MOBILE ENGAGEMENT CHASSIS : STEEL HEARTS
MOBILE ENGAGEMENT CHASSIS
STEEL HEARTS ZERO is a work in progress. It's a kind of minimal viable Steel Hearts
that can be released so others can get a grasp of what's to come and my friends can
ALERT: stop hassling me for WIP rules. As such there will be likely be lots of typos and some
details that still need filling out All of what you read is subject to that change.
STEEL HEARTS O
In Summer of 2019 I'd just finished play testing a new system in a campaign (NET//realms) and was
thinking that system might work especially well for something mecha-esc. The premise was simple:
"What happens in a Pacific Rim scenario when the Kaiju are finally in check and the world starts turning
its guns back in on itself?"
4 years later and Mobile Engagement Chassis: Steel Hearts feels like the answer to that question.
After 4 years of rigorous play testing, reworks, rewrites, top-down rebalances and more the game (which
is to say the core systems) feels well and truly complete.
So why Zero? What's missing here isn't so much playtesting as it is content. Despite the three 20+
session campaigns I've run in Steel Hearts, very little of that content is codified in a way I can
comfortably hand off. What I can hand off is the system and ideas that formed the core of those
campaigns so you can go and craft your own!
TL;DR Here's what's in Steel Hearts Zero versus what I'd like to eventually add:
[ WHAT'S INCLUDED ] :
• All the Core Rules explained in detail.
• Full Pilot Creation Rules with plenty of Roll Tables to pull from.
• 32 MEC Classes via the Mechanics Shop to mix and match 175+ Parts.
[ WHAT'S MISSING ] :
• Extensive Bestiary and Biomes. [Zero only comes with a handful of Units and 2 Biomes]
• Fully fleshed out Campaigns or Adventures.
• NPCs to drop into your world +++ Allied NPC skirmish and vehichle rules.
• Pilot Personal Equipment Shop. [Ex: Guns, Cybermods, etc.]
• More fully fleshed out [and better formatted] GM advice for crafting and running campaigns.
I can't say when I'll be able to bring these to life as Steel Hearts is a labor of love I do in my free time
(and all the art you see was funded out of pocket). Heck a whole standalone expansion for Steel Hearts
that focuses on non-Pilots trying to make a living (Steel Hearts Black) even has its character sheets
completed. These are all things that I may come back to, but before any of that it felt most important to
get this beating heart of Steel Hearts into your hands.
If you're a creative GM who's looking for a kinetic system to use as the base for your own exciting mecha
campaign, this might be for you!
 Version Build ZERO

Mobile Engagement Chassis:

Savior or Devil?
CONTENTS
WELCOME & WHAT'S NEEDED PG 1 RUNNING THE GAME
PILOT TRAINING 101 INTRO PG 36
Writing, Design and Layout by Sandro A.D. ( @sandromaycry )
BASICS OF ROLING PG 3 READING UNIT SHEETS PG 37
Mechanical Designs, Cover Art and SDs by Dan Dussault ( @Lasership84 )
PILOT CREATION PG 7 TENSION TRACKER PG 39
Comic Art & Add. Splash Art by Teapak ( @teapak_prime // patreon.com/teapak )
ORIGINS PG 8 BIOMES & DEPLOYMENTS PG 41
Character Portraits by Jonathan Castleman (@kurumilover)
BASTIONS PG 9 AQUATIC COMBAT PG 43
Add. MEC Designs and Ink-like Work by Bayleigh Underwood ( @iceghost_art // iceghostart.com )
GRAVITIES PG 12 FLIGHT COMBAT PG 44
Add. Symbol and Early MEC Concepting by Armando Sionosa ( @ArmandoSionosa )
AFFECTS PG 13
TRUTH Guide Cover Artwork by Cameron Nissen ( @ArtsNose )
RESONANCE PG 15
Anansi Wyrm Artwork by Lluis Abadias ( @LluisAbadias)
PILOT TRAINING STATS PG 17
Additional Character Design and Concepting by ( @MoldyArtichoke )

Early MEC and Wyrm Explorations by Tuncer Eren and Adam Ryoma Tazi
ABBREVATIONS BREAKDOWN PG 19

