or more of the
following firing modes as specified on their weapon profile:

ROF Mode Rules

1 Single None
3 Burst Fire May reroll the Success Die
10 Full-Auto May reroll any/all dice
SUP Suppressive May reroll any/all dice
Running low on ammo
A weapon must have the required number of rounds left in its
clip in order to use a specific fire mode. As some weapons are
not able to fire on single mode, it is possible that there may be
fewer rounds available in the clip than the weapon’s lowest rate
of fire. When this happens the weapon’s lowest firing mode is
used to empty the clip, applying a -2 DMG modifier to reflect
fewer rounds being fired than normal. Note that even with this
modifier, a weapon’s ‘Min DMG’ value is still observed.

Example: A weapon that has a stated ROF of 3/10 and 1

round left in its 30-round clip. It is unable to fire its usual
minimum of 3 rounds. As such the weapon may be fired
normally, using the rules for burst fire, but a successful hit
will apply a -2 damage modifier.
Generally, higher rates of fire come with an increase in recoil, of rounds as stated, so for example a weapon with ‘SUP(40)’
making the chance of hitting with a single die roll harder. This must have 40 rounds available to fire in a suppressive manner.
presents a number of choices for the weapon user, have a single Suppressive fire covers a 5m wide area in the designated
chance of hitting the target, or multiple chances to hit whilst direction of fire. This area is considered to be the suppressive
needing to obtain a higher number on the die. Using burst fire fire ‘kill-zone’.
allows for a single reroll of the Success Die should the initial roll
be a failure. Firing on full-auto or suppressive mode allows for Note: When using suppressive fire, the roll to hit always uses
a single reroll of any or all dice, not only giving a second chance the Support Weapons skill, regardless of the weapon’s usual
to hit, but also a second chance of all Skill Dice coming up with skill requirement. As such, a character may not aim when
a success, drastically increasing damage output. Suppressive fire using suppressive fire.
also grants two automatic Skill Dice successes in addition to When suppressive fire is used, the ammunition expenditure
those rolled by the user and grants a number of additional rules is marked immediately. A roll to hit is then made against every
described in the following section. target within the kill-zone, applying any applicable modifiers
as normal. In addition, a roll to hit is made in this way against
Important: Any dice rerolled as a result of a weapon’s
anyone else that enters the kill-zone until the end of the next
chosen ROF may not be rerolled a second time with the
Combat Round. During the second Combat Round, the
expenditure of LUCK.
combatant performing suppressive fire automatically takes
Higher rates of fire also inflict additional damage as described the recover action, during which they may do nothing else, to
under “Damage Modifier - Rate of Fire (ROF)”. represent the ongoing effect of plastering the area with bullets.
Effectively, the suppressive fire action takes place over two
Suppressive Fire Combat Rounds. Suppressive fire adds additional damage to an
Suppressive fire is the act of locking the trigger down and attack in the same way that full-auto fire does, but also adds two
spraying an area with bullets, creating a wide kill-zone. The automatic Skill Dice successes, further enhancing the damage
purpose of such action is not to hit a particular target, but of the attack.
rather to ensure that anything entering the firing zone is hit, be The kill-zone created by suppressive fire will cease immediately
it friend or foe. Suppressive fire is good at pinning targets down if the firer moves in any way or loses any Hit Points from an
behind cover or dealing with large crowds. attack. Any attacks that does not result in the loss of a Hit
Any weapon with ‘SUP(n)’ listed as one of its ROF numbers is Point (such as when armour absorbs all the damage) will not
capable of Suppressive fire. Firing in this way will use a number deter the firer. If suppressive fire is ended early in this way, the

110
 RULES & MECHANICS

ammunition is still considered used, assumably sprayed into the If the roll to hit is a success, the round has hit its target and
floor when they were knocked off balance. If this occurs before damage will be inflicted according to the profile of the weapon.
the end of the first round of suppressive fire then the firer may Margin of success is used during attacks to modify the damage
act normally in the following round, ignoring the need to take inflicted by the shot. For full information on how to resolve
the recover action. damage from a successful attack, see “Damage” on page 112 for
more information.
Example: Bard, an Advanced Carrien Operative, decides to
support his squad by laying down some suppressive fire. His Grenades and Thrown Weapons
weapon has a ROF of SUP(30) so he decides to let loose. The Grenades are commonplace in the Operative toolkit, despite
weapon has 50 rounds left, so has sufficient ammo to pull the significant price hikes they have received over recent years.
off the shot, as such Bard marks 30 rounds off his current Other thrown weapons, such as knives, are also very common
ammo total. The 5m spread covers the street in front of him, in the hands of almost all combatant’s on the streets of Mort.
which is currently occupied by two Carrien who are charging Thrown weapons work like other ranged attacks and are
ahead of the pack. Bard makes a roll to hit against each of resolved using the Throw skill. The effective range of all thrown
these Carrien, resulting in one of them being hit. Due to the weapons is based on the user’s STR stat as follows:
saturation of suppressive fire, it grants two additional Skill
Dice successes, representing that more rounds hit, resulting STR Stat Effective Range
in more damage. The Carrien is torn apart, though the other
0 15m
avoids the initial barrage.
1 20m
Next turn Bard can do nothing but finish his suppressive fire
2 25m
maneuver, but will get another shot at the Carrien if it is still
within the fire-zone, as well as a shot at any others that follow 3 30m
behind it, providing he isn’t attacked before the end of the next 4 35m
Combat Round. 5+ 40m
Dual Wielding The normal modifiers for long range are applied, though in
Dual wielding is the act of firing two weapons at the same the case of grenades, no modifier is applied for Firing Blind, on
time, either at the same target, or at different targets. Such an account of them not needing to hit a target dead on. Grenades
act may be cinematic, but the ability to fire weapons accurately have a slightly different weapon profile to other ranged weapons,
in this way is not easy. with a ‘Blast Radius’ in addition to the damage figures.
A character may fire using dual wielding as a single action,
allowing them to fire two weapons, albeit at a significant cost in DDA 90 Fragmentation Grenade Cost: 15c
accuracy. The following rules apply to firing in this way: Skill: Throw Blast
. Only weapons that require the Pistol skill may be dual DMG Min DMG AD Weight Radius
wielded. 1d10+2 5 2 1 5/10m
. A character may never use suppressive fire when firing in Use of these grenades within the walls of Mort City is considered
this way. illegal.
. A character may never aim when firing in this way. Blast Radius - Indicates the area affected by the grenade.
. Both weapons require a roll to hit. The firer may decide Some grenades (those that cause physical damage) have two
which shot to resolve first. The second shot (and thus, numbers listed for the Blast Radius. Anyone caught within the
expenditure of ammo) must occur as declared, even if the lower distance is considered to have been caught in the kill-
intended target is taken down by the first shot. zone of the grenade and an additional +2 DMG is inflicted to
. If both weapons are fired at the same target, a -2 modifier these targets.
is applied to all dice on both rolls to hit.
Note: A single grenade has a Weight Factor of 0, though
. If both weapons are fired at different targets, a -4 modifier carrying 2-3 grenades comes with a Weight Factor of 1.
is applied to all dice on both rolls to hit.
Resolving Attacks With Grenades
Resolving Ranged Attacks Grenades do not need to target a specific target and can instead
If the roll to hit was a failure, the attacker’s action ends be thrown within the general vicinity of a target or targets. All
immediately and play continues to the next combatant’s action. normal rules for ranged attacks apply, however in addition to
The result of a serious failure during a ranged attack (failure on any modifiers, at least 1 Skill Die success is also required to land
every die rolled) represents the attacker’s weapon jamming. A the grenade on the intended target. If the Success Die results in
jammed weapon must be cleared before it can be used again. To a success with no additional Skill Die successes then the actual
reflect this, the only action that combatant may take during the landing position for the grenade will be approximately 5m from
next Combat Round is the Recover action, during which they the intended position, with the final location to be determined
may do nothing as they unjam the weapon.

111
 SLA INDUSTRIES

by the GM. This deviation will often mean that the grenade . Deploying a bipod/tripod on a weapon
lands with cover between it and its intended targets. . Any other activity the GM deems suitable
If the roll to hit was a failure, the grenade is still thrown but
the actual landing position for the grenade will be anywhere up
to 10m from the intended position, with the final location to be
DAMAGE
determined by the GM. Getting shot or attacked with a Chain Axe means getting
The result of a serious failure during a grenade attack (failure hurt. The World of Progress is a violent world; very few Ops
on every die rolled) is not left up to the GM’s discretion and can say they’ve never been wounded in the line of duty and even
instead represents the thrower fumbling the grenade, leading to fewer can say they have not killed for the company.
it detonating on their location. Every weapon inflicts damage, or DMG, as discussed in the
Once the final location of the grenade is determined it will hand-to-hand and ranged combat sections. When an attack is
detonate, hitting every target within the Blast Radius that is successful, the damage inflicted should be determined according
not in cover. Those targets who are considered to be in cover to the weapon’s profile. In addition to the damage listed on the
(i.e. have cover between them and the location that the grenade weapon’s profile, there are a number of other elements that play
came to rest) have a 50/50 chance of being hit by the blast - roll a part in the damage inflicted.
1d10 for each target, with a result of 6 or more indicating a hit. When anyone takes damage, the amount of damage inflicted
is removed from their current Hit Points total. If a single attack
Note: Frag, or other explosive grenades are extremely causes a character to lose more than 50% of their remaining Hit
destructive and have been made illegal to use within the walls Points they also suffer a wound to the torso in addition to any
of Mort City. The GM should make it clear that continual other effects. See “Wounds” on page 115 for more information.
use of such weapons in confined areas can lead to structural
instability and loss of civilian life, two things which can land Damage Modifier - Margin of Success
an Operative in great trouble. The margin of success gained when rolling to hit can affect the
Firing at Engaged Targets amount of damage inflicted by a weapon, as follows:

Firing into an existing hand-to-hand combat situation Dice that Equal or Damage Modifier
is a dangerous prospect. With the constant unpredictable Exceed Target Number
movements of close combat, it becomes increasingly hard to be
Success Die --
sure which target will be hit. Even the most talented snipers
must take the risk of friendly fire. +1 Skill Die +1 DMG
Combatants may fire at targets who are engaged in hand-to- +2 Skill Dice +2 DMG or hit an arm
hand combat as normal, however, at least 1 Skill Die success +3 Skill Dice +4 DMG or hit a leg
is also required to hit the intended target. If the Success Die
+4 or more Skill Dice +6 DMG and hit the head
results in a success with no additional Skill Die successes then
the actual target hit must be randomised between all those Important: When a margin of success is gained, the
involved in the engagement. combatant may choose to ‘downgrade’ the result to hit
another body location. For example, if a target is hit with
AUXILIARY ACTIONS 4 Skill Dice successes, instead of inflicting +6 DMG and
During combat there are a number of simple activities which hitting the head, the combatant may instead choose to hit
may need to take place. While different actions may take slightly an arm or a leg. If 3 Skill Dice successes are rolled, instead
different lengths of time, in the interests of keeping the action of inflicting +4 DMG or hitting the leg, they may instead
running smoothly, all of the following are considered possible hit the target’s arm.
for an auxiliary action during a Combat Round: Hit the arm - Randomise which arm is hit. A hit to the arm
. Reloading a weapon (it is important to track ammo inflicts damage as normal. If the target is holding a weapon
expenditure during a firefight) with the relevant arm, they are immediately disarmed. If they
are not holding a weapon and the attack causes the target to
. Changing to a different weapon lose at least 2 Hit Points, they also receive a wound to the arm
. Picking up a dropped weapon or item and suffer the following penalties until that wound is healed:
. Standing up if Prone (will remove the Prone condition) The target receives a -2 modifier to all dice for any STR and
. Injecting a dose of drugs (if equipped with a BOOPA DEX-related skill rolls that would require them to use that
CASDIS) hand or arm.
. Using a Medi-kit (takes two auxiliary actions/two Note: If one arm already has a wound, a second wound to
consecutive Combat Rounds) the arm will automatically be inflicted against the other arm.
. Using a Flux Gem Hit the leg - Randomise which leg is hit. A hit to the leg inflicts
. Dropping/getting out of most powered armour (almost damage as normal. In addition, if the attack causes the target to
all have a quick release mechanism)

112
 RULES & MECHANICS

lose at least 2 Hit Points, they also receive a wound to the leg Example: A weapon is fired with a ROF of 10 (full-auto).
and suffer the following penalties until that wound is healed: Despite the modifier for the weapon’s recoil, after rerolls
The target may only move using their Closing speed. In have been made, the Success Die comes up good and the
addition, their Closing speed is halved (round up). ROF of 10 adds +4 DMG to the weapon.
The target receives a -2 modifier to all STR and DEX-related When any weapon hits while using suppressive fire, apply the
skill rolls that would require them to stand or use their legs. same damage modifier as those using full-auto fire. While this
If both legs are wounded the target gains the Immobile might seem to be a small number for the amount of rounds
condition and may not perform any actions that would require being expended, suppressive fire also grants additional Skill
the use of them. Dice successes which can lead to increasing the damage further.
Any weapon that is not capable of firing on single mode may
Note: If one leg already has a wound, a second wound to the
have to empty its clip with fewer rounds than the weapon’s
leg will automatically be inflicted against the other leg.
minimum rate of fire. When this happens a -2 DMG modifier
Hit the head - A hit to the head inflicts damage as normal. In is applied to reflect fewer rounds being fired than normal. Note
addition, the target receives a wound to the head and receives that even with this modifier, a weapon will still observe its ‘Min.
the Stunned condition until that wound is healed. DMG’ value.
Example: After modifiers, a roll to hit ends with the Success Damage Modifier - Ammunition
Die and three Skill Dice rolling a success. This grants For ranged weapons, the damage listed on a ranged weapon
a bonus of either +4 DMG, or a hit to the leg which will profile assumes that standard ammunition is loaded into the
inflict a wound. Alternatively, the combatant could choose to weapon. There are a few alternative ammunition types available,
‘downgrade’ the result and hit the target’s arm instead. each of which will adjust damage inflicted in different ways:
Important: receiving a wound to any location also carries
Ammunition Type Modifiers
additional consequences. See “Health & Healing” on page
115 for more information. Standard As per the weapon’s profile.
High Explosive (HE) +1 DMG, +1 AD (an
Damage Modifier - Strength additional +1 DMG if the
In hand-to-hand combat, particularly strong combatants target is unarmoured).
are capable of inflicting additional damage with weapons on Armour Piercing (AP) -2 to the target’s armour PV.
account of the brute force they naturally strike with. To reflect
Shotgun Shot (Standard) As per the weapon’s profile.
this, the following modifiers are applied to all attacks made with
any weapon that uses the Melee Weapons or Polearm skill: Shotgun Slug +1 DMG, -1 AD.
See “Ammunition” on page 157 for more information.
Strength of User Damage Modifier
1-4 -
Damage From Other Sources
5 +1 DMG Damage can be inflicted to a character in a huge number of
ways outside of combat, from falling great distances to being hit
6 +2 DMG by a moving vehicle. Rather than introducing a huge plethora
7+ +4 DMG of different damage rules, all such damage is inflicted at the
GM’s discretion using common sense. A character falling from
Damage Modifier - Rate of Fire (ROF)
a 1st storey window in full armour will be suitably hurt, but
When making ranged attacks with a weapon that has a ROF is unlikely to die, whereas one falling 5 storeys is unlikely to
greater than 1, only a single roll to hit is made, regardless of the survive the fall unless they’re a Stormer wearing Dogeybone
number of rounds fired. Rather than needing to make multiple Armour and are very lucky.
rolls, a volley of bullets is treated like a single more powerful The GM is free to assign damage and wounds for such
shot. As such, high rate of fire weapons present a risk vs reward instances as they see fit.
dilemma for their user, offering the potential for extreme
damage, with the offset of being less accurate. ARMOUR
When a ranged attack hits, the following damage modifiers are
applied in addition to those granted by the Margin of Success: Given the uncensored brutality that most Operatives face, it
should go without saying that armour is often the first purchase
ROF Mode Damage Modifier that a new Op should make. Even your average street ganger is
1 Single - likely to wear an armoured jacket or vest. Armour is arguably
THE single most important addition to anyone’s kit in The
3 Burst Fire +2 World of Progress.
10 Full-Auto +4 While there are many modifiers that can add to the damage
SUP Suppressive +4 inflicted by a successful attack, the protection offered by Armour

113
 SLA INDUSTRIES

will do the opposite, reducing damage, or even stopping it Example: Shiver Pvt. Paul Horseshoe is hit by a shotgun
entirely. blast, which, after all damage modifiers will inflict 11 points
Like weapons, each suit of armour has its own profile, which of damage. Private Horseshoe is wearing Body Blocker
looks like this: Armour which has a PV of 4, so the damage is reduced by 4,
for a new total of 7. The Shiver loses 7 Hit Points.
PP664.2 Body Blocker Cost: 400c
Armour Damage & Resistance
PV Resistance Weight Most weapons inflict Armour Damage (AD) alongside regular
4 12 3 damage. Armour’s Resistance is reduced by a weapon’s Armour
Rules: None Damage (AD) value, each time it is hit. Once the armour’s
PV - The Protection Value (PV) of armour is a measure of Resistance has been reduced to less than half of its starting
how effective it is at reducing damage, with higher PV values value, the PV of the armour is also halved (round down). If
representing the high-end more protective armour types. the armour’s Resistance ever reaches 0, the armour has lost its
protective qualities and is effectively destroyed, reducing the PV
Resistance - Armour is capable of taking a certain amount of
to 0.
punishment before it becomes compromised, represented by
each suit of armour having a Resistance value. Note: whenever a target is hit by an attack, the weapon’s AD
Weight Factor - The weight of the item. Powered armour value is subtracted from the armour’s Resistance value before
always has a weight factor of 0. the PV is applied to the damage. This can be important if the
Rules - If the armour has any specific rules they will be noted AD causes enough damage to reduce the PV of the armour.
here.
Any suit of powered armour which has its Resistance reduced
Damage Modifier - Armour to 0 will suddenly become very heavy on account of the power
After all other damage modifiers have been added, a weapon’s failure. To represent this, all powered armour is considered to
damage is reduced by the PV of the target’s armour. Any have a Weight Factor of 6 once destroyed in this way. Getting
remaining damage reduces the target’s Hit Points as usual. If out of such armour can be done during a Combat Round by
the armour’s PV reduces the damage to 0 or less then the attack using an auxiliary action unless the GM specifies otherwise.
has been stopped entirely and the target does not lose any Hit Stacking Armour
Points.
Armoured suits offer an all-in-one solution for wearer
protection. It is not possible to wear one armoured suit over
another, however some lighter armour options, such as Striker
Motorcycle Protection or the CAF Padquil Flak Vest could
feasibly be worn under or over an armoured suit. For the purpose
of damage protection, stacking armours has no effect. Where
multiple armoured layers are concerned, only the highest PV
value is considered and it is that layer that all Armour Damage
is done to.
Repairing Armour
Armour is expensive and replacing it each time it gets damaged
is a financial impossibility for most Operatives. While armour
such as flak jackets and biker leathers cannot be repaired, any
full armoured suit can be repaired with the right know-how
and equipment.
During the game session, repairs to armour can be made by
a successful Technical: Weapons roll, with a target number
determined by the GM, based upon the amount of damage the
armour has sustained. An unsuccessful roll means no repair can
be made by that character and they must take it to a specialist
during downtime. If successful, in addition to the roll and access
to the necessary tools, the repairs take time (typically 2-4 hours)
and will require replacement parts. The cost of repairing armour
is 5x the armour’s full PV value per point of Resistance being
repaired.

Example: Joe Fade, Human Operative is making some

armour repairs. After a successful skill roll, he needs to
pay for the parts needed to repair his Crackshot Armour.
Crackshot has a PV value of 10, meaning it will cost 50c

114
 RULES & MECHANICS

per point of Resistance he wishes to repair - not cheap, but Conditions

considerably less than the 3000c price tag of the armour.
Certain occurrences can lead to characters suffering from
Armour may also be repaired during downtime, providing the additional lasting effects. These effects are known as conditions
downtime period reflects a suitable length of time to seek out and have the following rules:
someone to repair the armour for you. Such repairs will typically
cost 7x the armour’s full PV value, per point of Resistance being Condition Rules
repaired, though a successful Streetwise or Haggle roll may Bleeding A character that suffers wounds will begin to
reduce the expense at the GM’s discretion. bleed. A Bleeding character will lose 1 Hit Point
every 20 minutes until the character has healed
HEALTH & HEALING all wounds. Bleeding remains the same regardless
Where there is violence, there is death. A character’s own of the number of wounds a character suffers. A
character with the Haemophilia illness trait will
health is something which should be regarded as paramount.
lose 2 Hit Points every 20 minutes from Bleeding.
The World of Progress is full of horrors stalking the darkness
Bleeding ignores armour and is removed with
and brutal firefights that bring extreme bloodshed, but the
medical intervention.
many unseen threats like disease and pollution are often the
real killers. Burning Fire causes items to ignite and burn for a length
of time. Burning causes 1 AD to any armour
Hit Points every minute that it burns. An unarmoured target
The most obvious measure of a character’s health and well- that is set alight will lose 2 Hit Points every 30
being is their current Hit Points total. When a character is seconds until the fire is extinguished. Burning is
removed by extinguishing the fire.
created, they determine a maximum value to their Hit Points.
This value is decreased as damage is sustained through a game Critical A character who is Critical has suffered major
session and increased again, up to its maximum, as characters damage and is close to death. While a character
heal. has the Critical condition they receive the
following penalties:
If a character’s Hit Points value ever reaches 0 they are dead.
Additionally, when a character’s Hit Point total drops to fewer -2 STR and DEX
than 6 they gain the Critical condition (explained under -1 CONC and COOL
“Conditions”), until their Hit Points total is returned to 6 or May not move faster than their Closing speed
greater.
These penalties are removed as soon as a character regains
Wounds sufficient Hit Points.
Wounds represent lacerations or penetrative damage that
is more grievous than typical injury. Wounds are caused by
Immobile
damage to the limbs or head, or from a single attack that causes Becoming over encumbered or through certain in-game effects,
a character to lose more than 50% of their remaining Hit Points. a character may become Immobile. An Immobile character
A character may have at most 6 wounds. When a wound is may not move or perform any actions other than those which
taken, it should be noted on a player’s character sheet by ticking will serve to set them free, such as wriggling out from under
the box next to the wounded location. Each location may have great weight. Becoming Immobile due to over-encumbrance
at most one wound. Wounds can be inflicted to the head, torso, may cause other effects, as discussed under “Encumbrance”.
left arm, right arm, left leg and right leg. Immobile is removed by being freed from whatever has caused
Any character with at least 1 wound receives the Bleeding the condition.
condition until all wounds are removed. Wounds can be healed Prone
with medical intervention.
A character is considered Prone if they are knocked over
Wounds to the arms, legs and head come with additional
or find themselves on the floor through effect rather than
implications as specified under “Damage Modifier - Margin
choice. Someone crawling, hiding or laying voluntarily are
of Success”. If at any time a character has 6 wounds, they are
not considered to be Prone, though someone who has been
instantly killed regardless of how many Hit Points they have
thrown, fallen or knocked down is. A Prone character suffers a
remaining.
-1 modifier to all dice for any skill rolls they undertake. Prone
Note: While a Frother’s ‘Feel No Pain’ rule allows them is removed with an auxiliary action during combat to regain
to ignore the rules and modifiers applied by one of their posture or stand. Outside of combat, Prone may be removed
wounds, they are still killed by receiving a sixth wound. They automatically providing it is possible for the character to stand.
are however able to ignore the Bleeding condition if they Stunned
only have a single wound.
A knock to the head, as well as certain other circumstances
can lead to a character becoming Stunned. A Stunned character
will feel dizzy and react slowly to situations. Anyone with the
Stunned condition is automatically considered to have the

115
 SLA INDUSTRIES

lowest Initiative Value of all combatants, selecting actions Whenever a character regains any Hit Points, heals any
and acting simultaneously with other Stunned characters. wounds or removes any conditions, their character sheet should
Additionally, a Stunned character may move no faster than be immediately updated to reflect those changes.
their Closing speed and suffers a -1 modifier to all dice for any
skill rolls they undertake. Stunned is removed with medical “ You again? Didn’t we just fix you up?”
intervention, certain drugs, or with at least 6 hours’ rest. Pane Grens, Shiver Paramedic

HEALING Regeneration
Some creatures on Mort are capable of regenerating damage
Characters may get hurt in the line of duty, but they can also without medical intervention, most notably Karma’s range of
tend to those wounds, rest up and heal their injuries. There are Stormers, such as the Malice and Xeno. Any character capable
a range of ways in which a character can regain lost Hit Points of regeneration will have a stated Regeneration Rate. The
and heal wounds during a game session, such as: Regeneration Rate represents the number of Hit Points and/or
Medical Intervention - The most common way for a character wounds that the character can heal every 15 minutes.
to regain lost Hit Points is through medical intervention. The In order to regenerate, a character must not be under duress
BOOPA Medi-kit is a common Operative essential, allowing or experiencing any extreme physical exertion. Effectively,
for basic paramedical treatment out in the field. Each of these regeneration takes place when a character is at rest, when their
items will allow for the recovery of Hit Points and/or Wounds parasympathetic nervous system takes over. Regeneration
as specified on the item’s description. Such medical treatments cannot occur when a character is:
take effect almost instantly on account of the potency of
modern medicine. Any margin of success earned during a . In combat
medical roll can be used by the GM to allow additional Hit . Running
Points or wounds to be healed at their discretion. . Being interrogated or tortured
During the game session, it may also be possible to obtain . Under any form of duress, as specified by the GM
external medical treatment from different facilities scattered
throughout Mort. Some of these may be SLA-sanctioned When regeneration takes place, any wounds a character has
clinics utilising high end medical tech, others may be back- are always healed before Hit Points.
alley doctors in Downtown, with questionable methods but
cheaper prices, made cheaper still with a successful Streetwise Example: Targ, a Malice Stormer recently took some
roll. Use of such medical facilities is at the GM’s discretion punishment during an encounter with a pack of Carrien,
and if allowed should come with a financial cost (typically resulting in him losing 6 Hit Points and taking a wound to
around 50c/400u per Hit Point and 200c/1500u per wound) his left arm. Following the combat, Targ takes it easy, walking
and time out (medical work can take anywhere from a few and licking his wounds. After 15 minutes he regenerates the
hours to a few days before the Operative is back on their feet). wound and 1 Hit Point. After another 15 minutes, 2 more
The GM is free to determine how effective such treatments Hit Points are regenerated. This process continues until Targ
may be and any side effects experienced by the user for using is fully healed.
the cheaper Downtown alternatives. Any character capable of regeneration may only do so providing
Drugs - Some combat and soft drugs allow the user to regain they still have at least 25% of their Hit Points remaining (round
lost Hit Points, heal wounds or to become more resistant to down). If a character has less than 25% of their Hit Points
damage. Drugs are detailed in the “Hardware” chapter and remaining then they must be healed by conventional means
rules for using them during the game can be found later in until they have enough Hit Points to start the regeneration
this chapter under “Drugs”. process.
The Heal Ebb discipline - Ebonites are often trained in the art
of Heal. Heal allows for medical care without the use of Medi- TOXICANTS
kits or other common medical equipment, allowing them to
heal people’s wounds with nothing more than the touch of Mort is full of deadly diseases and substances waiting to cause
their hands. See “The Ebb” on page 132 for more information. its inhabitants ill-health or death. Collectively, such things are
referred to as toxicants, each of which representing its own
Regeneration - Some creatures are capable of regenerating
unique threat to those who come in contact with them.
damage they have sustained, either because they have been
genetically coded to do so, or through some form of mutation. Infection
Any characters capable of regeneration, such as Stormers, When someone comes in contact with the stated vector for
should refer to “Regeneration” later in this chapter. a toxicant, they must make an Infection Test to check whether
During downtime - Between game sessions, characters their body is able to resist infection. To make an Infection Test,
undertake a process known as downtime where, amongst other a character must roll the Success Die and add their STR to
things, they are able to heal any damage they have sustained. the value rolled. Each toxicant has its own target number for
See “The Web of Lies” on page 218 for more information. this test, called an Infection Rating (IR). An Infection Test is

116
 RULES & MECHANICS

considered successful if the total result is equal to, or greater additional requirements as noted in the following table. All
than the toxicants Infection Rating. effects of toxicants are removed once the infection has been
If the roll is a success then the character’s immune system has treated unless stated otherwise.
overcome infection and no additional test needs to be made Common toxicants include poison, radiation sickness and
during this encounter with the toxicant. If the Infection Test is others. Toxicants are described using the following forms.
failed, the character is infected by the toxicant and suffers the
effects as listed. Poison IR: 10
Progression Vectors Ingestion or blood contact.

Most toxicants have a second stage to the infection. If this is Effects -1 STR, -1 DEX, Lose 1 Hit Point every 6
the case, the toxicant will state the timescale for progression. hours.
When this time scale has elapsed an additional Infection Test is Progression After 7 days. An additional -1 STR, -1 DEX
required. If the test is a success, the toxicant does not progress. and a further hit point lost every 6 hours.
If the test is failed, the stated rules for progression will apply. A Treatment Treatment Rating: 10 - Antitoxins.
test for progression must be made each time the stated timescale
has elapsed until the infection is healed or the toxicant has Radiation Sickness - Minor IR: 10
progressed. A toxicant can only progress once.
Vectors Ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of
“Was he always this ugly or is that another side effect?” irradiated particles.
Pane Grens, Shiver Paramedic Effects -1 STR, -1 CONC, Lose 1 Hit Point every
24 hours.
Treatment Progression After 7 Days. Becomes Radiation Sickness -
Each toxicant will state a treatment(s) which are known to Severe.
cure the illness, as well as the target number required for the Treatment Treatment Rating: 7 - Decontamination and
treatment, known as a Treatment Rating, which is used for any Anti-Nausea drugs.
associated Medical skill rolls. By conventional means, treatment
requires a specific drug to be administered in addition to a
successful Medical skill roll, though some toxicants may have

117
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Radiation Sickness - Severe IR: 13 Feat: How Did You Hit That? Cost: 1
Vectors Ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of Sometimes the most seemingly impossible shot can strike its
irradiated particles. target beyond all odds, passing through windows and finding the
-2 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CONC, Lose 2 Hit tiniest crack in cover. Remove all negative modifiers to hit from
Effects
Points every 6 hours. any ranged attack. May not be used with suppressive fire or dual
wielding.
Progression After 3 Days. Death.
Treatment Treatment Rating: 13 - Decontamination Feat: Impossible Feat Cost: 2
and Anti-Nausea drugs. Minimum 1 week When faced with a physical situation that would otherwise be
bed rest recovery needed before stats return seemingly impossible, the character experiences a sudden rush of
to normal. Treatment after progression is not adrenaline, allowing for incredible feats. Using this feat allows the
possible. character to jump a gap between rooftops, smash through a wall,
avoid a speeding vehicle or scale the face of a building that seems
Using this template, the GM should feel free to create all impossible to climb. This feat should be used only to remove the
manner of toxins, diseases and illnesses for characters to character from serious danger, such as when outrunning a pack
encounter and contract during their time on Mort. of Carrien or creating an escape for their squad.

RATINGS POINTS Feat: It’s Only a Flesh Wound! Cost: 2

Ratings Points add a strong cinematic feel to games of SLA The character manages to somehow avoid damage that would
Industries. In a world where televised violence forms the core otherwise inflict serious harm. This feat may be used after
of primetime TV viewing and where camera drones follow receiving damage that inflicts a wound. The wound is ignored
Shiver operations on both sides of the wall, it is the media and regardless of the damage inflicted the character loses just
hungry, sponsorship hunting Operatives who are always quick 1 Hit Point. This feat may not be used to reduce damage that
to steal the limelight. With their high end weapons and armour, would otherwise kill the character.
specialised training and natural flair, the cameras will turn to
Feat: Tear Right Through Them Cost: 1
Operatives on the job wherever possible. Whether it’s arrogance
or adrenaline, something about rolling cameras and personal The cameras love extreme violence, especially violent hand-to-
belief can push an Operative to perform daring, dangerous and hand conflict. The greatest ratings come from seeing a combatant
torn limb from limb. This feat may be used when a hand-to-hand
spectacular feats in the line of duty. These feats are made possible
attack inflicts a wound. The target instantly loses an additional 4
through a character’s Ratings Points - a pool of available points
Hit points.
that can be spent during the game session.
Ratings Points belong to one of three categories: Body, Brain Brain
and Bravado, with each of the categories being tied to a pair of
stats, for example, the Body category covers both STR and DEX. Feat: Done! Cost: 1
At any time during a game, with the GM’s approval, Ratings “How did you do that so fast!”. When the pressure is on it’s
Points may be spent to perform a Feat, with each Feat having amazing how fast things can happen. Use this feat to achieve a
its own stated cost. Feats represent great cinematic moments complex technical task in half the time it would usually take. This
that are awe inspiring and help create spectacular action, reveal can be anything from repairs and computer work to disarming
great secrets, or allow an Operative to clutch victory from the a bomb.
jaws of defeat.
Feat: Everyone deserves a 2 nd chance Cost: 1
Players have access to all Feats regardless of their species or
training package, though many may only be triggered in specific … and second chances make all the difference. Use this feat after
failing any KNOW or CONC-related skill roll. The character
situations as detailed.
may immediately make a reroll. Remember: No reroll may be
Body rerolled.

Feat: Doing a ‘Nutter’ Cost: 1 Feat: I Just Read About That Yesterday! Cost: 1
Around the commencement of the Bellwood Campaign, Arnold It’s amazing how coincidence plays its part. Use this feat before
Nutter made it onto almost every broadcast that televised the attempting any KNOW-related skill roll with a difficulty of
Cannibal Sector action. Nutter wore bright red armour and Complex or lower. The skill roll is automatically passed with no
became famous for being a one-man army, bursting in on forces roll required and is considered to be an ‘Excellent Success’.
that drastically outnumbered him, before his eventual demise
at the hands of a Greater Carrien. This feat may be used when Feat: Lucky Guess Cost: 2
bursting into a room or environment alone, with no prior Sometimes blind luck is all it takes to solve a problem. Use this
knowledge of what may be inside. The character gets a single feat to apply a character’s full LUCK stat (regardless of their
charge or ranged attack action before the first Combat Round current LUCK value) to any KNOW or CONC-related skill roll
begins. without spending any LUCK points.

118
 RULES & MECHANICS

worthy of high TV ratings. See “The Web of Lies” on page 217

Feat: Moment of Inspiration Cost: 2
for more information.
When an investigator finds themselves in a dead end with little
time to reflect, true inspiration can be found. A character may
use this feat when they are truly stuck or out of options. The
LANGUAGE
GM should consider this a sign to provide guidance to the Communication is important to SLA Industries - it is the
player(s), giving them the answer to puzzles they can’t solve, or glue that holds the company together, starting in Slayer’s office
highlighting important evidence they may have overlooked, or and ending on the streets of Downtown; information, orders,
simply to move the story on in a way that is extremely positive or BPNs, interrogations and public speeches. It is important that
beneficial to the character. the message gets through. However, with so many different
species on the planet, communicating is not always easy.
Bravado
Killan is the most common language used in Mort City,
Feat: Charming Smile Cost: 1 so much so that everyone in the employ of SLA Industries
This feat represents a brief moment of pure charisma, smooth is required to be able to speak it to a level that allows them
talking and a smile that could win over Intruder himself. This to communicate with other Operatives and employees of the
feat may be used to add +2 to all dice during any CHA-related company. Out on the streets, Killan is also the common tongue.
dice roll. While there are a number of language skills available in the
game, Killan is not one of them, instead it is assumed that all
Feat: Come and Get It! Cost: 1 characters and NPCs belonging to any common species can
The bravest act is one that puts yourself in the line of fire for speak it, at least enough to communicate on a basic level.
the benefit of others, while also doing something that the In addition to Killan, any species that has their own native
cameras love. Use this feat during combat after all combatants language is considered to have a good understanding of that
have declared their actions. Any opposing combatants that have dialect. This is represented by species having their own language
elected to attack during this round must direct their attacks as one of their starting species skills as discussed in the
towards this character. If they are out of range, they will instead “Character Creation” chapter. Characters are free to learn other
move or charge towards this character. languages in the same way as any other skills, allowing them to
communicate better with other species. A successful Language
Feat: Lead From The Front Cost: 1 roll to speak in another language will grant you a +1 modifier to
Being the hero brings great rewards. Use this feat when leading all subsequent CHA-related skill rolls with the same person for
others into a dangerous or hostile situation. The character the duration of the game session.
using this feat must lead by example, ahead of the squad. Any
subsequent Leadership skill rolls are automatically passed with
no roll required and is considered to be an ‘Excellent Success’.
Additionally, all those being led are considered to have +2 COOL
(up to their species maximum) for the duration of the encounter.

Feat: Pure Grit Cost: 2

The character summons up all their willpower, facing whatever
The World of Progress has to throw at them. A character may
use this feat to remove all ongoing effects of fear and to make
themselves immune to the effects of fear for the duration of the
current encounter/scene/situation. The GM gets the final say on
the duration of this feat.

Feat: Reputation Cost: 2

Appearing on camera has its benefits - sponsorship deals,
public popularity, free stuff - all of these come to those with the
reputation that comes from being caught on camera regularly.
This feat may be used to tip the balance when being considered
for a sponsorship deal, or when being recognised as the ultimate
badass would really change the way things play out. Anything
from free weapons to rousing a civilian army to fight for you can
come from using a character’s reputation. The use of this feat may
only be done with the GM’s approval.
Ratings Points are a limited resource and are lost once spent.
The GM may award additional Ratings Points during a game
under certain circumstances, such as when significant success
or failure occurs, or when a player does something that is really

119
 SLA INDUSTRIES

The most commonly understood languages in Mort are:

Killan - Common tongue of Mort City, often considered
the Human language, but now understood by all. In certain
areas of Lower Downtown, a more simplified version of the
language is spoken, commonly known as Slough. While this
is not recognised as a ‘language’ as such, it is rapidly becoming
the common tongue of those living in the isolated gloom of
Mort’s lower levels.
Wraithen - Native language of the Wraithen species, a
combination of drawn out words mixed with accented
whispers and silent lip movements.
Shaktarian - The ancient language of the Shaktar species, still
studied by Shaktar elders. The speech style is staccato with
many short sounds connected to form a single word or name.
Translating Shaktarian takes a great deal of time, with words
like Ht’Kal’Nn’Tyn’Grt translating into Killan as “Hello”.
Neophron - Language of the alluring Neophron species. The
language consists of a very complex dialect, despite the limited
alphabet. The result is that the vast majority of words are made
up of just 16 letters making it very hard to distinguish between
many phrases.
Gristle - Gristle is the recognised language of the Carrien
species. The roots of the language lie in the far away country
of Jeth, where the Carrien began life as the Jethians, before A character calculates their Encumbrance Value during
succumbing to the failure of the Fission Belt. What remains character creation and records it on their character sheet. A
of the language has been intermingled with a combination character’s Encumbrance represents the amount of weight
of guttural howls, grunts and clicks, some of which must be they can carry without penalty. Every piece of gear that can
delivered without eye contact to portray correct meaning. Due be carried has a Weight Factor which represents the weight of
to the complexity, fewer ranks in this skill are available to non- the item, with 0 being very light and higher numbers showing
Carrien species. increasingly heavy items. The amount of weight being carried
Biya - Biya is the tongue of the Cannibal species and is only should be tallied and recorded on the character sheet so it is
commonly spoken out in the cannibal sectors. Hearing Biya clear how close a character is to their limits. The “Hardware”
spoken on the streets of Mort is exceptionally rare (and chapter details all weapons, armour and equipment, along with
worrying), but for any Operative venturing over the wall, their Weight Factors and the GM is free to assign whatever
knowledge of Biya could be a lifesaver. Weight Factor they like to additional mundane items collected
Should someone be encountered that cannot, or refuses to along the way. Some examples of different Weight Factors
speak Killan, not possessing a specific Language skill does not would be:
mean that communication is impossible. Like all skills, players
are free to attempt a skill roll without any formal training in Weight Factor Item
the Language as being around other species every day makes it Lighter, pens, dossier of paperwork, clip
likely that the odd word and phrase may have stuck. However, 0 of pistol/rifle ammo, handful of shotgun
in such cases, nothing beyond the most basic of conversations shells, knife, rations, powered armour
can take place and no CHA-related skill bonuses are applied Average pistol, compact SMG, one-
should a success be granted to the Language roll. handed melee weapon, light armoured
1 vest, BOOPA Medi-kit, multiples of 0
ENCUMBRANCE Weight Factor items (such as four clips of
ammo or three grenades)
Encumbrance is a measure of how much gear a character
can carry with them while touring the streets of Downtown Average rifle or SMG, heavy armoured
2
or venturing out into the unknowns of the cannibal sectors. vest, some two-handed melee weapons
While most Ops are capable of being sensible about what they Chain Axe, Flick Scythe, large calibre rifle,
3
carry, it is not unusual for the occasional trigger happy soldier unpowered armour, ammo belt
to attempt to turn themselves into a walking armoury. While 4 Heavy support weapon
such ideas may seem like fun, and you may even be physically
Portable generator or similar, average size/
strong enough to carry 13 rifles strapped to your back, in a very 5
weight Human
short space of time you will find that doing so is a painful chore
and eventually you will suffer the consequences of your actions. Portable machinery, larger bodies (with
6+ Stormers having a Weight Factor of
Encumbrance allows us to keep a track of sensible loads and
around 10)
apply penalties to those who try and carry too much.

120
 RULES & MECHANICS

There is no limit to how high a Weight Factor can be, but Combat Round after they were taken, or in the case of non-
as items like cars or static machinery can’t be lifted by a single combat situations, take effect immediately. Any increases to
character, their Weight Factor need not be considered. stats brought about through the use of drugs ignore the usual
Weight Factor is subtracted from a character’s Encumbrance. species maximums of the user.
During the game a character may function normally providing
their Encumbrance Value remains 2 or greater. Once a Important: The effects of a drug may only be applied once
character’s Encumbrance Value drops below 2 they are penalised at any given time, as such taking multiple doses of the same
as follows (note that the effects are cumulative, so for example, drug does not provide the user with any additional benefit,
if a character has a current Encumbrance Value of 0 they suffer however, different drugs taken at the same time may each
the effects of both that level and the value 1 level as well). have their effects applied in unison.
Addiction Rating - This is a measure of how addictive the drug
Encumbrance Value Effect is and provides us with two pieces of information. Firstly, it
2 or greater No effect gives us a target number for the Addiction Test, with a higher
The character receives a -1 penalty to number representing a more addictive substance. Secondly,
DEX, may not run and is considered it tells us the frequency that Addiction Tests must be made,
1 usually stated in a number of doses.
to have a maximum Rushing speed
of 1 Addiction Dosage - The addiction dosage tells us how many
The character receives a further -1 and how often the drug must be administered by anyone who
penalty to DEX and will lose 1 Hit is addicted to it.
Point every hour that they carry the Detox Effects - This explains the penalties applied to an addicted
0
load to represent fatigue. Stormers subject should they miss a dose of the drug as specified under
may not regenerate while carrying the addiction dosage. These effects are cumulative should
this load multiple doses be missed and effects can be applied up to
The character gains the Immobile three-fold. Administering the drug will remove any such
condition and is unable to move. In effects, with the exception of any lost Hit Points, which must
-1 or lower be healed in the normal manner.
addition they immediately lose 1 Hit
Point
Rush Cost: 15c per dose
Any penalties to DEX due to Encumbrance are removed one Effect: Make a 2nd action per Combat Round
hour after the character’s Encumbrance Value returns to 2 or (after all other actions have been
greater. Should a character’s Encumbrance Value drop below resolved). Whenever the user loses any
2 again during this time, the penalties to DEX continue from Hit Points, reduce the amount lost by 1.
where they were. A character who has become Immobile due 2 hour duration
to over-encumbrance is only able to move again after their
Addiction Rating: 10. Every 3 doses
Encumbrance Value returns to 2 or greater and after an amount
of time, as specified by the GM, has elapsed to allow the Addiction Dose: Every 12 hours plus every combat, if
character to recover. not already under the influence
Detox Effects: -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 COOL, -1 Hit
DRUGS Point
Drugs are one of SLA Industries’ most profitable product Addiction Tests
groups. While SLA has always dabbled with medical and Each time a user meets the dosage on a drug’s Addiction
soft drugs, it was the inspiration of Hiberian culture, the very Rating they must make an Addiction Test to determine whether
upbringing which sent the Frother into the arms of the company, their body has become chemically addicted to the substance.
that began the epidemic of the modern combat drug. Combat Addiction Tests are performed by rolling 2d10 (these can be
drugs are readily available through official channels and are any colour and do not follow the same Success/Skill die rules
generally not too hard to source on the streets of Downtown. as when making a skill roll) and adding their STR to each die,
While drugs do offer the user impressive benefits in a range giving you two results.
of situations, they are also addictive and can pose a number of If either of the two results are equal to or greater than the
serious side effects. To reflect this, all drugs have a number of drug’s Addiction Rating then the user has avoided addiction.
stats to consider. Another test will be required when the stated dosage has been
In the example below we see the stat line for the combat drug met again. An Addiction Rating is increased by 1 if the user
known as Rush. This information gives us everything we need is under the influence of more than one drug at the time they
to know about the drug and its application. make an Addiction Test.
Effect - This details what the drug does for the user once
administered and the duration of the effects. The current wave “I could have sworn I repeatedly warned you about this,
of manufactured drugs are highly efficient, getting to work right?”
almost instantly. All effects listed apply from the start of the Pane Grens, Shiver Paramedic

121
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Addiction If the effects of long term drug addiction cause a character’s

STR or DEX to drop below 0 they are immediately killed.
If an Addiction Test is failed, the user is now considered to be
addicted to the substance and becomes dependent on its use in Coming Off Drugs
order to maintain normal function. When an Addiction Test is With enough of a detox period and the right intervention it
failed, the character gains the ‘Drug Addict’ trait at rank 1 for is possible to completely rid oneself of a drug addiction, even to
the specified drug. SLA’s most addictive substances.
Once addicted, the user is expected to take a dose of the drug Removing a drug addiction requires 3 weeks straight with
as specified under the drug’s addiction dosage rules. Providing absolutely no drugs. If any other drugs are taken during this
this requirement is met, the user will suffer no further penalties time, even a substance that the user is not addicted to, then
on a day to day basis. Once addicted, a user is not required to the 3 week period must start over. During the first week, an
take further Addiction Tests for that drug. Should the addiction Addiction Test with a -1 Modifier is needed once per day to
dosage requirements not be fulfilled, the user will suffer the avoid restarting the 3 week cycle and being forced to seek out
penalties listed under the drugs detox effects until such a time a dose of the drug at all costs. During the second and third
that they take a dose. Detox effects are cumulative and may be weeks, the daily Addiction Test is made with no modifier. If the
applied up to three-fold should multiple doses be missed. Note 3 week period is completed the user reduces their Drug Addict
that any Hit Points lost through detox effects are not regained trait by one rank. If they still have at least 1 rank in the Drug
when a dose is taken and instead must be healed like any other Addict trait then the 3 week cycle must start over to remove
physical damage. another rank. Once the trait is reduced to 0 the user is no longer
Long Term Addiction addicted.
Being addicted to dangerous substances comes at a price. Important: A character may never attempt to come off any
While the drugs may have short term effects that make the user drug addiction that they chose to take during character
feel strong and powerful, internally the damage can be great. creation, nor may they reduce the rank of that addiction in
To represent this, the following effects apply to all drug addicts any way.
based on the rank they possess in the ‘Drug Addict’ trait.
Once an addiction has been ‘kicked’, the user is free to use the
Important: All effects are cumulative, so for example, an drug again, though this is not suggested. All future Addiction
addict at rank 2 will also suffer the effects listed under rank Tests for that drug will be subject to a -3 modifier and must be
1 (losing a total of 3 Hit Points each day). made after every dose regardless of the usual Addiction Rating
requirements. In addition, once a user is free of a drug addiction,
Addict Rank Frequency Effect they immediately gain 1 rank in the ‘Looks: Unattractive’ trait,
1 Daily -2 Hit Points or lose 1 rank of their existing ‘Looks: Attractive’ trait. This
change to the Looks trait is permanent and cannot be undone.
Yearly -2 Hit Points permanently.
Pass another Addiction Test Remember - drug use is serious, so tread carefully.
or increase Drug Addict trait
to rank 2. VEHICLES
2 Daily -1 Hit Point While the vast majority of an Operative’s work is done on
Yearly -2 Hit Points permanently.
foot, there are times that call for much longer journeys and
-1 STR permanently. Pass Mort’s public transport systems can be problematic for on-
another Addiction Test with duty Ops that stand out with their high-end gear. Vehicles
a -1 Modifier to the roll or are however, very expensive and any Op owning one better
increase Drug Addict trait to make sure they take damn good care of it. From time to time
rank 3. a BPN or secondment to a specific department will grant an
Operative or their squad access to a vehicle from SLA’s vehicle
3 Daily -2 Hit Points
pool. Operatives are also encouraged to commandeer vehicles if
Monthly Pass another Addiction Test it means maintaining public safety, stopping a rival company or
with a -1 Modifier to the roll catching members of a blood cult before it’s too late.
or lose -1 STR permanently.
For the most part, vehicles do not require many specific rules.
Yearly -1 DEX permanently. Pass The vast majority of events that will happen during a game will
another Addiction Test with do so while the Operatives are on foot, however there are some
a -1 Modifier to the roll or aspects of vehicles that must be considered.
suffer death.
Note: Unlike other skills, a relevant Drive skill is required
Note: Starting characters who begin with the Drug Addict to operate a vehicle correctly, even at a most basic level.
trait do not apply any negative stat modifiers until the stated Without a Drive skill a character may get a vehicle moving
time has elapsed. For example, if a character has Drug Addict a few feet, but overall they are unlikely to be able to achieve
2, they will receive their first -1 STR reduction after 1 year. anything worthy of note.

122
 RULES & MECHANICS

Driving vehicles is subject to the usual rules for making skill have additional armour plating that allow them to hold their
rolls. Driving down a street should be second nature to anyone own in a firefight. The armour capabilities of a vehicle are listed
with the correct Drive skill and so will likely not need a roll. here and it functions just like the armour worn by characters.
Driving under heavy gunfire, being caught in a car chase, or Resistance - As with other armour, a vehicle’s armour is capable
traversing the dangers of Cannibal Sector 1 will be far more of taking a certain amount of Armour Damage (AD) before
difficult and requires a roll to avoid damage or immobilisation. it is rendered useless, as determined by its Resistance value.
As always, the GM gets the final say on the complexity of any Hit Points - Like characters, vehicles have a certain amount of
such activity. damage they can take before they are destroyed or immobilised.
Each vehicle has a number of stats to allow players to Unlike characters, damage can not be healed and must instead
understand the vehicles capabilities: be repaired.

Dowlin Automotive Crawler APC Cost: 110,000c Vehicles In Combat

Skill: Drive Military A vehicle may be used in combat as cover by those outside of
the vehicle. Those inside the vehicle are considered safe until the
Length Width Height vehicle’s Resistance is reduced to 0, at which point they may be
3.2m 2.5m 1.8m targeted as though they were outside the vehicle.
Capacity: 1 driver, 5 passengers + 4 passengers on Vehicles armed with weapons may fire those weapons, with
external hand-holds the crew/gunner acting in initiative order as normal. All vehicle
mounted weapons use the Support Weapons skill regardless of
PV Resistance Hit Points
their usual skill requirement.
12 30 100
It is possible for vehicles to ram other vehicles, buildings or
Movement: 20 people. A successful Drive skill roll is required in such situations,
Weapons and Equipment: None with the difficulty determined by the size and mobility of the
Optional turret mounted FEN 706 Power Reaper 2.1000 (fired target. The amount of damage inflicted by such actions is
by a passenger). typically very high, often killing targets outright. The GM is
free to determine the damage caused by such actions. Driving
In this example we see the profile for the Crawler APC, a a vehicle during combat or performing a car chase will always
commonly used vehicle for the Shiver Organisation since the require an active Drive skill roll.
Belwood Campaign. The information provided by this vehicle’s
profile gives us everything we need to be able to use the Crawler Repairing Vehicles
during a game. With the correct tools and replacement armour, damaged
Movement - Like characters, a vehicle has a movement vehicles can be repaired, recovering the vehicle’s Resistance
rating too. This figure is included to give a rough indication and/or Hit Points. Such actions cannot be undertaken during
of the vehicle’s speed and to allow for movement during combat and usually require a workshop or other technical
Combat Rounds should a moving vehicle come under attack. support, as well as suitable tools and the purchase of required
The GM should use common sense when considering the parts.
maneuverability and turning circle of each vehicle based on During the game session, repairs to vehicles can be made by
its dimensions and chassis type. It should go without saying a successful Technical: Mechanical roll, with a target number
that a motorbike will be far more manoeuvrable than an APC determined by the GM, based upon the amount of damage the
or truck. armour has sustained. An unsuccessful roll means no repair can
Dimensions - Provides the size of the vehicle for reference. It be made by that character and they must take the vehicle to a
should be obvious that the larger the vehicle, the heavier it is. specialist during downtime. If successful, in addition to the roll
As vehicles are beyond the scope of being carried, they do not and access to the necessary tools, the repairs take time (typically
have a specific Weight Factor to consider. 2-4 hours) and will require replacement parts. The cost of
Capacity - This tells us how many crew a vehicle needs and how repairing a vehicle is 5x the armour’s full PV value per point of
much space it has for additional passengers. Resistance being repaired and 20c per Hit Point.
Skill - The required skill to drive or pilot the vehicle to any level A Vehicle may also be repaired during downtime, providing
of competency. the downtime period reflects a suitable length of time to seek
Weapons - Some vehicles are fitted for military purposes out someone to repair it for you. Such repairs will typically cost
and come with weaponry as standard, whereas most civilian 7x the vehicle armour’s full PV value, per point of Resistance
vehicles do not. If a vehicle comes with, or is capable of being being repaired and 40c per Hit Point, though a successful
fitted with any weapons, it will be noted here. Some weapons Streetwise or Haggle roll may reduce the expense at the GM’s
can be fired by the driver or pilot. Any weapons that require discretion.
a dedicated gunner or passenger to operate will also be stated The high cost of repairing a vehicle is the main reason that
here. very few Ops own their own transportation, instead opting to
PV - Even unarmoured vehicles provide some protection to use one from the departmental vehicle pool should the current
those inside it, whereas many APCs or military-spec vehicles BPN allow.

