TM

“Paranoia is merely poorly

dressed pragmatism.”
— Fade
 Writing
Alexander Flagg, Lee Hammock, Lucien Soulban

Brand Manager
Patrick Kapera

Mechanics Lead
Scott Gearin

Additional Assistance Proofreader

Ken Colman, Sean Holland, Christophe Mouchel, Andrew Wilson
Arne Reuter, Mike Surber
Creative Director
Art Director Mark Jelfo
jim pinto
Graphic Designer
Cover Art Justin Lawler
Veronica V. Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Interior Art John Zinser
Ilya Astrakhan, Richard Pollard
Chief of Operations
Cartography Maureen Yates
Justin Lawler
Production Manager
Editor Mary Valles
Rob Vaux

Spycraft Created by Patrick Kapera and Kevin Wilson

The Spycraft/Shadowforce The Spycraft/Shadowforce

Archer Story Team is… Archer Design Team is…
Steve Crow, Robert J. Defendi, B.D. Flory, Sean Michael Fish, Alexander Flagg, Scott Gearin
Meredith Patterson, Les Simpson Clayton A. Oliver, Rodney Thompson

Playtesters
Tony Allen, Carl Ballard, Jon Bancroft, Steve Barr, Clark Barrett, Matt Birdsall, Eirik Bull-Hansen, Kyle Burckhard, Simon Campey, Richard Cattle, David Crabbe, Joshua Cremosnik, Steve Crow,
Steve Emmott, Charles Etheridge-Nunn, Jerry Ham, Marshal Hitch, Nabil Homsi, Olav B. Hovet, John Jensen, Ashley Jestico, Darren Johnson, Stephen Johnstone, Kalai Kahana, Paul Kleiman,
Christi McCray, Matt McGowan, Angus McNichol, James McPherson, Clint Menezes, Steven Mileham, David Molinar, Jose H. Molinar, Ole Myrbakken, Jason Olsan, Meredith Patterson, Kent Peet,
Bob Pfieffer, Anthony Rainwater, Rolando Rivero, Hector Rodriguez, Dave Salisbury, Jon Sederqvist, Aaron Smith, Mandy Smith, Marshall Smith, Sonya Smith, Catherine Spainhour,
Rich Spainhour, Alasdair Stuart, Michael Surber, Andrew Fraser Taylor, Omar Topete, David Trask, Seth Tupper, Matt Van Kirk, Kris Wagner, Marcus Wischik, Vivika McKie-Woods, Matt Wright

Spycraft, Shadowforce Archer and all related marks are ™ and © 2003 Alderac Entertainment Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
All characters, names, places, and text herein is copyrighted by AEG.
Reproduction without AEG’s written permission is expressly forbidden, except for the purpose of reviews and when permission to photocopy is clearly stated.

Vitality points, wounds, Defense, and other rules from the Star Wars™ roleplaying game and other items not covered by the Open Gaming License used with permission from Wizards of the Coast.
The mention of or reference to any company or product in this book is not a challenge to the trademark or copyright concerned.
This book uses governments, intelligence agencies, and political figures as settings, characters, and themes. All such uses are intended for entertainment purposes only.

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www.shadowforcearcher.com
 Table of Contents
Illuminati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Fade To Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Requirements . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Chapter 1: Campaign Class Skills . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
..................9
Class Features . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Paris Flooded! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
State of the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Intruder . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Requirements . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
In The News Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Class Skills . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Albanian Refugee Camp
Class Features . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Training Ground for Terrorists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Ukraine Allays U.N.’s Fears Over
New Skill Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Sale of Military Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
New Fringe Feats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Katt Wilde Auction Draws Stars to Monaco . . . . . . 11
New Style Feats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Below the Fold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 New Psion Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Ghosts of Villains Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Fade Revisited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
The Rosetta Gambit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
New PsiTech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
L’accusé (“The Accused”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
New Vehicles and
The Fine Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Vehicular Gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
The 2004 Equinox Motors line ............... 79
Truth of the Matter: Paris Flooded . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Current Equinox Cycles . . . . . . ............... 80
Truth of the Matter: Albanian Refugee Camp . . . . 15
“The Gondola” . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 80
Truth of the Matter:
New Battle Suites . . . . . . . . . . ............... 82
Ukraine’s New Military Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Truth of the Matter: Katt Wilde Auction . . . . . . . . 19
Presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 82
Using Presence . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 82
Truth of the Matter: Ghosts of Villains Past . . . . . 19
Critical Successes and Failures ............... 83
Truth of the Matter: Rosetta Gambit . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Presence Actions . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 83
Truth of the Matter: L’accusé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The Price of Fame . . . . . . . . . . ............... 86
Chapter 2: Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 New Disposition Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Shadownet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Tackling Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 NPC Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Style and Demeanor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 24 Villains vs. Standard and Special NPCs . . . . . . . . . 88
Mission Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 24 A Couple Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Keeping the Secret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 30 NPC Class Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Mission Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 30 Aristocrat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Commercial Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 30 Financier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Criminal Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 32 Heavy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Intelligence Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 35 Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Government Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 36 Lawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Military Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 39 Lone Gunman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Other Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 40 The Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Enemies of the Commonwealth ....... 42 Psi–Punk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Gemini and the Circle of Hate . . . . . . . . . ....... 42
La Mano Sinistra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 43
Chapter 4: Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
The Tenebrae Protocol . . . . . . . . . ....... 44
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 44
Shadow History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Before the Pact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
The Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 45
The Commonwealth in the 1950s . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Modus Operandi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 45
The Commonwealth in the 1960s . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 45
The Commonwealth in the 1970s . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Current Agendas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 46
The Commonwealth in the 1980s . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Current Plotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 46
The Commonwealth in the 1990s . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Chapter 3: New Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 The Commonwealth Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 The Twin Chambers’ Organization . . . 105
New Departments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 New Feature NPCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Celebrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Holland, Sir Sean Marcus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Trebitsch, Oleg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Spin Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 New Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Class Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The Praetoriat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Class Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Plot Hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Accuser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 La Luna Noire (“The Black Moon”) . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Plot Hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Class Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Hook Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Class Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Monaco Race Track Chase Map . . . . . . 124
Assassin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Prague Chase Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Open Gaming Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Class Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Class Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

3
 European Commonwealth
coding mechanism. The Shadownet’s hub, “Id-07,"
scanned the code and verified identity, immediately tag-
FADE TO BLACK
Geneva, Switzerland
ging it Priority Code: Black. This request took prece-
dence above all others; it was reserved for Chamber
Controls.
Today
Fade was online.
4:18 a.m.
•••
Maison Strana of the Old City carried the weight of
Geneva’s history in her foundations. The neo-classic Mors, Denmark
touch in the bloom of her arches, columns, and crown- 4:20 a.m.
ing dome was mildly reminiscent of the Hellenistic
Leto Clemente shot awake up in his cot, his nearby
flourishes of ancient Athens and Rome. What the eye
computer terminal bleeping impatiently. The hum of the
saw of the building, however, was a deception. Where
surrounding machinery provided a cold early-morning
stone gargoyles held silent vigil over Rue Ste. Victor
lullaby. The Shop kept this facility cold to keep their
rested sophisticated camera arrays, scrutinizing every
over-clocked mainframes operating without incident,
detail throughout both the visible and invisible spec-
much to the chagrin of long-stay and live-in techs
trums. Where lush carpets and marble tile spoke of 18th
assigned to run logistical simulations. Clemente, how-
Century opulence, hidden seismic sensors measured
ever, was not among them. He was in a small stone
passing footsteps to the picogram. And where rows of
chamber further underground than daylight ever dreamt
proud Doric columns stood along each corridor, an elec-
of, and despite his thermal underwear and heated neo-
tromagnetic field lay, designed to measure static distor-
prene gloves, he swore his fingers would snap off from
tion generated by electronics and the human body.
the cold. But duty called, and Clemente sat in his chair
Past the gilded walls that scanned visitors down to the
and swung into position.
protein sequence of their morning juice and through the
“Identify?" Clemente said to the voice-recognition
elevator shaft crisscrossed by molecule thin lasers
program.
rested… the Vault.
“Transmission intercepted," the hollow-voice
The Vault championed its namesake with unrivaled
responded.
sophistication and was better fortified than Geneva’s
“Compatibility?"
Credit Suisse. Its security, however, also reflected its
“Analyzing."
importance as a remote hub of the Shadownet — a dark-
Clemente frowned and waited. The tap the Shop
ness cast from where light failed to fall, the Archer
maintained on the Shadownet was a simple job; rather
Conspiracy’s very own reflection of the Internet.
than attacking Room 39’s mainframes directly, it divert-
The Shadownet was unique to the Conspiracy as one
ed transactions from a compromised hub. Most often,
of Room 39’s “vouchsafed" electronic creations. Within
Clemente waited till the terminal compiled the week’s
the world’s various shadow communities, the Internet
data to a high density, encrypted memory card before
was aptly named, for as a net, it was full of security
hand-delivering the information to his superior. A mon-
leaks and holes. The Conspiracy’s Chambers required a
key could have done his work, but Clemente’s controller
secure method to transfer information or billions of
needed him to analyze incoming brainwave patterns
dollars without attracting the attention of either public
that registered at least 90% compatible to a secret para-
watchdogs or acne-covered hacks. Thus was born the
meter they’d established. Clemente had some experience
Shadownet, a submerged information web and unparal-
with this process — in fact, the Shop had imported him
leled experiment in PsiTech chicanery. The system
from a research facility in Bulgaria, where he studied
utilized a sophisticated firewall requiring one of a cata-
the possibility of using brainwaves as fingerprints. He’d
logue of psion brainwave patterns to gain access.
developed the program currently wearing on his
It seemed perfect.
patience — the one with the hollow voice.
Unfortunately, as the Conspiracy itself had proven,
“Analyze completed," the computer said.
nothing is ever entirely as it seems, and as the Titanic
“Percentage for parameter match?"
once demonstrated, nothing is ever entirely leak-proof.
“99%."
The Shadownet home server’s jet-black, monolithic
Clemente blinked, hard.
processor surged to life, the lights beneath its near-
“Confirm analysis using fourth protocols," he ordered.
opaque panels dancing like fireflies. An inbound trans-
A few minutes passed, the moments longer now.
mission was preceded by a split second with the rhyth-
“Fourth protocols complete. Match to 99.2%."
mic voltage spikes of an agent’s brainwave code, the
“YES!" Clemente whirled around in his chair, sud-
alpha, beta and theta waves fed into the system’s trinary
denly oblivious to the cold. “Display brainwave pattern
and trace the transmission."

4
 Fade tO Black

Clemente’s beaming smile vanished as a strange icon Veesenmayer nodded and looked to his compatriot
appeared in his terminal window. standing deep within the room’s shadows. Clemente
allowed himself only a passing glance at the raven-
•••
haired woman who seemed unaffected by the cold, even
“You’re certain?” Oswald said, his blue eyes dazzling in her vinyl tights and sleeveless lace bodice. In fact, her
with intensity. His Italian was impeccable and touched breath never registered as vapor.
with the classical turns of phrase for which the northern “Miss Abbot. Questions?” Veesenmayer asked in
country was renowned. He even threw in the correct English.
French words to supplement his speech — the dialect of “Yes,” the woman said, stepping forward. “Do we
Bologna — all for the benefit of its native son, Clemente. have a location?”
Clemente nodded, nonetheless second-guessing every “Bonifacio, Corsica,” Clemente said.
tract of data he’d triple checked before alerting his supe- “Anything else?” Abbot said.
rior. Here he was, a mere tech in the presence of Oswald “Yes…” Clemente brought the screen back to life.
Veesenmayer, Special Operations Section Chief for the “This appears on all my screens whenever I analyze the
European Theatre and lieutenant to Shop Control Dennis data.”
Gray. Veesenmayer cut a handsome figure and dressed Miss Abbot inhaled every so slightly. Veesenmayer’s
the part of a Monaco socialite in a custom-made suit pose went rigid and he straightened up. Both of them
from one of Paris’ top couture houses. He could walk stared at the icon of a wavy alien character that seemed
down a fashion-show runway and nobody would blink. to undulate and flicker with the screen’s refresh rate.
“Run me through your analysis.” Veesenmayer said. “Fringescript. That’s unexpected,” Miss Abbot said.
“It’s simple, really,” Clemente said, trying to con- “This is suddenly much less straightforward.”
vince himself of that very fact. “Psions fall into three “But still necessary,” Veesenmayer said. “You know
broad classes, each possessing heightened neurological who to contact. Price is no object… not for this.”
activity that manifests in their brainwave patterns. The
Three Days Later
base protocols determine the type of psion we’re dealing
Bonifacio, Corsica
with. The second protocol determines whether the psion
8:43 p.m.
derives his abilities through chemical and genetic stim-
ulation as evidenced by certain byproducts we call “fin- Miss Abbot stood on the ironwork balcony and
gerprints,” or through the original strains. We then mea- allowed herself a brief sigh, a quick distraction from the
sure the amplitude and frequency from peaks and task at hand. Bonifacio rested high atop white limestone
troughs and look for minute variations that indicate the cliffs overlooking the polished turquoise of the
presence of specific abilities.” Mediterranean. The view alone was magnificent, but
“And all the protocols match?” Bonifacio was a delight of its own. The ancient fort of
“To within 98% average certainty, given the para- the Citadel cradled the city’s oldest buildings, summer-
meters. Our subject is a physical adept and derives his hued stone houses towering above narrow public
power from the original strain. In fact, his ability para- streets. Every door was a refuge from traffic, every street
meters far exceed anyone I’ve ever encountered.” alive with life.

5
 European Commonwealth
Still, the beautiful moment was just a distraction, abilities, and communications across Brussels. The aim
and Miss Abbot soon returned to the shelter of her rent- was chaos, both within the city and in Europe’s dual
ed apartment, now awash in mechanical viscera. Wires Chambers. Losing contact with Brussels (both physical-
and tubes hung everywhere, feeding the portable, brief- ly and mentally) due to a massive EM spike would alert
case mainframes with data from collapsible satellite the various section chiefs and Controls of a likely
dishes. Four operators worked in tandem, coordinating nuclear explosion in the area, supporting the assumed
their efforts for the big event. presence of the Russian bomb. It would only take twen-
On one table rested several grenades containing ty minutes to confirm, but chaos would reign for the
legions of short-lived, organic-targeting bacteria. The next several hours.
bacteria would break down minute traces of organic It was the mother of all red herrings, an operation to
material left behind by Miss Abbot’s team, essentially distract the Chamber Controls at a critical moment —
destroying all DNA evidence of their presence — down and to provide the Shop with a necessary cover for its
to the oily residue of fingerprints — yet leaving the real operation.
room itself intact and undamaged. The bacteria died Within moments, Miss Abbot crossed the small park
within minutes of release and the canisters melted into of Place Manichella, across from Cantina Doche. Her
puddles of indistinct polymers. sub-cochlear implant crackled with a flurry of voices,
“Sit-Rep," Miss Abbot demanded in English. belying the seeming tranquility of Bonifacio. She
“Our target is confirmed," one tech responded, trans- switched frequencies quickly.
lating the information feed through HUD goggles. “Fade “Ready?” she asked.
is dining at a private room at Cantina Doche, at the rear “We’re live,” a woman responded.
of the restaurant, his back to the wall." Miss Abbot switched back to hear:
“Clockwork," Miss Abbot said with a wry smile. “Gryphon Nest to all teams, stand by.”
“Endobiotic scans indicate three restaurant patrons “Gryphon Nest to War-Frost, we’ve lost all contact
are strain-vector psions,” another tech said. with Brussels. We’re registering a massive EM spike.”
“Bodyguards,” Miss Abbot confirmed. “Inform Strik- “Now?” Strike-9’s voice was sharp, nearly panicked,
9’s team that I’m inbound. They’ll need all the help they cutting through the chatter.
can get.” Miss Abbot quickly threw on her black jacket “Not yet,” Miss Abbot said. “Wait till I give the
and headed out the door when… order.”
“Strik-9 on-line,” a tech reported. The radio chatter cut to dead silence, everyone wait-
Miss Abbot activated her sub-cochlear device. “This ing to spring into action.
is War-Frost, I’m coming in.” “Gryphon Eyes to War-Frost. Target has just received
“I don’t need your help.” Strik-9’s voice raspy over a phone call. He’s gone pale white. He’s getting up.”
the earpiece. He’s distracted, Miss Abbot thought. She called into
“This is too important for your bravado. We finish her headset, “All units… the word is Typhoon.”
this by the book. Follow my lead.” The three-tiered explosion registered first, even as
“We’ll see.” Fade chastised himself for growing so lax. How could I
“Move against Fade without my authorization and have been caught so unawares — after so long?
your purgatory will be revoked. I’ll see to it that you The bomb was hidden on the restaurant’s outside
finally pay for your incompetence in Seattle last year.” brick wall, facing the bordering cliff that loomed over
“You can’t do that.” beautiful Sotta Rocca Beach. The first-tier detonation
“You’re part of a Department D-2 operation, agent... generating an anti-psi pulse. Fade watched his
that means you’re mine for the duration.” Miss Abbot entourage scream in slow motion, psychic shrapnel
noticed the fourth tech signaling her. “I’ll be local in tearing holes in the gauze of their thoughts. He felt it
three minutes,” she said before breaking contact. too, though he weathered the peppering assault far bet-
“Report,” Miss Abbot said to the tech. ter.
“We have a green light with the Brussel’s Gambit.” The second-tier explosion followed a second later —
“Go.” Miss Abbot walked swiftly out the room and a breach charge, punching open the wall and scattering
down the narrow apartment stairs. bricks throughout the room. The third-tier explosive
The Brussel’s Gambit was a costly diversion... a sup- was right on its heels — a tremendous concessive shock-
posed bidding war for a Russian portable nuke between wave designed to shove away massive volumes of air.
Basque Separatists and a rogue unit of former GSG-9 Physics did the rest. The third explosion created a
officers. The Commonwealth was aware of the transac- sudden vacuum. Air rushed in to fill the void, sucking
tion and eager to raid the meeting. What they didn’t two waiters and one of Fade’s bodyguards through the
know was that the nuke was in fact a specialized anti- wall and over the cliff outside.
psi bomb. The controlled explosion would generate an
electro-magnetic pulse, briefly disrupting power, psion

6
 Fade tO Black
Fade was disoriented, the explosion and negative air Fade spun, his hands a blur to deflect the incoming
pressure popping his ears sharp and hard. Still, he attacks, but two bricks and several rounds smashed hard
moved with purpose, inhuman strength flowing through into his chest and head. He felt one of his ribs snap.
his veins. He forced himself through Cantina Doche’s Strik-9 was also inbound, pushing off one wall into a
now shattered side door, aiming to escape the blast zone flying kick back towards the ground. Fade somersaulted
as quickly as possible, and fall back to one of his local backwards, toward the mysterious psion and her guards,
safe houses. trying to close her advantage in distance and limit
The first Shop unit was already there, however, in Strik-9's movements…
full-breach — assault vests and rigs, polarized goggles,
•••
and Steyr AUGs at the ready. They were well trained,
depressing their triggers the very second Fade rushed Miss Abbot watched the ballet, envying the speed of
into the alley, between them. He took the unit leader Fade and Strik-9’s melee. Strik-9 managed feats of
down with a spin kick moments before two slugs struck physical prowess she herself could never know — but
his side, the stinging bite of sintered rounds pinching Fade was superior even to him, and the Shop operatives
through his toughened skin. needed to work together if they were to bring him down.
They’re not trying to kill me, Fade realized with a That… and an ace. Miss Abbot activated her sub-
shock. They want me alive! cochlear implant long enough to activate her sleeper,
Fade grabbed and spun his second assailant into two before stepping back and hyper-exciting the alley’s air
others, knocking them off guard. He was just about to molecules to combustion. She hurled two bolts of fire at
leap between walls, up to the safety of the rooftops, Fade, both of which he dodged while deftly blocking
when a brilliant flash exploded immediately before him, another of Strik-9’s talon assaults.
square in his line of sight. He barely managed to close Suddenly, Fade buckled forward, his nerves set on
his eyes, but the after-bursts danced through his visions fire by a kidney blow from an unseen source. He imme-
like a kaleidoscope of flames. He leapt anyway. His eyes diately tried to bolt past the alley’s lip, toward the rela-
were secondary to this action as his sixth sense shot out tive safety and escape of the open plaza beyond. But he
to survey his surroundings. encountered a wave of psionic force that flung him back
Bouncing between the walls, Fade gained height in toward his attackers. Fade was now fighting a losing
with each push. Before he could clear the nearest roof, battle in a tight corridor against three foes, only two of
however, a tangible force grabbed his leg in mid-leap, whom he could sense.
pulling him back down with a wrenching tug. The mystery assailant coordinated off Strik-9,
Not a hand, Fade thought, a psion — and a powerful attacking where he was not. Strik-9 swung high, she
one, too. kicked low. Strik-9 spun into a sweep kick, she lunged
Fade lurched about in mid-air and landed with feline for the throat. And in between, the telekinetic unleashed
grace as he noticed soft soles against the cement and the a torrent of debris and microbursts of light, confusing
rush of displaced air moving towards him. More sol- Fade’s senses with flash and clatter.
diers. He darted forward and flipped over his first tack- Then… the mystery assailant landed a telling kick to
ler, bringing his leg over in an axe-kick to crack the sec- Fade’s head, momentarily disorienting him, and Strik-9
ond assailant’s skull. impaled him with three talons coated with a strong
The air whistled to Fade’s left and he rolled beneath neural-inhibitor.
an attacker’s swing. Fade fell. The poisons shooting through his veins in
Someone’s using a knife? No… Fade realized, several firework spasms. He glanced up, each blink bringing
knives… talons. Minute droplets splattered against the him further into darkness. His mysterious attacker
cement. The talons were coated. appeared, cloaked in a veil and red robes that covered
“Strik-9, I presume?" Fade said, coming out of his her head to foot. A fold in her robes creased, taking the
roll in time to turn and catch an incoming attacker in form of a wavering dagger…
the jaw with a spinning elbow. “Misri,” Fade said, his voice a whisper.
“The pleasure’s all mine," Strik-9 answered, leaping “I’m sorry, old friend,” Misri said in Egyptian. “The
and bouncing between two walls. Fade waited for the Assassins trained you well. We are proud — but it’s time
downward stroke, then realized the villain was dodging for our crop to yield a harvest. You understand — you
multiple projectiles inbound down the alley’s length. must have known this would come, some day…”
The psion who grabbed him previously was judicially Miss Abbot walked up to Misri. “As agreed, I’ve
staying back and telekinetically pitching large bricks wired the bank. Your fee awaits you.”
while three shooters filled the alley with bursts of pow- “And the rest of the payment?” Misri scanned Miss
dered rounds. Abbot for any sign of betrayal.

7
 European Commonwealth
Miss Abbot smiled. “The Assassins will have their Chapter One: Campaign updates the Shadowforce
trophy — after we have ours.” Archer setting, moving the timeline forward and merg-
Misri offered Fade a sad smile and walked away. ing threads first seen in the core release with new events
Miss Abbot hovered over her quarry, her eyes never that have happened since. Mission hooks are provided
leaving the patch of unnatural darkness within his cowl. for most new and lingering story elements, ready to be
“All units,” she said into her sub-cochlear. “Prepare dropped into any campaign. These mission hooks also
for immediate evac.” represent half of SFA Interactive Episode #5.
Strik-9 clambered to the alley floor, executing a final Chapter Two: Agent contains everything you need to
flip before smirking with pride at such a worthy adver- play an operative of the European Commonwealth,
sary so humbled by his devastating venom. A team of including the roles you may take, the tools at your dis-
Shop operatives hesitantly approached with a net of posal, and the foes Control is likely to send you up
close-woven micro-fibers — an anti-psion restraint. against. New details about the espionage arena in
“Wait,” Miss Abbot halted their advance, leaning in Europe and the world are also included.
to pull back Fade’s cowl. Chapter Three: New Rules offers two new depart-
Her eyes danced across the handsome features ments, one new base class (the spin doctor), several new
beneath, and searched his eyes for any hint of sadness prestige classes — including the Accuser (Archer's
or fear at his defeat. She found none — but she knew “internal affairs" operative), the Assassin (an agent
they would come soon enough. trained in the dark Fringe arts of one of the Guardians'
“It’s an honor to finally make your acquaintance,” greatest enemies), and the intruder (Fade's personal
she said, “Mr. Conrad Archer…” strike force). Many new skill uses are included, as are
PsiTech gadgets, new psion skills, and the rules for
using celebrity to influence people. This chapter is
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the European Commonwealth Chamber
capped off with several new NPC classes for use in your
campaigns.
Chapter Four: Chamber contains advanced informa-
Book, wherein many new facets of the Shadowforce tion about the Commonwealth, from its operations to its
Archer world setting are finally laid bare. This book organization to the people in charge. This chapter offers
concerns two of the most powerful forces on earth at new details about Shadowforce Archer’s secret "shadow
this time — the Old World conspiracy known as the history," as well as two new feature NPCs, a new hook
Gemeinschafft Consortium and the rebel youth move- sheet, and two new chase maps (one for Prague and a
ment spawning street vigilantes known as Fade. race map for the famed Monaco city street track, com-
Together, these groups command Archer's efforts on the plete with mechanics for each track section). Finally,
central European Continent, from the English Channel this chapter also contains two new threats — including
all way to Russia. But as you've just learned in the a devious new branch of the Archer family tree, bent on
opening fiction to this book, things are rarely as they the Conspiracy's destruction — and instructions for
seem here in the birthplace of espionage, and there is using the material in this book to create any one of sev-
much more to Europe than plainly meets the eye… eral epic seasons of play.

8
 May 18, 2003

PARIS FLOODED!
Jordan Mitchell runoff. Coupled with torrential
-Staff Writer spring showers that dumped
seven centimeters on Paris and
PARIS — La Ville Lumière, the
its outlying areas, the disaster
City of Lights, is dark tonight.
was inevitable and eminently
Paris falters under floodwaters
foreseeable. In a recent re-
that have left over a million of the
port by the Green Party’s
city’s residents without electricity
Environment Minister, Emile
and close to two million without
Beaudouin, Paris was “taking
telephone service. Rescue workers
measures to counter the
are using boats to reach stranded
impending flood." In fact,
pockets as far as a mile-and-a-half
Beaudouin had high praise for
away from the Seine River, while
Paris’ transit authority, which
over 80% of the underground sub-
had just ratified a plan to erect
way system (including an estimat-
dikes at endangered stations
ed 243 out of 300 stations) are
once floodwaters exceeded
paralyzed or submerged.
7.10 meters at Paris’ Austerlitz
The flood shows no sign of
Bridge, and for the EDF, the
abating; rainstorms continue to
state’s electrical provider, for
pummel the region and the Seine
finally taking steps to prepare
continues to rise, well past the
for massive flooding.
1910 Great Flood mark to a cur-
But the scope of this cur-
rent estimated height of over 10
meters. When the current torrent of
Scenes of Paris devastation, courtesy of WorldWire. rent deluge caught almost
everyone unawares. The EDF
rainfall finally comes to an end, Paris
tures as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc had yet to implement their plans to protect the
may well be under an estimated 11.5 meters of
de Triomphe are swiftly becoming a war of attri- city’s precious power lines while the transit
water, leaving much of the City of Lights
tion, and some locations have already fallen to authority’s dikes proved at best a stopgap mea-
destroyed — as the world knows it, at any rate.
the invading waters. Authorities have authorized sure that merely delayed the inevitable overspill.
The French president declared a state of
the complete evacuation of the Île de la Cité and Neither were these essential services alone in
emergency this afternoon, saying in a press con-
St-Louis Seine islands, resulting in a massive their “too little too late" policies. Audrey Roddis,
ference, “this disaster far surpasses the Great
boat- and airlift to rescue stranded workers and curator of the Grande Bibliotheque (the national
Flood in magnitude and suffering… We estimate
patients at Hôtel Dieu Hospital, as well as gov- library) reports that “we had generators to power
current damage to private and public property to
ernment employees at the Palace of Justice and our water pumps if electricity was cut, but we
be over 14 billion Euros." Rescue teams and vol-
Police Headquarters. didn’t expect anything of this magnitude. Now
unteers from across the European Union are
To say Paris, if not the whole of France, was the pumps are failing because no tankers can
flocking to Paris to help with the evacuation
ready for this disaster is an understatement, but reach us to refuel the generators. This is horrible.
effort, but even this is not enough to save the
to say the forecasted “Centennial Flood" far We’re desperately trying to evacuate tens of
thousands of people stranded and threatened by
exceeded expectation or imagination is an equal thousands of books before the pumps fail."
the two days of rain still expected to lash the
underestimation. Following the Great Flood of “Paris was ready," one member of the Green
bassin de la Seine. And with floodwaters contin- Party insisted anonymously. “We were prepared
1910, Paris built four dams to regulate the levels
uing to rise, the relief stations themselves are for a flood… but we didn’t anticipate one this
of the Seine. Unfortunately, since 1910, urban
constantly relocating to higher ground, further large. We still can’t explain it. Certainly, the soil
development has changed so much of Paris’
hampering regional aid. This horrible drama isn’t was unusually saturated given the heavy rainfall
landscape that the current deluge impacted the
expected to end for at least another week, by and spring thaws over the past three years, but
region differently than expected. The flood
which time an estimated four to six hundred may this… this is ridiculous. It’s like the soil refuses
spread into areas once believed safe, and left
have perished in the flood. Paris is desperate for
some endangered neighborhoods entirely unaf- to absorb any more water; like cement. C'est
any able-bodied help it can muster in this dire
fected. incompréhensible."
hour of need.
Likewise, the areas outside Paris — known as Still, for those caught shorthanded, there are
Yet this terrible outlook isn’t the greatest
Île de France (Island of France) — were suppos- silver linings to the worst natural disaster in
concern for some. Antoine Belleville, director for
edly protected by flood barrages and overspill Paris’ history. Many worry that the valiant
the relief and refugee station at Parc des Buttes
reservoirs. These haven’t helped, however; five efforts of rescue workers — and even common
Chaumont had this to say: “The flooding is cat-
rivers frame Île de France, and all are on the people — to stem the tide of human suffering
astrophic, yes, but the real danger will come in
verge of breaching, if not overflowing. Already, won’t be enough. But Galen’s Ward has opened
the weeks after the flood. The waters are already
reports concerning widespread power failure its regional clinics to provide emergency medical
brimming with animal corpses and backed-up
across Île de France may potentially bring this stores and Equinox Motors has shipped one hun-
sewage, increasing the risk of cholera and other
human drama from 2.2 million victims to as dred all-terrain vehicles to Paris to help with
diseases." Fortunately, the French Army has been
many as 9.4 million once the floodwaters final- evacuations.
sent in to help the overburdened refugee centers,
ly subside. Other stories owe their existence to fore-
and they’ve come equipped with vaccines and
The IIBRBS (the state institution responsible sight. Following widespread flooding across
other badly needed medical supplies provided by
for maintaining the Seine basin dams) blames Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and
Red Cross and the Gemeinschafft Consortium’s
the city’s extensive subway system for spreading Hungary earlier last year — flooding that dam-
medical assistance and advancement office,
the flood, but the transit authority, pointing to aged countless works of arts and books —
Galen’s Ward. Even the nation’s Air Force and
the fact that the dams only reduced the Seine’s numerous Parisian treasures and objet d’art were
Navy are involved, providing aerial rescues and
level by a meter, claims the IIBRBS was ill pre- moved from their underground vaults to safer
surveillance, and commandeering boats and tour
pared. locations. Even now, with floodwaters rising to
barges in the area to help with the evacuation of
Discounting Paris’ location in the low-lying unprecedented levels, these hallowed institutions
those stranded on rooftops and within buildings.
bassin de la Seine, the obvious culprit in this dis- of French culture are relocating their treasures
Currently, Paris is a maze of sandbag barri-
aster is a combination of factors. Record rainfall under the armed escort of a full Marine
cades, with grueling 24-hour civilian and mili-
over the past three years has left the soil highly Regiment, en route to neighboring museums for
tary guard shifts held over Paris’ institutes and
saturated and unable to absorb the winter-spring safekeeping.
landmarks. Efforts to save such historic struc-
 European Commonwealth
Finally, the third section — “Below the Fold" —
describes events which agents of the Archer Conspiracy
S TATE OF
THE W ORLD
may become embroiled in, but which have not yet gar-
nered mass attention.
Each event is described in these sections as a brief
Europe is a discordant assembly of interests and news story or blurb, relating what the world knows
agendas, and matters are only growing worse. The fol- about it. In the fourth section of this chapter — “The
lowing events are a partial reflection of impending Fine Print" — we present what’s really going on behind
chaos, the waves on an ocean’s surface belying the cur- the scenes, and introduce plot hooks that offer potential
rents beneath. Then again, what the agents see is often outcomes and causes for each story (which GCs and
only that portion that surfaces. It’s their duty to sepa- players may in turn report about on the official
rate effect from cause and arrive at a solution to every Shadowforce Archer website). These plot hooks are
critical matter, and it’s that journey between stimulus ready to be dropped into any game, and should not be
and response that provides for adventure. read by players likely to be sent on the missions
This chapter draws upon several events featured in described.
SFA Interactive Episode #5: Sins of the Fathers. It also
brings the Shadowforce Archer setting current to May
2003 — one year after the release of the Worldbook and
the launch of this global interactive experience (see the
official website — www.shadowforcearcher.com — for
ITNODAY
THE N EWS
…
more).
The public knows of the following events, though
Several possible causes, outcomes, or other variables
not the reasons for their existence. Some hint at deeper
accompany each of the events herein, putting a new
layers, but all are of interest to the European
spin on the plot thread and offering roleplaying oppor-
Commonwealth.
tunities for your home games. By incorporating these
events into your campaigns and reporting the results of Albanian Refugee Camp
your group’s actions (or just your preferences), you can Training Ground for
affect the ongoing storyline and change the direction of Terrorists
future sourcebooks and web support material.
DURRËS — It’s another black mark against the strug-
With each release, a submissions page for the book
gling Adriatic nation of Albania as United Nations
in question can be found on the website. Simply identi-
peacekeepers recently discovered a terrorist cell operat-
fy yourself by codename (you can sign up for one on-
ing out of a Russian-run refugee camp near the port city
site), and click on your preferences to send us your
of Durrës. U.N. spokesman Odette Oroze was quick to
results and votes. The outcome of each sourcebook’s
point out that the Russian relief workers had no knowl-
events is worked into a future sourcebook as described
edge of the terrorist cell, which was recruiting Muslims
on the polling webpage.
from among the camp’s Kosovo refugees, as well as
Of course, you can ignore the metagame and simply
smuggling weapons to Muslims in neighboring Serbia.
plug the plot hooks into your games in the traditional
The Durrës refugee camp is one of many camps
manner. We’ve designed the books to fully support this
being run by various nations, including Great Britain,
option as well, with no space wasted on material useful
Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Since Muslims
to only one style of play.
constitute 70% of the city’s population, many of the
The Campaign chapter of this sourcebook is broken
refugee camps are run on donations from Muslim phil-
into three sections. The first is a core event that this
anthropists and Islamic societies, the majority of them
sourcebook revolves around or which is most important
peaceful. “I hope this doesn’t affect the flow of refugee
to the setting at the moment — in this case, the unex-
aide," Oroze said. “Unfortunately, this is just one of
plained flooding of Paris. As you’ll see starting on page
many problems facing the U.N. peacekeepers."
9, however, much of the real news about this event is
Albania’s difficulties began in 1997 when various
kept from the papers, perhaps known only to the Archer
pyramid investment schemes (ploys used by the local
Conspiracy, or even the European Commonwealth
Mafia to launder money) claimed half of the Albanian
alone, and their allies.
population’s savings. The resulting riots saw banks and
The second section of this chapter — “In the News"
even armories sacked by thousands of angry Albanians.
— describes events that are in the headlines, but take a
Currently, the United Nations estimates that thieves and
back seat to the main event of the moment.
rioting citizens sacked over 1,200 army depots, resulting
in the theft of 750,000 weapons and 3,600 tons of
explosives. Only 25,000 weapons have been returned.

10
 Campaign
Ukraine Allays U.N.’s Fears
Over Sale of New Military BELOW THE FOLD
Technology
ODESSA — In a development that stunned many The following stories are unlikely to earn press cov-
Western military analysts, the Ukraine Ministry of erage. Some are newsworthy events suppressed by the
Defense demonstrated its new technological asset — the Commonwealth, while others are entirely internal
Omni-Tactical Terminal (OTT) — at a press conference in developments.
Odessa yesterday. This sophisticated hardware provides
a constant flow of data intelligence across all military Ghosts of Villains Past
service channels, from mobile battlefield command The 1960s was a decade of global turbulence, when
units to intelligence-gathering stations far from the the Archer Conspiracy’s Chambers were challenged by
front lines. Initial reports of the demonstration indicate an unending parade of catastrophes. North America and
the OTT field tests surpass those of the American-built Asia suffered through the Vietnam War, racial riots, and
Joint Tactical Terminal, built by Raytheon, and that the anti-war demonstrations. Europe endured similar
device could give any army a tactical advantage in the upheavals, as did Africa and the Middle East. Amidst all
modern Information Age. this chaos, however — perhaps even overshadowed by it
Although not a member of the European Union, the — four submarines from four different nations sank at
Ukraine does participate in the EU Rapid Reaction Force, sea… all during 1968.
and was quick to state that it wasn’t prepared to sell this In March, a Soviet Golf-II sank in the Pacific, fol-
technology yet — or, at the very least, it was prepared to lowed by the U.S.S. Scorpion in May, the Israeli Dakar
offer the technology to the EU first. How long this ges- on her inaugural voyage, and the French Minerve in the
ture of good will remains on the table depends greatly Bay of Biscay. The American and Russian vessels were
on the Ukraine’s financial needs, however. Following its both publicly known to contain nuclear weapons, and
suspension from the International Monetary Fund for the Dakar was rumored to carry a warhead. But the offi-
“financial impropriety," the Ukraine is believed to have cial story followed that none of the sinkings were relat-
supplemented its cash reserves through arms sales — in ed. In truth, though, the Archer Conspiracy was well
particular, diesel engines and blueprints for Pakistani’s aware all four subs were hit with torpedoes, and in all
Al-Khalid battle tanks. The country is also said to have four cases, warheads promptly vanished. Although most
entered into a lucrative joint-contract with Jordan to Chambers scrambled to uncover the truth, they never
modernize, create, and repair Middle Eastern military identified the culprits, and eventually the matter slid out
equipment. of notice in the face of more immediate concerns.
Several days ago, a Gemeinschafft Eurowolf satellite
Katt Wilde Auction — experimenting with fine-tuned magnetic variance
Draws Stars to Monaco sensors normally employed by mining companies to
MONACO — In a bold move, Round Table detect large deposits — registered an unusual reading
Entertainment announced that the world premiere of from Ustica, a tiny Italian island some 50 clicks north of
Catwalk: Gold Shadow, starring international phenome- Sicily. An investigation team uncovered a hidden, lead-
non Katt Wilde, will take place at the 18th Century lined facility with a secret docking port, as well as resid-
fortress, Théâtre du Fort Antoine in Monaco this sum- ual radiation readings and a crippled submarine that
mer. An auction of paraphernalia from the last three didn’t conform to any existing database listing.
Catwalk movies will precede the highly anticipated The Commonwealth has surmised that the sub might
debut, featuring directors’ notes, various costumes worn be the culprit responsible for sinking the four other sub-
by Ms. Wilde and others (including her lingerie from marines in 1968. Yet the facility is abandoned and badly
Catwalk: Blue Steel), props, and even retired set pieces. damaged from a firefight and blaze dated at over 30
Confirmed guests encompass a veritable buffet of years past. On initial inspection, the base’s personnel
Hollywood’s hottest notables. The event promises to be (124) all died in the gun battle, but no evidence of their
among the most impressive and publicized of the year, adversaries has been found. Stranger still: none of the
likely to rival the Oscars in attention and attendance. Commonwealth’s resources can identify the long-dead
personnel, or where the missing nukes went.
The Commonwealth has assigned several agent
teams to investigate this mystery. As the nukes were
stolen from three other regions, however, the operation
has passed into full Conspiracy custody, and several
more teams are being sent by each affected Chamber
(the Guardians, the Company, and the Confederacy).

11
 European Commonwealth

The Rosetta Gambit

In a show of good faith, the British Museum recent-
ly agreed to display the Rosetta Stone as part of an
Ancient Egyptian exhibit showing at Paris’ Louvre (now
THE FINE PRINT
WARNING! This section reveals the Truth of the
cancelled due to flooding — see page 9), Berlin’s Ägyp- Matter and plot hooks for each of the events described
tisches Museum, Athens Archeological Museum, and earlier in this chapter. Players should stay away if they
Madrid’s Museo Arqueológico Nacional. Secretly accom- intend to play in a game featuring this material, and
panying the exhibit is a team of Room 39 agents, tasked players whose GCs keep their cards close to their vests
with ensuring the Rosetta Stone’s security. should check with their groups to make sure they don’t
Though suspicions are high that an attempt to steal accidentally ruin a planned serial.
the Stone will come soon, there’s as yet no evidence to
support them. Secretly, Sarah Singleton has briefed her The Truth of the Matter:
agents to expect an attempt from among the Chamber’s Paris Flooded
Middle East allies. The Guardians’ disdain for British, Threat Code: Per plot hook — see the opposite page.
French, and German “exploitation" of mystic treasures References: The following story includes many
is well known, as is their interest in the Rosetta Stone, movers and shakers of the European shadow communi-
which is rumored to factor into the grand mystery sur- ty, including Equinox Motors (see page 31 and 79) and
rounding the Ancients (see the Shadowforce Archer Galen’s Ward (see page 41). At the forefront is Gemini
Worldbook, page 214). and his Circle of Hate (see the Shadowforce Archer
Worldbook, pages 92 and 238–239). There’s also poten-
L'accusé (“The Accused”) tial involvement from Team Madox and Quicksilver of
A recent Bosnia-insertion mission saw the elimina- P.E.R.I.L. (see the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, pages
tion of an entire Commonwealth team save for a single 242–243), as well as Aurora of the Guardians (see the
survivor, an Austrian-born agent named Alban Nestroy. Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, pages 110 –111).
Gemeinschafft Accusers charge that Nestroy collaborat- Although France anticipated and prepared for the
ed with a P.E.R.I.L. cell, betraying his team to the enemy Paris Centennial Flood, the severity of the deluge is in
organization. Nestroy is due to stand trial, but rumors fact engineered and represents only half the existing
follow that he’ll call in former associates to testify on peril. The mastermind behind Paris’ present misfortune
his behalf or even investigate the case independently is Gemini and his “Circle of Hate." In 2001, Gemini pro-
(fearing that Gemeinschafft is setting him up as the cured genetically spliced bacteria from P.E.R.I.L., which
scapegoat for bad intelligence). thought it was off-loading a worthless, non-viable
Few people are willing to testify on Nestroy’s behalf strain. Gemini, however, saw the bacteria’s true poten-
given the oft-grueling process involved in Accuser-run tial and enhanced its function as a two-stage plague.
investigations. All agents, however, are to make them- The first stage’s sole purpose is to replicate at an expo-
selves available for the investigating team and to nential rate and die. Gemini dumped this strain into the
answer questions as needed. Paris waterways, cisterns, and sewers, where it settled

12
 Campaign
into the soil and saturated it (as a byproduct of the bac- Meanwhile, the leading reporter in this enterprise,
teria’s process of decay). Over the last two years, the Jordan Mitchell (who serves as the voice for many
bacteria grew exponentially beneath the city, slowing Archer Conspiracy-related frontline stories) has been
the soil’s ability to absorb water following the winter revealed as an Eye of Argus. Unfortunately, this revela-
melt and subsequent spring showers, setting conditions tion was made worldwide; Mitchell inadvertently outed
for the Centennial Flood. himself in a well-laid trap to uncover a leak among
Now, as recent rainstorms deluge Paris, the bacteria Gemeinschafft’s contacts.
spreads throughout Paris’ fresh water supply, and floods The Consortium regularly disseminates privileged
the city beneath several feet of backed up canal and information piecemeal to a variety of sources, always
sewage water. The bacteria thrive in rich organic envi- knowing exactly who possesses each kernel of data at
ronments, like sewers and fresh soil, and the flood has any time. When Mitchell’s story appeared with intelli-
accelerated its spread. Now, Gemini is ready to intro- gence concerning the military convoy evacuating the
duce the second-stage microbes, a genetic addendum Louvre, Gemeinschafft immediately contained the
that’s harmless on its own but capable of merging with informant and forced him to betray Mitchell and his
and supplanting the existing bacteria, filling gaps in its purpose. Shortly thereafter, The Consortium leaked
genetic code and creating a new and very deadly vari- information to the press identifying Mitchell as an Eye
ant. This second strain feeds not on organic material but of Argus, casting the reporter’s entire story into doubt,
on mineral deposits (mainly stone and brickwork). With and simultaneously slipping out of the limelight itself.
floodwaters everywhere, Gemini’s two-stage attack will Mitchell has since vanished.
soon be capable of eroding Paris’ very foundation,
destroying its invaluable historical legacy. Plot Hook: Gemini’s Plan
The public believes the flood’s a fluke, and is Threat Code: Black
beseeching the world’s help in what is very much a state Finding Gemini and his Circle of Hate are para-
of emergency. The Gemeinschafft Consortium, however, mount concerns to almost everyone involved in the
knows Gemini is involved because he’s blackmailing Paris operation. Doing so, however, requires legwork in
them for several billion Euros with the threat that he’ll a city that’s quite literally drowning.
release the second-stage bacteria. Gemeinschafft is Gemini and his Circle of Hate’s base of operations in
seeking assistance from the Conspiracy’s other located in the abandoned Musée du Beau Marais, on
Chambers, primarily because the Consortium suspects the Left Bank of the Seine, across the river from the
Gemini’s ransom demands are a red herring. The Louvre. The Marais Belle Museum was deserted two
Consortium plans to use the other Chambers to appre- years ago due to structural instability, and while it’s
hend Gemini, to uncover his ulterior motives, or — in now partially submerged, Gemini’s base on the top two
the worst case scenario — to suffer the blame if Gemini floors is as yet still dry. Gemini keeps four jet skis close
carries through with his threat. to a large bay window at the water level, hidden behind
With the Commonwealth’s attention diverted, sever- floating debris. Whether the villain is present during the
al other Chambers and many organizations unaffiliated events described in this plot hook is left up to the GC
with the Archer Conspiracy are using this opportunity (and will be a requested detail at the SFA Interactive
to launch personal initiatives in Paris, and across the Threat Center).
rest of Europe. The Guardians plan to raid the Louvre’s Gemini has already placed cluster bombs containing
convoy to retrieve the Rosetta Stone (see the the second-stage bacteria along the bottom of Seine in
Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 235, and page 14 three locations — one adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, one
of this book). P.E.R.I.L. wants to reacquire the microor- near the Louvre, and another beside Bercy Village. The
ganisms now that Gemini has found a use for them, and agents can find these devices by capturing and success-
have sent operatives to Paris to retrieve the genetic rese- fully interrogating any Circle of Hate minion located
quencing data. Room 39 and the Company are scram- within the flooded city. Gemini keeps all other data per-
bling to find a cure to the bacteria, a prize that may well taining to the bacteria — including the antidote — on his
indebt the Gemeinschafft Consortium (and in fact the person.
whole of the European Commonwealth) to them, while
Fade’s organization is targeting and eliminating Possible Agent Team Involvement:
P.E.R.I.L. cells normally under Gemeinschafft’s protec-
1. The Chambers need to stop Gemini before he releases
tion. And Gemeinschafft itself is using this opportunity
the second-stage bacteria and worsens the disaster to
to tie up loose ends while the rest of the world remains
catastrophic proportions. The Consortium’s raison
distracted by the Paris flood — including the termination
d'être in this escapade is stopping Gemini once and for
of suspected Foundation moles investigating the
Consortium’s “questionable ethics."

13
 European Commonwealth
all. He’s proven an embarrassing thorn in their side vectors into human hosts through liquids. Surviving on
since he went rogue, and he knows too much about the bacteria-rich floodwaters of Paris, the disease
their assets and operations. For the remaining threatens to spread quickly throughout the region’s
Chambers, Gemini is a secondary concern. He poses a water supply, infecting all of Île de France, if not the
danger, certainly, but they’re are more interested in entire bassin de la Seine. Gemini anticipates the disas-
retrieving the cure — some so they can save Paris and ter will help decimate the Commonwealth and other
end the threat of additional outbreaks; others so they Chambers through agents currently assisting in Paris (as
can strong-arm the Commonwealth at will. All send they carry the disease back to their respective organi-
agents to assist the relief efforts and help find Gemini zations and continents).
— but some also instruct agents to secure the second
bacteria strain in the process. Possible Leads to Gemini:

2. The Guardians and other “sensitives” desire Gemini’s 1. All the Chambers involved know Gemini will crave a
prized possession, Quetzalcoatl’s Thorn, as well as other front seat to the event, and that he’ll call the
artifacts the villain has stolen over the years. The Paris Consortium to coordinate the money transfer.
flood represents an unparalleled opportunity to find
2. Gemini needs a large water source to distribute the sec-
Gemini and take the Thorn, as well as raid the various
ond half of the germ, and thus his HQ is probably near
collections scattered about the city, or in transit away
the banks of the flooded Seine.
from the disaster zone (e.g. the Louvre military convoy
— see page 13). Other Chambers might instruct the 3. Witnesses catch sight of a Parisian Commonwealth
agents to protect the convoys or collections from agent, Gérard Dupuis… several hours after he was dis-
groups like La Mano Sinistra (see pages 43–44) or rem- covered dead of knife wounds (just before the flood
nants of the Hand of Glory. began). The imposter is seen entering Gerard’s now
submerged basement apartment. While the Common-
3. The Commonwealth’s routine trafficking with P.E.R.I.L.
wealth doesn’t immediately follow up on this lead, the
is no secret, especially within the Archer Conspiracy.
Consortium believes the imposter is Gemini, posing as
Fade, and even the Foundation, might grow tired of this
Gerard and using Quetzalcoatl’s Thorn to access the
shadow affair, and use the Paris flood to their advan-
agent’s memories and specialty in Parisian history (see
tage. Knowing that P.E.R.I.L. is sending agents into Paris
the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 234, for more
to retrieve the dual-stage bacteria, and that the crimi-
about this relic). Gerard was compiling an underground
nal organization’s other European operations are like-
and safe house guide to Paris for the Commonwealth.
wise distracted, one or more Chambers might assign
After searching his apartment using SCUBA gear, inves-
agents as rapid-strike teams, coordinating Europe-wide
tigating agents might find a map highlighting locations
efforts against long-targeted enemy assets.
along the Seine — one of which is the Marais Belle
Possible Gemini Goals: Museum, Gemini’s hideout.
4. Eventually, at the height of the chaos, Gemini might
1. Gemini knows the Paris flood will draw Archer allies
deliberately betray his location through a computer
from the world’s shadow communities, and uses the
transaction, knowing it will draw Archer agents to the
opportunity to assassinate as many of them as possible,
Marais Belle in droves. But by that time, Gemini is gone,
seizing one or more of their identities using the Thorn.
having left explosives behind, triggered to detonate
In this case, Gemini’s ultimate plan is to infiltrate the
when motion sensors pick up a minimum of nine bod-
Archer Conspiracy as deeply as possible, and destroy it
ies in the Musée.
from within. The flood is in this case merely a distrac-
tion, a pleasant cover event. Plot Hook: Jordan
2. Gemini knows the flood places many of the Chambers Mitchell’s Vanishing Act
in conflict with one another, and plans to capitalize on Threat Code: Yellow
the resultant chaos. When he’s able, Gemini further Jordan Mitchell went underground temporarily to
exacerbates this friction, trying to sell the bacterial recoup after he was revealed as an Eye of Argus, and is
antidote to one or more Chambers and arrange the now hiding in Stockholm, Sweden. He’s in no real dan-
murder of agent teams, blaming it on allied Conspiracy ger, since Gemeinschafft issued a directive ordering all
groups. agents to leave Mitchell be. Still, one or more Chambers
— including factions of the Commonwealth itself — may
3. The true secret of the Paris flood is that Gemini’s germ
seek to find Mitchell for various reasons…
actually has three components. The bacteria’s final
stage transforms the contagion into a deadly virus that

14
 Campaign

Reasons to Find Mitchell: 4. All of the Conspiracy’s many interests want Mitchell’s
list of moles — as new recruits — and send agents to
1. The Foundation knows that assassinating or kidnapping
search for Mitchell, bearing offers of safe passage, relo-
Mitchell can only lend credence to the Eye of Argus’
cation, money, and more.
assertions, but they may eventually need Mitchell to
identify other leaks in the Foundation’s walls. The Truth of the Matter:
2. The Commonwealth needs to keep tabs on Mitchell’s Albanian Refugee Camp
movement. The reporter still represents a security leak Threat Code: Black
in the European organization, and the Commonwealth The crisis at the Russian-run refugee camp is the
is hoping that his flight underground will bring at least beginning of a much larger plot to damage Gemein-
part his network of assets to light, as well as those of schafft’s non-aggression agreement with P.E.R.I.L. (see
the Eye of Argus. the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 92), and
potentially upset the balance of power in Europe for
3. Black Moon wants to assassinate Mitchell after tortur-
years to come. The truth rests in an unusual heirloom
ing him for his secrets (see page 118 for more about the
known as the Alemanni Eye (see page 16), a bronze
new threat known as Black Moon). The reasoning is
medallion of immeasurable worth not merely in terms
simple — Mitchell’s death is expected to draw public
of monetary value, but also because it offers its rightful
attention to the potential existence of Archer’s shadow
owner the power to control the Gemeinschafft
organization in Europe, thereby forcing Commonwealth
Consortium for one full day.
operatives to act much more slowly and with much
The Eye has been used to sway Gemeinschafft many
greater caution. Europe’s Fractal Intelligence division,
times, but none so pivotally as in 1950, when Bruno
however, foresees this potential event chain, and
Vangeli used it to persuade the Consortium’s Consistory
assigns a team of agents to locate Mitchell and protect
to join the Archer Conspiracy (see page 101). While
him against would-be assassins (see page 28 for more
Bruno soon “headed" Gemeinschafft, he knew his ene-
about Fractal Intelligence).
mies within the Consortium sought weaknesses to use

15
 European Commonwealth
The Allemani Eye against him — and that such a weakness existed in his
The Allemani Eye was so named for the Germanic tribe mistress Sophia St. Martin and their illegitimate daugh-
who ruled portions of Switzerland in the 5th Century, and ter, Noëlle. So Bruno gave the Eye to Sophia and Noëlle,
who instilled the Swiss with their autonomous and inde- with instructions on its ancient hold over
pendent fervor. Three such eyes were secretly forged when Gemeinschafft, as protection from his closest enemies.
the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden (the Forest Sophia, Noëlle, and the Alemanni Eye vanished over
Cantons) rebelled against the ruling Hapsburgs in the lat- twenty years ago, and the item only recently resurfaced
ter part of the 13th Century under a mutual defense accord when Mislav Zane, a Croatian arms smuggler and
aptly called the Everlasting Alliance. This event marked prisoner in the Alliance’s Panopticon, spotted it resting
the beginning of the Swiss Confederation, and the
on Control Elias Graham’s mantelpiece (see the
Alemanni Eyes represented that promise of solidarity. It
Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, pages 67–68).
was reputed that when one canton sent another one of the
Eyes, the recipient was obligated to help the sender, Knowing the true value of the item through hushed
regardless the nature of the request or the danger involved. whispers passed down as rumor and urban myth for
By the mid-16th Century, only one Eye survived. decades, Mislav promised Graham “the power to change
Switzerland was beset by religious upheaval as the Roman the world" in exchange for his freedom, a decision
Catholic Church grew more entrenched, losing sway to the Graham has been debating until recently.
Reformation in Europe, and the nascent bankers whose Unfortunately, a mole was active at the Panopticon:
descendants would form the Gemeinschafft Consortium an agent working for Fade by the name Faisal. The mole
worked to consolidate their financial power and escape the noticed Graham’s sudden interest in Mislav and — intro-
Holy Empire’s dominance over property. ducing a truth serum into the prisoner’s meal — ques-
Then a Hapsburg descendent named Phillip II came to
tioned him about his private meetings with the Alliance
rule Spain. At Phillip’s disposal were the world’s largest
Control. After discovering the Eye’s secret, Faisal poi-
silver shipments, imported from Mexico and Peru, making
Spain the preeminent supplier of precious metals in soned Mislav and stole the object, returning to his orga-
Europe, and insanely wealthy in the process. Philip’s father nization’s headquarters in Europe. Mislav survived just
was obliged to defend the Roman Catholic Church against long enough to relate the truth of the Eye to Graham.
all heretics and infidels, and Europe rightly feared that But by that time, the Alemanni Eye was gone.
Phillip would support the Church in eradicating the Fade was not pleased with Faisal’s well intentioned,
Protestants. though misguided actions, and expected to return
There was greater fear among the Swiss bankers — that Graham’s stolen property — but not until he used it to
they would be among the first to fall (as ancient enemies contend with a growing thorn in his Chamber’s side.
of the Hapsburgs, for allowing Protestants certain rights, Fade arranged to smuggle the Eye into a recently
for endangering their souls with the pursuit of wealth,
uncovered P.E.R.I.L. base in Durrës, Albania, and alert-
etc.). In an effort to allay any actions against them, the
ed Graham to its location. Graham subsequently con-
bankers secretly negotiated with the papacy, promising
them unequivocal support — and the support of their tacted the Gemeinschafft Consortium and demanded
descendants — in any one matter. As a sign of this they retrieve the item and return it to him, per their
promise, the Swiss gifted the papacy with the remaining long-standing agreement with the Eye’s holder (see the
Alemanni Eye as a seal of their petition. sidebar on this page for more).
Over the following centuries, the Alemanni Eye resur- Gemeinschafft is obligated to recover the Alemanni
faced and vanished repeatedly, each time with the Swiss Eye from the P.E.R.I.L. base, potentially ending the
bankers’ promise of solidarity still grudgingly attached. agreement between the two unlikely allies. The reputed
Eventually, this obligation passed on to the bankers’ suc- terrorist activities at the Durrës refugee camp are mere-
cessors, the conspiratorial Gemeinschafft Consortium, the ly a manufactured cover story for their operations. The
arcane by-laws of which now include a clause citing that
Consortium sends a retrieval team in to steal back the
the Eye’s rightful owner is defined as anyone in possession
Eye and return it to Graham while UN teams and the
of it for more than one month. These by-laws now not
only oblige Gemeinschafft to hand over the proverbial international media are distracted by ongoing investi-
reins to the Eye’s owner for a period of one full day and gations to uncover more “terrorist cells" operating in
night (from dawn to dawn), but also to devote its own the area.
resources to the item’s safe return if it is ever stolen. As the agents enter the scene, all breaches of the
Though both these by-laws were forced into play by an Cloak are to be blamed on this cover story.
overzealous Gemeinschafft regent who hoped to use the
Eye to retain power after he was deposed, they remain in
place, testaments to the power brokers’ heritage of blind
adherence to the rule of their own law.
These by-laws make the Allemani Eye one of the most
powerful relics in history — and a critical centerpiece in
the drama unfolding throughout Europe today.

16
 Campaign
Possible Agent Team 3. The other Chambers learn of the Eye’s existence, and
Involvement: decide that it’s too great a prize for anyone. They send
their own agents into the mix to retrieve the Eye, hop-
1. Gemeinschafft is tired of its aging obligations, and
ing to seal it away in a lost vault for good and all, end-
seeks to destroy the Eye. They send the agents to inflict
ing the Consortium’s long-standing burden.
as much damage as they can against the P.E.R.I.L. base,
and to “accidentally” eliminate the heirloom, such that Additional Agent Options:
it won’t be used by Graham — or anyone else — ever
again. Conversely, for agents working with Graham, 1. Instead of playing an insertion team attacking the
Fade, or the Archer Foundation, the team is sent to res- P.E.R.I.L. base and searching for the Eye, the agents
cue the heirloom intact. This is especially appropriate in might play through the story’s background events. The
Graham’s case, as he can’t trust the Consortium to play UN’s search to uncover terrorist cells may spark inter-
fair — even by its own rules. national outcry, especially from Middle Eastern relief
agencies and philanthropists. Agents could enter the
2. The Commonwealth does respect its obligations and
scene as mediators trying to disarm the potential media
rescues the heirloom for Graham. Unfortunately, the
backlash, generating stories to keep public opinion on
Tenebrae (a new threat featured in this book — see
their side, and sneaking into various news outlets to
page 44) also wants the Eye (for obvious reasons), and
uncover and shut down their sources of information.
uses Commonwealth agents to retrieve it under the
guise of a sanctioned mission. When the item is in 2. Fade might task one or more teams with entering the
Tenebrae’s hands, they try to assassinate the team. base quietly, to find the Eye and leave — all without
P.E.R.I.L. ever realizing anyone was there (or worse,
believing Gemeinschafft betrayed them). This, of
course, would require targeting and impersonating
P.E.R.I.L. agents living in Durrës.

