Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Pierce The Heavens2
Pierce The Heavens2
Pierce The Heavens2
HEAVENS
A worker liberation module powered by LANCER
By Michael Prijatelj
PIERCE THE HEAVENS
By
Michael Prijatelj
Edited by
Michael Prijatelj
Layout by
Michael Prijatelj
Cover Art
Original image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Interior Art
Pages 6–7: Original photo by Vincent Erhart on Unsplash
Page 9: Original photo by Dariusz Sankowski on Pixabay
Page 11: Original image by sleekrokit on Openclipart
Page 12: Original image by hangela on Pixabay
Page 14: Original photo by I Made Pasek on Shutterstock
Page 16: Original image by Danomyte on Shutterstock
Page 18: Original photo by Iswanto Arif on Unsplash
Page 21: Original photo by Richard Felix on Unsplash
Template used
Lancer RPG Template by Michael Prijatelj, used under CC BY 4.0
Playtesting by
Alexis T., Espional, Kips56, JJ, Toki, Orange Orange, Sylvain Kit Fiadh, Leandro Lelis Kermentz
Special Thanks to
Massif Press for the use of the Lancer setting and system, the folks at Pilot NET for their feedback and raw
enthusiasm, Storytelling Collective’s RPG Writer Workshop for advice and guidance, and Gurren Lagann for
serving as inspiration for this module. Fight the power!
Pierce the Heavens is not an official Lancer product; it is a third party work, and is not affiliated with Massif
Press. Pierce the Heavens is published via the Lancer Third Party License.
[2]
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4
OVERVIEW 4
BACKGROUND 4
HOOKS 4
PERSONS OF INTEREST 5
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: BRIEFING 22
APPENDIX B: CLOCKS 23
APPENDIX C: SETTLEMENT MAP 24
APPENDIX D: NPC NAMES 25
APPENDIX E: EXOTIC GEAR 26
[3]
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW BACKGROUND
Pierce the Heavens is a module for the Lancer RPG Rebellion shakes the Karrakin Trade Baronies. Worker-
system, intended for a party of three to five LL0 class revolutionaries — calling themselves
characters. Characters who complete this module “Ungratefuls” — stage uprisings throughout Karrakin
earn one license level. The module centers the player space. Terrified that her own workers may revolt,
characters (PCs) as orchestrators of a miners’ revolt, Chevalier Darya Korolyova (a.k.a. “Kestrel”)
liberating workers from a deep underground mine while handsomely pays her team of enforcers and informants
evading the clutches of a despot and her cronies. to stomp out all hints of rebellion within the mining town
of Kestrel’s Bounty.
Pierce the Heavens begins with the PCs as common
workers. The module plays like a mech-scale prison Already an unpleasant place to live, Korolyova’s
break: PCs start with no mech, pilot armor, or pilot policies beget an untenable situation within the
weapons, and only one piece of limited or settlement. Her enforcers withhold basic necessities,
miscellaneous pilot gear of their choice. The PCs confiscate food stores, and imprison purported
may acquire their mechs, RESERVES, and other pilot insurgents. Despite this, Korolyova’s best efforts
gear through exploring the setting. Otherwise, players merely fan the burgeoning flames of revolution.
prepare their pilots and mechs as usual. The normal
rules for equipping a pilot (i.e., a pilot can only carry one Dmitri Nakai spies upon Kestrel’s Bounty for the
set of armor, two weapons, and three other pieces of secretive Union Intelligence Bureau (UIB), after
gear) still apply. infiltrating the community over fifty years ago under a
doctor’s guise. As tensions heighten within the mines,
This module references NPCs and sitreps from the full, the UIB tasks Dmitri to identify potential insurgents and
paid version of the Lancer Core Book. It additionally arm them with powerful mechs to overthrow
draws upon lore and information from the Field Guide Korolyova’s enforcers and liberate her workers.
to the Karrakin Trade Baronies, though the supplement
is not required to run the module.
HOOKS
CONTENT WARNING The PCs have some reason to escape to the surface of
This module deals with topics of worker suppression the world; for this reason, Dr. Dmitri Nakai recruits the
through police and state violence. This is depicted PCs prior to the start of this module. Some example
through mistreatment of workers, unjust incarceration, hooks of such recruitment are provided here.
kidnapping, propaganda, and threats of physical
abuse. In addition, this module includes scenes with BORN TO THE DARKNESS
mild claustrophobic imagery, as well as a brief The PCs grew up together in Kestrel’s Bounty. For
depiction of starving people. their entire lives, they witnessed the exploitation of
their friends and families under the hands of
Chevalier Korolyova. One day, Dr. Dmitri Nakai, who
SYNOPSIS the PCs have known for years, reveals a plan to
The module begins with the PCs as commoners in liberate the settlement requiring the PCs’ help.
