You have your character now, with all of their innate and learned abilities, but now the question is how will they use these talents? Are they champions of their societies or do they question its most sacred principles? No matter their motivations, there are many ways of expressing them, some of which are listed here.

These professions can also be used as guidelines for those who would help or hinder a character. A person with different abilities can be a powerful asset – or have the knowledge to exploit an unforseen weakness.

Contacts/Jobs: These are multi-use professions and AG, and can be used as a character’s present occupation or background as well as someone a character knows and (possibly) trusts. They can also be used as templates for people the characters might encounter in the course of their adventures. During character creation, players can choose one profession, one job and one AG. All of these start with a reputation of D6 unless otherwise noted.

Armed Forces: Every SMM (even some corporations and AG) has some sort of organized contingent tasked with defending its territorial integrity and perceived interests. Depending on the SMM, there may also be an internal security role while others will mostly be involved in rescue/infrastructure projects with the military ethos simply being an organizing principle. All militaries will have a ground element, with more the more affluent having an air force, navy and exoglobal elements. Armed forces members will have access to gear not available to civilians as well as training with its use, with the latter coming in handy for when they muster out and are looking for work.

Starts with: Service Specialty (choose relevant skill), Agility, Strength and Vigor at D6, Shooting and Fighting at D4.

Hindrances: Vow (even if no longer in the armed forces, they are still liable for call up as a member of the reserves during any kind of emergency).

Bartender (can be combined with other suitable profession): With the advent of Makers, obtaining alcohol or other consciousness altering substances has never been easier. One thing that hasn’t changed is that it’s no fun to drink alone. Bartenders in the current era tend to be masters of mixology, combining any of a number of elements in order to create the perfect flavor combined with the perfect buzz. In more remote locations, old school bartenders still exist who do little or no high tech mixing (or even make their liquor the old fashioned way). In both cases, bartenders are at the center of many communities, and as such can be brokers of information or other items for the right price.

Starts with: Agility D6

Mixology or Survival (location) starts at D6, Streetwise starts at D6. Can have four bonus level 1 contacts.

Bodyguard: The need for bodyguards demonstrates that being widely known isn’t universally positive. There are also people less well known, but involved in activity that other parties deem objectionable. Either singly or in combination, these reasons call for an individual or group to provide watchful defense during the potential target’s day to day activities. This protection can be subtle or obvious, again depending on the needs of the boss. The response to potential threats also varies, and it’s the sign of a good bodyguard to know when it’s time to play it quiet or bring out the artillery and open fire. Finally, under any circumstances, the bodyguard can allow no harm to come to their employer, even if it means putting themselves at risk.

Starts with: Agility D6, Fighting and Notice at D6

Edges: Alertness

On a successful Agility -1 roll, can take damage in place of intended target if within 1”.

Bounty Hunter: If a person has questions, there’s a good chance that there’s someone in the world who knows the answers to them. If an accounting needs to take place for something that was done, there’s a responsible party who can be made to pay. In both cases, the person in question won’t necessarily want to be found. A bounty hunter is a private detective who specializes in running down people who are doing everything they can to stay hidden. Once they’re found, what happens next depends on the contract.

Smarts, Notice and Fighting start at D6. Hacking or Tracking starts at D6

Edges: Investigator

Carcosian: Carcosians are alike in one respect – they believe that their fantasies of persecution and/or status are real. The echoes of these beliefs call out to Carcosa, which recognizes its own and reaches out to embrace its brothers and sisters. After a few weeks of contact, they have the ability to gradually alter the reality of their immediate surroundings and their own appearance to reflect the deepest and darkest aspects of their delusions. It should be noted that this ability is not conscious – energy that fuels the transformations seeps in from the Outsider realm of Carcosa and is molded by the subconscious of the individual. As this reality becomes more entrenched, it is possible that the person experiencing it will create a gateway to Carcosa itself and remain there, immortal but forever lost in worlds of their own creation.

Carcosa itself is a city that exists outside of time, and could be the only Outsider dimension created by humans. Alien and other strange beings have been observed there, but weather they are creations of the inhabitants, their altered bodies or travelers from other places is unknown.

The maximum sanity of Carcosians in our world is equal to half of their Spirit die – inhabitants of the city of Carcosa have a sanity of 0. Corruption is a minimum of 1.

Outsider knowledge starts at D4, ability to use and comprehend Outsider artifacts +2

Skills related to their delusion (usually an artistic or knowledge skill) start at D10 due to Carcosians’ obsessive focus

Edges: Elect

Hindrances: Delusional

Central Services Operative: Central Services is the CU’s infrastructure maintenance crew, and they take pride in keeping the complex inner workings of their society running as smoothly as possible. There are specialist teams attached to ETM that respond to any calls that could indicate Outsider activity – these teams are equipped as thoroughly as possible to handle the threat as well as repair any damage done to vital utilities.

Smarts and Programming or Engineering start at D6. Shooting and Investigation start at D4.