17
 European Commonwealth
3. Fade may ask a team of intruders (see page 59) to fol- Possible Agent Team
low the insertion team into the base and heighten col- Involvement:
lateral damage from the shadows in order to further
1. The Commonwealth wants to study the technology and
worsen Gemeinschafft/P.E.R.I.L. relations.
destroy the prototype schematics, feeling that the
The Truth of the Matter: Ukraine is simply too unreliable to possess this type of
Ukraine’s New Military device. Their typical approach involves sending the
Technology team in to steal a prototype and the schematics. With
diligence, however, the agents might be able to talk
Threat Code: Red
them into more diplomatic avenues, such as bringing
The Commonwealth has reason to worry about the
the Ukraine back into good standing with the
Ukraine’s new Omni-Tactical Terminal (OTT), as does the
International Monetary Fund in exchange for a proto-
Shop. Somehow, the Ukraine military came into posses-
type and copies of the schematics. This might be
sion of a piece of Shop hardware and reverse-engi-
accomplished by arranging an increase in the Ukraine’s
neered it to secure encrypted long-range communica-
foreign aide by negotiating with the other Chambers
tion with satellites despite atmospheric conditions or
(particularly the Pan-Asian Collective, the Company,
ECM. The technology is part of a larger Shop project,
and Room 39).
and would have become a near-invisible cog within a
greater machine had the Ukraine not managed to utilize 2. The Commonwealth, Room 39, the Company, and the
the hardware to their advantage (the details of this Foundation agree to allow the Ukraine to keep this
greater plan will become clear shortly — watch the SFA technology on the grounds that it will help the country
Interactive campaign for more). become a stronger, more reliable member of the United
As far as the world’s concerned, the OTT is cutting Nations (and bring it out from under P.E.R.I.L.’s thumb).
age telecommunications technology, several years The Alliance abstains, but the Guardians, the PAC, and
ahead of the designs fielded by private industry’s van- the Russian Confederacy disagree, knowing that the
guard companies. To the Conspiracy, it represents a new technology will eventually find its way into
major breach of at least one Chamber’s security, or a hotspots in their regions and contribute to ongoing
plot by another world technological power, and they conflicts against them. This sparks two different agen-
desperately want to uncover where it came from, as well das throughout the Archer Conspiracy, with one group
as the nature of its origin. The Shop wants the proto- trying to protect Ukraine’s new technological toy (by
types and data destroyed, before someone traces it back sending in “Guardian Agents,”) and the other trying to
to them and discovers the device’s potential use. eliminate the advantage for the sake of local stability.
Fortunately for the Shop, some of the hardware was
3. All the Chambers are interested in who created the
so far in advance of the Ukraine engineers’ understand-
technology, and send agents to spy on the Khemilnitsky
ing, that they blindly replicated all the parts and cir-
facility, hoping the hardware’s original owners will
cuits, not realizing their purpose outside the perceived
crawl out of the woodworks to claim their hardware. It
whole. These buried functions include a homing device
doesn’t take long for the Shop to comply…
hard-coded into each of the Ukraine prototypes, leading
the Shop directly to its stolen hardware. Possible Sources of the
Currently, the prototypes and research material are Shop Technology:
all safeguarded at Khemilnitsky, a decommissioned 90-
silo base that once held 130 RS-18 ICBMs (NATO code- 1. A mercenary engineer formally with the Shop sold the
named SS-19 “Stilettos”). None of the hardware data telecommunications technology to the Ukraine for a
includes the mystery Shop project, and public experts portion of the country’s sales to its growing list of
agree that the OTT technology’s prime asset is working international arms clients (including Jordan, Turkey,
in tandem with satellites — a purpose that the hardware Pakistan, and many others). The Ukraine military is pro-
fulfills in spades. tecting their “asset” in a Kiev safe house, but not even
he knows about the hardwired tracking devices in the
prototypes. They’re all in for a rude awakening when
the Shop comes to claim its property…

18
 Campaign
2. The Ukraine’s Carpathian Military District HQ was Possible Security Breaches:
approached by several Hand of Glory operatives who
1. Gold Shadow and the auction have nothing to do with
survived the organization’s demise (see Episode #3 of
the Archer Conspiracy or its missions. In fact, the event
the SFA Interactive Campaign). In exchange for asylum
is low key, a perfect opportunity to meet Wilde and
and refuge, the operatives promised to help the Ukraine
other stars.
become a stronger player in Europe, and to bolster the
country’s economy, a promise P.E.R.I.L. is only too happy 2. Fade and Katt Wilde are using Gold Shadow as a retort
to capitalize upon. The Hand’s first step was the theft of against Gemeinschafft’s mercenary policies, which
Shop propriety technology. It didn’t survive to take a place its own self-interests above the goal of global
second step, and now the Conspiracy is left to clean up peace. While the public may be ignorant of the coy ref-
the resulting mess. erences contained in the movie, members of the world’s
various shadow communities easily glean certain truths
3. While the Ukraine has long remained under P.E.R.I.L.’s
behind some of its innuendo and plot (all based on
thumb, the master criminals also know that the region
Gemeinschafft missions). Naturally, the Shop will be
is the Commonwealth’s first line of defense against
blamed for the breach, not Fade.
Russia. The OTT situation is actually a P.E.R.I.L. operation
designed to force both the Shop and the 3. Gold Shadow and the auction are innocent, but one or
Commonwealth into committing and revealing their more of the agents’ recurring opponents also attend
assets within the region. The Russian criminal empire the event. They aren’t present to disrupt the proceed-
stole the Shop technology and released it to the ings, but merely to confirm whether the movie contains
Ukraine military, knowing that any Commonwealth or a bit of truth and, perhaps, bid on some memorabilia.
Shop sortie in the region would rely on its Ukraine This presents Game Controls with an excellent opportu-
resources, thus bringing them to light. nity for agents to interact with one or more select vil-
lains in a neutral, non-hostile environment.
The Truth of the Matter: 4. Several ranking Conspiracy personnel (all huge Katt
Katt Wilde Auction Wilde fans) approach the team before the auction with
Threat Code: Yellow
tens of thousands of Euros to bid on one or more pieces
References: For greater disclosure concerning
of clothing or keepsakes. Shrewd agents might even
Katherine Wilde, see the Shadowforce Archer
negotiate for additional vacation time, gear, or favors
Worldbook, pages 93–94.
in return. At least part of the serial involves securing
Some Conspiracy Controls worry that the auction
these items whilst dealing with one or more other
and Catwalk premier may contain sensitive information
(more pressing) problems.
concerning shadow operations in Europe. After all,
Round Table Media Corporation (which owns the rights The Truth of the Matter:
to the Catwalk movies), and its ever elusive CEO Arthur Ghosts of Villains Past
Dartmoor (see the Archer Foundation Chamber Book,
Threat Code: Yellow
page 131), are rumored to be compromised by the Shop.
Resources: For more information about Nazi efforts
The Commonwealth dispatches agents to monitor the
during World War II, see the Archer Foundation
auction, capture Dartmoor if he shows up (which isn’t
Chamber Book and Hand of Glory Threat Book.
expected), and to verify the film’s content (which has
The hidden base beneath Ustica is indeed a mystery.
thus far remained under close wraps, even for
Its entrance is located below the waterline, leading to
Hollywood).
docking facilities and a subterranean compound featur-
The catered auction is set to take place at the 18th
ing dormitories, a large gymnasium, a group cafeteria,
Century Monaco fortress, Théâtre du Fort Antoine, on
storage bays, a small factory chamber, engineering
June 4th, at 5:30 p.m. The theatre is an outdoor arena
research labs, and chambers for generators, water distil-
that overlooks the Port of Monaco, covered by a large
lation facilities and air scrubbers. Almost all the walls,
pavilion for the auction and screening. Paparazzi and
ceilings and floors are lead-lined, as is a giant work bay
society’s indolent notables are expected in full force
registering low levels of radiation. The facility also
(from the nouveau riche to supermodels to Hollywood
inters the skeletons of 124 men and women, all killed
icons and power brokers and music stars), so the agents
through gunfire or smoke inhalation when a fire spread
are encouraged to disguise their identities and keep the
through the facility. The corpses all wear the same dark
hardware to a minimum.
blue jumpsuits and carry firearms germane to the late
1960s (all drawn and spent, as if defending the base
from invaders). None of the attackers remain, however.
Finally, in the docking bay, the Commonwealth teams

19
 European Commonwealth
found a unique submarine, badly damaged by the fire 3. This was one of many sanctuaries that Himmler built to
and currently submerged beneath the water. protect his assets should the Demagogue fail. Himmler
Closer investigation reveals several facts about the never told Eva or the Demagogue of the base because
base. The odd submarine was built here, since the com- it would imply his lack of faith in the Third Reich. Most
plex also contained all the necessary parts and facilities of the Nazis associated with the project subsequently
for its repairs. Giant pumps in the docks as well as air- died over the course of the war.
tight steel blast doors in the submerged tunnel indicate
the facility could pump all the water from the chamber Base Uses Over the Years:
to create a dry dock when needed. The steel plating
1. Himmler’s closest aides and their families fled to the
everywhere seems to be a later addition; removing any
base after the war, hiding from the Allies and Nazi
of the steel plates reveals red swastikas and Nazi Eagles.
hunters. Over time, they refurbished the base with an
By all indications, the base dates back to the 1930s,
eye toward punishing the Allied nations for Germany’s
but was probably abandoned after the war. Unfortun-
defeat. This group built the special submarine and
ately, someone found it again and used it to build a
eventually stole the nuclear bombs as well. The
heavily armed submarine with retractable manipulator
Gemeinschafft, however, found the base and raided it
arms and a rather innovative propeller system that
in a shadow operation that was completely off the
enabled short bursts of extreme speed. The best estima-
books. Gemeinschafft kept the nuclear bombs, and has-
tion is that the base was supposed to serve as the launch
n’t revealed its coup to any of the other Chambers.
point for a new sea-borne criminal organization that
Unfortunately, the Eurowolf Satellite — a joint project
never saw the light of day. The organization was suc-
between the Consortium and the Company — found the
cessful in sinking four subs and retrieving their war-
site, alerting outsiders to the historical footnote and
heads, though (the lead lining was clearly installed to
linking it to the missing warheads. So far, the
shield the base from radiation leaks), and somebody else
Consortium has had to play along to avoid revealing
attacked the base and stole the warheads before the
their hand in the matter — but if they want to remain
organization made its debut.
in the shadows, they’ll have to take action soon.
Still, the question remains… what happened to the
warheads? Is someone stockpiling them for a rainy day, 2. A criminal mastermind seized the base, planning to
or were they neutralized in some shadow operation make his “grand entrance” on the world espionage
never to see the light of day? scene using the bombs as blackmail chips. Eva, howev-
er, discovered the base’s existence and the Hand of
Possible Base Origins: Glory eliminated the “squatters,” taking no prisoners
and torching the mastermind’s operation in response to
1. The base was in fact a secret facility used during WWII,
the “unimaginative misuse” of former Nazi property.
its mission to apply Luftwaffe ramjet research toward
The Hand of Glory hid the bombs in its Carpathian
creating vector-thrust propelled boats capable of tem-
headquarters (where they might have been found dur-
porarily diving beneath the waves. The project was a
ing Episode #3 of the SFA Interactive campaign — see
dismal failure and the base was abandoned when the
the official website for details), and never returned to
Nazis could no longer fund the endeavor.
the island base for fear that it was compromised.
2. The Americans fabricated the base in an attempt to cre-
3. There are no corpses to indicate any opposition because
ate a “secret organization” within the Nazi movement
the base personnel murdered each other. A new crimi-
without alerting Himmler, Eva, or the Demagogue.
nal mastermind assumed control of the base and there-
German submarines were deceived into docking at the
in discovered a Nazi copy of Tesla’s notes concerning
base for “repairs” (allowing the Allies to gain valuable
the Fringe (see the Archer Foundation Chamber Book,
intelligence while posing as German mechanics). The U-
page 94). The mastermind used the base to conduct his
boat commanders were told that the operation was so
own forays into the nature of the Fringe, and stole the
top-secret that they couldn’t even tell their superiors.
bombs to power a Fringe-breach device. Unfortunately,
The deception succeeded for a brief time, until it was
the device attracted Fringe spirits who used the breach
abandoned following the end of the war; all records of
to possess the base’s personnel. A massive gunfight and
its existence were eventually lost when a fire claimed
fire ensued, destroying Tesla’s notes, and the machine
the facility’s permanent records (the U.S. military
and bombs were sucked into the Fringe through the
records were long since intentionally buried for reasons
very hole they created. The Fringe spirits are still very
of national security).
sensitive to physical incursions at the base, and may
respond poorly to new arrivals.

20
 Campaign
The Truth of the Matter: 2. Room 39 finally bows to pressure from the Foundation
The Rosetta Gambit and the Commonwealth, agreeing to work with a multi-
Chamber team to help protect the Rosetta Stone.
Threat Code: Yellow
Naturally, the Guardians refuse to participate — osten-
Resources: The Rosetta Stone is further described in
sibly out of distaste for the treatment of the mystic
the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 235.
relic, but in reality because they plan to retrieve the
One major point of contention between the Middle
artifact themselves. Room 39, however, insists on main-
East and Europe has been the plundering of the former’s
taining control over the show, leading to some poten-
artifacts and treasures by German, French, and English
tial conflicts in the mission’s perceived chain-of-com-
archaeologists (or thieves, depending on one’s cultural
mand.
outlook). The Guardians, in particular, are upset by this
cultural skullduggery, and aim to rectify the situation 3. The Rosetta Stone is actually an impressive fake. The
by stealing back those British Museum relics currently real McCoy is still in Britain, on the recommendation of
on display at Berlin’s Ägyptisches Museum (in Fade’s organization, which discovered that the Cult of
Charlottenburg, across Spandauer street from the the Assassin’s plans to attack the museum to discredit
Schloss Gardens and the castle Schloss Charlottenburg). the Guardians (see the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook,
In addition to the “Head of Queen Nefertiti" statue, page 107, for more about the Assassins). Fade’s opera-
various earthenware and picture slabs, and countless tives work with the Room 39 guards, hoping to catch
other antiquities, the Guardians’ main objective is the the Assassins in the act and prevent the frame job.
Rosetta Stone, currently under close guard by Room 39
operatives. Unfortunately, just as the Guardians make a The Truth of the Matter:
play for the Rosetta Stone, the Shop launches a massive L'accusé
attack against the Guardian’s base in Alexandria, steal- Threat Code: Yellow
ing their portion of the Rosetta Stone. Just under a month ago, a Commonwealth insertion
Somehow, the Shop had previous knowledge of the team entered the Bosnian city of Mostar, on assignment
Guardians’ plans to make a move on the European dis- to intercept and capture a rogue Russian scientist sell-
play, as well as the missing fragment in the mystics’ ing weapons-grade anthrax. The team was ambushed
possession. The Guardians now assume they have a and decimated, however, save for its leader, Alban
Shop mole in their ranks. They don’t comment on their Nestroy. Claiming to be chased and harried by enemy
missing Stone shard, instead launching a private inves- agents, Nestroy finally reached a safe house in Sarajevo,
tigation while the rest of the Conspiracy searches for the where an Accuser soon arrested him for conspiring with
missing bulk of the Stone. P.E.R.I.L.
Nestroy currently awaits trial, his life hanging in the
Possible Inter-Chamber balance due to the severity of the charge. The trial is to
Relations and Outcomes: take place in Bucharest, Romania, where it will be
broadcast via encrypted OVERWATCH signal to
1. While the Commonwealth appreciates Room 39’s pres-
Chamber Controls and the Accusers’ top judges within
ence, they know that if anything happens to the exhib-
the Tribunal.
it, Room 39 will blame the European Chambers for neg-
The investigation’s lead Accuser is Krigor Dragos, a
ligence, so Fade and the Consortium jointly (and secret-
zealous Commonwealth agent who has recovered video
ly) assign agents to back the British spooks. This leads
footage showing Nestroy meeting with a known
to part of the subsequent late night confrontation and
P.E.R.I.L. agent in the coastal town of Senj, Croatia one
a game of cat and mouse between four different
week prior to the assignment. Unfortunately, the enemy
Chambers (including the Guardians) within the muse-
P.E.R.I.L. agent was wearing a subsonic scrambler that
um’s closed halls. Fortunately, none of the Chambers
distorted the conversation, preventing audio from com-
wants their agents to kill one another (in some cases, to
ing through. Nestroy doesn’t deny meeting with the
uphold the façade of cooperation; in others, due to
P.E.R.I.L. agent, but claims the man was an informant.
genuine dedication to the Archer Pact), and all opera-
Dragos, however, charges that Nestroy is a double agent
tives involved in the endeavor are ordered to use vio-
and that the meeting was a precursor to the ambush.
lence only as a last resort.

21
 European Commonwealth

Possible Agent Team Judging Nestroy:

Involvement:
1. Nestroy is innocent. Everything that happened is mere-
1. The Accusers are currently interviewing witnesses and ly an unhappy coincidence, but proving that requires
Nestroy’s acquaintances, including the agents (thus legwork on the agents’ part — in enemy territory. The
allowing the GC to display the Accuser’s frightening GC is encouraged to come up with another, unrelated
and insidious methods). Nestroy asks the agents — one- plot to keep the agents busy while they search for the
time associates during a previous mission (or more, per truth.
the GC’s discretion) — to lead a private investigation to
2. Nestroy is guilty of betraying his team through the
prove his innocence, since he doesn’t trust the Accusers
P.E.R.I.L. operative. He knows the evidence will incrimi-
to conduct the matter impartially. Nestroy needs the
nate him, but is trying to buy time in the hope that
agents to discover who ambushed his team and why,
P.E.R.I.L. will rescue him. The criminal organization has
and locate the Russian scientist, Pieter Alibak. If the
no plans to help Nestroy, however — unless the GC opts
team agrees to help, they must travel to Bosnia. The GC
for dramatic license.
may determine that the Accusers discover this private
enterprise, in which case they (surprisingly) don’t shut 3. Unbeknownst to everyone, Nestroy is actually dead,
the effort down, but instead demand to send one of a successful casualty of the ambush. The real party
their own with the team. After all, the Accusers seek the responsible isn’t P.E.R.I.L., but Black Moon (see page 118
same thing as the agents — the truth, so they can cor- for more information), who replaced Nestroy with
rectly meet out Conspiracy law. Nicholas Zechner, one of their best facemen — and
a passionate opponent of the Archer Conspiracy.
2. The Accusers are considering the agents for potential
Unfortunately, Black Moon didn’t factor the Accusers
recruitment, and assign them to investigate the Nestroy
into their plans (the Accusers having come into exis-
matter as a test of their investigative abilities.
tence since Black Moon’s founders lost contact with the
Naturally, they don’t inform the agents of their interest,
Archer family and its global enterprise). While Zechner
and channel the assignment through the agents’ typi-
is actually quite the impersonator, Black Moon can’t
cal field Control. One or more Accusers are sent to
afford to lose him to the Accuser execution. So, when
shadow the agents and observe their techniques as they
Nestroy asks for former agents to help him, they leave
determine Nestroy’s true guilt or innocence.
enough clues in Bosnia to lead the team to two brain-
3. A Gemeinschafft baron informs the agents that Nestroy washed scapegoats who now believe they set up the
was investigating a potential P.E.R.I.L. mole within the ambush. Unfortunately, the Russian scientist was ficti-
Commonwealth. Nestroy got too close to the truth, tious, designed to lure a Commonwealth team into
however, and his team paid the price. Now, Nestroy has Black Moon’s clutches. When the team finds no record
agreed to become bait for another assassination of him, they might grow curious enough to dig deeper,
attempt in Bucharest, while the agents travel to Bosnia revealing the connection to Black Moon and offering
to uncover enough evidence to incriminate the mole them the chance to take the fight back to the new
and free Nestroy before the Accusers put him to death. enemy before it has a chance to strike out at the
Archers’ precious Conspiracy.

22
 “In Europe, the Great Game is like a puzzle box — by the
time you get ahead, you’ve forgotten why you started.”
— Yves Fallon,
Head of Fractal Intelligence

Agent
2
 European Commonwealth
Thus, despite appearances, they are consummate profes-
sionals and easily willing to dirty their hands if it means
INTRODUCTION
Know thy enemies, know thy allies, and know thy
getting the job done. They understand the responsibili-
ty on their shoulders and the fact that nobody else
would have thought them worthy of saving — let alone
tools. One can never account for the whims of fate
worthy of saving the world.
when it comes to surviving in the great global conspir-
Opposite them are the Gemeinschafft Consortium’s
acy, but agents can improve their odds by becoming
operatives, the very models of corporate sensibility, but
well informed. While luck serves well for the obstacles
with enough international savoir faire that their arro-
in their way, it’s knowledge that inevitably wins the
gance becomes charm. More than any other Conspiracy
race. Without it, the agent is a target waiting to catch a
agents, Gemeinschafft’s operatives are likely to know
bullet.
the difference between Egyptian and American cotton
This chapter contains many rules and setting details,
by texture, or the vintage of a specific Bordeaux, or the
as well as options and advice geared to help agents sur-
current market value of precious metals. Gemeinschafft
vive the cutthroat classic espionage genre and help GCs
is funded by old money, guided by old standards, and
run serials throughout the European Chamber. From the
commanded by old blood, and many of its agents are
manner in which the Commonwealth tackles its mis-
consequently quite conservative. Some hail from finan-
sions to some of its most prominent personalities to
cial or business backgrounds, others from law enforce-
resources agents can call upon in the field, this chapter
ment or one of Europe’s judicial systems, or from any
is the Commonwealth’s primer for survival.
one of a hundred other rigid civil or military organiza-
tions. In essence, Gemeinschafft offers the status quo
without the crippling mindset. Hardly surprising then
TMACKLING
ISSIONS
that it falls to this organization to maintain the
Conspiracy’s laws.
Gemeinschafft demands much of its agents, who
The Commonwealth’s oft-schizophrenic nature must appear above board at all times — but as any of its
allows for a wide variety of agents and escapades. This operatives knows, absolute knowledge of the law is nec-
brief section serves as a guide for GCs when building essary when breaking the rules, lest the veil of propriety
missions tailored to their players’ teams. Conversely, it be lost for good and all.
might assist players in designing agents appropriate to
the Commonwealth, or their GC’s game. Mission Profiles
The Commonwealth is an odd assortment of divi-
Style & Demeanor sions given its seemingly disparate interests and agen-
The very presence of two Chambers operating in das. As such, some divisions serve a hodge-podge of
such close proximity (and relative cooperation) is functions in one division’s attempt to be self-sufficient
indicative of Europe’s polarized natures. from another. While seduction might be the province of
On one side is the Fade organization and its umbrel- Ninth Division (Operation: SERAPH), for example, the
la of operatives, a rabble of neo-punks and cyber-jocks Seventh Division (Intelligence & Counterintelligence)
with their fingers on the pulse of everything “tomor- might use its own seducers to blackmail or slander tar-
row." Their uniforms are vinyl, leather, PVC, piercings, gets. Thus, agents opting to join the Recruitment or
tats, and shades, though others might be more inclined Celebrity agent departments presented in Chapter 3 (see
towards snakeskin boots and Italian silk-print shirts. page 48 for more about these departments) might
They dress across the range of atypical fashions, from belong to any of the following divisions.
the tough to the trendy elite. This lot considers them- The Commonwealth also encourages its operatives to
selves the bad boys of the Conspiracy, and with good learn from all the divisions to bolster their own field
reason. Most of them understand the rough toll of a des- capabilities. For example, Ninth Division might offer
titute lifestyle on the streets, and are thus unwilling to training in minor skills pertaining to small talk and eti-
put up with anything they don’t have to. They might quette while Fourth Division (Operation: SKIA) might
have been hooligans and gangsters had Fade not train agents in the basics of hiding and shadowing.
stepped in and given them purpose — a place in the
world and, more importantly, the ability to change it.

24
 Agent
Agent Matches: Accusers
are presented as a prestige
class, with its own require-
ments and conditions (see
page 52). Most Accuser can-
didates first earn the attention
of a senior Accuser who takes
the promising recruit on as an
associate. This internship
period lasts for several
months before the associate
can test for full Accuser sta-
tus. This test is a harrowing
hybridization blending the
elements of audits, psycho-
logical torture, oral presenta-
tions, and written exams into
one grueling crucible. Perhaps
key to becoming an Accuser is
an unswerving loyalty to
the Archer Conspiracy, even
under extreme duress. Unfor-
tunately, because Accusers are
often chosen for their unwa-
vering fealty, they often mea-
sure the accused against the
same standard — and all too
often find them lacking for
the same reason.
Standard Gear: Chief to
the Accuser’s repertoire is any
tech that can aid or assist
information gathering and
recording, from memory
cache watches to surveillance
unit briefcases and evidence
analysis kits. Secondary are
non-lethal measures used to
The Accusers capture and detain targets,
like magnetic pocket watches (see page 79) and psi-
The name alone sends agents into a cold sweat and
shredders (see page 75), followed closely by offensive
the appearance of an Accuser can crack the most suave
measures such as personal sidearms.
agents. While the Commonwealth is responsible for cre-
Approaches: While the Accusers might seem heavy-
ating its laws and codes of conduct, its Accusers enforce
handed in their methods, they only appear after con-
the word of the law with the enthusiasm of the Holy
ducting thorough background checks about a suspected
Crusaders of old. Accusers are trained to be impartial to
agent, a thorough review of his previous mission logs,
a fault — in fact, the letter of every word is ironclad,
and extensive questioning of his associates (and some-
regardless whether or not it metes out a perceived injus-
times real-world friends and family). The Accusers
tice.
aren’t above tapping or eavesdropping on a suspect’s
Accusers often accompany teams into the field for
conversations (or reading their mail, or entering their
the strict purpose of observing their procedures and
computer files). When the security of the Conspiracy is
modus operandi, and they can level charges against sus-
at stake, there’s no such concern as an invasion of pri-
pect operatives — whether sedition or negligence — even
vacy; to the Accuser, the letter of Conspiracy law takes
bringing them before the Tribunal for judgment and
precedence above all other luxuries — including the so-
execution if the crime proves severe enough.
called private lives of the Conspiracy’s operatives.

25
 European Commonwealth
Borman, Marlene Game Options: Playing an Accuser is nearly syn-
onymous in terms of mood and fear with playing a
Codename: The Wolf
Gestapo-style operative. When necessary, Accusers
Archer Identity Number: 12-294853-03
operate in teams (often assuming roles similar to their
Nationality: Swiss
old specialties before they joined this division), but their
Gender: Female Handedness: Right
very nature means they’re often shunned in the compa-
Height: 5’6" Weight: 126 lbs.
ny of common Conspiracy agents. Still, playing an
Eyes: Green Hair: Auburn
Accuser offers a tremendous opportunity for a highly
Psion Class: Non-latent
cerebral campaign — something very much in the spirit
Place of Birth: Bern, Switzerland
of Commonwealth genre. Being an Accuser involves
Date of Birth: 1948.10.14
investigating, fact-finding, and problem solving, but it
Distinguishing Characteristics: Never wears makeup.
also means circumnavigating political undercurrents
Very austere, with frown lines around her mouth.
within the Conspiracy’s Chambers, and uprooting
Background potential conspiracies (like the Tenebrae Protocol — see
page 44 for more).
Marlene Borman is a frightening woman with whom
few would dare cross paths, or words. As the head of
Gemeinschafft’s feared Accuser division (see page 25),
Acquisitions and Recruitment
Marlene views her mission as nothing short of sacrosanct Many Chambers have a division dedicated to recruit-
to the Conspiracy’s very existence. It’s reputed that she ing new agents, but few have a division dedicated to
knows nearly every Commonwealth agent by name and acquiring and managing new resources. This is because
face, and that she always takes the time to ask each of most agents maintain a network of contacts and allies,
them how their missions are proceeding in very curt and which they generally keep to themselves. The Common-
short terms at least once per quarter. All Commonwealth wealth’s Fifth Division (Acquisitions and Recruitment),
agents must meet with Marlene once a year for an audit of however, is responsible for shared assets, for convincing
their activities, a harrowing task even for people steeled to
agents to divulge their contacts for the benefit of the
face off against the world’s most vicious masterminds. It’s
whole Chamber, for managing mission resources, and
a small wonder Marlene is known as “The Wolf."
All this bluster and intimidation, however, hides the for recruiting new blood into the organization. They
heart of a woman hoping to rectify a past mistake, one ensure that agents don’t abuse or overwhelm a particu-
grievous enough to have almost cost her life. As a field lar resource with requests and they also operate as tal-
Accuser under then Control Gregoir Kane, she supported ent scouts for potential specialists and other assets.
the Consortium's near-sedition from the Conspiracy out of Working for this division is often a fast track to
misguided loyalty (see page 104 for more about this event). wealth since it financially rewards agents who share
Stefan couldn’t condone traitors, but he truly believed bet- their contacts or bring a new resource into the fold.
ter of Marlene — that in her case, the betrayal was an hon- Thus, Acquisition-related missions may cover the
est and regrettable mistake. He kept Marlene’s secret and breadth of social circles, from political to social to
even promoted her to her current position, and for this,
financial. Acquisitions missions may demand that the
Marlene has remained forever indebted to him. In her eyes,
agents investigate and reprimand other operatives for
she has never truly repaid Stefan’s trust —and won’t until
she can save him from himself. abusing potential resources, or even convincing them to
share their contacts with the greater whole of the
Marlene Borman, 7th-level sleuth/2nd-level snoop/5th- Chamber — or the Conspiracy.
level Accuser. Department: D-1 Power Brokerage. CR 14. SZ Agent Matches: Cons and charms are an Acquisition
M; v/wp: 63/10; Init +9 (+8 class, +1 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; Def agent’s preferred tools, which means their personnel of
20 (+9 class, +1 Dex); Atk: Sig-Saur P-230 +9 (2d4); Face 1 choice are spin doctors and facemen, who can develop
square; Reach 1 square; SA per classes, SQ per classes; SV potential allies with media support and sway the public
Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +11; Str 9, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 17, Wis en masse. Sure, a soldier can bully someone into
16, Cha 16; Skills: Appraise +11, Bluff +10, Bureaucracy +15, becoming a resource, but that tactic almost always
Computers +7, Concentration +13, Cultures +8, Diplomacy results in an unreliable asset. But facemen are only the
+9, Driver +6, Forgery +8, Gather Information +15, first line of scrimmage — when the wining and dining
Innuendo +20, Intimidate +23, Knowledge (European fails to recruit a mark, that’s when Acquisition uses
Commonwealth) +15, Knowledge (Mission Histories) +15, snoops to dig around for some dirt on the target. Where
Languages +7, Listen +12, Read Lips +13, Search +15, Sense threats produce anger, blackmail and slander produce
Motive +21, Spot +13, Surveillance +13. Feats: Advanced fear, a somewhat more attractive outcome — at least
Skill Mastery (Field Operative), Field Operative, Grand Skill to the commanding council of the European
Mastery (Field Operative), Mark, Persuasive, Undermine. Commonwealth.
Gear: Weapons, PDA, cell phone, reports about agent mis-
sions.

26
 Agent
Standard Gear: Money, money, and more money. A Agent Matches: Much like the Acquisitions depart-
few Euros in the right pockets go a long way to foster- ment, the Angels draw into their ranks the most beauti-
ing an alliance. Otherwise, the Commonwealth prefers ful of the Commonwealth’s operatives — and its quick-
its Acquisition agents use their natural talents to gain est thinkers. They rely primarily on facemen for these
someone’s confidence, though eavesdropping and hack- skills, but fixers and snoops are also worthy additions,
ing equipment are justifiable requests, as is a sidearm. as many operations require infiltrating a target’s data-
Agents of this division may also ask for a snazzy apart- base or mainframe in addition to seducing the enemy.
ment or home, or a vehicle with which to woo prospec- Many wheelmen also find work with the Ninth Division,
tive clients, or gala tickets to approach the target at posing as chauffeurs of targets for years before earning
fundraisers and prestigious events (like the Katherine their confidence, or even their bed.
Wilde Auction in Monaco — see pages 11 and 19). In Standard Gear: Angels carry only minimal special
Acquisitions, life is all a matter of appearance. gear at best because their deep cover assignment is open
Approaches: The keywords here are research and to so much scrutiny. An Angel usually has no more than
seduction, both of which require an extremely light one piece of equipment that’s absolutely necessary to
touch. Research is necessary to determine what the tar- the mission — a hidden camera or data-storage unit, for
get wants, or which stimuli might elicit the desired example — and uses a dead drop site for procuring other
response, while seduction is a simple matter of sweet- gear only when necessary. The Ninth Division teaches
talking or impressing the target. If either method fails, its Angels to be as self-reliant as possible given their
Acquisitions relies on investigation and potentially level of… exposure.
blackmail, but they rarely resort to threats or violence. Approaches: Despite their heavy reliance on appear-
When they fail to gain a resource, they simply continue ance and charm, Angels must be patient enough for
trying (to threaten a target is to lose any chance of their marks to approach and seduce them. Thus, many
recruiting him later). Angels work for or around their targets for years before
Game Options: This style of serial brings agents into making their move. Invariably, Angels strive to make
the glamorous arenas of conventional Spycraft — the sure the target decides to foster a relationship — acting
political functions, the high-society gala events, and the first is the quickest path to discovery. In order to breed
grand premiers. Acquisitions is a game of favors and familiarity and trust, however, Angels act as a quiet part
roleplaying, where marks can be political figures, CEOs, of their target’s background, always present but never
celebrities, and media personalities, and the goal is to intrusive. This tactic is built into each Angel’s cover
uncover the hidden desire or shame that will ultimately identity — each operative of this division is carefully
bring them over to the agent’s side. Naturally, this style chosen to ensure that they fit into the target’s life — and
of play is fraught with its own dangers — other spies matches the target’s personal preferences.
frequently vie for the same resource, for instance — and If the Commonwealth believes the mark needs an
the options open to Acquisitions agents are nearly extra push, they might stage an assassination or bur-
always limited by the need for subtlety. Quiet assassina- glary attempt where the Angel saves the target’s life,
tions, cat and mouse games in the bowels of European thus bringing the two closer.
villas, and car chases down tight cobblestone alleys are Game Options: In an Angel-style campaign, the
all anticipated hazards of this agent occupation. agents might be assigned to infiltrate P.E.R.I.L. or the
Shop, both of which present tremendous opportunities
Angels for interpersonal infiltration missions.
Welcome to most precarious type of mission… the Angels must be constantly on their toes, finding
undercover operation. The Commonwealth’s Angels, ways to relay pertinent information back to the home
under the auspices of Gemeinschafft’s Ninth Division office while avoiding scrutiny and sometimes even par-
(better known as Operation: SERAPH; see the taking in unsavory missions with the enemy to protect
Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 90), serve as the their cover.
Chamber’s covert operatives, often working shoulder to It isn’t uncommon for a team of cross-trained Angels
shoulder with their deadliest foes. Many Foundation to serve near each other on particularly important mis-
agents mistake the Angels for sanctioned prostitution, sions, backing one another up. As an example, when
but the fact is, few agents are as qualified for this degree Libyan leader Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi shocked the
of infiltration as Ninth Division operatives, many of Muslim world by appearing with a retinue of female
whom have been husbands and wives to CEOs, politi- bodyguards, the Ninth Division wore a particularly sly
cians, and other VIPs for decades. grin from the shadows…

27
 European Commonwealth
Fractal Intelligence “The Gondola:” While the two halves of the
Knowledge is power, but knowledge is also deadly. Commonwealth Chamber have no central base of oper-
Although listed as Gemeinschafft’s Tenth Division, ation, Fractal Intelligence provides a unique asset in the
“Fractal Intelligence" in fact works for both halves of “Gondola," a reconnaissance blimp being tested on
the Commonwealth, seeking ways to foster improved behalf of the Company. The Gondola hovers 10 to 13
relations between them. This relationship is not easy for miles above Europe, in the stratosphere, which is mois-
the division to maintain, but its advantages far out- ture and weather-free. This geo-stationary platform per-
weigh all temporary headaches. mits its technicians to observe ground activity at 10× to
Fractal Intelligence has a dual function: passive 50× the resolution of the most advanced satellites oper-
intelligence gathering and very active “pre-sentience". ating from space, and the dedicated surveillance gear
In the former mission, it calls upon many of Fade’s can even detect live grenades and buried landmines.
operatives to gather information and maintain detailed The Gondola relies on highly efficient solar cells to
records of missions, news broadcasts, and any other replenish its lightweight fuel cells, thus substantially
data floating about the intelligence ether. The division’s reducing the need for constant refueling. Additionally,
pre-sentience efforts, however, are managed mostly by the Gondola can compensate for the loss of helium with
Gemeinschafft agents, and rely heavily on telepaths, compressors that induct lighter hydrogen, allowing the
mentalists, and mundane strategists. Their goal is to blimp to remain afloat for extended periods and reduc-
forecast events through the study of data provided by ing the chance of mishap (since 90% of blimp accidents
the division’s other half. Pre-Sentience often sends occur while docking). Unique polymers render the
agents on missions to confirm suspicions or to “stir the Gondola invisible to radar, and optic-wire bundles
mud," deliberately agitating a situation to see what hap- along its undercarriage mimic the sky above, preventing
pens. ground observers from spotting the aerial platform.
The Gondola runs the length of two football fields
and can carry 110,000 pounds in manpower and equip-
ment. Its armaments consist of four laser turrets capable
of shooting down most incoming missiles.
For a mechanical overview of the Gondola, see page
80.

28
 Agent
Agent Matches: The support arm of Fractal Fallon, Yves
Intelligence, its think tank, chooses highly skilled indi-
Codename: Le Mistral Noire (“The Black Wind" —
viduals with savant-level Intelligence and Wisdom. Pre-
Mistral being a cold northerly gale)
Sentience’s field preferences, however, are usually teams
Archer Identity Number: 12-843758-04
who best fit the profile requirements of each specific
Nationality: French
mission, and who follow orders well. Called “catalyst
Gender: Male Handedness: Right
teams," these agents’ experiences and skills run the
Height: 5’11" Weight: 205 lbs.
gamut, their only qualification commonly a single asset.
Eyes: Black Hair: Grey
When Pre-Sentience discovers it operates well with a
Psion Class: Physical Adept (Grade B)
particular operative or team, they often continue to use
Place of Birth: Toulouse, France
them.
Date of Birth: Approximately 1951
Standard Gear: Fractal Intelligence field teams
Distinguishing Characteristics: Crooked, but casual
receive the usual array of gear necessary for each mis-
smile, burn marks on hands, and many knife scars.
sion, in addition to micro-camcorders and surveillance
kits that pipe information directly back to the Gondola. Background
Think tank agents, however, don’t generally carry per-
Yves never met his parents; he was one of many chil-
sonal gear, instead relying predominantly upon dren abandoned at the St-Michel Orphanage, among
Chamber-issued electronic intelligence suites (most Europe’s countless lost and destitute runaways. It was
often located inside the Gondola), as well as high-end only by good fortune that the nascent Fagin’s Umbrella
computers with power ratings of 5 or higher, designed came to find and train him in exchange for Yves’ ser-
to help them dredge through the mass of daily events. vices as one of Fade’s eyes, ears, and nimble fingers (see
Approaches: It’s all about information. Fractal page 32 for more about Fagin’s Umbrella). Yves was also
Intelligence teams always know exactly what they’re among a handful of such recruits who remained with the
looking for, and have specified measures to use in case European Chamber, first earning agent status within the
of several hundred eventualities. Conspiracy, then gaining a taste of his psion gifts before
finally training at the feet of his benefactor as one of the
Fractal Intelligence operations run the breadth of
first “Intruders" (see page 59).
Spycraft mission types — intelligence gathering, assassi-
With a long and distinguished career in his wake, Yves
nation, theft, search and destruction, surveillance, elec- finally retired from active service to serve as the head of
tronic espionage… the list goes on. The main issue isn’t Fractal Intelligence (see page 28). While Yves questions
often the mission itself, but how the enemy reacts to the Fade’s assertions that a pattern is emerging in the world’s
catalyst team — using this Chamber resource is like geopolitical and social tapestry, he excels at his work for
injecting someone with a radioactive dye to determine the Conspiracy. He’s noticed, in fact, that trends seem to
how their circulatory system functions, and it’s results follow an unusual, almost measured, simultaneous rise
are usually equally spectacular. and ebb across the world. The source of this parallel-
Game Options: With the world becoming more and thinking remains a mystery, and Yves is still far from
more uncertain every day, it’s Fractal Intelligence’s job believing that some great pattern exists as it once did (see
the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 214).
to predict counter-currents and movements against
As head of Fractal Intelligence, Yves controls a host
global security before they occur. Unfortunately, the
of agents spanning media, communications, and even
Pre-Sentience division can’t confirm the veracity of criminal networks. He spends countless hours studying
some predictions or if any given target will react as each day’s events and interviews agents for firsthand
anticipated. Until they can be absolutely certain of their accounts of their exploits.
findings, Fractal Intelligence relies heavily on the efforts
Yves Fallon, 5th-level fixer/5th-level intruder (see page 59).
of agents to substantiate their theories — by physically
Department: D-6 Wetworks. CR 10. SZ M; v/wp: 90/16; Init
penetrating secure locations and stirring the hornet’s
+11 (+5 class, +3 Dex, +3 department); Spd 30 ft.; Def 21 (+8
nest, so to speak. As such, Fractal Intelligence missions class, +3 Dex); Atk: Steyr SPP +9 (1d10+1) / Unarmed +7
can provide Game Controls with a wide array of chal- (1d6+1); Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA per classes; SQ per
lenges to pitch agent teams against, thereby focusing on classes; SV Fort +8, Ref +13, Will +9; Str 12, Con 16, Dex 16,
different specialties and class skill sets with every seri- Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 12; Skills: Balance +7 Bluff +8, Climb +8,
al. This division also allows for fully integrated cross- Driver +6, Electronics +6, Escape Artist +11, Hide +18,
Chamber teams with minimal explanation. Intimidate +9, Jump +9, Move Silently +18, Open Locks +11,
Search +9, Sleight of Hand +11, Spot +5, Surveillance +10,
Tumble +11. Feats: Adrenal Basics, Adrenal Mastery, Dodging
Basics, Dodging Mastery, Martial Arts, Nimble Fingers,
Recuperation Junction, Stamina Battery, Stealthy. Psion Skills:
Energy Burst +9, Speed Control +11. Gear: Weapons, cell
phone, PDA, motorcycle helmet, lock picking kit. Gadgets and
Vehicles: Street motorcycle.

29
 European Commonwealth
Keeping the Secret Commercial Enterprises
In keeping the Great Game a secret, the European Europe’s borders remain open, but a country’s eco-
Commonwealth utilizes a stopgap measure through its nomic health is paramount above all other concerns.
high-ranking contacts and well-placed proxies and Therefore, many governments (especially France) allow
informants. Many of these contacts may work for the their intelligence organizations to engage in corporate
same organization and never know one another. espionage and information gathering to the benefit of
When there’s a breach of protocol — for example, if private industry. This has established inroads with sev-
someone with a video camera films a Commonwealth eral mega-corporations that are in truth near-front
operation and tries to sell it to the Italian media — the companies for the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth merely uses its media contacts to sup-
press the information. Nearly always, two or three The Austrian Trade Union
human assets are added to any such cover-up mission, Federation (ÖGB) and the
as redundancies to catch anything that slips through Federation of Austrian
the cracks. When all this proves insufficient, the Industrialists (VÖI)
Commonwealth relies on censure, blackmail, and threats Approximately three-fifths of Austria’s employed
to cajole targets into silence. Murder is rarely consid- citizens belong to one of the 15 labor unions that con-
ered, and used only as a last resort. stitute the Austrian Trade Union Federation (or Österre-
More so than most other Chamber organizations, the ichischer Gewerkschaftsbund). The ÖGB represents four
Gemeinschafft Consortium also devotes great energy major groups with nine unions belonging to skilled and
and resources to foreseeing problems through divisions unskilled workers, four unions for public employees
like Fractal Intelligence (see page 28), and building (including transport and communications associates),
cover stories for operations before they launch. The one union for arts and professions, and one group rep-
recent plan to retrieve the Alemanni Eye in Albania was resenting white-collar workers.
one such example (see pages 15–16). For heavy industries, the chief organization is
The Fade organization, however, uses its agents’ Vereinigung Österreichischer Industrieller (VÖI), repre-
thug-like manners and appearance to their benefit, senting over 2,400 firms and the interests of most large-
attributing breaches in security to the actions of anar- scale, private-sector industry, and thus a major force in
chists, criminals, and soccer hooligans Austria’s Federal Economic Chamber.
Through controlling interests in these two organiza-
tions, the Commonwealth can practically dictate policy
M ISSION
RESOURCES
in Austria, using union leverage to sway the govern-
ment to its favor.
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call
upon the following favors from the ÖGB and VÖI,
When the Cold War chilled the world, two empires
assuming their good standing with the Commonwealth
collided like great tectonic plates. That seam of great
is confirmed. Each requires contact with ÖGB and VÖI,
friction between the two opposing ideologies was
or the Commonwealth’s home office, and the proper
Europe, and she still bears the scars of her role. Now the
Chamber credentials.
Cold War is a distant memory, but the remnants of her
legacy remain. Some resources that the old agencies • The agent may spend 1d6 hours getting in touch with
relied upon are untouched, as loyal as when the Red the ÖGB and VÖI when making a favor check to request
Menace or Capitalist Devils loomed large. Others adapt- a specialist with ranks in any one of the following skills:
ed, stepping in time with the new Europe or becoming Profession, Boating, Computers, Driver, Electronics, or
wholly mercenary… obligated to none but their own Mechanics. In addition to his normal skill and ability
coffers. bonuses, the specialist is considered to possess the basic
Unfortunately, while Europe is supposedly united, skill feat, Advanced Skill Mastery feat, and Grand Skill
her agendas are cast far and wide. Governments shake Mastery feat for the chosen skill (adding an additional
hands and await unification with smiles, while support- +4 bonus to his checks and other bonuses (see the
ing their private industries with nationalist fervor. Spycraft Espionage Handbook, pages 89–90).
Therefore, while most international resources are divid-
• When requesting government assistance or interven-
ed by nation, those of Europe fall into areas of interest
tion from the Austrian government, the agent may
— commerce, intelligence, criminal, military, govern-
contact the ÖGB and VÖI, encouraging both organiza-
ment, and other enterprises.
tions to throw their weight behind the agent’s request.

30
 Agent
This requires 1d6 hours and a successful Diplomacy Equinox presents itself as the “Car Company for the
check (DC 20). With success, the agent gains a +5 bonus 22nd Century," combining a holistic approach to driver
to his favor check. The ÖGB and VÖI will not support comfort with cutting edge technology. There’s even talk
causes that are harmful to the Austrian nation or its that Equinox is developing the first “smart car" — the
people. Chauffeur, a machine that’s capable of driving itself.
Conspiracy theorists, however, claim the car’s AI is
• Unionized workers have one weapon above all others in
merely a means of keeping track of all traffic (that
their political arsenal — the strike. An agent may call for
Chauffeur not only broadcast’s its own movements back
the ÖGB and VÖI to arrange a strike against a specific
to a central mainframe, but that it scans the license
company with a successful assistance favor check (DC
plates of adjacent cars as part of Equinox’s corporate
20, modified per Table 2.1: Commercial Enterprises
intelligence as well).
Modifiers, below).
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call
With success, the target company’s unionized work-
upon the following favors from Equinox Motors, assum-
ers walk off the job at the end of the current work day
ing their good standing with the Commonwealth is con-
and don’t return for a number of days equal to the dif-
firmed. Each requires contact with Equinox Motors or
ference between the favor check result and DC, halting
the Commonwealth home office, and the proper
most of the company’s operations for the duration. The
Chamber credentials.
company’s offices remain open, just not productive.
With a critical success, the company is forced to • With fleets of ready automobiles, Equinox Motors can
shut its doors for a number of weeks equal to the dif- readily supply agents with ground transportation
ference between the favor check result and DC. throughout Europe and North America. By contacting
With a critical failure, the target company fires and Equinox Motors or the home office before Scene 1 of
replaces all strikers. Further, the ÖGB and VÖI are reluc- any serial, an agent team may arrange ground trans-
tant to work with agent team again — all favor checks portation anywhere within 250 miles of their starting
the agent team attempts with this mission resource location in either region, once per session, without
during the following year suffer a –5 penalty. spending an action die. An action die may be spent to
increase this range by 250 miles (to a total of 500
Equinox Motors miles), or to call on Equinox for ground transportation
Although it lacks the venerable history of Rolls during or after Scene 1 of any mission. In both cases,
Royce or Fiat, Equinox Motors is a fast climber on the arranging this transportation requires 1d4 hours.
European car manufacturers’ success track. The compa-
• While Equinox Motors prefers to keep its show models
ny managed to penetrate the American market with a
safe in its showrooms, the company regularly agrees to
slick advertising campaign, and recently landed a lucra-
loan automobiles to Commonwealth operatives. By
tive contract to supply the European Rapid Reaction
spending 2d6 hours arranging the loan, an agent may
Force with Vector, an all-terrain, multi-purpose vehicle
make an asset favor check (DC equal to the vehicle’s GP
with a roving range of 430 miles. Equinox is perhaps
cost × 3). With success, he is loaned any one of
best known, however, for its Sagittarius line, the first
Equinox’s automobiles for a period of one week (see the
“affordable" custom-order car, of which some of the
pages 79–80 for a list of current models). This vehicle
highest-end models were featured in all four Catwalk
features no modifications, though an agent may spend
movies (see the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, pages
his own GP to install any vehicular gadgets allowed by
89, 93, and 212, and page 80 of this release).
the current serial. Each GP spent in this fashion increas-
es the time of vehicle delivery by 30 minutes.

Table 2.1: Commercial Enterprises Modifiers

Condition DC Modifier
More than half the company’s divisions ready to strike –2
More than half the company’s locations/offices ready to strike –2
Workers already unhappy with company –2
Workers already talking about a possible strike –4
Workers happy with the company +2
At least one previous strike has failed within the last year +4
Less than half the company’s divisions ready to strike +2
Less than half the company’s locations/offices ready to strike +2

31
 European Commonwealth
Utopia Designs
Utopia Designs is a modern think tank using alter- Criminal Enterprises
native, cutting-edge designs and approaches to advance Criminals are growing savvy of technology’s leading
Gemeinschafft’s policy through the new mediums dic- edge, as many “super-criminal" organizations rise to
tating modern entertainment (the Internet, digital power in the world scene, offering agents with their ears
media, etc.) — at least, that’s how Gemeinschafft pre- to the ground many new avenues of support. Three of
sents it to the rest of the Archer Conspiracy. The other the foremost examples in Europe follow.
truth behind Utopia Designs is that Gemeinschafft real-
ized they were being left behind when it came to explor- Fagin’s Umbrella
ing the new mediums, and Utopia is intended to estab- The German Glatzen gangs (baldies), terrorizing
lish both an economic force and a controlling interest immigrant families; orphaned Italian children playing
among them. Ultimately, Gemeinschafft hopes that their light-fingered trade on tourists; an abandoned
Utopia will allow it to become the alpha wolf within this building in Prague offering shelter to homeless youth; a
influential arena by setting trends and raising the bar drug courier operation working out of Bucharest’s fetid
higher than anyone else can reach. sewers… Fade has his finger on the pulse of every one
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call of these fringe youth hostels, the cells that form the bulk
upon the following favors from Utopia Designs, assum- of his half of the European Commonwealth. Publicly,
ing their good standing with the Commonwealth is con- this organization is known as “Fagin’s Umbrella," a ref-
firmed. Each requires contact with Utopia Designs or the erence to its Dickensian inspiration, and Fade’s seem-
Commonwealth home office, and the proper Chamber ingly altruistic crusade.
credentials. Fagin’s Umbrella has helped thousands of children
since the 1950s make more of themselves, finding them
• When in need of computer assistance, the agent may
jobs, educating them, and even encouraging them to
call on the programmers of Utopia Designs. Once per
follow their dreams when they reach adulthood, as pow-
session, he may spend 1d6 hours arrange the help of a
erful professionals, political officials, sports figures,
computer specialist with a Computer skill bonus of +6.
celebrities, and more. Fade’s ulterior motive is simple —
This expert arrives at the agent’s location within 1d4+2
these success stories provide his organization with
hours (or at a time of the GC’s choosing), bringing with
many far-reaching touchstones of influence across the
him a personal laptop with a power rating of +2. The
world, a built-in network of powerful operatives who
specialist assists the agents for one computer-related
owe their entire lives to their mysterious benefactor.
task per action die spent on this resource, after which
Now, however, with the second wave of the great
he returns to Utopia Designs.
“baby boom" and a spike in Fade’s reputation as the
• If an agent team possesses its own computer expert but public organization’s success stories reach the world’s
needs even more computing power, it may visit a media, the Umbrella is growing more rapidly, spreading
Utopia Designs office, found in most major European further and faster, than ever expected. The hundreds of
cities and many other cities worldwide. (There’s a 1 in 6 legitimate disenfranchised children now seeking asylum
chance of no UD office in any European city; this from a harsh world are being lost amongst thousands
chance increases to 3 in 6 elsewhere in the world.) With seeking any way out of a life they’re simply not happy
a successful asset favor check (DC 15), the agents may with. To make matters worse, the fall of Communist
make use of a Utopia Designs mainframe computer sys- Russia robbed its westernmost satellites of their basic
tem with a +6 power rating for up to eight hours. For human guarantees (shelter and food), and the European
the cost of an additional action die, the agents may Union has saddled some economies (like Italy’s) with
increase this period of use to up to 16 hours. Should the higher costs of living. The number of poor increases
agents attract attention that endangers Utopia Designs dramatically throughout Europe (and particularly
while using the mainframe — such as being traced back Eastern Europe) every year, and where the poor suffer,
to Utopia Designs while hacking an outside computer the children are its first victims.
system — the agents are prevented from using Utopia Fagin’s Umbrella is stretched to the limits of its
Designs’ mainframes during the following year. resources — even as it gains more resources than ever
before.

32
 Agent

Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call • When making contact and cutting deals with the black
upon the following favors from Fagin’s Umbrella, market in Europe (see the Modern Arms Guide, pages
assuming their good standing with the Commonwealth 25–26), the agents may request the assistance of Fade’s
is confirmed. Each requires contact with Fagin’s private criminal organization by making an assistance
Umbrella or the Commonwealth home office (requiring favor check (DC 15). With success, the agents gain a +4
1d12 hours), and the proper Chamber credentials. circumstance bonus to all favor checks made to contact
Agents who are part of the Gemeinschafft the European black market, and to all Diplomacy checks
Consortium receive a –4 circumstance penalty to favor made to negotiate a deal once contact is made. This
checks made to call upon Fagin’s Umbrella. bonus lasts for 24 hours.
• Agents may call upon Fagin’s Umbrella to gather infor- • When needed, the Fade organization can insure that
mation about Europe’s criminal underworld by making goods are lost — forever. The agents identify one object
an information favor check (DC 15). With success, the of up to Large size (e.g. a computer disc, a body, a car)
agent makes contact and a member of Fagin’s Umbrella and make an assistance favor check (DC 10 + 5 per size
assists him, granting a +6 cooperation bonus to all category above Small). With success, the object is
Gather Information, Knowledge (Underworld), and picked up by an anonymous Fade street urchin and
Search checks made to learn about the European crim- never seen again. The object cannot be found, even
inal underworld during the following 24 hours. Fagin’s using the snoop’s flawless search ability, and like
Umbrella is notoriously private, and refuses to provide effects.
any information about its recruits.

33
 European Commonwealth
• Once per serial, the agents may call upon Fagin’s The principal firm in this enterprise is Luxembourg
Umbrella to provide an influential ally with loyalty to International Finances Inc. (LIFI), which allows clientele
Fade or his organization (a celebrity, government figure, to maintain hidden accounts for a substantial interest
politician, or sports figure). This ally provides a distrac- mark-up. LIFI is also quite widespread, with offices
tion during the following scene, allowing the agent to across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and
make an event favor check (see page 59), with no stable enough to maintain secret accounts for several EC
action die cost. banks trying to shield their assets from prying eyes.
LIFI is affiliated with the Archer Conspiracy and
• Once per serial, a Commonwealth agent may identify
maintains a deeply submerged database and transaction
any standard NPC of neutral or better disposition
network on the Shadownet, far removed from the
toward him as a “member of the family” — a Fade
Internet’s compromised systems (see page 87 for more
recruit and/or graduate willing to pull strings to get the
about the Shadownet).
agent through any red tape associated with the NPC’s
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call
position. This costs one action die, but requires no favor
upon the following favors from LIFI, assuming their
check, and grants the agent a +4 bonus to Bureaucracy
good standing with the Commonwealth is confirmed.
checks made to navigate the NPC’s company or organi-
LIFI must be contacted through the agent’s home office
zation. For instance, a customs guard might help the
(requiring 1d6 hours).
agent slip across the border with weapons or a prison-
er, a bodyguard might help the agent get in to talk to • With a successful assistance favor check (DC 20), the
his charge, etc. This bonus lasts for 2 hours, after which agents may arrange for LIFI to freeze the funds of
the allied NPC’s window of opportunity to help the any one person or company who has money in the
agent ends. care of any major European or international bank
(per the GC’s discretion). The victim’s funds are tied
• Once per serial, a Commonwealth agent may gain
up over the following 24 hours by a frustrating
strength from nearby Fade loyalists. By spending one
series of lost paperwork, transferred funds, overdue
action die, the agent gains a +1 morale bonus to Will
loans, and extravagant charges. The victim’s funds
saves for every 10 NPCs loyal to Fade within the agent’s
can be tied up for an additional 24 hours (for a total
line of sight. This bonus lasts 10 rounds.
of 48 hours) at the cost of an additional action die.
• Fade’s organization remains in contact on the streets
through the use of graffiti. Unknown to most (includ- Turkish-Sicilian
ing many of those taught to draw the symbols), these Mafia Alliance
markings actually incorporate elements of fringescript Where most alliances stem from mutual consensus
(see the Archer Foundation Chamber Book, page 69), about ideology or agenda, the Turkish-Sicilian alliance
allowing the group to deliver complex and explicit mes- is a joint capitalist venture between crime families.
sages right out in the open. Members of Fade’s organi- The Turks refine drugs and transport them through
zation, armed with a can of spray paint, may spend one Sicily to sell them in Amsterdam and other European
action die to make a Cryptography check (DC 15) to cities. In turn, the Sicilians repay the Turks through ille-
create such markings. With success, the agent may hide gal arms of Russian or even European make. The Turks
any message of up to 30 words in length within the make their money through arms distribution, selling
graffiti. The resulting squiggle is largely inscrutable, and their ill-gotten weapons to Middle East countries and
only other members of Fagin's Umbrella and those with factions. This free trade creates a pipeline of black mar-
the Like to Like feat have any hope of reading the mes- ket goods between both hemispheres that traffics in
sage, and they must still succeed with a Cryptography everything from European weapons to South African
check (DC 15). Fringescript is inherently unstable, and diamonds (brokered through the Israeli-Russian Mafia).
the message automatically erases itself after a number Possible Assistance: The Turkish-Sicilian Mafia only
of days equal to the agent's current ranks in readily deals with members of Fade’s organization.
Cryptography (minimum 1 day). Other agents suffer a –4 circumstance penalty with all
favor checks involving the Turkish-Sicilian Mafia. The
Luxembourg International Turkish-Sicilian Mafia must be contacted directly,
Finances, Inc. requiring a successful Knowledge (Underworld) check
Luxembourg is a current favorite destination for (DC 20), and 1d12 hours.
criminal money laundering operations, along with
Lichtenstein, the Vatican, Isle of Man, and Switzerland.
Luxembourg is particularly attractive, as money-laun-
dering schemes are only illegal in the country with rela-
tion to drug-related revenues.