123
 SLA INDUSTRIES

THE EBB
The Ebb is a representation of energy, only truly understood by
Ebonites and a number of ancient Conflict Races. The Ebb exists
GLYPHS
as a deep understanding of the energies that bind our physical The calculations run by the mind of an Ebb user in order to
and emotional existence together, resulting in the belief that one summon a discipline cannot be verbalised. The sheer complexity
fundamental formula underpins The World of Progress as we of such information is beyond comprehension and if it could be
know it. This basic theory means that any slight miscalculation, explained, the impact of those words would likely be devastating
or deliberate change to how that formula is calculated, will lead to whomever heard them. Traditionally, knowledge is passed
to instability and changes in what we perceive to be reality. The between generations of Ebonites through Glyphs; combinations
result of this thinking is that Ebons and Ebans are able to use of symbols and patterns that appear as an ancient language in
their understanding of these formulas to achieve things that their own right. When the first Glyphs were created, the aim
other species consider otherwise impossible. was that the future generation of Ebonites could decipher
The Ebb allows those capable of utilising its methods to the equations held within them, to unlock the knowledge of
perform incredible acts, from healing physical wounds to abilities learned by their predecessors. This ‘handing down’ of
moving objects with nothing more than the power of thought. glyphs worked… for a while.
Though these concepts may appear to be parlour tricks at first As knowledge and understanding grew amongst the most
glance, the depth and sheer power of the Ebb can be intensely powerful elders, so did the capabilities of the equations they
destructive, allowing users to turn their hands into physical calculated. It was during these times that the means to move the
weapons of ice and fire. The scope of what are now referred great Foldships came about; the power to move thousands of
to as the ‘Ebb disciplines’ is as wide as The World of Progress people across an entire galaxy in the blink of an eye. Once this
itself, with the Ebb playing a significant part in everything from level of Reality Folding had been unlocked it was only a matter
Operative investigations to the foundation of modern space of time before other disciplines followed. The destructive nature
travel. of the Thermal and Blast disciplines were paramount, leading
to SLA scooping up feral Ebonites to drop onto War Worlds,
WALKING THE PATH armed with little more than some Glyphs etched onto Science
Friction material, small fragments of Flux forged into a physical
The World of Progress’ most prominent Ebb users are the form. The Ebonite’s mind in this situation was a ticking time
Ebonites, divided into two ‘paths’ - Ebons and Ebans. These bomb, fuelled by fear and apprehension and armed with powers
paths are now understood to have come from the same single that could potentially rip open the fabric of reality. Worlds fell
species, which Naga 7 have officially termed ‘Ebonite’. The in an instant, civilisations vanished and were forgotten by The
Ebonites, at some point prior to the Conflict Era, chose to World of Progress. It was time to rein it back in.
follow one of the two paths laid out for them by the elders Naga 7, the society obsessed with the truth behind the creation
of their kind, each representing a different perspective on the of The World of Progress and SLA Industries, were tasked with
position that the Ebb holds within The World of Progress. From retrieving Glyph Cards that had been created by the elders of
that point, all Ebonites would be born into one of these schools the Ebonite species. For hundreds of years they sought out
of learning: the Ebon, with their cool temperament and thirst and locked away these Glyph Cards in the deepest vaults of
for knowledge, or the Eban, who are often known as Wasters, SLA’s Head Office, handing over only those deemed most
with their fiery demeanor and explosive personalities. Ebons and suitable by the Necanthrope order. By vetting them in this way
Wasters represent two sides of the same coin and between them and keeping only select Glyphs in circulation, it would ensure
they are symbolic of the Ebb itself - the perfect balance between that knowledge of Naga 7-approved Ebb disciplines would be
all things. retained by future generations. In addition to the wide range of
The term ‘Ebonite’ has only been officially used by SLA abilities still commonly known by Ebons and Ebans, a select
Industries since 911sd. After much pushback from Intruder, number of more potent Glyphs have been left in circulation as a
Naga 7 finally hammered the term into the archives and despite test; those who can master them will be pulled away from their
many Ebonites still struggling to come to terms with the recent life as an Operative and placed under the jurisdiction of Naga 7,
discoveries about their heritage, the name Ebonite is now to be given the job of piloting Foldships or performing darker,
commonplace amongst those employed by SLA. secretive tasks for SLA Industries.

124
 THE EBB

The ancient Glyph Cards are now considered to be entirely

illegal and any found in circulation will demand extreme prices
on the black market, with feral Ebons bidding high to unlock
the arcane knowledge of the elders. Naga 7 retain a watchful eye
over The World of Progress, using some of the most talented
Ebons and Wasters capable of attaining a meditative-state of
awareness, their minds locked into a different plane of being,
constantly wandering the Ebb and looking for any expenditure
of Flux that may be related to the use of a Glyph Card.

FLUX
Flux is the shift of energies that occurs when the Ebb’s
formulas are calculated. It represents that part of the Ebb that
Ebonites can sense, see and manipulate; it is both a tangible
energy and a currency with which to enact Ebb disciplines.
Depending on the Ebonite’s level of understanding, they will
be able to draw and store a limited quantity of Flux in their
body. It is with this Flux energy that the Ebon or Eban will use
the abilities of the various Ebb disciplines they have learned.
Flux is however a finite resource, limited by the individual user’s
capacity to store it; a capacity that differs from user to user.
For an Ebb user to calculate the required formulas they must
‘burn’ or spend Flux. Doing so opens up their minds to the Ebb,
which in turn enables the Ebb to have a real physical effect on
the world and its inhabitants. The Ebonite effectively creates a
temporary instability in the reality they inhabit, allowing the
Ebb to fill that void.
An Ebonite who has exhausted all of their available Flux will
often feel fragile and incomplete, as though a part of them
is missing emotionally. It is because of this that Ebonites,
particularly those on the Ebon path, are seen as being highly
emotional beings, often described as ‘deep’ or ‘moody’ by other
species. The other side of Flux is the sense of inherent ‘power’
it brings to Ebonites. This sense of inner strength is most
commonly seen in Wasters, but any Ebonite surging with Flux
may come across as brash, overconfident or slightly aggressive.
Flux is the Ebb’s way of shaping its users as much as it is the
Ebonite’s way of tapping into the Ebb.

FORMULAE
There are ten recognised Ebb disciplines, covering the different
aspects of control and balance. Within these disciplines, Ebb
users have access to a number of abilities, each of which is
considered to have a different level of complexity associated with
it. Ebonite’s call this gauge of complexity ‘Formulae’. As a user
studies the teachings of a given discipline their understanding
of the associated Formulae will increase and in turn they will
find that it is easier to burn Flux on those disciplines. The
process is akin to any other skilled training that an Operative
can undertake, from driving a vehicle to firing a gun, though
the outcome will mould the Ebonite far more drastically. To
say that, “We are the sum of all our knowledge” is a drastic
understatement for the average Ebonite.

125
 SLA INDUSTRIES

life in Mort City. The Ebb felt to be controlled and contained,

ALLIES & ENEMIES creating the kind of balance around Mort that epitomised its
Intruder first encountered the Ebb species during the Conflict very meaning. The events that would shortly unfold however,
Era. As wars raged on in far-off systems, two such species came would shape the future drastically. The Foldship Yung,
to prominence, the Momic and the Ebonite. Until this time, journeying into Conflict Space, carrying one of Intruder’s own
Intruder had been an anomaly, one of a kind, Slayer’s right hand students, encountered the lost Momic. The crew of the Foldship
man. His distant past had eluded him, no memory of parents were consumed by the fury of the Momic, giving them the thing
or childhood, just a powerful entity that had come into being. they had long wished for; the knowledge required to find their
Coming face to face with the Ebb users changed everything. way back to Mort.
The Momic were powerful, with an understanding of the Ebb
that far exceeded most Ebonites and had destructive powers that CHANGING TIDES
rivaled Intruder himself, but they had no lust for life, no desire
to learn and no capacity to fall in line. The Momics wanted to While there are now ten Ebb disciplines, there once was
feed and wait for the spoils of war to fall to them. Stubborn and twelve. Since the Momic returned to Mort, an unexplained
immovable. The exact opposite of the allies SLA Industries were imbalance occurred in the Ebb, leading to a number of changes
searching for. that the Necanthrope order has yet been unable to put right.
The Ebonites were what SLA needed. Intruder ensured that The first change came to the discipline that had been long
the ‘Ebb War’ was short and swift. The mysterious and powerful known as Illumination; the art of manipulating light. Almost
Momics were beaten back and fled into Conflict Space, though overnight the ability to control light was lost from the minds
not before they struck back. Deep into the heart of Mort, the of all Ebonites. Even the great elders of the Ebonites were no
enigma which would become known as ‘The White’ appeared. longer able to manipulate light as they once could. At the same
time, those more adept in Blast, the most destructive of the Ebb
The Ebonites were welcomed into the arms of SLA Industries,
disciplines, started to report that they could suddenly project
Intruder’s knowledge growing as each Foldship arrived, bringing
balls of light and use the discipline in non-destructive ways, as
with it lost history and metaphysical learnings. Over the years
though they had always possessed the knowledge to do so. To
that followed, Ebons and Ebans became a part of everyday
all intents, Blast and Illumination had combined themselves in
response to the Momic’s return.
Most concerned by this change was Intruder. Having been
present from the start, he had welcomed the Ebonites to Mort
and studied the ancient ways of the Waster path. He was revered
as being the ‘father of the Ebb’ in the eyes of Slayer.
Seemingly unable to explain these changes and
fearing that such activity could threaten the
very fabric of reality, Intruder instructed Naga
7 to pile their resources into investigating what
outcome may lie ahead. Within days, the next ripple had
occurred and it was notably more significant than the last.
The ancient disciplines of Red Thermal and Blue Thermal, the
ability to control ice and fire, had long been the backbone of
most Ebonite’s studies into the Ebb. Over a period of thirteen
days, every Ebb user proficient in both disciplines seemingly
lost access to one of them. At first it seemed random, but as
the first few days passed and the number of affected Ebonites
rose into the thousands, it became clear: Ebons had lost all
knowledge of Red Thermal and Ebans had lost access to Blue.
Eventually the most powerful of Necanthropes reported the
same losses. The Thermal discipline had solidified itself, but at
the same time divided, epitomising the differing paths of the
Ebonites; blue for the cool nature of the Ebon and red for the
explosive lust of the Waster. By day thirteen, every Ebonite in
The World of Progress had been changed. All but Intruder who,
despite Naga 7’s failed efforts to decipher why, had retained
knowledge of both sides of Thermal; a symbol of balance in an
otherwise unstable world.
There was one final change that the Momic’s return would
also bring. A change so great that it would threaten the future
of the Ebonite species.

126
 THE EBB

THE NECANTHROPE THE WHITE

When the Momics first departed Mort during the Conflict For hundreds of years, The White remained hidden in the
Era they did so in an explosion of Flux, leaving behind them Central Outskirts. As the years flew by and the Necanthrope
The White. The White was a tear in reality, a brilliant white ball order grew, few besides them and Naga 7 knew of its existence.
of Flux almost 4m high floating near the northern border of After Salvation Tower collapsed and the Central Outskirts
what was then called the Central Outskirts. Almost instantly, became swallowed up by Cannibal Sector 1, The White was
Intruder and other high-ranking members of the Ebonites felt left untouched, nestled away at the northernmost part of the
themselves drawn to its untainted power and beauty. Quickly it Northwest Compact. Preceptor Teeth and his followers left
was protected, sealed away behind walls and hidden from the it under the watchful guard of the bravest Ebonite warriors,
world, becoming a shrine to Ebonites that knew of its glory. returning only when the most capable of the species were ready
Intruder and his disciples studied The White for many years, for the great sacrifice, to give their life to ascend.
eventually surmising that it would lead to a higher plane of This process would continue until the Momic returned on
existence. Many Ebonites were committed to this theory and the Foldship Yung, the same ship captained by Mandrake,
chose to venture into The White, but none returned, vanishing intercepted by the ancient creatures and returned to Mort for
instantly and leaving nothing but memories behind. them to finish whatever process they had begun hundreds of
The White’s true purpose would elude The World of Progress years ago. Merely days after the Necanthropes had come to
until deeper emotions came into play. A love triangle had terms with losing their knowledge of Thermal, The White
formed between three of Intruder’s most trusted students. simply disappeared. Naga 7 theorised that The White had
Draco, a young female, had fallen for both Durer and Mandrake, become partly sentient and sensing the return of its creators
becoming physical with both. When the news was revealed, the had taken steps to hide itself. Moments after its disappearance
emotional turmoil experienced rocked the very balance of the it reappeared, this time in the great hall of the Necanthrope
Ebb. As a result both men were ordered to leave Mort in order temple which sits at the base of SLA Industries Head Office.
to end the potential strife that would follow and return order Considering this a sign of the Necanthropes right to the Ebb,
to Intruder’s inner circle of disciples. Mandrake took command the next wave of Ebonites sacrificed themselves to The White
of the Foldship Yung and headed out into Conflict Space in under Preceptor Teeth’s watchful gaze. None returned. The ritual
the name of SLA Industries, but Durer was less malleable and had been performed correctly, same as it had been for hundreds
threw himself into The White, ending his life, another victim to of years. More Ebonites heard the call and stepped forth, again,
the mysterious gift left by the Momic. never to return. The White had closed itself, returning to the
Days passed, then a ripple. Movement and shadow. Light state it had embodied before Durer had entered, the glowing
and darkness. Durer had returned from The White, but he had orb of raw Flux had become a violent hole which led to nowhere
returned a changed man, both physically and metaphorically. but death. After claiming the lives of eleven valued Ebonites,
What emerged that day was a hulking beast of a creature, The White vanished again, only to reappear elsewhere on Mort.
warped and twisted, with control of the Ebb like Intruder had This process of moving is something that The White now does
never seen. In the middle of his torso, a huge mouth lined by constantly, rarely inhabiting the same location for more than
razor sharp teeth, heralding the future image of the Ebonite a few days, swallowing the lives of any who wander too close.
species. There were seventeen Ebonites present at that moment While Intruder and the Necanthrope order do not struggle to
and after a brief wisp of Flux in the air, four words were spoken locate it, on account of their advanced sense of perception, the
directly into the minds of each of them - “Then Durer, now constantly shifting and unstable nature of The White has led
teeth”. Naga 7 to the conclusion that the Momic are hunting for it…
and it does not want to be found.
“It still dawns on me today… the first time I laid eyes on
Durer as he stepped from The White. The twisted and violent
visage he had become. Not Momic, but somehow reminiscent.”
USING EBB DISCIPLINES
Intruder Ebb disciplines are used like other skills, in any situation
that the player and/or GM deems them suitable. Most Ebb
Slayer welcomed the self-titled Preceptor Teeth into his inner
disciplines can be used during combat, particularly those which
circle, his knowledge of the Ebb and The White giving birth to
allow the formation of weapons or projectile attacks, but the
the next generation of Ebonite’s desires; to ascend and become
majority of Ebb disciplines are likely to be used during the
a Necanthrope themselves. Once Teeth had stepped into the
course of the story, for healing, discovering information or
limelight, every Ebon and Eban lusted for the opportunity, to
aiding movement around Mort City.
attain enough understanding of the Ebb for Preceptor Teeth
In order to use an Ebb Discipline, the user must be wearing
and his growing cadre of Necanthropes to acknowledge their
a Death Suit or have possession of a highly illegal Glyph card.
right to ascend, to undertake the ritual, to die and be reborn as
one of the most powerful beings in The World of Progress. Whenever an Ebb discipline is used it requires two things:
. The expenditure of a FLUX point
. A Calculation Test

127
 SLA INDUSTRIES

An Ebonite character who has no available FLUX points to Number of Dice Equal or Exceed Target Number
spend will be unable to use their Ebb disciplines until they have
replenished a point or more. Each time an Ebb discipline is used Success Die Success
1 point of FLUX must be spent, regardless of the applicable skill +1 Skill Die Success
rank or whether the test to use the discipline is successful or not. If using an Ebb discipline attack it
+2 Skill Dice
does +1 DMG
Calculation Tests - “Calculate The Ebb”
May use same Ebb Discipline ability
In order to successfully use an Ebb discipline, the Ebonite +3 Skill Dice
again within 5 minutes, at -3 FR
must perform a Calculation Test. This represents the mind
of the character running the hyperbolic equations required +4 or more Skill Dice Regain 1 FLUX
to summon the required raw energies to evoke the discipline. For those who fail to calculate the Ebb correctly, the
Most commonly, the knowledge of a particular discipline will be consequences can be devastating, as the mind becomes tangled
stored to the users Deathsuit, but it is also possible to evoke such in the failed equations and the weight of the Ebb hammers the
disciplines by reading arcane (and highly illegal) Glyph Cards, brain repeatedly with images and information, draining the
which contain the equations needed to perform the discipline. Ebonite both mentally and physically. A normal failure comes
During a Combat Round, ‘Calculate The Ebb’ is considered an with no additional consequences, however should a serious
action like any other and if successful allows the Ebonite to use failure be achieved (a failure on all dice being rolled) during
the Ebb discipline to attack/move/heal etc. When used outside a Calculate The Ebb action, the Ebonite immediately suffers
of combat such tests are considered to take only a few seconds. 3 Hit Points, which cannot be prevented and loses a point of
After spending the required point of FLUX, the Calculation FLUX if they have any left to lose. Additionally, the recover
Test is made like any other skill roll, by rolling the Success action must be taken during the next Combat Round if the
Die and one Skill Die for each rank that a character has in Ebonite is currently in a combat situation.
the relevant discipline plus one, then adding the applicable skill
bonus for the Ebb discipline being used (Ebb disciplines are
Regenerating Flux
added to the character’s CONC stat). Unlike other skill rolls, As Flux is a finite resource, it is important that Ebonites can
each ability within an Ebb discipline has its own target number, regenerate it. The Ebb passes through Ebonites constantly,
known as a Formulae Rating (FR). Like other skill rolls, a allowing them to regain 1 point of spent FLUX every 2 hours.
total which is equal to or greater than this number represents In addition to this, Dark Lament, the department responsible
a success. for developing all manner of Ebb-related products, manufacture
a range of items that are capable of storing Flux, allowing Ebb
Note: The normal rules for ‘Success Through Experience’ do users out in the field to regain Flux at a much higher rate. See
not apply when dealing with Ebb disciplines. Additionally, “Science Friction Gear” on page 174 for more information.
unlike other skills, an Ebb ability may not be used in any
capacity if the character does not possess that discipline.
“Getting Close”
Any successful roll which allows for an immediate attack, Getting Close is the term used amongst the Ebonite
such as the Blast discipline, will need to be followed up with community for someone who has become so attuned to the
an actual roll to hit. Effectively, a successful Concentration Test Ebb that they have begun to experience an uncontrollable
indicates that the ability has been summoned, but an additional pull to the call of The White. An Ebonite who is Getting
roll is needed to determine whether it hits its target. Close will begin to hear voices, see visions and suffer
horrific nightmares capable of driving them insane. Given
Ebb Disciplines & Margin
the current elusive nature of The White and the tightly
of Success/Failure controlled selection process that exists for those allowed
When making skill rolls for Ebb disciplines, the margin of to enter it, many Ebonites must live with these ‘Dream
success/failure is also taken into consideration, though unlike Demons’ for long periods of time.
normal skill rolls, the differing levels of success and failure will To represent this, once an Ebonite has more than one Ebb
have a specific impact. Discipline at Rank 4, they will begin to experience Dream
Notable successes in performing Ebb disciplines can lead to Demons. An Ebonite suffering from Dream Demons gains
more damage coming from Ebb attacks, the ability to repeat the one rank in each of Psychosis: Paranoia and Psychosis:
use of the discipline, or even summoning back the Flux that was Delusions. In addition, the GM should feel free to provide
spent to perform the ability. The following table explains the details of specific images or messages which the character
bonuses that may be granted. Note that the bonuses granted are may find themselves becoming increasingly obsessed with.
all fairly different and it is not possible to ‘downgrade’ to a lower Dream Demons can be controlled with the use of the drug
bonus if it better suits your needs. The Ebb is an unpredictable ‘White Noise’.
resource and the gifts that it grants to its users are not always
useful to them.

128
 THE EBB

EBB DISCIPLINES Rank 2: True Track FR: 9

With a personal item belonging to a specific Ebonite, that
Each discipline grants the user a range of potential abilities
target can be tracked. The user is able to get hazy enigmatic
which can be used during the course of a game. An Ebb user has
images of where the target has been over the last 12 hours
access to the abilities granted by each rank they have attained
and can sense when they are within 25m of where they have
in a given Ebb Discipline. For example, rank 2 in Blast will
travelled.
provide access to the two rank 1 abilities as well as the two rank
2 abilities. Duration: 1 hour.
Like other skills, a higher rank represents more proficiency Rank 3: Impression FR: 10
in the discipline, but also allows access to more powerful
abilities. The actual capabilities of the Ebb go far beyond the The user is able to ‘look back’ and see snap images of their
abilities described in this chapter, though those individuals surroundings over the last 4 hours, particularly any events
whose skills have risen to such levels have either ascended to involving the use of Flux, high emotions or extreme violence.
the Necanthrope order, or will have been pulled from active The images are often hazy and can cause confusion, but will
Operative duty in order to utilise their powers for other means. offer some insight into events that occurred. Covers a 10m
The abilities listed here reflect the normal limits of an Ebonite radius from the user.
in the Operative role.
Rank 3: Bloodhound FR: 11
Note: Any ability with a duration may be ended sooner Like True Track. The user is able to track a specific Ebonite
than the time stated should the user so desire. Additionally, providing they have a personal item belonging to the target,
some Ebb disciplines have passive abilities. These abilities do this time with clearer images and information being received.
not require a Concentration Test and are considered always In addition to sensing the trail of the target, the user will
active/available. Any such ability will be noted as having a receive snap images from the targets eyes if they are within
Formulae Rating of ‘-’. 100m.
Duration: 4 hours.
AWARENESS
Rank 4: Perfect Impression FR: 12
“ You can smell it in the air. Feel it when you breathe. See it
Like Impression. The user is able to see clear images of
when you close your eyes. The Ebb is everywhere and where
their local vicinity over the last 12 hours to determine what
traces of Flux can be found, another of my kind must have
may have happened there. While faces are often very hard
trod. It’s this sense of awareness that makes us feel alive. This
to see, many details about the scene will be determined with
connection to the Ebb that gives us purpose”
alarming accuracy. Covers a 20m radius from the user.
Glisten, Ebon Operative, SCL 8.3
Rank 4: Death Seek FR: 15
Awareness deals with an Ebonite’s ability to connect to and
detect the Ebb, as well as sensing other Ebb users and recently The user is able to retrieve images from the mind of the
used disciplines. Knowledge of Awareness allows Ebonites to recently deceased. Physical touch is required to use Death
track each other, to gain snapshots through the eyes of other Seek and the user will receive images considered to be the
Ebb users and even to access the memories of the dead. vital events of the subject’s final 24 hours, as well as their
dying moments. Such images can be traumatic for the user
Rank 1: Detect Ebb FR: 6 and excessive use of this ability can lead to psychosis (GM
discretion).
Confirms the recent presence of Ebonites and the use of
Flux (though not what disciplines were used) within the last
15 mins and within 10m of the user.
BLAST
“The destructive power of the Ebb is undeniable. Point and
Rank 1: Track Ebb FR: 7
BOOM. This is why the Ebb exists. This is why I charge up that
Allows the user to lock onto and track the Flux trail left by Flux everyday. Sure, I still pack my 603, but I sure as shit don’t
an Ebonite. Target must have been present within the last 10 use it much.”
mins and within 10m of the users location. The trail will go
Base, Eban Operative, SCL 7b, squad ‘Baseline’
cold if it or focus on it is lost for longer than 10 minutes.
Blast is the art of manipulating the Ebb for destructive and
Rank 2: True Detect FR: 8 explosive means. The discipline allows access to a range of
Like Detect Ebb. As well as confirming the presence of projectile and grenade-like attacks that can be used in place of
Ebonites and the use of Flux, the user can now also confirm regular weaponry. Blast also utilises the manipulation of light
the discipline used and at what rank. Can detect subjects to create torch-like beams, allows the user to see in the dark,
within the last 15 minutes and within 20m of the users or even to illuminate vast areas in bright daylight. Such light
location. manipulation was once considered a discipline of its own, but as
the years progressed, the Ebb seemingly locked away access to

129
 SLA INDUSTRIES

many of the associated abilities, leaving only the most essential

Rank 4: Extreme Blast FR: 13
ones available to those Ebonites trained in Blast’s destructive
potential. Ranged attack to be used immediately, fired from the palm of
the user’s hand.
Rank 1: Blast FR: 7
Extreme Blast
Ranged attack to be used immediately, fired from the palm
Skill: Blast
of the user’s hand.
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range
Blast
2d10+2 10 4 1 0 100m
Skill: Blast
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range Rank 4: Extreme Bomb FR: 14
1d10+2 4 1 1 0 50m Grenade-like ranged attack to be used once, immediately
and during the Combat Round. Fired from the palm of the
Rank 1: Nightvision FR: 6 user’s hand.
Gain perfect UV Nightvision enabling the user to see in Extreme Bomb
pitch darkness. Duration: 10 mins.
Skill: Blast Blast
Rank 2: Bomb FR: 8 DMG Min DMG AD Radius
Grenade-like ranged attack to be used immediately, fired 1d10+5 7 3 10/20m
from the palm of the user’s hand.
Extreme Bomb is treated as a Grenade attack but has a range of
Bomb 40m regardless of the Ebonite’s STR stat.

Skill: Blast Blast COMMUNICATE

DMG Min DMG AD Radius
“Seeing Ebons and Wasters ‘talking’ to each other without
1d10 4 2 2/5m
speaking is freaky. You know they’re doing it; they have this
Bomb is treated as a Grenade attack but has a range of 30m look… a blank stare. It’s pretty off putting ya’ know. I mean…
regardless of the Ebonite’s STR stat. use comms like the rest of us. It gets even freakier when they
talk to you like that. Whispering in your ear. Suggesting shit.
Rank 2: Blinding Flash FR: 8 Freaks me out.”
Emit a sudden blinding flash from the palms of the user’s Shiver Pvt. Tarly Walters, Downtown Patrol
hands. Anyone within 10m of the chosen direction must pass
a Detect roll with a target number of 10 or immediately suffer Communicate allows for direct telepathic communication,
the stunned condition for 30 seconds. May also be used to both to converse and to plant thoughts or manipulate the
illuminate an area for a brief moment as though it were a opinions of others. Higher levels in Communicate also allow
high-powered flashlight. the user to force hidden truths from subjects or take over their
minds and bodies, literally ‘implanting’ their own consciousness
Rank 3: Advanced Blast FR: 10 into another person.
Ranged attack to be used immediately, fired from the palm Rank 1: Plant Thought FR: 7
of the user’s hand.
Plant a simple suggestion (max 12 words) in the subject’s
Advanced Blast mind. Subject will believe and question the thought as though
it were their own. Subject must be within line of sight.
Skill: Blast
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range Rank 1: Converse FR: 8
2d10-3 5 2 1 0 70m Allows for a simple question to be asked telepathically and
to receive a single word answer from the subject. Subject must
Rank 3: Star Orb FR: 8 be within line of sight and no further away than 20m.
Create a floating orb of brilliant white light. The orb will Note: The FR is reduced by 2 if using this ability to converse
illuminate an area approx. 150m wide in daylight and will with another Ebonite.
remain hovering above the user, following them for the
duration. Unlike other abilities, the Star Orb may be turned Rank 2: Mind Read FR: 10
on and off as the user requires during its duration. Obtain basic information from a subject’s mind, such as
Duration: 20 mins. name, age, position/rank, names of close family etc. The user
must be able to touch the target to obtain the information.

130
 THE EBB

Note: Ebonites may stack the effects of more than one

Rank 2: Inception FR: 10
Enhance discipline, but may not stack the same one more
Like Plant Thought. Allows for the planting of a more than once.
complex suggestion (max 100 words), including motives and
emotional responses. Can cause internal confusion for the Rank 1: Teeth/Claws FR: 6
subject. Subject must be within line of sight.
The user forms teeth and claws to use as weapons. These use
Rank 3: Communication FR: 10 the standard profile for teeth and claws but add an additional
+3 DMG and +1 AD.
Like Converse. Allows for continual back and forth
Duration: 10 mins.
communication between the user and their subject. No line
of sight is required. Maximum range is 200km. Duration: 2 Rank 1: Boost FR: 9
mins.
The user physically grows in stature, becoming larger and
Note: The FR is reduced by 2 if using this ability to converse
noticeably stronger. The user gains +1 to both their STR and
with another Ebonite.
DEX stats, ignoring species maximums.
Rank 3: Deep Read FR: 12 Duration: 10 mins.
Like Mind Read. Allows the user to obtain deeper Rank 2: Resistance FR: 7
information about the subject, such as emotional ties and past
trauma, as well as all forefront dominating thoughts from the The user immediately removes the stunned condition and
last 24 hours. The information received is not always clear and becomes immune to that condition for the duration of the
depending on the mind of the subject, can be confusing to ability. Additionally, the user may ignore the negative effects
decipher. Subject must be within line of sight and no further of encumbrance. This does not allow the user to avoid the
away than 50m. immobile condition if they carry more weight than they can
physically lift.
Rank 4: Forced Truth FR: 12 Duration: 30 mins.
Force a subject to tell the truth. Subject will be unable to lie
Rank 2: Toughened Skin FR: 9
and every word spoken must be the truth. Additionally, the
target will find it increasingly hard to stay quiet and will be The user’s skin becomes tough and hard to penetrate. The
more susceptible to interrogation. The user must be able to user does not receive wounds for the duration of the ability,
touch the target to apply Forced Truth. regardless of how much damage they suffer. This does not
Duration: 10 mins. heal any existing wounds.
Duration: 5 mins.
Rank 4: Possession FR: 16
Rank 3: Razor Teeth/Claws FR: 10
Possession allows the user to take complete control of a
subject within 20m and line of sight, accessing their thoughts, Like Teeth/Claws. The user forms natural weapons that
memories and using their physical form, skills and stats as if it are extremely sharp, capable of piercing armour and rending
were themselves. When possession takes place, the user’s body flesh. These use the standard profile for teeth and claws, but
slumps to the ground and appears lifeless to the untrained eye. add an additional +6 DMG and +2 AD. In addition, anyone
If the Concentration Test is successful 2 additional FLUX that loses a Hit Point to Razor Teeth or Claws will suffer the
must be spent for Possession to work. bleeding condition.
Duration: 12 hours. Duration: 20 mins.

Rank 3: Armoured Skin FR: 10

ENHANCE
The user’s skin begins to harden like stone. The user gains + 2
“There’s something about using Ebb enhancement that feels PV to their current armour and is immune to the stunned ability.
different to everything else I can do. I’m not setting stuff alight Duration: 1 hour.
or blowing stuff up. I’m not talking or moving things with
my mind. It’s less...scientific. More primal. Something about Rank 4: Advanced Boost FR: 12
getting stronger, feeling invincible and summoning that inner Like Boost. The user’s muscles begin to bulge and their
beast is incomparable. It’s addictive. Violent. I fuckin’ love it.” reflexes sharpen. The user gains +2 to both their STR and
Atrophy, Eban Operative, SCL 8.1b, squad ‘Baseline’ DEX stats, as well as +1 to both their Closing and Rushing
speeds, ignoring species maximums.
Enhance is the art of physically manipulating an Ebonite’s own Duration: 10 mins.
body to increase strength, speed or to form natural weapons. At
its highest level, Enhance allows the Ebonite to transform into
a feared but uncontrollable Ebb Beast for a short period of time.

131
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Rank 4: Ebb Beast FR: 16 HEAL

Ebb Beast is one of the most feared abilities the Ebb
“If it can be used to heal, it should be used to heal.”
has to offer. The user becomes overtaken with a physical
transformation into a large, snarling creature that only Harmony, Ebon Operative, SCL 9.8a, squad ‘Light Shield’
slightly resembles their former self. During this state, One of the most common and most respected of all Ebb
while the Ebonite is still loosely in control, their thirst for disciplines is Heal. An Ebonite trained in Heal can not only
violence reaches paramountcy and all reasoning is reduced. repair damaged tissue at a rate that far surpasses the greatest
The user gains +4 STR, DEX and COOL (ignoring species of medical care, but can also cure long-term illness and disease
maximums), but -2 CONC and their CHA is reduced to 0. and with enough training even resurrect those recently slain in
In addition, they gain +2 to their Closing and Rushing speeds the line of duty.
and automatically gain the ‘Razor Teeth/Claws’, ‘Toughened
Skin’ and ‘Resistance’ abilities for the duration of Ebb Beast. Rank 1: Heal Wound FR: 7
Anyone facing the Ebb Beast in hand-to-hand combat The user is able to heal their own wounds, stop bleeding and
must make a fear test, suffering the Terrified fear result if close cuts. The user may instantly remove 1 wound of their
they fail. The Ebb Beast has a fear Rating of 4 for all other choice.
purposes. The player is expected to roleplay the new state of
mind accordingly. If the Concentration Test is successful, 1 Rank 1: Heal Injury FR: 7
additional FLUX must be spent for Ebb Beast to work. The Ebonite can repair damage and improve their own state
Duration: 20 mins, which cannot be ended early. of well-being with ease. The user may instantly regain 3 Hit
Points.

Rank 2: Healing Touch FR: 9

The Ebonite’s healing capabilities can be passed onto others.
The user may immediately heal any subject they can touch,
allowing them to remove 1 wound or regain 3 Hit Points.
Physical contact with the subject is required for Healing
Touch to work; touching the subject’s armour is not sufficient.

Rank 2: Poison Leech FR: 9

The user is able to treat the effects of poison and common
non-terminal toxicants. The GM has final say on what
toxicants Poison Leech will remove. The Ebonite may use this
on themselves or on any subject via physical contact; touching
the subject’s armour is not sufficient.

Rank 3: Advanced Heal FR: 10

Like Healing Touch. The Ebonite may remove 1 wound and
regain 6 Hit Points. This may be used on themselves or on any
subject within 2m.

Rank 3: Regenerate FR: 10

The user is able to make their own body regenerate. The user
gains a Regeneration Rate of 2.
Duration: 1 hour.

Rank 4: Cure FR: 12

Like Poison Leech. The user is able to treat the vast majority
of toxicants, as well as cure most common illnesses and even
some terminal diseases. Cure may never be used to remove
any illness trait taken by a character during character creation.
The GM has final say on which toxicants/diseases can be
cured. The Ebonite may use this on themselves or on any
subject within 2m.

132
 THE EBB

Rank 1: Deathsuit FR: -

This is a passive ability, required to wear a Deathsuit. This
represents the symbiotic relationship between Ebon and
Deathsuit has begun.

Rank 1: Heal Deathsuit FR: 8

The user’s Deathsuit is able to repair itself. This allows the
Deathsuit to instantly repair 2 points of Resistance.

Rank 2: Light to Medium FR: -

This is a passive ability and represents the user’s Deathsuit
has evolved from light to medium. The rules and profile for a
Medium Deathsuit should now be applied.

Rank 2: Repel FR: -

This is a passive ability. The Deathsuit and it’s wearer are
now able to resist temperatures from -40 to +200 degrees and
are immune to electrical shocks up to 5000v.

Rank 3: Channel FR: -

This is a passive ability. The Deathsuit is now able to act as
an extension of the user for the purpose of Flux storage. The
species maximum of the user’s FLUX stat is increased +2

Rank 3: Absorb Flux FR: 12

The Deathsuit is able to absorb Flux from other Ebonites,
effectively stealing their charge and passing it onto the wearer.
Physical contact is required with the subject and they will
Rank 4: Resurrect FR: 16 immediately lose 2 FLUX which is immediately added to the
One of the most respected abilities the Ebb has to offer. The Ebonite’s own current FLUX value.
Ebonite is capable of bringing back the recently deceased, Rank 4: Medium to Heavy FR: -
as long as the subject has been dead for no longer than 5
mins and is still ‘whole’. A subject who has been torn in two This is a passive ability and represents the user’s Deathsuit has
or beheaded is beyond the scope of Resurrect. The user is evolved from medium to heavy. The rules and profile for a Heavy
Deathsuit should now be applied.
required to have physical contact with the subject; touching
the subject’s armour is not sufficient. Any character who Rank 4: Interdemalisation FR: -
is resurrected will come back with all wounds healed and
exactly 5 Hit Points. If the Concentration Test is successful 3 The symbiotic relationship between the user and their
additional FLUX must be spent for Resurrect to work. Deathsuit is complete. At will, the user is able to draw the
Deathsuit into their body to hide it from view. While the
Ebonite’s facial features do not change, they will be able to
PROTECT pass as Human from a distance. This allows the Ebonite
“Without a Deathsuit we are lost wanderers searching for to wear clothing and other armoured suits if required. No
purpose. While some of our feral cousins chose to leave them Concentration Test is needed, just the expenditure of 1 point
alone, the Deathsuit’s symbiotic nature really completes us. We of FLUX.
are never alone. It breathes with us. Grows with us. We are A further point of FLUX is required to bring the Deathsuit
one.” back out.
Glisten, Ebon Operative, SCL 8.3
REALITY FOLDING
Protect is required for an Ebonite to integrate with a Dark
Lament Deathsuit, the living symbiote armour worn by the “Without the Foldships we wouldn’t have space travel as we
vast majority of Ebb users in The World of Progress. Advancing know it. It wasn’t science and technology that got us this far, it
through the knowledge of Protect enables the Ebonite to was the mind of an Ebon. Being able to move themselves around
unlock the capabilities of their Deathsuit, allowing it to grow Mort in the blink of an eye has always been a true marvel, but
in order to better protect them and expand their Flux storage the Necanthropes and Ebonite elders that have mastered the art
capabilities. It is rare to find an Ebonite not trained in the way of controlling the Jump Ships… we owe everything to them.
of Protect.

133
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Rank 1: Object Port FR: 9

The user is able to relocate an inanimate object with a
Weight Factor no greater than 2. The user must be able to
touch the item. The item can be relocated to anywhere within
their line of sight and no further away than 10m.

Rank 2: Jump Port 2 FR: 10

Like Jump Port. The user can now immediately relocate
themselves to any other location within their line of sight and
no further than 40m away.

Rank 2: Shared Port FR: 10

The user is able to relocate themselves and another person
within 2m of them to any other location within their line of
sight and no further than 20m away.

Rank 3: Jump Port 3 FR: 12

The user’s Jump Port capabilities have grown substantially.
The user can now immediately relocate themselves, or an
inanimate object (with a Weight Factor no greater than 2,
within 2m), to any other location within 1km. No line of sight
is needed providing the Ebonite has prior knowledge of the
location they are porting to and can picture it in their mind.

Rank 3: Shared Port 2 FR: 12

The user’s ability to move others through Reality Folding
has become very powerful. The user is now able to relocate
themselves and up to two other people within 2m of them to
Without them we’d still be fighting the Conflict Races one by any other location within 500m. No line of sight is needed
one as they invade Mort.” providing the Ebonite has prior knowledge of the location
Aetherman Tooms, Naga 7 Division, 6th Head and can picture it in their mind.

Generally considered to be the most complex, yet marvellous Rank 4: Mass Port FR: 15
of all Ebb disciplines, Reality Folding allows the user to Mass Port is the art of Reality Folding your entire
instantly move between two points, literally hopping from one surroundings. When used, everything visible to the user
place to another in the blink of an eye. At its most basic level it within a 3m radius, that is not secured down, will be relocated
allows the Ebonite to cross a room, but with training it becomes - people, furniture, vehicles and even the dirt on the ground.
entirely possible to move over great distances, taking with them Any location within 1km may be chosen and no line of sight
entire crowds of people. Those trained beyond the scope of a is needed providing the Ebonite has prior knowledge of the
SLA Operative, the true elders of the Ebonites, are able to location and can picture it in their mind (and it is able to
manipulate the Ebb to move entire buildings or pilot the great accommodate the volume of mass being transported).
Fold Ships that are used for transportation between planets.
Rank 4: Jump Port 4 FR: 15
Note: Reality folding cannot be used to move matter so that
The highest level of Jump Porting an Operative can attain,
it shares space with other matter. Should an ability be used
before being pulled from active duty and stationed aboard a
that would cause two objects or people to share the same
Jumpship. The user can now immediately relocate themselves
space, the reality folded item will be moved slightly off target
to any other location within 1000km. No line of sight is
so that such items end up side by side. Additionally, when
needed providing the Ebonite has prior knowledge of the
reality folding, a subject’s clothes, armour, weapons and
location and can picture it in their mind.
belongings that they have on them are also transported.

Rank 1: Jump Port FR: 8 SENSES

The user is able to make small jumps using the Reality “Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be blind? Deaf ? A
Folding discipline. The user is able to immediately relocate mute? No? Then close your trap or you’ll find out.”
themselves to any other location within their line of sight and Regan, Eban Operative, SCL 7.8a,
no further than 5m away.
Senses is the Ebonite art of manipulating the five core
senses of man: sight, hearing, smell, speech and touch. With

134
 THE EBB

enough training an Ebonite can temporarily remove these

Rank 4: Full Removal FR: 14
senses from a subject, or restore them as required. At higher
levels, the discipline also allows for immunity to other Senses The most powerful sense removal ability known to Ebb users,
attacks as well as to protect the mind from a range of other Ebb allowing for long-term removal of the senses. The Ebonite is
disciplines. One of the most potent abilities that comes with required to touch the target for Full Removal to work and
the highest levels of the discipline is the ability to permanently one of the target’s five senses is permanently removed. The
remove one or more of a subject’s senses. ability may also be used to put back a sense removed by a
Senses ability.
Rank 1: Shock Sense FR: 8
The user is able to remove one of the target’s five senses for Rank 4: Full Block FR: -
a short amount of time. The Ebonite is required to touch the This is a passive ability. The Ebonite is now immune to
target for Shock Sense to work. One sense is entirely removed. the Awareness, Communicate and Senses disciplines used
Aside from the confusion and fear that comes with such an by other Ebonites. Particularly powerful Ebb users, such as
experience, other modifiers may be applied to the target at the Necanthropes may be able to overcome this ability.
GM’s discretion. The ability may also be used to put back a
sense removed from Shock Sense. TELEKINESIS
Duration: 10 seconds.
“It’s fucking wizardry, that’s what it is. It ain’t natural. They
Rank 1: Plant Image FR: 8 shouldn’t be able to fly.”
The user is able to create hallucinations and plant fearful Shiver Pvt. Paul Horseshoe, Downtown Patrol
images in the subject’s mind. The user can force any target The discipline of Telekinesis allows users to physically move
within 20m to make an immediate Fear Test. If the test is objects with little more than a thought. With training, larger
failed the target suffers the Afraid fear effect. objects can be moved at increasing speeds, with the most
Duration: 1 hour. proficient users able to hurl a car faster than most Humans can
throw a stone. The discipline also allows for the manipulation
Rank 2: Remove Sense FR: 10 of air particles to form invisible shields and to enable the user
Like Shock Sense. The Ebonite’s ability to manipulate to levitate, literally walking on air. Telekinesis at its highest
senses can now be done over a greater length of time. The level allows for flight, something that is frowned upon by many
Ebonite is required to touch the target for Remove Sense to Ebonites, but commonly used all the same.
work and one of the target’s five senses is removed. The ability
may also be used to put back a sense removed from Shock or Rank 1: Lift & Throw FR: 7
Remove Sense. The user is able to move inanimate objects by simply looking
Duration: 1 min. at them. An object within 2m and with a Weight Factor (WF)
no greater than 1 may be moved. The item may be moved up
Rank 2: Super Sense FR: 7 to a maximum of 10m and must stay within the Ebonite’s line
of sight at all times (it will drop to the floor if line of sight
The Ebonite is able to enhance their own senses, allowing
is lost). An item with a WF no greater than 1 may be moved
them to see in the IR spectrum as well as a crude version of
fast enough to use it as a weapon, using the following profile:
thermal imaging. In addition, the user’s hearing and sense of
smell is amplified. As well as the visual benefits, the user gains Lift & Throw
a +2 modifier to all Detect rolls.
Skill: Telekinesis
Duration: 10 mins.
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range
Rank 3: Full Recall FR: 10 1d10-4 2 1 1 0 10m
The user is able to tap into their own memories and sensory Objects with a WF lower than 1 may do less damage at the
recollection of events to create clear pictures of things they GM’s discretion.
have seen or recall conversations word for word. A single
event up to 5 mins in duration can be recalled with great Rank 1: Shield FR: 8
accuracy. During the recall, the memory/conversation etc. can
It is possible to physically manipulate air particles to create
be imprinted onto a vidslug (user is required to touch such an
a temporary shield around the Ebonite that will displace the
item) for a cost of 1 additional FLUX.
energy of incoming projectile attacks. The user gains +2 PV
Rank 3: Mind Block FR: - to their armour vs any ranged attack (hand-to-hand attacks
are not stopped). The shield has a Resistance of 10 (all AD is
This is a passive ability. The Ebonite is now immune to the done to the shield rather than the Ebonite’s Deathsuit) and
Awareness discipline at rank 3 or lower used by other Ebonites.
will last until it is either destroyed, or the duration expires.
Particularly powerful Ebb users, such as Necanthropes may be
able to overcome this ability. Duration: 2 mins.

135
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Rank 2: Lift & Throw 2 FR: 9 Rank 3: Advanced Shield FR: 11

The user can now manipulate and move inanimate objects Like Shield. The user may now create a more robust shield
within 20m and Weight Factor (WF) no greater than 4 may by manipulating multiple layers of air particles around them.
be moved. The object must stay within the Ebonite’s line of This version of the shield grants the user +4 PV to their
sight at all times (it will drop to the floor if line of sight is armour vs any ranged attack and +2 PV against any hand-to-
lost). An item with a WF no greater than 4 may be moved hand attack. The shield has a Resistance of 16 (all AD is done
fast enough to use it as a weapon, using the following profile: to the shield rather than the Ebonite’s Deathsuit) and will last
until it is either destroyed, or the duration expires.
Lift & Throw 2
Duration: 5 mins.
Skill: Telekinesis
Rank 3: Manipulate FR: 12
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range
The Ebonite is now capable of physically manipulating
1d10 4 1 1 0 25m
live targets, pushing and pulling them, or stopping them in
Objects with a Weight Factor lower than 4 may do less damage their tracks. A target within 25m and line of sight may be
at the GM’s discretion. held in place, pinned to the ground or slowly pushed and
pulled around. Stronger targets may be able to fight free of
Rank 2: Levitate FR: 10
Manipulate, but doing so is at the GM’s discretion. While
The user is able to levitate at up to 1m in height, allowing them manipulating others, the user must remain stationary and
to walk over hazardous areas, reach areas out of their normal focused, if they perform any other action or anything causes
grasp or move silently by not touching the ground. The character them to lose any Hit Points their control over the target is
may only move using their Closing speed when levitating and lost. Duration: 1 min. Alternatively, Manipulate may also be
gains a +2 modifier to any Stealth skill rolls.
used to choke a target by forcing their airways closed.
Duration: 1 min.
Manipulate
Skill: Telekinesis
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range
3/round na na 1 0 25m
No roll to hit is required. Choking a target ignores all armour
PV. There is no way to prevent the damage inflicted. The user
may choose to keep the choke in place, by taking the recover
action, representing their continued dedication to the ability.
While being choked the target suffers -2 to all dice results
during all dice rolls and may not move faster than their Closing
speed.

Rank 4: Fly FR: 14

The Ebonite is able to bend the laws of physics in such a
way that they become capable of flight. Should any form of
evasion or complex landing be needed, the Telekinesis skill
should be used for any such tests. Flight is considered to have
a Rushing speed of 12. Players should be wary of flying too
high due to pollution levels in the air, particularly around the
tops of skyscrapers or over the wall in the cannibal sectors.
Duration: 5 mins.

Rank 4: Lift & Throw 3 FR: 15

The Ebonite’s Telekinesis capabilities now allow them to
move large inanimate items, such as vehicles. The user can
move an object within 20m and with a weight comparable to
a average car. The object must be within the Ebonite’s line of
sight to move it, but may move out of sight once it has gained
momentum. The user may also move living targets with this
ability. An item of this weight used as a weapon will likely
crush and kill most targets. The exact damage done by such
an attack is up to the GM. An object with a Weight Factor
no greater than 10 may be moved fast enough to use it as a
weapon, using the following profile:
136
 THE EBB

Lift & Throw 3 Rank 1: Cold Resistance FR: -

Skill: Telekinesis Red Thermal only. This is a passive ability. The Eban is
naturally immune to high temperatures and is able to resist
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range
freezing temperatures by warming their body on demand.
2d10-3 6 3 1 0 40m Additionally, the user is able to melt ice and warm items or
Lighter objects may do less damage at the GM’s discretion. people by touching them. The Eban can still be frozen by
extreme temperatures.
THERMAL Rank 1: Heat Manipulation FR: 7
“ Ya know it wasn’t that long ago that our kind were throwing Red Thermal only. The Eban is able to create heat up to
ice AND fire. Something changed. Like the Ebb decided to say 40°C degrees within a 5m radius. Such temperatures can be
‘fuck you’ to us an’ teach us a lesson. Make us get back to basics. very uncomfortable to those in the local vicinity, making it
Accept our roots. Even the Necanthropes that are still kicking hard to concentrate or function correctly. In addition, the user
about lost one or the other. Keep warm or stay cold. We don’t can intensify a fire, causing it to burn hotter. Anyone within a
have a choice these days, it’s all a matter of origin.” 5m radius currently suffering from the burning condition will
Base, Eban Operative, SCL 7b, squad ‘Baseline’ suffer 1 additional damage every 30 seconds.
Duration: 2 mins.
The Thermal discipline is divided into two sub-disciplines:
Blue Thermal, available only to Ebons and Red Thermal, Rank 2: Ice Blade FR: 9
available only to Wasters. The disciplines were once entirely
Blue Thermal only. The Ebon is able to create a razor sharp
separate and available to all, but unexpected changes to the
blade of ice in their hand, or as an extension of their forearm.
Ebb caused the loss of abilities, even to those who had studied
the ways of Thermal for many years. The relation of blue to Duration: 10 mins.
Ebon and red to Eban is theorised to be related to the natural
temperament of those following such paths, though related
evidence is circumstantial at best.
Blue Thermal allows for the control and manipulation of cold,
from creating blades out of ice to freezing the air around the
user. Red Thermal is the polar opposite, representing control of
heat, allowing the user to set themselves ablaze or hurl fire from
their hands.

Note: Each Thermal ability is available only to Blue or Red

Thermal users, as noted in the following table.

Rank 1: Heat Resistance FR: -

Blue Thermal only. This is a passive ability. The Ebon is
naturally immune to freezing temperatures and is able
to resist high heats by cooling their body temperature.
Additionally, Blue Thermal users are able to touch scolding
hot metal without being burnt and are able to cool items
or people by touching them. The Ebon may still suffer the
burning condition.

Rank 1: Cold Manipulation FR: 7

Blue Thermal only. The Ebon is able to create temperatures
down to -10°C degrees within a 5m radius, making it
particularly uncomfortable for others, freezing water and
making the ground icy and slippery. Additionally, the user
may immediately remove the burning condition and is
immune to that condition for the duration of the ability.
Duration: 2 mins.

137
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Ice Blade Rank 4: Razor Ice Blade FR: 13

Skill: Melee Weapons Blue Thermal only. The user is able to create an exceptionally
powerful version of the ice blade, either to be held in their
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
hand, or as an extension of their forearm. Duration: 15 mins.
1d10+1 4 1 0
The blade is good for 3 successful attacks. On the 3rd successful Razor Ice Blade
attack the blade will shatter, gaining +1 Min DMG for that Skill: Melee Weapons
attack. Once formed, the blade remains solid for 10 mins or
until shattered, whichever comes first. DMG Min DMG AD Weight
2d10-4 8 3 0
Rank 2: Burn FR: 9
The blade is good for 5 successful attacks. On the 5th
Red Thermal only. The Eban is able to project a stream of successful attack the blade will shatter, gaining + 1 Min
fire from their hand, allowing them to ignite nearby items or DMG and +1 AD for that attack. Once formed, the blade
to use as a weapon. remains solid for 15 mins or until shattered, whichever
comes first.
Burn
Skill: Thermal Rank 4: Advanced Cold Manipulation FR: 14
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range Blue Thermal only. A more powerful version of Cold
Manipulation. The Ebon is now able to create temperatures
1d10-1 3 2 1 0 5m down to -30°C degrees within a 15m radius, freezing the
Any target hit by Burn is set alight and suffers the burning surrounding area. This ability can crack glass, instantly turn
condition. most liquids to ice, causing sudden blizzards and will freeze
anyone with STR 4 or less in place, inflicting the immobile
Rank 3: Cold Aura FR: 11 condition. Anyone caught in the cold will instantly lose 1 Hit
Blue Thermal only. The Ebon is able to create a freezing Point every minute, increased to 3 Hit Points every minute if
aura around them that covers a 2m radius. Unlike Cold they are not wearing sealed armour. Duration: 2 mins.
Manipulation, this aura represents an instant blast that freezes Advanced Cold Manipulation has an additional passive
deep into people’s bodies, solidifying blood in the veins and ability, meaning that the Ebon is permanently immune to the
splitting skin. burning condition.
Cold Aura Rank 4: Extreme Burn FR: 13
Skill: na Red Thermal only. Like Burn. The Eban is able to project
DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range extremely hot streams of fire from their hands, capable of
melting through metal and igniting almost any substance.
1d10+4 6 3 1 0 2m
Everyone within the 2m radius is automatically hit with no Extreme Burn
skill roll required. Skill: Thermal

Rank 3: Body Blaze FR: 6 DMG Min DMG AD ROF Recoil Range
Red Thermal only. The Eban is able to set their body alight in 2d10 7 5 1 0 10m
spectacular fashion, turning their entire self into a dangerous Any target hit by Extreme Burn is set alight and suffers the
weapon. Duration: 2 mins. burning condition. The fire is particularly hard to put out
and will take more than water to extinguish.
Body Blaze
Skill: Unarmed Combat Rank 4: Advanced Heat Manipulation FR: 14
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Red Thermal only. The Eban is able to create heat up to 60°C
degrees within a 10m radius. Such temperatures can cause
1d10+4 5 2 0 physical damage to flesh and will be extremely uncomfortable
Any target hit by the Eban with Body Blaze in unarmed to almost everyone in the local vicinity, as both liquids and
combat is set alight and suffers the burning condition. metals begin to rise in temperature. Anyone caught in the
Alternatively, the Eban may set alight any melee weapon, heat will instantly lose 2 Hit Points every minute and their
adding +2 DMG, +1AD and inflicting the burning Encumbrance Value is reduced to 1 whilst in the affected
condition on any target hit by the weapon. area. Duration: 2 mins.
Advanced Heat Manipulation has an additional passive
ability, meaning that the Eban is permanently immune to cold
of any temperature and cannot be frozen by the ‘Advanced
Cold Manipulation’ ability.

