M A S K O F TH E PIRATE Q U EEN

In the far-flung re a ch e s of th e O uter R im , a band of

space pirates c a llin g th e m s e lv e s th e V E ILE D
SORORITY singles o u t th e Z A N N C O N S O R T I U M
and its lucrative s m u g g lin g o p e r a tio n .

TYBER ZANN himself has issued a large bounty on

the Sorority's self-proclaimed PIRATE QUEEN,
wanted dead or alive— Imperial Peace-Keeping
Certificate optional. Bounty hunters fio ck to
Taleucema in the crater-ridden w ilds of SaieucamV
to find the trail of their elusive m ark....
 CREDITS
LEAD DEVELOPERS ART DIRECTION
Katrina Ostrander, Andrew Fischer, John Taillon
and Tim Huckelbery
MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
WRITING AND DEVELOPMENT
Andy Christensen
Gary Astleford
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
EDITING AND PROOFREADING
Megan Duehn and Simone Elliot
Jim Jacobson and Christine Crabb
EXECUTIVE GAME DESIGNER
MANAGING RPG PRODUCER
Corey Konieczka
Sam Stewart
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
GAME LINE GRAPHIC DESIGN
Michael Hurley
EDGE Studio, David Ardila, and Chris Beck
PUBLISHER
EXPANSION GRAPHIC DESIGN
Chris Beck and Scott Nicely Christian T. Petersen

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction............. 5 Worlport........................................................ 45
Adventure Overview............................................... 5 A Bloodbug in the Ointment................................48
Game Preparation.................................................. 9 Quid Pro Quo....................................................... 50
Episode I: Search on Saleucami.......................... 11 Fight Fixing 101................... 53
Saleucami............................................................ 12 Rusty Reach..... ................ 59
An Oasis World......... ..........................................13 A Gambler Scorned..............................................64
Wanted...Disintegrations O ptional...................... 16 Clearing the A ir .................................................... 66
The Exile, the Fence, and the Sheer.................... 20 Episode III: Prepare for Boarders.....................72
Blackwind Crater........ ............... 28 General Quarters............... 74
Raiding the Vault......... ........ 31 Into Eternal Night..................... 75
Dead or Alive:..... ...........................................,.... 37 Welcoming Party...... .................. 84
Episode II: Going to Ground................................38 A Bridge Too Far...................................................90
Ord Mantell............... 40 Contract Fulfilled..................................................92
 ngineering report, sir,” Ensign Narish announced, “ Inform all sections of the change.” Get out of my
E and Captain Riles spun his chair around to face
her. “Minor fluctuation in the portside engine’s out­
sight, he thought as she scurried away to her sta­
tion. She’ll feel more the fool once we’ve docked
put, but the chief says it won’t cause too much trou­ securely in—
ble before Saleucami.” “Unknown vessel emerging from hyperspace,
Riles nodded as he took the datapad from the Captain,” Ops Officer Vensin interrupted a bit too
young Twi’lek. “Well done, ensign,” he said, signing loudly. “And another...two more, sir!”
off on the report and handing the datapad back to Riles closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. It
her. Riles turned back to the ship’s console, but Nar­ was like a self-fulfilling prophecy. “Raise shields,” he
ish still stood at attention. ordered sullenly. “ Increase speed to flank. Gunners
“Is there something else?” to their stations.”
Narish nodded. “Zevrix has received a transmis­ “Aye,” Vensin replied. “Two more ships, captain!
sion from Ryloth, sir. There are reports of pirate That’s five altogether.”
activity along our route. Shall we raise the convoy’s “I can count, Vensin, thank you.” Riles pulled up
alert status?” his own display and glanced over the sensor read­
The captain blinked at her question. “ Pirates?” he ings. Five ships, one of them a Consular-class cruiser,
asked incredulously. were maneuvering into attack position.
“Yes, captain,” Narish said. “The communique Zevrix chimed in from the comm station, his Ver-
warns all ships in the area to be on guard.” pine voice sounding out the words in clicks and
buzzes. “They are hailing us, captain.”
Riles laughed. “ No pirate would be foolish enough
to attack a Consortium convoy,” he replied. “Zann’s “Don’t keep them waiting, then,” he replied. “ Put
got them all tied up in his webs.” it on speaker.”
“But the communique came from Ryloth, sir,” she A burst of static assaulted the bridge, then
said, stressing the planet’s name. Any message from silenced. “This is the captain of the Renegade’s
Ryloth, Consortium headquarters, was as good as Blood,” announced a feminine, whispering voice.
from Tyber Zann himself. “Order your vessels to heave to and prepare to be
boarded. You have one standard minute to comply.”
“I’ve made this run a dozen times, ensign,” Riles
said, his voice echoing louder than he intended. He Riles opened his mouth to answer, but the signal
caught himself, and reassured her, “We’ve nothing had already been dropped. No chance for parley,
to be afraid of.” then, he thought as he chewed his lower lip. No
Consortium threats or bribes would be offered or
His words sounded hollow. Everyone aboard the
accepted today.
Censure had heard rumors about the recent attacks;
a vicious band of buccaneers had even dared to “Send an encoded transmission to the rest of the
capture one of the Consortium’s own transports. convoy,” Riles instructed Zevrix. “Order them to
Hushed voices around galley tables spoke of the repel all boarders. Any captain who surrenders to
transport’s crew, butchered to the last when they these scum will be executed by me personally.”
refused to heave to and take on boarders. “But sir!” Narish objected. “You’ve heard the sto­
Those worried whispers could not say which ship ries! If we don’t surrender, they’ll kill us all!”
had been taken, and until now there had been no Under normal circumstances, Riles might have
proof, but the communique from Ryloth gave the shot Narish for her insubordination. Instead, he
tales an air of legitimacy. Riles glanced surrepti­ smiled and slowly shook his head. “And what do you
tiously at the crew—every eye was upon him. Blast think Tyber Zann will do to us if we submit?”
Narish! Blast Zevrix, too!
Narish’s blue skin paled.
“Very well, ensign,” he nodded. “Raise the alert
status to ready. Will that suffice?” “Sit down, ensign,” Riles ordered her. “If we’re dead
either way, let’s make them pay for the privilege.”
Narish relieved nodded. “Ave. sir.” she said.
INTRODUCTION
ask of the P irate Q ueen is a full-length adven­ In this introduction, the GM can find the following
M ture in the Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Role-
playing Came line, featuring shadowports and space
information to help prepare for the campaign:
• Adventure Overview: A summary of the adven­
pirates, bounty hunting and swashbuckling action.
ture’s overarching plot.
The Zann Consortium has placed a massive bounty
on the elusive Pirate Queen, whose rival fleet, the • Adventure Background: Information describing
Veiled Sorority, has been a constant nuisance despite the circumstances and rivalries leading up to the
multiple assassination attempts. The Player Charac­ events in M ask of the P irate Q ueen .
ters soon discover that the job is not as simple as • Important Characters: A list of recurring Non-
it seemed, and that collecting their reward requires Player Characters [NPCs) who are allies or ene­
more than a fast ship or disintegration beams. mies of the Player Characters (PCs)—and who
The initial plot hook is designed so that Came Mas­ sometimes might be both.
ters (GMs) can easily integrate M ask of the P irate • Adventure Summary: An episode-by-episode
Q ueen into an existing campaign, or use it as the pro­ guide to the general progression of the adventure.
logue for a new series of adventures with a smuggling
or pirate organization on the Outer Rim. Game Mas­ • Game Preparation: Instructions on how to use
ters can also find detailed location information about this book and tips for running this adventure.
the capital cities on Saleucami and Ord Mantell, with Players who continue reading beyond this point
plenty of inspiration and adversaries for their own risk spoiling the adventure for themselves.
current campaigns on either planet.

ADVENTURE OVERVIEW
ask of the P irate Q ueen is the twisting tale of Insulted and enraged by the Sorority’s attacks, Tyber
M a large bounty placed on an especially tricky
and enigmatic target. The PCs begin their search in
Zann has instructed his lieutenant Venlana to post
an outrageously high bounty on the Pirate Queen’s
Episode I for the Veiled Sorority pirate leader who head. Once the PCs find out about the listing, Venlana
has been raiding the Zann Consortium’s ships and arranges to meet with them on Saleucami, where the
Saleucami installations. They defeat her, only to find Pirate Queen has been staging most of her attacks.
out the true Pirate Queen is still at large and wreak­
ing havoc on the Consortium. In Episode II, the PCs THE VEILED SORORITY
travel to Worlport on Ord Mantell, where they infil­
trate the Queen’s underground palace and unravel The Veiled Sorority is a secretive pirate organization
the mystery behind her reappearance: the Pirate that was formed in 30 BBY, eight years prior to the
Queen is not just one person, but a title and persona Clone Wars. Active solely in the Outer Rim, the Soror­
handed down from Queen to Queen. Finally, in Epi­ ity does little to advertise its presence to the authori­
sode III, they must board the true Queen’s flagship, ties, much less to the public at large. In its efforts to
the Renegade’s Blood, amid a raging space battle, bring order to the galaxy, the Empire does not often
and decide whether to put an end to the legend once distinguish between individual pirate bands. This rela­
and for all—or to become a part of it. tive anonymity serves the freebooters of the Sorority
well, especially considering their preference for prey­
ing on their fellow criminals.
ADVENTURE
Created by a mysterious human female known only
BACKGROUND as the Pirate Queen, the Veiled Sorority was estab­
As much work as there is to be had for smugglers lished to serve as a profitable, and largely anonymous,
across the galaxy, the best and most lucrative hyper­ criminal endeavor. The Queen leads the Sorority, and
lanes are fiercely competitive, and rival organizations is assisted by a council of captains and advisors—all
often resort to piracy and violence against their own female—in determining rich targets and future sources
kind. The Zann Consortium and the Veiled Sorority of plunder. While the Queen’s captains are well known
have been at each other’s throats for months now. by their crews, the Queen has always kept her identity
a secret by wearing an elaborate mask.
 Though non-females of any species are allowed to Successors to the throne are chosen from the Veiled
join the Sorority, they can never aspire to positions of Sorority’s council of captains and advisors. A success­
leadership in the enigmatic organization. Despite this, ful queen is able to retire whenever she so chooses,
the vast majority of the Sorority’s rank and file con­ taking any riches she has personally accumulated
sists of men. Humans are the most numerous species with her and naming her own successor. A queen
within the Sorority, though a good number of near­ who is unsuccessful—in external piracy or internal
human and alien species make up the difference. politics—is removed by the council. Depending on the
The Veiled Sorority has always been willing to offer circumstances, such queens are either forcibly retired
mercy to targets that surrender to it without a fight. or put to death, and the council chooses a new queen.
This benevolence is tempered by the fact that the The Queen’s single badge of office is her mask—
Sorority has no compunction about executing every an elaborate platinum visor that is both a work of art
last person aboard a ship that resists its boarding and a technological masterpiece. When one queen
attempts. As the Sorority has increased its visibility succeeds another, the mask is handed from one mon­
in recent years, this reputation for both mercy and arch to the next. Once the mask has been passed on,
brutality has served it well. the new Queen takes on the previous one’s identity.
Much of the Sorority’s fleet comprises vessels taken To keep the Queen safe from threats, a number of
as prizes. Taking ships in this way also precludes the masked decoys are chosen—again from the coun­
necessity of ferrying their cargoes from one ship to cil—to assume her identity throughout the Outer Rim.
another. In the rare case of a ship that is too badly In this way, her exact location and identity is never
known for certain.
damaged, the Sorority usually scuttles its cargo—
along with whatever living crew remains aboard. PCs who attempt a Hard 4 ♦ ) Knowledge
(Underworld) check can reveal the following informa­
MOTIVE OR MISCHIEF?
tion about the Veiled Sorority:
Until recently, the Veiled Sorority had been reluctant
• The Veiled Sorority is a pirate organization
to single out any particular group for its attention,
that operates in the Outer Rim Territories.
and its reasons for suddenly focusing on the Zann
Consortium’s assets are unknown. Information bro­ • O : Though the Veiled Sorority attacks any prize
kers suspect that the Sorority has been contracted of value, its pirates tend to prey on other criminal
by another criminal organization to undermine the organizations as a matter of choice.
Consortium’s business in the Outer Rim. Given that • O U The Veiled Sorority is ruled by a “Pirate
the Consortium has few allies, and even fewer friends, Queen” who governs with absolute authority. She
this is entirely possible. The other major underworld can be distinguished from her crews due to the
operations—the Crymorah, the Hutts, the Pykes, and fact that she always wears a mask.
Black Sun—have little love for Tyber Zann, whom they
view as an opportunistic upstart. • (|): While the Sorority targets many criminal orga­
nizations, it has recently been singling out ships
Game Masters should feel free to elaborate upon of the Zann Consortium.
the history of the Consortium and the Sorority if they
so choose. Perhaps one of the Queens had a personal
relationship with Tyber Zann that went sour, or had a
personal vendetta against him for other reasons.
THE MASK OF THE PIRATE QUEEN
Regardless of the truth of the matter, the Zann Con­
sortium continues to suffer from the depredations he mask that the Veiled Sorority’s Pirate
of the Veiled Sorority. Though the loss of one or two
shipments is expected in any smuggling operation,
T Queen wears appears to be little more
than an ornate platinum covering. It actually
the Sorority’s continued focus on the Consortium can contains several technological systems that
be nothing short of an open declaration of war. aid the Queen in maintaining her anonym­
THE QUEEN'S SECRET ity. A holographic projector allows the mask’s
wearer to adjust her physical appearance,
The Pirate Queen rules the Veiled Sorority until the and a voice modulator adjusts her speech to
day she dies, and this is well known to even the low­ match that of the first Queen.
liest Sorority scalawag. What isn’t publicly known is
that the Queen who currently rules over the Soror­ This modification allows the wearer to upgrade
ity is not the same one who started it years ago. In all Deception skill checks made to disguise
fact, there have been two other queens in the interim; herself once. The mask is also equipped with
each has taken up the mantle and mask of the Pirate an enhanced optics suite, which is identical
Queen before relinquishing it to a successor. to the armor attachment described on page
1 9 4 of the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook.
 THE ZANN CONSORTIUM • The Consortium is an up-and-coming criminal
organization operating in the Outer Rim.
The Zann Consortium was formed by Tyber Zann, a
onetime protege of Jabba Desilijic Tiure, who was • K }: The Zann Consortium is ruthless in its pursuit
of profits, and no crime seems to be too immoral
imprisoned in the spice mines of Kessei following his
as long as it garners money and power.
betrayal of the Hutt crime lord. Since his escape, Zann
has used all his business acumen and criminal knowl­ • O O : The Consortium was formed by a ruthless
edge to build a formidable underworld empire. criminal mastermind named Tyber Zann, follow­
ing his escape from the spice mines of Kessei.
The Consortium is structured as a military organiza­
tion with a veneer of corporate culture. Though not • 0 : Though the Zann Consortium is tolerated by
nearly as powerful as a true military operation, it is other syndicates, such as Black Sun, there are
still a force to be reckoned with on the ground as well whispers that the two are preparing to either ally
as in space. Other criminal interests in the Outer Rim, with one another—or go to war.
notably Black Sun, have taken notice of the Consor­
OPERATIONS
tium and its growing base of power.
The Zann Consortium’s operations consist of all man­
Black Sun agents have made overtures to the Zann
ner of illegal and quasi-legal enterprises. If there is
Consortium on several occasions. Quietly, however,
money to be made from ruthlessness, the Consor­
they have also been working against the Consortium’s
tium inevitably finds a way to rake in the profits from
interests in an attempt to subvert what they see as
it. This willingness to dabble in nearly any kind of
its inevitable growth. Tyber Zann knows this, and he
immoral behavior has caused its employees to step
has been doing his best to keep Black Sun at arm’s
on the toes of just about every other criminal organi­
length—at least for the time being.
zation in the Outer Rim.
Player Characters who attempt an Average
^ ) Knowledge (Underworld) check can One of the Consortium’s most profitable endeavors
to date has been to feed upon the current conflict
reveal the following information about the
between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire.
Zann Consortium:
Tyber Zann is none too fond of either organization, so
he chooses to prey on both of them simultaneously.
This has made the Consortium few Rebel or Imperial
friends, but both sides are currently too occupied
with each other to focus their attention on a seem­
ingly insignificant criminal endeavor.
The Zann Consortium operates primarily in the
Outer Rim, thriving in the relative lawlessness of the
region. Though it has begun expanding operations
toward the Core Worlds, perhaps in hopes of court­
ing the centrally located Crymorah syndicate, it
continues to claim holdings on many Outer Rim
worlds, including Ryloth, Hypori, and Saleucami.
Zann has built opulent palaces on many of the
Consortium’s most profitable planets in order to
demonstrate his organization’s growing power.
Zann often approaches worlds with a signifi­
cant Consortium presence to offer military pro­
tection from both the Rebel Alliance and the
Empire. Such extortion attempts are generally
seen for what they are, but many planetary
governments, lacking the military strength to
fend off even the Consortium, can do little to
resist. Those worlds that decline these offers
suffer from acts of domestic terrorism, as
well as Consortium-sown corruption within
their own government.
IM PORTANT CHARACTERS RUNNING MASK OF THE PIRATE
The following list introduces Non-Player Characters QUEEN WITH AGE OF REBELLION
with large roles to play in the adventure and refers AND FORCE AND DESTINY
the CM to their full entries elsewhere in the book.
his adventure can also be used for types
• Venlana Sipal: An ambitious Pantoran working
for Tyber Zann and the PCs’ primary contact for T of PCs beyond those found in Edge of the
Em pir e , such as agents of the Rebel Alliance or
the bounty posting. She is secretly a mole for
the Veiled Sorority and she has designs on the nascent Force sensitives. The Sorority could
Queen’s Mask (see page 17). have also targeted Alliance transports, or
an undercover Alliance operative might have
• Porel: Venlana’s male Twi’lek accomplice, who learned the Consortium plans to deal with the
has been sent by Tyber Zann to spy on her and pirates. The PCs might even encounter this
determine if she is a traitor (see page 93). agent at the end of the adventure, making for
• The Pirate Queen: A title more than a specific future campaign paths. PCs looking to expand
person, this identity shifts over the course of the their knowledge of the Force might be drawn
adventure. An Ubese named Noira is the true into this plot through rumors that the Soror­
Queen (see page 91), but the human Revah ity has uncovered ancient Jedi artifacts or is
serves as her decoy on Saleucami (page 36). dealing in kyber crystals. The clash between
By the end of the adventure, Venlana or even the Sorority and the Consortium can draw in
one of the Player Characters could take up the PCs with a wide range of backgrounds and
mantle of the Queen. Motivations. GMs should not hesitate to alter
any plot details that follow as needed to use
• Ryale Wei: As Noira’s second-in-command, this
this book to draw a variety of these PCs into
human oversees her secret palace beneath Worl-
the hunt for the Pirate Queen.
port. If the PCs spare her life, she may prove to be
a useful ally (see page 71).
EPISODE I: SEARCH ON SALEUCAMI
• Jander: A male Toydarian living on Ord Mantell
who serves as the PCs’ Consortium contact and The adventure begins when the Player Characters
source of leads in Episode II (see page 49). decide to pursue the bounty notice for the Pirate
• lllo Vandin: A Herglic crime boss on Ord Mantell Queen. The secure comm channel leads them to dis­
and notorious gambler. He has valuable informa­ cuss the job in person on Saleucami, where the Veiled
tion on the Pirate Queen, but shares it only if the Sorority is staging the bulk of its attacks on the Zann
PCs do his dirty work first (see page 52). Consortium. They meet with Venlana Sipal, one of
Tyber Zann’s underbosses, and discuss the details of
• Jerid Sykes: The Zann Consortium fleet com­ the contract. She gives PCs leads to pursue as they
mander aboard the cruiser End of Days, his flag­ hunt for the Queen. These ultimately direct the PCs to
ship. A skilled ex-imperial officer, he arrives to the Sorority’s supposed base of operations in Black-
defend the smuggling convoy from the Sorority at wind Crater, known as “the Vault.”
the adventure’s climax (see page 79).
The Player Characters plan and launch their raid,
running into a few surprises along the way. The Vault is
ADVENTURE SUM M ARY an impressive installation, filled with Sorority pirates
and guards. Once the PCs reach the Pirate Queen,
What begins as a simple dead-or-alive bounty soon
they have to decide whether to deliver their target
becomes more complicated: anyone can claim a
dead or alive. The Queen is not eliminated so easily,
bounty on a person, but how does a hunter claim a
however, as the PCs soon find out.
bounty on an idea? The adventure assumes the PCs
pursue the Pirate Queen as described by the main
plotline, but events may play out differently, depend­ EPISODE II: GOING TO GROUND
ing on the PCs’ actions and choices, as well as on any
The second episode begins as the PCs realize they
complications or subplots the GM chooses to include.
have captured (or killed) the wrong person. The true
By the climax, the PCs may have proven themselves
Queen has struck again, but the Consortium was able
to Tyber Zann, joined up with the Veiled Sorority, or
to trace the origin of a gloating transmission to Ord
assumed the identity of the Pirate Queen themselves.
Mantell, the PCs’ next destination. There, Venlana’s
contact Jander advises them to begin their investiga­
tion through lllo Vandin, a Herglic casino mogul and
local crime boss in Woriport, the planet’s capital.
 In order to get a vital key to uncovering the Queen’s EPISODE III: PREPARE FOR BOARDERS
underground palace from Vandin, they must accom­
plish one of two tasks for him. When the PCs com­ With the trickery of the Queen revealed, the nature
plete either task, Vandin fulfills his end of the bargain. of the bounty changes: the PCs must capture her
He reveals that the Queen’s consort is in Worlport, alive or otherwise ensure that she never returns. They
and provides evidence to convince the man that she engage the Sorority’s ships as they hunt for the Ren­
is playing him for a fool. egade’s Blood. Strategically disabling its defense and
communication systems in combat greatly helps their
Once convinced, her consort reveals the location
attempt to board the ship and capture the Queen.
of the Queen’s underground palace. Inside, the PCs
barge in on a party hosted by Ryale Wei, the true Once aboard, the PCs brave their way through a
Queen’s second-in-command. If Wei is defeated, the failing starship. Finally, they come face to face with
PCs can discover the secret of the Pirate Queen in Noira, the true Pirate Queen, whp has a surprising
addition to the location of the fleet’s flagship, the offer for the PCs: join her pirate company and share in
Renegade’s Blood. They soon rendezvous with the its riches. Once again, their actions decide the course
bulk of the Consortium’s fleet in space to begin their of the adventure. In extended campaigns, their choice
final attack. will have far-reaching repercussions even after the
conclusion of M ask of the P irate Q ueen .

GAME PREPARATION
he CM should consider modifying the adventure
T and adding subplots that directly pertain to the
PCs’ backgrounds and players’ play styles. A com­ NEW OR REPLACEMENT CHARACTERS
bat-oriented party benefits from additional combat
encounters; the GM could make more use of the s the adventure progresses, it may be nec­
Creatures & Challenges from Saleucami and Ord
Mantell (see pages 15 and 43) and even include
rival bounty hunters who are pursuing the same lucra­
« essary to introduce new PCs, due to the
death of a PC or the addition of a new player
to the group. The exact method of introduc­
tive contract. A socially inclined party is more likely to tion and type of character that might logically
be interested in the motivations and machinations of be available depends on the PCs’ current cir­
the Pirate Queen. Such a group should be offered the cumstances. Some suggestions include:
opportunity to join her side sooner if members spend
significant time negotiating with Ryale, Noira, or Ven- • The PCs might pick up local guides,
lana. The GM could even reverse the space combat in ex-pirates, or other characters in the
Episode III and have the PCs fighting alongside the capital city of Taleucema while on
Renegade’s Blood against Jerid Sykes and the End Saleucami. With some help from the
of Days. The more the GM personalizes M ask of the GM, a player could even adopt the
P irate Q ueen to the players’ tastes, the more success­ role of one of the mercenary clone
ful the adventure is likely to be. troopers in Blackwind Crater.

• All manner of characters make their

AW ARDING EXPERIENCE home on Ord Mantell, allowing for
Guidelines for awarding experience points for the great flexibility in PC background,
main encounters and completed subplots appear at species, and career. The new charac­
the end of each episode. The GM should also con­ ter could be employed by Jander or
sider granting XP during or after sessions in which lllo Vandin, and sent to help the PCs
the PCs complete any of the objectives for the cur­ with their tasks.
rent episode. After each session, the GM also should
• The group could find sympathetic
grant whatever baseline experience reward deemed
characters from the Zann Consor­
appropriate (typically 15 XP per PC per session).
tium fleet looking for a more inde­
Waiting until the end of each episode to award doz­
pendent lifestyle. The PCs might also
ens of experience points is likely to frustrate Edge of
find opportunists looking to literally
the Empire players, because the game’s advancement
jump ship when they see the Queen’s
system is intended to promote incremental growth.
flagship falter in Episode III.
 EARCH ON
ALEUCAMI

n Episode I of M ask of the P irate Q ueen , a rep­ The Exile, the Fence, and the Sheer: The Player
I resentative of the Zann Consortium contacts the
Player Characters regarding its exorbitant bounty on
Characters investigate the leads provided to
them by the Zann Consortium, and eventually
the head of the Veiled Sorority’s leader. The PCs pro­ learn the location of the Veiled Sorority’s base
ceed to the planet of Saleucami, where they receive on Saleucami.
a full briefing and leads for locating the Queen’s
• Blackwind Crater: A description of Blackwind
base. Following their investigations, the PCs find the
Crater, where the Sorority’s base is located.
hidden pirate base and raid it in an attempt to cap­
ture or kill the Queen. Unfortunately, little is as it • Raiding the Vault: The PCs infiltrate the Soror­
seems—but is it ever? This chapter includes: ity’s base in search of the Pirate Queen.
Saleucami: Information and background on this • Dead or Alive: The PCs return to their Consor­
world, along with some of the more interesting tium contact with the mark, only to learn later
and dangerous creatures the Player Characters that celebrations were a bit premature.
might face there. The adventure may begin anywhere, as long as
Wanted...Disintegrations Optional: A repre­ the PCs have access to a secure comm system. The
sentative of the Zann Consortium wishes to offer Player Characters might even be on the planet of
the Player Characters an opportunity to collect Saleucami already—picking up or dropping off
on a verv lucrative bountv. smuggled goods, hiding from their enemies, or sim­
ply enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation.
SALEUCAMI
Astronavigation Data: Sale-
cami system, Suolriep sec­
tor, Outer Rim Territories
Orbital Metrics: 392 days per
year / 26 standard hours per day
Government: corporate
Population: 1.4 billion (Pantoran
36%, Weequay 8%, Gran 8%,
Human 6%, Twi’lek 4%, Other 38%)
Languages: Basic, Pantoran
Terrain: Caverns, craters, deserts
forests, jungles, mountains, volca­
noes, wetlands
M ajor Cities: Taleucema (capital and the
main starport)
Areas of Interest: Magma caverns
M ajor Exports: Botanicals, finished goods, medi­
cines, technology
M ajor Imports: Foodstuffs, raw materials
Trade Routes: Talcene Transit (connects to the Per-
lemian Trade Route) The Imperial presence is felt noticeably only in
Taleucema and some of the larger settlements on
Special Conditions: Frequent meteor showers Saleucami. This mostly consists of attempts to crack
Background: The word “saleucami” means “oasis” down on Rebel sympathizers.
in Pantoran. For the world’s first Pantoran settlers,
the name was apt, as it is the only hospitable world
in its planetary system. In time, Gran, Twi’lek, and CRATER OASES
Weequay colonists also immigrated here. They set­
tled inside the world’s numerous impact craters. The
he many craters across Saleucami were cre­
geothermal vents and subterranean water within
made these craters unusually lush compared to the
T ated by meteorite impacts long ago. Major
impacts are rare now, as planetary defenses
rest of the surface, resulting in a world of mixed ter­
destroy or redirect sizeable meteoroids.
rain ranging from wetlands to deserts.
Long ago, powerful impacts formed huge
Outside of the oppressive heat of the equatorial craters, uncovering geothermal vents, hot
regions, Saleucami’s climate is quite mild most of the springs, and fertile soil. These features, in
year. The temperature rises dramatically during the
addition to a constant influx of volcanic ash,
summer months, however, and remaining indoors is
gave rise to lush oases within the craters,
the only remedy. Because of this, most pursue their which became successful communities.
usual schedules at night during the period known as
the Eventide. The largest impact crater contains the plan­
etary capital of Taleucema. Originally estab­
The Pantoran colonists originally established the lished by Pantorans, it is now a cosmopolitan
Eventide as a holiday of sorts. Lasting a little over
settlement with a full-service starport. Nearly
three standard months, it is marked by long, lazy anything can be bought or sold in the capital,
days and active nights. Schedules are reversed, with including less-than-legal commodities.
the midday meal traditionally served at midnight.
Given the many fertile crater basins across
Saleucami is currently under Imperial control.
the surface, it’s rare for settlements to spring
The Imperial Governor is on the Zann Consortium’s
up in the arid wastes. Nevertheless, a number
payroll, though, which guarantees that business is of villages and towns have taken root in these
rarely disrupted.
inhospitable regions.
AN OASIS WORLD
antoran immigrants colonized Saleucami over six
P thousand years ago. Members of other species
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
eventually heard of the opportunities available on The Pantoran colonists who initially settled Saleu­
Saleucami and joined the original colonists. As the cami brought their cultural heritage with them. As
population grew, so did the world’s political clout and a result, Saleucami’s culture is based on freedom of
economic potential. expression, the pursuit of happiness, and a hunger for
Saleucami became the Outer Rim’s most success­ exploration. As additional species brought their own
ful trading hub prior to the Great Galactic War. The cultural values to the planet, the disparate beliefs and
planet remained loyal to the Old Republic through traditions began to intermingle.
the political turmoil of the period; several major Sith Though Saleucami’s unique traditions are based on
victories shook Saleucami’s faith in the Republic, how­ Pantoran culture, they have definite Gran and Twi’lek
ever, leading the planet to join in founding the Rift Alli­ influences. Weequay also make up a full eight percent
ance. These doubts were later assuaged, and Saleu­ of Saleucami’s population, but they tend to be insular
cami reaffirmed its loyalty to the Republic. and refuse to allow other cultural to influence their
For generations, it remained a peaceful oasis in own. As such, Weequay neighborhoods and settle­
the Outer Rim, but this would not last forever. The ments are self-contained. Despite this apparent xeno­
Clone Wars were a trying time for its people, but they phobia, Saleucami’s Weequay hardworking colonists
weathered the storm, and much of their economy and are just as willing as others help their non-Weequay
infrastructure was spared from devastation. Following neighbors in times of need.
the Separatist defeat during the Siege of Saleucami, Freedom is one of the most valued concepts to
the Republic established an interim government while Saleucami’s citizens, who chafed heavily under the
it pacified Separatist remnants. The population wel­ rule of the Separatists during the Clone Wars. Though
comed the Republic’s clone troopers as saviors, and it their desire for independence made the planet ripe
appeared that peace had once again returned. for rebellion, the influence of the peaceful Gran soci­
ety and the Twi’lek resilience of spirit meant that the
people of Saleucami would persevere until the Repub­
lic freed them from their Separatist masters.
SALEUCAMI DURING THE CLONE WARS
NOTABLE LOCATIONS
uring the Clone Wars, the people of Saleu­
D cami did their best to remove themselves
from the galactic conflict as it tore the Repub­
Saleucami is a vast world that offers a great deal of
variety insofar as climate and terrain are concerned.
lic apart. The planet had been peaceful for The presence of so many verdant craters across the
hundreds of years, and its settlers and resi­ planet’s surface has caused a number of unique eco­
dents preferred that it remain that way. War, systems to spring up. Amid the vast tracts of wood­
with its destruction and intrigues, was anti­ land and arid deserts are sultry swamps and thick
thetical to the average Saleucamian’s way of jungles, fierce predators and stubborn settlements.
life. The planetary government attempted to
maintain a low profile in hopes that the hos­ BLACKWIND CRATER
tilities would pass Saleucami by.
Blackwind Crater is one of many isolated craters host­
Despite the care the natives took to remain
ing a wide variety of life. Formed millennia ago by a
uninvolved, the war did eventually reach
series of devastating meteorite impacts, the resulting
them when Jedi Master Eeth Koth was cap­
crater is deep, with treacherous walls that prevent all
tured by General Grievous. Following Koth’s
but avian species from escaping its stifling interior.
rescue and the destruction of Grievous’s ship
Though the initial settlers ignored Blackwind Crater,
in orbit above the planet, Grievous and the
Republic scientists later built a small research station
remnants of his droid army crashed in the for­
at its northern end to study the branching evolution­
ested plains of Saleucami. Though the Sepa­
ary patterns of the crater’s animals.
ratists were not on the planet’s surface for
very long, the incident reminded them of its The Republic’s research station operated for nearly
presence and potential value. The Separatists a decade before it was abandoned, and Blackwind
eventually returned to Saleucami, using it as Crater faded from notice again due to its inaccessibil­
a staging area during the Outer Rim sieges. ity. The fact that a large pride of vicious thaelos also
inhabited its depths did little to attract potential resi­
BUBSE SPICE
dents. This changed when the Separatists took control
of Saleucami during the Clone Wars. They established
ike many other natural medicines, bubse
a comm station in the ruins of the old research facility,
fortifying it with weaponry and defenses.
L root extract has illicit uses. One such
chemical, known as bubse spice, is a concen­
When the Republic troops defeated the Separat­ trated anesthetic. Though dangerous if taken
ist forces holding Saleucami, they also destroyed in large quantities, it is a common addition to
the comm station in Blackwind Crater. Once again, many Outer Rim medpacs. Those under the
the crater’s microcosm was ignored, though rumors influence of bubse spice become numb, both
of pirates, smugglers, or even Rebels in the station’s physically and emotionally. They feel little to
remains have cropped up from time to time. no pain when wounded and behave without
thought, conscience, or compassion.
TALEUCEMA
A character affected by one or more doses of
Taleucema, the capital of Saleucami, was the first col­ bubse spice increases his Wound Threshold
ony established on the planetary surface by Pantoran by 4 until the end of the encounter. However,
settlers. The word “taleucema” is Pantoran in origin he also adds + 20 to any Critical Injury result
and translates as “verdant” or “rich.” Indeed, the cra­ he suffers before the end of the encounter.
ter where Taleucema was built was once broad, green, Bubse spice is a restricted substance (rarity
and filled with all manner of life. 6) that costs 200 credits per dose. A 100-
Saleucami’s largest starport was established here dose cargo container of bubse spice averages
prior to the Great Galactic War, and it has grown to 17,500 credits.
account for nearly one-fifth of the city’s surface area.
Offworld trade is an important element of the econ­ The bubse tree, a bulbous plant common across
omy; the city is known for its production and export of the surface, is well known for its root’s miraculous
pharmaceuticals, medical products, and technology. medicinal properties. Taleucema features the only
planet-side mass production of bubse tree extracts
and medicines, and not surprisingly bubse root
extracts are the city’s principal export.
CREATURES AND
CHALLENGES
Saleucami owes much of its ecological diversity to its
isolating, fertile craters and is home to a number of
indigenous species. Calva herds wander the planet’s
equatorial regions, seemingly oblivious to the heat, Skills: Brawl 4, Discipline 3, Perception 3, Resilience
while packs of thaelos hunt prey from the treetops. 5, Survival 3, Vigilance 3.
Talents: None.
GALVA [MINION] Abilities: Silhouette 3.
Equipment: Antennae (Brawl; Damage 6; Critical
Calva are a diminutive and innocuous mammalian 3; Range [Short]; Ensnare 3, Sunder), claws (Brawl;
species native to Saleucami. They travel in large herds Damage 8; Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Breach 2,
of up to one hundred individuals, feeding off of desert Vicious 3).
lichens and moss as they migrate across the planet’s
oppressively hot equatorial regions. Calva rarely drink THAELQ [RIVAL]
water in any significant quantity, as they get all the
moisture they need from the food they consume. Thaelos are simian predators that dwell in the jungle
trees common to Saleucami’s many craters. They are
Galva are often hunted for their skins, which can be
excellent climbers, moving with a speed and grace
tanned into a supple leather that has grown increas­
that belie their bulk, especially when hunting prey. To
ingly popular (an undamaged hide goes for 1,000
make matters worse, they hunt in family groups, or
credits, rarity 6). As a result, many of the largest galva
prides, and have been known to bring even the largest
herds have been depleted by overhunting.
creatures down with both swiftness and ease.
Though thaelos can move on two legs, they are
much swifter when using their long arms for sup­
port. The greenish-brown fur that covers their bodies
provides camouflage in the treetops, and their large
red eyes easily penetrate Saleucami’s near-constant
Skills (group only): Athletics, Perception, Survival. gloom. They attack their prey with their powerful
Talents: None. limbs, but wild tales of thaelos using rudimentary
Abilities: None. melee weapons such as clubs are not unknown.
Equipment: Teeth (Brawl; Damage 2; Critical 4;
Range [Engaged]).

