INTRODUCTION

Like our own, the world of Aberrant is not static. lt and kicking ass, the material in this book can be adapted
does not stand still long enough for you to get a good to allow for that kind of interaction as well.
look at it, to become overly familiar.lt Flutters and lunges, The four scenarios in Phase1extend the Aberrant
murders and creates . Aberrant is not a comic strip timeline up through 2010 and reveal some of the machi-
wherein the protagonist fights the same three villains nations of the various factions of the Aberrant world,
over and over and over again, that strip where the villain from the relatively mundane scheming of the American
makes the same stupid mistake that got his ass kicked Eagle Party to the more ambitious power plays of the
the last time . The law of cause and effect applies . Crimi- Teragen and Project Utopia.
nals learn their lessons . Heroes get cocky and fall. The ln Strange Bedfellows, the Storyteller pulls the
Aberrantsetting has demographics and trends and characters into the political arena as either one of the
viewer response figures very similar to our own. The characters runs for President of the United States or all
world and the signature characters learn, grow and evolve of them help a candidate do the same . A variety of char-
(or degenerate , as the case may be). acters are introduced, who may wind up as the charac-
ln 1998 , the appearance of novas inAicted a riot of ters' allies or antagonists , depending on Storyteller need .
changes on the face of the world. Ten years later, it is a This scenario is heavy on roleplaying and relatively light
cleaner and more hopeful world than our own. The air on quantum conAict. Storytellers who run more action-
smells better . The water carries fewer toxic contami- oriented series may want to familiarize themselves with
nants. AIDS has ceased to be a concern. A larger por- the high points and have the events unfold in the back-
tion of the world's population goes to bed with a warm ground of their regular series as a way of keeping their
meal in their bellies than has ever before been the case . players up to date on the state of the world.
All of these things have come to pass with the assistance ln The Apostasy, Project Utopia takes a major ally
of novas. Homo sapiens novus fixed many of the mis- for granted and loses him in so doing. ln the wake of
takes of H. sapiens sapiens. ln return, baselines revere Antaeus dissolving his ties with Utopia and going solo,
novas. They watch their exploits on N!, follow the law- envoys from several other organi zations, both nova and
enforcement efforts of Team Tomorrow in the newspa - baseline, move in to recruit him to their cause . Antaeus
per and watch XWF battles on the OpNet. For 10 years, is extremely intelligent and even more wary of entangle-
a state of benevolent symbiosis existed between baseline ments at this point, however, and he is not easily swayed .
and nova. ln the climactic scene, the players get the opportunity
The Golden Age of novas reached its peak in 2008, to argue their case and hear the points of view of such
just before the murder of Jennifer "Slider" Landers . lt is nefarious others as Sophia Rousseau and Count Raoul
her death that begins the relentless downward spiral that Orzaiz. The crux of this scenario is the players ' ability to
slowly pulls the nova-driven global Camelot toward the roleplay social situations and argue decisively for
tragedy and devastation of the Aberrant War (for more their cause .
on the Aberrant War, see Trinity, which takes place in Things turn grim in Gabriel as the characters are
the same universe - or is it just a very similar universe ? called in to deal with an insane and very powerful nova.
- but over a century later) . AberrantsWorldwide: Gabriel Melchior's intensive work for Project Utopia has
Phase1details the more spectacular events of 2008- inAicted such massive quantities of Taint on him that he
2010 and allows characters to be a part of those events has become one of the most powerful (and unstable)
that will become history . creatures on the planet. Characters are given tools that,
The scenarios in Aberrants Worldwide: Phase 1are in theory, will be able to defeat "The Miracle ." 1f they
not classic super-battles , though some of them can be succeed, Gabriel will die, the plague will be averted, and
slanted that way if it better suits your style of play. Allof they will be heroes . lf they fail, Gabriel will visit a plague
the situations presented in this book are opportunities upon the world that could wipe out a large portion of the
for political , social, investigative and ideological human race (while leaving novas unaffected) . The char-
roleplaying , but if you' re more interested in rolling dice acters will not be able to overpower Gabriel, and this
 ABERRANT
scenario requires a great deal of finesse on the part of These four scenarios, taken together , reveal a
thecharactersandgoodroleplaying on thepartof theplayers . growingunease between novas and their baseline ben-
The finalscenariotakes placein2010. lnto the Arms eficiaries.Some novas are growingtired of fixingprob-
of the Angelof Wrath is the story of Andre Corbin'sat- lems that they never contributed to in the first place.
tempt to turn himselfin after two years on the run from Others are workingso hard to improvetheir pay, mar-
Project Utopiaand its allies. Corbinhas no wayof know- ketability, standinginUtopiaor socialstandingwith other
ing that his act willbe the catalyst for the first conflict novasthat they losethemselvesto Taintand becomedan-
between Caestus Pax and DivisMal. The ill willgener- gerous to themselvesand those around them. Dark days
ated by this unprecedented quantumbattle (and the en- lie ahead. Those in the knowlongfor the giddyfirst days
suing raid on the Bahrain facility) exacerbates the an- of the Nova Age. Even as the doctors of Utopia prog-
tipathy between Utopia and the Teragen almost to the nosticate, worry and cast a wary glance in the direction
kindlingpoint. The characters may help Corbinto stay of their novaallies, they knowone thing for certain: The
alive, or they mayassist in hiscapture or his assassination. GoldenAge is over.
Conflictawaits.

2 INTRODUCTION
 From "The World's

___
terview Opinion" segment,
dated 8/16/08

Is the world ready for a nova President?

• <Name Withheld>, house

painter, Mo cow: "Why not?
Russia has one."

• Ivy Latimer, graphic artist,

Bedworth: "I'm quite convinced that
nothing is too crazy for America."

• Jenina Goudreau, geneticist,

Bo ton: "I can't imagine anything
more dangerous, even if it is The
Fireman. The point of a represen-
tative democracy is to have
leader hip that repre ents the
citizenry. A one-in-a-million
curio ity of nature doesn't repre-
sent anyone."

3
• Kirsten Kinney, elite, no fixed
address: "The wolves'll tear him apart.
Salve, Randelus,propt.erimminens
perebus."

<N! Translation : Hail, Randel, for

thou art soon to die.>

• Josette Nicholson, retired program-

mer, San Jose: "I believe it's efficient
to give the governa nce of the nation
to someone who could already wreak
massive havoc; it keeps the number of
threats down. Plus, The Fireman has
demonstrated his integrity in the face
of power."

CommercialScript
[BACKGROUND : Novas doing impressive but pointless nova stuff.]

• Voiceover: "They're right. Having power means nothing."

[BACKG ROUND : More impressive nova stuff. About six seconds thereof .]

• Voiceover: "It's whether you use it responsibly."

[BACKGROUND : The famous still recreation of The Fireman at eruption .]

• Voiceover: "Every President should be a hero."

4
 Welcome
toOpnet

Excerpt from a conversation as President Pendleton enters Air Force One.

• Kenyon [Sun Times]: Ms. President! Ms. President! What's your reaction to the
announcement of Portman's candidacy?
• Pendleton: Mr. Kenyon, I have faced down Radocani and fought roomfuls of
hostile Senators. I find a man who can put out fires entirely unimpressive.

[BEGIN OUTPUT]
Begin Input:
Consider nova attributes as a function from human capability to inhuman capability.
Consider a nova with attribute Intelligent as an enigmatic , potentially dangerous , individual
(a sphinx).
Begin Output:
Baselines that will become nouas correspond to eggs. Nouas with in-
complete Intelligent attribute correspond to smart eggs.
The remaining baselines correspond to children. Nouas without at-
tribute Intelligent correspond to children.
Outside Earth (which is space) corresponds to air.
Rdult nouas with attribute Intelligent <may> liue in space. Rdult cor-
responds to <unknown>.
SphinKes eat children. Nouas with attribute Intelligent <may> eat
baselines and nouas that correspond to children. Eat corresponds to <un-
known form of destruction>.
SphinKes do not match <standard_noua_behauior _patterns.>
Thank you for using Conceptual, Dr. Portman.
[END OUTPUT]
 Welcome
toOpnet

PRESIDEUCY
2008
Calendar
ofElections
6 Euents
January 21 Alaska Caucus : Republicans
January 22 Virginia Caucus : American Eagles
January 25 Louisiana Caucus: Republicans
February 4 Iowa Caucus
February 5 New Hampshire Primary
February 9 Delaware Primary, Michigan Caucus: Democrats
February 11 California Caucuses : Libertarians
February 16 South Carolina Primary
February 19 Primaries: Arizona (GOP) , Michigan (GOP) and Puerto Rico
February 21 North Dakota Caucus : Republicans and Amer ican Eagles
February 22 Primaries: Washington State , Virginia (GOP & American Eagles)
March 4 Primaries : California , Connecticut , Georgia , Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts , Missouri , New Jersey, New York, Ohio , Rhode
Island and Vermont
Hawaii Caucus : Democrats
North Dakota Caucus: Democrats and Libertarians
March 7 Primaries : Arizona (Democrats) , Colorado , Utah and Wyoming
March 9 Nevada Caucus : Democrats
March 11 Primaries: Florida , Louisiana , Mississippi , Oklahoma, Oregon ,
Tennessee and Texas
March 18 Illinois Primary
March 22 Alaska Caucus : Democrats
April 1 Primaries : Kansas, Minnesota and Wisconsin
April 22 Pennsylvania Primary
April 24 Virginia Caucus : Libertarians
April 29 Primaries : District of Columbia , Indiana and North Carolina
May6 Primaries : Nebraska and West Virginia
May 20 Primaries : Arkansas and Idaho
May 27 Kentucky Primary
May30 Virginia Caucus : Democrats
June 3 Primaries : Alabama , Montana , New Mexico and South Dakota
July 1-4 Libertarian Party National Convention
July 19-24 American Eagle Party National Convention
July 26-31 Republican Party National Convention
August 11-14 Democrat ic Party National Convention

~ I Parties I News Links I Bookstore I Information I About Us

6
 From the Journal of Marie AnthonyGreen

10/8/08
l have been thinkingabout Heaven.
lt seems cruel that the Lord told us of Heaven. He promises Paradise to those of us who are worthy but only if we
first endure our time in this world. lt is a satisfying world in manyways - a glorious, endlesslybeautiful world - but
God dangles Heavenabove us like a man teasing his dog. Tauntingus and makingthe pleasures of this world therefore
less sweet.
l have no one waiting for me there, of course. 1am lucky in this. Those who fall into hopeless love and then lose
their lovedones - well, the rollof the dice has turned against them. The Lord has violated their souls and hearts, poor
unluckysods, and they have no higher court to tum to in recourse.
1do not think that 1shallever fall in love.
Still, there it sits - above me - tempting, taunting. 1 cannot understand why the Lord should make all my
victories less sweet by telling me of Heaven.
Someday, perhaps, 1willerupt and knowsomethingof Paradise. To fly likethe angels!To see with the eyes of God
- to think on a higher level - it wouldnot be appropriate at this time, however.
My ambitiontells me that winningthis race willmakeme likea blessed soul and leave me in Paradise. 1know that
this is not true - that this is simpleself-deception. To be President is not to be of the blessed. It is to become likeGod.
1f1become likeGod,1willnot tease the people with stories of Heaven. l willteach them to lovethe worldthey have.

7
XVI. Novas
I. We oppose government subsidies of individuals and businesses for any purpose or reason , including attempts to
balance the "natural economic advantage" of novas in the marketplace .
2. Insofar as a baseline may be unable to achieve just private adjudication of disputes with a nova of certain
abilities, we support the use of government funds to make public adjudication practical.
3. We oppose attempts by Project Utopia to add a second layer of government over the federal government of the
United States of America , much as we oppose attempts by others to impose unnecessary mechanisms of regulation and
law within that government.
 PRESIDEnCY
2008
Electoral College Votes
Alabama 9 Alaska 3
Arizona 8 Arkansas 6
California 54 Colorado 8
Connecticut 8 Delaware 3
D.C. 3 Florida 25
Georgia 13 Hawaii 4
Jdaho 4 Jllinois 22
Jndiana 12 Jowa 7
Kansas 6 Kentucky 8
Louisiana 9 Maine 4
Maryland 10 Massachusetts 12
Michigan 18 Minnesota 10
Mississippi 7 Missouri 11
Montana 3 Nebraska 5
Nevada 4 New Hampshire 4
New Jersey 15 New Mexico 5
New York 33 North Carolina 14
North Dakota 3 Ohio 21
Oklahoma 8 Oregon 7
Pennsylvania 23 Puerto Rico 7
Rhode Jsland 4 South Carolina 8
South Dakota 3 Tennessee 11
Texas 32 Utah 5
Vermont 3 Virginia 13
Washington 11 West Virginia 5
Wisconsin 11 Wyoming 3

[ ~ I Parties I NewsLinks]
 Froman en::rypted dat.ed
comrTU1icp.ie 8/19/08
Steve:
lf you ever do this to me again, 1swear 1'11wrap your feet around your head and use you as a racquetball. Do you
have any idea what it's liketo work for this man?
First, he has more privacy issues than ViaSoft.Which means what for the happy little Secret Service man as-
signed to watch over him? Well,let's just say 1don't appreciate being screwed to the wallregardless of whether 1give
himspace or not, Steve.
Second, honest as Saint Pete is tall, he's nuts. Not irrational for a minute, mind. But he's a sick bastard. lt comes
out around the corners, past the edges of that politician'sface. We were in New Yorkthe other day, drivingto a dinner,
and we see this kid - seven, eight, tops - sprawled in the gutter. And his wife, Lois, says, "Oh my God. Stop!"
Now,1have to think about things likethis. ls it safe? 1mean, we're talkingthe middleof New York. 1have to think
about these things because Mark Green's life isn't just another humanlife to me - it's a duty.
But Mark Green, why did he have to stop and think about it? Why did he get this look on his face for a minutelike
what he really wanted to say was, "No - 1don't want to be late?"
Of course, we saved the kid. Got her to a hospital.Mark's a big hero.
Here 1thought we were friends, and you give me this nutcase when we have The Firemanto protect?
1fyou ever do this again....
- Bartolomew.

story. Evidently, Jules just idolizedAndre Corbin. He had

The Voices of Clytemnestra CorbinT-shirts , Corbinbaseballcaps and little Corbinaction
7/10/08 figures - hell, he had a Corbin screen saver. Jules didn't
Objective Clytemnestra: just likeCorbin, though. He tried to live up to his hero's ex-
Let me summarizethe politicalsituation facing us, for ample. For example, when Corbinwouldappear at a charity
those of you who have been glued to N! and ignoring the event, Jules woulddonate to that charity, as sure as day fol-
race for the Presidency. Reporters from The Washington lows night. When Corbindid something heroic, Jules would
Postconnected MarkAnthonyGreen last Wednesdayto the do big things of his own, likemowhis lawn.
Institute for HistoricalReview. That's one of the organiza- I'm not kidding, by the way. This is a guy with a Corbin
tions dedicated to "disproving" the historicalrecord of the hair cut.
20th century Holocaust.EvidentlyGreen spent most of his No big mystery to his motivation, here. Corbin kills
college years working for them. Green, questioned on the Slider; ergo, Jules killshis wife. Like night followsday.
matter, took an interesting tack. Instead of defending the Youhave to think about this for a moment to get the
institute's assertion or claimingto havechanged his mind,he punch line. No one's proved that Corbindid it.
expressed his "regret" for the "insensitivity" of his youth. 1fCorbin'sthe innocentvictimhere, Jules has taken one
Moreover, he adds, "1 don't see it becoming an issue. The step beyond followingin Corbin's footsteps. No longer the
people of the institute are historians; wouldyou have some imitator; no longer the cheerleader - he's boldlytaken the
kind of originalsin attach to them from a 20th century war?" lead and becomemore Corbinthan Corbinhimself.He's struck
Green's doctrine, then, for our country: originalvirtue. out on hisownand started redefiningwhat beingAndre Corbin
One man, however fiercely he supports the propaganda of means. Ifthesporty,n<M1-ish g.rycan'tkeep14>, too bad.
another, bears no responsibilityfor that other man's crimes. EmotionalClytemnestra:
ln the legal context, 1find this principle indisputablyexcel- It's likeNietzschesaid. 1fyou waveyour porn-pornsfor
lent. When discussingethics, it bears closer examination. the monsters longenough, eventuallyyou get to play for the
Narrative Clytemnestra: monster team. Or somethinglike that.
Last month, the police arrested a man named Jules That's all ] have to say about originalvirtue.
Courtnayfor the murder of his wife. Listen up; this is a good

10
 ABERRANT

I. Introduction Portmanis wellgroomed,a belovedhero and a mediafig-

ure knownthroughoutthe world.
In MexicoCity,a nova sociologistplansrevisionsto Despite the apostasy of the AmericanEagle mem-
humansociety. Ina smallCostaRicanbar,one of the world's bers, the RepublicanParty remainsa force allmust reckon
greatest geniusesmixesdrinksthat couldsubvert the en- with. Its candidate,Bernard Morrison,is the very picture
tire temperancemovement.Andinthe UnitedStates, it's a of an elder statesman,combiningpresence, wit and white
hot and stickysummerand politicsare spiralingout of con- hair in a single package. The LibertarianParty struggles
trol. Four major parties, dozens of smallerparties and a tooth and nailto hangon to the powerit seizedinthe 2004
few nova charmers vie for a role in government. Most elections. The disaffected,ultraconservativeRepublicans
Americansagree that the more politicalparties out there, and Buchananiteswholeft the GOParoundthe time of the
the better - but being next to last in popularityamong Schroer scandal have built a successful new party, the
four major parties makesthe DemocraticParty extremely AmericanEagle Party, whichgrows more strident, vitu-
uncomfortable.In mid2008 , party leadershipdecidedon perative and influentialwith every passingday.
a risky,extreme course - backinga novacandidatefor The AmericanEagleParty runs a cleanoperationby
the Presidency. Washingtonstandards;manyof its memberseven respect
This chancy decision has all four parties running the law.MarkAnthonyGreen,however,whowaltzesoff in
scared - the Democratsbecauseit couldblowup intheir mid-Julywith its nominationfor President, has allthe high
Facesand the other parties because it mightnot. The na- moralstandards of a fairy tale stepmother. As soon as he
tion isabuzzaboutthe very ideaof a novarunningthe coun- sees the politicalpictu-eshapingupinreactionto the Demo-
try. Withthree differentparties fightingForthe conserva- cratic Party's move,he knowshe has to use any meansat
tive electorate, however,the DemocraticParty onlyneeds his disposalto quicklyand decisivelynailthe haplessnova
a third of the popularvote to feel confidentof victory. to the wall.
Storytellerscan give any popular,well-knownnova The proper toolfallsrightintoGreens's handsshortly
the Democraticnomination.Moreover, a nova character thereafter. RandelPortman, inspiredby his wife's theories
couldmakea successfulplayfor it.This bookassumesthat on worldevents,has beenengaginginsomespeculationon
Randel Portman- The Fireman- is the chosen nova the behaviorof hyperintelligentnovas. He postulatesin his
candidate. The Democratsare sure they havea goodthing: privatejournalthat muchof whatgoeson inthe worldmay
 ABERRANT
wellbe guidedbythe manipulations ofsuchnovas.Hiswife On the other hand,Greencan hire characterswith
usesthe tenn "sphinxes"to describethem,labelingtheir whomPortman would not associate to help establish
willingco-conspirators"adders."Purchasingone volume Portman'scredentialsas an enemyof the state.Alterna-
of Portman'sjournalfromPortman'sdebt-ridden(andun- tively,a novaprivatelysympatheticto the Teragencause
scrupulous)cleaningwoman,Green quicklyrealizesthat couldreplacePortmaninthe campaign.A candidateinter-
it's a goldmine.Portman'snotesdescribea conspiracyin- estedin establishing nova-friendlylawwouldreceivemost
volvingfraud,murder,treason and the attemptto refor- Teragenroras' supportThus,st1cha candidatecooldcalon
mat the humanworld.Strategicallyedited, with most of thecharacters, muchasPortmanwould callonUtopian
novas.
the handwrittenpagestom out, the journalcouldevenim- MarkGreenmustprovideevidenceto verifythe sus-
plicatePortmanas a memberof sucha conspiracy. picionsraisedby the journal.Heemploysthe classicpoliti-
Greendoesnot takethe journalto the press.That, in cal maneuversto get a handleon Portmanand Portman's
hisestimation,is a novice'stactic,suitableonlyfor some- supportersor fellowvictims,the characters.These ma-
one who cannottwist a far more discriminating ear.The neuversincludeblackmail;preciselytailoredand divisive
stripped-downremainsofthe workbookgobeforea closed accusations;undercuttingthe characters' positionwith
specialsessionof the SenateCommitteeon NovaAffairs. politicalandpersonalsupporters;buyingcontroloverpart
Greenhas manyfriendsthere, and he suspectsthat if he ofhisopponent'spoliticalmachineryandarrangingfor ap-
playsthingsjust right,greasesa fewpalmsandarrangesa parentlyneutralassociatesto entrapthe characters.
fewlittleincidentsthat confinnhisinterpretation,the Di- Meanwhile, twonovasPortmanhaspinpointedas pos-
rectivemightjust haulPortmanawaybeforethevoterseven siblesphinxes- characterizednot simplyby intelligence
go to the polls. Greenclaimsnot to knowwhysomepages greater than they admitbutalso bya lackof compassion
are missing;''Portmanmusthaveconsideredthemtoo dan- andbasicethics- growconcernedabouthiscandidacy.
gerousto preserve." CorbyCarter,an ostensiblyUtopiannovaspecializingin
Asa backupmeasure,Greenhasoneof hisaidesleak sociology,psychologyand geneticscience,uses increas-
a photocopyof the trimmedjournalto an appropriateor- inglybrutaltacticsto scare off Portman'sallies.Marietta
ganization- e.g.the Aberrants,whomightwellidentify Jackson,a bartenderwhobelievesherselfon the vergeof
the SphinxeswithProteus.(The definitionof sphinxesas transcendinghumanexistenceentirely,is less worried.
manipulatorsof an intellecb.Jal order abovethat of human- Nevertheless,shetakesthe elementaryprecautionof aim-
ity doesnotappearinthe remainingpages. Moreover,Pro- ingthree bloody-handednovasinRandelPortman'sdirec-
tws' enemiesdon'tknowthat'snotwhatProteus represents.) tion.These novas,the Dominoes,directtheir fonnalloy-
CharacterswithMentalMega-Attributes thatPortman alty towardan organizationlikeProteus,Utopia,the Di-
mighthaveapproached,or whomhebelievesto be involved rectiveor the Teragen.Theymostlikelybelongto the or-
inthese conspiracies,can enter the story at this point- ganizationto whichGreen'saideleakeda copyof the pur-
as targets ofthe committee'ssuspicionsandtargets of the loinedjournal.Jackson's holdon themis simple:Theyhave
groupthat receivesthe photocopy.It's easy for othersto cometo trust her advice.
inferthat suchcharactersparticipateinthe "Parliamentof If thecharactersassociatedthemselveswithPortman's
Sphinxes"describedinthe journal.Othercharactersmight campaignwhenthe opportunityarose,the Dominoesaf-
receivethe copyfromGreen'saideinstead. filiatethemselvesundera cloakof legitimacywiththe Lib-
Portman believes that one or two of the ertariancampaign . Thisgivesthema reasonableexplana-
hyperintelligentworld manipulatorshavenoticedhim.When tion for their presenceat manyof the politicaleventsthe
a copyof the doctoredjournalfindsits wayintohishands, characterswillattend. Fromthisvantagepoint,they move
Portmandecideshe needs backup.He cannothandlehis to entrapthe characters,usinga thoroughlyindoctrinated
personallife, the presidentialcampaign,Green'sunder- cat's-paw,JaneMason,as theiragent.Masonbelievesthat
handedpoliticsandthe manipulative "grayeminences"si- she's a Fonnermemberof the Dominoeswho has since
multaneously . Hisstaff contactsa Directivecoordinator,a changedsides. (She'swrongon one or both points.)The
Utopianfacilitatoror severalindependentnovasof good Dominoesintend her to serve as an infonnant on the
character.(Thoseunderthe committee'seyewouldfitbest.) enemy'smovements,allowingthe Dominoesto havethem
This bringsDirective,Utopian,Protean or independent takenintocustodyby the authorities.Or,iftheyare legiti-
charactersinto the story, unlessthey later decidenot to mateauthorities,theywillusethe infonnationprovidedby
get involved . Portmanexplainsthe generaloutlinesof his Masonto establishor refutethe characters'involvement in
sib.Jationto those whorespondandasksfor help.In a way, the Proteusor sphinxconspiracy.
he'srelievedthat Greenbroughtsomeof Portman'stheo- Duringthe campaign, the AmericanEaglePartygrows
rizingintothe open;it meanshe has nothingto losebyfi- progressivelystronger. The defaultoutcomefor the story
nallyunburdeninghimself. is for Portmanto barelywrest victoryawayfromGreen.
PortmanonlycontactsAberrantcharactersifhe him- An alternativeis for PresidentPendletonto claimvictory
selfidentifiesthe sphinxeswithProjectProteus(assuming as Portmanand Greenscuffleor, for a darkerseries, for
he'sevenheardof it).Thisis a validoptionfor Storytellers Greento taketheelection. Notethattheactionsofthecharac-
wishingto allyhimto otherwiseunsuitablecharacters. terscanandshoold havea majorimpactonthefinalouh:ome.

12 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
Charactersinterestedinthe Slidermurderhavea few for whatevermisguidedreasons, seekout situationswhere
opportunitiesto pick up the trail. Similarly
, characters in- they can initiateviolence,very littlebloodis spilled- but
volvedin the murder may have to work to conceal their the charactersmayneedto thinkfast to keep their reputa-
, hc,.,ing
inYOlvemert beenfingeredina verydifferentconspiracy . tion and moralstandardsintact.
Timeline: Story Events
These events do not necessarilyoccur in this par-
ticularorder and the dates are very Aexible
.
Ill. Setting
Strange Bedfellowsis not set so much in any given
location but in the ongoingclash of politicalcampaigns
July27 Mark Green purchases a recently
completed vobne of Portman's journal. acrossallof America.Characterscan findthemselves scan-
Green finishes digesting the contents ning crowds in small-townAmericafor snipers, arg.iing
~t4
anddetennines whichpages to remove . before the Senate Committeeon NovaAffairsor shaking
Green takes the remainsof the journal hands and kissingbabies across the country, barely one
~t5
to the Senatecommitteeon NovaAffairs. step ahead of the primariesto keep the votes rollingin. A
August8 [PossiblefirstmovesbyProteusor briefdescriptionof theelectoralprocessas a wholefollows
.
Aberrants in reactionto thejournal.]
~t15 Corby Carter beginsmoving againstPortman
.
Political Characters
~t28 Portman finds out about the Senate RandelPortmancan draw characters into the politi-
committee. cal world, though some, Mega-Socialsin particular, may
~t28 [Portman or Green might contact the already livethere. For a politicallyfocusedseries or a se-
characters,if appropriate.] ries with a few politicallymindedcharacters, the Story-
September JaneMasonjoinsPortman's campaign. teller can start her Aberrant game in late 2007 or early
September2 Marietta Jacksonb.rnstheDominoes against 2008. This allowsthe characters' actionsto inAuencethe
Portman. primaryelectionsand politicalcaucuses , both of whichplay
September 5 Greenattempts to arrangea sex scandal a crucialrole in the developmentof a presidentialcam-
involvingPortmanandnovaRaphaelaMoore. paign. As an alternative, she can spend a few sessions
September18 Novamanipulationof thepollsuncovered. "Aashingback" on the early campaigntrailexperiencesof
September a politicalcharacter.These Aashbackscouldlaythe ground-
and October Mn Greentakesvariousactions workfor a Democraticnomination.The Storytellercan also
to "validate"thejoumal. introducepoliticalantagonistsat this point.
September Running for President
and October Mason"leaks"information to the Havinga characteractivelyrunfor Presidentcan make
characters
. for a very intense game. The factions aligningagainst
October Masonbetraysthecharacters. Portman,listedbelow, aimtheir plots at the character in-
November [PossibleDirectiveor Utopianactionbased stead, makingthe matter that muchmore personal.
on thejournal.] Any American-borncharacter CJVer 35 can try for
November4 Popular Elections . the country'shighestoffice. This requiresthat she estab-
December15 Electoral College Votes. lishher ownpoliticalmachine,earn her placeon state bal-
lots and ultimatelygather enough of the popularvote to
II. Themes earn an electoral collegevictory. A nova with sufficient
popularitycan go Faras an independentcandidate. How-
ThisscenariotouchesonAben-ant's centralthemeof ever, she probably needs a major party's nominationto
sacrifice. To protect America from a nebulous threat, becomeanythingmorethan a politicaljoke. (The campaign
Randel Portmanworks to trap himselfin a life he would of MinnesotaGCJVernor JesseVenb.raillustrateshowa nCJVa-
hate. He shouldact, in this story, as an Arthurianfig.ire: an likefigure can become a politicaljoke, a politicalsuccess
honest man battlingthe humantendency toward corrup- or both at once.)
tion. Hisvictory ultimatelyleads to the bright Camelotof A character runningindependentlyneeds signatures
the RoundTable or the shattered Englandof Mordred's from up to five percent of the votingpopulationof each
crafting. Hebelievesthat the worldcanbe saved,andthere- state - based on the previouselection'sturnout and de-
fore, he mustdo so. pendingon state law - to add his nameto ballotsin that
Alternatively,Portman's opponentscanembodyother state. Sucha character probablyfaces bureaucraticoppo-
qualities.PresidentPendletonrepresentshumanityenabled sition besides. States have gone on record with their ob-
by reason. BernardMorrisonexemplifieshumanitypuri- jections to excesscandidates"cluttering"the ballot.
fiedby faith. A victoryfor MarkGreen, the AmericanEagle Storytellerscan groomnovacharacterswith political
candidate, isa victoryfor selfishness,hatredandarrogance. ambitionandappropriateBackgroundsandAbilitiesto take
On a more practicallevel,this story focuseson de- the Democraticnominationwhenit becomesavailable.With
ception,appearanceandmanipuction. LWess thecharacters,

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS l3
 _ ABERRANT

6,000 novasinthe world,the vast majorityof themfor- expendituresandacquisitions.

eign,selectionof an interestedcharacteris plausible.A • BudgetDiredor: overseeingthe flowof actual
charactercan alsomakea playfor the Libertarianor Re- funds.
publicannomination, althoughsuccessis lesslikely. • PoliticalDirector:liningupendorsementsanddel-
If the Storytellerfeelsthat he cannotrunan interest- egateswithinthe party.
inggameafterthe characterwinsthePresidency, heshould • FieldDirector:coordinating localcampaignopera-
talkto the relevantplayerearlyonandmakesurehe'sokay tionsintoa unifiednationalcampaign.
with a guaranteedloss.However,an electoralcampaign • VolunteerCoordinator: directingthe effortsof lo-
makesan excellentpreludeto a gameintendedto operate calor nationalvolunteers.
at that levelof power. • OfficeManager:runningthe mainofficeor a local
officeforthe campaign.
The Secret Service • Press Secretary:tadicallyplanningmediacam-
The SecretServiceprotectsmajorpresidentialcan- paignsandresponsesto mediainquiries.
didates,majorvice-presidential candidatesandtheirfami- • Scheduler:controlling the candidate'sdayplanner.
liesas wellas the Presidentand Vice-Presidentand their • Deputyor SpecialAssistantto any of the above:
families. Thisprotectionstarts as ofJuly7,2008 - more helpingthe staffsurvivean impossibly complexjob.
generally,120daysbeforethe Novemberelection.A tem- • Bodyguard: keepingthe candidatealive.
porarydetailof specialagentshandlesthis duty,guarding Cnaracterscanfillanyoftheserolesandwillfindthem
the candidatedirectlyandsendinganadvanceteamto sur- considerably moresatisfyingthanstuffingenvelopes.Sto-
veyeachsitethe candidatewillvisit.Theteamdetermines rytellersshouldtailorthe political
challengesfacingthe can-
evacuationroutes, findsthe closesthospitalfacilityand didatesto highlightthe charaders' roles.For example,a
alerts fire, rescueand other public-servicepersonnel.It majorscandalcan blowover harmlesslyin mostvenues,
establishesa commandpost,coordinateswithlocalpolice, but dryup severalimportantsourcesof funding.Thisputs
establishescheckpoints,limitsaccessto the securedareas a charader hiredon as the Democratic FinancialDirector
the candidateplansto visitandadaptsSecretServicede- in a bind.
fensiveproceduresto the location. Storytellerscanattachrespectablebutunderqualified
In 2008, Secret Serviceagentsperformbasicre- charadersto a campaignusinga publicity-motivated ap-
searchonthe candidatesinan attemptto checkfor undue pointment.It is a rare novawhodoesn'tcomewitha fan
novainfluence.Normally, this involvesa detailedpsycho- club,after all,and a deputyor specialassistantcan make
logicalworkupand behaviorprofile,basedon information surethe charader doesn'tfumblehisjob. If the character,
dated longbeforethe campaign,informationgatheredat out of lazinessor self-doubt,allowshisspecialassistantto
the beginningof the campaignanddata collectedat regu- do allthe work,that assistanteventuallyturns out to be
lar intervalsthereafter.Candidatescanrefuse,as Bernard corrupt - an embezzleror molein the pay of another
Morrisondid,but thismakesprotectingthemfrommental party - leavingthe charader with no choicebut to
powersmoredifficult. straightenthingsout as best he can
The relevantSecret Servicedetailalsostudiespos- If the charaders involvethemselveswillingly in the
siblethreats.The Secret Servicegets touchyregarding politicalsceneandthe playersseemcontentplayingpoliti-
TeamTomorrow'soffersof assistancewithcandidatepro- calgames,the Storytellermaywishto cut someofthe more
tection,butagentsdokeepT2MAmericasandseveralgen- outre intriguesand plot complications fromthis story.If
erousAmericannovason speeddial- just in case. the playersand charaders showlittleinterestin ~litical
Campaign Staff involvement, the Storytellerwillhavean opportumtyto
There'smuchmoreto a presidentialcampaignthan conned the charaders simultaneously to the Democratic
the candidate.A characterwhocannotor doesnot wishto campaignandto dramaticnova-scaleeventsbelow.
run for officeherselfcan stillbecomeone of the major Presidential Primaries and
playersinthe Democratic or Libertarian
campaign.Apopu-
larnovacanlendher endorsementto a candidateandmake Caucuses
publicappearancesto roundup support,an inhumanly in- The Democraticleadershipfirst comesup withthe
telligentcharader canfindworkas a politicaladvisor,and ideaof nominating a novacandidateat the May30 caucus.
a superhumanly charismaticcharader canhelphandlethe It makesthis decisionpublicin mid-June,whenthe deci-
press.Someofthespecificrolesavailable
inacampaign include: sionhassufficientpartysupport.lt becomesmoreor less
• Cniefof Staff:keepingthe campaignstaff inline. certaininmid-July.InAugust,the DemocraticNational
Con-
• Campaign Manager:conducting masterplanning for ventionmakesthe nomination irrevocable.
the campaign. Theexpected outcomeof the nationalconventions
is
• Communications Diredor:managing mediacontacts a Libertariannominationfor PresidentPendleton,a Re-
andarrangingavenuesforthe candidateto expressher po- publicannominationfor BernardMorrison,an American
sitionandpersonality. Eaglenominationfor MarkAnthonyGreenand a Demo-
• FinancialDirector:overseeingstrategiccampaign cratic nominationfor RandelPortman.Sincethe Demo-

14 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
craticPartyis activelylookingfor a novacandidate,a lib- her lineoFT-shirts.
eral or centristcharactercan take that nominationwith Agoodfinancial directorcanalWWJS digupsomespe-
relativeease- beginningher campaigninJuneor July,if cial-inrerest money.At(eastonelobbyagrees withanygiven
she waitsfor an invitation. candidateon anygivensubject.However,gettinga larger
sliceof the piethanthe rest ofthe candidateherdrequires
Summary of the heavynegotiationand possiblyethicalcompromise. The
character,in effect,entersintoa biddingwar,withmoney
Process on one sideand overtsupportfor the lobbyon the other.
A presidentialcampaignbeginswellin advanceof Afterbartering3W11fsupportfora lobby'sbacking,thecan-
electionyear, witheach future candidategatheringsup- didatemustthen decidewhetherto weaselaroundcam-
port for her candidacy.By the first primary,she needs paignfinancing lawsor contentherselfwitha relatively
small
popularrecognition,substantialfinancialbacking,a legion gainfor her efforts.
of volunteersand the supportof her politicalparty.She Buildingandorganizing a volunteerarmyto campaign
alsobenefitsFroma solidcampaignplan,enablingher to on the candidate'sbehalfin citiesacrossthe countryfalls
targetidentifiable factionsthatshecanbringintohercamp. on the volunteercoordinator'sshoulders.The candidate
Mostcandidatesbeginbyaddressingthoseideologi- can hastenthe processby visitingthe variouscampaign
cal,professionaland communitygroupslikelyto support headquarters,arrangingfor more interestinggive3WWJS
them "naturally"at the 60 percent levelor higher.The thanbuttonsandso forth.TheVolunteerCoordinatoralso
candidateshouldinspirethese groupsto vote,withregis- servesas liaisonamongthe variousheadquartersandde-
trationdrives,recruitmentof volunteersFromtheirranks, velopstrainingmaterialsfor the volunteercorps.
monetarydonationsand activitiesdesignedto get these Thesupportofmajorfigureswithinthe relevantparty
voters thinkingpolitically. A presidentialcandidatemust helpsanearlycampaign tremendously.Eachinfluentialvoice
delegatemostof theseactivitiesto hiscampaignstaffbut that backsthe candidatelendslegitimacy to the campaign
shouldstillkeeptabs on the process. - separatingthe candidateFromthe leagueof small-fry
The campaignplanalsoaddressesindividual voters, contenders.The candidateandthe politicaldirectormust
even thoughtargetingindividuals directlyis impossible . persuadesomeofthesekeyfigures,compromise withoth-
Statisticiansonstaffcorrelatedetailedobservations onthe ers and bribea fair numberwithanythingFrommoneyto
behaviorof individual voters,organizingthemintogroups offersof collusion . Havingsolidbackerswithinher party
likelyto vote the sameWW/· The candidatethen studies alsohelpsthe candidatereceivethe party'snomination at
trendsinthe beliefsandactionsofthesegroupsandtailors the NationalConvention.
her campaignto appealto them.The campaignmanager Duringthe middlestagesofthe campaign, a relatively
also charts in advance the stance she expects the minorcandidatemustworkto get hernameonthe ballotin
candidate'sopponentsto takeon a numberof issues. the variousstates.If her namedoesnot appearon the bal-
Conventional wisdomsuggeststhat campaignscon- lot,the electorsfor that state mustvote for someoneelse
cern themselveswithone or two of Fourbasicfoci.First, - a blowto anyone'scampaign . Thefourpartiesdetailed
the candidatecan builda strong organization withgreat in the FactionsandMethodssectionhaveno troublewith
visibility. Second,she can dividevoters alongideological this requirement.Other parties receiveonlypatchwork
lines- e.g.,courtingthe gunlobbyandangeringguncon- coverage and gain only the power to deny votes to
trolactivists.Third,shecanmounta single-issue campaign, political enemies.
stakingeverythingona promiseto cuttaxesor reducemili- Later inthe campaign,moneyand popularattention
tary spending.Fourth,she can overwhelm the opposition flowinmorereadilyto theremaining candidates.
Thismeans
witha whirlwindof highlypublicized activities.Usually,a that the candidatesmustwagean ever-intensifying media
candidatewhofocusesonthree or fourof theseactivities war,devaluing theiropponentsinthe eyesofrelevantback-
findsthat her reachexceedsher grasp;contrariwise,ig- ers and the public,whilepumpingup their own images.
noringthemallcauseshercampaign to vanishintoobscuity. Criminalsyndicatesand foreigncountriesbegin nosing
Standardmeansforgatheringpopularsupportinclude aroundto see if anyone'sfor sale.Paragoncharactersmay
gainingmediatime (eitherboughtwithmoneyor earned try to run a "clean"campaign,but historydemonstrates
withcontroversy),makingpersonalappearancesand as- that dirt slinging,withinreason,winsmorevotes.Debates
signingvolunteersto chat up supermarketcustomersas betweenmajorcandidatesbecomeFrequent,althougha
they leave.Anotherusefultoolis campaignparaphernalia, typicalbaselinecandidateavoidsdebatinga sociallyen-
rangingFrombuttons,signsandbumperstickersthat give hancednovaif he can.
onlythe candidate'snameto posters and massmailings ThepopularelectiononNovember4 partiallydeter-
describingthe candidare'splatform.Characterscanusethis minesthe election'svictor.The finalvictorycomeson De-
listas a startingpointwhendesigningtheirearlycampaign, cember15,whenthe ElectoralCollegemeets.Eachstate
addingpersonaltouches.Onecharactermightbargainfor sendsa numberof electorsto thiscollegeequalto the num-
an endorsementFromMADDandget hisnameinitsnews- ber of representativesand senatorsassociatedwiththat
letter;anothermightaddthe Democratic donkeyimageto state. As a generalrule,the party that won the popular

STRANGEBEDFELLOWS 15
 ABERRANT
voteinthat state choosesthisslateof electors.Obviously, liticos,he impliesthat the "NovaWorldOrder" is slowly
a majorpoliticalparty generallychooseselectorscertain stealingawaythe freedomof the vote.
to votefor its candidate.Somestateshavelawsencourag- Onenotablecaseof novamanipulation is discovered
ingthis behavior.ln mostcases,however,.an electorcan onSeptember18,whenUtopiancomputersdiscovera con-
votefurwhomevershelikes.(ln 1'780,furexample, a Demo- sistentpatternof error onalmosteverymajorpollingser-
craticelectorvotedForRonaldReagan.)1F274 of the 545 vice.Thisunderreportedthe supportforLaurenPendleton
electorsvotefor a presidentialor vice-presidential candi- byoneto twopercent,marginally reducingheractualsup-
date,that candidateis electedto the posl port amongvoterswhowatchthe polls.The staff mem-
lf no candidateForPresidentreceivesthe appropri- bers responsibleare foundguiltlessin a summaryjudg-
ate numberof votes- not impossible, allthingsconsid- mentafter videorecordsconfirmthat a currentlyuniden-
ered- the HouseofRepresentatives determinesthe vic- tifiednova"convinced"themallthat thiswasa goodidea.
tor. Allthe Representativesfor eachstate cast one vote, Storytellersmaywishto separatethe novaRaphaela
choosingone of the three candidateswho receivedthe Moore(describedinfadions andMethods)fromthe Re-
greatestnumberofelectoralvotes.lf nocandidateForVice- publicancampaign,makingher an importantfifth-party
Presidentreceivesthe appropriatenumberof votes,each candidatewho takes advantageof her socialMega-At-
Senatorcastsa votefor oneof the twocandidateswiththe tributesto capturea handfulof states - up to 60 elec-
most electoralvotes. In each case, the willof the ma- toralvotes.Thisaddsher voiceto the electoralmeleeon
jority governs. December15,unlessthe characterstake actionearlierto
The electoralvotingoffers an interestingopportu- preventunethicalvotermanipulation.
nityfor last-minuteintrigue.Suppose,for example,a char- Green,if he losesthe race, mightconsiderfigura-
ader can Feelconfidentof 200 electoralvotesandMark tivelyselling hissoulto a Mega-Social
nova- CorbyCarter
Greenanother180, withthe remaining158 splitbetween isa goodchoice.Thenova,inexchange, wouldincitea flurry
the remaining twocandidates. ADemocratic charadermust of confusedcloak-and-dagger bargainingamongthe can-
then compromise withbothLibertariansandRepublicans, didatesthat took an insufficientshare of the publicvote
agreeto take Greenonas Vice-Presidentor convincethe - then walkintothe ElectoralCollegeand managethe
House to back the character. The opportunities For resultingchaos. 1Fallgoesaccordingto plan,Greenwinds
backstabbing on allsidesare finitebut inviting
. up withthe Presidency.
Mega-Social Novas Publicity Wars
A characterwith socialMega-Attributesmightas- Forthe mostpart, playerswhoinvolvetheircharac-
sumethat he hasthe electionsewnup fromthe momenthe ters inspeechesandad campaignseitherfullinlovewitha
enters the race.The reasonhe does not is simple.Most detailedstrategyor skipoverallthe detailsentirely.lf the
Fundingfor a presidentialcampaigncomesfromspecial- playersare excitedabouttheircampaign,then the Story-
interestgroups.Anovawithirresistiblecharmanduncanl'o/ tellershouldassumethattheirstrategyworkswellbutcom-
manipulative abilitiesmakesa suboptimal
PresidentFroma plicateits realization. Hecklersmay interruptspeeches,
special-interestgroup'spointof view. Becausethe public gripsmaywalkoff withoriginalad reels,andthe opposi-
eats outof that nova'shand,he dependslessonthe special tionmaytry to sneakembarrassing errorsintothe charac-
interestgroupsthat supporthim.He has less reasonFor ters' flyers. ln the end, though, the characters' bold
loyaltyto his financialbackers. SIGsand political-adion plan prevails.
committees(f'ACs),therefore,basedonrationaleconomic lf the playersare uninspiredwhenit comesto detail-
imperatives , reducetheirdonationsto sucha candidateuntil ingtheircharacters'speechesandad campaigns, thereare
hischanceof winningthe electionmatchesthat of a normal moreinterestingwaysto resolvethe outcomethana hand-
candidate.At that !eve~eachdollarthey givehimbuysas fulofArtsrolls.TheStorytellercangivea charadera num-
muchloyaltyas a dollargivento anothercontender.The ber of opposingpublicityinitiativesto respondto, a num-
novacancharmthemintogivinghimmorebutrunsanever- ber of staff ideasto buildon - or she can runthe con-
greater risk of exposure and a complete loss of flidingadvertisinginitiativesas a tadical combat.If the
public credibility. Storytellerand charactershavetroublecomingup with
SomenovaswithsocialMega-Attributes or mindcon- appropriatequestionsand "political''responsesin a de-
trol powersmaychooseto interfereinthe electionrather bate, theycaninterleavesimilartadical conflictswiththe
than run Foroffice. It takes a very swvy nova,or one as played-outarguments.
smartas he is charming,to schmoozethe publicat the na- Foreach Mega-Charisma enhancementa character
tionallevel.Manipulators givePendleton,Portman,Morrison possesses,she maychooseone Mega-Stamina enhance-
andevenGreena cityhere andthere,a fewextraorgani- mentfor use in "politicalcombat."Similarly, Mega-Ma-
zationsandbackersand,of course,the votesof theirown nipulation enhancementsbecomeenhancements forMega-
funclubs.Mostoftheseeffectscancelout,but Greencapi- Dexterity . Mega-Appearance or Mega-Witsenhancements
talizeson themat a laterpointinthe campaign.Highlight- (pickone) carryoverintoMega- Strength.In a gamewith
ingthe activitiesof oneor two novademagoguesandpo- fewsocial mightallowthefifthandpossibly
rmas,Storytellers

16 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
fourthclotsof the relevantAttributesto countas enhance- MostAmericanslikethe waythingsare in2008, with
mentsfor this purpose. disease,war and povertyin retreat. However,for every-
Everythinga novacan do in real combathas some oneunhappywiththe newworld- the "NovaWorldOr-
equivalentina socialcontext.Forexample,throwinganop- der,"as MarkGreendescribesthe age of Utopia- this
ponentto the groundresemblesa personalattack,confus- rhetoricis headystuff.The AmericanEaglesstand for a
ingstatementor anyotherapproachthat leavesan enemy strongdollar,strongFamilyvalues,freedomfromthe sinis-
temporarilyat a lossforwords. A clinchresemblesa com- ter intentionsof novasandUtopiaandweedingthe weak
petitionfor a singleclaim- "I'mthe Christiancandidate" elementout of America'sculture.The Eaglesdisagreeon
- that locksboth candidatestogether,unableto strike exactlywhichelementsofsocietyneedto go- theyname
directlyat the others'position. nonames- buttheirplatformdrawsineverykindofhate-
An advertisingcombattakes placeovera periodof fulradical,andtheytakewhateverdonationstheycanget.
monthsand uses the appropriaterolls- Arts, Perform, (Someof the moneyin the Eaglecofferscomesfromthe
Rapport,StyleandSubterfuge,forexample. Averbalcom- Churchof MichaelArchangel.Eagleleadershipseemsto
bat takesplaceovera seriesof spokenfeintsandattacks. thinkthat its moralauthorityprotectsits membersfrom
(fo makea lethalor aggravatedattack,onemustcomeup eventhe mostpowerfulnovas'anger.)
with an extremelynasty strategy.)Characterssoak the SenatorMarkGreenemergesinlateJulyasthe party's
"damage"fromtheir opponent'srollswithCharismaand highpriest, with legionsof Farright provocateursand
Mega-Charisma andcanspenda tum healingone levelof rabble-rousersas hisclergy.Fora baseline,he'sa danger-
damage.WhatmakesthisotherwiseblandcontestofArts, ouslycharismatic man,a hypnoticspeakerwithwordsthat
Perform,StyleandSubterfugerollsinterestingis allowing lingerin the mindregardlessof whetherone agrees.He
charactersto use enhancementsas describedaboveand hasthepolishedcharmofa sociopath,the persuasivepower
the manewers in the combatsection.This includes,of of a schizophrenicandthe energyof acutemania- and
course,the Mega-Manipulation Smackdown. yet he'sicilysane
Forexample,anunambitious charactermightuseEn-
hancedMovement to keepMarkGreenfrom"closing"while Mark Anthony Green
the characterisstilldealingwithBernardMorrison.Some- MarkAnthonyGreencomesfroma middle-class Fam-
how,the dirt Green'sthrowingjust doesn'tstick.Raphaela ily.Hisparentsandoldersisterare almostdisappointingly
Moore,as a fifth-partycandidate,mightuse her Mega- normal.Theyhadlittleto offera mansuchas Mark,driven
Appearanceandwinsomewaysto utterlyCrushsomeone towardgreatness,excepta stablehomethat he couldal-
whoimpugnedher competence.CorbyCarter,if for some waysreturnto. HemadehiswayintoGeorgetown, building
reasonhe debatedPortman,mightattemptan over-the- hisfirstpolitical
connections there,onbrainsandgradesalone.
topSmackdown, accusingTheFiremanofstealingcondoms Greenspenthis"searchingfor identity"yearsinas-
from America'stwentysomethings in the nameof some sociationwithvariouswhitesupremacistgroups.Onlyone
outdatedmoralcodeand outragethe youthof the nation hasanyrecordsofhismembership, that beingthe Institute
- or, if he FailedhisPerformroll,wastinga pointof Will- forHistorical Review,a groupofNaziapologists. Ultimately,
powerandlookingridiculous. Greendecidedthat,forsomeoneofhisgifts,personalpride
mademoresensethan racialpride.The road of self-con-
gratulationhaditspitfallsanddidnotgivehima warmsense
IV. Factions and ofbelongingor thejoyfulreleaseof hatred,but it offereda
better chancefor personalgreatness.
Methods Joumalisl:strackedclownhispart-timecollegejobwith
the instituteinearlyJuly. Greenchoseto dismissthe issue.
The "enlightenment" that ledhimto abandonhisoldcause
The American Eagle camefromarrogancerather thancompassion. Explaining
Party it wouldnothavegoneoverwell.Theaffairremainsoneof
The AmericanEaglePartystandsfor "nationalsov- the greatestdangersto hiscampaign .
ereignty."Onthe surface,giventhat the UnitedStates is Anotherthingthat imperilsGreen'schancefor the
alreadya sovereigncountry,thisplatformoffersAmerica Presidencyishisassociation withnovaCorinnaGilbert.Al-
nothing.The party, however,associatesthis phrasewith thoughthe two are intimate,Greenconsidersthisa calcu-
the ideaoftakingbackAmerica'srightfulplaceintheworld, latedand not an emotionalrisk.Greencan thinkof many
reclaimingthe respectandpowerthat it feelsthe country thingshemightneeda novaFor.He'smerelyherlover;that's
has lost- to ProjectUtopiaspecifically.In otherwords, not enoughreasonfor her to goto the linefor him- but
if you believethe Eagles,Americahas becomea soft, hisaide,ShelleyCaspari,is Corinna'ssomasupplier.
directionlesspatsyina worldof decayingmoralstandards Greeniswonderfully telegenic,withdeeppockets-
and ever-strongerenemiesof the state. They want the he accumulated a Fairsuminhistimeas Senator- anda
Americanleadershipandthe Americanpeopleto bestride talentfor coalitionbuilding.Forthis reason,he is danger-
the worldas "kings"oncemore. ous.Hiswebof contacts,unimpressive in scope,boastsa
great dealof variety.

STRANGEBEDFELLOWS 17
 ABERRANT

Candidate Profile:
Mark Anthony Green
Dateof Birth:7/7/1956
Placeof Origin:Baltimore,MO
PoliticalExperience:Directorof CompetitionandR•ation Policyat the CompetitiveE.rterpriseInstitute(2 yea-s),US
Senator from Maryland(2 terms)
Strengths:The camera loves Mn Green andso do the special interests. He intends to fu1her Pencleton's work
deregiuting the mrietplace, providingfor a smoothertransition.~ someClristiansfindhis more pointedspeeches
repugnant,he does offer a believer'salternativeto the atheisticPencleton,andhis recordshowsstrongadvocacyfor his
constituents.
Weaknesses:MarkGreen(lilcethe AmericanEagleParty) is knownto S)'ll1>ilthize withextremistcauses, includingmod-
em inheritorsto the Naziideological legacyandthe Cfuch of MichaelArchangel.The 2002 challengerfor Green'sseat inthe
Senateclaimed that GreenusedNixoniantactics againsther, incitinglegalha assmeflt andmonitoringher campaignusing
espionagetechniques.Green is an ideological extremistin a centrist world.
NotableQuotes:
"Let Utopiacompleteits quiet conquestof cu worldand10,000yea-s of baselinehistorywill end."
"Whywould[the l'IOVaS] an'? It's not their country."
"Agenda'?I have no agendawhen it comes to education.
I havedemands.I wil not let cu nation descendinto doddering
senility.Knowledge is power.I requirethat we becomean empow-
ered,-tion,"
Plllfaonls....-y,ai,
...
Abortion:
'U1dernoc:iramsbnces."
~ Adion:V.Con.vatiY8
fua■,lbt V,~
Capibl
V.G:inserwtNe
Crine:
~
E.cLcaticn
GayRijts:
V.CorarwtiYe
Conserv■IM
HeelhCare:
Mitary:
V.ConserwtM
V.eon.v..
ProjectUmpia:
eon.v..
fWigion:
Tmm: Conservative
Welare:V.ConservatiYe

Greenplayshiscardscloseto hischest.Still,there's aThe.)cunal

reasonablechancethat the characterscan findone or two RandelPortmanstarted keepinga handwrittenjour-
of hissecrets and destroyhiscampaignbeforeNovember .
nal, writingin bed before he slept, whenhe realizedthat
Mark Green has a wife, Lois, and no children.His hisautobiographymightbe a bestsellersomeday.Whenhe
choicefor Vice-PresidentisretiredGeneralBarretSunner. first becameconcernedabout the"sphinxmachinations"
Active Intentions (histerm;see the Introduction,above,andthe Democratic
Party subsection,below) , maintaininghis jOlrnillwas al-
Green considers Portman more of a threat than
readya habit.Portmandoes not feelconfidentthat he can
Pendleton,eventhoughPendletonisthe incumbent.Hecan
keep everythingin his head. Recordsof his thoughtsand
debate,slanderand competeagainstPresidentPendleton.
observationson thisconspiracyor set of conspiraciesap-
Just beingThe Firemanearns Portmana goodlynumberof
pear in hisj0t.rnal.
unswayablevotes. Morrison, the Republicancandidate,
Obtainingone volumeof Portrnan'sjournal,whena
couldsu-prisehim- but, for rightnow,Greenconsiders
two-facedcleaningwomanmadeit available,struckMark
the mannothreat.Accordingly, Green'ssharpestbarbsare
Greenas an elementaryprecaution.The contentsturned
directed at Portrnan'scampaign. Characterswith ties to
out to be a godsend.To implythat Randelhimselfpartici-
Portman(the defaultandmost likelycase inthisstory) also
pated in this conspiracyrequiredno alterations,onlythe
sufferat Mark's hands- powerfulalliesof Portmanmust
judiciousremovalof abouttwo-thirdsof the pages.(Green
go. Characterswithties to Greencan helphimimplement
later claimsPortmanremovedthese pageshimselffor un-
thetacticsbelowagainstPortmanand other targets.
knownreasons.)

18 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT

one face of Proteusand act againstRandel.Teragennovas,

Excerpt from a Mark Green lessparanoidregardingProteusmt easierto contact, might
do the same.
speech made in Chicago Sex,LiesandSwitcli>o.ds
I'm going to skip the joke and get straight to what
Damaging Portman'ssterlingreputationmakesGreen's
yoo're wondering.What doesthe AmericanEagleP~ ~- case more believable.lt also reducesThe Fireman's share
fer the peopleof Chicago...'? Well,let me start with this.
of the vote. Therefore, Green begins a smear campaign.
Mostof you rememberwhat Americausedto be like. Heck,
The first step, of course, is manufacturinga sexualscandal.
some of yourememberit better than I do.The worldFeared
RaphaelaMoore, a novaactress, has a track record
us. Strongwords,but true. Fearedus; respected us; ad-
of ambition, libidoand spite. She resides in San Francisco,
mired us. That respect has been dribblingaway bit by bit
whennot working.Portmanhas a speechscheduledin that
for decades now, but it was there, and I want to bring it
very city.Whenhe and membersof his staff arriveat a SF
back. I won't say we're a joke, in this fine modem age. I'm
hotel late the night before, a system cracker in Green's
not goingto insultall the peoplewho built our Finenation
employgoes to workon the phonelinesin to and out of the
- includingyoo - withthat kindof metoric, but I'm tell-
hotel. Around2 A.M. , the crackerredirectsthe hotelswitch-
ing you, the peopleof the worldremember.Theyremem-
board. (Thisallowshimto "prove" that the callshe st.bse-
ber Washington. TheyrememberLincoln.Theyremember
quentlyplacescome from Portman's suite. Someonesus-
RooseYelt.We haveleft a legacy,ladiesandgentlemen,that
piciousneed onlylookup the hotel and call himback.) He
echoesthrough al the worldandwiUechothroughalltime....
electronically adjustshisvoiceandputsina call,as Portman,
Yetthe Americaof today is a Feeble,Hoppingzero.... Ever
to Moore's agent.HavingobtainedMoore's homenumber,
sinceProjectUtopiaFirstrearedits uglyhead,it's beenchip-
he callsher live-in aide and leavesa messagefor her.
pingawayat our nationalSCMl'eignty . It wantsto takeIIW"f
ThecallinvitesMooreto the hotel, indicatesPortman's
our powerto decideour own destinies.Utopia~ates our
long-termadmirationfor the actress and hintsblatantlyat
technology. Utopiacontrolsotr nationalassets.Utopia-ts
a possibleliaison. Green's intentionsare simple. He cor-
to create a singleworldhegemony- sayit withme,a nova
rectlyassumesthat Moorewillrespond, that nightor soon
worldorder - andit won'tbe Americaat the top....Maybe
thereafter. Portmanis a candidatefor President, after all.
someof you thinkthey're"good guys."Don'tgetme wrong.
He hopes that rejection, on the heels of anticipation, will
They'vedonesomegoodthings.They'R keepdoinggood tum Moore's interest into anger. He expectsher to then
thingsngit upuntilthemomentthattheynoticetheyhave
use the callsto her agentandher aideas proofof Portman's
allthepowerandwe havenone....Youknowhowthatstory
infidelity.lf she failsto do so, he hopes that an associate
alwaysends. That'salwayswhenthehorrorbegins.So,as I
can capture her arrivalat Portman's door on film.
see it, youhavetwo choices . Youcancherishyourweak-
This can play out in many ways, particularlyif the
ness andtakethebonesUtopiathrowsus andwatchthe
charactersare inPortman's suitewhenMoorearrives. Sto-
emasculation andenslaYement of America withinyourlife-
rytellers in need of a femmefatale character to comple-
time,or youcanhelpmemakeAmericastrongagain.
mentthe politicalirtrigueinthisarc canassumethat Green's
plan worksas expected or even that Moore successfully
Marktakes this partiallyeditedjournalbeforea spe- turns Portman's head. Alternately,Moorecan displaygood
cial, closed,out-of-season sessionof the SenateCommit- sense, swallowher humiliation andpretendthe eventnever
tee on NovaAffairs. He paints Portmanand novasrefer- happened. Either way, RaphaelaMoore's interest in the
enced in the j01.rnalas conspiratorsassociatedwith un- politicalprocess has been piqued. She later modifiesher
godly crimes."Forget this Utopianconspiracynonsense. appearance and attaches herself to Bernard
This man- this presidentialcandidate- is either con- Morrison's campaign.
nectedto a deadliersyndicatethan the Camparellis , or he's ThePrisoner's Dilemma
livingin a fantasyworld." Green faces a great danger in the characters - a
The distinguishedmembersof the committeeare in- group of presumablyunited novas who likelydevelop a
clinedto hemand hawoverthe evidenceindefinitely . Green grudgeagainsthimat somepoint. Hetherefore takesdeci-
helpedmanyof them withtheir careers, so ignoringhimis sive actionto tum the charactersagainstone another and
not an option. On the other hand,his conAictof interestis Portmanas soon as he can anticipatethis threat.
blatant enoughto raise doubts about the material. A key An obviousdeception mayocrur to the Storyteller,
effort for Green in the months that followis providing based on whothe charactersare. lf one character spent a
enoughevidenceto pushthe committeeintotakingaction. lot of time comfortinganother character's husbandwhile
Forexample,a properlyphrasedmissivefromthe commit- hisspousewas in the hospital,an allegationof impropriety
tee to the Directive, suggestingthat Portman's candidacy can lead to internaltension. Similarly,someoneusinga lis-
is a threat to nationalsecurity, couldhaveany numberof tening device(say, bouncinga laser off a windowpaneto
beneficialeffects for Green's campaign. pickup the sound vibrationsor simplyusinga high-pow-
Green's aide, Shelley,leaksa photocopyof the edited eredshotg.ri IN(e)coudpickupona privateconversation and
journalto thosemostlikelyto be concerned. TheAberrants then<poteit c:nine,aleging that onecharacterpassedit on.
mightmakethe assumptionthat Portman's "sphinxes" are

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 19
 ABERRANT

Practical Journal Management

Thejo1rna1~ thatFelintoGreen'shandsisthe latestoneFiledRandelhadmewed onto a new~ lessthan15weeks
before.Forthisreason, it mayincblenotesonevenrecentlyeruptednovas,e.g.appropriatecha-acters.RandelPortmanaccpires
a copyof the trimmedYel'Sion froma Fancun Senatecleri<just beforethe sessionbegins.Atthispori. hemayseekaliesOtbidehis
usual1MmeS. Utopianpressan onthe SenateCommitteeon NovaAffairscouclbackfirehonibly,after al.
SincePortmandidnot intendhisjolrnalfordisseminationto the Senate,hewrote in loosefashion.IFheconsideredapproach-
inga nova. if heconsidereda novall1trustworthy
thatinfonnationert.eredhisj01111a1; anda posmle..adder"(a sphinx'stool),that
observationalsotriered hisbook.
NovasthatPortmancoucltrust, inclumng anycharactershe doesbringonto histeamlater,can findtheinse!Yes pat of the
Senatec:ormlittee's inwstigation.Untrustworthy butitdependentnovas,otheiwisedifficutto involwin a pi esideiitial
election,can
alsofal inter the committee'seye.GreenfUSlN'Sal of theserDnll5' dark secrets (real and newlyminted)withan even ~
ferocitythanthe committee.Hewantsto proveto the committeethathisFabe icatedtheoryiscorrect
Partmartymethicali1depe11de11t charactersmayfindthemselvestargetedForreautmeri instead.Portmanmost likelyex-
pressedhisconcernsaboutsuchrDn/15 in stronglanpge. Thecharactersmi9ttnot wanta Presidentwhoknowstheyexist.loathes
themand suspectsthemof terribleaimes. Greenfeelsthat colaborationwithsuch11CM1Scouclprovebeneficial.HeWOddmake
contactthrot9) hisaide,ti COU"Se, aYOiding opportmitiesForthe pressto see themtogether.
Charactersaccusedbeforethe conwnitt.ee,whenthey learnaboutthis,probablyaame that eYer)'OM Portna1waud to
contact isimocent ti wroiigdoing. A deviousStorytelercantakeadvantage of this.Forexample.a Proteusagentor DnctiYekiler
(possi,lyirMIIYed in the Slidernuder) ~ haYestruckPortmanas the honesttype.worthapp oaching.IFPortna1recoi dedthis
thou!lttin the relevantjcunal wbne andMarl( Greendidnot rernc,.,e thatpage,thatagri comes&alder suspicion.Shemi9ttthen
approachthe charactersto helpclearal ti theirnmnes.Thisscenwioalsoappliesif Portmansuspectedboththe charactersandthe
agentti wrongdoing. EitherWi/f,thiscan'°hook" the cha actersno the ongoingay ti the Slidernuder or simplyset themup
forasu-prise.
Portman'sremaining~ alsooffera hookirterestedcha adet s mayuseto FindmoreinformationontheSlidernuder.
Portman'sobservationsyieldFiYeor six namesthe chaactets havenot yet inYestigat.ed. Oneprovesrelevant.(Lookingfor one
conspiracy,it is easy to find another.)O..ac:tets ~ alsoinvestigatenamesobviouslyremovedfromthe record, appearing
regi.uriyin eaiier ~ butnotat al in the committee'sYel'Sion . Oneti thesenamescouclbelongto an operative of some
alegiancewhohadan opportmity to prme thejcunal pages- a secondtime- before the committeestudiedthem.
The committeeand MarkGreen are not the onlyones studyingthe journal.WhileGreen bies to generatemore evidence
and the committeestalls, interestedp.-ties maydo someactualil"IYeStigation of thecharactersand Portman.The Aberrants,
Proteus,Utopia or wen theOirectiwcancomesniffingaround thecharacters' doorstep. IfPortman's observationsmatch the
faction'sownt~ts, theymightbe veryhardto dissuade.

A manpresentinghimselfas a researcherfor the Sen- needs.Takingthat ashwithher,she enters Portman's cam-

ate Committeeon NovaAffairsapproachesthe characters paignofficesat 4A.M.,undoingentropy'swork as far as
(and Portman,if applicable)as a group. He explainsthe she can, untila corpseliesthere. She alsoprovidesa bottle
natureof the current inquiryand notesthat anycharacters of pills.She adjuststhe sceneuntilit seemslikea kidsome-
wantingfavorabletreatment in the event that the "matter howgot in and took medicinethat the character irrespon-
underconsideration"tums uglyshouldcomeand speakto siblyleft lyingabout.
himat an appropriateSenator'soffice. Anyoneinvestigat- lf theStorytellerplansto use thisdeviceandthechar-
inghimfindsthat no one of that nameworksat the office. acter ever leavesher medicinesupplyunguarded, Gilbert
Afterward,the committeecallsseveralcharacters,at vari- shouldstealone bottle sometimebeforehand.
ous times, to present testimonybefore it. theStrings
Cutting
Green intends to sow paranoia with this series of Utopiasupports Portmanand, possibly,the charac-
events. Ideally,in his mind,a character not calledbefore ters. Thisalsoraisesa problemfor Green. ln fact, since no
the committeemustthen assumethat the characterscalled characterexists in isolationand most havean organization
betrayed her. Further,she probablyassumes that the char- or an agentto tum to, cuttingthe characters'support net-
acterscalledcommittedsomecrimeworthturninginsome- workis a vitalpart of action againstthem. Greenwillnot
one elsefor. be ready to take on the wholeof Project Utopia, for ex-
lf oneofthecharacterstakesmoxor adrenocilin,Mark ample,Lriilandi.nessheachievesthehig,estofficeintheland.
attemptsan evenuglierandmoredivisivedeception.Corinna Greenfeelsthat inooendoand artificedo not fit this
Gilbertis an expert at reassemblingdestroyed patterns, job. lf his other schemesfail,they merelyactualizean ex-
includingthose of crematedbodies. lt is difficultto tellone istingthreat.Lyingto the characters'supporterscouldcre-
containerof ashes from another,and Gilberthas no diffi- ate a new threat.Therefore, in the case of Utopia, he puts
cultysubstitutinga randompileof ash for the ex-bodyshe out feelersfor relatives,friendsand other suchassociates

20 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
of importantUtopianbureaucrats who seem purchasable. place to investigatetheir connectionto Proteus (or age-
Thisincludespeoplewhoneedmoneyfor surgeryor drugs, neric "sphinx"conspiracy). Theythen becamehostileand
those who could use a peccadillocommitted in America assaultedher. A genuinewound,whichthe womanaccepted
coveredup and anyonewitha miteor other expensivehabit inexchangefor three million,appears to confirmher story.
to support. Hethen buysthem and usesthemto control the FinalPlay
Utopianbureaucrats themselves. He also seeks out ethi- 1fthe characters outwit Mark Green every step of
cally challengedprofessionalassociates of independent the way,he has one last trick to try.If no real evidenceever
characters and offers them sd>tlebribes. A character's at- develops to make the journal more incriminating,then
torney, in particular, makesan excellentchoice - most Green's had to grease palmsat the Senate Committeeon
attorneys know better than to let non-clients buythem, NovaAffairsjust to keep it listening.The last sleightin his
butan attorney turnedagainsthisemployeris a frightening arsenal is to blackmailthe committee - because that
thing. In allcases, the goalis to dry up the characters' sup- moneydoesn't come fromMarkGreen's personalor cam-
port. paign accounts. It came from an account that, under an
This approachis simultaneously easier and moredif- accountant'smicroscope,seems to leadback to Portman's
ficultfor characters who livein a shady world- terror- staff. (NovaswithMega-Intelligence of three or abovecan
ists, cartel novas and so forth. Purchasingthe suppliers, probablytrack the moneyto Green , but it's an airtight lie
informationdealers and underworldfinancierssuch char- from a mundaneperspective.) This creates a convincing
acters associatewithis a simplebusinessproposition.Find- perception, if it reaches the press, that Portmanhas been
ingthem is more difficult.Use an opposedContactsrollto payingthe committee,whileit dragged out its delibera-
determinehow wellGreencan kickthe crutches out from tions, refusingto take action against him. That means, in
under suchcharacters. turn, that the allegationsmustbe true.Greenintends,hopes
Green is not above bribing important members of and expects to take everyonedownwithhim- if it comes
Portman's campaignstaff - regionalcoordinatorsin5':N- to that. Of course, the alternativeis for the committeeto
eral states or the budgetdirector, for example- if he interveneon Green'sbehalf inthe buddingconAictbetween
thinks it willallowhimto tum voters against Portmanor the AmericanEagleParty and The Fireman.
undenninethe campaignfrom within.
NailsintheCoffin The Democratic Party
Green has a simpletwo-part plan to close the door The DemocraticParty shares Utopia's visionfor the
on the case he's makingfor the committee.After a long world: a peacefulassemblyof nations,placinghumanhap-
search, he founda hook on the Secret Service agent who pinessand productivitya little bit abovehumanfreedom. It
initiallyresearchedPortman'sbackground.This isthe same aspires to becomeAmerica'svoicefor equalrights, public
man who wouldresearch the characters' backgroundsif safety, the environment, educationand the needs of the
they spend time in Portman'scompany. The agent had a disadvantaged.Democratsdid not performwellin the pri-
desperate aspirationin hisrecent youthto makeit as a pop maries,however,not becausethe peopledislikedthe mes-
star; he even fundedthe publicationof hisownCO. It sank sage but because the moral standards of the candidates
withouta trace, never even catchingenoughpublicinter- did not match the ethics of the party. Moreover,as one
est to be disliked.This is no longera problem; a majorpub- voter put it, "We alreadyhavea Project Utopia."
lisheris now "interested." In return,Greenasksfor a trivial In June, the DemocraticParty searches for a candi-
amountof assistance. date who wouldmakethese two public-relation problems
Green sends Gilbertafter the Secret Servicefileson moot.Choosinga popularnova,in particular, wouldmake
Portmanand, if appropriate,the characters. He destroys the similarities between the Democraticplatformand the
the files; when authoritiestry to figure out whysomeone Utopianmissionstatementnatural, rather than redundant.
took the files, the agent (NormanTallow) explainshisbest It would alsoremovethe character issue.
guess- that someonewantedto cOYerup Portman's one- The Storytellerhas three majoroptionswhenselect-
time ties to 5':Neral inappropriatecontacts (e.g. Corbin, ing the Democratic candidate. One option is Randel
Sierkaor cult leader Kelly"Calliope"Pierson.) Of course, Portman,The Fireman- a perfect choicefroma PR point
Tallowadmits, his memoryof the research is faulty,the of view. This is the defaultoption. The DemocraticParty
sources he talked to seem to have vanishedand he might couldalsochooseone of the characters,ifappropriate.The
be wrong. final possibilityis an establishedor new Storytellernova.
The secondpart of the planisa straigitforwardsetup. Portmanhas moralqualmsregardingthe Aberrantsand an
A Directiveagent or other authority figure contacts the active dislikefor the Teragen. If a group of Aberrant or
charactersto discussMarkGreen's campaign againstthem. Teragencharacterswouldenjoy thisstory best whilework-
Arrivingat the meetingplace,the charactersdiscoversur- ing with the Democraticcandidate, the Storytellershould
face indicationsof a firefightinvolvingnovaswithpowers select a more appropriatenovathan Portmanfor the can-
identicalto their own. (Theseare falsified.)If a publicplace, didacy- one willingto associatewith the characters.
it has beenemptied.The agent nowbringsa differentstory After selectinga nova,the DemocraticParty poses a
to the authorities. She calledthe charactersto the meeting substantialthreat to the other campaigns.No one can reli-

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 21
 ABERRANT
ably predict the public's ever-changing reaction to directlyand byhis ownhand. Whilehis powersmadethat
Portman's candidacy,even with advanced pollingtech- mucheasier, his famemadeit unachievable . After a month
ni~ . Political commentatorssuggestthat no..-aphiles
, Fire- of tryingto maintaina normallife, Portmanuihappilyshifted
manfans and AmericanswhobelieveinPortman's relative intoa career of piblic activism,supportinghimselffinan-
purity couldhavea disproportionaleffect on the race - ciallywithmediaappearances,endorsementsand Fireman
witha rruchgreater percentageof themturningout to vote action figures. Hefoughtdisasterswhenhe could, allying
than the Americannorm. Moreover,PresidentPendleton, withProject Utopiaand(whenan opportunityarose) with
BernardMorrisonand MarkGreen allexpect a fair share localemergencyservices. Mostoften,becauseno one else
of the conservativevote, whileliberals and moderateshave wantedto risk the Fireman'slife,he foundhimselfunable
onlyone real candidateto chooseFrom. to helpat all.
Portman'scelebrityalsoaffected his wife'scareer. A
Randel "The Fireman" lectureron politicalscienceand history,JenniferPortman
Portman Foundher classesinterruptedwithever-greater Frequency
ln 1998, onlya Fewmirutesafter the Galateaexplo- by questionsabouther husband,novaaffairsand the na-
sion, firefighterRandelPortmanrespondedto a trafficac- ture of quantumpowers. By2001,she hadbecomea minor
cident.On the scene, he Founda bu-ningschoolbusFullof expert on suchthingspurelyinself-defense. ln 2002, hy-
children. Hisdesperate needto savethem causedthe very bridizationbetweenthe two studiesand a particularlyvig-
first publicizederuption - transformingPortmaninto a orous seminar led her to develop the theory of the
nova and granting him the ability to absorb energy. His "sphinxes."
powersaved the childrenFromthe infernoand made him Her reasoningwent as Follows . The intellectualpo-
an instantcelebrity. That was 10years ago. tentialof novas, likeall their abilities,is theoreticallyun-
PortmanFoundcontinuingas a firefightermoreor less limited.Giventhe patterns of novadevelopment,it seems
impossible ; the peopleof New Yorkwouldring alarmsor almostcertainthat novasexistof enormousmentalaccom-
evenset Firesin the hopes he wouldrespond. This hit him plishment.Suchsavantswouldmakecommonlyknownge-
hard - he defined himselfby his ability to save people, niuseslikeVladimirSierkaseem dimwittedin comparison.

