I have this desire

To create a character

New and intriguing

Something beyond

My usual self

A character that I can access

By looking at my own shadow

And escaping through the mirror

To a place where a game is played

Trustworthy like a Gnath Clock

As real as this world of Time

So far away

Existing

Within its own horizons

 ON RACES P.4 larawg p.46
MECHANICAL DREAM CREATORS Emovans p5 Joo p.46
Paqzu&Francis Frilins p5 GROUND VEHICLES P.47
AUTHOR Gnaths p.6 Wheelderness p.47
Benjamin Paquette Inais p.7 Huoradozer p.47
TRANSLATORS Nayans p.7 Grindrider p.47
Matthew Upscombe &Melanie Odwoanes p.B FLYING VEHICLES
EQUIPMENTS DESIGNED &DRAWN
Jean-Fran~is Ferland
ACRYLIC, PLOMB &OIL ART
,. Soleks
Volkois
Yakis
p.8
p9
p.9
Cargo
Bellyglider
SLASHING WEAPONS
p.48
p.48
P.49
Yann Leroux lal lins p.9 True Blade p.49
ALL INDUSTRIES&BROTHERHOOD&LOGOS EMPOYMENT ON KAiNAS P.lO E-slash blade p.49
DESIGNED&DRAWN BY
Donald Caron ~~
'/
Slums
The First platforms
p.11
p.11
CRUSHING WEAPONS
Terrific Spiked mace
P.49
p.49
BOOK LAYOUT, DESIGNED AND TYPESETTING Intermediates platforms p.12 Impact Hammer p50
Francis Larose ~ Upper platforms p.l3 PIERCING WEAPONS P.49
Job: Dream Shaman p.l5 ZeDrill p.49
PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY Job: Dream Warrior p.17 ARMES D'HONNEURS P51
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2177 Masson #303 Job: Peddler p11 Reactor Sword p53
Montreal, Quebec 1\, Job: Rood Guardian p13 GRINDING WEAPONS
H2H 1B1 • WHO ARE THE ECATIMS? P.25 Real Chainsaw p52
Steam logic con be reached through the internet @ Theories on their Nature p16 FLYING WEAPONS P52
www.steamlogic.com ABrief History p17 Razor Deck p52
info@steamlogic.com Their Place in Modern Society p19 SUBTLE MECHANISMS P55
Product #: SLG-C001 Mechanical Boxed-set Hypothesis on their Future p.30 Theory p56
Powers Nature p55
Depots Legaux : Septembre 2002 (Specialties and Peculiarities) p.30 Habitual, affective,
Bibliotheque Notionale du Quebec ON VOCATIONS P.31 psychological and artificial p55
Notional Ubrary of Canada Renaissonce p.31 Positive and Negative p56
The Second Awakening p.33 Birth p56
ISBN: 0-9730153-1-4 Impacts p.34 Nourishing p56
Specters and Engineers p.34 Conditions p56
FIRST PRINT: IMPRIME AU CANADA ENGINEER P.36 Active p56
~ SPECTER P.38 Passive p56
LEGAL STUFF : ~ / ENERGIES P.41 Reinforcement p57
© 2002, SteamLogic Editions Inc. All rights '" Mechanicol energy: Death p57
reserved. Reproduction without the written The everlasting wheels p.41 PRACTICE P57
permission of the publishers is expressly forbidden, Thermal Energies p.41 1) Creation p57
except for the purposes of reviews, and for blank Coal p.41 2) Effect p57
character sheets, which may be reproduced for Harafa p.41 3) Evolution p58
personnal use only. Hydraulic Energy p.42 4) Size p58
Steaamlagic and Mechanicol Dream are registered Distribution methodes 5) Structure p59
trademarks of Steamlagic Editions inc. All rights and eneretic uses p.42 MECHANISMS EXAMPLES P59
reserved. Mother Mechanical Power Station p.42 by Neabmjin p59
All characters, names, places, and text herein are Kioux elevator doors p.43 DREAM KEYS P.61
copyrighted by Steamlagic Editions Inc. Tramway p.43 Mystic Attribute p.61
The mention of or reference to any company or SLUMS TECHNOLOGIES P.44 Key system p.61
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copyrigths concerned. Junk golem p.44 THE STORY THAT BECAME REALITY
Any Similarities to character, situations, Slum Chainsaw p.45 Croft object system p.63
institutions, corporations, etc, {without satirical Vegecopter p.45 Crafted Objects p.63
intent) are coincidental. LIVING VEHICLES P.46
Grandatorus p.46
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 E rnova ns
Emovans who leave their ocean
abode for the Dry World often find it
fairly feasible to integrate into their
new reality. They try to find jobs that
put them in contact with kindred spirits,
such as a job in a factory where many
Odwoanes work. Odwoanes are "similar" enough to their own
kind to befriend easily.
Problems arise, however, at the emotional and
psychological level. It is blatantly obvious that an Emovan
out of water will never feel completely at ease with his Dry
World environment. And while we have a tendency to
relegate this information to the background, there is more
than a physical malaise here. An Emovan out of water feels
a vast choking desert in his soul (as well as his body).
On a physical level Emovans feel a constantly longing for the
feeling of oceanic immersion, a maternal comfort reminiscent of
embryonic bliss. Everywhere he goes, the air is dry and
polluted, especially in the slums. And the platforms over his
head prevent the factory smoke from rising beyond the horizons
of the wretched, the poor and the dispossessed.
On an emotional level, an Emovan without water is also without
family. On dry land, everybody must fend for himself. Except
for the lnals, people live exclusively for their own self-interest
above water. Even if they work for the community, as is the case
of law enforcement officers, they are really in it for themselves.
As for strangers on the street, they merely carve more solitude
out of this dry land that they share.
On a psychological level, gone is the constancy of marine life,
the ebb and flow of the shifting tides, the eternal breath of the
ocean. All Emovans naturally drift to this ancestral rhythm,
pulsing for millennia. On land they struggle to feel the rhythm,
the pulse and the comfort of their natural environment.
Most people in the Dry World seem to be afraid of death; afraid
of the Dream, and with good reason. On a spiritual level,
however, these two notions are as familiar to the Emovans as the
Pendulum. They are all aspects that make up reality. Their
parents, grand parents, great-grandparents and so forth, who
may be long since dead in a carnal form, nevertheless live on
with them in a spiritual form. These spirits accompany living
Emovans on their journeys. Sometimes they take hold of new
bodies, born again, or as becoming Aran creatures.
~k /
~~
P l ay~rs :
For a player, the challenge in
playing an Emovan would be to
make this emptiness (this sense of loss)
come across strongly. A player would also
have to explain why his Emovan decided to leave his
waters in the first place. His Vocation could somehow be
involved in this explanation. The way that an Emovan copes
with his new environment would defmitely serve as an
interesting challenge for many players.
Frilins
While for the Emovans, the challenge
originates in the outside world and
affects them on the inside, a player
who decides to incarnate a Frilin finds
himself confronted by a challenge coming
exclusively from the inside. The difficulty is
hardly on a social level. The Frilin, with his extreme
mental capacities, can land a job practically anywhere and then
climb the ladder socially with great ease. The Gnath pace of life
is beyond him, but the little structures that these organized
Gnaths set in place are fascinating to the Frilin who quite enjoys
taking them apart to decipher their code.
Let us recall their birth (Core Book, DS, p.21). Education is the
key to playing a Frilin. Even at his birth, a Frilin is not particularly
a product of "chance." His education, constructed in terms of his
inclination, make himself into work of art, a unique individual who
entirely possesses himself. He is rooted deep within himself, not
enmeshed in the drama of his parents. There is nothing in his
education that could arrest the development as laid out in a
theoretical fashion. When the practical applications come up, the
theory is so deeply engrained, that practice is like child's play.
Engre·nage·s

A Frilin character should not be
constructed from a series of
anecdotes which would have
formed him in one way or another. The events
after birth should only be taken into consideration as
secondary elements, having produced in the Frilin such
and such character trait without ever touching his inner
fiber, the sap that has coursed through him since birth.
44
- This sap flows upwards, towards the Pendulum,
perhaps. It is not an aimless stream. Its flow, ever rising,
is something the Frilin learns to trust. This flow should be
defined with the character's mission in mind. His trajectory
.
<
should not be conceived as a stagnant piece of wood, or a museum
piece, but a dynamic living entity. This sap is what the player
should seize upon at the Frilin's birth. In any case, even if the
6 player is mistaken in his assessment of the Frilin's flow, the
sap will find its course. A Frilin will not walk a path that is
not his.
Once on his riverbed, moving ever towards his Ocean of
Destiny (in the writer and poet lierk Arian sense), the
newborn Frilin can hardly deviate at all. A Frilin child
never will be beaten, nor loved nor hated. He will be
educated in everything that he wants to know. He does
not need love but understanding and empathy; emotions
that are more subtle and refined. There is no place
for those passionate and visceral emotions, untidy
and wild like the wind. Consequently, he who
decides to incarnate a Frilin character does not
only incarnate an enormous slow-flowing genius
·- of the Mind, but an individual of a unity and an
/
integrity that cannot be found in any other race.
(~ n fl th s
Once one has understood the basic
elements that make up a Gnath, they
become a relatively easy character to play,
regardless of how difficult might be to
conceive of their inner reality. Gnaths are
easy creatures to incarnate because they correspond to our
definition of the tragic hero. They use their pain in order to
create. Gnath cruelty, their pace of life, their way of thinking,
their insensitivity, their complete lack of frivolity and their
heaviness are all things which are endearing to us. The Gnath
can be ultimately forgiven because (it can be said with
conviction) the Gnath suffers.
When a player decides to create himself anew as a Gnath, he has
a vast palate of choices at his disposal. Gnaths are omnipresent
socially. Indeed, for many employment positions, a Gnath will be
preferred to an individual of another race, especially if the boss
is a Gnath.
This solidarity, quiet but treacherous, allows the player to
advance to whatever position he desires in whatever profession
with more ease, providing the Gnath possesses the necessary
qualifications. That the character can choose to lead this or that
life is not in question. The potential for choice is infinite. The
question is rather the following: "What career path will one 's
character follow?" Anything is possible.
Here are some interesting questions worth exploring when
incarnating a Gnath: How does my character sublimate his
pain? A Gnath, even living in the most miserable conditions,
always looks up beyond the scope of his everyday experience.
What is he seeking in the Ieavy sky? What are his goals? By
understanding his often ambitious motivations, even if they are
never realized, a player can create a character very alive and
mobile. If a Gnath becomes an Echo, how much more can he
accomplish? How would he react to life situations? What would
become of his ambitions? How would they evolve once he
realizes he is an Echo? A Gnath Echo quickly becomes aware of
the new potential to which he has access ...
 r n a1..s
One tends to perceive lnai:s as the type to live
a life of luxury and leisure. They appear to be
such sweet and passive people. However, such
a lifestyle is impossible on Ka!nas. Therefore,
something else must be behind this incredible
natural disposition that the Inals possess. This "je
ne sais quoi," besides their positive relationship with
orpee, is an innate resistance to negative patterns. They
also have an extraordinary ability to accumulate and conserve
positive energy, without making any noticeable efforts.
Engineers have been observing this ability for a long time. They
have found a large list of possible causes for this impressive
ability, but have been unable to narrow it down to one.
This mental solidity is what gives the Inals their sweet
disposition. It allows them to appreciate life, to trust that life
is unfolding as it should. They believe in a number of things
which for many other races would be corrupting; or simply
too painful to conceive. Passion, love and self-abandon are not
extreme sensations for an lnals. He or she remains always in
control, taking the passionate feeling in stride. Inals love affairs
are rarely dramatic, for instance. As for the vicious circles so
often remarked in Gnath society, they are relatively non-existent
among the Inals. As well, Dependencies of any sort have no hold
on them.
Relationship complications, emotional difficulties, remorse and
unnecessary guilt are all blissfully absent from the Mind of an
Inals. From this inner strength is born their sweetness, their
patience, their generosity and their capacity to forgive. As well,
they know how to love purely, not with a tendency for sacrifice
like the Nayans, or calculation like the Gnath. To play an lna:is
character is to play someone with an incredible emotional and
mental strength.
The personality of an Inals is rarely defined according to fixed
forms. For instance, an lnals does not need to assert himself.
Instead, the Inals will take the shapes and contours of his
environment and make his place within it. If he develops a
fondness for an environment (as in the case of sedentary Inals or
nomads traveling with the same group) we might be under the
impression that he has merged with it. In another example of
their flexibility, if a Gnath shouts at an Inals, "Stand up for
yourself! Can't you see he's insulting you?" The Inals could very
well sigh with sadness in his eye and then smile benignly.
~k
/
~~
Play (? rs : E n gr~nag (?s
He could also get angry,
demand reparation, fight, die
while laughing or slay his enemies
while crying in compassion; it would
be up to him to choose the emotion in
that moment. Most of the time, however, he
would remain stoic in the face of opposition. Of his
ability to suffer "possitively" we can only be envious. Hopefully,
we can all learn lessons from the Inals' harmonious
world view.
Navans
. ...............v. ........................................................... .
Regarding their instinct for self-sacrifice.
This instinct is really the dominating
character trait of all Nayans. It is their
central question in life; the ruling quest of
their heart. When a player decides to be a
Nayan, the first question he should ask himself
is, "How can I survive my own instinct?" Almost
all Nayans will learn at a very young age how to survive despite
their instinct for self-sacrifice, often by observing their parents.
Nayan families are very devoted to one another, and it is not
unheard of for families, cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents (all
non-Withered), to live in the same neighborhood so that they
can protect one another. Nayan families have even managed to
control entire neighborhoods, creating sub-societies that are
quite safe. These Families (capitalized when they contain more
than twenty members) are often influential in city politics. They
represent a good way for a young Nayan to make his way in the
world, one step at a time.
One thing that the player may want to explore is the tragic side
of the Nayans. This instinct for sacrifice, this natural goodness
that impels them to help those in need, actually often leads to
burn out. They reach a point where everywhere they look, they
see the Dispossessed, reminding them of their failure to help
people. The Nayan who could maintain a profound hope for the
reason of his existence (helping people) is a
Nayan with an extraordinary willpower.
For a Nayan, dulling his senses is no
protection against seeing the evils of
the world.
7
 Faced with the fact that he cannot really help
anyone, the futility of his existence courses like a river
of sadness through his veins. He is absorbed in reality
as though drowning in it. Nevertheless, for the benefit
of others, he is forced to play the role of one who is
above concern; a strong, caring presence in the world.
Deep inside however, he is wishing the days away.
I imposing stature makes him stand out in a crowd.
Perhaps the easiest and the most
enjoyable to play, Odwoanes are
() like little children, chameleon-
() like and neurotic when the
r Dream gets too powerful. We
could easily imagine an Odwoane
at work in some random factory; or
at the neighborhood tavern on a
Derinved (the 5th day of the week); or at the family home
playing cards, reading in his rocking chair; or lying down
on a bed, staring at the ceiling all day.
Even once he has become an Echo, an Odwoane is
still hard to place. Odwoanes become their
Vocation. If one of them becomes an Awakener,
he will be nothing more than an Odwoane
Awakener, his feeble consciousness now
expanding at an exponential rate.· After a few
years, there will remain nothing but the
Awakener, all trace of his Odwoane identity would
have vanished in the dust. Even his body will be
altered in a significant way. According to legend,
Odwoanes exist to show people the real transient
nature of things.
To incarnate a Solek is not
complicated. However, it
requires a lot of attention and
effort. A Solek is constantly
watching his surroundings in an
alert state. He pays attention to
everything and he does not go unnoticed
either. His presence is imposing. Even if he is alone in a
group of individuals from other races, his dark color and
If the Solek is not a member of a tribe, if he is sedentary
and civilized, his integration to a group will be easier. He
will be able to hold down a job, and will accomplish his
duties by applying himself with rigor. He will try to solidify
his assets and his social rank. He will also endeavor to
climb up the social ladder to the next platform.
If the Solek is a nomad, the player will have to know the
reason why he left his tribe (dispersed tribe, quest, calling
from a higher power, personal vengeance, etc.). Once this
motivation is found, his drive will be unstoppable. It is the
key to his characterization. However, make sure that this
deep motivation is in harmony with the rest of the group. If
it does not concord, the Solek will undoubtedly follow his
mission without the slightest thought for the group.
 Vo (ko'is
The biggest danger in playing a Volko"i
is to play him according to the
stereotype. As with many prejudices, it
has nothing to do with who he is. Volko'is are
not dumb brutes. Their energy is not one of
hatred or aggression but one of natural strength
and exuberance. Volko'is are fJied with strength, both
physical and mental. Volko"is are the Modern Children.
Ironically, though they are artificial, Volko"is seem to be the most
"natural" children on Kainas. They are quite at home in this new
realm, ever since the Years of Chaos.
Playing a brutal and idiotic Volko"i may be potentially
entertaining but it misses the point. A Volko'i character has a
subtle complexity. He reflects on his place in the world (they are
cloned with a specific purpose in mind). As well, they are all too
aware that the future will be built on their shoulders ...
' Hl
7 I.K .IS
The Yaki, much like the Soleks, are
difficult to integrate into a group if they
once belonged to a tribe. Once they are
integrated however, they demonstrate
strong loyalty. Both Soleks and Yakis,
being so gregarious in their essence, will
attach themselves to a group they can
trust, but first they must mourn their tribe
and family.
As for a Yaki born without a tribe (in a city), the product of
parents who have become sedentary, the drama of integration is
much easier. Please note that these urban Yakis, bereft of the
ritual in which they use the placenta of a baby to make their
armor, simply do not wear a Yaki armor. Consequently, their
disposition is much less predatory.
(
/
~~
PIRy ,?r,s: Engr •?nflg~s
..
Z 1n s
The most difficult aspect m
playing a Z"in is the process of his
integration into society. The same
goes for his integration into the group to
which he belongs (most probably a group of Echoes). This
process must be carried out with the utmost authenticity. His
first encounter with other creatures in his life should be with the
characters of the other players. If the Zin's formative months
are spent in constant massacres, his integration into any group
would seem somewhat implausible. Indeed, the Zin would
probably remain on the wild side.
There are a few unorthodox methods. For instance, a newborn
Z'in is found and brought up in a tribe of Solek and Yaki (the
most common occurrence). Sometimes there is a lonely outpost
who gives safe haven to a group of Echoes. They might stumble
upon a Zin baby. He may have been attracted by the lights and
had come to the outpost walls. The Echoes might take him under
their wing. These are possibilities which could allow the Zin to
integrate into a group. In such conditions, the Z'in would find
himself helpless in the presence of the group. This helplessness
would attenuate the effect of his strength, allowing for more
harmonious relation with the group. Once the power dynamic is
resolved (the Zin against the crew) the Zin would be able to
happily integrate into the crew.
Once the Z"in becomes submissive, once he is brought down to
a level commensurate with the rest of the group, it will be a lot
easier for him to interact with society in general. By using his
group as his base, the Zin will find himself an almost moderate
soul. As far as his personality is concerned, life would become
simpler. All his aggression, his strength and his vigor would
have to find another form of expression. It would
find its way into his ideas, his hand gestures
and his emotions. The Zin are visceral,
having no patience for morality.
Should the player seek to incarnate
the Zin with perfect integrity, the
other play ers may have difficulty
keeping up with him.
 f=til r) 1() y til (~ r1 t
Contrary to what one might think, it is almost
unh eard of for someone to have more than one job in
his or her lifetime. As well, it is almost impossible for
someone on Ka'inas to work more than one job at a
given time. Employment is so precarious that unless
the work conditions are unbearable (or the person is
presented with incredible opportunities) he or she will
keep his job from his first day of work until death. Those
who acquire the ability to maintain two jobs at once or who
·,
,., manage to skip from one job to the next are usually people
of extraordinary ability; due to their talent, their luck or
() r1 '' S
K. 31fl3
(thereby improving one's condition) it is an option only
open to those who do not live in the slums. The higher the
platform upon which one lives, the greater the possibility of
entertaining a certain freedom of employment.
What follows is a survey of eight jobs, divided into four
groups of two each, representing possible jobs on
platforms. The platform to which we ascribe a specific job
will serve only as a reference; representing a trend rather
than something limited to one platform.
NOTE: For the cities without platforms, the divisions presented below will be segmented by neighborhood.

their social status.