NUUNO [NEMESIS]
One of the most dangerous of Saleucami’s native spe­
cies is the nuuno, a massive, omnivorous crustacean Skills: Athletics 4, Brawl 3, Coordination 3, Percep­
named after the Pantoran word for “stone.” When tion 3, Stealth 2, Survival 3.
at rest, nuunos appear to be little more than large, Talents: Lethal Blows 1 (adds +10 to any Critical
eroded boulders. However, they can react to prey in Injury results inflicted on opponents).
an instant, lashing out with their whiplike antennae Abilities: Excellent Climber (once per game session,
and claws that can snap durasteel bars. the character may reroll any one Athletics check
Practically immune to personal weapons, nuunos made when climbing).
can be a destructive force of nature if allowed to enter Equipment: Fists (Brawl; Damage 5; Critical 4; Range
settlements. Tales tell of entire villages and crater [Engaged]).
towns being decimated by a single nuuno. Fortunately,
the creatures are solitary and rarely work together,
though sibling pairs are occasionally encountered in
Saleucami’s deeper wastes.
WANTED...
DISINTEGRATIONS OPTIONAL
t the start of M ask of the P irate Q ueen , the Player
n Characters can be almost anywhere, as long as "Greetings. My name is Venlana, and I am con­
they have access to a secure comm channel. It is tacting you on behalf of the Zann Consortium. We
more convenient if they are already on Saleucami, are experiencing shipping losses that exceed our
but this isn’t strictly necessary. In either case, they projections. These challenges to our bottom line
soon notice an advertisement, or receive an incoming are due to pirates—rather, one pirate in particu­
transmission from Venlana, a female Pantoran in the lar—and we would like to contract you as part of
employ of the Zann Consortium. our program of loss prevention. Should you be
interested, please meet with me on the planet of
Player Characters who are bounty hunters in one of
Saleucami, in the city o f Taleucema. ’’
the galaxy’s many hunters’ guilds may learn of the job
from their guild leadership. Guilds expect a 10% to
20% cut of the bounty in return for the marketing, Venlana smiles, her white teeth highlighted by her
negotiation, and support they provide their spon­ blue skin, and waits for your reply.
sored hunters. Alternatively, bounty hunter PCs with
access to bounty boards could be contacted directly
At this point, the PCs likely have questions. Venlana
by the Zann Consortium or could find an open ad on
attempts to answer them, but she politely insists that
their bounty board of choice. The ad is vague, reading
she can only disclose the full details in person. She is
something like the following:
also resistant to off-topic banter, and always steers
the conversation back to the contract. As a symbol of
"Hunter of masked prey required. Lucrative con­ good intent, she has been authorized to offer them an
tract for individuals and groups of sufficient skill advance of 500 credits each if they agree to meet with
and reputation. IPKC optional. Provide contact her. Should they accept the contract, the 500 credits
information and qualifications to HN4-768A via per PC is deducted from their final compensation.
secure comm. ”
If pressed by the PCs for answers Venlana is not
inclined to give, she ends the conversation. Read or
paraphrase the following aloud:
All bounty hunter characters are assumed to have
a valid Imperial Peace-Keeping Certificate (IPKC),
and would recognize that “ IPKC optional” indicates a Venlana’s composure seems strained for a mo­
bounty that is personal or extrajudicial. If the Zann ment, and you notice a predatory glint in her eyes
Consortium is not seeking out the PCs specifically, that wasn’t there before.
other groups of hunters are also working on the same
contract. Such circumstances might prove problem­
7 guarantee this contract is quite lucrative, ’’ she
atic for the PCs over the course of the adventure, and
says. "The Zann Consortium is never stingy when
could provide the CM with multiple opportunities to
it comes to protecting its interests. Unfortunately,
incorporate PCs’ backgrounds and Obligations. It is
my time is rather precious, so I must see to other
possible the PCs have previous ties to the Zann Con­
tasks. I hope you consider this offer, as well as its
sortium (for good or ill), are already dealing in bubse
rewards, and meet with me on Saleucami. ”
spice smuggling, or simply require something from
the Consortium—but first, the Consortium requires
something from them. The transmission ends, leaving you to contem­
plate your next move.
When the contact takes place, read or paraphrase
the following aloud:
Ultimately, it is up to the PCs to follow up on Ven­
Your viewscreen flashes, revealing a poised Pan­ lana’s communication. If they agree to meet, she
toran woman with blue skin and dark hair. Her tells them that she plans to contact them again once
voice is melodic, and she speaks with confidence they’ve landed on Saleucami. Once they are on the
and authority. planet (or if they are there already), she arranges to
meet them at the Paradise, a cantina close to the star-
port (continue to Paradise Found, on page 18).
 Should the PCs become distracted or decide not
to follow up with Venlana, she contacts them eventu-
DESCENT INTO
ally and raises the initial payment to 1,000 credits TALEUCEMA
per PC. This is as far as she bends, however, and they
must either take the bait or find something else to do. Assuming the PCs aren’t already on the planet of
Saleucami, they need to travel there. Unless the
VENLANA 51PAL, CONSORTIUM GM has something else planned for them, the trip
UNDERBOSS [NEMESIS] is uneventful, and the PCs are able to land at the
Taleucema spaceport without incident.
Venlana Sipal is a Saleucamian native descended from Read or paraphrase the following aloud when the
the original Pantoran colonists. She wears a mask of Player Characters’ vessel comes in for a landing:
polite professionalism at all times, but her true nature
is much more sinister. Ambitious and merciless, she
does anything to ensure her own advancement. Her As you break through the heavy clouds o f Saleu­
skin is blue and her hair a dark shade of blue-black. cami, you are presented with an awesome sight. A
She generally dresses in conservative suits. large city, Its lights shining brightly in the gloom,
spreads out between the walls o f a crater many
kilometers wide. To the north, ships land and take
off in smooth patterns, disappearing through the
clouds or taxiing to one of the many available
docking bays at the bustling spaceport below.

Skills: Charm 3, Coercion 3, Decep­ Taleucema is a large city built within a massive cra­
tion 3, Knowledge (Underworld) 2, ter measuring nearly sixteen kilometers across at its
Melee 2, Negotiation 3, Ranged widest point. The spaceport, which dominates the
(Light) 2, Streetwise 3. northeastern sector of the city, is constantly abuzz
Talents: Adversary 2 (upgrade dif­ with vessels landing, taking off, and loading or
ficulty of all combat checks against unloading cargo. The areas surrounding the dock­
this target twice), Point Blank 2 ing bays are brightly lit, in order to counter Saleu-
(add +2 damage to one hit of cami’s dim natural lighting.
a successful Ranged [Heavy]
Docking fees are a modest 75 credits per
or Ranged [Light] attack made
day, and docking bay security is tight.
at short or engaged range).
Security droids, as well as guards, patrol
Abilities: None.
at regular intervals to ensure that ships
Equipment: Holdout blaster
within the bays aren’t maltreated by
(Ranged [Light]; Damage 5;
scofflaws, thieves, or ship-jackers.
Critical 4; Range [Short];
Stun setting), vibroknife Once the PCs’ vessel has landed, their
(Melee; Damage 3; Criti­ ship’s communications console chimes,
cal 2; Range [Engaged]; announcing a call. Upon answering, the PCs
Pierce 2, Vicious 1), are greeted by Venlana’s familiar features.
conservative cloth­ Read or paraphrase the following:
ing, stimpack.
Venlana smiles pleasantly. ‘Welcome to Saleu­
cami. I look forward to meeting you all and
have arranged for a private conference room
at the Paradise, a cantina on the edge of the
spaceport. Once you arrive, preferably within
the hour, I will ensure you are properly re­
freshed before we get down to business. ”
 Once more, Venlana refuses to discuss the contract, The Twi’lek’s name is Porel, and he acts as Venlana’s
saying that there is plenty of time to discuss business personal assistant and bodyguard (see page 93 for
once the PCs arrive at the Paradise. Should the PCs his profile). He stays quiet if the PCs attempt to speak
have any basic questions about Saleucami or the city to him, and he raises his finger to his lips to silence
of Taleucema, Venlana is happy to entertain a handful them. Should they refuse or hesitate to follow him, he
of questions before politely excusing herself. stops near a featureless metal door at the cantina’s
rear wall and turns to face them, an expectant look on
At this point, the PCs can make final preparations
before venturing into the city. his face. As the PCs approach him there, Porel opens
the metal door and stands aside to let them pass.

PARADISE FOUND Read or paraphrase the following when the PCs go

through the metal door:
The part of the city bordering the starport, known col­
loquially as “the Traders’ Belt” (or, more simply, “the
The room beyond the metal door is lit by a series
Belt”) is a mix of cantinas, gambling dens, overpriced
o f carved crystal globes hanging from the ceiling.
shops, massage parlors, and other forms of entertain­
A large conference table dominates the center
ment designed to please space hands, merchants,
of the room, surrounded by comfortable-looking
and anyone else looking for a little rest and relaxation.
chairs. To your left, a bar gleams with glasses and
Unless the PCs have their own ground transporta­ a wide array of bottles.
tion or attempt to rent a speeder in the spaceport,
they must make the trip to the Paradise on foot. Dur­ Venlana stands to greet you, a welcoming smile
ing daylight hours, both pedestrians and landspeed- on her lips. “At last, ” she says, inviting you with a
ers crowd the streets. After dark, the atmosphere is gesture to refresh yourselves at the bar “I thought
more sinister: most pedestrians are grim-faced thugs this day would never come. Your reputations cer­
wandering the streets aimlessly or standing on street tainly precede you. ”
corners with menace in their eyes. PCs traveling by
foot at night risk attracting the attention of a Weequay
You’re uncertain whether her comment about your
gang, unless they appear well armed or particularly
reputation is a compliment or a veiled insult.
competent (see The Gangs of Taleucema sidebar on
page 20 for more information).
The Paradise cantina is inside the Belt, and is well
As the PCs see to their drinks, Porel enters the room
known by anyone familiar with the city. From the out­
and closes the door behind him. He stands next to
side, it appears to be just another cantina. A large
the portal, his hands behind his back, and stoically
Aqualish bouncer in a dark green suit stands near the
observes every move they make. If anyone asks Ven­
entrance, observing anyone who enters, leaves, or
lana about him, she introduces him as her assistant.
walks by. He doesn’t give the PCs any trouble, but he
does stare at them intently as they enter through the Before the conversation can begin in earnest, Ven­
cantina’s bubse wood doors. lana cordially makes good on her offer to pay the PCs
a small retainer for merely showing up. Even if she did
When the PCs enter the Paradise, read or para­
not make the offer during her initial communication,
phrase the following aloud:
she still provides each PC with an advance of 500
credits, either in cash or in the form of a credit chip.

The interior of the cantina is dim and smells of Once the pleasantries are out of the way, Venlana
smoke and distilled drinks. Though the Paradise is explains the contract in greater detail. Read or para­
furnished like any other cantina in any other Outer phrase the following:
Rim starport, there is a subtle buzz of business in
the air. The patrons seem to concentrate more on “While some losses in transit are expected and
their hushed conversations than their drinks. accounted for, the Zann Consortium's shipments
have been unusually beset by pirates of late. After
As you stand in the entryway, your eyes adjusting some investigation, we have uncovered the identi­
from Saleucam/’s gloom to the cantina’s, a male ty o f these criminals—a band o f brigands referred
Twi’lek in a crisp brown suit approaches you. "You to as the 'Veiled Sorority.’ Despite the name, it
have come to see Venlana,” he states. 7 will take does not discriminate by gender, or even species.
you to her. ” The Twi’lek turns on his heel and walks However, only females are permitted to assume
slowly toward the rear o f the cantina. positions of leadership within the organization.
 Once the PCs are committed, Venlana provides
“We are interested in bringing this band o f pirates them with the most promising leads she has. Each
to its knees. To do this, we are issuing a bounty can be investigated separately; only two of them are
for its leader, referred to as the 'Queen.' Beyond entirely fruitful, while the third could even cause the
her title, we have been unable to procure any PCs some trouble in the long run.
concrete data on her identity, location, or back­
Read or paraphrase the following aloud:
ground. Should you agree to take the contract, it
will be your responsibility to bring her to our jus­
tice, dead or alive, with proof that it is indeed the Venlana removes a small datapad from a pocket
Queen that you deliver. ” inside her jacket. She activates it, scanning its
screen briefly before she begins.
Venlana prefers to know immediately whether the
PCs plan to take the contract. They may ask ques­ “Your first lead is an individual named Graf Lind.
tions if they like, and Venlana answers them in a busi­ He was one o f the Sorority’s brigands, until he lost
nesslike tone. She begins to grow impatient if the PCs favor with them six years ago. Though nearly killed
continue to dither, at which time she presses them for by his former associates, he managed to escape.
a commitment. We have discovered his current whereabouts—a
dwelling in a local slum. His information is surely
Examples of some questions the PCs might ask, and
outdated, but he may have valuable intel. ’’
the answers for each, include:
• How much does this contract pay? "The Zann
Consortium is prepared to offer each member of Venlana pauses to address questions before moving
your crew 10,000 credits for successfully com­ on. Read or paraphrase the following aloud:
pleting the contract. . .minus the retainer that has
already been paid, o f course. Should your perfor­ “The second lead is Krezo Wasanti. He is a fence
mance be exceptional, a variety of bonuses may who operates his business near the starport. He
also be applied to your final compensation." came to our attention when he attempted to sell
• How long has this been going on? “The first one of our agents some o f our own goods, pillaged
attack occurred nearly a month ago, but we in one of the Sorority’s recent raids. He must have
assumed it was an isolated, random event. Since some connection to the pirates, given he is obvi­
then, there have been three more attacks—one ously dealing in goods they have stolen. ”
per week. We expect a fifth attack soon, and pre­
fer that this contract be completed in short order. ’’
As before, Venlana pauses to field any questions.
• What have the pirates taken? “As you may Once ready, read or paraphrase the following aloud:
or may not know, the Zann Consortium traf­
fics at times in commodities that most authori­
ties choose to restrict. We have been unable to “The last lead isn’t a person so much as a re­
determine a specific link between the contents of source. Our slicers uncovered a data node called
the stolen shipments...aside from their valuable 'SororiNet.' Though ostensibly used to schedule
nature, of course.’’ tours ofSaleucami’s more rugged wastelands, the
name alone is suspicious, and its security level
• Don’t you keep shipments and routes secret?
is far too high for a mere tourism outfit. Should
“Of course, which is another problem entirely.
you have expertise in slicing, you might be able to
We believe that someone on the inside is provid­
learn more there. ’’
ing the Sorority with data about our shipments.
While embarrassing, this is not unexpected. Once
we find the offender or offenders, they will regret With that, Venlana reminds the PCs that the Consor­
betraying the trust of the Zann Consortium. ’’ tium is very eager to see this matter taken care of in a
This last answer is not offered unless a PC asks the prompt and well-executed manner. She provides the
proper question, though the GM may allude to the PCs with a datapad loaded with all the information
Consortium’s suspicion of a mole in their organization, pertaining to the leads she mentioned, as well as with
and thereby cause the PCs to broach the topic. This is a comlink code through which she can be reached.
a sensitive subject, embarrassing to the Consortium, Assuming they have no additional questions, Ven­
but it is an important piece of information for the PCs lana wishes the PCs luck and has Porel escort them
to have much later on, if or when they are required to out. They can remain in the Paradise and enjoy the
deal with the Consortium’s mysterious traitor. local hospitality, but the prices are high, and the clien­
tele is uninterested in providing further information.
THE EXILE, THE FENCE,
ANDTHESLICER
he leads that Venlana offered, as detailed on the GAINING ENTRY
T datapad she provided to the PCs, are Graf Lind, a
former human member of the Veiled Sorority; Krezo Gaining access to Grafs home is a straightforward
Wasanti, a local Rodian fence; and SororiNet, a mys­ affair. The easiest approach is to knock on the door
terious data node. and see whether the old pirate answers. The lock is
also easily picked with an Average Skuldug­
gery check. Alternatively, the door can be kicked in
GRAF LIND, THE EXILE with a Hard ^ ^ ) Athletics check, though this is
Graf Lind lives in a part of Taleucema known as “the both conspicuous and loud. If it’s any time between
Warren.” It is an overcrowded slum that clings to the noon and two in the afternoon, Graf is out running his
eastern wall of the city’s crater like a cancer. The daily errands.
dwellings within consist of eroding stone and cracked Graf responds to knocking at his door with hostil­
ferrocrete tenements, with networks of tunnels and ity, yelling behind the closed door for whoever it is
caves carved from the sandstone of the crater wall. to leave him alone from. If the knocking continues,
The Warren’s population includes many of the city’s he answers the door, his angry eyes bloodshot from
poor, unwanted, and homeless; crime and casual vio­ drinking. The PCs may try to use a believable story in
lence are incredibly common at all hours of the day. an attempt to get Graf to open his door. This requires
A number of gangs claim much of the neighborhood a Hard ^ ^ ) Charm, Coercion, or Deception
as their own. Confrontations between the gangs are check, modified with □ if Graf has been drinking
commonplace and deadly, and unaffiliated citizens (which is a sure bet, unless he’s just returned from
sometimes get caught in the crossfire. running errands).

Graf’s residence is a single-room, prefab house that When the Player Characters look into or enter Graf’s
shows decades of wear. The exterior is scrawled with home, read or paraphrase the following text aloud:
graffiti, and the alloy outer door is marked with a
single black X that has been repainted several times. The stink of sweat and the stinging odor of raw
Any PC succeeding on an Average ( t t ) Knowledge alcohol assault your senses, causing your eyes to
(Underworld) or Streetwise check realizes that the water. The single room is small and strewn with
X indicates that Graf is under a gang’s protection, trash, debris, and empty liquor bottles. The cen­
though which gang is not immediately obvious. ter o f the floor is dominated by a single sweat-
PCs may want to observe Graf’s place before talk­ stained mattress, and the only light is cast by a
ing with him. He observes a simple routine, leaving dingy, flickering lamp.
around noon each day to run errands, and returning
one or two hours later with food and bottles of rotgut.
Once the door is open, Graf loudly protests the
intrusion. If the PCs attempt to use force against
him at any point during the conversation, he draws a
THE GANGS OF TALEUCEMA vibrorapier from inside his cane and attempts to run
the offending PC through. If drunk or hung over, he
epending on the Game Master’s plans, the suffers ■ on any checks he attempts to make.
D PCs may be approached or harassed by
the Warrens’ gangs. The largest two—the Yel­
If the PCs keep things civil, any mention of the
Sorority or Graf’s prior affiliation with it causes him to
low Thaelos and the Stoneskins—clash over
wake up. His eyes, typically dull, become focused and
control of the region but always have time for interested. He answers honestly, but with little infor­
attacking others who venture into the War­ mation of worth. It’s been years since he was active,
rens. Many other gangs and petty criminal
and he has no idea where its current base of opera­
groups operate here as well, should the GM tions on Saleucami is. That said, Graf can provide gen­
desire to use another or to include an organi­
eral information about the Veiled Sorority—nothing
zation the PCs have had dealings with in the
more detailed than what a simple success would have
past. Members of these gangs conform to the provided using the results listed on page 6 —but
Street Tough profile, on page 396 of the E dge he feigns ignorance as to its actual hierarchy, outside
of the E mpire Core Rulebook.
of the all-female nature of its officers.
 Should Graf learn that the PCs are attempting to Graf has largely given up on life, whether he admits
find and capture (or kill) the Queen, he immediately it or not, and has decided to drink himself to death.
asks if he can help them do so. Read or paraphrase Despite this, he fantasizes about returning to the
the following text aloud: Sorority someday, for he believes the best years of
his life were spent there.
"Look, mates. I know I ’m outta the loop these Despite his bad attitude, which is especially promi­
days, but I can help ya. I want to help ya, blast nent when he’s drunk (as he often is), Graf is actually
it! After what those cutthroats did to me... ” Graf a fairly charismatic fellow. His run-down appearance
pauses and grimly rubs his prosthetic leg. 7 been. belies the fact that he was once a very dashing and
waitin ’ years for a chance to get back at that witch handsome young man. When sober, he can be seri­
queen and her crew. It ain’t about money—I don’t ous, competent, and above all things, cunning.
want none. All I be wantin’ is justice!”

Graf sets his jaw and looks at you, his eyes sud­
denly moistened with emotion.

Despite Graf’s apparent sincerity, his ultimate goal

Skills: Athletics 1, Brawl 2, Charm 3, Deception
is as far from revenge as can be. In truth, he’s more
3, Knowledge (Underworld) 2, Melee 3,
interested in using the PCs to redeem himself and
Ranged (Light) 2, Streetwise 3.
earn back his membership in the Veiled Sorority. If
Talents: Natural Brawler (once per game
accepted into the PCs’ ranks, he plays the loyal cohort
session, the character may re-roll one
and partner until he sees an opportunity to turn the
Brawl or Melee check), Quick Draw
PCs over to his erstwhile comrades.
(may draw or holster an eas­
Suspicious PCs may wish to make an opposed Dis­ ily accessible weapon as an
cipline versus Deception ( # Q # ) check to judge incidental once per round).
his sincerity. If he is drunk, the PCs gain □ on their Abilities: None.
Discipline check. Success indicates that Graf isn’t sin­ Equipment: Holdout
cere, though the reasons behind his insincerity are blaster (Ranged [Light];
unclear. Additional & further define his intentions, Damage 5; Critical 4;
alluding to the fact that he somehow sees more than Range [Short]; Stun
just vengeance. O allows additional insight into Graf’s setting), vibrorapier
ambition, while <§> supplies doubt to any suspicions (Melee; Damage 3;
the PCs might have due to a successful check. Critical 2; Range
If the PCs leave without having invited Graf to join [Engaged]; Defensive
them, he attempts to pursue the PCs, stalking them 1, Pierce 3, Vicious
and dogging their steps. If they notice and confront 1) concealed in cane,
him, Graf sticks to his story. Unless he becomes inca­ heavy clothing (+1
pacitated or is killed, he single-mindedly follows the soak), prosthetic leg
PCs until they accept him as an ally or attempt to replacement.
take his life.

GRAF LIND, FORMER PIRATE [RIVAL]

Graf is a human male in his fifties, though his lifestyle
has aged him prematurely. His hair is long, gray, and
unkempt, and his blue eyes are dull—unless he’s
interested in something. His cheap prosthetic leg—all
he could afford following the tender mercies of the
Veiled Sorority—makes him walks with a noticeable
limp, and often uses a polished bubse wood cane
for support. The CM is free to further develop his
background and the reasons for his ejection from the
Sorority as desired to best match the style of play and
personality used for him. Perhaps he was expelled
for hesitation in combat, or embezzlement, or even
unsanctioned killings.
OVER THE FENCE As if on cue, an ASP-series labor droid stomps
though a pair of double doors and into the showroom,
Krezo Wasanti is a Rodian fence who operates an its servos grinding. It stops and stands motionless,
import/export business in the Belt, on the starport’s seemingly waiting for a command from its master.
edge. He deals with anyone—profit is profit—and Krezo isn’t expecting trouble, and he assumes the
he isn’t shy about dealing in less-than-legal or hot PCs are just another group of customers looking to
merchandise. Unfortunately, greed often clouds his satisfy an exotic vice or shopping for a unique gift. If
limited common sense, especially when dealing with any of the PCs are conspicuously armed, he attempts
stolen product. to maintain a cool demeanor. In such a case, any PC
This poor judgment led Krezo to sell three disruptor succeeding on an Average Perception or
pistols to one of the Zann Consortium’s agents. After Streetwise check notices that Krezo is made visibly
acquiring the pistols, the agent easily determined that nervous by the obvious firepower.
the disruptors were originally part of the cargo on If it becomes clear that the PCs aren’t interested
one of the Consortium’s lost ships. Krezo is blissfully in buying or selling, but are instead looking for leads
unaware that the Consortium has uncovered his con­ relating to the Veiled Sorority, Krezo comes to the
nection to the Veiled Sorority. If he did know, he would conclusion that he’s in big trouble. Any mention of the
have left as quickly as possible, having gathered all Zann Consortium by the PCs only increases his level of
the wealth he could and left Saleucami far, far behind. desperation, and he does the only thing he can think
to do in order to escape—he utters a code phrase
KREZO'S IMPORTS ("Koochoo, bata kap da wanga/ ”) and unleashes
Koochoo, the droid, on the PCs.
Krezo’s shop is neat, organized, and well presented,
and resides in a relatively sparse area with few sur­ Outside of its reinforced manipulators, Koochoo
rounding buildings. Though serving as an importer is a isn’t designed for combat. Krezo assumes he has only
legitimate cover for his illegitimate dealings, he takes a few seconds before the droid is out of commission,
pride in his reputation as an honest businessman who and he takes advantage of the opportunity by making
goes the extra kilometer for his clients, no questions a break for the nearest exit. Unless he is stopped or
asked. The interior of the shop is clean and features incapacitated, Krezo does his best to escape into the
all manner of luxury goods, from bottles of exotic streets, seeking refuge wherever he can find it.
liquors to hermetically sealed boxes of premium
cigarras. Standard business hours—from midmorning AN AFTER-HOURS VISIT
to dusk—are observed, though Krezo has been known
to attend to shadier dealings after dark. Instead of taking a direct approach, the Player Char­
acters may decide to break into Krezo’s shop after
If the Player Characters arrive at Krezo’s Imports hours. Bypassing the lock on the front door requires
during normal business hours, read or paraphrase the either a Daunting ^ ^ Skulduggery check to
following aloud: pick the lock or an upgraded Hard Athlet­
ics check to force the door open. Forcing the door
As you enter the import shop, you ore greeted trips a silent alarm that alerts Krezo to a break-in,
by o soft chime and o pleasant gust of environ­ unless one of the PCs succeeds at a Hard ( ♦ ♦ ♦ )
mentally conditioned air scented by exotic goods. Computers check to detect and circumvent the secu­
The shop’s shelves and counters are spotless, well rity system before they break the door.
organized, and stocked with a wide selection of If they visit after dark, the shop is gloomy and seem­
luxury goods, trinkets, and unidentifiable knick- ingly deserted when the PCs break in. As they enter
knacks from all over the galaxy. the shop, read or paraphrase the following aloud:

A short, olive-skinned Rodian with red-gold eyes The import shop is dark and quiet, the air still and
sitting behind a polished metal counter raises his cool. The shelves lining the walls are stocked with
gaze from a datapad and briefly sizes you up. His luxury goods, trinkets, and unidentifiable knick-
face suddenly lights up with a welcoming smile. knacks from all over the galaxy. At the rear of the
“Greetings, my friends, ” he says in thickly-accent­ shop, a sliver of light can be seen coming from
ed Basic. "What can Krezo do for you on this fine between a pair o f alloy double doors behind an
Saleucami day?" immaculate countertop.
 The PCs can question Krezo with an upgraded
KREZO’S BACK DOOR
opposed Hard O # ) Charm or Deception
check, or an upgraded opposed Average ( # # )
lever Player Characters may be interested
C in finding all methods of ingress and egress
from Krezo’s Imports. With a small amount of
Coercion check. He responds best to applications
or threats of force—any mention of the Zann Consor­
tium, or any presentation of items usable as imple­
footwork, they discover a security door in a
ments of torture, grants the PCs □ on these checks.
back alleyway. The door is made from heavy
This bonus is cumulative. If Krezo is threatened with
alloy and does not feature an external han­
death outright, the PCs gain an additional □ to any
dle, keypad, or other mechanism for opening
Coercion checks made to interrogate the Rodian.
it from the outside.
Krezo explains that he knows very little about the
Given its construction, the door is nearly
Veiled Sorority, other than that it is a pirate band
impossible to physically break down. PCs suc­
and that his dealings with its representatives have
ceed at an upgraded Formidable (0 0 <0O
always been lucrative. His contact with the Sorority is
O ) Athletics check in order to do so.
a human female named Mandi, and she was the one
PCs who aren’t worried about attracting who sold him the Consortium’s disruptors. Though he
attention might consider using weapons or isn’t familiar with the Sorority’s organization on Saleu-
explosives in order to breach the security cami, he did hear Mandi mention a place—Blackwind
door. In such a case, the door has a soak of Crater—to one of her associates, and he assumes
4 and a wound threshold of 15. However, that’s where the pirates are holed up.
explosions or blaster fire is reported by resi­
Beyond this small amount of information, Krezo is
dents, and armed spaceport security appears
ignorant of anything else of import. If the PCs con­
within 5 minutes. Use the Spaceport Security
tinue to press him, he begins to make things up in
Detail profile on page 398 of the E dge of the
order to escape any immediate repercussions. If the
Empire Core Rulebook if needed.
PCs allow him to live, his first inclination is to leave
Saleucami behind in order to escape the wrath of
Regardless of what time of night the PCs break in, both the Sorority and the Zann Consortium. In fact,
Krezo is in the shop’s stockroom with a human client. the PCs may eventually meet him again, depending
Koochoo, Krezo’s ASP-series labor droid, is standing on where their adventures take them.
motionless in the front showroom. If the PCs used
physical force to break in, Krezo becomes aware of RAIDING KREZO'S SHOP
their presence and shoos his client out the shop’s rear
security door before deciding whether or not to make Enterprising or larcenous PCs may wish to search
his escape. This depends, in large part, on how many Krezo’s shop for money and valuables. Krezo has
assumed thieves are in the shop, how well armed they 3,500 credits stashed away in a hidden compartment
are, and whether or not Krezo can identify them as behind the showroom’s counter, but finding it neces­
possible allies, associates, or enemies. sitates a Hard ^ Perception check
Should Krezo decide that discretion is the better In addition to the cash, Krezo’s shop is filled with all
part of valor, he unleashes Koochoo and makes a manner of trinkets and imported luxury goods. All of
break for the nearest exit. This follows much the same these items have value for someone, though many of
pattern as the daylight encounter described above. If the goods are esoteric enough that it may take time
desired, he can activate a hidden alarm as he runs out to locate someone willing to buy them. Should the
that calls in local security forces (these can be por­ PCs wish to satisfy their own vices by stealing liquor,
trayed using the Spaceport Security Detail from page cigarras, or small art objects, they can, but most of
398 from the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook). the items that they find are worth less than 50 credits.
The stockroom is where the more valuable com­
WHAT KREZO KNOWS
modities are kept. A number of crates marked with
Krezo isn’t stupid. Once the PCs have him in their Consortium symbols are stacked in a corner and cov­
custody, he implicitly understands that his life is in ered with a tarp. If the PCs return the crates to the
danger. He attempts to wear a brave mask, but in Zann Consortium, Venlana happily rewards them with
reality, he’s terrified of what the future holds for him. a bonus of 2,000 credits. Curious PCs who decide to
Depending on the methods the PCs use in extract­ examine the contents of the crates find a smattering
ing information from Krezo, he either attempts to talk of proscribed goods, such as spice, light weapons,
his way out of his predicament, or he breaks down and cybernetics (details are at the CM’s discretion). In
entirely and spills his guts. total, the goods shouldn’t be worth more than 10,000
to 15,000 credits at standard pricing.
 KREZO WASANTI, FENCE [RIVAL] KOOCHOO, ASP-SERIES
LABOR DROID [MINION]
Krezo Wasanti is small, even for a Rodian. His more
physically capable siblings and their friends bullied Koochoo (Huttese for “idiot” or “ moron”) is Krezo’s
him for much of his youth. Despite his shortcomings, labor droid. Krezo has had Koochoo’s programming
he was extremely bright, and was successful in every modified, making the droid completely loyal and inca­
business endeavor he chose to pursue. Once Krezo pable of intentionally causing harm to its master. This
had accumulated enough capital, he abandoned his does not apply to others, and Krezo is happy to use
homeworld in search of his next big opportunity. Koochoo to keep enemies at bay while he escapes.
His path took him to Saleucami, where his initial Like other ASP-series labor droids, Koochoo is only
pursuits were entirely legal. Over time, however, he capable of speaking two words: “Affirmative” and
began to see how easily a businessman could profit “ Negative,” both spoken in very mechanical Huttese.
by skirting the rules—and even more so by breaking
them. Krezo’s profits swelled as his moral compunc­
tions shrank. He became increasingly complacent,
greedy, and overconfident.
It is for precisely this reason that Krezo came to
the attention of the Zann Consortium in its current
battle with the Veiled Sorority. Seeing an opportunity Skills (group only): Brawl, Melee.
to bring in another quick profit by selling stolen goods Talents: None.
to an unknown client, and confident he would never Abilities: Droid (does not need to breathe, eat, or
be caught, Krezo broke his promise to hold the goods drink and can survive in vacuum and underwater;
until the fallout from Sorority raid on the Consortium’s immune to poisons and toxins).
ships had blown over. He made a sale that he should Equipment: Reinforced manipulators (Brawl; Dam­
have considered more carefully. age 5; Critical 4; Range [Engaged]; Disorient 3).
Krezo can be charming, and he often feigns naivete
when dealing with new clients. He affects a strong
Rodian accent and pretends his fluency in Basic is less
than ideal. He’s small in stature and weak of body, but
he is highly intelligent and astute. Nevertheless, his
avarice gets the better of him more often than not.
He dresses in fine suits tailored to his physique, and
keeps an ASP-series labor droid in his shop to do all
the heavy lifting.
When dealing with Krezo, it is possible for anyone
to play on his greed in order to gain an advantage.
When appealing to his desire for money and profit,
PCs gain □ to all Charm, Deception, and Negotiation
checks made to influence Krezo.

Skills: Charm 2, Deception 2, Knowledge (Under­

world) 4, Mechanics 1, Negotiation 3, Ranged
(Light) 1, Streetwise 3.
Talents: None.
Abilities: None.
Equipment: Light blaster pistol (Ranged [Light];
Damage 5; Critical 4; Range [Medium]; Stun setting),
fine clothes, import/export shop keycard, ASP-series
labor droid.
SLICE AND DICE ACCESS DENIED

SororiNet is a secured computer network used by the To slice into SororiNet, the first step is to locate the
Veiled Sorority to disseminate information, track ship­ front. This can be done via a business search on
ments, and communicate internally. Several nodes Taleucema’s public network using a Simple ( -) Com­
are maintained, and there is generally one for every puters check. Terminals can be found in many loca­
world where the Sorority maintains a significant pres­ tions, including public kiosks, inside most local offices
ence. These individual nodes are part of a system and cantinas, and even within Krezo’s establishment
that allows members with the proper access codes (see page 22).
the ability to access Sorority computer resources Once the front is located, the slicer needs to access
throughout the Outer Rim. Each planet’s SororiNet it. Though the node is public, it is encrypted and
node consists of three nested subnodes. password-protected. An Easy ( ^ ) Computers check
The first and most obvious node is the “front”—an breaks through the rudimentary security and allows
innocuous public node designed to act as a decoy. the slicer to access the SaleuQuest front node.
These front nodes are used as “masks” to hide the Read or paraphrase the following aloud:
true purpose of other nodes nested within them.
Most are easily accessible, especially if they are dis­
guised as the nodes of legitimate businesses. Security The external security folds away, allowing you ac­
on these is universally light, though sufficient to dis­ cess to the SaleuQuest Overland Adventures busi­
courage casual access from unwanted parties. ness node. Though you see many options open to
you—prompts to request a quote, schedule an ex­
The second node is hidden within the front node, pedition, or review the many distant locations that
often in plain sight. Anyone wishing to access it the company visits regularly—nothing appears to
directly must either present a complex access code, be out o f the ordinary. You get the distinct impres­
or slice through the node’s active and passive security sion that if there is a secondary node tied to this
systems. Within it are kept a number of iow-security database, it must be hidden.
(though still sensitive) assets, such as Sorority com­
munications, schedules, and other services.
The third and final node is protected not only by Though the link to the secondary node is hidden, a
active software defenses, but also by a full-time slicer canny slicer can locate it easily enough using one of
who monitors overall security. If necessary, the slicer the following options:
can step in to serve as one of the node’s active secu­ • Analyze the node’s interface code: The most
rity elements, especially if passive and active security direct route, this requires the slicer to succeed
programs have been breached. Within the third node, on an Average Computers check Suc­
only the most sensitive information and data is kept, cess reveals the precise location of the second­
and it is often encrypted with high-level ciphers. On ary node’s access point, allowing the slicer to
Saleucami, activity on the SororiNet is actively moni­ attempt to access it.
tored by Lathe, a talented Sorority slicer.
• Manually selecting all options: This is a time-
consuming process, likely only used as a last
SALEUQUEST OVERLAND ADVENTURES
resort by any slicer who fails to analyze the
The Veiled Sorority’s front node on Saleucami is dis­ interface code. No check is required, but it takes
guised as a small business, SaleuQuest Overland an hour or two to locate the secondary node’s
Adventures, which offers tours of the planet’s more access point.
remote regions. Costs for such expeditions are exor­ The secondary node access point is disguised as a
bitant, purely to discourage outside use. SaleuQuest link to an accident indemnity form that connects to
often disguises shipments to its base at Blackwind an empty file. The empty file, which also includes an
Crater as chartered trips. apparently legitimate error message, is the gateway.
PCs wishing to charter an expedition are unable Bypassing the security, which is much tougher than
to speak to anyone immediately. If tenacious, they with previous gateways, requires a Hard ^ ^)
are able to leave messages, but these attempts are Computers check
initially ignored. Persistent PCs eventually hear back PCs may search the secondary node for informa­
from an operator, who tells them that charters are tion on the pirates’ base on Saleucami by attempting
filled for the next three months. The operator—a legit­ an Average ^ ) Computers check If successful,
imate employee who is unaffiliated with, and unaware they are unable to locate anything resembling such
of, the Sorority—adds the PCs’ names to a waiting list, coordinates, but they do locate a high-security gate­
but she is unable to help them in any other way. way within the node.
 SLICING 101

* | | henever a PC attempts to slice a SororiNet • T : The slicer’s access is denied, and

I V node, that PC must attempt a Computers the PC is immediately kicked out of the
check with a difficulty depending on the level of system entirely. This requires the slicer
security being bypassed. Use the following to to start over again.
determine the results of these attempts:
• <§>: For each <§) resulting from this
• The slicer gains immediate access check, system security programs are
to the SororiNet node. Additional suc­ made aware of an intrusion attempt.
cesses decrease the time necessary to As long as these programs are aware
slice into the system. of a potential breach in security, the
slicing PC suffers one □ to all checks
• O : Every O resulting from this check made during this session.
can be spent to give the slicer ■ to any
other Computers checks attempted in • <§> <§>: If two or more <§) result, the
this SororiNet node, but only for this Sorority system operator is informed
access attempt. If the slicer is discon­ of the intrusion.
nected for any reason, the PC loses
any ■ gained this way. • Active security systems in the Soro­
riNet node cause a static burst to fry
• ($): The PC gains immediate access to the slicer’s equipment. Not only does
the secondary node and may upgrade this kick the Player Character out of
the next Computers check made in the system, but the slicer is unable
that node once. The CM can provide to utilize the affected gear until it is
insight into the SororiNet as desired. replaced or repaired.