138
 SHOOTI NG PIGS

+++ DIARY ENTRY 1 +++ She smiled back, almost relieved for reasons that escaped her
in the moment.
I was told it was okay to keep this diary, but Cloak Division
“And I see you’ve met Harris.”
would be reading it when I got out. If I got out. When I asked what
the colour of the BPN was, the man behind the desk just shrugged. “Yeah, she’s met me. Big wow, now can we quit the circle jerk?”
“These ones don’t have a colour yet.” Harris huffed as he crouched down towards the iron grating.
Something new. Which in SLA usually means something bad. I’ve He stopped and glanced up.
only been under the employ of the company for about 5 days and “Don’t just bloody stand there! Help me with the bastard.”
already I know this. +++
No regular squad. No real data on what I’m meant to do besides “Look, could one of you at least tell me why I’m, I mean, we’re
contact ‘Operative Harris’. I was given double starting pay and told here?”
to tool up for a long trip. Again, this probably means something bad. Harris had put his helmet back on, and with its fitted spotlight,
When I finally catch up with Harris we’re in a urine-soaked he peered down inside the hole, into the blackness.
alleyway at the base of Inner Downtown District 5. Right on the “Keep it down!” He hissed. A moment later, he silently
border of ‘Lower’. He doesn’t ask my name, my training package, motioned for them to follow as he carefully slipped beneath the
nothing like that. last layer of Inner Downtown.
All he wants to know is… Jane was next down the service ladder, and as she turned to face
+++ Harris he was already motioning her to be silent, and pointed to
“Where you from?” her Exo Armour helmet strapped to her belt.
“Eh, Malden. A-are you Operative Harris? I’m Jane, Jane She nodded and placed on her helmet. Harris drew his rifle, a
Urba-“ basic FEN AR, and stared down at what appeared to be an oily
“Malden?!” Harris shouts, tearing the helmet from his head, and dark maintenance corridor. A long series of pipes ran down
“You mean we weren’t raised in Mort bloody City?!” the narrow stretch of tunnel, all cracked and leaking profusely,
giving the impression of pouring rain.
“N-no, but I’ve done extensive research through Threat
Analysis Classes 8 through 12.” The damp conditions had proven a suitable breeding ground
for all manner of algae and moss, and the ground felt slippery
Jane Urbano was surprised how old Harris was; at least forty,
and moist beneath her boots.
with grey sweeps through his curly black hair. He had three
long pale scars down one cheek, partially obscured by his thick Greyson’s bulky Aetherman Armour made surprisingly little
sideburns. sound as he carefully descended the rusted rungs by her side.
The two lines of blue visor light on his helmet flickered and
He was Human, like her. It should have been a comfort, but
rolled, as he nodded and motioned for her to move out, then
it wasn’t.
quietly took up the rear.
Harris began to laugh.
“Audio test.” Harris’s voice crackled through her ear piece.
“Ha! SLA must hate your sodding guts, ha ha! They sent you
“Clear.”
down here for this, man oh man. What’s your name anyway?”
“Clear.” Greyson responded.
“Jane Urbano.”
Harris paused and checked his enviro-scanner, briefly looking
“Plain Jane. That’s what me mum called my sister. I hated my
up at an enormous crack in one of the water pipes that was
sister, so let’s stick with Urbano, alright? Think you can handle
gushing its foul contents yet were oddly sweet smelling.
that?”
“Okay, careful; we’ve got ourselves KZ-14 straight out of the
“Ease up, Harris.”
gate. Helmets stay on until I say otherwise.”
Jane turned to see to the outline of an Aetherman enter the
“Got it.”
alley, before her eyes flinched away from the torchlight shone
in her face. Harris crept over to the buckled doors of a service elevator,
the dim light of which still flickered on and off from within,
The Aetherman barely acknowledged the two Operatives
allowing a thin sliver of an opening for them to gaze in. Harris
again and simply turned the torch beam to view the vast murals
glanced for a little more than a few seconds and then motioned
of graffiti that had built up in the narrow corridor.
for them to carry on.
Jane gazed up at what the torch beam had illuminated: crudely
Jane paused briefly to peer inside: the withered, half chewed
spray-painted Dream Entities with obscure corresponding
remains of 5 maintenance workers were piled on top of each
symbols, words of warning in amongst telephone numbers and
other. They looked dead for some time.
promises of sexual encounters.
“Keep moving, we have a lot of ground to cover.” Greyson
Finally, the cone of light fell upon the large yellow arrow,
whispered.
covering seven feet of the far wall, pointing directly to a large
iron grate on the cement floor. Upon the lid, were the words: “Yeah there’ll be plenty more of that on the way to where we’re
going.” Harris said. “You ever heard of the Deep Construct,
“Come and See.”
Urbano?”
“Our invitation to the party. It’s Jane Urbano, isn’t it?”
Jane had, but not too much. Just as much as anyone was told
The Aetherman reached out a bulky gloved hand towards her. at Meny. If Lower Downtown was a nightmare, then the Deep
“I’m Greyson. Nice to meet you.” Construct: the countless descending levels beneath it, were

139
 SLA INDUSTRIES

considered even worse. The tutors hadn’t said a great deal about “Shotgun. Messy, and loud.”
the region, but the trainee Ops were all whispers about the “Maybe if you two had told me I was going to be a SAC
horrific rumours. It was rife with Dream Entities, absurdities, Operative I’d have packed appropriate.”
things that didn’t make any sense. “Enough, you two!” Greyson snapped, “Let me check the
“Yes, Harris. I was told not to go there.” nava-map, and see what’s up ahead.”
“Hear that Greyson? ‘Can’t beat a higher education, eh?” The Aetherman hunkered down, unslung his backpack and
“Stop playing with her, Harris. Formal briefing. Now.” quickly rummaged through the contents.
Greyson replied. “You hear that?” Harris whispered.
Harris came to a halt at the top of the tiled stairwell and ran Jane crept over to his side and strained to hear. It was faint, but
a hand along the stained floral decoration. Jane saw that he there were audible sounds further down the passageway; an area
seemed to straighten up as he examined the ornamentation, as almost entirely shrouded in darkness. The shifting torch lights
though it was a signal, a warning of danger. barely impacted the gloom.
“You’ll have a bunch of questions, Urbano, and every one of “Sounds like … birds. Chirping, or whistles?” Jane said.
them’s got an answer. An answer you won’t like, so let’s start “Fuck, it’s gonna be Derros.” Harris grunted, shaking his head.
with the basics. You and me? We’re SAC Ops. Even our friendly “More maintenance. Living quarters for gauss-line workers,
neighbourhood Aetherman here gets the honorary title.” very old. Twenty metres, north west.” Greyson muttered,
“Sack Ops?” turning the dials on a battered nava-map. “Could be long out
“SAC Ops. S-A-C. Short for Sweep and Clear. The reason you of date.”
didn’t get a BPN colour is because this is so new they haven’t “Let’s see.” Harris raised a hand for the device, and quickly
chosen one for it yet. But in terms of sheer popularity, it’ll be glanced at the screen.
right up there with Orange and Black. We’re going to be as “Alright!” he said, chucking the map back at Greyson,
unpopular as Sector Rangers.” “Straightforward enough - Urbano, quiet and low. Greyson -
“So what are we ….” Jane went to ask, and found the answer on hang back, the Derros might pick up on your equipment. But
the end of her thought process. be ready to assist. Clear?”
“Yes, that’s right, Jane. We’re going into the Deep Construct.” Jane and Greyson nodded.
Greyson said. +++
Harris stopped a few steps down and turned to Jane. The passageway was uncomfortably warm, and cramped,
“Okay, see this?” He gently tapped one of the wall tiles. “These Jane felt as though she were trapped inside the vein of some
are McMillan tiles. That decoration; you only see this in Lower enormous, lumbering monster, whose heartbeat was the
Downtown onwards. It’s how you know you’re in the danger constant thrum of water filtration pipes, deep within the walls.
zone. They don’t seem to belong, do they? And with weird All along the slimy floor leading to the living quarters were
architecture comes weird individuals.” countless bones of Mort rats, that crunched underfoot and
Harris started back down the stairwell, and continued: wherever the torch beams landed, a sea of cockroaches dispersed,
“SLA’s been purposefully avoiding this place for years. Well, skittering into the deep gloom.
centuries if we’re being honest. The longer they left it, the worse There was a faint smell of stale sweat and excrement.
it got. But hey, if you’ve spent any time around Inner Downtown Harris tapped his gloved hand to her shoulder, then pointed
you’ll see it’s packed to the gills. Everyone living on top of each towards large bulkhead double doors. Across the surface was
other. It’s bloody chaos. Yet, here we are, and there’s nobody what appeared to be the faded remains of a cartoonish depiction
around. When was the last time it was ever this quiet? SLA paid of a gauss train, which said underneath: ‘Happy Trails.”
a shit ton to build property down here and it’s barely occupied.
“Fucking hilarious.” Harris whispered through the a/v in his
That’s why we’re here. We sweep, we clear. We report back. SLA’s
helmet. “Get ready”
taking back the region, just like the Bellwood Campaign.”
Harris motioned Jane to the left-hand side of the doors, and
“Movement.” Greyson interrupted.
then crept to the right, placing his hand over a push button
He was looking down at a motion tracker, checking the entry system.
reading. He slowly drew a compact Jolt Pistol from his belt.
Once Jane was in position, he nodded.
Harris paused.
“One … two … three.”
“How many?” Harris’s voice was now flat and stern.
He pressed, and the doors bellowed in protest but gradually
“Tight cluster, so it’s a difficult reading. Maybe twenty.” shunted themselves apart.
“Civilian block?” Jane asked. Even through the powerful respirators in their helmets, the
“Not in this Sector.” Harris replied, “Dream Entities?” stench was appalling.
“No,” Greyson said, “Unlikely, they don’t usually group this They had spun around in unison, guns raised, ready to blast
high up.” away a pack of monstrosities that were sure to leap at them…
Harris let out a long sigh. There were around twenty occupants in the living quarters,
“It better not be Derros, I’m telling you now. It’s too early for but they were neither Derros nor Dream Entities.
that kind of action. Urbano, what are you packing?” “What are they?” Jane murmured.
“10-10.”

140
 SHOOTI NG PIGS

They appeared to be human, but only in the loosest possible “They aren’t pigs, you fucking asshole!” Jane screamed,
sense of the word. Their ages varied from ten going up to “They’re people.”
anywhere around fifty. It was difficult to tell with the males, “Then fuck off back upstairs and get a different job!” Harris
because most had long, ratty hair and beards obscuring their shouted, “Or stay, and pull the fucking trigger! They picked you
faces. as SAC for a reason.”
They were the source of the chirps and whistles, now much “I don’t know why they picked me!”
louder and more panicked. They backed away from Jane and “They picked you because you’ll do what you have to.” Greyson
Harris. said, pointing a FEN Finisher rifle and towards the Dregs.
Not a single individual was wearing clothes, but their Jane stared at Greyson for a moment that seemed to go on
nakedness was mostly concealed by layers of filth. forever. He did not fire. He was waiting.
Jane tried to take in what she was seeing. It was only their She raised her shotgun.
anatomy that specified that they were human; everything else The prosaic silence of the Downtown tunnel erupted with the
suggested animal. They stumbled around on all fours, in such deafening sound of gunfire, fleeting screams and muzzle flash
a manner as to suggest they had never walked upright. Their lightning.
vocalisations, their body language, even the way they shied away
+++
from the artificial lights suggested they had never seen an actual
real human before. “You knew.” Jane said, “You knew they’d be there.”
“They’re Dregs, Urbano.” Harris said, flatly. He was already She sat on her pack, knees drawn to her chin, staring at the
lowering his rifle and motioning for Greyson to approach. blue flicker of Greyson’s portable camp stove. Harris had his
back to them, already half an hour in his sleeping bag. Every ten
“It’s rare to see them this high up. They’ve likely been in here a
seconds he let out a whistling snore.
while, for the warmth, maybe hiding from whatever else is down
here.” Greyson was eating the contents of a tin of Piggy Wiggy, but
he paused, the last spoonful at his lips, as Jane addressed him.
“I mean, what are they?” Jane caught herself, she had begun
He didn’t look at her.
to shout. The smell within the room was churning her stomach.
“No.” Greyson said, “and yes.”
“Like Harris said, Jane - Dregs.” Greyson joined them. His
voice sounded sad, almost apologetic. “Not a particularly nice He swallowed down the last mouthful, and eased round to face
name, but here they are. Yes, they’re human but they’ve been her.
isolated so long that all their humanity’s just slipped away. The “Exterminations are part of our mission parameters. Within
lights went out, tvs went off and the food dwindled. Generation the first week you’d be shooting them and others. Finding them
after generation. They are simply reduced to this, over hundreds this high up was… unconventional. They may have been driven
of years.” up by Derros, maybe NightStalkers. We need to be ready for
“Why didn’t we help them?” Jane said. that as we descend.”
“We never came down far enough to find them. SLA has She nodded, still staring at the flame.
always turned a blind eye to Lower Downtown. This is some of “Are you angry?”
that backwash.” “No … and yes.”
“Fuck me…” Jane looked at them again. The poor creatures “You think we could have saved them, but we couldn’t. Naga
looked utterly terrified, pressing themselves into huddled 7 has tried to rehabilitate a few adults, but they remained in a
corners. “We can’t just leave them.” state of hysteria until we recreated their environment.”
“No. We can’t.” Harris said. “And what about the children.”
Jane turned slowly, to face him. She could tell where he was “Jane, you’re in the wrong universe if you were expecting
going by the tone of his voice. altruism. I take no pleasure in killing these people, nor does he.”
“Harris, you’re not serious…” Greyson pointed his spoon at Harris. “But others who’ll follow,
Harris marched towards her. will. Stormers enjoying easy targets, Carrien and Manchines.
It’s much worse when the Shi’An get hold of them. Harris is
“You’re a SAC Op, Jane! Sweep and Clear. That’s why you’re
incorrect: they aren’t pigs. Pigs on Mort put up a fight. They’re
here. This is what we do.”
more like sheep.”
“They’re Human fucking beings, Harris!” She shouted,
“What’s a sheep?”
violently shrugging away Greyson’s hand from her shoulder.
“Go to fucking bed, Jane.” Harris spoke without moving,
“Fucking look at them.” Harris yelled back, “Rats live better
“Greyson, first watch. Four hours.”
than this.”
Harris adjusted himself and returned to his dozing.
Jane stared at the Dregs.
“I know you don’t understand why you’re here, regardless of
“Have you ever killed anyone before, Jane?” Greyson asked.
what I tell you.” Greyson said, putting his helmet back on. “But
“No…I have not.” She said softly, “Just carnivorous pigs, on a you will, soon enough.”
training exercise.”
“We’ll come to understand everything down here.”
“There shouldn’t be a problem, then! You’re not going to be
killing anyone. You’ll be shooting pigs.” Harris said, checking
the clip in his FEN AR. … to be continued.

141
 SLA INDUSTRIES

HARDWARE
MELEE WEAPONS DPB Gash Fist Cost: 80c

Skill: Unarmed Combat

The cameras love close combat, the ratings have proven it time
and time again. On average, vicious melee combat will garner DMG Min DMG AD Weight
twice the viewership of a firefight, with particularly violent 1d10-1 3 1 1
conflict staying in The Killing Floor’s ‘most watched’ for many
months at a time. Engaging enemies up close will put you in a DPB Vibro Sabre
sponsor’s eye much easier than being a sharp shooter. As such,
“Something about the Sabre is just… ‘right’. The grip feels
melee weapons have been the hottest part of SLA’s portfolio
right, the noise it makes feels right, the amount of hurt it delivers
for the last 10 years. To ensure the media continues to benefit
feels so, so right. I can’t imagine ever needing another blade.”
from such action, SLA Industries not only increased the bullet
tax, but also placed a strict price cap on all mainstream melee Shae ‘Rattle’ Cross, Human Operative,
weapons, compensating the manufacturers directly to offset any SCL 6.1, squad ‘Shae n’ Fal’
loss in revenue. The glamorisation of melee weapons means that
DPB’s patented oscillation technology led to the development
anything that makes it onto prime time this week will be next
of the Vibro Sabre, the most popular melee weapon amongst
week’s biggest seller.
Operatives today. The blade’s 5000 hour power supply keeps the
BOSH SLA Blade blade working even on the longest tours and the carbon fibre/
silicon hybrid blade stays razor sharp for over 10,000 cuts.
Made on contract exclusively for SLA employees, the BOSH
SLA Blade is an all-nylon construction, lightweight blade,
compact enough to be easily concealed and is perfectly balanced
for throwing. The blade comes with a sheath as standard.
BOSH SLA Blade Cost: 5c DPB Vibro Sabre Cost: 100c

Skill: Melee Weapons

Skill: Melee Weapons/Throw
DMG Min DMG AD Weight DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10-1 4 1 1
1d10-4 1 0 0
May be used as a thrown weapon using the Throw skill. DPB Flick Scythe
DPB Gash Fist A high powered polearm which uses DPBs oscillating blade
technology. The weapon offers Vibro-technology with a longer
The Gash Fist mounts to the back of the hand and forearm reach, for those combatants who prefer to keep their enemies
and contains two blades that extend forward over the top of the that bit further away. The blade is fully retractable, allowing it
hand, allowing the unarmed combatant to use Vibro-weapons to fold down flat to the shaft for ease of carry. A switch beside
without needing a spare hand to do so. The blades are carbon the ‘easy grip’ hand holds allows the blade to ‘flick’ open in an
fibre, strengthened with quartz and use the same oscillation instant. As with all DPB products, the powerpack is good for
technology as the Vibro Sabre, allowing them to carve through 5000 hours and can easily be recharged from any mains power
armour with relative ease. outlet.

DPB Flick Scythe Cost: 180c

Skill: Polearm
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10+5 6 2 3

142
 H A R D WA R E

GASH Chain Axe

“As long as it’s Jack that kills me, I’d be happy to get slaughtered.”
Unknown Mort civilian, overheard in
the ‘RipAsunder’ sports bar
The most iconic of all melee weapons, made famous through
reputation and turned into the weapon of nightmares by
Halloween Jack himself. The Chain Axe is a two-handed
polearm with an extremely high powered chainsaw unit
attached to the end. The weapon will rend through armour and
do massive damage to flesh and bone with every strike. Though
the weapon is notoriously unwieldy, the fact that it is used by
Mort’s most feared Serial Killer has made it the weapon of
choice for many aspiring Operatives.

GASH Chain Axe Cost: 250c

Skill: Polearm
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
2d10+2 9 4 3
The Chain Axe is particularly hard to use. A modifier of -1 to the
Success Die is always applied when making attacks with a Chain
Axe. Should every dice result in a failure during any roll to hit
with this weapon, along with the usual need to take the Recover
action during the next combat round, the user is also hurt by the
weapon, taking 5 DMG and 3 AD.

GASH Clearance Baton

“Oh my, this thing is explosive. Robb’s up to bat and the ball
is chucked, he lines it up and … a swing and a boom! Hours of
endless fun.”
Tevo Robb, Frother Operative, SCL
10.5, squad ‘Drop Donkey’
The Clearance Baton is a new development from the same
team at GASH that brought us the much loved Pacifier Baton.
Utilising the same technology as its smaller brother, this large,
two handed polearm terminates with a large club head that
delivers a powerful jolt at the time of impact. A strike from
a Clearance Baton results in massive damage to armour and
structural targets as well as a shock which is capable of stunning
or knocking targets clean off their feet. The baton utilises a
kinetically charged powerpack, which recharges itself as it’s
swung, allowing it to top up the 12,000-hour battery contained
within the shaft.

143
 SLA INDUSTRIES

GASH Clearance Baton Cost: 200c

Skill: Polearm
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10+3 6 4 3
Any roll to hit with a Clearance Baton that earns an exceptional
margin of success, or greater, will also knock the target to the
ground, inflicting the prone condition. Any unarmoured target
that is hit by a Clearance Baton immediately suffers the stunned
condition.

GASH Pacifier Baton ITB Mutilator Fist Cost: 150c

The Pacifier Baton is an urban pacification weapon used largely Skill: Unarmed Combat
by the Shiver Organisation under the designation of the ‘SHV- DMG Min DMG AD Weight
04 Pacifier Baton’. It is manufactured by GASH, the same team
1d10 4 3 1
that brought us the Chain Axe. The weapon is a dependable
high-frequency shock baton that delivers a huge pulse of energy While the gauntlet is reasonably dextrous, the hand using the
at the point of impact. While the damage output is somewhat Mutilator Fist is not able to operate firearms or hold other melee
lower than most blades, the weapon does deliver significant weapons.
damage to armour and extreme discomfort to those unfortunate
MAC Knife
enough to be struck by one.
An offensive technique orginally developed by Pacifier Shivers “It’s hard to imagine an Operative passing over the MAC
in Cannibal Sector 1, called ‘Defensive Kata’, is becoming for something else, but it does happen. We know that they will
popular with Operatives; The offensive technique additionally eventually come around and get one though. ”
reduces the target’s defensive capabilities and looks great on TV. T.T. Shearton, Head of Innovation, Multi Angular Cutters
The Multi Angular Cutters’ MAC Knife is the most popular
choice of unpowered knife in the World of Progress. Its carbon/
ceramic construction ensures it’s almost indestructible and
its long history of usage in all conditions adds weight to that
claim. The design was released over a hundred years ago, into an
GASH Pacifier Baton Cost: 90c already crowded market, but a century later, it’s the only knife
Skill: Melee Weapon from that era still in active manufacture. A powered version was
released, but it proved to be considerably less popular than the
DMG Min DMG AD Weight unpowered one and so the model was discontinued.
1d10-2 2 3 1 The sheath for the MAC Knife, a relatively recent design from
Any unarmoured target that is hit by a Pacifier Baton immediately the late 800s, contains a self-sharpening system that ensures the
suffers the stunned condition. Pacifier Batons may be used as a knife remains sharp every time it’s drawn.
pair, with one in each hand. Only a single attack may be made
still during a Combat Round, but by using a 2nd baton in this
way, opposing combatants may not perform a Combat Defence
(Acrobatic Defence is still permitted).

ITB Mutilator Fist MAC Knife Cost: 80c

“If you ever need to feel powerful, take the Mutilator. If a Skill: Melee Weapons
small guy like me can punch through a wall with it, what more
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
excuse do you need? ”
1d10-3 2 1 1
Timmy Franks, Human Operative, SCL 8.7
A powered gauntlet that delivers a devastating amount of MJL Power Claymore 300
damage to both a target and their armour. The Mutilator fist “Aye, it’s a big dod o’ metal and it don’t half clang off bonces.
slides over, or entirely replaces, the gauntlet of an armour Mine has auld Hiberian leid on it, telling tales o’ battles I
suit, allowing the user to use the weapon as a regular glove. missed on account of no being born and that, but it’s ma history
The Mutilator Fist has enough dexterity outside of combat and I like stickin’ ma history in fucking bawbags’ heids.”
to perform most tasks, though it is not possible to use other
Gretna Shine, Frother Operative, SCL
weapons with it. The fists internal power supply is good for over
8b, squad ‘Elective Incomes’
5000 hours, though this can be reduced with significant usage.

144
 H A R D WA R E

Developed to attract the Frother population, the Power Shaktar Switchblade

Claymore is based on traditional Hiberian claymore swords,
used in the culture’s ancient sports and by the great tribal “The weapon of my forebears is the weapon that defines me. To
warriors of their past. Such swords are seen as status symbols have faith in the blade is to have faith in who I am. I have bled
by Frothers today and the Power Claymore 300 is the biggest upon this blade and will make others bleed upon it too, through
of them all. The weapon uses oscillation technology, though of ceremony, through survival, through battle.”
a different design to that used by DPB, to deliver significant Kl’Nrr’L’Karr’Tt, Shaktar Operative, SCL 7.8
damage and to enhance the apparent sharpness of the blade. The
blade itself is 1.5m in length and requires two hands to use; even A ceremonial weapon, sold exclusively to Shaktars
the largest of Stormers will struggle to hold the 300 with one and used in ritualistic combat during
hand. Fitted with an industry standard 5000 hour power supply, Shaktar ceremonies. Despite its ancestral
the weapon makes a clear statement about the user’s prowess in connections, the weapon is in fact a deadly
close combat. close combat weapon in its own right and the go-to choice
for many Shaktars. Alongside being a weapon, possession
of a Switchblade is also a status symbol amongst Shaktar
elders that demands respect from other members of the
species. The weapon, originally known as
the K’llarn’knor’ttr’l, which has no literal
translation in Killan, comes in two variants;
one which is integrated into the armour of the user
MJL Power Claymore 300 Cost: 140c
and the other being a hand-held version.
Skill: Melee Weapons
Shaktar Switchblade Cost: 600c
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
Skill: Melee Weapons
2d10-3 7 2 3
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
This weapon requires two hands to use.
1d10+2 4 1 1
Featherpoint Rapier The Shaktar Switchblade is only available to Shaktars. A Shaktar
“It’s easy to flicker-flash the Featherpoint’s edge to distract the that has one in their possession adds +1 to the Success Die for all
opponent, unless they have studied Menakohotep. ” CHA-related skill rolls when dealing with other Shaktars.

Captain Elaferu, Neophronic Council of the High Elect Stormer Chuckleduster

The Featherpoint Rapier is a slim, one handed weapon of Designed by GASH, the now rebranded Chuckleduster,
Neophronic heritage. Utilising a technology that is not dissimilar this weapon is generally only sold to Stormers or other select
to that found in the DPB-line of products, the Featherpoint species who have managed to file the correct paperwork and
Rapier is able to pierce moderate armour with surprising ease. are strong enough to hold one. Such difficulty in obtaining the
The overall design is far more suited to stabbing (as opposed weapon is a direct attempt to keep the number of them on the
to slashing motions), however the weapon excels at parrying streets of Mort as low as possible, given the sheer brutality that
and other defensive techniques. The Neophron are trained from comes with using one. The weapon uses GASH’s Chain Axe
birth in the art of the rapier, considering such sword craft to technology mounted into a huge handgrip, allowing the user to
be an essential part of their upbringing, not in preparation for add the extreme carnage that comes with a chain weapon to the
war, but simply because tradition dictates it. The power supply already significant impact of their natural punching power. The
for the weapon is good for nearly 50,000-hours and the sheer weapon is large and very heavy, but causes significant damage
simplicity of the weapon makes it very easy to maintain. and is capable of rending its way through a steel door in less
than a minute.

Featherpoint Rapier Cost: 170c

Skill: Melee Weapons

DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10-1 3 1 0
This weapon is only available to Neophron characters. A
combatant armed with a Featherpoint Rapier applies an
additional -1 modifier to the Success Die for each rank of Melee
Weapons allocated to a Combat Defence manoeuvre.

145
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Stormer Chuckleduster Cost: 200c RANGED WEAPONS

Skill: Unarmed
Firearms are the mainstay of the combat-ready Operative,
DMG Min DMG AD Weight from the high end luxury of Berenyi Light Arms (BLA), to
2d10-4 8 3 3 FEN’s range of War World approved 10mm caseless pistols and
rifles. Recent media ratings have proven that firearms are less
Minimum of STR 5 is required to use a Chuckleduster, with popular with the masses than melee weapons, but that is not
STR 6 needed to use a pair. Chuckledusters may be used as a
enough to deter the constant roar of manufacture made by the
pair, with one in each hand. Only a single attack may be made
arms industry both on and off-world. Firearms are available to
still during a Combat Round, but by using a 2nd Chuckleduster
in this way the attack gains +1 to both DMG and AD.
all Operatives that can produce a valid SLA ID badge and are
readily available direct from the manufacturer, as well as from
Generic Unpowered Melee Weapon a number of SLA-sanctioned retailers throughout Suburbia
(knife, pole, bat, chain etc.) and Uptown. The civilian population are limited to only CAF-
branded weapons, though many other brands do manage to find
All manner of items can be used as melee weapons, from their way onto Downtown’s black market.
knives and bats, to chains and metal pipes. Some of these items
are manufactured for the purpose of being a weapon; a nice BULLET TAX
knife will cost anywhere up to 150u from some of Downtown’s
better retailers, though many other items are simply repurposed SLA Introduced the bullet tax in 847. It was the new age of
from the scrap found laying around the city. All such weapons reality TV and SLA has just started televising Cannibal Sector
fall into the ‘generic’ category and are the typical armament of violence. The ratings pointed towards melee weapon popularity
most Downtowners and gang members. and given that TV was proving to be a powerful control
mechanism, anything that kept people in front of the screen
Cost:
had to be a good thing. Within twelve months, all bullets had
Generic Unpowered Melee Weapon 0-20c/
seen a price increase of 40%.
0-200u
As the years went by, the likes of FEN, BLA and MAL had all
Skill: Melee Weapons produced a new wave of highly effective and desirable weapons.
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Despite the extreme bullet tax having now driven ammunition
prices up by over 150%, people were still buying bullets by the
1d10-4 1 0 0-2 truck load. SLA had to accept that they simply could not stop
This profile represents a wide collection of generic weaponry Operatives using guns, though they had to admit that not only
commonly found or improvised on the streets of Mort City. had they increased the presence of melee weapons on screen by
While there are obvious differences between a knife and a bat, all ten-fold, they had also pushed tax revenues on firearms sales
such weapons are considered to have the same damage potential. into a record high. With Corporate citing this as an adequate
success, the bullet tax was held and continues to rise by a few
Generic Unpowered Polearm
percent every single year.
(staff, spear etc.) In game terms, bullets are very expensive. Use that ammo
Other generic weapons include longer-ranged polarms, such wisely!
as long metal pipes or makeshift spears, for example a knife
strapped to the end of a pole. While less common than knives Note: The DMG statistics in the following weapon profiles
and bats, such weapons do turn up on the streets of Downtown, not only assume that standard ammunition is being used,
particularly in the hands of certain gangs who seem to ‘theme’ but are also reflective of a single bullet being fired. As
their weapon choices, like the ‘Prowlers’, who all opt to carry some weapons are not capable of firing only a single round,
the actual DMG they may inflict is in fact much higher
makeshift spears dipped in various drugs and chemicals.
(see “Damage Modifier - ROF” on page 113 for more
Cost: information). The values are stated in this way to allow a
Generic Unpowered Polearm 0-20c/ direct comparison between the capabilities of each weapon.
0-200u
AGB/Core P82 Cloudfall Pistol
Skill: Polearm
“They use in Sector and it do lots of hurt. If works out there
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
then it works in here. I like gun.”
1d10-3 2 0 0-3
Tord, Advanced Carrien Operative,
This profile represents a wide collection of generic weaponry SCL 7a, squad ‘Rat Bait’
commonly found or improvised on the streets of Mort City.
While there are obvious differences between a metal pole and a The Cloudfall was developed as a military sidearm for War
spear, all such weapons are considered to have the same damage World application, but over recent years has seen redeployment
potential. to Mort in the hands of the Sector Rangers out in Cannibal
Sector 1. The weapon’s weatherproof construction, robust

146
 H A R D WA R E

chassis and exceptional balance rapidly elevated it to the heights

BLA 046M Blitzer Cost: 895c
of desirability amongst those who have seen the Rangers in
action, so, after two years of exclusive service, the Cloudfall has Skill: Pistol
finally been made available for general purchase to Operatives. DMG Min DMG AD Weight
The weapon takes 18 rounds of 10mm ammunition and packs
1d10+4 6 2 1
a considerable punch, making it a solid choice as a primary side
arm for any situation. ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
1 1 60m 6 50c

BLA 446M Derringer

“The issue with the BLA Derringer is that it was not the
most telegenic weapon, so we needed to pair it with attractive
corporates and, in the case of Ms. Hinton, when she got classy,
she carried the 446M with her on her journey to elegance. It
worked serendipitously for us. That was money well spent.”
Trey Mandish, BLA Marketing Dept
The Derringer is a super compact powerhouse, designed for
AGB/Core P82 Cloudfall Pistol Cost: 300c close-up, one-shot devastation. The Breach-loading 12.7mm
weapon holds only two-rounds, giving it the appearance of a
Skill: Pistol
mini double barrelled shotgun. Though a fairly poor choice as
DMG Min DMG AD Weight a primary weapon, as a backup, the Derringer can probably be
1d10-2 3 1 1 attributed to more life-saving last ditch efforts than any other
weapon available and though the 446M struggles with a slow
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost reload speed, the sheer damage output far outweighs such
1/3 0/0 75m 18 20c
practical considerations. Made to the same standards as the rest
of the BLA line, the Derringer has a build construction capable
of surviving the Fission Belt collapse and is a firm favourite
BLA 046M Blitzer with Operatives from all walks of life.

“Worth every single cred. I mean, it’s expensive… I have to BLA 446M Derringer Cost: 450c
do, like… 14,000 blue BPNS or something to buy one, but you Skill: Pistol
whip this baby out in someone’s face and you can smell the shit
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
in their pants before they even have time to think.”
1d10+3 5 2 1
Sam ‘Sammo’ Western, Human Operative,
SCL 5.7b, squad ‘Sammo’s Ammo’ ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
Berenyi Light Arms (BLA) sit on the throne as the upper 1* 2 20m 2 20c
echelon of arms manufacturers in The World of Progress. More The user may choose to fire both rounds at once. When doing
Operatives lust for a Blitzer than almost any other weapon so, treat the shot as though a single round was fired but add +3
available on Mort, not because the weapon is a significant cut DMG and +1 AD. Reloading this weapon takes two Combat
above the rest, but because owning one is seen as a real status Rounds.
symbol amongst other Operatives. This has led to BLA carving
the kind of reputation that simply never gets shaken. The
Blitzer is a reassuringly heavy 12.7mm revolver that comes with BLA 646M Buzzsaw
a custom moulded grip as standard. As the Blitzer is handmade,
“I once saw something offworld with one of these in each foot.
there is a two-week wait for delivery, increased to three-weeks
They’re just that odd.”
for any colour besides the default of matte black.
‘Bilter’, Human Operative, SCL 8b, squad Nomad’s Land
The Buzzsaw is an utter monster. The compact, short-nosed
weapon was made in response to rival manufacturer’s assault
rifle offerings, by providing an increased rate of fire and huge
capacity 9mm drum magazine. The use of 9mm ammo was
originally shunned, but being BLA-branded meant that many
Ops gave it a whirl anyway… they were not disappointed. In
reality, the difference between BLA’s proprietary 9mm rounds
and the new industry standard 10mm caseless is simply not
noticeable, particularly when a target is being hit by dozens of

147
 SLA INDUSTRIES

rounds at once. While marketed as an assault rifle, the Buzzsaw BLA 819M Pusher
is actually a super compact squad support weapon capable of
inflicting significant damage to a wide area, especially when “Looks the part, eh?”
used in the claustrophobic back alleys of Downtown. Bill Walsh, Editor “Lead Chuckers” Magazine
BLA’s first submachine gun offering since the company was
launched. The Pusher is a high-end SMG for the discerning
Op that is looking for performance, quality of build and the
reputation of using a BLA-branded weapon. The 819M uses
9mm rounds, made popular by the Snubber many years ago,
offering superior penetration and notable stopping power in a
compact package. BLA manufactures two different clip sizes for
the Pusher, ‘short’ and ‘long’, allowing the weapon to be tailored
perfectly to the user’s outfit and offering enough ammunition
capacity to lay down suitable amounts of suppressive fire when
BLA 646M Buzzsaw Cost: 850c the situation requires. As with all BLA weapons, the Pusher
sports the absolute utmost of build quality, reliability and cool
Skill: Rifle
factor.
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10+3 4 3 2

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

10/SUP(50) 2/3 100m 180 170c
The Buzzsaw inflicts +1 DMG when using suppressive fire.

BLA 710M Snubber BLA 819M Pusher Cost: 500c

“It’s small, it’s light and it punches right through most of the Skill: Pistol/Rifle
armour we come up against. I carry two of them.” DMG Min DMG AD Weight
Timmy Franks, Human Operative, SCL 8.7
1d10 4 1 1
The Snubber is BLA’s offering to the handgun market, using
a rarer 9mm round in place of the common 10mm ammunition ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
choice, trading some additional penetration for a slight drop in 3/10/ 20 (short) 40c (short)
potential damage output. Since its release a few years ago, the 0/1/3 85m
SUP(40)* 40 (long) 80c (long)
Snubber has been through more of a love/hate relationship with
*Suppressive Fire is only available when using long clips.
Operatives than most of BLA’s product line, but since recent
armour advancements came into play, the effectiveness of 9mm BLA GAG60 Driller
ammunition has driven popularity (and the price tag) of the
weapon up considerably. “The Driller is one of the greatest weapons of our time, kid.
Our Support Gunners have been ploughing through Carriens
and Pigs with this baby for years. Fenwick knows his shit. If
there’s one thing he got right, it was picking our kit. We got it
pretty good here… so suck it up.”
Scout Sgt. Harper, Sector Rangers
The GAG60 Driller is one of the most high-tech rifles to be
released in the last 100 years. Made originally for the Sector
Ranger program, it is now available for sale to SLA Employees
via select outlets in Uptown. The weapon uses 12.7mm
ammunition combined with a revolutionary pressure re-venting
BLA 710M Snubber Cost: 250c system that supercharges the rounds as they leave the barrel. The
Driller is very much a hybrid assault rifle/machine gun, kitted
Skill: Pistol out for a range of tactical applications. The weapon also features
DMG Min DMG AD Weight an over-barrel Bolt Thrower, which fires huge solid metal bolts,
capable of causing significant damage at short range. The bolts
1d10-1 3 1 0
can be retrieved and reused, though do come with a significant
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost cost in the first instance. The GAG60 comes with a lifetime
guarantee, covering all major maintenance and a two-week turn
1/3 0/1 85m 14 30c
around on all repair work.

148
 H A R D WA R E

The Cold Shadow is CAF’s compact SMG offering, made

from the same materials as the Steel Death and available only
in their signature steel-blue finish, the weapon has a 30-round
magazine, low recoil and very light weight for its size. The Cold
Shadow is usually the firearm of choice for gang members and
the unsavoury element of Downtown. When Shivers come
under fire in the line of duty, the familiar ‘ping’ of CAF rounds
is what they are used to hearing.
CAF ‘Cold Shadow’ Submachine Gun Cost: 300u

BLA GAG60 Driller Cost: 2200c Skill: Pistol/Rifle

Skill: Rifle DMG Min DMG AD Weight
DMG Min DMG AD Weight 1d10-3 1 1 1
1d10+5 6 3 2 ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost 3 1 60m 30 40u

3/10 1/2 400m 30 150c CAF ‘Screaming Eagle’ Assault Rifle
The Driller also has a secondary fire mode; an Overbarrel Bolt
“No wonder the eagle’s screaming...I’d be fucking crying my
Thrower.
eyes out if I had one of those pieces of shite!”
Overbarrel Bolt Thrower Isaac Cleaver, Human Operative, SCL
9.7 squad ‘Scrot Ticklers’
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10+6 7 2 NA
CAF’s Screaming Eagle uses the same 5mm rounds as their
other small-arms, but offers greater range, multiple rates of fire
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost and a slight increase in potential damage. While the weapon
causes fatalities in gang warfare on a regular basis, it still
180c /
1 0 40m 6 struggles to penetrate any significant level of armour, with even
30c per Bolt
Body Blocker doing a good job of stopping the small calibre
Bolts can be reused if retrieved after firing. rounds. The Screaming Eagle is the upper-end of legal civilian
weapons on the streets of Mort.
CAF ‘Steel Death’ Pistol
CAF ‘Screaming Eagle’ Assault Rifle Cost: 350u
“I’d rather have the Unis”
Skill: Rifle
Isaac Cleaver, Human Operative, SCL
9.7 squad ‘Scrot Ticklers’ DMG Min DMG AD Weight
Consolidated Arms Fabrication (CAF) are the approved 1d10-3 1 1 1
manufacturer for civilian defence weapons. CAF’s range of
firearms use a proprietary 5mm calibre, made exclusively for ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
their weapons, which is cheap to manufacture and attracts less 1/3 0/2 160m 20 40u
bullet tax than other calibres. The Steel Death is an entry level
personal handgun made from solid ceramics and sporting a FEN AR Assault Rifle
steel-blue finish. “ You want the best rifle for the money you got? I don’t care
CAF ‘Steel Death’ Pistol Cost: 200u how much money you got… the answer is still the AR.”
Pistol Abraham Horseshoe, SLA-approved
Skill:
weapons retailer, Horseshoe Tactical
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
FEN are market leaders in the arms race and the AR is their
1d10-3 1 1 1 shining light. A battlefield assault rifle that features incredible
ceramic construction, significant range, single and burst fire
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
modes and it delivers enough punch to down targets with one
1 0 60m 8 30u well placed shot. The AR is standard issue for SLA military
infantry on War Worlds and still the highest selling assault rifle
CAF ‘Cold Shadow’ Submachine Gun
in history. Operatives looking for a reliable assault rifle for use
“I’d rather have a CAF ‘Steel Shit’ pistol” on the streets of Mort need look no further. The AR uses the
Isaac Cleaver, Human Operative, SCL FEN-developed 10mm caseless round, which is one of the most
9.7 squad ‘Scrot Ticklers’ cost-effective and well loved rounds currently on the market.

149
 SLA INDUSTRIES

FEN 091 Farjacket

The 091 is FEN’s 17mm pump-action hand cannon. The
Farjacket is a close range weapon that was originally marketed as
a Thresher-killer and has upheld that reputation for many years.
The super compact design makes it look as though firing it like
any other pistol would be a simple task, though in reality that
extreme recoil created by the massive 17mm rounds means that
almost all users will require two-hands to properly steady and
fire the weapon. In addition, the pump-action design requires
two-hands in order to reload the weapon during a firefight.
The Farjacket is precision made from poly-alloy components
wrapped in a ceramic frame, making it reasonably well balanced
for a weapon with its weight and bulk. Even the 5 round clip is
FEN AR Assault Rifle Cost: 800c not seen as a draw back, given so few targets can survive a single
Skill: Rifle shot from the weapon. The 17mm ammunition does however
come with a significant price tag, making the weapon rare in the
DMG Min DMG AD Weight hands of anyone but the richest of Operatives.
1d10+3 5 1 2

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

1/3 0/2 350m 25 60c

FEN 30-30 ‘True Shot’ Sniper Rifle

“ Yeah, it chucks lead quite a distance, but it’s not the most
interesting rifle around, eh? Meh, it works. I’ll take it”
Blink Salisbury, Human Operative, SCL 9a, squad ‘Beirut’
The FEN 30-30 has gone unchanged in its design for almost
250 years and has held the mantle for ‘best selling sniper rifle’ FEN 091 Farjacket Cost: 820c
for over 200 of them. The True Shot uses the less common Skill: Pistol
8mm round combined with a single-shot bolt action firing
mechanism. The slimmer round maximises armour penetration DMG Min DMG AD Weight
and flight stability to enable the weapon to fire accurately over 2d10 9 4 2
an extended range. The True Shot features a removable barrel
to make it easier to transport and is considered the weapon of ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
choice for any sniper looking for simplicity and performance in 1 1* 25m 5 100c
the same package. The weapon requires two hands to reload. The recoil is increased
by +2 when firing the weapon one-handed. Ignore this modifier
if the user has a STR of 5 or greater. This weapon can never be
used for dual wielding.

FEN 93 GAG
“Still using it. Still loving it. Still not regretting it. Until
something newer comes out, I’m not even looking at the other
FEN 30-30 ‘True Shot’ Sniper Rifle Cost: 1200c crap on the market.”
Skill: Rifle Stella Strike, Wraithen Operative,
SCL 7.2b, squad ‘Ruffled Feathers’
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10+5 7 1 2 The market’s only carbine-sized sniping weapon. The weapon
sports a fully ceramic construction that extends the length of
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost the weapon, making the barrel length seem deceptively short.
The weapon out-ranges all current production assault rifles
1 1 950m 2 10c
and delivers the well loved 12mm round with devastating
The first round of aiming with this weapon grants both possible accuracy. The weapon holds a 10-round clip, is compatible with
aim bonuses. Any additional rounds spent aiming provide a all of FENs usual optional attachments and though it provides
single bonus as normal. Once this weapon has fired at a target,
less range and needs a little more skill to handle than other
any aim bonuses are lost.
sniping weapons, the 93 GAG has rapidly become the urban
marksman’s weapon of choice.

150
 H A R D WA R E

The FEN 400 is the most powerful sniper rifle of the last 200
years, with its design unchanged since its first release. The Sure
Kill uses huge 17mm rounds and is manufactured with full
ceramic construction, including a ceramic inner-barrel which
is required to handle the weapon’s extreme muzzle velocity.
The 5-round clip appears oversized, on account of it housing
a significant power pack which controls the onboard cooling
FEN 93 GAG Cost: 950c system and accelerated launch mechanism, which requires large
Skill: Rifle amounts of power to get the rounds moving at the required
velocity. The weapon also ships with a detachable bayonet thanks
DMG Min DMG AD Weight to the original sponsorship deal struck up between Top Notch
2d10-2 7 2 2 and FEN. The wise folk at FEN’s Department of Innovation
decided that the weapon would stand out on camera more if Top
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
Notch managed to use it as a melee weapon during televised
1 1 550m 10 100c action. Of course the concept was preposterous and did little,
but make aiming a nightmare, but a trend was set, meaning that
FEN 204 ‘Gunhead’ Submachine Gun every Sure Kill still includes the ‘Top Notch Blade’. The blade
“As long as you know what you’re about, the Gunhead is a very can be removed in order to make space for a tripod, which is
effective sidearm. A forty round clip is not to be overlooked.” the normal configuration used by anyone intending to use the
weapon as an effective sniper canon.
Bench Finster, Human Operative, SCL
8.2, squad ‘Bingo Bingo Bingo’
The Gunhead is viewed by many as an ‘upgrade’ to the standard-
issue FEN 603 Auto-Pistol. The super compact submachine
gun provides multiple rates of fire, a 40 round magazine and
enough range to be able to use the weapon during most urban
conflicts. While the weapon’s recoil becomes a little intense
at higher rates of fire, this is easily offset by its compatibility
with all manner of optional rifle stocks, laser pointers and recoil
baffling. The Gunhead makes a very reliable backup weapon for
Operatives in Downtown and its robust manufacture means it FEN 400 ‘Sure Kill’ Sniper Cannon Cost: 2250c

keeps on giving even after some serious abuse. Skill: Rifle

DMG Min DMG AD Weight
2d10+5 10 4 4

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

1 2 800m 5 150c
The removable ‘Top Notch Blade’ uses the same profile as a
BOSH SLA blade. When using the FEN 400 as a melee weapon
with the blade attached, the Polearm skill is used with a -2
modifier to all dice.

FEN 204 ‘Gunhead’ Submachine Gun Cost: 350c FEN 603 Auto-Pistol
Skill: Pistol/Rifle “Everyone’s got one. I don’t know what to say about this, pal.
DMG Min DMG AD Weight It’s a FEN 603.”
Jade McKye, Human Operative, SCL 8.2, squad ‘Lights’
1d10-2 3 1 2
The FEN 603 is the most popular pistol SLA Industries
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost has ever produced, partly because it’s part of the standard
1/3/10 0/1/3 65m 40 50c equipment list that is issued to Operatives upon induction.
Even if it was not forced upon them, many Operatives would
FEN 400 ‘Sure Kill’ Sniper Cannon choose this as their primary sidearm. Fitted with a 20-round
“... also the weapon ships with a bayonet as standard. No, no, magazine and delivered with a zero maintenance guarantee, its
you heard me right.” ceramic construction makes it reliable for every squeeze of the
trigger. Using the popular and plentiful 10mm caseless round,
Abraham Horseshoe, SLA-approved there are numerous custom options for both ammunition and
weapons retailer, Horseshoe Tactical enhancements, such as flash suppressor and silencer options.

151
 SLA INDUSTRIES

FEN 808 Power Reaper 2.4000

The 808 is the big brother of the long standing 706 Power
Reaper. FEN managed to take the winning recipe of their
original model and increase the damage output by using the
ultimately devastating 12mm round. The 808 has the high rate
of fire and reasonable weight distribution that Operative’s came
to love the Power Reaper for, but with a much larger ammo
capacity and considerably more ‘grunt’. Many of SLA’s armed
vehicles have already been upgraded to mount the 808 and
while it is not as commonly available as the 706, only being
available from FEN’s official dealership in Uptown, it can still
be obtained by Operatives who are willing to wait the six day
FEN 603 Auto-Pistol Cost: 200c
lead time for the weapon order to arrive. The 808 Power Reaper
Skill: Pistol 2.4000 has the build quality you should expect from a high-
end FEN weapon and is fully compatible with most common
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
upgrades and accessories.
1d10-2 3 1 1

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

1/3 0/1 60m 20 30c

FEN 706 Power Reaper 2.1000

SLA’s most popular squad support weapon. The 706 is an
assault rifle-sized, ceramic-barrelled weapon that uses FENs
10mm caseless ammunition and has seen exceptional success
in the hands of both Operatives and War World Infantry. The
Power Reaper is most commonly used with 25-round clips, but
optional 100-round belts are also available for the more trigger-
happy of Operatives. Sales of the 706 rose steeply since footage
of Arnold Nutter and his antics started to appear on prime time
broadcasts. As Nutters’ last moments were televised, FEN saw FEN 808 Power Reaper 2.4000 Cost: 2100c
the sharpest rise in sales that the company had ever recorded,
bringing the annual sales of the 706 to a record high. Skill: Support Weapons
The extreme rate of fire, lightweight frame and high-end build DMG Min DMG AD Weight
quality is what commonly makes the Power Reaper a serious 1d10+5 7 2 3*
consideration for any Operative looking to buy a bigger gun.
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

3/10/ 80 (clip) 150c (clip)

1/2/3 280m
SUP(40) 200 (belt) 300c (belt)
*Weight factor is increased by 1 when the weapon is used with a
belt of ammunition.

FEN 866 Sweeper

“Covering fire - check. Huge ammo capacity - check. One-
handed fire - check. Me and Shae get into some deep holes, but
the Sweeper always digs us out. Shae likes that it glows blue as
FEN 706 Power Reaper 2.1000 Cost: 1750c well.”
Skill: Rifle Fal’Kt’Kt’Lg, Shaktar Operative,
DMG Min DMG AD Weight SCL 6.7, squad ‘Shae n’ Fal’
1d10+2 5 1 2* One of FENs more unique designs, the Sweeper is a heavy
squad support weapon which delivers 10mm caseless rounds
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost with a massive rate of fire. The standard 120 round clip provides
3/10/ 25 (clip) 70c (clip) sufficient ammunition for most firefights, which is good news
1/2/3 220m given that the weapon has a minimum burst of 10 rounds per
SUP(25) 100 (belt) 170c (belt)
squeeze of the trigger. On full lock, the sweeper is able to empty
*Weight factor is increased by 1 when the weapon is used with a its entire magazine in a couple of seconds, plastering a significant
belt of ammunition. area with a hailstorm of carnage. The weapon itself is designed

152
 H A R D WA R E

to mount over the hand of the user by securely attaching itself

to the sleeve of powered armour and looks not dissimilar to a
3-litre drinks bottle that emits the subtle blue hue of chamber
coolant as it is fired. Due to the unique design, unarmoured
targets will find themselves unable to hold the weapon steady
and those without significant strength will be unable to use the
weapon at all.

FEN 904SH Reaver Cannon Cost: 4500c

Skill: Support Weapons

DMG Min DMG AD Weight
2d10+4 8 6 4
FEN 866 Sweeper Cost: 2500c

Support Weapons
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
Skill:
10/
DMG Min DMG AD Weight 2/3 200m 100 350c
SUP(25)
1d10+5 6 2 3 The Reaver only fires rare and exceptionally expensive HESH
ammunition. Alternative ammo types may not be used in this
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
weapon. Use of this weapon within the walls of Mort City is
10/ considered illegal. The Reaver Cannon may only be used by a
2/3 300m 120 180c
SUP(40) character with a STR of 5 or greater.
The Sweeper may only be used by a character with a STR of 5
or greater.
FEN 989 Stormer Cannon
“Makes a mess. Big mess. Either big hole or enemy not there
FEN 904SH Reaver Cannon
anymore. I like mess.”
“ You don’t see many of these on Mort, but those you do see are Targ, 313 ‘Malice’ Stormer Operative, SCL 7.1a
invariably in the hands of a Cannibal Sector baddass on TV.
The Stormer Cannon is another War World weapon, introduced
This one doesn’t work, but it still cost me a few creds.”
to Operatives for use in Cannibal Sector 1 as a means to tackle
“Iron Mika” Greviss , Bar Owner, “Mika’s Joint” Greater Carrien, Sector Mutants and the a like. It is often used
The Reaver is a War World Stormer weapon, designed for as a breaching weapon due to its capacity to blow holes through
front-fire duties. The weapon, commonly termed ‘Death Touch’ concrete and steel with relative ease. The weapon has found its
by those who have seen it in action, is used to rip through place in the hands of kill-squads, specially equipped to tackle
bulkheads, annihilate Thresher armour and tear through the Thresher on Mort. As the name suggests, the sizable weapon is
armour plating on opposing vehicles. Despite the company’s best designed for use by Malice and Chagrin Stormers and though
attempts to keep the Reaver away from Mort, recent conflict in other species, such as Shaktars and Advanced Carrien possess
CS1 has led to the release of the weapon to Stormer Operatives the strength to use it, SLA Industries refuse to supply the
who have proven able to file the correct paperwork and who weapon to anyone other than their biogenetic finest. Though
have committed to a long-term tour of Cannibal Sector 1. the use of the weapon is entirely illegal within the walls of
The Reaver uses 12.7mm HESH (High Explosive Squash Mort City, against Thresher, a blind eye is often taken so long as
Head) rounds which are no longer mass produced. FEN still structural damage to the city is kept to a minimum. The weapon
make a limited amount of HESH ammunition for use on uses the now rare and expensive HESH round in a 17mm
War Worlds and due to the strict availability, the clip cost for calibre - a true beast of a bullet. Due to the rarity of both the
the Reaver is significantly high. Anyone in possession of this weapon and ammunition, the cost associated with the Stormer
weapon and who is found to have fired it within the confines Cannon makes it an unlikely acquisition for newer recruits, but
of the Mort City walls will be reprimanded to the most severe one well worth aspiring towards.
extent.