10 Only Volko'i seem to be able to easily sustain having two

jobs at the same time. It is difficult to imagine a Mind
capable of surviving in such organized chaos. Work-life on
Ka'inas is brutal and alienating, and coordinating two jobs
is no picnic. As for the possibility of changing jobs

S lnm s
................................................................................................................................. p . . !... !..... .
Factory worker P.13 Urban former P.ll

F irst f'l <ltfor m s

............................................................................................................................ p . . J..l.....
Bureaucrats of the C*RM P.ll I.E.S. Production supervisor P.12

f n t ~ r m ~ d i ilt ~ Pl <ltfor m s '>

..................................................................................................................................fh - 1-·~ ·····
Chief of Police P.ll Development Ted!nician in Aeronautics P.12

..Llpp~r
............... ......Pl <ltfor ms
.. ............................ .............................................................. p . .l3. .. ..
A.E.S. Cadre P.13 The Commissioners of the Second Division of the CPRM P.13

Jo.............................................................................................................................
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lJ r ~ fl m \Vflrr ior
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 :;···· .
FACTORY WORKER
(ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE)
Here we have an archetype, a Gnath
factory worker (now also available in
Odwoane form!). These workers represent the majority of
the population living in Kamas ' industrial age. Whether it is in a textile mill
(using fabric made from kioux leaves) , a bark manufacturer or an ore and
heavy industry facility, the jobs are all relatively abundant, and
monotonous. The owners and managers, dwelling on the higher platforms,
can "import" their products at an incredibly low price because these factory
workers provide such cheap labor. Owners not only save on labor prices
but also on real estate by keeping their factories in the slums.
The tasks that these workers have to perform are mechanical,Mind-
destroying functions, such as tightening four screws on a wheel. An entire life
can be wasted spent tightening screws on wheels as they come down the
assembly line. Only I 0% of workers in these factories perform function such
as administrators, or secretaries and engineers who make sure the operation
runs smoothly. In the slums, those who do not work - day or Dream · in a
factory, are considered the exception (slightly less than 50% of the total slum
population actually works in factories so, they represent the largest percentage
of employees).
1, h '~ F i r s t P I a t f o r rn s
_;.;;.;;;;;:.;:t..:._,.J?':,:...ti~F?~\~\".'~~
t ~······ ~~~i~~i;::,i:··· ~)4<h.
"'- i[;::I coRM bureaucrats
everywhere. As members of
i the third and fourth division
of each of the sections of the
Core, their presence in the slums
is considered unnecessary. However, it is also not advisable to give them
lodging in the intermediary platforms. Their upward mobility is often halted
at the f.rst platform, in the case of a small city (Khai-Bhek has many
bureaucrats living on the third platform). They make up a sub-elite that is
very self-contained and local, frequenting the same neighborhood haunts
and keeping a distance from the people, with whom they nevertheless share
a close, if perhaps uncomfortable proximity. These C 0 RM bureaucrats fmd
themselves in a state of limbo, halfway between the proletariat and the elite.
The employees of the C 0 RM often work in large offices, grouped together by
section. They receive a weekly report on their performance from their
superiors of the third division. The Core has classified in a large register all
the known situations, in eight numbered levels, each one referring to its
relative level of importance, and the division or person who must deal with it:
sQ
~~
u
J I ""' v
0 ....
.o
\.
r (,,...,.' ••
URBAN FARMER
Almost 20% of the jobs in the slums are
related to agricultural activities such as cereal
cultivation in the polluted soil, or cattle minding in
the putrid pastures. In each slum, a surface equal to that of the
urban area is devoted to farmland. These farmers live and work in
condition far less dangerous than those of the factory hands; or at the least
the Dream workers. However, the amount of travel and the rigor of the
long hours (from the rise of the Pendulum to its setting) hardly make it a
life of luxury.
Travel is most often carried out on foot. However, in the slums of large
cities, there are public transport systems in place, bringing workers to the
farms in the morning and home in the evening. Traveling back and forth is
preferable to staying on site for two reasons. The ftrst is that there can be
more tracts of land dedicated to farming if there are no houses or towns
nearby. As well, the perception is that a dozen or so isolated farmers would
be much less secure out in the farmland than they would in the city.
are
ru,,..,,: ~ 4fu· ~~"''"' hoM· ·~· ,~ ~~,;:,· :)3~·~~;,: oh~d
4) 2nd division, 3) 2nd division's head, 2) 1st division, 1) 1st division's head
(direct intervention of Droliath Estolah and the Frilin Council).
The C 0 RM bureaucrats process cases that have been given the level 8
designation (or matters of the 4th division), i.e. the lowest level of importance.
Bureaucrats who seek to process cases that are above their station are heavily
penalized. Many Nayans, Gnaths, Odwoanes (at the secretarial level) and a
few rare Frilins (starting at an entry level position but with ambition to rise
higher) assume these clerical positions. The higher echelons of society see the
work that these bureaucrats do is as no more than a necessary evil. While the
ruling classes have power over these bureaucrats, they are
often similar in abilities and backgrounds. This
common identity but unequal footing often makes
for heated exchanges. Picture if you will a
cadre from the Core having it out with a
neighborhood warden.
II
/
~-
~ tl 00' r .o
\,._ tl 0""' 0
0' \..o "
1..'

I.E.S. PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Production supervtsors have
enviable position in Gnath society.
They have under their command the
prioritizing of events for their company, a rewarding but
demanding task requiring sustained organizational planning and
long hours. Confronted with such responsibility, many Gnaths
take advantage of the situation and lose themselves completely
in their work. Few Odwoanes would be able to compete in this
":. .r
12 d.:f-rft~rrn (~d i at (~ pIa tfo rrn s
-.,.L···
.
.................................................................................................................... .......... .................................. .
j
CHIEF OF POLICE (CP), THIRD DIVISION OF THE CSRM
The position of Chief of Police is difficult to obtain. It is also a job
that is envied as well as hated. A CP belongs to the head of the
CSRM's third division. By assuming this position, a CP has access
at times to the upper platforms (during annual meetings or
exceptional events such as large-scale parties or special
police duties). It is this access to the "real world" that
makes him so envied. However, as the Chief of Police
knows all too well, there is nothing worse than catching
a glimpse of a paradise you will never know. Indeed,
after the party, the Chief of Police must return to his
abode on the more modest intermediate platforms.
The CPs, much like all the heads of the c•RM, are highly
driven, ambitious people, continually motivated by the
slight chance that they could one day reach the ranks of
- the second division. In the meantime, they are caught at
the pressure point between the higher and lower
platforms. CPs are in charge of keeping their superiors
informed about the actions of their inferiors; actions for which
they will have to take responsibility. Thus, they must ensure that
their inferiors follow the orders that they are passing down from
their leaders. It is the CP, after all, who gets blamed if anything
goes wrong. A good CP is able to maximize the amount and
quality of work from his subordinates with a minimum
of effort (by delegating wisely). This post, because it is
respect and only Volko'i who give themselves over completely to their task
(releasing their surplus energy) would be able to rival the Gnaths in
an productive ability.
Production supervisors remain quite invisible because they do not account
for a large percentage of employees. They often form part of the bourgeois
classes of the lower platforms. Because the work varies from one company
to another, supervisors will often fmd themselves lone riders in an
industrial timeset. Their only form of assistance comes from consulting the
archives about work that the previous supervisors have completed.
so demanding, is sought after especially by Gnaths, who see in it an
opportunity to throw themselves completely into their work in the hopes of
becoming so busy they forget their pain. Beyond that, only Soleks, Volko'i
or a few eccentric Ina'is could sustain such a position.
DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN IN AERONAUTICS
This is a field in which the Frilins, Yakis, Emovans and, of course, Gnaths
are at ease. A development technician in aeronautics (or any other technical
specialization) is work that is well-remunerated. Technicians in specialized
domains such as aeronautics never need to push themselves to extremes of
speed with regards to their production of new aircraft. Instead, the
development technician has the impression that he is working with
scientific visionaries in an atmosphere of relaxed experimentation, which is
often not far off the mark.
In the field of aeronautics, models such as the Vegecopter, the Belly Glider
and the Death Spinner are among the only flying vehicles effective as a
means of transportation; thanks to Bolorus, a cheap and efficient fuel (even
though the combustion engine that uses it is hardly efficient) . All in all, the
technicians in this industry are grateful for they will become familiar with
the new technologies before anybody else does.
 )
rJ p p i?r PIa tfo rrn s
....................). ..•.•...................................................................................................................
( (
D..__---711"'rl.
A.E.S. CADRE
In the penthouse suite of the world, perched on the highest platform, reign
the A.E.S. cadres. In charge of millions (sometimes billions) of Bps, they
dictate the taste and fashion trends for the micro-society which exists on
the upper levels. The inhabitants of the upper platforms can allow
themselves a lifestyle that is not solely concerned with survival. However,
the responsibility of an A.E.S. cadre is enormous and someone who
reached this position of power and responsibility must have earned it
through many years of loyal service to the Core.
The cadres of City-builders and Tome, for example, landed the famous
contract for the construction of the new platforms of Khai:-Bhek. This
came as a direct result of their marketing blitz that was both glamorous and
trendy. Their success was accompanied by sky-rocketing salaries and an
invitation to dwell on the soon-to-be-constructed 12th platform.
The job is not all fluff and frills, however. A cadre of the A.E.S. (or any
other company) has to manage the company from one end of the
production and distribution chain to the other. He has to orchestrate the
design think-tanks as well as oversee its customer service division, without
forgetting the accounting department and the supply orders, etc. It is a
highly demanding, specialized job that requires many, many sacrifices and
hours on the clock.
The layout of each company is different. They vary according to their size
as well as according to the products and services that they offer. Most of
the time, however, a cadre will have a specific task within a company
(financial manager, marketing manager, etc.) Company cadres as
prestigious as the A.E.S. live in a world quite different from that of the
lower platforms and slums. The abundance of various technologies, of
orpee, the freedom and security that they enjoy make their life something
to be envied. The air quality that they enjoy from living at such an altitude
induces a positive mind-frame. However, all these comforts make them ill-
prepared should they fall to the lower levels. Most of them, in cases of
bankruptcy, business failure or destitution would rather plummet to the
hard ground of death than to live on a lower level. Indeed, suicides are not
uncommon in cases of economic hardship.
~k /
~~
Playe·r,s: Engre- nage-s
\
THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SECOND DIVISION OF THE CPRM
The commissioners of the Second Division
are a hair's breath away from the sublime peak of
existence. It is they who examine the new bills before they
become law. Sometimes they even submit bills of their own conception; and
these bills may well become law. They also sit on their section's tribunals
in important cases such as treason, or serve as advisors in times of war. The
only people above them are the heads of the First division, namely:
Droliath Estolah Himself, the heads of the Enclave and the members of the
Frilin Council.
The Commissioners are perceived as the elite of society even more than
their superiors for the simple reason that the latter are seldom visible. The
Commissioners, on the other hand, are a constant presence in state affairs.
Their role in society is crucial. They represent the Core and all of its values.
Their strength of character must be impeccable, their qualifications
exceptional. The slightest mishap or indiscretion can be fatal to their
careers. Commissioners are under constant surveillance (especially at the
beginning of their careers) but most acquire enough sense of judgment to
quickly become trustworthy. Before too long, they become irreplaceable.
To usurp a Commissioner is nearly impossible. No amount of intrigue and
back-stabbing can lead to him leaving his post. Climbing the ladder can
only be done by excelling in the position occupied by one 's predecessor, i.e.
proving one's merit in the new position, not by scheming in the old one.
Consequently, only those trained by Commissioners at the end of their life
could conceivably replace them. In case of an emergency (a sudden death),
the Core Himself nominates a replacement, imposing a one-year training
session, plus a ten years tutoring
In common lore, the Commissioners are considered the equals of powerful
Echoes and many legends circulate to this effect. In these stories, their
pasts are mythologized, their accomplishments exaggerated, their
reputation significantly altered to the point that their mythical identity
cannot be confused with the real person. Even the Commissioner's peers
would have difficulty identifying the man in the myth as their friend.
Among the Commissioners we find a few Echoes such as
Awakeners, Truth Crafters and Overlords. Indeed
these types of Echoes are well-versed in
political affairs and they like to keep a
watchful eye on Droliath Himself.
')
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 . .....
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 ·.tJI]:II\;:~a;.;;...::....

the aura that surroun s tliem, it is quite natural for Nayans and
Ina.i's to become Dream Shamans. These urban Dream Shamans serve as
catalysts for peace during the Dream. It is them who organize rallies to
protect the crowds (often by directing them to large inns, intended as "safe-
houses" during these nights when the unimaginable becomes Reality.

It is them who coordinate the movements of the Dream Warrior. It is them who actively resist the
Dream when the latter threatens something of vital importance (such as the pendulum suspended on the frrst
platform of Oce). They resist through the help of Keys, rituals that, says the legend, they where learnt from
Yaki Shamans milleniums ago. The Dream Shamans are at the service of the cities in which they live and
work, but they rarely have a "boss", so to speak.

Although their occupation may be considered somewhat somber, their social status is nevertheless high. All
Dream Shamans are respected and protected by their peers. Their scarcity makes attacking, disrespecting, and
robbing them severely sanctioned by law. Almost only Nayans or I naYs perform this type of work, as well as the
occasional Frilin or Emovan (a Gnath or Volkol could not possibly have the right mind-set for this type of
work). Since the Nayans and the Inals are not inclined towards any type of abuse, a mutual respect exists
between the Dream Shamans and their respective urban tribes. The fact that this role is one of the oldest in the
world in no way hurts their reputation. According to the various legends, the Dream Shamans would have been
the first- along with the hunter-gatherer Frilins- to have come into this world.
(SEE AI BOOK PJ6, SIWIAH HISTORY)

=-..
RANK \ Ne~AnrLa ~~ n IJ•DRfMlW ~b)r I), D~ EPE ..
(I
Dt DJlW4StWMN ll
COST 25 50 75 100 125
INCOME 200/2 300!2 500/4 750/6 1000/8
SKI US Observation L2 Observation L3 Observation L4 Observation LS Observation L6
Etiquelle Ll Etiquette L2 Etiquette L3 Etiquette L4 Etiquelle LS
EmpothyL2 Empathy L3 Empathy L4 EmpothyLS Empathy L6
Diplomacy Ll Diplomacy L2 Diplomacy L3 Diplomacy L4 Diplomacy LS
Taletelling Ll Taletelling L3 Taletelling LS Taletelling L7
Leadership LI Leadership L2 Leadership L3 Leadership L4 Leadership LS
Organization Ll Organization L3 Organization LS
Teaching Ll Teaching L3 Teaching LS
Dream Know. L2 Dream Know. L3 Dream Know. L4 Dream Know. LS Dream Know. L7
First aid Ll First aid L2 First aid L3
-= ~

SPECIAL : Dream Shamans are adept at using Keys. Every Dream

Shaman starts with the "Mystic" attribute as per his racial
dispositions, plus 2 per Dream Shaman job Rank . A Dream Shaman
starts with one level one Key per Rank in hjs Dream Shaman job,
with no mastery. (see p.6l for more info)

15
 Wft'i' i·f ·
..:,, . x.t:<
·~p,-,J. ........
.
~

counterpoint to the Shamluls, the Dream Warriors work where the

Shamans have no jurisdiction : in the violence of a Dream that does not
allow itself to be tamed easily. Almost all Dream Warriors are Volko'i, Yaki,
Gnaths or Soleks ( i.e. races capable of withstanding agressive Dream with their
two feet remaining on the ground). They are almost always seasoned warriors who are
weary of killing "their own". They have been dubbed "Horelanas". (In the Frilin tongue,
Supreme Reality is called "Horemana". Hore means Reality and Mana means source. Lanas means that
which is integral to the whole.) Horelanas, representatives of Supreme Reality, wish to unleash their wrath
against the TeHorelanas (Te is a prefix of inversion, meaning the opposite).

The Dream Warriors are the direct subordinates of the Dream Shamans. That being said, their personalities
are often extreme opposites. If at times there is friction between both entities, it is often considered beneficial .
The two poles are in dynamic movement, and the strength pole (the Dream Warriors) is subordinate to the
wisdom pole (the Dream Shamans). They thus create a constructive dynamic.

RANKS:
\ -~~~'twt? ,,,~9~~~)f \\YfHf!Mr lh 0 ~ ~llq~<tfG~ tor- D:oww~o~ ~~~l
COST zs · 50 75 1110 125
INCOME 200/2 3110/2 50013 75013 15110/4
SKillS Dodge L2 Dodge L3 Dodge L4 Dodge L5 Dodge L6
Melee L2 Melee L3 MeleeL4 MeleeLS Melee L6
C.Sense L2 C.Sense L3 C.Sense L4 C.Sense L5 C.Sense L6
Resilience Ll Resilience L2 Resilience L3 Resilience L4 Resilience L5
~u ~L2 ~L3 ~u ~LS
· ··· ········ TiirtlcsD saiil&thiilcei2 saiiiethiilceU · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · saiilethiiltei4 · · saiil&thiiicel..S
OR Feint L1
. . ... QR ~W~P.9.oJ,L .
Empathy Ll Empathyl2 Empathy L3 Empathy L4 Empathy L5
Intimidation L2 Intimidation L3 Intimidation L4 Intimidation L5 Intimidation L6
Survival, Dream L1 Survival, Dream L2 Survival, Dream L3 Survival, Dream L4 Survival, Dream L5
Dream Know. Ll Dream Know. L2 Dream Know. L3 Dream Know. L4 Dream Know. L5

There is a proverb among Dream Warriors that says: "The
sorrow of one night is enough : Don't take the sorrow of one
night to the next". Few among them do not apply this axiom
to their daily lives. Indeed they would not be able to survive
the mental exhaustion of such work if they did not very
early on master "the art of emptiness". They learn this art for
five years under the tuition of the Shamans before becoming
Dream Warriors. This art eventually becomes essential to
their survival. From the previous night, there will remain no
recollection, no psychological wounds. These memories are
not completely erased, but to recall them requires extra
effort. Of course, not every night asks to be forgotten.
However, the Dream Warriors are those that are sent where
no Junker will go. They patrol from one area of the city to
another, from one platform to another. They are even called
upon to solve problems in the industrial areas.
They are considered mystical warriors - especially if they
manage to survive ten years or more in the field.
However, they are surrounded by an aura of
quiet violence that makes them menacing
to other Dreamworkers. Their quiet
deadliness resembles a volcano slowly
grumbling, threatening to erupt and
to thrust its hot lava into the night
sky.
 . : .1 ~
'•
t
.
• / ~ .

~··

. ..,. '
 heroes are individuals of exceptional talent recruited by companies
offering to sponsor their activities. Media heroes are really in demand
because they can project the desired image of the company. In the case of more
modest companies, the hero is merely required to use the goods that the company
produces. The hero's situation is an enviable one because he has access to equipment for which
he does not pay. Indeed, very often he would not otherwise be able to afford this equipment.

Moreover, when goods are lost or damaged, most companies will replace them &ee of charge, avoiding all costs for
the Media Hero. Media Heroes recently came into fashion - one could indeed say that they are "hip". In such a
favorable climate, the more sponsors a Media Hero can find, the better. This has brought about a counter-
movement that argues that it is too easy for companies to install subtle mechanisms once they have bound a Hero
to a contract. More and more complex clauses are added onto the sponsorship contracts every day, and a mutual
suspicion is growing, which affects all relations between the company and the sponsored "Hero".

Media heroes can come from any race or social class, but the more "noble" in appearance, attitude and talent they
are, the better. For instance, a Zin can land a sponsorship contract on the spot. However, an Odwoane sadly lacking
in the glamour department will be examined more rigorously. In order to be accepted, the Media Hero should
preferably have a type of employment that is very visible. Media Heroes are almost always taken from the ranks of
adventurers, mercenaries, bodyguards, scouts, hunters, diplomats and couriers. Of course, any Echo is immediatly
accepted ...

The most brilliant Media Heroes will manage to receive sponsorships from companies that already encourage their
actions and their lifestyles. They therefore won't have to change. For instance, an ultra-violent Gnath would find
himself sponsored by several companies who encourage violence. However, corporate manipulation may inevitably
occur: A Nayan doctor could be sponsored to participate in battles in which he would side with the "righteous", i.e.
the side that the company favors.

RANK NEO~ERO ~QWN HERO rm LEGEND

COST 211 40 60 00 100
INCOME 150 300 600 1000 2000
SKILLS SSkills. L2 SSkills. L3 SSkills L4 5 Skills L5 5 Skills L6
Etiquette L1 Etiquette L2 Etiquette L4
Subterfuge L3
Evaluation L2 Evaluation L4
Intimidation L2 Intimidation L4

In so far as media heroes go, there are no abilities and no particular SPECIAL: Media heroes start with one sponsored Crafted Object per Rank
knowledge required or conferred by such a job. It is rather the hero 's in their media hero job. This can either be an ECFCO
abilities and specific knowledge that will enable him to access the higher approved object (if the object's level is higher
ranks of the media hero hierarchy. The abilities given here are those that than 2), or several small Crafted Objects that
are most often seen on the general plan. They generally don 't constitute evade the ECFCO regulations (for example,
more than a quarter of a media hero's abilities. five level one badges).
We offer you 5 particular abilities here that you will choose and that will CONTRAIT: Each badge means the
evolve from level 2 to level 6. sponsored Hero struk a deal with a
NOTE: Media heroes' incomes don~ indude orpee. They must buy orpee ot retoiiiO<otions where it is available. company, ie.: he as a contract with them
and need to define the contract.

1'-)
.,' ·~.~l
. ..t.
 Since the arrival of the Core, peddlers have seen their numbers swell
considerably - especially since so many Odwoanes have taken up the trade.
The idea that sales could be targeted was born from the concept of the travelling
seller. Hence the evolution of the Peddler. By limiting the number of products and by
limiting the number of neighborhoods they worked in, they were able to increase their sales.
Their greatest asset is that they can enable people to buy goods without incurring any risks - i.e.
the risk of being attacked on the way to the store. Certain peddlers soon began specializing. For instance,
they would chose to peddle during the Dream exclusively. They would offer goods that could come in handy at
those particular moments. Others still, Volko!, Yaki, and Soleks, took the risk of peddling orpee, charging a high
price for their services.

Since then, some people have preferred to eat less orpee on a daily basis. They save up their funds, accepting to pay
a higher price for orpee should something come up - some event requiring an extra dose of orpee (an injury, a theft
of orpee or a surplus necessary for travel) . The peddler has been around for more than a century and has acquired
a respectable reputation. Certain peddlers band together for increased security, putting their wares into an armored
car, which they protect to the best of their abilities. Most of the peddlers circulate in the slums, although an
increasing number are finding their way to the higher platforms. Recently, we have even heard about an Emovan
selling Sastak door to door...

All those who have observed this profession have come to some kind of conclusion, which almost always contains
these elements : This is a decent occupation because: l) there is no actual boss; 2) the schedule is flexible; 3) if the
right opportunity presents itself, it is possible to make a fortune (success stories abound) . Conversely this job is
terrible because: l) One has to be ready to 6ght or flee at any moment; 2) There are no guarantees of any kind; 3)
If one fails, what does one do afterwards? (horror stories abound). In other words, to be a peddler means you either
have a good idea and the means to sell it, or you have a bad idea and soon enough no means at all.
-~ =:=::<..

RANK ' ~~Enol£" ) I'PE D R GREAT PEDDlE~ TRUE PEDDLER

j
fANTASTjC PEDDLER
JI \

COST 10 25 35 45 55
INCOME 100 200 350 550 750
SKILLS Dodge L2 Dodge L3 Dodge L4
MeleeW. L2 MeleeW.L3 MeleeW. L4
C. Sense Ll C. Sense L2 C.Sense L3 C. Sense L4
Observation L1 Observation L2 Observation L3 Observation L4 Observation L5
Evaluation L2 Evaluation L3 Evaluation L4 Evaluation L5 Evaluation L6
Etiquette Ll Etiquette L2 Etiquette L3
Psychology L2 Psychology L3 Psychology L4
Stealth Ll Stealth L2 Stealth L3
Subterfuge L1 Subterfuge L2 Subterfuge L3 Subterfuge L4

Note : Peddlers: income do not include Orpee. Peddlers must buy orpee at available retail locations.

INVENTORY : Each Peddler has an inventory of various stuff worth

ten times his weekly income. The way he carries, protect, and
handle his merchandises are entirely under his disposal. ..

21
 on Kamas are always in a state of flux . The closer they are to
Khai'-Bhek, the more stable they are. The roads inside the Enclave are the
only ones that can really be considered secure. Close to the City-States,
things are still quite adequate. However, as soon as the highways and byways
stretch across more remote lands, the level of crime increases. Areas to be avoided are the
lands around Oubarim, Kevoy, the outpost of Kaderun, the far-off cities of Uchatere, and the
City of Amber. If there are Volko"i cyborgs at the city gates of Kha"i-Bhek, it is because the lands beyond
Kha"i-Bhek are indeed dangerous.