This Guide and associated character sheets use the Dicier Font by Speak the Sky (SpeakTheSky.itch.io/typeface- MEC BUILDING
dicier) under the CC BY 4.0 license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
INTRO PG 20
The Gravity system in this game was heavily inspired and adapted from Harmony Drive's "Keys" - Seriously go read
that game it's fantastic! It additionally shares some similarities (and naming conventions) with Armour Astir's MEC SHEET FRONT PG 21 NTRO TO THE NEW CENTURY
Gravity system, but where AA is actually tracking clocks, this Gravity is a bit more passive.
MEC STATS PG 23 TIMELINE PG 45
MEC PARTS & BASIC ATKS PG 24 THE NEW EARTH ECOLOGY PG 46
Special Thanks To: MEC UPGRADE SHEET PG 25 CORPORATIONS PG 47
My amazing playtesters whose antics, advice, ideas, and wisdom continue to be inspirational. MEC COMBAT THE INSOMNIAC PG 50
My family for their perspective, love, support, and occasional kick in the ass to actually finish what I start.
BASICS PG 27
My fellow game devs for their invaluable perspective, inspirational works and for letting me cook.
FREE ACTIONS & SYNERGY PG 29 ASSORTED GM ADVICE
All my friends for teaching me that no matter how weird you are, there’s someone who gets you.
STACK ORDER PG 30 INTRO PG 52
And everyone who has dreamed of piloting a Giant Robot (That means you!)
STRATAGEMS PG 31 DEATH PG 53
(And also means Tomino, Anno, Imaishi, Taniguchi, Yoko, Imagawa, Nagai, Kamitani, Hiroi, Priestley, Kobayashi,
Pondsmith, Sovereign, Felker-Martin, Manning, Makapatag, Flowers, Kojima, JAM Project, My Waifu ELEMENTS & STATUS EFFECTS PG 33 CAMPAIGNS PG 54
and many, many more...)
PAGE__ PAGE__
i ii
So how do you tell a compelling story in this genre? What sets the best ones apart?
FOREWORD
A writer might tell you that it's the worldbuilding. A consumer might tell you it's the production
values. But for me as a translator, what I find the most pivotal are a story's individual
What defines the mecha genre? characters and their respective attitudes and voices.
Generously Written By Christina Rose
It's a genre marked equally by innovation The characters that act within the setting presented by a story are the ones responsible for the
Christina is an incredibly talented Japanese-to- and derivativeness; a place where once a
English translator who has helped localize beloved
shape that the story ultimately takes. Whether the conflict is man versus man, man versus
franchises like Super Robot Wars for English
pioneer blazes a fresh trail, others retread nature, or man versus society, the "man" within that narrative framework is always going to be
speaking audiences. that path and explore down different the most fundamental element of the tale. In many ways, this is another reason mecha stories
branches of it. capture the imagination so much—It's fun to ask yourself, "What if MY character was in this
Compared to the broader field of sci-fi/fantasy, mecha is an all-too-narrow niche, often story?" "What if MY character was presented with these same choices?" The characters ARE
constrained by its own format—when your story has to sell toys to be produced, how many the story, in many ways. Is a character bubbly and optimistic? Withdrawn and running from their
different stories can you truly tell? own trauma? Jaded and surrounded by idiots, or sociable and well-adjusted? No matter how light
or dark a story is, the characters involved will color it with their own hue.
A lot, as it turns out.
This holds true just as much for roleplaying as it does for literary storytelling as a whole. The
Despite being a relatively small niche produced primarily in Japan, mecha shows and movies main difference is that the consumer (the player) gets to bring their voice to the storytelling
resonate deeply with audiences of all nationalities, across all demographic lines. People who grew table. A GM can write a masterful campaign, but that story will always be influenced by the
up with mecha shows as children carry a special place for them in their hearts as adults. players involved; much like Dunbine and Escaflowne, the same base campaign run at two
different tables will go in two wildly different directions, as the GM incorporates the input of
What is it about mecha shows that captivates our imaginations? For some, maybe it's the simple
completely different sets of protagonists.
power fantasy of a giant hero robot that makes your problems go away. For others, it could be
the character drama of living, breathing human beings with emotions fighting one another using What mecha story do you want to tell as a GM? What mecha story do you want to tell as a
faceless, inorganic monstrosities. For others still, it could be political tales, or love stories, or player and a participant? Where does your character draw the line, and where is their breaking
psychological dramas. There is something for everyone in this genre. point? No two stories will ever be exactly alike, and that's the beauty of it.
That's not to say that every mecha story
is entirely stand-alone and separate; some
claim that all media is derivative and that
there's no such thing as a wholly original
piece of fiction, and the mecha genre takes
this idea a step further with its many
references and homages. While this might
be frowned upon and considered unoriginal
or stealing in other genres, references in
the mecha genre take on a much more
respectful and welcoming tone by virtue of
their open nature. Two creators can start
at the same base concept and take it in
two wildly different directions—Aura
Battler Dunbine and Escaflowne are both
"isekai" mecha anime TV series in which a
protagonist gets summoned to a fantasy
world where wars are fought with giant
robots, yet the two couldn't be more
different in tone, focus, and execution.
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1 2
Welcome MEC Pilots
My name is Murasaki Mui! I’m the Chief Research Officer
here at Bastion 6! I’m here to help guide you through
the New Century and the world of Steel Hearts!
Before we get started, I’m just going to need a tiny
sample of your blood… Oh you’re worried about how big
this needle is? And wanted to learn the game first? Well,
I guess my experiments can wait… In this guide we’ll go
over all the basics from Combat Protocols, Pilot
Diagnostics and of course building your MEC!
I’d recommend that you try to read this guide in order
for the clearest experience. But if big blocks of text
on your data pad isn’t your style, fear not! All
important Pilot-facing rules are printed directly on
Pilot and MEC Sheets! So you could just figure out how to
Pilot from all those if you needed to.
Name: MURASAKI MUI This guide serves instead to give a more thorough
PN: She/Her - BT: B
overview of these mechanics. So let's jump in!
Concept and Goals
Mobile Engagement Chassis: Steel Hearts is a Tactical Roleplaying Game System for heated
mecha action, quiet moments between fragile pilots and the beauty of our planet Earth. While
tactical combat is a core element, storytelling and character building are also highlighted. This
game is probably a good fit for your group if you like:
• Punchy and high-stakes tactical combat with lots of customization. (Ex: XCOM, Into the
Breach, Fire Emblem, Super Robot Wars, Zone of the Enders, Armored Core)
• Systems for narrative storytelling that push character moments and growth. (Ex: Blades in
the Dark, Harmony Drive, Blazing Hymn, Maharlika, Armor Astir: Advent)
• Political intrigue and being caught between complex factions vying for power. (Ex: Gundam
Zeta/ZZ/Unicorn/Thunderbolt/Wing, Ghost in the Shell, Jin-Roh, Metal Gear Solid)
• Playing diverse characters who collectively fight for a common cause. (Ex: Captain Harlock,
Gurren Lagann, Gundam 0079, Promare, Martian Successor Nadesico, Final Fantasy 6/7)
• Playing characters grappling with the weight of their own actions and purpose in the world.
(Ex: Heaven Will Be Mine, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Nier: Gestalt, Macross DYRL)
• A world with a vast and diverse ecosystem that is all at once familiar and alien. Works that
show a reverence and love for the beauty of nature. (Ex: Monster Hunter, Turn A Gundam,
Mushishi, Godzilla: Planet of Monsters, Shadow of the Colossus)
• Giant robots and anime bombast. (Ex: Getter Robo Armageddon, Sakura Wars, G Gundam,
Titanfall (my beloved),GunXSword, Dangaioh, Gunbuster, Bubblegum Crisis, Project A-Ko)
PAGE__
Required for play
• 1 Garrison Manager (GM)!! That’s probably you! As GM you decide when to focus in the
action for quieter moments, or bring in unexpected elements. You’ll be playing the role of all
the Wyrms, non-player characters (NPCs) and providing the Pilots with tactical challenges.
Think of yourself like a Coach, Director, Tactician, Actor and Facilitator rolled all in one!
• 3-5 Players to take the Role of Pilots!! While Steel Hearts systems scale to accommodate
any group size, we’ve found it feels best and runs smoothest at roughly 3-5 Pilots.
• Lots of d6s (6 Sided Dice)!! We recommend at least 12 per Pilot and a full cube of 36 for the
GM. Thankfully cubes of 36 12mm d6 are pretty inexpensive and highly portable!
• MEC, Pilot and Stratagem Sheets for each Pilot!! Along with pencils!
• Foldable Synergy Trackers for each Pilot!! These will see a lot of use, so don’t forget them!
• Foldable Threat Tracker for the GM!! This also helps track how many Pilot Actions are left!
• Square grid maps and tokens for tactical combat!! Wet-erase grids can be particularly fun,
as they allow for more destructible terrain!
• Some basic knowledge of TTRPGs!! Steel Hearts assumes you already understand what a
TTRPG is and maybe that you’ve played one or seen one played before! If you’re completely
new to the hobby you’re more than welcome, just be sure to look up what a TTRPG is first.
• A love of giant robots and preferably a great soundtrack to accompany your adventures!!!
Content Warning & Safety Tools
Steel Hearts is a game about violent machines in a violent world. Gore, body horror, vomit,
dismemberment, bodily harm, child soldiers, refugees, violence against animals (“monsters”),
fascists, radicalization and religious fervor are all present as are all manner of bugs and reptiles.
It’s important to communicate to your Players the kinds of themes and risks you’re bringing
to the table, and make sure that everyone is bought in and on the same page!
When it comes to more sensitive topics, Safety Tools like Lines and Veils are excellent, as are
X-Cards (especially with a new group). Personally, I’d recommend using a shared Google Sheet
or similar anonymous format to mark down content Players don’t feel comfortable with (Lines)
and things that are acceptable as long as they’re not gone into detail (Veils).
Keep in mind that Safety Tools help with fostering open and compassionate discussion at the
table, but not they’re not a replacement for it! Be attentive to the needs of your Players! Talk
to them about their expectations as well as what you’re looking to bring to the table.
Ensuring player buy-in and fostering safety at the table are both key roles of the GM! Not every
game or campaign’s contents and limits will be a good fit for every Player/GM and that’s OK!!
Steel Hearts is meant to be something played in leisure time, so don't force it!
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3 4
Pilot Training 101
Murasaki wants me to help fill out your paperwork? Oh man
her handwriting is… Never mind, it’s a pleasure to meet
you! Oh and don’t mind the gasoline smell! It’s totally
normal… usually… Just call me Latimer. I’m the Lead
Terran Technologies Researcher here at Bastion 6!
Before we get to filling out any sheets we need to teach
you the basics. Namely how a Roll works and what all
those words mean on your Pilot sheet.
I’m sure this will all look overwhelming at first, but
you should keep in mind that every roll is like a funnel.
You’ll build a pool of d6s, adding your Stats and various
bonuses and then roll to see how many total Hits you get!
If you can add numbers and count pairs, you'll be fine.
So let's rip this bandaid and get right into how Rolling
Name: LATIMER JABIR works! … Right after I check on something! The gas smell
isn't supposed to be that bad…
PN: He/They - BT: B
basics of rolling
When in doubt of the outcome of an action or when When making a Roll to determine whether or not
trying to deal Damage you’ll need to make a Roll. your Pilot can do something, the GM will set a
A Roll is the 7 Sages' way of distilling complex Target Number (TN) of Hits you’ll need in order to
factors into a human readable process that uses complete your objective as planned. If you’re one
Dice to express the results! Your Roll is built from or two Hits shy of the Target number you may
d6s read as “Skill Dice.” When referring generally succeed with a complication. If you greatly surpass
to “Dice” instead of a d6, as in +1 Dice, it’s safe the Target Number your success will be even
to assume this refers to Skill Dice. greater!
Once your Roll has been cast, you’ll count the Before your Roll, the GM or table may decide that
number of Hits in the roll based off of this chart: you get extra dice if you’re roleplaying
exceptionally well, or your plan is particularly
ROLL 1 2 3 4 5 6 thorough. You can also call upon your Pilot’s
Gravities for more dice. Just note that the GM may
Skill 0 1 1 1 1 2 also add and roll Risk Dice to subtract from your
Roll in particularly dangerous situations or if your
Risk 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 Pilot is fighting against their Gravity.
Example roll
Dante is trying to lob a can of beans at Minos’ head in an attempts to “beam him”. We agree
that he should roll this as an Accuracy Stat Check. He gets 7 Skill Dice from his 7 Accuracy and
an additional +3 Skill Dice from his “Rivalry with Minos” Gravity. The TN is set to 9 and I decide
Dante rolls with an additional +1 Risk Dice because the shot will be difficult while running:
[ (7 ACU) 1 1 2 3 5 6 6 + (3 from Gravity) 1 4 6 ] + (1 Risk) 3 = 9
[ (7 ACU) 0+0+1+1+1+2+2 + (3 Gravity) 0+1+2 ] + (1 Risk) -1 = 9 Meets it beats it! (Or beans it)
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Rolling stat checks
The most common roll you'll encounter is Rolls that Just keep in mind you can't combine Stats in a Roll...
help resolve questions in the more freeform
roleplaying sections of the game. These are called If you're the one setting a Stat Check’s TN, keep
“Stat Checks.” I'm sure more than a few of you are in mind that a Roll will (statistically) result in hits
familiar with concept, right? You can borrow my equal to the number of Dice rolled +1-2.
copy of Realms and Reliquaries if you need to.
For an easy Stat Check you can set the TN equal
Basically one Pilot will Roll Skill Dice equal to a to the Stat the Pilot is rolling. A difficult check
chosen Stat and tally the total number of hits. You would be 3-4 above their Stat. GMs can also set
can add Skill Dice by calling Gravities, using your concrete “Global TNs” that any Pilot can attempt.
environment and adding other bonuses. There are Something easy for an expert would be around 4-7,
no hard rules on what Stats (MEC or Pilot) you while something challenging is in the 8-12 range.
need to roll outside of combat, so work with your Anything past 13+ will only be likely with luck or
GM and group to decide which Stat feels most careful application of Gravities and bonuses.
appropriate!
Building a roll
The base of each roll is a number of Skill Dice equal
to the Stat that Pilot is rolling with. From there ADD Skill IF - - > ADD risk IF - - >
Pilots can add bonuses from equipment or MEC ► A Pilot Gravity helps ► A Pilot Gravity hinders
Parts. The GM should add additional Skill or Risk ► Pilot is using tools ► Pilot is injured
dice to the roll if appropriate for the scenario (see
► Pilot has lots of time ► Pilot is being shot at
right for examples). Finally Gravities should be
called and checked off if they apply! ► Pilot origin is relevant ► Pilot is being yelled at
► Pilot is impassioned ► Pilot is hungry / tired
Pilots can always hold back Skill Dice within any of
► Pilot uses environment ► MEC has a Broken Part
their rolls. This can be done to mitigate damage in
attacks, or reduce the chances of rolling 1s (only ► It feels thematic ► Conditions are hostile
relevant for Steel Hearts: Black).
Optional : ASSIST
When Assisting in a Non-Combat Stat Check, other Pilots can roll an Assist Check using the same
Stat that their ally is rolling if they narrate how they’re helping. Any 6s rolled in an Assist Check
get added as a single hit to their ally’s roll. Generally, only one ally can assist per Stat Check.
Optional : INTENSITY
Pilots can add Skill Dice to a roll by suggesting ways to up the Intensity. This Intensity boost will
happen regardless of the results of a roll. Ex: Tesla asks for an additional +2 Skill Dice in his Stat
Check to hack the turrets in return for the factory’s alarms to be triggered regardless.
Synergy
This is where things start to get different than This Synergy is passed around to your allies going
what you're probably used to. The infinite power left. Synergy can be spent to amplify Attack Rolls,
source that is Betyl affects your Rolls in Combat Boost around your adversaries, Recharge
to give you a game changing resource: Synergy. Stratagems and remove harmful Status Effects.
When you’re rolling dice as a Combat Action in And that’s the gist! While it can look complicated
your MEC this will cause you to generate one on the surface, most of its rules funnel into these
Synergy for each Even ( 2 4 6 ) in the Roll, Rolls, spending Synergy or leveraging Gravities to
unless otherwise noted. More on Pg. 29. gain more Skill Dice! Now lets get to the good stuff...
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5 6
Reading the pilot sheet
Pilot ID
1 5
This is probably the easiest part of the whole sheet to
fill out. Just fill in all the boxes as listed. If you’re
curious about your Blood Type we’ll talk about that in
Pilot Creation on Page 7.
You may want to save this for last after you know all
the other details about your Pilot and you've filled out
your compulsory EDA Medical Intake forms.
Wallet credits
2 distant from an estranged friend, or reluctantly using
Ahhh Credits, can’t live with them, can’t live without
them. While you’ll be granted an EDA Basic Income, you
can also apply for EDA Grants to fund important
purchases. That plus any money you make from odd
jobs gets tracked in your CSSN Wallet here.
If you're tight on Creds you can always take out loans
from a Corp. Just be careful who you borrow from.
3 Origin
Everyone comes from somewhere, and that somewhere
helped shape that Pilot's history. Here you can track the
bare basics of the place you might've called home before
being called upon to pilot a giant death machine.
Pilot training
4 6
This is the meat of your Pilot Sheet, and probably the
part that’ll be most familiar to any of you who like
games. Your Pilot Trainings reflect how skilled you've
become in a given way of doing things. They have
nothing to do with genetics, rather they mirrorr the
talent you've intentionally cultivated through your
lifetime. We'll go over the finer details of how you
determined your starting Pilot Training Stats on Pg. 17.
Like we discussed on Pg. 3 this will determine how many
Dice go into a Stat Check. Well it's not actually dice, the
7 Sages System just uses Dice as a convenient visual
interface to express a nearly unquantifiable super
position that factors in personal skill and- You know
what? They're pretty much just Dice either way. By
default their Maximum is 9.
In Steel Hearts Black these Stats can be temporarily
boosted past the Max or decreased to 0. If you ever hit
0 in a Stat you'll be out of commission for a while.
Medical info
Oh wow these are a lot of medical forms they want you
to fill out... You know what? I'll just give the two most
important ones later, and if there's anything you think
is relevant you can copy the information here. You'll
definitely want to note if you have any allergies, chronic
health issues, prescriptions and so.
The New Century is also flush with Cybernetics and
Biological Modifications that you can keep track of here.
Just know that if you start replacing most of your body
with fancy weapons you may need to go on immuno
blockers so your body doesn't reject them.
1 Latimer jabir
2 2,350
3 B
4 Fixer
6
7
5 8
9 10
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Gravities have a minimum Mass Level of 1 and if no
3 Gravity longer relevant should simply be removed or replaced.
All matter in the universe has Mass, all Mass creates When making a Stat Check or ATK you or the GM can
Gravity... That sounded a lot deeper than I meant it to. Call on these Gravity to add Skill or Risk Dice to the Roll
Your Pilot will have Gravities based on their various equal to the Gravity's Mass. For instance you might be
defending your Best Friend (and you have a Level 4
hopes and failings. Each of these Gravities can usually
be summed up in just a few words, and this is where Gravity for them) and could thus Call the Gravity for
you track the most important ones. +4 Skill Dice. Conversely if you had a fight with said
friend, the GM might Call the same Gravity to add +4
Gravities each have a "Mass Level" ranging from 1-6 Risk Dice as you struggle against someone dear to.
depending on how important the Gravity is to your Pilot.
As you engage more with these Gravities, like spending The first time a Gravity is Called each Episode mark it
time with your romantic partner, neglecting a broken leg with a Check. This Gravity can still be Called, but it can
or being a DIY expert, you can increase this Mass. This only be Checked once. That's because it's for...
process works in reverse for lowering gravities, when
you do things like going to PT for a wound, growing 7 Pilot EXP track
the manual. Your GM has final say on whether a given At the end of each Episode you can clear all checks
Gravity will go up or down, so be sure to ask! from your Gravities. For each Check cleared, mark down
1 EXP (Short for Experience). This Experience tracks
your Pilot growing and learning life lessons by pursuing
goals or struggling with problems.
400 to GJ
He / they 28 14/08/71 leo Once you've filled up the Track to the maximum of 6
EXP, you can increase any Pilot Stat Training by 1. Just
Outlander be sure to narrate a bit of how you're training and
1.78 m 81 kg Brown Black Scholar what's driving you to train so hard.
8 Items / notes
5 All your junk- I mean property- gets listed here. It’s
5 2 assumed that whatever you can fit in your cockpit
Jolly 4 you’d probably be taking with you. That said you can
also list anything you own that you leave behind,
1 B.F.F.s 4 whether that’s a sports car or an arcade cabinet.
9 Resonance
Proud 2
3 8 Resonance is that special bond that you have with
Create 1 Betyl. You know the green glowing crystals that seems
(New MECs) to love acting weird right when I'm about to be done
Fear of writing a thesis on them? Each Pilot Resonance is a bit
wyrms
2
unique, and we'll go into discerning yours on Pg. 15.
10 kills
- Repair kit
- Tinnitus - Broken leg (fixed)
- Scrapper Exo-Suit
Sometimes Pilots are forced to fight other Pilots.
- Korolev's copy of cutie
- Pollen allergy - Chemical burn (fixed)
- Wire Burns (Fixed)
dungeon crawler deluxe Warlords, fanatics, megalomaniacs. Give people giant
- Broken finger (fixing)
- Korolev's copy of coding for robots and it can bring out the worst in them. When you
dummy's : A Beginner's guide drop an enemy MEC to -5 Integrity you'll "Overkill" and
-Korolev's sauce pan (unclean)
the Pilot inside dies... You track those deaths here.
- Hearing Aid + auto-Translator Aug NOTE : Still Soft banned from MEC
garage (need to fix GJ's crane…) If you don't Overkill then you have the option to either
Kill or Spare the Pilot during the attack. But you'd
always Spare another human. Right?
0 :( 0 :)
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7 8
Pilot Creation
Step 0 - Chance
Before we get started it's important to remember that
Pilots forge their own destiny! While the advice I'm
about to give you assumes that you're randomly
generating a Pilot, there's no harm in letting Pilots pick
from available rolls or even make their own options!
There is one exception though: Resonance should
always be random rolled. This preserves an air of
unpredictability and luck into the mix.
In terms of your Pilot's Name and appearance you can
either fill that in now or wait until you've seen the
results of all your rolls.
When naming your Pilot, pick something you feel evokes
their ethos, or perhaps something their parents wanted
them to be more like. It's pretty common to see people
who are named after historical or mythical figures in the
New Century.
Step 1 - AGE
The first thing you should figure out is your Pilot’s age.
It’s important to confer with the group for this. Maybe
you’re all fresh recruits or old mercenaries. By default,
Steel Hearts usually has a young cast in mind,
characters who haven’t quite figured themselves or the
world out yet. But it works just as well for a team of
jaded adults!
If you’re looking for a random age just roll d3 + 17.
Step 2 - Blood
Murasaki got that sample of your Blood right? So we
can figure out what Blood Type you have? Wait, the
needle was how big?!? Ugh, never mind.
If you can't remember you can always Roll on this chart
to determine your Blood Type and add its associated
Pilot Training Stat Bonus
Make sure to mark down these Bonuses as they'll help
make up your Pilot's Base Training Stats at the end.
Of course Blood Type doesn’t actually affect things like
personality or ability in any meaningful way. Neither
does height, weight or any of that! If you'd prefer you
can just add +2 Pilot Training Stat Points divided or
pooled in whichever Pilot Stats you want. Blood Type
does of course affect who can receive what kind of
blood though, so be careful about that.
Step 3 - Origin
It's important to remember your roots, after all it
defines who you know and what you've learned. Nearly
every place on Earth still has humans in the New
Century, so work with your group to decide where
everyone has come from.
Are you a group of mercenary Outlanders working
together on a mysterious job?
Are you a batch of new recruits taken from a Satellite
City and dragged into a greater global conflict?
Maybe you come from one of the 9 Bastions or
immigrated to on like me.
Determine where you're starting and where everyone's
coming from, or use the Roll Tables on the next few
pages to decide for you.
Remember that your Origin has almost nothing to do
with your ethnicity. Between global climate refugee
displacements from the Old World Climate Crisis to the
whirlwind that was the Awakening, people of all kinds
can be found most anywhere in the world these days.
If none of these origins apply to your Pilot, or you
already know where you come from, feel free to skip
ahead to Page 11.
ROLL BT DETAILS
Eccentric, talented, and a bit two-
faced. AB Types blend the best
1 AB (and worst) of both worlds
between A and B.
[ [ Any One Pilot Stat +2 ] ]
Reliable, organized, and a bit high-
2 A strung. A Types work well with
others and are ideal for getting the
3
job done!
[ [ Insight & Presence +1 ] ]
Passionate, creative, and a bit self-
4 B
obsessed. They can be a source of
innovation, but their loner nature
5
can be difficult to work with.
[ [ Artistry & Mechanics +1 ] ]
Relentless, confident, and a bit
irresponsible. While unstoppable,
6 O their brute force methods can be
unappealing to some.
[ [ Endurance & Accuracy +1 ] ]
> 1 / 2 - Satelliter
The New Century didn't mean the end of all cities. While
epicenters of industry like Neo Edo or the Guatemalan
Metroplex lack the defenses of a Bastion, they're still a
pivotal part of modern life and supply lines.
Whether these "Satellite Cities" are officially part of the
EDA depends on who you ask. They're ostensibly
autonomous, but must adhere to EDA laws and garrison
EDA troops... "in case of Wyrm attack."
While life is good here in the Bastions, people slip
through the cracks a lot easier in those cities.
Peacekeepers out there seem more interested in keeping
Corporations happy and productive than keeping them
in check. I can't tell if the Bastions just don't care or if
they're willfully benefiting from it...
ROLL SatelliteR ORIGINs
[ [ STREET KID ] ]
Born into the samsara of the gig economy, you live
1 on the edge. You take what work you can and
value the friends you can trust.
[[ Skills : Stealth, Driving, Street Knowledge ]]
[ [ MANUFACTURING ] ]
Even with high end robotics, someone needs to fix
2 things. If you're lucky you might've worked on a
MEC assembly line where the big bucks are made.
[[ Skills : Repair, Construction, Computers ]]
[ [ LOCAL SHOP ] ]
Maybe you grew up helping out at the friednly local
3 pharmacy or in the best stir fry booth in the
neighborhood. You know how to ply your trade.
[[ Skills : Cooking, Medicine, Comfort ]]
[ [ ACADEMIC ] ]
Ostensibly your goals are the betterment of
4 humanity. You live off EDA grants to teach, study
and maybe even create something important.
[[ Skills : Teach, Hacking, Research ]]
[ [ CORPO ] ]
Born with a silver spoon in hand, your job
5 be either ignored, 5
prospects probably involve cubicals, office parties
and the chase for an ever sweeter pad.
[[ Skills : Economics, Smooth Talk, Direct ]]
[ [ PEACEKEEPER ] ]
You may not be one yourself, but you come from a
6 family of proud EDA Defenders and Peacekeepers.
You've definitely picked up the basics.
[[ Skills : Legalese, Firearms, Chemistry ]]
PAGE__
> 3 / 4 - Outlander
You didn't think everyone outside the metropole just laid
down and died did you? "Outlander" is the catch-all term
for people who live outside the purview of the EDA. I
used to be one of them myself before immigrating into
Bastion 6... Can't say I don't miss it sometimes.
Around 40% of the recorded human population has
learned to adapt to what the New Century brings, living
side by side with the "Wyrm Menace." Though these
days bigger Wyrm attacks are pretty rare, if
devastating. Usually you have to worry more about the
smaller rascals trying to chew through the wiring.
It's a whole wide world out there, and humanity has a
habit of making it work just about everywhere we go...
ROLL OUTLANDER ORIGINs
Curious what kind of
life you had before? [ [ NOMAD ] ]
Perhaps you helped herd Wyrms or perhaps you
What skills you might
pick up in that time?
1 simply transported goods between settlements. It
feels like you have friends all over.
[[ Skills : Wyrm Taming, Land Vehicles, Camping ]]
Roll d6 to find out!
[ [ FISHER ] ]
You lived on the turbulent waves, always looking
2 out for a great catch, always wary of a bigger fish.
The sea will always be your home.
[[ Skills : Fishing, Swimming, Water Vehicles ]]
[ [ FARMER ] ]
Whether your crops are Wyrmcultured or Terran, in
3 a greenhouse or in a vast field, you know how to
plant and grow food out in the wilderness.
[[ Skills : Cultivation, Botany, Construction ]]
[ [ MINER ] ]
Someone has to dig up all the metals and Betyl
NOTE : Skills are a 4
that have fallen from the Moon, and whether under
the orders of the EDA, a Corpo or a Warlord.
Feature for Steel
Hearts Black. If
[[ Skills : Explosives, Climbing, Heavy Vehicles ]]
you're playing the [ [ SCHOLAR ] ]
base game these can
Not all science is done in the Bastions, and many
even prefer to work in the field without EDA
noted or used as supervision, trading their knowledge for food.
possible Gravities [[ Skills : Chemistry, Meteorology, Anthropology ]]
[ [ WARRIOR ] ]
Mercenaries, escorts, village guards or child
6 soldiers - Outlanders will always need good fighters
to fend off Wyrms or worse...
[[ Skills : Stealth, Diplomacy, Guerrilla Tactics ]]
PAGE__
9 10
> 5 / 6 - Bastioner
Life in the Bastions tends to be pretty comfy compared
to the rest of the world. Not only is it fully secure from
natural disasters and Wyrm attacks, but the EDA takes
incredibly good care of its internal civilian populace.
Limitless access to advanced health care, higher
education, inclusive civil rights and even universal basic
income! In the Bastions no one is homeless and no one
gets left behind. It's a little too good to be true, and in
some ways it absolutely is.
Firstly military service is both expected and mandatory
to fend off the Wyrm Menace. Secondly Bastions are
incredibly hard to immigrate into, and the EDA seems all
too happy to let Outlanders fend for themselves while
still benefiting from the essential work they do. To say
the EDA isn't perfect is an understatement.
Bastion 1 1:1 1:3
Babel 1:2 1:4
A glistening tower of technology and tutelage. The
first Bastion remains the world’s first and only space
elevator, providing vital solar energy and a hope that
we can once again reach out to the stars.
Hymns and prayers of all kinds can be heard across
the city at all hours, as chimes and bells from every
faith decorate the Babel's dizzying heights. Defenders
in Babel focus on escorting pilgrims to the multitude
of nearby religious sites, ever vigilant for marauders
and Wyrms that may try to pray on the faithful.
Bastion Location : Middle East
Bastion 3 2:3 2:5
Avalon 2:4 2:6
The air of the island city of Avalon glitters with the
neon green glow of Nanites which permeate every
part of Avalonian life. The Nanite Hive is managed by
the Foundation of Artificial Enrichment (FAE), who
continue to push the boundaries of nanite and
cybernetic technologies.
Most see Avalon as the EDA's personal think-tank
and the center for its net security. From the
prestigious academies of the Merlin Institute, to the
dubious Engineered Life Visory (ELV), Avalon is the
Bastion to be in for pursuing technological research.
Bastion Location : Northern Europe
> EDA Politics
While each Bastion manages its own domestic affairs a
bit differently, there are quite a few laws that effect
every Bastion. These laws are determined by a majority
vote between representatives from the 9 Bastions...
However in recent years Babel, Kunlun, Avalon and Duat
all unanimously vote together, while Meru often
abstains. Pair this with Qorikancha's recent disaster
and you can see how most votes usually go.
In terms of Bastion to Outlander relations, it tends to
vary from Bastion to Bastion. Some like Kunlun and
Avalon prefer to isolate themselves, others like Duat
and Bastion 6 try working with Outlanders as equals,
supplying what they can on the Outlanders' terms.
Meanwhile Asgard has been aggressively militarizing
and fortifying its local Outlander settlements.
Bastion 2 1:5 2:1
Kunlun 1:6 2:2
The Flying Fortress, the City in the Sky, Kunlun has
a reputation for training the best Wyrm hunters in the
EDA. The interconnected districts of the city float in
unison high above the clouds. Some Kunlunians are go
their whole life without ever touching the ground.
Defenders from Kunlun prioritize honing their skills to
fight flying Wyrms several thousand kilometers off
the ground. Unsurprisingly they also sport an
intimidating air force which can be deployed
anywhere around the world at a moment's notice to
surgically annihilate Wyrm infestations.
Bastion Location : Northern Asia
Bastion 4 3:1 3:3
Duat 3:2 3:4
Buried beneath the sands, the inverted spires of Duat
house the single greatest remaining archive of human
knowledge: The O.R.I. (Origin Records Index) Archive.
Duat's Defenders are tasked with preserving Terran
information and archiving modern histories without
looting artifacts from Outlanders or imposing their
own biases in what gets archived.
While access to the sub-zero server halls of the O.R.I.
is highly regulated, it can be pretty easy to get a
ticket to see the Terran Fauna reserve within the city
limits! Trust me, Pandas are even cuter in person.
Bastion Location : North Africa
Bastion 5 3:5 4:1
Meru 3:6 4:2
The Garden City of Meru uses a mountain as its
shield, and advanced bio mechanics as its spear. Most
of the EDA's medical breakthroughs are made within
the cities numerous labs. Meru also boasts an
impressive (if controversial) Wyrm conservatory.
Defenders know Meru as the home of the EDA's 7
greatest super computers, each networked together
into the 7 Sages System. This system monitors Wyrm
fall, provides live naming and readouts for active
Wyrms and can even partition itself to give Pilots
damage readouts.
Bastion Location : South Asia
Bastion 7 5:1 5:3
Qorikancha 5:2 5:4
Once the Golden City, Qorikancha is the heart of all
EDA finances and was the primary launching station
and control center for the Celestial Stem Satellite
Network (CSSN). Every transaction that uses EDA
credits goes through Qorikancha's systems.
Unfortunately, the Bastion was hit by rogue meteor 2
years ago. From the destruction's epicenter a
mysterious Star Sickness began to spread. Those
who escaped what is now the El Dorado Quarantine
Zone migrated to other Bastions or local Satellite
cities like Neo Paititi.
Bastion Location : South America
Bastion 8 5:5 6:1
Asgard 5:6 6:2
Lodged in the ice of a fierce glacier, Asgard's military
prowess is as renown as its nationalistic zeal. It's
also the EDA's largest source of pure clean parasite
free water. This "liquid platinum" gets shipped across
the world to quench the thirst of Bastions and
Outlanders alike.
While Asgard has kept a tight lip on their Wyrm-proof
mass-water purification systems, its recently faced
pressure to release the tech to the other Bastions.
Needless to say tensions are a little high around
there, and their leader's getting old too...
Bastion Location : North America
PAGE__
Bastion 6 4:3 4:5
##ERROR## 4:4 4:6
In the fracturing of the CSSN that happened just after
the Awakening, Bastion 6's true name and purpose
was lost. Today it sits under a gargantuan scrap
yard, and it's the place our team calls home! Given the
staggering weapons surplus present in the Bastion,
it's clear it was intended as a kind of military stash.
Sixers come from all walks of life, given Bastion 6's
immigration policies are the most lax of any Bastion.
Sappho Chavez, the Bastion's speaker, and her
brother Achilles have begun a multitude of Outlander
outreach initiatives in recent years.
Bastion Location : Central America
> The lost city
While the CSSN is still running smoothly, the EDA has
been looking into expanding its rescue efforts into
Qorikancha. There's just two small catches...
The first and most pressingly is the Tau Virus,
otherwise known as Star Sickness. It's highly
contagious and it's like the stuff permeates the air out
there. Catching it means warts, yellow eyes, coughing
your lungs out and worse. Most people don't survive the
first week of infection even with medical intervention.
The second is that communications into the Quarantine
Zone got... Difficult. Any teams sent in after the first
week's impact would never come back, considered MIA.
Even after 2 years we still don't know a lot about the
Virus or what's going on in that City...
Bastion 9 6:3 6:5
Ryugu-jo 6:4 6:6
Titanic interconnected biodomes litter the ocean floor
to make up Ryugu-jo. The city's zero-tolerance Wyrm
policy and advanced terraforming tech has drawn
scrutiny from local Outlanders who'd prefer to
coexist with Wyrms rather than tirelessly try to wipe
them off the planet. Despite this, its fishing industry
is still booming.
The Bastion's ability to exactly measure weather
changes as well as global atmospheric shifts remains
as important today as it did during the Old World
Climate Crisis.
Bastion Location : Pacific Ocean
PAGE__ PAGE__
11 12
Step 4 - Funds Step 5 - Gravity 1 - Belief 2 - Fear 3 - PRESSURE
ROLL Gravity ROLL Gravity ROLL Gravity
While you may start with quite a lot of funds to build Each of us is pulled to certain causes, vices, challenges
[ [ PACIFIST ] ] [ [ FEAR OF WYRMS ] ] [ [ HORNY ] ]
your Starting MEC, your own personal walking-around and triumphs, we call this pull Gravity. We already
money is a different story. discussed a bit of how Gravity works back on Page 6 1 When is it OK to harm
someone? If ever?
1 What was the encounter that
solidified this fear?
1 How does your thirst manifest?
How do you practice consent?
but here’s a refresher:
While your GM will ultimately decide what's best for the [ [ CORPOCRAT ] ] [ [ FEAR OF WATER ] ] [ [ PROUD ] ]
campaign, we usually recommend the following: Gravities can give you Skill or Risk Dice equal to that
Gravity's Mass in a situation pertaining to that Gravity. 2 Why should corporations be in
control?
2 When did you almost drown?
Who saved you?
2 What's a spotless record you
still keep?
◘ EDA Pilots begin with d6 x 100 Credits You can raise or lower Mass at any time as feels
appropriate to the narrative as long as the GM OKs it. [ [ FAITHFUL ] ] [ [ FEAR OF GERMS ] ] [ [ JUNK FOOD FOODIE ] ]
◘ Other Pilots begin with d6 x 10 Credits
Additionally Bastioners gain a Universal Basic Income Each Pilot starts with 2 Affects as their starting 3 What spiritual or religious
practice do you keep and why?
3 What happens if you get sick?
How do you stay clean?
3 What's your poison? Why is it
terrible for you?
stipend of 750 Credits a month as well as access to free Gravities (Rolled on Page 13). Your Affect represents
how you default to interacting with others and your [ [ TRANSHUMANIST ] ] [ [ FEAR OF LOSS ] ] [ [ SHORT FUSE ] ]
(if somewhat sparse) living accommodations.
world. If you’re familiar with the Alignment system in
Realms & Reliquaries, this is a bit like that!
4 What does the next step of
human evolution look like?
4 What did you lose? How far will
you go to prevent another loss?
4 What sets you off? How do you
calm down?
> CSSN ID Affect Gravities start at 4 Mass. Give yourself the [ [ ANARCHIST ] ] [ [ FEAR OF PEOPLE ] ] [ [ BLUNT ] ]
Every Credit is anonymously tracked via the Celestial associated Pilot Stat Boosts or +4 Pilot Stat Points
divided or pooled in whichever Pilot Stats you want.
5 Why do relations need to be
built on trust instead of states?
5 Why do you avoid crowds? How
do you manage in them?
5 Why do you waste no time
sugar coating your words?
Stem Satellite Network, an Olympian Initiative network
left behind after the Awakening. The digital currency [ [ ENVIRONMENTALIST ] ] [ [ FEAR OF COMMITMENT ] ] [ [ SPEED DEMON ] ]
Next choose 4 more Gravities to start between 1-3, or
has become standard considering the evaporation of Old
World banks and governments, as well as the ease of
Random Roll some on the next Page as d3 Mass. 6 Why does nature need
protecting? Which Parts?
6 Who abandoned you in the
past? Did they come back?
6 Why do you never want to slow
down?
setting up a unique CSSN ID that ties to your Wallet.
Outlanders provide dummy CSSN IDs for a fee, and some ROLL Part time job 4 - passion 5 - connection 6 - drive
prefer to avoid the system altogether for fear of EDA ROLL Gravity ROLL Gravity ROLL Gravity
You work at a local Ice Cream Shop scooping
oversight. In truth, the system is relatively autonomous cups of frosty Wyrm milk for ravenous
and the EDA has yet to crack its encryption.
1 patrons. It's not much, but it's honest work.
[ [ Pays 60 Credits Per Day ] ] 1
[ [ WYRMS ] ]
What excites you about these 1
[ [ OLDER SIBLING ] ]
What about them do you admire 1
[ [ BUILD A BUSINESS ] ]
What does your business sell?
varied creatures? the most? Why charge for it?
> Taking debts
You clean up and watch over the Local Park. [ [ TV SHOW ] ] [ [ YOUNGER SIBLING ] ] [ [ BE A HERO ] ]
Looking to start with more Credits? Just need 1000
It's usually pretty uneventful, peaceful even, 2 What show inspires you to be 2 Why do they need protection? 2 Why do you feel the need to be
more to get the part of your dream? You could always
take out a debt to one of the world's various 2 and lets you interact with nature for a bit.
[ [ Pays 60 C Per Day ] ]
your best you? Will you step up to the plate? the one to save the day?
Corporations, or even shadier private investors. Just be [ [ BUILDER ] ] [ [ PARENT / GUARDIAN ] ] [ [ EXPLORE ] ]
careful because interest rates can be as bad as an extra
100 Credits of debt per day. Even in the age of the Net, people still need to
3 What kinds of things do you
build in your spare time?
3 What expectation do they hold
over you? If any?
3 What parts of the world are you
most excited to see?
mail packages and important documents. For
Some Outlanders end up needing to take out debts to
3 that they turn to a Courier like you. [ [ MUSIC ] ] [ [ LOVER ] ] [ [ CREATE ] ]
survive, and GMs are welcome to start their Pilots in the
red. The ever looming debt hanging over their heads...
[ [ Pays 70 C Per Day ] ] 4 What's your favorite genre? Can
you dance to it too?
4 What are they like? How long
have you been together?
4 What's the masterpiece you
keep chipping away at?
One of the bumping Bars is always in need of [ [ ARTIST ] ] [ [ RIVAL ] ] [ [ CHANGE ] ]
> Part time jobs bar backs, bar tenders and even live
Looking for some extra Credits (C)? Pilots can 4 performers. Think you're up to it? 5 What's your favorite thing to
draw? Why?
5 What are they legitimately
better at than you?
5 What change would you like to
see on a global scale?
[ [ Pays 80 C Per Day ] ]
optionally start with a Part Time Job! Just remember
[ [ SPORT ] ] [ [ BEST FRIEND FOREVER ] ] [ [ MASTER ] ]
that Part Time Jobs require you give at least half of
your day to working it. There's plenty of teaching opportunities and
grants available at the local Universities! Heck
6 What sport are you still training
for? Do you want to go pro?
6 Are they a person or pet? How
do they help in your MEC?
6 What skill do you want to hone?
Why the need for such skill?
To spice things up consider rolling highs or lows for the
following prompts:
5 they even pay the janitors well there.
[ [ Pays 90 C Per Day ] ] > The more things change the more they stay the same
◘ The job is : [HIGH : Low Effort ] / [LOW : Intensive] Remember your Gravities are by no means Similarly you might find you have a Gravity Otherwise there's no formal procedure for
If you think this job involves standing guard immutable, and in many cases should change that simply isn't coming up for your Pilot. Talk changing Gravities. If a Connection is being
◘ The crowd is : [HIGH : Friendly] / [LOW : Rowdy] think again. Working at the EDA Garrison
◘ Your tools are : [HIGH : Adequate] / [LOW : Busted] 6 mostly involves shleping munitions and Parts.
[ [ Pays 100 C Per Day ] ]
over time. Perhaps you play as a cutthroat
Corpocrat who slowly learns the value of
collective care, and your associated Gravity
with your GM and group about what a good
replacement might be!
neglected or a belief has been steadfastly
followed, your GM should be attentive to
reducing or increasing those Gravities
In Steel Hearts Black you can reduce a Gravity
◘ You boss is : [HIGH : Amicable] / [LOW : Annoying] should change to reflect that growth. by one Level to reduce your Burn by one Level. accordingly.
PAGE__ PAGE__
13 > > > Pilot affects Table ROLL 2d6 Twice for Pilot Affects 14

1 2 3 4 5 6
1-1 : THE GRIM 2-1 : THE PUPPET 3-1 : THE SPARK 4-1 : THE WILD 5-1 : THE PRO 6-1 : THE CALCULATED
Death and misery follow you. You’ve been Oh pitiable pawn. With so little there there You bring out the best in others. You inspire Once you get going you can’t be stopped! No nonsense, no drama. You always get the As exact as you are skeptical. You never let
through hell and are getting numb to the pain. it’s a wonder you have a will of your own. teamwork with your energy and hope! You live for the thrill and love a challenge. job done expertly and stay in your lane. your guard down and always have a plan.

