CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 5: ADVENTURE:

CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

parts guard, detective, and saboteur, and are permitted to come HOCK COMMITTED
and go from even the most secure locations as they please. This
access makes them especially ideal for inter-Family conflict, Also Known As: Hock Zombie, Meat Drone
as siblings jockey for power and control by undermining one
another’s passion projects. Jacob Hock discovered a particularly ghoulish way to get the most
from his workforce by use of a chemical cocktail that robs humans
of sentient thought and free will. Those who volunteer for Commit-
Hock Committed ment—it is always a choice, though often the only other option is
Abilities (Focuses) death—surrender their humanity for the glory of the Dr. Hock,
becoming obedient drones who exist in a state of chemical euphoria.
0 Accuracy Like children, the Committed require oversight, and like machines
–2 Communication they need medical maintenance, but they labor without fuss and
3 Constitution (Endurance, Stamina) blithely throw their lives away in service. Committed are automa-
tons, but most retain one focus related to their intended work, such
1 Dexterity as Strength (Machining) or Communication (Animal Handling).
3 Fighting (Brawling)
–2 Intelligence RAIDER
0 Perception
Also Known As: Bandit, Rioter, Slaver, Wolf
2 Strength
5 Willpower (Self-Discipline) The Families aren’t the only predators exploiting the defenseless.
Roving gangs of Waste scour the roads and ruins of the old order,
Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness taking food, weapons, and valuables from their fellow survivors.
11 18 24 29 11 11 11 0I/0B+3 +3 +3
Raider
Weapon Attack Roll Damage*
Abilities (Focuses)
Fist +5 1d3+2
2 Accuracy (Black Powder)
Makeshift Club +3 1d6+2
0 Communication (Bargaining)
* Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
2 Constitution (Stamina)
Special Features 0 Dexterity
Favored Stunts: Adrenaline Rush, Blockade, Guardian Angel 1 Fighting (Short Hafted)
Bliss: The committed have lost any sense of individuality and are –1 Intelligence
immune to the effects of social stunts. They also ignore any penal-
1 Perception
ties caused by pain or fear.
Talents: Protect (Expert) 2 Strength (Intimidation)
Equipment: Basic Tools, Committed Uniform 0 Willpower (Courage)

Threat: Minor Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness

10 18 22 27 10 10 10 4I/0B+2 +2 +2

Weapon Attack Roll Damage*

Scrap Pistol +4 1d6+4
Tire Iron +3 1d6+2
* Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.

Special Features
Favored Stunts: Hamstring, Knock Prone, Skirmish
Stunt—Rule by Fear: For 4 SP, the raider can follow up a successful
attack with a simple, shouted command of one to three words, such
as “drop it,” or “on the ground,” targeting a single opponent within
10 yards. Make a Strength (Intimidation) vs. Willpower (Courage) or
Willpower (Self-Discipline) test. If successful, the target must use a
minor action on their next turn to obey as best they can.
Talents: Living on the Fringe (Expert)
Equipment: Chains, Doll’s Head, Heavy Leather Armor, Scavenged
Club, Scrap Pistol

Threat: Minor

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

So long as they keep to the vast, worthless stretches between

major settlements and keep their hands off Family property, few
FACTIONAL ADJUSTMENTS
authorities care to spend resources on eliminating them. Some Not all soldiers are created equal: Hock mass-produces armies and
Serfs even profit from these lowlifes, buying slaves for work maintains control through drug regimens, while Carlyle invests
crews, rounded up by so-called Wolves in their raids. time and energy into training each resource, making the most of
their limited manpower. To reflect these differences, here are some
SCAVENGER (MINOR) general guidelines for adapting forces to specific Lazarus factions.

Also Known As: Mechanic, Scrapper, Waste Trader CARLYLE

Many desperate souls make their living trying to reclaim wealth Carlyle invests heavily in training and equipping their people in
from the past, digging up buried machines and searching ruined order to compensate for their lower populations. While CARSEC,
buildings for trinkets, parts, and the occasional wonder. While not
overtly aggressive, scavengers spend months or years at a time
isolated and surrounded by raiders. Most are possessive and para- Secret Police
noid, fiercely defending their claims with a variety of clever traps. Abilities (Focuses)
2 Accuracy (Pistols)
SECRET POLICE
2 Communication (Disguise, Investigation)
Also Known As: CARSEC/INT agent, industrial spy, Ministry 3 Constitution
of Safety and Security investigator
3 Dexterity (Driving)
Maintaining power in an ordered society relies heavily on 4 Fighting
controlling how your populace thinks, tending public perceptions 1 Intelligence (Law, Security)
like a garden. And tending any garden requires pulling weeds.
3 Perception (Empathy, Hearing)
The Families rely not only on overt law enforcement, but also
on extensive networks of secret agents and informants to track 1 Strength
dissident groups and terrorists—and average citizens asking the 2 Willpower (Courage)
wrong questions.
Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness
Scavenger (Minor) 13 25 40 55 13 14 14 3I/5B+3 +3 +4
Abilities (Focuses)
Weapon Attack Roll Damage*
0 Accuracy (Longarms)
Collapsing Baton +4 1d6+1
0 Communication
SA Pistol +4 2d6+3
1 Constitution (Tolerance)
* Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
1 Dexterity (Sabotage)
1 Fighting Special Features
2 Intelligence (Evaluation, Tinkering) Favored Stunts: Human Shield, Vicious Blow
1 Perception Talents: Clearance*, Grappling Style, Pistol Style
1 Strength (Might) Equipment: Badge, Ballistic Bodysuit, Collapsing Baton, Concealed
Holster, Electronic Bug, Semiautomatic Pistol
1 Willpower
Threat: Moderate
Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness
11 12 14 19 11 11 11 4I/6B+1 +1 +1

Weapon Attack Roll Damage*

Dagger +3 1d6+2
Hunting Rifle +2 2d6+3
* Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.

Special Features
Favored Stunts: Take Cover, Whatever’s Handy
Talents: Junker*, Jury-Rigger*
Equipment: Dagger, Hunting Rifle, Jury-rigged Ballistic Plate
Armor, Mechanical Toolkit, 1d6 Functional Pre-X Trinkets

Threat: Minor

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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

CARGO, and other enforcement agencies typically deploy fewer NOVAYA BRATVA

bodies to engage the enemy, many of these soldiers are Elite or
even Heroic adversaries. The  Novaya  Bratva  is the largest criminal fraternity in North
America. Members of Russian organized crime brought low
HOCK by the Vassalovka purges, Vory survivors took advantage of
the chaos of the Dissolution War to crush or incorporate rival
The Citizens of Hock Territory are universally addicted to the cartels and entrench themselves in American trading hubs.
pharmaceuticals their loving ruler dispenses, the effects of which The Bratva are weakest in Hock Territory, where they have
grant them a +2 bonus on Willpower tests to resist intimidation, been impaired by the Hock’s healthcrime regime, and stron-
torture, brainwashing, and similar manipulations, but inflict a gest in Carlyle’s Mountain Domain, where CARSEC officers turn
–1 penalty on Intelligence tests, as they dull their senses. Active a blind eye to the Bratva’s arming of both Waste communities
combat troops instead rely on stimulants, granting them a +1 to and insurrectionist factions. The Bratva are well-armed, well-
Perception and Constitution tests, but inflicting a –1 penalty on equipped, and well-positioned, controlling hundreds of soldiers,
all Communication tests. thousands of corrupt officials, and dozens of small Waste
communities. The Bratva do not have a single leader, instead
THE FREE functioning as a coalition of allied factions. Long-simmering
tensions between Semion “Prince Simon” Borodai and Vadim 
Agents working for the Free are generally well-informed and Tarlev over control of the Novaya Bratva have cooled with the
discreet; they wouldn’t be recruited, and wouldn’t remain alive outbreak of the Carlyle/Hock war. Semion, leader of the once-
long otherwise. They gain an additional Unobtrusiveness focus dominant Borodai gun-runners, has abandoned his plans for
for Communications. a succession conflict, instead recognizing the independence
of Tarlev’s Alaskan “Archangel gang” in exchange for various
MORRAY concessions and pay-offs. 

Many Morray agents and soldiers have a single rank of a Minor THE VALENCIA FAMILY
Augmentation talent (usually Adrenal) to reflect cybernetic
implants. The  Valencia family  were wealthy, powerful, and prestigious
in the pre-X years, a politically powerful Columbian dynasty
WASTE with a fortune built and sustained by the drug trade. Territo-
rial rivals of D’Souza, it was the Valencia guerrilla fighters that
Waste generally have to make do with low-quality equipment. set the de facto northern border between D’Souza and Morr
Exchange any modern weapons or armor with their twentieth- ay, and to this day, the Valencias continue to push into D’Souza
century equivalents. holdings and sell drugs to D’Souza Waste. While they do not
have the numbers of the Bratva, the Valencias have something

NOTABLE DANGERS better: a political safe haven. Recognized by the Macau Accords

as a Junior Signatory Family under Morray dominion, the
Family soldiers are armed and protected by the Morrays. Their
While the agents of the sixteen Families present the clearest drug fields receive privileged status as long as they  continue
danger to characters of all classes, campaigns gain color and to offer  tribute to the  Morrays  and confine their drug sales to
context from the additional factions and forces moving through south of their border. 
the world. Ranging from the instruments of State oppres-
sion down to local gangs, they provide a springboard for filling in
the Carlyle Territories and beyond.  THE GANGS 
The following factions are notable dangers, outside threats, and
The Waste and the less valuable Serfs form a precariat, a group
opportunities that can appear in any campaign or territory as
with little economic stability or security and minimal power. The
allies or enemies as circumstances dictate. They also provide
gangs fill the resulting support gap, offering a semi-formalized
examples of the kinds of factions that thrive and strike in the
protection racket separated from the cartel by social necessity
shadow of the great powers, and can be used to inspire other
and a very thin veneer of legitimacy.
factions that fill out the World of Lazarus.
THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE’S MILITIA OF NEVADA
THE CARTEL 
The Friendly People’s Militia of Nevada is an informal group
The organizations behind organized crime, cartels carry out of three thousand volunteer security officers, environmental
profitable, repeatable crimes on a large scale in pursuit of profit responders, and fire fighters, led by a core of four hundred former
and power. They thrive in whatever shadows the government Carlyle military and security personnel. Protecting the Waste of
creates: smuggling, arms dealing, drug trafficking, assassination. the southwest region—the wind farmers, the ranchers, and the
While the security forces of the Families may have the power to scavengers working over Vegas’s corpse—they take pressure
destroy these groups, the fractured remnants reform quickly, and off CARSEC forces already stretched thin guarding the Fami-
with many Serfs—including the officials tasked with destroying ly’s military, recreational, and mining facilities. The group has
them—on the syndicates’ payrolls, security forces are seldom permission from CARSEC to pay volunteers in Labor Reward
tasked with launching yet another futile strike.   Points, and dues can be paid in kind or in NADs. The militia’s

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

 36 LAZARUS ADVENTURE SEEDS

While many of these suggestions lend themselves to a particular flavor of campaign, all of them can be adapted to your group’s needs.
1. A survivalist group has managed to keep themselves alive 17. Discover (or conceal) the origins of an engineered disease.
and kicking out in the boonies since before the Macau 18. A fire fueled by dangerous wind conditions is rapidly
Accords. The leader has isolated a deadly new disease to spreading toward a food research facility. Your team must
maintain their independence. quickly recruit from the Waste to get the fire under control.
2. A group has secretly begun excavating the ruins of a remote The fire causes security shutdowns at the research facility,
military base looking for biological weapons. They discovered and some of the Waste (or spies among them) begin looting.
more than they bargained for... 19. A disease tailored to strike only the descendants of one
3. You require a blood sample from another Family’s Lazarus to Family sweeps through the territory. This reveals the exis-
solve a scientific mystery. tence of unacknowledged Scions among the Waste, as well
as a relative presumably immune to the plague.
4. A trade deal begins falling apart when an unknown third
party enters negotiations, sabotaging your forces to under- 20. A change in the war front creates a refugee crisis, straining
mine your offer and credibility. local supplies and leaving everyone at wits’ end.
5. A pirate radio or online broadcast shares Family gossip, 21. A member of the Family becomes obsessed with pirated
along with censored news and information. The Families recordings of a Waste singer and wants her recruited in
would like it shut down, but also want to know where the order to “make her a star.” She drives a hard bargain, and
broadcasters are getting their all-too-accurate information. then turns out to have an ulterior motive for getting close
to the Family.
6. An entire medical relief bus goes missing while resupplying
on the edge of a major Family city, and at least one of the 22. A valuable family researcher goes rogue, taking important
workers was a known Family espionage asset. data with them.
7. Rumors of a holy man with weird powers begin circulating 23. Waste scavengers discover a nuclear device predating Year X.
among the Waste in an urban area, but this mysterious 24. Increasing criminal activity leads to evidence that a Family
figure proves remarkably elusive. member may be involved.
8. There is intelligence suggesting an infiltration effort by 25. A clone of a Family member, created for replacement parts,
Family enemies during the next Lift. Find and deal with the escapes and goes rogue, exploiting their access to Family
infiltrators without disrupting the testing process, while technology and strongholds.
also wading through people desperate for a chance.
26. Somebody has hacked the Labor Reward Point system,
9. A Waste settlement has survived by pirating the Family diverting rewards and qualified labor for their own use.
electrical grid for the last eight years, and the infraction
has only now been discovered. 27. A Family aircraft goes down in dangerous territory. Its VIP
passengers must be recovered quickly and covertly, but the
10. Go undercover to infiltrate another Family by passing cause of the crash also needs to be investigated.
through their Lift testing, even if it means cheating to beat
out people who would have rightfully earned those oppor- 28. A survey vessel in international waters discovers a
tunities. legendary shipwreck, submarine, or aquatic lab, and too
many people learn the information at once.
11. Bodyguard/babysit a bored Family member “on safari” to
hunt. Hunt what? Oh, you’ll find out. 29. A space station’s orbit begins to decay, and simulations
predict it will hit a large metropolitan area. The Family has
12. Intelligence assets keep insisting that a shadowy group has an aging rocket.
a loose nuke in their possession. Every lead has been a dead
end, but now a radioactive corpse has been discovered in 30. At least one trusted Serf turns out to be compromised by
the desert, with a current ID chip. advanced mental conditioning/programming. When there’s
evidence the player characters are similarly compromised,
13. Rumors begin spreading that supplies to relieve a natural what do they do? For a twist, the “evidence” against them
disaster have been tainted by your own organization to thin was faked in order to get them to act—but for or against
out the population. Do you destroy the supplies in a show of the Family?
good faith for the community, or root out the source of the
rumors while convincing people the supplies are safe? What 31. A farming center staffed by prisoners on the edge of Family
happens if the rumors turn out to be true? territory goes completely dark.
14. An unidentified disease is running rampant through the 32. A Serf’s funny video goes viral—along with a killer computer
Waste population. A team needs to identify and contain it virus. Is he a willing accomplice, or being set up by an outside
before the outbreak becomes a pandemic—even if it means element?
“sterilizing” everything within two miles. 33. Militant forces attack a medical supply shipment. In defeating
15. A new Lazarus enters the scene, with no Family affiliation. them, the characters uncover sensitive intelligence that
They have no identity, either because they were assigned to cannot be broadcasted. Do they abandon the emergency
the blackest op, represent a rogue state, or simply proved supplies to return the time-sensitive data, or escort the
impossible to control. supplies to their destination?
16. Terrorists have threatened to detonate a weapon at a 34. You must stage a political propaganda concert or play.
major Family social event, but the “terrorists” turn out to 35. Your enemy takes shelter among civilian homes and businesses.
be desperately hungry survivors hoping to steal food as the
guests scatter. 36. A lover or friend appears guilty of treason.

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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

services include providing forces to escort paying youths to the

Winter Lift in L.A, and volunteering is a good way to prove merit
THE RAVAGERS 
to the selection board. There are groups that are enemies to all others that nonetheless
have found (or more often, carved out by force) a niche. These are
THE INVISIBLE  the ravager factions.

Between the end of privacy rights, innovations in surveillance THE BLOODY RAILROAD

technology, and machines powerful enough to process traffic in
real time, most criminals do everything in their power to avoid The  Bloody Railroad  is  a brutally efficient and highly mobile
the hubs of Family power and their omnipresent technologies. assembly of slavers. The Railroad roams Carlyle Territory and
There are those, however, who have evolved to stay ahead of the the western fringes of Hock Territory, where they prey upon
changes in technology and society, carrying out their operations the vulnerable and the unwary. Whole communities have been
invisibly behind the scenes. From the population of hackers, reduced to ghost towns in the wake of their visits, their victims
infiltrators, spies and assassins, invisible factions form; their shunted to wherever local warlords or vice pits need slaves,
effects may not be seen, but they are felt. soldiers, or  more  fodder for the fleshpots. Carlyle dedicates  far
more resources to tracking down and exterminating the Bloody
THE RING OF WORMS Railroad than a strict cost assessment might suggest. CARSEC,
however, is stretched thin, and the Railroad survives by avoiding
The Ring of Worms was formed by the legendary “Letos,” the engagements. Waste communities wealthy enough to rely on LRP
infosec geniuses that found (or built) various backdoors and credit are safe enough in CARSEC’s shadow, but outlying surviv-
exploitation points in the early PostPost and founded the darknet  alists and indigent encampments are a more tragic story. In an
that survives into X +65. Now devolved into a loosely affiliated encounter with Family forces, however, the wolves of the Railroad
network of anonymous hackers, the Ring thrives in Serf enclaves fight with the certainty that they have nothing to lose: slavery is a
where computers are prolific, opportunities for social engineering capital crime under Carlyle. This makes them some of the hardest
frequent, and profit easy. Where they cannot earn security privi- resistance Carlyle forces can face; only Daggers and similar
leges through blackmail or spoofing, individual Worms rely on special forces units dare face large Railroad chapters. The high
stolen MoblReadrs or hacked Smartwalls, bypassing automated demand for the Railroad’s product means they always rebuild,
security features to win a few quick transactions before moving and the organization can always replenish its forces from the very
on. The Ring’s catalog includes everything from Hock psychotro- communities it destroys. No matter how many times the leader-
pics to false identities to snuff footage. They create and redirect ship is struck down, no matter how often the armed forces clean
false production orders, generate customs approvals to move out centers of operation, the Bloody Railroad always rides again. 
contraband around the Territory undetected, and even use their
considerable reach to blackmail and bribe officials into aban- THE OVERWELDIGEND EENHEIDSPROJECT
doning investigations. 
The  Overweldigend  Eenheidsproject was a joint European
THE BEAURN0 naval investment, a last-ditch effort by right-wing nationalist
parties to put their differences aside and propose a model for
The  BeaurN0  are a group of Chinese hacktivists dedicated to peacekeeping and security that did not rely on leasing assets
increasing personal liberty and autonomy in Li Territory, offering from a resurgent military-commercial complex dominated by
software hacks and for-sale manipulation of the distributed the Bittner and Armitage families. It evidently failed, but not
machine intelligence that directs so much of Li Serf and Waste before turning out six destroyers and two world-class aircraft
society. The BeaurN0 has a complicated relationship with Chinese carriers. These ships, staffed by Dutch, Scandinavian, and
authorities, for while they are wanted criminals, their ability German naval personnel, went rogue in X +42, taking to the high
to hide from the system often proves useful to intelligence seas. Their promised “restoration” has never eventuated, and
forces.  Li  bureaucrats and officials  seek out BeaurN0 hackers the Overweldigend Eenheidsproject fleet has devolved into high-
for their unrivaled ability to game the algorithms that govern seas piracy. Commanded by a reactionary conservative elite and
day-to-day decision-making, especially where they  believe the populated by coastal Waste press-ganged from other vessels,
system has come to the wrong decision.   they continue their predations to this day.  

64
 Chapter 5: The World, Divided
The World of Lazarus is a setting of deep divisions—philosophical, and gave authority over common citizens to the Families. The
economic, moral—centered on the people who try to survive in the Earth itself had essentially been divided into sixteen company
cracks between extremes. The nation-states we understand in the towns called territories (rather than nations).
twentieth and twenty-first centuries are gone, swept away in the Today the world is again at war. After fifty years of tense peace
chaos and social unrest that was eventually put down by the sixteen and border skirmishes, old rivalries and hatreds have boiled over
Families who signed the alliance known as the Macau Accords, into the Conclave War, named for the Conclave of X +64 during
divvying up the world not along national or ethnic boundaries, which Jakob Hock attempted to assassinate Malcolm Carlyle after
but economic ones. It is our world, but with a much deeper divide losing his arbitration in trial by combat. But the world now at war
between haves and have-nots. The Families can do no wrong. Waste is far different from the one that fought the Dissolution War two
can do no right. And trapped in the middle, Serfs scramble and work generations ago. Technology has advanced, and populations have
and betray one another to hang on to simple comforts. been decimated by pandemics and climate change. The Conclave
Malcolm Carlyle changed the world, not through his Family’s War is still fought on active fronts with soldiers and tanks and
mastery of biotech, but by his own writings on economics. His artillery, but the quiet war waged through espionage, propa-
book, Natural Selection: Morality in Business During Economic ganda, and backroom betrayals is equally important.
Contraction, redefined the relationship between capital, labor, The World of Lazarus is a universe of cutthroat business ethics
and the state, and dismissed the concept of nations as a simplistic writ large on every aspect of life.
notion humanity was ready to outgrow. He, along with the
world’s other wealthiest and most influential business leaders,
came together to form a trust—the Macau Accords—establishing
their economic empires as pseudo-nations, capable of defining
REALITIES
their own trade agreements, alliances, and even wars without The World of Lazarus is one devastated by climate change and
the interference of ineffectual, decaying political states. Though plague. Superstorms, more powerful than Category 5 hurricanes,
the national governments remained ostensibly in power, in truth strike yearly along many coasts, while interior landscapes are
the world was divided between sixteen kings in a system Carlyle often arid and dry. Rising sea levels have flooded many coastal
himself dubbed neo-feudalism. cities. The Families—through massive engineering projects and
A period of chaos followed the Macau Accords—one many weather-control technology—have carefully preserved those
blamed on the Families—and rioting and political unrest esca- cities important to them, and left everywhere else to slowly fall
lated into the Dissolution War of X +13, which finally put the apart without any official support. Even the basic knowledge
ailing national governments—those few that remained—to rest of how to maintain existing utilities is carefully guarded by the

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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

Families, helping to make their populations more dependent on the signatories of the Macau Accords, their relatives, and their
their centralized urban authority. closest economic supporters. Those with the skills, passion, or
Society is divided into the Families, those who have value to the insight to fill the visions and needs of the Families—called Serfs
Families, and everyone else. The World of Lazarus as it exists in most territories—live lives of relative comfort that denizens of
serves the needs, comforts, and machinations of the Families— twenty-first-century suburbia would recognize: nice homes, new
cars, abundant food, fun shows, smartphones, and every other
comfort of modern life. While the Families command science and
PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES technology that can literally reshape the world, Serfs live their lives
The Families all have particular areas of scientific or tech- with little “futuristic” technology unless it relates to their career.
nological specialization they excel in, with specific secrets Just as corporations of the twenty-first century used omnipresent
guarded closely. The areas of their expertise are listed below. electronics to track their consumers, the Families use the same
abundance of modern conveniences to observe and cater to their
Carlyle Technologies: D’Souza Meyers-Qasami
Biology, Earth Technologies: Technologies: workforces, ensuring happiness and productivity while stamping
Science, Medicine, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, out dissent before it can fester. The human rights of the twentieth
Piloting Steering, Piloting Computers, Medicine, and twenty-first centuries are now courtesies to be extended or
Piloting revoked depending on each employee evaluation. It’s a difficult
Hock Technologies: Inamura
Biology, Chemistry, Technologies: Minetta life—one that drives many to extreme reactions—but still a life
Medicine Computers, Technologies: most prefer over the alternative.
Electronics, Earth Biology, Steering,
Armitage
Technologies:
Science Piloting Those with no place in the Families’ visions are Waste, left to survive
Computers, Li Technologies: Morray Technologies: without support or infrastructure in a world broken and polluted
Electronics, Piloting Computers, Electronics, and exploited by centuries of greed. Waste live hard lives, ranging
Electronics, Engineering, Medicine in quality from agrarian homesteads comparable to Dust Bowl–era
Bittner Technologies:
Engineering, Earth
Computers,
Science
Nkosi Technologies: farms to migrant labor to post-apocalyptic scavengers surviving in
Engineering, Medicine Biology, Chemistry, the burned-out shells of once-relevant cities. Warlords rule small
Martins Earth Science
Carragher fiefdoms—some little more than gangs, while others function like
Technologies:
Technologies: Vassalovka military juntas in miniature—outside the areas of direct Family
Chemistry, Earth
Engineering, Earth Technologies:
Science, Medicine, influence, sometimes even supported by Family forces as auxiliary
Science, Steering Biology, Chemistry,
Steering
Engineering, Steering peacekeepers. For Waste, life is often hard, painful, and short, with
the only hope being the chance at Lift—elevation to Serf status, if
only they can prove their value to a Family.
YEAR X
Most dates in this book refer to “Year X,” the year the Macau
Accords were signed. The Families track the current date, and
DISSENT
events prior to it, relative to Year X, much like the Gregorian Few tyrants rise without enemies rising to meet them, and the
calendar divided history into B.C. and A.D. How Year X relates
to the Gregorian calendar is unimportant. Few outside the Families’ rule does not sit lightly on all shoulders. Thanks to
Families know exactly what year in the old calendar the Macau extensive propaganda and surveillance networks, few resistance
Accords were signed—the Families keep a tight rein on who is efforts have successfully organized beyond graffiti and brief
allowed to know much history in their modern world—and few street protests ended with brutal force. But tight control doesn’t
residents care. The Families are so central to life and survival stop the rebellion that lurks in the human heart, and so much of
that even the year they divided the world among themselves the dissent against Family rule is quiet, subtle, and disorganized.
is significant. Waste—those with little to lose and everything to gain—are far
The events leading up to and following the signing of the Macau more likely to openly protest or act out violently, while for Serfs,
Accords are complex, often with no agreed-upon “correct” inter- corruption is rampant among those dissatisfied with their lives.
pretation. Carlyle territories often blame Bittner for instigating
the Dissolution War, for example, and vice versa. What is listed Organized resistance efforts, once a fantasy, are becoming
along the bottom of the first section of this chapter is the most increasingly common thanks to the Free, a loose-knit alliance
accurate timeline available regarding those tumultuous years, of dissidents, anarchists, reformers, and experienced ethnic
though such detailed information on the current world’s history organizers advised by a mysterious leader—the Orphan—and
would be available to few outside the Families themselves. protected by uncanny insight and intelligence into the likeliest
form of Family pushback.

Malcolm Carlyle
Malcolm Carlyle earns
graduates from
doctorate at M.I.T.
Malcolm Carlyle Harvard.
>> Economics & Malcolm Carlyle and
born, Seattle WA. >> Degree in Malcolm Carlyle begins post-
Urban Studies and Abigail Beckett marry.
doc studies at London School of Malcolm Carlyle
Econometrics Planning Malcolm completes
Economics & Political Science. meets/courts
post-doctorate work.
Abigail Beckett.
>>Mathematics & Economics
START OF FILE

X -45 YEARS X -24 YEARS X -21.5 YEARS X -19 YEARS X -18 YEARS X -16 YEARS

66
 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

CARLYLE
By the time he founded Carlyle Capital Investments in X –13,
Malcolm Carlyle was already a renowned academic in the field
of econometrics, having authored groundbreaking papers and
journal articles. His investment company immediately catapulted
the young prodigy into the ranks of America’s wealthiest elite.
CCI continued to expand over the next decades, acquiring a stag-
gering variety of North American mainstay manufacturers and
think-tanks, including genetics and agribusiness giant Monsanto.
By the time of the Macau Accords, Malcolm Carlyle had prospered
from the poor son of a single mother to a man worth $39.7B—a
modest fortune compared to the Accords’ other signatories, but
extraordinary given the scant time that had passed and the inor-
dinate influence Carlyle’s writings and philosophy had over the
Accords themselves.
Today, the Carlyle Family remains the most powerful and wealth-
iest Family in the world, weaving a network of trade and political
all this lofty posturing, however, the resources of this vast empire
alliances that makes them an irresistible force to enemies and remain securely in the Family’s pocket and sparingly assigned
allies alike. The Carlyles are also one of only two Families elsewhere through serfdom. Serfs enjoy comfort-
still ruled—or at least advised—by their original able lives in major urban centers, abundant food,
signatories, the other being Malcolm’s long-time phenomenal healthcare, and easy access to
rival and would-be assassin, Jacob Hock. luxuries great and small. While Carlyle
doesn’t offer the softest life for its Serfs,
THE PEOPLE they still enjoy comfort, safety, and tech-
nological access at a level unknown to
Administration of the Carlyle legacy American citizens of the late twentieth
remains in the hands of the Carlyle and early twenty-first centuries.
Family. Malcolm Carlyle ruled continu- Being a Serf means accepting a life
ously from the Macau Accords until of constant surveillance. The Family
his near-assassination at the X +65 monitors work patterns, movements,
Conclave. The eldest son, Stephen communications, and spending habits,
Carlyle, took temporary command in his both for security and for marketing
absence, but surrendered leadership to purposes. Much of the domain’s consumer
youngest daughter Johanna Carlyle prior to culture exists to further pacify Serfs and
the outbreak of hostilities in the Conclave War. maintain a sense of superiority over the
In the year since, Johanna has headed the Family Waste—a sense that they have something lose,
far more effectively than her brother, rivaling even her should they say or do the wrong thing, or simply rest too
father’s insight into human nature, but she proceeds with more long on their laurels.
caution, all too aware that her family and advisors are a den of
Lift selection is the ultimate prize for Waste who seek advance-
vipers waiting for any misstep before they strike. Though her
ment: an opportunity to enter the ranks of serfdom by demon-
father has finally returned to full health, he has remained in the
strating some special skill or aptitude of use to the Family.
role of advisor, curious to see what his daughter makes of the
Seasonal Lifts occur all over the Domain: Denver in spring,
world-shaking events she had a hand in initiating. Edmonton in summer, San Francisco in fall, and L.A. in winter.
Carlyle hopes to restore human knowledge in the wake of the Those Lifted are chosen through a complicated bureaucracy,
exodus of experts from major cities in the conflict years and the using algorithms to ascertain Carlyle’s immediate and expected
mass deaths from the Hock Flu, and restore and improve the needs for new Serfs, as well as the applicant’s potential to develop
collapsing infrastructure of the failed American nation-state. For health problems.

Malcolm Carlyle Malcolm Carlyle authors Carlyle is rumored to write a private Stephen Donovan
forms Carlyle Natural Selection: document, called “The Benevolence Carlyle born to
Capital Investment, Morality in Business Memorandum.” He denies it publicly, Malcolm and Abigail
specializing in During Economic but speculation persists in the fringe (London).
commodities and debt Contraction. and mass media. Natural Selection
CCI completes purchase becomes required
purchase/resale.
of Monsanto, rebranding reading at Harvard.
CCI posts $2.2 billion
it as the Carlyle Future
dollars (US) in profit.
Foundation.

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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

Carlyle still seeks to extract value from As with almost every ruling family, the
those Waste it does not lift. The Labor
CARLYLE enormous size of their designated Territory
Reward Program allows authorized Serfs means that direct and consistent oversight
to award points in exchange for labor or of certain areas is patently impossible. For
expertise, providing the sole legal means Carlyle, this is addressed through the use
by which Waste can buy goods and services. of unmanned drones and micro-satellite
Participation requires accepting an RFID tag surveillance to maintain security away from
implanted beneath the clavicle, which tracks the borders, with rapid-deployment CARSEC
Waste biometric, geographic, and envi- “compliance teams”—officially referred to
ronmental data, providing the Family with as Territory Protection Units, or TPUs—
aggregate information about conditions stationed for use where and when needed.
across the Domains. Individual Waste can Business Name: Carlyle Capital Despite this level of border control, Carlyle
score points for anything from volunteering Investment, Carlyle Future rule has tacitly permitted the founding and
for medical experiments to claiming boun- Foundation even growth of certain “illegal communities”
ties for wanted fugitives. Most participants Head of Family: Johanna Carlyle in especially hard-to-reach areas, notably
still live very much on the edge, scavenging Line of Succession: Malcolm the Far North of the Mountain Domain, and
food and valuables while hoarding their Carlyle (father), Abigail Carlyle the Alaska Territory in the Pacific Northwest
nee Beckett (mother), Stephen Domain. These communities, for the most
LRP for emergencies that only the Family Carlyle (brother), Dr. Bethany
can help with—medical crises, crop failure, part, bear strong resemblance to the fron-
Carlyle (sister)
or murder demanding the involvement of tier communities of the American West that
Domain: Western United States
came into existence in the old reckoning in
a homicide detective. The chips are sensi- and Canada (western Alaska
contested with Vassalovka; the late 1800s.
tive to tampering, so cheating the system is
difficult, but backroom chop doctors some- Mississippi basin regions This expansive Territory is governed by a
contested with Hock); portions
times implant chips stolen from or sold Serf bureaucracy dominated by overlap-
of northern Canada
by Waste with a similar biometric profile. ping networks of the privileged. Arthur
Motto: Oderint dum Metuant (Let
Urban myths attribute additional powers to them hate, so long as they fear)
Cohn—head of the Cohn Junior Signatory
the LRP chips—recording sound, releasing Lazarus: Commander Forever
Family and de facto chief of staff in Carlyle
poison, or even overriding the nervous Carlyle governmental operations—oversees most
system—limiting the popularity of the Allies (as of X +65): The Carlyle of the logistical measures of governance. He
LRP system among those disaffected with Bloc (Bittner, Carragher, is supported by a vast staff of bureaucrats,
Carlyle rule. Carlyle, Meyers-Qasimi, Nkosi) including those members of staff assigned to
Enemies (as of X +65): The Hock the Domain Executive for each Domain and
Waste with no particular skills often labor Coalition (D’Souza, Hock, sub-dominion in Carlyle Territory.
with one of the Herds. These massive work Martins, Morray, Vassalovka)
gangs sometimes accept day labor, and While the Carlyles do have several aristo-
sometimes require seasonal or even life- cratic lines beneath them, the Junior Signa-
long commitments to staff farms, ranches, and infrastructure tories to the Macau Accords and those subsequently exalted by
projects like dams or roads. Herd work is always backbreaking the Family do not generally have control over distinct lands.
and often exploitative, with the Wolves that run the groups often Instead, these lesser houses gain special privileges and extended
demanding gray market payoffs or favors. lifespans, and receive easy access to senior roles in the military,
bureaucracy, and commercial hierarchies, but preside over no
physical domain or practical resources. Most enjoy local power,
THE DOMAIN serving as figureheads and celebrities with no real authority, but
others serve effectively as senior Serfs, performing at a level that
The Carlyle Territory stretches from the Mississippi to the Pacific, practically eliminates the possibility of being cast down. Some
and from Mexico through Canada into the Arctic. By way of wars Junior Signatory Families, like the Aklaks in the Far North and
and politics, their dominion steadily expands. Even beyond their the Phongs in San Francisco, do have governorships that earn a
borders, Carlyle influence reaches every Family. Longitudinal share of the profits of administration, but even in these instances,
capitalism, the neo-feudal elitist world order proposed and initi- ongoing tensions with less powerful but more numerous Serf
ated by Malcolm Carlyle, has spread across the world. Nowhere, mandarins limit their true power (or the threat they could pose
however, is it as entrenched as in the Carlyle Territory. to the Carlyles).

Hoping to benefit from CFF and similar investment, several nations and nation-states
Bethany Elizabeth Carlyle born
throughout Africa and Central America seek private economic assistance to bolster
to Malcolm and Abigail (Zurich).
their faltering economies. CFF leads widespread relief programs.

CFF and related subsidiaries provide agricultural and financial

investments to the Greek government who effectively privatize the Carlyle and Bittner engage in armed conflict
Greek economy (under Carlyle management). Portugal soon follows (through military proxies) in Indonesia.
suit. Despite concern from the U.N. and many world governments, Steelpoint Solutions, Inc., retained by CFF,
Greek and Portuguese economies show signs of stabilization. defeat government forces backed by Bittner.