Kestrel’s Bounty, a mining community located deep
beneath the surface of the world. They prepare for a
revolt during a freeform roleplaying section before
PRESSED INTO SERVICE
launching into mech combat action as the rebellion Chevalier Korolyova’s forces captured the PCs as
begins. This module has four major parts: prisoners of war from another Karrakin house and
sent them to labor in Kestrel’s Bounty for daring to
oppose the Chevalier. Dr. Dmitri Nakai contacts the
1. DOCTOR’S ORDERS: An introduction to Kestrel’s PCs due to their mutual animosity for Korolyova. The
Bounty. An unlikely agent provides the PCs with PCs had power and prestige prior to their
information and tech for a revolt. imprisonment, and they may reclaim it upon escape.
2. UNIONIZATION: Kestrel’s Bounty awaits exploration,
offering mechs and reserves.
3. MEANS OF DESTRUCTION: Secure the dig site with
UNDERCOVER AGITATORS
newfound mechs. Secret agents of the UIB, the PCs infiltrated Kestrel’s
4. OURS IS THE DRILL: The ruler of Kestrel’s Bounty Bounty with the aid of Dr. Dmitri Nakai, pretending to
stands between the workers and their freedom. be a team of facsimile clones sent to shore up the
worker population. When the time is right, Dmitri
relays the UIB’s orders to stage a worker revolt.
[4]
PERSONS OF INTEREST
DMITRI NAKAI HE/HIM DARYA KOROLYOVA SHE/HER
DOCTOR, UIB AGENT CHEVALIER
The Union Intelligence Bureau secretly assigned Dmitri A veteran of mech combat and amateur of statecraft,
to instigate the emancipation of the Chevalier’s Chevalier Darya “Kestrel” Korolyova rules over
workers. Dmitri’s wheelchair grants him an unassuming Kestrel’s Bounty. Enforcers sing her praises while
aura, and his wry sense of humor finds silver linings to workers curse her name.
the direst situations.
MOTIVATION: Domination. Korolyova dreads losing
MOTIVATION: Equality. Dmitri longs for the day when his power, so she instills fear through false bravado and
comrades, not despots, own the fruits of their labors. worker suppression.
MANNERISMS: Dmitri always wears a wry grin on his MANNERISMS: Korolyova always holds her head high
face, as if he knows more than he lets on. and chin up when talking so she constantly looks down
upon the person before her.
QUOTE: “Desperate times call for aggressive
measures.” QUOTE: “You should be grateful that I let you live this
long. Now you can serve as an example to the rest.”
ASUKA LAGUNOVA SHE/HER
UNGRATEFUL INSURGENT ALEXEI GROSSO HE/HIM
A perpetual delinquent and vociferous opponent of the DIG SITE BOSS
Chevalier and her cronies, the youthful Asuka A bully through and through, Boss Alexei Grosso
Lagunova quickly became an icon of resistance among commands the Chevalier’s security forces. A perpetual
the workers of Kestrel’s Bounty. Brash, confident, and scowl carves his heavyset face and cheap wine stains
charismatic, she brings out the best in her comrades. his breath.
MOTIVATION: Freedom. Asuka longs to escape the MOTIVATION: Social status. Alexei lords his meager
tunnels and breathe free on the surface. status over anyone he deems lesser.
MANNERISMS: Asuka constantly swaggers with self- MANNERISMS: Alexei fiddles with the hilt of his officer’s
assuredness and a determined smirk. sword when annoyed.
QUOTE: “Just who the hell do you think I am?” QUOTE: “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood, or I’d drag
you to the stockade by your thumbs.”
Union does not openly meddle in the affairs of MOTIVATION: Comfort. Pandano misses the slow days
foreign states, but its secretive Intelligence when they could nap on the job.
Bureau keeps tabs on major existential threats to
humanity. At times, the Bureau conducts off-the- MANNERISMS: Pandano sighs heavily at any minor
record missions to further Union’s causes. inconvenience.
[5]
FIGHT THE POWER
Union governance guarantees these rights: “All shall have
their material needs fulfilled, no walls shall stand between
worlds, and no person shall be held in bondage through force,
labor or debt.” But Union’s reach is tenuous, and some
communities slip through the cracks.
However, even when the situation seems hopeless, a light
shines at the end of the tunnel. All those who stand against
injustice will soon discover they have friends in high
places, for Union favors not the mighty, but the brave.