34
 Agent
• The Turkish-Sicilian Mafia is adept at smuggling goods Much like the European-based ECHELON and U.S.
throughout Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. With a Carnivore programs, RAPTOR compares email, data
successful transportation favor check (DC 15), an agent files, and other media against a virtual dictionary of
may convince the Turkish-Sicilian Mafia to move up to names, keywords, sentences, and even alphanumeric
1 metric ton of goods between any two points in these codes, copying matching items and transmitting them
regions. The agent must also supply $2,000 in field back to a central analysis post. RAPTOR’s truly insidi-
expenses or cash to the Turkish-Sicilian Mafia for the ous advancement, however, is its ability to transmit and
bribes needed to move the goods without attracting access data without ever opening a phone line to estab-
attention. These goods are not be discovered by any lish a connection — instead the data is transmitted
government involved, nor any other outside party, so through a hyper-compressed stream of inaudible pulses
long as the agents do nothing to attract undue atten- over any of a thousand GlobalTech phone lines. So long
tion to the shipment. The shipment’s travel time is as the company’s phone lines remain open, RAPTOR
determined as normal (see the Spycraft Espionage remains live.
Handbook, pages 220–224). The goods are safe at the Possible Assistance: GlobalTech’s massive collection
delivery location for up to 24 hours, after which the GC of classified information can be brought to bear by
should roll 1d20 each hour. If the result falls under the phoning or emailing the company or a Commonwealth
number of hours the goods have been left at the deliv- home office with a set of search parameters and key
ery point, the goods are discovered by an unaligned words. The sifting process requires a successful infor-
third party (the outcome of this event is left up to the mation favor check (DC 15 or higher, per the GC’s
GC). discretion), and takes 1d12 hours, after which all unre-
stricted information within the GlobalTech archive
• The Turkish-Sicilian Mafia possesses a large amount of
relating to the search parameters and key words is sent
untraceable cash, and the agents can access up to
to the agent via the Shadownet or courier. Thus, when
$1,000 in cash of any currency with a successful asset
in communication with GlobalTech or the home office,
favor check (DC 5). For every additional $5,000 the
a team of Commonwealth agents may automatically
agents request, the DC increases by 5. This money can-
succeed with one education check of their choice relat-
not be traced by any governmental or private agency,
ing to classified government or corporate information.
and is delivered in the form of small, non-sequential
This resource may only be called upon once per session.
bills.
Grötter & Kesch Industries
Intelligence Enterprises In the waning years of the Cold War, when corporate
Intelligence is no longer merely the purview of the
espionage was a way of life, the Russians secretly sub-
military. In the modern Age of Information, intelligence
sidized the formation of Grötter & Kesch Industries
is available to anyone with a T-1 Internet connection.
(GKI) in Hannover, Germany. GKI was meant to take
Fortunately, there’s a wide gap between acquiring data
advantage of Hannover’s mega-IT convention CeBIT
and being able to process the facts hidden between the
(see the next page) to steal whatever they could from the
lines. This is what ultimately distinguishes true intelli-
visiting Western companies. A scant few years later,
gence operatives from the hacks and conspiracy theo-
however, the Berlin Wall fell, Communism ended, and
rists of the world.
GKI was so deep underground, it was lost in Russia’s
GlobalTech reshuffle. So the corporation did the only thing it could
and entered the free market legitimately.
The race to corner the information technologies mar-
Since then, GKI has become a telecommunications
ket is nothing short of a full-fledged war between major
power broker, but old habits die hard, and the corpora-
players, with GlobalTech — one of Gemeinschafft’s busi-
tion maintains contacts with the world’s shadow com-
ness interests — in the lead on the European front. Most
munities, selling information as an independent con-
recently, GlobalTech has received several military and
tractor. Fully aware of the Archer Conspiracy, GKI deals
corporate contracts intended to bring the European
solely in intelligence, and has often been a boon to
Union up to par with the latest technological develop-
agents seeking an independent data broker.
ments by opposing groups. But Gemeinschafft also
Unfortunately, GKI offers its services to Commonwealth
relies on GlobalTech for intelligence gathering using
and P.E.R.I.L. agents alike.
RAPTOR, a hidden data-sifting program hard-coded
into the company’s electronic systems (and many con-
trolled by Gemeinschafft and its other subsidiaries and
allies as well).

35
 European Commonwealth
Note: CeBIT is among the largest information tech- The Bilderberg have the influence to dictate eco-
nologies (IT) trade shows, with over 8,000 exhibitors nomic protocol, control monetary rates, and appoint or
and three-quarters of a million attendees each year. It depose political figures with but one majority vote.
takes place each spring, in Hannover Germany, and now Even the mighty Gemeinschafft Consortium now fre-
has sister shows with CeBIT Asia and, in June 2003, quently bends to its will. Worse yet, secretly,
CeBIT America. Gemeinschafft itself has lost track of the Bilderberg’s
origins, and its commanding councils fear that they
Possible Assistance: GKI’s far reaching network of
have lost control of their creation altogether.
information gatherers can be tapped by emailing GKI or
For more information about the Bilderberg’s true ori-
the Commonwealth home office with a set of search
gins, and how they frequently gain enough information
parameters and key words. The sifting process takes
to counter their “masters," see page 102 (players are
1d12 hours, after which all unrestricted information
advised to speak with their GC before doing so, in case
within the GKI archive relating to the search parameters
he wishes to use this information in his campaign).
and key words is sent to the agent via the Shadownet or
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call
courier. Thus, when in communication with GKI or the
upon the following favors from the Bilderberg, assum-
home office, a team of Commonwealth agents may
ing their good standing with the Commonwealth is con-
automatically succeed with one education check of their
firmed. The Bilderberg must be contacted through the
choice relating to any world shadow community.
agent’s home office (requiring 1d6 hours).
This action requires no favor check and costs no
Agents from Fade’s organization suffer a –4 penalty
action dice, but GKI does charge the Archer Conspiracy
with all favor checks involving the Bilderberg.
for its services — money that’s deducted from the
agent’s field expenses for the current mission. Generally, • At any point during a mission, the agent may call upon
GKI searches cost between $1,000 and $5,000 depend- the Bilderberg for assistance, requiring an assistance
ing on the information’s size, scope, and importance. favor check (DC 25). With success, a member of the
GKI has no compunctions about driving up the price of Bilderberg agrees to keep an eye on the agent team for
particularly important information when they can. the remainder of the mission, granting all members of
This resource may only be called upon once per ses- the agent team a +4 cooperation bonus with all favor
sion. checks for government intervention, information
searches, legal assistance, and travel arrangements. If
Government Enterprises the agents somehow compromise their guardian, such
The majority of Europe comprises what American as sparking an international incident that implicates
analysts call “The Core" — a collection of countries the Bilderberg, the agents may call on the Bilderberg
deemed strong potential allies with regard to global for assistance again, but may possibly become hunted
concerns by the world’s most stable democratic nations by the Bilderberg as well (per the GC’s discretion, and at
(including the U.S., Canada and Britain). Still, Europe the cost of 3 or more GC action dice).
remains divided politically, and only finds relative com-
mon ground with enterprises such as the European INTERPOL
Union (EU), INTERPOL, and NATO. With 181 member countries, the International Police
The European Commonwealth finds those local organization is the second largest multi-national orga-
assets that supercede old cultural notions of nationalist nization in the world, after the United Nations.
fervor and state-only interests to be of particular use- Although over 80 years old, INTERPOL has made a con-
fulness. Several follow. certed effort to remain aware of the changing world,
and its technology, to better facilitate the apprehension
The Bilderberg of equally technology-inclined criminals.
What began as a Gemeinschafft Consortium opera- INTERPOL doesn’t interfere with the regional con-
tion in redirection has fast become a private asset with cerns of its member states, leaving local (and national)
the legs of a runaway horse. The Bilderberg is the pyra- criminals to local authorities, but it does provide crimi-
mid’s apex of the New World Order, a supposedly glob- nal analysts and forensic specialists to all member
al scheme to forge one world government with a hand- nations, as needed. It also acts as a database for a wide-
ful of society’s elite at the helm. At its disposal is a ros- array of law enforcement concerns; its catalogue
ter of political and financial notables from throughout encompasses the latest currency forgeries, interrogation
the Western Hemisphere, ranging from corporate CEOs videos, criminal profiles, and a myriad of other infor-
to Old World nobility to nouveau power brokers. mation, and fields a Fusion task force to deal with the
emerging threat of terrorism.

36
 Agent
INTERPOL doesn’t have mobile investigators of its The operatives will not break local or international
own, and instead maintains national offices called law, or commit murder for the agents, but they help the
National Central Bureaus (NCB). Each NCB observes the agents carry out warrants, arrest suspects, and defend
law-enforcement procedures of its host country and themselves with lethal force if necessary to survive any
serves as the liaison between local and foreign agencies. attack.
INTERPOL’s European headquarters is located in Lyon, For the purpose of the disposition and morale rules,
France. the operatives are friendly with the agents.
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call Agents should be careful to activate this resource
upon the following favors from INTERPOL, assuming only when absolutely necessary, as it often backfires.
their good standing with the Commonwealth is con- Failure with the requesting favor check reveals the
firmed. Each requires contact with INTERPOL or the “misuse of INTERPOL resources,” resulting in one of the
Commonwealth home office (requiring 1 hour), and the Fusion operatives working with the agents being
proper Chamber credentials. burned (see the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page
Agents from Fade’s organization suffer a –4 penalty 209). Thereafter, INTERPOL refuses to assist the agents
with favor checks involving INTERPOL. for the remainder of the current season. If the favor
check results in a critical failure, the entire division of
• INTERPOL is a mammoth organization in which the left
Fusion operatives working with the agents is burned
hand is not always aware of the right hand’s activities.
and all future favor checks the agent team makes with
With a successful assistance favor check (DC 20, modi-
INTERPOL suffer a –5 penalty. This modifier is cumula-
fied as follows), the agents may arrange to have any one
tive if the agents are responsible for burning multiple
private citizen taken into custody as a crime suspect or
Fusion divisions (i.e. they suffer critical failures when
accessory for up to 24 hours.
attempting to utilize INTERPOL operatives).
The citizen’s link to the crime is false, but INTERPOL
detains the citizen up for the specified time while every- • Fade has acquired the services of an expert hacker (a
thing is sorted out. This resource may only be used former member of Room 39’s Broken Seal, who used
against people whose current location is known by (or Fade’s influence to arrange an early retirement from
may be provided to) INTERPOL. the spy game). This hacker has rigged INTERPOL’s cen-
If the GC determines that any use of this resource tral computers with a delicate web of back doors and
directs INTERPOL against people who resist with vio- software cutouts, granting him ready access at near
lence, the arresting officers are killed and INTERPOL suf- sysop levels of authority. While Fade will not risk com-
fers enormous bad press. Thereafter, the agents may only promising his access to the INTERPOL system, agents
call upon this resource again at twice the normal action may request the falsification of records within the
die cost, and with a –5 circumstance modifier to their INTERPOL database. With a successful information
favor check. favor check (DC 20), a Commonwealth agent may
arrange for any single INTERPOL police record to be
• When in any INTERPOL member nation, Commonwealth
completely erased. Alternatively, the agent may request
agents may request the assistance of a Fusion anti-ter-
that one record be “sanitized,” leaving the basic bibli-
rorist squad — but should do so with extreme caution.
ography and fingerprints intact, but eliminating all
This requires a successful specialist favor check (DC 25).
criminal entries, and adding (or preserving) a handful of
With success, the agents gain the support of four
misdemeanors (parking tickets, etc.), to give the result-
Fusion operatives (3rd-level mercenaries — see Archer
ing file a sense of innocent credibility. In both cases, the
Foundation Chamber Book, page 81).
files are automatically restored from the appropriate
These operatives either perform one simple opera-
member nation’s police records at the end of the cur-
tion “off screen” (i.e. away from the action, not near the
rent serial.
agents), which may be no longer than one scene in
length, or assist the agent team for one scene.
Thereafter, they return to their standard posts.

Table 2.2: INTERPOL Modifiers

Target Citizen Condition DC Modifier
Target wanted for unimportant crimes, like unpaid parking tickets –2
Target a minor political figure, sports figure, celebrity, or other notable +2
Target a major political figure, sports figure, celebrity, or other notable +4
Target in the highest levels of government +8
Target located outside Europe +4
Target located outside INTERPOL’s jurisdiction N/A (not possible)

37
 European Commonwealth

Vatican Holy Service is to “protect humanity against itself" — a task which it

The Vatican Holy Service frightens most agents who translates into overseeing the retrieval and storage of
know its true history (it began as an offshoot of the mystical relics and arcane knowledge.
Inquisition, albeit at the watershed point following the The Vatican Holy Service is rumored to host agents
Council of Trent). It’s also the oldest intelligence orga- whose talents lie significantly outside the realm of the
nization in the Western Hemisphere. By the mid-16th usual. Indeed, there are even rumors that some agents
Century, the Inquisition, already despised, was renamed utilize holy feats on par with those of the fabled
the Sacred Roman Congregation and Universal Guardians of the Whispering Knife.
Inquisition, or simply, “The Holy Office." Its mandate Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call
also changed from ensuring purity of faith to protect- upon the following favors from the Vatican Holy
ing the stability of the Papacy and Church. Its first task Service, assuming their good standing with the
was to enforce the Librorum Prohibitorum — the cen- Commonwealth is confirmed. Each requires contact with
sorship of those works of literature condemned by the the Service or the Commonwealth home office (requir-
“Index of Prohibited Books." The Jesuits responsible ing 1d12 hours), and the proper Chamber credentials.
became, in effect, intelligence operatives for the
• The Vatican Holy Service possesses a wealth of infor-
Vatican.
mation about the dealings of the Catholic Church,
This changed in 1965, when the Holy Office became
which may be accessed by agents who contact the
the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (oversee-
Service or their home office with a list of key words and
ing the conversion of the faithful in Third World coun-
search parameters. The process requires a successful
tries), and the organization’s intelligence operatives
information favor check (DC 15 or higher, per the GC’s
became independent, known only to the Pope and select
discretion). With success, all unrestricted information
Cardinals.
matching the key words and search parameters is sent
The Vatican Holy Service is funded entirely through
to the agents via phone, email or fax (agent’s choice).
dummy charities, and answerable only to the Pope and
Thus, when in communication with the Vatican Holy
Cardinal Ortanzia, Prefect of the Service. Its member-
Service or the home office, a team of Commonwealth
ship consists of candidates from the highly trained
agents may automatically succeed with one education
Swiss Guard and particularly talented graduates from
check of their choice relating to the Catholic Church,
the Vatican’s own seminary school. Its modern mandate

38
 Agent
actions of other major religions, and the nature and • When located within the Europe Commonwealth, the
best known locations of major religious artifacts. This agents may request assistance from the Col. Moschin
resource may only be called upon once per session. Special Forces team, but should do so with extreme
caution. With a successful specialist favor check (DC
• With a successful specialist favor check (DC 20), the
20), the agents gain the support of one Moschin oper-
agents may request a Vatican theurgist (a specialist in
ative. This operative is a mercenary (see Archer
religious magic) to assist them with mystical matters.
Foundation Chamber Book, page 81), whose level
The theurgist is an occultist (see the Hand of Glory
equals that of the requesting agent (not to exceed 8th-
Threat Book, page 76) of level equal to the requesting
level).
agent (not to exceed 8th-level).
This operative either performs one simple operation
The theurgist either assists the agents during the
“off screen” (i.e. away from the action, not near the
following 24 hours, using his mystical knowledge where
agents), which may be no longer than one scene in
appropriate, or (if 6th-level or higher) performs one rite
length, or assists the agent team for one scene.
with a complex skill check DC of 40 or less (see the
Thereafter, he returns to his standard post. The opera-
Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 228 and the
tive will break local and international law and commit
Hand of Glory Threat Book, page 53). The theurgist per-
murder for the agents if he is ordered to do so and it is
forms rites as if 40 of his bonded followers are present.
explained to him that such actions are needed for the
The agents may convince the theurgist to assist
greater good.
them for up to an additional 24 hours, or to perform
For the purpose of the disposition and morale rules,
one additional rite (if he is able to do so), by spending
the operative is friendly with the agents.
one additional action die.
Agents should be careful to activate this resource
Military Enterprises only when absolutely necessary, as it often backfires.
Failure with the requesting favor check reveals the
Most Europeans see a large military force as encour-
“misuse of army resources,” resulting in the Moschin
aging aggressive behavior. They perceive threats to their
operative working with the agents being captured for
security in national, and not global, terms. Most
war crimes and brought up against a military tribunal.
European countries have the means to defend them-
Thereafter, Moschin refuses to assist the agents for the
selves, but few can actually fight a war outside their
remainder of the current season.
borders. Only France and Britain have assumed more of
If the favor check results in a critical failure, the
a global responsibility in their outlook and capabilities,
operative must be burned to salvage Moschin’s political
followed grudgingly by a resurgent Germany (which is
distance from his actions (see the Spycraft Espionage
still tentative about its military capabilities given its
Handbook, page 209). Thereafter, all future favor
role during the first and second World Wars). This has
checks the agent team makes with Moschin suffer a –5
left the European Commonwealth’s military support
penalty. This modifier is cumulative if the agents are
somewhat lacking in the early 21st Century, limited to a
responsible for burning multiple Moschin operatives
few capable cells and small tactical forces. Two exam-
(i.e. they suffer critical failures when attempting to uti-
ples follow.
lize Moschin troops).
Colonel Moschin Elliniki Astinomia (EL.AS)
Italy’s 9th Para-Assault Regiment is a veteran of the
Greece’s Hellenic Police are paramilitary in nature
Cold War specializing in sabotage and intelligence oper-
and fall under the auspices of the Ministry of Public
ations. Its long roster of accomplishments includes
Order. Within the EL.AS is an Operations Division with
bringing the 1960s hijacking of the ocean liner Achilli
two special security units — The Special Forces Squad
Lauro to a halt, as well as missions to Kurdistan,
and the Counter-Terrorism Squad. The latter operates in
Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, and Bosnia. The Col.
tandem with other agencies in other nations including
Moschin is ranked among the world’s best Special
Israel’s MOSSAD and the United States’ CIA and FBI.
Forces teams, but it’s also a valuable asset for the
The EL.AS is of special interest to the European
European Commonwealth, being part of Italy’s contri-
Commonwealth because it effectively bridges two
bution to the Rapid Reaction Force (see also page 31),
Chambers — the Commonwealth and the Guardians of
and thus available for continental insertions.
the Whispering Knife.
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call
upon the following favors from Col. Moschin, assuming
their good standing with the Commonwealth is con-
firmed. The Col. Moschin must be contacted through the
agent’s home office (requiring 1d12 hours).

39
 European Commonwealth
The Middle East connection is through the island of Gemeinschafft must be limited by its troops’ mindsets.
Cyprus, a small nation divided between Turkey and Still, when Commonwealth agents require a manned
Greece. Cyprus also served as a refuge for rich Lebanese safe house in which to hide, foot soldiers to storm a
escaping the turmoil in their country. After the wave of mastermind’s base, or a force of shock troops to secure
terrorist attacks against Greece in the 1980s (and into a captured facility until the techs can sweep the site,
the 90s), EL.AS’s Counter-Terrorism Squad placed they can call upon Buitensingel personnel (pending
agents on Cyprus (particularly Lemesós and Lárnax) to Gemeinschafft approval, naturally).
spy on the resident Lebanese, some of whom were Buitensingel troops hail mostly from French Special
financing the acts of global terror. Since then, EL.AS has Forces, including the DGSE and the Black Berets, but
maintained a stable of Middle Eastern informants and also include personnel formerly of Germany’s GSG-9
associates across the island. (Grenzschutzgruppe-9), Spain’s GOE-11 (Grupo
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call Operaciones Especiales), Italy’s Col. Moschin (see page
upon the following favors from the EL.AS, assuming 39), Greece’s ETA (Ediko Tmima Alexiptotiston),
their good standing with the Commonwealth is con- Spetsnaz soldiers left behind in Central Europe, and
firmed. The EL.AS must be contacted through the Turkey’s OIKB (National Police Jandarma Commandos).
agent’s home office (requiring 1d12 hours). Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call
upon the following favors from the Buitensingel,
• While operating in Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Israel,
assuming their good standing with the Commonwealth
Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq or Macedonia,
is confirmed. The Buitensingel must be contacted
Commonwealth agents may request assistance from
through the agent’s home office (requiring 1d12 hours).
EL.AS by making a specialist favor check (DC 20). With
success, the team gains the aid of one EL.AS operative. • When located within the Europe Commonwealth, the
This NPC is an operative (see the Archer Foundation agents may request assistance from Buitensingel, but
Chamber Book, pages 83), whose level equals that of should do so with extreme caution. With a successful
the requesting agent (not to exceed 6th-level). specialist favor check (DC 20), the agents gain the sup-
The EL.AS operative serves as a guide and informant port of six security guards (mercenaries — see Archer
while the agents are on Cyprus for up to one week. In Foundation Chamber Book, page 81), whose levels are
addition to his normal skills, the operative has a num- equal to 1/2 the requesting agent’s level (rounded down,
ber of ranks with Knowledge (Greece) equal to his level and not to exceed 4th-level).
+ 3, and speaks Arabic, Greek, and English fluently. These guards will only protect a single location for
He will not break any laws or commit murder for the attack or infiltration, designated when the agents make
agents, but defends himself with lethal force if neces- the favor check. This protection lasts for one session, or
sary to survive any attack. Additionally, he won’t leave 48 hours (whichever is greater). Thereafter, they return
the nations mentioned above. If the operative is killed to their standard posts.
while in the agent team’s service, the EL.AS is thereafter The guards will not break local or international law,
reluctant to work with the agents, who suffer a –5 or commit murder for the agents, but they defend
penalty to all future favor checks involving the EL.AS. themselves with lethal force if necessary to survive any
attack.
Other Enterprises For the purpose of the disposition and morale rules,
Some resources don’t fit into the standard niches, the guards are friendly towards the agents.
and are instead unique to their function or position Agents should be careful to activate this resource
within the Commonwealth. Some are available exclu- only when absolutely necessary, as it often backfires.
sively for this Chamber’s use, having no link to any Failure with the requesting favor check reveals the
other part of the Archer Conspiracy. “misuse of army resources,” resulting in the
Buitensingel troops working with the agents being cap-
Buitensingel tured for war crimes and brought up against a military
A “buitensingel" is a moat with 26 bastions helping tribunal. Thereafter, Buitensingel refuses to assist the
to defend a city. It’s also the name of Gemeinschafft’s agents for the remainder of the current season.
in-house security force responsible for protecting per- If the favor check results in a critical failure, the
sonnel and sites. While technically part of the troops must be burned to salvage Buitensingel’s politi-
Commonwealth shadow community, Buitensingel con- cal distance from their actions (see the Spycraft
sists of men and women with Special Forces training Espionage Handbook, page 209). Thereafter, all future
who excel far above the average soldier. Unfortunately, favor checks the agent team makes with Buitensingel
the attributes of the finest soldiers and the non-linear suffer a –5 penalty. This modifier is cumulative if the
creativity demanded of secret agents are almost anti- agents are responsible for burning multiple
thetical in nature, so Buitensingel’s role with Buitensingel operatives (i.e. they suffer critical failures
when attempting to utilize Buitensingel troops).

40
 Agent
Galen’s Ward • Once per mission, a Commonwealth agent may call
Gemeinschafft’s approach to technologies and upon Galen’s Ward to provide a near-functional clone
resources is an effective one, in that everything they to the agents. At a cost of three action dice and with a
pursue must have a minimum of two applications — successful asset favor check (DC 30), a clone nearly
otherwise it isn’t worth their time. Case in point: Galen’s identical in appearance to one of the agents or any per-
Ward, a charitable foundation at the vanguard of son for whom they can provide comprehensive physical
genome research, hoping to find effective treatments for details and all-angle photographs is delivered to a loca-
genetic ailments. While a worthy endeavor on the front tion of the agents’ choosing. The clone has the follow-
pages, Galen’s Ward is actually Gemeinschafft’s opera- ing statistics upon delivery.
tions arm for several less admirable pursuits. The first is
Galen’s Ward Clone, 1st-level minion. CR 1/2. SZ M;
the acquisition of accurate genetic records (and more
v/wp: 6/10; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; Def 12; Atk: fist/punch
importantly, favors) from many European notables who
+1 (1d3); Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA None; SQ
can afford to pay for genetically healthy offspring. The
None; SV Fort +0, Ref +1, Will –1; Str 10, Con 10, Dex
second is the creation of “genetic-tag weapons" that can
10, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10; Skills: Special (see below).
zero in a specific target by his DNA. The final purpose
Feats: None. Gear: None. Gadgets and Vehicles: None.
behind Galen’s Ward is the sinister and ultra-secretive
Cadmus’ Teeth Project, an experiment in active cloning The clone is a blank slate, with no memory or personal-
and the creation of genetic recombinant dopplegangers. ity, though it is capable of basic speech and can com-
Gemeinschafft is actively trying to create psion clones municate with the rough faculties of a teenager. Being
of the Conspiracy’s most powerful agents and assets, a blank slate, the clone learns very quickly — the agents
and pay prized agents handsomely to recover skin and may teach it 1 skill rank per 3 hours spent in concen-
hair samples of their most elusive targets. trated study, to a maximum of 5 ranks with any single
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call skill, and 20 skill ranks total. The clone cannot learn
upon the following favors from Galen’s Ward, assuming feats, and none of its statistics other than skills may be
their good standing with the Commonwealth is con- increased.
firmed. Each requires contact with Galen’s Ward or the Special Note: This is a by-product of the clone’s
Commonwealth home office (requiring 1d4 hours), and hyper-accelerated brain chemistry, and not an indica-
the proper Chamber credentials. tion of any form of standard training rule — standard
agents may not transfer skills in this manner.
• Once per mission, Commonwealth agents may make use
The clone is physically unstable, and degrades
of Galen’s Ward’s excellent reputation and information
quickly, its brain chemistry becoming lethal to its sys-
stores to obtain medical files on almost anyone. This
tem 2d20+8 hours after delivery, when it appears to
requires that the agents provide the name, nationality,
suffer a fatal stroke. Any subsequent autopsy confirms
and any other personal information they have for the
this cause of death, as well as the clone’s identity (as
person whose medical records they wish to see, along
the person it was based upon).
with an information favor check (DC 10). With success,
Additional Note: These clones are early attempts
the patient’s medical records — including confidential
without the benefit of Architect science (see the Archer
information, any genetic data, and a viable DNA sample
Foundation Chamber Book, page 21). Clone technology
— are sent to the agents within one hour via phone,
based on stolen Architect science will be presented in
email, or fax (agent’s choice).
the forthcoming Shop Chamber Book.
• Once per mission, each Commonwealth agent team
may request a number of chemical or CS gas grenades Icon Entertainment
which are “tagged” to either affect only up to a dozen The high-tech toy makers of the world known as
specific people, or to affect everyone but up to a dozen Icon Entertainment supply their international, mail-
specific people (per their DNA). This requires a success- order clientele with the very latest in sophisticated hard-
ful asset favor check (DC 15 + 5 per grenade request- ware. Behind the chrome-covered mascot, however,
ed), as well as one action die per grenade requested. The rests the Commonwealth’s hardware think tank and fac-
agents must provide DNA samples for every person to tory, the Foundry. When the Shop broke away from the
be affected, or not to be affected, by each grenade, Conspiracy, Gemeinschafft suddenly realized the impor-
when they make the favor request. The agents may use tance of its Foundry, and subsequently increased its
the first Galen’s Ward mission resource to acquire these funding, if only to capitalize on technological assets the
DNA samples, if they’re available within the organiza- rest of the Archer Conspiracy was suddenly lacking.
tion’s medical archive. The agents may only request up Naturally, Gemeinschafft also increased the number of
to a number of DNA-tagged grenades equal to their watchdogs overseeing the Foundry, to prevent its poten-
average agent level divided by 5 (rounded down). tial secession.

41
 European Commonwealth
Since then, much of the Foundation has come to rely Worldbook, pages 92–93 and 238–240, for more about
on the Foundry’s inventions, using its Shadownet site to this villain). Worse yet, following Gemini’s escape from
order kits for immediate delivery within 12 hours a Luxembourg manor with Quetzalcoatl’s Thorn, he has
(favored agents — meaning Gemeinschafft operatives — displayed a fathomless capacity to locate other individ-
can receive their gear in 4 hours or less). The Foundry uals also dedicated to destroying the Foundation.
also runs an alpha product line for untested gadgets, Since 1999, Gemini and his newly inaugurated Circle
allowing agents to order items at a reduced cost in of Hate have proven a persistent thorn in the
exchange for “field testing" the new equipment. Commonwealth’s side, murdering at least one of its
Note: Icon Entertainment operates a 24-hour shop- commanding officers and several of its agents. In
ping channel across Europe for its products. Hidden Luxembourg, an Archer team barely managed to stop
within the constant stream of pricing and catalogue Gemini from bombing a local Commonwealth telecom-
information, or imbedded into product images, are munication listening post. In Warsaw, the Circle of Hate
emergency announcements and updated information for commandeered a Commonwealth blimp and transmitted
Commonwealth field teams. conflicting messages to agents that pitted three teams in
Possible Assistance: Commonwealth agents may call an unwitting firefight against one another; by the time
upon the following favors from Icon Entertainment, the dust cleared, four agents were dead, the blimp was
assuming their good standing with the Commonwealth destroyed, and the display codes were gone.
is confirmed. Each requires contact with Icon By far the Circle’s most ambitious plot, however, is
Entertainment or the Commonwealth home office nestled in Paris, where a Foundation-wide alert has been
(requiring 1d4 hours), and the proper Chamber creden- triggered in the hopes of apprehending this rogue Pawn
tials. and ending his reign of terror once and for all (see page
13 for more about this event and its ramifications). In
• When requesting gadgets to be delivered to any loca-
this instance, Gemini and the Circle purchased a bacte-
tion in Europe, Commonwealth agents may send the
rial sample from P.E.R.I.L. that was believed to be a
request through Icon Entertainment, fixing the gear’s
genetically innocuous dead-end. With the help of rogue
ETA at one hour per GP spent regardless of location.
Russian scientists that Gemini later murdered, the bac-
When using Icon, gadget delivery never takes longer
than four hours. Commonwealth Modifiers
• While in Europe, Commonwealth agents may borrow When Abroad
any one gadget from Icon Entertainment for up to 24
Commonwealth agents are well liked in some
hours. This requires a successful asset favor check (DC 5
shadow communities around the world, but in others,
× the gadget’s GP cost). The requested gadget may not
they receive a much chillier reception. Apply the
have a limited number of uses. If the gadget on loan is
following modifiers to all disposition checks made
destroyed, the agent team may not call upon this mis-
with a shadow of the respective community, so long
sion resource again.
as the agent is known to work for either of the
Commonwealth’s Chambers. These modifiers are
ignored when dealing with those outside the world’s
E NEMIES OF THE
COMMONWEALTH shadow communities, and with those who don’t know
the agent’s true allegiance.
Special Note: GCs should apply these modifiers to
The following enemies pose a grave risk to Europe, standard NPCs who work as agents or specialists for
and perhaps the whole of the Archer Conspiracy, and the Chambers in each region as well.
they are every bit an ill reflection of the
Fade Gemeinschafft
Commonwealth’s goals and aspirations. The Circle of
Region Modifiers Modifiers
Hate is a renewed threat first presented in the
Africa +3 +1
Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, while La Mano Sinistra
Asia +1 –3
is introduced for the first time herein.
Australia/Iceland +2 –3
Gemini and the Circle Europe (Fade territory) +4 –1
of Hate Europe (Gemeinschafft territory) –1 +4
The Middle East +1 –2
Threat Code: Black
The Russian Federation –3 +3
The worst enemies are those you create and train
South America –3 –2
yourself. Gemini is the Foundation’s sorrowful example
The United Kingdom –2 +2
of that axiom, a former Archer Pawn hell-bent on
The United States –2 +1
assembling a team of villains to destroy the Conspiracy
and all its Chambers (see the Shadowforce Archer

42
 Agent
teria were transformed into a binary stage organic time GC Resources: Gemini is a closed-threat for this
bomb with the criminal mastermind holding the trigger. chapter of the SFA Interactive campaign. It’s entirely
The Commonwealth knows Gemini will unleash the feasible that Gemini and his cadre of villains fall to the
second stage germ regardless of circumstance, and that Chambers following the Paris crises. But Gemini is very
the villain is using the event to draw in and target canny when it comes to his own survival, and the GC is
Foundation personnel, but so far, the Chamber’s willing within his rights to have the villain reappear across the
to dedicate any resource necessary to track him down. Commonwealth in a variety of schemes, and even join
Unfortunately, the Circle has also attracted the interest forces with Black Moon in time.
of both of the world’s foremost threats at the moment,
P.E.R.I.L. and the Shop, and both organizations are La Mano Sinistra
moving to secure the bacteria for themselves. The first Threat Code: Yellow
stage is easy enough to obtain from the soil, but Gemini La Mano Sinistra, or “The Left Hand," is an offshoot
has yet to release the second-stage, making it the prime of the Hand of Glory with only very tenuous ties to its
target of both enemy groups. parent group. The Left Hand originated shortly before
Yet Gemini isn’t a fool. He knows that releasing the the end of WWII in Europe, when the Nazis realized that
second set of microorganisms will essentially render it defeat was eminent and pursued measures to protect
useless as a bargaining chip. Even given all the destruc- their assets. By this point, the Nazis had looted most of
tion that would result in Paris, all the interested parties Europe for its known mystical treasures on behalf of the
— the Commonwealth, the Shop, and P.E.R.I.L. — would Demagogue and Eva Kraus, but with the war ending, the
soon locate the completed strain and concoct an effec- Nazis feared their horde would fall into Allied hands.
tive countermeasure. So Gemini and the Circle are cur- Thus was born La Mano Sinistra, a group stationed in
rently operating within Paris, capitalizing on the disas- Switzerland, close to the Italian border, which would act
ter, and are already making plans for their next target. as a pipeline for the stolen art and artifacts.
Among their current schemes are holding Norway’s oil From hidden strongholds in the Alps, La Mano
fields hostage and instigating simultaneous meltdowns Sinistra’s artisans painted over classic oil paintings,
in some of Germany’s twenty-odd nuclear power facili- covered sculptures in plaster to create poor-looking
ties. replicas, and concealed mystical relics within mundane
Further, Gemini recently met with an organization ones, then transported the goods to France, Germany,
known in the European shadow community as Black Austria, and Italy. By the 1950s, the organization not
Moon, presumably to discuss an alliance or mutual only managed to smuggle many of the ill-gotten trea-
defense accord (see pages 118–121 for more information sures back into Nazi hands, but it established a Europe-
about this group). Gemini is considering the matter seri- wide black market for high-end art and mystic artifacts.
ously, observing Black Moon’s investments in the mys- From antique dealers deep in the heart of old Prague to
tical arts and how he can use those abilities to his art galleries in gay Paris to old book stores in Düsseldorf
advantage. He’s particularly fascinated by the creature to auction houses in Bucharest, La Mano Sinistra has
called “Grendel" (see page 120), and may even convince called upon spies to appraise, acquire, sell, and barter
the organization to launch a joint operation against countless goods over the decades. They buy from relic
Gemeinschafft, just to see the supernatural hunter in hunters combing France’s countryside and cat burglars
action. whose trade is robbing museums and collectors of
The Circle of Hate and Gemini currently use the prized occult items. In addition, they keep a host of free-
abandoned Nagymaros hydroelectric power station in lance agents on retainer willing to steal for them as
Hungary as a base of operations. Nagymaros was aban- well.
doned in 1993 because of its projected damage to the For most of the latter half of the 20th Century, La
environment. Mano Sinistra survived as a cursory arm of the Hand of
Commonwealth Plans and Priorities: The Common- Glory — not enough to earn Eva’s full attention and
wealth’s plans in this instance are simple and straight- certainly not a great enough threat to appear on the
forward — eliminate Gemini and the Circle of Hate with Archer Conspiracy’s radar. With the Hand of Glory’s
extreme sanction and retrieve the binary bacteria, or recent fall, however (see SFA Interactive #3, available at
failing that, find a way of neutralize it. Gemeinschafft www.shadowforcearcher.com/threatcenter), La Mano
and Fade are of differing minds on this last point, their Sinistra has been cut loose as an independent organiza-
operatives fighting as much between themselves over tion, absorbing some members from Eva’s mystic army,
whether to destroy the bacteria as they are against the but otherwise going it alone. This suits the organiza-
enemy. tion’s current leadership just fine, given that its old
Thule Society ties are mostly gone now and its new
membership has grown more and more international in
scope.

43
 European Commonwealth
Still, to attract the desired clientele, La Mano The Tenebrae are economic opportunists and power
Sinistra must procure something of enough worth to barons chaffing under the Archer Conspiracy’s proce-
establish them as a lone player on the international dures. They resent Gemeinschafft’s kowtowing to a
scene — and that means stealing something of true sig- younger, naïve organization, and see no reason why
nificance. With the Egyptian Tour currently making the they should hold certain market forces in abeyance for
rounds in Europe and the Louvre relocating countless the benefit of other Chambers (or worse… Chambers-in-
treasures, they may well have found just the targets they waiting). To the Tenebrae, the laws of business and com-
need… (see page 12 for more about these events). merce are the laws of the new jungle, and if the weak
Commonwealth Plans and Priorities: Because La can’t survive the vicissitudes of the modern age, then
Mano Sinistra is apolitical and more a gathering of they should fall prey to the rightful kings — the eco-
common interests rather than a rigid hierarchy, it nomic carnivores. The weak shouldn’t be suckled and
receives the lowest priority of all the Commonwealth’s weaned. If they can’t survive, so be it. Such is the way
current threats. Both Fade and Gemeinschafft are com- of the world.
ing into more and more frequent contact with the Amusingly, Gemeinschafft supports the Archer
group, however, and so it’s only a matter of time before Conspiracy and tries to work within its operational
sparks fly. framework whenever possible. The recent accusations
GC Resources: La Mano Sinistra is a close-ended that the Consortium is actually working at a cross-pur-
“threat" designed specifically for this episode of the SFA pose with the Foundation (whether courting P.E.R.I.L. or
Interactive campaign. The Game Control has final say as running unsanctioned ops) are partly true, though in
to whether the Commonwealth opts for the group’s fact the chief culprit are the Tenebrae. This isn’t to say
destruction or undergoes the process to turn it into an that the Tenebrae are responsible for the majority of
asset. While the former choice is simple enough to Gemeinschafft’s plotting, however — merely that one is
accomplish through assassinations, the latter offers far guiltier of deception and guile than the other.
more interesting possibilities for one or more serials.
These serials might involve the agents traveling to Background
Europe’s oldest cities to negotiate and barter with The seeds of the Tenebrae Protocol were planted on
members of La Mano Sinistra on behalf of the the day Bruno Vangeli appeared before the
Commonwealth, or just Gemeinschafft. During such Gemeinschafft Board and presented them with the
operations, the GC might throw any number of unusual Alemanni Eye, forcing the Consortium to join the
situations at the team (e.g. ex-Hand of Glory members Foundation (see page 101 for more about this event).
seeking retribution against the Commonwealth delega- The vote to join, however, wasn’t unanimous, and sev-
tion, art dealers who agree to help in exchange for eral of the Consortium’s founding families agreed to the
favors, antique dealers offering up information on hid- New World Order only reticently. None broke away; los-
den Nazi gold, etc.). ing control of their creation was something none of
them could abide. These passive objectors kept their
opinions in check, silently forming a union of the
TPHE T ENEBRAE
ROTOCOL
minds, and a devious masterstroke they came to call the
Tenebrae Protocol.
The Tenebrae dissenters operated from the shadows,
only once making a move against Gemeinschafft’s cur-
ENEMY OF THE CONSPIRACY rent alliances, and then maintaining enough distance to
avoid retribution (see Gregoir Kane, page 120). The time
The Tenebrae Protocol is an insidious movement
to fully secede has never been right — until now. With
within Gemeinschafft aimed at pulling the Consortium
the schism between the Archer Conspiracy and the
from the ranks of the Archer Conspiracy and rendering
Shop, as well as the growing problems in Russian
Europe free of all subversive influences. They’re a shad-
Federation territory, the Tenebrae believe they can final-
ow operation with many of the European Chamber’s
ly move against the Chambers without fear of being
most highly placed officials (and even two of the
stamped out prematurely.
Foundation’s Lords) supporting the endeavor, along
The Archer Conspiracy certainly can’t fight a three-
with countless Conspiracy agents unaware that they
front campaign — and if the Tenebrae can just keep out
serve an enemy organization.
of the line of fire, they believe they can emerge the vic-
tors when the dust of tomorrow’s war finally settles.

44
 Agent
The Protocol resources to fulfill the assignment, the agent or team is
on their own. There’s nobody for backup.
The Protocol represents the Tenebrae’s goals, as
It’s for this reason Tenebrae call these disgraced
determined when its leadership gathered to outline their
agents “Kites." Essentially, with one cut, they can be set
agendas. It has not changed in 50 years.
free or pulled back down to the ground to crash.
1. Reclaim Gemeinschafft’s Glory.
2. Raise Europe to its rightful place in the world.
Hierarchy
Before Bruno Vangeli charmed, cajoled, and coerced
3. Liberate Europe from foreign influences. his peers into joining the Archer Conspiracy, the
Gemeinschafft Consortium fell under the aegis of a con-
4. Death before surrender.
clave of families with combined assets beyond measure.
5. Be twice removed from all affairs (field operations At the head of that august assemblage was the Holland
and deceptions). family, among Europe’s secret elite with branches as far
flung as England and Lebanon. Although the Holland
Modus Operandi blood ran a royal blue, they made their modern day for-
tunes from several enterprises including Middle Eastern
Tenebrae operates with one simple axiom: never
oil baronies within then Western-friendly nations.
endanger yourself, and by extension, the Protocols. In
When the Hollands opposed joining the Foundation
pursuing these goals, Tenebrae uses Foundation agents
and lost, their standing within Gemeinschafft also
to carry out its affairs, most of whom have no inkling
slipped, as did their leadership and preeminence. Thus,
they are harming the Archer Conspiracy. The Fifth
it was a small step for the Hollands to join the nucleus
Axiom, “Be Twice Removed…” means that Tenebrae
of families forming the Tenebrae, among whom they
Lords and Bishops rely on manipulation rather than
have bided their time ever since.
direct action. The first application of the Protocol
Tenebrae’s hierarchy mirrors that of Gemeinschafft’s,
involves using proxies to carry out orders and wishes,
with the heads of the three oldest families serving at the
while the second involves ensuring that agents fulfill
head of a Tenebrae “Consistory". Maxwell Holland, of
your true objectives indirectly. For example, the Lord of
the Swiss-branch Hollands, sits at the Consistory’s head,
Berlin Finances recently needed agents to stop a coun-
with members from England, Austria, and Lebanon
terfeiting ring from printing Euros and to bring the ring
brought into the loop according to their abilities.
in for questioning. The true objective in this case was-
Serving with Max Holland is Gunther Altdorfer, of the
n’t the plates or even stopping the ring, but bringing in
German and Austrian Altdorfers, and Chantal St.
the chief engraver and artist to forge documents for
Belloise, representing her French and Spanish clans.
Tenebrae. Thus, while the Lord of Berlin Finances main-
These three "heads" also serve in Gemeinschafft’s
tained his cover by launching an operation in favor of
Council of Patrons, though with a curtailed influence
Gemeinschafft, he still secured an asset for Tenebrae.
(Vangeli turned the Council into a democracy of sorts
Of course, not everything is so simple, and Tenebrae
with lesser families given equal voice).
agendas are sometimes contrary to the Gemeinschafft or
Although few family members serve in
the Foundation no matter how a Lord tries painting the
Gemeinschafft, or are even aware of its existence, they
matter. In these instances, Tenebrae has strong ties with
all constitute a network of highly placed contacts in
P.E.R.I.L., which it turns to in its time of dire need. These
government offices, financial institutions, commercial
situations, however, are exceedingly rare since Tenebrae
enterprises, and even technology firms. The Tenebrae
prides itself on its relative independence and ability to
use these contacts to procure that which they cannot
manipulate agents into doing anything. In fact, they are
through standard Commonwealth channels.
more likely to draw upon a pool of agents whom they
Beneath Tenebrae’s pyramid of power are many
know have secretly wronged the Foundation in the past
cells, each run by a Marquess who is responsible for a
(letting an enemy spy escape out of love, for example,
maximum of two subordinates (Grand Dukes, Dukes,
or working on contract for someone else). Such an agent
and Barons — see page 109). None are allowed to bring
might find an Accuser on his doorstep, with evidence of
those of lesser status into the Tenebrae fold. The
his wrongdoing. Then, in a strange turn of events, the
Marquess’ subordinates, in turn, oversee specific assign-
Accuser says, “Don’t worry. I won’t report you… this
ments, deciding which personnel to assign to each
time." In these circumstances, it’s likelier the Accuser in
Tenebrae mission, and how to best disguise the mis-
question actually works for Tenebrae and is setting up
sion’s true objective.
the agent to be blackmailed into completing a deep
shadow op, probably off the books (“Do us this favor
and all the bad evidence against you vanishes"). And
while Tenebrae might offer the agents extra gear or

45
 European Commonwealth
The benefit to this classic “cell conspiracy" structure Stage Two Antics
is that each cell can only betray the cell immediately The Tenebrae’s Stage Two plan for expansion is
above it. Thus, even if two Barons work for the same underway, and focuses on acquiring stocks and owner-
Duke, they don’t know one another. They only have one ship for active Gemeinschafft companies, and strangling
point of reference. Likewise, Tenebrae’s Marquesses the Consortium’s information pipeline by enabling
don’t know the identity of any of the Consistory, nor hackers to penetrate and download viruses onto the
any details about the organization’s commanding cell Shadownet. Already, the Tenebrae have managed to
(except the method in which they receive commands, purchase a large share of Straight Arrow Pest Control
which varies from encoded phone calls to Shadownet stock (see the Archer Foundation Chamber Book, pages
messages to dead drops). If the Tenebrae Consistory ever 43–44), but this is only the first of several larger moves
feels threatened by an investigation, it need only elimi- that include the following.
nate one link in the chain of command to kill most leads
1. Exerting influence over companies that the Foundation
back to it.
controls and that the Tenebrae have some minor sway
Tenebrae loyalty is extreme, and revelations about
over. To accomplish this, the Tenebrae arrange an attack
the organization’s structure — and especially superior
upon the board’s chairman, through his family or even
cells — are only made only under the most rigorous
financial advisors, manipulating them into making bad
questioning.
financial decisions, implicating them in insider trading,
Current Agendas forcing them to sell assets for their addictions, abusing
resources, or purchasing poor stocks about to crater
If Gemeinschafft wonders who commandeered
out. The Tenebrae then leak the news to the media, cre-
Operation: BILDERBERG (see page 102), it need only
ating a scandal large enough to force the chairman to
search its own ranks for the answer. While the
step down. In these instances, the arranged replace-
Consortium considers the Bilderbergs an endeavor gone
ment is a rival board member opposed to the deposed
awry, Tenebrae now looks to the swelling ranks of this
chairman, and usually someone under the Tenebrae’s
supposedly secret society to extend their own influence.
thumb.
In the years following Gregoir Kane’s failed uprising,
Gemeinschafft remained keenly vigilant about poten- 2. Ruining someone’s stocks. If the Tenebrae want to
tially seditious elements within its own ranks. During destroy a company’s assets instead of stealing them
this time, the Tenebrae moved carefully and quietly, and (thereby robbing Gemeinschafft of the resource), they
appropriated the Bilderberg with enough intelligence to might try to devalue the company’s stocks. Once stock
allow the conspiracy free action independent of the prices drop, the company loses a significant portion of
Consortium (but not the Tenebrae, which still uses infor- its financing and either sells off its assets, makes per-
mation to steer the Bilderberg today). sonnel or quality cuts, or tries to regain market trust by
The Bilderberg represents the Tenebrae’s Stage One blaming a company scapegoat. One of the Tenebrae’s
plan of expansion, which focuses on quietly collecting methods for accomplishing this is disgracing the com-
resources, controlling the flow of information, and pany’s Board of Directors (as indicated in option #1,
operating through proxies. While the Tenebrae have above) in order to destroy public confidence in the
succeeded in using Bilderberg dummy fronts to buy company, thus causing stock prices to plummet.
recently sold Commonwealth front companies and other Another is engineering a series of large accidents at
lucrative enterprises, their efforts haven’t gone unde- company facilities through sabotage, also dropping
tected. Foundation bookkeeper Silas Whitaker noticed stock prices.
the recent purchases (see the Archer Foundation
3. Drawing former Commonwealth allies into the
Chamber Book, page 25), and while he’s been unable to
Tenebrae’s camp. As per the two previous examples, but
convince the Foundation to investigate the matter, the
when someone is sacrificed for “the good of the com-
Tenebrae can’t risk drawing his further curiosity. They’re
pany,” they often become perfect recruits, willing to
currently shifting tactics to purchasing outside
destroy their old partners out of vengeance. The
resources, including bargaining with P.E.R.I.L. to buy
Tenebrae call upon those with the greatest promise,
several of the criminal empire’s neglected assets.
secretly helping them get back on their feet or provid-
Current Plotline ing them with the means to strike back (without ever
revealing their own true identities, or the Tenebrae
With recent concerns occupying the Foundation,
Protocol).
Commonwealth, and most other factions of the Archer
Conspiracy, the Tenebrae believe they can afford to
move a little more quickly. Thus, the following plotline
constitutes more visible Tenebrae efforts to garner new
heights of influence and power.

46
 “The wheels of justice are old and rusted. We must oil
them with the blood of the guilty. All the guilty.”
— Prefect Antonio Villena,
The Praetoriat

New Rules
3
 European Commonwealth
Most of Gemeinschafft’s celebrity agents were
famous before they joined the Conspiracy, or owe their
INTRODUCTION
This chapter contains new rules and agent options to
fame to the Consortium’s spin doctors and media influ-
ence. Fade’s tactics are longer range, grooming disad-
vantaged youths with obvious potential to rise to star-
expand upon the European genres, in which agents live
dom, and instilling in them near-fanatic loyalty to their
on the cutting edge of culture and in the heart of the Old
enigmatic benefactor.
World. Now agents can make use of three new bundles,
two new departments, the spin doctor base class, and Special Talents
four prestige classes revealing life as a European opera-
tive. Also included are new telepathic psion skills, new • +2 Charisma, –2 Constitution.
gadgets, rules for life as a celebrity, numerous new feats
• Perform is always a class skill for this agent.
(including several new branches for the style feat tree),
and eight NPC classes for use when building characters • +1 department bonus to Diplomacy and Perform
within the highest halls of power and the lowest mean checks. Celebrity agents receive an additional +1
streets. department bonus to Diplomacy and Perform checks at
4th level and every four levels thereafter.
• +1 department bonus to to agent level when making a
N EW
DEPARTMENTS presence check (see page 82). This bonus increases by
an additional +1 at 5th level and every 5 levels there-
after.
Two of the Commonwealth’s foremost branches of
• Bonus feat: Jet Setter. All prerequisites for this feat,
operation — Fagin’s Umbrella and the Gemeinschafft
including minimum ability scores, are waived.
Consortium — call for agents with specialized talents
and training beyond those typically found in agents of Recruitment
the other Conspiracy Chambers. The following depart-
It’s an unfortunate reality that the Conspiracy loses
ments are common amongst European agents, but may
agents on a regular basis. Recruitment is therefore a
be chosen by any Shadowforce Archer agent. GCs may
constant priority, and the European Commonwealth
wish to make use of them in appropriate Spycraft games
leads the effort, dedicating many resources to securing
as well.
new quality personnel. The Chamber uses its Byzantine
Celebrity network of bureaucrats and fact checkers to verify the
potential loyalty of new recruits, conducting extensive
While fame can be one of a shadow’s greatest ene-
and often clandestine interviews and background
mies, it can also become one of his most valuable assets
checks, and even channeling candidates through false
— with the right support. Especially in today’s commu-
crises to test their responses and resourcefulness.
nity of idol worship, celebrity spies can use their noto-
Only after rigorous research and testing are recruits
riety and prestige to gain access to many options
brought into the fold, and even then, they are frequent-
unavailable to other agents. Famous figures are regular-
ly not told about the Archer Conspiracy until their loy-
ly invited to high society and private functions, many
alty has been tested during actual field operations. The
of which are hosted by those with influence in govern-
dedicated work of the Conspiracy’s various recruitment
ment, criminal underworld, or even the military.
branches are the first and most effectively line of
Celebrities sway the opinions of the masses, creating
defense against traitors, enemy agents, and incompe-
trends and influencing millions. They travel by private
tents slipping into the fold, and regrettably their meth-
channels to avoid unwanted attention, allowing them to
ods are not foolproof. Their occasional failures ensure
easily smuggle both items and persons for the
vigilant efforts to protect the Conspiracy’s assets.
Conspiracy. They can be called upon for the most effec-
Recruits are normally drawn from elite intelligence
tive, yet least suspected, distractions possible, as news
organizations around the world, though a growing
agencies and the public flock to them during perfor-
number are also civilians possessing valuable skills or
mances and speeches. Perhaps most helpful, though, is
connections, and a few are even culled from the ranks
the fact that celebrity actions — however strange — are
of Archer’s enemies. Operatives of the Conspiracy’s
often overlooked, ignored, or even forgiven, attributed
recruitment branches are trained never to overlook
to the eccentricity of the profession or assumed to be a
potential assets based on their origins.
publicity stunt.

48
 New Rules
Special Talents New Bundles
• +2 Wisdom, –2 Strength. These new bundles supplement those presented on
page 106 of the Spycraft Espionage Handbook.
• Sense Motive is always a class skill for this agent.
All bundles cost 25 BP to requisition or add to an
• +2 department bonus to the results of all skill checks to agent's personal gear.
harass a target into joining the agent’s organization
Financial Operations Bundle
(see the Fixer/Pointman Class Guide, page 63). This
Large briefcase and clothes carrier (to store bundle)
bonus is increased by +1 at 2nd level and every two lev-
2 sets of designer clothes (business suit)
els thereafter.
Cell phone
• The power rating of any cover identity being probed by PDA with financial and accounting software
the agent is reduced by 1. This is a department bonus. Money counter
Forgery kit
• Bonus Feat: Mark.
Dossier with current exchange rates, interest rates
and other financial information
Calculator
SPIN DOCTOR
This is a base class.
Wind resistant monogrammed lighter
$2,000 in each of five different currencies
(agent’s choice)
In the modern world, information is power, and by
controlling the sources of information — media, the Interrogation Bundle
press, the internet — one can control the very nature of Large suit case (to store bundle)
truth itself. Spin doctors are those trained to manipu- 1 set of fatigues
late, twist, and suppress information to their own ends, First aid kit
and those of their masters. Within the world’s shadow 2 pairs of handcuffs
communities, spin doctors are keepers of the status quo, Personal tape recorder
obfuscating the truth from the public through propa- 2 doses of sodium pentothal and 2 syringes
ganda and lies, and information rebels, using their 2 antidote shots
interpersonal skills and media connections to uncover 2 stimulant shots
hidden truths. Within the Archer Conspiracy, spin doc- 1 set of surgical tools
tors work with the media to maintain the Conspiracy’s Lie detector, polygraph
public front, diverting attention from the Chambers’ Baton
true objectives until they come to fruition.
Underworld Bundle
The European Commonwealth makes particularly
Large gym bag (to store bundle)
heavy use of spin doctors, for nowhere in the world do
2 sets of trendy clothes
Archer agents operate so closely to the surface. In the
Lockpicking kit
field, spin doctors fulfill a variety of roles, as consum-
Switchblade
mate negotiators, public relations officers, information
Glock 17 with 50 bullets and holster
gatherers, and damage control experts, ensuring their
Jewelry, group insignia, and other appropriate
team’s activities stay out of the public eye and wielding
street paraphernalia
information as a deadly weapon to thwart his oppo-
Cell phone
nent’s activities.
Crowbar
Abilities: Spin doctors benefit from a silver tongue
2 glowsticks
and a devious mind, making Charisma and Intelligence
Handcuffs
the spin doctor’s two key abilities. Wisdom helps them
All-weather lighter
spot deception more easily, and a high Dexterity keeps
Mirrored sunglasses
them out of trouble in combat.
Bolt cutters
Vitality: 1d8 + Constitution modifier per level.
Police scanner

49
 European Commonwealth
Class Skills Behind the Scenes: The spin doctor excels at taking
care of the little bureaucratic details that might trip oth-
The spin doctor’s class skills and key abilities are:
ers up. Whether it’s arranging a police escort for a
Skill Key Ability motorcade, scheduling a make-up team before a press
Appraise Int conference, getting VIP invitations out to the right peo-
Bluff Cha ple, or making sure the caterers are cleared with securi-
Bureaucracy Cha ty before a high power luncheon, the spin doctor makes
Computers Int things run smoothly — and look easy.
Concentration Wis At 2nd level, the spin doctor may devote one hour to
Cultures Wis bureaucratic details, then make one favor check with a
Diplomacy Cha DC of 5 or less without spending an action die. This
Disguise Cha check is automatically successful. This ability may be
Driver Dex used a number of times per session equal to the spin
Forgery Int doctor’s Charisma modifier (minimum once per session).
Gather Information Cha At 11th level, this ability may be used to make favor
Hobby Wis checks with DCs of 10 or less.
Innuendo Wis At 19th level, this ability may be used to make favor
Intimidate Str or Cha checks with DCs of 15 or less.
Knowledge Int In all cases, the spin doctor must be located within a
Languages Wis city or possess a working cell phone to use this ability.
Listen Wis Bonus Feat: At 3rd level, the spin doctor gains a
Perform Cha bonus skill or style feat. The spin doctor must still meet
Profession Wis all prerequisites for this feat before selecting it, includ-
Read Lips Wis ing ability score and skill rank minimums. The spin doc-
Search Int tor gains an additional skill or style feat at 7th level,
Sense Motive Wis and every 4 levels thereafter.
Sleight of Hand Dex Cover-Up: At 4th level, the spin doctor may suppress
Spot Wis information that might reveal the activities of himself,
Surveillance Wis his allies, or his organization. Once per session, the spin
doctor may select one event that has occurred during
Skill Points at First Level: (8 + Int modifier) × 4.
this session that he, his allies, or his organization have
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 8 + Int modifier.
been involved in (such as a kidnapping, murder, politi-
Class Features cal maneuver). The spin doctor spends four hours get-
ting in touch with his various contacts, either in person
All of the following are class features of the spin
or by phone, to use this ability, after which the DCs of
doctor.
all Computers, Gather Information, Search, Surveillance,
Class Feats: The spin doctor gains the following feats
favor, and inspiration checks made to collect informa-
at 1st level.
tion about the chosen event are increased by an amount
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
equal to the spin doctor's class level. This ability does
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
not affect anyone directly participating in the event.
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
The spin doctor may use this ability one additional time
Doublespeak: Once per scene, the spin doctor may per session at 8th level, and every 4 levels thereafter.
spend an action die to shift a target’s disposition toward Smooth Talker: Beginning at 5th level, once per ses-
him and his allies by 1 grade for the duration of that sion, the spin doctor may re-roll one failed Bureaucracy
scene. This ability may be used before or after rolling to or Diplomacy check. He may not use this ability if he
determine the target’s starting disposition. This is the rolled an error or scored a critical failure with his first
spin doctor’s core ability. attempt. Further, the spin doctor must abide by the
Public Relations: The spin doctor receives a +2 result of the second roll, even if it is another failure. The
bonus to all Charisma-based skill checks, favor checks, spin doctor may use this ability one additional time per
and rolls to influence the disposition of media NPCs. session at 9th level and every 4 levels thereafter.
This bonus increases by +1 at 4th level and every 4 lev- Spin Control: At 6th level and every three levels
els thereafter. thereafter, the spin doctor may choose one of the fol-
lowing abilities.

