1
The Last Resort
Disclaimers
The Last Resort is a electronic magazine
dedicated to the Alternity Role-Playing
Game.
This work is offered free of charge to all
interested parties and is not to be sold in
any form. It may be printed or offered for
download if distributed free of charge.
This work supports the Alternity roleplaying
line, specifically the Alternity Players
Handbook and Gamemaster Guide. In addition it
supports the campaign settings
Star*Drive, Gamma World, Dark Matter, StarCraft
and Tangents by Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Alternity is a registered trademark of
Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
This work is not authorized by, nor is the
staff associated with Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Wizards of the Coast, Inc. website:
http://www.wizards.com
Staff
Founding Editor: Daryl Blasi
Executive Editor: Matthew R. Esch
Layout/Production: Shawn R. Trudeau
Associate Editors/Writers: Jim Clunie, Malcolm E.
Birtwell, Mark Peoples, Ryan Kirschner
Writers: Derek Holland, Mike Meechan, Ivo
Elezović
Artists: Dragan Ciric, Mike Meechan, Ivo Elezović,
Shawn R. Trudeau
Contact the Last Resort
Email:
meschman09@yahoo.com
Join the Last Resort Staff
Visit:
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Submissions Guidelines
The Last Resort is accepting any Alternity-related articles for publication. We will also accept
general roleplaying articles that can be used for the Alternity game.
Authors may wish to submit applicable articles to regular or semi-regular columns. The following
is a list of the current columns:
Action Emporium: arms, armor and equipment
AlternaDrive: vehicles
Bestiary Bizarre: creatures for Gamma World setting
Cyber Shop: robotics and cybernetics
Domain Virtua: detailed grid site
Foes Fantastic: creatures for arcane Alternity
Grid Run: computers and gridrunning
Home Rule Advantage: home rules for Alternity
Legion: heroes, villains, and SCMs
Mind's Eye: psionics
Special FX: super powers and magic
Species Catalogue: alien species for Alternity
Sword and Staff: arcane Alternity
Tavern Tales: game fiction
Tangents: alternate worlds
Veritas Omnes Liberant: conspiracies for Dark Matter setting
Xenohunter's Field Guide: xenoforms for Dark Matter setting
Note: Cook's Guide is written every issue by Matthew R. Esch under the pseudonym of
Montgomery Cook IX. We will accept other correspondents who want to cover the Star Drive
universe and either incorporate the article into Cook's Guide or format it as a stand alone article,
whatever the author's preference. If you have an idea for a new regular column feel free to email
us at:
meschman09@yahoo.com
Article Guidelines
1. Word (.doc), Rich Text Format (.rtf), or ASCII text (.txt) are the preferred formats for
submission of articles. Other formats will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. Excel files can be submitted for tables used in the article.
3. Indicate within the text what sections need to be sidebars and where pictures (if applicable)
need to be placed in relation to the text.
Requests for pictures from staff artists may also be made if you do not or cannot provide your
own.
4. Do not place pictures in article file. Send them as separate files.
5. The title and author's name must be placed on the first line of the article to insure proper
credit is given.
6. Citing material from other sources is acceptable, but credit should be given to original source.
When citing core rule books, "PHB p.x" or "GMG p.y" is strongly suggested. Other canon sources
should have their full common names. For example, "Dataware" should be spelled out, whereas
"Alien Compendium 2" can be shortened to "AC2". Outside game resources should also be listed
in some form of bibliography. Consult assigned editor for specific questions.
Send files to:
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Art Guidelines
1. Last Resort is currently accepting nearly all image file types.
2. Resolution of image must be 150 dpi or higher.
3. Image must be as large as possible. Detailed page dimensions are available upon request.
4. Please include a text file that identifies the following: title of piece, captions (if applicable) and
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 Table of Contents
Editorial: by Matthew R. Esch, Executive Editor
"Where We Were... Where We're Going" 4
"The Joy of Minis" 5

Action Emporium: Arms, Armor and Equipment

Artifacts of the Ancients by Derek Holland 6
Transtangential Technology by Michael Meechan 8

AlternaDrive: Vehicles
CSV Victory by Ivo Elezović 10

Home Rule Advantage: Home Rules for Alternity

A Matter of Some Weight by Mark Peoples 12
Mutation Enhancements by Derek Holland 15

Special FX: Super Powers and Magic

Power Play by Ryan Kershner 17

Cook's Guide: Last Resort Special Column

Karnath by Montgomery V. Cook IX 18

Mind's Eye: Psionics

ESPion by Matthew R. Esch 19
Telekineticist by Matthew R. Esch 20

Legion: Heroes, Villains, and SCMs

Monotheists by Jim Clunie 21

Species Catalogue: Alien Species for Alternity

Jinthar / Fachan by Malcolm Birtwell 26

Sword and Staff: Arcane Alternity

Arcanomorphs by Derek Holland 29

Last Resort Fan Spotlight: Featuring The Real Heroes of Alternity

Harry "Scratch" Bandoian 31

A General Alternity
A Dark Matter
A Gamma World
A StarCraft
A Star*Drive
A Tangents

3

Editorial
Where We Were… Where We’re Going
By Matthew R. Esch
Greetings, Alternity Fan! Hail Last Resort reader! I’d like
to take a moment to look back on where we were and more importantly,
where we’re going. In the past few weeks, I’ve been pouring over my
freshly made hard copies of Last Resort’s predecessor, Action Check.
That e-zine certainly set the standard by which I, and my immediate
predecessor, Daryl Blasi, look at LR. Action Check ran a whopping 16
issues, running monthly initially, then moving to bi-monthly before finally
closing shop. LR initially attempted that same feat, only to learn that
such an undertaking with volunteer staff, artists, and editors requires a
dedication that volunteer efforts can’t really sustain. Believe you, me, we
tried.
Though we set our goals high, we inevitably run into
the quandry of quality verse quantity. Though I’d love to promise both, I,
as Editor-in-Chief, made the call of picking quality over quantity. Will LR
ever reach the pinnacle that Action Check set? Have we approached
their standard for quality? Only time will tell. This is merely our sixth issue
since inception, with Issue 1 being released in May of 2003. I would like
to think that with the attention and care to detail that we have put in as
4
fellow fans, players, and GM’s this issue lives up to the standards that
you expect from us.
I am certainly not suggesting that as heir apparent to
Action Check that we may eclipse it in terms of quantity or even quality.
But I do hope and will work towards making Last Resort worthy of the
comparison. I’ve posted on A.net that in my thinking that Last Resort
becomes available when its needed, simply because with our staff so
spread out and certainly faced with real life commitments, that my
ability to enforce a deadline is simply unrealistic. However, I have made a
commitment upon taking on this mantle to ensure that the .pdf that you
have downloaded and are reading now contains something useful to
your game.
Bill Slavicsek and Rich Baker have placed the game in
our hands from the outset. Alternity is, and always will be OUR game.
Gone is the dogmatic need for rules lawyering or sticking to “the
book(s)”. That point was hammered home throughout the GMG. The
game is ours to play with, mangle, fudge, finagle, crush, destroy,
reshape, and otherwise do as we please. Games are meant to be fun, not
a vehicle for us to argue over whether such and such an action is do-able
or not. As long as the will of those who use some of their free time to
write and draw is there, along with a few sparks of creativity and
imagination, Last Resort will be there, ready to compile, edit, streamline
and make it available to you.
I tip my hat to Action Check, for setting the standard,
and confidently look to the future as the Last Resort makes its next
contribution to the fans of Alternity to gobble up, devour, mangle,
destroy, play with, tweak, fudge and use. Brothers and sisters, enjoy!

The Joy of Minis
By Matthew R. Esch
Ok, I’ll admit it: I’ve gotten hooked on minis. I must admit, though, that
the love affair for me has always been rather standoffish on my part. I
was far more interested in the role-playing aspect of RPG’s than I was
the logistical and representational aspect. Yes, I am fully aware of the
genesis of role-playing growing out of miniature wargaming, something
that I never had been exposed to. My biggest beef back in the day about
miniatures was that I could never find figures that accurately
represented the characters I had in mind. Who decreed that all wizards
needed pointy hats, anyway? One would think that a class based on
intelligence would have a little better sense, especially when the primary
means of income was dungeon-delving, but I digress.
Presently, I’m still on an Alternity hiatus, but once again, my partner-in-
crime, Mike Meechan, got me hooked on this lovely little game called
Horrorclix. It runs on a smoothly elegant mechanic,
easily accessible, and easy to learn and pick up. My
son in kindergarten saw us playing our first game, and
I taught him that very afternoon. Needless to say, he’s
hooked, also.
to distribute or dice to roll and creating around this basic framework to
create an imaginary character for some story line of my, or someone
else’s, imagination. By the time I finished the final note on the character
sheet, I could practically envision that character standing before me,
living, breathing, much like any other great story character. My downfall
was that I would then shop with this preconceived notion of exactly
what I was looking for, and would rarely settle for less.
I never attempted to paint a mini. Not once. Sorry, but I was already
devoting hundreds of dollars and countless hours of time in one hobby
(role-playing), that I could scarcely afford a second (mini-painting). I
doubt that I have the skill or temperament to even try to paint that hazel
shade onto a mini’s eyes. Again, my preconceived notions get the better
of me, in that I already have down a set of ideas as to how Sir Geoffrey
the Iron-Fisted’s battered and dented plate mail should look, that my
own insecurity in my painting skill would prohibit me from even
attempting this.
Herein comes the joy that I have found in this other game: the minis are
already painted! Tada! And since the sculptures are done without any
preconception from me, I can accept them at face value. Problem
solved, all around. I remember the lead-scare of the early 1990’s, with
some older gamers having young children who would be prone to want

What does this have to do with Alternity? Great

question thanks for asking. I sigh in bittersweet
consolation knowing that had WotC kept the line
going, some company somewhere would be
producing Alternity-themed minis on a grand scale, to
match the demand of Alternity gamers worldwide.
Alas, this is not the case, and much like how many
other real-life events, things don’t always go my way.
(Sorry, boss, that report was late because I failed my
Wisdom check… somehow this doesn’t seem to get
me off the hook anywhere near as often as I’d like.)
Thankfully, us gamers are very adept at the “what-ifs”
of life; otherwise we would be playing something
dreadfully awful, like “Businessmen & Briefcases”. I
recall a thread on A.net (AlternityRPG.net) about this
very thought of creating mini’s for Alternity, and that
these things were available. I do not know whether
they are still or not, and having very little in the way of
disposable income, I fear that I may have lost the
golden opportunity. There is also the small issue of
the flexibility of Alternity, and the creativeness of its
to eat the little figurines (anyone who has lived with someone under the
devotees. The Core books clearly nod towards Star*Drive, not that this is
age of four ever can attest to this). In my opinion, that whole scare was
a bad thing, and clearly as the pictures on that thread on A.net note, are
much ado about nothing, and I don’t remember what came of it. I’ve
able to be done, or at least jury-rigged. Dark·Matter should be a
actually worked with some kids for whom lead poisoning, even in this
relatively easy one, thinking that modern-day mini’s shouldn’t be too
day and age, was a huge factor. Lead poisoning can cause brittle bones,
hard to come by; if you want soldiers and so on. What about minis for
behavioral difficulties, cognitive impairment, and even death; and is
the tired archetype of the gumshoe, or the modern-day techno-geek? I
nothing to take lightly. That case certainly wasn’t due to careless gamers
won’t even get into StarCraft, but given that that was a special license
letting toddlers gum their precious mini’s, but I think that the scare back
that (frankly) WotC dropped the ball on severely, this could have been
then may have been, either real or imagined. Frankly, I can’t see how
fantastic. Toss in cybernetics, unique mutations, and other, high-tech
anyone with even the smallest measure of responsibility towards their
gear, and the challenge of creating mini’s for Alternity becomes quite
young children would even let them touch their precious mini’s, painted
the daunting task, indeed.
or not. I am happy to report though that my first grader is shaping up to
be a pretty fair gamer in his own right, and my toddling daughter is not
Perhaps my expectations of what minis are supposed to be were, and to
far behind. Once they have some more knowledge under their belts,
some degree, are high. I’m not too shabby with a pencil and paper, and
then challenging their vivid imaginations with the scope of Alternity will
can sketch pretty decently, though I’m certainly not qualified to add my
be a new joy to share with them both.
name to the lauded Last Resort Art Dept. For me, creating the character
was much like a mental exercise in sculpting clay: taking a set of points

5

Artifacts of the Ancients
by Derek Holland
The Ancients of Gamma World were a powerful people with wondrous
and highly advanced technology. Using the alien artifact rules from the
GMG and Dragon 268, one can describe some of that technology that
still litters the world of Gamma Terra. The drawbacks are a result of the
entropy caused by the decades or centuries since the cataclysm and
exposure to the energies of destruction released at that time. Here are
but a few examples and note I have not followed the chart that
determines the number and strength of powers and drawbacks.
Black Ray Rifle
Purpose- Offense
Form- Weapon
Powers- Anti-life Ray (A)
Drawbacks- Degeneration (E), Infamous (M)
These weapons are extremely rare as there was an issue with their
power pack. Even though it provides enough energy for centuries of use,
it leaks some black energy every time it fires.
Box of Life
Purpose- Medical
Form- Treatment
Power- Resuscitator (A)
Drawback- Hostile Consciousness (see below)
This device is found in a ruined hospital. It brings back the recently dead
(up to a week) as long as the brain is intact. The side effect is
horrendous- the mind of the character is fragmented. Treat this as the
poor dual brain defect. Each time the character is revived, another
fragment is created.
The Broken Gate
Purpose- Communication, Transportation
Form- Site
Powers- Dimensional Contact (O), Dimensional Travel (O)
Drawback- Infamous (E), Degeneration (M)
Found in the center of a Radioactivist city, the Broken Gate was an
accident of the Ancients. It was meant to allow travel to other tangents
and got stuck and now only allows natives to a radioactive world access
to Gamma Terra. Once per day, something emerges and is generally
captured by the city guard. It can not survive in this world and dies after
several hours. Thereafter the carcass emits R3 for 3 to 6 months.
Cornucopia
Purpose- Transmutation
Form- Machine (10 tons)
Powers- Molecular Transformation (A)
Drawbacks- Compulsory Behavior (E)
This is a Created device that turns trash and soil into 2000 meals per day
of nutrious food and a certain chemical. Those that consume the food
must obey any command given to them by Live Metal (robots,
6
computers and androids). To resist, a mental resolve check, with a 3 step
penalty, is required. Those communities of machines that enslave
biologicals invariably have at least one of these.
The Disc
Purpose- Transport
Form- Vehicle
Powers- Flight (O), Kinetic Dispersal (A)
Drawbacks- Energy Cost (E), Infamous (M)
The disc can carry 4 people and 200 Kg of gear. Unlike bubble cars, it has
a specialized force field that mitigates crash and other impact damage.
In addition to a power pack equal to 10 power cells, a disc drains 3 stun
points per hour from its pilot.
Duralloy Manipulator
Purpose- Transmutation
Form- Gloves
Power- Shape Alteration (O)
Drawback- Infamous (M)
These gloves are the only known way of repairing damaged duralloy
objects as well as mold existing duralloy. They are wanted by both the
Restorationists and the Created.
The Eater
Purpose- Transmutation
Form- Machine (150Kg)
Power- Molecular Transformation (O)
Drawback- Depletes Materials (E)
Another Created device, the eater is meant to reduce the number of
dangerous biologicals. It does only one thing- turning sapient brains into
charged power cells. For every point of intelligence above 9, another cell
is produced. It can produce 100 calls per day in this manner.
Fishskin
Purpose- Transportation
Form- Jumpsuit
Powers- Gills, Skill Enhancement (G), Stealth Field (G)
Drawbacks- Compulsory Behavior (S), Energy Cost (M)
Created for underwater exploration, the fishskin provides a few
benefits. It effectively adds the gills mutation, the ability to change color
to hide and provides a boost to the user's swim checks. The suit is
biotechnology and doesn't like turbid water. Every time the user enters
such water, the suit inflicts 2 stun points and continues to do so every 10
minutes they remain in turbid water.
Flamestick Maker
Purpose- Transmutation
Form- Machine (500 Kg)
Power- Molecular Transformation (G)
Drawbacks- Depletes Materials (E), Depletes Materials (O)
Flamesticks are logs that burn much brighter and longer than wood. It is
10 cm wide and lasts one week per meter of length. The raw materials
are 25 cubic meters of wood per meter of flamestick and the oxygen in
the air. While active, the machine makes the air within 20 meters of itself
useless for animals to breathe. The machine can only run 4 hours in a day
and produce 10 meters of flamesticks.
Ghost Band them down.
Purpose- Transportation
Form- Bracelet Tandem X
Purpose- Defense
Powers- Dimensional Shift (O), Anti-life Touch (O), Displacement (G) Form- Armor
Drawbacks- Damping Field (S), Power Spike (S)
Powers- Armor (G), Probability Control (O), Stealth Field (O)
This silver bracelet has a display screen and 8 buttons. Pressed in the correct order, Drawbacks- Hostile Consciousness (M), Infamous (E)
they activate the functions of the band. Anti-life touch is identical to the ray form,
except an Unarmed Attack roll must be made. It uses power from its surroundings, What is considered the ultimate armor to many on Gamma Terra, the Tandem X
even while ethereal and can cause major damage to locations with powered (ten) was rendered useless to the Ancients because of its AI. It was created to
devices if the user passes through. augment the user and turned out to have a nasty personality. Before it could be
replaced, the bombs fell and the creators died or ran away. If a potential user can
The Gland sweet talk the AI, it will allow him or her to use both the augmentation and stealth
Purpose- Mental Enhancement field. Since it is so famous, any user will be marked as such in almost every
Form- Implant community.