Candidat e Profile: Randel Portman

Dateof Birth: 1/18/1972
Placeof Origin: NewYorkCity,NY
PoliticalExpetience: Minor~roots experience.
Strengths: EverybodyknowsRandel Portman.
Theytalt abOlthimandwhetherhe'dmake a goodpresident
- andall
pJ:,licityis goodpJ:,licity.He'sa hero,andthewholeworldknowsit. He'Utry hardto doa goodjob.Thewholeworldknows
that,too.
Weaknesses: Randel Portmanhasnoqualifications
exceptstarpowerandraw power.ManyAmericans
areuncomfortable
withthe ideaof a novarunningthecomtry.Manymorewould prefera novawitha superiormind.
NotableQuotes:
1he comtrydoesn'tneeda political genius.It needsan honestman."
.., amnota Utopian.1aman American."
Bernard Morrison on Portman:"1cannotdenythatthere
arecertainadvartages Forexample,
to a novaPresident. if a gi-
antfire-breathing
monsterthreatensCOf19WS,
he canjumpinto
AirForceOneandrushto therescue."
IWarm Sunm.y.by....
AffinnatiwAdion:Libenl/Moderate
Capital
Pinshment:Conservative
Crime:Conservatiw/Moderate
Ea.cation:Liberal
GayR9'b:Liberal
HealthCare:V.Liberal
Military:
Moderate
ProjectUtopia:
Llberal
Moderate
Religion:
Taxes:Moderate
Welfare:Libenl/Moderate

22 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
. ·~& - . Alternatively,Sieri<.a andother"~ minds_"are con- ingwaysto interferewiththis unpleasanthumandestiny.
~~ . • ceahngthe fullextentof their precoc- The Portmansstudied the problem, the novas who
,>-:-:~~ 'f:-.-, ., ity. ln either case, these mightbe a part of it and the novas who couldhelp them
~~ .- .......--............
hyperinteUigentnovas, whomMs. rectify it.Ultimately,theydecided to reorganizethe politi-
Portman dubbed the sphinxes, cal struchl"e of the UnitedStates, hopingto restructure
couldpotentiallybe the greatest the incestuousnetworksof powerthat an advancedmind
threat facingboth baselinesand other novas. wouldfind easy to manipulate . Uncertainhowto work on
Theywouldoperate outside the humancon- the nationallevel, Randelstarted loudlyadvocatingcam-
text.Ableto manipulatethe entire worldlikea paign-financerefonn and an end to politicalcorruptionin
chessboard, they couldnot help arrangingit New York. Ms. Portmantraded on her basic intelligence
to their liking. An evolutionarystep beyond and her connectionto her husbandto enter a policythink
just about everyoneelse, they wouldinevita- tank and workfromthere.
blyremakewholeculturesto their taste. The affection and respect between the Portmans
Originally,she consideredthis theory an experiment never faded, but the pressure of his celebrity slowlyate
inspeculation.Eventually, shebecameconvincedof itstruth away at their marriage. By 2006, Randel and Jennifer
and convincedher husbandin turn.They beganconsider- Portmanfelt unableto communicatewithone another. By
2007 andcontinuingthrough
2008, their marriageex-
istedonlyon paper.They
occasionallyattempted
to rebuildtheir old con-
nection , recapturing
happinessfor monthsat a
time, but it always col-
lapsed. They succeeded
just often enough,and for
just longenough,to keep
them from pursuing di-
vorce as an option.
Whena chanceat
the Presidency
opens up, Portman
jLmpSat it.Hehasno
choice; it offers hima
positionof powerfrom
which to take decisive
action. lf his theories are
correct, it wouldlet him
effectively oppose the
sphinxes.lf not, he could
at least use the power
d3:.. of the Presidencyto
do more good than
he couldwithoutit.
This opensa per-
sonal and political
minefieldunderhisfeet. His
chancesat a workingrecon-
ciliationwith his wife under
these circumstances all but
vanish. The divorce option
becameimpossiblethe instant
he entered the race and willre-
mainso ifhe takesoffice. Withinthe
first monthof campaigning,he realizesthat his free-
domto helppeopledirectlyalsogoes awcryif he wins.
Further, he finds himselfthe center of an enonnous

1
STRANG E BEDFELL
OWS 23
 ABERRANT
controversyandhoistonhisowncampaign - financerefonn The Presidencywouldnot makehimhappy.It would,how-
petard. ever,givehimthe leverageto rescueeveryoneinthe world.
Evenwithwidespreadrecognitionand the hugevol- Portman'searlycampaignstrategyplayson hiscom-
untary donations ordinary citizenssend his campaign, pletelylegitimate
statusasa Washington outsider- some-
Portman'scampaignlacks financial00mph.Most special thingmanypoliticiansclaimbut whichfewactuallypossess
interestswillhavenothingto do withhim- too muchof a - and hisacts of valoras a baselinefirefighter.Hereal-
wildcard - and he's stuckwiththe legallimitson dona- izesnot longintothe campaignthat these tacticsare not
tionsfromthe rest.A minorbudgetingimproprietyfor a(o/ working.The publicdoes not reallywanthimto be a seri-
other candidatewouldbe a real black eye for someone ouscandidate.Reluctantly, he addsglitzandnovaglamour
knownto hate the fundinggame. to hisoverallcampaignplan.Thisnaturallyreinforcesopin-
Storytellers substitutinga new nova for Portman ionsof himas a "heroicdemigod"(inhissupporters'eyes)
shouldtranslatethe basicelementsof Portman'ssituation. anda "fluffcandidate"(inhisdetractors').
To fit the storyand the Democraticmotivationsbest, the Portmanintendsto focuson personalappearancesat
novacandidateshouldcommandthe public'srespect and the expenseof a propermediacampaign . Thisplayson his
mustappearto havestrength of character.Fora moresor- nova-next-doorimageand requiresless practicedchann
didstory,that appearanceof honorcan be a mere fa~de than the alternative.He'shopingthat the publicsees this
concealingTaintandpoliticalcorruption. approachas the kindof thingan honestWashingtonout-
Portman'schoice for Vice-Presidentis Congress- siderwoulddo.
womanCarolMigden. ·
Jennifer Portmanis concernedabout the possible
Removing Obstacles
Mark Green presents selected pages of Portman's
menacethat "sphinxes"maypresent,and she arguesthat
journalto a closedspecialsessionof the Senate Commit-
any group that gets an evolutionary"leg up," likea true
tee onNovaAffairs,tyingRandelPortmanto the verycon-
super-brainwould,alwaysdisplacespredecessorspecies
spiracyhe hopes to fight.(The committeeis unlikelyto
fromtheirsharedevolutionaryniche.Humancultureswith
knowaboutProjectProteus,but if it does, it mayassume
similaradvancementsenslaveor dominatetheir old com-
thatthesphinxesareProteus-relatedinsomeway.)Portman
petitorsinstead;this is not muchbetter.
first hearsof this on August28.
She further suggeststhat sphinxescannotlookat a
Portmandecidesthat he needs helpto handleboth
worldwherethey canpushonebuttonhere andthingsbe-
CarterandGreenduringa full-timepresidentialcampaign.
comebetter for them there and not pushthat button. Of
course,oncethey'vearrangedthe worldto their liking,no
1fthe charactersworkfor the Directiveor Utopia,he asks
theirorganization for help.Tojustifyhavinga groupof no-
one willever be ableto stop themagain. The onlyreason
vasaroundhim,he offersto assignthemappropriateroles
for hopeis that it's hardto changethe world,so theymight
in the campaign.Experiencedpoliticians,capableadmin-
not be done.
istratorsand hyperintelligent novascanjoin his campaign
The Portmansbelievethat allnovasbeyonda certain
staff.Novasmerelyinterestedinpoliticscantakeondeputy
thresholdof intellectinevitablybecomesphinxes.Geniuses
and specialassistantroles. Others can becomemediaal-
belowthisthresholdbecomepawns("adders'')or wildcards
lies,bodyguardsandso forth.
("smarteggs")andcanbe benevolent.
The Storytellerdeterminesthe degreeto whichthe
1fthe characters are independentbut reasonably
trustworthy,he approachestheminsteadofa majororga-
sphinxtheoryisvalid.Elementsof thisstorysuggestthat it
nization.Hehasoneof three reasonsfor selectingthe char-
containsseveralhalf-truths.
acters in particular,out of allthe trustworthynovasinthe
Pre-Established Conflict world.Onepossibility isthathementionedtheminthe pages
UtopianscientistCorbyCarteris on Portman'sshort Greenpresents to the Senate,accidentallymakingthem
listof "adders"that mightbe sphinxes.Portmanis mostly targets.Anotheris that theyalreadyhaverolesinhiscam-
correct.Carterhas a better mindthan he admitsto andan paign.Finally, theymayhaveencounteredsphinxesbefore.
agendaof his own.He has not yet passedthe postulated In the latter case, if the Storytellerdecidesto use actual
thresholdintotrue inhumanity,however. sphinxesin her campaign,she can run one or two flash-
Portmanhas spent timediggingintoCarter'saffairs, backsillustrating howdangerousthe mostintelligentnovas
and the novanowbeginsconsideringan activeresponse. canbe.
Hismethodsare describedlater inthissection.1fPortman lf independentcharactersreject hisrequestor Uto-
can ever demonstrateCorbyCarter'shostility,of course, pia/Directive/Proteus agents refuse the assignment,
CarterleavesUtopia- if he's luckyenoughnot to "van- Portmanstressesthe sheer interestvalueof participating
ish." in a presidentialcampaign- then drops the matterand
gets backto hisjob, whateverthe charactersdecide.
Active Intentions PortmanwillnotapproachTeragensympathizers. The
Portmanintendsto winthe election.lt wouldtraphim Storytellercan decidewhetheror not he believesin Pro-
in 4-8 years of an ever moretroubledmarriage.lt would teus and is therefore willing to approach peaceful
rob himofthe chanceto rescueanyonewithhisownhands.

24 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
fare, foreigninterventionism , federalinterferencein com-
Bringing Portman to Life merce and, eventually,the incometax.
Here are some waysto makeit clear to the charac- The scope of her plan is her major politicalliability
.
ters what the election costs Portman
. Fouryears amountsto the blinkof an eye whenit comesto
A poorly placedbombgoes off near the site of a tearing downa governmentbuilt up over generations. ln
speech,collapsing abuilding andtrappingseveralbaselines the averageAmerican's life, however,it seems a very long
within.Portmannahrallytries to ..go to therescue,"but time. Eachsmallvictory earned her kudosin its time, but
instead,gets hustled offbytheSecretService,a plaintive lookingback in 2008, manyAmericanswonder, "What
expressionon hisface. exactlyhas she done in all her years as President?" The
Aphotoopportunitywithoneof theyolthsPortman incometax stillexists. The UnitedStates and Utopiastill
savedbeckin 1'198givesa reporterthe opportunityto get along. The Directive, an abominationin the eyes of a
ask...If Americagainsa novaPresident. do we losea Fire- typicalLibertarian,stillmecldlesin the affairs of America
man'?" andthe world. ln general, the worldhas not becomea para-
A visit to Portman'shomeis interrupted lateat ni91l dise. Americans,conditionedalltheir livesto expect little
by therepetitiveSOts1d of doorsslanvning . Novaswithen- from Republicansand Democrats, nevertheless, expected
hancedsensesor a tendency to prydiscoverMs. Portman a lot fromthe boldnew Libertarianorder. The mediaher-
marchinginto herhusl,.,d's room,sayingsomethingar- alded Pendleton as a great national experiment, and
p,entative, walking out andslamming the door.Almost Pendletonacceptedthis good press as a windfall.Nowshe
immediately afterward,Randeldoes the same with her paysthe price.
room.Thiscontinuesfora while .
JemiferPortman develops a lookof hon-or andpanic,
Lauren Pendleton
beforemastering herexpression,whensheopensthedoor PresidentLaurenPendletondecideddecadesago,as
on a crowdof reporters.
a collegesophomore,that all the uglythings in the world
derived ultimatelyfrom a singlelie: "Youhave to accept
this." ln Pendleton's opinion, she doesnot have to accept
Aberrants. anything,and the godshelpanyonewhogets in her way.
As a presidentialcandidate,TheFiremanhas no free Shedoes not rage or rant. She speakswithmeasured
timeto wagewar againstMarkGreen,CorbyCarteror any- passion, each wordchosencalmly,as a weaponagainstthe
one else.lf he has trustworthyallies,however,he willplace world. Her heart doesnot bleed for the aimlessmasses;
these matters in their hands. she considersherselfan advocatefor the determined. Her
1f Randel Portman (or Storyteller-played Utopian personalworkandher loftiestambitionis to ruthlesslystrip
agents) deal with Green's slander campaignwithout the awayeveryapparatusof governmentthat can interferewith
characters' assistance,theyuse the followingtactics. First, the expressionof personalwill.
Portmandigs intensivelyinto Green's past, hopingto tie Pendletonwas still essentiallyclean when she first
him to a violenthate group rather than a simpleapologist made it to the Presidency.Corruptionand honestymean
organization.Second,he holdsa preemptivepress confer- little to her, of cotKSe,concepts almostirrelevantto her
ence explainingthe allegations,notingMarkGreen'sobvi- severe ethical code - but pride kept her honest when
ous reasons for bringingthem to the Senate and denying sellingout offered no SU>stantial gain. ln the 2004 elec-
their merit.This luis his ca~aign - by denyingthe al- tions,the morallydestructiveinAuencesinthe nation's po-
legations, he givesthem the appearanceof SU>stance - liticalcirclesdid not bother withthe Libertariancandidate
but hampersGreen's attemptto removehimmore perma- mtil fartoo late. AsPresident, however,Pendletonhascom-
nently. promisedboththe Libertarianidealsand her own, every
step of the way. Pushingthe Libertarianagendathrough
The Libertarian Party Congressallbut re<jt!iredpanderingto a new Repwlican,
TheLibertariancandidatehasan immenseadvantage Democrator lobbyevery day. After backingan occasional
in this race - she's alreadythe President. A well-spoken piece of big-governmentlegislationherself - as part of
and confident womanwith a powerfulpresence, Latren variousdeals, of course, but nevertheless- she aban-
Pendletonexpects to take the election easily, no matter doned her loftyattempt at ethicalhygiene.The specialin-
howthe Democratsand the Eaglesposhre. Thanks ingood terests, far more interestedin her as the Presidentthan as
part to Utopia's efforts worldwide, the Americaneconomy a candidate,now pay her q..iitewell.Her grand ambition
is runningvery strong. lt takes a lot to dethrone a Presi- remains,but she has fallenintothe politicalworld.
dent whenAmericahas foodon its tables. Pendleton,as the current President of the United
PresidentPendleton's platfonn,a dose derivativeof States, has access to a great many resources. Unlike
the LibertarianParty platform, advocatesthe dismember- Portmanand the media,she can tie Mari<Green to an ac-
mentof governmentShearguesthat the nationshouldre- tive hate groupin his youth. Green avoideda paper trail
strict the federal government'srole to the functionslaid duringhisassociationwitha societycalledthe "AryanMar-
out in the Constitution- thereby puttingan end to wel- tyrs," goingonlyby his Firstnameandsteeringshyof po-

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 25
 ABERRANT

Candidate Profil e: Lauren Pendleton

Dateof Birth:9/12/1952
Place of Origin:Irvine.,CA
PoliticalExperience:CARep aeutative. lnmnbent President.
Strengths:PresidentPencleton.as the inmnbent.represents•knownqu...tity- peopleassociateher withAmerica's

Fundingand her can!pa91.A pol of Am«ica'swomenindicatesthat.eYll'I amongthose

feelthey owe her• debt for crackingthe boys'-ckl>modelof the Presidency.
who-.-
relativeprosperity and alsowith the office of the President.Pencletonalso has vast politicalpowerwithwhichto pursue
withher policies,many

Weaknesses:In • time whenthe pai,licis sharplydividedregardingProject Utopia.the milclyanti-Utopian Llbertarian

stance appealsto few on either side of the issue . ManyAmericawquestionthe effectiYenessof her policies.A smallbut
statisticallysignificantminorityof menfeelsthat a femalePresidentis an infringementon the nabral order of the worid.
NotableQuotes:
..America'sprisonsinc:~ rnemble the tigercagesof Vtet-
ran . If youcan explainto me.sir, howlockingsomeonein• tiger cage
is less of an atrocity thandruguse.I wil happilyadmitto the exist-
ence of this so-called'crime....
Recll'ringPartialQuote:
.....is • matter outsidethe government's
jwisdiction."
Plltfwms.-y,by ...
AffirmatiwAdion:V. Conservative
f\mhment:ConservatiYe/Mod
Capital
Crime:Liberal
Ecttation:ConservatiYe/Mod
GayRights:V. Liberal
HealthC.-e:V.Conservative
Miliwy:Liberal
ProjectUtopia:Conservatiw
Liberal
Religion:
Taxes:"Theincometax should beabolished."
ultimately
Welfare:Conservative

liceinterest- but his peer groupcameto the attentionof 230 years. Fouryears ago,you elected LaurenPendleton
the FBIat one point.Thebureau longagotied Green's namePresident.Already,the tide turns."
to hispicture. PendletonblKiedthe file,on the premisethat Not longafter campaigningbegins, Pendletonautho-
it would"prejudice the election,"but she's not covering rizesa DirectiveoperationwithinAmerica'sborders to take
for Green. (Racismcan ruin the livesof determined, en- Geryon down.Theoperationstartswiththe completetake-
abled individualsand, therefore, qualifies as evil by her
overof the mediain a smalltown in Nevada. Shortlyafter-
personalcode.)Rather,sheappreciatesGreen's energyand ward, according to reports by the "journalists" on the
ruthlessnessand hopeshe willclear aw;rysomeof the com- scene, Geryonwandersintoa casinofor a littlegambling.
petitionbefore she sees to it that the filebecomepd>lic.Despitethe factthat everyonefallsoverthemselvesto make
Pendletonis marriedto businessmanTed Mactireand sure he winseverygame, he neverthelessloseshistemper
hasnochildren.AsVice-PresidentNicholsonis inextremely and goes on a killingspree whenthe roulette wheeldoes
illhealth,her choicefor Vice-Presidentis NewHampshire not go his way.
CongressmanTrent Williams . Thisscenarioisa Directivefabrication.Geryonishalf-
wayaroundthe worldwhen hissupposed"killingspree" is
Active Intentions occurring. (Moreover, as a rationalmonster,he killsonly
Consideringherselfa supremelyrationaland enabled whenbaselinesare threatening, hanningor killingnovas.)
individual,Lau-enPendletonintendsto aggressively ptr-
Pendletonmadesure that no paper trail connectedher to
sue opportunitiesfor direct debate with her opponents. this action, and she has cloakedthe wholeoperation so
She has a largestaff of competentmediaconsultants;she carefully that she now enjoys the luxury of plausible
leavesthe advertisingcampaignup to them. Thisresultsin deniabilitywithregard to the wholeissue.
a low-contert but emotionallyappealingseries of adver-
Last-Ditch Defense
tisementsin allmedia- she does not neglectthe OpNet
1f scufflingbetween Mark Green and The Fireman
and other nortraditionalaverues - withan overall mes- doesn't take them both out of the political picture and
sageof "Thegovernmenthasgrownuglier, moreoowieldy , Pendleton's reelectionprospects lookdim,she takes deci-
more unconstitutionaland less pleasant to liveunder for

26 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
siveaction. afterward.However , CorbyCarter 'sactions(seebelow)may
lf Portmanis the greatest threat, Pendletondevelops causea caseto climbto the top fasterthanit normallywould,
an extensiveprofileon himandthen moveson hispersonal makingit possiblefor Pendletonto try this tactic.
weaknesses.ln consequence,the prestigiousOxfordUni- lf Mark Green is more dangerous than Portman,
versityoffersJenniferPortmana CorrespondingMember- Pendleton's courseis clear. Shestarts a mediablitz, an evi-
ship and a dreamjob studyingthe historyof Britishpoli- dence-free campaigntyingMarkto allsorts of sociallyob-
tics,on conditionof her spendingsixmonthsa year on site. jectionable.Heinevitablyrespondswithindignation,paint-
Ms. Portmanis not a "politicalwife," willingto sacrifice inghimselfas a slanderedinnocent; at this point, she re-
everythingfor her husband'scareer. Thisopportunity,al- leasesthe previouslysuppressedFBIfileon his participa-
thoughshe does not take it, increasesthe stress that her tion in the AryanMartyrs.
husband's candidacyputson themboth.
Selectionsfromthe Directive'sfilesmostsupporting Republican Party
the possibilitythat ProjectProteusiscausingnovasterility The Schroerscandalwas the catalystthat beganthe
- and Portman's own inabilityto sire a child- appear right- wingexodusfrom the RepublicanParty. The social
on Portman's desk,inhopesof turninghimagainsthisUto- conservativesand fundamentalistsrealizedthat they no
pianallies. longerhadthe GOPwrappedaroundtheircollectivefinger
Pendleton's associatesencouragechildrento writeto and madegoodon their threat to splitfromthe fiscalcon-
Portmanexplaininghow they feel about him abandoning servativesto pushtheir own, some mightsay extremist,
hisroleas heroto "do stuffinthe WhiteHouse."The draw- agenda. Whilemost remainingRepublicanstook a "good
ingof a childburningaccompaniesthe mostemotiveletter. riddance" approach, the movedid weakenthe party -
Simultaneously , Pendletoncrafts a mediacampaignimply- not so muchbecause it hurt its publicimage,althoughit
ingthat Portmanis turninghis backon whathe stands for did, but becausemanyalready-electedRepublicanofficials
to seizepoliticalpowerhe has no ideahowto use. abandonedthe party and took their influencewith them.
At any giventime, legalcases involvingthe abuse of Moreover,by formingpartiessuchas the AmericanEagles,
novapowersandthe basichumanityof novasare progress- that then clamoredto becomethe voiceof the American
ingup the judicialladder. The SupremeCourthears them rightwing,they left the Republicansin an awkwardideo-
onlyrarelyand onlywhenthe correct decisionis clear. ln logicalposition.Althoughits platformstillappealedto many
mostcases, the justicesprefer to avoidthe issuealtogether. Americans,the RepublicanParty hadbecomethe party of
LaurenPendletonisnot aboveexpeditingoneof thesecases "conservative,but not as muchas those other guys." lt no
and pressuringher appointeeto havethe case heard. She longerhad a clear and simplemessage.
hopesthat the court willmakea rulingthat directlyor indi- CandidateBernardMorrisonhopesto change all of
rectlykeepsPortmanfromtakingoffice. ln the defaultver- this, with his laughingeyes and his messagethat Ameri-
sionof thisscenario, noneof these cases can be heardbe- canscan "rewrite" theircountry.Moreprecisely,Morrison
fore the election,andmostare not resolvedfor someyears meansthat byan act of will- starting withhis election
- Americacan transformitselfintoa placeof "clean liv-
ingandproperChristiankindness."Whensomeonereminds
Option: For Conservative him of Schroer,he answers, "The RepublicanParty was
Charade rs the first thing 1recreated." When someonesuggestshis
If theStorytellerwishesto involvecharacters inthe agenda is na·ive, he smilesand pointsout, "1never said it
politicalprocessbut,at thesametime,thecharacters are wouldbe easy."
tooconservative to associatewiththeDemocrats,it'scon- Morrisonis one of the great livingpractitionersof
ceivablethat LaurenPendletonchoosesa novaruming creativecampaignfinancing,mostspecificallythe various
mate.A conservativecharactermayfind Pendleton's legalformsthereof. Hisseeminglyunlimitedfundingand a
agendamoreliberalthanhis own, butgrounds for com- face that just screams"elder statesman" are his greatest
promisee,(ist. advantagesin the race.
This can play out in manyways. Pendletoncould Bernard Morrison
choosea novaVP in reactionto the DemocraticParty's BernardMorrison,at age 22, experienceda prema-
move,if theStorytellerswitchesthedates of theNational ture midlifecrisisand retreated fromthe worldfor a three
Conventions . Shecouldinspirethatmovewithherchoice. week fast. On the 18th day, Morrisonstopped suffering
Shecouldsimply preemptit. Shecouldchooseone of the fromhunger. Hisviewof the world, untilthen motivatedby
charactersor a slightlymore conservativeversion of irrational desires and the various pains of existence,
Portman. If the Libertarianvice-presidential
candidateis stripped itselfclean.
thefirstor onlynovaintherace,MarkGreenwoulddirect Healmostforgotto start eatingagain, it felt so good.
hisvenominthatdirectioninstead- even comparedto Morrisoncame out of the experiencea man essen-
Portman,a partywithan incunbentPresidentandnova tiallyimmuneto anythingthe worldcouldthrowat him-
appealis the primethreatto everyoneelse'scampaign. a person of incisiveperception, stillignorantin manyways
but possessed of an extraordinarilybroadperspective.Only

STRANGEBEDFELLOWS 27
 ABERRANT
his knowledgeof the billionsof people who tanglethem- Active Intentions
selves~ inirrationaldesiresandtheself-fulfilling ideathat The centerpieceof BernardMorrison's campaignis
paincan touchthemstillbothers him. his"Statementof Principles ," a simple,apoliticalandmedi-
Morrison'spurityof intentdoesnot alwaystranslate tative lookat the thingshe stands for, whichhe intendsto
into purity of action. He feels no great obligationto be- havepastedon as manywallsand doorwaysas possible.He
come a paragonof virtue. Hehappilystompshis enemies refuses to campaignon the basis of complexissues, rea-
into the ground.He engages in politicalmanipulations , fi- soningthat anyone capable of understandingthe issues
nancialmanipulations andminorvicesbecausehe findsthem reads the campaignplatformsanywa'f . He doesnot seek
interesting.Whathe lacksisspite. Whenhe takesoffensive verbalslugfestsandusuallyavoidsdirt slinging- although
action,he doesso with~ andoccasional mildreg-et he can hold his own in either activity when necessary.
Morrisonsums~ hisfundamentalplanfor the nation Rather, he feels that if Americacomes to know himand
as follows:"Christianityitselfshouldremaindivorcedfrom what a Morrison Presidencymeans,Americawillput him
the processesof government.The moralandethicalguide- intooffice. Pursuantto thisgoal, the obligatorycablecom-
linesdevelopedunder its aegis, however,providesuitable mercials feature clipsof speeches and the occasional30-
guidelinesfor policyand law. l want to see a federal gov- second unrehearsedinterview. This last capnres atten-
ernmentand a peoplewithjust suchpolicies." Once,after tion by virtue of its noveltydespite the commercials'lack
a pause,he added, "Doinglipserviceto themas the Ameri- of polish. Perhapsone in six commercialsinstead feature
can Eaglesrecommendwould,at least, be a start " lightmockeryof anothercandidate.
MorrisonpaintsImpressionistworksinhisoccasional Morrisonconsidersstrategyunnecessarywhendeal-
momentsof free time. He has a wife, Maheshvari,and two ingwithPortman's candidacy.First, Morrisonfindsthe idea
sons. (A reporter once questionedhimregardingthe pro- of electingan inexperiencednovaon thebasisof his fame
prietyof takinga foreignwife;withcompassion,regret and ridiculousand trusts Americanot to do so. Second, on a
a barbed tongue,Morrisonmethodically reducedthe man personal level,Morrisonrather likesThe Fireman- and
to tears.) Morrison'schoicefor Vice-PresidentisAbraham
Dempster, untilrecentlythe Pan-AmericanAirlinesCEO.

Candidate Profile: Bernard Morrison

Dateof Birth:1/'1.'f
/l'f44
Placeof Origin:Tucson,AZ.
PoliticalExperience: A Fcu-termArizonaSenator
Strengths: Morrisonboastsa distinguishedappearance,including silverhairanda patrician
nose.Hislongcareeras a
successfulcrusaderForintellectual-property~ andhisSenatorial experienceimprovepmlicconfidence.Hedoesn'ttake
himselfas seriouslyas theothercandidatestakethemselves,bothanadvantage anda liability.
Weaknesses:MorrisonsuffersFromphlebitis,an inflammation dangerous
of severalveins,whichcan havepotentially
complications. HealsosuffersFrom..inexplicable
enrichment"- a conditionFirstdiagnosedinMeitico- inwhichpoliticians
mysteriously acquiremoney«bing theirtennsinoffice.
NotableQuotes:
"Theconceptof welfareis somd.l onlywishto containits abuses."
"WhyamIafraidofProjectUtopia'? Mydear,theydon'ttrustus
to runcu- ownlives."
Ambushed by reportersoutsidehis hotelroom,regardingthe
JoeVichars case:
..OFcCU"SeIbelieve Mustn'twe mustkeep
incapitalpunishment.
reporters off thestreets'?"
Plltfonns...m.y , by...
Affirmative Action:Conservative
CapitalPunishment: Conservative
Crime:Conservative/Moderate
Eckication:Conservative/Moderate
GayR91ts:Moderate
HealthCare:Moderate
Military:Conservative
ProjectUtopia:ConservatiYe
Religion: V.Conservative
Taxes:Conservative/Moderate
Welfare: Modetate

28 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT .
doesnotwantto worksohardkeepingthe novaoutof the focuson education.Shebelievesthat an improvedsystem
OvalOfficethat someonelikeMarkGreengets in. of publiceducationwouldleadinevitably to a betterworld.
Morrisonknowsthat defeatingPresidentPendleton Second,shewantsas muchmoneyas the governmentcan
requiresan uphillstruggleno matterwhattack he takes. possiblyspareredirectedintothespaceprogram;shecon-
She has the samemajoradvantageshe does (moneyand sidersexpansionof humanityintothe solarsystemandthe
respectability)and moreof them.He believeshe knows galaxya vitalnecessity.Third,she feelsa great angerto-
her weakness,however.Althoughshe hasmanyvirtuesas wardUtopia,basedon its "kidnapping"her shortlyafter
President,Pendleton'scampaignrevolvesaroundher ide- eruptionand dosingher withmoxuntilshe couldcontrol
ology- not her character,not her effectivenessandnot her abilities.Shewantsthe USto disassociatecompletely
her record.Morrison'sresearchers,therefore,pullupev- fromUtopiaand perhapseventake hostileactionagainst
ery case they can where "biggovernment"preventeda the Project
personaltragedy. Shemaywishto punishPortmanforrejectingher (see
Morrison'saidesbuilda list,manypageslqng,ofthose the AmericanEagleParty subsedion). If not, Moore's
whowentontowelfareor disability andlaterusedthatsup- agendadoesnot requiretakingactionagainstthe charac-
port to rallyand leadsignificantly productivelives.They ters. Storytellersshouldgivethe charadersa fewoppor-
printthis on a relicdot matrixprinterfromhis senatorial tunitiesto noticeher participationinMorrison'scampaign
office,producing a sheafofconnectedpagesthat Morrison or her suddendisappearancefromher oldhaunts.If they
likesto unfurldramatically fromhishand.Similarly,he can do not notice,or decidethey do not care, eventuallythe
nameeverycountrythat sufferedhistorically frominsuffi- consequencesof a Moore-assistedcandidateor a Moore-
cientmilitarypreparednessandmanyfamousfiguresthat controlledPresidentshouldcomearound.
emergedfromthe publicschoolsystem. Removing Obstades
BernardforeseesonlyuglinessfromfightingGreen Mooreusesa ratherbluntstandardoperatingproce-
on a personallevel.ShouldGreentake a significantlead, dure whenfeelingthreatened. If she can identifyher op-
Bernardinsteadmovesto undermineGreen'smessage. ponentsor makea goodguessat theiridentities,shemakes
Morrison'scommercialssuggestthatAmericadoesnotneed the roundsof allthe localauthorities,fromthe IRSto the
to gobackto the "goodolddays"but,rather;forwardinto TeamTomorrowhotline,twistingthemintogoingafterher
a newkindof greatness.Morrisontakesa differenttackin enemy.She mayapplya simple"disguise"first Although
personal appearances, commenting,"The American subterfugeand persuasionare not her greateststrengths,
strugglefor nationalsovereigntyremindsme of the Tin shecanstillmakethe mostbrilliantbaselineactorslooklike
Woodsman'squest for his heart After the elections,no kids in an elementaryschoolplay.She thereforedrowns
matterwhowins,we willdiscoverthat we hadit allalong." charactersinanaudit,anattempteddeportation,attempted
arrests on fivedifferentgroundsby fivedifferentagen-
Raphaela Moore cies,picketlinesformedbyeverymajorlocal union,a phone
RaphaelaMoore,an independentnova,approaches siege by irate mothers concerned about the evils of
Morrisonmid-campaign. (Thiscomesafterherappearance roleplaying games,solicitorsfromeveryfringereligionfol-
in MarkGreen'sschemes.)Sheoffershimher servicesas lowingup on the characters'conversion,obsessedfans
anexperiencedpresssecretaryanda "psychological body- certainthat one of the charactersis actuallyElvisand so
guard"- someoneto protect himfromnovaswithsu- forth. Pressedhardenough,allof these groupsadmitthey
perhumansocialabilities.Sheexplainsthat shehasnosmall
havenothingmorethan a generalhunchandvaguesuspi-
abilityinthisfieldherself,andheagreesto hireher.Natu- cionsto go on, buttheycanmakethe charaders' livesin-
rally,thispositionoffersunlimited
opportunitiesto manipu- terestingfora shorttime- assuming that Raphaelaiden-
lateMorrison. Mooreintendsto makesurehewinsandthen tifiesthe charactersas her antagonistsandthen hastime
exploithispositionto pushthroughher ownsocialagenda. to makethe necessarycalls.
RaphaelaMoore'snaturalface is wellknown.A tal- If Moorecannotidentifyher opponents,evendraw-
ented actress,she has appearedoftenon the big screen. ingonMorrison's resources,sheprobablydropsoutofsight
Usingthe AppearanceAlterationenhancement, however, Shemayleavea stand-inbehindto drawher enemies'fire
sheisableto keepheridentityreasonably private,andwears - e.g.convincing a closelook-alikehowamazingly funit
the name Susan Lindley when acting as Morrison's would be to borrow the identity of the Republican
press secretary. candidate'spress secretarywhileshe goes on a "secret
Agenda covertmission."
Mooresees the potentialfor great personalenrich-
ment in a pet PresidentJust stayingnear him,after the
election,wouldgiveher the opportunityto makecontad
Corby Carter
withmilitary,political
andfinancialleadersaroundtheworld (A Faction All His Own}
- puttingmanyof them,shehopes,underher spell. CorbyCarterdescribeshislifeas "anopenbook."That
Moorealsowantscontrolovera Presidentinorderto book,inparticular,wouldbe Principles ForanEthicalSoci-
pushthe following ideasthroughthe system.First,a strong ety,releasedbyCorbPublications in2006.Withinitspages,

0 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS 29
 ABERRANT
respect, it mayseem foolishto publishhis scheme,even in
abstract notationthat few others couldread. Hispurpose
indoingso is simple.The patterns of mathematicslaidout
inthe relevantsectionsof hisbookdonot simplyillustrate
hisconclusionsandthoughtprocess;theyrepresenta care-
ful, inexorable,almosthypnoticattempt to "sell" anyone
capableof understandinghis ideas on those ideas' value.
Carter is notjust an egghead;he's a salesmanof novacali-
ber, and he wants all the mega-brainson his side that he
can get.
There's also a second message,layered in, obscure
enoughthat he believesonlysomeonesmarter than he is
coulddecipher it. ln English, it reads, "l know1am as a
child to you. Beforeyou attempt to interfere, please re-
memberthat the massof humanityis rruch lessthan a child
to you. Youmaygrowlonelyfor mycompanyin time."
Carter, too, suspectsthe existenceof sphinxes.
Active Intentions
Corbyintendsto start his conversionof the worldin
America.Hisplan,in simpleterms, runs as follows:
Carter laysout hisargumentthat human crueltyand indif- Field-testhis plannedcommunity .
ferenceare the onlysignificantevils remaininginthe world. Underminethe Americanjudicialsystem. Hisfirststep
Hedescribes his visionof a social order that overcomes is to con judges across the nation into idioticdecisions.
these ills,a collectionof interrelatedlawsand moresbuilt Inhumanlydeviousand persuasive,Carter is ableto swaya
around principlesof loyalty,discipline, structure and ac- judge withjust a casualconversation;it takes onlya word
countability . Healsosummarizesthe sociologicalmanipula- or two to sow the seeds of each decision. Second,start a
tions necessary to sweepawaythe oldorder and establish grass-roots movementto requirejudges and DAsto take
hisvision,al>eitina rather~icated ~ notation . into"proper consideration"allrelevantcrimesandprece-
ln the introduction,Carter admitsfreelythat he built dents and permit civillawsuitsagainstthose who do not.
his ideas on the "feeble and inept ethicalconcepts [he] Third, buildthe movement'spower withstagedexposure
developedas an intellectually limitedbaseline."HisFonner of idioticjudicialdecisions. Congressmenand Senators
associatesdescribehimas a shallowwimp,a petty dictator wishingelectionwillbargainwiththis movement'srepre-
and a manwhosefear of confrontationsturned himinto a sentatives,if it becomespopularenough. Fourth,keep the
two-faced,passive-cl9!J"essive weasel.Hardlyanyonecares President from interfering.Finally,watch the American
aboutthat anymore,however.Even the disgruntledex-em- courts grindto a halt after an appropriatelaw'spassage.
ployeewho tried to drownCarter in the executive-wash- Encouragethe spreadof groupsdefinedbothby tight
roomsink- triggeringhiseruption- longsincebought loyaltyand uglybehavior.As the paralyzedjudicialsystem
intothe cult of Corbyand nowworksas his lab assistant. allowsmore vicioushate criminals, gangs and so forth to
Carterjoined upwith Utopiashortlyafter his erup- roamthe streets, the publicmustseeka self-defensesys-
tion. Heunderstandsthe importanceof backersand public tem. Use the proper mediaand communitypositioningto
relations. Morethan that: while he coulddevelop hissocio- makethe logicalrecotne Carter's own form of strength
logicaltheories by pu-e cognition, some of his goals re- throughnumbers- a "benignfascism."
quireactualtechnology. After a sufficientperiodof legalparalysis,introduce
"Geneticmanipulationis the most frighteningof all "the new code" into the Houseas a replacementfor the
sciences," Corby writes. "Once we control the building lawsthat came before. This is the simplifiedcode of law
blocksof humannature, only two possibilitiesexist Hu- Carterdevelopedbasedll)OO hispersonalsociological prin-
manitybeginsthe ascentto gociiood,or humanitydescends ciples.
into eternal stagnation. lf ethicalindividualsdo not apply
this technologyto reinforcean ethicalsociety,randomel-
Personality Profile
ements willdisrupt that culture whileamoralnationsbe- Carter comes from an upper-class familyand pos-
comestronger and purer in their darknatures." sesses allthe concomitantmanners. He's a risk seeker by
nature; he developssheavesof contingencyplansnot out
Principles for an of fear but frombasicobsessionwithhiswork. Heconsid-
Ethical Society ers it his personaldutyto fix the world. Hecopes terribly
Carter's planfor a perfect society, as laidout in his with failureand rejection alike, althoughfew reject him
book,requiresa certainamountof humansuffering.ln this these days- infact, he hasan activecult following . ln his

30 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
introspectivemoments,he admitsthat the crueltyand in- Fearis onlyonekeyhumanmotivator.Carterconsid-
differencehe projectson globalsocietyisjust that, a pro- ers sexualattractionandloyaltythe othertwo- andloy-
jection:Hefeels,inthe deep placesof hissoul,that these alty is Carter'sfavoriteemotion.Hehasthree simpleop-
are hisfaults. tionsif he choosesto exploitthe characters'loyalties.One
Carterdisplaysextroverted,narcissistic,aggressive, isto findblackmail informationregardinga closeassociate
sadisticandcoldbehaviorpatterns.ln a lot of ways,every of a characterand attachingit to the shellsof protection
actionhe takesis "showingoff,"evenactionsdesignedto surroundingCarter'ssecrets.Anyonetryingto trace his
concealhisidentity.Hesuppressesthe sadisticelementsof activitiesusingbureaucraticor electronicchannelsmust
hispersonalityandconcealshiscoldheartbutseesnothing stop or riskhavingthe softwareor lawyersreleasethisin-
wrongwithaggressionandnarcissism . Afterall,inhisown formationautomatically .AnotherapproachCartermaytake
mind,he is CorbyCarter,nova,geniusanddemigod. isto associateClytemnestra,hisOpNetidentity,firmlywith
the characters'allegiancein the mindof the public.This
Removing Obstacles involvesnotjust vocalsupportof that allegiancebut con-
1f the charactersseem likelyto cause trouble for
ningits publicdetractorsintomakingthe connection.In
Carter,he attemptsto removethem. Similarly, he plansto
that event,revealingCarter'sless swory planswillstain
takeaggressive actionagainstPortman,whosuspectsCarter
the reputationofsomethingthe charactersvalue.Thethird
ofunethicalactivity,beforePortmanactsagainsthim.Some methodis to becomeliterallyand genuinelyinvaluable to
of Carter'sfavoredmethodsfollow. that allegiance.Thiscouldinvolvefeedinginformation and
lt is commonknowledgethat novassometimesdis- insightfrom Utopiaor Utopia'sfileson its enemiesto a
playmentalaberrations.The UnitedStates has lawsthat character'sally.
allowthe policeto apprehendindividuals suspectedof be-
Sexualattractionis the finalmotivatorand tool on
inga dangerto themselvesor others dueto a psychiatric
Carter'slist Cartercan builda relationshipwithan unat-
conditionandtakethemto a hospitalwherea doctorcan tachedfemalenovawithoutunusualdifficulty, startingwith
evaluatethem. Cartercan arrangesuchan intervention, a coincidental encounter.Politics,however,couldmakethis
makingsurethe officersthat knockon a character'sd<>Qr
impractical.Worse,she mighttum on himwhenshe real-
(or onseveralcharacters'doors)watchfortheknownper-
izedthat the entirerelationshipwasan artifice.
sonalhabitsand mannerismsof the characteras signsof
Carterhasa smallbut devotedcultfollowing that al-
the allegedcondition.A sufficientlyalertcharactermight
lowshima greatdealof freedomto manipulate characters
figurethis out fromthe officers'bodylanguage.
throughsexualmeansindirectly. Hedoes not enter intoa
If a characterrefusesto goin,the situationescalates,
relationshiphimselfbutratherfindsa "Corbite"ofthe right
potentiallyto the pointof arrest Oncea characteriscom-
mindsetandintellect(minimal or vast,depending)- re-
fortablydetainedin a privateD.C.facility,CorbyCarter,
shapinghimor her in his labto the nova'svisionof one
M.D.,paysa visitas a specialconsultantHisopinion,as a
character'sperfectmate.Cartercanevenincludea genetic
consultant,cannotholda characterin a hospitalHe can,
predispositiontowardbehaviorsthat seem appropriate.
however,pushcharacters,usingresearchintotheir pasts
Thisgiveshiman opportunityto tie a characterto some-
andpersonalmanipulative skill,intoactsindicativeof psy-
onewhobecomesheartbrokenly outragedif the character
chosisor uncontrolled violence.Thefactthat onlyCarter's
takesactionagainstCarter. .
wordsconfusethe charactersrealitymeansnothingunless
The charactersare not an integralpart of Carter's
proven.
agenda.ln mostversionsof this story,he has reasonto
Carterdoesnot considerterror tacticsbeneathhim.
dealwiththem. ln others,he does not Whennot acting
Normally, he doesnothurtinnocentsunnecessarily- but againstPortmanand the characters,he simplyproceeds
each failurecauseshimto escalateeither the risk or the
withhislong-termplans.lf the charactersare notinvolved
brutalityof his methods.1factingagainstthe characters, in hisscufflewithThe Fireman,Storytellerscan havehis
he hiresan incendiaryexpertto destroya ramifymember's namecrossthe characters'pathonceor twiceduringtheir
emptyhouse;leavesa vialof somaon a character'sdoor-
dealingswithPortman,Green,the Dominoes or the Senate
step; sendsan analysisof the flawsinpresidentialsecurity Committee onNovaAffairs.Thisensuresthat hislaterac-
to a character'sresidence,alongwithseveralphotocopied tionscatchthe characters'attention.
pagesfromthe testimonyof serialkillerDennisNilsenand
continuesin this vein.Anothertactic Carter mayuse is
breakingintoa character'sOpNetaccountsto planta con-
The Dominoes {An
sistentseriesoffictitiousbutincriminating communications Apolitical Faction)
betweenthe characterand somewell-known criminalln PortmanwouldcategorizeMariettaJacksonas a
eithercase, he wouldensurethat the characterdiscovers sphinxdestinedfor transcendence.She worksas a bar-
the result,not the police.Significantescalationsin terms tender in GarzaBay,CostaRica,but wery motionof her
of brutalityincludearrangingdirect accusationsfor ter- body,everywordshespeaksandeveryplanshemakesisa
riblecrimesandplacinghit ordersona character'scollege purelysubconscious reactionto herenvironmentHercon-
friends- whomostlikelydo not receivepoliceprotec- sciousmindwanderedoff longago intoabstractrealmsof
tioneveninthe raceof Carter'searlieractions.·

STRANGEBEDFELLOWS 31
 ABERRANT
numbertheoryand linguistics,andit's not planningto re- bodyandface of an angel,is the optionalmemberof the
him untilit candragits bodyintothoserealmswithit group,a watchfulguardianwhoprotectshispeers.
Jackson'ssubconscious hasdeducedPortman'sinter-
est innovaslikeher,classifiedit as a mildthreatandbegun
If the Characters Investigate
to enactcountermeasures. the Dominoes First
Hertoolsare the Dominoes. Thissmallgroupof no- The Dominoesspenda fewweeksin the California
vas sharesan allegianceto an organizationgenerallyop- BayArea,participating inthe negotiations surrounding the
posedto the characters',ideallyonewithaninterestinpro- illicitsaleof bannedtechnologyto ViaSoftTheymayin-
tectingAmerica.Forexample,if the charactersworkfor volvethemselvesas legitimatefacilitators,or thismaybe a
the Directive,the Dominoesmightbe Utopianagents. lf stingoperation.
the charactersare Utopian,the Dominoesmightworkfor Characterscan trace the Dominoesto California by
the Directive.The name"Dominoes"canbe a codename checkingthe N!onlinefileson novasightings,as wellas
or a nickname,as appropriate. withmoreadvancedresearchtechniques.lf the charac-
The Dominoes, developeda ters attemptto spyonthe Dominoesthere,the novas-
regardlessof allegiance,
habitof consultingJacksonfor semi-oracularadviceand highlyalert at the time- probablynotice. Crosbyhas a
the best drinksthis side of HongKong.Thislets her aim sixthsense for danger;MaryMarymoonlightsas furni-
themat Portmanif theyhadno previousinterestin him.lf ture, plantsandrandombystanders;Steinerhasa fourth-
their organizationwouldhave reason to investigatethe instar node and Daniels,if present, has inhumanly keen
chargesbroughtbefore the Senate Committeeon Nova senses.The oddsfavoroneof themdiscovering the char-
Affairs,then she has an opporb.Jnity to prejudicethem acters' natureduringevena cursorystudy.
. againstPortmanandhisallies.Eitherway,theyfeelconfi- Charactersmay,insteadof spyingon the Dominoes,
dentthat Portman- andthe characters,if theyworkfor walkup to them and strikeupa conversation.Crosby,in
him- is a threat particular,prideshimselfon beingpoliteand willhappily
As an alternative,if the charactersplaythe part of engage insmalltalkfora whilebeforeb.Jming onthe charm,
aggressiveinvestigators,the Dominoescan be their tar- explaining that he's very niceand notingthat, really,the
gets.lf thecharactersinvestigate Portmanandothers,based charactersshouldtellhimeverything . lt's possiblethat Ms.
on the committeedebates,the Dominoescanbe second- Martinezwilltakethisopporb.Jnity to sneakintothe char-
ary suspects.lf the charactersseek answersregarding acters' luggageas an insectandpokearound.
Slider'sdeath,Portmanmayhavesketchilytied a Domino Purecomputerresearchintothe Dominoesor an in-
to Proteus.(Thisaccusationshouldthen havean element dividualDominofindsno information relatedto the Slider
of truth. For example,the Dominoesmightworkfor Uto- murder, Proteus, the Aberrants or anything elsethat they
pia,and one of the other Dominoesworksfor Proteus.) lf have no officialconnection to. However, with three suc-
Portmanconvertsthe charactersto hiscause, he explains cesses on a Computerrol~the charactersdiscoverthat
hissuspicions that the Dominoesworkfora sphinx.Again, someonehasprofessionally elidedinformation inthe places
Jacksonwouldplaythe Dominoes againstthe charactersto suchdatamightbe. Foursuccessesallowsthe characterto
underminePortman'sposition. noticethe littlealannbellsattachedto mostfileson the
Characterswho do not associatewithPortman,in- Dominoes, andfiveallowsher to keepthemfromgoingoff.
vestigatethe journal,investigatethe Slidermurderor look (The charactercan automatically avoidthese alarmson
intothe ideaofsphinxesdo notnormallyco~ intoconAict similarrecordsinthe future.)lf the charactersthwartthe
withthe Dominoes . However,if the charactersworkfor alarmandproceedto pursuethe Dominoes, allowthemthe
MarkGreen,the Storytellercandecidethat heisthethreat advantagethisgivesthem.lf thecharactersnullify the alarm
thatrousedJacksonto action.GreenthenreplacesPortman andthendropthe mattercompletely, assumethat Crosby's
inthe intriguesbelow.Characterscanalsobecometargets lntuitionwarnedhimof their researchevenwithoutthe
simplyby virb.Jeof Portman'sor Green'sdesireto recruit alann.
them. Ultimately, the Dominoes figureout that the charac-
Thereare threeor fourDominoes, dependingonhow ters are studyingthem.Researchof theirowngivesthema
manycharacterstheysquareoffagainstA shortsummary hintas to why.
oftheirpersonalstyleandpowersfollows;a fullerdescrip- Active Intentions
tioncomesinthe DramatisPersonaesection. lf at some point it becomesunreasonablefor the
Bard Crosbyis a low-poweredMega-Manipulator,
Dominoes to take actionagainstthe characters,theystop
whostrivesalwaysto be stylish- difficult,giventhat he doingso. Whilethe Dominoesconsiderthe charactersa
movesfrombodyto bodyin the courseof hiswork.Mary threat, however,they pursuethe following courseof ac-
MaryMartinez,a shapeshifter,has a light,childlikeatti-
tion.
b.Jdetoward life and no consciencewhatsoever.Anne
Assuming that the charactershaveanaffiliation with
Steinerconsidersherselfa sourceof disorderbyvocation, a politicalcampaign(mostlikelythe Democrats,)Crosby
havinga talent°forundermining bureaucraciesand com-
convincesanotherparty to signhis groupon as political
putersystems.Finally, ReginaldDaniels,burdenedwiththe · consultants.Thisallowsthemto attendpoliticalfunctions

32 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT

and keepthe charactersunderobservation.Crosby,Steiner pry. It was cool and dangerousat first to hang with these
and Martinezdisguisethemselvesappropriately. Daniels, novas, but now the bodyhopper, the angel who killslike
painfullyconspicuous,stays out of politicsand provides bloodwasa sacrament, the girlwhocan't stayinone shape
backupinstead. The mostlikelygroupfor the Dominoesto Fromone minuteto the next and Anne Steiner, Ms. Living
associatewith is the LibertarianParty, previouslyfree of Embodimentof Disorder, are really beginningto creep
nova inAuence. Masonout. She wants out on a pennanent basis, without
Crosbycontactsan associate- either a baselineat- havingto testify againstthem, and so, she's offeringto sell
tached to his larger organizationor an academiccontact. them out to the characters, their current antagonists. She
With permission,in the first case, and without, in the sec- brings infonnationon two Dominoplots that foreknowl-
ond, he spendsa weektramplingthroughher head withhis edge mighthelpprevent and offers to couriermore if nec-
manipulativeand empathicabilities.Inthe end, this woman, essary. Herstory checksout underthe quantumprobingof
Jane Mason, genuinelybelievesthat she was an associate telepathicand Mega-Socialcharacters, unlessthe telepath
of the Dominoesuntila few days ago, when disgustwith or socialite is very skilled.
their uglierdeeds drove her to defect. She has decidedto The Dominoesintend to feed the characters infor-
remainintheir confidence,sincenoneof themcan actually mationthroughMasonuntilshe has establishedher cred-
read minds, and infonnthe Dominoes'enemiesof her one- ibility.Then they planto activatea deeplyburiedaspectof
time allies'evilplans. her conditioningand use that infonnationpipelineagainst
Masonseeks out Portmanand the characters. Sheex- the characters. lf the Dominoesdo not havelegitimateau-
plainsthat she served withthe Dominoesas a tacticalcon- thority, they arrange things so that the characters finish
sultant - she's an accredited scholarin the fieldof mili- this series of events apparentlycomplicitin the criminal
tary history,whichservesas a usefuladjunctto MaryMary's activitiesMasonhelpsthemstop. If they havesuchauthor-
innatetacticalgenius. If pressed, she admitsthat she "um, ity,they hope to establishor disprovethe characters' con-
became a bit complicitin some illegalstuff." For this rea- spiratorialbona fides.
son, the Dominoesusuallytrust her during the kicking- OpeningMoves
around-ideasphaseof an operation. She does not partici- The first Dominomovetakes the fonn of an infonna-
pate in every decisionbyany meansor the detailed plan- tion dig in computerizedrecords. The Dominoesdiscuss
ning sessions- butshe does hear a lot if she does not this and the followingmove in the presence of the "re-

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 33
 ABERRANT
formed"Mason;she then leavesto betraythe Dominoes If the Dominoesinitiatedthe conflictwiththe char-
forthe firsttime.AnneSteinerstartsthe digapproximately ·acters,eitherbecausethey considerthe charactersdan-
15minutesbeforethe estimatedtimeMasonwillreachthe gerousor for anotherreason,the fourthstep isto flushout
characters,giventrafficpatterns,the doorman'sprobable .theircontacts.Thismeansforcingthe charactersto com-
askingprice and similarfactors.Steinerbelievesshe can municatewiththeirmajorallies.
get enoughinformationto makethe digworthwhile before Masonoverhearsa discussionof "whatsoundslikea
Jane warnsthe characters,whileleavingenoughsecrets reallyuglyoperation,"one the Dominoes'planto under-
buriedthat Jane'sinformationhelpsthe characters. take.Crosbysubtlypushesher intotakinga risk- mak-
The secondDominoactionhasmorebloodinit (The ingoff witha doodlehe drewona napkinwhilediscussing
Dominoeshaveto explainawayMason'ssuddendecision it.Thiscomplexscribbleof crypticabbreviations andreq-
to betraythem,after all.)It takesthe formof "testingthe uisitionsincludesa double-underlined notationofthe char-
characters'defenses"- arrangingan assassinationat- acters' allegiance.
tempt againstthe charactersor Portman.This takes the Fromallindications,it lookslikethe Dominoesintend
formof a simplesniper attack; accordingto Mason,the to commita bloodymassacretargetingthe characters'base
Dominoesplanto obtaina flechetterifleand set up some- of operations.Almostany investigation turns up a recent
whereontheirtarget'sofficialschedule.Themoredetailed terroristboastthatthatlocation(T2MAmericasheadquar-
plan, whichMasondoes not know,works as follows:A ters,the Portmancampaignoffice,a majorDirectivebuild-
mechanizedtripod is set up in a hotelroomor on a roof, ing,the lawagencyof the characters'attorneyor what-
witha high-endrifleattached(whetherit'sa flechettede- not) willfry in48 hours.
pendson their backers'resources),as wellas a computer The abbreviationson the napkinhavebeen chosen
hookup,a smallsensorarray and a rather largeexplosive. very carefully- eachone,fromnineto 13charactersin
Steinerintendsto keep her quantumconsciousness"lo- length,isinvariant underseveralmajorencryptionschemes.
cated"inthissetupas oftenas she can,so she canaimthe That is, regardlessof where it appears in an encrypted
riflebut - far moreimportantly- triggerthe explosive message,eachtakes one of onlya handfulof forms.The
whenthe charactersor the Secret Servicefindthe rifle. Dominoesintendto trackanymessagesthe charactersand
The Dominoesshouldcarry out this entireplanas soonas others sendthroughthe OpNeton the matter,as wellas
possibleafter Mason'sadmission of its existence.Relatively phonecallsand mailleavingtheirresidence.
benignDominoesarrangethe explosionin a moreor less As for the terrorist attack itself,it probablypeters
emptybuilding. Theymayevenshortit outso that onlythe out - Crosbyanonymously persuadesa well-armedter-
traceablecomponents(andnot a groupof SecretService rorist cell, servingsomecompletelyunrelatedcause,to
agents)go upinflames. makethe attack withoutsufficientpreparation.This re-
Someversionsof the Dominoesset thisup simplyto sultsin the elimination of saidcell.The Dominoesdo not
evaluatethe characters'methodology. Others,actingwith- weepfor it. Again,a linktyingthe charactersto something
out officialsupport,set thisup to tie the charactersto the inappropriatehasbeen drawn.
propertydamageandpossiblelossof lifethe bombcauses. Endgame
Whetherthe charactersdashoffto a hotelroomandit ex- The Dominoesactivatethe secondpart of Mason's
plodesor theysendthe SecretServicethere andan agent conditioning.
getskilled,the eventcanlaterblackenthe characters'repu- If the Dominoesdonotrepresentanyofficialauthor-
tationinofficialeyes. ity,they callthe FBI(andthus the Directive)or Utopia,
Miclgame usingSteiner'sabilitiesor espionagetechnologyto make
If the charactersletMasonreturnto the Dominoes to tracingthe calldifficult.MaryMary adoptsthe voiceof
get moreinformation, the Dominoes'generalplancontin- oneofthe charactersandexplainsthat sherepresents"the
ues.Masontellsthe charactersabouta moveplannedon Astolat,"responsiblefor the bomb,the bank crash and,
their bankaccountsandpossiblyPortman'scampaigncof- indirectly,the terroristattack- anythingbadbut previ-
fers, scheduledfor the followingmorning.Steinerhas a ouslyuntraceablethat happenedin the executionof the
cryptological keyto the institutionswherethoseaccounts plansabove.She requestsa meetingfor the next day so
are held,goodfor the following dayaround8 inthe morn- that she can discussdemands,and she assuresthe agents
ing.(Shegivesherselfelbowroom to getallthe appropriate that there willbe "no tricks."Shealsocallsthe mediaand
keysintimefor a coordinatedoperation.)If the characters arrangesfor their covertpresenceon the scene.Investi-
movetheiraccounts,then,at 8:06 AM.,the relevantbank gatingagentsof the FBI,Directiveor Utopiaassumethat
systemscrash. If the charactersdo nothing,Steinereither the mediapresenceexplainsthe sheer stupidityof giving
slices'iffi'J'f their moneyor allowsthe bankcomputersto the authoritiesa dayto prepare- the terroristexpects
lockher out inthe processof makingoff withthe charac- to get capturedandhavea chanceto takecreditfor events
ters' accounts,(dependingonhowlegitimateshe feelslike on film.They prepareto coverthe wholearea and make
being).Eitherw.ry,shetriesto copyallappropriatefinancial escapeimpossibleregardless.
records,so she can trace expenditures . If the characters Masongoesto the charactersand explainsthat the
set a trap, playout eventsaccordingly. Dominoeswillbe meetingan importantbaselinebackerat

34 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
that timeand place.She'snot entirelysure what'sup,but he wantsinthe OvalOffice.
betsthattracinga baselineiseasierthantrackinga Domino . Someoptionsfora darkseries:MarkGreencouldseize
Afterward,closeto the timeof the meeting,she goes to the victory.RandelPortmancouldbecomePresidentand
the appropriateauthoritiesandannouncesthat she'swit- thensuccumbto mentalaberrationsduringhistenure,lead-
nessedthe characters'complicity inallthe aboveacts.She's ing to a novadictatorship,disenfranchised baselinesat-
been seen in their companyor building,almostcertainly, temptingarmedrebellionor both.Directivenovascould
but moreproofis necessary.Thatproofturnsupwhenthe alsoremovehimfromthe picturebeforethe campaign ends.
charactersdropbythe meetingor MaryMaryshowsup in Morrisoncouldtakethe Presidencyandbecomea helpless
a character'sshapejust longenoughto "spot"the Direc- puppetof RaphaelaMoore.PresidentPendletoncouldwin
tiveor Utopianpreparationsandscram.Shemayevenleave · the race andthen sufferimpeachment after the Directive
behindsomethingMasonsmuggl~ fromthe characters' botchesthe Geryonmatterandit becomespublic.
room,if she had a chanceto do this after the Dominoes Someoptionsfor a lighterseries:MarkGreencould
activatedher secondaryconditioning. (Masontakessteps winthe generalelection,onlyto havepublicrevelationof
to leaveno fingerprints.) hismachinations tum the AmericanEagleelectorsagainst
lf the Dominoesdo representan organization with himinDecember. PresidentPendletonhasa decentchance
legitimatepower,e.g.Utopiaor the Directive,theyhandle of maneuvering those electorsintoher pocket;she also
thiscasethemselves. Theyintendthe characters'reaction, standsa decentchanceofwinning the raceoutrightRandel
whentrapped, discreditedand then accusedof criminal Portmanor a novacharactercouldwin,leadingAmerica
conspiracy,to helpthe Dominoesagencymakethe final intoa bright(andpossiblyUtopian)future.Finally, Morrison
determinationregardingthe characters'genuinepartici- couldwinandthen breakfree of Moore'scontrolas soon
pationin suchactivities.The Dominoeshaveread public as she attemptsto influencehim.For example,an intelli-
recordsaboutthe characters,tracedthe characters'con- gentUtopiannova,analyzing the news,couldrealizethat a
tacts andstudiedthe characters'reactionsin severalvio- novawas adjustingthe President'sactionsandremoveher
lentsituations.If the Dominoes canbringthe charactersin, fromthe picture.Morrison'sagendahassevereideological
the Dominoesseparateand then interrogatethe charac- Raws,but he isa genuinely goodpersonandcouldmakean
ters inan attemptto extractconfessions. lf a novaof poor excellentPresident
characteris actuallyworkingwiththe characters,as dis- 1fMarkGreen'sframejob succeeds,the characters
cussedinthe PracticalJournalManagement sidebar,he,of couldwindup ina Directiveor Utopiancell.The actionsof
course,sellsthemout.("Theysaidthey'dkillmeifl talked.") the Dominoescouldalsoput themthere.CorbyCarter(of-
The characterseventuallyreceivea copyof this confes- feringto "reformthem"psychologically) or a Directiveau-
sion,whichprobablycontainselementsof the truth. thorityeventuallyarrangestheir releasein exchangefor
Utopiaor the Directivewouldreleasethe characters assistancewitha covertproject
upondetermining thattheyhadnoconnection to the crimes
of the Astolat"terrorist group" or those suggestedby Losing the Election
Portman'sjournal(fraud,terrorism,treasonand,if Green lf the novacandidatelosesthe presidentialelection
identifiesthe sphinxeswithProteus,forthe murderofJen- but managesto makea respectableshowingthe statusquo
niferLanders.)A darkerversionof Utopiaor the Directive willprevail.Somepeopleinthe USwillcontinueto bemildly
couldcallinthis "favor"later. distrustfulofnovas,butunlessthe GabrielandSliderscan-
Defensive Intentions dalscomeout(seeTheScandalsComeOutpage148)noth-
ingwillreallychange.However,if the oppositionmanages
CrosbytrainedMasonto experiencea very specific
to severelydiscreditthe novacandidate,perhapsby ex-
mixof exaltationand fear if she tries to activelyset the
posingimmoralor illegalactionsperformedbythe novaor
Dominoes up. Betweenthat, hisIntuitionandMaryMary's
her associates,the lossofthe electionwillhavea profoundly
generaltacticalperception,he feelsconfidentthat he can
negativeimpactontheperceptionofbothnovasandProject
spot anytraps inadvanceandtum themon theircreator.
Utopiainthe UnitedStates.
1f directlyassaulted,Dominoesassociatedwiththe
1fthe character'simpactonthe campaignis severely
Libertariancampaignhopeto publicizeit as a politicalat-
negative,perhapsresultingin the candidate'sopponents
tack.Otherwise,theyvanishlikethe wind,communicating
uncoveringevidenceof murderor a connectionto the
withMasonthenceforthbyphoneanddrive-bysnatchings
Teragen,a growingminorityof the Americanpublicwill
to asktacticalquestions.
beginto distrustallnovasandwillbe increasingly uncom-
fortablewiththe effortsof ProjectUtopia.As a resultof
V. Conclusion theseproblems,theAmericanEaglePartywillwinthe elec-
tion, anti-novaprejudicewillspread,andforeignnovaswith
As of November4, someonebecomesPresident-
closeties to ProjectUtopiawillincreasinglyfindthreats
elect 1fthe charactersinvolve themselves heavily inpolitical
anddemonstrations accompanying theirvisits.
campaigning, their actionsdeterminethis outcome.Oth-
lf the Americanpublic'sopinionof novashasalready
erwise,theStorytellershouldgoaheadandfigureoutwhom
begunto fall,then the Sliderand Gabriel(see Chapter

STRANGEBEDFELLOWS 35
 ABERRANT
Three) scandalswillsignificantly acceleratethis process. effortsrangingfromsubstantial bribesandcampaigncon-
Reactionaryhategroupswillsee thesescandalsas further tributionsfromFigureslikeCountOrzaizto vandalismand
proofof the dangerandduplicityof novas.Duringthe fol- murderbyvigilanteslikeGeryon,the Teragenwillaggres-
lowingyear,novasinthe mostconservative portionsof the sivelyattemptto haltthesefanatics'campaigns.
nationwillhaveincreasingdifficultyfindingand keeping The charactersmayopenlyallythemselveswiththe
jobs.Whilethe majorityofthe publicwillstillenjoywatch- the charactersmaysimplyfightto
Teragen. Alternatively,
ingN!,someviewerswillbecomeincreasingly interestedin exposethe myriadoffensescommitted byvariouscultsand
watchingscandalsandcrimesinvolving novas,andthe pro- hategroupsandto bringthe corruptionwithinthe Ameri-
gramming willreflectthis. canEaglePartyto lightThen,one day,they willdiscover
Anti-novareligiousorganizationslikethe Oregon- that a numberoftheirtrustedalliesandcolleaguesare ac-
basedNormalFamilies CoalitionandTheChurchof Michael tuallymembersof the Teragenwhohavebeen hopingto
Archangel willgainmembers,andpublicsupportforProject recruitthem.Perhapsthe characterswilljointhe Teragen
Utopia(andnovasin genera0willdecline.The closecon- andhelpliberatenovasinthe US,or perhapstheywillun-
nectionbetweenProjectUtopiaandtheUnitedNationswill covera terribleTeragenplotto killthe Presidentand his
alsoserveto fuela growinganti-UNsentimentWhilethe cabinetBypubliclyriskingdeathto defeatsucha plot,the
USwillnot withdrawfromthe UN,the governmentwillbe charactersmayshowallbut the mostbigotedmembersof
increasingly reluctantto fundprojectsthat havea strong the Americanpeoplethat bothheroicandvillainous novas
ProjectUtopiapresence.Unlessthe charactersFindsome liveintheirnation.
wwyto reducethe public'sdistrustof novas,the USwill Alongthissameline,sincethe charactersalreadypos-
alsobecomeincreasingly isolationistAsthisprocesscon- sess a modicumof fame,they couldattemptto showthe
tinues,the AmericanEaglePartywillbecomemorevocal. Americanpublicthe goodthat novascando.Anallyof one
Theywillevenbeginto gathersupportforvariouslawsre- of the charactersmightsuggestthat theyundertakea se-
quiringthat novasregistertheir locationand powerswith riesofhighlyvisibleanddangerousendeavorssuchas stop-
state and localgovernments . pingterroristplots,rescuingvictimsof naturaldisasters
Asa resultofthe growthofthe anti-novaright,a few andsimilarhighlypublicanddangerousfeats.Byperform-
citiesand states willbeginkeepingincreasingly detailed ingsuchactions,preferablyoncamera,the characterscan
recordson the movementsand activitiesof their citizens. partiallyhelprestorethe Americanpublic'sconfidencein
In the Southwestand parts of the South,localanti-nova novasandpossiblyhelpdivorcetheiropinionof novasfrom
measureswillbe enactedalongwithanti-violence andanti- the specter of ProjectUtopia.OFcourse,to pulloff this
crimemeasureswhichwillrestricttheprivacyandcivilrights sort of campaignthe charactersmustavoidallscandalsand
of both novasand baselines.The AmericanEagleParty's leadexceptionallymorallives.Theymust,at theveryleast,
controlof the federalgovernmentwillslowits responseto avoidgettingcaughtperforminganyindiscretions . Mixing
suchabuses.In a Fewof the mostbigotedandreactionary publicheroismwithan obviousbuttastefullyunderstated
communities, open discrimination againstnovaswilleven politicalagendacouldallowthe charactersto becomepopu-
receiveofficialsanction. lar heroeseveninthe faceof vocalanti-novaprejudice.
Ifthe characterscontinueto liveinthe UnitedStates,
theywillFindthemselvesaskedto joinvariousnova-rights President Nova
associations, includinga fewradicaloneswithconnections Despitethe generalgoodwilland mediaworshipfo-
to the Teragen.The characterscouldbecomenova-rights cusedonnovas,Americansoftenpreferto keeptheirme-
crusaders,publiclyexposingbigotryandviolencedirected diastars andpoliticiansseparate,makingit unlikely that a
againstnovasanduncoveringthe AmericanEagleParty's novacharacterwillwinthe election.Charactersoftendo
darksecrets.Alternatively, they couldbecomevigilantes unlikely
things,however,so the scenariomaywellendwith
andterrorists, determinedto bringdownfanaticalreligious a novabeingelectedPresidentof the UnitedStates.IFthis
leadersand repressivepoliticianswhoare attemptingto occurs,the gamewillbecomeradicallydifferentThemost
tumthe nationagainstnovas.Ineithercase,the campaign importantquestionisto whomthe Presidentoweshisloy-
willpit the characters,whowilllikelybe minorpublicfig- alty.Thisquestionisespeciallyvitalsince,withintwoyears
uresas a resultof the Failedpresidentialcampaign,against ofbeingelected,thePresidentisgoingto haveto facescan-
the forces of corrupt localgovernmentsand againstthe dalsrelatingto the eventssurrounding TheMiracle'sdeath
variousright-wingmilitiasand hategroupswhichsupport or capture in his Nevadacompound,an attack on the
the AmericanEagleParty. Bahrainnovafacilityand revelationsconcerningSlider's
Thistypeof seriescouldprovideanexcellentoppor- death.
tunityto introducecharacterswhohavepreviously opposed Giventhe difficultyany novais goingto havebeing
theTeragento the positivesideofthisorganization. Among electedPresidentthere is goingto be a substantialminor-
its manygoals,the Teragenattemptsto protectthe rights ity whodistrustthe Presidentandwhoare lookingfor any
andfreedomsofallnovas.Asvarioussmallbutvocalgroups opportunityto embarrassor discrecfrt:
himWhenthescandals
attemptto passanti-novalawsandto tirn the publicagainst relatingto Gabrieland Sliderbreak,the resultinggrass-
novas,the Teragenattemptsto stopthisoppression.With rootsbacklashagainstProjectUtopiacouldeasilyleadto a