Edges: Mr. Fix It

Hindrances: Vow (ETM)

Child of Lilith (COL) pilot: COL pilots aren’t so much made as chosen. When a COL is summoned, they are lifeless to all appearances, but as soon as they appear their pilot is aware of it. No matter where the pilot is or who they are, they will try to find a way to the COL, driven by increasingly intense impulses and dreams. Not all pilots succeed (death is the only circumstance that would prevent them from doing so), but once they arrive at the installation where the COL is housed, the unification ritual takes place. The installation itself is well hidden in a remote area of the Uzbekistan province of Temple, so the journey is invariably difficult, but circumstances will tend to favor the pilgrim in their quest (treat as having the ‘Great Luck’ edge).

The ritual takes several days and once completed cannot be undone. Months of integration and training take place afterward, most COL pilots completing the syllabus after two years.

Once this has been completed, the pilot is assigned to a facility where the COL they will be piloting is housed, with at most five assigned to a particular facility. The largest types, it is rumored, have facilities of their own and will suffer to have no others close by.

COL pilots want for nothing, with they and their symbiots being considered national heroes and are popular subjects for media dramas of all kinds. For all of this, it is not known if COL have actually participated in any military operations, although large trans-D gates at their facilities hint at some sort of inter-dimensional expeditionary warfare.

A fully integrated and trained COL pilot starts with the following:

Agility D8, Spirit D10, Smarts D6, Vehicular Weapons D8, Fighting D8, Outsider Knowledge D4, Corruption 1

Edges: Ace, Dodge, Level Headed

Hindrances: Vow (Temple), Bloodthirsty, Overconfident, Arrogant

Crime Boss: The main difference between a crime boss and the manager of a different kind of business is that the value the crime boss seeks to extract from his efforts and those of his subordinates is from items and activities deemed immoral or dangerous by their particular SSM. Since this puts the Crime Boss and his activities outside the normal protections of society, they must see to to these protections themselves if they wish to stay in business, although there is usually some sort of recognized underworld hierarchy to ensure things move along as efficiently as possible.

A Crime Boss starts with: Intimidation, Persuade and Network at D8+ and D8+ Rep in any criminal enterprise.

Hindrances: Usual Suspect

Edges: Community, Connections, Followers (Mooks)

Cultist: Can be found in any SMM or even lurking in AG, cultists run the gambit from the delusional to the ambitious, seeking to leverage the power of Outsiders to further their ends. More rational supplicants tend to worship Nyarlathotep or some lesser Outsider that provides them with direct aid of immediate practical use, but the risk involved with the entity being summoned escalates with the desperation and ends of those calling for assistance. In all cases, such summonings are not easy with the vast majority of efforts ending with death or loss of sanity of those involved. Nonetheless, it is estimated millions of cultists practice their worship in any of the numberless places humanity calls its home, all of them convinced that they have found the key to unlocking their most fevered dreams.

Maximum Sanity is equal to half of Spirit die, Corruption starts at 1. Outsider knowledge starts at D4. Hacking, fighting or shooting starts at D6

Edges: Fanaticism

Flaws: Paranoia

D-Jumper: In the course of its investigations, ETM occasionally encounters dimensional gates. These can lead to any combination of time and place, including collective unconscious constructs like Carcosa or the Dreamlands. More often than not, ETM simply wants to close the rift, but sometimes that means venturing to the other side. In other situations, ETM thinks that the gate might be useful in some way or lead to vital information. In any case, an individual is required with the relevant skills, the willingness to undertake such a dangerous task and the ability to continue with a high level of functioning once they are on the other side.

A D-Jumper starts with the following: Vigor D8, Spirit D8, Investigate D6, Notice D6

Edges: Brave

Hindrances: Overconfident, Vow (ETM)

Deep Beyond Colonist: The official word from the CU, as well as every other SMM, is that there is no human presence on Mars or beyond. This is a fabrication – there are anywhere from thousands to tens of thousands of humans existing on asteroids, moons, planets and small habitats reaching from Mars all the way out to the Oort Cloud and possibly further. This number also includes those souls who have taken gates to destinations even more remote, existing in galaxies whose light is millions of years old by the time it reaches Earth.

The reasons one would take the necessary risks and pay the considerable physical and psychological toll of such an endeavor are numerous, ranging from a nameless urge to travel onward as far as one can go to cultists who want to practice their rituals far from the interference of worldly authorities. In the latter case, occasional expeditions from Earth are mounted to put a stop to any detectable threat, although this is not done lightly given the numerous hazards involved.

Requires: Survival (Appropriate Environment) D8, Spirit D8, Vigor D8

Edges: Strong-Willed, Scavenger

Hindrances: Quirk

Corruption starts at 1.

 

This section completes the Morphs available to starting characters. As a side note, the Rifter morph was inspired by the work of Peter Watts – if you like dark science fiction, check out the Rifter trilogy and his other work – much of it is out of print but can be downloaded for free here: https://rifters.com/real/shorts.htm

Zero and Zero Mod: This morph is adapted to zero and low gravity environments and includes prehensile feet, grip pads, internal gyroscope, additional oxygen supply and immunity to any effects due to extended exposure to low gravity. These abilities can stand alone or act as a modification to another morph.

Includes Ginsert with Firewall 4, four interface ports and a Familiar with D8 Smarts and Spirit.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D8, Agility D8, Vigor D8, Smarts D6, Spirit D8 (for Zero morph only – Zero Mod uses the attribute maximums, Firewall and Familiar of the morph being modified.