X -4 YEARS X -4 YEARS X -3 YEARS X -3 YEARS

68
 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

Carlyle
TERRITORY

Chinese economic downturn causes global market panic. In response, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund,
and other global financial organizations (both public and private) grant unprecedented controls to numerous independent
firms, including those of Carlyle, Bittner, Hock, Vassalovka, Rausling, Carragher, Martins, and Li, amongst others.
Unrest occurs across Asia, Europe, as well as North and South America, following market declines and continued devaluation of currency in
the face of record inflation. These incidences turn violent when Roman Bittner is recorded using the word “waste” to describe those suffering
financial “inconvenience.” “Waste” becomes a rallying cry to the disenfranchised, who turn out to protest in record numbers.
Widespread rioting occurs in Paris, Hamburg, London, Odessa, Sao Paolo, Caracas, Montreal, Toronto, Portland OR, New
York, and other cities. These riots last for weeks in some instances. Final death toll is estimated at 3.9 million globally. Due
to the widespread nature of the uprising, a damage assessment will not be presented for another four years.

X -1 YEAR X -1 YEAR X -1 YEAR

69
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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

These are each further divided into sub-dominions to aid in

regional governance. Each sub-dominion is, in turn, managed by
a Domain Executive answerable directly to a Domain Governor,
and appointed by said Governor and the Head of Family. Commu-
nities able to demonstrate themselves as especially useful to the
Family often enter into a quid-pro-quo agreement with Domain
Oversight for their region, where whatever loosely formed local
government—if any exists—is permitted to continue in exchange
for a tithe to the Family. In instances of gross misconduct, the
Family has been known to deploy TPUs to raze a community in its
entirety. Thus, the challenge for many of these “free enterprise”
pioneers is to maintain a balance between survival, profitability,
and not drawing undue attention from the Family (or making
themselves so valuable to the Family that they are granted Serf
status).
Carlyle Territory consists of three Domains: Mountain, Pacific
Northwest, and Southwest.

MOUNTAIN
The Mountain Domain, home to nearly two million Serfs and
some twenty-nine million Waste, is governed from Denver and
encompasses four sub-dominions: Borderland South, Border-
land North, SAMON, and the Far North. Major population centers
in the Mountain Domain have long reflected Stephen Carlyle’s
personality and have, in the main, benefitted from his manage-
rial expertise and even-handed approach to governance. Denver
is the most obvious example. The city is well-run and maintained,
and includes some of the best support services for the resident
Waste population in Carlyle Territory. Bureaucratic Serfs consider
Denver and its satellite communities a prime posting. Denver
further benefits from its relative proximity to Cheyenne Moun-
tain, the headquarters of Carlyle Central Command (CENTCOM),
and enjoys a large, stabilizing military presence.
Borderland South is the most stable and secure of the Mountain
sub-dominions, sustaining a large Waste population devoted to
supporting Serf-run farming and ranching operations. Terrain
and weather make travel east of the Continental Divide rela-
tively easy for migrant Waste. The only scar on this otherwise
exemplary domain is the constant conflict since the end of the
Dissolution War with Hock on the southeastern border. The city
of Shreveport was one of the first outbreak sites of the Hock Flu
in X +25 and saw near 100 percent fatalities in the epidemic,
leaving the city deserted. Waste avoid the location; some believe
it haunted, while others believe pockets of the plague, or new
viruses, still survive in the abandoned city.
In Borderland North, portions of Wyoming and the Dakotas still
Carlyle suffer “hot spots” caused by Hock biochem weapons during the
Dissolution War, as well as new attacks as part of the current
TERRITORY
Conclave War. Though there are well-maintained main roads,

The heads of the sixteen most financially powerful Families from Malcolm Carlyle forms limited
around the globe gather in Macau to establish rules which will partnership with Jakob Hock, re- Before the end of the
solidify their holdings and help avoid “unfortunate overlap” such energizing the long-believed dormant year, Malcolm Carlyle Pope Nicholas VIII
as occurred in Indonesia. These negotiations result in the “Macau CFF project, “The Longevity Group.” establishes a “special issues public statement
Accords,” effectively marking the end of government control. CFF advances in stem and iPS cell initiative” headed condemning the Macau
therapies combine with Hock’s by Doctor James Accords.
Malcolm Carlyle relocates his family, in secret, to a bleeding-edge pharmaceuticals Mann, called “Project:
private estate on the Puget Sound, nicknamed “The to produce immediate healthcare Lazarus.”
Center” by CFF upper management. benefits within only a few months.

YEAR X YEAR X YEAR X YEAR X X +1 YEAR

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

travel through these regions remains perilous. Encouraged by the

nature of the terrain, several bands of opportunistic raiders prey
upon the rural Waste population of the region, with recent hostil-
ities making them bolder. Much of the recent conflict with Hock
has focused on Borderland North’s eastern territories, with the
recent Battle of Deluth being one of the costliest encounters—in
terms of both lives and resources—since the Dissolution War.
SAMON, the Saskatchawan-Alberta-Manitoba-Ontario Domain,
is the most resource-rich region of Carlyle Territory and a major
source of raw materials. Until the shift in the Bittner-Hock alli-
ance at the end of X +64, it was also the most porous border
between Territories for those willing to risk the challenges of
hostile soldiers, terrain, and weather. Established communities
are heavily dependent on Family support for goods and services
during the winter, and long travel times between settlements
make migration difficult. Major population centers such as
Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Calgary exist almost entirely as hubs
for resource collection, with one of the lowest Serf-to-Waste
ratios anywhere in the Territory. Waste from as far south as Texas
make the trip north in pursuit of the lucrative Labor Reward Point
opportunities the region provides, and stories persist of laborers
accumulating vast stores of LRPs to return home “lifted on labor.”
The least populous region of the Domain, the Far North encom- Carlyle
passes such a vast expanse of wilderness that consistent authority TERRITORY
and oversight is nigh impossible to maintain. The region is over-
seen primarily by surveillance drones and satellites, and Family
presence is limited outside of a scattering of classified military
outposts, several high-value petroleum and natural gas opera-
tions, and a handful of TPU deployment bases. The regional
capital at Baker Lake went dark in early January X +65, and all
attempts to reestablish contact with the settlement have failed.
Following the breakdown in communication, TPU dispatched two
teams to investigate; neither has reported in. Another expedition
is planned, but is on hold due to resource allocation issues as a
result of the current conflict.
frequently visited by the Family, and the cities are carefully main-
PACIFIC NORTHWEST tained. The Waste population becomes less dense the further
north one travels, and—as with the SAMON and Far North Sub-
With just over one and a half million Serfs and nearly thirty-five
Dominions—small Waste communities have been founded in the
million Waste, the Pacific Northwest is the largest, wealthiest,
more remote regions, including rumors of defectors from Vassa-
and most vulnerable of the Carlyle Domains, governed directly
lovka, Bittner, and Hock all surviving in the Northwest-Yukon.
by Arthur Cohn. Conflict with Vassalovka forces in the Domain
has been nearly perpetual since the X +40s, with low-intensity The Alaskan Expanse is a treasure chest of natural resources:
engagements on both sides of the line. The outbreak of wider copper and gold mining supply technological necessities, while
hostilities has temporarily put an end to this as Vassalovka petroleum production along the Gulf of Alaska fuels much
rushes to secure their new European holdings, but there is no of the Family military. Facilities nearest Vassalovka territory
question they still see the Alaskan Expanse as a path to inva- have changed hands between Families several times in the last
sion. Vast inland manufacturing centers produce a wide variety twenty years, and Carlyle military presence has increased in
of necessities for maintaining the Territory. The main ports along response. The Family introduced augmented LRP rewards as
the Pacific are in constant use. Seattle and Portland are both of X +50 to attract additional Waste, and the first wave of those

Unrest spreads through Europe in response to the acceptance by multiple governments of

Jonah and Johanna
“economic relief programs” collectively presented by Saskia Bittner (Bittner SBC), Britta Rausling
Carlyle born (Seattle, WA).
(Rausling Equity), Julian Armitage (Armitage Group), and Vitaly Sidorov (TransEnergetika) .
Pope Nicholas
Dirty bomb detonates in Melbourne, Aus. Multiple terrorist groups Detroit, MI
Chinese military forces VIII dies,
SCOTUS rules claim responsibility. Initial fatalities are low, long term casualties unincorporates,
deploy in Hunan, Guangxi, succeeded by
5–4 upholding from radiation and radiation-related illness are considered effectively
and Neimongol Provinces Honorius VI.
the “Corporate “significant.” Central Melbourne is rendered uninhabitable. ceasing to exist.
to restore order after violent
Citizenship Act.” Carragher Holdings, Ltd. contracted for cleanup and implementing
public demonstrations.
new “public safety measures.”

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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

ment tied directly to the ongoing

operations of the Family or the service
industries for those employees. Many of
the families in Vancouver, Seattle, and
Portland are second-generation Serf
or older (some now having produced
a fourth generation of Serfs), and the
education and opportunities afforded
to them and their families—especially
their children—are the best the Family
can offer. Denver may be more care-
fully planned, and San Francisco more
cosmopolitan and futuristic, but Casca-
dia’s cities shine as stable and effective
metropolises. Waste support, strongest
near the major cities, quickly dimin-
ishes farther east. Tacoma and Boise
house two of the largest static Waste
populations anywhere in the Terri-
tory, though extensive transit networks
can transform these populations into
manpower anywhere throughout the
sub-dominion on short notice.
who responded quickly accumulated enough points to be Lifted
on merit, though Serf infrastructure outside of Anchorage and
SOUTHWEST
Juneau was, and remains, limited. The result created an abun-
With some two million Serfs and nearly forty million Waste, the
dance of Serf-designated laborers who continue to acquire
Southwest Domain is the keystone of Carlyle territory. While the
LRP; these points are most commonly spent on vacations in the
southern border with Morray has seen its share of flare-ups over
Pacific Sub-Dominion, though more forward-thinking individuals
the years, it was, until recently, far more stable than the northern
instead use their resources to start support businesses, or further
borders with Vassalovka or Hock. Los Angeles serves as the
the education and possible advancement of their children.
Domain’s capital and retains its pre–Year X legacy as the heart of
Southeast of Alaska, in the Northwest-Yukon Sub-Dominion, the entertainment industry, producing nearly 70 percent of the
the vast geological resources of the region provide much of the Post’s entertainment output.
raw material for Carlyle manufacturing and export. The region The Pacific Sub-Dominion is responsible for the majority of
provides the Carlyle supply of diamonds, gold, silver, lead, and the Family’s agricultural output and serves as the home for its
zinc, as well as timber. Petroleum and natural gas exploitation primary military training and deployment centers. These include
continue, though diminished from their pre-X levels. Population the top-secret Sequoia Research Facility and Camp Pendleton,
density is incredibly sparse, with most inhabitants designated as which oversee training of both CARGO and CARSOC forces, and
rural Waste, and a steady, slow decline has continued since X +27 Stanford University, where the Family sends the best and the
except for First Nation peoples, who have seen modest growth. brightest of their Serfs for advanced education and training.
The extreme isolation of the region has made it ideal for Carlyle Trader Five in San Francisco is the heart of Carlyle’s financial
Special Projects Development, and the Family maintains a small planning empire.
number of covert facilities for this purpose.
Quality of life among the Waste in the Pacific Sub-Dominion
The Cascadia Sub-Dominion encompasses the former states varies radically. Shanty-dwelling Los Angeles Waste struggle to
of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho as well as Canadian British find employment and even to survive as the city slowly rebuilds
Columbia. As befits the home of Malcolm Carlyle and the Carlyle from a devastating earthquake and years of neglect. Meanwhile,
Future Foundation, Cascadia is the jewel in the Carlyle crown. rural and migrant Waste working the Harvest Four facility in
The Serf-to-Waste ratio in the major population centers is the the Salinas Valley receive ample food in exchange for their back-
highest of anywhere in the Territory, with almost all employ- breaking labor.

Cholera outbreak in former Detroit. Verethragna Security Systems (a joint venture between Hock and Global markets cease to function, leading to cascading “failed
Neighboring cities shut down transit routes Bittner SBC) begin operations to “reclaim” Detroit metro area. nations.” Signatories of the Macau Accords promptly assume
to prevent spread of infection. Multiple previously negotiated ownership of territories.
POTUS signs executive order curtailing corporate military forces
instances of panic-driven violence occur. from operating domestically. Armed resistance, including elements of military forces, attempt
to repel corporate seizures of materiel and infrastructure.
House immediately passes Commerce and Industry Defense Act
Malcolm Carlyle has (colloquially referred to as “Corporate Stand Your Ground”). Bill Pacification of populace is in many cases brutal. Death toll globally
private audience with is passed in the Senate and sent to POTUS, who vetoes it. Veto is is in the millions. Outbreaks of disease and famine follow.
Pope Honorius VI during quickly overturned. Stories spread of re-education camps in Vassalovka-controlled
Papal visit to the U.S. Russia, Li-controlled portions of China, and D’Souza-controlled
Social media declares United States “bought and paid for.”
South America.

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

THE HEART OF THINGS

For those who have read the Lazarus comic, the Carlyle Territory will be the most familiar of the territories described in this book. It is
the centerpiece of Lazarus’s ongoing story, but more importantly, the prominence of Malcolm Carlyle in the X +66 world is paramount.
Unlike many domains, the Carlyle Family has been steadily in a single set of hands since before the collapse of the old order.
There is, of course, no obligation to set your own game inside Carlyle territory, but it is presented here in some detail both as a “starter
region,” and as the foundational model for a Family Territory, the wellspring model from which other states are drawn and made distinct.

The magnitude 8.2 earthquake of

X +61 that had its epicenter in Mar
Vista caused tremendous damage
throughout the region, destroying
already neglected infrastructure.
What appeared to be apathy toward
reconstruction and recovery from the
Domain Governor’s office has since
been revealed as deliberate negli-
gence on the part of disgraced former
Domain Governor Jonah Carlyle. In
mid–X +64, Johanna Carlyle replaced
her brother and embarked on exten-
sive restoration and rebuilding proj-
ects throughout the Domain. Public
works renovations and improvements
have begun as far east and south as El
Paso in the Lone Star Sub-Dominion,
scattering much of the collected labor
pool around Los Angeles. This has
raised the demand for both skilled and
unskilled labor, and in turn has led to
an influx of Waste from the Mountain
and Pacific Northwest Domains in
search of work. Carlyle
In the Southwest Sub-Dominion— TERRITORY
encompassing the former states
of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New
Mexico—primary Family operations one of a handful of locations in the Territory where direct service
focus on military research and development, as well as resource industry jobs are accorded Serf status, rather than delegated to
retrieval and exploitation. Many of the regional mining opera- Waste.
tions are active high-risk, and employ Waste seeking a high Sharing some of the industrial base of the Southwest Region, the
risk-to-reward engagement in LRP. Ranches, dairies, and other Lone Star Sub-Dominion is also among the most militarized of
livestock operations dominate the vast prairies. The Family’s Carlyle territories. The sub-dominion maintains a hostile border
largest correctional training and vocation facility is rumored to with Morray, as well as monitoring Hock activity in the Gulf of
be located somewhere in eastern Nevada. Reno, where Domain Mexico and engaging in security and resource-recovery opera-
Oversight is centered, has become a dedicated vacation desti- tions against both. Several of the original naval airbases in the
nation after the abandonment of Las Vegas in X +30. The Reno region have been converted to joint CARNAV/CARAIR use, and
Resort Area includes the Tahoe side of the Pacific Sub-Dominion, many of Carlyle’s pilots are trained and tested at CARAIR Leah—
but cooperation between the two regions is seamless. Tiered formerly Base Sheppard. Tech sector R&D and production nubs
recreation services are available to every level of Serf; the RRA is center around the Dallas and Houston Serf Enclaves, each a

Family Carlyle institutes Laborer Reward BLACK MONDAY.

Program as incentive system for workers. At the Harrison Silas Walker is elected President of the In the face of overt
same time, Family Carlyle enlists community- Rioting erupts
United States over incumbent Elizabeth Rosa Walker declares interference by Saskia
based religious groups to assist in the distribution throughout
Monasterio by the Electoral College despite martial law, and Bittner and Jakob
of food and medicine to those in need. the country.
Monasterio’s capture of the popular vote. marches on the White Hock, Malcolm Carlyle
Supporters of
Several other Families emulate Carlyle “Waste The election, despite being fraught with scandal House with elements offers assistance to
both candidates
management” techniques. and evidence of corporate interference, sees the of the military and President Monasterio
clash.
Hock forms alliance with highest voter turnout in history. Verethragna Security
Bittner, breaks with Carlyle. Monasterio refuses to concede. Systems in support.

(CONT.)

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73
 CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 5: ADVENTURE:
CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

thriving “planned neighborhood” with a booming Waste popu-

lation beyond their heavily fortified and defended walls. Away
DENVER
from the major population centers, Waste support is minimal, but Denver is the jewel of the Mountain Region, and the military and
short-term employment opportunities abound throughout the administrative backbone of the entire Territory. Not a metroplex like
sub-dominion: the construction of new fortifications, munitions San Francisco or a sprawl like Los Angeles, Denver is a secure and
manufacturing, and the drilling operations the Family maintains prosperous midsize city carefully managed by Stephen Carlyle and
in the Gulf. his vast bureaucratic apparatus. Because of the drop in Stephen’s
Lone Star takes a carefully considered approach to urban plan- personal power, a rise in terrorism and crime, and a mass influx of
ning thanks to the Hale-Smiths, one of the most powerful aristo- Waste from the Eastern border with the Hock Territories, this hard-
cratic lines in Carlyle territories. Original signatories of the Macau won prosperity is threatened, and Serfs and favored Waste fear that
Accords, their influence is felt in Lone Star’s rigorous administra- their middle-class comfort will soon collapse.
tive structure. Urban enclaves are inhabited exclusively by Serfs, Critics often point derisively to Denver’s ubiquitous conformity
and even menial labors are undertaken by Carlyle citizens, often as everything that is wrong with Carlyle rule—every street looks
on a rotational basis. Scarce resources are efficiently distributed the same, and every meal tastes like every other. The region’s
among the urban exclaves, and the enclaves are models of energy colorful mix of cultures has been distilled down into a shallow,
efficiency. Lone Star possesses the world’s largest waste reclama- least-offensive conglomeration that feels comfortable but lacks
tion facility, and the “Sun Fields”—vast tracts of solar panels— any nuance or history. Denver has long been the prime posting
supply clean energy to the local fortified communities. Because for civil-service–minded Serfs and a draw for migrant Waste
of the vulnerability of these critical pieces of infrastructure, cities from across the Territory. While Denver itself is not large, it is
are bunched tightly together, and even intercity transit is heavily surrounded by the nearly equally secure Denver Commuter Belt,
restricted. The short roads between cities are monitored with a network of Serf enclaves and relatively stable Waste communi-
“kill on sight” orders for every vehicle that does not maintain ties with positive Labor Reward Program scores. These satellites
constant contact with Lone Star’s Road Traffic Control centers. oversee large manufacturing centers and transport hubs essential
Accordingly, the Waste surrounding the urban strongholds tend to the Territory’s survival, and house the Serf and Waste popula-
to avoid infrastructure, eking out a dangerous subsistence living tions who make the daily commute along the heavily patrolled
in the harsh environment. highways and past security checks to feed Denver’s bureaucratic
machine. The Belt is one of the last bastions of suburbia.
The inhabitants enjoy a higher quality of life, and Denver
benefits from reliable power, clean water, subsidized
food, and accessible medical care. These privileges are
taken for granted, not only by the high proportion of
Serfs that make the area home, but even by the Waste
that maintain residence, providing an idealized model of
life under Carlyle rule.
Beyond the metropolitan center, the Denver area quickly
gives way to mile after mile of agricultural land. Farms—
run by Serfs and staffed by Waste—feed much of the
Domain from the thousand or so square miles immedi-
ately surrounding the city. In addition to food production,
this vast expanse of farmland provides a buffer against
invasion, offering enemy forces no cover within a league
of the city, and also doubles as Denver’s prison system.
Waste convicted of crimes are assigned work details at
the most dangerous and unpleasant facilities until their
debts are paid.
Being the closest city to Carlyle Central Command,
Denver may be the best protected of the Domain capi-
tals. Gangs barely exist in the city proper, and even in
the Belt, feuding Waste factions are suppressed in favor
of mediation and intervention by Carlyle security forces.

En route, Air Force One Stoke vows to fight Walker’s

goes down over Mullen, William Stoke, “coup” and restore democracy
BLACK MONDAY (CONT.) The Walker Malcolm Carlyle, accompanied by his
Idaho. Witness accounts Monasterio’s Vice and order in Monasterio’s name.
Monasterio accepts, flees Administration releases eldest son Stephen (and, in a rare
are confused, though President, is sworn-in He makes a public appeal to
with Cabinet to the West an immediate statement public appearance, his wife Abigail),
several onlookers as POTUS at a hasty law-enforcement and military
Coast. accusing Carlyle of denies the accusation and demands
report that the aircraft ceremony in Sante Fe, at home and abroad “not to give
downing the plane. a full investigation into the crash, to
exploded in flight. New Mexico. false legitimacy to an illegal
be conducted independent of Carlyle regime.” Stoke is then moved to
or Bittner-Hock influence. an undisclosed location.
(CONT.)

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74
 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

MICHAEL BARRET
Michael Barret is an example of the Lift
system working at its very best. Born Michael Barret
Waste, his family made the difficult trek Abilities (Focuses)
to Denver after flooding destroyed their
farm. Although the journey claimed the life 1 Accuracy
of his younger sister, Leigh, Michael and his 2 Communication (Unobtrusiveness*)
childhood friend Casey Solomon were both
accepted into Family service, elevating 1 Constitution
themselves and their families to Serf 0 Dexterity (Riding)
status. Already possessing a keen head for
medicine, Michael attended Stanford to study organic chemistry 0 Fighting
and was selected to assist in the treatment of Malcolm Carlyle Intelligence (Chemistry, Homemaking, Medicine,
5
after his exposure to a sophisticated adaptive toxin. The young Proprietary Medicine* (Carlyle))
Mr. Barret’s fresh eyes and broad experience proved instrumental
2 Perception (Empathy)
in saving the Family patriarch, and he has ensured a safe place
for himself in the Carlyle hierarchy, even as he begins to question 0 Strength
the morality of his service and who he can truly trust.
3 Willpower
Michael Barret is an excellent contact for Serf characters
within the Carlyle biotech giant, or the proverbial “old friend Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness
who made good” for Waste characters in need of an in. He’s
talented but young, and his loyalties and inexperience could 6 16 18 23 11 11 11 0I/0B+1 +1 +1
make or break an operation.
Weapon Attack Roll Damage*
Unarmed +0 1d3

Crime focuses on subtle smuggling operations, with cartels like the * Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
Novaya Bratva and the Ring of Worms using the logistics opera-
tions to their advantage. These cartels have generally taken a “don’t Special Features
shit where we eat” approach, and the most public security threat Favored Stunts: Ah-ha!, Bçreakthrough, Intuition, My Word Is
has historically been small bands of raiders coming down from the My Bond
sparsely settled north to hijack trucks. Talents: Clearance* (Novice), Emergency Care (Expert), Exper-
More recently, however, mass migrations have come from the East, tise (Novice; Chemistry, Analysis), Knowledge (Expert)
bring desperate Waste escaping the active front of the war. Major Equipment: Key Card, Mediaphone, Media Tablet
gangs like the Laughing Tigers and the Blue Line move alongside Threat: Minor
the hundreds of people seeking protection in the shadow of Chey-
enne Mountain. At the same time, the geopolitical changes have
triggered a vicious internal struggle for power between Bratva apparatus, the eldest Carlyle shapes Family policy through quiet
factions. This feud has destabilized the criminal balance of power control of the day-to-day decision-making.
in the Mountain Domain, with previously quiet smuggling opera- Since losing his role as Head of Family to Johanna, Stephen’s
tions with deep tendrils into CARSEC and the Territorial logistics quiet and seemingly eternal ascendancy has been under threat.
system pulled apart in firefights. The newly appointed governor of Borderland South, Malcolm
Over the past fifty years, Denver has become, if not the heart of Sim, was directly appointed by Malcolm Carlyle, and uses his
Carlyle power, its head. While the neo-feudal structure of Terri- independence to grab for power. His agenda is for Mountain
torial governance means there is no overall “Carlyle capital,” the staff to prioritize the Mountain Domain; where Stephen sought
Domain’s administration has evolved into a de facto civil service to stabilize the situation by providing amenities and healthcare
for the entire Territory. Stephen Carlyle, eldest scion of the Family, for the migrants, Sim seeks only to push them out or contain
has for the past fifty years taken a direct hand in the bureaucratic them. Their conflict is currently raging through intermediaries,
busywork of the Territory from his Denver offices, and genera- angry memos, slashed budgets, and denied promotions, as Sim
tions of his protégés have become an informal network and power does not feel ready for a direct engagement with even a dimin-
base. By taking such a direct hand in managing his administrative ished member of the Family. Recently, this feud has expanded

BLACK MONDAY (CONT.) The contents of the flight recorder from Air Force
One are revealed by the Walker Administration Commanding General of Camp
Walker declares Stoke and the remnants of American bases around Pendleton, Omar Charra—who
Monasterio’s Cabinet “enemies of the state for the world initiate and indicate the plane was struck in flight by
an air-to-air missile. Walker claims intelligence served with Monasterio prior to
fomenting civil war” and extends declaration contingencies prepared her entry into politics—issues an
of martial law to all 50 states, dominions, and post-9/11 and go into sources prove “Carlyle culpability.” President Stoke
responds with revelations that Air Force One’s outraged denial. Charra demands
territories. Despite this, unrest grows. Instances of lockdown, awaiting re- that the Walker Administration
commanders and soldiers refusing to follow orders to establishment of the black box was manufactured by a subsidiary of
Bittner SBC. The Walker Administration counters produce it’s “so-called evidence,
fire on civilians increase, with reprisals, imprisonment chain of command. or else be identified as a hostile
and even executions for dereliction of duty reported. by claiming that the missile was launched from an
attack helicopter based at Camp Pendleton, CA. occupying power on American soil.”

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75
 CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 5: ADVENTURE:
CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

into extracurricular espionage activities like data theft and and these factions still divide the city amongst themselves. Many
sponsored sabotage. of the greater Los Angeles neighborhoods never abandoned the
Between the administrative changes and new security threats, civil-rights and pro-democracy protests that began with the
the Domain has stepped up its already intense security. For Waste rise of the Carlyle state, and which persist underground despite
migrants and the Resistance, Denver remains one of the most the dominance of the new order. During periods of conflict,
dangerous areas in which to operate, with a hostile population, the Morray Family agitated for the cause of “pan-Latinx unity”
frequent border patrols and highway checkpoints, and the threat by arming and aiding insurrectionists inside the Los Angeles
of exile without appeal. Denver itself is currently under martial corridor, flooding the streets with low-quality weapons. “Pacifi-
law; commuting into the city requires electronic permissions in cation” was heavy-handed, and previous Pacific Governor Jonah
implanted LRP chips. Carlyle’s response openly aggressive. Thousands were killed,
and tens of thousands were forcibly conscripted into agricul-
tural work projects in the San Joaquin Valley. Hundreds of thou-
LOS ANGELES sands of survivors were relocated into the Hood (formerly West
Hollywood), South Central, Downtown, and Koreatown districts.
The history of Los Angeles, like the city, is a series of peaks and Though this has tapered into an uneasy cease-fire, entering many
valleys. With every passing year, the City of Angels falls a little parts of Los Angeles means taking your life into your own hands.
further, accelerated from time to time by bursts of armed conflict,
While L.A. was originally in the hands of the Carlyle military,
natural disasters, and political unrest. By the end of “the Disrup-
with Waste walled off in shantytowns, the devastating Mar Vista
tion Years” (X +10–X +25), financial and political relevance had
earthquake of X +61 reversed the balance of power. Though the
shifted to San Francisco, and has yet to return. This creeping
catastrophe wrought a Waste death toll on the order of nearly
decline is checked only by occasional bouts of investment and
two million, the real change was the withdrawal of Family
rumors of renewal, the latest of which—headed by Johanna
resources from Los Angeles to San Francisco and Trader Five,
Carlyle—seems to be the city’s first genuine hope of reinvention.
reducing the Family’s already limited interest in L.A. The hard
Los Angeles is rebranding as a city on the rise, and putting in borders between Waste ghettos disappeared, and the under-
the basic effort to make it happen. If repairs continue apace, the classes spread rapidly to fill what were one Serf- and military-
city is on track to reclaim a pride and importance to match its dominated spaces. Helicopter transit and guarded APC convoy
overwhelming superiority of numbers. Johanna Carlyle’s rise to became the only ways in and out of the remaining Serf commu-
power has given her the opportunity to sink billions into revi- nities. With the army mostly withdrawn, those Serf communi-
talization projects—repairing water, sewage, transit, and power ties became independent, isolated enclaves with little collabo-
systems across the metropolitan area—but it remains an open ration. One bubble of skyscrapers might focus on agricultural
question whether this change will finally stick. administration, while the enclave containing the port authority
Prior efforts to reclaim Los Angeles stalled in the face of Serf might have entirely separate leadership.
apathy and violent resistance from territorial Waste populations, Outside of walled communities like Beverly
Hills, Santa Monica, and Bel Air, the Waste still
struggle for essential services under the rule
of local warlords, as Los Angeles became a
microclimate of struggling fiefdoms. The most

Camp Pendleton Marines encounter a group of 23 civilians

President Stoke, in an appearance in crossing the wire, pursued by soldiers claiming to be from Ft. General Charra declares Camp
Almost immediately,
Chicago, praises General Charra’s Irwin, in pursuit of “seditionists.” A stand-off ensues, with the Pendleton open to refugees
battle lines are drawn,
“eloquence and patriotism” and urges five-man Marine patrol interposing themselves between the fleeing persecution of the
as the armed forces
others to “stand firm in the face of civilians and the soldiers. The Marines refuse to render the Walker regime, and urges other
fracture into one of
tyranny.” He then offers amnesty civilians or to allow the Army personnel on base. The resulting military commanders to likewise
three camps—either
to “all military personnel who act in engagement sees 11 soldiers dead and all five Marines killed; follow suit, exhorting them
supporting Walker,
the defense of this lawfully elected due to their actions, however, support arrives in time to repel to fulfill their duty to protect
Stoke, or refusing to ally
administration.” the Army assault, and no civilians perish. the American people and to
with either side.
“remember the Pendleton Five.”

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76
 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

GUNNERY SERGEANT MARISOL OCAMPO

Born before the Macau Accords and
Carlyle’s rise to power, Marisol Ocampo Marisol Ocampo
was once a United States Marine, and one Abilities (Focuses)
of the legendary “Pendleton Five” who died
defending civilians from hostile U.S. army 4 Accuracy (Assault Rifles, Grenades, Pistols, SMGs)
forces when the nation-state failed in X 2 Communication (Deception)
+12. Not nearly as dead as Family propa-
ganda suggests, Marisol has continued 6 Constitution (Running, Stamina, Tolerance)
her service ever since as the secretive 4 Dexterity (Stealth)
founder of Carlyle’s elite special forces, the
Daggers. Eventually, she earned special deployment by training 6 Fighting (Brawling, Long Blades)
not soldiers, but Forever Carlyle, the Family Lazarus. Her skills 1 Intelligence (Tactics)
have proven so valuable over the decades that the Carlyles
have shared their fountain of youth, maintaining the seventy- 3 Perception (Empathy)
five-year-old woman with the health and vigor of a twenty- 3 Strength
something Marine.
4 Willpower (Morale)
Marisol serves well as an advisor or leader for a military- or
espionage-focused band of Family operatives, or you may change Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness
her name and background to use her statistics to represent a
similarly skilled warrior serving another Family. 14 29 113 143 14 16 17 3I/5B+6 +7 +29

Weapon Attack Roll Damage*

successful, known as the Fourteen, were among the most powerful Vyper Sidearm +6 2d6+4
Waste in the world, and their battle for land and influence redrew Sword +8 2d6+3
neighborhood borders almost daily. Despite their brutal methods,
Unarmed +8 1d6+3
the Fourteen’s de facto hierarchy provided enough stability and
access to necessities to allow the region’s population to grow. The * Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
city teems with Waste, many of whom have known and aspire to
no other life than that of their urban jungle. These Waste mingle Special Features
freely with those Serfs working in the arts and entertainment, who Favored Stunts: Disarm, Feint, Instant Kill, Parry
struggle to understand the struggle for existence and meaning of
Talents: Self-Defense Style (Master), Striking Style (Expert),
these hardscrabble lives.
Sword Style* (Master), Tactical Awareness (Expert)
This status quo survived, either beneath Family notice or in service Specialization: Elite Soldier* (Master)
to their goals, until Jonah Carlyle’s attempted coup against his Equipment: Ballistic Bodysuit, Mediaphone, Sword, Vyper Sidearm
Family resulted in his flight and Johanna gaining authority over
the city. Tired of fighting, agonized from decades of answering to Threat: Dire
masters more brutal than the Family, and frail from the absence of
any government support, an exhausted generation of Waste were
efforts. Although these endeavors have stalled with the massive
ready for compromise. Instead of seeking to grind them further
demands of the conflict, Johanna has used this disruption
down, the Carlyle apparatus reached out to these Waste in an
to marshal further local loyalty against the Hock aggressor.
attempt to bring them into the fold, improving infrastructure and
social programs in return for selling the Carlyle message. Refusing to abandon progress or to allow L.A. to slip back to
its former state, Carlyle has instead swamped the city with
Johanna’s new reconstruction projects aim to ensure every
propaganda asking local Waste to “do their part” for the city of
person in Los Angeles has access to the services Waste receive
Los Angeles. To enable progress during total war, Johanna has
in cities like Denver and San Francisco by X +72. The ambi-
tious undertaking has opened hundreds of work opportunities turned to Wolves—slavers in all but name—to gather the work
across the region, including power stations, water purification crews into Herds and protect them from raider gangs like the
systems, Post networks, and healthcare facilities. Prior to the BCP and the Bloody Railroad, and stall their attempts to take
outbreak of the Conclave War, every day brought a new oppor- advantage of Carlyle’s decreased military presence to turn L.A.
tunity for Waste to reinvent their lives as part of the rebuilding into a slaver’s feeding ground.

East of the Mississippi, military installations Immediately following the

Refugee influx throughout
aligned with Stoke are attacked by forces executions, a series of Bittner-
Refugees fleeing “Stoke country,” and BLOODY TUESDAY.
loyal to Walker, in every instance supported Hock sponsored coordinated terror
the violence begin in particular along the
by Bittner-Hock either via Verethragna In Rock Springs, WY, President attacks occur at refugee camps
referring to the eastern western seaboard, taxes
Security or Bittner-Hock Corporate Defense Stoke and his Cabinet are captured throughout “Stoke country.”
U.S. as “Bittner-Hock resources everywhere.
Forces. Almost all Stoke support is destroyed by a Hock-enhanced special Camp Pendleton, its security
territory” and the area Camp Pendleton is
with remnants fleeing west. Civilians operations element who then severely compromised due to its
west of the Mississippi particularly overburdened
opposed to Walker are interned in Hock conduct a televised field tribunal large number of refugees, is hit
as “Stoke country.” due to Charra’s visibility.
Research Camps, work homes, or simply that culminates in the executions of exceptionally hard.
executed outright. all prisoners.