153
 SLA INDUSTRIES

FEN 989 Stormer Cannon Cost: 5000c GA50 Finisher Cost: 300c

Skill: Support Weapons Skill: Pistol/Rifle

DMG Min DMG AD Weight DMG Min DMG AD Weight
3d10-3 9 5 5 1d10-2 2 1 1

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
3 3 350m 30 500c 1/3 0/1* 150m 18 30c
The Stormer Cannon only fires rare and exceptionally expensive When using the Pistol skill to fire this weapon the recoil is
HESH ammunition. Alternative ammo types may not be used in increased by 1.
this weapon. Use of this weapon within the walls of Mort City
is considered illegal. The Stormer Cannon may only be used by Klippo K1 Inferno
characters with STR 6 or greater.
“Fuckers! That was my idea.”
GA47 Semi-Automatic Pistol DarkNight Commandant Buzz Lisher, The Fire
The GA47 is a low-cost ceramic auto pistol from General Klippo, the company behind the famous Klippo Lighter,
Armaments (GA), the same people that brought us the well unexpectedly entered the weapons marketplace only a few
loved Finisher assault rifle. The ceramic barrel and lightweight years ago. The birth of the K1 was entirely unintended, coming
frame make it the perfect choice as a backup weapon when about after the R&D department received a job application
something more compact than the FEN 603 is needed. The from a SLA Operative looking for a career change. Included
GA47 uses 10mm caseless ammunition packed into a 12-round in the letter was a design for a flamethrower. No such position
magazine. It packs more than enough punch into each and existed within the company and so the application was rejected
every shot. out of hand. Months later the application was found again and
GA47 Semi-Automatic Pistol Cost: 80c before long and without input from the job applicant, patented
cigarette lighter designs were up-scaled. The first flamethrower
Skill: Pistol
ever seen in The World of Progress was created. The weapon was
DMG Min DMG AD Weight tipped to be the hottest new release of the year. Shortly before its
1d10-2 2 1 1 release date though, it was announced that the K1 would not be
available to buy without very specific authorisation and would
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost remain illegal within the Mort City walls, with the exception of
1/3 0/1 80m 12 25c
Shi’An cult or vermin control. The K1 had effectively joined the
likes of the FEN Reaver Cannon as weapons designed solely for
GA50 Finisher use in the cannibal sectors or off-world. The weapon projects a
high velocity stream of molten fluid which burns for up to an
“It’s yer meat and portaters, innit. It’s a proper gun, but no hour and is capable of melting through flesh, bone and armour
faff.” at an alarming rate. A single fuel canister provides 15 bursts.
Aetherman Buxton, Naga 7 Division, 6th Head
Made from metallised carbon composite, the GA Finisher
is considered the better choice of assault rifle for Operatives
on a budget. While its 18-round magazine is considered a
drawback, GA have always got around complaints by delivering
the Finisher with an extra empty magazine at no extra cost.
The Finisher can be fitted with an assortment of sights and
other accessories and offers an exceptionally lightweight
weapon that delivers a real punch. The Finisher uses 10mm
caseless ammunition and though marketed as an Assault Rifle,
the weapon is in reality closer to a heavy submachine gun and Klippo K1 Inferno Cost: 2500c
comes fitted with a retractable stock for greater flexibility. Skill: Support Weapons
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
2d10 8 3 4*

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

1 1 15m 15 150c (canister)

154
 H A R D WA R E

Anyone hit by the K1 suffers the burning condition. The K1 emits

a 1m wide stream of flame which is not stopped by it hitting
a target. A roll to hit is required against every target within
the stream, with an additional -1 modifier being applied to all
dice for every other target that the stream has already passed.
The K1 uses special flammable liquid supplied in canisters as
ammunition. Alternative ammo types may not be used in this
weapon. Unauthorised use of this weapon within the walls of
Mort City is considered illegal.
Additional canisters have a Weight Factor of 3.

KPS Mangler Automatic Shotgun

Kramer Production Syndicate (KPS) hit the market with
the Mangler over 50 years ago, it was an instant success with MAL Assault Cannon Cost: 2500c
Operatives of all SCLs. The success of the weapon was so great Skill: Rifle
that KPS have never released another weapon, with the small
company spending their entire limited staffing resources on DMG Min DMG AD Weight
manufacturing the Mangler to meet SLA Industries growing 2d10-4 8 3 2
demands. The Mangler is a fully automatic combat shotgun,
which fires 10 gauge rounds and utilises a 10-round magazine ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

which can empty itself at an alarming rate. Despite constant 3 1* 400m 20 100c
calls for larger box mags, KPS have never produced one. The The recoil is increased by +1 when fired by anyone with a STR
Mangler’s reputation as the deadliest room-clearer on the lower than 2. Additionally, the modifiers for firing this weapon at
market is well earned and it remains a favourite with those long range are not applied.
Operatives who prefer closer ranged assault weapons.
SHV-01 Gauss Rifle
“We had thousands of Browbeaters in the hands of Shivers in
the cannibal sectors. You might not know it, but this previously
non-lethal crowd pacifier was turned into a very effective tool
out there, saving you in here from the horrors we faced daily.”
Commander Cradle, Shiver Commander,
Bellwood Campaign
The Gauss Rifle is the standard issue weapon of the Shiver
Organisation, used for both policing the streets of Downtown
KPS Mangler Automatic Shotgun Cost: 900c
and for waging war in Cannibal Sector 1. Prior to the Bellwood
Skill: Rifle Campaign, the SHV-01 was available on the market as the
DMG Min DMG AD Weight GA9442 ‘Browbeater’ Gauss Rifle. The Browbeater was made
as a non-lethal crowd control weapon, already the standard issue
1d10+4 6 4 2
weapon for Street Shivers, making it automatically undesirable
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost with Operatives. The weapon fires 3mm Ball-Bearing rounds
that expand in-flight to 30mm in diameter with an incredible
3 1 25m 10 40c
rate of fire, inflicting low levels of impact damage. While
MAL Assault Cannon unarmoured targets will be hurt by the weapon, those wearing
Unexplainably cited as the ‘Shaktar’s Favourite’, the MAL body armour will likely just laugh. A full volley however, is
Assault Cannon is in fact, while large in size, light enough to enough to knock even the strongest of Humans to the ground.
be fired by most Operatives of average strength and physique. Out in Cannibal Sector 1, the Ball-Bearings are nowhere to be
The MAL is a benchmark for powerful battle rifles, with the seen, particularly since the Red Sky Massacre where supplies
weapon’s action delivering 12.7mm rounds at significant of the wrong ammunition led to the slaughter of a mass Shiver
velocity over ranges of up to 400m. Due to the way that the force. The 3mm Flechette ammunition which was designed
weapon works, the actual drop-off of velocity occurs much later for use in the Sector is identified by a red band printed on the
during the flight of the bullet compared to that of other rifles, magazine, compared to the green band printed on Ball-Bearing
allowing for greater accuracy at the extremes of the weapon’s rounds. Flechette rounds are tiny metal-tipped cerami-plastic
range. The weapon has a resin-layered carbon-fibre body and arrows which split open upon impact against armour. While
20-round magazine which makes it a reliable partner in any the damage inflicted is far less than 10mm caseless rounds, the
firefight. Despite the recoil that the weapon can experience, the impact that Flechettes have upon armour is quite significant.
Assault Cannon is the poster-child for MAL’s Recoil Baffling The weapon’s internal fire management system automatically
upgrades, which are of course fully compatible with the weapon. adjusts the rate of fire to suit the loaded ammunition type and is
good for 3000 hours of continual operation.

155
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Despite the SHV-01 now being exclusively available to the 10mm weapon that rarely jams and can cope with the rigours of
Shiver Organisation, GA refuse to remove the ‘Browbeater’ life on the street and over the wall.
from the current weapons catalogue. The weapon is not available
to purchase anymore, but Operatives are likely to encounter it
commonly when working alongside Shivers on both sides of
the wall.

SHV-02 Spit Pistol Cost: NA

Skill: Pistol
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
SHV-01 Gauss Rifle Cost: NA 1d10-3 1 1 1
Skill: Rifle
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
DMG Min DMG AD Weight 1 0 50m 10 NA
1d10-7 1 0 2
SLA 10-05 Bully Boy Shotgun
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost For the best part of 100 years, SLA’s 10-10 Bully Boy was
10/ the shotgun of choice for Operatives leaving the Meny training
0/1 220m 300 NA academy. Following an unfortunate event whereby one of the
SUP(100)
most watched TV shows of all time saw a well loved Operative
The weapon fires 3mm expanding non-lethal Ball-Bearings
which is standard issue ammunition for use within Mort City.
slaughtered after his 10-10 jammed, the weapon’s popularity
No damage modifier is applied for the ROF when a target is dive bombed. Faith in the gas-operated bullpup design was
hit with these rounds. Instead, anyone hit by a volley of ball- gone. SLA were quick to react, discontinuing the 10-10 and
bearing rounds may be knocked over at the GM’s discretion. The bringing back its predecessor, the 10-05, a 5-round chamber
SHV-01 also has a secondary ammunition type; 3mm Flechette loading pump-action shotgun that used absolutely no fancy
Rounds. technology. The 10-05 Bully Boy would work even if it was
full of Carnivorous Pig guts and the advertising slogan - “the
3mm Flechette Rounds original and best” - was enough to win over the minds and
hearts of plenty of previous 10-10 users. The 10-05 rapidly
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
outsold the company’s expectations and solidifying itself in the
1d10-2 2 4 NA future of the company’s arms strategy.
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost The Bully Boy is fairly long-barrelled for a shotgun, giving it a
greater range than other shotguns on the market and the return
3 1 250m 50 NA of the classic pump-action design seems to have won over the
Standard Bellwood Campaign-issue ammunition for use within hearts of shotgun loving Operatives on the streets of Mort.
Cannibal Sector 1. These rounds are not available to Street
Shivers.

SHV-02 Spit Pistol

“It’s still pretty much the worst pistol about… and we still
have to use it. At least it’s better than that CAF crap… just.”
Shiver Pvt. Tarly Walters, Downtown Patrol
SLA 10-05 Bully Boy Shotgun Cost: 250c
The Spit Pistol is the standard issue sidearm of all Shiver
Skill: Rifle
personnel and is not currently available for general sale. Since
its deployment to Shivers during the Bellwood Campaign, DMG Min DMG AD Weight
where it replaced the old Zip Pistol, the SHV-02’s reputation 1d10+3 5 3 2
for being a cheaply made, poorly performing side arm has
escalated to the point that the weapon has become a mocking ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
point for Operative’s working alongside Shivers. Despite this, 1 1 30m 5 25c
its reputation, however, is undeserved, as the Spit Pistol offers a

156
 H A R D WA R E

power of most shotguns and are a much cheaper upgrade than

AMMUNITION those available for other weapon calibres.
SLA Industries has long manufactured a substantial range of Shotgun Slugs
ammunition types, each with their own benefits and setbacks.
Until recently, the ammunition options on the market were Cost: +20% of clip cost
surprisingly vast, despite the high rate of bullet tax. It was +1 DMG, -1 AD.
the bullet tax however that caused what came to be known
as ‘The fall of HESH’, the sudden boycotting of all major
bullet manufacturers in order to try and drive the street prices
GRENADES & EXPLOSIVES
down. The stubbornness of the company however, remained Grenades are far less popular with SLA Operatives than they
unfaltering and rather than bullet prices dropping in response were some years ago, largely on account of the punishments
to the standoff, the manufacture of most expensive ammo types that were handed out to Ops who used Fragmentation grenades
was instead ceased. SLA simply applied the same rationale they a little too freely within the city boundaries. The possibility
had for any other product; when it stops being profitable, it for extreme structural damage and unnecessary loss of life
stops getting made. that can come from using such weapons within the confines
of Downtown’s claustrophobic landscape is huge, as such,
Note: The clip cost stated on ranged weapon profiles is explosives and fragmentation grenades are now considered
always the price for standard ammunition unless otherwise illegal for use within the boundaries of Mort City and are sold
stated. only for use during green BPNs. There are however a number
High Explosive Rounds (HE) of grenades more suitable for urban pacification which still see
regular use with Operatives on the street, particularly the DA
“They make a real mess. That’s why I use them.” 101 ‘Blind’ grenade.
Tul’Fn’Kl’Lar, Shaktar Operative, SCL 6.8a
DA 63 MagMine
High Explosive rounds contain small secondary charges Although it carries the DA brand, the MagMine is actually an
which detonate a fraction after impact, inflicting a notable imposter, manufactured by DarkNight for use by their specialists
increase in damage, as well as considerable damage to armour in Cannibal Sector 1. The effectiveness of the weapon and the
or solid structures. High Explosive rounds also make a mess of opportunity to make good money saw the manufacturing step
unarmoured targets and so should not be used when a target up to include a fake ‘DA’ branding before flooding the weapons
needs to be apprehended. blackmarket with them. Despite DA’s push to try and remove
High Explosive Rounds (HE) them from general sale and SLA making them illegal, many
dealers still sell the MagMine under-the-counter to Operatives
Cost: +50% of clip cost
that know where to ask.
+1 DMG, +1 AD (an additional +1 DMG if the target is The unit consists of an electromagnetically charged housing
unarmoured). which contains a powerful explosive charge. Once armed, the
Armour Piercing Rounds (AP) magnet goes into overdrive creating a grip that even Stormers
will struggle to pull free, meaning that an armoured target
AP rounds have a hardened inner core and a sharper ballistic unfortunate enough to stand on a DA 63 will find it attached
cap, allowing them to punch through armoured targets with firmly to their foot until the device detonates. The mine also
greater ease. Such rounds significantly reduce the effectiveness houses an optional timer that runs from 10 seconds to 10
of the target’s armour making them a popular choice with minutes, allowing it to be used as a traditional timed explosive
snipers and espionage agents. device.
Armour Piercing Rounds (AP) Cost:
DA 63 MagMine 30C/200u
Cost: +50% of clip cost
Skill: Demolitions Blast
-2 to the target’s armour PV.
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Radius
Shotgun Slugs
1d10+4 6 3 1 1/6m
“Punk, foosh, thud, ya bass!” Ownership of a MagMine is considered illegal.
Belter, Frother Operative, SCL 7.2a, squad ‘Hoots Mon!’
DA 71 Concussion Grenade
As standard, shotguns use ‘shot’ as their primary ammunition
A simple stun grenade used by Operatives and Shivers in
type, a cartridge loaded with multiple fine ball-bearings which
urban pacification. Upon detonation the grenade sends out a
hit the target with a tight spread when fired. As an alternative,
sudden high frequency shock wave with extreme force. Anyone
‘slugs’ are available for all 10 gauge shotguns. A slug is effectively
caught in the blast will be knocked unconscious, with even the
a solid large calibre bullet, designed to inflict more damage to
most heavily armoured targets being dazed and stunned by the
a single point of impact. While slugs are far less popular, they
impact.
do have the capacity to increase the already impressive stopping

157
 SLA INDUSTRIES

DA 71 Concussion Grenade Cost: 10c ARMOUR

Skill: Throw Blast An Operative’s armour should be their first consideration
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Radius when hitting the streets of Mort. Without armour, the life
NA NA NA 1 6m expectancy of a SLA Operative is extremely short, with an Op
posted to Cannibal Sector 1 effectively being dead before they
The DA 71 does not inflict physical damage. Any unarmoured
arrive. Armour provides significant protection to bullets and
targets hit by the grenade are knocked unconscious for 1 min.
blades, as well as to the environmental dangers omnipresent on
Armoured targets suffer the stunned condition.
Mort.
DA 90 Fragmentation Grenade The current wave of powered armours are fully sealed, with
emergency air supplies, advanced optics and a range of other
“It’s the benchmark for things that go boom. You gotta’ be upgrades which make them both hugely desirable and painfully
careful though, I’ve seen SCLs get knocked down and even a expensive. Operatives who prioritise armour over bigger guns
stretch in Fallgate after using too many of these babies. Civi’s will generally not find themselves regretting the decision. Until
just get in the way, that’s the real problem..” 911sd, many armour suits were not available for Stormers, due to
Regan, Eban Operative, SCL 7.8a, squad ‘Meggie’s Narcs’ the sheer size of their physical frame, but following the success
of Power Projects’ Exo Armour line, a long time favourite with
The DA 90 is the only fragmentation grenade worth
larger statured SLA Operatives, almost all armour types are
considering and the standard issue for SLA military forces off-
now available to all Operatives who can afford the price tag.
world for longer than anyone can recall. The DA 90 detonates
10 seconds after being triggered, giving any trained Operative Note: While it is not mandatory for Ebonites to wear a
time to lineup a shot and land the grenade exactly where they Deathsuit, any Ebonite who chooses to wear any other form
need it. The explosion creates a cloud of razor sharp metal of armour (powered or otherwise) is considered to have a
shards, with enough force to crack walls and rip right through Flux stat of 1.
lightly armoured targets. Note: Neophron characters are unable to wear heavier
DA 90 Fragmentation Grenade Cost: 15c armour due to their fragile physical frame. As such only
lighter armour of PV6 or lower can be worn by Neophron
Skill: Throw Blast
characters.
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Radius
CAF Padquil Flak Vest
1d10+2 5 2 1 5/10m
A commonly used mil-spec flak vest, providing a multi-
Use of these grenades within the walls of Mort City is considered
layered torso protection for both civilian and military forces. The
illegal.
Padquil vest provides reasonable protection to common small
DA 101 ‘Blind’ Smoke Grenade arms fire, but is relatively useless in stopping most Operative-
grade calibres.
‘Blind’ grenades emit a thick smoke which is almost impossible
to see through. A single grenade is capable of entirely filling a CAF Padquil Flak Vest Cost: 25c/250u
room for 10 minutes, or forming a sizable cloud in the open
PV Resistance Weight
air for close to 5 minutes. The composition of the smoke also
plays havoc with Thermal and Infrared spectrums, making the 2 8 2
use of such optics far less useful while the smoke remains. The This armour provides no protection against environmental
grenades are available in 24 colours, with a light grey being the factors. The Padquil Flak Vest may not be repaired.
default stocked by most suppliers.
MAL Modular Armour
DA 101 ‘Blind’ Smoke Grenade Cost: 5c*
“I saw it out there and wanted it in here.”
Skill: Throw Blast
Belter, Frother Operative, SCL 7.2a, squad ‘Hoots Mon!’
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Radius
Developed for the Sector Ranger program, MAL’s Modular
NA NA NA 1 12m Armour has been designed in sections, to allow specific parts to be
*DA 101 Smoke Grenades cost +1c for colours other than light replaced as required. This not only makes it cheaper to repair, but
grey. also allows the wearer to replace a single leg panel or gauntlet should
The DA 101 does not inflict physical damage. The Blast Radius the rest of the armour still be intact. The Armour has an internal
is filled with thick smoke that can only be seen through with IR power management system which diverts power from disconnected
or Thermal imaging, both of which also suffer visual distortion, sections, allowing the rest of the suit to remain functional when it
causing a -1 modifier to any visual-based Detect skill rolls. is heavily damaged. The MAL suit has a 14,000-hour power supply,
a long-range comms relay, air filtration with a 4-hour emergency
“He set off a Blind in the canteen, said it’d be funny …” air supply and FEN’s newly updated Scout Helmet interface as
standard. The armour is now available to Operatives for the first
Ben Marsh, Human Operative, SCL 7.2, squad ‘Send Fish’
time, though comes with a hefty price tag.

158
 H A R D WA R E

MAL Modular Armour Cost: 2850c PP10 HARD Armour

PV Resistance Weight “If it’s good enough for Nutter...”
7 20 0 Zack McTavish, Frother Operative,
Individual sections of Modular Armour can be purchased making SCL 8.1, squad ‘Ruffled Feathers’
repairs easier and cheaper. On average, the cost of repairing PP10 is the gold standard for entry level armour. Used by Shiver
the armour is around 50% less than other armours. Modular Elites, Frothers and the vast majority of Operatives on the street.
Armour also includes a FEN 270671b Scout Helmet Interface HARD (Heavy Ablative Recess Deck) is reliable, robust and
as standard. battle-proven. The suit is fitted with an integrated power harness
and 8000-hour power supply, which offsets the weight in the
Bastion Armour armour and keeps it manoeuvrable when the going gets tough.
Bastion Armour is made by Neophrons for Neophrons. The The fully sealed design offers excellent protection from small arms
semi-armoured suit is designed to be worn over other clothing, and blades while also protecting from the elements. Its built-in air
traditionally over smart dress and is made for maximum flexibility. filtration and 2-hour emergency oxygen supply enable long term
Neophrons typically have a very fragile body frame and many have deployment in the sectors. A half-mask version is available for the
reported serious injury simply from wearing commonly accessible more media-hungry Operative, but requires the sacrifice of the
powered armour. While the average Neophron is capable of helmet’s environmental protection and built-in comms relay.
wearing Body Blocker or HARD armour without injury, the vast
majority of them opt to wear Bastion. Traditionally worn with a
Featherpoint Rapier by the side, Bastion armour is seen as a mark
of the distinguished scholar.
The protection offered by Bastion Armour compares well to
much of the armour technology that existed on Mort prior to
the Nephrons’ arrival. For an armoured suit that does not cover
the entire body and that is designed to flex without creasing the
wearer’s clothing, the fact that it is able to stop projectiles as
efficiently as HARD armour is frankly astounding, though the
exact methods used to construct the armour are well guarded by
Neophron craftsmen. Bastion does not have the robust nature of
powered armour and as such can wear out fast with vigorous use,
but such considerations are typically the last thing on a Neophron’s
mind when it comes to looking the part on the streets of Mort.

PP10 HARD Armour Cost: 1750c

PV Resistance Weight
6 20 0

PP13 Exo-Armour Mk.2

Power Project’s Exo-Armour was, for a long time, the go-
to choice of armour for Operatives, sitting nicely in the price
and performance bracket between Body Blocker and HARD
Armour. When the news came in 912sd that the current range
was being discontinued and support for replacement parts was
being withdrawn, Power Projects faced a fair amount of backlash,
particularly from Stormers who got great use out of the popular
PP9 Exo suit. The negativity was short lived however, with the new
PP13 Mk.2 being announced just five months later. Rather than
Bastion Armour Cost: 1800c
a range of suits, the new Exo-Armour would follow the trend of
PV Resistance Weight other armour and be made available in all sizes with consistent
6 16 0 performance levels. The Exo Mk.2 has also seen a notable upgrade
in performance, now offering greater protection than HARD
Due to the internal structure of the armour it cannot be worn by Armour with the physical benefits of Powercell, at a cost of slightly
non-Neophron characters. reduced maneuverability.

159
 SLA INDUSTRIES

PP70 Powercell Armour Cost: 2300c

PV Resistance Weight
8 24 0
The wearer gains +1 STR (ignoring species maximums).

PP100 Crackshot Armour

“ Yeah, he did the circuit with my logo on his left shoulder. He
was also sponsored by double-P and he gave them some great
moments on camera, but his legacy was cemented when they
named the armour after him. It was ironic, really. The moment
Crackshot got a suit named after him, they wouldn’t let him
fight in real contests. He was too big a name for them to risk on
piss-ant squabbles he could get hurt in, so they started picking
his fights for him. Easy fights. The great man, reduced to a
cartoon. Still, I made a mint off the fucker because he kept my
logo on his shoulder throughout his career.”
Hei-Ran Jing, food outlet owner, 224 Noodles

PP13 Exo-Armour Mk.2 Cost: 1900c Crackshot is Power Projects flagship product for personal
protection. There may be costlier and larger solutions available, but
PV Resistance Weight PP100 Crackshot is the one on the magazine covers, the suit the
7 24 1 heroes of your favourite TV shows wear and the only choice for
the media-savvy Operative. Made of layers of compressed ceramic
The wearer gains -1 DEX, but +1 STR (ignoring species
plates with a fibre mesh of sinews and plastic cartilage between the
maximums).
sheeting, the armour’s weight and encumbrance is reduced to zero
PP70 Powercell Armour by the clever powered infrastructure. The nominal 6000-hour charge
is long enough to last over eight months of continuous wearing,
Powercell Armour, also known as “The Mule”, is the next step
more than enough even for an Operative’s tour of Cannibal Sector
up from HARD Armour, a position previously filled by Power
1. Its status as a daily-wearer is enhanced by the included bio-kit,
Project’s Exo Armour range which was discontinued in 911sd
offering a water filter and waste disposal. As one would expect from
following complaints about its impact on the user’s ability to react
a prestige outfit, the helmet is fitted with anti-glare optics, comms
to situations at speed. PP70 is based upon the same innovative
relay, a full respiration filter and lights, but most of the time, the
technology employed in HARD, but with the addition of a
helmet is mounted to the hip-mount, to allow the telegenic wearer
powered exo-skeleton which drastically increases the wearer’s
to smile for the cameras.
physical strength as well as the armour’s overall durability. This
increased lifting and punching power has made Powercell the go to
option for many Operatives. The armour features the same 2-hour
air supply and comms package as HARD Armour but comes with
a 10,000-hour power supply.

PP100 Crackshot Armour Cost: 3000c

PV Resistance Weight
10 26 0

160
 H A R D WA R E

PP104 Dogeybone Armour

Power Projects’ all-purpose assault armour is the shining jewel
in SLA’s armoured crown. The Dogeybone is a huge and imposing
powered suit, combining layers of huge ceramic plates with a
massive exo-skeleton. The final result is a suit so large that the user
could be considered more of a ‘pilot’ than a wearer, providing almost
unparalleled protection along with a significant increase to the
wearer’s physical capabilities. The sealed suit has an advanced air
purification system, auto-tint visors, two pop-up 1000w shoulder
lamps and a long-range comms relay. The entire package is run by
a 10,000-hour power supply and patented power-management
system, making the Dogeybone one of the most desirable pieces of
tech in the SLA armoury.

PP112D SilverBack Armour Cost: 4500c

PV Resistance Weight
6 18 0
The wearer gains +1 to their Rushing speed. In addition, the
armour is capable of 5 second bursts of flight, at a height up to
75m. A successful Drive Pilot skill roll is required for anything
other than straight uninterrupted flight. A similar skill roll may
be made if the character falls from great height, allowing them
to engage the suits flight system and break the fall. The suit can
make 6 bursts before a refuel pack is required, which costs 100c.
SilverBack also includes a FEN 270671b Scout Helmet Interface
as standard. Due to the frame of the armour, SilverBack may not
be worn by Stormers, Shaktars or Advanced Carrien.

PP664.2 Body Blocker

PP104 Dogeybone Armour Cost: 5000c
“It’s the toilet paper between me and the CAF rounds that
PV Resistance Weight keep on coming. I know it’s a pile of shit, but it’s rare that we
12 36 2 have to face ‘real’ bullets in Downtown and it doesn’t struggle
to stop bats and chains that the street punks throw at us. Soon
Though powered, the bulk of the suit still provides a Weight
as the gangs start packing 10mm rounds we’ll be begging for
Factor to the wearer. The wearer gains +2 STR (ignoring species
HARD like those show-pony Elites in CS1.”
maximums). Due to the frame of the armour, Dogeybone may
not be worn by Stormers. Shiver Pvt. Paul Horseshoe, Downtown Patrol
Body Blocker is the uniform of the Shiver Organisation. While
PP112D SilverBack Armour its reputation is largely one of ridicule, very few Operatives can say
The most recent revision of the SilverBack line from Power that Body Blocker hasn’t saved their lives at least once. Due to the
Projects is the armour of choice for the Operative who values speed armour’s very reasonable price, it is generally the primary choice for
and flexibility over all else. The SilverBack features a Fusion-Turbine Operatives hitting the streets for the first time, effectively being the
system and twelve gyroscopic stabilisers, enabling short bursts of stepping stone to HARD Armour.
flight at heights of up to 75m. This ability to scale buildings, jump
Body Blocker is made from plasti-ceramic plates layered over
impossible gaps and perform strafing runs over the battlefield has
a flak-weave bodysuit to create a flexible, but robust, outer shell.
pushed the 112D into the hands of many scouts and espionage
The armour is not powered and so provides some weight to the
agents, as well as snipers looking to reach elevated positions
user. It is easy to get in and out of and features anti-dazzle optics,
rapidly before combat begins. The armour features an 8000-hour
an air filtration system and standard comms relay, as well as being
power supply, a range of proximity sensors for use during flight, an
available in a vast range of colours.
extended-range comms relay, ground mapping system and the new
FEN Scout Helmet Interface as standard.

161
 SLA INDUSTRIES

PP949 Breacher Shield Cost: 250c

PV Resistance Weight
+2* 12 4
*The Breacher adds +2 to the wearer’s armour PV and all AD will
be inflicted against it, pending a successful Shield Craft skill roll
(target number determined by the GM). The shield can not be
used to protect against attacks that come from behind the user. A
Breacher Shield may only be used by characters with a minimum
STR 2. A character with STR 3 or greater may also use the shield
as a melee weapon using the following profile.

Skill: Shield Craft

DMG Min DMG AD
1d10-3 2 0

Striker Motorcycle Protection

High quality civilian motorcycle leathers, made as essential
protection for unarmoured motorcycle riders. Striker Protection
PP664.2 Body Blocker Cost: 400c is extremely common among Downtown gang members, but is
PV Resistance Weight equally popular with motorcycle enthusiasts up and down the SCL
ladder.
4 12 2
Striker Motorcycle Protection Cost: 15c/150u
PP949 Breacher Shield
The PP949 was developed for ‘Breacher Shivers’ deployed to the
PV Resistance Weight
roughest areas of Downtown and has since seen significant use in 1 6 1
the cannibal sectors under the classification of the SHV-06 Breacher This armour provides no protection against environmental
Shield. The Breacher is effectively a large riot shield made from factors. Striker Motorcycle Protection may not be repaired.
the same materials as HARD armour and since its conception, has
entirely replaced the old Shiver Pacifier Shield that was previously
used on the streets of Mort City. The huge shield is designed for EQUIPMENT
building entry and for use as movable cover during riots or close
quarters battles. The shield features a metalliglass screen to aid While blades and guns may seem like the tools of an Operatives
visibility and provides a significant amount of damage reduction trade, it is the small bits of kit that keep things going. From
for the user. Users with sufficient strength can use the shield single- maintenance kits to environment scanners, from drug injectors
handedly allowing them to use a firearm with the other hand. to flashlights, it is this significant range of available kit that
Breacher Shivers undergo specific training in what is commonly makes the modern Operative so versatile in the field.
termed ‘Shield Craft’, which covers the correct combat application
of the shield. This training is now available to Operatives who have Note: A character is assumed to have access to the
graduated from Meny. minimum amount of food and water required to survive
and can replenish themselves during downtime. During a
game session, if a character is required to eat or drink, such
refreshments will cost a few Credits or Unis providing such
items can be obtained. Additionally, any equipment that has
a stated battery life can be easily recharged during downtime
or during a game session where sufficient time and access to
a common power outlet allows.
BLA Weapon Maintenance Kit
“Their stuff costs a crazy amount more than everyone else’s,
the ammo costs are unreal and you can’t even use a regular
maintenance kit to work on them. BLA are seriously taking the
piss. But still, I want a Blitzer more than I want my girlfriend
right now.”
Shae ‘Rattle’ Cross, Human Operative,
SCL 6.1, squad ‘Shae n’ Fal’
The BLA Maintenance Kit allows for general maintenance
and repair work on all BLA weapons. BLA uses specific tooling,

162
 H A R D WA R E

screws and chamber technology that requires their own brand

BOOPA Hypofist Cost: 200c
tools to be used when working on their weapons. The Kit is
provided in a clasp-locking black moulded case which also Weight: 2
has enough space to safely store a BLA Blitzer. Ideal for those The Hypofist counts as a BOOPA Medi-kit that contains
wanting to protect their most valuable possession. 20 uses before it requires a refill. One additional Hit Point is
healed every time the user, or their patient heals any Hit Points
BLA Weapon Maintenance Kit Cost: 250c
from treatments. In addition, the Hypofist counts as a BOOPA
Weight: 1 CASDIS that contains 100 uses before requires a refill cylinder.
The kit adds +1 to the Success Die for all Technical Weapons Refills for both the Medi-kit and CASDIS functions cost 10c
skill rolls when dealing with BLA branded ranged weapons. each.

BOOPA CASDIS BOOPA Medi-kit

The CASDIS (Compressed Air Syringe and Drug Injection “Medic....”
System) is a simple injector designed for rapid application of Unknown
combat drugs. The hand held unit can also be arm mounted and
integrated into the control unit of powered armour to act like an The Medi-kit is one piece of extra weight that nobody objects
auto-injector. The system allows drugs to be administered in an to. Filled with countless essential items including a surgical
instant, taking pre-loaded drug cartridges rather than any need field kit, dressings and pain-killers, in fact, the list of contents
to fill a traditional syringe. The unit is the must-have for any is so vast that many a trained medic has been surprised by what
combat drug-user and is also a standard in most medic’s kit bags. comes with it. The BOOPA Medi-kit is lightly armoured and
waterproof making it perfect for active Operatives and the
contents can be refilled for a small charge without needing to
buy a new kit.
BOOPA Medi-kit Cost: 50c

Weight: 1
The Medi-kit adds 1 automatic Skill Die success on all Medical
rolls and each use allows the user, or their patient, to heal either
2 Hit Points or 1 wound. The Medi-kit provides 6 uses before it
must be refilled, which costs 10c.

CMC Maintenance Kits

Commercial Mechanics Corporation are the sole sanctioned
manufacturer for maintenance and repair equipment used to
keep SLA’s vehicle pool running. The kits each come in moulded
carry cases and contain a huge range of tools and spares for a
range of specific tasks. A CMC Mechanical Maintenance Kit is
generally found in the back of every Shiver APC and almost any
technician worth their weight will have one stashed somewhere.
CMC Maintenance Kits Cost: 50c
BOOPA CASDIS Cost: 10c
2
Weight:
Weight: 1
Available as Mechanical or Electronic kits. The kit adds +1 to the
The CASDIS allows drugs to be injected as an auxiliary action Success Die for all relevant Technical skill rolls.
during combat. Injecting without one takes more accuracy and
much longer, making it impossible to do so effectively in a combat DPB Laser Sharpener
situation. Every 10 uses requires a refill cylinder, which costs 2c. DPB’s sharpening system is guaranteed to turn any straight
edge back to its factory sharpness. The system is a compact
BOOPA Hypofist
cube into which a knife is inserted before the laser sharpening
Only recently made available to Operatives, the Hypofist from system is automatically activated. The advertising claim is that
BOOPA has the appearance of a large powerfist, not dissimilar any blade will go from flat to razor in 4 minutes, though general
to the ITB Mutilator, though in place of a traditional fingered maintenance sharpening takes considerably less time.
gauntlet it has a range of medical tools and utensils. The Hypofist
is a one-stop paramedical kit, designed for Paramedical Shivers DPB Laser Sharpener Cost: 5c
and for Shiver Medics stationed in Cannibal Sector 1, though Weight: 0
since the rise in popularity of SLA’s Medical training package, it The sharpener adds +1 to the Success Die for all Technical
has become a more desirable item for Operatives. The Hypofist Weapons skill rolls when dealing with bladed melee weapons.
is not able to operate firearms or be used to hold a weapon.

163
 SLA INDUSTRIES

FEN 270671b Scout Helmet Interface FEN ECM Cape

“I had one of the original ones, you know, before they put the “Ever wanted to be a ghost?.”
‘b’ on the end. That was an actual helmet. You swapped your Tarron Vix, Wraithen Operative, SCL 7.3a
normal helmet out for it. It actually had more toys than this new
interface version, but in all honesty, they were all toys that no The ECM Cape uses a range of FEN’s electronic
one used. All the good stuff is here still, with none of the bulk.” countermeasure technologies to mask the wearer’s body heat,
Tamsin Foxxx, Human Operative, SCL 7.3b while also confusing UV and IR imaging systems. The cape is
marketed at scouts and snipers looking to conceal themselves
The 270671b is an interface that can be integrated into in isolation and is now the only ECM product available on the
the helmet of any powered armour suit. Once the install is open market since the full body suit version was discontinued.
completed it gives the user access to a huge range of equipment, DarkNight have a similar product, used by their marksmen,
from upgraded optics and range-finding tools to environment but the technology behind the DN offering is still not fully
and motion scanning. The system allows the user’s original understood by the FEN design team and obtaining one has
armour properties to be retained and nothing more than a small proven a challenge for even the best black marketeers that
power pack mounted at the base of the neck is visible. The Scout money can bribe.
Helmet system has a 6000 hour power supply and comes with
FEN ECM Cape Cost: 120c
FEN’s usual gold standard tech support.
Weight: 1
The cape provides a -1 modifier to the Success Die of any Detect
skill roll made to spot the wearer, even under UV Nightvision, IR
or Thermal imaging.

FEN Laser Painter

FEN’s standard Laser Painter attaches easily to most firearms,
emitting a thin red laser beam from the barrel of the gun to
the intended target. Use of a Laser Painter allows for faster
aiming at close range, making them extremely popular weapon
upgrades for life in Mort City.
FEN Laser Painter Cost: 25c

Weight: 0
May only be attached to a weapon that requires the Pistol or
Rifle skill. Adds 1 automatic Skill Die success when rolling to
hit on single or burst fire modes, providing the target is within
20m. Using the laser painter does however give away the user’s
FEN 270671b Scout position, granting a +1 modifier to the Success Die of any Detect
Cost: 150c
Helmet Interface rolls made to spot the user.
Weight: 1 FEN Pistol/SMG Stock
The system provides the combined rules of: FEN Rangefinder Extendable stocks are common additions to submachine guns,
Monocular, Track opticS Enviro Scanner and Track opticS
aiding recoil reduction and improving aim. Many Operatives
Motion Scanner. In addition, the user’s comms range is increased
choose to add them to their pistols, not only to improve aim,
by 50% and the armour’s optics are upgraded to have 10x zoom,
but also because of the cool factor. Available in a huge range
UV Nightvision, IR and Thermal vision should the armour not
already have these functions. of colours and lacquers, a stock can be purchased to match
the finish of nearly any weapon. The current trend though, is
FEN Bipod/Tripod to go for the most garish colours that clash with the weapon,
Standard issue fold-away bipods and tripods are suitable for all a deliberate and unsubtle attempt to attract the cameras and
rifles and support weapons. Like all FEN-manufactured goods, garner audience attention.
they are generally of carbon-fibre or ceramic construction and FEN Pistol/SMG Stock Cost: 20c
mount seamlessly with weapons of all makes.
Weight: 1
FEN Bipod/Tripod Cost: 25c May only be attached to a weapon that requires the Pistol skill.
Weight: 1 The first round of aiming with this weapon grants both possible
aim bonuses. Any additional rounds spent aiming provide a
May only be attached to a weapon that requires the Rifle or
single bonus as normal.
Support Weapons skill. The bipod or tripod reduces the weapon’s
recoil by 1 providing the user is stationary. May be deployed in
combat as an auxiliary action.

164
 H A R D WA R E

FEN Rangefinder Monocular GA Silencer

“It’s always better to see cannibals before they see you. This is “Some of these Arnold Nutter wannabes go running around
where your trusty Rangefinder comes in. The trick in the sectors making as much noise as possible. I want to live to see SCL 5.”
is to keep both eyes open when you’re using it. It’ll take some Tul’Fn’Kl’Lar, Shaktar Operative, SCL 6.8a
getting used to with the distances as long as they are here. It’s
not like Downtown where there’s a wall every few metres; While FEN rule the roost for sights and optics, GA have
distances can go on forever here and keeping one eye open lets long held the standard for silencers and suppressors. The GA
you see what it is, in context, you’re looking at all those klicks Silencer comes with a multi-thread mounting nut allowing it
in the distance. Yes, it feels weird, but let your brain sort it out. to attach with ease to 90% of SLA approved weapons, reducing
It’s cleverer than you, your brain. Don’t get scared when the the output volume of each shot to a whisper. The weapon suffers
numbers on the tracker seem awfully big, you’re in the outdoors a slight range reduction, but that seems a small price to pay for
now and shit gets big out here. Real big.” the possibilities that a silencer provides.
Shiver Sgt. Eric Bransh, Training Dept GA Silencer Cost: 25c

The FEN Rangefinder is a gyro-balanced monocular, around Weight: 0

twenty centimetres long with a rubberised housing and bladed May only be attached to a weapon that requires the Pistol or
aperture covers at each end. Looking down the monocular with Rifle skill. The weapon’s range is reduced by 10%, but firing the
one eye will show you the distance to whatever is in the centre weapon will not give away the firer’s position.
of the lightly-lit crosshairs, displaying the range in metres to
the subject with red numbers. The settable zoom is displayed GA Weapon Maintenance Kit
to the right of a scale ruler that runs across the bottom of the The GA Weapon Maintenance Kit provides all the tools
visible field. The Range Finder Monocular is used as a general needed to clean, unjam, polish and repair an Operative’s firearm
surveillance aid and by spotters working with snipers. in the field. The kit contains 47 small compact tools contained
FEN Rangefinder Monocular Cost: 20c within a compact case and offers a lifetime guarantee. The case
can be upgraded to the colour of choice and can additionally
Weight: 1 be embossed with the Operative’s name or logo at a small
The rangefinder adds +1 to the Success Die for all Detect skill additional charge at purchase.
rolls made over significant distance. In addition, the rangefinder
GA Weapon Maintenance Kit Cost: 40c*
allows the user to accurately predict ranges and distances between
themselves and a target up to 1000m away. Weight: 1

FEN Telescopic Rifle Scope *plus optionally 5c for a coloured case and or 10c for embossing.
The kit adds +1 to the Success Die for all Technical Weapons skill
“Wraithen always using sneaky rifles and scopes to hide far rolls when dealing with all non-BLA branded ranged weapons.
away, then, bang. Job done. I just go nearer..”
Life After Death (LaD) Account
Nord, Stormer 313 Operative, SCL 9b
While not strictly ‘equipment’, a Life After Death (or LaD
Telescopic scopes are fully customisable with a range of optical for short) account is the ultimate safety net for Operatives who
packages available for all situations. A typical scope provides value themselves over all else. Upon opening an account the
between 4 and 12 times magnification, with practically no price subject receives a ‘brainsaver’ implant and a subdermal ‘pacer’
difference between models. Those with the highest magnification implant which, as long as the account is kept up to date, provides
are typically only suitable for use on sniper weapons, but almost an active bio-readout to the fine folks at LaD. Any flatlining
any rifle can handle a FEN scope. Nightvision, Infrared and of vital signs will automatically despatch a LaD med crew to
Thermal are all available at a small fee and the scope, like collect the body of the fallen Operative, generally by rapid
FEN’s other accessories, can be purchased in almost any finish response Kilcopter. Such situations come with a 20-minute
imaginable. collection window. Any longer than 20 minutes and the brain
Cost:40c, +10c will be dead and the attempt for recovery will fail.
FEN Telescopic Rifle Scope per optics upgrade When Operatives were sent out on the Bellwood Campaign to
Weight: 1 reclaim Cannibal Sector 1, twenty minutes was found to be not
long enough for an LaD crew to reach their target and several
May only be attached to non-submachine gun weapons that
ways to increase the time were proposed. The resulting option
require the Rifle skill. A scope allows the user to ignore the -1
to increase the 20-minute period, the new LaD Booster, has
modifier for firing the weapon at long range. Three optional
been made available as a result. Anyone with an account gets a
optical upgrades are also available for a scope: UV Nightvision,
IR and Thermal; any number of these may be added to the same free booster that’s designed to be slammed on the back of the
scope. A scope with optical upgrades will still be able to negate Operative’s neck in the right location to increase the brainsaver
the long range modifier when lighting or other conditions would implant’s operating time by an hour.
normally make finding a target impossible.

165
 SLA INDUSTRIES

A successfully collected body is taken back to the LaD cryo-

MAL Recoil Baffling Cost: 50c
site in central Suburbia where the Operative is ‘resurrected’
using their patented bio-technology. Weight: 0
LaD are set up to deal with significant damage and are able May only be attached to a weapon that has a Recoil value of 2 or
to augment lost limbs, damaged organs and severe spinal greater. Baffling reduces the weapon’s Recoil by -1 when firing at
damage, though decapitation or massive trauma to the brain the weapon’s highest ROF.
are unfortunately beyond the scope of LaD science. Anyone
brought back with LaD may experience a range of side effects,
SLA Climbing Kit
including a significant loss of empathy, complete memory ‘I like to be elevated. A better view that way. My climbing kit
failure and/or significant physical changes to their stamina and is a bit old, but I trust it. I ditched a few of the heavier bits, but
endurance. Many argue that being resurrected by LaD marks I don’t recommend doing that if you’re new to this gig. Climb
the end of the person you were and the beginning of a new, up, get comfy, start work; it’s a lonely job, but I like it that way.”
entirely less natural you.
Tarron Vix, Wraithen Operative, SCL 7.3a
Life After Death (LaD) Account Cost: 1c+
The SLA Climbing Equipment kit is a pack containing a 100m
Weight: NA reel of lightweight high-tensile poly-nylon rope, crampons,
LaD accounts are not available to Ebonite characters due to the hooks, connectors, belts and assorted harnesses. The drum reel
way that the ‘brainsaver’ implant interrupts the flow of the Ebb. is powered for easy retraction and connects to a gauss-launcher
For more info, see page 60. tube that deploys a grappling hook up to 15m.

MagHold
“Anyone not using MagHold needs to get with the times. There’s
no such thing as a quick-draw holster when the MagHold is an
option.”
Tamsin Foxxx, Human Operative, SCL 7.3b
MagHolds are electromagnetically charged plates, attached to
the outer surface of armour, usually on the upper arms, legs or SLA Climbing Kit Cost: 20c
back. The plates can be used to store anything, but are usually Weight: 1
used to mount guns, knives, ammunition, grenades or other Using the climbing kit reduces the difficulty of any Climbing
essential combat gear which can be drawn from them at twice skill roll by one step (i.e. from Complex to Challenging). The user
the speed they could from any holster. MagHolds literally allow may now also climb surfaces that would otherwise be impossible
users to slap a pistol against their leg and have it sit there until to climb.
they need it again. The largest MagHolds can be used to carry
sniper rifles or Power Claymores around with relative ease. SLA Flashlight
MagHold Cost: 5/10/15c “Mines really big, long and hard. I like to bash Carrien on the
0 head with it...and if you put a green filter on it you feel famous.”
Weight:
Gilroy Vesper, Human Operative, SCL 6.1b
Allows weapons, ammo, or other equipment to be carried without
the need for a free hand or holster. There are three sizes, priced Standard issue flashlights are available as compact hand-
accordingly. The smallest is for pistols, blades or ammo clips, the helds, shoulder mounted or under-barrel. In the under-barrel
medium sized is for submachine guns and most rifles and the configuration they can be mounted to pistols and rifles and in
largest is designed for long-barrelled rifles or Power Claymores. the shoulder mounted format they can attach to most armour
MAL Recoil Baffling types. While the shoulder mounted units are notably bigger,
they are surprisingly light and rarely noticed by the wearer.
“Why include baffling technology in your best selling rifle Hand-held and under-barrel versions come with a 500-hour
when you can make everyone buy it separately?” battery supply, whilst the shoulder mounted version has a 700-
Atrophy, Eban Operative, SCL 8.1b, squad ‘Baseline’ hour supply, all of which can be recharged from most power
outlets.
Military Assault Laminates (MAL), the same team that
brought us the MAL Assault Cannon, also offer advanced recoil SLA Flashlight Cost: 2/5/10c
baffling for a range of weapons. Recoil baffling is commonly Weight: 0/1/1
used on high rate of fire weapons to allow them to be handled
For both the Weight Factor and cost, the first value represents a
with greater ease during a firefight. Installing such baffling is a handheld flashlight, the second an under-barrel version and the
complex job requiring specialist tools, though baffling is fitted third a shoulder-mounted variant.
for free by most stockists with a 24 hour turnaround on your
weapon.

166
 H A R D WA R E

SLA Headset Communicator SLA Thumper Beacon

“At some point, everyone will have to replace the headset they “The Thumper saves lives. It’s one of those additions to your kit
got issued with when they graduated. They don’t last very long.” that seems to justify its cost even if it never gets used.”
Tamsin Foxxx, Human Operative, SCL 7.3b Garshasp Kettor, Neophron Operative, SCL 9.1a
All Operatives are issued an SLA Headset Communicator The Thumper is a long thin lightweight beacon, which has two
that provides access to all SLA-sanctioned frequencies, allowing uses. The beacon can be hammered into the ground, after which
any operative not wearing armour with a comms package to it will emit a constant throbbing strobe which is visible for up
communicate with team members, SLA departments and to 25km and lasts approximately 24 hours. Alternatively, the
Station Analysis. The headset is light and worth carrying as Thumper can be used as a launch tube, with the strobe being
a backup even if the Operative’s armour of choice features fired into the air, after which it will slowly drop to the ground
integrated comms. While these are issued to all SLA Operatives, and while emitting the strobe for up to 4 minutes.
they are easily broken, misplaced or damaged in combat
SLA Thumper Beacon Cost: 5c
meaning replacements are often needed.
Weight: 1
SLA Headset Communicator Cost: 5c
The beacon allows the user to make themselves visible for the
Weight: 0 purpose of rescue or to mark a location for extraction.
The headset communicator allows access to SLA comms
channels when the user is not wearing an armour integrated Third Eye Recording & Playback Equipment
comms system. “This is Report From The Sectors and I’m Eloise Garcia for
SLA Lock Pick Kit Channel Yeah.”
Eloise Garcia, Channel Yeah, deceased
Simple compact lock picking equipment that comes in a fold
up hand tool. There are two available options, one for work on Third Eye are the primary news and media collator for SLA
traditional manual locks and the other providing the required Industries. The number of Third Eye cameras on the ground
apparatus to short out electronic locks. These kits are very is almost uncountable, televising violence from the cannibal
popular with the criminal element and so can demand very high sectors, recording incidents in Downtown as they happen,
prices if found available on the black market. following Shiver Patrols and now, in the hands of Operatives
SLA Lock Pick Kit Cost: 25c all over Mort. Such equipment offers the user a highly compact
video camera which can be handheld or shoulder-mounted,
Weight: 1 capable of capturing up to 5 hours of footage per vidslug. The
Available as Manual or Electronic kits. The kit adds +1 to the system also comes with a detachable playback console which
Success Die for all relevant Lock Pick skill rolls. is easily connected to screens and upload terminals in order to
allow broadcasting from pre-recorded vidslugs. As well as video,
SLA Klippo Lighter the camera also sports audio recording with automatic noise
While cigarette lighters are easy to obtain, cheap and cancelling. The system has a 1000 hour battery supply, though
disposable, anyone with any sense will buy a Klippo. Klippos the charge up time from empty is a significant 12 hours.
are robust, refillable and available in ‘civilian’ or ‘special edition’,
Third Eye Recording and
with the special edition version made only for SLA employees, Cost: 50c
featuring the SLA logo and a lifetime warranty. Anyone who is
Playback Equipment
anyone owns a Klippo. Weight: 2
The recording equipment allows for the capture of audio and
video footage and may be operated without the included playback
system, allowing an Operative to travel light. The Weight Factor
is halved should the playback system not be carried. Vidslugs
hold 5 hours of footage and/or audio and cost 5c each.

Track opticS Enviro Scanner

Even though its weather prediction is only 65% accurate,
the Track opticS Enviro Scanner excels at every other aspect
of its job. It accurately analyses moisture, toxicity, breathability,
radiation and temperature, outputting the reading on its robust
gel screen. A long-time favourite of operatives for off-world
SLA Klippo Lighter Cost: 2c/20u missions, the handheld device really comes into its own in the
cannibal sectors and the deepest most polluted levels of Lower
Weight: 0 Downtown.
It’s a lighter.