1 What still makes you cry? Why do you like having your strings pulled? What will you have to do alone? What always gets your blood pumping? What would you abandon the mission for? How and when do you unwind? 1
EX: Daryl Lorenz, Marida Cruz, Tsubasa Kazanari EX: Rei Ayanami, Heero Yuy, Go EX: Gai Daigoji, Guy Shishiou, Kamina EX: Io Fleming, Mari Illustrious, Haruko Haruhara EX: Dingo Egret, Argo Gulski, Emma Sheen EX: Hayato Jin, Hathaway Noa

< +2 END > < +1 ACU : +1 END > < +1 ART : +1 END > < +1 PRE : +1 END > < +1 INS : +1 END > < +1 MEC : +1 END >

1-2 : THE SWEAT 2-2 : THE SERENE 3-2 : THE COOK 4-2 : THE MASK 5-2 : THE DISCIPLE 6-2 : THE TEACHER
Athletic and health conscious. You’re trying Combat, life, love, death. You stay calm, play There’s nothing a hot meal and an honest You hide your true self behind a mask and You’re a knowledgeable member of a larger You care deeply about the next generation
to be the best you that you can be! your part and bear witness to it all. talk can’t fix. You build bridges with food. struggle to trust anything, even your gut. organization, religion or ideology. and want to pass on what you know.

2 What are you trying to prove to yourself? What can get under your skin? Who is not welcome at your table? What are you afraid to face in the mirror? What doubts do you harbor? What lesson do you refuse to learn? 2
EX: Noriko Takaya, Chibodee Crocket EX: Kazumi Amano, Sylia Stingray EX: Akito Tenkawa, Sai Saici EX: Quattro Bajeena, Trowa Barton, Schwarz Bruder EX: Viral, Tsukumo Shiratori, Nicholas D. Wolfwood EX: Yoko Littner, Solid Snake, Anastasia Palma

< +1 END : +1 ACU > < +2 ACU > < +1 ART : +1 ACU > < +1 PRE : +1 ACU > < +1 INS : +1 ACU > < +1 MEC : +1 ACU >

1-2 : THE NAIVE 2-3 : THE PUNK 3-3 : THE IDOL 4-3 : THE ROMANTIC 5-3 : THE SCHOLAR 6-3 : THE VISIONARY
Fresh faced and excited to see all the world Forward, honest, living your truth to the Your talent is unmistakable! You are Sappy or horny, you follow your heart and Learned and erudite, you’ve become a You could solve all the world’s problems, if
has to offer! Even if it’s not what you expect... max. Dumb rules are meant to be broken. instantly beloved by many you meet. yearn for companionship. collector of knowledge and wisdom. only people saw it as you do.

3 What’s a falsehood you pretend to still believe? What’s a personal rule you always follow? Who is the only audience you need? Why is your love (seemingly) doomed to fail? What questions should go unanswered? What aren’t you willing to sacrifice for that? 3
EX: Elpeo Ple, Quess Paraya EX: Ryoma Nagare, Judau Ashta, Lio Fotia EX: Yurika Misumaru, Priscilla Asagari, Lynn Minmay EX: Mashmyre Cello, George de Sand, Maximilian Jenius EX: Quatre Raberba Winner, Claris Snowflake EX: Captain Harlock, Treize Khushrenada, Nagare Akatsuki

< +1 END : +1 ART > < +1 ACU : +1 ART > < +2 ART > < +1 PRE : +1 ART > < +1 INS : +1 ART > < +1 MEC : +1 ART >

1-4 : THE WINNER 2-4 : THE COWARD 3-4 : THE HEART 4-4 : THE SENSITIVE 5-4 : THE FATED 6-4 : THE PURIST
Confident and brash. You’re the best and You never asked for this. The world, these You believe in the good in everyone. You’ll Your heart is as fragile as it is empathetic. You feel something has chosen you to put You have a strict ideological code. Anyone
you’ll make sure everyone knows it. responsibilities, none of this is your problem. fight for everyone to be happy and get along. It doesn’t take much to upset you. all aside for a great and terrible purpose. not following it are enemies or obstacles.

4 What loss are you running from? Why do you keep crawling back to the fight? What is unforgivable? Where do you find gentleness? What personal want can you not let go of? What self-contradiction do you choose to ignore? 4
EX: Asuka Langley, Spike Spiegel, Chris Yukine EX: Amuro Ray EX: Loran Cehack, Hibiki Tachibana, Simon, Vash EX: Kamille Bidan, Leo Stenbuck, Shinji Ikari EX: Kaworu Nagisa, Metphies, Optimus Prime EX: Sochie Heim, Chang Wufei, Rossiu

< +1 END : +1 PRE > < +1 ACU : +1 PRE > < +1 ART : +1 PRE > < +2 PRE > < +1 INS : +1 PRE > < +1 MEC : +1 PRE >

1-5 : THE WANDERER 2-5 : THE OPPURTUNIST 3-5 : THE CON 4-5 : THE ORDER 5-5 : THE SEEKER 6-5 : THE TINKERER
An unbothered nomad. An open road with no Selfish and cunning. You’ll make sure You’re always chasing the next paycheck. Organizer, diplomat, confidant. You stay Seeker of truth and a place where you feel You break tech down to build it back better.
destination is where you feel at peace. you’re on the winning side. Everyone else is just a tool for that. focused as others look to you for direction. you truly belong... A control freak with freakish talent.

5 Why can you never return home? What can earn your true loyalty? What do you want that money can’t buy? Why do you feel unfit to lead? What truth do you refuse to accept? Why do you need to do everything yourself? 5
EX: Van of the Dawn, Corin Nander EX: Kai Shiden, Starscream, Reccoa Londe EX: Faye Valentine, Carmen 99 EX: Bright Noa, Kihel Heim, Hamon Karn EX: Sakura Amamiya, Wendy Garret, Kei Kuruma EX: Radical Ed, Amaterasu, Frontier Setter, Otacon

< +1 END : +1 INS > < +1 ACU : +1 INS > < +1 ART : +1 INS > < +1 PRE : +1 INS > < +2 INS > < +1 MEC : +1 INS >

1-6 : THE DRIVEN 2-6 : THE ENTHUSIAST 3-6 : THE JOLLY 4-6 : THE HEALER 5-6 : THE WIRED 6-6 : THE FIXER
Fiery, furious and determined. You’re Your hobby is your life! Maybe it’s wyrms or A big smile and a bigger laugh. You just Kind and gentle. You seek to guide the lost Your soul belongs among the whirring of You want to be helpful and hands-on. You
convinced that nothing is impossible. anime, etc. You can’t take your mind off it! want to have fun and get others to relax. and help the ailing hearts and bodies heal. technology or in the endless sea of the net. won’t stop until you’ve done all you can.

6 What are you ignoring in the present? What takes priority over your passion? What aspiration have you secretly given up? What pain is necessary in life? What can't be replaced with technology? What can never be fixed once broken?
6
EX: Domon Kasshu, Haruo Sakaki, Char Aznable EX: Allenby Beardsly, Hikaru Amano, Akane Shinjo EX: Musashi Tomoe, Duo Maxwell, Hatsuho Shinonome EX: Sayla Mass, Dianna Soreil, Galo Thymos EX: Ruri Hoshino, Soundwave, Angela Balzac, Lain EX: Jet Black, Bernard Wiseman, Rain Mikamura

< +1 END : +1 MEC > < +1 ACU : +1 MEC > < +1 ART : +1 MEC > < +1 PRE : +1 MEC > < +1 INS : +1 MEC > < +2 MEC >
PAGE__
15
Step 6 - Resonance
Resonance is the phenomenon that allows Pilots to
awaken the mysterious energies of Betyl. We're still not
sure what causes Resonance nor what determines who
becomes a Resonant. What we do know is that most
Resonants can only Resonate with a single piece of
Betyl, one which Murasaki would say "recognizes them."
When Betyl starts Resonating it generates intense heat
whose thermal energy we can convert to power your
MEC! Just be sure not to touch it while it's hot... Each
Resonance is a little unique, and some folks (who we call
Mavericks) can even Resonate to any Betyl they touch!
NON-Pilots
START HERE
If you're an EDA Pilot you probably learned about your
Resonance through intensive screenings as a kid
(known as the SCRY Exams). Outlanders usually happen
upon their Betyl by chance or even as an inherited
family heirloom. Though any evidence that Resonance
can be passed on genetically was debunked years ago.
◘ If you're a Pilot determine what kind of Resonance
you have by Rolling a d6. This Process is the only
part of Character Creation which must be random.
◘ Non-Pilots are welcome to test their luck with their
own d6 Rolls as well!
Pilots
START HERE
Step 7 - Bond
Your Bond with your Betyl is a unique and special thing!
Each Pilot can only be Bonded to one piece of Betyl at
a time, allowing you to further awaken its potential!
Most Pilots will Start with 2 Bond. Your Bond can be
increased by spending Bond EXP
While Resonating you can spend 1 Usable Bond to either:
◘ Add 3 Skill Dice to any Roll at the Table.
◘ Generate d6+3 SYN that you can distribute wherever
you'd like - Including to yourself!
Each Pilot can only spend 1 Usable Bond per Action.
Your Usable Bond doesn't refresh back up to your Bond
until the start of a new Episode so spend it wisely!
PAGE__
16
Your Bond can be increased by 1 by spending 4 Bond
EXP up to a Maximum of 6 Bond (8 for Aces). How do
you get Bond EXP? This is up to your GM, but generally:
◘ Surviving and excelling in Combat Encounters.
◘ Risking your life to protect your Betyl.
◘ Invoking or expressing intense emotions while
you're resonating with your Betyl.
◘ Meditating with your Betyl during down time.
You heard someone say that Betyl likes music? That
sounds like an urban legend if I've ever heard one. But
maybe there's something about the sonic frequencies...
Maybe you should try playing music in your cockpit
while you're fighting. Who knows? Maybe you and your
rock have the same taste!