The level of security utilized by the gateway is suspi­ puters check to resist the trace. With a success,
ciously high, and the slicing character may guess (cor­ Lathe’s trace attempt fails; otherwise, Lathe succeeds
rectly) that the required information is located behind in tracing the intrusion back to the PC. For each O
it. Accessing the gateway requires an upgraded Hard generated during this check, the slicer has two addi­
# ) Computers check tional turns to act before Lathe shuts the node down
The final SororiNet gateway is where the Veiled entirely, locking the PC out. A PC may spend (£) to dis­
connect Lathe from SororiNet and thus prevent her
Sorority’s important data is kept, including the coor­
from shutting down the node.
dinates of the pirates’ base in Blackwind Crater. This
is the PCs’ ultimate goal, and the information can be Should the PC generate any <§> during the trace
located with an upgraded Average # ) Comput­ attempt, Lathe is able to glean some form of iden­
ers check If the PCs find the slicing too difficult, this tifying information from the PC’s signal. While such
information could also be found via investigating fur­ information won’t identify the PC outright, it provides
ther in the SaleuQuest office, or through additional enough information for the Veiled Sorority to inves­
questioning of Krezo and Lind. tigate. If the PC generates Lathe is able to iden­
tify the PC immediately (but not the PC’s location),
A L E R T IN G LATH E whether or not the trace attempt is successful, and
the static burst ejects the slicer, as per the Slicing
If Lathe is alerted at any point during the PC’s infil­ 101 sidebar above.
tration of SororiNet, she immediately initiates a trace
and attempts to completely eject the PC from the Lathe only attempts to trace the PC once before
node. If she can force the intruder out, Lathe shuts the shutting the node down, assuming she is able to do
node down entirely so that she can inform her supe­ so. If her trace attempt is successful, Lathe sends
riors and diagnose any damage that might have been the data to a Sorority kill team in Taleucema, and its
done. Any subsequent Computers checks attempted members waste little time converging on the party’s
by the PC, even those made to resist Lathe’s trace location. Unless the PCs think to run some type of
attempts, receive ■ ■ diagnostic test to see whether their signal was traced
(which requires an Average Computers
Lathe’s attempt to trace the slicer’s signal is more check), they may have no idea that a group of unex­
problematic for the party. The slicing PC must make pected guests is on the way.
an upgraded opposed Daunting ( ^ # # # ) Com­
LATHE, SORORITY SLICER [RIVAL] Equipment: Heavy blaster pistol (Ranged [Light];
Lathe is one of the Sorority’s best slicers on Saleu- Damage 7; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting),
cami. She’s been assigned to monitor the planet’s shock gloves (Brawl; Damage 4; Critical 5; Range
SororiNet node, and the job couldn’t suit her better. [Engaged]; Stun 3), armored clothing (+1 defense,
Though rarely seen outside the confines of her apart­ +1 soak).
ment in Taleucema, Lathe emerges from time to time SORORITY KILLTEAM MEMBER [M IN IO N ]
to replenish her supply of booster blue. She is a short,
slight wisp of a human woman in her early twenties, Coming from various species, genders, and back­
with short-cropped red hair and hazel eyes. grounds, the only thing that unites the four members
of the kill team is their loyalty to the Sorority. They are
well paid and live reasonably good lives in Taleucema.

Skills: Brawl 2, Computers 3, Discipline 2, Knowledge

(Education) 2, Knowledge (Underworld) 3, Mechanics
2, Perception 3. Skills (group only):
Talents: Defensive Slicing 2 (when defending com­ Melee, Ranged (Light),
puter systems, add ■ ■ to opponent’s checks). Vigilance.
Abilities: None. Talents: None.
Equipment: Brass knuckles (Brawl; Damage 2; Criti­ Abilities: None.
cal 4; Range [Engaged]; Disorient 3), heavy clothing Equipment: Blaster
(+ 1 soak), slicer gear, datapad, tool kit, three doses pistol (Ranged [Light];
of booster blue. Damage 6; Critical 3;
Range [Medium]; Stun
setting), vibroknife
THE SORORITY KILL TEAM
(Melee; Damage 4;
If summoned by Lathe after she successfully traces Critical 2; Range
the PCs, the team converges on the PCs’ location [Engaged]; Pierce 2,
within ten minutes. The team consists of four pirates Vicious 1), armored
and their leader, a male Barabel known by the nick­ clothing (+1 defense,
name “ Krash.” The team can be split into two groups +1 soak).
or its numbers adjusted as desired; it can also be
used in the Vault (see page 31) if the GM wants to
present a more potent foe there. The GM could also
have the kill team or even a local gang (see the side-
bar on page 20) menace the PCs while their slicer
is occupied, to heighten the tension during the scene.

KRASH, SORORITY KILLTEAM LEADER [RIVAL]

Krash is a large and imposing Barabel shockboxer
who washed out after a lost bout that nearly killed
him. Disgraced, he turned to drink and spice until he
met with a Sorority recruiter in a cantina. He has since
recovered from his shame and addiction, and dedi­
cates himself to the Sorority’s business on Saleucami.

Skills: Brawl 3, Cool 2, Leadership, Melee 2, Ranged

(Light) 3, Vigilance 2.
Talents: None.
Abilities: None.
BLACKWIND CRATER
lackwind Crater is a large, isolated crater over 250 It’s been several decades since they formed the
B kilometers northeast of Taleucema. Because of
its subterranean hot springs, the crater’s interior is a
mercenary unit, though, and finding work that doesn’t
violate their sense of honor has become harder and
sweltering combination of jungle and marshland. Its harder. Several years ago, the platoon landed on
walls are particularly steep and treacherous (requiring Saleucami and managed to gain employment with the
a Hard ( ^ ^ ^ ) Athletics check to climb down), and Sorority as long-term guards outside of its bunker lair
the various species native to Blackwind Crater have in the crater. It is not as honorable as their previous
long been isolated from others of their kind on the jobs, but their numbers have dwindled over the years,
planet’s surface. and they are not the formidable force they once were.
The crater is roughly six kilometers east to west, Unfortunately for the clones, they have aged at an
fourteen kilometers north to south, and nearly 120 accelerated rate. Despite their chronological a g e -
meters deep. A large pride of thaelos makes its home near to forty years old—they are physically closer to
in the thick jungle canopy that shields the majority of seventy or eighty years old. The fact that the clones
the crater’s floor from the dubious light of Saleucami’s were created to be healthier, stronger, and faster than
sun. A number of colorful avian species have found the average human has served them well, but they
their way to the crater, and the air is often filled with are no longer in their prime. In addition to casualties
the sound of bird calls. caused by the local fauna or rival smuggling groups,
several clones have succumbed to old age in the years
they’ve been patrolling Blackwind Crater. Of the origi­
GETTING TO BLACKWIND CRATER
nal twenty-seven troopers in the platoon, only five
members remain active.
etting to the crater is the biggest immedi­
G ate challenge the Player Characters face.
If they possess their own ship, they can fly
The Sorority occasionally provides the troopers
with supplies—ammunition, rations, medical supplies,
to the crater, but landing requires a Hard (<} and other sundries—as well as token payments. How­
<0 O) Piloting (Space) check to navigate the ever, neither group makes much effort to communi­
thick jungle canopy. T prevents the PCs from cate with the other. The Sorority views the clones as
landing in the crater altogether, while a ^ ancient relics, something the surviving troopers dread
results in a crash. For each <§> generated on might be true. The troopers view the Sorority as igno­
the Piloting check, the PCs’ ship suffers one ble pirates and criminals, but with no other prospects
point of hull trauma as the hull is dented and for better service, they have resigned themselves to
torn by the trees. an end here in the jungle.
Alternatively, the PCs can use an airspeeder
THE BARRACKS
to gain access to the crater. Piercing the jun­
gle canopy at the floor of the crater is a much The clone troopers make their home within a series
simpler operation in a small and maneuver- of tunnels in the eastern wall of Blackwind Crater.
able airspeeder, requiring an Average (<0><C» They have completely explored the caverns and have
Piloting (Planetary) check. Non-combat air- been unable to discover any other egress from them.
speeders are available for rent in Taleucema They refer to the caverns as “the Barracks," and they
at the rate of 75 credits per day; see the stat believe that their location is a well-kept secret.
block on page 248 of the Edge of the Empire
Core Rulebook if needed. A The Barracks’ entrance is well-disguised and highly
defensible. At least one clone is always on guard duty
while the others occupy themselves with tasks such
as hunting, maintaining their equipment, and patrol­
THE 1ST PLATOON ling the immediate area surrounding the Barracks.
Anyone walking within visual distance of the cave
After the Clone Wars ended, the Empire retired many entrance must succeed on a Hard ( ^ ^ ^ ) Percep­
clone troopers from action. Some went on to form tion check to notice it.
mercenary units, such as the one now patrolling within
Blackwind Crater. This group, which kept its original
formation name of the 1st Platoon, grew a reputation
across the Outer Rim as a reliable fighting unit. Rumor
has it that members took their final “ retirement pay”
by making off with caches of armor and weaponry.
 Deep within the Barracks, past the area occupied OAKE, VETERAN
by the troopers, is a chamber referred to as “the Mau­ CLONE TROOPER [RIVAL]
soleum,” where dead troopers and their equipment
are interred. The clones rarely visit the Mausoleum, Oake began as the platoon’s medic, but when its last
for they have come to consider it to be a sacred but gunner was killed, he was “ promoted” to fill the gap.
haunted place where no one outside their brother­ He does his best to keep the other troopers healthy,
hood may tread. even though he lacks any formal medical facilities
and can only use what supplies the pirates occasion­
ZEKE, CLONE TROOPER ally provide. If the CM decides that any of the clone
PLATOON LEADER [NEMESIS] troopers wish to make contact with the PCs, Oake is
the most likely candidate.
Zeke was a junior sergeant at the end of the Clone
Wars and became a valued part of the mercenary
band of retired platoon comrades. In the years that
followed, he found himself rising in rank as other
members fell in action. Just prior to landing on Saleu-
cami, he became leader of the group.
Zeke is an excellent commander, but over the years Skills: Athletics 2, Discipline 2, Medicine 2, Melee 2,
he has grown distant and cold as more and more of Ranged (Heavy) 2, Survival 2, Vigilance 3.
his men have died. He was nearly killed by a pride of Talents: Point Blank 1 (add one damage to one hit of
thaelos in Blackwind Crater; if not for Oake’s medical successful Ranged [Heavy] or Ranged [Light] attacks
skills, Zeke would have lost more than just his left arm. made while at short range or engaged).
Despite this, he is still a capable and deadly trooper.

Skills: Athletics 2, Discipline 3, Leadership 4, Melee

2, Ranged (Heavy) 3, Ranged (Light) 2, Resilience 3,
Survival 2, Vigilance 3.
Talents: Adversary 1 (upgrade difficulty of all com­
bat checks against this target once), Point Blank 1
(add one damage to one hit of successful Ranged
[Heavy] or Ranged [Light] attacks made while at
short range or engaged).
Abilities: Squad Leader (spend a maneuver
to direct one clone trooper within medium
range. The clone trooper may perform an
immediate free maneuver or add □ to the
trooper’s next check), Teamwork (add □
to all checks during combat while within
medium range of one or more clone
trooper allies).
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged
[Light]; Damage 6; Critical 3; Range
[Medium]; Stun setting), vibroknife
(Melee; Damage 3; Critical 2;
Range [Engaged]; Pierce 2, Vicious
1), 1 frag grenade (Ranged [Light];
Damage 8; Critical 4; Range
[Short]; Blast 6, Limited Ammo
1), worn clone trooper armor ( + 2
soak), utility belt.
Abilities: Hard of Hearing (add ■ when attempting ENCOUNTERING THE CLONES
a Perception check based on auditory cues), Team­
work (add □ to all checks during combat while within The clone troopers are always on the lookout, and
medium range of one or more clone trooper allies). any ship or airspeeder that lands in Blackwind Cra­
Equipment: Light repeating blaster with sling (Ranged ter is suspect. They mobilize immediately and seek
[Heavy]; Damage 11; Critical 5; Range [Long]; Auto­ out any intruders, observing from a distance before
fire, Cumbersome 3, Pierce 1), blaster pistol (Ranged deciding what to do. If the PCs display Republic insig­
[Light]; Damage 6; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun nia, or clone trooper armor or armaments, the clones
setting), vibroknife (Melee; Damage 3; Critical 2; attempt to make contact with them in order to learn
Range [Engaged]; Pierce 2, Vicious 1), worn clone more about these possible comrades.
trooper armor ( + 2 soak), utility belt. If the PCs have no such insignia or weaponry, the
clones track them for a short while to determine
JAYK, RAFE, AND TOJO, where they are headed and what their intentions
VETERAN CLONE TROOPERS [RIVAL] might be. Unless the PCs display obvious evidence of
Sorority allegiance, the clones correctly assume they
Jayk, Rafe, and Tojo are the last remaining “rank-and-
are enemies and set out to attack them. The platoon
file” clone troopers in the platoon. As generalists, they
immediately pulls back and circles around the PCs in
are the backbone of the group, providing mobile fire­
order to set up an ambush, opening fire when the PCs
power while Zeke gives orders and Oake lays down a
reach an opening in the foliage.
heavy field of fire.
The clones are capable combatants and familiar
While Jayk is the smart aleck of the group and Tojo
with the terrain. The gloomy atmosphere of the cra­
is level-headed and stable under fire, Rafe is generally
ter floor causes any unassisted Perception checks to
dour, pessimistic, and easily aggravated.
suffer ■ , but PCs who succeed on a Hard ( ♦ ♦ ♦ )
Perception or Easy (^ ) Vigilance check notice the
sound of something moving through the dense jungle,
or a small flash of white armor in the darkness.
If the PCs attempt to communicate with the clones,
the clones’ response depends on how they are treated
and how the PCs conduct themselves. The clones
Skills: Athletics 2, Discipline 2, Melee 2, Ranged know their current masters are dishonorable, but they
(Heavy) 2, Survival 2, Vigilance 3. have no other employment prospects. Oake and Rafe
Talents: Adversary 1 (upgrade difficulty of all combat in particular feel that a final, honorable battle would
checks against this target once), Point Blank 1 (add be a more fitting end than rotting and dying one by
one damage to one hit of successful Ranged [Heavy] one in the jungle. If the PCs can win the platoon over
or Ranged [Light] attacks made while at short range through opposed Hard ^ ^ ) Charm or Decep­
or engaged). tion checks, the clones can be valuable allies, as they
Abilities: Near-Sighted (Jayk only; add ■ to ranged have firsthand knowledge of the Sorority’s bunker.
attacks and vision-based Perception checks at long
and extreme range), Tremor (Rafe only; add ■ to any
Agility-checks), Poor Memory (Tojo only; has difficulty
OTHER ENCOUNTERS
remembering specific details, and must succeed at an
Average Vigilance check to recall anything IN BLACKWIND CRATER
important), Teamwork (add □ to all checks during
combat while within medium range of one or more side from the encounters detailed here,
clone trooper allies).
Equipment: Blaster rifle (Ranged [Heavy]; Damage
9; Critical 3; Range [Long]); Stun setting), vibroknife
ft there are plenty of other threats in Black­
wind Crater. The clearest of these can come
from a large pride of thaelos that roosts in
(Melee; Damage 3; Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Pierce the dark jungle canopy covering the floor of
2, Vicious 1), worn clone trooper armor ( + 2 soak), the crater. Both vicious and intensely territo­
utility belt. rial, the thaelos have made several attempts
to kill their clone trooper neighbors over the
years, with varying degrees of success.
If the GM wishes to give the PCs and clones
a reason to work together, the savage thaelos
or even a massive nuuno can serve as a
mutual enemy to fight in common cause. See
page 15 for the profiles for these beasts.
RAIDING THE VAULT
ifteen years after the Clone Wars came to an end, Player Characters who succeed on an Average ( ^
F a Veiled Sorority survey team arrived in Blackwind
Crater to take stock of the ruined Separatist facility,
^ ) Perception check notice two thin bunker slits to
either side of the blast doors. Unless they have some
to gauge its usefulness as a hidden base. As luck had kind of enhanced vision, they are unable to make out
it, much of the structure—which was partly built into the guards within the bunkers.
the crater wall—was in good condition. Dubbed “the
Vault” by the Sorority pirates stationed there, the 1. ENTRYWAY
structure was refurbished one year later and became
the best location for storing plunder on Saleucami. The Vault’s primary blast doors are closed and locked
from the inside. Skilled thieves and slicers can hot­
The Vault is home to approximately thirty pirates
wire or hack the external panel to open them, but this
at any given time, and it features a landing pad where
requires either a Hard ( ^ ^ ^ ) Computers check or
airspeeders and small spacecraft can touch down.
a Hard ^ ^ ) Skulduggery check A ^ result on
In addition, the Veiled Sorority has installed a num­
either check ruins the panel, making further efforts to
ber of security features, including two medium laser
electronically open the doors from this vantage point
cannons designed to fend off attacking aircraft and
largely fruitless.
starships. At least one airspeeder is available to the
pirates around the clock. Beyond the doors is a wide corridor leading to
another pair of doors. If the Vault is currently on alert,
If the pirates are alerted to the PCs’ presence in the
the doors are closed and two Sorority pirates are
crater, the entire structure is locked down. All pirates
standing guard here.
in the facility immediately report to their battle sta­
tions and prepare to repel intruders, much as if they
were aboard a ship.
Unless they plan to access the base through the
SORORITY PIRATE [MINION]
landing bay on level two, the PCs must enter through
he pirates at the Sorority base here rep­
a pair of external blast doors on the ground floor.
The interior of the Vault is laser-carved from the rock
T resent all of the more common species in
the sector. Despite their variation, they each
of the crater. The walls are smooth but occasionally
marred by what appears to be old damage from blast­
wear a red armband tied around the left
ers or small explosives. Light tubes are embedded in bicep or similar anatomical equivalent. All are
the ceiling; in the case of an assault or intrusion these
blooded veterans who believe they guard the
switch to red emergency illumination. Pirate Queen herself on Saleucami.

The following describes the Vault and its rooms on

If desired, a Sorority kill team (see page 27)
a chamber-by-chamber basis. The room numbers cor­ can also be found inside the Vault, patrolling
respond to those on the map on page 32.
and perhaps eager for some revenge.

THE VAULT, LEVEL ONE

The ground level of the Vault is designed for maintain­
ing the crew, and includes facilities to support them:
two barracks rooms, a fully stocked galley, and
refreshers. When the PCs approach the entrance from Skills (group only): Coercion, Cool, Melee,
outside, read or paraphrase the following text aloud: Ranged (Heavy), Ranged (Light).
Talents: None.
Abilities: None.
The fifty meters o f ground between the jungle and
Equipment: Blaster carbine (Ranged [Heavy];
the crater wall has been cleared of all vegetation
Damage 9; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun
and cover, providing what appears to be a hilling
setting) or heavy blaster pistol (Ranged [Light];
held. You can see a pair of blast doors embedded
Damage 7; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun
in the rough rock wall of the crater. While the cra­
setting), vibroknife (Melee; Damage 3; Criti­
ter wall is otherwise featureless, a large platform
cal 2; Range [Engaged]; Pierce 2, Vicious 1)
emerges from it at least thirty meters above the
or vibrosword (Melee; Damage 4; Critical
ground. Two laser cannon barrels, motionless in
2; Range [Engaged]; Defensive 1, Pierce 2,
the gloom, flank the platform.
Vicious 1), heavy clothing (+ 1 soak).
 2. BUNKERS 5. GALLEY/RECREATION
The two bunkers that flank the entryway blast doors The Vault’s galley is designed as a recreation room
are staffed by one Sorority pirate each equipped with of sorts. If the Vault is not yet on alert, six pirates
blaster carbines. If the Vault is currently on alert, the are lounging here, enjoying a meal as they watch the
guards are at their posts and looking for intruders video screens. If they have been alerted, two have
emerging from the jungle. taken the lift to the second level. The remaining four
If no alarm has been raised, it’s likely that the two have flipped a couple of tables to use as cover against
guards are sleeping or otherwise occupying them­ anyone attempting to gain access to the room, caus­
selves. Allow each guard to make an Average ing PCs to suffer ■ when shooting at them.
Discipline check. Failure indicates that this guard is
not paying attention, while failure plus any number of L. LIFT
<§) indicates that this guard is sleeping.
The Vault’s lift is a simple elevator between the first
Anyone attempting to target the guards in their and second levels of the facility. It can be turned off
bunkers from outside must contend with their cover, from either point via an access panel and can be
which adds ■ ■ to any shots that character takes. turned back on with an Average Computers
or Mechanics check
3. MAIN CORRIDOR
R. REFRESHER
The main corridor is the major connecting passage­
way on the ground floor of the Vault. It connects the The refresher facilities on the Vault’s first level are
entryway, barracks, galley, refresher, and lift to the unremarkable. The unit on the eastern end of the hall­
second level. If the Vault is not on alert, the passage is way is currently occupied, its door locked. The occu­
empty and the doors at either end of it (leading into pant is a startled, unarmed pirate, who surrenders
the barracks) are closed. without a fight if given the opportunity.
If the Vault is on alert when the PCs arrive here, read
or paraphrase the following aloud: THE VAULT, LEVEL TW O
The second, upper level of the Vault is where much of
This wide corridor is empty and clean, and there the Sorority’s work gets done. It serves as a landing
are open doors at either end of it. Motion from bay, and stores plunder and supplies.
one of the doors catches your eye, and you see
a single pirate with a blaster aimed right at you! 6. LASER TURRET ACCESS
Each of these narrow corridors leads to a turret
The pirates here have been waiting to ambush any­ emplacement consisting of a heavy laser cannon,
one daring to come in through the entryway. Pirates suitable for shooting any threatening vehicles (possi­
firing from either of the two doors gain light cover (see bly including the Player Characters’ ship) that might
page 21 3 of the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook) approach from the air (Fire Arc Forward; Damage 6;
on any attacks made against them. The barracks Critical 3; Range [Short]).
hosts two more pirates each, but given the confines,
only one pirate can fire from a doorway at a time. 7. FLIGHT DECK/LANDING PAD
4. BARRACKS PCs who brave the Vault’s flight deck find it contains a
functional airspeeder, as well as tools and mainte­
Assuming the Vault is not on alert, the two barracks nance equipment. Whether the Vault is on alert or
chambers are occupied by three or four sleeping not, read or paraphrase the following text aloud:
pirates each. The rooms consist of rows of twin bunks,
numbering sixteen beds total. Personal effects are
scattered throughout the barracks, and jackets and The Vault’s flight deck smells of exhaust, ozone,
slung weapons dangle from bedposts. and lubricants. A single airspeeder, painted in
powder blue with the words “SaieuQuest Over­
If on alert, any pirates here are instead battle-ready, land” stenciled on its sides, sits off to one side.
with incredibly itchy trigger fingers. They attempt to Tools and other machines are scattered about the
hold the PCs off, but if the pirates are outgunned or room’s floor. Two pirates with blaster carbines
outnumbered, they seek to seal the barracks doors stand opposite one another, each near an un­
and create some kind of barricade with beds and marked door.
other available materials.
 8 . CARGO B AY 11. CONTROL CENTER
The cargo bay is stacked ceiling to floor with cargo The Vault’s control center lies behind a sealed
containers, crates, boxes, barrels, and other similar blast door. All of the facility’s various systems can
items. A plethora of cover is available, and any char­ be accessed from within. The sealed door can be
acter in the cargo bay can spend a maneuver to locate breached with a Hard ^ Computers check
a suitable hiding spot. or Daunting ^ ^ Skulduggery check Once
the PCs gain access to the control center, proceed to
Four Sorority pirates (see page 31), along with
the section entitled Confronting the Pirate Queen,
two ASP-series labor droids, are positioned in the
on page 35.
room appropriate for their alert status. The droids
make no hostile moves and instead remain at their
respective locations until any conflict has been
12. COMM STATION
resolved. The pirates, on the other hand, fight desper­
The comm station is an unused room filled with dust
ately to keep their attackers at bay. The number of
and old, dilapidated consoles. If the PCs enter this
pirates can be adjusted as needed to provide a short
room, read or paraphrase the following aloud:
but challenging firefight for the Player Characters.
If the PCs examine the bulky cargo containers, they This musty room is dark, stuffy, and littered with
see that they bear Consortium symbols and contain
garbage. Several old terminals, damaged by
items ranging from trade goods to heavy machinery. blaster fire or explosives long ago, hulk uselessly
in the chamber. As you squint in the poor light­
9 . L IF T R O O M ing, you think you can make out old bones amid
the rubble. Whatever happened here took place a
This is a simple hallway that connects the lift to the
very long time ago.
rest of the Vault’s second level. Two pirates positioned
near the doors stand guard. If they are on alert, they
immediately fire at anyone who emerges from the lift.
If the PCs are entering this room prior to attempting
Otherwise, they watch for intruders as per their regu­
to access the control center, the Queen’s bodyguard,
lar orders, but they are not ready for a fight.
Mandi, lurks here, awaiting her chance to escape while
the PCs are otherwise occupied. If the PCs succeed
10. ARM ORY
on an opposed Hard ( # # # ) Perception check
The door to the Vault’s armory is locked, and for good versus Mandi’s Stealth, they notice her crouching in
reason. The armory contains a wide variety of weap­ the shadows behind a terminal with her pistol drawn.
onry and ordnance, some of it highly destructive and If noticed and confronted, Mandi attempts to talk
more suited to breaching heavy ship hulls in boarding her way out of the situation rather than fight. She tells
actions. The armory door and accompanying lock are the PCs that the Queen is in the control room call­
both high-security versions, and they require either a ing for reinforcements, but that she won’t be there for
Hard ^ Skulduggery check or a Hard long if they continue to waste their time with her. If all
Computers check to open successfully. else fails, Mandi draws her sword with her left hand
If the PCs gain access to the armory, read or para­ and attempts to fight her way out.
phrase the following text aloud: If the PCs are entering this room after storming the
control center, Mandi is long gone. If the airspeeder is
still available on the flight deck, she uses it to make
This small room is stacked with weapon crates,
her escape while the PCs are otherwise occupied. If
many of which display Imperial markings that
the vehicle has been destroyed, she makes her way
have been stenciled over with Consortium sym­
into the jungle along a hidden path out of the crater.
bols. Some of the crates appear to hold blasters,
while others contain power cells and grenades.
M A N D I, R E V A H 'S B O D Y G U A R D [R IV A L ]

Mandi is the only member of the Sorority on Saleu-

The PCs can take a few moments to reload or rearm
cami who knows that Revah is not the real Pirate
with the discovered blaster pistols. They may find the
Queen. She possesses ambitions of her own, however,
armory’s grenades (a mix of frag and stun grenades,
and these include engineering Revah’s capture or
with exact numbers left to the GM’s discretion) useful
death so that she can claim her mask on Saleucami.
as they proceed through the remainder of the Vault.
To this end, Mandi ensured that Krezo Wasanti knew
The CM should keep the tension high, however, with
the name of the pirate base’s location when she sold
loud alarms and the sounds of running guards in the
him a large amount of Consortium plunder.
halls if the PCs are spending too much time here.
 Skills: Athletics 2, Coercion 3, Deception 2, Leader­
ship 2, Melee 3, Piloting (Planetary) 3, Ranged (Light)
2, Stealth 3.
Talents: Adversary 1 (upgrade difficulty of all
combat checks against this target once), Deadly
Accuracy (add two damage to one hit of successful
attack made using Ranged [Light]).
Abilities: None.
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage
6; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), vibros-
word (Melee; Damage 4; Critical 2; Range [Engaged];
Defensive 1, Pierce 2, Vicious 1), laminate armor ( + 2
soak), secured comlink.

CONFRONTING
THE PIRATE QUEEN
Once the PCs gain access to the control room, they
are confronted by the Pirate Queen and her guards.
Read or paraphrase the following text aloud:

The Vault’s control room is a large chamber filled

with blinking computer terminals and miscel­
laneous equipment. At the center of the room
stands a tall woman surrounded by pirate guards,
her face obscured by a silver mask. She’s dressed
in fine clothing, as if she were about to leave for
a dinner engagement.

7 cannot allow you to take me away, but I will

make you an offer. Allow me to match the pay­
ment you expect to receive from the Consortium,
and then leave this place at once. I guarantee we’ll
all be much happier that way. ’’

At this point, the Queen allows the Player Char­

acters to consider her offer or discuss it amongst
Like Revah, Mandi is a human woman, but the themselves. She’s unwilling to allow them too many
comparison ends there. Mandi is in her early thirties, concessions, and she orders her people to open fire
with olive skin, braided brown hair, and dark eyes. if her offer does not appear to be seriously consid­
She dresses in an extravagant manner, with a ragged ered. There are two Sorority pirates (see page 31)
rust-red cape over a laced black blouse, and skin-tight armed with heavy blaster pistols for each PC, divided
leather breeches tucked into cuffed, knee-high boots. into two minion groups.
She carries a vibrosword in a scabbard on her belt,
and looks every bit the buccaneer of legend.
 Skills: Charm 3, Coercion 3, Cool 2, Deception 3, Dis­
REMEMBER GRAF? cipline 3, Knowledge (Underworld) 3, Leadership 3,
Ranged (Light) 2, Vigilance 3.
If the PCs allowed Graf his own chance at Talents: Adversary 1 (upgrade difficulty of all com­
“vengeance” in their hunt for the Queen, this bat checks against this target once), Soft Spot (may
is the moment he’s been waiting for. Though spend one Destiny Point to add four damage to one
he is quite happy to exact his own revenge on hit of a successful non-starship/vehicle attack).
a pirate or two, he becomes utterly ruthless Abilities: Pirate Leader (may spend a maneuver giv­
when the PCs confront the Queen. When the ing orders to other pirate allies within medium range,
Queen makes her demands, Graf points his granting them □ on their next check).
blaster at the nearest PC and announces that Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage 6;
they should all do as his Queen asks, if they Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), vibroknife
know what’s good for them. (Melee; Damage 3; Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Pierce
2, Vicious 1), Sorority mask (upgrades all
The Queen’s strategy is a simple Deception skill checks made to dis­
one—to kill the Player Charac­ guise the wearer once; removes
ters as efficiently as possible. up to ■ ■ added to all Per­
Failing that, she attempts to ception, Vigilance, and combat
escape while her guards die skill checks due to darkness,
on her behalf. If she is killed or smoke, or other environmental
captured and her mask removed, effects that obscure vision), heavy
the Queen’s features shift dramati­ clothing (+1 soak).
cally as they are no longer being
modified by the mask’s integrated SORORITY PIRATE
holographic projector. If she is alive, QUEENSGUARD [MINION]
her voice is also noticeably different
than it was. Regardless of the circum­ The pirates who guard the Queen—or
stances, though, the Queen keeps at least the woman they believe to be
her silence and allows the PCs to the Queen—are some of the best
come to their own conclusions. the Sorority has to offer. They have
proven their worth time and time
REVAH, D EC O Y P IR A T E again, stopping at nothing to keep
Q U E E N [N E M E S IS ] their leader safe from harm. In addi­
tion to red armbands, each wears a
The leader of the Veiled Sorority on Saleu- crimson sash about the waist.
cami is Revah, a middle-aged human female who
has been with the pirate group for over a decade.
One of the Queen’s decoys, she wears a mask that
is nearly identical to the one worn by the Sorority’s
leader. Without her mask, she appears as a rather
plain human female with high cheekbones, blue eyes,
and braided grey hair.
Skills (group only): Coercion, Cool, Melee, Ranged
As far as Saleucami’s Sorority pirates are con­ (Heavy), Vigilance.
cerned, she is the Queen; only one or two individuals Talents: None.
know the truth behind her duplicity. Despite being a Abilities: None.
surrogate queen, Revah is a canny operator and Equipment: Blaster carbine (Ranged [Heavy]; Dam­
leader who hopes to be elevated to the Queen’s posi­ age 9; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), vibro-
tion in time. She feels that crushing the PCs and foiling axe (Melee; Damage 6; Critical 2; Range [Engaged];
the Consortium’s plans to bring the Queen to justice Pierce 2, Sunder, Vicious 3), armored clothing (+1
should help her dreams become realized. defense, + 1 soak).
DEAD OR ALIVE
f the Player Characters defeat the Pirate Queen, Porel puts the Queen into a body bag and seals it
I either by capturing or killing her, they must return
her personally in order to claim their bounty. If con­
before hoisting it over his shoulder with ease. With
that, Venlana excuses herself and leaves the ware­
tacted with the good news, Venlana is quite excited house with Porel close behind her.
by the PCs’ success. She informs the PCs that she will
meet them at a warehouse in Taleucema to take pos­
session of the Queen, or whatever’s left of her. Ven­
SURPRISE, SURPRISE
lana makes sure to ask the PCs whether the Queen A few hours pass uneventfully before the PCs are con­
was wearing a mask of some kind, and whether the tacted once again by Venlana via comlink. Read or
PCs were able to claim it as proof of her identity. She paraphrase the following text aloud:
mentions that the mask is part and parcel of the deal,
and that it must be given to her along with proof of
The familiar voice of Venlana crackles at the other
the Queen’s capture or death.
end of the comlink. Telltale electronic noise, al­
Unless the PCs have other adventures they wish to most too subtle to notice, indicates that her comm
pursue in Blackwind Crater (such as looting the Vault signal is being scrambled.
for gear and credits at the GM’s discretion), they can
return to the Taleucema spaceport. When they arrive
“We have a problem, ’’ she says, her words tense
at the warehouse, Venlana and Porel are waiting for
and deliberate. “The Queen you brought to us was
them. Venlana inspects the Queen quite thoroughly,
an impostor. ”
whether or not she’s alive, before asking the PCs for
the mask. She congratulates the Player Characters on
a job well done. If the Queen is still alive, read or para­ Venlana informs the PCs of the events of the past
phrase the following text aloud: hour. In short, the mask worn by the “Queen” was
a facsimile of the real thing. As if that weren’t bad
Venlana tucks the mask away as she gives the enough, another Consortium shipment, previously a
Queen a final, contemptuous glance. “So much highly guarded secret, is now also in the hands of the
trouble caused by one woman and her motley Sorority. Although the ship’s crew risked Tyber Zann’s
band of thieves." wrath and surrendered without a struggle, the pirates
broke their own tradition and killed them anyway.
The Queen sighs, answering, “It’s hardly over.” After eliminating the ship’s crew and jettisoning the
bodies into space, the Veiled Sorority transmitted a
“I doubt that very much, ” Venlana replies before message to the Zann Consortium: “Queens do not die
nodding to Porel. The Twi’lek produces a slim so easily.”
blaster pistol from within his jacket.
EPISODE I XP REWARDS
The Queen looks alarmed. “You can’t be serious,’’
she says. It almost sounds like a plea. Standard experience point rewards for Episode I:
• Following up on one or more of the leads pro­
“You’ve served your purpose," Venlana says, nod­ vided by Venlana: 5 XP per lead investigated
ding to Porel. • Collecting additional useful intelligence for the
Zann Consortium: 5 XP
The sound of the blaster is very loud in the con­
• Meeting with the clone trooper mercenaries in
fines o f the warehouse.
Blackwind Crater: 5 XP
• Fighting their way through the Vault: 5 -1 0 XP
With the Queen dead, Venlana indicates that the
• Additional encounters: 5 XP
amount of money they are owed (having subtracted
the amount they were advanced) will be transferred As always, the CM should award bonus XP for good
to them shortly. She mentions that the transfer for roleplaying and engaging with the PCs’ Motivations
any further funds, such as those gained from other and Obligations.
achievements they have made, should take no longer
than a day or two.
 GOING TO
GROUND
“Zann is finally getting serious about the Queen.
I smell'blood, death, and opportunity!"
—Illo Vandin

n Episode II of M ask of the P irate Q ueen , the PCs • A Gambler Scorned: Vandin directs the PCs
I learn that the Queen they captured or killed in
Episode I is an imposter. Tracing a signal sent by
to speak with Micael Torval, a talented sabacc
player who is the Queen’s lover.
the gloating pirate, the PCs travel to Ord Mantell’s
• Clearing the Air: Now that they know the loca­
capital of Worlport to find the real Queen’s hidden
tion of the Queen’s palace beneath Worlport,
palace. Unfortunately, the PCs need to perform
the PCs disguise themselves in order to infil­
some objectionable deeds if they want to earn the
trate the complex.
information. This chapter includes:
• Intermission: Though the elusive Queen is still
• Ord Mantell: An overview of Ord Mantell, pro­
at large, the PCs have likely captured Ryale Wei,
viding additional information on the planet’s
her majordomo. Under duress, Ryale reveals
history, population, and inhabitants.
some new secrets, as well as the impetus for the
• Worlport: A gazetteer detailing Ord Mantell's next stage of the adventure.
capital city of Worlport.
At the start of this episode, the PCs should still
• A Bloodbug in the Ointment: The adventure’s be in Taleucema when Venlana requests a meeting
opening reveals the imposter Queen and defines at the Paradise cantina (see page 48). If the PCs
the PCs’ new assignment on Ord Mantell. have already managed to leave Saleucami behind,
they may hold the meeting via comm terminal
• Quid Pro Quo: Venlana’s Worlport contact,
Jander, arranges a meeting with a mysterious aboard their ship instead. Though Venlana disap­
crime boss named lllo Vandin. Vandin has infor­ proves of this breach in protocol, she is willing to
mation that could lead the PCs to the Queen, put aside her misgivings, considering the urgency of
the situation.
but he is not about to offer it for free.
ORD MANTELL ORD MANTELL DURING THE CIVIL WAR