In the rural areas, there is more economic hardship. The warriors therefore tend to be quite rough and ready
for action in those areas. Road Guardians, for instance, are very lethal warriors, but don't let that overshadow
the fact that they are nevertheless well-rounded individuals. Indeed, they must be well versed in repairing
roads, walled defenses, and ve hicles as well as healing travelers. They must be able to heal wounded beasts of
burden. It is important that they speak all the dialects of the region. They must be familiar with the plants,
animals and creatures that live by the roadside. They must also know how to subdue all the pillagers and
various creatures. Having no home besides a bunker made of steel and planks of Kioux, Road Guardians
nevertheless lead interesting lives. Their work-leisure cycle is as follows: eight weeks of work and two weeks
of paid vacation . Even their work can be quite restful though if all is quiet on the roadside. However,
Oreamstorms have been known to sweep across the plains, rendering them prisoners for up to a month 's time.

If a Road Guardian survives the first five years of his job, he will without a doubt become irreplaceable. The
number of skills he would have learnt during that time would certainly prevail over any other kind of talent on
the job-market- even those of an Echo. Therefore, this job, though it may be quite risky, is a well-paying long-
term job with great prospects for advancement - providing one survives the experience.

-
RANK DOMAI~ R.vUARDIAN OWN )tGUARDIAN CllY R.GUARDIAN E~CLAVE GUARDjAN ORE R.GOARDIAN
COST 2S 35 55 65 75
INCOME 75/1 150/2 300/2 90013 2700/5
SKillS Dodge L2 Dodge L3 Dodge L4 Dodge L5 Dodge L6
MeleeW. L2 MeleeL3 MeleeW. L4 MeleeW. L5
Combat sense L2 Combat sense L3 C. sense L4
Disarm L1 Disarm L2 Disarm L3
Politia L3 Politics L5
Resilience L1 Resilience L2 Resilience L3
L.awsll laws L2 laws L3 laws L5 laws L7
Observation L2 Observation L3 Observation L4 Observation L5
First aid L1 First aid L2 First aid L3 First aid L4 first aid L5
Dialeds (k) L1 Dialeds (k) L2 Dialeds (k} L3 Dialeds (k) L4 Dialeds (k) L5
Flora&Fauna L1 Flora&Fauna L2 Flora&Fauna L3
Creatures L2 Creatures L3

(
23
/
~~

Pl aye· n~ : E n gr,? n FJg ,?s

 ECATIMS
p.25 Mane a )ora

p.26

~i ho Rr :? t h :? EeHt irn ? r:
...... ····· ... ..... ······· ····················································-r···2 ·o·· p.27

THEORIES ON THEIR NATURE P16

A BRIEF HISTORY P17 p.28
..-:;
. THEIR PLACE IN MODERN SOCIETY P19
.,_,.t
HYPOTHESIS ON THEIR FUTURE P.30 p.29
POWERS (SPECIALTIES AND PECUUARmES) P.30
,.' I
'
v(~- ~f:l .t. i (.) r~. .............................................................-r···3 ·l .. p.30

24 RENAISSANCE
THE SECOND AWAKENING
P.31
P.33 p.30

IMPACTS P.34
SPEffiRS AND ENGINEERS P.34

BROTHERHOODS
~ r.~ g.i r.~ ·:?·~-~. ..... .. ..................................................... p-·;·36-·

•
p.31 Dream Of War

THE ENGINEER P..37

THE CONDUGOR P.37 p.32 Justice
THE ORCHESTRATOR P.37

. ?..r.\ ~.~ ~.~ ...................................................................r ···3-R·

'*
p.32

EMPTINESS P.39
IDENTITY P.39 p.33 The Enclave

FORGETTING P.39
EXISTENCE P.39 Order
p.34

-
•~
p.34 The One Mind

p.35 The Slumers

 &a meallJ "potentiaL" in the Frilin language, and Tim tratk!latu lk!
'Ji.-r:ed. " Once tbue wordJ were incorporated into tbe Gnath language,
however, "tim " cam~ to mean "towardJ the bottom. " &atinz, therefore,
roughly trallJlatu lk! either 'J~ed potential, or aJ potentiaL that iJ moving
towardJ the bottom." To compare and contrlklt, the word "kiJim" in Frilin
iJ divi4ed into k~ which meallJ "being" and Jim, which meallJ "movement. "
Under the Gnath interpretation, kiJim becomeJ "iz being in movement
towardJ the top" (lkl Jim iJ the oppMite of tim).
ThiJ eJJay iJ written by Yrao the Inakl, the erudite fnlklter of
Manega is the fourth son
the Core Academy
of a wealthy and
established family
The myth about the Ecatim, describing them as Half-Echoes, needs to from ace. the Jora.
be resolved. At the time the first Ecatim walked Naakinis, people who made their
believed that this species was a type of Echo with limited abilities. fortune in the last
hundred years in
According to this rationale, Ecatims were able to master only a fraction diplomatic relations.
of the power to which they had access. Over time, after observing that striking deals between
an Ecatim's powers are quite different from those of Echoes and their political parties and
economic interests. They are a
Whisper is altogether absent, many began to believe that these beings fairly new noble family, making their
were not merely an inferior form of Echo but rather unique unto abode on the fourth platform. At the age of nine.
themselves. Unfortunately, everyone has not come to accept this more Manega went to study architecture and without much
rational, logical view. Many continue to believe that the Ecatim are soul-searching. discovered that it was his true passion.
He easily surpassed the other students even though
Echo Vocations who have not fully awakened, or are half-dead. In my they were older than him. Three years later. they
opinion, the idea that the Ecatim are future Vocations yet to be flagged him as being an Ecatim and accelerated his
awakened is a beautifully poetic notion, but too many elements (even studies. to which he responded with great enthusiasm.
to my Ina'is heart) lead me to believe that this is not the case. Another three years later. at the age of fifteen. he was
already as good as his best teachers. building three-
dimensional buildings with his eyes closed. A year
The Ecatim are individuals, much like you and me, who happen to later. he left school after having completed three
wake up one fine morning, not to fmd that they are fabulously wealthy, professional contracts while he was still studying. He
but simply different; irrevocably altered in some way. As it happens, dedicated himself (when he was not working on any
particular contract) to the study of building aesthetics
they wake up as an Ecatim, and their life's path completely changes. of the various ages and civilizations. He found as much
There seem to be no specific traits to identify an Ecatim before he inspiration in the rustic building styles of the nomadic
undergoes this transformation. peoples as he found in the impressive edifices of Kha'i-
Bhek.

Contrary to Echoes, when an Ecatim awakens to his new identity, he

doesn't immediately journey to the wilds ofNaakinis. The Ecatim only
has "the right"of a limited number of power which are determined
right when they "awaken." For example, a Librarian may acquire a
prodigious memory as well as a capacity to effortlessly retrace the
source of any piece of information. He will have the ability to classify
all his ideas, emotions, memories, etc., into distinct compartments that
will never overflow into any other. However, a Librarian who will
I I
develop these extreme capabilities will never develop any others. I
Indeed, a Battle Lord will acquire combat skills beyond those of any I ~
other fighters, but he will not be able to sort pieces of information into
distinct compartments.

')..t')
"-<:.
 While Echoes belong to very defined Vocations that change very little
over time, the Ecatirn evolve very rapidly. Some types of Ecatim,
which were once very popular, have now disappeared, replaced
by more modern strains. The wide range of possibilities
prevents us from classifYing them into neat categories. For
any one Ecatim, there is a unique, corresponding career.
There have even been a few rare cases of consecutive
Ecatirn transformation, that is, cases in which an Ecatim
000 goes through the transformation more than once and
4 acquires new powers. For example, a Librarian will become
!" ~..,..
Odo was born in the slums
of Mroa. At the age of six, his an Architect and subsequently posses the powers of both
.,c entire family was slaughtered
~
careers. However, these cases are truly exceptional.
during a Gnarh vendena rhar rook
place after a Dream storm. Luckily, he
I was away from the house ar the rime. on
••
1 his way home. He mer up with the band of Gnarhs
as they were heading towards his family's house. bur The most current theory about this phenomena states that the process
they were so intent on their target rhar they did nor

26 notice him. Instead they swept him up in their

momentum. He found himself a witness ro the
massacre of his entire family. He even found
of Echo/Ecatirn development began with the awakening of the first
Echo, and its blossoming was the normal result of the maturation of an
"egg." This theory, while plausible, implies that these powers are a
himself participating as best he could. pulling on the
result of biological gestation. If this is the case, the question of which
legs of his brothers so rhar they would lose their
footing. When the whole family was suitably silenced. biological system are we dealing with; Ka!nas or Naakinis? We can
the Gnarhs found Odo strangling his already dead only look to Echoes for an answer, but we cannot find much in the way
sister. They rook him in. of any conclusive evidence.
The Gnarh who rook him under his wing was a
merchant. He would peddle his wares around the
According to statistics, there is one Echo for every 10,000 individuals.
city. protected by his burly and belligerent
brothers. Odo. as he was called by his sull1Jgare Our census claims there is one Ecatirn for every 1,000 individuals. In
Gnarh family. learned how ro fight as much other words, there are ten times as many Ecatirn as there are Echoes.
as he learned the art of striking a deal. In
one year. Odo refined his art and then
became an Ecarim: his craft was
beguiling with words. One morning. Odo
rook everything rhar he owned on his
back and ser our on his own. He sold his
dearest goods so rhar he could find a
dwelling on the first platform. From
there he bought more goods and improved
their design. selling them ar a higher price.
door ro door. He would call on his customers
late in the evening and rake advantage of
their fatigue ro sell them goods that they
may nor otherwise have purchased. Six
months later. Odo was already on the
- second platform.
 A B ri~f Hi story
·················································"'················· .. ······················· .. ···································
The first Ecatim seemed to have made his mark over 8,000 years ago,
4,000 years after what seemed to be the first signs of Echo activity.
Perhaps they have been around as long as the Echoes, but were simply
more discreet in going about their business. The research of our dear
friends the Truth Crafters will no doubt shed some light on this issue.
During the Years of Chaos, vast quantities of information were lost,
perhaps forever. Libraries were burned, ancient masters were killed
(silencing their great knowledge) and relics of great importance were
destroyed. These things were lost and with than precious pieces of
JUK
History.
Juk was bom in the
slums of Khai-Bhek
But let us come back to the first recorded days of the Ecatim. It would just a tanered face in a
seem that either by instinct or common sense, the Ecatim quickly crowd. Juk suffers even
found their place in this society, divided between Ka"inas and Naakinis. more than other Gnaths
when it comes to orpee
This division was fully exploited by the Gnaths to their advantage.
intake. because he loses twice as much as any regular
Many Ecatims became mediators for the people, as they are much Gnath every day. His parents. therefore. had to find him
closer and more accessible to the average person than Echoes. All asupplementary ration of orpee everyday (the ration is
Echoes have a Whisper, drawing them away from the masses, towards one orpee per child. without exceptions). They had to
endure twice as many screams for the orpee would
their destiny. Also, their considerable power immediately singles them course through his body twice as often as any other
out and puts them on a higher level than most people. Gnath. In despair from the horror and the responsibility
of finding this extra orpee. his parents commined
suicide when he was one-year-{)ld. As luck would have
The Ecatim, on the other hand, are restricted to a specific power or few
it. an lnais heard Juk"s cries as he was dying. He took
powers and are not pulled by a Whisper to heed a higher calling. him under his wing. adopting him into his family.
Ecatim are clearly different from the norm, but are not so different that The lnars. his wife and their four children discovered a
they are unapproachable. universe very much apart from the one to which they
were accustomed. The young Gnath"ssuffering was for
them a new emotion. more raw than anything they
The Ecatim's strategic position as mediators allowed them to integrate had ever experienced before. Each one of them made
quickly all over the land. They have, therefore, acquired more renown every possible sacrifice so that he would survive. Juk
than Echoes due in part to their reassuring presence and superior is perhaps one of the only Gnaths to know compassion
and true love.
numbers. People dared not ask Echoes for assistance, but did not feel
troubled requesting aid from an Ecatim. Most Echoes are clearly too In search for acareer that would be well remunerated
and interesting. he opted for medicine. Unbeknownst
busy to care for people on an individual level. Tribes led by to him. he therefore oriented himself towards acalling
Overlords, for example, approach their leader's right-hand (usually that was destined for him all along. that of a combat
an Ecatim) in order to receive their orders or make a complaint. surgeon. His studies took only three years. After
graduating as a doctor of anatomy of all the races. he
Ecatim, therefore, most often find themselves in important secondary
joined a legion of mercenaries and quickly became a
roles; commercial trade supervisors, military leaders, strategists and master of his field. Everyone relied on in case of an
tribe or town archivists. emergency. No one else could diagnose an illness or
treat a wound faster than he could. This Ecatim was
beyond a shadow of a doubt. having his moment of
awakening.

I I

~k 27
/
~~

Playe·rs: Engr~nag ·~s

 Gradually, tribes grew and villages expanded. Trading routes
became safer, diminishing roadside casualties considerably
throughout the years. Effective defenses were established
against the marauding creatures that haunted roads. The
ANONYMOUS massive growth in population centralization required a shift in
Anonymous has no pasr. The approach and ways in which to cope with the dangers of
one he creares every day
. •.. ..4,. does nor belong ro him.
Nevertheless, I have
everyday life. A Gnath Archivist by the name of Shea invented
money currency. The Kemmeos, a Yaki tribe, invented the first
endeavored ro presem Through his highway; a Bark road, bordered on each side with tall wooden
._,. sraremems rhar which consrirures rhe walls 10 yards high. Made of Rom oil wood, these walls could absorb
""./ rrurh abour him. or ar rhe leasr rhar which
remains after we srrip away all rhe umrurhs.
sound and odor, allowing travelers to pass by unnoticed and unharmed

., Whar follows is rhe abridged version of a long and

curious journey imo a slighTly deranged mind.
by creatures on the other side of the walls .

Having grown up on The fourrh plarfonn of Kha'i-Bhek.
This arrisr soon discovered how he could make a place
C)() for himself in sociery. He joined various
"- ( ) organizaTions and always seemed ro make a
successful impression. He was always able ro
achieve rhar which he desired, money and acclaim. One
day, he disappeared compleTely, changing his name.
lifesTyle. neighborhood and plarfonn, going ro grear
lengrhs ro make himself forgonen and invisible.
Indeed. he deployed as much efforr in remaining
anonymous as he once did in seeking acclaim. He
even wenr ro live for several momhs in rhe slums
after having boughT The righrs TO dwell on rhe
sevemh plarfonn.
Afrer 30 years. wirh more rhan 20
pseudonyms, his legend was second ro
none. They would speak of him in The
highesT Nayan and lna'is salons as well as
in rhe lowliesT slums. A few years larer.
ir appeared his srraregy had worked. An
agem of rhe CPRM came ro call on him
for a meeTing wirh rhe upper brass. They
raid him rhar ir had raken Them a few
years ro discover his arrifice. They
admined rhar rhere were rimes rhey had all
bur losr all Trace of him as he skipped from
one idemiry ro anoTher. They had come ro
The conclusion rhar he musr be an Ecarim
spy of rhe highesr order. They TOld him
An Odwoane Architect, Koal, invented the first aqueduct used to
irrigate fields (also effective as moats in front of city ramparts). This
irrigation allowed for the quadrupling of the yield in grain in certain
regions. Aqueducts were also instrumental in cleaning town streets
which in turn diminished the effects of the Dream. Furthermore, they
reduced the need for the importation of water and the cultivation of
water-producing plants.
These practical inventions were mostly the brainchildren of Ecatim.
Their reputation for good ideas and as important inventors grew with
each passing day. However, the transformation of villages into towns
and the growth of the tribes made the interaction between people
more anonymous. A city with a population of 20,000, although they
may feel a certain kinship, does not have the same intimacy of a village
with a population of 800. The Ecatim, as well as the Echoes,
inadvertently helped deepen the chasm between themselves and the
people. They remained popular for their good deeds but their renown
became of a more impersonal nature. We no longer knew each
inventor by name but rather spoke of them in a general fashion. This
separation from the people brought the Ecatim closer and closer in
lifestyle to the reclusive Echoes.

- rhey had work for him should he be

imeresred in challenges of grear inTrigue.
To This proposal rhe Gnarh broke imo a
wide grin. He read rhe comracr rhar was
handed ro him five rimes over before he signed iT
wirh grear assurance.
I I
' I

I I
Where once the Ecatim were lauded for their brave achievements and
brilliant inventions, they too began to fade into obscurity like their
predecessors, the Echoes. There is no longer evidence of Ecatim in
large urban centers. In fact, similar to Echoes, the Ecatim have become
reclusive, unlikely to reveal their true nature to anyone if they can help
it. Some people, might, in fact, be inclined to say these Ecatim have
disappeared from the world all together, have gone extinct. This is a
hasty and not necessarily wise assumption. We, on the other hand,
MAKRAODKE
tend to believe that there are more Ecatim than ever.
A producr of
a sedentary family
established in Ulabediare.
Th~ir Plac~ in Mod~rn Soci~tv
...•.........•.......................................................... .. .......... ..... .... .. ...... v...................•........ Makra·s aggression and impressive
Nowadays, most Ecatim are employed by a company to contribute in Jack of control warranted her many wounds when she
was very young. She wanted very dearly to become a
one way or another with their special powers. Companies pay Ecatim savage warrior maiden. She was often quoted as
workers much higher wages than they give to other creatures because saying that she wanted to meet Death so that she could
Ecatim perform at a superior level. Often both parties, employer and crush its own skull. She would have atrocious
nightmares on a regular basis and many people were
employee, find themselves dependent on the other, especially in the
under the impression that Makra was a Nightmare.
case of small companies. A company comes to rely on the expertise of
She trained tirelessly. receiving the brutal beatings of
an Ecatim and should he disappear, the financial and productive Volko'i to whom she would measure herself. until the
success of the company would be severely jeopardized. Similarly, an day she began beating them in combat. When she
Ecatim is dependant on the company for which he works because he is turned 20. she befriended a few Volko'i who found her
presence refreshing. Soon after. she went to work in a
so well paid. A smart, business-oriented Ecatim would never leave his detention center in which she would savagely beat any
job because it is so secure and it will help him achieve his dream of prisoner who would so much as raise his voice. On her
moving to the upper platforms. time off. she would take long walks at night. picking
fights with every frightful thing coming out of the
Dream.
As independent workers, the Ecatim will often have careers related to
After having kept an eye on her for several months.
those of Echoes. They will be Blacksmiths, Doctors, Armorers, the Dreamwatch came to meet with her. offering her
Mapmakers, etc. Because these occupations put them in constant an excellent salary, should she wish to become a night
contact with Echoes, it allows them to join the Echoes in their travels bodyguard. She accepted without hesitation. As they
had surmised, she was indeed an Ecatim warrior
and adventures. Indeed, they make themselves indispensable as
though of a primitive sort. much like an Echo warrior
warriors, healers, scouts, etc. Always eager for adventure, these of another era.
Ecatim often offer their services to traveling Yaki or Solek tribes.

