The Modern Dispatch

The Shadow Cult

The sadistic enjoyment obvious in his eyes when a
combatant was seriously hurt or killed. Could he be
By Charles Rice involved in this?
Her thoughts were similarly occupied on her way
“Recently a series of grisly murders have gripped out of the office and to her car. Rex was right about
world headlines. The killer or killers move unseen, one thing, this story (along with her undercover
striking at will with a precision that has baffled police reporting of the Hanmei) had been the source of her
from London to Tokyo. What has gained the attention high-profile status that landed her the co-anchor job.
of the national media are the killers’ targets: world- However, reporting on a story like this made her

#19
class martial arts experts are being beaten to death. wonder if she hadn’t made the wrong choice. Maybe
Quiet sensei found slaughtered in remote Buddhist she should be out there looking for… whoever was
monasteries. High-profile class instructors found doing these murders.
dead in their offices before class. Special operations

Content�Manager:�
personnel found dead by their units while on patrol.
The list goes on. Who is the killer or killers? The Set Up
FBI task force heading the American stage of the
Charles�Rice,�Chris�Davis,�Phil�Reed investigation only had a terse ‘no comment’ for The Shadow Cult is an adventure seed for modern d20
Layout:� this reporter, but we will bring any updates to this games. This adventure seed draws on elements from
Chris�Davis bizarre case as soon as they are made available. For Blood and Relics as well as Blood and Fists to create
a somewhat unique horror-martial arts role-playing
Proofreading:� the Philadelphia Constitution, this is Brianna Riggs
experience. If you intend to play in this adventure you
signing off.”
Donald�Kiesling,�Chris�Davis Sighing to herself, Brianna leaned back in her chair should stop reading now.
as the lights dimmed. She looked through her notes on
the day’s news (which she never looked at during the
broadcast thanks to the teleprompter) and tried to sort
What’s going on?
through what she knew about these killings. She hated Most people, even those who study ancient Japanese
these little moments when the camera was still on and history believe the BlackShadow Cult to be a myth.
Requires the use of the d20 Modern Roleplaying
she and Rex Arronson, her co-anchor were supposed Ninja of great power, reputed to be able to assume the
Game, published by Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
to chat amiably about the news of the day. Like most form of a shadow and walk through walls. However
things in the broadcast side of the news business, that the legend is real, and recently the enigma at the heart
d20 Modern and Wizards of the Coast are
appearance was an illusion. of that legend, BlackShadow, the man condemned to
trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. in the
Rex leaned over, smiling his plastic smile, “You’d live as a shadow, dispelled and tortured during the
United States and other countries and are used
have to be pretty upset if they caught this guy huh. day has returned and drawn a new group of followers
with permission
After all your coverage of the local martial arts stuff to him. The world has changed much since he was
led you to cover this story, which led to you getting last free in the 12th century but his consuming desire
‘d20 System’ and the ‘d20 System’ logo are
the second chair on the big show.” remains the same: to find the blood of a pure monk
trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and are
Brianna shrugged, still looking over her notes, “I steeped in the ways of the martial arts and thereby
used according to the terms of the d20 System
have a feeling they aren’t going to catch him.” dispel his curse and be human once again.
License version 6.0. A copy of this License can
In her mind’s eye she could see Lin Qi watching
be found at www.wizards.com/d20.
the matches at the Hanmei from his private box.

SHADOW�CULT Page 1
The Modern Dispatch

Adventure Hooks to enhance the speed and aggression of martial artists

in the hopes that an unarmed assassin might be the
into the divine personage’s presence. The assassin had
heard the tales of the Emperor’s divine heritage and
perfect way to kill those too paranoid to allow a dismissed them as a story for children. But when he
Strange Bedfellow weapon anywhere near them. drew his knife he no longer saw the fragile young boy,
If the PCs participated in the Hanmei they might find A few subjects gained the enhanced speed but but a god, glowing with the light of Amaterasu. As the
themselves aiding someone from the competition. their increased aggression (and a tendency toward assassin fled he heard the Emperor’s words ringing
Pick someone the PCs parted with on good terms psychotic behavior) made them uncontrollable. All but in his ears: you are the enemy of the Sun and it shall
in the competition (John Lee and Jing Choi make one have been successfully hunted down and killed. forever be your enemy.
excellent selections here for most PCs) and have their The one remaining subject had an intense need to be That was the day the human ninja died and was
brutal murder come to the attention of the PCs. When the best of the best and the agency thinks he might be replaced by BlackShadow. A creature of shadow,
the PCs investigate, they will find a nemesis from the killer. living a half-life, able to penetrate any castle at night
the Hanmei, such as Marcel or perhaps even Lin Qi Although this “perfect weapon” has nothing but forced to retreat into the deepest caves during the
himself (written up in the pages of a previous dispatch whatsoever to do with the killings this red herring day.
article) investigating the murder as well. might be a good way to introduce him into the Depending on the nature of the campaign this
After a brief fight (perhaps not so brief depending campaign. The GM might even combine this hook legend could be just that. The killer could be using
on how the PC and his nemesis parted company last) with strange bedfellows and have the super soldier it to carve an empire of crime and assassination for
the NPC will explain that he is looking for the killer cross paths with the PCs conducting his own search himself. The “Sensei Slasher” is just an elaborate ruse,
out of a fear that he might be next. If the PC is willing for the killer. done at the exact same time as a contract killing in
they could look for the killer together… but either the same city to distract and confuse law enforcement