Powers- Heightened Intelligence (G), Heightened Personality (O) Transmat

Drawbacks- Compulsory Behavior (E), Blackouts (M) Purpose- Transportation
Form- Booth/Site
This synthetic organ is a new method of control by the Created who enslave
biologicals. The gland is meant to both improve the value of the slave and keep it Power- Teleportation (A)
under control. It is implanted in the back, between the shoulder blades and causes Drawback (pick one)- Degeneration (M), Energy Cost (M), Mental Instability (M)
the spinal column to grow and become a second center for intelligence. It also
forces the character to obey Live Metal (androids, computers and robots). If the These booths connect the Solar System. All one needs to do is enter, pay (Ancient
command is suicidal, then a blackout occurs. domars might help here) and enter a destination. As the network as degraded over
the years, people that use it are usually damaged in some form.
Pins of Might
Purpose- Physical Enhancement Trashman
Form- Implant Purpose- Transmutation
Form- Site
Powers- Heightened Strength (A), Heightened Constitution (G)
Drawback- Mental Instability Power- Disintegration Field (G)
Drawbacks- Infamous (E), Power Spike (E)
These tiny devices are found in groups of 5- one for each limb and one for the
torso. If less than 5 are implanted, the character dies a horrible death. It takes one A waster disposal site, the Trashman building turns anything into power via plasma.
week for the pins to makes changes in hormones that affect muscle growth and There is a room within the building that holds everything to be converted and
overall fitness. Unfortunately the changes also cause manic states from time to when the switch is thrown, the generator draws power from every device within
time. one Km and then uses the power produced by the plasma. The Created use it
carefully to both provide fear in their slaves and to create needed juice.
Pool of the Dead
Purpose- Communication Unitool
Form- Site Purpose- Transmutation
Form- Small Tool
Powers- Dimensional Contact (O)
Drawbacks- Hostile Consciousness (O) Power- Molecular Transformation (O)
Drawbacks- Infamous (S), Damping Field (S)
What is thought of as a magical pool is actually a view screen that allows the user
to contact a Tangent set 4 generations ago. The AI that runs the device is cranky This object changes itself to any small tool the user desires. This means it can be
and must be placated before it will allow the communication. used with any tool using skill (including medical skills). The only downside is the
field it produces when changing- it has a negative effect on powered items.
Red Gas
Purpose- Medical Vibes Pistol
Form- Treatment Purpose- Offense
Form- Pistol
Powers- Hyper Adaptation (G), Regenerator (O), Immune to Bright Lights (O)
Drawbacks- Compulsory Behavior (E), Skill Penalty (M) Power- Neural Stimulation (G)
Drawback- Infamous (E)
Found in ruined labs, canisters of red gas contain enough to affect 2 people.
Character inhaling the vapors, after 24 hours, gain the ability to survive heat and This firearm causes those struck to make a mental resolve check or be
the glow (2 levels on the GRAPH scale) as well as heal quickly. However, those overwhelmed with pleasure for 3d4 phases. It is highly desired and addictive by
gaining these abilities also are addicted to bright light. Their pupils expand to their many people and leaders over Gamma Terra. Fortunately for them, there are
limit and anytime there is brighter light nearby, the character is driven to go stare several thousand that have been found.
at it (this induces a 2 step penalty to perception checks). Usually they stare at the
sun any chance they get. Darkness can cause insanity if the characters are left in it Some GMs might require an additional Drawback in certain items. Depletes
too long. Materials, at the Ordinary level, can be used to simulate required power cells.

Robot Override
Purpose- Control
Form- Gauntlet

Power- Cybercontrol (G)

Drawback- Infamous (E)

This artifact allows the user to hack into any non-military robot's CPU from a
distance. There is no other device more desired by the Created and thus anyone
wearing it or using it near their spies will have a tidal wave of Live Metal hunting

7
 ripples through the fabric of superspace. Output from the Transceiver
can be configured for reception on gravitic, laser, radio, and electro-
magnetic comm gear, but unless the recipent has a Transceiver of their
own, no two-way communication is possible. Communication between
Transtangential Technology two Transtangential Transceivers or other superspace comm gear
requires no such reconfiguration of the carrier signal.
of Kixil Station Innovations Limitations:
The Transtangential Transceiver has several inherent limitations to
by Michael Meechan (artwork by author) consider. The first is that it requires that the user vocalize his or her
message. Thus, it is prone to interferences such as other voices and
ambient noise. Language can be a barrier, since the message is
Transtangential Transceiver delivered to the recipient in its original tongue. However, this can be
overcome by the use of a
translate or similar translation
device. Another drawback of
the Transceiver is its lack of
obfuscation. Since the input
must be a vocalization, no
encryption is possible.
Although not a requirement,
the sender should know what
type of device the recipient is
using so that he or she can
configure the output format
appropriately. Otherwise, the
sender must switch the
Transceiver to multi-comm
operation. In this mode the
carrier signal is transmitted,
reconfigured, and transmitted
again several times in quick
succession, each time in a
different format. This
dramatically increases the risk
that the message may be
intercepted on any standard
comm gear within the
recipient's tangent. Use of the
Transtangential Transciever has
also been known to attract the
attention of some
extradimensional entities who
seem to have an innate ability
to detect its transmissions.

Classification: Communications device Operation:

Progress Level: 8 To even attempt to use the Transtangential Transceiver the user must
Manufacturer: K.S.I. (Kai system) have at least Rank 1 in Superspace Theory. The operator's degree of
Size: 130cm H x 71cm D x 88cm W success at his or her System Operation>Communication skill check
Weight: 45kg determines how badly the carrier signal is dispersed. If the carrier signal
Cost: C$ 175,000 is too diffuse, establishing a viable connection is impossible. Messages
Requisite Skills: carried on even moderately dispersed signals may be largely
INT>System Op>Comm unintelligible to the recipient.
INT>Superspace Theory Such messages are more likely to be intercepted too, since they cover a
larger area of superspace. (Whether the message is intercepted or not
Overview: depends largely on the characteristics of the target tangent and the
A product of Kixil Station Innovations, the Transtangential Transceiver is creativity of the GM.)
an instrument used to communicate across the infinity of superspace. Once a connection has been established between two Transceivers, the
The Transceiver's range is physically unlimited, but it does require a skill link is automatically maintained without further skill checks. This lasts
check to determine whether the connection is successful. The device until the connection is severed, either intentionally (one user "hangs
has other inherent limitations which will be covered in another section up") or accidentally (loss of power).
of this write-up. If the recipient is using standard comm gear, he or she is limited to
receiving messages. They cannot transmit a response across superspace,
Theory: and no link is made between the Transceiver and the recipient. Thus, the
The Transtangential Transceiver records audible vocalizations in its operator of the Transceiver must make a separate skill check for each
vicinity and converts them to string vibrations which propogate like message sent. There is no limit to the duration of the message, however.

8
Result:
Critical failure- no connection. 10% chance of
attracting an extradimensional entity.
Failure- connection is established, but message
is incomprehensible.
Ordinary success- connection is established, but
message is garbled. Only 75% of the message
can be deciphered.
Good sucess- connection is made, message is
clear.
Amazing success- connection is made, message
is clear, -3 step bonus to further attempts to
communicate within that tangent.

Modifiers to Superspace Skill Checks:

Rank 3 in Superspace Theory= -1 step bonus
Rank 6 in Superspace Theory= -2 step bonus
Responding to comm from another
Transceiver= -3 step bonus
Recipient is carrying a superspace
transponder= -3 step bonus
Home Tangent= -2 step bonus
Very Familiar= 0
Familiar= +1 step penalty
Viewed Once= +2 steps
Informed of= +3 steps
Completely Unfamiliar= +4 steps
In Same Cluster= -1 step bonus
In Same Division= 0
In Adjacent Division= +1 step penalty
Two Divisions Away= +2 steps
Three or More Divisions Away= +3 steps

Transtangential Transponder
Classification: Cybernetic
implant/communications
Progress Level: 8
Manufacturer: K.S.I. (Kai system)
Size: 4mm L x 2mm diameter
Weight: 78mg bad for anyone attempting to go unnoticed. Of course, the broadcast
Cost: C$ 75,000 could only be picked up by a Transtangential Transceiver, or by an
Required systems: extradimensional intelligence with sensitivity to superspace signals.3
Reflex circuitry, nanocomputer
Operation:
Overview: The Transtangential Transceiver activates automatically whenever the
The Transtangential Transponder is a tiny cybernetic implant which bearer sustains any mortal damage. Alternatively the user can opt to
emits a signal that propagates through superspace like ripples in a pond. activate the beacon at will with a command issued to his or her
This signal carries the dimensional traveler’s coordinates in superspace, nanocomputer. No skill check is required. The Transponder emits its
serving as a homing beacon for use in emergencies or other times of signal once per minute until the user shuts it off (via nanocomputer
distress. command) or until the mortal damage is repaired.
Theory:
The Transtangential Transponder is wired into the bearer’s reflex
circuitry or other cytronic network. It monitors the cyberneticist’s
system and automatically activates the distress signal when the user
sustains any grievous (mortal) injury. It can also be activated at will
through the user’s nanocomputer.

Limitations:
The output of the Transponder can only be detected by a
Transtangential Transceiver. It is not compatible with grid, holo, or other
electromagnetic formats. Falling unconscious or being incapacitated by
non-lethal means does not activate the beacon. Thus, the device would
be useless in cases such as poisoning by anesthesia, damage sustained
while brawling, overuse of an accelerator, etc. The Transponder
advertises the bearer’s location to all adjacent clusters, which may be

9

CSV Victory
by Ivo Elezović
The story of the corvette Victory begun a long time ago. Victory was
commissioned on Sol in year 2458 in anticipation of yet another power
struggle during the war. As that struggle turned into a full-fledged
military campaign , Victory did not sit in dry-dock idle. It's first mission
was to scout what is now knows as Concord Taurus for signs of any kind
of invasion from any of the Old Space forces. However, it seems that
fate was not on the side of the young and intrepid Solars. Three star
rises later, some 30 Light years away, Victory disappeared without a
trace. In two attempts to find her, Solar forces sent small escort-class
scouts. Those ships had very poor scanners and could not find where
Victory went in the vastness of space. As it was a small ship and of no
apparent strategic value, it was quickly listed and MIA and bulletins were
sent to all the Solar allies to report if anyone saw her.
Fifteen years later, victory was found just outside Pluto's orbit, with not
a soul on board. There was nothing indicating where the crew may have
left, not whence the ship came. All the provisions were still accounted
for, dated fifteen years old, and even the personal belongings of the
crew were still in their quarters.
Hushing the fears of superstitious,
Solar Command quickly assigned a
new crew to Victory, 25 brave souls
were to take her to a front line near
the borders of Sol space. Victory
managed indeed to get there far,
but as soon as it engaged with the
enemy the records show that
captain shot himself in the head, in
his own quarters. Reasons unknown.
Demoralized, first officer took
command but lacking experience he
barely managed to pull Victory out
of the fight. Returning to Sol for
repairs, Victory hit a mine in the
dead of space, on an uncharted
minefield that still baffles some historians. Losing better half of dorsal
plating, entire crew was lost to decompression.
However, Victory's transceiver was still active so she was picked up by a
carrier that used the same route to Sol, and deposited her in Solar
shipyards for repairs. In the following weeks entire innards were pulled
out, a brand new mass reactor was installed, losing the hydrogen tanks,
and some major reconstruction was done to incorporate more weapons
on a what used to be a scout ship.
Fourth captain could not be found though. It took 4 years for Sol
Command to find a crew of volunteers that would fly Victory back into
the fray, so they resorted to picking less than the best and brightest.
Unsurprisingly, 3 months later, the crew rebelled. Captain was shot to
death, and the crew tried to defect. Their efforts were unsuccessful, to
say the least, for some reason life support gave out and Victory was yet
again found floating lifeless.
As soon as the dead bodies were burned, victory was sealed and
returned to Sol to serve as a backup, in case the enemy came to Sol.
Years passed. War ended, and Concord was formed. Disbanding the old
10
fleet, Solar Command decided to present Concord with a gift, in the
wake of many other nations that donated junk of all sorts "for the
betterment of humanity". Of course, Victory was on the top of the list of
things to be donated.
In 2501, reconstruction of Victory was finished. Old hydroponics were
thrown out, modern weaponry installed once again, brand new
computer systems were rigged, and a crew of unsuspecting Concord
soldiers embarked onto CSV victory yet again. The mission? Simply board
Victory on Tendril and report to Bluefall command. It did not take long to
realize something was hideously wrong when on the first starfall out of
Tendril the mass reactor started losing power. Moss at first, later bushes
and oranges started to grow from heavy particle beam coils. Quick
survey of the old plans did indeed show that there were hydroponics in
the exact spot where flora started to appear now. But things got messy
once people started to appear, out of thin air and into wherever they
were before - half through walls and floors.
It was indeed the original, doomed crew that started coming back form
the dead, though they were never found. The curse of Victory? Was it
haunted? Some might say yes, though after a very, very careful search a
single small piece of blue crystal was found lodged inside the cerametal
plating, just below the fourth support line. So, how did the brave crew
solve their problem, the fifty year old mystery of ghosts aboard Victory?
The brave captain smith took the crystal, ran towards the docking
clamps, shoved the mysterious item into the cockpit and quickly pulled
the "Release" throttle. While in drivespace.
Indeed, that was a solution, one of
many, and people did stop
appearing. Power was restored and
many, many happy months passed.
Victory was beginning to feel like
home to the still unsuspecting crew.
But can a curse ever be removed or
rationalized? Was Victory a loyal
ship? The crew found out soon
enough, on a random encounter
with a pirate raider deep in the
Verge. The encounter was textbook,
the pirates were hostile. So the
captain launched entire rack of
plasma missiles towards the enemy,
and not a single missile hit.
Astonished and in denial, the crew
watched helplessly as a single raider missile evaded all their attempts to
shoot it down by defense weaponry. And then it hit. It was a relatively
low-yield nuclear missile, and only the front quarter of our corvette was
incinerated and disintegrated. Yet, for some unknown reason, as if she
laughed at her own crew, Victory remained functional. Indeed, engines,
power, computers, weaponry, it was all still online. The only breaches
were - and this baffles the survivors to the day - all living quarters. Yes,
that is correct, all people in living quarters of any kind were killed
instantly.
With her last shot Victory did indeed destroy the pirates, by hitting their
magazine that apparently contained yet another nuclear missile. Though
for CSV Victory the fight was over. It was hauled in a cargo ship back to
Aegis, where it was decontaminated, landed and placed in a Museum of
War Horrors, as a perfect example why nuclear weaponry should stay
banned.
For some mysterious reason, her fifth captain did not die in that battle.
Perhaps Victory's blood-lust was satisfied.
CSV Victory Total HP: 88
Max power demand: 57
Power available: 49
System PP HP
Cost: ~ $40 M