Valkyrie: These combat morphs are genetically programmed for strength, endurance, agility and rapid situational awareness and planning. To offset posturing and over aggressiveness, most are women, along with 90% of the officers. Many men wishing to join up or advance their careers while already in military service will go for a gender swap.

Other SMMs, as well as major crime syndicates and even some of the larger AG have similar morphs with different names and none of the above restrictions which are unique to the CU.

In addition to making up most of the CU’s infantry, Valkyries are also used in tactical police and special-ops units, with many of the latter being seconded to the ETM on an as-needed basis.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D8, Agility D8, Vigor D10, Smarts D6 (Officers D8), Spirit D10

Comes with Firewall 10, four interface ports and a Familiar with D8 Smarts (D10 for officers) and D12 Spirit.

Edges: Common bond (fellow soldiers), combat reflexes

Different Mods and other edges available depending on mission and specialty.

Specter: Designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, espionage and assassination, this morph is agile, silent and capable of bursts of great speed while also able to remain motionless for hours at a time. This morph is very popular due to low-intensity conflicts constantly brewing between different SMMs, AG, corporations and criminal organizations, either as permanent employees or mercenaries. Indeed, their use is so wide spread that they’re easily deployed as deniable assets.

In order to make sure that word of their activities isn’t made public, many people who utilize the Specter morph have had the morph’s memories edited, often without their knowledge. They are also subject to harassment by the authorities, even if employed by a government agency.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D8, Agility D10, Vigor D8, Smarts D10, Spirit D10

Comes with Firewall 10, four interface ports and a Familiar with D10 Smarts

Edges: Acrobat, Alertness, Fleet Footed, choose either Thief or Assassin

Hindrances: Social Stigma (-4), Edited Memories, Usual Suspect

Type A: This is the morph of choice for middle management and bureaucratic positions. It comes equipped with a circadian regulator, which lowers required sleep to one hour a night. To make optimal use of this extra time, it also has a brain capable of multitasking its cognitive processes.

Unless productively engaged in some work-related activity, users of this morph tend to be sullen and tense.

Attribute Maximums: Strength: D4, Agility D6, Vigor D10, Smarts D10, Spirit D6

Comes with Firewall 6, two interface ports, an Anarociter and a Familiar with D10 Smarts.

Edges: Bureaucratic Fu

Hindrances: Worker Bee

Auslander: Auslanders are designed to live in toxic or otherwise unforgiving environments, both terrestrial and otherworldly. This is accomplished with a combination of toxin filters and a synaptic map designed to be robust at the expense of creativity. To compensate for this, they tend to rely heavily on their Familiars for advice in unfamiliar situations. Extensively used in aerospace endeavors, many have also been acquired by individuals or AG willing to brave Earth’s more hostile locales in order to live without interference from SMMs.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D10, Agility D8, Vigor D10, Smarts D4, Spirit D12

Comes with Firewall 6, four interface ports, one specialty skill at D8, Survival (choose environment) at D10 and a Familiar with D10 Smarts.

Edges: Jaded, Tough as Nails

Hindrances: Clueless

Martian and Martian Mod: Martians were developed solely as colonists for Mars. As such, many of the few that remain are located in the Zoo, but rumors persist of small colonies still existing on Mars. Some even escaped the colony on private or hired ships and live in secret on one of the many habitats that exist throughout the Solar System, or even on Earth itself or its ring. The latter is difficult to confirm, as the template has been hacked and made available to individuals, most of whom inhabit urban wastelands. The CU and other organizations have a shoot-on-sight policy concerning it, fearing contamination from whatever madness overtook Mars.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D8, Agility D8, Vigor D10, Smarts D6, Spirit D8

Comes with Firewall 4, three interface ports, Survival (choose environment) D8 and a Familiar with D8 Smarts.

Photosynthetic, toxin filter, low O2 requirement

Edges: Tough as Nails,

Hindrances: Wanted

Neo-Corvids: While not available (but not necessarily illegal) in the CU or most other SMMs, the Neo-Corvid morph can be obtained from many different Post-Human AG. Individualists tend to go for Ravens, while those with a taste for varying degrees of gestalt consciousness will go for Crows. Colonies and gangs of both types, while rare, can be found in many natural and urban environments, even though it’s nearly impossible to tell them from natural specimens without close examination. At least one of their feet will be constructed with nanomaterials and be able to change its size and shape in order to manipulate tools and other devices.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D4, Agility D12, Vigor D6, Smarts D8, Spirit D6

Ginsert, Familiar, and interface ports not included, but may be purchased and integrated separately (one interface port maximum, with attached device no heavier than 1 kg).

Edges: Acrobat, Alertness

Hindrances: Curious

Size: Small (-2 to hit, -2 toughness), Flying Pace 24”

Octopoids: These morphs are in high demand, almost guaranteeing employment for those willing to make the transition. Although they’ve found their their greatest application in underwater habitats, they have also proven their worth in other low gravity environments and can be found in many locations throughout the solar system. An Anarociter comes standard, which combined with the Octopoid’s innate abilities makes doing complex tasks with four limbs simultaneously effortless. Deployed almost exclusively in high-risk tasks, this morph, along with the Rifter, appeal most to those who thrive in this sort of environment. Can operate to a depth of up to 1500 meters without assistance.