NPCS
way they will cross paths with someone they don’t authorities.
like during the course of their investigations. A Blood and Relics campaign might cast
BlackShadow as a Caeder dwelling in the Far East. In
The Sensei Slasher Blackshadow this case the Emperor was in fact a Sang Real. There
A PC with an investigative background, such as Over 800 years ago the Shadow clan was one of the is no curse; that is the stuff of legend. But the power
a reporter or a private investigator might wind up most feared ninja clans in all of Japan. They accepted of the creature to become shadow and the ability of
looking for the man or men the tabloid media have any assignment, used any means, no matter how the Sun to destroy it are both all too real.
dubbed “the Sensei Slasher.” The FBI is treating the dishonorable to achieve their ends. Children were A fantastic campaign might use the Blood and
case like any other serial killer and getting nowhere. abducted to lure warriors to their deaths, noble men Vigilance rules to give BlackShadow a full set of
A PC able to accept that fact that there might really were framed and forced to commit seppuku by their powers with the Mystic Encounter origin (invisibility
be an occult agency at work and not just a demented masters, tales of infidelity fed to jealous wives to get and desolidification would be called for here).
psychopath engaging in ritual murder might be able to them to deliver the poison to their own husband’s
track the killer down to his mountain retreat in Japan. mouths were but some of the tactics used by this BlackShadow (Fast Hero 4/Ninja 10): CR 14;
Doing so unprepared might add the PC to the list of family, so ruthless that it was reviled even by other Medium-size humanoid; HD 4d8+8 plus 10d6+20; HP
victims. ninja clans. 81; Mas 14; Init +2; Spd 35 ft; Defense 24, touch 24,
They feared nothing and were willing to take flatfooted 22 (+0 size, +2 Dex, +12 class); BAB +10;
any assignment. This was their undoing. One of Grap +12; Atk +14 melee (1d4+2/19-20, Sai), or +13
The Perfect Weapon the clan members accepted an assignment to do the ranged (2d6+0, Glock 17); FS 5 ft by 5 ft; Reach 5 ft;
A PC employed by a government agency (especially unthinkable: assassinate the Emperor, then twelve SQ none; AL BlackShadow ; SV Fort +6, Ref +11,
a black ops agency) might be assigned to investigate years old. Preparations were undertaken for over three Will +4; AP 7; Rep +3; Str 15, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 13,
the Sensei Slasher “unofficially”. It seems that a years but eventually the assassin schemed his way Wis 10, Cha 8.
decade ago the agency spent millions on treatments