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77
 CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 5: ADVENTURE:
CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

Captain Orioso, the newly appointed CARSEC commander, over- in X +65, and the subsequent shift of focus to Los Angeles that
came the limited resistance from the Waste gang leadership, followed. Though urban renewal in Los Angeles was a long-time
co-opting those who bent quickly and eliminating the others in project of Johanna Carlyle, Phong failed to foresee that the resto-
a rapid tactical deployment now known in CARINT legend as the ration of the southern city would draw such significant resources
Red Summer. Orioso has not limited his attentions to the Waste, from her own, or that it would become the second home for the
but has also initiated Project Broom, which has over the past two most powerful woman in the world. With Malcolm long seques-
years purged more than thirty thousand Serfs from their class tered at the Family’s private compound outside Seattle, Mieke
into exile—for dereliction, corruption, and other high crimes— suspected that Stephen Carlyle would take the reins in the event of
and begun several reconciliation reviews to investigate and pros- any emergency and relied on the considerable distance between
ecute historic crimes. Denver and San Francisco to ensure her regional power did not
To mitigate the loss of trained personnel, the Family began adjusting ebb. Instead, Johanna has seconded many of her bureaucrats,
Lift quotas to sharply favor Los Angeles. Those Serfs who cannot pushed meetings and key infrastructure toward the Los Angeles
be found through Lift are imported from across the Southwest to surrounds, and otherwise begun to detract from the prominence
manage shipping, construction, and manufacturing projects. These of Mieke’s model city.
steps are expensive and are perceived by much of the Serf estab- San Francisco is the largest contiguous urban environment in
lishment as radical. Where the Waste see Johanna’s project as long- the Territory, and the “borders” of the city extend well beyond
overdue justice and salvation, senior Serfs often feel confused or the historic boundaries of the San Francisco metropolis. Old-
betrayed by the prohibition of practices they felt the Family had fashioned terraced houses are paired with automated walkways
implicitly supported throughout their entire careers. and subterranean tunnels and malls, split by scenic public parks
Another group struggling with the rapid changes is the Free. Los and beaches. The hills in the center of San Francisco form the
Angeles, legendary in Free hagiography as the home of American heart of the metroplex, containing the hard science, research,
Dissent, was a key recruiting ground. Free cells and resistance and education facilities. Closer to the bay, the old Financial
groups had an easy time moving through the slums, and corrup- District houses the San Francisco bureaucracy, including the
tion and apathy provided both opportunity and cause for strikes offices of the Pacific Domain Executive and associated function-
against the Family. These targets of opportunity are fast eroding. aries. Trader Five dominates much of the business of the city,
Though the under-secured and overextended run of Carlyle with its light rail and ferry infrastructure repurposed around
projects offers a wide variety of unique targets, waning public secure access to the facility. Nearby CARNAV Alameda, handling
support has left the Free wary of open action. This has opened the bulk of local naval operations, is supplemented by military
a window to conflict: do the Free strike against projects that forces based in Yerba Buena.
feed and clothe and cure the Waste—facing backlash from their South past San Mateo and on toward San Jose, this careful urban
own constituents? Or do they comply through inaction, allowing
planning breaks down. Favela towns—old buildings tightly
Johanna to position herself as savior of the masses and cement
packed and shored up with reclaimed materials—provide living
her control not only politically, but emotionally? These debates
space for a close-knit Waste. The proximity of San Francisco’s
are currently ripping apart the secret command structure of
highly educated elites and their open cultural environment lead
the Free, and the conflict goes beyond words—cells pushed to
to a series of collateral benefits, with Waste literacy in San Mateo
extremes have engaged in sabotage, assassinations, and even the
as high as 21 percent.
unthinkable step of sharing information with the Eye to prevent
collateral damage. The nearby San Andreas and Hayward Faults have been stabi-
lized through geotechnic engineering, curtailing the risk of major
SAN FRANCISCO earthquakes like those in 1906 and 1989 in the pre-X reckoning,
and effectively limiting minor tremors. The city still makes use
of its auxiliary water supply, but areas such as Mission Bay and
If teeming Los Angeles is the most populous of the Carlyle city
Hunters Point, built on artificial land and recycled material, have
centers, and Denver the best regulated metropolis, San Francisco
been able to expand to previously impossible levels thanks to the
represents the diversified, cosmopolitan, technocratic future
diminished risk of soil liquefaction.
that Carlyle promises to implement. The City by the Bay is the
highly developed, highly educated, and highly technical capital Although on the surface it may not look like it, San Francisco is
of the Pacific Sub-Dominion. Mieke Phong, the Pacific Domain divided into a number of arcologies. Some are enormous and
Executive, has spent years refining this personal fiefdom into the obvious; others a dense hive of buildings and connected walk-
perfect combination of magisterial government, executive play- ways, dedicated light rail circuits, and subterranean paths that
ground, and funky corporate facility. What she could not predict allow a Carlyle Serf to live their whole life in a single, fortified
was the ascent of Johanna Carlyle to the role of Head of Family space, with every comfort of home provided.

Following the staggering Dissolution War ends; Morray Family defies Hock Alliance, petitions Elliot Stanner, Carragher
Charra assumes command of
bloodshed of the day, armistice declared Family Carlyle for food aid; Carlyle agrees. Lazarus, is KIA fighting
integrated Stoke-loyal military
Malcolm Carlyle visits between Carlyle and D’Souza resumes skirmishes along Morray’s a “Free” cell near
forces and Carlyle corporate
General Charra to offer Bittner-Hock. southern border. Auckland, NZ.
security, answering only to
his “complete support”
Malcolm Carlyle. This officially Hock releases modified flu Family Carlyle and Family Morray fail
and to coordinate
marks the beginning of the virus into Carlyle territory. Virus to renegotiate trade; Carlyle cuts off
defense in the face of
Dissolution War. mutates, spreads globally. grain shipments to Morray territories.
all-out civil war.

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78
 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

Stanford is the foremost academic institution in Carlyle Territory, on an administrative level, many San Francisco Waste hustle
safely away from the city center in the heavily secured enclave for Labor Reward Points and fill in as shift workers to support
of Palo Alto. Within the city proper, the former UCSF now serves Carlyle’s local industries. Serfs who live in Noe Valley and Bernal
as a satellite for its larger sibling in Palo Alto, while the Medical Heights are often indistinct from the Waste with whom they regu-
Center has evolved into the Carlyle Medical Center. The Medical larly interact. While a factory foreman or a leading hand is likely
Center’s facilities include dedicated housing and shopping facili- to be a low-level Serf, their drinking buddies and coworkers are
ties, nightclubs, and service industries. The Center serves as the just as likely Waste.
primary Serf hospital, and delivers a standard of care second only South of the bright lights of the Bay City, the majority of the San
to that found at the top-secret Sequoia facility. UCSF operates Francisco–adjacent Waste live in the wreckage of another pre-
more than twenty other medical facilities across the region. Dissolution city: San Jose. Though Carlyle will tolerate no shadow
In addition to the financiers, researchers, educators, and governments, San Jose is home to a loose affiliation of six of the
bureaucrats, San Francisco has a diversified service economy larger street gangs, known as the Bugs. Not strictly an adminis-
to support them. The city boasts every conceivable form of trative force, they nevertheless maintain local security, organize
entertainment, from high-end restaurants to (carefully zoned work forces and scavenger groups, maintain elementary safe
and maintained) dive bars. A biannual film festival displays the houses and, where possible, provide basic medical care. Of the
very best in Carlyle filmmaking. Microbreweries and hydro- others who choose to work, some try to join the Waste labor
ponic wineries, including more traditionally produced wines crews assigned around the city, but the more usual option is to
from the nearby Napa Valley, provide intoxicants for the refined make a regular trek to Harvest Four in the Salinas Valley and
Serf palate, and bookstores sell “specially aged” Carlyle Signa- camp out for migrant work, before returning to San Jose with
ture Editions as well as pre-Dissolution books. A full 25 percent whatever can be saved or scrounged in pocket.
of the Serf population is devoted exclusively to the leisure and
hospitality industries. TRADER FIVE
There are darker rumors, too—of unmarked containers arriving on
Trader Five deserves special attention, not only as the largest
unmarked ships, and of shops with back rooms accessible only to
arcology in San Francisco, but also for the central role it plays in
those in possession of a constantly changing password. The Trans-
regional economics and politics. Towering one hundred and forty
parent Marketplace is the parasite economy of the Ring of Worms,
floors, the arcology stands in what was once the city’s South Beach
walking the line of being shut down, but too essential to the city’s
neighborhood. With Trader Five, San Francisco has been restored
reputation for luxury. It is similarly rumored that I-Blind, the last
to its historic position as the financial center of the West Coast.
living Leto, has taken a personal interest in the Marketplace, using
Carlyle spared no expense in prying control of continental trade
it to distribute Post-exploit software to his followers.
from Hock-controlled New York. Because Trader Five is the perma-
The further south one travels from San Francisco’s city center, the nent station for nearly sixty thousand foreign brokers, auditors,
more the line between Serf and Waste begins to blur. Although spies, and business leaders, San Francisco is also the most cosmo-
LRP microchips and identity protocols separate Waste from Serf politan city in the Territories. It serves as an informal embassy

Heavy flooding Malcolm Carlyle calls a conclave—a meeting of all the Signatory Families—to Bittner breaks their 65-year alliance
Carlyle and Morray
strikes Montana, demand the return of his son. During the conclave, Hock reveals he has reverse- with Hock over the events of the X
normalize relations,
causing widespread engineered Carlyle’s proprietary longevity gene therapy. During the chaos, +64 Conclave, aligning themselves
resume trade;
damage. Waste Jonah Carlyle vanishes from the conclave, and each Family blames the other in a with Carlyle.
Morray officially
settlements near standoff finally settled in trial by combat between their respective Lazari—Forever
declares itself allied The Conclave
Musselshell CDP Carlyle and Sonja Bittner. Carlyle eventually wins, prompting Jakob Hock to
with Family Carlyle.
END OF FILE

particularly hard hit. War begins.

poison Carlyle with an advanced adaptive toxin.

X +64 YEARS X +64 YEARS X +64 YEARS X +64 YEARS X +65 YEARS

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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

not uncommon, and of late, termination via corrupt auditor

has become a favored method for rivals to thin out the
competition. Trader Five has focused on facilitating trades
between the Carlyle, Morray, Carragher, Li, and Minetta
Families, but with Trader One being overrun and national-
ized by Hock during the current war, it has expanded oper-
ations in a desperate effort to maintain pan-Pacific supply
lines and commercial treaties.
The pressure cooker that is Trader Five needs a release
valve, and San Francisco provides. North Beach has
become, within tight security confines, the “show city” for
these foreign visitors. The Victorian houses are repurposed
for guests and the cycle of society soirees is disrupted only
by street parades and festivals every few weeks. The guest
houses are widely understood to be bugged by CARINT, but
it can be hard for a visitor to remember that when the cham-
pagne is swimming in their senses and a lover’s mouth is
town, with low-level diplomatic matters routinely resolved on the whispering promises in their ear. The parties often spill out
trade floors. The private cafes, restaurants, and strip bars are often into the streets, the glitzy spectacle spoiled only by the presence
booked full with “exotic foreigners” seeking a neutral ground to of checkpoints at the fringes: a grim reminder that to drunkenly
meet and address grievances. Extractions and assassinations are stumble across the border is to take your life into your own hands.

HOCK
Born in X −43, Doctor Jakob Hock was Malcolm Carlyle’s neighbor
and rival since long before the Macau Accords, as both made their
THE DOMAIN
bids for economic dominion in the west. He developed his first Hock rules all of the former United States east of the Missis-
chemical patent at the age of twelve with his sister, Leah; selling sippi to the coast, as well as parts of Canada and Cuba. In prac-
it and subsequent developments to companies like Pfizer and
tical terms, his influence is measured by the “pharma-curtain,”
Novartis, the siblings were millionaires before completing high
a functional border imposed on a populace that has a hereditary
school. After graduating from Harvard in X −24, the pair spent
addiction to and reliance on Hock’s medications to sustain their
two years traveling the globe. They incorporated HOCK, Inc.
way of life. Their reliance on supply and distribution combines
upon their return to the states, and by the time of the Macau
with the regional exposure to storm and disease to
Accords, the company was worth an estimated $71.8B
ensure Hock’s loyal subjects stay close to the
with holdings throughout the pharmaceutical
urban enclaves where Hock can keep an eye
industry, aerospace, military contracting,
on them. Entire regions have been aban-
online retail, real estate, sports, and travel.
doned, turning former cities and fields
For over sixty years, the legendary antip- into wastelands called Fallows.
athy between Jakob Hock and Malcolm
Hock’s dominion is controlled by one
Carlyle has manifested as hostility
will, administered by a vast bureau-
between their empires. While Hock
cracy known as the ministries: Health,
rejects much of the tradition and form
Education, Labor and Industry,
of the neo-feudal order, he nonethe-
Resource Integrity, Safety and Secu-
less benefits from the Accords’ distri-
rity, State, and Territorial Aeronau-
bution of power and has leveraged his
tics and Space Administration. Super-
position as a one-man “Family” to form
ficially resembling the United States
one of the most cohesive and tightly
government they were built from, Hock’s
controlled territories in the world. He has
Ministries are authoritarian towers with
otherwise rejected the neo-feudal hierarchy
near-absolute control over daily life in his
of Waste, Serf, and Family. Hock’s law instead
Territory, their power checked only by their
recognizes only Hock above his undifferenti-
own internal battles for influence. In these battles,
ated mass of Citizens. Those outside legal classifica-
some rise and others fall—where Treasury was once the
tion are Non-Persons, viewed as sick, treasonous, or foreign
dominant financial regulator, now Resource Integrity is ascen-
influences that the body politic must reform through medication
dant, and the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health are
and reeducation, or reject through exile or death (often the same
slowly wresting authority from Safety and Security.
thing). Tasks performed by Waste in other Territories are either
automated or conducted by the euphoric, near-mindless laborers Even within the Ministries, Hock plays his servants against
known as the Committed—Citizens “honored” with a euphoric each other, turning rivals into direct competition by undercut-
form of chemical lobotomy. ting popular or successful Secretaries or promoting protégés

80
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APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

THE CONQUERED AREA

A DISPUTED WITH BITTNER

B ONTARIO CULTURAL ZONE

C MONTREAL CULTURAL ZONE

DISPUTED
WITH
BITTNER
ONTARIO
CULTURAL
ZONE

THE NORTH
D OHIO CULTURAL ZONE

E NEW YORK CULTURAL ZONE MONTREAL

F MAINE-MASSACHUSETTS
CULTURAL ZONE CULTURAL
ZONE
THE HEARTLAND

G THE WESTERN REACH

H WASHINGTON CULTURAL
ZONE
MAINE-MASS
CULTURAL ZONE

OHIO
CULTURAL
THE SOUTH

I ATLANTA CULTURAL ZONE *

J ORLANDO CULTURAL ZONE

ZONE
*PORTIONS OF THE ATLANTA CULTURAL
ZONE: DISPUTED WITH CARLYLE
THE GULF EDGE

K MIAMI CULTURAL CENTER

EXTERIOR AGGRESSOR VECTORS
HAVANA CULTURAL CENTER
NEW YORK
ILLEGAL CARLYLE INCURSION L
CULTURAL
MORRAY AGGRESSION ZONE DISPUTED WITH MORRAY.
ZONE
BITTNER AGGRESSION ZONE

WASHINGTON
CULTURAL
THE ZONE
WESTERN
REACH

HOCK
TERRITORY

MIAMI
CULTURAL
CENTER

DISPUTED
WITH
MORRAY
HAVANA
CULTURAL
CENTER

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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

with radical reform agendas every few years. The career of the Citizens have rights enshrined in a constitution, The Document
bureaucrat is marked by rapid promotion and sudden purges, of Reformation Under New Principles, and ensured as a public
and those who survive become canny at navigating the political priority. The most important of these rights are physical safety,
waters. free education, public healthcare, and guaranteed employment. In
The center of authority shifted from Washington to New York, exchange, the Citizen has a duty not just to obey, but to be happy,
where all the key Ministries are housed, but there remain regional healthy, and committed to the public welfare in thought as well
factions, especially in Atlanta and Orlando. The Atlanta Faction as deed. This duty is expressed through the State taking absolute
represents an informal cross-ministerial association with shared control over nearly every aspect of life, obliterating any separa-
goals: containment of New York authority, purges or expulsion of tion of the public and personal spheres. Pregnancy, romance, diet,
the Non-Person population, and a “bio-conservative” opposition and entertainment are all the business of the State. Marginalized
to radical genetic or medical experiments. opinions or behaviors are broadly diagnosed as “healthcrimes,”
Under the Ministries, regional governments and non-compliance—or even the appear-
called ayuntamientos are responsible for HOCK ance of non-compliance—are offences that
managing the municipal and cultural activi- can be addressed through mind-altering
ties. Ayuntamientos are little more than medications or reclassification as a Non-
town councils, their powers limited to coor- Person.
dination of local resources, resolution of civil Non-persons do not exist in official Hock
disputes, and arranging festivals to praise society. Nonetheless, Ministry documents
Hock and America. But it is a point of intense apply the nomenclature to criminals,
pride to Hock’s Citizens that the ayunta- isolationists, luddites, immigrants, and
mientos are the largest and most influential the “congenitally unwell,” sweeping them
democratic institutions left on the globe. together under the one banner. For Non-
Business Name: HOCK, Inc. Persons, life is a matter of avoiding the
THE PEOPLE Head of Family: Jakob Hock soldiers and the Reeducation Camps, and
Line of Succession: N/A struggling in terrain where life without
A key pillar of Hock’s rule is the all-perva- Domain: Eastern United States vaccinations and medications is a death
sive role of health policy. Hock’s Citizens and Canada; portions of the sentence.
are genetically modified to rely on and Caribbean
Non-Person numbers and treatment vary
be receptive to Hock drugs. These drugs Motto: Take Your Medicine
wildly throughout the Territory. Near
regulate health, sleep, and mood, and have Lazarus: None
the capital, they hide in the city but are
effects ranging from increasing intelligence Allies (as of X +65): The Hock frequently rounded up and taken to the
or strength to directly inspiring loyalty to Coalition (D’Souza, Hock,
camps. Closer to the Carlyle border, the
the Great Healer. To not take your pills, or Martins, Morray, Vassalovka)
Ministries encourage Non-Persons to join
to withhold information that may lead to Enemies (as of X +65): The Carlyle
society with offers of medicine and food.
changes to your pharmacological regime, is Bloc (Bittner, Carragher,
Carlyle, Meyers-Qasimi, Nkosi) In the South, Non-Person numbers are
the principle healthcrime. Details down to
so dense they threaten urban expansion.
diet, mood, and sleep are tracked by officials
There are official low-scale conflicts against
and manipulated by a regime of therapy and
armed Non-Person factions, and aggressive
medicine. Even casual sex (known as a State Encounter) needs to
Citizens have even been known to engage in direct conflict with
be State-approved, and marriage is arranged by the Ministry. This
any Non-Person they encounter, an enemy they despise almost as
regime responds to most crimes with subtle interventions, such
much as they fear.
as adjustments to medication or a change in housing and career,
making the surveillance mechanism seem like a helpful problem- Hock seeks to proactively end resistance to his rule by direct
solver and encouraging Citizens to watch one another “for their alteration of the human condition. Organized resistance against
own benefit.” Hock is difficult to sustain. Those resistance movements that

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APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

SISTER BERNARD
Few people can move as freely in the World
of Lazarus as those who willingly do the dirty Sister Bernard
work the Families don’t care to, but know to
Abilities (Focuses)
be important—those who administer charity
to the Waste. Sister Bernard O’Donnell signed 0 Accuracy
on with a traveling congregation to see to the 4 Communication (Etiquette, Persuasion)
health of the poor and desperate, and found
a complex world of moral compromise long 1 Constitution
before CARINT scouted and recruited her to 1 Dexterity (Stealth)
serve as a covert agent. Able to move with
relative freedom across the hostile Hock border, Sister Bernard has −1 Fighting
primarily served Carlyle intelligence as eyes and ears, but on at 3 Intelligence (Medicine)
least two occasions has been called upon for active, clandestine
duty as well, leaving the charitable young woman wondering if the 3 Perception
resources her service earns for the poor outweigh the violence 0 Strength
done with the knowledge she collects.
4 Willpower (Faith)

Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness

do exist avoid cities and their omnipresent surveillance, and 11 16 18 23 11 11 11 0I/0B+1 +1 +1
instead focus on Non-Person communities. Others become highly
focused criminal cells, relying on technical sophistication and Weapon Attack Roll Damage*
ruthless discipline to keep their secrets. The population’s reli- Unarmed +0 1d3
ance on Hock pills limits opportunities for armed resistance,
* Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
defection, or escape. Some of the larger resistance groups,
including the Free, do have access to Carlyle-created (and some-
Special Features
times Carlyle-supplied) gene technologies that reverse Hock’s
biological changes to his Citizens. The most sophisticated tools, Favored Stunts: Cover Your Tracks, Frugal, Good Instincts,
originally created by the CARINT, can outright fool the simpler Hidden Message
Health Ministry scans, and are essential to those few spies and Talents: Contacts, Emergency Care, Expertise (Expert, Medicine,
traitors hidden among the Citizenry. field conditions), Intrigue
Equipment: Bible, Emergency Beacon, ID Card, Jumpkit
NEW YORK Threat: Minor

New York has suffered riots, storms, massive

collapse of infrastructure, and even the Great
Plague, but remains the heart of Hock’s administra-
tion, as well as the center of trade and public life in
eastern America. Military conflicts during the end
of the nation-states in X +11 permanently altered
the city skyline, reducing large swathes to ruin and
rubble, while climate change and superstorms have
inundated parts of the city with permanent flood-
waters that must be navigated by boat. Despite
these setbacks, the city’s influence has expanded
greatly, and the New York Cultural Zone includes
most of eastern New York and Pennsylvania, as well
as portions of New England. The Statue of Liberty
still stands overlooking the harbor, though her
iconic torch has long since fallen, lost in the cold
waters of the bay. Iconic red-and-black propaganda
posters glorifying Hock and reminding citizens to
“Take Your Medicine” hang from every surface.
The heart of New York—Midtown—still stands
as a shining beacon and the apex of Hock tech-
nology and luxury. Times Square, the Empire State the illusion of prosperity quickly vanishes. Central Park has long
Building, and the theater districts have all been restored to their since been converted for use in high-density industrial farming,
former glory, and even improved upon. Great arcologies over- worked by content Committed citizens incapable of objecting to
look the region, and the city streets are perhaps the safest in the backbreaking labor. Manhattan becomes increasingly broken-
the world. Beyond these carefully cultivated blocks, however,
down the closer one moves towards 110th Street in the north and

83
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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

Across the Hudson, Weehawken, Hoboken, West New

York, and the northern parts of Jersey City have all been
absorbed into Greater Central New York’s urban corridor.
On the far side of the East River, significant parts of
Queens have also been made secure for Citizens. The
Hamptons serve as a decadent playground for Hock’s
governing inner circle. Across Gardiners Bay, the Orient
Point Reparative Wellness Facility serves as a center of
rehabilitation for those who are sadly diagnosed with
disloyal patterns of thought. Formerly contested Harlem
has been secured, and forces have begun the press into
Non-Person territory in the Bronx, though New Jersey
remains abandoned and Brooklyn is designated as
Fallows for the time being.
One of the defining features of the contested northern
portions of the city are the Reeducation Camps, where
tens of thousands of Non-Persons captured across the
NYCZ are kept in sixteen highly secure facilities. Each
facility serves a specific stage in the conversion process,
starting with long-term isolation and interrogation,
Houston Street in the south. Aside from the militarized Trader followed by a medical facility for initiating the viral
One facility, the blocks south of Houston consist of burned- conversion into a Citizen, and eventually moving to a halfway
out shells of the former cosmopolitan sector. The Ministry of house where newly addicted pre-Citizens can be educated for a
Resource Integrity slowly demolishes their ruins to convert place in the society.
most of Manhattan into arable land. Such efforts are undertaken
intermittently, with a gradual expansion of Hock territory across TRADER ONE
Manhattan and Long Island.
The first of the Macau Accords–approved international trading
Until the Ministries take intermittent action, the ruins of
hubs, Trader One is completely isolated from the rest of the city
southern Manhattan form a haven for hundreds of thousands
by armed guards, security walls, and a wide no man’s land of
of Non-Persons who dwell outside the comparative comfort and
leveled buildings. The facility is charitably described as Spartan,
safety of the Hock neighborhoods just a few blocks north. It is not
in stark contrast to Trader Six in San Francisco, and consists of
uncommon for whole Non-Person communities to learn that they
dozens of brutally functional buildings as well as underground
must uproot their scavenger life and flee to another part of New
bunkers and the still-functional remains of ancient skyscrapers.
York as the borders of Hock’s safe zones push ever outward. The
Rooms are cramped, poorly lit, and badly ventilated—the facility
divide in the city’s northern ruins is far less abrupt, with degrada-
was constructed with expediency to restore the global economy
tion and evidence of haphazard renewal projects dotting former
in mind, and like many things within Hock culture, aesthetics and
Harlem and Morningside Heights like foreign seeds, slowly
comfort were never considered.
growing to push out those Non-Persons who have lived in the
area since before the Macau Accords. Trader One is at once a dangerous warren and the heart of Hock’s
economic apparatus, exporting material and credit in exchange
Work to repair New York City has been an ongoing project for
for essential technology and military products. It is nonetheless
the past half-century. Rather than focus on the reclamation of the
the oldest of the Trader facilities, and tradition alone helps prop
greater metropolitan area, Hock determined that the best course of
up its importance. The sixteen Families are accustomed to gath-
action would be to ensure safety and stability in those parts of New
ering here for trading, politics, and subterfuge, and Trader One
York City and its surrounds that he could readily control. With Cate-
remains one of the few places in Hock territory where a Citizen
gory 3 hurricanes an annual occurrence, reclamation has proved
might see, let alone speak with, visitors from other Family terri-
both expensive and ongoing, and the administration has been
tories. In addition to commercial trade, Trader One offers foreign
forced to focus its attention on maintaining what is already in use.
allies access to other benefits of Hock technology, from designer
For Citizens, New York provides proximity to Hock, which drugs and viral therapies to augmentation surgeries, as well as
comes with a higher quality of life than found in other regional information from all corners of the globe, provided by Family
centers. The privileges afforded Ministry officials and important representatives who have found themselves burned by their
intermediaros are more pronounced in the Big Apple, rivaled home states and who now dwell exclusively in the neutral terri-
only by Atlanta, and improved infrastructure, entertainments, tory the Facility represents. The isolation can be maddening for
and supplies provide countless opportunities for comfort and those unaccustomed to Hock aesthetics, and guards are instructed
advancement. The proximity to Hock also comes with proximity to fire on anyone—from Non-Person to Head of Family—who
to the clashes between the great Ministerial powers. Doctor attempts to cross the barren no man’s land separating Trader One
Salker, Minister of Health and inventor of the Commitment from Hock territory. Security is less enforceable along the porous
Process, wrestles for Hock’s favor against the Minister of Educa- “invisible” border below the facility, where storage bunkers,
tion, Mohua Mukerjee, and fronts for this struggle have opened maintenance shafts, and Citizen housing sometimes run adjacent
across childhood health, standards for “psychological wellness,” to long-forgotten city utility and transportation lines, creating an
and even petty clashes over priorities for the rebuilding effort. excellent vector for smugglers.

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APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

BITTNER
A r c t i c O c e a
A r c t i c
O c e a n HOCK/
RAUSLING

R
L O V K A Arctic Circle Arctic Circle

NE
S S A KA

TT
V A Reykjavik
SLIN
G
LOV

BI
Nuuk
U A
RA SS
VA
Torshavn Tallinn
Oslo
Stockholm St. Petersburg
Triton
One Helsinki

Krasnojarsk
C A R LY L E Copenhagen Riga Rostov
Vilnius Moscow KazanIzevsk
Sverdlovsk
Novosibi
Ufa Omsk
Gdansk
Irkutsk Dublin Minsk
Tol Yatti
Kuybyshev
London Berlin
Calgary Warsaw Kiev Astana
Lviv
Vancouver Volgograd
Ulaanbaatar Qiqihar ARMITAGE Paris RAUSL
Krakow Qaraghandy

Harbin Jixi
Seattle
Ottawa ING Frunze
Krasnodar
LI Portland Minneapolis
Fuxin
Jilin
Sapporo
Montreal D’SOUZA Bayonne Toulouse
Bucharest Constanta Bishkek AlmaUrum
Detroit Boston
Porto Valladolid Ata
A

Beijing Benxi Chicago Tashkent

Philadelphia New York Rome
Barcelona
Athens Izmir Ankara
P a c i f i c
Yinchuan Pyongyang
Taiyuan Denver Washington D. C. Lisbon Madrid Ashgabat
R

Sendai Adana
HOCK
Xining Seoul San Francisco Sevilla Tehran
Lanzhou Taian Gibraltar Tunis
Qingdao
Tokyo Los Angeles
Memphis

A t l a n t i c Casablanca
Algiers
MINE Islamabad
Kabul
U

Xian
Hefei San Diego Atlanta
Dallas New Orleans Rabat Baghdad
Esfahan
TTA New De
Chengdu
Zigong Huangshi
Shanghai
Ningbo M Houston
Jacksonville Tripoli Cairo Basra
Shiraz

Fuzhou Wenzhou
A Tampa
MEYERS-QASIMI Jaipur Kathma

IN
Xiamen
Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Cancer
Dhaka Hanoi
Shantou
Hong Kong
Honolulu
Mexico City
Havana
MARTINS Riyadh Muscat Ahmadabad
Kolka
Surat Nagpu
Rangoon PraiaNouakchott Mumbai Pune
Vientiane Khartoum Sanaa
Bangkok Manila Dakar Bamako Niamey N'Djamena Asmara
M
Chen

S O L ERI
Caracas Abuja
Ho Chi Minh City Conakry Cochin
O Bogota
Georgetown Freetown Porto Novo Addis Colombo
R Bangui
Davao Paramaribo Monrovia Abbaba
Kuala Lumpur Abidjan Lome
Equator R Equator Libreville
Yaounde Mogadishu
Equator
AY
Quito Belem
Manaus Kampala
Jakarta O c e a n Sao Goncalo
Fortaleza
Brazzaville Kinshasa Nairobi
I n d i a n
S I
Dar es Salaam
Dili
K OLikasi
Port Moresby Recife Luanda
Lima
La Paz Brasilia
Goiania
Salvador
O c e a n Huambo
N Lusaka
Sucre Harare Antananarivo
R A G H E
C A R
Belo Horizonte
Tropic of Capricorn Campinas Tropic of Capricorn Windhoek Tropic of Caprico
R
Rio De Janeiro
Sao Paulo Walvis Bay Pretoria
Asuncion Gaborone Maputo
Brisbane
Porto Alegre Mbabane
Bloemfontein
Perth
Adelaide
Sydney
Santiago
Rosario
Montevideo Cape Town
Umtata O c e a n
Canberra Buenos Aires
Melbourne Auckland

Wellington

Port Stanley

ARMITAGE
The Armitage Group’s origins trace back to the founding of the The Armitage Group was founded shortly thereafter, described
UK-based computer manufacturing firm SciTech. Their initial as a “technology innovation pioneer” with a focus on personal
standout offering, the “ByteBox,” used shortwave radio to electronics, wearable computing, and hardware/software
transfer data to receiver computers. Based on the obvious mili- design, with partnership and development agreements in place
tary applications, additional R&D funding from NATO soon with several major technology manufacturers. Armitage Group’s
followed. What began—quite literally—as a cottage initial IPO catapulted Julian Armitage to a place among
industry expanded rapidly as ByteBox continued the world’s top 100 billionaires, establishing a net
to be refined and the company ventured into worth of $9.8B. Within fifteen years, Armitage
the creation of the SciTech brand of personal had expanded into household, government, and
computers. military electronics and equipment. As of the
Macau Accords, Forbes valued the Armitage
When their market share began slipping
Group at $67.2B.
in the face of competing manufacturers,
such as Compaq, Apple, IBM, and Commo- Awarded the OBE following the sale of
dore, Armitage sold off SciTech to the SciTech, Julian Armitage was subsequently
Inamura-owned Fun!Go!Fun. Armitage granted KBE roughly a decade letter. In X
then established a new venture, Raven- -4, via letter of patent, Armitage was made
Tower, a software company focused a hereditary peer with the fourth creation
on computer game design. The studio of the Dukedom of Lancaster. Now the Duke
distinguished itself immediately with the of Lancaster, the marriage of his youngest
Elfsaga series of game cartridges, leading daughter Portia to the Prince of York in X +2
Microsoft to purchase RavenTower for solidified the family’s already strong ties to the
$30M, with Armitage retaining a major profit monarchy. The Armitage Family remains close to
share. the British throne, and as of X +49 Edward Armitage,

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current Head of Family, has acted as regent and bartering power that they are able
ARMITAGE
for his granddaughter, Elizabeth, who is to rapidly secure almost anything they
expected to ascend to the throne in late X might require. As a result of this security,
+65/early X +66. they are considered more impartial—or
at least somewhat less biased—than other
THE DOMAIN Families in issues of trade dispute, and
thus Armitage often has found itself called
Following the Macau Accords, the Armitage upon to act as arbitrator in inter-Family
Family began the dramatic and forcible conflicts.
unification of the country under the banner
of “One Parliament, One Language, One
Business Name: The Armitage Group THE PEOPLE
Crown.” The successful, if savage, unifica-
Head of Family: Edward Armitage
tion of The United Kingdom of Great Britain Armitage arguably benefited from a culture
Line of Succession: Charlotte
and Ireland-Made-One was shortly followed more readily familiar with its feudal roots
Armitage, née Williams-Owen
by expansion to secure much of western (wife); Andrew Armitage and class system than almost any other
France. Three generations later, Armitage (son); Charles Armitage Territory. Racked by urban poverty, soci-
still must deal with local resistance to this (son); Elizabeth Armitage etal upheaval, rampant unemployment, and
attempted homogenization, though their (granddaughter); Thomas rising sectarian violence at the time of the
policy of punitive and swift response to Armitage (grandson); Cressida Accords, Armitage found it relatively easy to
“terrorist acts against Territorial unity” Armitage (granddaughter);
capitalize on a growing nostalgia for a more
makes such incidents far less frequent than Julian Arthur Armitage
stable society with a clearly delineated class
they once were. (grandson)
system to facilitate the transition (or, argu-
Domain: United Kingdom of Britain
Armitage based their revised neo-feudal and Ireland-made-One
ably, reversion) to the Carlyle model—the
society on the Carlyle model, though with key word, of course, being “relative.” No
Motto: Noli Irritare Leones (Do
finer grades of distinction within the strata Not Provoke the Lions) one under Armitage would be so crass as to
of Family, Serf, and Waste. Poverty among Lazarus: Sir Thomas Huston
refer to Waste as “peasants”—at least, not
Waste can be extreme, but in the main is (awaiting certification under publicly—nor to presume that every Serf is
generally less onerous than among other condition of the Accords), titled. But the fact remains that titles matter
Families. This is due, in no small part, to replacing the former Lazarus Sir to the Serfs, and Armitage has for many
a larger per-capita Serf population, with Thomas Huston (deceased) years continued to cultivate and reinforce
the highest-ranking Serfs blurring into Allies (as of X +65): The Carlyle the idea that loyalty to the Family is not
positions of Lesser Houses, almost always Bloc (Bittner, Carragher, loyalty to Armitage per se, but rather to the
readily identifiable by the awarding of titles, Carlyle, Meyers-Qasimi, Nkosi) Crown itself.
most commonly bestowed as knighthoods Enemies (as of X +65): The Hock
Coalition (D’Souza, Hock, As under many other Families, the division
by the Armitage—read, royal—Family. between rural and urban Waste is stark.
Martins, Morray, Vassalovka)
Armitage maintains a powerful standing Urban Waste, especially the community
navy and capable ground force, and is able located in and around London, suffer from
to reinforce their Territory—outside of their French holdings— staggering poverty. The Family goes to great lengths to conceal
with speed and efficiency. Their shipping interests, along with this from view, and where it cannot be hidden it is frequently
(until quite recently) stable trade partnerships with almost and deliberately ignored. Rural Waste, leveraged to produce
every other Family, have provided them with enough financial raw material and food as well as providing basic manpower,

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live with considerably more freedom, though arguably no less While it is true that Cressida enjoys the privileges of her posi-
hardship. tion, the tabloids have painted a decidedly skewed—albeit care-
fully constructed—picture of Her Ladyship. In addition to a
Resistance within Armitage exists, but the Family maintains its
natural facility for languages, she was educated very deliberately
security in no small part through comprehensive surveillance.
by her Family to represent the depth and breadth of “that which
There is hardly a corner of the Territory that a camera cannot
is Armitage.” Her skill as an ambassador and negotiator on the
be trained upon, and Armitage’s sophisticated behavioral and
Family’s behalf is arguably second only to that of the duke himself,
communication algorithms make it difficult to keep any but the
and there are those who suspect that her education may well have
most carefully guarded secrets from discovery. The vision of
included some more practical “problem-solving skills,” a claim that
the eighteenth-century English philosopher Jeremy Bentham
is apocryphally supported by her reported expertise as a lethal
has achieved its final iteration via the programming genius of
shot when hunting. A few Serfs who harbor secret allegiance to
Armitage: the Panopticon is real.
the Free have gone so far as to suggest that Her Ladyship’s antics
are nothing but cover, and that she is, in truth, a spymaster of the
LADY CRESSIDA ARMITAGE highest order. What all who have dealt with her can agree upon is
that one underestimates Her Ladyship at their peril.
Born in X +38, Lady Cressida Armitage is the granddaughter
of Edward Armitage, the Duke of Lancaster. For the last half- While the tabloids have made much of late of her relationships
dozen years, she has served as the requisite “black sheep” of with various high-ranking Serfs both within the royal family and
the Royal family, with her extravagant and occasionally absurd outside of it, in truth, she remains unattached, and said speculation
antics providing tabloid fodder for Serf and Waste alike. She is wildly inaccurate at best. Whether Her Ladyship is responsible
travels extensively, and is believed to have close friendships for these rumors and stories herself remains to be seen.
with members of the Carragher, Carlyle, Nkosi, and even—until Unknown to all but the inner circle of the Family, Cressida’s
recently—Rausling Families. Her reported antics depict her as a closest relationship is with the young soon-to-be-queen Eliza-
globe-trotting ne’er-do-well, and no sooner is she seen visiting beth, whom she has known all her life. Their friendship, which
Johanna Carlyle in Los Angeles than she’s skiing with Natascha both guard jealously, is private and intimate, and it is likely that
Bittner in Davos, attending one of Tiago D’Souza’s wild parties upon her coronation, Elizabeth will consider Cressida, not her
in Barcelona. grandfather, her closest and most trusted advisor.