I I I hen the war between the Galactic Repub-

s the majority of this episode takes place in Worl- I W lie and the Sith Empire ended, a number
n port, the planetary capital of Ord Mantell, a wealth
of information concerning that world is presented
of scandals rocked Ord Mantell’s capital city
of Worlport. The most visible revealed that
here. For a more general overview of Ord Mantell, see some cabinet members had accepted bribes
page 361 of the E dge of the Empire Core Rulebook. to aid the Sith. The Senate investigated, even­
tually removing the cabinet members in ques­
HISTORY tion. However, a small—-yet vocal—segment
of Ord Mantell’s citizens had had enough.
Corellian explorers employed by the Galactic Republic These citizens declared that the Republic’s
colonized Ord Mantell nearly twelve thousand years response to the corruption had been little
ago. The expanding Republic desired a world usable more than a half-measure. They insisted that
as an ordnance/regional depot, and—aside from the an independent Ord Mantell could police its
hostile Savrips—Ord Mantell was habitable and con­ own and ensure that common citizens would
veniently located. Unfortunately, conflicts between no longer be exploited by the ruling class.
colonists and Savrips caused no end of trouble for the
Republic’s local authorities. A cry for secession rose above the din, and
soon the entire planet was involved in a ter­
Despite the low but clear intellect of the Savrips, rible civil war. Sibling fought sibling, and
the Republic portrayed them as mindless, dangerous the world’s industrial capacity was reduced
beasts that needed to be culled. It placed large boun­ to rubble. The Mantellian separatist forces
ties on Savrip hides, drawing hunters from across the seemed unbeatable, and Republic reinforce­
galaxy to Ord Mantell. Overhunting drove the Savrips ments were called in to help quell the insur­
to near-extinction, but the hardy and cunning crea­ rection. Despite the fanaticism that fueled
tures were never completely eradicated. the secessionists, the Republic military and
Though the Republic curtailed the world’s native native militias loyal to the Republic eventu­
fauna, it was never able to tame the world’s set­ ally overcame their foes.
tlers. Ord Mantell’s proximity to the galaxy’s law­ Even today, the scars of this civil war can
less frontier, combined with the relaxed—some say be seen in battlefields that have long been
“criminal”—attitudes of its original Corellian colonists, abandoned. Though the secessionists were
ensured the world would never be quite as civilized as defeated, something of their rebellious nature
the Republic Senate preferred. remains in the hearts of all Mantellians.
Nevertheless, Ord Mantell continued to serve the Should they ever decide to rise up again, the
Republic as an ordnance/regional depot for centuries. conflict might very well go in their favor.
As its significance to the Republic dwindled—most
notably, after a corrupt admiral sold off the local
During the Clone Wars, the Republic investigated
fleet—the planet became attractive to free agents
and smugglers looking for a convenient stopover. reports of nearby Separatist conflicts. Diplomats
The outright departure of the Republic military only approached Ord Mantell’s government, hoping to
increased Ord Mantell’s allure to the galaxy’s seedier reestablish a small (and hopefully profitable) pres­
ence. In addition to helping to repair the damage
elements. This appeal was reinforced by the fact that
from recent skirmishes between Darth Maul’s Shadow
the Republic’s military spaceports on this world were
never decommissioned. Still fully operational, these Collective and the Separatists, the Republic wished to
abandoned ports quickly became home bases for reoccupy and renovate a handful of its original star-
opportunists and criminals, as well as for corporate ports, building barracks and weapon storage facili­
elements such as Czerka. ties for its military forces. The Senate also planned
to bolster Ord Mantell’s manufacturing capacity in an
Despite its reputation as a shadowport, Ord Mantell attempt to raise the planet’s pitiful tax revenue.
remained a profitable and prosperous planet. Though
Though this did augment the planet’s economic
Ord Mantell continued to be a member of the Galactic
contributions to the Republic, it was never the windfall
Republic, its senators were rarely sent to Coruscant,
it was intended it to be. Nevertheless, while the Sen­
and the majority of votes they cast in the Senate were
ate's overtures were initially rebuffed by Worlport’s
abstentions. As much of Ord Mantell’s economy was
ruling class, the proper bribes to Ord Mantell’s gov­
driven by untaxed criminal enterprise, tax revenues
ernor guaranteed the planet would remain a Republic
provided to the Republic were often meager at best.
world for years to come.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE BLOCK/ 01 R U N N ER S D ER B Y
Ord Mantell’s population consists of many varied spe­
ne of Ord Mantell’s most notable events
cies, referred to collectively as “ Mantellians.” Outside
of the segregated villages and communities in the
O is the Blockade Runners' Derby. Originally
established in the comet cloud that surrounds
wastes and mountains beyond Worlport, no single
Ord Mantell, the Derby began as a good-
species dominates the population. Wherever one
natured competition between smugglers,
looks, both exotic and familiar aliens can be found
rogue pilots, and other thrill-seekers. Over
with ease. While this might trouble travelers unused
the years, the stakes have risen with the risk,
to such diversity, Ord Mantell’s natives are quite com­
and competitors have come to take it much
fortable with their planet’s cosmopolitan nature.
more seriously than its founders intended.
Given the historically shady nature of their home-
The Derby has been held every year since 69
world, Mantellians prize privacy and discretion above
BBY. Many famous (and infamous) smugglers
all things. When dealing with strangers, Mantellians
have participated, including three-time win­
often operate under simple pseudonyms or nick­
ner Han Solo. Prizes include lucrative (and
names. Though polite and accommodating, Mantel­
less-than-legal) business opportunities, thou­
lians resist the urge to form strong relationships with
sands of credits, and the prestige of being the
people they do not know. Once their trust has been
best pilot in the sector.
earned, however, they dispense with such pretenses
and openly acknowledge partnerships. The Blockade Runners’ Derby runs along a
treacherous course that changes every year.
To most outsiders unfamiliar with the cultural norms,
Though good sportsmanship is expected of
the natives appear possess a mixture of competing
every participant, accidents and foul play still
personality traits. In settlements popular among tour­
claim a large number of casualties. Ord Man-
ists and pleasure-seekers, the overwhelming Mantel-
tell’s citizens closely follow each Derby, and
lian attitude is congenial, inclusive, and welcoming.
countless fortunes have been gambled away
This pleasant and hospitable behavior is undercut in Worlport’s casinos at the sound of the Der­
by a cagy and suspicious demeanor that surfaces by’s victory horn.
behind closed doors, or far from the touristy locales.
The Grand Marshal of the Blockade Runners'
Until a stranger’s worth has been ascertained, that
Derby is usually chosen from previous years’
person can expect to be treated as an outsider.
victors, though other pilots of great skill and
Despite this distrust of strangers, though, Mantellians
bravery have been chosen as well. The Grand
are still polite and civil—even to their enemies.
Marshal has the honor of piloting the pace
craft through the course’s twists and turns,
officially starting the race at the appointed
time, and declaring the victor, as well as
ORD MANTELL, THE CLONE WARS,
awarding victors the prizes they have earned.
AND THE SHADOW COLLECTIVE
It is said that as long as the comet cloud clings
to Ord Mantell, the Blockade Runners' Derby
rd Mantell was blissfully devoid of any
O Republic presence when the Clone Wars
ignited across the galaxy. Much of the plan­
shall always take place. Considering the Man-
tellian view of the Derby and its importance
to the world's culture, the race is sure to con­
et’s power was instead consolidated under
tinue much longer than that.
Black Sun’s banner. This resulted in the world
becoming the last bastion of the Shadow Col­
lective—Darth Maul’s criminal empire cob­ Mantellian communities far from the bustle, com­
bled together from elements of Black Sun, as merce, and cosmopolitanism of major cities and star-
well as Pyke and Mandalorian warriors. ports are tightly knit and insular. Blending in with
such a community is nearly impossible for strangers
When the Separatist forces attempted to
unless they know a member of the community who
stake a claim on Ord Mantell, the Shadow
can vouch for them. Even then, respect must still be
Collective violently resisted them. Maul was
earned through a difficult and lengthy process built
able to defeat Count Dooku and General
upon repetition and familiarity.
Grievous’s forces, but ended up moving the
Shadow Collective away from the planet in
an attempt to retain its secrecy. When the
Republic arrived to investigate, they found
nothing more than the struggle’s aftermath.
NOTABLE LOCATIONS
As though Ord Mantell weren’t already interesting
enough, it is home to countless locales and envi­
ronments unique in the galaxy.

THE SCRAP LANDS

North of Worlport lies a barren expanse of junk­

yards, strip mines, and dumping grounds col­
lectively referred to as "the Scraplands." Thou­
sands of years of detritus and garbage choke this
unforgiving wasteland, forming an environment
unique to Ord Mantell. While other such waste­
lands exist across this world, none are as vast or
as inhospitable.
The Scraplands are perpetually cloaked by thick
smog that blows north from Worlport. The smog,
combined with the smoke from thousands of slow-
burning fires beneath the rubbish (some of which
have been burning for centuries), makes breath
masks indispensable survival tools. This toxic
vapor impairs visibility, as well as respiration.
Compounding of the poisonous atmosphere,
the Scraplands are rife with other dangers. The
ground, formed from millennia of garbage and
scrap, is often unstable. Towering piles of refuse
can collapse without warning, forming dangerous
“scrapslides.” To make matters worse, Mantellian
Savrips find the Scraplands to be productive hunt­
ing grounds.
The majority of the Scraplands’ population con­
sists of small groups of nomads who roam the wastes’
expanse, picking through the garbage for more valu­
able materials as they go. Such bands are small and
aligned by species, typically consisting of one or two
family units.
Though their average mortality is high, many such YALAWUA
groups thrive in the wastes. They survive by selling the
still-usable scraps to junk dealers in Worlport, as well ne squat of note in the Scraplands is Yala-
as to fringe communities. O wua. Inhabited solely by numerous Jawas,
the squat is akin to a huge insect hive in
Villages and small towns, which the nomads who tra­
verse this region colloquially referred to as “squats,” depth and complexity. The Jawas survive by
are common within the cluttered wastes. Despite selling and trading refurbished droids and
their prevalence, these settlements aren’t always easy machinery to neighboring communities. They
to find in the Scraplands; they are generally buried, are rumored to be excellent guides who know
well-camouflaged, or both. Hospitality in such loca­ the region better than many trash-nomads.
tions is also difficult to find, though it can be bought No one knows how the Jawas made their
for a price. way to Ord Mantell. Some spacers insist
that having lost their community on Tatooine
to a Tusken Raider attack, they traded what
remained of their possessions in order to
charter a vessel to a planet with new oppor­
tunities. Whatever the truth of this tale might
be, Yalawua’s Jawas have certainly made the
best of their circumstances.
 Mantellians have installed a number of armored
hovertrain rail systems throughout the Scraplands
CREATURES AND
over the centuries, though most have fallen into disre­ CHALLENGES
pair. Two of these lines are still maintained and used
to transport cargo and individuals to the Scraplands’ Most of Ord Mantell’s native species, such as Man-
more civilized locations. The larger of the lines, com­ tellian pterosaurs and the much-maligned Savrips,
monly known as "the Worlport Line," runs out of a are descended from warm-blooded reptiles. Even
dilapidated station just north of Worlport. Though it the look of the Mantellian flutterplume, a dangerous
only has two regularly scheduled destinations, any­ avian scavenger festooned in colorful plumage, hear­
one willing to pay the price can arrange a stop nearly kens back to the raptors of Ord Mantell’s prehistory.
anywhere along the line. All of Ord Mantell’s native species have been
affected by the world’s pollution to some degree,
T E N M IL E PLATEAU and many have been driven to extinction. Those
that continue to survive (and, in a few cases, flourish)
Ten Mile Plateau is a flat expanse of uplands north of have somehow adapted to the degradation of their
Worlport. Amid the Scraplands surrounding it on all habitats. Whether their continued existence is due to
sides, the plateau is an oasis rising up from the trash, mutation, adaptation, or luck is something that many
smog, and noxious vapors like an island in the clouds. xenobiologists continue to debate.
Though vegetation is sparse, a number of native spe­
cies-including pterosaurs and Savrips—make their M A N T E L L IA N P T E R O S A U R [R IV A L ]
homes atop Ten Mile Plateau. Explorers and natural­
ists have attempted to learn more about the plateau’s Mantellian pterosaurs are large avian reptiles dis­
environment, but few have returned. tantly related to Mantellian Savrips. Though far less
A stellar energy station was established on the pla­ intelligent than their terrestrial cousins, pterosaurs
teau nearly a thousand years ago, but it was subse­ are still cunning and vicious predators. They roost in
quently abandoned for unknown reasons. Historians highland areas and mountains, and often fly hundreds
point to Savrips as the likely cause of the station’s of kilometers in order to hunt for prey.
desertion, but such reasoning has yet to be proven. Mantellian pterosaurs have the look of massive,
In the time since, a number of groups and individuals grey bats with long, tapered skulls, snakelike heads,
have laid claim to the facility, but none have stayed— and wide maws filled with sharp teeth. Their wing­
or survived—for more than a few years at a time. spans can measure up to five meters in width, and
even larger specimens are rumored to live in Ord
W O RLPORT Mantell’s deep wilds. The primary tactic of pterosaurs
when hunting is to grab their prey with their talons,
Worlport is the political and economic capital of Ord drop them from an especially high altitude, and then
Mantell. It is a starport as well as a shadowport where descend to feast on the remains.
anything can be found for the right price. Considered
lawless by some, Worlport is an exotic destination
for tourists from across the galaxy. Visitors flock to
its numerous casinos, or come to enjoy Ord Mantell’s
illicit pleasures in an environment that is in equal
parts seedy and opulent.
The city of Worlport is described in more detail on Skills: Athletics 2, Brawl 5, Coordination 4, Percep­
page 45. tion 5, Survival 5.
Talents: None.
T H E CORAL COAST Abilities: Flyer (Mantellian pterosaurs can fly as per
page 202 of the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook),
The shoreline that spreads out southeast of Worl­
Keen Eyesight (add □ to any Perception checks
port is known as "the Coral Coast." Flotsam and jet­
involving vision), Silhouette 2.
sam litter the coastline’s sandy beaches, much of it
Equipment: Teeth (Brawl; Damage 4; Critical 3;
brought to shore by Ord Mantell’s tides. Communi­
Range [Engaged]; Sunder, Vicious 2), claws (Brawl;
ties of scavengers and junk dealers thrive along the
Damage 5; Critical 4; Range [Engaged]).
waterfront, picking through the detritus and refuse
in search of salvage, useful materials, and objects of
value. Though fortunes have been made on this murky
shore, the best most of its residents can hope for is
mere subsistence.
 MANTELLIAN
FLUTTERPLUME
[MINION]
Despite their florid name,
flutterplumes are one of
Ord Mantell’s most dan­
gerous scavengers. Pre­
ferring to hunt wastes
and Scraplands from on
high, these creatures can
often be seen gliding on
thermal currents in the
distance in flocks of three
or four. Their eyesight is
quite acute, and they are
always hungry.
Flutterplumes have four
legs, each terminating in
a set of sharp, hooked tal­
ons. Their faces and necks
lack feathers, while the rest
of their bodies and wings are
covered in colorful feathers.

Skills (group only): Brawl, Coordination, Survival.

Talents: None.
Abilities: Flyer (Mantellian flutterplumes can fly, as
described on page 202 of the Edge of the Empire
Core Rulebook).
Equipment: Beak and talons (Brawl; Damage 2; Criti­
cal 3; Range [Engaged]).

MANTELLIAN SAVRIP [RIVAL]

Though Ord Mantell is home to millions of unique spe­
cies, the most notable of them is the Savrip. Though
Savrips have long been considered semi-sentient by
xenobiologists from the Core Worlds, their perceived
intellect remains a contentious subject. To the people
of Ord Mantell, however, there is no doubt that Savrips
Skills: Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Discipline 2, Melee 2, Per­
are cunning, intelligent, and—most of all—dangerous.
ception 2, Resilience 3, Vigilance 2.
Nearly four meters tall when standing fully erect, Talents: None.
Savrips move in a hunched posture that disguises Abilities: Poisonous Bite (anyone bitten by a Savrip
their height while exaggerating their already pro­ must succeed at an Average [ ♦ ♦ i Resilience check
digious bulk. Their necks are long and topped by or lose his free maneuver for five rounds), Silhouette 2.
snake-like heads, and their muscular arms drag upon Equipment: Large club (Melee; Damage 8; Critical 3;
the ground. Though primitive, Savrips prefer to wear Range [Engaged]; Disorient 3).
clothing, and many wield large clubs as weapons.
WORLPORT
s the capital of Ord Mantell, Worlport stands as When Republic forces withdrew from Ord Mantell,
B a symbol of the planet’s independence from the Worlport grew at an alarming rate. The last semblance
rest of the galaxy. Its various industries—most nota­of law and authority was gone, and the Corellian spirit
bly gambling—define the world, attracting billions of of freedom and enterprise grew strong. Despite (or
visitors every standard year. Whether they come for because of) this, the planetary governorship estab­
games of chance, to satisfy their craven appetites lished by the Republic finally rose up from the anar­
with illicit pleasures, or to earn their fortunes in an chy to keep things somewhat civilized. This veneer of
illegal endeavor, W orlport’s visitors always expect to decorum, however, could never completely disguise
be entertained. the city’s corruption.
Much of W orlport’s sprawl-is constructed with round When the Republic’s interest in Ord Mantell was
domes, elaborate facades, and carved obelisks placed rekindled by its prosperity, the governorship rec­
seemingly at random throughout the city. Closer to ognized the potential profits in acknowledging its
the Path of Coins and Government House, the archi­ relationship with the Galactic Senate. Despite these
tecture is older and more authentically Corellian. public assurances of cooperation with the Republic,
Rotundas fronted by colonnades and lintels featur­ however, Worlport remains a near-lawless enclave
ing carved entablatures are common, and tall, ornate where anything can be bought or sold.
spires rise defiantly into the smoggy atmosphere that
drifts slowly over the city.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
While the rest of Ord Mantell is sparsely settled and
rural, Worlport provides a (relatively) safe alternative W orlport’s citizens come from all species, back­
to the galaxy’s shadier locales. Though there is no grounds, and demographics. Given W orlport’s cosmo­
central military or security force in place, every busi­ politan bent and numerous offworlders, traders, and
ness in the city has its own private security to main­ criminals from every corner of the galaxy, its people
tain some semblance of order and to keep its custom­ are welcoming and willing to do business with just
ers safe. The scofflaws and criminals—of whom there about anyone. This appreciation for business partners
are many—know better than to stir up trouble within doesn't equal blind trust, however. Mantellians are as
the city’s walls. likely to swindle an individual who doesn’t earn their
respect as they are to trade with a respected one.
This is not to say that Worlport is safe—far from
it. The city still features all manner of petty crime,
livened up by the occasional murder or two. This URBAN GEOGRAPHY
only adds to the sense of danger that many tourists
Ord Mantell’s capital city encompasses a large num­
come to Ord Mantell to experience. Even hardened
criminals appreciate the implicit hazards of the place, ber of interconnected neighborhoods and districts.
which make it more than a tourist attraction with Countless communities have sprung up and evolved
over the millennia, and none of the planet’s original
delusions of grandeur.
settlers would recognize the city now. Worlport was
haphazardly planned, despite the orderly architec­
HISTORY ture, which is undoubtedly Corellian in style. The lay­
out of its streets and avenues is particularly chaotic.
Worlport began as a humble trading post in Ord
This tumult, coupled with the fact that buildings are
Mantell’s distant past, providing basic amenities to
rarely numbered or marked, makes getting lost as
traders, Republic agents, and big game hunters. Over
easy as tripping over a gambler in the city’s casinos.
time, its coastal location and abundant water supply
made it particularly valuable. The arrival of countless Worlport spreads out from Morro Spaceport like an
Mantellian settlers caused it to flourish into one of oblong wheel. Most offworld visitors are wise enough
Ord Mantell’s most profitable and populous towns. to remain in the city’s safe areas, particularly those
near the spaceport and along the exciting Path of
During the later years of the Republic, Worlport
Coins. Though there is no central law enforcement
was much seedier. Dark cantinas nestled amid open-
agency, individual security firms are paid to keep
air marketplaces comprised most of the settlement’s
the peace in much of Worlport. The city’s walls, origi­
industry. Republic troops on shore leave would come
nally erected many centuries ago to deter Mantellian
to entertain themselves, providing the city’s criminal
Savrips, have fallen into disrepair as the Savrip popu­
elements with a wide variety of customers and victims. lation has dwindled.
 Listed here are the major districts and neighbor­ IN D U S T R IA L D IS T R IC T
hoods that make up much of Worlport. District bor­
ders outside the more affluent and secure areas of the The Industrial District is the stretch just south of the
city fluctuate all the time. Visitors unfamiliar with the meandering slums that separate Worlport from the
city’s layout should be cautious when venturing into Scraplands to the north. The district’s wide streets
high-risk areas. are busy at all hours of the day, and the air is filled
with the smells of acrid smoke, harsh chemicals, and
THE BREAKWATER the sweat of toiling laborers. The effluvium sits heav­
ily among the stained buildings before rising up and
The southern edge of Worlport, known as "the Break­ drifting toward the slums and Scraplands.
water," is a long stretch of quays, warehouses, and
Much of the city’s non-gambling commerce and
lower-class neighborhoods overlooking the murky
jobs originate in the Industrial District. Working with
waters of Worlport Bay. Maritime industry dominates,
little oversight from Ord Mantell’s government, the
and merchant marines rub elbows with fisherfolk and
various businesses and manufactories of the Indus­
scavengers in its winding, salt-crusted alleyways.
trial District produce droids, weapons, pharmaceuti­
Though seaborne vehicles are used primarily for cals, and grey-market technology, much of which is
recreation, a small amount of mercantile traffic also exported offworld.
plies Ord Mantell’s oceans. Piracy, too, has grown
in response to increasing ocean traffic, though the T H E JEW E L D IS T R IC T
waters of the bay are rarely targeted by such brigands.
The most affluent neighborhood of Worlport, the Jewel
GOVERNMENT HOUSE District is heavily-patrolled by private security. Here,
the wealthiest Mantellians and offworld landholders
Ord Mantell’s central government, such as it is, is own mansions, palaces, and posh retreats among the
housed in this opulent, palatial building. Designed wide, cobblestone avenues. Unlike the rest of the city,
with classic Corellian motifs of rising spires and domed the Jewel District was meticulously planned, allow­
roofs, it stands as a symbol of order in an otherwise ing for space between individual estates. A handful
chaotic environment. The governor and his family live of these estates, dating from Ord Mantell’s earliest
within, as do visiting dignitaries from other planetary days, feature subterranean chambers and complexes
systems. Moreso than anywhere else on the planet, seen by only the most privileged eyes.
the capitol’s security is incredibly tight.
The Jewel District is accessible by permit or invita­
Individuals with official business are more likely to tion only. The security firms that patrol its streets and
visit the administrative offices in Government Circle, guard its walls are paid well to keep the rabble out,
the area surrounding the capitol. Courts and other and they have few qualms about employing deadly
offices are there, as is the Red House, W orlport’s force in order to do so.
official prison facility. Despite a faqade of civility and
bureaucracy, money is still the ultimate arbiter on Ord K IL L A IR N 'S B A ZA A R
Mantell. Only the naive and desperate hope the ruling
party will act on their behalf without compensation. Killairn’s Bazaar is a large mercantile district that
spills over into neighboring areas during busy market
HERGLIC'S FOLLY days. Nearly anything can be bought or sold here,
from weapons to slaves to any variety of spice. Legal­
Of W orlport’s three gambling districts, Herglic’s Folly ity is never an issue, though some kinds of merchants
is the most dangerous. What little security the district garner more respect than others. Slavers and their
boasts is spotty and unreliable; brawls, duels, and customers, for example, are often looked down upon
firefights erupt there nearly every day. Most of the by other businesspeople and are referred to as “bot­
gamblers and thugs who dwell in the shadows of the tom feeders” by just about everyone else.
Folly’s alleyways are desperate and willing to do any­
thing in order to make a score.
 The merchants who ply their wares here rarely SLUMS (VARIOUS)
advertise. This requires most customers to know in
advance what they’re looking for and whom they can The outskirts of Worlport, especially those on the
buy it from. Guides, known colloquially as “vetters,” northern and eastern edges of the city, comprise
can be hired to direct clients to where they want to go mostly slums and lower-class shanties. There is no
in exchange for a percentage of the merchant’s prof­ easy way to distinguish one slum from the next, and
its on ensuing purchases. Vetters claim to be honor- colloquial designations for different slum districts can
bound to serve the interests of their clients, though change from day to day. Security is provided by local
most of them are paid by unscrupulous merchants gangs, which stake out territories and intimidate resi­
who are more interested in fleecing their customers. dents into paying for their “ protection.”

MORRO SPACEPORT THE WHITE ZONE

Morro Spaceport, the central feature of Ord Mantell’s The White Zone is what remains of the original Repub­
capital, is named after one of the planet’s original lic garrison. Though co-opted by the planetary gov­
Corellian colonists. Encompassing W orlport’s central ernment, the facilities were given over to the Empire
“hub,” the spaceport also services other private dock­ as a demonstration of goodwill and noninterference.
ing facilities throughout the city. Scores of vessels Since then, the White Zone—so called for the many
take off and land each day, making Morro one of the stormtroopers who patrol its streets—is home to a
busiest spaceports in Bright Jewel sector. large Imperial garrison.
Pilots must subcontract with one or more security W orlport’s government views the Empire as a nec­
firms to secure their own vessels. Captains without essary evil that allows Ord Mantell to maintain much
their own security who fail to foot the bill risk both of its autonomy. The typical Mantellian, on the other
vandalism and theft. Standard docking fees, which are hand, is uncomfortable with the Empire’s presence in
actually quite reasonable, are collected separately by the city. The Rebel Alliance has had some success in
the spaceport authority. turning this discomfort into outright sedition.
The unfortunate truth is that the Imperial presence
THE PATH OF COINS is growing. Imperial troops can often be seen patrol­
ling the streets outside the White Zone, and these
The largest and most public of W orlport’s gambling
patrols have only increased in frequency. To make
districts is the Path of Coins. It stretches uninterrupted
matters worse, stormtroopers have begun to ven­
from Morro Spaceport's central gate all the way to
ture further and further from the White Zone as the
Government Circle. The casinos and gambling halls,
months wear on.
which grow more opulent the closer one gets to Gov­
ernment House, include such well-known establish­
ments as the Lady Fate Casino and Mugwaar’s Palace.
The Path of Coins bustles with activity at all hours
of the day and night. Celebrations spill out unpredict-
ably from casinos onto the district’s wide and bustling
streets, and impromptu parades and processions are
commonplace. This perpetual celebration is rarely
interrupted, and both natives and visitors alike flock
to it like moths to a golden flame.
A BLOODBUG IN THE OINTMENT
iven that the Queen the PCs captured or killed
G was an impostor, any payment promised by the
Zann Consortium fails to appears in their accounts.
7 understand you’ve faced plenty of dangers in
service to the Consortium, and your activities
While they’ve done an admirable job of interrupting will be well rewarded. We will happily double the
the Sorority’s operations on Saleucami, the PCs have agreed-upon compensation if you can success­
yet to fulfill the terms of the contract. Venlana informs fully complete the next phase of the operation. ”
the PCs that they are allowed to retain the money
already paid to them as long as they continue with Venlana lets that sink in for a moment before con­
their assignment. Additional terms can be negotiated, tinuing. "Should you decide to default on this con­
but it needs to be done in person. tract, I can guarantee the Consortium—and Tyber
Venlana invites the PCs back to the Paradise for Zann in particular—will be quite displeased. ”
a new briefing. She tells them that additional infor­
mation has come to light regarding the most recent
transmission sent by the Sorority, and that the Zann Venlana’s veiled threat is far from a bluff. At this
point, the Zann Consortium has too much at stake to
Consortium is already preparing to commence with
phase two of the operation. risk further delays, and its leadership expects the PCs
to get the job done despite this unexpected setback.
If they wish to live without the Consortium’s bounty
RETURN TO PARADISE hunters on their heels, they must accept the offer.
They are free to negotiate, however, and any conces­
The PCs return to the Paradise by whatever means
sions made by Venlana are at the GM’s discretion.
are most convenient. Once there, they encounter the
same Aqualish bouncer, and he once again eyes them Once the PCs agree, Venlana tells them that any
suspiciously as they enter the cantina. Inside, Porel docking and resupply fees in Taleucema will be paid
meets them and leads them back to the same meet­ for and that they are to leave at once for Ord Mantell.
ing room they were briefed in originally. Before wishing them well and thanking them for deal­
ing with the Sorority’s base on Saleucami, she informs
Venlana waits for them beyond the metal door, her
the PCs that a Consortium associate named Jander
polite congeniality barely masking an irritability the
will contact them once they’ve landed in Worlport.
Player Characters haven’t seen before. She doesn’t
offer the PCs refreshment this time, though she won’t Leaving Saleucami is uneventful, provided the GM
refuse or chastise anyone who decides to help them­ doesn't have alternative plans. The PCs are free to
selves. In fact, should one or more PCs pour them­ take care of any other business before they leave, but
selves a drink, she asks them to prepare her one, too. an excessive delay results in a stern communication
from Venlana telling them to get moving before the
Once everyone is settled, read or paraphrase the
Zann Consortium loses faith in them.
following text aloud:

Venlana looks tired, and her pleasant demeanor

ARRIVAL IN WORLPORT
seems to be forced. She nods to you before begin­ Assuming the Game Master doesn’t intend to liven
ning her briefing. things up for the PCs mid-journey, the trip to Ord
Mantell is also uneventful. Getting clearance to land is
“New information has come to light concern­ a simple matter, though ground control strongly sug­
ing the Sorority’s whereabouts. Our technicians gests the PCs hire someone to secure their ship on
have analyzed the Sorority’s transmission, and it the ground if they have no other alternative. They are
appears to have originated on the planet o f Ord directed to docking bay 71, at the eastern edge of
Mantell. A Consortium response team has been Morro Spaceport.
activated in Worlport, Ord M antell’s capital, and
Air traffic over the spaceport is sparse, especially
is awaiting your arrival. ’’
given W orlport’s reputation as Ord Mantell’s eco­
nomic nucleus. Traffic consists of light freighters and
pleasure ships. The PCs see no hint of fighter cover or
She pauses so the PCs can ask questions or make
anti-starship artillery of any kind, and communicator
comments, though she is quick to steer the conversa­
tion back on point if they begin to ask questions that traffic is informal and direct.
aren’t relevant to the matter at hand. At an opportune Read or paraphrase the following aloud when the
moment, Venlana says: PCs’ ship comes in for a landing:
 • O Vandin financially backs promising gamblers
Ord Montelt stretches out below you. A vast sea, on occasion, acting as both mentor and manager
blue-black in the sun, spreads south of an ex­ for them.
pansive continent whose southern reaches are
lllo Vandin runs a number of small casinos,
shrouded in smog. To the north, much of the wil­
both in Woriport and in some of Ord Mantell’s
derness looks inhospitable. As you circle into a
lesser-known shadowports.
landing pattern, the smog gives way and reveals a
sprawling city festooned with lights. Woriport, fa­ • (£): Unknown to most people, lllo Vandin has
mous for its casinos and lawlessness, awaits you! masterminded a number of lucrative rackets,
loan operations, and smuggling rings in Woriport.
Though he has no visible role in their day-to-day
Within a few minutes of landing, the ship’s commu­
operations, he calls all the shots and benefits
nications console chimes, indicating an incoming call.
greatly from of their profits.
When the PCs answer, read or paraphrase the follow­
ing text aloud:
DOCKING BAY INSECURITY

The communicator screen flickers to life, reveal­ When the Player Characters disembark from their ves­
ing a large blue nose flanked by a pair o f bulbous sel, read or paraphrase the following text aloud:
yellow eyes. “About bloody time, ” a voice growls.
“When Vee said she was sendin’ a group o f profes­
/4s you emerge from your ship, you immediately
sionals, I expected they’d be on time. ”
notice that Worlport’s atmosphere smells strongly
of pollution and fossil fuels. The docking bay is
This is Jander, the PCs’ Toydarian Consortium con­ sparse and empty, its concrete surfaces stained
tact on Ord Mantell. His demeanor is one of constant by years o f lubricant and fuel leaks. The sounds of
irritation and impatience, but this is an act he uses to the spaceport—whining engines, clamoring tools,
keep his underlings in line. He pushes the PCs around and blaring loudspeakers—fill your ears.
if they let him, but once they show any resistance-
violent, verbal, or otherwise—Jander becomes much Movement at the docking bay’s entrance catches
more accommodating. your eye. A lanky droid with a drab camouflage
paint scheme approaches you slowly, a carbine
Once the pleasantries are out of the way, Jander
slung over its shoulder. Once within speaking
gives the PCs what they need: information on where
distance, it stops and looks at you with a pair of
to proceed next. “It wasn’t cheap, but I got a meetin’
yellow, glowing eyes. “Offer: security. Fee: reason­
set up between you guys and lllo Vandin. He’s a big-
able. Vessel safety: guaranteed. ”
shot gambler who knows things, and I think he’ll help
you guys out if you scratch his back. ’’ Jander provides
them with the address for Vandin’s estate in the Jewel This is JR-12, an independent security contractor. It
District—the city’s richest neighborhood. “It’s locked has come to offer its security services to the PCs. The
down tighter than a w orrt’s backside, but I ’ll have droid’s “reasonable” fee is 80 credits per day, though
someone waitin' for you at the gates with a pass. ” it is willing to barter for weapons or other supplies as
long as they meet its inorganic needs. It doesn’t act in
Jander then excuses himself, claiming to have
a hostile or threatening fashion. Instead, its demeanor
“other business” that he needs to see to. He does tell
is direct and matter-of-fact.
the PCs to contact him if they need anything else, but
he warns that if they cause too much trouble, he’ll Should the PCs refuse JR-12 ’s offer of security, it
deny all knowledge of their existence. replies, “Response: noted. Possibility of vessel dam­
age increased by thirty-five percent. Have a nice
Given his reputation, it’s likely that one or more
day,’’ before stalking off. This isn’t a threat on JR’s
of the Player Characters knows something about lllo
part, merely a calculated observation. The droid
Vandin. Upon hearing his name, any PC can attempt
has no intention of returning to damage the vessel,
a Hard ^ Knowledge (Underworld) check
but it's seen enough unprotected ships damaged to
If this check succeeds, the PC in question has heard
know what is likely to happen. At the GM’s discretion,
about Vandin and knows the following information:
other options can be made available if the PCs wish
• & : lllo Vandin is a Herglic, and a big name on the to pursue them. Less reputable security contractors
gambling circuit. He’s a near-legendary gambler might roam the port, for example, looking for work or
who rose above his humble beginnings, and is attempting overt extortion from starfarers.
now incredibly wealthy.
 If the PCs decide to leave their ship unguarded, the
risk of its being tampered with is high. Ultimately, the
results of their decision are up to the CM, who should
take into account the party’s approach and budget.
Criminal acts could range from petty vandalism to
outright ship theft. Damages inflicted, if any, should
require at least 500 credits to repair. Skills: Cool 5, Discipline 5, Mechanics 2, Negotiation
2, Perception 3, Ranged (Heavy) 2, Vigilance 3.
JR-12, INDEPENDENT SECURITY Talents: Natural Hunter (may re-roll any one Percep­
CONTRACTOR [RIVAL] tion or Vigilance check).
Abilities: Droid (does not need to breathe, eat, or
JR-12 is an old security droid who lost its master at drink and can survive in vacuum or underwater.
least fifty years ago. Since then, it has worked as a Immune to poisons or toxins).
bounty hunter, bodyguard, bouncer, and security Equipment: Blaster carbine (Ranged [Heavy]; Dam­
guard—sometimes all four at once—and has become age 9; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting) with
recognized throughout Morro Spaceport as one of the forearm grip (decreases additional difficulty of mak­
more reliable security contractors available. ing Ranged [Heavy] checks when engaged to ^ ) ,
integrated armored clothing (+ 1 defense, + 1 soak),
Like that of all security droids in this series, JR-12’s
utility belt.
humanoid frame is tall and gangly, and its metallic
skin is coated in a scratched-up camouflage paint job.
Though blunt, it is honest to a fault and hardworking.

