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Eschatology Code
Eschatology Code
BY BRUCE R. CORDELL
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Eschatology Code 4
Pregenerated Characters 17
Credits
Writer/Designer
Bruce R. Cordell
Creative Director
Shanna Germain
Editor
Jeremy Land
Proofreader
Ray Vallese
Cover Artist
Matt Stawicki
Graphic Designer
Bear Weiter
Artists
Grzegorz Pedrycz, Matt Stawicki, Dreamstime.com
Cartographer
Hugo Solis
Special Thanks
Torah Cottrill
2
ESCHATOLOGY CODE
Introduction
Eschatology (from the Merriam-Webster dictionary):
1. A branch of theology concerned with the final events in the
history of the world or of humankind.
Eschatology Code is an adventure for The Strange™ suitable for beginning players. It starts on Earth, and if
the player characters (PCs) don’t play their cards right, it ends on Earth … as in, the “End of Days.”
Eschatology Code guides the game master (GM) through a string of possible encounters,
introducing the people, places, and creatures as the narrative unfolds. Of course, since the PCs
can do whatever they wish at any time after they get off the plane in the initial encounter, the order
of encounters presented here is just one way things could go.
BACKGROUND
Under the guise of improving soldier performance, of Magic. That would be bad. Very bad.
the September Project utilized next-generation Unable to locate buyers in the military-industrial
quantum computing hardware to create the War complex, the September Project changed tactics.
Code program. At its heart, the project is an optical It delivered the quantum computer and war
delivery system that flashes code directly to anyone glasses to Father Foss, a church leader in Sioux
wearing specially fabricated war glasses. This Falls, South Dakota. When the All Souls Church of War glasses, page 9
War Code gives the recipients abilities normally Deliverance began publicly counting down to the
reserved for quickened individuals (like PCs). The End of Days, the Estate and the Office of Strategic
September Project began shopping the War Code Recursion (OSR) both sent operatives to find out
program around to various military contractors as if the miracles reported on the local news had
soon as the program was complete. anything to do with the Strange.
The September Project is more than a cutting- September Project,
edge military weapons supplier. And the War Code page 155
is far more than just the product of advanced
computing. The September Project is actually COREBOOK CALLOUTS Betrayer, page 178
an Earth-based front for the Betrayer, once the Throughout this supplement, you’ll see page
Estate, page 148
Incarnation of War in the recursion of Ardeyn. The references to various items accompanied by
code being downloaded into recipients’ brains this symbol. These are page references to
Office of Strategic
is actually a portion of the Betrayer’s soul, which The Strange corebook, where you can find Recursion, page 157
resonates between Ardeyn and Earth thanks to a additional details about that item, place,
program running on a quantum computer. While creature, or concept. It isn’t necessary to
a wearer of war glasses gains amazing abilities, look up the referenced items in the corebook;
each wearer also widens a conduit between Earth it’s an optional way to learn more about The
and Ardeyn. In time, this conduit could allow the Strange and provide additional information to
Betrayer to manifest on Earth with the abilities of your players.
an entity from a recursion operating under the law
3
Eschatology Code
As an adventure designed to be run at a convention, Eschatology Code throws characters right
into the action with a high-stakes initial encounter on a plane. The adventure also presumes that
the characters are operatives of the Estate. If you’re not running this adventure at a convention
and want to incorporate it into your ongoing campaign, optional ideas for involving your PCs are
provided under Alternative Hooks (see below).
NOT AN ESTATE PC? Ardeyn Focus Sheets: At this time, don’t give
Instead of Estate operatives, the PCs might be players the Ardeyn focus sheets associated with
reporters for a magazine called Exposing the Strange. each character (pages 29-34). When the time
Their editor is Svetlana Tankov. The PCs are cognizant comes for the PCs to access their Ardeyn foci (at
of recursions, the dark energy network, and their own the Breach in the Church Basement), hand out the
abilities, although such things may still be relatively additional character sheets.
new to them. When the miracles in Sioux Falls are Experience Points: As part of the introduction,
televised, Svetlana suspects that a paradox (the tell the players that you’re giving them 1 XP
character type) is actually responsible. She sends and that one of the things they can do with an
her reporters (the PCs) to investigate. During their experience point is reroll a bad die roll.
flight to South Dakota, the PCs are caught up in a Introducing the system should take less than 20
fight with some All Souls acolytes (and a gremlin!), as minutes (and no more than 30). Once the players
described in the Adventure Start. understand the basics, start the adventure.