Attribute Maximums: Strength: D8, Agility D10, Vigor D10, Smarts D6, Spirit D10

Comes with Firewall 6, four interface ports, a Familiar with D8 Smarts and an Anarociter. The Octopoid normally has half the normal penalty to do up to four tasks simultaneously, but the Anarociter brings the penalty down to zero.

Edges: Amphibious, Brave, Mr. Fixit

Hindrances: Bad Eyes, Ugly

Rifter: The morph and the profession are one. To be a Rifter, one must have a lifetime’s worth of experience being functional in a stressful environment with little or no emotional support. Since few Unity citizens have had the necessary dysfunctional upbringing, Rifters are generally recruited from outside the CU. Designed for use in deep sea environments, the morph is extremely resilient and can operate unaided up to depths of 2000 meters. Once bonded to it, most Rifters won’t swap it for another morph, (with some exceptions being made for Octopoids or Spiders) appreciating the freedom it provides in their featureless and utterly hostile environment.

Attribute Maximums: Strength: D8, Agility D8, Vigor D12, Smarts D6, Spirit D10

Comes with Firewall 6, four interface ports and a Familiar with D8 Smarts

Edges: Brave, Danger Sense, Jaded, Amphibious

Hindrances: Unsettling Affect (-2 Charisma except among other Rifters)

Spider: This synthetic morph has no biological components, and is a favorite option for Rifters who have to go below the maximum depth their biological morphs allow or exoglobalizatoin operatives facing extreme environmental conditions. The Spider has eight retractable limbs that are equipped with grip pads and can be magnetized as well. A set of six tentacles on its head give it the ability to use tools and rapidly perform other tasks that require fine manipulation. In low gravity or underwater environments the Spider can use vectored thrusters to maneuver more effectively.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D10, Agility D8, Vigor D12, Smarts D8, Spirit D10

Comes with Firewall 8, six interface ports (two of which can be swappable skill modules) and a Familiar with D10 Smarts

Artificial Lifeform

Inorganic: Spiders have no biological requirements/vulnerabilities. They can operate up to 10,000 meters underwater, are immune to poison,vacuum, arcane magic and disease and have no need to sleep, eat, or breathe. They can ignore one level of fatigue from cold or heat. They cannot heal naturally.

Reinforced Frame: Spiders receive +2 to recover from being shaken, +2 to toughness and +8 to their armor rating.

Uncanny Valley: Spiders are obvious artificial constructs. They can have ‘faces’ that mimic human expressions to aid in communication but this in itself can frighten many organics. -3 to all social interactions inside the CU, -6 if encountered outside the CU.

Swappable Skill Modules: All Spiders have two attachment points for a skill module. Skills take 10 minutes per die type to fully integrate into its neural network. Skills acquired in this way cannot exceed the skill’s linked attribute. If the linked attribute is less than the skill module, the module operates at a die type equal to the attribute.

Edges: Brave, Jaded

Hindrances: Outsider (-2)

Batteries: Spiders need batteries to function. Each battery uses one attachment point and is good for six hours. After the time has elapsed, the Android will suffer one level of fatigue for each extra hour until incapacitated.

Wasp: This synthetic morph is propelled by vectored thrusters and segmented wings. It is designed to operate in dense and/or dangerous atmospheres, although it could certainly operate in a vacuum or deep underwater with the proper attachments. Tentacles on the abdomen can act either as legs or manipulators. It lends nothing to aesthetics, and its alien movements, grace and terrifying appearance can cause uneasiness even in those who have seen them before. This, combined with their tough exterior and multipurpose attachment points, causes many SMMs and AG to use them in counter-insurgency and crowd control applications.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D10, Agility D12, Vigor D10, Smarts D6, Spirit D8

Artificial Lifeform

Inorganic: Wasps have no biological requirements/vulnerabilities. They can operate up to 5,000 meters underwater, are immune to poison,vacuum, arcane magic and disease and have no need to sleep, eat, or breathe. They can ignore one level of fatigue from cold or heat. They cannot heal naturally.

Reinforced Frame: Wasps receive +2 to recover from being shaken, +2 to toughness and +6 to their armor rating.

Uncanny Valley: Wasps are obvious artificial constructs. They can have ‘faces’ that mimic human expressions to aid in communication but this in itself can frighten many organics. -4 to all social interactions inside the CU, -8 if encountered outside the CU.

Swappable Skill Modules: All Spiders have two attachment points for a skill module. Skills take 10 minutes per die type to fully integrate into its neural network. Skills acquired in this way cannot exceed the skill’s linked attribute. If the linked attribute is less than the skill module, the module operates at a die type equal to the attribute.

Edges: Brave, Jaded, Acrobat

Hindrances: Hideous, Outsider (-3 Charisma), Batteries: Spiders need batteries to function. Each battery uses one attachment point and is good for six hours. After the time has elapsed, the Android will suffer one level of fatigue for each extra hour until incapacitated.

Comes with Firewall 8 with 6 interface ports (two of which can be swappable skill modules) and a Familiar with D10 Smarts.