BITTNER
Founded in Zurich, Switzerland by Noah Bittner in 1863, Bittner
Assurance initially provided underwriting and insurance for
THE DOMAIN
Swiss businesses during the Industrial Revolution. By 1880, the The Conclave War has had a profound effect on Bittner Territo-
company had expanded to include maritime, fire, and life insur- ries. The opening months of the war in late X +64 saw Bittner’s
ance, with offices located throughout Europe. Near-crippling holdings devastated due to their previously close alliance with
losses resulting from the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 led Hock. Prior to hostilities, Hock and Bittner forces were closely
to diversification into private banking and financial integrated. The full extent of Hock’s chemical influ-
services management. ence on Bittner forces was far greater than even
Post–World War II, Noah Bittner’s grandson the most paranoid imagined, and the Bittner
Gabriel rebranded the company as Bittner- Family was forced to retreat to Carlyle Terri-
SBC. Explosive growth brought further tory for their own safety. Their holdings
diversification and expansion, including in Northern Europe were immediately
offices in Brazil, Hong Kong, and Cape overrun by Rausling forces, while their
Town. Valued at $38.2B at the time of the lands in North America suffered imme-
Macau Accords, then-CEO Saskia Bittner diate assault by Hock troops.
was one of the few woman signatories By late X +65, much of Bittner’s original
of the agreement between the Families. territory has been recovered, thanks to
Her brother’s death in X +4 left Saskia in heavy pushback by Carlyle and Armitage
full control of the Family, and it was she forces. With the eradication of the Rausling
who forged the long-standing alliance with Family, Bittner has sought to further
Jakob Hock in X +17. This led to the adoption expand, seizing the territory once held by
of the Bittner-Hock alliance, founded primarily the now-extinct Family. This rapid expansion
to oppose Carlyle’s domination of North America. requires both risk and cost, and whether this will
Following Saskia’s death in X +22, her daughter Sevara lead to conflict with current allies like Armitage and
ascended to lead the family. She maintained the alliance with Meyers-Qasimi remains to be seen.
Hock, supplying crucial materiel and personnel in exchange for The Rausling occupation disrupted much of Bittner’s supply and
advanced medical and genetic support from Hock’s labs. Like her labor, throwing the Bittner economy into chaos. While Sevara
mother, Sevara has never married, and it is believed her children Bittner moved quickly to stabilize the situation in the wake of
are the product of in vitro fertilization from heavily screened and the reclamation, a legion of logistic concerns now face her in
genetically modified sources. the forms of Family protection, material production, feeding her

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populace, and providing requisite support for the ongoing war in European holdings, especially in the cities, but the standard
effort. The overall damage done to infrastructure across Bittner’s of living for the average Waste still is much higher than under
territory was minimal, and in many Waste communities the almost any other Family.
Rausling occupation went almost entirely unnoticed. Many terri-
Bittner culture relies heavily on technological assistance, which
torial concessions were made without massive citywide destruc-
helps cement the societal divides and concurrently diminish
tion, based upon Bittner battle algorithms provided to soldiers
their volatility. Algorithms of efficiency similar to those used in
in real time.
Family Li are more externalized and centralized. Where Li uses
By late X +65, Bittner faces a new problem: Vassalovka is on the their technology in every facet of life, from optimal sleep sched-
march. The Zmey has been deployed as a devastatingly effective ules to transit to fieldwork, Bittner centralizes the technology
propaganda tool, if not a tactical one, and rumors of the horrors in the few Serfs for means of production and labor algorithms,
perpetrated by the Vassalovka Lazarus continue to spread. With and they coordinate the Waste as needed. This frees Bittner Serfs
Bittner attempting to consolidate their hold on Rausling-aban- to engage in social circles which, though not directly relative to
doned Germany and Austria, they face production, are key ways to obtain assets
further setbacks as Vassalovka continues to and holdings through mutually beneficial
offer sanctuary to all fleeing Rausling forces BITTNER alliances in service to the Bittners.
and—especially concerning—technical-
minded Serfs. Presently, owing to the war, security is
high, wartime protocols are in effect, and
rationing among Serfs is very heavily scru-
THE PEOPLE tinized for corruption and theft. The Waste
make do, bargaining for what little they can
Following Macau, Bittner understood given that they can communicate without
implicitly the problems their Territory fear of stigma. Game in the countryside is
would face. Including their holdings across hunted to near extinction, and organized
the Atlantic, they stood to rule over diverse crime elements are present as ever, trading
ethnic, cultural, and national groups who Business Name: Bittner-SBC
human beings and assets for stores of food
had maintained distinct and individual Head of Family: Sevara Bittner
at exorbitant ransoms.
identities for centuries. Their solution was Line of Succession: Stasia Bittner
as Alexander the Great once did to make (daughter); Natascha Bittner Many believe that there will be a punitive
“all things Bittner.” Bittner Serfs and Waste (daughter); Sonja Bittner culling in the wake of wartime corruption,
(daughter) but there has been no sign of it so far. For
share a vested interest in work-as-culture.
In Canada and France in particular, there is Domain: Canada (former now, the status quo is holding.
provinces of Ontario, Quebec,
a great deal of pride taken in continuing as
Newfoundland, and Labrador);
one’s parents did be it as Waste or Serf. It Northern Europe/North
KLAUS FISCHER
is very rare for the child of a Serf to work a Atlantic (Switzerland,
different asset than the parent, and in fact Scandinavia); Germany Third of his line to run manufacturing
such a shift is usually the result of direct Motto: Par Loi et Droit (By Law concerns for Family Bittner, Klaus Fischer
Family intervention dictated by some and Right) is committed to all of his workers, both his
explicit and clear need. Upward mobility Lazarus: Sonja Bittner fellow Serfs and the hardworking Waste
is rare. Allies (as of X +65): The Carlyle staffing his factory, who he has come to
Bloc (Armitage, Carragher, know and love. He is considered a paragon
Serf-Waste relationships are largely
Carlyle, Meyers-Qasimi, Nkosi); of his community and a profitable asset
governed by geography. In the expansive
previously the Hock Coalition for Family interests in Gommen and its
regions of Canada, for example, where
Enemies (as of X +65): The Hock surrounding environs.
the Waste offer no competition for Serf
Coalition (D’Souza, Hock,
resources, most Waste are provided for When the Rausling invasion reached
Martins, Morray, Vassalovka);
without diminishing the standard of living previously the Carlyle Bloc Gommen, Fischer’s factory was seized. More
for the average Serf. This is less common concerned with the safety of his workers and

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friends than his position with Bittner, Fischer abandoned his posi- Bittner, used to their divided polity, has responded as they always
tion in order to guide his community to safety. Shortly thereafter, have: by embracing the distinct. What followed was the largest tran-
he marshaled all who would follow—including many of the Waste sition from Waste to Serf in Bittner’s history, as Fischer’s cadre were
who worked for him—in secret and, acting as their leader, formed a all simultaneously legitimized into soldiers of the Bittner cause.
resistance cadre with the intent of fighting the Rausling occupation. Today, Fischer leads a band of deeply loyal followers, forged by
In order to do this, Fischer used what materiel, supplies, and weapons the bonds of war. His heroism is unquestioned, but his growing
he could gather to arm his cadre—an act that included arming the commitment to egalitarianism has become concerning for Bittner
Waste among them, something forbidden under Bittner law. The command, who fear that they have groomed a potential rival
cadre, however, proved so successful in fighting the Rausling occu- in their midst. Increasingly outspoken politically, Fischer has
pation that as organized Bittner control returned to the disputed started to make demands in respect to the recaptured territories,
territory, there was significant military outcry against disbanding but he cannot say for certain that his population, if dissatisfied,
Fischer’s Fighters and returning them to their lives as Waste. won’t turn fractious.

CARRAGHER
Lachlan James Carragher founded his industry as a mining concern reassignment. Waste may not leave or stop working without
in Broken Hill, New South Wales in 1888. By the turn of the nine- imprisonment, as specified in their work contracts.
teenth century, Carragher Mining had acquired smaller interests In the Reserved Territories—colloquially referred to as the
throughout Australia, continuing to expand throughout the South Badlands and consisting of all areas without immediate value to
Pacific. Growth post–World War II was further fueled by the Carragher—the Waste struggle to survive. While pockets of the
discovery of rich bauxite deposits in Suriname and the Boé region. Badlands are occasionally reclaimed for new enterprises, the size
Roughly two decades prior to the signing of the Macau Accords, of the blighted region continues to grow as unsustainable exploi-
Lachlan James Carragher IV, the great-grandson of the company tation continues in service to profit. Where Hock Non-Person
founder, acquired the competing mining concern PaddickRich in existence is considered miserable for fear of suppression and
a multi-billion dollar deal, becoming Carragher Holdings, Ltd. The constant surveillance, under Carragher it is the Badlands them-
corporation continued its mineral exploration and exploitation selves that control a potentially revolutionary population. To be
through subsidiaries, but also diversified into megaproject execu- exiled is to live in constant, mortal danger. With no society and
tion, asset management, and ongoing conceptual studies, as well as nothing to eat, there is only desperation and lawlessness. Murder
the ubiquitous “value-added service provider” market. is rampant. Smuggled resources are fought over by small armies
Worth $184.75B at the time of the Macau Accords, Lachlan of desperate Waste. Little is reported to the authorities—such as
James Carragher IV was rumored to have worked closely with they are—but much is seen.
Malcolm Carlyle on the initial draft of the agreement, which The Free run unchecked here, and it is the safest place to
many presume accounts for the long-standing partner- act against any Family without oversight. But the Free
ship between the two Families. With the addition of here are also isolated. The logistical nightmare of
Nkosi in the X +teens, the Carlyle-Carragher-Nkosi travel and support is a constant problem, and
alliance is considered one of the most stable and their ability to act against Carragher in any
powerful in the current world. The addition, meaningful way is subsequently curtailed,
and later removal, of Family Morray to this leading many of those seeking freedom
group had a brief but notable impact on to wonder if they are truly safe or if
the status quo. they have been imprisoned in a cage of
their own making.
THE DOMAIN
Carragher territory divides itself informally into
THE PEOPLE
three major strata across Australia and Indonesia. Australian Serfs use the term “Workers” in an attempt
The Secure Territory—mostly Sydney and its surviving to downplay any perception that they are living in luxury.
environs—hosts the Worker class (the Carragher equiva- Formerly egalitarian, Australia’s comfort-driven ideology
lent of Serfs) and those close enough to be considered sub- produces Workers who proudly maintain an image of moderate
Family, an official legal distinction granting explicit privileges wealth and appropriate, hardworking humility so that they may be
above Worker class. Few sub-Family become actual Family, but seen as good middle-class folks, despite the obvious inequity. This
the distinction is highly prized. distinction is invisible to Carragher Workers, but to the outsider it
is explicitly plain.
In the Work Territories, Worker military and management guard,
oversee, and operate resource- or population-rich sites. Forests, Carragher citizens see free-range profit as the natural result of
mines, and energy creation hubs host secure camps that act as adventure and noble risk, believing that what benefits Carra-
small, isolated, and heavily policed Waste cities, with Workers gher in turn benefits the people. The Family fosters this attitude
of varying specialties flying in and out to perform their duties by providing higher standards of living for their Worker class,
before retreating to the Secure Territory for R&R. Company scrip ensuring a steady and nearly unquestioned propaganda victory
purchases Carragher resources of fine quality, sufficient to quell over the plight of the Waste. They have an effective history of
most dissent, particularly when dissent can lead to unfavorable successfully demonizing the “others” who seek to undermine

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stability, and Waste are often equated with

CARRAGHER WENING NATHANIEL
terrorists, accused of working with rival
Domains to sabotage the economy and As the price for her place as Carragher
diminish the dominant culture. Lazarus, Wening Pertiwi faced a choice:
Renounce her blood family and join her new
In the northern regions, Carragher holdings
Family, or remain Waste in a dead Work
are well-defended and set apart from the
Territory. She eagerly chose the former and
bulk of the populace. Jakarta, a focal Work
left her family without word or explanation.
Territory, serves as a centralized hub to
which mineral resources are funneled and The following day, a Carragher death squad
processed. A model for the other Work Terri- brutally murdered her parents. By sheer
tories, it is a ruthless and productive facility luck, her brother, Nathaniel, was away at the
Business Name: Carragher
that, year after year, has Carragher’s highest Holdings, Ltd.
time on a work assignment and fell through
margins. Citizens look to it as an aspirational Head of Family: Lachlan James the cracks—word of his deployment simply
example. It is no surprise, then, that after the Carragher VI never passed to the death squad. When the
unfortunate passing of the Family Lazarus Line of Succession: Meghan Lucille oversight was identified, the communica-
Eliot Stanner (X +64) at the hand of rogue Carragher née O’Keefe (wife, tions officer in question was put to death in
Free elements, the competition to find a third); Lachlan James Carragher Nathaniel’s stead.
replacement took place in this hub, both for VII (son); Brock Liam Carragher
(son); Shauna Michelle Fleeing for his life, Nathaniel negotiated safe
security purposes and as a demonstration of passage with a group of local smugglers,
stability. Ratings for the broadcasted compe- Carragher (daughter)
Domain: Australia and Indonesia agreeing to act as a courier to a remote loca-
tition skyrocketed. tion in the Badlands in the hopes of being
Motto: Aut Vincere Aut Mori
Through fierce competition involving (Either to Conquer or to Die) able to disappear off the grid. He did not
hundreds of potential new Lazari, the world Lazarus: Wening Pertiwi (formerly fancy his chances of survival.
watched as time after time, Wening Pertiwi Eliot Stanner, deceased)
Allies (as of X +65): The Carlyle Upon arrival, however, he discovered that he
proved her worth, even given the “random- was not meeting more smugglers, but rather a
Bloc (Armitage, Carragher,
ized” boons granted her competitors and Free cell operating as a black-market interest
Carlyle, Meyers-Qasimi, Nkosi)
the active attempt by several of her adver- in the Badlands. Over the next several months
Enemies (as of X +65): The Hock
saries to form an alliance to remove her Coalition (D’Souza, Hock, he befriended and ultimately joined the cell,
from competition. Behind the scenes, Perti- Martins, Morray, Vassalovka) all the while keeping his secret while he built
wi’s victory was assured long before broad- a new life around a newly discovered cause—
casting began, but to the general public seeking freedom for all from the tyranny of the Families.
she accomplished an incredible feat against all odds. Pertiwi is a
celebrated figurehead, someone revered rather than feared. Her Now, however, Carragher has located the cell in question, and
answer when asked if fame would change her, “Aren’t I a Worker?” Nathaniel and his friends have had to abandon their home: on the
entered the public lexicon almost overnight as an expression of run in makeshift vehicles, low on fuel, and barely armed. Hunted
Carragher pride. for bounty, Nathaniel is running out of options. Either turn himself
in, trade his valuable secret for the lives of his friends, or somehow
As one of the wealthiest territories, this delusion of humble pride burn Carragher and his sister—a Lazarus—by distributing the
is their currency of culture. If you serve the Family, the Family information, all but guaranteeing not only his death but the death
serves you. If you do not serve the Family, you are simply nothing, of his friends. It remains to be seen if a group of allies can come
alone, in the Badlands, adrift, and, perhaps perilously, Free. forward to present him with another, better option.

D’SOUZA
Osvaldo D’Souza made his initial fortune in cork, beginning Brazilian broadcast television, two daily newspapers,
with the purchase of a seventeen-acre montados multiple monthly magazines, and its own record
plot in the Portuguese countryside in 1866. By label. By 2010 the Ouca! branch of the D’Souza
the mid 1930s, Corticeira D’Souza owned cork empire was poised to explode into Africa and
oak groves throughout Portugal, Spain, and Asia, a move blocked by Mundo Morray. Post–
Morocco. The onset of World War II curtailed Year X, the long-standing animosity between
further expansion and led to aggressive diver- D’Souza and Morray has led to near-constant
sification, including retail, industry, agriculture, low-level conflicts between their borders.
and—most successfully—real estate. Agricul- A conservative estimate of D’Souza net worth
ture and real estate turned the Family’s focus to at the time of the Macau Accords places their
South America, where they continued to expand wealth at $22.6B. Signatory Gilberto D’Souza
despite opposition from both local government refused to sign on the same page as the Morray
and the indigenous people. By 1960, the family brothers, and his signature on the original copy
relocated to Brazil. of the Accords is, instead, writ large across
In 1973, Celia D’Souza founded the the back of the first page. The current
Head of Family Remigio, has ruled ever
media company Ouca!, with holdings in

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THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

since X +33 with the aid of his three sons tion of Morray invasion supply lines and a
and only daughter. The Family’s retreat D’SOUZA haphazard front line against D’Souza loyal-
from South America and Hock’s betrayal ists, rebels, and newly formed Free cells. It
have caused tensions between the D’Souza was the latter who, most notably, adopted
scions to flare as each child seeks to blame and secured defensible positions in La Paz
their siblings for their reversal of fortune. and Sucre. Going into X +66, it is the Free
The situation is rapidly escalating and the rather than Morray who hold the strategi-
question of succession—if the Family can cally important mountainous regions.
survive—becomes more and more pressing Those D’Souza loyalists who could retreated
as Remigio’s health declines. to Spain and Portugal alongside the Family,
and have adopted a siege mentality. But
THE DOMAIN Business Name: Carne D’Souza Remigio D’Souza keeps an eye on South
America, knowing full well that Edgar
Head of Family: Remigio D’Souza
Prior to late X +65, D’Souza could comfort- Morray may have finally bitten off more than
Line of Succession: Juni D’Souza
ably claim territory both in southern (son); Rodrigo D’Souza (son);
he can chew. Rumors of D’Souza overtures
Europe and throughout much of South Tiago D’Souza (son); Maisa to Carlyle remain just that, but if Remigio
America, with the Family maintaining their D’Souza (daughter) wishes his Family to survive, he will need
traditional homes in Spain and Portugal. Domain: (Prior to the end of X to forge new alliances quickly. Martins is
South America, while the source of much +65) Spain and Portugal, Unified poised just across the Mediterranean, and
of their wealth and power, was traditionally South America (Argentina/ with Hock support, could deliver a death-
governed from afar with the aid of Lesser Brazil/Peru/Chile); contesting blow to the D’Souza Family.
Houses based out of Argentina, Chile, and regions of former Venezuela and
Brazil. While their South American Terri-
tory has always been in dispute with
Colombia with Morray; (Post X
+65) Spain and Portugal THE PEOPLE
Morray, prior to the Conclave War the sheer Motto: Qual en Seu Officio
(Everyone to his trade) Like Morray, D’Souza has had persistent and
cost of a protracted battle between the two
Lazarus: Zeferino Cardoso ongoing food-supply problems, especially
Families kept the conflict in check. Morray
Allies (as of X +65): None among their Waste. While Morray liter-
produced better arms and armaments, and ally have been unable to produce enough to
has arguably the most powerful navy in Enemies: (Prior to the end of X
+65) The Carlyle Bloc (Armitage, feed their population, for D’Souza this has
the world, but D’Souza had the numbers,
Bittner, Carragher, Carlyle, been an economic and strategic choice, with
resources, and international support,
Meyers-Qasimi, Nkosi); (Post X potentially valuable agricultural land used
making open war between the two precar-
+65) Morray, Hock, potentially instead for rainforest regeneration or, more
ious. Martins commonly, for the raising of cattle and the
In mid X +65, however, Morray brokered production of those cash crops D’Souza uses
a secret deal with Hock to withdraw to maintain the allies they once relied upon
their support from the Carlyle Bloc. In exchange, Edgar Morray to keep Morray at bay. To be Waste in D’Souza’s South America is to
demanded that all Hock allies withdraw from any standing agree- go hungry, and though Morray promises a bounty of staple crops,
ments in support of D’Souza. Seizing upon the chance to surround the immediate effect of the war has been less rather than more
Carlyle, Hock agreed. Morray moved immediately, launching food as Morray extracts what it can and burns the rest to deny their
surprise attacks against D’Souza throughout South America. enemies resupply. Morray’s own supply lines, shipping food north,
have become a prime target for Waste who have nothing to lose.
Morray forces were met with a surprising level of resistance—
and equally surprising apathy—on multiple fronts. Some cities, Perhaps the only stability for citizens comes through military
starved and broken by years of famine, simply abandoned and service. D’Souza troops—under-equipped and poorly trained—
killed their masters in favor of a new possibility. Others, fearful have a remarkably short life span. It doesn’t take long for a new
of retribution, fought to the last, leading to near-constant disrup- soldier to realize their purpose is to slow down any advance just

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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

long enough for D’Souza to bring specialized resources to bear. ered his new commanding officer, Colonel David Ferreira, bore a
This is not to say that D’Souza’s military is ineffective. In other grudge against his mother for reasons unknown. The new Lieu-
Territories, military service is promoted as an honor or duty, a tenant Pereyra was assigned command of an unruly unit of Waste-
means for Waste to advance; in D’Souza, service is a means to drawn troopers to patrol the northern border with Morray. Less
secure the next meal. than forty-eight hours after arriving at his post, Pereyra and his
unit found themselves under attack in the initial Morray invasion.
Despite the change in fortunes, life in Spain and Portugal appears
stable, even if fear runs beneath the music and laughter. If these Morray’s advance force easily decimated Pereyra’s unit. Those
are the last days of the Family—as more and more Serfs believe— who were not cut down broke and fled. The young lieutenant
why not enjoy them? At its best, this has resulted in expansive acts found himself alone facing an overwhelming force. He went
of generosity, kindness, and caring. At its worst, it is an excuse to to ground, hiding in the ruins of a small settlement already
indulge in the basest human behavior and cruelty. destroyed by Morray artillery. He emerged days later, and after
hours of wandering encountered a group of D’Souza Waste who
Amid it all, the Free see the writing on the wall. Between their
had survived the Morray advance. As he was readily identifiable
gains in South America and D’Souza’s decline in Europe, they are
as a member of the D’Souza military, the Waste surrounded him,
at a moment of remarkable fortune, one they mean to seize and
demanding he lead them to the “hidden supplies of food and
exploit. If the Families aren’t careful, D’Souza’s extinction could
water” that they believed the military cached in the area. His life
become the Free’s greatest opportunity.
now under threat, he agreed to lead them to the fictional cache
some distance away.
GUILLERMO PEREYRA
D’Souza offers a reward for the rescue of any Serf officer recov-
Born to a D’Souza military commander in Manaus in X +47, Guill- ered from the field alive, and Pereyra’s mother, now a general in
ermo Pereyra was raised moving from theater to theater in the D’Souza’s forces, will go to any lengths to see her son returned.
shifting, eternal conflict with Morray. By the time he was twelve, Anyone who rescues the lieutenant can be assured of her grati-
it was apparent that he would follow in his mother’s footsteps and tude, and with the general’s favor, all manner of advancement
become a soldier. The benefits of nepotism paid dividends, and and security might well be possible. By the same token, anyone
he was commissioned as an officer in early X +65. Similar politics who agrees to attempt the rescue and fails will certainly bear the
returned to take their revenge, however, when Guillermo discov- brunt of General Pereyra’s wrath.

INAMURA
Katsuo Inamura was born in 1960 into a mixed Japanese-Korean curtail Li domination in the region. This initiated the Period of
farming family in Hokkaido prefecture. He developed an interest in Troubled Weather (Bussou no Tenko no Kikan), which lasted for
computer science after moving to California in 1976 to attend the three decades and permanently altered the region’s population
University of California at Berkeley. In 1978, he patented a design for and landscape. The conflict ended in treaty-by-marriage between
a pocket range-finder that subsequently sold to Texas Instruments Hideyoshi Inamura and Li Yin in X +39.
for $1 million. Graduating in 1981 with a degree in economics,
Inamura returned to Japan, where he founded Infinity
Technologies and Fun!Go!Fun, dedicated to the
THE DOMAIN
emerging computer and console gaming markets. Geographically smaller than most Domains,
Following the sale of Infinity Technologies, Inamura nonetheless survives as one of the
Inamura launched multiple ventures in the most stable of any Family’s Territories. Inamu-
computer software and hardware indus- ra’s borders were originally defined not by
tries, as well as investing aggressively in the direct commercial control, but by the collec-
emerging mobile communications market. tion of political and commercial powers
In 2002, Inamura pioneered the “seed accel- willing to cooperate in resisting Li’s expan-
erator” business development model. From sion at the Macau Accords. Intense patriotism
2004–2012, Inamura participated in thirty was born from a shared sense of survival—at
separate seed accelerator ventures, acting as least amongst the Serf classes—and values of
primary investor and mentor to each develop- shared sacrifice and stoic endurance.
ment team. After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear In the wake of their alliance with Li, Inamura’s hold-
disaster of 2011, Inamura launched a widely publicized ings are slowly expanding, driven by the dual needs of
and privately funded initiative aimed at generating alterna- technical innovation and securing additional food supply. They—
tive forms of energy production. Focusing on solar, geothermal, alongside Li—continue to reach deeper and deeper into Cambodia,
and hydroelectric, Inamura secured capital investment from the Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines. Tightly bound to the Li Family,
Carlyle Future Foundation, InterSect Ltd., and the Armitage Group. they have successfully maintained a careful neutrality with almost
Worth $28.1B at the time of the Macau Accords, Inamura returned every other Family save Vassalovka, who continually harass both
to Japan and disappeared from the public eye for more than a Inamura and Li along the northern border.
decade, emerging in X +11 as a response to Family Li’s consoli- Much of the interior of Japan, from Matsumoto north almost to
dation of China and expansion into the Korean Peninsula. In X Akita, has been reorganized around a defensible architecture
+15, Inamura’s eldest son, Naoki, launched the first campaign to dedicated to the chief Inamura asset: cheap, exportable nutrition,

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THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

ranging from solid agriculture staples to manufactured protein Generational change, as the Serfs born in the past two decades
and nutrient-rich substitutes. Even decades after the end of the begin to assume positions of responsibility, is uncovering fault
Li conflicts, these “Sufficiency Cities” are supported by inten- lines in the previously unified community. Trade and alliance
sive urban farming in vertical towers and underground bunkers. with Li, for example, raise questions around whether self-reliance
Labor is the domain of robotics rather than Waste—who would and redundant systems should still be prioritized over cheaper,
require shelter and sustenance—and buildings are able to filter quicker, more comfortable design choices. Younger roboticists
air, purify water, and withstand limited bombardment as stan- and managers see incredible benefits to this path of shifting to
dard features. reliance on Li networks and AI, but older members of the govern-
ment remain skeptical about how long the peace will last.
This “inner fortress” strategy complements the decaying and aban-
doned “outer fortress” bulwark of defense walls and levies to the The Waste population remains low on the Japanese islands and
south, originally constructed to combat Li Family environmental throughout Korea, but continues to grow in the Philippines and
incursions. Li’s use of weaponized weather left deep scars on the Vietnam, more through immigration than birth. These Waste are
Inamura psyche, and the results of the environmental chaos are often affiliated with resistance movements, and even the Free. They
still visible all around the Territory, with many sites now inhab- tend to be proudly patriotic regarding their own stories of survival,
ited by Inamura’s Waste. Abandoned entirely during the Period of and often view themselves as at war with both Li and Inamura.
Troubled Weather, Inamura’s Waste truly earn their title, having no Inamura, used to ignoring their Waste, are passingly aware of the
role, no rights, and no available employment in society. The Waste Resistance, but cannot see how these desperate communities can
are exiled to the ruins of former towns and pose any threat to the society that withstood
cities, are enslaved, and survive in battered INAMURA the Period of Troubled Weather. Should the
hell-scapes until their territory is marked for Waste ever rise up, the defensive robots
Recovery and they are pushed out to make patrolling the interior are strong, well-main-
room for Serfs and industry. tained, and armed and programmed by the
highest-quality defense technology money
In the northern cities, military assets flit
can buy.
between the Inamura Tokyo Self-Defense
Corporation and the city of Sapporo,
defending against the larger threat of Vassa- KAIYA HARADA
lovka and its aggressive eastern Avtoritets.
Southern holdings in the Philippines and Born in X +4, Serf “Auntie Harada” is one of
Vietnam have transitioned from military trade Business Name: Inamura Capital/
the most recognizable figures in Inamura
hubs to full cities with civilian populations, FastNippon (seed accelerator) territory—though rarely by sight. Kaiya
and Inamura robots bustle alongside Minetta Head of Family: Yoshiro Inamura Harada is the principal voice recording for
ships and Carragher immigrants. Work Terri- Line of Succession: Natsuko
disaster warnings, updates, and general
tory Jakarta and its northern subsidiaries— Inamura née Dae (husband); announcements inside the Inamura
all Carragher territories—have friendly trade Hideyoshi Inamura (brother); Domain, chosen from a swathe of appli-
policies with the Inamura Philippines. Even Misaki Inamura (daughter); cants after automated voices were consid-
at the height of the Li/Inamura conflict, these Michiko Inamura (daughter); ered “too mechanical” and “panic inducing.”
Chiyoko Inamura (daughter)
territories were sacrosanct owing to their Inamura propaganda updates are filtered
Domain: Japan (including the
strategic value to Families using the Trader through her homely, commonsense style
Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands);
Three site. into the matronly advice of a caring rela-
northern Philippines; South
Though Li has always had the numbers and Korea; South Vietnam; Cambodia tive. She announces the morning weather
environmental technology to level Inamura, Motto: Ame Futte Chi Katamaru forecast, and sings briefly to close out
Inamura stability fortified and aided Li even (After the Rain, the Earth daily update broadcasts. For many in the
as they were in conflict. Trade in the south Hardens) Inamura populace—Serf and Waste alike—
and aid against mutual enemies from Vassa- Lazarus: Unknown she is the first voice they hear on waking
lovka territory allowed the possibility of alli- Allies (as of X +65): Li and the last voice they hear at night.
ance, and from them sprang one of the more Enemies (as of X +65): Vassalovka, In recent years, Inamura has sought to
powerful partnerships since the advent of Carragher use the vast storehouse of Auntie Harada
the Macau Accords. recordings and sophisticated reproduc-
tion technology to ensure that there will
THE PEOPLE be a seamless transition should the popular figure pass away. At
the time the project was launched, gossip suggested that Auntie
The Inamura Serf population of Japan is small, but is once again Harada might be sick or dying already, prompting a national tour
thriving. Inamura’s elite supply their own food and require few of public appearances.
menial workers, given their plethora of service robots and life- For Inamura Serfs, many of whom have grown up without
enhancing automation in everything from the home to trans- recourse to an extended family unit, Auntie Harada is a family
port. With external threats removed, Serf lives are comparatively member. Because of this, aside from those managed appearances,
wonderful. Younger Serfs actively embrace the stability of life Kaiya is careful to preserve her privacy and regularly changes her
that vertical farming and self-sustaining, efficient urban spaces location. Those in the know suggest that she is prone to diva-like
have brought them, particularly in the face of the chaos facing the behavior when not in her public persona, including regular bouts
rest of the world. of “laryngitis” when she feels that due respect is not being paid.

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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

LI
Born in Jiagnxi province in 1928, Li Yun-Woo’s family relocated ical and social systems that influence nearly every element of
to Hong Kong in the mid 1930s, where he experienced the daily life under the Li regime.
horrors visited upon the city during World War II Greatly harmed by the economic impacts of climate
firsthand. Following the war, Li acquired aban- change before Year X, Family Li invested heavily
doned construction equipment left behind by in African scientific projects aimed at control-
American forces, and with it began his own ling (and at times weaponizing) the move-
business, L.H.K. Construction. Flourishing ments of the weather, in an attempt to
in the post-war environment and bene- address long-term concerns of famine.
fiting from his own business acumen The political realignment caused by the
and fiscal restraint, in 1962 he founded Macau Accords occurred before the
L.H.K. International, a parent corpora- project reached fruition, however, and
tion owning a 68 percent share in L.H.K. thus the Li variation of weather control
Construction. This new entity, focused is less sophisticated than that of Nkosi.
on the manufacture and distribution of This resulted in significant damage to
concrete, expanded further to include part of western China (viewed as unfortu-
property development, management, nate collateral loss) and to Inamura territo-
consulting, financial services, and the lease of ries (historically viewed as No Bad Thing) in
construction equipment. the quest for stable food sources.
Though based in Hong Kong, the business Located south of Family Vassalovka, Li engages
expanded to Mainland China and Singapore, in aggressive quarrels with its northern neighbor. Avto-
spreading throughout the Asian market. With the Chinese ritets regularly probe for weakness, and internal disputes over
government opening the gambling market in Macau in 2002, land have led to Li developing a highly mobile militia that can
Li—then seventy-four—took the opportunity to invest in the be deployed from hot site to hot site as algorithms dictate,
hospitality and tourism trade, founding Zephyr Entertainment leading to a pseudo-military society intermixed with Waste
Group (ZEG). Seen as risky by many, the move proved lucrative. populations. For military purposes, the system controls most
ZEG, working with Carlyle Capital Investment and Carragher questions of conscription, deployment, and tactical advantage,
Holdings Limited, took control of or built most of the casinos effectively creating an “army of all.” There is often friction, but
and hotels on the islands. By Year X, ZEG alone had a worth of rarely insurrection; because dissenters can be located quickly
$17.88B, with L.H.K. International worth an additional $21B. with predictive computer models, suppression is immediate
As the host of the Macau Accords in Year X, Li Yun-Woo left the and harsh.
conference and made immediate moves to ensure the Li Family’s
future. Between Year X and X +5, L.H.K. International acquired
multiple businesses specializing in electronics, computer hard-
THE PEOPLE
ware, and software design. Dealings with the Chinese government, The ideal Li citizen is flexible, equally as unconcerned about
which had run hot and cold in the past, escalated in X +9 with the formal divisions between Serf and Waste as they are about
attempted arrest of Li and several members of his Family in Hong community, family, and social ties. While different classes
Kong on charges of espionage, corruption, treason, and sedition. certainly exist, for those outside the Family, position is constantly
Li Yun-Woo denied all charges. The subsequent attempt to arrest being renegotiated based on a mechanical assessment of loyalty,
him by force erupted in violence as L.H.K. security personnel temperament, and capability. To improve their scores, Li subjects
defended the estate. The event is seen by many as the precipi- must allow ever more micromanagement, leading to changes
tating action that led to the collapse of the Chinese central of what one does and where one works several times a month;
government eighteen months later, in X +11, and the subsequent suggestions of what to eat and when to sleep; and even awarding
assumption of control of the region by the Li Family. or deducting seniority and privileges based on who you socialize
with and who you marry. Interacting nearly constantly with
Li Yun-Woo died in X +18 of extreme old age, his longevity in no
some form of interface, almost every person—from Family to the
small part assisted by the work of Carlyle and Jakob Hock.
lowest Serf—earns their rewards through a near-slavish devo-
Of note is Li’s relationship with the Inamura Family of Japan, tion to their technological aid.
forged in treaty-by-marriage in X +39 with the wedding of Li Yin
As a result, the real class divisions in Li Territory are between
to Hideyoshi Inamura.
those who can withstand the pressures of a lifestyle of rapid
change and uncertainty—encouraged by their electronic
THE DOMAIN “companions”—and those who snap and shatter under the
constant culture shock. Even when at rest, many Li subjects opt
Controlling a wide swath of China and some of disputed Mongolia, to stay “ready in the cloud,” realizing that even when off duty
with bits of the Korean Peninsula, Family Li has more subjects they can earn more benefits and rewards with their readiness
than any other Family. To maintain central command over more to participate as suggested. This almost addictive tendency, and
than a billion souls, Li have given their care over to distributed the accompanying endorphin rush, leads many to forego what-
machine intelligences integrated into a vast network of mechan- ever vacation time they accrue. Gamifying overtime like this has

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APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

inadvertently lead Li to produce far more their social profiles, tailor their lifestyle to
LI
labor than their computer models regularly the system’s quirks, and generally partici-
predict, but without the increased stress— pate in the new Chinese society. In his
and subsequent crash in productivity—that shadow life, Déwu goes by BIS NES and is an
long hours normally cause. On rare occa- influential figure in the BeaurN0 network.
sions, the blurred line between personal A gray hat by inclination, Déwu uses a grab
and work lives leads to trauma and mental bag of system exploits, memes, and bots to
illness, but the increased value generated by nudge the System toward increasing the
their “Skinner box workforce” is more than scope of the conditional civil rights granted
enough to compensate for these extreme by the Li network to its citizens.
outliers. Over the past six years, he has led hidden
Business Name: L.H.K.
As algorithms improve, there is actually a International/Zephyr
campaigns to remove a local drinking
glut of Serfs who serve loyally but redun- Entertainment Group (ZEG) curfew, increased the local education
dantly. A burgeoning problem in the current Head of Family: Li-Huang Bao
budget, and instituted appeals of several
growth period, the Li Family is considering assignments of workers away from their
Line of Succession: Li-Jiongfu
splitting these Serfs off into a new military (husband); Li Meizhen families. What marks Déwu as separate from
class in an attempt to pacify and gain ground (daughter); Li Déwu (son); Li Gao his shadowy network of peers is his record
on Vassalovka, though progress on this front (granddaughter) of success, and this success has drawn
has halted in the face of the Conclave War. Domain: China (including Hong the attention of Jiaolong, the Li Lazarus.
Kong and Macau); portions of Jiaolong has been quietly feeding edge
LI DÉWU the Korean Peninsula; Mongolia cases to Déwu’s network, and using Déwu’s
(in dispute with Vassalovka) interest, approach, and success as the model
Children born in the Li Territories after Motto: Man proposes, God disposes for system updates. He has manipulated the
X+39 are known as the First Children of the Lazarus: Li Jiaolong system to direct unwitting influences into
Machine, reflecting their position as the first Allies (as of X +65): Inamura Déwu’s life—including his new girlfriend,
generation born after the full rollout of cyber- Enemies (as of X +65): Meyers- Yao Lihua—and ensured Déwu evades offi-
netic implants. Li Déwu is an exemplar of this Qasimi, Minetta, Vassalovka cial censure. Déwu, in turn, knows that his
generation, raised with his third genera- actions have drawn less resistance than they
tion MoblReadr in hand and transitioning to should, and is tweaking his own life choices
cybernetic implants as soon as his brain was developed enough for and activities to try to expose his “patrons.”
the procedure. Jiaolong has the entire apparatus of the State at his disposal, but
Déwu is a skilled IT professional, systems programmer, and social a million challenges to confront. Déwu is one man, but this is his
network coordinator, and his skills are reflected in each of the lives future on the line. Both men are Children of the Machine, and
he leads. In his public life, as a System Advisor, he earns reputa- each has dedicated his life to manipulating variables. For now,
tional credit and seniority by teaching the elderly how to update their dance continues.