QUID PRO QUO

ocating the Jewel District isn’t difficult, especially With the pass in hand, the PCs are permitted to
L if the PCs get a taxi to take them there. Walking
from the spaceport would take too long, and riding
enter the Jewel District. Despite the pass, each Player
Character is given a rudimentary pat-down, and the
in their own vehicle causes numerous delays, unless guards warn them that their pass is only valid for
they are already intimately familiar with W orlport’s six hours from their time of entry. Though one of
neighborhoods and geography. When they arrive at the guards eyes them warily from his post, they are
the district’s main gate, they find a shimmering par­ allowed to proceed with little fanfare.
ticle shield flanked by high walls and staffed by stern­
Though the gate guards allowed them inside the
looking guards in yellow laminate armor.
district, the PCs can still expect to be confronted by
Though citizens come and go, the traffic in this area district security patrols, especially if they possess vis­
isn’t particularly heavy; the PCs don’t need to make ible weaponry. If, for some reason, they don’t have
a check to spot Jander’s man. He’s a nondescript their pass, they are detained, secured, and searched
human in coveralls. Any PC who succeeds on a Hard while their story is investigated. District security is
Perception check, though, notices that he very willing to shoot anyone who gets out of line.
is wearing a concealed blaster beneath his coveralls.
He offers the PC a crumpled envelope with a nod, and
says, "from Jander.” As soon as the PCs accept it, he
turns and walks away from the Jewel District gate.
JEWEL DISTRICT SECURITY GUARD
Within the envelope is a security pass marked with
the date and lllo Vandin’s address. A number of warn­ ■ ■ I ith their highly distinctive yellow lami-
ings are also listed, describing rules that must be W nate armor, it’s impossible to mistake the
observed while in the Jewel District, any violation of Jewel District’s guards for anything else. Each
which results in expulsion or arrest. The most impor­ four-person squad is trained to detect and
tant of these rules relate to the possession of weap­ repel intruders, and does so rapidly and with
ons, though the pass from Vandin specifies that the extreme prejudice. Three members of each
PCs are permitted to retain all weapons and equip­ squad are equipped with standard blaster
ment as long as they are not restricted items. rifles, while the fourth carries a heavy blaster
rifle. If statistics are needed, use the Space­
port Security Officer profile on page 398 of
the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook.
 Compared to the rest of Worlport, the Jewel Dis­ Dim, blue light illuminates the interior of the villa,
trict is clean and well maintained. Though the smog which is comfortably cool. Exotic fish swim languidly
of the city still clings to its elaborate spires and mas­ in aquariums built into the walls, and the air is heavy
sive cupolas, the streets of the district are free from with the unmistakable scent of the sea. The villa’s
congestion, and there is no filth or graffiti. Most of guards take the PCs into a small, yet well-appointed,
the activity is confined to foot traffic: messengers, ser­ office. "Master Vandin will be with you shortly," they
vants, and droids going to and fro. Some of them give say before departing, closing the door behind them.
the PCs curious glances, but none seem overly inter­
Though the office is filled with fine bric-a-brac, noth­
ested or alarmed about them unless they’re doing
ing stands out as being especially valuable. Like the
something that’s against the rules.
rest of the house, the walls are constructed of aquari­
Vandin’s estate is nearly half a kilometer from the ums filled with marine life, though many of the spe­
district gate. As long as they conduct themselves well cies in these tanks appear to be carnivorous in nature.
and produce their pass for any patrols that demand The paintings and holoprints on display in the room
it, the PCs should have little trouble reaching it. The depict ocean and sea scenes from around the galaxy.
grounds are sown with tall trees and verdant hedges
After an appropriate interval, the door opens and
that shield the villa from the street. White stone col­
Vandin enters the room with one of his black-clad
umns carved in marine shapes, connected by black
guards. Read or paraphrase the following text aloud:
iron fences, secure the property. Two guards in black
coats with heavy blaster pistols on their hips in quick-
draw holders wait for the PCs by the estate’s gate. The wide, round office door opens, admitting an
incredibly bulky humanoid dressed in a fine blue
The guards politely ask the PCs for their security
suit and matching short black cape. His skin is
pass before allowing them to enter the grounds. Once
smooth, hairless, and dark grey. His wide grey-
the gate is locked behind them, one of the guards
green eyes take you in at a glance, and his broad
leads the PCs to Vandin’s villa. The villa is modestly
mouth widens in a toothy smile. ‘'And here we have
sized, compared to some of the other residences the
some ofTyber’s associates, do we?” he asks in an
PCs have seen in the Jewel District.
astonishingly deep voice, though it ’s obvious he
already knows the answer. "Let’s get down to busi­
ness, yes?”

Illo already knows who the PCs are, who they work
for, and what they’re interested in finding out. Most of
this information was passed onto him by Jander, while
the rest he’s been able to deduce on his own. Never­
theless, he allows the PCs to explain themselves and
their goals, listening intently. Allow the conversa­
tion to continue for a few minutes before having
Illo explain his offer.
"You want the Queen, do you?" Illo asks. "I
can tell you how to find her, but I’d like a
favor first, a task you can do for me.
It shouldn’t take you long, and I
don’t expect you’ll find it diffi­
cult to accomplish, either. ”
When the PCs ask about
the favor, Illo provides addi­
tional details. “There are two
things I need done, but you
only need to take care of one
of them,” he says. "The first
involves fixing a fight here in
Worlport, while the second
relies on your delivering a
package to a work camp in
the Scraplands. Which one
tickles your fancy?”
 WHAT'S IN IT FOR ILLO VANDIN?

utside of having a task accomplished at Illo’s primary motive is more devious and sub­
O bargain basement prices, this deal is more
important to lllo Vandin than he lets on. Insofar
tle. The information he plans to offer the Player
Characters involves the Pirate Queen’s cur­
as the fight is concerned, the fighter known as rent paramour, Micael Torval, a very talented
"Flutterplume" is highly favored by the Pirate sabacc player, lllo would prefer to have Torval
Queen. Because lllo and the Queen are con­ on his own payroll, but the fellow is devoted to
stantly in a state of unspoken competition when the Queen. If lllo can ensure that Torval’s loy­
wagering in local bouts, lllo hopes that Flutter- alty is shaken without a link back to himself,
plume’s defeat (or disqualification) will result in he can bring the gambler into his own ranks.
a loss of prestige for the Queen. Better still, the Queen’s capture or execution
Should the PCs choose the delivery job, lllo is by the Zann Consortium would effectively allow
still satisfied. The package is being billed as lllo to edge in on the Veiled Sorority’s business
goods acquired from the Veiled Sorority and in Worlport, something he has been desiring for
intended for one of his salvage operations. some time, lllo has been waiting for an oppor­
The product—-a potent kind of spice known as tune time to launch this effort, and the PCs can
“tyrru”—is laced with an insidiously slow-acting serve his needs quite well while providing him
poison. Once the workers at Rusty Reach begin deniability should things go poorly.
to die prematurely, lllo will gain the perfect
excuse to cut ties with the Sorority, damaging
the Queen’s reputation.

Should the Player Characters want the details of Like most Herglics, lllo is tall and broad, with deep
both assignments, lllo informs them of the basics (see grey skin. He dresses in well-made clothing that mim­
Fight Fixing 101, on page 53, and Rusty Reach ics fashions popular with W orlport’s gamblers, and he
on page 59). Once they’ve made their decision, he always wears a short cape made of black shimmersilk.
describes the task in more detail. If the PCs get cold He projects a calm and friendly demeanor to guests
feet upon hearing additional details of one task, lllo and friends, but behind this mask he is a cold, calcu­
shrugs. "Do you wont the information or not? If you do, lating, and suspicious businessman.
you need to earn it, one way or the other. ’’ Regardless,
When speaking, lllo tends to ask rhetorical ques­
he allows them to change their minds once, but other­
tions of those around him, and is amused when indi­
wise he gives them no other concessions.
viduals insist on answering them.
In exchange for their assistance in either case,
lllo offers to provide the Player Characters with two
pieces of information concerning the Pirate Queen’s
whereabouts, lllo knows he has the upper hand here,
and he refuses any counteroffers or attempts to nego­
tiate on the PCs’ part. Unless they can somehow man­
age to convince him, they’ll be forced to take his offer
Skills: Brawl 2, Charm 4, Cool 4, Deception 4, Knowl­
or leave it—there is no middle ground.
edge (Underworld) 4, Negotiation 3, Ranged (Light) 2,
Streetwise 4.
ILLO V A N D IN , HERGLIC
Talents: Adversary 1 (upgrade difficulty of all com­
C R IM E LO R D [N E M E S IS ]
bat checks against this target once), Nobody’s Fool 2
lllo Vandin is a career gambler who made his fortune (upgrade difficulty of all Charm, Coercion, and Decep­
on Ord Mantell. Born on the Herglic world of Giju, he tion checks targeting lllo twice).
emigrated at an early age. He spent most of his for­ Abilities: None.
mative years plying the Outer Rim’s hyperspace lanes Equipment: Heavy blaster pistol (Ranged [Light];
as part of a smuggler’s crew. When the smuggler’s ship Damage 7; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting),
was repossessed by an angry crime lord, lllo found comlink, fine clothing.
himself on Ord Mantell.
FIGHT FIXING 101
f the Player Characters decide that helping lllo fix a In addition, a Hard ^ Computers check or
I fight is more to their liking, he nods his large head
and gives a broad grin before explaining: 7 love bet­
a Daunting ^ ^ Knowledge (Underworld)
check reveals the following information about the
ting on the fights, I do. If you’ve put a few thousand fighter called Flutterplume:
credits on the victor, i t ’s that much sweeter. But some­
• Flutterplume’s real name is Aimee Kraeff, and
times, I like to ensure that my bet’s going to count—
she has an apartment in Westwall, a middle-class
especially when I ’m rooting for the underdog. And
district. Due to her success, as well as the fact
that’s where you come in... ’’
that she fights as many as four times per week,
A fighter named “ Flutterplume” is a favored contes­ she is able to focus on her fighting skills instead
tant in an upcoming sequence of bouts in Worlport. of holding down a day job.
Illo’s representatives have approached Flutterplume
• O Flutterplume is a native of Ord Mantell who
on three occasions and offered her a small fortune to
was born in the farming village of Redlake on the
take a fall in the final match.
border of the Scraplands.
Unfortunately, she has refused every one of these
• O O Flutterplume left her village at an early
offers, lllo wants the PCs to confront her and ensure
age and was nearly killed by wild Savrips in the
that she’s incapable of participating. Fie prefers that
Scraplands. She was fortunately saved by Scra­
she be crippled rather than killed, but either outcome
plands nomads who brought her to Worlport,
suits his needs as long as it cannot be traced back to
where she’s been ever since.
him. If they can somehow convince her to drop out
nonviolently, so much the better. • O O O Unknown to most people (including
Flutterplume), the village of Redlake—where Flut­
Once the Player Characters accept lllo Vandin’s
terplume was born—was recently found aban­
offer, he provides them with information about Flut­
doned. Signs indicate that the entire population
terplume. Fie reminds them that the job is time sensi­
was taken by slavers.
tive, as the event begins within the next couple days.
The sooner the PCs can knock Flutterplume out of the • 0 : The people of Redlake have been sold to a
running, the sooner he reveals the information he’s Scraplands salvage operation in a place known as
promised them. "Rusty Reach." Given the place’s reputation as a
death sentence to anyone forced to work there,
her family likely won’t last more than a month.
ABOUT FLUTTERPLUME
Flutterplume is a rising Worlport fighter who hasn’t HELPING FLUTTERPLUME'S PARENTS
yet made her fortune but is already earning enough
for a relatively comfortable existence. Regardless of articularly conscientious PCs might offer
how the PCs arrange to encounter her, the meeting is
likely to result in a fight. She’s an experienced combat­
P to help Flutterplume rescue her parents in
exchange for her promise not to fight in the
a n t-o n e of the best on the circuit—and she’d rather upcoming match. Much of the information
fight and die than acquiesce to anyone’s demands. required to run this side mission can be found
She’s much more capable with her bare hands and under the Rusty Reach heading, on page
feet than she is with weapons, and (if possible) uses 59. With a little improvisation, the PCs can
her vibroknucklers to their best effect against anyone accomplish their goal more honorably.
stupid enough to become engaged with her.
Though her stage name is well known and widely
spoken of in Worlport, her true identity is more mys­ MAKING CONTACT
terious. Given his many contacts, lllo Vandin knows
her bout schedule. If asked, he can clue the PCs in PCs have the following obvious options for fulfilling
to the fact that she’s fighting at the Loaded Savrip their deal with Vandin. They are also likely to come up
casino on the Path of Coins that night. PCs can also with ideas of their own, so the CM should be prepared
dig this information up on their own by checking the for just about anything. Flutterplume’s adversary pro­
city’s information network, which requires an Easy file can be found on page 58.
(^) Computers or Streetwise check
 Ambush: Flutterplume walks to and from her Injuring the young woman is easy once she’s been
scheduled bouts—assuming she isn’t in too much overwhelmed, but it takes a special kind of scum
pain to do so under her own power. Following her to to do that to a defenseless person. Of course, this
or from one of her fights without being seen requires is Ord Mantell, and not every Player Character is
one or more opposed Stealth checks versus her going to possess a heart of gold. Injuring her might
Perception skill. Given the relative lawlessness of accomplish their goal, but the GM shouldn’t let the
Worlport’s streets, the PCs can keep her occupied PCs get away with feeling good about themselves if
for two or three turns before anyone might care to they do. In fact, there are a number of fight fans who
come to her defense. expected Flutterplume to win in the upcoming bout,
If Flutterplume notices that she’s being followed, and they’d be mighty displeased if they found out
she wastes no time in confronting the offending who was behind her mutilation or death.
individual. “Did that whale send you?’’ she Extortion: Flutterplume is tough, but she’s got a
demands, raising a scarred fist adorned few weak spots in her armor that Player Characters
with a humming vibroknuckler. She can exploit. If the PCs are aware that Flutterplume’s
may be angry enough to launch an native village of Redlake was recently attacked by
attack by herself, which may catch slavers, she’s extremely distraught by the revela­
the PCs off guard, given that tion. Even if they have no knowledge of the attack,
she’s supposed to be the prey. the PCs can still imply that Flutterplume’s parents
are in danger as long as she chooses to fight to win
in the upcoming event.
Any attempt to sway Flutterplume with words
requires the PCs to succeed at a Hard (O O O)
Coercion check or a Hard (O O O) Deception
check. Using her parents as bargaining chips in
such threats or deception grants the PCs one or
more ■ , depending on the veracity of their argu­
ment. If they provide outright proof that Redlake
has been attacked—local militia scouting reports,
underground news outlets, or the like—the PCs can
upgrade the ability of their check once.
If convinced that her parents are in danger, Flut­
terplume does one of two things. If the insinuation
is that the Player Characters control her parents’
safety and plan to harm them if she doesn’t throw
the upcoming fight against Vandin’s favorite,
she drops out of the running entirely. If, on the
other hand, the PCs convince her that Red­
lake has been attacked, she chooses to
leave town immediately to investigate
the incident on her own.
 Should the Player Characters’ Coercion or Decep­ The Loaded Savrip is a middle-class gambling
tion checks fail, Flutterplume flies into a rage and house situated about halfway up the Path of Coins. It
lashes out at them with her fists, feet, and vibroknuck- provides tourists and visitors with tables and games,
lers, retreating only in the face of superior firepower most of which are weighted heavily in the house’s
or if she is seriously injured. Unless her wounds are favor. Most locals are wise enough not to enter the
severe enough to keep her from fighting, she won’t casino’s game room unless they are employed there.
consider dropping out of the running just because
Fortunately, there is a seedier, more authentically
some thugs tried to rough her up.
Mantellian side to the Loaded Savrip—a rough arena
Fight: Player Characters who consider themselves behind and beneath the casino proper. Asking the
brawlers may be interested in facing Flutterplume in right questions (or knowing the right people) can get
the ring and disabling her there. They might intervene nearly anyone access to the Loaded Savrip’s arena,
in the upcoming bouts or attempt to challenge her but the cost of entry—even for those not interested in
that very evening at the Loaded Savrip. In either case, placing a wager—is 100 credits per person.
proceed to The Loaded Savrip below.
Walking into the Loaded Savrip from the street, the
Kidnapping: PCs who aren’t willing to harm Flut­ PCs discover a vast, crowded, and noisy gambling
terplume may be willing to kidnap her and keep her hall filled with tourists. The air is smoky, thick with
on proverbial ice for a few days. This may be a plan the scents of cigarras, alcohol, and the exotic aromas
unto itself, or it might be pursued once one of the of spice. A harried Rodian concierge in a rumpled
other plans has already failed. Whatever the case, green uniform nods to the PCs, bowing slightly if
keeping Flutterplume locked up, whether in a cheap they approach him. "Welcome to the Loaded Savrip,
flophouse or within their own spaceship, requires the friends,” he says. "What’s your pleasure?”
PCs to walk a very careful line.
If the PCs inquire about the fight that evening, the
While kidnapping someone is nefarious, Flutter- Rodian drops all pretense of obsequiousness, as he
plume’s temporary imprisonment might still save the would for any local. Fie motions for them to follow
consciences of PCs who don’t want to take a bloodier him and moves at a brisk pace toward the back of
path. As long as the PCs treat Flutterplume humanely the casino until he arrives at a tall, narrow panel in a
and keep her out of the limelight until her matches wall. The Rodian places a green hand upon the panel,
have concluded, their mission is a success. Flutter­ causing it to slide aside. “Enjoy the festivities, ” he says,
plume, on the other hand, never forgives. Unless they and then closes the panel behind the PCs.
keep her blindfolded, she’s going to do her best to
The panel disguises a short corridor that leads to a
escape and exact revenge.
number of small turbolifts that convey the PCs a short
way down into the arena. The lift doors open, and the
THE LOADED SAVRIP sounds of cheering and shouting nearly overwhelm
them. Outside the lift, a tall, thin man in a green suit
Finding the Loaded Savrip is as easy as taking a eyes the PCs suspiciously and demands their admis­
meandering stroll down W orlport’s famous Path of sion fees: 100 credits per person, no discounts. Fie
Coins. Speeder traffic is prohibited, so the PCs must then points out the various rings—there are three—
walk most of the way to the casino. As they near their and advises the PCs where they can place their bets.
destination, read or paraphrase the following aloud:
Each ring is built as a miniature amphitheater, with
a sunken central killing floor surrounded by circular
The Path of Coins—the most famous avenue in rows of seats. Each killing floor appears to be iden­
Worlport—is clogged with revelers, most of them tical, and each one is stained with several years’
tourists. Vendors loudly hawk their wares—good- worth of dried blood and gore. A pair of announcers,
luck charms, souvenirs, and food—from brightly speaking in accented Huttese, bounce commentary
lit, multicolored stalls as offworlders mill about, between the active bouts seemingly at random.
laughing, smoking, and drinking. As a parade of
If the PCs ask whether they can get in the ring to
Twi’lek dancers prances by, singing a melodic ad­
fight, the tall man looks them over critically. If a pro­
vertisement for one of the city’s many casinos, you
posed fighter appears to be capable, he nods. Oth­
spot a colorful holographic Savrip above a casino
erwise, he scowls and lets out a curse. Regardless of
entrance. The Savrip’s stylish trousers are over­
his true thoughts on the PCs’ qualifications, he directs
flowing with credits that spill into a golden pile at
them to speak with Jyd Renyr, the arena manager.
its feet, and the word “LOADED” flashes brazenly
above its head.
 JYD RENYR, ARENA MANAGER [RIVAL] A bored-looking Bith referee emerges from a con­
cealed alcove and approaches the fighters. “Look
Jyd is an exceedingly portly human with a bald head here, right?” he says. “No weapons! We’re not here to
and beady eyes. He dresses in a fine suit tailored for kill each other, get me? Give a good show, and if you
his excessive physique, and he wanders the arena’s can’t fight fair, at least fight well. Go!” A buzzer rings,
edges with surprising speed and agility. the crowd cheers, and the match begins.
Above all things, Jyd is concerned with profits. He
doesn’t care who fights (or dies) as long as they pay THE ANVIL, A R E N A F IG H T E R [R IV A L ]
the requisite charges, as well as any additional fees
The Anvil, otherwise known as “ Parsons” to his small
he decides to tack on for his trouble. Despite this lack
group of what pass for friends, has been fighting in
of compassion, he’s of the opinion that anyone who
the Loaded Savrip’s arena for some time. He’s what
wants to fight Flutterplume is either stupid or crazy.
most consider a midrate fighter who might have had a
promising career if his luck hadn’t been so bad. Now
he’s a fixture here, occasionally fighting in a bout or
two when the audience is bored or edgy.

Skills: Charm 2, Coercion 3, Deception 2, Discipline

2, Leadership 1, Negotiation 2, Streetwise 2.
Talents: None.
Abilities: None.
Skills: Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Coercion 2, Coordination
Equipment: Fine suit, comlink, datapad.
3, Discipline 2, Melee 2, Resilience 2, Streetwise 1.
Talents: None.
PICKING A FIGHT
Abilities: None.
When the PCs encounter him, Jyd Renyr is stroll­ Equipment: Mask, wresting costume.
ing around the arenas, barking orders and ensur­ A Game Master who wants to really challenge the
ing the fight schedule is rigidly maintained. When fighter in the ring can make the Brawl checks opposed
approached by one or more PCs who want to fight, instead of regular combat checks, illustrating the full-
he growls under his breath, “Schedule’s full. Come body wrestling nature of the match compared to trad­
bach next week.” Changing his mind requires the play­ ing punches back and forth.
ers to succeed on a Hard ^ Charm check or
an Average ( # # ) Coercion check. Offering him at Though the Anvil does his best, he’s little more than
least a 100 credit bribe to sweeten the deal gains the an undercut thug with delusions of grandeur. Unless
PCs a O Either roll automatically succeeds if a bribe he manages to win somehow against the PC he’s
of 500 credits (or more) is offered. pitted against, the Anvil takes a fall once he’s been
reduced to less than half his wound threshold. If the
Once convinced, Renyr immediately and discreetly fight is so decisive that the Anvil is knocked out before
pockets any bribe money given to him and nods. “Stan­ he can go down voluntarily, the crowd rises and cheers
dard participation fee is 2 0 0 credits, ” he says, extend­ like a pack of howlrunners.
ing his hand for more money. If paid or coerced, he’ll
concede. 7 wanna see what you can do before I give If the PC defeated the Anvil, Renyr finds the PCs
you a high-profile fight. Get down to arena two, ‘cause after the fight and looks at them with grudging respect
you’re fightin’ the Anvil in ten minutes. Bare hands. So, as he hands over the winning prize of 1,000 credits.
what’s your stage name?” 7 think you got real talent. Since the Anvil won’t be
fightin’ in his next match, how ’bout you take over for
Of the three arenas, number two has the fewest him? I’ll pay you his standard rate, too. ” Anything less
spectators. Curious fans begin to fill the seats, though, than complete agreement on the part of the PCs is
coming to see the pick-up match once it is announced met with a string of obscenities and an offer for dou­
over the loudspeaker. The Anvil, a broad-chested ble the Anvil’s standard rate: 2,000 credits.
human in black leather pants and a red, form-fitting
mask, appears when he is announced and leaps down The opponent, incidentally, is Flutterplume.
to the killing floor. The PC is announced by his stage
name shortly afterward, and the crowd responds with
a few halfhearted cheers.
LET'S GET
READY TO RUMBLE!
Renyr has one of his lackeys take the PCs into a locker Just prior to the start of the match, the Bith referee
room beneath the arena, where they can take care of appears and gives everyone a five-minute warning.
any first aid needed. Other fighters are here, either The chosen PC is instructed on where to enter the
prepping for their own fights or cleaning up afterward. arena after being announced. The PC is greeted by
The fight with Flutterplume isn’t for another hour, so a packed audience that vigorously boos—it’s obvious
the PCs have plenty of time to take care of necessities that Flutterplume is the favorite here. A few empty
and make bets, should they be so inclined. bottles are tossed in the ring, shattering on the floor,
Flutterplume arrives fifteen minutes before the but none of them seem to be aimed at anyone.
bout. She ignores the PCs, preferring to quietly pre­ When Flutterplume emerges, the crowd goes wild.
pare for the fight. She tries to avoid being baited into She’s in her fighting gear, wearing her feathered mask,
conversation or verbal sparring, but even she has lim­ and her stage presence is palpable. She moves grace­
its. If the PCs can make her angry, she suffers a | on fully, eyeing her opponent with an unwavering stare as
all the checks she makes during the match due to her she paces back and forth. The Bith referee calls the
hot temper getting the better of her. fighters to the center of the ring and gives his typical
speech before whispering "good luck" to the PC.
 AIM EE "FLUTTERPLUME" As the buzzer sounds and the fight starts, Flutter­
KRAEFF, PIT FIGHTER [NEMESIS] plume moves in for the kill. If she’s been angered by
one of the Player Characters, she moves recklessly and
Aimee Kraeff has worked much of her life to rise above seems clumsy for her annoyance. She doesn’t bother
her family’s poverty. Born to Corellian parents in one to use the Aim maneuver for her bare-handed attacks.
of Ord Mantell’s farming villages, she ran away from Otherwise, she takes her opponent seriously, using a
home in her teens and was nearly killed by a Man- Guarded Stance maneuver to feint and attempt to
tellian Savrip. A band of Scraplands nomads found learn a little bit about her foe's style before moving in
her near death and nursed her back to health before for a decisive blow. She’s a tough combatant, but she
taking her to Worlport. Alone and without prospects, isn’t invincible.
Aimee soon found herself participating in under­
The fight progresses naturally and only ends when
ground blood sports under the alias of Flutterplume.
just one opponent is left standing. Dirty fighting of
Since then, she’s made quite a name for herself.
any kind is met with boos, while spectacular hits from
Aimee intends to return to her family and lift them either opponent are rewarded with cheers. If the PC
out of poverty once she’s made her fortune as a wins, the crowd cheers halfheartedly, as many of them
fighter in Worlport. She sends money to her parents have lost money betting on Flutterplume. Should Flut­
whenever she can, but she’s heard nothing from them terplume emerge the victor, the crowd erupts into a
for several weeks and is growing increasingly worried. roar as she vacates the arena.
Should the Player Characters befriend her or other­
wise gain her trust, they can learn of this and possibly
work toward a rescue at Rusty Reach (see the Flut-
W IN SOME, LOSE SOME
terplume’s Family sidebar, on page 63) Depending on the skill level of the PC in the ring, there
Flutterplume is a muscular young woman in her is a definite chance of losing this fight to Flutterplume.
early twenties with spiked brown hair and grey eyes. No matter what happens, this should be a high point
Her back is marred by a series of deep scars, souve­ in the game for everyone, even though only one of the
nirs from the Savrip attack she survived in her youth. PCs fights in the main event. The other PCs should
When fighting, she does so anonymously, wearing a also be participating, perhaps working the crowd to
thin, formfitting mask adorned with shining flutter­ gather more support for their fighter, loudly booing
plume feathers. Flutterplume’s actions, and placing bets on the match
(either for or against their side).
Note that she does not use her vibroknucklers when
fighting in the arena, as weapons are not allowed in If the PC wins, Flutterplume is out of the running in
matches. She quite skillfully uses them in two-weapon the upcoming bout, thereby satisfying Vandin. Renyr
combat (see page 210 of the E dge of the Empire Core appears, as if on cue, and pays the PC. Additionally,
Rulebook) elsewhere, however, especially should she he says that the PC and the rest of the group have
be attacked as part of the PCs’ attempts to forcibly qualified to participate in high-stakes matches taking
keep her from her upcoming bout. place in two days. This offer can be refused, or the
PCs can attempt to ride the wave of victory as far as it
takes them. The Came Master can develop additional
fighters using the Anvil or even Flutterplume as the
basis for their profiles.
Assuming the PCs decide to participate in the
upcoming fights, Vandin is more than willing to remind
Skills: Athletics 3, Brawl 4, Cool 2, Discipline 2, them that they are expected to take a fall so that his
Melee 3, Resilience 3, Streetwise 2, Survival 3, fighter comes out on top. Whatever decision they
Vigilance 3. make is beyond the scope of this adventure, but the
Talents: Adversary 2 (upgrade difficulty of all CM is encouraged to have fun with it as long as it
combat checks against this target once), Frenzied doesn’t detract from the rest of the plot.
Attack 2 (suffer 2 strain to upgrade a Brawl or Melee Even if the Player Character loses the match against
check twice). Flutterplume, any serious Critical Injuries against her
Abilities: None. (a result of 91 + on Table 6 -1 0 : Critical Injury
Equipment: Pair of vibroknucklers (Brawl; Damage Result, from page 217 of the Edge of the Empire
5; Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Pierce 1, Vicious 1), Core Rulebook), still disqualifies her from the upcom­
heavy clothing (+1 soak), feathered mask, colorful ing fights due to her injuries. If she is unhurt by the
wrestling costume. exchange, however, the PCs still have a number of
options open to them—including pursuing the other
task that lllo Vandin offered.
RUSTY REACH
he other option—delivering a package to a salvage Curious Player Characters may attempt to scan the
T operation in the Scraplands—is more straightfor­
ward than fixing Vandin’s problem with Flutterplume.
package for details on its contents, but they discover
it’s heavily shielded against detection equipment of
According to lllo, the PCs simply need to deliver a any kind. Breaking the security tape is unwise and
small package to Rusty Reach’s foreman, an easy task would permanently indicate that the package has
it seems. If the PCs inquire as to the nature of the been tampered with.
package, lllo shakes his head and says, “ That’s none of
Rusty Reach is well within the Scraplands, nearly
your business, I ’m afraid. Try to remember that. ” What
forty kilometers north-northeast of Worlport. The
the PCs don’t know is that previous deliveries have
Player Characters need to arrange their own trans­
met with many failures, ranging from Savrip attacks to
portation, whether that means they rent or steal a
his own couriers’ running off with the goods, and he
speeder, or simply charter a vehicle. Though danger­
badly needs this delivery made.
ous, the Scraplands are safer for anyone with a reli­
The package itself is a small parcel, twelve centime­ able vehicle, as long as they have a working knowl­
ters wide by twenty centimeters long by five centime­ edge of the region’s geography. The PCs are much
ters thick. It's wrapped in a sheet of thick blue plastic more likely to have the former than the latter, so they
and tightly sealed with tamper-resistant security tape. may elect to hire a guide for 100 credits, lllo specifi­
It weighs a little over two kilograms. cally warns them against using their own vehicle, as
he wants the delivery to be low profile, but can rec­
ommend a guide or maps.
As airspeeders aren’t easily available in Worl­
port due to the terrestrial nature of the city,
one or more landspeeders should suffice
(200-credit rental for each). Though
guidebooks and maps of the Scra­
plands are readily available, Man-
tellian entrepreneurship means
they aren’t all strictly factual,
and the uncertain, ever-chang­
ing landscape means they
aren’t always current.
 THE PACKAGE'S CONTENTS TO THE RESCUE?
At some point during the last ten kilometers of the
tubborn or reckless Player Characters may
S decide to open the package, with little
thought to the consequences. If they do, they
PCs’ journey to Rusty Reach, the sound of slugthrower
fire reaches their ears. It seems to come from a nearby
gorge formed from piles of decaying garbage and jag­
discover a large, tightly packed supply of what
ged metal scrap. If they choose to investigate, read or
appears to be spice. Anyone succeeding on
paraphrase the following text aloud:
a Hard (<> <0 <}) Knowledge (Underworld)
check or an Average (<0 ()) Medicine check
knows that the spice is known as “tyrru,” and The sound of slugthrower fire grows louder os you
it has a very bad reputation on the street. come to the top of a rise. Before you is o shal­
Tyrru is a highly effective (and addictive) low gully with a massive piece of rusted industrial
euphoric pain reliever, typically used to keep pipe embedded in its center. Sheltering behind the
slaves manageable. It also has a number of pipe cowers a small group of humanoids dressed
unfortunate side effects, and addicts who in dirty protective clothing. Two of them, armed
aren’t given their daily dose of tyrru tend to with slugthrower rifles, are fending off a pair of
die in painful agony. Savrips, but they don’t seem to be doing a good
job of discouraging the ravening beasts.
Any PC who opens the parcel and succeeds
on a subsequent Hard «^> <} <0) Knowledge
(Underworld) check notices some strange The humanoids are part of a nomad clan that has
symbols on the package’s inner lining that been hounded by two Savrips for the better part of a
appear to represent lot numbers; O reveals week. The nomads are all human, though from a dis­
the specific designs are often related to Zann tance (medium range), their cobbled-together survival
Consortium shipments. Though the PCs don’t gear completely obscures their species. There are
know for certain, they may surmise that this five in all, three adults and two children. The adults
package was either acquired from the Zann are armed with slugthrower pistols, and two of them
Consortium originally, or was stolen from the carry slugthrower rifles as well. A rickety repulsorcart
Consortium by the Sorority. stacked with scrap and salvaged goods bobs nearby.
The PCs have an opportunity to assuage their con­
A more reliable method of transportation is the sciences and help the nomads, but they can just as
Worlport Rail, a hovertrain line that runs north out of easily turn around and leave without drawing the
the city. While it can be used for transport at a cost Savrips’ attention. Should they decide to avoid the
of 40 credits per passenger, the line terminates at the conflict, they should be allowed to do so, but the PCs
Fifth Wheel settlement, about fifteen kilometers shy should be informed that the gunfire stops suddenly a
of Rusty Reach. few minutes following their retreat.
If the PCs decide to drive themselves to Rusty For PCs who do wade into the fray, the Savrips (also
Reach, they must succeed on a Hard ( ^ ^ ^ ) Sur­ at medium range) are far too interested in the nomads
vival or Piloting (Planetary) check or become lost in to immediately notice them. As such, during the first
the Scraplands. If they have access to a recent, accu­ round of combat, the Savrips continue going after the
rate map or guidebook of the region, they receive a nomads, ignoring the PCs. Additionally, the PCs gain
□ on this check. Alternatively, if they came into pos­ □ to their first attack checks during the encounter.
session of an older or outright fictitious map or guide­ If the Savrips survive the PCs’ initial onslaught, they
book, they suffer one or more ■ to the check. turn their attention to their new attackers, unleash
How lost they become depends on the number of fearsome bellows, and charge the PCs’ position.
<§) generated during the check, with a ^ result indi­ The footing in the area is loose and treacherous,
cating their vehicles break down or they are unlucky and is considered difficult terrain. At the defender’s
enough to be subjected to a dangerous avalanche of option, any characters who generate one or more <§>
scrap and refuse. Any O results indicate that the PCs on a combat or skill check loses their footing and fall
have merely gone off the beaten path and can retrace prone. Likewise, O may be spent to cause enemies
their steps. The GM can use the To the Rescue? to slip and fall as they attempt to avoid an attack.
encounter to have grateful nomads provide directions Though the unexpected appearance of the PCs
if the PCs are having too much difficulty in finding shocks the nomads, they continue to fire their rifles at
Rusty Reach. the Savrips. They take pains to avoid shooting at the
PCs, directing their fire at whichever Savrip appears to
be disadvantaged at the moment.
 When the fighting ends, assuming the PCs are suc­
cessful in overcomingthe Savrips, one of the nomads—
FIFTH WHEEL, THE JEWEL
Evun—emerges from behind the large industrial pipe OF THE SCRAPLANDS
and approaches the PCs with his hands held up in a
ifth Wheel is a small settlement in the
gesture of peace. His helmet crackles as he thanks
them in broken Basic. "Much thanks for your help,’’ he
says. “We taking salvage to Fifth Wheel for trade. Any­
F Scraplands, nearly twenty-five kilometers
north of Worlport. The population consists
thing we have that you desire is yours. Please, take. ” of ne’er-do-wells, scavengers, and scrap deal­
ers. Aside from the armored rail platform,
If the Player Characters decide to pick through the
there’s nothing to recommend it to tourists.
salvaged goods in the nomads’ repulsorcart, they
A nameless cantina, built from scrap metal
find a serviceable (but filthy) pair of electrobinoculars
and salvaged wood, dominates the center of
without a power cell, two used breath masks requir­
the settlement. Guides of dubious moral char­
ing filters, and a moderately damaged light repeating
acter hire themselves out at the cantina, and
blaster lacking a power pack. Evun encourages the
any of the merchants in Fifth Wheel’s dusty
PCs to take what they want. When they are done, he
marketplace gladly sell trinkets and garbage
bids them farewell before he and his family continue
to gullible customers at inflated prices.
on their way toward Fifth Wheel.

EVUN, ALVA, AND THEEL, WOUNDED MANTELLIAN

SCRAP NOMADS [RIVAL] SAVRIP [RIVAL]

The three adult scrap nomads are named Evun, Alva, The two Savrips attacking the nomads have been shot
and Theel. Evun and Alva use homemade slugthrower several times each by slugthrowers (which is taken
rifles to hold off the Savrips, while Theel shields the into account in their statistics), but given their thick
two children. Evun, the dominant nomad, is a male hides and resilience, the effects of the wounds they’ve
human in his late twenties. Alva, a female human in sustained so far are minimal. The creatures are both
her early twenties, is his wife, and the two children ravenous and have been stalking the nomads for sev­
belong to them. Theel is Alva’s teenaged brother. eral days, looking for a chance to strike.
The three were traveling to Fifth Wheel with a load of Needless to say, the two Savrips aren’t interested in
scrap to trade for supplies when they were ambushed surrender. To them, this conflict is a fight to the death.
by the Savrips.
Each of the nomads wears a patched amalgam of
environment gear and scavenged survival equipment,
making their features impossible to discern.