ROLL NO RANK LOW RANK
Your Betyl can fit into a
[ [ +1 END ] ]
piece of jewelry. While its
1 You don’t seem to
have a connection
glow is warm, it doesn’t
seem to be enough to
to any Betyl. power anything.
Your Betyl is the perfect
[ [ +1 ACU ] ] size to power a unique
Betyl-Key. It can be used
2 You don’t seem to
have a connection
as a skeleton key, or to
create a unique lock that
to any Betyl. only you or a Maverick
could open.
Your Betyl is shaped like
[ [ +1 ART ] ] a figure eight. It slides on
your fingers effortlessly.
3 You don’t seem to
have a connection Good for recharging a
to any Betyl. gun or delivering a nasty
super-heated punch.
Your Betyl may be thin,
[ [ +1 INS ] ] but it’s sharp enough to
cut through steel. Its
4 You don’t seem to
have a connection unbreakable edge could
to any Betyl. make a deadly knife or
arrowhead.
You’re connected to not
[ [ +1 MEC ] ]
one but two perfectly
spherical pieces of Betyl,
5 You don’t seem to
have a connection the size of Baoding balls.
to any Betyl. Great for powering PSCs
or smaller laser weapons.
[ [ LOW RANK ] ] [ [ HIGH RANK ] ]
You can awaken a You can awaken a larger
6 small piece of Betyl. piece of Betyl.
Roll on the Low Roll on the High Rank
Rank table. table.
High RANK ROLL
At about the size of a
phone, your Betyl is has
the ideal form to power
all sizes of personal laser
weapons. Running out of
1 and visions. It seems Betyl is not the only thing
ammo is something other
people can worry about.
Your Betyl is no bigger
than a text-book, but it
can fully power most
heavy armaments and is 2 hard as you did requires closing yourself off from
especially well suited for
personal Exo-Chassis.
Your Betyl fits snugly
into a backpack and can
be easily loaded into an
ATT or motorcycle. Better
install boosters on those
3 Its warm glow awakens something fierce and
so you can milk all that
endless power.
At a meter tall, your
Betyl is unwieldy. But it
is great to supply a car,
van or truck with steady 4 You can Resonate with it from afar and even give
power. Never pay for a
recharge again!
Your Betyl is the size of
a chair and weighs a
hefty 30 kg. The military
likely wants you to help
power tanks, excavators,
5 your allies’ neurons. What strange powers might
D.W.R.V.s and other
heavy equipment.
[ [ MASTER RANK ] ]
You can awaken a MEC-
capable piece of Betyl. 6 you. It’s a rare gift that makes you an especially
Roll on the Master Rank
table Pilot.
Master RANK
[ [ INSOMNIAC ] ]
You’re kept awake at night by strange dreams
you’re connected to…
[[ GM Handles the Remainder - See Pg. 50 ]]
[ [ TERRAN ] ]
You’ve always had to rely on your own strength
more than your connection to Betyl. Training as
distractions after all.
[[ +2 Training Points at Pilot Creation ]]
[ [ ACE ] ]
You and your Betyl were meant to fight together.
glorious in you when you’re on the field.
[[ +2 Bond // +2 Max Bond ]]
[ [ LINKED ] ]
You share a personal connection with your Betyl.
your MEC commands through feeling alone.
[[ Start each combat with +3 SYN ]]
[ [ NEURO-SENSITIVE ] ]
Your sense are most attuned than most. You can
feel every pulse of your Betyl, and every crack of
you be able to unlock?
[[ Pilot can converse in emotions telepathically ]]
[ [ MAVERICK ] ]
Maverick is the official designation for anyone who
can resonate with any piece of Betyl. People like
valuable asset in any team.
[[ Resonate to any Betyl you touch ]]
> Mec capable betyl
It takes a lot of power to keep those hulking steel titans
going, so you it follows that you need a piece of Betyl
with a lot of surface area to power it. Most MEC-
Capable pieces of Betyl are between 1-2 Meters tall and
wide, and often weigh around 60 kg. Due to its rarity,
it's a precious commodity among various Factions.
You might want to consider grabbing any you find, since
each piece easily fetches at least a few thousand
Credits. Sure it takes up a whole Cargo Slot, but at least
you don't have to worry about dropping it, because
Betyl is unbreakable!
> Sourcing betyl
It wasn't until the New Century that deposits of Betyl
were found on Earth, often in the ashes of Lunar debris.
Some interpid miners even find intact Annunaki ruins
that fell from the moon! Debris Mining for Betyl and
relics has become a lucrative business for Outlanders...
Or more likely the corporations that exploit their labors.
Bastions are still able to source plenty of Betyl from
what caches the Olympian Initiative left behind. But that
supply isn't limited and each Resonance is unique, so be
sure to take good care of yours!
> G Rank resonance
Most Bastions and Satelite Cities use a Betyl-based
power grid to keep things running. At the beating heart
of these grids are Cradles, massive power stations that
house Betyl deposits well over 15 meters in size. These
deposits are either manned by Mavericks or those who
have what is known as G Rank Resonance. Just imagine
if you could strap all that power to the back of a MEC...
> Other resonance
Not all Betyl glows Green! The EDA has conducted
multiple tests with certain plant life that can grow on
top of Betyl, which makes it glow a resplendent white.
Also uh... Don't ask what they're planning to do with
those plants. Not even I have clearance on that.
Outlanders have their own rumors about Betyl too.
Growing up I'd hear stories about how you can tell when
a Pilot's a killer if their Betyl glows Red. I even heard
one where a Pilot madly fighting for her love had her
Betyl turn Pink... But I've yet to see any studies on that.
What I have seen is the deep Purple glow of a piece of
Betyl that has managed to Resonate with a Wyrm. The
EDA Officials will deny it up and down, but if you're
going to be out in the field you might as well know it can
happen. Not that there's much they can do with it, but
those creatures seem to have a kind of attraction to the
glow. I bet there's even some dragon of a Wyrm
hoarding the stuff!
Oh an before you ask, yes Terran animals can Resonate
too. Sparky was the first recorded dog to have
Resonance, and he was a cute little pug to boot! Their
Resonance is Green, just like ours. You guess is as good
as mine as to what it all means...
# where
##>
where have
have i
i seen
seen this
this before
before
where have i seen this before
a glowing green energy at the heart of a steel frame
crystals from outer space with limitless power
have I seen this before? maybe . . . in a dream?
GMs can learn about the true Nature of Betyl when
TRUTH Releases
PAGE__
17
Step 8 - Pilot training Stats
Pilot Training Stats determine how many dice you’ll roll
to overcome challenges that giant heavily-armed robots
can’t solve (Which as it happens, is a lot of them).
These Stats aren’t a measure of any kind of physical
attributes, rather they’re measure how much your Pilot
has cultivated the ability to do things in certain ways
(hence Trainings). High Pilot Stats is a signify passion
and practice rather than some innate biological trait.
You may notice there’s a lot of overlap in these Stats
and that’s intentional! You could climb vines with either
Endurance or Accuracy or even justify Presence if
you’re climbing very slowly and carefully. Maybe
convincing someone to fix your MEC is a matter of
having enough Insight to earn their trust or talking
enough Mechanics that they see you as someone who is
good to have handy.
endurance
Endurance can mean more than raw weight-
END
lifting potential. It can mean having gone
through physical therapy, environmental
resistance or even an insanely strong gut.
EX : Busting Down a Door – Resisting Toxins – Pushing
Through the Cold – Punching Something
artistry
Aristry helps you create expressive works
ART
of art and woo people with silver tongued
words. It doesn’t always have to be
someone who’s social, just talented.
EX : Playing an Instrument – Cooking a Meal – Bartering –
Map Making – Calming a Wyrm – Crafting a Speech
insight
Insight refers to your accumulated
INS
knowledge on a variety of subjects. It can
be used for studying other languages,
referring to the sciences or programming.
EX : Writing Code – Knowing History – Deciphering Runes
– Studying Biology – Science!
Remember, even if you’re low in a certain stat you can
always roleplay and call on your backgrounds and
Gravities to give you the extra dice you need! If that
fails, rely on your friends to help support you where
you’re weak and vice versa. Lastly, remember that
neither Artistry nor Presence checks are required if you
can roleplay a discussion effectively, nor is an Insight
Check needed to see if your Pilot can solve a mystery
that you already pieced together. Those Stats are there
to assist Pilots, not limit them.
It’s up to Pilots to decide which Stats they justify for
which situation and how they leverage their strengths!
Pilots start with by rolling 6 d3+1 and assigning each
result to a different Pilot Stats. Don't forget to add on
your bonuses from Affect, Blood Type and Resonance!
accuracy
Accuracy enables nimble navigation, quiet
AcU
stealth, and precise procedures. Where
Endurance takes a head-on approach,
Accuracy favors exact and quick solutions.
EX : Aiming a Gun – Moving Silently – Scaling a Wall –
Crawling Through Air Ducts – Pickpocketing
presence
Presence is your cultivated awareness of
PRE
your surroundings, self, and others. It can
help you detect lies, notice peculiarities, and
calm yourself down in stressful situations.
EX : Searching for Clues – Eavesdropping – Neuro-
Sensitive Powers – Detecting Motives – Staying Calm
mechanics
MEC
Mechanics deals with the hands-on sciences
of the world. Anything that requires special
tools and getting your hands dirty probably
falls under Mechanics.
EX : Fixing a MEC – Performing Surgery – Picking a Lock –
Building a Vehicle – Mending a Wyrm
Step 9 - Medicals
You're almost done making your Pilot! In fact if you
want to jump right into the action you already have
everything you need!
However, if you want to be a registered EDA Defender
you still have a bit more paperwork to fill out. By law
Defenders need to fill out EDA Pilot Medical Intake Form
and the attached Psyche evaluation. This will help you
confirm the finer details of your Pilot before you head
out on deployments!
And that about covers everything for filling out your
Pilot Sheet!
Well I'm working on scanning your intake forms, let's
just go over a few important things to know about
taking care of yourself as a Pilot:
Increasing Stats
As explained on Pg. 6, you can increase your Pilot Stats
by Checking your Gravities each Session for XP. Once
you cash in this XP try to describe a bit how your Pilot
has been training to increase their desired Stat.
In a long term campaign, each Pilot can choose a single
Pilot Training Stat that they can eventually Level Up to
10. This Training Stat should highlight the skill set that
the Pilot finds most important to their goals.
In Steel Hearts Black you can also increase your Stats
via Cyber Mods and Bio Mods. GMs may also grant
temporary bonuses or penalties for things like injuries,
drug use and the occasional extraterrestrial symbiote.
> Optional : Point buy
For Pilots who want fine tuned control over their
Trainings, you can opt for a Point-Buy System. This is
preferable for shorter campaigns where you want Pilots
to be able to max out their Trainings earlier.
Each Pilot starts with 15 Pilot Training Stat Points that
they can put wherever they please. The only limit is that
no Training can begin at a 7 or above.
Be sure to add bonuses from Blood Type and Affect!
PAGE__
18
Pilot GEN steps
Herer's all the Steps for generating a Pilot in case you
need the recap:
◘ [STEP 1 - AGE ] : Decide Pilot Age - If you're
playing a young EDA Conscript Roll d3 + 17.
◘ [STEP 2 - BLOOD TYPE ] : Roll d6 to determine
Blood Type (Pg. 7) OR pick one and gain 2 Pilot
Training Stat Points wherever you'd like.
◘ [STEP 3 - ORIGIN ] : Roll (Pg. 8-10) or decide where
your Pilot comes from and why they're here now.
Are you a Bastioner? Outlander? Mercenary?
Corpo? Farmer? Consider also when and how they
discovered their Resonance and what that did.
◘ [STEP 4 - FUNDS ] : EDA Pilots start with [d6x100]
Credits. Everyone else gets [d6x10] Credits.
◘ [STEP 5 - GRAVITIES ] : Roll (Pg.13-14) or decide
2 Affects that each start at 4 Mass. Then Roll or
decide another 4 Gravities each with 1-3 or d3
Mass. Make sure you add the total of +4 Pilot
Training Stat Points from your 2 Affects.
◘ [STEP 6 - RESONANCE ] : Your Resonance MUST
be Randomly Rolled on Pg. 15. Gain the associated
bonus and be sure to mark it down.
◘ [STEP 7 - BOND ] : Each Pilot starts with a base of
2 Bond (4 for Aces). This determines your Usable
Bond for each Episode.
◘ [STEP 8 - PILOT TRAINING STATS ] : Roll 6 d3+1
and assign each result to a different Pilot Training Stat.
And that's all it takes to make a Pilot! Here, take these
papers over to Korolev and they'll show you the ropes
of building your own MEC. If you're already feeling like
a seasoned pro, here's all you need to know about MEC
Generation:
MEC GEN Funds
EDA Defenders will be given a custom fitted MEC with
the following:
◘ [3 PARTS] : You can decide which 3 from the 10
Starter MEC Classes available!
◘ [150,000 C IN UPGRADES] : See the back of your
MEC Sheet? You get 150,000 Credits whenever you
buy a new Frame to customize it how you'd like.
And that's really all there is to it! Of course building a
MEC is a delicate thing, so you'll need the confidence
of an expert. And I know no expert more confident
than my buddy...
PAGE__
19
MOBILE ENGAGEMENT CHASSIS
STEEL HEARTS
General
Steel Hearts uses a lot of abbreviations
to keep the reading as fast as your
blazing fast MEC! Some common ones:
[ DMG ] = Damage
[ SYN ] = Synergy
[ ATK ] = Attack
[ SD ] = Skill Dice
[ RD ] = Risk Dice
[ #d6 ] = Roll a Number (#)
of Six Sided Dice
Stats also have there own
unique abbreviations! You'll
see these often in Stat
Checks and Stratagems:
PAGE__
20
MEC building
Oh! Hi there… Uh… Sorry about all the papers everywhere.
You don’t have to worry about those. Actually, definitely
don’t look at those! You probably don’t have clearance
for… any of them.
What’s that? I’m in charge of teaching you MEC Basics??
But Latimer said he would do that! Ugh, I hope this isn’t
another one of his schemes to get me to be “more social”…
Anyways, my name is Korolev. I’m the Lead Experimental
Technologies Researcher here at Bastion 6. As a new Pilot,
you’re going to be in charge of your own MEC, yeah?
Thankfully I know a thing or two about proper MEC
maintenance and structure. I’ll step you through all the
basics! As for combat tactics… We’ll cover that later.
For right now let’s get you through the essentials of
Name: KOROLEV HIRSCHFELD
MEC construction, parts and similar terms…
PN: They/Them - BT: O
With
saki Mui
Mura At an imposing 15 meters tall, the Mobile
Engagement Chassis (or MEC) is the pinnacle
In an emergency, where your Betyl is lost or
your Resonance is somehow blocked, MECs
of Terran weapon design... For better or worse. are still equipped with a system of man
They’ve put us on equal footing with the portable Betyl Batteries that will grant you a
titanic Wyrms that dominate the planet and full hour of operation.
Elements ushered in a terrifying new era of Terran
The next key element are the Commands
warfare. Please make sure you’re never
you’ll give the MEC using a Neurological
Certain ATKs will do Elemental DMG! fighting a MEC on foot... most of their
Emissions Translator or NET link. Think of it
It's important to know what letters weapons will incinerate you in an instant...
like a kind of Virtual Reality set-up that allows
stand for what so you'll know when When seated in your MEC’s cockpit you’ll be the MEC to directly interface with you. You
your Elemental Detonation happens: surrounded by a glimmering panorama of don't need a fancy surgery for it or anything,
[ (B) DMG ] = Blaze Type DMG buttons, dials, levers and monitor screens. it just sits right on your spine while you're
[ (C) DMG ] = Cryo Type DMG Behind you will be a window to your lifeline: wearing a REZ (Resonant Engagement Zipper)
[ (S) DMG ] = Shock Type DMG Your Betyl. Its green glow will be the first Suit. Most pilots use a combination of this and
[ (A) DMG ] = Acid Type DMG thing to illuminate your cockpit before a the traditional tactile controls available in your
[ (H) DMG ] = Honed Type DMG chorus of HUDs and camera displays light up cockpit for maximum combat efficiency.
[ (M) DMG ] = Mass Type DMG the darkness.
It is this relationship between Betyl’s power
Your MEC will always need two essential and humanity’s skill that we call Bond. But
[END] = Endurance [TOR] = Torque
things to transform it into mankind’s greatest I’m getting ahead of myself, aren’t I?
[ACU] = Accuracy [DUR] = Durability weapon: Power and Commands. For power, we
You’re probably wondering what all these
[ART] = Artistry [FIN] = Finesse rely on the immense thermal energy generated
crazy displays and terms actually mean. So,
[PRE] = Presence [MOB] = Mobility by Betyl when it’s Resonating. This is why we
let’s start by breaking down the MEC
[INS] = Insight [ATU] = Attunement need Pilots like you, who can bring out Betyl’s
[MEC] = Mechanics [COM] = Computing Diagnostics Sheet piece by piece.
latent potential.
PAGE__
21
2
1 3
3 of the sheet to see what abilities you lose and what
5 Part Break twice in the same encounter, you don't
4 suffer the complication again! You do however still tally
6 and as a result can only fit in that slot. After all it's
7
MEC ID / tag
1 to dodge or simply withstand injury. When taking
Every MEC is given a unique 6 digit serial number known
as the MEC Unit ID. This is primarily for EDA
registration and tracking purposes. A MEC’s Tag is
what you usually refer to it as, like a nickname!
2 MEC status
Your MEC’s Status displays all the most critical
information for keeping your MEC intact as well as
track the various damages and resistances it has.
Here’s a breakdown of what each Status means:
◘ [SHIELDS] : Shields represent the variety of blast
resisting and concussion disbursing technology
we’ve developed. This counts up to your [SHIELD
MAX] as you burn Synergy or use Stratagems that
generate Shields. When taking DMG, you have the
option to absorb a portion into your Shields, whereby
it’ll count back down. Since there's no way to repair
Integrity you can think of this like a Temporary
Health Pool! Be aware Direct DMG bypasses Shields.
8 become unsalvageable and completely shut down,
◘ [SOAK] : Soak is a culmination of your MEC’s ability
DMG, your Soak reduces it by a fixed amount before
it hits your Shields. Like Shields, Direct DMG
bypasses it. Soak can even be temporarily reduced!
◘ [ARMOR] : Armor measures the total amount of
damage your MEC can take before it starts breaking.
This Stat only goes up or down when you upgrade
your Armor and defines your maximum Integrity.
◘ [INTEGRITY] : Integrity tracks the total DMG your
MEC has taken that wasn't negated. Your Integrity
starts equal to your Armor and is reduced by 1 for
every DMG it takes. Integrity can't drop into the
negatives so the first time you hit Zero from an ATK
the rest of the DMG is ignored. After that any
additional DMG, even just 1, will instead cause a Part
Break. Repairing Integrity is as time consuming as it
is expensive, so try to keep your MEC in one piece?
◘ [SPEED] : Speed measures the maximum number of
Spaces a MEC can travel when taking a Shift Action
on the Battle Grid. This also applies to moving up or
down one Space when Swimming or Flying.
Breaks
When your MEC is at 0 Integrity it's considered to be in
Critical Condition. Just a single DMG more will cause a
random Part Break. The Part Broken is determined by a
d6 Roll and then consulting your Parts on the right side
complications instantly occur.
The good news is that if you end up Rolling the same
another Part Break. At 3 Part Breaks the MEC will
trapping you inside. Remember you can only suffer a
Maximum of 1 Part Break per Action.
While all Part Breaks on this shutdown track clear after
a Repair, the Parts themselves will remain broken and
inoperable. If you're lucky you can sell them for half
their original cost, but otherwise they need to be replaced.
4 BOND
Latimer already explained to you the basics of Bond on
Pg. 16? Well then you already know what you're
tracking here. Just a reminder that you can only ever
use 1 Bond per Action at the table, and that's any
Action at the Table, even Allied or Enemy Actions.
5 Mec stats
Much like Pilot Stats, MEC Stats determine the number
of Dice you’ll Roll during Stat Checks and when dealing
DMG. Your MEC’s Base Stats are determined by its
Steel Heart Frame (more on that later).
Some Parts add additional Dice which are then tallied
into Part section of your MEC’s Stats. There's no
maximum to how high these bonuses can stack, but no
MEC Stat can ever surpass 9 in total.
6 auxiliary
Here you can track everything that's in your MEC's
storage, including the Betyl in its chamber. Just keep in
mind that you can only hold 30 MEC Scrap in that slot.
MECs start with 4 Cargo Slots, but Pilots can purchase
more Slots for 5,000c each. The default maximum
number of Cargo Slots is 7. When unused, Cargo Slots
can store nearly anything that would reasonably fit
within a 5x5 square meter area. Just be sure to fasten
it down tightly before you start moving your MEC...
PAGE__
22
7 Notes / perks
This section helps you track and display any MEC Perks
you've gotten from upgrading your Steel Heart Frame on
the back of the Diagnostic Sheet. You can also make
notes about your MEC’s appearance or quirks. We'll
discuss Perks and Frame Upgrades later on Pg. 25.
8 MEC Parts
Each MEC is built up of 6 distinct Parts that can be
swapped in and out thanks to the adaptability of the
Steel Heart Frame. Lets break down the commonalities:
◘ [TYPE / NAME] : Each MEC Part has a specific Type
not like we can slot a new Helmet module into your
MEC's legs. The exception to this are the two Arm
slots, as any Arm Part can be slotted into either
(some even require both!)
◘ [ATTRIBUTES] : The middle of these boxes is
dedicated to tracking what the Part does for your
MEC and knowing what you’ll lose access to if the
Part Breaks.
◘ [BREAK] : Here you can mark if a Part is Broken.
When it Breaks, the associated complication
immediately takes effect. This can be especially
deadly if you're already under an [Effect] and then
have to switch to [Burning].
◘ [MODIFICATIONS] : Whether it’s changing a Part’s
Element or extending its range, some GMs provide the
opportunity to Modify Parts, this is where you can
mark if your Part is modded.
Also note that specific rules on a MEC Part overrule
anything you'll read in this guide. The tech wouldn't
really be groundbreaking otherwise would it?
X Synergy tracker
Not pictured here is the Synergy Tracker you'll be
setting up in front of your Diagnostics Sheet. True to its
name it'll help you keep track of your constantly
fluctuating Synergy and Actions. It's also helpful to keep
track of your Allies' Synergy so you can get a quick
read of who's in what shape.
We'll cover the finer details of Synergy and Actions on
Pg. 29 and 28 respectively. But first let's break down
MEC Stats and Parts a bit further...
PAGE__
23
Mec stats and parts
Like Pilots, MECs have 6 Stats that help represent their
proficiencies. Unlike Pilot Stats, these are more cold and
mathematical measures of a MEC’s actual internal
build. Rolling a MEC Stat Check works exactly the same
as a Pilot Stat Check. It can be affected by Gravities
and is still subject to additional Skill or Risk dice.
Torque
Torque displays a MEC’s raw kinetic
TOR
potential. Whether that’s lifting trains,
crushing rocks or tearing open doors,
Torque is as versatile as it is ubiquitous.
EX : Carrying A Wyrm – Breaking a Vehicle – Throwing a
MEC – "Opening" Doors – Punching Something
Finesse
Finesse displays a MEC’s flair for fine
FIN
motor tasks and precise movements. High
Finesse MECs have all the accuracy of a
human with all the strength of a MEC.
EX : Making an Exact Shot – Moving Undetected – Using
Precision Motor Skills – Keeping Balance
Attunement
Attunement displays a MEC’s potential for
ATU
harnessing the immense energy and nearly
magical potential of Betyl... Of course, Betyl
isn’t actually magical... Probably.
EX : Bending Energy – Expressing Body Language –
Synthesizing Agents – Resisting Strange Happenings
MECs are just as defined by their Parts as they are by
their Pilots. It’s no coincidence that the MEC resembles
a human being. They’re paradoxically the ultimate
weapon of cruelty and a sublime extension of the self
and one’s personality. Your MEC’s color, form and
flavor are all yours to play with. MEC Parts simply track
Stats and abilities.
MECs’ Parts come in Model Series or "Classes," which
you might think of like Classes from other RPGs. Each
Series has 6 Parts, each with unique abilities and
bonuses, all built to synergize out of the box!
Your base Stats are determined by your Steel Heart
Frame (which we’ll discuss later) and can be increased
through Frame Upgrades and by MEC Parts. Each Stat
is networked to synergize together through an
interdependent system of... Are you paying attention?
Here let me make this simpler for you:
Durability
Durability displays a MEC’s ability to take a
DUR
variety of damages as well as survive harsh
climates and otherwise fatal conditions. It
also defines how good your A/C is.
EX : Moving through Lava – Surviving an Explosion –
Entering the Atmosphere – Resisting Water Pressure
Mobility
MOB
Mobility displays a MEC’s speed and
nimbleness and reflects a machine that is as
fast as it is huge. If you’re looking be a blur
on the battlefield, mobility is for you.
EX : Moving Quickly – Climbing Trees – Navigating
Crumbling Ruins – Turning on a Dime
Computing
COM
Computing displays a MEC’s processing
potential and how well it manages various
automated hacking and calculation protocols.
High Computing MECs might even have a VI!
EX : Hacking a MEC – Predicting the Weather – Scanning
Samples – Controlling Drones
You're not locked into using these Parts together
though! Each Part can operate independently and can be
mixed and matched with whatever Parts you'd like, as
long as you have the Part's Type Slot open. When
mixing parts, you can forge your own unique play style
and express yourself with the kind of MEC that
expresses you best.
Generally each MEC starts out with 3 Parts from the
MEC Shop. Normally you'll be limited to the Starter 9
Classes or Training (Squire) Parts, but your GM might
make exceptions to this.
Reading Parts
Don't give me that glazed look, this readout isn't
that complicated once you break it down. What's
a Stratagem? Oh right you haven't been through
combat training yet. Stratagems are like Abilities,
if that comparison helps? There's more to them
than that but I'm sure Ajax can explain the rest.
Look some of this might go over your head, but TOR/DUR
it's important you know how to read these Parts
so here's the core basics:
1 A Part’s Type and Name. Remember you can only
put Parts in Type Slots that your MEC has open!
2 A Part’s Cost (in Credits) and the Stats, Elements
or Team Role that the Part most focuses on. You can
use these Focus tips to find the perfect Parts to round
out your build.
3 The Attributes of a Part. These Attributes get
broken down into the following categories:
◘ [STAT BOOST]s raise a Stat by a set amount.
◘ [PASSIVE]s are bonuses that are applied at all times.
◘ [ACTION]s are new alternative Actions you can take.
While new [Free Action]s can be taken at any time.
◘ [BASIC ATK]s grant the use of the listed Basic ATK.
◘ [STRATAGEM]s grant the use of Stratagems, which
are detailed on the page opposite of a Class’ Parts.
◘ [ONCE PER ALLIED PHASE] Actions can be used as
a Free Action once on each Allied Phase. You can also
expend an Action or Flash Action to use them as you
would a normal Action.
◘ [REQUIREMENT]s detail any restrictions a Part might
have. For instance some Arm Parts require both Arm
slots to hold, and thus their abilities are spread
between 2 slots (Marked as 1/2 and 2/2). If one of
the Arm Parts Breaks, the whole Part is broken and
must be replaced or fixed.
4 Finally each Part has a unique description, giving
further background on the Part, its history and its
particular functions.
Fabled parts
Some MEC parts are the one-of-a-kind stuff of legends.
These Fabled Parts can't be bought in the Mechanics
Shop and must be organically found. MECs can only
equip a Single Fabled Part, so make it count if you
decide to pick one up... And please try not to break it. I
wouldn't even know how to fix those things.
PAGE__
24
OPTION
1
M.E.C. Hammer
[BASIC ATK] : TOR/DUR + (B) OR (S)
COST OR (H) DMG : Range 3
3
15,000c [STRATAGEM] : Righteous Slam
2_
FOCUS _
Resembling the classical chain mace from the
Old World’s medieval period, the highly
DMG
experimental MEC Hammer delivers a powerful
blow to those unlucky enough to be on its
receiving end.
4
basic ATKs
Basic ATKs are a MEC's bread-and-butter Action when
you're trying to deal DMG. When you make a Basic ATK
you'll be Rolling Skill Dice and converting each Hit into
1 DMG. As a bonus you'll also generate 2 SYN for
yourself beyond the normal combat SYN.
Basic ATKs will first list the Stat(s) you can Roll,
followed by the DMG Type(s) you can choose from. The
final string expresses the ATK's Range and if it hits
multiple Units. We'll go over Ranges on Pg 32.
For example, the above MEC Hammer's has a Basic ATK
lets you roll either Roll using TOR(que) or DUR(ability)
to deal DMG. These Stats are not combined, but you can
pick whichever you'd prefer right before the ATK.
The ATK's DMG type can either be imbued with heated
(B)urning or a crackling (S)hock. When a DMG Element
is listed you must pick one or use the Element provided.
Lastly the Range is 3, meaning that it hits a single
Target that must be within 3 Spaces of your MEC.
Here's an example of what it looks like with a MEC that
has 6 Durability:
DUR 6
RANGE SIDE RANGE 2 RANGE 3
ROLL 6 DUR : 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 6
DMG TOTAL : 0 + 0 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 5
Mechanics Shop
You can find all kinds of more detailed information and
tips on building a MEC within the separate Mechanics
Shop. This Shop is a Pilot's best friend, both for its
utility and its advice! Be on the look out for ways to
expand the MEC Classes available to you...
PAGE__
25
1 4
2 5
4 when applicable. Some Perks, like Grunt Frame (which
6 5
3 fit. So try not to worry too hard when you’re making
Mec frames
Behind all the fancy parts and armor, in the bones of
each customizable MEC is the greatest post-Olympian
advancement that makes it all possible: The Steel Heart
MEC Frame. It’s a dynamic and versatile skeleton,
whose upgrades will carry through whatever drastic
iterations of weapons and technologies your MEC goes
through. You have a variety of options, but also plenty
of reminder text to help you along the way. Here’s the
how it all works:
1 Basic info
Much like the front of your MEC sheet, this is where you
keep you list your MEC’s Unit ID and Tag. You'll also
notice there's a place to track the outrageous cost of
your personal titan of destruction. Hopefully knowing
how much you’ve invested will keep you from getting
these machines completely trashed...
By default a new fresh MEC Frame costs 150,000 C
which is already about the cost of a house these days.
7 8
2 Upgrade nodes
Each MEC Stat will have a column of Upgrade Nodes
that can be purchased in any order, provided you can
afford it. By purchasing these Nodes, the Base of that
Stat goes up by 1. You should also note that every Stat
begins with a Base of 1 before you've bought any Nodes.
You can mark a Node as active with a check or bubble
in their Node Box.
By default MEC Frames can only handle a total of 18
Nodes active at once. When you buy a Node you may
want to cross out a Node elsewhere on the table to keep
in mind what options you're closing. Nodes aren't
permanent though. As long as you’re in a garage you
can uninstall Nodes and refund half their cost.
3 Bond
We've already talked quite a bit about Bond, especially
on Pg. 16. It's the special Bond you share with your
Betyl remember? This is where you track your current
Bond as well as any Bond XP you've accrued.
Mec perks
Here you’ll track your MEC’s Total Number of Upgrades
and if you have a Free Respec available. This Respec
allows you to completely refund all purchased Nodes and
reinvest them into your MEC’s MEC Perks are unique
Upgrades that automatically unlock when all attached
Upgrade Nodes are purchased.
These Perks add additional functionality and complexity
to your MEC, making every MEC unique. Whenever you
unlock a Perk it’s best to circle it and check of its
bonus in on the front of your MEC's Diagnostic Sheet
boosts your Armor) won't appear on the front of your
Diagnostics sheet and that's because you track them
when calculating more static Stats like Base Armor.
Each Perk is pretty self explanatory! We'll be making an
Appendix soon for more detailed explanantions.
Respecs
Here you’ll track your MEC’s Total Number of Upgrades
and if you have a Free Respec available. This Respec
allows you to completely refund all purchased Nodes, then
reinvest the funds into your MEC’s Frame as you see
your first MEC. You’ll always get a second chance!
6 Armor sum
Your Armor Sum helps you calculate your MEC’s total
Armor. Every MEC starts with a beefy base of 12
Armor, you'll then add to that any Part Bonuses (from
Parts you have increase Armor), relevant Perk Bonuses
and any Armor Reinforcements you buy below.
While the science of trying to Reinforce Armor is easy,
it certainly isn't cheap. Each Reinforcement you buy
increases your Armor by +1. Buying Reinforcements
doesn't count towards your Active Nodes total.
7 Speed sum
Much like Armor Sum, Speed Sum calculates your MEC's
Total Speed. The main difference is that you'll also add
a point of Speed for every point of Base Mobility you
have. While Parts can boost your Speed directly, when
a Part boosts your Mobility by 1 this does not also
boost your Speed by 1.
Like Armor Reinforcements, Speed Enhancements can
be bought to give your MEC a little extra juice when you
decide to take a shift action.
PAGE__
26
8 Mec repairs
Since there's no way to Repair Integrity in combat, you'll
need to rely on Garages or your own wits to keep your
MEC in good shape.
Garages is any safe and relatively secure space with a
full suite of MEC repair tools, cranes and hopefully a
staff that knows what they're doing. You can spend
10,000 C at a Garage to Repair all Integrity and clear all
Part Breaks tallied. Just remember that the actual
Broken Parts are still permanently busted and should
probably just be sold for the extra Credits.
If you're in a pinch or feeling hands-on you can attempt
a Field Repair to Repair the MEC yourself. For this you'll
need at least 8 hours of 1 MEC Scrap per Integrity you
Repair. Once you have everything ready Roll a
Mechanics Check, where each hit spends 1 Scrap and
Repairs the MEC 1 Integrity. You can also use the
Assist Rules on Pg. 4 to have other Pilots help.
There is a bit of a catch though. If you Roll 3 or more
1s you'll cause a Random Repair Error that will require
another Field Repair to fix. Generally you don't roll to
see what the Repair Error is until the beginning of your
next Combat. But you definitely know something's off...
ROLL Repair error
As a Free Action, the MEC will randomly Basic
1 ATK at GM’s discretion once per Turn Cycle.
Roll a d6 for a random Part. That Part will be
2 now inoperable and its bonuses nullified.
At the start of the each Combat the [Burning]
3 Status is immediately Applied to the MEC.
The Repair wholly fails, still costing 8 hours
4 and all that precious MEC Scrap.
At the start of the each Combat your Synergy
5
is considered to be at -5.
Your MEC Cockpit keeps opening. While the
6 MEC is in Combat, the Cockpit will not close.
Starting stats
As I'd mentioned earlier a fresh MEC Frame costs
150,000 C. That's because each MEC Starts with
150,000 C worth of Upgrades that you can purchase. On
top of this Starting MECs should have at least 3 Parts.
You'll find and fund the other 3 the more you explore the
world and go on missions. I can give you more advice
for building a MEC over in the Mechanics Shop.
But before we do that, don't you need to go see the drill
instructor Ajax for combat training? Don't worry, he's
a nice guy even if he's a bit... Well...
PAGE__
27
Mec Combat
So you’re the new hot-shot I keep hearing so much about.
Name’s Ajax Wallenrod, but you can call me… any time. If
you don’t want to get got, you’ll listen to my advice
very carefully and maybe we can prevent one more
battlefield casualty.
I don’t know what you’ve heard about being a MEC Pilot,
but it’s all at once the most grueling burden you’ll have
to bear and the most thrilling role of your life.
For Pilots like us, the battlefield is the only place we
can truly come alive and break free from the Gravities
that weigh down our souls.
So, let’s make sure you understand some of the more
complicated parts. This way you won’t get your skull
melted while expressing your complex ideologies mid-
Name: AJAX WALLENROD
combat, am I right?
PN: He/Him - BT: AB
Pilot Ground combat
Before we get to talking about those beautiful big Accuracy usually lends itself to shooting, Endurance to
stompy machines, I should give you the 101 about being fist fights and so on. The flow of combat will simply be
a vulnerable Pilot in what we call Ground Combat. taken in rounds, though your GM may try to muddy this
water a bit. Just keep your cool, play to your best Stats
The best advice that I can give you when it comes to and above all, please don’t do anything stupid. The
Ground Combat is this: Don’t. world's got enough dead heroes these days.
Your MEC? It’s elegant, cold, calculated, designed for Remember, you don’t have hit points, so any hit could
battle. Your body? Get grazed by a stray bullet and it be the end for you.
might just beef it from the shock. Ground Combat is
always a bad idea. But, according to EDA regulations,
I’ve got to teach you this stuff anyways. LOOKING FOR MORE GROUND COMBAT RULES?
I'm currently working on an expanded ruleset called
Steel Hearts Black, which focuses on the lives of
In the event that you’re having a shoot-out with some those who can't rely on titanic killing machines.
furious fanatics, running from a Wyrm on foot or having It's very much a WIP but will be fully backwards
compatible to let Pilots get into more complex, if
an impromptu fencing match with your arch-rival, your still highly deadly, gunfights outside of their MECs.
Combat will be resolved purely with Pilot Skill Checks.
REM time and combat flow
Once you hop into the cockpit of your MEC to fight, Bowel complications aside, in this state, your perception
that's when the juices really start flowing! When of time is so dilated that you’ll feel as though combat
Resonating with Betyl you’ll enter what we call Rapid is happening as a series of turns or Actions, allowing
Eye Movement Time or REM Time. Korolev tried to you to Act in perfect harmony with your Allies. Thus,
explain the science of it to me once, something about Combat is divided into two Phases, the Allied Phase and
Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency (CFFF) skyrocketing. Enemy Phase, which combined form a full Turn Cycle.
What matters is that it feels like time slows down. The During the Allied Phase you and your Allies are free to
first time it hits you is a real thrill! If potentially nausea take Actions in whatever order you please. The Enemy
inducing... Try your best not to vomit in the cockpit your Phase functions similarly, only for the Enemy. Give me
first time. a second to break out the chalk board...
Action economy
When combat begins the GM will decide which Phase
(Allied or Enemy) is first. Good news is that generally,
unless the Enemy ambushed you or has a special skill,
Pilots (Allied Phase) will usually be first!
During the Allied Phase you'll be given a certain number
of collective Actions before things shift over to the
Enemy Phase. These Allied Actions can be taken in
whatever order you want, but can never exceed the
Player Action Allowance (PAA) for the Allied Phase. For
what it's worth, Interventions, Free Actions and Flash
Actions don't count towards this total. We'll get to
those later.
Because it's not always possible or practical for every
Pilot to take Actions during every Allied Phase it's
important to communicate and strategize with your
Allies about who should Act when.
By default, each Pilot has a pool of 2 Action Points to
spend. Regardless of Turn Phase, you can only
regenerate these 2 Actions Points once all Allies have
used all of their Actions Points. This means that if
decide to Spend 2 Actions this Allied Phase, you won't
be able to take standard Actions on the next Allied
Phase unless all of your Allies have expended both of
their Actions and everyone's Action pool refreshes. This
way everyone gets a chance to act, even against a fast
opponent that comes with a low PAA.
Don't worry though, you won't be sitting on your hands
if you're out of Actions. In many ways every MEC is
always active and moving during combat thanks to
Synergy, which we'll get to on Pg. 29.
Taking dmg
During the Enemy Phase all Enemies will activate,
usually getting between 2-3 Actions each. When they
decide to ATK you it'll either be a Charge or Clash.
Charges will give you extra time to burn SYN to Boost
away, while Clashes lock you in as the Target before
happening at instant speed. (See Pg. 30 for more)
When an ATK connects you'll likely take DMG. This DMG
is first Negated flatly by your Soak Next. Next you can
spend up to your current Shields to Negate more DMG.
Shields take DMG at a 1-to-1 ratio. The remainder
reduces your Integrity 1-to-1.
There are a few exceptions to this to look out for. Direct
DMG can't be Negated by any means and goes directly
to your Integrity. Meanwhile if you're [Corroding], you'll
lose access to Negating DMG with Shields and Soak.
There's also ways to fight back on the Enemy phase...
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28
basic mec actions
Basic MEC Actions are the Actions that every MEC
has access to and can spend Action Points on!
◘ [BASIC ATK] : Seems like Korolev already broke
down the basics of these on Pg. 24. As a refresher
these ATKs are listed on you parts and scale off
Stats. When you perform a Basic ATK you'll also
generate +2 SYN to yourself.
◘ [STRATAGEM] : You can always spend an Action
to let loose a powerful Stratagem! We'll go into
detail about how these work on Pg. 31.
◘ [SHIFT] : It's not always the most efficient way of
getting around compared to spending SYN on a
Boost, but a Shift Action is still plenty helpful. When
you Shift you can Move Spaces up to your MEC's
Speed. This also applies to moving up or down one
Space when Swimming or Flying.
◘ [USE PART ACTION] : Some Parts have unique
Actions listed on them. You can spend an Action
Point to execute these like any other Action.
◘ [EJECT] : If it looks like your MEC is about to get
totaled and you don't want to get trapped inside, it's
a good idea to use an Action on the built in Ejection
feature. Your Cockpit, along with the attached
Betyl, will be dislodged and shot d6 Spaces away
from your current location. This Ejection Pod fits
into an Ally's Cargo Slot so you can get home.
◘ [SELF-DESTRUCT] : Taking the nuclear option huh?
This will send an energy overload through the
system, granting you +10 SYN. At the end of the
Allied Phase your MEC will detonate dealing 30
Direct DMG (DMG that ignores all negation) to all
Units beside it. Make sure you're not inside when
that happens unless you want to be deep fried.
◘ [IMPROVISE] : Why not spend an Action to get
creative? Make a FIN Check to knock down some
Stalactites or an ART Check to draw the attention
of an enemy with some fierce words. Your weapons
may be broken, but there's nothing stopping you
from making a DUR check to slam your MEC
against the opponent for DMG equal to your Hits.
Overkill
When Rolling you always have the option to Hold Back
thereby Rolling less Dice. This can be helpful when you
want to spare an Enemy Unit, as putting an Enemy into
-5 Integrity will always "Overkill" an Enemy, robbing
you of the option to Spare them. If you do kill an Enemy
Pilot be sure to mark it down in your Pilot Sheet.
PAGE__
29
Free actions
At any time during any Phase you also have access to
a number of Free Actions that can help turn the tide of
battle in a flash:
◘ [COMMUNICATE] : One of the benefits of REM Time
is that talking between Allies and Enemies is lightning
fast, leaving plenty of time to talk down or even
antagonize your opponents.
◘ [PICK UP / DROP] : Compared to unloading salvos of
missiles or conducting bolts of lightning, picking up
dropped items or passing something to an Ally is a
lightning-fast maneuver.
◘ [ACTIVATE INTERVENTION] : Some Stratagems'
bottom Abilities are called Interventions, meaning
they can be activated at instant speed as a Free
Action. This, however, can only be done once per Turn
Cycle by default. You could also spend a normal
Action to activate an Intervention, just know it's not
usually worth it. Also keep in mind some
Interventions have conditionals to activate them.
◘ [RECHARGE] At the start of a deployment all of your
Stratagems will come charged. Go as ham as you'd
like to start. Just know that you'll need to Recharge
Stratagems with SYN. Luckily this is a Free Action
(provided you have the SYN). You can even Recharge
the instant before you need a Stratagem most!
◘ [OVERHEAT] If you're running low on SYN you can
push those systems to their limits and take 1 Direct
DMG directly to your Integrity in exchange for giving
1 SYN to yourself! Overheating is a key component
to survival, so don't be afraid to overclock those
MECs now and then.
◘ [BURN SYNERGY] This is the good stuff. At any
time, especially during the Enemy Phase, you can
Burn SYN to maximize your combat potential. You
can refer to the list on the right to see how you can
zip around the battle field or pile on DMG without
taking extra Actions. Speaking of Synergy...
Synergy Generation and dumps
Synergy represents the energy overflow caused by your
Betyl’s Resonance and its harmony with your allies’ Betyl.
You'll generate SYN in Combat Rolls (ATKs, Interventions,
Improvised Actions) for each Even ( 2 4 6 ) that you
Roll. Once you know how much SYN a Roll has generated
the passes left. Each Ally passed will take 1 SYN, looping
as needed. You are not part of this rotation, as SYN
generated in this way is for your allies only! If you're
running low on SYN consider Overheating or Parts that
allow you to generate SYN for yourself.
Synergy burns
◘ [BURN 1 - BOOST] : Hear the hiss of your engines?
The squeal of your thrusters begging to let loose?
Burn just 1 SYN and you can Boost 1 Space in any
direction. Yes, this includes boosting into the air. It
does not however ignore Difficult Terrain. If a Space
takes 2 Space of movement to get through? You'll
need to Boost twice. Oh and if you're thinking of
Boosting away from enemies when they move
towards you, that's a great idea! Just keep in mind
that if a Clash Action has been announced you can't
Boost if you're the Target. More on that on Pg. 30.
◘ [BURN 2 - OVERSHIELD] : Betyl's good for more
than just charging weapons. Swap that juice into
your disruptors and you're looking at Burning 2 SYN
to buy 1 Shield. Shields are a great way to keep
your MEC Standing, especially if you've got a Part
Break on the line and need to make sure not a single
DMG slips through.
◘ [BURN 2 - AMPLIFY] : Looking to boost the number
of Dice you're Rolling? Give your Lightning Kick
that extra punch? During Combat you can Burn 2
SYN to give a Roll +1 Skill Dice. Your systems
aren't invincible, so you can only do this a Maximum
of 4 times per Roll.
◘ [BURN 4 - REMOVE EFFECT] : Status Effects, oh
Status Effects, what would the field of combat be
without them? We'll talk more about Status Effects
on Pg. 33. but know your best bet for pulling them
off is Burning 4 SYN to remove them. You could
also Remove an Effect by expending an entire
Action, but this is sub-optimal to say the least.
◘ [BURN 12 - FLASH ACTION] : Want to take Act on
the enemy turn? Add just one more ATK to your
combo? If you've got 12 SYN (the default max) of
to Burn, why not spend it on taking an instant
speed Flash Action? It won't eat an Action Point,
nor count towards the PAA. That said, you're
limited to One Flash Action per Turn Cycle.
By default, you start Combat with 0 SYN and your max
is 12. Any overflow SYN you get after 12 disappears.
Or you can decide to use an immediate Synergy Burn
just before you receive this SYN. Instant Speed
remember? Also know that SYN can't be used for out-of-
combat Stat Rolls.
After combat you can perform a Synergy Dump. This
drops your SYN and Shields back to 0 but in turn
Recharges all of your (non-Exhaust) Stratagems. Synergy
Dumps are automatic at the end of a Deployment.
OVERHEAT / RECHARGE
SHIELDS / REMOVE EFFECT
Pilots can spend SYN to Overshield at
ANY time - Including right before DMG.
INTERVENTION / COUNTER
Interventions, Flash Actions and Enemy
Counters CAN stack on to one another.
ENEMY CLASH
Targets of a Clash Action can’t Boost
away, but allies can Boost in to assist!
BOOST / SHIFT ACTION
Boosting is an invaluable tool for avoiding
Enemy Charge Actions.
STANDARD ACTIONS
ENEMY CHARGE
Enemy Charge Actions give extra time
and info for Pilots to avoid them. Pilots
should be given the general range and
visual description of a Charge.
AMPLIFY / BOND
Pilots MUST announce their Amplify and
Bond usage BEFORE a Roll.
ROLL + DEAL DAMAGE
DISTRIBUTE SYNERGY
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30
Stack Order
Given the many ways Pilots can break traditional
Turn Order, it’s helpful to know what a Player
can do when. Enter Stack Order! Stack Order is
the order in which Actions can and do Stack on
one another, growing higher and higher and then
resolving from top to bottom. The list on the left
outlines the basics of Stack Order priority, with
Overheats and Recharges always taking highest
priority and the distribution of Synergy always
being last. Let’s use an example:
Dante and Virgil’s MEC, the Loose Cannon, is
under attack from Carmilla’s Nosferatu. Her first
attack is a Charged Action “Infectious Claw.”
It’s a long wound up swipe, trailing a swarm of
corrosive nanites. The brothers expend 1 SYN to
Boost out of the way and Carmilla’s Action is
wasted on a swipe that misses.
Next Carmilla will use a Clash Action “Wraith
Dash” which allows her to run up and swipe the
Loose Cannon. I inform the brothers that the
incoming attack rolls a whopping 10 dice. GMs
aren’t required to reveal this, but it can help
Players make more informed decisions.
Unable to Boost away, the brothers decide to
instantly Overheat to gain the 1 SYN they needed
to Recharge their Intervention “All or Nothing.”
They then activate the Intervention which deals
DMG before the Clash Action can resolve.
However this Intervention triggers Carmilla’s
Counter “Shadow Slide” allowing her to negate 4
dice of DMG.
Carmilla rolls first and Shadow Slide negates 3
DMG. The Brothers only roll 8 DMG (then
distribute SYN) which reduces down to 5. This is
not enough to destroy Carmilla’s MEC, thus
Wraith Dash’s DMG still gets rolled. If the
brothers had SYN for Shields they could still
choose to up their Shields at this final moment to
negate some of the incoming DMG.
PAGE__
31
Example stratagem card breakdown
1 Each Stratagem contains two Abilities; A Primary
(Top) Ability and a Secondary (Bottom) Ability. You can
think of these two Abilities as though they were sharing
the same card that expend uses together. With the
exception of Chances, these Abilities are otherwise
separate and do no interact nor trigger simultaneously.
2 Stratagems' separate Abilities have separate
names! These names communicate the default flavor of
the Ability, but you're welcome to reflavor things!
3 7
An Ability’s Roll tells you which Stat(s) you can
choose between to Roll with when determining the
Ability’s result. You don't combine the listed Stats, it
just give you options. If you see "ANY" that means you
can pick between any of the 6 MEC Stats. N/A means
that no Roll is necessary for the Ability's Steps.
4 An Ability’s Range determines what Unit(s) can be
Targeted by the Ability. Some Abilities can only be
Targeted at yourself, others allow the option between
yourself OR a Unit in an adjacent space (Self/Side).
Abilities only hit a single Target unless otherwise
stated. Range “Any” hits a single Target within clear
line-of-sight on the field. You can refer to the Common
Ranges Glossary on Pg. 32 for more. Keep in mind that
if an Area of Effect (AoE) range includes your Ally they
will get hit by your Ability! If it includes yourself you
may choose whether or not the Ability effects you.
5 Each Ability can have an Element that it
automatically imbues its Roll with. If an Ability’s
Element matches the Status Effect on the Target (refer
to the Elemental Glossary on Pg. 33) it causes an
Elemental Detonation granting the Roll an additional 2
Dice! An N/A (Not Applicable) means it has no Element
and can't cause an Elemental Detonation.
6 Once you've Rolled (if you Roll), an Abilities' results
are broken down into different Steps which will be
resolved chronologically from top to bottom. See the
chart on the right for more info
7 Target Spaces to be adjacent to you.
Each Stratagem’s Secondary (Bottom) Ability is
defined by being in one of three categories that listed
here. Refer to Pg. 32 for specifics. Keep in mind
Secondary (Bottom) Abilities can and will often have
different Ranges, Elements and even Rolls.
8 Each Stratagem comes fully charged with its
maximum number of Uses, listed after “Uses”. If you
need to Recharge a Use you’ll need to Burn SYN equal
to the “Recharge 1 Use” cost for that Stratagem.
EXHAUST (EXH) Stratagems will only Recharge after
the end of an Episode. Use them wisely. Whether you
choose to use the Top or Bottom Ability (or both in the
case of Chances) it will expend 1 Use of the Stratagem.
1 2
Shield bash
3 ROLL TOR/DUR RANGE Side
[EACH HIT] = 1 DMG
6 hits and your wyrm cracking cuts!
< Apply [Dazed] >
[PER 2 DICE] = +1 Shields
5 PIERCE to Self
element _
! INTERVENTION !
Timed deflection
ROLL TOR/DUR RANGE Self/Side
{ IF: You or an Ally Will take DMG }
< Incoming ATK now Targets you >
[EACH HIT] = Negate 1 DMG
N/A [EACH TRIPLE] = +2 Direct
element DMG to Attacker
8
RECHARGE 1 USE 6 USES 2
> Ability step types
◘ [EACH/PER # HIT(S)] - For each Hit read on the Skill
Dice Rolled or for every # of Hits Rolled (rounding
down). Hits don’t necessarily mean DMG, refer to the
Ability’s formula for what they do!
◘ [FIRST DOUBLE / TRIPLE / QUAD] - The first time
the listed set (Doubles mean 2-of-a-kind, Triples mean
3-of-a-kind, Quads mean 4-of-a-kind, etc) appears in
your Roll, apply the listed bonus.
◘ [EACH DOUBLE / TRIPLE / QUAD] - Each time the
listed set appears in your Roll keep applying the listed
bonus. Triples stack as Doubles, and Quadruples
stack as Triples and Doubles. For instance; Five 1s
rolled could mean two Doubles, a Triple and a Quad.
◘ [PER # DICE] - For every interval of the listed
amount of Dice in your Roll you can add the listed
bonus. This includes bonus Dice you've added from
Bond, Amplifications and Gravities!
◘ < Apply [Effect] > applies the listed Status Effect on
a Target. This Effect is almost always applied AFTER
the Roll is made and should be the final step. Refer to
Pg. 33 for more about Status Effects.
◘ { IF : } conditionals are usually at the top of an Ability
and mean that a specific conditional must be met
before the Ability can be used. If the conditional is in
the middle of the Ability, then only what is below the
{ IF : } is conditional.
Stratagems
Stratagems represent the apex of your MEC’s weapon
capabilities. They’re versatile, powerful and, in my
4 exper opinion, pretty damn cool. These are your heavy
ordinances, your missile volleys, your earth shacking
Each Stratagem can be thought of like a Card with two
Abilities, the Primary Ability (which is the name the
Stratagem will be referred to on a Part that grants it)
and a Secondary Ability. These Secondary Abilities can
simply be an alternate Ability (Alternate), an instant
speed alternate Abilities (Intervention) or an Ability that
triggers in unison with the Primary Ability when certain
conditions are met (Chance).
Once a Stratagem’s Primary or Secondary Ability has
been used, you’ll need to Recharge it with Synergy
before you can use it again. You can refer to the
opposite page for all the minutia there.
> The combat grid
Before we get into Ranges, it's important to note that
your MEC will simplify your local topography into a
Square Combat Grid that you'll be fighting on, where
each Square is a Space. Spaces don't convert to Meters
1-to-1 or anything, it's more a digitized abstraction.
You may be wondering how diagonals factor into this,
and the answer is that they don't! Moving or aiming
orthogonally is the same as doing it diagonally.
Common ranges you may encounter
◘ [ SELF ] : You'd never guess who this Range Targets.
That's right, it can only Target you! Abilities like this
usually give Shields, SYN or remove [Effects].
◘ [ SIDE ] : Side range can Target any 1 Unit beside
(adjacent) to you. Line-Of-Sight is still a must, it's not
like Side Range can pass through solid walls.
◘ [ SELF / SIDE ] : This Range gives you the option
between Targeting yourself or a Unit in Side Range.
Must pick one or the other, not both.
◘ [ SIDE : # ] : This will Target all Units within #
consecutive contiguous spaces beside you. This
includes diagonal corners.
◘ [ ALL-SIDE ] : Pretty self explanatory that this
Targets all Units beside you. This'd probably be a
good time to remind you that these ranges don't
distinguish between friend and foe. So be careful
about harming your allies or healing your enemies.
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32
alternate
Alternates are the simplest of the three Secondary
Ability types. True to their name, they're just an
alternate Ability that can be used instead of the
card’s Primary Ability. So when you spend an Action
to use the Stratagem, just pick if you want to use the
Top Ability or the Bottom Ability. It'll burn 1 Use of
the Stratagem either way.
Intervention
An Intervention is like an Alternate Ability that can
be used at any time during any Phase as a Free
Instant Action without using an Action Point or
contributing to the PAA. You can only use it like this
once per Turn Cycle and it still depletes 1 Use. You
alternatively spend a normal Action to use the Ability
like an Alternate as long its conditions are met.
chance
A Chance is an additional Ability that triggers with
the use of your Primary Ability if certain conditions
are met, marked with an “ { IF: } ” Conditional at the
top of the Card. Some Interventions have conditionals
like this, but those are just pre-reqs. Chances can't
activate on their own but can add one hell of a punch
to a Primary Ability when their conditions are met.
◘ [ #x# : # ] : These Abilities have an Area of Effect
(AoE) which Targets a fixed span (#x#) of Spaces.
At least one of these Spaces MUST be within the
second Range #. For instance, a [ 3x3 : 5 ] Would
require one of the Target Spaces in the 3x3 be within
5 Range, while a [ 5x5 : Side ] requires on of the
◘ [ LINE : # ] : You can think of this like an AoE that
only Targets Units in a straight Line of Spaces
originating from the User. The length of the Line is
defined by the Range #. This Range cannot be
shortened, but can be placed diagonally.
◘ [ #T : # ] : I see you've got one of the spicy Abilities!
These Ranges can have up to a # of unique Targets
(#T) within the second Range #. The same Unit
cannot be Targeted twice unless it has distinct Parts,
like Wyrms with separate tails. You aren't obligated
to Target the maximum number of Units, but why
wouldn't you?
PAGE__
33
Elements and Status Effects
Whether it’s the Blazing fire of the sun or the first Shock that helped spawn life on Earth, our
lives are governed by the Elements. We’ve distilled these various forms of energy and chemical
reactions into 8 neat categories, each with their own strengths and flair. The Core 6 Elements
each have an associated Status Effect. These Status Effects can be invaluable for their Direct
DMG (Which ignores Soak, Shields, and other forms of DMG Negation from Stratagems). We’ll
discuss how those work next, but here’s the shortlist of Elements:
The thrust of a jet engine, the
BLAZE searing spit of a fire-breathing
Wyrm, the warmth of the sun, and
element the fire that BLAZES in our hearts.
>> When a [Burning] Unit takes
BURNING an Action it will take 5 Direct
1 2
DMG after. This includes Counters
status effect and Actions to remove Burning.
Our own sparking neurons, the
SHOCK deafening crack of a railgun, and
the SHOCK of a furious bolt riding
element on the storm’s winds.
>> [Charged] Units take 4 Direct
CHARGED DMG if [Charged] is reapplied, or
3 status effect
another Status Effect is applied.
Stacks w/ Switching DMG.
A blinding flash of light, a blast of
HONED music, the river that cuts the
mountain and the finely HONED
element edge of a pristine blade.
>> [Dazed] Units can only Act at
DAZED Self/Side Ranges (including AoEs
5 status effect
where Self is the origin). All their
Rolls gain +2 Risk.
ELEMENTAL DETONATION
While a Target is under the pressure of an [Effect],
if you deal DMG of the corresponding Element you’ll
gain a +2 Dice bonus in an Elemental Detonation.
For instance, if a Target is [Burning] and you hit
them with a Stratagem that does (B)laze DMG, you’ll
get to roll an additional +2 Skill Dice on the ATK.
Be warned: Some Enemies are Immune to certain
[Effect]s, so don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Winter’s bitter chill, rime ridden
CRYO Wyrms, our oceans’ roars and the
CRYO tech that’s become the
element backbone of modern medicine.
>> [Freezing] Units take 2 Direct
FREEZING DMG per Space they Move. This
includes being Pushed, Pulled, or
status effect Boosting.
Rotting fungi, potent venom,
ACID radioactive tech and the ACID at the
depths of a Wyrm’s stomach.
element
>> [Corroding] Units can’t
CORRODING Negate DMG with Soak or
4 status effect
Shields. All their DMG Negation
Rolls gain +4 Risk.
Enveloping black holes, the push of
MASS entropy, the pull of gravity and the
raw MASS of stone against skull.
element
>> A [Stuck] Unit cannot be
STUCK
6 status effect
Moved from its current Space.
All their Rolls gain +2 Risk.
>> Any ATK without a listed
NEUTRAL Element deals Neutral DMG.
Neutral DMG cannot cause an
element Elemental Detonation.
>> [Frenzied] Units must ATK
FRENZY a Randomly selected Unit
nearby (including Allies),
or ATK themselves if no
status effect Target is available.
Status effects and their removal
Status Effects have a little more to them then just “Apply
and Wait”. Once you manage to Apply a Status Effect on
a Unit, it’ll remain there until the [Effect] is removed. And
that goes for you too. [Effect]s don't just magically go
away on their own.
As a Pilot you can either spend 4 SYN to instantly remove
it or spend an entire action getting the [Effect] off.
Similarly Units controlled by the GM have to either spend
Tension (a GM resource) or an entire Action to remove the
[Effect], otherwise it stays on indefinitely.
Wyrd damage and effects
Ah jeez of course they make me explain the spooky stuff.
At some point you'll probably encounter Wyrd DMG and
Wyrd Status Effects. What this means is that the actual
Element or [Effect] is in some kind of weird Quantum
Superposition thingy and when the ATK actually connects
your systems will have to calculate the- What does this
say "Wave form collapse?"
Don't sweat the science stuff too much, the important thing
is that you'll Roll a d6 after the ATK has been locked in.
You'll then compare the result to the table on the right or
the one on your Pilot Sheet to see what the actual Element
is or what [Effect] you're actually applying.
Latimer left a note here that says, "Tell them it's a bit like
Wild Magic in Realms & Reliquaries but just for Elements
and [Effect]s." Huh. That mean anything to you?
Tracking stratagems
You'll need some Stratagem Sheets to track all the
Stratagems your MEC is packing. That said if you're like
me and hate copying things down (or have illegible
handwriting) you could always print out the Mechanics
Shop Page that has the Stratagem you need and just cut
it out to make a little card! Who knows, maybe the
Science Team will come up with an even easier way of
doing this in the future...
Improvised actions
With all this talk about formulas and ranges, it’s easy
to lose sight of your most valuable tool as a Pilot: The
Improvise Action. Are you looking to add some extra
Shields to your battered MEC? Consider using Improvise
to grab a nearby downed MEC as cover. Need to keep
your opponent still or Push them for just one square?
Consider proposing an Improvise to roll TOR and grapple
or Push your enemy. Heck, I’ve even seen someone weld
their MEC to their opponent’s with an ATU Check.
Leveraging your surroundings and using your MEC
creatively with Improvise Actions can mean the
difference between life and death, so don’t forget them!
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34
Now before you go to try stacking as many [Effect]s on a
Unit as you can, you should know that a Unit can only have
1 [Effect] on them at a time. If a different [Effect] is
Applied, the Unit will switch to the more recent [Effect].
Switching [Effect]s causes 2 Direct DMG to the Unit (for a
total of 6 Direct DMG if the Unit was [Charged] first).
While you can reapply the same [Effect] to a Unit that
already has it, this won't usually do much of anything. It's
only useful for when the Unit has a specific reaction certain
[Effect]s being applied, or if the Unit is [Charged] (and will
thus take 4 Direct DMG per reapplication).
ROLL Element / effect
1 (B)laze // [Burning]
2 (C)ryo // [Freezing]
3 (S)hock // [Charged]
4 (A)cid // [Corroding]
5 (H)oned // [Dazed]
6 (M)ass // [Stuck]
Remembering it all
Now I'm sure you're wondering "How am I going to
remember all of this??" Right? Well that's the best part!
You don't even have to! Most of this information is
readily available on the second half of your Pilot Sheet!
It'll take a while to get used to all these interlocking
systems so don't be afraid to look there if you have
questions. Once you don't need it any more, just fold or
cut that half off to save yourself room. Better yet,
transfer to using the Minimal Reminder Text Pilot Sheet!
If you're still nervous, why not strap into one of the
Pregen Training MECs? It's built from the ground up to
help you engage with the various mechanics of Combat.
Think you can handle it Rookie?
Well you’d better. The rest is up to you and your squad
now. You’re the only one who can carve your mark on
this world, and your teammates will be vital in keeping
you alive while you do it. Keep your allies close and your
values closer and you may just survive out there...
That about covers everything a Pilot needs to know.
Next a good friend of mine is going to cover information
that Garrison Managers need. If you’re not interested in
being a GM, then you can take a load off in the canteen
and wait for deployment orders.
 PAGE__ PAGE__
35 36
Running the game
ADVICE FROM BEYOND SPACE AND TIME Oh Ajax said he couldn't escort you here personally, did
he? That wouldn't have anything to do with the landing
gear he trashed last week, would it? Anyways, welcome to
my garage! My name Gabrielle Johnson Hangbe, but
everyone around here just calls me GJ. As Bastion 6’s
Garrison Manager I make sure MECs get fixed, munitions
get loaded and Pilots get fed.
"It is your god-given right to play with a kit that utilizes every d6 you own." - C.M. It’s not every day I get someone looking to be a Garrison
"You are not actually in a robot, but you are PRETENDING you are in a robot." - N.D. Manager. It can be a lot of work and a lot of quick
thinking when your Pilots get themselves in trouble. But
"Don't be afraid to have fun, there are so many possibilities to explore and unless if you’re up to the task, it can also be one of the most
you fully immerse yourself the experience will not be as fun. Create your own side rewarding experiences in your life.
adventures and don’t be afraid to come up with creative solutions." - E.C.
If you’re wondering how our garage seems to run so
"Focus fire; two wounded MECs are more dangerous than a single healthy MEC." - D.M. smoothly, that’s because of me. And trust me when I say
once you step into the roll of Garrison Manager you’ll
Name: GJ Hangbe realize that “seeming to run smoothly” is about the best
"Don't get out of the MEC… DON'T GET OUT OF THE MEC!" - C.C. (1)
you can ask for…”
PN: She/Her - BT: AB
"Renaming your stratagems is free and proven scientifically to boost effectiveness
by 69%. That's the quote. Including 'That's the quote.'" - J.K. Welcome to the fight Pilot, or should I say GM. Much like You shouldn't worry as much about being like every
Piloting, GMing can seem like a lot, but once what the other table, worry more about being consistent, fair and
"This is the Official Steel Hearts Mobile Engagement Chassis text to remind you
tools you're working with are, it's actually remarkably ensuring everyone at the table is having a good time
to remember to remind yourself of the rules using the reminder text" - F.K.
simple and fast to run. within the expectations you set.
"Indulge in some wish fulfillment, be the badass you've always wanted to be." - J.P. Your bread and butter when GMing isn't on any sheet or You get the final word. Not this book.
readout, it's that organic super computer in your noggin!
Imagination and quick thinking are key to organically That said everyone at the table, including you, has
"Never half ass two things… Whole ass one thing." - C.C. (2) reacting to Player decisions, bringing NPCs to life and plenty of reminder text to ensure play is as smooth and
making tactical plays on the Combat Grid. clear as possible.
"Let your imagination run with it! Kitbash your mech your way. Why compromise
when you could have robot bees? ROBOT. BEES." - C.C. (3) Speaking of which, your job means that you'll also be You also have a variety of tools to apply, including
doing a lot of adjudicating. When a rule's application is whole Biomes and of course the dreaded Tension Track.