KEMENARA ODKE
Kemenara is Makra's
older brother. Considered
belligerent yet courageous
by his peers very early on in
his life. his aggression waned
as he witnessed his sister grow
stronger than him. He never fought
with Volko'is nor did he take on the
creatures of the Dream. Through a rare phenomenon
of flexibility in the Soleks. Kemenara went through a
radical transformation and wherever his sister would
go, he would follow, bending to her will. Her violent
tendencies would not make him bat an eyelid. Yet he
felt it was no longer his violence. Instead he would
take great pleasure in watching her journey through
the Dream. taking on any opponent she could. He
would melt into the backdrop behind her. Indeed.
after a few years he would fade away entirely into the
illusion.
In fact. one night in an alleyway, Kemenara placed his
hand on a box before him and watched it disappear
before his very eyes. Gradually his whole arm
became invisible and he watched until his whole
body disappeared. Awestruck by his own powers. he
backed up and suddenly reappeared. His sister
tumed around and he disappeared once more.
Exultant in the knowledge that she could not
see him. he approached her. taunting her.
What a feat! He must certainly be an
Echo! As he was invisible to her, he
passed alongside her and left. savoring
the sweet taste of victory. He went on to
enlist as ahigh-risk courier in a branch of
the Core. Once there. they explained to
him that without a Whisper, he was
definitely an Ecatim. not an Echo as he had
supposed. Slightly disappointed. Kemenara
was nevertheless pleased with the Ecatim
designation. Thus began his career as a high-
risk courier. leaping from one platform to
another. totally invisible.
-
"WOODPECKER"
·woodpecker' is the head Volko'i thief of a
notorious band of bandits that haunts the
road between Dubarim and Lemaive. An
ancient Air Lumberjack of great renown.
this colossus standing eight feet tall (tall
even for a Volkoi). can handle any barrie axe
ease. He had his axe. spear and shield covered with a
fine coat of sastak like few of his peers. As for
HvpotiH•sis
....... on their Future
...-. ...................................................................................................................... .
Considering their past and present condition, we are led to believe
that the Ecatim will constitute a major factor in the evolution of
Kai'nas society and furthermore, the evolution of the Core.
The amount of information disseminated by the Core
through the papers and through Truth Crafters (who
believe in the Core's cause) is growing at a formidable rate.
Information travels more swiftly than ever before. We
knew within two weeks of the failure of the Scourge. And
yet, it would have been to the advantage of the Core not to
have revealed this embarrassment. Nevertheless, they
allowed the truth to come out. Thus, if the Ecatim continue to
grow in importance, if we find out that they were the authors
behind the Skytrain, behind the new architecture of the four highest
platforms and other projects, ideas and technological improvements;
then they will perhaps take the place that is their due.
~
Jt
l!
• Pow ers (Sn
.................................. ,? cialties and Peculiariti:?s)
~ ............................................................................................. .
Ecatim powers can be classified into two types. Firstly, there are
Specialties which are natural abilities that an Ecatim developed as one
develops a psychology or world-view. Next, there are the rarer
Peculiarities, which stretch beyond the scope of normal skills. For
r example, Ecatim can master skills such as telepathy. Specialties
constitutes a major part an Ecatim's ability; approximately 80%. That
l
leaves 20% for Peculiarities. These percentages are not divided the same
way in every case. One Ecatim in five, for example, will have a
Peculiarity. Most Ecatim only possess Specialties, generally three to five.
To attempt to compile an exhaustive list would be of no use, other than
to satisfy historical curiosity. The Ecatim evolve so rapidly, making any
research on their development is highly inaccurate and relatively useless.
The following eight Ecatim's complied to be interviewed for this study.
' \
his former life. the circumstances that led to him quining his job are unknown. One thing is
certain: he never speaks about it. As legend would have it. he found himself leading
agroup of Airjackers, who after alinle while lost track of him. The search parties
that went looking for him never returned.
The company never insisted. believing that he was dead. However, three years
later, Woodpecker reappeared with his mutinous crew: Eight Volko'i. as
many Yakis, five Soleks, two lna'is and one lin. They were armed to the
teeth and their grins spoke volumes about their spoils of war. Indeed.
they had managed to pillage an entire caravan. Without a doubt they
were an immensely dangerous group of thugs, possessing in their ranks
two or three Echoes and as many Ecatim. according to the testimony of
those few survivors who had managed to escape their wrath. The
Woodpecker clan is extremely organized and quietly lethal. They are
veterans of combat, fully-equipped with steel armor modified for the
latest fighting techniques. Given the situation in Dubarim, there is no peace
of mind when one is treading this road.
()
.. tl v() c a t i () tl s
Incarnating an Echo is the swiftest way to integrate
oneself into the aggressive world of Kai'nas. Without
a Vocation, a normal person would have to survive on
his raw talent, willpower and, if he is lucky, social
rank. Beyond these variables, there is something
called chance, or is it Destiny?
One's everyday reality can be overturned with a
Whisper. The call of a Vocation transforms the
individual, whether he is of lowly station or high
social standing, into an Echo. Everything changes
from that moment onwards. However, the process is
rarely completed in a sudden fashion. The new Echo,
though he may be transformed, is in a state of
becoming with an incredible amount of potential. He
may have learned a few powers of the first Sphere,
but it is only once he has reached the second Sphere
and beyond that the Echo becomes a force with
which to be reckoned.
When an Echo awakens, he should find a Brotherhood
of Echoes to whom he can belong. It is possible that a
new Echo, isolated in a small village, perhaps the only
one of his kind for miles around, may not be aware of
these Brotherhoods. In this case this Echo may
develop at his own pace for many years until he
discovers a Brotherhood. Other than these isolated
cases, a new Echo will be taken into a Brotherhood for
the purpose of his education. He or she will keep his
job in the outside world for the first year or two. This
will give him the time to complete his education with
the Brotherhood, acquire a bit of experience in
apprenticeship, save up a bit of Blood piece and most
importantly, prepare himself mentally for what is to
come; his complete transformation. The day he quits
his job is his moment of truth. By quitting, he claims
his right to desist, his right to be different, his right to
be independent, and he makes his commitment
to freedom.
BROTHERHOODS
What follows is a discussion of several
specific Brotherhoods. which are similar in
nature to the Factions covered in the Aj book.
Brotherhoods. are associations of Echoes which
hold. as their purpose. the serving of common
interests and the protection of new Echoes. They
provide fledgling Echoes with a home base that doubles as a
·safe house:
Over time, these Brotherhoods have become diversified. specializing in terms of their
political and geographic impact. They have developed into quaint. charming micro-societies
with an incredible amount of power. Their political and social influence (which is
especially marked in cases where the Brotherhood contains Truth (rafters and Overlords)
is strong at the local level, as opposed to the Factions. whose influence is more global in
scope. The laner. due to their impressive size. move at a sluggish pace and are less prone
to change with the times. The Brotherhoods are younger. more dynamic and more
modem. Indeed. they rarely possess even among their elder members. any Echoes of the
third Sphere. The Brotherhoods are able to stay in tune with contemporary culture, living
among regular people. influencing their movements and participating in their evolution.
Their decisions have far-reaching consequences that the fate of entire nations.
DREAMS OF WAR
Created by the company bearing the same name.
this Brotherhood is made up of powerful warriors.
The philosophy of Dreams of War is simple: this
world holds nothing but adversity. and faced with
adversity. there are two choices. One may fight, or. one
may die. Those who wish to enter this Brotherhood must prove
that they have chosen to fight. They must prove that their life is aconstant banle and they
cannot conceive it to be any other way. Members must demonstrate that they can fight
with all their being and all their will. As acompany, Dreams of War produces some of the
best weapons in Ka"inas. Most of these weapons are reserved for the exclusive use of the
members of this Brotherhood.These wealons are called "Arme d'Honneur".
The Brotherhood is mostly made up of Gnath and Volko"i. with a few Soleks and Yaki here
and there. There are even three lins. whose movements are coordinated in such a way
that they never to meet one another. The members of Dreams of War often brandish
,, weapons with their insignia clearly visible. Indeed. the Dreams of war Brotherhood were
the first to have introduced sponsorship at their tournaments. In the last 40 years. the
tournaments organized by Dreams of War have incurred a legendary reputation. They are
held everywhere there are chapters of the organization. Having followed the path of the
Slumers. Dreams of War has begun accepting Ecatim and Mherakims. over everything
else. they value willpower and strength most highly in new recruits.
Otherwise. Dreams of War is a very free Brotherhood. Their members have few
commitments and only meet regularly during tournaments. However. members are
expected to observe the ·combat Protocol" established by the
Brotherhood. Members of any race. creed or social class are
welcome. They can be believers of Naakinis or Ka"inas or
any other faith . Indeed, nothing really maners to them
besides the desire for banle.
31
 JUSTICE
Within Legends.
several Judges and
Judicator members
of a more meticulous
nature found the direction of the
Brotherhood too large and abstract. They
decided to create a department of the Brotherhood
which would be especially concerned with issues of Justice.
To distinguish it from Legends. they would call their department 'Justice."
Indeed, as the former was concerned with legendary acts. the laner would be
concerned with acts of Justice.
Certain Echoes began traversing from one Brotherhood to the other.
Depending on their affinity at that moment, they would participate actively for This moment, most often celebrated by his fellows in
afew years in acts of Justice. As they again shifted their focus to acts of heroism.
they would slip back to the Legends side of things. After three centuries. the two groups the Brotherhood, is a very fond memory for all Echo.
found themselves completely independent in goals and direction but necessarily and From the day he quits his job, he commits himself to
deeply intertwined through their diverse membership. Their simultaneous and risk and adventure. He enters the fabled world of
complementary actions would work on more than one level at a time. Their association is
explorers and adventurers, builders and warriors,
Legendary. It has been so for seven centuries.
poets and visionaries. Until this time, he had never
Justice and Legends are the only Brotherhoods of their stature to have such a

32 strong alliance. The Judges and Judicators of one Brotherhood are at the service
of the Truth Crafters and Overlords of the other and vice versa. Each Brotherhood
is aware of the plans of the other. They implement their actions in a concerted
allowed himself to dream that he would one day share
in the company of living legends. Contrary to
ascension into a higher social class, in which the new
fashion. always taking care not to step on the other Brotherhood's toes. Justice,
ever since its independence as a Brotherhood. has made a name for itself on account
arrival is greeted with condescending smiles, joining
of its strength and efficiency. Indeed. these are qualities we associate with Judges the world of Echoes is more like finding oneself in the

a~dh~u~~:~~~ited under the same roof. inspired the birth of a dozen small local ~-:'
company of brothers and sisters. The veteran Echoes
have all passed through the same trials as the new
Brotherhoods concerned with Justice. Often. their scope is limited to one . one. He is no different from them, whether they are
platform. Sometimes they see it as their mission to do work in the slums; to do
their part because they know that others are doing theirs. These Brotherhoods rich or poor, Zln or Odwoane. For everyone, the
are composed mainly of Echoes of the first and second Spheres. Sometimes they arrival of their Whisper and their Vocation was
have one member of the third Sphere. available for guidance on a part- shocking revelation. Nothing could have prepared
time basis.
them for that experience. They have all felt the same
To detail the vast quantity of events in which Justice was involved upheaval in their lives. The elders, like the neophytes,
since its inception. on its own or through its partnership with
Legends. would be impossible. They are definitely large-scale; one of can all relate to the feelings that an Echo experiences
the most influential Brotherhoods in Ka'inas. equaled only by the as he leaves his job, his family and his hometown to
Judges. Judicators. Overlords and Truth Crafters Factions. As for take his place among them.
Legends. we find chapters of this Brotherhood in the four City-states
as well as in Kha'i-Bhek.
LEGENDS
An ancestral Brotherhood. Legends has
been around for over 2000 years. It
was born out of the association of
several Truth Crafters and
Overlords. Having discovered what
"" they would later call The Reality
Factor. members of this Brotherhood
understood the importance of Other. They
also discovered the impact that subjectivity had on ,
experience. aconcept that was already in circulation but whose impliWions had I
not been fully under.>tood. Long considered a bastard organization. the
members of Legends nevertheless endeavored to build empires that would
live up to their name as Legends.
I
I
\
'I
I ,\

I
 ----·-=--• --------- ----=-
Each potential member has to have proven
himself in some way. For a long time. only
Truth Crafter and Overlords were admined
to this Brotherhood. However. seeking to
provide an alternative TO the other exclusive
Brotherhoods. the Overlords conceded to admit
every creature of merit. regardless of Vocation.
In an effort TO keep their standards high. the criteria
for admission became much stricter. Witnessing the
growing gap between the Echoes and the people. between
the upper and lower classes (as higher platforms were always
being built). the Legends came to a consensus on which qualifications they were
seeking in new members. Every established member. as well as every prospective
member. had to prove himself five times over before being admined or into the
Th~ s~eond Awak ~ ninrr
................. ..... .............. ..... .................................. Q .................... .
Brotherhood .
Proof came in the form of hero quests. These challenges were often acts of bravery
There is second birth or awakening to which all chosen by the Legends cadres. The idea of a quest was implemented by its founding
Echoes aspire (there is also a third, a fourth and a members. a tightly-knit group who has long since passed away. The Brotherhood is still
fifth, but that is another story). Through gaining the fulfilling its heroic mandate: keeping close ties with the populace. remaining involved in
social causes. pursuing revolutionary discoveries and generally making this world a bener
necessary experience, most will experience this place. These are tasks for which they see themselves as master artisans. Since the years
second birth or awakening, i.e., they will reach the of Chaos. this Brotherhood has tripled in size. We find Legends chapters
Second Sphere. If the neophyte can, through his Gifts in the four City states as well as one in Kha'i-Bhek.
at the First Sphere, have a certain influence on the THE ENCLAVE
world, the ascension to the Second Sphere represents The greatest of all Brotherhoods. The Enclave's
penetrating new world of power. Having attained this ~~~ membership is recruited from the highest ranks of the
Sphere, the neophyte becomes a traveller, acquiring a " social elite. Members of this Brotherhood must be born
in the uppermost platform of Kha'i-Bhek or in the four
new understanding of himself and of the world.
City-States. When an Echo is awakened on one of these

l
Indeed, the very fabric of the known Universe has platforms. his parents or mentors accompany him (along
been woven by countless Echoes before him. He now with 20 Volko'i and 20 Gnath elite Guards) to Kha'i-Bhek
counts himself a member of their ranks. where 20 other Volko'i guards and 20 more Gnath guards await the
new Echo. Escorted by these 80 guards. the Echo and his family are then brought to the
palace of his Supreme Highness Droliath Estola. who will then grant the young Echo his
An Echo of the Second Sphere reaches a much more blessing.
complete level of knowledge through his own efforts There are exceptions. however. Not all Echoes are treated equally. Nightmares and
(especially in the case of Engineers, Overlords and Specters are excluded from such a ritual. A family whose offspring becomes an Echo of
these frightful Vocations immediately banishes him or her. And when one of these Echoes
Truth Crafters) as well as through the efforts of
is awakened. the community views the entire family with suspicion and this stigma is
others. He is much wiser because he discovers that he often transmined from one generation TO the next. The suspicion stems from an ancient
knows very little. In fact, he can hardly imagine belief that an Echo awakens at a certain place for a certain reason (divine retribution).
achieving the Gifts of the third, fourth and fifth Still. it persists as ancient superstitions often do, deep in the layers of prejudice concealed
under a cloak of hypocrisy. Very linle is known about this Brotherhood from which most
Sphere. Once he has reached this stage, an Echo has of the future leaders of the land are recruited. The Core. by showing an interest in the
probably become an integral part of a group that he Members of this Brotherhood. are able TO ensure apool of loyal subjects from which it can
joined when he started. He now becomes able to do request special favors when necessary.
"his part." In fact, the goal of an Echo of the Second The only condition for new recruits is that he renounce his membership to any Faction.
Sphere is to determine what his role will be in his dedicating his life to his Vocation. his Brotherhood and his master: the Core Himself. As soon
as anew Echo takes his oath of allegiance. he is then bound to his word and put through a 20-
group and in society in general. Very often, at the year training period. During this exhaustive training, the neophyte will often ana in the third
Second Sphere, the group as a whole will attempt to Sphere and a near-perfect mastery over himself. This level of proficiency in his Vocation
situate itself within society; in terms of its knowledge, would have taken him fifty years without specific training. Linle is known
about the details of this training. but the effects are well
beliefs and current abilities. documented.No Brotherhood's training comes anywhere close
to the Enclave'ssuccess rate. Even the Order of Korime'An. a
much bener known and more reputable Brotherhood.
languishes in the dust behind it. Those who are privy to
this kind of information say that the quantity of
legends surrounding this training is infinite. Legend
or fact. TO make head or tail of this labyrinth of
illusion. is a feat only certain Truth Crafters could
perform.

33
 .f.. ~.r.~ . P. .Fl.-~-~ ...........................................................................
The impact Echoes of the Second Sphere have on
society is undeniable. This is true on the social level,
through the influence of the Judges, Truth Crafters,
THE KORIME'AN ORDER
Overlords and Conductors. It is also true on the
The Korime'An Order is one of the most scientific level, through the work of the Awakeners,
reputable Brotherhoods. located on the
sixth platform of Kha"i-Bhek. It is made up Engineers and Weirdsmiths. The contribution
exclusively of the elite elements of Core society. Walkers make to the exploration of new territories
Although many members of other Brotherhoods resent it and abandoned ruins of great anthropological
outwardly. the Korime'An Order is a powerful force to be
.
f
reckoned with. Belonging to this Brotherhood obviously does not
offer immediate popularity but it does grant one access to the highest echelons of society.
significance must also be considered. Second Sphere
War Engine and Overlord strategists win military
higher that even the most authority-laden politicians. victories. There are places protected by Guardians

34 Upon joining. members of this Brotherhood have a right to an object called a

Korime'an which means ·natural power." It is an object made of Sastak. finely
crafted. which is wom on the face. embedded underneath the skin. His
transformation now unmistakable. this member would gain access to privileges
and Judicators where before one feared to tread.
There are also medical and psychological
breakthroughs, thanks to Awakeners and Mind
beyond his wildest dreams. The first of these privileges is a permanent pass to the Chemists. And the list goes on. Echoes of the
upper platforms.
The only Brotherhood that can compete in terms of prestige is the Enclave. Many
brothers of the Korime'An Order consider The Enclave to be their only rivals and
it is extremely frustrating to them that the members of The Enclave pay them
lin! e. if any. mind.
I. Second Sphere make their contributions to all walks
of society.

Halfway between power and its relentless pursuit, the

Echoes of the Second Sphere are considered very
THEONE MIND
dangerous by their enemies, and with good reason.

l
This Brotherhood is universally acknowledged as However, their weaknesses are still obvious to
one of the most unusual. As its
Mind designation implies. Echoes of Higher Spheres. These more advanced
there is only two types of Echoes constantly watch over those of lower Spheres,
individuals accepted into
this Brotherhood; Frilins
(of all vocations) and Mind
l concerned with the betterment of their "species."

Chemists (of all races). This

Brotherhood is preoccupied with the
problem of the Mind; its role in the
creation of the universe. accuracy in
interpreting sense data. persistence in
perceiving dualities and its many other functions and abilities. By
mobilizing all its resources. The One Mind has produced some very
interesting conclusions.
Some people are surprised at the necessity of this Brotherhood
- because they believe that Frilins have already charted the entire maze
,,., •.:... of the Mind. in their millennia! study of the subject. This is not the case. ,
Frilins have always considered the Mind to be as real as their bodies. as
real as their environment. They never sought to understand the inner world
of the Mind as distinct from the outer world. Instead. the Frilin race concluded ,
t\\at t\\e inner world. muc\\ like the outer world. is infinite.
Sp~et~rs and Engin~~rs
.................................................................................................
Both Specters and Engineers are equally invisible in
Kai'nas society. The former by their very nature, the
latter by the character of the work that they perform.
Indeed, Engineers are concerned with manipulating
subtle mechanisms. Regular Engineers are the only
types of Engineers that have a certain visibility. The
others, Conductors and Orchestrators, are quite
submerged in subtle mechanisms and lead a life on an
abstract plane.
 ---~--~--+-----------~-_:_
However, compared to the Weirdsmith, the science of
the Engineers is very palpable. Moreover, Engineers
are often perceived as the antithesis of the Specters.
The latter absorb information, for ends not altogether
known, while Engineers are the greatest builders in
Kai:nas (Echoes, Ecatims and Mherakims included).
Whether they are erecting new fortresses against the
Sofe or designing new weaponry, the Engineers are
behind every new invention, often aided in their tasks
by Awakeners and Weirdsmiths. Their greatest work
is that of Permanence, creating lasting structures.
As for the Specters, they defy all known scientific
laws with their Reality Factor. Indeed, they cause
enormous problems to all scientists. Existing like
ghosts in a reality that is too dense for them, they
nevertheless (without even noticing) make their mark
on Ka"inas. These impressions on the soil of Kamas
rarely consist of actions which we will remember.
Rather, it is the vague notion of their existence,
shocking enough for us rational beings, that carries
their memory beyond their mist of Forgetting. That
being said, one needs to have a superior intellect even
to recall their existence. That is how subtle they are.
Their role, the reason for their existence, is like a series
of escape hatches. All serious attempts to seize upon
their "raison d'etre" have lead to dead ends. We hear
vague suppositions blowing through the vacant
buildings of conjecture. The most popular of these is
that their purpose is to "absorb information." Some
researchers even maintain that Specters' aim is to
absorb all the information so that the entire world will
fall into a primitive slumber; the death of consciousness
or absolute forgetfulness. Other researchers claim that
their aim is to puruy consciousness. Still others believe
that their existence is upside down. If we found a way
of inverting our perception of reality, the Specters
would appear to us with perfect clarity. Perhaps by '
negating the work of the Engineers, the Specters seem
to be ready for the truly ephemeral.
Mind Chemists also Tried ro understand
the Mind through a specific lens. by
examining The mechanisms of The Mind.
They doubted Their own nature. The basis of
their being and their role in the world. For
Them. rhe Mind could simultaneously exisT and nor
exist (i.e. it was an independent entity from reality.
which could be observed. analyzed and evaluated). There
is an entire Universe within us. they seem to be saying. Could
the Mind be nothing but a representation of that which is actually real; a
mirror of a Larger Realm. in a way?
These unresolved. seemingly unanswerable questions plagued the Frilins and the Mind
Chemists and out of their discomfort the One Mind Brotherhood was born. Its mission was
clear: Explore. discover and understand the Mind in all its dimensions.
Located to the west of Ulabediare in an immense and stark Frilin fortress. One Mind
Brotherhood has a population of 8.000. large for a Frilin settlement. Only Frilins can live
in the extremely harsh environment because they can survive without Orpee. (Echoes
who are well-stocked with their own srash of orpee may also try their luck). Though this
Brotherhood is relatively young. it has already become one of the most
powerful. Indeed. few dare to speak ill of This organization. even in
hushed tones. These days. there is resentment mounting against
this Brotherhood. Bur perched as they are in an impenetrable
Frilin fortress where Mind rules over Reality. it is highly
unlikely they can be attacked or destroyed.
THE SLUMERS
Among the newest to arrive on the scene. Slumers was
founded on the success of Slum-rechie innovations.
Resourcefulness. inventiveness. survival. courage.
11 intelligence. rejection of conventional Thinking. freedom and
openness of mind and heart were all characteristics of Slum-
techies. Moreover. the Brotherhood of Slumers Echoes considers
these character traits to be of vital importance. Located in Dubarim. the
Slumers consider themselves to be utterly modem. They see the way that they live as
totally in keeping with the times. They believe the various Factions and other
Brotherhoods are petrified plankton; prisons of the Mind for institutionalized Echoes.
In contrast. these ·modem· Echoes want to push the wheels of change. For them. the Years
of Chaos were a sign that things needed to move ahead. Even though life now seems to
be taking a more orderly course. things should not be allowed to stagnate. Fervent
supporters of the Core (never has a government been so progressive); the Slumers see
themselves as the bastard children of a new era. They have a love-hare relationship with
the systems which oppress and elevate them. All Slumers. without exception. practice
what they call the ArT of Creativity; in other words. Slum-technologies.
The most dedicated among them build lasting technological innovations. Of course. only
half of all the Vocations are interested in technology. Judges. Judicators. War Engines.
Overlords. Truth Crafters and Mind Chemists have no interest in technological
improvements. As for the rest however. technology is a passion. Fairly young (this
Brotherhood has only been in existence for 60 years); the unorthodox Slumers rally
together many Mherakims as well as many Ecatim. Many scoffed at this openness.
thinking that this bastard organization lacked seriousness (that they were recruiting
anybody they could get). However. history ruled in their favor. This
Brotherhood turned out to be precursors of societal change.
destroying the ancient barriers that had built up between
Echoes. Ecatim and Mherakims.
 ............. .
~· . ....' ',
T h ~... ~-.~~ gi r_1 ~-~ .~ ...... ........ ..
The Engineer was born when the first gears began to turn, seeking to understand. The
Engineer is at once the child and the father of the gears. He is the one who designs as well as
plays with the mechanical toys, the clocks and the machines. His fingers can construct
anything accessible by thought. When his hands touch gears, carpentry, springs, they are like
lovers uniting with their loved ones.

Applying themselves as they work, excessively curious and open-minded, Engineers embody the bubbling
joy of artisans performing the work that they love. Sometimes they burst out in a fit of perfectionism, and wonders
arise. The importance of the Engineer cannot be denied. Indeed, he created modern life, along with his brethren, the
inventors, architects and urban planners. In the Engineer's field, they are like seeds in the furrows of the future.

Th ~ Condn~tor
The Conductor is the second child, the quiet one. He self-
actualizes as an Engineer, through the hands of his Mind,
by manipulating the subtle mechanisms all around us. He
fears and venerates these infinitesimal yet infinite
mechanisms. They are his masters as well as his slaves. He
is at the helm of a much larger vessel than himself. He can
pilot it but he would never be able to create one as
magnificent as the one he is sailing. The Conductor is
everywhere. He created modern life as we know it.
The Conductor spawns social movements and reinforces
the social fabric, which for him is nothing but the synthesis
of all the subtle mechanisms; the Great Wheels of our
existence. The Conductor is in motion between two great
waters. His pragmatism is that of the Engineer but the
scope of his work is vast like that of the Orchestrator. He
can see far into the distance but he always stops to
contemplate the work of the Great Wheels.
We notice him in any group. He is the one fascinated by
something in the air. Sometimes he is like an archeologist,
dusting off objects from the dim past to uncover the
remains of ancient subtle mechanisms. Sometimes he can be
found in heavy political intrigues, weaving and destroying
links between the various competing interests. Therein lies
his greatest drama, as well as his greatest strength.
Infinitely curious and versatile, the Conductor must
perpetually choose, running the risk of not following
through with anything.
We are the prodigal yet invisible youngest child. There is only
one Conductor for every ten Engineers. There is one
Orchestrator for every ten Conductors. We are, therefore, one
in a hundred. We have grown up here, always looking towards
the peaks of the mountains. Perhaps we have always been
attracted by the Mechanical Symphony, the turning of the
Great Wheels. We exist to understand them, to correct their
course and to help them reach perfection. We have lived
among you for a long time, out of necessity for protection.
However, when the moment comes we will leave the nest and
take ffight. The subtle mechanisms will become imperceptible,
like so many grains ground into dust. We are the only ones
who can kiss the Great Wheels directly with a
glance; the only ones who can hear all the
notes in the Mechanical Symphony. Our
role is to compose, to orchestrate, not the
mechanisms that affect you, but rather
the Wheels that are at the source of
those mechanisms; the Engine of
Reality...