IN THIS SECTION:
BEAT 1: DOCTOR’S ORDERS 8
MISSION: DELIVER US FROM HELL 10
BEAT 2: UNIONIZATION 11
BEAT 3: MEANS OF DESTRUCTION 16
COMBAT: GRIT THOSE TEETH 17
BEAT 4: OURS IS THE DRILL 18
COMBAT: EYES UP, RISE UP 19
CONCLUSION 21
[6]
[7]
BEAT 1:
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
An introduction to Kestrel’s Bounty. An unlikely agent
provides the PCs with information and tech for a revolt. DMITRI’S CLINIC
Once the previous questions have been answered to
the players’ satisfaction, read the following text aloud:
KESTREL’S BOUNTY
When the players are ready to begin, read the following Within a disheveled clinic on the outskirts of the
text aloud: Commons, the wizened Dr. Dmitri Nakai furtively
glances through a ragged curtain as he pours cups of
The sun never shines upon Kestrel’s Bounty. Buried fragrant tea. The stomps of a passing security mech
deep below the surface of the planet, dim electric send shudders through the small building.
lamps illuminate the overworked mining community
while the echoes of digging machines quake through The PCs begin in the clinic of Doctor Dmitri Nakai,
yawning tunnels. located at the edge of town. When everyone is ready to
hear Dmitri’s plan, read the following text aloud:
Let the players introduce their characters and decide
how the PCs all know each other, optionally using the Once assured of privacy, Dmitri settles into his
Personal History table (Lancer, p. 41). To introduce wheelchair. “The Kestrel’s running her thugs ragged
Kestrel’s Bounty to the players, pose the following with this new patrol schedule. She’s afraid of another
questions to the PCs to establish their connections to Free Sanjak Revolution. It’s only going to get worse
the settlement and its NPCs: after she brings reinforcements to Asuka’s execution
tomorrow.”
THE DESPOT: Chevalier Korolyova (a.k.a. Kestrel) is
a vain tyrant who constantly mismanages Kestrel’s The doctor leans forward, slides several thumb drives
Bounty with an iron fist. What legends has she onto the table, and brandishes a small, drill-like
cultivated to convince people of her power? How has object. He asks with a grin, “It would be a shame if
her negligence of the settlement worsened your life? some big damn heroes found some very expensive
hardware, staged a revolt, blew a hole in the roof, and
THE ENFORCERS: Boss Alexei Grosso is a bully of a freed her entire labor force, wouldn’t it?”
foreman who performs Kestrel’s dirty work. How have
he and his enforcers caused harm (physical, emotional, Dmitri further explains that the thumb drives contain
material, or otherwise) to you or a loved one? single-use blueprints for advanced mechs, capable of
either printing a new mech or reprogramming an
THE REVOLUTIONARIES: The people of Kestrel’s Bounty existing one.
do not tolerate Korolyova’s abuse — least of all Asuka
Lagunova, who led a strike a week ago. How and why The doctor calls the strange drill a “Paracausal Drill”,
did Asuka try to recruit you, in particular (e.g., your capable of displacing massive amounts of matter using
reputation or shared personal history)? technology too advanced to explain. If asked how he
acquired this technology, Dmitri simply smiles and
THE HELPERS: Even in a place as harsh as Kestrel’s replies that he “got it from a friend in the union”. He
Bounty, there are people like Dr. Dmitri Nakai who declines to say more. He holds onto the drill if no PCs
lend a gentle, helping hand. How has Dr. Nakai helped offer to take it.
you or a loved one recover from an illness or injury,
even miraculously?
[8]
A DOCTOR’S KNOWLEDGE
Dmitri knows the following information, which can be
revealed over the course of a conversation:
[9]
MISSION: BRIEFING
Dmitri Nakai supplies the PCs with a plan and the
SIMON: “This drill, will open a hole in the GOAL: Liberate the workers of Kestrel’s
universe. And that hole will be a path for those Bounty before the Chevalier arrives.
behind us. The dreams of those who have
fallen! The hopes of those who will follow!” STAKES: Imprisonment, hard labor, and
– Gurren Lagann, Episode 27 potentially execution lay ahead for
those who rebel against Korolyova.
CLOCKS
Draw up two clocks visible to the players at the start of
CLOCKS this mission, both of which will be used during BEAT 2:
UNIONIZATION. Once either clock is filled completely,
HARDWARE ACQUIRED progress to A DOCTOR DETAINED in BEAT 2. For more
information regarding clocks, see APPENDIX B: CLOCKS.
[10]
BEAT 2:
UNIONIZATION
This beat uses the rules for Narrative Play (Lancer, pp. RALLYING THE WORKERS
45–49). As GM, look for ways to use different kinds of Whenever the PCs perform an act that directly aids the
Consequences (Lancer, p. 46) based upon the civilian population of Kestrel’s Bounty (e.g., distributing
surrounding narrative context. food and supplies, arming a militia, or publicly standing
up to enforcers), you may award them with an
LAY OF THE LAND appropriate RESERVE (Lancer, pp. 51–52). Alternatively,
provide them with a piece of Limited or Miscellaneous
When the PCs emerge from Dmitri’s clinic, read the pilot gear (Lancer, pp. 112–114). Generate names for
following text aloud: miscellaneous NPCs the group encounters with
APPENDIX D: NPC NAMES.