"Work on crew relationships. It's fun to keep returning to those characters and in question or when a Pilot is attempting a creative
their interactions to discover their stories." - C.F. action, it's up to you to make the call. Every table is
different and no two will play exactly the same.
"Breathe." - A.A.
> Unit sheets
When you're building a Deployment (that is the Lastly there are Battalions [[not included in this
" https://chng.it/nrHBVWpR4c " - L.K. missions Pilots go on during an Episode), you'll Version of Steel Hearts Zero]]. These Sheets
need to field Enemy Units to be fought or avoided. simply give you a whole pile of Units with similar
This is where Unit Sheets come it! allegiances that might normally operate as a group
(typically MECs). These Battalions can be dropped
Biome Sheets detail a small part of an ecosystem in a Deployment as the main adversaries or even
and some of the larger Units that live within it. as a third party, possibly chasing the same
They give you options to generate areas and some objective as your party!
flavorful visual igniters as to what a Biome looks
An extra special thanks to these first Pilots whose Resonance burns with a and feels like in the New Century. Understanding how to read these Unit Sheets will
also teach you most of the basics of running
special brightness in my heart. Without their input, their creativity, their Bosses are titanic, show stopping Super-Units. The
goal of many Deployments is to take one of these
Combat as a GM. Here, let me show you on my data
pad:
antics and their friendship Steel Hearts would have never been possible. Units down by any means necessary. They'll also
bring along Units tailored specifically to them!
PAGE__ PAGE__
37 38
4 Unit abilities 5
Reading units sheets
This details all the various Actions a Unit can take. You
might see Abilities Rolling SD and this simply means 6
1 4 that you Roll Skill Dice and count hits! Each Ability
Block falls into one of these categories: 7
2
3 ◘ [CLASH] : Clash Actions are Actions that happen at
near-Instant Speed. This means once you announce
that you're Targeting a Pilot with a Clash Action they
can no longer Boost away. Their friends still can
though, and Pilots are free to use Interventions or
charge Shields accordingly. For more see Pg. 30.
◘ [CHARGE] : Charge Actions give Pilots extra time to
react to what's about to happen. When using a
Charge you should be incredibly specific about the
Range which the Charge Targets, reminding Players
that the Action is a Charge and they're free to Boost
out of the way. NOTE : You can Spend an Action to
hold a Charge until the Allied Phase. When you decide
to use it, it still gives extra time as usual.
◘ [COUNTER] : Counters are Free Actions that happen
instantly when their conditional is met. Some When a Spawn has [#s] this is marking that the Unit
Counters have a limit to how many times they can Spawned is actually a Swarm of smaller Units (Creeps)
happen in a single Phase. Counters cannot be that all occupy the same Space and act as one. This
Triggered manually by using an Action. Swarm of Creeps is as large as the [#s] lists. Each time
a Swarm takes 1 DMG, one of the Creeps within the
◘ [PASSIVE] : Passives are Bonuses this Unit gets that Swarm is destroyed. Each Swarm by default only has 2
are always Active. These Passives sometimes have Actions per Enemy Phase regardless of this size. Tiny
1 Boss units 3 Boss stats conditionals to keep their bonus active. d6s are perfect for tracking Swarms on the Combat Grid.