FRONT:
Corvette
Passenger quarters / 2
Autosupport (F, S, FC) 1 1 Perks: Hardened Vessel
Recycler 1 1 Flaws: Cursed
Hi-res video (F) / 0.5
IR-detector (F) / 0.5 Hull Size: Light
Probe, advanced / 1
Maneuver Rating: 3, -1 resistance modifier
Acceleration: 3Mpp
Missile rack 1 2
Starfall distance: 10 LY, max 14 LY

FORWARD CENTER:
Weapons:
Heavy particle beam 8 6 Heavy particle beam; Acc -3, 2/4/6; En/L; d12+3s/d6+1m/d6+3m; F; Arcs: F
Laser, Turret, FB 3 2 Laser; Acc: -3; 1/2/3; En/S; d4s/d4w/d4+2w; FB; Arcs: A, P,ZP, S, ZS
Attack computer (Laser) / 0.5 Plasma missile x 8 (+4 extra); Acc: -3; En/L; d6+3w/d8+3w/d6+2m; F (8);
Comp. core (G) 1 1 Arcs: All
Nav. computer (G) / 1
Fire computer (G) (HPB) / 1 Armor: Cerametal light: d6/d6/d6 (Hardened vessel perk)
Sensor computer (G) / 1
Particle screen: d4/d4/d6
Mass detector x2 2 2
Stun/Wound: 20
Mortal: 10
STARBOARD: Critical: 5
Particle screen 12 8
Radio transceiver 1 0.5
EM detector (F, S) / 0.5
Hi-res video (S) / 0.5
IR-detector (S) / 0.5
Multiband radar (S, A) 2 1
Magazine / 1

PORT:
EM detector (P, A) / 0.5
Hi-res video (P) / 0.5
IR-detector (P) / 0.5
Multiband radar (F, P) 2 1
Lab / 2
Sickbay / 2
Fabrication facility 2 4
Spectroanalyzer 1 1

AFT CENTER:
Mass reactor +49 14
Stardrive 12 4
Autosupport (A, P, AC) 1 1
Command deck / 2
Mass transceiver 1 1

AFT:
Induction engine 7 12
Hi-res video (A) / 0.5
IR-detector / 0.5
Cargo bay / 2
Docking clamps / 2
Crew bunkroom / 2
Deep stores / 1

Cerametal, light / /

11

A Matter of Some Weight
by Mark Peoples
If Humanity is ever to live, work and thrive in space, there are some
problems to which we will have to find solutions. One of those
problems is our dependence on gravity.
Without gravity, we fall prey to a variety of physiological and
psychological problems. Most importantly, embryos can't develop
properly without a gravity field to orient themselves, and severe
abnormalities can result. However, the generation of gravity, often
sidelined in science fiction, carries with great potential for the
enrichment of roleplaying opportunities. It will also present a
considerable challenge.
This article looks at three “gravity regimes”. It doesn't focus particularly
on the strength of gravity, since this is already mostly covered in the
Gamemaster Guide. Instead, I'm going to look at ways in which gravity
can be generated or simulated, and how that will affect the people who
use it. One exception to the above is the focus on microgravity
environments.
Going Back to My Roots
The gravitational environment in which a hero has been raised is
important, since it can affect how that hero responds to alien
environments. This is called the Grav-Natal Index, or GNI. A GNI comes
in two parts: the regime (see below) and the strength. For instance, a
native of Earth would have the GNI P2. That is, Planetary, G2. A native of
Mars would be P1, and someone brought up on an O'Neill habitat in
Lunar orbit would be R2. A belt miner living in the rings of Saturn who
hasn't been in a gravity well since toddling age would have a GNI of M0.
Gravity Regimes:
Planetary Gravity
This is the genuine, mass-generated gravity we all feel and take
completely for granted on Earth. Gravity is a monopole fundamental
force that decreases according to the square of the distance. This gives
rise to tidal forces, which are the difference in the strength of the force
between an object's nearest and furthest edges. Dropped objects fall in
straight lines, and ballistic trajectories are of simple shapes.
Planetary gravity comes in various strengths, as defined by the mass and
density of the attracting body.
As relativity demonstrates, gravity can be flawlessly simulated by
constant acceleration; such accel-induced gravity is also counted as
Planetary. A high-tech civilisation may possess the means to create a
force field that mimics planetary gravity. In most cases, just like gravity,
this generated pseudogravity affects all materials equally, so objects
behave exactly as they would in a natural gravity field. This is pretty
much the assumption of most space-opera settings, including
Star*Drive.
Rotational Gravity
This is based on the “centripetal force” generated by being on the inner
surface of a spinning structure. Not a force in and of itself, it is the
action of inertia against the inner surface of the colony that generates a
false sensation of weight. Coriolis forces can be very powerful in this
12
environment. Very long lifts (such as those linking the pole centres of
O'Neill colonies with the ground levels) have to be spiral in shape to
prevent people being pushed against one wall, for example. Dropped
objects fall in what appear to be curved trajectories, and ballistics is a
more subtle and complex art than on a planet or in space. Even running
and jumping has to be approached differently.
Still, for the most part rotational gravity behaves like planetary gravity
with respect to keeping liquids in their containers, balancing, and in
maintaining good health.
People unused to either of these gravity regimes experience a +2 penalty
to certain skill rolls. They include:
Athletics-Jump
Athletics-Throw
Acrobatics-Fall
Acrobatics-Flight
Ranged Weapons, Primitive-All
Vehicle Operation - Air vehicle
Microgravity
Microgravity is Newton's playground. Concepts of “up” and “down” are
meaningless: there is only “here” and “there”. Motions are fluid,
graceful, economic, and look almost like dancing. However, growing up
in microgravity exacts a stiff price. People raised in this environment
typically suffer from scratched corneas and stuffy noses. Their faces are
generally slightly swollen from fluid retention, and a slightly broader
face is a common sign of microgravity acclimatisation. Their limb
muscles atrophy, as do those of their spinal columns, and their bones are
decalcified and fragile compared to other humans. Even with cutting-
edge medicine, the most an unadapted zero-g native can endure for
extended periods is G0. G1 can be endured for no more than an hour; the
hero receives four points of Fatigue damage per hour after that. G2 can
be endured for no more than a minute; the hero receives four points of
Fatigue damage per minute after the first. In either case, a microgravity
native cannot stand under his or her own power in anything greater than
G0.
In order to function in any gravitational regime, microgravity natives
must purchase the appropriate regime skill as well as gravity adaptation.
However, zero-g natives begin the game with 7 free ranks in Acrobatics-
Zero-g Training.
Gravity Strength:
Gravity strength remains as described in the GMG. With the exception of
the Microgravity regime, there is no difference. However, the Gravity
Adaptation skill can be used to negate the penalties involved in moving
to a higher strength gravity than normal for one's GNI.
Important: Living in a G0 environment doesn't necessarily imply a
microgravity regime. G0 environments are simply very low gravity, but
even a little gravity is very different to none at all. To qualify as a
Microgravity native, the hero's home may be no more massive than an
asteroid or similar body.
Optional Rule:
Gravity adaptation can affect all heroes and SCMs, not just those training
for higher gravity. Leaving one's native gravity strength for a lower one
can result in adaptation to lower gravity, requiring retraining to return to
the hero's native gravity. Regime-based skills (Zero-g Training,
Rotational Gravity and Planetary Gravity) cannot be affected in this way.
New Skills:
Acrobatics- Rotational gravity Cost: 3
Acquiring this skill allows a non-native to get used to the quirks and
foibles of rotational pseudogravity. Heroes lose a single penalty step per
rank.
Acrobatics- Planetary gravity Cost: 3
Just as with the Acrobatics- Rotational gravity skill, this allows heroes
native to rotational or microgravity regimes to adapt to planetary
gravity. Again, heroes lose a single step penalty per rank acquired in the
skill.
Stamina- Gravity adaptation Cost: 7
The Gravity Adaptation skill allows those with a Microgravity background
to inure themselves to higher gravity regimes. A single G rating from the
GRAPH scale is nullified per rank gained in the skill. A training time of
four hours per 24-hour day for no less then three weeks per skill level is
required before the skill is gained.
Multiple ranks may be purchased in one go as long as the training time is
adhered to. Four hour stints can be taken in several smaller sessions as
long as no session is less than half an hour.
Important: Gravity adaptation must be maintained or it will be lost. The
hero must maintain his or her presence in the gravitational regime to
which he or she has the appropriate GNI for a time ratio of at least 1:3.
That is, one week in three, one hour in three, etc. If this is not maintained
then after six weeks in a lower gravity regime a GNI strength rank is
dropped. If this goes on long enough, and if the new gravity is low enough,
the GNI level can drop to zero.
Adaptation to high gravity must be maintained to be kept, but
adaptation to lower gravity occurs naturally as the body becomes
accustomed. Living things are naturally lazy. Don't forget that simply
living day-to-day in a gravity environment automatically maintains
adaptation to that environment.
Example 1:
Michelle, a native to a zero-g asteroid mining colony, wants to adapt
herself to Earth gravity. She must buy two ranks in the skill, and train for
four hours per day for six weeks in order to be ready for her visit. She
must also buy at least one rank in Acrobatics - Planetary gravity. After
spending an entertaining few weeks on Earth, she decides to visit the
Moon for a while before heading home. A whirlwind romance on the
Moon leads her to spend two months there. She neglects her gravity
training and so loses two ranks, since the Moon itself only counts as G0.
She would find returning to Earth now all but impossible, and would
have to re-train herself again to do so.
Example 2:
Vijay, a human from Earth, is travelling to the high-gravity mining planet
Ymir for a lucrative six-month contract. Ymir is a G3 environment, so he
will have to train for three weeks to buy a single extra rank in Gravity
Adaptation in order to work there without penalty. Once he returns to
Earth, he will lose his high-gravity adaptation after six weeks.
Perks & Flaws:
Grav-Resilient – 5 points,
Some fortunate individuals are able to resist the insidious effects of low
gravity adaptation. Under low gravity or microgravity conditions, the
GNI falls by one point every five weeks instead of every three.
Floater Baby - +5/8/10 bonus skill points, DEX/CON
The hero was one of an unfortunate minority whose mothers were
unable to find suitable accommodation while they were pregnant. As a
result, organs and limbs haven't formed normally, and in some cases
may be useless or even missing.
13
Mild: +5 points
The individuals' long bones have not quite formed properly, and neither
has the spine. The problem is not immediately apparent; a slight limp
and stiffness in gait are all that can be immediately seen. Any DEX-based
skill or feat check is performed with a +1 penalty.
Major: +8 points
This is a more serious problem. Limbs are obviously curved or twisted,
and joints are poorly arranged and often inflamed. The spine may be
twisted and/or curved. Such infirmities are immediately apparent, and in
some societies may be a cause for social stigma. Any DEX-based skill
or feat check is performed with a +1 penalty.
Serious: +10 points
The individual is severely deformed, and the organs have suffered, too.
Movement rates in gravity, even with full adaptation, are reduced by
25%. Dex-based skill and feat checks suffer a +2 penalty, and STR-based
checks suffer a +1 penalty. The character also suffers a +1 penalty to PER
checks as per the Poor Looks flaw. Fatigue checks are made at twice the
normal frequency.
Lazy Bones - 5pt, CON
A small number of people are unable to replace lost muscle and bone
calcium when returning from a low-g environment, or when attempting
to train up to a higher one. Any low-gravity acclimatisation is
irreversible; gravity tolerance, once lost, cannot be regained.
-The Lazy Bones flaw should only be taken in games where variable
gravity is likely to be an issue.
Technology:
G-suit (pl5-6), Mass 6/4, Cost 750
A G-suit is a network of braces and servomotors linked to electrodes that
monitor the wearer's muscle activity. A small processor is detects
motion in the wearer's muscles before it actually occurs, and the suit
responds immediately. It allows a person to move and act normally in a
gravity regime one level higher than the wearer's GNI without recourse
to training. A Mars native could use one to move about normally on
Earth, for instance.
Late PL5-early PL6 models look like old-fashioned callipers and must be
worn outside clothing. They tend to make a whirring noise when used.
Late PL6 versions of the G-suit are much finer and stronger, and move
almost silently. They can be concealed beneath comfortable clothing.
Microgravity Aids:
Heavy Chair (PL6), Mass 30, Cost 6,000
A heavy chair allows its user to survive and function to a limited degree.
Legs can't be used, but the chair supports the user's spine, an active gel
cushion supports the internal organs and allows for relatively easy
breathing, and a neck brace keeps his head upright. The user can use his
arms to a degree, albeit with the penalties outlined in table G18 on page
63 of the Gamemaster'sGuide.
Gravity Pod (PL6), Mass 50, Cost 18,000
Microgravity natives can't use normal powered armour to negate high
gravity environments unless they're trained to at least G1. For the busy
exec that can't afford the time to train, the gravity pod is an extreme
solution. It acts as a suit of powered armour, but with an important
twist. Instead of the usual torso/helmet sections, there's a pod filled
with supportive gel. The gel supports the wearer's body with an even
pressure, allowing her to act and move normally. Pressurised air is
administered to the wearer (or is it pilot?) through a face mask, allowing
speech through a microphone. For extended stays, hydration and
feeding are accomplished intravenously and a catheter removes body
wastes. A gravity pod can be used in this manner for up to a week
before requiring recharging, sterilisation and replacement of
consumables.

A
Use of a gravity pod requires the Armour Operation broad skill, and
preferably the Powered armour skill.

Gyro Harness (pl6), Mass 10, Cost 900

A gyro harness consists of secure webbing connected to a powered
gyroscope fastened at the small of the wearer's back. It helps to keep
the wearer's orientation stable when moving rapidly in three
dimensions, in G0 and microgravity environments. It negates a single
step penalty for low gravity suffered by a character with a high GNI. A
gyro harness can be worn in tandem with a zero-g web. The harness
runs on a battery that can be fully charged by spending four hours
connected to a domestic power supply. A gyro harness can function for
100 hours on a single charge.