MARTINS
Dumaka Martins founded his first business—Martins Sweet rate subsidiaries among its holdings, with a combined estimated
Tooth (“Martins Zaki Hakori” in Hausa)—at the age of twenty- value of $24.4B.
two with the purchase of a five-hundred-acre sugar plantation Of note is the criminal investigation launched by the Attorney
in Sokoto. At twenty-four, he opened Martins Sugar Refinery General of Nigeria in X –7, which accused Martins Industrial
PLC, and at twenty-seven owned the largest sugar refinery and HOCK, Inc. of colluding to conduct illegal clinical trials
in sub-Saharan Africa—the second largest in the world. in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
Producing both a vitamin-A fortified, all-purpose The story, initially reported in Der Spiegel, claimed
baking sugar as well as an unfortified industrial sugar that both companies had worked together to effect
for use in the pharmaceutical, beverage, and food the testing of two unregistered drugs that had
industries, in X –16, Martins was estimated to be left almost four hundred subjects with chronic
cultivating over 100,000 hectares of sugarcane seizures, blindness, and delirium, and even
throughout Nigeria that produced over one caused death. The investigation was dropped
million tons of white sugar a year. in early X –6 following the resignation of
In X –14, Martins launched an aggressive Attorney General Mahmud Marafa, amid
campaign to diversify, and over the next accusations of corruption and abuse of
two years obtained controlling inter- power.
ests in multiple mining and construc- Valued at $56.9B at the time of the
tion firms throughout Nigeria, Ghana, Macau Accords, Dumaka Martins
Benin, and Togo, as well as purchasing returned to his home in Lagos certain
several more outright. When founded in X –11 as a diversified that the major opposition he would face in his planned attempt
holding company, Martins Industrial counted forty-seven sepa- to consolidate Africa under his Family’s control would come from

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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

the Soleri Family. Despite warnings from Jakob Hock, he was alliance with Jakob Hock, allow for a populace that can be medi-
caught entirely by surprise by Nkosi’s betrayal of X +14. cally pacified with mandatory prescriptions. Hunger, depression,
and exhaustion have all been mitigated through pharmaceutical
THE DOMAIN means, without the difficulties of behavioral manipulation that
have arisen through Hock’s own proprietary work. Serfs coor-
dinate work and actively serve the interest of inter-tribal peace,
Consisting of West Africa and its largely desert climate in the
seeking to maximize the Family’s profits in a way that is—osten-
north, the principal resource interests in Martins territory
sibly—fair to all overlapping communities while still ultimately
come from the southern portions of its Territory. These valuable
benefiting the Family. As a result of this balanced competition,
southern territories are also home to the heaviest border fighting
Waste experience relative stability and security without the
with Nkosi and Meyers-Qasimi for regional dominance. Dealt a
desperate struggle for survival common in many other Families’
painful setback by Nkosi betrayal, Martins has long since rebuilt
domains.
their defenses, and has leveraged the threat
of Nkosi invasion and occupation for fifty This stability and security, of course, is still
years to maintain tribal peace and to hold MARTINS grossly below the standard of living of Serfs,
a strong line against any further incur- who reap the rewards of this exploited
sion. Despite constant conflict in Niger and workforce and are exempted from most
Nigeria, with many new hot spots erupting, pharmacological manipulation. A Martins
Martins’s commitment to a strong navy and Serf is typically responsible for large land-
their extensive research exchange with the holdings, and has a great deal of control over
Morray Family keep the coast and their who rises and falls in the hierarchy of tribal
many mineral and resource interests along control. Said Serf likely travels extensively
it protected. At least for now. owing to the need to monitor their hold-
ings, as well as competing regional inter-
Relative stability in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire,
Business Name: Martins Industrial ests. Vehicle ownership is a common, yet
Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso allow for
Head of Family: Kullum Martins essential, status symbol, and regal convey-
a strong social structure, even in the face
Line of Succession: Tashi Martins ances are a favorite reward from the Family
of the war. With the region historically
(sister); Yasir Martins (sister); to those Serfs they favor. The Family, in fact,
home to such a variety of opposing tribes
Zaara Martins (sister) lavishes gifts upon their Serfs, encouraging
and ethnicities—all of whom now vie
Domain: West Africa above the a loyalty that inspires the Waste not to rise
with one another for Family recognition,
equator from Chad to the up, but rather aspire. The reality is that there
work, and sanction—cohesion remains a
Atlantic (territories established is little chance of elevation, but the standard
constant challenge. The looming threat of
by the Treaty of Principe); of living and the illusion of possible promo-
their Nkosi neighbors—frequently punctu- disputed former Soleri Territory tion keep the Waste in check.
ated by precision strikes—ironically helps Motto: Poverty is Slavery
shore up political stability between these Petroleum production serves to power the
Lazarus: Unknown
rival factions, especially in the high-value navy. Many Waste find their niche providing
Allies (as of X +65): The Hock
mining and industrial areas where these for the material needs of the military along
Coalition (D’Souza (nominal),
tribes gather. But even with these attacks, Hock, Morray, Vassalovka)
the coast, providing temporary logistic aid
diplomacy remains an important and time- on the ground in exchange for food or the
Enemies (as of X +65): The Carlyle
consuming task for Martins administra- Bloc (Armitage, Bittner, Carlyle, possibility of a move into working for the
tors, and more recently Martins rivals have Meyers-Qasimi, Nkosi) Family’s mineral interests.
begun launching quiet attacks meant to fuel Though the exploitation of the region has
these disputes. led to gross damage to the environment, the
Advances in resource extraction technology help Martins exploit present standard of living benefits all, and were it not for geopo-
the land, allowing them to rotate different specialists through litical attacks from other Families, stability in Martins might
the same location to extract minerals and oil at a breakneck remain among the best in the X+ world. Only time will tell if this
pace without the need for retooling equipment or swapping out security will last, or crumble.
processing facilities. Work continues around the clock without
disruption, with the same site able to yield a cornucopia of mate- BOLANILE MARTINS
rials. While the potential for disruption to this maximized effi-
ciency looms constantly, few Serfs or Waste pay it any mind. The Born in X +35, Bolanile Martins is Family by marriage through
violence in Niger and Nigeria is out of sight and out of mind. one of Tashi Martins’s many cousins. While far from the seat of
the Head of Family, Bolanile is nonetheless accustomed to a life of
THE PEOPLE wealth and extravagance.
In spite of—or perhaps because of—that luxury, Bolanile is
Waste in Martins territory enjoy a modest standard of living driven to extremes. Accompanied by Ginika Babatunde, a Serf
compared to Waste in other parts of the world. Their lives are who specializes in the technical aspects of her stunts, Bolanile
organized around specialized industrial and mining work, coor- takes great pleasure in daredevil risk-taking and solo adventures.
dinated by Family liaisons and aimed at the optimal production She has base-jumped from Mt. Kilimanjaro, flown a single-person
of iron, copper, bauxite, silver, and gold. Pharmaceutical advance- Bittner TG1-Firehawk through the East China Sea in storm season,
ments, further augmented through the Family’s long-standing and used not-inconsiderable personal resources in commis-

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THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

sioning a Hock upper-atmosphere space module for personal bravery and resourcefulness, to others she represents the height
use. As a member of the Family, security concerns surround her of folly, to squander resources on such public personal displays,
activities, but she has publicly stated that she should never be and Bolanile is a figure of significant controversy wherever she
ransomed in case of an emergency brought on by her antics. goes. The Free have also taken notice of her antics, and argu-
ments continue between various factions as to her viability as
Bolanile regularly travels to those areas inside the Hock Coalition
a target and whether, despite her declarations to the contrary,
that welcome her presence, and to the extent possible, among the
her capture might prove worthwhile for propaganda purposes,
Carlyle-aligned factions as well. Though some people admire her
if nothing else.

MEYERS-QASIMI
David Meyers, born in Jerusalem in 1969, pursued early inter- jointly declared all holy sites in the region to now be under their
ests in electronics, computer software, and hardware design. jurisdiction, with Meyers publicly ceding oversight of Mecca to
Following mandatory military service, he attended Hebrew Abu Zafir unconditionally. The act was widely condemned by
University and then CalTech, earning advanced degrees in physics, observers. Violence continued, as did aggressive pacification of
mathematics, and electrical engineering. Returning to Israel in the region. As of X +29, however, incidences of religious intoler-
1992, he founded InterSect Ltd., a company dedicated to devel- ance and ideological violence have dramatically declined, and the
oping, marketing, and supplying software and hardware prod- “Zero for Zero Policy” remains resolutely in effect.
ucts and solutions for IT and network security. Following
the bursting of the tech bubble in the early 2000s,
Meyers looked to diversify, branching out into
THE DOMAIN
banks, manufacturing, mining, and shipping
Meyers-Qasimi is a cooperative business
concerns. Worth only $10.3B at the time
venture. The Family Territory itself stands
of the Macau Accords, many assumed his
relatively secure from external interest,
invitation had been granted as a favor to
aside from Vassalovka and its Avtoritets.
longtime friend Malcolm Carlyle.
Their spectacularly lethal application
Khalid bin Rashid bin Mohammed of nanotechnology, supplemented by
Al-Qasimi, known as Abu Zafir, was brutal cyberwarfare, repelled early
born in Abu Dhabi in 1952, youngest assaults and has made any aggressors
son of a merchant family with roots carefully consider the cost of future
several hundred years old. Earning attacks. Second only to Li in their cyber-
his degrees in religion in Paris and warfare capacity and first among the
economics in London alongside Malcolm Families in nanotechnology, several Fami-
Carlyle, Abu Zafir returned to Abu Dhabi in lies rely on Meyers-Qasimi as independent
1979 and convinced his siblings to relocate military contractors to provide regional defenses
to Dubai. He founded the Al Qasimi Group and and for the suppression of insurgent forces.
quickly dominated the region’s real estate, construc- From the very beginning of the alliance between Meyers
tion, and manufacturing markets. Exploiting the capital earned and Abu Zafir, the Family adopted a defensive posture (heavily
through the rapid growth of Dubai, Al Qasimi Group branched influenced by the belief that the best defense is a good offense),
into telecom and utilities with the acquisition of Emirates warily eyeing enemies—and potential enemies—on all sides.
Global and DUQA in hostile takeovers. At the time of the Macau While initially focused almost entirely on securing their Territory,
Accords, Al Qasimi was estimated to be worth $38.6B. the success of Zero for Zero has allowed them to focus on external
When or how Meyers and Abu Zafir first met is unknown. What concerns. Their relationship with Carlyle, who was crucial to the
is clear is that the two set aside regional politics and religious founding of the Family, remains close but never blindly loyal. The
enmity in the face of opportunity, ensuring success for both Family will do what it must to ensure that it survives.
nascent Families. Vast regions of the Territory are uninhabitable, especially those
Following the uprisings that met the declaration of Year X around portions of the former Saudi Arabia not maintained as crucial to
the globe, extremist groups situated in the Levant as well as else- Islam. The Family extracts and refines only enough petroleum to
where in the region escalated their campaigns against regional serve their own needs, as well as those of a few allies and trade
ideological opponents. In Israel and the UAE, governments turned to partners. For power, they instead rely on vast sun farms, with
the wealth of the Meyers and Al-Qasimi Families respectively, each surplus generated from tidal and salt batteries established along
of whom had augmented their private security with support from their extensive coastlines.
Nkosi’s Steelpoint Solutions. Following chemical and conventional
attacks—purportedly by extremist groups—in the summer of X
+7, Meyers and Al-Qasimi acted swiftly. Their shared response—
THE PEOPLE
known as the “Zero for Zero Policy”—was “zero-tolerance” attacks
The Meyers-Qasimi population is relatively small compared to
without mercy or negotiation, only swift and sure violence.
those of the other Families. Climate change, climate warfare,
Shortly after the start of the campaign, Meyers and Abu Zafir met the Hock Flu, and the unrelenting implementation of Zero for
in Jerusalem, where they were joined by Pope Honorius VI. They Zero all contributed to the die-off in the region. The last two

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decades have seen an increase in birth rates the authorities have learned the names
amongst both Serf and Waste. The vast
MEYERS-QASIMI of all known family, friends, and acquain-
majority of the Meyers-Qasimi Serf popula- tances. Not even the black-market traders,
tion live in idyllic, microclimate-controlled cutthroat smugglers, techjunkies, and more
safety in cities such as Tel Aviv, Riffa, Cairo, sordid criminals who make their home in
and Dubai—cities with a strong Western the Semi-Autonomous Zone of Sana’a will
influence augmented by the overpowering shelter the Defiant.
wealth that once ran rampant through the
region. Not unlike under Carragher, those in MAJOR RAQIYAH
service to the Family go to great lengths to AL-GHAZZAWI
downplay their luxuries.
Business Name: InterSect Ltd./ Raqiyah Al-Ghazzawi’s earliest memories
Things are very different among the
Al Qasimi Group
Waste. For those fortunate enough to find are of her mother or father haranguing
Head of Family: Shoshana Meyers her over lessons: teaching her to read and
themselves attached to any of the urban & Xavier bin Shafiq bin Khalid
enclaves, survival hinges on the needs of write; teaching her mathematics; forcing
Al-Qasimi (Abu Shakir)
the labor pool. The cities are in constant her to run laps around their slum, to exer-
Line of Succession: Shakir bin
need of servicing against the onslaught of cise, to become stronger and fitter and
Xavier bin Shafiq Meyers-Qasimi
the environment, and there is always more (son); Lailah Meyers-Qasimi
faster. They fed her, they clothed her, and
construction, repair, and restoration to (daughter); Badir bin Xavier bin they instructed her ruthlessly. What they
be done. The work is back-breaking and, Shafiq Meyers-Qasimi (son) did not do was love her.
especially along the Gulf, often abusive, but Domain: Former state of Israel/ Their efforts paid off in X +43, when
there is always the promise of food, water, Palestine through much of the Raqiyah, at the age of nine, was elevated
and relative safety. Due to their limited Levant, including former Saudi in the Cairo Lift. Her parents became Serfs
population, Meyers-Qasimi rewards those Arabia, Yemen, and the UAE;
and settled into a new life in Jeddah, and
who distinguish themselves, resulting in— Cyprus; Crete
Raqiyah herself was flagged for fast-track
at least among urban Waste—an “over” Motto: Zero for Zero
education in the sciences. At seventeen,
class and “under” class, and success in the Lazarus: Alimah Meyers-Qasimi her career trajectory was redirected when
over class can lead to elevation. Allies (as of X +65): The Carlyle she was deemed psychologically ideal for
Bloc (Armitage, Bittner, Carlyle,
Away from the cities, the situation for special-forces training. In X +54 she was
Carragher, Nkosi); nominal
Waste rapidly declines. The environment is deployed for the first time as a member of
trade ties with Minetta
inhospitable, and the struggle for resources the elite Maglan unit to former Soleri terri-
Enemies (as of X +65): The Hock
is ferocious. Water is guarded with blood, tory, a location she would return to eleven
Coalition (D’Souza, Hock, Martins,
and food paid for in the same. Waste who Morray, Vassalovka); former times. Her service against the Martins,
do not band together, work together, and Soleri elements in North Africa rogue militia, and Free units in the region
fight together, invariably die alone. In these earned her both promotion and citation.
lands, where the desert heat rises to kiln-like temperatures, the Wounded in X +60, she returned to Tel Aviv, and while recov-
Defiant make their homes. These are the adherents to those reli- ering was approached by members of Meyers-Qasimi intelli-
gions that Meyers-Qasimi subdued, those whose belief forbids gence who saw an opportunity to use her “first career” skills in
either acceptance of the Family’s authority or tolerance of anoth- an operational capacity. She has been back to Sana’a almost two
er’s faith. Almost three generations after Zero for Zero, their dozen times since then, and has developed a broad network of
numbers continue to decline, but enough remain to keep Meyers- connections. Sometimes, her mission is to observe. Sometimes,
Qasimi’s Internal Security vigilant. Even after so many years, the her mission is to deliver experimental technology for field
Family edict still stands, and those acting on behalf of, standing testing. And sometimes, she cleans up messes when things go
with, or identifying as Defiant can expect a quick death…once wrong.

MINETTA
The Minetta family and the company that bears their name date direct competition with Vassalovka’s Ultra Group, and years of
themselves back to trade with the Dutch East India Company—at corporate espionage, bribery, and mysterious “suicides” threat-
least in Family legend—where they made early fortunes in the ened each Family’s invitation to the Accords.
international textile trade. Diversification into construction, ship- With peace brokered between Minetta and Vassalovka by Sidorov
ping, banking, and military goods made them one of the largest and Hock in the conference rooms and hotel suites of the Macau
commercial entities on the subcontinent by the time India won Accords, Minetta became one of the original signatories. Since
its independence. then, the Family has transitioned from one of the smallest Fami-
By the time of the Accords, after centuries of mergers, buyouts, lies to sign without an immediate sponsor to the respected hub
and centralizations, Yamir Umed Minetta’s Minetta Group Ltd. of international trade and, accordingly, one of the most influen-
called itself a “diversified holding company,” with a controlling tial ‘soft power’ factions on the world stage. No other Family can
interest in over five hundred separate companies with a combined even take a shit, many insiders joke, without Minetta earning a
worth of roughly $58.7B. Yamir’s logistical empire struggled in percentage.

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THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

THE DOMAIN and the world’s greatest and most advanced armies. Minetta’s
territorial ambitions are minimal and concerned with resources
As the world’s leading logistical power, Minetta Waste are over glory or authority. They focus on covert action to gain access
the foundation of much of the world’s export manufacturing to new markets and influence over new ports and hubs. In Uzbeki-
and cash-crop agriculture. Minetta cigarettes are smoked on stan, for example, Minetta have no interest in marking the region
Moscow streets, and Minetta cars are driven by Waste as “theirs” on some map, but in terms of trade balances, almost
on Jakarta backroads. Hammers, tea, phones, bullets, half of Kazakhstan’s resources are shipped directly or
pants—all are shipped out for Waste consumption indirectly to Bombay.
at prices Waste can afford, thanks to the automated
drone, ship, and plane fleets Minetta maintains. THE PEOPLE
Minetta possess incredible wealth, and
their dominance of trade across two As perhaps the last true capitalist power,
oceans makes other Families reluctant focused on trade over territorial domi-
to strike at the hand that very liter- nance, Family Minetta takes a laissez-
ally feeds them. In extremis, Minetta faire attitude toward their population.
will engage in defensive wars, almost They notionally maintain a Serf-
entirely through proxy and relying Waste divide in line with the Carlyle
on redirection and turning enemies on model, but allow much greater latitude in
one another. Steelpoint Solutions quells self-organization. Locals may turn to any
Vassalovka incursions—for a modest mix of regional tyranny or anarchy so long
fee—without any commitment or alliance of as quotas and contractual commitments are
Minetta assets, while Meyers-Qasimi—Minetta’s met, the Xpress remains connected, and observation
closest trading ally—can be counted on to stop coor- drones watch unhindered. Despite issues with starva-
dinated Li cyberattacks that might disrupt that trade. tion, exploitation, and disease, many of the Waste also
The Minetta Territories have been intermittently riven benefit from their proximity to trade, enjoying a higher
by internal ethnic and religious conflicts—their holdings span standard of living and access to cheap consumer goods ranging
Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian populations and a plethora from defective products to oversupply runoff.
of ethnicities and former nationalities. Minetta, however, prefers to Serfs are divided along lines of the company or interest they
maintain power with the carrot rather than serve, with individual Serfs considering
the stick. They quietly play off each polity’s themselves citizens of one major arm of the
paranoia of its neighbor, while maintaining MINETTA
diverse portfolio or another. The average
their own image as neutral arbitrators. All Serf can be poor or rich depending on the
local powers—be they warlords, junior success of their particular venture, so if
signatories, religious leaders, or others your factory is responsible for a multipur-
all throughout former India and Pakistan, pose automobile that gets sold to Inamura
Afghanistan, Iran, and Thailand—can there- and goes viral with the Serfs, you will be
fore agree on Family Minetta’s legitimacy as granted a higher standard of living than the
at least a necessary evil for keeping peace executive of the Catriona Fine Beverages
and prosperity, if not popular sovereigns. group that has to shut down due to Li sabo-
As the world’s busiest exporting power, tage.
Business Name: M-G Ltd. (Minetta
Minetta hands out supply contracts and Waste tend to live in vast, sprawling cities or
Group, Ltd. and others)
redraws trade routes in a dance aimed at move seasonally between rural plantations.
Head of Family: Rahas Varad
keeping their Waste busy and distracted. In Looking from above at a city, one might not
Minetta
exchange, their Waste are willing to ignore see much difference from life two hundred
Line of Succession: Ujesh Varad
enmities and hardships to ensure their years ago in terms of structural poverty, but
Minetta (brother); Iyla Varad
usefulness remains unquestioned and their Minetta (sister); Fateen Rahas peeking beyond a shelter’s outward façade
loyalty likewise sincere. Some groups have Minetta (son); Madin Rahas would reveal a wealth of objects. Though
of course pushed too far or been unable Minetta (son) smartphones and puzzle toys won’t feed a
to keep local firebrands in check, but with Domain: Indian subcontinent, society—the standards of nourishment are
the exception of major ports and airports, Sri Lanka, former Pakistan; slightly below the median for the world at
these challengers are not so much crushed Bangladesh; Myanmar (contested large—there is always the promise of some-
as abandoned. Work contracts are simply with Li); Thailand and Malaysia
thing to aspire to, no matter how small, and
rerouted, supplies cut off, and military (portions, contested with
Carragher) this maintains stability among the populace.
protection against the other Families or With “good, hard work,” the average Waste
warlords scaled back. Motto: Karo Ya Maro (Do or Die)
can own a family car in just a few years. If one
Lazarus: Bir Chikku Mehta
Military protection is of course a must, as excels their entire life, generating incredible
Allies (as of X +65): Meyers-Qasimi
Minetta lands are beset on all sides by hostile profit or cutting back on overhead to revolu-
(provisional trade allies)
Li, Inamura, Carragher, and Vassalovka forces, tionize a factory or process, one might even
Enemies (as of X +65): Carragher,
often with only incredibly porous borders Inamura, Li, Vassalovka
see their children rise to the ranks of manage-
standing between their restive populations ment, and eventually Serfdom.

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BIJAN ARSHAD ened to ARPROCO. Although all corporations inside Minetta

are subsidiaries of Minetta Holdings, registered enterprises are
Born in X +25, Bijan Arshad had worked his entire life making the best a means for entrepreneurs to swiftly rise through the ranks.
automobiles at the cheapest possible prices. Promoted to subman- Minetta retains the option to forcefully “absorb” any innovations
ager after his father’s lifetime of fruitful work on the assembly lines, developed by these subsidiaries, but as Arshad demonstrates, the
he was in a prime position to help his son, Sadegh, find a position in perceived value in encouraging innovation more than offsets the
management. Bijan had a house, a car he built himself from defective cost of escalating an innovator to privileged status.
parts, and the potential for greater status lined up for his children.
ARPROCO is now home to one of Minetta’s largest development
All that changed when Bijan Arshad revolutionized the Minetta think tanks, hard at work on new technologies to export. Arshad
standard propulsion system, publishing his experimental results has spread his concerns to all facets of commercial manufac-
deriving stable hydrogen from spent nuclear fuel using only the turing innovation, seeking to cannibalize existing technologies
basic components available to him in a Minetta motor vehicle from other Families into new concerns. Wealthy and comfort-
factory. In the absence of anything approaching patents, Arshad able beyond his wildest dreams, Bijan Arshad is a rarity, even in
moved to create Arshad Propulsion Concern, commonly short- Minetta territories: a genuine success story.

MORRAY
Morray, like a handful of other Macau signatories, was “new and at others retracting. In a diplomatic exchange that shaped
money” compared to the likes of the D’Souzas, Bittners, and the fate of both Families, control of the Asian telecommunication
Rauslings of the world. Whether newly minted or not, however, networks was traded to Li in X +17 in exchange for cybernetic
it spends just as easily. Beginning initially as the small telecom- and bionic research that became the basis of the Family’s subse-
munications company Mundo Móvil, founded by Rubén Morray in quent military redesign, as well as their Lazarus project. Their
the late 1990s, the next decade saw staggering and rapid growth military-industrial base is now one of the most refined among the
throughout the Americas and the Caribbean with the explo- Families, and their defenses are hardened against enemies
sion of the mobile and smartphone market. and allies alike.
By 2005, the company had established itself
as the premier supplier of mobile commu-
nications services in the region and began
THE DOMAIN
expansion into Africa and Southeast Asia—
Family Morray have immense human
acquiring several of its competitors along
resources, incredibly advanced technology,
the way, culminating in the hostile takeover
and not enough food or raw materials to
of DayStar, its primary competitor, in 2013.
maintain the empire they have. Even with
Mundo Morray formed in 2014 to act as an industrial production and domestic secu-
umbrella company for further expansion, rity prioritized, Waste starve in the streets,
at which point Rubén’s brother, Francisco water is tainted, and riots break out across
Javier, spearheaded a phase of aggres- the territory. The Family are well aware
sive diversification. He invested heavily of this tension, but their solution is as
in mining, manufacturing, and elec- singular as it is unchanged: expansion
tronics assets. This in turn led to the at all costs, and taking what they
purchase of aerospace and defense need from the Families that have it.
concerns, with subsequent govern-
With two of the world’s most powerful Families to the
ment contracts. It is during this period that Mundo Morray
north, Morray has focused much of its attention on hated
and HOCK, Inc. began working together, eventually expanding
D’Souza camped on its southern border. Despite their superior
operations to include investments with Martins Industrial in
forces and advanced technology, Morray expansion has always
Africa.
been thwarted by a combination of food shortages and diplomatic
Worth $273B at the time of the Macau Accords, both Francisco threats from Hock—the latter of which have forced repeated, if
Javier and Rubén Morray were invited to represent their Fami- temporary, compromises with their southern neighbor. Morray
ly’s interests collectively. Rubén fell ill following the conclu- asserts their dominance over the seas, seeking tariffs from passing
sion of the conference and died shortly after returning home ships, and are leaders in the arenas of space exploration and
to Mexico City, leaving Francisco Javier with oversight and exploitation. They maintain several mining facilities on the moon,
control of the Family until X +9, when he was assassinated by whose production is divided between expanding space-based
a D’Souza agent during a visit to Havana. This led directly to exploitation and splashdown resource deliveries of raw metal
the outbreak of hostilities along Morray’s southern border, and and minerals. If they cannot own the land, they will extract value
while many identify that incident as the precipitating act of the from the ocean and the stars above—the world is quite literally
Morray/D’Souza conflict, others have been quick to point out not enough.
that Francisco Javier’s death was irrelevant to the start of what
During the ongoing Conclave War, Morray has finally achieved
most describe as an inevitable war.
their ambition of conquering the entire South American continent.
Since the Accords, Morray has existed in near-constant conflict In truth, this control remains mostly on paper; their rapid advance
with Carlyle, Hock, and of course D’Souza, at times expanding effectively degraded and ultimately defeated D’Souza, but their

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THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

hold on these newly conquered lands remains tenuous at best. The violently eliminated without the quaint pretense of trials, or else
current balance of power is untenable, especially with increased they are assigned to serve in one of the suicide squads Morray uses
Free activity, and Morray strategists are already working on the as their first line of attack. This recruitment strategy ensures the
problem of how far back to retreat. army is always plagued by a certain amount
An industrial dynamo, Family Morray’s MORRAY of graft and dissent, but Morray have always
mastery of engineering gives them a preferred quantity over quality, assuming
distinct advantage in terms of produc- that the battlefield will sort things out.
tion. Many of this side of the world’s most
sought-after nanotech manufacturing, ANDREAS MERCADO
nano-repair, and material science solutions
spring from Morray interests, including Born in X +48, Andreas Mercado never
durable, shapeable synthetic diamonds knew a full stomach until he reached eight
for blades and drilling, and exoskeletons years old. The third child of a subsistence
for combat, earth movement, mining, and farmer who could never quite subsist,
space exploration. Business Name: Mundo Morray Mercado often went to bed hungry after
Head of Family: Edgar Morray a grueling day of labor, plagued by the
THE PEOPLE Line of Succession: Anne-Maria constant fear of the bandits who regularly
Morray née Ribeiro (wife); Brian stole what little he managed to acquire.
The stratification of society beneath Morray (son); Maria Morray More than a quarter of his time working
Morray is extreme. Waste here are among (daughter); Alejandro Morray was spent secreting food in places where
the most impoverished of any Family, and (nephew)
those searching might not find it, and his
starvation is rampant. Waste workers fight Domain: Mexico and Central mother repeatedly disappeared for weeks
America, portions of the
to produce and export farming equipment at a time in the name of protection.
Caribbean, Venezuela, and parts
at a profit to other Families, all the while
of northern Brazil All of this ended one brutal week when he
knowing there isn’t enough food domesti-
cally to feed themselves.
Motto: Non Sufficit Orbis (The awakened to the smell of smoke. Rushing
world is not enough) from the dilapidated shelter that served as
There is no Lift under Morray, and the only Lazarus: Joacquim Morray his home, Andreas discovered his mother
legitimate path to a better life is through Allies (as of X +65): The Hock and father dead on the ground, along with
military service. The Family selects new Coalition (Hock, Martins, his two sisters. There, standing before him,
candidates for Serf status exclusively from Vassalovka); previously the
was a man he would come to know as Wolf.
the army, and service can begin as young as Carlyle Bloc
Wolf took Andreas in, fed him, and made
thirteen. After one term of service, troops Enemies (as of X +65): The Carlyle
Bloc (Armitage, Bittner,
him an Eye for the bandits as they made
are separated out into those fit for a life
Carragher, Carlyle, Nkosi), their way along the countryside, stealing
under arms, those ready for additional
D’Souza; previously the Hock their way to security.
education, and those who will be booted
Coalition
down to militia and starvation. It has been almost nine years since his
These ex-service people provide the strong parents and family were murdered, and
right arm of the gangs and cartels that thrive and writhe beneath Andreas has grown and learned. No longer an Eye, he is instead
the attention of the Serfs. These organizations continue a strange the new Wolf, a child soldier turned bandit general. Feared
and uneasy partnership with the Family. When they augment and respected, he nevertheless struggles with the legacy of his
and serve the Morray interest, such as by producing narcotics in upbringing. He knows that, in terms of material comforts, his
D’Souza territories or smuggling medical supplies from Atlanta to life is better now than it ever could have been under the parents
Caracas, they are encouraged. When they limit their predations he can barely remember. But the memories of his loss and rage
to the Waste, they are allowed to continue. But when their ambi- torment him still, rendering him prone to night terrors and
tions stray into the paths of Morray comfort or agendas, they are outbreaks of sudden, uncontrolled violence.