Three routes lead away from the clinic: A
claustrophobic alley leading into the heart of the
Commons; a wide tunnel to the dig site, resounding
PATROLS
with the drum of machines; and a winding path Grosso’s fatigued patrols watch for loitering workers or
leading up to the supply depot, carrying the faint scent signs of rebellion. Unless described otherwise, an
of gasoline. enforcer wears a LIGHT HARDSUIT and carries an
ARCHAIC RANGED or ARCHAIC MELEE weapon. Three
enforcers on foot and one in a mech compose a
The PCs may travel to any of the three major locales in patrol. PCs who directly engage with a patrol must
Kestrel’s Bounty: The Commons, the Dig Site, or the pass a HEROIC skill check to succeed without additional
Supply Depot. It takes about an hour to travel from one factors supporting them. PCs may reduce this risk by
locale to another; start tracking time once the PCs invoking appropriate Aspects.
reach their first locale. Give the players APPENDIX C:
SETTLEMENT MAP for tracking where the PCs travel.
Patrols fight to maim, not to kill; when inflicting HARM
as a consequence, they deal 1-2 damage against
PCs may choose to split up during this section, but they minor threats and 3-5 damage against major threats.
will be unable to communicate at a distance without Additionally, in this module, PCs cannot die from DOWN
appropriate pilot gear (like DATAPLATING). AND OUT unless they choose to do so.
INVOKING ASPECTS PCs may capture mechs from subdued patrols. For
Beyond the normal rules for narrative play, players may every mech the PCs capture, remove one GRUNT NPC
invoke one or more Aspects of a situation to grant from COMBAT: GRIT THOSE TEETH. One PC can spend
accuracy to a skill check or reduce its risk (such as from their turn and expend a thumb drive to reprogram a
RISKY to NORMAL). An Aspect could be a pilot’s captured mech.
background, gear, or RESERVES, or it could be features
of the area (“thick fog”), facts of the situation (“tired
guards”), or even a clever approach to a scenario. A
player should describe how their character leverages
these Aspects in their check.
[11]
The Commons serve as a relatively safe area for PCs
COMMONS to recruit worker allies and gather resources. PCs who
When the PCs arrive at the Commons, read the provide aid to workers are repaid with RESERVES or gear
following text aloud: like CAMO CLOTH, NANITE SPRAY, PROSOCOLLARS, or
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL KITS.
Ramshackle houses of rusted scrap congest the
Commons. Posters bearing the Chevalier’s hawkish Two patrols roam the Commons, but they stick to the
likeness plaster the narrow streets, while grating main roads wide enough to accommodate their mechs,
propaganda blares over a PA system. Down a narrow fearing ambushes lurking down the side streets. They
alley, three emaciated workers surreptitiously share a occasionally harass civilians, providing PCs with a
loaf of wormy bread. chance to intervene.
As the residential area of Kestrel’s Bounty, this locale FEATURES OF THE AREA
is densely populated by a few hundred civilians living in TERRAIN: Roads slope along the natural curve of the
relative squalor. The PCs may overhear various gossip bedrock. Characters of SIZE 1 can walk the main roads,
from while traveling through the town: but cannot squeeze down the smaller streets.
• Patrols regularly confiscate food and water, BUILDINGS: Countless buildings constructed from
stashing them in the supply depot. scraps of old machinery compose the Commons.
• Some civilians act as informants for the Chevalier Workers occupy most buildings, but some are vacant.
— oftentimes in return for expensive medicine. Fugitives easily disappear into the shadowy alleys.
• During the last strike, Asuka disabled a mech with
nothing more than grit and a pickaxe.
• The Kestrel rarely comes down to the mines. BROADCAST TOWER: A fragile radio tower in the center
When she does, she always perches where she of the Commons broadcasts propaganda over the PA
can look down upon everyone else. system, detailing Kestrel’s latest “exploits of aerial
domination” and proclaiming how “fortunate” the
residents are to have a “protector” like Chevalier
Korolyova.
[12]
Asuka knows the following information, and offers it
DIG SITE freely as a show of good will:
When the PCs arrive at the dig site, read the following
text aloud: • Boss Grosso has a key to her cell; Asuka can
provide a TRACKING reserve for this beat only,
The cacophony of digging machines and pickaxe detailing his patrol schedule.
swings reverberate throughout this massive cavern. • The storage shed houses hardsuits, archaic
Eye-stinging clouds of exhaust and iron-tinged dust weapons, and explosives; any enforcer on-site
shimmer in the yellow glare of spotlights surveilling has a key to access it.
the exhausted miners. • Asuka conveys techniques for disabling enforcer
mechs using ARCHAIC weapons and simple
The rubble littering the ground makes for treacherous mining tools, a KNOWLEDGE reserve for this beat
terrain. A lightly-guarded storage shed stands that reduces risk when directly confronting patrols.