14
 Mutation Enhancements
by Derek Holland

This article is based on the idea of optional skill rank benefits put forward by Jim Clunie on this thread in the forums at AlternityRPG.net:
http://alternityrpg.net/onlineforums/index.php?showtopic=3755&st=0

And developed a bit by me in this thread, also in the forums at AlternityRPG.net:

http://alternityrpg.net/onlineforums/index.php?showtopic=3801

A few years ago there was discussion of how mutants could improve the efficiency or use of their mutations on the Gamma World mailing list. With
Jim's idea, I think I have worked out one method. There are minimum levels for the enhancements which I suggest that the GM review for his or her
setting. All of the following entries are in alphabeticle order, except dual brain, which is a unique case.

Physical Mutations:

Mutation Level Cost Description

Acid Touch 3 5 Damage is increased to (M) d6s, (O) d6w, (G) d6+2w, (A) d8+2w.
Acid Touch 6 15 Damage is now Good.
Biorhythm Control 3 5 Increase bonus to -2 steps.
Biorhythm Control 4 8 Now bonus applies to irritants and paralytic poisons.
Biorhythm Control 6 10 Now bonus applies to neurotoxins and hemotoxins.
Electric Aura 3 5 Mutant can make nonlethal attacks with the following damage: (M) d6s, (O) d6+2s, (G)
d12+2s, (A) d12+6s.
Electric Aura 4 8 Damage is now increased to (M) d6s, (O) d6+2s, (G) d4+2w, (A) d8+2w.
Electric Aura 6 15 Damage is now Good.
Energy Metamorphosis 3 5 D4+2 points are converted.
Energy Metamorphosis 5 8 D6+2 points are converted.
Gills 6 10 Speed is increased by another 50%.
Gills 8 15 Mutant can dive to triple normal depths without complications.
Gliding 3 6 Speed is increased 50%.
Gliding 6 10 Speed is increased 100%.
Increased Balance 8 15 Increase bonus to +4.
Increased Speed 3 6 Speed is increased by 50%.
Increased Speed 5 10 Speed is increased by 75%.
Increased Speed 8 15 Speed is increased by 100%.
Photogeneration 4 8 When making a flash attack, the mutant imposes a 1 step penalty upon those viewing the
flash.
Photogeneration 5 12 Recharge time for flash attacks is reduced to 2 hours.
Rejuvenation 5 10 Double the number of rejuvenation points produced.
Sonar 8 30 Mutant can now make a sonic attack once per hour to all within 15 meters. Damage is
determined by a physical resolve check by the mutant; O d4s, G d4w, A d6w LI/O.

Dual Brain

This mutation is interesting. Each of the brains can study the other and determine ways of improving their contact and mental mutations. Unlike the
other mutations, these enhancements are in series of 3. The mutant decides which series to take, but the steps must be taken in sequence. Multiple
series can be taken, but this is very expensive.

15
Series Level Cost Description
A 3 8 Mutant gains a 1 step bonus to resist telepathic attacks.
A 5 12 Mutant gains a 2 step total bonus to resist telepathic attacks.
A 8 20 Mutant gains a 3 step total bonus to resist telepathic attacks.
B 4 8 Recharge times for mental mutations are reduced by 10%.
B 6 15 Recharge times for mental mutations are reduced by 25%.
B 10 30 Recharge times for mental mutations are reduced by 50%.
C 5 10 The mutant selects 1 additional Ordinary mental mutation. To use it, the mutation takes one point of fatigue
damage.
C 8 15 The mutant selects another additional Ordinary mental mutation. Use of either mutation still causes fatigue
damage.
C 18 45 Fatigue damage no longer applies to the selected mutations.
D 3 5 Mutant gains 1 additional skill point per level.
D 5 10 Mutant gains 2 additional skill points per level.
D 8 15 Mutant gains 3 additional skill points per level.
E 3 5 The mutant selects one specialty skill. That skill now has a 1 step bonus.
E 5 10 The selected skill now has a 2 step bonus.
E 8 15 The selected skill now has a 3 step bonus.
F 5 10 The mutant picks either intelligence or will. The resistance bonus is increased by 1.
F 8 15 The selected resistance bonus is increased by 2.
F 12 20 The selected resistance bonus is increased by 3.
G 5 10 The mutant selects one mutation. The effects are increased by 10%.
G 8 15 The selected mutation's effects are increased by 25%.
G 12 20 The selected mutation's effects are increased by 50%.

16

Power Play
A Discussion on Power Levels in Alternity
By Ryan Kershner
Working on several heroic settings, I saw something in the Gamemaster
Guide that had got me thinking. It talked about power levels Realistic,
Heroic, and Superheroic. The major difference in all of these is the
amount of Ability points you receive (if you go that route) of 48, 60, and
72 respectively, with a few minor changes, like human maximums at 12
instead of 14 for the Realistic.
As I thought on this, making Alternity my game, I prefer the Heroic
method personally, however, what about other power levels within and
between these settings? What is it called when you allow 54 or 66 ability
points?
Power Level: Realistic
The best tone for a low powered horror or suspense game, where
characters are regular people, with no definite skills to make them stand
out. Also, a gritty war drama, works well within the range of this
campaign tone.
With the least amount of ability points, weighing in at 48, characters are
much more apt to failure, death, and maiming. However, this also brings
in a level of stark realism that can be very entertaining, and when there
is a major success it can give players a sense of pride in their characters.
Examples of Realistic Level in Movies:
Capt. John Miller (Tom Hanks) in Saving Private Ryan (1999)
Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger) in Cellular (2004)
Power Level: Expert
In this tone of game play, some of the harsh glow of the Realistic game
still hovers overhead, while leaving a layer of grit that could be used for
many a Horror and Conspiracy setting. Each of the heroes has some
talent that makes them stand out among the average individual, be it
knowledge in the paranormal, slight alien powers, or just a good right
hook. However, regardless the specialty, the heroes are drawn, either
willingly or with their fingernails in the boards, into the depths of the
dark places.
To make things more realistic, the profession list cost -1 function can be
removed to give the illusion that the characters had to work hard, if not
harder, to become these experts.
Examples of the Expert Level in Movies:
David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) in Independence Day (1996)
Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in Alien (1979)
Power Level: Heroic
The standard, and probably most used, tone in the Alternity system, the
Heroic power level yields several laws of physics to the character. The
action is cinematic and the pace can leave you breathless. It is a good
tone for many cyberpunk, space opera, and military style games.
Examples of the Heroic Level in Movies:
Frank Martin (Jason Stratham) in The Transporter (2002)
John McClane (Bruce Willis) in Die Hard (1988)
Power Level: Epic
17
An epic campaign spans time and space, where characters are legends
doing legendary work, either for good or evil. Characters capable of
toppling entire empires single-handedly fight hordes of abyssal
creatures, and combat the gods themselves are all capable in this power
level tone. Of course, this should be after a few adventures in any
regard.
To make characters more legendary you could award, at character
creation, one additional Last Resort point over their maximum. Also,
you could raise species maximums by 1. Furthermore, instead of 3, you
can take 4 or 5 perks and flaws, but try not to tip the game out of
balance too much.
Many of the optional rules abound in this setting, cybergear, mutations,
FX, psionics, all of these play prominent rolls in the character’s everyday
lives.
Author’s Note: This should be seen as different from the Superheroic tone
because in that tone super science gadgets, supreme demon overlords,
and winged people are common place, while in the Epic tone, its limited to
a few individuals. In short, the Superheroic tone takes the Epic one step
further.
Examples of the Epic Level in Movies:
Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel) in The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
Power Level: Superheroic
The penultimate in character ability, cinematic appeal, and possibly over
the top goofiness, the superheroic can be the easiest, or hardest, tone
to portray. The superheroic power level gives up several physical laws,
which can make or break a campaign. When done correctly, the
characters should have fun, be challenged, and employ several wild and
crazy powers.
Keep in mind, however, that not only special bad guys and players have
these powers, but everyone from underlings on up should have some
kind of special abilities.
Examples of the Superheroic Level in Movies:
Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) in X-Men (2000)
Blade (Wesley Snipes) in Blade (1998)
While discussing power levels, the GMG gives several indications of rules
changes from the standard, to make your Alternity game more of your
own. Here are a few of my, and the Last Resort Team’s, ideas.
A few rule modification suggestions for each tone:
Realistic: 48 points for abilities, 12 for human ability maximum, no
professions, no Last Resorts, No FX, No Psionics, No Mutations, No
Cybergear, 2 perk limit.
Expert: 54 points for abilities, 13 for human ability maximum,
professions, Last Resorts (double buy-back cost), No FX, Limited Psionics
(talent at best), No Mutations, No Cybergear, 2 perk limit.
Heroic: 60 points for abilities, professions, Last Resorts as per standard
rules, FX, Psionics, Mutations, Cybergear, 3 perk limit.
Epic: 66 points for abilities, 15 for human ability maximum, professions,
Last Resorts (restore 1 point back per adventure), FX (1½ more points),
Psionics (1½ more points), Mutations, Cybergear, 5 perk limit.
Superheroic: 72 points for abilities, 16 for human ability maximum,
professions, Last Resorts (restore all per adventure), FX (double points),
Psionics (double points), Mutations, Cybergear, no perk limit.
 Cook's Guide To Open Space:
Captive somewhere en route to Karnath, via a layover on the outskirts of Tendril.

By Montgomery V. Cook IX

I am sending this as a distress signal to the editorship of my Guide:

HELP!!!
After starrising in the outskirts of the Tendril system, my ship, whatever its name is, is being attacked
by cykotek pirates! I am even doubtful that I can get this message out. I was looking out my cabin
window to catch the colors of the starrise, and after being momentarily blinded, I saw these two
starships (and I’m being quite generous here… they looked liked rehabbed space junk that somehow
managed to hold together on its own gravity). The next thing was this omnious, clearly over-
mechanised voices coming through the ship’s intercom system: “Your vessel is now our property,
and under our complete control. Prepare to be boarded!” Then the lights went out, and the ship
jarred suddenly to a halt, spilling my martini.

I don’t know how much time I have, but this may be the work of some of Lord Hellis’s bunch. Some
otherwise riff-raff posing as modern day pirates… except for they’re all EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
CYKOTEKS!!!

[Editor’s note: For those unfamiliar, a cykotek is an individual who posesses a fair amount (at
minimum!) of cybergear, including the banned and illegal fast chip [PHB, p. 244], whose effects of
cykosis has completely taken over. In Star*Drive, cykoteks are rare, but do organize into bands, such
as Lord Hellis’s, the cykotek pirate leader in the Verge. [S*DAC1, p. 23-4]

Let me just say that if I don’t survive, I just want to let it be known that this “adventure” and
“excitement” of the Verge is really making me homesick for the Stellar Ring. Something to be said
for organized stellar nations: security! No pirate ship would be operating there, and certainly NOT
CYKOTEKS!

If this message gets though, HELP!!! SOS!!! HELP!!!

Yours faithfully,

Montgomery V. Cook IX
Montgomery V. Cook IX

18
 Ordinary: Athletics; Vehicle Operation, Melee Weapons; Stamina;
Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Investigate; Culture-diplomacy;

ESPion Deception; Interaction-charm; ESP-clairvoyance 2, -empathy 2, -mind

reading, -precognition, -psychometry 2.

Good: Athletics; Vehicle Operation, Melee Weapons; Stamina;

by Matthew R. Esch
Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Investigate; Culture-diplomacy;
Deception; Interaction-charm; ESP-clairvoyance 2, -empathy 2, -mind
The ESPion walks among the shadows of society, staying inconspicuous
reading, -precognition, -psychometry 2; Telepathy-contact 3, -illusion 2,
so as to make the best use of his ESP abilities. ESPions act as spies,
-suggest 2.
advisers, and investigators of all types, using their various psionic
abilities to discover information and reveal secrets. Mundane skills such
Amazing: Athletics; Vehicle Operation, Melee Weapons; Stamina;
as Investigate, Deception, and even Culture can prove very useful to
Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Investigate; Street Smart; Culture-
characters who persue this career. The ESPion often adds the Telepathy
diplomacy; Deception; Interaction-charm, -interview, -intimidate; ESP-
broad skill to her Mindwalker repertoire. The specialty skills associated
clairvoyance 6, -empathy 5, -mind reading 4, -precognition 4, -psychometry
with it, especially contact, illusion, and suggest, provide important
4; Telepathy-contact 3, -illusion 2, -suggest 2.
abilities not covered by ESP.
Equipment: brief case, formal dress, casual dress, personal
SCM Template (Human) communications gear (appropriate for PL), audio recorder, video
recorder, binoculars, GPS receiver.
M O G A
STR 10 10 10 11
ESPion SCM Template (Fraal)
DEX 10 10 10 11
M O G A
CON 9 9 10 11
STR 8 9 10 11
INT 9 10 12 14
DEX 8 9 10 11
WIL 11 12 13 14
CON 9 10 10 10
PER 11 11 11 11
INT 9 10 11 12
Action Check 11+/10/5/2 12+/11/5/2 13+/12/6/3 14+/13/6/3
WIL 11 12 13 14
# of Actions 2 2 2 3
PER 9 10 12 13
Psionic Energy Points 11 12 13 14
Action Check 10+/9/4/2 11+/10/5/2 12+/11/5/2 13+/12/6/3

Skills: # of Actions 2 2 2 3
Marginal: Athletics; Vehicle Operation, Melee Weapons; Stamina; Psionic Energy Points 16 18 19 21
Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Investigate; Culture-diplomacy;
Deception; Interaction-charm.
Skills:
Marginal: Vehicle Operation; Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Resolve,
Investigate; Culture-diplomacy; Deception; Interaction-charm.; Telepathy.

Ordinary: Vehicle Operation; Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Resolve,

Investigate; Culture-diplomacy; Deception; Interaction-charm.; Telepathy;
ESP-clairvoyance 2, -empathy 2, -mind reading, -precognition,
-psychometry 2.

Good: Vehicle Operation; Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Resolve,

Investigate; Culture-diplomacy; Deception; Interaction-charm.; Telepathy-
contact 3, -illusion 2, -suggest 2. ESP-clairvoyance 2, -empathy 2, -mind
reading, -precognition, -psychometry 2;

Amazing: Vehicle Operation; Knowledge-deduce; Awareness; Resolve,

Investigate, Street Smart; Culture-diplomacy; Deception; Interaction-
charm.; Culture-diplomacy; Deception; Interaction-charm, -interview,
-intimidate; Telepathy-contact 3, -illusion 2, -suggest 2. ESP-clairvoyance 6,
-empathy 5, -mind reading 4, -precognition 4, -psychometry 4;

Equipment: brief case, formal dress, casual dress, personal

communications gear (appropriate for PL), audio recorder, video
recorder, binoculars, GPS receiver.