36 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS
 ' ABERRANT
massivelossof support,andit is likelyto resultina special However,this is not to saythat runninga gamewherethe
prosea.itorbeingappointedto investigatethe President's charactersarethe President'scloseassociatesneedbe dull
connectionto the eventsinquestion.Allowthe character's or limitedinscope.Giventhe vast powersof anynova,the
previousactionsto influencethissituation.ApopularPresi- characterscouldgo on Fact-finding missionsto allcomers
dent has muchlessto fear fromsuchscandalsthanan un- of the globeor helpdefeatright-wing,Teragenor Direc-
popularor ineffectualone.Rememberthata Presidentwho tive plots to killthe President They mighteven take on
openlysupportsthe Aberrantcauseonce these scandals difficultand complextaskslikebringingwar criminalsto
cometo lightmighteasilyuse this crisisas a meansto so- justiceor deliveringimmediateaidto victimsof naturaldi-
lidifyhispositionandto causethe Americanpeopleto see sasters.Beinga part of the Presidents'specialnovatask
himas a bastionagainstProjectUtopiaand their various force is in manywaysquitesimilarto beinga memberof
schemes.Similarly, a Presidentloyalto ProjectUtopiaor TIM, exceptthat the charactersare ultimately responsible
Project Proteuscouldalso have an importantimpacton to a singleindividual.Suchscenarioscan evenworkif one
the public'sperceptionofProjectUtopia.Beforethe scan- of the charactersis actuallythe President
dalsbreak,ifthe Presidenthasmadea substantialeffortto WhilenopreviousPresidenthastakensuchan active
gamer widespreadpopularityfor herselfand for Project roll,no previousPresidentcouldfly fasterthanthe speed
Utopia,manycitizenswilldismissor ignoreany evidence of soundor lifta tank.A Presidentwhois frequentlyseen
of misdeedby ProjectUtopiaas lies andpropaganda. carryingsuppliesto hurricanevictimsor apprehending ter-
RegardlessofthePresident'sloyalties,a dramaticrise roristswhohavethreatenedUScitizensis likelyto be in-
inhispopularityshouldonlyoccurif the charactersmakea crediblypopular,andmanyAmericanswillignorescandals
substantialeffortto increaseit Whilethere are manyways that mighttopplea lessflamboyant andpopularPresident
to accomplishthis, the most successfulway to increase Americanslovepatrioticheroes,and a Presidentwhocan
popularityis througha combination of politicalsuccesses, personallyholdbackthe floodwatersof a brokendamor
large-scalepublicworks,expensivespectaclesand per- capturehostage-takingterroristscouldbecomea heroof
sonalcontact Thesemethodshaveensuredthe popularity trulyepicproportions.
of DemocraticPresidentsrangingfromFDRto JFK.Re- However,the Storytellermustrememberthat such
publicans,on the otherhand,havetypicallyreliedonwars eventsare stillexceedinglyrare evenfor the mostactive
and defensespendingto boosttheir popularity. Presidentor Cabinetmembers.Foreverydayspentrescu-
Maintaining the popularityof a novaPresident,es- ingendangeredcivilians or capturingmassmurderers,three
peciallyonewithclosetiesto ProjectUtopia,willbe a great or fourweekswillbe spentinmeetings,pressconferences
dealof workandwilldemandmuchingenuityandthought and similarmundanepoliticalendeavors.Whilemeetings
on the part of the characters.However,if the Presidentis withotherpowerfulworldleadersandthe occasionaltough
unusually popular,the impactofthe GabrielandSliderscan- press conferencemaybe quiteenjoyableto run, mostof
dals couldbe minimizedin the US and could,if desired, the eventsthat makeup the lifeof the Presidentand his
ultimatelylead to a muchgreater degree of cooperation Cabinetmembersshouldusuallybe glossedover.
andProjectUtopia
betweentheUnitedStatesgCNel'TVnelll: .
A novaPresidentwhoeither rejects ProjectUtopia
or supportsit andis houndedfromofficethereforewilldo Dramatis
a great deal to makethe Americanpublicdistrustfulof
ProjectUtopia'smotivesandactions.APresidentwhosup- Personae
ports Utopiaand weathersthe variousscandalswillhelp
convincemanyAmericansthatProjectUtopiaisa benevo- Corby Carter
lentand necessaryorganizationthat merelyhada fewun- CorbyCarteris describedindetailinthe Factionsand
disciplined
andoverzealous employees. Byinteractingwith Methodssection.
the President,the charactershavean unprecedentedop- Nahre:Visionary
portunityto shapepublicopinionandworldevents. Allegiance:lndependent/ Utopia
Attributes:Strength2, Dexterity2, Stamina3, Perception
Running Presidential 3, Intelligence4, Wits 3, Appearance3, Manipulation 3,
Scenarios. Charisma4
Regardlessofwhetheroneofthe charactersisPresi- Abilities:Academics4 (sociology),Athletics1,Awareness
dent or if the charactersare merelythe Presidentsadvi- 1,Bureaucracy4, Biz3, Command 3, Computer4, Drive1,
sors,the gamewilltakea radicallydifferenttum. Suddenly, Endurance3, Engineering5, Etiquette 3, Linguistics3,
allofthecharactersassociatedwiththePresidentarepublic Medicine5, Rapport1,Resistance3, Stealth1,Style5 (se-
figures. Televisionand OpNetinterviewswillbecome,at duction),Subterfuge4
minimum, monthlyocc11Tences. Privacy,especially
thekind Back~ Backing4, Gpher 3, Followers 2, Influence
of privacyneededto engageinvariousillegalor otherwise 3, Resources4
dubiousactivitieswillbecomeanespeciallyscarecommod- Quantum2, QuantumPool24, Willpower7, Taint3
ity.SeeThe Priceof Fameon page148for furtherdetails. Mega-Attrixtes: Mega-Perception • (Electromagnetic
Vi-

STRANGEBEDFELLOWS 37
 ABERRANT
sion),Mega-lntelligerx:e
• • • (Engineering frodigy,Sci- ing belts and paintingsis nothingcomparedto what she
entificProdigy),Mega-Appearance • (Appearance Alter- cando now.
ation),Mega-Manipulation • • • (Trickster) Nature: Hedonist
Bernard Morrison ADegiance: AmericanEagleParty
Attmies:Strength2, Dexterity 4, Stamina2,Perception
3,
BernardMorrisonis describedin detailin the Fac-
lntelligence3, Wits5, Appearance3, Manipulation1,Cha-
tionsandMethodssection.
risma4
lmportant:Stats: Physical
Atbibutes2, lntelligerx:e
and Academics1,Arts 3, Athletics5, Awareness2,
Abilities:
Manipulation 3, allotherAttributes4. Arts1,Awareness1,
Bureaucracy3, Drive1,Endurance3, Etiquette2, lntru-
Biz1,Command 3, Drive1,Etiquette3, lntimidation3, ln-
sion 1, Medicine1, Perform1, Resistance3, Stealth 3,
vestigation3, Perform3, Rapport3, Resistance1,Style3, Streetwise1,Style2, Subterfuge3
Subterfuge3. Willpower?. Backpmds: Allies3, Cipher2, Node2, Resources1
Corinna Gilbert Quantum5, QuantumPool30, Willpower 3, Taint3
CorinnaGilbertfirst attemptedsuicideat the age of Mega-Attributes: Mega-Dexterity• • (EnhancedMove-
15,inthe wakeof romanticrejectionanda corresponding ment),Mega-Wits• (ArtisticGenius)
collapseof self-esteem.Whenshewas17,withwristscriss- Quantum Powers:MatterCreation•, TemporalManipu-
crossedwithpalewhitescars,her parentsfinallyadmitted lation• • (AccelerateTime,DilateTime)
that shehada psychological problemdeeperthansensitiv- Lauren Pendleton
ity andsentimentality. Shewentintoa hospital,andfor all LaurenPendletonis describedin detailin the Fac-
intentsand purposes,that's whereshe stayed- some- tionsandMethodssection.
timesin comfortableroomswithorangewallsand some- ImportantStats:lntelligence
andManipulation 4, allother
times in barren whitegaolswith heavymetaldoors and Attributes3. Athletics1,Awareness1,Biz2, Command 3,
paperclothingto keepherwarm.Herbipolardisorderslowly Computer1,Drive2, Etiquette4, lntimidation4, lnvesti-
progressedfroma straightforward conditionto a confused, gation1,Linguistics(French,Spanish)2, MartialArts 2,
psychoticillness- but whenthe manichighshit,it allbe- Perform4, Rapport4, Style3, Subterfuge4. Willpower 7.
cameworthwhile. ln a depression,eventhe mostcomfort-
ablewardswerea hell.Whenshehita high,eventhe locked Mark Anthony Green
roomcouldnot constrainher spirit;shesang,shetalkedto MarkGreenis describedindetailinthe Factionsand
the air andshe pacedher cellwithan energythat didnot Methodssection.
let up for halfa day. Nature: Bravo
Of course,allthat wentawaywhenher bodyreacted Allegiance:AmericanEagleParty
to a newantipsychoticbyerupting.Shecouldhavethe highs Attmies:Strength2, Dexterity 2, Stamina3, Perception2,
allthe timeandkeepmostof herjudgmentto boot.Decid- lntelligerx:e
3, Wits3, Appearance3, Manipulation 4, Cha-
ingthat a psychiatricreevaluation wouldtaketoo long,she risma5
pulleda quickjailbreakand went out to stun the unsus- Abilities:
Academics3, Awareness2, Biz2, Bureaucracy
pectingworld. 3, Command 4, Drive2, Etiquette4, Firearms1,lnvestiga-
Gilbertlikesto playlifeonthe edge,andherrelation- tion3, Linguistics
1,Rapport4, Style4, Subterfuge5
shipsandactionsafterthe eruptionallbear evidenceof it Badqunds: Allies3, Contacts 5, lnHuence4, Resoorces5
Her mostdangerousrelationshipof all,of course,is her Willpower6
affairwithAmerican EaglepresidentialcandidateMarkAn- Greenhas the equivalentof fivenovapoints- a
thonyGreen.Greenarrangeda littleopportunityfor Gil- scary baselineindeed.To makea less powerfulversion,
bert to try soma,just to makesurethat she didn'ttum on reducehisAbilitiesbyone dot each,lowerhis Charisma,
himoneday.Ofcourse,sinceshelikesthe littleextraboost ResourcesandContactsto fourandreducehisStaminato
to her giddylife,shehasn'tworkedoutyet that he hasher two.
trapped.
A manicbaselinehasa deepwellof energy.Corinnais
Randel Portman
a veritablewhirlwind - andshebendstimeitselfto cre- RandelPortmanis describedindetailinthe Factions
ate moreopportunities to dothe millions
ofthingsshewants andMethodssection.
to do.ln Fact,shebendstimefor allkindsof things,includ- Nature: Caregiver
ingreversingentropy'seffectsoninanimate objectsto rec- AHegiance: DemocraticParty
reate destroyeditemsfromtheir componentparts. (This .Attrbies:Strength5, Dexterity4, Stamina5, Perception
4,
powerusesthe MatterCreationrules.) Intelligence
3,Wits4, Appearance2, Manipulation 3, Cha-
Gilbertsometimesservesas MarkGreen'sunofficial risma4
bodyguard,keepingher distanceto protectthe secret of Abifities:
Academics1,Athletics
3,Awareness 3,Biz2,Brav.41,
their fling.Othertimes,she carriesout littleassignments Bureaucracy 1,Command 3,Drive2, Encuance4, Etiquette
3,
for himor helpsedit videosand designcommercials. She Intimidation1,Investigation1,Medicine2, Might2, Rap-
alwaysdidlikeart sessions,backat the hospitals,andmak- port 2, Resistance4, Style2

38 STRANGEBEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
Bacxgunk Atb..nement
5, Cortacts2, lnfuence4, Node1, - "Raphaela Moore" - and went into show business,
Resources 4 where she could use her abilitiesalmost legitimately.She
Quantum2, QuantumPool24, Willpower7, Taint4 (Anima took care, alter that, whenshe usedher more Forcefulabili-
Banner:Transparent Flames) ties, never to leave tracks.
Mega-Attributes: Mega-Dexterity• (Fast Tasks), Mega- Callingher major talent socialjujitsu is not simplya
Stamina • • • (Resiliency) metaphor. Raphaelano longerperceivessocialrelationships
Qu.lb.mPowers:Absorption (Energy) • • • • (Energy in quite the same way. To her, they resemble physical ob-
Magnet), Absorption(Kinetic)• , Invulnerability(Energy) jects , movingat highvelocity, that a skillednova can ma-
• • , Force Field • •, Immolate• •, Stun Attack • • nipulate at will. It takes an act of willto shut down this side
• These abilitiesare based on redirecting ambientenergy. of herself and actuallyinteract on a personal level.
He cannot use these powers unlessa significantelectrical, Natire:Bravo
thermal or other energy source is nearby. The fixed type Alegialce:RepLOlican Partyffhe Movies
of energy that severalof these powersrequire is therefore Attrhas:Stren¢i 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina4, Perception3,
"the energy locallyavailable." Intelligence3, Wits 4, Appearance3, Manipulation3, Cha-
risma 3
Raphaela Moore Abilities:Academics2, Arts 5, Biz1, Bureaucracy2, Com-
A longand hardstudyof the worldledYseultRainusch mand5, Computer1, Drive1, Endurance3, Etiquette5, Lin-
to the conclusionthat the standard humanmodelof reality guistics 2, Medicine1, MartialArts 5, Rapport 5, Resis-
is fundamentallyflawed. "Humansembracedivisionand dif- tance 3, Stealth 2, Style 5, Subterfuge 5
ference," she argued in randomlyselected OpNet forums,
~ Cipher4, Dormancy2, Resources 1
"from the extreme views of the sexist, racist and funda-
Quantum2, QuantumPool24, Willpower7,Taint 0
mentalistmajorities- whichhold that humansare easily
Mega-Attributes: Mega-Intelligence• (Linguisti c Genius),
separable into classeswithobviousand importantcharac-
Mega-Appearance • • (Appearance Alteration), Mega-
teristics - to the nearlyuniversalassumptionthat lifeand
Manipulation• • (Persuader) , Mega-Charisma• • (Natural
intelligenceare inherentlyprivilegedphenomena. A more Agitator)
reasonableperspectiveholdsthat, sinceeverythingevery-
~ Powers: Hypnosis• • •
whereparticipatesina unifiedwhole(Existence),youshould
respect even the soil.Just because Godgaveour spirits the
gilt of rational mindswith whichto reshape the world,we
The Dominoes
shouldnot lookdown on the angelicspirits of other life or Anne Steiner
even of inanimatethings."
Rainusch's views were "unaccountably" unpopular.
Faced with continualrejection, she eventuallydescended
from eccentric theorist to full-Aedgedranting lunaticand
firebrand. Once an advocate of respect Forall things,she
turned into an advocate of respect ForRainusch'sopinion
above allthings. Before she sank any lower, her M-R node
manifested.
Rairusch foundher new novastate paradisiacal. Sud-
denly, she had no critics. She could wrap almost anyone
she met aroundher littlefingerand teach them the waythe
world really worked. A far cry from the days when brutal
OpNetusers woulddismissher as a "crackpot" anda "troll'"
(Shegot her revenge, of course,makingsure that her fierc-
est one-timeopponents fell hopelessly
intounrequitedlove.)
With matchlessbeauty and a new talent Forsocialjujitsu,
she cut a horrid wakethrough the Chicagoscene and sev-
eral OpNetgroupsalike,shatteringand rebuildingrelation-
ships and toying with humanemotionslike they were toys
and nothingmore.
Then, Utopiabroughther in and dosed her withmox.
She wasn't "controlling" her powers, they said. She was AnneSteiner (born SilviaCalendri) doesn't talk about
unbalancedand neededhelp. her eruption. A programmerand code breaker for the NSA,
Rairusch concludedthat Utopiawas half-right. She she did not become a nova whenevents threatened her life,
had gone too far. She had shown a terrible lack of self- herhealth, hermends,her lovedones or herhappines s . No;
disciplineand survival instinct. lt didn't make kidnapping the humiliationand disrupt.ion of havinga virus erase her
herandlockingherupokay- butit tau#hera goodlesson. personal hard drive sent her aver the edge into novahood.
She changed her nameto somethingmore glamorous She doesn't work Forthe NSA any more, but she still

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 39
 ABERRANT
playsthe espionagegame. Steiner's a holyterror whenit 1, MartialArts5, Medicine
Linguistics 1,Melee3, Rapport3,
comesto disruptingsystems- any systems- and or- Resistance 3, Streetwise2, Styte5, Sl.Dterfuge
3, Stealth 3
ganizations- anyorganizations. Hercolleaguesclaimfa- Backgunk: Attunement2, Backing2, Contacts1,Cipher 4,
cetiouslythat if she so muchas looksat a chart or a busi- Resources3
ness plan, it catcheson fire. It's not her powersthat do it; Quantum3, QuantumPool26, Willpower7, Taint2
it's her personality.Orderlythings... bother her. Meg.-Attributes:Mega-Manipulation • (Persuader)
Nabre:Rebel ~ Powers: Domination• • (ParasiticPossession),
Alegimx:e:
As appropriate EmpathicManipulation• . Intuition• • •
At:trb.ms:
Strength2, Dexterity4, Stamina3, Perception4,
Intelligence5, Wits4, Appearance2, Manipulation 5, Cha-
Jane Mason
risma4 Jane Mason, a rowdyyoungmilitaryhistorian, has a
Abilities:
Academics4, Athletics4, Awareness3, Biz4, bright publicationsrecord. Withthe exceptionof a rather
&.reaucracy4,Computer5,Drr.<e3,E.nclraoce3,Etiquette4 , activeclubbing habitandoccasionalconsultationswithin-
Firearms5, Intimidation2, Intrusion4, Investigation
3, Lin- terestingpeople , she has no lifeoutsideacademia.
~ Sta1s: lrtelligence4, PerceptionandCharisma3.• all
guistics(Germanic, Romance, Scandinavian)3, Martial
other Attributes2. Academics(militaryhistory)4, Biz1,
Arts 4, Rapport 5, Resistance 3, Science 2, Stealth 3,
Streetwise3, Style4, St.Dterfuge5, Survival1 Btreaucracy2, DrM!1,Stealth 1,Style1.Wilpower
3.
Bac:kg-omds: Backing2, Cipher5, Contacts4, Node3, Re- 11 Mary Mary Martinez 11

sources4
Quantum4, QuantumPool28, Willpower6, Taint4 (Cha-
otic-PatternEyes;wearssunglasses to hidethem)
Meg.-Attriues: Mega-Intelligence• (AnalyzeWeakness)
~ Powers: Cyberkinesis• • (Alter Data, Repro-
gram), Disorient•
Bard Crosby
Once upona time, before it allgot burnedout, Bard
had a lot of compassionin him. He valuedevery perspec-
tive. He consideredeach person unique,with wonderful
insightsto share. Hedid a lot of drugs.
One day. Bard graphicallydemonstrated whyone
shouldnotdriveunderthe inAuenceof E.cst:asy . Policepick-
ingthroughthe four-carwreckagefoundthree driversand
took the livingone to the hospital. No one ever found
Crosby'sbody.
Later,the survivingdriverwokeup.It wasn'tuntilhe
lookedintothe mirrorand screamedthat anyonefigured
outexactlywhereCrosbyhadgone.andeventhen,the only
person who knewwas Crosbyhimself.Hisconsciousness
wove throughthe other driver'sbrainlikea spider'swebin
Ms. Martineztendsto concentratea bit too hard;her
densebranches. It tookhimquitea whileto figureout how friendsusedto joke that youhad to say her nametwiceto
to get out againand into his own body. Eventhen, he did get her attention. (The nickname"MaryMary" stuck.)If
not lookmuchlike Crosbyany more. He lookedcontrolled. she gets sufficientlyinvolvedin something,a herd of el-
Helookedcold. Hedid not havequiteas muchsympathyin ephantscouldsneakup on her, evenif they hadbellson.
his system because life in another brain taught him that Mary Mary's focus is alwaysturned toward some-
everyone's perspectivewas moreor less the same. thingexternal;her bodyandmindmeannothingto her save
Crosby,eventuallydecidingthat viewpointsare about as a lens she can use to see the world. Ever since she
as disposableas Facialtissues,focusedon externalities.He erupted, her body changes shape about as often as a
cutivatedasenseoffashion,cOlrllymanners, "cool."That's cloudscapeina heavywind.It'snotsu-prising;keepingtrack
whyhe prefers covertassignments. of whatshelookslikerequiresself-awarenessshejust does
Nahn: Gallant not have.
Alegimx:e: As appropriate Ms. Martinezneverquitefiguredout howshe wound
Attriiutes: Strength3, Dexterity5, Stamina4, Perception i-,, witha~ of covertandsneakydeviantslikethe Domi-
4, Intelligence3, Wits 5, Appearance4, Manipulation5, noesbut onlybecauseshe keepsevenpoorertrack of her
Charisma3 mindthan of her body.MaryMaryhas a positiveknackfor
Abilities:Academics2, Arts 1, Athletics 4, Bureaucracy1, crookedand underhandedschemes,and her thoughtpro-
C~ 2, DrM!4, Enclrance 3, Etiquette3, Intrusion3, naivete,are astwistedas a knot
<:e$E!S, for alltheiroccasional

40 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 ABERRANT
Asa baseline,MaryMaryworkedas a politicalstatis- serves it with the same ruthlessnessthat rained fire on
ticiar,,helpingapplyvarioosdatato reachthe concusionsa Sodomand Gomorrah.
public officialor candidate wanted. Until recently, she "Angels,"he admits, "are not alwaysnice."
thoughtthose daysbehindher. ReginaldDanielsis an optionaladditionto the Domi-
Nab.re: Analyst noes, if the characters significantlyoutpower the three
Alegiance: Asappropriate. Dominoesabove. Hecan alsoreplaceMaryMaryMartinez.
Attrbas:Strength2, Dexterity 5, Stamina5, Perception3, Nati.re: Martyr
Intelligence3, Wits 3, Appearance 2, Manipulation2, Alegiance: As appropriate
Charisma2 Attmutes: Strength4, Dexterity3, Stamina3, Perception
Abilities:
Academics3, Athletics2, Awareness2, Biz2, Bu- 4, Intelligence3, Wits 3, Appearance3, Manipulation3,
reaucracy1, Computer1,Drive1, Endurance5, Investiga- Charisma3
tion 3, Legerdemain1, MartialArts 4, Melee1, Might1, Abilities: Academics2, Awareness3, Bureaucracy3, Com-
Rapport2, Resisrance 5, Scierce3 (Mathematics),
Stealth1, puter 2, Drive3, Endurance3, Etiquette2, Intimidation1,
Style 1 Investigation2, MartialArts 4, Medicine5, Rapport3, Re-
Badqou,ds:Attunement3, Backing2, Resources2 sistance3, Stealth3, Style1,Sl.Dterfuge1
Quantum4, QuantumPool28, Willpower4, Taint3 Badqou,ds:Attunement3, Backing2, Resources2
Mega-At:trilutes: Mega-Stamina• • • • • (Regeneration), Quantum2, QuantumPool24, Willpower7, Taint4 (Per-
Mega-Intelligence•• (TacticalProdigy) manentPower.Bioluminescence)
Qu.1hmPowa-s: Shapeshift• • Mega-Attmutes: Mega-Strength• (Crush), Mega-Dex-
terity • (Catfooted), Mega-Stamina• (Adaptability),
Reginald Daniels Mega-Perception• (~ Attmement),Mega-Wits•
(NaturalEmpath),Mega-Appearanc e • (Faceof Terror)
Quantum Powers:Bioluminescence• , Flight • • , Force
Field • , Invisibility• , Strobe •
Serafina Matteo

ReginaldDanielsalwaysadmiredguardianangels-
so dedicated,thoughunrecognized.He enviedthem, too
- not that lackof recognition,butthe fact that theycould
bear it so readily. Herarelyreceivedproper credit for his
workand it botheredhim.
lf he'd knownhe wouldbecomea nova,that hisambi- At age 14, SerafinaMatteostolea schoolmate's boy-
tion wasgoingto shape him, transformhimintothe bright friend,whereuponher broken-heartedpeer cut Serafina
glowingglory from his dreams... he wouldhave chosena open witha butterflyknife. Matteo's minddied before she
reachedthe hospitalbut not her body.Forthree years, she
differentambition.For one thing,the wingsalwaysget in
lay in a motionlesscomain a long-termcare ward. Occa-
the w.ry.
ReginaldDaniels,althoughan angelin flesh,longago sionallyshe wouldrespondto stimuliwitha twitchor a hiss.
workedout that he neitherstrikeswiththe furyof the Lord CorbyCarterbroughther out of thisvegetative state,
nor protects withGod'scleangrace. Heknowsthat evenif in a matter of speaking.He neededa researchSlbject for
he chooseshis cause well,he can onlyhope to capture a certain psychological experimentsand bargainedwithher
parents - if they transferredcustodyof Matteoto Uto-
littleof that purity. Still- choosea cause he has, and he
piaandher bodyto hislab,he woulddo everythinghe could

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 4l
 ABERRANT
to wakeher. He wouldsalvageeverythinghe couldof her traordinarilycapablebaseline.Hersocialpersonalitiescan
oldpersonality.Hecouldnot salvageeverything,however, focusintenselyon makingsparklingconversation;her mar-
and that was the price - they mustgiveup hope on the tial personadedicatesits fullattentionto battle; her seven
restorationof the girlthey knew. academicselves- Carter's favorites- think purelyin
They agreed. termsof their respectivedevotions.Hersuddentransitions
Carter spent three solid months on her; the new from one mind to another tend to disconcert other
SerafinaMatteowouldbe his child,in a way. He builtone baselines, however.
personalityfor her and then another and another,untilfi- Nahre:Survivor
nallyshe haddozensof specializedselvesinher head,strictly Alegiance: CorbyCarter/ Proteusor the Directive
orderedaccordingto the benevolentsocialprinciplesCarter Attributes: Strength3, Dexterity4, Stamina4, Perception
advocated. For about ninemonthsafterward,on a less in- 2, Intelligence5, Wits 4, Appearance3, Manipulation4,
tensive basis, he let her study with him, and she let him Charisma4
studyher. Then she turned18,and he releasedher. Abilities:Academics5, Arts 2, Athletics1, Awareness1,
Matteo found work with Proteus or the Directive Biz1, Bureaucracy3, Command2, Computer4, Drive2,
(whichone dependson Storytellerneed). She rarelyasso- Endurance2, Engineering2, Etiquette 3, Firearms3, In-
ciateswithher family;their presencedisturbsandconfuses trusion 2, Investigation3, Legerdemain2, Linguistics2,
her. If the Storytellerneeds an extra Proteusor Directive MartialArts 4, Medicine3, Melee2, Perform1, Resistance
agertto playoneroleor anotherintheplot,shecanuseMatteo . 4, Science3, Stealth3, Survival1
Matteo's compartmentalizedmindmakesher an ex- Badqou,ds: Backing3, Cipher1,Contacts2, Mentor2,
Resources2, Willpower8

42 STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
 CHAPTER 2: THE APOSTASY
Ethiopia. The "Breadbasket of Africa." scooped from the ocean floor to enrich
Once one of the poorest and most the region. They provide regular
ecologically devastated nations in the rainfall by "seeding" clouds and di,
world, transformed into a tropical rectly manipulating the local climate.
paradise by the technology and nova Genetically engineered plant species
personnel of Project Utopia, particu, are introduced
larly nova ecologist Spencer "Antaeus" into the area and
Balmer. Thanks to Utopia's Operation grown rapidly to
Eden, Ethiopia is a prosperous and adulthood The Greeningof
modem nation with bright hopes for
the future. The only question is, how
through nova
intervention.
Ethiopia:
long can it last? This leads How Long Can It
scientists to
Scientists from around the world, wonder if Last?
armed with satellite,surveillance data, Ethiopia's new
ecological studies and years of experi, ecosystem can [from Science,July 24, 2008]
ence in studying ecosystems are survive without
questioning the long,term prospects for its nova "caretakers."
the Ethiopian terraforming project.
Maintenance of Operation Eden has
"We're not saying that Operation Eden also taken its toll on the novas of
isn't an amazing achievement in Project Utopia. Terraforming upkeep
terraforming and environmental remains a regular duty of novas operat,
engineering," says climatologist Sharon ing from Utopia headquarters in Addis
Isenberg of Florida State University in Ababa, and one nova, Rafia Bhakra,
Tallahassee, lead author of one of two lost his life in a rockslide last year
recent papers focusing on Operation while performing maintenance in the
Eden's results. "We're saying there is region.
evidence that the environment Opera,
tion Eden created on the Ethiopian "An ecosystem is remarkably complex
plateaus is not self,sustaining and may and difficult to predict," says Isenberg.
never be." "It's possible Operation Eden might
reverse the desertification of the
University studies show a transforma, Ethiopian region permanently, but it's
tion of the Ethiopia ecosystem that is also just as possible that Utopia's
nothing less than astonishing. A region terraforming won't take, just like the
once plagued by lack of rainfall, soil human body rejects an unfamiliar
erosion, widespread desertification and organ's transplant. It's far too early at
defoliation has gained rich soil, a wide this point for Utopia to claim complete
variety of plant and animal life and success in this experiment."
regular rainfall.
Representatives of Project Utopia
"Unfortunately," says Isenberg, "Opera, disagree with lsenberg's findings. "One
tion Eden has only addressed the need only look out at the transforma,
symptoms rather than the underlying tion of the Ethiopian landscape to be
problem." The Ethiopian plateau convinced of the success of Operation
requires regular maintenance from Eden," says Utopia spokesman and
Project Utopia's novas and environ, scientist Dr. Nimal Dharmasena .
mental scientists in order to sustain its ''What's been achieved here is nothing
lush and life,giving condition. Novas short of a miracle." Utopia officials
regularly use their abilities to pulverize agree that the region requires mainte,
rock to provide soil replenishment. nance but disagree that it is a flaw.
They bring in nitrogen,rich soil "What garden doesn't require tilling
ZIDE 43
 and weeding?" asks Dr. Dharmasena. - Richard Knowles
Operation Eden director Antaeus was
unavailable for comment. Additional Reading
"The transformation of Ethiopia is Isenberg, S. D. and C. J.Tomlinson,
remarkable, of that there is no doubt," "Long-term Effects of Operation Eden,"
says Isenberg. "The question is what
Bull.Am. Met. Soc. (Nov. 2007).
the long-term impact of Utopia's
terraforming will be on the environ-
ment, and will their miracle become Graetz, D.R., "Greening a New Eden:
self-sustaining or remain an artificial The Effects of Long-Term Climatic
garden, dependent on nova 'caretakers' Change in the Ethiopian Plateau
forever?" Region,"Glolxd.ChangeBiology.
(Jan.2008).

Utopia Approval Rating Continues to Drop

Augu t 3, 2009 - For the past year, public approval ratings of Project
Utopia have continued to fall slowly, particularly in the United States,
Australia and parts of Europe. This follows the scandal involving the death
of Jennifer "Slider" Landers, popular member of Utopia's Team Tomorrow,
and the subsequent naming of former T2M member Andre Corbin as the
chief su pect in Slider's death. Unconfirmed reports of misuse of nova
resources on the part of Project Utopia have prevented any significant
recovery for the embattled organization.

"We're confident Project Utopia will weather this storm," announced a

recent Project press release. "Project Utopia rests on its record of humani-
tariani m and hard work for the benefit of the people of the world."

January
I
June I
December
I
Strongly Strongly
Disapprove Approve
Disapprove Approve

U.S. Approval Ratings for Project Utopia

44 ZIDE
 ProjectUtopia
Unveils
Operation
thenew (8/7/2009) Genesis

In a pres.s conference held today in Addis Ababa, ProjectUtopia spokespersons

unveiled "Operation Genesis," the organization's plan to use the terraforming
technology and techniques that transformed Ethiopia into a fertile paradiseto do
the same for the Sahara.

'The terraforming of the Sahara region will create an environment where the
nations of northern Africa can thrive," said ProjectUtopia Director Justin J.
l.aragione. 'We are extremely proud of our successes in Ethiopia and eager to
bring what we've learned here to the rest of the world ."

Antaeus, the ecological genius behind Utopia's Operation Eden also spoke
regarding Operation Genesis. 'This is a great challenge that lies before us, but I
am certain we are equal to the task. The transformation of a landscape begins with
the planting of a single tree and will continue until the Sahara is greenand
growing once more."

With that, the Utopian nova sank into the ground and vanished, only to reappear
thousands of kilometers away in Niger, the announced home base of the new
terraforming effort . In a live broadcast, Antaeus caused a fig tree to grow from the
barren soil of the town of Agadez in the depths of the desert. The tree grew to
maturity in a matter of moments, and the nova distributed its fruit among the
grateful people of Agadez.

ProjectUtopia announced that work would begin on Operation Genesis immedi-

ately, although it did not announce a planned completion date for the operation.

The announcement helped to shore up flagging public opinion of ProjectUtopia,

which has been in decline due to allegations of impropriety following the scandal
related to the death of Jennifer "Slider'' landers, a member of Team Tomorrow, in
Calcutta in May of 2008.
 From "The World's

terview Opinion"segment,

..
What do you think of Project Utopia's
dated 8/7/09

Operation Genesis?

• Daniel Freiberg, environm ental attorney,

Seattle: "Project Utopia has the potential to rever e
all the environmental damage we've done to the
planet over thousands of years, if on ly we can get
pa t all thi other non en e and let them get down
to work."

• Xiao Liang, sec retary, Hong Kong: "More land is

wonderful, but I think they hould devote more
effort to catc hin g th at awful Andre Co rbin before
~- -_. they start any new project."

• Badou bra, merchant , Niger: "They ay they will

make all of the desert an oasis. It is a gift greater
than I can imagine, to live in a place of pro perity
and peace. If Allah will it, let it be so."

• Devon McCormick, tudent, Ireland:

"Terraforming is all well and good, but when are the
mind at Utopia going to address ome of the world's
political problems? Right now they're just creating
more land for people to fight over."

• Maria Delgato, school teacher, Mexico: "I hope

they are succe ful, o they can help to make the
whole world as beautiful a place as Ethiopia has
become. God blessthe novas and Utopia for their work."
 NigerianGovernment
Respondsto Operation
Genesis
(8/'i/O'i)LAOOS,
Nl~lA (AP)-
Shortly after the announcementof Project Utopia's "Operation Genesis" plan to terraform the Sahara, Nigerian
President AlafinSango ordered troops to carry out trainingand readiness exercises near the Nigerian/Nigerborder.
NeighboringNiger is where Project Utopia plans to begin its terraforming operations. The Nigeriantroops re-
portedly includea handfulof nova "elites," mercenaries commonlyused in border conflicts between African nations.
The Nigeriangovernmentdenies that the troop movementsare in any way related to Project Utopia's announcement,
or their nation's previous difficultieswith Utopia.
"We have a right to defend ourselves," President Sango said in an address to the nation on August, 8th, "and our
forces willmaintaina constant state of readiness, to keep our nation safe from any and all invaders, no matter how
pleasant a mask they wear."
Spokespersons for Project Utopia had no comment to make about the Nigerian situation other than to state,
"Operation Genesis is for the benefit of all nations and all humanity,regardless of our politicaldifferences. We hope
everyone willsupport it in the spirit of cooperation and progress that Utopia was founded upon."

Transcript
OpNetconversation
betweenSpencer andTerranc:eWhitaker,
..A.rbals"Balmer ProjectUtopia
ITB18!Jfll"
Dated8/14/0'7

Whitaker:
Thankyou for takingthe time to speak withme, Dr. Balmer.
Antaeus:
Not at all, Mr. Whitaker, but I amvery busy....
Whitaker: I won't take too rruch of your valuabletime. I'm callingto speak to you about your report on the projected
completiondate for OperationGenesis.
Antaeus: yes...?
Whibibr:The Project directors want the target date movedup from five years to two. They wouldlike to see more
substantialprogresson the project withinthe next three monthsas well.
Antaeus: No.
Whibibr:I beg your pardon?
Antaeus: I thinkmy answer is clear, sir. The Project directors want Operation Genesisaccelerated. I choose not to do so.
Twoyears is an entirelyunrealisticexpectation.
Whitaker: Dr. Balmer, I don't thinkyou understand....
Antaeus: On the contrary, Mr. Whitaker,I understand perfectly. Project Utopiais feelingconsiderablepoolicpressure
because of recent events involvingJenniferLandersand Andre Corbin.Poolicopinionpollsof the organizationhavebeen drop-
ping. They hopedthe announcementof OperationGenesiswouldhelpto improveUtopia'sreputationinthe publiceye once again,
but it hasn'tdone so as muchas they'd hoped,so they requireadditional"bread and circuses" to appease the masses. They would
likeanother "miracle"to displayfor the media. But my stock in trade is not miracles,Mr. Whitaker,it is science,and there are
certain scientificrequirementseven I cannot change, even if I wantedto.
Whitaker: I'm sorry, Dr. Balmer, butthe administrationwas very clear about their requirementsfor this operation.
Antaeus: Then allowme to be equallyclear. Youmaytell the directors that, unlikethem, I have the best interests of the
ecosystemand this project at heart. OperationGenesiswillproceed at the pace / set and no faster, or else they can beginlooking
for another "miracleworker." Is that dear enoughfor you?
Whitaker: Um, yes, perfectly.

ENDTRANSMISSION

47
 of theProjectUtopia
Meeting bo.-dof directors,8/16/09
DirectorL..agione:
Let's move on to theOperationGenesismatter. Mr.Whitaker?
Whitaker:Thankyou, Director. I'm afraidwe havea problem. As I said in myreport, Antaeusis unwillingto meet the
requirementsfor OperationGenesis,and he made it clear, in no uncertainterms, that he wouldleaveProject Utopiabefore
he wouldagree to the proposedtimetable.
(loudmunnurof voices)
L..agione: Quietfolks!Let's havesomeorder here!
Caestus Pax:Director, let me talk withSpence,I'm sure I can get himto see thingsour way....
L..agione: No. If you're sayingwhat I thinkyou're saying, that's entirelyinappropriate.There's no needto antagonize
Antaeusany further; we stillneed his cooperationif OperationGenesisis to go forward.
lhdentifiedWoma11: Dowe really,Director? I mean,I understandthat Antaeusis a geniusin matters of ecologyand
his abilitiesgreatly enhancedOperation Eden, but with what we've already learned from that project, do we reallyneed
Antaeusto carry out OperationGenesis?
L..agione: What are you suggesting,that we dismissAntaeusas thoughhe were any other employee? We can hardly
afford to losesomeoneof his abilities.
Woma1l: Not at all, merelythat we not be so dependent on him in these matters. There are manyother novas in
Utopia's employ, someof them brilliantscientistsin their own right,others with powerover rock, soil, water,plant lifeand
other abilitiessuited to terrafonning efforts. LuzvindaShin is a good exampleof this, as is MatildaSaraband. Granted,
neither of these novasapproachesDr. Balmer'sunderstandingof ecologyor raw powerlevels, butwith trainingand prac-
tice, we may yet achieve spectacular results. Why not simplymove ahead with the accelerationof Operation Genesis
withoutAntaeus' blessing?
lhdentifiedMan1:It has merit, Director. I agree that we have the means,and our profiling of Antaeusshowshe's
obsessiveabout his work. I thinkonce he sees the terrafonningefforts wellunderway, he'llbe drawnback to the foldby his
own entl-usiasm , and he'llforget about his objections,especiallyif he thinkshe mightget left out.
L.agione: So, we do an end-run around Antaeus and push Operation Genesisforward?
(munnurs of agreement)
L.agione:Very well, but I want things handled quietly, behind the scenes. Keep Spence occupied and involved
with his end of things whilewe moveoperations forward. I want a specialistto evaluateAntaeus' reactions and possible
response to this situation, as well.Pax, do you think you can keep Antaeus in line?
Pax:(pauses) Yes, of course.
Laragione: Good. I want preliminaryreports on my desk as soon as possible. Let's moveon...

From: Dr. Piers Holzman

To: Director Laragione
Re:Psychologicalevaluationof "Subject A"
After a complete review of all availableinterviews, profiles and other informationregarding "Subject A," I believe I
can draw the followingconclusionsregarding the subject's psyche and mentalhealth:
• Subject A is highlyintelligentand creative, off conventionalscales of IQmeasurementaltogether. He is highlyarticu-
late and educated on a wide variety of topics. Althoughcapable of great leaps of logic and deduction, the subject displays
limited social skills in interactive environments. His extraordinary intellect leads to behavior such as isolation, since the
subject likelyfeels he has no intellectualequals. This isolationfurther leads to stunted social skillsand introspection, rein-
forcing the pattern of behavior.
• Subject A's ability to "communewith nature" gives a strong empathy for animals,plants and other non-humanlife
forms. Since this empathy does not apparently extend to interaction with people, I wouldspeculate the Subject has trans-
ferred the majority of his normal emotionalattachments from humansocial relationshipsto feelings for the environment.

48
This is in keeping with his backgroundas an environmentalistand activist.
• Subject A's "geo-carapace" gives him a very distinctive appearance, similar to the plants and environment he
empathizes with. It shields him from direct humancontact, and the subject tends to shy away from this type of contact in
general. Hiscarapace is a physicalmanifestationof the socialand psychological"shell" the subject maintainsaround himself.
• Subject A prefers to work in bio-laboratory environmentswith little or no humancontact. The subject also works
almost constantly, and none of his co-workers and associates are aware of what, if anything, he does to relax or spend his
off-hours. Indeed, most of the subject's associates were unawareSubject A even hadarry"time off." They saw himas more
machine-likethan humanor like he was more a force of nature than a fellowhumanbeing.
Conclusions: It is quite clear to me that Subject A is displayingsymptomsof a serious disassociative disorder. The
extreme differences- both physiologicaland psychological- between Subject A and "baseline" humanshave caused him
to distance himselffrom all normalsocial relationshipsand prevent him from formingemotionalbonds with others. These
symptomsare already quite pronounced, and in my professionalopinion,they willonlycontinueunless the subject's pattern
of behavior is altered in some way. This couldlead to the subject becomingentirely sociopathic,unableto attach emotional
significanceto any action.
Recommendations: Subject A needs socialcontact and the establishmentof emotionalconnections with other people.
I recommendregular social contact with co-workers and associates, along with the encouragement of social relationships
outside the workplace. I also renew my request for a personal interview with the subject and the possibilityof scheduled
therapy sessions.
Respectfullysubmitted,
Piers Holzman,MD

From:
<address_suppressed>
Sd>ject:(no subject)
Well, as suspected, Utopia has stepped up Operation Genesis in the Sahara. They're devoting a considerable
numberof novasto the effort and workingthem pretty hard to get things movingin Niger as quicklyas possible. The
funrrything is, there has been little sign of Antaeusduringallthis work. You'dthink he'd be at the forefront, directing
thingslikehe did in Ethiopia.Rumorsabout himbeingout of favorwiththe powersthat be at Utopiamightwellbe true.
One thing is for certain, Utopia is pouringa great deal of effort into Operation Genesis, whichmeans they're
spreading themselvesthin. They're convincedthat pullingoff another Ethiopiawillwin back publicsupport and take
people's mindsoff the Sliderscandal.There's a hint of desperation in the wholething, and that's a good thing for us.
If Utopia is spread thin trying to push through Operation Genesis,that means people are goingto start making
mistakes, maybe even slippingup enough to give us a shot at whoever is operating on the inside of the Project,
pullingthe strings. At the very least, it gives us a chance to start makingcontact with some of the other novas
outside of Utopia's ever-watchful eye, maybe even win a few more over to our side. If we can do it quietly (that
means NO abductions and NO quantumbattles!) then Utopiawillnever even knowwe were there.
I'd suggest you start sendingsome people you can trust into Niger,maybethroughLagos in Nigeria. Get the lay
of the land, and start findingout whichnovas are operating where. I'll pass along what informationI can dig up on
Utopia's duty assignments and other operational plans and pass it along as soon as possible. We've got a golden
opportunity here, let's not blow it.
One other thing. Maybe we should think about trying to get in touch with Antaeus. I know he usuallytoes the
Utopia party line, but it seems like he's out of the loop lately. Maybe his lack of recent appearances shows some
dissatisfactionwith how Utopia is handlingGenesis. It mightbe the first signs of some sort of rift between himand
Utopia. If it is, we MIGHTbe able to get him to listen to our side of things. HavingAntaeus on our side certainly
couldn't hurt.
- RenaissanceMan

49
 From:A. Ganz
To:Director Harris
Re:Operation Genesis
Director,
Surveillanceon Utopiaoperations in the Sahara region confirman increase in novaactivity over that recorded for
Operation Eden,supportingthe theory that Utopiais pressingahead with the Saharaterraformingproject more quickly
than in Ethiopia.This is despite less involvementon the part of Dr. Spencer Balmer,Utopia's foremost ecologist.
Of note are the numbers of novas being moved in and out of the Sahara operation in Niger. With the urgency
Utopia is devoting to the project, it's clear that even the legendary nova stamina has its limits. Some novas are being
taken off work assignments and moved to other locations. Althoughwe have not been able to determine where for
certain, the Rashoud facility in Bahrainappears a likelycandidate.
1can confirmthat AlafinSango is not at all pleased with Utopia's operations so close to the Nigerianborder and
that Nigerian troops along the Niger/Nigerian border remain on almost constant alert. Sango's past relations with
Utopia and his own paranoia make it likelythat he believes Operation Genesis is merely a smokescreen for covert
Utopiaoperations against Nigeria. While we have not entirely ruled out that possibility, 1feel it is highlyunlikely.
Still, Sango's fears maybe somethingwe can tum to our advantage. He has been most cooperative so far, in hopes
of gathering alliesto help him in the event that Utopiadecides to moveagainst him. So far, there has been no evidence
that Utopiaarranged Sango's rise to power in order to manufacturea "bad guy" in northern Africa, but investigationis
still underway.
1 recommend we maintain surveillanceon Operation Genesis and followup on irregularities in the nova duty
shifts, whilekeeping Sango at arm's length and protecting our good relations with the Nigeriangovernment.

Begin Proteus Communique

Dotble-encrypted Daedalus
withNavaho 3
To: Allagents
From:DirectorThetis
Agents willimmediatelybegin to concentrate their efforts on identifyingand containingaccelerated mutationsand
unusualbehavior among the novas assigned to Operation Genesis. ln keeping with previous findings,novas assigned to
the terraforming project are becomingprone to these effects due to the near-constant exercise of their quantum
abilities. Althoughsafety measures have been put in place through Utopiamanagement, projections still show an
increased risk. Handlerswillmaintainespeciallyclose watch over their nova charges for any signs of unusualbehavior or
physicalsymptoms.
Containmentprotocols apply to any affected nova, in order to preserve Project security. Compromisednovas are to be
handledwith care. Use the standard dosages of moxinoquantamine,and arrange for detainment as soon as possible. Use
the standard cover story of the novas needing medicaltreatment. They are to be evaluatedand movedto the nearest
secure facilityfor treatment and observation. Sufficientlycompromised novas are to be removed immediately,with a
suitable story arranged to cover their disappearance.
Nova subjects are to be liquidatedonly in cases of extreme mutationor mentalabnormalitiesor if extraction is not
feasible. Any and all liquidationsare to be authorizedby me directly.

50
 • NigeroisNova Joins
OperationGenesis

• NigeroisNova

thenew DisappearsDuring
ViolentSandstorm

Nigerois Nova Joins Opera - "Harmattan is a valuable

tion Genesis (8/27/09) addition to the terraforming
team ," said Team Tomorrow
leader Caestus Pax .
AGADEZ, NIGER (AP) - Project
Utopia officials announced today
Project Utopia spokespersons
in a press conference in Agadez
continue to offer optimistic
that local nova, Mashala "Harmat-
projections on the progress of
tan" Kader, would be joining the
Operation Genesis, as novas
Operation Genesis terraforming
work around the clock to bring
effort in the Sahara.
life from the barren sands of the
Sahara. oted Utopia
Harmattan-whose nova name is a
terraformer Antaeus could not
local term for the desert wind-
be reached for comment.
erupted late last year at the age of
17, while traveling with his father 's
caravan during a sandstorm in the
region . Harmattan's eruption
created an "eye " in the center of
the sandstorm, which grew to over
three kilometers in diameter before
dissipating. Shortly after reaching
his home in Agadez, Harmattan
traveled (under his own power) to .. ...·;
Project Utopia headquarters in
Addis Ababa , where he offered his
services to the Project.
. .,:.I-'<
Now, after months of training at . :r.--:
Project Utopia facilities, Harmattan \· :~~
has returned home to aid Utopia's -~ .:

latest operation. Standing before a \ ·'·

crowd in his home city of Agadez, ::,._
. . .:
wearing the distinctive blue turban
of the Tuareg tribesmen, Harmat-
tan said, "It is a great honor to use L >~.
.. i-!'\
the gifts I have been given to help
Project Utopia aid my nation and
. , \ ~~-: . ~~~

my people . Allah willing, we will

transform this land in a place of
peace and prosperity for all."
if1':,
.
/:~\<{; .....
' .~

Harmattan's nova abilities relate to . .-."': ··:--.·;

_,
the control of the wind and sand of . ; -:~
~} .
~ -·· . '
~

his nativ e desert, abilities that

should be quite useful in Utopia 's -:•·... , '.

terraforming efforts in the Sahara . .~ _;.;~

-;-='..:
;_.
~.J - ,\

!:1f~1-:-
.
Nigerois Nova Disappears During Vio-
lent Sandstorm (9/16/09)

AGADEZ, NIGER (AP) - Nigerois grieved for

Mashala "Harmattan" Kader today in a nation-
wide day of mourning for the young nova.
Harmattan disappeared five days ago during a
violent sandstorm that struck the central
Nigerois region where he and a number of other
members of Project Utopia were working as part
of Utopia's "Operation Genesis" effort to
terraform the central Sahara .

The sandstorm, which struck without warning,

blanketed the region some 80 kilometers outside
Agadez, including Fachi and the Adrar Market.
The quick response of Project Utopia novas
helped prevent serious loss of life, although 14
deaths and numerous injuries still resulted from
the storm, along with an estimated $1.2 million
in damage to property and terraforming equip-
ment.

Among those missing after the sandstorm

cleared was Harmattan, a Nigerois nova recently
assigned to Operation Genesis . Search efforts by
Utopian novas are ongoing, but even Project
Utopia officials hold out little hope of finding
Harmattan alive. "An unprotected baseline
could survive in the Sahara for a day or two,"
said a Utopia spokesperson . "A nova of
Harmattan's abilities might be able to survive a
bit longer, but even novas need water ."

"This is a great loss, to both Project Utopia and

the world," said Caestus Pax, leader of Team
Tomorrow . "Harmattan was a young man who
wanted nothing more than to use his nova
abilities to benefit humanity, and he will always
be remembered."

Project Utopia claims there is no truth to specu-

lation that Harmattan himself may have been
the cause of the sandstorm or to rumors that
Harmattan was a Teragen sympathizer, who
caused the sandstorm in order to disrupt
Operation Genesis and escape . Local Nigerois,
angry at the suggestion that their countryman
was involved in the incident, continue to gather
and pray outside local mosques, offering gifts of
food and handcrafts to honor the memory of the
missing Harmattan.

52
ALPHA-LEVEL a.EARANCEOtt..Y
From:Director Laragione
To: AllProject Utopia directors and Team Tomorrowleaders
Re:Antaeus
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a serious problem. Antaeus has disappeared.
He was scheduled to meet with a member of the Project staff at 10 A.M. yesterday morning in Sector 3 of the
Ethiopiabiosphere laboratory. When he failed to appear after nearly two hours, the staff reported his disappearance.
A thorough search of the biospheres and the entire Addis Ababa headquarters - includingsweeps using quantum-
enhanced senses - failed to tum up any traces of Balmer's whereabouts. We believehe left the premises of the A-A
facilitysometime between the hours of 11:45 P.M. and 10 A.M., September 16-17.
Since there were no signs of any sort of struggle, we must assume Antaeus left of his own free will.Whileunlikely,
we must entertain the possibilitythat Antaeus left in order to "jump ship" to another organization,either the so-called
"Aberrants" or even the Teragen. We've contacted the DeVriesAgencyand NoveltyConsulting,but there is no evi-
dence Antaeus was in contact with either, plus 1think they knowenoughnot to cross us. It's also possibleAntaeus went
off on his own.He's made it clear that he's not happyabout how Operation Genesisis being handled, and this maybe his
way of drivingthe point home.
There is no evidence of Antaeus leaving the Project grounds through any conventionalmeans. No record on
security monitors, and nothing at any port of exit. Givenhis abilities, however, it is likelyAntaeus left under his own
power. With his abilityto movethrough the earth he couldbe anywhere in the worldby this time. Hisgeo-carapace has
also proven extremely difficultto pick up on conventionsensors in the past, so it's a simplematter for Antaeus to "lay
low," concealed in nearly any plant-life or even withinthe ground for as long as he likes.
We have contacted Antaeus' sister, mother and knownassociates, but there has been no contact from himin the
past 48 hours. We are followingup any communicationand correspondence that mighthave taken place in the past few
months, but so far, it does not appear promising. Checks of OpNet records show no signs of outside communications,
althoughthe technical staff is currently checkingfor the possibilityof tampering with the logs and backups.
lt is imperative that we find Antaeus as soon as possible. 1 want all Utopia personnel not currently involvedin
important assignmentsto devote alltheir energies to this task. We need to find Antaeus quicklyand, more importantly,
we need to do it before anyone outside the organizationrealizes he's gone. 1want a total media blackouton this one. 1f
anyone asks, Antaeus is heavilyinvolvedin Operation Genesisand cannot be disturbed for any reason. Genesis work
willcontinue as normal in order to provide support for our story. Cover the search operations using whatever means
you deem appropriate.
Once Antaeus is located, assess his current situation and state of mind.That willdetermine our next course of
action. Our goal is to return himto Addis Ababa as soon as possible, and to open up a dialogwith himto find out what
made himdisappear like this. Do not, 1repeat, do not, attempt to bring Antaeus in by force. That is only likelyto make
a bad situation worse and result in a lot of dead or injured people. Remember, Antaeus is one of the most powerful
novas known. Handlehimwith care.
Best of luck,
J.Laragione, Director, Project Utopia

53
From an e-mail distributed by Antaeus has seen the light and might be willing to
listen to our side of things . For that reason , I would
Raoul Orz:aiz: to selected very much like to speak to him . His abilities and
members of the Teragen: reputation could be very useful to us .
Well, my friends , it seems Utopia 's perfect house As to where he has gone, I cannot say . It seems
of cards is starting to fall in more ways than one . most likely he will go where he is comfortable and
Certain sources have revealed to me that Antaeus has can hide From Utopia's searchers (if in fact hiding is
finally shown some spirit a nd defied his Utopian his goal) , but that still leaves millions of square
masters by walking (or is that "burrowing" ?) out on kilometers of Forest and jungle where Antaeus could
their operation . Utopia is keeping the matter quiet hide For years and never be Found . He has no need
whi le they search For the missing Antaeus, but it's For baseline Forms of transportation , nor For things
only a matter of time before the media sharks smell like food and drink, so tracking him is out of the question .
blood in the water and a feeding frenzy ensues . What If you do happen to catch any hint of Antaeus '
an amusing spectacle that will be . whereabouts or his plans, be sure to inform me . And
Interestingly enough, I've heard nothing from should you happen to actually speak with him, mention
Antaeus himself, nor has anyone I've spoken with . Of that I, and others, are interested in talking to him,
course , the two of us agreed on nothing other than face to face . Otherwise , it seems the next move is up
to share the same planet , and I'm not certain Antaeus to him .
would accede even to that . Still, there is a possibility Regards , Raoul

Distr ibuted by Sophia Rousseau t o members of the Aberra nts

Friends, an opportunity of unprecedented proportions has come to our attention . It seems Dr.
Spencer "Antaeus" Balmer has chosen to leave Project Utopia . Antaeus disappeared from Addis Ababa
without a trace, and Project Utopia is currently searching For him.
The reasons For Antaeus' sudden disappearance remain unknown, but it doesn't appear he was taken
against his will (as if anyone could do so without laying waste to most of the city) . This suggests Antaeus
left Utopia of his own free will. We' ve heard rumors that Utopia has been pushing its novas hard For
progress on Operation Genesis. This may be the straw that broke the came l's back . Or it is possible
Antaeus discovered something about the conspiracy inside Utopia and chose to flee in order to protect
his own life.
In either case, we should do everything possible to locate Antaeus and establish contact with him.
If he left Utopia from dissatisfaction with their policies, he may be willing to aid our cause . If he discovered
something Utopia does not want the outside world to know, then it is vital we acquire the information
and see to its distribution .
We've been waiting For the conspiracy to make a mistake and leave themselves vulnerable . This may
be our chance. We should seize it.
 From:Director Harris
To: All field directors
Re: Operation Green Man
Our sources have confirmed that the nova Spencer Balmer disappeared from Project Utopia and
Utopia is conducting an extensive search for him. Utopia has not informed the press or any official
organizations of Balmer ' s disappearance . Balmer ' s reasons for leaving Utopia , and his current state of
mind , remain unknown .
All field agents are ordered to be on the lookout for Balmer (file photos attached) and any indi ca-
tion of his whereabouts . Any information should be reported directly to me as soon as possible . Under
no circumstances are field agents to directly engage Balmer . He is a Titan-class nova and should be
consider ed extremely dangerous . Repeat , do not engage .
Agents should also maintain surveillance on all Utopia operations for indications of Balmer ' s
whereabouts . All reports are to be filed with this office .

Double-encrypted with Sigma Babylon2; dated 'I /16/08

To all Field agents :
Dr. Spencer Balmer (AKA Antaeus) left the Project Utopia site in Addis Ababa some time within
the past 12 hours for an unknown destination . The sudden disappearance of Balmer shows a serious Flaw
in our handling of the Team Tomorrow novas , which 1 believed was corrected after the Landers ' situation .
1 want all handlers to begin close monitoring of their subjects for any signs of information about Antaeus '
whereabouts . Any information (no matter how insignificant) is to be communicated immediately .
All other agents will join in the search For Balmer's whereabouts . Ideally , Balmer is to be returned
to the Utopia Fold, with the rest of the world none the wiser . lf that is not possible , he will be remanded
to a secure Facility so we can determine the reasons For his sudden defection and have the opportunity
to study such a powerful nova more closely . lt is pos s ible Balmer may be aware of our existence ; agents
should take the appropriate precautions .
Under no circumstances should Dr. Balmer be allowed to continue to roam Free or , worse yet, contact
other novas , particularly members of the Teragen or the Aberrants . Balmer 's elimination is authorized
only if absolutely necessary to prevent his defection to another organization or an exposure of the Project .
Director Thetis

55
Utopia's Operation Genesis
Moves Forward
DJADO,NIGER(AP)- A handfulof Nigeroismerchants,
along with several dozen camels,were the sole witnessesof
the latest step in Project Utopia'sdramaticterraformingop-
erationin the Sahara,near the abandonedcity of Djado. Origi-
nallybuiltas a stationalonga slave-tradingroutebetweenNiger
and Libya,the block-likeadobe buildingsof Djadohave been
abandoned for years, surrounded by malarialswamps and
reputed by localtribesmento be haunted.
That legendappeared to come true yesterday evening.
Around11:00 P.M.,the smallringof foliagearoundDjadobegan
to growrapidly,so rapidlythe merchantsandtheir camelswere
forced to Ree rather than be overrunby the spreadingtrees,
grassesand vinesthat sprangup fromthe groundaroundthem.
"lt was as thoughthe plants were a pack of jackals,dig-
ging their way up throughthe sand," said AboubacarBadou,
whohaspliedthe trade routesthroughcentralNigerfor almost
30 years. "They grew up everywherearound us. 1had to cut
my brother loosefrom the vines that started growingup his
legs, likehe was a trellis." The vegetationcontinuedgrowing
for severalhoursat a vastlyacceleraterate. Bymorning,a region
some10 kilometersin radiusaroundDjadowas coveredin lush
vegetation,and the ruinsof the abandonedtownwere virtually
obscuredby talltrees and Aowering,hangingvines.
A Project Utopiaspokespersonconfirmedthat the dra-
matic display at Djado was merely the latest step in the
organization'sterraformingoperations. "You haveto exrusethe
sense of drama," said Ms. DafilehTugero at Utopia'sAddis
Ababa headquarters. "But the transformationof the Sahara
into a fertile environmentlikeEthiopiais a dramaticprocess."
Ms. Tugero issuedan apologyto the Nigeroisnear the Djado
site, sayingthat the site wassupposedto be deared of allper-
sonnelbefore the operation began in earnest. Project Utopia
promisedto increasesecurityat the site to ensurethere would
be no similarincidents.True to their word,Utopiahas kept ev-
eryoneback fromthe terraformingsite. However,a numberof
novas, someof them not membersof Project Utopia,havear-
rived and entered the site unopposedfor reasons as yet un-
known.
ln the meanwhile,the Nigeroiswhowitnessedthe appear-
ance of the vegetationaroundDjadohavebecomeminorlocal
celebrities,relatingwhatthey sawto eager family,friendsand
neighbors.Twoof the menreport seeinga figure"madeout of
earth, leavesand grass," movinginsidethe densest part of the
newfoliage.Project Utopiadid not confirmwhetheror not this
figurewasthe organization'secologistnova,Antaeus,whohas
been heavilyinvolvedin OperationGenesis.
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
treats his gueststo an opportunityto meet and socialize
Introduction on neutralground,then talks with them individuallyto
The Apostasyis the second chapter of Aberrant: hear them out.Charactershavethe opportunityto rep-
Worldwide. It providesthe characterswitha lookat the resent one faction (or more!)and present their argu-
cracks appearingin Utopiabecauseof the stress of the mentsto Antaeus.
Slider scandal.It also providesan opportunityto meet The chapter likelyconcludeswithAntaeuschoos-
representativesof the major factions of the Aberrant ing to remainneutralin order to protect his own inter-
worldin a neutralsetting.The proceedingsettingmate- ests but witha sort of detente betweenhimand Project
rial is for the Storyteller to provide to the players as Utopia.It is possible,althoughhighlyunlikely,Antaeus
desired duringthe events in this chapter. mightchooseto allywith another faction(againsome-
what informally).The finaloutcomedependson the ac-
Overview tionsofthecharacters andthedirectionofthegroup's series.
OperationGenesisis the nameof Project Utopia's
planto terraformthe SaharaDesert,usingthe sametech-
niquesas in Ethiopia.WhileOperationGenesisis moti- Theme
vated by altruism,it is also a publicrelations stunt on The theme of The Apostasyis one of free willand
Utopia'spart, to shore up its public-opinionpollsin the decisions. Novas have the power to affect the whole
wake of the scandalsthat rocked the organizationfol- worldwith their abilities,but most have chosento give
lowingJenniferLanders'murder.Utopiawants to focus awaytheir power(andthe responsibilitythat comeswith
the world'sattention on the goodthings it is doingand it) to organizationsthat make the tough decisionsfor
away from accusations of corruption and conspiracy them, likeProject Utopia,the Directiveor Proteus. In-
withinthe organization .ThissuitsProjectProteusas well, dependentnovasoftenfindthemselvesat oddswiththese
since it divertsattentionawayfrom it. organizations, whowantto limitthe abilityof "wildcards"
Unfortunately,in their haste to implementOpera- to affect their plans.
tion Genesis,Utopiamakestwo seriousmistakes.Their Novas have the power to change the world, and
first is pushingthe timetablefor the operationup, forc- whoevercontrolsthe novascontrolsthe fate of the world.
ing novas workingin the Sahara Desert to exert their Membersof the Teragenare awareof this and advocate
powers more than ever before. This leads to Utopian for novas to hold on to their powerto makedecisions
novas racking up greater levelsof Taint and possibly affectingthemselvesandothers.Novaslikethe Aberrants
developingaberrations.It causesat leastoneyoungnova have learnedthe hard waythe price of givingawaythe
to go over the edge intomadnessand has lastingreper- powerto makeyour ownchoicesand trusting in an or-
cussionson other novasworkingfor Utopia. ganization(no matterhowbenevolent)to makethemfor
Utopia'ssecondand moreseriousmistakeis ignor- you.
ingthe objectionsoftheirstar ecologist,Antaeus,to their In this story,Antaeuslearnsthat lesson.Foryears,
accelerated terraformingprogram. When Antaeusre- hisgoalsandUtopia'sintersected,allowingthemto work
fusesto assist inacceleratingOperationGenesis,Utopia together.Now,he findshimselfat oddswithUtopiaover
choosesto go ahead with the project anyway,isolating its handlingof OperationGenesisand mustdecidewhat
Antaeusand workingaroundhimas best they can.When to do. At first, he merelyrefuses to go alongwith plans
Antaeusdiscoversthe truth (and withhis Mega-Intelli- he considerswrong,but whenUtopiaignoreshis objec-
gence,it doesn'ttake long),he realizesthe possibledam- tions, risking both the Sahara and his fellow novas,
age Utopia'splanscoulddo to both the environmentand Antaeuschoosesto take action.
his fellownovas. The characters also have choicesto make in this
Antaeuschoosesto sever his ties with Utopiaand story.First,theyare confrontedwitha Taint-riddennova
put the brakeson OperationGenesishimself.Hegoesto and must decide howbest to deal with him. Later, they
an abandonedtowninthe depthsof the Saharaand uses mustdecidehowto swayAntaeusto their cause(what-
his powersto transformit overnightintoa fantasticoa- ever it maybe). This givesthe playersa chanceto think
sis from whichhe can overseethe terraformingof the aboutwhattheir charactersrea/(ybelievein and to hear
desert in a proper manner.Naturally,Antaeus' depar- the viewsof other factionsof the Aberrant world.It also
ture from Utopiahas seriousrepercussionsthroughout showsthe playersthe importanceof individualnovasand
the world.As other factionscatchwindof Antaeus'dis- the impactthey can have on the rest of the world.How
satisfaction,they hope to recruit the powerfulnovato willtheyfeelabouttheirallegianceafterthisstoryis done'?
their cause.Utopia(andProject Proteus)wantsAntaeus
back or at least want to ensure he doesn't threaten its Mood
operationsany further. The moodof this story is one of hope and oppor-
A reasonablemanwithhis faithin his formerasso- tunity. EvenProject Utopia,suffering Fromits recent
ciatesshaken,Antaeusagrees to meet withrepresenta- setbacks, has high hopes that Operation Genesiswill
tives of the major factions in his new garden oasis.He bolster its publicrelations. Other factions see cracks

THEAPOSTASY 57
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
appearinginUtopia'sperfectfa~de, opportunitiesthey inmoreandmoretrade withEthiopia,withsubsidiesfrom
canexploitfor their ownbenefit.Thisis a timefor novas the UnitedNationsandProjectUtopia.The government
to take actionand prepare for the comingstorm. reliesheavilyon these programsand so is inclinedto go
You,as the Storyteller,can conveythis moodby alongwithwhateverProject Utopiawants.
givingthe playersa sense of urgency.Thingsare hap-
peningquickly,and the characters haveto be involved
Niamey
or get ieft behind. Encouragethe playersto reflect on Niger's capitol, Niameyis a scattered, low-rise
theircharacters'viewson currentevents,andmakethem settlementof not quitea millionpeoplealongthe muddy
understandthat their role in this story is an important shores of the NigerRiverin the western comer of the
one. Howthey decide to handlethings willaffect the country.Oneofthe poorestnationalcapitolsinthe world,
courseof eventsto come. Niameyhas moreof the feel of a backwatertownthan a
city, despite its size and population.Mostof the build-
ings are low and ramshackle,with a -few larger struc-
Setting tures likethe governmentbuildingsand the old,decay-
ingGrandHoteloverlookingthe muddybrownwatersof
Sinceit is aboutterraforming,setting is fairlyim-
portant to the story. The followingsections describe the river.The newestbuildingsare oftenunfinishedand
detailsof the settingusefulto the Storyteller. · alreadydecayingin the harsh environment.
Patchesof savannaremaineveninthe center of the
Niger city,andthe streets are uncrowded,sincethere are only
a fewprivatecars, minivansand buses,alongwithmili-
The Apostasytakesplacein Niger,a nationin sub- taryjeeps andvehicles.Mostpeoplewalk,andthe streets
SaharanAfricaroughlytwicethe sizeof Texas.Likemost havemorethan their share of cart vendors,hucksters,
of its neighbors,Nigerisan extremelypoorcountry,with beggars and prostitutes. The officialmarketplaceis a
a tiny amountof arable land and a propensityfor mili- splashof colorand activity,withvariousgoods(usually
tary coups.The last couptook placeless than 10 years produceand spices) laid out on wovenblanketsunder
ago, and Nigeroisrestored a democraticgovernmentto awningsthat shadeagainstthe desert sun.
their nationin 2004. A President,Councilof Ministers Generallyspeaking,Niamey(andNigerin general)
and a two-chamberNationalAssemblyrun the current seesfew,if any,novas,so novacharactersare quitelikely
government. to be mobbedby peoplewhowantto knowmore about
Niger'spopulationof 12.5millionpeopleis prima- them. Peoplebegthemfor blessingsanddemonstrations
rilymadeup of variousAfricanethnicgroups.lt includes of their powers.Mostof the Nigeroisbelievenovasare
a minority(nine percent) of Tuaregs.Knownas "blue speciallygifted by Allahand attach a religioussignifi-
men"for their distinctiveindigo-dyedveilsandturbans, cance to their abilities.Well-knownnovas(likenovox
the Tuaregsare peopleof MiddleEasterndescentliving singers or membersof TeamTomorrow)attract huge
in the Saharadesert. They foughta guerillawar against crowds,forcingthe policeand localauthoritiesto ask
the Nigeroisgovernmentyears ago in order to secure the novasto limittheir appearancesinpublic,inorder to
greater representationfor their peopleand their inter- avoidcausingriots.Stressthe kindof hero-worshipFound
ests. The nation also has a smallnumberof European here to the players,so they can see just howimportant
expatriates(particularlyFrenchand Belgian).French.is their charactersare. ·
Niger'sofficiallanguage,althoughthe Africanlanguages
of Hausaand Djermaare alsocommon. Agadex
Some80 percent of the populationare Muslims, The townof Agadezoncelayon the southernedge
includingthe Tuaregs.The remainderare a combination of the Sahara,prosperingon the trade of slaves,gold
of ChristianandAfricanfaiths,alongwithagnosticsand and salt. But that was centuriesago, before the desert
atheists.Muslimvaluesare fairlystrong in the region. shiftedfurthersouth.NowAgadezis a mudand adobe-
Generallyspeaking,they followthe Sunnitrend of view- walledtown of some 80,000 people livingon charity,
ing novasas specialpeoplegiftedby Allah.Storytellers internationalaidanda tinyamountof commerce,includ-
may wishto consultthe Al>errMt Screen
Storytellers ingthe salttrade fromdeeper in the desert.The central
for additionalinformationon Islaminthe Aberrant world. areas of the towndate backto the 16thcentury,includ-
Nigeris a poor, landlockedcountry,with a single inganadobemosque,witha toweringminaretrisingsome
river (the Niger) flowing through its outskirts. lts 'i'Ofeet above dusty streets, and the sultan's palace,
economyisbasedonsubsistenceagriculture,animalhus- turned intoa hotelfor travelers,with roomslikenedto
bandry,reexporttrade andincreasinglylessonuranium, livingthe sultan'sdungeonrather than his palace.Most
its majorexportsincethe 1970s.The Nigeroismonetary of the peopleof Agadezlivein tin and straw shacksor
unit is the WestAfricanfranc.Termsof trade withNi- adobe-walledhuts.
geria,Niger'slargestregionaltrade partner,havefallen Agadezhas seen considerableactivityof late due
off somewhatin recent years since Nigeriawas taken to the efforts of OperationGenesis.Project Utopiahas
overby the dictatorAlafinSango,but Nigeris engaging establishedtemporaryquarters on the outskirtsof the