4
ESCHATOLOGY CODE
ADVENTURE START:
TURBULENCE AT 30,000
FEET
The PCs begin play already aboard a commercial
airliner, en route to a mission destination. Read
or paraphrase the following to the players if they
haven’t already been briefed.
read aloud
You’re an Estate operative, and you’ve got a badge
to prove it. The Estate is a secret organization that
monitors activity on Earth that originates in alternate
recursions and, generally speaking, puts a stop to it
for Earth’s safety. You’ve been touched by the Strange
yourself and have abilities regular people wouldn’t
understand. Those abilities are what make you a
perfect operative for the Estate.
You and your team were assigned a new mission,
which started today. You’ve been in the air for a
couple of hours with a coach-class ticket from Seattle,
Washington, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. You’re on
your way to investigate a man called Father Foss of the
All Souls Church of Deliverance (located in Sioux Falls).
Father Foss began counting down to the “End of
Days” a few weeks ago. Of course, crackpot evangelists
do that all the time, but in this case, local televised
news reports showed Father Foss pulling off several
tricks that bamboozled the local media. A few reporters
went so far as to call the tricks actual miracles.
But you know a lot more than local reporters,
thanks to your briefing.
5
backgrounds (the first paragraph).
Introductions should take about five minutes.
During this time, establish who is sitting in the
middle, aisle, and window seats in each row. As
soon as the players have finished introducing
themselves, give them the briefing information
provided in the next section.
read aloud
The Estate destroys quantum computers whenever
it finds some scientist trying to make one, because
using a quantum computer can strip the Earth of its
anonymity and summon planetovores in the Strange.
Planetovore, page 8 Unfortunately, a quantum computer is exactly what
Father Foss probably has.
The Estate recently learned that the group calling
itself the September Project utilized next-generation
quantum computing to create the War Code
program. The project promised specially fabricated
war glasses that would supposedly give wearers the
abilities of supersoldiers. The September Project Before the conversation goes on for more than
began shopping the War Code program around to a few minutes, interrupt things with a gremlin
various military contractors as soon as the program sighting for one or two PCs.
was complete.
Unable to locate buyers in the military-industrial WE INTERRUPT THIS FLIGHT
complex and growing impatient, the September About thirty minutes before they’re scheduled to
Project changed tactics. It delivered the quantum land in Sioux Falls, the characters are attacked by a
computer and war glasses to Father Foss, a church gremlin and acolytes of the All Souls Church. The
leader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. However the acolytes’ plan is to cause the plane to go down,
quantum computer and the associated war glasses killing everyone on board (including themselves).
accomplish their “magic,” it’s bending the law of The gremlin and acolytes serve Father Foss. Foss
Standard Physics on Earth—so much that everything knew that the Estate would be sending operatives
is on the line. Active war glasses could destabilize to shut him down because he was warned by
Earth and Ardeyn, leaving the planet wide open to the the “Most High” in a dream (actually, Foss was
creatures that live in the Strange. warned by the Betrayer, whose September Project
organization has a mole inside the Estate on
Allow the PCs to discuss the background Earth, but Foss thinks the Betrayer is some flavor
information and perhaps engage in a bit of of God). After the warning, Foss prepared to
roleplaying. If players ask about the September eliminate the investigating operatives and, in the
Project, remind them of the following points: process, bring down an airplane. Doing so would
• As an operative of the Estate, you know the serve as a warning to the Estate and an “End of
September Project is more than a cutting-edge Days” omen to the rest of the world.
military weapons supplier. It is actually an
Earth-based front for the Betrayer. Immediately Before the Attack
• As an operative of the Estate, you know the One or both characters sitting in the window seats
Betrayer is one of the most dangerous threats see something unexpected outside the plane, on
facing Earth. the wing. Read or paraphrase the following.