19
 SCM Template (Fraal)

Telekineticist STR
M
9
O
9
G
10
A
11
DEX 10 10 11 11
by Matthew R. Esch
CON 9 9 10 10
The telekineticist career often appears to be the most powerful of the INT 9 9 10 13
opportunities open to Mindwalkers, especially from the standpoint of WIL 11 11 12 13
highly visual abilities. This character serves as a psionic soldier. His
abilities cause lots of damage, and most non-Mindwalkers think twice PER 12 12 13 14
about tangling with a character who can fire lightning bolts or command Action Check 11+/10/5/2 11+/10/5/2 12+/11/5/2 14+/13/6/3

the very air to burst into flame. Any Combat Spec skills are applicable to # of Actions 2 2 2 3
the telekineticist. Usually, the character’s psionic abilities serve as a
Psionic Energy 16 16 18 19
backup or to pull off a surprise attack; a telekineticist doesn’t like to
Points
wear himself out early in a battle. When the telekinetic seeks another
mental discipline, he often looks to Telepathy, which provides a few
other mental attack forms, a psionic defense, and the ability to mentally Skills:
communicate with allies on other parts of the battlefield. (PHB, p. 237) Marginal: Modern Ranged Weapons, Vehicle Operation; Knowledge;
Awareness; Resolve; Interaction; Telepathy, Telekinesis.
SCM Template (Human)
Ordinary: Modern Ranged Weapons-pistol; Vehicle Operation;
Knowledge; Awareness; Resolve; Interaction; Telepathy; Telekinesis-
M O G A kinetic shield 2, -levitation, -psychokinetics, -pyrokinetics.
STR 11 11 12 13
Good: Modern Ranged Weapons-pistol; Vehicle Operation; Knowledge;
DEX 11 11 12 13 Awareness; Resolve; Interaction; Telepathy-contact, -datalink, -mind
CON 9 9 10 11 blast, -mind shield 2; Telekinesis-electrokinesis 2, -kinetic shield 3,
-levitation 2, -photokinetics, -psychokinetics 2, -pyrokinetics.
INT 9 9 10 11
Amazing: Modern Ranged Weapons-pistol; Vehicle Operation;
WIL 11 11 12 13 Knowledge; Awareness-intuition 2, -perception 2; Resolve-mental 2;
PER 9 9 12 13 Interaction; Telepathy-contact 2, -datalink 2, -mind blast 3, -mind shield 4;
Telekinesis-electrokinesis 2, -kinetic shield 4, -levitation 2, -photokinetics
Action Check 12+/11/5/2 12+/11/5/2 13+/12/6/3 14+/13/6/3
2, -psychokinetics 4, -pyrokinetics.
# of Actions 2 2 2 3
Equipment: Battle jacket, pistol, rations, survival gear.
Psionic Energy 11 11 12 13
Points

Skills:
Marginal: Athletics; Modern Ranged Weapons, Vehicle
Operation; Stamina; Knowledge; Awareness; Interaction;
Telekinesis- kinetic shield.

Ordinary: Athletics; Modern Ranged Weapons-pistol, Vehicle

Operation; Stamina; Knowledge; Awareness; Interaction;
Telekinesis-kinetic shield 2, -levitation, psychokinetics,
pyrokinetics; Telepathy-contact, -mind shield.

Good: Athletics-defensive martial arts 2; Modern Ranged

Weapons-pistol 2, -rifle 2, -SMG 2, Vehicle Operation; Stamina;
Knowledge; Awareness; Interaction; Telekinesis-kinetic shield 2, -
levitation, photokinetics, psychokinetics 3, pyrokinetics 3;
Telepathy-contact, -mind shield.

Amazing: Athletics-defensive martial arts 2; Modern Ranged

Weapons-pistol 4, -rifle 4, -SMG 4, Vehicle Operation; Stamina-
endurance 4; Knowledge; Awareness; Interaction; Telekinesis-
electrokinetics, -kinetic shield 3, -levitation, photokinetics 2,
psychokinetics 4, pyrokinetics 4; Telepathy-contact, -mind shield.

Equipment: Battle jacket, pistol, rations, survival gear.

20
 Leadership-inspire 3, Monotheism-either cure or vision
Exorcist

Monotheists
by Jim Clunie
Monotheist Supporting Cast
The beliefs that support Monotheist FX abilities, though simple at their
outset, quickly became central to well-organised congregations who
spent much time in expanding the faith and debating its tenets,
providing a life's work to a great many dedicated and passionate
individuals.
Many religions have allowed for the special spiritual function of
combating the influence of evil spirits and of magic, recognising the
unique profession of the exorcist. In the Catholic Church, for example,
exorcism fell to separate religious orders who may not, in the past, have
been fully ordained priests - though the most learned and holy of men,
such as Pope John Paul II, have been known for their skill in exorcism as
well. The GM may treat an exorcist as a borderline crackpot or charlatan
(a Diplomat or Free Agent), a figure of truly impressive spiritual gifts (an
Adept) or quite possibly both.
M O G A
STR 9 10 11 11

These descriptions refer to the Knowledge-scripture skill described fully DEX 8 9 9 10

in the next section (Monotheist Skills).
CON 9 10 11 11

Deacon INT 8 9 10 11
WIL 10 11 13 14
A healthy Church requires the support not only of inspiring figures, but
of strong and mature members who are willing to take responsibility for PER 10 11 12 13
the many and constant less-glamourous tasks that keep the activities of
the faith running. Such a person may be recognised formally by the title Marginal Skills: Investigate, Lore-occult lore, Interaction-intimidate
of deacon or simply known and respected as a person of faith, but in
either case, the support of the most respected members of the Ordinary Skills: Unarmed Attack, Stamina-endurance, Knowledge-
congregation is vital to any church leader. This description covers Church language (specific), scripture 2, Law, Medical Science, Awareness-
functionaries such as bursars (those who administer scholarships) and intuition, Investigate-interrogate, search, Resolve-mental resolve,
sextons (caretakers of churches) as well. Interaction-charm

A Marginal or Ordinary deacon usually remains a non-professional while Good Skills: Unarmed Attack-brawl, Acrobatics-dodge, Manipulation-
Good or Amazing SCMs may follow either the Tech Op or Diplomat specific skill, Knowledge-2 x language (specific) 2, scripture 3, Life Science,
profession. Physical Science, Awareness-intuition 2, Investigate-research, Lore-occult
lore 3, psychic lore 2, Resolve-mental resolve 3, Teach, Entertainment-sing,
M O G A Interaction-interview 2, Leadership-inspire 2, Monotheism-exorcism

STR 9 10 11 12 Amazing Skills: Melee Weapons-blade 2, Acrobatics-defensive martial

DEX 8 9 10 11 arts 2, Knowledge-language (specific) 4, scripture 4, Medical Science-
psychology 3, treatment 2, Security-protection protocols 2, security
CON 9 10 11 12 devices 2, Social Science-history 3, System Operation-sensors 2,
Awareness-intuition 4, perception 2, Investigate-research 3, Lore-occult
INT 9 10 11 12
lore 5, Resolve-mental resolve 4, physical resolve 3, Teach-diplomat 2,
WIL 10 11 12 13 adept 2, Deception-bluff 3, Interaction-charm 3, taunt 2, Leadership-
inspire 3, Monotheism-demon ward, exorcism 4
PER 9 10 11 12
Investigator
Marginal Skills: Athletics, Vehicle Operation, Stamina, Business,
Administration "Time usually takes care of these things. If it gets to the point where
people are flocking to this thing, the church will call in experts. If people
Ordinary Skills: Athletics-specific, Business-small business, Knowledge- forget about it, it may just fade away." - Dianne Dunagan, Archdiocese of
computer operation, System Operation, Technical Science, Awareness- Chicago, on the discovery of an image of the Virgin Mary on the stomach of
intuition, Lore, Resolve, Interaction-bargain a pet turtle, 2006
Good Skills: Unarmed Attack, Stamina-endurance 2, Vehicle Operation- Based, as they are, on written documents of the faith's founders and
land 2, Knowledge-first aid, language (specific) 2, scripture 2, Law, early proponents, Monotheist beliefs lend themselves to intricate
Security, System Operation, Technical Science-repair 2, Administration- scholarship and extended academic careers. Many who take up such
management 2, Awareness-intuition 2, Resolve-mental resolve 2, studies go on to a more hands-on role in the Church as pastors or
Investigate, Teach, Entertainment-musical instrument 2, Interaction- preachers, or remain behind university walls as professors and essayists.
charm, intimidate, Leadership, Monotheism-guidance However, the truths of life and death are not a matter solely for
academic journals but are of vital importance to every member of the
Amazing Skills: Unarmed Attack-brawl 3, Stamina-endurance 4, Security- Church. Thus, those Diplomats and Tech Ops who have suitable learning
protection protocols 2, Administration-management 3, Awareness- often must venture into the field to follow up some rumour or report, to
intuition 4, Lore-occult lore 2, Resolve-mental resolve 4, physical resolve 2, publish their judgement of its truth and relevance to the Church and if
Street Smart-street knowledge 2, Teach-specific 2, Culture-diplomacy, necessary to deal with errors among the faithful as harshly as the
etiquette (specific) 2, Interaction-either charm 3 or intimidate 3, situation demands. Envoys from one major faith to another, or from

21
religious leaders to the secular authorities, need very similar skills,
perhaps dropping a Science skill and adding more languages and Culture M O G A
skills.
STR 8 9 10 11
Today, many major religious groups, from the Greek Orthodox Church to
DEX 9 10 10 11
the Southern Baptist Conference, occasionally need to assemble and
dispatch such specialists. CON 9 10 11 12
INT 9 10 12 13
A religious investigator in the Islamic world might have the title of qadi,
or jurist. In mediaeval Europe they might represent the Inquisition or the WIL 9 10 11 12
witch-finders of the English-speaking world. Given sufficient worldly
influence in the hands of the Church, an investigator might command a PER 10 11 12 13
squad of soldiers or even a specialist criminal investigator or
executioner.
Ordinary Skills: Stamina-endurance, Knowledge-specific language 2,
Social Science, System Operation, Awareness-intuition, Resolve, Teach,
M O G A Culture-etiquette (specific), Interaction-charm 2
STR 8 8 9 10
Good Skills: Movement-swim, trailblazing 2, Knowledge-deduce 2, first
DEX 8 9 10 11 aid, scripture 3, any two specific languages 2, Life Science-botany 2,
zoology 2, Technical Science, Administration-management, Investigate,
CON 8 9 10 11 Lore-occult lore, Teach-tech op 2, Culture-diplomacy, first encounter 2,
INT 10 12 13 14 Deception-bluff 2, Entertainment, Leadership-inspire 2, Monotheism-aura

WIL 10 11 12 13 Amazing Skills: Athletics-climb 2, jump 2, Stamina-endurance 4, resist pain

2, Acrobatics-dodge 2, fall 2, Business-small business 3, Knowledge-first
PER 10 11 12 13
aid 3, any two specific languages at rank 4, scripture 5, Technical Science-
juryrig 3, Resolve-mental resolve 3, physical resolve 3, Street Smart-street
Marginal Skills: Knowledge-deduce, Awareness, Investigate, Lore, knowledge 3, Teach-diplomat 3, Culture-any three etiquette (specific) skills
Interaction-interview at rank 3, first encounter 3, Interaction-bargain 3, charm 5, interview 2,
Leadership-inspire 4, Monotheism-signs and portents, vision
Ordinary Skills: Knowledge-computer operation, specific language 2, Law-
specific, Life Science or Physical Science or Social Science-specialty skill at Pastor
rank 2, Medical Science, Administration-bureaucracy, Investigate-
research 2, Teach, Interaction-two specialty skills at rank 1 These Diplomats serve as the leaders and spiritual advisers of local
congregations. Depending on denomination, the character might have
Good Skills: Unarmed Attack-brawl, Knowledge-deduce 3, any two the title of vicar, parish priest, mullah or rabbi. A leader of a Christian
specific languages 2, Law-law enforcement, Life Science or Physical religious community might be known as Abbot or Mother Superior.
Science-any two specialty skills at rank 2, Medical Science-forensics 2, Some Monotheist religions grant their leaders the status of a priest by a
Physical Science or Life Science, Social Science-specialty skill at rank 2, ceremony of ordination, but many other groups do not hold such an
Awareness-perception 2, Investigate-research 3, search 2, Lore-specialty office for different historical or doctrinal reasons (and, in any case, no
skill at rank 2, specialty skill at rank 1, Street Smart, Teach-tech op 2, Earthly ceremony or title can guarantee access to paranormal FX
Culture, Interaction-specialty skill at rank 3, specialty skill at rank 2, powers).
Monotheism-blessing
Supported by their followers in part or all of their living expenses,
Amazing Skills: Stamina-endurance 2, Stealth-hide 2, sneak 2, Knowledge- pastors enjoy a respected position in society, together with the
deduce 5, Life Science or Physical Science or Social Science-specific skill 3, sometimes heavy responsibility of keeping their charges in line and
Medical Science-psychology 3, Social Science-history 4, Awareness- answering to an unsympathetic outside world for the stance of the
intuition 4, Investigate-research 5, search 4, Lore-occult lore 4, Street congregation.
Smart-specialty skill 3, Culture-two specialty skills at rank 2, Leadership- A Pastor who must organise other local church leaders (a bishop, chief
inspire 2, Monotheism-aura, demon ward rabbi or similar) has a particularly thankless task when his fellow priests
become quarrelsome, senile or drunken or abuse their position. A Pastor
Missionary who serves as a chaplain to a particular group, such as soldiers, prison
inmates or medics, might have some of the skills of an Ordinary SCM of
And We did not send any messenger but with the language of his people, that career as well as those of a Pastor.
so that he might explain to them clearly; then Allah makes whom He
pleases err and He guides whom He pleases and He is the Mighty, the Wise. M O G A
- Qur'an 14:4, translation
STR 8 9 10 11
Carrying the message of the faith to other countries, or to the
DEX 8 9 10 10
unbelievers of the great cities of their own land, demands a particularly
sturdy, self-assured and thoughtful individual. Unfortunately, the life of a CON 9 10 10 11
missionary is a young man's game and all too often front line promotion
of the Church falls on those too callow for such responsibility. INT 9 10 11 12
WIL 10 11 13 14
Marginal Skills: Athletics, Vehicle Operation, Knowledge-scripture,
Interaction PER 10 11 12 13

22
Marginal Skills: Knowledge, Awareness, Interaction-charm, intimidate Theocrat
Ordinary Skills: Business-small business, Knowledge-scripture 2, From a religious school's leadership to a town council to the highest
Administration-management, Awareness-intuition, Lore, Resolve-mental office in their respective countries, if Zealots are the bloodied jackboot
resolve, Leadership of Monotheist extremism, Theocrats are the silk-clad foot that guides
the boot home. In the past, though, religious leaders have ruled many
Good Skills: Knowledge-computer operation, first aid, scripture 3, communities more wisely and fairly than their secular rivals might have
Administration-management 2, bureaucracy, Awareness-intuition 2, done and preserved much knowledge and moral authority through ages
Resolve-mental resolve 2, physical resolve, Street Smart, Teach, of violence, darkness and ignorance.
Interaction-interview 2, Leadership-inspire 2, Monotheism-guidance
M O G A
Amazing Skills: Unarmed Attack-brawl 2, Stamina-endurance 4, Business-
corporate, small business 3, Knowledge-deduce 3, any two specific STR 8 9 10 10
languages rank 2, Administration-management 3, Awareness-intuition 4, DEX 9 10 11 12
Investigate, Lore-occult lore 3, Resolve-mental resolve 4, Teach-diplomat
3, Culture-specialty skill 2, Deception-bluff 2, Interaction-bargain 3, charm CON 8 9 10 10
4, intimidate 4, Leadership-inspire 5, Monotheism-either aura or blessing, INT 9 10 11 12
vision
WIL 10 11 12 14
Preacher PER 10 11 12 14