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NKOSI
Founded by Captain Thandi “Thomas” Nkosi, Steelpoint Solu- insect drones, capped off with a network of spies and informants
tions was a private military contractor originally based out of who are well-compensated for verified information. Moving north-
Dubai. Nkosi, a former operator with the South African Special ward, population density drops and the Serf-to-Waste ratio grows
Forces Brigade (the “Recces”), had a distinguished career and a to such an extent that Nkosi’s influence seems non-existent, but
raft of personal/professional connections to draw upon, and by this is a very dangerous assumption to make.
2010 employed over a thousand active operators. A subsidiary, The Family is primarily based out of South
Steelpoint Advance Ballistic Research (SABR) Africa, with residences in Port Elizabeth,
Solutions, was launched in X –10 with the Cape Town, and Johannesburg. The resulting
goal of developing high-end assault weapons concentration of wealth—and of Serfs who
for use and sale. serve in close proximity to the Family and their
In mid X –8, Nkosi entered a service agreement interests—means that this is by far the jewel of
with Dumaka Martins of Martins Industrial the Domain. Luanda, on the coast of Angola, is
to provide corporate security as the Family’s largest naval base
well as protection to the Martins and home of its Atlantic Fleet.
family. Four years later, Dumaka Small compared to Martins and
Martins purchased Steelpoint and SABR Morray, Nkosi attempts to make up this
from Nkosi, bringing both operations under the discrepancy with the quality of its sailors and
umbrella of Martins Industrial. The deal stipulated training, and advanced design in both its ships
that Nkosi would remain CEO of Steelpoint, and and naval defenses. The smaller Southern Fleet
the firm would retain its independence under is based out of Cape Town.
Martins’s oversight. The move proved lucra- Nkosi maintains thirty-four separate mili-
tive for both men. By the time the Accords were tary bases of varying size and purpose along the border
signed in Macau, Steelpoint was the second largest private with Martins, each capable of fielding a rapid response force
military contractor in the world. against any perceived Martins incursion,
With the unrest that followed the decla- NKOSI or launching their own assaults into their
ration of Year X, Steelpoint moved their neighbor’s Territory.
operations almost exclusively to Africa,
primarily to support the Martins Family’s
attempt to consolidate power. It came as
THE PEOPLE
a shock to the Martins Family when Nkosi
Military culture and life is fundamental
launched strikes against Martins holdings
to the Nkosi identity, even creating a new
in X +14—supported by the Carlyle and
class of Serfdom: the Oumanne (literally,
Carragher Families. The Nkosi betrayal
“old men”). The name, derived from South
shattered Martins’s control over sub-
African Defense Force (SADF) slang, previ-
Saharan Africa, eventually leaving Martins
Business Name: Steelpoint ously had been used to describe a group
confined to sub-Saharan West Africa. While
Solutions/SABR Solutions of veteran conscripts, but quickly came to
trade between the two Families resumed
Head of Family: Mamo be associated with those Serfs who could
in X +48, neither Family has forgiven or
Line of Succession: Ciko Nkosi
claim direct ties to Steelpoint or SABR. All
forgotten, and animosity—and occasional
(brother); Qiniso Nkosi née Oumanne are Serfs, but not all Serfs are
armed conflicts—between the two continue
Joubert (wife); Ehtulo Nkosi Oumanne. The standard of living for all
to this day.
(niece); Sakhile Nkosi (son) Serfs—but especially the Oumanne—is
Domain: Sub-Saharan Africa below high, with goods and services readily avail-
THE DOMAIN the equator, Madagascar able in almost all urban areas. Serfs have
Motto: Arte et Marte (By Skill and easy access to homes, education, and luxury
Nkosi’s territory—stretching from the Valor) goods, and amongst the Oumanne in partic-
Equator to the southern tip of the conti- Lazarus: Xalani Nkosi ular, these things are passed along via inher-
nent—witnessed a marked decrease in Allies (as of X +65): The Carlyle itance and nepotism. The arts are viewed as
conflict during the late twentieth and early Bloc (Armitage, Bittner, Carlyle, a “support service,” and Serfs working in
twenty-first centuries. Elements of tribal, Carragher), Meyers-Qasimi entertainment are richly rewarded based
religious and national identities remain, but Enemies (as of X +65): The Hock on their popularity.
the Family maintains at least the appearance Coalition (Hock, Vassalovka,
The Family modeled much of its social struc-
of equality in local dealings. Nkosi Territo- Morray, D’Souza)
ture on Carlyle. Unlike others following in
rial Patrols—modeled, in part, on Carlyle’s the Carlyle path, however, Nkosi aggres-
Territorial Protection Units—fan out from sively pursues its Lift program, holding quarterly regional and
urban centers into the deep forests to protect the Family’s inter- semiannual Domain-wide Lifts. For the Waste, the Lifts remain
ests using a boots-on-the-ground approach. This is augmented by the best hope for elevation. Military service offers another option,
high-tech methods ranging from micro-satellite surveillance to but given the Family’s long military history and tradition, service

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THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

must be truly exceptional. Service alone offers no guarantee of he shared an equally deft touch with a wrench or a medkit. In X
Serfdom, but it does offer proper training, good kit, regular meals, +31 he attended his first Lift, held in Lusaka, and while he was
and medical care, and enough of a stipend that a Waste soldier not selected, he did find his calling. All around him were hope-
might have a little left over to send home. fuls, desperate to be chosen, and of them, almost all were willing
to beg, barter, or steal anything they could for an extra edge.
Outside the military, Waste conditions vary radically depending on
Luamba, already better educated than most of his peers, saw his
location. Nkosi are able to feed their Waste better than almost any
opening and seized it.
other Family, but brutal work conditions are the price for that full
stomach. Waste work relentlessly to feed the Nkosi machine, and For the next several years, Luamba lived on the road, an apex
whole communities are regularly relocated to serve the shifting predator in the ecosystem that grows around the Lift system. In X
manpower needs of industry. A Labor Rewards Program similar to +37, at the Lilongwe Lift, he struck gold. All along the route from
Carlyle’s serves urban areas well, but is ineffective and irredeem- Harare he had traded his skill as a teacher. By the time the Lift
ably corrupt outside the cities, where Serfs are willing to bypass began in Lilongwe, he had personally tutored eighteen aspirants
the LRP system and offer goods or favors in exchange for services. in exchange for food, water, favors, and goods. Of those eighteen,
six were selected for Lift—a remarkably high number under any
Moving among the communities affected by these deplorable circumstances.
conditions, the Free have made significant inroads in rural Nkosi
Territory. The Torchbearers of Islam—a local Free offshoot that Kabakele Luamba’s reputation was made.
favors passive resistance, non-violent demonstrations, machine He continued to travel the Lift routes for another two and a half
breaking, and strike actions in the service of “the dignity of man”— years, while stories about his skill and his successes spread. As
continue to grow in popularity, and even constant surveillance, more and more students came to him, he was forced to limit the
savage punishments, and substantial bounties have not prevented number he was willing to tutor. The supply restricted, the demand
large communities of Waste from organizing under their banner. grew even more. Finally, en route to Dar es Salaam, a fight broke
out between the parents of two potential students. When it was
KABAKELE “LEARNED” LUAMBA over, one of the children was dead. When the caravan reached Dar
es Salaam two days later, Luamba disappeared into the city.
Luamba was, is, and likely always will be Waste. Now in his late He has not been seen in over twenty years, but still the rumors
fifties, he spent his early years scrabbling for what work he could about the Learned Man from Kamina persist among the Waste.
find, often trailing after soldiers, and ingratiating himself by To sit at his knee is to be guaranteed a better life, they say. He
performing odd jobs. A quick study and a quick eye, he learned still teaches, they say. If you can find him, if you can prove you are
to read and write, and later acquired a broad, practical educa- worthy of his time, he can teach you, they say. But, of course, the
tion in the science of “keeping things running.” By his late teens, Waste say a lot of things…

VASSALOVKA
From the time of the fall of the Soviet Union, Ultra was one of has expanded its numbers significantly through marriage and
Moscow’s leading financial investment groups. Originally adoption, making them the largest of the Families and ensuring
controlled by a number of powerful families—with retail, ties of blood and kinship create an unbreak-
telecom, transportation and energy inter- able network of loyalists even outside the
ests—Ultra flourished across decades. By areas of their direct control.
the time of the Macau Accords, Vassalovka
had shed all partners and ruled Ultra alone,
leveraging that control for a seat at the table.
THE DOMAIN
Though not an initial Macau Accords signa- In no other Territory do Lesser Houses have
tory, Vassalovka attended the conference, as much power as they do under Vassalovka.
accompanying friend and fellow billionaire Seven competing Avtoritets—the heads of the
Vitaly Sidorov of TransEnergetika. Providing Lesser Houses—vie for power and dignity. Each
Sidorov counsel and input, Vassalovka stood as a administers separate laws and bureaucracies, and
“lesser house” behind the Russian giant. pursues separate social and military strategies as
Under the reactionary and xenophobic Sidorov regime, they see fit. This pattern of fragmentation flows down-
Vassalovka carefully developed its position as a stable, ward, with each oligarch ruling in turn over their own
unthreatening vassal and fair-handed power broker. All complex networks of lesser patronage. Gifts, marriages,
the while, they quietly expanded their territory and influ- adoptions, and sponsorships into elite societies are
ence. In X +19, Sidorov attempted to purge the Lesser House the threads that hold the Territory together, rather than
Galimzyanov, triggering a civil war. Vassalovka, now supported laws or institutions. Small aristocratic families dominate
internally by three of seven Sidorov Lesser Houses and with the regional military, academic, and intelligence communi-
overt external support from the Minetta Family, became the only ties, each in service to local powers rather than unified into a
new Family to rise to the rank of full Accord signatory through war. national institution.
Since then, Family Vassalovka has maintained control over Russia At each level, direct and indirect conflicts are allowed, requiring
and beyond. Through three generations of leadership, the Family at most the blessing of a nominal liege lord. Vassalovka, remem-

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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

bering their own path to power, actively encourages infighting Lineage determines rank, occupation, and aspiration, with the
between Avtoritets, so long as that infighting does not stop the majority dedicated to grueling work in manufacturing and indus-
mandated tributes flowing in to support the voracious appetites trial agriculture. While some nobles experiment with new tech-
of the Central District. Internal conflicts are only put aside in the nologies, genetic engineering, and automation to the benefit of
name of Territorial expansion. The border Avtoritets muster the their people, the majority instead reserve their resources for
war machines and troops of their peers to make forays into Li, consumption and militarization, and use human labor to ensure
Rausling, Inamura, and Meyers-Qasimi lands, with loot split and they can pay their tributes up and salaries down.
land divided up based on pre-agreed contracts of distribution The only alternatives to this hard labor are conscription into the
overseen by Vassalovka delegates. army—still mostly limited to men—and becoming an outlaw by
The Vassalovka Territory is vast, even on the scale of a world divided moving into the shadow world of organized crime. The Vassa-
by sixteen Families, and conditions across the Domain vary wildly. lovka system creates ample opportunities for corruption, smug-
Their lands vary from bountiful wonderlands to wind-smoothed gling, and banditry. Where the local families are especially venal
wastelands, and the Families hold unquestioned sway over the one or weak, government and organized crime may be so intertwined
and give little if any attention to the other. The relatively cosmo- as to be indistinguishable, with syndicates taking over operation
politan cities of the North-West prosper on stolen Rausling wealth of mines, farms, or ranches.
while, in the neighboring Central District, Vassalovka’s primacy The North-West, in stark contrast, prospers through the incor-
offers an oppressive stability under entirely feudal norms. Strip poration of new European Territory, hosting an endless game
mining abounds in many territories, using the rotating Martins- of deadly high society rivalries played out between the fami-
developed model to efficiently extract bounties at breakneck speed lies ruling the elite academic and intelligence services. Prague
before leaving the land a desiccated husk. This extraction model is building a massive new opera house dedicated to Andrei
is preferentially deployed in newly conquered territories, ensuring Dmitrovich’s military victories, and the Chemical Institute of Riga
that even if an opponent retakes their land, they regain none of recently opened a new “Wing of Innovation,” in truth a luxurious
its value. As a result, many of Vassalovka’s borders are defined by prison camp for captured German scientists.
strip mines on a scale once only seen in Udachny.
Generations of conflict have turned the East into a dangerous
Avtoritets Zolotoi and Yakubovich war over Asiatic Russia, and ever-more-depopulated warzone, where small Zolotoi,
rendering their lands a sprawl of ruins infested with bandits and Yakubovich, Minetta, and Inamura armies engage with regional
war machines, while Avtoritet Kopylov—a Vassalovka loyalist militias. All throughout this region are ruins populated with
with no sons of his own—directs the Far East’s awesome war fly-spy drones, combat drones, smart mines, and other horrors of
machine outward against the now-united modern warfare, left on gruesome display.
Inamura and Li. Kopylov is supported by the
mineral wealth of families Yakubovich and
VASSALOVKA
TATIANA “REDDY” KOPILOV
Zolotoi of Siberia and Ural respectively, and,
through a marriage alliance with Minetta, Tatiana was the daughter of an Indian
all combine to stop Li from expanding diplomat and a Russian soldier. After her
deeper into Kazakhstan. father died in the second Li campaigns, she
was taken from her mother over her parent’s
THE PEOPLE objections and raised as the ward of a minor
noble house. Strong academic performance
Vassalovka Territory suffers from a in her youth prompted a sponsorship
desperate need for internal stability for Tatiana to attend and ultimately gain
Business Name: Ultra membership at the Academy of Kiev. After
prevented by hostile neighbors, a frag- Head of Family: Dmitri
mented government and culture, and the groundbreaking work on synthetic bullet-
Vladimirovich Vassalovka
casing technologies, her time as a professor
adulation of a violent leadership ideology Line of Succession: Kasia Ivanova was brought to a sharp end and Tatiana was
that leaves the populace its first victim. Vassalovka née Kotova (wife);
ultimately adopted into House Kopilov as
Vassalovka, cautious of making the same Aleksandr Vladimirovich
(brother); Mila Dmitrevna
“daughter” of the childless and aging Avto-
errors as Sidorov before them, entirely ritet in charge of the eastern war effort.
(daughter); Andrei Dmitrovich
abandoned the ambition of enforcing a (son) In the struggle to inherit command of the
shared culture. They instead direct their Domain: Reincorporated Russia and army that defends Vassalovka’s east, adop-
ambitions to control through a delicate Dominions (some former CIS) tion offers no certainty. Despite the current
balance of fear, force, and blood ties. Outside Motto: Поживем – увидим (“Wait Avtoritet’s support, Tatiana faces an uphill
of the Central District, it makes more sense and See/Time Will Tell”) struggle against the sexism, racism, and
not to think of the people as of the Territory Lazarus: The Zmey (“The Dragon”) old-school networks that dominate the
or even the District; instead, these areas are Allies (as of X +65): The Hock aristocracy. In her favor, however, she has
dominated by the politics and conditions of Coalition (Hock, Martins, a brilliant military mind, a strong connec-
the sub-Districts. Morray, D’Souza) tion with Minetta traders, and a hand avail-
In the South-West and Central District Enemies (as of X +65): The Carlyle able in marriage. Her debutante celebra-
areas, Waste work from sunup to sundown, Bloc (Armitage, Bittner, Carlyle, tions will be held once the X +66 campaign
Carragher, Nkosi), Li, Inamura,
intensely exploited and with some of the season ends, and will inaugurate a different
Meyers-Qasimi, Minetta
lowest life expectancies on the planet. kind of campaign for the young heiress.

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APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

OTHER POWERS
Though the power of the Families seems absolute, a number of
political entities still remain.

THE CHURCH 
The Families may, between them, control the planet’s wealth,
but even at the time of the Macau Accords, one other organiza-
tion had sufficient wealth to demand a seat. Although it lacked
the diversified investments, enterprises, and forces the Families
were able to marshal, the Catholic Church boasted vast landhold-
ings, billions in liquid assets, and the power of a sovereign base
of operations. Yet today, the Catholic Church is—on the surface at
least—a disestablished client state, and survives at the sufferance
of the Families who permit it.
Initially one of the principal objectors to the ascent of the Fami-
lies to open power, the conservative Pope Nicholas VIII famously
issued the “Not of Works” sermon, drawing heavily on Ephesians
2:9 and denouncing the “arrogant pretension of dynastic power,
in the accretion of wealth a manifestation of right.” For five years,
he railed against the Families, seeking to curb and curtail the
suspension of democratic norms wherever the slow creep toward
feudalism took hold.
When an aneurysm laid Nicholas VIII to rest, Pope Honorius VI
succeeded him after a seventy-one-hour papal conclave. Following
his election, four cardinals resigned, and the Papal See issued its first
excommunications against schismatic cardinals in more than two
centuries. Formerly Cardinal Francis Vigalondo, a native of Sydney,
Australia, one of Honorius’s first decisions was to formally assign
discrete papal nuncios to each of the sixteen Families with the goal
of establishing a better footing for diplomatic relations. Electing to
personally visit Malcolm Carlyle as part of his tour of the Carlyle Today, this formal system of concessions and informal conflu-
Territories may have been both prudent and one of his most signif- ence of influence has given rise to one of the world’s foremost
icant mistakes. Concerns that the Catholic Church was “suborned intelligence networks. Although the Vatican trains and deploys
to Carlyle interests” caused significant difficulty for papal repre- a number of intelligence officers under the supervision of The
sentatives, with Bittner, Li, Inamura, and Meyers-Qasimi politely Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the vast majority
returning papal representatives to the Vatican. Vassalovka’s papal of information is gathered and dealt with on an informal basis.
nuncio was never seen again. The outcry of many Catholic residents Any individual Catholic might be pressed for information by their
was weaponized by Carlyle in the face of rising tensions, pointing local priest or traveling clergy, while messages might travel under
to a “disdain for an organization of peace and hope for millions” the cover of intercessional prayers or be encoded into sermons.
as a primary distinguishing factor between other Families and his The Church deals in information, misinformation, and gossip,
theoretically “liberal” bloc. trying to balance its own utility to the Families with sufficient
Two further tragedies compromised the position of the Church. independence for genuine spiritual functions. With the outbreak
When Hock formally broke with Carlyle interests in X +11, Cath- of hostilities, new challenges are presented: The Morray-D’Souza
olic priests were expelled from Hock Territories and the Family dispute nominally pits two of their largest dioceses against each
began formally disestablishing all religion in Hock Territory. In X other, forcing them to “pick a side” in the hope of retaining influ-
+14, the collapse of heavily Catholic-aligned Family Soleri further ence, and geopolitical shifts have left many Catholic operatives
weakened their position to intercede and treat with the Families behind enemy lines.
on an open footing.
The Church’s position thus weakened, it was not long before EXTINCT FAMILIES
Carlyle began extracting private concessions,  national-
izing Church-owned property and requiring a personal stake Since the Macau accords, two signatory Families—the Rauslings
in the appointment of bishops inside Carlyle territory. Though and the Soleri—have been eradicated through warfare and hard-
privately aghast, the Church was forced to concede to retain spiri- ship. Their former territories remain disputed lands where estab-
tual influence in the arenas where it had any form of bargaining lished Families fight for resources, resistance groups flourish
power at all. Carragher, Morray, and D’Souza each followed suit, without oversight, and power brokers hope to rise to the level of
demanding local compliance for continued privileges. Family through their own ingenuity.

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INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

SOLERI Until now.  

Over the past six years, as more
Former masters of East Africa as well as
and more previously indepen-
Chad and the Sudan, the Soleri Family
dent forces adopt the symbol
was the first to fall. Originally estab-
of the burning torch and swear
lished to manage real estate, automo-
themselves to the Free, the group
tive manufacturing, and food produc-
moves ever more to the top of
tion, Soleri Italiano found their true
the Families’ enemy list. This
fortune in entertainment. After the
symbolic unity is bolstered by
Macau Accords, the Soleris declined
increasing practical coopera-
quickly, losing first their homeland of
tion. The leadership of the
Italy to Rausling and later suffering
Free remains local—inde-
heavy losses when they attempted to
pendent cells are organized
wrest control of Egypt from Meyers-
and led by guerrilla leaders,
Qasimi. The loss of life and economic strife
charismatic speakers, and other
lead to widespread popular uprisings, in which
anonymous commanders. However,
Head of Family Ennio Soleri was captured and dismembered.
the unifying force that defines the
Free is the information-sharing and
RAUSLING mission coordination provided by
a mysterious faction known only
Beginning as cloth merchants in the seventeenth as Orphan—an unknown figure, or
century, Rausling persisted and grew steadily possibly secret network, who remains
into a financial giant that dominated remarkably well-informed about
Europe. A longtime ally of Hock, the Family plans, priorities, and weak-
Rauslings eagerly turned on nesses.
their Bittner neighbors during
the Conclave War, originally Orphan does not take direct action or
taking much of Bittner territory conduct operations. The mysterious lead-
on the continent before coordinated ership neither proposes priorities nor sets
efforts by the Carlyle Bloc reversed agendas. Instead, Orphan enhances existing activ-
the advance. Lazarus Sonja Bittner ities: warning a cell of an upcoming raid, arranging to
defeated Rausling’s own Lazarus, smuggle an elite agent to Sana’a for genetic upgrades,
Captain Cristof Müeller, and Head of providing schematics for a building a group hopes to
Family Luka Rausling was executed raid, or arranging the delivery of weapons and supplies
during an assault on his military convoy. to a besieged rebel city. Insofar as Orphan seems to have an
The whereabouts of Rausling’s children, agenda, Orphan’s influence is expressed through increased or
Gerhard and Annika, remain unknown, and both Bittner and decreased support for various strategies. If there is any conse-
Vassalovka have proceeded to seize Rausling territory as spoils quence for resistance leaders refusing to work with Orphan, or
of war. going beyond the remit of Orphan’s preferences, it is rare enough
as to be invisible.

THE FREE  Despite Orphan’s growing involvement, the political philosophies

and methods of the Free vary, ranging from rural, religious, or
The Free represent the only truly global resistance to Family rule. tribal insurgencies to sophisticated Serf cabals. In areas where the
They are a desperate and varied group, with independent cells Family is strong and secure, the Free limit themselves to purely
engaging in activities from popular revolts and terrorist attacks cellular structures and provide their operatives with significant
to charity support and organized passive resistance. The Free latitude. Information is provided sparingly, and no operative
are not the first significant resistance movement, but they are knows the identity of more than a few other co-conspirators. This
the first to go global. Since Year X, innumerable opponents to is the norm across Hock and Carlyle Territories and in the eastern
the neo-feudal capitalist order have arisen—some with signifi- Li domains.
cant (if temporary) success—including a number of movements Outside areas of direct Family rule, the Free maintain larger, more
that have since been folded into the umbrella of the Free. None effective groups, sometimes with their own military command
of these groups, however, have managed to overcome the Family structure, bases of operation, and open recruitment. In Mali,
stranglehold on communications and transport enough to form Alaska, Gao, and across the Micronesian islands, tens of thou-
a meaningful coalition, and none have been able to unify—even sands of people take up arms under the banner of the burning
temporarily—the wildly divergent cultural and political ambi- torch. In all cases, however, these groups end with their local
tions of those willing to commit treason and terrorism under a leadership, and access to Orphan remains purely at the myste-
cohesive agenda. rious figure’s discretion.

106
 Taking the Stone:
A World of Lazarus Adventure
From the luxurious heights of Family meeting rooms to lands tions and end goals that you should consider. Before you begin
littered with the ruins of a more stable time, characters can the adventure, decide which campaign model you wish to use.
find plenty of action and intrigue in the World of Lazarus. In this This helps determine some of the opponents the characters will
particular adventure, characters must follow the trail of Gregory face and the resources at their disposal. The campaign model also
Nazer, a Carlyle Serf who has gone rogue, stealing a piece of infor- helps the players choose the most appropriate character types.
mation that has painted a glowing target on his back. At a few points in this adventure, you’ll see prompts detailing
different effects depending on the campaign model you’re using.
INTRODUCTION
THE SERF CAMPAIGN
ROCK In this model, characters are loyal Carlyle Serfs. Their objective
is to serve loyally and maintain the security and safety of Carlyle
Taking the Stone is an introductory adventure for 4–6 1st level territories—including preventing dangerous data from falling
Modern AGE heroes in the World of Lazarus. How exactly the adven- into the hands of rival states or criminal groups. This works espe-
ture begins depends on who the characters are and where they cially well for military-style campaigns or characters, but addi-
come from. The following section explains how to run this adven- tional specialists or friends of Nazer’s are likely to be recruited
ture for different campaign models, so you should discuss before- to the effort. They are dispatched by Domain Executive Angela
hand with the rest of the group which kind of adventure you want Cheng on a mission to recover or destroy Nazer and his data.
to play, which will inform what kinds of characters you wish to use.
Cheng explains everything she knows about Nazer’s defection and
This adventure revolves around Gregory Nazer—a desperate theft, which does not include his personal life, but does include the
man—and the Rock, a Carlyle data archive. The Rock is a massive address for his apartment. The characters also receive an electronic
library and server farm built into a decommissioned missile silo in key to the apartment itself. For security reasons, Cheng is unwilling
the Cascadia Sub-Dominion near Spokane. Here the Family stores to share the nature of the stolen data, only insisting that maintaining
military and scientific data no longer valuable in day-to-day opera- its secrecy was an order handed down directly by the Family.
tions, too valuable to destroy, and/or too sensitive for public release.
A strictly enforced “air gap” separates the Rock’s internal computer THE WASTE CAMPAIGN
network from any exterior networks, and while most of its archives In this model, the characters are Waste in the Carlyle Domain.
consist of old Family financial information and military reports, it Finding the stolen data and returning it could give all the char-
also stores a large amount of scientific data from prior decades. acters an automatic pass into Serfdom on merit, or make them
Gregory Nazer is a kind man with a natural gift for data archi- convenient targets to eliminate. If they instead decide to sell the
tecture and storage that allowed him to pass Lift testing and information they’ve recovered, fleeing to Morray or Hock Territo-
become a Serf. Nazer turned his life upside down after hearing ries could be an adventure on its own.
from his estranged family and learning that his little brother was The characters receive word of Nazer’s escape from a smuggler
in the advanced stages of Huntington’s chorea, a deadly genetic named Adriana Silva, who is currently juggling too many opera-
disorder only treatable with gene therapy. Guilt wracked Nazer, tions—either criminal or revolutionary, depending on your
knowing his brother would be a Serf today—and have access to campaign model—to chase down a new lead. Depending on the
proper healthcare—if their family had stayed together. He finally nature of your characters and campaign, Silva may be hiring
resolved to buy black-market medical supplies and “borrow” them to track Nazer on her behalf, selling them the information,
classified data on cellular repair from work in a desperate gamble or using this juicy lead to pay off a debt she owes. Whatever the
to treat his brother’s advanced neurological decay. characters’ exact role, Silva provides the address to Nazer’s apart-
Regardless of the characters’ backgrounds, they pursue Nazer to ment in Spokane.
recover the data he stole from the Rock. After investigating Nazer’s
life to learn his motives and likely destination, the characters must THE RESISTANCE CAMPAIGN
track him to the small Waste community of Tekoa and locate James In this model, characters are Waste and low-ranking Serfs secretly
McIntyre, a smuggler he hired to take him further east. fighting to undermine Family control on behalf of a group like the
McIntyre proves a tough nut to crack, demanding outrageous Free. They learn about Nazer through resistance contacts, who
rewards to turn over his client, but eventually points the charac- provide very little information other than the urgency of recov-
ters to a small motel. But the secrets that Nazer stole put him in ering Nazer before the Family does. The goal in this campaign
the crosshairs of many parties, and the characters arrive to find would be to steal Nazer’s information to give the freedom fighters
Nazer’s hiding place ransacked and the vital data missing. Inves- intelligence on their enemy and perhaps use the Family’s own
tigation reveals that Nazer’s secrets were stolen by a local Novaya weapons against them.
Bratva brigadier, Ieska Tsena. Either through their own investigations or through resistance
contacts, the characters learn that Gregory Nazer has taken flight
CAMPAIGN MODELS with important data that could be useful to the resistance. The
communiqué or intercepted CARSEC communications provide
Although the events of Taking the Stone vary very little depending the characters with the address for Nazer’s apartment and cut
on the campaign model, there are some differences in motiva- off, with no room for questions.

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 CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 5: ADVENTURE:
CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

SCENE ONE main bedroom has a queen-size bed, while the other is furnished
as a home office, with a desk on one end and a drawing board on
the other. There are a few photos in the bedroom depicting two
A TRAIL OF PEBBLES men—one of them Nazer—smiling and embracing.
EXPLORATION ENCOUNTER The following leads are available in the apartment with the corre-
sponding ability tests. Target Numbers marked with an asterisk
Once provided with the address for Gregory Nazer’s apartment, (*) mean that characters who have the listed focuses discover the
the characters are on their own to determine where and how they lead automatically. All Perception tests take around 1 hour if the
might locate the rogue Serf. characters just state that they are looking around the apartment,
and 15 minutes if they state they are looking in the appropriate
WHAT CHARACTERS KNOW room. Each Intelligence test takes around 15 minutes.

Characters can make Intelligence tests with the appropriate LETTER FROM HOME TN 11
focuses to gather or recall the information on the Spokane
Primary Focus: Perception (Searching)
Area Information table after their briefing. The focuses listed
Tangential Focus: Perception (Seeing)
in parentheses are primary focuses for that piece of information,
and Communication (Investigation) may be used as a tangen- In the bedroom’s nightstand drawer is a letter. The letter is
tial focus for all of them. Target Numbers marked with an asterisk signed “Wishing you well and that you forgive us, your mother.”
(*) mean that the information listed is freely available for charac- The letter is informing Nazer that his younger brother Bradley is
ters in the Serf campaign without the need for a test. dying from a rare disease called Huntington’s chorea. It has vague
In addition to the information they may already know, a Communi- references and apologies from when Nazer’s family cast him out
cation (Investigation) or Intelligence (Research) test can reveal due to his sexuality.
any of the information on the Gregory Nazer Information table.
MESSAGE FOR BOYFRIEND TN 10
NAZER’S APARTMENT Focuses: Intelligence (Computers) or Intelligence (Research)

Nazer’s humble home is one of three in the same building, taking Nazer left a message for one Ryan Malcolm in the apartment’s
up the entire first floor. Yellow and black plastic tape marks a large Post console. Nazer wrote that some urgent family business came
“X” across the door, along with an official CARSEC notification to not up and he has to take a trip for a couple of days. It’s clear that
enter the domicile. Characters working as Carlyle agents have the Nazer has no idea of the trouble he’s in.
key to enter, but Waste and Resistance characters must find a way to
get inside; picking the door lock requires a TN 14 Dexterity (Sabo- TO-DO NOTE TN 11*
tage) test, while locating an unlocked window only requires a TN
11 Perception (Search) or Intelligence (Security) test. Breaking Focus: Perception (Searching)
the door or a window may alert the neighbors at your discretion.
In the office, under the computer keyboard, is a note with a
The apartment is modest, but cozy and well furnished. A small written address on the outskirts of Spokane and the words
counter separates the living/dining room from a kitchenette, and
a small hall leads to two bedrooms and single bathroom. The
GREGORY NAZER INFORMATION
SPOKANE AREA INFORMATION TN INFORMATION
TN INFORMATION Gregory Andrew Nazer was born 12 January, X +35 in Helena,
(Current Affairs, Families, Security): The Rock is a high-security Borderland North Sub-Dominion. Originally designated Waste, he
11
Carlyle facility used to store top-secret information and research, elevated to Serf status in the X +56 Lift. He received a degree in
7* library sciences from the University of Texas in X +60.
but is not a research site itself. The place is nearly impregnable
and a top priority for CARSEC. As far as anyone can tell, Nazer has no connections to any known
(Business, Current Affairs, Law): Employees at the Rock undergo 12 criminal or dissident groups. Coworkers report he seemed to enjoy
9* comprehensive background checks to receive clearance. Breaches his job and had no complaints or rivalries at the office.
may be punishable by death if severe enough. Nazer has been employed at the Rock, a secure data archive in the
13
(Current Affairs, Navigation, Security): Spokane is fairly safe as Spokane area, since May X +62.
10 Family communities go, serving largely as an agriculture hub for Nazer has been dating an electrical engineer named Ryan Malcolm
surrounding Serf-owned ranches and Waste farms. 14 for almost a year. CARSEC questioned Malcolm immediately and is
(Security, Tactics): Although security around the Rock is confident he knows nothing about Nazer’s disappearance.
extremely high, Spokane is relatively safe to travel around even Lift recipients normally bring family members with them into Serf
11
as Waste, though as usual, CARSEC will not hesitate to fire on any 15 ranks, but Nazer came to his new life alone. Records indicate his
non-Serfs breaking the law. parents and brothers are still alive in his hometown of Helena.
(Current Affairs, Law, Security): Carlyle forces don’t much care Financial records or eyewitness reports indicate that Nazer has
about securing anything in the area except the Rock, so the Waste made several unusually large purchases over the last week, buying
13 communities surrounding Spokane are under the protection of 17 large quantities of otherwise innocuous items normally restricted
various small-time thugs, including slavers to the north and a to Serfs, like medicine, various foodstuffs, and inexpensive media
Novaya Bratva cartel called the Lion Fangs to the south. tablets—all items easily traded.

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

“McIntyre only takes CASH” in Nazer’s handwriting. This is the A DARING ESCAPE
address of a fence who sells hard currency in exchange for credit
transfers. If characters follow this lead, they find a woman named Once the characters have at least a handful of clues, or game-
Deana Ross (see below). play begins to feel like it’s stalling out, alert the player with the
highest Perception that they can hear sirens approaching. By
COMPUTER LOGS TN 12 default, this assumes the characters have enough time to move
on quickly without incident, but if your table wants an exciting
Focus: Intelligence (Computers required)
scene to break up the investigation, consider adding a chase
Searching for incriminating information in Nazer’s personal scene between the characters and a few CARSEC officers. Use
computer is an advanced test with a Success Threshold of 12, and the statistics for Police Officers in Chapter 9: Adversaries, in
success reveals deleted activity logs of him copying decryption a Patrol EV (see Vehicles in Chapter 3: Tech Briefing), both
software onto an external drive, as well as a few medical text- chapters in the Modern AGE rulebook.
books and instruction manuals for professional medical equip-
ment. There is also a community car order, paying for a round SCENE TWO
trip between the apartment and a pawn shop owned by Deana
Ross (see below). THE OLD WOLF
REGIONAL MAP ROUTES TN 13 SOCIAL ENCOUNTER

Focus: Intelligence (Computers required) All the leads in Nazer’s apartment pointed to Tekoa, a farming
community populated almost entirely by Waste tenant farmers. A
On the personal computer in the study, Nazer looked for and handful of Serf overseers and technicians tend the area, and secu-
printed a map to the city of Helena in the Borderland North Sub- rity is largely maintained not by Family forces, but by a Novaya
Dominion. It looks like Nazer searched a dozen possible routes Bratva cartel called the Lion Fangs. The territorial authority is over-
between Spokane and Helena, and all of them pass through one extended and undermanned, and so long as the Fangs enforce the
or more Family checkpoints. The last route is between Spokane peace and take only a small cut of farmers’ output, local CARSEC
and Tekoa, fifty miles southeast, and avoids any Family check- forces turn a blind eye to their smuggling operations. While the
points. outlying farmers are mostly good people, Tekoa itself is a popular
watering hole for smugglers and slavers moving their merchandise
APPOINTMENT LOCATION TN 14 between the Cascadia and Borderland North Sub-Dominions.
Focus: Perception (Searching) If the characters were thorough in their investigations, they know
Nazer came to Tekoa to meet a smuggler named James McIntyre
In the bedroom, a slip of paper is tucked between the mattress at a bar called Lulu’s. If they arrive only knowing the name James
and the box spring. The slip reads “J.M., Tekoa, Lulu’s” and yester- McIntyre or the location, Lulu’s, then a TN 10 Communication
day’s date. A subsequent TN 7* Intelligence (Cartography) or (Investigation) test rounds out their information once they
Intelligence (Regency) test reveals that Tekoa is the name of a reach town.
Waste community about 50 miles south of Spokane.
If the characters don’t put the pieces together to figure out that JAMES MCINTYRE
Nazer is hiring a smuggler named McIntyre in the town of Tekoa,
or fail to unlock enough clues, have Nazer’s boyfriend, Ryan These days, Tekoa is a town that attracts smugglers and slavers,
Malcolm, approach them several hours later. He has received and James McIntyre has done a bit of both over the years. Mostly on
a text from Nazer reassuring his partner that he’s fine, but if behalf of the Novaya Bratva, he wasn’t above working for the Bloody
anything happens to contact a man named McIntyre in Tekoa. Railroad in his younger days, giving him a unique insight into how to
However, because the characters will be following this lead later, smuggle not just things, but people. These days, most of McIntyre’s
you may decide to impose additional penalties, such as McIntyre work focuses on moving people across borders without making a
being drunk when they arrive and insisting someone settle his fuss, which is why Nazer came to him to try to reach Helena quietly.
bar tab (with a cost of 10) before he’ll talk.
When the characters arrive, McIntyre is having a drink with three
QUESTIONING ROSS of his employees. For James McIntyre, use the information for
an Information Broker (see Chapter 9: Adversaries in the
Two of Nazer’s clues point to a Waste pawnbroker named Deana Modern AGE rulebook), adding the Accuracy (Pistols) focus as well
Ross. If the characters follow up with her, Ross begins with a as a pistol to his equipment. For his flunkies, use the information
Neutral attitude and not trusting the characters, but her attitude for Raiders (see Adversaries in Chapter 4: The Rule of Law).
can be shifted with TN 11 Communication (Intimidation),
The characters can take a seat and get a read of the room, which
Communication (Persuasion), Communication (Investiga-
allows them to identify McIntyre after 10 minutes and a successful
tion), or Communication (Deception) tests. The price for her
TN 9 Perception (Empathy) or Perception (Hearing) test. They
information is a Resources cost of 12 if she is shifted to an Open
can just ask around instead, but doing so alerts McIntyre and
attitude, and a cost of 10 with a Friendly attitude (her attitude
adds 1 shift to the negotiation below.
will not shift any additional steps). Upon success, Ross reveals
that Nazer bought gold, and was asking after an old smuggler McIntyre starts with a Neutral attitude toward the characters, and
named James McIntyre. Ross knows that McIntyre operates out they must engage him in a negotiation played as a detailed social
of the Waste community of Tekoa, 50 miles south. interaction (see Chapter 2: Basic Rules in the Modern AGE