37
 ·-:·.:~ .
. ,.· ...
.. ·.. ' ; ·

·:-:··'·. ... ..;',1

.,c
-~

...

.
 ---=--+-------------- -
We are emptine<JJ which haJ become JubJtance. We are JhaJowJ
which have become reaL We are the forgotten nwrwriu. We are
where they come to Jie. Through t/J they are reborn.

Emptin~ss
.......................................................................................................................................................................
Specters are perhaps the sad result of a surplus; perhaps they represent the point that too
much information is in circulation and emptiness must therefore be created. Perhaps they are
an antidote to all forms of stagnation, of any idea too fixed in time. They move by giving other
people the responsibility of acting in their place. They give nothing in return. No Specter could ever
feel close to you, whether you are an Echo or another creature. He cannot even get close to another
Specter. Indeed, no shadow can find company in another shadow.

A Specter is bound to nothing. That is what determines his absence. Nothing sticks. A Mind Chemist may search as long as
he wants, but he will find nothing within their Mind. An Engineer may try to link them, but the bond will never hold. They
will slip between the links of the chain. They are true to themselves only in their bodies that give them life; the accumulated
mass of a thousand memories that they devour in order to live and grow.

~ ., '
.•

~j
~ ·,
··'•t'
.
f

--.. rd~ntity
························"'··················································································"
Fo rrr~tti n rr
............ Q ................ Q ............................................................ .
~ The identity of a Specter cannot be understood in the That which allows a Specter to live is his actions. However,
~j regular manner. At every moment he fluctuates, recreates people are constantly forgetting the existence of Specters.
himself anew, moves in time and space without any Few people know for certain that they exist and fewer still
attachment, and cannot be restricted. Only if he stays a will remember having encountered one. While the
long while in front of a mirror could a Specter develop any Engineers weave themselves in, Specters are the threads
sense of "Identity." For the Specter, identity is the drawing that run loose. The success of one becomes the misfortune
of a point in motion, through endless cycles of life and of the other. Only those with incredible perception can
death, without attachments. From the moment that he remember ever having seen a Specter. For the rest, a
becomes a Specter, he ceases to exist in any other manner. Specter is without a face, a gray presence, without features
By looking at what he has accomplished and by looking and, quickly forgotten. What's more, a Specter must even
ahead to what he will accomplish, a Specter can say "I am." make an effort to recognize himself. Without a conscious
effort, he may faint.
If a Specter ceases to move, if he ceases to draw this line
with his daily actions, he ceases to exist. Several Specters
have been found immobilized; hardly visible, their Exist~n<.;~
existence diminished. They were not dead; but they had Nevertheless, Specters exist. We can feel their presence,
forgotten themselves; only Recognition could awaken then see them and even touch them. Yet there is no impression
before they disappear forever. It is this fear of Forgetting left on our minds of their presence. They are
that haunts each Specter and that makes each so active. forgotten as quickly as a gust of wind. They
lead their lives in the most complete
silence. Between us there is an
impenetrable veil; a thin fabric which
will forever keep us different sides
of the chasm.

39

Although elsewhere wood is
considered a stately material used only for "static"
purposes (such as furniture, etc.), on Ka"inas, wood
(along with aU other plant-substances) is so integrated
into people's lifestyles that they can make nearly
anything out of it. Resin can be made into a dagger, a
spear or a sword, bark can be made into armor or even
•••
priced tools that can scarcely be carried . The Kioux is
among the most accessible True wood, and one can even
manage to make modest objects out of its sap, its flesh and
its bark. Evidently, weapons and armor constructed with
"materials of the edge" don't even have a tenth of the real
potential of the materials used. Thus even in big quantities,
Naakinis metal mines are exploitable only alongside

,
:
/
into a lance (keeping only a splinter of kioux), etc.
Furthermore, the resistance of these plant-substances,
whi ch are often Naakinisians, far surpasses that of
Ka"inassian resources such as iron or "smaU wood", or as
baffiing expenses. This renders the normal resale of this
material impossible, and renders its use possible only with
several Weirdsmiths and Awakeners.

carpenters call it, "Kai"nas wood". ("True wood" is evidently Materials from Naakinis are n't dealt with here: the
wood from Naakinis). However, if True wood is of a much Weirdsmiths and the Awakeners have much more (and

40 superior quality than small wood, its maUeability is in

exchange proportional to its resistance .. . In fact, in order
to manipulate True wood, one must use astronomically
much better things) to say about them. We therefore leave
them the responsibility of carefu lly examining and
expanding on this subject later on .. .

ENERGIES P.41 FLYING VEHICLES P.48

Methanicolenergy: Cargo p.48
The everlasting wheels p.41 Bellyglider p.48
Thermal Energies p.41 SLASHING WEAPONS P.49
Coal p.41
True Blade p.49
Harofa p.41
E-slash Blade p.49
Hydraulic Energy p.42
Distribution methodes CRUSHING WEAPONS P.49
and energetic uses p.42 Terrific Spiked mace p.49
Mother Methanicol Power Station p.42 Impact Hammer p50
Kioux elevator doors p.43 PIERCING WEAPONS P.49
Tramway p.43 Ze Drill p.49
I
ARMES D'HONNEURS P51
SLUMS TECHNOLOGIES P.44 Boomer-Axe p51
Cheap relic p.44 Reactor Sword p.53
Junk golem p.44 GRINDING WEAPONS P52
Slums Chainsaw p.45 Real Chainsaw p52
Vegecopter p.45 FLYING WEAPONS P52
UVING VEHICLES P.46 Razor Deck p52
Grandatorus p.46
Larowg p.46
Joo p.46
GROUND VEHICLES P.47
Wheeldemess p.47
Huorodozer p.47
Grindrider p.47
 --~---~------------------------
.. .
E~ tl \. :0
r0 {)'
1\.·O Q
d

time ago the anclent na emperors' engineers
learned to use the resources offered by the Kioux. The
Everlasting Wheels are large turbines directly linked to the
veins. This name was given to them in the year 200 after the
MECHANICAL ENERGY commencement of the construction of Kha.!-Bhek. The sap from
the veins gushes forth in the ascending networks and sets forth
,Open AttOunt
the rotation of the Everlasting Wheels. These Wheels then start
SOOBPS turning immense jagged wheels and chains, and they engage the
pistons, valves, pulleys, springs, and other pieces that are used in
Ata~unt maintenance
the creation of mechanical energy. The Mother Mechanical
2000BPSJYEAR Power stations are disposed in such a way as to have direct
access to the Kioux' veins. They are therefore constructed on the
UnitofUMS side of the Kioux. From the Mother Mechanical Power Stations,
CO)(!DAY long and immense rods of wood or steel climb all the way to the
1OBPS FOR EACH USE bottom of the inferior platform. From there, long active networks
of gear wheels and veins head towards the exterior of the city,
towards one or the other regular power stations .
Power stations stand out in a
city. The long rods that link them to
the next platform are activated by a
Mother Power Station. They reproduce the same
schema by redistributing their energy in the same way but on
a smaller scale to the industries and to the machines in need of
mechanical energy (ex. Tramways, elevators, lifts, mechanical
draw bridges, etc.). For the small town habitants of the Core,
the sight of all these gears in action, of this unique mechanism
whose immense appendices spread out over a whole platform,
and the supple yet constant sound of its movements is
sometimes enough to discourage them from living in "such a
place". If they are not discouraged by these sights and sounds,
they are completely fascinated by them. Through the
Everlasting Wheels, the Gnath rhythm and era manifests its
presence and its strength more and more concretely, as more
and more factories require this energy.

. ".................................................................... ········································································ ...... .

Whether it is animal or vegetal, coal is the simplest and the with Laja'Rabio. The combination of these gasses takes place
most frequently used combustible. Wood coal will always in one of these strange regions where the Aran reigns and
E. = Energy Unit remain a "classic". This polluting and old-fashioned coal is still where the most elementary laws can be completely
•Tank = E. storoge around, but it is used only in the slums. Bolorus animal coal, for metamorphosised. The Emovans are the only ones who know
example, has achieved such a level of popularity since its the techniques for creating Harofa. Once the gasses are
BOLORUS
domestication that it will not diminish quickly. Vegetal coal combined, they enclose the new gas in an air bubble.
Cost: 20 Bps I E.
from Carfo is another example of a popular combustible that
WHERETO BUY should persist for a long time in the slums. The lna.ls mines that Immense storage spaces are built beneath gigantic Nastu
Energy Marthand, dig the coal produce as much as they export. If this exportation Platirums, vegetal marine Naakinisians. These spaces enable
; Emovan is "invisible" compared to that of the orpee, it is nonetheless as the Emovans to direct and to put down the bubbles full of
big, if not bigger. Hafora near large chimneys, with the help of long pipes. From
'CARFo
there goes proceed to the solidification process, a process that
Cost: 10 Bps I E.
brings Harofa to the state its familiar: the famous 100 kilos
/WHERE TO BUY II FtrofR briquette. These briquette can let a highly explosive
' Energy Marchand Harofa is one of the most impressive sources of thermal fJet of gas evaporate through a small
energy. This gas is born in the deep underwater regions out opening. This gas is capable of sustaining
!ANY KIND OF COAL of the combination of two gasses: the Laja'Rabio, that comes and nourishing a thermodynamic
Cost: 5 Bps I E. from primary reality, and an Aran gas called "Socafe" since its vehicle for a month ...
,WHERE TO BUY blackness brings to mind the Sofe. This gas is almost
Any Morthand completely unknown: its only known use is in combination

HAROFA
Cost: 25 Bps I E.
!WHERE TO BUY
Energy Marthond, ~k 41
Emovan /
I~
·······-······[

Pl ay (?r,s : En gr~ n ag t?S

 H y d rtl uli <; E n ~rgy
··················································· ·- ....... ..........
~..,...,
.,.,.,:;... .--..:~~
-·~~~-..,

This is the most well known used by farmers, the elevators in

energy other than coal, but it is the big lakes in the lnais caverns, etc.
harder to obtain. It is created by Gnath urbanism, as it currently stands, owes roughly \
the Emovans. It is easy to create and half of its efficacy to the Emovans ... Furthermore, turbines
to reuse the hydraulic energy's power on their functioning on constructable hydraulic energy enable the
beaches, in their grottos and in their submerged cities. exploration of several other avenues. The possibility to explore
On the surface this energy is hardly visible, but its is precisely what the Emovans are actively seeking. A new
results can be found everywhere: the Enclave's method of forging the Sastak, functioning with hydraulic
hydraulic elevators, the sources of drinking water that presses, would already appear to give mind-blowing results.
,..~ we find in all cities, the aqueducts, the water pumps

-/'
it
I
•,

42 Mother Mechanical Power Station

All the power stations used to belong to the Empress, but they now belong to the Core. They are the producers of the most powerful mechanical
energies found in urban areas. Mother Mechanical Power Stations have an area at times measuring up to three miles and a height that reach from
the ground to the bottom of the next platform. All that is necessary is there, from the fabrication of the materials used for the power station itself to
the production of the mechanical energies used to nourish the other power stations. Generally there are around 30 000 workers in an MMPS. MMPS
are generally capable of furnishing all the other power stations on their platforms with energy, with the exceptions of Kha!-Bhek and of the four
City-States, where up to three MMPS can be needed. By passing through all the energetic contributions furnished to the industries for their
machinery, this energy can then be used for mechanical doors as well as for public transportation such as the tramway.
The production is calculated in units of mechanical strength (UMS). Each power station produces a certain number of UMS per day, and every
day each machine requires a cost of use calculated in UMS ... It therefore suffices to create relations of equivalent UMS reception/expenditure.
Each power station can furnish the maximum UMS indicated below. Each time new machinery is incorporated into the total structure, the
turning of one of the many gear wheels is increased - in proportion to the required supplementary contribution. In the case of enormous
machinery (an entirely new industrial complex, for example), additional turbines (those altered by the
passage of the sap in the Kioux) are activated.

NAME UMS PRODUaJON # OF WORKERS COST OF CONSTRUaJON

M.M.P.S 4 000 000-5 000 000 30 1100-40 1100 1001100 IIOOBps
SECONDARY M.P. S 40 000-50 000 81100-10 000 10 000 000 Bps
TERTIARY M.P.S 41100-51100 700-11100 1 11001100 Bps

An account for each user mun be opened at the dosest central. Generally, an ouount is opened at 500Bps.. The
inspectors then calculate the required mechanical force and send o bromh from the immense me<honism to the
user. Once the account is open, the cost of use is 10 Bps per unit I dar.
NOTE: the following numbers ore approximations.

EXAMPLES OF USE: mechanical door (1 UMS/day), draw-bridge

(2 UM.S/d.ay), Serial Workshop (50 UMS/ day), Irrigation system (100
UMS/day) ...
 Kioux elevator -doors
Elevator and lift doors are immense doors
made of Kioux bark cased in iron. They
are almost indestructible and irremovable
by anything naturally from Ka!nas. The
strong mechanisms that are integrated at
the top of the door, inside, are, however,
capable ... Their cost is included in the use
of the elevator or the lift.

TYPE MAX.WEIGHT DIMENSION COST OF USE ENERGETIC COST COST OF CONSTRUCTION

ELEVATOR St. 20m (square) 20 Bps/Pf 2 UMS/Pf 30 OOOBps
PULLEY 5000! 600 m(square) 1000 Bps/Pf lOOOUMS/Pf 3 000 OOOBps
NOTE, PI signifies Pfartarm

TYPE #PEOPLE COST ENERGETIC COST COST OF CONSTRUCTION Tramway

PASSENGER 20 2Bps 4 UMS/day 1000Bps Used by the superior platform workers, this public transport
MERCHANDISE 40 30 Bp 7 UMS/day 10 OOOBps system runs on slightly elevated rails so that the winch under
the tramway and the chain that pulls it in each direction can
RAILS: cost around 50 OOOBps I km to build function. Tramways are becoming more and more popular
and have really taken off in all the big cities. The CSRM of
each city are hiring more and more town planners to
organize and reconstruct certain neighborhoods in
relation to the construction of new sets of transport
( rails. Initially used only for the transport of material,
/ ' tramways are now used as much for people as for
material: maintenance costs and other secondary
costs are much lower than those of normal vehicles or
of animals. In the end the very low rate of

I
unforeseen expenses or contingencies
pleases everyone.
\
NOTE: Knai-Bhek has iust inaugurated its tim tramway on
the third platform. This constitutes oreal yet
positive shock in democratic moners.

\
\
\

'
 CHEAP REUC DURATION E-CAPACITY E-TRANSFER DAMAGE COST
3 months 10 1 E.pts/m. 1 per hit n/a

The Echoes fmd even the sight of the "relic of the poor" pathetic. For the poor, however,
~.._~r;~;;~;;.;:~~this relic can serve as a bene6cial safeguard. The "mechanism" is extremely simple. It is
just a Cargatu cocoon that is useless to the Cargatu after it has hatched, but proves
extremely useful to a poor ambitious Cnath. The cocoon 's fresh qualities, which are
effective for three months, enable the Cnath to accumulate a small quantity of eflow in it. By
placing in it an orpee, and letting it rest in the cocoon for a whole day (twenty hours), the cocoon
absorbs the eflow contained in the orpee. A third of the eflow evaporates during this process. In
order to obtain this eflow, non-Echoes must use a Canol thorn. Through its thorns, the Canol
can suck the eflow from its victims. Measuring a yard in height, the ganol is slow and simple,
having no defenses other than his thorns. He is a victim to whoever possesses and is capable
of using a weapon longer than a dagger. With such easy access, the miser can stick one end of

44
these thorns into the cocoon and the other into his arm. (The point of the thorn is found in the
cocoon, and the other end in the arm is about a half inch wide.) From there, the thorn will become
stimulated and will react by suclcing the eflow to transfer it. The transfer is a long (I point per minute) and painful (I damage point per "transfusion ")
process. Furthermore, there's a possibility that the veins inside the arm explode under the pressure of a surge of eflow in combination with the wound
to the arm. This causes a grandiose ecchymosis and at times even hemorrhages. Finally, one body out of every two people simply can't support this
intake. The body's complete rejection of this process prevents the transfer of any eflow and makes the
"victim" vomit for about a minute or so. On the positive side, if no rejection takes place, this
transfer may be life saving.
-._...
..

junk G(~m
SIZE STR. SP S W M T C/P C TANK COST
14 012+4 20 km!h 45 400 kg 2 Fhrt - 10 orpee 100 K
MACHINERY : The Junk Golem uses one Of]Jee per hour. If the Junk Golem is stopped
within the hour of aCTivation. the leftover eflow is wasted. and another Of]Jee is needed
for another one hour aCTivation.

Woria is one of the only Odwoane who is known all across the Core.
He is the only one to have created a successful golem. With
incredible relentlessness and will, the Slumtecchie Odwoane
managed to make millions of bolts, screws, nuts, chains, gears, etc.
with is bare hands (without losing his mind). Since the creation of
his famous golem (named Col em .. .), all the material he uses comes
from the slums; Kioux, polished Kioux leaves and scraps collected
over the years. The Junk Colem is an armor measuring three yards in
height and one in width. And it is extremely heavy, due to the materials used
to construct it. This machine's fun ctioning has garnered the attention of
several Engineers and Awakeners since it uses only a very small amount of
eflow to activate the central mechanisms. These central mechanisms then
coordinate the other mechanisms. AI though the cost of materials and of
orpee is very low, the results are quite impressive. No contriving
Awakeners, Weirdsmiths, or Engineers in this Golem. Economy is
factored into every level, and an Odwoane happy to be able to beat i.~
up Volko'is if necessary.
 f~ (] 1.1 i [1 fll (~ fl t

SLUM CHAINSAW DAMAGE REQ.STR. S WEIGHT SPECIAL

2012 D8 20 10 kg Grinding *
• See Grinding rule, MD Core book. MS. p.l25

This weapon was created by an envious Gnath who

saw a Solek pass by with his mechanical saw, and ,J4f/ll"··~~--~
who later saw a TOMC company worker pass by
.. ~"(t

with a Real Chainsaw. A Slum-tecchie by trade

and at times efficient beyond belief, Boale the
Gnath constructed his own mechanical saw in a day.
This saw is an amalgamation of thin pieces of metal nailed
together, of dead animals' teeth, bones and tendons, of pieces of wood
found or taken &om his neighborhood, and of a small motor that he had
invented a few years prior for the Erst brush to clean the Odwoanes.
(No one had ever understood this invention,
and he had never wanted to explain it
since his pride was so hurt by the lack of
comprehension about his invention.) __, V'~g.?.Gopt~r
......................................................................................................................
SIZE SP M T S CIP C TANK COST

60 160 km/h +2 Air Jl 4 500 kg 100 N/A

MACHINERY: The vegecopter uses 10 E. of carfo per hour.

The Vegecopter is the Slurnmers' most recent invention and is one that augmented their
prestige by a notch. Since none of the three engineers that worked on its conception were
Echoes, the idea of equality promoted by the Slummers simply gained credibility.
Constituting a peak in ingenuity, invention and relentlessness, Vegos, Copte and Tere opted for
the vegecopter. They thus named their unique invention. To reproduce this machine one
would need the conjunction of a number of such bewildering
circumstances that specialists estimate the likelihood
of reproduction to be one in a million.
The vegecopter is made up of
equal parts animal,
creature, plant and
metallic factory
scraps as well as aquatic
matter collected by the two Emovans and the Gnath.
Its basic structure is the skull of an Arqapeliguep, a
bird from Naakinis whose spine was replaced by a
long aquatic plant root still supple and
motile. The complete functioning of
the vegecopter would take days to
explain, and the extensive
explanation might not even be comprehensible since the Slum-tecchies'
logic is based on the inexpressible. Nevertheless, the Vegecopter's
results are evident. It flies rapidly, and for an invention patented as
a "slum-technology," a term associated with a lack of reliability,
the vegecopter is quite astonishing. Its launch sent numerous
educated Engineers back to their drawing boards.

~il k
/
~~

Engr ~ nag t?S

 V<~ ll i c I. (~ s

SIZE SP M T HP CJP c COST

2050km/h -3 Solid ground 50 4 400kg 4 OOOBps

repugnant yet very efficient Grandatorus is one of Friendly

transporters' best sellers. Its awkward bearing and appearance,
which remain risk-free for itself and for its passengers,
render it lovable to those who appreciate endearing
clumsiness .

•
'

46 L Hrowg
SIZE SP M T HP CJP c COST
600 180km/h Ground 500 4/60 10 tons 1650 OOOBps

The immense Larowgs ("cousins" of the Huoras) are, according to the legend,
impassive chargers capable of carrying half of a city on their backs. If these
legends exaggerate, it is because Larowgs have a profound effect on the
imagination. At 100 yards high, 100 yards wide and 150 yards long, they are more
imposing than the Huoras, even though Huoras are more effective with their
appendages. Formerly, nomad tribes possessing Larowgs
penetrated cities simply by letting the Larowgs bend
their heads and break down the city walls. The
Enclave's city walls for the Skytrain were
conceptualized in such as way as to resist ten
times such attacks .