Skills: Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Discipline 2, Melee 2, Per­

ception 2, Resilience 3, Vigilance 2.
Talents: None.
Abilities: Poisonous Bite (anyone bitten by a Savrip
Skills: Athletics 2, Negotiation 2, Perception 3 must succeed at an Average Resilience check
Ranged (Heavy) 2, Ranged (Light) 1, Survival 3. or lose his free maneuver for five rounds), Silhouette 2.
Talents: None. Equipment: Large club (Melee; Damage 8; Critical 3;
Abilities: None. Range [Engaged]; Disorient 3).
Equipment: Slugthrower rifle (Ranged [Heavy]; Dam
age 7; Critical 5; Range [Medium]; Cumbersome 2)
slugthrower pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage 4; Criti
cal 5; Range [Short]), gaffi stick (Melee; Damage 5
Critical 3; Range [Engaged]; Defensive 1, Disorient 3)
adverse environment gear (+ 1 soak), utility belt, vari
ous small tools.
A HAVEN FOR NONE Whether or not the PCs have offended Gerk’s sen­
sibilities, the guards allow them to leave. Unless the
Whether or not the PCs decide to aid the scrap PCs refuse to leave Rusty Reach for some reason, the
nomads against the Savrips, they arrive at Rusty trip back is quiet and uneventful. The GM is free to
Reach a short while later. Read or paraphrase the fol­ have Gerk’s threat to alert Vandin be an empty one,
lowing text aloud: or to introduce greater tension when the PCs return
to meet with the crime lord. Vandin, though, cares less
about Rusty Reach than he does muscling into the
The heaps o f rubbish piled to the sides of the crude Sorority’s operations.
road begin to recede. The terrain surrounding you
appears to have been bulldozed and, in some GERK, HOUK SUPERVISOR [RIVAL]
places, excavated. Ahead of you, the combination
of dust and smoke thins for a moment, revealing a Gerk is the biggest and strongest of the slavers, so
walled compound surrounded on all sides by one naturally, he’s in charge. It’s his responsibility to nego­
hundred meters of killing ground. Armed figures tiate with scrap buyers and to replenish the work­
keep watch from rusting metal towers, while other force when too many slaves die. While intelligent for a
guards ceaselessly patrol the makeshift walls. Houk, Gerk often lets his cruelty get the better of him.
Thick, grey-black smoke rises from the center of
the complex.

As the PCs approach, one of the guards spots them,

and a siren begins to wail. With half a dozen blaster
rifles pointed at them, the PCs come closer to Rusty
Reach’s gate. At twenty-five meters, a deep voice bel­ Skills: Brawl 3, Coercion 3, Ranged (Light) 3, Resil­
lows, "That’s as far as you g o!” A Houk guard atop the ience 3, Vigilance 2.
gate peers down at the PCs and their vehicle before Talents: None.
spitting. "Whatcha want?” he growls. Abilities: None.
Equipment: Heavy blaster pistol (Ranged [Light];
Once the PCs mention a delivery from lllo Vandin, Damage 7; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun set­
the Houk nods. ‘‘Right, right,” he says. “Hold up a sec­ ting), brass knuckles (Brawl; Damage 5; Critical 4;
ond.” A moment later, the siren goes silent, and the Range [Engaged]; Disorient 3), armored clothing (+ 1
front gate opens with a grinding metallic sound. The defense, + 1 soak), breath mask.
PCs are allowed to enter the complex, and the guards
promptly close the gate behind them. SLAVER GUARD [MINION]
Scrap sorted into countless piles chokes the interior
of the compound: vehicular parts in one pile, scrap The slaver guards in Rusty Reach have been selected
metal in another, pipes and assorted wiring in a third. from some of the vilest scum on Ord Mantell. As long
Thin, sickly beings in ragged clothing, seemingly on as they’re being paid, they obey any order Gerk gives
the brink of death, sort through the piles. Guards them, no matter how demeaning or malicious it is. The
stand over them with force pikes, their eyes never guards come from various species and genders, and
wavering from the slaves. there is no specific symbol or uniform to unite them.

The Houk, a brute named Gerk, appears and moves

toward the PCs, kicking a hapless slave aside for no
other reason than to be cruel. “We been waitin’ on
this stuff, chief,” he tells one of the PCs. “Let’s see the
goods.” If the PCs refuse to hand the package over
without first seeing their reward, the Houk grunts
and produces a filthy envelope, which he shakes for Skills (group only): Coercion, Melee, Ranged (Heavy).
effect. For details on the envelope’s contents, see The Talents: None
Reward, As Promised on page 63. Abilities: None.
Equipment: Blaster rifle (Ranged [Heavy]; Damage 9;
After the exchange is made, the Houk opens the
Critical 3; Range [Long]; Stun setting), stun grenade
package and inspects the contents. If the parcel has
(Ranged (Light); Damage 8; Critical - ; Range [Short];
been tampered with, he glares at the PCs and com­
Disorient 3, Stun Damage, Blast 8, Limited Ammo
plains, “What’s this? The seal’s broken! Took a taste
1), force pike (Melee; Damage 6; Critical 2; Range
for yourselves, did ya? Vandin’s gonna hear about
[Engaged]; Pierce 2, Stun setting), adverse environ­
this!” Otherwise, he gives a satisfied snort and sends
ment gear (+1 soak).
the PCs on their way.
 Vandin goes on to explain that if the Player Char­
FLUTTERPLUME'S FAMILY acters reveal the Queen’s intention to kill Torval, they
should be able to convince him to disclose the loca­
s detailed earlier, Flutterplume’s family is

fl currently in thrall to the slavers in Rusty

Reach. Though bruised and beaten, they are
alive and have not yet been exposed to the
tion of her hidden lair beneath the city. However, they
need to get to Torval first, and this may be difficult,
considering the Queen keeps him under guard at all
times. “However, I have it on good authority that Torval
tyrru spice the slavers use to keep their work­ is scheduled to watch the fights at the Loaded Savrip
ers pacified. If the PCs have come to Rusty tonight," Vandin explains. “Perhaps you can find him
Reach to free them, they can either attack the
there. Once you’ve broken his heart, please send him
camp directly or parley with the slaver in the my way. I can always use another apprentice..."
hopes that an arrangement can be reached.
The datachip included with the message contains
Rusty Reach houses sixteen guards of vari­ a digital audio recording of the Pirate Queen and
ous species. Fifty slaves are penned in squalid
an unidentified female, lllo insists this other voice
tunnels under the complex when they aren’t
belongs to someone high in the Sorority’s ranks, prob­
being forced to sort scrap or work in the
ably one of her close advisors, based on the tone of
excavation pit one kilometer east of the com­
the conversation. The recording is short and direct.
pound. Ten of the sixteen guards ensure that
the compound itself is secure, while the oth­ When accessed, the audio recording on lllo Vandin’s
ers mind the slaves when they are in the field. datachip can be played back. Though the quality of
the sound isn’t very good, the words are clear. The
voice of the Queen—which is lightly accented, quiet,
THE REWARD, and raspy, though not distractingly so—is identifi­
able to anyone who’s heard it before. This includes
AS PROMISED the PCs, who recognize it as identical to Revah’s voice
while she wore her mask.
Regardless of which task the PCs performed Vandin
is pleased, provided they met with success. He is
more interested in getting his hands on Micael Torval
and ensuring the Queen is removed from the picture.
These chores were a means to an end, and even if
the PCs weren’t completely successful, Vandin takes it
all in stride. After all, holding them back only ensures
that his main goals won’t be met, and he knows it. THE RECORDING
With the successful delivery of the tyrru spice to
Unidentified Female: How long are you going
Rusty Reach, the PCs are already in possession of the
to lead Torval on?
envelope with the requisite information. On the other
hand, if the fight has been fixed to lllo’s satisfaction, Queen: As long as he continues to amuse me.
he contacts the PCs via secure comlink and offers to
U: He knows too much about too many things.
send them the information via courier at a place of That makes him dangerous.
their choosing. A courier appears a short while later
and delivers a simple envelope to them. Q: Don’t be concerned. I have him...under
careful guard.
Either way, the envelope contains two things: a mes­
sage from lllo Vandin, and a datachip containing an U: And you’re willing to kill him if need be?
audio recording. The message from Vandin is stored Q: Of course.
in a small, disposable holo player. When it is played,
his deep voice speaks the following: U: You had better be.
Q: Believe me, my sister. Once he ceases to
be of use, he’ll be nothing more to me than a
“Now I fulfill my part of our bargain. Finding the
pleasant memory.
Sorority’s Queen is easy. All you need to do is fol­
low her heart—or, rather, the heart of her lover. (Recording ends.)
Yes, even she craves companionship. In this case,
she keeps company with a card shark named M i­
cael Torval. Torval is completely smitten by ‘her
majesty,’ but there’s one thing he doesn’t know,
which is liable to make their romance wither on
the vine—the Queen intends to kill him. ”
A GAMBLER SCORNED
s per lllo Vandin’s indication, the PCs find Torval Charm check or a Hard Deception check]
fl at the Loaded Savrip that evening. If the PCs were How they deal with the guard once they breach the
there previously, dealing with Flutterplume, they are viewing box is up to them, but it affects how Micael
recognized and welcomed warmly by Jyd Renyr. interprets their proposal.
Jyd inquires, none too subtly, whether the PC who
defeated the Anvil is willing to fight again that eve­
ning. Such a match is up to the CM and the PC in
A CANDID DISCUSSION
question, and it nets 1,000 credits if the PC wins. W ITH MICAEL
Beyond such pleasantries, Jyd is able to point out Torval is suspicious of anyone who finds it necessary
Micael Torval’s private box seats to the PCs if they to break into his viewing box, much less threaten him
ask him about the gambler. "He’s a special one," Jyd or his bodyguard. As long as he hasn’t been person­
comments. "Got some powerful friends. Goes to some ally attacked, however, he’s willing to hear the PCs’
exclusive parties, too. Music, dancing, debauchery, side of the story before making up his mind one way
the works. If you know him, maybe you can get me an or the other. Given his skepticism, the PCs have a dif­
invitation?” No matter what answer the PCs give him, ficult time convincing him that the Queen intends to
Jyd fawns over them before going on his way. kill him. Of course, the recording provided by Vandin
Torval is accompanied by a single Sorority guard, is their key to turning the gambler against his lover.
who sits with him in his viewing box. The armored and Convincing him requires an Average Charm
soundproofed box is accessed by a series of wide or Deception check, with □ added if the PCs have
stairwells, which Jyd (or any of the arena staff] can not displayed any threatening behavior. If the PCs are
point out, and it can seat up to a dozen spectators. threatening, however, the check becomes an opposed
one using Micael’s Cool and Presence. Two or more
The door into the box is electronically O or one convince him enough to have his body­
locked from the inside. It can be opened guard sent outside while he watches the recording;
with a Hard Computers check the PCs may otherwise need to subdue the bodyguard
or forced open with a Daunting ^ ^ once the nature of the recording becomes evident.
Brawl check. If the PCs are incapa­
ble of succeeding on the proper skill Once convinced of his lover’s duplicity, Micael sits
check, they can knock on the door quietly for a few moments and digests the informa­
and attempt to fast-talk Torval’s tion. He asks if he can pour a drink for himself, and if
guard over the intercom (which allowed (or if the PCs pour one for him] he downs it in
requires an Average [ # # ] a single, smooth motion. As his cheeks redden from
a mixture of alcohol and anger, he nods and asks,
“What do you want from me?"
Micael can reveal the location of the Queen’s
lair beneath Worlport, right down to the location
of its main entrance. He can describe the areas
he’s been to, as well as the sort of resistance
the PCs might encounter once they’re inside
(such as the Savrip bodyguards, if the PCs
are doing well in engaging him socially].
He has no desire to accompany the PCs;
in fact, he plans to leave Ord Mantell as
soon as he can. Should the PCs refer
Micael to lllo Vandin, he thanks them
for the tip. Whether he takes them up
on it remains to be seen.
The Queen’s lair in Worlport is an
underground complex, accessed via
a lift in an Industrial District ware­
house. The warehouse is adjacent to
a docking bay, allowing the Queen
and her minions to leave Worlport
in short order should they need to.
While Torval is ignorant of the lair’s everyday opera­ Though he eventually settled down on Ord Mantell,
tions, he does know that goods and services are deliv­ Micael doesn’t intend to remain there for much lon­
ered to the warehouse on a daily basis. ger. He had hoped to profit from his current mistress’
If asked about his relationship with the Queen, Tor­ affections before moving on. Unfortunately for him,
val is tight-lipped. He considers it private information, he knows too much for the Queen to be truly comfort­
but he’ll spill his guts if asked the following questions able with his survival outside of her purview.
or variations of them: Micael is a handsome man with black hair and
• When did you see the Queen last? "/ saw her blue eyes who looks much younger than his forty-two
the day before yesterday. We had dinner and years. He dresses in fashionable clothes, and though
spent the night together." not a fighter, he carries at least two holdout blasters.
He is incredibly charming, and has he little trouble
• What does the Queen look like under her using his talents to further his own ends.
mask? "She’s Ubese—pale, with porcelain shin.
Her hair is blach, mid-Tength, and her eyes are
so blue that you could drown in them. She uses a
breather most of the time. I guess she has issues
with Type I atmospheres."
• W hat’s the Queen’s name? "She ashed me to
call her Noira. I ’m not sure if that’s her real name Skills: Charm 3, Cool 3, Deception 4, Knowledge
or not, though." (Education) 2, Negotiation 3, Perception 3, Ranged
• Who else is inside the Queen’s lair? "Who do (Light) 1, Streetwise 2.
you thinh? Plenty o f thugs, pirates, and ne’er- Talents: Force Rating 1, Sense Emotions 1 (add □
do-wells of all stripes. There’s also Ryale, her to all Charm, Coercion, and Deception checks unless
second-in-command." target is immune to Force powers).
Abilities: None
• Can you describe Ryale? "You heard her voice on
Equipment: 2 holdout blasters (Ranged [Light]; Dam­
that... that recording of yours. She’s just another
age 5; Critical 4; Range [Short]; Stun setting), fashion­
one o f Noira’s aides, but she’s got more responsi­
able clothing.
bility than your average pirate. When Noira goes
offworld, i t ’s Ryale who runs things in Worlport."
SORORITY BODYGUARD [RIVAL]
• Are there other ways inside? "I ’m sure there
must be, but I don’t hnow where they are or how Though the bodyguard is ostensibly present on behalf
to find them." of the Queen to protect Micael Torval, he is actually
there to ensure Micael remains loyal. He is also under
Once the Q&A session has been completed to the
orders to kill Torval should the need ever arise.
PCs’ satisfaction, they can leave the viewing box with
the information they’ve been given. Micael remains The bodyguard is a male human who dresses in
behind and pours himself another drink as he half­ casual, yet functional, clothing and carries a blaster
heartedly observes the fighting below. pistol in a concealed holster.

MICAEL TORVAL, PROFESSIONAL

SABACC PLAYER [NEMESIS]
Micael Torval was born on the Inner Rim world of
Taanab to a wealthy family. Shortly after coming of
age, he attended university on Coruscant, but the
Skills: Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Cool 2, Melee 2, Piloting
stale predictability of classes and his parents’ conser­
(Planetary) 2, Ranged (Light) 3, Vigilance 3.
vative expectations drove him to strike out on his own.
Talents: Targeted Blow (may spend one Destiny Point
As he traveled the galaxy, avoiding the stream of to add damage equal to his Agility to one hit of a suc­
bounty hunters his parents sent looking for him, he cessful attack).
grew increasingly addicted to gambling. Fortunately, Abilities: None.
he had a knack for sabacc. Much of his success Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage 6;
stemmed from his latent Force abilities, which even Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), vibroknife
he is unaware of. (Melee; Damage 4; Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Pierce
2, Vicious 1), heavy clothing (+ 1 soak), comlink.
CLEARING THE AIR
etting into the Sorority palace isn’t easy, but inge­ Ambrae Environmental’s motor pool is in the mid­
G nious PCs are likely to come up with their own
methods. If the GM is willing to roll with their ideas
dle of the Industrial District. It consists of a small
parking lot adjacent to a large garage. A high fence
and can rein them in if they get too off track, the PCs surrounds both the lot and the garage, monitored
should be able to reach the Sorority’s hidden base. via electronic security measures. In addition to the
PCs who prefer to contact Jander for suggestions can security provided by the fence, a small pack of Corel-
do so, but the Toydarian gives them no end of trouble lian bloodhounds stalks the lot, and a single security
about their perceived laziness. 7 thought you fellas guard keeps track of the fence’s sensors from a booth
were professionals, ” he complains. I ’ve got my own adjacent to the garage.
life to live here!"
Neat rows of off-white repulsorvans and combus­
Despite his complaints, Jander thinks about it for tion-driven ground vans—each marked with the
a moment and suggests a plan. Ambrae Environmen­ Ambrae Environmental logo—section the parking lot.
tal is a well-known local company that provides life Keys for the vans are kept in the security booth, while
support, air conditioning, and air filtration services in Ambrae uniform items, such as coveralls, can be found
Worlport. Its offices are in the Industrial District, but in the garage. The PCs need to successfully breach the
according to Jander, they aren’t particularly secure. security, deal with the hounds, and take care of the
He suggests the PCs break into Ambrae Environmen­ guard in order to obtain the items they need.
tal’s motor pool and steal whatever they need to
impersonate a maintenance crew. "That’s my brilliant BREAKING AND ENTERING
plan,” he says snidely. "If you got somethin’ else in
mind, get to it. ” The high fence that encircles the motor pool is rigged
with motion sensors and surveillance optics. Climbing
If the PCs don’t take Jander’s bait, let them use
the fence is simple, requiring an Easy (^ ) Athletics
their own wits to determine a course of action, and
check. However, the PCs also need to contend with
use the following narrative as a guide to whatever
the aforementioned security measures if they want
sort of heist they intend to pursue. Allowing the PCs
their climbing attempts to go unnoticed.
to notice Ambrae Environmental’s activities as they
scout the area, rather than having Jander supply the The party can spot the sensors and surveillance
information to them, is another reasonable option. optics with an Average Perception check
Once noticed, they can be circumvented or disabled
with a Hard ^ Computers or Skulduggery
AMBRAE check. Failure on this final check alerts the security
ENVIRONMENTAL guard of an intrusion, as well as its precise location.
When alerted, the guard immediately calls for back­
The Industrial District is well known for its pollutants, up, and two additional guards arrive in an armored
and so people that work or live there wear breath landspeeder five rounds later (or sooner, if the GM
masks at all hours of the day. Those not wearing desires). If the guard detects the PCs by seeing or
breath masks find that they become short of breath hearing them himself, his response is the same.
and nauseous from the effluvium, resulting in a pen­
alty of ■ to all checks until they leave the district. As Beyond the fence await the security guard and
the PCs approach the Ambrae motor pool, read or three Corellian bloodhounds. The hounds patrol the
paraphrase the following aloud: lot silently, lurking beneath vehicles and watching out
for intruders. Unless the PCs are moving quietly and
successfully perform Hard ( ^ # # ) Stealth checks,
The filthy atmosphere in the Industrial District is the dogs hear them and silently move in to attack as
even more pronounced than in the rest of the city. a pack. When attacking, the dogs focus on one indi­
The smells of exhaust and sulfur mingle with an vidual at a time, only retreating if two or more of them
odor of burning plastoid, taking your breath away have been taken down.
and making you feel sick. The district is dirty, the
The garage is locked down. It has two bay doors,
ferrocrete buildings stained by centuries of indus­
along with two reinforced doors. Though the bay doors
trial corruption.
must be opened from the inside, the reinforced doors
are equipped with good-quality electronic locks.

GOING TO GROUND
MASK O F THE PIR A TE QUEEN
 Opening the locks requires a Hard ( ^ ^ ^ ) Com­
puters check or a Daunting ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ) Skuldug­
gery check. There is no one inside the garage, and a
number of vehicles are parked inside in various states
of repair. Work-related gear and uniforms for most
common species can be found in one of the garage’s
storage rooms. Skills (group only): Athletics, Brawl, Perception,
Stealth, Vigilance.
Unless the PCs steal the keys to a van from the secu­
Talents: None.
rity booth, they need to hot-wire one of them. Hot­
Abilities: Scent (add □ □ to Survival checks made
wiring a repulsorvan isn’t difficult for an experienced
to track prey).
thief, and requires an Average Mechanics or
Equipment: Teeth (Brawl; Damage 3; Critical 4;
Skulduggery check
Range [Engaged]).

AMBRAE ENVIRONMENTAL
SECURITY GUARD [MINION] ONE GOOD BLUFF
The guards hired to keep Ambrae Environmental’s
DESERVES ANOTHER
assets secure aren’t the best in the district, let alone The Sorority’s warehouse, which houses the entrance
the business. They have families, and they just want to to the Queen’s underground palace, is a large metal­
do their job and go home after their shift is over. They lic structure streaked with grime and pitted by rust.
don’t take excessive risks and would prefer to call for From the outside, it appears to be little more than an
backup rather than play the hero. That said, they do abandoned factory or storage building. Not far from
their job to the best of their ability, but if confronted the warehouse is a starship docking bay, which is cur­
by a superior force, they gladly lay down their weap­ rently unoccupied. Though the docking bay is empty,
ons or retreat. it is locked down.
Unless the PCs have made other plans, they can
drive their repulsorvan to the warehouse’s bay door. If
they knock, or merely wait a few minutes, read or
paraphrase the following aloud:

Skills (group only): Melee, Perception, Piloting (Plan­ A male Twi’lek in bulky jacket emerges from a
etary), Ranged (Light), Vigilance. side door at the warehouse, and approaches the
Talents: None. repulsorvan’s driver-side door. His hand openly
Abilities: None. rests on the butt of a heavy blaster that hangs in
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage a holster at his side. “What do you want?” he asks,
6; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), trun­ obviously irritated.
cheon (Melee; Damage 4; Critical 5; Range [Engaged];
Disorient 2), padded armor ( + 2 soak), breath mask,
The PCs need to convince the Twi’lek to let them
comlink.
into the warehouse. This requires an Average ( ♦ ♦ )
Coercion or Deception check, depending on the
CORELLIAN BLOODHOUND [MINION]
tactic the PCs choose (this text assumes the PCs are
Corellian bloodhounds are often kept as pets and using an Ambrae Environmental van to support their
guard animals, though packs of wild bloodhounds cover story, but the PCs may try a different approach).
occasionally roam in areas where they’ve been trans­ If the PCs manufacture some kind of corroborat­
planted. Unlike most canids, they rarely bark or yelp. ing evidence—forged work orders or something simi­
When they do bark, however, the vocalization has a lar—the PC making the Coercion or Deception check
whisper-like quality. This behavior is instinctual, as benefits from □ during the initial check. Depending
Corellian bloodhounds in the wild rely on stealth to on other tactics the PCs might use—mentioning that
ambush their prey. people are liable to die, or implying that the guard
At up to one meter in length, Corellian bloodhounds could be seriously punished (or killed) for holding
are slim and agile, relying on stealth and speed rather them back—they might earn an additional Q
than brute strength to take down prey. A fine coat
of tiny quills covers their body, and their head fea­
tures an oversized snout to aid in scenting prey, and a
mouth lined with sharp, dagger-like teeth.
 If the PCs are able to fool the Twi’lek guard, he
returns to the warehouse and opens the bay door. He
"HEY, GUYS, DOESN'T
does this manually, revealing a cavernous interior that THIS SEEM A BIT EASY?"
is brightly lit and stacked with all manner of goods.
At the far end of the warehouse is a lift. Four other t some point, the PCs may get suspicious,
guards mill about and stare at the PCs’ van, obviously
curious. The Twi’lek then waves the PCs in to a parking
space near the lift while he closes and locks the bay
ft given the ease with which they’ve man­
aged to infiltrate the Queen’s palace. Unfor­
tunately for them, they’re absolutely correct.
door behind them. Should the PCs fail to fool him, he The Queen has allowed them to move more
refuses to open the door (and he may call for other or less unharmed through the palace so she
guards should the PCs generate <§) <§> <§». can ensure they are dealt with in a perma­
nent manner. By the time the PCs figure it
With the rest of the pirate guards looking on, the
out, though, it is already too late.
Twi’lek allows the PCs to emerge from the repulsorvan,
and to bring with them any equipment they may need
to do their “work.” He then escorts them to the lift, TH ETH R O N E ROOM
climbs aboard, and hits the button. The lift descends
shakily into the ground, and the Twi’lek comments, Making their way to the throne room is an uneventful
7 hate this p a rt."Though businesslike, he’s happy to process, assuming the PCs remember the way. When
have a conversation with someone who isn’t a pirate, they arrive, read or paraphrase the following aloud:
especially if he finds that person attractive.
Shortly, the lift shudders to a stop. The Twi’lek The sounds of a party grow louder as you creep
opens the door and leads the PCs down a series of down the wide passageway. Multicolored lights
hallways. Read or paraphrase the following aloud: flash ahead o f you, and rhythmic music pulses
a harrowing beat. Emerging from the passage­
The twisting passages are clean and dry, and the way, you see a large room filled with well-dressed
air inside carries no trace of contaminants or pol­ courtiers variously dancing, talking, drinking, or
lution. You pass a number o f people as the Twi’lek enjoying the show. Tables filled with fine drinks
guard leads you on, including a gaggle of finely and rich foods seem to be everywhere. Guards,
dressed courtiers who whisper to one another un­ looking bored, stand at attention near the walls.
der their breath You can hear the sound of lively Standing upon a raised dais, you see a stately fe­
music from the direction of an adjoining corridor male figure wearing a mask. Behind her is a blond
just up ahead. woman in a glittering suit.

If the PCs ask the Twi’lek about the source of the The stately female figure is the Pirate Queen—or,
at least, her hologram. PCs can attempt a Hard
music, he’ll shrug and say, "Sounds like entertainment
^ Perception check to discern that the Queen
for the royalty. She gets some good acts." Unless
the PCs decide to proceed to the Queen’s audience is only a projection, and any PCs with special vision
chamber at this point, the Twi’lek continues to lead (such as infrared, thermal, or some other enhanced
them deeper into the palace, eventually reaching a spectrum) gain one or more □ to this check at the
large room filled with thrumming life support machin­ Game Master’s option.
ery. "This is it, ” he says. "Seems normal to me. Are you As the PCs move further into the throne room,
sure there’s something wrong with it?" regardless of their intentions or stealth, a set of blast
This is a perfect time for the PCs to deal with their doors slams shut behind them. The blaring music
Twi’lek guide, as there is no one else in the room, and stops, and the conversation of the courtiers tapers off
the noise of the equipment is loud enough to drown into stunned silence. The raspy, seductive, and famil­
iar voice of the Pirate Queen rises from the dais as
out the sounds of a struggle and cries for assistance.
Retracing their steps toward the corridor leading to the floor clears. "We have guests, my friends. Let us
welcome them. ”
the Queen’s audience chamber does not require a
check for any PCs who mentioned they were keeping The PCs are left standing on the empty floor, sur­
track of the route. If no one made a conscious effort to rounded by guards and surprised revelers. The Queen
do so, remembering the way requires an Average peers at them from behind her mask, while the blond
Survival check. Any O generated by this check woman behind her smiles smugly. Read or paraphrase
reduces the time it takes to get there, while any <§> the following aloud:
generated results in a few wrong turns. If two or more
(§> are generated, the PCs encounter a pair of palace
guards (see page 70), who confront them.
 The PCs have one round before the two Savrips are
"It has been quite pleasant watching your antics on top of them. The rest of the palace guards remain
from afar. You are certainly a resourceful bunch— at their posts, as none of them are willing to get in the
the Consortium is lucky to have you—-but you way of the beasts. Ryale observes from the dais, only
have been far too successful in your attempts to taking cover if she is shot at or otherwise attacked.
find me. /4s a result, I must ensure that your ef­ The courtiers watch from the sidelines, fascinated and
forts come to naught. oblivious to the danger they’re in.
If the Player Characters manage to defeat both of
“Ryale here will see to your destruction. I, on the the Savrips, the courtiers variously gasp and scream
other hand, have a rendezvous with another valu­ as they attempt to leave the chamber en masse, tram­
able Consortium shipment. Goodbye, for we will pling or crushing palace guards and other courtiers in
not be meeting again. ” their desperation. Four palace guards remain behind,
and they attempt to defend Ryale to the best of their
The Queen flickers suddenly, then disappears. ability. As for herself, Ryale remains in a hiding spot
behind the dais.

THE MAIN EVENT Once the remaining guards and Savrips have been
neutralized, Ryale emerges from her hiding place, her
Ryale Wei, the woman in the glittering suit, claps her hands held high. 7 surrender/’ she says, though her
hands and says, "Tur! Kell Show these guests how we tone indicates that she doesn’t fear captivity. "Kill me
deal with assassins!" From the shadows to either side and you’ll lose more information than you can ever
of the dais, two Mantellian Savrips emerge. They are hope to discover on your own. ’’
both dressed in heavy armor, and each carries a large
spiked mace. One of them snarls as they surge for­
ward toward the Player Characters.
 With Ryale in tow, the PCs can retreat from the The guards take their jobs seriously, but are pirates
Queen’s palace and make their way back to the lift. at heart—many of them are bored and hope they can
The passageways and corridors are chaotic and pan­ go back to doing what they enjoy most: namely, tak­
icked, as courtiers and guards alike attempt to make ing prizes in space. This makes them complacent and
their way out. A few may try to get in the PCs’ way, at sloppy, which is a boon for the PCs.
the CM’s discretion, but such encounters should be
glossed over rather than played out in detail, to avoid
an anticlimax.
At some point during their escape, Ryale, ever the
gracious host, mentions that she knows another way
out of the palace. If the Player Characters agree, she
leads them to a private lift in a concealed room behind Skills (group only): Coercion, Cool, Discipline, Melee,
the dais. Otherwise, the PCs must find a way out on Ranged (Heavy).
their own. Discovering the concealed room behind the Talents: None.
dais independently of Ryale requires a Hard ( ^ ^ ^ ) Abilities: None.
Perception check. The lift within is luxurious, and it Equipment: Blaster carbine (Ranged [Heavy]; Dam­
takes the PCs up to the warehouse’s adjacent docking age 9; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), vibro-
bay. Four guards watch over the docking bay, but they sword (Melee; Damage 5; Critical 2; Range [Engaged];
refrain from shooting if Ryale is with the PCs, for fear Defensive 1, Pierce 2, Vicious 1), heavy clothing uni­
of hurting her. forms (+ 1 soak).

SORORITY COURTIER [MINION] TUR AND KEL, SAVRIP

GUARDS [NEMESIS]
Many of the guests, hangers-on, and sycophants in
the Pirate Queen’s court are kept around for amuse­ The Queen keeps two Savrip guards, Kel and Tur, near
ment’s sake. Their role is to ensure that the palace her throne at all times. The two have been raised from
environment is festive and relaxing at all times. The birth to serve the Sorority, and they will gladly die for
turnover rate for such courtiers is fairly high; any who their Queen. The Queen uses the two Savrips to strike
displease the Queen or outlive their usefulness seam­ fear into the hearts of her subordinates and enemies.
lessly vanish without a trace.
Kel and Tur wear fine, custom-made armor, and
Courtiers don’t fight unless there is no other option each one wields a huge spiked mace crafted from a
open to them. Each wears glamorous, bright apparel, black, nonreflective alloy.
and any weapons they possess are purely decorative.