SHADOW�CULT Page 2
The Modern Dispatch
Occupation: Criminal (Disable Device, Disguise) Philosophy]) +19, Jump +3, Knowledge (Streetwise) +3, Listen
Skills: Balance +11, Bluff +15, Climb +7, Skills: Balance +3, Climb +3, Concentration +7, +1, Move Silently +19, Read/Write Language +1
Concentration +4, Disable Device +10, Disguise +16, Craft (writing) +12, Decipher Script +15, Gather (Japanese, English), Sense Motive +2, Sleight of Hand
Escape Artist +7, Forgery +4, Gather Information +3, Information +7, Hide +9, Intimidate +2, Knowledge +10, Speak Language +1 (Japanese, English), Spot
Hide +22, Jump +5, Knowledge (Tactics) +4, Listen (Arcane Lore) +18, Knowledge (Art) +4, Knowledge +4, Tumble +13
+3, Move Silently +23, Search +4, Sense Motive +3, (Behavioral Sciences) +4, Knowledge (History) +17, Feats: Archaic Weapons - Japanese, Defensive
Sleight of Hand +4, Spot +5, Tumble +11 Knowledge (Theology and Philosophy) +16, Listen Martial Arts, Ninjutsu, Personal Firearms Proficiency,
Feats: Archaic Weapons - Japanese, Combat +2, Move Silently +8, Read/Write Language +4 Shadow, Weapon Focus (Sai)
Expertise, Combat Martial Arts, Improved Disarm, (Japanese, English, Abyssal, Akkadian), Research Talents (Fast Hero): Increased Speed, Improved
Ninjutsu, Personal Firearms Proficiency, Power +12, Search +6, Speak Language +4 (Japanese, Increased Speed
Attack, Shadow, Shadow Warrior English, Abyssal, Akkadian), Spot +2, Tumble +3 Talents (Ninja): Shinobi-jutsu, Shichi-ho-de, Silent
Talents (Fast Hero): Increased Speed, Evasion Feats: Bloodletting, Conviction (Dark Power), Kill +2d6, Goton-no-jutsu
Talents (Ninja): Shinobi-jutsu, Shichi-ho-de, Defensive Martial Arts, Educated (Knowledge Possessions: Sai (mastercraft +1 attack), Glock 17;
Goton-no-jutsu, Chunin, Jonin, Silent Kill +5d6 [Arcane Lore], Knowledge [History]), Faith’s Wealth +6
Possessions: Sai (mastercraft +2 attack), Glock Protection, Human Sacrifice, Ninjutsu, Profane Ritual
17, box 9mm ammunition, disguise kit, climbing kit; Talents (Smart Hero): Linguist, Exploit Weakness Shadow Assassin
Wealth +6 Talents (Cultist): Control Undead, True Magic, These assassins are the main body of the cult and will
Dark Initiate, Darkness’ Embrace, Absolution, Dark comprise most of the PCs adversaries as they attempt
Shadow Cult Leader Familiar to locate the cult’s hiding place in Japan and/or
High in the mountains of Japan a grisly cult has Possessions: sacrificial blade; Wealth +7 prevent any further killings. Depending on the PCs’
worshipped BlackShadow for centuries. The current level there should be a maximum number of these
head of this cult believes he has found a way to allow Elite Shadow Assassin ninja at the cult’s disposal equal to 1-4 per PC (if the
his master to walk free again and travels with his These elite assassins will usually comprise the PCs are high level huge numbers of these attackers
small cadre of assassins, performing grisly rites on “second wave” after the PCs have fended off one or can be used to swarm the PCs).
fallen warriors. more attacks by the Shadow Cult. Depending on the
Note: This NPC will only appear in campaigns that PCs’ level there should be a maximum number of Shadow Assassin (Fast 3/Ninja 3): CR 6; Medium-
take the Blood and Relics approach to the motivations these ninja at the cult’s disposal equal to 1-2 per PC. size humanoid; HD 3d8+6 plus 3d6+6; HP 37; Mas
for the Sensei Slasher. 14; Init +2; Spd 40 ft; Defense 18, touch 18, flatfooted
Elite Shadow Assassin (Fast 3/Ninja 5): CR 8; 16 (+0 size, +2 Dex, +6 class); BAB +4; Grap +6;
Shadow Cult Leader (Smart 3/Cultist 7): CR 10; Medium-size humanoid; HD 3d8+6 plus 5d6+10; Atk +7 melee (1d4+2/19-20, Sai), or +7 ranged (2d6,
Medium-size humanoid; HD 3d6+6 plus 7d6+14; HP 48; Mas 14; Init +2; Spd 40 ft; Defense 19, touch Glock 17); FS 5 ft by 5 ft; Reach 5 ft; SQ none; AL
HP 56; Mas 14; Init +2; Spd 30 ft; Defense 15, touch 19, flatfooted 17 (+0 size, +2 Dex, +7 class); BAB BlackShadow; SV Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2; AP 3;
15, flatfooted 13 (+0 size, +2 Dex, +3 class); BAB +5; Grap +7; Atk +9 melee (1d4+2/19-20, Sai), or +8 Rep +1; Str 14, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha
+4; Grap +4; Atk +5 melee (1d4+1/19-20, sacrificial ranged (2d6+0, Glock 17); FS 5 ft by 5 ft; Reach 5 ft; 8.
blade), or +6 ranged (1d4+1/19-20, sacrificial blade); SQ none; AL BlackShadow; SV Fort +4, Ref +8, Will Occupation: Criminal (Hide, Move Silently)
FS 5 ft by 5 ft; Reach 5 ft; SQ none; AL BlackShadow +2; AP 4; Rep +2; Str 14, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis Skills: Balance +9, Bluff +3, Climb +3, Disguise
; SV Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +8; AP 5; Rep +3; Str 10, 10, Cha 8. +2, Escape Artist +4, Gather Information +1, Hide
Dex 14, Con 14, Int 15, Wis 13, Cha 8. Occupation: Criminal (Hide, Move Silently) +15, Jump +3, Knowledge (Streetwise) +3, Listen
Occupation: Religious (Decipher Script, Skills: Balance +9, Bluff +5, Climb +3, Disguise +1, Move Silently +15, Read/Write Language +1
Knowledge [Arcane Lore], Knowledge [Theology and +4, Escape Artist +4, Gather Information +1, Hide (Japanese, English), Sense Motive +1, Sleight of Hand