.............................................................. --
SIZE SP M T HP CJP c COST

- 18 20 km!h -4 All (even water) 120 2 300kg 7500Bps

The Joo is intriguing, to put it nicely. It is the ideal mount for the Walker at the end of
his career, or for the traveling Frilin. The Joo is so slow and so silent that nothing stops
it. Its rhythm is continuous, and when we whisper our desired direction in his ear he
starts shaking and immediately turns to navigate in that direction. lt is as though he
had a map of Kai:nas inside of him. The fact that the young and rich Gnaths from
the platforms effortlessly pass you on their short-lasting fashion-trend mounts
shouldn't be a source of worry or annoyance: The Joo is extremely resistant to fatigue
as well as to attacks. In order to ensure your arrival, it is better to proceed with
care and caution. Take your time. Furthermore, the Joo is perhaps the only
mount capable of unaffectedly advancing upside-down on a branch, on its side
on a city wall, or on the surface of a sheet of water without sinking ...
 SIZE SP M T s C/P c TANK COST

35 150 krn/h +6 All 45 1/4 300 200 300 O!JOBps

The legendary Wheelderness isn't through being talked about, even if th; ~~mpany that
created it is only a b.e.s. (and that's because the company is lacking the Gnath desire
for upward mobility.) Machines such as the Wheelderness rival engines
by much larger companies in both efficacy and esthetics. At the moment,
there are only 30 Wheeldernesses on the market, as well as several copies
-ersatz- produced by other companies. The Wheelderness are the only
ones to offer their legendary GCS, their gravitational compensation
system that gives Wheelderness an uncommon adaptability and
maneuverability on all types of terrain. Needing only one pilot, the
strength, speed and cargo capacity of the engine elevate the Wheelderness to
a new height in quality. One need only find the time and

-Basic Wheelderness models use (orfo fuel, but nowadays in order to get some extra Bps, one can afford
to buy on Orpee engine, or even a Horofa engine (if one ever wonts to reach the Pendulum by dim bing a tree).
-{arloengineselpend their fuel oto rate of 10 E./hour{basic price).
-Cool engines consume fuel at a rate ranging between 5 and 15 E./ hour (From 4000 less to 4000 more)
- Orpee engines consume fuel at 5 E. hour (SO 000 more)
..U tH,t.X=3 .dozt-r
···············································siiE"·······sii············M"·············T"···········s········CJP········c········:rANic-············ca"ST· ······
180 80 kmth +2 Ground 70 6/20 400* 4 000 OOOBps
FUEL : The late Huoradozers depend on Harofa. whilst the older models use the old Carfo fuel.
MACHINERY: Huoradozer uses 30 E. of carfo per hour. or 5 E. of Harofa per hour.
---~__,.-.,..
Called a "basic service" by the company, the Huoradozer is indeed basic, but it is al~ incredibly effective.
....
In all simplicity, the Huoradozer can carry out three tasks. The first is to squash and flatten almost
anything in order to build a road or simply to make "enemy pate" (Don't knock it, this has been
done before). The second is to dig holes in just about everything, even a Naakinis
creature, by opening the frontal shovel. It goes without saying that these holes are
immense. The third is to perforate surfaces that are too hard (ores of all types, or
particularly resistant wood) in order to then be able to excavate them with the help
of the shovel. To do this, the shovel is erected on top of the Huoradozer and sent
backwards to serve as additional pressure for the two enormous drills installed on
top. The caterpillars, made of real Sortac skin, can adhere to any surface and can
support four times the weight of the Huoradozer. Indeed, the art of engineering isn 't
always the most subtle, but it is often effective.
• ALTIRNATIVI FUEl: Huoradozers use the burnt residues of the things they crush as on alternative source of fuel, as though they were some kind of cool (thanks to some Weirdsmith's
alteration to the "furnace"). Whenever the Huoradozer is "active" (crushing, etc.) and can gather such resources, divide the usual fuel consumption by four.

SIZE SP M T s C/P C TANK COST

10 240 kmth +8 All 30 1/none 60 so• 80 OOOBps
MACHINERY: see Wheelderness note below. Uses half its fuel.
~-l!li!II!J!lllli--=-.;.;;.:.:.;, --=-
The Grindrider was born of an expertise in engineering acquired by the Steel Engine family, the
same family that created the Wheelderness. It is, in fact, the Wheelderness' "little
brother," possessing all the qualities of its elder, but in a smaller format.
All technologies developed for the Wheelderness were rethought
and used for the Grindrider. This makes it one of the best
single seaters available on the market. Adopted by numerous
Pilots, all Grindriders are now custom-made to fit the wearer.
No two Grindriders are exactly alike, therefore, but they all
maintain the basic Grindrider form. The Grindrider resembles
the muscular Wheelderness in its strength, its speed, its
adaptability and its look. Since it also possesses the CGS, lovers
of extreme excitement will not be disappointed ...
• All Wheelderness engines except for the Harofa are also available for the Grindrider
athalfthepricelistedabove.
Eilk
(~
./

Play ,? rs: Engr,? na

 V<~ ll i c r (~s
C a r go -£""""' - ~-'·"'-' -""-"""''1!!!!!11!1•••-
.............................................................................................................
SIZE SP M T S C/P C TANK COST
3 200 400 kmJh + 5 Air 150 80/800 330 tons 5000/l ooo• N/A
MACHINERY: Cargo uses so E. of Harofa fuel per hour. or ISO E. of Orpee per hour.
OA's sacred monster, the Cargo is the most immense vehid~ ;ver built
(perhaps with the exception of the Arsenal, if it really exists). Four

. · ...::~
o!f··, .
times the width of a Bellyglider but having the same countenance as
the Bellyglider, the Cargo is also the most complex and expensive
flying vessel ever built. It took 50 years to conceptualize it, and 70
more years to bring it into existence. During this time, the
number of errors, mishaps and problems of all sorts that
at one moment or another risked plunging this project
into oblivion were innumerable. But when the
J.dff!ffmlm, project survived the Years of Chaos, the majority of
those embarked in this adventure regained their
faith, but they preferred to suppress the news until the
Cargo was nearly ready. Five years after the Core's
centennial, the Cargo was tested in the Nordic regions, but to
this day the results of this flight remain unknown ... The only people in the know,
aware of the billions invested by the Core and by the OA, concluded that the Cargo
was an orpee transport vehicle for states of emergency in order to prevent all other
crises to come .. .
• Uke the Bel~glider, the Cargo relies on Horofo (with a rate of 200 E. consumption/hour), but it con also use Eflow. Pocked in the Cargo while
it is still orpee, this alternative energy source serves another primary purpose: it
stashes and accumulates orpee so that everyone will survive if any problems
should 0«\Jr.

SIZE SP M T s c TANK COST

800 180 Air 100 20/60 580 tons 4IDl 36 000 OOOBps
MACHINERY: The Bellyglider relies solely on Harofa as fuel. and its consumption rate is
100 E. an hour (thus a Bellyglider can stay in the air for 40 hours).

Apparently without pretension, the Bellyglider is the most enormous

flying transporter ever constructed by a company. Only the
legendary Cargo behemoth, the aerial vehicle used by OA, is
bigger than the Bellyglider, although it is not nearly as useful.
The Cargo must necessarily fly above the Kioux and therefore
- can only land in certain areas, where as the Bellyglider is
completely adapted to movement below the Kioux. The enormous
vertical platform that serves as an under carriage enables the Bellyglider
to go or to land just about anywhere. These practical aspects for current use
grossly surpass the Cargo's capabilities and usefulness. The abominable cargo
capacity is also proof of the vision of lna'is Hkheme, the Pilot engineer.
 Tru ~ Bl ad~
.......................................................................... ......
.............. <:~ -
~ -~···

DAJiAGE REQ.STil s WEIGHT COST

3D+S* DB 40 Skg 30 OOOBps

"The Sastak's sister" is what we call the Jislane, a terrestrial plant with physical properties
resembling the Sastak 's. Jislane, however, doesn't affect the Dream and the Aran as the Sastak
~0
--.... .:.,)
does. True Blades are all forged on one piece of Jislane. Its long leaves are cut by hand one by one
and compressed one on top of the other in hydraulic presses until the fusion process is complete. Then
the artisan sculpts the Jislane into the desired shape. Out of respect for the plant, the pommel and the guard

-
_, ,..e..- are carved to resemble the stems of the Jislane leaves. Once the sword is completed, it is dried in a special
r-
..,.. container in order for it to become completely solid. The final result of this process is always a unique weapon.
..... Jislane, like Sastak, is extremely conducive to sculpture as long as it hasn't dried. Unlike the Sastak, however,
[; 1'.~
once it is dry it is impossible to work with, to reshape, or even to repair. The weapon will eventually break, but
0.-
••....
~
~
this could take centuries ... unless a Weirdsmith or an Awakener interferes .
•If it is carved properly, Jislane can be greatly enhanced.

r,

__
. Ukewise, the price of the True Blade doubles for each of these extra successes
• j
(thus a true Blade crafted upon o success roU of four would be 3D + 11 damage and would cost 240 000) .
· Thedifficultyofcroftingsuch a weapon is 12.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ -~ ..--~- ~-~- ~-~--~.:: ...... .. ~..~................~ -""""-............,...

: ,__
DAJiAGE REQ. STR. S WEIGHT SPECIAL COST
3D+ 4 D6 25 4 kg Eflow use 120 OOOBps
EFLOW USE : Using an eflow drainer/container. the E-Siash Blade can consume Orpee and use its eflow within an hour.
The eflow is wasted if it is not used within this hour. It is by no means a relic. The infusion of one Orpee into the E-Siash
Blade takes one round. and the blade can store up to three Orpee.
For an activation cost of s eflow. the blade can double its damage bonus as the eflow flows along the edge of the blade and
invisibly sharpens it by becoming an extension of it. This activation lasts for one round. For an activation cost of 10 eflow. the
blade can be rendered incredibly light and easily maneuverable. adding five to all the user's rolls involving the blade (parrying.
attacking. counterstriking, etc. with this blade).

The popularity of the E-Slash Blade of the famous i.e.s. Weird Combat Gear will never diminish. Representing a
maximum in fmesse and efficacy while at the same time incredibly simple, this blade is perfect for all warriors for
whom strength isn't based on brute force. The movements of the warriors wielding these blades are inimitable.
Many are judicial adversaries who, when faced with this crazy blade with such vivid and nearly autonomous
movements, preferred to flee the carrier so adorned. On the battlefield at times we see Circles of Echoes all armed with
this blade, and their mortal dance is doubled by the lethal nature of this blade.

;lQ

--...
- •The Terrific Spiked Mace reduces soft 3D+ DB
DWGE
s•
40
REQ. STil
Skg 30000
s WEIGHT COST

-
l:
...
~

ct
annors· effectiveness by 3 (thus making a soft annor of -4 to damage. a -I soft armor to damage.)
- If a deep or pure violence wound arises, the weopon may get stuck in the body because of its spikes. Roll a strength test versus the damage resu~. If the
damage is superior, the weopon remains stuck. For each round that it remains stuck, it will deal hoH the damage that it did upon striking.

--
~

)
0._-
$
The Terrific Spiked Mace is one of the "contusive" weapons, the most appreciated by combatants,
utilitarians as well as the blood-thirsty. Although the advertising that declares that "no points could
have been added to the Terrific Spiked Mass" appears exaggerated when we
first look at the mace any veteran will tell you that in order to conserve its
piercing effect at the maximum level, this is indeed the maximum number of
points possible. A few years ago, a fashion trend arose, and sales of Terrific company
weapons climbed 3000%. The company clearly can't complain. To the surprise of all the
big companies, Terrific maintained its high level of quality, augmenting production by hiring
new personnel. At the moment, Terrific is on the verge of becoming an i.e.s. and its Terrific
Spiked Mace in Kioux, a real truncheon capable of beating up a Grandatorus or of smashing
open a Joo, is used by a great number of renowned warriors. Some people believe that this
mass could be Terrific's entrance into the league of the Dreams of War ...
 DAMAGE REQ. STR. S WEIGHT SPECIAL COST
6(3)D D12 60 40 kg Impact 3 000 OOOBps
IMPACT: like the Purecrusher. the surge of the Impact Hammer is delivered upon impact.
However. unlike the Purecrusher. the Impact Hammer adds to the damage afterwards instead
of beforehand. Thus if one deals 20 damage points (before any armor calculation). this will
amount to 40 damage points. Smaller anacks have only small impacts. but massive anacks will
bring down entire walls.
l
-.....
~
COST: The Impact Hammer functions on Orpee. using one Orpee every time it is activated. It can store v
up to twenty Orpee. and once again just like the Purecrusher. it muse be activated before the blow -:::a
,·~
lands. (It would be quite difficult to release the trigger at the exact moment when you know how much
damage has been inflicted. Thus although this is a gamble. it is assuredly a gamble that works against the ~
X
enemy. and this is precisely what one wants in a deathly bani e. ..... ,.,....
.......

-
·~ ~
"
Already well described in The Core News ' "Industries" pamphlet, the Impact Hammer
was built a few decades after the arrival of the Volko'is. At this time, blacksmiths and -
~
~
~

.' gunsmiths of all races let themselves be carried away with the tendency to exaggerate all
points of a weapon. The bigger, the heavier, and the more cumbersome yet effective the Qq
weapons and the armor, the better. Only the Emovans, straying behind, rejected this
trend that claimed "bigger is better." But this period, which had a few years of

50 ~~. ~. J~.~ ·i· '·~. .. . . . .~.=~.~. . . . ~. . : .} It ·~

DAMAGE REQ. STR. S WEIGHT SPECIAL
.
COST
glory, enabled the production of weapons which otherwise never would have
seen daylight. The Impact Hammer falls into this category of weaponry.
Measuring two yards in length, its handle "finishes" at the base six inchs
wide, which grows to 3 inchs in the second part, culminating in a head
Ze Drill D8 45 10 Drilling/Shrieking 700 OOOBps
of "NaakaSteel" (the Weirdsmith steel forged of Naakinis metal
Spear 4{2)D + 8 piercing
found deep under ground near the orpee mines). The head alone
Drill 10/round weighs 40 kilos, and measures 12 inchs long. In addition to this
DRILLING: When the Drill's impact alone doesn't manage to penetrate the simple, already imposing and mortal mass, the weapon
surface. its rotation almost always completes the action. The Drill inflicts 10

..,
possesses a Weirdsmith mechanism activated by eflow
damage points on all forms of structure. Contrary to all other forms of damage
inflicted on structures, this one is cumulative. Therefore. in four rounds, the Drill and permitting the doubling of the "preliminary"
will pierce a structure of 20. (2 rounds to reach its breaking point. and two more pressure.
rounds with 10 damage points to pierce completely through it.) If an individual
is gravely wounded by the Drill's anack (i.e. has a deep or pv wound), he will be
inflicted with the 10 supplementary damage points if he doesn't manage to remove
the Drill from his wound. (Roll of strength of the victim against the roll strength of the
-:::a
,-,,...,
r
-
~-,
-:
~·')
Wo1ll!
anacker, with a bonus of fourto the roll of strength of the anacker. in function of the
advantage granted by the position).
.....
"' ~

' :
~
-
-J
,-.;... ~
NOTE: Without the appropriate strength to hold up the Drill, the Drill will be unable to penetrate any surfaces. It is ~
assumed that the individual piercing a surface (ora creature) will put all his energyintothisaction. The individual's ~
strength score, times two, is the maximum structure that this individual can pierce (Ex. If he possesses s Strength of 20,
he could pierce o struchJreofup to 40; above this, the pressure he will exert one the Drill will not be strong enough.)
""'''I!
llllllllll
SHRIEKING: The extremely strident noise emined by the Drill sounds almost like a
scream. and in order to support it the user must have an exceptional mental strength.
The cry of the Drill inflicts 10 mental damage points per round (which are normally
tolerated with mental armor) on all those who are standing less than five yards away from

- the Drill. This explains the incredible strength and hardness of its users.
COST: 5 E. of Eflow per round. Tank: 30 E.(2 Orpee)

The "The", pronounced with emphasis, refers to one of the Dreams of War combatants' favorite
weapons: the Drill of combat. It signifies this weapon and no other. The Drill is the weapon of choice
for the most dangerous Kamas warriors. Due to its great reach, this long lance is perfect for warding
off and getting ahead of the enemy, as well as for piercing any type of armor. The shrill noise emitted by
the Drill when it is activated is enough to discourage but the most solid individuals from using it. This
noise would really drive anyone crazy. Not having the right to silliness (reread the rules of
the Dreams of War ... ), the one who masters this weapon is therefore one of the most
mentally sound individuals, often a Z'in or a Salek. The Drill's mechanism is among
the most efficient of all known mechanisms. It revolves at more than a 100,000 turns
a minute without overheating crystal-magic of the Weirdsmiths. Its Kioe point,
Naakinisian crystal, will simply never break or burst. At any rate, the rest
of the handle made out of Kioux sap is replaceable.
 B oo m ~r-A x ~-
DAMAGE REQ. STR. s WEIGHT COST

Boomer-Axe 30 + 6 (1 H) or 3(2)0 + 6 (2H) DB N/A*

Axe 30 + 4 06 35 15 kg
Staff 30 + 2 (1 H) or 4(2)0 + 2 (2H) 06 30 5 kg
Rope 4012 + 6
Boomer 5012 + 4
COMPLEX WEAPON: The Boomer-Axe has two possible uses: its basic use. which funCTions
with the normal Melee Weapons competence. and the other. For its basic use. the
individual uses it as he would any other axe. using only the charaCTeristics from the first
row "Boomer-Axe·. and leaving the rest alone. In order TO put the Boomer-Axe to full use.
one must learn it as a Techno. weapon (particular complex skill). Once this path has been
chosen. the other aspeCTs of the Boomer-Axe can be revealed.
1) AXE: The Axe is eXTremely light and manageable. It can be used in the same way as a
dagger for close combaT. but it is much more violent. Without the Boomer. the Axe can also be
._
n used direCTly as a throwing weapon.

-
2) STAFF: The stick is made of an eXTremely solid wood and can be used as proteCTion when you take the axe in the other hand. or when
~ the axe has already been thrown. If it has been thrown. the stick can also be held with two hands.
3) The Axe can be placed at different heights on the handle. an asset that enables it to be used with one hand or with two.
~j
...
~
4) The sastak string measures six yards long. but it can be adjusted and compressed to only thirty inch. The string can be retraCTed
or eXTended by a simple pressing of a finger.

......_
~

,.......,..,
5) IT can be used to rapidly strangle adversaries when in ambush. and the string can also be used TO ward off frontal arracks when
the warrior uses the axe and the stick separately.
6) If the axe is proteCTed by the stick in a circular movement. it will arrain the limit of the string and tum around ... This type of
::..) arrack enables the use of the axe. as well as the string and the stick. TO provoke one's adversaries. (In the jargon. "Jagan strike',
,..e , specialized in this type of arrack. but double. one Boomer in each hand.) In this case. a separate arrack roll is made for each part of the
r- weapon. This requires as many CP as if the arracks were made separately, but in exceptional cases these CP can be taken from
-c:
.. 7) somewhere other than the special 'Boomer-Axe' competence .
The Boomer is a simple system for the projeCTion of the axe in a simple line. starting from the stick inserted in the handle and engaging
~'
itself for 5 eflow (the Boomer-Axe can contain 30).
e::- 8) Etc. (for more minor variables)

~j

-
~
.......
~
Along with the Reactor Sword, this is one of the most recent
creations of Dreams of War. The complexity of this weapon, once it
is mastered, sometimes frightens the neophyte interested in its
management with his enemies. This weapon can, however, be quite
simple. One of the "worst" indexed cases was the case of Jagan, a
beyond the grave with a previously unthinkable level of mastery of
these weapons. Even today, 20 years later, in the year 11 0 of the Core,
he still remains the only true master of the Boomer-Axe. This axe has
in fact since been re-baptized by many as the "Jagan Axe." Even he,
who admits that the weapon still holds a few secrets in all the possible
Volko'i War Engine who, fascinated with this weapon, abandoned the varieties of combat, a warrior who has mastered the Boomer-Axe,
two axes he usually used, disappeared for a year, practiced and knows how to carve a choice place for himself among the cadavers of
trained himself somewhere hidden from view and returned from his adversaries.

of War. It iJ one of the weaporM they ruerve for their moat

l'll~<•rn.,n.IJ.<•tunrr/Jlr.- 1 .
Thi.1 particular 111eapon iJ auo ruerved for only the nw.1t
't/J.IiremouJ warriorJ. Since the creation of the Boomer-Axe, Dream.1 of War haJ
/ A"·.---·" created "Arme d'Honneur" that are nwre and more repruentative of
increaJingly apecialized U'arrio/'.1. 'l.lrme D'Honneur"are alwaya received
memorable rituau.

~il k
/
51.
~~

Pl ay~rs : E n gr~ n ag~s

 R ~ l M ~e h ~ ni ea-J....Sa-w
··············ow6·t······R£it .srf··········s-·······wti6iiT·········s·P·EaAL TANK COST
5(2)012 D12 45 35 kg Grinding 10 200 OOOBps
MACHINERY: The Real Mechanical Saw uses 2 E. of Orpee per hour.
FEARFULNESS AND CLUMSINESS: Although iT is terrific and magnificent, rhe
True chainsaw cerTainly isn'Teasy TO use. When iT is used in barrie. reduce by
4 all The rolls made wiTh iT. Such monsTrosiTies can. however. have an effecT I
,.-.....,
on The memal. If someone is killed wiTh This weapon. increase The FF of The ~ -
deaTh by IS.

'....4..,.
EFLOW COMPENSATOR : There is a True Chainsaw srrengrh
compensaTor ThaT can be boughT for 100 000 per level of
compensaTed sTrengTh (one wiTh D8 in STrengTh would
~
-~
-c
...-
~

~
v

/
have TO pay 200 000). Run wiTh one orpee hour. ~
........

- -c
- -.
~ J'
,· This saw consists of a blade made entirely of bronze "'
'":
Kalekyptos chips that serve as the teeth of the saw, as
I
•
f
- well as the enormous motor made by none other than the
~
~
:: Ecatim Destroyer !naYs named "Saw." Fascinated by cutting mechanisms, for 20 years
Saw researched in our "exploit and legend" department. In order for him to concoct our greatest
Qq
SCJ
t "-
weapon and our most efficient tool, we put all the available resources at his disposal. With Saw,
as you all know, the results are always on time and bang on. The illustrated model is the latest
fashion in Saw, the "manual" model of the Real Mechanical Saw. In order to operate it, this
model requires a VolkoY force or a compensator sold separately. Whether it is long and large like
a tree, serving to cut Kioux branches, or whether it is a yard and a half long and serves more personal
uses, the Real Mechanical Saw will always remain the only, the unique Real Mechanical Saw.