6
ESCHATOLOGY CODE
7
FIGHTING ON A PLANE
GM Intrusion: When When a fight breaks out on the plane and the gremlin is noticed by other passengers, lots of panicked
an acolyte attacks a screaming results. But at least in the short term, most of the passengers and flight attendants cower
PC but misses, the and shrink down in their seats, while others flee to the front or the rear of the plane.
flare of nimbus hits the The single aisle, the crowded flight, and the panicking passengers make a straightforward fight with
overhead compartment; the acolytes difficult. Only characters and creatures directly facing each other in the aisle are able to
the entire thing drops
fight without modifications. Generally speaking, any other task or attack is modified by one or two
onto the PC’s head,
dealing 3 points of
steps to the detriment of whoever is attempting it. Some examples follow.
ambient damage and Climbing over a seat into a new row (normally routine) becomes a difficulty 2 Speed-based task. Firing
pinning the PC to a weapon at someone over the crowded seats increases the difficulty by one step (if trying to avoid
her seat until she can hitting passengers on a miss—which the acolytes don’t care about). Climbing over the food cart that’s
succeed on a difficulty 3 been abandoned in the middle of the aisle is a difficulty 2 Speed-based task. Avoiding being knocked
Might-based roll. down by a fleeing passenger just before taking a shot at an acolyte is a difficulty 2 Might defense roll.
Trying to shoot the gremlin through the metal of the plane instead of sighting directly through the
window (to avoid explosive decompression) increases the difficulty of the attack by one step.
8
ESCHATOLOGY CODE
9
SIOUX FALLS, parishioners seated in a large sanctuary, and so on.
SOUTH DAKOTA The vision statement is a quote from the Bible,
This city of over 160,000 people is the largest in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
the region, located on the wide, flat area of the and His righteousness, and all these things shall
Great Plains. The PCs can find all the services be added unto you.”
they’d normally expect to find in any large city in A picture shows Father Foss, a thin, tall, older
the U.S. man with blond hair, smiling into the camera. The
The PCs have a day before things get out of caption under the picture reads Father Nick Foss.
control at the church, so if they elect to spend A schedule of services is also provided. (The PCs
some time recuperating from the plane flight, it’s arrive on a Tuesday.)
not necessary to rush them. Every Sunday
Arrival and Dealing With Authorities: Try to wrap • 9:00 a.m. Prayer Service
up this part of the adventure before it has a chance • 9:30 a.m. Sunday School
to lag. • 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service
If the plane doesn’t crash, it sets down in Sioux Nothing on the web page says anything about
Falls. Dozens of police vehicles, ambulances, the End of Days—apparently, no one has updated
and military vehicles from the nearby Air and the church site since the eschatology ministry
Army National Guard bases line the tarmac. began.
Beyond, all the local media are positioned with Other Online Sources: The PCs can find lots of
their satellite vans and video cameras. If the PCs recent local media reports (from the Argus Leader,
aren’t proactive, they’ll be detained, questioned KSFY News, and KELOLand News, to name the
for hours, and possibly locked up pending further most prominent) that cover the apparent miracles
investigation. But their special abilities (and being worked by Father Foss. The PCs can watch
possibly the belief of the stewards and pilots video of Foss levitating an acolyte, turning water
that the PCs are air marshals) should allow the into wine, reading the mind of a reporter, healing
characters to deal with the authorities and extricate the sick and lame, moving things by mind alone,
themselves from the mess. They could even call and more. Most of the reporters seem a bit
The Fixer, page 149 the Fixer at the Estate. The PCs would be well stunned by the demonstrations.
advised not to get into a firefight with the several The reason that these reports haven’t broken out
dozen police officers and National Guard on the nationally is because of how recently the events
Police officer: level 4; scene. occurred—and because of the efforts of both the
health 9; Armor 1; long- Local Accommodations: The Estate arranged for Estate and OSR to keep them contained.
range attack with pistol a rental van for the PCs, as well as rooms at a local
for 5 points of damage Holiday Inn Express.