58 THE APOSTASY
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
city for nearly1,000 of its own personnel,includinga to avoid an additionallevelof bashingdamageper day.
numberof novas.The townis also crowdedwithmedia Thisdamagecannotbe soakedandcannotbe recovered
personneland their equipmentA smallforest of satel- untilthe charactermovesto a morehospitableenviron-
lite dishesand antennasis growingaroundthe town,as ment Novaswiththe Adaptationenhancementcan gen-
the mediabeamsimagesof OperationGenesisacrossthe erallyignore these problems,and novascan add their
world. The moodinthe townis one of hope andwonder, dotsinMega-Stamina to the numberof daysbeforedam-
as everyonewatchesandwaitsfor OperationGenesisto age occurs. So a novawith four dots in Mega-Stamina
transformthe desert into a Fertileparadise.Still,there onlytakes a health levelof damagefor every five days
is an edge of resentmenton the part of the locals,who spent in the desert
are beingpushedaside by the organizationpurporting The harsh conditionsmaybe a considerationfor
to helpthem. novasoperatingin the desert covertlyor for characters
strandedin the desert for anyreason.
Djado
The so-called"ghosttown"ofDjadois locatedFur-
ther north and west into the desert than Agadez,but
aside Fromthat, the two are similarin manyways.Cen-
Runnng The
turiesago,Djadowasa waystationfor caravansmaking
their W'ifj throughthe Sahara,particularfor the active
Apostasy
slavetrade in Africa.For generationsit has been home There are a numberof differentwaysStorytellers
only to snakes,scorpionsand desert rats. The blocky can approachthe eventsin this story,dependingon the
adobe buildingsof the town stand long vacant, like natureof the charactergroupand its goals.Thissection
children'sblocksscattered on the desert Floor.The oa- providessomesuggestionsfor possibleapproachesfor
sisthat originally
surroundedthe townhasbecomea salty the differentFactionsof the Aberrantworld.
malarialswamp of spiky palm trees and saw-edged
groundplants.Djadohas a reputationfor beinghaunted
Using This Material
amongthe peopleof Niger,so traders andtravelerstend The Storytellershouldcarefullyread allthe mate-
to avoidit, campingwellenoughwayFromthe outskirts. rialin this chapter- includingthe fictionalexcerptsat
Shortlyafter Antaeus'arrival,Djadoundergoesa the beginning- beforerunningthis story. The plotline
startlingtransformation.See TheGarden for details. of The Apostasyis FairlyFreeformandopenended.How
the groupand the Storytellerapproachthe events de-
The Sahara scribedhere dependsentirelyon the motivationsof the
TheSaharaisthe largestdesert regioninthe world, characters, their allegiances,and their own plans and
stretchingacross northernAfricain a wide band From goals.The Storytellershouldmakethe fictionalmaterial
east to west. It has an area of somenine millionsquare at the beginningof this chapter availableto the players
kilometersand includesthe nationsof Morocco,Alge- at the appropriate points in the story, based on the
ria, Tunisia,Libya,Egypt,Mauritania,Mali,Niger, Chad group's resourcesand affiliations.For example,Utopia
and Sudan. charactersshouldonlyhaveaccessto the publiclyavail-
The geographyof the desert is varied.In the west, ablematerialandwhatevertheycanacquireontheirown,
the Saharais rocky withvaried elevation.It does con- whileDirectivecharactersshouldhaveaccessto Direc-
tain uhdergroundrivers, whichsometimepenetrate to tive memosand informationand so forth.
the surface,resultingin oases.The central plateaure- The Storytellershouldencouragethe playersto be
gionof the Saharahasmoreelevationthanthe other ar- pro-activein this story.In manyroleplayingstories,the
eas, with peaks such as Emi Koussiand Tahat. Even charactersare expectedto waitaroundfor someonein
though the area lacks rainfall, these peaks are higherauthorityto tellthemwhereto go andwhatto do.
snowcappedduringthe winter. The Easternpart of the Althoughthe organizationsof the Aberrant worldpro-
Sahara,the LibyanDesert, is extremelydry with very vide the Frameworkfor gettingthe charactersinvolved
fewoases.Althoughthe NileValleyandthe NubianDesert inthisstory,whattheydo oncethey're involvedislargely
to the east are geographicallypart of the Sahara,the up to them. Thischapterdescribeseventsandtheir out-
comesas if the characterswere not involved.The Sto-
influenceof the Niletransformsthe desert into Fertile
agriculturallandthroughoutmuchof Egypt rytellershouldmodifythemaccordingto the characters'
The Sahara'sclimateis hot anddry.Althoughtem- actions.
peraturesduringthe daycan skyrocketas highas 54.4°
C (130°F), it becomesvery coldin the desert at night,
Introducing the
withtemperaturesdroppingdownto almostFreezing. The Characters
harsh desert conditionscause one healthlevelof lethal The Apostasyis suitedfor novasFromvirtuallyany
damage per day to characters without proper water, walkof lifeor affiliation,providedthey havean interest
shelter and rest and maystillrequireEndurancechecks in the activitiesof Utopiaand the Futureof their kind

THEAPOSTASY 59
I
ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
(andmostnovasshould).Howthe charactersget involved novaor snatch one fromthe handsof Project Proteus
in the eventsof the story andtheir goalsdependon the Forstudy.
Factionthe novasare alliedwithandtheir ownpersonal Thingsreallybecomeinterestingto the Directive
agendas. whenthey catch wordof Antaeus'disappearanceFrom
AddisAbaba.Directiveagentsare quicklyassignedthe
The Aberrants job of trackingdownthe missingnovaand, later,meet-
TheAberrantssee OperationGenesisas a clearsign ingwithAntaeusin Djadoto learnmoreabouthisinten-
that Utopiais worried.Utopiais pushingthe operation tions.The agentsoriginallyassignedto the Sahara,most
harderand Fasterthan usual. That lackof concernleads likelyentrustedwitha fairly"routine"mission,suddenly
to mistakes,and the Aberrants are hopingthe rush to Findthemselveswitha majorresponsibility.
moveOperationGenesisforwardwilllead to the con- The Directivewouldloveto lureAntaeusawayfrom
spiracywithinUtopiaslippingup, leavingsomeexposed Utopiato work Forthem, but its interests lie more in
thread they can grab holdof and yank to see what un- checkingUtopia'sinfluence.The Directiveis willingto
ravels. supportAntaeus'actionsandofferhimassistancein or-
The Aberrantskeep a closeeye on Utopiaopera- der to weakenUtopia,so longas it doesn'tcompromise
tions in the Sahara,watchingfor any signsof compro- the interests of the Directive'smembernations.
misingactivity. ~P-rinrn_goal ·~o exposethe con-
spiracy,but som, Aberrants-also wa,nt to help Utopia Proiect Utopia
accomplishwhaVthey see as a worthwl_iile terraforming ProjectUtopiais backedintoa corner,and it knows
effort.They do.,whatthey can to helpiriovethingsalong it. Publicopinionhas been turning againstthem since
behindthe seines, helpingout their fellownovas and Slider'sdeath. Utopianeeds to reverse that trend and
earning soml ,respect from them as we)(as the local quickly.OperationGenesisis intendedto do that, and
baselines.After all,whatgroupof "internationalterror- Utopianeeds all availablenovasin its employto make
ists" helps} ut witha hum~r'l\tarian project'\ . the planwork.Utopiannovascanbecomeinvolvedinthe
The;0ther reason For .Aperrantshelpingout with operationright fromthe very start.
OperatiqhGenesisis to takli'some of the pr~ure off The Storytellercan start thingsoff with Utopia-
the Utojian novas.-:meAberrants_areco~cer~~ about affiliatednovasor membersof TeamTomorrowdealing
the effects of Utopiannovaspushingtheir ab1btiestoo with"hot zones"in SaharanregionslikeNigeriaandthe
Fart~b_fast. Theywa!ltto help!?;eventthat, and t~ey're northernSudan,takingon novaelitesandensuring"gov-
alsoi >i!_~h,!:_
_loo~o~Fpr novassutft:~_i:ig .ases ernmentcompliance"withUtopia'sedictsfor beginning
_fr~~i:!_C,!"~
in Taint-in-ordel'to-keep them fro\n.!!disappearing~ like the project.Utopiamaypermitthe characterssomead-
so manyother novasintoProject Proteus' secret facili- ditionalleewayin makingsure OperationGenesisbegins
ties. They hope tainted novascan recover,givensome on schedule,but it also makesclear that Utopiahas to
time and proper care. (ln the case of temporaryTaint, lookgoodin Frontof the media,no matter what.
this istrue. Unfortunately,there is currentlynothingthat Once the operation gets underway, novas are
can be done Forvictimsof permanentTaint.) tapped to help in the terraformingwork.There is work
Aberrant characters can become involvedin the Fornovaspossessinganyconceivableability,Fromearth-
story Forthe abovereasons;goingto the Saharato co- movingand breakingdownrocks to diggingcanalsand
vertly assist terraformingefforts whilekeepingan eye wells,performingreadingsof soilcomposition,seeding
out for Proteusactivityand aidingtainted novas.Once clouds,transportingmaterials,assistingscientificteams
AntaeusmakeshisbreakwithUtopiaandrevealshispres- and so forth.Socialnovaswillbe tapped to workPRand
ence in Djado,the characterscan decideto go and talk spin control,grantinginterviewsand fieldingreporters
withhimin hopesof winningAntaeusover to the Aber- questionsfrom dawnto dusk.Workon the operationis
rant cause or at least convincinghimto no longeraid exhaustingand shouldtax eventhe superhumanstamina
Project Utopia. of most novaswitb back-to-backcf~shifts ~nd chal-
The Directive lengingtas~ tha~Jest~~e limits9fth~jrpov,;el'S.
Let the
playersrealizeth'epotentialfor accumulatingTaintun-
The Directivehas reasons for suspectingProject der thesecoriclitionsand figureoiifthe implicationsfor
Utopia'smotivesabouteverything,includingOperation themselvesbefore' their.:'charatters 'have to deal with
Genesis.The Directiveknowsthe operationis intended Harmattan.
partly as a PR stunt to improveUtopia'simage.lt also Whileworkingonthe operation,Utopiannovascan
knowsUtopia places considerableimportanceon the also deal with undercoverAberrants (or they may be
operation,whichmakesit of interestto the Directive. undercoverAberrants),elites lookingto cause trouble
The Directivedispatchesagents to the Saharato andsimilarproblems.WhenAntaeusdisappears,Utopia
keep tabs on the terraformingoperationas wellas the enliststhem in the searchto findhim.
potentiallytense internationalsituation.They are likely OnceAntaeusmakeshispresenceknownin Djado,
to take note of increasingsignsof Taintamongthe Uto- the characterscan makeup the Utopiandelegationsent
piannovasandmayeventake actionto capturea tainted

60 THE APOSTASY
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
to talkto himandconvincehimto returnto the fold.They for the terraformers.Unfortunately,this playsdirectly
get a chanceto meetFace-to-Facewithsomeof the other intoUtopia'shands,makingUtopialooklikethe goodguys
factionsand hear their pointsof view,whichmightaf- being harassed by Terat "terrorists." Less hotheaded
fect whatthe charactersthinkof Utopiawhenallis said Terats maysimplykeep tabson Utopia'sprogress.
and done. The Teragen is certain to be interestedwhen its
brother and sister novasworkingon OperationGenesis
Proiect Proteus beginto showsignsof increasedTaint.Terats maytake
At first, the goal of Project Proteus is to ensure matters intotheir ownhandsto ensure these novasare
that OperationGenesisgoes smoothlyand helpsdivert warnedof the dangers of what they're doing,so they
attentionfromthe Sliderscandalback to Utopia'sgood can at least makean informedchoice.It's one thing to
works.Proteus agents are assignedto help "pave the opposea novawho'swillingly chosento liveas a baseline
way"for the operation,includingdoingwhateveris nec- lapdogand anotherto abandona fellownovato dangers
essary behindthe scenes to ensure the complianceof he or she is not evenawareof.They're alsolikelyto try
the localgovernments,whichmightevenincludea care- and keep any more novasfrom fallingintothe "tender
fullytimedcoupor assassination. care" of Project Proteus.
Once the operation is underway,Proteus agents Once Antaeusbreaks with Project Utopia,many
keepa closeeyeonthe novasworkingon Genesis.When Terats believehe's comearoundto their way of think-
it becomesclear that a nova is developingdangerously ing.The Teragen wantsto findout if Antaeusis willing
highlevelsof Taint,the agentsare chargedwitharrang- to support it, even philosophically. Suchsupport could
ingfor that nova's"disappearance"to a ProteusFacility helpto swayother novasoverto the cause.At the very
where he can be treated (read: incarcerated,studied, least, Terats want to knowwhere Antaeusstands, and
probedandpossiblyeuthanizedfor dissection).Theyalso
whetheror not he plansto opposethemin the future.
have to cover up any signsof Taint manifestingamong
the novasandkeepthe informationfromboththe media Independents
and other groupslikethe Aberrantsand the Teragen. There's plenty of room for independentnovasto
Proteusagents are ordered to watchout for signs get drawninto the eventsin The Apostasy.Characters
of Aberrant,DirectiveandTeragenactivityinandaround may be elites workingfor a neighboringgovernment,
OperationGenesisand ensure security.They can root freelancers hired by Utopia to round out their
out molesand evenlay traps for potentialtroublemak- terraformingor securitypersonnel,publicrelationsspe-
ers, leakingword that a particularnova is goingto be cialistsworkingwithUtopia,musicianson a tour of the
"taken for treatment" in order to see if any Aberrants regionor evenrulersof their owncountry!
or Terats showup to rescue their endangeredbrother UtopiaFreelancers
or sister (whois,of course,a Proteusagent).WhenHar- Charactersworkingfor a freelancenovaagencylike
mattangoes over the edge, Proteus' goalis to capture DeVriesor NoveltyConsulting(or operatingtheir own
and neutralizehimas quicklyas possible.WhenAntaeus "hire a nova"business)can get calledin as consultants
disappears,Proteus agents are assignedto helpUtopia by Project Utopia,whichis alreadyshorthandedwhere
findhim. OperationGenesisis concerned. This is very similarto
1f the character group is actuallyresponsiblefor the goalsoutlinedfor Project Utopia,above,exceptthe
the death of Sliderin your series, Proteusmightassign characterslikelyhavethe well-beingof their owncom-
them to OperationGenesisas a meansof havingthem panyabovethat of Utopia,whichcanleadto someinter-
"lielow"for a while.Eitherthe novasare "hidinginplain estingconflictsof interest.
sight" as membersof the Project Utopiateam, or they Characterscan see firsthandthe work involvedin
are operatingcovertlyin the desert, ruthlesslyhandling the terraformingoperationand experiencethe adula-
any problemsthat threaten Proteus' plans. tion of gratefulbaselines.Theymayget tired of explain-
ingoverandoveragainhowthey are notreallymembers
TheTeragen of TeamTomorrowor even reallymembersof Utopia.
Teragen novasare opposedto OperationGenesis Perhapstheir workon Genesiswillmakethemwishthey
for the mostpart. Someopposeit simplybecausethey're were, however(or makethem gratefulthey don't have
opposedto everythingProject Utopiasupports.Others to put up withthis sort of thingallthe time!).
opposeGenesisfor morephilosophicalreasons,usually OncewordofAntaeus'defectionstarts gettingout,
because of Utopia'sexploitationof novasand the po- all bets are off. AgencieslikeDeVriesand Noveltyare
tentialrisksof terraformingsucha largearea so quickly. willingto pay almostany priceto haveAntaeuson their
The Terats believenovasshouldn'tbe at the beck and payroll.(Thevery ideaof hiringAntaeusbackto Utopia
callof a baselineorganizationlikeUtopia. for an exorbitantfee actuallymakesAmandaWugiggle
At first, Teragennovasmighttry to causetrouble withglee.) Charactersget sentto Djadoto negotiatewith
withthe operation'sprogress.Morerambunctious Terats Antaeusand offer himpretty muchanythinghe wantsto
maycollapsenewcanalsandexcavations,destroyequip- comeandworkfortheiragency.Charactersrunningtheir
ment,harasspersonneland generallymakelifedifficult

THEAPOSTASY 61
 · ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
ownnova"talent agency"shouldcertainlybe awareof Publicrelationscharactersare facedwiththe chal-
the advantagesof havingthe world'sforemostecologi- lengesof presentingthe rightface of OperationGenesis
cal scientistand terraformeron the payroll. to the worldwhile,at the sametime,coveringup things
BreadandOrcuses likeincreasingTaintamongthe Utopiannovasandtrouble
A major part of OperationGenesisis publicrela- involvingthe Aberrants,Teragenor the Directive.Ide-
tions,hying to improveUtopia'simageinthe media. It's ally they can paint those groups as villainsattacking
importantthat OperationGenesislookgoodto the bil- Utopia'sgoodworks.The charactersmaychangesome
lionsof peoplewatchingaroundthe world.Thisis where of theiropinionsbasedon whattheysee duringthe story,
Mega-Charisma andMega-Appearancenovascanreally or they maynot care, so longas it bringsin the ratings.
shine, puttingon a showto keep the world'sattention NovaswithsocialMega-Attributes makegreatcan-
focusedon the spectacleand wonderof the operation didatesto speak with Antaeuson the behalfof Utopia
ratherthanthe day-to-daydrudgeryanddetailsinvolved once he strikesout on his own.Utopiamayask (or or-
in somethingas complexas terraforming. der) the charactersto act as their emissariesto Antaeus'
For example,Project Utopiamightarrange for the strongholdin Djado. ·
demolitionof a particularrockoutcroppingto take place Elites
as part of an "exhibition"put on by Utopiannovasor Novaelitesare quiteactiveinAfrica,thanksto the
eventhe XtremeWarfareFederation(/Y/F).The "work" almostnever-endingseriesof border warsbetweenna-
of smashingthe rock-face is combinedwith something tionsthere. The mostlikelywayfor elitesto becomein-
baselineviewerscanwatchandcheer,interspersedwith volvedin the eventsin Nigeris for a neighboringcoun-
commercials and"documentaryclips"singingthe praises by to hirethemto spyonUtopia'sterraformingproject,
of Project Utopiaand its affiedorganizations . Another out of concernthat OperationGenesisis actuallya cover
possibilityis combiningterraformingworkwithan out- for somesort of secret militarybuild-upor aidto Niger.
door concertby a popularnovoxperformer(withallthe Libyafoughtseveralborder wars with Niger over the
proceeds goingto the terraformingeffort, of course). past 20 years,makingit a goodcandidate.Niger'ssouth-
Sociallyadept novasmayalsobe assignedas "handlers" ern neighborNigeriais run by a militarydictatorship,
to deal with the media and ensure that only the right andNigerian"President"AlafinSangothumbedhisnose
messagesaboutthe operationare goingout overthe air- at Utopiabefore.Heis nowconcernedthat paybackis in
wavesand the OpNet. the offing.
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

While spying on Utopia operations (and avoiding Taint among the novas, Antaeus ' plans or all of the above.
Utopia and Proteus watchdogs), elites can run into troible When the novas investigate , they find themselves en-
involving the tainted nova Harmattan and hear about tangled in the events.
Antaeus ' sudden appearance in Djado. Their employer
can send the elites to Antaeus with an offer of employ-
ment , sanctuary, a non-aggression pact or whatever
Behind the
other inducements the Storyteller (and the players) can
dream up. Scenes
VivelaNova!
An interesting role to put the characters into is as Timeline
members of a junta controlling a neighboring African TheeventsinTheApostasyareintendedto cOYer Sep-
nation, giving them a strong interest in Utopia's plans temberof 2009.TheStorytellercan changethe orderand
for the region and the events in Niger. timingof eventsto suitthe series as desired. Thefollowing
The reason for the characters being in charge of isa unmary of themajoreventsandwhois involvedinthem.
the country, and the country itself, is left for the group • TheAmcutc:em..t: ProjectUtopiaannouncesOp-
to decide . The characters might be trying to restore jus- erationGenesis,improving its pd>licrelationssomewhat. It
tice and democracy to an area formerly saddled with a beginsto pushtheoperationforwardas quicklyas possible.
repressive dictatorship , or they might be dictators them- • Opening~ Theworldreactsto Utopia'san-
selves, setting up their own banana republic. They could nouncementandthe beginningof OperationGenesis. The
be using the nation as a power base for a personal cult mediadescends on the Nigeroisoperationsite andbegins
or an experiment in social engineering. Perhaps the na- broadcastinginformation aboutthe operation24 hot.n a
tion the characters control is Niger itself, having over- day.Utopiannovasget to work,whileotherfactionsbegin
thrown either a military dictatorship or the legitimate planningtheirownresponses.Thefirsthintsof Taintstart
government. Now,Utopia wants to play in their back- to appearamongthe Utopiannovas,whilethe other fac-
yard ; do the characters accept, or are they willing to tionsbeginto t.R action.
oppose Utopia? • S.mtann:liannattan,a Utopiannova, snapsbe-
The Storyteller may wish to play out a prelude story causeof accumulated Taintandgoes on a rampagein the
where the characters plan and execute their coup and desert. The charactersare the ones on handto witness
assume control, only to have Project Utopia announce Harmattan 's breakdown,andtheyhavea chanceto dosome-
Operation Genesis shortly thereafter . That is sure to thingaboutit (if theyso choose).
make the players paranoid regarding Utopia's intentions! • The Garden: Wordof Antaeus'defection from
OtherHooks ProjectUtopia reachesthecharacters, andtheyareenlisted
Some other ways Storytellers can fit independent in the searchto findhim. AfterAntaeusdramatically an-
novas into this story include: nounceshispresenceinOjado,thecharacters aresentthere
• The novas met and got to know Harmattan while to speak withhim,inhopesofswayinghimto supporttheir
training together at a Project Utopia facility (Addis causeinone formor another . Thecharactersmeetupwith
Ababa , most likely) . When Harmattan starts acting a number of novasfromotherfactionsontheneutral ground
strangely, they try to find out what's happening with their createdby Antaeus.Theyhavea chanceto interactwith
friend . everyoneandto presenttheircase to Antaeus.
• The novas all know Antaeus through various con- • Wnp-Up: Thecharacters bidfarewellto Antaeus,
nections (possibly even as "a friend of a friend ") , and deal withtherepercussionsof theiractionsandmakeplans
Antaeus asks them to look into matters involving Op- for thefuhre.
eration Genesis for him, quietly. When Antaeus suddenly
disappears and Project Utopia starts looking for clues,
the characters should get very worried . The Announcement
• The novas may be associated with an environ- The story begins when Project Utopia announces
mental group opposed to Operation Genesis because of Operation Genesis to the world in a massive press con-
the potential unforeseen repercussions on the global en- ference in Addis Ababa . Of course, the characters may
vironment. After all, deserts exist for a reason , and it be privy to information about the operation prior to the
may not be a good idea to "fix" them. They can try and public announcement , either through connections with
disrupt terraforming operations , spy on Utopia and end Utopia or through spies , moles or sympathizers within
up entangled in matters when they discover Antaeus ac- the operation . The Storyteller should choose an appro-
tually agrees with them! priate time and place for the characters to first hear
• A precognitive or another nova with some sort about the operation, giving them a chance to decide what
of enhanced awareness notices particu lar "vibes" from (if anything) they want to do about it. The information
Niger that suggest something big is going on there . lt can come during another story, such as Strange Bedfel-
may be the rapid terraforming , the increased level of lows (see Chapter One) .

THE APOSTASY 63
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Utopiancharaders maybe presentat the presscon- ters to workon OperationGenesisinwhatevercapacity
ference announcingGenesisto the public,particularlyif best suits their abilities.Somesuggestionsinclude:
they are closelyinvolvedwith the operation.They may • Novas with power over earth, water, plants,
also be on hand as security,watchingout ForAberrant weatherandsimilarForcesworkdirectlyonterraforming
andTeragenparty-crashersalongwithbaselinetrouble- efforts:movingsanddunes,levelingrockyoutcroppings,
makers.Whether or not any show is up to the Story- diggingcanals,channelingsourcesof undergroundwa-
teller, althougha few Falsealarmscan keep the players ter, seedinggroundcoverand so Forth.
on their toes and heightenthe tensionof the story a bit. • Mega-Strongnovas (especiallythose with the
Charaders associatedwith the media may be on Lifter enhancement)operate as livingearthmoversin
handto coverthe story or provide"expertcommentary" placeswhereconventional constructionequipmentwould
(regardlessof their actualexpertise).Charaders work- bog downor evensinkintothe soft desert sand. Mega-
ing Fora localAfricangovernmentmightbe on hand as Staminanovascan alsooperate inthe burningdesert for
bodyguardsFora governmentdignitaryor even as rep- hourswithout"breakingdown"likeequipmentwould.
resentativesof the government(particularlyif the char- • Mega-Intelligent novasstudyecologicalandgeo-
aders run their owncountry). logicaldata,planareasFordevelopmentandlookForways
JustinLaragione,Diredor of ProjectUtopia,makes to acceleratethe developmentprocess as muchas pos-
the announcementaboutOperationGenesishimself.Af- sible. They (and other characters) may wonder why
ter brieflydescribingthe projed to the gatheredmem- Antaeus isn't handlingthese aspects of the operation
bers of the media,Laragioneturns the podiumover to himself.The onlyanswerthey get fromthe PowersThat
Antaeus,whosaysa fewwords.Hethen useshis powers Be at Utopiais that Antaeusis involved"in other areas
to transmithimselfto Agadezin Niger,where he causes of the projed."
a figtree to growfromthe otherwisebarren soil,which • Mega-Perceptivenovasscout out development
maturesin a matter of seconds,as describedin the ar- sites, look Forweakpoints in rock structures, find un-
ticle on page 45. The imageis send back liveto Addis dergroundwater and so Forth.
Ababa by Project Utopia, and it's spread across the • Flyingnovasseed cloudsto produceneededrain-
OpNetin a matter of hours. fall, airlift equipmentinto operationalareas and (with
Charaders present at the press conference may Mega-Strengthor anotherappropriatepower)evenhelp
notice sometrepidationon Antaeus'part, an indication haul loads of nitrogen-richearth mined From.the sea
that the Utopianova is concernedabout something.In bottom out into the desert. Novas with powers like
Fact,Antaeus'ismildlyconcerned. HisMega-Intelligence H)permovement, TeleportandWarpperfumsimilar duties.
is alreadypickingup hints that the PR aspect of Opera- • PowerslikeDisintegration,EntropyControland
tion Genesisis more importantto Utopiathan anything TemporalManipulationspeed up naturalprocesses of
erosionandbreakdownrockandsoilelements.Molecular
else. It requires a (Wits+ Rapport) rollat +3 difficulty
to pickup on Antaeus'feelingsthroughhis normallyin- Manipulationtransformsexistingelementsinto Fertile,
scrutableFa~ade.NovaabilitieslikeMega-Perceptionor usefulmaterials.
Mega-Wits(especiallythe NaturalEmpathenhancement) • Novaswith other abilitieswork whereverthey
can enhancethe chancesof noticingsomething,and no- can and alsoprovidesecurityagainstpossibleAberrant
vas with Pretercognitionmayget a sense of unease at orTeragen trouble.
the announcement.Whateverthe case, Antaeustrans- A key point ForUtopiannovasis the difficultyof
mits himselfto Nigerduringthe announcementand re- the tasksFacingthem.Theyare expectedto pulloffstunts
mainsunavailableto talk to the charactersafterward. at the upper limitof their abilities,and any reports to
Characterswho aren't around Forthe press con- Utopiasayingthingsare too difficultare met onlywitha
suggestionto "do yourbest" and a reminderthat timeis
ference hear all about it in the hoursand days that Fol-
low,as OperationGenesisremainsa majoriteminthe news. off the essence.Astime goes on, Utopiabecomesmore
and moreinsistenton Forgingahead, ignoringor brush-
Opening Moves ingaside complaintsFromthe characters.
Gettingthe charactersinvolvedinthe storydepends The Project is very generous with doses of
greatlyon the group'sbackground,affiliationand moti- adrenocilinto help its novasovercomeFatigueand use
vation.The Introducingthe Characterssedion on page their powersmoreefficiently.Nearlyallthe Utopianno-
59 providesguidelinesFor involvinga wide variety of vas involvedwithOperationGenesishaveto makeregu-
differentcharaders inThe Apostasy.Thissectionlooks larWillpowerrollsto avoidbecomingaddicted,andmany
at the characters'initialinvolvementinthe story andthe Fail.Keepin mindthat the charaders maynot knowof
first challengesthe Storytellercan offer the players. the addidive nature of adrenocilin,onlythat it makes
them feel better and helpsthemto keep working.
Proiect Utopia and Proteus Alsokeep in mindthat the characters maynot be
Project Utopianovashaveno problemwhatsoever Fullyawareof the natureof Taintand the risks involved.
getting right into the story. Utopiaassignsthe charac- Theyknowfairlywellwhattheirlimitsareandthatpushing too

64 THEAPOSTASY
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
far beyondthemmakesthem Feelunwell,but Utopiaand on to their fellowAberrantsand doingwhatthey can to
Proteushavekept the true dangersof Taintsecret even helpother novassufferingfromincreasedlevelsofTaint.
fromthe novacommunity.Althoughthe playersmaybe HiddenAberrantswalka dangeroustightrope,particu-
awareof the riskof acquiringTaint,their characterscan- larlywiththe possibilityof Proteusagentsnearby,keep-
not complainabout the risk to Utopia,since they aren't ing close watch on OperationGenesis.Exposuremight
supposedto be awareof it. send HiddenAberrantsrunningfromUtopiaand can be
Charactersmaystillnoticestrangethingshappen- an interestingwayto start thingsoff for HiddenAber-
ing to themselvesand their Fellownovasand maysug- rant charactersinthis story,gettingthemmoreandmore
gest slowingthe pace of the operation.Utopiarepre- involvedin the Aberrantmovementfor the later chap-
sentativesdeny any such requests and continuallyreit- ters of this book.
erate to the characters the importanceof Operation Aberrantsoperatingoutsideof Project Utopiacan
Genesisboth to the worldand to Project Utopia'scon- arrivein Nigerlookingto findout moreaboutOperation
tinuedsuccess."Problem"novashavea tendencyto dis- Genesisand Utopia'splans.Theymightconsiderthe op-
appear, goingoff for "treatment." eration a worthygoaland couldtry helpingout behind
Project Proteus characters operate basicallythe the scenes. It's a riskypropositionthat offers fairlylittle
same as Utopiannovas in the beginning.They maybe reward, since Utopiais likelyto take the credit unless
assignedto assist with OperationGenesis,as above,or the characterscomeupwithsomethingclever.Still,some
they mightbe workingcovertly,lookingfor signsof Ab- charactersmightsee it as a wayto remaintrue to Utopia's
errant and Teragennovasinthe area and keepingwatch ideals while fighting against Utopia's policies. lt also
for signsof Taintin Utopia'snovapersonnel. serves as a way to take some of the workloadoff the
Dealingwithtaintednovasis a keytask for Proteus Utopiannovas,reducingtheir accumulationof Taint.
characters. Proteus knowsthat pushingthe novas too Other Aberrantsmightprefer to sabotageOpera-
hard mayresult in some dangerouslevelsof Taint, but tion Genesisand makethingsmore difficultfor Utopia.
they're willingto take the risk to moveOperationGen- This is also a likelycourse of action for Teragennovas,
esis forward, plus it providesthem with a further op- particularlythe troublemakers.Thiscan includeundoing
portunityto study the nature of Taint.Proteuscharac- muchof Utopia'swork in the dead of night,sabotaging
ters are chargedwith keepingtabs on the other novas, equipment,stirringuptroublewiththe locals(novaswith
watchingfor any signsof aberrationsand gatheringin- Mega-Charisma andMega-Manipulation canshinehere)
formationon the accumulationof Taint. or evenfull-outquantumassaultsonUtopiaterraforming
Any novaswith aberrationsneed to be contained teams for the sake of the televisioncameras.Generally
and kept awayfrom the publiceye.The characters are speaking,open confrontationwithUtopiais foolishand
providedwithdosagesof mox,whichthey can slipintoa pointless.Unlessthe novas have a quick,untraceable
nova'sfoodor waterto helpneutralizetheir abilitiesbe- meansof escape such as Teleport or Warp,TeamTo-
fore seeingthat they're taken to a Rashoudfacilityfor morrowwillshow up to pound them into the ground.
treatment.ln mildcases, the treatment maysimplybe a Would-be saboteurs need to be subtle if they are to
completephysicaland sometherapy to return the nova avoid capture.
to dutyas quicklyas possible.Withmoreextremeaber- AberrantsandTerats mightalsotry recruitingfrom
rations, Proteus arranges for a cover story and sends amongstthe novasassignedto the operation.Carefully
the novato a facilitylikethe one inBahrain(see Chapter planned,there are opportunitiesto meet and talk with
Three). The charactersare in chargeof makingsure the Utopiannovaswith onlya smallchance of being over-
novagets sent to the facility,willingor not, and that the head (providedthe Utopianscan be convincedto coop-
cover story is airtight.Proteus cannot risk any further erate and ditch any Proteus shadowsthey might have
leaksof sensitiveinformationat this point. watchingthem).Terats can makea case againstOpera-
tion Genesisand/or Utopia,and Aberrantscan try and
The Aberrants and the tell others aboutthe mountingevidenceof a conspiracy
Teragen withinUtopia.
Aberrant and Terat characters have similargoals These efforts becomeeven more importantonce
at the beginningof the story: See what Utopiais really some of the Utopiannovas begin to show signs of in-
up to inthe Sahara,and safeguardthe livesof fellowno- creased levelsofTaint.lt shouldbecomeclearto anyone
vas endangeredby the operation'slowsafety margins. closelywatchingthe novasworkingon OperationGen-
Aberrantsare interestedin exposingthe conspiracyin- esis that they are exertingtheir powersto their limits,
side Utopiaand findingcluesto the identityof Slider's and someof them are beginningto showsignsof strain.
killer..The Teragen is interested in causingtrouble for Evenbefore Harmattanloses it, the characters should
Utopiaand freeing fellownovasfrom what they see as be awarethere is a dangerto their fellownovas.
virtualslaveryto the baselines. The Teragen, at least, is motivatedto do what it
HiddenAberrants stillworkingfor Utopiacan get can to warnand aid these novas,and the Aberrantsare
involvedas describedabove,whilepassinginformation likelyto wantto do the same.They maybe able to con-

THEAPOSTASY 65
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
vincethe Utopiannovasof the risksthey are taking,but for study and treatment.MostUtopiannovasare highly
keep in mindthat the novasworkingfor Project Utopia unlikelyto do so of their ownfree will,particularlythe
havebeen subjectedto a considerableamountof inter- novas assigned to Genesis.They have already been
nal propaganda concerning the Aberrants and the warnedagainst"subversiveelements,"andmostaretak-
Teragen. Utopian novas think the Teragen and the ing enoughadrenocilinto keep them from questioning
Abberrants misguidedat best, terrorists and criminals Utopia'sorders.
at worst.The Utopiannovasare alsotakingregulardoses
of adrenocilin,whichtendsto makethemsomewhatpas-
Independents
siveand less likelyto noticeanythingwrongor question Howindependentnovasget involvedin the open-
Utopia'sauthority. ingmovesof thestay islarge!,,upto thenatureofthegroup.
Freelancers: Nova consultantsfrom the DeVries
The Directive Agency,NoveltyConsulting andsimilarcompanieswork-
Cnaractersworkingfor the Directiveare assigned ing for Utopia can use the informationprovided for
to go to Niger and keep tabs on OperationGenesis,if ProjectUtopia,above.Sincethey are not part of Utopia,
possiblegatheringintelligenceon Utopia'sterraforming consultantcharacters might refuse Utopia'ssupply of
methodsandthe novasworkingfor them.Utopiaprojects adrenocilin.OperatingoutsideUtopia's structure, they
likeGenesisare a blatant exampleof the kindof social maybe the firstto noticeproblemsother novasare hav-
and politicalpower the organizationwields,the power ing and pick up on signs of trouble. Of course, Utopia
the Directiveexiststo curb and control. officialsbrushoff their concerns,but the charactersdo
Directiveagentscanenter Nigerbywhatevermeans have the advantageof forewarningwhen things really
they haveat their disposal.They can enter Lagosin Ni- start happening.
geria and maketheir way across the border incognito, Elites: Elitesmaybe working(knowinglyor not) for
they can arrivein Nigeras part of a mediacrew,or they Proteus, helpingkeep an eye on the situationin Niger,
can use their own abilities to maketheir way into the dealingwith any problemnovasand maintainingsecu-
area. They mayhave to deal with thingslikesuspicious rity.Proteusmightalsohire elitesto causetroublealong
border patrols, corrupt bureaucrats, roving bands of the Nigeroisborder, givingTeamTomorrowsomething
banditsand so forth. to do in front of the eyes of the media. They mightalso
The Directiveis evenwillingto risksendingin nova be assignedto put pressure on some of the localgov-
agentslackingDormancybecauseof the extremeamount ernments,deal with minor uprisings,root out terrorist
of novaactivitygoingon in and aroundthe project site encampmentsand similarpara-militarytasks.
in Niger.The quantumenergies of the Project Utopia lt is equallypossiblethat elitesmaybe workingfor
novas are sufficientto maskthe covert activitiesof a one of the localgovernments,whichwantsto "encour-
few other novasin the area, providedthey are reason- age" Utopiato moveterraformingoperations to their
ablydiscrete. territory rather than Niger. These elitesmaydo so using
Directiveagentshaveto dealwithmaintainingtheir terrorist tactics to sabotage and slowthe progress of
coveridentitiesand hidingfrom Project Utopiasecurity OperationGenesisso their employercan offer Utopiaa
forces on the lookoutfor any signsof trouble.Directive "safe haven"from whichto operate.
agents can spy on Utopia'soperationsand gather infor- Pii>lic Relations:
OperationGenesisis importantto
mation,avoidingdetection alongthe way.They might Project Utopia'spublicimage,so novasinvolvedin pro-
chooseto cooperatewithAberrantsor Terats inthe area motingUtopia'sPR have their work cut out for them.
to learnwhatthey knowaboutGenesis,but agentsshould They have to handlethe mediaand keep its attention
be careful about revealingtheir true allegiancein the focused on all the good Utopiais doing in the Sahara
process, since neither faction trusts the Directiveany (andthe rest of the world),whileat the sametimesteer-
morethan they do Utopia. ing them away from embarrassing questions about
Directiveagents mayalsorun up againsttheir op- Slider's murder,Andre Corbin'swhereaboutsand the
posite numbersfrom Project Proteus, lookingto keep activitiesof the Aberrants. Theyalsohaveto handleany
Genesisfree from any outside inAuences . This can lead incidentsthat crop up duringthe operation,either with
to a dangerousgameof cat-and-mouseinthe desert and Utopia novas developing Taint or the actions of
amongstthe buildingsandbaselinesof Agadezor Niamey. Aberrants,Terats, Directiveagents and so forth. Their
ln their observationsof OperationGenesis,Direc- job is to showUtopiain the best possiblelight. .
tive agents may pick up on signs of Taint and aberra- These novas'positionas spokespeopleand repre-
tions amongstthe Utopiannovas. Howthey choose to sentativesof Utopiaalso makesPR characters popular
handlethis is up to them.Theymighttry and gathermore targets for other factions. Aberrantsmightrisk talking
informationfrom a discrete distancethat they can take to PR charactersin order to try and convincethemthat
backwiththem. Or they mighttry makingdirect contact there is more goingon withUtopiaand OperationGen-
withan affected nova,either to learnmoreor to get the esis thanthey realize.The Teragenmightchooseto dis-
novato defectfromProjectUtopia andcometo theDirective rupt a carefullyplannedpressconferenceor demonstration

66 THE APOSTASY
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
"to tear awayUtopia'sdecayingfa~adeof perfectionto hours, ofien going for days without rest. His Mega-
showthe worldits true Face." Staminaallowshimto ignoreeven the desert's burning
heat and work almosttirelessly.More and more often,
Sandstorm Harmattantakesto workingaloneinthe desert for hours
The charactershavebeen involvedwithOperation at a time,usinghis powersto shift massivesand dunes
Genesis(in one way or another) for a while.They've andto slowlyalter the air currentsof the area according
handledsomeminorproblemsand started to get at least to Utopia'sdesign.Hisconstantexertionof his powers
an inklingthat somethingis wrong with the operation and his need to quicklyrecoverthe quantumenergyre-
and that some of Utopia'snovasare beingpushedtoo quiredto keep goingcauseHarmattanto rack up serious
Far,too Fast.That's whenthe sand hits the fan. One of amountsof Taint.
the Project Utopianovas,a NigeroisnamedHarmattan, As his Taint increases,Harmattan'sbehaviorbe-
goes overthe edge fromexcessiveTaintand snaps. ginsto change.Hebecomesmoreandmoredistant,pre-
ferringto workby himselfand to avoidsocialactivities.
First Signs He asks to be takenoff publicrelationsduty for a while
Harmattanis a youngand relativelyinexperienced, and stays awayFromthe bright lightsof the media.He
but powerful,nova. Project Utopiaassignedhimto Op- becomesmoreFurtiveandjumpy,alwayslookingbehind
erationGenesisbecausehisabilitieswereperfectlysuited him,alwayscheckingto see if he's beingwatched.
to operatingin the desert and because he is originally One night,whilethe characters are nearby,Har-
fromNiger,makinghima localhero and a virtualposter mattanblowsup at someone(maybeevenone of them)
childfor everythingUtopiaand Genesisare trying to for standingtoo closeto him."Doyou haveto stand so
accomplishthere. Harmattanis quite proudto be help- close'?"he asks.Hequicklyapologizesto the personand
ing his homeland,and his shy and modestnature plays saysthat fatiguemustbe gettingto him.He'sbeenwork-
very wellto the cameras,evenif his Englishis less_than ing for nearlyfour daysstraight,a longstretch evenfor
perfect He's almostfanaticallydevotedto Utopiaand a nova. Hetries to brushthe wholematter off as fatigue.
considershisnovaabilitiesa gifi FromAllah.Hebelieves A character who makesa Wits + Rapport roll notices
allnovashavea dutyto usetheirpowersto helphumanity. Harmattanseemsvery on edge, evenafter he laughsoff
Harmattanhas been pushinghimselfharder and the incident.AnPerception+Awarenessroll(difficulty
harder to accomplisheverythingUtopiaand his people +1)points out that Harmattanhas been taking regular
expect from him and more. He works incrediblylong doses of adrenocilinlately.
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

The Storm Strikes Harmattanhasgoneentirelyoverthe edgeintoex-

The followingday,Harmattanis workingaloneout treme paranoia.Attemptsto reasonwithhimare largely
inthe desertsome80 kilometersfromAgadez.Thechar- futile;there's nothingthe characterscan do to convince
acters shouldbe nearby.Eitherthey're workingin the himthat they're not out to get him,and anythingthey
area, or they're goingto checkon Harmattan's progress. say to the contrary is taken as an attempt to deceive
If they are operatingcovertly,then the incidentof the him.A Mega-Manipulativeor Mega-Charismaticnova
previousnightmightsendthemto checkup on Harmat- mightbe able to talk Harmattandownwitha successful
tan, possiblyto feel him out for recruitmentinto the Manipulation + Subterfugeroll(difficulty+8!) but only
Aberrantsor the Teragen. byplayingalongwithhisdelusions("It'sallright,weknow
As the characters approachHarmattan'slocation, all aboutThem.They're after us too. We can take you
just overa nearbydune,they hear a terriblewailof pain, someplacesafe where They'llnever findyou."). Don't
followedby a roaringwindthat whipsacrossthe desert Forgetabout the dice pool penalties for Harmattan's
sands.Outof nowherespringsa ragingandviolentsand- sandstormduringthese attempts.
storm,comingright at the characters! Unlessthe charactersmanageto calmHarmattan
The sandstormis an uncontrolledmanifestationof downor chooseto flee the scene, they're left with no
Harmattan'sElementalMastery power.It extends in a choiceexceptto fighthim.
150-meterradiusaroundHarmattanandgrows10meters Rghting
Harmattan
in radiusevery tum. This is far largerthan Harmattan's Harmattanisa toughopponent,fightingonhishome
usualrange, fueled by his expandingM-R node. ln an turf, but he's still no match Fora group of novas. The
hour,the sandstormwillbe nearly 25 kilometerswide charactersshouldbe able to take himdownwith some
and still growing, althoughHarmattanwilllikelybe dis- effort, althoughit shouldn'tbe easy.
abledbeforethen.The storminflictseightlevelsof bash- The first factor is Harmattan'suse of adrenocilin.
ingdamageper tum to anyoneinsideit, reducesallchar- The current amountin his system reduces his wound
acters' dice pools by two due to the blindingsand and penalties by one and adds one die to all his quantum
drivingwindand halvesmovementandvisionwithinthe powerskilltotals.Theadrenocilinalsoallowshimto shake
area. Harmattanhimselfis unaffectedby the storm(save off a singledose of moxinoquantamine (max),although
for the visionpenalty,whichappliesevento him). it does neutralizethe adrenocilinin the process.
The charactersare caughtin the outer edge of the The secondfactor is the penaltyto dice poolsim-
stormwhenit appears.TheymusteachmakeStrength+ posed by Harmattan'ssandstorm.His enraged, highly
Athleticsrolls(difficulty+2)to avoidbeingknockeddown energizedstate allowshimto maintainthe stormwithout
bythe sheer Forceof the windandsand.Mega-Strength takingthe usual+2 concentrationpenalty,andthe storm
novas automaticallysucceed. The characters have to does not affect him,so the charactershaveto contend
shout in order to be heard above the screamingwind, with beingbattered unconsciousby drivingsand while
and Harmattandoes not answerif they callout to him.A tryingto controlthe ragingHarmattanat the sametime.
Perception+ Awarenessroll (difficulty+4) can barely Lastly,Harmattan'sMega-Witsallowhimto make
makeout a huddledfigurein the midstof the storm.If a multipleactionsmore easily.If he makesa Wits roll (+1
character uses a power likeTelepathyto contact Har- difficulty)his multipleactionpenaltiesForthe tum are
mattan,see the followingsection. halved.
Talking to Harmattan Harmattanstrikesfirst withhiscrushability,caus-
Characterswhomaketheir wayto the center of the ing dunes to rise up likewavesto smashintoopponents.
sandstormfindHarmattanhuddledovermumbling to him- He begins using his lethal blast, firing high velocity
self in French (barely audible unless a character has streamsof sandlikea sandblaster,if he takes any lethal
Mega-Perceptionor is standingright next to him).The damageinthe fight.lf he'sbadlyhurt (Maimedor worse)
moment anyone-friend, stranger or otherwise- he tries to escape,usingthe sandstormas cover.
makescontact with Harmattan,either speakingto him Aftermath
or touchinghim(or somethingmoreviolentlikeshaking Assumingthe charactersdefeat Harmattan(which
him or using a power against him)the youngnovaat- is the mostlikelyoutcome),they haveto decidewhatto
tacks the characters in a paranoidrage, shoutingand do with him(or his body,if he's dead). Time is of the
rantingat them. essence.Remindthe charactersthat a massivesandstorm
"Getback!"hescreams."Stayawayfromme!You're and quantumbattleis likelyto drawattention.There are
not goingto killme!Not likeyou killedher. I knowyou UtopiaandProteusnovasalreadyon their way,followed
did it. Whywon'tyou leaveme alone'?"Hecontinuesto closelyby the media.
rant and rave about how he knowsthe characters are If the charactersare Utopiannovas,standardpro-
assassinssent to killhim,that they killedSliderand that cedurerequiresthemto takeHarmattanintocustodyand
they are agentsof Shaitan(the Devil).lronically,it's en- deliverhimto Utopiafor medicaland psychiatrictreat-
tirely possibledependingon the characters' affiliation ment.Ofcourse,if the charactershavebeentalkingwith
th.the'sright(atleastaboutthefirsttwo,lllil'jOOeventhelast).

68 THEAPOSTASY
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Aberrantsor other outsidersaboutwhathappensto no- the articleon page52 for the "official"versionof what
vas deliveredintothe "care" oFa RashoudFacility,then happened.
they mighthavedoubts.
IFthe characters are Proteus agents, they should The Garden
do everythingintheir powerto containthe situationand A fewdaysafter Harmattan'sbreakdown,the char-
deliverHarmattanto a RashoudFacilityas soonas pos- acters receive some startling news.Antaeus, Project
sible. IFHarmattanis dead, the charactershaveto Find Utopia'sstar ecologistand one oFits mostpowerfulno-
some way to cover it up, so as not to tarnish Project vas, has disappeared.The Storyteller shoulduse the
Utopia'sreputation. materialon pages53-55 to determinewhatthe charac-
IFthe charactersare Aberrantsor Teragenmem- ters hear about the disappearance,dependingon their
bers, they willlikelywant to take Harmattanwiththem allegianceand possiblecontacts.Utopia-alliedcharac-
to see if they can help him.That requires smugglinga ters find out a bit soonerthan others, but Utopiais un-
derangednova out of the countryto some safe haven able to keep the informationfrom quicklyFilteringits
wherehe canbe treated. Characterswhosawthe extent waythroughthe nova communityand out to organiza-
of Harmattan'smadnessmightbe more inclinedtoward tionslikethe Directive,althoughthey do manageto keep
a mercy killing,althoughthat is far from easy, given Antaeus'absenceout oFthe mediafor a time.
Harmattan'sMega-Stamina.Terats shouldbe reminded Allthat Utopiaknowsis AntaeusFailedto showup
of the Teragen'sabhorrenceof novaskillingnovas. for a meetingwith the scientificstaff at Project head-
Let the playersdecide what they want to do, and quarters in AddisAbaba.There is no indicationof how
givewhateverplan they come up with a fair chanceoF or whenhe left the grounds.Withhisvariousnovapow-
success.Youcanplayout the detailsof dealingwithHar- ers, particularlyhisTransmitability- whichallowshim
mattanandcleaningup the aftermathof the Fightor sim- to travel through networksof plant roots - Antaeus
plyassumethe charactersdealwiththe matter"offcam- couldbe virtuallyanywherein the world.
era" and moveon to the next scene of the story.
Searching for Antaeus
How Do the Other FindingAntaeusbecomesa top-priority,and char-
Factions React? acters associatedwith nearlyany organizationare as-
What happens after Harmattan'sbreakdownde- signedthe task oFtrackinghimdown.UtopiaandProject
pends entirely on the actions of the characters. Team Proteuswantto FindAntaeusso they can at least deter-
TomorrowandProjectUtopianovasshowup shortlyaf- minewhyhe left and what he's planningand, hopefully,
ter the incident,includingagents of Project Proteus. return himto the fold.Otherorganizationswouldloveto
Theirjob isto take Harmattanintocustody(if he's alive) recruit Antaeusor at least ensurehe doesn'tgo backto
or recoverhisbodyfor an autopsy(if he's dead).They'll Utopia.Andthere's the specter hoveringin the back of
alsowantto questionthe charactersand willattemptto everyone'smindthat Antaeusmightnot be entirelyra-
take them by force if the charactersare not alliedwith tional.WithHarmattan'srecent breakdown,the players
Utopiaor a legitimate(intheir view)novaagency.Non- shouldFindthemselveswonderingif perhapsAntaeushas
Utopiancharactersare welladvisedto makethemselves gone off the deep end. The kind of damagean out of
scarce and lie lowfor a whileafter the incident. controlAntaeuscoulddo makesthe incidentwith Har-
Utopiancharacters still have to deal with Project mattanseem minorby comparison.
Proteus agents, who want the incidentcovered up as It's entirelyup to the playersto decide how they
quicklyas possibleandHarmattanmovedto a secureFa- want to go about lookingfor Antaeus.There are very
cility.IFthe Storytellerwants,the Firstother novason fewleads.EvenUtopiaisn'tcertainwhenor howAntaeus
the scene couldbe Aberrants,Terats or agents of the left their headquarters.In Fact,he did use his Transmit
Directive.They watchedtheir conflictwith Harmattan power to depart, but there are no meansto trace his
froma safe distanceand either wantto offer their help movements.His quarters (such as they are) at Utopia
(possiblywithsomestringsattached)or wantto rescue HQcontainnothingof interest.Antaeusvery carefully
Harmattanfrom the handsof the characters.That can coveredhis trail,and his Mega-Intelligenceallowedhim
lead to another conflict,especiallywhenTeamTomor- to ensure no cluesto his planswere left behind.He has
row showsup, possiblystarting a three-way(or more) no real friendsat Utopia,and evenhis co-workershad
Fightover Harmattan. no inklingoFAntaeus'plans.Higher-upsin Utopiaknow
IFyou prefer to keep the end of this scene Fairly that Antaeusobjectedto the accelerationof Operation
low-key(rather than leadingintoanother novabattle), Genesis,and mostassumethat is his reason for leaving,
have Utopiaand Proteus agents handle the situation but there is no wayto be sure.
quicklyand efficientlyand allowthe characters(if not Antaeushas Familylivingin Manchester,England,
alliedwith Utopia) to escape without any difficulties. but he has little contact with them, usuallysimpleper-
Utopia'sPR machinecoversup the majorityof the inci- sonalcorrespondence,none of whichoffers any clueto
dent, leavingonlythe storm reported in the media.See hisplans.Antaeus'motherandsisters relate that he has

THE APOSTASY 69
 seemed somewhatmore distant of late but that he's al-
ways been quiet and reserved, even before he erupted.
"Spencer keeps his own council," his mother says. "He
alwayshas."
Not long after the search for Antaeus begins, he
makeshis presence knownin a fairlydramaticway.

Extending the Search

Storytellers who wish to can extend the search for
Antaeusout over several scenes or even multiplestories,
if desired. In this case, assumeAntaeusspendssome time
contemplatinghis future plans, and give the characters a
chance to track downa numberof leads before he resur-
faces in Djado. The characters can speakwith Antaeus'
Familyin England,track down former friendsandassoci-
ates of his and check out areas where Antaeus spent a
great dealof time,suchas Ethiopiaand theAmazonJungle.
The characters mayrun intoobstaclesalongthe way,
such as former friends of Antaeus whoare still involved
witheco-terrorist organizations.Theymaythinkthechar-
acters' questionsare a front for some other type of inves-
tigation. Suspiciousgovernments,rival investigatorsand
people with secrets to protect crop up along the way to
keepthingsinteresting. A moreextendedinvestigationmay
helpgivethecharacters (and the players) a more in-depth
pich.-eof Antaeus'background andpersonality.Resotrces
fromotherAbenwttbooks,particularly Abernnt: Project
Utopia,maybe helpfulhere.

The Ghost Town Lives

A short time after his disappearance, Antaeus
showsup in the abandonedtown of Djado in Niger. This
can be anywherefrom a day to a week later, depending
on howlongthe characters' investigationruns. Usinghis
abilities, Antaeus causes a tropical oasis to spring up
around the ghost town, coveringan area of some 10 ki-
lometers in radius and turningthat region of the desert
into fertile land.
The onlywitnessesto the transformationare a band
of merchants leadingtheir camelsthroughthe desert on
their wayto Agadez,but the informationquicklyreaches
the mediagathered to watch Operation Genesis, bring-
ing it to the attention of the characters. lf you want the
charactersto be the first on the scene,youcan havethem
on handto witnessAntaeus'greeningof the desert. Per-
haps they find a clue at the last minutethat leadsthem to
Djado, or Antaeus mighteven invitethem there himself
to witness his handiworkand to demonstrate his power
and authorityinthe area. Otherwise,the characters hear
about Djadoalongwith the rest of the world.
The media quicklydescend on Djadoalongwiththe
variousfactionslookingfor Antaeus. Project Utopiaman-
ages to convincethe publicthat the oasis is simplypart
of Operation Genesis,and the mediathinks it's a public-
ity stunt of some sort. ln truth, it is, but not in the way
they think. Antaeuswanted to get everyone'sattention,
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
and he has it. Oncethe oasisis fonned,Antaeususes his vines drape from the tree's massive branches, and
powersto keep everyoneoutside of it, except for cer- brightlycolored insectsdart between them. Occasion-
tain peoplehe's willingto grant entrance.He knowsfull ally,the charactersspot a snakeor scorpionin the un-
wellthat his break with Utopiawillengenderquestions, derbrush, but they are largelyharmlessto a group of
and he's somewhatundecidedabout his next course of novas. Stress the incrediblecontrastbetweenthe deso-
action. He'swillingto meet withhis fellownovasto give late desert, crowdedwith mediatrucks, satellitedishes
them a chanceto maketheir cases to him. and anned guards and the peacefulgreen serenity of
Onlycertainnovasare permittedthe enter the gar- the garden.
den oasis. This includesthe characters.The trees and Thetrailleadsto a smallclearingamongstthe crum-
other plant life blockeveryoneelse, animatingto seize blingadobe buildingsof Djado.The clearingis ringed
intrudersand throwthem out. Anyonewhomanagesto with an array of fruit-bearingtrees, includingorange,
pushpast themis swallowedup by the grounditselfand lemon,lime,fig and cherry. Roses and jasmine are in
disgorgedsome100 or so metersoutsidethe oasisnone bloomand fillthe air witha sweet scent. ln the midstof
the worse for wear.Antaeus'powersallowhimto sense the clearingstandsa large,round"table" madeof living
everythingthat happensinsidethe oasis,so there is no woodrooted to the ground.The table's trunk fonns its
wayto sneakinsideshort of teleporting.Sincethe vari- central "leg." Around the table are similar "chairs"
ousfactionshavean interestinstayingonAntaeus'good shapedfrom livingplants.Seated at the table or other-
side, they chooseto respect the boundariesof his new wise at ease around the clearingare Antaeus' other
domain, particularly since he allows representa guests, peoplehe has pennitted to enter the gardento
tives inside. speak with him.Mostof them are novas,and they rep-
The outskirts of the oasis quicklybecomea veri- resent allthe factionsthe charactersdo not
table sea of reporters,Utopiapersonnel,representatives Of particularnote is CountRaoulOrzaiz.He sits at
of corporations,nationalgovernments,environmental or- the table sippingwinehe broughtwith him,engagingin
ganizations,religiousgroupsand variouspeoplejust in- witty banter and pointingout a brightlycolored snake
terested inseeingwhatis happeningandperhapscatch- makingits way alongthe overhangingbranchof an or-
inga glimpseof somenovasin action.The mediaswamps angetree, whilewonderingaloudif Antaeusthoughtcre-
the charactersas soon as they arriveunlessthey keep a atingappletrees forhisgardenwouldhavebeentoo trite.
very lowprofile.They'rebombardedwithquestions:Are Geisha,a memberof TeamTomorrowAsia/Pacific,of-
they workingwith Utopia'?lf not, then who are they fers the characterstea from the serviceshe has set out
workingfor'?Do they knowwhat's goingon'?Are they on the table.The other guestsintroducethemselvesand
goinginsidethe oasisand, if so, what are they planning do whattheycanto learnwhatthe charactersknowabout
to do there'?Andso forth. The media-houndsbark re- the current situation.
lentlesslyuntilthe characters do somethingforcefulto See the DramatisPersonaesectionfor more infor-
get them to back off (whichisn't likelyto improvetheir mationon the guests, and feel free to add or subtract
PR) or they enter the oasis.The tall trees and grasses from the "guest list" as desired. The "Goals" and
part to allowthem entrance, and the noiseand lightsof "Roleplaying"notes for each of the DramatisPersonae
the outsideare quicklyswallowedup ina vast, green and providehints on howto roleplaythem.The characters
silent world. themselvesare consideredrepresentativesof whatever
groupthey are alliedwith.1fthey are independents,then
Tea and Sympathy Antaeuswantsto speak withthemto get the "indepen-
A trail leads the characters through the heavy, dent viewpoint."
tropical foliagetowardthe remainsof the adobe-block Whenthe charactersarriveinthe grove,they have
town, now heavily covered with floweringvines and timeto meet and talkto the variousother peoplethere.
grasses.Characterswhowanderoff the trail are guided Feelfree to havesomeother guestsarriveafter the char-
back towardit by animatedtrees and vines. Characters acters do, and playout the scene for as longas it seems
who commitany acts of violenceagainst the plant or interesting.Thisis an excellentopportunityfor the char-
animallife in the garden are immediatelyejected in the actersto meetup withpeoplethey'dprobablynevermeet
manner describedabove.AssumeAntaeusis powerful on friendlytenns otherwiseandfor moreshelteredchar-
enoughto this withoutmuchchanceof the characterre- acters to experiencea sampleof the diversityof alle-
sisting.Dr.Balmeris, after all,one of the most powerful gianceand opinionthat is the novacommunity.
novasonthe planet, andthe charactersare operatingon TheBaselines
his turf (literally). The guest list also includesat least four baseline
Despitethe burningdesert heat or freezingchillout- characters.Antaeusbelievesa baselinemayhavejust as
side, insidethe oasisis tropicaland pleasantThe ground muchto say to him(if not more) than his fellownovas.
is rich, fertil, and coveredwith soft grasses and wild- Despitetheir variousdifferences,the baselinestend to
flowers.Talltrees tower up all aroundthe characters, huddle together in the gathering, their ordinariness
their leaves fonning a coolinggreen canopy through standingout in dullcontrast to the grace, beauty and
which filters golden sunlight.Creepers and flowering

THEAPOSTASY 71
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
confidence of the novas.
A group of three baselines represent three major Running a LARP
environmentalistgroups: Harry Turnbull(Greenpeace), One interestingoption for playingout the scene in
Maggie Cunningham(Earth First!) and DanRamirez(The the gardenis to run it as a Live-ActionRoleplaying,or
Sierra Club). Turnbull is a tall, bearded bear of a man LARP,event In a LARP,the playerstake the ideaof play-
who's been with Green peace for some 15 years . ing in characterone step nrther andactuallyact out the
Cunnighamis in her early 30s and is by far the most radical actionsof their character,muchlikeimprovisational the-
of the group. She and Turnbullused to date casuallysome atre. Theprimaryrestridions are that no actualcombat
10 years ago, but they haven't really spoken in the past or physicalcontact takesplace cuing a LARPand that
five years. Ramirez is the most conservative of the three. the playersshouldtake care to play 8W"ffrom distrac-
Althoughstill devoted to the ideas of environmentalism, tions or any place where they mightconfuseor disbsb
he believes in worl<ing"within the system." bystanders.If the group has the opportunity,a wooded
The fourth baseline in the garden Marabout Aga, a area outdoorsmakesthe perfectsetting(providedit's not
Nigerois mullahwho came to see the miracle at Djado a busyarea andthe weather cooperates).
for himselfand felt drawn to enter the garden. He is quite In this case, each participant(includingthe Story-
awed by everything he has seen here and is not entirely teller) takesthe role of one of the charactersrepresent-
certain why he is among such strange company. Aga ingthe various factions. Theplayerscan run the charac-
speaks French, Arabic and a few words of English. He is ters describedin the DramatisPersonaesedion, or they
simultaneouslyrelieved to find someone to talk to and can create theirown. Ratherthanal beingpart of the same
nervous about talkingto novas, Allah'schosen. lt is en- group, the characters ffl"f represent different factions,
tirely too close to talking to an angel for his comfort. each withtheir own agendas.TheStorytellershouldtake
AntaeusAppears the .-or.of Antaeusand serve as an invisible..referee" at
Allowthe characters to mingleand interact with the the start of the storybeforeputtingin an appearaiicelater
other guests for as long as things seem interesting. Give on.Theplayerscan mingleandtal( witheachother freely,
the characters plenty of chances to talk with different tryingto findout informationor makesecretalliances.
people and find out a little something about them and TheStorytelleradjudicatesInf useof nova abilities,
their views. This is a prime opportunity for the charac- usingthe traits of the involvedcharacters as a guideline.
ters to learn about the different factions of the Keepin mindthat Araeus'pu verditasforbidsfighting
Aberrant world. or usingnovapowerson others withinthe garden,andhe
enforcesit byejectingthe offenderfromthe garden(and
Charmed, I'm Sure •••• the game).Thisshouldkeep the amoootof gamemechan-
This entire scene is packedwith novas with social ics requiredto an absolutemininwn.
Mega-Attributes,oozingchann out of tNery pore. If the Forfu-therinformation aboutstagingandruming
characters aren't social powerhousesthemselves,there LARP events,including moredetailed rulesandgamesys-
exists a temptationto haYepeoplelike Geishaor Count tems,consultthe Mind'sEye11-tre seriesof LARP
Orzaizride roughshodOYer them. Beforethe characters gamesfromWhiteWolf.
knowit, they'veagreed to do just aboutanythingfor their
new ..friend,"up to andincludingbetrayingtheir organi- When things are coolingdown (or lookinglikethey
zationand their principles. might get out of control) Antaeus puts in his appear-
It's importantto resist this temptation.Thestory is ance, rising up from the ground to one side of the table.
about the characters makingdecisions,not beinghood- He apologizes for being late, saying only that "other
winkedor taken in. It's possibleone of the other novas matters" required his attention. He asks the gathered
mightby to swaythe charactersCNer to theirsideof things. guests to please seat themselves at the table and waits
In this case, you shouldroleplaythe encounterandsug- for them to do so before sitting himself.
gest howthe charactersfeelaboutthings("Onaiz is mak- "Welcome to my humble abode," Antaeus says.
inga lot of sense"), but let the playerschoosefor them- "You've all come here because you have something to
selws. If need be, allowcharactersto spenda Wilpower sa-yto me, whether you know it or not. 1 am willingto
point to ..shake off" the effects of another character's hear you out, but 1 must insist on certain requirements.
Mega-Attributes andthinkclearfy. First, this garden is a place of peace, pax verditas, or
On the other hand, feel free to showoff the novas 'green peace,' if you'll pardon the pun. 1willnot tolerate
usingtheir abilitiesto push aromd the baselinesin the any conflict here. Whatever your problems may be out-
~. evenLnntentionaly. Tryas theyff191t,the baselines side this place, here you willkeep the peace, or you will
are simplyno matchfor a Mega-Sociall10YII. They11find answer to me.
themselves agreeing with Geisha, Orzaiz or Sophia "Secondly, 1 willspeak with each of you individu-
Rousseau(eYenone after the other) despite their best ally. Youare welcometo remain here and enjoy the gar-
efforts, at least untilAntaeusshowsup. den while you wait. You may enjoy the fruits available

72 THE APOSTASY
here, but I ask that you not harmany of the plantsand
convincinghimof corruptionwithinUtopia,to return to
animals.I willknowif you do, and I willtake action to
the Utopianfoldor to support TheNullManifesto.This
protect this place. is especiallylikelyif the charactersare independents.
"Lastly,I wouldliketo say that I regret the unfor- Peoplemayissueveiledthreats and promisesto get the
tunate circumstancesthat led to mybreak withProject charactersto cooperate.
Utopia,but I feel there is no other choice.Utopiare- • Someonetriesto provokethe charactersintovio-
quiredthe accelerationof the project to terraformthis lencein order to get them expelledfromAntaeus'gar-
land,againstmyadvice.Fortoo long,I haveignoredthe den and out of the way. The charactershaveto control
larger implicationsof Utopia'sactions in order to con- their tempersand engageina battle of wordsand ideas,
tinue with my work I can ignorethem no longer,but I not fists and quantumpowers.
require informationin order to makea choice.That is • One of the baselines(MaggieCunningham is a
whyyouare here, to givemethe differentpointsof view goodchoice)rails againstthe novasfor their behavior.
necessaryto makean informeddecision." This is either becausethey wantto swayAntaeusaway
Antaeusrises fromthe tablelikea king."I willsend fromwhat he shouldbe doing(at least in the baseline's
for each of you in tum," he says. Then, he sinks back opinion)or becauseof the waythe novasusetheir abili-
intothe groundand disappears. ties ("Youhavethe powerto savethe worldandwhatdo
Agendas and Events you use it for'?To makeyourselfrich'?").Severalof the
What happenswhen the characters are calledto novaspresent (particularlyCountOrzaiz)do not care to
speak with Antaeusand what happenswhilethey wait be taken to task by a baselinenobodyin front of their
are largelyup to the demandsof the situationand the peers.Theymaythreatenorintimidatethebaselineintoback-
actions of the characters.Some possibilitiesare given ingdown.
here, but they are by no meansthe onlyones.Feelfree • Someonetries to seduceone of the characters.
to improvisesome additionalsituationsor to adapt the This could be a legitimateromanticinterest or a coldly
story to fit your owngroupand series. motivatedplayfor influenceover the character.It gets
Some possibleevents that can happen whilethe evenmoreinterestingwhenthe advancescomefromone
charactersare waitinginclude: of the baselinesin the group.
• Differentpeopletry to get the charactersto sup- • Oneof the guests(mostlikelyRousseauor Orzaiz)
port whateverpitchthey wantto maketo Antaeus,be it bringsup the fate of Harmattanandwondersaloudwhat

THEAPOSTASY 73
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
becameof him.Sincethe characterswere directlyin- • Antaeuswillnot committo a positionat thistime.
volved,they have a chance to tell everyonethe truth, If the charactersoffer a wonderfullypersuasiveargu-
but whateverthey say is carefullynoted by all present, ment, they win Antaeus' respect (and possiblyeven
particularlyGeisha.A good time to discussthe matter friendship),buthe'sverygun-shyaboutjoininganycause
maybe whilethey're awaytalkingto Antaeus.Thiscould after hisbreakwithUtopia,andhe feelsthe needto take
leadto further discussionof whatthe Aberrantsandthe chargeof his owndestiny.If the charactersare already
TeragenknowaboutProject Proteus. doingthis,he tellsthemhe admiresthemfor it. lf they're
• The stress of the wholesituation,coupledwith not, he tellsthemthat perhapsthey shouldconsiderwho
the presence of so many novas, causes one of the is reallyin chargeof their lives.
baselinesto erupt, becominga nova(Agais an interest-
ing choicefor this).The eruptionmaybe a violentone, Wrap-Up
forcingthe novasto worktogetherto "midwife"the new Whenallis saidanddoneand Antaeushasfinished
novasafely.Then,of course,there isthe questionof what speakingwith all his guests, he appears to them once
this newnovawilldo withhis or her abilities,withrep- againin the "green room"wherethey'vebeen waiting.
resentativesof allthe majorfactionsthere, hopingfor a "Thankyou all,"he says."I appreciatethe thoughtsand
new recruit. This option is also good for introducinga ideas you have shared with me, and 1 have come to a
newcharacterintothe playergroup. decision. Mydreamhas alwaysbeen to makethe deso-
Talking With Antaeus late placesof the worldgreenandto savethe Earthfrom
the greed andshort-sightednessof humanity.We novas
The charactersshouldbe summonedto speakwith
are givena great gift, the powerto makeour dreamsa
Antaeussomewherein the middleof the other guests,
reality, and a great responsibility,to make sure our
givingthem a chanceto mingleand talk before and af-
dreamsare worthyones- that we do not fallvictimto
terward.Antaeuscauseshis face to appear on a nearby
the sameshort-sightednessthat ledto the poisoningand
tree or on the groundto summoneach person, telling
devastationof our world.
themto followthe soundof hisvoicethroughthe forest.
"1havechosennot to return to Project Utopiabut
Anyonenot summonedwho tries to followalongfinds
to remainin the utopiaof myowncreation.I willfollow
the wayblockedby tree limbsand foliage.
my dreamand workto bringlife and hope back to this
The trail leads deep into the heart of the forest
land,safelyand in the fullnessof time.I hope that my
oasis,amongstthe ruinsof the buildingsof Djado.There
goalsandyoursand those of Utopiacan coincidein the
Antaeuswaits, standingas patientlyas the trees sur-
future.Farewell."
roundinghim.Hewelcomesthe charactersandasksthem
Withthat, Antaeussinksintothe groundand dis-
if they wouldlikeanyfurther refreshment.Thenhe says
appears.The charactersare welcometo stay inthe gar-·
"So,whatdoyouthinkof mylittlegardenhere'?"byway
den for as longas they like(so longas they continueto
of openingthingsup for the charactersto talk.
respect Antaeus'wishes),but the others quicklybegin
Let the characterstake the lead in the conversa-
to break up and depart, makingtheir ownfarewells.The
tion.Antaeuswantsto hear what they haveto say. He's
charactersstep out of the shelterof the foliageandback
particularlyinterestedin their opinionsregardingUto-
into a mobof mediacameras,microphonesand people
pia, TheNullManifesto,OperationGenesisandwhatthey
shoutingquestionsat them.They alsohaveto dealwith
see as the duties and responsibilitiesof novas(if any).
the consequencesof any of their actionsin the garden,
What are they doingwith their powers, and why'?Do
includinganydealstheymighthavemadewith theother~.
they feel fulfilledby it'?Try gettingthe playersto ar-
Notlongthereafter,ProjectUtopiaannouncesthat
ticulatewhattheir charactersbelieveand thinkand feel
Antaeushastaken"an extendedleaveof absence"from
incharacter.HaveAntaeusplaydevil'sadvocateandpoint
the organizationin order to personallysuperviseOp-
out flawsin their reasoning,makingthem defendtheir
erationGenesis,whichwillprogressat a slowerrate "to
positions.
ensure the safety and prosperityof the Sahararegion
WhileplayingAntaeusin this scene, keep in mind
and allits people."
the followingthings:
• Antaeusis Mega-lntelligent,one of the smartest
novason the planet. lt shouldbe very difficultfor the
charactersto trip himup, at leastwhenit comesto things
Dramatis
likefactsandlogic,andnobodyknowsmorethan he does
aboutecologyor terraforming.
Personae
• Antaeusis not hostileor opposedto the charac- Mostof the charactersin the sectionare not given
ters. He wants direct, honest answersto his questions. gamestatistics,sincethe characterswillonlyencounter
ln manyw.rys,Antaeusis searchingfor peers to speak themunderthe aegisof Antaeus'pax verditas.General
their mindsto him. informationis providedregardingtheir abilities.