50
 New Rules
Breaking News: The spin doctor is constantly aware phone) getting in touch with his contacts in the media,
of news and events as they happen. The time required after which he rolls one action die, which does not
for the spin doctor to perform a Computers, Gather explode. The spin doctor may choose to increase or
Information, or Search check to learn about an event decrease the presence rating of one character by an
that has occurred in the last 24 hours is reduced by 1/2 amount equal to the action die’s result for the duration
(rounded down). Further, once per session, the spin doc- of the session. This ability may be selected any number
tor may make an information search favor check using of times, each time allowing the spin doctor to use the
a media outlet without spending an action die. This ability one additional time per session.
check requires 1 hour, is made outside of normal chan- Media Personality: The spin doctor is a known media
nels, and does not require the spin doctor to contact the or public personality, and he gains a +1 competence
home office. bonus with all presence checks. Further, he may reroll
Exposé: The spin doctor has a knack for leveraging one failed presence check per session. This ability may
the dirt he digs up to gain favors. Once per session, he be selected up to 3 times, each time adding a cumula-
may name one target to threaten with an exposé. He tive +1 competence bonus to the spin doctor’s presence
makes a Gather Information check to see what he can checks and allowing one additional re-roll of a failed
find out about his target. This check takes 1d6 hours, presence check per session.
after which all Charisma-based Intimidation checks Status Quo: Once per session, the spin doctor may
made against the target for the remainder of the session convince witnesses to disregard what they’ve seen. The
are increased by 1/3 of the Gather Information check’s spin doctor chooses a target with whom he is in direct
result (rounded down). This ability may be selected up verbal contact (i.e. in person, over the phone, etc.). This
to 3 times, each time allowing the spin doctor to use the target may be one special NPC or up to a squad of stan-
ability one additional time per session. dard NPCs. The spin doctor makes a Diplomacy or
Flavor of the Week: The spin doctor may use his con- Intimidate check, depending on his tactic — smooth-
nections inside entertainment or press circles to affect talking or coercion. The DC of this check is equal to the
public opinion about others. Once per session, the spin targets’ agent level + Wisdom modifier. With success,
doctor may spend 1d6 hours (either in person or by the target disregards the event as “normal" and takes no

Table 3.1: The Spin Doctor

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init Budg Gadg
Lvl Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Pts Pts Special
1 +0 +0 +0 +2 +1 +1 3 0 Starting feats, doublespeak, public
relations +2
2 +1 +0 +0 +3 +2 +1 6 1 Behind the scenes (DC 5 or less)
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 +3 +2 9 2 Bonus feat
4 +2 +1 +1 +4 +3 +2 12 3 Cover up 1/session, public relations +3
5 +2 +1 +1 +4 +4 +3 15 3 Smooth talker 1/session
6 +3 +2 +2 +5 +5 +4 18 4 Spin control
7 +3 +2 +2 +5 +6 +4 21 5 Bonus feat
8 +4 +2 +2 +6 +6 +5 24 6 Cover up 2/session, public relations +4
9 +4 +3 +3 +6 +7 +5 27 6 Smooth talker 2/session, spin control
10 +5 +3 +3 +7 +8 +6 30 7 Smear campaign (1 grade)
11 +5 +3 +3 +7 +9 +7 33 8 Behind the scenes (DC 10 or less),
bonus feat
12 +6 +4 +4 +8 +10 +7 36 9 Cover up 3/session, public relations +5,
spin control
13 +6 +4 +4 +8 +10 +8 39 9 Smooth talker 3/session
14 +7 +4 +4 +9 +11 +8 42 10 Propaganda 1/session
15 +7 +5 +5 +9 +12 +9 45 11 Bonus feat, spin control
16 +8 +5 +5 +10 +13 +10 48 12 Cover up 4/session, public relations +6
17 +8 +5 +5 +10 +14 +10 51 12 Smooth talker 4/session
18 +9 +6 +6 +11 +14 +11 54 13 Spin control
19 +9 +6 +6 +11 +15 +11 57 14 Behind the scenes (DC 15 or less),
bonus feat
20 +10 +6 +6 +12 +16 +12 60 15 Cover up 5/session, public relations +7,
smear campaign (2 grades)

51
 European Commonwealth
special action in response to it for a number of days At 20th level, the dispositions of others toward the
equal to the difference between the check result and the target are reduced by 2 grades, and the circumstance
DC. With a critical success, the target overlooks the penalty applied to the target’s Charisma-based skill
event entirely, disregarding it even in the face of over- rolls, presence checks, and favor checks is increased to
whelming evidence. This ability may be selected up to 3 –8.
times, each time allowing the spin doctor to use the Propaganda: The spin doctor knows that image
ability one additional time per session. defines reality in most cases, and no one is better at
Tip Off: The spin doctor may use local media to crafting an image than him. At 14th level, once per ses-
hound his opponents. Once per session, the spin doctor sion, the spin doctor may target one character (includ-
may make an anonymous tip to the local media about a ing himself). For the remainder of that session, the spin
hot story involving his target, identifying the target as doctor may add or subtract a number equal to 5 + his
a celebrity, criminal, subversive activist, alien, etc. The Charisma modifier from any (or all) of that character’s
spin doctor makes a specialist favor check (DC 15). With Charisma based skill checks, disposition checks, and
success, the media converge on the target’s location presence checks, even if he isn’t present.
within 3d6 minutes. Further, the spin doctor may activate the target’s
The number of media present is equal to 1d6 times threats and errors when making the designated checks
the spin doctor’s Charisma modifier. These standard without spending an action die.
NPCs have an agent level equal to 1/2 the spin doctor’s If the spin doctor gains this ability from more than
class level (rounded up), and ability scores of 10. The one class, feat, or other agent option, the effects do not
media remain for 1d4 hours, or until the target success- stack.
fully eludes them by succeeding with a Hide or Driver
check (DC 10 + the spin doctor’s class level).
So long as the media observation continues, the DCs
of all skill checks made by the target to conceal his
activities are increased by 5 (this includes Bluff,
ACCUSER
This is a prestige class.
Cultures, Hide, and Surveillance skill checks). A central facet of the European Commonwealth’s
This ability may be selected up to 3 times, each time mission within the Archer Conspiracy is to act as the
allowing the spin doctor to use the ability one addition- Conspiracy’s ‘internal affairs’ division. Both of Europe’s
al time per session. Controls have zealously adopted this mission, assigning
Smear Campaign: At 10th level, the spin doctor’s senior agents to ferret out threats to the Conspiracy on
media connections are so strong that he may use the all fronts, both within and without the world’s shadow
press as a weapon to attack his enemies. Once per ses- communities. These veteran operatives, called Accusers,
sion, he may select one individual or organization, mak- are highly skilled investigators, acting as an internal
ing a Charisma check with a DC equal to the target’s policing and review board: the eyes, ears, and some-
agent level + Charisma modifier (if an individual) or times the fell hand of the powers that be within the
equal to the leader’s agent level + influence level (if an Conspiracy.
organization). For more about influence levels, see the The most critical quality of the Accusers is that their
Fixer/Pointman Class Guide, page 96. mission is to enforce the Conspiracy’s laws. They are not
If the check is successful, the smear campaign catch- seekers of justice — they perceive no grey line between
es on with the media. Twenty-four hours later, the dis- what is proper operative and mission conduct, and what
positions of everyone whose disposition toward the tar- is not. They rely on Chamber Controls to make those
get is not fanatic or better are reduced by 1 grade (see distinctions.
page 86 for more about new disposition grades). Accusers are most often assigned to agent teams on
Additionally, the target suffers a –4 circumstance penal- very high profile missions, and to those teams which are
ty with all Charisma-based skill rolls, presence checks, under direct scrutiny because they’re considered “frag-
and favor checks made involving anyone whose dispo- ile" or because they’ve developed a reputation for reck-
sition is not fanatic or better. This effect lasts until the lessness. Agent teams always see the assignment of an
spin doctor chooses to cancel the ability (by spending 1 Accuser as a bad omen, because their appearance means
day getting in touch with his contacts), or until the end the mission is either very dangerous, or Control is look-
of the serial, whichever comes first. A spin doctor may ing for a scapegoat…
only maintain one smear campaign at a time. Abilities: Accusers are selected for their painstaking
attention to detail and absolute commitment to the
Conspiracy. As such, a high Wisdom plays a key part in
the Accuser’s activities. Charisma is also vital, as it helps
the Accuser leverage resources to achieve his missions.
Vitality: 1d8 + Constitution modifier per level.

52
 New Rules
Requirements Watchful Eye: The Accuser’s mere presence encour-
ages an agent team to do all it can to conceal its activ-
Agent Level: 9+.
ities from the public eye. Beginning at 1st level, the
Chamber: European Commonwealth.
Accuser and his team gain a morale bonus equal to his
Intimidate: 8 ranks.
class level with all checks made to conceal their pres-
Sense Motive: 8 ranks.
ence and activities (including Bluff, Cultures, Hide,
Feats: Advanced Skill Mastery (Field Operative),
Search, and Surveillance checks). Further, the DCs of all
Field Operative.
checks made to detect activities conducted by the
Class Skills Accuser’s team are increased by an amount equal to the
Accuser’s class level.
The Accuser’s class skills and key abilities are:
Tribunal: At 2nd level, the Accuser’s connections
Class Skill Key Ability within the world’s governments grant him a wide vari-
Bureaucracy Cha ety of abilities useful for investigating, tracking, and
Cultures Wis detaining suspects. Once per session, the Accuser may
Diplomacy Cha use one of the following abilities.
Gather Information Cha Background Check: The Accuser may access any and
Innuendo Wis all public records tied with one target of his choice,
Intimidate Str or Cha including census and criminal records, birth and death
Languages Wis certificates, tax information, and the like. If the subject
Knowledge Int is an agent of the Archer Conspiracy, the Accuser may
Profession Wis also access all records of his career since he joined the
Sense Motive Wis global protectorate.
Dismiss Trial: The Accuser may arbitrarily dismiss
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 8 + Int modifier.
one public trial or legal action. This ability may not dis-
Class Features miss a trial the Accuser is himself currently involved in
(i.e. as a plaintiff or defendant).
All of the following are class features of the accuser.
Plant Mole: The Accuser may make one specialist
Senior Agent: The Accuser is a senior agent class,
favor check (DC 5 + the specialist’s skill bonus). With
and has no core ability. If the agent does not yet have a
success, the requested specialist is set up as a mole 24
core ability from a prestige class, he gains the core abil-
hours later, reporting back to the Accuser on one desig-
ity of the first non-senior agent prestige class with
nated target’s activities. This grants the Accuser a bonus
which he gains a level.
with all checks made to monitor the target equal to the
Class Feats: The Accuser gains the following feats at
specialist’s skill bonus, as determined by the favor check
1st level.
total (this includes Computers, Gather Information,
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
Search, and Surveillance checks).
Armor Group Proficiency (Medium)
Suspend Investigation: The Accuser may suspend
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
non-Conspiracy criminal investigations involving any
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
one specific suspect or group of suspects for a number
Continuity: The new Accuser enters his position of days equal to twice his class level.
based on previous merit, but it’s essential that he con- Track Movements: The Accuser may gain access to
tinue to hone the skills that earned him the promotion. all transportation records, travel manifestoes, passports,
At 1st level, the Accuser may choose 10 skills that are and visas issued to any one individual over the last six
class skills from any other class in which he possesses months. This information grants a +8 gear bonus with
at least one level. These skills are considered class skills all Knowledge (Area) and Search checks made to locate
for him when he gains levels as an Accuser. the designated individual for the remainder of the ses-
sion.

Table 3.2: Accuser

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init Budg Gadg
Lvl Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Pts Pts Special
1 +0 +0 +0 +2 +1 +1 3 1 Continuity, watchful eye
2 +1 +0 +0 +3 +1 +1 6 2 Tribunal 1/session
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 +2 +2 9 3 Master investigator (Grand)
4 +2 +1 +1 +4 +2 +2 12 4 Legal council
5 +2 +1 +1 +4 +3 +3 15 5 Accuser’s privilege, tribunal 2/session

53
 European Commonwealth
At 5th level, the Accuser may use the tribunal abili-
ty twice per session.
ASSASSIN
Master Investigator: At 3rd level, the Accuser
receives the Grand Skill Mastery feat for his Field
This is a prestige class.
Operative feat. All prerequisites for this feat — including
The ancient cult of Assassins has plagued the
agent level — are waived.
Guardians of the Whispering Knife since before the
Legal Council: At 4th level, the Accuser may share
dawn of recorded history (see the Shadowforce Archer
the benefits of his procedural knowledge and good
Worldbook, page 107, for more about this villain group).
standing within the Conspiracy with the rest of his
The cult occasionally shares its murderous wisdom,
team. Members of the Accuser’s team gain a +5 cooper-
allowing outsiders to be trained in their ways (Fade was
ation bonus with all assistance, clearance, and interven-
one such inductee — see page 103), but such arrange-
tion favor checks.
ments always involve the new apprentice swearing to
Accuser’s Privilege: At 5th level, the Accuser’s clout
serve the cult for a lengthy period of the cult’s choos-
extends far beyond the reaches of the Archer
ing.
Conspiracy. Once per serial, the Accuser may pass judg-
Abilities: The assassins’ skills and abilities are based
ment on any one individual he determines to be a dan-
on their superior awareness of the world, making
ger to the Conspiracy or its activities. The Accuser
Wisdom their most important ability.
makes a favor check (DC 10 + the target’s agent level),
Vitality: 1d8 + Constitution modifier per level.
and with success, the target immediately becomes the
subject of a national manhunt (see the Fixer/Pointman
Class Guide, page 70 for more information on man-
hunts).
If the target is an agent of the Archer
Conspiracy, he is considered “burned" by his
parent organization when the Accuser
uses this ability against him. During
the manhunt, the DCs of all checks
made to locate the agent are
reduced by 10, and all of the
agent’s Conspiracy-issued
cover identities (includ-
ing those gained from
the Flawless Identity
feat) are considered
“blown," reducing
their power rating
to 2.

54
 New Rules
Requirements Class Feats: The assassin gains the following feats at
1st level.
Agent Level: 5+.
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
Organization: Cult of Assassins (or GC permission).
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
Cryptography: 8 ranks.
Weapon Group Proficiency (Hurled)
Hobby (Hypnosis): 8 ranks.
Weapon Group Proficiency (Exotic, Archaic)
Feats: Decipher Fringescript.
Hand of Discord: At any time, the assassin may
Class Skills spend one or more action dice to increase the effective
The assassin’s class skills and key abilities are: number of Fringe feats the assassin possesses by the
Class Skill Key Ability number of dice spent (increasing the effectiveness of
Balance Dex many Fringe feats). These action dice are not rolled —
Bluff Cha the number of additional temporary Fringe feats is equal
Bureaucracy Cha to the number of dice spent, not the dice result. This
Concentration Wis effect lasts until the end of the current session. This is
Craft Int the assassin’s core ability.
Cryptography Int Message in a Bottle: At 1st level, the assassin gains
Cultures Wis the Scribble feat. At 5th level the assassin gains the
Demolitions Int Strange Inscription feat. At 9th level the assassin gains
Disguise Cha the Strange Verse feat. All prerequisites for these feats —
Escape Artist Dex including skill ranks — are waived.
Forgery Int Drawing the Knife: At 2nd level, once per serial, the
Gather Information Cha assassin may program a killer, creating an NPC follow-
Hide Dex er with an agent level equal to the assassin’s total class
Hobby Wis levels with NPC classes possessing the Curse of the Word
Innuendo Wis ability (see page 94 for more about one such class, the
Knowledge Int lone gunman). The assassin selects the killer’s variable
Languages Wis skills. The NPC gains BP equal to the assassin’s agent
Listen Wis level, and the assassin may transfer his own unspent BP
Move Silently Dex to the killer in order to equip him. This killer carries out
Profession Wis the assassin’s orders to the best of his ability for one
Read Lips Wis session, as if his disposition toward the assassin is wor-
Sense Motive Wis shipper (see page 86 for more about this new disposi-
Sleight of Hand Dex tion). If the killer succeeds in his mission, he loses all
Spot Wis recollection of his actions and of the assassin who pro-
Surveillance Wis grammed him.
At 7th level, the assassin may program a second
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 8 + Int modifier.
killer during each serial. This second killer may be called
Class Features upon during the same session as the first, or during a
separate session. These killers may be used in tandem or
All of the following are class features for the assassin.
individually.
Curse of the Word: The assassin is subject to the
Bonus Feat: At 3rd level, the assassin gains one
ancient Curse of the Word (see the Shadowforce Archer
additional Fringe or style feat. The assassin must still
Worldbook, page 107). Wherever he goes, the assassin is
meet the prerequisites for this feat. At 7th level, the
followed by iconic images resembling wavy daggers.
assassin gains another Fringe or style feat with the same
These pieces of fringescript are always located within
restrictions.
100 ft. of the assassin, or within the room or set of
Mark for Death: Beginning at 4th level, the assassin
linked rooms where the assassin is located, whichever is
may mark one target for death. This requires a full
smaller. These images never identify the assassin within
action and line of sight to the target. The mark lasts for
a group, rarely hovering closer to the assassin than any
24 hours, during which the threat ranges of all attacks
others present. The DCs of checks made to Spot this
made against the target by characters with the Like to
symbol are equal to 50 minus the total number of lev-
Like feat are increased by 1. Further, agents with the
els the assassin possesses in all classes with this ability.
Like to Like feat gain a +5 Fringe bonus to all attempts
to Spot the target.

55
 European Commonwealth
At 8th level, the threat ranges of attacks made ber of rounds equal to the number of Fringe feats pos-
against the marked target are increased by 2 and the sessed by the assassin, and ends immediately if the
Fringe bonus to Spot checks is increased by an addi- assassin no longer has line of sight to the target.
tional +5 (to a total of +10). Discord’s Grace: At 10th level, the assassin may acti-
Marking a target counts as one use of the Scribble vate any ally’s criticals without spending an action die.
feat (see the Archer Foundation Chamber Book, page The ally must be within the assassin’s line of sight when
78). the threat is rolled. The assassin may use this ability a
Edit Memory: At 4th level, the assassin receives a number of times per session equal to the number of
bonus with brainwashing and Hobby (Hypnosis) checks Fringe feats he possesses. He may not use this ability to
equal to the number of Fringe feats he possesses (see the activate his own threats without spending an action die,
Fixer/Pointman Class Guide, page 61, for more about but he may activate criticals of standard characters
brainwashing). Furthermore, the DCs of all attempts to attacking special characters.
discover or remove the effects of the assassin’s use of
brainwashing or Hobby (Hypnosis) are increased by 1/2
the assassin’s ranks with Cryptography (rounded down).
Both of these abilities are considered Fringe effects.
Master of Secrets: At 5th level, the assassin gains
ILLUMINATI
This is a prestige class.
the Unlocked Potential feat for his Cryptography skill. Over the last two centuries, tales of secret brother-
At 9th level, the assassin gains a second Unlocked hoods rooted within the governments of Europe have
Potential (Cryptography) feat. fascinated conspiracy theorists everywhere. These influ-
Eye of the Beholder: At 6th level, all teammates and ential cabals are said to work within the shadows of
allies within 30 feet of the assassin gains the Like to Like kings and presidents to further their own ends toward a
feat. grand vision we can’t yet fathom. Foremost amongst
String Theory: At 8th level, once per session, the these presumably fictitious groups are the Bavarian
assassin gains the ability to create a sympathetic bond Illuminati, high-born power brokers seeking to create a
between he and an unwilling target, allowing him to perfect world through visionary illumination — order,
intentionally harm himself in order to inflict potential- free thought, and the exercise of political power.
ly lethal damage on the target at range. The assassin In truth, the Bavarian Illuminati are all too real.
may create a Fringe connection between himself and Today, their spiritual descendants are expert political
another character to whom he has line of sight. Creating wranglers, warriors who wield pens over swords and
this connection requires a full action and counts as one policy over pistols. The modern illuminati deftly
use of the assassin’s Scribble feat. For the duration of maneuver the most complicated bureaucracies and
this effect, when any character other than the assassin political processes with terrifying ease, and routinely
or the target of this ability attacks the assassin or his redirect the resources of entire governments against
target, any damage inflicted is applied to both charac- their enemies, all while cloaked in anonymity even
ters. This may cause wounds to spontaneously appear beyond the security provided by the world’s shadow
on the assassin or his target from attacks directed at the communities.
other character. The string theory effect lasts for a num-

Table 3.3: The Assassin

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init Budg Gadg
Lvl Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Pts Pts Special
1 +0 +0 +2 +2 +1 +1 1 0 Curse of the word, hand of discord,
message in a bottle (Scribble)
2 +1 +0 +3 +3 +2 +2 2 1 Drawing the knife 1/serial
3 +1 +1 +3 +3 +3 +3 3 1 Bonus feat
4 +2 +1 +4 +4 +3 +3 4 2 Edit memory, mark for death +1
5 +2 +1 +4 +4 +4 +4 5 2 Master of secrets,
message in a bottle (Inscription)
6 +3 +2 +5 +5 +5 +5 6 3 Eye of the beholder
7 +3 +2 +5 +5 +6 +6 7 3 Bonus feat, drawing the knife 2/serial
8 +4 +2 +6 +6 +6 +6 8 4 Mark for death +2, string theory
9 +4 +3 +6 +6 +7 +7 9 4 Master of secrets,
message in a bottle (Verse)
10 +5 +3 +7 +7 +8 +8 10 5 Discord’s grace

56
 New Rules
Illuminati are sometimes filtered into agent teams, Class Features
most commonly through the Gemeinschafft Consortium
All of the following are class features of the illumi-
but occasionally though the Fade organization or even
nati.
the Archer Foundation, the Company’s military hierar-
Class Feats: The illuminati gains the following feats
chy, or the Pan-Asian Collective’s ancient traditional
at 1st level.
power bases. They offer many unique abilities, from
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
vast influence over political and law enforcement bod-
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
ies to incredible resources, both monetary and political.
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
Abilities: High Charisma and Intelligence scores are
important for an illuminati, as these abilities assist his Shadowy Mentor: Each time the illuminati spends
schemes and are key for most of his skills. A high action dice to develop a mole with the Handler feat (see
Dexterity is also valuable, as it improves the illuminati’s the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page 94), the num-
combat prowess and helps him stay out of harm’s way. ber of dice applied to the mole is doubled (e.g. 2 dice
Vitality: 1d8 + Constitution modifier per level. spent increases the value of the mole by 4 dice). Further,
when nurturing moles at the start of each session, the
Requirements illuminati may spend up to the number of action dice
Agent level: 5+. allowed by the Handler feat, plus a number equal to 1/2
Charisma: 13+. his class level (rounded down). This is the illuminati’s
Bluff: 4 ranks. core ability.
Bureaucracy: 8 ranks. Plausible Deniability: The illuminati is a master of
Innuendo: 4 ranks. contingency plans, constantly sowing red herrings,
Feats: Handler, Political Favors. scapegoats, and misleading clues into his activities. The
illuminati receives one additional skill point per level,
Class Skills which must be spent on the Bureaucracy skill.
The illuminati’s class skills and key abilities are: Further, at 1st level, the DCs of all attempts made to
Class Skills Key Ability research the illuminati’s activities are increased by 4
Appraise Int (this includes Gather Information, Search, and Sense
Bluff Cha Motive skill checks, and education and information
Bureaucracy Cha search favor checks).
Computers Int At 5th level, the error ranges of all checks made to
Concentration Wis research the illuminati’s activities, as noted above, are
Cultures Wis increased by an amount equal to the illuminati’s
Cryptography Int Intelligence modifier (i.e. attempts to research the activ-
Diplomacy Cha ities of an illuminati with an Intelligence modifier of +2
Disguise Cha would be increased from 1 to 1–3).
Driver Dex At 9th level, the DCs of all checks to research the
First Aid Wis illuminati’s activities are increased to +8.
Forgery Int Trusted Advisor: Illuminati are trained to work their
Gather Information Cha way into positions of power as advisors, experts, and
Hobby Wis counselors to public leaders, eventually becoming the
Innuendo Cha true influence behind any throne. At 2nd level, the illu-
Intimidate Str or Cha minati gains the Political Clout feat. At 7th level, the
Knowledge Int illuminati gains the Political Immunity feat. All prereq-
Languages Wis uisites for these feats — including minimum agent level
Perform Cha and ability scores — are waived.
Profession Wis Money Talks: Beginning at 3rd level, the illuminati
Read Lips Int learns to wield his position and assets as leverage to
Search Int manipulate bureaucracy and low-ranking members of
Sense Motive Wis government. The illuminati’s cost for bribing a target
Sleight of Hand Dex using his Bureaucracy skill and soliciting a street level
Surveillance Wis assistance check from a government source are reduced
to 1/2 the normal amount, rounded down (i.e. if the bribe
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 8 + Int modifier.
or fee is normally $100, it becomes $50).

57
 European Commonwealth
At 7th level, the cost to bribe a target or solicit street At 9th level, the illuminati gains a second feat from
level assistance from a government source is reduced to the style or Fringe feat trees with the same restrictions.
1/4 the normal amount (rounded down). Conspiracy Theory: At 6th level, the illuminati’s team
Red Tape: At 4th level, the illuminati may use his becomes familiar with his shadowy maneuverings, and
connections inside rival organizations to monitor and may work to support them. The cooperation bonuses of
foil a foe’s activities. Once per session, the illuminati skill rolls made by the illuminati and his team to con-
may select one individual to be monitored. While the ceal their activities — including Bluff, Hide, Search and
target is monitored, the illuminati may add his Wisdom Sleight of Hand skill checks — are increased by +3 (to a
modifier to all Gather Information and Search skill total of +5).
checks he makes involving that target. Puppet Master: The illuminati’s sleeper agents are
Further, the illuminati becomes aware when the tar- now ruthlessly loyal. At 6th level, the number of moles
get makes a favor check, and may act to counter the the illuminati may control at one time with his Handler
check. Whenever the monitored individual makes a feat is increased by 2, and all of his moles are consid-
favor check, the illuminati may spend one action die to ered to have a disposition toward him of fanatical (see
make a Bureaucracy check. If this check’s result is high- page 86 for more about this new disposition). Further,
er than the DC of the target’s favor check, the target’s the illuminati may now contact one of his moles in 12
favor check DC is now equal to the illuminati’s hours without spending an action die.
Bureaucracy check result. Upon reaching 10th level, the illuminati has mas-
Vast Resources: Beginning at 4th level, the illuminati tered a variety of conditioning techniques, making his
develops a secure financial network he can call upon network of traitors even more effective. The number of
during missions. He and all members of his team may moles the illuminati may control at one time with his
roll twice when determining field expenses during the Handler feat is increased by an additional 2 (for a total
Gearing Up phase of a mission, keeping the roll they increase of 4), and all of his moles are considered to
prefer. have a disposition toward him of worshipper. Finally,
At 8th level, the illuminati's financial resources are the illuminati may now contact one of his moles in 1
expanded even further. The illuminati and all members hour without spending an action die.
of his team gain the Filthy Rich feat. All prerequisites Total Control: At 8th level, the illuminati gains the
for this feat are waived. Total Control feat. All prerequisites for this feat —
Bonus Feat: At 5th level, the illuminati gains an including minimum skill ranks — are waived.
additional feat from either the style or Fringe feat trees.
The illuminati must meet all prerequisites before choos-
ing the feat.

Table 3.4: Illuminati

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init Budg Gadg
Lvl Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Pts Pts Special
1 +0 +1 +0 +2 +1 +1 3 0 Plausible deniability (+4),
shadowy mentor
2 +1 +2 +0 +3 +1 +1 6 1 Trusted advisor (Political Clout)
3 +1 +2 +1 +3 +2 +2 9 2 Money talks (1/2)
4 +2 +2 +1 +4 +2 +2 12 3 Red tape, vast resources (mission BP)
5 +2 +3 +1 +4 +3 +3 15 3 Bonus feat, plausible deniability
(error range)
6 +3 +3 +2 +5 +4 +4 18 4 Conspiracy theory,
puppet master (fanatic)
7 +3 +4 +2 +5 +4 +4 21 5 Money talks (1/4), trusted advisor
(Political Immunity)
8 +4 +4 +2 +6 +5 +5 24 6 Total control,
vast resources (Filthy Rich)
9 +4 +4 +3 +6 +5 +5 27 6 Bonus feat, plausible deniability (+8)
10 +5 +5 +3 +7 +6 +6 30 7 Puppet master (worshipper)

58
 New Rules
New Favor Check Type: Fade is notoriously protective of his intruder train-
Events ing, and personally approves all candidates. As the
intruder training involves exposure to raw physical
Any Chamber can pull strings to create social adept serum samples, candidates may not already pos-
events and other public spectacles. This can range sess psion abilities. Further, as Fade is highly suspicious
from delivering a busload of protesters to a particular of mystics, he refuses to train them at all.
park or street corner to staging a massive concert with Abilities: Infiltration is the intruder’s specialty, and
thousands of attendees. The home office only estab- Dexterity and Intelligence fuel critical skills for these
lishes the seed of larger events, allowing public reac- operations. A high Wisdom is also important, as it
tion to “fill in the blanks" (and the seats). As a result, increases the intruder’s awareness of his surroundings.
the larger the event, the more time agents must wait Vitality: 1d10 + Constitution modifier per level.
between the request and the earliest opportunity for
the event to take place. This delay is included in the Requirements
description of possible events (see below). Agents Agent Level: 5+.
should exercise this option creatively, perhaps as bait Psion Level: 0 (the agent may not have any psion
to lure out an opponent or as a distraction to cover abilities when he enters this class, though he may multi-
some aspect of their mission. class into other psion classes as normal after gaining at
Alternatively, this type of favor check may be used least one level in this class).
to acquire legitimate access to an event. With success, Chamber: European Commonwealth (Fade).
the requesting agent and his team receive tickets or Dexterity: 13+.
invitations, appropriate clothing, and details of what Escape Artist: 4 ranks.
to expect at the event. This use of the event favor Open Lock: 4 ranks.
check requires 1d6 hours. Move Silently: 8 ranks.
Spin doctors have the media contacts and experi- Sleight of Hand: 4 ranks.
ence to help tailor events for maximum impact. Spin Feats: Nimble Fingers, Stealthy.
doctors add a +2 bonus to all favor checks to request Special: Agents with the Initiate or Magus mystic
an event favor. feats may not gain any levels in this class. If the agent
with levels as an intruder gains the Initiate or Magus
Event Size Examples DC
feats, the agent may no longer advance gain new
Minor Nightclub act, a dozen picketers (1d6 hours) 5
intruder levels, though he retains all benefits of the class
Local Store opening, local marathon, city council 10
he already possesses.
meeting (1 day)
City City sports exhibition, protest with several 15
thousand participants (1d4 days)
Class Skills
The intruder’s class skills and key abilities are:
Regional Major concert with superstar, major movie 20
Class Skills Key Ability
opening with celebrity guests (2d4 days)
Appraise Int
National Sports exhibition with national champions, 25
Balance Dex
political rally with party leaders (3d4 days)
Climb Str
Concentration Wis
Craft Int

INTRUDER
This is a prestige class.
Demolitions
Electronics
Escape Artist
Int
Int
Dex
Fade’s use of former criminals in official Conspiracy Hide Dex
operations is well known amongst agents of the Intimidate Str or Cha
Commonwealth. What they don't know, however, is that Jump Str
Fade selects the most promising of this motley bunch to Listen Wis
personally train in infiltration, unarmed combat tech- Move Silently Dex
niques, and the awesome abilities granted by the phys- Open Lock Dex
ical psion serum. Fade calls these pupils his “intruders," Search Int
very powerful and highly resourceful agents who use Sleight of Hand Dex
their newfound powers to penetrate, retrieve, and escape Spot Wis
from even the most carefully guarded facilities. Every Surveillance Wis
intruder is taught to live first and foremost by his wits Tumble Dex
and his own personal resources, and is more than capa- Use Rope Dex
ble of operating with little material or logistic support.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 6 + Int modifier.

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Class Features At 9th level, the intruder gains the Adrenal

Supremacy feat.
All of the following are class features of the intruder.
All prerequisites for these feats — including mini-
Psion Class: The intruder is a psion class. Levels
mum ability scores and agent level — are waived.
gained in this class increase the agent’s psion level.
Bullet Time: In combat, the intruder moves with
Class Feats: The intruder gains the following feats at
preternatural grace, sidestepping incoming attacks with
1st level.
impossible ease. Beginning at second level, when the
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
intruder suffers damage from falling or a successful
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
melee or unarmed attack, he may make a Reflex save
Weapon Group Proficiency (Hurled)
(DC equal to the damage inflicted). With success, the
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
intruder suffers only half damage. The intruder may use
Weapon Group Proficiency (Rifle)
this ability a number of times per session equal to his
Sneaky: The intruder adds a psion bonus equal to 1/2 class level, and only once per successful attack.
his psion level to all Hide and Move Silently checks At 7th level, the intruder may use this ability against
(rounded up). This is the intruder’s core ability. ranged and hurled attacks.
Physical Psion Feats: At 1st level, the intruder may Bonus Feat: At 3rd level, the intruder receives an
begin choosing feats from the physical psion feat tree. additional feat from the covert or physical psion trees.
The physical adept must still have a free feat slot for At 7th level, the intruder gains an additional feat from
each feat he selects, and he must still meet all prerequi- the covert or physical psion trees. The agent must still
sites for each feat he selected. meet all prerequisites for these feats — including mini-
Red Pill: The physical adept serum Fade uses is mum agent level and ability scores — as normal.
incredibly potent (in fact, it’s drawn from his own Absolute Precision: Through psychic discipline and
blood, and therefore the purest strain available — see intense training, the intruder has developed uncanny
page 74), and greatly accelerates the development of manual dexterity and physical agility. At 4th level, the
physical psion powers. The intruder gains 1 extra skill intruder may select any 3 skills based on Strength or
point per level, which must be spent on the Energy Burst Dexterity. He may reroll one failed check per session
psionic skill. with any of these chosen skills.
Further, at 1st level, the intruder gains the Adrenal At 8th level, the intruder may select an additional 3
Basics feat. Strength- or Dexterity-based skills (for a total of 6
At 5th level, the intruder gains the Adrenal Mastery skills), and may reroll two failed checks per session with
feat. any of his chosen skills.

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 New Rules
Uncanny Dodge: Starting at 4th level, the intruder
gains the ability to instinctively react to danger. He
NEW SKILL USES
retains his Dexterity bonus to Defense (if any) when
caught flat-footed or being attacked by an invisible
Europe is home to the diplomatic superspy. What
adversary (though he still loses his Dexterity bonus to
you say, how you say it, and who you say it to can
Defense if immobilized).
mean the difference between war and peace, life and
At 8th level, the intruder may react to opponents on
death. In this environment of constant social interac-
both sides as easily as he can to a single attacker, and
tion, there’s a pressing need to get your point across
may therefore no longer be flanked. This ability denies
with absolute precision — every shade and nuance com-
fixers and others with the sneak attack ability the
municated according to a pre-determined strategy. This
opportunity to use flank attacks to sneak attack the
section provides a variety of new skill checks to help
intruder unless the attacker is at least four levels higher
add weight and calculation to your agents’ discourse,
than the intruder.
making him a consummate manipulator.
This ability is identical to the uncanny dodge ability
possessed by the fixer, and a multi-classed agent may Bureaucracy (Cha)
add his intruder and fixer levels together to determine
Agents may use Bureaucracy to acquire licenses and
the effectiveness of this ability (though he may only
papers, tie up court cases, hide monetary transactions,
gain the ability once).
and free accused prisoners.
Agents with the uncanny dodge ability from multi-
ple classes may combine levels from all such classes in Check (Varies): By knowing who to talk to, who to
a limited fashion to determine the effectiveness of this confuse with mounds of paperwork, and who to bypass
ability. Round the agent’s level in each class down to entirely, you can acquire licenses, permits, and papers
the nearest multiple of 4 before adding the levels that you don’t have a legal right or reason to possess.
together to determine what uncanny dodge abilities are This normally requires you to travel to the offices where
gained. the documents in question are issued, or to have a reli-
Open Your Eyes: At 6th level, the intruder learns that able means of communicating with the office, such as a
the only limit to his physical capabilities is awareness fax machine or email. The difficulty and time involved
and understanding of his own abilities. Once per ses- in obtaining the requested papers depend on the com-
sion, the intruder may add his total Concentration skill plexity and thoroughness of the application process and
bonus to the result of any one physical psion skill check. associated background checks. The process rarely takes
At 10th level, this ability may be used twice per ses- less than four hours, though because of the many layers
sion. of bureaucracy sometimes involved, it can take weeks to
Epiphany: At 10th level, the intruder has developed get the through all the required steps and paperwork.
a unique comprehension of the nature of the physical
world — how beings move through it and interact with
one another, and how these relationships can be bent or
broken. The intruder may take 10 with all initiative
checks and Reflex saves.

Table 3.5: The Intruder

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init Budg Gadg
Lvl Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Pts Pts Special
1 +0 +1 +2 +1 +1 +1 1 0 Physical psion feats,
the red pill (Adrenal Basics), sneaky
2 +1 +2 +3 +2 +2 +1 2 1 Bullet time (melee and unarmed)
3 +2 +2 +3 +2 +3 +2 3 1 Bonus feat
4 +3 +2 +4 +2 +3 +2 4 2 Absolute precision 1/session,
uncanny dodge (Dex to Defense)
5 +3 +3 +4 +3 +4 +3 5 2 The red pill (Adrenal Mastery)
6 +4 +3 +5 +3 +5 +4 6 3 Open your eyes 1/session
7 +5 +4 +5 +4 +6 +4 7 3 Bonus feat, bullet time (ranged)
8 +6 +4 +6 +4 +6 +5 8 4 Absolute precision 2/session,
uncanny dodge (can’t be flanked)
9 +6 +4 +6 +4 +7 +5 9 4 The red pill (Adrenal Supremacy)
10 +7 +5 +7 +5 +8 +6 10 5 Epiphany, open your eyes 2/session

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 European Commonwealth
Document Requested DC
on the nature of the records to be concealed; very
Driver’s license 15
important or widely distributed files can take weeks to
Citizenship papers 20
successfully hide while a single errant file folder can be
Gun license 25
disposed of with a single phone call.
Passport 25
Work visa 30 Type of Records to be Lost DC
Diplomat’s papers 35+ Medical records 15
Application reviewer believes you’re important –2 Internal company memos 15
Application reviewer believes you’re poor or +2 Court records 20
uninformed Government communications 25
Application reviewer believes you could threaten –5 Criminal records 25
his job Bank transactions 25
Application reviewer has been successfully bribed –5* Widely distributed records +2
Single copy of the record exists –2
* Each time the standard bribe ($10 × the check’s Record must be lost permanently +10
base DC) is doubled, this modifier is increased by an Record must only be lost for one week or less –2
additional –2.
Bribes: Bribery may help facilitate you when delay-
Bribes: Bribery may help facilitate you in dealing ing or eliminating files and records (see the Spycraft
with bureaucrats (see the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, Espionage Handbook, page 43, for more about bribes).
page 43, for more about bribes). When attempting to When attempting to delay or eliminate records, the cost
obtain documents, papers, and permits, the cost of brib- of bribing involved parties is $10 × the Bureaucracy
ing involved parties is $10 × the Bureaucracy check’s check’s base DC.
base DC. Retry: Generally no, because if you fail to conceal
Retry: Yes, but each additional attempt to acquire the records in question they probably end up in the
papers or permits without the proper, legal authoriza- hands of those from whom you were hoping to conceal
tion raises the issuing office’s suspicions. The DCs of all them. If the GC determines that you show sufficient
future Bureaucracy checks made to acquire documents forethought or innovation when attempting to hide the
from the same office are increased by 2. records, however, he may allow one additional check,
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with Forgery, the DC of which is increased by 2.
you receive a +2 synergy bonus with all Bureaucracy Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with Knowledge
checks made to obtain documents outside normal chan- (Law), you receive a +2 synergy bonus with all
nels. Bureaucracy checks made to block records using legal
Critical Success: Not only do you successfully obtain means.
the papers, but the DCs all Bureaucracy checks made to If someone knows you are trying to conceal records,
request additional documents from the same office are they may oppose your efforts with a Bureaucracy check
reduced by 2 for the remainder of the current serial. opposed by your Bureaucracy check made for this skill
Critical Failure: Not only do you fail to obtain the use. In order for your skill use to be successful, your
papers, but the DCs all Bureaucracy checks made to Bureaucracy check result must be greater than both the
request additional documents from the same office are investigator’s Bureaucracy check and the DC required to
increased by 4 for the remainder of the current serial. successfully conceal the records in question.
Check (Varies): By issuing injunctions, blurring the Critical Success: Not only do you successfully con-
lines of patient-doctor privilege, and arranging for cer- ceal the records, but the DCs all Bureaucracy checks
tain transcripts to be conveniently lost, you can keep made to conceal additional records originating from the
files and records out of the hands of others. This usual- same organization are reduced by 2 for the remainder of
ly requires interaction with the local legal system to tie the current serial.
up the records in the courts and then make sure any Critical Failure: Not only do you fail to conceal the
hearings related to them are continually pushed back on records, but the DCs all Bureaucracy checks made to
the docket, and often requires you to be in the same conceal additional records originating from the same
locale as the files to be lost. The time required depends organization are increased by 4 for the remainder of the
current serial.
Check (Varies): If transferred often enough, money
can become lost in the web of international banking,
swallowed by a sea of forever changing numbers. With
a successful Bureaucracy check, you can hide funds
from governments, employers, and other curious parties.

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 New Rules
This usually involves the money being transferred Critical Success: Not only do you successfully hide
through several different banks and dummy companies the money, but the amount of money concealed increas-
set up for just such an endeavor. Hiding money in this es by 10% due to favorable interest rates (i.e. if you hide
fashion requires that you communicate with these $100,000, your hidden funds are $110,000).
dummy financial institutions, and can take anywhere Critical Failure: Not only do you fail to hide the
from a few minutes for simple wire transfers to several money, but you attract the attention of one of the many
weeks for large sums of money. Once the money is hid- agencies tasked with monitoring money transactions.
den, it may be accessed in 8 hours. Your funds are frozen and additional attempts to hide
Bribes: Bribery may help facilitate you when hiding money become much more difficult. The DCs all
money (see the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page 43, Bureaucracy checks made to hide additional money are
for more about bribes). When attempting to hide money, increased by 2 for the remainder of the current serial.
the cost of bribing involved parties is $100 × the Check (Varies): By sending confusing paperwork, fil-
Bureaucracy check’s base DC. People who deal with mil- ing conflicting motions in court, and simply bribing
lions of dollars on a daily basis are rarely moved by guards, you may try to free those accused or even con-
smaller sums. victed of a crime. This normally involves arguing that
Retry: Yes. the accused person’s arrest or conviction was illegal, or
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with Knowledge persuading the organization holding the prisoner that
(Business), you receive a +2 synergy bonus with all he would be more useful or valuable as a free man or in
Bureaucracy checks made to hide funds. your custody. In the most modern countries this often
If someone knows you are trying to hide funds, they involves claiming the arrest or conviction is somehow
may oppose your efforts with a Bureaucracy check invalid or illegal, while in less advanced countries
opposed by your Bureaucracy check made for this skill bribes or promises of future favors are commonly the
use. In order for your skill use to be successful, your norm. The amount of time required to free a prisoner
Bureaucracy check result must be greater than both the varies from one hour (for a simple bribe) to several
investigator’s Bureaucracy check and the DC required to weeks of long days in court.
successfully hide the funds in question.

Table 3.6: Hiding money

Amount of Money to be Hidden Time Required DC
$1–10,000 1 minute (10 rounds) 10
$10,001–$100,000 1 hour 15
$100,001–$1,000,000 1 day (24 hours) 25
$1,000,001–$10,000,000 1d6+1 days 30
$10,000,001+ 2d6+4 days 35
Want to keep easy access to the money* +1/2 time +5
* If this option is used when making the Bureaucracy check, the money may be accessed in only 4 hours, instead of the
normal 8 (see above).

Table 3.7: Freeing Accused Prisoners

Crime Committed Time Required DC
Misdemeanor 1d4+1 hours 10
Felony Fraud 1d3 days 15
Felony Property Crime 1d4 days 20
Felony Assault 2d4 days 25
Felony Murder 3d4 days 30
Already convicted Double normal time* +10
Loose legal system Half normal time* –4
Strict legal system Double normal time* +4
Military court Triple normal time* +8
* When more than one of these modifiers applies, use only one. The modifier applied should be the modifier that adjusts
the time by the highest amount. When modifiers that both increase and decrease the time are called for, only use the
modifier that increases the time.

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 European Commonwealth
Bribes: Bribery may help facilitate you when freeing With success, you either improve the crowd’s dispo-
accused prisoners (see the Spycraft Espionage sition towards yourself by one grade, improves the
Handbook, page 43, for more about bribes). When crowd’s disposition toward another person or group
attempting to free accused prisoners, the cost of bribing praised in the speech by one grade, or worsens the
involved parties is $100 × the Bureaucracy check’s base crowd’s disposition toward one person or group lam-
DC. Buying someone’s freedom is never cheap. basted in the speech one grade (per your choice, decid-
Retry: Generally no, unless there’s some sort of ed before you make the roll). This disposition change
appeals system available, in which case yes, but subse- lasts for one week unless you score a critical success. A
quent DCs are increased by +5 per failed Bureaucracy crowd’s disposition may only be altered one level in this
check. fashion during any 24-hour period.
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with Knowledge This skill check may not be attempted with crowds
(Law), you receive a +2 synergy bonus with all checks having an initial disposition toward you of hostile or
made to free accused prisoners. worse. Unless you roll an error, this check is automati-
If you have 5 or more ranks with Knowledge cally successful with crowds having an initial disposi-
(Military), you receive a +2 synergy bonus with all tion toward you of fanatic or worshipper. Even with
checks made to free accused prisoners tried in military crowds having an initial disposition toward you of
courts. fanatic of worshipper, you must still activate rolled
Critical Success: Not only do you successfully free threats as normal.
the accused prisoner, but there can be no appeal of the Retry: Yes, but another 5 minutes of speaking is
verdict or call for a misappropriation of justice and the required. If the speech goes over 10 minutes in length,
crime is wiped from the prisoner’s record. you suffer a –2 circumstance penalty for every 5 min-
Critical Failure: Not only do you fail to free the utes the speech runs over the first 10 minutes.
accused prisoner, but the trial is skewed against him (the Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with Knowledge
jury or the judge is tainted, evidence is brought to light (Orator), or an appropriate Perform skill, you receive a
incriminating him, etc.), resulting in a conviction (per +2 synergy bonus with all checks made to adjust a
the GC’s discretion). crowd’s disposition.
Critical Success: The crowd’s disposition toward the
Diplomacy (Cha) chosen person or group is increased or decreased by two
You may use Diplomacy to alter the opinions of grades.
large groups via public speaking, and to reconcile the Critical Failure: The crowd’s disposition toward the
differences between two groups by acting as a mediator. chosen person or group is adjusted by one grade in the
Check (5 minutes): With a few choice words and a direction opposite the desired result (i.e. if you wish to
fervent delivery, you may change the opinions of oth- improve the crowd’s disposition toward one of your
ers, either toward yourself or others. This requires at allies by one grade, the crowd’s disposition toward your
least five minutes of conversation, but more time may ally is worsened by one grade instead).
be spent if desired or if you wish to try again after a Check (Varies): You may use Diplomacy to mediate
failed attempt. Only those who can hear and understand a dispute between two groups. This requires that you be
you are affected by this skill use. in contact with both groups. Face-to-face mediation is
The Diplomacy check’s base DC depends on the usually the quickest, most efficient method, requiring
crowd’s disposition and attitude. only 4 hours per Diplomacy check, while particularly
slow forms of communication (such as messengers)
Condition DC
drastically increase the time required.
Target’s disposition toward you is ally or better 5
The dispositions of both parties toward you must be
Target’s disposition toward you is helpful 10
no worse than neutral, and both parties must agree to at
Target’s disposition toward you is friendly 15
least exchange civilities before the mediation may
Target’s disposition toward you is neutral 20
begin.
Target’s disposition toward you is unfriendly 25
The base DC for mediation is 10, modified by the
The crowd is panicked (angry mobs, refugees) +5
parties’ dispositions toward one another and various
The message of the speech is objectionable to +10
conditions, as follows.
the crowd (telling the crowd to hate someone
they love)

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 New Rules
Situation DC
Each party that considers another party an +10
adversary
Each party that’s hostile toward another party +5
Each party that’s unfriendly to another party +2
Each party that’s friendly to another party –2
Each party that’s helpful to another party –5
Each party that considers another party an ally –10
or better
Each party that’s friendly to you –2
Each party that’s helpful to you –4
Each party that considers you an ally or better –8
Either you or one of the parties must use a +5
translator
Each party is making unreasonable demands +10
(surrender of valuable territory with no recompense,
disarmament with no assurance of protection)

Each successful mediation check improves both par-

ties’ dispositions toward the other by one grade. When
both parties’ dispositions toward each other reach neu-
tral, a deal is reached.
Retry: Yes, but each failed mediation attempt
increases the DC of future mediation attempts between
the involved groups by +2 unless a one-day break is
taken between mediation sessions.
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with a
Knowledge skill involving the parties or the topic of dis-
cussion, you gain a +2 synergy bonus with all
Diplomacy checks made to mediate between the groups.
graffiti). Creating such a work requires the tools appro-
Critical Success: Each party’s disposition toward the
priate to your creative style, such as paper and pencil
other increases by two grades.
for messages or spray paint for graffiti. The difficulty of
Critical Failure: Each party’s disposition toward the
creating a work that successfully conveys the message
other decreases by one rank and both parties leave the
depends on the length and complexity of the message
mediation table. They must be convinced to return,
and how easy you wish to make it for viewers to under-
requiring an additional Diplomacy check per group with
stand.
a DC determined by each group’s new dispositions. If
these subsequent Diplomacy checks fail, no additional Type of Message DC
talks are possible. Simple (“Stop,” “Danger") 15
Moderate (“Open the door on the left,” 20
Innuendo (Wis) “Go to the diner on 7th and 36th”)
You may use Innuendo to place hidden statements in Complex (“The local Mafia leader is 25
written messages and works of art (as the Fade organi- Celio Napoli and he can be found on the
zation does through Fringescript graffiti — see page 34). 3rd floor of the Huntington Building")
This skill may also be used to wage a propaganda cam- Easy to read (Innuendo DC 10) +2
paign with the aim of changing the disposition of a Moderately difficult to read (Innuendo DC 15) +0
large population toward a specific person, idea, or Hard to read (Innuendo DC 20) +4
group, and to pass messages silently over short dis-
Retry: Yes.
tances.
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with a Hobby,
Check (10 minutes): Through cunning use of simile,
Knowledge, or Profession skill appropriate to the artis-
metaphors, word choice, and layout, you can communi-
tic medium being used, you gain a +2 synergy bonus
cate facts in written form not apparent to the average
with your Innuendo check to covertly communicate
reader. This requires that both you and the intended
messages through art.
reader share some type of common communication
(such as language) or communication form (such as

65
 European Commonwealth
Critical Success: The DCs of Innuendo checks made by Critical Success: The disposition of the target audi-
others to read the work is reduced by 1/2 (rounded up). ence toward the chosen idea, person, or group is
Critical Failure: Viewers must score a critical success increased or worsened by two grades.
to correctly interpret your message. Critical Failure: The crowd’s disposition towards the
Check (1 month): By playing on the thoughts, hopes, chosen idea, person, or group is adjusted by one grade
and fears of the masses, you can change their way of in the direction opposite the desired result (i.e. if the
thinking about a certain idea, person, or group through agent wishes to improve the area’s disposition toward
cunning suggestions and propaganda. This normally one of his allies by one grade, the area’s disposition
requires a large-scale media blitz within the area to be toward the ally is worsened by one grade instead).
affected, including such measures as posters, radio and Check (1 or more half actions): You may communi-
TV commercials, and public speeches. Propaganda cam- cate up to ten words per half action through gestures,
paigns require you to travel to the targeted area or to be facial expressions, and eye movements.
in contact with subordinates located in the area.
Message DC
Creating and distributing a propaganda campaign
Simple (“Stop,” “Danger") 10
can happen relatively quickly — within a week if need-
Moderate (“Open the door on the left,” 15
ed — but it takes at least one month for the campaign to
“I need more ammo”)
sink into the minds of its targeted audience. The propa-
Complex (“Hand me the box of 9mm bullets 20
ganda campaign’s monthly DC and cost is determined as
under the backpack to your left.”)
follows.
With success, the gestures are interpreted by anyone
Situation DC Cost
watching you closely (whether they possess the
Trying to improve an unfriendly dispo- 15 $10,000
Innuendo skill or not).
sition or worsen a friendly disposition
This use of Innuendo does not interrupt attempts to
Trying to improve a hostile disposition 20 $20,000
Hide or Move Silently.
or worsen a helpful disposition
Retry: Yes.
Trying to improve an adversarial 25 $30,000
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with Sleight of
disposition or worsen an ally disposition
Hand, you receive a +2 synergy bonus with Innuendo
Affecting a single city +0 ×1
checks made to quickly and covertly communicate field
Affecting a state/province +5 ×3
messages.
Affecting an entire nation +10 ×10
Critical Success: Conveying the message becomes a
Affecting an entire continent +15 ×30
free action. You may take one or more half actions this
Affecting the entire world +20 ×100
round, as previous actions and conditions allow.
With success, the target area’s disposition toward the Critical Failure: Anyone within your line of sight
idea, person, or group is improved or worsened by one understands the message, but your intended recipient(s)
grade, as determined by the agent before he makes the do not.
Innuendo check. This adjustment appears one month
after the Innuendo check is made, and lingers for one Perform (Cha)
month thereafter, or until the propaganda campaign Perform may be used to attract attention from those
ends, whichever comes first. nearby, enabling other agents to move unobserved. This
Particularly important characters, such as master- skill may also be used to modify a crowd’s mood, rais-
minds and special NPCs, may make a Will save (DC ing their spirits with the agent’s performance.
equal to 1/2 the Innuendo check’s result, rounded down) Check (1 minute): Using some manner of public per-
to resist the propaganda campaign’s effects. formance, such as public speaking, a musical perfor-
Retry: Yes, but more than one failed propaganda mance, or live theater, you may attract the attention of
campaign makes the target populace more resistant to those nearby so they ignore other events in the area.
propaganda efforts. The DCs for each additional cam- Your Perform check DC is determined by the crowd size
paign involving the same idea, person, or group is and other conditions, as follows.
increased by +2 per failed attempt.
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with
Bureaucracy, Knowledge (target area), or an appropriate
Hobby or Craft skill (such as filmmaking or speech writ-
ing), you receive a +2 synergy bonus with Innuendo
checks made to create propaganda campaigns.

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 New Rules
Situation DC Performance of a type that the audience +10
Small crowd (1–10 people) 10 does not enjoy (trying to perform Shakespeare
Moderate crowd (11–50 people) 15 when the crowd wants pro wrestling)
Large crowd (51–200 people) 20
Huge crowd (201–1000 people) 25 With success, the crowd’s disposition towards you
Gargantuan crowd (1,000+) 30 improves by one grade until the end of the session.
Other distractions in the area, +10 Only crowd members who can see and hear you are
such as explosions or gunfire affected by your performance.
Crowd is unfriendly +2 Retry: Yes, but each subsequent attempt requires an
Crowd is friendly –2 additional 5 minutes and increases the DC by +4.
Crowd is helpful –5 Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with a Hobby,
Crowd considers you an ally or better –10 Craft, or Knowledge skill that aids in your efforts, such
as Craft (Speech Writing) for creating sound bytes or
With success, those nearby pay attention to you for Knowledge (demographic) for creating a performance
one minute, after which another check must be made to suited specifically for one group, you receive a +2 syn-
continue the effect. While people are paying attention to ergy bonus with your Perform checks made to influence
you, they suffer a –8 circumstance penalty to Spot, crowds.
Listen, and Search checks made to notice other activi- Critical Success: The crowd’s disposition toward you
ties going on around them. is increased or decreased by two grades.
This skill use may only be used against crowds Critical Failure: The crowd’s disposition toward you
whose disposition toward you is not hostile or worse. is adjusted by one grade in the direction opposite the
This effect immediately ends if any sort of combat takes desired result (i.e. if you wish to improve the crowd’s
place within the targets’ line of sight. disposition toward you by one grade, the crowd’s dis-
Retry: Yes, but only one attempt may be made each position toward you is worsened by one grade instead).
minute.
Special: If you have 5 or more ranks with a Hobby,
Craft, or Knowledge skill that aids in your efforts, such
as Hobby (Fashion) when staging a fashion show, or
Craft (Carpentry) when building sets for a false movie
N EW F RINGE
FEATS
shoot, you receive a +2 synergy bonus with Perform
The following feats are considered part of the Fringe
checks made to distract crowds.
feat tree (see The Archer Foundation Chamber Book,
Critical Success: Unless they score a critical success,
page 76).
members of the target crowd automatically fail all skill
checks to perceive their environment. Aura Reading
Critical Failure: Not only do members of the target
You can perceive the spiritual essence of others as a
crowd ignore you, but their disposition toward you
visible aura surrounding them.
worsens by one grade for the next 24 hours.
Prerequisites: Like to Like, Sense Motive 4+.
Check (5 minutes): Using some manner of public
Benefit: You gain a bonus with your Sense Motive
performance, such as public speaking, a musical perfor-
checks equal to the number of Fringe feats you possess.
mance, or live theater, you may improve the disposition
Furthermore, you may, as a half action, make a Sense
of an audience towards you. This requires at least five
Motive skill check (DC 10 + the target’s Wisdom modi-
minutes and may not be attempted against a crowd
fier) to determine the disposition of any target toward
whose disposition toward you is hostile or worse. The
you or any other agent within your line of sight (learn-
DC of your Perform check is determined by the crowd’s
ing one disposition per check).
current disposition toward you and other conditions, as
Special: The DC of this skill check is increased by +1
follows.
for every Fringe feat and by +2 for every mystic feat the
Situation DC target possesses.
Crowd’s disposition toward you is unfriendly 30
Crowd’s disposition toward you is neutral 25 Brain Freeze
Crowd’s disposition toward you is friendly 20 A ripple in the Fringe causes your opponent to for-
Crowd’s disposition toward you is helpful 15 get his training.
Crowd’s disposition toward you is ally or better 10 Prerequisites: Scribble, Languages or Cryptography
Performance hampered by environment +5 15+.
(rain, distractions, etc.)

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 European Commonwealth
Benefit: As a full action, you may make a Languages of your Scribble feat. You must name the feat to be
or Cryptography skill check (DC 10 + the target’s agent blocked when performing the check, and if the target
level + the target’s Cha modifier) to cancel all depart- does not have the named feat, use of this ability auto-
ment bonuses the target receives for a number of min- matically fails (but still counts as one of your uses of
utes equal to the number of Fringe feats you possess. If Scribble).
you know the target’s birth name, you may use this Special: The DC of this skill check is increased by +1
ability at any distance; otherwise you must have line of for every Fringe feat and by +2 for every mystic feat the
sight to the target when performing this action. Each target possesses.
use of this ability is considered a use of your Scribble
feat. Momentary Lapse of
Special: The DC of this skill check is increased by +1 Reason
for every Fringe feat and by +2 for every mystic feat the A scrap of fringescript temporarily impedes your tar-
target possesses. get’s memory.
Prerequisites: Scribble, Cryptography or Languages
Eyes of Judgment 15+.
You can detect the Thirst in others. Benefit: As a full action, you may make a Language
Prerequisites: Aura Reading, Knowledge (Occult) 8+, or Cryptography skill check (DC equal to the target’s
Sense Motive 8+. rank with the chosen skill) to block the use of one of the
Benefit: When using Aura Reading to determine a target’s skills. For a number of minutes equal to the
target’s disposition, you also learn his current thirst number of Fringe feats you possess, the target’s rank
level (if any), and whether or not he’s ever had thirst with the chosen skill is reduced to 0 and the target is
levels in the past (even if the target’s current thirst level considered to be unskilled with that skill. The target is
is 0). still considered to possess the skill at his full rank when
determining the prerequisites of feats or prestige class-
Misfortune es. If you know the target’s birth name, you may use
It’s amazing how unlucky your enemies are… this ability at any distance; otherwise you must have
Prerequisites: Agent level 15+, Jinx. line of sight to the target when performing this action.
Benefit: Whenever you score a threat with an attack Each use of this ability is considered to be a use of your
roll against a special character (a henchman, a master- Scribble feat. You must name the skill to be blocked
mind, another agent, etc.) and do not convert it to a when performing the check, and if the target does not
critical hit, you may force your opponent to make a Will have ranks in the named skill, use of this ability auto-
save (DC 20 + the number of Fringe feats you possess + matically fails (but still counts as one of your uses of
your Cha modifier) or lose one action die. This effect is Scribble).
in addition the normal damage your attack causes. If the Special: The DC of this skill check is increased by +1
target is an NPC, this die is deducted from the GC’s for every Fringe feat and by +2 for every mystic feat the
action die pool. You may use this ability a number of target possesses.
times per session equal to the number of Fringe feats
you possess. Sour
Your attacks drain your enemies’ spiritual energy.
Moment of Weakness Prerequisites: Agent level 15+, Curdle.
Your opponents sometimes forget their best moves Benefit: Whenever you inflict any amount of dam-
when facing off against you. age against an opponent, the energy the target receives
Prerequisites: Scribble, Languages or Cryptography from bonded followers is decreased by the number of
15+. Fringe feats you possess for the remainder of the current
Benefit: As a full action, you may make a Languages day.
or Cryptography skill check (DC 10 + the target’s agent
level + the target’s Cha modifier) to prevent the target Suspicious Amnesia
from using one of his feats of your choice for a number You can make a target forget some of his prior expe-
of minutes equal to the number of Fringe feats you pos- riences.
sess. The target is still considered to have the feat when Prerequisites: Brain Freeze, Moment of Weakness,
determining prerequisites for other feats and prestige Momentary Lapse of Reason, Languages or Cryptography
classes. If you know the target’s birth name, you may 20+.
use this ability at any distance; otherwise you must
have line of sight to the target when performing this
action. Each use of this ability is considered to be a use

68
 New Rules
Benefit: As a full action, you may make a Language
or Cryptography skill check (DC 10 + the target’s agent Action Role
level + the target’s Cha modifier) to inflict 1 temporary Your regular roles as a two-fisted hero have unex-
negative level on a target within your line of sight. The pectedly taught you a thing or two about combat.
negative level lasts for a number of minutes equal to the Prerequisites: Dexterity 13+, Film Arts, Perform 8+.
number of Fringe Feats you possess. Multiple uses of Benefit: You’ve developed a reputation as a gun-tot-
this ability do not stack, and you may not reduce a tar- ing hero on the silver screen, and may take on the char-
get’s level below 1 by means of this ability. Each use of acter of a swaggering warrior at will, treating it as a
this ability is considered to be a use of your Scribble cover identity with a power rating of 2. This cover iden-
feat. tity may not be combined with other cover identities,
Special: The DC of this skill check is increased by +1 nor increased by spending BP, though it may be modi-
for every Fringe feat and by +2 for every mystic feat the fied by class abilities (e.g. the mole’s deep cover class
target possesses. ability).
Further, your Perform skill grants a +2 synergy
When the Chips Are Down bonus with all Sport and Tumble checks, and a +1 syn-
Your enemies don’t perform well when they put it all ergy bonus with all unarmed attacks.
on the line…
Prerequisites: Strange Inscription, Languages or Comedic Role
Cryptography 20+. Whether through slapstick comedy, witty punch
Benefit: As a full action, you may make a Languages lines, or dark humor, you’ve earned a strong following
or Cryptography skill check (DC 10 + the target’s agent as a comedic entertainer.
level + the target’s Cha modifier) to prevent a target Prerequisites: Film Arts, Perform 8+, Profession
within your line of sight from using his action dice for (Comedian) or Hobby (Humor) 4+.
any purpose. This effect lasts a number of rounds equal Benefit:You’ve developed a reputation as a funny-
to the number of Fringe feats you possess. Each use of man on the silver screen and may take on the character
this ability is considered a use of your Scribble feat. of a simpleminded screw-up at will, treating it as a
Special: The DC of this skill check is increased by +1 cover identity with a power rating of 2. This cover iden-
for every Fringe feat and by +2 for every mystic feat the tity may not be combined with other cover identities,
target possesses. nor increased by spending BP, though it may be modi-
fied by class abilities (e.g. the mole’s deep cover class
ability).
N EW S TYLE
FEATS
Further, your Perform skill grants a +2 synergy
bonus with all Reflex saves, Bluff checks, and Sleight of
Hand checks.
The following feats are considered part of the style Cover Girl
feat tree (see the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, pages
Your face is known around the world, and you’re
91–94).
closely watched for what’s new and hot in the world of
Action Hero fashion and the social elite.
Prerequisites: Famous, Gorgeous, Perform 8+.
Your high-flying stunts and hard-as-nails image
Benefit: You make a Perform check instead of a
have earned you a legendary reputation with filmgoers.
Charisma check when rolling to determine the starting
Prerequisites: Action Role, Tough Guy Role, Perform
disposition of NPCs.
12+.
Normal: When rolling to determine an NPC’s start-
Benefit: You may spend one action die to gain a
ing disposition, an agent must roll a d20 and add only
bonus with any of the following checks equal to 1/2 your
his Charisma modifier.
total Perform bonus (rounded up): Intimidate, Sport,
Survival, Tumble, Fortitude saves, or unarmed attack Famous
rolls. You may use this ability a number of times per
You’re a minor celebrity, with a small but loyal flock
session equal to your Charisma modifier.
of admirers.
Prerequisites: Agent level 3+, Charisma 15+, Jet
Setter.