167
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Track opticS Enviro Scanner Cost: 25c Blind Side

Weight: 1 Blind Side is a brand new release from SLA Industries,
hitting outlets late in 912sd. The drug forces a degree of ‘tunnel’
The scanner adds +1 to the Success Die for any Lore: Sector or
vision and a significant kick of synthesised adrenalin to give
Detect skill rolls in relation to weather and atmospheric effects.
the user a noticeable boost in apparent speed and reaction time.
In addition, the user is able to identify radiation and pollution
levels within a 50m radius. Blind Side’s ability to force extreme concentration and combat
reflexes has made it an instant hit with both snipers and close
Track opticS Motion Scanner assault combatants, allowing them to act much faster than those
around them, even those under the influence of other high end
“Beep beep, shithead. I can see you.” combat drugs, such as Ultra Violence. Due to the drug being
Arnold Nutter, Human Operative, relatively new, the experimental compound is still fairly unstable,
SCL 6c, squad ‘Arnold Nutter’, deceased making it more addictive than many other combat drugs and
presenting a number of undesirable side effects including
By using scattered electromagnetic radiation, air pressure extreme headaches and paranoia in those who do not keep up
sensors and other techniques, the Track opticS Motion Scanner, the dosage. Despite the apparent negatives, Blind Side is set to
has become a favourite of Downtown SLA operatives. The become one of SLA’s biggest sellers over the coming year.
Motion Scanner is also utilised by Sector Rangers, within the
cannibal sectors. Long and arduous field use has garnered a Blind Side Cost: 20c per dose
lot of in depth feedback from the rangers, which, in turn, has Effect: +2 DEX, +2 CONC. 30 minute
resulted in the newest version of the motion scanner. This latest duration.
version is robust especially in more hazardous environments. Addiction Rating: 10. Every 2 doses
Track opticS Motion Scanner Cost: 40c Addiction Dose: Every 12 hours
Weight: 1 Detox Effects: -2 CONC, -4 Hit Points, +1 rank in
The scanner adds +1 to the Success Die for all Detect skill rolls Psychosis: Paranoia
regarding movement.
Mind Numb
Mind Numb was originally developed by Naga 7 for the
COMBAT DRUGS Aetherman program in order to allow their agents a greater
Combat drugs are huge business. SLA has always prided itself resistance to the effects of fear brought about by Dream
in its ability to get Operatives hooked on a range of substances, Entities. Since its original release, it has found a home in the
enabling repeat custom and enhancing the normal capabilities kit of many Operatives who have spent any length of time
of the average user. While it might stand to reason that Frothers in the job, helping them to push through the most dire of
form the core customer base, especially given that Hiberian circumstances. From being isolated in the subterranean levels
culture is the primary inspiration for the current wave of below Lower Downtown, to spending any time facing the
combat narcotics, the reality is a little different, with the spread denizens of Cannibal Sector 1, Mind Numb has proven time
of combat drug customers ranging from Shaktars to Ebonites. and time again that it pulls Operatives through the darkness,
Even SLA’s newest recruits, the Neophron, are waking up to the keeping them focused on what really matters - surviving.
potential that can come from using some of the harder drugs to Mind Numb Cost: 5c per dose
offset their naturally weak physical attributes.
Effect: Immune to Fear. 6 hour duration
Combat drug usage comes with a price though, with the
reality of addiction being all too real. Long term chronic effects Addiction Rating: 8. Every 26 doses
of these narcotics can be devastating to the body, but in a world Addiction Dose: Every 12 hours
where life expectancy is short, you may as well live hard. As
with recreational drugs, many combat drugs affect the point of Detox Effects: -4 COOL, -1 Hit Point
view of the taker making them feel stronger or even invincible.
Pineal Stim
The reality is drug use and misuse will be the death of many
Operatives. Developed by Dark Lament, the same team behind the Science
Friction equipment line. Pineal Stim is manufactured purely for
Note: A BOOPA CASDIS is required for easy administering the Ebonite Operative that is looking to gain a physical edge
of all drugs and is the only way to use them during a Combat in the field. The serum allows for increased duration of Ebb
Round. Free syringes are available from most sellers, but Enhance abilities, the one discipline that is not affected by Dark
preparing and administering a dose in this way is not possible Lament’s Focus Gem. The way the drug works is top secret
during a combat situation. This is true of both combat and and to date very few side effects have been reported, though
soft drugs. extreme overdoses are known to cause brain haemorrhaging or
severe memory loss. The drug is sold exclusively to Ebons and
Wasters and cannot be purchased by other species under any

168
 H A R D WA R E

circumstances. There are no reports at present as to the effects Trapper

of the drugs on non-Ebonite users.
“It’s like being me, but better. I can’t get enough of this shit.”
Pineal Stim Cost: 20c per dose
Unnamed DarkNight Agent
Effect: Double the duration of all Enhance
Ebb discipline abilities. 2 hour duration Another violently dangerous drug that has recently hit
the streets carrying the Stirg Pharmaceuticals tag and being
Addiction Rating: 10. Every 6 doses
distributed by DarkNight to the civilian masses. Unlike Shatter,
Addiction Dose: Every 12 hours plus every time the Trapper is dirt cheap, costing just a few unis per dose and while
Enhance discipline is used it does not claim to turn the user into the rampaging killing
Detox Effects: -1 CONC, -1 rank in Enhance, -1 Hit machine that its predecessor does, it does provide a disturbingly
Point balanced increase to the user’s physical, mental and social
attributes, while also being one of the most addictive drugs ever
Rush made. Reports of users claiming they felt ‘super human’ have
Rush is SLA’s most popular combat drug. Less addictive than become commonplace in the deeper regions of Downtown,
Ultra Violence, but equally beneficial to the combatant using leading to demand rising steeply. The reception to Trapper is
it. Rush enables increased blood flow and a significant boost of believed to be closely linked to the significant rise in DarkNight
adrenaline, combined with elements of healing agents to allow sightings throughout Downtown over the last 6 months and
the user to take the edge off of any damage sustained. A typical the volume of the drug on the street has become a real cause
Rush user can be recognised by their seemingly ‘agitated’ state for concern.
and frantic speech patterns, as well as for being the first into a
fight and typically the last ones standing. Trapper Cost: 20u per dose

Effect: +1 STR, +1 DEX, +1 COOL, +1

Rush Cost: 15c per dose
CONC, +1 KNOW, +1 CHA. 1 hour
Effect: Make a 2nd action per Combat Round duration
(after all other actions have been
Addiction Rating: 12. Every dose
resolved). Whenever the user loses any
Hit Points, reduce the amount lost by 1. Addiction Dose: Every 3 hours
2 hour duration Detox Effects: -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 COOL, -1
Addiction Rating: 10. Every 3 doses CONC, -1 KNOW, -1 CHA, -3 Hit
Points, +1 rank in Psychosis: Paranoia
Addiction Dose: Every 12 hours plus every combat, if
not already under the influence Ultra Violence
Detox Effects: -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 COOL, -1 Hit
“Gotta’ kill em’. Gotta’... Uhhhh… K...k...kill. Fuck. FUCK!
Point
Come on you fuckers, I’ll rip you to pieces!!!”
Shatter Zack McTavish, Frother Operative,
A dangerously volatile drug made by the mysterious Stirg SCL 8.1, squad ‘Ruffled Feathers’
Pharmaceuticals and supplied to the streets of Mort by
DarkNight. The drug is highly illegal and designed as an The most addictive and destructive drug that SLA has ever
alternative to Ultra Violence. It is cheap, will turn a civilian into created. Ultra Violence is a highly concentrated version of Rush,
a killing machine and is not particularly hard to source. The side combined with a cocktail of stimulants, hallucinogens and
effects however are extreme, often resulting in major addiction painkillers to turn the user into a true combat monster. Users
and death. Any operative found in possession of Shatter will be report increased strength and stamina, a notably faster reaction
retained by Cloak Division for interrogation. time and extreme resistance to pain and injury. Unfortunately,
addiction to the drug comes at a high price, with the average
Shatter Cost: 100u per dose user burning themselves out rapidly. Addicts typically last a
Effect: +2 STR, +1 DEX, +3 COOL. little more than a year or two.
Whenever the user loses any Hit Points,
Ultra Violence Cost: 20c per dose
reduce the amount lost by 50% (round
down). 4 hour duration Effect: +1 STR, +1 DEX, +2 COOL.
Whenever the user loses any Hit Points,
Addiction Rating: 13. Every dose reduce the amount lost by 50% (round
Addiction Dose: Every 6 hours plus every combat, if not down). 6 hour duration
already under the influence
Addiction Rating: 12. Every dose
Detox Effects: -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 COOL, -5 Hit
Addiction Dose: Every 6 hours plus every combat, if not
Points, +1 rank in Anger
already under the influence
Detox Effects: -1 STR, -1 DEX, -2 CONC, -3 Hit
Points

169
 SLA INDUSTRIES

SOFT DRUGS Hard Green

To complement the combat drug range, ‘soft’ drugs are also a “Proven time and time again by the brave men and women of
common addition to the Operative’s loadout. Many of them are the Shiver Organisation, Hard Green is THE new supplement
also available to the general public. Soft drugs cover everything for modern drug user.”
from the current medical serums and painkillers to detox Aarav Khatri, Head of PR, SLA Industries
treatment and ‘brain boosters’. These drugs help Operatives Pharmaceutical Division, SCL 4.2
away from combat to maintain their edge when the going gets
Hard Green was developed for the Shiver organisation,
tough. While not as addictive as the likes of Ultra Violence
to allow Shivers to use combat drugs during the Bellwood
or Rush, many soft drugs are still easy enough to get hooked
campaign without getting addicted. Shivers had never before
on, with some having equally devastating long term effects on
been allowed to use combat drugs, such activity was entirely
the addict. For all of their negatives though, soft drugs still
frowned upon within the Mort City boundaries. The rules were
represent a substantial turnover for SLA and find their way into
different for Cannibal Sector 1. Drugs like Mind Numb were
the hands of almost 70% of all Operatives on the street.
needed and often became common lifesavers in the cannibal
Charmer sector. Hard Green is a Shiver Green sugar-coated tablet, which
is a new way of taking drugs for most Operatives. They seemed
“Let’s get it on!!!” to have adapted well to the new vector.
Unnamed Downtown civilian, recently deceased
Hard Green Cost: 10c per dose
Charmer is a recreational party drug, believed to have been Effect: 1 dose of Hard Green taken alongside
originally manufactured by DarkNight cells out in Cannibal a dose of any other drug will stop
Sector 1, using a mix of stimulants and trace levels of KZ-14, the second drug dose being counted
the main contaminant attributed to creating the Cannibal race. towards the number of doses taken
The drug causes a heightening of the senses and a noticeable before an Addiction Test is required.
increase to social confidence, with a subtle side effect known Hard Green is a tablet-form drug. No
as ‘Charmer Sickness’, whereby the user detects sweet scents in duration
otherwise dank and mouldy substances, pushing them to drink Addiction Rating: Currently unknown
or lick sewage water and other equally awful substances. The
Addiction Dose: Currently unknown
increase in reaction time that Charmer brings has seen it used
as a cheap alternative to Rush by combat Operations. Detox Effects: Currently unknown
Charmer Cost: 3c/30u per dose Honesty
Effect: +1 Initiative Bonus during combat. +1 A powerful truth serum, commonly used in critical
modifier to the Success Die during all interrogations. Honesty forces the user to tell the truth, making
Seduction rolls. 3 hour duration them extremely susceptible to being interrogated and entirely
Addiction Rating: 10. Every 4 doses open to the power of suggestion. Due to Honesty not being
Every 12 hours a substance that people will voluntarily take, the chances of
Addiction Dose:
addiction are very low, though cases of forced addiction leading
Detox Effects: -1 CONC, -1 STR, +1 rank in to an almost vegetative state have been reported by Cloak
Psychosis: Paranoia Division Interrogators.
Flush Honesty Cost: 10c per dose
Flush is an expensive way to counteract the negative effects of Effect: Required to tell the truth. Anyone
other drug addictions. It is commonly used in high-end rehab interrogating the user receives a +2
clinics to enhance and augment the body’s natural ability to modifier to the Success Die during all
fight off the effects of chemical compounds. Typically an addict Interrogate skill rolls. 30 min duration
suffering the come down of other drugs will typically require Addiction Rating: 4. Every 4 doses
a daily dose of Flush to continue functioning normally. While
Flush itself can be addictive, cases of such addiction are rare. Addiction Dose: Every 12 hours
Detox Effects: -2 KNOW, -2 CONC
Flush Cost: 8c/80u per dose

Effect: Ignore Detox Effects of other drugs. 2 Kick Start

hour duration
Kick Start forces the body to begin the natural healing process
Addiction Rating: 8. Every 30 doses at an accelerated rate, while also combining strong coagulant
Addiction Dose: Every 24 hours properties. The drug is able to stop internal bleeding and force
the regrowth of damaged tissue to occur at an alarming rate.
Detox Effects: -1 STR permanently. This penalty is not Though the drug is commonplace in almost every medical facility
cumulative on Mort, the addictive nature of Kick Start is problematic, with

170
 H A R D WA R E

addicts suffering extreme fatigue and an overall reduction in concentration with prolonged use. Depression returns quickly
stamina. Its addictive nature aside, Kick Start saves more lives and more intensely than experienced before if Uplift use is
than most medical treatments combined. halted. The drug is often misused by those needing an up, or
who want to forget their woes.
Kick Start Cost: 5c per dose

Effect: Regain 3 Hit Points and heal 1 wound. Uplift Cost: 1c/10u per dose
No duration Effect: -1 modifier to the Success Die during all
CONC-related skill rolls, +1 modifier
Addiction Rating: 10. Every 6 doses
to the Success Die during all CHA-
Addiction Dose: Every 24 hours related skill rolls. Up to a triple dose of
Detox Effects: -1 STR, -2 Hit Points Uplift may be taken at a time, with the
effects being applied cumulatively. 24
Pain Away hour duration.
An exceptionally powerful pain killer which blocks the pain Addiction Rating: 10. Every dose
receptors in the brain and alters the neurological reaction to Addiction Dose: Every 24 hours
receiving pain as a stimulus, almost forcing users to crave more
Detox Effects: +1 Rank of Depression permanently
of it. Those under the influence of Pain Away are seemingly
and effects of Depression return
capable of walking away from injuries that would otherwise
immediately
incapacitate most people, though excessive use of the drug can
bring with it a large number of unsavoury side effects. White Noise
Pain Away Cost: 10c per dose Developed under the supervision of Dark Lament, White
Ignore all effects of wounds and the Noise is made exclusively to numb the occurrence of ‘Dream
Effect:
critical condition. 6 hour duration Demons’; the result of an Ebonite becoming too closely attuned
to the Ebb. White Noise is now mass produced and is believed
Addiction Rating: 10. Every 3 doses to be taken by over 60% of the Ebonite Population of Mort.
Addiction Dose: Every hour
White Noise Cost: 10c per dose
Detox Effects: -1 STR, -1 COOL, +1 rank in Phobia:
Effect: Entirely removes the effects of Dream
Pain, -1 Hit Point
Demons. To be effective, one dose is
Streak required for each rank 4 Ebb Discipline
the Ebonite possesses. 24 hour duration
Streak is a powerful mental stimulant, commonly referred
to as a ‘brain booster’, which allows the user to tap into more Addiction Rating: 10. Every 30 doses
of their brain capacity than they should otherwise be able to Addiction Dose: Every 12 hours
access. Streak drastically improves the users perception skills
Detox Effects: -2 COOL, +1 rank in Psychosis:
and memory, as well as increasing the capacity to learn new Delusions
things and retain said learning. Addiction to Streak is expensive,
mainly on account of the significant cost of the drug, but also
due to the permanent damage that is caused to the user’s VEHICLES - CIVILIAN
intelligence on account of long term use.
“I’ve done the maths and it’s really not worth the hassle
Cost:20c/200u
Streak owning a car to get around Mort; the traffic is intolerable and
per dose
everything takes twice as long, but I can’t help myself. The latest
Effect: +2 KNOW, +2 CONC. 1 hour duration Eight-Oh hits on my Skendar’s speakers define who I am.”
Addiction Rating: 8. Every 4 doses Stace Feddle, Human Corporate, SCL 5d
Addiction Dose: Every 24 hours A range of civilian spec vehicles are available on Mort, most
Detox Effects: -1 KNOW permanently (down to a commonly to those living in Suburbia or above. While such
minimum of 0). This penalty is not vehicles cost more than most Operatives can afford, they are
cumulative available for general sale to those who are able to save up for
the significant price tag. A number of these vehicles are also
Uplift available as a part of SLA’s vehicle pool, for issue during BPNs
“I got depressed, so started taking Uplift, felt better, so stopped within the more polite urban districts.
taking it, then I felt awful. Now I have to take a double dose. All modern vehicles utilise fusion engine technology,
I’m feeling good again now, so I think I can stop soon.” removing the need for any solid fuels to be used within the
Joe Craddock, Human Operative, SCL 7.4b transport industry. The internal fusion reactors feed the engines
and onboard management systems with power for extended
Uplift is an antidepressant which counters the effects of time periods, generally offering in excess of 70,000 hours of
depression. Users report a dulling of senses and issues with continual use before a recharge is needed.

171
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Calaharvey Motorcycle Length Width Height

“I fucking love that bike. I once squashed a Carrien’s head 6.8m 2m 1.7m
completely flat with my back wheel.” Capacity: 1 driver, 7 passengers
Base, Eban Operative, SCL 7b, squad ‘Baseline’
PV Resistance Hit Points
The Calavarvey is an all-environment motorcycle and one of 5 20 70
the most popular Operative vehicles ever made. The bike has
Movement: 20
seen action not only on the streets of Mort, but also off-world
and in some of the most inhospitable landscapes ever known. Remus Roadster
Calaharvey’s are built to be incredibly tough for their size, able
The Remus is a modified Augustus chassis, using a similar
to take as much damage as most small cars and have an internal
approach to make a two-seat sports vehicle, ideal for someone
fusion reactor which is good for 50,000 hours without recharge.
looking to add some true luxury to their life. The Remus is
Calaharvey Motorcycle Cost: 1200c particularly fast, able to keep up with most common motorcycles
Drive Motorcycle and offers passengers the same level of protection as the regular
Skill:
five-seat Augustus.
Length Width Height
Remus Roadster Cost: 20,000c
2.1m 1m 0.9m
Skill: Drive Civilian
Capacity: 1 driver, 1 passenger
Length Width Height
PV Resistance Hit Points
3.4m 2m 1.7m
4 14 20
Capacity: 1 driver, 1 passenger
Movement: 32
PV Resistance Hit Points
Augustus Towncar 4 18 60
The Augustus is one of the most common wheeled vehicles
Movement: 30
on Mort, commonly used throughout Suburbia and Uptown.
Once heralded as a ‘luxury vehicle’, the status has declined
somewhat over the years with the realisation that owning any VEHICLES - MILITARY
vehicle is a luxury. The chassis is reasonably compact and can fit
four Human-sized passengers alongside the driver. A number Mil-spec vehicles are generally reserved for mission-issue
of Augustus vehicles are available in the SLA vehicle pool for only, or have price tags so high that only squads with huge
Operatives to use on special request when undertaking Grey sponsorship can have their own. The choice of military vehicles
BPNs in the wealthier parts of Mort City. on Mort are fairly slim, typically either one of few APCs or air
support units, with the FEN Battle Taxi being by far the most
Augustus Towncar Cost: 10,000c common.
Skill: Drive Civilian When military vehicles are issued for a BPN, they will often
be provided with a trusted driver, whose task is to remain
Length Width Height
with the vehicle and ensure the Ops do not trash it or leave it
4m 2m 1.7m anywhere that it can be stolen. Occasionally a trusted squad will
Capacity: 1 driver, 4 passengers be allowed to take an APC out on their own, but the chances
of getting hold of a Kilcopter without supervision are pretty
PV Resistance Hit Points much zero.
4 20 60 All military vehicles are well armoured and able to sustain
Movement: 24 sizable amounts of damage, generally with heavy armour applied
to their already significantly bulky chassis’. Additionally, many
Romulus Limousine of these vehicles are armed, or have the option for additional
The stretch version of the Augustus Town Car. The Romulus weapons should they be issued to more violent areas, such as the
is generally reserved for the high ranking corporate element or cannibal sectors or when undertaking Black Ops.
the Operative who has more money than sense. The Romulus
Dowlin Automotive Crawler APC
sports a distinct style and suggests someone of great importance
is hidden within. The Chassis provides the same protection as “I’ve never met a nice Trakaarian, but their Crawler’s cool.”
other vehicles in the range, but with tinted windows and a Randy Nox, SLA vehicle pool mechanic, SCL 11
number of internal luxuries as standard.
The Crawler is the newest addition to the Sector Ranger and
Romulus Limousine Cost: 60,000c
Shiver armoury and is slowly proving itself to be well worth
Skill: Drive Civilian its significant cost. The vehicle was spec’d for the ongoing

172
 H A R D WA R E

Bellwood Campaign in Cannibal Sector 1, but since its success FEN 0227-V Battle Taxi APC Cost: 125,000c
over the wall, a number have been issued to Shiver forces on
the Downtown Patrol as well as seven being added to the Skill: Drive Military
Operative vehicle pool. Of course, with them being so rare Length Width Height
still, the chance of getting access to one is slim, but the jeep-
9m 4m 2.6m
based APC is worth it. The vehicle is manufactured by Trakaar-
based Dowlin Automotive, originally made for the Trakaarian Capacity: 1 driver, 1 co-driver/gunner (optional), 10
hunting industry and as a safari vehicle. It did not take long for passengers
Commander Fenwick to realise the potential for its application PV Resistance Hit Points
with his Sector Rangers program in Cannibal Sector 1. 16 60 200
The Crawler is surprisingly speedy and an excellent off-road
Movement: 14
vehicle with additional under-chassis armour to protect from
IEDs out in the sectors. The APC holds six passengers with an Weapons: Turret mounted FEN 808 Power Reaper 2.4000 (fired
additional four able to be carried on the external hand-holds, by gunner).
ideal for rapid deployment into hot combat zones. As standard
the Crawler is unarmed, but an optional turret-mounted Power
FEN 3498 Kilcopter
Reaper is available for Cannibal Sector operations. Kilcopters have gradually replaced all helicopters and airplanes
used in the skies of Mort. They have single handedly become
Dowlin Automotive Crawler APC Cost: 110,000c
one of FEN’s greatest success stories, serving as deployment
Skill: Drive Military vehicles, air support, medical evac and even repurposed as rapid
Length Width Height passenger shuttles for execs at Head Office.
The Quad-blade turbine system allows for extreme
3.2m 2.5m 1.8m
manoeuvrability in all weather conditions and the ability to
Capacity: 1 driver, 5 passengers + 4 passengers on get as high as the pollution allows. The Kilcopter allows for
external hand-holds rapid deployment between the layers of Mort and for LAD to
PV Resistance Hit Points fly operations further afield, such as into the cannibal sectors
where pretty much only LAD Kilcopters will venture. Due to
12 30 100
the need to fly low over CS1 on account of the critical pollution,
Movement: 20 many Kilcopters are shot down by Scav Snipers and DarkNight
Weapons and Equipment: None terrorist cells, which in turn has led to Shiver forces entirely
Optional turret mounted FEN 706 Power Reaper 2.1000 (fired withdrawing air support from the Bellwood Campaign. On the
by a passenger). streets of Suburbia and Downtown however the familiar hum
of the Kilcopter is a sign that the cavalry has arrived and that
FEN 0227-V Battle Taxi APC the big guns are here.
“Ain’t nothing but a Thresher Sarge getting through the hull of The newer 3498 version of the Kilcopter is equipped as
this bad boy. She’s my baby. I treat her right and she keeps you standard with a Tri-barrelled FEN 808 Power Reaper 2.4000,
safe. My rolling castle.” external ceramic armour plating and a fusion engine good for
10,000 hours of flight without charge.
Rex Tappalin, SLA vehicle pool mechanic, SCL 11
FEN 3498 Kilcopter Cost: 450,000c
The longest standing military vehicle both on and off-world,
the Battle Taxi is a huge armoured personnel carrier, measuring Skill: Drive Pilot
9m in length. The current Mark V (Five) model has been Length Width Height
a mainstay in the streets of Mort for as long as anyone can 2.4m 2m 6m
remember. Capable of carrying 10 passengers of almost any size
as well as a dedicated gunner for the Power Reaper turret, the Capacity: 1 pilot, 1 co-pilot (optional), 4 passengers
Battle Taxi is the obvious choice for large squads or even larger PV Resistance Hit Points
Operatives, like Stormers and Shaktars, or any situation where
10 30 80
having a moveable wall makes sense. The Battle Taxi’s use in the
cannibal sectors has declined since the implementation of the Movement: 100
Crawler, but this has just put more of them into the hands of Weapons: Tri-barrelled FEN 808 Power Reaper 2.4000 (treat as
the Shiver Downtown Patrol and increased availability within regular weapon with +6 DMG and +3 AD).
the SLA vehicle pool.
The APC also sports a sealed environment and advanced air Zenit Patroller Motorcycle
filtration, an advanced comms relay and both long range motion The Zenit is the Shiver Organisation’s primary support vehicle
and thermal scanning equipment. All in all the Battle Taxi is the in Downtown. A simple yet powerful motorcycle with large
perfect deployment vehicle for Operatives and a reliable rally wheels and significant armour. The motorcycle is of simple
point in a firefight. construction with as few moving parts as possible. It is sparsely
equipped, being not much more than an armoured engine block

173
 SLA INDUSTRIES

on two wheels. Each bike is numbered with stencilled lettering ‘Flux Cages’ due to the way in which they trap and hamper the
and the Shiver motif on its front armour plate. The bike allows a capabilities of Ebb users.
single Shiver rider and up to one pillion passenger to move about The Deathsuit is an organic armoured suit that covers the wearer’s
Downtown with relative ease. While not as fast as a Calaharvey, body with close-fitting Science Friction material. The suit has the
the Zenit holds up as being more manoeuvrable than most appearance of raw muscle and sinew and is typically jet black in
cars and has sufficiently enough speed to be considered a fast appearance with an oily outer surface. Ebonites often change the
response vehicle. The wheels have deep treads and a wide base, colour of their suits via the Ebb to match their own vibrant eye and
providing a previously unprecedented level of traction and the hair colour. While the Deathsuit does not have a separate helmet, it
ability to ride over the worst of Downtown roads or civilians is able to wrap itself around the face of the wearer at will, offering
and even up and down staircases with relative ease. the same basic protection from the elements and local toxicants
that sealed armour does.
Most Zenits are Shiver green, but some SLA Operative
While the Deathsuit provides protection it also enables the wearer
squads may acquire them as an alternative to a squad Battle
to expand their potential. The single most important aspect of the
Taxi or Crawler. The impracticalities of such vehicles make suit is that it is able to store the required knowledge to calculate the
them more of a wow factor and cool gimmick for the squad Ebb. Because of this advancement in Science Friction engineering,
than a practical solution to long term field work and clearly the need for dangerous and illegal Glyph Cards has become a thing
they were not designed for the likes of the Malice Stormer or of the past.
Shaktar physique. The Science Friction material that makes up the suit acts as a
Zenit Patroller Motorcycle Cost: 25,000c symbiote, slowly integrating itself as one with the wearer. As
the process reaches its later stages the suit becomes able to store
Skill: Drive Motorcycle additional Flux that the wearer can access at will, as well as slowly
Length Width Height adding to the physical capabilities of its owner. Those Ebonites who
have worn their Deathsuit for long enough will eventually find
2.1m 1.2m 0.9m
themselves physically more capable, becoming stronger and faster
Capacity: 1 driver, 1 passenger than they ever were without the suit. In addition, the most evolved
version of the Deathsuit is able to think and act as an extension of
PV Resistance Hit Points
its owner’s body should they become incapacitated.
7 22 30
Movement: 28

SCIENCE FRICTION EQUIPMENT

Dark Lament is a subsidiary department of SLA Industries.
Headed by some of the most respected Necanthropes and
Ebonites in The World of Progress, Dark Lament creates
physical items formed from the Ebb itself, an art known as
Science Friction. Over the years, a vast range of tools have
been made available to Ebonites to allow them to focus their
minds and enhance their use of the different Ebb disciplines.
The first known Science Friction items were the now-illegal
Glyph Cards, but many other ancient artefacts were also seized
by Naga 7 during their conquests, most of which became the
inspiration for Dark Lament’s own development of tools and Deathsuit (Light) Cost: 750c
weapons. PV Resistance Weight
While a number of these items have been phased out over 5 16 0
the years, the core of the Dark Lament line continues to be the
mainstay of equipment for Ebonite Operatives on Mort. A Deathsuit provides a range of benefits based upon the user’s
knowledge of the Protect Ebb discipline. Medium and Heavy
Deathsuit Deathsuits cannot be purchased, instead they are obtained
naturally through the Ebonite’s understanding of the Protect
“It’s not armour. It’s my skin. My soul. It’s me.”
discipline.
Glisten, Ebon Operative, SCL 8.3
A Deathsuit is the most common item found in the possession Deathsuit (Medium)
of an Ebonite. While there is no requirement to wear one, the PV Resistance Weight
benefits granted by the Deathsuit are so great that over 99.9% of
all Ebonites in the employ of SLA Industries now have their own 8 20 0
Deathsuit. Thanks to its creation, Ebonites no longer need to wear The wearer’s COOL stat (as well as the species maximum) is
powered armour, which drastically hampers the Ebb user’s ability increased by +1. The wearer’s FLUX regeneration is increased to
to draw Flux. Today, Ebonites refer to common armour suits as 1 point every hour.

174
 H A R D WA R E

sword glows in line with the current state of mind of the user -
Deathsuit (Heavy)
normally blue, green, pink or red when the Ebonite is in combat.
PV Resistance Weight
10 26 0
The wearer’s STR and DEX stats (as well as the species
maximums) are increased by +1. A heavy deathsuit is ‘alive’ Any user of Blue Thermal may channel the Ice Blade or Razor
and able to think and act as the Ebon should they become Ice Blade ability through the Ebb Sword rather than creating
incapacitated, walking them out of danger and using their Ebb an ice blade. When this happens, the Ebb Sword will use the
disciplines to protect or heal them. relevant Ice Blade’s profile, but will inflict +1 damage and will not
shatter, thus lasting until the duration of the ability. Alternatively,
Ebb Flintlock the Ebb Sword may be used as a weapon in its own right, using
The Ebb Flintlock, as its name suggests, is an arcane looking the following profile:
flintlock-style pistol, formed from Science Friction materials
and engraved with glyphs designed to enhance the user’s Ebb Sword Cost: 500c
channeling of Flux when using the Blast discipline.
Skill: Melee Weapons
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10-1 2 3 2
The user may spend 1 point of FLUX when calculating damage
to add +3 AD for the purpose of that attack.
Ebb Flintlock Cost: 500c
Focus Gem
Weight: 1
The Focus Gem is like a large gemstone, implanted into the
If an Ebonite using the Blast discipline is armed with an Ebb users Deathsuit, typically in the centre of the chest or between
Flintlock, they gain the following bonuses: the shoulder blades at the back. Whenever the user calculates
- All Blast attacks gain +10m range and +1 Min DMG. a discipline, all summoned Flux is channeled through the gem,
- All Blast attacks may be made using the character’s Pistol skill which in turn causes the ability used to lasts longer. The gem
if they prefer. works as an amplifier for the duration of Ebb disciplines.
- Upon success of the Calculation Test, the user may opt to
not immediately perform the attack and instead store it in the Focus Gem Cost: 600c
Flintlock to be fired during a subsequent Combat Round (max Weight: 1
storage of 5 Combat Rounds). Only a single shot may be stored
in this way. When equipped, the stated duration of any Ebb discipline (e.g.
Duration: 10 mins) is doubled. The Ebonite may still choose to
Ebb Medi-kit end the effect of such abilities early if they wish. A Focus Gem
works on all disciplines, with the exception of Enhance.
The Ebb Medi-kit is an organic-looking pouch which has a
similar appearance to the outer surface of the Deathsuit. The Flux Gem
small kit contains a range of ornate tools which are designed to
Flux Gems are storage batteries for Flux. They are typically
focus the user’s mind to channel their Flux more intensely when
small, smooth and polished stones which act as a containment
using the Heal discipline.
matrix for excess Flux, allowing an Ebonite to replenish spent
Ebb Medi-kit Cost: 500c Flux faster, quickly and efficiently whenever they need it.
Weight: 0 Cost:100c per
Flux Gem point of flux
When equipped with an Ebb Medi-kit, any Heal abilities that
regain Hit Points will regain an additional 1 Hit Point. In Weight: 1
addition, the Formulae Rating of all rank 3 and 4 Heal abilities The owner may drain the Flux Gem at any time, transferring
are reduced by 1. the entire capacity to their own Flux value. Note that it is not
possible to partially drain a Flux Gem, the entire contents must
Ebb Sword be absorbed in one go, with any excess Flux being lost. During
“As soon as Dark Lament released the Ebb Sword I bought combat, absorbing Flux from a Flux Gem may be done as an
one. It was like a calling or something… I just had to. Since auxiliary action.
then I’ve used my Flintlock less and less. Up close and personal Like Ebonites, Flux Gems are also capable of regenerating their
with power like this in my hands. It’s very special.” own Flux supplies and will regain 1 point every 12 hours. While
the rate of replenishment is much slower than the Ebonite’s own
Haven, Ebon Operative, SCL 5c, squad ‘Haven’s Arms’
ability to regain Flux, it does mean that most Flux Gems become
The Ebb Sword is a one-handed antique blade encrusted with fully recharged within 24-48 hours.
glyphs. The handle molds itself to the grip of the first Ebonite Flux Gems are available in a range of storage sizes, capable of
that holds it, making it unique to the user. The blade of the holding between 1 and 5 points of Flux.

175
 SLA INDUSTRIES

THREAT ANALYSIS
had a department dedicated to recording and disseminating
DEPARTMENTAL FORMATION codified knowledge about every threat available, from the
“When the old enemies returned, the horrors that we all knew cockroaches of the cannibal sectors to the Momics of the No-
were not destroyed, the lies were revealed. When the Conflict Go Zone, from the Carnivorous Pig to the Root Dog. A quick
Aliens returned, we knew we had done too little, a few threat call to Threat Analysis and you could get a report printout fed
analyses here and there, describing the worst of them, but with to your APC’s dash fax, or even your home printer, within the
scant detail. That’s when we knew we’d failed and we had to hour.
make it right. That’s when I took the reports and collated them,
the spider-crawls in diaries, the testimonies of the survivors, the ANALYSING THE THREAT
data slugs of long dead monsters, crawling on the screens in your
hands, that’s when we knew the future needed saving from the The standard Threat Analysis comes in the form of a description,
past. Yes, yes, save the future, sacrifice the now. I have seen the the statistics of the threat, its skill equivalents, equipment and
long dead terrors and the terrors looked back.” offensive capabilities. For instance, a typical threat would have a
description that explains as much information as an Operative
Marius Grenham, Threat Analysis
needs to survive meeting one, including how to recognise it,
department founder, 905sd
how dangerous it is and any other pertinent information that
In 905sd, a new threat appeared in the World of Progress and SLA Industries thinks you need. An example of the sort of
SLA Industries was ill-prepared. SLA’s military was meeting information contained in a Threat Analysis follows.
formerly unknown threats on far-off worlds with little or no Name: The name of the threat, eg. Killian Brown
information, aside from a few disorganised notes. This cost the Rat.
company dearly. A handful of survivors returned to Mort, from
Stats: STR, DEX, KNOW, CONC, CHA, COOL,
Xaime, after a brutal encounter with this new threat and one
LUCK and Initiative.
survivor suspected the worst; Marius Grenham thought they
were the 900 years dead conflict aliens. In particular, he thought Hit Points: Total hit points.
they were the Krell. Movement: Closing and Rushing speeds.
His suspicions were correct. While he was in recovery, he Skills: A list of skills, eg. “Detect: 1”
scoured the libraries and records for proof that the Krell had
Equipment: Whatever the threat usually carries. In the
returned only to discover the records in complete disarray. He
case of animals, this will be their natural
begged a corporate representative for assistance and was shocked
weapons and armour, if applicable.
to find that his requests for a small team and office space were
quickly granted. Grenham and his team started pulling up every Weapons: The statistics of the type of weapons they
report on every encounter, including thousand year old writings carry or their natural weapons.
and drawings, eventually cataloguing a collection of documents Notes: Any special rules that apply to the threat.
for each threat. Each catalogue entry he referred to as a Threat
Analysis. Grenham’s department standardised and catalogued A fax from Threat Analysis will be accompanied by an
everything, even including the less esoteric threats encountered image, if available, but the image quality isn’t as good as the
by Operatives and the military. The library rapidly became a one the department can provide if you have the time to go to a
repository of knowledge for everyone, with the Sector Rangers departmental office and request a full quality printout. Offices
and Shivers also inputting their sightings and findings. The are available at strategic points around the city, with the second-
result, a new department of SLA Industries: Threat Analysis. largest being at Hole2 on the Sector Wall, a popular entry point
into Mort City for Sector Rangers.
Although Grenham didn’t survive long, his mental fortitude
was not able to withstand the dread and foreboding caused “Do you have the cost approval form stamped by the
by his encounter with the truly alien, but his techniques and department that issued your BPN? I’ll be needing your request
methodology did. His legacy was a growing encyclopaedia of signed by the leader of your squad on your squad’s official headed
knowledge, listing historical records and contemporary reports paper. You do have that, right?”
for each and every threat the company’s representatives had,
Blaine Eggham, Desk Keeper, Threat Analysis
could and would encounter. Within a few years, SLA Industries

176
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

SEWER DWELLERS AND

STREET FAUNA
“Shit the bed!, we got a Blue BPN to clear out a sewer rat
infestation. A shit job, in a shit place, for shit money - but hey,
at least we won’t die!”
Bob the Frog, Human Operative, SCL
8.3, squad ‘Frog Groggers’
The threats to the denizens of Mort City are not always
glamorous and exciting. Yes an Operative may meet a grisly
end due to an unfortunate encounter with a serial killer or
Dream Entity, but many more have fallen foul to the beasts and
creatures that exist in the shadows and the sewers.

CLAWHEAD COCKROACH
Clawhead Cockroaches, named after their head’s resemblance
to a hammer’s claw, are the smallest threat to be encountered
in the streets, buildings and sewers of Mort City. They are not
dangerous in and of themselves, but they often carry diseases
and contagions. If not kept under control, they can become a
prevalent reminder that home is shared with more than one
would care to consider. They are significantly smaller than the
Arrowhead Cockroaches seen in the cannibal sectors and unlike
their benign larger relatives, do have a defensive mechanism.
If attacked, the Clawheads spray a foul acidic secretion from
glands at the base of their head. This spray contaminates food,
water and surfaces with an acrid tasting sheen which, if left
unchecked for long periods, can corrode metal and architecture.
Often Shivers are tasked with clearing out a Clawhead
infestation; it is probably one of the dullest jobs to be given and
usually requires that all armour and weapons be fully washed
down afterwards.

Notes: Though the Clawhead does not pose a combat threat

to the population of Mort, they do carry a range of diseases
and illnesses which can be contracted by eating food they
have touched. At the GM’s discretion, prolonged contact
with the Clawhead’s acidic secretion will inflict 1 DMG to
unarmoured targets or 1 AD to armour.

RATS
Killian Brown rats are a common sight, both in the streets
of downtown and the sewers. They can be nasty if cornered,
but generally pose no discernible threat to day to day life. They
do however add a massive strain on the infrastructure of the
city, chewing through wires and carrying a number of diseases
wherever they go, multiplying quickly from one pregnant mother
to thousands of individuals in a matter of weeks. Often BPNs
are issued to clear out an infestation; it is unpleasant work, but is
generally low risk. An exception to this happens when food runs
out and the rats become insatiably hungry and congregate in
their hundreds or thousands before relocating en masse. These
swarms are capable of dragging down and consuming anything
in their path, Operatives included.

177
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Skills
Stealth: 2 Tracking: 1
Unarmed Combat: 3

Equipment
Teeth/Claws.

Note: A Killian Brown can cause a nasty bite to unarmed

targets. As such attacks with its teeth do +2 DMG

FERAL MONGREL
When left to their own devices, dogs copulate, eat and
defecate. Canines are naturally social animals and have a pack
mentality which forces the inbred, weak and enfeebled to be
quickly purged, as the larger and stronger specimens prove their
dominance. As such, Feral Mongrels all tend to look similar:
big, strong and full of teeth.
The pack has a hierarchy with the largest and strongest male
being the Alpha and younger males and dominant females
taking the beta role. The betas and the rest of the pack are
responsible for hunting and protecting the young. Males are
ostracised when they near sexual maturity and either roam solo
or form loose packs of their own.
Fights often break out within and between packs of
Mongrels, frequently leading to Alphas being killed or mortally
injured. Most Alphas have the role for only a few months,
Other rat species include but occasionally a king alpha can come to prominence. Such
the larger grey brethren, known as dominant individuals are normally exceptionally large, savage
Lennox Greys. They are fortunately rare within the city walls, and not to be messed with.
but should be avoided at all costs. They have no concept of fear Feral Mongrel
and an uncontrollable hunger, leading them to attack anything
in their domain on sight. They tend to live in small groups of
STR DEX KNOW CONC
four to six, so when one is encountered, expect to find more. In 3 3 0 1
the cannibal sectors, Mutant Rats have been seen with more CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
and more frequency. These hairless monstrosities tend to live for
0 2 0 +4
only a year or so, with mature specimens growing to the size of a
large Carnivorous Pig. There have been no confirmed sightings Hit Points Closing Rushing
of Mutant Rats within the city walls, but it is likely to be only 10 3 7
a matter of time before they find a way in. In recent years, a
disease-infested black rat has also been reported. Initially these Skills
were thought to be a variant of the Lennox Grey, but they could Athletics: 2 Detect: 3
be recent imports from Trakkaar where a similar looking species
Stealth: 2 Tracking: 1
is endemic.
Unarmed Combat: 3
Killian Brown Rat
STR DEX KNOW CONC Equipment
1 4 0 0 Teeth, Thick Hide (PV: 1, Resistance: 6)

CHA COOL LUCK Initiative Notes:

0 3 0 +4 A Feral Mongrel has a vicious bite. As such, attacks with its
teeth do +3 DMG.
Hit Points Closing Rushing
If an Alpha accompanies the pack, each Feral Mongrel gains
6 3 6 +2 COOL. An Alpha uses the profile above, but in addition
to the increase in COOL, they also receive +1 rank in each
Skills
skill.
Athletics: 3 Detect: 1

178
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

CARNIVOROUS PIGS
Sewer dwelling Carnivorous Pigs pose a quandary for most
Mort denizens. They are lethal and likely to eat you, but they
taste so good. Their hide is tough, they are capable of running
at great speed and their teeth and tusks can do some serious
damage, but if you hit them hard and in the right place, they
will go down fast, especially the younger ones, most commonly
known as ‘Squealers’. Fully grown Sows should only be
challenged by experienced Operatives and the Boars by only the
insanely brave or downright foolhardy.
Carnivorous Pig
STR DEX KNOW CONC
5 3 1 2
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
0 7 0 +5
Hit Points Closing Rushing
23 2 5

Skills
Athletics: 2 Detect: 2
Stealth: 1 Survival: 2
Tracking: 1 Unarmed Combat: 4

Equipment
Teeth/Tusks, Armoured Hide (PV: 2, Resistance: 10)

Notes:
Carnivorous Pigs have a Regeneration Rate of 1.
Carnivorous Pigs are vicious fighters, biting and ripping
at anything they can get their jaws around. To reflect this, a
pig’s teeth and tusks do +4 DMG and +2 AD. In addition,
whenever a Carnivorous Pig causes the loss of any Hit Points Jethians proved that they would protect their land even if it
from a single attack, it will also inflict a wound if no other meant dying for it and die they did.
wound has been inflicted by that attack. The GM may choose The Fission Belt came to life in August of 86sd, polluting the
which location this wound is applied to. Jethian homeland, forcing them to fight for both their land and
their lives. A few months later, to solve the ongoing conflict, and
CARRIEN in a sinister turn of events, SLA Industries elected to blow the
reactor positioned in the centre of the province of Jeth, instantly
“Carrien continue to blight the sewers and subterranean
wiping out a huge portion of the Jethian race. The result of this
levels of Downtown and the attributed cause of significant
decision gave rise to two major outcomes; firstly the Fission
loss of civilian life. Though the city-born members of the species
Belt went into meltdown as more reactors followed suit, turning
are far less problematic than their sector-bred kin, they still
vast areas of Mort’s surface into irradiated wasteland. Secondly,
pose a considerable threat based on numbers alone, with their
fleeing from their homes, the surviving masses of the Jethian
population estimated to be second only to that of rats.”
race poured from their homes and fled, pushing on through
Threat Analysis Report 113, Subterranean Topics polluted landscapes, searching for a new home. With every
step they took, they became less and less like the species they
The Death Of A Civilisation once were. Mutated, their skin peeled away to reveal a primitive
Mort was once called Jeth, inhabited by a peaceful race known skeletal form. When their exodus ended and they had arrived
as the Jethians. These canine-esque beings were happy living at the borders of the Central Outskirts, the creatures known
in their jungle cities, worshipping their deities and trading as the Jethians were long dead. In their place, a new frenzied,
with other nations. When SLA Industries built the Fission aggressive and feral monster stood. These monsters became
Belt, the reactor ring that would power the great city of Mort, known as the Carrien.
the Jethians refused to move. In the conflicts that ensued, the

179
 SLA INDUSTRIES

to the required survival instincts, as well as the daily radiation

THE NEW BREED those outside the walls receive.
“The last thing we need is the likes of Klip Klop clippety- Pack Mentality
clopping down Hershall Boulevard with a wee bairn stuck on
his antlers.” Carrien are carnivorous scavengers and natural hunters. They
roam the sewers of Downtown in search of anything they can
Shiver Pvt. Jessie O’Shanter, Downtown 2-34 Patrol
sink their teeth into, usually rats, Carnivorous Pigs or other
The Carrien race have made Cannibal Sector 2 their home, wandering fauna. When food is scarce, they will burst through
far outnumbering all other species. Carrien in the sectors are the ground above them, pouring into apartments or crowded
typically organised into conclaves, usually under the rule of a streets, devouring the civilian population of Downtown. Carrien
Greater Carrien, a huge lumbering beast, originating from the ripping apart civilians is a common sight on the Eight Fourteen
wastes of central outskirts, that stands as big as a Stormer and news minute.
capable of crushing a human skull with one hand. Occasionally While a single Carrien is rarely a match for an armed
these great beasts will have lieutenants known as Carrien Operative, an entire pack can be a dangerous foe. At their very
Alphas. Alphas are the brains, with more smarts than other nature, they are pack-animals, with a single conclave containing
Carrien, putting them closer to Advanced Carrien Operatives anywhere from 50 to a few thousand fully grown Carrien,
than their Greater Carrien kin. Sometimes Alphas will branch which will typically roam in hunting packs of between six and
out on their own and form a conclave without the rule of a twenty. While those in Downtown are not as organised as their
Greater Carrien, though many of these packs do not seem to sector-kin, many still operate under the leadership of an Alpha,
survive long especially in the cannibal sectors. For this reason, hunting for food, water or anything else that the Alpha wants
most conclaves found in the sewers under Downtown are to add to their collection. These city-based Alphas are rarely
headed by an Alpha. Survival in the city is more about smarts seen, hiding deep in the subterranean tunnels of Downtown,
than brute force and this is where the Alphas stand out. shying away from lights above and feasting on whatever their
Though most regular Carrien are capable fighters, with teeth hunting packs bring back. When an Alpha does venture out,
and claws that can shred flesh and bone, those out in the they are highly aggressive and easily capable of taking down
cannibal sectors are typically far stronger and more frenzied an Operative if they get close enough. Though Carrien do not
than those found in Downtown. Threat Analysis attributes this use ranged weapons, some Alphas possess enough smarts to use
firearms scavenged from dead gang members or Operatives.

180
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

More than a few Shiver patrols have been caught off-guard by Notes: Roughly 50% of a pack will be armed with a Carrien
a shotgun-wielding Alpha during routine street cleaning duties. Hockey Sticks and possibly Scrap Armour (Light). For Scrap
Armour, see Scavs.
“When you shoot at ‘em they drop fast. Sure, up close they can
be real mean feckers, so make a point of not letting ‘em near. But Carrien Alpha
this is the problem, right? There’s so damn many of them. They’re
like them damn Clawheads. Where there’s one there’s usually
STR DEX KNOW CONC
umpty-three more waiting to pounce and pull you through a 5 4 2 2
sewer grate.” CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
Shiver Pvt. Tarly Walters, Downtown 3-128 Patrol 0 5 0 +6
Living in the Shadows Hit Points Closing Rushing
Due to spending their lives in the shadows of the subterranean 22 4 7
passageways and sewers of Mort, urban Carrien eyesight has
degenerated, especially when compared to those living on the Skills
other side of the wall. This inability to adjust to shifting light Athletics: 3 Climbing: 2
levels has saved more than a few Shiver patrols in Downtown, Detect: 2 Language (Gristle): 3
who have come to refer to the standard issue flashlight as a
Leadership: 3 Melee Weapons: 3
‘Blinder’. While a flashlight will not save your life, it may just
buy you enough time to reload or escape. Polearm: 4 Stealth: 2
Carrien Runs, as they are commonly known, are small crawl Survival: 3 Tracking: 3
spaces found in the foundations of buildings, sewers and even Unarmed Combat: 3
the Sector Wall. These runs allow the Carrien to pass unseen
throughout the foundations of Downtown, Lower Downtown Equipment
and at times, even as far up as Suburbia. The Carrien Runs are Teeth/Claws, Carrien Hockey Stick, Scrap Armour (Medium)
also how most unwanted guests make their way into Districts
seven and eight of Downtown from the cannibal sectors. Notes: Some Alphas may have additional weapons taken from
While they are not keen to share these access tunnels, there killed Operatives with one or two even able to operate firearms.
are simply too many scattered over too wide an area of the For Scrap Armour, see Scavs.
sprawling city for the Carrien to retain any kind of control and,
as such, everyone from Scavs to DarkNight will use them to
Hockey Stick
move weapons, drugs, people and even themselves between A polearm shaped after a traditional Jethian wooden
unseen areas. As for the runs under the Sector Wall, SLA ceremonial staff. The weapon has become symbolic of the
Industries seem either reluctant to investigate or have grown Carrien race and gets its name from Naga 7’s ‘John Hockey
entirely ignorant of their existence, refusing to accept that the Theory’, a process used to spin an elaborate cover story made
foundations of their impenetrable wall could possibly have been up to divert people from a larger truth, in this case, the real
breached in such a way. background of the Carrien race.
Carrien Hockey Stick
STR DEX KNOW CONC Skill: Polearm
3 3 1 1 DMG Min DMG AD Weight
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative 1d10-3 2 0 1
0 4 0 +4 Any successful attack with a Hockey Stick that inflicts a wound
will also knock the target to the ground, inflicting the prone
Hit Points Closing Rushing
condition. Some Carrien will strap a blade to the end of their
14 4 7 Hockey Stick, changing the weapon into a Hockey Axe. A
Hockey Axe inflicts +2 DMG and +1 AD, but increases the
Skills Weight Factor to 3.
Athletics: 3 Climbing: 2
Species Specific Abilities
Detect: 2 Language (Gristle): 2
Melee Weapons: 3 Polearm: 2 “One Carrien is no threat at all, but try facing nine of them.”
Stealth: 2 Survival: 2 Shiver Pvt. Mandy Dancer, Downtown 3-95 Patrol
Tracking: 1 Unarmed Combat: 3 Pack Mentality: Carrien work as a pack, hunt as a pack and
eat as a pack. As long as Carrien number six or more, they are
Equipment
considered to be entirely immune to the effects of Fear and
Teeth/Claws, Mix of generic unpowered weapons each add +1 to their Initiative Bonus.