74 THE APOSTASY
 0 o

ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

Mashala 11 Harmattan" Brawl2, Endtrance5, Etiquette1,Rapport1,Resistance

3,
Stealth 2, 5tDterfuge
2, Streetwise (desert)4
1,Survival
Kader Backgrounds: Node4
Quantum5, QuantumPool 30, Willpower5, Taint 6
(ParanoidPsychosis)
Mega-Attributes: Mega-Stamina• • • • • (Adaptabil-
ity,Hardbody,Resiliency),
Mega-Wits• • (Multitasking)
QuantumPowers:ElementalMastery (Sand) • • • •
(Crush,LethalBlast,Propel,Storm)
Spencer II Antaeus" Balmer
Background:
SpencerBalmerwas born and raised
in the Englishindustrialcity of Manchester,one of sev-
eral childrenin his family.Hespent time in hisyounger
daysat universityandaRerwardas a memberof a num-
ber of ecologicalpreservationgroups, includingsome
withparticularlyradicalpolitics.Hehelpedfightagainst
whathe sawas the slowand sure destructionof the en-
vironmentby uncaringgovernmentsand corporations.
Balmer'seruptiontransformedhis viewson eco-
activism.Endowedwith vast intelligenceand empathy
for the livingecosphere,he suddenlyfoundhimselfwith
the power to stop protestingabout the destructionof
the environmentand actuallydo somethingto preventit
Background: MashalaKaderwasbornandraisedin and evenreversethe damage. HejoinedProject Utopia
Niger,wherehisfather ran a smallbusinesstransporting underthe name"Antaeus,"aRer the giantin Greekmy-
and sellingsalt, usingcamelslikehisancestorshaddone thologywhodrewhis strengthfromthe Earth.He mas-
for centuries.For most of his life, Kaderknewlittle of termindedUtopia'secologicalinitiatives,projects that
the outsideworld,exceptwhathe heardon the radioor repairedthe ozonelayer,cleanedup Earth'soceansand
read in magazines . That changeddramaticallywhen he scrubbedthe atmosphere.Hiscrowningachievementwas
erupted duringa violentsandstorm,gainingpowerover the terraformingof Ethiopia,turninga barrenwasteland
the windandsand.Heimmediately wentto AddisAbaba intoa new Gardenof Eden.
and appliedto Project Utopia,wherehe receivedtrain- Morerecently,Antaeushasdevelopeddoubtsabout
ing in controllingand usinghisabilities.Kaderbaskedin Utopia.Althoughit has done goodwork,he's seen the
the adulationof the people back home,proud to have organizationhejoinedbecomemiredinscandalandpoli-
their own nova hero, and lookedforwardto using his tics. Utopia'saccelerationof OperationGenesiswasthe
abilitiesto makea name for himself.He appliedto be finalstraw that pushedhimto seriouslyconsidersome-
assignedto OperationGenesisandwasquiteproudwhen thing he'd been thinkingabout for a while:With all his
Utopiachose him.Unfortunately,Kader's devotionto abilities,does he reallyneedUtopiain order to save the
learningto harness his powers drove himtoo far. He's environment'?
acquireda considerablelevelof Taint,whichhas driven Abilities:
Antaeusis one of the world'smost pow-
himover the edge into madness. erfulnovas.Hisabilitiesare primarilybasedarounda deep
Description: An eager and earnest youngman of connection with the livingEarth: soil, plants, entire
Tuareg(MiddleEastern)descent.Hisslenderframebe- ecospheres.Antaeus' own body appears made out of
lieshisamazingendurance.Healwayswearsthe distinc- earth and livingplants.He can control plants, making
tive indigo-dyedturbanof hisTuaregheritage. them grow rapidlyand animatingthem. He can travel
Roleplaying Hints:Completely paranoid,yousee en- throughthe earth alonga networkof plantroots, and he
emies in every shadow.You'verealizedthat novasare can sense thingsthroughhis connectionto the natural
speciallygiRedby Allahbut that agents of Shaitanare world.Antaeusalsohas a vast intelligence,especiallyin
everywhere,seekingto huntyou downand killyou, like the area of ecology,and a deep intuitiveunderstanding
they did Sliderand other novas.Trust no one. of the intricaciesof any ecosystem.
Nature:Architect Description: A giant figure made up of earth and
Allegiance: Project Utopia vegetation,with gray hair and a fullbeard, green skin
Atbibutes: Strength3, Dexterity3, Stamina4, Percep- shot through with root-likeveins and black eyes with
tion 4, Intelligence2, Wits3, Appearance3, Manipula- green pupils. Antaeuswears little,if any,clothing.
tion 2, Charisma3 Goals:Antaeus'current goalsare to slowUtopia's
Abilities:Arts (calligraphy)1,Athletics3, Awareness2, terraformingoperationin the Saharato a pace he feels

0 THE APOSTASY 75
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
is safe and to determinehis next course of action re- Description:A slightJapanesewomanof delicate
gardinghisrelationswithUtopiaandother organizations and surpassingbeauty,dressed in the traditionalrobes
in the world.Hisoverridinggoalis to use his abilitiesto of a geisha.She moveswith the grace of a willow,and
protect and improvethe health and well-beingof the her slightestsmileseemsto lightup a room.
naturalworld.Hehas littleinterest inpersonalpoweror Goals:lchikobelievesstronglyinUtopia'sgoalsand
aggrandizement.He prefers to achievehis goalsusing the duty of allnovasto use their abilitiesfor the better-
non-violentmeans. ment of humanity.She respects Antaeusand considers
Roleplaying Hints:You'rea remarkablyintelligent himan honorableman,even if she doesn't claimto un-
and reasonableman and very patient. Youunderstand derstand him. She's certainthere mustbe somemisun-
that everyoneisn't necessarilyup to your levelof com- derstandingbetweenAntaeusand Utopiathat she can
prehension,and whilethat can be frustrating,you also smoothover.She looksout for Utopia'sinterests above
acknowledgethat everyonedoes havea uniquepointof allelse,sincewhat'sgoodfor Utopiaisgoodfor the world,
viewto offer.Youalwayslistencarefullybeforerespond- in her opinion.
ingand consideryourwordsbeforeyouspeak.Youradi- RoleplayingHints:Honorand proper behaviorare
ate a feelingof peaceandserenity,althoughtingedsome- all-importantto you.Youdislikenovaswithno sense of
whatwithfrustrationfromyour recent problems. responsibility. Youconsider the Aberrants and the
Teragenlittle more than criminals,althoughyou're far
lchiko 11 Geisha" lko too graciousand diplomaticto ever let your true feel-
ingsshow.Maintainyour goodmannersno matter what
happens.
Count Raoul Orxaix
Background: The scion of a noble family,Raoul
Orzaizis perhapsthe mostcharmingand pleasantmem-
ber of the Teragen.He is a memberof the international
jet set, seen inallthe finestplacesinEuropeand around
the world, particularly the Amp Room in Ibiza.The
Count'shighprofileand considerablecharmshavethus
far protectedhim,despitehisvery publicsupportof The
NullManifesto . Opponentsof the Teragenbelieveelimi-
natingOrzaizwoulddo nothingbut create a popularmar-
tyr for the Teragencause, somethingthey're not cur-
rentlywillingto risk.
Formoreinformationon CountOrzaiz,see the Ab-
errantStorytellersScreen.
Abilities: Orzaizis, accordingto hisownwords,"an
accomplished athleteof [his]species",havingsomemea-
sure of all three physicalMega-Attributes.His most
prominentabilitieshowever,are his social Mega-At-
Background: lchikowas born and raised in Japan. tributes,particularlyhisMega-Manipulation. Healsohas
Shewasan idealchildand took trainingas a geishawhile a highdegree of Premonition,contributingto hisunflap-
stilla younggirl. She was quitesuccessfulin her workas pable nature. He alwaysseemsto knowwhat's goingto
an entertainer,but unfortunately,she overheardsome happennext.
things she shouldnot have about the Yakuza'sNakato Description: A handsome,dashingmanwitha touch
gumi.WhenYakuzasoldierscameto her hometo killher, of roguishness,Orzaizhas a bald (shaven)head and a
she erupted. She quietlyconvincedthe Yakuzato leave neatly trimmedmustacheand goatee. He's alwaysim-
her unharmed.She immediatelyappliedto Project Uto- peccablydressed, usuallyin a stylishsuit and tie, and
pia and left Japan (and the Nakato gumi)behind.She appears at ease in every situation.
wantedto join TeamTomorrow,and Utopia(likeevery- Goals:To Orzaiz,the fad that novasare superior
oneelse)hasa hardtimerefusing lchN>whatever shewants. to baselinesandshouldn'tbe governedor limitedby them
For more informationon Geisha, see Aberrant: is just that, a clear and obviousfact. He wants to show
ProjectUtopia. Antaeusthat samefad andhopesthis breakwithUtopia
Abilities:Geishahas considerableMega-Charis- is a signthat Antaeushas finallywokenup to whatUto-
maticand Mega-Manipulative abilities,alongwith Em- pia reallyis - a collectionof baselineswhothinkthey
pathic Manipulationand a few other Mega-Attributes. knowwhat'sbest for the worldand for novas.1fhe can-
She's one of the mostpersuasive,convincingand likable not swayAntaeusto the Teragencause,he hopesto at
people in the entire world. least find out what his intentionsare, and whether or

76 THEAPOSTASY
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
not they run counterto those of himand his associates. port for the Aberrantmovementat someof the highest
RoleplayingHints:Exudecharmand poiseFromev- levelsof Utopia. At the very least, Rousseauhopes to
ery pore. You'recongenialtoward others, whilesubtly gain Antaeus' support, whichmightswingother novas
manipulatingthem and pumpingthem for any informa- over to the Aberrants.The mysteriousRousseauplays
tion they mighthaveaboutthe current situation. Youdo her cards very close to her chest in this story. She's
your best to disabuseothers of any notionsthey might charmingand pleasantbut not very forthcomingabout
haveof Terats as "terrorists" or" criminals."("Baseline herselfor her plans.lFthe charactersare not Aberrants,
terms, entirelymeaninglessto us.") Rousseaumay try convincingthem of the conspiracy
withinProject Utopia.After what happenedto Harmat-
Sophia Rousseau tan, and after hearingAntaeus'reasons for leavingthe
Project, the charactersmightevenbelieveher.
Roleplaying Hints:You'recharming,pleasant and
insightful.Youdo your best to buildbridges between
people, particularlywhenit comesto unitingnovasand
alertingthemto the dangergrowinginsideProjectUto-
pia. You'repassionateabout your cause, but you don't
allowthat passionto cloudyour judgment. Youenjoy
playingthe role of "mysterywoman"and do your best
to intrigueothers withoutshowingyour hand.
lllyana 11 Pravda" Zorovich

Background: The co-founder and leader of the

Aberrants, precious little can be said for sure about
SophiaRousseau.She'sa powerfuland influential woman,
a formidablepresence.She seemsto knoweveryonein
the novacommunity,and manypeopleseemto knowher
as well,althoughsomecan'tseemto recallwhereor when
they met her for the Firsttime.She movesamongvari-
ous socialcircleswith ease and grace. OFlate, Madame
Rousseauhas spent muchof her time workingwith the
Aberrantsto exposethe conspiracywithinProjectUtopia.
For more informationabout SophiaRousseau, see
Expose:
Aberrants. Background: Born in Russiabefore the fall of the
Abilities:Likeher background,SophiaRousseau's Soviet Union,
lllyanaZorovichlivedwith her Familyon
fullabilitiesremaina mystery.Sheclearlypossessessome one of the country'smanycollectiveFarms,scratching
socialMega-Attributesandsomeenergyprojectionabili- out a meagerexistenceand livingon governmentsubsi-
ties (whichshe used to literallyvaporizean Australian dies. Zorovichlivedthrough the Fallof the communist
)01-/f Fighterwho had the temerity to assaulther). She governmentand the eventualrise of the RussianCon-
also exhibits a kind of "psychicstatic" that makes it federation. She workedas a schoolteacherbefore her
impossible fortelepathstosensehertruethoughtsor Feelings.M-Rnodeeruptedwhileshe wasengagedina Fiercear-
Description:A handsome, elegant woman with gumentwith her Father,allowingher to read his mind
short, auburnhair and somewhatsharp Features,usually and learn about some of the things he'd been through
dressed in a style and mannerperfect for the situation, First-hand.
with just enoughof the eccentric about her to set her Zorovichimmediatelycameto the attentionof the
apart Fromthe crowd. Russiangovernmentand the Directive.She workedas a
Goals:To Rousseauand the Aberrants, Antaeus' Directiveagent briefly,usingthe name"Pravda"(Rus-
defectionis a goldenopportunitythat mightindicatesup- sian for "truth"). Then, she realizedshe couldearn Far

THE APOSTASY 77
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
greater rewardswith her abilitiesand left to becomea Background: MoniqueArrenswasborn in Vietnam
free agent. She came to work for the DeVriesAgency of a FrenchFatherand a Vietnamesemother. She was
just overtwoyears agoandhasbecomeoneoftheirmost raised in Europeand took advantageof her opportuni-
skilledrecruiters and trainers of novas.She movedher ties. One of them was the opportunityto modelForan
Familyout of Russia to a home in Finlandand visits importantFashionagency.Shebecamean overnightsen-
them regularly. sation,plasteredacrossmagazines,billboardsandvideo
Abilities:lllyanaZorovichisa powerfultelepathwith screens aroundthe world.Arrens earned a degree in
the abilityto controlthe mindsof others.ShehasMega- business managementand started her own modeling
Perception (with the QuantumAttunementenhance- agency.Shealsoindulgedina numberof dangeroushob-
ment), Mega-Wits(withthe NaturalEmpathenhance- bies, includingskydiving.She erupted when her para-
ment)andMega-Charisma . Shedislikesusingher Domi- chuteFailedto operateone day,controllingthe windsto
nationabilityunlessabsolutelynecessaryto protecther- slowher Fallandallowher to fly. Sheimmediatelysought
self or others. to capitalizeon the profit potentialof her abilitiesand
Description: Anattractivewomanin her early30s, accepted a job to workfor NoveltyConsultingin Hong
withblackhair in a short, businesslikecut and ice-blue Kong.She's been one of the company'sstar coordina-
eyesthat seemto penetratedeeply.Shehasa slightRus- tors and recruiterssincethen.
sian accent but speaks English(and severalother lan- Abilities:
Arrenshasthe abilityto controlandcom-
guages)fluently. mandthe wind(ElementalAnima),coupledwith a For-
Goals:Acquiringthe servicesof a novalikeAntaeus midablepersonality(Mega-Manipulation) anda keenin-
wouldbe an amazingcoupfor DeVries.Zorovich'sjob is tellect(Mega-Intelligence).HerMega-Witsallowher to
to convinceAntaeusthat DeVriesoffershimthe best of thinkquicklyon her Feetand react to changingcircum-
both worlds:the support and resourcesof an organiza- stances,and she's a skilledbusinesswoman.
tion coupledwith the freedomto choosehis work and Description:A strikingEurasianwomanwithshoul-
his employers.This is the solutionthat workedfor her, der-lengthblackhairand greeneyes (a cosmeticalter-
and she sincerelythinksit shouldworkfor other novas ation, her real eye-coloris brown),she Favorsflowing
as well.IFshe can't talk Antaeusinto an exclusivecon- clothesof green,blueandviolet,whichshe can stir and
tract withDeVries,Zorovichat least hopesto get himto flutterwitha carefullytimedbreezeFordramaticeffect.
agree to considerworkingForthe agencyon a freelance Goals:AlthoughArrensmightappear to be some-
basisFromtimeto time. thingof an "airhead"(literally),she'sactuallyquitesharp
Roleplaying Hints: Youtend to lookbeyondthe sur- whenit comesto businessmattersand an able negotia-
face of people'sactionsandappearanceto see their real tor, or elseAmandaWuwouldneverhaveentrustedher
motives,thoughtsand Feelings . Youthinknovasare en- withso delicatea mission.LikeDeVries,Noveltywould
titled to use their abilitiesto makea livinghoweverthey loveto haveAntaeuson the payroll,evenmoreso since
please,rather than workingas politicalpawnsfor orga- Noveltyhasmoreof a reputationas a scientificandtech-
nizationslikethe Directiveor Utopia.Peopleyou can't nical consulting Firm (something she'll play up to
read (likeSophiaRousseau)makeyou uncomfortable. Antaeus).Zephyris more than willingto chat with the
charactersand mayevenhit themup if she thinksthey
Monique 11 Zephyr" Arrens havetalentsthat mightbe usefulto Novelty.
---. Roleplaying Hints:Youuse every abilityand op-
portunityto your advantage.Youprefer it whenyour
opponentsunderestimateyou because it givesyou an
edge. Youcan put asideyour ego if that helpsto get you
wantyouwant.Youalsolovea challenge,andyou livefor
the danger and excitementof beinga nova.You'real-
wayswillingto try newthings.
Cernunnos
Background: Little is knowabout the early life of
the man who callshimselfCemunnos,after an ancient
Celtictribalgod.Hisaccentsuggestshe's fromthe Brit-
ishIsles,andhe spendsmuchof histimethere. Cemnunos
is the leader of a neo-pagannature cult in England.He
claimsto be an avatar, a livingmanifestationof the
HornedGodof the woods.The Circleof the HomedGod
is Famous(or infamous)Forits devotionto ecology,be-
liefin magicand supportof personalFreedoms,includ-
ingthe cult'sregularritualsconducted"sky-clad"(inthe
nude).Rumorsof moonlitorgies and opportunitiesFor

78 THE APOSTASY
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Project Utopiaconsidersher and Greenwara "lowpn-
ority" problemin comparisonto groupslikethe Teragen
and the Aberrants,so there's been little direct conflict
betweenthem (so far).

\\,
)
. _, )
~)
""
/ ~J,
I

worshipers to "join" with the Horned God abound.

Cemnunosmerelysmileswhen they're broughtup and
suggeststhe questionersmightwant to attend a ritual.
"They're quite,_liberating,"he says. .. . .
Abilities: Cernunnoshas numberof novaab1htiesm Abilities:
Faunahasthe abilityto communicatewith
keepingwith his role as an avatar of the HornedGod, animalsand is a powerfulshapeshifter.She can onlyas-
includingMega-Strength,Mega-Stamina,Mega-Cha- sume animal forms and characteristics using her
rismaand AnimalMastery.
shapeshiftingability,but she can tum into almost any
Description: Cemunnosisa tall,powerfully builtman sort of animaland gainits variousabilities. ·
wearinga long,hoodedgreen cloakoverwhat lookslike Description: Fauna'strue appearance is that of a
a RenaissanceFairecostume.He has shaggybrownhair
slimCreolewomanwith dark, wavyhair and dark eyes,
and a short beard, alongwith glowinggreen eyes and a
but she usuallyhas at least a few animalcharacteristics
pair of antlerssproutingfrom his forehead.
likefur,feathersinsteadof hair,scalyskin(oftenbrightly
Goals: Cernunnosadmires(even envies) Antaeus' markedor patterned), cat-likeeyes, sharp teeth, claws
bond with the natural world and wants to convince
or a tail.Herformshiftsslightlyinresponseto her mood,
Antaeusthat he is more than mortal, to take up his re- becomingmore animalisticwhenshe gets angry,afraid
sponsibilitiesas manifestationof the divine.Cernunnos or upset. She sometimeswears a brief eufiberbodysuit
sincerelybelieveshe is the avatar of a god and that the that canshiftintoa collaror leg-bandonher animalform,
abilitiesof all novasare magicalin nature.To his mind, but she just as often goes withoutany clothingat all,
the manipulation of quantumforcesis simplya newna~e coveringher nudity with fur or other creations of her
for whatthe ancientpeopleshavealwaysknownas magic. shapeshiftingpowerwhennecessary.
Roleplaying Hints:Youare a god, and you expect Goals: Fauna'snumberone goalis the protectionof
to be treated accordinglybymortals.Youknowthat some the environment.She's devoted her life to saving the
do not believe,and you pity them. Youhave a tremen- naturalworldfrom the short-sightednessand greed of
dous lust for lifeand allthe pleasuresit brings,particu- humanity.She's killedbefore to achieveher goals,and
larlyrunning,feasting,drinkingandlovemaking. Youalso she'll willinglydo so again.She has mixedfeelingsto-
havea deepreverencefor the naturalworldandits cycles. wardAntaeus.Onthe one hand,she is inaweof hisabili-
Shawna 11 Fauna" Mcshane ties andhisrapportwithnatureandof whathe's achieved.
Background: Originallyhailingfrom the New Or- On the other hand, she can't help but see Antaeus as
leansarea, "Fauna"McShaneis one ofthe foundingmem- somethingof a sellout.He compromisedhis once fierce
bers of the nova eco-terrorist group Greenwar.The ecologicalprinciplesto work for Project Utopia.She
group'sstated intentionis "to do whatev~ris necessary hopes his break with UtopiameansAntaeusintendsto
to protect the environmentfrom the nations,~~~pora- take a stronger stance on ecologicalmatters, and she
tionsand individualsthat havedeclaredwaron 1t Fauna wouldlikenothingbetter thanto havehimjoinGreenwar's
is wantedfor chargesresultingfromher activitiesinsev- cause. With Antaeushelpingthem, there wouldbe no
eral nations,includingBrazil,Japan,Franceand Mexico. limitto whatthey couldaccomplish.

THEAPOSTASY 79
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Roleplayi
ngHints:You're fierceandprimalbut witha and allowit to happen. YouadmireAntaais and novaslike
tender and nurturingsidethat surprisesmanypeople. You him, butyou feel that mostnovasaren't doingeverything
feel nothingbutcontemptfor those whorape and poison theycanto helpthe world; mostare too interestedinlining
the Earthand nearlyas muchfor the peoplewhostandby their ownpocketsand findingnew waysto get laid.

80 THE APOSTASY
Gabriel's Final Broadcast
Houston,Texas, March21, 2008
Manyof you callme a nova. Scientiststalk knowinglyof a special
part of mybrain whichgrants me mypowers. 1fthat is so, whycan one
person Ayand shot bolts of fire, whileanother can heal the sick witha
touch? Those you callnovashavebeen touchedby the handof Godand
called to service. Shouldit surprise any of you that the first modem
novasappeared a short time before the millennium ? The last daysare
not here yet, but they willarrive soon. Novasare merelythe first ones
who have beengranted the opportunity to serve in our Lord's army.
We know our Lord as the QuantumUnity. ln the past, others have
calledhimAllah, Jehovahand manyother names, but He is alwaysthe
same, and Hismissionremainsunchanged.
1stand before you today to callyou allto my side.The Quantum
Unity is preparing Fora vast and terrible battle against the forces of
darkness.These forcesare allaroundus. War, greedandcrueltyabound,
and allthat practice these sins serve the EntropicLords of Hell.Even
now, some that have beentouched by the Unity have renounced his
calland use their powers Forgainand petty violence.Cometo me now,
and renounce all wickedness. Walkinto the atomic lightof the Divine
QuantumUnity, and be healed. Work with me to set the stage Forour
mutualascension.
As evidence of His divinegrace, He has given me the power to
heal your worldlyills. However, do not let that distract you from the
greater purpose. Onlythe QuantumUnity can heal your soul and re-
deem your sins. Purge the evil, the doubt and the impureresonances
fromyour bodyandyour soul, and readyyourselfForthe comingbattle.
Proiect Utopia Surveillance Tape
December14, 2009, Boulder
City, Nevada,Broadcast
statement
byGabriel
Melchior
1ask you to look intoyour hearts and renounce the evilthat you
serve. They clothethemselvesin raimentsof splendorand gooddeeds,
but they are murderousvipers who seekto corrupt humanityand keep
us from attainingour apocalypticunitywiththe Godhead. If you do not
know of their evils, listen, and 1willexplain. 1fyou serve them out of
fear, then do not believe that your service willsave you, either from
their tortures or from the eternal damnationyou willsoon Face.
1 was righteous and holy. 1displayedthe gloriouspower of our
Savior to all who wouldsee. The evil ones feared my power and took
me into a foulcaptivity to silencemy message. The twin-headed ser-
pent of Proteus and Triton lockedme in a celland tormented mybody
and my spirit. When 1 refused to recant, they used drugs and dark
magicsto cloudmywilland placed scales over myeyes. Then, they set
me to workon their satanicplan,makinga FalseEdeninthe desert.But
lo, my torments and exertions were not in vain. Whilemy mouthwas
silenced, my soul cried out to the DivineQuantumUnity and in His
time, He answered.Hisholylightbroketheir magicsand purged their
foul drugs from my body. His willset me free to go and proclaimthe
evil amidst us. Renounceyour dark masters1Join me in my holy light
and be free!
81
 Knowalsothat 1am not the onlyone they heldintormentand captivity. ln their brazencitadelinthe desert, there are others
whosesoulscried out to me duringmy captivity. 1alsoheard the darkramblingsof the demonswhoran their cursed castle. The
evilones plan to enslaveallof the chosenone. They fear Hisholymarkand the miraclesHispower brings. Theyuseddrugs to
sickenthe bodiesand soulsof allwhothey captured. Allwhospeak againstthem are silencedor slain.
They killedyoungJennifer, and now, they surroundmy Rockand me. 1can see your heart, you are not a demon. Tum your
back on evilbefore it is too late. Helpme showthe worldthe true face these serpents wear. lf you are fullof fear andyour faith is
weak,let me helpyou and guideyou. Let me broadcast my messageto allthe peoplesof the Earth, to warn them of this danger.
The finalbattle betweenGogand Magogapproaches. lf youdo not chooseyour side,youmaybe forced intoservingthe EvilOne.
Knowalsothat if you do knowinglychooseevilover good there shallbe a reckoningbeyondallmeasure. lf any seekto harm
meor myflockor to take us intocaptivityagain, 1willbringthe apocalypse!Allwhoholdevilin their hearts willsickenand die. The
riverswillrun red withtheir blood,and the air willreek withthe stenchof their corrupt and rottingResh. The servants of evilwill
be cast downintothe fiery pit, and their minionswillbe cleansedfromthe Earth. Opposeme, and you willfallinthe comingbattle.

byMariaJimenezto SelectedAberrants
Distributed
Our associates inside Project Utopia report that not only is GabrielMelchioralive, he has been held in captivity
for almost a year, and has recently escaped. Data is scanty, but it looks likehe was being used, presumablyagainst his
will, to aid Operation Genesis. Utopiahas sicced the dogs on him, and he's gone to ground in his church's headquarters
near BoulderCity,Nevada. This message is goingout to everyone who mighthaveaccess to the situation. ln addition to
rescuing this man from what sounds a whole lot likeslavery, we need his info. He may know a great deal about what's
goingon in Utopia'sback rooms. He's already claimedthat Utopiawas responsiblefor Slider's death and has mentioned
Proteus. We don't know how he obtained any of this, but he may have some seriouslydeep info. However, the reports
we have intercepted make it sound likehis ordeal mayhave left himunbalancedand that he is even more powerfulthan
when he vanished. Utopia's people sound majorlyscared, and so does he. If he's pushed too far, we may have some sort
of Jonestownon our hands, or Proteus maysimplytry to makeit looklikea Jonestown. Either way, we need to get in and
get himto someplacesafe.

The current buzz at Utopia is that Mekhior's a dangerous madmanand that if he's not stopped he'llunleashsome
sort of deadly plague. The scariest thing about this story is that it mightjust be true. Givenwhat we know of some of
Proteus' activities, they may wellhave driven this guy right over the edge. He was already into all sorts of apocalyptic
crap before they nabbed him,and a year at their tender mercies likelyhasn't made himany calmer or more stable. Our
best guess is that Proteus willlikelytry to cap himASAP.They're not going to want word one about this mess to leak
out. Since we already knowabout it, I'm betting they'lltry to clean this wholemess up and not leaveany witnesses. Not
onlydo we need to get this guy awayfrom them, we also need to makesure that he doesn't start the next BlackDeath.
Of course, the whole plague scare couldjust be a smoke screen by Utopia, but everyone who manages to get on-site
shouldact as if it's true untilthey have proof that this threat is a fabrication. Rememberthat GabrielMekhior is one of
the most powerful, if not the most powerful, biomanipon record. We have no idea what his fullcapabilitiescould be.

82
 Welcome
toOpnet
Excerpts
fromtheEncrypted
Teragen
OpOet
list
From: [email protected]
To: <list address autodeleted>
Subject: Free the Slaves
Well , isn't this a lovely little nightmare we seem to be having. The Bogarts just brought
us concrete proof that Gabriel Melchior did not self-destruct last May. Instead Utopia kid-
napped him - kidnapped him - and was holding him captive for the past year. It sounds
like the Project was afraid of just how powerful he was becoming. I can't say I'm the slight-
est bit surprised. Well boys and girls , Gabe flew the coop over to the States and is currently
surrounded by a whole mess of Utopia minions and a bunch of baseline government thugs
in Nevada of all the God-forsaken places . If they 're that afraid of this gentleman , then we
want him too. Either he knows a whole lot of juicy dirt , or he's tougher than we previously
thought. Either way, if we can get in and recruit him, we may have someone really special.
Utopia talks endlessly about responsibility, trust and respecting the rights of zips . How
about the rights of novas? Gabriel Melchior, a powerful and publicly known nova , was kid-
napped under the noses of his followers and held like a rat in their labs. Who knows what
they did to him? Some baselines call us monsters , and while they may have a point , at least
we don't keep our own as slaves and prisoners for no reason other than fear and greed. We
must bring Gabriel Melchior to safety and show the world that anyone who attempts to
enslave novas will face the consequences for their acts .
Vigilance!

From: [email protected]
To: <list address autodeleted>
Subject: Re: Free The Slaves
All right people , let's get cracking on this one. If baselines can't enslave each other, why
should the One Race be treated differently? While rescuing this poor sap is a high priority,
we also need to find out what sort of prison camp Utopia was keeping him in and who else
it may be holding there . If Utopia manages to kill him before we can get to him, everything
he knows dies with him. The Project is likely to be getting ready to aim the big guns at him
pretty fast. We need to move in, snatch him and head out. Until he is safe , everyone in-
volved should avoid any unnecessary conflicts with Utopia or government forces. In case
anyone is interested , a contact in the US government just spilled that Utopia has told the
feds that The Miracle is planning to unleash some sort of major plague. Let's give this guy
an A for effort, but, I'm not sure I want to be living in The Stand. Hopefully we can talk him
down. He's likely just making threats since he's currently trapped and without allies . Hope-
fully, once we get him calmed down , he'll rethink his plans.
Let me know if you're with me.
Rattler

83
 Welcome
toOpnet

_ HYPERLINK \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Interrupt _\\\\\\\\Interrupt_ Message

:::PARAMETERS:_ HYPERLINK \\\\\\\\\\\\No _\\\\\\No_ Save\\\\\Auto Interrupt ....

Subject: The Miracle (was Free The Slaves)

Synapse here-
I just hacked Triton's database on this hotshot. They weren't kidding about these plagues.
Our man Gabe is one powerful hombre. We really want this sucker ; he could let us trans-
form a nation or maybe even terraform that section of the moon we've been talking about
using . However, right now he's pretty darn peeved . These figures aren't crap . If he wanted
to , he could wipe out as many as a third of all baselines . Now, I know many of you might
think that snuffing all the baselines isn't too bad an idea. Heck, I've thought about it myself .
This isn't the same thing . Most of them would survive . While things would be pretty trashed
for a while , they breed like rats, and they can regroup damn fast when pressed . Take a
moment to think what life would be like if Jane and John Zip just found out that one of us
killed a third of the other zips . They 'd be hunting us through the streets like dogs and hang-
ing us from lampposts . Sure , Mal and all those flashy folks would be too tough to touch.
What about the rest of us? A few bullets don't mean a lot to me, but those of you with real
bodies might find them problematic. If we don't get this guy mellowed out , we're looking at
nova target shooting as the next Olympic sport . Sure, we need to recruit this guy, but we
also need to stop him. He's not likely to trust any of us, so be prepared to grab him and
explain later. Once we're not looking at mass death , we can discuss him joining us. The
lovely and talented Ms. Cabral managed to snag a gun from a Utopia courier who was
delivering it to some Fedgov spooks . It's a dart gun that should make grabbing The Miracle
a whole lot easier. Whoever wants to go get him let me know.

84
 TOPPRIORITY:
FORIM~IATE DIS1RIBl1TION
TOAll. AG.NTS
From: Western FieldDirector AndrewJ.Southwick
To: Allagents
Re:Code IndigoEmergencyNear BoulderCity,Nevada
As our sources suspected, Gabriel Melchior (see attached datafile) is still alive. Current reports indicate that
Triton Foundationdoctors took him into voluntarymedicalcustody approximatelyone year ago. He escaped 40 hours
ago and is now insidethe headquarters of the Churchof the ImmanentEscheaton,five kilometersoutside BoulderCity,
Nevada. Utopiaofficialscontacted the President about this probleman hour ago. They clearlybelieve this situation is
extremely serious. Whilewe have not been able to fullyconfirmthe veracity of their reports, they claimthat Melchior
is dangerously insane and that his powers of biologicalmanipulationhave expanded to the point that his threats to
loose a deadly plague should be taken every seriously. Their lethalityestimate has a US minimumof 10 percent and a
worldwideminimumof 5 percent, if the problemis not contained. The high-end figures are muchworse.This situation
is now our highest priority. Allavailableagents are to be to assigned to the problem.
Project Utopiais providingour agents with an experimentalweaponswhichit claimswillsafelyand rapidlyrender
Gabrielunconscious.We have not had time to review this technology, but Utopiaseems certain it willwork. Use it at
your own discretion. The Utopia coordinator is talking about capturing Melchior. Everyone on-site is instructed to
disregard these instructions. Melchioris to be neutralizedby any means necessary. Nuclearoptions are being seriously
considered; that shouldtell you somethingabout the severity of the situation. A solutionwhichdoes not pit us directly
against Utopia is preferable, but eliminatingMelchioris currently our highest priority. Any degree of local collateral
damage or diplomatic upset is acceptable as long as this objective is accomplished. General Alain Weston will be
coordinatingthe operation. He has complete authority over the situation.Anyonewith further knowledgeof the situ-
ation shouldcontact him immediately.

BeginProteuscom1TU1ique dotble-encryptedwithNavaho Daedalus 3

At 11:3<7 P.M.on December 12, GabrielMelchior,a dangerouslyunstable nova with Alpha-range biomanipulationpow-
ers and Beta-range mindcontrol powers escaped from the AlgerianBranch of OG International, located seven kilometers
outside Tamanrasset.Our preliminaryreports indicate that his continuingmutationand his radicallyincreasingpower level
allowedhimto overcome the drugs used to render himtractable. Two operatives were killedduring his escape, and a third
operative is hospitalizedin critical condition. FromAlgeria, he traveled by unknownmeans to Nigeriaand boarded a flightto
Puerto Rico. Once there, he flew to Las Vegas. Initial evidence indicates that he used his powers of mental control to
facilitate his journey. Once in Las Vegas, he traveled by car to the headquarters of the Churchof the ImmanentEscheaton
headquarters near BoulderCity,Nevada. He left a trail of sick and dyingindividuals- people dyingof exotic infectionslike
kuru and cholera - all over Europe and North America. Byback tracking the victim's courses, we were able to determine
his destination. Not that it wouldhave been muchof a challengeanyway. GabrielMelchioris the leader of this church and has
undoubtedlyfound sanctuary among its members.
Initialcommunicationwith himindicatedthat he is lost in the depths of religiousmaniaand that, if threatened, he plans
to use his powers to unleasha deadly plague. Recent tests of his abilitiesindicatethat he is quite capable of carrying out this
threat. If he succeeds, one in six people now alive could be dead withina month. Agencypsychologistspredict that even if
allopposition was withdrawnhe stillhas a greater than 70 percent probabilityof releasingthis plague. A mistakewas made
in keeping this individualalive, and the persons responsible are currently under investigation. It is imperativethat Melchior
be terminated as rapidly as possible. To this end, all agents willbe assigned VTP dart guns containingdarts designed to
specificallyaffect the target. Read the attached file on VTPs for further information. VTPs are non-lethal, but once used,
the subject shouldprove easy to terminate.
Giventhe extreme gravity of the problem, non-Proteus personnel inside Project Utopia became aware of his escape.
Some of these personnel then contacted officialsin the US government. The current cover story for Project Utopiaand US
government officialsis that the subject escaped confinementfrom a Triton Foundationmedicaltreatment facility.

85
 Operatives are instructed to cooperate fullywith all agents of the US governmentpresent at the situation. However,
Gabriel must not be captured or questioned by any non-Proteus personnel. He has already demonstrated knowledgeof
Proteus operations that he gained through unknownmeans. We cannot afford to take the chance that he knows more. If
possible,operatives shoulddetermine what infonnationhe has communicatedto outsiders. Since infonnationabout Gabriel
has reached unsecured channels, operatives shouldalso expect possibleAberrant and Teragen interference.

From:Director WilliamR. Reed

To: Tearn TomorrowAmericas
StbjectEmergencyThreat in Nevada
FellowPersonnel:
Youhave been selected to help resolve the current situation near BoulderCity, Nevada. Two days ago, Gabriel
Melchiorescaped from the Bahrainmedicalfacility, where he had been undergoingtreatment Fordangerous levelsof
mentaland physicalmutation. Approximatelya year ago, Mr. Mekhior became aware of his increasinglevelof danger-
ous mutationsand staged his disappearance from his church.At that point, he voluntarilyturned himselfover to Project
Triton physiciansFortreatment. Triton Foundationphysiciansreported that he did not respond to treatment and that
his condition continued to worsen. As serious mental deterioration set in, they attempted an array of experimental
treatments. These treatments Failed,and Mr. Melchior's mental condition declined even further. At this point, he
became increasinglydelusional.He had to be restrained and sedated For his own safety and for the safety of those
around him.Twodays ago, he escaped. Reports indicatethat his enhanced physiologyeventuallymanagedto throw off
the effects of the sedatives. TwoTriton Foundationemployeeswere killedduring his escape, and the survivor's state-
ments indicatethat at the time of his escape Mr. Melchiorwas sufferingfrom paranoiddelusionsthat he had been taken
bodilyto Helland tortured by demons. Unfortunately,he believesthat that Project Utopiais responsible Forhis captiv-
ity. These delusions have also been incorporated into his existing religiousbeliefs, causing him to see Project Utopia
and all of its alliedorganizationsas being the direct agents of Satan.
After his escape Mr. Melchiorfled to his church's headquarters near BoulderCity, Nevada, where he has placed
the members of the Churchthere under his mental control. At this time, Mr. Melchioris to be considered extremely
dangerous. Accordingto the Triton Foundation,his powers of biomanipulationand mental control are almost off the
scale. Furthennore, he has threatened to unleash a plague, which he claimswillkill all of the wicked peoples of the
world. Triton Foundationphysiciansbelieve he is quite capable of unleashinga series of devastating plagues which
would likelykill between 5 and 15 percent of the world's population. Currently, the entire area around the Nevada
compound is under a complete news blackout to prevent mass panic. Youare ordered to help maintain this media
blackoutuntil the situation is safely resolved.
Upon learningof his locationand demands, Project Utopialeaders immediatelycontacted the governmentof the
UnitedStates. Yourteam willbe workingwith USgovernmentofficialsto help resolvethis crisis. Obviously,eliminating
the threat posed by Mr.Melchioris our first priority. Also,it is important to remember that more than 600 people are
currently inside the Nevada compound. Protecting them and releasing them from his control is also a priority. If at all
possible, Mr. Melchiormust be recaptured and returned to the Triton Foundationfor treatment. To that end, allof you
willbe issued VTPdarts designed to affect Mr. Melchior'sgenetic profile. See the attached file Forfurther infonnation
on VTPs. We are countingon you, and more importantly, the entire world is countingon you to resolve this situation
safely.
Goodluck and best wishes,
- WilliamF.Reed

86
 Special
FromTritonFoundation byOr.SimonC1Jang,
Bulletin, classified
codeTripleAlpha12/14/0'7
The gravity of the current situation regarding the escape of GabrielMelchiorcannot be overestimated. His pow-
ers of biomanipulationare perhaps the most powerful on record. His abilities allowhim to control and alter plants,
animals,humansand even bacteria and viruses. This control occurs on an almost subconsciouslevel. He can change
livingbeings into literallyany form he can imagine,despite his completelack of biologicalor medicaltraining. Our most
recent battery of psychologicaltests indicates that he is a monomaniacalparanoid with delusionsof grandeur and a
strong messiah complex.An interview with the single survivor of his escape indicates that he is preparing to cleanse
the world of evil by releasing a series of deadly plagues. This threat is not a bluff.He is quite capable of creating and
releasing such plagues simplyby altering the compositionof ordinary householdmicrobes and then dispersing them
through the air.
My team has been studying methods of neutralizingGabrielMelchior. ln our opinionas long as he is not aware of
the nature of the attack, VTP darts should prove quite effective. The viruses in VTPs are created using the target's
own DNA, and Melchior has been proven to have difficulty using his more elaborate powers against nova-derived
genetics. Also, except for his continuous production of low-levelviruses, Melchior's abilities always require a con-
scious decision and a defined target. As longas he is not giventime to focus on the dart, he shouldnot be able to resist
its effects.
Other options prove more problematic. A massiveattack usingpowers whichcause large-scale tissue destruction
or neural disruption shouldwork, but the effects wouldhave to incapacitate himwithin10 seconds. Gabrielis capable
of rapidly repairing almost any level of physical damage which does not instantly kill him. A direct physical attack
shouldonly be attempted if use of VTPs proves impossible.
Whileuse of the nuclear option has been proposed, 1do not consider it viable.Whilea powerfulfissionor fusion
device wouldclearly destroy himand everyone else withinseveral kilometers, use of such devices is impracticalgiven
the close proximity to Las Vegas. The fallout and radiation would cause between one and three percent mortality
withinthe city limits. Onlya smallyield, lowfalloutweapon such as a neutron bomb wouldprove safe. Unfortunately,1
cannot guarantee that Melchiorcannot temporarilyresist the effects of such a weapon. Whilehe wouldcertainly die if
he were within 100 meters of a neutron bomb blast, there is a 75 percent chance that he could remain alive and
conscious for at least 15 seconds. Duringthis time he could easily release his plagues,some of whichcould potentially
prove radiation resistant enough to survive. However,if the plagues are released, use of a neutron bomb within one
minuteof release has an 80 percent chance of reducingthe severity of the plaguesby eliminatingallradiation sensitive
strains. Essentially,using nukesis better than nothing,but they shouldonly be used as an option of last resort.
The use of nova weather control to contain the dispersed pathogens has also been proposed. Giventhe extreme
virulence of the plagues involvedand the difficultyof completelycontainingthe numerous bacteria and viruses, the
risk of at least some of the pathogens escaping is greater than 50 percent. Whilea nova weather controller likeSplash
shouldbe availableif needed, this method shouldalso onlybe used as a last resort . ln short, the only wayto ensure that
the plagues are not released is to prevent Mr. Melchiorfrom releasingthem.

87
 thenews
December 14, 2009

Boulder City, Nevada :

Federal Government
officials have sur-
rounded the head-
quarters of the
Church of the Imma-
nent Escheaton.
Acting on a tip from
an anonymous source,
government officials
believe that members of the church are storing
illegal weapons and restricted technologies in
their Nevada compound. Late last night, N!
learned that church leaders refused to allow
officials of the ATF to inspect the compound for
weapons and technologies violations and fired
upon ATF inspectors who attempted to force
their way inside. As our readers may remember,
Gabriel Melchior, also known as The Miracle,
headed the CIE until March of 2008 when he
vanished from Houston, Texas, during one of his
church's highly publicized revival meetings .
Project Utopia representatives who surveyed the
sight after his disappearance noted that unusual
energy readings were present at his last known
location .

Government officials have refused to comment

on whether or not this investigation is linked in
any fashion with Gabriel's disappearance last
year and have ordered all journalists and other
non-essential personnel to evacuate the area,
since the Church is suspected of housing power-
ful chemical weapons. No motive has been
given for the church's possession of such
weapons, and church members from the CIE's
other branches declined to be interviewed by N!.

[ ClickHere )
for further information on the CIE
88
N! Datafile: The Church of
the Immanent Escheaton
Chrystian Kalpa founded the CIE In 2004, Mr. Kalpa mysteriously
in 1998, several weeks after N-Day. disappeared, and the CIE was on
After seeing a nova erupt during the verge of collapse. However, the
an automobile crash, Mr. Kalpa church was saved when parishioner
says he was overcome by a vision Gabriel Melchior's car went off the
of the true meaning of that year's road on his way from Boulder City
exceptional events . According to to the small town of Tonapah,
him, God, whom he referred to as Nevada. Trapped in the desert with
the Quantum Unity, was granting no food or water in the middle of
certain humans miraculous powers summer, Gabriel's latent nova
to prepare the world for the Second powers erupted . His new powers
Coming and the ultimate battle allowed him to heal his injuries and
between good and evil. While this to grow plants, which provided him
battle was still years or possibly with both shade and water. When a
decades away, God gave some passing trucker found him, Gabriel
people nova powers to help immediately traveled back to the
everyone realize that time was church headquarters and pro-
growing short and to help human- claimed himself the church's new
ity prepare for the battle. In CIE prophet. Within six months , he
doctrine, when the last days treated the world to the first of his
actually arrive, all people will be dramatic public revivals. Mr.
granted nova powers. During this Melchior combined spectacular feats
time, everyone will choose to serve of healing with displays of other
either good or evil, and the sides nova powers including large-scale,
will fight a final battle to determine
nearly instantaneous creations of
the spiritual fate of humanity. lush temperate jungles that he
claimed resemble the coming
Using the fortune he had previ- kingdom of Heaven . Building upon
ously accumulated as CEO of the beliefs of Mr. Kalpa, Mr.
Yaeger Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Kalpa Melchior, dubbed The Miracle by
built the church's headquarters the local media, proclaimed that the
outside of Boulder City, Nevada forces of good and evil were already
and began preaching by radio, TV aligning themselves among us and
and eventually OpNet. In the first that the final battle would occur in
months of 1999, the church gained less than a decade . His preaching
more than 10,000 members . How- emphasized the responsibility of
ever, as humanity adjusted to the every person to choose their alle-
presence of novas and the pre- giance and to live their life as if the
dicted millennial disasters of 2000 last days would arrive tomorrow.
and 2001 failed to arrive, church Drawn by his inhuman charisma
attendance dwindled. and his elaborate displays of vast
nova powers, church membership
grew to more than 25,000.

[ ClickHere )
Click here for recent history of the CIE
89
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

Introduction It quicklybecameclearthat Gabrielwas hopelessly

insaneand that he was continuingto increasein power.
SeveralProjectProteussupervisorsrecommendedthat
Using the he was literallytoo dangerousto live and that he be
euthanizedimmediately. However,TritonFoundation phy-
Setting Material sicianswere anxiousto study someonesufferingfrom
Beforerunningthis scenario,the Storytellershould sucha highdegreeofTaintAlso,Gabriel'sprimarypower
carefullyread allof the settingmaterial.Thismaterialis is Biomanipulation, and his commandof it was greater
dividedintomultiplesections.Eachpieceiswrittenfrom than that possessedby almostanyother knownnova,so
the perspectiveof a differentorganization,andeachdis- someinProjectProteuswishedto harnesshisvastpower.
playsa differentviewpointon the samesituation. Play- After holdingGabrielfor three months,both Tri-
ers shouldonlybe allowedto read specificportionsof ton and Proteus officialsagreed that. whilehe was ex-
the settingmaterial. ceedinglydangerous,he couldalsobe extremelyuseful.
Allplayersshouldbe shownthe informationfrom BecauseProject Utopia'sOperationGenesiswasfalling
their characters'organization,sincetheir characterswill badlybehindschedule,the headsof the Bahrainfacility
haveactuallyreceivedthese filesandmessages.Inaddi- decided to unofficiallyloan Gabriel to this project.
tion, allcharacterswillhaveaccessto the TritonFoun- Pumpedfull of mind-alteringdrugs and mentallycon-
dation SpecialBulletinon page 87, since this Filewas trolledbyAllison"Psyche"Pfaltzgraff,a powerfulT2M
sent to or stolen by all of the organizationswhichare novawhosecretlyworksfor ProjectProteus,Gabrielwas
involved . If any characters checkthe newsthey should usedas a toolto reclaimvastportionsof the Saharawhen
alsobe shownthe N!bulletinandthe N!datafileon pages Antaeuswasbusyor absent.Gabrielwaskept completely
88-8'f. The remainderof the settingmaterialshouldnot isolated from the other novas involvedin this effort.
be shownto the players. Whenpossible,he andPsycheworkedalone,exceptfor
a few other Proteus agents stationednearby.The ne-
Overview cessityof his powersmeantthat he wasoften forcedto
In2004, GabrielMelchioreruptedandbecamethe use them duringhis medicallymandatedrest-periods.
novaknowninmediacirclesas "TheMiracle." A devoted Instead of recoveringfrom his exertions,he was fre-
believer of a small sect of Christianfundamentalism quentlyrequiredto producelargequantitiesof specially
knownas the Churchofthe ImmanentEscheaton,Gabriel designedbacteriathat werethen aeriallydispersedover
believedhis powersto be a divineblessingand wasde- the target areas by novas.
terminedto usethemto leadotherto God'slight Gabriel Asa result of overworkand the stresses of con-
becamethe leaderof his churchand, overthe courseof stant mentalcontrol,bothGabriel'sTaintandhispowers
the next four years, helpedincreasemembershipfrom continuedto grow. In earlyDecemberof 200'7, after a
2,000 to over25,000 . Duringthis time,he extensively particularlyexhaustingweek,Gabrieldisplayedhismost
pushedhis powersin a series of ever-moreimpressive recent mutation.Becominga factoryfor a widevariety
displaysduringtelevisedrevivalmeetings.Asa resultof of deadlybacteria,virusesand prionsforced Gabrielto
these stresses on his powers, Gabrielsubstantiallyin- increasein bothQuantumandTaint.Asa result of these
creased both his Quantumand his Taint. By 2008, he increases,Gabrielmanagedto throw off Psyche'scon-
had gaineda Taintof 7 and a Quantumof 6. It wasclear trol in a vast displayof powerthat.killedtwo of her as-
to observers in Project Proteus both that Gabrielwas sistantsandleftPsycheextremelyill.Now,insane,fullof
beginningto increase in power exponentiallyand that rage at his captivityand convincedthat the apocalypse
hissanitywasrapidlydecaying.Fearingthe damagethat isnigh,Gabrielusedhispowersto coercevariouspeople
he coulddo and worryingthat he wouldbecomeeven intotakinghimto hischurch'sheadquarters,locatedout-
more difficultto capture and containif his power in- side of BoulderCity,Nevada.
creasedfurther,Proteusdecidedto act He arrivedless than two daysago and is currently
On Easter2008, in the midstof the largestdem- planningfor the comingbattlebetweenHeavenandHell.
onstrationof his God-givenpowersyet. Proteusopera- Gabriel has decided, perhaps understandably, that
tiveArgentproduceda harmless,but extremelyimpres- ProjectUtopiaandtheir associatesare actuallythe army
sivedisplayof pyrotechnicsandwarpedGabrielintothe of Satan and the heraldsof the Antichrist.Gabrielhas
TritonFoundation's novaresearchfacilityinBahrain.The vivid memoriesof the torments he underwent at the
CIEproclaimedthat Gabrielhad been bodilytaken to hands of Psycheand his other Proteus handlers.Also,
Heaven,and the mediaassumedhe had self-destructed unknownto them,duringhiscaptivityGabrieldeveloped
in an attempt to exceed even his vast powers.Mean- low-levelESP.Usingthis powerina largelysubconscious
while,in Bahrain,TritonresearchersstudiedGabrielex- fashion,Gabrielreceivednumerous"visions"of Proteus'
tensively,whilekeepinghimsedated usinga combina- other captives. He alsousedthis powerto observesev-
tion of novapowersand experimentaldrugs. eralhighlysensitive,top-secretProteusandTritonFoun-

90 GABRIEL
dation meetings where he "overheard" a great deal of For now, he remainsconvincedthat he can talk to at least
highlysecret information. some of those whoare besiegingthe compoundand per-
Since his arrival in the ClEcompound,he has been suade them to renounce their ties to evil and aid him in
preaching his dark message to the other membersof his his fight. lf possible, he hopes to win free of the com-
sect . Using their heavily encrypted OpNet message poundand personallyproclaimhis messageto the masses
boards, the ClE managed to summonmore than 600 of before releasinghis plagues.
their members to this compound. Withina few hours of Regardlessof the characters' affiliationor motiva-
his arrival, Project Utopialocated Gabrieland surrounded tions, their primary goal should be to prevent Gabriel
the compound. Now,aided by agents of the US govern- fromreleasing plagues that willkillbetween 100 million
ment, they are attempting to find some way to safely and one billionpeople. Killingor capturing himare both
deal with Gabriel. Currently,the compoundis in a state options. Alternately, characters that represent groups
of siege,andGabrielispreachingthatthefinalbattleis~ hand . opposed to Project Utopiacan possiblyconvinceGabriel
Gabriel fears being taken captive again and is de- to seek sanctuary with them. After listeningto himtalk,
tennined to right the injusticesperfonned by the forces the characters willalso become aware of the fact that
of Satan. Unfortunately, his solution is to use his fonni- amidst his religious diatribes Gabriel possesses a sur-
dable powers to loose deadly plagues that he believes prising amount of infonnation about his captivity and
willslay the unworthy and free the world from all sin- about other Project Proteus activities he monitored, in-
ners. lf left to his own devices, Gabrielwouldattempt to cluding one conversation about Slider's murder. Cur-
speak with various world leaders and warn them of the rently, there are numerous groups who all want Gabriel
danger before them. He has prepared variousspeeches, - some to silence him and others to use him or to at-
and only jamming by Proteus agents surrounding the tempt to help him. The characters willneed to work out
compoundhas prevented these messages from reaching a plan to grab Gabriel,whilealso preventinganyone from
the OpNet. killingor capturing himfirst.
Now that he has been surrounded, Gabrielhas no
intention of surrendering or of allowingany of his fol- The Setting
lowers to fall into the hands of the various forces ar- Gabriel'scompoundis a large modem structure lo-
rayed against him. lf he is ever certain that the capture cated 30 kilometers from Las Vegas and 8 kilometers
of the compoundis imminent,he willrelease the plagues. outside of the town of Boulder City, Nevada. The com-

0 GABRIEL 91
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
pound is located in the middleof a barren desert of bril-
liant white sand. Even in early May,temperatures often Publicity
rise above 35 degrees centigrade duringthe day and fall Whiletherearefewsecretson theearly21stcentll'y
to around 5 degrees during the night. Located on flat OpNet,ProjectUtopiaandtheUSgovernment haveso far
groundonlytwo kilometersfrom the large rocky expanse managed to keepthe true magnitudeof the situationin
which leads up to the mountainsaround Boulder Dam, Nevada secret. USgovernmentSOlreeshavestatedthat
the compounditself is stark white and built of advanced, the cults'Nevadacompoundcontainsillegalweapons,in-
highlyinsulatingcomposites,faced withhighqualitywhite cludinga largequantityof highexplosives andotherweap-
marble. It consists of a series of four long,narrow wings onsof massdestruction.Furthermore, the reportclaims
arranged in a cross pattern. These wingsare allarranged thatthereis evidenceof childabuseinthecompound. h-
around the large, central geodesic dome where the cordingto thisreport,USgovernment andProjectUtopia
compound's chapel is located. The three short arms of representativesare currentlynegotiatingfor the release
the cross are each 100 meters long,20 meters wide and of thechildrenandforpermission to inspectthecompomd
3 meters tall, the long arm of the cross is 300 meters for illegalweapons. A few rumorsof chemicalweapons
long, 20 meters wide and 3 meters tall. The central dome haveservedto keepciviliansfromattemptingto approach
is 35 meters in diameter and 20 meters high. The entire thecompound,whilea heavily armed blockade hasso far
structure is built on a single story and is well built and keptreporters at bay. Whileseveralwatchdog organiza-
attractive, if rather Spartan. The central chapel takes up tionsbelievethatthe situationin Nevadais more serious
the entire central dome. It has large, stained-glass win- thanthe governmentadmits,no one in the mediaor the
dowsand an extremelyhighceilingdecorated withelabo- generalpti>lichasanyideaof the true magnitudeof the
rate, abstract marble carvings meant to inspireawe and problem. EvenTeragenandAberrant agents on-site are
devotion in the viewers. reluctant to releasethis information,since the resultant
Several acres of nearby solar cells supplypower to paniccouldspread around theworldin a matterof hou-s
the compound, whichis fullyclimatecontrolled. The com- andcouldeasilyresult su-gecl violenceagainst
ina possible
poundalsouses groundwater drawn up byelectric pumps l'IOl/85.
and, with the exception of food, is fullyself-sufficient. Ifanyof thecharactenreleaseinformation aboutthe
Since the compound has enough food availableto feed actual situationin Nevada,hundreds wiAdiein masspan-
everyone inside for the next two weeks, they are un- ics as miUionsattemptto fleeNevada. Inaddition,various
likelyto run out of supplies before the current crisis is nations,includingChinaandRussia,willdemand thatthe
over.The inside of the compoundconsists of a series of USgow,mment immediately use nuclearweaponsto de-
clean straight corridors, numerous small single rooms wa, theNevada compound. Thesituationwillberesolved
where the residents can pray and meditate in private and beforeanycl thesenationsadualydrops a ....dearweapon
a number of large dininghallsand assemblyrooms. Cur- on USsoil.Howwer,the resulting panics,combined with
rently650 of the crurch's mostdevotedfollowerslivehere. thedramaticaly increasedinternational
tensions,willcause
Shortly after Gabriel escaped, he made a single anymembers of ProjectUtopiaor the Directive whore-
phone call to Mary Catanzaro, his most trusted aid. In leasethisinfonnationto besanctioned anddemoted(lose
the two days before his arrival, she secretly informed at leasttwo clotsin status).Anymembers cl ProjectPro-
numerous other members of the church, and many of teus who accidentalyor ptrposefulyreleasesinforma-
them traveledto the compound.Currently,the compound, tionaboutthissituationwil be killed,unlesstheyflee, in
whichwas only designed to hold around 500 people, is which case theywiRbehumdbytheirownorganization.
somewhat overcrowded. Also, the entire compound is
currently alive with a host of diseases, includingTB, in-
fluenza and measles, that Gabriel's mutated body con-
Gabriel's Opposition
Whilenumerousindividuals,representing a variety
stantly produces. However,during the various worship
of factions are involvedin the siege on the compound,
servicesGabrielleads,he unconsciously cleanseshisflock
there are two groups which predominate, the United
of all diseases and injuries, providingfurther proof that
States government and Project Utopia. Both organiza-
his plagues willnot harm the righteous.Hisworshipser-
tions are terrified of the mass death that Gabrielcould
vices are held at 6:00 A.M.,2:00 P.M.and 10:00 P.M..
initiate. Current estimates by both sides predict that if
Everyonein the compoundis expected to attend at least
Gabriel actually releases his plagues approximately10-
two services a day. Gabrielalso uses these occasions to
30 percent of the populationof the Unites States and
help prepare his flock for the comingapocalypse.As a
Mexicowouldprobablydie before the diseases are con-
result of their frequent contact with Gabriel's preach-
tained. If the diseases prove even worse than initialpre-
ing, his powers of mental control have completely en-
dictionsindicate,they couldspread farther, and the death
thralled the entire congregation.
tollcould potentially go as highas one billionworldwide.