69
 European Commonwealth

Benefit: You gain a +4 bonus with all presence Benefit: Once per session, you may check to see if
checks, and the threat ranges of all Presence checks you any of who might provide you with assistance are in the
make are increased by an additional 1 (for a total of 2; vicinity. You may spend one action die to make a pres-
i.e. a threat range of 19–20 becomes 18–20). ence check against a DC set by the target’s familiarity
with your work, as follows.
Film Arts • Target is personally acquainted with you or has intimate
You’re a gifted actor who’s worked extensively in the
knowledge of you (e.g. a long time follower, a club ded-
film industry.
icated to your life’s work): DC 10
Prerequisites: Perform 4+.
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus with all Perform and • Target comes from the same culture as you (e.g. same
presence checks, and the threat ranges of all Perform upbringing, same country of origin): DC 15
and presence checks are increased by 1 (i.e. a threat
• Target is from a background or culture similar to yours
range of 20 becomes 19–20).
(e.g. speaks the same language as you, from a country
Gorgeous culturally or socially allied with your own): DC 20
You’re amazingly beautiful, an embodiment of raw • Target is from a background or culture significantly dif-
physical attractiveness, bearing, grace, and fashion ferent than yours (speaks a different native language,
sense. has a different social structure or value system): DC 25
Prerequisites: Agent level 6+, Charisma 15+, The
• Target is from a culture alien to yours (from an
Look.
extremely isolated society, socially or technologically,
Benefit: The bonus to Charisma-based skill checks
from a “lost" culture): DC 35
gained from your The Look feat is increased to +3.
Further, the threat ranges of all Charisma-based skill If this check is successful, assistance arrives 1d6
checks targeting a member of the opposite sex are hours later in the form of 1d12 1st-level professionals
increased by 1 (i.e. a threat range of 20 becomes 19–20). per agent level you possess (see the Archer Foundation
Chamber book, page 85). These standard NPCs have
Groupies ability scores of 10, and their disposition toward you is
You’ve successfully cultivated your public image as friendly. They provide whatever assistance they can, so
a celebrity, and have a loyal fan base. long as it doesn’t involve committing a crime or risking
Prerequisites: Agent level 6+, Famous. their own personal safety. The NPCs flee if threatened
with violence or incarceration.

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 New Rules
Hollywood Star Benefit: Your bonus to influence the disposition of
politicians and gain government intervention from your
You’ve achieved incredible heights of superstardom
Political Favors feat is increased to +6. Further, you are
with your broad range of roles and incredible acting
now immune to all criminal charges brought against
skill.
you by organizations outside of the Conspiracy, includ-
Prerequisites: Comedic Role, Leading Role, Perform
ing capital crimes. Finally, if you’re the subject of an
12+.
investigation or manhunt from inside the Conspiracy,
Benefit: You may spend one action die to gain a
you may make an intervention favor check (DC 25) to
bonus with any of the following checks equal to 1/2 your
have the investigation called off.
total Perform bonus (rounded up): Bluff, Bureaucracy,
Innuendo, Sleight of Hand, Reflex or Will saves. You Romantic Role
may use this ability a number of times per session equal
Your good looks and natural acting talent have land-
to your Charisma modifier.
ed you parts in many romantic films.
Jet Setter Prerequisites: Film Arts, The Look, Perform 8+.
Benefit: You’ve developed a reputation as a roman-
You have earned a small public reputation running
tic lead on the silver screen, and may take on the char-
with the entertainment in-crowd, debutantes, and the
acter of a sex symbol at will, treating it as a cover iden-
social elite.
tity with a power rating of 2. This cover identity may
Prerequisites: Charisma 13+.
not be combined with other cover identities, nor
Benefit: You may use the presence system to influ-
increased by spending BP, though it may be modified by
ence others with your celebrity (see Presence, page 82).
class abilities (e.g. the mole’s deep cover class ability).
Leading Role Further, your Perform skill grants you a +2 synergy
bonus with all Cultures, Gather Information, and seduc-
You’re an award-winning actor with many notable
tion checks.
roles.
Prerequisites: Charisma 13+, Film Arts, Perform 8+. Sex Symbol
Benefit: You’ve developed a reputation as a power-
You’ve earned a reputation as one of entertainment’s
ful personality on the silver screen and may take on the
sexiest people with your red-hot looks and sultry
character of a inspirational leader at will, treating it as
demeanor.
a cover identity with a power rating of 2. This cover
Prerequisites: Romantic Role, Tragic Role, Perform
identity may not be combined with other cover identi-
12+.
ties, nor increased by spending BP, though it may be
Benefit: You may spend one action die to gain a
modified by class abilities (e.g. the mole’s deep cover
bonus with any of the following checks equal to 1/2 your
class ability).
total Perform bonus (rounded up): Cultures, Diplomacy,
Further, your Perform skill grants a +2 synergy
Gather Information, Profession, disposition, or seduc-
bonus with all Will saves, Bureaucracy checks, and
tion checks. You may use this ability a number of times
Innuendo checks.
per session equal to your Charisma modifier.
Political Clout Signature Performance
You’re known in political circles, and can exert some
One of your roles is considered the performance of a
influence in governments around the world.
lifetime by critics and the public alike — a role so dis-
Prerequisites: Agent level 9+, Bureaucracy 8+,
tinctive that it’s hard to tell where the character ends
Political Favors.
and you begin.
Benefit: Your bonus to influence the disposition of
Prerequisites: Any one “role" feat, Perform 12+.
politicians and gain government intervention from your
Benefit: Select any one “role" feat you have previ-
Political Favors feat is increased to +3. Further, you may
ously acquired. When using this role as a cover identi-
use your ability to shrug off criminal charges against
ty, you are considered to have the Flawless Identity feat
capital crimes, and may gain legitimate access to both
(granting it a power rating of 9), rather than a cover
secure and secret government facilities. You may use
identity with a power rating of +2.
either of these abilities up to twice per serial.
Further, the synergy bonus granted by your Perform
Political Immunity skill to any rolls defined in this “role" feat are doubled
(i.e. from +2 to +4, etc.)
Your political influence is extensive, placing you
Finally, once per session, you may reroll one failed
above all but the Conspiracy’s law.
presence check (by getting into character). However,
Prerequisites: Agent level 15+, Political Clout,
when you use this reroll, you expose yourself as the
Bureaucracy 12+.

71
 European Commonwealth
man behind the mask, and lose the benefits of the Tragic Role
Flawless Identity feat with using this role with this audi-
You’re a classically-trained dramatist whose films
ence for the remainder of the session.
enjoy a strong fan base.
Special: This feat may be taken multiple times, each
Prerequisites: Charmer, Film Arts, Perform 8+.
time applying to a different “role" feat.
Benefit: You’ve developed a reputation as a sensitive
Simply Irresistible and dramatic actor on the silver screen, and you may
take on the character of a tragic victim of fate at will,
Your dazzling good looks and masterful seduction
treating it as a cover identity with a power rating of 2.
techniques practically guarantee that you can get what
This cover identity may not be combined with other
you want from members of the opposite sex. Members
cover identities, nor increased by spending BP, though
of the Gemeinschafft Consortium’s Ninth Division are
it may be modified by class abilities (e.g. the mole’s deep
particularly fond of this feat.
cover class ability).
Prerequisites: Agent level 12+, Gorgeous, Silver
Further, your Perform skill grants a +2 synergy
Tongue.
bonus with all Diplomacy, Profession, and disposition
Benefit: The bonus to Charisma-based skill checks
checks.
from your The Look feat is increased to +5. Further,
when you score a threat with a Charisma-based skill
check targeting a member of the opposite sex, you do
not need to spend an action die to activate the critical
success. Finally, the starting disposition of all members
N EW P SION
POWERS
of the opposite sex towards you is improved by one
grade. Note that this ability may actually increase an Unlike the powerful physical adept Fade, the
NPC’s disposition above ally, if appropriate (for more Gemeinschafft Consortium’s leading ranks openly con-
information on new disposition grades, see page 86). demn the use of psion abilities, citing that they still
must work to undo the damage done by the Demagogue,
Superstar even 60 years after his defeat. But Europe’s paranoid
Your face is known around the world, and legions of political landscape has led to the Consortium covertly
adoring fans flock to your appearances just to catch a recruiting and training psions for use against their ene-
glimpse of you. mies — and for the periodic private agenda. So far,
Prerequisites: Agent level 12+, Charisma 17+, Gemeinschafft’s psion research is mainly limited to the
Famous. field of telepathic power — the very same power the
Benefit: The bonus to presence checks from your Demagogue wielded with horrifying results.
Famous feat is increased by an additional +4 (to a total Despite the Consortium leaders’ denial of any psion
of +8). Further, when you score a threat with a presence research, rumors linger of a hidden cache of files recov-
check, you no longer need to spend an action die to ered during the Reichstag’s renovation in 1999, alleged-
activate the critical success. Finally, when you apply a ly detailing the nature of the Demagogue’s powers, and
bonus from a presence check to any skill or seduction laying the groundwork for many new discoveries previ-
check, the threat range of these skill checks is increased ously unknown even to the Archer Foundation.
by +1 as long as the bonus remains in effect. Throughout the European shadow community, fear is
slowly rising that the power brokers of the
Tough Guy Role Gemeinschafft Consortium are developing an arsenal of
You’re a method actor who plays hard-bitten detec- new and more powerful telepaths in the hopes of coun-
tives and grizzled veterans. tering Fade’s growing influence in the region.
Prerequisites: Film Arts, Intimidate 4+, Perform 8+.
Benefit: You’ve developed a reputation as a tough New Telepathic
guy on the silver screen, and may take on the character Psion Skills
of a movie heavy at will, treating it as a cover identity These psion skills allow you to touch the world in
with a power rating of 2. This cover identity may not be many subtle ways and expand your ordinary senses.
combined with other cover identities, nor increased by ESP, Imprint, and Intuitive skills are all considered tele-
spending BP, though it may be modified by class abili- pathic psion skills.
ties (e.g. the mole’s deep cover class ability).
Further, your Perform skill grants a +2 synergy
bonus with all Fortitude saves, Intimidate checks, and
Survival checks.

72
 New Rules
Aegis (Con; Trained only) Vitality Point Cost: 2 for Façade, 4 for Inner
Requires the Intuition Basics feat. Resilience and Mental Shelter.
European government officials are extremely wary
of telepaths, and many may harm or kill a confirmed Dark Corners
telepath on sight. Aegis allows the telepath to passively (Int; Trained Only)
conceal his abilities and strengthen his resolve against Requires the ESP Basics feat.
brainwashing, torture, and other taxing assaults. The strongest emotions — love, hatred, fear — all
Check: Aegis requires a half action and allows you leave a mark on our minds. You can scan a target for
to activate one of the following powers. these marks and use them to your advantage.
Façade: You may hide the presence of psionic pow- Check: Dark Corners requires one full round action
ers by suppressing psionic disturbances that other sen- and allows you to use one of the following powers. You
sitives might notice. While this power is active, you may only have one of these powers active at any time.
appear as a non-latent person to all scans, including Desires: By probing your target’s strongest loves and
Psion Sensing checks. The duration of this effect is hates, you can more effectively lure him into your
determined by the result of your Aegis check. clutches. You gain a psionic bonus with all seduction
checks involving your target equal to the result of your
Result Duration
Dark Corners check (see Table 5.1 in the Shadowforce
Up to 15 1 hour
Archer Worldbook, page 177).
16–20 3 hours
Dreams: You find the target’s greatest aspirations,
21–25 6 hours
and use them to get closer to him. You gain a psionic
26–30 12 hours
bonus with all Bluff and presence checks involving your
31+ 24 hours
target equal to the result of your Dark Corners check
This effect is immediately canceled the next time you (see Table 5.1 in the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook,
activate a psion power. page 177).
Inner Resilience: You can shake off the effects of Fears: You pick up on the traumatic moments of
mental exhaustion and confusion. The DC of your Aegis your target’s life, and can twist them to your own ends.
check is determined by the condition you wish to You gain a psionic bonus with all Charisma-based
ignore. Intimidate checks involving your target equal to the
result of your Dark Corners check (see Table 5.1 in the
Condition DC
Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 177).
Fatigued 15
Note: All of these powers are much more difficult to
Staggered 20
manifest if your target knows you can read his mind. If
Stunned 25
the target is aware that you’re a telepath, he may
Temporary blindness/deafness 30
attempt to resist by making a Will save against a DC of
Temporary Intelligence damage 35
10 + your psion level. If he is successful, you lose your
Using the inner resilience power merely delays the bonus against him for the remainder of the session.
effect rather than negating it altogether. The duration of Vitality Point Cost: 2
this power is 1 round per psion level you possess during
combat, or 1 hour per psion level you possess when used Pandemonium
outside of combat. When this duration expires, you suf- (Wis; Trained only)
fer the condition’s full effects, as normal. Requires the Imprint Basics feat.
Mental Shelter: You can steel yourself against vari- While most telepathic abilities are passive in nature,
ous mind-affecting assaults. You may add the results of Pandemonium allows the telepath to send out the psion-
your Aegis check (see Table 5.1 in the Shadowforce ic “white noise," scrambling the memories, thoughts and
Archer Worldbook, page 177) to your Will save bonus senses of others.
and effective ranks with the Concentration skill for the Check: Pandemonium requires one full round action
purposes of determining the complex DCs of brainwash- and allows you to activate one of the following powers.
ing and interrogation (for more information on brain- You may only have one of these powers active at any
washing and interrogation, see the Fixer/Pointman class time.
guide, pages 61 and 66). Further, as a free action, you Fog: You disrupt your target’s memory, making it
may add the results of your Aegis check to Will saves difficult for him or her to recall past events correctly.
required to avoid ability damage to your Intelligence, The target must make a Will saving throw with a DC of
Wisdom or Charisma scores. Mental Shelter has a dura- 10 + your psion level. If this save fails, the error ranges
tion of 10 minutes per psion level you possess, or one of all the target’s Knowledge and education checks are
complex skill check (whichever is longer).

73
 European Commonwealth
FADE REVISITED
Adventurer. Spy. The source of all modern physical adepts. Psion Skills*: Body Sculpting +17, Combat Sense +21,
The “grandfather" of the Archer Conspiracy. Conrad Archer has Control Metabolism +17, Control Pheromones +15, Deadly
led a full life, and that was all before he became Fade, one of Hands +21, Energy Burst +17, Enhance Senses +21, Extended
the two most powerful figures in Europe’s modern shadow Visual Spectrum +19, Friction Control +17, Link Health +17,
community. As Fade, Conrad Archer has withdrawn from the Pain Transmission +16, Perfect Calm +27, Psionic Sensing +17,
global struggle’s front line, no longer willing to live in the pub- Speed Control +21, Structural Awareness +16.
lic eye. Tortured by his willingness to virtually sell his soul to
Special: Conrad’s class abilities include bookworm (1/2),
defeat his former friend-turned-criminal mastermind Helix
complete focus 1/session, connected, curse of the word (DC 45),
(see page 103 for more), Fade now trains others to take up the
direction sense +3, drawing the knife 1/serial, edit memory,
banner of the Archer family motto.
hand of discord, mark for death +1, psi mastery (Combat Sense,
As the only individual to receive one of the Ancients’ three
Deadly Hands, Enhance Senses, Extended Visual Spectrum,
psion serums in its purest state, Conrad Archer possesses
Speed Control), superhuman 2/session (+11 bonus, 20 rounds),
supreme physical adept capabilities, including the ability to
and uncanny dodge (Dex bonus). Due to his department, he
manufacture more of the formula within his blood stream.
may take 10 even under stress with Concentration, Hide, Move
Combined with the vast experience of a man who has wit-
Silently, Spot, and Tumble checks, as well as with any physical
nessed the entirety of the 20th century during his adult life,
psion skill, allowing him to achieve a psion bonus of +16 at will
Conrad’s skills and abilities make him one of the most formi-
in most cases. His ranks with the Perfect Calm skill allow him
dable beings on the planet. (Note: For those playing high-level
to ignore 100 years of his considerable age.
campaigns, these statistics supercede those seen on page 99 of
the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook.) Attacks
Fist/punch +19 1d6+5
Department: Training Corps
Scimitar +19 1d12+5
Class: Explorer/Physical Adept/Assassin
Browning High-Power +19 1d10+1
Level: 4/12/4
Psion Level: 22 (23 for purposes of any physical psion skill)* Gear: Weapons, designer outfit, $20,000 cash.
Gadgets: Varies (13 GP).
Strength: 20* Dexterity: 20*
Constitution: 20* Intelligence: 18* *Secrets of the Ancients: the Pre-Minoan Formula
Wisdom: 20* Charisma: 26* Conrad is the only person in the modern era to be exposed
Vitality: 221 Wounds: 30 to the pre-Minoan physical adept psion formula. This formula
granted Conrad incredible genetic ability, including the follow-
Defense: 27 (+12 class, +5 Dex) + Sidestep
ing. These mechanics are presented so that the GC may introduce
Initiative: +16 (+11 class, +5 Dex)
various NPC abilities based on this pure strain, if he so desires.
Speed: 30
Ability Boosts: Conrad’s ability scores are boosted by 1 in
Fort: +16 Ref: +17 Will: +20 addition to bonuses from his agent level, physical adept abili-
ties, and his Perfect Harmony and Ultimate Adept feats. All of
Skills: Balance +15, Bluff +8, Climb +15, Concentration
these bonuses are factored into the statistics listed above.
+15, Cryptography +20, Cultures +12, Demolitions +8,
Psion Levels: The pure pre-Minoan formula has granted
Disguise +4, Driver +12, First Aid +11, Gather Information +8,
Conrad a number of psion levels equal to 1/2 his agent level
Hide +18, Innuendo +10, Intimidate +12/10, Jump +15,
(rounded down). Further, the formula ensures that he never
Knowledge (Archer Secrets) +12, Knowledge (Commonwealth
suffers a vitality cost penalty for taking non-psion classes.
Secrets) +19, Knowledge (Occult) +8, Languages +13, Listen
Psion Feats: The formula granted Conrad several addition-
+10, Move Silently +28, Open Lock +10, Pilot +10, Search +12,
al psion feats, as listed above. These feats were gained auto-
Sense Motive +13, Spot +15, Surveillance +13, Tumble +15.
matically when he reached the prerequisite psion level (i.e. he
Feats: Ambidextrous, Armor Group Proficiencies (Light, gained the Basics feats instantly, the Masteries feats at 6 agent
Medium), Blind-Fight, Combat Instincts, Decipher Fringescript, levels, the Supremacy feats at 12 agent levels, the Ultimate
Fade to Black, Greatsword Basics, Greatsword Mastery, Like to Adept feats at 18 agent levels, etc.).
Like, Martial Arts, Scholarly, Scribble, Sidestep, Surge of Psion Skills: The formula granted Conrad additional ranks
Speed, Unshakable, Weapon Group Proficiencies (Melee, with all physical psion skills equal to 1/2 his agent level
Hurled, Pistol, Rifle, Exotic, Archaic), World Traveler*. (rounded down). Conrad isn’t always aware of his abilities —
he possesses these ranks even with skills the Conspiracy has
* Because of his exposure to the original pre-Minoan phys-
not yet discovered — once he learns of their existence (i.e. as
ical adept formula, Conrad has also acquired the Adrenal
new physical psion skills are introduced to the game), he auto-
Basics, Adrenal Mastery, Adrenal Supremacy, Coordination
matically gains/already has 10 ranks with each, modified by
Junction, Equilibrium Junction, Metabolic Basics, Metabolic
his feats and ability scores as normal. His skill ranks listed here
Mastery, Metabolic Supremacy, Perfect Harmony, Recuperation
reflect this growing self-awareness, and additional skill train-
Junction, Sensory Basics, Sensory Mastery, Sensory
ing with skills gained from class levels and his junction feats.
Supremacy, and Ultimate Adept feats.

74
 New Rules
increased by your Intelligence modifier. This power’s Shadowforce Archer Worldbook), the psi-shredder gen-
duration is determined by the by the result of your erates random distortions that can impair or even crip-
Pandemonium check. ple psions. Many test participants describe the painful
feedback from this effect as “being hit with psionic
Result Duration
shrapnel."
Up to 15 15 minutes
The psi-shredder looks like a land mine, with the
16–20 30 minutes
control on one face and an adhesive pad on the other,
21–25 1 hour
allowing the device to be easily attached to any flat sur-
26–30 2 hours
face. The current model for these rare devices was final-
31+ 4 hours
ized after the Shop defection, so the devices are gener-
Overload: You flood your target’s senses with infor- ally reliable, but copycat devices have already surfaced
mation, temporarily incapacitating him. The target must during Shop operations.
take a Will save with a DC of 10 + your psion level. If Gadget Point Cost: 4 Weight: 4 lb.
this save fails, the target is blinded and deafened for a Spot DC: Automatic (super-science)
number of rounds determined by your Pandemonium Mechanics: When active, all psions within 60 ft. who
check. initiate or maintain one or more psion powers suffer
2d6 subdual damage per round until either all their
Result Duration
powers or the device are turned off. Affected psions may
Up to 15 1 round
make a Will save (DC 20) to reduce this damage to half
16–20 2 rounds
(rounded up). Further, the device forces psions with one
21–25 3 rounds
or more active powers to make a Concentration check to
26–30 4 rounds
maintain each power (see the Shadowforce Archer
31+ 5 rounds
Worldbook, page 178, for details). Finally, the results of
For more information on blindness and deafness, see all psion skill checks made within the psi-shredder’s
the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page 177. radius of effect suffer a random –2d6 penalty (the GC
Tumult: You actively disrupt the focus and concen- should roll separately for each skill use).
tration of others. All living characters within a radius of The psi-shredder’s emitters are both fragile and
5 feet per psion level you possess must make a Will save unpredictable, burning out 4d10+10 rounds after the
(DC 15). If this save fails, the DCs of all the target’s skills device is activated, at which time the emitter fuses into
and abilities that require concentration (including slag. Any sharp blow inflicting at least 1 point of nor-
Demolitions, Electronics, Knowledge, Mechanics, and mal damage to the shredder disables the device perma-
Search skill checks) are increased by an amount equal to nently.
your Pandemonium check (see Table 5.1 in the The psi-damper can be set to activate via radio
Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 177). transmission or on a timer. It may only be used once
At the start of each round, each affected character before it must be returned to Research and Development
may make a Concentration check (DC 15 + your psion for repairs (costing 2 GP if the agent wishes to use it
level) to reduce this penalty to one-half (rounded down). again during the same serial).
This effect lasts as long as the psion actively maintains Psi Restraint: Affectionately called “the muzzle" by
the power and pays the vitality point cost. Gemeinschafft Consortium operatives, this heavy metal
Vitality Point Cost: 4 for Fog, 6 for Overload, 2 per collar and head brace are quite uncomfortable and make
round for Tumult. sleeping nearly impossible. While active, the harness
assaults the confined psion with a mixture of noise,
lights, and electromagnetic waves, disorienting and
NEW PSITECH
Progress at the Foundry marches ever on, despite the
confusing him, and effectively ruining the concentra-
tion required for psion ability.
Gadget Point Cost: 2 Weight: 3 lb.
loss of many key researchers to the Shop defection. The Spot DC: Automatic (no housing, super-science)
R&D house continues to refine their signature ProStar Mechanics: Locking a psion restraint harness around
Icon series, and has recently introduced a new line of a resisting psion’s head requires a successful grapple
currency-based gadgets and several other new items. attempt, followed by a successful pin. Locking the
restraint around a helpless psion requires only one full
New Anti-Psi Technology action. A psion wearing this harness suffers a –6 gear
Psi-Shredder: Based on discoveries linked to the penalty with all psion skill checks (if the restrained
telepath’s ability to influence fundamental psionic fields psion possesses 6 or fewer ranks with a psion skill, he’s
(see the Catalyst psion skill on page 203 of the considered unskilled with that skill, and cannot make

75
 European Commonwealth
use of it at all). Escaping from the harness requires a Anti-Toxin Bills: This gadget is available in any
successful Escape Artist or Open Lock check (DC 25) or paper currency denomination. Each bill appears perfect-
a successful Break check (DC 30). ly normal except for a small blue watermark loosely
resembling a shark at one corner. These bills have no
Currency Gadgets special properties until they contact saliva, at which
Adaptive Money: This gadget is requisitioned as 10 point they break down into a powerful anti-toxin. The
pieces of thin plastic, each six inches long and four bills can also be used to weaken poison-laced liquids by
inches wide. When pressed against a piece of paper cur- spitting on the bill and grinding the resulting powder
rency, the plastic takes on the currency’s physical into the target fluid.
appearance and tactile feel, after which in-depth study Gadget Point Cost: 1 Weight: —
or chemical analysis is required to tell it apart from the Spot DC: 25
real thing. Each piece of plastic copies the surface it’s Mechanics: When swallowed, an anti-toxin bill
pressed against exactly; any excess plastic melts away, grants a +8 gear bonus with Fortitude saves made
leaving a perfectly sized replica of the original currency. against poison. If dissolved into a poisonous liquid,
Gadget Point Cost: 2 per 10 sheets Weight: — anyone drinking the liquid gains the same +8 gear
Spot DC: 25 (expert only) when adapted; otherwise bonus with Fortitude saves made against poison. Either
15 (no housing) administration process requires one half action.
Mechanics: Adaptive money may be used to repli- Disintegrating Money: This gadget is available in
cate any paper currency (or in fact, any piece of paper) any paper currency denomination. Each bill appears
measuring no more than 6" × 4". The transformation perfectly normal except for a small red watermark
requires the adaptive sheets and authentic currency to loosely resembling a rose at one corner. These bills have
be in direct contact for 1 full round, after which the no special properties until the watermark is torn, at
gadget sheets are considered to have been created with which point they slowly break down into ash. This
a Forgery skill bonus of +15. Adaptive money may be chemical breakdown also affects mundane paper in con-
reused by touching a new type of currency to the gad- tact with the disintegrating bill, allowing an agent to
get sheet’s surface, but subsequent forgeries may only use this gadget to quickly destroy small caches of
be made of currency that is equal to or smaller in size unwanted physical evidence. Disintegrating money is
than the most recently copied currency. often slipped in with pay-off money when it’s better the
Adhesive Money: This gadget is available in any money be destroyed than fall into the ransomers’ hands.
paper currency denomination. This money appears per- Gadget Point Cost: 1 per bill Weight: —
fectly normal except for a small black watermark loose- Spot DC: 25
ly resembling a spider at one corner of each bill. Mechanics: Tearing the watermark requires a half
Adhesive currency has no special properties until it con- action unless circumstances or the GC determine other-
tacts saliva, at which point it turns into a powerful wise. Once torn, the bill breaks down to ash over the
adhesive. course of 8 hours. Any other disintegrating money or
Gadget Point Cost: 1 per five bills Weight: — non-gadget currency in direct contact with the bill for
Spot DC: 25 more than half of this period is also destroyed. This
Mechanics: One drop of saliva is all that’s required process is not noticeable until the final ten minutes of
to launch the chemical shift from currency to adhesive, the process, at which point the edges of the bill begin
which requires one full round. Thereafter, the bills take turning black. This chemical process creates no heat and
on the appearance of gray putty, and may be molded for makes no noticeable noise.
up to a second full round. At the start of the third full
round, the adhesive bonds to anything it’s touching, New Document Gadgets
including steel, wood, flesh, or other substances. Once Memscan Device: This small gray box, about the size
activated and attached to something, the bond created of a pack of cigarettes, is completely self-contained
by this adhesive has a Break DC of 20 + 2 per bill used except for one universal out-port. All sides are magnet-
past the first. The adhesive money has no hardness or ic and adhesive, allowing it to be attached to nearly any
wounds; any direction damage to it destroys the adhe- surface. When attached to a fax machines, printers, or
sive bond. The adhesive can hold up to 1,000 lbs. of copiers, it stores copies of all documents made or trans-
weight. Unless shattered beforehand, the adhesive mitted by the target device. The memscan can then be
money loses its bond eight hours after activation, later retrieved and plugged into a laptop or desktop
becoming an inert lump of gray plastic. computer to retrieve the document copies. This device
may also be requisitioned with a built-in transmitter,
which transmits its storage in burst transmissions to a
designated laptop equipped with a special receiver unit.

76
 New Rules
Gadget Point Cost: 1 (2 for transmitting version) cult to jam. Using its antenna, an agent may spend one
Weight: 1 lb. Spot DC: 20 minute establishing a satellite link, allowing him to
Mechanics: The memscan device can store up to 500 instantly transmit to any other Icon ProStar on Earth.
pages of documents (or up to the receiving device’s The transmissions are encrypted using a set of stan-
power rating × 500 pages when transmitting data). If the dardized Commonwealth ciphers that are changed daily.
memscan device is recovered by someone without the Breaking this cipher requires a successful Cryptography
proper access codes, the retrieved documents appear as check (DC 35).
gibberish, requiring a Cryptography check (DC 30) to The ProStar 8’s 3 ft. × 6 ft. photo-reactive touch sen-
unravel. Tapping the memscan device’s transmission sitive screen can record fingerprints or copy any text
signal is equally difficult, applying a –8 gear penalty to page, diagram, or photo pressed against it with one half
all Cryptography checks made to intercept its messages. action, allowing an agent to easily store and/or transmit
the data back to the home office or other teammates.
New Ear Implants The ProStar 8’s built-in, real-time GPS mapping
Translator Ear: This standard ear implant enhance- software is updated minute-by-minute through Archer’s
ment acts as an automatic translation device. It has dif- OVERWATCH satellite network, and provides a +2 gear
ficulty making out words in a crowded room, but if only bonus with all chase maneuver checks, and can down-
one person is speaking, it can accurately translate a load local maps and current satellite photos of all but
multitude of languages. the most remote locations, and those plagued by foul
Gadget Point Cost: +1 Weight: — weather (i.e. those locations the GC spends one action
Spot DC: 10 die to plague with foul weather, preventing the agents
Mechanics: This device is activated and deactivated from obtaining local maps).
by squeezing either ear lobe as a free action. While Finally, the ProStar 8’s adapter cables can be
active, this device grants a +6 gear bonus to the agent’s attached to most other computers, creating a standard-
Languages skill to understand any foreign language. It ized interface for dealing with unusual machines. This
provides no assistance in speaking that language. eliminates penalties for operating with “unfamiliar
Whisper Ear: This enhancement to a standard ear parts" or an “unfamiliar computer system" (see the
implant greatly increases the sensitivity of an agent’s Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page 45, for more).
hearing. Unfortunately this increased sensitivity also
makes the agent’s ear more vulnerable to damage. New Infiltration Gadgets
Gadget Point Cost: +2 Weight: — Corrosive Spray: A multi-purpose gadget, this device
Spot DC: 0 is commonly disguised as a container of cleaning fluid
Mechanics: This device is activated and deactivated or deodorant. In truth it is filled with a powerful acid,
by squeezing either ear lobe as a free action. While active, able to quickly burn through metal and other materials.
this device grants a +4 gear bonus to the agent’s Listen Corrosive spray is often used during infiltration jobs for
skill. If this device is active when the agent is subject to burning through locks or other obstacles.
a sonic attack, however, he suffers a –2 gear penalty to Gadget Point Cost: 2 Weight: 1 lb.
all saving throws made against the sonic attack. Spot DC: 30
Mechanics: Each bottle holds five applications of
Icon ProStar 8 acid, each of which requires one half action to apply.
(See the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 207, For each application, 1d10 normal damage is applied to
for more about the Icon ProStar 7). the object each round for five rounds, ignoring the
Nearly indistinguishable from a normal PDA, this object’s hardness. Multiple applications cannot be used
latest edition of the Icon ProStar portable computer on the same object. This acid has no effect on organic
comes in a custom carry case with a laser keyboard materials, such as wood, leather, or skin, and is there-
(outlines of the keys are projected onto any flat surface, fore ineffective in combat unless used against a vehicle
and the motion of agent’s fingers breaking the beams or metallic device.
act like normal keystrokes). Also included are a minia- Follicle Stimulator: This small device, similar in
turized satellite antenna, a universal power adapter, and appearance to an electric razor, allows the user to aug-
retractable 5 ft. cords for plugging into other computer ment hair growth anywhere on the body by chemically
devices. stimulating the subject’s hair follicles. This allows an
Gadget Point Cost: 4 Weight: 1/2 lb. agent to drastically change his or her appearance with
Spot DC: 20 minimal time and effort. Unfortunately, some mishaps
Mechanics: The Icon ProStar 8 operates as a hand- have been recorded with this device, stimulating
held computer with a +3 power rating. Its satellite extreme and unwanted hair growth.
uplink has a signal power rating of +8, making it diffi-

77
 European Commonwealth
Gadget Point Cost: 1 Weight: 1 lb. establish a connection, the tube transmits the tapped
Spot DC: 25 (obvious, super-science) feed directly back to a computer upgraded with the sec-
Mechanics: This device can be used to grow a beard ond component, a universal receiver.
or a mustache, change hair length, and remove bald Any images and sound transmitted through this
spots. The stimulator can also change the color and con- two-part system may be modified using the receiver-
sistency of hair, allowing an agent to sport any natural- computer — light levels may be increased or decreased,
ly occurring color or style. Using the device requires ten noise can be added, sharpened, or softened, and a full
minutes, enabling after which it grants a +4 gear bonus range of movie-quality SFX can be added. Parts of the
to the agent’s Disguise check (assuming the new dis- image can even be erased by virtually mapping their
guise involves radically different hair length, style, or surroundings and extrapolating what’s behind them.
color). With a critical failure, however, the device over- Gadget Point Cost: 4
stimulates hair growth, causing the agent’s hair to grow Weight: 1 lb. (1/2 lb. for each component)
uncontrollably at a rate of one inch per hour for the Spot DC: 10 (no housing)
next 1d20+4 hours. Like any use of this device, this side Mechanics: Installing each component requires one
effect cannot be halted or reversed, even by Shop per- half action, though no skill check is required. Once the
sonnel — the agent must simply wait for it to end and link is established, any agent using the receiver-com-
then shave the unwanted hair away (or shave it in incre- puter may make a complex Computers check to alter the
ments, fighting the growth as it occurs). audio/video feed (see the Shadowforce Archer
Royal Flush Code: This deck of normal-looking play- Worldbook, page 223, for more about complex skill
ing cards is actually a complex set of small touch-screen checks). The DC for this check is determined by the
computers that can be used to communicate small complexity of the adjustment, as follows.
pieces of visual and text information. These devices are
Adjustment DC
often used during gambling operations, allowing multi-
Trivial (adjust light level or colors, add 15
ple agents at the same table to share information, or
repetitive ambient noise)
giving outsiders a way to transmit information to a
Minor (feed last 10 rounds in infinite loop, add 30
gambler without disturbing him.
or subtract small objects from image, add
The data contents of each card can be programmed
lifelike ambient noise)
quickly by placing the deck within its carry case and
Extensive (add or subtract stationary people 50
plugging linking to a computer via a hidden jack on the
from image, add sampled voices)
case’s bottom, or more slowly through remote transmis-
Major (add or subtract moving people from 75
sion. The data is then recovered when each card reads a
image, add digitally created voices)
certain fingerprint on its surface or when certain images
Reconstruction (use existing components to 100
on the card’s surface (the Jack’s face, a specific dia-
build an entirely new image)
mond) are rubbed twice in a rightward direction.
Gadget Point Cost: 2 Weight: — During each round that the agent spends making
Spot DC: 25 (super-science) adjustments to the feed, there’s a chance that his activ-
Mechanics: Up to 200 words or one image no larger ities are noticed by anyone observing the feed.
than 2" × 3" may be stored on each card in the deck. Observers make a Surveillance check opposed by the
Programming the cards requires a computer with a agent’s Computers check made toward the complex skill
power rating of at least +2 and a successful Computers check DC during this round only.
check (DC 15), as well as one full action for the entire
Example: During the second round of a complex
deck (via direct link) or one half action per card (via
Computers check to add a stationary person to an image
remote transmission). All data and images must be pre-
feed, the agent’s Computers check result is 18. He adds
pared before programming can commence — the deck
this 18 to his previous result for the purpose of deter-
has no compiling capabilities; it’s just a storage medi-
mining success in adjusting the feed, but only applies
um. Programming approved fingerprints or changing
the 18 toward any observers’ opposed Surveillance skill
the parameters for accessing the stored data requires an
checks to notice his activities.
additional full round, though it remains until replaced,
even when new data is uploaded into the deck. Once completed, changes to the feed are never
Special Effects Unit: This device has two compo- noticed through casual observation. Someone must
nents. The first is a small black tube with rows of sharp spent at least three full rounds analyzing the feed and
prongs along its inside lining. This may be attached to succeed with a Surveillance check (DC equal to the
any audio or video feed by clamping it around the feed, agent’s Computers skill bonus +20) to identify the
forcing the prongs through any protective coating and inconsistencies.
into the live wire within. Once this device is used to

78
 New Rules
New Watch Options
N EW V EHICLES
Magnetic Pocket Watch and Extending Chain: This
gadget looks like a normal gold-plated pocket watch
AND V EHICULAR
with a one foot chain and fob. The device is activated
GADGETS
by pressing the pocket watch’s face release twice quick-
ly, which magnetizes the watch and runs electrical cur-
rent through the chain, changing its molecular structure This section introduces many new vehicles and gad-
to become much more flexible. The pocket watch may gets designed and fielded through the European
then be attached to any metal surface and used as Commonwealth’s subsidiaries and allies.
climbing anchor using the chain as a climbing line.
Gadget Point Cost: 2 Weight: — The 2004 Equinox
Spot DC: 25 Motors Line
Mechanics: The magnetized pocket watch and European Commonwealth agents benefit from their
extending chain operate as a climbing kit when a metal- Chamber’s close association with this exclusive auto
lic object is available from which to anchor. The chain manufacturer. Already a legend in the ultra-high-end
can hold up too 500 lbs. of weight and extends up to market, Equinox Motors’ line up has expanded this
500 ft. Once activated, the pocket watch remains mag- decade into the merely “outrageously expensive" range
netized and the chain remains extended for one hour, or to try and catch the eye (and money) of a slightly less
until the agent deactivates them. After 5 uses, the pock- exclusive clientele.
et watch and chain must be returned to the office for a
recharge. Chauffeur (Crystal Edition)
While magnetized, this watch can also be used to A mixture of luxury car and limousine, the
wipe out computer hard drives, a process which requires Chauffeur is an oversized sedan with surprising power
one half action per point of power rating the computer and handling for its size. Favored by the rich and pow-
possesses. This magnet is not powerful enough to affect erful of the European corporate world, the Chauffeur is
computers with a power rating of +4 or greater. often used by agents attempting to blend in with the
This is a base watch housing, and may be used to business elite.
contain up to two other watch gadget options.
Limousine; GP: 7; Size: Large; Occ: 1/5; Hnd: –3;
New Weapon Options Spd: 600 ft.; MPH: 60/120; Def: 4; wp: 130; Hrd: 7;
Qualities: EOP, HOT.
Disintegrating Bullets: Made of an advanced plastic
material, these bullets begin to undergo a complex Special: The Chauffeur comes standard with the bul-
chemical process when fired. One hour thereafter, they letproof windows gadget (see the Soldier/Wheelman
completely dissolve into harmless chemicals that evap- Class Guide, page 94).
orate when exposed to air, leaving no noticeable
residue. This occurs even if the bullet is within a living Hercules
being. In this case the bullet disintegrates and is passed The sixth model in Equinox Motors SUV line, the
out of the target or being’s system as waste. Hercules is an oversized behemoth, well suited for off-
Gadget Point Cost: 2 per 50 bullets road travel, and barely small enough to fit within most
Weight: Same as bullets Spot DC: — traffic lanes. The Hercules is considered by most drivers
Mechanics: One hour after being fired these bullets to be little more than a road hog for over-compensating
dissolve into common chemicals, making forensic blowhards, but it’s proven an excellent vehicle for
examination and identification impossible. Disintegrat- wilderness missions, and is popular with Company oper-
ing bullets are caseless ammunition, meaning no bullet atives, among others.
casings are ejected from the gun when fired, leaving no
Off-road SUV; GP: 10; Size: Large; Occ: 1/6; Hnd: –5;
evidence of their use outside damage to the victim.
Spd: 500 ft.; MPH: 50/100; Def: 3; wp: 130 Hrd: 10;
Disintegrating bullets are available in all common cal-
Qualities: ORD, RGD.
ibers except for those used only in tactical weapons.
Special: In a bold move, Equinox provided the solid
tires masterwork modification as a standard feature on
the Hercules. It’s also possible to cram a single battle
suite into the spacious vehicle, though the suite’s GP
cost is increased by +1.

79
 European Commonwealth
Valet Special: The Gemini is one of the most sought-after
Available at the low end of Equinox Motors product vehicles on the road, and provides a +1 gear bonus to
line, this oversized van is marketed to the commercial presence checks toward anyone acquainted with the
sector and intended to transport small crowds without vehicle’s prestigious background (this bonus is increased
the flash of a limousine. The Valet features impressive to +2 when dealing with any Katt Wilde fan, based sole-
cargo capacity and plentiful seating, but few other ly on their reaction to its presence in the Catwalk movie
amenities. trailer).
Pre-release Geminis automatically come with 2 GPs
Full Van; GP: 4; Size: Large; Occ: 1/8; Hnd: –4;
worth of refinements (agent’s choice), at no additional
Spd: 550 ft.; MPH: 55/110; Def: 5; wp: 130; Hrd: 7;
cost. Up to 5 refinements may be installed beyond this
Qualities: EOP.
initial allotment by paying the standard GP cost for
Special: It’s possible to cram a single battle suite into them, and usual refinements discounts may be applied
the spacious Valet, though the suite’s GP cost is (though the 2 bonus GP are not counted for the purpos-
increased by +1. es of determining usual refinements discounts).
At this time, the Proteus package is not available as
Vector ’03 a refinement for the Gemini.
This robust sports car from Equinox Motors is a rel- Special Note: Katt Wilde owns the original Gemini
atively common sight on the highways of Europe. While prototype. The following changes apply to her vehicle:
not a match for its big brother, the Sagittarius, the Spd: 800 ft.; MPH: 80/175; wp: 45; Hrd: 5. The original
Vector is fast, reliable, and stylish, and often used by prototype also includes the custom look masterwork
Commonwealth agents wanting to blend in with at least modification.
a little flair.
While the Vector’s leather bucket seats are quite Zephyr
comfortable, its back seat was almost an afterthought. Equinox Cycles’ debut creation, the Zephyr repre-
One reviewer comments, “You could get two people into sents the industry leader’s opening bid to seize the
the back— if you sliced them thinly." motorcycle market — a lean and fast street machine
that’s both remarkably safe and highly maneuverable on
Modern sports car; GP: 6; Size: Large; Occ: 1/2; HND:
roads (though its performance suffers noticeably off-
+6; Spd: 800 ft.; MPH: 80/160; Def: 14; wp: 80; Hrd:
road).
5; Bonus GP: 0; Qualities: FPH, HOT.
Street Motorcycle; GP: 3; Size: Medium; Occ: 1; Hnd:
Special: The Vector comes standard with the sports
+8; Spd: 700 ft.; MPH: 70/140; Def: 18; wp: 35; Hrd:
brakes masterwork modification.
1; Qualities: FPH, HOT, OPT (50%).
Current Equinox Cycles Special: When not traveling on paved surfaces, the
A recent spin-off division, Equinox Cycles is already Zephyr's handling is reduced to +7 and its speed is
gaining a reputation as a line of quality machines for reduced to 400 ft. and 40/80 MPH.
discerning riders. Given the line’s initial success with
the Zephyr, Equinox’s new “top secret" project stands “The Gondola”
poised to sweep the market… Hovering over Europe at a height of over 60,000
feet, the Fractal Intelligence Division’s secret headquar-
The Gemini ters is the greatest joint venture between the
Building off the huge success of the Sagittarius, Commonwealth’s Chambers — the Gondola. This unique
Equinox Motors decided to give their premier motorcy- creation is a marvel of stealth and reconnaissance, ful-
cle model an equally celestial name. Although the filling the same role as satellite observation, but operat-
Gemini’s first “public" showing won’t take place until ing much closer to the ground. A lighter-than-air craft
the imminent cross-promotional campaign for Katt featuring advanced camouflage technologies, the
Wilde’s next “Wildcat" film release, Catwalk: Gold Gondola is undetectable by all conventional radar sys-
Shadow (in which the cycle is prominently featured), tems. Its translucent superstructure renders the lifting
European Commonwealth agents have had access to body all but invisible to the naked eye at ranges over a
early models for weeks. It’s even rumored that Katt mile (though the craft has caused occasional anomalies
Wilde liked her new toy so much that she pulled strings in observatory-grade telescopes aimed at stars behind
to keep the machine even after shooting was over. it), and its compact crew compartment is layered with
the latest holographic camouflage, ensuring that even
Racing Motorcycle; GP: 6; Size: Medium; Occ: 1/1;
high-power optics can’t identify the craft as more than
Hnd: +9; Spd: 750 ft.; MPH: 75/150; Def: 18; wp: 40;
an indistinct smudge.
Hrd: 3; Qualities: Hot, OPT (50%).

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 New Rules
The Gondola employs an unusual aircraft recovery The Gondola’s crew work alternating 3-month shifts,
system utilizing multiple 850 ft.-long, computer-con- with 12-hour days being the norm during their on-
trolled tendrils that “snatch" target aircraft out of the board stay. The 17-man permanent Fractal Intelligence
sky to be reeled into internal docking bays. For the vis- Division staff works more varied hours depending on
itor approaching the Gondola, the effect is very much the intensity of world crises that week. All crew are
like being trapped and swallowed by a colossal jellyfish issued Glock 21 sidearms with compacted powder
(which was in fact the original inspiration behind the rounds. Only the one security officer and the section
recovery system). chief are authorized to bring any other weapon(s)
As the beating heart of the Fractal Intelligence aboard.
Division (see page 28), the Gondola is equipped with a The Gondola is re-supplied regularly via weekly
PsiTech-enhanced mainframe and a back-up/isolation stealth transport visits, but can operate independently
system used to examine potentially infectious code. for up to 20 days (longer if part of the staff is evacuat-
While more powerful computer surveillance systems are ed). The crew section is fitted with enough high-altitude
available to the Archer Conspiracy, both of these modules parachute rigs for the entire crew and FID staff (includ-
are optimized for minimal weight and loaded with unique ing oxygen masks), and the floats are equipped with
software developed by Tenth Division programmers. support harnesses and auxiliary controls should the
The Gondola’s physical surveillance capabilities are Gondola have to be abandoned.
likewise advanced. In addition to a formidable on-board
The Gondola: Lighter-Than-Air Vehicle; GP: *; Size:
array of standard physical surveillance gear, four small
Colossal; Occ: 5/40; Hnd: –8; Spd: 50 ft.; MPH: 5/10;
floats are tethered to main craft, loaded with the most
Def: 2; wp: 80; Hrd: 3; Qualities: ARF, CMF (SKY), EOP,
sensitive detection devices available — devices capable
JCM, LSP (20 days), LVQ, SDS, STC, VTL.
of identifying the minute vibrations of the crew’s
breathing. While high-powered satellites are known to Special: The Fractal Intelligence Division mainframe
read license plates and newspaper headlines from near has a power rating of +11, and its back-up system has a
orbit, these camera-studded floats have sufficient reso- power rating of +8. The Gondola includes four perma-
lution to scan bar codes and read an open paperback nent battle suites — a command center, two launching
from some 20,000 feet above the Gondola’s standard bays, and the surveillance suite. Further, it may be fit-
cruising altitude. ted with one additional battle suite at any time (see the
The Gondola’s crew section includes a single modu- Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 212, the Hand of
lar gear section that can be fitted with any of the Glory Chamber Book, pages 70–71, and page 82 of this
Conspiracy’s standard vehicle suites. Seeing the book for some options).
Gondola descend to 800 feet and exchange suites with
Gondola Floats: Lighter-Than-Air Vehicles; GP: 8 ;
the aircraft recovery tendrils is one of the most amazing
Size: Huge; Occ: 1/6; Hnd: –5; Spd: 100 ft.; MPH:
sights an agent is ever likely to experience — and a sure
10/20; Def: 8; wp: 40; Hrd: 2; Qualities*: ARF, CMF
sign of a true crisis brewing.
(SKY), JCM, OPT (25%), SDS, STC, VTL.
The Gondola is decidedly ponderous, its shape dic-
tated by the demands of radar-dissipation over aerody- Special: Each of these floats is fitted with an anti-
namic performance. While capable of slow and steady missile laser. If a missile targets the gondola or any float
movement to reposition near hot spots or points of accompanying it, roll 1d20 per operational float. With a
interest, the Gondola is completely untenable as a com- result of 7+, the missile is destroyed. These lasers are too
bat vehicle. That’s not to say it’s defenseless; each of the low-powered to be used effectively against normal vehi-
tethered floats is equipped with a low-power laser can- cles or agents (inflicting only one point of damage per
non, designed to track and engage hostile missiles, and half action).
in the event of a conventional aircraft attack, the
* The Gondola and its floats represent numerous
Gondola carries a single, heavily modified air superior-
advances and a collection of gear and gadgets far
ity aircraft (codenamed “Matador"), intended to delay
beyond any agent team’s standard resources.
and divert opposition until other ground-based aircraft
can be scrambled to assist. Yet even more important Matador: Future fighter; GP: 30; Size: Huge; Occ: 1/1;
than defense of the craft is defense of its cargo. In addi- Hnd: +13; Spd: 6,000 ft.; MPH: 600/1200; Def: 21;
tion to the obvious damage that a crash would inflict, wp: 110; Hrd: 8; Qualities: ARF, CMF (SKY), JCM, STC.
the Gondola’s essential databanks and communications
Ordnance: Two linked 23mm vehicular machine-
gear are equipped with self-destruct devices to ensure
guns, standard television-guided missile with kinetic
that no enemy who manages to capture the vehicle
warheads, and 4 reloads for each weapon.
(even intact) might gain any of the Fractal Intelligence
Division’s sensitive work.

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 European Commonwealth
Special: The matador is fitted with the enclosed of 10 BP worth of weapons per hour. Each weapon is
engine block and GPS pursuit unit vehicular gadgets only considered operational at the end of the hour dur-
(see the Soldier/Wheelman Class Guide, page 94). ing which it’s completed.
Additionally, with the GC’s approval, this workshop
New Battle Suites may be used to repair or add masterwork modifications
The following gadget options may be installed on to existing weapons. In these cases, the BP cost of the
any vehicle that specifically mentions that it can accept repair or masterwork modification is negated, as is the
battle suites, such as the Battle Bus (see the Shadowforce Craft skill check penalty for existing masterwork modi-
Archer Worldbook, page 211) some Hand of Glory vehi- fications (though the agent is must still make the neces-
cles (see the Hand of Glory Threat Book, pages 67–68), sary Craft check as normal).
and the Commonwealth’s Gondola (see page 80). As
with all battle suites, each of the following options takes
up four vehicular option slots and must be paid for sep-
arately from the base vehicle.
Computer Suite: This bay is equipped with a net-
PRESENCE
Secret agents are naturally charismatic people, well
work of high-end computers and communal peripherals, versed with the social graces and skilled in the art of
all connected to the outside world via an encrypted manipulation. But some agents have centered their
satellite broadcast. entire careers on their ability to win others over. These
Gadget Point Cost: +1–4 celebrity-spies often lead double lives firmly in the
Mechanics: This suite operates as one fixed-location public eye, as prominent businessmen (like Stefan
computer with a power rating of +5, +1 for each GP Bartolomei), philanthropists and politicians (like Elias
invested. Additionally, the suite comes with 10 BP worth Graham), and even film and music stars (like Katt
of peripherals, services, and software, +5 per GP invest- Wilde). Such agents possess something more significant
ed. This additional gear must be selected when the com- that just strength of personality. Stardom, personal
puter suite is requisitioned and may only be traded out fame, bureaucratic leverage, aristocratic ties — all indi-
in between serials over a 24-hour period, during which cate an ability to attract attention, to lead nations, elic-
the vehicle must be located at the home office. it favors, and seduce and manipulate those who live in
Gear Workshop Suite: This extensive suite contains ignorance of the conspiracies and struggles beyond the
all the manufacturing equipment and parts required to Cloak.
build nearly any gear from scratch, or improve or repair In game terms, this ability is called presence — a
existing gear with professional precision. combination of the agent’s personal charisma, public
Gadget Point Cost: +1–4 reputation, sense of style, social grace, and sex appeal.
Mechanics: Once during each serial, at the agent’s Presence is the outward projection of an agent’s refine-
command, this workshop may produce standard-issue ment and sophistication, and shows others that he isn’t
versions of any gear totaling no more than 50 BP × the just a person worth paying attention to, but a figure of
GP invested. This gear is produced at the rate of 10 BP notoriety and social importance in the world.
worth of gear per hour. Gear is only considered opera-
tional at the end of the hour during which it’s completed. Using Presence
Additionally, with the GC’s approval, this workshop In game terms, presence is used to influence people
may be used to repair or add masterwork modifications with your celebrity and charisma (typically civilians and
to existing gear. In these cases, the BP cost of the repair those outside the world’s shadow communities). In order
or masterwork modification is negated, as is the Craft to use the presence system, an agent must have the Jet
skill check penalty for existing masterwork modifica- Setter feat.
tions (though the agent is must still make the necessary Like psionic skill use, there is no inherent DC when
Craft check as normal). making a presence check. To make a presence check, the
Weapon Workshop Suite: This extensive suite con- agent must spend one action die and devote one or
tains all the manufacturing equipment and parts more full and/or half actions invoking his reputation,
required to build nearly any weapon from scratch, or either by speaking, staging a live performance of some
improve or repair existing weapons with professional kind, or otherwise acquiring his target’s attention. He
precision. names his target and the effect he is trying to achieve
Gadget Point Cost: +1–4 (see Presence Actions, page 83), then he rolls a d20,
Mechanics: Once during each serial, at the agent’s adding his Charisma modifier and any applicable
command, this workshop may produce standard-issue bonuses from feats, class abilities, as well as modifiers
versions of any weapons totaling no more than 50 BP × from Table 3.8: Presence Modifiers (see page 84), and
the GP invested. These weapons are produced at the rate consults Table 3.9: Presence Bonuses, to determine the

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 New Rules
resulting presence bonus. This bonus is applied differ- Presence and Existing Rules
ently for each of the options described under Presence
In addition to their existing benefits, certain feats
Actions — see each description for details.
involving the agent’s identity — particularly those in
As usual, a natural die result of 1 always fails and
the style feat tree — can have special effects on his or
indicates an error and a natural die result of 20 always
her presence options, as follows.
succeeds and indicates a threat (see below for more
Charmer: This feat also increases the threat ranges
about errors, threats, and critical effects they can cause).
of all presence checks targeting characters with a
Action dice may be spent to increase any successful
starting disposition toward the agent of friendly or
result, as normal.
better (see the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page 91,
Critical Successes and for specifics).
Failures Flawless Identity: Each time an agent with the Jet
Setter feat gains a new flawless identity, he must
Apply the following effects when the agent scores an
decide whether the new identity benefits from the Jet
error or threat with a presence check.
Setter feat and can make presence checks, bearing in
Threats and Critical Successes: When the agent mind that public identities are easier to track and sac-
scores a threat with a presence check, the target’s dis- rifice privacy.
position toward the agent is automatically improved by Hard Core: This feat also increases the threat
one grade, in addition to any other effects the agent ranges of all presence checks targeting characters
seeks. When the agent activates a critical success with a with a starting disposition toward the agent of
presence check, the threat effect is applied and the unfriendly or worse (see the Spycraft Espionage
agent’s threat ranges of all presence checks involving Handbook, page 93, for specifics).
this target are increased by one for the duration of the Private Identity: While an agent adopts a private
serial (i.e. a threat range of 20 becomes 19–20). identity, he doesn’t benefit from his Jet Setter feat,
Errors and Critical Failures: When the agent scores and may not make presence checks.
an error with a presence check, the target’s disposition Traceless: An agent with the Traceless feat find it
toward the agent is worsened by one grade in addition difficult to make use of their limited presence. When
to all other effects the agent seeks, and the agent may making presence checks, his agent level is reduced by
not attempt further presence checks involving his tar- his Intelligence modifier, both for the purpose of
get for the remainder of the current session. When the modifying his roll and for determining presence
agent suffers a critical failure with a presence check, the bonuses on Table 3.9: Presence Bonuses.
error effect is applied as well as an effect determined by
the number of action dice invested in the result by the
Dazzle: Some agents have a way with words that
GC, according to Table 3.10: Presence Critical Failures
captures the hearts and minds of their audiences. When
(see page 86).
making a speech, performance, or other public display,
Presence Actions the agent may make a presence check normally to dis-
tract some or all of his audience.
Each presence action may only be attempted only
Time Required: 1 minute.
once per session (whether successful or not). The agent
Maximum Number of Targets: 5 × the agent’s total
must always declare which option he wishes to pursue
levels from all classes.
— and which character(s) he’s targeting, up to a number
Modifiers: This presence action requires the targets
equal to the maximum number of targets listed in the
be able to clearly hear and see the agent — if the agent’s
desired action’s description — before making the pres-
in a noisy or hostile environment without the necessary
ence check. Further, the agent must spend the entire
equipment to facilitate this (i.e. a stage, microphone,
time designated in the desired presence action’s descrip-
etc.), then he suffers a –4 circumstance penalty with his
tion engaged in an activity the GC determines will ful-
presence check.
fill the option’s needs (i.e. singing on stage for a dazzle
Presence Check: All designated targets make a Will
effect or giving an impassioned speech for an inspire
save (DC 10 + the presence bonus) or suffer a penalty
effect); if the agent is attacked or otherwise distracted in
with all awareness and initiative checks for the duration
any way during this time, the presence attempt fails and
of the performance equal to the agent’s Charisma mod-
may not be attempted again until the following session.
ifier. If any target is threatened while distracted in this
Note: Unless the GC determines otherwise, these
manner (i.e. a weapon is drawn on them, they’re flanked
presence actions may only be used against NPCs.
by the agent’s allies, etc.), he may make another Will
save with the same DC. With success, the dazzle effect

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 European Commonwealth
ends. If the GC determines that the target is aware that Inspire: Through a rousing speech and possibly some
he was duped by the performing agent, then his dispo- heroic action, the agent inspires others to greater
sition toward that agent is worsened by two grades. If heights of courage and strengthens their resolve.
this results in a disposition toward the agent of hostile Time Required: 1 minute.
or worse, the target may attack the agent and his allies Maximum Number of Targets: 5 × the agent’s total
(again, per the GC’s discretion). levels from all classes.
Special: The GC may make one roll for any number Modifiers: This presence action requires the targets
of targets all at once by using the highest Will save be able to clearly hear and see the agent — if the agent’s
among them. in a noisy or hostile environment without the necessary

Table 3.8: Presence Modifiers

Condition Modifier
Agent has had recent public exposure +1-4*
Agent possesses 8 or more ranks with Bluff or Bureaucracy +2**
Agent possesses 8 or more ranks with Cultures or Diplomacy +2**
Agent possesses 8 or more ranks with Intimidate or Perform +2**
Per covert feat the agent possesses –1
Target’s current disposition toward the agent is helpful or better +2
Target’s current disposition toward the agent is hostile or worse –2
Target is a minion, henchman, or foil Varies†
Target is a mastermind –10

* Agent has had recent public exposure: Agents currently in the limelight — from a political campaign, album or film release,
novel debut, or any of a host of other public events — have a much easier time leveraging their celebrity. During the
Gearing Up phase, agents may commit some of their resources to building their public image (for example, through ad cam-
paigns, interviews on television or radio talk shows, licensing contracts, and so on). The agent may spend up to 8 of his
mission GP to gain a gear bonus with all presence checks made for the duration of the current serial, as follows.
Exposure GP Bonus
Light (local ad campaign, televised interview) 2 +1
Medium (album release, national tour) 4 +2
Heavy (film release, election campaign) 6 +3
Saturation (world tour, global ad campaign) 8 +4

** The agent benefits only from one of the two skills listed in any of these three lines, not both. For instance, he gains only
a +2 modifier for having 8 or more ranks with Bluff, even if he also has 8 or more ranks with Bureaucracy.