Skills: Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Melee 3, Resilience 3,

Skills (group only): Charm, Deception, Knowledge Survival 2, Vigilance 3.
(Underworld), Streetwise. Talents: Durable 2 (subtract 20 from Critical Injury
Talents: None. rolls made against the Savrip), Frenzied Attack 1
Abilities: None. (suffer 1 strain to upgrade ability of a Melee or Brawl
Equipment: Flamboyant clothing. combat check once).
Abilities: Berserk Rage (when the Savrip has suffered
SORORITY PALACE GUARD [MINION] any wounds, it deals + 1 damage to Brawl and Melee
attacks; when the Savrip is Critically Injured, it instead
The pirates who act as guards inside the Queen’s pal­ deals +2 damage to Brawl and Melee attacks).
ace are experienced troops of a variety of species and Equipment: Spiked mace (Melee; Damage 9; Critical
genders. They don’t wear specific uniforms, though 2; Range [Engaged]; Disorient 3, Pierce 2), armored
most of them wear heavy clothing. clothing (+1 defense, +1 soak).
 RYALE WEI, MAJORDOMO [NEMESIS] • The Queen is
hardly immortal.
Ryale Wei has ably served the Veiled Sorority for most In fact, the title is
of her life. Though she’s always aspired to assume the passed down from the
role of Pirate Queen eventually, she takes some com­ Queen to someone on
fort in being a loyal second-in-command. She firmly her council of advisors in
believes that most of the Queen’s decisions are actu­ an unbroken chain of suc­
ally hers anyway, and she enjoys taking credit for the cession. Ryale has no idea
Queen’s actions. where the current Queen is
Ryale is a female human in her middle years, with located now, however.
platinum hair and golden eyes. She’s vain to a fault • The Veiled Sorority has had
and has used regenerative treatments to maintain her a mole concealed within
youthful appearance for many years now. Aside from the Zann Consortium for
her extreme vanity, she fs also overconfident. She some time, but only the
knows the PCs are coming for the Queen, and she Pirate Queen knows
believes, without a doubt, that they are going to fail. the mole’s identity.
Even if confronted with violence, Ryale doesn’t fight • Ryale also reveals the
back. She prefers to guarantee her safety through sur­ nature of the Veiled Soror­
render and delaying tactics. ity's next strike against the
Consortium, including the timing
and coordinates of the ambush. She
doesn't know anything about the size of the force
that is to be committed to this attack, though.
This last piece of information is the most vital, as it
pinpoints the Queen’s exact location and her next tar­
Skills: Charm 3, Coercion 4, Cool 3, Deception 4, get. If it is conveyed to Venlana immediately, the Con­
Knowledge (Underworld) 4, Leadership 4, Melee 3, sortium can attempt to turn the Sorority’s ambush
Streetwise 4. against it and finally capture or kill the Queen.
Talents: Adversary 2 (upgrade difficulty of all combat
checks against this target two times), Nobody’s Fool
2 (when targeted by a Charm, Coercion, or Deception
EPISODE II XP REWARDS
check, upgrade difficulty twice). Standard experience point rewards for Episode II:
Abilities: Leader (all subordinates within medium
range add □ to all Discipline checks). • "Fixing” Flutterplume’s fight, regardless of the
Equipment: Vibrorapier (Melee; Damage 4; Critical method: 5 XP
2; Range [Engaged]; Defensive 1, Pierce 5). • Negotiating and performing in the fighting arena
of the Loaded Savrip: 5 XP
INTERMISSION • Traveling to Rusty Reach to make Vandin’s deliv­
ery: 5 XP
Once the PCs have escaped from the Queen’s palace,
Jander directs them to a secluded but clean flophouse • Saving Evun and his family from the Savrips: 5 XP
in the Breakwater, the neighborhood near Worlport • Saving Flutterplume’s family: 5 XP
Bay, where they can take their time interrogating
• Successfully negotiating with Micael Torval: 5 XP
Ryale. Note that should Ryale have perished during
the battle, the CM can have this information revealed • Gaining entry to the Sorority palace and defeat­
via another NPC, such as a senior courtier, or be ing Ryale Wei: 5 XP
found on a secure datachip among her possessions. • Additional encounters: 5 XP
For her part, Ryale attempts to resist most of the As always, the GM should award bonus XP for good
PCs’ attempts to extract information from her. Flow- roleplaying and engaging with the PCs’ Motivations
ever, if the PCs lean on her vanity and threaten to dis­ and Obligations.
figure her or damage her face, she submits at once
and tells them everything they want to know, includ­
ing the following tidbits:
 PREPARE FOR
BOARDERS
“The Queen has played her last gambit. With a little
help, she and the scum with her end here."
-Consortium Admiral Jerid Sykes

n Episode III of M ask of the P irate Q ueen , the PCs Even as the PCs prepare to leave Ord Mantell
I finally face Noira herself, the elusive Pirate Queen.
To do so, they must race to the location of the Soror­
behind, the Zann Consortium is laying a trap of its
own for the Veiled Sorority. The information gleaned
ity’s next ambush, board the failing Renegade’s from Ryale allows Tyber Zann to pinpoint the exact
Blood, and capture Noira before she can escape. location of the pirates’ next ambush. While the Con­
• General Quarters: The PCs return to their ship,
sortium convoy is diverted away from the ambush
only to find it isn’t at all how they left it. zone, a more heavily armed Consortium flotilla led
by Jerid Sykes takes its place.
• Into Eternal Night: Consortium ships have been
sent to intercept the Sorority ambush. Can the Despite the powerful attack ships in the Consor­
PCs get there in time to join the battle? tium’s fleet, Sykes’s direct orders from Tyber Zann
are to take the Queen alive or provide positive proof
• Welcoming Party: When the PCs board the of her demise. The PCs are responsible for bringing
Renegade’s Blood, they find the Queen’s vessel Noira to justice, but they must hurry before their
to be more dangerous inside than out! opportunity slips away. When the PCs arrive, the
• A Bridge Too Far: Once the PCs make it to battle is well under way, and the Renegade’s Blood
the bridge of the Renegade’s Blood, they must is incapacitated—for the moment.
defeat the Queen’s guards and somehow sub­ For the PCs’, finally cornering and capturing the
due her in the process. Queen requires both luck and skill, and fulfilling the
• Contract Fulfilled: With Noira out of the pic­ contract becomes more deadly at every turn. Nev­
ture, the PCs return to Saleucami to receive ertheless, Tyber Zann is even less forgiving of failure
their payment—and more, if they are interested. than he is of treachery...
GENERAL QUARTERS
nce the PCs have extracted the crucial intelligence There are currently six pirate saboteurs aboard the
O from Ryale, they should contact the Zann Con­
sortium and relay their discovery to Venlana (should
PCs’ ship; if desired, the GM can instead have these
be local thugs, upset that the PCs didn’t hire them
they contact Jander, he sneeringly tells them to call for “security.” If the PCs hired JR-1 2 to protect the
Venlana, as his part of the job is over). The Pantoran ship, or if they keep combat-capable NPCs on board,
doesn’t seem surprised by the revelation, and she two of the saboteurs are heavily wounded and uncon­
informs the Player Characters that their job is hardly scious, while two more stand guard at the top of the
finished. “An assault flotilla, disguised as a Consor­ ship’s loading ramp. The last two saboteurs are hur­
tium convoy, is en route to the coordinates, ” she curtly riedly attempting to dismantle the ship’s hyperdrive
informs them. "With lucH, you can form up with them system, where they intend to plant a powerful explo­
and see to the Queen’s ultimate capture. ” sive device that is set to trigger when the hyperdrive
Despite the news, easily the best the PCs have is activated.
given Venlana since they took the contract, she seems Unless the Player Characters have another method
distracted. Any PC who succeeds on an upgraded to enter their ship, they must advance up the loading
Daunting ( ^ # # # ) Vigilance check can discern ramp (or equivalent) in order to confront their adver­
that Venlana is deeply troubled by something she has saries. Once the two pirates defending the ship’s
not mentioned. If asked about her discomfort, she dis­ entryway have been taken out, the PCs can search
misses the PCs and abruptly cuts the comm channel. their ship for the remaining saboteurs. They find them
Once this critical intelligence has been passed on in their ship’s engineering section, installing some
to Venlana, the PCs need decide what to do with Ryale kind of device within the guts of the vessel’s hyper­
Wei. Venlana and Jander urge the PCs to tie up loose drive. The pirates, their backs to the proverbial and
ends, but they recognize that the matter of the Pirate literal wall, draw their weapons and fight to the death.
Queen is likely to be resolved soon regardless of what
the PCs do with Ryale. Ryale, if she hears of the Con­
BOMBS EXPLODE.
sortium’s counter-ambush, loses her once unshakable
confidence; GMs should adapt her reactions thereaf­ IT’S WHAT THEY DO.
ter to the party’s treatment of her.
f the Player Characters don’t locate the
Regardless of the outcome, the PCs need to make
their way back to their ship in its docking bay. Out­
I bomb, it explodes when they attempt to
activate the hyperdrive. The bomb deals 15
side of W orlport’s usual traffic patterns, there is little
damage to any characters engaged with it. It
to slow them down as they proceed across town one
also wrecks the hyperdrive, inflicting a Major
more time. Should the CM like to introduce a compli­
System Failure critical hit that affects the
cation—possibly a modular encounter of some kind—
ship’s primary hyperdrive.
this is a perfect opportunity to do so.
The PCs can repair this critical hit by making
a Hard (O O O ) Mechanics check as normal.
SABOTAGE! Alternatively, if the PCs’ ship has a backup
When the PCs enter their docking bay, they dis­ hyperdrive, they can use this to attempt to
cover that their ship’s loading ramp is down. If they reach the battle (although this will likely mean
arranged armed security for their ship, they find the they arrive late in the course of the conflict).
telltale blast points and burn marks of a struggle in The presence of the bomb is not meant to
the docking bay. At the GM’s discretion, the PCs’ allies curtail the PCs’ advancement in the story,
may be dead, wounded, or otherwise in disarray. however. It is instead intended to provide
If the PCs hired security contractor JR-12 to moni­ them with an obstacle, thereby generating
tor their ship, they find the droid in the docking bay. It additional tension and excitement in the
is seriously damaged, but still conscious and attem pt­ game. Game Masters who wish to use the
ing to initiate self-repairs. If approached, JR-12 makes bomb should be judicious about it, as well as
a sound that conveys both irritation and dismay. its effects. The PCs have spent a great deal of
“Apologies: offered," it mutters. "Intruders: worse for time tracking down the Queen, and to fail at
wear. Note: only four remain functional. ” Though the this point due to an unsuccessful Mechanics
droid tries to stand and provide additional support, check is a major disappointment. It can, how­
JR-1 2 is in terrible shape and is unable to function in ever, add tension as the PCs race to get to the
any capacity until repaired. battle on time.
 The device can be removed from the hyperdrive
LENDING A HELPING APPENDAGE
with a Hard ^ Skulduggery or Average
Mechanics check. Should either of the these two
onsiderate Player Characters may try to
C help JR-12. Though admirable, there isn’t
enough time to get the droid functioning and
checks result in the bomb explodes, dealing 15
damage to all targets engaged with it. The damage to
the hyperdrive is covered in the Bombs Explode. It’s
back on its feet. Other PCs may decide to
W hat they Do sidebar on page 74.
take JR-12 with them. The droid doesn’t com­
plain or protest. JR-12 continues to attempt
S O R O R IT Y S A B O T E U R [MINION]
self-repairs, and offers gratitude to anyone
who helps it put its pieces back together. The saboteurs sent by the Sorority weren’t expecting
If taken along and repaired en route to the the PCs to show up so soon, nor did they suspect that
Veiled Sorority’s coordinates, JR-12 gladly the PCs’ security arrangements (especially JR-12,
offers to help the PCs during the imminent if applicable) would be so formidable. At this point,
encounter. Its repairs require an Average {() they’re scrambling to get their job done and escape.
0 ) Mechanics check and 750 credits’ worth In combat, the saboteurs fight in groups of two.
of parts. Should JR-12 survive the conflict,
the PCs may be able to convince it to become
a part of their crew. The droid’s ultimate deci­
sion is up to the Game Master, and should
depend on how the PCs have behaved, as well
as on how they’ve treated JR-12.
Skills (group only): Computers, Mechanics, Melee,
Depending on the amount of time it takes the PCs to Ranged (Light), Skulduggery.
return to the ship and track the saboteurs down, the Talents: None.
CM may determine that the pirates have had enough Abilities: None.
time to successfully place their explosive device. PCs Equipment: Heavy blaster pistol (Ranged [Light];
with ranks in either Perception or Mechanics auto­ Damage 7; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun set­
matically find the bomb. ting), vibroknife (Melee; Damage 3; Critical 2; Range
[Engaged]; Pierce 2, Vicious 1), heavy clothing (+1
soak), utility belt.

INTO ETERNAL NIGHT

nce the PCs have secured their ship, disarmed With a the Player Characters’ ship arrives at the
O any detected bombs, and patched up any dam­
age caused by the pirate saboteurs, they are cleared
designated coordinates just after the Zann Consor­
tium ships begin attacking the Veiled Sorority’s forces.
for takeoff and head for their hyperspace jump point. The adventure approaches the battle from this point
The ship is eerily quiet as Ord Mantell shrinks into the in the section Arrival and Chaos, on page 76. A
distance behind them, but all seems normal despite particularly good Astrogation check with O O O
the recent firefight. The PCs have some time now to or (J) might allow the PCs to arrive early and form up
see to their wounds and equipment, including JR-12 ’s with the Consortium fleet before the Sorority’s vessels
repairs if he was brought along for the ride. even appear.
The coordinates that Ryale provided point to a If the PCs arrive early, they can fly in lasers blaz­
secluded patch of space between Ord Mantell and ing once the pirates arrive, weakening the Sorority’s
the M’shinni agriworld of Cenassa, where ships often fighter squadrons and getting a few licks in on the
drop out of hyperspace to plot out their next route. Renegade’s Blood before they board the ship. If the
Though the coordinates are well plotted, getting to PCs arrive late, though (perhaps due to <§>), they must
them still requires an Average ^ ) Astrogation scramble to dock with the Queen’s vessel. This should
check and at least twelve hours of travel time with a ratchet up the encounter’s tension, however, rather
Class 2 hyperdrive. Success means the PCs can rest than reduce the contributions they’re able to make.
and repair in peace, arriving on schedule as agreed.
Depending on any resulting O or <§>, the PCs’ ship
may be early or late to the party.
 The Consortium’s plan, devised by Jerid Sykes, is
.
BATTLE
• **
PLANS» simple. The objective is to disable the Sorority flag­
The Veiled Sorority was not expecting its ambush ship while destroying or, if possible, capturing the
, to be effectively countered by the Zann Consortium. other pirate vessels. While the End of Days occu­
However, the pirates did expect heavier resistance pies the Savrip, the Consortium’s StarVipers are to
and escort vessels, which is why the Queen wasn’t assault Renegade’s Blood, beating down its shields
, particularly concerned by the presence of so many and disabling it with their ion weapons. This should
military-grade ships. The Sorority, has become over­ allow a boarding party to dock with the Renegade’s
confident and complacent in light of its easy prior Blood and search for the Queen. Mechanically, this
victories, and this is its primary weakness as the bombardment is keeping the Renegade’s Blood
battle moves forward. '1 from moving or entering hyperspace. Its weapons
and shields are still functional, though.
Insofar as the Zann Consortium is concerned, its
forces are as prepared as they can be. Based on Though the Consortium does have frigate support
intelligence gathered during prior attacks on its in the form of two Interceptor IVs—the Flatline and
cargo ships, it knows the general composition of the the Brilliance—its ships are outnumbered by. the
Sorority’s fleet. The Consortium has done its best to Sorority’s light freighters, bulk transports, and two
exceed—or at least match—The Sorority’s firepower squadrons of Cutlass-9s. Sykes isn’t too concerned,
and offensive capabilities. though, as he believes .the £kill and expertise of his
own pilots more than even the adds. Nevertheless,
he does expect the Cutlass-9s to cause trouble until
they’re taken out of the picture. '

ARRIVAL AND CHAOS

The final conflict between the Zann Consortium
and the Veiled Sorority is fought to the end in deep
space. Masquerading as a simple convoy, the Con­
sortium flotilla has been ordered to reveal itself only
once the Sorority has committed itself to action. AM
of this occurs prior to the Player Characters’ arrival,
and the battle is weir underway when they, emerge
from hyperspace. A list of the ships on each side is
detailed on, page 79 for the Zann Consortium flo­
tilla and 82 for the Veiled Sorority’s fleet.
 SURGICAL STRIKES
f the Player Characters are particularly fond Comms: Positioned aft of the ship’s
I of space combat, they may enjoy contributing
to the increasing decrepitude of the Renegade’s
•
deflector shield projector is the com­
munications dish. Destroying the dish
Blood before boarding it. If this is the case, the prevents the pirates aboard the ship
GM is encouraged to have Sykes give the PCs from communicating with the other
some very specific orders for their attacks on ships of their fleet.
the enemy flagship. In particular, targeting a
number of specific ship’s systems would go a • Shields: Located along the spine of the
long way toward crippling the pirate vessel. Renegade’s Blood, the deflector shield
projector is currently inert due to the
When attacking specific shipboard systems,
Consortium’s continual ion fire. Sykes
the Player Characters follow the rules for tar­
knows that there’s no better time to
geting on page 201 of the Edge of the Empire
inhibit a vessel’s defensive systems
Core Rulebook, and so add □ □ to the com­
than when it’s helpless. Destroying this
bat check if one maneuver is spent to aim (if
system lowers the ship’s defence by
two consecutive maneuvers are spent, this is
one point in all zones
reduced to Q . In addition, the hit must deal
at least four hull trauma to also disable the sys­ • Sensors: By hitting the navigational
tem being targeted. If the attack does so, the sensors system, located near the ship’s
ship suffers a Major System Failure Critical Hit, bridge, the PCs can inhibit control of
with the component affected depending on the the ship as well as its astrogation
system targeted. The three systems on the Ren­ systems. Though this doesn’t prevent
egade’s Blood that Sykers specifically calls out the Renegade’s Blood from going into
for attack are the comms, shields, and sensors. hyperspace, it does reduce its sensor
range by one range band.

When the Player Characters drop out of hyper­

space, an impressive sight greets them. Read or para­
phrase the following aloud: 7 was wondering when you planned to show up, ”
he chastises. Though the man is stern, he isn’t ac­
cusatory. “I ’m Jerid Sykes, Consortium fleet com­
/Is your ship drops out o f hyperspace and slows mander. You’re under my command now, and I
to sublight speed, the majestic and terrifying sight expect you to do precisely what I say. ’’
of a raging space battle greets you. A Consular-
class cruiser founders as crackling bolts o f blue
ion energy dance across her hull. A pair o f StarVi- Once introductions are out of the way, Sykes brings
pers circle the Consular like hawks, their ion can­ the PCs up to speed on the situation. Currently, the
nons firing continuously to keep the ship at bay. Renegade’s Blood—the Sorority flagship—is being
harried by two of his StarVipers. The starfighters are
maintaining heavy ion fire on the Consular-class light
In the distance, a Marauder-class corvette rips cruiser so that a boarding party can dock with the
into a hulking Star Galleon. Starfighters and light ship while it’s helpless. “With that Marauder inbound,
freighters jockey for position between the larger those two aren’t going to last much longer,’’ Sykes
frigates, dodging and weaving to avoid debris and
says. “We’ve got her hyperdrive down, but you need
each other.
to get over there and dock with the Renegade’s Blood
before it ’s too late, got that?"
Shortly after they arrive, the PCs’ communicator Sykes is in no mood for an idle chat. Though he’s fol­
chimes urgently, and a grizzled human face with half lowing his orders to the letter, he’s none too pleased
a day’s growth of grey stubble appears on their view that Tyber Zann insists that the Queen be captured.
screen. He wears a crisp blue uniform with a smatter­ Though he understands his master’s insistence, he’s
ing of colorful insignia pinned to the left breast of his certain that boarding the ship and capturing the
coat. Read or paraphrase the following aloud: Queen—or providing proof of her death—is a fool’s
errand, wasteful in crew and materiel. He won’t admit
this to the PCs, as it would undermine Tyber Zann’s
authority, but he may allude to it accidentally.
 GETTING INTO
THE (DOG)FIGHT
With Sykes’s orders fresh in
their ears, the Player Charac­
ters must turn their starship
toward the Renegade’s Blood.
The Savrip, a Marauder-class
corvette, slowly approaches from
long range, its turbolasers sending
bolts of green fire at the End o f Days, Sykes’s flag­
ship. Just when the PCs feel their target is well within
their grasp, a pair of Sorority Cutlass-9 starfighters
emerge from one of the Savrip's flight decks and peel
off toward their ship.
CUTLASS-9 PATROL FIGHTER
The timing of the fighter attack couldn’t be worse,
and it only serves to distract the PCs from their goal The Veiled Sorority uses the Cutlass-9 as its primary
as the Savrip draws closer. Fortunately, the Sorority’s starfighter. Nearly all of them have been upgraded
starfighters aren’t particularly sturdy and present with high-output ion turbines, the sole modification
relatively easy targets. If the PCs are outmatched, the the Sorority has implemented.
CM can allow one or two of the Consortium’s Star-
Vipers from Sabacc Squadron to turn and intercept Produced in vast quantities by the SoroSuub Cor­
the fighters (see page 81). Even if the PCs aren’t poration prior to the rise of the Empire, these fight­
able to shoot the fighters down, the Consortium pilots ers were intended for use by SoroSuub alone. During
should be able to get one or two of them if necessary. the Clone Wars, however, SoroSuub supplied them to
the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Following
The Sorority’s Cutlass-9 starfighters begin their the defeat of the Separatists, SoroSuub ceased pro­
attack run by launching concussion missiles at the duction. However, thousands of Cutlass-9s remain in
Player Characters’ ship, following the salvo up with planetary arsenals and pirate fleets across the galaxy.
several bursts of laser fire. Both pilots perform the
Stay on Target maneuver (see page 233 of the Edge
of the E mpire Core Rulebook) where possible, mak­
ing them easier targets for both the PCs and, if appli­
cable, the StarVipers.
As the encounter proceeds, the CM should only Hull Type/Class: Starfighter/Cutlass.
roll initiative and track hull trauma and system strain Manufacturer: SoroSuub Corporation.
for the ships the PCs are actively engaging (or being Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: None.
engaged by). The rest of the battle plays out narra­ Navicomputer: Yes.
tively (see The Reality of War, on page 79). Sensor Range: Close.
Regardless of how long the dogfight lasts, the Came Ship’s Complement: One pilot.
Master should stress to the Player Characters that it’s Encumbrance Capacity: 12
imperative they get to the Renegade’s Blood before Passenger Capacity: 0
the Savrip can come to its rescue. It is not necessary Consumables: 2 days.
for the GM to mark off rounds in a countdown for this, Price/Rarity: 40,000 credits/4.
but if the PCs are not moving quickly, the GM should Customization Hard Points: 3.
add prompts such as nearby explosions or desperate Weapons: Two forward mounted medium laser can­
and furious communications from Admiral Sykes. The nons (Fire Arc Forward; Damage 6; Critical 3; Range
PCs may even want to spend a few Destiny Points to [Close]; Linked 1).
hasten their progress. Forward mounted concussion missile launcher (Fire
Arc Forward; Damage 6; Critical 3; Range [Short];
Once one of the Sorority’s fighters has been Breach 4, Blast 4, Guided 3, Limited Ammo 8, Linked
destroyed, the second banks away and attempts to 1, Slow-Firing 1).
put a concussion missile through a StarViper. This
frees the PCs up to continue their mission to dock C U S T O M IZ A T IO N
with the Renegade’s Blood, leading to a final encoun­ High-Output Ion Turbine: +1 speed, -1 system
ter with the real Pirate Queen. strain threshold (this has already been factored into
the Cutlass-9’s profile and cost, and occupies one of
the ship’s hard points).
 S O R O R IT Y F IG H T E R JOCKEY [ M IN IO N ]
THE CONSORTIUM FLEET
The ranks of the Sorority’s fighter jockeys are filled
The Consortium fleet was assembled with the sole,
with pirates who have some experience piloting star-
explicit intention of destroying the Sorority’s ability to
ships, and who have been pressed into service (will­
wage war in space. Quality was considered over quan­
ingly or not) as fighter pilots. Though only a few of
tity, and Tyber Zann spared no expense to ensure his
these pilots are available, the Sorority’s recent suc­
enemies would pay dearly for their transgressions.
cesses against the Zann Consortium have boosted
Because of Zann’s deep pockets and deeper thirst for
their morale considerably.
vengeance, the Consortium flotilla is heavily-armed
Sorority fighter jockeys aren’t particularly skilled, and quite formidable.
but they are cocky and overconfident nonetheless.
Commanded by Jerid Sykes, considered Zann’s
They fly as if they were impervious to damage and
most trusted fleet officer, the Consortium fleet is
take risks that no sane fighter pilot would dare to
expected—and commanded—to emerge victorious.
take. Despite (or because of) this, their mortality rate
Should any of the pirate vessels escape, Sykes has
has been astonishingly low—until now, at least.
pledged to hunt them down no matter where they
choose to hide. Zann’s confidence in his fleet is abso­
lute, and there is no question in his mind how the
ensuing conflict will end.
Despite the deadliness of his ships and their crew,
Zann’s primary goal—outside of destroying the Veiled
Sorority and claiming the Pirate Queen’s mask—is to
Skills (group only): Astrogation, Gunnery, Piloting capture the Queen alive or, at the least, provide posi­
(Space), Ranged (Light). tive proof of her demise. Failure to capture her or pro­
Talents: None. vide unmitigated proof of her death is unacceptable
Abilities: None. to the crime lord under any circumstances.
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage 6;
Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), utility belt,
J E R ID SYKES, C O N S O R T IU M
flight suit and helmet.
A D M IR A L [N E M E S IS ]

T H E R E A L IT Y O F W A R Jerid Sykes, once a Republic fleet officer, cut his pro­

verbial teeth during the Clone Wars. When the Repub­
While the battle begins as planned, the wild card in lic dissolved into the Empire, Jerid constantly butted
the conflict turns out to be the Savrip, the Sorority’s heads with the new class of officers who were com­
Marauder-class corvette. Powerful and boasting an missioned due to their connections rather than their
experienced crew, the Savrip manages to knock out skill. His stubbornness eventually cost him his post,
the Retribution—a Consortium Star Galleon-class fri- but it wasn’t long before representatives of the Zann
grate—during the battle’s opening salvos. Though the Consortium found him and offered him a lucrative
Savrip suffers heavy damage from the End of Days, career as one of its fleet officers. Having nothing more
it’s able to break through to assist the Renegade’s to lose, Jerid agreed.
Blood by destroying the Flatline.
Though he has adopted the Consortium’s methods,
The PCs should be allowed to dock with the Ren­ Jerid doesn’t consider himself a criminal. He views
egade’s Blood before the Flatline is taken out of the Tyber Zann as an honest man who refuses to sink to
battle by the Savrip. However, the mere approach of a Imperial levels of deceit, and who instead proudly
large corvette bristling with turbolasers and swarming proclaims his intent to seize power for power’s own
with Cutlass-9 starfighters should give them cause for sake. Such bluntness is a relief to Jerid after so many
urgency. The GM should use the Savrip s approach as years in service to the Empire.
a source of tension (as it is likely an insurmountable
threat), especially if the PCs insist on running rampant Jerid’s personality is brusque and businesslike. He
during the course of the battle. doesn’t suffer incompetence from any of his crew, and
he’s been known to personally execute crew responsi­
Once the Savrip removes the StarVipers from the ble for spectacular failures. He is dismayed by Zann’s
picture, there are only four rounds remaining before insistence on taking the Queen alive, and would prefer
the Renegade's Blood’s crew manages to get her simply to blast her ship to atoms instead.
engines, shields, and weapons back online. Such an
event makes it hard to approach the Sorority’s flag­
ship, much less dock with it. The Renegade’s Blood
limps away while the Savrip and its fighters provide
cover for the escape.
 END OF DAYS

The End o f Days is the Zann Consortium fleet’s act­

ing flagship in the engagement. Captained by Jerid
Sykes, an ex-imperial fleet officer, it is crewed by the
Consortium’s best officers and crew. The ship has a
high status, and it has even served as Tyber Zann’s
Skills: Astrogation 3, Coercion 2, Cool 3, Discipline personal transport on a number of occasions.
3, Gunnery 3, Leadership - 3* Piloting .(Space) 3,
Ranged (Light) 2, Survival 2. *■
Talents: Intimidating 2 (may suffer up to 2 strain to
downgrade difficulty of Coercion checks, or'upgrade
difficulty when targeted by Coercion checks, by an
equal number), Natural Pilot (may reroll any one
Gunnery or Piloting [Space] check once per session). Hull Type/Class: Cruiser/Keldabe. .
Abilities: None. • . Manufacturer: MandalMotors/Zann Consortium.' .
Equipment: Disruptor pistol (Ranged [Light]; Dam­ Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: Class 10. ' * *
age 10; Critical 2 ;-Range [Short]; Vicious A), officer’s Navicomputer: Yes.
uniform, crash survival kit. Sensor Range: Long. *
Ship’s Complement: 6,000 crew.
Starfighter Complement: 36 starfighters.
Encumbrance Capacity: 8,000.
Passenger Capacity: 1,000 troops. Price/Rarity: 300,000 credits/7.
Consumables: 2. years. Customization Hard Points: 4.
Price/Rarity: 200,000,000 (R)/8. Weapons: One port and one starboard turbolaser
Customization Hard Points: 4. cannon batteries (Fire Arc Port or Starboard; Damage
Weapons: Five dorsal, ten port, and ten starboard 11; Critical 3; Range [Long]; Breach 4; Slow-Firing 2).
turret-mounted heavy turbolasers (Fire Arc All or Port Forward-mounted concussion missile launcher (Fire
or Starboard; Damage 11; Critical 3; Range [Long]; Arc Forward; Damage 6; Critical 3; Range [Short];
Breach 4, Slow-Firing 2). Blast 4, Breach 4, Guided 3, Limited Ammo 3, Slow-
Five ventral and five port and five starboard heavy Firing 2).
ion cannons (Fire Arc All; Damage 7; Critical 4; Range
[Medium]; Slow-Firing 1, Ion). STARVIPER M-2
Two forward-mounted mass driver missile launch­
ers (Fire Arc Forward; Damage 14; Critical 3, Range The StarViper M-2 is an aftermarket modification
[Extreme]; Blast 4, Breach 4, Inaccurate 1, Limited of the infamous MandalMotors space superiority
Ammo 10, Slow-Firing 2). starfighter. It possesses a distinctive profile, with
Five forward-mounted heavy tractor beam emitters four wings radiating from a central cockpit like the
(Fire Arc Forward; Damage - ; Critical - ; Range [Short]; fins of a beautiful yet deadly ocean creature. Two
Tractor 6). “arms” extend from the cockpit, each holding a pair of
weapons. The arms can swing forward and backward,
ADDITIONAL RULES enhancing targeting capability and even allowing the
Shield Energy Absorbers: The Keldabe-class cruiser pilot to fire behind the ship.
has a set of unique shield absorption devices built The M-2 modification boasts improved versatility at
into the hull. The technology is difficult to construct, the expense of raw killing power. The heavy laser can­
takes up an inordinate amount of space, and can nons have been reduced in potency to save power for
cause critical overloads in systems. Flowever, it does the StarViper’s boosted shields, while still leaving the
give the cruiser a unique advantage in combat. The craft with a potent punch. More importantly, the pro­
absorbers may be activated as a maneuver by one of ton torpedo launchers have been replaced with a pair
the crew. Once they are activated, one target vessel of ion cannons, making the fighter popular among
within medium range reduces its defense rating on all pirates and criminal consortiums.
facings to zero. The system can remain on indefinitely,
but at the end of each round in which it has been
operational, the cruiser suffers 4 system strain.
Massive 1: When making an attack targeting this
starship, the critical rating of any weapons used
counts as one higher.
Hull Type/Model: Starfighter/StarViper M-2.
Manufacturer: MandalMotors.
FLATUNE AN D BRILLIANCE
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: None.
The Flatline and the Brilliance are both Interceptor IV- Navicomputer: Yes.
class frigates. They were included as heavy support Sensor Range: Close.
for fighters from the End of Days, with a secondary Ship’s Complement: One pilot
mission of distracting the pirates’ light freighters. Both Encumbrance Capacity: 12
have seen their share of combat for the Zann Consor­ Passenger Capacity: 0
tium, and their crews are blooded veterans. Consumables: One week.
Price/Rarity: 160,000 credits/7.
Customization Hard Points: 0
Weapons: Quad arm-mounted light laser cannons
(Fire Arc All; Damage 5; Critical 3; Range [Close];
Linked 3).
Forward-mounted light ion cannons (Fire Arc For­
Hull Type/Class: Frigate/lnterceptor IV.
ward; Damage 5; Critical 4; Range [Close]; Ion).
Manufacturer: Corellian Engineering Corporation.
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 3, Backup: Class 20. A D DITIO NAL RULES
Navicomputer: Yes.
Maneuvering Mode: As a maneuver, the pilot may
Sensor Range: Medium.
switch into or out of maneuvering mode. When in
Ship’s Complement: Twenty crew.
maneuvering mode, the StarViper M-2 increases its
Encumbrance Capacity: 10,000.
speed and handling by I . However, its arm-mounted
Passenger Capacity: 5.
light laser cannons change their Fire Arc to “ Forward.”
Consumables: Three months.
 CONSORTIUM STARFIGHTER The Renegade’s Blood’s modifications include a
PILOT [RIVAL] reinforced shield generator, a dorsal-mounted heavy
tractor beam cannon, and a high-output ion turbine.
The Zann Consortium’s fighter pilots are highly skilled
and proud of their elite status. Though many are
cocky and overconfident, they possess the talent to
back up their bravado. They come from all genders,
backgrounds, and species.
The Consortium starfighter pilots aboard the End of Hull Type/Class: Light Cruiser/Consular.
Days are part of Sabacc Squadron, otherwise known Manufacturer: Corellian Engineering Corporation.
as the “Gamblers." Sabacc Squadron pilots are well Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: Class 14.
known for their willingness to face and overcome Navicomputer: Yes.
incredible odds. Each has a callsign that corresponds Ship’s Complement: One ship’s captain, one pilot,
to a face card from sabacc, such as “Endurance,” one co-pilot, one navigator, one comms operator, four
"Demise,” or “Star.” engineers.
Passenger Capacity: Up to 16, depending on the
configuration.
Encumbrance Capacity: Up to 3,200 depending on
configuration.
Consumables: Eight months.
Price/Rarity: 3,400,000 credits/5.
Skills: Astrogation 2, Computers 1, Discipline 2, Gun­ Sensor Range: Long.
nery 2, Piloting (Space) 2, Ranged (Light) 1. Customization Hard Points: 3
Talents: Natural Pilot (may reroll any one Gunnery or Weapons: Two forward turret-mounted twin heavy
Piloting [Space] check once per session). ion cannons (Fire Arc Forward, Port, and Starboard;
Abilities: None. Damage 7; Critical Flit 4; Range [Medium]; ion, Linked
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage 6; 1, Slow-Firing 1).
Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), flight suit One port dorsal and one port ventral twin light tur­
with helmet, crash survival kit. bolaser (Fire Arc Port; Damage 9; Critical 3; Range
[Medium]; Breach 2, Linked 1, Slow-Firing 1).
One starboard dorsal and one starboard ventral
THE SORORITY FLEET twin light turbolaser (Fire Arc Starboard; Damage 9;
Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Breach 2, Linked 1, Slow-
The Sorority’s pirate fleet consists of six vessels
Firing 1).
and a squadron of modified Cutlass-9 patrol fight­
One dorsal turret-mounted heavy tractor beam
ers. Though scarred from previous battles, each of
projector (Fire Arc All; Damage - ; Critical - ; Range
the Sorority’s ships is well maintained and expertly
[Short]; Tractor 6).
crewed. Leading them is the Renegade's Blood, a
heavily modified Consular-class light cruiser that CUSTOM IZATIONS
serves as the Queen’s flagship.
Engine Ring Stabilizer: +2 handling (this has
The remaining ships consist of freighters, most of already been factored into the Renegade’s Blood’s
which are prizes taken by the Sorority during raids. profile above). This occupies one of the ship’s hard
Unless the starships are specifically noted as being points.
modified, use the freighters presented in the E dge of High-Output Ion Turbine: +1 speed, -1 system
the E mpire Core Rulebook starting on page 260. strain threshold (this has already been factored into
the Renegade's Blood’s profile above). This occupies
RENEGADE S BLOOD one of the ship’s hard points.
Modified Advanced Targeting Array: When a char
The Renegade’s Blood is the Pirate Queen’s flagship. acter fires one of the Renegade’s Blood’s weapons,
The Queen has personally led each and every one of that character upgrades the ability of the Gunnery
the recent sorties against the Zann Consortium, and check twice. All mounted weapons have the innate
the Renegade’s Blood provides the bulk of the Veiled talents Sniper Shot (before making a non-thrown
Sorority’s firepower when capturing Consortium ves­ ranged attack, may perform a Sniper Shot maneuver
sels. The exterior of the ship is painted the color of to increase the weapon’s range by one range band
dried blood, and several Ubese kill marks adorn the per rank in Sniper Shot, upgrade the difficulty of the
armor nearest the ship’s bridge. The interior has been attack by one per range band increase). This occupies
heavily modified to better suit the Sorority’s needs. one of the ship’s hard points.
 SAVRIP

The oldest ship in the Sorority fleet, the Savrip, a

Morouder-class assault corvette, was the pirate
band’s original flagship. Following the retirement of
the prior Queen, Noira decided to change things up Hull Type/Class: Corvette/Marauder.
in a bid to shore up her power base. Manufacturer: Republic Sienar Systems.
Hyperdrive: Primary: Class 2, Backup: None.
Though the Savrip is no longer the Sorority’s flag­
Navicomputer: Yes.
ship’ it is still the pirate fleet’s heavy hitter. Not only
Sensor Range: Medium.
does it carry the bulk of the Sorority’s fighters, but it
Ship’s Complement: 120 officers, pilots, and crew.
is also sent straight into the thick of battle.and used
Starfighter Complement: Twelve Cutlass-9 patrol
to suppress enemy ships with its'brutal combination
fighters.
of turbolaser and ion fire. ■•••
Encumbrance Capacity: 175.
The Savrip’s hull is dull green and light brown in Passenger Capacity: 40 pirates.
color, and stylized Mantellian Sqvrips are painted on Consumables: Three months.
its wings. In addition to .its upgraded weapon sys­ Price/Rarity: Not availabfe for sale (R)/5. '
tems, the Savrip is also equipped with an electronic Customization Hard Points: 0.
countermeasures suite (see page 269 of the Edge of Weapons: Four forward-mounted and four turret
the E mpire Core Rulebook). mounted light double turbolasers (Fire Arc For­
ward or All; Damage 9; Critical 3, Range [Medium];
Breach 2, Linked 1, Slow-Firing 1).
Forward-mounted light tractor beam emitter (Fire
Arc Forward; Damage Critical - ; Range [Close];
Tractor 2.
Two forward mounted medium ion cannons (Fire Arc
Forward; Damage 6; Critical 4; Range [Short]; Ion).
 at any time, let alone when filled to capacity, The Eye
BRIDGE CREWS
o f Uba has nonetheless endeared itself to the Soror­
ity’s pirates, who consider it to be a “ lucky” ship.
s needed, the CM should use the following

fl profile when ships in either fleet without

a named commander open fire or need to
engage in maneuvers. This officer can also be
The Eye o f Uba is painted black to mask its silhou­
ette against the dark background of deep space. The
freighter is based on the profile found on page 261 of
used as needed when inside the Renegade’s the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook.
Blood to represent other ship’s personnel.
ROTTEN CORE
FLEET OFFICER [RIVAL]
The Rotten Core is a YT-2400 light freighter the Soror­
ity uses as a heavy weapons platform and scout craft.
Because of its near-stock load-out and lack of distin­
guishing markings, the Core (as it’s referred to by the
pirates) is used for surreptitious shipment of loot or
individuals to any planet in the galaxy.
The Rotten Core is identical to the YT-2400 light
Skills: Astrogation 2, Computers 2, Discipline freighter described on page 265 of the Edge of the
3, Gunnery 2, Piloting (Space) 2, Ranged E mpire Core Rulebook. It has been modified, though,
(Light). so that is can broadcast a number of forged identifica­
Talents: None. tion codes in order to disguise its true identity.
Abilities: None.
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; VANITY'S PRICE AN D CENSURE
Damage 6; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun
setting), comlink, uniform. Both the Vanity's Price and the Censure are modi­
fied Action VI bulk transports that the Sorority cap­
tured from the Zann Consortium. They are unarmed,
T H E EYE O F U BA and used primarily to carry plundered cargo. Each is
The Eye ofUba is a modified ILH-KK Citadel-class light manned by a skeleton crew of inexperienced pirates.
freighter that is primarily used as a boarding craft by If statistics are required during the battle for either
the Veiled Sorority. As such, the vessel’s cargo capac­ the Vanity’s Price or the Censure, use those listed on
ity has been replaced by additional seating for pirate page 260 of the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook.
boarding parties. Though not particularly comfortable