10
ESCHATOLOGY CODE
11
Unless the PCs try to sneak into the church (and the smell of tuna casserole, coffee, what might be
all succeed on a difficulty 5 Speed-based task to be whiskey, cigarettes, popcorn, and fried chicken. About
Kathy Billion, OSR stealthy), newswoman Kathy Billion notices and thirty people in their Sunday best are arranged in
Agent: level 3, level 5 accosts them, with cameraman Jim Tucker in tow. small groups, engaged in lively conversation and
for all tasks related to (If the PCs evade her outside, Kathy finds them laughter. Tables with food are set up along the sides
persuasion, perception, inside later at the party; she’s actually an OSR of the room. Across the room, a small band including
and stealth; short-range undercover agent.) a guitar player, a drummer, a tambourine player, and
attack with medium
Kathy Billion, identifying herself as a reporter for a singer are producing the joyous music. One table
pistol for 4 points of
KELOLand News, shoves a mic in one PC’s face has a purple cloth draped over it, and on it, several
damage; hidden OSR
badge and says, “What can you tell us about what’s going interesting objects are arranged as if on display.
on inside the All Souls Church? Are you here for a
miracle?” Unless the PCs are being stealthy, the
The PCs are free to give whatever story they congregation notices them, and the characters
want, but whatever they say, Kathy sees the get several friendly waves and are immediately
characters’ arrival as her ticket to get into the welcomed by Sheila Anderson and Troy Berg, true-
Band member: level 1, sanctuary where the party is, which means she believer parishioners. Throughout it all, the band
level 4 for tasks related pretty much goes along with whatever they say. plays on.
to instrument or singing If questioned, she reports that there’s been no Interacting With the Parishioners: The
contact with anyone in the church for the last few parishioners aren’t really clear on exactly what the
days, and the celebration inside has been ongoing End of Days is, but they’re convinced it’s going to
for the last several hours, if not longer. mean wonderful things for each of them. If the PCs
If the PCs tell Kathy that she and her cameraman interact with the party attendees in the sanctuary,
can’t join them, she offers them a deal: Jim will they learn the following:
go back to the van (“He’s getting interference • “The End of Days is going to happen in the
uploading his footage, anyway”) and she’ll go with next twelve hours! Isn’t that wonderful?”
them alone. If the PCs still don’t agree, she sneaks • “When the End of Days happens, we’ll all be
after them. exalted and sit at the right hand of the Most
Entering the Church: The front doors (as well as High. We’ll be saved!”
the one at the rear of the church) are locked with • “Father Foss is downstairs praying in the
a level 3 mechanism. A window into a classroom basement chapel. He said that in the hour
or hallway can be broken with a large rock. That of the End, he’ll rejoin us here.” (Foss isn’t
said, a heavy knock on the front doors or back door actually planning to do so.)
Sheila Anderson: level 2 brings dazed-looking parishioner Sheila Anderson • “Father Foss was given relics by the Most
to the door (unless you’re down to the final hour High to help him convince the world of the
of play, in which case the sanctuary is empty, and coming change.” (Actually, the “relics” on
Sheila doesn’t appear). Sheila’s expecting a delivery the purple cloth are cyphers. PCs who show
of pizza, ice cream, cookies, or some related snack. interest are offered one or two by Sheila.)
Stealth, fast talk, or a plea to join the congregation If you need names and motivations for
gets the PCs inside easily. (Violence would also do interaction with individual parishioners, use the
it, of course.) following.
Sheila Anderson: Sheila is a true believer with
Party in the Sanctuary enough passion for any five parishioners, although
Inside the church, the PCs find a party (unless she’s a bit dazed with exhaustion.
Troy Berg: level 3, level you’re running Eschatology Code at a convention Troy Berg: Troy is a true believer who doesn’t say
4 with fists that deal 4 and you’ve got only an hour left to play, in which much, but his shining eyes reveal his fervor.
points of damage case the sanctuary is empty, as noted above). Betsy Wilson: Betsy is the only parishioner to
PCs can avoid the party and explore the rest of realize that something is wrong. She’s afraid of
Betsy Wilson: level 2; the church by staying in the main hallway (see everyone else, but she’s also afraid of leaving,
short-range attack with
Exploring the Church Main Floor), or they can because when others left, acolytes like Katie and
taser that deals 4 points
of damage and dazes foe
party crash. Read or paraphrase the following to Eric went after them and she never heard from
for one round; taser can the players who check out the sanctuary. them again. She’ll ask the PCs for help if they give
be used only once her a chance.
read aloud Katie Wheeler: Katie is vindictive and mean, but
Katie Wheeler: level 2 Music and light stream from the sanctuary, as does she is scared of physical violence.