† Target is a minion, henchman, or foil: When an agent uses the presence system to target an NPC with a loyalty rating —
such as a foil — he must apply a modifier to his presence check equal to 1/2 the target’s loyalty rating (rounded down), as
appropriate to the target’s true loyalty.
Example: The target is a foil whose loyalty has already been determined to be against the agent. The foil’s loyalty rating is
4, so the agent suffers a –2 penalty with his presence check to impress the target.

If the target’s true loyalty is not yet known (e.g. the target is a foil and the GC has not yet made the foil’s loyalty check),
then the GC should secretly make the target’s loyalty check and apply the modifier as appropriate to the result.

Table 3.9: Presence Bonuses

------------------------------------------------------Agent Level----------------------------------------------------------
Check 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21* 22* 23* 24* 25*
1–10 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +5
11–15 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +2 +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +5 +5 +5 +5 +6 +6 +6 +6 +7
16–20 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +2 +3 +3 +3 +4 +4 +4 +5 +5 +5 +6 +6 +6 +7 +7 +7 +8 +8 +8 +9
21–25 +1 +1 +2 +2 +3 +3 +4 +4 +5 +5 +6 +6 +7 +7 +8 +8 +9 +9 +10 +10 +11 +11 +12 +12 +13
26–35 +1 +2 +2 +3 +4 +4 +5 +6 +6 +7 +8 +8 +9 +9 +10 +11 +11 +12 +13 +14 +14 +15 +16 +16 +17
36+ +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10 +11 +12 +13 +14 +15 +16 +17 +18 +19 +20 +21 +22 +23 +24 +25
* Some departmental bonuses (i.e. Celebrity) and other effects may increase the agent’s level above 20 when making presence checks. No combi-
nation of modifiers may raise an agent’s level past 25 for this purpose, however.

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 New Rules
equipment to facilitate this (i.e. a stage, microphone, Intimidate check made to determine the threaten
etc.), then he suffers a –4 circumstance penalty with his action’s result, and any morale penalty inflicted on the
presence check. Also, the agent may broadcast his inspi- target is increased by 1/2 the presence bonus (rounded
rational message via radio or TV, effectively allowing down).
this presence action to be used at any range, though the Rally: The agent uses his abilities as a public speak-
bonus and duration are both reduced to half (rounded er to rally others to his cause or bring them around to
down) when the agent’s words are not delivered in per- his way of thinking.
son. Time Required: 1 minute.
Presence Check: All allies and NPCs who hear the Maximum Number of Targets: 5 × the agent’s total
agent’s words and whose dispositions toward the agent levels from all classes.
are friendly or better gain a morale bonus with all Modifiers: This presence action requires the targets
morale and Will saves equal to 1/2 the agent’s presence be able to clearly hear and see the agent — if the agent’s
bonus (rounded up). This bonus lasts for a number of in a noisy or hostile environment without the necessary
rounds equal to the agent’s agent level, or until the end equipment to facilitate this (i.e. a stage, microphone,
of the scene, whichever comes first. etc.), then he suffers a –4 circumstance penalty with his
Special: The GC may make one roll for any number presence check.
of targets all at once by using the highest Will save Presence Check: For a number of rounds equal to the
among them. agent’s level or the duration of the scene (whichever
Overawe: The agent throws the weight of his influ- ends first), the agent adds his presence bonus to all
ence and reputation — good or bad — behind his threats. Diplomacy checks made to influence or alter the dispo-
Time Required: Half action (the boosted threaten sition of a crowd (see New Skill Uses, page 61, for sev-
action becomes a full action) eral options), as well as to all Diplomacy checks made
Maximum Number of Targets: 1. to resolve a dispute.
Modifiers: None. Special: The GC may make one roll for any number
Presence Check: This presence action must be cou- of targets all at once by using the highest Will save
pled with a threaten action (see the Fixer/Pointman among them.
Class Guide, page 42), requiring one full action for both Seduce: Using suave moves and urbane stories about
the presence check and the threaten action — one half the high life, the agent lures a target into his romantic
action each. The agent adds his presence bonus to the web.

Table 3.10: Presence Critical Failures

Dice Effect
1 die Affront: The agent offends his target and may not make further presence checks involving this
target for the duration of the current serial.
2 dice Paparazzi: A number of media NPCs equal to the agent’s Charisma score hear about the mishap
and rush to the scene, arriving in 3d6 minutes. These standard NPCs have an agent level equal to
1/2 the agent’s level (rounded up) and ability scores of 10. While the paparazzi are present, the

agent suffers a penalty with all skill checks involving secrecy — including Disguise, Hide, Move
Silently, Sleight of Hand, and shadowing — equal to half the NPCs’ agent level (rounded up).
Additionally, anyone searching for the agent using the media gains a bonus to his skill checks
made to do so equal to the same value. The paparazzi continue to tail the agent until he gives
them a satisfactory statement (requiring a successful Diplomacy check, DC 20) or manages to
lose them (requiring a successful Hide or Driver check, DC 20).
3 dice “You sonuva…": The target’s disposition turns suddenly — and perhaps violently — for the worse.
If the target’s disposition toward the agent is currently unfriendly or better, it’s reduced to hostile;
if the target’s disposition toward the agent is currently hostile or worse, it’s worsened by two grades.
Additionally, the target may attack the agent outright (at the GC’s discretion).
4 dice Scandal: The agent’s failure has been scandalized, damaging his reputation with the public. For
the duration of the current serial, the starting dispositions of all civilians toward the agent are
considered to be one grade lower than normal.
5 dice Warrant: The agent’s action is somehow taken as a violation of local law, and a warrant is issued
for his arrest. The agent becomes the target of a citywide manhunt until he reports to the local
authorities for questioning (for more information about manhunts, see the Fixer/Pointman Class
Guide, page 70).

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 European Commonwealth
Time Required: Full action. heavily upon their presence often find it difficult to
Maximum Number of Targets: 1. maintain a low profile, as paparazzi and resourceful
Modifiers: None. enemies exploit rumors and buzz to track these agents
Presence Check: For a number of rounds equal to the down. To represent this effect, each time an agent make
agent’s level or the duration of the scene (whichever a presence check (whether it succeeds or not), the DCs
ends first), the agent adds his presence bonus to all skill of all Gather Information rolls made to locate this agent
checks made to seduce the target (see page 271 of the are reduced by 2. This penalty is cumulative and lasts
Spycraft Espionage Handbook). the duration of the session (i.e. if the agent makes 5
Solicit Assistance: The agent uses his celebrity to presence checks during one session, the DCs of Gather
coerce others into granting him special privileges, rang- Information checks made to locate him for the rest of
ing from handing over pocket money to getting him that session are reduced by 10).
front row seats at the symphony to “letting him off with
a warning."
Time Required: Full action.
Maximum Number of Targets: 1.
Modifiers: None.
N EW D ISPOSITION
GRADES
Presence Check: The presence check bonus is unim-
Europe is a place of extremes, where ancient rival-
portant for this action. Instead, the agent is targeting a
ries and alliances guide relations even today. The fickle
DC determined by his desired result, as follows.
nature of fame and celebrity can similarly push people
Assistance Sought DC to extreme emotions — and action — opening up new
Agent’s request poses no inconvenience 5 grades of disposition. The following four new disposi-
to target (help moving something, giving tion grades may be reached in three ways:
agent directions or advice, giving agent
1. By scoring a critical success or failure when determin-
change for a phone call, etc.)
ing a target NPC’s starting disposition (see the Spycraft
Agent’s request poses minor inconvenience 10
Espionage Handbook, page 270), and even then only if
to target (switching seats on a plane, letting
the two grade shift will adjust the target’s disposition
agent into a full restaurant or performance,
beyond the current end of the disposition chart (i.e.
giving agent up to $20)
worsening the target’s disposition past adversary or
Agent’s request poses moderate inconvenience 15
improving the target’s disposition past ally).
to target (ignoring a misdemeanor, giving a
free ride across town, giving agent up to $100) 2. Through the use of an ability or feat that shifts the dis-
Agent’s request poses a major inconvenience 20 position of an NPC below adversary or above ally.
to target (committing a misdemeanor, taking
3. When using the presence system (see page 82).
a morally questionable action, giving agent up
to $500) Please note that these new disposition grades are
Agent’s request poses serious inconvenience 25 strictly optional, and subject to the GC’s approval.
to target (ignoring a felony, taking a morally
Worshipper (2 grades above ally): This NPC regards
objectionable action, giving agent up to $1,000)
the agent with favor normally reserved for royalty and
Agent’s request poses great inconvenience or 30
cult figures. Worshippers gladly risk anything they
risk to target (committing a felony crime, taking
have, including their lives, if it benefit the agent or help
an action directly opposed to moral code, giving
to gain the agent’s favor. A worshipper goes to any
agent up to $5,000)
length to fulfill the agent’s slightest whim and asks for
While a target may go to great lengths to assist the little if nothing in return, save a sign of his gratitude. In
agent, the target will not endanger the lives of himself combat, a worshipper throws himself in the way of
or others, nor will he do something that greatly com- attacks that might bring the agent even the slightest
promises his moral or ethical beliefs. If the agent makes harm, and immediately attack those perceived as a
such a request, the NPC immediately refuses to assist the threat to the agent’s safety. Intensely loyal subjects,
agent further, and may even notify the appropriate sworn guardians, and chivalrous men of honor all fit
authorities (if the agent suffered a critical failure). this category.
Effect: +2 to the agent’s Sense Motive checks (the
The Price of Fame NPC isn’t capable of seeing past his rosy ideal of the
Even though celebrity agents are subject to many agent, and thus can’t use Sense Motive against him), +4
special benefits stemming from their popularity, fame is to Diplomacy checks (both ways), the agent’s Gather
very much a double-edged sword. Agents who rely too Information checks automatically succeed (to the limit
of NPC’s knowledge).

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 New Rules
Fanatic (1 grades above ally): There are fans and
there are fanatics — those individuals who not only
THE SHADOWNET
admire the agent but regard him as a close personal
friend, and gladly and unquestioningly risk their life to
Special Note: Room 39 administers the Archer
assist him. A fanatic regards the agent as a personal idol
Conspiracy’s private “parallel internet" network (indeed,
or mentor, someone who affects his or her life on a
full details of the Shadownet and its implications will be
daily, fundamental level. Fanatics join a combat to
covered in the forthcoming Room 39 Chamber Book),
assist the agent without question or pause, though
but since the Consortium uses it to transmit critical doc-
unlike worshippers, they don’t necessarily lay down
uments and large financial transfers, and Fagin’s
their lives for their idol. Lifelong fans, childhood
Umbrella makes heavy use of it for its day-to-day oper-
friends, star-struck admirers and past pupils are fitting
ations, the following details are being released here in
examples of fanatics.
advance.
Effect: +2 to Sense Motive checks (both ways), +2 to
Diplomacy checks (both ways), +8 to the agent’s Gather
Information checks.
Hateful (1 grade below adversary): More than
adversaries, hateful characters despise the agent and
everything he stands for. A hateful characters’ disgust
extends to the agent’s allies, beliefs, causes, and family,
which they see as just as corrupted as the agent himself.
A hateful NPC actively tries to do the agent harm in all
his endeavors, and isn’t above hurting the agent or
those people and beliefs closest to him to do it. These
NPCs negotiate with the agent only in the most extreme
circumstances (i.e. life and death) and only cooperate as
long as necessary to regain the upper hand. Characters
who have long-time grudges or lifelong rivalries with
the agent may qualify as hateful, including radically
opposed religious zealots, childhood enemies, betrayed
friends, and deeply spurned lovers.
Effect: –2 to Bluff checks (both ways), –2 to
Diplomacy checks (both ways), –8 to Gather
Information checks (both ways).
Obsessive (2 grades below adversary): This NPC con-
siders the agent the lowest form of life. Obsessive NPCs
go to any length to cause the agent and his friends emo-
tional, financial, and physical injury, completely with-
out regard for their physical well-being or that of any-
one who might stand in their way. Obsessive characters
never trust the agent and refuse to negotiate with him
entirely, even choosing death over cooperation. If given
the slimmest chance, an obsessive NPC initiates combat
against the agent, unless choosing not to do so causes
the agent even greater harm. Only individuals with the
deepest psychological scars or the most intense abhor-
rence for the agent fall into this category, which may
include former slaves or torture victims, brainwashed
maniacs, and enemies with a history of intense suffer-
ing at the agent’s hands.
Effect: –2 to Bluff checks (both ways), –4 to
Diplomacy checks (both ways), Gather Information
becomes impossible (both ways).

87
 European Commonwealth
The Shadownet is one of the Archer Conspiracy’s SNI (Shadownet Interface) Unit: This device
most impressive accomplishments over the last twenty includes a small black box with standard computer
years, both in terms of technical prowess and inter- communications jacks (so that it can be inserted
Chamber cooperation. Originally conceived in the early between a computer and its standard broadband con-
1980s by a visionary mentalist from Room 39’s Broken nection) and a wireless data glove and headset.
Seal as hyper-secure computer network that would mir- Gadget Point Cost: 3 Weight: 1 lb.
ror the internet, this ‘shadow net’ would be imbedded Spot DC: 25
within, and shielded by, existing communications proto- Mechanics: The SNI data glove and headset, along
cols. The resulting system would provide the Conspiracy with a dedicated encryption system hardwired into the
with the internet’s flexibility without the fear of com- interface box, allow the connected computer to analyze
promise. Broken Seal programmers began writing code, a user’s brainwaves and genetic code to satisfy the secu-
but hardware challenges and business manipulation rity protocols of the Conspiracy’s Shadownet. Once con-
stymied the project’s development early on. nected to a computer, a registered psion may transmit
Enter Gemeinschafft. Inspired by renewed interest in and receive data mentally over existing phone or data
global business and eager to accelerate the consolida- lines with no virtually chance of interception, but only
tion of European economies, the Consortium offered its with other SNI-equipped computers.
immense financial and political leverage to help bring Each user’s psionic signature is unique, and acts as a
the Shadownet project to fruition. Offers were tendered mailing address for other Shadownet users. If the psion
and agreements reached. The hardware wizards at the loses consciousness or removes the glove or headset, the
Foundry began collaborating with Broken Seal on the connection is automatically severed and flagged by
project in the spring of 1983. The finalized system was Shadownet sysops.
revealed to the Foundation in late 1985. Shadownet encryption is state of the art with a
The resulting ‘Shadownet’ functions parallel to the Cryptography DC of 60 to intercept and interpret com-
internet, intangible to all but the most informed parties. munications through the system (this DC is reduced to
Its exceptional security is derived from a complex lock- 50 if an undamaged SNI is made available for the cryp-
ing system using the operator’s genome as a dynamic tographer’s study).
access key — specifically the portions that pertain to
psion abilities. The Shadownet protocols are only acces-
sible by manifested psions, through a conventional
broadband connection and a sophisticated piece of
PsiTech called a Shadownet Interface (SNI) (see the next
NPC CLASSES
Following the format introduced in the Archer
column). Each time the operator enters the Shadownet, Foundation Chamber Book, this section introduces ten
the SNI confirms his identity by cross-referencing his new abbreviated classes to provide with new GC threats,
genetic code, brainwave patterns, and psionic signature particularly those found within the European
as his “user I.D." The Shadownet servers generate a Commonwealth. They offer the GC a way to populate his
series of security checks sent to the SNI every five to ten world with types of characters that are different from
seconds, requiring the SNI to generate authentication the agents.
data from a living, conscious psion, or the connection is Special Note: Since the release of the Archer
immediately cut and flagged for review. Foundation, we’ve noticed that the base rules for NPC
Once the user’s identity is confirmed, he may trans- classes aren’t quite as inclusive as we’d like them to be,
mit or receive data to other users (as delayed “brain- and that a few rules require additional clarification.
mail bundles" or direct contact “instant messages," Thus, this new version of the NPC class rules supercedes
using the recipient’s psionic signature as an address, or the material seen in the previous volume. The following
search the Foundation’s vast electronic archives. rules include all combinations possible through multi-
Despite its advantages, the Shadownet is not without classing.
controversy. In 1999, a misdirected Shadownet message
regarding a project codenamed BLACK MAMBA was Villains vs. Standard
received by one of Fade’s pupils. Followup investigation and Special NPCs
suggested that Gemeinschafft might have tampered with Spycraft distinguishes between villains (NPCs the
Shadownet to secretly monitor the movement of agents are expected to combat or otherwise oppose) and
Conspiracy psions in Europe. Further, recent rumors the game world’s general population (the standard and
suggest that the Shop might have compromised special NPCs commonly treated as scenery). In all cases,
Shadownet security. Though these claims as yet remain rules are provided for creating the former, which are
hearsay, the possibility has once again reminded agents carefully balanced against the agent team using the
that no place in Europe is safe — not even within your mastermind system (see the Spycraft Espionage
own mind.

88
 New Rules
Handbook, page 242). The creation of standard and spe- minds). The details of the character’s classes have no
cial NPCs is left mostly up to the GC, so that he might bearing on its MP cost.
include the NPC types and power levels he desires.
Note — Ability Scores: Standard NPCs and minion
A Couple Restrictions types never gain ability score increases as their agent
levels rise. Special NPCs, foils, henchmen, or master-
Minions may only be created using the standard
minds, however, do gain ability score increases as their
minion type from the Spycraft Espionage Handbook (see
agent levels rise.
page 245) and NPC classes. Foils, henchmen, and mas-
terminds may be created using agent classes or NPC Class Skills: NPC class skills are designated either
classes, as the GC desires. full skills or half skills:

NPC Class Descriptions • Full Skills: An NPC of this class has a number of ranks
in each of these skills equal to his class level. This may
After a general summary of each NPC class are sev-
be further modified by class abilities.
eral pieces of rule information.
MP Cost: When a minion type is created using one • Half Skills: An NPC of this class has a number of ranks
or more NPC classes, add the following statistics togeth- in each of these skills equal to 1/2 his class level (round-
er to determine its MP cost: ed up).
• Highest vitality die cost of any of the minion type’s When a minion type is created with one or more
classes (NPC or otherwise) — see below. NPC classes, its full and half skill ranks are added to any
skill ranks gained from the standard minion type.
• The MP cost per level for each level of each NPC class
When a foil, henchman, or mastermind is created with
the minion type possesses.
one or more NPC classes, his full and half skill ranks are
• The number of standard minion levels the minion squad added to any skill ranks gained from agent classes.
possesses.
Example: A minion type is created with 4 levels of
The standard minion type produces a vitality die cost the aristocrat NPC class and 3 levels of the standard
of 5, 10, or 15 MP while most NPC classes produce an minion type. It gains Diplomacy, one Hobby or Sport
MP cost of between 5 and 20. Only the most expensive skill, Innuendo, and Profession (Aristocrat) at 4 ranks
of any one of these — a minion’s customized standard and Bluff, Bureaucracy, Intimidate, one Knowledge skill,
minion type or any single NPC class — is applied to the Languages, and Sense Motive at 2 ranks from the aris-
minion’s total MP cost. tocrat class, and 24 skill points from the standard min-
ion type (which may be spent normally). All skills listed
Example: A minion type is created with 4 levels of
here as well as all class skills listed for the soldier class
the aristocrat NPC class and 3 levels of the blade NPC
are considered class skills for this minion type. This
class. The minion type’s base MP cost is 24 (10, the
example assumes an Intelligence modifier of +0.
highest vitality die cost + 4 × 2 MP per level for the aris-
tocrat + 3 × 2 MP per level for the blade). In all cases, a character’s ability modifiers — whether
positive or negative — are applied to his skill bonuses.
Example 2: A minion type is created with 4 levels of
In all cases, if the NPC has a positive Intelligence
the aristocrat NPC class and 3 levels of the standard
modifier, he gains a number of additional skill points
minion type with a d8 vitality die. The minion type’s
beyond those granted by all other classes and types
base MP cost is 26 (15, the highest vitality die cost + 4
equal to his Intelligence modifier time his agent level.
× 2 MP per level for the aristocrat + 3 for the standard
All full and half skills granted by an NPC class are con-
minion type levels).
sidered class skills for this purpose.
This MP cost does not include any extra MP spent to There is no penalty to characters designed with NPC
boost the minion type’s ability scores (see the Spycraft classes for having a negative Intelligence modifier.
Espionage Handbook, page 245) or the cost to add extra Feats: A minion type may gain bonus feats as it
feats to the type’s standard minion package, if any (see gains levels in an NPC class. If these feats are specific
the opposite column). (i.e. named in the NPC class ability), then the character
When a foil, henchman, or mastermind is created need not meet its prerequisites, such as minimum agent
with any number of NPC classes, his MP cost is deter- level, ability scores, or other feats. If these feats are left
mined exclusively by the mastermind system (i.e. 2 × open to be chosen by the GC, then the character must
level for foils and henchmen and 5 × level for master-

89
 European Commonwealth
meet the prerequisites. Additional feats may be added to NPC Gear, Gadgets, and Vehicles: Minions gain bud-
the minion type at the costs described on page 245 of get and gadget points only from the organization they
the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, for which the char- belong to, per the mastermind system. Foils, henchmen,
acter must meet all prerequisites. A minion type never and masterminds gain bonus budget and gadget points
gains feats as its agent level rises. from their agent classes, if any. Should the GC wish to
generate an NPC quickly, he can simply give him any
Example: A minion type created with 4 levels of the
one bundle.
aristocrat NPC class gains the Filthy Rich feat, for which
Challenge Ratings: The challenge rating of any min-
it need not meet the prerequisites. The GC decides to add
ion type created with one or more NPC classes is
two additional feats at a cost of +6 MP.
unchanged (it remains one lower than its total agent
A foil, henchman, or mastermind only gains bonus levels — see the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page
feats as he or she gains levels in an NPC or agent class, 244). The challenge rating of any foil, henchman, or
and may never purchase additional feats using the mas- mastermind created with one or more NPC classes is
termind system. However — unlike minion types — a lowered by 1 (i.e. it drops to one lower than its total
foil, henchman, or mastermind does gain feats as his or agent levels).
her agent level rises. NPC Advancement: NPCs generally only gain expe-
Note — Feats: Like foils, henchmen, and master- rience and advance in level at the GC’s discretion. This
minds, special NPCs gain feats as their agent levels rise. may reflect a trusted ally gaining skill and experience as
Vitality: Each NPC class grants a total number of season progresses (or even from season to season).
vitality points based on the NPC’s level (see each class
table). This value is pre-calculated by multiplying the Aristocrat
average result gained from the NPC class’s vitality die Wherever there’s old money, aristocrats are found in
by the character’s level in the class. In all cases, this possession of it. Often able to track their genealogy back
vitality is added to the vitality gained from other class- to true Old World nobility, these wealthy individuals are
es (e.g. from a minion’s standard type, a henchman’s accustomed to a life of privileged ease. The nouveau
levels with an agent class, etc.). riche are found amongst the ranks of aristocrats, but
In all cases, a character’s Constitution modifier — they’re usually snubbed when it comes to social engage-
whether positive or negative — is applied normally to ments.
the vitality he gains from each level. MP Cost: 2 per level +10 (vitality die).
Saving Throws: In all cases, a character’s appropriate
ability score modifiers (i.e. Constitution for Fortitude Full Skills
saves, Dexterity for Reflex saves, and Wisdom for Will The aristocrat’s full skills and key abilities are:
saves) — whether positive or negative — are applied nor-
Full Skill Key Ability
mally to the total save bonuses he gains from all class
Diplomacy Cha
levels.
Hobby or Sport (any one) Varies
Class Abilities: Like normal agent classes, NPC class-
Innuendo Wis
es have a variety of special abilities that define them.
Profession (Aristocrat) Wis
Due to the much lower level of training (and challenge)
in most NPCs’ daily lives, however, they gain these abil-
ities much more slowly than an agent of comparable
level. Also, NPC class abilities are currently the only
class abilities that a minion may benefit from.

Table 3.11: The Aristocrat (NPC Class)

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 6 +0 +0 +1 +2 +1 +0 Department training (Power Brokerage)
2 9 +1 +0 +2 +3 +2 +1 Filthy rich
3 13 +2 +1 +2 +3 +3 +1
4 16 +3 +1 +2 +4 +3 +2
5 20 +3 +1 +3 +4 +4 +2
6 23 +4 +2 +3 +5 +5 +2 Political favors
7 27 +5 +2 +4 +5 +6 +3
8 30 +6 +2 +4 +6 +6 +3
9 33 +6 +3 +4 +6 +7 +4
10 37 +7 +3 +5 +7 +8 +4 Political clout

90
 New Rules
Half Skills Full Skills
The aristocrat’s half skills and key abilities are: The financier’s full skills and key abilities are:
Half Skill Key Ability Full Skill Key Ability
Bluff Cha Appraise Int
Bureaucracy Cha Bureaucracy Cha
Intimidate Str or Cha Knowledge (Finance) Int
Knowledge (any one) Int Profession (Accountant) Wis
Languages Wis
Sense Motive Wis Half Skills
The financier’s half skills and key abilities are:
Class Features
Half Skill Key Ability
All of the following are class features of the aristocrat.
Bluff Cha
Starting Feats: The aristocrat begins play with the
Computers Int
following feats.
Cultures Int
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
Forgery Int
Weapon Group Proficiency (Rifle)
Gather Information Cha
Department Training: At 1st level, the aristocrat Knowledge (Law) Int
gains all the special benefits of the power brokerage Languages Wis
department, including its bonus feat (see the Spycraft Search Int
Espionage Handbook, page 18, for more about this
department). Class Features
Filthy Rich: At 2nd level, the aristocrat gains the All of the following are class features of the
Filthy Rich feat. financier.
Political Favors: At 6th level, the aristocrat gains the Starting Feats: The financier begins play with the
Political Favors feat. following feats.
Political Clout: At 10th level, the aristocrat gains the Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
Political Clout feat.
Filthy Rich: At 1st level, the financier gains the
Financier Filthy Rich feat.
Financial Expertise: At 2nd level, the financier is
Wizards of the financial world, financiers are mas-
regularly called upon by clients and allies to increase
ters of interest and exchange rates, money laundering,
their wealth. Agents with the aid of a financier when
and cooking the books. They can use their extensive
requisitioning additional field expenses gain $50 for
knowledge to create and destroy fortunes, making them
each XP sacrificed instead of $10.
a valued member of criminal organizations and legiti-
Masterminds and henchmen with a financier under-
mate businesses alike. Financiers are most often puppet
ling may increase the XP reward for completing a seri-
masters, manipulating the world around them through
al within which they’re featured by up to 100 × the
employees and numbered bank accounts.
team’s average agent level in order to gain $50 for each
MP Cost: 3 per level + 5 (vitality die).
XP added to the mission reward. Additionally, any min-
ions under a financier’s direct control receive an addi-
tional +5 BPs during creation.

Table 3.12: The Financier (NPC Class)

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 4 +0 +0 +1 +2 +1 +1 Filthy rich
2 6 +1 +0 +2 +3 +2 +1 Financial expertise
3 9 +1 +1 +2 +3 +3 +2
4 11 +2 +1 +2 +4 +3 +2 Master fence
5 14 +2 +1 +3 +4 +4 +3
6 16 +3 +2 +3 +5 +5 +4 Financial mastery
7 19 +3 +2 +4 +5 +6 +4
8 21 +4 +2 +4 +6 +6 +5 Financial interference
9 24 +4 +3 +4 +6 +7 +5
10 26 +5 +3 +5 +7 +8 +6 Advanced skill mastery

91
 European Commonwealth
Finally, the financier gains a +2 bonus with all MP Cost: 4 per level + 20 (vitality die).
Bureaucracy checks involving interaction with busi-
nesses and financial institutions. Full Skills
Master Fence: At 4th level, the financier gains the The heavy’s full skills and key abilities are:
Master Fence feat.
Full Skill Key Ability
Financial Mastery: At 6th level, the financier once
Intimidation Str or Cha
again dramatically increases his clients’ funding. Agents
with the aid of a financier when requisitioning addi- Half Skills
tional field expenses gain $100 for each XP sacrificed.
The heavy’s half skills and key abilities are:
Masterminds and henchmen with a financier under-
ling may increase the XP reward for completing a seri- Half Skill Key Ability
al within which they’re featured by up to 100 × the Driver Dex
team’s average agent level in order to gain $100 for Gather Information Cha
each XP added to the mission reward. Additionally, any Knowledge (Underworld) Int
minions under a financier’s direct control receive an Sense Motive Wis
additional +10 BPs during creation. Spot Wis
Finally, when the financier is part of a mastermind
organization, the organization’s wealth level is Class Features:
increased by +1 (see the Fixer/Pointman Class Guide, All of the following are class features of the heavy.
page 95, for more about wealth levels). Starting Feats: The heavy begins play with the fol-
Financial Interference: At 8th level, the financier lowing feats.
can manipulate financial institutions to interfere with Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
the agents’ favor checks when he wishes. When an Armor Group Proficiency (Medium)
agent makes a financially oriented assistance or inter- Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
vention favor check that would harm the financier or Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
his clients (such as trying to freeze a client’s assets), the Weapon Group Proficiency (Rifle)
agent’s favor check DC is increased by a number equal
Punching Basics: At 1st level, the heavy gains the
to the financier’s ranks with the Profession (Accountant)
Punching Basics feat.
skill.
Specialty: At 2nd level, the heavy’s Intimidate skill
Advanced Skill Mastery: At 10th level, the financier
is increased by 3 ranks.
gains the Advanced Skill Mastery feat linked to his
Heavily Armed: At 4th level, the heavy gains an
Master Fence feat.
additional 10 BP which must be spent on weapons or
Heavy armor.
Holding Basics: At 6th level, the heavy gains the
Always ready to break legs or prepare cement over-
Holding Basics feat.
shoes, heavies are the upper echelon of underworld
Punching Mastery: At 8th level, the heavy gains the
strongmen. Tight lipped, loyal, and tough, they’re often
Punching Mastery feat.
the right hand men of crime bosses and favored syndi-
Traceless: At 10th level, the heavy gains the
cate enforcers. Heavies get the job done with little con-
Traceless feat, which produces a minimum bonus of +1.
cern for who or what they have to trample along the
way.

Table 3.13: The Heavy (NPC Class)

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 10 +1 +2 +0 +1 +0 +1 Punching basics
2 15 +2 +3 +0 +2 +1 +1 Specialty
3 21 +3 +3 +1 +2 +1 +2
4 26 +4 +4 +1 +2 +2 +2 Heavily armed (+10)
5 32 +5 +4 +1 +3 +2 +3
6 27 +6 +5 +2 +3 +2 +4 Holding basics
7 43 +7 +5 +2 +4 +3 +4
8 48 +8 +6 +2 +4 +3 +5 Punching mastery
9 54 +9 +6 +3 +4 +4 +5
10 59 +10 +7 +3 +5 +4 +6 Traceless

92
 New Rules
Icon Famous: At 6th level, the icon gains the Famous feat.
Superstar: At 10th level, the icon gains the Superstar
Idolized by the masses, icons are those select few
feat.
who live their lives in the international spotlight — and
do it with flair. Actors, musicians and even politicians Lawyer
are often members of this class.
Within the corridors of legal power, an elegantly-
MP Cost: 3 per level +10 (vitality die).
worded motion or a quickly filed injunction can be
Full Skills more powerful than a legion of soldiers. Lawyers can
both be a hindrance and a help to agents, bailing them
The icon’s full skills and key abilities are:
out of trouble one moment and hindering their efforts
Full Skill Key Ability the next.
Innuendo Wis MP Cost: 3 per level + 5 (vitality die).
Profession (any one) Wis
Perform Cha Full Skills
The lawyer’s full skills and key abilities are:
Half Skills
Full Skill Key Ability
The icon’s half skills and key abilities are:
Bluff Cha
Half Skill Key Ability Bureaucracy Cha
Bluff Cha Diplomacy Cha
Hobby (any one) Wis Knowledge (Law) Int
Knowledge (any one) Int Profession (Lawyer) Wis
Sense Motive Wis
Any two other skills Varies Half Skills
The lawyer’s half skills and key abilities are:
Class Features
Half Skill Key Ability
All of the following are class features of the icon.
Computers Int
Starting Feats: The icon begins play with the fol-
Gather Information Cha
lowing feats.
Innuendo Wis
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
Intimidate Str or Cha
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
Knowledge (any one) Int
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
Sense Motive Wis
Department Training: At 1st level, the icon gains all
the special benefits of the celebrity department, includ- Class Features
ing its bonus feat (see page 48 for more about this All of the following are class features of the lawyer.
department). Starting Feats: The lawyer begins play with the fol-
Boosted Charisma: At 2nd level, the icon gains a +2 lowing feats.
competence bonus to his Charisma. Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
At 8th level, this bonus increases to +4.
Persuasive: At 1st level, the lawyer gains the
The Look: At 4th level, the icon gains The Look feat.
Persuasive feat.

Table 3.14: The Icon (NPC Class)

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 6 +0 +1 +1 +0 +1 +1 Department training (Celebrity)
2 9 +1 +2 +2 +0 +2 +2 Boosted Charisma +2
3 13 +1 +2 +2 +1 +3 +3
4 16 +2 +2 +2 +1 +3 +3 The look
5 20 +2 +3 +3 +1 +4 +4
6 23 +3 +3 +3 +2 +5 +5 Famous
7 27 +3 +4 +4 +2 +6 +6
8 30 +4 +4 +4 +2 +6 +6 Boosted Charisma +4
9 33 +4 +4 +4 +3 +7 +7
10 37 +5 +5 +5 +3 +8 +8 Superstar

93
 European Commonwealth
Legal Wrangling: Starting at 2nd level, the lawyer Full Skills
may twist the legal system to his own ends, aiding or The lone gunman’s full skills and key abilities are:
hindering legal actions to best meet his client’s needs.
Full Skill Key ability
If the lawyer aids his client, the client receives a
Driver Dex
cooperation bonus equal to the lawyer’s ranks with the
Profession (any one) Wis
Profession (Lawyer) skill to all favor checks for legal or
Any two other skills Varies
government intervention, as well as all uses of
Bureaucracy to manipulate the legal system. Half Skills
If the lawyer seeks to protect his client from the
The lone gunman’s half skills and key abilities are:
efforts of others, the DCs of all legal and government
intervention favor checks, and all Bureaucracy skill Half Skill Key ability
checks, made to manipulate the legal system against the Concentration Wis
lawyer’s client are increased by the lawyer’s ranks with Craft (Gunsmithing) Int
the Profession (Lawyer) skill. Demolitions Int
A lawyer may only devote the effects of this ability Hide Dex
to one client at a time. Move Silently Dex
Undermine: At 4th level, the lawyer gains the Spot Wis
Undermine feat. Any two other skills Varies
Master of the Courts: At 6th level, the lawyer no
longer needs to spend an action die to activate a criti- Class Features
cal success when using the Profession (Lawyer) and All of the following are class features of the lone
Bureaucracy skills. gunman.
Advanced Skill Mastery: At 8th level, the lawyer Starting Feats: The blade begins play with the fol-
receives the Advanced Skill Mastery feat linked to his lowing feats.
Persuasive feat. Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
Political Favors: At 10th level, the lawyer gains the Armor Group Proficiency (Medium)
Political Favors feat. Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
Lone Gunman Weapon Group Proficiency (Rifle)
Since the time of the Ancients, the Cult of Assassins Weapon Group Proficiency (Tactical)
has used programmed innocents to inflict their final,
Curse of the Word: The lone gunman is subject to
lethal strikes. The lone gunman is one such tool, craft-
the ancient Curse of the Word (see the Shadowforce
ed into a remorseless killer by the power of the Fringe.
Archer Worldbook, page 107). Wherever he goes, he’s
The lone gunman displays the precise attention to detail
followed by iconic images resembling wavy daggers.
and uncanny skill usually associated with trained
These pieces of fringescript are always located within
agents, but this skill is driven by a single-minded drive
100 ft. of the lone gunman, or within the room or set of
to extinguish life. Once a lone gunman’s grisly task is
linked rooms where the lone gunman is located,
complete, the skills and determination that made him so
whichever is smaller. These images never identify the
formidable often vanish, leaving behind nothing but a
lone gunman within a group, rarely hovering closer to
confused dupe to face society’s wrath.
the lone gunman than any others present. The DCs of
MP Cost: 3 per level + 5 (vitality die).
checks made to Spot this symbol are equal to 50 minus

Table 3.15: The Lawyer (NPC Class)

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 4 +0 +0 +0 +2 +1 +1 Persuasive
2 6 +1 +0 +0 +3 +2 +2 Legal wrangling
3 9 +1 +1 +1 +3 +3 +3
4 11 +2 +1 +1 +4 +3 +3 Undermine
5 14 +2 +1 +1 +4 +4 +4
6 16 +3 +2 +2 +5 +5 +5 Master of the courts
7 19 +3 +2 +2 +5 +6 +6
8 21 +4 +2 +2 +6 +6 +6 Advanced skill feat
9 24 +4 +3 +3 +6 +7 +7
10 26 +5 +3 +3 +7 +8 +8 Political favors

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 New Rules
the total number of levels the lone gunman possesses in The Media
all classes with this ability.
These NPCs seek out and report world events. Some
Killer: Beginning at 1st level, the lone gunman may
of them are crusading journalists, while others are tele-
spend 2 action dice to convert any threat scored when
vision anchors, war correspondents, tabloid talk-show
making an attack into a critical hit.
hosts, and paparazzi. Media NPCs can be frustrating
Like to Like: At 2nd level, the pawn gains the Like to
foes for agent teams, as their relentless pursuit of any
Like feat.
story and their uncanny ability to seek out even the
Deadly Aim: At 4th level, when the lone gunman
most covert details can pose a grave risk to the security
makes a ranged attack on a target within 1 range incre-
of the Cloak.
ment, he adds an additional +1d6 damage to his dam-
MP Cost: 3 per level + 10 (vitality die).
age roll. Should the lone gunman possess the Increased
Precision feat, this ability’s range is increased by 1 Full Skills
range increment per Increased Precision feat.
The media’s full skills and key abilities are:
Heavily Armed: At 6th level, the lone gunman gains
10 additional BP, which must be spent on weapons or Full Skill Key Ability
armor. Diplomacy Cha
Sniper: At 8th level, the lone gunman gains the Gather Information Cha
sniper feat, increasing his threat range with all ranged Perform Cha
weapons by 1, and allowing him to convert ranged Surveillance Wis
attack threats to critical without spending an action die.
One Shot: At 10th level, the lone gunman’s error Half Skills
ranges with all firearms attacks are reduced by one. If The media’s half skills and key abilities are:
this reduces an error range to less than 1, the error
Half Skill Key Ability
range remains at 1, but the GC or opponents must spend
Hide Dex
one extra action die to activate any critical miss.
Innuendo Wis
Profession (Journalist) Wis
Sense Motive Wis

Table 3.16: The Lone Gunman (NPC Class)

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 4 +1 +0 +0 +2 +1 +1 Curse of the word, killer
2 6 +2 +0 +0 +3 +1 +1 Like to like
3 9 +3 +1 +1 +3 +2 +2
4 11 +4 +1 +1 +4 +2 +2 Deadly aim (1d6)
5 14 +5 +1 +1 +4 +3 +3
6 16 +6 +2 +2 +5 +4 +4 Heavily armed (+10)
7 19 +7 +2 +2 +5 +4 +4
8 21 +8 +2 +2 +6 +5 +5 Sniper
9 24 +9 +3 +3 +6 +5 +5
10 26 +10 +3 +3 +7 +6 +6 One shot

Table 3.17: The Media (NPC Class)

Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 6 +0 +0 +2 +0 +1 +1 Specialty
2 9 +1 +0 +3 +0 +2 +1 Undermine
3 13 +2 +1 +3 +1 +3 +2
4 16 +3 +1 +4 +1 +3 +2 Nose for news
5 20 +3 +1 +4 +1 +4 +3
6 23 +4 +2 +5 +2 +5 +4 Persuasive
7 27 +5 +2 +5 +2 +6 +4
8 30 +6 +2 +6 +2 +6 +5 Hot tip 1/session
9 34 +6 +3 +6 +3 +7 +5
10 37 +7 +3 +7 +3 +8 +6 Inside source 1/session

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 European Commonwealth
Class Features Full Skills
All of the following are class features of the media. The psi-punk’s full skills and key abilities are:
Starting Feats: The media begins play with the fol-
Full Skill Key Ability
lowing feats:
Energy Burst Str
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee) Half Skills
Specialty: At 1st level, the media gains 3 bonus The psi-punk’s half skills and key abilities are:
ranks with his Gather Information skill.
Half Skills Key Abilities
Undermine: At 2nd level, the media gains the
Balance Dex
Undermine feat.
Climb Str
Nose for News: At 4th level, whenever a newsworthy
Driver Dex
event takes place on the media’s “beat", the GC may
Hide Dex
spend one action die to make the media aware of it. The
Knowledge (Underworld) Int
media arrive within 2d6 minutes. Qualifying events
Move Silently Dex
include firefights in public areas, political scandals gone
Friction Control Dex
public, and major gathering of icons, though many other
Speed Control Dex
potential stories apply as well.
Persuasive: At 6th level, the media gains the Class Features
Persuasive feat.
All of the following are class features of the psi-punk.
Hot Tip: At 8th level, once per session, the media
Psionic Class: The psi-punk is a psionic class. Levels
may make an inspiration check without spending an
gained in this class increase the character’s psion level.
action die. The media may add his class level to the
Starting Feats: The psi-punk begins play with all the
results of this check.
following feats.
Inside Source: At 10th level, the media has developed
Armor Group Proficiency (Light)
a network of news sources who provide him with story
Armor Group Proficiency (Medium)
leads. The media may spend one action die once per ses-
Weapon Group Proficiency (Handgun)
sion to obtain inside information about the activities of
Weapon Group Proficiency (Melee)
a single NPC or organization. For the remainder of the
Weapon Group Proficiency (Rifle)
session, the DCs of all checks made by the target to avoid
Weapon Group Proficiency (Hurled)
the media’s attention — including Bluff, Hide, Search,
and Surveillance checks — are increased by 1/2 the Adrenal Basics: At 1st level, the psi-punk gains the
media’s total Gather Information bonus (rounded down). Adrenal Basics feat.
Martial Arts: At 2nd level, the psi-punk gains the
Psi-Punk Martial Arts feat.
The elite of Fade’s organization, these promising Psi Mastery: At 4th level, the psi-punk gains a +2
youths have been injected with a crude form of the orig- competence bonus with Energy Burst checks. At 10th
inal physical adept formula that’s granted them a vari- level, the psi-punk gains a +2 competence bonus with
ety of amazing powers. These psi-punks are Fade’s Speed Control checks.
favored enforcers, capable of performing feats of phys- Adrenal Mastery: At 6th level, the psi-punk gains
ical prowess few others can match. the Adrenal Mastery feat.
MP Cost: 3 per level + 15 (vitality die). Warrior’s Grace: At 8th level, the psi-punk gains the
Warrior’s Grace feat.
Table 3.17: The Psi-Punk (NPC Class)
Base Fort Ref Will Def Init
Lvl Vitality Att Bon Save Save Save Bon Bon Special
1 10 +1 +2 +0 +1 +1 +0 Adrenal basics
2 16 +2 +3 +0 +2 +1 +1 Martial arts
3 21 +3 +3 +1 +2 +2 +1
4 27 +4 +4 +1 +2 +2 +2 Psi mastery (Energy Burst)
5 32 +5 +4 +1 +3 +3 +2
6 38 +6 +5 +2 +3 +4 +2 Adrenal mastery
7 43 +7 +5 +2 +4 +4 +3
8 49 +8 +6 +2 +4 +5 +3 Warrior’s grace
9 54 +9 +6 +3 +4 +5 +4
10 60 +10 +7 +3 +5 +6 +4 Psi mastery (Speed Control)

96
 "Be wary of friends — they will betray you quickly, for they are
easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical.
But hire a former enemy and he will become more loyal
than a friend, because he has more to prove.
In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies.
If you have no enemies, find a way to make them."
— The 48 Laws of Power,
Robert Greene

Chamber
4
 European Commonwealth
Even Napoléon’s conflict in Spain in the later centuries
met with several defeats when Spanish civilians report-
INTRODUCTION
This chapter brings all the preceding information
ed French troop movements to England’s forces.
Despite all of that, it would be foolish to claim the
Commonwealth’s roots lay solely in espionage. Of equal
into modern and historical context, serving as a guide
importance was Europe’s financial and religious devel-
to important events during the Commonwealth’s forma-
opment. With the issuing of England’s Magna Carta in
tion and through its shadow history, and covers both of
1215, the demand to pursue political fortune became the
Europe’s faction hierarchies and how they interact with
rallying cry for those pursuing financial liberties as
their international Conspiracy peers. It brings
well. Both were means to draw power away from the
Gemeinschafft and Fade to life with two new personal-
Church, but the two movements for independence inter-
ities and provides Game Controls with two adversarial
twined and have not separated since.
threat groups, one (Black Moon) new to this sourcebook.
Merchant traders later opened European markets to
Finally, the chapter concludes with a hook sheet adven-
a host of goods from as far away as the Middle East,
ture designed to kick-start any Europe-based game.
with Venice and Genoa profiting from its carrier service.
All they lacked was a modern banking system, which
the 15th Century Italians stepped in and launched with
SHADOW HISTORY
Most events bearing relevant mention in Europe’s
Florence at its seat. In 17th Century Netherlands, the
Dutch East India Company (and later the Dutch West
India Company) provided a business whereby people
shadow history occur across the 20th and 21st
could purchase some of the two thousand shares, to off-
Centuries, respectively, but Europe has long been famil-
set the cost and potential risk of sea-going trading
iar with the tradition of espionage and tradecraft, dat-
expeditions. To maximize the potential yields for
ing back to its earliest roots. While these roots are not
investors, the Netherlands granted the Dutch East India
covered here in great detail, they’re mentioned to estab-
Company the right to wage war, mint its own money,
lish context and precedence for the Great Game being
negotiate treaties and upkeep its own bases and out-
played across the continent. Europe, after all, is very
posts along trade routes. It was perhaps this alone that
aware of its culture, history and traditions, and agents
encouraged the slow formation of business empires with
working for the Commonwealth are expected to display
deep political roots and aspirations…
an understanding of their heritage.
Note: Given the amount of European history covered
Europe’s forays into the intelligence arena began
in previous Chamber and Threat Books, very little par-
with the Greek city-states and Sparta’s use of the “sky-
allel information is repeated here. Secondly, Europe’s
tale," a coding system whereby a message was written
history is less riddled by supernatural and technological
along strips of parchment or leather that were wound
machinations. Her past is a movement of political and
around a rod. Once unwound, the strips displayed mes-
financial undercurrents, and despite two Great Wars
sages that seemed to be meaningless sets of letters —
that nearly tore her apart, most shadow events play out
until remounted on a rod of matching size. The Romans
far from the main battlefields.
followed suit with Julius Caesar encoding his missives
using the same method. But this was only the begin- Before the Pact
ning.
Pre-19th Century: Much of Gemeinschafft’s early
In Renaissance Europe, Venice maintained its trading
history rests with the heirloom called the Allemanni
empire through a sinister group called the Council of
Eye, a item dating back to Switzerland’s very founda-
Ten, which ran a highly efficient secret police force. The
tion (see page 16). The Consortium is also linked to
council’s cipher secretary, Giovanni Soro, was so suc-
Venice’s Council of Ten, a group of merchant traders
cessful in deciphering codes that the Vatican hired him
and banker families who established Europe’s economy
to translate messages seized by their secret agents.
and system of banking. Long supporters of the Holy
In France, the renowned Cardinal de Richelieu devel-
Roman Empire, the Council of Ten butted heads often
oped the country’s first effective intelligence service
with Gemeinschafft’s Swiss predecessors and predomi-
with help from the Catholic Church, establishing a net-
nantly Protestant families — until the late 18th Century,
work of Intelligence advisors called the Cabinet Noir.
when both factions realized they had much in common,
Later, French agent Chevalier d’Eon de Beaumont, with
including a desire to unite the different Germanic and
King Louis XV’s Secret Correspondence espionage orga-
Italian states into one nation.
nization, posed as a woman and convinced Russia’s
Tsarina to switch allegiances from Britain to France.

98
 Chamber
1814–1815: With the end of the Napoleonic Empire, 1919: WWI ends and the Treaty of Versailles
Switzerland reasserts her neutrality and the weakened demands harsh reparations of Germany, setting the
Gemeinschafft Swiss bankers and the Council of Ten stage for WWII. Meanwhile, with Gemeinschafft seem-
merge to better control European interests. Among their ingly shattered by national loyalties, a young lawyer of
mutual goal is a need to create a more peaceful Europe, Swiss/Italian heritage with sharp instincts and sharper
and, thus, a more stable economy. By 1871, senses sets about mending the rifts. Slowly, Bruno
Gemeinschafft helps to create the German and Italian Vangeli brings the disparate families together, though
Empires (the latter with the additional feat of limiting Russia is now lost to its own revolution.
the Pope’s aegis to Vatican City after Rome is annexed 1924: With her marriage failing and Conrad grow-
as Italy’s capital). ing more distant, Nicolette returns to Monaco and begs
1880–1900s: Gemeinschafft suffers an internal her family’s forgiveness. They agree to take her back, on
schism; with Imperial powers colonizing territory the condition that Nicolette renounce the Archer name
worldwide, national skirmishes turn into internecine and marry Cameron Kane, with whom she exchanged
fighting within the Consortium. Finally, the German and letters during the last years of her marriage. Nicolette
Austro-Hungarian families decide that rather than agrees.
acquire individual colonial assets, the best option would 1925: Nicolette gives birth to the first of the Kane
be to rule the mother country (thereby controlling all brood, Gregoir.
her resources). They set national events in motion for a 1927: Two years before the Great Depression strikes
continued arms buildup in Germany’s military and for the United States, the newly revitalized Gemeinschafft
the eventual acquisition of a relatively weak Russia. Consortium realizes a difficult road lies ahead. They
1901–1913: Colonel Alfred Redl, an Austro- renew the promise of the Everlasting Alliance, an arcane
Hungarian officer, becomes deputy chief of the pact binding Gemeinschafft allies in solidarity and a
Evidenzbüro military counterespionage organization, mission statement for gaining fortune and power. This
and a Gemeinschafft asset. Russian spies discover time, all agree that the Consortium will no longer par-
embarrassing details about Redl’s personal life, though, ticipate in partisan politics nor allow wars to divide the
and blackmail him into becoming a double spy, betray- families. At the same time, Bruno Vangeli is made an
ing German and Austro-Hungarian Gemeinschafft honorary member of Gemeinschafft’s Consistory.
secrets to the Consortium’s Russian members. When 1930: Gemeinschafft carefully observes events in
authorities finally uncover Redl’s duplicity and confront Germany, where Adolf Hitler (the Demagogue) is gain-
him, he shoots himself, but not before surrendering evi- ing ground with each election, and has both the popu-
dence of his betrayal. A rift forms within the lar support and the charisma to become Chancellor
Consortium on the eve of the Great War. within a few years. Bruno Vangeli senses this may lead
1904–1905: Conrad Archer meets and falls in love to no good, but cannot act on his suspicions because of
with “the Princess of Monaco" Nicolette Dupois (see the Gemeinschafft’s new policy of non-partisan involve-
Archer Foundation Chamber Book, pages 90–91). When ment (see 1927, above), a policy for which he’s in part
Conrad’s rival, Cameron Kane, learns of the affair, he responsible.
convinces the Dupois family to use their criminal influ- Soon, Vangeli discovers that a mysterious woman of
ence to threaten Conrad. Archer refuses to surrender his some influence is backing the Demagogue. In order to
new love, and Nicolette abandons family and fortune to uncover more about the pair, Vangeli asks inventor and
escape with Conrad. With criminals hunting them, personal acquaintance Wilhelm Schrader to meet and
Nicolette turns to the only ally she has left, Bruno “spy" on this mysterious Eva. Schrader does more than
Vangeli, a capable young man with the resources to help that, however, becoming Eva’s lover and feeding
them escape to Britain. Vangeli and Archer become fast Vangeli detailed information about her activities and
friends. plans (see the Archer Foundation’s Shadow History sec-
1914: An assassin kills Archduke Franz Ferdinand in tion, beginning on page 94, for more about Wilhelm
Sarajevo, lighting a slow fuse that gives Austria and Schrader).
Germany the excuse they need to launch WWI. Experts 1935: Schrader uses notes stolen from inventor
within Gemeinschafft later admit the attack was com- Nikola Tesla to meet with and convince the Demagogue
mitted “by certain Consortium factions" as a bid to gain about the spirit world known as the Fringe. While Eva
more power. arranges the meeting to bring Schrader into the
1917: The U.S. joins France and Britain in fighting Demagogue’s confidence, the inventor keeps certain
the Triplice (the WWI Triple Alliance of Imperial facts about the Fringe a secret from both parties. He also
Germany, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and the continues to spy for Vangeli, even though he’s growing
Italian Kingdom), further breaking Gemeinschafft into more and more interested in using the Fringe for his
minor camps. own purposes.

99
 European Commonwealth

1940s: Despite Gemeinschafft’s attempts to remain 1942: Allen Dulles, Wall Street banker, arrives in
neutral in the global conflict, several Consistory fami- Bern, Switzerland and receives diplomatic status as
lies find it difficult to ignore the atrocities being com- assistant to the ambassador. Dulles also heads the OSS
mitted on their own soil. With Bruno Vangeli’s help, operations in Bern.
these families — including the Hannsens, Altdorfers, Bruno Vangeli is already familiar with Dulles, as are
Burgesses, Vangelis and Campanilis — form the founda- other members of Schwarze Kapelle, from prewar times,
tions of Schwarze Kapelle (The Black Orchestra) as an but they know better than to deal with him directly.
operating cover from which to cripple the Demagogue’s Instead they use Gero von Gävernitz as Schwarze
war machine without compromising their agreement Kapelle’s contact with the West. While Dulles believes
with Gemeinschafft. he’s laying the foundation for a spy network to contend
During the early 1940s, Schwarze Kapelle focuses with the Soviet threat after the war (and lay stake to
much effort on Madrid, the spy capital of the war. Berlin, which both Stalin and Dulles know will serve as
German agents use Madrid to buy resources to keep its the premier battleground for postwar Europe), Schwarze
Wehrmacht air force operating, the Russians and the Kapelle is fully aware of Dulles’ ambitions. They allow
Allies maintain spy networks in the area, and Swiss and him to play his games, while attempting to ruin
Swede diplomats buy protective papers for Jews bound Germany’s economy without tipping their hand.
for Auschwitz. In this helter-skelter environment, Meanwhile, Vangeli loses all contact with his spy,
Schwarze Kapelle uses their contacts to prevent the Wilhelm Schrader, whom he suspects is becoming
Germans from buying the super-strong metal tungsten, obsessed with using the Fringe toward his own ends.
which is produced in Spain and twice as rare as urani- 1944: Bruno Vangeli and his cohorts abandon
um. Their efforts weaken the Wehrmacht’s ability to Schwarze Kapelle when a failed assassination attempt
produce additional war machines. against the Demagogue’s life spurs a witch hunt. Still,
Schwarze Kapelle also supports staunch anti-Nazi throughout the war and campaign to paralyze the
Captain Hans Hausamann in creating Büro H, a free- Demagogue, Vangeli realizes one important fact…
lance intelligence gathering organization. Hausamann, Gemeinschafft cannot continue on its present course. It
a Swiss businessman, maintains many influential con- must change, and he knows just how. Vangeli contacts
tacts throughout Europe, and even operates alongside an ally of his, Reinhard Gehlen, a lieutenant general
Swiss Military Intelligence in Lucerne, befriending the with the East section of German Military intelligence.
head of military intelligence, Colonel Roger Masson. He convinces Gehlen to copy all his intelligence about
Unfortunately for Masson, Switzerland has little interest the Soviets onto microfilm and destroy the originals.
in extra-national spy rings, and offers military intelli- Gehlen then hides the microfilm in the Bavarian moun-
gence little funding. Desperate for resources, Masson tains, in advance of the American Army.
turns to Hausamann for support, who, in turn, uses his Vangeli approaches Allen Dulles directly and offers
contacts with Schwarze Kapelle to subsidize Büro H. In to arrange a meeting with his elusive friend, Conrad
exchange, the Schwarze Kapelle uses Hausamann’s Archer, as well as unprecedented information about the
growing relationship with Nazi intelligence chief Walter Soviets. Dulles agrees, and Vangeli makes the arrange-
Schellenberg to provide them with inside intelligence ments, advising Gehlen to surrender to American forces
about the Nazi regime. and offer his microfilm to them.