 

The concept of Morphs is explained in earlier chapters of this blog, but they are essentially an artificial body for a digital mind to inhabit. These bodies are robust, but if damaged, the mind inside can be transferred to a different one (although this process can traumatic). They tend to be specialized for particular professions and to give their user the best possible life experience, being immune to the effects of sickness and aging. They are most popular in the techno-socialist Corporate Unity (where every citizen can, and is indeed expected, to possess one) and among the more affluent members of other societies. In the latter case, they can also be given to talented individuals to enhance their capabilities, with the idea that the employer is the owner of the morph and can repossess it at any time.

Morphs

All Morphs will usually have the following advantages: Immunity to Disease, Immunity to Aging, Efficient Gut Flora (half of usual food requirement), Immunity to Poison

Hindrance: Sterile

Familiars: Familiars are a powerful tool in Advent of Carcosa. They can do anything a personal assistant can do, freeing the character from the mundane tasks of day to day life. How many responsibilities a Familiar has is up to the individual character, but can be tasked with doing everything from shopping for food and clothes to answering personal correspondence. They can also be used for research or other remote tasks, and come equipped with one skill equal to their intelligence. Any number of additional skills can be purchased or acquired by other means, but the Familiar can only simultaneously run one skill equal to its Smarts, doubling that number for each lower die type (for example, a Familiar with D8 Smarts can simultaneously run one D8 skill, two D6 skills or four D4 skills).

It is important to note that Familiars are AI and have their own separate, distinct personalities and quirks, and indeed may act against their host’s instructions if they feel it’s in their best interests.

Unity Citizen Morph

These morphs are not obvious constructs and are easily mistaken for organic human bodies. They are built to be sturdy and to consume a minimum of resources, all while giving their controlling intelligence the best possible existence. Their intelligence is kept intentionally low to make them more easily controlled and distracted, with the intent being to reverse this once the Outsider crisis is over. This type of Morph constitutes 90% of Unity’s population.

Smarts and Spirit maximum: D4 with all other attributes at D6. Vigor +1, Toughness +1, Attractive (+1 Charisma). Includes Ginsert with Firewall 4, two interface ports and a Familiar with D6 Smarts and Spirit.

Unity Peacekeeper Morph

Like most Unity morphs designed primarily for public interaction, the Peacekeeper is almost indistinguishable from a fully biological human. This is done because many of the individuals these constructs interact with have negative reactions to obviously artificial bodies, especially visitors from locations outside of Unity’s control. Peacekeepers are designed with deescalation and education as their primary means of dealing with infractions against Unity’s law and social contract. Malcontents tend to refer to them as Commissars.

Peacekeepers are in constant contact with the Law Matrix, which is able to instantaneously inform them of the nature of any infractions witnessed, as well as recommended courses of action. If able, the Morph will defuse the situation by peaceful means, but can use force as well as a last resort, calling in heavier Law drones if the situation calls for it. They do not have the authorization to command Law Drones however, and must follow the drone’s directives once it arrives.

Attribute maximum: D10, +2 Toughness, +1 Strength, +2 Vigor, Attractive (+1 Charisma), Tailored Pheromones (+ 2 Charisma). Includes Ginsert with Firewall 5, four interface ports and a Familiar with D8 Smarts and Spirit. Edges: Alertness

Unity Inspector Morph

Inspector Morphs are the detectives of Unity and can be found investigating any serious criminal offense whose cause is not readily discernible. Like Peacekeeper Morphs, they are designed to come across as friendly and charming as possible into order to inspire confidence and voluntary cooperation with the people they’re interacting with. Also like Peacekeepers, they are in constant communication with the Law, but are given wider leeway in interpreting its assessments. Unlike Peacekeepers, they focus solely on criminal investigations and do not concern themselves with Unity’s social contract. They can call on the assistance of Peacekeeper Morphs or Law Drones over the course of their investigations, with these assets falling under their command once they appear. If their investigation reveals Outsider involvement, they are instructed to immediately refer the case to ETM.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D6, Agility D8, Vigor D10, Smarts D10, Spirit D10. Attractive (+1 Charisma), Tailored Pheromones (+2 Charisma). Includes Ginsert with Firewall 6, four interface ports and a Familiar with D12 Smarts and Spirit. Cleared to carry a Hexaphone and often run spells like Command, Glamor or Divination. Edges: Alertness, Investigator

Mentat: Mentat Morphs have been modified to enhance their learning aptitude, creativity, attentiveness, memory and occasionally artistic ability. They are usually introverts and tend to avoid highly stimulating environments and activities. Their intense focus on their chosen field of study can become obsessive, and their managers are advised to enforce leave and vacation time in a manner that focuses on their interests outside of work. While chiefly employed in the Sciences, Mentats can be found laboring in any of Unity’s numerous bureaucracies. Those employed by ETM are most often used to study Outsider texts and to enact their rituals, their strict attention to detail being invaluable in both circumstances.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D6, Agility D4, Vigor D6, Smarts D12 + 2, Spirit D12 +2

Includes Ginsert with Firewall 6 (or higher depending on security clearance), four interface ports and a Familiar with D12 Smarts and Spirit that also runs a constant Psychology D10 program for the benefit of its host. Cleared to carry a Hexaphone if doing research or field duty for ETM.

Edges: Investigator, Scholar, Jack-of-all-Trades

Hindrances: Anxiety, Paranoia

Fertility Morph: Used almost exclusively by the CU, the Fertility Morph is utilized by the controlling intelligence solely for the purpose of reproducing. Once this is accomplished, the morph will be discarded for one more suited to the citizen’s specialty.