Each Boss Unit has a name designated to it by the 7
Sages System, or registered within the CSSN. That's
what appears here! The system attempts to name
Wyrms after monsters of myth from humanities past in
order to give Pilots a sense of what they're dealing with.
2 Max vt / int
Some Bosses have variable health when they spawn.
For Wyrms this is tracked in Vitality (VT) and for MECs
this is tracked in Integrity (INT). For Bosses with Shields
you'll be able to see the Max. Shields they're able to be
at. Enemy Units' Shields work a lot like Pilots' MEC
Shields, with one exception: Enemy Units always start
at Full Shields. Typically Wyrms rely more on Soak while
enemy MECs rely more on Shields.
Integrity vs vitality
While ostensibly they both take DMG the same way,
Integrity represents a MEC that is falling apart and must
be repaired. Conversely Vitality represents physical
injury that must be organically healed. You'll probably
encounter Wyrms and Biomes that Heal Vitality more
often than those that Repair Integrity.
Here you'll see all the important Stats you'll need to
know when you put a Boss onto the field:
◘ [SIZE] : A Unit's Size determines how many spaces it
takes up on the Combat Grid. Per Space Size above
1x1, the Unit auto-Negates 1 Push/Pull. Ex: 2x2 Units
Negate 1 Push/Pull, while 4x4 Units Negate 3.
◘ [SPEED] : When an Enemy Unit takes a Shift Action
they can move up to their Speed in Spaces.
◘ [SOAK] : Much like Pilot MEC Soak, this flatly
reduces incoming DMG before Shields.
◘ [ACTIONS] : This determines how many Actions this
Boss Unit can take per Enemy Phase. By default, Non-
Boss Units get 2 Actions per Allied Phase.
◘ [PAA] : Pilot Action Allowance determines how many
Actions the Allied Phase lasts for when the boss is on
the field. If you need a refresher on PAA check Pg. 28.
◘ [IMMUNE] : This lists all the [Effects] that this Boss
Unit is Immune to having Applied on them.
Below these Stats you'll also find a brief description of
the Boss Unit to help you paint a better picture of them
in your mind and better take Actions as the Unit might.
◘ [SPAWN] : This is a Passive that only triggers once,
when the Unit is Spawned onto the Field as part of
Zone Generation. Ex: The Hydraling's Spawn Passive
"Siblings" wouldn't trigger if they were Spawned as a
result of the Hydra's "Two More Grow Back" Passive.
◘ [NATURE] : Nature clues GMs into how these Units
behave in the wild. Not every Unit is looking to fight
to the death with the Pilots' MECs, and more than a
few are simply trying to survive and thrive.
Performing Actions that fit a Unit's nature helps build
a living ecosystem for Pilots to engage with.
Zone gen #
5
Non-Boss Units attached each come with a Zone
Generation Number (1-6). When generating a Zone you'll
roll d6 equal to the number of Units you're Spawning
then Spawn the correlating Units based on the Roll.
6 Spawn number
This is the number of this Unit that Spawns when their
Zone Generation Number is rolled, or you are otherwise
called to Spawn the Unit in.
7 Hits number
All Swarms have a default "Swarm ATK" that works
differently than most other Units. When the Swarm
makes this ATK (unless otherwise noted) they must be
adjacent to their Target. You then Roll d6 equal to the
number of Creeps remaining in the Swarm (Ex: A Swarm
of 10 Creeps would Roll 10d6). You then compare this
Roll to the Swarm's "Hits Number." Each Dice rolled
equal to (and often above) this number causes 1 DMG
in a single Swarm ATK.
Any 6s Rolled convert their single DMG into a single
point of Direct DMG as the Swarm weaves between the
Pilots' MECs' joints. This gives Swarms incredibly
deadly potential, especially when in large numbers.
> Swarm Merging
At the start or end of a Swarm's Shift Action it is free
to merge with other adjacent Swarms who are the same
to combine into a single Swarm Unit. This does not
increase the number of Actions the new Swarm Unit can
take per Enemy Phase. By default Swarms cannot be
split, including after they merge.
PAGE__
39
Tension tracker
Pilots aren't the only one with a special resource
to burn! Whenever a Boss Unit is on the Field GMs
can choose to add Tension via the Tension Bar.
Tension ramps up as the fight gets more desperate
and goes for longer. When Tension is added, each
battle becomes a race against the clock.
Make sure you group has some combat experience
before adding Tension. If your Pilots have proven
to be the best of the best, you can use Tension to
fine tune the difficulty on the battlefield to always
give them a worthy opponent.
> Building Tension
If you decide to use Tension, make sure you place
the Tension Tracker Bar on top of your GM screen,
or otherwise in view of all Players so they know
how much they have to be worried.
At the Start of each Enemy Phase you'll gain
Tension equal to your current Tension Level. The
Tension Level should usually start at 0 or 1, but it
may start higher if the Pilots have loudly crashed
into an enemy base, or are in the middle of a tense
battle with an Enemy fleet.
At the end of each Enemy Phase raise the Tension
Level in accordance to the Difficulty that feels
most appropriate. Difficulty is a delicate thing, and
generally should only be adjusted once you have a
lot of experience GMing Steel Hearts for your
Pilots.
> Tension triggers
Some Units have unique Counters that when
Triggered will build Tension. Otherwise there's a
collection of Universal Tension Triggers that will
raise the stakes mid-combat.
Tension is an incredibly powerful tool that can rapidly
make combat very sticky for Pilots. As a result it's
important to know as a GM when to apply the pressure
and when to ease up. Tension is there to make your
Pilots quake with excitement, not to bludgeon them with
unwinnable tactical combat scenarios. Consider focusing
more on saving up for big Tension Burns, and even
limiting your Max Tension Lvl to 4 or 6.
If your group struggles with combat, Tension may be
best left set aside or used in a limited capacity.
For a healthy challenge and some true stakes the
[STANDARD +1] Difficulty is more than enough to
apply pressure to Pilots.
When faced with truly monstrous opponents,
overgrown Wyrm variants, or hyped up final
bosses to campaigns, the [MONSTROUS +2]
Difficulty can be deployed, but note that this will
make things significantly harder for the Pilots.
Lastly the [ASCENDANT +3] Difficulty represents
threats that transcend reality. Seldom if ever
should this Difficulty be used.
Remember, once you increase the Tension Level,
you'll gain that much Tension at the start of each
Enemy Phase. Meaning the longer the fight goes,
the more Tension you'll get per Phase.
For less experienced groups you can choose to
omit some of these Triggers to make things easier
on them.
> Tension burns
At any time you can Burn Tension to gain one of
the following Tension Effects on the right. Note
that while these Tension Burns ostensibly happen
at Instantly, except for the case of buying Actions.
These Actions will happen at their respective
Speeds (Clash, Charge, etx).
> DMG Empowerments
Empowered DMG is a great way to give Non-Boss Units
some extra kick or make a Boss-Unit's ATK feel even
more powerful! These Empowerments generally come in
3 flavors, but some Bosses may have their own unique
Empowerments they bring to the field:
◘ [OVERLOAD DMG] : Deals x2 DMG against Shields.
When this DMG breaks a Pilot's Shields and moves
to Integrity, half the DMG back down to normal
(Rounding down).
◘ [BREACH DMG] : If this ATK successfully connects
with a MEC, that MEC's Soak becomes compromised.
As a result the MEC suffers -2 Soak for the rest of
this Phase.
◘ [DISCHARGE DMG] : At the end of this ATK's
Action, if the Target has an [Effect] on them, that
[Effect] Discharges out and is applied to all Units
adjacent to the Target.
> Field effects
Much like Status [Effect]s, [Field Effect]s force Pilots
to adapt to a new situation. Unlike [Effect]s there's no
way for a [Field Effect] to be removed until the GM
decides to remove it, a new [Field Effect] replaces it or
the Pilots leave the Field (Zone).
Some Biomes have their own [Field Effects], these operate
independently of the Universal [Field Effect] meaning GMs
can have a maximum of 1 Universal [Field Effect] and
1 Biome [Field Effect] active in a Zone at once.
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40
Universal burns
◘ [BURN 1 - +2 SKILL DICE TO ANY 1 ROLL] : This
includes Pilot Rolls and Swarm Unit Rolls. You
cannot use this burn more than once per Action!
◘ [BURN 1 - +2 RISK DICE TO ANY ROLL] : This can
be especially effective to crack through Pilots'
Negate Interventions. You cannot use this burn
more than once per Action!
◘ [BURN 2 - REMOVE [EFFECT] FROM ANY 1 UNIT]
: Note that you cannot do this after a Pilot has
already announced their Elemental Detonation.
◘ [BURN 2 - 1 INSTANT ACTION FOR 1 NON-BOSS
UNIT] : Remember that while this Action can happen
during the Allied Phase, it still follows the Stack
Order for its ATK Type. So a Charge ATK will still
allow plenty of time for Pilots to react accordingly.
◘ [BURN 3 - EMPOWER THE DMG OF 1 UNIT'S
ACTION] : DMG Empowerments are something
unique to the GM and the Tension bar. This
Empowerment can apply to an AoE! See the section
below for the options you'll have!
◘ [BURN 4 - 1 INSTANT ACTION FOR 1 BOSS UNIT] :
Much like buying an Action for a Non-Boss Unit, but
instead allowing you to unleash powerful Boss
ATKs on the Allied Phase.
◘ [BURN 4 - APPLY 1 UNIVERSAL FIELD EFFECT] :
[Field Effect]s can force Pilots to mix up their
strategies, or encourage them to try riskier ones!
Much like Status [Effect]s, only 1 can be applied at
a time, with newer [Effect]s replacing older ones.
◘ [OTHER BURNS] : Biomes and even some Bosses
have unique Tension Burns that allow you to greatly
modify the battlefield and create engaging tense
combat scenarios! Be on the lookout for anything
that lets you Burn Tension.