adjacent to the route to the supply depot, and the
stockades lie sequestered in an alcove far away from If the PCs free Asuka, she thanks them for their help,
any site of active digging. commends them for their gutsiness, and grabs the
nearest weapon before charging off to incite another
Boss Alexei Grosso oversees operations at the dig strike. The PCs immediately receive the benefits of a
DIVERSION reserve that lasts for three hours.
site. The site lies within a vast cavern with only a few
areas of active digging. The two patrols primarily
monitor regions of activity. THE STORAGE SHED
This basic, electronically-locked storage shed contains
FEATURES OF THE AREA protective suits for traversing the mines (treat as LIGHT
HARDSUITS and ASSAULT HARDSUITS) pickaxes and
TERRAIN: This cavern is large enough to house several
small ships and hosts a variety of elevations. shovels (treat as ARCHAIC MELEE weapons), THERMITE
CHARGES, and gear helpful for mining (e.g., MAG-
Navigating the beaten paths exposes PCs to patrols,
CLAMPS, PERSONAL DRONES, and TERTIARY ARMS).
but forgoing the trails risks injury upon unstable terrain.
LIGHTING: Dim yellow lamps illuminate buildings and Two enforcers circle around the shed, carrying
keycards that unlock its doors.
active work zones. Bright floodlights on towers pan
through the darkness, searching for renegade workers.
THE BOSS
MACHINERY: Active equipment kicks dust into the air, Boss Alexei Grosso leads one of the patrols on foot in
and its noise drowns nearby conversation. Empty this locale. He is equipped with a HEAVY HARDSUIT, an
diggers rest on the edges of active work zones. officer’s saber (treat as a MEDIUM A/C pilot weapon),
and the keycard to the stockades. Any check directly
dealing with Grosso’s patrol is HEROIC and DIFFICULT
THE STOCKADE before accounting for external factors.
When the PCs arrive at the stockade, read the following
text aloud:
If the PCs manage to permanently subdue Alexei
Grosso, his mech will not be present during COMBAT:
The open-air stockade hosts black iron cages GRIT THOSE TEETH.
secured with advanced electronic locks. In one cage,
an athletic young woman with short, wild hair, a
determined glint in her eye, and a self-assured smirk WELL, THAT WAS UNEXPECTED
sits chained and attentive. The enforcer on duty
sleeps in a chair nearby, their ears stuffed with cotton. It is possible that some PCs will be knocked
DOWN AND OUT when confronting patrols.
Enforcers ignore DOWN AND OUT PCs in a fight;
Asuka Lagunova is locked up in a SIZE 1/2 cell in a
they want them alive to work, after all.
secluded part of the dig site, where her yells can be
drowned out by the sounds of mining equipment. A
If all the PCs are knocked DOWN AND OUT, they
sleeping enforcer with cotton in their ears guards the
regain consciousness an hour later (tracked on
cells. Opening Asuka’s cage without the proper key is
the clock) in an appropriate location. Maybe a
RISKY and DIFFICULT due to its advanced lock.
friendly worker dragged them back to Dmitri’s
clinic, or enforcers took them to the stockade.
Asuka knows the PCs from some of their previous Ignore a PC’s death unless the player desires it.
deeds in town, established in BEAT 1. She promises
that if the PCs spring her from her cell, she will rally
miners to strike and create a distraction.
[13]
SUPPLY DEPOT THE SUPPLIES
Beyond the fencing lies the following supplies:
When the PCs arrive at the supply depot, read the
following text aloud:
• Food, water, and basic medicine.
• Tools and supplies for maintaining machinery.
A muscular person with tiny reading glasses sits at a • Pilot gear including EXTRA RATIONS, HANDHELD
desk far too small for them, sighing heavily as they PRINTERS (with accompanying pattern chips), and
scribble away at a mountain of paperwork. Behind an OMNIHOOK.
them, a wall of chain link fencing obstructs heaping • Two random RESERVES from the Mech
shelves of untouched supplies and a Schedule 2 Equipment and Gear table (Lancer, p. 51).
printer. Outside the wall stands several massive
transport vehicles and a vast, defunct freight elevator. A Schedule 2 printer stands against the back wall.
With parts already available, the printer can construct
Quartermaster Pandano Normani sits at the desk, four SIGNATURE WEAPONS in one hour, or one mech in
squinting tiredly at their pile of requisition forms. Work three hours. However, the printer requires a crew of at
and exhaustion distract them from noticing anything least two PCs or NPCs to operate, and a PC must
beyond their immediate surroundings. If the players expend their turn to operate a printer. Each person
interact with them, run them according to their beyond the second reduces the time to print by an
motivations as listed under PERSONS OF INTEREST. hour, to a minimum of one. An active printer is audible
throughout the supply depot and alerts nearby patrols.