WELCOMING PARTY
ocking with a Consular-class cruiser under opti­ the two ships grind together. A ^ result causes their
D mal—and peaceful—conditions is a simple matter.
With the vessel drifting and spiraling like a dead fish,
ships to have a minor collision (see page 242 of the
E dge of the E mpire Core Rulebook).
however, the PCs have their work cut out for them.
Once they have successfully locked onto the ene­
In order to complete the docking maneuver, the PCs’
my’s docking ring, the Player Characters must take
pilot must succeed on a Hard ( ^ ^ ^ ) Piloting check.
the perilous step of traversing the airlock and forcing
The Game Master should upgrade the difficulty of the
entry into the enemy ship. The airlock is obviously
check a number of times equal to the speed value
sealed, and the PCs must force it open with a Hard
of the PCs’ ship (for example, if the PCs are traveling
( ^ ^ ^ ) Computers check. The artificial gravity
at speed 3, the difficulty would be upgraded three
shifts midway through the airlock chamber, forcing all
times). If the check fails, the pilot is unable to make
PCs to succeed on an Average ( ^ £ ) Coordination
a solid connection with the Renegade's Blood. Every
check to maintain their footing. Failure results in the
O O generated along with a failed check, though,
PC dropping prone, and each <§> generated on a failed
adds □ to the next attempt. Conversely, the PCs’ ship
check results in a wound.
takes 1 point of hull trauma for each <§> generated as
 Player Characters would be familiar enough with the S O R O R IT Y D E F E N D E R [MINION]
depths of space to know the value of breath masks at
the least, or better still, space suits. Wise or cautious The defenders on the Renegade’s Blood are typical
PCs might add glow rods or fusion lanterns, utility Sorority muscle. While other crew can serve in com­
belts, and even climbing gear to their packs. bat roles when required, these pirates act primarily as
guards and security.
The Sorority pirates aboard the Renegade’s Blood
are expecting the Consortium to board their ship. For­
tunately for the PCs, the lack of power and ionized
controls have put the ship in complete disarray. Only
a handful of defenders have managed to make it to
the airlock’s entrance, and those who have are shaken
and battered from the beating their ship has taken.
Skills (group only): Ranged (Light), Melee, Vigilance.
When the PCs open th eiiatch into the Renegade’s
Talents: None.
Blood, read or paraphrase the following aloud:
Abilities: None.
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage 6;
The hatch cracks open with an audible hiss, re­ Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), vibroknife
vealing a lightless chamber. The scent o f burning (Melee; Damage 4; Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Pierce
electronics and stale, dirty air fills your nostrils, 2, Vicious 1), padded armor ( + 2 soak), breath mask.
and an alarm blares in the distance. As you decide
whatwto do, a rough voice from inside the Rene­
gade’s Blood shouts, "Let 'em have it!" BRIDGING THE GAP
With the first Sorority defenders dispatched, the PCs
Several blasters fill the air with red bolts o f en­ must make their way to the bridge of the Renegade’s
ergy, most of which strike the airlock door and the Blood. Within a few minutes of the PCs’ boarding the
wall that surrounds it. The Sorority knows you’re light cruiser and defeating their assailants, the sounds
here, and the pirates are not about to give up with­ of the near-constant ion barrage subside. Equipment
out a fight. and systems slowly begin to hum back to life, and
after a short while, some of the lights actually flicker
on to reveal the ship’s cluttered interior.
Four Sorority pirates (fighting in two groups of two)
crouch in the darkness of the entryway beyond the Rather than present the Game Master with a linear
airlock hatch, their weapons trained on the PCs. Due series of scripted encounters punctuated by repeti­
to the backlighting that silhouettes the PCs from tive gunfights in narrow hallways, this section pro­
behind, the pirates gain □ to any attacks they make vides several individual hazards and encounters that
against the PCs, as long as the PCs are in the airlock can be used—or not used—in any order the GM likes.
itself. This bonus no longer applies to shots fired at Additional encounters can (and should) be introduced
PCs who have made their way inside the entryway at the GM’s whim. In the end, it’s up to the Game
and moved away from the airlock. Master how long the PCs spend making their way
through the hobbled Renegade’s Blood in search of
To make matters more interesting, only one PC can the ship’s bridge and their prize, the Queen. The CM
emerge through the airlock at a time. Firing from the should keep the tension high, though, with explosions
airlock, through allies, and at the pirates in the entry­ rocking the ship, coolant lines venting into walkways,
way is a difficult task and PCs attempting this suffer ■ alerts shouted over loudspeakers, and other signs the
on their ranged combat checks. vessel is in distress and that time is of the essence.
Additionally, outside of the light created by the Each encounter and hazard is different from the
pirates’ muzzle flashes, the entryway is without illu­ others, and each one offers a new challenge that must
mination of any kind. Any PC firing at the pirates in be overcome before the PCs can proceed. Some chal­
the entryway, and any pirate attempting to shoot a lenges may be insurmountable for some PCs, depend­
PC who has moved out of the airlock, suffers ■ due to ing on their abilities and equipment. Game Masters
darkness. Providing additional light sources, such as should present them with problems they can reason­
glow rods or the like, removes this penalty. ably overcome, or otherwise provide them with an
opportunity to locate tools that give them a fighting
chance. The GM should also feel free to create new
problems as desired as well to add unique dangers
specific to the PCs’ areas of expertise or backgrounds.
 disable one of them, they throw down their arms and
TAKING T H E LONG ROUTE
surrender. The PCs don’t have time to deal with pris­
oners. Letting the pirates go won’t have a negative
he encounters presented here represent
T the most accessible path the PCs can
choose to take to the bridge. Should they
effect on the Player Characters, one way or the other,
and their escape pod is liable to be destroyed by the
Consortium, anyway.
become stymied or unable to progress, they
can attempt to find another way around an Regardless of what the PCs decide to do with them,
obstacle or encounter. Doing so shouldn’t be the pirates’ case is filled with objects, equipment, and
easy, and requires a Hard [() <0 ()) Percep­ spice worth 8,000 credits. Unfortunately, it’s heavy
tion check or an Average (<0 <}) Knowledge and unwieldy (encumbrance at least 12), and only
(Education) check. Successful checks allow slows them down if they attempt to take it with them.
the PCs to find a way around, though they Portions can be taken by individual PCs, but each
might still encounter resistance on the way. such portion is worth only 500 credits.
If either of these checks fails, the Player Char­ The three pirates use the same statistics as the
acters are lost for several minutes while they Sorority Defenders on page 85.
attempt to get their bearings. The GM should
keep track of any <§) generated during these DAMAGE CONTROL
checks. If the PCs accumulate five <§> results,
they encounter a group of two Sorority Despite the incredible damage the Renegade’s Blood
defenders, with an additional defender added has suffered, there are still engineers aboard who are
for each <§> accumulated past five. When the doing their best to patch things up while they still can.
encounter with the defenders is resolved, the Unfortunately, one group of these engineers—working
accumulated <§) is expended and the tally frantically to repair one of the ship’s critical systems—
begins anew. labors right in the PCs’ path to the bridge.
Read or paraphrase the following aloud when the
A B A N D O N S H IP PCs approach the pirate engineers’ position:

Moving through the treacherous ship brings the PCs

to a compartment that has been converted to a stor­ The Renegade’s Blood continues to sway beneath
age room. Read or paraphrase the following aloud: the firepower amassed against it. As it rocks from
another blast, a voice up ahead curses. “E chu tai
How're we supposed to put this bucket back to­
The ship rocks slightly as another laser blast im­ gether if they keep shootin’ holes through us?’’
pacts its hull, and a muttered curse from up ahead
tells you that you're not alone. You stop for a mo­ "Stop whinin’, ’’ another voice replies. “If we can get
ment, watching as three pirates in space suits ap­ the shields back online, w ell be on our way. ’’
proach your end o f the compartment. One, obvi­
ously the leader, barks at the other two, who are
carrying a large hard-sided case between them. Peeking around a corner, you see four humanoids
"Hurry it up, sleemo!” As the words leave his lips, in grease-stained overalls working diligently on
one o f his companions glances past him and a number o f exposed panels. Engrossed in their
meets your gaze. “Uh, Turli, ’’ he says, dropping his work, they don’t see you yet. You could just as
end o f the case, "We gots trouble!’’ easily sneak by as ambush them.

These pirates have decided for themselves that the The four engineers continue working on repairing the
battle is lost, and that remaining aboard the Rene­ ship if left undisturbed, though there is still a chance
gade’s Blood is a big mistake. They’ve collected some they might hear any PCs who try to slip silently past
loot—their fair share, they insist—and are making them. Each sneaking PC must attempt an Average
their way to the nearest escape pod so they can put ^ ) Stealth check to avoid detection. Failure by
the Sorority behind them. Unfortunately for them, the any of the PCs results in the engineers’ noticing them
PCs are blocking their way off the ship. before they can either sneak away or get into a good
After dropping the hard-sided case, the three ambush position. If defeated, the Sorority engineers
pirates draw their pistols and scramble for cover. They possess enough tools between them to assemble two
aren’t planning on dying today, and if the PCs kill or complete tool kits.
SORORITY ENGINEER [M IN IO N ] Unprepared PCs who lack protective gear can
attempt to locate some in adjoining compartments,
The Sorority’s engineers maintain their ships’ sys­
as there are emergency lockers stocked with such
tems and ensure they remain functional even under
equipment throughout the ship. Finding such a locker
the most trying conditions. They’re well aware that
requires an Average ^ ) Perception check
their own survival hinges on whether they can repair
Should the check fail, no locker is found. Two or more
enough of their ship’s systems for it to either flee or
compete with their attackers. © generated on a successful check locates a locker,
but it is locked.
The engineers on the Renegade’s Blood consist of
Bypassing the lock requires an Average ^)
two humans (one male, one female), a male Sullustan,
Skulduggery check. Each locker found can contain
and a female Duros. They wear coveralls, utility belts
one or more of the following: a single space suit, a
festooned with tools, and breath masks. Two of them
breath mask, a hull sealant canister, an emergency
have blaster pistols, while the other two engineers
medpac, and a glow rod.
wield heavy hydrospanners. If forced into combat,
they fight in two groups, one with the pistols and the Given the presence of hull sealant canisters in the
others with the hydrospanners. ship’s emergency lockers, some PCs may attempt to
patch the hull breach and cycle in fresh air, allowing
unprotected individuals to enter the room without
risk of harm. Doing so requires them to locate the hull
breach and patch it somehow, assuming it isn’t too
large to repair. The breach should be roughly eight
centimeters in diameter, but the GM should adjust the
size (and number of breaches) to best match the pace
Skills (group only): Computers, Mechanics, Melee,
of the adventure and the PCs’ style of play.
Ranged (Light).
Talents: None.
Abilities: None.
Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage
6; Critical 5; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), heavy
HULL SEALANT CANISTERS
hydrospanner (Melee; Damage 4; Critical 5; Range
[Engaged]; Disorient 2), utility belt, breath mask,
s indicated by their name, hull sealant can­
sealed coveralls, glow rod, tool kit.

BREACHED COMPARTMENT
n isters contain hull sealant. The sealant is
under pressure, and can be applied to small
gaps or cracks in a ship’s hull to prevent air
As the PCs continue their trek to the ship’s bridge, loss due to vacuum. Doing so requires a suc­
their dangerous path leads them to a sealed hatch­ cessful Mechanics check, the difficulty of
way. Lights and readouts near the hatch’s panel indi­ which depends on the size of the hole. Holes
cate that the chamber beyond it is exposed to the larger than three centimeters in diameter
vacuum of deep space. Emergency magnetic fields in also require additional material, such as a
the doorway (as well as at other access points) allow piece of metal or ceramic plating that can be
the hatch to be opened without compromising the secured in place with hull sealant.
atmosphere in the rest of the vessel, but they don’t A canister of hull sealant costs 100 credits,
hold back the empty death of the void. and has an encumbrance value of 1 and a rar­
The quickest way to get past the breached com­ ity of 2.
partment is for the PCs to enter it through the open
hatch’s magnetic field and reach the compartment’s HULL SEALANT DIFFICULTIES
exit on the other side. Unfortunately, this method
requires that they have space suits (or some equiva­ <3>: Tiny but noticeable punctures in the hull.
lent protection) if they intend to withstand the rigors <0<C>: Breaches in the hull of up to three cen­
of a hard vacuum (see page 21 4 of the Edge of the timeters in diameter.
Empire Core Rulebook). Droids and some alien spe­
cies may be able to traverse the chamber without pro­ <}0<C>: Breaches in the hull of up to six cen­
tective equipment. timeters in diameter.
0 0 0 0 Breaches in the hull up to ten cen­
timeters in diameter.
0 0 0 0 0 : Hull ruPtures up to .5 meters.
 In addition, several dead pirates are present in the Read or paraphrase the following aloud:
compartment, and some of them are wearing space
suits. The occupied space suits can be fetched by
the PCs, emptied of their contents, and patched or As you pick your way through all manner o f de­
repaired if necessary so that other Player Characters bris, including a number o f bodies, you round a
can wear them. Of course, wise PCs check the suits corner only to see a large creature with a snake­
thoroughly to ensure they haven’t been punctured or like head atop its massive body—a Mantellian
otherwise compromised. The GM can have suits be Savrip! The creature, standing ten meters away in
damaged as desired, something the PCs can notice front o f a sealed hatch in the cramped (for it) walk­
with an Average Perception check or Easy way, narrows Its eyes at you before unleashing a
(^) Mechanics check. Hull sealant can be used to deafening battle cry. It raises the largest vibro-
repair any suit breaches, as per the Hull Sealant axe you’ve ever seen and charges.
Canisters sidebar on page 88.
Once the PCs are inside the exposed compartment, The Savrip, named Warg, is one of the Queen’s
other dangers can (and should) be present. Pirate praetorians, an elite guard trained to respond only to
crew working to repair damage are likely, as are myn- her commands. Given a lack of communication with
ocks that have entered the ship through a particularly his mistress, the Savrip has decided to remain at his
large hull breach. Mynocks are detailed on page 41 3 last post until the Queen orders him to do otherwise.
of the Edge of the E mpire Core Rulebook. Though the creature isn’t certain what all the commo­
tion is about, he’s smart enough to understand that
SORORITY CREW [M IN IO N ]
the vessel is under attack.
The crew who staff the Sorority’s ships are all expe­
rienced pirates. Though they aren’t usually called WARG, SAVRIP GUARD [NEMESIS]
upon to participate in boarding operations, they are Warg has served the Queen aboard her starship for as
expected to defend their ships to the best of their long as he can remember. The ship’s cramped quar­
ability when enemies successfully attack. The vast ters used to bother him, but these days he doesn’t
majority of these individuals are unarmed unless possess a coherent memory of anything else. Though
previously equipped with blasters by their individual he isn’t fond of guard duty, Warg considers himself to
quartermasters, which is typically only done if their be very good at standing in one place for a long time.
ship is expected to be boarded. As the Consortium The only thing that might improve his day is some­
counterattack was unexpected, most of them will not thing—ideally someone—to smash.
have blasters.
Warg wears a suit of laminate armor made just
for him, and he carries a massive vibro-axe that the
Queen gave him as a present.

Skills (group only): Computers, Gunnery, Mechanics,

Melee, Ranged (Light).
Talents: None.
Skills: Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Melee 3, Resilience 3,
Abilities: None.
Survival 2, Vigilance 3.
Equipment: Vibroknife (Melee; Damage 3; Critical
Talents: Durable 2 (subtract 20 from Critical Injury
2; Range [Engaged]; Pierce 2, Vicious 1), utility belt,
rolls made against the Savrip), Frenzied Attack 1
breath mask or space suit, glow rod, tool kit.
(suffer 1 strain to upgrade ability of a Melee or Brawl
combat check once).
MANTELLIAN MAYHEM
Abilities: Berserk Rage (when a Savrip has suffered
Not all the Sorority pirates are members of civilized any wounds, he deals + 1 damage to Brawl and Melee
species. In fact, the Pirate Queen is known to keep a attacks; when Critically Injured, he instead deals +2
number of Mantellian Savrips on her crew rosters, for damage to Brawl and Melee attacks).
impressive onboard security and a great deal of extra Equipment: Massive vibro-axe (Melee; Damage 9;
muscle during boarding operations. Here, the PCs are Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Cumbersome 4, Pierce 2,
unlucky enough to encounter one such Savrip guard­ Sunder, Vicious 3), laminate armor ( + 2 soak).
ing a door they very much need to open.
A BRIDGE TOO FAR
fter somehow making it to the bridge of the Ren­
fl egade’s Blood in one piece, the PCs should be
ready to tackle their final objective—the capture of
the Pirate Queen. As soon as the heavy blast doors
to the bridge are opened (requiring a Hard ^
Computers or Skulduggery check), the PCs are
met by a flurry of blaster fire from a handful of the
Queen’s elite bridge guards.
Read or paraphrase the following aloud:

The blast door cycles into the floor and ceiling

of the corridor, revealing the bridge o f the Ren­
egade’s Blood. Red lights flicker, and a number
of bodies can be seen lying amid the carnage
o f the different bridge compartments. Whim­
pers and moans come from the wounded,
while urgent voices call out updates and
warnings as the battle rages on outside.
Suddenly, a blaster bolt ricochets off the
wall, barely missing you. “We’ve got compa­
ny!" a tense female voice warns.

This is the opening salvo of the Queen’s first

(and final) confrontation with the PCs. A small
group of bridge crew and two minion groups of
three Sorority bridge guards are attempting to
do their jobs as the ship falls apart around
them (the Came Master should modify
the number of guards as needed for this
encounter to be challenging). The enig­
matic Queen Noira is also here, having
taken cover within the cockpit. She uses
her pistol when required, but her skill is hardly
exemplary as personal charm and shrewd
negotiation are her main weapons.
The remaining members of the bridge crew
remain at their stations, doing their best to steer
the ship away from the fray. They continue to do so
unless attacked by the PCs, in which case they defend
themselves; use the profile for Sorority Crew, on page
89, as needed. The bridge is filled with terminals,
collapsed struts, and other debris to provide plenty of
cover for the defenders as well.

BRIDGE GUARD [MINION]

Outside of the Savrips that make up the Queen’s
praetorians, the guards maintaining security on the Each of the bridge guards wears a special grey
bridge are her most trusted and capable troops. They armored uniform with black trim, and a plain black
are steadfast and loyal, and they have pledged to give mask that also functions as a pair of scanner goggles.
their lives in her defense.
 DEFEAT AND DEATH
Once the boarding party kills or stuns three of her
five guards, Noira orders the remaining pair to cease
fire. She remains sheltered in the cockpit unless she
was forced to move to another location by one of the
Skills (group only): Ranged (Light), Melee.
Player Characters. Her voice, the familiar soft whisper
Talents: None.
that is both beautiful and haunting, calls out to the
Abilities: None.
PCs for parley.
Equipment: Heavy blaster pistol (Ranged [Light];
Damage 7; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun set­ If the Player Characters allow Noira to speak her
ting), vibrosword (Melee; Damage 6; Critical 2; Range mind, she presents her case from her current hiding
[Engaged]; Defensive 1, Pierce 2, Vicious 1), heavy place. After all, she isn’t foolish enough to expose
battle armor (+ 1 defense, + 2 soak), mask. herself to the group that has almost singlehandedly
brought down the Veiled Sorority. 7 can hardly believe
NOIRA, PIRATE QUEEN [NEMESIS] what we have come to,” she says. 7 may have been
foolish to have doubted Zann’s resolve, but I was cer­
Noira is an Ubese female in her mid-forties, with tainly wrong to have doubted your abilities. For that, I
pale skin and piercing blue eyes that swirl like liquid offer my humblest apologies. ”
behind her platinum mask. Her hair is shoulder-length
Even if other pleasantries are exchanged, Noira
and ebony, and she wears a sharp uniform that adds
then continues with her speech. “The Veiled Sorority
even more to her air of command. As an Ubese, Noira
is a wealthy organization. I would be willing to share
wears a discreet breath mask that supplies her with
its wealth with you should you choose to turn your
the atmosphere mixture she requires to survive. She
back on Zann’s criminal empire and join mine. We are
keeps a blaster at her side and is proficient with her
but moments from escape, and unlike the treacherous
vibrorapier. Her true weapon, though, is her charm.
Tyber Zann, I will never betray you. ”
Under the circumstances, Noira is more interested
in survival than combat. Things have gone poorly, and
even if she survives the Consortium’s ambush, her
credibility within the Veiled Sorority has been com­
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, 'YES'?"
pletely shattered. In fact, it’s unlikely she’ll be the
Queen for much longer, and she knows it.
eing capricious, as Player Characters often
B are, they might choose to accept Noira’s
offer. While this takes the adventure off the
rails, so to speak, the Came Master should
be willing to go with the flow. After all, the
adventure still concludes, the PCs are able to
assist with Noira’s escape, and a galaxy of
Skills: Charm 4, Coercion 3, Cool 5, Deception 4, further stories still awaits.
Knowledge (Underworld) 3, Leadership 5, Melee 3, As a result, they’ll be wanted by the Zann
Negotiation 4, Ranged (Light) 2, Streetwise 4. Consortium once it’s discovered that they’ve
Talents: Adversary 2 (upgrade the difficulty of any broken their contract and joined Tyber Zann’s
combat check targeting this character twice), Com­ bitter enemy, but at least they’ll be in good
mand 2 (gain □ when making Leadership checks company. It’s possible that the PCs have their
per rank of Command), Steely Nerves (may spend a own plans, too. Perhaps their schemes involve
Destiny Point to ignore the effects of ongoing Critical taking the Queen’s mask for themselves in
Injuries on any Presence or Willpower-related checks). order to exert control over the Sorority.
Abilities: Awe-inspiring (Noira is such an awe-inspir­
ing figure that anyone attempting to attack her suffers This latter plan, while ambitious, is fraught
a H to their check unless they spend a Destiny Point; with greater peril still. As explained later,
use of the Destiny Point for this purpose makes the Noira’s failure has been catastrophic, and
character in question immune from this ability). she—or anyone assuming her identity—will
Equipment: Light blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; have to fight tooth and nail in order to main­
Damage 5; Critical 4; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), tain control of the Veiled Sorority, on top of
armored uniform (+ 1 soak), vibrorapier (Melee; Dam­ managing the conflict with the Consortium.
age 4; Critical 2; Range [Engaged]; Defensive 1, Pierce Venlana Sipal, for one, swears vengeance
5), ornate armor ( + 2 soak), Pirate Queen’s mask, against the PCs as soon as she hears of the
breath mask. turnover at the Paradise (see page 92).
 If her offer is declined, violently or otherwise, Noira On a brighter note, the Pirate Queen’s defeat allows
expresses her disappointment. "Our reign could have the Player Characters to finally claim her mask in the
been glorious, friends. You force mg hand with your name of the Zann Consortium and provide the critical
refusal.” With that, she draws her vibrorapier and proof of her death. Should she be saved from her own
leads her remaining guards in a desperate attack. She attempt at suicide, Noira informs the PCs that the
is quite deadly in close combat, and should prove a mask was Tyber Zann’s goal all along. The Consortium
dangerous opponent for the PCs. Her aim is to hold had planned to supplant Noira with an impostor, using
off the PCs so she can make her way to a nearby her mask to disguise her true identity from the rest
hatchway leading down to an escape pod. of the Sorority. Unfortunately for Zann, the attempt
failed and sparked off a feud between the two organi­
This final battle should rage across what is left of
zations. Should the Queen die without imparting this
the bridge, as the Renegade's Blood shudders around
story to the PCs, the Came Master should feel free to
the fighters. Various bridge stations might suddenly
engineer some other method for them to learn about
burst into fire or explode, making for a suitably cin­
it after the fact.
ematic climax. The Pirate Queen fights to the last, but
is likely outmatched at this point. Once she is inca­
pacitated, before collapsing unconscious Noira turns THE BATTLE ENDS
to the PCs and drops her rapier in defeat.
Once the PCs have defeated the last of the bridge
“And so our game o f cat and mouse ends,” she whis­ guards and finally brought down the Queen, they can
pers, her voice weary. “So be it, but do not expect me take control of the ship’s bridge and open a comm
to go willingly to one o f Zann’s torture chambers. Such channel to Jerid Sykes. Sykes is surprised by their
Is not my fate. " success, but congratulates them nonetheless. After a
With that, her eyes flutter behind her mask and few moments of awkward compliments, Sykes offers
she falls to the deck. Player Characters who succeed to send a boarding party over to clear the Renegade’s
on an Average Medicine check can discern Blood of any remaining pirates.
that Noira is suffering from the effects of some kind Once the Consortium flotilla has finished mopping
of virulent poison. If questioned, she opens her eyes. up (or the remaining Sorority vessels have escaped
"Implanted toxin sac. Zann can have my ashes,” she into hyperspace), Sykes orders every surviving Soror­
explains before losing consciousness. ity pirate executed and ejected into deep space. He
The PCs can attempt to save the Queen’s life by gives the order just as he might request an ale in a
making a Daunting ( ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ) Medicine check In local cantina, and he shows no hesitation or remorse
the case of a failure, Noira’s life slips away quietly. Any for it. Always a good host, he offers to let the PCs
level of success forestalls her death for ten minutes, assist his crew in “taking out the trash.” It’s up to them
plus an additional five minutes per O but unless a if they want to participate in such gruesome business.
Player Character (or Sykes) quickly purges her of the As their presence is no longer required, they are
poison in a fully functioning sick bay or medcenter free to board their vessel and return to Saleucami
on one of the Consortium ships, she won’t survive in order to conclude their business and—finally—be
the ravages of the custom neurotoxin that courses paid for the contract.
through her veins.

CONTRACT FULFILLED
he return trip to Saleucami is uneventful unless them into the conference, room as he has in the past.
T the GM wishes to explore other encounters or plot
points. Once they’ve touched down in Taleucema, the
Venlana, sitting in her chair at the conference table,
smiles broadly when the PCs enter. "Welcome bach,
PCs are summoned back to the Paradise one last time and congratulations on a job well done,” she tells
by Porel, Venlana’s Twi’lek assistant. Like Venlana, them. "Now we can sort out your compensation and
Porel refuses to discuss anything of consequence over put this contract to rest. But first.. the Pirate Queen’s
an open comm line. He insists the PCs rendezvous mash, if you please.”
with him at the cantina so that he can dole out pay­
Once the PCs produce the mask, Porel extends his
ment and complete their contract.
hand to receive it. As he does so, Venlana interrupts,
The Paradise is much as the Player Characters 7 don’t thinh so, Porel. Tyber Zann wouldn’t appreciate
remember it, though it is hardly as crowded as it was the hands of a traitor touching his prize. ”
the last time. Porel meets them at the door and leads
 Porel stops in his tracks, but he seems unsurprised
by Venlana’s revelation. “It was only a matter of time
until your duplicity came to light, Venlana," he says.
“My duplicity?” she answers incredulously. “You’ve
been at the Sorority’s beck and call all along!" Glanc­
ing at the PCs, Venlana nods to Porel. “My friends, you
have one last target before your contract is fulfilled. Skills: Brawl 3, Coercion 2, Cool 3, Knowledge
Kill this scum, and I will see your pay doubled!” (Underworld) 3, Negotiation 2, Perception 3, Ranged
(Light) 3, Streetwise 3.
Porel doesn’t take Venlana’s threat sitting down.
Talents: Adversary 1 (upgrade the difficulty of any
“Tyber Zann has suspected Venlana’s treachery for
combat check targeting this character once), Dodge
some time now,’’ he tells the PCs. “Now, we have our
1 (perform Dodge incidental to suffer 1 strain to
proof. The Consortium will reward you well if you can
upgrade the difficulty of an enemy’s combat check
capture this Pantoran harpy alive. ”
once), Point Blank 2 (adds +2 damage to one hit of
Both Venlana and Porel exude conviction, but it’s successful Ranged [Light] attacks made at short range
up to the PCs to decide which one to support. The or engaged).
truth—which may appear obvious—is that Venlana is Abilities: None.
the Sorority mole, while Porel has been loyal. In fact, Equipment: Blaster pistol (Ranged [Light]; Damage
he was assigned to Venlana in order to keep an eye on 6; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), holdout
her. PCs wishing to discern truth from lies can attempt blaster pistol with superior weapon customization
an opposed Hard ( # # # ) Discipline check to see (Ranged [Light]; Damage 6; Critical 4; Range [Short];
through her deception. Porel is not attempting to Stun setting, Superior), armored suit (+ 1 soak), corn-
deceive the PCs, so he appears to believe what he link, datapad.
is saying. GMs wishing to maintain ambiguity can
allow the PCs to attempt a Hard Discipline
check. Whether they succeed or fail, Porel seems to
be telling the truth.
If the PCs side with Venlana against Porel, he
attempts to escape through the Paradise,
defending himself as necessary. He’s a
shrewd combatant, but it isn’t his intention
to kill anyone. Rather, he needs to report his
findings to the Consortium, and he kills
only as a last resort.

POREL VAKRA,
ZANN CONSORTIUM
UNDERBOSS [NEMESIS]
Given that Porel has been a Consor­
tium member for nearly fifteen
years, many are surprised that he
hasn’t advanced higher in the ranks.
The truth is, he enjoys being where
he is, and he has proven himself
to be a loyal member of the Zann
Consortium time and time again.
Porel is a perpetually stoic
Twi’lek, both in his manner and his
speech. He dresses conservatively,
favoring tailored suits that conceal
his hidden pistol. Based on his
plain appearance, many people
underestimate him—often to their
painful detriment.
 If, on the other hand, the PCs side with Porel, Ven-
lana raises her hands and gives up without a struggle.
EPISODE III XP REWARDS
Unless silenced somehow, she threatens Porel and the Standard experience point rewards for Episode III
PCs, and continues to do so until she’s taken away.
“You’ll be sorry, you idiots," she snarls. “When Tyber • Helping JR-12 if it was damaged by the Sorority
Zann hears o f this, he’ll have you all Hilled. ’’ saboteurs: 5 XP
• Shooting down one or more Sorority spacecraft
during the battle: 5 XP
VENLANA VICTORIOUS
• Overcoming the Sorority bridge crew and defeat­
ing Queen Noira: 5 -1 0 XP
ullible or treacherous Player Characters
G may, for whatever reason, choose to side
with Venlana. If this happens, and they suc­
• Preventing the toxin from killing Noira: 5 XP
• Capturing Venlana on Porel’s behalf: 5 XP
ceed in killing Porel, she is happy to tap the
Zann Consortium funds at her disposal and • Additional encounters: 5 XP
double their contract, as agreed, once she As always, the GM should award bonus XP for good
has the mask of the Pirate Queen in her pos­ roleplaying and engaging with the PCs’ Motivations
session. She then thanks them for their help and Obligations.
and takes her leave, intimating that she must
get the mask to Tyber Zann at once.
WHAT NEXT?
Whether or not Porel escapes, it’s only a mat­
ter of time until the Zann Consortium figures By the end of M ask of the P irate Q ueen , the PCs
out what’s happened. Zann, in a rage, hires should have successfully completed their increas­
a plethora of bounty hunters to find Venlana ingly intricate contract with the Zann Consortium and
and the PCs. While he insists that Venlana be brought both Queen Noira and Venlana Sipal to an
captured alive, Zann specifies no such treat­ end. Enterprising or unlucky parties may have made
ment for the PCs. Regardless of how they quite a mess of things, joined the enemy, or other­
deal with their pursuit, the Player Characters wise angered their employer, and may now be on the
should have an exciting, if dangerous, time. run from Tyber Zann’s cutthroats. In either case, there
are plenty of springboards available to Game Masters
Venlana herself disappears. A few months
looking to keep the players involved.
later, however, the Veiled Sorority returns to
the spacelanes, targeting legitimate shipping
rather than singling out Consortium convoys. ONE GOOD JOB DESERVES ANOTHER
Is the new Pirate Queen Venlana behind the The Zann Consortium is always looking for talented
mask? Or has the Sorority chosen a new
operators, skilled criminals, and competent ne’er-do-
leader? Curious PCs may choose to investi­
wells to fill its ranks. If the PCs have done a flawless
gate, but who knows what they will discover? job—or even an admirable one—Porel asks them to
join the Zann Consortium. The Consortium can pro­
Porel thanks the PCs for their loyalty and calls a vide unscrupulous PCs with countless opportunities
group of Consortium thugs who come and take Ven- to earn money at the expense of less fortunate inhab­
lana away. She continues to profess her innocence itants of the Outer Rim.
until she’s out of earshot, but neither Porel nor the Of course, membership in the Zann Consortium has
thugs seem to care. As a symbol of his appreciation, its price. Not only do Consortium employees have
Porel gives the PCs an extra 1,000 credit bonus, in very little choice in the jobs they are assigned—and
addition to any other bonuses they’ve earned. refusal approaches failure—but they are forever under
If questioned further about Venlana, Porel explains the watchful eye of Tyber Zann and his cronies. Dark
that Venlana was a Sorority mole all along. Though deeds, guilt, and near-constant paranoia follow them
he’d suspected her duplicity for some time, he was through every hyperspace jump. While such pursuits
required to accumulate evidence that proved her guilt offer an exhilarating rush of income and excitement,
beyond a shadow of a doubt. Given the great care the pleasure fades once the dubious charm of orga­
that Venlana took to disguise her associations with nized crime has worn off, and all the credits in the
the Sorority, scraping together a convincing case was galaxy don’t buy peace of mind.
quite difficult until she revealed herself.
 Careers in a powerful criminal organization are often IN D EE P P O O D O O
lifelong, and Tyber Zann appreciates the simplicity
and efficiency of making sure Consortium careers are Given the many opportunities for failure during M ask
exactly lifelong. Attempting to leave the organization of the P irate Q ueen , the PCs may find themselves
for any reason whatsoever results in a kill order being caught between the Zann Consortium and the Veiled
issued for the PCs. Though silver-tongued PCs may be Sorority. Egregious failure enrages Tyber Zann, espe­
able to talk their way out of other criminal obligations, cially if it results in Consortium losses. Aiding Venlana
the Consortium continues to consider them security in the end especially marks the PCs as treacherous,
risks—loose ends to be tied off. extremely stupid, or both. The penalty for such acts
is death, and Zann willingly devotes an entire account
Even if the PCs refuse membership in the Zann Con­
of the Consortium budget to making sure the Player
sortium, Porel has plenty for them to do as freelancers.
Characters are hunted down like womp rats.
Though Venlana was taken away by Consortium thugs,
news surfaces a few days later that she has escaped In such a case, PCs who are unwilling to flee from the
from her captors and is on the loose. Porel asks the Consortium may offer themselves to the Veiled Soror­
PCs, given their familiarity with Venlana, to pursue her ity. With thejr knowledge of the Consortium’s plans,
in exchange for another handsome bounty. insofar as the Sorority is concerned, they are initially
valuable. If the PCs prove to be less knowledgeable
E V E R Y O N E M A K E S M IS T A K E S than they’ve let on, the Sorority has no qualms about
liquidating them.
The Consortium mercilessly hunts PCs who betray, fail,
Of course, the Player Characterssmay attempt to
or attempt to deceive their former employer. In Tyber
put as much space between themselves and the Zann
Zann’s eyes, anyone who is brave or foolish enough
Consortium as they can. While this may be effective
to cross him diminishes the Consortium’s reputation,
at first, the sins of the past always catch up with them.
and must be eradicated at all costs. There can be no
Zann’s spiderlike patience is rivaled only by his cru­
forgiveness from such a tyrant; crossing him could
elty, and he intends to balance the proverbial books,
even result in each PC gaining a Bounty Obligation.
one way or another.
D E F E C T IO N
\ W V O T H E R O P P O R T U N IT IE S
If the PCs joined or took over the Veiled Sorority, the
Outside of the major powers in M ask of the P irate
Zann Consortium’s bounty hunters still hound them
Q ueen , the Player Characters have also encountered
across the galaxy. The difference, however, is that the
a number of smaller organizations and individuals
PCs aren’t alone, and have the Sorority’s pirates, facil­
along the way. Most prominently, crime lord lllo Van-
ities, and resources to call on...eventually. After all,
din on Ord Mantell may be willing to throw additional
the pirates don’t trust anyone, especially Consortium
assignments the PCs’ way, depending on how success­
turncoats, until they’ve suitably proved themselves.
ful they were in taking care of his business previously.
The Player Characters have choices, depending on Game Masters can develop him into a rising power
when they defected to the Sorority. If they joined on as he moves into the void the Sorority leaves on that
Ord Mantel], they may very well be able to experi­ world, and possibly beyond into other systems. Even
ence the remainder of this adventure from the other if the Sorority still remains in power somehow, Vandin
side of the fence. If they agreed to join the Queen can easily become a useful NPC when the GM needs
aboard the Renegade’s Blood, however, their status is to present new job opportunity’s for the PCs.
less established. The events on Ord Mantell and the
Other NPCS can be developed into useful parts of
subsequent ambush of her pirate fleet have brought
other adventures as well. Greedy fence Krezo Wasanti
Noira’s competence into question. If she wishes to
may find that his path intersects with the PCs’ again,
keep her crown (and mask), Noira requires powerful
and sabaafchampion Micael Torval’s Force sensitiv­
allies like the PCs on her side.
ity may come to the PCs’—or the Empire’s—attention.
While the Veiled Sorority is more egalitarian than
There is also the Pirate Queen’s mask itself. The PCs
the Zann Consortium—and retirement is not an auto­
may recognize the mask’s value, and as mentioned in
matic death sentence—it’s still a nest of vipers where
the “What do you mean, ‘Yes’?” sidebar on page
no one is truly safe from intrigue and betrayal. Until
91 attempt to seize the Veiled Sorority’s power for
the PCs show the skill and nerve to stand side-by-side
themselves. The intrigues they face in their attempt
with their newfound pirate friends, they must watch
to manage an entire criminal organization should be
their backs both within the organization and without.
deeper and more treacherous than they’ve ever imag­
ined, but could lead them into new adventures and
conflicts also beyond their imaginations.
 A lo n g t im e a g o in a g a la x y fa r, f a r a w a y ..,.

A vicious band of space pirates has declared a vendetta against a powerful

smuggling cartel. The cartel is now on the lookout for shilled bounty hunters to ■
permanently deal with the enemy leader—the mysterious and deadly Pirate Queen.
Ready your blasters for a deadly hunt that will take,your crew from forgotten
jungles and lawless shadowports to starship battles in deep space. The only
thing more dangerous than'the enigmatic Pirate Queen, however, is the'risk of
retribution hanging over any who fail-to complete the job.
This full-length adventure includes:
• A multi-part tale of pursuit for both seasoned and starting characters. . ,/
yV
• New adversaries and vehicles, including ferocious Savrips, clone
' trooper mercenaries, and the Zann Consortium’s deadly combat'
frigates and starfighters. . V
• In-depth planetary gazetteers allowing Game Masters \
to run their own campaigns on verdant Saleucami ^ «
and infamousOrd Mantell.