R ~zo r o ~e k
..................... A variant of the Reactor Sword, the Razor deck
............................. ............................
~

VEHICLE SlATS is easier to "mount" than the sword, however it

SP WEIGHT M T s CJP c TANK COST can't be used in combat like the sword.
~
50/1 00/200 km!h 45 +3 Ground 30 10 N/A
, Everything about the Razor is simpler: we just ~ ~
mount it and activate the reactors. The reactors ~ ~
#;

-c
c _~
have three speeds: Slow, medium , and fast.
WEAPON SlATS ~

DAMAGE REQ.AGI. SPECIAl

With his two feet solitlly anchored in the Razor,
the warrior can fly a few inchs above the
.....
.......
-J
, ... ~
~
4010. DlO Charging/ Spinning ground. If the pilot lifts the Razor too much, it ~
~
~
will propel towards the sky, and the pilot,
The Razor runs on Orpee.and iT can sTOre up TO Ten Orpee in irs reservoir. The Razor Deck consumes one
orpee per hour aT minimum speed. one per Ten minutes aT half speed. and one per minUTe aT TOp speed. without a parachute, will no doubt experience a
Qq
very painful landing. The user can mow down
The use of The Razor Deck is a Trade and a challenge in iTself. In order To be able TO ride and fighT wiTh
such a Type of equipmenT. one musT masTer iT as a Techno. Weapon (complex skill). Whenever The his adversaries by charging from one end of the
rider arremprs a maneuver using The Razor Deck. he musT roll a Razor Deck skill roll (AgiliTy). The combat scene to the other. An extremely quick
difficulTy of simple maneuvers. such as riding The Deck on a plain, is S, where as maneuvering ejection system for the feet was added early on,

- Through Trees mighT increase iT TO 8. or even more if one is going Through a dense foresT.
CHARGING: IT is possible simply TO charge someone ar full speed wiTh The Razor Deck in order To
impale him. If such a Thing is arrempred, roll as normal (Razor Deck skill roll againsT The defender
roii) .Since The Razor Deck has no real bonus To offer bur iT compensates wiTh iTs abundanT speed. add
after having seen a few kill themselves. Even
though no "somersaulted attack" is possible
with the Razor, it is possible, once the
"rudiments " are mastered, to swivel in
S/ 10/ 20 (slow. normal. fasT speed) To damage as if iT were The Razor Deck's size. order to knock the
•sPINNING: Spinning on oneself horizontally in order TO slash The enemies in close combaT is a very adversaries off their
complex maneuver ThaT requires greaT Timing and balance. The difficulTy of This maneuver is 8. If The roll feet.
succeeds. The difference between The difficulTy and The roll resulTis Then considered as The arrack roll.
againsT which The defenders musT roll. No parries or coumersrrikes are possible. The only way TO escape
This arrack is To dodge iT sTealthily. A spinning arrack may hiT any enemy engaged in close combaT wiTh
The Razor Deck rider (wiThin 1CM).
....
('I

,... VEHICLE SlATS

SP WEIGHT M T s CJP c TANK COST
_, 30/70/150 km!h 15 +5 Ground Jl 5 N/A
0_~ WEAPON SlATS
DAMAGE REQ.AGI. SPECIAL
~
~ 40 D8 Charging/''Spindrop" N/A *

....
~ Adivated 5(3)012 +6

~
- TECHNO.WEAPON: The Reaaor Sword is aTechno. Weapon. and as such it must be mastered separately
and thoroughly.

-- - .;,.)
~
r'" ~ .....

..,..v
I
SPINDROP: The Spindrop anack is even more lethal than acharge. since it can cur many opponents in half. The
difficulty of this maneuver is 10. If the roll succeeds. the difference between the difficulty and the roll result is
then considered as the anack roll. against which the defenders must roll. No parries or counteranacks are possible .
.. Dodges are divided by rwo. as are Reflexes. if this is the only available means of helping the future viaim. Damage
resulting from aSpindrop adds to the Yaki's Size. and it adds the speed at which the rider was coming. divided by ten (ex.:
at ISO. add IS points of damage to the roll ).
"
~'

~ ACTIVATION OF THE REACTORS: The Reaaor Sword can store five Orpee. and it consumes one Orpee per minute. regardless of
its speed. In order to use this weapon properly in a melee. one needs to stopthe reaaors after each strike (unless of course you
want to suddenly fly across the banlefield. potentially killing many. including yourself). This stopping uses up the Orpee
0_~ contained in the sword. which makes these "Reaaor strikes· a good choice.

-...
~
~
( 'I
• The Reador Sword is Dreams of War's newm Alme d'Honneur, and they refuse to sell it. The few Techno Yoki tribes who hove managed to make themselves some also refuse to
Jot go oflhtm ..

This is the "God Child," the masterpiece of a whole Yaki techno-tribe. In

inventing this weapon to merit their rank at the heart of Dreams of War, this
tribe soon led all the techno-tribes to possess a few warriors using these
weapons. A few years later, Razor deck derived from Reactor Swords. Since
their invention eight years ago, the astronomical cost of producing this
weapon hasn't stopped the aforementioned techno-tribes as weU as a few
other multi-millionaires, from procuring this new "toy." To this day nothing,
no object or weapon, is considered more modern than a Reactor Sword.
However, years are necessary in order to master it. Simply to "mount" the
sword and to be able to put on these henceforth-famous steel sandals, to
move on this weapon, presents quite a challenge. Actually fighting with it
and knowing exactly when to activate and deactivate its reactors is in fact a
whole art in itself. Finally, to succeed at the legendary "somersaulted attack"
is a mortal challenge few, if
any, can master. This attack
consists of somersaulting over
yourself while in fuU llight by inverting the direction of the blade in such a
way as to place its cutting edge facing the adversary and to leave the wearer
thrown in the path of the weapon without being burned by the jet of the
micro-reactors, so that the weapon falls back on the adversary with all the
velocity of its course and all the weight of the wearer, as weU as the force of
the summersault. The techno-tribe that created the first "God Child" was the
Y meas, a tribe named after their founder, an Overlord. This tribe is now
recognized by all the members of Dreams of War as the techno-tribe, and is
recognized outside of the circuit of Dreams of War as one of the most
dangerous Yaki tribes.

This is referred to by many as "Sacred Armor." It possesses two vital

E-root r in.g mai-l-
functions; the accumulation of eflow and the protection of adversary ·························· ...............................................................
blows by using the eflow to solidiJY itself. Claims have been made that ARMOR REQ. STR. S WEIGHT SPECIAL COST
this is the armor most resembling the Yaki armor at its primary levels. E-root ring -5/* D8 Jl 45 Relic 80 OOOBps
When it is being used as protection, the eflow that Root ring V.2 -5 D8 25 40 10 OOOBps
the armor can accumulate in its network of Padding -3 D6 20 Jl 1500Bps
living roots appears to have a spasm
contracting in the armor. (As long as the eflow • When triggered. theE-Ring Annor can solidify and become a hard annor. all the
continues to circulate in the armor, the armor is while retaining its soft annor properties. Every five eflow "sent" into this effea
stiU considered to be "living.') The exterior shells gives theE-ring mail a hard annor divider of one. for a maximum of s. Thus. if
someone uses 20 eflow (which is the maximum amount of eflow that can be
of the rings harden astonishingly, while the
used at a time). he will suddenly be adorned with an E-ring Mail
center remains more tender, capable of that is both a -s soft annor and a divider s hard annor\
absorbing the blows of the attack without The effea lasts for one minute.
breaking. This transforms the Eflow-Ringed REUC: The relic use of this annor is simply
Armor into an armor that is simultaneously lovely, and it is probably as admired and as
supple and rigid. Furthermore, in terms of a popular as its hardening effea. The base
reservoir, the armor can accumulate up to 50 annor can store 30 eflow. bur versions of
points of eflow, all depending on the version up to SO are available. A version with
acquired. It is futile to say that any
more than 30 eflow costs I 000 more per
point.
warrior with the means to make
such a purchase will not
hesitate to do so.

lilk 53
/
I~

y~rs: Engr~nag~s
 The following wordJ will be u.Jed in reference to Subtle Mechanidm.J
COMPLEX: A subtle mechanism MASS (GROUPING, GATHERING, ETC):
composed of more than one domain or Where groups of over ten people are
possessing more than one link. concerned, individuality is overruled
CONDITION (S): Element (s) that by communality and the group
triggers an effect (s) from a subtle consciOusness takes precedence.

s fll s
., The information in thid document
WaJ baJed on work by Nenyi'6an,
Solek Orchutrator of Ko!Mter.
mechanism.
DOMAIN: Habitual, Affective,
Certain races or individuals can
become a Mass earler (odwoanes) or
never (Z'in).
Psychological and Artificial are the
subtle mechanisms four domains, each OBJECT: Something that, without will,
stemming from different conditions.
DOMINANT: Most prominent domain
is active within the mechanisms by
which it is linked.
inside a complex pattern. PARADOXICAL: A pattern possessmg

54 THEORY
Nature p55
EFFECT: Result of an active subtle
mechanism.
more than one dominant domain.
PAffiRN: Slang for Subtle mechanisms
REALITY: Point of phenomenological
GROUP: Consists of between two and
Habitual, affective, balance between the Dream and the
ten people, when linked, are referred
psychological and artificial p55 Overworld (massive RF).
to as a group. Otherwise, it is used in
Positive and Negative p56 the general sense of the word . RELATION (S): Used to describe
Birth p56 individuals, groups and others actively
INNOVATOR: An individual's capacity to
Nourishing p56 linked.
reconstruct and improve an existing
Conditions p56 object, either through the application of SATURATION: When a subtle
Aclives p56 new concepts and/or through the mechanism attains its maximum Size
Passives p56 revision of errors in ancient concepts, before proceeding to solidification.
Reinforcement p57 through opposition to the creator-
SOLIDIFICATION: When a saturated
Death p57 inventor who creates anew from the
mechanism reinforces its structure
PRACTICE old, and by extension, through instead of continuing to grow.
opposition to the myth of absolute
1) Creation p57 SUBTLE MECHANISM: The mechanical
creation, i.e. "creation from a void/'
2) Effect p57 linking of between two things,
without sources.
3) Evolution p58 whether conscious or not.
4) Size p58 LINK: Name given to a subtle
mechanism (in whole or in part), once WEAVE (ALSO TO LINK}: The act of
5) Structure p59 creating or strengthening a subtle
applied (i.e. to the Engineer to create
bonds between things) or the state of mechanism.
SHORT EXTRACT linkage between two or more linkees. WHEEL (S): Enormous subtle
by Neobmjin p59 mechanism.
UNKEE: Individuals or items linked by
KEY OF THE DREAM a subtle mechanism.
Mystic Attribute p.61
LINKER (or will): The person or thing
Key system p.61
from which the linking originates,
Dream Key p.61 where applicable.
THE STORY THAT BECAME REALITY
Craft object system p.63
Crafted Objects p.63
 are the constituents of things in
communication. Whether this communication involves an
individual and a thing, another individual, a location, or a
memory, several individuals together, etc., it always entails
subtle mechanisms. To the untrained eye, subtle mechanisms
exist only in the realm of ideas and not in reality. Their effects
exist and are very real, but the subtle mechanisms themselves
are merely idiomorphic Creations. Subtle mechanisms, however,
do exist in reality. They are there, just out of reach of our senses.
In the same way that nothing, including our own existence,
makes sense or really exists in and of itself without interactions
and reciprocity with other things, subtle mechanisms cannot
exist on their own. Unlike us, however, subtle mechanisms were
not ultimately "created" by the Creator. Rather, they arise from
the interaction of other things. They don't have the ability to
"exist in nothingness" without interactive relationships. Those
who believe that subtle mechanisms need us to survive are
mistaken, though; these mechanisms exist outside the realm of
the Mind.
There are four known typu of Juhtfe mechani.JrruJ: Habitua~
Affective, PJychologicaL and ArtificiaL mechani.JrruJ. There i.J often
LikeLy to be more than one type of mechani.Jm invoLved in a compLex
interaction, but the Jubtfe mechani.Jm wiLL be named for the rrwJt
dominate type. Dominant i.J a term tMed to duignate the Jtrong
effort in a compLex pattern.
abitual subtle mechanisms are the most common type of
mechanisms, and they represent the majority of the non-specific
subtle mechanisms. We find them everywhere and at times they
become cumbersome to the observer as well as to the linkee. We
consider everything that in no way significantly or primarily
affects the emotions or the intellect to be a habitual subtle
mechanism. An action such as always seating oneself at the same
table in a restaurant would be, for example, a habitual subtle
mechanism. On the other hand, always driving one's Racer at a
high speed (considering the intoxicating effects of speed) would
be a psychological subtle mechanism, as are, for example, all
psychotropic substances causing habits.
Mfective subtle mechanisms are
those rooted in the realm of emotion.
They are most common in families and
between couples and childhood friends. The effects
manifest themselves, for example, in the form of conformity (in
time) in one's behavior toward a concubine, of the regressing of
one's intellectual capacity in front of one's mother or in
exhibiting complexes in front of old friends.
Those subtle mechanisms deemed artificial are those constructed
by will. These mechanisms could, however, be a part of the
psychological, the affective, or even the habitual realms. For
example, a warrior who trains himself to roar with laughter
when he is wounded in order to terrify his adversaries, or a
warrior who creates himself a mental binding with a certain
weapon that he uses only in circumstances of vengeance would
create artificial subtle mechanisms through the manipulation of
behavior. Artificial subtle mechanisms are also deemed
"specialized." They are mechanisms created or recreated by
Engineers. Certain ones stem directly from natural sources,
where others are created and are only able, therefore, to
construct themselves between linkees through tremendous
efforts due to the complexity, foreignness and weight of the
mechanism' gears.
There are as many, if not more, specialized mechanisms as there
are Engineers. In an attempt to keep tabs or an order to these
specialized mechanisms, engineers created a scientific field of
study dedicated specifically to them. From the simplest and most
accidental artificial mechanisms to the most specialized ones
derived from a long and intense fermentation process in extremely
fertile mental soil, each one has been compiled, categorized,
studied, analyzed and, their secret extracted, assembled into a
unique body of information. In part because of this tremendous
"travail," engineers remain, to this day, the perfect reference
model in the areas of intelligence and scientific precision. Among
the most well known specialized mechanisms are
the Group pattern, which stem from purely
natural Group pattern, but are pushed
way beyond their normal scope, which
are used as much by Echoes as by
scientific groups or the production
groups of certain A.E.S., S.E.S. or
l.E.S.
55

Posi ti v<? il u ~ '#;
·~ ?g iltiv <? ~ lose their energy and require new conditions.
Unfortunately, it is mu h easier to
fall into bad habits than it is to ere
good ones. It also holds true that that which is
build can be destroyed but that which destroys
possesses a strong resistance to suffering its own fate.
Therefore, it follows that subtle mechanisms which,
when negative, were extremely difficult to destroy
may, when positive, can be extremely difficult to
maintain. Betrayal, as well as other negative behavior,
is always easy since it requires no self-sacrifice, where as
maintaining loyalty often requires sacrifices. However, subtle
mechanisms bring substantial rewards to those willing and able
,
0
to pay the price for them. The majority of mechanisms, neutral
(habitual subtle mechanisms) or negative, will be the
56 targeted categories for the following information. Positive
subtle mechanisms also obey these rules, but in the
majority of cases their evolution is dependent upon the
effort of those interacting.
Bi rtt\
Subtle~ ~hanisms are born &om two conditions. First,
things in junction must engage in movement and retrace
their steps; this is return in space. Secondly, there must be
either a continuity or a similar return in duration;
this is a return in time. When these two returns are
executed and the mechanism has formed a loop by
retracing its movement through time and space
and has, then, confirmed itself by repeating this
movement, the tenuous yet strong birth of a subtle
mechanism takes place. This mechanism,
stemming from a movement in time and in space, is
in a way animated and can endure even without
being nourished for a very long time. If the will
doesn't get involved, a subtle mechanism can last
until the death of one of the other interacting
- elements.
~ouris
A subtle mechanisn'f '· like any other mechanism; m
order to function, it n eds energy. This energy, like the
mechanism itself, is subtle. Simple movement provoked
by the meeting of interacting items suffices. If two
linked items separate and then rejoin, the subtle
mechanism (s) anchored within them will take
effect, since they are nourished by their
presence. This energy is, in effect, the reappearance of the
condition (s) of the initial situation. Subtle mechanisms can
evolve, and certain conditions that were initially energetic may
' .
~ ~!.? n d j t i (>n S
Subtle mechanisms are highly susceptible to changing
conditions. If all the conditions necessary for a subtle mechanism
are met, however, the mechanism becomes extremely powerful.
When these same conditions are absent, the mechanisms are left
without any noteworthy strength. Most people find it easier to
arm themselves against these conditions than against the subtle
mechanisms themselves. As previously mentioned, mechanisms
will survive even if attenuated for many years. However, an
attenuated subtle mechanism is more easily attacked than a
mechanism that is nourished by several active conditions.
Conditions may vary to extremes, from the simple presence of an
individual to more specific details such as the particular way in
which a word is pronounced by a specific person.
~f~<.it i v <?
ii\ '"
en active, a subtle mechanism can almost always be detected.
The more tenuous its effect, the more perspicacious one must be
to observe its presence. Furthermore, several mechanisms can
be dissimulated undercover when the Mind is not ready to
confront them. The most effective method is still to remain as
lucid as possible, conscious of oneself as much as of one's
environment. This is why Engineers, as opposed to
Weirdsmiths, have their gaze fixed on infinity and eternity
rather than on the finite and on the infinitely small. A subtle
mechanism can be recognized by its lack of naturalness and
fluidity within a sentiment, emotion, thought or behavior. Often
when there is no apparent reason for an item's presence, the item
is in fact a subtle mechanism engaging itself with its effect, once
it has been reactivated by the arrival of one of its conditions.
NOTE: Technically,active pattern are those which are in action at the
moment you see then.
·,~'Pa~s i V<?
,;; ·:btle mechanisms are nearly undetectable when they are
assive. Even among us Engineers, many struggle to observe
them and even more so to modi/Y them. Hence their name,
subtle mechanisms. These tenuous and fine existences,
imperceptible to all but the most attuned Minds, demand
constant exercise sustained by the entire Minds, within oneself
as well as within one's contact with the world to be able to barely
perceive the faint traces of their existence.
NOTE: Technically, passive pattern are th~se which- "inactive" at the
moment you see then, but still linking behind.
 :;:c B.
:btle mechanisms gain force and substance by only one means: to an unprecedented massacre.
einforcement. Every time a subtle mechanism is activated, it Those who blamed individual
gains strength by anchoring and linking itself more solidly to the consciences placed little emphasis
thing it has joined. The only disadvantage to this increase in on the subtle mechanisms, the real
strength is its concurrent increase its visibility, which in turn Wheels, which dispossessed them of
increases in size and in structure. The mechanism becomes themselves.
heavier, more obvious and more easily detected since its effect
grows in proportion to its size. A mechanism that has b ··c :', : . "
engaged and then found again once a year doesn't possess much ~; ~P~ th
strength, save in some exceptional cases (lnai's Exalted are . . ~ubtle mechanism can damage or destroy itself. The younger
prone to instantly create powerful subtle mechanisms). It is said and weaker the mechanism, the more easily it is destroyed. On
that the size of certain mechanisms can at times reach hundreds the other hand, as previously stated, a mechanism that is
of metaphysical yards. This isn't difficult to believe when one reinforced daily and that has nearly attained its saturation point
calls to mind the ancient tragedies or Leriht, the crazy Gnath may require years of effort to destroy.
dictator who lead his entire city millions of individuals

C \.rO 1)Creation 2)Effed Creation

3)Evolution 4)Size S)Strodure To create a positive subtle mechanism. the linkee (s) involved must dispense a

...'" l
;;:
In order for a pattern to develop, one or more elements must be
identified. These elements are in fact the source of the pattern's
creation bearing its conditions. They can, for example, entail a
terrible look that provokes submission and that from that
moment on becomes conditional to this submission, meaning that
the pattern of submission will take place only at the mome nt of
terrible look. Note these conditions; they will serve for all
patterns that arise more occasionally. If these conditions should
disappear (the binder dies, etc.), the pattern also dies/disappears.
number of points of experience equal to the size of the subtle mechanism (see 4))
that is born. If a certain part of the linkees is considered object. the linkees must pay
their part.
NOTE: Anormal will con~ create dominant artificial me<honisms. Only engineers con create patterns with o dominant
from onother domain. Furthermore, on individual con' support more than one positive pattern per type of dice in
M.Strength (at 010, on individual con support four positive patterns), and these, unlike negative patterns, require
anefforttoensurepreservotion.
Eff8ds
Subtle mechanisms have a simple duration and bearing (although it is possible that
these anributes vary for exceptional reasons):
DURATION: as long as in relation with the object of the conditions.
BEARING: as long as the elements in relation are perceptible.
NOTE: lots of pattern won't help nor hinder the linkees -they ore not to be token in ottount here

Although it is extremely variable, the effect must be determined members have already invested 55 experience points each in this
right from the start. It is considered to be of a value of 1 (whether group pattern, the new arrival must also dispense 55 points before
this is a bonus of+ 1 to the score of an attribute or to its mastery, or he is accepted if he wishes to benefit from the same advantages as
to the mastery of an Echo power, of a supplementary dice whose the others. A subtle mechanism can possess a number of linkees
competence is external, to the Combat pool, etc.) Each effect must equal to double the number of linkees at its creation.
be noted as stemming from a pattern, since at the death or
reduction of a pattern, the effects disappear. If several effects are The created effects must always be in direct contact and must be
created by the same mechanism, the cost of experience at the time explainable through their conditions.
of creation must be paid once by each effect (if three +1 are Invisibility and other non-natural
distributed, to a single location or three different ones, the initial things on Kai'nas are impossible
cost must be paid three times). lf a new linkee wants to integrate since subtle mechanisms are
itself into an existing subtle mechanism, it must dispense the natural and bereft of the powers
number of experience points equal to those dispensed by the other of Naakinis ... These particular
linkees. For example, if four Echoes have a group pattern and mechanisms will be revealed
someone new wants to integrate itself into the group, and if its later on.

57
 3) Evo lu t ton .,_.
• . . 'i:
. ' .
·~-:a;~

Positive subtle mechanism Negative subtle mechanism

Each time the players pay (to augment the size of their subtle
mechanism each linkee must pay if they want to obtain the
benefits). a new effect or a reinforcement of another can be added.
The cost of experience for each player is equal to two times the size
of the mechanism. When the mechanism reaches its maximum size.
each evolution thereafter reinforces the structure but no longer
augments the power of the effect (s).
No cost of experience is necessary for their evolution. and their
effect musr be considered similar ro positive subtle mechanisms. bur
negative (less die rather than more dice. 'malus' to the mastery of
anribures. ere.)
Time
Each time the size of a Subtle mechanisms is increased. it rake the
new size xiO in days to ·grow·.