100
 Chamber
1945: (April) Conrad Archer, still recovering from 1948: The U.S. institutes the Marshall Plan to help
injuries sustained during Operation: GODSMASHER (see rebuild Europe’s economic and political stability.
the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 38), receives Gemeinschafft uses the effort to sink its roots more
a private summons to meet with madman Avery deeply into Europe by helping the Americans. Behind
Schillingsfield on Mount Adamello in northern Italy. the relief efforts and every pro-American smile,
Aware that he’s walking into a trap but desperate to end Gemeinschafft’s operatives slowly replace gaps left
the long struggle against Schillingsfield, Conrad agrees behind with the fall of so many nations. They gain more
to the meet. When the fight predictably goes against political and commercial sway than they’ve ever held
him, Conrad is ready, and uses the opportunity to before by virtue of their ability to throw money around
fake his own death. The ploy is flawless, leaving across the economically ravaged continent.
Schillingsfield blind to Archer’s activities for some time 1949: The U.S. helps to form NATO, the North
after the war. Atlantic Treaty Organization. From this event, Bruno
Schillingsfield uses a variety of gadgets in an Vangeli realizes the potential of a United Europe, and
attempt to ensnare Conrad, but when all his efforts fail sets about creating Operation: PAX VITAE.
and he believes his own life is endangered, he uses his
last resort, a Zyklon-B gas grenade, against his enemy. The Commonwealth
Conrad apparently falls off a ledge to his death, vanish- in the 1950s
ing into the mountain’s snowy drifts, but through care- 1950 (May 8): This proves a very busy day for
ful control of his breathing and autonomic systems, he Bruno Vangeli and members of the Consistory who once
manages to survive the encounter. Schillingsfield operated Schwarze Kapelle (see the 1940s on the oppo-
believes he’s done Archer in even though he cannot site page). It begins in Australia, with the grand summit
retrieve, much less find, his old rival’s body from the at the Archer Institute that brings about the Archer Pact.
dangerous mountainside. Bruno Vangeli attends with nothing but a promise to
1947: Gemeinschafft lies in turmoil, having lost sev- bring Gemeinschafft into the Conspiracy fold. Vangeli,
eral families to the pro-Communist regimes in Poland, however, possesses an heirloom he believes will help
Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and secure that promise, the Alemanni Eye.
Romania. Fearing the slow dissolution of a European Following the summit, Vangeli immediately flies to
economy under expanding Communist forces, Paris, to help with the inception of the Schuman Plan,
Gemeinschafft pushes Austria and Switzerland to assert which calls for Franco-German reconciliation and the
neutrality and even deference to the Soviet Union. Other pooling of coal and steel production to eventually pave
families, however, use the Democratic initiatives in Italy the way for a United Europe. He then returns to
and Greece to defeat its growing Red parties. Gemeinschafft and petitions the individual families to
Turkey is another matter entirely. If the Communists support him.
ever capture or subvert Turkey, they gain the Dardenelle Initially, only those families who conspired to create
Straits and direct access from the Black Sea to the prized Schwarze Kapelle support the petition, but Vangeli is
Mediterranean. Despite claims of non-partisanship, both persistent and persuasive, drawing many believers
Gemeinschafft welcomes the first Turkish (and Muslim) to his side. Still, it isn’t enough to sway the entire mem-
family, the Özalls, into the Consortium to help direct bership, however.
more influence in the region and forestall potential Days later, as talk spreads that the Hollands and
Communist movements. In all, the Consortium justifies Kanes are readying to oust Vangeli from the
these acts as necessary to maintain a free-market Consortium, Vangeli invokes the right of the Alemanni
economy. Eye — to rule the Consortium and all its assets for one
1946-1956: Hiding in the mountain city of Bolzano day (see page 16). During the next 24 hours, Vangeli
for several months, Conrad Archer finally recovers from bargains, argues, cajoles, convinces, and (reputedly)
prior events, and sets about establishing himself a new even blackmails a few families into backing him.
purpose and identity as “Fade." He heads for Rome, then Gemeinschafft joins the Archer Pact with nary a vote to
Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam; in each city he gathers a spare and, despite the opposition, nobody is willing to
cadre of street urchins and runaways under his wing. leave the Consortium over the matter. Operation: PAX
Through them, Fade establishes deep contacts within the VITAE becomes a Gemeinschafft concern.
various European underworlds and with every city, 1951–1956: Vienna, Austria is occupied by four
leaves behind trusted lieutenants in his stead. His cam- powers (Britain, the U.S., Russia, and France), all in
paign to build a street empire is successful; nobody else close proximity. Vienna is also the hub of Austria’s
even considers such an approach. phone network. Room 39 launches Operation: SILVER,
digging a tunnel beneath their Vienna headquarters to
tap the Russians’ lines, but it’s the Company which pro-
vides the keys to decrypting the Russian ciphers.

101
 European Commonwealth
Operation: SILVER’s success leads to Operation: invaluable assistance, they’ve completely overlooked
GOLD, a Berlin tunnel running from the West to the one resource in the form of street-level support.
Russian landlines. General Reinhard Gehlen, now head- Raymond hesitates, but Fade reveals his ace-in-hole…
ing the West German Intelligence Agency (see 1944), an unlimited quantity of the physical adept serum.
informs Gemeinschafft of the operation. The Sidestepping questions as to how he obtained the sam-
Consortium is annoyed with the American and British ples, Fade claims he can replicate the serum as needed,
Chambers for interfering on their soil without sanction, and will even supply some to the Foundation to equip
and, with Gehlen’s help, stages a hoax discovery of the its operatives — in exchange for being named head of
tunnel. Room 39 and the Company abandon Operation: the second European Chamber. Raymond agrees, but
GOLD after a scant 14 months, leaving Gemeinschafft to plans to watch Fade closely in coming months.
take over the operation and secretly dig tunnels across In a move that stuns Gemeinschafft, Raymond
East Berlin for smuggling and spying. The tunnels are Archer sanctions the formation of a second Chamber in
abandoned when the Berlin Wall comes down in 1990. Europe, this one with the enigmatic Fade at the helm.
1951: Regent Beatrice Chamois retires from the This sends disgruntled ripples through the Consortium,
Gemeinschafft Consistory and nominates Bruno Vangeli but Bruno Vangeli manages to keep the members calm
as her successor. Many realize that the move merely even though he himself is mystified by the decision.
makes Vangeli a greater target should he fail. Vangeli, Fade meets with Regent Vangeli and allays his fears,
however, proves competent beyond reproach, and man- even promising to help train physical adepts for
ages to support Archer policy while privately enabling Gemeinschafft. Vangeli agrees; this is the single largest
the Consortium to acquire power on its own. asset his Chamber has acquired in years, and it’s sure to
1952: Six nations — Italy, France, Germany, place the European Commonwealth in a position of
Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands — ratify the importance through the coming “Cold War”.
European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), opening Neither Vangeli nor Raymond Archer realizes that
the borders for other like enterprises and proving Fade’s ultimate purpose is to use the new Chamber to
Gemeinschafft’s Operation: PAX VITAE a complete suc- track and finally deal with Avery Schillingsfield.
cess. For the time being, Gemeinschafft continues its 1957–1961: The ECSC’s success leads to the Treaty
role as both an Archer Conspiracy Chamber and a sup- of Rome, which establishes the European Economic
porting force behind an open market Europe under a Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy
single currency. Commission (Euratom). With little influence over
1954: Gemeinschafft, growing uncomfortable with Britain, Gemeinschafft cannot persuade it to participate
its increasingly prominent role as a Conspiracy with the six nation members. Unfortunately, when the
Chamber, creates a buffer through which it can act pub- United Kingdom tries to join, French president Charles
licly. Operation: BILDERBERG forms a society of the de Gaulle uses his power of veto to prevent UK’s entry…
same name, which serves Gemeinschafft’s private agen- twice.
das without knowing of the Consortium’s existence or Gemeinschafft is in chaos at the turn of events, inac-
its own role as a puppet organization. Gemeinschafft curately believing they had full control over the situa-
uses ally Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands to draw tion. Nobody can explain de Gaulle’s sudden head-
this cadre of elite individuals, which consists of politi- strong exception to Britain’s entry, but some of
cal, financial, and commercial notables, to Bilderberg Gemeinschafft’s political analysts simply venture: “He’s
Hotel in Holland. a stubborn mule."
Over time, the Bilderbergs come to believe they carry
enough political weight to operate above their own gov- The Commonwealth in the
ernments and to dictate global finances and policy. They 1960s
never come to realize that their power is limited to what 1960: Frustrated with trying to find and thwart the
Gemeinschafft and the other Chambers allow. elusive Schillingsfield, Fade resorts to a new tactic. He
Eventually, the Bilderbergs form the Illuminati, a net- studies the original pre-Minoan civilization notes, but
work of influence through all levels of government and realizes that he also needs information retrieved by the
society, providing Gemeinschafft with an invaluable Foundation over the years and during its various
asset beyond even their wildest initial estimates. encounters with Schillingsfield. Fade approaches
1957: With innumerable European street resources Raymond Archer for the information, but Raymond
at his beck and call, Fade contacts and approaches refuses until Fade finally reveals his true identity. The
Raymond Archer, but doesn’t reveal himself as Conrad, revelation causes a rift between the two men, but for the
his father. During the discussions, Fade impresses upon time being, Raymond agrees to provide his father with
Raymond the need for a second Chamber in Europe the intelligence he seeks, as well as to keep the
because, while the Gemeinschafft Consortium provides European Chamber Control’s secret.

102
 Chamber
Bruno Vangeli realizes he won’t see his dream, Russian spy for 10 years, Vangeli realizes someone is
Operation: PAX VITAE, come to bloom before he dies, trying to slander his old friend, though he fails to iden-
especially with friction between Britain and France cre- tify the culprits. As one of his last acts, Vangeli arranges
ating difficulties within the EEC and Euratom. for Reinhard to live luxuriously as a ward of
Gemeinschafft, however, believes that external pressure Gemeinschafft when his retirement finally arrives.
is required to create the proper crucible for Vangeli’s 1962: Bruno Vangeli, 85, dies of a heart attack.
diamond in the rough, and decides to present the threat Gemeinschafft elects Gregoir Kane, Nicolette’s first born
of Soviet aggression to accelerate Europe’s formation (see 1925), to regency. Afraid of losing the Consortium,
into a cohesive alliance. Gemeinschafft sets about re- Raymond Archer agrees to the nomination even though
establishing contacts with those families thought lost he knows Gregoir has little love for the Archer Pact.
behind the Iron Curtain, only to discover that many sur- Fade discovers from his researches into the pre-
vived and now hold some power within the USSR. Minoan civilization that the psion’s ancient enemy has
Gemeinschafft doesn’t report this to the Foundation, not always been mystics. Believing this to be the key to
realizing that they are, in fact, dealing with the nascent defeating Schillingsfield, he approaches the Guardians
P.E.R.I.L. and asks them to teach him in their arts. The Guardians
While the eventual plan to use the USSR as a threat refuse on the grounds that Fade is both a psion and
fails, Gemeinschafft re-establishes avenues of commu- clearly obsessed with destroying Schillingsfield, dark
nications with old allies. The meet with P.E.R.I.L. is like traits in their opinion.
a family reunion, and the ties continue well after the 1963: The Assassins, long rivals of the Guardians,
Confederacy’s fall to the villainous operation. arrange to meet with Fade. They agree to train him for
1961: With the growing success of musicians like one year, during which time he must remain loyal to
the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, and movie stars like them. Fade agrees, but stipulates that he refuses to
Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren, Fade realizes how great assassinate anyone for them. The Assassins concede,
an influence pop culture exerts over Europe’s new and Fade begins his training.
youth, those born after the war and terrible destitution. 1964: Fade completes his year with the Assassins,
His Chamber encourages the rise and formation of learning their mystic arts, before returning home.
Europe’s celebrities including directors and actors who Unfortunately, his training burdens him with the Curse
move on to wild acclaim in North America. Their inter- of the Word, fringescript in the form of a wavy dagger
national success provides the Commonwealth with its that appears nearby all Assassins. Fade also becomes
public agents, celebrities capable of influencing millions distrustful of mystics in general. He refuses to train any
with popularity alone. This strategy brings Katherine of his associates in the mystic arts except for those he
Wilde to icon status several decades later. believes can "carry the burden." Even then, he does so
The construction of the Berlin Wall finally closes the with a heavy heart.
East-West border, catching the West by surprise and 1965: Regent Kane, a proponent of competitive
casting a black mark on General Reinhard’s record (see nation markets, dare not touch Vangeli’s legacy in the
1951–1956). When it’s later discovered that Reinhard’s ongoing Operation: PAX VITAE. Instead, he allows
chief of counterintelligence, Heinz Felfe, has been a Gemeinschafft to continue supporting the endeavor,

103
 European Commonwealth
which results in the Brussels Treaty, incorporating the 1975: Following Operation: POISON APPLE and the
ECSC, EEC, and Euratom into one body and establishing formation of Africa’s Alliance, Fade believes that the
the framework for the European Community. seemingly spontaneous and widespread proliferation of
1968: In relatively quick succession, four sub- terrorism is actually some perverted legacy left behind
marines sink, at least two of which are known to be by Avery Schillingsfield. The Commonwealth is uncer-
nuclear capable. The subs are American, Russian, Israeli, tain, and while Fade searches for clues to the catalysts
and French. The associate Chambers never uncover the of these violent activities, Gemeinschafft reorients vari-
missing nuclear bombs nor the culprits responsible. ous intelligence organizations to directly combat the
agitating terrorist cells.
The Commonwealth in the 1979: Cameron Kane dies in captivity and Nicolette
1970s vows revenge, teaching her children to hate and even-
1971–1973: Regent Kane manages to convince sev- tually fight the Archer Conspiracy.
eral key Gemeinschafft families, including the powerful
Hollands, that it’s time for the Consortium to part ways The Commonwealth in the
with the Foundation. The other Consistory families, who 1980s
actually agree with the Foundation’s policy and aims, 1982: Fade eventually determines that Avery
secretly galvanize around Stefan Bartolomei, a rising Schillingsfield isn’t behind the recent spate of terrorist
star within the Consortium. Bartolomei contacts both activities, though he still maintains that there’s some
Raymond Archer and Fade, apprising them of the situ- preternatural influence involved. Referring back to his
ation, but warning them not to interfere. He wants to pre-Minoan notes, Fade identifies the presence of a
handle this matter internally lest this affect the “Babylonian virus" — a type of thought-illness targeting
Consortium’s standing with the other Chambers. and unbalancing the brains of latent psions. According
Fade, however, a long-time rival of the Kane family, to Fade’s assertions, the virus was triggered when psions
surreptitiously helps Bartolomei. His key operatives use reappeared in the world, though its function remains a
quiet threats to dissuade some families from defecting, mystery. Whether it's a mystic measure meant to curtail
and even protect Bartolomei from a distance, thwarting the psion population or a psion development meant to
three assassination attempts that Bartolomei never dis- force psion awakening, remains unknown.
covers. Upon hearing the news of Fade's discovery,
The war between Kane and Bartolomei becomes a Raymond Archer orders the matter hushed until the
ballet of contacts, favors, misinformation, counterintel- findings can be verified. The Shop takes copies of all the
ligence, and blackmail. In the end, Fade arranges for research notes for further study…
Kane’s assassination, fearing that if anyone else gives 1985: Mikhail Gorbachev assumes power in Russia
the kill order, the potential backlash could lead back to and institutes many changes and reforms under the twin
the Conspiracy. banners of glasnost and perestroika. The Commonwealth
Bartolomei assumes regency, exiling the Kanes from panics, realizing that this will lead to one of two out-
the Commonwealth and limiting the Hollands’ power. comes: either the Communist regime will collapse, leav-
The remaining Kanes, including Nicolette, Cameron, and ing many European nations living far below Chamber
their children, are placed under home arrest in a moun- standards, or a Communist backlash will prompt a return
tainside chalet. to Cold War policies. In either case, Operation: PAX
1974: The Tenebrae Protocols form with long-term VITAE must become a reality quickly, because Europe
goals regarding Gemeinschafft Consortium (see page 44 must be strong to weather the coming events.
for more about this villain organization). 1989–1990: Communism fails with unexpected
1975: Moving carefully, the Tenebrae influence speed. The Berlin Wall falls and many of Russia’s satel-
Operation: BILDERBERG, giving the Illuminati enough lite nations begin the Democratic process. The world
information to operate on its own, outside celebrates the fall of the USSR, but the Commonwealth
Gemeinschafft command channels. The Accusers launch is aware of the painful road to recovery that lies ahead.
an immediate investigation, but fail to find the culprits The European Union must become a reality now.
responsible. Slowly, Tenebrae brings the Bilderbergs
under their own wing, keeping the group in the dark The Commonwealth in the
about its origins and its lack of true control over its 1990s
efforts to create a borderless Europe. 1991: Operation: PAX VITAE is on the cusp of real-
1970–1985: Cold War concerns give way to terror- ity. The Commonwealth approves its third foundational
ism. Both left- and right-wing groups besiege Europe, agreement, the Treaty of Maastricht, and its three pil-
and the Commonwealth realizes that future wars will be lars: monetary union, shared foreign and security poli-
fought using small groups, large-scale destruction, and cies, and cooperative justice and domestic affairs.
terror.

104
 Chamber
1992–1995: Gemeinschafft’s worries of a chaotic
transition to Democracy are realized when the Serbian
TCHE
militia begins “cleansing" Bosnia of Croats and T WIN
HAMBERS ’
Muslims. Terror, genocide, and worse are the new tools
of war, forcing the European Chambers’ intercession
ORGANIZATION
through the UN. It's quickly evident, however, that the
Chambers exert no real control over Europe’s Wild West.
The burden of hierarchy within the European
Instead, P.E.R.I.L. holds sway within the strip between
Commonwealth falls to the Gemeinschafft Consortium,
Yugoslavia and the Adriatic Sea. Gemeinschafft secretly
which has followed a strict divisional structure since the
brokers a deal with P.E.R.I.L. — if they can prevent the
Napoleonic Wars. Its initial departments were regional
chaos from spilling into adjoining countries and help
in scope, with the Consortium representing a wide field
keep some modicum of peace in the region, the
of national interests. Austria, Prussia, France, Tuscany,
Consortium will not interfere with P.E.R.I.L.’s influence
Russia, and Britain represented the most influential
in the region.
divisions, but membership was fluid as evidenced by the
1997: Still livid over the Shop’s defection and the
conspiracy's continued power base following Russia’s
theft of his notes (see 1982), Fade convinces Stefan
loss to the Communists and Britain falling under Room
Bartolomei to co-found the Fractal Intelligence Division
39’s control.
(see page 28). Fade is now convinced that the
Not much changed within Gemeinschafft’s structure
Babylonian virus isn’t the only booby trap left behind
until Bruno Vangeli brought the organization into the
by the Ancients, but to find their handiwork, a new
Archer Pact (see page 101). Gemeinschafft realized that
group must be dedicated to the study all events, toward
the world was shrinking, being replaced by a global
the goal of finding a greater pattern to the whole.
economy and faster lines of communication, and that
Bartolomei consults with Raymond Archer and agrees to
the first thing to break would be national boundaries.
form the Tenth Division.
Thus, in preparation for the inevitable European
1999+: The EU unveils the Euro and includes 12
Economic Community, the Consortium replaced its
nations in the monetary fund: Austria, Belgium,
national departments with eight divisions overseeing
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
the needs of Europe’s formation and the operation of the
Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain (Greece fails the initial
Archer Conspiracy Chamber. Thus were born the depart-
economic criteria, but eventually joins in 2001). While
ments of Government, Economy, the Military, Law &
Gemeinschafft considers the experiment relatively suc-
Order, Intelligence, Resources, Media, and Transport &
cessful despite the Euro's initially shaky introduction on
Communications.
world market, the Consortium knows that this is just the
Unfortunately, the Gemeinschafft Consortium over-
beginning. The UK, Denmark, and Sweden have yet to
looked, if not outright ignored, valuable avenues in
join the Monetary Union, and the EU continues growing
criminal enterprise, societal trend, population segments,
with invitations extended to several Central European
and entertainment. This prompted Raymond Archer to
nations (once they meet the necessary criteria).
allow for the formation of a second Chamber in Europe,
The Commonwealth Today one more capable of interacting with the face of society.
While the logic was sound, Fade’s Chamber remains a
2000: Fade, tiring of P.E.R.I.L.’s presence in Europe,
bruise to the Consortium's ego. The Consortium want to
supports Vojislav Kostunica against Slobodan Milosevic
participate in creating a new Europe, but Fade proved
in Yugoslavia’s elections. Milosevic tries to force a
that the conspirators don't know all that a new Europe
runoff in the elections and Fade’s operatives help incite
entails. At least in the arenas overlooked by the
the population against the president. Vojislav assumes
Consortium's structure, Fade and his organization does.
the presidency and Milosevic is turned over to the UN
The relationship between the two European
for war crimes. P.E.R.I.L. is furious over this turn of
Chambers was rocky at first — so much so that the
events, but Gemeinschafft claims innocence in the mat-
Consortium almost allowed Gregoir Kane to lead them
ter. This is the first of many wedges that Fade plans to
right out of the Archer Conspiracy (see the opposite
drive into the Gemeinschafft/P.E.R.I.L. truce.
page). Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and support-
2001: An Assassin appears by Nicolette’s bedside,
ed Stefan Bartolomei’s coup.
offering her an alliance and retribution for the indigni-
In a radical move, Regent Bartolomei decentralized
ties her family suffered at the Commonwealth's hands.
Gemeinschafft to prevent its elite families from consol-
He reveals that Gregoir’s true murderer is none other
idating power or from favoring any particular nation.
than Fade… Nicolette’s first husband. Nicolette escapes
The move was met with grudging acceptance, but even
with the remainder of her family, forming the Black
now, both Fade and Bartolomei know there are elements
Moon villain organization (see page 118).
within the Commonwealth that remain unhappy with
current conditions.

105
 European Commonwealth
Fade Structure Gemeinschafft’s Divisions
The Commonwealth’s hierarchy is a jigsaw puzzle On the other end of the spectrum lies Gemeinschafft
floating on water. Sometimes the pieces mesh perfectly and its reliance on industry juggernauts — banking,
and sometimes they drift apart. The division of power politicians, and the like — to pave the way to a border-
between the two Chambers is far more nebulous these less Europe. The Consortium believes that if one con-
days, with Fade’s operations using individuals to lead trols the region's ruling bodies, the individuals will fol-
the masses and Gemeinschafft using organizations to low en masse. As such, Gemeinschafft’s bureaucracy is
lead the individuals. Both tactics have merit and both, surprisingly efficient, with each division serving sup-
sometimes, aren’t mutually exclusive. posedly specific functions despite a cross-fertilization of
Fade, from his WWII years as Conrad Archer, learned training and skill sets that proliferate throughout.
that the strongest ties existed between small groups of Agents are required to tour the different operations
men and women who serve and fight together. Groups and serve one to two months a year in at least one other
larger than that are no longer as cohesive or loyal to one division. Those who make the complete circuit of ten
another. What matters are interpersonal relationships divisions (thus implying five to ten years of service) are
built around one person with the charisma to lead others called “Golden Guns" and afforded the ultimate degree
(hence Fade’s reliance on celebrities, diplomats, and crim- of respect from their peers. Movement between the divi-
inal kingpins). Additionally, the use of small cells also sions also occurs as each assignment calls for different
minimizes potential collateral damage if someone targets skills and experience sets, though the divisions do their
the whole operation through a specific source. In this best to keep agents from routinely “defecting."
case, the organization remains safe, as just the attacked The divisions operate well together, but competition
cell and perhaps another adjoining fall into jeopardy. and some distrust arises because each operates like its
This lesson was further cemented when Conrad spent own foreign country. Part of this competition doesn’t
a year with the Assassins and discovered that their hier- stem from the Marquesses themselves, but from their
archy mirrored the Bedouin clans, with several tribes “patrons" on the Consistory (see page 109 for more
united under the common banner of their strongest about the Consistory’s titles of nobility).
group. Gemeinschafft’s patrons represent the alliance of the
Fade’s hierarchy is consequently tribal in nature, families who formed the Consortium, and who own most
with he and his most immediate and trusted circle of businesses the Commonwealth relies upon for resources.
allies constituting the ruling group. This tight circle These global financiers are the matriarchs and patriarchs
often trains with Fade and many members benefit of the different families; together, they form a Council of
directly from pure samples of the psion serum. These Patrons upon which Stefan Bartolomei sits as crown.
individuals also oversee specific regions of Europe, rely- While the Council of Patrons represents nearly all of
ing on borders to set jurisdictions, and operating from Gemeinschafft’s 24 families, only nine of the most loyal,
underground hostels. affluent, and influential earn patronage over a division.
Fade cares little about the actual organization of his Admittedly, this position is somewhat honorary and
Chamber. What matters to him is loyalty, not size or rarely involves the creation of policy, but it remains a
bureaucracy. Fade knows that his closest allies are loyal coveted gift handed out by the Regent, and often nets a
to him, and that the various tribe or cell leaders are, in lion’s share of favors and boons as well. In fact, each
turn, loyal to the national overseer. Thus, there are only patron family views the success of another division as a
three degrees of separation between Fade and any one competitive challenge to its own skills, and often offers
operative, keeping the organization's loyalty strong, financial incentives and favors to agents who truly
fluid, and difficult for enemies to pin down. advance the standing of their division over the others.
It's also the responsibility of each “tribe leader" to
train his own agents, either personally or through local First Division:
talent. Thus, a tribe might undergo training in counter- Political Office
intelligence at the hands of a Gemeinschafft Seventh Function: Oversee the creation and continuation of a
Division agent one month, then learn fringescript from European Commonwealth of States at all costs.
a local graffiti artist the next. Fade also personally tests Patron: Gunther Altdorfer, media mogul with stakes
and reviews those candidates showing the most promise in half of Europe’s media outlets.
and/or psi-latent gifts for potential deep cover work. Marquess: Bernard Montpellier (Codename: L’Esprit,
Fade uses his criminal contacts to help fund Fagin’s or “The Spirit"), a ruthless man with ambitions to join
Umbrella. While the source of this money sometimes the Council of Patrons.
proves troubling to some operatives, it's necessary to Preferred Agents: Facemen, pointmen.
achieve the organization's goals. Fade may dislike his
financial channels, but he isn’t naïve of their potential
value — to him, and the world.

106
 Chamber
The First Division is a frightening shark in the Third Division: Security
Commonwealth pool, probably because they are willing
Function: Overseeing military and law enforcement
to use any means necessary to pursue their mandate.
assets; combat training.
The Political Office is a well-organized bureaucratic jug-
Patron: Noëlle Hannsen, CEO of Manta Works
gernaut, but it’s also a hotbed of shadow politics, ques-
(reputed daughter of Bruno Vangeli, with extensive mil-
tionable moralities, internal rivalries, and cutthroat
itary contracts).
agendas. Agents assigned to the Political Office often
Marquess: Regis Cairncross (Codename: Maggot-
refer to their time with the division as “a tour into the
Killer), ex-SAS soldier with a drill-sergeant’s mouth and
heart of darkness."
attitude.
At its most innocuous, the First Division oversees all
Preferred Agents: Soldiers.
matters political and judicial: supplying speech writer to
Third Division is responsible for overseeing different
favored politicians, sending spies into enemy camps to
aspects of public security, from law enforcement agen-
determine strategy or sow dissent, and providing allies
cies to Special Forces units. It also recruits and trains
and operatives with legal counsel when it's needed.
members of Buitensingel (see page 40) and teaches
Unfortunately, most First Division agents believe
operatives the essentials of tactics and combat.
Europe's very fate rests on their shoulders, and are thus
Third Division rarely sends agents into the field,
driven to accomplish their weighty task by any means
instead relying on its Special Forces contacts to handle
necessary, up to an including assassination, framing
real-world concerns.
targets for various crimes, and using tactics of terror.
Third Division has access to four different aban-
First Division agents often use public opinion to
doned Petrostar oil platforms in the North Sea, which it
their benefit, staging events to sway votes and using
uses as training facilities for new recruits. Platform 03-
celebrities to change people’s attitudes. Unfortunately,
17 — also called “Inferno" — is used for staging opera-
First Division tends to dislike outside interference (i.e.
tions and live-fire exercises, as well as war games.
assistance offered by other divisions), and pursues most
efforts internally. Its agents call upon other divisions Fourth Division:
only when all their avenues are blocked. Operation SKIA
The Austrian Trade Union Federation is one of this
Function: Electronic infiltration, sabotage, and theft.
division's assets (see page 30).
Patron: Solon Burgess; CEO of GlobalTech and other
Second Division: Finances telecommunications firms.
Marquess: Alana Duchez (Codename: Pliskin), one of
Function: Ensuring the Commonwealth remains sol-
Fade’s success stories who joined the Commonwealth.
vent through public investments; accounting.
Preferred Agents: Snoops, pointmen.
Patron: Count Antonio di Vangeli, banking and
The Consortium's Fourth Division is almost entirely
investments magnate.
internal, serving the Commonwealth as an operational
Marquess: Fredrick Giskes, pencil pusher with his
field arm for what’s referred to as “the soft touch."
nose in the Commonwealth’s books.
Operation: SKIA (Ancient Greek for “shadow") manages
Preferred Agents: N/A.
electronic infiltration, sabotage, and theft — those
Gemeinschafft’s Financial Division has two far-
assignments requiring stealth or a good con job. Rarely
reaching tasks. The first is collaborating with other
do agents of this division pursue violent measures.
Chambers to oversee the economic health of various
Even after Tenth Division received Gemeinschafft
nations. The second is to maintain the Commonwealth's
sanction, SKIA's operatives maintain the closest rela-
operating budget.
tionship with Fade’s organization. Both of the
The Second Division is relatively “action-light," and
Commonwealth's Chambers use SKIA as neutral ground,
most of its assignments involve a great deal of desk
exchanging operatives, information, and trainers
work (monitoring the international stock markets and
through its channels. In fact, SKIA keeps intruders in its
various economies, for example, and helping to launder
talent stable — those Consortium agents Fade has agreed
financial assets through the Shadownet). The only seg-
to train with his unique fighting and infiltration tech-
ment of this division agents are likely deal with is
niques. Fourth Division, in turn, uses some of its opera-
accounting, with whom they must seek mission budgets,
tions budget and resources (GlobalTech in particular) to
drop off receipts and expense reports, and answer audits
help Fade’s agents when possible.
for unnecessary spending.
All accounting agents operate out of major local
banks or investment firms, in secured offices where they
can conduct their transactions privately. Luxembourg
International Finances Inc. falls under Second Division’s
mandate (see page 34).

107
 European Commonwealth
Fifth Division: Acquisition The Accusers are responsible for ensuring the whole
and Recruitment of the Archer Conspiracy remains true to its own values
and methods. The Judges’ Tribunal, consisting of three
Function: Overseeing Gemeinschafft resources and
Marquesses (including Borman), enacts new Conspiracy
the recruitment of personnel.
laws and regulations when required, while individual
Patron: Monika Verhooven, oil and steel baroness.
Accusers venture out on assignment with field agents,
Marquess: Nikolai Nureyev (Codename: AKULA);
ensuring their assigned teams meet their objectives and
former Confederacy agent with suspected P.E.R.I.L. con-
fulfill the demands of the Archer Pact.
tacts.
Like the Political Office, many agents fear this divi-
Preferred Agents: Wheelmen, facemen, snoops.
sion's operatives, if only because Conspiracy law is
As mentioned in Chapter 2, Acquisition oversees all
absolute in the Accusers' eyes. The Accusers function
Commonwealth resources, no matter whose aegis they
much like a police unit’s Internal Affairs division,
fall under. This division also acts as the
though they have the right to try and incarcerate sus-
Commonwealth's recruiters, replacing operatives who
pect agents on the spot, provided they have enough
die in the field and seeking resources who might better
proof (a burden they must meet with their Tribunal).
serve the Commonwealth's aims. Essentially, Fifth
Those agents deemed guilty by the Accusers are
Division acts as the supply unit of the Gemeinschafft
transported to Archer's Canberra Institute or to Africa’s
army, its agents wheeling and dealing to support their
Panopticon. Accusers do not have to right to execute
military counterparts. Fifth Division is also responsible
agents unless they resist arrest and endanger other lives.
for providing transportation and for regulating agent
Death sentences and mind-wipes are the prerogative of
resources.
the Judges’ Tribunal, with trials held over secure
Sixth Division: Accusers Shadownet channels including the Chamber Controls of
any accused agents.
Function: Law makers, mediators, judges, juries, and
A small branch of Accusers are also mediators who
sometimes executioners for the European Chambers.
help resolve issues as neutral observers, or train civil-
Patron: Ismet Özall, Turkish land baron.
ians in the same capacity. This is the only branch of the
Marquess: Marlene Borman (Codename: The Wolf —
Accusers where being empathic is an asset, and many
see page 26 for more information).
Accusers often serve in mediation for several months to
Preferred Agents: Soldiers, pointmen.
learn the value of listening to both sides of a situation.
The best of the lot often work in tandem with the First
Division, settling debates and problems between gov-
ernments and even nations.

Seventh Division:
Intelligence and
Counter-Intelligence
Function: Counterintelligence, blackmail, disinfor-
mation, propaganda, and slander
Patron: Vito Campanili, rail tycoon of Spain, France
and Italy.
Marquess: Oscar Yeter (Codename: The Magnificent
Oriental), showoff with theatrical flair.
Preferred Agents: Snoops, facemen.
Seventh Division acquires and uses information.
While Fractal Intelligence serves as an intelligence
“warehouse" and conducts theoretical analysis, Seventh
Division’s motto is “waste not." The utility of every
piece of intelligence is carefully considered and every
piece is cross-referenced for potential application.
Seventh Division field teams buy and sell intelli-
gence as needed by the European Chambers, use it to
blackmail enemies and craft credible lies, and some-
times even orchestrate sting and assassination missions
to protect valuable data packets. The suspected link
between Islamic terrorists and Albanian refugee camps
was concocted by Seventh Division (see page 10).

108
 Chamber
Consistory Titles of Nobility
Eighth Division: Psion
Research and Technology The Gemeinschafft Consortium — and by exten-
Function: Research and development of Common- sion, some groups like the Tenebrae (see page 44) —
wealth psion and technological assets. still refer to their leadership as the “Consistory,” the
Patron: Torg Bjorgo, who owns a chain of body ancient term established by the organization’s
alteration clinics and pharmaceutical companies. founders. Its operatives attain the following ranks,
Marquess: Volsand Revell (Codename: Fenris), a cal- listed from greatest to least influence.
culating scientist with the warmth of marble.
• Regent.
Preferred Agents: Fixers, soldiers.
• Marquess (pl. Marquesses).
Once believed to be the runt of the litter and consid-
• Grand Duke.
ered the Shop’s “less talented sibling," Eighth Division
• Duke.
was treated with suspicion for its exploration of psion
• Baron.
activity. With the Shop’s secession, however, Eighth
Division has rapidily climbed to power within the
Gemeinschafft hierarchy. Tenth Division:
Most personnel assigned to this division are Fractal Intelligence
researchers and willing test subjects, trying to advance
Function: Intelligence gathering and pre-sentience.
their relative fields. The occasional operations sortie
Patrons: Fade and Stefan Bartolomei.
endeavors to field-test new equipment on milk runs
Marquess: Yves Fallon (Codename: Le Mistral Noir —
(easy assignments), to retrieve stolen material, or to
see page 29 for more information).
steal valuable technology or psion research from others.
Preferred Agents: Snoops, pointmen.
The Ukraine’s Omni-Tactical Terminal (OTT) in Odessa is
Fractal Intelligence is a shared department (between
one such operation (see page 11).
both European Chambers), and its applications are as
Both Galen’s Ward and the Foundry operate under
yet entirely theoretical. Its intelligence is real, but the
this division's supervision.
application of that knowledge is necessarily non-linear.
Ninth Division: As such, it serves a double function depending on the
Operation SERAPH Chamber using it.
Fade uses Fractal Intelligence to determining if a
Function: Seduction, infiltration, subversion, deep-
quantifiable pattern is emerging in the world, one with
cover ops, social training.
a fingerprint leading back to the Fringe, or to the
Patron: Maxwell Hayes, casino proprietor and owner
Ancients. In this role, Fractal Intelligence gathers and
of Europe’s trendiest night clubs.
compiles a constant stream of data from every available
Marquess: Evelyn Bostavros (Codename: Aphrodite),
source and runs it through statistical analysis programs,
who plays the role of seductive vamp to the hilt.
trying to find common denominators between far-flung
Preferred Agents: Facemen, wheelmen, anyone with
events (from the people involved to their motives to
wits and beauty.
time of day to weather conditions, and more).
A recent acquisition following the collapse of the
Gemeinschafft uses Fractal Intelligence as a think
Soviet Union, this division hails from Russia’s infamous
tank for predicting global trends, economic currents,
Sparrow School. Within the Commonwealth, however,
political hotspots, and enemy movement, and as a
its role has expanded from seduction to all manner of
source of field teams to acquire intelligence, prove sup-
infiltration and subversion. Ninth Division now also
positions, and even to steer certain matters towards the
functions as a finishing school, teaching the finer qual-
Consortium's predetermined course.
ities of social grace, civilized small talk, high-class eti-
quette, and seduction. In fact, many of Fade’s agents Chamber Relationships
destined for celebrity status, as well as First Division’s
Many Chambers remain uncomfortable with the
political candidates, undergo this department’s training
European Commonwealth because it elevates secrecy,
to help them gain absolute command of their already
paranoia, and espionage to an entirely foreign level. As
strong presence.
home to the Conspiracy's judicial branch, the
Ninth Division not only teaches the finer points of
Commonwealth's agents walk a fine line. Each mission
infiltration — from acting and makeup to creative lying
carries a hidden agenda or double purpose. Perhaps
— but also teaches the arts of seduction, courtship, and
even more unnerving is the fact that Europe is home to
subversion. Its trainers operate out of high-end escort
the Accusers (see the opposite page).
services (the kind never found in phone books), and its
“Angel" field teams participate deep-cover, extraction,
and recruitment assignments.

109
 European Commonwealth
Both European Chambers use this anticipation to Russian Confederacy: If the two European Chambers
their benefit, taking advantage of the other Chambers are on opposing sides of any opinion, it’s in relation to
and trampling them when needed to fulfill their private the Russian Confederacy. Fade’s Chamber greatly dis-
aims. Only the harmonious actions of well-meaning trusts the Confederacy, either blaming them for gross
field agents dissuades this opinion. negligence involved in P.E.R.I.L.’s rise or believing their
Still, certain preeminent attitudes bleed through in operatives to be compromised. Gemeinschafft, however,
most European operatives' minds, as follows. wishes to help the Confederacy establish a stronger
African Alliance: The Commonwealth treats the foundation and rebuild, based on Europe’s long-inter-
Alliance as its younger sibling. Gemeinschafft carries twined history with Russia. Also, given Gemeinschafft’s
this disposition off more as that of a responsible and long-standing relations with P.E.R.I.L., even if the
caring older brother, while Fade’s organization remains Confederacy falls, the Consortium will retain a strong
enthusiastic and supportive about the Alliance’s poten- alliance with Russia’s controlling interests.
tial and involvement in Conspiracy affairs. While
Gemeinschafft publicly plays the relationship with
heavy indifference, Fagin’s Umbrella fosters significant
respect for Elias Graham, and tries to involve the
Alliance in joint operations as often as possible.
N EW
FEATURE NPCS
Archer Foundation: The Foundation is the only
Two NPCs are presented here for use in your games,
Chamber that Gemeinschafft respects as an equal.
each with three statistics packages, depending on your
Unfortunately, both Chambers suffer from the “Alpha
agent team’s level of play.
wolf" syndrome, and both frequently collide because they
believe they know best. Fade’s Chamber, however, is far Holland, Sir Sean Marcus
more in line with the Foundation’s goals, and thus, its
Codename: Lawrence of Arabia
operatives work well with like-minded Foundation teams.
Archer Identity Number: 12-743948-05
The Company: Fade’s organization has little love for
Nationality: British
the Company, which it believes represents the worst
Gender: Male Handedness: Right
aspects of a jingoist society. Surprisingly, Gemeinschafft
Height: 6’0" Weight: 190 lbs.
shows some support for the Company, if only because
Eyes: Green Hair: Dark Brown (graying)
the Consortium recognizes America’s role in WWII and
Psion Class: Non-Latent
during the rebuilding of Europe, as well as its continued
Place of Birth: London, England
presence on the world stage. Gemeinschafft knows that
Date of Birth: 1967/03/25
the Americans and the British will be the first two
Distinguishing Characteristics: Conservative suits,
nations on the frontline of any international event, and
neatly trimmed beard, constantly plays with Syrian opal
wants to have their support during those tough times.
worry beads
The Guardians: If Fade has done one thing for his
Chamber’s outlook, it’s to instill them with respect for Background
the Guardians and their abilities, and many of Fade’s
Born of the English branch of Gemeinschafft's
agents have earned a great deal of respect from the
Holland family, Sean Marcus comes from a long line of
Guardians in return. Gemeinschafft, however, treats the
military men, all of whom served Britain admirably.
Middle East as a little more than a backwater province,
Unlike most children of old money, however, Sean
relegating it to a battlefield without native generals.
learned to appreciate his family’s assets and to con-
Pan-Asian Collective: The PAC has been a worthy
tribute something back to the dwindling family fortune.
economic adversary for the Consortium over the last
The English Hollands had long based their wealth on the
few decades. Gemeinschafft respects the Asian Chamber
burgeoning oil fields of the Middle East, particularly as
for its cunning and subtlety, and as such, distrusts its
major shareholders of the Anglo-Persian Petroleum
capabilities entirely. The Commonwealth uses Sixth
Consortium (APPC). But when revolution swept Iran in
Division to annoy and harry its rival whenever possible.
1979, casting out the West’s key ally, the Shah, the
Fade’s organization has an easier time with the PAC and
English Hollands were hit hard and lost considerable
its allies, however — mostly because its agents represent
regional influence. It was only through the aid of Swiss
the hip, trendy, and rebellious Western culture endeared
and Austrian Hollands that the British clan weathered
to many young PAC operatives.
the storm as well as it did.
Room 39: Both of Europe's Chambers maintain solid
Sean followed family tradition, attending Oxford,
relationships with Room 39 and the British government,
then graduating to enlist in the Royal Army. Thanks to
Gemeinschafft due to the UK's continued positive
his frequent travels to the Middle East in his youth, Sean
involvement with world affairs and Fade due to Conrad
served for a single tour of duty in the Gulf region before
Archer's long-standing personal connection to Britain.

110
 Chamber
turning his attention to help rebuild the APPC. His tim- cate of status quo, which is the only reason the
ing was fortuitous, for with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Guardians allow for him to remain as Western ambas-
several Middle Eastern countries were willing to court the sador, despite his mercenary proclivities.
West, ensuring their own security without publicly It’s those same mercenary habits, however, upon
announcing an alliance (thus saving face). which Tenebrae hopes to recruit Sean. They're currently
Sean served as liaison between various oil barons and biding their time, waiting for the right moment to bring
the British Government, not only securing a strong the English Holland into the fold, believing even his
British presence in the region, but also bolstering the loyalty has a price.
APPC’s assets through private deals. Later, when Britain
negotiated with Middle Eastern, pro-West power players Low-Level Holland
to supply them with new technology, they called upon Chamber: European Commonwealth (Gemeinschafft)
Sean to broker the deal and to transport weapons through Department: Power Brokerage
APPC oil tankers. Through these negotiations, Sean Class: Soldier/Pointman
quickly learned the arms trade, and entered into private Level: 3/4
business in 1998, the same year his father died and left
Strength: 10 Dexterity: 12
him both the family estate and a knighted title.
Constitution: 13 Intelligence: 16
With allies throughout various nations and a family
Wisdom: 14 Charisma: 12
branch in Tyre and Beirut, Lebanon, Sean rebuilt and sur-
passed his family’s original holdings. Fortunately, while Vitality: 55 Wounds: 13
both the Guardians of the Whispering Knife and Room 39
Defense: 14 (+3 class, +1 Dex)
were aware of Sean’s dalliances with the arms and favors
Initiative Bonus: +6 (+5 class, +1 Dex)
trade, they never moved against him because he refused
Speed: 30
to supply or deal with terrorists.
With Sean’s growing prestige and personal success, he Fort: +7 Ref: +6 Will: +9
earned the notice of several parties including Tenebrae
Skills: Bluff +10, Bureaucracy +8, Cultures +13,
and Swiss-branch patriarch Maxwell Holland. Tenebrae
Demolitions +9, Diplomacy +10, Driver +7, First Aid
was slow to recruit Sean because Room 39 was already in
+11, Intimidate +11, Languages +11, Sense Motive +9,
the process of enlisting his services. This allowed Maxwell
Spot +8
Holland to devote his not insignificant influence to con-
vince Gemeinschafft to recruit Sean, claiming both his Feats: Advanced Skill Mastery (World Traveler),
assets and expertise would prove a windfall for the Career Operative, Filthy Rich, Persuasive, Point Blank
Consortium. Sean chose to join the Consortium, if only Shot, World Traveler
because of their intimate understanding of global politics
and commerce, and were likelier to excuse his “extracur- Attacks:
ricular" activities. But Sean is ultimately loyal to Britain H&K USP 9mm P +7 1d10+1
despite a mercenary streak, and his alliance with the
Gear: Weapons, cell phone, trendy clothes, personal
Consortium was made with the concession that he be
tape recorder
allowed to assist British Intelligence when asked.
The Consortium allowed Sean to remain majority Common Gadgets: Icon ProStar 8
shareholder of the APPC, to serve as a technology pipeline
to the Middle East, and to help run Room 39 agents in the Mid-Level Holland
Middle East. Sean also serves as a regional expert on Chamber: European Commonwealth (Gemeinschafft)
Arabian affairs, often coordinating private and shadow Department: Power Brokerage
business between the Guardians, Commonwealth, and Class: Soldier/Pointman
Room 39. Agents are likeliest to encounter him during Level: 3/10
affairs dealing with the Guardians (such as the Rosetta
Strength: 10 Dexterity: 12
Stone tour across Europe and the potential theft of Louvre
Constitution: 13 Intelligence: 18
artifacts from the military caravans – see page 12 for
Wisdom: 14 Charisma: 12
more about these events).
Sean’s weapons of choice are legal sanction and Vitality: 91 Wounds: 13
bureaucratic censure. He uses favors and trades to impede
Defense: 17 (+5 class, +1 Dex, +1 armor)
the opposition since, in his words, “guns make for bad
Initiative Bonus: +8 (+7 class, +1 Dex)
business." Although Sean supports a Westernized Middle
Speed: 30
East, he also relies on the current non-elect leadership
to secure his holdings. As such, Sean is a passive advo- Fort: +10 Ref: +9 Will: +12

111
 European Commonwealth
Skills: Bluff +16, Bureaucracy +14, Cultures +20, Trebitsch, Oleg
Demolitions +15, Diplomacy +16, Driver +7, First Aid
Codename: Cartographer
+12, Gather Information +10, Innuendo +15, Intimidate
Archer Identity Number: 13-389573-05
+17, Languages +18, Search +11, Sense Motive +15,
Nationality: Hungarian
Spot +14
Gender: Male Handedness: Right
Feats: Advanced Skill Mastery (World Traveler), Height: 5’9" Weight: 166 lbs.
Grand Skill Mastery (World Traveler), Career Operative, Eyes: Blue Hair: Light Brown
Filthy Rich, Old Debts, Persuasive, Point Blank Shot, Psion Class: Physical Adept (Grade C)
World Traveler Place of Birth: Budapest, Hungary
Date of Birth: 1970/08/04
Attacks Distinguishing Characteristics: Knotwork tattoo on
H&K USP 9mm P +11 1d10+1 his left arm, leather and latex fashion-wear and welder’s
goggles.
Gear: Weapons, cell phone, trendy clothes, personal
tape recorder, tuxedo liner Background
Common Gadgets: Icon ProStar 8 Oleg earned Commonwealth attention when he
hacked a secure Consortium hub at age 14, running
High-Level Holland rampant over its key systems. The Commonwealth
Chamber: European Commonwealth (Gemeinschafft) issued termination orders against him, unaware of his
Department: Power Brokerage age or identity, but Fade’s agents found the boy first and
Class: Soldier/Pointman quickly enlisted him under Fagin’s Umbrella. They rec-
Level: 4/14 ognized that Oleg was smart and quick-thinking, but
more importantly, that his computer was a patchwork
Strength: 10 Dexterity: 12
job of electronic genius, pointing to untold, untapped
Constitution: 14 Intelligence: 18
talent in the field.
Wisdom: 14 Charisma: 12
At the time, the Commonwealth was relatively naïve
Vitality: 143 Wounds: 14 about computer and telecommunications technology,
but Fade realized the potential for electronic infiltrators,
Defense: 20 (+8 class, +1 Dex, +1 armor)
agents capable of completing assignments from safe
Initiative Bonus: +10 (+9 class, +1 Dex)
houses located hundreds, of not thousands, of miles
Speed: 30
away. Oleg quickly justified Fade’s confidence, and the
Fort: +13 Ref: +10 Will: +14 Chamber Control brought the teen to meet with Shop
technicians. The techs, in turn, used Oleg’s expertise and
Skills: Bluff +20, Bureaucracy +18, Cultures +25,
imagination to develop the propriety technology behind
Demolitions +15, Diplomacy +20, Driver +9, First Aid
wireless internet access, decryption AIs, laser networked
+15, Gather Information +10, Innuendo +17, Intimidate
hubs, and a host of other beyond-cutting-edge tech-
+23, Languages +23, Search +11, Sense Motive +19,
nologies. Oleg received the first of the Shop's new wave
Spot +20
of “dream machines", and assisted the Shop for many
Feats: Advanced Skill Mastery (World Traveler), years before he was transferred to the Foundry as a
Career Operative, Filthy Rich, Grand Skill Mastery new-model designer.
(World Traveler), Old Debts, Personal Staff, Perfect Skill Oleg also became the nucleus for Fade’s unofficial
Mastery (World Traveler), Persuasive, Point Blank Shot, electronic espionage cell, though his superiors ensured
Political Favors, World Traveler that his physical skills didn't atrophy, eventually giving
him a sample of the physical adept serum and training
Attacks him as an intruder. In all things, Oleg proved an exem-
H&K USP 9mm P +15 1d10+1 plary student, developing a competitive edge that
always forced him to remain ahead of the pack.
Gear: Weapons, cell phone, trendy clothes, personal
Oleg’s secondary field talent is undercover work, and
tape recorder, tuxedo liner
though Oleg feels most at home with his fingers drum-
Common Gadgets: Icon ProStar 8, panic button, GPS ming the keyboard, he is a highly capable infiltrator and
watch confidence artist. When INTERPOL began downloading
all their records to a mainframe, Oleg infiltrated the
organization as one of the techs hardwiring the Lyon
offices, and installed several backdoors into INTERPOL’s

112
 Chamber
mainframe. This granted the Commonwealth unrivaled Mid-Level Trebitsch
access to INTERPOL files, and allows Fade to create or Chamber: European Commonwealth (Fade)
eliminate criminal dossiers to this day. Department: Computer Espionage
Another of Oleg's accomplishments came when Class: Snoop/Hacker/Intruder
ECHELON went on line. He developed a cipher program Level: 5/5/3
designed to encode telephone conversations and emails
Strength: 10 Dexterity: 12
by replacing hot-words with safe words at the begin-
Constitution: 12 Intelligence: 22
ning and terminus points of transmission (thus render-
Wisdom: 13 Charisma: 9
ing the message itself fairly innocuous at its most sus-
ceptible stretch — during transit, at least). Oleg was also Vitality: 87 Wounds: 12
responsible for working with Room 39 to create the
Defense: 20 (+9 class, +1 Dex)
Shadownet protocols, and now reviews and updates its
Initiative Bonus: +9 (+8 class, +1 Dex)
security every few months.
Speed: 30
Currently, Oleg remains a hacker for the Fade orga-
nization, even though he refuses to head operations on Fort: +5 Ref: +10 Will: +9
his own. Fade respects this decision, allowing Oleg to
Skills: Bluff +7, Bureaucracy +7, Concentration +9,
partake in assignments on his own terms, feeling that
Computers +31, Cryptography +24, Driver +9,
it's more important to develop the hacker's personal
Electronics +23, Escape Artist +7, Forgery +14, Hide
rhythm than force him to work within established
+15, Knowledge (Underworld) +10, Knowledge (Hacker
protocols.
Subculture) +14, Languages +11, Listen +11, Mechanics
Low-Level Trebitsch +14, Move Silently +15, Open Locks +8, Search +19,
Sense Motive +9, Sleight of Hand +5, Spot +14,
Chamber: European Commonwealth (Fade)
Surveillance +9
Department: Computer Espionage
Class: Snoop/Hacker Feats: Adrenal Basics, Advanced Skill Mastery
Level: 5/2 (Mathematical Genius), Extra Budget, Grand Skill
Mastery (Mathematical Genius), Mathematical Genius,
Strength: 10 Dexterity: 12
Nimble Fingers, Quick Use (Computers), Stamina
Constitution: 11 Intelligence: 20
Battery, Stealth, Unlocked Potential (Computers)
Wisdom: 12 Charisma: 9
Psion Skills: Body Sculpting +6, Energy Burst +6,
Vitality: 31 Wounds: 11 Speed Control +6
Defense: 16 (+5 class, +1 Dex) Attacks
Initiative Bonus: +5 (+4 class, +1 Dex)
Glock 23 +8 1d8+2
Speed: 30
Gear: Weapons, laptop (power rating +6), cell phone,
Fort: +1 Ref: +6 Will: +6
electronics kit, stimulant shot
Skills: Bluff +3, Bureaucracy +3, Concentration +3,
Common Gadgets: Icon ProStar 8, LCD lenses
Computers +20, Cryptography +17, Driver +6,
Electronics +15, Escape Artist +5, Forgery +12, Hide High-Level Trebitsch
+11, Knowledge (Underworld) +10, Knowledge (Hacker
Chamber: European Commonwealth (Fade)
Subculture)+12, Languages +7, Mechanics +15, Move
Department: Computer Espionage
Silently +11, Open Locks +8, Search +15, Spot +8
Class: Snoop/Hacker/Intruder
Feats: Extra Budget, Mathematical Genius, Stealthy, Level: 5/10/3
Unlocked Potential (Computers)
Strength: 10 Dexterity: 12
Attacks Constitution: 12 Intelligence: 22
Wisdom: 13 Charisma: 10
Glock 23 +4 1d8+2
Vitality: 114 Wounds: 12
Gear: Weapons, laptop (power rating +3), cell phone,
electronics kit Defense: 23 (+12 class, +1 Dex)
Initiative Bonus: +12 (+11 class, +1 Dex)
Speed: 30
Fort: +6 Ref: +11 Will: +11

113
 European Commonwealth
Skills: Bluff +7, Bureaucracy +7, Concentration +9, Despite appearances, the Praetoriat is old… far older
Computers +37, Cryptography +30, Driver +14, than anyone suspects. The Praetoriat traces its roots to
Electronics +28, Escape Artist +7, Forgery +19, Hide the Praetorian Guard, formed by Roman Emperor
+15, Knowledge (Underworld) +15, Knowledge (Hacker Augustus to protect him from the fate suffered by Julius
Subculture) +19, Languages +11, Listen +11, Mechanics Caesar. Unfortunately, instead of protecting the
+19, Move Silently +15, Open Locks +13, Search +24, Emperor, the Praetorians acted to gain more power than
Sense Motive +14, Sleight of Hand +5, Spot +19, Rome’s rulers, and were sometimes even responsible for
Surveillance +14 their deaths. The group saw their role in history as the
defenders of Rome’s glory. Eventually, Septimius
Feats: Adrenal Basics, Advanced Skill Mastery
Severus disbanded the Praetorian Guard as a threat,
(Mathematical Genius), Extra Budget, False Start
though they survived for a time as a non-military office
(Computers), Grand Skill Mastery (Mathematical
under Emperor Constantine.
Genius), Mathematical Genius, Nimble Fingers, Quick
The new Praetoriat, the organization known to the
Use (Computers), Stamina Battery, Stealth, Unlocked
Commonwealth, claims its rebirth from events following
Potential (Computers), Perfect Skill Mastery
the Knight Templars’ betrayal. The Templars, an order of
(Mathematical Genius)
warrior monks among the preeminent bankers of
Psion Skills: Body Sculpting +6, Energy Burst +6, Christianity’s nascent second millennia, were betrayed
Speed Control +6 by King Phillip of France and Pope Clement V. The
accusations of heresy, idolatry, and deviance were flim-
Attacks sy excuses to seize the Templars’ expansive fortunes,
Glock 23 +11 1d8+2 but they worked; the Inquisition burned the order’s
Grandmaster at the stake and scattered the European
Gear: Weapons, laptop (power rating +9), cell phone,
survivors underground or to safe havens in Scotland
electronics kit, stimulant shot
and beyond.
Common Gadgets: Icon ProStar 8, LCD lenses. The Roman Templars who escaped the pogrom band-
ed together to avenge this grave injustice. They were
angry at both a church which betrayed them so readily
NEW THREATS
Although the Commonwealth’s two Chambers play
and by countries run by greedy, weak-minded fools.
They came to believe that the Praetorian Guard of
ancient Rome were in fact heroes disposing of ineffec-
at their own private agendas, many threats exist beyond tual rulers who threatened the well-being of their sub-
Gemeinschafft’s machinations and Fade’s deadly past. jects. Now, with the thrones of states and church in such
The Commonwealth is beset by foes, the most danger- dire straits, the Roman Templars decided it was their
ous of which earn mention here. Unfortunately, in calling to once again champion the Praetorian mantle
Europe’s great shadow-game, there are always deals to against weak or dangerous people. From unhinged
broker and truces to support. This means that while the potentates to killers stalking Vienna’s streets, the
Commonwealth’s official position on Black Moon and Praetoriat would mete out justice to those who believed
the Praetoriat is one of antagonism, there’s always room themselves untouchable.
for negotiation… especially when one Chamber can play The Praetoriat operated for centuries with this calling,
the threat off the second. Therefore, each of these entries until the early 18th Century when they realized a new
contains additional notes for how the threat might be battlefield was emerging — commerce and banking.
turned into a temporary, though volatile, asset. Where once the greatest weapon was assassination, this
new age brought sanctions, embargoes, levies, foreclo-
The Praetoriat sures, bankruptcies, and a myriad other new techniques.
Threat Code: Red It also brought a new enemy for the Praetoriat —
This short-season (3-serial) threat is appropriate for Gemeinschafft.
a team of 6th-level agents. The two secret societies fought for decades, and the
fighting was worst during WWII. Gemeinschafft and the
The Praetoriat operates much as the ancient Cult of
Swiss profited heavily from their trade with the Nazis,
Assassins did during the Middle Ages — its agenda and
while the Praetoriat struggled to bring economic ruin to
the religion of its leader are the agenda and religion of
Hitler and his cronies.
the order. The Praetoriat follow their Prefect’s lead, even
Then came the Cold War, and the face of Europe
though individual members may pursue private con-
changed. Praetorian Prefect Dario Villena, leader of a now
cerns (always with the Praetoriat’s blessing).
waning society, was disillusioned with the world, but he
also realized there were others like him. Slowly, he
changed the face of the Praetoriat once again, this time

114
 Chamber
drawing the age’s new knights — spies — into the fold. MP Cost: 305
Many Cold War spies were tiring of the game, especially Resources: 4 (37 BP for minions, 52 BP for hench-
when they had to survive the intrigues of their own gov- men, 62 for masterminds)
ernments as much as those of the enemy. Corrupt offi- Gadgets: 0
cials, army personnel selling hardware, murderers posing Loyalty: 7 (+7 to loyalty checks)
as officers… the Praetoriat emerged as a means of dis- HQ Personnel: 4 HQ Security: 6
pensing justice without the miasma of red tape dictating
protocols. Serial Three:
Finally, matters came to a head when Communism Prefect Antonio Villena
disintegrated, the Cold War ended, and One Europe The Villenas are generations deep in obligation
became one step closer to a reality. The Praetoriat found to the Praetoriat, some say from when the fami-
a third calling (a calling that was sure to swell its mem- ly served as Protestant mercenaries during the
bership) — to stop Europe's union. The Praetoriat Thirty Years’ War. Antonio’s personal ties to
believed, as it does today, that a unified Europe would the Praetoriat, and his position as its new
destabilize the global power balance, and that, perhaps Prefect, is due to his father, Prefect Dario
more importantly, such a union would blur once Villena, who headed up the organiza-
clear-cut lines of loyalty established by borders. tion's second major overhaul during
Espionage — the Praetoriat's new life-blood — the Cold War (see the previous column
was no longer a matter of national pride, but of corpo- for more). Since that time, the
rate agendas and capitalism. Suddenly agents didn’t Praetoriat’s ranks have swelled immea-
know who they were fighting for, or why they fought in surably and Antonio has tried very hard to
the first place. What did loyalty to France mean if fill his father’s shoes. While he isn’t quite
France was no longer an “independent nation"? Why the statesman, he makes up for it with sheer
train so long and hard to fight capitalism if the end charisma and an amiable nature belying
result meant embracing it? How did stealing prototypes shark-like instincts.
from an ally’s corporation help safeguard a way of life Like many of the Praetoriat’s old guard,
or national pride? Antonio despises the Gemeinschafft
As it stands now, the Praetoriat is a mixed bag of Consortium, though he has greater reason
members, a society of the betrayed. Its overall mandate of for this sentiment than most. The
assassinating criminals and dispensing justice remains, as Consortium was responsible for recently killing his
does the shared belief in a Europe comprised of countries, father in a car bombing, and Antonio wants retribution.
not states. Its members are very nationalistic and well- This means some Praetoriat-specific agendas may
trained by the Cold War and subsequent conflicts. These switch from interfering with the European Union to tar-
agents differ, however, in that they represent a varied geting known Gemeinschafft assets.
field of agendas. Some, for example, are only interested Currently, Antonio and the Praetoriat are debating
in driving Italy from the economic union that’s raising organizational models. Antonio believes the Praetoriat
the cost of living to intolerable levels. Others might want should operate in small cells to minimize the effects of
to see Hungary a proud country again, not auctioning off betrayal. Other Judges, however, want to turn the
its own military for money. One or two more might want Praetoriat into a large, single unit working towards
to bring about the downfall of a corporation with deep one purpose. Forthcoming conflicts between the
ties to government. Commonwealth and Praetorians will decide.
And what of the old-guard Praetoriat, the ones whose
Antonio Villena, 7th-level pointman/2nd-level
families served the order for generations, if not centuries?
snoop (mastermind — 45 MP): Department: D-1
The leader Antonio Villena is delighted at his growing
Power Brokerage. CR 9. SZ M; v/wp: 51/10; Init +5
membership, and, whether he agrees with all the agendas
(+4 class, +1 Dex); Speed 30 ft.; Def 17 (+5 class, +1
being bandied about or not, he truly believes the
Dex, +1 armor); Atk: Beretta Model 92 +7 (1d10+1);
Praetoriat is a crucible to winnow evil and injustice from
Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA per classes; SQ per
Europe.
classes, cold read 1/session; SV Fort +4, Ref +7, Will
Temporary Asset: While the Praetoriat's vision isn't
+9; Str 8, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 14, Cha 16;
normally uniform enough to serve as a single asset,
Skills: Bluff +16, Bureaucracy +13, Computers +12,
individual members may, from time to time, join forces
Cryptography +9, Diplomacy +18, Driver +6, Gather
with agents from different Chambers if it suits their cur-
Information +9, Innuendo +14, Intimidate +18,
rent purposes. Only the Praetoriat’s generational mem-
Languages +4, Knowledge (Politics) +14, Read Lips
bers, called I Giudici (or “the Judges") are beyond work-
+14, Search +12, Sense Motive +14, Surveillance +10.
ing with Gemeinschafft today.
Feats: Advanced Skill Mastery (Persuasive), Field

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 European Commonwealth
Operative, Filthy Rich, Persuasive, Political Favors. to eliminate this presence, all of which met with disas-
Gear: Weapons, cell phone, designer clothes with ter).
tuxedo liner, laptop (+2 power rating), stimulant shot, Finally, Ilene retired from military service (with
antidote shot, personal tape recorder. Gadgets: Safety enough honors and medals to shame most veterans) and
field, Cadillac Limousine, bug detector. was offered an advisory position at RATMIL, Romania’s
former state arsenal in Bucharest. RATMIL was swiftly
i Giudici (The Judges): While anyone can join the
becoming the chief supplier of small arms across the
Praetoriat, conditional on Antonio’s approval (and a
CIS, if not Europe, and while they paid far better than
deep background check), only a select few are offered
military vets, Ilene realized that her life needed signifi-
the position of Giudici, or Judge. These members serve
cance, not luxury. Then a former military associate
the Praetoriat’s aims above their own, and many hail
approached her about the Praetoriat and asked her to
from a long-line of Judges (a hereditary position).
join. After extensive background checks, she finally met
Judges are responsible for hunting down criminals
with Antonio Villena, and came to the bargaining table
and other vigilante-related actions, sometimes with the
with a major ace up her sleeve — the ability to provide
support of the normal membership. Mostly, however,
the Praetoriat with small arms from RATMIL.
they operate in small teams of no more than six.
Judge Ilene Lukacs, 6th-level soldier/2nd-level
i Giudici, 3rd-level operatives/3rd-level aristocrats
fixer (henchman — 16 MP): CR 8. SZ M: v/wp:
(minions, squads of 6 — 31 MP ): CR 5. SZ M;
86/12; Init +9 (+6 class, +3 Dex); Speed 30 ft.; Def 17
v/wp: 26/10; Init +4 (class +3, Dex +1), Speed 30 ft.;
(+4 class, +3 Dex); Atk: Glock 20 +12 (2d6+2), SITES
Def 16 (+5 class, +1 Dex); Atk: Beretta 1951 9mm +5
Spa Spectre M-4 +9 (1d10+1), retractable baton +8
(1d10+1); Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA None;
(1d6+1); Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA per class-
SQ None; SV: Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 9, Dex 12,
es; SQ per classes; SV: Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +4; Str 12,
Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 14; Skills: Bluff +5,
Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 12; Skills: Bluff
Bureaucracy +4, Climb +1, Demolitions +4, Diplomacy
+6, Climb +10, Demolitions +11, Driver +7, First Aid
+5, Driver +3, Hide +5, Hobby (any one) +5, Innuendo
+11, Hide +8, Innuendo +6, Intimidate +10, Search +7,
+5, Intimidate +4, Knowledge (Politics) +4, Languages
Spot +11, Survival +7. Feats: Coordinated Fire, Lay
+2, Move Silently +6, Profession (Aristocrat) +5,
Down Fire, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon
Search +4, Sense Motive +4, Spot +4, Surveillance +4,
Focus (Glock 20). Gear: Weapons, tactical radio, flash-
Tumble +3. Feats: Political Favors, Stealthy. Gear:
light, silencer (for Glock 20), laser sight (for Glock 20).
Weapons, cell phone, trendy clothes with tuxedo liner.
Gadgets and vehicles: Match grade weapon (Glock 20).
Serial Two: The Falcon’s Eyes: Another of Ilene’s contributions
Judge Ilene Lukacs to the Praetoriat, thanks to her extensive contacts
Ilene Lukacs is an unusual face among the throughout the Romanian military, are the Falcon’s
Praetoriat Judges. Although new to the Eyes. These educators and trainers work at
Praetoriat with no previous family connections, Romania’s Medical Military Institute, Academy for
Ilene achieved Judge status in record time. Advanced Military Studies, the Military Technical
Unlike most new enlistees, however, she came Academy, the Mircea cel Bavtren Naval Academy,
to Antonio with a considerable resource under and the National Defense College. They pick out
her belt — Ilene is a Romanian national who promising students as well as dissatisfied military
joined the military just in time for its so-called personnel whom Ilene can court for potential
sweeping reforms and joint operations with recruitment.
NATO in the early ’90s. She served as an
observer to the UNIKOM mission to Iraq and The Falcon’s Eyes, 4th-level mercenaries
peacekeeping initiatives in Somalia. (minions, squads of 8 — 40 MP): CR 3. SZ M;
Ambitious and smart, Ilene quickly grew v/wp: 26/12; Init +3 (+2 class, +1 Dex); Speed 30
disillusioned with her country’s role within ft.; Def 13 (+2 class, +1 Dex); Atk: SITES SpA
Europe. Like many Romanians, she felt life Spectre M-4 +5 (1d10+1), retractable baton +5
was better under the Communists, even (1d6+1); Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA
though she didn’t like the regime. Moreover, None; SQ None; SV Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +2;
while she was proud of her country’s involvement with Str 11, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 9; Skills:
NATO and initiatives like Partnership for Peace, she rec- Demolitions +3, Diplomacy +1, Driver +3, Hide +3,
ognized the inadequacies of her own military and the Listen +2, Sense Motive +2, Spot +2, Survival +2.
Defense Ministry’s insistence that there were no neo- Feats: Point Blank Shot. Gear: Weapons, tactical radio,
Nazi paramilitary cells operating in the Carpathians tactical deployment vest, flashlight, hand cuffs.
(even though she was involved in several assignments Gadgets and Vehicles: None.