12
ESCHATOLOGY CODE
Eric Thorson: Eric is aggressive and suspicious Scurriers on the Church Stairs Eric Thorson: level 2
of the PCs, but he will back down from a fight. The double doors to the stairs are locked (level 3). If
Holy Relics Displayed on the Purple Cloth: PCs opened, the PCs see that things aren’t copacetic on
who approach the objects immediately realize the stairs. Read or paraphrase the following to the
they are cyphers. Given all of the commotion of players, assuming time remains for the encounter.
the party, the PCs could either swipe these with a
successful difficulty 4 Speed-based task, convince read aloud
a parishioner (not Katie or Eric) that Father Foss These wide stone steps look as if they’ve been made to
sent for the relics, or get on Sheila or Troy’s good resemble the cobwebby stairs of a gothic horror flick—
side so successfully that a couple of relics are strands of white web twine the railings leading down
offered as gifts. The four level 5 anoetic cyphers are to the landing, thicker webs reach across that landing,
as follows. and webs fill the raised alcove on the landing so fully
• Cardinal’s Hat (Reflex Enhancer): The difficulty that it’s hard to see which saint’s statue occupies it.
of any task involving manual dexterity, such as From somewhere farther below, you can see flickers of
pickpocketing, lockpicking, juggling, operating multicolored light and hear the faint echo of chanting.
on a patient, defusing a bomb, and so on, is
decreased by two steps for one hour. The web is thick but navigable down the middle
• Holy Water Dispensing Aspergillum (Friend- of the stairs and on the first and second landings.
Slaying Ray Emitter): Allows the user to project Two kray scurriers infest the webs and attack Kray scurrier,
a ray up to 200 feet (61 m) that causes the anyone attempting to use the stairs (including page 276
target to attack its nearest ally for one round. acolytes). PCs who visually search the webs
• Holy Wafer (Nutrition and Hydration): User can from the top of the stairs before descending see
go without food and water for a number of days something horrifying: two creatures about the size If a character uses the
equal to the cypher’s level without ill effect. of a human head that look like an unholy cross Find the Flaw ability,
• Cassock (Null Field): When activated, the user between a spider and a crayfish. it doesn’t reveal any
and all creatures within immediate range gain If Kathy Billion remains with the PCs, she pulls a particular weakness of
+5 to Armor against damage from fire for one medium handgun from her purse and joins in the the scurriers.
hour. fray, but she stays at the top of the stairs until all
is safe.
Exploring the Church Main Floor More Implications: PCs with knowledge of the
The main hallway opens onto both the front and Strange (like paradoxes have) recognize the kray
back entrance, the main sanctuary, and about eight scurriers as creatures native to the Chaosphere,
other doors. None of these are locked except for and as entities related to planetovore activity.
the double doors at the end of the hallway farthest For scurriers to be present on Earth means that
from the sanctuary, which lead to the basement something incredibly bad is happening. The
stairs. The other rooms on the main floor are presence of the scurriers is an even worse sign
innocuous: a lounge, a kitchen, bathrooms, a than the gremlin on the wing of the plane that
janitor’s closet, a Sunday school classroom, and reality may be under threat.
so on.
If Kathy Billion is with the PCs as they explore Breach in the Church Basement
these rooms, she begins asking questions about The stairs lead down to a set of double doors,
their affiliation, their thoughts on the significance closed but unlocked. Strobing light flashes from
of the End of Days, whether people really should be around the edges of the doors, and the PCs can
worried, and so on. hear the strident sound of a single man chanting
prayers. A sign over the doors reads “Basement
Chapel.” But before the PCs get involved in the
Note: final confrontation, something very odd happens.
If you’re running Eschatology Code at a As soon as the PCs approach the bottom of the
convention and you’ve got only about an hour stairs, they begin to feel strange. A PC who steps
to go, skip the Scurriers on the Church Stairs from the bottom of the stairs into the area in front
encounter. Make it so that the webbing is empty of the doors to the basement chapel undergoes a
of scurriers, and the PCs can progress straight change. Read or paraphrase the following, leaving
to Breach in the Church Basement. out any PCs who don’t approach the bottom of the
stairs.