This Diplomat believer has a particular gift for encouraging and teaching Marginal Skills: Business, Knowledge-scripture, Law, Interaction
the faithful (and others who are willing to listen) by giving inspiring
public sermons. Because a preacher's words are often disputed both by Ordinary Skills: Stamina, Vehicle Operation, Business-corporate,
the unbelievers and by those in the Church who differ with his Knowledge-computer operation, language (specific) 2, Security,
interpretation, he must also become a skilled debater. A preacher might Administration-bureaucracy, Awareness-intuition, Investigate, Lore,
be a member or the leader of a local congregation, but many of the most Resolve-mental resolve, Street Smart, Deception-bluff, Interaction-
notable preachers instead travel widely, giving their message to as many bargain, charm, specific skill, Leadership
listeners as possible. The organisers of the Church may help to spread a
preacher's words by publishing tracts, books or more recently audio and Good Skills: Unarmed Attack, either Melee Weapons or Modern Ranged
video recordings. Weapons-pistol, Stamina-endurance, Manipulation-lockpick, Stealth-
sneak, Business-corporate 2, illicit, Knowledge-language (specific) 3,
To describe a Faith Healer, optionally make the character an Adept and scripture 2, Law-specific skill, Security-security devices, System Operation-
make the following changes to skills: add Monotheism at Ordinary communications 2, Administration-bureaucracy 3, Awareness-intuition 2,
grade, revise Good Monotheism skills to aura and cure 2, at Amazing perception, Investigate-research 2, Lore-conspiracy theory 2, occult lore,
grade add Medical Science and revise the Monotheism skill to cure 6. Resolve-mental resolve 3, Teach, Culture-etiquette (specific) 2, Deception-
bluff 2, bribe, Interaction-charm 3, intimidate 2, Leadership-inspire 2,
Monotheism-aura
M O G A
STR 8 9 10 10 Amazing Skills: Stamina-endurance 2, Acrobatics-defensive martial arts 2,
dodge 2, Modern Ranged Weapons-pistol 2, Stealth-sneak 2, Business-
DEX 8 9 10 11 corporate 3, Knowledge-computer operation 3, language (specific) 4,
scripture 3, Law-court procedures 2, law enforcement 3, Social Science-
CON 9 10 11 12
history 2, System Operation-communications 3, sensors, Administration-
INT 10 10 11 13 bureaucracy 4, management 2, Awareness-intuition 4, Creativity-creative
writing 2, Investigate-interrogate 2, research 3, Lore-occult lore 3, Resolve-
WIL 9 10 11 11 mental resolve 4, physical resolve 3, Street Smart-criminal elements 2,
PER 10 12 13 14 street knowledge 3, Teach-diplomat 2, Culture-diplomacy 2, Deception-
bluff 3, bribe 2, Interaction-intimidate 4, taunt 3, Leadership-command,
inspire 3, Monotheism-signs and portents, vision
Marginal Skills: Knowledge-scripture, Interaction-charm
Zealot
Ordinary Skills: Stamina, Interaction-charm 2, intimidate, Entertainment,
Leadership-inspire 2 Those Combat Specs who yearn to deal mayhem for the supremacy of
their religion organise into such notorious groups as the Kahanist Jewish
Defence League, the Army of God and the various affiliates of al-Qaeda.
Good Skills: Stamina-endurance 3, Business-small business 2, Knowledge-
Their urge to destroy those who are unlike themselves binds their cause
deduce 3, scripture 4, specific language 2, either Life Science or Physical
closely to exponents of racial hatred (such as the Phineas Priesthood
Science, Social Science, System Operation-communications or sensors,
movement) and of certain strains of ultra-nationalist politics. However,
Lore-specialty skill 2, Resolve, Street Smart, Teach, Culture, Interaction-
in difficult times, the faith of Zealots has been vital to defend the
charm 4, seduce, Monotheism-aura, vision
community of believers from the violent hatred of equally committed
foes and often to shelter nonbelievers, also, from pillage and slaughter
Amazing Skills: Stamina-endurance 4, Acrobatics-dodge 3, Business- by the ungodly.
corporate 2, either Life Science or Physical Science-specialty skill 3,
System Operation-communications 2, Lore-specialty skill 3, Resolve- Mature and experienced Zealots are a threat to any foe - tough, cunning
mental resolve 3, Teach-diplomat 3, Culture-diplomacy 2, Deception, and highly trained - but even the most fragile of Zealots can carry the
Leadership-inspire 5, Monotheism-cure death of dozens of innocents in an explosive-packed vest.

23
 M O G A
STR 10 12 13 14
DEX 9 10 11 13
CON 10 11 12 13
INT 8 9 10 10
WIL 9 10 11 12
PER 8 8 9 10
Marginal Skills: Athletics, Unarmed Attack, Stamina, Modern Ranged
Weapons, Resolve
Ordinary Skills: Melee Weapons-bludgeon, Unarmed Attack-brawl,
Stamina-endurance, Modern Ranged Weapons-specific skill, Vehicle
Operation, Demolitions, Knowledge-computer operation, scripture,
Awareness, Lore-conspiracy theory, Resolve-physical resolve, Street
Smart-street knowledge, Deception, Interaction-intimidate 2
Good Skills: Athletics-climb 2, jump 2, throw 2, Heavy Weapons, Melee
Weapons-bludgeon 2, Unarmed Attack-power martial arts 2, Movement-
trailblazing, Stamina-endurance 2, Survival-survival training (specific),
Modern Ranged Weapons-pistol, rifle 2, Vehicle Operation-land 2, either
air vehicle or water vehicle, Business-illicit, Demolitions-scratch-built 2, set
explosives 2, Knowledge-2 x language (specific), Security-protection
protocols 2, security devices 2, System Operation-engineering 2, Tactics-
infantry 2, Technical Science-juryrig 2, Awareness-perception 2,
Investigate-interrogate 2, Lore-conspiracy theory 3, UFO lore, Resolve-
mental resolve 2, physical resolve 3, Street Smart-criminal elements 2,
Teach-combat spec, Deception-bluff 2, bribe 2, Interaction-specific skill 2,
Leadership-command, Monotheism-guidance
Amazing Skills: Heavy Weapons-specific skill 2, Unarmed Attack-power
martial arts 3, Stamina-endurance 4, resist pain 2, Survival-survival training
(specific) 3, Acrobatics-daredevil 2, dodge 3, Manipulation-lockpick 2,
pickpocket 2, Modern Ranged Weapons-pistol 3, Stealth-hide 3, sneak 3,
Vehicle Operation-specific skill 3, Business-corporate, illicit 3, Demolitions-
scratch-built 4, Knowledge-computer operation 3, Law-court procedures
2, System Operation-weapons 2, Awareness-perception 3, intuition 2,
Investigate-research 3, search 2, track 2, Lore-fringe science 3, Resolve-
mental resolve 4, Street Smart-criminal elements 3, Culture-2 x etiquette
(specific) 2, Deception-specific skill 3, Interaction-intimidate 4, specific skill
3, Leadership-command 2, inspire 2, Monotheism-aura, blessing
Monotheist Skills
Intelligence Skills:
Knowledge
Scripture (specific)
Each time this skill is chosen, specify the holy scripture to which it
applies. The hero has read thoroughly a specific set of holy scriptures
and memorised the text and location of many pertinent verses. Make a
skill check to recall a passage of scripture suitable to the occasion. This
can provide a -1 bonus to an encounter check, if the GM decides that the
SCM is likely to be impressed by the scripture that the believer quotes.
On a Good success, the hero can both quote the passage and provide its
chapter and verse. An Amazing success is word-for-word accurate, while
an Ordinary success allows the hero to know the approximate location
(the book or chapter) and look up the verse in the scriptures with a
single additional action.
This check gains a -1 bonus if the scripture is quite short and pithy (a
single book without reference to other traditions - typical of very new
religious sects) or a +1 penalty if the scripture is weighty with many
separate parts (three books or more). Use of a concordance or
24
annotated version of the scripture gives a -2 bonus, but the result can
only be an Ordinary success.
> Keen Understanding: At rank 4, the hero gains a -1 bonus to
Monotheism skill checks. This bonus increases to -2 at rank 10.
> Spiritual Warfare: At rank 6, the hero's resistance modifier against
Diabolism FX attacks, any other FX skill specified by the GM as evil and
ungodly magic and against all attacks or skill checks by demons increases
by +1. The increase in the hero's resistance modifier is +2 from rank 11
upwards.
Language (Aramaic, Ancient Hebrew, Hellenistic Greek, Latin or Arabic)
These languages are particularly useful for study of the historical texts of
Monotheism. As described in the Dark.Matter Campaign Setting, skill
checks against skills in dead languages (Ancient Hebrew, Hellenistic
Greek and Latin) suffer a +1 step penalty.
> Obscure Phrasing: At rank 4, the linguist has a sufficiently broad
knowledge of uncommon words and historical usage of the language
that he gains a -1 bonus to skill checks (such as Knowledge, Social
Science, Investigate-research and Lore checks) to obtain information by
reading texts written in the language. This bonus increases to -2 at rank
7.
> Jargon: At rank 6, the hero is familiar with even the most technical of
terms in the language, and can use his language skill to read technical
works that would otherwise require him to check against a broad or
specialty skill that he does not possess. If this rank benefit is purchased
early, it relates only to two chosen fields of knowledge.
> Erudite Speech: At rank 8, the hero's pronunciation is so exact and his
use of the language so confident that FX skill checks that take the form
of a prayer or incantation expressed in the language gain a -1 bonus. At
rank 12, this bonus increases to -2.
Law
Canon law
This version of Law-specific knowledge covers the detailed knowledge of
those acts deemed and prosecuted as crimes by a particular organised
Church, as they apply to its priests and (sometimes) its believers; the
jurisdiction of the Church as against that of the secular authority; and the
history and development of Church law.
This is not quite the same as the study of national codes of laws inspired
by scripture, which simply fall under the standard court procedures and
law enforcement skills, but a character with 4 or more ranks in the
appropriate canon law specialty gains a -1 bonus to dealings with such
religiously-inspired legal systems.
+ Sanctuary: At rank 5, in any region where the Monotheist belief for
which the hero has the canon law skill is legally recognised by the state,
the hero may make a Law-canon law check as an encounter skill to allow
a character (including himself) to surrender to the Church rather than
immediately being arrested or summarily punished by civil authorities.
The character's protection lasts for one hour, after which the lawyer
must make further Law skill checks to achieve a more lasting resolution
of the character's legal problems. The right of sanctuary ends
immediately if the protected character refuses to heed the instructions
of Church authorities or otherwise abuses their trust. All subsequent
Law checks after the lawyer invokes sanctuary suffer a +2 penalty. At
rank 9, the penalty to further Law checks reduces to +1 and at rank 11
claiming sanctuary gives no penalty to later Law checks.
Social Science
History
When choosing an area of expertise at rank 3 and 6, as described in the
Dark.Matter Campaign Setting, a hero might choose to specialise in the
history of a particular church (or a specific period in its history) or the
derivation and historical understanding of a particular scripture. The
bonuses provided to skill checks within the hero's area of expertise
according to his skill rank are as listed in the Dark.Matter Campaign
Setting.
FX Events: Appearance of the Second Kind (Our Lady of Sorrows): This broad
category covers paranormal events associated with images of the Virgin
Appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary (including appearances of the first kind) - especially images that
weep with unexplained fluids such as salt tears, blood, anointing-oil or
Increasingly as the Dark Tide rises, the focused emotions of believing
wine, or miraculous healings.
communities create favourable conditions for seemingly miraculous
manifestations - or perhaps a greater than Earthly power has decided to
Provided that the image remains in the same location where the event
show its presence in the world for the transformation of humanity.
occurred, it acts as a minor holy relic, granting a -1 bonus to Monotheism
FX checks. Residue of the event, objects that have touched the image, or
Then again, considering the recurring relationship of some of these
photographs or copies of any kind do not have special properties.
images with funguses and molds, perhaps any such entity is not as
Appearance of the Third Kind or Major Appearance: To believers, these are
numinous as Monotheists would like to think.
events of extreme and lasting significance, promoting the sites of such
visitations (such as Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje) to worldwide fame.
Although the paranormal is infinitely unpredictable, manifestations of
Non-believers prefer explanations such as epilepsy, mass hysteria,
belief show certain identifiable patterns that may or may not be related
nationalist politics or fungal toxins.
to a common cause. One such cluster involves the image of the much-
beloved Virgin Mary.
The Blessed Virgin first appears to one or a small group of innocents,
such as early-teenage children or the mentally disabled, though later in
The forms of appearance described here (divided, for convenience, into
the event - since it is a hallmark of such visions that they are repeated
appearances of the first, second and third kinds) are specific to the place
many times - she may be seen by adults as
where they first appeared. Generally the
well, accompanied by many other strange
sacredness of the event dissipates if the
occurrences (such as apparent shifts in the
object affected is moved, but may persist
position or colour of the sun, or the
to a lesser extent in the case of certain
unexplained appearance of doves or other
adjuncts of major appearances.
symbols, as at Asyut, Egypt) and some
phenomena may even be photographed.
Prominent figures of certain other faiths,
She appears within a bright light, perhaps
such as the name of Allah formed by plants
visible as a faintly-defined figure. Likewise
or rock features, the Buddha or the major
the messages that she gives are very
Hindu deities, may appear in similar
simple and uplifting, but carry a sense of
events. The sites of unexplainable events,
profound importance.
such as a miraculously preserved mosque
in the area of a natural disaster, may retain
Anyone visiting the site may make a
spiritual power in the eyes of believers.
Willpower feat check to determine if they
will experience a possible vision (the GM
Belief in the literal occurrence of miracles
may place modifiers to this check or a
is controversial, but by no means absent,
minimum time between checks). On an
in modern-day Judaism.
Amazing success, the visitor experiences a
vision of the Blessed Virgin and becomes a
Appearance of the First Kind (Our Lady of
visionary of that site. Visionaries
the Hearth): Images that are said to
experience repeated visitations on only an
resemble the Blessed Virgin Mary
Ordinary success, as often as once per day
sometimes can be perceived in the shapes
when they return to pray at or near the
of common objects, with a strong
site, giving the effect of a Monotheism-
correlation to items of domesticity and
vision check or other appropriate
comfort, such as kitchen walls, baked
Monotheism skill (such as cure) without
foods or domestic gate-posts.
spending FX points. A visionary can gain
the Monotheism FX broad skill for 2 skill
An appearance of the first kind gives a -1
points less than the normal cost. If he
bonus to checks for the Faith perk,
attempts to use a Monotheism specialty
assuming the believer considers the
skill within a kilometre of the site, he gains
subject of the image as sacred to his faith.
a -4 bonus.
In addition, one believer may petition the image for healing of a loved
Other users of Monotheist FX and Enochian FX gain a -2 bonus when
one, making a Monotheism-cure check as a Willpower feat (a character
attempting to use such powers at the site of a major appearance, but
may not apply his ranks in Monotheism-cure even if he happens to have
Diabolism skills suffer a +2 penalty (though the site is not, in itself,
the skill). The supplicant may attempt to cure disease as if he had that
necessarily holy ground).
rank benefit of the cure skill, but a hamburger bun in the shape of the
Virgin Mary unfortunately cannot regenerate limbs or raise the dead.
Nonliving matter, such as water or earth, taken from the site of a major
This is a one-time-only opportunity - if the cure check succeeds, the event
appearance, or images made at the site and blessed by a visionary, can
becomes an appearance of the second kind, but if failed no other
maintain heightened spiritual energy when taken away. The GM may
petition can succeed.
specify that an item sourced from a particular site grants a -1 bonus to
Monotheism checks if the substance is used in a prayer or ceremony,
The image loses all of its properties if moved from the place where it
and individual items may potentially have other powers, such as a
first appeared (small portable items can be safely moved within the
chance to heal the sick – as for an Appearance of the First Kind, a
same room). Photographs, sketches or other copies of the image do not
believer may make a single Monotheism-cure check, but if this check fails
have any special properties.
the item forevermore has no special properties.