SHADOW�CULT Page 3
The Modern Dispatch
+9, Speak Language +1 (Japanese, English), Tumble of preparation for each disguise) and then during a
+11 mission, assume that disguise as a full-round action.
Feats: Archaic Weapons - Japanese, Defensive A character must have a disguise kit to prepare a
Martial Arts, Ninjutsu, Personal Firearms Proficiency, disguise for this ability.
Shadow, Weapon Focus (Sai) Goton-no-jutsu: The “escaping techniques” are
Talents (Fast Hero): Increased Speed, Improved predetermined escape routes that allow the ninja
Increased Speed to depart after completing his mission. This ability
Talents (Ninja): Shinobi-jutsu, Silent Kill +1d6, allows the character to add his ninja class level to all
Shichi-ho-de climb, escape artist, and swim skill checks made while
Possessions: Sai, Glock 17, disguise kit, climbing making his escape.
kit; Wealth +6 This ability also allows a ninja to create a blind
or screen at a predetermined location. The ninja
Ninja Abilities can either use this blind to watch his target in
Don’t have Honk Kong Knights? Don’t fret; here are preparation for a mission, or as an emergency
the various Ninja class abilities and feats. bolthole to hide from guards if his escape is
in danger. This ability requires an hour to
prepare. After preparations are complete,
Ninja Class Abilities: the ninja gains a +10 circumstance
Shinobi-jutsu: The “stealing in method” is the bonus to hide skill checks while he is
ninja’s primary source of power. His stealth provides in that predetermined location. If a spot
him with the means of getting close to his target and check discovers the ninja, the hide bonus is
escaping with his life. This ability allows the character permanently lost at that location.
to add his ninja class level to all hide and move Chunin: You have risen to the rank of Chunin or
silently skill checks. “middle man” in your ninja clan. This ability acts as
Silent kill: The character gains the listed sneak the Leadership feat except that all your followers of
attack damage against surprised, flat-footed, or flanked 4th level or above are ninja. Followers below 4th level
targets. If the victim of this attack is surprised and are in training or are resources from outside the clan.
fails a Massive Damage Threshold saving throw, the If you already possess the Leadership feat this class
character is eliminated in complete silence, requiring ability grants you the Renown feat instead.
a Listen check (DC 30) for any nearby guard to notice Jonin: You have risen to the rank of Jonin or “upper
something amiss. At the GM’s discretion, Ordinaries man” in your ninja clan. This ability adds +10
may not receive a MDT save against this attack. See to your Leadership score. If this raises your
the d20 Modern Core Rulebook for the definition of Leadership above 25, double the number of
an Ordinary. followers for each full five points above
Shichi-ho-de: The “ways of going” provide another 25. You also no longer suffer leadership
means of entry and escape for the ninja through the penalties for the deaths of followers or
means of disguise. This ability allows the character to cohorts. Finally, this ability grants you the
add his ninja class level to all disguise and bluff skill Information Network feat as a bonus feat.
checks. Should you already possess this feat, this class
This ability also allows the ninja to prepare up ability grants you the Renown feat instead.
to seven disguises before a mission (taking an hour

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The Modern Dispatch
Ninjutsu
The history of Ninjutsu and its practitioners, the
Ninja, is almost impossible to determine with any
degree of accuracy. Every source seems to contradict
every other source, and all claim to be the “true
descendants” of the “true art of Ninjutsu.” The style
detailed here is what d20 Modern players and GMs
will expect to find in the hand-to-hand arsenal of a
Ninja from popular books, movies, and video games.
Prerequisite: Combat Martial Arts or Defensive
Martial Arts.
Effect: You are proficient in kick attacks and
are considered armed while making such attacks.
Ninjutsu, like Commando Training is an adaptive
style, able to “borrow” moves from any other style.
This feat adds Climb, Hide, and Move Silently to your
list of class skills. Ninjutsu is an external style whose
attacks are modified by Dexterity.

Shadow
The Ninja is able to vanish as though he were never
there.
Prerequisite: Ninjutsu, Hide 6 Ranks, Move
Silently 6 Ranks.
Effect: You may hide in plain sight at will.

Shadow Warrior
The Ninja leaves no trace; he becomes rumor
incarnate.
Prerequisite: Ninjutsu, Shadow, Hide 10 Ranks,
Move Silently 10 Ranks.
Effect: You leave very little evidence behind you.
The DC of any Survival check to track you or any
Investigate check to find fingerprints or trace evidence
of your presence have their DC increased by 10 (so
if an Investigate check of 15 was needed to find
evidence you were there, the DC becomes 25).

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The Modern Dispatch
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Modern System Reference Document Copyright 2002, Wizards of the Coast,
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is 6.Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE Inc.; Authors Bill Slavicsek, Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, Charles Ryan, based
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SHADOW�CULT Page 6