92 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
To avoid this tragedy, Project Utopia and the US gov- be the heart of the scenario. Whether the characters
ernment are working together to contain the situation talkwith Gabrielor Maryat lengthor merelylongenough
and to render Gabrielharmless. for the characters to develop a plan to invadethe com-
Withintwo hours of Gabriel's arrival, Project Uto- pound, most of the scenario should involvedealing with
pia had surrounded the compound.Makinga snap deci- Gabriel.The scenario is effectivelyover once he has been
sion whichsome Utopianagents are beginningto regret, killedor captured.
Project Coordinator Lauren Ahmir also informed the However,the characters are not the only people
President of the United States of the true nature of the working to save the world from Gabriel.The encamp-
problem. Three hours later, a mixed team of Special ment surroundingthe compoundis fullof a wide variety
Forces soldiers and FBI negotiators had joined the of rival organizations,each with their own (often con-
Project Utopiaoperatives. Whilethe Project Utopiaand flicting)agendas.The Storyteller must makeit clear that
US governmentoperatives distrust each other, they are everyonethere is interested primarilyinstoppingGabriel
also quite aware of the necessity of workingtogether to fromreleasingplaguesthat mayslayup to a billionpeople.
prevent a vast tragedy. Both groups also maintainthat However,the conAictsand maneuveringamongthe vari-
their primary goal is to find a peaceful solution to the ous groupsshouldforman importantsidelightto the sce-
problem. However, with Gabriel preaching imminent nario. ln addition, regardless of the plans of the various
apocalypse , it isdear that crasticmeaSlreS maybe calledfor. other groups, the characters must be at the center of
any effort to capture or killGabriel.
Running the
Adventure Behind the Scenes
The central focus of the scenario is Gabriel Motivations and Setup
Mekhior. Regardlessof their allegiance,to succeed, the The followingsection discussesthe motivationsand
characters should be encouraged to find out what he structures of the various groups who are present. Sto-
knowsabout Project Proteus and then render himharm- rytellers should remember that, with the exception of
less, either through capturing him, killinghim or (tem- the Directive, which seriously distrusts all novas, the
porarily) recruiting him. The interaction between the characters are in charge of whicheverteam they belong
characters and Gabrielor his aid MaryCatanzaroshould to. While the characters are still answerable to their

GABRIEL 93
 · ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
superiors,this setup allowsthe characters a great deal lf theCharacters Belong to ProjectUtopia
of powerand authority. Giventhe gravityof the situa- IFthe charactersare workingfor Project Utopia,
tion, charactersare allowed
to calluponthefullrangeof re- then they are almostcertainlypubliclyknownnovaswho
sourcesavailableto their organization. Referto the tran- are possiblyevenmembersofTeamTomorrow.Chai:1c-
scripts Fromthe variousFactionsto get a sense of each ters in this positionwillhave great freedom of action.
organizations'attitude regardingthe currentproblem. Unlessthey seem to be makingserious mistakes,they
willbe effectivelyin chargeof Project Utopia'shandling
The Insiders of this situation.Unfortunately, this alsomeansthat they
The groupswhoare openlysurroundingthe com- are the peoplewhomustdealdirectlywithboth Gabriel
poundare ProjectUtopiaandthe USgovernmentIn ad- and the representativesof the USgovernmentwhoare
dition, some of the Project UtopiaPersonnelsecretly on-site.AsTeamTomorrowmembers,they mayend up
workfor ProjectProteus,andsomeof the FBIpersonnel heroesif they safelydealwithGabriel,andthey willcer-
reallywork for the Directive.However,both the Direc- tainreceivea Fullshareof the blameif theyFailinanyway.
tive and Project Proteusare representedonlyby a Few The head of the Project UtopiaDiplomacyCorps
individuals.
IFthe charactersbelongto Project Proteus, team dealingwith Gabrielis LaurenAhmir,a highlyin-
they are the onlymemberson site. In the case of the telligentand charismaticbaselinewhoworkedin_S~ot-
Directive,the characters are the only nova Directive land Yard as a hostage negotiator before she Jomed
agentspresent. Project Utopia. She willkeep Gabrieltalkingwhilethe
ProjectUtopia rest of the team devisesa planto capture or otherwise
The membersof ProjectUtopiaare completelyun- neutralizehim.Ms.Ahmiris puzzledbysomeof Gabriel's
awareof the tormentsGabrielhasbeen subjectedto. In- ravingsbut willnot questionGabrielaboutspecificpoints
stead, the membersof Project Proteushave created a unlessthe characters suggest it. Her goal is simplyto
plausiblestory to cover existingevents.Unfortunately, keep Gabrielbusyuntilhe can be captured.She willen-
the speed withwhichthe situationhas unfoldedhas left courageany characterswho seem so inclinedto speak
this coverstory with a Fewholesthat clevernovasmay to Gabrielas Fellownovas. IFanyof the charactersseem
be ableto see through. at all likelyto be an effectivenegotiator,then replace
Project Utopiamembershave been informedthat LaurenAhmirwiththis character.Otherwise,Ms.Ahmir
after Gabriel disappeared a year ago he voluntarily is the onlyseniorProjectUtopiaofficialpresent.
checkedhimselfinto a TritonFoundationmedicalFacil- The charactershaveordersto captureGabrielalive
ity.At that time,he receivedtherapyfor his growingin- if at allpossible.To Facilitatethis they havebeen issued
stability.Unfortunately,ordinarytreatmentsFailed,and dart gunsloadedwithVTPs(see VTPson page 115for
he becamedangerouslyinsaneafter undergoingan ex- Furtherinformation) . However,as longas civiliancasu-
perimentaltreatment to reduce his Taint ~fter escap- altiesare minimized, capturingor killingGabrielare both
ingFromthe TritonmedicalFacility,he vanishedand re- consideredviableoptions.
appeared at his church'sNevadacompounda Fewdays If the charactersare membersof Project Utopia,
later, proclaimingthe comingof the Endlimes. then for simplicity'ssake,there are no Project Proteus
The ProjectUtopiapersonnelon-site haveFullac- novason-site.Instead,Project Proteusis contentto al-
cessto Gabriel'smedicalandpsychological records.They low Project Utopiato capture Gabriel. Proteus agents
haveallbeen madeFullyawareof both the depthsof his willthen arriveto take possessionof Gabrielshortlyaf-
insanityand the Fullmagnitudeof hispowers. AllProject ter he has been renderedunconscious . See The Project
Utopiaagents in Nevadahave also been informedthat ProteusHit Squadon page 102for Furtherinformation
the informationon Gabrielmustbe kept underwrapsto on this contingency.
preventwidespreadpanicand that they are to cooper-
ProjectProteus . . .
ate FullywithUSgovernmentofficials. Project Proteus is the only organizationthat 1s
IFthe characters are not playingProject Utopia aware of the Fulltruth of the situation. Its agents know
personnel,then the Storytellershouldassumethat high- what was done to Gabriel,they knowthe actualextent
levelProject Proteus officialsselected a team of T2M of hispowers,and they suspect~at he may?ave_h!~hly
novaswhoactuallyworkforProjectProteus.Thebaseline sensitiveinformationabout ProJectProteus act1v1ties.
Project Utopiapersonneloutsideof the compoundhave As a result of this knowledgeand the danger Gabriel
no ideaof the truth aboutGabriel'scaptivityandwishto posesto allof humanity,theirinstructionsare quiteclear.
capturehimandbringhimbackto be treated. Howev~, They are to killGabrielMelchiorby any me~~sn_eces-
the novaswho willactuallyattempt to capture Gabriel sary, after first discoveringhow muchsens1trveinfor-
are allProject Proteusoperativeswhoactuallyhaveor- mationhe has revealed.If the charactersare not mem-
der to killhimas soon as possible.See the section on bers of Project Proteus,then no Project Proteusnovas
Project Proteusbelowfor Furtherinformation. willappearuntilafter Gabrielhasbeencaptured. Instead,

94 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Project Proteus willallow others to killor capture Gabriel Proteus is unwilling to send someone whose presence
and willthen take possession of him. Remember that even might send Gabriel into a homicidal rage .
the existence of Proteus is an exceedingly well- kept se- TheDirective
cret. Members of Project Proteus will never identify The FBI crisis team and their special squad of no-
themselves as such. If necessary , they may identify them- vas trained in law enforcement are actually all Directive
selves as members of a small Special Forces squad spon- agents who have been provided with an appropriate
sored by Project Utopia. cover story . The Directive knows only what Project Uto-
Belongto Project Proteus
lf theCharacters pia has told the US government , but its agents susp ect
If the characters are members of Project Proteus, that more is going on. They have two primary objec-
they are also representatives of Project Utopia. Since tives : to neutralize Gabriel Melchior and to find out more
even Project Utopia does not have an unlimited number about how the situation occurred and what Project Uto-
of novas, the characters will likely be the only pia may be hiding. If the characters are not
novas associated with either members of the Directive, then
Project Proteus or Project the Directive will merely
Utopia who are present . be observers for most
While the characters must of the scenario . Di-
still answer to their Project rective agents will
Proteus superiors , they listen in on all con-
will be the top ranking versations be-
Project Utopia mem- tween Proje c t
bers present. The char- Utopia negotia -
acters willhave all of the tors and Gabriel.
rights and responsibili- The head of the
ties that being prominent operation , Gen-
Project Utopia novas eral Alain Weston ,
brings with it. See the who is a lso the
Proj ect Utopia section he ad of the US
above for information government task
about the characters' force , will request
cover identities . How- periodic updates
ever, the characters ' from Proj ec t
agenda will be consider- Utopia personnel.
ably different from that of He is a brusque
the actual Project Utopia and for ce ful
members . In addition to kill- man who will
ing Gabriel, the Proteus op- c onstantly
eratives present have also urge that the
been instructed to make situation be
certain that any compro - dealt with as
mising information pos- rapidly
sessed by Gabriel is kept as possible .
away from Project Utopia , General
the US government and the Alain Weston is a
media . Ascertaining the true mildly paranoid
extent of Gabriel's knowledge and highly expe-
and who else he has relayed his rienced baseline
evidence to is an important but who is none too fond
ultimately secondary objective . of novas , including novas
Storytellers might even de- who work for him. His instruc-
cide that one or more of the tions are very clear . He has
characters were involved with been instructed to kill Gabriel
either Gabriel's initial cap- at the first opportunity . While
ture or with his captiv - obtaining secret information
ity. However, none of about Project Utopia is a
the characters will be useful goal, it is far out -
anyone Gabriel recog- weighed by the necessity of
nizes as an enemy. Project killing Gabriel as rapid ly as

GABRIEL 95
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
possible. If Project Utopiaefforts seemto be takingtoo or lnvisibility,
or the characterscanbe masqueradingas
long, his current plan involves sneaking a neutron people with a legitimateright to be there. The second
bomb into the compound. optionis generallyto be preferredunlessthe characters
Simplydroppinga bombon the compoundwould are preparedto enter the compoundbywarpingor other
be highlyobviousandwouldproducean extremelynega- paranormal means and then immediatelypersuade
tivepublicreaction,especiallysincethe bombwouldalso Gabrielthat they are allies.To simplifythings,the char-
killboth the 500 cultistsand the 150 childrenthey have acters willbe the onlyon-site membersof whicheverof
withthem.However,the Directivehas plansto blamethe these two groupsthey belongto.
mysteriousnuclearexplosioninsidethe compoundon il- TheTeragen
legalweaponsGabriel'sfollowershadstolen.Despitesee- The Teragenknowsvery little of what is goingon.
ingthe report bythe TritonFoundation,GeneralWeston Mostof their informationaboutthis affair comesin the
is convincedthat even an "aberrant monster"likeGabriel form of an e-mailmessagefroma high-rankingProject
willbe instarlto/
~ ina nuclear blast. Utopiaofficialto the USPresidentthat was intercepted
lf theCharacters Belong to theDirective by Synapse, the Teragen Pantheon's primary
If Directiveagents,the charactersweresent inboth cyberkinetic.Currently,the Terats knowGabrielis dan-
becausethey are highlycompetentand because oppo- gerous,supposedlyquitemadandthat bothProjectUto-
nents of GeneralWeston'squickand dirty approachto piaandthe USgovernmentwanthimdead or incustody.
the situationwishedto have people on-site. The char- On the theory that their enemy'senemyis their friend,
acters have been instructed to balancethe immediate they havesent a teamto attemptto recruit or, if neces-
need to neutralizeGabrielwiththe necessityto findout sary,capture Gabriel.Sinceseveralprominentmembers
howthe situationoccurred,so that similarproblemscan of the Teragenare consideredmadby the generalpub-
be prevented in the future. Since some divisionheads lic, the characters' base assumptiongoingin shouldbe
withinthe Directivewouldlike Gabrieltaken alive,the that whileGabrielis obviouslya religiousfanatic,claims
charactershavebeen issuedVTPdart gunswhichwere of his criminalinsanityare most likelyjust Project Uto-
givento the US governmentby Project Utopiaat the pia propaganda.
beginningof this crisis.See VTPson page 115for fur- If the charactersare not membersof the Teragen,
ther information. then the Teragen"liberationteam" willconsistof three
lf the characters followorder and open their own members:Blackout,Leo and Heavy.See pp.111-112 for
communicationswith Gabriel,it willbecomeapparent details.Also,read The TeragenInterveneson page 102
fairly quicklythat he is an excellent,if highlyerratic, for further informationon their activities.Other than
sourceof knowledgeaboutProject Utopia'scovertpro- the activitiesdescribedthere, Terats willhavelittleroll
grams.lt willalsobe clear that he mayevenhaveimpor- in this drama.
tant data abouta shadowyorganizationknownas Project lf theCharacters
WorkfortheTeragen
Proteus. To charactersthat are workingfor the Direc- If the characters' Teragen "liberationteam" can
tive, obtainingthis informationis almostas importantas easilyposeas minoraidsto the ProjectUtopiastaff,Syn-
eliminatingthe threat posed by Gabriel.As longas the apse has providedthem allwith detailedand complete
charactersare not delayingany attack on Gabriel,Gen- backgrounds. ln all cases Terats will be posing as
eral Westonwillalso give any characterswhoask per- baselines(ProjectUtopiakeepscarefultrack of allof its
missionto communicatedirectlywith Gabriel.Sincethe novas).To use this option,none of the party can pos-
operationtakes place on US soil, GeneralWestoncan sess any obviousphysicalaberrations that cannot be
legallyrequest that Dr.Ahmir,the Project Utopianego- concealedby Dormancy.Once on-site, the characters
tiator, introducethe charactersand allowthemto speak willalso need to communicatewith Gabriel.lf none of
with Gabriel. the characterscan communicatewithhimdirectly,then
the Teragenhas suppliedthemwithdescramblingcom-
The Outsiders municationsgear,whichwillalsoallowthem to listenin
If the charactersbelongto either the Aberrantsor on other communications with Gabriel.
the Teragen,then their positionis muchmore tenuous. 1Fthe characters are unableto pose as baselines,
ln either case, the characters are not welcomein this then a slightlydifferentsetup mustbe used.The char-
area. Giventhe magnitudeof the crisis,if their presence acters willhaveto usetheir powersto hidefromthe vari-
is discovered,they wouldprobablybe arrested and pos- ous other groupsand spy uponthem.ln sucha case,the
siblykilledoutright.Membersof ProjectUtopia,Project Storytellermustprovidethe characterswith a method
Proteusand the Directiveare allin a state of near panic of intercepting communicationsbetween the others
and are likelyto considerany intrusionby Aberrant or groupsand Gabriel'scompoundand a methodof com-
Teragenforces as an attack. ln practice,there are only municatingwiththe compounddirectly.Telepathyis the
two methodsthat outsiders couldenter the scene. Ei- mostobviousoption,but Cyberkinesis,Teleportor even
ther one of the characterscoulduse her powersto bring ESPallprovidepossiblesolutions.If the characters'pow-
the charactersto the site secretly,perhaps usingWarp ers are not adequateto allowthemto safelyobservethe

96 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
other groupsand to communicatedirectlywith Gabriel, 1fone or two of the characterswishto be indepen-
then the Teragen shouldprovidethem with advanced dent Aberrantswithno ties to Project Utopia,then they
blacktechsurveillanceand communications gear. couldbe hidingnearbyand secretlycommunicating with
Someplayersmayassumethat the Teragenwillonly the rest of the group.Alternately,they couldbe using
be concernedwith recruitingGabrieland obtainingthe Dormancyto masqueradeas USgovernmentor Project
secrets he knowsabout Project Utopia.However,even Utopiabaselineoperatives. 1fthe entire party is either
the most ruthlessand radicallypost-humanistmembers unsuitedor unwillingto be Project Utopianovas,then
of the Teragenhaveno desireto see morethan onesixth they couldallbe hidingor disguisedas baselines. How-
of the world'spopulationdie, since they are afraid of ever,placingthe charactersinthispositionwillsignificantly
the riots and likelybacklashagainst all novas such an limittheir freedom of action. lnstead of workingwith
event wouldcause.Somemembersof the Teragen wish the organizations whoare allon-site,the charactersmust
to rule humanity,others merelyto ignore it, but very hide from the Directiveand Project Utopiapersonnel
fewof themwishto callouslydestroyit, especiallynot in who are present and secretly negotiate with Gabriel.
a mannerwhichwillalmostcertainlyresultina vast pub- Whilethis approach actuallyhas a highchanceof suc-
lic outcryagainallnovasby the survivors. cess, it is alsoquiterisky.See lf the CharactersWorkfor
TheAberrants theTeragenonpage'16for furtherdetailsonthisapproach .
The Aberrants have numerous members inside
Project Utopia.The Aberrants knoweverythingwhich
Other Options for Outsiders
Project Utopiaknowsaboutthe situation,as wellas hav- This adventure is structured so that the charac-
ing full access to the Triton Foundationreports on ters' first contact with Gabrieloccurs once he has ar-
Gabriel'smedicalconditionand one top secret Triton rivedat his Nevadacompound.Large organizationslike
report whichdiscussedhowGabrielwas officiallyunder the Project Proteus, Project Utopiaand the Directive
the jurisdictionof Project Proteus.For the Aberrants, wouldhavea muchless difficulttime takingGabrielinto
not onlyis Gabriela threat to humanity,he is alsoliving custody if they encounteredhim whilehe was fleeing
proofof the corruptionwithinProjectUtopia.lf the char- from Africa to Nevada. However,characters playing
acters are not playingAberrants,thenthe Aberrantswill Teragenmembersor Aberrantswho met Gabrielwhile
not have any direct roll in the scenario.The Storyteller he was travelingto the Nevadacompoundcouldhavea
shouldassumethat the Aberrantswere unableto place very different sort of challenge.Storytellersshouldbe
anyoneinsidethe Project Utopiateam.lf desired,there awarethat this optionmayonlyrequirea singlesession
canbe insteadan Aberrantmemberinthe Teragen"lib- to run and is likelyto be muchmore direct and combat-
erationteam"(seeabove). Otherwise,simplyassumethat heavythan the averagescenariobasedaroundthe com-
the Aberrants are listeningin on transmissionsto and pound. The informationprovidedfor this optionis nec-
from the compoundand that they willattempt to take essarilyrather brief, and Storytellerswillneed to ex-
Gabrielawayfrom the groupwhocaptureshim. pand somewhatuponthese details.
The vast majorityof the Aberrants wishto avoid The set-up for runningthis alternativeis simple.
the negative backlashof makingtheir informationon One of the characters' contactsor allieshas discovered
corruption inside Project Utopiapublic.However,the the fact the Gabrielis aliveand missingby capturinga
Aberrantshavegreat plansfor if and whenthey manage couriercarryingtwoVTPdart guns(see page115)and a
to rescue Gabrielor, at least, learn more about his cap- sealedpacketof informationaboutThe Miracle'sescape.
tivity by Project Proteus.The fact that Project Utopia's Severalhourslater,thissamecontactuncovereda prob-
covert activitiesresulted in a threat whichcouldkillal- able locationfor Gabriel.
mosta billionpeoplehas persuadedmanymembersthat After changingplanesseveraltimes to throw off
once they have Gabriel,it willbe time to publiclyde- pursuit, Gabrielis in a tiny airport in Bayamon,Puerto
nounceProject Utopia. Rico.Fromhere, he plansto fly to Las Vegasand then
lf theCharacters ArePlaying Aberrants coerce a tourist to drivehimto his church'scompound.
WhileAberrant agents here can have manyposi- Hisflightleavesin12hours,andhe is currentlyrestingin
tions,they are mostlikelypubliclyknownnovaswhoap- a hot, dingyand extremelyrun-downhotela kilometer
pear to be workingfor Project Utopia.This is the most from the airport. The area around the hotel is largely
likelyand, in manyways,the most desirableoptionfor composedof tin-roofed shacksand smallstands selling
characters who are playingAberrants.The characters bootlegvideos,cheap food and over-priced souvenirs.
couldevenbe membersofTeamTomorrowwhoare seek- Havingbeen onthe run for fivedays,Gabrielis bothtired
ing to reformProject Utopiafrom within.As novasbe- and exceptionallyparanoid. Hehas alreadyhad one nar-
longingto Project Utopia, they will be effectivelyin row escape in Nigeriaand is ready at any momentfor
charge of the Project Utopiatask force. See "lf the the forces of Satan to set uponhimagain.Currently,he
Characters Belong to Project Utopia" on page 94 is sittingin his hotelroomwatchingthe door.Hewillnot
for further details. sleep untilhe reaches safety.

GABRIEL 97
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Not onlymust the charaders convinceor coerce the striketeamwillfirmlybelievethis information.which
Gabrielinto accompanyingthem, they must also avoid directly contradicts what the characters know of
the Proteusand Utopiaagentswhoare alsopursuinghim. Gabriel'sescape.Thiscontradidionprovidesan, admit-
Gabrielis travelingby normalmeans,but he is usingthe tedly slim, opportunity to possibly end the conflict
Fullextent of his Mega-Attributesto coerce numerous peacefullyand to perhaps convert others to the Aber-
people into aidinghim.If the characters are not either rant cause.If he is conscious,Gabrielwillknowinstantly
remarkablycleveror insomeFashionresistantto hispow- if membersof the Utopiastriketeamhavetrulybegunto
ers, he willsimplyforce them to aid him. If the charac- doubt their employersand willsee this as an opportu-
ters manageto avoidbeing affeded by Gabriel'spow- nity to lead others fromthe path of evil.
ers, then they can either negotiatewithhimor attempt However,allof the aboveinformationassumesthat
to capture him. See TakingOut Gabrielpage 103for in- the charactershavemanagedto resist Gabriel'spowers
formationon howto abdud him. of coercion. If he catchesthem unawares,he willlikely
Gabriel is extremely powerful. Even using VTP controlthem as he has manyothers. Insteadof possible
darts, capturinghimwillnot be easy. If the charaders allies,Gabrielwillsee them as more followerssent to
insteadattempt to talk to him,they willfind himresis- himby God. The characters willarrive at the Nevada
tant to the idea of accompanyingthemanyplacebut his compoundas Gabriel'sunwilling bodyguards.Thisresult
Nevadacompound.However.whilehe is quiteinsane,he couldalsobe a fascinatinglead-into the normalcourse
is not stupid.If the charaders mentionthe fact that their of the adventure.Once Gabrielhas arrivedat the com-
abilityto locatehimimpliesthat Projed Utopiaand Pro- pound,hewilldivertmuchof hisattentionFromthe char-
teus agents are likelynot Farbehind,he maytake them acters and concentrateon controllinghisflock,deciding
up on their offer of sanctuary.He willonlydo this if the what he will do next and getting some much-needed
charaders appear sympatheticto his hatred of Project sleep.At this point,the charaders willbe free from his
Utopiaand if they are willingto discussthe entire matter control.Now,insteadof beingonthe outsideof the com-
in FundamentalistChristianterms. If the charaders ap- pound,the charaders willbe trapped insidewithGabriel
pear uncomfortablewith or ignorantof the details of and the rest of the followers.Fromhere, they mayat-
Christianity,then Gabrielwillconsiderthem to be god- tempt to help Gabrielescape or possiblycommunicate
less heathensand willrefuse to workwiththem. withand allythemselvesto one of the fadions outside.
Shortlyafter the charaders either manageto sub-
due Gabrielor convincehim to accompanythem, the Talking to Gabriel
Project Proteusstrike team willshowup. UseBlackout, If none of the players are interested in negotia-
Heavyand Leo, describedon pp. 111-112 for the mem- tions,the Storytellershoulduse LaurenAhmiras the ne-
bers of the team.The agents are each armedwithVTP gotiator.However,the adventure willbe considerably
dart gunsand are determinedto killGabrielas rapidlyas more interestingand complexif the charaders actually
possible.They willuse lethalforce on anyonewhointer- spend a considerableamountof time talkingto Gabriel
feres with their plans.Whilethe team wouldlikelybe or to his aid, Mary.These conversationswillallowthe
able to killGabrielif he was alone,withthe characters' charactersto uncoverwhatGabrielactuallyknowsabout
help,Gabrielshouldprevail. the undercoveradivities of Utopiaand Proteus.How-
HelpinghimdefeathisenemieswillconvinceGabriel ever,assumingthe Storytellerwishesto avoiddestroy-
that the charactersweresent by God.Aslongas the char- ingher gameworldina vast plague,cautionmustbe used
aders are carefulto playalong,he willagree to accom- whenhavingthe charaders talkto Gabriel.Gabrielis in-
pany them. If the characters have instead captured sane, fullof hatred for Project Utopiaand (althoughhe
Gabriel,they willhaveto either defeat or flee the Pro- concealsit well)honestlyterrified of beingplacedback
teus agents whilecarrying Gabriel'sunconsciousform in the slaveryhe just escapedFrom.
with them.Unlessthe charaders manageto killor oth- If he is threatened too often or actuallybelieves
erwiseneutralizeallmembersof the striketeam,the sur- that his compoundis about to be attacked, he willre-
vivorswillreport the charaders' adions, andthe charac- leasethe plagues.If none of the playersseems likelyto
ters willfacefurtherpursuitbyotherProteusstriketeams. be able to actuallyhandlethe complexand delicatetask
Foradded complexity,the Storytellercoulddecide of talkingwitha paranoidmadman,then it maybe safest
that the novaswhoattack Gabrielandthe charactersare to havetheir charaders actuallytalk exclusively withhis
insteadworkingfor Projed Utopiaand merelywishto aid,MaryCatanzaro(see DramatisPersonaefor further
recapture him. This optionworksbest if the charaders information).Otherwise,the charaders willalternate
are Aberrantswhoare workingfor or at leastsomewhat talkingwithGabrieland withMary,sinceGabrielspends
connectedto Projed Utopia.Beforeor possiblyduring muchof his time in prayer and tendingto his flock.
the battle, the strike team willappealto the charaders Mary is devoted to Gabriel,but she also desper-
to turn over Gabriel.Theywillrelate howGabrielis dan- atelywishesto find a non-violentsolutionto this situa-
gerouslyinsaneand howhe has escapedfrom a hospital tion.She doesn'twant to see Gabrielharmed,but as the
where he was undergoingtreatment The membersof standoffprogresses,she willbecomeincreasinglywor-

98 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
ried about the safety of his 650 followersand about the siders to be servants of evil,since
possibleplagues.Use Mary to warn the characters about he hopes to convert them
the proper way to to his cause. However,
talk with Gabriel. he is completely
1fthey begin making unwillingto sur-
threats , have her state in render to either
an angry and worried tone Project Utopia or
that she willnot pass their state- Project Proteus
ments on to Gabrieland that, if she members. One, ad-
did, he mightdo somethingrash. A few mittedly slim, possi-
such warning should encourage the bility for characters
characters to handle the negotiations who workfor one of these
more carefully. If after numerous groups is to convince
warningsthe characters continue be- Gabriel that they have
ing belligerentand aggressiveand insist actuallybeen swayed
on talking only to Gabriel,then let them, by his arguments .
and make them face the consequences of Remember that
their behavior. However, make sure the Gabriel is not stu-
characters have adequate warningof the pid. Characters at-
likelyoutcome of such actions. tempting to convince
Once a meaningful him of their motives
dialog has been es- must succeed at a
tablished, Gabriel Manipulation+Sub-
will spend most of terfuge roll with a
his time ranting difficulty of +5.
about the evils of Next, Gabrielwill
Project Utopiaand request that the
the coming of the characters
apocalypse. He is personally
more than willing meet with him
to go on at inside the
length about compound .
such topics and Once inside,the
willmentionbrief characters will
fragments of in- be surrounded
formation about by Gabriel's
his captivity. See bodyguards (see
the setting material page 110for de-
on page 81 for de- tails) . In person,
tails. 1f the charac- the difficultyof ly-
ters are polite and ing to Gabriel in-
persistent, they can creases to +6. Read
encourage him to talk Entering the Com-
about these incidents in pound on page 101
greater detail. After for further informa-
talkingabout his ownsitu- tion . While Gabriel
ation, he will provide the willnot have the same
names of several other novas negative fee ling to-
being held in a similar form of ward members of the
captivity. He willalso talk in sad and Directive, he willbe re-
angry terms about Slider's death and luctant to surrender to
how a nova named Chiraben was respon- any arm of the USgovern-
sible. Gabrielwillthen go on at length about how ment, since he believesthat all
Chirabenis one of Proteus' chiefdemons. Whilenoth- worldly governments have been
ingGabrielsays willbe admissibleincourt, carefulcheck- corrupted by Project Utopia.
ing may be able to corroborate his information. If the characters belongto any of these groups,
Gabriel is quite willingto talk with people he con- then their best hope of settlingthe situationin a peaceful

GABRIEL 99
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
manneris throughMary. As negotiationscontinue,she being sent by Godto help himin his hour of need. As
willbecomeincreasinglyscared.Whileher Faithin God longas the characters continueto agree with him,he
never waivers,she willbeginto doubt Gabriel'ssanity. willbe mollified . Oncethese preliminarydiscussionsare
Clraracterswho makea Wits + Rapportrollat +2 diffi- over,Gabrielwillaskto meetwiththemanddiscusstheir
cultywillnoticeher Feelings.SinceGabrieltrusts her,he plans.Planswhichincludeproposalsto lockhimup and
allowsher to communicatewith the negotiatorsat any attemptto treat his insanitywillnot be regardedFavor-
time.Lateat night,she can holdunmonitoredconversa- ably.Also,whileGabrielis becomingdesperate, he is
tionswiththe negotiators.IFthey are careful,the nego- unwillingto workwithpeoplewhohaveno usefulplans
tiators maybe ableto convinceher to allowtheminside or whoseplanssoundphonyor foolish.Allowthe char-
the compoundto capture Gabriel.The best wayto con- acters to comeup withsomeplanfor howthey willal-
vinceMaryto helpthemis for the charactersto empha- legedlyor actuallyworkwithGabrielto spreadthe word
size the Factthat Gabrielis threateningto killup to a of Project Utopia'sevils,slayUtopia'sleadersand then
people.Maryisquitecompassionate
biftion andishorrifiedby leadhumanityintoa righteousandcleansingapocalypse.
the idea of mass death. Once they have beguntalking Alternately,the charactersmaysimplyclaimto have a
withMaryalone,anotherWits+ Rapportrollat a diffi- planand then attemptto capture Gabrielonce they are
cultyof+1willallowthe charactersto realizethat play- insidehiscompound.
ingup the Factthat Gabrielis clearlyinsaneand that he ln either case, one or more of the characterswill
needsmedicalandpsychological helpis alsoan excellent haveto physicallyenter the compound.Rememberthat
idea.IFshe agreesto helpthe characters,Marywillstate membersof ProjectProteusandthe Directiveare watch-
numeroustimes that she willonly do this if Gabriel's ingthe compoundand it's surroundingsextremelycare-
safetyis guaranteed.However,lyingto Maryis relatively fully.Unlessthe charactershavesome officialstanding
easy (charactersneed onlysucceedat a Manipulation + or possesssomepowerlikeTeleportor Invisibility, get-
Subterfugerollwitha difficultyof +2). ting insidethe compoundwillbe quitedifficultEvenat
night, anyoneattemptingto sneak into the compound
Teragen or Aberrant mustmakea successfulDexterity+Stealthrollat +5 dif-
ficulty.Someformof violentor flashydistractionaway
Characters Talking to Fromthe compoundwillreducethe difficultyof this roll
Gabriel to +2 or +3(dependingon howseriousthe distractionis).
lF the characters are Teragen members or Once inside the compound,it willbecome even
Aberrants, then they mightactuallyhave a chance to clearerto the characteror characterstalkingto himthat
negotiatea peacefulsolutionwith Gabriel.However,to Gabrielis completelyinsane.Nevertheless,if they are
do this, they must be able to communicateFreelywith careful,they shouldbe ableto persuadehimto accom-
Gabriel.IFnone of them can communicatewith himse- panythem to somesafe location.Don'tlet the charac-
cretly, the characters will have been given special ters get awaywithoutsomeformof conflict.IFtheyaren't
blacktechcommunications gear to allowthemto talk to extremelyconvincing,Gabrielwillback out at the last
Gabrielwithoutbeingoverheardby the variousgroups moment,and they willhaveto forciblycapture him.
whoare monitoringallnormalcommunications. Also,evenif the charactersmanagedto enter the
Oncesecret negotiationshavebeenopened,the key compoundwithoutalertinganyoneoutside,one of the
to successwillbe in howthe characterspresent them- novasworkingfor ProjectProteuswilleventuallynotice
selves.IFthey immediatelyannouncetheir oppositionto that there are additionalquantumsignaturesinsidethe
Projed Utopiaandagreewithhischaracterizationof this compound.Fearingthat Gabrielhas somehowobtained
organizationas the armyof Satan, then Gabrielwillbe reinforcements,the Project Proteusteam willattempt
willingto considersomeformof alliance.However,if the to enter the compound.The entireteam willbe flownin
charactersdefendProjectUtopiain anyFashion,he may by Heavy(see page 112)to the locationof the quantum
be willingto considerthe characters as potentialcon- signatures.Seconds later, the Proteus team willburst
verts but not as allies.As such,he willinvitetheminside throughthe roofof the compound,directlyoverGabriel.
the compound,but willnot agree to leavethe compound Withalliesat hisback.Gabrielwillremainconfidentand
withthem. willnot considerreleasingthe plagues.
IFthe charactersmanageto convincehimoFtheir Unawareof how Gabrielmade contact with allies
sincerity,the next step is to discussreligion.Gabrielis or howmuchthese alliesmayknowaboutGabriel'scap-
unwilling to allyhimselfwithheathensor unbelievers.He tivity, the Proteus team willattempt to capture both
willaska seriesof basicquestions,suchas if the charac- Gabrieland the characters.Sincethey wishto question
ters accept the DivineQuantumUnityas their Savior, Gabriel,they willattempt to take himalive.Their First
and if they believein the cleansingredemptionof the actionwillbe to shoot himwitha VTPdart (seep. 115).
apocalypse.By this point, Gabrielwants to have more Theywillthenattemptto restrainbothhimandthe char-
alliesand willbe thinkingof the charactersas possibly acters untilhe Fallsunconscious . Heavywillattempt to
keep Gabrielbusy,whilethe characterswillhaveto Fight

100 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE .
BlackoutandLeo. OnceGabrielis unconscious,the Pro- 1fthe charactersloseor surrender,they willbe re-
teusteamshouldberoughly anewn matchforthe characters . strained and then immediatelytaken to Gabriel.This
scene of course, providesnumerousopportunitiesfor
Entering the Compound last minuteescapes,duringwhichthe captivessuddenly
Sneakingin with insidehelp:lf the characterscan turn the tableson their captors andseizeor killGabriel.
convinceMaryto let themintothe compound,then this If the characterswin,they willbe ableto escape. How-
processisrelativelyeasy. Maryhasarounda dozenother ever,unlesssomeonetalkingto Gabrielcan quicklycon-
allieswhoagreethat Gabrielis likelyunbalancedandwho vincehimthat the assaulton the compoundwasa rogue
are willingto help turn himover for proper care. Mary effort whichwillnot be repeated,he willdecidethe End
willask the charactersto sneakup to the compoundat 3 Timeshavecomeand releasethe plagues.A Manipula-
A.M..Fiveof her allieswillbe on guarddutyin that sec- tion + Subterfugerollat +5 difficultywillbe necessary
tion of the compound,whichwillonlyleaveone guard to convincehim.However,don'tbase hisdecisionpurely
whois loyalto Gabriel.The charactersmust~ake D:x- on one roll.Allowthe charactersto talk to himand at-
terity + Stealthchecksat +1difficultyto avoidalertmg temptto explain.If theycancomeup witha goodenough
this guardbut can otherwiseenter withoutincid~nt. story,then reducethe difficultyof the rollbyas muchas
Sneakingin without help:The compound1swell +3. lf no one elsethinksof it, an aidcansuggestthat the
guardedbydesperatepeople.Withoutinsideaid,the only "evildoers"whoattackedthe compoundbe turned over
w.ryto enter the compoundundetectedis throughthe to Gabriel'speoplefor "trial."Onceagain,this willgive
use of variousnovapowers.Evenin the dead of night, the charactersa chanceto get free and attack Gabriel.
sneakingin woulddemanda Dexterity+ Stealth ro~Iat
+4 difficultyto sneakupto andenterthe compoundwith-
out beingdetected. However,abilitiessuchas lnvisibil-
Further Conflict
ity,Teleportor similarpowerswillallowthe characters Options
to enter the compoundwithoutbeingdetected.Asstated lf the Storytellerfeelsthat the scenariois not chal-
before,Gabriel'sinhumanthrallovermanyof hisfollow- lengingenoughor if she simplywantsto livenupthingsa
ers rendersthemquiteresistantto outrightmentalcon- bit withsomeconflictbetweenthe variousfactions,she
trol.Anyattemptto useDomination, EmpathicManipula- can use any or all of the followingoptions,depending
tion,Hypnosis or anyMega-Charisma or Mega-Manipulationuponthe characters'allegiance . TheTeragenagentsand
enhancements onanyofhisfollowers isat +2diffiailty. the Proteusteam are designedto be runusingthe same
Inside The Compound three novacharacterwrite-ups:Blackout,LeoandHeavy.
Regardlessof how they entered, once insidethe See pp.111-112 for informationon these characters.
Storytellersshouldnormallyattemptto runonlyThe
compound,the characterswillsee that condi~ions insi~e
are far from perfect. Whilethe compound1swellbuilt TeragenIntervenesor TheProteusHitSquad. Usingboth
and wellmaintained,it is currentlyrather overcrowded. segmentsmaywelltax the characters'resourcestoo se-
See The Settingon page '71for furtherdetails.Evenlate verely.lf the Storytellerwishesto use both scenes,she
at night,sneakingthroughthe corridorsis far fromeasy shoulduse the existingcharactersfor The TeragenIn-
tervenesandcreate a secondset of Project Proteusop-
(Dexterity+Stealthat +3 difficulty).Unless!he charac-
ters havenovapowersto allowthemto remamundetec- erativeswhichare evenlymatchedwiththe characters.
ted and to find Gabriel'slocation,it willbe difficultto The onlylimitationwhencreatingthesenovasisthat they
locatehimwithoutinsidehelp. mustbe ableto arriveinsidethe compoundimmediately
1fMaryand her alliesare helpingthem, the char- a~er Gabrielhas been knockedunconscious .
acters willbe lead directlyto the centralchapel,where Nwce 'Em TillThey Glow
Gabrieland several of his most devout followersare GeneralWestonis fed up withattemptingto talkto
an insanemegalomaniac and is honestlyquite terrified
spendingthe nightin prayer.Otherwise,the characters
must attempt to find this locationon their own.1fthey that everyone and everything he cares aboutwillbe de-
are detected, a general alarmwillgo out, and several stroyed by a horrible plague.Late one night,he orders
histwo mosttrusted baselineaidesto sneakthe neutron
dozen fanatics will mob them. Only about a third of
Gabriel'sfollowersare armedandthese peopleonlyhave bombup to the edge of the compound.Eitherb~ over-
pistolsand a fewshotguns.However,the closequarters hearingthe generalgivingthe order, by observmgthe
somewhatdistressedmannerof the two aids (whoreal-
andlargenumbersof opponentsshouldmakethi~a c~al-
izethat they are beingsent on a suicidemission)or by
lengingfight,especiallyif the charactersdo notwishsim-
seeingtwo peoplesneakingout of the campto the com-
ply to killeveryonearoundthem.Duringthis battle, al-
poundat 3:00 A.M.,the charactersnoticewhat i_sgoing
lowanyonewith Mega-Witsto makea ~its+ Rapport
on. Dependingupon when the characters notice the
roll of difficulty+2 to understandthat, 1fthey actually
win the battle and escape, Gabrielmayfeel so threat- preparations, they mayattempt to talk General"."e~on
ened that he is likelyto releasethe plagues. out of setting off the bomb,attemptto talk the aidsmto

GABRIEL 101
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
goingAWOLor simplyinterceptthe aides and prevent Teragennovaswaitingat their camp in the mountains
themfromdeployingthe bomb. three kilometersfromthe compound . Negotiationswith
The generalis unconvincedby the data that indi- Blackoutwilltake severalhours.1fthe characters can
cates that the bomb will not completelydestroy the locateanddefeatthe otherTeragenmembersduringthis
plagues.However,if the characterscanconvincehimthat time, interrogationof the other Terats willrevealthat
the situationwillbe resolvedwithinthe next 24 hours, Blackoutcannotsimplyteleport Gabrielalongwith her
he willorder hispeopleto calloff the raid.Onlycharac- andthat sheplansto reappearonthe edgeofthe Teragen
ters who are also membersof the Directiveor whoare camp once her negotiationsare complete.Capturing
importantmembersof Project Utopiacan convincethe Blackoutshouldbe relativelyeasy if the charactershave
generalto delaythe bombing.Characterswhohaveless the elementof surprise.
status mustuse moredirect means. Similarly,if a character with ESP,Mega-Percep-
The general'saides,CaptainMichaelDickersonand tion or some similarabilitylistensin on Gabriel'scon-
MajorRobertaElliottare bothexceedinglyloyalto Gen- versationwithBlackout,then he willlearnthe detailsof
eral Weston.Unlessthe characters can convincethem the plan and the approximatelocationof the Teragen
that setting off the bombis likelyto be ineffective,the camp.A carefuland stealthysearch shouldthen reveal
use of novapowersor force willbe requiredto prevent its exact location.Assumingthe characterssuccessfully
them fromgoingon the mission.However,they willjust capturethe Teragenagents,impersonatingthese agents
be replacedby other aidsunlessthe charactersalsose- andtherebyconvincingGabrielto accompanythemwill-
cure the bomb.Fortunately,the two aidescan deliverit inglycouldproveto be a usefulplan,as longas they can
to the charactersinsteadof takingit to the compound.1f makesure Gabrielsuspectsnothing.
the characters steal or destroy the bomb,the general 1fthe charactersdo not stop the Teragen agents,
willneedat least36 hoursto acquirea newone,sincehe the negotiationswillproceedsuccessfully, andthen,sev-
is gettingit throughunofficialDirectivechannels. eral hours later, Heavywillfly into the compoundand
TheTeragenIntervenes cany Gabrielbackto the twootherTeragenagents. Give
1fthe charactersbelongto any organizationother any characterslookingfor suchactivitya Perception+
than the Teragen,then the action couldbe livenedup Awarenessroll at difficult+2to notice Heavyentering
considerablyby havingTeragenagents showup and at- or leaving.
temptto eitherfree or captureGabriel.Thisincidentwill 1f the characterssearch the Teragen camp,they
givethe charactersa chanceto fightpowerfulnovasand willrecoversomehighlyadvancedsurveillancegear and
maypresent themartunexpected methodofcapb.ring . partial recordings of va°rious
Gabriel · conversationsbetwee"n
Unlessone of the characterscan sense the use of LaurenAhmirand GabrielMelchior.The informationin
quantumpowersand is extremelyobservant(the Quan- these recordingsprovidesa detailed,if somewhatdis-
tum Attunementenhancementand five successeson a jointed accountof Gabriel'streatment by Project Pro-
Perception+ Awarenessrollor an equalnumberof suc- teus and his accusationsabout ChirabenkillingSlider. 1f
cesses usingNode),their first evidencethat something questioned, the Teragen agents will state that they
is amissis when one of the Project Utopiatechnicians plannedto release this informationto show the world
reports than the SpatialStress lndicatorhas registered the wayProject Utopiareallytreats novas.
the use of Teleport insidethe compound.The Spatial TheProjectProteusHitSquad
Stress lndicator(SSl) is an experimentaldevicewhose Bothto makecertainthat he doesnot escapeagain
existenceis stillsecret. No one outsideof a few mem- and to preyent himfrom revealingincriminatinginfor-
bers of Utopiaand Proteusare awarethat use of Warps mation, Project Proteus has no intention of allowing
andTeleportcan be tracked.See page114for detailson Gabrielto be taken intocustodyby any other organiza-
theSSl. tion.Usingadvancedsurveillancedevices,Project Pro-
Blackout(see DramatisPersonaeon page 111)has teus agents havebeen secretly observingand listening
teleported insidethe compoundand is attemptingto fi- to everythingwhichoccursinsidethe compound.If the
nalizea dealwithGabriel.Furthermore,the SSlwillindi- characterskillGabriel,the Proteusteam willnot inter-
cate that the teleporter le~ from an unknownlocation vene.However,ifthe charactersmerelyuseVfPs to ren-
no more than 10 kilometers away. Blackoutcannot der Gabrielunconscious,the Proteusteam willarriveas
teleport Gabrielor anyoneelsewithher.However,don't soon as Gabrielis incapacitated.Blackoutwillteleport
allowthe charactersto knowthis. Allowthemto wony in and, a tum later, Heavywillfly in carryingLeo.The
that Gabrielis about to vanishfrom under their noses. Proteusagentswillfirst present high-levelProjectUto-
lnstead,Blackoutis attemptingnegotiatean agreement pialDsandrequestthat the charactersturn Gabrielover
so that her alliescan sneakGabrielout of the compound to them.If the charactersrefuse,the Proteusteam will
in return for himagreeingto workwiththe Teragen.At attemptto subduethe charactersandtake Gabriel.Heavy
this point,a novawithTelepathyor someformof long- willattemptto grabGabrielandflyaw.ry,whilethe other
range sensory capacitycan also detect the other two two attemptto keep the charactersbusy.

102 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

Knowingthe stakes involved,the Proteus team will ginningof the next turn.
fight until they are killedor taken captive. They willuse Gabriel's resistance to psychic at-
lethalattacks but willnot attempt to killor capture inca- tack makesoptionslikeDominationex-
pacitated characters. lf the characters appear to be win- tremely risky, so there are only a few
ning, then the Proteus team willinstead attempt to kill methods of dealing with a being of
Gabriel. Once the Proteus team has grabbed or killed his power. 1f any of the characters
Gabriel,they willimmediatelyattempt to leave. They will has the Warp power it might be
continue to attack the characters only if the characters possible to Warp him into
attempt to prevent their departure . some form of pre - pre -
pared , sealed cell for
Taking Out Gabriel further observation
Once the characters actually get to Gabriel, the and study . Failing
question is what to do with him. He is extremely tough that , the charac -
and powerful. Unless one of the characters possesses ters ' best option to
either Stun Attack, Disrupt or Disintegrate at an ex- subdue or killhimis
tremely highlevelor Mega-Strength four or fiveand the to use Virally Tai-
Crush enhancement, as wellas the abilityto surprise lored Poison (VTP)
Gabrielwith the attack, it willbe darts .
impossible to take him out VTPs (see p.
with a single blow. How- 115for further de-
ever, lengthybattles are tails) provide a rea-
impractical. 1f sonable and limited
Gabrielappears method of incapaci-
to be losing, tating Gabriel. Charac-
he will re- ters who work for
lease his Project Utopia,
plagues in a Project Proteus or the
last ditch ef- Directive will have
fort at retri- been issuedVTPdart
bution. guns. Aberrants or
The Teragen character s
characters have been given VTP
willbe told dart guns that were sto-
that Triton len from a courier. ln ei-
Foundation ther case, one shot with a
physicians VTP dart should render
suspect that Gabriel unconscious .
he will only However, once the
need a very VTP dart has been
short time (one fulltum, used, the scenario
actually) to release the is far from over.
plagues . He will Even with the most
cease all advanced drug
other actions technology pos -
and begin sible, it is exceed-
concentrat- inglydifficultto stop
ing on his initia- someone as power-
tive number, and ful as Gabriel.Once
then, he willrelease a the VTP has been
vast glowing cloud of used Gabriel will
deadly microbes and fall still have seven
over dying on his ini- t u r n s during which he can
tiative number for the act without penalty. At the end of
next turn . lf he begins this time, he will simply fall over.
this process the characters' only hope is to either Warp When the characters are issued the VTPdart guns, they
himto some air-tight locationor killhimbefore the be- willbe told that it takes a short time to workand that

GABRIEL l 03
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
duringthis time they shouldkeep Gabriel Gabriel's confidence in his abilities and his
busy so he does not have a chance belief that he is the chosen warrior
to notice the faint weakness a of God will convince him that he
VTP dart produces or he might willquicklyand easilybeat his op-
use his vast powers to neutral- ponents. Unlessthis confidence
ize its affects. Essentially,the is broken by several seriously
characters must engage damaging attacks by the
Gabriel in a fight until he characters, he willcontinue
falls over. During this to fight until he falls over
fight, they must also from the effects of the
not seem too dose to dart. Unfortunately,
winning, since he the characters will
might become not know exactly
desperate and when the drug will
release the affect him. During
plagues. the fight, empha-
Fortu- size that the pri-
nately, Gabriel mary need is to
Melchior is an keep Gabriel busy.
incredibly Characters with
powerfulnova, Mega-Intelligence
so there is little will realize that
chance that the short quips and
characters will other in-com-
actually pro- bat conversa-
vide a signifi- tion combined
cant threat to with extremely
him. Unless flashy attacks
Gabriel is al- anddefenseswoud
ready en- be the best way to
gaged in keep Gabriel dis-
fighting the tracted.
characters, This finalfight
he will al- shouldbe a climac-
most cer- tic battle, with
tainly notice Gabriel using his
when the powers to the
VTPdart hits fullest . lf the
him. lf he is Storytellers
not already in feels that hav-
combat, he will ing a single op-
grow quite an- ponent, even
gry when the one as powerful
dart hits and as Gabriel, will
demand to know not be a suffi-
what hit him. lf the ciently interest-
characters do not ingchallengefor
provide a sufficiently allof the charac-
good response, Gabriel ters, then have
maygrowworried and re- Gabriel's first
lease the plagues. action be to use
lf the characters seem to Body Manipula-
be an actual threat or if they ar- tion on several of
rive in the company of several tanks his bodyguards. Ad-
and squads of heavily armed soldiers, just the number of these
Gabriel will feel threatened . However, when bodyguards as seems appropri-
facing three to six moderately powered novas, ate to the number and power level of the

104 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
characters.These bodyguards(see page 110for Further tude of the plagueswillnever comeout In the end, the
details)havealreadybeen providedwith fivedots in all resultsof this revelationwillbe mixed.The generalpub-
physicalatbibutes.Hisuseof BodyManipulation onthem lic willsee just how dangerousa powerfuland highly
willmimicthe affects of soma,with no risk of death for tainted nova can be. However,if the situationwas re-
the subjects. The bodyguardswillall have a temporary solvedsuccessfully,the publicwillalsoremainconfident
Mega-Strengthof one.FacingGabrieland two or three that variousgovernmentsworkingwith Project Utopia
enhancedguardsshouldprovidea seriouschallengefor cansuccessfullycontainsuchthreats.Nevertheless,a Few
nearlyany groupof characters. people willbeginto associatepowerfulnovasand dan-
gerousinsanity,so worry about novaswillincrease.
Endgame If Aberrants or Terats captured Gabriel,Project
Utopiawillclaimthat Gabrielwaskilled.If no one comes
Success forwardto contradictthis claim,then all is well.How-
Regardlessof whichgroup the characters belong ever,if anyoneproducesproof that Gabrielis stillalive,
to, successinvolvescapturingor killingGabrielMelchior. ProjectUtopiawilltakea majorblowto its prestige.They
Oncehe is dead, in custodyor simplyspiritedoff by de- willbe able to makeit looklikethey were fooledand not
fiant renegades,the situationat the Nevadacompound be caught in a lie, but publicconfidencein Utopiawill
is largelyover.If he is captured or killed,his enhanced still suffer.If the characters are Aberrants they could
bodyguardswillcontinueto fightuntilthey are defeated, greatly harm Project Utopia'simageby simultaneously
but everyoneelse willback off.If he has been killed,his announcingGabriel'sallegationsagainstProject Utopia
other followerswillallgo intoa mildformof shockwhen and the fact that he is stillalive.Whilethe firstcan be
his mentalthrallover them is broken.They willrecover dismissedas the ravingsof a lunaticand the secondas a
in a Fewturns and some willseek vengeanceupon the mistakerather thana lie,takentogether,thesetwopieces
characters.However,at this point,they willbe exceed- of informationare enoughto start an investigationof
inglydemoralized,and any serious show of force will Project Utopia'sactivitiesby the UN.
cause them to surrender.If Gabrielhas been captured, If the characterscapturedGabriel,he willbe turned
then the characterswillneed to fighttheir way out past over to the Triton Foundation,the CDC,Aberrant re-
severalhundredangryand protectivefollowers. searchers or Teragenscientistsfor evaluation.Regard-
In either case, the followersare armed onlywith less of who is examininghim,the results are the same.
smallarmsand unwilling to risk harmingtheir Redeemer. Gabrielis heavilytainted and dangerouslyinsane. No
Dealingwith the followersshouldbe relativelyeasy, if treatment or therapy can helphim,and he is a constant
the characters are careful.Gabriel'sfollowerswillalso dangerto everyonearoundhim.If he is heldby the Tri-
surrender rapidlywhen confrontedwith the Fullpower ton Foundationor the CDC,he willmakeseveralescape
of severalnovas.The Storytellercan playthisscene as a attempts,andonlythe Factthat he'skept heavilydrugged
bitter fight by peopleseekingvengeancefor the death willprevent them from succeeding.Withintwo weeks,
or capture of their leader or a disorientedmobthat has Triton Foundationor CDCresearchers willinformthe
suddenlybe releasedfrom Gabriel'smentalthrall. charactersthat he mustbe euthanized.
CDCoperativesin sealedsuitswillmoveinthe mo- If he is heldby eitherthe Aberrantsor the Teragen,
mentthe compoundhas been secured.Allof the follow- the resultsare muchthe same.EvensociopathicTeragen
ers and the characters (if they are still present at the memberslikeShrapnelwillrapidlyrealizethat Gabrielis
compound)willspend three days in quarantinebeing too uncontrollableand dangerousa weaponto use.If the
poked and prodded by nervousdoctors. At the end of charactersbelongto the Aberrants,the Storytellermay
this time,everyonewillbe declaredto be in nearlyper- want to use a somewhatmore poignantend for Gabriel.
fect health. The characters willbe released, and the Duringthe last of the attemptedtreatments, after the
followers wiUbe detainedfur legalandpsychiatric
evaluation. charactershaverealizedhis case is hopeless,Storytell-
Publicity ers mightwant to allowthe treatment to bring Gabriel
Shortlyafter the charactersare released,the de- back to sanity and normalcyfor a Fewminutes.At this
tails of the situationin Nevadawillappear on the OpNet. point, Gabrielrealizesthat he is not in the custody of
While it was possibleto keep a news blackouton the Project Utopiaand that he has becomea dangerousand
situation while it was going on, the events around seeminglydemonicentity.Hewillprayandbeg the Quan-
Gabriel'scompoundare simplytoo noticeableto keep tumUnityto forgivehim,thankthe charactersfor bring-
completelysecret. Whilethe involvementof the Direc- inghismindbrieflybackfromthe pit of Hell.Hewillthen
tive and Project Proteus willnever be revealedunless ask them to leave.Once they are gone, he willactivate
one of the charactersleaksthe information,the fact that his powersto their fullestextent and dissolvehimselfin
a vastly powerfuland insanenovathreatenedthe entire a wash of glowingQuantumenergy.When the charac-
worldand that the situationwas resolvedthroughcoop- ters return, onlya smallpileof dust and ash willremain.
erationbetweenthe USgovernmentand Project Utopia If the characters are Teragen memberswho de-
willbrieflymakeheadlines.Fortunately,the true magni- cide to keep Gabrielaliveand use himto blackmailthe

GABRIEL l 05
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
world, allowGabrielto have a brief momentof sanity characterswere relativelycarelessin whatthey asked.
wherehe decriesthe characters'motives.Hewillloudly Regardlessof whodoesso, if the informationabout
claimthat they care nothingForthe kingdomof Heaven Gabrielis releasedto the OpNet,it willresultin a wide-
and merelyseek base andworldlypower.Yellingthat he spread publicoutcry againstProject Utopia. However,
willserve no master but God, Gabrielwillthen destroy withoutproof,noneof Gabriel'sallegationsare morethan
himselfin a similarfashion.The onlydifferenceis that just talk. The statementshe made concerningSlider's
he willnot ask the charactersto leave.Unlessthey flee murderwillbecomecommongossip,but mostpeoplewill
as soon as he starts to glow,everyonepresent willtake believethat statementsmadeby a large, obviouslybe-
four levelsof AggravateddamageFromhis destruction neficentorganizationare considerablymore trustwor-
(six levelsif they actuallyattempt to grab or otherwise thy than the words of a lunatic,repeated by terrorists
touchhimwhenhe is disintegratinghimself). anddissidents.The onlyconcretescandalsthat cancome
Regardlessof his actualfate, unlessthe characters out of this incidentare those purelyrelatingto Gabriel.
managedto FakeGabriel'sdeath in some Fashion,the He was obviouslykidnappedand held against his will,
searchForhimwillcontinue.Despitethe revelationsthe and accordingto his statements,he was the subject of
characters may release concerninghis treatment by dangerous experiments which may well have aggra-
ProjectProteus,everygovernmentandlaw-enforcement vated his insanity.
agencyon the planetstillFearsthat Gabrielmayrelease Just as obviously,Project Utopiaofficialswillpoint
his plagues. The pressureto Findhimwillintensifyuntil out, Gabrielwasalreadyexceedinglypowerfuland dan-
and unlessthe characterstum himover to someofficial gerouslyinsane,andthe experimentsperformedon him
organizationor bringforwardproof of his death. at the Bahrainfacilitywere part of an effort to cure or,
at least, treat his condition.Whilethere willbe signifi-
Blowing the Whistle cant publicoutrage,anycriminalchargeswillbe limited
At this point,the onlyremainingissueis what the to ethicalviolationsby physiciansand similarcharges.
charactersdo with the informationthey havereceived 1Fthe characters also release statements about
Fromand aboutGabriel.Loyalmembersof Project Pro- Project Proteus' use of Gabrielin OperationGenesis,
teus willbury this information . Membersof the Direc- ProjectUtopiawillquicklydenythe existenceof anyor-
tive willturn it overto their superiors,whowillthen use ganizedbodycalledProjectProteusandwillinsteadpoint
it as a bargainingchipin their negotiationswithProject to a Fewoverlyzealousand irresponsibleagents whose
Utopia.Loyalmembersof ProjectUtopiawillturn it over unsanctionedactionshavebeen made to seem part of
to their superiors,who willthen assure the characters some vast conspiracy.lFthe charactersare persistent
that this informationwas all a vast tapestry of liesand enoughin their claimsand start presentingany of the
insanity.CharacterswhoinvestigateFurtherwillbe po- additionalevidence the Aberrants have accumulated
litelytold that an officialinvestigationis alreadyunder- aboutProjectProteus,Utopialeaderswillclaimthat the
wayand that their efforts are unnecessary. irresponsibleagentsintheir midstmayevenhaveties to
Ch~racterswhobelongto ProjectUtopiaand con- the Teragen.
tinue to be dissatisfiedwith such answerswillbe ap- lFthe charactersand their organizationpersist in
proachedby Aberrantsworkinginsidethe Project,who their accusationsandofferanyproof,ProjectUtopiawill
willoffer to share information.This situationcouldbe change its tactics. AnyProteus membersidentifiedby
an excellentway to have the characters recruited into Gabriel,as wellas a numberof inconvenientlow- and
the Aberrantsand possiblyForsomelengthyand heated mid-levelProteus memberswillbe publiclydenounced
debatesamongthe charactersaboutProject Utopiaand by Project Utopiaand subsequentlytried in a UNcourt.
the Aberrants. However,the (largelyblameless)top ranks of Project
Characterswhobelongto th·e Teragen willbe en- Utopiawillremainuntouchedby these revelations,and
couragedbytheir Fellowmembersto makethis informa- the headsof Proteuswillvanishintothe shadows.Public
tion public,so that Project Utopiacan be shownto be opinionof ProjectUtopiawilldrop somewhatHowever,
the organizationof eviland incompetentslaversthat it the organizationitselfwillsurvive,andthe TritonFoun-
reallyis. lF the characters are Aberrants,their Fellows dation willannouncea number of important medical
willurge cautionin makingthis informationpublicbut breaktfroughs , including
a curefordiabetes,fuu-monthslater.
willultimatelyleavethe decisionon whetheror not to
releaseit to the characters. Failure
Unlessthe charactersare members,the Aberrants Nomatterwhothe charactersworkFor,the results
willleakportionsof secret recordingsthey madeof con- of failureare the same.GabrielMelchiorreleasesa vast
versationsbetween the negotiatorsand Gabrielwhich airbornecloudof viruses,bacteriaand prions. Angryat
revealsomeof his treatmentto the OpNet. 1Fthe char- his captivityand betrayaland determinedto punishthe
acterswererelativelycircumspectintheirquestions,this wickedbeforehe canbe takenbackintocaptivity,Gabriel
informationwillbe muchless incriminatingthan if the actuallydestroyshimselfinthisprocess. Anycharacters

106 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
present when he releases the plagues will see his body over the world.
dissolve into a huge, initially luminous, cloud which is lf the plagues can be prevented from reaching
gradually dispersed by the wind. At this point, the world Las Vegas or if it can be prevented from spreading
is facing a series of horrific plagues that will rival the from Las Vegas, then the world might be spared. The
Black Death of the 14th century . only way to prevent the plagues from reaching Las
lf General Weston uses the neutron Vegas would be for a character with Weather
bomb, the compound will be de- Manipulation or Elementa l Animal
stroyed in a Rash of blinding light, Mastery (Air) to immediately at-
but once the blast has cleared , tempt to contain the cloud .
a smaller luminous cloud None of the Storyteller
will be seen to rapidly novas present have
dissipate . The CDC weather control , and
officials will an- ~ there isn't time to
nounce that , before bring one in. At
he was destroyed, least four suc-
Gabriel must have cesses are
released the plagues. needed on the
By some unknown weather con-
means the most ra- trol roll to suc-
cessfully con-
tain the cloud .
At this point ,
more than half
plagues of the
clearly be much baselines in the
less severe than compound and
it might have among the vari-
been, the world is ous groups out -
still facing a deadly side the com-
threat. pound are
lf the doomed , but
Storyteller __ _ the diseases
doesn't want can be effec-
to work a plague of tively quaran -
biblical proportions tined .
into her chronicle , lf this effort
there are a few fails , the only
other options . As other option is
stated earlier, the to prevent the
compound is in a plagues from spread-
particularly bleak ing from Las Vegas . The only
portion of Nevada with way to do this is to immediately
Las Vegas being the only major city destroy the city with nuclear
nearby. The prevailing winds will blow weapons . lf none of the
the plague cloud into LasVegas characters
in a little more than an come up with
hour. Once there , it \, the idea , one
will infect nu- of the CDC
merous workers
people , who can mention
will then it. The Presi -
spread it rap- dent of the
idly through- United States
out the must autho-
United rize such a
States and strike . How-
ultimately ever, mem-

GABRIEL 107
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
hers of the Directive or Team Tomorrowwill have son in three or Fourdies a horribledeath, emergency
little trouble getting in direct contact with him (or serviceswillbe totallyoverwhelmed bythe massivesurge
her). The next step is Forone or more of the charac- of violenceand panicbroughton by the epidemic.Dur-
ters to persuade the President to drop a bomb that ing the heightof the disaster,the largest US cities will
willkillseveralmillionUScitizensto prevent the death becomelittlebetter than scenesof anarchyand devas-
of hundreds of millionsmore. If possible, allowall of tation,as powerfailures,trafficjams and openviolence
the characters to talk on a speakerphone, and play add to the death toll.Evengroupslikethe Armyandthe
up the situationForas muchanguishand soul-search- NationalGuardwillbe overwhelmed,as manysoldiers
ing as it deserves. ln the end, the characters are di- refuseordersto enter plaguezones,whileother soldiers
rectly responsibleForthe death of millionsof people, succumband die on duty.
but they did save the world from a series of terrible Anynovaswhocan either affect the emotionsand
plagues. They willhave achievedat best a verybitter- reactionsof massesof peopleor whocanproducelarge-
sweetvictory. scalephysicaleffectscansavelargeareas fromtotalde-
struction. However,there willalwaysbe anotherneigh-
Plague borhoodto save.Allowthe charactersto understandthe
The followingcampaignideasare quitedrasticand vast magnitudeof the problems,but also makesure to
couldcompletelyalterthe gameworld. Before havegratefulcitizenstearfullythankthem Fortheir ef-
enactinganyof the suggestionshere,Storytellers forts.Rememberthanthe charactersare likelyto be ac-
shouldcarefullyconsiderwhatthe followingevents cumulatinglarge amountsof temporaryTaint as they
willmeanfor thegameworld. push their powersto help save more people.However,
1fthe charactersfailto stop GabrielMelchiorfrom even fast and effectiveinterventionby novaswillstill
bringingabouthis ownapocalypse,the UnitedStates is leavelargeareas of manyUScities in ruins.
facedwitha catastropheof unprecedentedproportions. The diseases themselvesare also quite terrible.
Whathappensnowwilldependbothuponwhatthe char- Deathusuallyoccurswithin40 to 48 hoursafter infec-
acters have done alreadyand what they do in the first tion. Perhapsworst of all, all novasare immune,so the
hoursand daysof the outbreak. characterscan merelystand and watch as millionsdie
lf the plaguesare releasedandthe neutronbombis around them. Novas who possess Healing or
not used, then between40 and 100 millionUS citizens Biomanipulation can cure victimsor even makepeople
willbe dead withinthree weeks. Duringthis sametime, immuneto the disease,but suchpowersonlyaffect one
the plagueswilllikelyspreadintoMexicoandCanadaand individualat a time.Anynovabelievedto be ableto cure
willalmostcertainlyspreadworldwide . The totalworld- plaguevictimswillcertainlybe mobbedbe desperatein-
wide death toll willbe between 200 and '700 million dividualsandmayFaceviolenceif he claimsto be unable
people.Allowthe charactersactionsto affectthe spread to curethe Franticthousandscomingto himFortreatment.
of the plagues.lmmediatelyafter the plaguesare re- Storytellersshouldprovidedescriptionsof OpNet
leased,characterswho use their powersto quarantine disaster coveragebut also make sure that the events
the regionor to slowthe airbornedispersalof the dis- personallyaffect allof the characters.
easescaneasilyreducethe impactof the diseases.Later 1fGeneralWestonusedthe neutronbomb,the re-
on, helpingto groundplanesat airports and to other- sults willstillbe terriblebut more limitedin scope.The
wiseprohibittravelwillhelppreventa nationalepidemic Rashof radiationwilldestroymostof the diseases.The
frombecominga worldwidedisaster. death toll in the USwillonlyrange between10 and 20
However,no matter how wellthe characters re- millionwith a worldwidedeath toll of between30 and
spond, once Gabrielreleases his diseases,millionswill 100 million.Over10millionAmericanswillstilldie inthe
die.The Following weekswillbe fullof scenesof horror worst disaster in UShistory,but somedegree of order
andtragedy.Storytellersshouldmakecertainto present willbe maintainedevenduringthe worstportionsof the
the fullimpactof this disaster. Variousmoviessuch as crisis.The results willresemblethe LA riots of 1'7'72.
Outbreakor novelssuch as TheStandby StephenKing Lootingand violencewillbe widespread,but rapid in-
mayhelpStorytellerscomprehendthe natureof suchan terventionby powerfulnovasand groupslikethe Army
epidemic.Duringthe plagues,be sure to introducethe and the NationalGuardwillbe able to restore order
charactersto a widevarietyof individuals. Let themen- withina weekor two. The entire USwillstillbe a disas-
counterheroicphysiciansworkingevenwhenthey have ter area oncethe crisisis over,but recoverywillbe much
become infected, panickedciviliansdesperate to Aee morerapid,andbasicserviceswillbe restored withina
fromthe spread of the plagues,greedylooterseager to weekafter the plaguesare cured.
gainwealthas civilizationcrumblesandunscrupulous con Regardlessof the magnitudeof the plagues,if the
men offeringworthlesspatent-medicinecures to des- Presidentiscurrentlya novathenthe characterswillface
perate victims. evenmorestress.As advisorsto the President,andpos-
ln LosAngeles,NewYork,Chicagoand other large siblyincludingthe Presidenthimor herself,characters
cities in the UnitedStates, chaoswillreign.As one per- willbe calleduponto enactmartiallaw,to makespeeches

l 08 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
to panickedciviliansand to lendaid and comfortin the both to be groupsof anti-Utopianovas. 1feither group
worstaffectedregions.ln the midstof thisdisaster,public is blamedfor the plagues,bothgroupswillsuffergreatly.
figureswillface occasionalattacksby panickedindividu- Project Utopiaand Project Proteuswillalsohave much
als lookingForsomeoneto blame. Under such circum- to gain if the proximatecause of the disaster can be
stances, the President and her advisors couldemerge placed on either the Aberrants or the Teragen. Any
from the crisis as heroes and saviors or as villainsand claimsbyAberrantsaboutpossiblecorruptioninProject
incompetents.Littlemiddlegroundwillbe possible,but Utopiawillbe largelyignored.Few people care about
the choiceis largelyup to howthe charactersrespond. the politicsof mass-murderers.
TheAftennath ln manywa:1s, havingsucha disasterblamedon the
Withinthree weeks, nova physiciansworkingFor Teragen or the Aberrants could end up being a great
the TritonFoundationwillhavedevelopedvaccineswhich boonfor Project Utopia. Utopia,whichwasvery promi-
can be aeriallysprayed over affected regions.At this nent in reliefefforts beforethe plagues,willbe increas-
point,it's timeto pickupthe pieces.lf the neutronbomb inglyseen as the bastionwhichprotects civilizationfrom
was not usedthe devastationproducedin the USwillbe the threats posedby dangerouslyinsane,rebel novas.ln
immense.Evenbasic services likeFooddelivery,water manynations,includingthe US,allnovaswillbe required
andpowerwilltake morethana monthto restore insome to submitto frequent tests and checkupsadministered
cities, and once again,novaswillbe necessary for the byUtopianpersonnel.ProjectProteuscouldevenemerge
survivalof millions.As the cities nearest the initialout- partiallyfromthe shadowsand proclaimitself the first
break, portions of Los Angelesand Las Vegaswillbe- line of defense against rogue novas, usurping Team
comevast refugee campsForthe millionswholost their Tomorrow'spositionand replacingT2M'sheroicideal-
homesduringthe riots and panic. ismwith a grimdeterminationto never allowa similar
The entire worldwilltake severalyears to recover, holocaustto occur.
and if the neutronbombwasnot used,the UnitedStates Any novas who protest or rebel against Utopia's
willimmediatelyceaseto be a majorworldpower.Much domination will end up being branded dangerous
like Russiaafter the collapseof the Soviet Union,the psychotics.Withina year or two, Utopiawillbe much
UnitedStates willbe a Formerworldpower whichwill more firmlyentrenchedthan before,and its publicsup-
become dependent upon shipmentsof food and medi- port willbe assured. Evenif the characters belongto
cine Forat least a decade and willtake almosta century Project Utopiaor Project Proteus, if they are careful,
to gain its previouslevelof prosperity.1f the neutron and rather unscrupulous , they may be able to pin the
bombwas used,then the USeconomywillexperiencea blamefor the plaguesuponthe Aberrantsor the Teragen.
sharp downturn,and the US willtake severalyears to Sincethere are few,if any,baselinesurvivorsfrom the
recover,but withinfiveyears, it willhaverebuiltand at- regionaroundthe Nevadacompound,doingthis mayend
tained its previouslevelof prosperity. up beingrelativelyeasy.
Once the crisis is past, there willbe an immediate 1finsteadthe blamecomesto rest on Project Uto-
investigationinto the cause of the disaster.The exact pia membersor associateslikeProject Proteus agents,
circumstancesof the eventand the eventsleadingup to then the resultingbacklashwillaffect all novas,espe-
The Miracleloosingthe plagueswillhave an important ciallyif Gabriel'scommentsabout his treatment at the
impactonthe futureperceptionof novasthroughoutthe hands of Project Proteus and the Triton Foundation
world. Regardlessof whetherthe death tollwas 10 mil- comesto light. ProjectUtopia'sshiningsuccessesof the
lionor 900 million,peoplewillbe lookingfor someone past willbe forgotten.lt and, by association,all novas
to blame.WhileGabrielis the obviouschoice,he's dead. willbe seen as dangerouslyunstablemaniacs.Whilethe
However,he was a nova.Manypeople willbe quickto ZurichAccordwillnot be revoked,inmostnationsnovas
try to blameallnovasfor this disaster. willbe heavilydiscriminatedagainst,and in the United
ln determiningthe outcomeof this investigation, States, Canadaand Mexico,those whodon't flee willbe
the characters allianceand their actionswillbe equally slainby mobs.If there is currentlya novaPresident of
important.1fthe charactersare discoveredto be mem- the UnitedStates, he or she willeither flee or be over-
bers of either the Aberrants or the Teragen and they thrownbya widespreadgrass-rootsrevolution.The gov-
were involvedin causingthe disaster,then they willhave ernmentwhichreplaceshimor her willbe harshand dic-
dealt a near-fatal blowto their organization . The public tatorial and willexplicitlydeny novasbasic civilrights.
willnowsee the characters' organizationas nothingless With the exceptionof a Fewnations, likeJapan, which
than a band of psychoticmass-murderers.Overmuchof willshelter displacednovas,the entire world willtum
the world,suspectedmemberswillbe hunteddownlike againstthem, and the campaignwilllikelyfocus on sur-
dogs.Also,fewbaselinesunderstandthe differencebe- vivaland heroismina worldwhichnowloathestheir kind.
tweenthe Teragenandthe Aberrantsand considerthem

GABRIEL l 09
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

General Alain Weston

Dramatis Background: GeneralWestonwas amongthe found-
ing membersof the Directive.Hiswork in intelligence
Personae duringthe ColdWar had givenhimcontactsthroughout
the intelligencecommunity.With the formationof the
Director Lauren Ahmir Directive,GeneralWestonleft the Armyand ostensibly
Background: After workingfor ScotlandYardas a joinedthe FBIas a part of their newlyformednovatask
successfulhostage negotiatorfor almosta decade,Ms. force, a front for numerousDirectiveoperations.Gen-
AhmirjoinedProjectUtopiain2005. Duringthe lastfour eral Westonhas nevertrusted novas,and whilehe rec-
years,she hasbuilther reputationfor excellencebysuc- ognizestheir usefulness,he has staunchlyopposedthe
cessfullyresolvingalmosta dozenhostagesituations,in- appointmentof any novasto high-rankingpositions in
cludingthree involvingnovaterrorists.Sheis fundamen- the Directive.
tallyapoliticaland has little interest in the accusations GeneralWestonhasbeengrowingincreasingly wor-
that someare alreadymakingagainstProjectUtopia.She riedaboutProjectUtopia'sagenda. Heregardsit as little
knowsthat the work she is doingis vitallyimportant, more than a nova-runplot to controlthe world. While
and Project Utopiasupportsthis work. he is willingto workwithProjectUtopiarepresentatives
Ms. Ahmirenjoysworkingwithnovasand secretly duringthe current crisis, he does not trust them. He
hopes to somedayerupt. She does an excellentjob of wishesto end the current standoff as rapidlyas pos-
gainingcriminals'trust and keepingthemtalking.How- sible. Althoughhe willavoidlettinganyoneelse realize
ever,she dividesthe worldintocriminalsandcitizensand this,the primaryreasonGeneralWestondistrustsnovas
has no sympathyfor anyonewho takes hostages.The so muchis that he is fundamentallyafraidof them.While
ideathat Project Utopiacouldbe in anywayresponsible he foughtin combaton numerousoccasions,superhu-
for the currentsituationinvolvingGabrielwoulddisturb man beings with vast and often unknowncapabilities
her greatly. scare himmorethan anybattle he has evenbeen in.
Mary Catanxaro Gabriel's Bodyguards
Background:
Maryhas been Gabriel'sclosefriend Background: Fearfulof beingrecapturedbyProject
for the past 12years. Alwaysa deeplyreligiousperson, Proteus,Gabrielis usuallyaccompaniedby a smallgroup
shejoinedthe CIEin l'l'l'l and convincedGabrielto join of bodyguards.Allof themare extremelyloyal.Constant
a few monthslater. When Gabriel'spowerserupted in close contact with Gabrielhas rendered them all ex-
2004, Mary was certain that the hand of God had tremelysusceptibleto hispowersof mentalcontrol.They
touchedhim.WhenGabrieltookoverthe CIEa year later, willall willinglyfight and die for himand willnot stop
shewashisstrongestsupporter.Mary'sWillpower of nine fightinguntilthey are incapacitatedor killed.Gabrielhas
allowedher to be one of the fewpeoplewhowas ableto recruited both men and womenas bodyguardsand has
viewhis behaviorobjectively,further helpingher to be used his powersof Biomanipulation to dramaticallyen-
an effectiveaide. Herresistanceto hispowersalsomeant hanceallof their physicalattributes. Gabrielwilluse his
that she was the first personto noticehis increasingin- powersto giveallof thema Mega-Strengthof one (with
stability. When Project Proteus abductedhim,she was no enhancements)at the beginningof anyfight.TheSto-
gratefulthat GodhadtakenGabrielhomebeforehisprob- rytellershouldadjust the numberof bodyguardsto re-
lemsbecameworse.Once he was gone, she took over flect the numberof characters.
acting leadershipof the church.Duringthe past year, Description: The men and the womenboth wear
she has strivento keep the churchtrue to his ideals. conservativesuits. The menallhaveshort hair,and the
Findingout that Gabrielwas stillaliveand hadbeen womenallhaveshoulderlengthhair.They are all large,
heldcaptivewasa great shockfor her. She immediately impressivelookingand rather unemotional.
contacted the church'smost loyalfollowers,including Roleplaying Hints:Youcare for nothingbut Gabriel.
Gabriel'sbodyguards,and requested them to come to Protectingyour Savior'swellbeingis worth any price.
the Nevadacompoundimmediately. ShebelievesGabriel's Youknowthat if you are killedservinghimyou willbe
story about his abduction,but she is also growingin- welcomedintothe kingdomof Heaven.
creasinglycertainthat he desperatelyneeds helpafter Gear:Flechetterifle,knife
hisordeal.She passionatelybelievesthat the EndTimes Nature:Follower
are comingsoon. However,she is beginningto doubtthat Allegiance: GabrielMelchior ·
Gabriel'splanfor a vast plagueis trulya part of the final Atbibutes: Strength5, Dexterity5, Stamina5, Percep-
battle betweengood and evil.She is currentlytom be- tion 4, Intelligence2, Wits3, Appearance3, Manipula-
tween her desire to help Gabrieland her growingfear tion 2, Charisma2
that millionsof innocentpeoplemaydie for no reason. Abilities:Athletics2, Awareness2, Brawl2, Drive2,

110 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Endurance2, Firearms3, Intimidation2, Interrogation2, Allegianc
e: CIE
Intrusion2, Melee 2, Medicine1,Might2, Resistance 2, Attribut
es:Strength 5, Dexterity 5, Stamina4, Percep-
Stealth 3, Streetwise 2, Survival2 tion 3, Intelligence3, Wits 3, Appearance 5, Manipula-
Backgrounds: Backing3, Resources 2 tion 3, Charisma4
3 (with+2 resistanceto allfonnsof mertalcoruol)
Willpo,.,er Abilities:Athletics2, Drive2, MartialArts 2, Endurance4,
Resistance4, Awareness2, Academics1, Bureaucracy2,
Gabriel Melchior Linguistics1 (Romance), Medicine 1, Survival2, Biz 2,
Style 4, Subterfuge 2, Etiquette 2
Backgrounds: Allies1,Followers5, lnAuence3, Node 5,
Resources 4
Quantum7, QuantumPool34, Willpower5, Taint8 (Con-
tagious [Various Minor Diseases], Delusions[Messiah
Complex], Energy Emission, Megalomania, Unearthly
Beauty)
Mega-Attribut es: Mega-Stamina • • • (Adaptability,
Resiliency).Mega-Wits• (NaturalEmpath), Mega-Ma-
nipulation • • • (Persuader), Mega-Charisma • • •
(CommandingPresence, Natural Agitator)
QuantumPowers: Biomanipulation• • • • • (AllTech-
niques, Affect Microbes), ESP • , PsychicShield • •