181
 SLA INDUSTRIES

menace that need not be concerned with. The danger is real, the
THE SHI’AN CULT danger is right here and right now.
The Shi’An are the largest and most powerful religious cult on
Mort. They originate from White Earth and the vast expanse “It would be convenient to simply lay the blame of the Shi’An’s
of Conflict Space beyond. Over the years the Cult’s influence development at the feet of White Earth, but the reality is
has spread across the SLA owned World of Progress, seducing sadly more nuanced than that. SLA Industries, the World of
the downtrodden masses and turning their followers against the Progress, and Mort-based society have had an equal share in
company. the expansion of the cult.
The Cult worships Bitterness and his Prime Ethereals. In For centuries we have ignored and marginalised, the largest
return for devotion and service the cultists can wield dark magic population cross section in the entire World of Progress – our
and summon servants and allies directly from White Earth, own citizens. We have deemed them largely inconsequential
challenging SLA in ways previously not thought possible. SLA and of little value. We have shown little interest in encouraging
Industries and the Shi’An are diametric opposites. Whilst them, save a privileged few. We rack and stack them in the
SLA focusses on media and technology, the Shi’An is steeped hovels of Lower Downtown and conveniently forget about
in mysticism and savagery. SLA Industries has been forced to them.
create an entirely new BPN colour/type that deals solely with The Shi’An Cult did not forget about them however and
the activity of this religion. provided them something that we have never offered them:
hope.
“I implore you to create an educational program that will,
at the very least, teach our Operatives the basics of the Shi’An The Cult told them that they may in fact be special, that they
Cult. At this moment Threat Analysis puts forward a moderate may have significance and purpose. All they had to do was join
to low hazard rating on them, but this is a potentially disastrous their ranks.
oversight. Whether or not the Shi’An would abuse them, or lie to them
The Shi’An Cult is going to be a major problem in the years really did not matter. The falsehood was always more seductive
to come. They have never had any real power, it has never been than the truth.
granted, until now. But as the cult continues to grow and evolve, Bitterness may have fashioned Shi’An, but SLA Industries,
we will see the creatures of White Earth infest our world, and through sheer neglect, created the Cult itself.”
even our best-trained Operatives have no experience of these Professor Arthur Godfrey Crowden, Stigmartyr
highly specific threats. – (Principal of Societal Studies)
The Shi’An’s true strength lies within this oversight; it depends
on our tendency to disregard a deceptively low level danger. By THE THREAT WITHIN
the time we finally acknowledge this blunder, it will already be
The problem stems not from the denizens which are pulled
too late.”
onto Mort from White Earth, but the civilians based on Mort
Mara Kessock, Head of Stigmartyr, addressing Head itself. Without their worship and decisive action such creatures
Office in a restricted memo, dated 1/12/899sd cannot reach the World of Progress.
The Shi’An is like no other threat to SLA Industries because SLA Industries has let its populace down and so many have
its power comes from outside the World of Progress, it stems turned their devotion to Bitterness and White Earth as a
from White Earth. It knows all of the company’s secrets. For result. In this instance, power is genuinely granted to Mort’s
nine centuries SLA has charged two departments to stymie underclass, but most fall victim rather than reap the real benefits.
curiosity and eliminate uncovered truths; this has been the The current plan is to simply cause chaos on Mort and convey a
joint duty of both Cloak Division and Stigmartyr. It has always message: the core of SLA can be reached and threatened.
been Cloak Division’s responsibility to eradicate the threat of Most Downtown inhabitants not aligned to the Cult are
exposure and for countless years it has succeeded in that task. utterly terrified of the Shi’An. The strange visitors from White
Most people living on Mort and in the World of Progress Earth frighten on a deeper level than Carrien and Manchines
have had only a cursory understanding of White Earth. All because they are otherworldly, they do not belong. They should
that has been widely acknowledged is that White Earth is the not even exist and whilst most civilians cannot articulate this
true enemy of SLA and something horrendous exists on that dreadful feeling they seem to understand on an instinctual level:
world that can challenge Mr Slayer. People also realise that any the worst is yet to come.
information pertaining to White Earth can easily make one a The summoned threats in Downtown are low level, relatively
target on an extermination warrant. Thus, if you choose to pry speaking. The rituals required to bring them forth require little
deeply into the secrets of White Earth you are a determined preparation or effort and with the exception of the Ascetics
opponent of SLA, or at best just especially stupid. Recently, they are not expected to survive too long. Stigmartyr knows
Cloak Division has unfortunately failed in its responsibilities how to deal with the present crop of threats, but they are more
because the people of Mort are now fully conscious of White concerned with the Ethereals entering the World of Progress.
Earth. This failure was inevitable. The Shi’An are in their streets The Malefactors govern the Cult and the Prime Ethereals
and in their apartments. They are their neighbours; they may govern them. Each Malefactor has one of the Prime Ethereals
even be family members. White Earth is no longer some distant as their patron and as such gain special gifts and boons befitting

182
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

the nature of that specific Ethereal. They must, however, Once you make your blood oath you are in for life, even if that
deliver on certain promises made once they are appointed as is just a few more weeks.
Malefactors. Often these duties run to the very gruesome and Some have been known to throw themselves upon the mercy
extreme and if one is a servant to the resident Malefactor they of SLA Ops and Shivers, but most never get that chance. If
must carry much of the horrid burden. It is within these daily the Cult even catches wind of a potential desertion or mutiny,
chores of service that many Neophytes lose their minds. the reprisals are fast and savage. Many blasphemous Neophytes
have met uglier ends than the Cult’s chosen prey for daring to
“I used to think that all that White Earth shit was garbage; go against White Earth…
just some made up threat to keep us in check. Seriously, they
do that kinda shit all the time and you know it. I didn’t even “In order to climb up the ranks the cultists need to make
believe in the Shi’An portals, … until I saw a Hominid for valuable sacrifices. At a higher level these goons have to kill a
myself . loved one. Like, to prove their loyalty.
It wasn’t the sight, so much as the smell? Y’know, that really We caught this one Fun Boy the other day, and he’s got… he’s
deep ‘animal stench’; I’d never smelled anything like that before got a dead baby in a rucksack, and he was on his way back to
and it made me want to vomit. Lower Downtown. He told me he didn’t have no loved ones, no
That’s when I knew all this was real. relatives; so the Shi’An told him to pick a suitable alternative.
I don’t sleep so good these days.” I hate it when this damn Cult encourages its worshippers to
Paulie ‘Grits’ Gritmore, Downtown Gang ‘get creative.’
Member - ‘The Flesh Wounds’ I killed that fucker right on the spot.
Scumbag.”
THE ATTRACTION OF THE CULT Gell Diamond, Human Operative, SCL
Unlike many other Cults throughout the history of SLA the 7, Squad ‘Boss Man’s Wrath’
Shi’An does not offer material wealth or necessarily public
recognition. Almost all are drawn by the promise of spiritual CULT HIERARCHY
power. There is no con or fakery; all the magic and wonderment, The Shi’An Cult, on Mort, is led by the chosen Malefactors,
however hideous it may be, is on display for all to see. The initial taking their directions from White Earth. Below them are the
divine vision fades fast as those who were seduced by the cult Acolytes and the Neophytes who still retain their humanity, with
swiftly acknowledge the dark reality of it and have no choice but the Drones at the bottom, doing the menial tasks and moving
to bend to its brutal wishes. One does not simply leave the Cult. blood around in the form of their bodies. It is very rare that an

183
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Operative squad will come into contact with a Malefactor, a Everything appearing on Mort from White Earth is to be
good thing considering their power more than matches that of considered extremely dangerous and SLA is taking swift steps
a Necanthrope. to educate the Operative Squads who may be required to
eradicate such threats.
Drones Stigmartyr has introduced a basic breakdown of the varying
Nobody joins the Shi’An Cult expecting to become a Drone. enemy types entering into the World of Progress. All evidence
They barely know this term even exists and its application relating to Shi’An in an infected area: religious and summoning
is expressed in two different ways. The first is a Drone, an paraphernalia, sand coating walls, floor or furniture, blood
expendable worshipper, having little to no value, who can only spatter and corpses of any cultists or White Earth denizens
be trusted to perform the simplest, labour intensive tasks. At its is to be quarantined and guarded until a clean up crew from
worst, the second definition of a Drone is a cultist whose mind Stigmartyr arrives.
has simply snapped from the pressure of serving such a terrible
religious sect and because of the awful things they witnessed ANIMALS
and committed. At this stage, that Drone is only valued for the
blood in their veins. The most commonly summoned White Earth creatures to
Mort are just animals. These basic mammals and insects are
Neophyte typically hostile; aggressive on their home world, but downright
Neophytes make up the bulk of the cult’s organisation and murderous on Mort. Having little more than a rudimentary
have some mind to what they are doing and why they got form of intelligence they cannot be calmed or reasoned with.
entangled in the Shi’An in the first place. These followers accrue A myriad of different species can be called from White Earth
a small amount of power, but if a ladder of importance exists in with relative ease, but they are only of limited use to the cultist.
the Cult then they are on the second lowest of the rungs and They are, however, good for honing the summoner’s craft and
they are desperately trying to climb up. unleashing terror on Mort’s populace. Civilians know of White
Neophytes are the most likely followers to be found wearing Earth and its cult through their experiences with these creatures.
armour and using technology such as firearms and vibro hand Low Level Ops are often sent out to exterminate them once
weapons, despite Shi’An edicts forbidding their use – it is the they have been set loose in Downtown Apartment Blocks.
only real hope they have of defending themselves against the Bane Rat
enemies of White Earth.
“So glad I’m not a bloody Ebonite, mate.”
“I ain’t going up against a Hominid with a pointy stick; The
Alfie ‘Pigknocker’ McClaren, Frother
only language those fuckers understand is Chain Axe.”
Operative, Squad ‘Nae Danger’. SCL 9b
Blokey Bloke, Shi’An Neophyte
Bane Rats are simple scavenger vermin that are found
But what’s in it for them? Most expect a final victory over throughout White Earth. They live exclusively on carrion, but
SLA will grant them privileges and untold wealth in the new have a particular preference for Ebonite flesh. The consumption
world, however vain and desperate this may seem. Others are of that specific tissue has a unique side effect on Bane Rats; they
simply freaks of debasement – voyeurs who simply indulge and are the only non-Ebb species known that can absorb flux and
thrive on the ultra sadistic acts they witness and perform. instinctively use it.
Acolyte A Bane Rat must consume its fill of Ebon flesh before the flux
it contains can be activated. The sated rat takes on a blue internal
This is the next stage in development for a Neophyte. Once ebb glow, which may scare off larger predators, but if this is not
they attain the status of Acolyte their responsibilities and value
increase. Acolytes now serve as Scribes, Overseers and Pedlars.
Most do not realise, however, that their career path has led
them into a dead end. Only a handful ever elevate to any higher
position; the majority simply perform the same monotonous
task from the remainder of their short lives. These powerful
individuals are likely the highest level that most Operative
squads are likely to meet, but they are just underlings of the
Shi’An cult.

VISITORS FROM WHITE EARTH

SLA Operatives at present have a very limited understanding
of the Shi’An cult. They are unfamiliar with the Cult’s
practitioners, its rituals and monsters. SLA has devoted so
many years to concealing the truth about White Earth. SLA
Industries is paying for this now, but the Operatives suffer to an
even greater degree.

184
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

intimidating enough, the Bane Rat can expel its kinetic cargo at
an opponent in a form very similar to an Ebb Blast.
The Bane Rat cannot be mistaken for any of the Mort based
breeds since it has no skin and bears more of the hallmarks of
a Carrien, with its shining blue featureless eyes and bare skull.
Stigmartyr claims that whilst on White Earth, Bane Rats will
roll in sand to act as camouflage and then submerge themselves
in the dunes and wait for approaching prey. Bane Rats obviously
do not have sands on Mort in which to obscure themselves, but
they do have a disturbing habit of burying themselves in the
remains of whatever Ebonite they have killed, as a gruesome
substitute.
The Shi’An Cult likes to summon a handful of Bane Rats to
place around their lair as they can sense flux when it is close
by and so serve as rudimentary early warning signs of nearby
Op Squads. Like most animal species drawn from White Earth
these creatures are extremely vicious and require cultists skilled
in animal husbandry to control them. If captive, Bane Rats
cannot get their fill of Ebonite flesh, they will get even more
aggressive and will settle for nothing less than human flesh.
Quite often the most expendable cultists are thrown in amongst
these hideous rodents to placate them.

ATROCITIES
The Atrocity can pose as much of a risk to the Shi’An
Summoner as the enemies he wishes to set them upon, especially
in the case of the Hominids. The Atrocities are an extreme
hazard when dragged through the portals and immediately
run amok, unless binding spells have been invoked. Bitterness
shaped them to cow the natives of this world and they continue
to behave in a way true to their nature wherever they go. Quite
often the entity will slay its summoner on its arrival and then go
on the rampage in the immediate area. Hominids are the most
common atrocity summoned to Mort.
Hominids
The Hominids are simple, rudimentary creatures and have no
place in the massive urban sprawl that is Downtown. There are
no binding spells or appeasement offerings when it comes to
these animals and controlling them can only be done through
harsh physical discipline. The Hominids are not ordinary
primates in the classic sense, rather they are a nightmarish
representation of an ape and the Hominid’s understanding of
the surrounding world has been shaped by violence and horror As their name suggests Ascetics forgo all earthly possessions,
of White Earth. Even on Mort these creatures are still tied to its material and spiritual. They seek sinister enlightenment from
cruel principles and if they are not subdued or destroyed swiftly the Ethereals of the wastes, giving all of themselves over
they will run riot and slaughter as relentlessly as they do on their to a higher power. They are taught many of the secrets and
home world. machinery that holds the World of Progress and Conflict Space
in check and that which threatens to tear them apart. Through
Hollow Ascetic this devastating knowledge Ascetics are granted considerable
Hollow Ascetics are followers of Bitterness in his guise of powers and unnaturally long life. Although, to the outsider
The Red King and have devoted their lives to a study of the they typically appear as little more than shambling, mindless
shifting sands of White Earth. The cost of their devotion is wretches.
degradation of their physical features. Their eyes are cloudy and Most Ascetics wear simple rags and animal skins and carry
lifeless; their lips are drawn back in agonised rictus, exposing nothing but a strange black sword crafted from a metal of
grey tombstone-like teeth. unknown origin. This dark weapon crackles with Ethereal
Energy and when pointed at an opponent can emit a destructive

185
 SLA INDUSTRIES

The spells listed below are typically combat driven and used as
a means of defence against attacking SLA Operatives. There are
more complex and ritualistic conjurings and rituals, but these
are rarely seen directly, although their effect and outcomes may
well be.
The Shi’An use two forms of magic: Blood Magic, which is
ritualistic and the conjured Ethereal Magic.
Ethereal Magic
Conjurers of Ethereal Magic tap into the Ethereal Flow, in a
similar way to how Ebonites use the Ebb. Ethereal Magic is far
more potent and advanced than the ritualistic Blood Magic. It
is magic in the more classic sense. Its power is derived from the
Ethereal Realm; a plane of existence from which the Ethereal
beings are shaped. Only a handful of individuals can wield
Ethereal Magic and need nothing more than their knowledge of
the Flow to do so. Cultists that survive an interaction with the
Flow, gain more power to yield it, but this is a dangerous path to
tread and each and every conjuring could spell the Acolytes end.
Blood Magic
Blood Magic, as the name suggests, is always tied and evoked
by the shedding and sacrifice of blood. The primary use of Blood
Magic is a means of summoning denizens from White Earth.
Sometimes, just a mere cup of spilled blood is enough, but in
more powerful spells it will require living sacrifices and all too
often it is more than just one unfortunate. Blood Magic can
also be used on oneself and a trained ritualist can increase his
strength and toughness. Blood Magic can also be used to create
weapons and shapes purely out of blood.
Blood Magic artefacts, the Shi’An Scrolls, were invented in
such a way that almost anyone could invoke them. The denizens
that the parchments could summon were as dangerous to the
Neophytes as the victims they brought to be set upon. As
long as the portals were opened and the monsters let loose
on The World of Progress, the fate of the eager Neophyte was
inconsequential.
Species Specific Abilities
bolt not unlike an Ebb Blast. Threat Analysis categorises two
From White Earth: Animals and Atrocities summoned
forms of Ascetics: Hollow and the far more powerful Fetid
from White Earth do not interact with the physical elements
variation, although at present the appearance of Fetid Ascetics
of The World of Progress in the same way as other species.
on Mort are mercifully rare.
All Hit Points that Animals or Atrocities would lose from
Ascetics are some of the more advanced beings to be summoned damage being inflicted are halved (after damage modifiers
forth from White Earth. They cannot be called into the World have been applied). In addition, all such creatures are entirely
of Progress by accident, so if they are witnessed in the streets immune to the effects of fear. Cultists never possess these
of Downtown, it is because an experienced summoner brought abilities.
them here. They are typically summoned to serve as educators
FLOW (Stat): Shi’An cultists and some Atrocities replace
of difficult incantations and ancient spells, or as savage avengers
their LUCK/FLUX stat with FLOW. FLOW functions
sent out to murder SLA Operatives who veered too close to a
much like FLUX and represents the user’s ability to channel
Shi’An lair.
the Ethereal Flow for the purpose of using Ethereal Magic.
Anyone that can use FLOW will have this stat on their
SPELLS OF THE SHI’AN profile. Spent FLOW is regained in the same way as FLUX,
Most cultists have very little power to speak of and rely on the with the user regaining 1 point every two-hours.
regular tools and weapons of The World of Progress to defend
the faith. Malefactors, and generally, to a lesser extent Acolytes,
are considerably more powerful and have a range of magical
abilities.

186
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

Cultists Hominid
Drone/Neophyte/Acolyte STR DEX KNOW CONC
STR DEX KNOW CONC 5 5 1 3
1 1 1 1 CHA COOL Luck Initiative
CHA COOL Flow Initiative 0 7 0 +8
2 2 0 +2 Hit Points Closing Rushing
Hit Points Closing Rushing 30 5 9
12 2 4 Skills
Skills Athletics: 4 Climbing: 2
Detect: 1 Melee Weapons: 1 Intimidation: 4 Melee Weapons: 4
Pistol: 1 Streetwise: 1 Torture: 4 Tracking: 4
Unarmed Combat: 4
Equipment
Knife, CAF ‘Steel Death’ pistol (1 Clip). Equipment
Ethereal Body (PV: 6, Resistance: NA), Teeth/Claws, Slaughter
Drones: use the profile above. Club.
Neophytes: use the profile above and gain +1 to KNOW,
COOL and FLOW. Some Neophytes may possess other Notes: When a Hominid has lost 5 or more Hit Points it gains
assorted skills at rank 1 and/or increase existing skills to rank +1 STR stat.
2. Many will carry better weapons, such as a Vibro Sabre or When a Hominid has lost 15 or more Hit Points it gains
FEN603 sourced on the black market. +3 to its Initiative Bonus. New Initiative Values should be
Acolytes: use the profile above and gain +2 to KNOW, calculated for all combatants as the Hominid goes into a
COOL and FLOW. Most Acolytes will possess the frenzy.
Leadership and Lore: Cult skills at rank 2, along with other
assorted skills at rank 1 and 2 and/or increase existing skills Hollow Ascetic
to rank 2. Many will carry better weapons in the same way as
STR DEX KNOW CONC
Neophytes, but do not use guns.
6 3 4 6
Summoned Animals and Atrocities CHA COOL Flow Initiative
Bane Rat 0 7 5 +9
STR DEX KNOW CONC Hit Points Closing Rushing
3 3 0 2 50 1 4
CHA COOL Flux Initiative Skills
0 6 1 +5 Detect: 4 Melee Weapons: 4
Hit Points Closing Rushing Stealth: 2 Survival: 4
15 4 8 Torture: 4 Unarmed Combat: 4
Skills Equipment
Athletics: 4 Stealth: 2 Ethereal Body (PV: 6, Resistance: NA), Ascetic Blade.
Tracking: 2 Unarmed Combat: 4
Notes: Characters may not spend any LUCK while in the
Equipment presence of an Ascetic.
Ethereal Body (PV: 6, Resistance: NA), Teeth/Claws Slaughter Club
Notes: Bane Rats use and regain FLUX in the same way as Hominids bring with them crude weapons made from the
Ebonites and possess the Blast discipline at a rank equal to bones of their previous victims. These primitive looking clubs
their current FLUX stat. are entirely the product of White Earth, causing them to inflict
The Bane Rat’s FLUX stat may be increased by the ingestion seemingly implausible amounts of damage in the hands of the
of Ebonite flesh. For each Ebonite consumed, permanently Hominid.
increase the Bane Rat’s FLUX stat by 1.
Attacks with the Bane Rat’s teeth do +2 DMG.

187
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Slaughter Club Rank 2: Ethereal Bolt D: 8

Skill: Unarmed Combat/Melee Weapons An unfettered bolt of Ethereal energy is conjured. This is
a Grenade-like ranged attack to be used immediately, fired
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
from the palm of the caster’s hand.
2d10-3 5 4 0
This weapon can only be held by a Hominid. Ethereal Bolt
Skill: Torture Blast
Ascetic Blade
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Radius
Ascetic Blade
1d10 3 3 0 2/5m
Skill: Melee Weapons
Ethereal Bolt is treated as a Grenade attack but has a range
DMG Min DMG AD Weight of 20m regardless of the Caster’s STR stat.
2d10-1 8 2 0 Using Blood Magic
This weapon can only be held by an Ascetic. This weapon is also
Blood Magic is used to summon Animals and Atrocities
able to fire an Ascetic Bolt, using the following profile.
from White Earth. The summoning of such a creature requires
Ascetic Bolt access to fresh blood and should be done entirely at the GM’s
discretion. Such creatures should be used sparingly - they are
Skill: Torture Blast incredibly powerful and not easily dealt with by your typical
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Radius Operative squad.
1d10+5 7 4 0 2/5m
Ascetic Bolt is treated as a Grenade attack but has a range of DARKNIGHT
40m. The expenditure of 1 point of FLOW is required to fire an
Ascetic Bolt. “DarkNight have been with us since the early years and
despite our best efforts, the so-called ‘Chain of Command’ has
SHI’AN MAGIC never been located. We deduce that DarkNight are either funded
by a substantial benefactor here on Mort, or are still operating
Ethereal Spells primarily from an off-world location and have somehow found
Ethereal Magic works using the same rules as The Ebb, a way to travel here unseen.
though FLOW is used in place of FLUX at all times. As such, Activity in Cannibal Sector 1 remains grim, though the
the following spells effectively function as CONC-based skills fight to take back the Southern Front’s copper mine from
that require the expenditure of a point of FLOW to use. Users DarkNight control is reported by Commander Cradle to be
have access to the spells that are applicable for their rank in going well. It is clear that the cannibal sectors form a major
FLOW. Note that ‘Formulae Rating (FR)’ is simply replaced part of the DarkNight pipeline. DarkNight remains a critical
with ‘Difficulty (D)’. and constant threat to SLA Industries and we urge Corporate
to allocate additional resources to clamping down on this rival
Rank 1: Loyal Detritus D: 7 menace as a priority.”
Recently lost blood and even flesh return to the caster’s body. Threat Analysis
The Caster can repair damage and improve their own state of
well-being with ease. They may instantly regain 3 Hit Points. THE ORIGIN OF CRIME
Rank 1: Vicarious Fear D: 7 The first encounter with DarkNight is attributed to a Nitro
Legion battalion in 123sd, out on a small insignificant planet
The Caster’s visage becomes grotesque and terrifying. The
called Horatio. The Battalion had set down on their way back
Caster can force any target within 20m to make an immediate
from the War Worlds for maintenance before a final fold back
Fear Test. If the test is failed the target suffers the Afraid fear
to Mort. During this stop-over they were set upon by a mass
effect. Duration: 10 minutes.
mercenary force who were well armed and packing weapons
Rank 2: Blood Resilience D: 9 technology nearly on-par with that of SLA Industries. While
the enemy was ruthless, they were no match for the battalion
The Caster’s blood cells expand and their blood flow
and were quickly dispatched, with two prisoners being taken.
increases. For the duration of the ability, the user gains +2 PV
Lt. Cort Thakill remarked in his logs that the prisoners were
to their current armour, does not receive wounds, regardless of
extremely resistant to interrogation, but after eventually
how much damage they suffer and their STR stat is increased
cracking, they let free the name ‘DarkNight’ and implied that
by 1. This does not heal any existing wounds. Duration: 5
death itself would follow them back to Mort. The prisoners were
mins.
swiftly executed and the threat logged, but seemingly ignored.
Shortly after the battalions returned, a number of small
terrorist attacks occurred in Mort City. Explosions in public

188
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

spaces, assassinations of low-ranking SLA employees and a

number of black market weapons suddenly became available to
CHANNEL RESISTANCE
the civilian population. DarkNight had arrived. Though few in When the Media Era struck in the mid 700s, DarkNight
numbers, over the next 20 years they carved their names into were quick to react, moving their brand of terrorism from
the heart of Mort City until it was known throughout every explosives to broadcast hacking. Initially they would cut into
sector of Downtown and above. As hundreds of years passed, prime time broadcasts just to disrupt ratings, but eventually
the threat continued to grow, with the frequency of activity violence became their crux. A new show was created, a pirate
making it clear: DarkNight were recruiting, taking in failed broadcast named ‘Channel Resistance’, broadcasting in one-to-
Operatives and those with a distaste for the company. two minute intervals, always fronted by the same person, the
new face of DarkNight - Jayne Tarmer.
AN OLD ENEMY While Jayne was a soft-featured attractive and highly
charismatic figurehead, her message was far from wholesome.
DarkNight has been the foremost enemy of the SLA Operative
Channel Resistance began by screening the murders of
for over 750 years, at least in the eyes of the media. While the
SLA Operatives at the hands of the newly titled DarkNight
organisation has changed drastically over the centuries, they
‘Interceptors’. These gruesome murders, in short broadcasts,
are at their heart, a terrorist organisation and crime syndicate,
continued for many, many years, always sending the same
dealing in weapons, drugs and fear-mongering.
message to SLA Industries - “you are not the ones in control”.
DarkNight are a prolific arms manufacturer, with a range of
Channel Resistance was doing something else as well. Using
weapons and armour to almost rival SLA Industries, though
subliminal messages, Jayne’s broadcasts were attempting to
they primarily use these weapons to flood the black market,
‘program’ the population of Mort, creating sleeper agents that
arming civilians and inciting violence in the streets. Originally
could be triggered. This mixture of hypnosis and manipulation
DarkNight’s entire manufacturing operation occurred off-world,
had mixed results, far less potent than DarkNight had hoped,
but over the last 100 years they have ramped up operations
but still causing havoc in small pockets of the viewership, with
on Mort, with hidden sites throughout the No-Go Zone and
reports of civilians going on uncontrollable killing sprees on
deep in the bowels of Lower Downtown. Manufacturing on
Jayne Tarmer’s request.
Mort has been boosted drastically since DarkNight took control
of Mort’s largest copper mine, deep in the heart of Cannibal “Rumour has it that all that sleeper agent crap was the same
Sector One’s Southern Front. process that Naga 7 used to develop Luminosity. Let’s keep that
quiet though okay? It’s the kind of rumour that could get you
“We’re taking that mine back if it kills us.”
killed.”
Commander Cradle, Bellwood Campaign Commander
Trolli Charmaine, SLA Corporate, SCL 4.3, deceased
IT’S JUST BUSINESS THE TRUTH HURTS
DarkNight have been tagged as a rival company by SLA
In 878sd, Channel Resistance took to the air with its sixth
Industries, partly on account of their manufacturing and sales
host; Lisa Foden. Lisa was young, even more charismatic than
operations, but also to dumb-down the reality that a terrorist
those that came before her and she spoke with the kind of intent
organisation has such a hold on certain areas of Mort City.
that forced people to listen, whether they wanted to or not. The
They are an impressively wealthy organisation, with a firm
recipe for the broadcasts remained unchanged at first, but Lisa
grip on Downtown’s black market, controlling the pipeline for
was part of a new breed and knew the brutality of Channel
weapons that pass under the Sector Wall and into the hands of
Resistance had to change if DarkNight were to win this war.
Downtowners, though it is not only weapons that DarkNight
have a hand in. By 900sd, the radical cells had long left Downtown and
set up in Cannibal Sector 1, where they could practice their
As well as Charmer, the new-wave recreational drug that is
extreme radicalism without clashing with those agents who still
rumoured to be made by DarkNight from traces of the lethal
considered themselves ‘pure DarkNight’. With the radicals out
KZ-14 contaminant, they also act as a pipeline for Shatter, one
of the way, amassing their armies and weapons stockpiles over
of the most notoriously dangerous combat drugs ever to be
the wall, the old-school subversive agents could begin work on
made. Shatter, a rival for SLA’s revered Ultra Violence, was once
a new offensive.
thought to be manufactured by DarkNight, though as a result of
information obtained during the seizure of a shipment coming Lisa Foden took to the air on June 9th, 908sd for a Channel
into Downtown, it is now believed that the drug is made by Resistance broadcast. Viewers expecting their two minutes of
Stirg Pharmaceuticals, a company rumoured to be operating out brutality were surprised however to see a stern Foden sat in a
of the No-Go Zone. Many assume that Stirg is a DarkNight chair with a stack of papers. This would be the first broadcast
shell company, though others in Corporate cite them as a new to break the 120 second marker, lasting a total of seven
threat altogether, using DarkNight simply for their access to minutes. During this time Lisa Foden told the truth. Somehow
users on the street. DarkNight had obtained classified information regarding
the failed Red Sky Project, the massacre of Shivers at Green
Hell and the assassination of Charles Grady by Errol ‘Jester’
McManus, despite him being under Dark Finder protection. In

189
 SLA INDUSTRIES

seven minutes SLA Industries were made to look incompetent On Nov 7th, 911sd, a new broadcast was made, this time
and entirely incapable of protecting their own. The result of with no presenter. Where Lisa Foden once stood was instead
this transmission was a swift hammer blow that SLA were not the ‘DN’ logo in midnight blue and orange, with a disguised
expecting. Rioting ensued, with the already depleted Downtown voice over, unrecognisable as male or female. As the logo cut to
Patrol struggling to regain balance. Sectors 311 and 312 in video footage, DarkNight agents could be seen, openly wearing
Downtown District 5 fell so hard to the DarkNight message full armour on the streets of Downtown, locked in a vicious
that they rapidly became entirely lawless, forcing Shiver forces firefight with SLA Operatives. Amidst the blue and orange was
to withdraw entirely from the area. To this day, those Sectors are one man, partially armoured, wearing dark blue military combat
still left to their own devices, now collectively known as “Sector: trousers and sections of Stryker vest. As the camera panned
Dark” by Shivers and those who still choose to inhabit them. in, the figure was introduced as ‘Major Marko’, an incredibly
strong-looking, well built man in his thirties with spiked blonde
DEATH OF A CELEBRITY hair and bulging muscles; his overall appearance was that of an
action movie star, something that the cameras would surely love.
The impact of Lisa Foden’s words during the broadcast
couldn’t be ignored, so DarkNight began a new offensive. They “Major Marko, survivor of fourteen War World conflicts, a
still sold weapons and drugs and they still blew up entire city man with no need to hide behind armour, a true veteran, a hero,
blocks, but now they had a new message that they could send to a figurehead.”
the inhabitants of Downtown - “SLA can’t protect you, but we Channel Resistance
can”. Thousands of civilians heard that call.
Lisa Foden took to the air again and again, spouting truth after The short 90-second broadcast was the first of many pushing
truth, with Channel Resistance broadcasts getting longer and Major Marko into the minds of Mort City’s population, always
longer. It was not clear how the DarkNight Chain of Command lightly armoured and in the thick of combat. In less than four
had obtained such information, but the impact was significant months Major Marko was appearing not only on regular
and SLA Industries was getting hurt by the resulting uprising. Channel Resistance broadcasts, but also on T-shirts, posters
Finally came the broadcast to top all broadcasts. Cutting into a and wall graffiti all over Downtown. DarkNight had created a
primetime episode of The Killing Floor, Lisa Foden took to the monster. A monster that had captured the minds of the civilian
stage at 9.14pm on August 3rd, 911sd. She began talking about population and created an uprising in Downtown.
the failures of SLA during their “farcical Bellwood Campaign”,
stating facts and figures, supported by footage of Scavs THE MAJOR AND THE FLAME
massacring Shivers and Operatives in Cannibal Sector 1. After
While Marko proved to be a media hit in the City, his comic
four minutes of the broadcast things took a turn. A startled Lisa
book caricature juxtaposed starkly with the man leading
was seen jumping from her chair, screams were heard, people
DarkNight operations in the Sectors. Since the Bellwood
running about in front of the cameras, then gunfire. A sudden
Campaign began, a number of DarkNight cells rose to notoriety
sense of panic could be seen on Foden’s face followed by more
over the wall, with one standing ahead of the crowd. The Fire
gunfire. Foden remained still, paralysed on centre screen, as a
were a small cell fronted by Commandant Buzz Lishner, known
Dark Finder stepped into shot, his Blitzer levelled at her head.
as the Flame. The Fire did not have the extreme political agendas
Bang. Black screen.
of other cells, and their violence was more extreme than most
The increased broadcasts and what seemed like no intervention Shivers had ever witnessed. Buzz, a former SLA Operative born
from SLA Industries had made DarkNight feel overconfident, in District 6, carved a name for himself and quickly became the
eventually resulting in Cloak Division bypassing the broadcast figure-head of DarkNight in the Cannibal Sector; he became
security and locating the mobile transmitter, mounted to the synonymous with DarkNight and its hold on De Lyon City
back of an old Battle Taxi, parked outside of a Lower Downtown in particular. Buzz had painted a target on his head and SLA
warehouse. Lisa Foden had been shot dead on air and SLA Industries were more than happy to martyr him. As it happened,
Industries had finally delivered what they hoped would be the he did not go down quite as easily as SLA would have liked, but
killing blow after half a dozen failed attempts on his life, his final demise
“Tonight ladies and gentlemen, we hear the real truth…” made great telly. The fuel tanks for his flamethrower were
sniped on camera. Buzz likely knew nothing of what happened,
Lisa Foden, DarkNight, deceased but the explosion took out him and the entirety of The Fire
cell. DarkNight’s operations in the sector took a body blow, the
A NEW BROADCAST repercussions of which were felt through the company.
“Now with Action Fist! Can Captain Contract survive
Major Marko’s special arm swing action?”
MARKO ASCENDANT
Fenstall Action Figures advert “Major Marko, the hero that everyone can trust. Follow us
and take up arms.”
Channel Resistance remained off-air for just over three
months. Threat Analysis theorised that Lisa Foden was in fact Channel Resistance
a linchpin part of DarkNight’s Chain of Command and the
company had just cut the head off the snake. They were wrong.

190
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

With the Flame extinguished, Major Marko was quickly seen televised all over the City as well as in Cannibal Sector 1. As far
in the Sector and before a month was out DarkNight were back as famous people go, he is the one most seen.
on the offensive there. Shivers, Sector Rangers and Operatives
alike, were captured in their droves and then put to death by “My little Petey loves his Major Marko figure, he uses it to
flamethrower. A brutal death, perfect for the baying masses who beat up his Mr. Chainsaw, Halloween Jack and all his SLA
couldn’t get enough of this new intensity of DarkNight violence. Operatives. You know, he even goes to bed with it. To be honest,
Marko was also giving them what they wanted, programmes I don’t blame him….I’d like to go to bed with the real Major
saw him tracking and sniping Wraithen, sword fighting Marko…..hmm….Yes Sir!”
Frothers and beating Stormers to death with not much more Janice Entwhistle, Suburbia housewife
than a dagger and his bare fists, even when it appeared he had
died or been critically injured he would be back on television The organisation is a lot more than a chiselled superhero though,
for the next episode, with nothing more than a bandage or new behind the scenes major offensives and manufacturing continue
scar to show for it. Major Marko seemed invincible and the unabated. DarkNight is multifaceted, with organisations
viewership loved him for it. and even individuals within the company working with near
autonomy and deeply undercover. No one knows who is at the
top, but no one needs to. Weapons manufacture in the form
DARKNIGHT TODAY of the DN range continues to grow, as does DarkNight’s soft
DarkNight’s strategy of a faceless organisation with a media operations and distribution of other products. Their subversion
darling at the fore has never been as successful as it is now. within the city is subtle and extensive. It is often stated you are
Although the likes of Tarmer and Foden proved popular and never more than a metre away from something that DarkNight
were good at their jobs, evidence has shown that Marko is has either made or distributed. Violence is still a key tactic, with
actually what the people of Mort City want. A DarkNight murder, assassination, arson and destruction all key to the ethos
character that the kids want to watch and imitate. DarkNight and intent of DarkNight. Most recently, Sector 5 of District 6
only need one face, one hero, one media darling and Marko is it. has been hit particularly hard with a number of habblocks being
When DarkNight attack, the locals hope that they will see him, set on fire and people burnt alive. SLA Industries have not
it is rarely the case they do, but Marko gets around, he’s been uncovered why this district has been targeted specifically and
DarkNight have made no statement. It doesn’t really matter,
DarkNight’s mission is to be a constant thorn in the side of
SLA Industries and they are good at it.
DarkNight Agent
STR DEX KNOW CONC
3 3 3 3
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
1 4 0 +6
Hit Points Closing Rushing
17 2 5

Skills
Demolitions: 3 Detect: 2
Intimidate: 2 Melee Weapons: 2
Pistol: 3 Rifle: 3
Stealth: 3 Streetwise: 4
Throw: 2 Torture: 3
Unarmed Combat: 1

Equipment
DarkNight Gunner Armour, trench coat, DN113 Power
Machete, assortment of DN-branded or SLA weapons obtained
on the black market (3 clips per weapon), 2x DA 90 Frag
Grenades, possibly an assortment of explosive devices.

DN Gunner Armour
Gunner Armour is an unpowered suit made for battlefield
operations before making its way into the hands of agents in
Cannibal Sector 1. Despite not being powered, it does provide

191
 SLA INDUSTRIES

protection on a level with HARD Armour with a weight closer

to that of Body Blocker and comes with a 5000-hour power
supply that feeds the dedicated optics system in the helmet
which provides a hybrid IR/Thermal visual output that agents
call ‘The Red Mist’. While many agents in Mort City choose to
remain more covert, opting for a simple flak vest, the majority
are now using Gunner Armour with a heavy trench coat on top.
DN Gunner Armour Cost: 22,000u DN79 Ack-Ack Cost: 280u

Skill: Rifle
PV Resistance Weight
6 20 3 DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10+2 4 1 2
DN113 Power Machete
DarkNight’s version of the Vibro Sabre. The Power Machete ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
is more compact, making it more usable as a skinning blade in 1/3 0/2 280m 25 350u
the hands of the most sadistic of interrogators.
DN90 Stumpy
A compact and reliable pump-action shotgun, sold on the
black market as an alternative to the SLA Bully Boy.

DN113 Power Machete Cost: 1700u

Skill: Melee Weapons

DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10-1 4 1 1
DN90 Stumpy Cost: 2800u

Skill: Rifle
DN74 Plugger
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
The Plugger is a common DarkNight sidearm. While not as
coveted or dangerous as the Jemima or Jacky Boy pistols, the 1d10+4 5 3 2
Plugger is far more affordable and much easier to obtain. The ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
weapon uses 10mm ammunition and packs a similar punch to
the FEN 603. 1 1 20m 8 200u

DN95 Stinger
The standard weapon of most agents. The Stinger is a large
submachine gun, filling a suitable gap between the FEN
Gunhead and the GA Finisher. It fires 10mm rounds and is
extremely reliable in a firefight.

DN74 Plugger Cost: 1500u

Skill: Pistol
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
1d10-2 2 1 1

ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost

1/3 0/1 70m 20 250u DN95 Stinger Cost: 3000u

Skill: Pistol/Rifle
DN79 Ack-Ack
Originally an off-world mercenary forces assault rifle, the DMG Min DMG AD Weight
10mm Ack-Ack is now manufactured on Mort from copper 1d10-2 2 1 1
alloy and is common in the hands of DarkNight Gunners in
CS1 as well as in the hands of agents in Downtown. ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
3 1 180m 24 300u

192
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

or dying. Three weeks later, they returned to work, no longer

THE THRESHER CONSORTIUM partners in the The Thresher endeavour, instead slaves to it. The
transport ships were repaired and Adam became a hermit, only
THRESHER BORN occasionally seen stomping around the complex encased in his
The Thresher Consortium have been an omnipresent threat to own personal Powersuit.
SLA Industries for over 650 years. Originating in 232sd when
the 127th Technical Support Group (TSG), whilst returning THE ALLIANCE AND ESCAPE
from the War Worlds, chanced upon the water-rich planet
Two and a half months after the technicians returned to work,
named Thallahs. On the surface of the planet, a reconnaissance
the ‘Cannon Callers’, an artillery detachment of DarkNight
squad discovered a massive cave entrance mantled by a
arrived on Thallahs. The Thresher were given one hour to
gargantuan jaw bone with triangular teeth. On further
surrender the Blue Dawn facility to DarkNight. Adam was
investigation an expansive abandoned industrial complex was
in a blind panic, but after some cajoling, he was convinced
uncovered within. The 127th landed on the planet en masse and
to parlay under the flag of truce. He, four of his seniors and
further investigation discovered a goldmine of hardware and
the commander of the Cannon Callers, Rebecca Anne Porter,
technology locked within the complex’s factories and vaults.
spoke for three hours. A short time after, it was announced that
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a choice. Stay with me and the Cannon Callers were to join forces with The Thresher. The
we will bleed this planet dry, we can retire richer than we ever opportunity was taken to rebrand the company to Thresher.
thought possible OR we can report our findings to divisional The Cannon Callers were equipped in Thresher Powersuits
command, receive commendations and then die on some rotten and became known as the ‘Shark’s Teeth’ strike force, while the
planet lightyears from anyone we ever cared for.” original Thresher team would continue to manufacture, research
and develop the company’s products. On the Shark’s Teeth’s first
Commander Robert Adam, 127th TSG, 232sd
raiding mission 20 technical staff were seconded to maintain
Five hours after an ultimatum from the 127th commanding the Powersuits. Three of the technicians were able to escape
officer, 720 of the 750 personnel had agreed to stay on Thallahs. their guards and contact SLA Industries. They were quickly
The thirty that chose to leave were given a small Ion Drive shipped to Mort for questioning.
transport ship and enough supplies to return home to SLA For the first time in its inception, Adam and the organisation
Industries. The factory was back online within a month. Just were the benefiters of an unbelievable stroke of luck. Kevin
afterwards, a DarkNight exploratory force found the small ship Tabbs, 4th class computer technician, found a data slug stuck
floating in space some distance out from Mort; the entire crew behind a filing cabinet. On it was a star chart which pinpointed
had been poisoned by contaminated rations. over 400 more complexes identical to Blue Dawn. All but seven
Over the following months, Commander Adam instigated his were operational. The return of the Shark’s Teeth and news of the
plans. Firstly, the 127th were re-christened The Thresher, after abscondment of the three technicians induced the evacuation of
the Megalodon-like creatures that swim the Thallahs oceans. Blue Dawn. The SLA Industries foldship ‘Retribution’ found
He then split his command into three groups, the first, his the vacant and stripped complex and destroyed it. The fission
most senior technicians, the second, the bulk of the technicians reactor explosion caused by the destruction vapourised all trace
and the third, the 127th’s combat force to act as a security and of Thresher on Thallahs and its subsequent electromagnetic
police force. The first and third group reported directly to Adam pulse disabled the Retribution. Thresher had escaped.
exclusively. Thresher went to work in their newly named Blue
Dawn complex. All went well at first. THRESHER REBORN
For five years no one heard of Thresher and they were all
THE ROT but forgotten. A few days before the end of 239sd, on Dante,
Adam had neglected his transport ships and of the fifteen a DarkNight Powersuit was reported dropped behind SLA
in his possession only four were operational. People became Industries’ main line. Four squads of SLA heavy armour were
uneasy as they realised that they may never see their loved dispatched to investigate. They reported massive Powersuits
ones again. Discontent moved to public outcry and the threat before communications ceased. In total, four more attacks of this
of revolt. 300 individuals petitioned Adam, their pleas falling nature occurred and 120 Dogeybones, countless troopers and
on deaf ears. Adam became fearful of rebellion. On the eve of scores of APC transports and Linemate tanks were destroyed.
the first year of Thresher, Adam called a meeting of his most Those that were spared were given a message to share:
trusted inner circle and, before dawn, fifty technicians had been
executed for subversion. The shockwave and fear was petrifying “We have been beaten today because we are weak and because
and for three days not one technician left their home. The police we are weak we will continue to be beaten. Thresher Incorporated
were militarised with weapons from the stockpiles and were shall strike without warning and will never take prisoners. The
armoured with huge Powersuits. The revolt came, as over 400 days of SLA are numbered and counting down fast.”
technicians marched from their homestead, Thrent, towards the Message from survivors of Thresher Incorporated attacks
complex. They were given an ultimatum: go back to work and against SLA Industries forces on Dante in 239sd
leave as rich men or die where you stand. They charged. The
cannons opened up and when the dust had settled, 92 were dead

193
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Subsequent intel confirms that Thresher Incorporated were personal bodyguard and in the middle, in the largest and most
not in league with DarkNight as initially thought, in fact ostentatious suit was the man. Linda ranked up with the other
DarkNight suffered significant losses on Dante at the same technicians and prepared herself to die. Eventually, Adam came
time as SLA Industries. The message shared by surviving to her position. He halted as he neared her. Through his comms
DarkNight soldiers mirrored that shared by SLA survivors, she heard the words she had been dreading.
except DarkNight’s demise was predicted in place of SLA’s. A
third player had smashed into the scene and was vying for its “ You? Do I know you? Step forward. Let me see you better. Yes
place at the table. I do know you. I recognise your face...wait!”
Last audible words of Lord Robert Adam,
DEMISE OF ADAM Thresher Incorporated 247SD
By 245sd, Thresher Incorporated had stripped 48 production Spears located the ‘chippy’ port at the waist of his suit, rushed
plants of their alien technology and had swelled its personnel him and plugged her slug in. The pandemonium that ensued
significantly. Adam’s stranglehold at the top was slipping, his allowed her to escape. Adam’s suit shut down and he suffocated
management style was only viable below a certain level of people to death within two hours. It took the technicians another 15
and distance. As it turned out, a coup never had the chance to hours to get him out. Linda returned home to a hero’s welcome
occur, instead a ghost from the past ended Adam’s command and received a suitable SCL increase and a fast track to a
and his life. Linda Spears had been one of the escapees from comfortable retirement, vengeance fulfilled.
the Shark’s Teeth’s maiden raiding mission. She had spent the For the second time in its short history Thresher Incorporated
subsequent years working up the ladder in Cloak Division, after went quiet, it recalled its forces to their homeworlds, this time
convincing them she was Thresher’s prisoner and a worthwhile for seven years. Eventually they returned, rebranded as the
asset to SLA and had been granted the mission to assassinate Thresher Corporation. The new organisation had no visible
Adam if he were still alive. She was dropped on a planet known figurehead and had returned to its original quick strike tactics.
to be a Thresher Incorporated recruiting ground and was
quickly picked up by the Shark’s Teeth. Linda spent two years THRESHER IN RECENT YEARS
within the organisation, but far from Adam. Eventually her
chance came. She hacked his personal diary and discovered he Since Thresher’s return, little has changed. The Thresher
was to attend her processing facility the same week. She forged Corporation organised into small high tech and hyper-mobile
an I.D. and waited. A column of Powersuits arrived, Adam’s strike teams, these Pods producing a devastating level of

194
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

firepower that could hit extremely hard. Instantly recognisable Sarge is deployed it is either solitarily or alongside a support
in their grey blue armour and iconic helmets which resemble pod of Endeavours. Either way, the Sarge is normally enough
the aquatic predators after which the company is named, the to get the job done. Sarge suits should not be engaged unless
Thresher suits induce a deep seated dread and fear of predation the Sarge’s target’s survival is seen as critical to SLA Industries.
in anyone that sees them. The most notorious suit of armour In most cases, interaction with a Sarge suit can be considered
is the Sarge, which can be considered a self contained walking a Black BPN.
tank, but more recently this has been seen less frequently on
Thresher Pilot/Infantry
Mort as Thresher favours the smaller and more agile Endeavour
powered infantry armour for its terroristic campaign. Thresher STR DEX KNOW CONC
Corp has not had the personnel to form a comparable army 3 4 3 4
to SLA Industries, or even DarkNight, instead focusing on
guerrilla tactics and lightning raids. CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
Though rare, Thresher do show up both inside and outside 1 5 0 +8
of Mort City. Due to the significant threat that this enemy Hit Points Closing Rushing
poses, BPNs to deal with Thresher directly are issued only to
17 2 5
higher SCL Operative squads. Squads tasked with dealing
with Thresher should consider deploying with the likes of the Skills
FEN Reaver Cannon and Stormer Cannon. Thresher focused
Demolitions: 1 Detect: 3
BPNs are almost exclusively overseen by Station Analysis, who
turn a blind eye to the illegality of using such weapons in and Drive (Pilot): 4 Melee Weapons: 3
around Downtown. When operatives run into Thresher during Pistol: 3 Rifle: 4
other BPNs they are advised not to engage and instead call in Stealth: 2 Throw: 2
for a support squad who are better trained, experienced and
equipped, in dealing with the high level threat. Unarmed Combat: 1
In the last few months, Thresher seems to have changed its Equipment
tactics and rebranded yet again to the Thresher Consortium.
Infantry: Endeavour Armour, Sheer Assault Rifle (4 clips),
This change of approach and name have coincided with the
MAC Knife or equivalent, 3x DA 90 Frag Grenades.
reemergence of the Thallahsian conflict aliens both offworld
Pilot: Sarge Armour, VAPH III 0600/C12 Assault Cannon (10
and on Mort City. The large leathery skinned alien species
clips), 6x DA 90 Frag Grenades
is known to have originated on Thallahs and its surrounding
planets and has returned from beyond the Gates of Herodotus. Endeavour (TH.0001) Powered
It is surmised that Thresher has joined forces with this old
Infantry Armour
enemy of SLA Industries. It is believed that the Thallahsians
are the originators of the industrial complexes now owned by Considered light armour by the Thresher Consortium,
the Thresher Consortium. Endeavour armour is very flexible and allows a great deal of
mobility. The exoskeleton is not particularly necessary for the
TACTICS mass and class of the suit, but enables negation of movement
restrictions. The communication system and built in tactical
Since the move from corporation to consortium, Thresher protocols often give TH.0001 armoured pods an advantage over
has increased its attacks on Mort City. While there is still the all but the most experienced combatants. The suits can resist
occasional and conspicuous Sarge attack, more lightning attacks most low calibre pistol rounds.
have been seen with small pods of Thresher soldiers wearing
predominantly Endeavour armour. Obviously, individually less Endeavour (TH.0001) Powered Infantry Armour
armoured and armed than one solitary Sarge suited officer, the PV Resistance Weight
pod, in combination, can often be more devastating. Each suit
6 22 0
has a number of pre-programmed formations and reactionary
tactics built in and the pilots communicate with each other via The powered exoskeleton grants the user +1 STR and +1 to their
a system unknown to the World of Progress. The suits direct Closing and Rushing speeds. Additionally, it adds +2 to Initiative
their wearers to position themselves for highest probability of rolls
success and survival. The heads up display within the Endeavour Sarge (TH.0005) Battle Armour
suits encourages the wearer to position themselves to optimise
opportunities for cross and suppressive fire and to target weak The Sarge armour is as much a tank as a suit of armour. The
points in armour during hand to hand combat. These automated wearer is known as a pilot and climbs into the suit from the
protocols can be enhanced by a ‘pod lead’, who will often observe rear. Once in place, the pilot is sealed in, with all systems and
the fight from a safe location and manage his team via simple processes handled by the computer systems. Like the Endeavour
override codes. This quick switch to non-automated tactics the suit includes a heads up display and built in communicators
means that Operatives should never become too complacent and tactical protocols. The TH.0005 can resist rounds upto
that they know what to expect from a Thresher pod. When a 12.7mm.

195
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Sarge (TH.0005) Battle Armour TEK TREX

PV Resistance Weight “I thought they were all gone. What’s with that?”
16 50 2 Binnie Melan, Owner, Crash Limits Bar, Downtown 4-24
Though powered, the bulk of the suit still provides a Weight
Factor to the wearer. The wearer gains +4 STR (ignoring racial Tek Trex was a cybernetics company that manufactured semi-
maximums). In addition, the armour is capable of flight, at a military bipedal semi-autonomous drones. Their 1m-tall bipeds
height up to 500m. A successful Drive Pilot skill roll is required were initially sold through the black market with an assortment
for anything other than straight uninterrupted flight. A similar of weaponry attached.
skill roll may be made if the character falls from great height,
allowing them to engage the suit’s flight system and break the HISTORY
fall. Additionally, the wearer adds +4 to Initiative rolls. Due to
the frame of the armour, the Sarge may not be worn by Stormers, Towards the end of the 800s, small drones started appearing
Shaktars or Advanced Carrien. on the black market, but unlike anything previously available,
these tiny gun platforms actually worked. The company making
Sheer 0023/B1 Assault Rifle them was Tek Trex, a secretive company with untraceable
The Sheer 0023/B1 is the standard assault rifle carried by funding, who until then had made a few limb enhancements in
the majority of Thresher’s forces. It is compact and durable. It the ill-fated Chrome Era. After they came into possession of a
does not have much in the way of recoil buffering and is very Thresher suit, smuggled in from a war world, right under SLA
heavy, especially with a full clip. It is difficult to handle without Industries’s nose, they abandoned all of their plans and switched
armour, which is not a problem for Thresher troops, who always to making drones. Jeanette Peterson, a senior technician, was
deploy fully armoured. responsible for the drivetrain that powered the walkers. In her
diaries, she praised the Thresher muscle subsystems she copied
Sheer 0023/B1 Assault Rifle to make them walk and stay operational for up to 7000 hours.
Skill: Rifle Initially, the drones caught on at a small scale, as entertainment
more than anything else, but the addition of a TT1 submachine
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
gun to the Vito platform turned them into popular killing
1d10+3 4 2 2 remotes. Advances in programming and machine intelligence
gave a few of them almost autonomous capabilities, with a
ROF Recoil Range Clip
few rare drones not requiring controllers, operating on pre-
3/10 1/1 400m 40 programmed routes, with simple responses to threats.
VAPH III 0600/C12 Assault Cannon Tek Trex made at least three different drones in the two
decades they were operational, but after a few high-profile
Probably one of the most dangerous weapons to be found on televised encounters that did not come out favourably for
Mort, the VAPH III 0600/C12 uses DU rounds which add SLA Industries, it was decided by head Office that this upstart
further to its potential to deplete armour and destroy tissue. It company would need to be closed down for good. Peterson and
is of a ceramic construction, giving it a mass similar to rifles her team were found quickly and executed, in spite of their
half its size. The best option when coming up against a foe with using Buzzard drones to defend themselves.
this weapon is to run and hope that luck is on your side. It is
unlikely to be. “Oh man, that fight. They still occasionally show it on Muffin
Killer, if you stay up late enough. The squad of Operatives, was
VAPH III 0600/C12 Assault Cannon
it Belly Flop? I forget, anyway. So, yeah, they set up for a fight
Skill: Rifle and just reamed them one by one, with three snipers covering
DMG Min DMG AD Weight a killing zone. It was amazing. Those dumb robots, man. They
were shit.”
2d10+4 10 5 4
Grep Masterphon, Sniper Enthusiast,
ROF Recoil Range Clip Downtown Sector 6-2
10/SUP(50) 1/2 600m 100 After the factory and the workers were eliminated, SLA
Industries made a point of eradicating every staff member, one
“Look, Ex-War Crims are hardcore, but if you plan it right,
by one, spelling the end of Tek Trex. Every now and then, a
you’ll come out fine. However, I know you get lots of advice that
brand new from the box Vito or Buzzard would show up in
you ignore, and I’m kinda ok with that, but if there’s only one
some well-equipped gang’s cache, but they were all from
warning I give you that you listen to, let it be this:
old shipments that went missing or were squirrelled away as
Don’t fuck with Thresher. I mean it.” collectables, but recently, a few drones have appeared that look
Dan Vernesher, SCL 6b, talking to his daughter far too new to be modified old models, with rumours going
Breanna, SCL 10, squad ‘Bring On The Light’ around of a secret investor bringing them back.

196
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

level and is effective at immobilising intruders by degrading the

VITO A69 DRONE target’s mobility.
“I kicked one to death once. It was hilarious.” Some Buzzards were sold with charging plates that allowed
Arnold Nutter, Human Operative, SCL the drone to park itself to recharge. This got around the higher
6c, squad ‘Arnold Nutter’, deceased power usage that reduced life to around one thousand hours
of non-combat usage and only three hundred hours of high-
With breakthroughs based entirely on electronics intensity chainaxe combat. Some Buzzards with access to a
and some copied underpinning designs from Killa charging plate to sit on have been known to run for several years
Chassis and Thresher, the Vito was the first model uninterrupted.
that sneaked out onto the subversive markets.
Buzzard F2 Tek Trex Security Drone
Designed as a security worker, with its large cyclops
lens feeding a remote security camera STR DEX Initiative
suite, the 60cm-high mobile camera 3 2 +2
platform came with a TT1 SMG,
holding 200 rounds of 5mm Hit Points Closing Rushing
ammo. 12 1 3
Initially, these drones
Skills
were used in a mesh-control
system that meant one operator Detect: 3 Melee Weapons: 2
could control ten or more drones Stealth: 3
from a single controller, feeding all
the footage to a bank of screens Equipment
and needing just one controller TT1 Submachine Gun, TT7 Chain Axe, Armour Plating (PV:
to suppress any trespassing 3, Resistance: 12), video and audio recording/transmitting
interlopers, but as their usage equipment.
moved more towards illegal activities, they appeared in smaller
groups, even single units in some cases. SCARAB L02 DRONE
Vito A69 Tek Trex Drone “That hexapod brain was so simple that once we removed
STR DEX Initiative all the decision making stuff the Manchine had to have – and
2 2 +2 wow, there was a lot of that – and went back to the original
roach frame, it just took five months of hard graft and we had
Hit Points Closing Rushing a perfect drone.”
12 1 3 “Diary 8”, J. A. Peterson, Senior
technician, Tek Trex Research Lab
Skills
Detect: 2 Pistol: 2 The Scarab L02 was the pinnacle of Tek Trex design and
ultimately brought their downfall upon them. Designed to be
Stealth: 3
fully autonomous, the Scarab was based on a simplified version
Equipment of the Killa Chassis six-limb brain that powers the Machine,
TT1 Submachine Gun, Armour Plating (PV: 3, Resistance: 12),
video and audio recording/transmitting equipment.