If they haven’t been called away, one patrol makes the
rounds around the depot, each enforcer bored out of
their minds. They answer to Pandano in the absence of
A MECH OF MY OWN
Boss Grosso. Once a PC finishes constructing or transforming a
mech, have them describe what the resulting mech
looks like; this will be their mech for the rest of the
FEATURES OF THE AREA mission. Mention that the mech includes a set of mag-
TERRAIN: The depot is roughly the size of a large clamps powerful enough to enable unfettered climbing,
warehouse, capable of housing objects of SIZE 4. Its but only for a short period of time.
floor is solid, even stone.
LIGHTING: The supply depot is lit with yellow lamps A DOCTOR DETAINED
around Pandano’s desk and next to the entrances to When either mission clock fills completely, an out-of-
the fence. Otherwise, it is dark. breath messenger reaches the PCs at their current
locale. They report that Boss Grosso (or, if subdued, an
TRANSPORTS: The depot houses three rusted SIZE 2 underling) arrested Dmitri Nakai. The enforcers hauled
heavy transport vehicles, used for distributing Dmitri to the dig site’s stockades and assigned several
personnel and supplies throughout of the settlement. mechs to guard the doctor and the drill until
The quartermaster manages the keys to the transports. Reinforcements Arrive to march upon the Commons.
The PCs have until then to prepare; once ready,
progress to BEAT 3: MEANS OF DESTRUCTION.
FENCING: A wall of chain link fence partitions the
supplies and printer from the rest of the depot, blocking
entry to casual visitors. The fence stretches to a height ELEVATOR, GOING UP
of SIZE 3 and leaves a gap to the ceiling. Two gates of
SIZE 1/2 and one of SIZE 2 allow for passage into and The PCs may decide to escape via the freight
out of the area; the locks upon each of them may be elevator. This is possible, although this route
opened with the quartermaster’s keycard. carries risks. Large numbers of workers
traveling to the elevator draw attention from
FREIGHT ELEVATOR: The Chevalier plans to descend enforcers, triggering COMBAT: GRIT THOSE TEETH.
this expansive, rock-walled elevator shaft with an entire Conversely, restricting the number of escapees
platoon once she leaves for Asuka’s execution. Until means that many will be left behind.
that time, the elevator platform remains disabled; not
even Boss Grosso possesses the means to activate it. Additionally, while the elevator platform is
disabled, climbing remains the sole means of
ascension. Given the time remaining before
Kestrel’s arrival, any escape attempt will result in
an encounter with her forces: If the PCs lack
mechs, Kestrel’s forces swiftly capture and
imprison the intruders; with mechs, instead
proceed directly to COMBAT: EYES UP, RISE UP.
[14]
[15]
BEAT 3:
MEANS OF DESTRUCTION
Secure the dig site with newfound mechs. ARRIVAL
When the PCs arrive at the dig site with their mechs,
OUT OF TIME read the following text aloud:
If the PCs have not completely filled the Hardware
Acquired clock at the start of this beat, the PCs must A lumbering mech hefting a gigantic, wicked sword
collectively choose one of the following options: marshals a ragtag group of enforcer chassis. Boss
Grosso’s voice booms over the captain’s
• MAKE DUE: On each mech, for each unfilled loudspeaker: “Spread out and secure the area! We
segment of Hardware Acquired, mark one march on the Commons soon after! I won’t let an
system or all weapons on one weapon mount as upstart doctor and his rats undermine our operation
destroyed. They may be repaired during a rest. before the Chevalier arrives!”
• FINALIZE REPAIRS: Each mech loses 1 REPAIR per
unfilled segment of Hardware Acquired, and the Boss Grosso wields an oversized NANOCARBON
Enemy Deployment will have double the listed SWORD. Mechanically, treat it as if it were a normal
Reinforcements. DEMOLITION HAMMER.
• CALL IN FAVORS: Sacrifice 3 unused RESERVES per
unfilled segment of Hardware Acquired and The PCs may use reserves acquired earlier in the
proceed to the next combat as normal. mission during this combat and any that follow. When
ready, begin COMBAT: GRIT THOSE TEETH.
[16]
COMBAT:
GRIT THOSE TEETH
The PCs must take control of the dig site to locate and OUTCOME
deploy the Paracausal Drill. Boss Alexei Grosso and PC VICTORY
his cadre hastily scramble their mechs in response. If the PCs successfully take over the dig site, all
remaining NPCs surrender, and the workers claim the
If the PCs previously freed Asuka, her strike distracts dig site. The PCs may decide the fate of Boss Grosso
Boss Grosso’s crew; the PCs may deploy after the and his enforcers.
enemy forces. Otherwise, decide order of deployment
as usual. PC DEFEAT
If the PCs fail to secure the dig site, they can still
SITREP: Control (Lancer, p. 268) recover and deploy the Paracausal Drill, but they must
each sacrifice a RESERVE or suffer the effect of System
ENEMY FORCES Trauma from the Structure Damage Table (Lancer, p.