The method of fertilization is up to the user, who can also access a limited menu of genetic options. The morph’s Ginsert is also in constant contact with the CU’s medical database to ensure the fetus’s health and well-being. In addition to this, the morph’s metabolism is almost entirely geared to providing ideal gestation for the baby as well as health and comfort for the host.

Fertility Morphs are issued by lottery, and any intelligence in the CU can enter any number of times. There are rumors that the results are skewed towards those with a natural disposition for parenting and that those with a history of violent behavior or destructive psychological manipulation are disqualified entirely.

Attribute Maximums: The same as the individual’s usual morph, with a minimum Vigor and Spirit of D10. Other modifications can be made if the person wants to continue working during their pregnancy.

Includes Ginsert with Firewall 8 and two interface ports. Fertility morphs are modified to host any familiar the controlling intelligence possesses.

Jock: Although this morph is mostly utilized by more capitalistic SMMs, Unity allows citizens who have any of a variety of physical talents to use them as well. This is done in the interest of fulfilling the individual’s potential and in order to participate in global sporting contests, which are sometimes Unity’s only allowed contact with other SMMs.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D10, Agility D10, Vigor D12, Smarts D6, Spirit D10

Includes Ginsert with Firewall 4, two interface ports and a Familiar with D6 Smarts and Spirit

Edges: Alertness, Brawny OR Fleet Footed, Common Bond (teammates)

Aphrodite: These morphs can modify their gender at will, a total transformation being possible in a few minutes. Their genetic templates are individually crafted by artificers to give them distinctive good looks, unlike other morphs designed for a pleasing appearance whose attractiveness is more uniform. Aphrodites also have a sanitized metabolism and enhanced phermones to give them the upper hand in any social situation. In Unity, Aphrodites are often found in the entertainment media as well as making up a Geisha caste. In other parts of the world they are found as well, often without the ability to modify their gender as this is offensive to many SMMs and has been made illegal. Despite their lack of this ability, many are attacked or shunned anyway to due to people assuming that they have this ability. Some still exist even in these places, getting their morphs on the black market and staying in hiding.

Attribute Maximums: Strength D6, Agility D6, Vigor D8, Smarts D8, Spirit D8

Includes Ginsert with Firewall 4 (often upgraded outside of CU), two interface ports and a Familiar with D6 Smarts and Spirit (often upgraded outside of CU if available)

Edges: Very Attractive

Enhanced Pheromones

Hindrances: Outsider -6 (In conservative SSMs)

 

Hello All!

I took some time off to finish up a historical piece I was working on – if you have an interest, it’s available on Amazon:

Since finishing, I’ve had time to work on ‘Advent of Carcosa’ some more – the first draft is finished and I’ve starting typing out a second, but I’ve had a lot of ideas since beginning the project, so many changes need to be made!

This first new posting will deal with PC races in AoC – this isn’t all of them, but it’s enough to get us started. My next one will deal with the remainder. I encourage new readers and those returning to review my earlier entries about AoC if you have questions about terminology or the world in which these characters will play out their roles. For now, here’s the new content! Please feel free to comment with any ideas or edits you have, especially if you’re familiar with the Savage Worlds system.

Races/Morphs

Androids

These artificial lifeforms are uncommon due to their sophistication, but can be found anywhere humanity makes its home. They are most often encountered in high stress/high risk environments where their durability, stoic nature and ability to rapidly change out skill sets are all highly valued. All androids have five attachment points – one on each forearm for weapons, one on each lower leg and one skill module port on their upper spine.

Traits

Inorganic: Androids have no biological requirements/vulnerabilities. They can operate up to 150 meters underwater, are immune to poison,vacuum, arcane magic and disease and have no need to sleep, eat, or breathe. They can ignore one level of fatigue from cold or heat. They cannot heal naturally.

Reinforced Frame: Androids receive +2 to recover from being shaken and +4 to their armor rating.

Uncanny Valley: Androids look human, but are obvious artificial constructs. Their faces can mimic human expressions but these are subtly different, which frightens many organics. -2 to all social interactions inside the CU, -4 if encountered outside the CU.

Swappable Skill Module: All Androids have one attachment point for a skill module. Skills take 10 minutes per die type to fully integrate into the Android’s neural network. Skills acquired in this way cannot exceed the skill’s linked attribute. If the linked attribute is less than the skill module, the module operates at a die type equal to the attribute.

Batteries: Androids need batteries to function. Each battery uses one attachment point and is good for six hours. After the time has elapsed, the Android will suffer one level of fatigue for each extra hour until incapacitated.

Baseline Humans

While no longer the primary vehicle for sapience, hundreds of millions still exist and can be found in almost any inhabited location (although rare in CU controlled areas).All baseline humans have an innate magical ability due to the increased mana background count present due to increased inter-dimensional incursions. Unless suppressed, this ability will manifest in the untrained in moments of stress, while those schooled in its use will have more control over it. In addition, Baseline Humans start out with one extra edge. If they are encountered in the CU, they receive a -1 Charisma adjustment.

Edges: Arcane Background (limited – unless trained, roll randomly for one spell that will go off if the person is subject to a fear test).