BUZZARD F2 DRONE
“Don’t tell anyone, but I knew a corporate, no names, who had
a pair of Buzzards with drinks trays fitted to them. They could
whistle them and they’d arrive with fresh beers or whatnot.
They had cocktail mixers where the knives or whatever went
and were dressed in tuxedos and everything. They were ace.”
Greyson Millar, TV Executive, Channel Yeah
The Buzzard was designed with machine intelligence to allow
it to act as a security drone, replacing security staff or guard
dogs. Armed with the same TT1 SMG as the Vito, the Buzzard
also came equipped with a small chainaxe as an optional extra,
but most of the surviving Buzzards are fitted with this close-
quarters weapon. The chainaxe operates around shin or knee

197
 SLA INDUSTRIES

hailing back to the original hexapod gun platform design that

eventually morphed into the Manchine project. The Scarab
SECTOR THREATS
stripped all the complications from the Manchine and went
back to the idea of delivering a firearm to a target zone and SCAVS
providing a stable platform from which to fire the weapon. In “They love the bigger girls, not the fat ones...you know? Ones
spite of its rudimentary brain, the optics it was fitted with gave with bigger frames...tall ones. Don’t matter if they are pretty or
it a full-spectrum step up from its fellow drones. The 300-round pig ugly. We have to line the girls up and the boss Scav comes
modified TT1 had a vastly increased rate of fire and could fire in and points at the ones he wants, drops a wad of cash, the
continuously until empty. same amount no matter how many he points at and then he
The Downside to this design was that it worked. A few leaves. We box the girls up and leave them round the back, by the
Scarabs were programmed to seek out and kill SLA Operatives morning they’ve gone and we never see the product again. Then
and were very effective at doing so. After a few surprise attacks, a month later, rinse and repeat...it’s easy money!”
including a few caught on news cameras, Scarabs were seen as
Barnaby ‘Buttface’ O’Toole, Skin
a genuine threat to Operatives and this led to their eradication.
Trader. Angel Aquisitions
Scarab LO2 Tek Trex Espionage Drone
To come into contact with a Scav is to meet the unknown in
STR DEX Initiative every way. What are they and from what is their origin? Are
2 4 +4 they sentient, are they intelligent? Are they male or female, both
or neither? What do they want in Mort and why do they want
Hit Points Closing Rushing
it? It is probably not worth asking such questions and if you
12 3 6 meet one, a better question is probably just: fight or flight? The
latter is to be recommended.
Skills
Scavs are resourceful tinkerers and engineers with an innate
Climbing: 2 Detect: 3 unconscious understanding of how things work or should
Pistol: 3 Stealth: 4 be constructed to work, their hulking frames belying their
technical skills and tactical ability. Normally only found in
Equipment Cannibal Sector 1 in small groups, their appearance within the
TT1 Submachine Gun, Armour Plating (PV: 4, Resistance: 16), city is as unexpected by SLA Industries
video and audio recording/transmitting equipment. as it is dangerous. Up until recently, the
prospect of meeting a Scav anywhere
ARMAMENTS but within Cannibal Sector 1
were near to zero but reports
TT1 Submachine Gun of these seven foot tall fully
Fitted as standard to all Tek Trek drones, this 5mm SMG cloaked and masked individuals
sacrifices the punch of larger rounds in order to provide a within the walls of the city
substantial rate of fire which is particularly effective against have become more frequent.
lightly armoured targets. What they are doing in
Downtown is currently up for
TT1 Submachine Gun supposition, but suggestions
Skill: Pistol include a growing business
relationship with the skin
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
trade and other resource
1d10-4 2 1 0 gathering incursions. It is
likely they enter the city via
ROF Recoil Range Clip Clip Cost
the sewers, much like the
10 0 100m 200/300 400u Carrien and Carnivorous
Pigs, but it is possible they
Notes: The Scarab has a 300-round ammo bin. All other Tek
are using limousines and town
Trex models have a 200-round ammo bin.
cars to travel incognito. If true,
TT7 Chain Axe are they driving themselves around
or are alliances with the black market
TT7 Chain Axe stronger than could ever have been
Skill: Melee Weapons expected?
Scav society is organised around the
DMG Min DMG AD Weight jobs that need to be fulfilled, individuals
1d10+3 4 3 0 are allocated to a role dependent on their
strengths and capabilities. They appear
to have little in the way of personality

198
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

or sense of self, although if anyone cared to look more closely

at those Scavs seen in the city compared to those in the sector,
it would soon become apparent that the ones in the city
are more personable. Their vocal apparatus is rudimentary,
communication sounds like low guttural rasping and splutters
accompanied by hand gestures. They appear to be getting their
point across as ongoing business relationships with specific skin
traders and other individuals from the black market have been
progressing for some time. Scav Shotgun
Scav Marauder Skill: Rifle
STR DEX KNOW CONC DMG Min DMG AD Weight
5 5 3 3 1d10+3 5 3 2
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
ROF Recoil Range Clip
0 5 0 +8
1 1 22m 8
Hit Points Closing Rushing
28 2 5
Scav Pistol
A modified rapid fire 10mm pistol with performance and
Skills reliability on-par with the famous FEN 603.
Appraisal: 3 Detect: 3
Scav Pistol
Medical: 2 Melee Weapons: 3
Skill: Pistol
Optimise: 3 Pistol: 3
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
Rifle: 4 Survival: 3
1d10-2 3 1 1
Technical (Weapons): 2 Throw: 3
Tracking: 3 Unarmed Combat: 3 ROF Recoil Range Clip
3 1 60m 20
Equipment
Scrap Armour (Heavy), Scav Autorifle (4 clips) or Scav Shotgun Scrap Armour
(4 clips), Scav Pistol (3 clips), Combat Knife (see MAC Knife), 3 Armour made from assorted scraps of metal, leather, or
Medipacks (see BOOPA Medi-Kit). whatever else can be found lying around. Scrap Armour is
common amongst factions that make Cannibal Sector 1 their
Scav Autorifle
homes, including Carrien, Cannibals and Scavs.
A heavily modified version of the old DarkNight Hotzone
rifle, upgraded in typical Scav fashion, resulting in a highly Scrap Armour
effective automatic killing machine. The weapon has a reputation PV Resistance Weight
for extreme reliability and pretty much never jams regardless of
1/3/6 8/14/24 0/1/3
what you soak it in.
Scrap Armour has three sets of numbers for PV, Resistance and
Scav Autorifle Weight Factor. These numbers represent the differences between
Skill: Rifle Light, Medium and Heavy versions of the armour.

DMG Min DMG AD Weight Scav Skills

1d10+2 4 1 2 Appraisal (CONC): The Scav art of highlighting items suitable
for other purposes. Scavs use appraisal to weigh up the value
ROF Recoil Range Clip of everything they come into contact with, from weapons
1/3 0/1 160m 30 and armour to machinery and electronics. May only be taken
above rank 1 by Scavs. Advanced Tasks: All rolls made by
Scav Shotgun non-Scavs are considered to be Advanced Tasks.
Another repurposed DarkNight weapon, originally starting Optimise (KNOW): Optimise is a Scav’s ability to modify,
life as the DN Puncher, a weapon that never made it onto upgrade and create new weapons and items from existing
the streets on account of the Scavs raiding the manufacturing materials, typically those that have been highlighted by the
facility before it was released. The Scav Shotgun is a dangerous use of the Appraisal skill. A Scav well trained in Optimise is
and powerful short-range pump action weapon that is favoured able to increase the damage output, reliability or protection
by Scavs entering Downtown. level of their own equipment. May only be taken above rank
1 by Scavs. Advanced Tasks: All rolls made by non-Scavs are
considered to be Advanced Tasks.

199
 SLA INDUSTRIES

THE DREAM Helion

Dream Entities are a recent threat on Mort, originally STR DEX KNOW CONC
haunting the battlefields of the cannibal sectors before 0 2 2 3
infesting Mort, feeding on the fears and imaginations of Inner
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
Downtown civilians. They are formed from reality breaking
down and they latch onto the fears voiced by those who catch 0 6 0 +5
fleeting glimpses of them from the edges of their vision. Naga 7, Hit Points Closing Rushing
the curators and artefact hunters of the unusual aspects of Mort
6 1 4
history, has taken an interest in these physical phantoms and is
sending out Aethermen, SLA Industries employees trained in Skills
the weakening of reality, to deal with them.
Detect: 2 Distort: 2
“Dear Ptecillatra, Stealth: 3 Survival: 1
It is time to inform you, my sweet daughter, of the less mundane Torture: 3 Unarmed Combat: 1
threats that creep in the shadows of Downtown Mort. These
are the Dream Entities to which I have eluded previously, only Equipment And Abilities
today I shall impart upon you the details that shall keep you Teeth, Reality Distortion
awake at night in fear for your sanity. Formed from what seems
to be an ethereal mycelia, they form where the conditions are Titter
right, first spawning smokey eggs that almost aren’t there, then “Don’t fall for it. If you hear a crying child round the back of
creating full blown Dream Entities whence the edges of reality the shops there, it’s Misery Meg trying to draw you into her
fray. trap. No, I don’t believe she exists either, but that doesn’t stop it
Ah, how they infest regions left to fester, unobserved and from happening.”
malevolent, seeking scared young hatchlings like yourself to latch Craig Graham, Street Sweeper, Inner
onto to relish in their frightened whispers, like the terrors from Downtown sector 8-23
those stories you love so much.
Initially, these creatures appear to be ghost-like in their form, Titters are known as compassion traps,
a wispy smoke being a precursor according to one Aetherman preying on the sympathies of their victim.
with whom I conversed, only stabilising to a more solid form Appearing like small children in strife, a
when enough witnesses register their presence. Many forms Titter will create illusions in their victims’
of these un-living abominations exist, a few of which I shall minds, pushing them to help the
describe below with sketches, if you will indulge me my cat- troubled child that needs to be saved.
scratch doodling …” They will attempt to lure people into
dark alleys and remote sites, separating
‘Missives to a distant home’, Ankheretop
them from society and drawing them
Khopsitap, Neophron Scribe, SCL 6c
into fully-fledged illusions. The reality
The Lifecycle of a Dream Entity distortions a Titter is capable of are
permanent and very real. The Titter will
Seeded from a traumatic event, a gruesome make use of the environment, covering
murder or horrific accident, a shadowy form hazardous ground with an illusory
gestates into Dream Sacs, or amorphous egg clusters, floor that trips and maims anyone who
ranging from a handful of eggs to dozens in extreme runs to save them.
circumstances. Untrained individuals encountering these
Once they have trapped their targets,
seeding grounds are at risk of contracting The Grey and
they proceed to cruelty and torture. They
should be treated by an Aetherman, to prevent fading
attack with rift claws, slashing and biting
away.
in a flurry of frenzied strikes to eviscerate
Helion before jumping back to cackle as their victim
bleeds out. Titters that find their way
From these eggs hatch Helions, the first semi-physical
into the walled city from the cannibal
form of Dream Entities. They can resemble ghostly
sectors can even forgo the pleasantries
rats or small Carrien-like bipeds. At this stage, any
of tricking and trapping, instead jumping
reasonably competent Aetherman can finish them
straight to the violence. The battle-
off, even though they’re already getting the hang
hardened Titters will distil their tactics
of distorting reality and shifting their shape. A
to just lures and claws.
Helion that survives to adulthood in Mort City
will usually become a Shadow or Titter, with a
few rare instances turning into deadly Cryptids.

200
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

Titter (Effigy) Equipment And Abilities

STR DEX KNOW CONC Shadow Claws, Shadow Merge
4 5 4 4 Cryptid
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative The pinnacle of the urban Entity is the Cryptid. Classified as
3 6 0 +9 an Effigy, like the Titter, Cryptids take form from the fears that
spawn them. They are usually large, unpredictable monsters that
Hit Points Closing Rushing
wander into Mort City through the tunnels and sewers that
20 3 6 link the city to Cannibal Sector 1. When they surface, they will
generate mayhem on a large scale, usually ending in a violent
Skills
confrontation with operatives or Shivers. Occasionally, they will
Detect: 4 Distort: 3 escape the initial contact and disappear into ruined buildings,
Intimidation: 4 Language (all): 3 sewers and disused stations. These are the more dangerous
Persuasion: 4 Seduction: 4
Effigies that learn to hide from direct confrontation and they
become the obsession of Aethermen who get drawn into the
Stealth: 4 Torture: 4 hunt.
Unarmed Combat: 4 Cryptids lack the subtlety of the more intelligent Entities, but
make up for that with their armoured bodies and rift teeth and
Equipment And Abilities claws.
Knife or shard of broken glass, Dream Armour (PV: 4, Resistance:
NA), Rift Claws, Reality Distortion. “Wait, didn’t Slyceon die in Gore Stryke Nine last year? I
could have sworn I saw him tripping off his tits and chewing
Note: Titter’s Reality Distortions are fixed and do not expire on his own intestine after Bazzornate sliced half his skull off.
after an hour. Anyone trapped in a Titter’s Reality Distortion It was horrifying and I didn’t think I’d get over seeing that,
suffers -1 COOL for the duration. but I swear I just saw him eating a rat in the sewers, wearing
Shadow his lower intestine like a scarf. I don’t know why I was there. I
don’t feel very well.
“It were nowt. Divven be fashin’ bart the spookie. Burst pipe, Am I me?”
eh? That’s aw t’were.”
Jane Fennanch, Civilian (deceased),
Aetherman Clem Haversback, Naga 7 Division, 6th Head Inner Downtown sector 7-12
The skull-faced Shadow is the more common of the
Apparitions to haunt Mort City, thriving in the dark corners Cryptid (Effigy)
of the underground sectors. A Shadow will cause panic by STR DEX KNOW CONC
disrupting objects, hissing viciously and jumping out from dark
6 7 5 6
places to feed off the terror they foment. When they finally do
attack, gorged on fright, they can envelop their victims with CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
blackness, blinding and disorientating them with an illusory 4 8 2 +11
darkness, until they freeze. Then, the Shadow will strike with
its vicious ghostly claws. Surviving a Shadow attack can be Hit Points Closing Rushing
traumatic, leaving scars that fester into The Grey. 20 2 6

Shadow (Apparition) Skills

STR DEX KNOW CONC Detect: 4 Seduction: 4
2 4 3 4 Stealth: 3 Survival: 4
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative Torture: 4 Tracking: 3
0 6 0 +8 Unarmed Combat: 4
Hit Points Closing Rushing Equipment And Abilities
14 2 6 Rift Teeth, Shadow Claws, Shadow Merge, Dream Armour
(PV:12, Resistance: NA).
Skills
Detect: 3 Intimidation: 4 Note: Cryptids may possess all manner of other horrific
Stealth: 4 Torture: 4
Entity Abilities at the GM’s discretion.

Unarmed Combat: 3

201
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Species Specific Abilities Shadow Claws

Aeriform Body: Dream Entities, even those that appear Formed from pure darkness, Shadow Claws are razor sharp
entirely solid, are able to shift their physical form at will. All and shred flesh and bone with ease.
Hit Points that a Dream Entity would lose from damage Shadow Claws
being inflicted are halved (after damage modifiers have been
applied). Skill: Unarmed Combat
Creatures of Terror: Dream Entities do not understand the DMG Min DMG AD Weight
concept of being afraid and as such are entirely immune to 1d10+6 7 3 0
the effects of fear.
The Grey: Direct contact with Dream Entity Helions, or any Shadow Merge
type of Apparition can lead to contracting the psychophysical Rules: The Entity cannot be seen using UV, IR or Thermal
illness known as The Grey. imaging. Any Detect rolls to spot or hear the Entity receive
Skills a -2 modifier to all dice. In addition, the Entity may target
a victim within their line of sight. The target must roll 1d10
Distort (CONC): Distort is a skill exclusive to Dream Entities and add their COOL. If the result is 10 or greater, the
and is used to evoke a number of their abilities, including the subject gains the immobile condition. The target can attempt
creation of reality distortions or other twisted visages. There to break free by repeating this test every other Combat
are no Advanced Tasks in relation to this skill. Round, with a success freeing the victim. A Dream Entity
Dream Armour may only bind one victim in place at a time, as such the effect
immediately ends should they select another target.
Some Entities have abnormal protection, with their bodies
able to harden at will, protecting them and soaking up damage Reality Distortion
in unexplainable ways. The Entity will transform matter around their victim, creating
Dream Armour the illusion of traps, never ending corridors, or rooms without
doors.
PV Resistance Weight
In reality, these visions have little impact on the victims
2-16 NA 0 physical wellbeing, but within a few hours of being seemingly
Dream Armour does not have a fixed PV value and differs from trapped in such distortions, the psychological damage inflicted
Entity to Entity. Dream Armour ignores all Armour Damage can be great, driving people towards madness, suicide, or in the
and as such does not have a Resistance value. case of group Reality Distortions, the violent murder of each
other
Rift Claws
Rift Claws are able to pass through solid objects, solidifying Rules: Making a distortion requires a successful Distort
themselves at will. roll, subtracting the target’s CHA from the Success Die.
The target number for this roll is always 10. If successful, the
Rift Claws target is trapped in the distortion for up to one hour. Every
Skill: Unarmed Combat 15 minutes the subject may attempt to break free by rolling
1d10 and adding their COOL (with a +1 modifier for every
DMG Min DMG AD Weight
person attempting to shake them out of the trance). If the
1d10 3 0 0 result is 10 or greater, the subject is free. Anyone lasting the
All armour is considered to have PV: 0 when protecting against duration gains -1 rank in a Psychosis as specified by the GM.
Rift Claws.
The Grey (Illness) IR: 12
Rift Teeth Direct Contact with Dream Entity Helions
Vectors
Like Rift Claws, Rift Teeth are able to take an ethereal form in and Apparitions.
order to pass through armour, solidifying only when they strike -1 STR, -2 CONC, Gain -1 rank in Psychosis:
Effects
the target. Paranoia, skin turns grey then translucent.
Rift Teeth Progression After 7 days. Death and rapid decomposition.
Skill: Unarmed Combat Treatment Treatment Rating: 12. If caught early,
DMG Min DMG AD Weight distracting the subject from the illness is
enough. Later stages need Luminosity.
1d10+2 3 0 0
All armour is considered to have PV: 0 when protecting against
Rift Teeth.

202
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

9TH DIVISION
The 9th Division has moved on leaps and bounds in the five
years since its inception. Initially formed by the Shivers that were
left behind after the failed Red Sky project, the 9th Division
is now a significant threat, recruiting every disenfranchised
individual it can. Based out of the McGill Valleys in Cannibal
Sector 1, the Division has found its niche in recent years,
attracting anyone and everyone that has fallen out of love with
SLA Industries, but who is not impressive enough to garner a
place within DarkNight, the 9th is happy to take the desperate
and vile leftovers. Many of the recruits will fail and many will
die; in fact the Feaneys are counting on that, and those that
are left, the best of the rest, will drive the 9th forward. The
9th is still led by Captain Feaney, but whether this individual
is the founding Feaney is impossible to discern, with other
members of the Feaney family ready to don the figurehead’s
armour should the man at the top fall in battle. There is safety
in numbers and the Feaneys number many.
Today, the 9th Division includes pretty much every race
domicile in Mort City, humans, especially former Shivers,
account for well over ninety percent of the organisation, but it
is not uncommon to see Ebonites (particularly jaded Wasters),
Frothers and the occasional Wraithen wearing the black and red
Jester motif; there has even been recent reports of Cannibals and
Advanced Carrien within the ranks of the 9th. The organisation
still uses the same paramilitary structure of squads and societies,
with those in a position of leadership being known as ‘One of the
First’. The societies within the 9th allow Feaney’s inner circle to
keep on top of the politics and trends within the Division and 9th Division Trooper
to ensure anything untoward or threatening to the leadership of
the First is nipped in the bud before it can develop. Many of the STR DEX KNOW CONC
Division’s squads have gained a notable level of renown, with 2 2 2 2
the Highwaymen and many members of McClusky’s Scalpers CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
becoming celebrities and regulars on televised broadcasts from
Cannibal Sector 1. 1 2 0 +4
Frequently the 9th sends ‘Fame (or FM) Squads’into downtown Hit Points Closing Rushing
to drive media attention and provoke future recruitment. New 12 2 5
recruits form the majority of such squads and are often led by
individuals that have made a name for themselves via the 9th’s Skills
internal societies. These squads are under the belief that these Bribery: 2 Detect: 1
incursions will bring the squad fame and fortune, but they are
Melee Weapons: 2 Pistol: 1
generally little more than suicide squads, known within the
inner circles of the 9th Division by their real designation of Rifle: 2 Support Weapons: 2
‘Fresh Meat Squads’. Survival: 2 Throw: 1

“It is comfortably precious that the 9th was formed from the Unarmed Combat: 1
ninth tenth of the Shivers sent into the Cannibal Sector as part Equipment
of the Red Sky Project - eighty percent died, the ninth tenth
defected to the 9th and the last tenth made it back to Mort. PP664.2 Body Blocker, SHV-01 Gauss Rifle (Flechette Rounds
- 3 clips) or other FEN or DN branded weapons, GASH Pacifier
Now the organisation takes most of the defectors from SLA Baton or BOSH SLA Blade.
Industries - the ones that DarkNight doesn’t want or doesn’t
kill. Then only around nine percent of that lot make it beyond Notes: 9th Sergeants have the Leadership skill at rank 2 and
the first few missions. It’s neat!” increase their CHA stat to rank 2. Many also have additional
Fahedazezze Abouud, Neophron Operative ranks in Bribery, Pistol and Rifle.
SCL 8.3, squad ‘Frog Groggers’

203
 SLA INDUSTRIES

the spare hardpoints were fitted with two massive rear-mounted

DOWNTOWN THREATS articulated blades, folded into protective panelling below pivots
at shoulder level, on their backs.
MANCHINE
Urbanite Manchines
“ You wouldn’t believe what I saw yesterday. There was a
Manchine wandering through the market. It scared the shit out After the fall of Salvation Tower, Digger took most of the
of everyone, but Baggie told everyone to keep calm and pretend Manchines deployed in the Piper Riots into exile in Cannibal
we couldn’t see it. It looked like it was trying to pass for human, Sector 1, but production continued on a later model, fitted with
only it was obviously a bloody robot, stinking of decay and rust. a more independent intelligence and communications system.
It wore flyblown human flesh on its back that writhed with These Manchines became known as Urbanite Manchines. They
maggots and its metallic creaking was punctuated with the had been seconded from War World deployment and utilised in
wet sound of white lumps of worms and insect eggs hitting the Mort City to police and quell uprisings after the closing of the
ground. It was hard not to throw up, but as soon as it arrived, walls. The metal frames were disguised in long coats and carried
it was gone, disappearing into a sewer as if it had never been human weaponry, but this illusion of humanity only lasted if the
here. The only evidence of its passing through was the clumps of manchines were at a distance.
rats that covered the pavement, feeding off the wriggling debris As time passed, fewer and fewer Urbanite Manchines
it left behind.” returned to SLA Industries, abdicating their responsibilities
and going to ground. As they gained their independence,
Extract from ‘Downtown, my life as a
they started to mould themselves to what they saw around
Barrowboy’, Clyde Barstell
them. As the Manchines succumbed to their deeper
The Manchines of Mort City are the remnants of the intelligence routines, routines that were designed to guide
Killa Chassis project that was shelved after a catalogue of a Manchine through its duties without influencing core
failures. They were one of SLA Industries’ last attempts decision-making, their priorities skewed to the
to master robotics before throwing their all into bizarre. Many of them were obsessed with being
the more successful biogenetic experiments. seen as human, eliminating anyone who saw
Originating from a six-limbed prototype through their crude disguises, while others
that was designed as an all-terrain six- hid away to keep their territory protected.
legged gun platform for War Worlds, the What was happening in the cannibal sectors,
core artificial brain was patched over and the distorting of purpose, was happening to the
over to try to get it to operate without Urbanites, a perversion of the metal flesh.
a controller, resulting in a working This latest generation of Manchines were
batch of prototypes that failed at designed to operate with a crude hive mind,
most of their objectives. The War controlled by shifting radio signals. This
World tests did result in answers to allowed them to operate as a unit on the
some of the problems and the basic battlefield, but when they went into hiding,
framework was revived to form the basis this signal forced them into isolation,
of a more deployable form of expendable distancing themselves from every other
worker, a humanoid that could work Manchine in their vicinity. They have
where it was too dangerous for people. become solitary and territorial. Urbanites,
The Manchine came from this branch like Digger’s Manchines, retain the same
of the Roach project and was the only propensity for tool-inflicted violence and
successful iteration of the hexapod mobile have taken to raiding building sites
launcher design. and construction suppliers to acquire
With the robotic police force that the tools they desire.
Killa Chassis envisioned, the cost of Urbanites were designed to
custom-designed deployment vehicles eventually wear out, as a way to
was always a sticking point, along sell more of them. This has not
with flexibility of mounted hardware, resulted in their demise, but has
and this was solved with the simple forced these creatures to adapt
design of making them fit a human to survive. Spare parts taken from
frame, which opened up transport, other Manchines, either salvaged or killed,
body armour options and weaponry. has kept them going well past the planned
Switching to a bipedal humanoid shape obsolescence. Others have raided factories for
that could pass as human, solved more parts that are close enough to their broken-
problems than the difficulties it introduced, with down organs and limbs, resulting in an unusual
an added bonus of the hexapod brain being able to myriad of monstrous forms, all draped in
accommodate two hidden limbs. The brain power decaying flesh.
was not enough to control four arms with hands, so

204
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

talent scouts to approach the ganger culture’s best and brightest

Urbanite Manchine
to enter SLA Operative training at Meny. Most join their
STR DEX KNOW CONC gang for life though and those few exceptions exit to become
5 4 3 3 Downtown Props, with strong ties back to their homegrown
gangs and territories.
CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
0 7 0 +7 PROPS
Hit Points Closing Rushing
“Show me cash and I’ll show your enemies a good time. Wait,
27 3 7 no, not that. What was it she used to say? Oh man, I miss
Spooky. That hat, eh?”
Skills
Millicentenial, Inner Downtown Prop
Athletics: 2 Climbing: 2
Detect: 4 Intimidation: 4 Throughout Mort City, you can find people willing to lend
their services for cash and in the violence business, this sector
Melee Weapons: 4 Streetwise: 3
is managed by Props. Skilled fighters or intimidating figures
Survival: 4 Tactics: 3 choose the life of a gun or fist for hire and call themselves Props.
Torture: 4 Unarmed Combat: 4 A Prop is different from a hired thug because they aim to stand
out and make a name for themselves and their identity. Aping
Equipment SLA’s contract killers, Props choose individual appearances,
Claws/Teeth, Manchine Blades, assorted power tools (treat as with customised armour and weapons that make them look
Generic Unpowered Melee Weapons), Manchine Body (PV: 12, unique. They take on pseudonyms and most of them wear masks
Resistance: 30) that hide their real identity, allowing them to slip into and out
of their mercenary persona.
Manchine Blades Props usually stick to their sector and tend to have a much
Skill: Unarmed Combat/Melee Weapons better understanding of their region than Operatives and
DMG Min DMG AD Weight Shivers. They operate as individuals or in small groups, but they
tend to socialise en masse, with some pubs becoming known as
1d10+4 5 3 0 Prop Bars. These bars usually operate as a place to hire a willing
Notes: Manchines are entirely immune to the effects of fear. Prop for a job. On rare occasions, an Operative will hire a Prop
for a bit of local knowledge, especially if the local Shivers are
not being too helpful, but most of the time, they see them as an
DOWNTOWN GANGERS obstacle to progress.
Gang culture plays a big part of Downtown and there’s scarcely
a street or block that does not have a colourful gang playing or
governing it. Around 900sd, Downtown was ruled over by four
or five mega-gangs but years of infighting effectively broke up
the major syndicates. This, and a host of social factors, led to the
gangs fracturing to form smaller, tighter gangs.
Trends changed too, so the gangs of today, have taken on a
more eccentric and garish brand of their own. Many take on
strange influences of media figures, emulating them or finding
inspiration in themes. The Big Numbers, for example, dress like
slightly exaggerated SLA corporates, favouring expensive street
brands and Eight-Oh music, which is contrasted by the skull
hallmark that adorns some of their faces, exactly copying the
slayer insignia on the modern SLA logo.
The gangs of the present day are a great deal smaller than
groups of yesteryear, but they are also way more violent and
territorial than those previously experienced. They are suspicious
of outsiders, especially now that the Shi’An cult can so easily
take hold in Downtown. Gangs see the way that the cults are
infecting the minds of the disillusioned youth and see it as a
direct threat. Gangers are unwittingly the first line of defence
against the insidious cults.
The Downtown gangs are an ongoing problem for SLA, as
they always have been, but it has always taken an interest in
their motivation and ingenuity and it is not unknown for SLA’s

205
 SLA INDUSTRIES

“If you’re looking for a fancily-dressed violence delivery vector,

head to Stanlon’s, your amenable neighbourhood Prop Bar.
Bring Unis. Bring lots of Unis.”
Advert posted on a BPN dispenser,
Downtown Sector 5-21
Retired Operatives, disgruntled Shivers, proficient gang
fighters and even Ex-War Criminals can turn Prop for an
income. The easiest way to recognise a Prop is by the fact they’re
equipped significantly better than your average Downtown
tough. Usually carrying a SLA weapon, either from previous
military service or from other sources and wearing armour
ranging from gaudily-painted Body Blocker all the way up to
custom-trimmed War World Infantry Armour, Props are a
significantly higher challenge than your regular gang or inner-
city Carrien clave.
Frankie Basilisk
If you head to Slicey Knees, in Downtown Sector 6-12, you’ll
not only get a decent pint of Slamthankers, but you can also find
Props looking for work. One of those Props is Frankie Basilisk.
Frankie is instantly recognisable by his red stone mask with
its swept back yellow spikes. His slight frame belies an above
average strength and endurance, while his lightweight armour
allows him to work at speed. He prefers protection jobs, hiring
himself out as a reliable short-term bodyguard to visitors to the
seedier avenues of Sector 6-12 and as an escrow bagman for
corporates betting on the back street pit fights. Your money is
safe in the hands of Frankie Basilisk.
SERIAL KILLERS
Preferring to get up close with a powered blade, using his “Serial Killers are cool, I love watching that programme on
spiked armour to prevent unarmoured opportunists getting too TV, ‘Serial Killers, Awesome Killers’. You should watch it. The
close, he nonetheless carries a DN Jackieboy on a low-slung rear coolest is Jack, but my favourite was called ‘Pin Century’, he was
holster that sits below the backplates of his armour. He prefers pretty much the first one. Killed a woman called Linda Spears,
to play the silent killer type, but anyone who gets him started a high ender in Cloak Division, the woman who took down the
in conversation knows that’s an act as he’s quite personable and leader of Thresher back in the day. Anyway, Linda had retired
talkative, if he feels comfortable enough to let his guard down to an easy life, drinking wine and writing books. She hadn’t
slightly. been heard for a couple of weeks, so Cloak went in, and found
her pinned to her bedroom wall. One hundred one foot-long
SKIN TRADE pins nailed through her body, they reckoned she didn’t die until
the last one went through her forehead. Pin Century killed a
Everything can be bought and sold in the World of Progress,
load more celebs before he was caught. Everyone with a hundred
with commerce providing the backbone of progress for SLA
pins...it was like art! So cool! I hope someone copycats him soon.”
Industries and almost everything is legal. There is one element
of commerce that SLA Industries does not allow; the Skin William Longbottom, TV aficionado and
Trade, the buying and selling of sentient beings. Serial Killer fan, Lower Downtown
With sex work being legal in designated zones in Mort City Some people just need to feed their urge to kill and Mort
and a blind eye turned in other areas, the trafficking of humans City produces more of these people than anywhere else in the
and aliens disappeared into the corners around the legitimate World of Progress. The serial killers of Mort are diverse and
entertainment zones. Some customers felt they needed more varied, stretching the gamut from the likes of Benjin Surpan,
than what was legally available to them and crossed the line a wannabe killer that was killed by his first target, all the way
into sentient trafficking, spawning the deplorable Skin Trade; to the legendary Halloween Jack, the unstoppable pumpkin-
where there’s a customer, a supplier will spawn. Missing people headed force of nature. Most serial killers are stopped after
are usually traced to the illegal buying and selling of humans claiming two or three victims, but enough survive beyond that
and aliens and most of them end up as the property of someone and hone their trade to levels where they get their very own
whose urges surpassed their empathy and their desire to stay Hunter Sheet and face the full force of SLA Industries at its
within the boundaries of the law and decent behaviour. most vindictive.
SLA Industries clamps down whenever it can, but the Skin
Trade adapts to survive.

206
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

Generally, the best trained of all Shivers, or at least those with

SLA INDUSTRIES the most experience, are shipped out to Cannibal Sector 1 to
join the Sector Shivers, where they will man the Bridgeheads;
SHIVERS compact fortresses that are set up with the aim of regaining
“We deal with the shit. Day in. Day out. Shit, shit, shit. We ground from the sector locals, as a part of the ongoing Bellwood
get the shit armour, the shit guns and the shit jobs… then the Campaign. Cannibal Sector 1, however, is a war zone and the
show ponies come along, drop the icing on the cake and get all Shivers posted there typically wish they were back over the wall
the glory. But you know what… I don’t give two shits. I know in the relative safety of Downtown. Within the city, Shivers
how much I’m getting paid at the end of the month and couldn’t work the streets, settling local disputes, interrogating suspect
give three shits about my SCL. Wearing green is an easier life, gang members, handling evictions and dealing with civilian
even if it is shit. altercations. Street Shivers will request support from the Shiver
Organisation if the going gets tough, which will come in the
Oi...don’t mess with my shit!” form of more Shivers, or via a BPN being issued for Operative
Shiver Pvt. Janice ‘No Shits’ Givven, support.
Downtown Patrol 4-232 The Downtown Patrol uses a number of different Shiver types,
The Shiver Organisation polices the streets of Mort City each with their own role to play within the city. Despite the
and the boundaries of the cannibal sectors beyond. Once different jobs they do, all wear green Body Blocker armour;
composed exclusively of human recruits, the force now accepts something which has become the identifying mark of every
applications from anyone passionate enough to want to face the Shiver and has led to terms such as ‘being green blooded’ and
daily grind on the street; currently the Shiver Organisation is ‘donning the green’. Shivers are all given standard issue weapons
approximately 98% human, with most non-humans serving in which pale in significance to those used by Ops, typically a mix
Cannibal Sector 1. of powered batons, small arms and non-lethal ammunition for
their signature Gauss Rifles. Though they are not as well armed
Shivers get a hard time from Operatives and in turn give
as Operatives, they know how to use the tools they have and are
them a hard time back. The derogatory term ‘slop’ (SLA Op)
able to put basic squad tactics into practice.
came from within the Shiver ranks and in return, the term
‘chop’ (Cheap Op) has been thrown back. Despite the frayed All Shivers use the following profile. Any modifications for
relationships between the two forces, both generally work well specific types of Shiver are listed in their descriptions.
together. Shiver Unit
“If you’re green, you’re green. If you’re not, you’re slops.” STR DEX KNOW CONC
Mantra of the Downtown Patrol 2 2 2 1

The Shiver Organisation is divided into three brigades, each CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
led by a Shiver Commander who has ultimate control of the 1 2 0 +3
thousands of individuals that work beneath them. Sector Hit Points Closing Rushing
Shivers are given grey armour which distinguishes them from
their green-armoured colleagues on and over the Wall. Each 12 2 5
brigade has responsibility for a specific Mort City location: Skills
Central Patrol: Central is the smallest of the three brigades and Detect: 1 Interrogate: 2
is responsible for policing the Perimeter Wall and Suburbia.
Melee Weapons: 2 Pistol: 1
Led by Shiver Commander Jethro Tung, the Central Patrol are
generally occupied with settling disputes between Operatives, Rifle: 2 Streetwise: 2
talking down suicidal corporates and stopping Downtowners Support Weapons: 2 Throw: 1
slipping their way into Suburbia. Working Central Patrol is Unarmed Combat: 1
the cushty job that most Shivers would love to have.
Sector Shivers: Currently fighting the Bellwood Campaign in Street Shiver
Cannibal Sector 1, under the leadership of the highly respected Often known as Base Shivers, the Street Shiver is the most
Shiver Commander Cradle, Sector Shivers are stationed out common type of Shiver found within Mort City and makes
in the cannibal sectors or along the Sector Wall that separates up over 85% of the Shiver forces. Organised into ten Shiver
Mort City from the devastated ruins outside. Sector Shivers squads they are tasked with patrolling a sector or sub-sector of
are soldiers, facing the absolute worst that Mort can throw at the city depending on the sector’s location. A Sergeant leads the
them. squad and will often subdivide his squad to cover different shifts
Downtown Patrol: Led by Shiver Commander Arthur or locations. They will become familiar with the local street
Wallsington, the Downtown Patrol is the largest of the criminals and build loose relationships with the community,
three brigades and where all the new recruits start. Their generally though, these relationships are little more than
responsibility is to oversee the law enforcement requirements protection rackets. Street Shivers have power over their streets
of Downtown and Lower Downtown. and are more than happy to use and abuse it. Street Shivers carry

207
 SLA INDUSTRIES

basic Shiver equipment including Gauss Rifles, smoke grenades abreast of the often changing routes and blockages within the
and wear standard Shiver green Body Blocker armour. Some city. When responding to a call they will stop for nothing. Most
squads, typically those in the rougher neighbourhoods, will have civilians know to get off the street and walkways if they hear the
access to a Battle Taxi or more recently, a Crawler APC. familiar FR siren or see its flashing green lights. Those that don’t
won’t make the mistake twice.
Equipment
PP664.2 Body Blocker, SHV-01 Gauss Rifle (Ball-Bearing Equipment
Rounds - 3 clips), Spit Pistol (1 clip), GASH Pacifier Baton. PP664.2 Body Blocker, SLA 10-05 Bully Boy Shotgun, Spit
Pistol (1 clip), GASH Pacifier Baton, Zenit Patroller Motorcycle.
Notes: Shiver Sergeants have the Leadership skill at rank 2
and increase their CHA stat to rank 2. Notes: Fast Response Shivers get the following additions/
Shiver squads may have access to a FEN 0227 Battle Taxi or changes to their skills - Drive Motorcycle: 3, Streetwise: 3.
Crawler APC. If they do, one or more Shivers will possess Dispersal Shiver
the Drive Military skill at rank 1.
Formerly two distinct Shiver departments, Enforcer Shivers
Fast Response Shiver were amalgamated into the Breacher Shiver department in
When it gets serious the Street Shiver Sergeant can call in 907sd, when it became clear that no one really knew what
back-up, the first to answer this call will be a Shiver of the Fast one department did differently from the other. Although, in
Response (FR) department. FR Shivers are significantly better Cannibal Sector 1 the two types of Shivers still exist and have
equipped than the Street Shivers and can get to the rendezvous very distinct roles. Within the City, the five man Dispersal
point quickly due to their Zenit Patrollers. These chunky green Shiver squads are equipped to deal with rioting, building entry
motorbikes have wide-tread tyres and sizeable engines, giving and other large scale breaches in order. Their equipment includes
the rider good road grip, manoeuvrability and the ability to a Battle Taxi per squad, pacifier batons and riot shields, which
navigate up and down shallow staircases and obstacles with are commonly known as Breacher Shields. The sergeants wear
relative ease. The FR Shivers have passed exams on navigation back-mounted smoke grenade launchers and carry additional
within their given District and are expected to stay constantly equipment for the squad. All Dispersal Shivers wear PP8

208
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

Reinforcer, which consists of additional armour plates to be worn

Equipment
on top of standard issue Body Blocker. The PP8 is cumbersome
and provides significantly more protection than Body Blocker PP664.2 Body Blocker, Spit Pistol (1 clip), GASH Pacifier
alone, but with notably reduced mobility. Dispersal Shivers tend Baton, Zenit Patroller Motorcycle or Augustus Town Car.
to be well built and physically stronger than Shivers from other Notes: Base Homicide Shivers get the following additions/
departments. Individuals spend their downtime working out changes to their skills - Drive Civilian: 2 or Drive Motorcycle:
and building their muscle mass, to general scorn of the Street 3, Forensics: 2, Leadership: 3, Streetwise: 4, Tracking: 1.
Shivers. The Dispersal Shiver department is relatively small yet
well capable of handling most situations they are called to. If a Base Homicide Shivers gain +1 to their KNOW, CONC
riot or other disturbance gets too large street Shivers are given and COOL stats.
a Breacher Shield, a pacifier baton and if they are lucky at least D.A.C. Handler
some plates of PP8, then expected to back up the Dispersal
Shivers. In such cases, the Dispersal Shiver squad subdivides The D.A.C. (DNA Altered Canine) is used for tracking
to include at least one Dispersal Shiver, which take command specific criminals and when intimidation is needed to control
of any Street Shivers they can find to bolster their squad back crowds or overly rowdy suspects. D.A.C. Handlers are partnered
up to full. In such cases all Dispersal Shivers are issued Smoke up with a D.A.C., who becomes their ward for training and
launchers from the Battle Taxi inventory. deployment. D.A.C. Handlers are a relatively rare sight, but are
very effective at hunting down high threat targets and breaking
Equipment up bar fights and small scale brawls. They also pose a good
PP664.2 Body Blocker with PP8 Reinforcer Plates, SHV-01 deterrent when intel suggests a riot is brewing and if the unrest
Gauss Rifle (Ball-Bearing Rounds - 3 clips), GASH Pacifier does occur, D.A.C.s and their handlers can be fundamental in
Baton, Spit Pistol (2 clips), PP949 Breacher Shield, 2x DA 71 regaining control quickly, often proving to be the tipping point
Concussion Grenade. in large scale altercations where the Dispersal Shiver forces are
struggling to acquire control. The D.A.C. Handlers’ appearance
Note: Dispersal Shivers get the following additions/changes is reminiscent of both Paramedical and Fire Shivers, but can be
to their skills - Shield Craft: 2. recognised by their handler mitts and terrifying Jolt Whip.
Dispersal Shivers gain +1 to their STR stat.
Equipment
PP664.2 Body Blocker With PP8 Reinforcer Plates PP664.2 Body Blocker, GASH Jolt Whip (use the GASH
PV Resistance Weight Pacifier Baton, modified with a 2 metre range), Spit Pistol (1
clip), D.A.C..
5 14 3
Notes: D.A.C. Handlers get the following addition to their
Base Homicide Shiver skills - Animal Handling: 2.
As part of the Shiver Investigation Department (SID), Base
Homicide Shivers have an important role to play. Each and DNA Altered Canine
every Base Homicide Shiver is an Inspector, so ranked higher STR DEX KNOW CONC
than Shiver Sergeants. The job of the Base Homicide Shiver
is to investigate civilian deaths and determine whether it’s 4 4 0 2
just a simple homicide or find evidence of something more CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
sinister and worthwhile of Operative involvement. When 0 5 0 +4
a Base Homicide Shiver is called in they will take command
of the murder investigation and local Shiver forces. They are Hit Points Closing Rushing
not only a rank above the file Shiver Sergeants, but also have 18 4 9
a higher SCL ranking, often considered SCL11 with benefits.
SIDs, as they are often known by both Shivers and Operatives, Skills
generally have a good relationship and mutual respect with and Athletics: 3 Detect: 3
of SLA Operatives. SIDs, after all, ensure that Operatives are Intimidate: 4 Stealth: 1
only called in for the cases worth further investigation, saving
many Operatives from pointless low paid and low SCL increase Tracking: 4 Unarmed Combat: 3
jobs. Base Homicide Shivers, tend not to overtly wear armour,
Equipment
instead they are attired in a smart suit with their ranking on
their shoulders and Shiver and SID logos on their breast Claws/Teeth
pockets. They wear a cutdown variant of the Shiver helmet, as it
Notes: A D.A.C.’s bite is extremely powerful. To reflect this,
gives them an important level of anonymity and authority. Most
a D.A.C. inflicts +3 DMG and +1 AD when using its teeth
drive dark green Augustus cars, although some prefer to use
to attack.
Zenit Patrollers or be driven by local Shiver patrols.
A D.A.C. Handler gains the Tracking Skill at rank 4 while
in control of their D.A.C.

209
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Paramedical Shiver Gone were the days of Jimmy eating a cat turd because he was
told it would remove the curse he was under. Instead, we had
Though not as well equipped as the Shiver Medics found in nothing but fake setups for years. Well, the ratings fucked shit
Cannibal Sector 1, Paramedical Shivers are often attached to up, didn’t they, and now look at it. It’s not nearly as good as it
other Shiver squads especially in more volatile sectors. They used to be.
are predominately tasked with patching up their fellow Shivers
and any injured Operatives, but some may treat local citizens, When Allen saucered that hubcap into the gang twats, I think
especially if they have a key role to play in the community I emitted a rat turd. So funny.”
or have given the local Shiver squad an appropriate level of Malc Bellon, TV afficionado, Downtown 5-12
‘respect’ (bribes, beer, cigarettes, food) in previous encounters.
The Paramedical Shiver department also includes emergency AETHERMEN
responders, who will be tasked with trafficking the injured or
dead to the local hospital or morgue. Paramedical Responder
Shivers will be equipped with either a Zenit Patroller or a
Romulus limousine equipped with all the appropriate medical
equipment. In situations of large level rioting, Paramedical
Shivers will set up makeshift hospital tents behind the front line,
pumping injured Shivers full of drugs and patching them up, so
they can get back to dealing with the disturbance. Paramedical
Shivers wear Body Blocker under long green trench coats. In
the cannibal sectors, Shiver Medics are far better equipped, but
similarly attired, albeit in white or grey trench coats.
Equipment
PP664.2 Body Blocker, GASH Pacifier Baton, Spit Pistol (1
clip), BOOPA Hypofist.

Notes: May be equipped with either a Zenit Patroller

Motorcycle or a Romulus limousine.
Paramedical Shivers get the following additions/changes
to their skills - Drive Military: 2 or Drive Motorcycle: 2,
Medical: 3.
Fire Shiver Aethermen are the main contact anyone will have with Naga
A small number of Shiver squads man Battle Taxis equipped 7, one of the most secretive departments within the SLA
with water tanks and high powered hoses. These Fire Shivers are Industries organisation. The Aethermen are in the majority
the only city Shivers that do not wear green, instead they wear human males, but other races and gender can be found in their
red. They are equipped similarly to Street Shivers including ranks. Most are rather affable and more than happy to sit with a
Body Blocker armour, but also wear fire retardant overalls and Shiver or Operative Squad and small talk over a big cup of tea.
carry their iconic Blaze Axe. The axe uses the same technology They are predominantly found in Cannibal Sector 1 and Lower
as the Pacifier Baton of the Dispersal Shivers, but instead of Downtown, anywhere in fact that Dream Entities or the effect
the blunt baton, the Blaze has a powered blade which can of the Grey are present.
smash through reinforced doors and even internal walls. The Any BPN issued for known Dream Entity activity will likely
Fire Shiver helmet is also modified to incorporate breathing come with an associated Aetherman and he will be a resource
equipment and air cooling and filtering technology and a torch. well worth utilising. He is trained and equipped to deal with
the threat, far more than any Operative could ever hope to be.
Equipment
They generally take the role of advisor or observer, supplying the
PP664.2 Body Blocker, GASH Blaze Axe (use the GASH Operative squad with the information and nothing more, that
Pacifier Baton, modified with an AD of 4) they need to know to defeat or survive the Dream Entity threat.
The Aethermen carry Volt Guns and FOW staffs, which are
Notes: A squad will be equipped with a Battle Taxi.
designed specifically to defeat the Dream Entities. They wear
The squad will have access to a modified (sporting a high- Aether Armour which prevents nearby Entity manifestations
powered water cannon) FEN 0227 Battle Taxi and one or and protects from the Grey.
more Shivers will possess the Drive Military skill at rank 2.

“‘Shivers Fuck Shit Up’ used to be my favourite show, but

MORAL RIGHT
when Raymonde’s Raiders got sent out on Bellwood, the Patrol Moral Right are a department of SLA who work specifically
Unit they got in to replace them seemed too contrived, like they within the confines of Downtown, targeting the roughest
were trying too hard to be entertaining. neighbourhoods that sport the highest rates of unemployment.

210
 T H R E A T A N A LY S I S

Fronted by the unforgiving Agnes Dowr, a woman of

uncompromising views and stern policies. Moral Right are
instructed to deliver their unique measure of brutality on
specific areas in order to force ‘reform’ amongst the down and
out civilian masses.
Moral Right’s approach is widely disliked by Shivers and
Operatives and plainly feared by those living in proximity to
what have come to be termed ‘Re-education Factories’. These
huge workhouses have become benevolent prisons to criminals,
homeless and unemployed, all of whom have been rounded up
from the streets of Downtown by Moral Right’s ‘Virtue Squads’.
Life in the Re-education Factories consists of back-breaking
labour, exceedingly long hours, physical abuse, rock hard beds
and little more than scraps of food on a daily basis. Such
extreme brutality is rarely seen even inside Mort’s maximum
security prisons and unlike those larger penitentiaries, Re-
education Factories have no minimum age. Anyone forced
into a Re-education Factory is given a DNA Tattoo on their
forehead, a permanent sign of their ‘willingness’ to reform and
yet another way for Moral Right to inflict control over their
herd. The final insult is the degrading name given to prisoners
in the Re-education Factories: “Workus”.