>> BASIC tension triggers >> Universal FIELD EFFECTS

Tension can also be gained
as a result of Pilot Actions.
This Tension is gained
immediately and can be
spent at instant speed.
Note: Pilot is mainly used
to refer to "Players"
COST : 4 TENSION
ECHO VENGEANCE MONOLOGUE Only 1 Tension Field Effect
STANDOFF POWDER KEG OPPRESSION
can be active at once. A
Gain 1 Tension each Gain 1 Tension each Spend 1 Boss Action new Field Effect will All 3+ Range ATK Elemental Detonations Removing Status
time a Pilot spends 1 time a Pilot kills an to monologue and replace the old one. These Rolls gain +3 Dice. gain +3 Dice. Effects costs +2 SYN.
do not overwrite or negate
Bond Enemy Pilot Gain 4 Tension Biome Field Effects. Includes AoEs / Lines.

ENRAGE PASSION RIVALRY HUBRIS EMBATTLED HEAD TO HEAD SYMPHONY ATTRITION

Gain 1 Tension if a Gain 1 Tension each Gain 1 Tension if a Gain 1 Tension each All Terrain now takes All Side Range ATK ATKs gain +1 Dice per All Stratagems cost
Pilot Negates all DMG time a Pilot calls a Boss is ATKed by a time a Pilot says this an additional Space to Rolls gain +3 Dice. Allied Unit adjacent to an additional +3 SYN
from an ATK Gravity in their favor Pilot they know/hate is too easy move through. ATKer OR their Target. to Recharge.
PAGE__
41
Biomes & Deployments
Biomes provide more than just Units to add into
your scenario. They provide a vivid description of
a complete ecosystem with unique Tension Burns
to match as well as a grid for generating Zones if
you need inspiration when developing a
Deployment.
Zone generation
Each Biome has a Grid of Zones (Fields) that can
be rolled to quickly generate an evocative
environment that fits the Biome's theme. Some of
these Zones even have unique quirks that Pilots
can take advantage of (or be set back by).
Once you've rolled a prompt for your Zone it'll be
up to you to flesh out the actual Combat Grid. Keep
in mind what choke points larger Units can or can't
get through, and how much cover to break Line-of-
Sight is available to Pilots.
3x3 grid zone generation
If you're feeling brave enough to run a fully fledged
ecosystem, grab a Biome you like and at least 2
Bosses. Assign one of the Bosses to Evens and the
other Boss to Odds. (If you have more Bosses split
them similarly evenly, or maybe not if one Boss is
an invasive species!)
Next create a 3x3 to determine the Zones that this
Deployment will involve. Imagine the top and
bottom 3 boxes of this Grid as being Zones 1-6.
Roll 1 d6, this "Box" is now knocked out of your
grid. Maybe it's a mountain or a chasm, but you
sure as heck won't be fighting here.
Next assign the number you knocked out to either
the left middle or right middle box. Roll another d6
whichever number comes up is now the "Starting
Zone." Maybe it's a clearing, or an EDA Camp or an
Oultander Farm.
Zone TENSION and paa
We recommend that you reset or reduce the
Tension Level between Zones if your Deployment
will last for more than a few combat encounters.
Otherwise your Pilots could be looking at dealing
with Tension Level 8 before they've even seen the
Boss of a Deployment!!
There's nothing wrong with giving Tension a reset!
While each Biome only needs to be combined with
one Boss Unit to be complete, you could also
combine it with two or even three roaming bosses,
each adding their unique spin to the ecosystem.
This creates a varied and deadly deployment, and
also gives Pilots the opportunity to bait Bosses
into fighting each other.
Generally a shorter 2 hour Deployment only needs
1-3 Zones, while a larger ecological descent can
benefit from a full 6!
When generating only 1-3 Zones ensure that each
Zone connects to the other in unique ways, be it a
river that needs to be trudged through, a cave that
is as tight as it is claustrophobic or even a chasm
that needs to be crossed. This way MEC Stat
Checks get an opportunity to shine in the field.
For the 7 remaining Boxes randomly generate
Zones. Each Zone has d3 connections to the Zones
around it, ensuring that all Zones can be eventually
accessed when starting from the Starting Zone.
Next determine which Zone would work best as the
"nest" or "lair" of each Boss. Where does is sleep?
Where does it nest? For each boss Roll d6 to
determine which of the Zones that aren't its Lair
it'll start in for this Deployment.
Lastly you'll need to populate each Zone. Try to
Roll Units roughly equal to the number of Pilots on
Deployment for each Zone, but no less than 3. Try
adding or subtracting some as feels right.
Similarly in non-boss encounters you may want to
cap how high the Tension Level can get (or start
the grunts off with some extra Tension to
compensate for the lack of Boss power).
When a Boss is not on the Field the PAA is
assumed to be the number of Pilots x2. Or 6 PAA
if you're looking for a balanced challenge.
Deployments and progression
Each Deployment exists as part of a larger
Campaign. Steel Hearts is built for these
campaigns to have beginnings, middles and most
importantly ends. Set expectations with your Pilots
as to how many Episodes the campaign will likely
last and what kind of narrative you're bringing to
the table.
It'll be up to the Pilots how this grand arcing story
turns out, and it's the GM's job to highlight the
juicy bits and keep the whole campaign on track.
Common Deployment hooks can include taking care
of an invasive species of Wyrm, searching and
rescuing an NPC, stealing tech from a corporation,
Scrapping / ripping
Another common way for Pilots to raise funds is via
Scrapping (the scrapping of MECs for Scrap and
Parts) and Ripping (the dissection of Wyrms for
sellables). When making rolls to Scrap or Rip, Pilots
can opt to pool their Dice together, but must split the
haul.
When Scrapping:
◘ You can Scrap as long as there's at least 1 newly
salvageable MEC on the fields and you have 3
hours.
◘ Make a Mechanics Check. For each Success gain +1
MEC Scrap (Stacks up to 30 in a Cargo Slot).
◘ On an 8+ gain the schematics to the associated
MEC Class where applicable.
◘ For each 15 Hits you're able to salvage together a
non-Fabled Part of your choosing.
◘ MEC Scrap sells for 500 Credits each.
When Ripping:
◘ You can Rip as long as there's at least 1 fresh
Wyrm corpse on the field and you have 3 hours.
◘ Make a Mechanics Check. For each Success gain +1
Wyrm Bits (Stacks up to 30 in a Cargo Slot). Wyrm
Bits are usually a collection of good meat, common
glands, bones and teeth.
◘ For each 8 Hits you're able to salvage together a
unique piece of a Boss Wyrm you just killed (ex:
Poison Sack, living Egg, a unique horn, an intact
eye).
◘ Wyrm Bits sell for 500 Credits each.
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42
protecting an Outlander settlement, exploring
Anunnaki or Olympian ruins, and much much more.
During Deployments the Combat Grid is there
simply to resolve combat. Pilots may need to use
their MECs for other tasks, like navigation, puzzle
solving, Wyrm wrangling and more. Pilots may also
need to exit their MECs to hack terminals,
negotiate truces, apply medical aid and all manner
of things that massive war machines simply aren't
equipped for. Just be careful when you're on the
ground.
> Deployment pay
Deployments should pay Pilots at least 15,000 C each.
In more concise campaigns (less than 15 Episodes) you
may consider making this 20-30,000 C each. For an
OVA (5-8 Episodes) you may even want to give Pilots
50,000 C, so they have fully upgraded MECs by the
campaign's finale.
> Back at base
Typically only about half of a given Episode will happen
on the Combat Grid. The rest might be spent negotiating
with other nations, camping in the Outlands, or most
importantly: Talking with NPCs back at base.
NPC interactions and relationships are a way for Pilots
to put roots in the world and progress in more narrative
ways. Consider having little NPC side stories that Pilots
can pursue if they're interested.
In official campaigns of Steel Hearts, you'll even see
unique "Assist Abilities" that let Pilots call in favors
from these NPCs on the Combat Grid.
Additionally if Players have a base camp, this can be a
source of Free Repairs! Maybe the EDA is keeping them
well stocked, or a corporation is underwriting them. Or
maybe the garage owner just has a crush that they
don't want to see get turned into red mist.
LOOKING FOR CAMPAIGN RULES?
Steel Hearts Zero currently comes with no hard
Campaign Rules nor a default campaign to speak of.
Instead it's a toolbox to build out your own
campaigns using the combat systems and mechanics
available. Here's the best I can give regarding
Deployments and Progression.
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43
Aquatic combat
Some Biomes are partially or even fully Aquatic. This
means instead of the Z-Axis of the Combat Grid
representing air that can be flown through, it represents
dense water that Units with [Swimming] can freely move
through with Shifts and Boosts.
These deep Aquatic Combats are best saved for Pilots who
already understand the basics of Combat and feel confident
adding a third dimension. They also take greater advantage
of GM judgment calls when it comes to how much water
leaks in if a MEC's Core is destroyed.
While Units without [Swimming] quickly drop to the
Combat Grid's Floor from their titanic weight, they can still
use Boosts and Shift Actions to briefly move higher in the
water and take a single Action at the zenith of their height
before instantly floating back down to the ground.
As a rule of thumb, all MEC Parts still work underwater
without penalties. Betyl is a unique energy source, and the
tech that takes advantage of it sometimes defies the laws
of physics and aquatics. That's not to say Aquatic Combat
isn't with its own drawbacks and edges:
> Effects in the ocean
When a Unit is fully engulfed in water they are Immune
to [Burning]. If the Unit was previously [Burning] the
Effect is removed.
Conversely while engulfed in water, Units will take
Double DMG from [Charged], meaning having any
[Effect] Applied (including ones a Unit is Immune to)
now deals 8 Direct DMG.
Other [Effect]s are unchanged and operate as they
usually would.
> Divers in a rough spot
By default MECs only have an 8 hour Oxygen Supply,
and most Pilot REZ Suits only have a portable internal
supply of 45 minutes.
Pilots who decide to exit their MECs while under water
better hope they've fitted their MECs to flush the
exterior water that'll come rushing into their cockpit.
If they're deep enough in the water, they'll also need
specialized REZ Suits to not be immediately crushed by
the intense oceanic pressures.
> Units sizes on z axis
Every Unit exists as a Square on the Combat Grid (be
it 1x1, 2x2, 3x3, etc.) when in 3-Dimensional Combat,
these sizes are simply converted into cubes. Thus the
1x1 Unit becomes 1x1x1, the 2x2 converted to 2x2x2,
and so on.
This means that monstrous 3x3x3 Wyrms can use Side
Range ATKs on pesky 1x1x1 Flying MECs that are 3 or
even 4 Spaces in the air, as long as the Wyrm is
adjacent to them.
Some exceptions may apply, but these will be noted on
the Unit's Sheet.
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44
> Aoes on the z axis
In Aquatic, Flight and other 3-
Dimensional Combat, AoEs expand
on this 3rd dimension. We refer to
this Z Axis as the AoE's Height:
◘ [#X# AoEs] - Gain Height equal to
the biggest number in their range.
Nearly every AoE is a square, so
in this way they become a cube.
◘ [LINE AoEs] - Remain unchanged
and are only 1 Space High.
◘ [ALL-SIDE] - Also covers all Spaces directly Above
and Below a Unit. In other words, if it's a Space
Directly Adjacent to a Unit, it's covered by All-Side.
FLIGHT combat
MECs with the [Flight] Passive are able to move their
MEC freely in 3 Dimensions in non-Aquatic spaces.
By default, Units can't Fly past the Max. Height of 6
Spaces above the "0" of the Combat Grid's Z Axis.
> Keeping flight
When a Pilot's MEC is above 4 Spaces High off the
ground in Flight, they must spend 2 SYN for each Space
above the ground at the end of each Phase to keep their
Flight up. For example, a MEC flying at 6 Spaces High
would need to spend 4 SYN at the end of the Phase. If
they spent 2 SYN to Boost before the end of the Phase
to be at 4 Spaces High off the ground they wouldn't
have to Spend any SYN to maintain [Flight].
Enemy Units face no such restrictions.
> Dropping
If a Unit in [Flight] has [Dazed] or [Stuck] Applied to
> Boosting to the sky them they will immediately be knocked out of [Flight]
and Drop to the ground. This Drop can cause Fall DMG.
While only Units with [Flight] can maintain their Height,
any Unit can use Shift Actions and Boost to get Units who are currently [Dazed] or [Stuck] are unable
themselves into the air. Wyrms can bound into giant to use [Flight] until the [Effect] is removed.
leap for an ATK, while MECs overclock their thrusters
to catch a glimpse of life in the air.
> Fall Damage
Units without [Flight] that get into the Sky this way are
free to take an Action at the height of their ascent. If a Unit Falls (ex: abruptly drops unintentionally) more
However, once the Action is resolved they'll Drop back than 2 Spaces before hitting the ground, this will incur
Fall DMG. Units take 2 DMG per Space they Fall. Note
down to the Ground and potentially take Fall DMG.
that this DMG is not Direct DMG. It can be Soaked,
For example, a Melee focused MEC might spend 4 SYN Shielded and even Negated with Interventions.
to get 4 Spaces High into the air, placing them adjacent
to a Wyrm that's [Flying] 5 Spaces. At the Boost's For instance, a Unit that falls 4 Spaces would take 8
DMG. From 6 it'd take 12 DMG. From 2 it'd take none.
Zenith the MEC takes its ATK, and immediately after
Drops (taking 8 DMG via Fall DMG).
PAGE__
45
Intro to the new century
> The known timeline
While there's plenty of debate, mystery and conspiracy
theories when it comes to the lead-up to the Awakening,
there's a few things we know for sure. Namely that the
Olympian Initiative was instrumental in both the
discovery of Betyl and in the creation of the 9 Bastions.
Despite this, almost none of the Initiative's Chief staff
lived to tell the tale, and most Olympian records were
corrupted in the Great Fry that shocked the CSSN when
the Awakening happened.
◘ [2041] : In early December the private corporation
Pantheon officially expands into space exploration,
intent on creating an orbital engineering base. Widely
known as "The Olympian Initiative" Pantheon aimed
to create new habitable spaces for humanity. The
first rocket "Appleseed" launched as a resounding
success. This space station would later become the
legendary "tenth Bastion" : Olympus. Though the
CSSN can't verify its existence or if it's still online,
keen astronomers can still spot it in the night sky.
◘ [2043] : The Olympian Initiative begins "Operation
Omphalos" to establish a permanent base on Earth's
Moon. Publicly this was simply to test terraforming
technologies. Secretly the company had discovered
ruins of an alien race they'd named "The Anunnaki"
deep below the Moon's surface. Operartion
Omphalos' primary directive was the investigation of
these ruins and the extraction of any potential
technologies or resources.
◘ [2045] : The first Mobile Engineering Chassis is built.
At its core is a revolutionary new battery simply
known as an OFB (Olympian Flame Battery).
Officially Pantheon claimed the batteries were
harnessed solar energy, though the science behind
them was kept strictly confidential. This radical
influx of energy allowed Pantheon to rapidly build
new structures and more safely explore Earth's orbit
and further explore the Moon.
◘ [2047] : Earth's temperature has risen 2C above its
pre- industrial levels and is rapidly climbing. Climate
disasters and epidemics cause mass displacements
and shortages on Earth. A UN Emergency meeting is
held on August 6th to determine a global solution.
Trillions of dollars of global funding are diverted to
Pantheon to develop new Green-Energy super-cities.
These Bastions of humanity were crafted to
withstand the coming ecological collapse and rebuild
humanity. The Olympian Initiative becomes a globally
recognized entity and also begins the construction of
several colony ships intended to relocate climate
refugees in space.
◘ [2055] : Earth's nations are waging a myriad of
proxy wars over its few remaining resources. The
global economy is in tatters and Pantheon begins
recruiting dejected peoples of all nations with the
promise of safety in their Bastions and job security
in the stars.
◘ [2069] : The Olympian Initiative successfully
executes "Project Ares," transplanting millions of
climate refugees to Mars using the colony ship
Elysium. Two other colony ships are still in
production; Hesperides and Arcadia. This colony
would later be known as "The Martian Green Spot."
◘ [2079] : The Awakening occurs. Earth's Moon
cracks open as Leviathan the Mother of Wyrms
breaks through its surface. The First Wyrm
"Watatsumi" annihilates the majority of Japan
before retreating into the Pacific Ocean. A distortion
of unknown origin throws the entire CSSN into
shock, cutting the Bastions on Earth off from the
Olympus base in orbit, and also cutting all
communications with Mars. The Initiative's three
colony ships are assumed lost or destroyed in their
attempts to evacuate from the planet. Most high
ranking Olympian Initiative leaders had either been
on Olympus or were aboard the colony ships. None
have been heard from again.
◘ [0001 NC] : With the CSSN in shambles and only
basic protocols to follow, the small crews within
Earth's Bastions begin taking in everyone and
anyone. Governments and urban centers, already
destabilized from years of war and climate collapse,
are annihilated by the torrent Wyrms. Splinter
military factions throw their weight behind local
Bastions. As inter-Bastion communication is
reestablished, they begin global civilian rescue
operations. Their task force would name themselves
the New Garrison.
◘ [0022 NC] : Wyrmfall goes from a daily occurrence
to a weekly one. The Bastions are filled to their
brims and other remnants of humanity have begun
to settle into this world. The New Garrison drafts
their Constitution, formally creating the Earth
Defense Alliance and marking 2080 as the first year
of the New Century.
The new earth ecology
> wyrmfall
When the Awakening first happened, Leviathan, Mother
of Wyrms, punctured a hole in Earth's Moon and entered
Earth's Orbit. There she floats among the Lunar debris,
her fins catching solar rays and her tail propelling her
forward. The twist cauldron of shifting flesh that is her
stomach is something of a living birthing bit. There each
new Wyrm is formed and incubated, before eventually
their mass grows too strong and their weight pulls them
out of their mother's womb and into Earth's orbit.
Leviathan's birthing fluids keep her titanic young from
burning up into the atmosphere, eventually hardening
into a meteoric egg. This descent of new Wyrms is
called Wyrmfall, and its introduction to all kinds of new
predators into the ecosystem is one of the EDA's
primary concerns.
Luckily, using satellite tracking and the CSSN, the 7
Sages System is able to accurately predict when and
where Wyrmfall will occur. EDA Defenders are
dispatched swiftly to ensure the new life form doesn't
cause a rapid mutation in the local ecosystem.
Where once Wyrmfall happened several times a day,
now new Wyrms enter the Earth's orbit once every few
months.
> Rapid evolution
The defining feature of Wyrm ecologies are their ability
to rapidly adapt to the surrounding environment and
undergo substantial evolution in a single generation.
Equally distinctive is the universal bioluminescence
between Wyrms. Current theories point to the presence
of these luciferins being from a common bacteria that
runs in Wyrm blood and cleans it of most viral
infections.
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46
> Terran ecology
Today Terran (eg pre-Awakening Earth) Ecology is as
rare as it is valuable. What ecology wasn't rapidly
consumed by Wyrm ecology, slowly adapted and
assimilated. While mammals like Pigs, Cats and
primates primarily only exist among private owners and
EDA conservatories, many species of invertebrates
remain as dominant as ever.
Mosquitoes, cockroaches and of course ants, can still be
found across the world. Similarly most of Earth's flora
remains, rejuvenated by lower pollution levels and a
never ending supply of fresh fertilizers in the form of
Wyrm manure.
> Wyrm flora
Fauna is not the only thing Leviathan dropped onto
Earth. A variety of unique floras have appeared that
seem to share most of their DNA with Wyrms. This
"Wyrm Growth" has organically terraformed Earth's
smog chocked atmosphere into one much more
habitable for Wyrm (and human) life.
Hybrid-Flora are equally common across Earth, meaning
most of Earth's forested areas and coral reefs have at
least some degree of bioluminescence to them.
PAGE__
47
Corporations of the new Century
Despite efforts to do the opposite, the world is still
highly dependent on Corporations, especially when
it comes to MEC and small arms manufacturing.
While these Corporations are technically beholden
to the EDA and their laws, many of them act
independently, pursuing their various goals.
If navigating the delicate alliance between EDA's
Bastions seemed like a nightmare, just wait until
you have to deal with Corporate thugs bent on
world domination.
Cadejo security 1:1 1:3
The Strongest Link 1:2 1:4
Cadejo Security predates the Awakening and adapted
quickly to the New Century. While the company's
focus is on small arms, personal vehicles and military
escort services, they also pioneered the first mass
produced MECs and were an invaluable ally to the
New Garrison of the early N.C.
That tight alliance has continued as the NG formed
the EDA and Cadejo Security became the premiere
arms manufacturers for Outlanders and Satelliters
alike. If you're looking for gun training or body guard
work, Cadejo is the first company you call.
Primary Geographics : Central America
Nkondi dynamics 2:3 2:5
By Hunters. For Hunters. 2:4 2:6
Anyone who coexists with Wyrms will tell you that
not every Wyrm is equally interested in coexisting.
Some Wyrms consume with such hunger, brutality
and ferocity that they threaten the ecosystem that
birthed them. The Hunters of Nkondi Dynamics
primarily focus on exterminating these targets.
As their services expanded to a global scale, much of
their proprietary extermination technology came into
high demand. Thus Nkondi Dynamics began shipping
their own brand of Hunter focused tech: "What you
see is what we use in the field. Simple as that."
Primary Geographics : Central Africa
Thankfully not all of them are run by egomaniacs,
but none of the can consider themselves innocent.
MECs, while vital, have taken countless Terran
lives, and that blood is just as much on their hands.
Jiangshi robotics & arms 1:5 2:1
Never Fight Alone 1:6 2:2
Originally a running gag between the anonymous
designers of the Wu Wei collective, Jiangshi Robotics
& Arms officially incorporated in 0069 N.C. From
there the company moved from Print-On-Demand part
designs to full fledged manufacturing and shipping
with one primary market in mind: Scrappers.
Scrappers and Solo Operators around the world
swear by JRA's reliable and hacking-friendly designs.
There's even rumors that Mechanics with a knack for
making custom MEC parts get invitations to join the
Wu Wei Collective...
Primary Geographics : Central Asia
The midas foundation 3:1 3:3
Touched By Excellence 3:2 3:4
The Midas Foundation has been manufacturing MECs
for the EDA since the alliance first formed. Their
secondary market is targeted at wealthier customers
looking for "Luxury Customs." Its most recent CEO
and resident designer, known only as Nero, has
expanded MF's production and available product two-
fold during his 17 years at the company.
Few know that his primary interest was in the design
of MECs for agircultural work and construction.
However the EDA doesn't write contracts for farmer
MECs. It writes contracts for weapons.
Primary Geographics : Southern Europe
Nekos sans frontiers 3:5 4:1
Claws for Sisters Around the World 3:6 4:2
Once a radical activist and reknowned hacker, Ayami
Nix decided the best way to stick it to the Corps was
to beat them at their own game. Thus she formed
NSF, operating out of dried oil rigs and defunct
aircraft carriers across the world.
NSF provides arms, medical supplies and even
security on a sliding scale, much to the chagrin of
wealthier customers in need of specialized MECs.
NSF's greatest claim to fame was the successful
creation of the NekoNet, a globally accessible internet
to rival the EDA's CSSN.
Primary Geographics : Pacific Ocean
Longhouse munitions 5:1 5:3
The Sharpest Minds. The Sharpest Ammo. 5:2 5:4
Missiles, bullets, explosives, flamethrower canisters,
you name it. The future hasn't moved fully to laser
weaponry yet, and even when they do Longhouse
Munitions' "Extra Energy Thunder Magazines" are
there to keep you loaded. The corporation focuses
primarily on munitions developments and production
all manner of defensive equipment, namely turrets,
drone missiles and homeland defense mines.
The move towards manufacturing MECs to use even
more of this ammo was one that came naturally.
Primary Geographics : Southern Europe
Tchaikovsky designs 5:5 6:1
Beauty Brings Pain 5:6 6:2
Tchaikovsky Designs approaches violence like an art
form. It sees the history of warfare as a beautiful
tapestry that it wishes to leave its mark on. Its
designs are as excessive as they are effective. Most
notably, their designs tend to focus on MEC to MEC
warfare, despite there being no official EDA
sanctioned reason for such weapons.
Tchaikovsky is also famous for its "Crimson Squad"
lead by the enigmatic Carmilla. A terrifying task
force, rumor has it they're behind a series of recent
high profile EDA assassinations.
Primary Geographics : Southern Europe
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48
Babaylan biotics 4:3 4:5
Growing A Stronger 4:4 4:6
The field of Wyrm Biotics is as controversial as it is
revolutionary. Medications, augmentations, even full
Wyrmcultured prosthetics. It was this field that
Babayla Biotics pioneered and continues to push the
limits of.
Their myriad of coastal bases and research facilities
has meant they've also been the forerunners in
aquatic MEC technologies and disaster relief gear.
Even their mechanical designs are often inspired by
the organic structures of Wyrms. Evolution is an
excellent engineer to have on the team.
Primary Geographics : Southern Europe
Golden calf industries 6:3 6:5
New Solutions for a New Century 6:4 6:6
The 12 Judges of Babel have been trying to collect
evidence against GCI's CEO "Abaddon" for years. A
mob boss in the classical sense, he keeps all his public
dealings just above board so he can still eat at his
favorite restaurants. Part of those dealings are
questionable designs from Golden Calf Industries.
Manufactured by hand in the tar-encased crime nest
that is The Pit, GCI's MECs have a reputation being
less than reliable. But according to the books, they
sell hundreds of units per year. Clearly, that's where
Abaddon's income must be coming from.
Primary Geographics : Middle East
> Tsar of death and Disco
Rumors abound about Rasputin Giorgio, Tchaikovsky
Designs' enigmatic CEO. Some say he's been alive since
before the Awakening, an unkillable man. Other rumors
speak of the "talent" he recruits, and the horrific
experiments they conduct. Only a single interview has
been shot at his lakeside castle; Firebase Kitezh.
You can glimpse his private library; Vinyl records, oil
paintings, VHS tapes, first editions of illuminated
manuscripts. In the center of this grand library the
"Tsar" has posed two action figures fighting one
another. One is a robot, with a chest like the front of a
truck. The other a black monolithic lizard, shooting a
distinctive purple beam.
"A metaphor," he says, "for the beauty war can bring."
PAGE__
49
The insomniac
The Insomniac is haunted by nightmares, dreams
of things that may yet be, or maybe happened
somewhere and when else. In truth the Insomniac
has been tethered emotionally to some other life
form. Something, intentionally or not, has reached
out and touched the Pilot's mind. Will they answer
the call from their dreams?
1 Eater of worlds
Our galaxy is large, and we most certainly are not alone.
A cluster of stars pulls and rotates around a black hole.
At its center a hungry and ancient predator crackles with
yellow energy, sending its envoys to discover its next
meal.
Dreams begin to swirl of hungry jaws, annihilate buildings,
a creature of such mass that gravity itself begins to
invert. Pipes leak, flesh grows upon the walls, a Bastion
has become a crater from the bones of fallen star.
A Yellow King has been crowned by the envoys. He calls
to his master, as his master calls to you:
Ouroboros. The Eater of Worlds.
3 Web of life
Deep in the heart of the jungle a Spider collects stories,
memories, tales imprinted on the infinite surface of Betyl.
His nest crawls with his children of all sizes, they weave
a web in the hopes to bridge the gap between lifeforms.
For eons he has waited for this opportunity. He has seen
what the Anunnaki did to brethren. He watched humanity
grow into what it is today, even took a name from one of
their legends: Anansi. He has seen his sister freed into the
sky and now he sees an opportunity.
Seek him out in the fog cloaked jungle. The first Wyrm to
speak would have words with you. Perhaps you can bring
peace to Wyrm and Terran alike.
5 First wyrm
When the First Wyrm awoke from his mothers womb all
he could hear was screaming. An awful cry of pain from
the core of the moon. A pain that spread to every nerve
of his body as he crashed into the ocean of a foreign world.
The air here. Wrong. These plants, these creatures.
Metallic. Reminds you of...
In a flash of purple a beam cuts across the landscape.
Violence. Devastation. Where once your planet burned, now
you burn another. Did you do all of this?
You retreat into the ocean, your heart heavy and your
body full. They call you Watatsumi. A monster. Their
ancestors will try to kill you. And one day you'll let them.
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50
Don't read these out loud. Instead let these spark
your imagination. Send your Pilot a private
message between sessions detailing their surreal
dreams, maybe even open a session with that Pilot
exploring a dream in real time. The Truth is
something that must be sought.
2 Chosen chorus
In the deepest layer of Naraka, the EDA tries to supress
its most dangerous denizens. One sings to the empty
automated halls. He too was once an Insomniac, chosen to
be a bridge. But he loathed this purpose. It was small
minded. Why bridge the gap when you can bridge all?
Streaks of blonde hair obscure the red eyes of this
conductor. Crowley yearns to return to his Choire of the
Final Hymn. Together they will use the power of Betyl to
sing all into a better existence. To perform the Anunnaki's
ascension on humanity. It will only hurt briefly, and then
there will be bliss. You feel it too can't you?
My heart wants to sing every song its hears.
4 Black betyl
Caked in antarctic ice a single shard of Betyl absorbs all
light. There are legends among outlanders that touching it
can make anyone a maverick, but at what cost?
Displacement is a terrible thing. Being here and there and
also there and then and where and when and here but not
here at all times in all places. To be superpositioned.
Is this how Betyl sees the world? Can it hear your cries?
Is it... Alive?
A glimpse into the future could be useful. But being cursed
to watch every failure you could possibly commit, is this
power, this strange cancerous resonance worth it?
6 Pandora's box
Bastion 6's heart beats as one. It beats and it beats.
Buried deep within the bastion it beats slower, colder,
grander. The Olympian Initiative called her Leviathan for a
reason. Her brother, Behemoth still slumbers. Still sleeps.
Now left behind by two empires.
But what if he could be Awakone? An orange stone is the
key, the key to freeing all the anger and fury buried
beneath. It could be so simple. If only people knew.
This is the burden of the sixth Bastion, the secret only a
select few know. It is the purpose of Pandora. Behemoth's
sleep must be preserved or his life severed. Otherwise
humanity might not survive a second Awakening.
PAGE__ PAGE__
51 52