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 CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 5: ADVENTURE:
CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

rulebook). McIntyre will not give up anything until his attitude and clientele. As the group approaches Room 6, they notice the
becomes Friendly (2 shifts), before making the actual bargain as door is slightly ajar. Inside is a cheap motel room, with a thread-
the last shift. In addition, he realizes Nazer is very important to bare carpet, bed, chairs, table, and radio. An open suitcase sits
the characters, even if he doesn’t care why; this adds 2 additional overturned in one corner. Two men lie on the floor, one barely
shifts as he tries to squeeze the characters for everything they conscious and gasping, bleeding profusely from his chest and
have, for a total of 5 shifts. stomach. The other lies still, a small bloodstain on his head.
Below are some social maneuvers the characters can attempt The conscious man—one of McIntyre’s thugs who goes by
for the negotiation. You or your players may suggest additional Charlie—can be stabilized with a TN 11 Intelligence (Medicine)
maneuvers. check. The fallen man is Gregory Nazer, likely identifiable by the
intelligence the characters may have received or the photographs
• Offers of future favors with collateral (1 shift for Waste or
from Nazer’s home.
the Free, 2 shifts for Serfs)
A quick check even by untrained characters reveals that Nazer
• Negotiate payment (opposed Communications
is alive but unconscious; the blood comes from his jaw, where
(Bargaining) tests, 1 shift per successful test, up to 3 tests).
several teeth have been knocked out by a single, powerful blow.
• Deliver a significant payment (TN 13 Resources test, He groans as the characters examine him and wakes up slowly. If
number of shifts equal to the result of the Stunt Die). the characters identify themselves as Carlyle agents, he freezes in
panic, but then slumps in defeat. Otherwise, he simply confirms
• Mention that they know Adriana Silva (Waste campaign
his identity if the characters ask.
only, 1 shift).
If none of the characters ask Nazer what happened, the severely
• Get rid of a gang that’s been poaching on McIntyre’s routes; wounded man simply utters, “They jumped us;” if the characters
he will even point out where they’re hiding. The gang is were led to the room by one of McIntyre’s subordinates, he tries
composed of a number of Scavengers (see Adversaries to tend to the wounded man. Read or paraphrase the following:
in Chapter 4: The Rule of Law) equal to the number of
characters (2 shifts). “They took it!” Nazer says with a small catch of fear in his
One thing McIntyre will not stand for is the characters trying voice. “My computer, my drives, everything! It’s like they
to put one over him. A failed Communication (Deception) test knew what they were looking for! They were speaking in
will add 1 additional shift instead of clearing a shift. A Strength Russian, I think,” he mutters nervously.
(Intimidation) test automatically adds 1 additional shift, regard- “The Bratva…” The wounded man groans in pain. “Effin’
less of the results. Lion Fangs! That fucker Ieska was here with her boys, asking
for this guy…they wouldn’t pay what the boss was asking.”
If negotiations fail utterly, a bar fight breaks out. If the characters “W-what?” Nazer blinks in surprise. “He was going to sell
manage to best his enforcers and pose a serious threat to him, me to the Bratva?!”
McIntyre agrees to give up Nazer. “Welcome to the jungle, Serf-n-Turf.” The goon smirks and
In the end, McIntyre finally reveals he was ready to head out with grimaces.
Nazer yesterday, but his truck has been giving him some trouble.
If not already present, McIntyre soon arrives (worried the char-
While it’s being repaired, Nazer is staying at a small motel called
acters will make off with his payload) and demands an explana-
the Riverside, Room 6.
tion, warily eying the characters. Whether he led the characters
or arrived later, the thug takes his colleague and leaves the char-
SCENE THREE
acters alone with Nazer, telling them that he’ll inform his boss of
the Bratva’s treachery.
HIJACKED OBJECTIVES Once alone, Nazer elaborates and confirms that what the Bratva
SOCIAL ENCOUNTER criminals stole is indeed the classified and encrypted data he
took from the Rock, but he insists that only he can decrypt it,
The Riverside is a roadside motel, perhaps a century old, main- between Carlyle algorithms and his own passwords. If the
tained reasonably well considering the lack of local resources characters are independent Waste or Free revolutionaries, he

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

tries to make a bargain, offering his passwords if the charac- warehouse is connected to the other buildings on the strip mall
ters let him go; while this isn’t enough to decrypt the entire by haphazard construction and well-chosen demolitions. The
drive, it removes the first obstacle to cracking it. If the charac- criminals live in rooms scattered across the complex, but gener-
ters are Carlyle agents, Nazer pleads ignorance as to the stolen ally feel confident that no one would dare attack them, leaving
files’ content (which is mostly true) and generally tries to ask only a pair of sentries on watch on the roof.
for clemency, stating honestly that he thought he was taking The Bratva in the complex include twice as many foot soldiers
medical data to help treat his brother’s illness. as player characters; use statistics for Street Gangsters (see
It’s up to the characters what to do with Nazer at this point. Chapter 9: Adversaries in the Modern AGE rulebook). There
Releasing him could have terrible consequences for Serfs (or are two enforcers as well, who use statistics for the Security
Waste looking to be elevated to Serf status), but turning him Guard. The forces are fairly distributed, with half the foot soldiers
in to CARSEC is likely a death sentence without extraordinary and an enforcer in any place at one time; an alarm or open combat
extenuating circumstances, and either way he remains a target will bring the remaining forces only after ten rounds.
for several groups. Ieska Tsena herself uses the statistics for a Secret Police (see
If your group is looking for additional action, or if the pace of Chapter 4: The Rule of Law). She remains in the compound’s
the game slows too much as the characters argue over how to secure technology room (see below) along with two additional
deal with Nazer, this scene is an excellent place to add a combat enforcers at all times, unless all hell breaks loose in the rest of
encounter. The Novaya Bratva may send a few enforcers (use a the compound.
number of Hooligans equal to the number of characters, plus an The Lions have set up Nazer’s drive and laptop in a secure room
Assassin leader; see Chapter 9: Adversaries in the Modern in the back of the former grocery store; the metal-lined walls of
AGE rulebook) to retrieve Nazer once they realize they need his the old freezer make convenient shielding for electronics against
passwords. Alternatively, CARSEC may catch up with the char- any sort of interference or surveillance. With their own computer
acters at this point (or a rival Family’s intelligence operatives, if systems and Nazer’s decryption software, extracting the Carlyle
the characters are Carlyle agents), mistaking the characters for data is a deceptively large task requiring several months, though
accomplices aiding Nazer’s defection (use a number of Soldiers Ieska only needs enough of it cracked to find out if it’s worth
equal to the number of characters, minus one; see Chapter 9: kicking up the chain of command to her superiors—a task that
Adversaries in the Modern AGE rulebook). will require a week or so.

SCENE FOUR While most of the Bratva foot soldiers will flee if severely injured,
Ieska and her enforcers fight tooth and nail to hang onto their prize.
FINDING THE LION’S DEN
EXPLORATION ENCOUNTER CONCLUDING THE
Locating the ghost town where the Lion Fangs have established ADVENTURE
their hideout is an advanced test with a Success Threshold of 10.
How this adventure wraps up depends on your players and the
The most useful focuses for this test are Communication (Inves-
characters they play. The big question is what to do with Gregory
tigation) and Strength (Intimidation) to question people in
Nazer and his data. If returned to the Carlyles, he is imprisoned
the outskirt communities, but clever characters can justify other
for the rest of his life at best, but more likely will be executed,
focuses such as Intelligence (Tactics) to study reports of gang
regardless of the reasons behind his crime. If allowed to flee, the
activity, Communication (Persuasion) to convince extortion
characters themselves may be punished for allowing a wanted
victims to cooperate, or even Resources tests to bribe informants.
criminal to slip through their grasp.
The TN for these tests should be between 9 and 15, depending on
how applicable you feel the focus is. The amount of time each test Characters must return to their sponsors or contacts to present
takes is left up to your determination, but should range from 10 their results. The campaign and the individual characters’ back-
minutes to an hour. grounds can define the kind of reward or punishment they
receive.
McIntyre himself (if left with a decent opinion of the characters)
doesn’t know exactly where the Lions hide out, but has more
information than most. Asking him is a TN 12 Communication THAT WAS TOO EASY
(Persuasion) or TN 9 Resources test, and adds +2 to the Stunt
Die result toward the Success Threshold. If your players had too easy a time escaping the Novaya Bratva,
consider placing another roadblock between them and safety
as another party interested in Nazer or his data ambushes
SCENE FIVE: them on their return, hoping the characters will be exhausted
or too injured for another fight. The most obvious scavenger is
STONEBREAKERS James McIntyre, who still feels owed a substantial amount of
money and figures the easiest way to collect is to sell Nazer
COMBAT ENCOUNTER back to the Carlyles. Waste heroes may instead encounter
Carlyle forces looking to recover Nazer or destroy his data and
The Lion Fangs operate out of the remains of a ghost town aban- anyone in contact with it. Serfs may run afoul of Bratva backup
doned a few years post-X. Little remains beyond the walls of a or forces from a rival Family like Hock or Vassalovka, or even a
gas station and strip mall, including an old grocery store, which resistance group.
serves as the Bratva’s primary warehouse and stronghold. The

111
 APPENDIX: The Lazari
Superhumans. Modern knights. Living weapons. A Lazarus repre- military knives, while Sonja Bittner wields a German longsword.
sents the apex of a Family’s technological aspirations and, in a Lazari master a host of martial arts techniques, including some
sense, personifies the Family’s will. But each of these elite opera- beyond the abilities of ordinary humans, but train in their signa-
tives is also a testament to the bloody politics of the Families’ world ture weapons to the point that they become as devastatingly
order. They are killers. And despite their heady privileges, each effective in close-quarters combat as any firearm.
leads a life of constant monitoring and unquestioning service.
With a few exceptions, Lazari are extraordinary combatants: faster, CHAMPIONS
stronger, smarter, and more durable than any human opponent,
no matter how skilled the human. Beyond that, their capabilities The Lazari grew out of the conditions of the Macau Accords, which
vary, for each is a living test bed for their Family’s most potent tech- state that every Family may appoint a champion to settle disputes
nologies. It would be a propaganda disaster if a Lazarus rebelled through trial by single combat. Originally, the Families used their
against their Family, but also a practical threat. Living or dead, a best and brightest soldiers, and quickly turned to augmenting those
Lazarus’s body contains powerful scientific secrets. champions with steroids, advanced training, and—eventually—
their proprietary technologies. Lazari still serve as champions for
Lazari know their roles as experimental subjects and violent
their Families disputes and formal meetings. Combatants rarely
enforcers of their Families’ desires. They rarely get caught up
fight to the death, traditionally stopping when one combatant is
in the mythology crafted around them. They aren’t especially
unable to continue. The Families involved set the stakes with the
inclined to hate each other, either. When on neutral ground,
Lazari socialize and form romantic attachments, bonding over help of a neutral arbiter drawn from a (nominally) unallied Family,
their unique life experiences. This kinship can encourage hate who also declares the beginning, end, and victor of the combat.
too, but that hatred rarely has anything do with the stories the Should a Family refuse to accept the result, that refusal can be
Family media tell. For rival Lazari, feuds are entirely personal. used as justification for war—where Lazari are sure to serve. Most
Lazari also serve as diplomats, especially in meetings with hostile
Families. A Lazarus may formally declare themselves at the border
THE LAZARUS ROLE and demand an audience with a Family representative, most often
another Lazarus. Beyond these formal functions, many Lazari
Almost every Lazarus shares the following characteristics. assume command of their Family’s military or, more frequently, of
specific, highly trained units within their Family’s forces.
SIGNATURE WEAPONS
FAMILY SCIONS
Each Lazarus carries a unique melee weapon, drawn from their
Family’s culture and ideals. For example, Forever Carlyle uses Many Lazari are Family members by blood. This satisfies an
a unique single-edged sword whose design recalls American important symbolic function. Without the Lazari, it would be easy

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

to criticize the Families for sending subordin-

ates to war while they sit safely in luxury.
Exceptions, such as Rausling’s Mueller or
Carragher’s Pertiwi, enter the position
surrounded by propaganda that emphasizes
their absolute loyalty and deserved eleva-
tion to the Family’s right hand.

PROPAGANDA SUBJECTS
In Hock news reports, Lazarus Forever
Carlyle is an unhinged psychopath who
murders loyal Hock citizens for pleasure.
Though sometimes, experts explain, she’s
not wholly to blame, because inexpert
Carlyle tinkering with her nervous system
has damaged her psyche. In Armitage terri-
tory, Sir Thomas Huston’s face appears
on military recruiting posters. Low-angle
shots of him standing strong against the
rising sun accompany reports of victory
over Waste rebels and foreign invaders. For
the most part, Families use Lazari in propa-
ganda efforts without requiring their direct
participation. Lazari already act as military
administrators and operatives, providing on a regular basis. The Lazarus is most likely the characters’
plenty of inspiration for media planners. A Lazarus might love the commanding officer in a Family military organization, but varia-
attention or actively shun it, but media technology is powerful tions are possible. For example, a Lazarus plotting to betray their
enough to easily manipulate a Lazarus’s digital image to say or do Family might recruit disloyal Serfs and clever Waste as personal
anything for the cameras. operatives—or even just as friends. The PCs could even be highly
placed Serfs who are supposed to care for the Lazarus’s physical
SUPERHUMANS and psychological well-being.
In this campaign style, each player creates a normal character.
Except for special individuals like Li Jiaolong, each Lazarus is
As an NPC, the Lazarus appears to give orders and act as the
stronger, tougher, and faster than a human with the same build
GM’s tool for driving the story forward, since by being close to
thanks to a variety of technologies—the exact enhancements
the Lazarus, the characters might learn disturbing things about
vary from one Lazarus to the next. Each Lazarus also possesses
the Family or Lazarus they serve. Occasionally, however, a player
one or more unique abilities based on their Family’s cutting-edge
switches out their usual character and plays the Lazarus instead.
technologies. Lazarus enhancements are usually invisible so that
Save this for dramatic occasions, or times when a good story
a Lazarus appears to be an extremely fit, slightly larger-than-
demands that the Lazarus act. In such cases, rotate who plays
life person. Some injuries and other situations reveal the truth,
the Lazarus on each occasion, so every player gets a turn. The
however, such as when severe injury exposes the Morray Laza-
Lazarus player’s usual character is either assigned to some task
rus’s artificial body parts; some rare examples, such as Vassalov-
in the background, run as an NPC, or handed off to another player
ka’s Zmey, are clearly inhuman.
to run as a second character. Choose the option the player prefers,
as long as it’s convenient for your group.
LAZARI IN CAMPAIGNS ROTATING LAZARUS
Lazari rarely work together and are far more capable than other
characters, but they are the focus of the comic series and bring In this campaign style, every player designs their own char-
together the distinctive aspects of the post–Year X world in a acter, and the Lazarus is a shared Player Character designed by
single, compelling package. Including one or more Lazarus player all the players and run by a different player for each adventure
characters in the game not only demands new rules (which are or session. With each new adventure or game session, control of
included in this chapter), but a new way of thinking about how the Lazarus rotates to a new player. Decide the rotation schedule
to run your game. Accordingly, we suggest the following new based on how long your game’s campaign will run.
campaign styles.
Each player’s regular character either steps aside or becomes an
NPC while the player runs the Lazarus, per the Lazarus Oversight
LAZARUS OVERSIGHT campaign style. The characters should have a reason to closely
associate with the Lazarus, since the Lazarus will work with them
In a Lazarus Oversight campaign, the Family Lazarus is usually on an almost continuous basis. Perhaps they are subordinate
an NPC, who comes in close contact with Player Characters operatives, secret cat’s-paws, or friends and lovers.

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TIP OF THE SPEAR CREATING A LAZARUS

In the Tip of the Spear campaign style, one player always plays the To create a Lazarus character, use the rules in Chapter 1 of
Lazarus, while the others play less powerful characters closely Modern AGE, with the adjustments noted in Chapter 2 of this
associated with them, such as caretakers or their military opera- book, and add the following modifications.
tive team. See the previous styles for possibilities, but consider
other Family members as characters too, since their political • Family Background: You may always select a Family
sway can be as potent as the Lazarus’s abilities. In this campaign Background for a Lazarus instead any other social class
style, Player Characters should have specialized, essential roles. or Background. You instead may choose to represent a
The Lazarus handles combat threats, while other characters use Lazarus lifted from another social class. Think about what
technical knowledge and social savvy for which no amount of this means. Was the Lazarus plucked from their former
physical prowess can compensate. life because they performed some exceptional service for
the Family? Do they have some attribute that makes them
In this campaign style, remember to design action scenes and uniquely suited for enhancement?
challenges that have one aspect to test the Lazarus, and another
for human-scale characters. The Lazarus takes out the tank; • Bonus Martial Profession: Due to intense training, a
their team deals with the troops, plants explosives, spoofs Lazarus acquires a bonus Profession befitting their role
security, or hacks the mainframe. If you use this campaign style, as a military operative. Choose one of the following in the
you should also consider using the optional Conviction rules Modern AGE rulebook: Athlete, Commander, Brawler, Pilot,
from Modern AGE—but only for unenhanced characters, not the Security, or Soldier. The Lazarus gains the benefits of this
Lazarus. This evens the score a bit, but also represents the fact second profession in addition to their regular profession,
that, due to their conditioning, Lazari are less able to tap into but may not choose the same benefit twice. This bonus
their true feelings. Profession is ostensibly selected by the Family as part of the
Lazarus’s intense training regimen.

THE PHALANX • Social Traits: The Lazarus acquires 1 bonus Relationship

Bond with a Family member. Choose the nature of the Bond
This campaign style allows every player to portray a Lazarus in consultation with the gamemaster. You may use additional
character. This runs just like a normal Modern AGE game, but with Relationship slots to improve this. This connection may come
superhuman protagonists. The cooperating Lazari may represent from psychological conditioning, or from the character’s status
an alliance between many Families, or one Family might break as a Family member or the Family guardian. The Lazarus also
with tradition—and the Macau Accords—by producing multiple acquires the Reputation: Lazarus of (Character’s Family).
Lazari. In the latter case, all the Lazari, or all but one, might have • Family Conditioning: In addition to the Relationship
to work in secret to prevent news of their existence from reaching provided by Social Traits, Family members and certain Family
other Families. Then again, perhaps this team escaped their gain a +2 bonus to Communications tests to influence the
Family and live as renegades among the Waste, avoiding both Lazarus’s behavior, and win one additional attitude shift
their former masters and agents of other Families. The Phalanx whenever the Stunt Die for such tests scores 4 or higher. This
option deviates from the comic’s early stories, but becomes more is due to a conditioning factor that might be overcome later in
familiar in later stories, when the Carlyle, Armitage, Bittner, and the campaign (see the Loyalty Enforcement hazard on page
Morray Lazari battle the Hock coalition together. This style is 56). Each Family uses its signature technologies to impose
probably best suited for shorter campaigns. conditioning, from Carlyle medical procedures to commands
routed through Li computer implants. Each method may also
suggest a way the conditioning might be broken, given enough
time. The GM should consider how this might be accomplished
and use it as a possible story hook in the campaign.
• Bonus Health: Add 15 Health provided by physical
augmentations. These augmentations vary by Family; the
Morray Lazarus, for example, is a cyborg, toughened by
implanted metal and composites.
• Bonus Abilities: Add +2 to any two abilities, and +1 to
three additional abilities. Again, these are the result of
Family technologies augmenting the character’s abilities.
• Bonus Talents: Add two additional talents chosen from the
Lazari talents provided in this chapter. Weaker, experimental,
or primitive Lazarus might have only one Lazarus talent and
an additional mundane talent. In all cases, bonus talents are
the result of extraordinary augmentations, even when they
reproduce mundane abilities. When selected at 1st level,
Lazarus talents have no prerequisites, but to advance them,
the character must meet the prerequisites listed with each
talent in the Lazarus Talents section.

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LAZARUS TALENTS fore, however, is in nanorobot colonies capable of repairing and

augmenting the Lazarus’s capabilities. The Lazarus may require
a special diet to keep their colonies functioning.
Lazarus talents are specialized talents that represent super-
human abilities acquired through cutting-edge technologies. NEUROLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT
Possible sources for these talents include the following, though
the list is incomplete. Cybernetic and genetic enhancements, and self-conditioning
through biofeedback, give the Lazarus the ability to control
ADVANCED PROSTHETICS AND CYBERNETICS autonomic functions or devote superhuman focus to various
tasks. Like drugs, these enhancements cannot normally grant
The Lazarus has artificial body parts that are stronger, tougher, or new abilities, but might provide the ability to exert more
otherwise more effective than those of their human counterparts. physical force than a powerlifter, control body functions like
This is a Morray specialty. These implants may be difficult to breathing and heart rate, or control their emotional response
repair when damaged, and when they require computer control, to any situation.
might even be hacked.
RETROVIRAL GENE THERAPY
DRUGS
Unlike germ line engineering, retroviral therapy changes the
The Lazarus is the recipient of a carefully monitored drug regimen, recipient’s genes after birth. Engineered viruses transmit gene-al-
through traditional delivery, implanted injectors, or even artifi- tering instructions. One such instruction might restrict myostatin
cial organs. These drugs supercharge various physiological func- production, encouraging muscle growth, while another could
tions and suppress those that might hold a person back. Drugs return cells to an undifferentiated state to promote healing. The
cannot grant entirely new abilities, such as the power to hack Family Carlyle possesses this technology, which provides its Family
into computer networks with a thought, but can greatly enhance members with extraordinary longevity.
existing capabilities. Hock-enhanced Lazari (Hock currently has
no Family Lazarus, but assists other Families in designing their SURGICAL MODIFICATION
own) almost always benefit from these methods.
Advanced surgical techniques, including perfected anti-rejec-
GERM LINE GENETIC ENGINEERING tion therapy and autologous tissue cloning, make it possible to
enhance a Lazarus by redesigning their body with lasers, scal-
The Lazarus was born from a genetically engineered embryo. Such pels, and grafts of new tissue and bone. New muscle tissue can
characters were never ordinary people and never led ordinary be added, connective tissue thickened, and nerve pathways
lives, but instead are wholly artificial beings built at the genetic reinforced and streamlined.
level. Forever Carlyle is the only germ line–
engineered Lazarus, and her Family closely
guards the technologies used to create her,
and even the secret of her true nature.

BRAIN-COMPUTER
INTERFACES
Li Jiaolong is known to possess an
implanted quantum computer that gives
him exceptional cognitive abilities, though
both Alimah Meyers-Qasimi and Thomas
Huston possess similar, if less powerful,
augmentations. Lazari with computers
wired to their brains might possess a host
of information analysis abilities that apply
to everything from researching obscure
information to predicting and countering
enemy combat tactics, blow by blow.

IMPLANTED NANOTECHNOLOGY
Most enhancement methods use nanotech-
nology in some form to produce materials
with exceptional properties or manu-
facture cutting-edge drugs and cell-like
automata that enhance the Lazarus’s physi-
ology. Where nanotechnology comes to the

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ACQUIRING AND IMPROVING you have the “scent” of a person or object, you can track it
even without other signs of passage. You can also detect
LAZARUS TALENTS the presence of certain diseases, drugs, hormonal changes,
or events (the smell of a place someone has been, or
Lazari acquire up to two Lazarus talents at 1st level. A Lazarus in what they have eaten) too faint for ordinary humans to
good standing with their Family may advance an existing Lazarus detect. Relevant ability focuses may allow you to break
talent as they would any other talent, the only limitation being this information down into something even more precise,
that a character cannot advance Lazarus talents two levels in a such as determining a toxic spill’s exact chemical makeup
row (including those acquired at 1st level). Lazarus characters using Intelligence (Chemistry) or diagnosing an otherwise
may only select a new Lazarus talent with gamemaster approval, asymptomatic disease using Intelligence (Medicine).
generally representing an experimental surgery, new implants, or
an improved drug regimen. • Combat Synesthesia: Your brain immediately registers
minor sensory input as more noticeable visual and audio
Unlike normal talents, Lazarus talents require technical support. cues to better perceive your surroundings. The sound
Family technicians add new implants, tinker with genes, and alter of footsteps may generate a reflexive visual image of the
biological systems—whatever’s necessary to improve the Lazarus’s presence of a person, while the smell of gun oil may register
performance. Without this assistance, a Lazarus cannot improve as a keening alarm or birdsong. You can ignore penalties
their existing Lazarus talent ranks or acquire new Lazarus talents. for visual impairment when attempting to target anything
This holds true even in cases where Lazarus talent improvement that makes noise or has a distinctive odor (or any odor, if
comes from further refining an existing power. Forever Carlyle was
you also possess the Bloodhound sensory power). You may
engineered from conception to be a Lazarus, but still requires a
need an appropriate Perception test if the input is faint or
team of scientists to scrutinize every vital sign and fine-tune her
potentially overwhelmed by another source.
biochemistry. At the GM’s discretion, some Lazari may suffer from
impaired ability if they spend an extended period far from their • Echolocation: Using your voice or an implanted
support staff, or rebel against their creators. device, you bounce sound waves off objects to track their
movement, distance, rough size, and general shape, as well
Lazarus talents are described in general terms through their prac-
as navigate without sight. This power has a range of 10
tical effects. Each talent has a name reflecting its in-game effects,
yards (or 30 yards underwater). You suffer a –2 penalty
but this may not be the name Family scientists use. Suggested
to Accuracy and Fighting tests to hit targets you identify
options, based on various technological origins, are listed below
solely by echolocation. Note that if you have this power and
these generic names.
Combat Synesthesia, the latter power works on everything
ARMOR in Echolocation range, since it all now makes noise, and you
no longer suffer the –2 Accuracy penalty.
AKA: Ablative Biomass, Trauma Control Neuroconditioning,
• Multispectral Vision: You can see radiation beyond
Subcutaneous Plating, etc.
the normal visual light spectrum, including ultraviolet
Requirements: Constitution 3
light often used by security systems and infrared “heat”
Your body is resistant to bullets, blades, and other injuries energy. This allows you to see through walls unless they’re
inflicted by extreme kinetic energy. especially thick or dense. You see rough silhouettes, and
cannot discern detail such as facial features or writing.
Novice: Your body acquires a 2I/2B/1P Armor Rating that stacks
You can also perceive non-visible radiation sources such
with Toughness and worn armor.
as radio waves and x-rays.
Expert: Your innate armor improves to 4I/4B/2P, and still stacks
• Night Vision: Your eyes collect even trace amounts of
with Toughness and worn armor.
light, allowing you to see in the dark with unlimited range,
Master: Your innate armor improves to 6I/6B/3P, and still though you suffer a –2 penalty to Perception tests to discern
stacks with Toughness and worn armor. details. This adaptation provides reactive systems to prevent
overwhelming you in sudden changes in light level, providing
AWARENESS you with a +2 bonus on tests made to resist flash grenades
AKA: Gyrii Stimulant Injector, Hyperspectral Surveillance and other attacks that use dazzling or blinding light.
Implants, Sensoria Uplink, etc. Expert: Choose one of the following options:
Requirements: Perception 3
• Choose one more Perception focus, and apply the Novice
You possess acute, superhuman senses and react rapidly to any rank benefit to it.
stimulus. • Tests with one Perception focus you chose at Novice rank
Novice: Select one Perception focus. Successful ability tests automatically generate 2 stunt points when no doubles are
using this focus automatically generate 1 stunt point whenever rolled, or +1 bonus stunt point if you roll doubles.
you don’t roll doubles, allowing you to perform stunts without
In addition, choose one new power from the Novice rank list, or
rolling doubles (you generate no bonus stunt points if you do
an equivalent provided by the GM.
roll doubles). You also acquire one of the following powers, or a
comparable power designed by the GM: Master: Choose one of the following options:
• Bloodhound: Your sense of smell is superlative, or you • Choose one more Perception focus, and apply the Novice
have other exceptional chemical detection senses. Once rank benefit to it.

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• Tests with one Perception

focus you chose at Novice rank
automatically generate 2 stunt
points when no doubles are
rolled, or +1 bonus stunt point
if you roll doubles.
• Tests with one Perception
focus you enhanced at Expert
rank automatically generate
3 stunt points if you don’t roll
doubles, or +2 bonus stunt
points when you do.
In addition, choose one new power
from the Novice rank list, or an
equivalent provided by the GM.

COGNITION LAZARUS TALENTS FOR OTHER OPERATIVES

AKA: Heuristic Predictive Analysis, Neocortical Neurogenesis, On rare occasions, Families may use the same technologies
Nootropic Injector, Quantum CNSI, etc. developed for Lazarus augmentations to improve other opera-
Requirements: Intelligence 3 tives: trusted individuals who have the physical and psycholog-
ical capacity to withstand these changes. No Family officially
Technology augments your thought processes, supercharging acknowledges these other enhanced operatives, and none
your capacity for calculation, reasoning, and information recall. of them are as powerful as declared Lazari—not unless the
Family wants to break the Macau Accords. Creating supersol-
Novice: Pick one Intelligence focus. Successful ability tests diers by the brigade would surely provoke total war, instead of
using this focus automatically generate 1 stunt point whenever the occasional brushfire conflicts the Families prefer. Further,
you don’t roll doubles, allowing you to perform stunts without no Family wishes to create a worst-case scenario, where their
rolling doubles (you generate no bonus stunt points if you do own superior caste of hominids rebel and take control.
roll doubles). You also acquire one of the following powers, or a An enhanced operative of this kind acquires one Novice rank
comparable power designed by the GM: Lazarus talent the next time they gain a level. This uses their
talent selection for the new level. The operative may acquire
• Mathematical Processing: You can perform complex new ranks in this talent, and with loyal service might even
mathematical calculations perfectly, and easily memorize gain a second Lazarus talent, but any advances count as a
and track large numbers with perfect recall. No test is standard talent selection, and as with Lazari, the operative
required, though it may take time to process complex cannot improve Lazarus talents two levels in a row. Opera-
problems. If you’re trying to perform any task that would tive characters do not need to improve their Lazarus talents.
be aided by mathematical ability but does not entirely rely The operative can acquire no more than two Lazarus talents,
on it (guessing travel times, calculating dosages, aiming and doesn’t gain any of the other benefits—including ability
artillery, and so on), you may re-roll a test if you desire, bonuses, a second profession, or increased Health—possessed
by Lazarus characters.
though you must accept the results of the second roll.
• Perfect Memory: You possess perfect recall of anything
you experience, unless it is deliberately “erased” with drugs, might react if a shipment of food doesn’t show up, or how a
electrical stimuli, or other exceptional means. You remember drug shortage in Hock territory might affect the demand for
basic facts immediately. For complex details, you must Carlyle grain exports to Li territory.
“enter” the memory, so it replays with complete fidelity, but
this absorbs your attention for a major action or longer. • Reference Data: You can refer to “hardwired” internal
knowledge or an external database to collect raw factual
• Predictive Analysis: Once you know all the variables, you data nearly instantaneously. When looking for information
can determine the exact probability of an outcome, though related to any Intelligence focus you possess, you know the
such accuracy normally only applies to simulations or other
information automatically without any need for an ability
closed systems. In practice, you will never know all the
test unless the information is a secret. You simply know the
variables in any system involving human beings, but when it
answer. For instance, if you have the Intelligence (Law) focus,
comes to combat, gambling, games, and similar events, you
you know your Family’s full legal code, legal precedent, and
can make highly accurate predictions. You may re-roll a test
the entire text of the Macau Accords, but you wouldn’t know
related to gambling, tactics, or similar predictions, though
about any secret ancillary agreements related to the Accords.
you must keep the results of the second roll. Your ability to
craft predictions is too slow to be effective in combat, but • Rapid Processing: You think fast. An Intelligence-based test
its benefits apply to tests made to notice combat beginning, that normally requires a full day takes you an hour. One that
such as detecting ambushes or predicting a partner will normally requires an hour takes you five minutes. One that
double-cross you. At the GM’s discretion, you may also normally requires a few minutes only requires a major action.
make tests to predict unlikely, alternate, or long-term This applies to both basic and advanced tests; in advanced
outcomes to events in great detail, such as how a Waste city tests, reduce the interval length as described (days to hours,

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hours to minutes, minutes to rounds, rounds to twice per cause other damage. Other effects that may stun you (such
round). This doesn’t speed up any physical action on your as drugs or physical impact) remain effective.
part; while you may be able to design a xenon laser in a trivial
• Immunostimulation: You are immune to all diseases
amount of spare time, building it won’t go any faster.
except for those tailored to your genome, or otherwise
• Tactical Analytics: In dangerous situations, your mind specifically designed to bypass this power. Your wounds
compares numerous tactical scenarios to determine an never become infected, and you can eat and drink spoiled
optimal course of action. Subjective time slows to a crawl as or contaminated food without harm. Because infection is
you choose your actions carefully. As a minor action, you may never an issue, anyone applying medical treatment to you
make an Intelligence (Tactics) test and substitute the results gains a +2 bonus to related ability tests.
for your Defense or for a single attack roll you would make in
• Meningeal Reinforcement: Your brain and spinal
the next round. You may not perform stunts if you substitute
column are heavily insulated from damage and physical
an Intelligence (Tactics) test for your attack roll.
shock. You cannot be knocked unconscious by concussions,
Expert: Choose one of the following options: impact, or other neurological responses to injury
• Choose one more Intelligence focus and apply the Novice (though drugs, electrical weapons, and other sources of
rank benefit to it. unconsciousness may remain effective). You automatically
succeed at all tests to remain conscious. If reduced to 0
• Tests with the Intelligence focus you chose at Novice rank Health, you can still perform a major action each round.
automatically generate 2 stunt points when no doubles are Add 3 rounds to your base survival period.
rolled, or +1 bonus stunt point if you roll doubles.
• Metabolic Redundancy: You can go without food or
In addition, choose one new power from the Novice rank list, or water for twice as long as an unenhanced human in
an equivalent provided by the GM. comparable conditions, without any ill effects. You can hold
Master: Choose one of the following options: your breath five times longer than normal, and can survive
short exposure to a vacuum without harm. Your digestive
• Choose one more Intelligence focus, and apply the Novice
system can process extreme foodstuffs normally considered
rank benefit to it.
inedible, such as wood, soil, and bone, and you can remain
• Tests with the Intelligence focus you chose at Novice rank hydrated with sea water.
automatically generate 2 stunt points when no doubles are
• Thermoregulation: You cannot be harmed by natural
rolled, or +1 bonus stunt point if you roll doubles.
temperature extremes on Earth, whether blazing sun
• Tests with the Intelligence focus you enhanced at Expert or freezing arctic conditions, even those caused by
rank automatically generate 3 stunt points if you don’t roll anthropogenic climate change (though heat may dehydrate
doubles, or +2 bonus stunt points when you do. you). You gain an Armor Rating of 6I/6B/6P against more
In addition, choose one new power from the Novice rank list, or extreme manifestations of heat and cold, such as an open
an equivalent provided by the GM. flame or jet of liquid nitrogen. This protection only applies
to external temperature changes; swallowing freezing
ENDURANCE chemicals or burning liquids remains deadly.

AKA: Artificial Organs, Cybernetic Metabolism, Tissue

• Tireless: Your body has redundant systems for
Maintenance Nanobots, etc.
oxygenating your blood, removing waste, and scrubbing
Requirements: Constitution 3 neurotransmitter decay, and your performance is
almost never impaired by lack of rest. You recover
Augmentations increase your Health and make you resistant to 1d6+Constitution Health every 24 hours no matter your
other hazards. activity level, and this stacks with the benefits of rest. You
do not suffer any penalties for extended activity, rarely
Novice: Add 10 Health to your total and choose one of the
feel tired, and may fall asleep on command. You only
following powers, or a power designed by the GM that has equiv-
need 8 hours of sleep per week, and you may satisfy this
alent usefulness.
requirement in phases as short as 20 minutes.
• Environmental Resistance: Systems in your body break
Expert: Add another 10 Health to your total and add another
down unfamiliar chemicals and repair the damage wrought
power from the Novice list, or an equivalent power the GM devises.
by unfamiliar chemicals and high-energy particles. You are
immune to poisons and toxins except ones engineered to Master: Add 10 more Health to your total and add a third power
bypass your enhancements. You also gain an Armor Rating from the Novice list, or an equivalent power the GM devises.
of 6I/6B/10P against radiation. Your body still needs food
and oxygen to function, and while poison gas can’t harm MUSCLE
you, you remain vulnerable to asphyxiation.
AKA: Grafted Muscle, Neuromuscular Stimulator, Powered
• Hardy Neurons: Light, sound, microwave, and electricity- Prosthetics, etc.
based attacks that inflict stun damage or are intended Requirements: Strength 3
to induce seizures, confusion, temporary blindness, or
temporary deafness have no effect on you. Other high- Your Strength has superhuman aspects. Depending on your focus,
energy applications designed to affect your nervous system you might be able to lift, strike, or jump more effectively than
are likewise ineffective, though repeated exposure may your size and appearance might suggest.