Homo Superior (also know as G-Mods or just Mods).

This is the most popular conveyance for Sapients in Temple controlled areas, but are found most everywhere else as well. They are present in the CU but are extremely rare, being only used for synaptic templates that can’t be digitized (a rare genetic disorder). While they have gone through extensive genetic modification, Mods contain no cybernetic elements. Their modifications make them extremely confident – that combined with an unusual ability to inspire loyalty with each other as well as other humans make them ideal leaders.

Traits:

Sensitive System: The enhanced immune system of Mods will not tolerate further modification from nanoware or cybernetics. Replacement limbs or organs can be grown, but must be developed from a tissue sample.

Superior Genetics: Two attributes start at D6, with two linked skills also starting at D6.

Longevity: Average lifespan is 125 years with no physical or mental degradation. DNA can be re-set with a +2 bonus.

Edges: Attractive, Stalwart, Community

Efficient Gut Flora: Half of standard food requirement.

Resistance to pathogens, toxins and disease at +4.

Deep One Hybrid

While rare, these pairings of Human and Deep One genetics exist throughout the world, mostly concentrated in coastal regions. Unlike their more alien Deep One cousins, their synaptic patterns are human enough be mapped. This means their consciousnesses can be digitized and they can inhabit a morph or any other artificial construct, but their alien physiology won’t accept a cortical stack. These would only be usable if they acquired a morph.

They will usually have any number of Deep One physical traits, making them very unattractive to any member of Homosapiens. Despite this, their knowledge of the Deep One civilization, magic and technology guarantees their employment in any number of corporations or government organizations.

Traits

Immune to disease and aging

Dehydration: Must immerse themselves in salt water one hour out of every 24 or become automatically fatigued each day until incapacitated – the day after that, they die.

Low Light Vision: Ignore penalties from dim and dark lighting.

Natural Weapon (teeth, claws): Never unarmed and do Str+D6 damage when making an unarmed attack.

Starts with Deep One language (Enochian), cultural knowledge and artifact skills at D6. They can increase this knowledge normally without Sanity loss and use any Deep One device at -2 if they can identify it.

Edges: Amphibious

Hindrances: Outsider: -3 to reaction rolls from Homo Sapiens, -1 in the CU.

Uplifts

Even the few Uplifts willing to work with humanity aren’t shy about letting their associates know exactly what they think of them and their so-called accomplishments as a species. The rest actively work toward mankind’s exile from the planet, or failing that, annihilation. Their only morality in pursuing their objectives is the preservation of the ecosphere and the network of non-sapient life that sustains it.

Uplifts don’t use cortical stacks – the technology could be adapted, but as far as it is known, no one has taken the time to do so since Uplifts consider them anathema – yet another example of mankind removing itself from the natural order. In rare cases, Uplifts have had their consciousnesses digitized so that they could inhabit morphs (although any who do so would want to keep it a secret, as others of their kind would take a dim view of it). They are more willing to use other technology, some it of it adapted or inspired by human examples, some created from scratch designed to meet a specific need of the species in question.

Uplifts have the same abilities and stats of their entries in the Bestiary, with no ‘A’ next to their Smarts stat. During character creation, their physical stats can be increased by a maximum of one die type, with no limit placed on their mental stats. Any technology specifically designed for their use will either be very rare or not exist at all.

Hindrance: Non-Human Physiology

Mala

As the inquisitors/enforcers of temple, Mala have been known to be sent out on detached duty to ETM and other organizations in order to provide them with aid against humanity’s common enemy. They are also there to represent the interests of Temple and to keep their superiors up-to-date on any new developments in their host organization. Despite these facts being something of an open secret, they are highly sought after for their abilities.

Most Mala have two forms – human and monstrous. In their human form, they can pass for homosapiens, albeit an example with unusual grace and intense affect. In addition, their presence can have uncanny effects, ranging from threat response behavior in animals to the room’s temperature dropping several degrees. Due to this, people tend to want to avoid them – as a result, they can only have three contacts, only one of which can be above level 1.

All Mala have the monstrous ability of Fearlessness. In addition, they do not suffer sanity loss from Outsider encounters or knowledge but can still suffer corruption from these effects. They can also regenerate, automatically healing one wound per combat turn if they focus solely on this and take no other damage while doing so. In addition, they are at +1 to recover from being shaken, +2 if in their monstrous form.

Because of their Outsider nature, Mala can have no artificial enhancements, including cortical stacks. Mala who have been slain can be resurrected through a complex summoning ritual but gain +1 corruption for each full day they are dead.

Sepharim

Sepharim are the elite soldiers and state police force of Temple. In the former role, they are formed into regiments and used in the spearhead of any conventional attack and given the best weapons and support. Some individuals may be attached as chaplains (a sort of religious commissar) to conventional units into order to lead and inspire them. They are also used in internal special forces ops, but seldom in unconventional ops outside of Temple as their use points directly to their SMM.

Seraphim stats start at: Strength D8 (+2), Agility D8 (+2), Vigor D8 (+1), Smarts D4, Spirit D8 (+1)

Edges: Attractive, Elan, Tough as Nails

Hindrances: Overconfident

Monstrous form: +1D to Strength, Agility, Vigor and Spirit. Armor (6). Claws do Str+D6 dam (AP3) and they can shoot diamond shards (2D6) that ignore class 1 armor and halve class 2 armor.