“Despite our best and most well intentioned efforts, the

good work done by the Virtue Squads in Downtown has been
unsuccessful in uplifting the moral value within Mort City.
And yet we should not be deterred.
We must, gentlemen, double our efforts and quadruple our
resolve. If we are unable to bring discipline to the masses, the
masses must be brought to discipline.
Therefore, I am introducing the workhouse programme. We
will succeed or they will die trying. Thank you gentlemen.”
Agnes Dowr, MR Division department head
which has gained Agnes Dowr and the MR Division some
What has made Moral Right such a thorn in everyone’s side is
significant respect within Corporate. A number of contracts
the jurisdiction they hold. Shivers are totally unable to interfere
have been signed to allocate the labour of certain Re-education
with MR action, the same for Operatives with an SCL any
Factories to smaller subsidiary companies or third-party firms
lower than 7. The Operatives with a higher SCL can request
looking to outsource manufacturing. The most recent deal
removal of a Virtue Squad, but need to be able to prove that
signed is with Consolidated Arms Fabrication, the weapons
Moral Right’s presence is negatively affecting an active BPN
company authorised to produce firearms for civilian defence.
or Hunter Sheet, there is a lot open to interpretation. In fact,
Currently, two sites have been set up as bullet-factories, with
only SLA employees of SCL 4 or higher are able to issue full
prisoners working 17 hour shifts, making ammunition for sale
orders to a Moral Right Whip (the head of a Virtue Squad)
in Downtown. Other sites work equally long shifts on food
or his Seraphs (the rank and file of the squad). Virtue Squads
production, soft drink bottling, construction and even the
use similar armour to Shiver forces, but carry large powered
manufacture of toilet seats… nothing is beneath the workforce
‘Puritan Hammers’, which function much like the now popular
of the Re-education Factories.
GASH Clearance Baton. The hammers are used to bully, batter
and beat the civilian under-belly of Downtown into submission. “They call it reform, but it’s just fuckin’ slavery. You get beaten,
Once a Whip and his squad have moved into an area, they will humiliated, worked to death and if you’re really lucky, you
not leave until the nearest Re-education Factory is suitably might get out after a few years on good behaviour. That said,
filled. Moral Right’s level of brutality is also driven by the fact I only ever knew one guy that got out, and he got picked up
that they simply do not have the foothold they would like in by another Virtue Squad three days later, accused of escaping
Downtown. Their impact is clear to see in some areas, but with on account of this fuckin’ tattoo we have on our heads and got
hundreds of sectors per district, they simply cannot beat enough thrown back into another Factory. We’re here for life… and that
of the masses into line. won’t be for long.”
The Re-education Factories themselves are more than just
Phineas TapTap, former drug dealer, now
local workhouses and prisons. Though the fact is not promoted,
Re-education Factory Workus
they are also notable money earners for SLA Industries, a fact

211
 SLA INDUSTRIES

THE WEB OF LIES

rejected BPNs aside for anyone who turned them down them
RUNNING A GAME all the options the first time around.
At their core, a good GM needs to be a great storyteller. Like An issued BPN will be one of nine colours, with a tenth colour
writing the script to a movie, a GM crafts the scenes that make (Platinum) issued directly to squads rather than being collected
up the game, from the interactions and fire fights to the plot from a BPN Hall. The colour of a BPN determines the nature
twists and big reveals. While many great storytellers don’t need of the mission it relates to. Each BPN will also provide a
help in crafting a tale, for those that do, or for anyone who just department that can be contacted for more information, a
wants to keep their game within the confines of Operative number of Credits, stated per Operative or per squad, that can
life, there are two primary game types that are used in SLA be earned and the potential SCL increase that is on offer upon
Industries: successful completion (note that the Cred values shown in the
descriptions that follow are ‘per Operative’).
BLUEPRINT NEWS Finally, BPN operations are often overseen by one of two
departments: Station Analysis or Third Eye News. Should the
Station Analysis constantly collects information for Blueprint Station Analysis box be ticked, the Operatives will have Station
News files from SLA sources, Shiver patrols, departmental Analysis on tap for support and this BPN is subject to secrecy;
reports, media recordings and Operatives on the street, to all media coverage regarding the events of this BPN will be
compile an ever-growing priority list of tasks that need censored. Should the Third Eye News box be ticked, then the
completing in the name of the company. Scattered around Mort Operative’s activities are open to media coverage should a news
City are BPN Halls, huge concrete structures, each home to crew or camera drone deem the events to be of interest. Should
hundreds of SLA employees tasked with issuing BPNs to SLA’s neither box be ticked, the BPN is considered ‘public’ and no
most trusted weapons - Operatives. special restrictions are applied.
Obtaining a BPN is both simple and painful. Queues in a The different BPN colours are as follows.
typical BPN hall are long, generally hundreds of Operatives
deep. While significant in size, so many armour-clad, drug Blue: Street Maintenance
fuelled, socially inept characters in one place makes standing Used for civilian disturbances called in by Street Shivers,
in line a rather uncomfortable experience. Stormers, Frothers sewer sweeps, civilian disputes that have turned violent and
and Wasters all regularly find themselves getting in a frustrated extermination of common threats such as rats, pigs or Carrien.
scuffle, only to be turned out by the hall’s security and have to Blue BPNs effectively cover ‘city control’ in every sense of the
start the wait over again. For these reasons, squads that contain word.
Humans, Ebons, Shaktars or Neophrons will often send those
members to collect the next BPN. Strictly speaking, a squad Credits: 50-100c SCL Increase: 0.1 - 0.2
leader is expected to sign for a BPN, but most BPN Officers White: Investigation
are happy to fudge the paperwork if it means not having to deal
with a Stormer. Covers everything from following up on pending cases and
launching new inquiries or investigations to anything from a
Upon finally arriving at a BPN Officer’s desk, an Operative
child’s disappearance to mass murder. White BPNs are also
will be required to provide their SLA ID and current SCL, as
issued for the observation and surveillance of potential threats.
many BPNs are issued only to Operatives holding a minimum
SCL. After providing the required information, the Operative Credits: 150-400c SCL Increase: 0.2 - 0.4
will be offered one or more BPNs. Any Red BPNs that have
Yellow: Retrieval
just come in that match the required SCL of an Operative will
be issued immediately, with no other option being presented. Yellow BPNs are issued to recover SLA property, files and
In all other cases, the Operative is free to choose the BPN they information, including retrieval of artefacts or items deemed
like the sound of the most, usually being swayed by the biggest valuable to Naga 7 or other departments.
pay or most significant increase in SCL. While it is acceptable Credits: 100-400c SCL Increase: 0.1 - 0.4
to decline all those offered, the Operative will then be required
to join the back of the queue again in order to obtain other
options. Occasionally, the cruellest of BPN Officers will keep

212
 THE WEB OF LIES

Green: Expeditionary
Such BPNs are a catch-all for any activity to take place outside
of the Mort City walls. While the exact mission will more
commonly suit another BPN colour, anything tagged as green
suggests that travel to somewhere that most Ops would rather
not go, be that to off-world locations that need SLA’s attention,
far-away provinces of Mort, or even into the feared cannibal
sectors.
Credits: 300-1200c SCL Increase: 0.3 - 0.5
Red: Emergency
Red BPNs, or ‘Red Alerts’ are compulsory missions that may
not be declined. Such BPNs are issued to whoever is at the
front of the queue in the BPN Hall, with the aim of a rapid
response to immediate threats and current situations. Anything
from an on-going DarkNight Terrorist attack to a civilian riot
in progress could be deemed a Red Alert.
Credits: 100-600c SCL Increase: 0.1 - 0.4
Grey: Cloak/Internal
Grey BPNs are never issued to inexperienced squads. Such
BPNs are issued under direct order of Cloak Division and involve
the investigation, surveillance and eventual termination of SLA
Employees and Operatives who have changed allegiance and
turned traitor. Covering up the crime is mandatory for success.
Credits: 250-1000c SCL Increase: 0.2 - 0.5
Jade: Ebb Related
BPNs dealing exclusively with Ebb-related users or artefacts
are tagged as Jade. Like Green BPNs, the exact details of
the mission can be varied, from tracking feral Ebonites to
investigating occurrences that appear to have involved significant
Flux usage. Undertaking a Jade BPN typically requires that a
squad contains one or more Ebonite members, sometimes with
a minimum knowledge of specific Ebb disciplines.
Credits: 200-600c SCL Increase: 0.2 - 0.3
Orange: Cult Related
The Orange BPN was created in response to the rise of cult
activity in Downtown. Orange BPNs require much the same
touch as white ones, but focusing instead on the investigation of
the Shi’An blood cult whose presence has risen sharply on Mort
in the last few years. Shi’An cult activity is a real concern for
SLA Industries, partly due to its sudden upsurge in popularity,
but also due to the lack of understanding the company currently
has of the cult’s potential.
Credits: 200-400c SCL Increase: 0.2 - 0.4

LaD assistance - Restricted: Under normal circumstances,

LaD pickup will not be honoured during Orange BPNs.
Black: Black Ops
Black BPNs are termed ‘suicide operations’ by most Ops.
They come with the highest pay rates, but also the highest
chance of death. Black Ops are only offered to experienced
squads who demonstrate proficiency in a range of skills and
who are equipped for the most violent of opposition. Mission

213
 SLA INDUSTRIES

parameters are as far reaching as Mort itself, but commonly

include infiltrating rival companies, facing down the most BB LL UU EE PP RR II NN TT NN EE W
W SS
dangerous threats, or assassinating people of interest. Due to Departmental Authorisation:
the large Operative death rate that comes with embarking on a Department of Sanitation
Black BPN, players should give serious thought to undertaking Training Package Recommended:

colour Code:
one. Black Ops squads are never televised and as such are always
Any
handled by Station Analysis, though surviving such missions
will often attract the attention of many sponsorship talent Details:
scouts.

Blu e
Reports of unexplained noises coming from the sewers
Credits: 1000c upwards SCL Increase: 0.5 upwards under Downtown Sector 2-116. Squad to investigate
noise disturbance and clear local sewers. Squads only, no
Silver: Media solo Operatives.
Any situation that requires media presence is given the Silver
+0.1 SCL Increase
BPN tag, from collecting footage, protecting camera crews in
the field or delivering public announcements in the name of
SLA. Silver BPNs, more than any others, tend to need a softer
approach and Operatives should be aware that failure in such
an undertaking may shed a bad light on the company, which in
Station Analysis: Consolidated Bonus Scheme: Per Op: S C L 10
Third Eye News: 75c Per Squad:
turn can lead to the most severe punishments and a complete “Blueprint News” and “Third Eye” are wholly owned subsidiaries of SLA Industries. Any unauthorised use of their names or images is illegal.

loss of professional reputation.

Credits: 300-1500c SCL Increase: 0.2 - 0.5 BB LL UU EE PP RR II NN TT NN EE W
W SS
Platinum: Head Office Departmental Authorisation:
Shiver Organisation
Such BPNs are not collected from the BPN hall and are
Training Package Recommended:

colour Code:
instead issued to specific Operatives or squads who are called
Any
upon to collect the orders directly. Issuing of Platinum BPNs
is exceptionally rare and they are only given to the very cream Details:

G ree n
of the crop. Platinum missions deal with extremely sensitive
Operatives required to support Shiver forces stationed at
information and the outcome of the BPN can threaten both the
Bridgehead Noddy, Northwest Compact, Cannibal Sector
reputation of the company and the very fabric of reality. Failure
1. Forces here are currently under siege from significant
of a Platinum BPN comes with a significant reduction in SCL
Carrien threat. Passage from Hole2 out to the specified
or worse.
Bridgehead to be provided by the Shiver Organisation.
Credits: [D-NOTICE] SCL Increase: [D-NOTICE] Minimum 5 day placement.
While successfully completing a BPN will bring the rewards +0.3 SCL Increase
stated, failure will result in reduced or no payment and may
also result in a reduction of SCL pending the knock-on effects S C L
Station Analysis: Per Op:
10
Consolidated Bonus Scheme:

of the failure. Many BPNs will have additional criteria for Third Eye News: 800c Per Squad:

payment, such as the need to keep subjects alive or return key “Blueprint News” and “Third Eye” are wholly owned subsidiaries of SLA Industries. Any unauthorised use of their names or images is illegal.

items along with the primary mission. The examples on the completion of the Hunter Sheet. The information provided
right are representative of typical BPNs: represents SLA’s knowledge of the target, though the actual facts
To enable GMs to create BPNs easily, a couple of blank BPN may differ somewhat. The GM is able to use this personality to
forms are included at the end of this book. spin a simple story or send the players on a wild goose chase
through Downtown as they try to apprehend the subject.
HUNTER SHEETS It is worth noting that Hunter Sheets do not have to be used
solely as ‘one-shot’ games. The GM could consider sending the
A Hunter Sheet is typically used to create a ‘one-shot’ game, players on a simple ‘locate and apprehend’ mission, but use it
that is, to provide an evening’s play without the requirement of as a vehicle to get them wrapped up in something that is much
an ongoing campaign, or at the very least something that can bigger than it seems. An example Hunter Sheet is included in
be started and finished in a single session. A typical Hunter the SLA Industries 2nd Edition GM’s Pack, including guidance
Sheet will provide the players with a personality that they have to GMs on how to run it.
been tasked to track down. In some cases the aim may be to
exterminate the target, but in the majority of cases the goal is to CAMPAIGNS
apprehend and bring the target in alive and (mostly) unharmed.
A Hunter Sheet should be issued to and be read by the Campaigns are a common way to play roleplay games. While
players. Typically it will detail a mission brief, provide general many groups will enjoy the one-shot game experience, most
information about the target and their last known whereabouts, players want to see their character evolve, learn more about
as well as any financial or SCL reward to be gained from the world and gradually improve their skills and equipment.
Evolving a character in this way requires that a character takes

214
 THE WEB OF LIES

part in a campaign: a long running series of games, following skills such characters possess, nor how many Hit Points they
the player’s characters over multiple BPNs and sessions. A have, instead you can use common sense, creating a name and
campaign opens up the opportunity to introduce more complex using them as a vehicle to move the story along. If they get
storylines that take multiple sessions to complete. In many involved in combat, the GM should feel free to decide if they
ways, a campaign can be seen as a TV series, slowly watching make an attack and how that attack pans out, or if they simply
the evolution of both the story and the characters that play that run, freeze or die.
story out. If you answered yes to any of those questions then it might
The GM does not need to be a master story writer to create a be worth creating a profile for your NPC. Like the player’s
campaign. The beauty of the BPN system allows a large number characters, this NPC may be called upon to make skill rolls,
of seemingly unconnected sessions to be tied together without put up a fight or respond to fear like other characters. They
question. When doing so, however, it is suggested that the GM are in effect a character like all others, controlled by the GM.
makes note of characters, contacts and events that occur which When making a profile for an NPC it is not necessary to go
could be brought back in future games - enemies cropping up through the full character creation process, instead a much more
weeks after the players first encountered them, or the Shiver streamlined profile is created. NPCs do not use Ratings Points,
that helped them in game one trying to cash in a favour ten do not need to consider Encumbrance and only need to have
games later. It is these small bits of connective tissue that tie a the skills listed that are relevant to their role in the game - they
campaign together and make players feel truly invested in their may well be a computer whizz, but if you’re never going to let
characters and the world they inhabit. them near a computer, there is no point in them having the skill.
Another way to run a campaign is to invest heavily in a single The following is an example NPC profile for a Street Shiver:
concept and run multiple games from that story arc. Taking the
Street Shiver
example green BPN provided earlier in this chapter, after the 5
day tour in Cannibal Sector 1, the Operatives may decide to stay STR DEX KNOW CONC
on and help out the ongoing efforts of the Bellwood Campaign, 2 2 2 1
the current Shiver campaign to reclaim the Sector. The GM
could decide that they have received clearance to continue the CHA COOL LUCK Initiative
secondment and move them onto a new Bridgehead, treating 1 2 0 +3
the journey between them as a game session in itself. The Hit Points Closing Rushing
possibilities are as endless as your imagination and GMs are
12 2 5
encouraged to spin the campaign in whichever direction the
players seem to be enjoying the most. Skills
During a campaign, characters will earn experience points
Detect: 1 Interrogate: 2
allowing them to expand their knowledge or improve in
certain areas. In addition, players are also able to take part in Melee Weapons: 2 Pistol: 1
‘downtime’: a short summary period that comes at the end Rifle: 2 Streetwise: 2
of game sessions and represents the activities that occur in Support Weapons: 2 Throw: 1
Operative’s lives between games. These aspects are all discussed Unarmed Combat: 1
later in this chapter.
Equipment
CREATING NPCS PP664.2 Body Blocker, SHV-01 Gauss Rifle (Ball-Bearing
Rounds - 3 clips), Spit Pistol, GASH Pacifier Baton
An NPC, or non-player character, represents any character that This profile provides the stats and skills that the Street Shiver
the players will meet or interact with during a game; NPCs are is likely to need during its use in the game. While Shivers will
your main antagonists and the contacts, Shivers, shopkeepers possess a wealth of additional skills, their interactions are likely
and civilians that the players deal with throughout a game to be highly limited and so such skills need not be considered.
session. In the same way, while a Shiver may carry other personal effects
When considering an NPC there are a few questions to ask or items, little more than their weapons and armour will be
yourself before creating a profile for them: needed during the course of the game. The GM is of course free
. Will this character play a vital part in the story? to adjust such templates as they see fit, but it is always suggested
that NPC profiles are kept as ‘light’ as possible.
. Will this character be fighting against, or with, the players
The only hard and fast rules regarding NPCs are that any
and if so, are they really capable of putting up a fight?
racial stat maximums are observed. GMs should feel free to
. Will this character be joining the player’s squad for any make NPCs as they choose, selecting the stats and skills that
length of time? best represent the character type they need. Some example
NPC profiles are included in the various faction sections of the
If you answered no to all of these questions then you do
Threat Analysis chapter and some blank templates are included
not need to create a profile for the NPC. Such characters will
at the end of this book.
provide a story arc or information, or die if they get shot or try
to attack a character. As a GM you don’t need to know what

215
 SLA INDUSTRIES

them fail, get locked out of the computer, break it, or activate a
HIT POINTS ON NPCS silent alarm they know nothing about that brings the real bad
Typically speaking, NPCs should have a default number guys running. Such situations are an invitation for the GM to
of Hit Points according to their species, as described in the create even more cinematic experiences and inject flavour into
character creation section. GMs are of course entitled to adjust their games.
Hit Points as they see fit, though it is suggested most non-
story critical NPCs use the racial default without adding their Highly Skilled Characters
STR to the value. It should also be noted that most Human It is not unusual for players to build extreme specialist
civilians will have fewer Hit Points than Human Operatives characters, maxing out on specific stats and skills in order to try
who have been through training at Meny. On average, Shivers and achieve success in certain areas with ease. Most commonly
and Human civilian adults will typically have 10-12 Hit Points, this will occur in a combat setting, where a character with a
with children and elderly NPCs having 6-8. STR or DEX at rank 6 and a relevant combat skill at rank 3 (or
4) will automatically pass the ‘roll to hit’ target of 10, assuming
WOUNDS ON NPCS no modifiers are applied, regardless of the actual result rolled
on the die. Automatic successes can, and do, happen on these
Due to the nature of most NPCs, tracking multiple wounds occasions, especially with such focussed characters.
for each one when they are unlikely to last long in serious
Firstly, they emphasise the need to use defensive manoeuvres
combat is generally an unnecessary requirement. For this reason,
in close combat and utilise cover during a firefight, but they
we suggest that wounds are ignored with regards to all NPCs
also represent that the strongest Stormer, who is a specialist in
besides the main antagonist/s of a story, or any significantly
Melee Weapons, should be able to pummel their target with
large, strong or threatening characters. Should an NPC become
ease should they decide not to defend themselves.
wounded and not be killed, the GM should feel free to impose
whatever modifiers best suit the situation. There is no need for It is however important to ensure that players do not abuse
NPCs to follow the same rules for wounds as Operatives do. such character builds. While this behaviour can be expected
from experienced Operatives, it should be far less common
in starting characters. Should players decide to build such
GM’S DISCRETION characters from the outset, they will only be able to do so at the
cost of significant weaknesses in other areas. The GM should
GM’s discretion is a term used a lot throughout these rules.
ensure they exploit these weaknesses by regularly putting
While it may be obvious to experienced GMs just how to
combat-driven characters into situations that they need to think
handle situations where this is stated, it may be a little confusing
or talk their way out of.
to those who are new to running a roleplay game. The overall
purpose of the ruleset provided in this book is to create a Using Traits
streamlined cinematic experience which is not bogged down
It is vital that the GM ensures all players make a point of
by too many rules, charts, tables or mathematical equations. In
roleplaying any traits that they have selected for their characters.
order to achieve this there are situations where specific rules
These aspects not only provide advantages and disadvantages
don’t exist as there are many reasons where hard and fast rules
to the tasks the characters find themselves in, but also serve
are simply not needed. A character has fallen from a window,
to define their personalities. Importantly, with negative traits
how much damage will they take? The answer is up to the GM.
especially, the GM has additional plot hooks or ammunition to
What if they fell from a height of 5m instead of 4m, how much
use against the players; a GM should look to put the players in
more damage would they take? Again, it’s up to the GM - the
situations that make it difficult for them, use their fears against
right answer in this situation is “whatever makes sense and keeps
them and make sure they are suitably challenged by those
the game flowing smoothly.”
negative traits.
As the GM of a game you are ultimately in charge. If a rule
The GM should also feel free to assign additional traits to
states that the outcome is down to the GM’s discretion, then
characters over the course of a campaign. If situations arise
the choice is yours - got an idea that will throw a spanner in the
that would cause a character to gain a new reliable Contact,
works? Go for it! The World of Progress is yours to control, so
feel free to give them one. At the same time, if a new rival has
do as you will.
been made, the Enemy trait is ready and waiting to be applied.
Large Margin of Success Illnesses, phobias, anxiety or depression can all come about as a
result of encounters an Operative may face and while the GM
or Serious Failure
should not overuse these aspects, knowing that they have the
One of the most common places that the GM will need to power to influence the characters with them is important to
be creative is when active skill rolls generate a large margin of remember.
success or a serious failure. These situations are here just for the
GM, to allow them to influence or hinder the player suitably Handling Edge-Cases
based on the margin of the roll. Got a juicy clue you want to Edge-cases fall firmly into the GM’s discretion category.
share but are not sure how? Wait for a large margin of success Situations that feel like they should have a rule, but don’t, such
to occur. A player just rolled a serious failure on a Computer as “What modifier to hit do I apply when trying to fire my
skill roll, how should you handle it? It’s entirely up to you - let weapon at a moving target while I am falling to my death from

216
 THE WEB OF LIES

a 20 storey tower block?”. The GM should feel free to pick any . Impressing a talent scout from one of the big
modifier they deem suitable, or none at all, instead stating that manufacturers (each scout looks for different things and
such a shot is not possible as the player is too busy considering are often very selective).
their final moments.
If any rule or combination of rules don’t quite cover the odd, Significant margins of success will go a long way to achieving
extreme or wild ideas that players come up with, then the GM the kind of results that cameras and scouts look for, but a
should feel free to apply whichever rule feels most suitable, or sponsorship deal should never be hinged simply on one lucky
ignore the rules all together. Remember the overall goal is to dice roll.
have fun, so go wild. For those fortunate enough to be offered a sponsorship deal, a
number of things will typically happen:
Considering Time Scales The sponsored Op will receive a range of free items from the
Time scales can be tricky to handle if players want to perform sponsor. These could be weapons, armour, equipment, food,
tasks that can’t be done in an instant. As the GM it is important exclusive invites or anything that the company want to have
to think about how to balance the squad’s actions and there seen on camera. The Operative will be expected to use said
are a few important things to bear in mind. For example, one items at every possible opportunity.
character is trying to pick a particularly complex lock. They may The Operative ‘may’ receive a one-time or annual bonus paid
be able to do it, but it’s going to take time, say 5 minutes. What in Credits. Only the highest sponsorship deals come with such
will everyone else do for those 5 minutes? Will the Frother, payments, which could range anywhere from 100 to 10,000c.
surging with Ultra Violence, be happy to stand still and wait? The Operative will be expected to wear the sponsor’s badge in
Unlikely. What will that Frother do instead? Such situations a prominent location on their armour and/or clothing. In the
should be roleplayed accordingly by the players, splitting the case of sponsorship from an armour manufacturer they may also
group if required while some follow the impatient Frother. specify that the armour be painted or branded in a particular
As an extreme, what if the action being undertaken was trying way, most commonly in bright colours that are easily identified
to repair a vehicle that was going to take 5 hours? The GM on camera.
must be clear about timescales and present them to the players The GM is free to offer such deals as they see fit, as well as to
to discuss. It may end up that 4 of the 5 squad members are not impose any requirements that should be adhered to in order to
happy to twiddle their thumbs for 5 hours while the mechanic maintain the sponsorship deal. Should the Op’s side of the deal
fixes up the APC. If the overriding vote is to abandon the not be maintained (such as if they are seen on camera using a
vehicle and move on, the GM should push the action in that weapon from another manufacturer), a sponsor may choose to
direction, despite the desire of that 5th player to remain behind. withdraw the deal. When this happens, the Operative would be
Splitting the group up for such a length of time would make expected to return all items gifted to them by the sponsor and
playing out the game very difficult (and extremely boring for the other potential sponsors will be far more cautious in dealing
player who simply doesn’t want to leave their vehicle behind). with them in the future. Some high level sponsors may request
Obviously dividing a squad is something likely to happen quite that an Operative back out of other sponsorships in order to
regularly, but it should be done in a way that allows action and commence the deal. In such situations, it is entirely down to the
story progression to take place and all player groups to remain Operative whether they pursue such opportunities.
active and engaged. At times, a Sponsorship deal may be offered to a squad rather
than an individual. When this happens, the entire squad will
SPONSORSHIP DEALS receive the benefits gifted by the deal, but the actions of a
A sponsorship deal is the epitome of cool and something single squad member could see the deal being withdrawn for
that the vast majority of Operatives dream of. Some Ops, after all members.
many years of service, can end up with multiple contracts from
different companies, becoming walking advertisements for the AWARDING RATINGS POINTS
manufacturing might of The World of Progress. Unlike experience points, which are awarded during the
Sponsorship deals are not easy to obtain, in fact, it should downtime between games, Ratings Points are earned during
be extremely hard to get sponsorship and almost impossible the game session. It is important to note that the feats which
for new characters with a low SCL; sponsorship deals are are enabled by Ratings Points are extremely powerful, capable
something that should only come into play as part of a long of swinging the course of the game and doing so in a truly
running campaign, typically after a large number of games have cinematic style.
been played. The GM may, if they wish, award a single Ratings Point to the
The two most common methods of obtaining sponsorship is: relevant category when any of the following occur:
. Being caught on camera doing something notable with When an unbelievable success (4 or more skill dice successes)
a particular weapon/wearing a type of armour (such as is earned during a skill roll, without the use of a Ratings Point.
taking out a DarkNight agent or Greater Carrien in This represents the character having achieved something so
spectacular fashion). impressive that the cameras take note.
When a serious failure involving 4 or more skill dice failures
is earned during a skill roll. This represents the highly skilled

217
 SLA INDUSTRIES

character learning from their dire mistakes and salvaging some the completion of a BPN, apprehension of a target, or when
element of pride from the serious impact of their failure. the characters have the opportunity to rest or sleep for any
When the actions of a character lead to any moment that length of time. Should a suitable break not present itself and a
would make great television, such as saving their squad members game needs to be ‘paused’ mid-story then it is suggested that no
at the last minute or solving crimes that seemed unsolvable. The downtime should occur. It is therefore possible that downtime
GM is the final adjudicator for such actions. may only happen every 2-3 game sessions depending on the
While the GM is free to award Ratings Points as frequently as story and how cruel the GM is feeling.
they like, they are encouraged to be restrained and only award When downtime does occur, the following simple steps are
them under exceptional circumstances, forcing the players to taken in the specified order:
see them as a valuable resource that must be managed carefully. Experience points are awarded - Each character that took part
As such, it is important to note that the points above are not in the game session earns two experience points. The GM may
times that a character will earn a Ratings Point, rather they are award up to one additional experience point, per player per
times that the GM may award a Ratings Point. It is entirely session. GMs are advised to award additional points sparingly
acceptable to award only 1 Ratings Point every few gaming and only to those players who really earn them, either by
sessions if the GM so desires. Also, a Ratings Point should doing great things, by taking risks, or by repeatedly succeeding
never be awarded for an action that was only possible due to the against all odds. Earned experience points are recorded on the
character spending a Ratings Point. player’s character sheet.
Log earnings - Any promised fee for completion of a BPN,
DOWNTIME Hunter Sheet, or anything else the characters got themselves
involved in is earned and the value in Credits or Unis recorded
Between game sessions a few things need to happen. SLA on the player’s character sheet. Any character with the Debt
Industries has very little post-game admin - it is much more trait should ensure that the relevant amount is deducted from
preferable to spent an extra 10 minutes playing the game. When their earnings.
this break between sessions occurs it is known as downtime; a
Log SCL upgrade - Many BPNs come with a promise of SCL
period of time for characters to recover, relax and rearm.
increase upon completion. If the task at hand was completed
The following process is designed to draw a line under the to a satisfactory outcome, the player should adjust their
current scenario in preparation for the next. It is always character’s SCL accordingly.
suggested that game sessions end at a natural break, typically

218
 THE WEB OF LIES

Replenish LUCK/FLUX - Each character’s LUCK/FLUX rank in the stat. The following table displays the costs for ease
statistic is replenished to its default value. of reference. Racial stat maximums must be observed as normal.
Characters can heal - Depending on the amount of time
specified for downtime, a character may heal some/all of Stat increase Stat improvement cost
their injuries. If the downtime represents a single overnight From rank 0 to rank 1 5
stop each character may heal 1 wound, 2 Hit Points and any From rank 1 to rank 2 6
conditions that affect them. If the stop provides access to
medical equipment or Ebonites trained in the Heal discipline From rank 2 to rank 3 7
then the GM may allow for further healing at their discretion. From rank 3 to rank 4 8
For downtime that represents longer periods of time (typically From rank 4 to rank 5 9
after the completion of a larger story arc), the character may
From rank 5 to rank 6 10
fully heal all wounds, Hit Points and conditions to represent
them seeking out the required medical attention. It is Example: A character wants to improve their CONC from
suggested that characters should have to pay the usual rates rank 3 to rank 4. The cost to do so is five + their current rank
(typically around 50c/400u per Hit Point and 200c/1500u per of 3 = eight experience points.
wound) for medical care to heal during downtime if they are
not suitably trained in the Medical skill or Heal discipline. Note: When a character’s STR is improved by 1, their Hit
The GM is ultimately free to decide on any value they deem Points will also be increased by 1. This increase is free and
suitable for the character’s injuries, as well as any side effects immediate.
as a result of using the cheaper Downtown medical options.
Skill Rank Points Cost:
Spend experience points - Optionally a character may spend
any experience points earned in this game session as well New skills may be learned providing the downtime represents
as any saved up from other game sessions. See “Spending a period of time long enough to have studied or practised the
Experience Points” for more information. basics, or if the character attempted actions associated with the
Pay any relevant upkeeps - Depending on the length of time skill during the previous game session. Optionally, the GM may
that the downtime represents, the GM may require each assign a cost in Credits to learning a new skill to represent the
character pay a general upkeep, representing their monthly cost of any training undertaken. Purchasing a new skill at rank
cost in rent, food, etc.. Typically such costs should be set at 1 always costs two experience points.
100c per month, increased by 50c per month for each rank in Existing skills may only be improved providing they were
the Good Housing trait that a character has. During extended used during the recent game session. Improving an existing
periods additional charge should be added by the GM to cover skill by one rank costs two experience points, plus a number
the costs of any drug addictions they may have. of points equal to three times the character’s current rank in
Spend money and resupply - Optionally a character may spend that skill. Obtaining rank 4 in a skill also requires a downtime
any number of Credits or Unis they have on new equipment, representing a period of at least two weeks, along with a cost of
ammunition, repairs etc. This stage only occurs during longer 500c to cover the practice, training and/or certification required.
downtime stopovers where the character could feasibly go out Ebb disciplines do not incur a credit cost to increase to rank
to obtain such items. At this point both vehicles and armour 4, but instead cost an additional three experience points. The
repairs can be sought out. Additionally, the GM may request following table displays all the costs for ease of reference.
that players make Technical: Weapons skills rolls for weapons
Note: Skills are only limited by a character’s stat ranks during
they used during the game session, with higher target numbers
character creation, afterwards skills may be increased freely.
for those that were dropped or disarmed. While these are not
compulsory, any failed rolls will give the GM an opportunity Skill Increase Skill Rank Points Cost
to make life difficult during the next game session, causing
weapons to jam or break. New skill at rank 1 2
From rank 1 to rank 2 5
SPENDING EXPERIENCE POINTS From rank 2 to rank 3 8
During downtime a character may spend any experience 11 + 500c (14 for
From rank 3 to rank 4
points they have earned to improve their stats and skills, or learn Ebb disciplines)
new ones.
Example: A character wants to improve their Detect skill
Important: each stat and skill may only be improved by a
from rank 2 to rank 3. The cost to do so is two + three times
single rank during any downtime period, though a player is free
their current rank of 2 = eight experience points.
to improve as many different stats and skills as they can afford.
“Go forth and prove SLA Industries was right in investing in
Stat Improvement Costs:
your future. Be bold, be strong and be loyal.”
Stats may be improved during any downtime by paying the
Professor Mitch Michaels, Meny
required cost. Improving a stat by one rank costs five experience
Graduation Speech, 913sd
points, plus a number of points equal to the character’s current

219
 SLA INDUSTRIES

Bridgehead Revisited but to hold Cassock until reinforcements came, even though
everyone knew reinforcements would never be sent. Cam
Eloise Garcia had been missing for a few months. recognised Gwen Fallow from Garcia’s “Report From The
After her reports to Channel Yeah slowed to a trickle and Bridgeheads”, noting that she was much larger in real life
eventually stopped, Brenda Mistle, Third Eye News scheduler than she looked on TV, and approached her as if he knew her.
for youth channels, knew something was up. The tone of the Fallow was now Chine Doll’s only Lieutenant after the battle
reports had lost their youthful snap and had taken on a macabre of Ridge Rock, a battle that changed the structures of several
smell. The audience had stopped paying attention anyway, but Shiver squads in the sector, but one that led to Bridgehead
Channel Yeah was about to be rebranded as Yeah! and they Cassock’s placement, before the rains
needed to close that story arc off before it became untenable. “Gwen, hi, I’m Cam.”
“It’s time to bring her back and put her back on reports about “You’re here for Eloise, Yar? Yeah, ‘bout that,” replied the
shoes, or whatever the fuck it was she did before she went off Breacher Shiver, shouting over the downpour. “She not be
and became the fucking story,” Brenda said. here. I mean, she be sometimes, but not really, matey. Kwame
It was Gene Braiden, one of Brenda’s underlings who spoke knows.”
next. Chine Doll’s leader, Kwame Bulawayo, was a soft spoken
“Brenda, darling, please. I’ve got a fresh-faced innocent lad man of few words. Not because of any mysterious airs he tried
I’m needing to get out of the studio. He’s lovely, but he’s too to maintain, but he just didn’t like talking very much.
clean. Can I take this opportunity to get him dirty? His name’s “She’s gone. Gwen thinks she’ll be back, but I knew what I
Cam something, and I’d love to kill two birds with one brick saw in her face. She’s already dead; she just went out there to
and send him out to bring her back.” prove it,” Kwame pointed eastward. “Stay a night. After that,
“Fuck it, send the cock out. I’ve seen him, he’ll do.” go find her or go back. We don’t have the resources for you
and an Op squad to hang around here any longer than that,
…
no offence.”
Cam Harring had never been outside the city walls before,
…
and he didn’t like it. He knew the first few days were easy,
with the reclaimed zones offering oases of safety in the new Cam wondered what lay to the east. The flat buildings of a
townships that were forming behind the Bridgehead line. once civilised suburban sprawl that made up Tabor Projects
This was a place for frontier life, where a man, woman or was not where he wanted to be, but he was assured that the
whatever Stormers were could make a fresh start in the lawless Cannibals wouldn’t break the stalemate. He also assumed
opportunity zones, reclaiming what was on offer and living Bulawayo just wanted rid of him and the Operatives, and was
under open skies. Cam hated the thought. He just wanted his saying what he thought it would take to get him gone. So, he
two roomed apartment in Suburbia back. But he also wanted would film his voyage down the river road and send his reports
to make a name for himself before his youthful looks wore off back like a dutiful reporter.
and his opportunity had been taken by some kid that he used He journeyed through the beaten down houses, planked up
to be. and chipped, long lost to cannibal families, but mostly left
As he walked with the Operatives assigned to keep him alive, empty and lonely. The rain under wheel turned to mud and
he knew why they were chosen. They all had a big 10 on their slowed their progress to a crawl. Cam had taken to sitting
badges. They were expendable and not likely to distract from on the roof of the Dowlin Crawler, acting as a look-out, but
his endeavours; the cameras hated beginning Ops, unless one mostly just keeping out of the Operative squad’s way. The rain
was someone famous’s kid or something, and they wouldn’t get didn’t bother him; he’d grown up in Suburbia and played in the
to steal his face time. He really didn’t want to get to know them rain with the other Crust fund kids. If only they could see him
because he thought one of them might die and he really wasn’t now, he thought, before realising that they could, if they just
equipped for that. Cam sent in his reports daily, and on the turned their TV to Channel Yeah.
third day was met by a Crawler. Channel Yeah were getting …
impatient and were not interested in days of boring walking.
That was something, he thought. On the third day, after awkward APC sleeping arrangements
and weird shifts, after spotting Cannibals watching them
… for days, hiding behind walls and running away, Cam finally
Chine Doll were assigned to Bridgehead Cassock, a fort out realised they had reached their destination. There she was, just
in the east of the Northwest Compact, near Tabor Projects, standing in the middle of the street, staring at him. There was
and they were taking regular excursions into the Cannibal Eloise Garcia. Missing one arm. She was waiting for him.
zones, mainly gathering information, but also maintaining an She held out a Rawhead talisman and shouted something in
uneasy peace that had settled in around the area as heavy rains Biya as Cannibals erupted from the houses and charged the
moved in from the south. Their orders were not to advance, APC. Cam finally understood what Gwen meant.

220
 H u n t e r S h e e t
Name:

Description:

Crime:

Department Contact:

Bounty:

Quote:

Criminal Portfolio:

Criminal Profile:

Last Known Location:

Method Of Attack:

Other Comments:
 SLA INDUSTRIES
INDEX Bureaucrat 91 DarkNight 188 Formation Era - 0-100sd 10
Buses 46 Deathsuit 174 Formulae 125
3Ps Contract 20 Buzzard F2 Drone 197 Deep Construct 44 Fragmentation Grenade 158
9th Division 27, 203 Buzzsaw 147 Defensive Manoeuvres 106 Franchise Worlds 48
Ack-Ack 192 CAF Padquil Flak Vest 158 Deluxe Worlds 47 Frankie Basilisk 206
Acolyte 184 Calaharvey Motorcycle 172 DeLyon City 24 Free Enterprise 15
Addiction 122 Calculating The Ebb 128 Departmental Formation 176 Frother 66
Addiction Tests 121 Campaigns 214 Derringer 147 GAG 150
Administration 60 Cannibal Sectors 42 Dexterity (DEX) 84 Gash Fist 142
Advanced Carrien 78 Cannibals 18 Digger 18 Gator Stormers 28
Advanced Tasks 101 Cape 164 Dispersal Shiver 208 Gauss Rifle 155
Aethermen 210 Carnivorous Pigs 179 DN Gunner Armour 191 Gauss Trains 46
Age of Nightmares 20 Carrien 179 DN113 Power Machete 192 Generic Melee Weapon 146
Age of Terrorism 15 Central 34 Dogeybone Armour 161 Generic Polearm 146
Aim 109 Chagrin Stormers 29 Downtime 218 Glossary of Gaming Terms 7
Allies & Enemies 126 Chain Axe 143 Downtown Gangers 205 Glyphs 124
Ammunition 157 Changes - 900sd to Present 26 Dream 200 GM’s Discretion 216
Analysing The Threat 176 Changing Tides 126 Dream Armour 202 Great Downturn - 300-399sd 17
Armour 114, 158 Chaos Reigns 22 Driller 148 Great Enemy 2
Armour Damage & Resistance 114 Character Creation 62 Drugs 121 Great Hunte’s Moon 24
Armour Piercing Rounds (AP) 157 Charge 104 Dual Wielding 111 Green BPN: Expeditionary 213
Ascetic Blade 188 Charisma (CHA) 87 Ebb Discipline Maximum ranks 90 Gregori IV 52
Assault Cannon 155 Charmer 170 Ebb Disciplines 128 Grenades & Explosives 157
Attacks With Grenades 112 Chuckleduster 145 Ebb Disciplines (CONC) 89 Grenades and Thrown Weapons 111
Augustus Towncar 172 Clawhead Cockroach 177 Ebb Flintlock 175 Grey BPN: Cloak/Internal 213
Auxiliary Actions 112 Claymore 144 Ebb Medi-kit 175 Gunhead Submachine Gun 151
Awarding Ratings Points 217 Clearance Baton 143 Ebb Sword 175 Halloween Jack 25
Awareness 129 Climbing Kit 166 Ebb-Related Skill rolls 101 Hand-To-Hand Modifiers 105
Backwater Worlds 49 Cloak Division 57 Ebonite 68 Hand-To-Hand Combat 104
Bane Rat 184 Close Assault 90 Ebonite Characters 90 Handling Edge-Cases 216
Base Homicide Shiver 209 Cloudfall Pistol 146 Eight-Oh 36 HARD Armour 159
BashHead 37 Cold Shadow Submachine Gun 149 Employee 60 Hard Green 170
Bastion Armour 159 Combat 102 Employment 60 Head Office 57
Battle Taxi APC 173 Combat Drugs 168 Encumbrance 97, 120 Headset Communicator 167
Bellwood Campaign 28 Combat Rounds & Actions 104 Endeavour Armour 195 Heal 132
Big Picture 10 Coming Off Drugs 122 Endless war 8 Health & Healing 115
Big Smile World 53 Communicate 130 Enhance 131 Heavy Support 90
Bipod/Tripod 164 Concentration (CONC) 86 Enviro Scanner 167 Helion 200
Black BPN: Black Ops 213 Concussion Grenade 157 Equipment 97, 162 Herodotus System 49
Blank BPNs 224 Conditions 115 Era of Progress - 800-899sd 24 High End 37
Blank NPC Blocks 224 Conflict Era - Pre sd 8 Ethereal Magic 186 High Explosive Rounds (HE) 157
Blast 129 Conflict Races 8, 26 Ethereal Spells 188 Highly Skilled Characters 216
Bleak Forecast 16 Conflict Space 50 Ex-War Criminals 23 History in the Making 24
Blind Side 168 Consolidation Period 19 Exo-Armour Mk.2 159 Hit Points 96, 115
Blitzer 147 Construct - 600-699sd 21 Expanding Range 20 Hit Points on NPCs 216
Blood Magic 186, 188 Construction of Mort City 12 Expansion Era - 101-200sd 14 Hockey Stick 181
Blue BPN: Street Maintenance 212 Contents 1 Failed Actions 104 Hollow Ascetic 185
Blueprint News 212 Contract Hunter 60 Failures 100 Home Worlds 48
Blueprint News Files 56 Contract Killer 60 Farjacket 150 Hominids 185
Body 118 Cool (COOL) 88 Fast Response Shiver 208 Honesty 170
Body Blocker 161 Corporate 61 Fear 101 Housing Examples 55
Boom Families 15 Corporate Agents 61 Featherpoint Rapier 145 Human 64
Boom Time - 200-299sd 15 Corporate Sector 59 FEN 603 Auto-Pistol 151 Hunter Sheets 214
BOOPA CASDIS 163 Cover 109 FEN AR Assault Rifle 149 Immobile 115
BOOPA Hypofist 163 Crackshot Armour 160 Feral Mongrel 178 Induction 54
BOSH SLA Blade 142 Crawler APC 172 Finance Chip 60 Industrial Worlds 47
BPN Halls 34, 56 Creating NPCs 215 Finisher 154 Infection 116
BPN Officers 56 Crust 39 Finishing Touches 97 Initiative 103
BPNs, Downtown 57 Cryptid 201 Fire Shiver 210 Initiative Bonus 83, 106
Brain 118 Cultists 187 Firing at Engaged Targets 112 Initiative Value 103
Bravado 119 Cutter Engines 50 Firing Blind 108 Inner Downtown 39
Breacher Shield 162 D.A.C. Handler 209 Flashlight 166 Internal Affairs 59
Break Off 107 Dalblair II 53 Flick Scythe 142 Introduction 6
Bridgehead Revisited 220 Damage 112 Flush 170 Intruder 9
Brutalic 17 Damage From Other Sources 113 Flux 125 Investigation & Interrogation 91
Bullet Tax 24, 146 Damage Modifiers 112, 114 Flux Gem 175 Ion Drive 50
Bully Boy Shotgun 156 Dante 53 Focus Gem 175 Jade BPN: Ebb Related 213
Burb 37 Dark Finder 61 Formal Education 16 Jethians 14
222
 
Jobs In Downtown 40 Pistol/SMG Stock 164 Security Clearance Levels 55 Suburbia 38
Kick Start 170 Pit 36 Semi-Automatic Pistol 154 Subway 46
Kilcopter 173 Planet Mort 30 Senses 134 Successes 100
Klippo K1 Inferno 154 Platinum BPN: Head Office 214 Serial Killers 206 Suppressive Fire 110
Klippo Lighter 167 Playing the Game 7 Serious Failure 216 Sure Kill Sniper Cannon 151
Knowledge (KNOW) 85 Plugger 192 Sewer Dwellers 177 Sweeper 152
Labour Worlds 48 Power Reaper 2.1000 152 Shade-Oh 36 Switchblade 145
Language 119 Power Reaper 2.4000 152 Shadow 201 Taxis 46
Large Margin of Success 216 Powercell Armour 160 Shadow Claws 202 Technical 91
Laser Painter 164 Preparing to play the Game 7 Shadow Decade 22 Tek Trex 196
Laser Sharpener 163 Progression 117 Shadow Merge 202 Telekinesis 135
Life After Death (LaD) 26, 60, 165 Project Red Sky 27 Shaktar 74 Telescopic Rifle Scope 165
Line of Sight 108 Prone 115, 205 Shaktarian Folk 37 Televised Reality 24
Lock Pick Kit 167 Protect 133 Shatter 169 TERMINOLOGY 2
Lost Scrolls 25 Pusher 148 Sheer 0023/B1 Assault Rifle 196 Thermal 137
Lower Downtown 19, 21, 40 Ramdeff 52 Shi’An Cult 182 Third Eye News 58, 167
Lower Levels, Accessing 40 Ranged Attack Modifiers 109 Shi’An Magic 186, 188 Threat Analysis 59
Luck 101 Ranged Attacks 111 Shi’An Threat 29 Thresher Consortium 15, 193
Lure of The Ebb 15 Ranged Combat 107 Shift Blocks 46 Thumper Beacon 167
MAC Knife 144 Ranged Weapons 146 Shivers 61, 207 Time Scales 217
MagHold 166 Rangefinder Monocular 165 Shotgun Slugs 157 Titter 200
MagMine 157 Rate of Fire (ROF) 110 Silencer 165 Toxicants 116
Maintenance Kits 163 Ratings Points 83, 118 Silver BPN: Media 214 Training Packages 90
Manchine 204 Rats 177 SilverBack Armour 161 Traits 92
Mandrake 12 Reality Distortion 202 Skill Rank Points Cost 219 Trapper 169
Mangler Automatic Shotgun 155 Reality Folding 50, 133 Skill Ranks 84 Travel And Transport 46
Margin of Success/Failure 100 Reaver Cannon 153 Skill Rolls 98 Treatment 117
Margin of Success/Failure - Ebb 128 Recoil Baffling 166 Skills 84 True Shot Sniper Rifle 150
Mass Drives 50 Red BPN: Emergency 213 Skills List 84 Trustee 60
Maugra Til’ 52 Regenerating Flux 128 Skin Trade 206 TT1 Submachine Gun 198
Medi-kit 163 Regeneration 116 SLA Military 59 TT7 Chain Axe 198
Media Era - 700-799sd 23 Remus Roadster 172 Slaughter Club 187 Ultra Violence 169
Medic 91 Repairing Armour 114 Smoke Grenade 158 Uplift 171
Melee Weapons 142 Repairing Vehicles 123 Snubber 148 Uptown 35
Mind Numb 168 Resolving Melee Attacks 107 Soft Drugs 170 Urbanite Manchines 204
Modular Armour 158 Resource Worlds 48 Space Travel 50 Using Ebb Disciplines 127
Money 59 Rift Claws 202 Spaceports 51 Using Traits 216
Moral Right Division 28, 210 Rift Teeth 202 Species Skills 89 VAPH III Assault Cannon 196
Mort City 30 Rising Population 14 Species Stat Limits 82 Vehicles 122
Mort Earns Its Name 13 Romulus Limousine 172 Spectral 37 Vehicles - Civilian 171
Mort Expands 23 Running a Game 212 Spells of the Shi’An 186 Vehicles - Military 172
Mort’s First Police Force 13 Running low on ammo 110 Spending Experience Points 219 Vehicles In Combat 123
Motion Scanner 168 Rush 169 Spit Pistol 156 Vevaphon 29
Move 104 Rust Alley 26 Sponsorship Deals 61, 217 Vibro Sabre 142
Movement 97, 104 Salvation Tower 17 Stacking Armour 114 Vito A69 Drone 197
Mr. Slayer 2 Sample Squad Names 54 Starting Ebonite Skills 90 Walking the Path 124
Music 36 Sarge Battle Armour 195 Starting Equipment 97 War Worlds 48
Mutilator Fist 144 Scarab L02 Drone 197 Starting Ratings Points 83 Watchful Eye 61
Naga 7 28, 59 Scav Autorifle 199 Starting Stats 83 Weapon Maintenance Kit 162, 165
Natural Weapons 107 Scav Pistol 199 Stat Improvement Costs 219 What do you need to know? 7
Necanthrope 127 Scav Shotgun 199 Stat Ranks 82 What is a roleplaying game? 6
Neophron 80 Scav Skills 199 Station Analysis 58 What you will need to play 6
Neophyte 184 Scavs 23, 198 Steel Death Pistol 149 Whistling Bridge Protocol 12
New Paris 53 Science Friction Equipment 174 Stigmarytr 58 White BPN: Investigation 212
New Wave - 500-599sd 20 SCL 5 61 Stinger 192 White Earth 16
Niner 37 SCL 6 61 Storm 10 White Earth Animals 184
No-Go Zone 44 SCL 7 61 Stormer 313 ‘Malice’ 70 White Earth Atrocities 185
Observation Status 51 SCL 8 61 Stormer 711 ‘Xeno’ 72 White Noise 171
Omaja 22 SCL 9 61 Stormer Cannon 153 White, The 127
Orange BPN: Cult Related 213 SCL Ladder 56 Streak 171 Wind Up Toys 25
Pacifier Baton 144 Scorch 52 Street Shiver 207 World of Progress 2
Pack Mentality 180 Scout 91 Strength (STR) 84 Wounds 115
Pain Away 171 Scout Helmet Interface 164 Strike & Sweep 90 Wounds on NPCs 216
Paramedical Shiver 210 Scrap Armour 199 Striker Motorcycle Protection 162 Wraithen 76
Perimeter Wall 39 Screaming Eagle Assault Rifle 149 Stumpy 192 Year of Progress 26
Personal Transport 46 Sector Ranger 19, 60 Stunned 116 Yellow BPN: Retrieval 212
Pineal Stim 168 Sector Wall 18, 43 Subsidiary companies 59 Zenit Patroller Motorcycle 173

223
 SLA INDUSTRIES

BLANK BPNS
BB LL UU EE PP RR II NN TT NN EE W
W SS BB LL UU EE PP RR II NN TT NN EE W
W SS
Departmental Authorisation: Departmental Authorisation:

Training Package Recommended: Training Package Recommended:

colour Code:

colour Code:
Details: Details:

Station Analysis: Consolidated Bonus Scheme: Per Op: SC L Station Analysis: Consolidated Bonus Scheme: Per Op: SCL
Third Eye News: Per Squad: Third Eye News: Per Squad:
“Blueprint News” and “Third Eye” are wholly owned subsidiaries of SLA Industries. Any unauthorised use of their names or images is illegal. “Blueprint News” and “Third Eye” are wholly owned subsidiaries of SLA Industries. Any unauthorised use of their names or images is illegal.

BLANK NPC BLOCKS

NPC: NPC:

STR DEX KNOW CONC STR DEX KNOW CONC

CHA COOL LUCK/FLUX Initiative CHA COOL LUCK/FLUX Initiative

Hit Points Closing Rushing Hit Points Closing Rushing

Skills Skills

Equipment Equipment

224
 S L A O p e r at i v e S e c u r i t y C l e a r a n c e C a r d
Name:

Race:

Finance
Package:
Credits:

Squad:
Unis:

LaD Account SCL LaD Balance:

Ratings Points Body: Brains: Bravado:

Stats STR: KNOW: CHA: Initiative Bonus

DEX: CONC: COOL: Luck/Flux: /

Skills Rank Bonus Traits Rank

Movement Encumbrance
Closing
Rushing /
Hit Points Experience Points

/
Wounds
Head [] Left Arm [] Right Arm []
Torso [] Left Leg [] Right Leg []
Conditions:

Weapons, Armour & Equipment

 Notes

© 2020, Nightfall Games Limited. Permission granted to reproduce for personal use.
 Downtown Phoenix 893
Integration 20
By Wave Lindsay
Cont’d.
[…]
Though in all of SLA Industries’ cruelty, it protects us from one true terror.
The terror of the truth.
Five words is all it takes. Five words that will shatter any illusions you harbour about our existence. Five words
that, once heard, change the universe for ever.
Downtown Sector 5-12, the new threat reared its ugly grey head. The now familiar tale of ghosts appearing
in desolate spots, creeping into the boundaries of inhabited zones. Our story starts with what is now known to
be a Dream Entity. A Shadow, to be precise, one of the many new forms to be entered into the catalogue held by
the Aethermen. This Shadow’s presence was first noted by a pattern of new sickness, The Grey, infecting a few of
the homeless wanderers of the Bletchlock Malls, a pattern that got too big to ignore, and, after Operatives sent to
investigate reported on their findings, caught the attention of an ancient group within SLA Industries. I had read
about them and thought them long dead. They formulated a solution to this problem; a new role for their hardiest type
of researcher, the Aetherman.
Naga 7 were a society of dubious scholars and theologians who claimed to hold everything in check, claiming to
prevent the collapse of reality itself, but they were long disbanded. When the Dream issue started, first in Cannibal
Sector 1, then in Lower Downtown, groups claiming to be allied to the ancient Naga 7 instantly latched onto it,
forming new teams to deal with it. As their studies grew, they added elements of training to their members, teaching
them to survive whatever the challenges were, learning to avoid catching The Grey. The task of shutting down the
pockets of Dream Entities fell to Aethermen, the front-line of defence against the collapse.
The Aetherman is a specialist, hired for their adventurous spirit and resilience. Recognisable immediately by
their Aether Suit, a bulky protective outfit with a unique design of helmet, an Aetherman looks more like a sewer
maintenance worker, but the specialised helmet design stands them apart. Originally tasked with observing certain
types of encounters, their role shifted to purely cataloging and observing Dream Entities, and if you see one in full
armour, it’s an indication that something nearby is afoot. The men and women, for it is only humans that can take
on the role, that make up the Aethermen take their job seriously, but if sat down and given a cup of tea, they can be
remarkably open about their job.
If you take the time to befriend an Aetherman - and I was fortuitous enough to do so on a chance encounter with one
who was a true Aetherman, dressed in the traditional armour - they may end up sharing more information than is
safe for you to hear. The origin of a Dream Entities is one of those truths that, once known begs questions of reality.
An entity comes about because people start believing in them. The mere act of believing causes them to strengthen,
and the more you believe, the stronger their hold is, and the weaker your grasp on the physical world is. The Grey
is a manifestation of the realisation that your very presence may be held together only by your belief that you exist.
And this led to my learning the truth. While Aethermen undergo rigorous training and are elected from a small pool
of applicants deemed capable of handling the truth that they are faced with daily, we citizens don’t get the protective
blanket to hold our realities together. And yet, it is against this backdrop that we must face the truth however we
find it, not as how we wish it. This led to the undeniable truth that Aethermen hold as a pillar they can cling to when
facing the seemingly impossible, and this truth is something we should all learn to live with.
We are all Dream Entities.

C
 SLA INDUSTRIES

SLA INDUSTRIES 2 ND EDITION

In the World of Progress, the corporation SLA Industries rules all. Employing Operatives to enforce, extend and
maintain their power base, SLA controls a multitude of worlds - industrial, franchise and resource - with planet Mort
at its core. As Operatives execute the company’s will, new threats emerge through the cracks of the city walls, turning
Downtown into a battleground.
The newly arrived Neophron signals a shift in the balance of the universe, as the scholarly species joins the ranks
of SLA Industries, sending their brightest to train as Operatives to serve alongside Ebonites, Shaktars, Wraithen
and Humans. You, the SLA Operative, are fighting for fame and fortune against a backdrop of a crumbling reality.
Operatives feed the always-on televisions with a gaudy media of wall-to-wall death and dismemberment. Operative
life is all about climbing the corporate ladder and earning sponsorship deals and notoriety along the way.
Dream Entities claw at the fabric of reality, dredging up nightmares, while elsewhere the Shi’An Blood Cult rises,
corrupting the disenfranchised masses of Mort to its cause and unleashing the horrors from White Earth into an
unsuspecting world. As SLA Industries battles to reclaim the Cannibal Sectors outside, Operatives are forced to deal
with problems within the city walls more so than ever before - and below, the Deep Construct awakens.
Guns kill; so does the truth.
SLA Industries 2nd Edition is a tabletop roleplaying game that uses Nightfall Games’ S5S rules system.
Recommended for two or more mature gamers.

SLA Industries 2nd Edition

© 2020, Nightfall Games.

ISBN: 978-0-9956497-6-7
SKU: WFG-SLA-201 Designed
in Scotland
https://nightfall.games/