116
 Chamber
Serial One: Gibraltar The Unknown Soldiers: Gibraltar knows many men
Gibraltar, formerly known as Guzmán Castillo, and women like himself, those lost and seeking a new
once ranked as the best Special Forces soldier purpose. The Unknown Soldiers are Special Forces
within Spain’s GOE-11 (Grupo Operaciones mercenaries and even ex-P.E.R.I.L. agents participat-
Especiales). Unfortunately, when authori- ing in the Praetoriat's various nationalist
ties discovered Guzmán had ties to Euzkadi movements. The Unknown Soldiers
Ta Askatasunaó (ETA, or the movement for an take their cues from the old
independent Basque homeland in northeast- Soviet Union by training ter-
ern Spain), they discharged him and attempt- rorists in military tactics to
ed to try him for sedition. It didn’t matter sow dissatisfaction and discord.
that Guzmán was a moderate supporter who
The Unknown Soldiers, 2nd-
condoned political action to bring about a
level mercenaries (minions, squads of
Communist homeland and not the string of
10 — 32 MP): CR 1. SZ M; v/wp 15/13;
bloody terrorism that gripped Spain in the ’70s
Init +2 (+1 class, +1 Dex); Speed 30 ft.; Def
and ’80s.
12 (+1 class, +1 Dex); Atk: Kalashnikov
But Guzmán was not tried. Instead, he was
AK-47 +3 (3d6), survival knife +3 (1d6+1);
approached by P.E.R.I.L., who offered him an
Face 1 Square; Reach 1 square; SA None; SQ
avenue out of his predicament in exchange for
None; SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1; Str 12, Dex
joining them. With little recourse left, Guzmán
12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 9; Skills:
agreed and underwent the rigorous treatments to
Demolitions +1; Driver +2, Hide +2. Feats: Point
become a mentalist, taking the codename
Blank Shot. Gear: Weapons, tactical radio, flashlight.
“Gibraltar."
Gadgets and Vehicles: None.
Serving with P.E.R.I.L. had its benefits, but Gibraltar
quickly tired of its mercenary appetite. He grew disillu-
sioned when he realized how great an influence the Plot Hook #1
shadow communities exerted over society and even Antonio suspects that Salvador Vega (see the
governments — it was all a game of pawns in a chess Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, page 93), currently in
match with no kings and queens. Gibraltar chose to the Commonwealth’s hands, betrayed the order and was
vanish from the world and find a cause worth fighting responsible for Dario Villena’s death. As such, he has
for. He found it, with the Praetoriat. placed a substantial marker for Vega’s head. The
The Praetoriat showed Gibraltar that many of reward? Use of the Praetoriat’s assets and resources for
Europe’s problems stemmed from the so-called a full week in pursuit of one member’s goal. Needless to
European Union, which robbed people of borders with- say, the offer has sparked a flurry of activity within the
out instilling any sense of nationalism or cultural her- order. Antonio is very pleased because while the boun-
itage. What chance did the Basque movement have of ty is admittedly substantial, the canny Prefect knows
procuring a homeland when everything was moving the various Judges and members will attack and destroy
towards hegemony without identity? With that realiza- Gemeinschafft assets trying to get to Vega.
tion, and with the Praetoriat's help, Gibraltar found his
life goal, which he's worked toward ever since. Possibilities:

Guzmán Castillo, 4th-level soldier/3rd-level point- 1. Salvador Vega is responsible for betraying the
man (henchman — 14 MP): CR 7. SZ M; v/wp 74/16; Praetoriat, but he’s caught between protecting the
Init +6 (+4 class, +2 Dex); Speed 30 ft.; Dex 15 (+3 order and saving his own life. Dario Villena was retired,
class, +2 Dex); Atk: Magnum Research Desert Eagle which Vega knew. He betrayed the old Prefect so as to
.357 Magnum +8 (3d4+1), survival knife +8 (1d6+2); not cripple the Praetoriat with his information while
Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA per classes; SQ per still appealing to his captors with a bit of seemingly
classes; SV Fort: +8, Ref +6, Will +4; Str 14, Dex 14, worthwhile intelligence. This is why the Praetoriat
Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10. Skills: Climb +7, hasn’t been crippled by further assassinations.
Demolitions +5, Driver +7, First Aid +6, Intimidate +6,
2. Some people are curious as to why the Commonwealth
Survival +5, Swim +6, Tumble +7. Feats: Combat
would assassinate Dario Villena when they could cap-
Instincts, Mobility, Point Blank Shot, Shot on the Run,
ture and interrogate him instead, earning a wealth of
Sidestep. Gear: Weapons, tactical radio, flashlight, first
information in the process. This leads some to believe
aid kit, survival kit, fatigues, laser sight (on Desert
the bombing was staged, meaning Villena senior is
Eagle), liquid skin patch. Gadgets and Vehicles: Off-
either hiding or a captive somewhere. If so, some
road SUV.
Judges are eager to find him, if only for fear that he
might betray the order under interrogation.

117
 European Commonwealth
3. Dario Villena was killed in a car bombing, but it wasn’t stronger foothold in the region and strike at
Vega who betrayed him. The Praetoriat have a mole in Commonwealth assets. Meanwhile, the Praetoriat is
their organization, an agent whose father was mur- running their own investigation through Gibraltar, and
dered by a Judge and whose personal agenda is the may consider temporary alliances with Commonwealth
Praetoriat’s destruction. The sweet irony of the matter agents if it helps to quash allegations of their involve-
is that this mole is using the Praetoriat’s own assets to ment.
fund his vendetta against them.
La Lune Noire
Plot Hook #2 (“The Black Moon”)
There are rumors that the Praetoriat is trying to Code: Black
bring the various nationalist and homeland movements This short-season (3-serial) threat is appropriate for
under a single banner, a banner aimed at widespread a team of 12th-level agents.
terrorism across Europe for the express purpose of dis-
“We share many things in common," the intruder
banding the Commonwealth of Independent States. The
said, “not the least of which are our enemies." Those
reason is that the formation of the CIS will also facili-
were the words Nicolette Kane heard upon awakening in
tate the running of joint task forces like NATO, the
her chalet jail, in the rugged peaks of the Hautes
Partnership for Peace and INTERPOL’s Fusion Task Force
Pyrénées, with a strange symbol not unlike a smoldering
against terrorism, which, in turn, will have the authori-
dagger burned into her pillowcase. The mark was the
ty and mandate to cross borders in pursuit of criminals.
calling card of the Assassins, and her seven dead
This doesn’t bode well for groups like the Basque
Gemeinschafft jail keepers a testament to their skills.
nationals who’ve used like communities in France to
It was on that cold February morning two years ago
hide from Spanish investigators.
when all members of the outcast branch of the Kane-
As it stands now, the temporary alliance is said to
Archer brood vanished from their chalet, and when
include the Gagauzian, Abkhazian, South Ossetian,
Nicolette allied herself with the Assassins to bring down
Chechenian, and Basque separatist movements, as well
the Archer Foundation. It was then that Nicolette
as a resurgence of Italy’s Red Brigade and Germany’s
stopped being a pawn of the Great Game, subject to the
Baader-Meinhof group. This possibility frightens the
whim and will of her old husbands Conrad Archer and
Commonwealth because with so many groups attacking
Cameron Kane.
CIS targets, it becomes nearly impossible to determine
It was then La Lune Noire was born.
who will strike next, and thus predict their preferred tar-
Had it not been for the Assassins, Nicolette would
gets and methodology.
never have possessed the resources to fight such a jug-
Possibilities: gernaut as the Foundation. The Kanes’ assets were
wiped out when Stefan Bartolomei usurped Gregoir
1. Gibraltar is running the initiative with the Praetoriat’s Kane’s leadership of the Gemeinschafft Consortium and
blessing and assistance. The Praetoriat plans to use the exiled her family for trying to draw the Consortium out
various movements as foot soldiers and saboteurs to of the Archer Pact (see page 104). The Dupois dis-
distract the Chambers while pursuing its agendas avowed their daughter a second time for trying to injure
against the Union. The ensuing chaos should allow the Gemeinschafft. Nicolette knew enough of their secrets to
Praetoriat near unconditional freedom of movement serve her interests, and when the Assassins freed her,
and opportunity. she wiped out several of the Dupois’ shadow accounts
within a fortnight, liquidating their assets before any-
2. The rumors are just that — rumors. In truth, the
one even realized the chalet was empty.
Praetoriat doesn’t have enough resources to organize
While money alone is never enough to win wars,
such an endeavor, and is instead instigating gossip of an
and Nicolette lacked the assets to wage a true campaign
alliance to gauge the Commonwealth’s reaction and
against the whole of the Archer Conspiracy, the
capability to handle such a situation. It also enables the
Assassins provided their knowledge of mysticism to give
Praetoriat to determine the strength of Commonwealth
her an edge. After all, the Commonwealth relied upon
assets, and how fast and to which extent certain govern-
both science and psions to tip the scales in their favor,
ment sectors and militaries mobilize.
so it was only natural that Black Moon find something
3. The groups are mobilizing into a rough alliance, but the of comparable power. Besides, the Assassins knew Fade
Praetoriat isn't responsible. In fact, the real culprit is intimately… they trained him for a year when the
P.E.R.I.L., which is using the Praetoriat as scapegoats to Guardians refused to do so (see page 103), and they
cover their own culpability in the matter. P.E.R.I.L. is know the Chamber Control distrusts mystics today
helping the separatists to better sow chaos across (going so far as to not train his own acolytes in the
Europe, which in turn, helps P.E.R.I.L. establish a Fringe-related arts with which he's familiar).

118
 Chamber
What better weapon to use against Fade but that altered life span as something beyond human quickly
which he fears most — the part of his life he abandoned. meets a sticky fate. Her minions within Black Moon
It was simple to convince Nicolette to join forces, quickly learn to curb their tongue around the great
especially after the Assassins told her Fade was none dame and matriarch of the Kane brood, lest they lose it.
other than her first beloved, Conrad, very much alive While Nicolette leads Black Moon, directing her
today — and very much responsible for Gregoir’s assas- family members and currying favors with Gemein-
sination. As a gift to her and proof of their claims, the schafft’s disaffected elements, she also harbors a
Assassins gave her a large black mastiff altered through dangerous secret no one yet realizes. There are times she
ritual to carry the soul of her dead son. Once Nicolette can hear Raymond Archer’s thoughts… moments when
served as the Assassin’s arm in Europe, and helped to she knows what her son is thinking or doing. This is
bring the Archer Foundation to its knees, the Assassins Black Moon’s most dangerous asset, with which
promised to bring Gregoir back to life — in the body of Nicolette intends to wreak havoc across Europe and rise
either Raymond Archer or Stefan Bartolomei. to power as a greater threat to the Conspiracy than the
Temporary Asset: Black Moon despises the Assassins ever realized.
Foundation and would never agree to a temporary
Nicolette Kane, 8th-level sleuth/7th-level
alliance “against a common foe," since the Foundation
Illuminati, (mastermind — 75 MP): Department:
is in fact their only enemy at present. That said, when
D-1 Power Brokerage. CR 15. SZ M; v/wp 56/10;
Gregoir Kane tried to pull Gemeinschafft out of the
Init +9 (+9 class); Speed 30 ft.; Def: 20 (+9 class, +1
Archer Conspiracy, he did have a few supporters —
armor); Atk: Browning High Power +9 (1d10+1); Face
Tenebrae knows and is still on good terms with Nicolette
1 square; Reach 1 square; SA per classes; SQ per class-
out of respect for her belated son. It's through such con-
es; SV Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +15; Str 9, Dex 10, Con 10,
nections that agents may be able to convince Black
Int 16, Wis 18, Cha 16; Skills: Bluff +10, Bureaucracy
Moon to grant them a favor, or information. Such a
+18, Concentration +8, Cryptography +10, Diplomacy
request always carries a price, however, and Nicolette is
+19, Disguise +9, Gather Information +20, Innuendo
just a devil to use such a bargain to turn the agents
+23, Intimidate +28, Knowledge (Occult) +16,
against their superiors at the Foundation.
Knowledge (Politics) +18, Knowledge (Archer
MP Cost: 395 Conspiracy) +14, Languages +2, Listen +13, Search +5,
Resources: 3 (37 BP for minions, 52 BP for hench- Sense Motive +21, Spot +14. Feats: Advanced Skill
men, 62 BP for masterminds) Mastery (Persuasive), Anti-Psi Training, Filthy Rich,
Gadgets: 0 Grand Skill Mastery (Persuasive), Persuasive, Political
Loyalty: 7 (+7 to loyalty checks) Clout, Political Favors, Political Immunity, Scholarly,
HQ Personnel: 3 HQ Security: +5 Undermine. Gear: Weapons, trendy clothes with tuxe-
do liner, cell phone, 10 BP. Gadgets and Vehicles:
Serial Three: Nicolette Kane Safety field, sappers (2 uses), 5 GP.
Nicolette Kane, also known by her maiden name
Les Oubliés (The Forgotten): The Kanes were never
Dupois and her first married name Archer, is a danger-
foolish. When Gregoir Kane tried to push Gemeinschafft
ous woman indeed. Through her associations with
toward civil war, Nicolette had already secured vows of
Conrad Archer and Gregoir Kane, she knows a great
safe passage for several of her younger children and
many secrets about the Archer Conspiracy. In fact,
stepchildren through Consortium allies. Since her
she's part of the secret, thanks to her son Raymond.
escape, Nicolette has secretly re-established contact
Gemeinschafft believes it's through her blood-bond to
with her children, themselves now members of
Raymond Archer (a direct offspring on the pre-Minoan
Gemeinschafft, some mega-corporation or even govern-
physical adept formula) that Nicolette has aged so much
ment executives. Through them, Nicolette secures favors
more slowly than expected. In fact, she looks only half
and allowances to help her against the Foundation.
her age of 122 years, and she's every bit as spry and
capable as a woman in her forties. Fortunately, while Les Oubliés, 5th-level operatives/5th-level aristo-
her children and grandchildren seem more predisposed crats (minions, squads of 8 — 62 MP): CR 9. SZ M;
to latency, Nicolette’s brood are rarely psions. v/wp: 40/10; Init +7 (5 class, +2 Dex); Speed 30 ft.;
Nicolette has vowed to never again rely on someone Def 20 (+7 class, +2 Dex, +1 armor); Atk: Glock 18 +8
or something again, and though the Assassin alliance is (1d10+1); Face 1 square, Reach 1 square; SA None;
a painful necessity, she refuses to learn anything of the SQ None; SV Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +8; Str 8, Dex 14,
mystic arts. In her mind, the Archer Foundation will fall, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16; Skills: Bluff +8,
and it will fall to a human being, not some genetically Bureaucracy +6, Climb +2, Demolitions +6, Diplomacy
altered monstrosity. Anyone who points to Nicolette’s +11, Driver +4, Hide +4, Hobby (any one) +6,
Innuendo +6, Intimidate +9, Knowledge (Politics) +4,

119
 European Commonwealth
Languages +3, Move Silently +7, Profession +6, Search Cleaving Bite: Grendel gains the benefit of the
+4, Sense Motive +4, Spot +4, Surveillance +4, Tumble Cleave feat when attacking with his bite.
+4. Feats: Filthy Rich, Political Favors, Stealthy. Gear: Damage Reduction: Grendel has damage reduction of
Weapons, cell phone, designer clothes with tuxedo 4/—.
liner, flashlight. Fast Healing: Grendel heals 5 points of vitality at the
start of each round.
Serial Two: Grendel
Chiens de Guerres (War Dogs): Grendel may be a
When alive, Gregoir Kane was every bit the man his
dog, but he's still Nicolette’s son. As such, a group of
father Cameron was — the kind of man Raymond and
henchmen are assigned to attend to Grendel and help
Conrad Archer despised. He was ruthless, efficient, and
him when he’s hunting. They also serve as Nicolette’s
tyrannical, and quickly rose to wear Gemeinschafft’s
personal protectors and are trained in the mystic arts
crown through a well-orchestrated ballet of Machia-vel-
thanks to eighteen months' training with the Assassins.
lian cunning. After Stefan Bartolomei arranged his
assassination, Gregoir persisted as an angry, volatile
Chiens de Guerres, 5th-level mercenaries/3rd-level
spirit ready to be summoned for the Assassin’s harvest.
occultists (minions, squads of 8 — 62 MP): CR 7. SZ
It was Nicolette who named her reborn son
M; v/wp 41/12; Init +4 (+4 class); Speed 30 ft.; Def: 15
“Grendel," after his favorite tale Beowulf. Unfortunately,
(+5 class); Atk: H&K MP5-N +6 (1d10+1), survival
while Grendel is far and away the most cunning animal
knife +7 (1d6+1); Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA
alive, he is still an animal. Being a spirit devours strange
None; SQ None; SV Fort +7, Ref +2, Will
portions of your humanity, and an altered dog-like ves-
+8; Str 12, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis
sel has its own instincts. Grendel knows whom he hates
14, Cha 12; Skills: Animal Empathy +5,
and recognizes the smell of those he loathes, but
Appraise +1, Concentration +6,
he possesses no real faculty for adult reason
Demolitions +2, Diplomacy +4, Disguise
save for that which lets him hunt, stalk,
+2, Driver +3, Intimidate +2/+3,
and trap his prey (including open-
Knowledge (Occult) +8, Languages +2,
ing doors and pressing buttons
Listen +4, Move Silently +1, Sense
on an elevator).
Motive +5, Spot +5, Survival +4. Feats:
When Nicolette wants
Mystic, Point Blank Shot, Scholar. Gear:
to reward Grendel, she
Tactical radio, night vision goggles,
unleashes him in the near-
light stick, stimulant shot. Gadgets and
est city, with a personal
Vehicles: None
item from an Archer agent
as his scent. She lets Grendel Serial One:
hunt this prey, if only to tem- Charnal
porarily satisfy his bloodlust.
As Gregoir’s son, Patrice
Grendel, mystical creature Kane was among the pris-
(henchman — 26 MP): CR oners exiled to the Hautes
13. SZ M; v/wp: 170/20; Init Pyrénées chalet, and thus
+17 (+10 class, +3 Dex, +4 feat); Speed 50 ft.; he grew up with a distinct hatred
Def: 22 (+5 class, +2 natural, +3 Dex); Atk: Bite +17 for the Gemeinschafft Consortium. Despite constant
(2d6+4), Claw +15/+15 (1d8+4); Face 1 square; Reach Commonwealth supervision Nicolette and Cameron man-
1 square; SA see below; SQ see below; SV: Fort +12, aged to home-school Patrice and the other children in the
Ref +9, Will +6; Str 18, Dex 16, Con 20, Int 3, Wis 14, killing arts, disguising their tutorials as simple lessons in
Cha 6. Skills: Balance +13, Climb +15, Hide +10, math and grammar. Patrice proved exemplary at making
Intimidate +15/+9, Jump +15, Listen +15, Move explosives, and even maintained an illegal internet con-
Silently +8, Sense Motive +10, Spot +10, Survival +14, nection to learn more about demolitions and engineering.
Swim +11, Tumble +8. Feats: Bloodthirsty, Combat Since his family's escape, Patrice has become
Instincts, Confident Charge, Endurance, Improved Charnal, and uses his abilities to inflict as much collat-
Initiative, Mobility, Sidestep, Stone Cold, Surge of eral damage on Commonwealth resources as possible.
Speed. Through Assassin training and alchemy, he’s combined
demolitions with the mystic arts, creating explosions
Grendel has the following special abilities.
whose side-effects mirror deadly viral and radioactive
Bloodhound: Grendel follows trails as if he has the
symptoms.
Track feat, and may hunt by smell, ignoring all tracking
penalties due to low light conditions.

120
 Chamber
Charnal will never possess the political ingenuity of Plot Hook #1
his father, but he's more than his father’s son when it A series of explosions rock Europe’s cities, each
comes to ruthless demeanor. He revels in chaos, and is exactly fifteen seconds apart, killing dozens with each
eager to set Europe aflame. When operating on behalf of blast and severely damaging Commonwealth resources.
Black Moon, he wears a heavy, long jacket with many The explosions occur (in order) within Luxembourg
pockets (a bomber jacket treated to protect and neutral- (Luxembourg), Antwerp (Belgium), Lisbon (Portugal),
ize against his explosives), along with exterior webbing Uddevvalla (Finland), Nürnberg (Germany), Edinburgh
to store his multiple alchemical concoctions. (Great Britain), Nice (France), Oslo (Norway), Istanbul
(Turkey), Rotterdam (The Netherlands), and Elba (Italy).
Charnal, 6th-level fixer/2nd-level
Commonwealth analysts are at first confused by the
wheelman/4th-level armorer, (henchman — 24
choice of targets. In some cases, they're relatively
MP): Department: D-2 Military Operations. CR
small cities (why bomb Nice when Paris is partic-
12. SZ M; v/wp: 44/12; Init +8 (+5 class, +3
ularly vulnerable right now? Why Edinburgh
Dex); Speed 30 ft.; Def 21 (+8 class, +3
instead of London?) The Commonwealth quick-
Dex); Atk: Magnum Research Lone Eagle
ly realizes that the explosions, the minute tim-
.30-06 +13 (2d10+1), fragmentation
ing differences between them, and the fact that
grenade +13 (2d10); Face 1 square; Reach
they each happen in a different country, are
1 square; SA per classes; SQ per classes,
all a message. By taking the first letter of each
Skill Mastery (Demolitions, Craft
city bombed in sequence, you spell “LA LUNE
(Gunsmithing), Mechanics, Electronics,
NOIRE," or The Black Moon. (GCs should allow
Forgery, Open Locks, Hide); SV Fort +9, Ref +15,
characters some time to arrive at the fact them-
Will +4; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 11,
selves, or have the following cities bombed to
Cha 9; Skills: Craft (Gunsmithing) +9,
spell “THE BLACK MOON:" Turku (Finland),
Demolitions +18, Driver +14, Electronics +12,
Hamburg (Germany), Elba (Italy), Brussels
Forgery +9, Hide +9, Knowledge (Politics) +9,
(Belgium), Luxembourg (Luxembourg), Antwerp
Listen +5, Knowledge (Occult) +9, Mechanics
(Belgium), Copenhagen (Denmark), Kiev
+17, Move Silently +9, Open Locks +9, Search
(Ukraine), Madrid (Spain), Oslo (Norway),
+5. Feats: Advanced Skill Mastery (Grease
Oporto (Portugal), and Nice (France).
Monkey), Far Shot, Grease Monkey, Over
Torque, Point Blank Shot, Quick Draw, Quick Use Possibilities:
(Demolitions), Quick Use (Mechanics). Gear: Weapons,
fragmentation grenade, white phosphorous grenade, 1. Charnal jumps the gun on Black Moon’s timetable and
1/4 lb. of C4, cell phone, PDA. Gadgets and Vehicles: decides to wage open war with the Commonwealth now,
Sports Car (Modern), quick mine, microburst gel, using this defiant stroke. Although furious, Nicolette
explosive pen, magnet flask, adrenaline shot, 2 caf- spares Charnal’s life because he is her grandson and
feine patches. because the war would have begun eventually, regardless.
L'Elite (The Elite): Charnal may be eager to destroy 2. This is only the first step in Nicolette’s campaign of ter-
the Foundation, but he knows that he can’t do so alone. ror. She isn’t interested in a shadow war of proxies and
L'Elite are his worldwide network of explosives experts, double agents — she wants to make the conflict as pub-
to whom he's taught a unique combination of alchemy lic and unnecessarily violent as possible, to leave the
and demolitions. Conspiracy reeling. She’s sowing chaos and disorder to
force the key players into making rash, and possibly
L'Elite, 5th-level operatives/4th-level occultists
fatal, mistakes when scrambling to deal with her.
(minions, squads of 4 — 55 MP): CR 8. SZ M; v/wp:
29/12; Init +9 (class +7, +2 Dex); Speed 30 ft.; Def 17 3. As with choice #2, but Nicolette actually appreciates a
(+5 class, +2 Dex); Atk: Magnum Research Lone Eagle good game of chess, and opened this round with a
.30-06 +6 (2d10+1), fragmentation grenade +6 (2d10); strong salvo to distract the opposition. She wants them
Face 1 square; Reach 1 square; SA None; SQ None; SV thinking that Black Moon is heavy-handed and clumsy
Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 14, so that she can hide her truly masterful strokes behind
Wis 10, Cha 8; Skills: Appraise +3, Bluff +1, Climb +2, the scenes. Whether this means courting Gregoir’s old
Concentration +6, Demolitions +11, Driver +5, Hide +6, supporters in Tenebrae or infiltrating enemy networks
Intimidate +1, Knowledge (Occult) +10, Languages +3, with her own spies, the bombings are merely a beauti-
Move Silently +7, Search +4, Sense Motive +1, Spot +3, ful red herring.
Surveillance +2, Tumble +4. Feats: Mystic, Scholarly,
Stealthy. Gear: Tactical radio, trendy clothes, cell phone.
Gadgets and Vehicles: None.

121
 European Commonwealth
Hook Sheet: U-14 Mystery
The video-still below is the last image captured by Midas, one of several remote operated vehicles (ROVs) assist-
ing a joint expedition between the Institute Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER) and the
American Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The site is situated off the Azores in the Atlantic, at the wreckage
of a recently-discovered Type VIIC U-Boat designated U-14.
U-14 is a mystery, as there are no records of a real U-14 in the Nazi fleet. Three ROVs, the Midas, the Solomon,
and the Sheba, investigated the U-Boat for further details when all communication to the surface ceased. A
hydrophone operator did hear and record multiple high-pitch whines before losing contact with the ROVs, as well as
three distinct explosions. Commonwealth experts confirm the whines emanated from three wire-guided torpedoes.
A final, massive explosion destroyed U-14 before the another ROV could be launched. The Commonwealth want
to know the nature of the ship, and what it was carrying. Agents should start by investigating the sub’s surviving
wreckage, but operate with care. The Woods Hole/IFREMER vessel, Neptune’s Gaze, is still in the area.

122
 Chamber
Plot Hook, Line, and Sinker
U-14 is indeed fake with no official registry in Nazi records. The sub had a permanent and secured berth at the
Atlantic-facing Bordeaux Sub Pens, from where it last departed on April 15, 1944, before it vanished. When it became
evident the Allies were going to invade Europe, Himmler used the submarine to transport items of value to a safe
harbor in Argentina, “just in case." U-14 encountered an American destroyer near the Azores, however, and sank.

Gold-Plated Skeletons
Amusingly, the antagonist here is the Gemeinschafft Consortium. The submarine was carrying gold, though the
real issue isn’t the gold itself. During WWII and even before, the Nazi deutsche mark (and the currency of any coun-
try Germany invaded) was worthless on the open market. Germany needed Switzerland to take its gold in exchange
for Swiss Francs, which it could then use to buy raw goods from other nations. Gold-hungry, the Nazis established
a special “looting division" called Devisenschutzkommando (DSK) to acquire gold for their war machine. One of the
DSK’s most infamous methods was to smelt down gold from the jewelry, watches, and dental fillings of Holocaust
victims. Although later smelted and stamped at the Prussian State Mint, the presence of dental-grade gold in the mix
was unmistakable even then.
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) was founded in 1930 to oversee Germany’s reparations to the Allies
following the Treaty of Versailles. Its owners consisted of key financial institutions like the Bank of England, the
Reichsbank, the Bank of Italy, the Bank of France, and The First National Bank of New York. To ensure Germany
could pay, the BIS invested heavily in Germany’s reconstruction and financial stability, and when WWII broke out,
Germany continued paying the interest on its BIS debts to maintain a good relation with the bank. Reaping the ben-
efits from this open trade and free movement of financial information was the Gemeinschafft Consortium, of which
the BIS was a prized asset during the war.
At the start of 1944, Himmler instructed the BIS to send a portion of his loot (including bars with dental grade
gold) to Bordeaux, which they did in rugged canvas bags marked with the BIS logo. One such shipment was trans-
ported aboard the U-14. The Gemeinschafft Consortium has done a good job keeping its involvement with Nazi
Germany hidden (or at least distant), but this recent discovery could prove embarrassing, if not explosively harmful.
So the Consortium launched an attack against the dive site, retrieved U-14’s contents, and destroyed the sub (and
more importantly, all links to the BIS). Unfortunately, since the American Woods Hole Institution was affected by the
attack, the Company has demanded the Commonwealth investigate the matter.
Gemeinschafft has done as requested to allay fears, but it destroyed the canvas containers to eliminate any evi-
dence of its culpability in the matter. The gold and valuables, however, are another issue; the Consortium has secured
those at a hidden submarine pen below the port city of Porto, Portugal.

The Clue Chain

Following this trail could prove difficult, but here are some potential avenues of investigation.
Neptune’s Gaze: The joint French-American expedition has several recovered artifacts from the ship, including SS
insignias and requisition forms that are marked with "BORDEAUX SUB PENS" and stored in an airtight safe.
Bordeaux Survivors: Several surviving engineers live in Bordeaux, one of whom (Emile Nazaire) remembers the
SS sub. He helped load it for its final voyage and remembers talk that its loot came from Switzerland. He also knows
that U.S. Operation: SAFEHAVEN (launched to find and recover looted assets and seize enemy property) confiscated
all Bordeaux papers at the end of the war. Nazaire knows they didn’t get everything, however, because a Nazi sym-
pathizer working at Bordeaux fled with important documents. This sympathizer’s name was Ghislain Racine.
Ghislain Racine: Ghislain no longer exists. The Hand of Glory provided him with a false ID and employed him as
a broker for antiquities with La Mano Sinistra (see page 43). When the Hand of Glory fell, Ghislain was far enough
removed from events to escape notice. The Gemeinschafft Consortium, however, knows Ghislain is now Cédric
Poutrine, and once they realize that he may know what happened at Bordeaux, they try to assassinate him. Now the
game becomes a race against time to find Cedric and the records he hid, before a Consortium strike team eliminates
him. At this point, Consortium spin doctors claim Cedric was wanted for termination on another mission linked to
the Hand of Glory, and that the two missions simply intersected at the wrong time.
The Bordeaux Records: Cedric hid the records in a safety deposit box at a local bank (Banque de Bordeaux, just
for the irony). If the characters don’t reach Cedric in time, investigating his apartment might reveal clues like a
finance statement with monthly charges paying for a safety deposit box.
Once recovered, the Bordeaux records indicate valuables were shipped from the BIS in Basel, Switzerland to
Bordeaux. Characters familiar with Gemeinschafft Consortium’s history may recognize the BIS as a prized WWII asset
of the Consortium. After that, finding the hidden gold is the matter of an internal investigation.

123
 European Commonwealth
MONACO RACE TRACK (CHASE MAP)
A crown jewel of European high society, the Principality of Monaco is the celebrity superspy’s natural hunting
ground. First recognized as a separate country by France in 1489, Monaco has been the Grimaldi family’s domain
since its inception. Given the Grimaldis’ penchant for marrying international models and famous film stars, the
city’s fairytale reputation is well deserved.
Monaco is only a short distance from the international airport at Nice, France. Regular train service is available
(taking about 20 minutes) and chartered helicopters frequently make the run between Monte Carlo and Nice, or
circle in the sky above the city.
Typical weather is sunny and temperatures are predictably Mediterranean (with mild winters and warm to hot
summers). This is the heartland of Riviera resort country, and agents can expect nothing short of perfection as a
backdrop for their activities here.

High Speed Races in Monaco

Recognized as one of the most challenging (and dangerous) courses in the world, the Monaco Grand Prix pits
some of the world’s most skilled drivers against a track whose treacherous design is legendary. Since its first race in
1929, this track has been recognized as the ultimate test of any racer’s skills. Seventh in the sixteen-race Formula-1
season, Monaco is the last of the world’s “street tracks," pitting cars against the city’s narrow and winding
boulevards rather than a dedicated track.
Spectators view the race from close range — it’s no accident that the course runs directly beneath the balconies
of some of the country’s most glamorous hotels. Seats in the raised viewing stands can cost over $1,000 dollars a
piece, and the entire course becomes standing-room-only as race fans from around the world flock to the tiny nation
for this spectacular display of speed. 2003 marks the 61st Monaco Grand Prix, with the main event taking place at
2:00 pm on June 1st this year (following two days of preliminary challenges).
The race consists of 78 laps, traveling clockwise around the 2.1-mile course. Average speeds have steadily risen
over the years to 88 MPH — blisteringly fast considering the numerous 90-degree and hairpin turns which force
drivers down into the high teens to avoid colliding with the track barriers (and each other).

The Track
“It goes without saying that the track is made up entirely of ends, steep uphill climbs, and fast downhill runs.
Any respectable traffic system would have covered the track with 'Danger' sign posts left, right, and centre."
— La Vie Automobile, 1929
Driving in the Monaco Grand Prix is treated as a race as described on page 58 of the Soldier/Wheelman Class
Guide. While in reality the race is 78 laps, it’s easiest to focus on the key moments of the competition, with agents
playing out only the first and final two laps (for a total of three laps).

Off Season Hi-jinks

While agents may possess the skill or wherewithal to become involved in the official race, the streets that make
up the Monaco Grand Prix are still there year ’round. Agents may find themselves challenged (or challenging a foe)
to an impromptu run around the course. While the police almost certainly become involved in any attempt at
multiple laps around the course, a single lap could be over and done with before the authorities can respond.
If a normal race on this track borders on crazy, then these kinds of competition cross into the realm of suicidal
for all but the most skilled competitors — few vehicles can match the agility of a formula-1 racer, and the inclusion
of civilian traffic can make an already narrow course utterly impassible.
When racing the Monaco track without official sanction, reduce the chase to one lap — police interference insures
that any race that lasts longer results in all parties being jailed. Further, the GC should feel free to introduce addi-
tional obstacles (as described in the Spycraft Espionage Handbook, page 190), keeping in mind that civilian traffic is
sharing the street. Finally, unless the race takes place at night, all open segments become close, and all close seg-
ments become tight.

124
 Monaco Chase Map

4 5
1
2
6
14 10 3
12 7
11 9

Port
N
13 8

Round 1 “Start/Finish" Round 8 “The Tunnel" Round 13 “Virage Rascasse"

The race’s start allows for a burst of speed before The fastest portion of the track, cars come blast- Here the second hairpin turn of the course
entering a sharp right. This is close terrain. ing into the sunlight here at over 170 MPH! This is combines with a sharp uphill incline. Terrain is tight
open terrain. Drivers must make a Will save (DC 12) with a DC 20 obstacle. A driver may reduce his
Round 2 “Virage Ste. Dévote" to avoid being dazzled by the sudden transition, speed again, sacrificing 1 length/2 race points to
This straight climb is an opportunity for daring suffering a –4 circumstance penalty to their next two reduce this DC to 15.
drivers to give their all. This segment is open terrain. Driver/maneuver checks.
Drivers can really pour it on here, taking 1 engine Round 14 “Virage Anthony Noghes"
critical to pick up 2 lengths/4 race points. Round 9 “The Chicane" A final climb and right turn returns the racer to
Drivers need to navigate a sharp left/right the track’s starting area. This is close terrain. The
Round 3 “Casino Square" chicane here. This is open terrain, but drivers face a final segment also provides drivers with the oppor-
Drivers make a long left to enter the Casino DC 12 obstacle. A driver may willingly give up 1 tunity to pull off the track and enter the race pits
Square. This portion is close terrain. length/2 race points to ignore this obstacle. (replacing all tires and removing one engine critical
Round 4 “Hôtel Metropole" at the cost of 6 lengths/12 race points).
Round 10 “Portside"
Here a sharp right dumps into a steep downhill. A hard left keeps the track pinned along the edge
This is close terrain. Navigating this turn is tricky, of the Port de Monaco harbor. A favorite spot for
requiring a Reflex save (DC 14) to avoid losing 1 daring action, this is close terrain where the threat
length/2 race points. and error ranges of all maneuver checks are
Round 5 “Hôtel Mirabeau" increased by 2. Further, when drivers fail their
The downhill leads into a sharp right turn in close maneuver checks in this segment, both right-hand
terrain. If a driver fails his maneuver check here, both tires suffer 1 point of damage.
left-hand tires suffer 1 point of damage. Round 11 “The Swimming Pool"
Round 6 “Monte Carlo Grande Hôtel" Running along the wharf area, the track diverts
The famous hairpin turn below the city’s largest around “the swimming pool" in a brutally tight left
hotel forces speeds down to almost zero. Terrain is dogleg. This is tight terrain with DC 16 obstacle.
tight here, and all drivers face a DC 25 obstacle. Drivers may sacrifice 1 length/2 race points to reduce
Drivers may reduce their speed again, sacrificing 1 this DC to 12.
length/2 race points to reduce the obstacle DC to 20, Round 12 “The Swimming Pool"
or 2 length/4 points to reduce the DC to 15. The course finishes its tight corners around the
Round 7 “Virage du Portier" pool with a second right dogleg, then opens out into
A sharp right sets up the race’s longest straight- another brief straightaway where over-zealous
away. Anxious drivers risk it all in this delicate tran- drivers can easily peel out trying to pick up speed.
sition. This is close terrain. The error ranges of all This is tight terrain with a DC 16 obstacle. A driver
maneuver checks made here are increased by 3 unless may sacrifice 1 length/2 race points to reduce this DC
the driver sacrifices 1 length/2 race points. to 12.
When drivers fail their maneuver checks here,
both rear tires suffer 1 point of damage.
 European Commonwealth
PRAGUE CHASE MAP
Prague — throne of the Bohemian kings, seat of the Hapsburg republic, and capital of the modern Czech Republic
— has been a vital center of European culture, art, politics, and history for over a thousand years. This city of over
1.2 million has played host to civil strife, mad dictators, religious upheaval, two World Wars, and Nazi and Soviet
occupations during its long history, and not only survived, but become stronger for it. Famous faces have called
Prague home at one point or another throughout world history, including Franz Kafka, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,
Antonin Dvorak, and Madeline Albright.
Prague is located in the Czech Republic, in the region of Bohemia, a rugged mountainous region covering two-
thirds of the nation and stretching into Germany and Poland. Located between Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland,
and the Ukraine, Prague lies along an important trade route between Western Europe and the east, and has served as
a focal point for many Central European conflicts. The city itself is built upon seven hills overlooking the Vltava
River, a once-wild stream now tamed by 6 hydroelectric dams that generate power for the region. The population of
Prague has remained mostly Czech, though Germans and Jews have comprised large portions of city’s total popula-
tion — as much as 35% and 10%, respectively.
The “jewel of the Gothic," as Prague is commonly known, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful
and timeless cities. While Prague’s outer reaches are filled with drab apartment buildings and sprawling industrial
facilities, the city core is like a snapshot from a hundred years ago: the skyline, defined by cathedrals and synagogues
hundreds of years old; the cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and Baroque statuary; and the largest cas-
tle in Europe looming above the metropolis like a wizened old king. The fall of Communism in 1989 ushered in a
booming tourist industry, which continues to buoy the sometimes-struggling economy to this day. In the summer,
the streets are choked with tourists from the world over, who come to visit the famous Charles Bridge and Prague
Castle.
Like many European cities, Prague is torn between a deeply rooted sense of tradition and an inexorable march
into the future. Steady inflation rates and dwindling jobs have pinched the middle class and spawned a healthy crim-
inal underworld. Severe air pollution — the legacy of hundreds of years of unregulated industry — is also a problem.
Despite these issues, the majesty of Prague lives on, and with the acceptance of the Czech Republic into NATO in
1999 and the UN in 2002, the city stands poised to become one of the continent’s most important metropolises.

High Speed Chases Through Prague

This section is devoted to providing extra flavor for chases and other espionage activities in the Czech Republic’s
capital. Several sections of the city’s historical core are described, along with local modifiers the GC may impose to
help chases reflect the local terrain and unique events that may take place during a local chase scene.
Locations described in this section are identified on the map on the opposite page. Each location includes a brief
description and possible backdrops to highlight as agent’s pass through the area. Modifiers are provided to show the
area’s general character, followed by suggestions for possible obstacles to be avoided. Finally, some locations include
a description of special events that might occur there.

Foot and Vehicle Chases

Prague is a wonderful city for pedestrians, filled with wide walkways, open-air markets, and sights and services
located very close to the city core. For drivers, however, it’s a different story. Treacherously winding roads, dead ends
and narrow streets make driving anything larger than a motorcycle in downtown Prague particularly difficult. People
engaged in chases on foot or in personal vehicles may treat the terrain as merely close. Chases with anything than
a personal vehicle, including cars, trucks and the like, treat Prague as tight terrain.

Summer in the City

Chases are further complicated during the summer, when Prague’s tourist season is at full steam. During the day,
foreign visitors, street vendors, cabbies, pickpockets and grifters pack the streets, enjoying the mild summer
weather and beautiful sights. At night, workmen crowd into the many pubs and restaurants throughout the city, while
youth visit the latest discotheques and jazz bars for a taste of the nightlife. Many of Prague’s most popular tourist
spots even stay open late to catch night-owl visitors. Chases through these busy streets are much more hazardous,
as tight roadways and packed sidewalks conspire against reckless drivers. During the late spring and summer, foot
chases and personal vehicle chases treat the terrain as tight; chases made in larger vehicles continue to treat the
terrain as tight, and increase the DC of all crash checks by +2.

126
 Prague Chase Map
Prague Castle Old Town Charles Bridge
Located in the northwest quadrant of the city, Old Town sits on the east bank of the Vltava river, The Charles Bridge is a key player in Prague’s
Prague Castle has been the city and region’s political and is the oldest of Prague’s five original sections. history and a central figure in the current tourist
center for nearly 1,100 years. This immense structure Old Town’s ancient streets, most meandering hap- industry. Criminals and adulterers were hung in the
is one of the largest ancient castles in the world, with hazardly around the neighborhood’s main thorough- icy waters of the Vltava from its span during the
grounds totaling nearly 18 acres, and majestic fare, are lined with many stately baroque buildings, days of the Hapsburgs, and the route connecting Old
architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to high churches, shops, and theaters spanning nearly 700 Town with the Lesser Quarter proved to be valuable
Gothic to Victorian. The castle is also the most pop- years of history. to trade throughout Prague and the region. Today,
ular sightseeing destination in all of Prague, filled Old town’s physical and spiritual heart is the Old the bridge is lined with over 30 bronze statues of
with tourists at nearly all hours of the day. Currently, Town Square, long the focal point of Czech history important figures in Catholic and Czech history,
it’s home to the president’s office, the royal tomb, the and politics. It was here that Czechs celebrated the from kings to saints, as well as dozens of street ven-
crown jewels, over half a dozen churches (including birth of their country in 1918, where the Nazis dors, musicians, tourists, and petty larcenists during
the resplendent St. Vitus Gothic cathedral), and a sys- announced their occupation in 1939, where the the peak summer months.
tem of tunnels and bomb shelters installed during Soviets marched in 1968, and where Czechs came Modifiers: The confines of the bridge make it dif-
Communist rule. together to celebrate their independence once again ficult to avoid crashes, so the DCs of all crash checks
Modifiers: The castle’s complex layout and many in 1989. Old Town Square is today ringed with mer- made on the bridge are increased by +2. The crowds
wandering tourist groups favors sly drivers. The chants peddling their wares, cozy cafes, performing may be easily manipulated by savvy agents to slow
predator gains a +2 circumstance bonus when he entertainers, and gloriously restored palaces and down their opponents — the predator receives a +2
selects the jockey maneuver, and the prey receives the monuments to Czech culture. circumstance bonus when he chooses the jockey
same bonus when he selects the zigzag maneuver. Modifiers: The varied terrain of Old Town — maneuver, and the prey receives the same bonus
Obstacles: Tourist groups, park benches, wrought- particularly that of Old Town Square — can be when he chooses the barnstorm maneuver.
iron gates, government staffers. creatively exploited by clever agents. The predator Obstacles: People — including large groups of
Special Events: Gunfire and intense chases on the receives a +2 circumstance bonus when he chooses pedestrians, dealer tables, and street musicians — are
castle grounds are bound to attract the castle guards’ the herd maneuver, and the prey receives the same the most common obstacles agents may encounter in
attention. Within 1d4 rounds of entering the castle, bonus when he chooses the stunt or “That’s this part of Prague.
chases involving vehicles, full-tilt foot races, or any Impossible!” maneuvers.
sort of combat are joined by 1d6 3rd-level police offi- Obstacles: Vendor tents, soapbox politicians, street
cials on foot, armed with 9mm service pistols (see the performers, and sidewalk cafes.
Archer Foundation Chamber Book, page 85). The Special Events: A street vendor is moving his cart
police pursue the chase group which appears to be of wares across the thoroughfare at precisely the
making the most trouble or those who are most wrong time. Agents involved in the chase may
heavily armed (per the GC’s discretion), joining the attempt to jump over the cart with a Driver or
chase at 8 lengths behind their target. These officers Josefov (The Jewish Quarter)
Balance check (DC 20), or a Jump check (DC 15) if on This former Jewish ghetto is one of
break off the chase if their quarry leaves the castle foot, without slowing down. Failure results in a crash
grounds and gains a lead of 20 lengths or more; if the oldest such communities in all of
check. Other drivers must either make a crash check Europe, and a grim reminder of seven
they were fired upon, they may well call for backup to swerve tightly around the cart, or go around
from local police. centuries of oppression. Ironically,
(increasing the lead by 4 lengths if the predator, or when the Nazi occupation began in
decreasing the lead by 4 lengths if the prey). 1939, Josefov was preserved to serve
as a future “museum to an extinct
race." Fortunately, this did not come
to pass, and Josefov has been care-
fully preserved by both the local
r

Jewish community and the state

ve

government as a historical site and

Ri

monument to the dead.

va

Prague
Josefov The narrow cobblestone streets,
ta

Castle winding alleys, and stunning turn-

Vl

of-the-century facades of Stare

Mesto are prevalent here, but the air
is heavy with a mystery that’s diffi-
cult to pinpoint. Legend has it that
the Golem — a guardian created by
local rabbis from the clay of the
Vltava and animated through cabal-
istic magics — still walks the streets,
Char old town watching over the spirits of the
Bridgles square dead. Regardless of the truth of the
e matter, Josefov is a good location
for those looking to ditch a pursuer
or box in their prey.
Modifiers: Josefov is restricted to
foot traffic only — chases into
Mala the area require participants to
Strana dismount from vehicles or break off
the chase. The narrow streets stop
suddenly and double back on them-
selves, granting predators a +2
circumstance bonus when they
choose the shortcut maneuver, and
the prey the same bonus when they
choose the lure maneuver.
Obstacles: Dead ends, thick
banks of fog, worshippers, and pil-
grims are all common obstacles in
this part of Prague.
Special Events: If either the
Mala Strana (The Lesser Quarter) Vltava River predator or prey fails a crash check
Nestled to the south of Hradcany, in the shadow The Vltava River, which bisects Prague, dominates the city’s here, the GC may spend one action die
of Prague Castle, is Mala Strana. This regal neigh- landscape. In times past, whole sections of the city survived on to cause the infamous Golem to appear.
borhood one of old Prague’s newest, having been the river’s bounty of salmon and other freshwater fish, and were Rather than crashing as normal, the
destroyed by the Hussite Rebellion in the mid-15th victims of its frequent flooding and wild currents. Today, the person who failed the crash check must
Century and a great fire in the 16th Century. Malá Vltava has been tamed but remains an important part of the make a Will save (DC 20) to avoid
Strana’s streets are crowded with majestic city’s life. At the city core, the river is crisscrossed with no being momentarily caught off-guard
Renaissance-era homes and Baroque palaces, the fewer than seven bridges, including the world-famous Charles by the sight of the beast. If the prey
former residences of Prague’s richest merchants, Bridge and the Bridge of Legions (Most Legii), a monument to fails this save, reduce the lead by the
knights, and artisans. Petrin Hill, one of Prague’s Czech veterans of World War I. The river is wide, and lined with difference between the Will save and
largest parks, offers breathtaking views of the city boardwalks and boulevards that can easily accommodate a full the DC; if the predator fails this save,
and is an excellent venue for operatives who wish sized car, making it a great location for chases on land and increase the lead by the difference
to conduct their business away from the city’s water alike. between the Will save and the DC.
crowded streets. Modifiers: The boardwalks and bridges of the Vltava make an If the agents choose to attack the
Modifiers: The open spaces and numerous small ideal location for hybrid land/water chases. The difference in Golem, treat it as a clay golem (see the
squares here offer drivers some much-needed elbow terrain limits maneuver options for each party, however; the Hand of Glory Threat Book, pages
room. Vehicles involved in a chase in this area may prey may only choose the bootleg reverse, hairpin turn, pull 55–56, for more information).
treat the terrain as close rather than tight. ahead, set up, shake, stunt and “That’s Impossible!” maneuvers,
Obstacles: Slow-moving lorries, club-hoppers, while the predator may only choose the gun it, herd, jockey,
traffic jams. redline, shortcut, tail and “That’s Impossible!” maneuvers.
Obstacles: On the river, small dinghies, barges, and sandbars
plague drivers, while on the banks of the river, star-crossed
lovers, park benches, flocks of pigeons are the norm.
 European Commonwealth
The Open Game License The Open Game Content
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000
Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved. This printing of the European Commonwealth™ is done under version 1.0a of the Open
Game License and the draft version of the d20 System Trademark License, d20 System
1. Definitions: (a) “Contributors” means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have
Trademark Logo Guide and System Reference Document by permission of Wizards of the
contributed Open Game Content; (b) “Derivative Material” means copyrighted material
including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), Coast. Subsequent printings of this book will incorporate final versions of the license, guide
potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, and document.
abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or AEG’s intention is to open up as much of the European Commonwealth as possible to
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mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such rials from this book are encouraged to contact JZinser@alderac.com if they have any ques-
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creatures, characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, under and in accordance with the terms of the OGL as fully set forth in the opposite column.
language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes DESIGNATION OF PRODUCT IDENTITY: The following items are hereby designated as
and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and Product Identity in accordance with section 1(e) of the Open Game License, version 1.0a: Any
descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses
and all Spycraft and Shadowforce Archer logos and identifying marks and trade dress,
and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or
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or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product but not limited to The Spycraft Espionage Handbook, Control Screen, Modern Arms Guide,
Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the Faceman/Snoop Class Guide, Fixer/Pointman Class Guide, Soldier/Wheelman Class Guide,
logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or Season Book #1: Gentlemen's Agreement, Season Book #2, and subsequent Season books,
its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Shadowforce Archer Worldbook, African Alliance Chamber Book, Archer Foundation
Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, Chamber Book, Company Chamber Book, European Commonwealth Chamber Book,
modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content.
Guardians of the Whispering Knife Chamber Book, Pan-Asian Collective Chamber Book,
(h) “You” or “Your” means the licensee in terms of this agreement.
Room 39 Chamber Book, Russian Confederacy Chamber Book, and all subsequent Chamber
2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice Books, Hand of Glory Threat Book, P.E.R.I.L. Threat Book, Shop Threat Book, and all subse-
indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this quent Threat Books, Decade Book: The 1940s, Decade Book: The 1970s, and all subsequent
License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms Decade Books, SFA Interactive Episode: Shallow Graves, and all subsequent SFA Interactive
may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself.
Episodes, website support materials (including, but not limited to, the audio drama and all
No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using
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port items), and all Spycraft and Shadowforce Archer logos; any elements of the Spycraft or
3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of Shadowforce Archer settings, including but not limited to capitalized names, Conspiracy
the terms of this License. names, Chamber names, project names, code names, department names, section names,
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the threat names, characters, gadgets (including, but not limited to, the usual refinements and
Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the other gadgets), historic events, and organizations; any and all stories, storylines, plots, the-
exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content. matic elements, documents within the game world, quotes from characters or documents,
and dialogue; and all artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, illustrations, maps and cartog-
5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as
raphy, likenesses, poses, Archer Conspiracy, Chamber, or Threat logos, symbols, or graphic
Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation
and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License. designs, except such elements that already appear in the d20 System Reference Document
and are already OGC by virtue of appearing there. The above Product Identity is not Open
6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this Game Content.
License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You
DESIGNATION OF OPEN CONTENT: Subject to the Product Identity designation above,
are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and
the following portions of the European Commonwealth are designated as Open Gaming
the copyright holder’s name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content
you Distribute. Content. Chapter Two: all NPC statistics. Chapter Three: all mechanical agent and NPC
options. Chapter Four: all NPC and threat statistics.
7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indi- USE OF MATERIAL AS OPEN GAME CONTENT: It is the clear and expressed intent of
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the owner of such Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does Some of the portions of this book which are delineated OGC originate from the System
not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Reference Document and are © 1999, 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The remainder of these
Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and OGC portions of this book are hereby added to Open Game Content and if so used, should
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‘d20 System’ and the ‘d20 System’ logo are Trademarks owned by Wizards of the Coast
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Game Content You Distribute. All contents of this book, regardless of designation, are copyrighted year 2002 by
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12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this
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14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision
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15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Open Game License v1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
System Rules Document Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan
Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave
Arneson. Star Wars roleplaying game Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast and Lucasfilm
Ltd.; Authors Andy Collins, Bill Slavicsek, JD Wiker. Spycraft Espionage Handbook Copyright
2002, Alderac Entertainment Group, Inc.; Authors Patrick Kapera and Kevin Wilson. Spycraft
Modern Arms Guide Copyright 2002, Alderac Entertainment Group, Inc. Shadowforce Archer
Worldbook Copyright 2002, Alderac Entertainment Group, Inc.; Authors Patrick Kapera and
Kevin Wilson.

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