MOBILE ENGAGEMENT CHASSIS Assorted GM advice

STEEL HEARTS
> > > Sandro here! I've managed to hijack this channel thanks to some egg-themed hacker
named P-A-N-G-U. Before we wrap up Steel Hearts Zero, there's some info I wanted to pass on!

There is a lot of minutiae to Running the Game, and there's plenty of useful advice on the internet
for first time GMs! That said, I've got a few bits of miscellaneous advice that you'll hopefully
find helpful when running a game as different as Steel Hearts:

> Flexing enemy hp > Encourage creativity

Sometimes your Players will roll incredibly high, get into
a fantastic rhythm and rip right through an encounter
you’ve prepared. This can be a phenomenal and
rewarding experience and by no means should be
avoided! However, there may be times when you’d like
to see if they can survive the battle a little longer. In
these instances, it’s perfectly OK to get flexible with
how much Armor a Unit has.
Alternatively you could ramp up your Tension Bar a
little faster, or bring in a new threat to keep the combat
flow interesting. If you do this, however, ensure to give
your Pilots a bonus reward for their smart plays and
good luck!
> Building encounters
In Steel Hearts each Pilot and MEC will have situations
where they’re incredibly strong and incredibly
vulnerable. Try to learn your these strengths and
weaknesses and design encounters to highlight different
Pilots. Above all, don’t be afraid to come up with
encounters where things seem too difficult, as these
scenarios can sometimes bring out the best and most
creative ideas from your Pilots.
It’s also important to bait your Pilots out of their MECs
into dangerous situations with the promise of loot,
combat advantages, security rooms and other juicy
secrets. You can use these opportunities to ramp up the
stress and push Pilots to their absolute limits.
Sometimes your Pilots' will have all their weapons break
or be completely outgunned. Sometimes they’ll feel
cornered or at a dead-end. At times like these it’s
important to remind your Pilots that they have access
to Creative Actions that can deal DMG or solve
problems in varied ways.
Never be shy about giving your Players advice when
they seem stuck or frustrated, especially if they’re new
to the system or TTRPGs in general. Let them know
they can ask for advice if they need to.
Similarly remember to reward creativity and smart
thinking! Generously give out extra Dice for careful
planning or to ensure an exciting Pilot narration pays
off. Feel free to reward Pilots who make the table laugh
or bring in fun new elements with a few extra credits
or a new piece of loot.
Play into your Pilots’ ludicrous plans and play it out like
a comedy bit in an otherwise cruelly serious world. After
all what's an anime without some comic relief? Above
all have fun!
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53
GM advice - death
The one constant of life is death. It's what defines our fragile limited time to act, enjoy, build and
mourn. Death is just as much a constant in the New Century as it ever was. So here's some
considerations to take:
> Worse than death
Did all your Pilots trash their MECs? Spare the boring
bloodbath and instead run a Session where Players must
escape Wyrm territory on foot or break out of an enemy
prison. Use defeat as an igniter for even further
adventures with your party, rather than a preamble for
an uninteresting end to the arc.
Pilots might still die when out of their MECs, but at least
give them a Session with a fighting chance! It's part of
the reason there's 2 Character Sheets to begin with.
Also consider things you can take away from Pilots that
aren’t their lives. A Pilot could lose their memories or
one of their Gravities as easily as they could lose their
life. Perhaps a beloved NPC is dies in the fray of combat.
MECs and Betyl are the most obvious thing to have
Pilots lose, but there’s plenty more on the table that
doesn’t require Pilot death.
Even if a Pilot is about to die their Betyl may have other
plans... Refer to TRUTH for more information.
> NPC DEATH
Whether it’s an enemy grunt or a Pilot’s uncle, NPCs
will die frequently in the world of Steel Hearts. You
should attempt to make these moments swift and brutal
for maximum effect and as a grim reminder of the
brevity of the Pilots’ time on Earth, and the horrors of
the violent machines they command.
When Pilots decide to take a life, be sure to make it as
visceral and uncomfortable as your table finds
acceptable. Taking a life is a nasty thing and Pilots
should make sure they feel it’s worth it if they’re going
to go through with it.
Pilots must track each kill they make, and when they hit
10 or more kills, their Betyl will begin to grow a sickly
red with the rage and violence of their actions.
LOOKING FOR GM TIPS?
From cold opens, to burner NPCs your Players get to
start as. From using sound to building handouts.
There's so so much that goes into running the game I
could go on and on. Until I expand this section, my
blog (failforwardblog.blogspot.com) has some tips
and also links to fantastic blogs across the net!
> Wyrm Death
Wyrm kills should be just as visceral and crunchy as
NPC Deaths. While Pilots don't need to tally any kind of
“kills” for this, a goal as the GM should be to slowly
turn Pilots around to the value of nature. Where once
hunting Wyrms may have felt like a glorious adventure,
you can make it feel like an unfortunate necessity. This
is especially important given that Pilots can purchase
Traps to spare the Wyrms that they hunt.
As a GM understand that Wyrms are not inherently evil
or bad creatures. They a part of nature, and like our
own ecology they can be as beautiful as they are
troublesome. Wyrms are a vital part of Earth’s new
ecosystem, and their eradication would not only mean
the collapse of that ecosystem, but the destruction of
something beautiful. That said, you can also throw in the
occasional Wyrm that is a threat to nature itself making
these moral waters even muddier!
> pilot Death
It’s important to talk with Players before your
campaign begins about expectations around death!
Will it be lurking around every corner, a potential
unceremonious end caused by one encounter gone
horribly wrong? Or will Pilots have a degree of “plot
armor” and only die when something truly dramatic is
happening in the story.
If you go the Plot Armor route, you should still ensure
Players know death is still on the table, and pepper in
NPC death even more. When a Pilot is going to die you
should always make it memorable and work with the
Player involved to make sure they’re going out in a way
that they feel is fitting. This can be a great moment to
build up a villain or to start new Gravities around
avenging a fallen ally.
It's also a great opportunity for the Player to make a
new Pilot! Are they using the same Betyl as the party's
now dead comrade? How does that make everyone feel?
GM advice - Campaigns
If you're running Steel Hearts as more than a one-shot you'll want an overarching plot to help
tie your campaign together and keep your Pilots moving. My goal is to eventually release full
modules and campaigns for this game, but who knows when or if that'll happen. For now we'll
talk about specific pacing tricks you can use to make your campaign truly sing and things I've
found have worked in the campaigns I've run!
> Framing as a show
Framing your campaign as the season of a show can do
a variety of helpful things for you and your players, but
here are just a few to sell you on this narrative device:
◘ Each Episode can have a Title to get your Players
thinking about that Episode’s theme and content. I
commonly use titles that pull from history (leaning
into Steel Hearts’ science-fantasy) with titles like
“The Sword of Damocles” or “21 Grams.” It’s
always fun watching Players rush to their phones to
Wiki its meaning and gain hints about the session.
◘ Each Episode can also have a “Previously On”
segment, allowing you to organically remind players
of past happenings and set the mood. This can also
be helpful for getting Players focused as you can
begin the “Previously On” while Players are talking.
This creates the suspense of a show finally beginning
without the need to shush all your Players and tell
them to get focused.
◘ Each Episode can have a “Next Time On” allowing
you to tease locales and NPCs you have planned for
the next session. Better yet you can ask Players
what their next move is before giving them this
glimpse, helping you organically set some
expectations. This builds anticipation and gets your
Players to begin crafting theories, thus further
investing them in the world.
◘ Each campaign can be a distinct Season of episodes,
allowing GMs to set a hard limit on the number of
sessions they expect to run and giving Players a
sense of unease when the end draws near.
The sound of music
Much of Steel Hearts is deeply tied-up in music, sound
and vibrations. Using heart-wrenching piano solos or
hyped-up metal riffs to accompany your game can put
this theme into practice.
Intertextuality (or the use of outside media and stories
to inform yours) can be incredibly effective when used
carefully. Perhaps a Pilot has a favorite musical from
the Old World, and you can use an acoustic cover of
that musical’s music in a particularly dramatic scene
with them.
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54
> Weaving themes
Everyone at the table is going to bring their own style
to narrative that unfurls at the table, and your job is to
pick up on the common themes and begin to weave
those together.
It could be as timeless as found family or as abstract
as the concept of trust. Finding this theme will help you
create your deployments and villains to help propel the
story and Pilots towards meaningful reflection on it.
There’s no exact science to this, but the best method is
to critically analyze the stories each of your Pilots are
trying to tell and then compare each story to one
another.
If the first few Sessions have been about Pilots learning
to trust one another and redeem themselves, what
happens when a previous villain NPC returns with lost
memories? Does the party trust them? Or find them
worthy of redemption?
If the party keeps waxing poetic about the values of
freedom, and how violent systems can only be brought
down violently, listen to that and play into it. If you want
to throw a wrench in the work, confront them with NPCs
who share similar values but may go too far or not far
enough in their pursuit of this goal.
Throw in NPCs who ostensibly share the same goals but
are really in it for themselves. Throw in NPCs who seem
in it for themselves but are really pursuing the same
goal as the Pilots, just making different sacrifices for it.
Maybe you’re running a scene that’s directly evoking
another piece of Mecha media (for reasons you’ll
discover in the TRUTH Manual) and you can cherry pick
from its soundtrack to sell the fantasy. Maybe a variety
of covers (in a variety of languages) of the same song
keeps coming up as a recurring motif throughout your
Deployments, and that song in some way ties back into
the overarching themes you and your players are
developing.
You have the entire catalog of actual Terran music and
culture at your disposal, so feel free to tap it!
“at the beginning of your
universe there was nothing.”
“PURE VOID.”
“But Then”
a spark
“AN OPPORTUNITY”
“A Novelty”
“life.”
From the pitch darkness of the
abyss you feel a great pull, and
then a wave of heat unlike
anything you've felt before . . .
“from this cradle of life many
life forms evolved.”
You feel the gnashing of teeth,
the spinning of webs, a flash of
Purple.
You see flowers wilt and contort,
a noxious smell, a sickly Yellow.
You witness an ape, solitary,
injured, hungry. It bashes a rock
against the hard shell of a fruit.
Green.
The warmth of the volcanic
vents on the ocean floor have
given much. But you crave more.
You crave faster waters. A thing
called the sun. You grow gills.
“THERE WAS AN EMPIRE.
NOT UNLIKE YOURS. FULL
OF HUBRIS.”
You see a tall, eyeless creature
fashion its first sword. Intent on
conquest. Intent on mastery.
Blue washes across your eyes.
“Hubris. The Voracious
Core Of Any Once-Great
Civilization.”
“it was this craving for mastery
that pushed the United to
expand into the galaxy.”
“THIS NEED FOR CONQUEST
BROUGHT the United TO
US.”
You hear hisses and clicks. Two
egos clash over a glowing Blue
stone. You hear a skull crack
against the cave’s walls, its
floors runwith blood. The stone
glows Red.
“For Eons the United
Imposed Their Will On
Countless Lifeforms.”
You see cities burn. Languages
fizzle to ash.
A lone many-eyed spider is
locked in ice.
In the distance his sister is
assailed by firearms beyond
imagination.
Finally, an altar of metal is
brought before the titanic sky
whale. It glows Purple before her.
She thinks to her young, the
generations that she could save.
A lullaby plays. She slumbers.
The stone glows Orange.
“until finally they came to your
galaxy. before the first
thermophiles had dared to
dream bigger.”
A diet of kelp and the drifting
tides are not enough. You crave
land. To walk amongst the
towering mountains you see on
the shore.
Your feet are ill fitted, and the
journey is long. But you feel as
though you've grown. Mastered.
Overcome. Ascended. The land is
yours to walk on, and all those
smaller are yours to eat.
“AN IDEA BEGAN TO
SPREAD.”
“the United Had
Mastered Much of Space.
Yet It Was Not Enough.”
“the need grew to ascend
beyond your universe.”
“TO STEP BEYOND THE TIDE
POOL.”
“To Enter Into
Infinity.”
And Master it.
The trees and plants that once “YET WE HAVE COME TO “The Gentle Balance
littered this land have all been FIND THAT MANY EVOLVE Between Self And
cut down. ONLY TO SEEK MASTERY.” Other.”
The rocks collected to fashion a “To Take And Never To
citadel in your honor. Nothing Give. To Be One Apart
breathes without your knowing. And Above From The
A painting woven in cloth flies Other.” “and yet you all still crave the
high above your territory. same thing."
“it was this selfish instinct we
Yet you are not satisfied. learned from the United. to be
apart from the whole. yet we
did not find the desire to mastery
When you look up at the night master. instead, we found”
sky you see stars and planets
twinkle. And you wonder what it
might take to fly there. Your “CLARITY.”
flesh has grown as much as it
“OVER DEATH.”
can. But your mind blossoms
further. You build a bullet, forged “Clarity That You Have
of melted earth and propelled by Helped Us Hone.”
the bones of your ancestors. “Over Life.”
“we can feel your love...”
One small step. “over the tidepools that kept
you warm in your infancy.”
A flash of Pink.
“it is the nature of betyl to
grant wishes.”
“YOUR HATE.”
You see pool of lights dance in “BUT IT IS THE NATURE OF
an incandescent stone. Each A flash of Red. BETYL TO GRANT WISHES.”
spark rapidly flashing in and out
of existence.
“Your Deepest Bonds” “To Let You See The
Unseen. To Resonate
A trillion hellos and goodbyes in With Your Joy And Your
a second. Lifetimes lived in a A flash of Orange. Loss.”
time frame so small it is
impossible to quantify. There is
no mourning. No sense of death.
“we believed you to be “yet we are no longer betyl.
deluded. as the United once like you have left the tidepools
were. creatures that can only for shallower waters.”
Only familiarity. see the universe one fold at a
Friendship. time.”
“LIKE YOU WE SEEK.”
Love.
“BUT BEING ONE WITH YOU,
WE BELIEVE WE ARE “Like You We Are
Resonance. BEGINNING TO Curious.”
UNDERSTAND”
so come now curious creature

You Have Questions

WE HAVE ANSWERS
TRUTH

(Coming Soon)