25
 eggs, and mantle armour, but can survive as omnivores for a time. A full
grown Jinthar is around 4 to 6 metres in length covered in leathery grey-
green skin and moves by rhythmic waves of muscular contraction on the
underside of its body, rather like a snake or snail. It can simultaneously
Jinthar / Fachan secrete a layer of mucus on which it travels over hazardous terrain, to
help prevent damage to its tissues. When it stands up it is around 2.5
metres tall. A Jinthar has mantle plates providing natural armour around
by Malcolm E Birtwell the vital organs. Its brightly coloured face; yellow in immature of either
sex, red in adult females and blue in adult males, has a large single light-
Once I got past the wind and wave blasted pinnacles of the breathtaking sensitive eye and a yellow beak and radula. Around its head are strong
Cliffs of Defiance and landed safely within the Patronage cave-port of finger-like tentacles; three on its brow and one on its chin which it uses
Suul-an-TaaI I got my first glimpse of Jinthar on their home ground; and as a hand. It also has a single arm protruding from the middle of its
they certainly were not the bloodthirsty, cultureless monsters I was ventral area, below the head, with a similar hand like arrangement of
expecting. They did, however, still look butt-ugly. – Master Jel J. Cannon, fingers. This physiological appearance gave rise to its Fachan nickname;
ISS 11.07.2A2347 after the Scottish creature of folklore. Males also have blue crest, which
is their penis, which they expand when aroused; usually when courting
DARKHEART-11A is an approximately Jupiter-sized temperate EuGaian or fighting.
planet with turbulent climate, abundant oceans and varied surface
landforms. It is the principal planet of the Darkheart (Lashek) Syndicate. Jinthar Ecological Data:
It is not the original Jinthar home world. Biochemistry: Series I
Environment: Class 1 - 3
DARKHEART IV-11A or Luutlashek GRAPH: G1-3 R0-1 A2 P2-4 H1-2
Parent Star and Darkheart IV Globular Cluster, Star DARKHEART-11 Lashek-an-Lashek or Biome: Cool, twilight, damp Terran
Planet: Lashek Star; G-Class Main Sequence, Planet DARKHEART IV-11A
Luutlashek (5772LY from Lopac)
Encounter Chance: Unusual
Orbital Radius: 1 AU Group Size: Solitary, pair or small group d4+1
Orbital Period: 270 days Organization: Meritocracy
Rotation Period: 20 hours
Axial Tilt: Minimal 3.2°
Niche: Civilization
Diameter: 142,555km Intelligence: Sentient
Density: 1.2
Surface Gravity: G3 1.4g
Atmospheric Gases: N, O2, CO2
Encounter:
Atmospheric Pressure: 4.5 standard atmospheres Jinthar avoid contact with others because of their fearsome reputation
Median Temperature: 10°C so appear shy, retiring and mysterious. Their GNMC nickname is Slug
Satellites: None
which demonstrates the usual contempt with which Jinthar are treated.
GRAPH: G3 R1 A2 P3 H2
Class 1 Where individuals are known, however, they are trusted and even liked.
They are most likely encountered on board ships
Introduction: or at spaceports. Because the social
Few people have encountered the Jinthar apart from fringers, concept of patronage is instilled in
prospectors and explorers as Luutlashek is far beyond the galactic fringe Jinthar from hatching they may regard
in the Darkheart IV Globular Cluster. Jinthar are commonly their boss and friends as a patronage
perceived as violent, untrustworthy, xenophobic, cannibalistic and will therefore do all in their
slavers and are often bracketed in with space orks and power to assist or protect them.
suchlike. The large Lashek Syndicate on the
far fringe of the 70th Mentaraean Centesimal is
Description: fairly peaceful and tolerant of outsiders, whereas
Jinthar are a race of large sentient cephalopod other Jinthar are far less friendly.
molluscs, evolved from squid-like animals that
moved onto the land from the oceans to Initially if possible Jinthar will use their
compete with their worm-like cousins. Due to uncanny mimicry skill to confuse aggressors,
their former aquatic habitat Jinthar but if a fight is unavoidable Jinthar generally
are much more adapted to rely on their Korzuk Quantum SMG until melee
environmental extremes and can ensues, at which point they may use the Tolzuk
operate without difficulty in some Shock Spear in combination with
environments which would prove their frighteningly strong bite.
hazardous to unprotected humans. Although slow, Jinthar are tough
Jinthar can breathe on land and opponents hand to hand. Around 2%
underwater equally. Their single eye is of Jinthar retain their primeval spray
light sensitive and performs defence mechanism which can be used
much better in low light to devastating effect in melee and
conditions but their around half of these individuals (1% of total)
sense of hearing and retain their camouflage defence as well.
smell is enhanced to
compensate. They Habitat/Society:
are primarily Their original home world is, as yet, unknown, but their
carnivores, using primeval habitat is assumed to be the Mesopelagic (twilight)
their beak and radula ocean zone from 200 metres down to around 1,000 metres. It is
to eat bones to thought that Jinthar left the oceans owing to a natural ecological
produce calcium for their disaster on their home world forcing them to seek prey in the

26
shallows and eventually on land.
Jinthar females are inseminated by males in a courtship lasting 2d6 hours
and then lay d4 eggs after a similar respite. The eggs are very hard, white
and rugby ball sized. The eggs hatch in one year and the hatchlings are
fed and protected by both parents for around another year before being
released, fostered or sold. At one year old the fosterlings are around half
the size of a full grown adult and reach full size after another d4 year’s
growth. In their last year’s growth the fosterlings’ sex is determined and
form is an obstacle to a patronage or syndicate goal. It is unusual but
non-Jinthar are reported as having risen up through patronage and
syndicate ranks.
Jinthar society is a cutthroat meritocracy. A powerful Jinthar matron or
patron fosters young Jinthar to indoctrinate into the way of their
matronage or patronage. Those who show merit are rewarded by
moving up the hierarchy which is not dissimilar to that of a corporate
structure. Some matronages and patronages are allied together in large
syndicates. Fosterlings are implanted with a subdermal comlink as a
mark of their acceptance into a patronage. It is patronage law that
Jinthar must not enslave or eat someone from their own patronage or
syndicate but must assist or protect them when asked. There are small
numbers of Jinthar young who are released free and not as fosterlings or
who leave a patronage. These are known as the Aimless, ranked only just
above slaves, and are the most likely Jinthar to be encountered. How the
un-fostered Jinthar acquire the subdermal comlink is unknown.

Zuk-an-Yeldaa
These Aimless Jinthar are the exception to the patronage rule. They are
loners or pairs; a master and apprentice, but held in very high regard by
Jinthar society as a whole, as they hunt FX users and kill them. Through
years of self discipline they have gradually reduced or overcome their
fear of FX and become skilled assassins. These Jinthar are usually
Combat Specs and have the following special Achievement
Benefits available to them:

Level 3 Psionic Awareness Perk cost 3

Level 5 Reduce Phobia to +2 cost 3
Level 7 FX Awareness Perk cost 3
Level 9 Reduce Phobia to +1 cost 3
Level 11 Reduce FX Susceptibility to +2 cost 5
Level 13 Remove Phobia cost 3
Level 15 Reduce FX Susceptibility to
cost 5
+1
Level 17 Remove FX Susceptibility cost 5

Jinthar Game Data

As yet the only friendly Jinthar encountered are

their face changes colour as appropriate. Females are not ready to court
again until their most recent clutch has reached adulthood. Average
lifespan is 70 to 100 years (60 years +d4 x 10 years). There is no concept
of family in their culture; Jinthar young perceived as imperfect are killed
by their parents and fed to other young. Cannibalism is an accepted
Jinthar way of life and they are quite happy to eat their dead, believing
the deceased’s strengths will pass to them.
those of the Lashek Syndicate or the Aimless. By
and large Jinthar avoid contact with other intelligent species unless they
need their skills. A typical encounter might be on the far fringe of the
70th Mentaraean Centesimal. Jinthar are occasionally employed as space
hands on the fringes because of their toughness and skills with
technology. If they regard you as a patron or a member of their
patronage they will prove a very trustworthy and dependable friend.
Jinthar signature equipment is a variety of jewellery, body
ornamentation, subdermal comlink, shock spear and quantum SMG.

It is widely held that the Sathar and Jinthar have a common ancestry, Jinthar Shock Spear Tolzuk (one-handed)
much like early Homo sapiens and Neanderthal man. Their home world, Description: 1.8m long and 2.5cm in diameter, made from shiny silver
according to Jinthar accounts, is sadly a radioactive wasteland in the grip metal with rounded ends and a sliding three position button 60cm from
of perpetual nuclear winter following their great war. Jinthar would one end. Button in central position is off, button forward is full charge
have overrun their weaker Sathar cousins had it not been for deep- and button back is stun only.
rooted Jinthar superstitions and their inability to tolerate or withstand
any kind of FX (Yeldaa). Jinthar are invariably found wearing numerous Accuracy: -1
talismans, amulets and charms designed to protect the wearer against Actions: 3
the supernatural. Jinthar attained their current progress level, PL8, Type/Firepower: En/O
before the Sathar and used it to colonise new worlds and encounter new Damage: 2d4s/d6+2w/2d4+1w [or stuns]
species. As a result they are less xenophobic than Sathar and consider Hide: N/A
their cousins barbarians for their constant aggression towards others. Clip Size: 20 strikes
Jinthar are also more creative and appreciative of art and culture in all its Mass: 1kg
forms and are very acquisitive as a result. They often collect jewellery Skill: Melee Weapons-powered
and fine art and love to create beautiful artefacts and designs in all areas Special: Ordinary damage to self on all attacks,
of their lives. Jinthar consider themselves superior to other life forms unless wearing insulated gloves.
and are active slavers, but are not necessarily aggressive unless the life

27
Essentially a staff-sized pulse baton, this weapon is much meaner. The Psionic/FX Skills :
combat battery is larger and thus it can deliver a bigger-sized jolt while Not applicable
having the same or even superior capacity than the ordinary pulse baton.
The extra reach also makes it a very accurate weapon. On the downside, Jinthar as Heroes
since there is no insulated handle and the current runs along the whole
length of the staff, a pair of insulated gloves is required or the non-
The GM may allow Jinthar to be played as heroes. Jinthar can be any
Jinthar wielder suffers Ordinary damage on every phase he is in contact
profession but have no FX or Psionic ability. A Jinthar hero gains the
with the weapon. Even with the gloves, it's possible to shock oneself,
following free broad skills: Unarmed Attack, Stamina, Knowledge,
suffering Ordinary damage on a Critical Failure for trained users, or
Awareness, Creativity and Interaction.
Ordinary damage on a Failure and Good damage on a Critical Failure for
Jinthar toughness is represented by Durability x 1.2 and slowness by
untrained users.
reduced movement (80% of standard) and action check (+d4).
Jinthar Quantum SMG Korzuk
Jinthar Flaws:
Description: Small conical pistol sized weapon weighing 1kg attached by
FX Susceptibility - Penalty to all rolls versus all FX +3.
gravitic cabling to a 5kg cylinder magazine 30cm in length and 15cm in
Obsessed - Will pursue own selfish or patronage aims ruthlessly.
diameter. The cylinder is a fast power converter and can be recharged to
Phobia - Terrified of FX and users and so penalty to all rolls in their
full capacity in around 3 hours from any power source. Jinthar weapons
perceived presence +3.
are usually beautifully decorated and personally customised.
Jinthar Species Abilities:
Accuracy: 0
Night Vision - Reduce low-light penalties up to 2 steps; no effect in total
Actions: 3
darkness.
Type/Firepower: En/O
Natural Armour - d6+1 / d4+1 / d4 CaCO3, chitin & conchin plates.
Damage: d4+3w/d6+4w/d6+1m
Light Sensitivity - +1/+2/+3 step penalties in light
Range 60/150/300m
FX Susceptibility - Saving roll versus any FX is at +3
Hide: N/A
Superior Audio Recognition - -d4 to Perception Track and Search rolls
Clip Size: 30 Bursts or 10 Full Auto
Superior Olfactory Senses - -d4 to Perception Track and Search rolls
Mass: 6kg
Sound Mimicry - -d4 to Mimic skill
Skill: Modern Ranged Weapons –SMG
*Defensive Odour - Can be used d4+2 times in 10 day period and is
Special: Rechargeable integral cylinder
effective in air or water. ALL beings within 10m must make a Stamina –
magazine
Endurance roll at penalty as follows: within 2m +2 penalty, within 5m +1
penalty and within 10m no penalty. Results A = no penalty to actions, G =
Typical Level One Jinthar Free Agent Spacehand:
+1, O = +2, F = +3, CF = +4. Penalty lasts d4 hours. Initial odour can be
STR=12
detected up to 1km away. Odour can still be detected on any in 10m
DEX=11
contact area d4+2 days later.
CON=9
Durability: 10/10/5/5
Jinthar GRAPH Tolerance:
Move: Sprint 18, Run 12, Walk 4, Easy Swim 2, Swim 4
Gravity G1 G2 G3 No penalty
Reaction Score: Ordinary/2
Radiation R0 R1 No penalty
PEP/FX Points: N/A
Atmosphere A2 No penalty (Can also survive underwater)
Pressure P2 P3 P4 No penalty
Attacks:
Heat & Cold H1 H2 No penalty
ATTACK FORMS Base Range (S/M/L) Damage
Brawl +d0 Personal d4+1s/d4+2s/d4+3s
Jinthar heroes must meet these Ability Score limits:
Bite +d0 Personal d4w/d4+2w/d6+1w
Shock Spear Tolzuk +d0 Personal 2d4s/d6+2w/2d4+1w
STR DEX CON INT WIL PER
[or stuns]
6-14 4-12 8-16 6-14 9-15 4-14
SMG, Quantum +d0 60/150/300 d4+3w/d6+4w/d6+1m

A
Korzuk
*Defensive Odour N/A 10 Special

Defences:
+2 STR resistance modifier vs. melee attacks
+1 DEX resistance modifier vs. ranged attacks
+1 INT resistance modifier vs. encounter skills
+0 WIL resistance modifier vs. encounter skills
Armour type: Natural Armour [d6+1 / d4+1 / d4]; CaCO3, chitin & conchin
plates

Skills:
Athletics (12) –Climb 4 (16), Melee Weapons (12) –Shock Spear 1 (13),
Unarmed Attack (12) –Brawl 1 (13), Modern Ranged Weapons (11) –SMG 1
(12), Stealth (11) –Hide 1 (12) –Sneak 1 (12), Stamina (9) –Endurance 1 (10),
Awareness (10) –Perception 1 (11), Creativity (10) –Mimic 2 (12),
Investigate (10) –Search 1 (11) –Track 1 (11), Knowledge (11) –Language
Common (12), Systems Operations (11), Technical Science (11) –Juryrig 1
(12), Interaction (7) –Bargain 1 (8),