13
read aloud stairs is like translating back to Earth, and it also
You feel strange. Your clothing tugs, loosens, and requires a round. If the PCs play around with this
shifts, and your skin prickles and tingles all over. effect, they realize that they could choose to drag
Arlo, your hunting knife lengthens and becomes the any of their Earth foci to the bottom of the stairs
size of a scimitar, and your pistol fades away, to be (even ones not normally draggable). If they do so,
replaced by a heavy bow. they retain their Earth equipment and foci at the
Vanessa, your clothing flows and thickens, and your expense of gaining Ardeyn equipment and foci.
two nightsticks become two sharp, thin sabres. To you, (In fact, the PCs can shift back and forth between
it feels like coming home. Earth and Ardeyn foci at any time while the breach
L. G., your pistol becomes mist, lengthens, and is is open, but doing so consciously takes an action.)
now a bow. Your fingers warm as if with healing grace. This local effect breaks some of the rules of
Torah, your machine gun fades away, and in its translation because the rules of existence are
place is a scimitarlike blade. Suddenly, you can feel breaking down around them. For instance, despite
the dead, like firefly lights, stretching away in all translating, the PCs aren’t transported to the
directions, quiet and alone. default location in Ardeyn (or the last place they
Sybil, it feels as if someone is pulling on your ears and visited) when they gain their Ardeyn foci and
nose; both lengthen, and your skin darkens to a shade equipment; they stay in the church on Earth.
of beautiful ebony. You remember that once, your kind On the other hand, non-quickened NPCs can
served a demigod called the Incarnation of Death. walk down the stairs and into the chapel in the next
And Jonny, your skin turns grey, stiffens, and room and be completely unaffected—as happens if
becomes as hard as rock, and the sound of your feet Kathy Billion, cameraman Jim, or anyone from the
on the stairs thuds with a massive weight. Your flesh party upstairs in the sanctuary follow the PCs here.
has become stone! The Breach: Characters with some knowledge
Translation, page 125 of the Strange realize that the recursion of Ardeyn
The effects of a translation wash over the PCs is breaching into Earth. The real world and Ardeyn
OSR, page 157 who reach the bottom of the stairs, despite the are overlapping each other, an inherently unstable
fact that none of them has initiated a translation. situation that, if left unresolved, could shatter
Give those PCs their Ardeyn foci, along with their Ardeyn and, in the process, leave Earth wide open to
Ardeyn character sheets (pages 29-34). the Strange (which is where the planetovores live).
Translation occurs over the course of a round, If a PC doesn’t come to this conclusion, Kathy
during which time the PCs lose access to their Billion reveals herself as a secret OSR agent and
Earth foci and equipment, and gain access to their describes the situation to the PCs. She also gives
Ardeyn foci and equipment. Stepping back up the an ultimatum: if the PCs can’t seal the breach,
OSR will do so, but with lots of associated
collateral damage (meaning huge numbers of
civilian casualties that reach far beyond the church
grounds, just to be sure).
Spirits: If Torah “the Windmill” Bishop is present
and her Shepherds the Dead focus is active, she
notices a spirit “caught” in the doorway leading
to the chapel (no one else can see or sense it,
initially). The spirit resembles that of a human
child wearing Ardeyn clothing, crying. If Bishop
uses her Question the Spirits ability on the child,
it manifests so that everyone sees it. Before Torah
can really ask it anything, the child says, “You must
destroy the Machine! The world is breaking!”
Further questions are difficult because the ability
used by Bishop was enough to allow the spirit to get
free of the doorway, and it fades away with a sigh of
relief. (Tell the character she just saved a lost spirit.)
Basement Chapel
When the doors are opened, the scene beyond is
revealed. Read or paraphrase the following to the
players.