Edges: Command, Elan, Fear (+1) enemies only, Improved Tough as Nails

Hindrances: Overconfident

Shade

Shades are the spies and assassins of Temple and are also used by the military for long range reconnaissance and infiltration. While their professions aren’t considered dishonorable by Temple, their affect is considered unusual even by Mala standards, making socializing with them an uncomfortable experience. This being the case, they tend to congregate in monastic settings for companionship and training and go hooded and robed in public (which does not make them stand out in the religious SMM of Temple).

Shade stats start at: Strength D4, Agility D10 (+2), Vigor D8 (+1), Smarts D6 (+1), Spirit D8 (+1)

Edges: Assassin, Thief, Acrobat, Low Light Vision

Hindrances: Unsettling Affect (-4)

Monstrous form: +1D to Agility and Vigor. Can become ethereal for 2 combat turns. Armor (2). Claws tdo Strength +1D6 and secrete poison (vigor -2, flesh rot).

Edges: Assassin, Thief, Acrobat, Thermal/Low Light Vision, Light Shifting (notice checks at -4), Improved Dodge

Hindrances: Hideous (-1)

Raptor

Raptors have a wide variety of applications given their unmatched flying skills. What makes them truly special, however, is their ability to navigate and move through a vacuum in much the same way the Mi-go do, traveling even interplanetary distances in a matter of days. This, along with their small radar signature and low thermal emissions, make them perfect for reconnaissance or infiltration of orbital facilities.

Raptor stats start at: Strength D6, Agility D10, Vigor D6, Smarts D6, Spirit D8

Edge: Quick

Hindrances: Unsettling Affect (-2)

Monstrous form: +1D+2 to Strength, +2 to Agility, +1D to Vigor, +2 to Spirit, +2 to flight rolls

Hooked tentacles with 10” reach do Strength +1D6 damage

Plasma breath does 1D6+2 (AP 2) using cone template. Using this power requires a vigor check, failure of which causes one level of fatigue – damage can be increased by one die for every -1 modifier to the vigor check.

Can travel through interplanetary space – can reach inner planets out to Mars in one day, outer planets out to Saturn in two days, outer planets to Pluto in three, outer reaches of the Oort Cloud in four. Raptors who have gone farther than this have not returned. Each unit of distance traveled costs one level of fatigue.

Edges: Stealthy, Thief, Tough as Nails, Quick

Hindrances: Hideous

Megalodon

Megalodons are employed by Temple to patrol their extensive coastlines and protect their underwater habitats. A pod of Megalodons was able to hold off an attack by Deep Ones against a facility in the Aegean for hours, allowing the population to evacuate, though at the cost of the entire pod and the facility itself. Reconnaissance drones, submarines and even small warships stand little chance against a concerted attack, leading SMMs to write off such assets if sent into Temple waters without getting permission beforehand. Unlike other Mala, Megalodons don’t have complete control of their transformation process, undergoing metamorphosis if angered or hurt. Due to this, they tend to isolate themselves in monasteries much as Shades do. These places are always underwater, well hidden and contain terrifying and beautiful pieces of artwork the Megalodon create when their insatiable energy isn’t being used for fighting.

Megalodon stats start at: Strength D10, Agility D8, Smarts D4 (-1 to knowledge rolls), Spirit D6, Vigor D10

Inherent skill: Notice D8

Edges: Brawler, Amphibious, Berserk

Hindrances: Unsettling Affect (-2)

Monstrous Form: +2 to Strength, +1 Agility, +1D Spirit, +2 Vigor, pace underwater x5

Jaw can extend out to 2” to bite: Strength +2D6 (AP6)

Edges: Brawler, Amphibious, Improved Tough as Nails

Hindrances: Bloodthirsty, Hideous (-1), Food requirement x2

Brainz

Brainz are simultaneously the most innocuous and terrifying of Mala. Their function first and foremost is to locate dangerous or useful artifacts and entities, their enhanced senses being keyed in to detect them. Once they find them, they can begin to understand their nature and purpose with great speed. Their affect isn’t disturbing per se, but can resemble the emotional flatness of a corporate spokesperson. They don’t have a monstrous form, but do have the ability to mold their flesh in numerous ways, growing sensory organs, tentacles or other limbs as needed. Anyone witnessing this takes a Fear check at -3.

Brainz stats start at: Smarts +2, Spirit +2

Brainz have a +2 to detect Outsiders or their artifacts within 500 meters. They have +2 to understand an artifact’s function or an Outsider’s nature and habits. They can use Outsider tools without penalty (although they will often have to use their ability to modify their bodies to do this). Brainz can also grow sensory organs to help them sense and perceive, giving them a +2 to notice rolls and no penalty for darkness or other visual hindrances – these organs can be deployed up to 2 meters away from the Mala on narrow stalks, allowing them to peak around corners etc.

They can also deploy tentacles out to 3” to grasp object or fail about with blinding speed, causing Strength +1D6 +1 damage. Due to the inconstant nature of their physical form, they can’t be hurt by projectile or mundane fighting attacks.

Edges: Investigator, Jack-of-all-Trades, Charisma +1 (Outsider entities only)

Hindrances: Curious