Other Novas
The following group is designed to be used as ei-
ther the Teragen LiberationTeam, or the Project Pro-
teus Hit Squad, dependingupon the Storyteller's wishes
and the allegianceof the characters. Little detail willbe
given on these characters, other than their powers and
Backgroood: Gabrielgrew up passionatelyreligious their basic personality. Storytellers should decide upon
and with a deep convictionthat God had some special the rest depending upon the roll these characters will
plan for his life. For him, N-Day was clear evidence that play. Refer to the setting section for informationon the
Godwas takinga more active roll in the world. Hejoined attitudes of the Teragen and Project Proteus toward the
the CIEin 1999 and immediatelyknewthat he had finally events in this scenario. If these opponentsseem too pow-
found the path God wished himto walk.This feelingwas erful for the characters to defeat, remove Leo, and only
confirmed five years later when he erupted. use Blackoutand Heavy.
Sincethat time, Gabrielhas knownthat he was des- Blackout
tined to lead God's armies on Earth in the final battle
against Satan. He viewed his captivity by Project Pro-
teus as either a test or a punishmentfor some unknown
failure. While he never doubted God's grace, this cap-
tivity terrified him, and he is determined to never allow
it to happen again. Currently, Gabriel is terrified of being
recaptured, but is unwillingto admit his fear to himself
or to anyone else.
Desaiption : Gabrieldresses in starkly impressive
white robes and moves with grace and confidence. His
voice is loud and imposing.
Roleplayi ngHints:Youhate Project Utopia with a
passionate intensity and willattempt to convinceanyone
who belongs to it to renounce the evil they serve. Your
followersare deeply important to you, but your higher
purpose makes even them irrelevant.The life and death
of a few, or even a few millionare no longer important to
you, as long as God's plan is served. Youknow that the
last days are at hand and that God willbe callingall good
people into Heavenquite soon.
Nabre:Visionary
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Backpm: Blackout, whose real name is known
by a select few, is the leader of the team and the only
member who is passionately loyal to her organization.
She was once a somewhatjaded intelligenceoperative
who saw her eruption as a chance to workfor a cause
she truly believed in.
Description: Blackoutis a tall, raw-boned, blonde
woman who is normallydressed in a long trench coat
over fatigues. When in combat, she is covered with roil-
ingblackenergy, whichshe uses to protect her and strike
her enemies.
Roleplaying Hints:You have seen a great deal of
violenceand death and wish to avoid more if at all pos-
sible. Youwillask the characters to surrender and will
attempt to convincethem of the rightness of your posi-
tion before you attack. However,once you attack, you
are a fierce and dedicated warrior who willonly surren-
der if the situation becomes completelyhopeless. Your
first goal is to complete your mission, and your second
goal is to protect your team.
Gear:SMG,Small, 2x white phosphorus grenades, VTP Gear:Pistol, Hvy., VTP dart gun
dart gun Nabre:Bravo
Nab.re:Leader Allegiance: Teragen or Proteus (see above)
Allegiance: Teragen or Proteus (see above) Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina4, Percep-
Attribut es:Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina4, Percep- tion 4, Intelligence2, Wits 4, Appearance 2, Manipula-
tion 5, Intelligence 3, tion 3, Charisma3
Wits 4, Appearance 2, Manipulation2, Charisma3 Abilities:Academics1, Athletics2, Awareness2, Drive2,
Abilities: Academics1,Athletics4, Awareness 3, Com- Endurance3, Etiquette 1, Firearms2, Intimidation3, In-
mand2, Computer3, Drive2, Endurance3, Engineering vestigation 2, Linguistics(Germanic) 1, Martial Arts 3,
2, Firearms 3, Intimidation1, Intrusion 3, Investigation Medicine2, Might3, Resistance3, Streetwise 2, Styte 2,
2, MartialArts 3, Medicine1,Pilot2, Resistance 3, Sci- Subterfuge 2, Survival2
ence 1, Stealth 3, Streetwise 3, Subterfuge 1,Survival3 Back~ Allies2, Backing3, Cipher3, Node 3, Re-
Backgrcxnfs: Allies 2, Backing3, Dormancy3, Cipher sources 3
5, Node 2, Resources 4 Quantum 5, Quantum Pool 30 , Willpower 5, Taint 4
Quantum4, QuantumPool28, Willpower7, Taint 2 (BulgingMuscles)
Mega-Attributes: Mega-Dexterity• • (Accuracy,Physi- Mega-Attributes: Mega- Strength • • (Crush) Mega-
cal Prodigy, Rapid Strike), Mega-Perception • (Elec- Stamina• • (Adaptability, Hardbody), Mega-Percepbon•
tromagnetic Vision), Mega-Inte lligence • (Analyze (Electromagnetic Vision)
Weakness), Mega-Wits • • (Quicknessx2) QuantunPowers:Gravity Control • • • (Gravitational
Quantum Powers: Claws • • • , Force Field • • , Field, Gravitic Flight, Gravitokinesis), Hypermovement
Teleport • • (CombatTeleport) (Flight) •
Heavy Leo
Background:
Heavy, whose real name is George Background: Leo Washingtonis the newest mem-
Tanaka, is a large Japanese man in his early 30s. Shortly ber of the team. He is only 22 years old and was only
before his eruption, he was banned from sumowrestling allowedto join because of his considerable powers. He
Forexcessive violence.He enjoys being a nova because is rather inexperiencedbut has already proved his use-
he is powerfuland he can more easily intimidatepeople. fulnesson severaloccasions.Hismainlimitationsare that
Description: Heavy is 1.7 meters tall and weighsa he is a bit of a coward anfzhe has little sense of tactics.
bit over 100 kg. He is dressed in a full-length black He looks to Blackoutfor orders and is likelyto panic if
jumpsuit and tall leather boots. she is ever incapacitated.
Roleplaying Hints:You are a violent person and Description: None of Leo's powers haveany visible
enjoy hurting people. Youknowyour team members do effects, so even in combat, he continues to appear to be
not likeor approveof your violence, so you restrain these a somewhat skinny black kid who looks like he is only
tendencies whenthey are watching. If you ever lose con- about 17.
trol of a situation and are in danger of being defeated, Roleplaying Hints:Youhave loads of fancy powers
you are bound by your honor to stay untilyour comrades and love to be flashy.Youlookup to Blackoutand have a
have escaped.

l 12 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Description: This rare and potent power gives a
nova control over the very Forces of life itself. Novas
with this power can cure or kill with a touch and can
even create new species or cause a seed to grow into a
large tree in a manner of moments. The only limiton this
power is that it can onlybe used to affect plants, animals
and fungi.Without taking the Affect Microbes Extra, it
cannot be used to affect viruses, bacteria or any other
Formsof microscopiclife. As with ElementalAnimaand
Mastery, this power providesseveraltechniques. A nova
may learn and freely use one technique per dot in the
power;she mayattempt other techniques, but the player
must pay doublethe quantumcost and rollagainst a dif-
ficulty penaltyof one to activatethese powers . Techniques
incWe:
Body Manipulation
DicePool:Stamina+ Biomanipulation
Range:
(Quantum+ power rating) x 5 meters
Area:N/A
Dlration:Special
secret crush on her. Youenjoy combat, but only when This ability allowsthe nova to control the physiol-
you are winning. lt has never come up, but if you ever ogy of a single livingtarget. This ability can mimicthe
feel like you are loosing, you are likelyto tum and flee. affect of any drug, from alcohol to soma, as wellas the
Gear.Pistol, Lt., Rash grenade, tear gas grenade, VTP affects of any disease or poison. When used to imitate
dart gun diseases or poisons, this abilityis identicalto the Poison
Nabre:Hedoni st power (Aberrant pp. 213-214).When this power is used
Allegiance: Teragen or Proteus (see above) against novas, it is a resisted action against the target's
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina3, Percep- Willpower.This abilitymerelymimicsthe affects of vari-
tion 4, Intelligence4, Wits 4, Appearance 3, Manipula- ous diseases and does not create actual diseases.
tion 3, Charisma3 This same ability can also alter a target's fertility,
Abilities:Academics 1, Athletics 1, Awareness 3, causinga flowerto release a large cloudof exceptionally
Brawl 2, Computer 2, Drive 2, Endurance 3, Engi- fertile pollenor makinga human(or nova) sterile or ex-
neering 1, Firearms 1, Intimidation 1, Investigation 3, ceptionallyfertile. The Teragen uses this last power to
Legerdemain 3, Medicine 1, Resistance 3, Science 1, helpnovasoverridethe sterilityinducedbyProject Utopia.
Stealth 2, Streetwise 1, Style 2, Subterfuge 3 The affects of this power normallylast as longas a
~ Allies2, Backing3, Cipher3, Dormancy4, normal dose of a similar drug would last. However,the
Resources3 affects of poisons and diseases are instant, and the af-
Quanpum4, QuantumPool 28, Willpower3, Taint 0 fects of alteringa target's fertility generallylast Forsev-
Mega-Attributes: Mega-Perception • (Quantum eral days. The degree of effect from this power depends
Attunement) Mega-Wits • (Multi-tasking, Synergy) upon the number of successes rolled:
QuantumPowers: Absorption (Kinetic) • • , Entropy Successes Effects Procb:ed
Control • • • (BioentropyStorm, EntropicShield, Prob- One SneezingFits,Depressants, Instant
ability Corruption),Healing•• ,Intuition •• ,Luck • • Sun Tan
Two Orgasms,Tear Gas, Amphetamines ,
Powers Sterility or RadicallyIncreased Fer
Biomanipulation tility, Tiredness, Insomnia
Three Mite,Mox,Adrenocelin,
Level:3
Hallucinogens, Seizures, Maniaor
Quantum Mininun:6
Depression
DicePool:Variable
Four Red 7, Narcolepsy, Paranoia,
Range: Special
Schizophrenia
Area:Special
Five Nerve Gas, Soma, Heart Attacks
Dl.rat:ion
: Variable
Effect: Character can control and manipulate all Form Manipulation
basic biologicalprocesses. DicePool: Manipulation+ Biomanipulation
~pie Actions:Yes Range:Touch

GABRIEL 113
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Arer.N/A novaachieveson a Manipulation + Biomanipulation roll,
Duration:lnstant the novamayadd upto three years to the growthof any
This abilityallowsthe novato alter the shape of target. This abilityhas no affect on targets that have
other livingtargets. The numberof successeson a Ma- alreadyattainedtheir fulladultsize,and it can onlybe
nipulation+ Biomanipulationrolldeterminesthe levelof used to transformliving thingsintotheir fulladultsize.
changeswhichcan be made on a target Targets may Thispowerautomatically stopsworkingwhenthe target
resist these changeswith a Stamina+ Resistanceroll. is fullymature, targets cannotbe madeartificiallyoldor
Thisabilitycamotbeusedto affectnovas,including
the user, decrepit usingthis ability. Targets with short lifespans
andit cannotbeusedto givea baselinetargetnovaMega- likemiceor flowersrequireonlya singlesuccessto be-
.Attributes.
Theaffectsofthispowerarenonnal!Ypermanent comefullymature.
Successes Changes Humanor animaltargets mayresist this effectwith
One Superficialchanges:Givethe tar a Staminaroll.Thisabilitycanbe usedto affectanyfungi,
get anyAppearancefromOto 5, plantor animalfroma colonyof moldto a humanbeing
changeskincolor,facialstructure or a tree. Whilethis abilitycan onlybe used to affect a
or similarfeatures, changethe singlelargetarget likea horse,a humanor a tree, it can
target'sapparentrace,fingerprints alsobe usedto affect a largenumberof smallsimpleen-
or retinaprints.Makea target look tities likea hiveof bees, a fieldof corn or a largepatch
likean exact copyof anyoneelse of mildew.Alltargets of this powergrowby absorbing
witha similarweight,height and nutrientsfrom their environmentat an incrediblerate.
build. Anyuse of this powerwillradicallydecrease localsoil
Two Minorchanges:Alter the target's nutrients.Also,inadditionto causinga cornfieldto grow
heightor build,changethe target's fromstubbleto 3 metersin an instant,a corpsecouldbe
muscleto fat ratio. Movedots consumedby a horde of growingmaggotsin a few sec-
aroundbetweenthe target's Physi onds or a woodendoor couldliterallybe devouredby
calAttributes.Changea target's ap mildewand fungias the novawatches.
parent gender.Disguiseanyoneas
anyoneelse of approximatelythe
Health Manipulation
samemass. DicePool:Stamina+Biomanipulation
Three Moderate changes: Change the Range: (Quantum+ powerrating)x 5 meters
target's physicalgender,alter the Area:N/A
target's massby up to a factor of Duration: Instant
two. Givethe target superficialfea This power allowsthe novato healor harmherself
or others.Everysuccesson a Stamina+ Biomanipulation
tures belongingto other species
roll allowthe novato heal one bashingor lethalhealth
(givea humana tail or claws).
Changeany of a target's Physical level.The novamustspendone quantumpointper health
Attributesfrom1-5. levelto be healed.This power may only be employed
Four Majorchanges:Givethe target once per target per scene.Thissamepowercan alsobe
functionalorgansandabilitiesfrom used to heal aggravateddamage. Healingaggravated
other species(givea humanFune damagerequiresthat the novaspend10Quantumpoints
tionalwings,gillsor tentacles). per healthlevelhealed.The charactercan onlyhealag-
Changea target's massby up to a gravateddamageon a characteronceper day.Thissame
factor of four. power canalsobe usedto negativelyaffect the healthof
Five Extremechanges:Completely a target bydisruptingthe cellularstructureof the target's
changea target's physicalform, body. This attack does [Quantumx 2] levels+ (power
create newcreaturesby mixing rating x 4) dice of bashingdamageor [Quantumx 2]
traits fromseveralothercreatures. levels+(powerratingx 3) dice of lethaldamage(nova's
Changea target's massby up to a choice).Onlylivingtargetscanbe damagedbythisattack.
factor of 10(tum a humanintoa Extras:AffectMicrobes(thecharactermayalsouse
dog, sculptmuscle,fleshand bone this powerto affect Virusesand Bacteria.This power
likeclay). cannotnormallybe used to harmnovassince they are
immuneto mostnormaldiseases.However,it canbe used
Growth to cause coloniesof bacteria to grow at an incredible
DicePool:Manipulation + Biomanipulation rate or to create newand exceptionallydeadlydiseases
Range:(Quantum+powerrating)x 10meters whichcan be designedto infectanythingfrom humans
hea:NIA or(Quantum+ powerrating)x5 meterradius to crop plants.
Duration:Instant
Thisabilitycausesa livingtarget to growto its adult
Technology
sizein an exceptionallyshort time.For eachsuccessthe TheSpatialStressIndicator (SSI):Thisdevicewas

114 GABRIEL
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
developed by Project Utopia two months ago. It is VTP requires several days, an ad-
designed to detect and localizespatial distortions. vanced genetics lab and a sampleof
It can detect and pinpoint any use of Teleport or the target's DNA. Currently, only
Warp withinfive kilometers. While this de- a few Triton Foundation re -
vice cannot detennine to destinationof the searchers know the secret of
Teleport or Warp (unlessthe destination creating VTPs. VTPs are de-
is also in range), it can pinpoint the loca- signedto rapidlyknock out even
tion of such distortions within five min- the mostpowerfulnovas. To af-
utes after they occur. The delay is caused fect the target, the VTP must
by the device's need to process and directly contact their skin,
analyze the data gather by its sen- so novas who use Force
sors. When inuse, it willinstantly Field, Immolate, sealed
indicate when a Warp or suits or similar protec -
Teleport has occurred, as well tions are largely immune
as providingits approximate to this type of attack .
direction. Information on VTPs generally require
the exact locationis then between five and 15 turns
displayedfive minutes to affect a target. However,
later. The device is they also work in an
a cube approxi- exceedinglysubtle fashion. If
mately half a the target is busy or is un-
meter on a aware that he has been at-
side. Currently, tacked, he mayfallunconscious
the existence withoutknowingthere is any-
of this device thingwrong. (In this scenario,
is a carefully assume that the VTP re -
guarded secret quires seven turns to take
known only to a effect.) After this time, tar-
few Project Utopia gets hit with a VTP dart are
and Project Proteus unconsciousand temporarily
members. Mass: 100, drained of all Quantum. Tar-
Cost (Restricted) gets normally regain con-
VTPo.t Gm:The sciousness and fully recover
latest secret creation of within 12 hours, but during this
the Triton Foundation's time, even the most powerful
pharmaceuticallabs, Virally nova can be slain easily.
Tailored Poisons are com- VTPs are most often deliv-
plex enzymes whichare cre- ered using a small pistol that fires
ated using a specific darts composed of a special dissolv-
individual's DNA. Creating a ing gel that causes the drug to soak
through the victim's skin. Getting a solid
hit on the target's bare skinnonnallyrequires
a successfulFireanns rollat+ 1difficulty. Once
the dart hits, no damageis rolled; the specialen-
zymes affect the target unless some power like
Healingor Biomanipulation(Body Manipulation)is
used to reverse its affects (neutralizinga VTP re-
quires a successfulroll againsteithe-powerat +4 dif-
fia.lty).
Accuracy:0, Damage: Special, Range: 20 Mnv:
Tw,Rof 2, Clip4, Cone:P, Mass: 0 .5 Cost • • • • • •
(Restricted)

GABRIEL 115
 ,_ ____ orrHc
HVAl<OH-,Al'a!'NSrH.s'I'
DO YOU HAVE AN'/ COMIIIENT /Af/llVM!:7l7HVAl<OH,!AW, ,M:W
f'EGAROING C>IVIS11\Al.'S t>O r.1/4'>' HAY<!' 7,1/c /f?/GHr 7l7
AUSGATlON nlAT llie ZUF<ICH /G_- HVAl<OH a7IW<!'N770-""'
ACCOR0 /WC> PROJECT ,<tHY .M::J";'tWHO BtVWl!iiSSO
lfrOPIA EXIST SOLELY TO ;tH&>~V,q:,J1f 77(,.q,
SXPLOIT NOVAS TO FEED a7,W/&770J1f W/U P,4Y 7'Ht

---
HUMAN ~ ANC> fl/U ,z,,---.-H✓S
0EFUSE AN'/= .4'770#.$;76'1,t{=--
NOVAS MIU' HAVE TO 0EV1SE A W/U ✓- 7"H"'7' 7,1//S
SOCIAL COfllTRACT STl<ICTLY
'lliEIR OWNr
 Transcript of recording of emergency UN Security Council
Meeting, November 1, 2005
FirstVoice(upper-class English accent):What do you plan to do about this DivisMal fellow? He espouses very
dangerous ideas - ideas that may destroy everythingyou're building.
Second Voice(northeastUnitedStates accent):We've traced the transmission to the Azores and dispatched
agents to the site. We expect results very soon. DivisMalcan't stay out of our sight for long.
ThirdVoice(lightFrenchaccent):Doyou have any informationon this nova? Who he is, what he can do? Doyou
know where he's from? YourRashoudfacilitieswouldsurely have records on a great manynovas, no?
Second Voice(sli~ hesitation): We have no informationon DivisMalat this time, no.
FourthVoice(Cliineseaccent.clearfyeru1Ciated): Howsoon do you expect the situation to change? And what of
those novas who have already announced support for The NullManifesto? Willyou do anythingabout them?
Second Voice:We expect to track DivisMaldown withina few months. Only3400 novas are knownworldwide.
This is not a large demographic.We've begun surveillanceon the knownTeragen and expect they willlead us to Divis
Malif no other avenue bears fruit.
Fifth Voice(Female, southeastern UnitedStatesaccent):Keepus updated on this matter. We can't afford to allow
the Teragen significantinfluence. The thought of allnovasdeclaring independencefrom worldgovernmentsis a night-
mare we might not survive.
Second Voice:As soon as 1know anything, 1willpass it along.

Voice" abovebe DirectorThetis?

Could"Second

Date: 06/0'?/071 5:33 GMT

From: [email protected]
To: <recipient field blocked>
1understand your feelings on the matter, and 1share them. However, your actions only serve to make us look
worse. Now 1have to play cleanup for your mess. 1can't even walkto my car without a half-dozen reporters asking me
for a statement about this.
Next time you decide to play vigilante, bring it to the rest of the Pantheon, so we can make it look good

117
 From "The World's
Opinion" segment,
dated 05/25/08

terview
-
Who killed Slider and Why?

• Edward Mathis, Church of Michael Archan-

gel Disciple, Texas: "As far as I'm concerned,
the more novas who kill each other off, the
better. It's better than letting them strut around
and invalidate all human accomplishment."

• Eloise Duncan,
high school student, New York City: "I think
Andre Corbin killed her because she knew
about something he did, something really bad.
I hope Team Tomorrow gives him what he
deserves."

• Edmund Cro s, steel worker, London: "I

think tho e Teragen arseholes did it. I expect
they'll start working on the rest of Team Tomor-
row soon. I've got five quid says Caestus Pax will
smear Divis Mal across the landscape."

• Tu Hsun Fu, OpNet programmer, Hong Kong:

"There's a secret cabal inside Utopia who want to
control society and technology. Slider knew the
truth and was killed to protect the secret. I have an
OpNet page about it .... "

• Magdalena Salvador, columnist, Rio de Janeiro:

"Someone's trying to destabilize Utopia and provoke
open war with the Teragen. They hit Slider because
she's more personab le and popular than omeone
like Antaeus, hence more likely to cause an uproar."

119
JERUSHLEm,
Julg28,2009
Donald Zeleckis, a Jewish-American tourist , died yesterday stopping a nuclear missile
launched at Syria . Zeleckis ' heroic effort took the missile out of the atmosphere before it
detonated . No signs of Zeleckis or his remains have been found .

In a press conference earlier today, Israeli officials denied authorizing the escalation to
nuclear weapons and claimed that nova extremists somehow arranged tor the launch. Uto-
pia liaison to Israel , Abraham Schlitt has promised full Utopia support in the investigation.
Elements of T2M-Eu have been assigned to assist.

Syrian officials stated that they do not at this time believe Israel is responsible tor the
nuclear launch and will not respond in kind .

The Israeli government has announced that a memorial for Zeleckis will be held on July
31st. He will receive full posthumous honors tor heroism. Both Syrian and Israeli govern-
ments have agreed to a cease-fire on that day to honor Zeleckis ' sacrifice .

Bahrain
Rashoud
facility:Prison
orRehab?
by Magdalena Salvador
05/05/10
As many of you are aware, Utopia opened a special Rashoud clinic in Bahrain four
years ago. September 6, 2004 to be precise . You don 't know this thanks to Utopia, who
somehow didn 't prepare any statements on its opening. No news agency covered it. We've
all seen the documentaries about it, but do they tell the entire truth?
The Bahrain facility, unique from all other Rashoud clinics, is not open to the public or
the media . It you can get hold of any information at all, you'll find official Utopia statements
(spin) that go on about how the facility exists to help novas who have "high quantum build-
ups." Just what does that mean? We all know that novas appear just a bit unusual - some
are a little too perfect , others show signs of physical mutation or glow in the dark. But none
of these novas are considered to have a "high quantum buildup. "

At this point, I mostly have rumors - a nova who 's shed her skin like a snake, still alive
and well, but with no skin . You can see her muscles , her organs , etc. How it's all held
together , I have no idea. I think it's a side effect of the Mazarin-Rashoud node. Whatever it
is, this "high quantum buildup " inflicts very strange side effects on novas . Why does Utopia
hide novas like this from us? What do they intend to accomplish?

A year and a half ago , we all heard about the nova Gabriel Melchior and his "divine
ascension ." I don't know about you, but this commentator finds the idea of divine interven-
tion with novas to be just a tad bit redundant, but who knew what really happened? Five
months ago , Melchior reappeared. Utopia didn't want anyone to know about this , either, but
I have an exclusive account.

Melchior returned to the Church of the Immanent Escheaton's compound and demon-
strated powers unlike those seen before. He granted miracles to his flock and promised to
herald in the apocalypse. He vanished shortly thereafter .

120
 To: AllDirectors, Proteus
From:Director Thetis
Re:BahrainSecurity
We cannot afford the lax state of our security. Melchiorshould not have escaped, and we'llmakesure nothinglike
this happens again.Our first focus for upgrade is the Bahrainfacility. 1want to upgrade anti-intrusion and surveillance
measures to a level that can stop anyone short of Caestus Pax. Whatever it takes - poisons engineered from nova
physiology,railgunsand laser emplacements. Whatever. lt. Takes.
One more breach of this leveland heads willroll. I'm sending our best security consultant to oversee the upgrades
personally. 1trust the fundingwill be available?

121
 ht
Script excerpt from news special "Jennifer Landers, A Year of
Mourning ," set for May 14, 2009 , never aired

It's been a full year since Team Tomorrow member Jennifer "Slider"
Landers was murdered in her own home. Theories have flown fast and
furious over who killed her and why. The initial suspects, the Teragen ,
seem much less likely than many thought last year. Andre Corbin's
sudden departure from her funeral led many to speculate that perhaps
he was the guilty party . If this is so, we have to ask the question: Why
did he make an appearance at all? Mr. Corbin isn't telling , he's been in
hiding, rumor has it, with some kind of subversive group of novas .

Interestingly, a flurry of accusations and rumors about Utopia's shadier

activities flooded the OpNet shortly after Slider 's death . It seems likely
to us that this is no coincidence. But we wonder if these allegations have
any truth to them.

Our first investigation took us to Calcutta, where we tried to discover

which novas were present on the night of May 13th, 2008. We found that
only one nova suspected of any Teragen affiliation was in Calcutta that
night. On the other hand, we found no fewer than three novas affiliated
with Utopia - all of whom Slider might have trusted enough to invite
into her home, and all of whom were powerful enough to kill her with a
single blow.

Now, this reporter isn ' t saying that Utopia is responsible for the murder,
but circumstantial evidence suggests the possibility .

Still, not to leap to conclusions, we investigated the other stories about

Utopia's "black operations." In nearly one-third of the cases, we could
confirm that the details were accurate - to a point. The events did
happen as described, but we have no evidence beyond the rumors that
the novas involved are in any way connected to Project Utopia.

But what about Slider? Fans worldwide mourned her death, held
candlelight vigils, and many congregations prayed for her soul . Her
public loved her, she's greatly missed . Most of all, we want her murderer
brought to justice.

122
Unmarked dated5/11/()9
C011111Uli(lll8,
Jonathan,
Attached you'll find the script to an N!documentaryabout Slider, and it's not exactly friendlyto the Project. We
can't afford this kindof pressright now. Get this thing edited or killedbefore it airs. Get anyone responsiblefired if you
have to.

Anderson,
I've enclosed all files on knownAberrant sympathizers. It's vitallyimportant that we locate Andre Corbinbefore
those ham-handed Utopiathugs get to him. I want to hear his version of the story before anyone has a chance to shut
him up.
This whole Slider thing doesn't feel right. There's somethingelse behind it, and I want to know - the Directive
needs to know - what that is. If our suspicionsare accurate, Utopia's up to somethingit shouldn't be. If we don't act
soon, any containment procedures willbe useless.
Whatever you do, don't cross paths with Utopia operatives. We can't afford an incidentwith them right now.
On a related note, see if you can find out anythingabout the rumors that the Teragen and Aberrants are getting
together for somethingbig. If they're workingtogether, I think Utopia's blunders are the least of our worries.
Director Harris

123
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
who the real killer is, but at this point, it is as
Introduction likely to suspect the Aberrants as anyone else.
lnto the Arms of the Angel of Wrath is the Proteus wants to clean the situation up, tie off
fourth part of Aberrants:Worldwide.It resolves any loose ends and protect itself from public rev-
the Slider murder mystery set up in the Aberrant elation . The Teragen wants to bring Utopia down,
setting chapter. The preceding setting pages are rescue any high-Taint novas held captive in Pro-
information for the Storyteller to give to the play- teus facilities and expose the Project for what the
ers, at her option. Teragen believe the organization truly is.
Based on previous events, it's increasingly
Overview clear to a large percentage of the nova
When this episode opens, population that Corbin is not
Project Utopia has already guilty of Slider's murder.
set plans in motion to The Aberrants in-
improve their tend to reveal
public image: the identity
They sup- of the real
ported a mu r -
novafor derer
Presi- ( a s
dert

0 f
t h e

States in who, pre-

the 2008 cisely, it is) .
election (and They will join '
may have lost). Uto- with the Teragen in
pia also began an ambi- :_::.:::~:::::~;;;.::. an alliance to topple Uto-
tious project to terraform the pia and expose the "truths"
Sahara into arable and productive land. about its operations and goals.
Gabriel Melchior's escape, if it became public, is Corbin's in hiding, but needs someone to find
potentially a PR disaster of the worst order. out who the real killer is, which may lead to
The situation at this point simply leaves one Aberrants doing some investigation in Calcutta .
loose end for Utopia to tie up and move out of the The Teragen begins attacking Utopia installations
public eye: Slider's murder . lf Utopia can capture in search of captive novas . Proteus is put into a
Andre Corbin and bring him to trial, it can finally reactionary position, as it must keep anyone from
shut the case. The Aberrants naturally want to finding out the truth about Slider's death, pro-
learn who really did kill Slider and make it public tect its facilities and apprehend any Aberrant or
knowledge . The Directive also wants to determine Teragen novas it can find. The Directive is curi-

124 INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
ous about everybody, and any other novas could very powerful bully with a huge playground . Divis
get involved for any of the above reasons. Mal appears to be a sinister villain but is truly an
Corbin decides to expose turn himself in (in idealist (though not necessarily a nice idealist) .
the most public way possible - he's still an in-
veterate grandstander) . This eve nt , announced on Mood
N! two days in advance, should serve as a magnet The primary mood is one of paranoia : Utopia
for any novas interested in the outcome . Every- and Team Tomorrow are concerned about what
one converges on Bahrain to find out what's go- the Aberrants and the Teragen have planned next .
ing to happen next or possibly influence the out- Proteus is worried that some of its dirty secret s
come . The Teragen sees this as a chance to get will come to light . The Aberrants have to be care -
global coverage of Utopia's hidden activities and ful at every turn, fearing that any of the above
prepares to break into the Bahrain detention fa- might catch them and put a stop to their work
cility in response . Proteus sets a plan in motion before it's finished, and they are concerned that
to turn Aberrant and Teragen against each other the Teragen will use their brief alliance to bring
(and get the heat off the Project), while simulta- more trouble . The Teragen believes (correctly)
neously ridding itself of Corbin . Caestus Pax has that Utopia has imprisoned heavily tainted novas
his own agenda: He wants to use the circus to draw and keeps them captive for unethical (and often
Divis Mal out of hiding (and get him out of the picture) . lethal) experimentation .
Any number of novas get involved when Pro- Play up the sense that there are others out there
teus triggers the assassination attempt on Corbin, working against the characters' goals, no matter what
leading to a general melee with Quantum Bolts and they might be. Each faction faces opposition in getting
other destructive effects flying all over the land - what it wants here.
scape. Divis Mal makes his appearance at this
point , conclusively demonstrating to Caestus Pax Freedom, not Rails
just how pointless (and painful) standing against Theplotgivenhereis a possibledirection,nottheonly
him really is . one. You'llfindconstantreferencesto "Utopianovasmight
Characters have the opportunity at this point do this,"or "Proteusnovasmi!# dothat." Characters be-
to radically change the direction future events ingwhattheyare(extensionsof players, whomwe allknow
take . The end result could lead to Teragen-Aber-
exist to give Storytellersintenseheadaches) mi!# go off
rant conflict or full or partial public revelation of on a completely differentt..gent. Whathappens if yotr
Proteus ' shadier operations (which in turn would Proteusnovasdiscoverthemt.rderer anddecide to gopub-
devastate Utopia's public image) . Other possibili- lic?Rm withit. Aberrant is lessa gameaboutfactionsthan
ties include revealing Slider's true murderer or a gameabout personal powerandfreedom.
finding a patsy upon whom to lay the blame; ei- Letcharactersdowhattheymust Don'tforcethemto
ther way, getting the question out of the public eye . achre to theplot preciselyas written. Usethe plot as a
Whatever the result, novas do not trust Uto- guidelinefor what co,Jd happen.Nobattleplansarvives
pia as much as before . Many novas will keep a cont.actwiththeenemy,andno storylinesarvivescontact
closer eye on just what Utopia's doing , at least withtheplayers. Whatbattleplansandstorylinesdois pro-
for awhile, which may force Proteus to cut op- videa Framework. Within thatframework, youhavelaidout
erations way back . a begiming,• possiblemidcleandan end.Youknowwhat
youwantto accomplish inthestory.So whatif thecharac-
Theme tersgooffon somebizarretangents? Youcantie thesetan-
gents backinto the story (-areness of the frarMWOl"k
Into the Arms of the Angel of Wrath is about makesit easyto improvise on suchmatters)orjustletthem
deception and truth . The Aberrants want to ex- takethelead.
pose the real killer ; Proteus wants to cover that Unlike manyotherstories,thecondusioncan playout
up and frame Corbin . Utopia wants to shove the in countlessways.Howit playsout depends entirelyupon
whole thing as far away as possible and restore -,m,ownplans anddlnctl!radions.Ri.nwithit,it's"fG' 91eS.
their former public image . The Teragen shares the
Aberrants' goal, but its members also want the
shot at Utopia this event affords them and the
opportunity to bring more into their faction .
The Setting
Once this chapter is concluded , the murderer Into the Arms of the Angel of Wrath cuts
should be known - to the characters, if no one across the globe , starting where Chapter Three
else . Keep in mind that layers of de ception cover left off, and picking up wherever the characters
everything : Caestus Pax appears to be a paragon happen to choose . The various trails can lead
of nova-dom but is, in truth, little more than a characters literally anywhere . Two locations likely
to feature prominently in this chapter are Calcutta

0
~'-I, , 11 h f\' ~
:__ /..,.., , ' . f-; t t""
i..,.,, '--._.! t , , ' -. • ~ - . ' ' • 1 .:.
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
(where Slider lived and was murdered) and at some of the more popular (and expensive)
Bahrain (where Utopia 's detainment facility for shopping districts .
" rogue novas " is based) .
Proteus Facilities
Calcutta In the course of the story , characters may
find themselves attacking , defending , raiding,

KO J S LA {
<iBARA }
breaking into or otherwise hanging around Pro -
teus , Triton or Utopia facilities . Primari ly, these
would be clinics where high-Taint novas are kept
.f BAZAR cf in confinement (often sedated) for study and to
keep them away from humanity. As such, they're
Calcu~ a _J high security zones, with full camera and motion
o.s.i.o
I r sensor coverage , heavy-weapon emplacements
and nova guardians . The latter is more likely to
ti BAUBAZAR come up if one or more particularly dangerous
novas are in confinement or if T eragen members
8:
-$/ . TAl TALA have begun their raids .
g Each facility will have labs, quarters and a set
of cells. Each cell will usually contain one heavily
sedated nova strapped to a bed and pumped to
Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal and the the gills (possibly literally) with mox. Some may
third largest city in India . In the wake of N-Day, have had parts of their skulls removed and re-
it's become one of the wealthiest and cleanest cit- placed with transparent plastic to make it pos-
ies . With help from the Triton Foundation and sible to directly observe the M-R node. Play up
Project Utopia, Indian novas have done their best the creepiness factor of these places . Note that
to improve their homeland . Calcutta shines the novas held here are usually quite insane , ei-
brightly among the jewels . ther from Taint , their treatment or both , and none
Calcutta of 2009 is a bust ling metropolis , a are likely to react with gratitude if awakened .
mixture of the modern , with skyscrapers, condo- When creating novas for these labs, use 35-
miniums , apartment complexes and the ancient, 40 nova points and an automatic 5- 7 points of
with temples and the somber Marble Palace . Taint . Seven points should be very rare, and eight
Calcutta is also known as the "City of Palaces" and is unheard of ( with one exception, see Chapter
lives up to its name . Even with the new construc- Three). Aberrations will usually be dangerous to
tion , the view from atop the Shahid Mahar is still bystanders or the environment , either due to some
breathtaking . kind of insanity (Hormonal Imbalance: Rage is
Calcutta has an extensive, efficient , clean and appropriate) or because of physical side effects
modern subway system, allowing quick travel to (the nova throws off sparks or constantly sweats
any part of the city (and neighboring cities) . Taxis a powerful acid) .
are also common , and most of the drivers even To minimize collateral damage should any of
speak English . their charges escape , these facilities are usually
Travel to Calcutta placed in isolated areas , with guard dogs , motion
Most international airlines have regular sensors , barbed wire fences , etc ., set up a kilo -
flights to and from Calcutta. Passengers can make meter or two from the actual compound .
connections from London, New York, Paris , Frank- Novas in these facilities are dangerous to
furt , Moscow, Dubai , Bangkok, Singapore and anyone around them . Proteus and Triton keep
other cit ies . Several major hotels (international them locked away to better understand Taint pro-
and Indian) are available nearby . cesses and to protect humanity from these mon-
sters . The methods may be questionable, but they
Tour ism believe they ' re acting in humanity's best interests .
Calcutta welco mes tourists from all nations . Utopia literally has no better way to deal with
The cit y thrives , in large part , upon such tourism extremely twisted and insane novas who simply
(given the large number of monuments , palaces lack any self-control and would be a great dan-
and other histori cal landmarks in the City of Pal- ger to the world if allowed to roam free . Of course,
aces) . Guided tour s are available and include stops the Teragen has its own opinions on the matter .

126 INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

 rain triple the standard precautions of the clinics de-
scribed above . The most dangerous , tainted and
antisocial novas are kept here under heavy guard .
Any attempts to break in will be met with lethal
force (if detected). Any character who reconnoi-
ters the facility should clearly understand the de -
gree of protection he's dealing with .
Since Melchior's escape, Proteus has consoli -
dated the worst cases within Bahrain . In addition ,
Proteus has taken the opportunity to increase the
defenses to keep the inmates inside and any at-
tackers outside .
Key facility personnel are generating an anti -
Air .sianGulf quantum field around the facility to inhibit unau-
'Uqayr Gul f of
Batrrairr thorized entry via Warp or Teleport. This field
surrounds the entire building and another 10
The State of Bahrain is an Arab nation just meters or so beyond the outer walls and adds +3
off the east coast of Saudi Arabia and north of to the difficulty for any novas to enter via either means .
Qatar . Bahrain has a thriving tourist industry (in Dr.Riclw-dToiho
addition to refining oil and smelting aluminum) . Dr. Toiho is in the Bahrain facility during the
In exchange for use of Bahrain territory, Utopia events described in this chapter . At the first sign
has provided financial assistance to develop that trouble's headed to Bahrain , Montressor (see
Bahrain further and provided access to certain below and Aberrant:Project Utopia) will send him
technologies not available to other nations. This (and other "non-essential" staff) away .
isn't commonly known outside of Utopia ' s upper If Dr . Toiho's still in the facility when the
echelons and the Bahrain government . Teragen makes its raid , Terats may find him con-
Arabic is the official language in Bahrain but ducting medical experiments of dubious value (to
Farsi is in common use. English is commonly used them, anyway) upon high-Taint novas . Some no -
for business transactions, which greatly improves vas (particularly Terats) may find it peculiar that
the odds of finding someone who speaks a lan - some of his subjects have volunteered to partici -
guage the characters understand. Although Islam pate . Still, they feel it's their only hope to regain
is the dominant religion, Bahrain protects reli- a normal appearance and/or their sanity .
gious freedom : Bahai, Christians, Jews, Hindus and Montressor
Pharsees practice unmolested . The facility's head of security is a powerful
Note that British citizens and Utopia employ- nova and no fool. He believes that the drills and
ees may enter Bahrain without a passport and stay preparations executed by his team, combined with
for up to one month . Members of nearby Arab state-of-the-art weaponry, gives it a definite
nations may enter freely and stay for as long as edge over all but the most powerful raiding par-
they like . Others need visas . Unless the govern- ties . At the same time, he's a realist ; he will not
ment sponsors them, anyone who claims to be a send his men to fight to the death against the
journalist, writer or editor is likely to be refused Teragen Pantheon . He will, however , try to use
entrance to the country . Women traveling unac- c lever tactics and planning to steer them away
companied by men, unless Utopia employees , are from sensitive and critical areas . He' ll use the
likely to encounter difficulty entering the coun- facility's security system to track movements and
try . Exceptions will be made in this particular try to isolate individual Terats to take them one
story, although only in a few cases and with a great by one .
deal of cash and favors trading hands . Montressor has also planted a few agents
Once in Bahrain, transportation is limited to among the prisoners in expectation of the raid .
taxis, buses, rental cars and walking. The public These novas will use the opportunity to infiltrate
transportation is quite modern and efficient - the T eragen and learn what they can . Though he
the better to herd tourists from shop to shop and expects the Terats to emerge victorious ,
attraction to attraction and suck the money out Montressor intends to fight enough of a holding
of their wallets . action to convince them he's serious .
For the agents, create novas at a power level
The Bahrain Rashoud Facility roughly equal to the characters , one for each
Set a few miles outside of Manama proper
character . Play them up with plausible stories and
(Bahrain's capita l) , this Rashoud clinic has about
motivations (even on the surface).

INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH 127

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Security
Bahrain reasons or motivations, you have sufficient hooks
Bahrain is probably the toughest nut to crack to spring on characters in this story.
on the planet at this time . It's a prison intended
to contain the most powerful and twisted examples
The Aberrants
The Aberrants in general, and Corbin specifi-
of nova-dom under one roof. Security within in-
cludes tear gas potent enough to affect novas and cally, want to clear Corbin of all suspicion in
Slider's murder and pinpoint the real culprit. As
guards with access to portable lasers. The facil-
ity is criss - crossed with hidden passages and part of this goal, the Aberrants temporarily ally
with the Teragen to expose the corruption within
sniper holes intended to allow the guards to get a
tactical edge over attacking or escaping novas. Utopia (and/or Proteus). Additionally, Andre
Motion sensors and cameras track as much of the Corbin has decided to expose himself to capture
grounds as possible, some areas make use of ex- to draw the real murderer out of hiding ( or bring
out someone or something that will lead to the
tremely high voltages intended to incapacitate or
even kill tough novas . real murderer) .
If the characters are Aberrants , they could
Bahrain security has access to devices that
meet with the Teragen to discuss the alliance,
can be used to interfere with idiosyncratic nova
powers - fire extinguishers are omnipresent, stand in as backup for Corbin when he turns him-
electromagnets may be present to interfere with self in and do some investigative legwork to dis-
cover the real killer's identity . If the characters
use of Magnetic Control and so on. Note that Uto-
pia has several nova geniuses working for it who have played through the first three chapters, they
should already have some clues to point them in
develop technology for all purposes. Additionally,
the right direction. If they haven't played through
Utopia often "seizes" technology on its "forbid-
the previous chapters, it's still possible to get the
den" technology list . Any such devices could be
used in Bahrain . necessary information to them, either through a
contact,a briefingor eventhroughlegworkinthis chapter.

Running 11 lnto The Directive

The Directive , formed as a check to Utopia's
the Arms of the power, is likely concerned about Utopia's involve-
ment in Slider's death . Such an assassination
clearly points to deeper mysteries the Directive's
Angel of Wrath'' sponsors would like to uncover . On the surface,
Utopia appears entirely beneficent to humanity.
Factions: Goals and It doesn't follow that it'd need to kill one of its
own to maintain any secrets .
Methods As with the Aberrants, clues have been scat-
The central element of this chapter deals tered throughout the previous three chapters. The
with an issue nearly all novas have reason to worry Directive might not specifically look in the same
about - the Slider murder. Each faction has its places as other factions. Specifically, freelancers
own reasons for concern, from keeping the truth and Utopia top the Directive 's list of suspects for
concealed (Proteus) to exposing it for all to see the real murderer . It knows Corbin didn't kill. The
(the Aberrants) . Also note that individual novas Directive is probably aware at this point (given
can and will have personal agendas . A Utopia nova events in previous chapters) that some kind of
might find her loyalties swinging to the Aberrants "shadow agency" exists within Utopia, but it
upon learning the truth, or she might resolve that probably does not have much information beyond
the murder was a mistake, but there were sound that. The events in this chapter will give Direc-
reasons for the death. tive agents a clear, if fleeting, view into the world
Don't try to force the players to go the route of Proteus.
you prefer, give them as much leeway as possible Interaction with Teragen or Aberrant mem-
when running this chapter . Aberrant is about the bers could lead Directive agents to the proper
freedom to choose your own future. Novas - perpetrator, if they talk before shooting.
even those who work for an organization or align
with a group like the Tera gen - are independent Proiect Proteus
agents. They don't have any overarching agendas Proteus novas have a simple task - they
or overwhelming allegiances that force them to need to cover up and/or destroy all evidence that
think in any given way. could lead enemy agencies to discovering any of
Run this for the individual novas in the group, Proteus' secrets. In this chapter, the Aberrants,
with focus appropriate for each. Whatever their the Directive and others are actively trying to dis-

128 INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
cover who really killed Slider . Proteus tries to Novas in this organization might be on the spot
keep all of them on the wrong track. Additionally, when Corbin tries to turn himself in and should be
Proteus agents should attempt to draw as many prepared to capture the murderer and deal with
T eragen and Aberrant members or sympathizers any traps set by his Aberrant allies. Utopia pre-
out into the open where Proteus or Team Tomor- fers to keep its novas occupied with such tasks to
row can apprehend them . Capture is preferable to keep them from examining the Slider situation
death, given that many will have information of too closely.
use to Proteus . Based on events in the first three chapters,
One possible twist would be that the charac - Utopia novas might have suspicions about what
ters - if they are Proteus operatives - killed really happened with Slider, or they might feel
Slider. If the Storyteller wants to go this route, that Utopia acted to protect its own interests.
clear it through the players first. It doesn't really
matter if it wasn't established beforehand - as
Independents
long as it's established before running Aberrant: At this point, most novas on Earth should be
interested in what really happened in the Slider
Worldwide,there should be no conflict . At the
murder. The allegations and rumors about Utopia's
very least, it will give the characters a more im-
actions in the matter might lead even unaffiliated
mediate and visceral reason to keep the lid on the
situation. If the characters did kill Slider, it would novas to try to discover the truth, contact Corbin
be appropriate to run the killing as a flashback. (or Utopia) and work from there. Some might feel
that Utopia needs their protection, while others
TheTeragen might decide to blow the whole situation wide open.
When the chapter begins, some of the
Teragen (most likely the characters) will arrange
a temporary alliance with the Aberrants . Cer- Behind the
tainly, Tera ts don't necessarily agree with the
Aberrant viewpoint, but this will give them an Scenes
opportunity to dig out a scandal and blow it wide
open - hopefully crippling or destroying Utopia's The Beginning
credibility . Other issues include Gabriel, the high-
Taint nova from Chapter Three whom Proteus had The Aberrants and the
detained. The possibility that other novas might Teragen
be imprisoned for the purposes of experimenta- At this point, it becomes clear to Aberrant
tion or simply to keep the "monsters" out of and Teragen novas that their causes are similar
· baseline view infuriates many of the Teragen to enough that an alliance might be in order , at least
no end. Most wish to rescue their "brothers" from until the situation can be cleared up. Many Terats
such illegal and demeaning custody. want to free novas (like Gabriel from Chapter
Note the Aberrant information above. Thanks Three) who have been captured and held prisoner
to the alliance, Teragen novas might assist in any in Proteus facilities . The Aberrants want to fin-
or all Aberrant activities against Utopia or set out ger Slider's murderer(s) and are certain that
on their own. Either way, the Teragen has at least someone in Proteus is the culprit.
as much at stake as any other faction. If characters are members of either (or both)
The Teragen presentation might encourage of these factions, they might organize (or be in-
players or Storytellers to portray them as mind- vited to) a meeting to discuss the terms of such
less thugs or super-villains with no discernible an alliance. The default goals for the Aberrants
motive. Try to avoid this trap - Teragen-affili - include finding the corrupt heart of Utopia and
ated novas can be as idealistic as any member of eliminating it. Many Aberrants see Utopia as a
Team Tomorrow, perhaps even more so. The Null worthwhile agency with bad elements at the core .
Manifesto doctrine does not call for genocide, With those gone, Utopia can fulfill its stated goals
world domination or mass baseline enslavement. without more conspiracy and murder .
The manifesto proposes only that novas should T erats are more interested in bringing about
only be subject to governance by other novas and Utopia's fall, either in the short or the long term .
not baselines. Slider's murder simply serves as a convenient
Proiect Utopia starting point. They're also interested in any in-
formation about Utopia detention facilities the
Novas in Utopia or Team Tomorrow have a
Aberrants may have and will bargain heavily for
vested interest in apprehending novas aligned with
that information, in exchange for support and in-
the Aberrant or Teragen factions. The latter are
formation in breaking open the Slider case.
considered terrorists in direct opposition to Utopia.

INTO THEARMS OF THEANGEL OF WRATH 129

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
The setup works best if the meeting is ar-
Timeline ranged through known elements . If Count Orzaiz
Into the Armsof the Angel of Wrath should cover approaches the characters about an alliance , it
the monthof October 2010. Giventhat leeway,the pacing will mean more - especia lly if one or more of
is entirely up to the Storyteller. The first events (the Ab- the characters spent a few days or more gambling
errant-Teragenmeeting)to the climacticfinish(DivisMal with the count and have prior connections . Try to
andCaestusPaxcollide)can cover anyperiod Froma week tailor the contact (either way) to fit the group ,
to a Fewmonths. The Followingevents cover major plot so that it doesn't feel like a railroad . Of course,
points andwho might be involvedin each. the characters may choose to ignore or refuse the
• The Beginning:Teragenand Aberrantnovasmeet invitation . The negotiations can happen anywhere
to discussan allianceandexchangeinformationaboutUto- in the world, literally . Good locales for the meet -
pia and Proteus. Utopianovas are assigned to track down ing include: The Amp Room (if one is very dis-
and apprehend Andre Corbin and any Aberrant and creet) , Monte Carlo, New York or Tokyo.
Teragen sympathizers they can find. Proteus novas are Storyteller characters should be good nego-
assigned to either cover up any and all evidence of the tiators (Mega-Socials, etc .) but not overly obvi-
Slider nu-ders still extant or to track downand eliminate ous with influence. Since they might be the only
Andre Corbinas a threat to sectrity. members of their faction who want an alliance,
• Legwork:Terats locate andattack Proteus deten- their motivations for proposing (or accepting the
tion Facilitiesin hopesof Freeing"wrongfullyimprisoned," proposal) should be tailored to each nova. Again,
high-Taint novas. Aberrants seek evidence leading to this works best if the novas are established char-
Slider's real killer.Utopia novas are delegated to protect acters from previous stories. Choose the cast with
FacilitiesFromTeragen attacks,to apprehend Aberrants care because each nova is an important element
nosingaroundin the wrongplaces and to captureCorbin. in the Aberrant setting .
Proteus novasmayhavesome of the samejobs as Utopia, The end result could lead to a productive al-
but theywillalsotry to concealevidenceleadingto Slider's 1iance, limited co-be lligerent status or even a
killerand likelyhaveorders to eliminateCorbin. temporary or permanent severing of relations be-
• Exposure: After attempts to apprehend Corbin tween the groups (depending upon how well be-
cause trouble For both Aberrant andTeragen novas, he haved the characters are or how much they 're
resolves to tum himself in (and hopefullydraw the real willing to deal with the other side) . For the
killersout of concealment)so that he mayprove his inno- Aberrants , this is almost literally a deal with the
cence to the world.After the above, it's very possiblethat Devil. How do they know that this alliance won't
Aberrantinvestigators already knowthe identity of the lead to further - potentially damaging - asso-
real killer. Utopianovas are sentto bring Corbinto justice. ciation down the road ? They could be tagged as
Proteus novas are sent to assassinate Corbin (making it Teragen sympat hizers, which puts them higher on
appear to be a Teragen attack). Proteus' hit list . Each faction 's goal is only par -
• Confrontation:Utopia novas bring Corbin to the tially compatible with the other's, and this alone
Bahraindetairment Facility. Teragennovas,havingattacked can lead to serious troubles in the near future ,
secondaryFacilities,now move on to the primary target. especially if agreement can't be reached (or
Proteusnovasmovein to executeCorbin,andtheAberrants someone reneges upon any particular element) .
are prepared to defendCorbinandaidthe Teragen at a The negotiations should be tense . A meeting
moment'snotice. High-profileTeamTomorrownovas es- of four or more novas with such divergent phi-
cort Corbinto incarceration, awaitingtrial.DivisMalap- losophies could sit on the edge of a powder keg,
pears to join the Teragen in their assault on the facility, ready to blow into a conflict at any moment. Both
andCaestusPaxjoinsTeamTomorrowinescortingCorbin. factions must exercise care to avoid igniting a
Pax seizes the opportunity to take out the Teragenleader conflict neither can afford .
and attacks. With the heavy hitters out of the way, the
characters (whicheverFaction)are left to FreenovasFrom Proiect Utopia
Bahrainor attack ordefend Corbin,dependinguponper- Novas in Utopia or Team Tomorrow have
sonal preference andallegiance - in that order. quite a few potential problems on their hands .
• Conclusion:Pickupthe pieces. Utopiancharacters Andre Corbin is still on the loose , Aberrant influ-
mayassistBahrain personnel in rounding upFugitives, while ence and disillusionment spread throughout the
Teratsassistescapees.Utopian novasmayalsowishto help nova community, and Utopia's approval ratings are
the defeated (andcurrently dormant)CaestusPaxwith dropping too fast for comfort , thanks to the con-
medical careanda speedyexit. DivisMalandotherTerats stantly multiplying rumors about Slider's assassi -
maytaketheopportunityto giverecruitmentspeeches to nation . A resolution must be reached soon if Uto-
anywhomightcare to listen(or followthemhome). pia is ever going to recover the public trust it had
prior to the murder .

130 INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Utopia 's best bet is to step up apprehension Proiect Proteus
of Aberrant and Teragen sympathizers . ln truth, Proteus intends to use the increasing contro-
most of Utopia doesn't really make a distinction versy around Slider's murder to draw out and neu-
between the two factions (at least in public). Uto- tralize as many Teragen and Aberrant agents as
pia novas might be sent undercover to join either possible. With just one critical leader, Proteus
faction and gain intelligence on their current ac- agents should be able to disassemble either
tivities (specifically to locate Corbin's where- group's structure (the Aberrants' cell structure
abouts), or they might be given PR work to do, makes this more difficult than it seems). Specific
publicly showing Utopia's fr iendly side to the individuals on Proteus' list include Andre Corbin,
world, while others do the work necessary to stop Sophia Rousseau and Divis Mal.
the rumors. Proteus has learned its lesson with the Slider
Utopia moles in either the Aberrants or the assassination. lt can't afford to kill any inconve-
Tera gen might inform Utopia of the aforemen- nient novas in such circumstances again and
tioned negotiations. Utopia is naturally not inter- passes directives to its agents for discretion and
ested in encouraging such cooperation, so it might care in all operations . lf it's possible to pin any
use the opportunity to send a high profile mission action on rival factions, such as the Directive, or
to apprehend the "rogue" novas . Such moles may enemies, such as the Aberrants and the Teragen,
even be the characters . A mole must balance the supervisors strongly encourage it. Utopia cannot
reward of leaking the informat ion with the risk of afford another PR nightmare until after the
compromising his cover, of course. This action public's attention shifts to some other controversy .
also serves as an opportunity to reveal whether The mole option given under Utopia above
or not the mole's been under surveillance. works just as well for Proteus, of course any at-
Utopia needs to step up security on several tempt to neutralize the meeting will not be the PR
of its facilities, given Gabriel's opportunity Utopia would
escape in Chapter Three. ~ seek . Rather, it would
Characters might inspect the <, necessarily need to be
facilities ( or guard one or quiet and hope-
more, fully lead
depend- both fac -
ing upon ~~~- tions into
mobility) believing
for security the worst of
leaks or other the other.
problems.

· INTO THE ARMS OF THEANGEL OF WRATH 131

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

The Directive po int, characters will scramble to discover what

The Directive's leadership wants to know the they feel they need to know (and pick up a few
truth about the Slider affair. Since the Directive incidental pieces along the way). This section
was created as a counter to Utopia's pe rvasive in- should be tense and careful. Everyone's stepping
fluence, this particular matter is certainly of im- around a powder keg, and no one particularly
port to the agency . Directive agents could be wants to set it off just yet.
moles within any other faction and track events By the time this section is over, characters
from there. Others might be assigned to directly might know who killed Slider ( or successfully con-
research the Slider case , recent Teragen activi- ceal the same from discovery). Some of Proteus'
ties, what really happened with The Miracle, etc . sec rets might be far closer to the open than its
The Directive could use the information directors ever imagined possible . Finally, open
gained for anything from fueling future investi - war between Utopia and the Teragen might be on
gations to destroying Utopia's credibility , depend- the verge of breaking out . Whatever happens, this
ing upon the situation at the end of the chapter . portion of the story should end with the status
Despite the shadowy reputation it holds, many of quo shaken thoroughly .
its agents would like justice to be done, and a good The Aberrants
many do not care for Utopia's activit ies (policing Aberrant sympathizers could choose to track
technology , whitewashing novas ' public images, down Slider's real killer - in this case , the trail
concealingthe lessglamorousexamplesof nova-dom,etc). would probably start in Calcutta, specifically in
Independents Slider's apartment or the morgue. Clues picked up
At the point when Into the Arms of the Angel in previous chapters could lead investigators to
of Wrath begins, enough information has circu- begin elsewhere . Individuals Aberrants might look
lated that virtually every nova on Earth who isn't up to question or investigate are listed in the fol-
sequestered in the wilderness is probably curious lowing sidebar .
about what Utopia's really up to , who killed Slider The precise handling of this investigation
and why and what Andre Corbin is trying to do (where clues are, who knows what) is up to the
about it. Any individual or group might decide to Storyteller . We'd prefer that each Storyteller
work on finding the truth. After all, whoever killed decide for himself who killed Slider .
Slider could decide that any other nova is a dan- TheTeragen
ger for similar reasons . It's best to find out why With negotiations behind them, the Tera gen
before the hammer falls. begin moving against Proteus to free high-Taint
Independents could seek out Corbin for his novas from custody. This activity is necessarily
version of the story, investigate any involved fac- one of high mobility, as these facilities could be
tion (or individual novas therein) or track down located anywhere in the world. The plan is to drive
those who had the power and opportunity to kill Utopia parano ia up sufficiently that it spreads its
Slider and investigate them. Independents could forces out as thinly as possible . This also makes
also follow any of the leads described in the above Aberrant investigations easier (if Utopia novas
sections on the other factions. are trying to counteract Teragen activities, which
Naturally, any member of any faction can also they should, especially after the first ra id) . Note
choose to follow whichever path he prefers. No- that any facility where Proteus keeps high-Taint
vas work for a great many agencies in 2009' but novas under sedation isn't going to be easily
often have a great deal of leeway (as long as they found. The facility Gabriel escaped from is a good
don't become liabilities or security risks) . A Pro- start and may hold the key to further investigation.
teus agent could very well decide that she can no Other means would include legwork through
longer condone Proteus' methods, whereas an Utopia or even public records of land ownership.
Aberrant might decide that it's better not to harm Note that Proteus does not want these sites lo-
Utopia in the long term. Encourage players to treat cated and will have layers of deception conceal-
their characters as individuals, not as extensions ing the true ownership, but a sufficiently clever
of a given faction . character may find ways around such measures.
Each facility is likely to be heavily defended
Legwork with both automatic security systems and poten-
The action begins here . Everyone has a start- tially one or more novas . Ideally, it works best for
ing point, but no one has enough pieces yet to put Teragen to get inside quietly before making any
together a clear picture. It's likely that, at this noise or setting off any alarms.

132 INTO THEARMS OF THEANGEL OF WRATH

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

Who Killed J.L.?

Jennifer Landers' cause of death leavesno doubt to the fact that another novakilledher; the questionsare simply:
Who did it'?Who knowsabout it'?Where are they now'?
Proteus certainlyexecutedSlider to silenceher. This was an ill-advised, drastic course. The director who gave the
order was literallyin a panicover the possibilitythat SlidercouldrevealProteus' existenceto the world. Also, mostof her
allegationswere true (though given a paranoid spin). Now,Proteus has to bury the truth so deep no one - nova or
baseline- willever be able to dig it up. Unfortunately,the Aberrants are workingfast, and it willbe difficultto hide
everythingbefore they makea clean sweep of the availableevidence.
It's not inevitablethat the Aberrants willdiscoverthe true killer'sidentityor the motivesbehindit. If the playersare
Proteus operatives, it shouldcertainlybe possiblefor them to keep Aberrant and other investigatorsfrom the truth. On
the other hand, it shouldbe possiblefor any novaswho investigatethe matter to learn the truth. Either outcomeis not a
given, but the questionshouldbe dealt with by Into the Armsof the Angelof Wrath's conclusion.
Followingare the characters who have informationabout the crime:
• ApoorvaChowdiahand EdgarRhys: Officially , they are the first two policeofficers to arrive at the murderscene.
Neither are Calcuttabeat police. Rather, both are police/UNliaisons. Unfortunately, neither is in Calcutta. Both were
transferred elsewhere.ApoorvaChowdiahwas officiallytransferred to Utopia's Europeanheadquarters,and Rhyshas no
officialforwardingaddress. Of course,Chowdiah's officialwhereaboutsmayhavelittle to do withthe reality. Successfully
trackingdowneither mightrequire a moleinsideUtopiaor Proteus or possiblya quiet break in. Bothofficers' loyaltieslie
with Utopia, and they willnot reveal anythingmore than the basic facts of the scene: Landers was found dead, with a
pulverizedspine, the sternumshattered throughher bodyand her ribs splayedout. Anyonewhosawthe bodycouldtell the
cause of death was a solidpunchfrom an extremelystrong nova. They maypossiblyknowmore, butit willrequire nova-
levelinAuenceto dig it out (Telepathy, Domination,socialMega-Attributes, etc) or very goodroleplaying.Be Aexibleon
this point - if the playersare clever, reward them.
ApoorvaChowdiahis currentlyin Europe - in Paris,to be precise. Edgar Rhyshas been transferred to NewYork
City,into the UnitedNations' Utopiaoffices.
• Prasan Mandavilli: He is the Calcuttaofficer whodid arrive first on the scene. He's stillin Calcuttaand stillworksin
the precinct office,but he knowsvery little. Herespondedto a callfromSlider'sneighbors. They heard a singleloudnoise
and calledthe police. MandavillifoundLanders dead, in the kitchen,with a broken neck and a hole punchedthrough her
torso. Heknowsnothingmore but is curiousto find out and may aid investigatorsif he trusts their motives. With more
convincing,he mightbe inclinedto direct the characters to DetectiveKalsi.
• DetectiveThaunanonKalsi: After Mandavillicalledthe situationinto the station, DetectiveKalsiwas the first to
respond (he was in the neighborhood).Kalsihas slightlymore informationthan Mandavilli . At first, he's distrustfulof any
characters, suspectingthat they mightbe assassinssent to silencehim. He doesn't respect Chowdiahand Rhys'shandling
of the case and smellsa cover-up. If the characters can find him(Antenna,another Aberrant, knowshowto locate himor
willsimplypass along what he learned from Kalsi),they have to convincehim to let down his guard. If they mention
Antennaor Mandavilli, that mighthelp. Forcinghimthroughquantumpowers to break downis muchharder. Kalsihas an
incredibly strong will (for a baseline). He has 12 dice to resist
mentalcompulsion.
• Slider'sNeighbors: None saw or heard anythingother than
the soundof Landershittingthe wall,a rather loud"crack." They do
knowMandavelliwas actuallythe first officer on the scene, which
mighthelp.
The followingStoryteller characters are the most likelysus-
pects for the killing.The Storytellershoulddecide whocommitted
the actualdeed.
• IbrahimFarouk, AKA"RadiKhanjar": He'sa heavy-dutyelite,
with a preference for the MiddleEast. While he's close-mouthed
about his powers, it's knownthat he has great physicalprowess,a
form of psychic invisibilityand a substantial resistance to injury.
Faroukis the closest fit for a suspect and couldeasilybe the assas-
sin. However,this means he's also the most easily fingered as the
assassin. It's possiblethat he did killSlider,but it's equallypossible
Proteus "arranged" for his presence as a distraction from the real
killer, whose presence in Calcuttawas unknown.

INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH 133

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

Unfortunatelyfor someonewhowants an easy solution,Sliderdid not knowFaroukand wouldbe unlikelyto allowhim

into her apartment at such a late hour. Hispowersallowhimto concealhimselffrom sight, but do not allowhimto disguise
himselfas someoneelse (at least, he isn't knownto have this capability- it's entirely possiblethat he does. 1f he killed
Slider, it's not too muchof a stretch to assumethis is the case).
If Ibrahimwas hiredto killSlider,either Proteuscouldhavehiredhim(throughblinds)to lead others astray or someone
other agency(DeVries,Novelty)to cause problemsfor Project Utopiain the short- and long-term.
IbrahimFaroukis currentlycontracted to Israel,doingcovert militarywork againsttheir enemies. This shouldmakeit
at least somewhatdifficultto track himdown.
• DellaWeisskopf:She's a powerfulpsychicand coulduse her powersto gain access, but she simplydoes not havethe
physicalstrength to inflictsuch a devastatinginjury. This does not rule out the possibilityof her compellingSlider from a
distance whilea more physicalnovaactuallydid the deed.
VioletChao:She's a pacifistnovawhoworks for Utopia,was in Calcuttathe nightof Slider'smurder. She has an alibi,
completewith eyewitnesses. GivenDellaWeisskopf'spresence, this does not rule out the possibilitythat Violetstruck the
killingblow- guidedby Della'swill. For a psychicof Della'spowers,takingcontrolof Violet'smindlongenoughto killSlider
wouldnot be impossible.Furthennore,it wouldnot be muchmore difficultto alter her friends' memoriesso as to providea
reliablealibi.Thisleavesonlythe questionof physicalsecurityat Chao's
residence - whichcouldhave been altered.
• Chiraben:Chirabenis the most likelycandidate- he's Pro-
teus' number one triggerman. But, his overzealousattitude toward
wetworkhas caused hima fewproblemsrecently. It's not knownif he
was in Calcutta the night of the murder, but he does possess the
strength to killSliderin one blow.Sliderdid not knowhim,but this is
irrelevantwhendealingwith a shapeshifter. He couldhave taken the
form of any of Slider's friends from T2M or Utopia(except Corbin,
whomSliderknewwas in Scotlandat the time) and gotten in. It would
havebeen simpleenoughfor Chirabento arrange transportationun-
der a different face and identification to enter Calcutta and act
from there.
Chiraben'shistory and character infonnationcan be found in
the Aberrant StorytellersScreen.
The listed novas are possibilities.It's easy enoughto add more
to the list, removesomeand switchthingsaround. Whateverthe final
scenario is, decide upon it before runningAben.rt:Worldwide , as
that shouldshape certain events in each chapter. Proteus novaswhodon't realizeuntilthey reach Intothe Anns of the Angel
of Wrath that they killedSlidermightnot be very careful about coveringup evidencein the first three chapters. Comeup
with somethingreasonable, but try not to be too clichedabout it.
Tailorthe real story to fit your series and events withinit. Don'tfeel boundto use onlythe optionsprovided.If you have
a novawho'd be perfect for the role of murderer alreadyestablishedin your series, use her instead. Somesuggestionsfor
alterationinclude:
• Proteus didn't killSlider,someoneelse (the Directive,NoveltyConsulting,SophiaRousseau,etc) made the hit to
frame Utopiaor otherwiseadvance personalagendas.
• Sliderwasn't supposedto die - the operativesent to talk to her wassupposedto bringher peacefullyback intothe
fold, but somethingwent horriblywrong.
• Slidercontacted a Proteus novadeliberately. She presented her findingsthinkingthat he wouldbe sympatheticto
her observations. He panickedand killedher.
• Slidertook the story to CaestusPax,who tried to convinceher she was makingmountainsout of molehills . They get
into an argument,Paxtries to take her backto T2M-Cheadquarters,but she refuses. He loseshis temper and killsher when
she turns her back on him.
• This works if the playercharacters are with Proteus - they killedSlider. In order for this to succeed, you should
work it out with the playersin question in advance. No one likesto have secret backgroundinfonnationlikethis dropped
withoutwarning.
The possibilitiesare endless,as longas they're presented in a plausibleand interestingmanner. Storytellersneed not
concern themselves with contradicting published material on this point, and players can't pick up the truth on a
read-through.

134 INTO THEARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Novas kept within these facilities are usually involve setting up a fall guy - select one of the
physically and/ or mentally twisted beyond any- novas who could do it and implant memories of
thing seen in public. Most have six or seven Taint. committing the deed. From there, plant evidence
Gabriel is arguably the only nova who has eight to support the cover story and hopefully the
permanent Taint, but one or two others (with less Aberrants will be satisfied.
anti-social aberrations - relatively speaking - Directive agents might also investigate the
than Gabriel's personal plagues) might exist. Many matter, which makes the work doubly ticklish.
have been subjected to painful experiments in at- Unlike the Aberrants, Directive novas are far
tempts to remove or burn out the M-R node or more likely to be professional at this sort of thing
otherwise interfere with the subjects' nova sta- and much less likely to be diverted with smoke and
tus. Most will be violent if freed from their re- mirrors. Characters will have to work hard to
straints, and they are all kept under constant se- avoid or misdirect Directive scrutiny (or perhaps
dation. The high Taint evinced by these novas is simply eliminate the agents, if it could be pinned
typically indicative of high levels of power. on the Aberrants).
Overly-idealistic characters will probably learn With so many different problems coming to
this the hard way. a head simultaneously, Proteus cannot afford se-
Terats will get (at best) one or two raids be- curity leaks . Proteus personnel never relax their
fore Utopia is prepared for immediate response guard, but at this time, they need to be extra
to their attacks. A warper with perhaps one or careful. Doubled and repeated security checks will
two more novas than there are characters will ar- become the norm, and characters (if they have the
rive shortly after any alarms are triggered. These right talents) may find themselves looking for
novas are definitely Proteus operatives and aware treason within Proteus' ranks. This can be espe-
of the captive novas. At first, they will attempt to cially dangerous for characters who happen to be
capture the Teragen attackers. 1f the Teragen re- moles for the Aberrants or the Teragen. Since the
spond with lethal force, Proteus novas will re- watchmen .need to be watched, they'.11be the first
spond in kind. At some point, continued attacks checked for treason. A mole would have to be very
may simply become suicidal. careful not to reveal his true loyalties or simply
try to escape before he's caught (or if he's caught,
Proiect Proteus as the case may be).
Proteus novas have several possible direc-
lt's possible for the characters to get involved
tions to go at this point. The Teragen is attacking in all of the above, depending upon the timing.
Proteus facilities and needs to be stopped. The
Aberrants are closing in on the real killer's iden- Proiect Utopia
tity (possibly the characters!). Proteus may even Utopia novas will also have their hands Full
be aware of potential security leaks within its or- with the current situation. Some of the Teragen
ganization - moles. attacks may be picked up on camera. The film can
Novas detailed to stop Teragen attacks be used to identify the powers and/or appearance
should be combat capable but cool-headed enough of Tera gen novas. That information is passed
that they remember to attempt capture unless the along to Project Utopia, so Team Tomorrow or
situation dictates otherwise. The team also re- others can track down and apprehend Teragen
quires nearly instant mobility. lf one of the char- members as a high profile PR boost for Utopia.
acters doesn't have Warp, a T2M member or Pro- Proteus may also identify Aberrants investigat-
teus nova with Warp assigned to the characters' ing Slider's death and give Utopia pointers for
group can provide the service. When responding them as well.
to Teragen attacks, note the comments on the fa- Novas could also protect Utopia installations
cilities above. The situation should be similar (one from Teragen raids, as above, or perform secu-
or two more T erats than there are characters) and rity checks for moles within their own ranks.
could easily turn dangerous at any moment, es- Andre Corbin is on Utopia's most-wanted list.
. pecially if hotheads like Geryon are in on the raid. Team Tomorrow will be on the lookout for him at
Novas who set out to conceal the identity of all times and may track him down. At the moment,
Slider's assassin will likely be (at best) one or two he's in deep cover, where he's debating whether
steps ahead of the Aberrants. The characters also he wants to present himself for arrest ( and hope-
need to track down anyone who might know any- fully draw out Slider's murderer) or continue as
thing about the assassination and find a means to he is. 1f Team Tomorrow or any other trustwor-
silence them, one way or another. Telepathy is thy Utopia novas finds him, he will surrender to
ideal for this, but lethal force may be necessary. them immediately (modify the next section, Ex-
A more difficult aspect of the operation would posure, as appropriate). He's already uncomfort-

INTO THEARMS OF THEANGEL OF WRATH 135

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
able with the fact that Aberrants are out turning Independents
over stones he should investigate on his own. Independent novas are the wild cards. They
One important point to bear in mind here is can take any side and go off on any tangent, which
that Utopia isn't aware of the real events sur- might not occur to someone in one of the above
rounding Slider's death, and several Utopians factions. Indeed, any of the routes described
knew Slider personally . If Utopian novas grab above might be appropriate - Independents
Aberrants who know the truth, the Aberrants might go looking for Corbin or perhaps the
might spill the beans. If the characters believe Aberrants . Some might decide to uncover who
what the Aberrants have to say, one or more may really killed Slider or even execute a vendetta by
have sufficient reason to switch sides (or pretend proving a personal enemy did it (whether it's true
to switch sides, so as to infiltrate the Aberrants). or not). Based on previous events, some might
Novas who were on good terms with Slider may polarize toward or away From any given faction.
have very good reason to jump ship . Independents have no one to report to, but
The Directive they also have no particular backing if things go
The Directive's current goals include at- wrong . This lack of infrastructure gives them
tempts to track down and capture any known greater Freedom of movement and action, as their
Teragen members, any known Aberrant members plans are less likely to be uncovered by a mole.
and Slider's murderer. If the Directive has come Interactions with other factions take on a differ-
across evidence in previous chapters, they might ent tone, since any pre-existing baggage comes
have enough to draw the conclusion that Utopia from reputations (as elites, novox singers or XWF
or some kind of "shadow cabal" committedthe murder. shootfighters) as opposed to direct affiliations to
Operatives who want to track down any of the concerned agencies . An Aberrant who
Aberrants certainly have the opportunity to do so might not even try to sway a Proteus agent might
if they're also looking for Slider's murderer . Char- take the time to bring an independent up to speed.
acters may choose to apprehend the Aberrants or This can also be a detriment, in that no particular
simply exchange information with them . The faction will see an independent nova as an ally or
Aberrants won't mention any alliance with the even necessarily friendly.
Teragen, given that they think this would scare TheDeVriesAgency (andotherElites)
the socks off the Directive (or nearly any other It's very easy to bring elites into this story
faction, for that matter) . They might be willing - have someone hire them to protect/capture/
to share the truth about Slider's killer in exchange kill Corbin or some other high-profile nova in-
for other concessions (don't use this to destroy volved at any point . This serves as a convenient
Utopia, but help us bring the killer to justice). means to bring otherwise unconnected novas to-
The Directive and Utopia have no real love gether and gives them a reason to stay together
lost between them, but the Teragen "terrorist" until the end. Anyone could hire them (via the
attacks on Utopia facilities are just the sort of DeVries Agency) for any reason. This provides an
thing that Directive novas hate to hear about. Uto- opportunity to highlight other issues and players
pia might be willing to share Files on known in the setting not otherwise mentioned.
Teragen members and ask the Directive for as- Depending upon the assigned job, elites could
sistance in this crisis situation. Again, there's the face issues similar to those mentioned For any
risk that Directive novas will hear the reasons why other Faction but from a different perspective.
the Teragen has attacked Utopia installations.
Utopia will assure the Directive that Terats will Exposure
attack with lethal force in conflict, but there's a Corbin decides to prove his innocence - by
good chance that the "terrorists" will act fairly turning himself in for trial. He calls in contacts to
reasonably, at least until attacked. This is not to arrange a press conference at a time and place of
say that Teragen novas will let their guard down, his choosing - Bahrain - also revealing the
but they might take the opportunity to plant a few existence of Utopia's nova prison. From there, he,
doubts about serving humanity in the Directive his Team Tomorrow escorts and the documentary
"lapdogs'" minds. producers Gaal and Najarian will be shipped di-
Play this carefully, none of the players in- rectly to Bahrain, where Proteus intends to "deal
volved are stupid. Be careful not to simply give with" Andre Corbin permanently.
the information away (Why would the Aberrants Proteus intends to use this occasion to shat-
or the Teragen trust Directive agents'? There must ter the Aberrant-Teragen alliance before it firms
be a reason), but make them work For it. up into something stronger and more threatening.