FOR 3 PCS: 1x BOSS GROSSO – ELITE 80) as they protect whomever arms the drill. Dmitri
DEMOLISHER (Broad-Sweep Haft) arms the drill if no PCs volunteer. The remaining
2x GRUNT CATAPHRACTS enforcers retreat down a service tunnel once they
1x PRIEST detect the unstable energy signature of the armed
Paracausal Drill.
FOR 4 PCS: Add COMMANDER template to
PRIEST (Quick March)
+1x HIVE
REWARDS
If the PCs win and at least one opposing mech remains
intact, the PCs gain a REINFORCEMENTS reserve that
FOR 5 PCS: Add VETERAN template to BOSS
can be used during this mission, as Asuka repairs and
GROSSO (Legendary, Veterancy
commandeers a CATAPHRACT to assist (or another
[+Hull])
worker, if Asuka is incapacitated).
REINFORCEMENTS
FOR 3–4 PCS: 1x HIVE If the PCs destroy Boss Grosso’s mech, one PC can
2x GRUNT CATAPHRACTS salvage a NANOCARBON SWORD (Lancer, pg. 130),
treating it as EXOTIC GEAR (see APPENDIX E: EXOTIC
FOR 5 PCS: +2x GRUNT CATAPHRACTS GEAR for more information). During this module, they
may equip it in an appropriate mount during a rest
instead of a FULL REPAIR, replacing any weapons
DETAILS currently equipped to that mount.
This combat occurs at the dig site, as the PCs and
enemy forces contend over four Control Zones. If the
PCs ran out of time and opted to FINALIZE REPAIRS, MOVING ON
double the number of Reinforcements. For each The PCs may rest after combat concludes. During this
enforcer mech the PCs stole or disabled, remove one time, they may check in with their allies before the next
GRUNT CATAPHRACT — first from the Reinforcements, beat. Dmitri finishes calibrating the Paracausal Drill
then from the initial enemy forces. Treat rubble, gravel, while Asuka directs workers to seize personnel
and scrap metal in the area as difficult terrain. transports for the journey to the surface. Other workers
gather supplies and bid farewell to the Commons.
EXPLODING BARRELS
Bright red barrels in metal frames (Size 1, 1 HP, When the drill is ready to fire, move on to BEAT 4: OURS
Evasion 5) and the storage shed’s large generator IS THE DRILL.
(Size 2, 10 HP, Evasion 5) may targeted with melee
and ranged attacks. When destroyed, they emit a 1
READ THE ROOM
explosion, dealing 5 to all characters within the area.
It may be helpful to signal an NPC’s general
abilities to newer Lancer players. For example,
TACTICS you may mention that a Demolisher looks slow,
The PRIEST bestows INVESTITURE upon BOSS GROSSO, bulky, and dangerous to face in melee combat.
who moves to protect the nearest zone. The HIVE(S) They can SCAN the NPC to learn more.
cover unoccupied zones with RAZOR SWARMS, while
the CATAPHRACTS use IMPALE to drag PCs off of zones.
[17]
BEAT 4:
OURS IS THE DRILL
The ruler of Kestrel’s Bounty stands between the
workers and their freedom.
PUNCH IT
When the Paracausal Drill activates, read the following
text aloud:
SCREECHING HALT
Once the transports travel a short distance, read the
following text aloud:
[18]
COMBAT:
EYES UP, RISE UP
Kestrel’s forces cut off the workers’ grand escape. If the RAM hits, it dislodges the object, falling in a
Their liberation lies in the hands of the PCs. straight line towards the Player Deployment Zone.
The object is destroyed when it collides with an
obstructing character or object in its path, dealing
SITREP: Escort (Lancer, p. 269)
1d6 to the obstruction. If the obstruction is a
OBJECTIVE: 1x heavy transport (Size 2, 20 HP) character, they are knocked PRONE.
FALLING ROCKS
Any character capable of taking the RAM action may MOVING FORWARD
RAM an object or piece of terrain as if it were a Continue to the CONCLUSION to explore the aftermath
character. Treat the object or terrain as if it has 5 of this fight.
EVASION; if the object is a wreck of any size, treat it as
if it is SIZE 1 for determining the legality of the RAM.
[19]
ENEMY MECH
KESTREL Ultra Ace
Striker
SYSTEMS
SSC Flight System STRAFE Trait
System 1/round, as a quick action, KESTREL can fly spaces
KESTREL can fly whenever she moves or BOOSTS. equal to SPEED in any direction, automatically
dealing 3 to one character below or adjacent to
Missile Launcher the path taken.