/ 4)
pattern depends on its domain, its linkings, its complexity and its evolution:

r.)"' () Negative pattern

t () A pattern wins no perceptible effects as long as its M.Size is not
Size of a pattern calculation superior to the M.Size of the linkee. When the Size of the pattern
DOMINANT DOMAIN SIZE surpasses the Size of the linkee, the difference in size becomes the
Artificial 2 strength of the pattern's effect. For example, a pattern rendering
HabHual 3 the linkee clumsy in the presence of pretty lnals, if it is size l 0 and
the linkee is a M.Size 6, would have -4 in his roll of Agility. Each
Psychologiool 4
point of mastery in M.Toughness counts for l point in M.Size. A
Affective 5 more realistic yet complex method would be to attribute a -1 in
Agility, another in Speed, another in Expression and another in
COMPLEXIlY: +I per supplementary domain. Presence. The ftrst method is more strongly recommended for its
LINKINGS: +I per supplementary link after the two first effect and its management speed though.
linkees. STI£NGTH OF A PAmRH IMAGED BY SIZE

EVOLUTION: +I per evolution (enclose the effects after the SIZES

first at the time of creation). This entails on initial pottem where the size, which is approximately the size of the Mind of its linkee (s), prevents the
linkee (s) from feeling menaced and permits all to profit freely, conscious of the situation. Thts often entails habitual
SATURATION: A panem is saturated in size when it anains potterns, orpotternsthotorestillnewondfresh.
its full potential. which is equal to its initial size times two SIZE 10
(therefore a panem starting at size 10 could anain size 20 by Apattern of this size, possessing either severollinkees, several domains, or a certain degree of evolution, is well and\ored
evolution). When a panem is saturated. its structure begins in the life of its linkee (s) and is considered to be of a certain importance. Without these patterns dominating the
ro increase (see structure). linkees, deorty the linkees could not easily get rid of them. These patterns ohen link friendships or long-term
relationships in a group.
SIZE 15
Therefore, a simple affective pattern that Apattern of this size, npositive, is one of the best life habits that a linkee (s) con acquire. If negative, it llf(essarity entails
a maior problem, a neurosis or something of the sort. This pattern is certainly linked to more than one domain and
affects four linkees, without evolution, would has grown in strength over time. It can entail a strangled familial relatlon such as a pattern whose conditions ore sa
be size 7. frequenlly adivaled that this psytha-affedivt trauma~sm gravely affects tholil! of the linkeo(s) (same sort of sa<io·
phobia). In order to diS£ovtr its impact one must only compare the mental sizes of the linkees with those of 1M
HOlt: For each size point of a pattern above 15, increase by 1 the roll attempting pattern.
to perceive it.
SIZE20
If negativt, a pattern of this size completely dominates the life of its victim, and we could well refer to this individual in
terms of this paftern rather than in terms of their personal oppeoronce (unless this con<ems a frilin or on loois). tf it is
positive, it entails o mechanism from which the sane, the sound and the genies profit, since it enables them to
o<Complishtheirgreotestcreotions.

You can also compare size to RF: at 20 Size/RF, the pattern 's
existence is as real as it's bearer...
Solidification
A pattern's structure increases when its Size is saturated. The solidification of the subtle mechanism
causes a l-point increase in the structure of the pattern each time the size should increase.
: ~ Damage to the structure
· 1) RESISTANCE: When a negative subtle mechanism is effect appears through
one of its conditions. the linkee may simply try to resist.(see below)
2) DISSENSION: NaTUral positive subtle mechanisms can be damaged by
dissension at the hearT of the group (what the Core and the Judges call. ·social
tissue: If appropriate. each time severe dissension occurs in a group of linkees.
direcTly reduce the subtle mechanism's structure by I poinT per "dissidenT.·
3) TIME: Time can damage the strucTUre but not the size of a subtle mechanism.
Reduce the subtle mechanism's struCTure by I for every day that passes without
any activiry having taken place .
.. ~ Regeneration
• A panem regenerates as though it were growing anew (same Time: see time
p.58) through the aCTivation of its condition (s). A panem can otherwise only
be healed by an engineer.
NOTE: Aregenerated panern doesn't give new effeds until it has found and passed ib initial structure.
Short e.--ctract from a text by Neabmjin, Enwvan Conductor
Although they often seem impressive when described by an
Orchestrator, subtle mechanisms become much simpler once
they are put into practice. They are, in fact, very familiar to us
since they are integrated into our lives from birth.
These subtle mechanisms may seem to be intellectual, foreign,
crazy and wild ideas, but they are simply the gestures of our
everyday lives. They are the habits we form, such as grimacing
with anguish when we get up in the morning, the way we say
"Sweet dreams!" to a certain person when the light of the
Pendulum declines every day before retiring, and the reflexive
behavior of always being frightened upon bumping into our old
school teacher. Subtle mechanisms make up everything that
repeats itself and that persists as a habit in one way or another.
All right! Enough with the theory already! Now we must
practice. Below are only a few examples and ideas, since we're
running out of space.
~il
,...._ k
/
Pl ay (? rs : En gr~ n ag~s
SYSTEM: We compare the metal size of the will in question TO the size of the
panem as we wou ld compare differences in normal size. The difference is added
or subtracted from the roll result. The will then makes a roll of M. Strength+
Difference of Size vs. StruCTure of the panem. If the roll is superior TO the
struCTure. the difference is subtracted from the struCTure's TOtal (Core book: MS:
Damage and regeneration rules. StrucTUre. base. p.31).
Death
If a panem is reduced TO 0 struCTure poinTs. its size will be affected in the same
way (-I size per point of damage). When the size falls to o. the pan em is
destroyed. The size may. whi le diminishing. reduce the fullness of its effeCT (s).
Daily (habitual mechanism): For example, as a good Emovan, I lick my
eyes when I get up in order to moisten them. This is a habit I
picked up when I immigrated to the Dry World. It's based on my
fear of waking up with dry eyes. The only thing that could stop
me from performing this ritual would be to have my tongue cut
off, and that is unlikely to happen, thank goodness. This subtle
mechanism is among the simplest and benign there are. At best it
brings me slight amusement. At worst we develop a dependence
on it! Not too serious, though. This mechanism is linked only to
itself and can not easily become a hindrance. Certain paranoid
engineers-especially the Gnaths -are developing hundreds of
micro-patterns in order to blur and confuse the powers of
detection. Evidently they also find themselves micro-chained.
The majority of us possess several patterns of this kind, and all
these patterns combined into one constitute our daily lives. A
pernicious engineer will indeed succeed m
infiltrating dirty tricks into our habits, but
apart from these rare cases, daily life is
simply daily life. Observe yourself and
you will see the number of small
mechanisms of which you are made.
59
 Affective: Unlike almost all my
comrades, I was not brought up in
a brood; my parents had such an
advantageous situation here that
they couldn't leave without losing
all their special privileges. I am
therefore one of the rare Emovans that knows his
mother and father and for whom parental issues are of
importance. Being young though, my Emovan genes
prevented me from finding this natural, and I often
revolted against these Emovans, whom I found far too
"individual" for my taste, the taste of my race. I
remember the long walks I took on the platform at night
in order to feel more a part of the clean and safe residential
neighborhood where I lived. It was only at these moments,
when I was wrapped up in my dreams that I regained a bit
of ease and comfort. Something unknown to me was
missing, and this absence created in me an unhealthy gulf
60 of emptiness. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but
I intuitively knew that the cause of my troubles was
related to my parents. I consequently often felt
resentment towards them, especially during receptions
where numerous Nayans and Inai's were invited and where
the whole community fiber suffered from an absence that
slowly gained recognition. I longed to escape from my
parents and the city. Whenever they spoke to me about
my future job at the heart of my father's company, I
closed myself off from them and refused to listen,
declaring that I didn't want to hear about it. I
invariably told them that I would not become
what they wanted me to .... And rightly so; I
didn't become what they wanted me to. I woke
up one morning as an Engineer, thinking like I
had never thought before, without really know
why or how. I understood quickly enough
though. But even now that my parents have
returned to die among their own, whenever I
return to see their tranquil spirits beneath the water
I find myself, me, an Echo of the Third sphere, at
grips with this spirit of contradiction against
- them. They still feel guilty. Evidently, with the
help of time we quickly put aside these ancient
subtle mechanisms, but even so!
Psychological: As an adult, this hatred has passed, and I better
understand my parents. I've rejoined my own and have
found my element. Still, something is missing beneath the
water, a slowness, a calm that annoys me. Despite myself,
this terrestrial life has slowly grown on me, has found a
solid place within me. I ended up not only believing in it
but needing it, finding my security in a place where almost
no other Emovan finds theirs, feeling uncomfortable where
almost all other Emovans feel at home .... Today (I am still
young for an Echo) I've only just turned twenty. When I
return to see my parents, as soon as I begin to swim to meet
them in their city, I feel myself engulfed by the water,
oppressed by the opacity of it, by its pressure, its constant,
impressive and inescapable presence. When I re-emerge, I
am like any other non-Emovan. I again find my "air of
freedom." This psychological subtle mechanism,
constructed during the first twenty years of my life, has
never been erased. I could have deconstructed it with my
Gifts, but I preferred to observe the expanse of these
marvelous mechanisms' strength, testing their duration.
Believe me, they are persistent!
Artificial: I have a tendency to dislike these subtle
mechanisms. I don't like the numerous ones that
manipulate reality to this extent. I am a Conductor that
likes touching up, rearranging, understanding and working
with existing mechanisms; natural mechanisms. Of course,
many of my comrades find me very "Emovan" and "old
school." I've even been called cantankerous! Unfortunately
though I can't practice what I preach .. .I have constructed
my own artificial mechanisms. One of them, for example,
was to always begin building my tools and other objects at
the setting of the Pendulum. By persisting though, I
managed to acquire a greater creativity and versatility of
spirit during the Dream. It was as though at night my ideas
could fly and play, but during the day they could only crawl
away, out of my reach!
Conclusion: That's a bit more serious, eh? What can I say in
conclusion here? Positive Subtle mechanisms don 't
perform miracles, and we can rarely maintain more than
two or three of them, maybe five in the best cases, since
they all demand much "maintenance." However, they are
the heahtliest backbone of anyone's existence!
---~~~--11···--- --·---·

Th~ ''mystic" F~ttrib1lt~
There is a particular attribute possessed only by the Shamans,
which enables them to use the Keys. Without this attribute, even
if knowledge of a Key can be obtained, it is impossible to use it.
This attribute is a form of empathetic self-affirmation, a tangible
capacity for emotional exteriorization void of the possibility of
faking or of mere imitation. It therefore entails a confident
affirmation of the sensitive self, at once both gentle and firm.
Perhaps this could simply be referred to as "sincerity".
Due to a lack of available technical explanations of this
attribute, Shamans can only very rarely explain all its functions.
This attribute exists profoundly and secretly despite this
impossibility of a complete explanation. It needs in all
confidence to be "brought into the world".
lnai's and Emovans have a natural disposition for Shamanism.
Nayans and Frilins can easily attain it, as can Odwoanes, if they
are given the time to do so. Yakis have also learned much in this
area, but more through wisdom and necessity than through a
natural disposition. After a long training, a few members of each
tribe learn to take over from their elders. It is in fact this very
The "KeyJ "are clearly ritu.a!J whOJe name hM tranJformeo the Jigni/U:ance Mer time. The word
"ritual'; alrea{)y applying to Awakener ritua!J, iJ now only wed for them M 1veLL M to name the
powm of the &hoe.J' GiftJ having a permanent effect.
When a Shaman wants to learn a new Key, he must either find a mentor that can
teach it to him. or practice on his own until he reaches the desired effect. Keys are
innumerable, and there is nothing more personal than the way in which a Shaman
develops his Keys. Even when a mentor teaches him a Key, one of the most
important parts of this teaching entails his learning to use this Key in his own way:
as long as he merely mimics his mentor. he won't get anywhere. Thus. when a
Shaman wishes to invent a Key, we recommend to the AJ (in the case of a player's
character) that he permits the creation of the Key for an initial cost of experience of
s.or more for more complex Keys (one point of experience per point of difficulty is
Shamans are known to never get lost inside the Dream. Although most
of the time the Dream isn't sufficiently powerful for an individual that
knows his way to get lost, fairly frequently travelers that have been in a
certain place for only a short time become disoriented. The city slums,
with their thousands of labyrinth-like alleyways only truly known by
natives, are the perfect setting for this kind of situation. Nighttime in the
wild can cause similar or even worse situations. Adventurers forced to
go forth in a jungle at night will almost certainly get lost if a Shaman or
a fairly gifted Echo isn't there to help them. To this end, the Shamans
developed what they call "the art of tracing". At the time of the Key,
which demands fifteen minutes of absolute concentration, the Shaman
lilk
/
~~
Play e-rs : Engr ~ nag ~s
intimate and selective
method, followed by a long
apprenticeship that enables the
future Shaman to thoroughly
understand his role before actually
learning it, which renders Yakis the
best Shamans. Those of the Dream Tribes
clearly make the best Shamans of Kamas, since in
any case each individual in these tribes is "at least" a Shaman.
However, only one Gnath in a billion, no Solek or Zi'n, and only
certain Volkols, who will no doubt continue to surprise us, are
able to become Shamans.
"Mystic" is considered an attribute that is non-existent in
Gnaths, Soleks and Z'ins. It begins at ''1" for Odwoanes and
Volkols, at "6" for Frilins and Yakis, and at "11" for Nayans,
Emovans and Inals. This attribute augments normally.
Below are a few of the most well known "Keys" used by the
Shamans (in their jargon). They are magical, spellbinding
rituals with multiple effects.
NOTE, The "Keys" must be loomed like Complex competences, with the possibility of mastery (at the cost of tho mastery
of powe~ of Gifts from the second Sphere).
appropriate). The research of this Key should last at least a month. The player must
"intervene· in this research. explaining why and how he is developing this Key, in
what way he plans to activate it. with the assistance of what interior tools. etc. In
brief. each Key must be a spiritual quest or journey inside the self. Without this
quest. there is no Key - no learning or creation is possible.
NOTE: it is impossible for a Shaman to develop Keys for egotistical or egocentric purposes. Shamanistic Keys ore
always developed for beneficial purposes. The only eueption to this rule -which will be expanded upon later
on-, is the Sorterer ...
must remain in a state of complete spellbinding immobility. At the end
of these fifteen minutes, thin rays will emanate from the Shaman's body.
The Shaman can use these rays as a compass since they will
always maintain their orientation. This enables the
Shaman to tell in which direction he is headed by
the position of his body.
SYSTIM: Difficulty: 7: each success increases the
duration of the Orientation by an hour. the initial
duration being four hours. During this period, the
Shaman is considered as succeeding all his
Orientation rolls.
61
 Ur<?Fim Prot<?ction
By touching an individual while
whispering the Key's incantations, the
Shaman can surround the touched
individual in an aura visible only to Nightmares
and to creatures of the Dream. This aura forms an opaque
veil around the target, rendering it indiscernable and much more
difficult to attack. Certain Shamans are even capable of
extending the density of this veil to reach into reality, thus
completely blocking it from view.
SYSTEM: Difficulty: 6: each success reduces by 1the Dream CreaTUres·
rolls of Perception. i.e. his ability TO perceive The individual under
ProteCTion. and also any roll To TOuch or TO affeCT him in any way. If The
individual under ProteCTion anacks. The aura dissipates in one round. The
duration of the ProteCTion is five minutes.
lJ r<?Rill TR min g
This is one of the most researched Keys. It is most frequently
62 researched by young Shamans. This Key enables the Shaman, at the
time of the Key's incantation, to tame and subdue an element of the
Dream and to subject it to his will. According to myths and stories of
the past, the greatest Shamans are even capable of subjecting Legends
to their will. We also often hear stories about Shamans who have tamed
Dream creatures and rendered them domestic. Most often, and for the
majority of the Shamans, the Key of Dream Taming serves only to
reduce potentially dangerous Dream elements to an inoffensive state
during particularly eventful nights. Due to the questions raised for
some time about Shamans' attitudes and methods, the Dream
Taming Key lies only in the safest and the most able hands in the
profession. This Key is used quickly: a brisk movement of the
spirit towards the object to be tamed, and ten minutes of
More and more young &hoJ can he Jeen wearing all
typN of haJgu ALmoJt aLL of theJe hadgeJ are mereLy
emhlemJ or in.JigniM, JlgnJ of helonging to a particular
group or of heing JponJored hy a certain company. The
othm, thoJe that faLL outJWe of the majority, are the
hadgN "moJifieJ" through the JpeciaL pou,erJ of the
- Truth Crafter<! ...
The Story that Became Reality ... today that is the
ancestorof the first permanent, small-scale alteration of
reality, the very first slogan. The Story that Became
Reality ... many never thought it possible and were
especially convinced that it wasn't accessible. In order
for the reality told by a Truth Crafter to surpass
primary Reality, the Truth Crafter must be
extremely powerful. For this story to become
permanent, the Truth Crafter must make a
tension during which the two parties can do nothing but confront each
other. If the Shaman or the affected Dream element are distracted (by
an attack, etc.), the Taming must be started over again. Neither the
Dream element nor the Shaman can themselves interrupt the
confrontation once it has begun.
SYSTEM: Difficulty: Rf: each success subdues The affected Dream element for an
hour. If more than five successes are completed. the taming is permanent. In
most cases. this would have no effect. since the Dream element in question
disappears once the day begins. However. if success is obtained on a Recurring
Dream creaTUre or on a Retentive Dream objeCT - or even on a Legend! (see Aj
book p.36 for Dream creatures system) - the results will return the following
night...A tamed Dream Element will obey the Shaman's injunCTions within the
limits of its capacities. The Shaman can mentally communicate his direCTions ro
the element in question either verbally or non-verbally.
P::1 c if i CFI t i o n
To succeed in using this Key, the Shaman must make peace in his
Mind until no conflict remains. If the smallest trace of internal
conflict persists, the Key will not work. From the moment the
Shaman is pacified, his concentration enables him to radiate and
spread this peace around him through the waves of the Dream. As
this takes place, a visibly clear aura will surround him. The peaceful
Shaman must conserve his concentration in order to keep the
Pacification effective. He can walk slowly and make a few simple
gestures, but complete silence is absolutely mandatory. The majority
of them close their eyes so that nothing can distract them.
SYSTEM: Difficulty: 5: each success creates a zone of peace measuring 5 yards.
within which nothing can desire violent physical or mental aCTions unless the
Dream Shaman's Pacification score is conquered by a res. roll. The duration of the
Pacification is one hour.
personal sacrifice. This sacrifice is what has caused the most
skepticism. With the rise in the economy after the recovery
from the Years of Chaos, and with the
nearly clear arrival of capitalism, the value of Bps and the
ease of exchange have never before been so high .
Never before had it been so potentially beneficent to be a
millionaire, and never before did being a millionaire entail
all the privileges it entails today... There is the entrance into
the world of the Truth Crafters ... into their reality, which
for a certain sum can become your reality ... a solid, durable,
strong and imposing reality ...
There were thus the richest, who were ethical and who had been
tested by the Truth Crafters that constructed for them badges in
the image of their personalities and of their ethics ... Then carne
the even richer, who were less noble but who had managed to
obtain Crafted badges through force, trickery or corruption.
Then finally there were the less rich, that did business with
ambitious Truth Crafters who were eager to become rich in order
to acquire power ... Eventually many Truth Crafters revolted
against such a "letting go" of morality and such unethical
behavior. They created strict ethical conditions that must be
respected when selling or bestowing such Crafted objects on
anyone (ECFCO: Ethical Conditions for Craft Objects). Clearly
the badges are only one example of Craft objects. This category
C raft~d (~ bj~cts -
Explanataon
For centuries. the uneducated and scholars alike have been intrigued by the nature of
Crafted Objects. The truth is that Truth (rafters are the only ones who completely
comprehend them. Only an ersatz of this intriguing knowledge is accessible to the
masses. of which we form a part. Crafted Objects are objects -regardless which ones-
that Truth Crafter has infused with a Craft/Story. If they are successful. the Truth
crafters' Stories can subject reality to their effect and can act upon it (and potentially
even transcend it. but for this to happen the object would have to attain an RF of at
8f!dg ~ of prot ~ ction
One of the most popular badges in military troops, paramilitaries and
other warrior groups is the badge of protection. This badge
surrounds the wearer in a halo originated in a sound, healthy and
protective reality and it reduces the impact of blows received by the
wearer. Lieutenants almost always wear one, as do members of the
elite and those who distinguish themselves in combat. Their form
varies from one time to another.
The badge functions as a soft armor. It can reach up to a damage-
reducer of five, or in extreme cases even higher. Without being
subjected to the ECFCO though, it is limited to a reducer of one or
two. It costs 55 000, and unlike subtle mechanism objects, the
Crafted badge of protection will unaffectedly function on one
individual or another.
A ss uranc ~ Tiarf:l
In order for it to be effective, this tiara must be forged in noble
material and it must be worn by an individual with a Presence of at
least 14. The Crafted reality of the Assurance Tiaras is an old Truth
Crafter recipe that reconstructs the wearer's past in his
unconsciousness in such a way as to weaken his ego-reducing
elements and to strengthen his slightest victories. Despite the Story's
simplicity, the Assurance Tiara remains one of the angular stones
from the construction of Truth Crafter Crafted objects. It is
considered by many to be a masterpiece due to its simplicity and its
eloquence. Once so adorned, the wearer of an Assurance Tiara will
also includes arms as well as
armor, and forks as well as
wagons, all objects that can be
modified ...
Here are a few examples of Craft objects
that Truth Crafters create on a regular basis. These
objects are from the "lower end of the spectrum" and are some
of the non-regulated Craft objects since their efficacy remains
proportionate. (This is one of the clauses of the ECFCO).
NOTE: one of the only dmraderistia of Crohed objem is that in order to toke effect, they must be visible and in direct
contort with oduol Reality. ACrafted marble hidden at the bottom of a bog exists so minutely that its effe<ts exist only
•minutely• as well. There is nothing that really constitutes on actual price grid since Truth Crofters oren' particularly
hung up on these dttoil< Pnm are givtn to the most papular Crafted abjem, those that require no 'pe1>0naltauch' .
However, even these prices vory from one Truth Croher to the other and from one tity to the other ..
least forty ... ). However. once a Crafted object attains an RF of 20. if the Truth Crafter
sacrifices a part of his reality (experience) for the profit of the object. he will obtain
one or many permanent effects from it (permanently active or active on command).
The possible effects are infinitely vast. but the Truth Crafter must have completely
mastered reality in order to complete creations that would otherwise look only like
foolish aberrations.. .
Furthermore. in order for a Truth Crafter to be able to create a Crafted object. he must
attain the third Sphere. This demands a sufficient amount of time for him to attain a
certain level of wisdom.
grow, for himself and for others. His mental size will effectively
increase by one or two points. Due to its fineness and high level of
quality, an Assurance Tiara generally costs between 100 000 and
200 000 Bps. It is therefore only displayed by the most noble ...
Sword of Action
If its name makes you smile, its effect will make you smile even more.
The Sword of Action is a weapon that, when taken in hand, motivates
the wearer towards action. Through it the weak will find courage, the
skeptical will find resolution, and the strong will find reason. Along with
the Assurance Tiara, the Sword of Action constitutes the other side of
the masterpiece, the completion of this angular stone so well begun. All
initiative rolls carried out with such a weapon are augmented (always
by one or by two, before the prices become really exorbitant and the
object becomes subjected to the ECFCO). Due to its simplicity
compared with other Crafted objects, the price of a Sword
of Action generally doesn't exceed 20 000 Bps.
Obviously
Of course this isn't even the tip of the
Kioux, but it's all we can offer you at the
moment. Please be patient... The cost of
'obviously' is only 0 Bps, so enjoy it
while you can!
63
FIN