14
ESCHATOLOGY CODE
15
GM Intrusion: When protecting the machine doesn’t attack directly, Kathy Billion: If she hasn’t already done so, the
the Betrayer hits a but rather gets in the way of PCs who attack the newswoman reveals herself as an OSR agent and
PC, she goes flying, machine. A PC attempting to target the machine begins shooting a pistol at the Betrayer. If the PCs
almost going over the must succeed on a difficulty 4 Speed-based task fail to destroy or deactivate the machine, Kathy
edge of the tower. The to avoid having the attack jostled or intercepted by shouts out that if they don’t succeed, an inbound
PC must succeed on a OSR drone strike will drop enough ordnance onto
the guarding gremlin (who might take damage for
Might-based task to pull
its sacrifice, depending on the attack). the church (and surrounding neighborhood) that
herself back onto the
tower’s top, or remain The Betrayer: The Betrayer exists every round, the threat will be neutralized. The strike will cost of
dangling on the edge regardless of whether it’s during an Ardeyn pulse thousands of lives, but OSR needs to be sure.
until she succeeds. or an Earth pulse. The Betrayer is expending the
greater part of his strength and power to remain CONCLUDING THE
entangled with the quantum machine, which ADVENTURE
Find the Flaw reveals means that despite his size and threat, he isn’t an If you’re running Eschatology Code at a convention,
that the Betrayer’s unstoppable demigod. He still does his best to kill the adventure ends when the PCs shut down
weakness is the anyone who interferes with the machine and can the machine or fail to do so. In the former case,
machine—if the make four attacks as a single action against any congratulations are in order. Tell the players they
machine is destroyed, PCs within immediate range. have saved Earth, Ardeyn, and probably all of
the breach is closed,
If the PCs somehow manage to hurt the Betrayer Earth’s recursions!
and he can’t manifest.
so much that he feels at risk, he disengages, severing In a non-convention setting, there’s time for a little
his ties with the machine and deactivating it. more wrap-up. Hopefully, the adventure ends with
Abridged Betrayer: The Machine: The quantum computer created the PCs deactivating the quantum computer, not with
level 5, level 4 for Speed by the September Project (the logo and company a smoking, mile-wide crater in Sioux Falls. Assuming
defense due to size; name are printed right on it), housed in a thick the former, the PCs can question the revealed OSR
health 32; Armor 3;
metallic cowling measuring 6 feet (2 m) on each agent (if she yet lives) regarding any details about the
attacks up to four foes
side, is cold to the touch. quantum computer, the war glasses, and the Betrayer
within immediate range
with club as a single The machine offers a computer touch-screen they didn’t manage to figure out earlier.
action, dealing 5 points interface plus about a dozen USB ports, of which In the end, Father Foss was only a stooge, fooled
of damage only two are currently in use, charging war glasses. into believing that his cooperation would lead to
Shutting down the machine with computer or some sort of heavenly transubstantiation for him and
hacking skills requires three successful difficulty his flock. But in reality, the Betrayer wanted Foss’s
The Machine: level 5;
5 Intellect-based tasks (though the gremlins also help in order to enter Earth with a full connection
health 25; Armor 2
attempt to prevent the PCs from accomplishing to the Strange. If he were successful, the Betrayer
this). Each round spent attempting to hack the would have drawn upon enough power to become a
War Code-Activated machine delivers an electrical charge to the PC planetovore himself.
Father Foss: level 5; programmer for 4 points of damage. Foss loses his ability to perform miracles, and
health 18; short-range every pair of war glasses loses its efficacy. Dealing
electrical arc attack with the parishioners in the aftermath is a task, but
that inflicts 5 points IF THE MACHINE IS DEACTIVATED spinners in the party can help ease the transition
of damage; unarmed
If the quantum computer hosting an instance of people waking up to reality.
melee attack that inflicts
of the Betrayer’s mind and soul is destroyed or The Estate gives each PC a commendation. The
5 points of damage;
regenerates 1 point of deactivated, the breach of Ardeyn onto Earth world is saved! But now the Betrayer in Ardeyn has
health per round while begins to heal. All the kray scurriers on the learned of the PCs and remembers them as the
wearing activated war stairs dissipate like mist. The basement chapel agents of his defeat. Slowly but surely, he draws his
glasses; can create other solidifies and becomes permanent. The Betrayer plans against them.
minor effects such as fades away. So do the PCs’ Ardeyn foci and
moving small objects, equipment, to be replaced by their Earth foci Experience Point Awards
changing water to wine, and equipment in a shimmer of light. PCs gain 4 XP each for ending what was shaping
and so on If the PCs fail to destroy or deactivate the up to be a terrible threat to Earth, or at least the
machine, the drone attack promised by Kathy death of over a thousand civilians in the aftermath
Billion occurs. If Kathy is removed from the of an OSR drone strike. This is in addition to any
picture too soon to tell the PCs about OSR’s XP earned by other means.
plans, parishioner Betsy Wilson is instead
revealed to be an OSR agent who describes the
impending drone strike.