Main Launcher, Seeking, Smart, +1
[ 10][ 1][4 ] Rapid Response
Reaction, 1/round, Trait
Barrel Roll Trigger: An enemy character in line of sight moves.
Reaction, Trait, Recharge 5+ Effect: KESTREL may BOOST.
Trigger: A melee or ranged attack hits KESTREL.
Effect: KESTREL performs a barrel roll, flying 6 VIPER’S SPEED Trait
spaces in any direction and causing the attack to KESTREL always takes the first turn, even acting
miss. This movement ignores engagements and before PCs. Whenever there is a question about
does not provoke reactions. who acts first – in both narrative play and mech
combat – it is always KESTREL. If multiple
characters have this trait, only one gets to use it
each time.
[20]
CONCLUSION
DEBRIEFING
MISSION SUCCESSFUL
If the PCs successfully escape Kestrel’s Bounty,
Chevalier Korolyova’s reputation craters amongst both
her noble peers and her ignoble opponents. The
greater Karrakin houses allow Korolyova’s estate to
crumble to deter Union diplomats inquiring about
violations of the Utopian Pillars.
If the PCs are UIB agents, they may stay to lead the
escaped workers, or they may be called elsewhere to
pursue a new mission from their shadowy organization.
MISSION FAILED
Chevalier Korolyova sentences the escapees to hard
labor and jails the PCs with the best security she can
afford. However, she cannot simply mend the earthen
gash marring her estate. Union human rights officials
begin interrogating the provocation of the workers’
revolt. Interested factions — such as the PCs’ former
Karrakin houses, the UIB, or groups impressed by the
PCs’ moxie — throw their weight behind the PCs and
their cause.
REWARDS
The publicity of the PCs’ escape attempt earns them
recognition from mech licensers. They gain one
license level upon the conclusion of this mission. They
keep any EXOTIC GEAR acquired over the course of the
mission.
[21]
APPENDIX A:
BRIEFING
BRIEFING SKILL CHECKS
• Players may “invoke” (or describe how they use)
GOAL: Liberate the workers of Kestrel’s an Aspect of a situation to grant ACCURACY or
Bounty before the Chevalier arrives. reduce risk (e.g., from RISKY to NORMAL).
• Aspects include:
STAKES: Imprisonment, hard labor, and ▪ Pilot Background
potentially execution lay ahead for ▪ Pilot Gear
those who rebel against Korolyova. ▪ Pilot Reserves
▪ Features of an area
REWARD: If successful, the PCs earn freedom ▪ Miscellaneous factors
for themselves and the rest of the ▪ A clever plan or approach
working class of Kestrel’s Bounty. • Reusable Aspects grant +1 ACCURACY
• Expendable Aspects grant +2 ACCURACY
Regardless of success or failure, • May use POWER AT A COST to trade success for
word spreads of the PCs’ valor, proportional consequences
earning them one license level.
[22]
APPENDIX B:
CLOCKS
Clocks are straightforward visual aids for tracking
incremental progress within a game world, often taking
the form of segmented circles like literal clocks. No
Room for a Wallflower: Act 1 first introduced the
mechanic to Lancer, though the concept existed in prior
games like Apocalypse World and Blades in the Dark.
[23]
APPENDIX C:
SETTLEMENT MAP
Arrows indicate permitted directions of travel.
COMMONS
DMITRI’S
CLINIC
SUPPLY
DIG SITE
DEPOT
[24]
APPENDIX D:
NPC NAMES
RANDOM NPC NAMES
FIRST/LAST NAME ROLL 1D20 TWICE
1 Nikifor Kuzmin
2 Kimiko Matsumoto
3 Yeva Volkova
4 Akira Kiyabu
5 Inna Fedorov
6 Jiro Yamagata
7 Lev Vinogradov
8 Hotaka Arakawa
9 Liza Morozova
10 Kaoru Fujita
11 Foma Egorov
12 Masayuki Matsui
13 Nina Aleksandrova
14 Jun Hirose
15 Anton Ilin
16 Izanami Nishimoto
17 Svetlana Pushkina
18 Masaki Kuse
19 Ony Sokolov
20 Yuki Takayama
[25]
APPENDIX E:
EXOTIC GEAR
EXOTIC GEAR
Introduced in No Room for a Wallflower: Act 1,
equipment with the EXOTIC GEAR tag is a permanent
addition to a character’s arsenal. EXOTIC GEAR is
treated as any other gear, except it does not require
any license levels to equip, and a character can equip
only two pieces of EXOTIC GEAR to a mech at a time.
Barrel Roll
Reaction, 1/round
Trigger: You are hit with a melee or ranged attack.
Effect: You perform a barrel roll, flying 6 spaces in
any direction and causing the attack to miss. This
movement ignores engagements and does not
provoke reactions.
[26]