28
 Good, Con, Permanent
The mutant has an organ that is normally not found on his species. It

Arcanomorphs provides a 1 step bonus to a broad skill, a 2 step bonus to a specialty skill,
can replicate any Good physical mutation or any two Ordinary ones. The
exact organ is decided by the player with GM approval. It may be
antennae, tentacles, tail or altered skin. An example:
by Derek Holland
A physical gill is a structure that allows some invertebrates to obtain
The idea of magical genetic engineering has had my attention ever since
oxygen underwater. Almost all involve hairs used to capture air. A
I read the Merlane kit in Dragon magazine issue #237. Using Jim Clunie's
mutant with a physical gill would have a large mat of hair somewhere on
optional rank benefits concept and Red Dragon's FX rules, I have finally
his body (or over the whole thing). The hair allows the mutant to
developed a FX skill rank benefit that I find acceptable for this theme.
breathe underwater and provides a 1 step bonus to resisting the effects
of cold conditions.
Alteration- transmute
Greater New Body Parts
Alter Life (12 points): At rank 10, the caster can alter creatures
permanently. Every time the spell is cast, the mutations new body parts
Amazing, Con, Permanent
or minor physical change is added. At rank 12, these are replaced with
The mutant is more alien than those with the Good version. The organ
greater new body parts or major physical change. The spell takes 8
provides a 2 step bonus to a broad skill, a 4 step bonus to a specialty
hours to cast and costs $15,000. At rank
skill, can replicate any Amazing physical mutation, any two Good
12, the time required increases to 16 hours
mutations, any four Ordinary mutations or a Good mutation and two
and the cost is $50,000. This rank benefit
Ordinary ones.
does not charm the creature (that
requires Enchantment- charming).
Multiple castings upon a Physical Change (Major)
creature can result in
something that does not Moderate (Extreme), Con,
look anything like the Permanent
original. Any living These defects are mirror images of
creature can be affected the new body parts mutations.
(though the GM might Where there was a bonus, it is now
want to exclude things a penalty.
like demons and
elementals). The resulting Don't forget this article is
creatures, called about fantasy and that the
arcanomorphs, are sterile. mutations could have a
Mental mutations may not be added fantastic result. Using new
with this spell; it is thought body parts to cover the skin
there may be a divine version of the creature with lead or
that allows that. copper, in replicating the dermal
armor mutation, is perfectly
If 20 points are acceptable. Using greater new body
spent on purchasing parts to grow a second head or
this rank benefit, or 8 crystal wings is also acceptable. Unless
points are spent later, the GM rules otherwise, of course.
fertile creatures can be
created. This is a much more Here are some examples of
complex process that requires organisms that a caster could
months of planning and create:
execution- one for every point of
constitution the resulting creature will An improved guard dog has a patch of
have plus the number of alterations (ie. the number bioluminescent skin between its shoulders. If the dog
of new body parts mutations added). This also allows the scents something it wants to eat, the patch glows
caster to make creatures that go through metamorphosis. Add the green. If it scents an intruder, the patch glows yellow. If the dog senses
final constitution of the grub stage to the constitution of the adult to something it fears, the patch glows red. Treat this as minor new body
determine how many months it takes to plan and execute. The cost is parts.
$50,000 per month.
One typical trick casters use to increase their income is to cause the
The GM will have to decide on if this can affect humans and other affected creature to age rapidly. They explain that it is due to the
sapient species. magical stress the creature is under and that it will cost a lot more for
one that ages normally. Inflicting a minor physical change causes the
Since not everyone has the Gamma World book for Alternity, here are creature to age 20% faster. Major physical change halves the life span of
the descriptions for new body parts and physical change (the latter I the creature.
redesigned):
Casters can also to the opposite and make a great deal of money by
slowing the aging of humans and other sapient creatures. Note that the
New Body Parts gods do not like mortals interfering with their affairs like this, so the

29
caster might be cursed or have clergy hunt them down. that eliminates the penalties for moving and acting underwater). These
people live on the bottom of the ocean and because of their changes,
Another favorite money maker is very fancy birds or dogs. With a couple live in a style very similar to surface dwellers. They can swim well, but
castings, the birds could have songs that sound like an instrument and usually prefer to walk or ride along the abyssal plain.
the dogs might gain gold fur and silver teeth.
Cloud walkers have environmental adaptation (G, cold) and levitation
To deal with orcs, weren or other potentially dangerous or annoying (Amazing version with 10 times the duration of the Good mutation).
creatures, casters have been know to alter predators so that they can These people live on mountain tops, magical clouds and floating cities.
only digest the meat of the target species. This obviously doesn't keep They can not fly, but are not in danger of falling either (at least while
them from attacking others, but with training, this can be minimized. awake).
This is a major physical change.
Dust dwellers have flight and size change (much, much smaller). These
To provide living space for an overcrowded kingdom, casters have people are so small that impacts with objects that humans use doesn't
altered humans so that they can live underground or underwater. cause them damage. They still try to find locations far from humanity
and out of direct sun.
In warfare, living weapons that can breed can be of great use. Casters
might even figure out how to make living bombs or creatures that are And then there is the idea of creating symbiotes.
artillery. GMs should be ready for this if he or she wants to exclude
them. Parasites could inflict
defects, flaws or even
Using the idea of reduce an ability score. In an
metamorphosis, small, FX rich setting, penalties to
catlike animals are created resisting magic is a fairly
as to ingratiate themselves common result of certain
into a community. After a parasite arcanomorphs.
few months, they
metamorphosis into a lion- Commensalists (or phorids)
like animal which then are scenery- they just ride
attack the locals. along on their host without
causing harm. Unless there
Buildings can be created this is some very large creatures
way. Hollow gourds or trees, in the GM's setting, human
giant snails or even on the based arcanomorphs are not
back of a giant turtle. Of that likely.
course the animals still have
to be fed, or allowed to Mutalists would provide
forage, and can be mutations, perks, but not
stubborn. heightened ability scores (at
least not without some
Bioluminescent creatures or penalty). Keep in mind they
fungi can provide lighting may or may not be socially
and waste disposal. acceptable if visible.

Growing weapons and Some GM advice:

armor might be an
expensive achievement- *Keep control over players
what animal or plant looks who use this, otherwise it
like a mace or plate mail? will bankrupt the heroes and
destabilize your campaign.
Food creatures, both plants *Creatures with a very low
and animals, can be well constitution score are very
worth the effort, if they are susceptible to disease,
made to be fertile. A cow poison or even bad weather.
that is shrunk to 2 feet tall, grows wool and can digest grass easier (and *To reduce the constitution to a low level will take several castings and
thus put on the pounds much faster) could cause a population explosion thus increases the cost dramatically.
in the kingdoms that ranch it. *Since the spell can not make mental mutations, there can be no
increases or decreases to intelligence or changes to personality or will.
If the GM allows this to be used on sapient creatures, the following The creature will have the same mentality as before and this might have
might be possible. some negative consequences.
* It isn't meant just for heroes and other humanoids. Dragons and other
Beast men, like those of Well's novel Island of Dr. Moreau, are easy to powerful fantasy FX users might have ways of bending or breaking the
replicate with these rules. They have one greater new body parts rules the GM decides on.
mutation and one physical change defect. Depending on the setting,
they will also have reduced mental ability scores, interaction penalties
and the poor manipulation defect from Dragon 272.

Abyss walkers have gills, sonar and unhindered (an Amazing mutation

30

Alternity Fan Spotlight
Harry "Scratch" Bandoian
Conducted by Last Resort Staff
LR: Hello...?
Scratch: heya!
LR: Long time, no chat, brother, how's it going?
Scratch: Indeed, not bad at all. Just trying to make it through each day as
it comes. Yourself?
LR: Can't complain much... Taking a little break from the Pens v. Flyers
game to help the cause of getting LR6 out to the community.
LR: Are you ready to begin?
Scratch: big fan, eh?
Scratch: sire
Scratch: sure
LR: Most definitely. It was a tough call on this, but I owe it to the
community to get LR6 out there...
Scratch: haha I like a man with dedication.
LR: You know it...
LR: First question: When did you start playing RPG?s (not necessarily
Alternity)?
Scratch: I picked up my first rpg when I was round about 7. My cousin
told Dave me and my other cousin Gary about this game he had. It
turned out to be a DnD 2ed boxed set. That first game was as silly as it
could come. If I remember correctly we ended up with excalibur in the
first level. Been playing ever since.
LR: Excalibur? Wow... can you say "Monty Haul"? sheesh...
Scratch: That's nothing. We found magic chewing gum that could clone
items....we made a copy of Excalibur. Looking back, I don't know how
we took it at all seriously. It was fun though.
LR: LOL... Well, I guess that's to be expected... it is a game after all...
LR: So, did you branch out to other RPG's?
Scratch: For a while I stuck with DnD. I didn't know any players after my
cousin stopped playing, but I found out that the local toy store sold
some boxed sets for cheap. I'd buy it mostly as reading material, but
when I got the net I joined a Spelljammer campaign. I remember how
opposed I was to Alternity when I first heard about it. Course, I never
saw a book and when I did...well...I could see exactly what I was wrong
about.
LR: Ah, SpellJammer... good times... I ran a few games of SJ back in the
day. Always had great, sweeping story arcs... never enough players with
time to invest. *sigh*
31
Scratch: Ive played around with other games...but very minimally. I loved
Spelljammer. The fact that you could literally change the "physics" of
how different spheres worked was great fun. And then theres the
Spelljammer itself, I thought that was great fun
LR: So when did you start playing Alternity? And more specifically, how
did you eventually come around enough to drink the proverbial Kool-
Aid?
Scratch: I can't remember exactly when...but I took a jaunt through a
bookstore and while looking through the different rpgs they had
stocked I came upon an Alt book. I really liked the mechanic. I hated
Non-Weapon Proficiencies. With my limited experience with rpgs alt
seemed to me as the first game that actually handled it realistically.
Course...later on I discovered it wasn't exactly new, but Alternity was far
more rule moderate than those other systems.
Scratch: There was that....and I liked the pictures
LR: Yeah, the art's freakin' fantastic... I, too, loved the way it handled
skills. Is the realism, or rather the approximation of realism within the
game mechanic what drew you in?
Scratch: I liked the way it was realistic, but yet not so much so that it got
in the way of the game. Take GURPs for instance...I've always thought
you needed a math degree just to figure out how to play. Alt on the
other hand was simple and effective. Yet at the same time you didn't
have a rule for every little task. I'm a bit of a minimalist, the less rules I
have to remember the better. That's what I hated about D20, actually.
Too many rules
LR: As much of a critic of D20 as I have been, I've never actually bought a
single book or even played a single game. I was spent out on upgrading
my AD&D library, which is extensive enough as-is, thanks. Let's shift
gears here a bit: What are your past contributions to the Alternity
community?
Scratch: I'd say I'm lacking a bit in that regard. Other than the occasional
neat idea or game I haven't done much. I guess you could say my only
real contribution has been playing the game and loving every minute of
it. Whether it might be a claustrophobic doctor who hates space ships or
the tried and true flirty fighter jock...and maybe the occasional
malevolent gm.
LR: LOL... yeah, that claustrophobic doc is a fond memory of mine. I
must've missed that flirty fighter-jock... which game was that?
Malevolent GM? Should I be worried here?
Scratch: Oddly enough they're both named Byron...I do so like recycling
names. The pilot I play in Trailblazers Unwritten Age. As for the
malevolent gm...have you ever met a gm that you shouldn't be worried
about?
LR: Ah... my Mrs. also, when she gets a minute to play, recycles the
names... usually females whos names both begin & end with "A", just
like her own real name (Angela). For context for the readers out there,
the other Byron was Dr. Byron Cordell of the legendary Escape Velocity
2503 (EV2503) game. You're also currently running a game on A.net...
Scratch: Yup, my own homebrew game, Echoes after the Fall. Maybe
another if life permits. I've got some fun things planned for you boys.
LR: Oh dear... I'm glad I went with the big bruiser-type... Is this the first
Alternity game you've run on A.net?
Scratch: No, I ran another game, Empire of the Mind. It was my take on
Earth: Final Conflict with a Alternity twist. Unfortunately, life kicked up a
notch and I couldn't keep it going. That game had a heavy base on
Psionics, which I tend to focus on in my games. samurai sword wielding hacker?

LR: So, I'm guessing that "Mindwalking" is an essential piece to your
Alternity library, huh?
Scratch: I like it and I have it sitting next to my desk...but I haven't used it
much. A lot of the powers in there are way more powerful than what I
want to deal with both thematically and rule wise.
LR: Really? Huh... What about some of the other ideas in there, like
psionic items or whatnot?
Scratch: Those were cool. That sort of thing always reminded me of
Darksun. You might find some of those in Echoes...if you all live long
enough
LR: Dark Sun is a AD&D setting I'd love to run tabletop sometime...
again, same problems as plagued my SJ games. I'll have to keep my eyes
open for that sort of thing in Echoes, as a player... my hero would be
more likely to simply try to smash the damned thing to bits... So, aside
from "Echoes After the Fall", what other Alternity projects are you
currently working on? Anything we can expect to see your unique stamp
on in the resources section of A.net?
Scratch: Oh I've got plenty cooking...Just a matter of how long it can
keep my attention. I tend to get bored with an idea round about the
time it takes for me to start reading a new book or watch a new movie.
Though I am writing up a setting where a test bed for a new FTL drive
gets lost in a far removed region of space.
LR: Ooo... will this possibly become another Alternity game on A.net?
Scratch: Maybe. I'm trying to figure out how it would work without it
falling into "find planet a get what we want, move on to planet b and
repeat"
LR: I'll have to keep my eyes peeled... What project would you most like
to see accomplished for Alternity?
LR: Not too terribly unlike Hiro Nakamura from NBC's "Heroes"... LOL.
Feeding off of that, what sci fi/fantasy character in a book, television
show, video game, or movie would you most like to be and why?
Scratch: Oh man, if I started listing off characters I wanted to be I'd have
you here all night. If I had to pick just one though I think it would be
Richard Mayhew from Neverwhere. Being an office drone myself I
wouldn't mind just stumbling into a strange world like the one he
managed to fall into
LR: Hmmm... I'll have to check that one out... Speaking of work &
professions & such... What profession/career and level are you in Real
Life and what is your highest skill rank?
Scratch: I worked at Bear Stearns on the Credit Derivatives desk as part
of an IT team, but now that Bear has been acquired by JPM I've been
doing various odd jobs relating to the transition. Sounds exciting, don't
it?
LR: Certainly in this day & age with the credit crisis, it's in the news. So if
you were an Alternity hero, what would your profession or career
package be? How about that skill rank? (These are the fun questions!)
Scratch: Hmm I'd probably be a free agent with a 20 lv rank in Athletics -
sleeping...maybe a few ranks in Power Martial Arts too.
LR: ROFLMAO,,, Athletics-sleeping...
LR: Thanks, brother.... you'll see this in LR6!
Scratch: I guess that's my 15 minutes of fame! Wouldn't want to spend it
anywhere else.
LR: Aw, shucks, man...

LR: Not necessarily one you are involved with... LR: Catch you in Echoes...
Scratch: Aside from reviving it? I think the cybernetics book by Kzin (I
believe it is). I've had a bit of fondness for Cyberpunk. Scratch: Going back to your pens game?

LR: Ah, yes.... my favorite layout-kitty... I'm sure he'll take that positively.
What is the most recent RPG-related book/item that you
have acquired?
Scratch: Well, I recently bought the fourth edition of Dnd since my friend
decided to start running a campaign again. I hope to get Martial Power
for Dnd once Wizards is kind enough to actually send out copies. I keep
looking at my Amazon order and it's not going anywhere.
LR: Yeah... it's in shoot-out... real nail-biter...
Scratch: Watching the tail end of cool hand luke myself, gotta love
netflix
LR: Well, enjoy. I'll catch you later.
Scratch: Later man, thanks for the opportunity!

LR: Oh, man... you drank the D&D4e Kool-Aid... I'll have to clear my LR: Thank YOU!
schedule for you on my couch... (Just kidding, bro.) Any good (Alternity

A
or other) websites to recommend (other than the late TS.net or the
venerable A.net)?

Scratch: Not really, there used to be some really good sites back when
Alternity was still in print, but those seem to have fallen off the grid or
I've lost the links to them. Anet, however, is my savior when work gets
really dull and tedious.

LR: I hear you on that one... You mentioned your penchant for reading...
what is your favorite sci-fi/fantasy book(s) and why?

Scratch: So many...Snowcrash seems to be my most recent favorite. The

world crafted was just so bleak and yet humorous. Also, the characters
were really awesome. I mean, how many authors even think about
naming their main character Hiro Protagonist and then turn him into a

32
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33