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Novice: Your unarmed strikes and attacks with melee weapons Master: Increase the damage of all your unarmed strikes,
or thrown ranged weapons inflict an additional 1d6 damage. You attacks with melee weapons, and attacks with thrown ranged
also acquire one of the following powers, or a comparable power weapon by an additional 1d6 (3d6 total). In addition, choose
designed by the GM: one new power from the Novice rank list, or an equivalent
• Crushing Grip: Your hands are inhumanly strong, and you provided by the GM.
have enhanced forearm, back, and core strength to support
their power. You gain the Strength (Climbing) focus for free PROWESS
and may climb at full Speed. When you roll doubles for any AKA: Artificial Proprioceptors, Combat Drug Injector, Tactical
grappling test, you generate an additional 2 stunt points Analysis Implant, etc.
that may only be used on grappling stunts. Requirements: Accuracy 2, Dexterity 3, Fighting 2, plus see
• Force Application: You can apply and direct brute specific descriptions.
strength more effectively than an Olympic powerlifter.
A mix of psychological and physical adjustments provide
Reduce the Target Numbers for any Strength (Might) tests
enhanced motor skills.
by half, rounded up. You may lift and carry twice as much
as someone with the same Strength, and your lifting ability Novice: Choose one ability focus from among the following:
reduces your armor penalty to Speed by an amount equal to
Any Accuracy or Fighting focus, Dexterity (Acrobatics),
your Strength.
Dexterity (Driving), Dexterity (Legerdemain),
• Leaping: Your legs are optimized for jumping. You can jump Dexterity (Piloting), Dexterity (Stealth).
twice as far as an unenhanced person of the same weight, body Successful ability tests using this focus automatically generate
composition, and encumbrance. Reduce the Target Numbers 1 stunt point whenever you don’t roll doubles, allowing you to
for any Strength (Jumping) tests by half, rounded up. perform stunts without rolling doubles (you generate no bonus
• Muscularity: You’re big. Raw muscle mass (or other stunt points if you do roll doubles). You also acquire one of the
artificial bulk) armors your body and makes you more following powers, or a comparable power designed by the GM.
frightening to anyone you decide to strong-arm. Added You must meet the prerequisites listed in parentheses to select a
lean mass adds +5 Health, and your appearance adds +2 to special ability.
Strength (Intimidate) tests. • Engagement Optimization: Rather than react to your
• Sprinting: Whether by engineering your muscle fibers’ opponents’ actions, you can analyze their location and place
ability to retain oxygen and shed lactic acid, or by replacing yourself in those areas statistically less likely to be struck.
muscle tissue with artificial systems, you move quickly and As a minor action, you can make a Dexterity (Acrobatics)
effortlessly. Add your Strength to your base Speed. You may check and use the result in place of your Defense until the
run at your maximum speed without tiring for a number of beginning of your next turn. You must accept this result, even
hours equal to your Constitution. if it is lower than your normal Defense.
Expert: Increase the damage of all your unarmed strikes, attacks • Pinpoint Shot (Accuracy 4): Choose one Accuracy focus
with melee weapons, and attacks with thrown ranged weapon by you possess. When using a ranged weapon that falls under
an additional 1d6 (2d6 total). In addition, choose one new power that focus, you suffer no range penalties to your attack out
from the Novice rank list, or an equivalent provided by the GM. to the weapon’s maximum range, and you may add 1d6

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penetrating wound damage to the attack (even while using otherwise act more quickly without the need—or benefit—of
the stunt attack action, which normally inflicts no damage). conscious thought.
You may select Pinpoint Shot more than once, applying its Novice: Add +2 to Initiative tests. You may designate a single
benefits to a new Accuracy focus each time. complex reflex action—a specific major or minor action your
• Silent Movement: Thanks to reinforced ligaments, fatty body takes in response to a specific stimulus. This may include
footpads, or active noise cancellation technology, you can taking an Attack or Defend action when surprised, setting a
act and move at full speed in silence, even running, jumping, Ready action to draw your weapon in response to loud noises,
or performing complex acrobatics without making more or taking the Stand Firm action in response to anything moving
than the slightest sound. Dexterity (Stealth) tests never toward you. You must be conscious for your reflex action to
require you to spend an action, and you take no penalty to activate, but otherwise your body reacts without conscious
Dexterity (Stealth) tests for taking various actions unless thought or even awareness of the trigger, allowing you to react
they would normally generate noise (speaking, destroying to surprise attacks. Your reflex action can only activate once per
objects, and so on). encounter and happens without your control, meaning a poorly
programmed reflex action could injure friends or allies who
• Weapon Mastery (Fighting 4): Choose one Fighting
surprise you. Reprogramming your reflex action requires fifteen
focus you possess. When using a melee weapon that falls
minutes of programming, drug therapy, or practice to redefine
under that focus, you may add 1d6 penetrating wound
the muscle memory involved.
damage to the attack (even while using the stunt attack
action, which normally inflicts no damage), and generate Expert: Add another +2 to Initiative tests (+4 total). You may
+1 stunt point whenever you roll doubles with an attack designate up to two reflex actions at a time. Each new reflex
roll with such a weapon. You may select Weapon Mastery action must have a distinct trigger; you cannot program yourself
more than once, applying its benefits to a new Fighting to react twice to the same stimulus.
focus each time. Master: Add another +2 to Initiative tests (+6 total). You may
• Vehicular Feedback: You may reflexively extend your designate up to four reflex actions at a time, or you may optimize
perceptions out to grasp the capabilities of a vehicle you this enhanced speed and coordination to gain one additional
are controlling, understanding its strengths and limitations. minor action each round. Switching between reflex actions or an
Any vehicle you are actively driving or piloting increases its additional minor action requires fifteen minutes of work.
Defense, Velocity modifier, and Hull ratings by +1. You may
take an Activate action to improve one of these bonuses to REGENERATION
+3, but doing so reduces the other bonuses to +0. AKA: Engineered Stem Cell Reserve, Medical Nanobots, Trauma
Expert: Choose one of the following options: Response Organs, etc.
Requirements: Constitution 3
• Choose one more focus from the list provided, and apply the
Novice rank benefit to it. Your body possesses exceptional self-repair abilities, giving you
• Successful tests with the focus you chose at Novice rank the ability to recover from extremely grievous and disfiguring
automatically generate 2 stunt points when no doubles are injuries which would be fatal to normal humans.
rolled, or +1 bonus stunt point if you roll doubles. Novice: If you have half of your remaining Health or more, you
In addition, choose one new power from the Novice rank list, or recover 1d6 Health every minute. If you fall below that threshold,
an equivalent provided by the GM. your injuries have exceeded your ability to withstand superficial
trauma and you require rest and medical treatment to bring you
Master: Choose one of the following options: up above this threshold before your advanced healing systems
• Choose one more focus from the list provided, and apply the can take over. You may also heal from other, normal sources, such
Novice rank benefit to it. as taking a breather after combat.
• Successful Tests with the focus you chose at Novice rank Expert: You now recover 1d6 Health every minute, regard-
automatically generate 2 stunt points when no doubles are less of you how much Health you have remaining. You gain a +2
rolled, or +1 bonus stunt point if you roll doubles. bonus on all Constitution (Stamina) checks to remain conscious if
reduced to 0 Health, and you increase the number of rounds you
• Successful tests with the focus you enhanced at Expert rank
may remain at 0 Health without dying by +2.
automatically generate 3 stunt points if no doubles are
rolled, or +2 bonus stunt points if you roll doubles. Master: Once reduced to 0 Health, you appear dead, but
repair systems continue to preserve and repair your body’s
In addition, choose one new power from the Novice rank list, or vital functions. You recover and regain consciousness after
an equivalent provided by the GM. 2d6 hours, minus your Constitution score. If the result is less
than 1, recovery takes less than a full hour, but at least several
REFLEXES minutes; the GM determines exactly how long. Immediately
AKA: Artificial Muscle Engrams, Biokinetic Processors, upon regaining consciousness, you regain 3d6 Health, after
Kinetropic Drugs, etc. which your normal healing process resumes. To kill such a char-
Requirements: Dexterity 3 acter, an attack must behead them, destroy more than half of
their brain, blow them to pieces, or inflict some other horren-
This enhancement affects your body’s reflex actions, and is not dous injury normally beyond the scope of a simple hand-to-
reliant on higher cognition on your part. You strike, move, and hand combat or firearms attack.

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APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

THE LAZARI
Following are the Lazari introduced in the comic book series. Forever Carlyle
Every Lazarus experiences life changes, receives “upgrades,”
or even dies, so the people depicted here are iconic snapshots Abilities (Focuses)
of constantly evolving individuals rather than the accurate and 5 Accuracy (Assault Rifles, Pistols, SMGs)
final interpretations of the characters. Your campaign may use or
2 Communication (Leadership)
discard any of these characters as you see fit; you might replace
the individuals here with characters of your own design, or with 6 Constitution (Stamina, Tolerance)
various PCs. The characters here represent these Lazari as they 4 Dexterity (Acrobatics)
were when first introduced.
5 Fighting (Brawling, Grappling, Heavy Blades, Light
Blades, Martial Arts)
FOREVER CARLYLE 3 Intelligence (Explosives, Security)
2 Perception
Forever Carlyle is one of the most experienced Lazari, and unlike
her known counterparts, was born a Lazarus as a product of 4 Strength (Climbing)
the Family Carlyle’s mastery of germ line engineering. Intense, 3 Willpower (Courage)
unforgiving training and further enhancements shaped her,
alongside advanced drug therapy that includes loyalty condi- Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness
tioning. Hormone manipulation acts as a bulwark for the Carlyle 14 61 145 175 11 12 12 3I/5B+6 +7 +9
values she was raised with—and when she skips her medica-
tion, or the stresses of her work outweigh its influence, she Weapon Attack Roll Damage*
questions her role. She suspects she’s not related by blood to Carlyle Sword +9 1d6+9+1d6P
the rest of her Family. This is true, but it barely scratches the C-109 Spyder +7 2d6+5
surface of her true origins.
Unarmed +7 1d6+6
Forever is a highly experienced, lethal combatant and a capable
military leader. Her ability to lead under fire doesn’t seem to * Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
transfer to Family intrigue and subtler social situations, but
nothing about her shyness in those arenas undercuts her deci- Special Features
siveness as a military commander. She cannot be provoked by Favored Stunts: Parry, Skirmish, Suppressive Fire
cutting words. She bears no animosity for other Lazari, unless Talents: Lazarus Talents: Endurance (Expert; Environmental Resis-
they earn it through actions above and beyond what their tance, Immunostimulation), Prowess (Expert; Dexterity [Acrobatics],
families require, and feels particularly close to Sonja Bittner and Fighting [Light Blades]; Engagement Optimization, Weapon Mastery
Joacquim Morray. [Light Blades]), Regeneration (Master). Other Talents: Command
(Expert), Single Weapon Style (Expert), Sword Style* (Novice)
As described here, Forever’s outlook and abilities are based
on a 10th level Lazarus benchmark, equivalent to her abilities Specialization: Martial Artist (Novice)
at the start of the series. Few if any Lazari are more experi- Equipment: Ballistic Bodysuit, C-109 Spyder, Carlyle Sword
enced than Forever. Her neuromuscular system is better than (equivalent to a fencing sword), Tactical Motorcycle
an equivalent human, and has been honed with training from
Threat: Dire
childhood onward. Her greatest innate ability is resistance to
injury and disease. Forever’s body creates cells similar to pluri-
potent stem cells—that is, cells able to build virtually any type
of tissue—which also maintain a robust memory of her adult
phenotype. This allows Forever to regenerate damaged tissue,
including neurons and complex organ structures. Consequently,
Forever can survive injuries that would be fatal to anyone else,
including gunshot wounds to the head and chest. The limits
of her regenerative ability are unknown, but it does require
regular maintenance with drugs and direct intervention by
Carlyle personnel. Since the same drugs are used to condition
her, avoiding them would relax the Family’s hold on her but dull
her abilities, and even make her sick.

SONJA BITTNER her genetics. These modulate pain and reflex responses, block
signaling from myostatin to promote muscle growth, and tune
One of the younger Lazari, Sonja Bittner is a beneficiary of the metabolic response. While Bittner possesses peak all-around
Bittner-Hock alliance. Her abilities are the result of a careful fitness, her standout abilities include post-human strength
regimen of drugs and viral-vector gene therapy tailored to and resistance to injury. She can crack stone with her blows

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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

Sonja Bittner Joacquim Morray

Abilities (Focuses) Abilities (Focuses)
3 Accuracy (Assault Rifles, Pistols) 5 Accuracy (Assault Rifles, Pistols, SMGs)
1 Communication 3 Communication (Persuasion)
3 Constitution (Stamina) 4 Constitution (Tolerance)
3 Dexterity 2 Dexterity (Driving)
4 Fighting (Brawling, Heavy Blades) 6 Fighting (Brawling, Grappling, Light Blades)
1 Intelligence (Security) 2 Intelligence (Security, Tactics)
1 Perception 3 Perception (Empathy)
5 Strength (Intimidation, Might) 5 Strength (Climbing, Might)
2 Willpower (Courage) 1 Willpower (Courage)

Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness

13 58 88 118 13 14 15 6I/8B+3 +4 +5 12 59 117 147 12 14 15 71/9B/2P+4 5 7

Weapon Attack Roll Damage* Weapon Attack Roll Damage*

Long Sword +6 4d6+5 Tactical Daggers +8 2d6+7
X+Era Sidearm +5 2d6+2 SMG +7 2d6+3
Unarmed +6 1d3+5 * Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
* Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes.
Special Features
Special Features Favored Stunts: Lightning Attack, Skirmish, Threaten
Favored Stunts: Disarm, Knock Prone, Vicious Blow Talents: Lazarus Talents: Armor (Expert), Endurance (Expert;
Talents: Lazarus Talents: Endurance (Expert; Hardy Neurons, Hardy Neurons, Meningeal Reinforcement), Muscle (Novice;
Meningeal Reinforcement), Muscle (Novice; Leaping). Other Talents: Crushing Grip). Other Talents: Dual Weapon Style (Master), Fast
Overwhelm (Novice), Striking Style (Novice), Two-Handed Style and Furious (Novice)
(Expert) Specialization: Socialite (Novice)
Equipment: Cloak, Combat Armor System (Custom Bittner Equipment: Ballistic Bodysuit, SMG, Twin Tactical Daggers (equiv-
Model), Sidearm, Long Sword alent to short swords)

Threat: Major Threat: Dire

and survive impalement, though the latter situation is painful

enough to be debilitating.
JOACQUIM MORRAY
Sonja is the youngest daughter of the Family Bittner, and even though The Family Morray’s Lazarus is easily the most advanced cyborg
she engages in dangerous operations to protect its interests, her on the planet. Severe injuries reveal the metal and advanced
composites beneath his skin. It isn’t clear how much of Joaquim’s
relatives care for her and don’t put her in the field for trivial reasons.
body is artificial, but such wounds have revealed metallic limbs,
Like many Lazari, she doesn’t take intra-Family politics personally. eyes, and skull. Hardened computer systems give his brain full
Despite Bittner’s alliance with Hock and the Hock-Carlyle enmity, control of his artificial body—and Family operatives might be
she greatly admires—and later befriends—Forever Carlyle. able to use the same systems to control his actions.
The game statistics above are based roughly on a 4th level bench- Despite the nature of Joacquim Morray’s enhancements, he has a
mark. relaxed, friendly, debonair demeanor. He may be the most socially

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 ADVENTURE: CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 2:
APPENDIX: TAKING THE THE WORLD, THE RULE OF LAW - TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT LIFT SELECTION: CHAPTER 1:
THE LAZARI STONE DIVIDED GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS AND TECHNOLOGY CHARACTER OPTIONS X+65 INTRODUCTION

Beyond raw cyborg toughness and his social acumen, Morray is

Li Jiaolong a skilled warrior and wrestler. He uses two large daggers, func-
Abilities (Focuses) tionally similar to machetes, designed to support his aggressive
2 Accuracy (SMG) fighting style. As described here, Morray is equivalent to a 7th
level character.
5 Communication (Deception, Investigation)
1
0
Constitution
Dexterity (Sabotage)
LI JIAOLONG
0 Fighting Li Jiaolong isn’t the most experienced or highest profile Lazarus,
nor is he a contender in hand-to-hand struggles, but he remains
Intelligence (Chemistry, Computers, Cryptography,
7 respected—even feared—as a brilliant, resourceful individual.
Electronics, Security, Tactics, Tinkering)
Li’s brain and central nervous system have been merged with an
7 Perception (Empathy, Searching, Seeing) array of quantum processors and superconducting filaments in an
–2 Strength attempt to push his intellect and reflexes beyond human capabili-
6 Willpower (Courage, Self-Discipline) ties. The process was largely successful; to Li, life is a slow dream,
layered with data structures and phantom scenarios at the edges
Speed Health Defense AR + Toughness of probability. In the half-moment it takes an ordinary human
10 46 60 90 10 10 13 3I/6B+1 +4 +4 to form a thought, Li can assess multiple possibilities and bring
the most desired to fruition with a few words. Li’s artificial eyes
Weapon Attack Roll Damage* display it all for his use. The procedure’s results, however, push
Integrated SMG +4 2d6+7 the physical limits of his human body, causing extensive feedback
within his motor neurons and autonomic nervous system, and
* Add +2 to damage in Pulpy and Cinematic modes. Li relies heavily on a personal assistive vehicle to move about,
speak, or—in times of stress—even breathe.
Special Features
While Li seems vulnerable, especially as his Family’s Lazarus,
Favored Stunts: A-ha!, Impress, When a Plan Comes Together Jiaolong rarely allows any threat to himself or his Family within
Talents: Lazarus Talents: Awareness (Expert; Empathy, Seeing; miles of their physical locations. His predictive abilities and direct
Bloodhound, Multispectral Vision), Cognition (Master; Computers, neural interface with the Li family’s extensive security networks
Cryptography, Security, Perfect Memory, Predictive Analysis, Rapid and drone fleets mean that threats cannot approach or ambush
Processing). Other Talents: Hacking (Master)
him. Those few exceptional individuals who can evade Jiaolong’s
Specialization: Investigator (Master) tactical genius must still contend with the operatives under his
Equipment: Central Nervous System Interface, Personal Assistive command, coordinated via implants to fight as a cohesive unit.
Vehicle, Playing Cards, Submachinegun with Assistive Modifications
Li doesn’t gloat about his intelligence, or talk much about himself
Threat: Dire at all. He enjoys games and light banter, though if threatened,
he’ll reveal a fraction of his true abilities. The game statistics here
place Li at about 8th level for a Lazarus.

OTHER LAZARI
Each Family has its own Lazarus, with their own unique blend of
skills and advanced abilities. The following are additional Lazari
that have appeared or been described in the Lazarus comic series.

SIR THOMAS HUSTON

Recognizable by his beret and
bastard sword, Sir Thomas is the
adept of the Lazari, and seems to relish situations where he Armitage Lazarus. Despite the
can work with others of his kind, or while away time with them honorific, he adopts the persona of
on neutral ground. Morray rivals frequently warn their Lazari an English everyman, just another
and other agents that Joacquim’s easy charisma is almost as soldier trying to do his duty for
dangerous as his physical abilities. It’s easy to forget about Family God and country—though natur-
plots and rivalries in his presence. Yet none of it appears to be a ally, the latter is embodied by the
pose. He seems to genuinely get along with others, and views his Family Armitage, now synonymous
duties as a professional obligation, not a reason to hate anyone. with royalty. Huston is friendly
He has a special connection to Forever Carlyle, but given the situ- toward Lazari who demonstrate
ations under which they’ve met, it’s difficult to tell if Joacquim parallel ethics regarding their own
has genuine romantic feelings, feels an urge for a fling, or if, in the service. He is proficient with his
end, he’s serving the Morrays with his flirting after all. sword and a variety of modern weapons, as befits him continuing

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CHAPTER 1: LIFT SELECTION: TECH BRIEFING: EQUIPMENT THE RULE OF LAW - THE WORLD, TAKING THE APPENDIX:
INTRODUCTION X+65 CHARACTER OPTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY GAMEMASTERING LAZARUS DIVIDED STONE THE LAZARI

the traditions of both English “Masters of Defense” and the SAS. Forever Carlyle, though he is considerably more casual in his
His enhancements allow him to hold his own against most other personal dealings, making him more of a charmer and dema-
Lazari, but their exact nature isn’t obvious. gogue than military officer. The nature of his enhancements is
unknown, but his Family’s membership in the Carlyle Bloc means
BIR CHIKKA MEHTA he has likely received extensive genetic tinkering in addition to the
various bio-polymer implants Nkosi science has begun developing.
Mehta is a big man, the defender
of the Family Minetta, though he’s WENING PERTIWI
not in their line of succession.
He was selected from candidates The Carragher Lazarus hails from
chosen for their physical fitness, an Indonesian family, and like her
intelligence, and to a certain Minetta and Rausling counter-
extent, familial descent. While not parts, was Lifted into her status by
a Minetta, his well-placed lineage winning a long, televised competi-
still made him easily accepted as tion in which Carragher selected a
a military leader among the highly replacement for her predecessor,
traditional officers in Minetta’s Eliot Staner. In Carragher terri-
forces. Little is known of his exact tory, she is a celebrity of the
capabilities, as the Minettas keep highest order. In combat, she
him busy as commander, but he is known to be proficient in trad- favors Sunda Silat style, and can
itional South Asian weapons and grappling methods. use her sarong to devastating
effect. Due to Carragher’s close
CHRISTOF MUELLER alliance with Carlyle, it is assumed she has undergone retroviral
vector changes to her genome.
After the death of his predecessor,
Captain Christof Mueller qualified ALIMAH MEYERS-QASIMI
for the role of Rausling Lazarus
through merit, making a name Alimah Meyers-Qasimi is the
for himself in battles against the youngest known Lazarus, even
Nkosi. Six months of grueling younger than Sonja Bittner. As such,
training and enhancement she has yet to be fully deployed, and
followed, including a regimen her initial excursions have been on
developed by Hock to greatly training and bodyguard missions.
increase his strength along with She is part of her Family’s blood,
pheromone and hormone altera- so they are particularly cautious
tions to make him attractive and about introducing her to a full slate
virile, to serve his Family as a polit- of responsibilities—but she is a
ical tool. These treatments have had the side effect of increasing Lazarus, and despite her fresh face
his aggression, which makes him unpleasant to be around, espe- is inhumanly capable. Beyond her
cially when he’s reminded of his non-military functions. Mueller wide-eyed youth, Qasimi is notable
uses his tremendous strength to swing a large two-handed sword for wearing modest clothing in the traditional Arab Muslim fashion
called a zweihander in combat. Mueller’s pride motivates him and carrying two scimitars while performing her duties. The type
to lead from the front, even when his operational purpose is to and extent of her enhancements is unknown.
supervise, not fight.
THE ZMEY
XOLANI NKOSI
The Zmey (“Dragon”) is the
A son of his Family, Xolani Nkosi rumored Vassalovka Lazarus.
fights with a paired spear and Nobody knows his real name
harpoon, harkening back to the or origin, only the results of
spearhead crest the Nkosis have his horrible work. He’s said to
used through various corporate have received enhancements so
incarnations into the present day. extreme they’ve distorted his
The laid-back Nkosi views himself mind and body, turning him into
as a military professional who an engine of destruction who
has no reason to treat anyone, is not so much commanded as
even enemies, with anything but unleashed upon a region. Reports
respect—unless they spit on the say the Zmey is a literal giant—
honor he feels warriors should twice the size of a normal human
share. Nkosi mastered his unique and nearly indestructible—and capable of casual atrocities no
combat style well enough to keep pace with Sonja Bittner and other Lazarus would willingly perform.

124
 Index
A Enemies.................................................. 90 H
Head of Family....................................... 90
Ability Focuses...................................... 15–16 Lazarus................................................... 90 Harada, Kaiya.............................................. 93
Proprietary............................................. 15 Line of Succession................................... 90 Herd Worker (background)...................... 10
Al-Ghazzawi, Major Raqiyah.................... 98 Motto...................................................... 90 Hoarder (drive)........................................... 14
Armitage................................................ 85–87 People................................................ 89–90 Hock....................................................... 80–84
Allies....................................................... 86 Catholic Church....................................... 105 Allies....................................................... 82
Business Name....................................... 86 Central Nervous System Interface............ 30 Business Name....................................... 82
Domain................................................... 86 Character Creation................................... 8–9 Domain............................................. 80–81
Enemies.................................................. 86 Clearance (talent)....................................... 16 Enemies.................................................. 82
Head of Family....................................... 86 Climber (drive)........................................... 14 Head of Family....................................... 82
Lazarus................................................... 86 CNSI............................................................. 30 Lazarus................................................... 82
Line of Succession................................... 86 Cognition (Lazarus talent)............. 117–118 Motto...................................................... 82
Motto...................................................... 86 Combat Armor System.............................. 29 People................................................ 82–83
Armitage, Lady Cressida........................... 87 Conditioning (ability focus)...................... 16 Hock Drugs........................................... 33–34
Armor.................................................... 28–29 Blacks...................................................... 33
Armored Fighting Vehicle......................... 29 D Blues....................................................... 33
Armor (Lazarus talent)............................ 116 Golden Horizon..................................... 33
Demolitions Training (talent)................... 16
Arshad, Bijan............................................. 100 Greens..................................................... 34
Denver.................................................... 74–76
Artillery (ability focus).............................. 15 Greys....................................................... 34
Descent Assistance Rig.............................. 29
Autobrace.................................................... 32 Purples.................................................... 34
DEW Stunner.............................................. 28
Automated Assessment Reds........................................................ 34
Drives..................................................... 14–15
& Treatment Brace................................. 32 Teals........................................................ 34
D’Souza.................................................. 90–92
Awareness (Lazarus talent)............ 116–117 Yellows.................................................... 34
Allies....................................................... 91
AWS—Assault Weapon System.......... 26–27 Hunter (profession).................................... 13
Business Name....................................... 91
Huston, Sir Thomas.................................. 123
B Domain................................................... 91
Enemies.................................................. 91 I
Backgrounds........................................... 9–11 Head of Family....................................... 91
Existing............................................... 9–10 Lazarus................................................... 91 Inamura................................................. 92–93
New................................................... 10–11 Line of Succession................................... 91 Allies....................................................... 93
Barret, Michael........................................... 75 Motto...................................................... 91 Business Name....................................... 93
Bittner.................................................... 87–89 People................................................ 91–92 Domain............................................. 92–93
Allies....................................................... 88 Enemies.................................................. 93
Business Name....................................... 88 E Head of Family....................................... 93
Domain............................................. 87–88 Lazarus................................................... 93
Economics............................................. 24–25
Enemies.................................................. 88 Line of Succession................................... 93
Hock........................................................ 25
Head of Family....................................... 88 Motto...................................................... 93
Elite Soldier (specialization)..................... 20
Lazarus................................................... 88 People...................................................... 93
Endurance (ability focus).......................... 15
Line of Succession................................... 88 Infiltrator (profession)............................... 13
Endurance (Lazarus talent)..................... 118
Motto...................................................... 88 Information Technology...................... 30–31
Enemies...................................................... 104
People...................................................... 88 Rules....................................................... 31
Equipment................................................... 26
Bittner, Sonja.................................... 121–122 Instigating (ability focus)........................... 15
Restricted Goods.................................... 26
Bodger (profession).................................... 13 Insurgent (background)............................. 10
EV, Executive............................................... 30
Breacher (profession)................................. 13 International Trade.............................. 25–26
EV, Patrol..................................................... 30
Itinerant Laborer (profession).................. 13
C EV, Performance......................................... 30
EV, Standard................................................ 30 J
C-109 Spyder............................................... 27 Exotic Sensing (ability focus).................... 16
Carlyle.................................................... 67–80 Extinct Families............................... 105–106 Jet Injector................................................... 32
Allies....................................................... 68 Jumpkit........................................................ 32
Business Name....................................... 68 F Junker (talent)............................................. 17
Domain............................................. 68–74 Jury-Rigger (talent).................................... 17
Families (ability focus)............................... 15
Enemies.................................................. 68
Fischer, Klaus.............................................. 88 K
Head of Family....................................... 68
Foreman (profession)................................. 13
Lazarus................................................... 68 Knife Style (talent)...................................... 17
Free Revolutionary (specialization)......... 21
Line of Succession................................... 68 Kopilov, Tatiana “Reddy”........................ 104
Free, the..................................................... 106
Motto...................................................... 68
People................................................ 67–68 G L
Carragher............................................... 89–90 Lazari................................................. 112–124
Gadabout (drive)........................................ 14
Allies....................................................... 90 Creating................................................ 114
Groundbreaker (drive).............................. 14
Business Name....................................... 90 in Campaigns............................... 113–114
Guide (profession)...................................... 13
Domain................................................... 89 Role............................................... 112–113

125
 Talents.......................................... 115–120 Allies..................................................... 101 Retainer (background)............................... 11
Lesser Houses.............................................. 11 Business Name..................................... 101 Rogue Medic (specialization)................... 22
Li............................................................. 94–95 Domain......................................... 100–101 Rural Waste (background)........................ 11
Allies....................................................... 95 Enemies................................................ 101
S
Business Name....................................... 95 Head of Family..................................... 101
Domain................................................... 94 Lazarus................................................. 101 Saboteur (specialization)........................... 22
Enemies.................................................. 95 Line of Succession................................. 101 San Francisco........................................ 78–79
Head of Family....................................... 95 Motto.................................................... 101 Savior (drive)............................................... 14
Lazarus................................................... 95 People.................................................... 101 Scientist (specialization)............................ 23
Line of Succession................................... 95 Morray, Joacquim..................................... 122 Scrap Pistol.................................................. 28
Motto...................................................... 95 Motorcycle, Tactical................................... 30 Scrap Shot.................................................... 28
People................................................ 94–95 Mountain............................................... 70–71 Self-Awareness (ability focus)................... 16
Li Déwu....................................................... 95 Mueller, Christof....................................... 124 Signals (ability focus)................................. 16
Lifted (background)................................... 11 Muscle (Lazarus talent).................. 118–119 Sister Bernard.............................................. 83
Li Jiaolong.................................................. 123 Smart Site..................................................... 31
N
Living Off the Land (talent)...................... 17 Social Class.................................................. 10
Los Angeles........................................... 76–78 New York............................................... 83–84 Social Mobility............................................ 12
Nkosi................................................. 102–103 Social Survivor (talent).............................. 19
M
Allies..................................................... 102 Soleri.......................................................... 106
Martins................................................... 95–97 Business Name..................................... 102 Southwest............................................... 72–74
Allies....................................................... 96 Domain................................................. 102 Specializations....................................... 20–23
Business Name....................................... 96 Enemies................................................ 102 New................................................... 20–23
Domain................................................... 96 Head of Family..................................... 102 Strategist (specialization).......................... 23
Enemies.................................................. 96 Lazarus................................................. 102 Survival (ability focus)............................... 16
Head of Family....................................... 96 Line of Succession................................. 102 Sword Style (talent).................................... 19
Lazarus................................................... 96 Motto.................................................... 102
T
Motto...................................................... 96 People............................................ 102–103
People...................................................... 96 Nkosi, Xolani............................................ 124 Talents.................................................... 16–19
Martins, Bolanile........................................ 96 Trader Five............................................ 79–80
O
Med-Data Collator............................... 32–33 Trader One.................................................. 84
Mediaphone................................................ 30 Ocampo, Marisol........................................ 77 Tyrant (drive).............................................. 15
Media Tablet................................................ 31
Medical Equipment.............................. 32–33 P U
Medical Technology............................. 32–34 Pacific Northwest.................................. 71–72 Unobtrusiveness (ability focus)................ 15
Mehta, Bir Chikka.................................... 124 Patron (specialization)............................... 21
Mercado, Andreas.................................... 101 People..................................................... 86–87 V
Meyers-Qasimi..................................... 97–98 Pereyra, Guillermo..................................... 92 Vandal (profession).................................... 14
Allies....................................................... 98 Postbox......................................................... 31 Vassalovka........................................ 103–104
Business Name....................................... 98 Power broker (profession)......................... 13 Allies..................................................... 104
Domain................................................... 97 Professions............................................. 12–14 Business Name..................................... 104
Enemies.................................................. 98 New......................................................... 13 Domain......................................... 103–104
Head of Family....................................... 98 Profile Recognition (ability focus)........... 15 Head of Family..................................... 104
Lazarus................................................... 98 Propaganda (ability focus)........................ 15 Lazarus................................................. 104
Line of Succession................................... 98 Proprietary Biology (ability focus)........... 15 Line of Succession................................. 104
Motto...................................................... 98 Proprietary Chemistry (ability focus)...... 15 Motto.................................................... 104
People................................................ 97–98 Proprietary Computers (ability focus)..... 15 People.................................................... 104
Meyers-Qasimi, Alimah.......................... 124 Proprietary Earth Vehicles.................................................. 29–30
Military VTOL............................................ 30 Sciences (ability focus).......................... 16
Minetta................................................. 98–100 Proprietary Electronics (ability focus)..... 15 W
Allies....................................................... 99 Proprietary Engineering (ability focus)... 15 Weapons................................................ 26–28
Business Name....................................... 99 Proprietary Medicine (ability focus)........ 16 Wening Nathaniel....................................... 90
Domain................................................... 99 Proprietary Piloting (ability focus).......... 15 Wening Pertiwi......................................... 124
Enemies.................................................. 99 Proprietary Steering (ability focus).......... 16
Head of Family....................................... 99 Prowess (Lazarus talent)................. 119–120 X
Lazarus................................................... 99
X+ Era Ballistic Bodysuit.......................... 28
Line of Succession................................... 99 R
X+ Era Light Armor................................... 29
Motto...................................................... 99 Raider (specialization)......................... 21–22 X+ Era Sidearm.......................................... 28
People...................................................... 99 Rausling..................................................... 106 X+ Era SMG................................................ 28
Minor Augmentation, Acuity (talent)........... 18 Reflexes (Lazarus talent).......................... 120
Minor Augmentation, Adrenal (talent)........ 18 Regency (ability focus).............................. 16 Y
Minor Augmentation, Resilience (talent).... 19 Regeneration (Lazarus talent)................. 120
Minor Augmentation, Strength (talent)....... 19 Year X........................................................... 66
Remote Operation (ability focus)............. 15
Minor Family (background)..................... 11 Researcher (profession)............................. 14 Z
Mobile System............................................. 31 Restricted Goods........................................ 26
Morray.............................................. 100–101 Zmey, the................................................... 124

126
 World Of Distinctive features MOVE Run

level in in
TM

yards yards

speed defense Toughness armor penalty health

+/-
name
ar
height
Age &Weight

armor type Toughness

background Mode
social class Talents, Specializations, & Augmentations
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. An electronic version can also be downloaded from www.greenronin.com.

Profession

Drive
Family/
Allegiance
accuracy
Rating

Communication
Rating

Constitution
Rating

Dexterity
Rating

Fighting Weapon attack roll damage

Rating

Intelligence
Rating

Perception
Rating

Strength equipment
Rating Resources

Willpower
Rating

Relationships, Social Ties

spells Preferred Stunts & Other notes Experience

Character
Character background
background

Moral Compromises & Effects

127
 James S. A. Corey’s

Roleplaying game
The Expanse Roleplaying Game
brings James S.A. Corey’s award-
Roleplaying Game
winning series of science fiction
novels to the tabletop.
Using the Adven-
Roleplaying Game

ture Game Engine

(AGE) rules that power Green Ronin’s
Fantasy AGE, Blue Rose, and Modern AGE
RPGs, The Expanse takes players to a far-future
solar system where humanity is divided: Martians, Belters,
and the people of old Earth struggle for political power
and resources, but older, alien, forces are stirring in the
Green ronin PublishinG
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GRR6301 • $34.95

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universe, and human history is about to take an unexpected Printed in USA ISBN: 978-1-934547-91-5

Modern AGE Basic Rulebook is ©2018 Green Ronin Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. References to other copyrighted material in no way constitute a challenge to the respective
copyright holders of that material. Green Ronin, Fantasy AGE, the Adventure Game Engine, and their associated logos are trademarks of Green Ronin Publishing, LLC.
GRR
6601 Sci-fi roleplaying at humanity’s Edge

new turn. The Expanse RPG applies the fast-playing, stunt-

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actions of the characters may change the course of history!

256-page, full color hardback • $49.95 • GRR6601 • ISBN: 978-1-934547-97-7

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