16
1 1 0
Arlo Coulton
Sharp-Eyed vector
Is Licensed to Carry Earth
2
Sniper module (level 6)
Darksight (level 5)
10 1 16 1 8 0
0 Initiative 0Perception
0 Speed Defense
(w/no armor)
0 Balancing
0 Running
1
0 Clothing
Binoculars
$
720
Cell phone
9mm pistol with 3 magazines of ammo (medium
ranged weapon)
Hunting knife (light melee weapon)
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
Arlo owes money to a number of
people and doesn’t have the funds to
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
Vanessa Torgue
Tough vector
Wields Two Weapons at Once Earth
2
Curative (level 6)
Electrical grenade (level 5)
16 1 10 1 8 0
0Might Defense 0 Speed Defense
(w/no armor)
0 Running
0 Hiding
2
2 Street clothes
Leather jacket (light armor)
$
200
Nightstick (light weapon)
Another nightstick (light weapon)
Camping gear
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
Vanessa is a native of Ardeyn, but
no one on Earth knows it (she thinks).
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
L. G. Babcock III
Appealing spinner
Operates Undercover Earth
2
Stim (level 5)
Temporary shield (level 5)
9 0 12 1 16 1
0Pleasant social interaction
0Persuading & Deceiving
0Investigation
0Resist. persuas’n & seduc.
0Perception
0Cryptography
0Breaking into Comps.
Practiced with light and medium
9mm pistol 4 weapons
Translating (better at hastening)
Enthrall (1 Intellect point)
Spin Encouragement (1 Intellect
point)
1
0 Street clothes
Disguise kit
9mm pistol with 3
magazines of ammo
$
700
Light tools (medium ranged
Duct tape weapon)
Pen knife “Sleep inducer” headset
Smartphone (made by Dr.
Holloway)
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
As a child actor, L.G. was loved and
adored. As an adult, less so, so L.G.
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
keeps it a secret.
10 0 14* 1 10 1
0 Initiative 0Deceiving
0 Ignoring fear/ 0Healing
intimidation
* 16 w/out armor
1
1 Street clothes
Leather jacket (light armor; 2 points subtracted
$
400
from Speed Pool; costs 1 Might per hour)
Weighted baseball bat (medium weapon)
Submachine gun (rapid-fire medium weapon)
First aid kit
Utility knife
Cell phone
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
Torah is part owner of a local bar,
where she’s something of a whiz at
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
8 0 8 0 18 1
0Setting up
experiments
0Knowledge of
the Strange
0High-energy
physics
1
0 Street clothes
Science field kit
$
1,700
Light tools
Pen knife
Smartphone
Light handgun (light weapon)
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
Sybil studied high-energy physics
and found something strange
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
in her experiments—something
she published, although it got her
thrown out of the ranks of respectable
researchers.
10 0 12 0 14 1
0 Speed Defense 0Intellect
0 Balance and Defense
careful 0Perception
movement
0 Physical
performing
arts
Practiced with light weapons
Light handgun –1 2 Translation (better at initiating)
Nightstick –1 2 Exception (2 Intellect points)
Exception 4 Closed Mind: Intellect defense and
Intellect armor
Spend points from Might, Speed,
or Intellect to apply levels of
Effort to any Intellect-based
task.
Sleuth: Trained in Perception
1
2* Street clothes
Laptop computer
$
600
Flashlight
Utility knife
Cell phone
Light handgun (light weapon)
Nightstick (light weapon)
*2 Armor versus Intellect damage only
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
An experiment Jonny conducted
in his garage blew up, burning down
©2014 Monte Cook Games, LLC. The Strange and its logo are trademarks of Monte Cook Games, LLC in the United States and other countries. Permission granted to duplicate for personal use.
able:
A v a i l
Now