136 INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Theyintendto makeCorbin's
assassination look like a
Teragen attack.
The Teragen use
the opportunity af-
forded by Corbin's ar-
rival in Bahrain to get maximum
coverage of their raid on Bahrain
(and to expose just what's happen-
ing to the prisoners live on N!).
Additionally, at least a few Terats
want to rescue personal Friends who
have been wrongfully imprisoned
in the Bahrain Facility simply for
political affiliation. Mostly, they
want the world to see just how Utopia's
been lyingto them.
Exposure is likely to
end in a pitched battle, as two
or more Factions clash right in
the Bahrain
penitentiary's
courtyard.
Corbin's
sacrifice
(whether he
survives Ex-
posure or not)
leads to the
bloodiest nova conflict
ever filmed. The
legendary nova
documentary team
of Gaal and
f •
Najarian will be on
the scene to Filmthe conflict. I' ,. ' 4. ,
They intend to record the whole > /
thing and sell the footage to N! for a 1-
pile of money. H,ow they manage to ,
get into Bahrain! is nothing short of
incredible, given the national attitude
toward foreign reporters. The truth is,
if there's a way in, they'll find it.
The Aberrants
After spending a year in hiding, Corbin decides to di-a things to a
close. Thanks to previous events, he's probably aware of the identity of
Slider's killer. However, the knowledge won't do much good without ac-
tion. Corbin decides to turn himself in so he can prove his innocence once
and for all. He doesn't decide this without misgivings.
Corbin will discuss the matter with the characters and a few other
Aberrants (probably Sophia Rousseau among them) before he makes
his final decision. lt will be difficult to sway him from his decision, and
his determination may affect others when he discusses the matter (thanks
to his power of mass emotion control). He really wants to work through his
own misgivings before he steps into the limelight .
This scene should be emotional for everyone involved, simply because Corbin
will be quite emotional, and he's not holding back. He's about to achieve what he's

INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH 137

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
spent the past year working for: justice (or so he friction in their alliance. lt's possible that this
hopes) . Play up both his sense of triumph (at be- particular point will strain or break it if one side
ing so close) and inevitability (he fears that any or the other isn't careful. Any such friction will
trial will be terribly rigged or that Proteus will at- be noted and reported by moles within either faction.
tempt to kill him). Corbin doesn't particularly care
to die at this point . He intends to take as many of
Proiect Proteus
When word gets out that Corbin 's about to
the bastards down with him as possib le if it comes
turn himself in, elements in Project Proteus want
to that, but he wants to put the odds heavily in
to silence him as well , preferably in a manner that
his favor, which might include QuanTech body ar-
would put the blame on the Tera gen. Turning both
mor or his old T2M uniform (for the armor pro-
factions against each other is preferab le to allow-
tection of eufiber) . Play him smart and clever .
ing both to continue targeting Proteus . lf any
Corbin's intention is to set the stage his way.
Teragen were captured in previous sessions (such
He asks the characters to help coordinate defense
as Legwork, above), these would be the ideal no-
against any Proteus attempts to si lence him . He
vas to implicate in the scheme. Another option
also contacts a few people he knows at N! to make
would be to activate moles within the Teragen and
sure his surrender has the maximum possible cov-
use them to kill Corbin . Either way, it should be
erage (it's not so easy to make a hit on an inter-
done in as obvious a manner as is plausible.
national broadcast, he hopes) .
T earn Tomorrow members will be tasked to
Corbin doesn't make the contact himself. In-
escort Corbin to the Bahrain detention facility,
stead , he asks someone e lse to do it, preferably
where he will be incarcerated until he is to stand
far from his actual location . He has a prepared
tria l for Slider's murder . Proteus believes that the
statement to pass along . lf the characters pass it
best opportunity to strike will be at the Bahrain
along, they might have an opportunity to get on
facility itself, especially given recent Teragen at-
the good side of one of the N! staff reporters .
tacks upon Utopia facilities . Proteus operatives
Corbin ' s surrender is a big deal, and maximum
will be assigned along with the T2M escorts to in-
coverage means good things for the one who gets
sure everything happens as planned .
the scoop .
The Teragen
Corbin's surrender poses an opportunity for T.-.genRolCal
the Teragen . Raids conducted by Nova Vigilance The followingPantheon membersare present for the
and the Primacy against Proteus facilities have occasion. Caestus Pax willmakea special pointto give them
been moderately productive in that they've found his undivided attention when theyshowthemselves.He will
(and possibly rescued) novas wrongfully held in not be gentle .
secret captivity . lt's only a logical conclusion that • Synapse - He uses his ability to infiltrate Bahrain's
similar experiments go on inside the Bahrain fa- electronic secl.lity systems with little trcxhle. While he's
cility (whether they do or not is up to the Story- there in holographic form, he's not physically present and
teller) . lf Terats can time it properly, they can maynot be noticed.
blow the doors wide open on Utopia 's " experi- • Turncoat - He's already infiltrated Bahrain's se-
ments " with global OpNet coverage. lt might also cl.lity as a "baseline security guard." His powerto blend in
draw out some of Proteus' "secret police" for - even greater than Chiraben's - is of great use. During
possible exposure . Specifically, Nova Vigilance, the battle, he'll try to use his abilities to confuse T2M and
the Harvesters and the Primacy would be all over other opponents about who's really who, hopefully insti-
this plan . gating fighting within the ranks.
Terats aren 't stupid and do realize that the • Shrapnel - She's there to providephysical force
sheer number of novas present makes this a risky and little more. When the fighting stats, she11beeline for
proposition . They hope that the exposure of Pax (and get brushedaside with only a little more consider-
Utopia 's hidden agenda will at least sway a few ation than the "average"nova. She's not hotheaded or stu-
novas' viewpoints before they start swinging . The pid, she's simply outclassed).
raid will have to be executed carefully, with per- • Geryon - He's there to provide more physical
fect timing . Terats need to be in position when backup for the team if things go wrong.
Corbin arrives to blow the lid off. • Leviathan - He's also present to provide physical
ln this matter , the Teragen would prefer to backup.
coordinate with the Aberrants (and hopefully Despite the poweravailablehere,the Terats aren't here
bring a few members along to aid them) . Most to fight but to expose the truth. Each has his or her own
Aberrants don't want to thoroughly destroy Uto- reasons for coming, butit's not to kill.
pia as the Teragen hope to do, which is a cause of
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
The entire event will be a media nightmare. The mission begins with a briefing in which
Cameras will run from the moment Corbin appears all known information approved for character eyes
until he vanishes into the Bahrain facility's doors. will be handed out and discussed and the mission
Absolute care must be taken at all times to avoid goals will be laid out. Caestus Pax will not so sub-
exposure of Proteus operatives. tly take command of the mission. This isn't en-
Moles within the Aberrants must try to get tirely out of line, as he's the ranking member of
as close to Corbin before and during the affair as Team Tomorrow worldwide (Backing 6). He will
possible, to keep the situation under Proteus' con- not be especially kind in asserting his authority
trol. The last thing Proteus needs is for any over those with whom he's never worked before.
Aberrants to abscond with their prize before they Don't try to play up antagonism, but don't play
can finish the job. When the moment comes, moles him as nice or particularly approachable. He's
may need to engineer a distraction. Again, agents quite taken with his own fame and expects this
must take care to avoid compromising cover, or particular mission (he knows about the Proteus
all bets will be off . operation mentioned above) will be something of
a personal apotheosis. He also hopes to draw Divis
Proiect Utopia Mal out into the open.
Members of Team Tomorrow (preferably the Everything should move along smoothly, unless
characters, but Storyteller characters can fill out the Storyteller or players want to introduce compli-
the ranks) along with Caestus Pax will be assigned cations along the way. With Aberrants, Proteus
to escort Andre Corbin to the Bahrain facility and agents, Utopia novas, Team Tomorrow members and
protect him from assassination attempts . Other
the Directive waiting for someone to twitch the
novas involved in earlier events might also be as- wrong way, the whole event is a powder-keg waiting
signed, due to experience in the case or personal to erupt. Utopian novas are supposed to keep the lid
knowledge of Aberrants. on the whole thing as long as possible.
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

The Directive
Why is this happening? The Directive ' s interest is to draw out as
WI,-shoudDivisMalshowi.pandstartblasting iNii1f?
Fr.t, many agents From as many Factions as possible .
there'sthematll!r ofPaxtreatingTeragenPariheonmermers like Corbin's move seems perfectly timed For this .
~ bugs.bt.tthataside- whatcrud possiily interesthin Agents on the scene will be asked to watch For
aboitshowingi.,> CaestusPax?u~. it'salpartofMal'splan anyone they recognize and , if possible, try to de -
DivisMalwarts novasandbaselinesto lendto theirown, rather termine which Faction they belong to . lf violence
thanm.qewitf10lttfnl!#tforthe~ He'spersonaly breaks out , agents should call For backup and try
dfendedbyUtopia'sblatart(tohin) attenl)ts to harnessnovasto to contain the situation before it spreads . At this
theiragendaEachnow shoudbe ~ to eq:,loreher nab.re point, the Directive probably trusts no one, least
witf10lti itafe.et ICe from~ bei,gs.Dolunans takeorde...s of all Utopia . The general Feeling is that you can
fromthei-pets? at least expect the Terats and Aberrants to act
CaestusPax'sintenti$ b a ,spa,et th> DivisMal- he'sper- upon their ideals .
fectlyaWcl"e thatPaxwartedto chw hin Ott (andhasbeentrying Mission parameters include identification and
todososincethebioaclcast of Theru Maiifesto).Notonetobe (if possible) capture of any high-ranking novas of
manipJated,Malchooseshi>appeaa ices for maxmm effect. any Faction . The latter is preferable only if Fight-
The f'!tthappensbecaJseof DivisMal'sSEflSe of showmanship ing breaks out . Otherwise, simply note their iden-
mere thananythingelse.The reca migs willbe ~ and re- tities For later tracking . The Directive has no in-
~fora longtine, andPaxwillosea~ dealofthetml d terest in proving Corbin 's innocence, but it is still
be.ig"themostpowerfunow aliYe." OncePax'sbrcujit downto interested in Finding the real killer .
Earthandi.de. stads he'sjusta10therl1CMI, thenperhapshecan Independents
be reasonedwith. When N! announces Corbin's intention to turn
SomeStorytelers (orplayers)maybe ISlCOITifcriablewitha himself in , just about every nova on Earth prob-
conRict thatthecha adet s can:t diredfyaffect.If thisisthecase, ably has sufficient reason to find out what's re-
bothCaestusPaxand DivisMalcanbe nmovedwitf10ltuicUy ally going on . It's pretty much common knowledge
harming the scenario. It canbe .-med that theyclashedeJse.. among novas that Corbin isn 't guilty of Slider 's
where.Theirf'!ttisn'tvitalto thesituationat hand- in fact,by murder, so speculation about what he hopes to
fr:,ting,theyremoi,,e themselYeS fromanyopportuityto alfect accomplish will spread faster than wildfire . Any
thefinala.tcome. 'Tmuji thei-abserce,onlyafewnoo-vitalele- characters might (hopefully) be curious enough to
mentschange . find out what 's going to go down during Corbin ' s
Spectators or Actors? arrest and confinement.
Thisscenesetsi.p asensitNesituation-two powerfuSto- Rumors will run rampant about Utopia - sanc -
ryteler-cha actersfl!#it Ott in sucha waythat the characters tioned assassinations on Aberrant leaders and
realyh.wenohopeto altet-theOttcome, nomatll!r howhardthey Corbin plotting some kind of last-minute derring-
try.lt'sin-.,ortattoAbsnrtcafuitythal:CaestusPaxandDivis do to expose the truth on global broadcast. Lit -
Malmett, andit'sbestif thispiwtalmoment happens "on-screen" erally , any over the top rumor is appropriate here.
Stl,Storytelersshoudavoidthoroujilyi.,>stajngtheplayersand Tension runs high , as novas become aware that
use thefigt to itsbestadvartage: as d cistJ....tion. what happens over the next few days could very
Thisis the perfectopportuityto knockany inconllenient well change things For all of them.
Storytelercharactersi.1COr1Sciousand takethemOtt forthea.ra- Storytellers can also use ties to other Fac-
tion. Thedashshoudserveas dficient distraction for anynovas tions to draw independents into the circus . Re-
whostilretaintheirwitstodo something, Mletherit'sgetmgCornin porters could hire bodyguards For the event or any
Ott of the Wil'/,kilingCorbin, clearingbaselines Ott of the lineof nova involved could drop a tip about the situation
fre, resaingGaalandNajaian from• di -;,doom (they'renot getting out of control or call in past Favors owed .
as ™'1erable as theyliketo thn.) or findngevidenceto hand Depending on their employers ' agendas ,
CNer"to tf reporters. Af.thispoirt,CaestusPax, DivisMal, thedw- DeVries novas could find this a perfect opportu-
actersand any~ theStorytelerdeems tokeepam.nd are nity to take Corbin down or keep others from do-
theonlyc.ormcta ts remaining. ing so . Perhaps they ' ve been hired to " deal with "
WhahMrhappens,fjve the cha actersplertyof opportu- certain individuals in the Aberrant or Teragen
rity to resolYethescenario (orfailmiserably) to thei, sati:.factioo. movements, and this is a perfect opportunity to
Thebigbattle realydoesn't make a <iffaet ice totheeYertsgoing draw several of them into the open .
on am.ndthechaadet s, whoare f.r morepiYot.al
in theshort The Situation
term Stl, if someonewartstowatchthefirewori<s likea slack- Andre Corbin contacts the press to announce
jawedta.rist,incUgehin,bt.tdon'tforcetheconFra
taticnas the his intention to turn himself in and prove his in-
central
action nocence . He claims to know who the real murderer

, 140 INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

is and that others hold the evidence. He's aware
of the risk he's taking but assumes that no matter
what happens, justice will be done, and Slider will
be avenged.
Corbin states he will present himself For ar-
rest in Bahrain, where he expects to be placed in
custody at the detention facility . This is something
of a characteristic move For Corbin - he intends
this announcement to be a slap in Utopia's face.
The Bahrain facility is at least semi-secret, and
now, it'll be in the world's eye.
He consents to an interview before he turns
himself in and will meet privately with Chris Gaal,
of Gaal and Najarian (mentioned above), to give
his side of the story. Note that, as above, Corbin
Feels very strongly about this topic, and his pow-
ers willaffect Gaal,possibly provoking more sympathy.
From the time the announcement hits the
"N!ews," Corbin will wait 48 hours before turn-
ing himself in. During that time, pretty much ev-
eryone will be scrambling to locate him or locate
others looking For him. He expects a few hunters
to be Flushed out, but the real problems will start
once he's back in the public eye. Corbin wants as
many people as possible to witness his arrest, both
in person and over the OpNet. He wants his sur-
render to be as public as possible to avoid any
"misunderstandings."
Novas worldwide will begin scrambling For
news on the Corbin situation. Many will try to be
present For his surrender, For whatever reasons .
Many have met Corbin in the past and might be
happy or distraught at his current situation
(Corbin's cockiness didn't make him a great many
friends). Still, most novas don't want him dead, if
only because they like to root For the underdog.
Several Aberrant characters will probably es-
cort Corbin to his interview and from there to his
chosen venue For surrender. Proteus novas will
probably be split between the Utopia/T2M guard
or milling with the spectators . Utopia and T2M
novas will be divided between guarding Corbin
directly and keeping an eye on the crowd. The
Teragen will either be mingling with the specta-
tors or preparing For a dramatic exit from the
Bahrain facility (if they managed to get in ear-
lier) at the right moment. Directive agents and
independents could be anywhere . Characters may
choose to go along with their respective Factions
or take up any position they Find appropriate.
Once Corbin presents himself, the reporters
all go astir. Corbin's nervousness will infect the
crowd, making an already touchy situation even
more sensitive. Everyone tries to get a better
look, shoving commences and Fights start to break
out. This is an opportunity For novas to do some
low-key defusing with whatever powers are avail-

INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH 14 l

1

ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
able to them (socials Mega-Attributes, Empathic keep them From being brought out into the open.
Manipulation, etc) . Taking advantage of the moment, Pax will order
When the crowd calms down, Tearn Tomor- the other T2M novas to stop the Teragen, hope-
row moves in to take Corbin into custody, with fully leaving Corbin relatively unguarded for the
Caestus Pax leading the charge. Baseline Utopia Proteus attack. Any Terats who spot the disguised
agents will move to clear a path for Corbin and Proteus agents will likely give them little mercy
T2M so they can get to a nearby vehicle and get (they won't kill, but they won't hesitate to put a
Corbin to the Bahrain facility . The chemistry be- stop to the charade) . Chiraben's probably in on
tween Pax and Corbin is quite tense . Pax's atti- the attack, given his particular talents.
tude toward Corbin could best be described as Once Proteus agents move in on Corbin, the
"enraged disappointment," as if Corbin took Pax's Aberrants will move in on Proteus . The situation
every high expectation and threw it into his face. at this point is critical for everyone. Try to iso-
Corbin Feels a mixture of guilt and rage at Pax for late the characters into one part of the conflict,
taking (so he sees) pleasure in Finally "putting him and leave the rest to dramatic license. Take the
down," and for the fact that, at one time, they time to describe this scene properly - the
almost could have been Friends. Unfortunately, crackle of blue-white forces surrounding Caestus
this mood infects everyone nearby, which rein- Pax as he closes his Fist and crushes the evidence
forces Pax's Feelings toward Corbin, in turn in- with kinetic force or sweeps the Teragen aside
tensi Fyin g Corbin's reaction. By the time like they were nothing. Play up the raw power at
everyone's at the facility, the transport should be his command, but don't inflict any real damage. It
a lit Firecracker . should be apparent that Pax is the most powerful
Pax tries to maintain "good cheer" for the nova in this particular conflict.
cameras. He's established himself as the iconic Caestus Pax will use his power to clear out
representative of Team Tomorrow and can't af- attacking Aberrants, Tera gen, independents and
ford to damage that image. Even so, he will prob- Directive agents. He will not interfere with the as-
ably show just a bit of unnecessary roughness with sassination attempt on Corbin (except, perhaps,
Corbin, especially after Corbin's "Bender" power to surreptitiously aid the Proteus operatives if
starts looping. IF characters comment, Pax will they look like they're going under). At this point,
back off - for the moment. thanks to the ubiquitous presence of cameras, re-
The situation should remain stable during the porters and other witnesses, the kid gloves are
trip to the prison . Interested novas may have to on. He's not going to inflict serious harm - noth-
Find their own way there, but this can be dealt ing more than broken bones, concussions, etc.
with on an individual basis . Keep track of charac- Anyone who's watching should be able to tell he's
ters who steal automobiles or otherwise illicitly enjoying himself.
acquire transportation. The trip to the Facility While Pax is the most potent player on the
isn't a long one by car but can take awhile on foot. Field, he's not the most important (nor is he in-
Once T2M (probably the better part of two teams: vulnerable) . The characters are - it doesn't re-
Asia/Pacific and Central) and Corbin enter the ally matter which faction they're in. Give the char-
gates, hell breaks loose. acters a chance to succeed at whatever goal
Gaal and Najarian follow T2M to the facility, they've chosen - protect, kill or capture Corbin,
levitating all the way for a good angle as Gaal nar- stop attacking Terats, or what-have-you . Anyone
rates the scene. When the Facility is in view, who tries to stop Pax will be knocked across the
Teragen members should be prepared to make courtyard (10010 bashing) for his troubles.
their move. IF characters got into the facility and
got into position, they can steal the show right Confrontation
then. Some Terats will try to keep the Utopia no- Everyone should be quantum Fighting.
vas occupied , while others (presumably the char- Corbin's life hangs by a thread, confusion reigns
acters, if they're involved) will present evidence and Caestus Pax stalks the battlefield like an un-
of Proteus activities directly to the press, hope- stoppable, angry god of war. At whatever moment
fullyprepared to explainthe importof their discoveries. is most dramatic (when the assassins are about to
At roughly the same time, Proteus assassins kill Corbin or when the characters are about to
posing as Terats make their move to kill Corbin. succeed or fail utterly), an intense Flash of heat
Once Pax realizes what the real Teragen have, he and light blasts the battlefield, followed immedi-
will act to destroy the evidence, if it's computer ately by a crash loud enough to split the world
records, photographs, recordings or other por - (this acts as Strobe • • • • • against both sight
table materials. IF it's actual sedated novas From and hearing but is directed at Caestus Pax and
within the facility, he will use his Telekinesis to those closest to him. The characters should be

142 INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH

 0
ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Fine). When the smoke clears, a sharp-featured, Divis Mal emerges from the hillside and
red-haired man dressed in red and gold and sur- brushes himself off, his flames extinguished by the
rounded by a Fiery aura hovers over the glassy force of Pax's attack, yet not a single hair is out
crater where Caestus Pax stood only moments be- of place. He smiles, slowly. "ls that the best you
fore. Divis Mal's thunderous voice echoes across can do'? I expected better from the baselines' fa-
the courtyard, "Stand and Faceyour better, lapdog." vorite toy. After all, they do say you're the most
Pax's answer to Divis Mal's taunt is a kinetic powerful nova on Earth ." This time, Mal meets Pax
blast strong enough to knock him back several ki- halfway, the collision of forces is audible even on
lometers . Amazingly, Pax appears only slightly the Saudi and Qatari mainland as the two cut
scorched when he levitates from the glassy cra- loose. Forces sufficient to level entire cities sur-
ter. The minor burns he suffered in the initial at- round the two combatants, making it impossible
tack swiftly Fade as he regenerates. At this point, for anyone without protection to gaze directly at
no one but Mal exists for Caestus Pax. If Pax kills them . Within the space of 30 seconds, it becomes
Divis Mal, the T2M leader will have the ultimate clear that the victor is Divis Mal.
notch in his belt (to him, anyway). lt takes only The Teragen founder will not kill Caestus Pax
seconds for Mal to cover the distance required to but will leave him badly burned and mostly pow-
return to Pax, trailing a sonic boom and a white- erless, having stolen a great deal of his quantum
hot trail of Fire. More brilliant than a magnesium and shut down most of his powers. Pax has suf-
flare, Divis Mal is simply too bright to gaze upon fered enough bashing damage to be incapacitated
directly . Mal speaks again, this time at a much and significant lethal damage, but not enough to
lower volume, "Must we fight, Pax'? Perform for be in danger for his life. A healer will be able to
the baselines' entertainment'? How many action awaken him, but it will be weeks before he can
figures do you think this will sell if you win'? And use any powersthat requirethe expenditureof quantum.
what if you lose'? Can you really afford such a loss Once it's over, the glow fades. The fiery aura
of Face,hereandnow'?Whatwillyourbaselinemasters Siff'?'' dies away, Mal's preternaturally perfect features
Caestus Pax almost loses his composure. No apparent to all. Divis Mal floats to the ground,
one has ever come back after bearing the unmiti- gently lays Pax on his back and kisses him on the
gated brunt of his full kinetic blast. He recovers forehead. If anyone nearby has some form of en-
quickly, "This means a lot more to me than toy hanced hearing or Mega-Perception 2 or higher
sales. Do you think that's all it is'? That I only do (and isn't deafened from the battle), she can hear
this for the money or the public adoration'? Mal whisper, "It is a thing most sad to see a god
Utopia's building a better world, and it has no stooping to serve monkeys. As you grow wiser, 1
place for terrorists like you." While speaking, Pax hope you'll see the error of your ways. Perhaps
telekinetically lifts a multi-ton chunk of earth and next time, you'll listen." At this point, Mal will
slams it into Mal from behind. As it comes into attend to any pantheon members who are injured .
contact with the sun-bright corona surrounding lf the characters are Utopia, Tearn Tomor-
Mal, the earth and rock melt, spattering off the row or Proteus, Mal will encourage them to re-
plasma field and spraying the earth below with consider their loyalties and voluntary enslavement
tears of hot obsidian. Mal himself floats forward. to lesser beings . He does not speak with bitter-
He gives Pax a bitter-sweet smile and sighs. "lf ness or hatred but idealism. Play up the fact that
that is how you want it, my friend, l'm more than he truly believes he knows what's best for all no-
happy to oblige." Divis Mal casually gestures to- vas and that humanity will protect itself any way
ward Pax. A wall of plasma fills the courtyard with possible from novas. Given the events through -
the light of a supernova. Pax, already in motion, out Aberrant:Worldwide,with the presidential
slams into it and dangles in its grasp for a few very election, the events in the Sahara, the tainted
painful moments. His quantum-charged howl of nova Gabriel's escape from Proteus custody and
pain rattles the courtyard, shattering every win- the Slider affair, he has a point . His arguments
dow in a mile radius. Pax barely manages to free should be persuasive and careful. He's not going
himself from Mal's plasma Field, but once free, he to lie to the characters, but he will not admit that
presses his attack, building a charge of force any goodcan comefromnovasfraternizingwithbaselines.
around his body as he flies forward, seemingly into The characters may argue his conclusions,
the blazing heart of the sun itself . Once through, and he will thoughtfully listen to everything they
he discharges every erg of kinetic force at his dis- have to say. Should a character make a worthwhile
posal into Mal in a second, louder explosion. The point, he will acknowledge it, but she will not con-
cataclysm rips open the earth below, sunders vince him (he's had decades to think this through
nearby walls and knocks Mal back through one and consider viable counterarguments; he won't
nearby hill and into another. be easily swayed). If he does not convince them

INTO THE ARMS OF THE ANGEL OF WRATH 143

 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
to join the Teragen, he will encourage them to from any faction .
think it over. At that point, Divis Mal strides into Gaal and Najarian sell the footage of the Mal/
the Bahrain facility. With a thought, Mal awakens Pax confrontation to N! for just under 300 mil-
all the sedated novas from slumber, both to liber- lion dollars. lt becomes an instant classic, and N!
ate them and as a distraction for any makes its money back within a year.
T omorrowites . Vaporizing doors or walls as nec- When Caestus Pax recovers, he swears to use
essary, Mal retrieves the chrysalis of Caroline the combined might of all four Teams Tomorrow
Fong. Once his objective is achieved, Mal will to bring Divis Mal to justice For crimes against
gather the members of the Pantheon, and the as- humanity and the United Nations. He's quite bit-
sembly will vanish in a fiery flash. ter about his defeat, and his actions take a darker,
lf characters are Terats (or Aberrants if the more brutal turn over the time that Follows. Ironi-
alliance remains intact, possibly even if not) or cally, the sales of his action figure surge as chil-
seem sympathetic to his arguments, he'll offer a dren throughout most of the First World rush to
"lift home." reenact the great battle between Pax and Divis Mal.
Characters who attack him or choose to sim- Divis Mal may check up with anyone who
ply offer insult or meaningless argument will be seemed reasonable at the Bahrain facility. He un-
ignored or swatted away as appropriate. Divis Mal derstands the importance each individual nova
is civilized; he is not a bully, but he need not tol- holds (through personal power and generalized
erate fools . influence) and doesn't want to lose any by the
At this point, any further interactions with wayside . He's philosophical about Caestus Pax's
Divis Mal can be played out as the Storyteller and behavior ("He'll come around someday. Surely he
players see fit. must realize he's too important to serve as a
lackey to baselines.") and feels that this is a phase
Conclusion that Pax will outgrow. The Divis Mal action figure
lt's time to pick up the pieces , heal the marketed by Pandemonium Playthings rockets to
wounded, bury the dead, recapture or aid the the number one position and stays there. Much to
former prisoners of Bahrain and take stock of the his chagrin, Divis Mal becomes the favorite icon
situation at hand. At this point, Corbin could ei- of college students, rebels, intellectuals and art-
ther be dead or ready for imprisonment , the Pro- ists around the world . New Divis Malls spring up
teus assassins may very well have been caught and in over 50 cities around the world, where they
exposed, and the Teragen has made off with one are immediately swarmed by consumers wanting
prisoner and freed scores of others. If Corbin's anything and everything with Divis Mal's name or
alive, his "Bender" projects a sense of relief image attached . School kids go crazy for the
mingled with stark panic. Teragen Collectible Trading Card Game. The
lnformation about some of Proteus' shadier Teragen suddenly becomes a wealthy organization.
activities could easily be plastered across some
news channel or other, as novas freed from the
Corbin's Trial
Corbin will be scheduled to be tried before
Bahrain facility contact the media, a move which
the World Court in the Hague, Netherlands, on the
could seriously undermine Project Utopia's ap-
charge of Jennifer Lander's Murder. 1f the char-
provalratingsif it isn't ableto squelchthe story altogether.
acters spent this section tracking down the real
1f Corbin survives the climax, evidence gath-
killer, their evidence would certainly be applicable
ered during Into the Arms of the Angel of Wrath
here. 1f the evidence as to the killer's true iden-
can be presented at his trial to prove his inno-
tity is conclusive, Andre Corbin will be off the
cence (and to bring the real killer to justice, if
hook (at least with the law). This trial could lead
that's what is desired). The Aberrants still intend
to more disclosure of Proteus' less savory prac-
to watch Utopia's activities, but they don't want
tices as well. The end result will pretty much trash
to tear it down.
Utopia's public image, especially among novas .
Regardless of other events, a great many no-
1f the evidence proves inconclusive, Corbin
vas have seen a side (or hints of it) of Utopia that
will be sentenced to life imprisonment without
isn't pretty. Word of Proteus' activities will spread
parole . Proteus will arrange to conveniently "lose"
through the nova community (via the Teragen, the
him somewhere, reporting a "successful escape
Direct ive or the Aberrants and word of mouth),
attempt." The truth is that they will quietly ex-
undermining a great deal of the trust novas held
ecute him somewhere. Unfortunately, this will only
for Utopia previously . Teragen and Aberrant mem-
give the Aberrants more ammunition, as "Corbin
bership will probably swell over the next several
sightings" appear practically overnight . Corbin
months as novas re-think their loyalties. Others
will become a martyr in the eyes of many.
may simply choose to disassociate themselves

INTO THEARMS OF THEANGEL OF WRATH 145

November 9, 2009
ProjectUtopialmplicatecl DoesNotDenyClaims
ln Scandals,
Today, representatives of the mysteriousgroup knownas the Aberrants brought forward evidence for their ear-
lier allegations of massivecorruption inside Project Utopia. Amongthe evidence they turned over to the World Court
was informationabout last year's tragic murder of Jennifer "Slider" Landers. The Aberrants' spokesperson implicated
a highlyplaced Project Utopiaagent knownonly as Chiraben. Accordingto the Aberrants, ChirabenkilledMs. Landers
under orders from a secret cabal workinginside Project Utopia. This evidence also allegedlyclears Andre Corbinof all
charges of wrongdoingin connection with Ms. Lander's murder. The Aberrants also claimto have evidence about the
three day standoff last December involvingGabriel "The Miracle" Melchior. According to them, this situation was
actuallythe last act of a drama whichbegan when Project Utopiaagents kidnapped Mr. Melchiorin Marchof 2008 and
subsequentlyenslaved himand used his abilities to aid in their African-based Operation Genesis. WorldCourt repre-
sentatives had no commenton either the allegationsor the evidence, except to swythat they are taking these allega-
tions very seriouslyand that Project Utopiawillhave its day in court. We contacted Project Utopiaabout these charges.
Their response is printed below.
"Any illegalitieswhich may have occurred in connection with either the death of Jennifer Landers or the
escape of GabrielMelchiorshouldbe considered the work of extremists whohave secretly been workinginside Project
Utopia. We are currently identifyingsuch individualsand willmake certain that they are all brought to justice."
This is the first time that Project Utopia has given any indicationthat these allegationsare anything other than
maliciousslander and libel. Our sources inside Project Utopia confirm that far- reaching internal investigationsare
currently in progress. Excerpts from some of the statements presented by the Aberrant representatives are available
for viewingon our OpNet site.

vember9, 2009
C1iargecl
Corbin ln SlidersDeath
Yesterdayevening,ex-T2M member Andre Corbinwas formallycharged by the WorldCourt with the murder of
Jennifer "Slider" Landerson Mwy13, 2008 . Project Utopiainvestigators, who have been workingwith law-enforcement
officialssince her murder last year, presented their evidenceto the WorldCourtthree days ago. WorldCourtand Project
Utopiarepresentatives both declinedto revealany detailsof the evidence. However,our sources insideProject Utopiadid
revealthat that there is evidencethat Mr.Corbinwas mentallyunbalancedat the time of the murder.
Accordingto one source's anonymousdeposition,whichis nowavailablefor viewingon our OpNet site, Mr. Corbin
developeda pathologicalhatred of Project Utopiaafter his dismissal fromT2M. He then developedan elaboratedelusion
involvinga plot by Project Utopiato sterilizenovasand activelystampout dissent.Whenhe communicatedthese allegations
to his dose friendJenniferLanders, she attempted to convincehimto seekcounseling.He then allegedlygrew quite angry
with her and killedher in a fit of rage. Our source willnot confirmif there was some elementof romanticjealousyin this
murder.
NYTconsultingpsychologistDr. RebeccaKahnconfirmsthat, if these eventsare correct, Corbin's disappearancefrom
Ms Lander's funeraland his later allegationsthat she was killedby Project Utopiafor attemptingto reveal evidence of
corruptionwithinthe Project represents a classiccase of projection. Accordingto Dr. Kahn, Corbinmayhavebeenunableto
dealwithhisguiltovermurderingMs. Landersand extendedhisdelusionto includethe fact that she had actuallybeen hisally
and waskilledby the very forces he had beenattemptingto enlisther aid against Severalmembersof T2M haveexpressed
sorrow and regret at the charges againstCorbinand havejoined other Project Utopia representativesin statingthat they
hope Andre Corbinfinallyreceivesthe psychologicalhelp he needs.

146
 tertainment
Mal Crushes Pax, The National Enquirer
10/15/10

A spectacular confrontation between T2M leader

Caestus Pax and rogue Teragen nova Divis Mal
occurred outside the Bahrain Rashoud facility.
Although this was Mal's first known battle with
another nova, he demonstrated that he could
fulminate and fly at least as well as he can
agitate. The fight began when Mal allegedly
arrived to take Andre Corbin to the secret
Teragen base when he turned himself over to the
authorities to be tried for the murder of Jennifer
"Slider " Landers.

Pax immediately flew at Mal, clearly intending

to use his classic high-speed flying punch .
Moving at close to the speed of sound, he was
on Mal almost before Mal had a chance to react.
The force of the blow knocked Mal into a nearby
wall and produced a large cloud of dust and
rubble . Pax landed and, with a clearly satisfied
expression, began to methodically dig through
the rubble when Mal suddenly pu shed the
rubble aside and stood up, completely un-
harmed .

At this point the battle began in earnest. Pax

threw punch after devastating punch, while Mal
either ignored them or deftly blocked them with
bolts of glowing energy. In return , Mal stood
calmly amidst the rubble and repeatedly struck
Pax with deva stating blasts of nova-created fire. ,
When he realized Mal was merely toying with t--.....~rri
him, Pax grew increasingly angry and began
shouting at the Terat. Mal then appeared to
grow tired of the contest and attacked Pax with
a blindingly actinic flare of quantum devasta-
tion . Charring almost half of Pax' s famous
eufiber costume off of his bruised body, this
attack knocked Pax senseless. After stepping
over Pax' s unconscious form, Mal opened a
hellishly red warp and vanished.

147
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE

Introduction The Price of Fame

The two New York Times headlines at the be-
Regardlessof their politicalallegiances,if the charac-
ginning of the setting material represent the two
ters' role in uncoveringTheMiracleandSliderscandalsbe-
extreme poles of the possible outcomes of these
comes public, they willbecome celebrities. If this occurs,
scenarios . On the one hand, the truth about
give every character a minimumlnfluenc:eof two and add
Slider's death could come out, along with numer-
one dot to the Influenceof any character with an Influence
ous revelations about the other excesses and
of two or higher.As the peoplewhoexposed thetruthabout
crimes committed by people within Project Uto-
Slider's nuder, the characters literallyrepresent the Ab-
pia. On the other hand, Project Utopia could es-
errant cause to the world,regardless of the characters' ac-
cape completely unscathed, and Corbin might be
bJal loyalties. Anythingthe characters say about Project
openly blamed for Slider's death . While the ac-
Utopiaor anythingelse even remotelyrelated to novas will
tual result of your own scenario may fall some-
be repeated on N!,the OpNet and on numerouslocalradio
where in between, one or the other of these two
stations and newspapers around the world.
headlines may prove a useful aid to show the play-
Unless the characters continue to perform publicly
ers at the end of these scenarios .
notableacts, their celebrity willfade withina monthor two
The Scandals (at which point the above bonuses to lnfluenc:eare lost).
However,in the meantime,reporters followthem around,
Come Out and everyone willask them about their politics, their love
lf at the end of these scenarios the charac- lives and their opinionson other celebrities. The charac-
ters have exposed Project Utopia's and Project ters willalso be bombardedwith literallyhundreds of re-
Proteus' rolls in The Miracle and Slider scandals questsfor prc>dlCt endorsements,licensingagreementsand
they will have helped reshape the roll Project Uto~ similarhype. Novationwilleven ask the characters for the
pia will play in world politics . Public trust in rights to produce their action figw-es.
Project Utopia will hit an all-time low, and the UN As a part of this celebrity,at least one news/talkshow
General Assembly, with the support of the Secu- willask the characters and Project Utopia representatives
rity Council, will demand greater oversight over to face each other in a televiseddiscussion.Duringthis show
large-scale Project Utopia works , including Op- and on severalother occasions,Project Utopiaofficialswill
eration Genesis . Of course, Project Utopia will not attempt to gamer the characters' support. If the Utopia
be caught completely unprepared. Shortly after officialsfailat this, then Project Proteus willattempt to find
the initial allegations are made public, Project some wayto destroythe characters' credibility.
Utopia will denounce Project Proteus as a small As a result of their celebrity, the characterswillalso
conspiracy of fanatics and madmen within their comeundera great dealof scrutiny.Forthe next fewmonths,
midst. The leaders of Project Utopia will also in- the Storyteller shouldalso reduce all of the characters' Ci-
struct the Triton Foundation to release cures for pher ratings by one dot. With literallydozen of reporters,
diabetes and several Forms of blindness a few fans and Project Proteus personnel investigatingeveryas-
months after the initial allegations come to light. pect of their lives,any runber of dan<secrets couldcome
While Project Utopia will not regain its pre- to light.If the characters actuallybelongto an organization
vious reputation, the tens of thousands helped by likethe Teragen or the Directive,this fact maycometo light,
these treatments will be powerful advocates For muchto the displeasureof the characters' alliesor superi-
the good it does perform . Similarly, highly public ors. Evenif no secrets of this magnitudeexist, characters
firings and subsequent trials of a number of shouldat least expect to hear people they dated a decade
troublemakers and minor functionaries associated ago talkingabouttheir relationshipson the OpNet.In addi-
with Project Proteus will serve to provide the tion, anyscenariosundertakenbythe characters <bing this
public with the scapegoats it needs . However, time willbecome bothpublic andnewsworthy, unless the
Slider's murderer Chiraben will remain at large . characters are incrediblycareful in concealingtheir move-
While Project Utopia officials will turn over ments and activities.
everything they know about the elusive assassin, Ideologicallymotivatedcharacters coulduse their brief
capturing a shapeshifter who can instantly take period of notoriety to advance some cause, like helpingto
the Form of anyone else will be quite difficult . discredit Project Utopiaor advancingthe cause of a reli-
Using the information released by Project Utopia, gious,ethnicor sexualminority.Characterswithmore prag-
characters who feel a strong need to avenge matic motivescouldsimplyattempt to workout profitable
Slider 's death could easily make the hunt For dealsfor product endorsementsand makelarge amountsof
Chiraben their next scenario . His high level of money.Regardlessof howthe characters react to their brief
power , combined with his love of violence , his fame, it should impactall facets of their lives.
paranoia and his contacts in various intelligence

148 DENOUEMENT
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
and underworld commu nities (a ll under different
names and identities) will make him a very hard Presenting Proied Utopia
target to kill or apprehend . Characters wi ll a lso Ifthescandalscomeout.thecharacterswillhaveper-
have to content with numerous nova bounty hunt- sonally
witnessed
thedepthsof thecorruption within Project
ers and glory-hogs who are also attempting to Utopia. However, Project Utopia should not be portrayed
capture or kill him . However, the group which as a malevolent and corrupt organization. The key to pre-
brings Chiraben to justice will win lasting popu- senting it is to makestre that the characters understand
lar acclaim , as well as the knowledge that they bothsides of Project Utopia. Project Utopia is a benevolent
brought a heartless killer to justice . organization that has already eliminated pollution and AIDS
Once the trials are over, Project Utopia will and is making the worlda significantly better place to live.
attempt to return to business as usual but with a The vast majority of its leaders are devoted and tireless
seriously tarnished reputation and with consid- idealists whogenuinely wish to use the vast powers of no-
erably less nova support. Even after it releases vas to help humanity. Millions are alive, healthy and living
its medical breakthroughs, many people will con- free from hunger and want because of the work Project
tinue to associate Project Utopia with Slider ' s Utopia hasclone.Unfortunately, a few of its leadersandother
death , and over a third of all novas will withdraw personnel have very specific ideas about the shape the Fu-
allegiance to Project Utopia . While the top ech- ture should take and are willing to use almost any means to
elons will be largely untouched by the scandals, make sure that they attain their vision. As a result, Project
changes will occur within Project Utopia . A num- Utopia is a SOlH"Ceof great goodthat also contains a oodeus
ber of its more idealistic leaders , including of ruthless corruption. Also, even the amoral heads of
Project Utopia Director Justin J. Laragione are Project Proteus are dedicated idealists whosee themselves
honestly horrified at the actions of Project Pro- as the saviors of the world. Fearful of the havoc and terror
teus and vow to make significant changes to the uncontrolled novas could wreak Proteus members have
organization. Director Thetis may even be forced vowed to use any means at their disposal to protect the
to resign or brought to trial. massesof baseline humanity from nova depredations.
The extreme secrecy of Project Proteus Through their contacts with various Project Utopia
means that its leaders are incapable of making personnel, allowthe characters to see that most of the evils
such changes alone . One possible continuation of within Project Utopia are the result of good people allow-
this series is for the characters to help root out ing the endsto justify the means once too often. Allow the
further corruption in Project Utopia . lf the char- characters to see both the goodand the bad and make their
acters already belong to Project Utopia , they can own decisions as to how they wish to relate to Project Uto-
do this on their own . Otherwise, the characters' pia . Let the characters make up their own minds as to
public roll in uncovering the truth about Slider's whetherProjectProteus'endsreallydojustify its means.
death and the excesses in Operation Genesis could Withtheexceptionof a few sociopathslikeChiraben,no
easily lead to them being contacted by a powerful one in Proteusenjoysmurderingor imprisoningnovas,they
Project Utopia official interested in e liminating or merelysee these as actionswhichare necessaryto protect
completely reforming radical elements likeProject Proteus. humanityfrombeingoverrun .
However, while the leaders of Project Utopia
unite in their decision to root out all traces of
Project Proteus, the members of the mysterious the actions of various important organizations
Aeon Society will continue their backing of that employ novas, including both Project Utopia
Project Proteus . The top ranks of the Aeon Soci- and the Directive. lf the characters' roll in expos-
ety shelter the leaders of Proteus and continue ing the scandals is publicly known , the UN might
its objectives . Since no one outside of the high- actively recruit the characters to become the first
est ranks of the Aeon Society knows of its back- members of this team .
ing of Proteus, all Project Utopia and the charac- lf the characters powers and abilities lend
ters will know is that the leadership of Project themselves to the task, they will be asked to
Proteus continues to elude justice. Pursuing this gather information on the actions of the various
covert conflict between Utopia and Proteus can other organizations, either through surveillance
form the basis for an extended chronicle where or through active infiltration . A group of more
the characters gradually uncover the roll the Aeon physically oriented characters might instead be
Society plays in this conflict and the willingness asked to perform active interventions when the
of the Aeon Society to use any means necessary UN uncovers evidence of wrongdoing by any of
to reduce the possible threat posed by novas . these organizations.
Another possible result of the revelations ln either case, the characters will have sub-
about Project Utopia is that the United Nations stantial connections within the UN, including at
will seek to employ its own novas to keep track of least 3 dots in Backing . However, they will also

DENOUEMENT 149
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
have already earned the enmity of Project Utopia Project Proteus will attempt to stop this in-
and Project Proteus. During the course of the creased level of nova violence. The leaders of
characters subsequent adventures, they will also Project Utopia honestly wish to change the world
likely end up working against the Directive, the and make it a better, freer and more prosperous
Teragen and the Yakuza. In addition to their work place for all its inhabitants . However, the increase
on behalf of the UN, the characters will also have in violence and militancy on both sides will alarm
to deal with threats, bribes, and even active vio- them, causing a few of these leaders to begin to
lence from the most violent members of these support Proteus' repressive agenda. In addition,
various organizations. the loss of public support will cause Project Uto-
pia to pursue an increasing number of secret
Public Reaction projects whose goals may be noble but whose
Of course, the methods the characters used implementation is occasionally illegal or immoral.
to expose these scandals will be almost as impor- Within a few years Project Proteus and Teragen
tant as the scandals themselves. Even if it was only will be using extremely similar tactics. In time, the
directed against criminals and murderers, if the only real difference between these two organi-
characters used a high level of violence during the zations will be the fact that Project Proteus claims
various scenarios, people will remember this vio- that it is seeking to protect humanity from no-
lence as much as the scandals . If the scenarios end vas, while Teragen members claim to be attempt-
with a high body count, both the general public ing to protect novas from humanity . .
and numerous world leaders will become increas- However, if the characters managed to avoid
ingly aware of the dangers posed by novas. With
public murder or other serious violence against
only 6,000 worldwide, the actions of even a small
baselines, then they could easily become the new
group can affect the perception of the entire nova ideals of heroic novas. The exposure of these
population. If the characters are known ~o have scandals will effectively make the Aberrant's
injured or killed numerous people during the agenda public. If the characters' roll in uncover-
course of the four scenarios, the negative reac- ing The Miracle and Slider scandals is also pub-
tion against Project Utopia could also result in an licly known, then numerous reporters will be ask-
increase in the size and militancy of anti-nova hate
ing the characters for their opinions on Project
groups like the Church of Michael Archangel. Utopia and their possible affiliations. If they
If the characters exposed the scandals by choose to do so, the characters are in a position
using high levels of violence and terror, especially to either openlyendorse or reject the Aberrant'sagenda.
if any of this violence was directed again~t Whether they were Aberrants from the be-
baselines, religious fanatics and the fearful will ginning or unwittingly helped that cause as they
see novas as increasingly dangerous and untrust - uncovered various problems with Project Utopia,
worthy. People who already distrust novas will see the characters now represent a highly visible al-
that the novas who engaged in criminal conspira- ternative to the corruption within Project Uto-
cies responsible for murder , slavery and similar pia. As publicly known Aberrants at a time when
amoral acts were only defeated by other novas the Aberrants have suddenly gone from being sus-
who were perfectly happy to use high levels of
picious villains to heroes, the characters can help
violence to achieve their ends. At this point, an
shape the public's reaction to the Aberrant cause
increasing number of such people will regard all for years to come. Of course, if the characters
novas as inherently dangerous and threatening . If attempt to use their fame to shape public opinion
such a reaction occurs, the American Eagle Party
in this way, they will suddenly be deluged with
will gain significant ground in the United States, phone calls and OpNet messages from Project
and anti-nova cults and hate groups will spread
Utopia representatives, fellow Aberrants and rep-
to numerous nations, including China, Saudi
resentatives of many other groups, all asking the
Arabia, Russia and several in Africa. As a result characters to espouse certain beliefs and opinions.
of this increase in anti-nova fanaticism, the If the characters come out strongly in favor
Teragen will gain numerous members, and open of the Aberrant cause and loudly denounce
conflict between radical novas and militant big-
Project Utopia's excesses, Project Proteus will
ots will become increasingly common in the most
attempt to discredit them . After the Slider scan -
repressive of these nations . At this point, the
dal Proteus would rather not kill the characters.
characters must decide if they wish to support the
Ho~ever, if Proteus can uncover any dark secrets
Teragen's efforts to help stop the spread of anti-
about them, the characters can expect to be
nova demagogues or if they will attempt to find blackmailed. If the characters have lead reason-
another way to deal with relations between novas
ably moral and law-abiding lives, then Pro~ect
and fearful baselines.
Proteus will attempt to frame them for various

150 DENOUEMENT
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
crimes . Proteus' attempts may include trying to the cover-up will begin to hear rumors that their
slip a character a dose of a highly illegal drug like loyalty is in doubt and should receive hints that
soma during a party or arranging for a double their lives may be in danger. At this point, one or
agent within the Tera gen to attempt to recruit the more of the characters may choose to flee. Since
characters. Proteus will also attempt to exploit all fleeing will result in their being actively hunted,
of the characters' weaknesses, such as hiring an the Storyteller should make it clear that their best
underage prostitute to seduce a particularly lech- chance of survival is to seek sanctuary with a
erous character or attempting to provoke a char- group that seeks to oppose Project Utopia or
acter with a short temper into attacking an espe- Project Proteus . Obvious options include the Di-
cially annoying baseline reporter. Essentially, rective, the Teragen, the Aberrants or even crimi-
Project Proteus will attempt to manufacture inci- nal groups like the Heaven Thunder Triad, all of
dents that will catch one or more of the charac- which possesses the power and connections to
ters performing a highly illegal or immoral activity. hide fugitives from Project Proteus. The charac-
Characters who escape such snares and deal ters' choice of allies will then determine the fu-
with their newfound fame in a careful and respon- ture shape of the chronicle. They could gain vast
sible manner will be able to make a highly favor- amounts ·of wealth and power helping a criminal
able impression on many world leaders and on gang blackmail Project Utopia, or they could risk
much of the general public. lf desired, the char- their lives helping the Teragen or the Aberrants
acters can convince much of the world that the free other novas from Project Utopia's contain-
Aberrants are not Teragen terrorists and that ment facilities.
their plan to clean up the corruption which has All of the above information presumes that
tainted Project Utopia is a noble and valuable goal. the characters were working for Project Utopia
While a few fanatics will now distrust all novas, or Project Proteus. 1t is also possible that the
the Aberrants will be frequently featured on N!, scandal won't come to light if the characters work
and for at least the next few months they will be- for the Directive. Once their superiors know about
come the latest nova craze. See the section en- these scandals, the Directive is unlikely to reveal
titled The Price of Fame on page 148 for further the truth about Project Utopia. Instead, the Di-
information on the other effects notoriety may rective will use this information as leverage to
have on the characters. gain a significant amount of influence over Project
Utopia. While neither the Directive nor Project
The Scandals Utopia _is ready for open conflict, the blackmail
information provided by the characters will allow
Are Suppre _ssed the Directive to suggest-some changes in Project
lf The Miracle and Slider scandals are safely Utopia's policies. The characters could then help
resolved in Project Utopia's favor , then none of the Directive continue to monitor Project Utopia's
the changes described above will take place. While activities and act as part of an unofficial over-
the suppression of these scandals may be the re- sight team which uncovers further Project Utopia
sult of complete failure by the characters, it is machinations and helps keep them from perform-
more likely the result of a highly successful ef- ing secret activities which the Directive disap-
fort by characters who belong to Project Proteus proves of.
or the Directive or by characters who are excep- Alternatively, if the Storyteller prefers a
tionally loyal members of Project Utopia . Regard - truly dark and conspiratorial game, the leadership
less of who the characters work for, playing a piv- of the Directive may use the information they have
otal roll in suppressing scandals which could have obtained to force the beginnings of a secret alli-
rocked the very foundations of Project Utopia will ance between the Directive and Project Proteus.
place them in a highly unusual position. lf the From this point onward, while the two organiza-
characters appear happy with the roll they played, tions continue to jockey for power, they are also
they will be suitably rewarded with long paid va- working together to overthrow Project Utopia and
cations and similar material pleasures (give all of force newly erupted novas to register with the UN
the characters a minimum of three dots in Re- as part of a "solution to the nova situation." Char-
sources). However, if any of the characters begin acters who joined the Directive for ideological
to openly question their roll, they are putting reasons may seek to stop this plan, while charac-
themselves in grave danger. Few people outside ters that are more pragmatic may see it as an
of the highest levels of Project Utopia and Project opportunity for vastly increasingtheir wealthand power.
Proteus know as much as the characters do con- On a larger scale, the rest of the world will
cerning the truth about Project Utopia. Charac- continue on much as before . Disheartened at their
ters who become uncomfortable with their roll in failure to expose Project Utopia's corruption and

DENOUEMENT 151
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
at the likely imprisonment or death of Corbin, He dominated the sports world, to an extent that
many Aberrants will leave the organization. Other many thought he would save the field of baseline
more radical Aberrants will abandon peaceful and sports from obscurity - if he didn't tear it down
legal means and will seek to ally themselves with in a spectacular crash and burn catastrophe typi-
the Teragen in an effort to build a powerful force cal for his life. His cocky manner alienated a great
that can effectively fight Project Utopia's grow- many people during his sporting career, including
ing domination. After several bombings on Project his team's fans.
Utopia facilities, the Aberrants will become widely His eruption, during the World Cup playoffs
known as merely another branch of Teragen ter- between the UK and Nigeria, sparked a nasty riot
rorists who have a particular hatred of Project Utopia. which led to several fans suffering serious inju-
Some nations may call for greater control ries. Corbin himself, invited to join Team Tomor-
over the lives of novas. As nova violence and ter- row (to bolster their public image), accepted .
rorism continue, plans will be put forward for all Unfortunately, Corbin's mockery of his team-
novas to register with the nation they are living mates, his lack of respect for authority and his
in, as well as with the UN. Several nations will even participation in "extracurricular affairs" quickly
call for all novas to have their powers and capa- led to his suspension and retirement from T2M.
bilities documented and tested at one of Utopia's His only tie was with Jennifer "Slider" Landers.
Rashoud facilities . Project Utopia and, more im- Slider was murdered shortly after she came
portantly, Project Proteus will be well on its way to Corbin with her Utopia conspiracy theory,
to gaining control of the vast majority of the nova sparking Corbin's own curiosity (and sense of re-
population, all in the guise of preserving order and venge). When she first spoke of her suspicions,
preventing terrorism. Novas who protest these he was skeptical. Only after her death did he take
plans will be seen as dissidents and potential ter- her fears seriously. He went into hiding, and
rorists. Also, most world leaders and numerous Sophia Rousseau contacted him shortly thereaf-
popular organizations will now be certain that ter . From there, he and Sophia have recruited over
Project Utopia is a benevolent organization that 100 novas to the Aberrant banner in the months
seeks to protect humanity from the excesses of since Slider's death . For the first time, Corbin's
dangerous nova groups like the T eragen and the found himself in a position of real responsibility,
Aberrants. and the experience has matured him rapidly.
He's calmed down considerably from his wild

Dramatis days in Tearn Tomorrow and afterward. Jennifer's

death sobered him greatly, and later knowledge
of Proteus activities has shown him just how se-
Personae rious matters have become. He's still not perfectly
Any number of Storyteller characters can be organized or the best leader, but he's improved
involved in Into the Arms of the Angel of Wrath, drastically during the past year.
especially at the climax. A dozen or more novas Corbin's come to the conclusion that the only
could get into the big finale, but none of these way to see justice for Lander's death is to bring
Storyteller characters will be defined here. No- the truth out where everyone has to see it. He
vas from previous chapters could easily show up can't afford to hide any longer, and he can't af-
as interested parties, as could characters from ford to run. He's going to make a stand and sur-
other Aberrantsupplements or the core rules. render himself to the authorities - to clear his
It's important to note that none of these name, to insure the killer is punished and to prove
characters should be treated as extras, fill-ins or to himself that he can handle his responsibilities.
bystanders - only 6,000 or so novas exist in the Nature:Somewhere between Gallant and Martyr
world, and any single nova has the power of a god Attributes:Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 4,
at her fingertips. Each should be important, each Perception 4, Intelligence 2, Wits 3, Appearance 4,
should have a role to fill, and each should have a Manipulation 4, Charisma 4
goal to accomplish. Each nova should be "on cam- Abilities:Athletics 4, Awareness 5, Biz 2, Brawl 3,
era" for a reason and may have an influence on Command 2, Drive 2, Endurance 4, Etiquette 3
the game for a long time. (How to break it for maximum effect), Intimida-
tion 3, Investigation 3, Linguistics 2, Martial Arts 3,
Andre Corbin Might 3, Rapport 4, Resistance 3, Streetwise 2,
Background:Born March 23, 1'785 - 13 Style 3, Subterfuge 3, Survival 2
years before N-Day, Corbin managed to pull him- Backgrounds:Allies 2, Contacts 4, Eufiber 5, In-
self from his working class origins in Leith and fluence 4, Node 3, Resources 2
became a world-class football player in London. Quantum 3, Quantum Pool 26, Willpower 6, Taint 4

152 DENOUEMENT
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
(Empathic Leakage - uncontrollable Empathic than to turn Divis Mal into paste in as public a
Manipulation during times of extreme emotion, fashion as possible. Pax doesn't accept defeat
reflecting Corbin's emotions) easily, and this is the worst he's had to deal with.
Mega-Attribute: Mega-Strength • (Crush), Nature:Bravo
Mega-Dexterity • • (Physical Prodigy), Mega- Traits:Aside from Quantum 6, we're leaving
Stamina • • (Durability), Mega-Perception • • Caestus Pax's Traits something of a mystery . For
(Electromagnetic Vision), Mega-Wits • (En- the purposes of running this story, give him what-
hanced lnitiative x 2, Quickness x 2), Mega-Ma- ever he needs. Pax has demonstrated the follow-
nipulation • (Persuader) ing powers in the past:
QuantumPowers:"Bender" - Empathic Manipu- • Mega-Strength • • • • • (Lifter,
lation • • • (Area) Shockwave, Thunderclap), Mega-Dexterity
• • • • • (Fast Tasks, Rapid Strike), Mega-
Powerful Novas Stamina • • • • (Adaptability, Durability,
In 200<7, fewer than 10 novas exist who have Hardbody, Regeneration), Mega-Perception • • •
developed Quantum higher than five: Caestus Pax, (High-End EMG Scan), Mega-Wits • • (Quickness)
Divis Mal, Gabriel Melchior, Jeremiah Scripture, and Mega-Charisma• (CommandingPresence).
Dr. Spencer Balmer, Sophia Rousseau and perhaps • Pax manipulates kinetic energy, on a city-
two or three others. Most are unknown to the shattering level. He has very potent Telekinesis,
general populace of baselines and novas. These Elemental Mastery (Kinetic Energy - generally
novas are a sign of the future, of what will be pos- destructive effects), Quantum (Kinetic) B oft,
sible for any nova who tries to reach her full potential. Claws (Kinetic augmentation of his punches),
Flight, Hypermovement (Flight), Force Field, In-
Caestus Pax vulnerability (Kinetic Energy), etc.
Caestus Pax is powerful - before the events • With Quantum 6, Pax has access to gener-
in this book, he's the most powerful nova known ally unknown degrees of power, allowing him to
on Earth. He has city-cracking power and is un- use his powers for a very low quantum point cost,
afraid to use it. He's the terror of baseline and over wide areas or to easily hit a target from or-
nova tyrants worldwide, he's a nightmare to those bit. Assume he can add two additional Extras be-
who would stand against Team Tomorrow. He's the yond Level 3 to any (or all) of his powers.
living symbol of Utopia's intent for nova and
baseline to live safely side by side. Divis Mal
Caestus Pax loves the attention he gets. He's Divis Mal is Caestus Pax's opposite in more
numero uno badass in a world of demigods. There ways than one. As Pax is the iconic representa-
are, at most, a handful or two of novas who have tive of Team Tomorrow and Project Utopia, Mal
Quantum 5+, and Pax knows he's the best of them all. is the same for the Teragen. Mal is the most pow-
Pax sees his confrontation with Divis Mal as erful nova on Earth.
the opportunity for an apotheosis of sorts. When Divis Mal is not a monster in intent or ac-
Pax faces Mal down and destroys him, Pax's pub- tion, despite his bad press. He's charming, com-
lic image and approval ratings will skyrocket. passionate and committed to his vision. He treats
Note that Caestus Pax is almost inhumanly baselines well, in a noblesse oblige sort of man-
obsessed with his image. To him, nothing is more ner. He honestly believes that novas are no longer
important than boosting his franchise astronomi- human and have no business associating with hu-
cally or being seen as the toughest badass on manity or responsibility for aiding in its collec-
planet Earth . He sees his position as Team Tomor - tive endeavors. He's very philosophical on this
row leader as one of the best ways to do this - point but isn't particularly interested in forcing
he can kick ass and get paid for it (and receive the other Teragen members to think in the same
the admiration of millions) . way. In Mal's opinion, The Null Manifesto repre-
Should the characters attack Pax, he will at- sents a starting point: Where each Teragen takes
tempt to hospitalize - but not kill - them. This it from there is her own choice.
shouldn't be too difficult a task . He will try to in- Mal sees Caestus Pax as a victim more than
timidate them into backing down before he actu- anything else: a victim to Utopia's attempts to
ally takes any direct action and will give them enslave novas to human needs, a victim to public
plenty of chances to back down. opinion and a victim to his own lack of vision. He
Pax is keenly aware that Divis Mal held back. would like nothing better than to bring Caestus Pax
After the confrontation, Pax desires nothing more into the Teragen - hence Mal's refusal to kill Pax
in this encounter.

DENOUEMENT 153
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
Divis Mal will take the opportunity to con- identify individuals. Mal can sense energy produc-
vert the characters, if given the chance. His hon- tion/ usage over a wide area (a city, perhaps
est belief that his vision is the best of all possible larger) and manipulate it if necessary, causing
worlds for novas should be vividly apparent - blackouts or surges or interfering with quantum
and not simply through the nuances of Mega-Cha- powers over a wide area (several riovas at once).
risma. He will not harm the characters, to give This can be applied selectively . Finally, he can fo-
them time to thil'Jk his arguments over. He will use cus his power on one nova and effectively shut
enough force to stop an attack, but sees no par- that nova's M-R node down for a time - several
ticular reason to cripple or kill any characters so weeks on the outside. The effect is somewhat
foolish . They are not malicious, only misguided . similar to Dormancy, only the target can't volun-
Nature:Visionary tarily reactivate his powers. Mal can, conversely,
Traits:As with Caestus Pax, we're not pro- use this power to help one or mor:e latent novas
viding a large degree of detail regarding Divis erupt and perhaps guide the form that erupt _ion
Mal's Traits. Note that even more so than Caestus takes . He prefers to _avoid shutting a nova down
Pax, Divis Mal has whatever powers the Storyteller and considers it a most unnatural punishment . Fi-
requires of him. Followingare some known powers: nally, he can transmit a signal through a commu-
• Mal has every Mega-Attribute rated at nications system and override all other signals. He
least at three dots and several at five. He also has can narrow it to a single band over a short dis-
enough enhancements to accomplish most of what tance or cover all bands with global range .
he needs for any occasion. • Divis Mal's powers have transcended the ini-
• Divis Mal's powers focus on the control, tial limits his own expectations once imposed . He
creation and use of plasma. The short list of his does have a devastating mastery over plasma and
quantum abilities includes Armor (lmpervious, other forms of energy, but he's sufficiently ad-
Superheavy), Disrupt (lncreased Duration), lm- vanced in his understanding of the M-R node and
molate (Plasma: Aggravated), Quantum (Plasma) quantum powers that he can develop nearly any
Bolt (Aggravated, Armor Piercing, Burning, ln- power or _set of powers he decides to manifest
creased Range, Supercharge), Elemental Anima (given time and effort, natur<!lly).
(Plasma), Elemental Mastery (Plasma), Flight,
Hypermovement (Flight), Disintegration, Tempo- Other Possibilities
ral Manipulation, Force Field (lmpervious), lnvul- The four scenarios presented in this book
nerability (Broad Categories - Physical, En- take place between the fall of 2008 and fall of
ergy), Psychic Shield, Quantum Leech, Quantum 2010. Many other events unfold in the world of
Regeneration, Sensory Shield, Strobe (Visual/ Aberrant during this same period of time that can
Auditory) and Stun Attack (Heat Exhaustion). be the basis for single games or whole series. The
Apply whatever else seems appropriate. Other following three concepts all reflect the evolving
powers usable by Divis Mal and other novas with world of Aberrantand present events that char-
Quantum ratings of six and up will appear in The acters may either hear about or get involved with.
AberrantPlayer's Guide. The Storyteller is encouraged to follow up on
• Mal has access to greater degrees of power these plot hooks at her leisure, possibly as one-
than Caestus Pax, as well as a few previously un- shots or short series to add variety to an ongoing
known powers available only to those with a high Aberrantstoryline .
Quantum. Due to Mal's Quantum 8, he may add
three Extras to any power already at L3, allowing Who Launched the Nuke?
for many of the same effects Pax has. Where Pax On July 28, 200«?, during heated conflict
can affect cities, Mal can affect continents, where between lsrael and Syria, someone authorized a
Pax has orbital range, Mal can actually direct his nuclear strike against Damascus, the capitol of
fire around any obstacle (including the planet) to Syria. Donald Zeleckis, a nova tourist, somehow
hit anything he desires. Finally, where Pax has became aware of the launch and pulled the mis-
vastly reduced quantum costs for his powers, Mal sile off course, where it detonated in the upper
often pays nothing to use his. Additionally, Mal has atmosphere. ln the aftermath, the lsraeli govern-
access to a few powers unlike any ever seen be- ment denies all knowledge of the act. ln truth, the
fore: He can sense novas (latent and active) over launch was suicidal. Had Zeleckis not acted as
an area the size of Texas with little effort - con- quickly as he did, Syria and other Arab nations
versely, he can also conceal his own quantum sig- would have responded in kind, leading to complete
nature with near-total efficacy. With some diffi- meltdown in the Middle East .
culty, he can distinguish "quantum signatures" to The question arises: Who did authorize the

154 DENOUEMENT
 ABERRANT WORLDWIDE
launch'? Did a cyberkinetic nova somehow break paid to sabotage N! Note that any nova who's
in and use her powers to activate the missile'? Did caught sabotaging N!'s equipment is likely to get
another use powers of mind control on the offic- blacklisted - at the very least. Certainly, law-
ers on duty'? Did the prime minister or the mili- suits or criminal prosecution would be in order.
tary commander give the order to launch'? lt could The Feud might lead to some novas calling
be a nova terrorist, at least on the surface. Once each other out for supporting the other network
authorities capture the party behind the incident, or possibly social ostracism in some circles. Sure,
odds are good that the situation leads to a deeper it's only a network, right'? Play this well and the
and more dangerous conspiracy. characters could help an up-and-comer take a
Utopia or the Directive operatives (members strong position in the modern media or destroy it
of T2M For Utopia) offer to assist the Israeli and utterly before it gets too large .
Syrian governments in investigating the matter . Truly inspired characters might take the ex-
While both lsrael and Syria put on a good Face ample offered and establish yet a third nova net-
For the public, tensions between them are higher work. The end result here can easily transform
than ever. One misstep can lead to even more in- modern media.
tense warfare. lnvestigations will likely uncover
agents within the lsraeli government who ar-
Fear and Loathing in the
ranged For the launch (through the person of a Megasyndicate
nova terrorist). Tracking through them to Find out The characters receive a Frantic call From Dr.
where they received their orders might lead to a Duke Rollo, Post-Gonzo journalist . He's under the
radical Palestinian Faction whose intention is to impression that one of his stories got the
destroy lsrael For all time or perhaps lsraeli Camparelli-Zhukov Megasyndicate to take out a
agents who seek to Force a nuclear exchange - hit on him, and he'd like both security and some-
For whatever reason . one who can help him negotiate his way out of this
ls Project Proteus trying to Flush out the no- mess. N! will cover Dr. Rollo's expenses here,
vas it knows lsrael has'? Are the Companions of since they'd like to keep him around.
the Teragen making a power play'? Try to develop 1Fthe characters agree to take the job, when
this hook into something deep and rife with in- they meet the doctor, a Few Camparelli soldiers
ternational intrigue. Literally, the trail could lead try to complete the hit . The characters should be
anywhere, depending upon Storyteller prefer- able to handle them easily. As noted above, Rollo
ences. This hook could be used to bring the char- doesn't simply want protection, he wants to make
acters more directly into geopolitical maneuver- a deal to get out from under the hit Forever. He
ing. Certainly, if they track down the culprit, it's thinks he has something that will convince the
useful to have a government who owes one a Favor. Megasyndicate to go along with it, but he needs
novas to help him out.
New Kid on the Block The story should be as Gonzo and over the
Several baseline businessmen have pooled top as possible. Dr. Duke Rollo is conscious of
their resources to put together a network to (they being a character in the story of his own life and
hope) rival N!. Once the Framework's established, Feels a responsibility to act interestingly at all
they seek out promising novas who may not get times. Play it up.
as much coverage through N! as they might want As it turns out, if the characters can arrange
and offer them increased coverage in exchange a meeting with the nearest ranking syndicate of-
For temporary exclusivity . Somewhere along the ficer, he'll be willing to listen . Rollo's hole card
way, they also manage to pick up a few big names, mentioned above is enough to make the mobster
which puts a noticeable (but not harmful) crimp consider removing the hit. He will try to use the
in N!'s ratings. occasion to get a Favor out of the characters -
ln retaliation, N! starts giving novas who've something useful he needs done but doesn't have
gone over bad press . Nothing incorrect, just a his own personal team of novas to accomplish .
matter of spin. ln response, the new network re- Play this out in whatever manner seems appro-
turns the Favor. A desperate executive might de- priate. The syndicate guy won't push it if the no-
cide to go a little Further and "arrange" news- vas aren't amenable.
worthy events so the new network can cover them lt shouldn't be too difficult to help Rollo get
before N!. This stands a good chance to backfire. out of hot water, but the ride should be as inter-
Characters might be approached For esting and hair-raising as possible. The charac-
exclusives early on, hired for security work or ters might wonder just how Rollo's survived all
these years on his own.

DENOUEMENT · 155
 CREDITS
Credits
Authors: R. Sean Borgstrom , Deird're Brooks,
SteveKenson,John Snead
Developer: KraigBlackwelder
Editor:John Chambers
Art Director:RichThomas
Artists: Mike Danza, Steve Ellis, Langdon Foss,
and Jeff Rebner
CoverArtist: PaoloParente
Layout,Typesettingand Design:BeckyJollensten

715
PARK
NORTH
BLVD.
128
SUITE
GA
30021
ClARKSTON,
WHITE WOLF USA
GAME STUDIO

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 EOF CONTENTS

Introduction 1
Chapter One: Strange Bedfellows 3
Chapter Two: The Apostasy 43
Chapter Three: Gabriel 81
Chapter Four: Into the Arms of the Angel of Wrath 116
Denouement 146

ABERRANTWORLDWIDE 157
<